Soules Challenging Pearce for U.S. House Seat

January 24, 2016 Alamogordo, New Mexico

The Democratic Party of Otero County welcomed Merrie Lee Soules, candidate for New Mexico's Second District in the U.S. House of Representatives, at Margo's Restaurant.

Merrie Lee gave some information about herself which shows her to be definitely ready and able to assume this position as Congresswoman for NM District 2.

She received her Electrical Engineering degree from Cleveland State University going on from there to receive her Master's in Business Administration from Harvard University. She worked at General Motors for over 20 years in executive positions of Chief Engineer, Director of Public Planning, Global Pricing Director, and Reliability and Quality Assurance Manager. Merrie Lee said that her experience at GM included leading global initiatives valued at hundreds of millions of dollars. She retired in 2007, returned to Las Cruces and worked part time at the White Sands Missile Range as a contractor. She participated in the El Paso Electric Public Advisory Process after losing her race for the Public Regulation Commission in 2014 by only 128 votes.

Merrie Lee said, "I am running for Congress to restore trust, accountability and public access to government for every person living in Southern New Mexico" adding, "that an increase in economic inequality and an overall weakening of our democracy also prompted her decision to run."

"Voter turnout in New Mexico has been near the bottom. This fact is most urgent--most important" she said. "People confide in me that their government has sold them out, turned their backs on them, and that their vote doesn't count. I can change this."

Merrie Lee says she knows it will be hard work, noting the congressional district's massive size. It is the largest district in New Mexico and the second largest district in the U.S. excluding districts which are an entire state. She says, "I want to be in every part of the district. I'm going to go early. I'm going to go often and I'm going to connect with the people."

Merrie Lee Soules is the sister of State Sen. Bill Soules, D-Las Cruces.

Merrie Lee Soules asking for your vote

Nadia Sikes, Chair of the Democratic Party of Otero County

Jeff Swanson talking with Merrie Lee's Campaign Treasurer Mary Ann Hendrikson after he recognized that he had served with her in the military in Omaha, Nebraska

Nadia and Merrie Lee exchanging ideas

Some Otero Democrats with Merrie Lee

There were about 40 people in attendance

Another shot of Mary Ann, campaign treasurer

If you are tired of the lackadaisical representation by Pearce, Merrie Lee Soules is well educated and a person of integrity and grit. She will get things done for the people in Southern New Mexico.  Give her some serious thought and vote for her for a better future. You will be seeing Merrie Lee all around Southern New Mexico so watch for her.

This is all I have to say for now.

Red Hatters Play Ladderball and Dine

January 24, 2016

Eleven members of the New Mexico Roadrunner Chapter of the Red Hat Society gathered at Carmen Veenpere's home in Alamogordo, New Mexico to play Ladderball and dine.  One guest, Jan Jennings, was welcomed as well.

After playing Ladderball by dividing up in two teams of six and striving to reach a score of 21 and it must be exact, the teams were in a 20 to 20 tie when 21 was finally reached by one team member. It is not easy to score, but easy to play and good exercise for everyone.

Luncheon consisted of Little Caesar's Pizza, salads and desserts brought by the members. A brief time was spent on planning the annual event schedule for 2016 and the girls are all excited about upcoming events. Alice Johnston-Evan and Margie Purcella are January Birthday girls. They were royally kazoo'd by everyone and each received a new red hat due to the fact that Queen Ladybird aka Carla found the hats in a "to die for" vendor sale at the Red Hat Wedding in Las Cruces, New Mexico.

Flo Dean warming up for her toss with Margie and Alice looking on

L to R: Carmen, Jean, Carla (her toss fell short), Flo, Margie and Alice

L to R: Jean, Alice taking her turn, and Margie

Gail with her bolas in mid air

Dorothy E. so graceful with her toss

Carmen is serious about this game even with a bad shoulder

Trudy winding up for her toss

The other end of this game with a bolas about to make points for someone

Karen in intense concentration

L to R: Trudy, Dorothy E., Karen and Jan (the Peanut Gallery)

Lu takes her game playing very seriously

Jean has a good follow through

Jan Jennings has a go at it

Margie is intent on scoring

L to R: Trudy, Dorothy E. and Karen

L to R: Lu, Flo, Carmen, Margie, and Karen

L to R: Alice, Trudy, Jan, Lu, Flo, Carmen

Gail and Jean, striking a pose of elegant lady lunching

Dorothy E. and Alice

You can tell this is a Red Hat luncheon - look at all these lovely desserts

Alice removed her birthday hat to try on her new Red Hat

Margie also tried on her new birthday Red Hat

Lovely hostess Carmen Veenpere with Queen Ladybird aka Carla

Jan will be a Red Hatter by next week when she calls Hatquarters to join

Carmen's home is on the golf course so while the group was playing Ladderball, a number of golfers were seen to be gawking at all the commotion, laughter and many Red Hats. The mountains in the background of many of the photos are the Sacramento Mountains. Such a wonderful view from Carmen's home.

The New Mexico Roadrunner Chapter members will be going to lunch at the Cowboy Steak House and coloring at their next event. Should be fun and interesting.

This is all I have to say for now.

Las Cruces Wedding Reception for Mr. and Mrs. Harold J. (Pete) Steen

Sunday, January 17, 2016

Mildred Evaskovich and Pete Steen celebrated their newlywed status with a wedding reception in the Social Center of the Good Samaritan Society - Las Cruces Village  on Sunday, January 17, 2016 after their quiet wedding held on December 15, 2015.

When Doug and I arrived from Alamogordo, the room was filled with well wishers. The decorations were in their favorite colors and the chefs kept the buffet table well supplied with delicious hors d'oeurves of various and sundry makings. It is a good thing this was a "come and go" reception because they both have lived long enough to have many friends and acquaintances and as one group would leave another would be arriving.

Mildred and Pete make a lovely couple with her 5'4-1/2" frame next to his 6'5" height next to her. They were both absolutely glowing with happiness and were having fun greeting everyone as they came in.

Newlyweds, Mildred and Pete

Olimpia, Italian exchange student

Some of the well wishers

And a fine looking couple they are!

 Pianist Wanda Hanson from Alamogordo playing some of their favorite songs

Olimpia and Mildred's granddaughter Anya

Andy, nephew of Mildred, another serious photographer immortalizing the festivities

Carla Kerr talking with the honorees

L to R: John, Barbara, Darien, Audrey, Pete, Mildred, Emily, Lucas, Anya, Olimpia and Jim

Carla with Lia, originally from The Netherlands, a Folklorico dancer

The love birds having a quiet moment together

A moment to visit before more guests arrive

Some of the decorations. Mildred's favorite color is turquoise

Mildred introducing her son John to Daniel and Eloisa from Alamogordo

Another artistic decoration

Mildred's son-in-law, Jim Ericson visiting with George Padilla from Alamogordo

Some good storytelling going on here

Audrey and Darien

Barbara and her handsome brother, John

Carla talking with Jerry Peschka and Joy Kosinski from Alamogordo

Joy, Mildred and Pete mesmerized by something

Carla wth Mildred and Pete. Time to say goodbye.

The party was going strong when we left and we met a lot of new people and visited with some friends we don't often see from Alamogordo. It is just so heart-warming to see two people like Mildred and Pete in their 80's take this new lease on life together. Knowing Mildred like I do, it won't be boring.

Congratulations to the happy couple and wishing you many more years to come.

Thanks to Douglas A. Kerr, Photographer for the great photos.

This is all I have to say for now.