MAILBOX

Editor:

I am researching the description of a small sand viper that was described by early writer Charles Fletcher Lummis. He had written of finding the snake near the “Cerro del Aire” in Valencia County in the late 1800s. The snake, called “pichu-cuate,” had a reputation of being highly venomous despite its small size.

One of its most interesting characteristics was the presence of small horns over the eyes. This feature, supraocular horns, is known in certain Latin Ameri-can vipers and in the sidewinder.

The term “pichu-cuate” is a generic name, given in Central America to a number of … snakes, though it always carries the connotation of being venomous.

As Lummis’ description does not match those of the known species of snakes in the New Mexico-Arizona region, I am very interested in talking with anyone who may be familiar with the term or who may have seen a small horned viper. I can be reached at P.O. Box 43, Landisville, Pa. 17538 or through www.herper.com.

Chad Arment

Landisville, Pa.

Speak out on addiction problem

Editor:

I am a member of the Valencia Community Partnership which is comprised of concerned and caring individuals from all over the county. We come together once a month at the University of New Mexico-Valencia Campus to work on ways to improve the quality of life in our communities.

One of our endeavors has to do with the problems of alcohol, tobacco and drug use and addiction. Because these problems affect every resident of Valencia County in one way or another, we are hosting a community meeting to ask for your input and support.

This meeting will be held on Thursday, March 7, at 6:30 p.m. at the Rainbow House, 19676 Highway 314,

next to Dennis Chavez Elementary

School. Pleae come, be heard and help us make a difference.

If you have any questions about the meeting or if you would like to become a member of the Partnership, please call me at Youth Development Inc., 865-3999.

Sandra Chavez

Los Lunas

Sensible growth is needed

Editor:

It was wonderful to see the Belen City Hall chamber filled with concerned citizens for clean, sensible economic growth. Thanks to the Belen Economic Development Board, Valencia County Economic Development Corporation and the Belen Chamber, this strategy planning meeting was packed with concerned people ready to hear how our area can grow sensibly.

There were several presentations by target business groups. The focus was on supporting and expanding existing business needs including airport expansion, food processing and sheet metal manufacturing. It was clear that when we invite new business into our area, we need to be ready with planned location and infrastructure designated by city and county planners so that the growth will be sensible.

I was encouraged by all the new business possibilities there are for our area. Most of those proposed will respect our need to conserve our precious natural resources, like water and clean air. One pressing need was brought up by several employers. Our work force needs to be expanded through education focused on employable work ethic and skills. I hope the next meeting will have representatives from the schools, Valencia County and more community groups present.

Recently, there was a conference held by candidates running for local office. Repeatedly, the public expressed its concern for planned economic growth. It was encouraging to see this quick, informative response to this need. Thanks to all who helped plan and deliver this forum.

Carol Hart

Belen

Meeting date changed

Editor:

Our community is waking up!

I wish to personally thank all the people who called the Air Quality Bureau (AQB) last week to protest their choice for our Valencia Energy Power Plant Public Hearing date. Our voices do count. The scheduled date of March 29, Good Friday, has been changed to April 8, same time and place.

A special thanks goes to my friends, Bob and Peggy Hinkle, for calling attention to the Good Friday issue in their letter to the editor last week. I would, however, like to expand on one misconception. In their letter, they referred to Valencia Energy’s power plant as being “adjacent” to Rio Communities. Perhaps a letter from Sam Speaker of AQB misled them when he wrote that Valencia Energy’s plant was approximately “four miles from Rio Communities.” Actually, it is in Rio Communities. This word change is a small one, but these subtle changes affect the way we think about much larger things. It seems that AQB is trying to downplay the impact of this plant.

Having a power plant “in” my community just seems a lot worse to me than having a power plant “adjacent” to my community. It seems like a personal violation, not to mention the damage to our health that comes with tons of pollutants in the air and the loss of our precious water. …

People are much more receptive to a new power plant when it is going to fill their needs. We are told that the generation of power will be done at peak hours so that overloads can be avoided, and that any extra power above local needs will be sold on the wholesale market. Actually, only 34 percent of the power currently generated in New Mexico is used here. We do not need more power plants. The real reason for building more plants is for export. Let us continue to use our voice to preserve our clean air, protect our water supply and ask our elected officials to bring clean industrial growth to our beautiful community.

George Faust

Rio Communities

We read across Los Lunas

Editor:

The National Education Association wishes to express its appreciation to those involved with Read Across America. The event, hosted by Raymond Gab-aldon Intermediate, was held in conjunction with the 98th anniversary of the birth of the late author, Dr. Seuss.

The response by the Los Lunas Schools, school employees, parents and the Honorable Judge Daniel Hawkes was nothing short of exemplary. Thank you ever so kindly.

I want you to know that we work very hard to make sure every dollar and the amount of time translates into a relationship through which a young person can experience disciplined adults committed to creative and intellectual pursuits and that guide that young person into producing something of excellence. The constructive energy and spirit generated by Read Across America holds genuine potential power for community renewal based upon a shared commitment and investment in your youth. Hundreds of parents and children have been deeply inspired, and that represents a lasting impact on their lives.

Thank you for allowing our children to enjoy an evening of life, to play, to explore, to be happy and to love.

I am forever grateful for your support and contributions. It is people like you who keep the magic of our program alive.

Robert Schnitzler

Los Lunas Schools

Read Across America

Los Lunas

STREETTALK

Q: Now that spring is knocking on our door, what are you doing to prepare for the warm weather?