There’s Nothing Like A Martin
by John Weckerle
As we return from last week’s hiatus in New Jersey, one last experience worthy of note remains: a trip to the C.F. Martin guitar factory in Nazareth, Pennsylvania. We won’t go into extensive detail, here, as there is a substantial amount of information on the Martin Guitar site. However, we did grab a few photos and learn a few interesting things about guitar making that might be worth passing on. Visiting the factory, and taking the tour, was a great experience and highly recommended to those who want to know how these great instruments are made.
The factory includes a museum that traces the history of Martin guitars from the youth of Christian Frederick Martin (the first, of course; C.F. Martin IV currently runs the company), his emigration to the United States, early years in business in New York, and the move to Pennsylvania. This is separate from the factory tour, which lasts about an hour. Because of the noise in the factory, the tour guide speaks through radio headsets, which was very helpful. Each stage of creating a guitar, from selecting materials to the finishing touches, is covered, although not exactly in a step-by-step manner. »» There’s Nothing Like A Martin
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.
New Military Support Group Being Formed
By Bob Steiner
Recently, a group of veterans, active military personnel, related family members, and other interested citizens from the Estancia Valley have met with the goal of forming an organization to assist members of our military community in areas not presently addressed by other support agencies. As yet unnamed, the group included several Vietnam vets, a representative from New Mexico Veteran’s Affairs, and an 87 year “young” Word War II Infantryman.
Initially, there may only be a few sponsors for the group. Involvement by almost any civic, church, civic, or other veteran’s organizations would ,however, be welcome. Non-veterans and individual citizens are encouraged to participate in the group.
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.
Trains, Planes, and Automobiles
by John Weckerle
We join you today “from the road.” Well, trains, planes and automobiles are, in fact, something we spent some time with yesterday, at the Northlandz, Home of the Great American Railway in Flemington, New Jersey. Billed as the largest model train layout in the world, Northlandz may be just that. With about a 1-mile tour and 8 miles of track, the museum boasts hills of up to 30 feet. The level of detail is, in some cases, truly impressive, and there is both a sense of history and a sense of humor embodied in the presentation. We recommend stopping by if you are in the neighborhood.
Edgewood’s Law Enforcement Meltdown
by John Weckerle
In this week’s issues of the Mountain View Telegraph and The Independent, articles appeared reporting the resignation of Edgewood Police Chief Paul Welch. According to the articles, factors leading to the Chief’s departure include problems with standard operating procedures, as well as issuing equipment and ammunition.
The Telegraph article suggests mismanagement of equipment and ammunition. This would, on the surface appear inexcusable – but without hearing the other side of the story, it is not clear how this came to pass. Of significant interest is the discussion of the development of procedures. According to the Telegraph, Mr. Welch filed a draft of the procedures on June 1, 2008. The article also states: “Stearley said he required the chief to turn in a set of procedures before the first officer was hired, but didn’t have the work reviewed until recently.” The Town’s attorney reportedly saw problems with the procedures, which lead, supposedly, to the Chief’s resignation.
It seems inconceivable that such a critical issue was essentially left ignored for such a length of time, and allowed to build to a crisis. Questions that must be asked and answered are many, but should certainly include an examination of just why the procedures were not reviewed “until recently.” Mr. Welch’s side of this story should also be heard. It is one thing to be negligent in developing vital policies, but quite another to attempt to do so and be hogtied by bureaucratic inattention. Without access to Mr. Welch’s resignation letter – which, according to the article in The Independent, the town refused to release – it is impossible to ascertain the facts of the matter. »» Edgewood’s Law Enforcement Meltdown
Good Morning
by John Weckerle
Yesterday’s “storm” may not have left us much in the way of moisture, but at least it dropped a good sunrise on us on its way out.
Grow Your Own – Ready…Set…Wait For It…
by John Weckerle
As the sprouting vegetables continue growing and requiring larger pots, we turn our thoughts briefly outdoors again with a longing eye turned toward the coming Spring. With that in mind, I decided to prepare the next experiment – a mini-greenhouse made of plastic wrapped and taped over the existing PVC hoop and chicken wire structure. To do this, I simply set the roll of plastic sheeting on the ground at one end and pulled the plastic up over the other, leaving a little extra on each side, and made a straight cut along the edge of the roll. Then I unfolded the plastic, and voila! – perfect fit (whew). A little folding, a little tape, and a couple of rocks, and we have a tiny greenhouse that, in theory, should allow me to plant earlier than would otherwise be the case. One modification – a little observation/ventilation flap in the top – remains to be completed, and I need to pick up a thermometer for monitoring purposes. The entire enterprise took about 15 to 20 minutes, with just one person. »» Grow Your Own – Ready…Set…Wait For It…
Everyone Knows It’s Windy
by John Weckerle
(Editor’s Note: Your editor has made much of his living over the last couple of decades in the area of assessing environmental impacts of various projects and programs. He has worked both sides of the fence in this area, and has worked and continues to work with Federal agencies preparing National Environmental Policy Act documents and providing support for compliance with this law. He supports the appropriate use of renewable energy, has done work with clients in both the renewable energy and green building industries, and is a member of the New Mexico Chapter of the U.S. Green Building Council.)
The winds of change are blowing strong – and the breeze of discourse has reached gale force, at least in the editorial pages of recent editions of The Independent. From opponents of unrestricted windmill construction expressing outrage to windmill advocates indulging in a little name-calling as they attempt to make their point, it seems likely that the Spring winds normally scheduled for March are starting early and roaring across the plain, or at least the publications serving it, giving us the opportunity to take a metaphor and whip it to death like a flag in a tornado.
First, let us be clear: this subject is very complex and very important, and it is important that we conduct the discourse seriously, with a willingness to consider all factors, and with respect for those with whom we may disagree on the subject. The discussion has already taken at least one unfortunate turn where that is concerned – we refer to the letter by Douglas Mercer in the January 4 issue of The Independent, in which Mr. Mercer characterizes the objections of Tim Oden (letter opposing windmills in the January 28 edition) as “outdated and antiquated” and “the very sort of shallow consideration “attitude” that has gotten our country into the trouble it’s in today.” Mr. Mercer then goes on to blithely dismiss the potential effects of windmills on visual resources and property values – issues of great importance to local residents and property owners – as irrelevant. Shallow is as shallow does, we suppose, but we encourage a more comprehensive consideration of the subject by all parties.
The fact that Mr. Mercer believes residential wind power generation is more important than socioeconomic factors and that Mr. Oden places more value on the latter points out a crucial need to address a broad spectrum of issues. As before, we recommend development of a comprehensive study of the relevant issues, including socioeconomics, and analysis of reasonable alternatives by QUALIFIED PROFESSIONALS as a precursor to any development of a plan, strategy, or ordinance to bring Edgewood into the renewable energy age. We concede the point that windmills have many beneficial attributes, providing a renewable and relatively “clean” source of energy that can be adapted to both centralized and distributed energy production. However, there are other issues to consider. Let’s take a brief look at a few of the relevant factors. »» Everyone Knows It’s Windy
Gimme Shelter – Part 1
by John Weckerle
(Editor’s Note: Chuck Ring contributed substantially to this article)
In a January 22 article on outlining financial problems faced by the Moriarty-Edgewood School District, Mountain View Telegraph writer Lee Ross reports on apparent consternation among the local school board members regarding the new Estancia Valley Regional Animal Shelter proposed to be located in Edgewood’s Section 16, south of Edgewood Middle School. According to the article, Moriarty-Edgewood School Superintendent stated: “I honestly did not have any idea that this was going into place.”
Excuse me?
As pointed out by former Town Council member and animal friend Chuck Ring, the regional animal shelter has been the subject of at least 13 articles in the Telegraph alone, all but one of which mentions Section 16 as the location for the facility. One would expect that elected officials would keep abreast of issues affecting the interests of the District, and that District personnel would be scanning the news for such issues and reporting back to the school board. Further, a naming contest was held in coordination with the school district, and Ms. Couch reportedly participated directly in that effort. »» Gimme Shelter – Part 1
What About Section 16? Again?
By Bob Steiner
According to the advance agenda notification for the Edgewood town council meeting on Wednesday, Feb 4, one of the the items to be discussed is property acquisition. For a variety of reasons such discussions are held in a closed session. The mayor, town council members, and staff “retreat” to an adjacent room where the matter is considered without potential “discordant” input from the audience. Ultimately. if a decision is made in the “back room” to recommend purchase of real property, the matter would be scheduled as an agenda item for a “forthcoming” council meeting and the transaction would be voted on by the council. While the procedure described does not really bother me, recent actions by the town cause me to want to “view” any potential real estate transactions with a critical eye.
Specifically, the area known as section 16 was designated as the eventual location for the Edgewood town’s municipal complex shortly after the town was incorporated in 1999. Over the years a 12 acre parcel of land was purchased to be the nucleus of the center and options to purchase adjoining property were negotiated with other entities, including the state land office. Extensive planning for roads and buildings at the site have been developed.
Edgewood COW Award Nominations Due February 3
by John Weckerle
The Town of Edgewood is soliciting nominations for their Community On the Way (COW) awards honoring volunteers who have worked to the benefit of the Town of Edgewood. These annual awards recognize those who have given of their time and energy for the good of the Edgewood community. Nomination forms may be downloaded or picked up either at the Town offices or the local Chamber of Commerce office and must be submitted to either location by February 3. The award ceremony and potluck dinner, to be hosted by KOB TV’s Steve Stucker, will be held at the Edgewood Middle School on February 20, 2009 at 6:30 p.m. For more information on the awards, locations where forms may be obtained and/or dropped off, see the nomination form and flyer or contact the Town office at (505) 286-4518. The Town’s fax number is (505) 286-4519.
Fire & Emergency Response Training Coming In March
by John Weckerle
The East Mountain Interagency Fire Protection Association (EMIFPA) will hold its 2009 Spring Wildfire and Emergency Response Training Events from March 7 to 8, 2009 in Tijeras. Events will include a two day training”focused specifically on Initial Attack/transition to Type Three Team Organization. Each agency will be responsible for nominating their people…” EMIFPA will also work with local community members, providing a one-day training event for wildlfire preparedness, fire risk reduction around homes, and evacuation on March 7. There is room for 100 students, and nominations are due by February 6. Candidates will be notified by February 19 regarding acceptance. Community members must reserve their space with Sue Hansen of the Ciudad Soil and Water Conservation District. For more information, see the event notice, and for more information on area fire training, see the EMIFPA training page.
Given the re-emergence of La Nina in the Pacific Ocean, this is likely to be a dry spring, and that means increased risk of wildfire. This training may be a good opportunity for residents unfamiliar with fire risk management to learn about strategies that may save lives and property.
Grow Your Own – A Winter Update
by John Weckerle
Preparation for this year’s micro-agricultural pursuits are proceeding. We have now sprouted lettuce, tomatoes (beefsteak and cherry), yellow squash, string beans, kale, Swiss chard, arugula, basil, green onions, cilantro, brussels sprouts, and snow peas. So far, only the green bell peppers have not sprouted. The snow peas are furthest along, with the largest now nearly two feet high and the other two not far behind. The string beans (bush, not vine) only sprouted a few days ago, but had to be removed from the starting trays because they were pushing the top off – a familiar occurrence. »» Grow Your Own – A Winter Update
Beef Cattle Producers Workshop Coming To Moriarty
by John Weckerle
The New Mexico State University Santa Fe and Torrance County Cooperative Extension Service Offices will hold a beef cattle producers workshop at the Moriarty Civic Center on Tuesday, February 3 from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. The workshop is intended for both small and large producers, and specialists and professional staff will be available for one-on-one consultation. Topics will include loco weed infestation, beef management, health, marketing, and much more. Lunch will be provided. Those who wish to attend should contact the Torrance County Cooperative Extension Service at 246-4745 or the Santa Fe County Cooperative Extension Service at 471-4711. Your editor will not be attending; the flier includes a cartoon with the message “Save A Cow, Eat A Vegetarian” and, where lunch is concerned, I’d rather see one than be one.