Added Context
Dear Editor:
Your story in the July 17th issue [Quickie] about the petition to spare Kevin Stanford from Kentucky's Death Row was a bit incomplete. Allow me to elaborate the facts about Mr. Stanford:
In 1981, this 17-year-old robbed a Checker gasoline station during the evening in southwestern Jefferson County, stealing cigarettes, two gallons of fuel, and a small amount of cash. After the commission of the robbery, Mr. Stanford took the attendant, a mother of an infant child, and repeatedly raped and sodomized her on the restroom floor of the gas station. Following the robbery and assault, the victim was taken from the station and driven a short distance to an isolated area where she was shot twice, once in the face and once in the back of the head. Mr. Stanford laughed and boasted about his treatment of the murder victim to an accomplice, the getaway driver, other inmates, and to correction officers.
I feel certain that an informed reader is the ultimate goal of Ace.
Teri Kelly
The referenced item was a news brief reporting on a the actions of a Kentucky group circulating a petition opposing the death penalty, in this case, as they do in others.
It was not an editorial or a feature, for or against the death penalty. Emotions are obviously highly charged in this case.
Readers are always invited to share their opinions on any item reported in the paper.
Long way baby
I was encouraged to read a male name on the byline of the cover story of the July 18 Ace discussing the dangers of phthalates in cosmetics, until I read Matt Wheland's bottom line: "The most worrisome aspect by far is the phthalates' effect on the reproductive development of fetuses and infants, particularly the reproductive tracts of males."
What a silly woman I am to think my feminine concerns about having healthy kidneys, liver, heart, and lungs would not be overshadowed by masculine worries about virility.
Gee guys, it really is all about you.
Sincerely (well, not quite),
Fran Rabe
Letters Policy: Ace LOVES to publish our mail (250 words or less please); please include name and daytime phone. No photocopies. No bulk mail. First come, first served. We may edit for space and grammar; we will limit frequency; and, on popular issues, we may print one or two letters to represent a segment of public opinion. Private correspondence should be labeled “NOT FOR PUBLICATION.”
Mail: 486 West Second St , Lexington, Ky 40507
e-mail: editor@aceweekly.com
Most Wanted: Tuffy comes home
Ahhhh, Tuffy, the infamous Maltese whose face you've seen on flyers all around town, is now back home with his grateful owners, as reported by the Herald-Leader.
Found in Gratz Park and returned to the Leasor family
.
Although to clarify, the funds the owner expended for his safe return as noted in the report, went to the cost of color-flyers posted throughout most of downtown-as opposed to advertising costs in the Herald-Leader or Ace.
Both the daily and weekly local newspapers run free lost and found ads for pets, as a public service to the community.
Shop at Petco; Save a Puppy (or kitty)
Pet overpopulation is evident in shelters across the country. Through the Round-Up/Spay Today 2002 fundraising campaign, PETCO Animal Supplies, Inc. and the PETCO Foundation hope to alleviate this ongoing problem by educating and contributing to population control programs.
During Round-Up/Spay Today 2002, which runs from July 28 through August 18, PETCO customers will be encouraged to "round-up" their purchase to the next highest dollar. The money raised will go to the PETCO Foundation, which will use the funds to support local spay/neuter organizations, programs and efforts by animal welfare groups to help solve the problem of pet overpopulation.
"Five million dogs and cats are euthanized each year in the United States," PETCO Foundation Director Paul Jolly said. "Spaying and neutering dogs and cats not only prevents litters of unwanted puppies and kittens, but also provides many health benefits such as decreased risks of ovarian, mammary, and testicular cancers."
Last year's effort raised more than $450,000 for these local animal welfare organizations and programs. But this issue is ongoing, as there are 45 cats and dogs for every person born, and only one in 10 dogs and one in 12 cats ever find a permanent loving home. 800 dogs and cats are destroyed each hour in the United States.
Locally, you can support several animal welfare/advocacy groups which promote adoption and low-cost spay-neuter: Woodstock Animal Foundation and Home at Last Animal Sanctuary.
As a public service, Ace features an adoptable animal every week in Ace's Pet Pick, in the Ace List. Ace readers have adopted dozens of rescued animals in recent years through this program. On behalf of the animal welfare organizations featured there, we appreciate the support, and encourage you to continue.
New UK Study challenges stereotypes
A recent study from the UK College of Education calls into question many of the prevailing negative views about Appalachian culture. Past research into Appalachia have characterized the region as one of severe poverty and chronic depression. However, a study conducted by Dr. David Kimweli of the Department of Educational and Counseling Psychology defines the region as a "misunderstood middle class" with no greater disposition toward depression or despair than any other group in American society. His study included residents of 43 Appalachian counties, in states including Kentucky, Tennessee, West Virginia, and Virginia. His review of incomes versus standard of living put many residents of the region into middle class status than in poverty.
Everything's turning up Rosie
Starting this fall, households that use the Rosies will become participants in a new recycling program in Lexington. Having grown weary of needing to separate recyclables, residents will put items like paper, plastics, junk mail (also known as unsolicited bulk mail that arrives-unbidden-in your mailbox), aluminum cans, empty aerosol cans, and more into one large bin. Glass will go in a separate attached bin. Right now, only 43,000 households recycle, a low number for a city of Lexington's size. The new, and slightly larger, Rosies will be distributed starting in August. Residents will be notified by mail before their new carts are delivered, and the delivery will coincide with collection days.
Free, Free, Free
Compost bins will be given away July 27 at the Bluegrass Recycling Center on a first come-first-serve basis from 8 am to 1 pm. The bins are made from old, recycled Herbies. The recycling center is located at 360 Thompson Rd. Free mulch too.
To submit an advocacy/activism activity or event for Quickies, email rkirkland@aceweekly.com, or editor@aceweekly.com.