focus on carlsbad fall 2012

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An Olympian of the Heart | Man’s Best Friend | The Business of Volunteerism & More

Volunteerlife as aloVing

Kiwanis ClubCavegirl Basketball Boosters

Carlsbad Student Nurses AssociationCarlsbad High School Tennis

CHS Dance CompanyCarlsbad Community Chorale

Heights Lions ClubFall Festival

Nana’s Fire and Safety TrainingCHS Spirit Team

Just Dance Carlsbad Football BoostersCarlsbad Character Counts!

Loving AthleticsCarlsbad BPA

Carlsbad Fire DepartmentCarlsbad Chamber of Commerce

PR Levya Spirit TeamAlta Vista Basketball

Healthy WomanShorthorn League

Carlsbad Junior League AssociationMemorial Golf

Boys and Girls ClubUnited Way

Rio Pecos Tennis AssociationFriends of the living Desert

CASAPar 3 Senior Golf League

Eddy County Sherriff’s PosseCarlsbad Foundation

Fusion SoftballAmerican Cancer Society

Potsy Doss Gold TournamentCarlsbad National Little League

Cheryl’s School of DanceCarlsbad Caveman BaseballCavegirl Softball Boosters

Little CavemenGirl ScoutsBoy Scouts

Potash OpenCarlsbad Board of Realtors

Falcon FestClass Act

St. Edwards SchoolCHS Dance Boosters

Carlsbad Community ConcertCarlsbad RotaryMarch for Parks

Loving Little League

Community Minded...Just like you!

There’s all kinds of ways for each of us to make a difference in this community.You’d be surprised how little it takes to make a big difference.

it’s our community. let’s make a difference in it.

OrgAnizATiOns THAT BeneFiT FrOM CnB VOLunTeer HOurs And FinAnCiAL suppOrT

CHS Color GuardFarmer’s Market

Conquistador CouncilAssistance League of Carlsbad

Carlsbad LiteracyOilfield Open

March of DimesCarlsbad Police Fund

Eddy County FairCARC

Landsun HomesLakeview Christian Homes

St. Jude’s Children’s ResearchMD Anderson Cancer Center

Christmas for Our TroopsUNM Cancer Foundation

Carnegie StudentsCarlsbad Main Street

NMSU President’s ScholarshipDepartment of Development

Carlsbad Women’s Scholarship Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce

Habitat for HumanityCarlsbad Artist Association

Operation Hope

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A Focus on Carlsbad edition celebrating our local volunteerism efforts was probably long overdue. As is usually the case, this entire publication was brought together following the pursuit of one initial goal – I really wanted to write about Carolyn Olson.

Olson and her cadre of volunteers have put together a local Special

Olympics program that is nothing short of remarkable. You won’t find a better Special Olympics group anywhere in the world; the American Health Care Association apparently felt the same way when it awarded Olson a Hero of the Year award for her efforts toward assisting the developmentally disabled.

But Carolyn isn’t alone. Most people in Carlsbad try to find a way to give back, either by donating money or volunteering or both. A huge chunk of Carlsbad residents spend a decent portion of their free time building houses, or giving out food, or picking up trash.

There are also many types of volunteer work that we do not always consider to be volunteer work. Dance moms and Little League coaches are volunteers, but so are city councilors and members of the Chamber of Commerce and Department of Development boards.

Every now and then, you’ll see an article citing some statistic that Americans are not as good at something (math, rugby, avoiding New Jersey-based reality television) as the residents of some other country.

But, according to an article titled “A Nation of Givers” published in The American, we donated $295 billion to charity in 2006. The American also quotes research indicating that we volunteer a lot more of our time than do those in other developed nations. For example, in 1998, Americans were 15 percent more likely to volunteer their time than the Dutch, 21 percent more likely than the Swiss, and 32 percent more likely than the Germans.

We are not perfect. At least according to research, we are also probably statistically more likely to mug you or not correctly identify your capital city than the Dutch, Swiss or Germans, but it is very nice to know that we are still the world’s best givers.

Now the counter point is that some of the services we handle through volunteer work are handled in Europe through social programs. So instead of helping at the soup kitchen, you pay more taxes so the soup kitchen has more employees. One obvious problem with that system is that it doesn’t address the psychological and other personal benefits of volunteerism. There’s no heart invested – it’s like telling your secretary to pick out something for your wife for your anniversary.

But which system does a better job of helping the needy? Say you are trying to feed a bunch of people, and you can pick between a group of clock-watching officials who have a mountain of paperwork to fill out before they can do anything or grandma and her friends from the ladies’ group at church. Which group do you think would do a better job of making sure everyone gets fed?

Yeah, that’s what I thought.

About the editor:Marksteiner is the Editorial Director of Focus On Carlsbad.He can be reached at [email protected].

don't forget to visit FocusOnCarlsbad.com for even moregreat stories, photos & events!

from the editor

Kyle MarksteinerEditorial DirectorFocusOnCarlsbad.com

Three Cheersfor the Volunteers!

4 Focus on Carlsbad | FALL 2012

From the editor

FOCus On VOLunTeerisMVolunteering: enjoy Life!

FOCus On A CArLsBAd CHArACTerAn Olympian of the Heart

FOCus On MAinsTreeTVolunteers and partnerships

nOTes FrOM THe gArdensmitten with gardening

FOCus On peTsMan’s Best Friend

FOCus On VeTerAnsriders in the storm

FOCus On indusTryMines Turn Carlsbad green

FOCus On reTireMenTTaken for grantner

FOCus On BusinessBusinesses / Front Lines of Volunteerism

FOCus On FAsHiOnglass slippers for everyone

FOCus On yOuTH“it’s My party” in Full Bloom

FOCus On THe riVerisland of inspiration

Focus on the Chamber

Focus Business directory

Focus on Carlsbad is published quarterly by Ad Venture Marketing.Ad Venture Marketing, Ltd. Co. - 866.207.0821 - www.ad-venturemarketing.com

All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part without permission of the publisher is prohibited.Every effort was made to ensure accuracy of the information provided.

The publisher assumes no responsibility or liability for errors, changes or omissions.

Kyle Marksteiner, Editorial Director - Alyx Duncan, Advertising DirectorPhotography by Kyle Marksteiner - along with submitted photos

Special Contributors: John Safin, Margaret Barry,Amy M. Barnhart, Sharon McIntire & Eve Flanigan

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ABOuT THe COVer:

Korrine and Kaia Bradford enjoy reading outside with CPTA team members Kevin Barnhardt and his Rhodesian Ridgeback, Mikey.

There are a lot of options when deciding what to do with a 401(k). Whether you’re changing jobs or looking to consolidate multiple accounts, we can help you decide what’s best for you.

Rolling over your IRAor 401(k) is as easyas pulling up a chair.

Alton “Boz” GreenInvestment Adviser Representative

212 W. StevensCarlsbad, NM [email protected]

Pick any Monday.Wake up, go to work, have dinner, watch television, go to bed, and start over again - wash, rinse, repeat. Yes, a routine can be good (brushing your teeth after a meal) or bad (brushing your teeth during the meal). Tired of a bland routine? Need new skills to get a promotion or find a better job? Want to meet new people? Want to become extraordinary? A “yes” answer could be a sign you’re ready to enter a subculture of Carlsbad. A place where you, and those like you, are important and the things you do matter to others. A society filled with movers, shakers, doers, and makers. This is the world of Carlsbad’s volunteers.

The average person is familiar with a charity’s public image. From all the high school booster clubs to national charities, each one relies on many volunteers--a side the public doesn’t see. “Most people see the mission side of the nonprofit. There is a business side,” said Kirstin Carlson, executive director of United Way of Carlsbad & South Eddy County (575-887-3504), which focuses on improving lives and strengthening communities. “Our volunteers make a difference to our operations. Last year we had to decide whether to remodel our existing office or move. Several board members with construction knowledge stepped up and offered their advice. It’s the diversity of our volunteers that makes us successful. We need people to work in the office, coordinate the marketing efforts, and help with various campaigns and new projects.”

One new endeavor for Carlsbad United Way is an education impact initiative. “We want to make sure children of all

grade levels, no matter their economic status, have access to a tutor. Our goal is to recruit one hundred adults to be tutors and mentors for children of all grade levels. That’s one hundred people volunteering their time and talents to help our children. How wonderful would that be?”

Children are the prime focus of several nonprofit groups. All children need an opportunity to discover themselves and explore their options. Some need a hand because their parent or parents work long hours while others come from an unusual environment. Unfortunately, there are children who have been neglected or abused and are placed in foster care.

“Our volunteers are compassionate about children’s issues since they are the voice for children,” said executive director Libby Johnston, Eddy County Court Appointed Special Advocates. “Because the children are in the custody of the State, there are legal considerations and CASA represents the best interests of children.” CASA started thirty-three years ago by a judge who didn’t have enough information to make a decision and came up with the idea of citizen volunteers to speak on behalf of the children in abuse and neglect cases.

In addition to caring about children, CASA volunteers are unique as they are sworn officers of the Fifth Judicial Court. “We conduct an extensive background check, including police and F.B.I. records; require written references, plus an interview. Once passed, there is training to teach the history of abuse and neglect laws, roles and

responsibilities of a volunteer, diversity, research techniques, understanding family dynamics, communicating with children, and other skills needed.” CASA operates best when there’s one advocate for every foster child and, like most nonprofit groups, needs more volunteers.

While CASA volunteers have a special passion for helping children, Carlsbad Transitional Housing and Homeless Shelter (www.eddycountycasa.com) is looking for volunteers with passion and some elbow grease. “Houses require upkeep and our clients need mentors,” said board member Reverend Anita Krueger. “We have three houses that require routine maintenance, yard work, and cleaning. We are always looking for volunteers with a construction or handyman background. A lot of work is done by board members, but with three houses we can certainly use more help.” A place to live also comes with the opportunity to learn life skills necessary for residents to get back on their feet.

“Clients agree to a covenant, a one-

on volunteerism

photo: CASA Volunteer, LaVern Shan being sworn in as a court appointed special advocate for the children of Eddy County.

VOLunTeering: enjOy LiFe!by John Safin


year binding agreement, for living in our homes. Their covenant includes achieving personal goals they will need after the year--better parenting, earning a GED, or whatever they need to learn. They buy their own food, clothing, and pay rent. The rent starts low and gradually increases. By the end of the year, the client will be prepared for self-sustained living.”

The homeless shelter, the other half of the operation, is still in the planning stage. “We have been searching for a suitable building, but haven’t found one yet. Ideally, one would be donated,” said Reverend Anita. “This will be more than what most people perceive as a typical homeless shelter. We plan to make it available in the event of a catastrophe--if someone’s home is destroyed by fire, for example. Carlsbad Transitional Housing and Homeless Shelter is here to benefit the entire community.”

While volunteers make a direct impact on the success of a nonprofit, they also have an influence on the way our community grows, helps to attract new business, and strengthens our existing economic base. “Volunteers made it possible for us to showcase the Carlsbad community as a big player in the nuclear industry,” said marketing director Jeff Campbell, Carlsbad Department of Development. “Earlier this year, the CDOD hosted the National Nuclear Fuel Cycle Summit. Approximately 300 nuclear experts, scientists, educators, politicians, and interested people came to Carlsbad for this three-day summit.

Dozens of people took time out of their lives to help with registration, transport materials, and whatever else was needed for a large, professional conference.”

Unique events are one example of how volunteers help Carlsbad get noticed. Another is the day-to-day activities that make our community attractive to new businesses and industries. “It’s fierce competition between cities to convince an industrial company, restaurant chain, or national retailer to bring their business to Carlsbad. New business means new jobs, and new jobs mean a more economic stability,” said Campbell. “Nonprofit groups provide services that help to make our city more attractive to site selectors. For example, Keep Carlsbad Beautiful and the Carlsbad Community Anti-Drug/Gang Coalition work together to remove graffiti found all around the city. If it wasn’t for their efforts, the site selectors I bring to Carlsbad would have a different impression of our city.”

According to the latest VolunteeringInAmerica.gov report, 400,000 New Mexicans gave over two hundred hours of

volunteer time. The same report states the hourly value of volunteering in New Mexico is $17.44 (the national average is $21.79). Ask anyone at one of Carlsbad’s 200 nonprofit groups, clubs, and organizations about the value of volunteers and they’ll say, “Priceless.”

So, you might be thinking, “What’s in it for me when I volunteer?” Besides the obvious of helping make your community a better place, there are ways you benefit from volunteering:

LeArn new skiLLs: Volunteering gives you the chance to get involved with another industry and see what possibilities are available to you. For example, you can learn to cook at Carlsbad Community Kitchen (575- 885-4174) or learn about animals at Noah’s Ark (575-885-5769).

iMprOVe exisTing skiLLs: You’re at the best in your current position because you have an understanding of the work. In a different environment, you become

photo Below: Participants in the Carlsbad Battered Families Shelter candlelight vigil gathered in the lawn next to First Christian Church.

photo right: The Carlsbad Battered Families Shelter sponsored a candlelight vigil to honor the victims of abuse.

7 FALL 2012 | A Community Magazine

challenged to think differently. For example, a corporate trainer is very good with teaching business professionals. It takes different techniques to tutor teen parents atthe Carlsbad AWARE Program (575-887-5112) or adult life skills at Carlsbad Battered Families Shelter (575-885-4615).

BeCOMe A LeAder: Almost all nonprofit groups have a board of directors or some executive management team. Your knowledge and experiences can help improve a charity’s operations. CARC, Inc. (575-887-1570) is looking for caring people to serve on their board of directors.

MeeTing new peOpLe: Volunteering brings together people who might never meet in their typical day-to-day routine. You could make a new friend or meet your next boss. Carlsbad Community Concert Association (www.carlsbadconcerts.com) volunteers include a teacher, dentist, restaurant maître d’, video producer, tax expert, and preacher, to name a few.

iMprOVe yOur résuMé: College admission boards and many employers

give significant consideration to individuals who volunteer. It shows you’re dedicated, helpful, have good time management skills, and work well with teams.

geT sOMe exerCise: Get out of the gym routine and get your body working in other ways. The Boys & Girls Club of Carlsbad (575-885-8449) and the Boys Scouts of America (256-553-9229) will give you a chance to be active.

FeeL gOOd: It’s good to be a winner. Winners are proud of what they accomplished. While a trophy is a nice way to be recognized, imagine how good you would feel to see someone smile at you because you taught them to read or showed them how to use a computer. Volunteers at Carlsbad Adult Literacy Program (575-885-2752) open new worlds for people through the written word.

Someone famous once said, “We are all sum totals of our experience.” When you look back one year or ten years from now, do you think you’ll be glad you watched every episode of America’s Got Talent, or would you rather have your

own unique story to tell? Volunteering will give you experiences for a lifetime.

A list of nonprofit groups, clubs, and organizations is available online at www.FocusOnCarlsbad.com. Find your passion and make a difference in your life.

ABOuT THe AuTHOr: John Safin has a background in business operations, marketing, event planning, and public relations. Originally from Upstate New York, John moved from Glendale, AZ, to Carlsbad, NM, which he now calls “home.” www.johnsafin.com

Learn more aboutyour community and

stay connected atFocusonCarlsbad.com


on a carlsbad character

For Special olympics coordinator CArOLyn OLsOn, the swimming pool, hockey rink, track and basketball court are where the heart is.

Olson, 71, has been involved with Special Olympics for about 40 years, give or take. “I don’t do numbers anymore,” she quipped. As Special Olympics N.M. Area IV coordinator, she’s responsible for a program supporting more than 400 athletes across southeastern New Mexico. To honor her extensive efforts, Olson was selected as the American Health Care Association’s 2012 Developmental Disabilities Hero of the Year.

Her path to being involved in the Special Olympics began when Olson first moved to New Mexico and worked as a water safety instructor with the Red Cross. “I taught swimming,” she said, “but competition was not my thing. I grew up in Montana, where our swimming season was like two months.”

Marie McCloskey talked her into putting together an adaptive aquatics program for local individuals requiring special assistance in the pool. Olson received some training and started the program.

One of the local motels had the only indoor pool in town at the time. Olson approached the owner and asked if she could use the pool for free lessons. He originally said no, but then had a change of heart when his wife found out about the project. That’s when Olson’s volunteer efforts became a lifelong passion toward working with the developmentally disabled and others in need.

“It all started with swimming,” Olson remarked. “They took my heart there, and they’ve had it since. That’s just the way it’s been.”

Some local Special Olympians began competing in state events in 1973 and 1974, and Olson’s swimming group was invited to watch. Then the swimming group wound up taking over the whole program.

The Special Olympics season is year round. Track and field takes place in the spring, and there is also a bocce competition. Unified softball and aquatics are the summer sports. Olson is

the state aquatics coordinator for the Special Olympics and has attended international competitions with several athletes. During the fall, Special Olympians compete in basketball and bowling. Winter is poly-hockey season. “It’s one of my favorite team sports,” Olson shared. “It’s hockey with plastic pucks and sticks on the gym floor.”

Olson also spends three days a week working at CARC, Inc.’s bargain store to help finance the Special Olympics. Oh, and she’s currently serving as CARC’s board president.

“The nice thing about CARC is many of our athletes work here or live here, so I have a captive audience when I need to

An OLyMpiAnof the HeArT

photo: Carolyn Olson was honored for her efforts with the Special Olympics during a ceremony this summer.

9FALL 2012 | A Community Magazine

on a carlsbad character

start recruiting,” she said, smiling.

Working with developmentally disabled men and women has its challenges, and Olson is careful when selecting other volunteers. “These hearts here should not ever be hurt, and they are very easily hurt by people who just don’t think,” she shared. “I don’t ask for volunteers, but if people approach me, I invite them to come watch an event and see how they feel.”

Her inner circle of volunteers currently includes Gladys Crouch, Ron and Pat McCulruso, Billy Rentner, Luciano Lucero and Jorje Calleros. “Gladys has been my right hand for a long time,” Olson said. “We met when we took psychology classes together in college.”

Olson said she couldn’t imagine herself not working with the Special Olympians. “I would rather work with these guys than anybody else,” she said. “They are the most beautiful and sweetest population. I can’t complain.”

As with other Olympic events, the focus of Special Olympics is on the competition. “They all know that if they don’t train, then they don’t get to compete,” she remarked. “If they don’t compete, they don’t get medals, and they all want medals.”

The program has a number of benefits for both developmentally disabled individuals and the community. For example, the unified softball program does an excellent job of bringing athletes and other community members together. The publicity received by Special Olympics also increases overall understanding.

“It helps us make the community aware,” Olson said. “It’s that kind of stuff that is wonderful.”

Most of Olson’s local competitors are clients of CARC, Inc. CARC officially began in December of 1973 when the New Mexico Bird Farm was purchased to provide a working environment and school for children with developmental disabilities in Carlsbad.

“Carolyn is a huge encourager and supporter of our clients. Her energy and enthusiasm is infectious, if you just spend a little bit of time around her,” said Mark Schinnerer, CEO of CARC, Inc. “We appreciate the many years she has been a part of CARC, and the Bargain Store would not be the same without her leadership and determination to turn all those nickels, dimes and quarters into some of the things necessary to make the lives of our clients just a little better. She’s a jewel, and we treasure her greatly!”

Carlsbad’s CARC currently supports 122 clients, including 63 who are in residential settings. About 50 CARC clients compete in the Special Olympics. “Everybody knows about CARC, and the wonderful thing about this campus is how well they are treated here,” Olson commented.

New Mexico’s Special Olympics program includes six state regions, but still only reaches a percentage of developmentally disabled residents.

“I’ve had the pleasure of working with Carolyn the past twenty years. She is one of Special Olympics New Mexico’s

treasures,” expressed New Mexico Special Olympics Executive Director Randy Mascorella. “Her selfless attitude and positive outlook, her eagerness to serve in whatever capacity that’s needed to help strengthen our organization as a whole, and her authenticity are all deeply valued. She is a friend to all people challenged with an intellectual disability, and one heck of a swim coach, to boot! My life has been enriched just by knowing her.”

Olson was hesitant to provide an answer when asked if she feels the Special Olympics and other efforts have changed social attitudes toward the developmentally disabled.

“I think we’ve changed some ideas--just because you are developmentally disabled does not mean you don’t have feelings. It does not mean you aren’t capable of doing everything,” she shared. “But you can only change people’s minds to a certain extent.”Olson said there are still parents of some Special Olympians who don’t watch their children compete, while others are

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photo: Carolyn Olson offers instruction to Special Olympians during swim practice at the Elks Lodge.


extremely supportive at all levels. While she always wants to change more minds, her first priority is her athletes.

“We’re all worn out by the end of the day (of Special Olympics activities), but it invigorates me,” she stated. “I’m 71, and some people are wondering if I’m going to retire. I’ve got to quit doing this at some point, but my boss said to give a year of notice ahead of time.”

Other local individuals and organizations supportive of the Special Olympics include the Elks Club; Kiwanis; American Legion; Mosaic; Constructors, Inc.; Carlsbad National Bank; CARC’s Farmhouse Bargain Store; the Eddy County Sheriff’s Department; Beta Rho sorority; Carlsbad Municipal Schools; and Bob Scholl, the announcer at track meets.

Olson has received a few additional honors over the years for all of her volunteer efforts, including the Eunice Kennedy Shriver Award for her efforts in helping individuals with developmental disabilities.

She’s been involved with Girl Scouts, Little League, transitional housing, church efforts and community theater. This year, for example, she’s president of the Carlsbad Community Theater, CARC and St. Peter’s Lutheran Church.

Olson is a true volunteer. She shared, “Someone asked me, ‘Are you still volunteering, Carolyn?’ They made it sound like a dirty word!”

ARTESIAEVENTS

Clays Crusher Fun ShootSEPTEMBER 28-29, 2012

Have a blast with the 4th annual fun shootwhere as many as 1 in 5 will win!

Balloons & Bluegrass FestivalNOVEMBER 3-4, 2012

Balloon lift-off: 7am at Eagle DrawBluegrass Festival: 9am at the Derrick Floor (6th & Main)

Art in the Park: OCTOBER 20 - CENTRAL PARK

photo: Members of the local Special Olympics Team during this year’s Special Olympics NM Summer Games.


on mainstreet

When it comes to nonprofit organizations, the executive director (aka paid

employee) can only do so much. It is the volunteers who really drive the mission of the organization, take its work to the next level and inspire those around them to get involved as well.

There is a wealth of highly motivated individuals in Carlsbad who give of their time to a variety of organizations.

In fact, you will often see individuals serving on multiple non-profit boards at the same time.

Each organization is different and that leads to varying amounts of work and expectations for board members. MainStreet organizations try to accomplish a variety of goals in multiple areas throughout each year. As a MainStreet volunteer, you are able to choose from a wide variety of areas in which to give your time – from events to fundraising to design improvements to business development.

Carlsbad MainStreet is always looking for volunteers, but is also looking for other community organizations to partner with for events and programming.

Our most recent partnership was with United Way and Keep Carlsbad Beautiful to put on Downtown Day Out – an event that was coordinated with the Great American Bike Race held in April. It featured children’s activities put on by United Way partner organizations, a Farmers’ Market information booth and a Family Bicycle Parade that ran from Downtown Carlsbad to the Beach Park Recreation Area.

During the 2011 holiday season, volunteers from Carlsbad Medical Center helped MainStreet volunteers put up garland and bows throughout the downtown area, and Keep Carlsbad Beautiful once again partnered with MainStreet to coordinate the Electric Light Parade.

The Carlsbad Anti-Drug and Gang Coalition co-sponsored the Downtown Fall Festival with MainStreet in October. Character Counts, LULAC, and individuals from other organizations also volunteered at the Fall Festival and helped make it a success once again.

In addition to our event partnerships, MainStreet has also partnered with a Leadership Carlsbad group about a future façade improvement for a building in Downtown Carlsbad. Look for that project to come in the near future.

With Carlsbad MainStreet’s heavy event and project schedule, volunteers can easily get burned out; having community organizations willing to partner in these events is an incredible asset and is a major factor in their success.

If you or your organization would like to volunteer to help with a Carlsbad MainStreet event or project, or would like more information on how to get involved, contact the Carlsbad MainStreet office at (575)628-3768 or [email protected]. You can also visit our website carlsbadmainstreetnm.com for more information and visit Facebook.com/CarlsbadMainStreet for weekly updates.

Amy M. BarnhartCarlsbad MainStreetExecutive Director

Ph: (575) 628-3768 • E-mail: [email protected]

Find us on Facebook for weekly updates facebook.com/carlsbadmainstreet

Carlsbad MainStreet isA VOLUNTEER DRIVEN EFFORT

to revitalize historic downtown Carlsbad!GIVE BACK, BE PART OF SOMETHING GOOD, HAVE FUN!

Call us today for more information on how you can get involved!

Volunteers and Partnershipsby Amy M. Barnhart


A love of gardening is multigenerational in my family. My father was an avid gardener and planted those seeds of interest in me very early, and now my children are carrying on as gardeners, as well. Memories of places I have lived have more to do with the gardens there, however

large or small, than any other aspect of being in a location. The smells of holy earth, the songs of birds, the taste of the ripe fruit of my plants and gentle morning soli-tude are what draw me in. I am smitten with a love that is deep.

Sadly, the specter of a “mega-drought” here in the Southwest may curtail much of the type of gardening that I am able to pursue at present, but I can transfer my love to those sturdy, tolerant desert species very easily. A majority of gardening skills has much more to do with learning to adapt to challenge and to summon all creativity to make growing work in any given environment. Mother Nature is seldom benevolent.

Growing a backyard vegetable garden is currently all the rage around the country. Like the “victory” gardens of World War II, where the majority of fresh produce was grown during that time of rationing, deprivation and hardship, a vegetable garden today can also help in a time of economic adversity. The many food contamination scares of recent years have also brought people more and more to learning the sources of their food by growing their own or frequenting farmers’ markets where there is the option of meeting the person who grows the produce. It is also a way of escaping all the myriad of chemicals that have become an overwhelming aspect of commercial growing today. There is a great resurgence of gardening “organically” and honoring the soil where all of our food grows (including the animals we might eat who eat the grass and grain grown in the dirt around us).

Gardening can bring or restore well-being at any age. Not only does eating safe, fresh, carefully grown vegetables heal our maladies, but the simple acts of digging in the dirt, tending flowers and

shrubs or raking leaves can also heal our whole body. It is a wonderful form of exercise that can use every muscle (and overuse, as I have recently learned). We are lucky in our climate that it can be a year-round activity. Even if you live in an apartment or have limited outdoor space, it is still a possible exercise of stretching to hang pots and hauling bags of soil and moving containers of plants to the light. Spending time working in a garden is also a wonderful form of meditation. There is quiet solitude in getting down close to the earth and pulling weeds or admiring the ultimate beauty of a flower.

Gardening is hard work. It’s like any other pursuit in life in that the more you put into it, the more you reap. It takes a degree of physicality, a great deal of

brain power and much practice to become good at it. I can think of no other “hobby” that provides more for body and soul – and in the end, you can perfume your home, admire a lovely landscape and possibly eat some of your results. And, who knows, it may land you a space selling produce at the Carlsbad Downtown Farmers’ Market!

ABOuT THe AuTHOr: Margaret and her husband, John, both artists, moved to Carlsbad in January, 1999. Margaret is an Eddy County Master Gardener and has been gardening/farming most of her life. She is the Carlsbad Mainstreet Farmers’ Market Chair, and a vendor at the Farmer’s Market.

Smitten with Gardening

notes from the garden

by Margaret Barry

GardenNotes


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QuesTiOn: THere is OnLy One AniMAL in THe wOrLd (And iT’s CerTAinLy nOT HuMAn) wHO LOVes yOu MOre THAn iT LOVes iTseLF. wHAT is iT?

Answer: Of course, it’s a dog.Sorry, but does your family run helter-skelter to the door, jumping up and down in abandoned joy when you arrive? Only a dog will look at you with total adoration in every single glance. Ignore them, starve them, beat them--it doesn’t matter: you’re still the center of their universe, and they adore you.

There’s good reason that dogs have earned the title of “Man’s Best Friend.” But in recent years that title has taken on added meaning. Signs of anxiety and stress are everywhere as our world seems to whirl increasingly out of control, and those who deal professionally with the consequences of that anxiety have discovered the therapeutic value of a dog’s devotion. Dogs have entered nursing homes to bring comfort and love to the elderly; they’ve gone to hospitals to comfort and console the sick; they’ve even begun to enter the workplace to relieve stress and increase productivity.

In Carlsbad, thanks to a group of dedicated volunteers from Carlsbad Pet Therapy Association, they’ve entered

our schools to do the same for our children. At the conclusion of the last school year, dog teams worked as a pilot program at Pate Elementary and St. Edward and were received with enthusiasm. As LaVern Shan, director of Curriculum and Instruction for Carlsbad Municipal Schools, said, “Anytime you can get kids reading--for any reason--that’s a positive thing. The dogs are motivational for shy students: most children find it easier to relate to a dog than to adults.”

There are other rewards as well. “Dogs build bonds,” she added, “and if you can build a bond with a dog, it helps build bonds with other children, which helps them learn to get along with other people in their lives. And teaching a child to care for an animal teaches them compassion.”

Entering a school as a pet partner team is not an easy task. It is an expensive commitment of time and resources for those who feel passionate about what their dog can offer someone who is hurting. Jennifer Donner, CPTA member and team evaluator, outlines

the rigorous steps required for those who want to be members of CPTA (and registered with Delta Pet Partners, who provide insurance for the teams).

“First of all, there needs to be a mutual desire between the owner and the dog to help other people,” she stated. “Next, basic obedience class is mandatory. Even if individuals know how to train their dogs, it is the socialization that an obedience class offers that is very important. It is there that dogs and handlers will find out if they have the ‘chemistry’ and trust to work together as a team.”

Then, after successfully completing obedience class (a six-week class--with homework!), a follow-up training is required to get teams used to the many strange sights, sounds, smells, and activities that can occur in the various facilities that they will visit. This is yet another determining step to see if the handlers and dogs are going to be suited for the work involved.

“After that training, handlers take a workshop and written test and take their dogs to a licensed veterinarian for a full health screening,” Donner noted. “The evaluation of teams then follows. Dogs and their handlers are evaluated for aptitude and the skills needed for the activities for which they will be

on pets

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volunteering.”

“Finally, after the team successfully passes the evaluation, they are required to perform three supervised visits,” Donner added. After completion of these, the teams are ready to visit designated facilities, according to their evaluation ratings. Teams must then be re-evaluated every two years and pass the evaluation in order to continue visiting.

“The work between dogs and handlers never stops, and we spend our own time and money to participate,” she concluded.

Those are pretty daunting requirements. So why do the volunteers do this? Because they’ve experienced the value of a dog’s love in their own lives. Team members who visit nursing homes have a common theme: “We hope that when our time comes, someone will do the same for us.”

The theme sings the same verse in our schools. Learning to read comes easily to some of us, but to some it is all about taking risks, and when you take risks, you risk being laughed at. And NO ONE, especially in this unsettled time, with shaky relations between not only our friends but also our

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Main photo: Korrine and Kaia Bradford enjoy reading outside with CPTA team members Kevin Barnhardt and his Rhodesian Ridgeback, Mikey.

inset Left: Judy Babel with her Schnauzer, Guido.

inset Middle: Kristy Sillas and her Maltese, Bella, during training at Petsense.

inset right: Siobhan Bujac with Rottweiler puppy, Renegade.


parents, wants to take a risk that might cause everything in our lives to come tumbling down.

Take a look at this scene. You’re in the first grade, didn’t do so well in kindergarten and your parents are starting to apply the pressure. You know you’re stupid--haven’t you heard that over and over again? Your new teacher is pretty nice, but lately she’s sounding like mom and dad. She’s put you in the low reading group and then she asks you to read--out loud--in front of all your friends. Well, you’re NOT stupid: you know before you start that if you don’t do this right--if you stumble, or forget a word, or you have no idea what that word is--that all your friends are going to laugh at you, and they’ll call you stupid, too, and they’ll never want to play with you or…

Whoa! Let’s rewind that scene. What if that teacher greets you one morning with, “I have a surprise for you today--how would you like to read that story we’ve been working on with Riley? Riley is a visiting dog, and he loves stories!”

Did I just see a smile?

More--I just saw a miracle. I saw a

student who was tasting the bitter fruit of failure being thrown a life raft. “For some children,” said Therese Rodriguez, principal at Pate Elementary, “one of the biggest challenges in learning to read is the embarrassment of making mistakes. By sitting down next to a dog and reading to the dog, all threats of being judged are put aside. Reading improves because the child is practicing the skill of reading, building self-esteem, and associating reading with something pleasant.”

And Riley’s owner, Vicki Kirchner, agreed. “There was a boy I worked with in another reading program. He would stammer and hesitate over words when it was his turn to read in our small group of four or five. But when another student began to read, this boy would “help” by giving them the words before they had a chance to sound them out. It must have been his nerves when he was the reader. I wonder if reading to a dog would have helped that.”

Jeanne Manganaro, first grade teacher at Pate Elementary, agreed. “The one-on-one is so important, especially to have someone listen to them read. They look forward to it because they know that it’s their time to shine. So often families are too busy, and reading time is spent

at the dining room table while mom is fixing dinner. The dog gives these kids the opportunity to share what they know with someone else, and when they read with the dog, it’s never a negative situation. Kids are able to do what they can and know they won’t be judged.”

It’s also the dogs’ time to shine, and they know it, too. Florence Golden, president of CPTA, is proud of her team of dedicated volunteers. “I see that Pet Partners is making a difference in the lives of those they touch,” she said. “The people we see may not know the names of the people who come to visit, but they know the names of the dogs! It brings a lot of joy to their day.”

And it brings a lot of joy to the dogs’ day as well. Loyce Gentry, team trainer who also visits with her dog, Jesse, has a routine of visiting at Landsun on Saturdays. Jesse knows when it’s Saturday, and Loyce shared, “When something interrupts our visit, Jesse pouts!”

Unconditional love--if we could all offer what our dogs so generously offer us, I wonder what the world would look like?

McIntire is a retired Carlsbad educator.


1: Carlsbad residents participate in the annual Independence Day celebration. Despite the week’s rainy weather, the annual parade and fireworks show were highly successful. 2: Rita Nelson, Assistance League of Carlsbad member, dressed up like a duck to celebrate the annual Ducky Affair. 3: This summer’s American Junior Rodeo Association event drew a huge crowd. 4: Master of Ceremonies Dave Rogers stands in front of the “Be the Match” booth at this year’s annual Relay for Life celebration. 5: Despite the heat, the 2012 Carlsbad Chili Cook-off and Car Show was a major success. 6: A statue honoring veterans of the Korean War was unveiled this year at the Carlsbad Veterans Memorial Park. 7: Members of the Mescalero Apache Tribe visited Carlsbad to participate in the Mescal Roast and Mountain Spirit Dances. 8: The “Trail Ride of the Century” saw a herd of cattle escorted from Lea to Eddy County. Musician Michael Martin Murphy joined the trail ride.

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3 4

5 6

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on veterans

wHeneVer THere’s A VeTerAn in need, THe Men And wOMen OF THe AMeriCAn LegiOn riders MOTOrCyCLe AssOCiATiOn wAnT TO Find A wAy TO HeLp.

The Legion Riders are chartered through the American Legion, a veteran’s organization serving all members of the armed forces. To be a Legion Rider, you have to be a member of the American Legion, the Legion Auxiliary or the Sons of the Legion. The Legion Riders have chapters in every state, and there are no specific requirements on what type of motorcycle its members have to own.

“We’ve got a little bit of everything,” shared Bob Walker, president of the Carlsbad chapter.

There are currently 26 Legion Riders in Carlsbad and about 500 total members across the state.

“We mingle with some of the other chapters,” Walker stated, noting that the group also works with other altruistic biker groups. “We also participate in the Brotherhood of the 74 toy run, and they participate in what we do.”

The Legion Riders led a May effort to

welcome Sergeant Richard Rye home to Carlsbad. Rye was injured while on duty in Afghanistan, according to Legion Rider Chaplain Kelly Wixom.

“He wound up in a medical hospital in San Antonio,” she shared. “Somehow, his paycheck was lost and his wife and kids were not getting it.”

Wixom and her husband, John, found out about Rye’s plight while the two were assisting in a community search for 4-year-old Samuel Jones. Aided by other veterans groups, they quickly began working to help the injured soldier and his family.

“By Monday afternoon, there was $1,500 in his bank account and $4,000 by the end of the week,” Wixom said. “We also got his paycheck straightened out.”

“It wasn’t the first time that some or all of an injured soldier’s paycheck was misplaced in the shuffle,” Walker added, “and the American Legion helps when it can.”

“The Legion Riders also put together an escort through town to welcome Rye home during a visit to Carlsbad,” Wixom related. Local radio stations, restaurants and car dealerships assisted with the welcome.

“None of us knew him before,” she said about the Legion Riders, “but so many of our Korean and Vietnam veterans were treated pretty terribly, and we think it is part of our group’s mission to make sure this generation (of soldiers) is treated well.”

“That’s why I got involved in the American Legion,” commented Legion Rider Hy

Laird, “to make sure that doesn’t happen.”

Rye has returned to San Antonio, but Wixom said she remains in close contact with him; other members of the community have also continued to show him support.

Every September, the Legion Riders participate in Operation Wounded Warrior and bring hundreds of comfort items to hospitalized military veterans.

Legion Riders also assist with numerous escorts and funeral services involving members. They also play a part in the local Wreaths Across America event, which involves putting wreaths on the graves of veterans at Christmas.

Walker feels the Legion Riders serve as good ambassadors for the American Legion as a whole. “It’s anything we can do that promotes the American Legion, and this post has always been active.”

photos: The American Legion Riders Motorcycle Association leads the parade to welcome home Sergeant Richard Rye (pictured with his family).

photo Top: Members of the Legion Riders deliver cigars to hospitalized veterans.

photo Bottom: Bob Walker, president of the Legion Riders, drops off supplies during Operation Wounded Warrior.


thank YouAmerican Legion Riders Chapt. 3 would like to thank everyone who helped make this homecoming escort for Sgt. Rye and family a success. There were so many people; it was awesome.

The American Legion Post 7, Legion Riders Chapt. 3 and American Legion Auxiliary Unit 7 all worked together to spark a plan so that we could branch out and make it all happen.

Tate Branch Dodge helped with vehicles; Don Hughes/Carlsbad Radio took care of the airwaves; Don and Ruthie Porter took care of business like only they can do; the Lions Club put out flags along the route; CFD had the big flag flying on Canal St.; and CPD did a great job getting us all through town safely yet again. Two escorts in three weeks and they always get right on it with us. They’ve never said no and we appreciate it.

We had a good assortment of Carlsbad’s fine motorcycle community present to make some thunder for it all. The local bikers do a lot for Carlsbad not everyone knows about, and things like this let them shine through for a few minutes.

Thanks to all our scooter friends. Thanks also to Carlsbad Current Argus for the picture and article I saw in the paper. Thanks to all the folks who took a minute out of your busy day to wave a flag or wave a friendly hand when Sgt. Rye rode by.

He and his family were overwhelmed with it but pretty good sports about it all.

Remember, when you hear the Legion Riders collecting for Operation Wounded Warrior, 100% of it is to help the Warriors like Sgt. Rye, combat-wounded in Afghanistan and then everything is in a tumble for a while, but we’ll keep track of him and help with whatever we can.

Thanks again to everyone who helped make this happen for Sgt. Rye. Freedom isn’t free. Someone is paying for that. Thank you.

For God and Country

Bob WalkerPresident NM ALR Chapt. 3

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on industry

iT isn’T jusT CrOps that Carlsbad’s potash industry turns green. The mines also represent the single largest industrial charity in town, providing a better life for thousands.

Mosaic Company and Intrepid Potash, Carlsbad’s mines, have been in operation by one company or another since 1931, when the first mine opened as US Potash, according to Mayor Dale Janway, an industry veteran. “Potash is the backbone of Carlsbad,” said Janway, and that is no mystery when one spends a few days around town noticing the sheer number of subtle reminders of the mines’ support provided to good causes. Sports calendars adorn the windows or hallways of many local businesses—and the familiar Intrepid and Mosaic logos are always there. Nary a week goes by that some charitable event in Carlsbad doesn’t list one or both mines as a supporter.

Few people are aware that, for decades, before terms like “community reinvestment” and “corporate responsibility” were in vogue, Carlsbad’s potash miners and administrators were making sure that the community flourished as well as their companies. This tradition continues today, stronger than ever.

Kirstin Carlson, Director of United Way of Carlsbad and South Eddy County, is outspoken in her praise of the mines’ support of United Way beneficiaries. “Last year, $735,000.00 (was raised) for our United Way; mine contributions made up $440,000.00 of that,” she said.

Mosaic Company has been the leading local United Way donor since 2006. Both mines match employees’ donations on a one-to-one basis, said Carlson, and she is quick to point out that charity is not just about dollars to the approximately 650 Intrepid and 550 Mosaic employees who contribute.

“It’s feet on the street. The companies are competing as teams, through Walmart, on the Stuff the Bus initiative,” she said.

In 2012, the number of students who will benefit from school supplies through Stuff the Bus has doubled, from 500 to 1,000.

“Mosaic,” said Carlson, “has already stepped up to the plate with 1,000 back-sacks and rulers.”

The mines are very aware of community needs. “Last Christmas, Intrepid called. There were many children’s gifts left after their holiday party. They helped see to it that children associated with organizations like AWARE, CASA, and CARC Child Development Center had a merry Christmas,” she noted.

In addition, according to Carlson, the mine representatives who serve on the United Way Board of Directors are always willing and helpful. It’s not uncommon for them to get personally involved in securing donations, especially those that benefit children.

Another way that the mines benefit the community is that United Way member agencies often receive retired, still-useful office equipment from the mines, according to Carlson.

“They take community giving very seriously,” emphasized Carlson. “It’s not just about making their business look good. It’s about building a better community.”

Steve McCutcheon, Manager of Customer Service at Intrepid Potash and Chairman of the Potash Association of New Mexico, echoes the sincerity of Carlson’s statements.

“We have a committee to review requests

for donations or special projects, and any employee can bring a request to the committee. We like to be involved hands-on with this work and do the parts we can with our own labor as part of the project,” he said.

With pride, he recalls the sweat equity Intrepid employees invested in the Boys & Girls Club gymnasium floor. On their own time, they labored for hours, prying old boards from the floor so a new floor could be installed.

Intrepid’s Human Resources Manager, Jackie Webb, also paints a picture of the mine’s proud tradition of hands-on involvement in what the company calls “signature projects.” These projects, she says, are aligned with Intrepid’s Vision: to continually deliver value to our shareholders, employees, and employees’ community. With money raised by its own employees, and in most cases with donated labor, Intrepid has contributed to Relay for Life operations, Mission Carlsbad building supplies, the construction of a storage building to benefit residents of the Battered Families Shelter (a shared project with other donors), and countless projects for children and schools including Angel Tree, scoreboards and signs, and even the purchase of musical instruments.

Mosaic Company, too, contributes robustly to the community, often coming through in times of crisis. “When we were low on water last year, Mosaic made sure the city had enough water and never asked for a dime,” said Mayor Janway. “Whenever we call on the mines, they always help. Of course, we don’t ask for anything frivolous.”

by Eve Flanigan

Mines Turn carlsbad Greeni n M O r e w A y s T H A n O n e


Tonk Chester, Human Resources Manager at Mosaic, is quick to give credit directly to employees. “Year after year the employees of Mosaic pull through for the the United Way of Carlsbad & South Eddy County by giving hundreds of thousands of dollars out of their own pockets. I can honestly say that I am blessed to work with people who have a heart for others and are so selfless. It is a reminder that even if you don’t have everything, you can still give something. We have the best employees right here in Carlsbad and (fellow Mosaic employees) Michael G. Stanley, Scotty Goodale and I are proud to represent them on the United Way Board of Directors.”

Perhaps most remarkable is the spirit of camaraderie between the companies.

Rather than competition, there is support at work and beyond. Both companies participated in the creation of the Bob Forrest Sports Complex and work together on other community projects. When there is trouble with equipment, one mine often loans the other a substitute.

“The equipment and machinery the mines use is unique; much of it is produced in Pennsylvania,” said Janway. “When something breaks down, it’s better to loan equipment than shut down until a replacement can be shipped, which can take weeks.”

It’s evident that, underground and above, Carlsbad’s potash mine employees give as much or more as they take. Perhaps

that’s what someone had in mind when they painted the sign posted near the intersection of Highway 31, Potash Mines Road, and US 285, Pecos Highway. It reads, “Thanks, Potashers.”

Thank you, indeed.

Eve Flanigan serves as Program Manager for the Carlsbad Community Anti-Drug/Gang Coalition.

photo Left: Youth at the Village of Loving thank Intrepid for its assistance with a playground.

photo Center: Intrepid recently assisted with a major renovation project at the Boys and Girls Club.

photo right: Mosaic’s Bill Boyer, right, accepts an award from the United Way during January’s annual meeting. Also pictured are Kirstin Carlson and Jon Tully.

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on retirement

iF yOu dO Any VOLunTeer wOrk in CArLsBAd, CHAnCes Are yOu’Ve MeT jiM grAnTner.Over the past decade or so, Jim has assisted an incredible number of charitable organizations in Carlsbad.

His efforts have even attracted the notice of New Mexico Governor Susana Martinez. Recently, Grantner was appointed by Martinez to the New Mexico Commission for Community Volunteerism.

“When the governor first got into office, I went to her website and posted that I would be willing to help in whatever areas I could,” Grantner said. “A year passed, and then another year passed, and then I got a letter in the mail telling me I was accepted to the commission.”

Grantner said the commission’s main job is to meet quarterly to review different state grants that various nonprofit agencies apply for each year. “I’m still learning about it,” he admitted. “My first meeting is in August in Albuquerque.”

Grantner’s volunteer efforts really started when he retired from the City of Carlsbad as the coordinator of the solid waste program. He’d worked his way up through the city over the years, and suddenly found himself with a little more time and mental and physical energy. As with many retirees, he considered going back to work, but then he decided he wanted to make

a difference in the community as a volunteer.

“My main motivation is my faith in believing that I am called to serve,” he said. “I’ve just always been interested in helping, and the more I could help, the more I wanted to do more.”

His first stop was to check with Josie Methola, who ran Carlsbad’s Retired Senior & Volunteer Program (RSVP) at the time. It turned out that Grantner’s knowledge of the spreadsheet application Excel, along with his general computer background, was greatly needed.

“She put me to work on her computer,” Grantner said.

RSVP volunteers receive small stipends for their efforts, and about 350 local RSVP volunteers assist at a variety of locations, including the Carlsbad Police Department and the Carlsbad Medical Center. Grantner said the RSVP program is currently in transition. Methola retired several months ago, and the city recently hired a new director. There have also been changes in funding, with the city having to take up more of the slack, according to Grantner.

A number of Carlsbad nonprofits and individuals also apparently needed some help with Excel, and Grantner went from location to location as a sort of computer-expert fairy godfather. He offered similar computer help to the Southeast Community Action meal site and the Carlsbad Literacy Program, and

Taken for Grantner

photo: Jim Grantner stands in front of City Hall. A former City of Carlsbad employee, Grantner continues to assist the city as a volunteer - serving on numerous local boards.


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he was ultimately asked to help individuals around town become more computer savvy. He estimated that he’s helped about 50 different individuals learn the basics of computers since his retirement.

Grantner received a Best Community Volunteer honor in 2004 and was selected as a Carlsbad Unsung Hero in 2006. Along the way, he started attending Carlsbad City Council and Eddy County Commission meetings.

“As I started working with more and more nonprofits, they started asking me to serve on their boards,” he said. He’s also now a participant on a number of government boards.

Grantner’s previous volunteer history includes serving as the mayor’s community liaison, being on the CASA board of directors, the Safe House board of directors and the Carlsbad Literacy Program board of directors. He’s currently − are you ready for this? − serving on the Community Action board of directors, the Jonah’s House food pantry board of directors, Transitional Housing’s board of directors, Carlsbad Battered Family Shelter board of directors, the Eddy County Planning & Zoning Commission, the City Recycling advisory board, the New Mexico Economic Development Council of Governments board of directors (a position he occupies on behalf of Eddy County), the United Way of Carlsbad & South Eddy County board of directors, and the New Mexico Commission for Community Volunteerism, among others.

Assisting his former employer as a volunteer, Grantner helped get the city’s convenience station opened, where residents can take items designated for the city landfill. He also helped start the city’s curbside recycling program and currently assists the city with its graffiti removal program.

“I go out and get a permission slip signed by residents before graffiti is removed,” he said. Jim was appointed to Carlsbad’s City Council in August 2009 to finish Nathan McDonald’s term. He served as the mayor’s community liaison in 2010 and received a second Unsung Hero award that year. In 2011, he received the Carlsbad Character Counts Community Award.

How does he make all those meetings?

“To tell you the truth, those meetings don’t take up that much of my time,” he said. Jim said he encourages individuals interested in volunteering in Carlsbad to look for something that interests them.

“I think most people have something that touches their heart,” he noted. “All they have to do is get ahold of someone already involved. Once they do, those people can point you in the right direction.” Grantner said he’s seen a growing interest in volunteerism in Carlsbad over the past few years.

“I think I’m seeing a spirit of change in people’s hearts,” he said. “I think wanting to help volunteer is really coming back. Many of our local organizations are healthier and doing more in the community than in a while.”


on business

When it comes to volunteerism, Carlsbad businesses have it all worked out. Volunteering isn’t

just good for the heart – it’s also often the right business move.

“Our employee handbook encourages every employee that joins our organization to be involved with the community,” said Betty Egbom, Senior Vice President of Marketing and Human Resources with Carlsbad National Bank. “We feel like we are Carlsbad National Bank, and we should be a part of Carlsbad whenever we can.”

The bank encourages volunteerism at all levels. “Sometimes, an employee has to leave a little early to go coach,” shared Egbom. “Sometimes it’s just trying to give back through monetary help.” The bank has employees who volunteer with Mainstreet, Rotary and Casa, to name a few.

“We have two main projects we encourage bank-wide,” Egbom stated. “We’ve had a team with Relay for Life every year except the first one, and all the money raised is through individual work.”

“We also adopt all CASA kids at

Christmas time,” Egbom added. “The bank gets a list of toys, sizes and favorite colors that children involved with CASA have requested. It all started with a small stocking made by church groups, but now it is the largest gift bag you can find. And the employees are all doing it on their own.”

“The board members of Carlsbad National Bank are all involved in the community and have high expectations,” Egbom emphasized. “It’s also just good business, as it helps with networking.”

“We have people involved in Class Act, United Way, the hospital, the Carlsbad Foundation, the Chamber of Commerce and the Department of Development,” she said. “I can’t think of any organizations that we have not been involved in. We all find it really rewarding to work in the community.”

Brenda Dugas, CEO of Eddy Federal Credit Union, noted that the members of her board are all volunteers. “It doesn’t matter if you have $25 or $25,000, anyone is eligible to volunteer to be on our board,” she said. “All of the members of our board are volunteers.”

The credit union has seven volunteer board members and three voluntary members of a supervisory committee. “It’s sort of a check and balance system. The board puts policies in place and the supervisory committee makes sure we are following the policies,” Dugas explained.

Businesses also benefit from a community-wide volunteer spirit. Marsha Drapala, marketing executive of Landsun Homes Inc., said Landsun’s Auxiliary spearheads volunteer efforts. The thousands of volunteer hours a year are also organized by the activity staffs of each department.

“They help with rummage sales to raise money for department needs,” she said. “We have volunteers who help with the “Deliver-a-Meal” program, volunteers who help put together special parties and events, and volunteers who take people to doctors’ appointments.”

A mission group from the Rio Rancho United Methodist Church recently spent a week in Carlsbad helping with maintenance.

“Places like Landsun, the Living Desert and other nonprofit organizations

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Martilynn King, ChairpersonPam �errell, MemberRachel Good, MemberSusie Bindel, Member

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depend on their volunteers for everything they do,” Drapala said.

Volunteers often find their own niche for helping. For example, retired minister Pam McCamant has volunteered at Landsun Homes Hospice since 2010. Pam has been knitting since 1963, and she recently began knitting chemo caps for patients undergoing chemotherapy. She also knits caps for other people who have lost their hair and has set a goal of making one cap a week throughout 2012. Anyone who knows someone who could benefit from one of Pam’s caps may call Tammy at Landsun Hospice at 234-5830.

Not only does Landsun benefit from volunteers, but the business encourages its employees and residents to give back as well. “Landsun prides itself in its employees helping out in the community and other avenues in town,” Drapala said. “We also have very active residents who volunteer in the community.”

Carlsbad businesses are leading the way in volunteerism and making Carlsbad a better place for everyone!

photo Below Left: Angie Klinger, Helen Patterson, Bobbie Castillo participating in the Deliver-a-Meal program.

photo Below Center: John and Barbara Meyer visiting.

photo Below right: Left to Right- Linda Ahrens, Jeffrey Mathis and Cecil Arnold playing Farkle.

photo Above: Morgan Phillips setting up Bingo.

Photos courtesy of Landsun Homes Inc.

Businesses on theFront Lines of Volunteerism

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on fashion

There was kind of an “estrogen-fest” going on during a warm Thursday afternoon at katie Cassingham’s Carlsbad home.

The residence’s two boys had safely fled to a video game system in the backroom. Katie, her 14-year-old daughter Rebekah, and four of Rebekah’s friends “girlie-girled” the afternoon away by sorting through a huge pile of dresses and accessories, while 3-year-old Abby darted underfoot.

The girls were all sorting clothing for Cinderella’s Closet, a new nonprofit organization established by Fairy Godmother Katie. Katie is working to make sure that all of Carlsbad’s young ladies get to look and feel like princesses.

Katie, a blogger and webmaster for www.focusoncarlsbad.com, said she came up with the idea during preparation for Rebekah’s 8th grade formal.“A lot of the girls went clothes shopping

together, but one of the girls really hung back and wouldn’t look at anything or try anything on,” she said. “I pulled her aside and asked if she was OK. She started crying and said that her dad said they did not have enough money for a dress to go to the formal.”

Katie said she could understand the single father’s plight. “It broke my heart,” she shared. “So I went ahead and bought her dress this year, but I realized that realistically I can’t buy something for every girl in need.”

With her newly-formed 501(c)(3) charity, Katie will gather, mend, dry-clean and store dresses and other formalwear. Local families in need can then check-out outfits for upcoming formal events. She said she came up with the idea for Cinderella’s Closet from a program geared toward providing military wives-to-be with wedding gowns. The name of the charity has fairly obvious

origins.

“Dresses can cost $300 or $400,” she said. “The Cinderella story revolves around a fairy godmother helping her get ready for the ball.”

She said the check-out process will be very casual. She’s not going to pursue people who borrow clothes and demand them back, but she does hope people will return items to support others in the future.

While always willing to accept clothing, Cassingham said she plans to hold a large event where people can donate

photo: Katie Cassingham, daughter Rebekah Ramponi and Rebekah’s friends sort through some of the clothing that will make up “Cinderella’s Closet.” Pictured, from left, are: back row: McKenzie Minerd, Katie Cassingham, Kia Marion; front row: Samantha Kostedt, Rebekah Ramponi, Donny Van de Vrugt.


photo: Abby Ramponi helps her mother and sister prepare Cinderella’s Closet .

47 Certificate and Associates Degrees Online at carlsbad.nmsu.eduGive us a call at 888.888.2199or visit the campus today.

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dresses, shoes and other dress items. The three big dress-up events in Carlsbad are the 8th grade formal, Snowball and prom.

“We’d like to do a donation drive in August,” she said. “I’m also hoping to find someone willing to donate storage space.”

Katie is also accepting financial contributions to make sure all of the dresses are dry-cleaned and to pay for minor repairs, if needed. She’s also looking for boys’ clothing.

“Rebekah and her friends have been very excited to help me, but when I try to get Isaac’s (her son’s) opinions on ties, his response will be to roll his eyes,” she remarked.

“I think it’s a wonderful nonprofit organization and girls will love it,” Rebekah said. “I’m really happy that my mom is doing it because it shows she really cares.”

Katie said changes in fashion have not presented a huge problem because some items go out of style and then come back in in a different way.

“So there was this one Victorian dress I thought looked classy, and my daughter’s friends said if you threw in a top hat it would be a great Steampunk outfit,” she shared. “I had to Google Steampunk, but I think it shows that while styles change, many older dresses can be modernized.”

Katie is a Carlsbad native who returned here from California. She was the editor of the school newspaper when she was a high school student, and she has continued to write for various publications throughout her life. She has four children: Isaac, 15; Rebekah, 13; Josh, 7; and Abby, 3. Katie’s parents, brother and sister all work for the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant. She works for a local oil company and also runs Exquisite Shindigs, a party planning company.

Katie has been involved in volunteer work throughout her life. “When I was married, I was the ship’s ombudsman, who is basically the go-between for the military wives and the captain,” she said. As ombudsman, she’d talk to the captain about family concerns, plan Christmas parties and support other military spouses.

“I remember once, when there was a hurricane in Corpus Christi, having to lead a caravan of 15 vehicles with military wives, kids, cats and dogs to San Antonio,” she recalled.

Fairy Godmother Katie’s volunteer spirit continues as she seeks to provide a magical opportunity to girls in Carlsbad through Cinderella’s Closet.

To assist with Cinderella’s Closet, please contact Katie at [email protected].


yOu wOuLd sMiLe, TOO,iF iT HAppened TO yOu.It’s My Party, a local charity striving to help families visit sick children in out-of-town hospitals, has come a long way since it began as one girl’s desire to help a friend in need.

It all started when Winnie Keller, then age 5, wanted to find a way to help her friend Shakiri Montoya. Montoya, a member of the Carlsbad Cavegirl basketball team, was receiving chemo treatments in Lubbock. Winnie decided

to give her birthday money to Shakiri’s family to help offset their extensive travel costs. She and her friends raised $700 for Shakiri’s mother. While Shakiri passed away in 2009, her memory lives on through the It’s My Party charity, which now works toward helping other families with similar travel burdens.

These days, a group of student athletes with Carlsbad High School sit on the It’s My Party board. Winnie’s mother, Mercedes, runs the charity. The athletes help by spreading the word about It’s My Party and by agreeing to attend youth parties when asked.

“Last year, we were a little unstructured and didn’t know what to expect,” Mercedes Keller said. “This year, we have officers and different representatives, so if someone calls and wants a basketball party, I’ll know who

on youth

photo Main: Members of the Carlsbad Cavemen varsity football team showed up in force at a recent It’s My Party event.

photo inset Left: Aubrey Putman accepts an honorary jersey from CHS cheerleaders Kalin Day (left) and Sariah Salcido. Putman decided to donate money she received for her birthday to It’s My Party.

photo inset right: The ladies of the television show New Mexico Style pose with members of Carlsbad’s It’s My Party team.

“it’s My Party”in FuLL BLOOM


Applause! Applause!Volunteers are not only the backbone of the credit union movement; they are its heart and soul, too. One of the key things that sets U-1st Community Federal Credit Union and other credit unions apart from other for-profit financial institutions is that volunteers elected from the membership serve on the board of directors. Michael Cleary serves as our President/Chairman of the Board, Marlin Voss as Vice President and Fernanda Mendoza as Secretary, with Stephen Austin as the Treasurer and Cameron Smith as Director. �ese board members, along with the volunteers who serve on the supervisory and other committees, are dedicated to ensuring the credit union is true to its mission of "people helping people" and through their dedication, have approved donations to over a dozen charitable organizations within Eddy County this past year. �eir commitment and leadership are instrumental to the success of our credit union, and for that, we are all grateful. �ank you volunteers for all you do to help others enjoy the benefits of credit union member-ship. You deserve a big round of applause for giving your time and sharing your expertise.

601 N. Canal St. • Carlsbad, NM 88220 • 575-887-1785

to contact.”

How it works is that a child, or adult, will request to participate in It’s My Party prior to his or her birthday party. The party’s invitation will ask for donations in lieu of presents. The birthday boy or girl will also be asked to indicate his or her favorite sport. The members of that sport will then make a special appearance at the party.

“So, for example, if they are in baseball or dance, a baseball or dance representative will give them a jersey or tutu,” said Sydney Shoup, a member of the CHS dance team. “We’ll show up and hang out at the party.”

The number on every jersey given out is 55 – Shakiri’s number.

“I know one time the football team brought 30 kids,” Keller said. “Usually, we just ask for two or three players.”

“We’re pretty much spokespeople,” said

CHS football player Marcus Arrington. “We come out and sing happy birthday to them.”

Aubrey Putman decided to donate her birthday money after her party. She attended a summer board meeting with her mother and received an honorary CHS cheerleader jersey.

“I just think it’s cool how everybody gives up their presents to help kids in need,” Shoup said.

Keller said having a board of responsible student athletes has really helped get the program together. Interest has also been shown by schools in other communities, and Keller has asked some of Carlsbad’s athletes to speak about the program.

“Our intern program has spent the summer making contacts with other charities, such as Operation Smile, TWLOHA and Falling Whistles,” Keller said. “They are making great contacts

and learning about other great ideas.”

Arrington said he’s visited four different parties through the charity. The son of head football coach Ron Arrington, he and a friend were called in by Keller for an early party, and he’s been involved ever since.

“Last year, there was some confusion about how the parties worked and how the jersey program worked,” Keller said. “There were great kids out there that wanted to help, but they didn’t know everything about what we were trying to do. This year, we are much more organized.” “We’ve had a year getting used to it (the program).” In a final comment about Keller, Arrington remarked, “She’s doing a wonderful job.”

Volunteersdo more than help.

�ey inspire by example.

Our volunteers inspire us by example. �ey’ve donated thousands of hours to help others. For their caring, dedication and devotion to our patients and staff, we thank them. Our

hospital wouldn’t be the same without their talents.

Want to help others, meet new friends and make an impact on the community?Call us about becoming a volunteer. We’d love to have you here!Gaye Petrie -Volunteer Coordinator (575) 234-3331


on the river

so this is an article about Carlsbad’s island.not the one at the beach. The other one.The island of which we speak is located in the middle of the Pecos River’s trek through Carlsbad, a bit closer to the upscale North Shore Drive residences on the north side of the river than it is to the upscale Riverside Drive residences on the south side. It was traditionally named Horseshoe Island, but is more recently dubbed Christmas Island due to the essential role it plays in the annual Christmas on the Pecos event.

“When I grew up, it was loaded with salt cedar,” said homeowner and island neighbor Mike Calvani.

Three different Carlsbad residents along the river each own about a third of the island, but the owners can’t do too much with the property because it is in the flood zone. What they have done is agree to turn maintenance over to the Heights Lions Club, which decorates it for Christmas on the Pecos, the Carlsbad Chamber of

Commerce’s annual holiday lights show.

“We have an agreement to maintain it year round,” said Lions member Rob Perozynski.

The Lions bring the decorations for Christmas on the Pecos out to the island using a boat owned by member Harold Finical. In fact, the boat, now called the Pecos Ghost, is in its second life of serving Christmas on the Pecos, as it was previously used by the Chamber of Commerce for ferrying visitors up the river. Finical bought it and restored it after a natural disaster knocked it out of the Chamber’s starting lineup. So the Pecos Ghost is sort of a jollier version of the Mary Celeste.

The Lions use a smaller barge to bring a lawnmower out to the island throughout the year and for routine maintenance visits.

Perozynski shared that the Lions began decorating the island early in the history of Christmas on the Pecos. “We set up the weekend before Thanksgiving every year,” Perozynski said. “It features two big black block signs saying ‘Happy Holidays’ and ‘Peace on Earth.’”

“The Lions also add a number of smaller decorations on the island every year,” said member Bill Derringer, “and they try to mix it up a little bit each season.”

The decorations are powered by a line running to Calvani’s house. “We originally brought the power across through a cable,” said Calvani, who also agreed to foot the electric bill. “But eventually we buried an underground line, so there are no exposed wirings to the island.”

“For years, he had to go out and turn the lights on and off physically,”

photo: Horseshoe Island, also called Christmas Island, is one of the key points of interest along Christmas on the Pecos.


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Derringer said. “It’s all automated now.”

The Lions have had to make a few emergency visits to the island over the years, mostly due to bad storms. The decorations are removed in early January.

“It’s a fundraiser for us,” Derringer said. “We go out and get sponsorships from businesses, and they provide some of the funding to support it. We spend several thousand dollars every year on maintenance, but the rest of the money goes toward different projects in town we support. We’re a hands-on club, so it’s a really good project for us.”

“We are really grateful that they let us use the island,” Perozynski added.

That’s about it for the island. Well, except for the rabbit. “Should we tell him about the rabbit?” Perozynski asked his fellow Lions members, who shrugged.

“One year, before we maintained the property year-round, the grass got overgrown, so we did a controlled

burn,” he continued. “We were informed of a rabbit infestation out there. Animal control thought they got all the rabbits. Well, apparently they didn’t.”

The Lions went out on the island and started burning salt cedar. “And sure enough, this rabbit ran out and did a big loop,” Perozynski said. “It was trailing smoke the whole way around. We stopped everything and did everything we could to help it.” Despite efforts to locate it, the smoking rabbit was never seen again.

Calvani said he can recall one wedding on the island. “I think one time was enough,” he noted. “It was during the summer and sweltering. I remember it was also really hard getting everyone over there.”

There have also been a few scouting trips to the island, and plenty of other explorers will stop there as well while kayaking on the river.

“We enjoy watching people out there,” he said. Well, most of the

time. Every now and then one of the intrepid explorers will decide to mark his territory, despite the fact that the island is pretty observable from a fairly large part of two subdivisions. And that’s a really good way to get voted off of Christmas Island.

So… thanks go to the owners of the island and to the Heights Lions Club -- for decorations, for maintenance, and for making Christmas Island a place of beauty and enjoyment for all of Carlsbad.

photos: Members of the Heights Lions Club pose on Christmas Island during their decorating effort. Not pictured: A rabbit.

thinking aBout Volunteering But don’t know where to start? Below are some tips For Finding Your ideal Volunteer opportunitY.Find your passion. Whether it is helping children achieve their potential, helping families become financially stable or improving people’s health, find out what cause is closest to your heart. When you feel passionate about a cause, both you and the organization will benefit from a better volunteer experience.

Consider the skills you have to offer. Would you like to write an agency’s newsletter? Or would you rather work outside? Find something you enjoy doing and enhance your skills through volunteering. If you can’t find an opportunity that capitalizes on your skills, contact an agency and tell them what you have to offer.

They may have a need that they haven’t considered, and you might be the solution.

Learn something new. Volunteering can also teach you valuable new skills that you can use in other parts of your life. You can offer to lead a project to gain leadership experience, or challenge yourself to try something new. Some organizations offer training or continuing education to their volunteers.

Be selective. Think about what matters to you, and be selective about where you spend your time. Your volunteer experience should

make you feel good and support a cause you are passionate about. Having a good experience will make sure you want to go back.

Don’t over-commit. Stick to a volunteering schedule that makes sense for you and leaves you time to enjoy the activity. Taking on too much can ruin a volunteer experience. Both you and the organization you volunteer for will benefit if you enjoy your experience and have enough time to do quality work.

Share the experience with family, friends or co-workers. Group volunteering is a wonderful way to bond with your family or co-workers. Days of Service are great ways to get your family and friends involved and build community momentum.

tips For Volunteering


on recipes

Cooking ideasyou and your kidS can do ToGeTher!

spiCY ChiCken nuggetsIngredients 1 cup: Miracle Whip SaladDressing, divided in 1/23 tablespoons: Milk1/2 teaspoons: Ground cumin1/2 teaspoons: Onion powder1/4 teaspoons: Ground red pepper1/4 teaspoons: Garlic powder4 Boneless skinless chicken breasts (approx 1 1/4 lbs)- cutinto 1 inch chunks1 cup: Crushed sesame crackers1/2 cup: Salsa

toadstoolsIngredients 1 Saltine cracker1 Small piece of Hershey bar1 teaspoon: Peanut butter1/2 Large marshmallow

DirectionsSpread peanut butter on saltine cracker. Top with Hershey bar piece and marshmallow. Microwave 20 seconds. Grown ups will love these as much as the kids do. They are addicting!!

tuna-apple-peanut saladIngredients Lettuce leaves1 Delicious or other sweet apple1 Stalk celery, thinly sliced1 cup (3-1/4 ounces): Starkist-tuna; drained and flaked1/3 cup: Peanut halves3 tablespoons: Reduced-calorie mayonnaise-or salad dressing1 tablespoon: Apple juice; up to 2

DirectionsArrange lettuce leaves on 2 salad plates, covering each plate.

With an apple corer or small, sharp knife, core apple; cut into quarters. Then cut each quarter into thin slices and arrange 1/2 of them on each plate.

Sprinkle 1/2 of the celery on each plate. Sprinkle 1/2 of the tuna and ½ of the peanuts on each plate.

In a small bowl, stir together mayonnaise and enough apple juice to make a thin salad dressing. Drizzle the dressing over each salad.

DirectionsPreheat oven to 425 degrees. Mix together 1/2 cup salad dressing, milk and seasonings until well blended. Lightly dip chicken into salad dressing mixture; coat well with cracker crumbs. Place on greased foil-lined cookie sheet. Bake 18 to 20 minutes or until tender.Mix together 1/2 cup salad dressing and salsa. Serve with chicken nuggets.


what state abolished its personal income tax in 1980 and refunded $185 million already collected to its taxpayers?

Alaska, which has the highest per capita income in the country.

eighty-seven-year-old Democrat rebecca Latimer selton held what distinction in the political arena?

She was the first woman to become a U.S. Senator, when she was appointed by the governor of Georgia to serve the remaining day of a vacated Senate seat, November 21-222, 1922.

what did gangster Al Capone’s oldest brother Jim--who went by the name richard “Two Gun” Hart--do for a living?

He was a lawman in Nebraska--serving as a town marshal and a state sheriff.

what triggered the legendary feud between the hillbilly Hatfields and McCoys in 1873?

The alleged theft of a pig.

which of the 50 states takes in the least amount of tourist dollars?

Rhode Island. California takes in the greatest amount.

what famous words did Francis Bellamy write to commemorate the 400th anniversary of Columbus’s discovery of America?

“The Pledge of Allegiance”--which was published in “The Youth’s Companion” magazine. Bellamy was on the magazine’s staff.

How much expense money did Congress allot Meriwether Lewis and william Clark for thier expedition across America that lasted from May 1804 to september 1806?

The sum of $2,500.

In 1960, the citizens of Hot springs, new Mexico, voted to rename their town in honor of a popular radio show. what is it now called?

Truth or Consequences--known as T or C for short. The change was made after radio (and later TV) show host Ralph Edwards promised to hold a program there annually.

what employee-grooming regulation at Disney world would prevent the hiring of walt Disney--if he were alive and job hunting today?

The ban on facial hair. Disney had a mustache.

Trivia from triviacountry.com.

random

triVia


riddles#1 There are three people (Alex, Brook and Cody), one of whom is a knight, one a knave, and one a spy. The knight always tells the truth, the knave always lies, and the spy can either lie or tell the truth.

Alex says: “Cody is a knave.”Brook says: “Alex is a knight.”Cody says: “I am the spy.”

Who is the knight, who the knave, and who the spy?

#2 A bridge will collapse in 17 minutes and 4 people want to cross it before it collapses. It is a dark night and there is only one torch between them.Only two people can cross at a time.

“A” takes a minute to cross.“B” takes 2 minutes.“C” takes 5and “D” takes 10 minutes

How do they all cross before the bridge collapses?

#3 A man is caught on the King’s property. He is brought before the King to be punished.

The King says, “You must give me a statement. If it is true, you will be eaten by the lions. If it is false, you will be trampled by the wild buffalo.”

But in the end, the King has to let the man go.

What was the man’s statement?These riddles are used with permission from mathisfun.com.

solutions

#1 Alex is a Knight, Brook is a Spy, Cody is a Knave. Brook is not the knight, since if he is, then Alex would also be the knight. Cody is not the knight, since his statement would then be a lie. Therefore Alex is the knight. Hence Cody is the knave, and Brook is the spy.

#2 A and B cross first using up 2 minutes. A comes back making it 3 C and D cross making it 13 minutes then B crosses back over making it 15 minutes. And finally A and B cross together to make it 17 minutes!

#3 “I will be trampled by the wild buffalo.” If you think about it carefully: the King can’t say that it is true, because if it is, then the man should be eaten by the lions. But if he is eaten by the lions, then his statement would be false, and so should have been trampled by buffalo. So the King can’t tell if it is a lie or truth, so decides to just let him go.


The New Mexico Tourism Department has released a bit of its new tourism campaign—”New Mexico True.”

The advertisements are designed to persuade tourists that New Mexico is an adventurous destination. Tourism officials say residents of nearby states like Arizona and Colorado are primary targets of the public relations blitz. The ads were filmed and produced at different state locations. The department said the campaign will grow the state’s $5.5 billion tourism industry.

Advertising for the first phase of the campaign was placed in West Texas, Arizona and New Mexico which falls in step with the Chamber’s target market for their advertising campaign. The new campaign was launched in April and is the first of many phases to include many different destinations throughout the state. Carlsbad had the opportunity to be one of the first cities to partner with the Tourism Department with promotion efforts of their new campaign. With assistance from HK advertising the Carlsbad Chamber kicked off their new summer campaign in May focusing on site doing and not sightseeing for visitors. We want visitors to see what they can actually do and experience during their visit to Carlsbad and create

an adventure during their visit said Lisa Boeke, Tourism Director for the Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce. The new commercial features jet skiing, caving, hiking and more. Carlsbad’s commercial is currently featured on the Tourism Departments website on YouTube and has already received over 450 hits in just under a week’s time. During the month of June Carlsbad will also be featured on the Tourism Department website as the destination gives a way of the month. Many business through Carlsbad donated items such as hotel stays, meals, private boat cruises, tours of the Living Desert, Carlsbad Caverns and more. Entries will be taken throughout the month of June with the drawing being held July 15th. This will be the first step in building an email data base for the Carlsbad Chamber and will be one of many components used for the new social

media campaign the Carlsbad Chamber will begin in July. The Carlsbad summer commercial is available to view on line at www.newmexico.org Tourism Department website. Once on the website follow the link to YouTube and click on the first set of commercials. The Carlsbad Chamber looks forward to welcoming more visitors this summer and showing off what a truly amazing community we have…

New Mexico true caMpaigN

on the chamber

Ask anyone what comes to mind when they think of Carlsbad, NM and chances are they will answer “Carlsbad Caverns National Park.”

Carlsbad is more than the Carlsbad Caverns. It is also the City with the friendliest people to be found anywhere. Retirees play a large part in making Carlsbad a friendly place.

They offer themselves to perform a service willingly and without pay and volunteerat many non-profit organizations in our City. Volunteers are essential to the operation of non-profit organizations and get work done that the non-profits simply could not afford to pay for.

Ken Britt, Superintendent of the New Mexico Living Desert Zoo and Gardens State Park stated “Our retired volunteers are golden. They are involved in many facets of our

operation, touching the lives of our visitors both big and small, including our staff. We measure their volunteer service in years of service ranging from 1 year up to 27 years. The retired volunteers at Living Desert enrich all of our lives and we would be lost without them.”

The Retired Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) with offices at the San Jose Senior Recreation Center has approximately 300 volunteers working with the program. The program is funded by the federal government, State of New Mexico and the City of Carlsbad.

These retirees are always willing to lend a helping hand and know how to get the job done.

Anyone interested in volunteering in the program may call 575-887-0871 or stop by 2814 San Jose Blvd.

The retiree volunteers are another reason why we say – CARLSBAD, A PLACE TO CALL HOME.

For more information, contact:Janell Whitlock, Director of Retirement575-302-9191

tourisM corNer

retirees play their part well iN carlsbad


letter froM the chairMaN

welcoMe!New MeMbers

Carlson Financial servicesChoices Center of

Independent Living, IncCMO services

Consumer Impressions, IncCreative FunDeans, Inc.

Iridium electronic servicesJoy Global

Ladies of the 50’ssecurity Finance 0750

skin Oasis wellness spastockbridge Capital Investors, Inc.

Techno Bytes, LLCThe Party Place

Tractor supply CompanyZia Finance

...............................................................Contact the Chamber at (575) 887-6516

www.carlsbadchamber.com

robert Defer, Chief Executive Officer [email protected]

Brenda whiteaker, Director of Operations [email protected]

Lisa Boeke, Director of Marketing & Tourism [email protected]

Janell whitlock, Director of Retirement [email protected]

Donna Cass, Senior Administrative Assistant [email protected]

randy Baker, Director of Facility [email protected]

Matt DeYonge, Facilities Maintenance

Jesus Torres, Facilities Maintenance

Your Chamber Staff

Greetings Carlsbad:As you may or may not have noticed, the picture at left has changed. As we bid farewell to Susan Crockett, the out-going Chairman of the Chamber Board, I commend her for her total commitment and for a job well done!The President of the Chamber Board, as well as the Chamber Board of Directors, are all volunteer positions. Like many volunteer opportunities here in Carlsbad, all or most require a substantial investment of an individual’s time, but what a great way to say “thank you” to your community. All the hours of volunteerism I have put back into my community, i.e. Class Act, Chamber of Commerce, Aware, Assistance League, Beautification Committee, Booster Clubs, PTA, Carlsbad Ambassadors, and, yes, even City Council, all began because of my love of Carlsbad and her people—you!Because of our Potash and Oil & Gas Industries, WIPP and other entities employing large numbers of our citizens, we are blessed with a healthy economy. Because outsiders have noticed our healthy economy, Carlsbad has become a “city on the grow”. I truly

believe that if the Chamber, City, County and CDOD (Carlsbad Department of Development) work together as a team, we will see Carlsbad grow into an even better community! And, of course, with a growing community comes a growing need for volunteers! I look forward to the opportunity of serving as your Chamber Chairman and working alongside the volunteer Board. I will strive to follow the lead set by Susan and those before her in moving the Chamber forward.Is volunteering in your future? Jump in—it’s a great way to meet new friends!

Sincerely,Judi Waters“Forward bound. Working together for a better Carlsbad”

Grand OpeninGs ribbOn cuttinGs GrOund breakinGs

Friends, family, and Chamber Ambassadors helpedBarbara Flores celebrate the grand opening of her

Farmer’s Insurance Agency located at 314 W Mermod.

Carlsbad helps employees and officials of Tractor Supply celebrate the grand opening of their new

store located at 3127 National Parks Highway.

New Harvest Builders cut the ribbon to their new home located at 701 N 11th Street on June 15.

Yellow Brix celebrated their new dinner menu with a ribbon cutting in April. Yellow Brix is

located in the heart of Carlsbad at 201 N. Canal.

Judi WatersChairman of the BoardCarlsbad Chamber of Commerce

Thanks to the generous donations of Best Western Stevens Inn, Century 21, Elite Detailing, McDonald’s Restaurants, Mo-saic Potash, Orthopedic Specialists, PVT, Springtime Janitorial, URS-Washington TRU Solutions, and Western Commerce Bank and the efforts of Jeff Campbell and members of the Chamber of Com-merce Carlsbad 40-Under-40 Committee, “Home of Cody Ross” signs have been installed on the City limits signs coming into Carlsbad from Hobbs, Artesia, El Paso, and Loving!


business directory

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Home Care from the Heart





Contact Alyx duncan for [email protected] • 575.302.6717

Buy with confidence and own with pride.S I N C E 1 9 4 1


We started Focus On Carlsbad Magazine several years ago as a way to share positive stories about our community. We now bring that same commitment to you online.

FocusOnCarlsbad.com

FuLL serViCe AdVerTising • prinT & weB designspeCiALTy puBLiCATiOns • prOMOTiOnAL prOduCTs

866-207-0821 • 575-302-6717A d - V e n t u r e M a r k e t i n g . c o m

We’ve GoT your buSineSS covered!

Our E.r. can hElp yOu gEt back tO yOur lifE fastEr.Emergency medicine is about three things: compassion, skilled care and speed. You’ll find these at

Carlsbad Medical Center. The experienced E.R. physicians and the entire team are committed to

working diligently to have you initially seen by a clinical professional* within 30 minutes of your arrival.

When minutes matter, choose the E.R. that doesn’t waste time. Choose Carlsbad Medical Center.

For more information and to view our current average wait time, visit CarlsbadMedicalCenter.com.

CarlsbadMedicalCenter.com

*Clinical professional is defined as a physician, physician assistant or nurse practitioner. If you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 911.

The 30-Minutes-or-Less E.R. Service Pledge.

Scan this code with your mobile device to view our current average wait time.

61865_CARL_ER_10_5x21c.indd 1 4/13/12 8:25 AM

Our E.r. can hElp yOu gEt back tO yOur lifE fastEr.Emergency medicine is about three things: compassion, skilled care and speed. You’ll find these at

Carlsbad Medical Center. The experienced E.R. physicians and the entire team are committed to

working diligently to have you initially seen by a clinical professional* within 30 minutes of your arrival.

When minutes matter, choose the E.R. that doesn’t waste time. Choose Carlsbad Medical Center.

For more information and to view our current average wait time, visit CarlsbadMedicalCenter.com.

CarlsbadMedicalCenter.com

*Clinical professional is defined as a physician, physician assistant or nurse practitioner. If you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 911.

The 30-Minutes-or-Less E.R. Service Pledge.

Scan this code with your mobile device to view our current average wait time.

61865_CARL_ER_10_5x21c.indd 1 4/13/12 8:25 AM

focus on carlsbad fall 2012

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