Make up your mind

This week one Angel Fire resident said he thought the village should build a Museum of Artist’s Renderings. He was looking forward with pleasure to seeing the artist’s renderings of the new facility.
We know how he feels. The new country club, Plaza del Sol, the reworking of the facade at the Resort hotel, the planned new high school, the new visitor center at Eagle Nest Lake, the new recreation complex: we have some beautiful drawings, don’t we?
Unfortunately, these things do take time, and money, and perhaps most of all, thought.
That was why it was so interesting to sit in this week on the various presentations, particularly those of the village Recreation Committee, which is in charge of building the new recreation facility (if voters approve the new lodgers’ fee), and the charrette on the plaza that is the heart of the Plaza del Sol.
This is a time of hope, and promise, and tough decisions, all of which we believe this community should relish.
This is a chance not just to brainstorm, but to dream.
What do you want this community to look like — to feel like — in 25 years? You now have an opportunity to decide, to foreordain what kind of community we and our children will live in.
One more point needs to be made: this process is just like voting. You have a right to participate, but no one’s going to force you. But please, if you don’t participate, don’t complain when it’s all said and done.

While we’re on the subject...
The Chronicle unreservedly supports the construction of the New Mexico Veterans Museum in Angel Fire. The Enchanted Circle draws 1.5 million visitors annually; 40,000 of those visit the Vietnam Memorial State Park. Many, if not most of the visitors to the park are visibly moved by the experience.
The state can choose to share in and broaden the sacred spirit that animates the Memorial. We hope the members of the Veterans Memorial Task Force will recognize this extraordinary opportunity to serve and honor those who by their service have honored us.

From the desk of the Mayor

(Editor’s Note: This is the fourth column published as part of a new series written by area mayors and other elected officials. Each official will provide readers with comments quarterly.)

We are in full swing in the middle of a busy summer, and things are hopping in Red River. Business is good and with the rain and cool temperatures we are under no fire restrictions. Summer is always a busy time for our town and this has been no exception. With the economy suffering some ups and downs, we are very pleased to report that our gross receipts taxes are up almost five percent for the year.
Current Projects
We are in the middle of repaving Jacks & Sixes Trail and will soon start on Claim Jumper Trail with our Grip II money. We received $100,000 for a remodel of town hall during the 2007 legislative session and are currently working on completely redoing the bathrooms in the Visitor Center, a much-needed project.
We have begun construction on a new fire station and hope to have it completed by winter. This is being funded with $650,000 from legislative appropriations and will be a welcome home to several pieces of fire equipment that have had to be outside during the last couple of winters. We are also getting ready to go out for bid for a new aerial ladder truck.
The state is planning to construct six heliports in remote areas over the next year, and Red River will be the first one. Bids have been awarded and we should see work begun in the next couple of weeks. The plan is for completion by the end of September. This will provide a vital link to Red River for fire and emergency medical services. It will also be a public heliport and will require pre-approval for landing.
Fortunately, the gas prices have not seemed to hurt our tourist business this season, but we recognize the hardship it is putting on our employees. We are currently working with the village of Questa to begin bus service between Questa and Red River. We have a tentative schedule and are hoping to start this service in the near future.
Our audit for 2007-08 fiscal year has been scheduled for September.
Rebecca Latham, our Tourism and Economic Development Director, has been working with a consultant to help Red River become a Certified Community. We are in the process of updating our ED ordinance and forming an Economic Development Organization to help accomplish this.
Ongoing events and activities
The Community House has been very active this summer with over 300 different activities offered for our locals and tourists to enjoy. From movies on the lawn, live music, campfires with s’mores and hotdogs to hikes, there is always something fun and free for families.
The Chamber of Commerce has also had a busy summer with several successful events. They are currently planning for the Century Bike Tour and Aspencade in September and Octoberfest the first weekend in October. Our town council and Chamber board had a joint meeting July 17 to work on plans to improve coordination for special events. We are very fortunate to have a good working relationship with our Chamber.
Upcoming events
Our 6th annual “Hot Chili Days, Cool Mountain Nights” Chili Cook-off and Music Festival will be August 14-16. This event continues to grow every year.
On July 24th we will be hosting a retirement party for Jake Pierce and Judy Brunson. Judy has been with the town for 18 years as our Town Clerk and Jake for 20 years as Town Administrator. I would like to invite everyone to stop in and wish them well on their retirement. The party will begin at 5:30 p.m. at the Conference Center and we will be serving a barbecue dinner. This would be a great opportunity to visit Red River. It should be a fun evening and the end of an era for Red River. Jake and Judy will both be missed at Town Hall.
Russell Church is our new Town Administrator. He started February 1 and we have had a very smooth transition. Georgiana Rael will take over as Town Clerk August 1st. She has been working as the Finance Director.
The Town of Red River has an incredible group of people working for us, and I am very honored to be able to work with them as Mayor.

—Linda Calhoun, Mayor, Red River

 

Three projects to support

Tom Bowles, Angel Fire

(Editor’s note: the following is a letter from Angel Fire Chamber of Commerce president Tom Bowles to chamber members — and to the Angel Fire community.)

I hope you are enjoying the beautiful Angel Fire summer weather, and that your business is picking up with the official arrival of the summer season.
I am writing to let you know about three projects the Chamber is participating in, and how you may assist the effort.

Project 1
As you may be aware, both Dixie Cawthorne and Linda Couhig resigned from their positions at the Village Tourism Department leaving no one to staff the official visitor’s center. Due to the fact that much of Angel Fire’s revenues generate from tourism-related activities, the Chamber and Village felt it necessary to figure out a solution to maintain a visitor’s center in town. Along with the support of the Village’s Economic Development Committee, the Chamber was awarded a short-term contract to operate the “official” visitor’s center until the end of September. This is a temporary patch, and we are not expecting it to be long term.
The Village’s Economic Development Committee, originally created in the fall of 2007, is filing paperwork to officially incorporate, thereby creating the Angel Fire Area Economic Development Group. The AFAEDG and the Chamber will be working side-by-side to strengthen and expand the business community. One of the huge benefits of aligning with this new group is that the soon-to-be-hired CEO will direct both organizations. Comprised of two members from the Chamber, two from the Resort, two from the Village, and a seat held by the CEO, the AFAEDG will operate the Angel Fire Tourism Department and visitor’s center, among other duties.
Although all of this alphabet soup may be confusing, this is an exciting time for the Chamber. We have the opportunity to once again have a CEO (director), and focus on YOU, our members. The Village, Resort, and Chamber have all been working diligently to create a new structure that will benefit the entire community, and in turn, put more money in your pocket. All three parties are working well together, and we seem to share a similar vision for the future of Angel Fire.

Project 2
Speaking of putting money in your pocket, gas prices have alerted us all to the high expense of traveling outside the valley for goods. I’ve talked with a number of people who have been surprised as to the quantity and quality of goods in the valley after they decided to look here first. Keeping our dollars local will save you time, money, and increase the economic health of our businesses. The increase in local revenues will increase the amount of GRT collected which should, in turn, increase the services from the Village.
The Chamber board is dedicated to creating a “buy local” program that will benefit its members. We are currently examining a number of models from other communities, and tailoring them to meet the needs of Angel Fire. While our organized program has yet to officially begin, please keep your dollars local.

Project 3
As you may have read in last week’s Sangre de Cristo Chronicle, Angel Fire will be presenting an opportunity to host the New Mexico Veterans Museum. Governor Richardson has assembled a committee of 20 to evaluate the different locations. The Vietnam Veterans Memorial, Village, Resort, County, and Chamber are collaborating to create an outstanding presentation that will hopefully land this $10 million museum in Angel Fire.
As a community we need to show unified support for the placement of the museum in Angel Fire. We are asking you to write a letter of support on your letterhead, or to attend the presentation, or both. Please deliver your letter of support to the Angel Fire Chamber of Commerce by Friday, July 25. We will include all letters received in the presentation on July 30.
The New Mexico Veterans Museum is a wonderful opportunity for Angel Fire and the Enchanted Circle. Please take time to support this endeavor.
We will be presenting on July 30 (Wednesday) at 3:30 p.m. at the National Hispanic Cultural Center in Albuquerque.
If you are interested in traveling via group or bus transportation to Albuquerque for this presentation please call the Angel Fire Chamber at 377-6661 by Friday, July 25.
If you are planning to drive, the address is: National Hispanic Cultural Center, 1701 4th Street SW, Albuquerque, NM 87102. The phone number is 505-246-2261.
Thank you for supporting the Angel Fire Chamber of Commerce. We are working hard to make your business better.

Editor’s note: Tom Bowles is president of the Angel Fire Chamber of Commerce and owner of The Roasted Clove restaurant in Angel Fire.

 

 

Speak up!

The Chronicle welcomes all viewpoints, pro and con, on this or any other important issue. E-mail, news@sangrechronicle.com; fax, 575-377-2679; or U.S. mail, P.O. Drawer 209, Angel Fire, NM 87710. Please limit word count to 500 – 750 words and include background information about yourself along with a phone number should we have questions.