Archive for Edgewood
Happy Birthday, New Mexico Central!
by John Weckerle
It hardly seems possible that, just a year ago today, NM-Central.com sprang into being. A lot has happened over the past year, and we thought it might be entertaining to take a stroll down memory lane, look over our early stories, and see what, if anything, has changed.
Our debut article – Will the Grinches steal Edgewood’s music festival? – discussed the Town of Edgewood’s decision to abruptly cut all its funding for the annual music festival at Wildlife West Nature Park. The pretext for this decision had to do with the Town’s position that funding the event represented a violation of the State anti-donation clause, an assertion that we disputed then and still dispute today. Because the funding was terminated after the Park had signed contracts with the performers, the Park had no choice but to produce the event under its own steam. The community came together and, with donations and other funds raised, the festival almost – but not quite – broke even. The financial strain from this situation, coupled with the subsequent economic downturn, have put the Park in a state of difficulty, and we again ask that people consider making donations at the Park’s web site. This year’s music festival, featuring nationally acclaimed folk performer John McCutcheon, promises to be a top-notch event, and tickets can be purchased in advance on the Park web site. »» Happy Birthday, New Mexico Central!
Wildlife West Raptor Class
by John Weckerle
Did you know that the only birds in the world known to have any sense of smell are the kiwi and our own Turkey Vulture? This is just one of the many fascinanting facts attendees at Wildlife West Nature Park’s Bird Handling Class will learn. The Park will hold its Bird Handling Class on Saturday, June 13, 2009 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. The cost is $20, which is an outstanding value for a great day of learning about native raptors. For more information, see Wildlife West’s Bird Handling Class page and our June 9, 2008 article.
On another note: I recently met with Park officials who told me that donations were down significantly compared to last year; they didn’t have hard figures, but thought it might be as much as 65%. I was shocked to hear that the Park is currently borrowing money just to feed the animals. Folks, Wildlife West is an asset that all of us can enjoy and that provides employment and educational opportunities for our young people – and the rest of us. We’d like to remind everyone that memberships can be purchased and donations of any size made via the Park’s membership page. We know that times are tough, but even small donations – $5, $10, $20, etc. – can help Wildlife West continue to be the asset it has become. The Park also accepts corporate, music festival, and habitat sponsorships (corporate and music festival sponsorships may be purchased online, and habitat sponsorships may be purchased through coordination with the Park). For more information, contact the Park at 505-281-7655 or toll free at 877-981-9453, or visit the Wildlife West web site, roll your cursor over the “Support” button, and choose the link that interests you. Wildlife West is recognized by the IRS as a tax exempt 501(c)(3) organization, so your contributions are tax-deductible. Checks can be sent to:
Wildlife West Nature Park
P.O. Box Number 1359
Edgewood, NM 87015
As always, we encourage people to visit the Park – your entry fee also helps, and we think you’ll find the visit well worth the price of admission.
Edgewood Kite Festival and Green Energy Fair
by John Weckerle
The Town of Edgewood will hold its annual Green Energy and Kite Festival at Wildlife West Nature Park this Saturday and Sunday, May 2-3, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. The event includes kite flying contests; stunt kite demonstrations; and remote control gliders. Green energy and sustainable living demonstrations will be given including solar electricity; renewable energy; water harvesting (tours of Wildlife West’s water harvesting features); wind energy; biodiesel, hybrid; electric, and fuel cell vehicles; a solar oven; and solar-powered car kits. Workshops will be conducted on the T. Boone Pickens plan for restructuring the nation’s energy system, permaculture, and more. The Albuquerque Astronomical Society will be providing stunning views of the Moon and Sun, and there will be music from Trombone Troubadours and the Messangers Choir. The event also marks the debut of Wildlife West’s new Disc Golf Course. All the aforementioned events are free to the public and vendors.
In addition, inside the Park’s enhanced zoo (see the Park web site for admissions information), Artists for Wildlife West will hold their Pre-Mother’s Day Artistfaire. For more information, see the event flyer and the Wildlife West site, or contact Roger Holden, Edgewood Parks and Recreation Director, at (505) 286-4518 (e-mail: parksrec@edgewood-nm.gov).
Coincidence? We Think Not.
by John Weckerle
Update: I met with Wally Gordon after this article was written, and Mr. Gordon explained that the appearance of the subject material was inadvertent. The Independent printed a clarification of the source in their next edition.
We would like to point out to our readers the striking similarities between the story titled “Free concerts in Mountainair” on page 10 of the April 15, 2009 edition of The Independent and our article, “Spring Must Be Here…,” published a week earlier. We’d like to point out specifically that the similarities are very striking – as striking as striking can be. Apart from deletion of a couple of phrases and insertion of the word “concert” which was inadvertently omitted from one of our sentences, one might be tempted to think that The Independent’s article was simply lifted from NM-Central.com – without permission.
There is an old saying: “Imitation is the most sincere form of flattery.” In the case of published material, however, that particular brand of flattery is illegal. We’ve sent a “cease and desist” message via e-mail to The Independent’s editor, Wally Gordon, demanding payment and an apology. We will keep our readers posted (pun intended) regarding The Independent’s response. We’re not sure whether they’re reading their e-mail today, but we think it’s a pretty good bet that they’re reading this. We’d like to suggest that The Independent be a little more careful in this regard in the future – or similarities may not be the only things striking.
Spring Must Be Here…
by John Weckerle
The weather is warming up, and so are the musicians! For three consecutive Fridays starting April 17, the Mountainair 2009 Spring Concert Series will be presenting concerts at the Brazil Auditorium on Limit Street and Highway 60. The April 17 will feature Holy Water & Whiskey, with traditional, folk, bluegrass, gospel, Western, and other tunes. The New Mexico Marimba Band will present pop, jazz, and authentic Mexican marimba music on April 24. The Watermelon Mountain Jug Band will serve up a heaping helping of ragtime, country, bluegrass, some rock and roll, and a Spanish ranchera added for spice on May 1. All concerts start at 7 p.m. and involve one of our favorite four-letter words – free. For more information, see the Manzano Mountain Arts Council web site.
Also, don’t forget the Kite Fair and Green Energy Festival at Wildlife West Nature Park in Edgewood. There will be kites, kites, more kites, and vendors/demonstrators representing a wide variety of green energy and sustainable technologies and services – and much more. It’s a great outing and an opportunity to learn a thing or two! For more information, see the Wildlife West Kite Fair and Green Energy Festival page.
Circus Clarification
by John Weckerle
Two important bits of information regarding the upcoming Culpepper and Merriweather Circus. First, the circus will also be doing a show in Mountainair on Wednesday, April 8. For more information, see the announcement at Mountainair Annoucements. Second, according to new Edgewood Chamber Executive Director Julie Terrell, local schools and the Chamber will only benefit from ticket purchases made by Monday, April 6. Interested parties should contact the Chamber at 286-2577.
Is Forward Looking The Same As Looking Forward?
by John Weckerle
In a Mountain View Telegraph Guest View this week, as well as in The Independent, Edgewood Mayor Bob Stearley outlines some of the accomplishments of the first year of his tenure as Mayor and of the current Town Council’s term. While there has certainly been progress in some areas, some of these statements bear a little closer examination.
Among the accomplishments listed are passage of a new sign ordinance, relocation of the library, some unspecified progress on the sewer, and a projection that funds will be sought for other uses in the future.
On the subject of the sewer – Mr. Stearley writes: “The sewer system, which is designed to serve the Highway 66 business corridor, is due to be constructed this year. The project was delayed by the inability of the first contractor to do the work to the specifications contained in the bid package. In the next few weeks our engineer will provide the council with proposed sewer rates. I will be working on your behalf to set rates which are comparable to the rates set by other towns within commuting distance of Albuquerque.” We point out that Mayor Stearley stated in a June 19, 2008 Mountain View Telegraph Guest View that “We are currently working on setting the costs which users of the sewer will pay for sewer hook-ups and monthly sewer rates. The sewer should be in operation in January.” We have also seen no information regarding exactly what specifications the contractor was unable to satisfy. Further, rumors have surfaced that the western branch of the sewer will have to be redesigned because the New Mexico Department of Transportation will not grant an easement in the I-40 right-of-way – a potential pitfall that should have been exposed by the work of the design engineering firm. It seems a little unrealistic to suggest that the engineer has been working on setting rates since last June without having them ready. »» Is Forward Looking The Same As Looking Forward?
Stray Dogs and Cats In Jeopardy?
By Bob Steiner
With a 73% adoption rate, the town of Edgewood is presently doing a commendable job in saving the lives of dogs and cats brought in by town animal control staff. While the success of this program is largely due to the diligent efforts of Vicki Murphy and Mike Ring, the fact that the current temporary animal control facility is at a central, easily accessible location has been a contributing factor to the results achieved. Wisely, looking ahead to the time when the town would consolidate most of its functions at the municipal center at the area known as Section 16, the previous town administration recommended that the animal control facility be also located at that site. They recognized the importance of a central location and how it would impact on the number of potential “adoptive parents” visiting the facility.
Unfortunately, our present mayor seems to be uncomfortable with anything associated with the animal shelter or Section 16. He seems reluctant to initiate any action to get any of the projects at the future municipal complex moving. His lack of focus on the property has gotten another local blog to compare the area to the”promised land” in Old Testament biblical times. In that case the Israelis were forced to wander in the desert for many years because they hesitated to enter in when they had the chance. I truly wonder why WE are hesitating! How long will we wander?
A Bunch Of Clowns
by John Weckerle
Well, maybe we’re assuming something, but it seems like smoke and fire – where there’s a circus, there are usually clowns. The Culpepper & Merriweather Circus will be at the corner of Route 66 and NM 344 in Edgewood on Tuesday, April 7, 2009. The show is sponsored by the Edgewood Chamber of Commerce, and proceeds will be split between the Chamber and several area schools. Two show times are scheduled at 5:00 and 7:30 p.m. For more information, contact the Chamber at 286-2577 or the Circus at 1-866-BIG TOP 6.
Wildlife West Summer Job Application Date Changes
by John Weckerle
The deadline for applications for Wildlife West Nature Park’s Youth Conservation Corps positions has been extended to May 1, 2009. Young people ages 14 to 25 may apply. For more information on a great summer job opportunity, see the Park web site or contact Wildlife West at 281-7655.
Is There One Less Chamber In The “Gate?”
by John Weckerle
Yesterday, your editor met with Edgewood Chamber of Commerce president Kelly Krauth and briefly with Board member Renee Willes to discuss a variety of subjects related to the past, present and future of the Chamber. While much of that conversation is not ripe for publication, there are a few bits that bear examination.
Among the subjects we discussed are the Chamber’s plans for restructuring its relationships with other entities, and it appears that some good progress has been made in that direction. According to Ms. Krauth, the Chamber has already begun reaching out to the Town government and other organizations, and the effort has been well received. Edgewood Mayor Bob Stearley is reportedly working cooperatively with the Chamber on several initiatives, as is Town planning and zoning administrator Karen Mahalick. The Chamber is working in cooperation with the Estancia Valley Economic Development Association and the New Mexico Economic Development Department to present a small business workship featuring micro-lenders for immediate assistance for struggling businesses (we will post information on this workshop, scheduled for April 9, 2009 when it becomes available). »» Is There One Less Chamber In The “Gate?”
Walmart Comes Through For Nature Park, Education, Kids
by John Weckerle
Reminder: Applicants age 14 to 25 who wish to be considered for employment at Wildlife West under the Youth Conservation Corps program this summer must submit a resume and two references to the Park no later than March 15, 2009.
According to a press release received today, Wildlife West Nature Park in Edgewood has received a $25,000 educational grant from Walmart for youth development. The funding has made it possible for the Park to hire an educational director for the summer season to help coordinate such programs as the Youth Conservation Corps projects and Wildlife West’s many other educational initiatives. The New Mexico Wildlife Association, which administers Wildlife West, has selected Bradd Shulke, an East Mountain High School educator with a Master’s degree in ecology. Mr. Shulke has a broad background in education, and is certified in special education.
Given the fact that Wildlife West Nature Park is likely the only zoo in the world to be built by youth, this development is particularly exciting. For more information on the summer program and the grant, see the Park web site or contact Wildlife West at (505) 281-7655.
How Dry Should We Be?
by John Weckerle
Early in its history, the residents of what was then the Town of Edgewood reportedly placed a measure on the ballot to determine how the Town would handle alcohol sales. Also reportedly, the result was that alcohol sales were to be prohibited on Sunday.
Two issues arise after attempting to research the Town’s alcohol restrictions. First, and most easily dealt with, is that there appears to be no reference to such restrictions on the Town website. It is possible that we missed something, but we searched all the pages and all the ordinances available online for the word term “alcohol” and also searched those ordinances that seemed most likely to be relevant for the term “Sunday.” We also did a Google site search for terms including alcohol, package, and beverage. We found nothing regarding alcohol sales or Sunday restrictions. Either the restrictions were never formalized or the Town has not posted them on its web site for some reason. We believe that the Town of Edgewood should post all legal requirements and restrictions – including but not limited to ordinances, resolutions, policies, and procedures – on the Town website. »» How Dry Should We Be?
Lettergate Continues
by John Weckerle
In response to a New Mexico Inspection of Public Records Act request submitted January 13, I received a response from Edgewood’s Town Attorney, Marcus Rael, denying the request. The reason: it is his position that Chief Paul Welch’s resignation letter represents the initiation of a “settlement negotiation” resulting in the Chief’s departure, and therefore is not a “public record.” I consider this argument to be preposterous, and little more than a subterfuge to protect potentially embarrassing information from public scrutiny.
We agree with The Independent that this letter, which purportedly addresses potentially inappropriate actions on the part of elected officials, should be released immediately. The Town of Edgewood should put more effort into operating in an effective and transparent manner, and less effort into finding “clever” ways of camouflaging its actions.
As for the issue of whether the letter is a public record, Mr. Rael will have the opportunity to debate that with the Office of the New Mexico Attorney General; the complaint will be filed next week.
The Veternarian In That “Flying Machine”
By Bob Steiner
Living just South of the Airpark in East Edgewood for the last eleven years I have become accustomed to aircraft coming and going from the park’s landing strip. I have also gotten used to people asking me if I, too, had seen some of the weird aircraft that fly in this area. At times I almost had the impression that some of the pilots were trying to land on the roof of my double-wide. While most of the aircraft are of the small fixed wing single engine variety and belong to park residents, now and then military “Black Hawk” helicopters from Kirtland Air Base descend and pass slowly over the strip at low altitude, as if they were studying the site for future landings.
Recently, even the odd-looking Air Force “Osprey” has been venturing into our air space. This is an aircraft that has wings which enable it to fly like a fixed wing airplane but also has two large helicopter rotors which allow it to take off and land like a helicopter. Having spent some years with military aviation units, courtesy of the U.S. Army, I thought that I had seen about everything that could fly. Then some three years ago a really weird “machine” made its presence known.