Spokesmen USA Volume 1 Issue 4

APS Troubles Continue
Breaking Free from Addiction
Page 3
A Bone to Pick?
Page 12
Page 6
Page 4
E
FREE — TAK
Volume 1 Issue 4
Alamogordo, New Mexico
Cactus Patch Humor
ONE!
City Commission Candidates Respond to Questions
By Karl Anderson
On Saturday, May 30, the three remaining
candidates vying for the City of Alamogordo
Commission Seat for District 3 were each asked
City of
Alamogordo
the same five questions with no knowledge in
advance of what the questions would be.
The three candidates are Bob Evans, Donald
T. Henderson, and Robert G. Rentschler. A
fourth candidate, George P. Seeds, has
Bob Evans
Manager of White Sands Mall
32 years in Alamogordo
withdrawn from the race.
The position is vacant due to the resignation
of District 3 Commissioner Eric Brewer.
The special election will take place on
June 23.
Donald T. Henderson
Retired Air Force Pilot
25 years in Alamogordo
Robert G. Rentschler
Owner of Rentschler Electric
51 years in Alamogordo
Commission
Candidates
District 3
Do you think Alamogordo
should promote growth?
Growth needs to be promoted, but
controlled. There must be a viable plan
in place for this growth.
Absolutely, and the big key to growth is
the expansion of Holloman Air Force
Base.
Yes, Alamogordo should promote
growth. Alamogordo will continue to
grow in the future.
How would you improve
communication between city
leadership and the people of
Alamogordo?
Communication is of vital importance,
and the best method is to keep the
public informed. The city commission
and the leaders of this community need
to keep the public informed as to why
they make the decisions they do.
It ’ s hard to reach all the people, but
the best way is to make yourself
available to as many people as
possible, and ensuring they have the
proper contact information.
It can be improved by having people
know who their commissioners are,
having contact information, and having
commissioners who are willing to talk
with their constituents.
How would you make
decisions on spending money?
By determining three things: Is it
necessary? Is the item or project
beneficial to the majority of the
community? And is it affordable?
It ’ s very similar to what you find in a
household. You have to look at what we
have to spend, what we can get for our
money, and what the most critical needs
are.
I am a businessman. I know how to live
within a budget, pay taxes, and make a
payroll.
How can the city commission
be more accountable to its
citizens?
By divulging why they make the
decisions they make, and by publishing
the commission agenda prior to
meetings. Many times items go into the
consent calendar and are never heard.
Again, this is difficult, because so few
attend commission meetings. Providing
contact information is about the best
you can get.
The commission is already accountable
by being voted in and out of office every
four years, but we can be more
accountable by paying attention to what
people have to say.
What are the key challenges
facing Alamogordo in the next
three years?
Water, finances, and morale. Without
the first two, morale and performance
will decline.
Water is first. Everybody I talk to says
their biggest priority is to have a reliable
water source. Another important one is
Holloman Air Force Base. We need to
do what we can to get another wing
here to increase the population at
Holloman.
First is the budget, and how we survive
in these economic times by continuing
to serve and protect. Water is another
priority. And looking to preserve our
quality of life.
THE SPOKESMEN
2
Acquainting Alamogordo with Alamogordo
The Obama birth certificate protection act?
WASHINGTON – A bill approved
by the House of Representatives and
referred to the Senate would prohibit
federal employees of the executive
branch from being compelled to
release any document unless a court
makes a specified determination by a
preponderance of evidence –
legislation at least one group suspects
is designed to protect Barack
Obama's elusive birth certificate from
release.
The legislation, HR 985, resides in
the Senate Judiciary Committee.
Sovereignty Alliance has issued a
"red alert" about the bill it calls
"stealth legislation ... to protect
Obama from providing his birth
certificate."
"It wouldn't surprise me a bit if
this were one of the intended
consequences of this legislation," said
Joseph Farah, editor and chief
executive officer of World Net Daily
(WND), who last week initiated a
national billboard campaign to bring
attention to the issue of Obama's
missing birth certificate and what it
might say about his claim to be a
"natural born citizen," a status
necessary to serving in the White
House.
"In any case, this bill puts the lie
to this administration and this
Congress being the most ethical and
transparent in American history,"
Farah said. "They're very open when
it comes to the secrets of previous
administrations, but when it comes to
their own work, it is shrouded in
secrecy. Even the president's birth
certificate and student records are
well-guarded state secrets."
Farah launched a petition
campaign several months ago that has
collected nearly 400,000 names of
Americans demanding answers as to
Obama's eligibility. Last week he
called for financial support of a new
campaign to erect billboards around
the country asking the simple
question: "Where's the birth
certificate?"
In just five days, the billboard
campaign has been backed by about
$45,000 in donations.
Both efforts are part of what Farah
calls an independent "truth and
transparency campaign."
The money is being used to erect
billboards around the country that ask
a simple question: "Where's the birth
certificate?"
The "Certification of Live Birth"
posted online and widely touted as
"Obama's birth certificate" does not in
any way prove he was born in
Hawaii, since the same "short-form"
document is easily obtainable for
children not born in Hawaii. The true
"long-form" birth certificate – which
includes information like the name of
the birth hospital and attending
physician – is the only document that
can prove Obama was born in
Hawaii, but to date he has not
permitted its release for public or
press scrutiny.
"There are several reasons we
chose the message: 'Where's the birth
certificate?'" Farah explained. "There
is only one birth certificate
controversy in this country today –
despite the near-total absence of this
issue from coverage in the non-WND
media. This is a grass-roots issue that
resonates around the country, as our
own online petition with nearly
400,000 signers suggests. In addition,
I like the simplicity of the message. I
like the fact that the message will
cause some people to ask themselves
or others about the meaning of the
message. It will stir curiosity. It will
create a buzz. I'm assuming when
these billboards are springing up all
over the country, it might even make
some in the news media curious. And
there's one more factor that persuaded
me this was the way to go.
Farah said the campaign was born
of frustration with timid elected
officials in Washington, corrupt
judges around the country and a news
media that show a stunning lack of
curiosity about the most basic facts of
Obama's background–especially how
it relates to constitutional eligibility
for the highest office in the land.
"As Obama transforms this
c o u n t r y fr o m s e l f - g o v e r n i n g
constitutional republic to one
governed by a central ruling elite, the
simple fact remains that no
controlling legal authority has
established that he is indeed a 'natural
born citizen' as the Constitution
requires," Farah said. "Obama's
promises of transparency have
become a bad joke as he continues to
hide simple, innocuous documents
like his birth certificate and his
student records."
The idea behind the billboard
campaign is to make sure Obama
cannot avoid this question any longer.
He must be asked to produce it at
every turn, Farah says. Billboard
space is currently being hunted in
Houston, Dallas, San Antonio,
Sacramento, San Francisco, New
York-New Jersey, Des Moines,
Seattle and other metro areas.
"I wish such a campaign were not
absolutely necessary," said Farah. "I
wish there were checks and balances
in our political and electoral systems
to ensure that constitutional eligibility
of presidential candidates was
established before politicians could
assume the highest office in the land.
I wish my colleagues in the news
media believed the Constitution really
means what it says and pressed this
issue as hard as we have pressed it at
WND. I wish radio talk-show hosts
were bold enough to ask this
question. But wishing is not enough.
It's time to raise the visibility of this
issue vital to the rule of law in
America. I ask everyone to pitch in
and help WND make a simple yet
profound statement: The Constitution
still matters."
Publisher, Charles W. Bush, 575-551-1771
Editor, Troy Estes, 505-710-0781
The Wind Beneath Our Wings
Without our sponsors, The Spokesmen newspaper
would not be possible. They are the wind beneath
our wings, lifting us up and making it possible for
us to soar. Thank you for your generous support
of this community newspaper.
This Month’s Sponsor
Dee Gragg
If you have been blessed by The Spokesmen
newspaper, please tell our sponsors above how
much you appreciate their support.
Disclaimer
Items in The Spokesmen are contributed by various independent and
unpaid correspondents. Each is required to accept responsibility for
the content they submit. Although all articles are screened by the
editor for any content that is openly contrary to proper moral ethic, it
is not judged for it's political bias or Scriptural interpretation.
These articles do not necessarily reflect the viewpoint and opinion of
the publisher, editor, or other correspondents. It is the opinion of this
publication that out of a variety of viewpoints and presentations on
any given subject, the "TRUTH WILL SHINE FORTH LIKE A
BRIGHT LIGHT". Therefore, you are openly invited to offer your
viewpoints, criticisms and inspirations for possible inclusion in
future publications of The Spokesmen and become another
SPOKESMEN within our American community. Such offerings may
be e-mailed to [email protected].
THE SPOKESMEN
3
Acquainting Alamogordo with Alamogordo
Termination Hearing for APS Finance Director Rescheduled
termination for failing to perform
some of his job functions,” said
Attorney Ernie Yarbro in an
A termination hearing for
interview May 20. “Mr. Harris has
Alamogordo Public Schools
provided Ward Kenyon with notice
Director of Finance Ward Kenyon,
of intent to terminate.”
originally scheduled for
But according to Yarbro, APS
Wednesday, May 20, has been
Superintendent Mike Harris and the
rescheduled for Monday, June 8, at
APS Board have failed to even
1:00 p.m.
follow their own protocol in this
The reason given by the APS
case.
board for having to reschedule was
“My client was given
their failure to post an official
no counseling in the course of this
notice of the hearing with the
process, which is a violation in
Alamogordo Daily News, which is
itself of board policy,” he said.
required by law.
And beyond the board’s failure
Kenyon, who has served in the
to follow its own rules, Yarbro said
position as APS Director of Finance Ward Kenyon claims APS
there is perhaps an even more
for the past two years, was placed has no grounds to fire him.
serious issue with the board’s
on administrative leave
handling of his client’s case.
approximately four months ago.
“I have under review whether or not Ward’s
“My client (Kenyon) was placed on
administrative leave and is being considered for Fourth Amendment rights have been violated,”
By Karl Anderson
Teacher could lose job
for reporting concerns
about student
By Karl Anderson
On Wednesday, May 20, Alamogordo High
School teacher Kathy Wallis was told by AHS
Principal Leslie Kilmer that she would receive
disciplinary action that will remain a part of her
personnel file for reporting a student to school
resource officers for suspicion of allegedly being
under the influence in her classroom on several
occasions.
“I was told by Mrs. Kilmer that what I had done
(reporting) was very serious and that it could lead to
more serious discipline including termination,”
Wallis said in an interview with The Spokesmen. “I
cared about a student, noticed on several occasions
that he was not alert, and was overly sluggish. I also
noticed on several occasions that his eyes were very
red and his speech was slow and soft.”
The student, an exchange student from Norway,
was residing with APS Superintendent Mike Harris
until his eventual return to his homeland after
graduation.
Wallis said she reported her concerns to SRO
(School Resource Officer) Pacheco the first time on
April 16 or 17, this year.
“He told me to contact him again the next time it
happened,” she said. “He told me nothing about any
policy change, or that I had to contact administration
first.”
But when Wallis contacted Pacheco the next time
she saw the signs, the next thing she knew, she was
being summoned to Kilmer’s office. Wallis’s
department head, Jocelyn Gillespie, accompanied her
to the meeting.
Also present at the meeting was APS head of
human resources, Judy Jones, which Wallis said was
not typical for such a meeting. Pacheco was also
present.
“Officer Pacheco lied during the meeting,” Wallis
he said.
The Fourth Amendment of the United States
Constitution is the right to due process of the law.
“We contend that Ward has not failed to perform
any of his job functions,” Yarbro said. “We also
contend if there is some job function that he failed to
perform, that he is entitled to work conference with
his supervisor, Mr. Harris. This never occurred
before or after these allegations.”
Yarbro said yet another case of Harris and the
APS board failing to follow its own protocol is the
fact that Kenyon was never even given an annual
evaluation in the two years he has served as director
of finance.
“Not only has he (Kenyon) never been given an
evaluation, but Mr. Harris has not counseled him in
any way, shape, or form,” he said.
Yarbro refused an interview with the Alamogordo
Daily News.
Kenyon has demanded the hearing be open to the
public. Anyone wishing to attend the hearing on June
8 at the APS Board Room is encouraged to do so.
about an exchange student’s
said. “He told me that he had
safety and our school liability
i n s t ruc te d me t o c on tac t
issue before I would concern
administrators first on such a
myself with who he lives with.”
matter, but that is not the truth. He
Wallis said if something had
never did, or I certainly would
happened to the student and she
have!”
had failed to report to someone,
Wallis said soon after the
she would have been held
meeting she reported Pacheco to
responsible.
his superiors at Alamogordo
“I can understand if I notice a
Department of Public Safety.
student was possibly under the
Kilmer’s contention was that
influence and I did nothing – then
Wallis had committed the “very
serious” offense by reporting the Ward Kenyon alleges APS
I would expect discipline,” Wallis
situation to an SRO rather than to firing is unjustified.
said. “But that is not the case.”
an administrator, and told Wallis
Gillespie reiterated that “for 13
and Gillespie that it was policy to do so.
years here (AHS), teachers have often reported to
“That is not true,” said Gillespie. “The policy for SROs first for many reasons and said she was not
the past 13 years has been to contact an SRO, and I aware the reporting steps, or hierarchy had ever
told Mrs. Kilmer that. I also told her that teachers changed.”
needed to be informed of any policy changes, and
that I, for one, had never been informed of this
change.”
Gillespie said she had reported more than one
such case to SROs over the past 13 years and that it
has never been an issue.
We are now distributing 8000 copies of The
Wallis that that AHS Assistant Principal Bill
Spokesmen to over 200 locations in Alamogordo
Stockton was also at the meeting, and that both he
and surrounding communities. Have you shared
and Kilmer told her that the policy states that teachers
your copy with your neighbor?
are first supposed to report to “lower level”
investigators which are administrators, and that if
As you read through The Spokesmen, you will
those administrators find a student in possession or
notice a difference from most newspapers: we
under the influence, that officers are brought in at
have no advertising. We do not take ads or
that time.
charge subscriptions but depend entirely on
“Last year I contacted an SRO to report a student
contributions to cover our costs.
If The
who smelled like alcohol and that is the way we have
Spokesmen has blessed you and you see the
been trained – to utilize resources to check on
value of every person in Alamogordo receiving a
students so that teachers are protected from volatile
copy, please consider becoming one of our
situations,” Gillespie said.
supporters.
Your contributions are taxAccording to Wallis, Stockton suggested that she
deductible and may be made through our
may have chosen to purposely “detour around the
sponsor, the United Christian Fund, a 501-c3
chain of reporting” because the student was living
charitable organization.
with Harris at the time.
“I told Stockton that I had been in contact with
Please make checks to UCF and mail to:
Mr. Harris before regarding the student’s abilities in
P.O. Box 1, Alamogordo, NM 88310.
my class, and that I would be more conscientious
The Spokesmen
Readership Soaring
THE SPOKESMEN
4
Acquainting Alamogordo with Alamogordo
Time to Speak Out, Alamogordo The Spokesmen is beginning a new series on freedom from addiction with the articles below. This series is intended to help those
fighting addiction to break free.
We want to hear from you. Have you struggled with addiction to alcohol, drugs, prescription medication, gambling, or any thing
else? Have you found freedom from that addiction? How did you get free? Tell us your story in 500 words or less and we will
share it here in The Spookesmen. Email us at [email protected] or call 505-710-0781.
Addiction Free
In Christ
Dear Friends,
Our creative God is doing it again! A new group of believers is forming. A group called ‘AFIC’ (Addiction Free In
Christ) will meet the second Monday of the month at Freedom
House on 104 Delaware in Alamogordo, NM. The first meeting will be Monday, June 8, at 6:00 p.m.
And, “They overcame by the blood of the
Lamb and the Word of their testimony.”
Having been an uncompromising, miserable drunk for 28
years of my life, I know first hand what it is to be bound by
addiction; BUT, I also know what true freedom from all addiction is because JESUS SET ME FREE!
And Jesus said, “Him whom I have set free is free indeed!”
DO YOU HAVE A TESTIMONY OF BEING SET FREE
FROM ADDICTION OF ANY KIND?
AFIC is a newly forming group whose testimonies are to
be published in The Spokesmen newspaper each month.
PLEASE EMAIL YOUR TESTIMONIES TO:
[email protected] Write them in your own words just as though you
were talking to a living person. You will be surprised how easy
it is. BE SURE YOUR TESTIMONY IS 500 WORDS OR
LESS. Email it today!
If you know someone else who is FREE IN CHRIST, encourage them to do the same.
The purpose of AFIC is to give the still addicted HOPE OF
GAINING FULL FREEDOM!
Jesus weeps every time he hears someone confess, “Once
an addict, always an addict.”
I don’t know about you, but I want to make Jesus laugh. I
do that each time I testify to the total freedom from addiction
that he has given me.
First Openly Free Member of AFIC,
Wes Bush
Publisher
The Spokesmen newspaper
PO Box 1
Alamogordo, NM 88310
575-551-1771
A New Trail
By Marvin Jackson
For twenty years I walked down a dangerous trail that could only lead to one place: skid
row, the place my grandfather ended up because he couldn’t stop drinking. My mother hated it
and I knew how disappointed she would be if I followed in my grandfather’s footsteps, so I hid
my own drinking from her. I went to church with her every week and I considered myself a
good church-going man … after all, I never drank on Sundays. But the rest of the week, I was
totally under the control of alcohol. I worked in upscale Denver restaurants where booze was
readily available and the customers would even buy me drinks as a tip for good service. At one
point, my drinking got so bad I was consuming a quart of vodka every day.
I did try to quit. I attended different programs to break the habit, but it was hard to quit
when all I heard about at the meetings was war stories other people told about how bad their
drinking was. And when they told me about needing a higher power to quit, I thought they
were talking about my own power to quit, and my will was never strong enough to break free.
Oh, it helped a little. I stopped drinking and stayed off for 5 years. But I was miserable the
entire time. Alcohol was always on my mind, and I would come out of the meetings wanting it
more than when I came in.
Then the path I was walking took a sudden turn.
My employer sold out her business and the new owners decided to keep it all in the family,
so I was without a job and without a place to stay. My family was gone too—both parents had
died a few years before. Denver had nothing for me, and I had always heard that sometimes
you just need a change of geography, so I decided to leave.
I sold all my possessions and bought a backpack. Taking just the bare essentials, I told my
friends that I was going on a long hike … to San Diego maybe … or wherever my feet took
me, and it would be just me and my dog. All my worldly possessions would be on my back,
except for a little cash that I would stash beneath the dog food where no thief would think to
look. I decided I would walk at night—it was summer and the daytime temperatures were unbearable—and then I would stop at a town or rest stop in the morning and sleep during the day.
That was my plan. Well, my friends didn’t believe me. They were sure I wouldn’t be up to it.
I had undergone surgery and chemotherapy for cancer a few years earlier, and they didn’t think
I was physically able to hike across country.
They were right.
The first night I walked from Denver to Pueblo. I pushed myself to keep walking, no matter
how much my muscles ached and my body complained. By morning I was exhausted and hurting, and I began to have serious doubts about this journey. I fell onto a park bench and pulled
out my Bible. I opened it to a place where Paul was talking about all the walking he did when
he set up churches around the land, and I realized I had been trying all my life to walk on my
own without God’s help. I began to pray for peace to carry on and I said, “God, I want to finish this walk, but I need your help.” My body began to tremble at that point and I felt God’s
Spirit falling upon me. Then I fell asleep.
When I woke up, everything was different. I felt hopeful and knew that somehow everything would work out. I sensed that it was time to turn my life over to God; no more doing
things on my own. And most incredible of all, I had absolutely no desire to drink. None. I
didn’t think about alcohol anymore.
That next night I started walking again, headed south. I’m not sure when I decided not to
go to San Diego, but something kept leading me south. The moon lit my way, and I reveled in
the beauty of nature all around me and the stars twinkling above me. I prayed as I walked, and
I felt God leading me on the trail and his Spirit slowly filling up the emptiness inside me that
alcohol never could quite fill. Whatever I had been looking for in alcohol, I finally found in
Jesus Christ.
After six weeks of walking, I arrived here in Alamogordo. I had no desire for alcohol. I
wasn’t miserable anymore. I found a job and now I am part of a church I love. I’m not worried about my future wants, because all my needs are met. I am still growing and learning to
trust. It’s all a new trail for me, but the beauty of it is that God is guiding me on this walk too.
THE SPOKESMEN
5
Why Bother?
Acquainting Alamogordo with Alamogordo
Today’s Lifescope
By Charles W. Bush
Whose footsteps do you follow?
Read the scripture? Why bother? Have you asked yourself
this question recently?
Actually, the more pertinent question would be, “Why read
the same scripture over and over again? Just what is to be
gained by doing that?
“Therefore shall ye lay up these my words in your heart
and in your soul, and bind them for a sign upon your hand,
that they may be as frontlets between your eyes.”
- Deuteronomy 11:18
The Word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than
any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the
joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. Hebrews 4:12
I submit to you that without the Word of God we have little or no power to discern the truth
and confront the myriad spiritual enemies that assail each of us daily.
Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.- James 4:7
Forty one years of ministry has taught me that continual reading and re-reading, quoting and
repeating the scripture over and over again imprints God’s word on one’s heart and writes it
indelibly in the mind, thus making it available to be used on a moments notice to resist those
spiritual enemies that would otherwise overwhelm us.
The one thing you will find in common among all who have been completely freed of
alcohol, cigarettes, narcotics and other binding habits is that God’s word has become a steady
part of their spiritual diet.
Without that continual presence of strength and power, the temptations continue to harass
and attempt to seduce them to return to the corruption they know to be a destroyer.
So then, the question remains, “Would you rather be fully equipped with an ingrained
knowledge of God’s Word, filled with the power to defeat the enemy, or are you content to
walk in defeat?”
Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power
of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you. - Luke 10:19
The challenge is to make a sound choice. Obtain a ‘Promise Bible.’ Go to the nearest
Christian book store and get a personal copy. Read these promises over and over until they are
a hidden part of you.
You will discover that the more ingrained they become, the easier it will become to live a
victorious life. A life that sheds the temptations, accusations and harrassments of every enemy.
You will discover these promises to be your constant companion.
Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path. - Psalm 119:105
Mine eyes are ever toward the LORD; for he shall pluck my feet out of the net. - Psalm
25:15
Therefore my people shall know my name: therefore they shall know in that day that I am
he that doth speak: behold, it is I. How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him
that bringeth good tidings, that publisheth peace; that bringeth good tidings of good, that
publisheth salvation; that saith unto Zion, Thy God reigneth! Thy watchmen shall lift up
the voice; with the voice together shall they sing: for they shall see eye to eye, when the
LORD shall bring again Zion. - Isaiah 52:6-8
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575-812-9898
505-990-1011
Let’s clean up Alamogordo!
Lifescope says,
"Follow the steps leading to life!"
When we were utterly helpless with no way of escape, Christ
came at just the right time and died for us sinners who had no use
for Him. Even if we were good, we really wouldn't expect anyone
to die for us, though, of course, that might be barely possible. But
God showed His great love for us by sending Christ to die for us
while we were still sinners. And since by His blood He did all this
for us as sinners, how much more will He do for us now that He
has declared us not guilty? Now He will save us from all of God's
wrath to come. And since, when we were His enemies, we were
brought back to God by the death of His Son, what blessings He
must have for us now that we are His friends, and He is living
within us! Now we rejoice in our wonderful new relationship with
God - all because of what our Lord Jesus Christ has done in dying
for our sins - making us friends of God. When Adam sinned, sin
entered the entire human race. His sin spread death throughout all
the world, so everything began to grow old and die, for all sinned.
[We know that it was Adam's sin that caused this] because
although, of course, people were sinning from the time of Adam
until Moses, God did not in those days judge them guilty of death
for breaking His laws - because He had not yet given His laws to
them, nor told them what He wanted them to do. So when their
bodies died it was not for their own sins since they themselves had
never disobeyed God's special law against eating the forbidden
fruit, as Adam had.
What a contrast between Adam and Christ Who was yet to
come! And what a difference between man's sin and God's
forgiveness!
For this one man, Adam, brought death to many through his
sin. But this one man, Jesus Christ, brought forgiveness to many
through God's mercy. Adam's one sin brought the penalty of
death to many, while Christ freely takes away many sins and
gives glorious life instead. The sin of this one man, Adam, caused
death to be king over all, but all who will take God's gift of
forgiveness and acquittal are kings of life because of this one man,
Jesus Christ. Yes, Adam's sin brought punishment to all, but
Christ's righteousness makes men right with God, so that they can
live. Adam caused many to be sinners because he disobeyed God,
and Christ caused many to be made acceptable to God because He
obeyed.
Taken from Romans 5, The Living Bible.
For free Lifescope book, write to Box 1575,
Carlsbad, NM 88221.
Please send $1.00 for postage and handling.
Legacy Christian Academy
is now accepting students for the
2009-10 school year.
Grades K-4 thru 12th
Registration packet is available at
1206 Greenwood Lane, Disciples Hall,
second floor.
Accredited by NMPED and ICAA.
Check our website: lcalamogordo.com
For more information, please call:
575-434-0352
LCA is non-discriminatory with regard to race, color,
sex, ethnic or national origin; however, reserves the
right to use appropriate selection criteria in
fulfillment of its stated philosophy and goals.
THE SPOKESMEN
The
Bone
Yard
6
We the People …
Contributed by Charles Austin
President Barack Obama said in
Turkey:
"We do not consider
ourselves a Christian nation or a
Jewish nation or a Muslim nation. We
consider ourselves a nation of citizens
who are bound by ideals and a set of
values."
I found this very interesting. Do
you know the Preamble: for your
state?
Alabama
1901,
Preamble:
We the people of the State of Alabama ,
invoking the favor and guidance of Almighty
God, do ordain and establish the following
Constitution.
Alaska 1956, Preamble: We, the people of
Alaska , grateful to God and to those who
founded our nation and pioneered this great
land.
Arizona 1911, Preamble: We, the people
of the State of Arizona , grateful to Almighty
God for our liberties, do ordain this
Constitution...
Arkansas 1874, Preamble: We, the people
of the State of Arkansas , grateful to Almighty
God for the privilege of choosing our own
form of government...
California 1879, Preamble: We, the
People of the State of California , grateful to
Almighty God for our freedom...
Colorado 1876, Preamble: We, the people
of Colorado , with profound reverence for the
Supreme Ruler of Universe...
Connecticut 1818, Preamble: The People
of Connecticut, acknowledging with gratitude
the good Providence of God in permitting
them to enjoy.
Delaware 1897, Preamble: Through
Divine Goodness all men have, by nature, the
rights of worshipping and serving their
Creator according to the dictates of their
consciences...
Florida 1885, Preamble: We, the people
of the State of Florida , grateful to Almighty
God for our constitutional liberty, establish
this Constitution...
Georgia 1777, Preamble: We, the people
of Georgia, relying upon protection and
guidance of Almighty God, do ordain and
establish this Constitution...
Hawaii 1959, Preamble: We , the people
of Hawaii , Grateful for Divine Guidance …
establish this Constitution.
Idaho 1889, Preamble: We, the people of
the State of Idaho, grateful to Almighty God
for our freedom, to secure its blessings.
Illinois 1870, Preamble: We, the people of
the State of Illinois, grateful to Almighty God
for the civil, political and religious liberty
which He hath so long permitted us to enjoy
and looking to Him for a blessing on our
endeavors.
Indiana 1851, Preamble: We, the People
of the State of Indiana , grateful to Almighty
God for the free exercise of the right to
choose our form of government.
Iowa 1857, Preamble: We, the People of
the State of Iowa, grateful to the Supreme
Being for the blessings hitherto enjoyed, and
feeling our dependence on Him for a
Acquainting Alamogordo with Alamogordo
continuation of these blessings, establish this
Constitution.
Kansas 1859, Preamble: We, the people
of Kansas , grateful to Almighty God for our
civil and religious privileges establish this
Constitution.
Kentucky 1891, Preamble: We, the people
of the Commonwealth are grateful to
Almighty God for the civil, political and
religious liberties..
Louisiana 1921, Preamble: We, the people
of the State of Louisiana , grateful to
Almighty God for the civil, political and
religious liberties we enjoy.
Maine 1820, Preamble: We the People of
Maine acknowledging with grateful hearts the
goodness of the Sovereign Ruler of the
Universe in affording us an opportunity .. And
imploring His aid and direction.
Maryland 1776, Preamble: We, the people
of the state of Maryland , grateful to Almighty
God for our civil and religious liberty...
Massachusetts 1780, Preamble: We...the
people of Massachusetts, acknowledging with
grateful hearts, the goodness of the Great
Legislator of the Universe, in the course of
His Providence, an opportunity and devoutly
imploring His direction...
Michigan 1908, Preamble:.
We, the
people of the State of Michigan, grateful to
Almighty God for the blessings of freedom,
establish this Constitution.
Minnesota, 1857, Preamble: We, the
people of the State of Minnesota, grateful to
God for our civil and religious liberty, and
desiring to perpetuate its blessings...
Mississippi 1890, Preamble: We, the
people of Mississippi in convention
assembled, grateful to Almighty God, and
invoking His blessing on our work...
Missouri 1845, Preamble: We, the people
of Missouri , with profound reverence for the
Supreme Ruler of the Universe, and grateful
for His goodness, establish this
Constitution…
Montana 1889, Preamble: We, the people
of Montana , grateful to Almighty God for the
blessings of liberty establish this
Constitution ...
Nebraska 1875, Preamble: We, the
people, grateful to Almighty God for our
freedom, establish this Constitution
Nevada 1864, Preamble: We the people of
the State of Nevada , grateful to Almighty
God for our freedom, establish this
Constitution...
New Hampshire 1792, Part I. Art. I. Sec.
V: Every individual has a natural and
unalienable right to worship God according to
the dictates of his own conscience.
New Jersey 1844, Preamble: We, the
people of the State of New Jersey, grateful to
Almighty God for civil and religious liberty
which He hath so long permitted us to enjoy,
and looking to Him for a blessing on our
endeavors.
New Mexico 1911, Preamble: We, the
People of New Mexico, grateful to Almighty
God for the blessings of liberty...
New York 1846, Preamble: We, the
people of the State of New York, grateful to
Almighty God for our freedom, in order to
secure its blessings.
North Carolina 1868, Preamble: We the
people of the State of North Carolina, grateful
to Almighty God, the Sovereign Ruler of
Nations, for our civil, political, and religious
liberties, and acknowledging our dependence
upon Him for the continuance of those...
North Dakota 1889, Preamble: We , the
people of North Dakota, grateful to Almighty
God for the blessings of civil and religious
liberty, do ordain...
Ohio 1852, Preamble: We the people of
the state of Ohio, grateful to Almighty God
for our freedom, to secure its blessings and to
promote our common.
Oklahoma 1907, Preamble: Invoking the
guidance of Almighty God, in order to secure
and perpetuate the blessings of liberty,
establish this
Oregon 1857, Bill of Rights, Article I
Section 2: All men shall be secure in the
Natural right, to worship Almighty God
according to the dictates of their consciences
Pennsylvania 1776, Preamble: We, the
people of Pennsylvania, grateful to Almighty
God for the blessings of civil and religious
liberty, and humbly invoking His guidance....
Rhode Island 1842, Preamble:. We the
People of the State of Rhode Island grateful to
Almighty God for the civil and religious
liberty which He hath so long permitted us to
enjoy, and looking to Him for a blessing…
South Carolina, 1778, Preamble: We, the
people of he State of South Carolina grateful
to God for our liberties, do ordain and
establish this Constitution.
South Dakota 1889, Preamble: We, the
people of South Dakota, grateful to Almighty
God for our civil and religious liberties …
Tennessee 1796, Art. XI.III. That all men
have a natural and indefeasible right to
worship Almighty God according to the
dictates of their conscience...
Texas 1845, Preamble: We the People of
the Republic of Texas, acknowledging, with
gratitude, the grace and beneficence of God.
Utah 1896, Preamble: Grateful to
Almighty God for life and liberty, we
establish this Constitution.
Vermont 1777, Preamble: Whereas all
government ought to enable the individuals
who compose it to enjoy their natural rights,
and other blessings which the Author of
Existence has bestowed on man ...
Virginia 1776, Bill of Rights, XVI
Religion, or the Duty which we owe our
Creator can be directed only by Reason and
that it is the mutual duty of all to practice
Christian Forbearance, Love and Charity
towards each other...
Washington 1889, Preamble: We the
People of the State of Washington, grateful to
the Supreme Ruler of the Universe for our
liberties, do ordain this Constitution
West Virginia 1872, Preamble: Since
through Divine Providence we enjoy the
blessings of civil, political and religious
liberty, we, the people of West Virginia
reaffirm our faith in and constant reliance
upon God ...
Wisconsin 1848, Preamble: We, the
people of Wisconsin, grateful to Almighty
God for our freedom, domestic tranquility...
Wyoming 1890, Preamble: We, the
people of the State of Wyoming, grateful to
God for our civil, political, and religious
liberties, establish this Constitution...
After reviewing acknowledgments
of God from all 50 state constitutions,
one is faced with the prospect that
maybe the ACLU and the out-ofcontrol federal courts are wrong!
If you have a bone to pick …
THE SPOKESMEN
7
Hamas Refugees
Contributed by Billy Dales, Alamogordo, New Mexico
By executive order, President Barack Obama has
ordered the expenditure of $20.3 million in "migration
assistance" to the Palestinian refugees and "conflict
victims" in Gaza.
The "presidential determination", which allows
hundreds of thousands of Palestinians with ties to Hamas
to resettle in the United States, was signed on January 27
and appeared in the Federal Register on February 4.
Few on Capitol Hill, or in the media, took note that
the order provides a free ticket replete with housing and
food allowances to individuals who have displayed their
overwhelming support to the Islamic Resistance
Movement (Hamas) in the parliamentary election of
January 2006.
Let's review...itemized list of some of Barack Obama's
most recent actions since his inauguration:
Acquainting Alamogordo with Alamogordo
 His first call to any head of state, as president, was to
Mahmoud Abbas, leader of Fatah party in the
Palestinian territory.
 His first one-on-one television interview with any news
organization was with Al Arabia television.
 His first executive order was to fund/facilitate
abortions not just here within the U. S., but within the
world, using U. S. tax payer funds.
 He ordered Guantanamo Bay closed and all military
trials of detainees halted.
 He ordered overseas CIA interrogation centers closed.
 He withdrew all charges against the masterminds
behind the USS Cole and the "terror attack" on 9/11.
Now we learn that he is allowing hundreds of
thousands of Palestinian refuges to move to, and live in,
the US at American taxpayer expense.
These important, and insightful, issues are being "lost"
in the blinding bail-outs and "stimulation" packages.
Doubtful?
To
verify
this
for
yourself: www.thefederalregister.com/d.p/2009-02-04-E92488.
Great Orators of the
Democrat Party
Contributed by Steve Henton
"One man with courage makes a
majority."
- Andrew Jackson
"The only thing we have to fear is
fear itself."
- Franklin D. Roosevelt
"The buck stops here."
- Harry S. Truman
"Ask not what your country can do
for you; ask what you can do for your
country."
- John F. Kennedy
And now for today's Democrats....
Home: No place for Bible study
By Drew Zahn
A San Diego pastor and his wife
claim they were interrogated by a
county official and warned they will
face escalating fines if they continue
to hold Bible studies in their home.
The couple, whose names are
being withheld until a demand letter
can be filed on their behalf, told their
attorney a county government
employee knocked on their door on
Good Friday, asking a litany of
questions about their Tuesday night
Bible studies, which are attended by
approximately 15 people.
"Do you have a regular weekly
meeting in your home? Do you sing?
Do you say 'amen'?" the official
reportedly asked. "Do you say,
'Praise the Lord'?"
The pastor's wife answered yes.
She says she was then told,
however, that she must stop holding
"religious assemblies" until she and
her husband obtain a Major Use
Permit from the county, a permit that
often involves traffic and
environmental studies, compliance
w i th pa rki ng and s id ew al k
regulations and costs that top tens of
thousands of dollars.
And if they fail to pay for the
MUP, the county official reportedly
warned, the couple will be charged
escalating fines beginning at $100,
then $200, $500, $1000, "and then it
will get ugly."
Dean Broyles of the Western
Center for Law & Policy, which has
been retained to represent the couple,
told the World Net Daily (WND)
that the county's action not only
violates religious land-use laws but
also assaults both the First
Amendment's freedom of assembly
and freedom of religion.
"The First Amendment, in part,
reads, 'Congress shall make no law
respecting an establishment of
religion or prohibiting the free
exercise thereof,'" Broyles said.
"And that's the key part: 'prohibiting
the free exercise.' We believe this is
a substantial government burden on
the free exercise of religion."
He continued, "If one's home is
one's castle, certainly you would the
think the free exercise of religion, of
all places, could occur in the home."
Broyles confirmed the county
official followed through on his
threat. The pastor and his wife
received a written warning ordering
the couple to "cease/stop religious
assembly on parcel or obtain a major
use permit."
"The Western Center for Law and
Policy is troubled by this draconian
move to suppress home Bible
studies," said the law center in a
statement. "If the current trends in
our nation continue, churches may
be forced underground. If that
happens, believers will once again be
forced to meet in homes. If homes
a r e al ready c losed by th e
government to assembly and
worship, where then will Christians
meet?"
On a personal note, Broyles
added, "I've been leading Bible
studies in my home for 13 years in
San Diego County, and I personally
believe that home fellowship Bible
studies are the past and future of the
church. … If you look at China, the
church grew from home Bible
studies. I'm deeply concerned that if
in the U.S. we are not able to meet in
our homes and freely practice our
religion, then we may be worse off
than China."
Broyles also explained to WND
that oppressive governments, such as
communist China or Nazi Germany,
worked to repress home fellowships,
labeling them the "underground
church" or "subversive groups,"
legally compelling Christians to
meet only in sanctioned, government
-controlled "official" churches.
"Therein lies my concern,"
Broyles said. "If people can't
practice their religious beliefs in the
privacy of their own homes with a
few of their friends, that's an
e g r e g i o u s F i r s t A me n d me n t
violation."
WND contacted a spokeswoman
for San Diego County, who
acknowledged the description of the
incident seemed "bizarre," but who
was unable to locate the details of
the account. She simply could not
provide comment yet, she said, until
she could become familiar with the
case.
Broyles said the WCLP is nearly
ready to file a demand letter with the
county to release the pastor and his
wife from the requirement to obtain
the expensive permit. If the county
refuses, Broyles said, the WCLP will
consider a lawsuit in federal court.
… do it here … in the bone yard!
"It depends what your definition of
'IS' is?"
- Bill Clinton
"That Obama - I would like to cut his
NUTS off."
- Jesse Jackson
"Those rumors are false ..... I believe
in the sanctity of marriage."
- John Edwards
"I invented the Internet."
- Al Gore
"The next person that tells me I'm not
religious, I'm going to shove my
rosary beads up their ASS."
- Joe Biden
"America is--is no longer, uh, what
it--it, uh, could be, uh what it was
once was...uh, and I say to myself, '
uh, I don't want that future, uh, uh
for my children."
- Barack Obama
"I have campaigned in all 57 states."
- Barack Obama
"You don't need God anymore, you
have us democrats."
- Nancy Pelosi (said back in 2006)
"Paying taxes is voluntary."
- Sen. Harry Reid
"Bill is the greatest husband and
father I know. No one is more
faithful, true, and honest than he."
- Hillary Clinton (said back in 1998)
Awe inspiring … huh?????
THE SPOKESMEN
Letters to the Editor
Community Injustice
On May 5th a number of people were invited via our
local newspaper to visit with our Congressman Harry
Teague. The meeting was conducted at the VFW Bingo
Hall. Anyone in the public was invited and offered the
opportunity to express their views on any subject that
person wished to discuss in an orderly fashion; after Mr.
Teague had a few words on matters he brought to the
table.
All questions pertained to jobs, illegal aliens from
Mexico and other community concerns.
Ms. Ayla Hightower had voiced her opinion about
the Otero Federal Credit union’s practice of withholding
her access to her own funds! She receives her
government check that like most of us have direct
deposited into our checking account. She decided to pay
her monthly creditors from this money and not be
delinquent on them. She was denied her written notes
and all were returned non-sufficient funds at $25.00 each
on two different occasions which all drained her total
account. Her water was shut off without notice and even
8
Acquainting Alamogordo with Alamogordo
when she had tried to retrieve any dignity she could not
even reason with the department. Who are these people
who think they have total control? Don’t they think they
should at least give a household notification of their
intent to take any action against you and your
household?
We all have rights as humans for care and justice.
This is unconstitutional to not let everyone be heard.
Our laws have not been done away with. Let’s hope not
ever!
This is against the law! A bill was introduced for
this practice to be abolished
Her granddaughter (who lives in North Carolina)
owed on a vehicle that was one or two payments behind.
They said they would bring the car back with her body
in it. Scare tactics that should not be allowed. Most
gasped in horror after hearing her tell the story. None of
her story was printed or at least given fair mention in our
only paper, the Alamogordo Daily News.
I asked the Congressman a few questions of my own.
He asked me to send him information collected about
the care of our loved ones in these so-called Caring
Facilities here in town.
I have been treated so
disrespectfully by Administrators, and whatever the
others think authority they have to care improperly for
our spouses and elderly. It is abominable how one is not
kept fed and cared for. They are getting a fair salary and
price to bill Medicare/Medicaid and not receiving the
proper care. These persons are so-called God fearing.
Well they will answer for all the atrocities that occur and
I know they will answer for them. Good Samaritans not
of the Bible they claim.
Thank Goodness; we have a fair Lord who sees all,
who will be fair and just. These who need to clean up
their act.
As for our reporting on the subjects we all need to be
told the honest and clear truth by the printed word. Isn’t
that what these United States stand for. We all need to
stand up and be counted. We all will someday before a
higher calling.
Building Permit Process for Alamogordo Editor’s Note: With the recent closure of the Zoning
Department, The Spokesmen contacted the City of
Alamogordo to ask how citizens are to obtain
building permits. The city provided the following
information.
Required Documents for obtaining
Commercial Building Permit:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
a
State
State Permit Application
Commercial checklist
Asbestos Demolition/Renovation application
ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act)
Zoning Analysis / Zoning Compliance
Certificate Application ($50.00)
FEMA Determination (Federal Emergency
Management Agency if required $85.00)
3 sets of complete plans stamped by a New
Mexico licensed Architect or Registered New
Mexico Engineer
Required Documents for Obtaining
Residential Building Permit:
a
State
1.
2.
3.
State Permit Application
Residential checklist
State Homeowners Responsibilities Form (To
be completed if homeowner acting as
contractor)
4. Zoning Analysis/Zoning Compliance
Certificate Application ($50.00)
5. FEMA Determination (Federal Emergency
Management Agency if required ($85.00)
6. 3 sets of complete plans
When all paperwork is completed and fees paid a city
review number will be issued. All applications
processed through the City of Alamogordo have 3
business days for FEMA application and 5 business
days for fire, public works, engineering, zoning
applications and airport if needed unless issues are
encountered that requires additional contact and
review with the applicant. If applications are received
after 4:00 p.m., the processing will begin the next
business day. The Zoning permit application will be
reviewed by the Planning & Zoning Coordinator. The
FEMA application (if required) will be reviewed by
the Flood Plain Manager. When reviews have been
completed and approved the state building
application will be signed by the required
departments. The Permit Technician will notify
customer that paperwork is ready for pickup or if
corrections are required prior to approval. Upon
approval the plans will be signed and dated by the
Permit Technician. The customer will receive the
following documents required to submit to the
Construction Industries Division to obtain a state
permit: State permit application, and 2 sets of
signed completed plans. Customer will receive
FEMA correspondence for personal records.
The customer must then contact:
Construction Industries Division (CID)
Attn: Plan Review
5200 Oakland Ave., NE
Albuquerque, NM 87113
Voice: 505-222-9800
Inspection scheduling: 1-877-243-0979
Fax: 505-765-5670
CID website: www.rld.state.nm.us/cid
If further assistance is necessary when completing
State Permit Applications, or to obtain permit prices,
and/or to schedule required inspections consisting of
General Construction, Plumbing/Mechanical and
Electrical please contact Construction Industries
Division (CID) at the number provided above. When
inspections are completed and approved, prior to the
issuance of a State Certificate of Occupancy by the
General Construction Inspector an elevation
certificate for areas located in a flood zone must be
completed by a licensed surveyor and submitted to
the Community Development Department within
thirty days of completion of construction. City of
Alamogordo staff will notify contractor when
Certificate of Occupancy is available.
Ms. Edwards
Editor’s Note: We sometimes receive letters to the
editor without a signature, and though we want to print
them, The Spokesmen does not publish anonymous
letters. Please include your name if you want a letter to
be published in this column.
Local Businessmen
Host Banquet
Local businessman “ Web ” Webster invites
the community to the monthly banquet of the
Full Gospel Businessmen ’ s Fellowship
International.
Jack Ewing will be the guest speaker at the next
evening meeting of the Full Gospel Businessmen’s
Fellowship International.
Jack accepted Jesus Christ at the age of 11 but
struggled for years with doubts until the Lord created a
burning desire within him to see a miracle and know it
was from the Lord. In 1972 he was baptized in the
Holy Spirit and 2 months later experienced a dramatic
healing of a deformed back after 25 years of suffering.
Since then he has seen thousands of miracles and
known they were from God. Come hear Jack’s
testimony on the power of God to heal and set people
free from the enemy’s demonic power.
Saturday, June 27, 2009
Margo’s Mexican Restaurant
Banquet at 5:30 PM
Meeting at 6:00 PM.
Cost is $10.00 per person and includes
complete buffet, drinks, tax and gratuity.
For tickets, call Web Webster at 505-430-7824.
THE SPOKESMEN
9
Acquainting Alamogordo with Alamogordo
Fundraiser for
Families Apart
A Tribute
to Mom
David Overstreet, owner of Overstreet's Tai Kwan Do
Academy, will be breaking as many boards as he can in 49
seconds (in honor of the fighting 49th) with a goal of 70
boards.
"Our students are
getting flat donations
or per board pledges.
Our goal is to raise
$4900. We would
appreciate
any
Chamber members
who would like to
make a donation
directly to the
Academy or to one
of our students.
100% of the money
raised will go to
Families Apart."
Family Services is
an
all-volunteer
program supported by donations and is designed to provide
much-needed services to our airmen and their families at
Holloman. The biggest program is the "Families Apart"
program enabling families of deployed, remotely assigned
or on extended temporary duty (TDY) to get together for
fun-filled events.
This could be a dinner provided by volunteers, a visit to
the zoo or other planned activities designed to show
our support for them.
Part of the Families Apart program is the Pictures on
Pillowcases program which enables families to get pictures
along with a special message for a loved one transferred
onto a pillowcase so when the loved one is deployed they
can keep their loved one's picture close.
The Ready Teddy program which is also part of the
Families Apart program provides young ones with a small
teddy bear to help them cope with the absence of a parent.
For more information, contact Dave Overstreet at (575)
439-5425.
Contributed by Donna Parker
Get Rid of Unmanaged Anger!
Anger may rear its head at any time. It is a spirit that has
tormented men since the beginning of time. BUT IT
DOESN’T NEED TO REMAIN “UNMANAGED!”
Attend the free anger management course now being
presented every Tuesday Evening at 6:30 PM at
Freedom House, 104 Delaware Avenue, Alamogordo,
New Mexico.
The basic course consists of 10 vital lessons for anyone
dealing with issues of anger, whether you are a victim of
someone’s anger or yourself subject to expressing
uncontrolled anger.
Those completing the full 10 weeks will receive a
certificate of completion and will become eligible to
continue the full 30 weeks to graduation.
Remember, these courses are free. Why not register
next Tuesday.
After 21 years of marriage, my wife wanted me to take
another woman out to dinner and a movie.
She said, 'I love you, but I know this other woman
loves you and would love to spend some time with you.'
The other woman that my wife wanted me to visit was
my mother, who has been a widow for 19 years, but the
demands of my work and my three children had made it
possible to visit her only occasionally.
That night I called to invite her to go out for dinner and a movie. 'What's wrong, are
you well,' she asked? My mother is the type of woman who suspects that a late night call or a
surprise invitation is a sign of bad news.
'I thought that it would be pleasant to spend some time with you,' I responded 'just the two
of us.'
She thought about it for a moment, and then said, 'I would like that very much.'
That Friday after work, as I drove over to pick her up I was a bit nervous. When I arrived at
her house, I noticed that she, too, seemed to be nervous about our date. She waited in the door
with her coat on. She had curled her hair and was wearing the dress that she had worn to
celebrate her last wedding anniversary. She smiled from a face that was as radiant as an angel's.
'I told my friends that I was going to go out with my son, and they were impressed,' she
said, as she got into the car. 'They can't wait to hear about our meeting.'
We went to a restaurant that, although not elegant, was very nice and cozy. My mother took
my arm as if she were the First Lady. After we sat down, I had to read the menu. Her eyes
could only read large print. Half-way through the entrees, I lifted my eyes and saw Mother
sitting there staring at me. A nostalgic smile was on her lips.
'It was I who used to have to read the menu when you were small,' she said.
'Then it's time that you relax and let me return the favor,' I responded.
During the dinner, we had an agreeable conversation, nothing extraordinary but catching up
on recent events of each other's life. We talked so much that we missed the movie. As we
arrived at her house later, she said, 'I'll go out with you again, but only if you let me invite you.'
I agreed.
'How was your dinner date?' asked my wife when I got home.
'Very nice, much more so than I could have imagined,' I answered.
A few days later, my mother died of a massive heart attack. It happened so suddenly that I
didn't have a chance to do anything for her. Sometime later, I received an envelope with a
copy of a restaurant receipt from the same place Mother and I had dined. An attached note said:
'I paid this bill in advance. I wasn't sure that I could be there; but, nevertheless, I paid for two
plates - one for you and the other for your wife. You will never know what that night meant for
me. I love you, son.'
At that moment, I understood the importance of saying in time 'I love you' and of giving our
loved ones the time that they deserve. Nothing in life is more important than your family. Give
them the time they deserve, because these things cannot be put off until some 'other' time.
Giving back to the
community,
female
detainees at Otero
County Prison Facility
knit
lap
blankets,
afghans, and children's
clothing as part of a
rehabilitation program.
Recently Items were
distributed to residents
of the Casa Arena
Blanca Nursing Home
for
Mother's
Day.
Donations of yarn are
welcome.
For more
information
contact
Deloris Simmons at
575-824-4884, ext. 119.
THE SPOKESMEN
Childlike Faith The story is told of the day after a family's 14
year old dog named Abbey died. Their 4 year old
Meredith was crying and talking about how much
she missed Abbey. She asked if we could write a
letter to God so that when Abbey
got to heaven, God would recognize her. She dictated and mom wrote:
“Dear God, Will you please take special care of
our dog, Abbey? She died yesterday and is in
heaven. We miss her very much. We are happy that
you let us have her as our dog. I hope that you will
play with her. She liked to play with balls and swim
before she got sick. I am sending some pictures of
her so that when you see her in heaven you will
know she is our special dog. But I really do miss
her. Love, Meredith Claire.”
They put the letter in an envelope with two pictures of Abbey, and addressed it to God in Heaven.
They put a return address on it, stamped it, and
dropped it into the letter box at the post office.
Readings & Rhymes
A Friends of the Library Event
Join the Friends of the Alamogordo Library
for an afternoon of poetry and prose at our
first regular Open Mic event.
Saturday, June 13
2 - 4 p.m.
Olive Branch
Coffee House
123 North White
Sands Boulevard
Bring your original
poems and short
stories to share!
Free ACLS and PALS Classes Region II EMS is offering free classes in
Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) and Pediatric
Life Support (PALS) in June.
ACLS on June 13 & 14
PALS on June 26 & 27
Please contact Sandy Barley at 575-524-2167
to register. We will require a $100 security
check that you will get back when you come to
class.
10
Acquainting Alamogordo with Alamogordo
A few days later a package wrapped in gold paper arrived on the front porch. The gold star card on
the front said “To Meredith” in an unfamiliar hand.
Meredith took it in and opened it.
Inside was a book by Mr. Rogers, When a Pet
Dies. Taped to the inside front cover was the letter
they had written to God, in its opened envelope. On
the opposite page, one of the pictures of Abbey was
taped under the words “For Meredith.” They turned
to the back cover, and there was the other picture of
Abbey, and this handwritten note on pink paper:
“Dear Meredith, I know that you will be happy
to know that Abbey arrived safe and sound in
Heaven! Having the pictures you sent to me was
such a big help. I recognized Abbey right away.
You know, Meredith, she isn't sick anymore. Her
spirit is here with me --- just like she stays in your
heart --- young and running and playing. Abbey
loved being your dog, you know. Since we don't
need our bodies in heaven, I don't have any pockets! --- so I can't keep your beautiful letter. I am
sending it to you with the pictures so that you will
have this book to keep and remember Abbey. One
of my angels is taking care of this for me. I hope
the little book helps.
“Thank you for the beautiful letter. Thank your
mother for sending it. What a wonderful mother
you have! I picked her especially for you. I send
my blessings every day and remember that I love
you very much. By the way, I am
in heaven, but wherever there is love I AM there
also. Love, God.”
Meredith was not surprised at all about the answer she received. You see she had faith all along
that God would take care of Abby --- my Bible
calls it childlike faith.
The Scoop on Whole Grains
You keep hearing that you should eat more whole grains, but what are they? How much should you
eat? Eating at least three or more one-ounce equivalents of whole grains daily can reduce the risk of
some diseases, according to the 2005 Dietary Guidelines for Americans. These guidelines are published
every 5 years by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the U.S. Department of
Agriculture.
"So if you want to do yourself some good, eating
three or more servings of whole grains each day can
help you achieve a healthy diet," says David
Acheson, M.D., the Food and Drug Administration's
(FDA) associate commissioner for foods.
The FDA is responsible for regulations and
activities dealing with the proper labeling of foods,
including ingredient statements, nutrient content,
and health claims. The FDA also offers guidance to
help manufacturers understand what the agency
considers appropriate for statements on food labels,
including those related to whole-grain content.
Whole grains are cereal grains that consist of the
intact, ground, cracked, or flaked kernel, which
includes the bran, the germ, and the inner most part
of the kernel (the endosperm).
Some examples of whole grains include whole
wheat, oatmeal, whole-grain cornmeal, brown rice,
whole-grain barley, whole rye, and buckwheat.
Spelt, often thought of as a unique whole grain, is
actually a member of the wheat family.
When trying to select products that contain whole grains, look for those that show whole grains listed
first on the ingredient list. The ingredient list on a food label shows ingredients in the order of the most
abundant by weight.
For products such as bread or pasta to be labeled whole grain, the grain can be ground, cracked, or
flaked, but it must retain the same proportions of bran, germ, and endosperm.
Eating at least three one-ounce equivalents of whole grains per day can reduce the risk of several
chronic diseases. Examples of a one-ounce equivalent include:





1/2 cup cooked oatmeal
1/2 cup cooked 100% whole-grain pasta
1/2 cup cooked brown rice or whole-grain barley
1 regular slice of 100% whole-grain bread
1 cup of whole-grain ready-to-eat cereal (flakes or rounds) or 1¼ cup puffed
For more information and guidance on whole grain label statements, go to www.cfsan.fda.gov/~dms/
flgragui.html
THE SPOKESMEN
11
Acquainting Alamogordo with Alamogordo
Our Community Reaching Out To Help Agencies Providing Assistance Berean Independent Baptist
2300 Puerto Rico Dr.
437-8202
Food Pantry—people who attend their services are helped with food
Cuba Avenue Church of Christ
1300 Cuba Ave.
437-4795
M-F 10:00-11:30 am
Food Pantry
Calvary Baptist Church
1200 Indian Wells
473-0110
Clothes Closet Tues & Thurs 2-4 pm
Father James B. Hays Thrift Store
1640 N. White Sands
434-5450
M-S 9am-4pm
Low cost clothing & household items
Furniture when available
Christ Community Church
2960 Scenic Dr.
437-4241
Provide help on a case-by-case basis, please
speak with staff
Community Action
755 Granada Shopping Center, Suite 755
437-1364
Contact person: Mary Beth Reynolds
Emergency assistance for rent, utilities, and
prescriptions
Must meet guidelines
M-Th 8:00-4:00
First Assembly
10th & Florida
437-8922
Monday only 9am-Noon
Food Pantry
Grace United Methodist Church
1206 Greenwood Lane (16th & Cuba)
437-7640
Saturdays only—meal 11:30 am to 1:00 pm
Funds for food, rent, & utilities
House of Prayer
437-7880
Homeless Only—hot meal, clothing, showers, washer/dryer
Commodities from Las Cruces
Call 532-4390 for qualifying and more
information
Immaculate Conception Church
705 Delaware Ave.
437-3291
Have a “Poor Fund” as donations are made.
May do gasoline vouchers.
Corinth Baptist Church
400 Delaware
437-0988
Food Pantry T-W-Th 11 am-3 pm
Immanuel Baptist Church
1107 Adams
430-6881
Angel Food Ministry—affordable food
Our Savior Lutheran
1212 Washington St.
437-2970
Helping Hands—Tues & Thurs 9-11 am
Primera Iglesia Bautista
1711 Ocotillo Dr.
434-8650
Food pantry/clothes closet
Wednesday 9 am-Noon
Salvation Army
1900 1st St.
443-0845
Food Pantry—30 boxes / day
M-Th 10-12 & 1-4
St. John’s Episcopal Church
1111 Indiana
437-3891
Community Kitchen—free meals
Tues & Thurs 5:00-6:30 pm
St. Jude’s Mission
1404 College Ave.
437-0238
Community outreach program
Tuesdays 10:00 am-Noon
Trinity Lutheran Church
1505 College
437-1482
Pastor Bill Heithald
Benevolence Fund
Tularosa UMC
585-2314
Emergencies 585-3204
Food Bank—Tues only 9-11 am
Must live in Tularosa or Bent zip codes
Other Resources Ben Archer Health Center
1501 E. 10th St.
443-8133
M-F 8am-5pm
Will take any medical insurance as well as people without insurance. We go to sliding scale
fee.
Childbirth Class
Conference room at GCMRC
443-7640
COPE
434-3622
24 hour crisis line 437-2673 or toll free 1-866350-2673
Counseling
Disability Resource Center
439-1112
Michael Murphy
Rita Martinez
FEMA Disaster Assistance
Apply by phone 1-800-621-3362
Health Office
1207 8th St.
437-9340
CHINS
434-3013
Counseling for children and family
Counseling Center
1900 E. 10th St.
437-8630
Crisis line 437-7404
English as a Second Languarge
1328 Scenic Drive
437-9987
Free classes for improving English speaking
Human Resources Department
901 Alaska
437-9210
Housing Authority
437-5621
Rent assistance as funds available
Tularosa 585-9848
Income Support Division
437-9260 ext 116
Utilities
LIHEAP 1-800-637-3134
Legal Services
1-800-376-7665
Lion’s Club
Assistance with glasses
Contact persons:
Bob Hamilton 437-3402
Frank Simpkins 437-2602
Low Income Phone Service
Contact local service
Parenting Classes
ZIA Therapy 437-3040
Head Start—Tularosa 585-4818
Pregnancy Help Center
1222 N. White Sands
437-9800
Social Security Administration
1-800-772-1213
Las Cruces office 575-523-0771
Social Services
2200 Indian Wells
CYFD Day Care Services 434-9770
Child Abuse 1-800-797-3260
United Way
1600 E. 10th St.
437-8400
Weatherization
For updates to this page, email [email protected] or call 505-710-0781.
THE SPOKESMEN
12
Acquainting Alamogordo with Alamogordo
The Cactus Patch
Little Johnny ̶ At It Again!!!
Contributed by Sandy Sandage
Little John the Baptist
Johnny's Mother looked out the window and noticed
Him "playing church" with their cat.
Little Johnny's at it again..... a new teacher was trying to make use of her psychology
courses. She started her class by saying, 'Everyone who thinks they're stupid, stand up!'
After a few seconds, Little Johnny stood up. The teacher said, 'Do you think you're
stupid, Little Johnny?' 'No, ma'am, but I hate to see you standing there all by yourself!'

Little Johnny watched, fascinated, as his mother smoothed cold cream on her face.
'Why do you do that, mommy?' he asked. 'To make myself beautiful,' said his mother,
who then began removing the cream with a tissue. 'What's the matter?' asked Little
Johnny. 'Giving up?'

The math teacher saw that little Johnny wasn't paying attention in class. She called
on him and said, 'Johnny! What are 2 and 4 and 28 and 44?' Little Johnny quickly
replied, 'NBC, FOX, ESPN and the Cartoon Network!'
He had the cat sitting quietly and he was preaching to
it. She smiled and went about her work.
A while later she heard loud meowing and hissing and
ran back to the open window to see Johnny baptizing the
cat in a tub of water.

Little Johnny's kindergarten class was on a field trip to their local police station
where they saw pictures tacked to a bulletin board of the 10 most wanted criminals. One
of the youngsters pointed to a picture and asked if it really was the photo of a wanted
person. 'Yes,' said the policeman. 'The detectives want very badly to capture him. Little
Johnny asked, 'Why didn't you keep him when you took his picture?'
Old Dogs!!!
Contributed by Sandy Sandage
One day the old German Shepherd starts chasing rabbits and
before long, discovers that he's lost. Wandering about, he notices a
leopard heading rapidly in his direction with the intention of having
lunch.
The old German Shepherd thinks, 'Oh, oh! I'm in deep doo-doo
now!' Noticing some bones on the ground close by, he immediately settles down to chew on
the bones with his back to the approaching cat. Just as the leopard is about to leap, the old
German Shepherd exclaims loudly, 'Boy, that was one delicious leopard! I wonder, if there
are any more around here?'
Hearing this, the young leopard halts his attack in mid-strike, a look of terror comes over
him and he slinks away into the trees. 'Whew!' says the leopard, 'That was close! That old
German Shepherd nearly had me!'
Meanwhile, a monkey who had been watching the whole scene from a nearby tree, figures
he can put this knowledge to good use and trade it for protection from the leopard. So, off he
goes, but the old German Shepherd sees him heading after the leopard with great speed, and
figures that something must be up.
The monkey soon catches up with the leopard, spills the beans and strikes a deal for
himself with the leopard.
The young leopard is furious at being made a fool of and says, 'Here, monkey, hop on my
back and see what's going to happen to that conniving canine!'
Now, the old German Shepherd sees the leopard coming with
the monkey on his back and thinks, 'What am I going to do
now?' But instead of running, the dog sits down with his back
to his attackers, pretending he hasn't seen them yet, and just
when they get close enough to hear, the old German Shepherd
says ... 'Where's that darn monkey? I sent him off an hour ago
to bring me another leopard!'
She called out, "Johnny, stop that! The cat is afraid of
water!"
Johnny looked up at her and said, "He should have
thought about that before he joined my church."
The
Grandma
and the
Burglar
An elderly woman had just returned to her home from
an evening of church services when she was startled by an
intruder. She caught the man in the act of robbing her
home of its valuables, so she yelled: "Stop! Acts
2:38!" ("Repent and be baptized, in the name of Jesus
Christ, so that your sins may be forgiven.")
The burglar stopped in his tracks. The woman calmly
called the police and explained what she had done.
As the officer cuffed the man to take him in, he asked
the burglar: "Why did you just stand there? All the old
lady did was yell a scripture to you."
"Scripture?" replied the burglar. "She said she had an
ax and two 38’s!"