A rare musical jewel jams every Sunday

Giving credit where credit is due - to someone who really cares. Rare jewel, musicians, multi-talented legend Pete Henderson for many years devoting his life to his music.

He jams the blues faithfully every Sunday at John Stone's Public House in Ashland drawing all the qualified musicians some of whom have never played in a band. They come non-stop with their instruments, all ages.

It is especially profoundly inspiring to see and hear the young teen talent. Pete instills confidence. He coaches on the spot. He give them wings into the fabulous world of music.

We all need to be inspired, that someone cares, that someone believes in us. In today's busy world, who takes the time?

Music can be a friend forever, a direction, a focus, opening a path in life for life. Through the years how many lives have been touched by Pete? We truly appreciate what you do for others and when we say to you do for others, and when we say to you in your very own words, "Give it up" but this one is for you. We say thank you.

FRANCES ROSE, Framingham

The Armenian Genocide

Turkey won't admit to the atrocities that were committed against the Armenians by the leaders of the Ottoman Empire during World War I. The Republic of Turkey, the successor to the Ottoman Empire in 1923, denies their previous leaders attempted to carry out a premeditated plan to destroy everything that was "Armenian" during the period of 1915-1918. There are countless books and writings that document the 1 1/2 million Armenians - men, woman, and children - that were murdered during the first modern genocide of the 20th century.

The Armenians were robbed by the Turks of their personal property and homeland, but the Ottoman Empire couldn't extinguish the soul of our grandparents of whom many escaped and survived the brutalities of the genocide. The memories of their hardships, sacrifices, and determination will live on forever.

To date there are 22 countries which officially recognize the "Genocide of Armenians." The United States has yet to officially recognize this sad part of world history, although 90 percent of the states within the U.S. do recognize these events that took place between 1915 - 1918 as "genocide." It's about time for the United States to officially recognize this atrocity. Take a stand for what is right and stop being held hostage by the policies of Turkey.

In response to the person of Turkish descent that wrote a letter to the editor of a local paper recently, stating that these events didn't happen, "google" the name Talaat Pasha for documentation of his ties to the Armenian Genocide.

JOHN CHATALIAN, Northborough

Problems with mediation

Re: "SMOC raises doubts about mediation," Dec. 1: Mediate what? The Dec. 1st article, "SMOC raises doubts about mediation," described both sides discussing the possibility of mediation.

I am confused. How can SMOC and Framingham have active discussions on the possibility of mediation when up to 12 of the defendants are not being represented? Especially, what about the people who could be identified at a later date...the 10 John and Jane Does? Who is watching out for their rights?

ERNIE EDWARDS,

Framingham