Archive for Edgewood
On The Road Again – After A Few Bumps
by John Weckerle
As our readers know, your editor suffered a rear-end collision about two and a half weeks ago, which among other things resulted in the total loss of my 1996 Jeep Cherokee. I am still experiencing some neck, shoulder, and back pain, and trying to schedule a follow-up with my doctor, assuming he can see me relatively soon. But that’s not what we’re here to talk about today – we’re here to talk about the search for a new vehicle.
We’d like to thank Sharon of Prudential InterMountain, her friend Mark Wiggins (owner of Casa Chevrolet, Casa Jeep/Chrysler, etc.), the folks at Rich Ford in Edgewood, and those at the Kia dealership on Lomas; while we didn’t end up buying a car from any of them, they were all friendly, very helpful, and exerted no pressure. We’d also like to thank Russ Hayes at Prudential for his help. »» On The Road Again – After A Few Bumps
Music Festival A Success
by John Weckerle
Headliner John McCutcheon performs at this year's Wildlife West Music Festival
This year’s Wildlife West Music Festival was an unprecedented success, according to Wildlife West Nature Park founder and director Roger Alink.
According to Mr. Alink, the festival broke even for the first time since the Town of Edgewood suddenly terminated financial support last year, leaving the Park bound by contracts with entertainers and plagued by a 50% hole in the budget. The community rallied to the Park’s support, donating money and flea market items and purchasing raffle tickets on a custom mandolin, among other prizes. The Town’s decision – which, in the opinions of many (including this publication), was a policy or political decision wrapped in the anti-donation clause’s clothing – was hotly contested. Since that time, some Town officials seem to have come to appreciate the Park to a greater degree – Mayor Bob Stearley donated two pies for the pie auction, and Town Council member John Abrams was spotted enjoying John McCutcheon’s afternoon performance. Photos of some of the performances can be seen on Wildlife West’s music festival page.
The success of this year’s festival is significant because it shows that the Park can attract nationally – and, in the case of Mr. McCutcheon, internationally – recognized performers without the need for extensive governmental funding. We at NM-Central would like to express our appreciation to those who have supported the Park to date and helped to keep the music festivals alive.
Everybody Loves A Parade…
by John Weckerle
…Except maybe those who don’t go to them.
The Town of Edgewood kicked off its 10th birthday celebration with its second major annual parade. Coordinated with the Edgewood Chamber of Commerce, the parade was a huge success. Participants marched along Route 66 from the Mail and Copy location eastward to the Red Arrow campground, waving and tossing goodies to the kids (some of them pretty big) in the crowd along the sidwalks. Local dignitaries and state officials were joined by the Pinto Pride Marching band; equestrian and cowboy shooting groups; law enforcement and rescue organizations; miniature horses; donkeys; tractors; trucks; floats; a variety of costumed characters; clowns; and “wild animals” representing Wildlife West Nature Park. For those who missed the parade, or who would like to see highlights to remind them of the fun they had, we’ve prepared a short photo slide show.
Ready…Set…Wait For It
by John Weckerle
It’s almost here – the Annual Music Festival at Wildlife West Nature Park, this Friday through Sunday. Featuring a Barn Dance Friday night and 22 shows on two stages over two days, this is the East West Mountains/Estancia Valley’s biggest music event of the year. This year’s headliner – internationally renowned folk musician John McCutcheon – is joined by nationally recognized bands The Badly Bent and Dave Firestine & Round The House, as well as the cowboy and Western stylings of Syd Masters and other bands of statewide renown. More information can be found on the Wildlife West music festival page, and of course tickets can be purchased online. The lucky winner of Sunday’s fiddle contest will receive a violin donated by Encore Music. »» Ready…Set…Wait For It
Ride For The Blind – A Dream Come True For Kids
by John Weckerle
Yesterday saw a new event in Edgewood – the first annual Ride for the Blind fundraiser at the Equestrian Park subdivision on NM-344. This year’s fundraiser, organized by Russ and Phyllis Hayes of Prudential Sandia InterMountain Real Estate of Edgewood, provided an opportunity for young blind people to ride horses and take carriage rides throughout the subdivision. This year’s event benefitted Walkin N Circles Ranch, an Edgewood horse rescue charity.
Having watched the young people riding that day, Mr. Hayes commented on how rewarding it was to watch the participants ride: “The kids are excited and a little scared when they mount up, but by the time they make the first trip around the corral, they’re grinning from ear to ear.”
Yesterday’s event included music by Jimbo, who did a great job performing songs that lent a festive air to the activities. Shorty’s Barbecue of Moriarty was on hand with its traditional offerings; Walkin N Circles was selling ice cream; and Prudential Sandia InterMountain Real Estate had water and cookies on hand. The program started at about 10 a.m., and riding opportunities continued to about 2 p.m. »» Ride For The Blind – A Dream Come True For Kids
Accident Takes Life Of Edgewood Teen
by John Weckerle
We received e-mail messages from Edgewood Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Friday Robin Foshee regarding an automobile accident that took the life of Ariel O’Dwyer of Edgewood last Tuesday. Tyler O’Dwyer, Ariel’s brother, and Michelle Popkes were very seriously injured in the crash. Ms. Foshee has set up a memorial fund (“O’Dwyer Memorial”) at Sandia Laboratories Federal Credit Union. Donations may be made at any SLFCU branch. For more information, contact Ms. Foshee at 286-2577.
Edgewood Energy Planning Needs More Diverse Approach
by John Weckerle
This week’s local newspapers are abuzz with discussion of controversies surrounding proposals to encourage alternative energy capabilities in Edgewood, New Mexico. As in the past, the discussion seems focused primarily on wind energy, with proponents seeking to find a way to allow residents to place wind turbines on their properties. Solar technologies appear to remain an afterthought, as do energy-efficiency upgrades. With the exception of some comments from Town Councilor Brad Hill quoted in The Independent, there appears to be little thought given to a balanced approach to energy and developing a comprehensive energy management strategy that could produce the desired benefits with a minimum of dispute. The public discussion has focused almost entirely on wind issues, and review of the minutes of the Town Council, Planning and Zoning Committee, and Energy Committee meetings available online provides no indication that other alternative energy sources have ever been seriously discussed – this in spite of the fact that Town Council and P&Z Committee members have expressed concerns about the apparently nearly-exclusive focus on wind. We have been critical of this approach in the past (see our February 6, 2009 article), and remain so. »» Edgewood Energy Planning Needs More Diverse Approach
Something Musical This Way Comes
by John Weckerle
As August approaches, so does this year’s music festival at Wildlife West Nature Park. Featuring such acts as John McCutcheon, the Badly Bent, Dave Firestine and Round the House, and Syd Masters & The Swing Riders among many others, the festival will provide plenty of opportunities for listening and other fun – and, of course, access to the zoo. The festival is being held at the same time as the Town of Edgewood’s Run, Rally and Rock celebration, a cooperative effort between the Town and the Chamber of Commerce, and shuttles will reportedly make it easy to get to and from both events. For more information on the music festival, see the Wildlife West Nature Park site.
While we’re on the subject, we’d like to remind our readers that the Park is still in need of donations to help support its continued operation. Wildlife West provides outstanding educational opportunities for people of all ages, and employment for many of our local young people during the summer. Donations can be made by credit card on the Park’s web site, and of course they can accept checks through the mail and cash in person. If you can afford it, we ask that you consider donating what you can – donations of any size will help.
Un-Muddying The Waters
by John Weckerle
We have received additional information on the status of the Edgewood sewer project. According to our source, the 180-day clock did not, in fact, start as of the date of Mayor Bob Stearley’s previously-referenced letter to The Independent, and will not start in the immediate future. Rather, the Council must formally award the contract, after which paperwork associated with contractual relationships between the Town and the contractor would be processed and the contractor would have to be bonded. The 180-day clock, therefore, would not begin until sometime in early August and would, theoretically, run out in February/March 2010, missing the Mayor’s March prediction that it would be completed this year. »» Un-Muddying The Waters
Edgewood Projects Progress, But More Planning Needed
by John Weckerle
In this week’s edition of The Independent, Edgewood Mayor Bob Stearley updates us on the status of a number of Town projects. We have a few thoughts on what we read in The Independent.
First, we’d like to suggest that the Town post these status reports on its web site rather than relying exclusively on the local newspapers to distribute the information. That way, it would be easier to peruse the information at later dates. This should be a relatively simple task.
With respect to content, we note that Mr. Stearley had already reported the completion of the sign ordinance (see our March 27 article) in a Guest View in the Mountainview Telegraph. Most of the other projects discussed are in the planning stage. We are glad to see that the Town now has a full complement of police officers. The sewer presents an interesting challenge: the latest update is that construction is anticipated to take 180 days – and there were only 190 days left in the year as of the date of Mr. Stearley’s letter to The Independent (Mr. Stearley had previously indicated that the sewer would be completed this year). That leaves little leeway for delays. We have not heard yet whether rates had been set, an effort that was also underway in March. »» Edgewood Projects Progress, But More Planning Needed
On Appointments and Administration
by John Weckerle
The agenda for the June 17 Edgewood Town Council meeting contains an agenda item: Appointment of Ms. Karen Mahalick as Town Administrator. The selection of a Town Administrator has been a controversial issue in Edgewood in the past, and this time around appears likely to follow in that tradition.
Ms. Mahalick currently serves as the Town’s planning and zoning director. We do not currently have access to information on Ms. Mahalick’s qualifications for the position. However, we will note that former Town Councilor Chuck Ring, who has been watching this issue closely, has indicated that there are a number of apparent justifications being presented for this appointment (see Chuck’s blog article). Briefly, these are: »» On Appointments and Administration
Star Party at Wildlife West Nature Park
by John Weckerle
The Town of Edgewood will host a Star Party at Wildlife West Nature Park in Edgewood Saturday, June 12, starting at 8 p.m. Area astronomers from the East Mountain Stargazers will be on hand with some impressive telescopes to show attendees such sites as Saturn’s rings, the Hubble Space Telescope, satellites, meteors, and more. As always with the Star Parties held at Wildlife West, popcorn and cider will be provided. The slide show for this event will be the NASA Cosmos presentation, and the festivities will include the “Who Wants To Be An Astronaut” Game. All participants will be provided with a star map and a satellite flyover schedule.
The event will be held at Wildlife West Nature Park’s Bean Barn. For more information and a look at the sky map for June 12, see the event flyer.
Edgewood Town Council Meeting Canceled
by John Weckerle
Those interested in such issues as the Edgewood budget, scheduled public hearings, and other Town-related issues should be aware that tomorrow night’s Town Council meeting has been canceled. According to an e-mail message from Estefanie Muller, Edgewood’s Town Clerk, “the June 3rd meeting has been canceled due to lack of a quorum. The next regularly scheduled meeting is June 17th at 6:30 p.m. at the Edgewood Community Center.” It is unclear whether items on the June 3rd agenda will be carried through to the next meeting.
Public Service Announcement: Wildlife Safe Passage Meeting Tomorrow
by John Weckerle
We have received word from Linda Hill that the New Mexico Department of Transportation will be holding a meeting on Wildlife Safe Passage from Tijeras to Edgewood tomorrow at 4:30 p.m. at Wildlife West Nature Park’s Bean Barn. Wildlife Safe Passage uses a combination of tactics – fencing, underpasses, etc. to help prevent wildlife from crossing highways such as Interstate 40 and being struck by vehicles. Wildlife Passage also helps reduce the impacts of highways on animal migration, reproduction, foraging, access to water, and other ecologically essential activities. A similar effort was undertaken in Tijeras Canyon, where the DOT worked with the City of Albuquerque and local groups such as the Tijeras Canyon Safe Passage Coalition and others.
For a map and directions to Wildlife West, see the Park’s map & directions page.
New Edgewood Outdoor Market Opens Next Month
by Kelly Krauth
When I was younger, one of my favorite Saturday morning events was a trip to the farmer’s market. Wandering through the booths, picking and choosing my “prizes” for the week was something that I looked forward to. As we look towards doing our part in the fight for a “green” community, the revitalization of the local market seems a wise choice.
On June 13th, the Edgewood “Arts and Organics Market” will open on the corner of Rt 66 and 344. As the name implies we will offer a variety of organic fruits, vegetables, nuts, honey, and eggs as well as the crafts and products of local artisans. We are seeking all facets of vendors as we wish to offer enough variety to have something for everyone. Growers, Artists, Canners, Bakers, Crafters, musicians and anyone else that has a marketable product that is produced locally is welcome to join us!
The market will be open every Saturday from 9:00 – 1:00 through September. For more vending or other information, call Shari at 235-8285.