To the Editor,

The other day Mr. Fred Baca wrote about a disturbing development with the Senior Olympics, a problem that could set the program back to square one. First of all, I applaud Mr. Baca's presentation for its clarity of thought and composition.

The letter was written in a way that spurred me to attend the meeting at the Extension Office even though it was a Friday and at dinner time. I was surprised at the turnout and support that Mr. Mario Quintana received.

It was unfortunate that the Board members that were involved in the termination of Mr. Quintana apparently chose not to attend - certainly within their right and understandable. They would have witnessed an outpouring of love and thankfulness seldom shown to our often overlooked volunteers. There were folks there from just about every level of senior activities in the area, from the Senior Center to the line dancing group. It was unanimous, Mr. Quintana IS the Senior Olympics in Grant County. If 65 or so people would come out on his behalf there must be hundreds more that share the feeling for this man.

Certainly, the Board members of the sanctioned corporation should have their day in court, but from the tone of the audience, they might not be very comfortable in the presence of last night's gathering.

Unfortunately, a decision has been made, rightly or wrongly, that will affect the very fiber of Grant County's senior citizenry. I'm sure others share my fear that year's of effort by Mr. Quintana might be lost in this morass.

I sincerely hope that an amicable solution will be forthcoming and we can look forward to a thriving and healthy Senior Olympics in the future.

If there is anyone else out there who would put their heart and soul into a 365-day VOLUNTEER position - Please come forward.

Walter Leveen
A Senior Olympics medal winner of yore.

Silver City