Editor:
I am deeply saddened about Vikki Harris Brodericks judgmental opinion of her hometown and its people.
I had been an employee of the Hollywood Bar for eight years, and to me it was more than an old dusty bar full of barflies. It was gathering place for good-hearted people and organizations that did care for their community and the people in it.
Take the organization El Clampus Vitas (The Clampers), for instance. They have been a non-profit organization for over 150 years with their mission to raise money to help the needy in times of hardship. They have persistently done this in our town and the Hollywood was their meeting quarters for these activities.
Every owner of the the Hollywood bar since I have worked there and before has always been more than happy to donate money, time and facilities for different fundraising activities. They were there to help whether it was a needy family, individual or organization that mattered and more than likely one of your family members.
This brings me to the part about bringing families together. There have been numerous anniversaries, birthdays, reunions, memorials, etc., held inside those walls.
I have seen people look for loved ones names carved in the bar and seen them, through teared-up eyes, trace their names with their fingertips when they found them. I have seen some get scratched out too!
I didnt know that the Hollywood was suppose to create jobs, but it did. I have seen many a cowhand, logger, construction worker, carpenter and even a beautician rustle up some kind of work in that bar. It created jobs for about 10 of my fellow employees.
The annual Dolores Firemans Fundraiser that the Hollywood put on every Labor Day weekend is on hold since there is no Hollywood to put it on.
I agree it is sad when no one salutes our nations flag especially in these times. I would bet those disrespectful people didnt have Clamper or Hollywood shirts on.
Rest in peace, Hollywood.
Rick Randolph
Dolores
Via CortezJournal.com