Letters February 24, 2011

Posted 2/24/11

Urged to join deer kill protest

I was pleased to read Rich McIlhenny’s piece on rescuing the Screech Owl and getting it help from the Schuylkill Valley Wildlife Center (“Highway rescue: …

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Letters February 24, 2011

Posted

Urged to join deer kill protest

I was pleased to read Rich McIlhenny’s piece on rescuing the Screech Owl and getting it help from the Schuylkill Valley Wildlife Center (“Highway rescue: owl-right Mt. Airy realtor gives a hoot”). It is a perfect example of how to reach out to an injured animal to allow it to continue its life.

Unfortunately, in the Wissahickon Valley, white-tailed deer, also a wildlife species, are being slaughtered in our neighborhoods daily until March 31. Philadelphia Advocates for the Deer (PAD) is continuing to hold protests against the slaughter of the white-tailed deer. PAD’s next protest is Saturday, Feb. 26, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., at Forbidden Drive off of Bells Mill Road.

It is well documented scientifically that the best solution for “managing” deer is to leave them alone. Hunting and habitat modification by game agencies stimulates fertility. Deer are a self-regulating species whose numbers are dependent upon adequate habitat and food supply.

Since the Commission on Parks and Recreation of Philadelphia, the Pennsylvania Game Commission and Mayor Nutter and the city of Philadelphia fail to acknowledge the population ecology of the white-tailed deer, PAD and other wildlife advocates seek other ways to stop the slaughter of the deer.

Won’t you join us on Feb. 26 so we can talk to our neighbors about how to solve this issue more humanely? We look forward to meeting you.

Mary Ann Baron

Chestnut Hill

Co-Founder, PAD

No members’ show at Woodmere

I recently submitted a painting for the “There’s Always Room for Dessert” exhibit at the Main Line Art Center in Haverford.  The opening was so delightful and delicious that I instantly became a member and it whet my “appetite” for next year’s themed show.

I’m sorry to say this is not the case with our local Woodmere Art Museum.  I fondly remember their enjoyable Annual Member’s Exhibit that no longer takes place.  The opening for this annual celebration of local artists was always well attended.  Local artists, family, friends and art lovers mingled and enjoyed wine and cheese while admiring hundreds of paintings and sculptures created by Woodmere Museum members.

Without a doubt, Woodmere’s permanent collection and special exhibits are invaluable, and we are fortunate to have such a museum in our neighborhood.  But a neighborhood museum that boasts of “celebrating the importance and richness of the art of the Philadelphia region” should not ignore and shut out local artists who may not be famous but are however passionate about their art.

Why must I go across the Schulykill to celebrate the work of local artists when the Woodmere Museum is in my own backyard.

Diane Ross

Lafayette Hill

Woodmere’s CEO

William Valerio responds:

Thank you for sharing this letter, which expresses a deep passion for Woodmere and its goal to support the creativity and self-expression of its community.

Woodmere’s mission is to collect, display, and interpret the history of the arts as they have evolved in Philadelphia and across the region and to make the arts relevant to people’s lives.

A Members’ Exhibition has not been presented at Woodmere since 2006, but instead we have redoubled our commitment to many other initiatives that support local artists.

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