Letters to the editor

Canine cleanup a total success

To the editor:

Soon the Dog Patch group will have given over 1,200 Treat Sacks and 'Scooper' bags to individuals and pet friendly locales. The  "canine cleanup" success was due in part to Patrick Whitehurst's great article. Local and traveling dog-walkers were appreciative, as receiving quality Dog-Treats was cheerfully welcomed by all.

We've sincerely appreciated your goodwill, and apologies if we missed you and your pets on the street.

Many experiences of animal-rescue were shared. When complimented for their care, every person said their pet's companionship and love improved their lives. Tracey Cerami's very sad letter about the abuse and death of cats speaks to this.

We appreciate those folks who surprised us with hot coffees on several cold mornings. We've 'paid the kindness forward' by sharing the bounty with two Rescue Shelters who protect animals who cannot speak for themselves. While our group targeted local water and environment via dog-impact, we highly respect all animals and their most important caretakers.  

Please support two essential groups - the wonderful WAAG members for years of terrific service, and the William's Clean and Beautiful team. Apart from many individuals' efforts, Clean and Beautiful acts as a conservation group for cleanliness and safety. Much of their hard work goes unseen.

Another generation will inherit what we leave behind, be it a town, protected land, traditions, or acts of kindness. The children deserve our best efforts and preservation.

Margarita Keding

Williams

Volunteers make a difference

To the editor:

The debacle on Interstate 40 on March 16 was a call to all community volunteer fire departments - Ponderosa, Sherwood Forest and yes, Junipine Estates' new fire rescue truck and Engine 2. One of our EMTs and a firefighter (under the capable direction of Mike Martinez) brought four of the seven victims to the Williams Health Care Center and our Engine 2 backed up Ponderosa.

Contrary to some reports, the larger community volunteers were active and participating in needed services. The disaster plan worked with help and expertise of those volunteers from the surrounding areas.

Those who support volunteer fundraising efforts should know that the vehicles and training paid for by those funds were needed and greatly appreciated by victims and authorities alike. To those volunteers outside of Williams who participated - a hearty well done. Many thanks to the pilot who made sure that all emergency vehicles that needed gas were accommodated.

Later that night due to the rerouted traffic, an extra well done to Junipine and Valle Wood. They answered the call to care for and assist two rollovers and two slide offs on Highway 64.

It should be noted that as usual, there is more to the story than has been told.

Robert Small

Junipine Fire Chief

and the volunteers of Junipine

How can waving flag be missed?

To the editor:

I went to the council meeting a few weeks ago because I had heard that a visitor filed a complaint with the city of Williams. The lady told city officials that she tripped on the sidewalk after she walked into the American flag that was displayed in front of a business, in a hole where all other flags are flown.

Well, here is the rest of the story. I have worked with the American Legion Flag Program for about 40 some years. The flag program was stared in Williams about 58 years ago. The business people are always happy when we put the flags up every legal holiday and pay $20 per year. Oh, by the way, we get compliments that they look so nice when they are waving down Route 66. I had the city drill some holes on the sidewalks, so that they would be in line.

Now back to the council meeting. The question I had in mind, was the lady local or a tourist? One of the council members said it was a tourist. I think she told the city people that the flag was in the middle of the walk. I happen to know how far the holes are. They are 12 inches from the edge of the curb. There are some other signs such as two hours limited parking. These signs are metal poles and are two feet from the curb.

If this lady walked into a wooden pole with a flag waving, how could you miss it? It's a wonder that the lady won't be here during our Christmas season. She could have walked into our big Christmas tree in the middle of Second Street. Then she would have left Williams singing, "All I want for Christmas is my two front teeth."

Fred "Perico" Avila

Williams

Opry raises nearly $1,700

To the editor:

Habitat for Humanity says thank you to all who performed at the Grand Opry Night. It was a huge success because you and visitors supported it. You are special as we raised $1,684 for such a worthy cause.

Andrew and Luke Hamby received a standing ovation as they concluded their melody of Shenandoah and Danny Boy on the violin and cello. It was awesome.

If you did not attend the Opry Night you missed out on the delicious cakes as many were auctioned off for $20 and one went for $100. Special thanks to the ladies who provided the baked goods.

We appreciate the businesses that donated raffle and door prize items. To the city of Williams, you were most gracious in allowing us to use the rodeo barn.

The Williams News provided excellent stories for our fundraiser. Thank you.

Word has it that another Grand Opry Night will be coming in November using all local talent. If you would like to be included call me at (928) 635-0386 so I will know you are interested in performing.

Ruth Sanzari

Habitat for Humanity

Fundraiser Committee