Hamstringing

non-profits

Dear Editor:

Why is Representative Ken Martinez leading an attack on the free speech rights of New Mexico's nonprofit organizations? He has co-sponsored one bill (HB891), and authored a committee substitute for another (HB808), that would impose unprecedented reporting burdens targeted at our state's nonprofits.

As former Governor of Zuni Pueblo, I know the vital role that the nonprofit sector has played, not only in providing needed services, but also in vigorously advocating policies that address issues like hunger and homelessness, healthcare and ethics reform.

The advocacy work of nonprofits has delivered more than $2.6 billion of benefits to New Mexicans between 2003 and 2007, according to a study by the National Committee for Responsive Philanthropy. Without the extensive services provided by nonprofits in all of our communities, the additional pressure on the state budget would be enormous.

Nonprofit organizations seek to influence public policy through education and advocacy, and do so within the guidelines set for 501(c)3 and (c)4 nonprofits by the Internal Revenue Service, the Federal Election Commission and decisions handed down by the U.S. Supreme Court.

In carrying out their advocacy mission, nonprofits have educated the public about the actual votes that legislators have cast on issues of importance to our communities. Representative Martinez's anti-free speech bills directed at nonprofits would hamstring this advocacy and public education work.

Sincerely,

Malcolm Bowekaty

Former Governor,

Zuni Pueblo

Samaritan life

Dear Editor:

Once upon a time, November 22, 1978, God smiled on Grants Good Samaritan Center. His smile was visible in the form of a young lady, just looking for “a job.” Little did she know that this job would become a long-term heart-satisfying life mission.

A chaplain? You might ask. An administrator? A nurse? “No,” to all of the above. Pam Friedt is a Laundry Assistant.

But, Pam is no ordinary Laundry Assistant, because she's no ordinary person. Her work ethic is impeccable. Even after 30 years of employment, there is not one absence/tardy slip or corrective action in her file. She started out as a Dietary Aide and switched to the Laundry Department shortly after hire. She mentioned a funny memory from working in Dietary when she was serving a resident his plate of hot dogs. (She had been considering quitting at that time.) A hot dog rolled off the plate and onto the floor - and for some reason, this struck the resident as being so funny that he could hardly stop laughing. Pam stated that she enjoyed that moment so much that she decided she was staying on at Grants Good Samaritan.

The staff and residents recently had the pleasure of honoring her 30 years of outstanding service, despite her protests. (She does not like to be noticed - but that's simply impossible for all of us.) She received flowers, a Good Samaritan “Years of Service” award, and one of her favorite gifts - a Wal-mart card. Of course, we all know that most of that card was spent on her favorite four-legged friends - her dogs. They are her “kids” according to her, and she loves them and even had professional pictures taken of them.

For all these years, Pam has tirelessly walked the halls of Good Samaritan Society - Grants bestowing the staff, residents, and families with her quick smile that could light up any heart, and delighting us with her distinct and infectious laugh - just like music to the ears.

Her love and devotion to the residents is evident in all she does during her work day. Not only does she provide clean fresh laundry for them, but she never forgets to show her kind pleasant spirit as she delivers the laundry to the residents' rooms, where she puts things away with a generous portion of cheer and quiet words of encouragement. Her blue eyes hold a sparkle as she makes the residents feel special for that moment while she happily lets each one have her undivided attention.

It would be easy to visualize Pam as that Good Samaritan of long ago that we read about in the book of Luke. Her character epitomizes the moral fiber that each and every Good Samaritan throughout history has displayed: unconditional love; self-sacrifice for the benefit of another; preserving the dignity of a human being no matter how difficult; looking beyond one's physical condition and seeing the need of the heart.

These qualities are priceless, and Good Samaritan Society - Grants hopes to enjoy God's “smile” for many more years to come in this wonderful “treasure,” Pam Friedt - an extra-ordinary woman doing an ordinary job - with excellence.

Sincerely,

Anita McCullough,

HR Director

Good Samaritan Society

Successful

artistry

Dear Editor,

The parking lot was packed. You'd of thought it was football or maybe even a basketball game or something, but it wasn't.

As I roamed the halls of Grants High School on the evening of March 13, along with hundreds of other observers, I began to get goosebumps. Thousands of pieces of art work from students throughout the district decorated the hallways from one end to the other like never before. Elementary students sang songs and played the piano under the direction of their music teachers. The bands played, the chorus' sang, and everyone was treated to some mouth watering delicacies made by students in culinary arts class while mini-dramas were performed on the sidelines. Intricate metal work and wood creations were also displayed by our high school students For me, this was truly one of the most invigorating experiences of my teaching career. It impressed upon me the importance of giving every student the opportunity to shine and be recognized. I believe, after hearing all of the positive comments from viewers, that the secret talents of our young artists have finally received proper exposure and have made a lasting impression on many residents in the community.

Thank you to Grants High School for hosting this event in its beautiful corridor. Without the collaboration between art and music teachers K-12, woods, metals, and culinary arts at GHS, this event would have been null. Kudos for working together everyone. More thanks to Jerry Montoya, Brian Antonio and Jonnie Head for all of your extra work on the displays and especially to Bobby Little Bear for such a great job with advertising and design, setting up, and being behind the scenes at all times. Grants Beacon, KMIN, KRQE, and KOB thank you for your support of “The Arts” in getting the word out there. A huge thank you to Jeanne Black, our district art specialist, for always supporting us and encouraging all of the arts teachers to work together. You finally pulled off your 'really big arts show' and I am proud to have been a part of it.

“The Arts” event positively demonstrated that there is a strong need to continue to build well rounded students by offering them opportunities to learn from many modalities. Mr. Griner, you are such an inspiration to me. I've witnessed how you have taken these kids from raw material to very fine disciplined musicians with amazing talent. I hope we can follow your lead with our art department.

To all of you who were one of the unfortunate and happened to miss this great event, we hope to see you next year.

Sincerely,

Beth Head

Milan

Bruised

thanks

This letter is in regards to a poor, innocent, 15-year-old dog, Bailey, being hit by a car on Lobo Canyon Road. The incident happened on March 3 around 3:30 p.m. Bailey has always been kept in a fenced yard and never allowed to run free. She has no fear of cars, since she has never been around them.

The situation started when we were loading our dogs in the back of our pickup. Another pickup drove by with dogs loaded in the back of it, barking and carrying on. Dogs being dogs, they wanted to see them, and of course took off following the other dogs in the pickup, and Bailey followed. It would have helped if the other person in the pickup would of slowed down, or stopped, while we were trying to get everyone back in the pickup and tied down. Somewhere in the commotion, Bailey got away.

While looking for Bailey, she had wandered to Lobo Canyon Road, a couple of blocks from our home, and was hit by a car. Accidents do happen, but it takes a very low person that hits a dog, or any animal, then drives away, and doesn't try to get help for the animal. We can't believe someone could be so cruel and just drive away, leaving an injured dog. How would you like to be left to suffer after being in an accident, as nobody took time to help you?

But, we do have two good samaritans in Grants. Thank you to the woman (sorry we don't know your name) that stopped to help Bailey. Also, thank you to Richard from L & H Steel, stopping to help Bailey, for loading her in his pickup, and helping get her to the vet. We appreciate everything that both of you did for Bailey.

Thank goodness, Bailey didn't have any serious injuries, just banged and bruised. She is recovering from her injuries very well.

We would also like to thank Frank Anderson and the staff at the veterinary clinic for taking care of Bailey.

Sincerely,

Cory and Shara Hatch

Wilburn and Sharon Janes

Grants