Letters to the Editor

Belen Middle School got help from many in community

Editor:

The Belen Middle School staff recently went on our third annual retreat to the mountains in northern New Mexico. It’s a wonderful time to regroup before we get started on another school year, meet new staff and begin focusing on what lies ahead of us.

This year, as in the past, we had the support of local people and businesses who graciously donated either gifts or gift certificates for our retreat. We would like to thank the following people and businesses: Auge Sales & Service, Rutilio’s, Day Spring Deli, Pete’s Cafe, Maria Alycia Cordova at Al’s Styling Salon, Hair Innovations, IGA, Lowe’s and two individuals on our BMS staff, Agnes Baca and Kim Orphal. We are truly blessed with a caring, supportive community. Thanks again!

Thanks also to the retreat team who worked so hard all summer: Nancy Lopez, Margo Rivera, Jennifer Brown, Twylla Roberts and Kim Orphal. Well done!

Corby Chávez

for the Belen Middle School staff

Class of ’92 says thanks

 

Editor:

The Los Lunas High School graduating class of 1992 recently had their 10-year reunion the weekend of July 26, 2002. Many classmates attended and were happy to be back in the community.

Many of our local businesses showed their support and made more-than-generous donations for door prizes. We would like to thank the following sponsors: Stewart Title of Valencia Inc., Teofilo’s, K-Bob’s Steakhouse, Tierra Del Sol Golf Course, Chocolates Etc., Johnny’s Auto Service, Mary Kay Consultant Bernadette Romero, Mi Chante, Designs by Donna, Main Street Muscle and Fitness, The Branch, Isleta Eagle Golf Course, Hen-rietta’s, Jake & Andre’s, Olive Garden Italian Restaurant, Top-pers, the Hilton of Albuquerque, the Marriott and Robert Vialpando of Vialpando Signs.

We encourage residents to shop locally and support our small businesses. Their constant support to our community is greatly appreciated!

We would also like to thank Joe and Dorothy Griego, Joe and Denise Aragon and all of those classmates on the reunion committee. We thank you and we thank your families for allowing you to spend the time raising funds, making phone calls, searching for classmates, etc.

Troy Kennington

1992 Class President

Los Lunas

There are reasons for code

Editor:

This letter is in response to the letter written by Mr. and Mrs. Cornejo decrying the dress code of the Los Lunas School system. This code was chosen by a majority of the parents at each school. The major flaw in the Cornejo argument is the loss of identity and individual freedom of expression because of the dress code. These same children can dress in any fashion they desire when not in school, which is the majority of the time. Dress codes do not inhibit much of anything except bad behavior, in some cases, and this same behavior is what disrupts teaching and other students learning.

Let’s take a look at some dress codes:

1. Parochial and private schools all have severe dress codes; the students at these schools seem to do quite well both in school and later on as members of society.

2. Another item of note: the parents of these same students are very interested in their children’s education and focus on academics rather than having children with body piercing, tattoos or rainbow hair.

3. The students of today are not smarter than previous generations, they just have more tools to ease their work.

4. The downside is the current generation has more students who have difficulty speaking coherently, spelling or writing legibly.

5. One difference between current and past generations is the teaching of courtesy and manners. Our manners and courtesy were taught not only by our parents but neighbors, teachers and society in general. The above do not appear to be taught by many parents any more nor reinforced by society.

In the final analysis, the parents of today may have to (do) more than earlier parents, as the world has changed dramatically. Ethics and morality have gone downhill like a streamlined brick, and there appears to be a lot more danger in many forms.

I wish all students success and happiness, and they should not be too concerned with dress options or hairstyles because, when you get out in the real world, there will be many restrictions placed on you by employers, organizations and your peer groups.

James Taylor

Los Lunas

It could be good for area

Editor:

I have read countless articles in concerns toward the proposed power plant in Valencia County and, after mentally weighing the issue for some time, I would like to give my thoughts. In the movie “A Bug’s Life,” grasshoppers control a colony of ants by way of fear in that they use scare tactics and threats to force the ants into inferiority toward providing the grasshoppers with food.

Since 1999, when I moved to this luscious valley, a place where I would like to keep my residence until I die or until the Lord returns, I have observed a form of corruption in this area. People who want to dominate over others in their fists of control will use their money, scare tactics and use their family to push their own selfish agenda onto others evolving into the voice of the county.

… I am observing it now. People who are very much outspoken will exaggerate to the height of Sandia Peak to scare people into motivating them to be against something which I believe would be a good asset to this county. They go on their tangents about pollution/environment, electricity shipped to California, the water supply depleted or destroying “our way of life,” but if one takes the time and studies the facts about Peoples Energy, they will find that the negativity which is being preached is bogus stories in an attempt to scare Valencia County and to preserve the control of those who have had it for so long.

We live in the United States of America, New Mexico. We are to be a people who are free to think and believe for themselves, not a people susceptible to scare tactics and bogus rumors. I believe that People’s Energy is not the enemy. In this case, the villain is those who are using scare tactics to control Valencia County like grasshoppers.

Jim Wilburn

Belen