Archive for East Mountains
Support Your Local Vendors First
by John Weckerle
In the November 19 issue of The Independent, editor Wally Gordon showed support for an Edgewood Chamber of Commerce proposal that the Town of Edgewood “formalize an arrangement for giving a 5 percent preference to town businesses” – a proposal that we also support. Mr. Gordon also urged the Chamber to follow its own advice and support local business, citing publication of a recent magazine that was contracted to a Colorado business, Sixtus. In a subsequent exchange in the November 26 edition, Myra Oden, executive director of the Edgewood Chamber, stated that this was a tri-chamber publication, and that two local publishing companies – not including The Independent – were contacted and asked if they were interested in bidding on the project, but neither was interested. Ms. Oden went on to explain how she came to be familiar with the firm selected to do the work, and suggests that The Independent market the Chambers of Commerce throughout the entire state in order to business with the Edgewood Chamber and other area Chambers. »» Support Your Local Vendors First
The Lion’s Friend Sleeps Tonight
by John Weckerle
The memorial service for Bill Brown took place at the Wildlife West Nature Park Bean Barn. Friends, acquaintances, fellow volunteers, and others joined Bill’s family to celebrate the life of Edgewood’s mountain lion man (seen here with his friend in this photo provided by Judy Hudgins). In attendance were a broad spectrum of area residents: former Edgewood Town Council members Chuck Ring and Frank Lasky; former Edgewood mayor Howard Calkins; and current Edgewood Town Council member Rita Loy Simmons, just to name a few. The service was officiated by Roger Alink, founder and director of the park and long-time friend of Bill’s. On hand were many of Bill’s friends and those who held him dear, several of whom shared anecdotes about their experiences with Bill during his years as a volunteer and president of the Park’s Board of Directors. »» The Lion’s Friend Sleeps Tonight
Scam Some Ham, Or My Attempt To Double-Up On Thanksgiving
by Chuck Ring (GadAbout-BlogAlot ©2008)
Quote Freely From the Article — Leave The Pseudonym Alone
After having a great meal with my friend Jim Smith at Katrinah’s East Mountain Grill (KEMG) on this date, Jim and I were privileged to have Katrinah’s grandmom (Kathy Shuit,co-owner of KEMG) grace our table. Jim’s satiated eyes were glazed over due to the effects of the giant chicken-fried steak he had just experienced; but I of the grand abdomen, had given my stomach a reprieve having recently experienced fusion of L-4/L-5 and needing less strain on the back, I had taken the ignoble, but sensible path to satisfaction … I quit eating.
But, I did not quit listening. I heard that Kathy would close the grill on November 25 (tomorrow, Thanksgiving Day) and that she would be open for approximately sixty family members and friends. Knowing that my lovely Carol would not open the Ring Kitchen until Thursday at around 3:00 PM, I was quite sure that I was friend enough to throw myself on Kathy’s mercy. »» Scam Some Ham, Or My Attempt To Double-Up On Thanksgiving
Wildlife West Announces 2009 Music Festival Headliners And Event Schedule
by John Weckerle
Last year’s Wildlife West Music Festival may have been a tough act to follow, but this year’s lineup looks like another crowning achievement. Internationally known folk musician John McCutcheon will return to delight the audience with his incredible and varied repertoire. With over 30 albums to his credit and the ability to play about a dozen instruments, John McCutcheon’s performances are an uncommon treat among musical experiences. His songs tell stories of American life with a rare insight, and his instrumentals are often unparalleled in both skill and the enjoyment they bring to the listener. The Badly Bent – an award winning bluegrass band from Durango, Colorado – will be welcomed by those who return to Wildlife West year after year for bluegrass that, as phrased on the band’s web site, “never strays far from the roots established by the fathers of the genre.” Dave Firestine and Round The House – another award-winning band, but this time from Tucson, Arizona – will regale us with “authentic Irish music, with a twist of Tucson.” Syd Masters & The Swing Riders, the headliner for Wildlife West’s regular Chuckwagon Suppers, will entertain us with their unique blend of traditional and original cowboy music and humor. Also returning will be The Squash Blossom Boys, a local band that should be remembered by last year’s attendees. More bands will be announced soon!
Online ticket sales will commence soon on the park’s web site, as will a new series of sponsorships directed specifically toward those who would like to show their support for the festival.
Wildlife West has also released its event schedule for 2009, with events listed as follows:
- Wind Festival May 2, 3
- Chuckwagon Dinner Shows Saturday nights – June 20 through Sept. 15.
- Bear Fair July 11
- 7th Annual Music Festival August 7 – 9
- Harvest Festival August 28, 30
- Melodrama TBA
Time To Pack Up And Go Home
by John Weckerle
Like many area residents and business owners, I find myself making several trips a week to Albuquerque. For what seems to be about sixty years, but is probably somewhat less, I have been driving through a reduced speed zone (45 mph) associated with the I-40 Sedillo Hill construction. The work appears to be essentially complete, and there is little or no activity, especially in the westbound direction. While the new pavement and especially the long-awaited third lane in the eastbound direction are greatly appreciated, it is time now for the NMDOT to have their contractor pack up the equipment, pick up the barrels, and let us enjoy the new highway at the speeds for which it was designed.
A call made Wednesday to New Mexico Department of Transportation official Phil Gallegos to check on the status of the project has not been returned. However, we checked NMRoads.com, and find that the projected completion date is Tuesday, November 18.
First, Do No Harm (Part Two)
by Chuck Ring (GadAbout-BlogAlot ©2008)
Quote Freely From the Article — Leave The Pseudonym Alone
This Is Part Two Of A Two Part Article
Click Here For Part One Of This Article
Next to be examined are two big water projects known as the San Juan – Chama Diversion Project and the Buckman Well Field Project. The scope of these two projects alone demonstrates the shear gall of those who have planned these projects with their use of taxes from Edgewood to fund a large portion of the projects. Whether the projects prove to be viable and cost effective at this juncture is speculative, but it can be said that in the eyes of many Southern Santa Fe County and Torrance County citizens, the deal or deals, smell of selfishness and disregard. Memories of the City of Santa Fe’s attempt to import some 7500 acre feet of salty water from mid-Torrance County to Santa Fe still leaves a brackish taste in their mouths. One of our Santa Fe County commissioners seems so enamored of the tax and the straws that could be placed in the rivers and aquifers that he wrote a letter extolling the virtues of the project to the Santa Fe City governing body. Here is an excerpt from the February 6, 2003 letter:
“….Santa Fe County government and the public took a big step toward dealing with the water shortage last year with the approval of a ¼% gross receipts tax increase, 75% of which will be used for water system and supply improvements. Fully one half of the total county tax proceeds will go to projects that are in the City or that serve City residents. City projects are reviewed and recommended for funding by the Regional Planning Authority (RPA). Already the RPA will go to projects that are in the City or that serve City residents. City projects are reviewed and recommended for funding by the Regional Planning Authority (RPA). Already the RPA earmarked $1.25 million, or one half of the total expected gross receipts tax for the current fiscal year for the construction of Buckman wells 10 through 13 to supplement the existing Buckman well field during drought conditions , and to rest existing wells during normal years….”
The entire letter can be accessed here by clicking Santa Fe Twins Water And Other Projects Deal The excerpt above is just a very small sample of the revelations to be found in the letter.Â
If the letter and the ordinance are studied with a clear head and sharp eyes, it can be determined that most of the funds accrued or accruing from the tax will be spent by and for the County and City. Reading the entire letter, the mind of the reader can be transported to the Los Angeles of the Owens Valley era and its erstwhile superintendent of the Los Angeles Water and Power Department, William Mulholland. Visions of the movie, Chinatown, which is loosely based on Los Angeles’ rape of Owens Valley and Los Angeles’ hand in the final demise of the water once to be found there, Maps,Photos And General Information About Owens Valley also rise to the mind’s surface. But, a read of he book or a look at the PBS series of the same name, The Cadillac Desert, The American West And Its Disappearing Water, will perhaps meld the Santa Fe events with those revealed in the book and tell a much broader story of how big money and bad politics often destroy those with whom they play fast and loose. A Google © search can provide links to suppliers of the book and video.
Has anyone in the Edgewood area heard of the Top Of The World Farms (TOW). If not, be assured that folks in Taos County have heard about Santa Fe County and their purchase of at least 588 acre feet per year (afy) of water rights from TOW. I say at least, because it is not clear when and exactly how much water was actually purchased by Santa Fe County. An article from the La Jicarita Times of Northern New Mexico has indicated the transfer, if approved, will be for a minimum of 588 afy
The entity created by Santa Fe City and County that handles the disbursement of most of the many millions of dollars generated by the tax is known as the Regional Planning Authority (RPA). The RPA has an executive director and five additional staff; though to be fair some staff members serve through their regular employment with the City or County. A board consisting of four county commissioners and four city councilors governs the RPA. Conspicuously and suspiciously, there are no board members from the other taxed entities that contribute to the pie. Other disbursements of money can occur outside the purview of the RPA should individual County commissioners put forth projects for funding. There have been several such projects, but none have been finalized for Edgewood. At one point, over two years ago, there was to have been a $400,000 allotment for Edgewood to assist with the completion of the Edgewood wastewater treatment facility, but the County insisted on an ownership scheme in the facility and no funds were ever forthcoming.
Community Appreciation Day At Wildlife West This Saturday
by John Weckerle
This Saturday, November 15th, Wildlife West Nature Park in Edgewood will be holding a day of appreciation for the support shown by the regional community. From 12 to 4 p.m., admission will be free, as will be hot dogs and drinks. Any business that wants a free 1/2 table booth space in the bean barn (heated!) should call 281-7655. NM-Central will be sharing a booth space with your editor’s commercial enterprise, WeckTech. Both I and Senior Staff Writer Chuck Ring plan to attend and hope to see you there!
Yes, They Have No Bananas — No Lemons Either (Not From New Mexico)
 by Chuck Ring (GadAbout-BlogAlot ©2008)
Quote freely From the Article — Leave The Pseudonym Alone
Yes, We Got No Bananas (click to hear)
Some might ask if I have turned daft, or as others might ask, more daft. What the heck is the significance of the song. Fair question and the answer will come in due time.
I picked up the most recent issue of The Independent (The I) and became enthralled by an article which I assumed to be satire until I realized that The I doesn’t do satire, but they are good at silly and
inane. And, inside their boiling vats of criticism floats the Edgewood Wal-Mart; the target of repeated slam articles and diatribes at the dripping pens of The I. The article turns out to be sour and nonsensical to the extreme. How? Let us see the ways.
The title of the article is, Wal-Mart fails to keep local buying pledge by Robert Raffone and if the reader did not read past the title, he or she might be inclined to negatively shake their head or tsk-tsk at the very least. Mr. Raffone tells us that on a “recent” walk-through of the Edgewood Wal-Mart and more particularly, the produce section, not a single item of produce from East Mountain growers poked their leafy little heads, eyes or ears from the produce bins. Mr. Raffone enumerates a list of produce and fruits that he did find. His list included strawberries, pumpkins, corn and grapes from California along with lemons from Chile and apples from Washington. Mr. Raffone goes on to list oranges from South Africa, as well as bell peppers from Canada and tomatoes from Mexico as being present among the United Nations of produce. But, all locally grown produce was absent without leave from Edgewood’s Wal-Mart. »» Yes, They Have No Bananas — No Lemons Either (Not From New Mexico)
Not Quite Over For The Political Junkies
by Chuck Ring
For those who are political junkies or just feel like a junk heap after the election, here’s something you can play with to see trends and results statewide and countywide.
After you arrive at the page you will see that you are on the results page for Santa Fe County. If you wish to dig down to individual precincts you will find a precinct select window next to the county window in the upper left corner of the page. Of course you can also select another county to examine if you want to spend all day and night on the site.
In Santa Fe County precincts 15, 16, 18, 73, 84 and 85 the transit tax was voted down. The total vote was 2755 against to 1515 for, which seems to verify that most folks in those precincts (which is mostly Edgewood do not see a train track or any other real overall transportation benefit to the citizens in our future. But, the bad news is that the rest of the Santa Fe County portion of transit district citizens felt differently and voted for the tax, so that the totals were 34934 for to 28,501 opposed.
So, what will happen as a result of the transit tax passing? On January 1, 2009, you will see the gross receipts tax for the incorporated area of Edgewood (inside Santa Fe County) rise from 7.625 to 7.750. This tax, joins other taxes that have been foisted on us because we cannot overcome the votes from the rest of the county when it comes to tax referendums. One answer to the perpetual problem is the possibility of forming a county out of portions of Santa Fe, Bernalillo and perhaps Torrance counties. This is not the first time that this possibility has been mentioned, but it might be more viable now, because it is difficult to walk much less run, with Santa Fe County’s hand in our back pocket.
It could be worse. Santa Fe City joins Española, and Taos to have gross receipts tax rates above eight cents on the dollar.
Community Appreciation Event Offered By Wildlife West Nature Park
One might, or certainly should know, that those that are generous are bound to generosity through their hearts and souls. Such is the case, in the opinion of many,with Roger Alink, Founder of Wildlife West, Roger’s wife Terry and the many volunteers and employees who work at and for Wildlife West Nature Park (WWNP).
WWNP has not had an easy time of it during the last 7-8 months, having had promised funding jerked from their coffers by the nimble fingers of fate. That WWNP and the folks who run the park were able to complete their mission for another year is testimony to their ability to overcome the seeming silliness of bureaucracy and still remain sane and decent folks.
So, what does the above have to do with generosity. It has much to do with generosity of spirit, and as mentioned above, the generosity of heart and soul. Generous, committed people do not stop at obstacles that are selfishly erected by their detractors. They surpass them. Either over, under or around; true devotees will always out over ignorance or the faint of heart.
Which brings us to an event sponsored by Roger Alink and his crew in appreciation for individual and community support offered to WWNP this year. See the flyer below which was designed by Mail & Copy Business Center, Inc. Hope to see you there!
Canines In Abundance — Human Companions Drag Behind
by Chuck Ring
Volunteers, Edgewood Town Staff, volunteer canines, along with State Representative Kathy McCoy, Edgewood Mayor Robert Stearley and wife Diane, Edgewood Councilor Rita-Loy Simmons, along with Susan Simons (Susan G. Komen, CNM Executive Director) helped to make the annualÂ
Of course, the event was made even more successful through the participation of the many canines and their human friends who “tagged” along without tags of their own. There was nary a harsh word exchanged among or between the canines and the people persons were equally well-behaved. The crossovers made from one side of Old 66 to the opposite side were made safely thanks to the able efforts of Edgewood Police Department officers who held-up or directed traffic at various spots along the walking course.
In addition to the walk of approximately three miles, a silent auction was held. The fees for the walk along with the silent auction proceeds will go to benefit efforts to find a cure for breast cancer and for animal welfare activities in and around the community. The folks from Edgewood Animal Control offered computer chipping at reduced rates; a bargain my wife sought to obtain, but I let her know that I was not keen on having a chip of my own. Although, it might not be such a bad idea for those mornings when I wake up and can’t seem to find my way to the facilities located just off of the bedroom. Anyway, our Shorty dog received his chip and Pugsley the Puganator received his in the past.
Here’s hoping for a larger turnout for next year’s event. Look to the upcoming issue of the Mountain View Telegraph for more information and photographs of the participants … women, men and beasties.
New Mexico Sex Offender Registry Site
by Chuck Ring
I am not by nature an alarmist. But, I also believe forewarned is forearmed. With Halloween and other holidays coming very soon, it might be valuable for parents and others to know more about some of the areas and individuals to avoid during trick or treat and other activities where children and adults are placed together.
The New Mexico Department Of Public Safety (DPS) maintains a website known as the Sex Offender Registry. The site is user friendly and there is no need to provide detailed information in this article. You can get to the site by clicking here
Be sure to read all of the warnings contained on the various pages of the website and recognize that the information provided on the website is provided as a public service and there is a disclaimer for accuracy. In other words, please use the information as it was intended to be used. Do not use it to intimidate, harass, or to take any action outside the bounds of propriety. Nor should individuals or groups do anything that would be a violation of any law regarding any information found on the website.
A Howl Of Glee And A Meow Of Appreciation
By Chuck Ring
Edgewood Mayor Robert Stearley hosted a meeting on Friday, October 17, 2008 in an attempt to determine if the regional animal shelter idea previously scuttled in March of this year might be worth further study.
New Mexico State Representative Kathy McCoy (R) whose district covers a great deal of Edgewood and who previously saw that $150,000 was appropriated for a feasibility study of the shelter was present to lend her support and suggestions for the project. Representative McCoy pointed out to those present that the New Mexico State coffers are likely to be quite empty if the present economic downturn continues, so it might not be prudent to depend on much help from the State of New Mexico during the upcoming legislative session. Susan Simons, who is largely responsible for the new impetus given to the issue was present and presented information on shelters that might be adaptable to this region should the effort continue. Official representatives and staff from Bernalillo County and staff from Edgewood were present as were representatives from the animal humane sector of the region.
In spite of some negative aspects, i.e., present economic problems, the meeting conducted by Mayor Stearley was upbeat and the mayor promised to carry a request to the Edgewood Council that would seek funds for Ms. Simons and Edgewood Animal Control Supervisor Vickey Murphy to travel to an appropriate location to view previously constructed animal shelters.
A future meeting has been scheduled for Friday, November 21, 2008, 9:30 AM at the Edgewood Community Center. All interested individuals are encouraged to attend to lend their opinions and ideas toward the effort.
Several canines and a couple of felines waiting outside the community center after the meeting were seen to swish or wag their tails in apparent approbation for the mayor’s and other attendees’ actions during the meeting.
If you do support this effort, please let Representative McCoy, Mayor Stearley, the Edgewood Town Council and other potentially interested officials know of your desires.
Farewell To A Community Leader And A Wonderful Neighbor
by John Weckerle
On Monday of this week, Mark Jensen – native New Mexican, benefactor of the Edgewood Library and my next-door neighbor – passed away after a long illness. Mark, a genuinely positive person and the best one could ask for in a neighbor, will be fondly remembered as somebody who was always looking out for others. Whether it was a road in need of repair, a neighborhood project, or just someone who needed snow removed from their driveway, Mark was always there to lend a hand. His dedication to the community can be seen in his support of the library and the other community initiatives he supported. The world was a better place for having Mark Jensen in it, and will remain a better place for his having been here.
According to another neighbor, Doug Schramm, the Albuquerque Journal may not have properly conveyed the information on the memorial service for Mark. Doug drove into Albuquerque to get the facts straight and informs us that the memorial service will be at the French Mortuary on Lomas Blvd, just east of Eubank, at 2:30 tomorrow, Saturday, October 18.
Our neighborhood, Edgewood, and New Mexico have all lost a great friend in Mark Jensen – and gained a great memory. Let us hope that his generosity and positive outlook on life will live on in each of us.
Extra-Cheap Entertainment For The Excessively Bored Young Person
by Chuck Ring
Yes, gas is cheaper than it was a month ago, but no one can say for how long. Even so, it is still an expensive proposition to drive to Albuquerque for movies or other entertainment. Then, when you get there, you’ll likely bust a twenty dollar bill for admittance and popcorn for two people and you haven’t taken into account the cost for gasoline and the wear and tear on the family buggy. What to do?
Don’t fall back on the couch and watch that big screen that has somehow managed to deliver everything that has become important to you and most of your family. Instead do what your grandparents did before television and computer games inserted themselves into every corner of their lives and brain containers. To further clarify, for those of you lost in space or just spaced-out, I’ve lifted a little content from “Radio Lovers.Com” to better explain where we’re going.
“We offer hundreds of vintage radio shows for you to listen to online in mp3 format, all for free. Before the days of video games, shopping malls, MTV, and the Internet, families used to sit in their living room each night to listen to radio shows such as Superman, Groucho Marx, The Avenger, Gunsmoke, Sherlock Homes, and many others. When TV become popular in the 1950’s, most of these shows went off the air, but they now live on at websites such as this one and on weekly nostalgia radio broadcasts worldwide.”
Find yourself one or more URLs that will direct you to “old time radio shows” which can be downloaded to an IPOD© or an MP3 player for a listening time of your choice. If you wish you can listen from your computer, but knowing that you would want to get outside for fresh air, exercise and Starbucks, I listed the players first.
To help you get started, here’s one of the most extensive and free download sites to be found http://www.radiolovers.com/There are many other sites for this kind of content, both free and fee. Just grab a Google and find them using old time radio show for the search term.
One last hint for the older crowd. This was really subterfuge meant for your eyes. Armed with in-depth information after listening to countless hours of old time radio, you should be able to answer the following question. Who ended his show with, “Good night, Mrs. Calabash … wherever you are.” And, why did he use the phrase? Using the preceding information will allow you to enjoy life a little more and actually force you to be secure in your oldness. Maybe we can look at it as the first step in the “12 Step Program To Growing Old And Almost Liking It.” Nah!
In any event, check it out, young or old. Nostalgia does not have to mean “a wistful or excessively sentimental yearning for return to or of some past period or irrecoverable condition” as Webster would say.�