Letters to the Editor
APAS kicks off membership drive
Editor:
The Animal Protective Association of Socorro officially kicked off its 2012 Membership and Education Drive with a presentation to members of the Socorro Rotary Club on Wednesday, Oct. 19. It was my pleasure to have been invited by club president, Spencer Pearse, to speak to Rotarians on behalf of APAS.
After the meeting, Rotarian Chuck Zimmerly, a longtime educator and public servant, noted that I had inadvertently omitted the name of one of the most ardent and committed volunteers of APAS, the late Eiko Parson. Mr. Zimmerly said that Mrs. Parson, along with the late Mary Jane Woodruff, and Mrs. APAS herself, Dorothy Brook, more than any others, symbolized the efforts of APAS in Socorro County.
Mr. Zimmerly was absolutely right, and it is my hope that this letter will correct what was an inadvertent, but glaring, omission.
APAS began as a small group of volunteers in 1962, led by Mrs. Woodruff. The group incorporated in 1968 through an application notarized by the late Udell S. Vigil. Thus began a long and storied history highlighted by construction of an actual facility, which replaced the humble lean-to that afforded animals little by way of “shelter” in those early days. The animal shelter has been in the capable hands of Frank Marquez and the city of Socorro since 2008, while APAS continues to seek new and active members, and to raise funds in support of its mission.
In seeking to right a wrong, and to announce the official start of our membership and education drive, please allow me to take this opportunity to thank everyone, whether a member of APAS or not, for your time, dedication and commitment to easing the animal plight in Socorro County, and for caring for the needs of all God’s creatures.
Valerie Kimble, APAS President
May I make a suggestion?
Editor:
After participating in a harmonica contest, I strongly believe that the next advertisement should read, “SocorroFest 2012 BLUES Harmonica Contest.”
I was the only participant not playing the Blues and the only one wowing the crowed. As I played, the audience applauded with gusto and spontaneity. When I left the stage, I received high fives and was congratulated by various individuals who heard me play.
Some individuals said that listening to different music other than the Blues was quite different and very much appreciated. I was also told by one individual that I had won the contest even before the winners were announced. To not have at least placed was a farce.
The emcee started by giving the judges instructions on how to judge the Blues by playing his harmonica in different key noted, pitches and tones, etc. Never mentioning to honor other musical styles “as the advertisement reads” and to give credit,if indeed credit is due.
The rules given by the contest read any musical style. Even the judges would have to admit that they would never vote for any other than a Blues player, no matter how good the other players are.
Again, I repeat, use the word “Blues” on your next advertisement so others like me won’t spend the time, long drive and money for a losing cause.
Jake E. Griego, Albuquerque
Thank you for sharing your time
Editor:
I want to send a hearty “thank you” from the Sage Home Schoolers and others who attended, to Matt, Tim and Mario of the Socorro City Fire Department, for sharing their time and expertise with us at the Sedillo Park fire station.
Our home and pre-schoolers really enjoyed getting up close with the firefighters and their gear!
Also a big “thank you” to Crystal McFadden from the Fire Marshal’s and Emergency Management Office, for the take-home emergency planning kits and goodie bags for the kids! Oh, and a big “thank you” to Sparky the Fire Dog — he was a lot of fun!
We sincerely appreciate all of your time and effort.
Stephanie McFadden
On behalf of the Sage Home Schoolers