WIN

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TAKING A LOOK BACKPLUS: SOCIAL NETWORKS • DESERT PHOTOS • LOW RIDERS & MORE

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Focus on the Chamber

From the Editor

Focus Community Events

FOCUS ON HISTORYPresident’s Park

FOCUS ON THE ROAdCarlsbad Caverns

FOCUS ON EVERYdAY HEROESdesert Photos

PHOTO SPREAdPhotos in Focus

FOCUS ON BUSINESSHow Money Spent Locally Stays Local

Carlsbad MainStreet

FOCUS ON TECHNOLOGYSocial Networks

FOCUS ON CARLSBAd CHARACTERSCarlsbad’s Special Olympians

Carlsbad Coffee Culture

FOCUS ON COMMUNITYVolleyball Keeps Friends Together

Here Come the Gingerbread Houses

FOCUS ON ARTOne Love of Low Riders

FOCUS ON SPORTSBubba Forrest

Focus Business directory

Focus on Carlsbad is published quarterly by Ad Venture Marketing.Ad Venture Marketing, Ltd. Co.

toll free: 866.207.0821www.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.

Editorial Content by Kyle MarksteinerPhotography by Kyle Marksteiner - along with submitted photos

Special Contributors: Jeff Keller, Bianca L. Granado & John Safin

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tourism corner

Carlsbad’s Kevin ZinKWins Chef Competitionat toronto’s hot & spiCy food festival at harbourfront Centre

on the chamber

Any chef worth his salt will tell you that what sets his specialty apart from all the rest is the secret ingredient.

For Chef Kevin Zink at the recent annual Hot & Spicy Food Festival at the Harbourfront Centre in Toronto, Canada August 15, 2010, however, his secret ingredient was no secret. In fact, the guy at the next stove over was using the exact same secret ingredient - coffee.

But by the time the last grill flame was extinguished, Zink, owner and executive chef at the Stock Exchange at Old City Hall in Carlsbad, had used his secret ingredient to knock off his competitor from Mexico, Chef Angel Francisco Ortiz Guillen, in Sunday’s finale to the 2010 winner of the Longo’s International Iron Chef Competition.

Zink joined with New Mexico Tourism Department (North America Tour Trade Director Mark Trujillo and Lisa Boeke, director of marketing for the Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce, to represent New Mexico at one of the most popular annual festivals in Canada.

“Festival audiences number in the thousands,” Trujillo said, “and Kevin did an outstanding job representing New Mexico.

Employing traditional Nambé alloy in his presentation and even New Mexico green chile in his entrees, Zink bettered one of Toronto’s leading chefs, Joshna Maharaj (winner of the Canadian Competition), in the semi-finals with his chicken and mushroom sauce (mushrooms being the secret ingredient in the semis); then created a coffee-seasoned petite filet to oust in the finals.

Chefs were asked to prepare “something” within 45 minutes, using a basket of ingredients and a pre-determined shopping list. When they returned from their shopping trip, they were given a “secret ingredient” that they had to incorporate into the dish. They were evaluated on how they used that ingredient, along with other criteria.

“We congratulate Chef Kevin Zink on his success and thank him for his participation in a key event on the Department’s annual promotion calendar,” said Michael Cerletti, Secretary of the Tourism Department. “Canada remains one of New Mexico’s top international markets, and our participation in the Hot & Spicy Food Festival at the Harbourfront Centre keeps us in touch with our neighbors to the north.”

“Events like the Hot & Spicy Food Festival give us the opportunity to educate the world on what New Mexico

and New Mexico cuisine have to offer,” Trujillo said.

The Stock Exchange opened its doors in Carlsbad in 2009, with a desire to provide specially designed dishes, elegantly layered in Southwestern flair. The result is an urban experience under an ambiance of a time gone by at Carlsbad’s Old City Hall, located at 220 West Fox Street.

Harbourfront Centre along Lake Ontario is a cultural and educational centre for the performing arts, and a major Canadian tourist destination, offering family activities to approximately two million people over the course of the summer.

The Hot & Spicy Food Festival explores the diversity of food and flavors from around the globe, with complimentary samplings of hot sounds from Canadian and international artists. This popular festival features local, international and celebrity chefs dishing up hot and spicy cuisine in demos, workshops, and panel discussions.

“We talk to thousands of people every day in our promotion of New Mexico,” Trujillo said, “and this year, our New Mexico vacation package was also the grand-prize giveaway for the Hot and Spicy Festival, offering us even more promotional value.”

4 on carlsbad

Letter from the chairman

WelCome!neW members

Accent Design & Landscaping

Charles E Black Jr & Associates

Georgia Holguin

How ‘Bout Them Cowboys

Java Dave’s

Joyce Keen

Murphy Oil Express

SWAT IT Solutions

Big Deal Promotions

.................................................................

For more info or to join theCarlsbad Chamber of Commerce

302 South Canal Street(575) 887-6516

www.carlsbadchamber.com

Robert P Defer, Chief Executive Officer director@carlsbadchamber.com

Brenda Whiteaker, Director of Operations operations@carlsbadchamber.com

Lisa Boeke, Director of Marketing & Tourism tourism@carlsbadchamber.com

Janell Whitlock, Director of Retirement retirement@carlsbadchamber.com

Roland Caudill, Director of Facilities Maint. facility@carlsbadchamber.com

Donna Cass, Administrative Assistant carlsbadnm@carlsbadchamber.com

Albert Elizondo, Administrative Assistanttemp@carlsbadchamber.com

Gilbert John Gonzalez, Facilities Maintenance

Albert “Dewey” Griffith, Facilities Maintenance

Your Chamber Staff

2010-2011Board of Directors

Russell Hardy,Chairman of the BoardNMSU-Carlsbad

Susan Crockett,Incoming Chairman of the BoardSpringtime Cleaning & Janitorial

Judi WatersTreasurerFirst United Methodist Church

Matt Leroch,Past Chairman of the BoardURS Washington Division

Bonnie Bakal,Governmental Affairs ChairpersonIndividual

Mike Calvani,Christmas on the Pecos ChairpersonCalvani’s Carpets

Jeff Campbell,Young Business League ChairpersonCarlsbad Dept. of Development

Wanda Durham,Ambassador Co-ChairpersonDurham & Associates

Bobby Forrest,Tourism ChairpersonBest Western Stevens Inn

Jerri McTaggart,Ambassador Co-ChairpersonSimply Enchanted / Little Tea Pot

Bob Yeager,Retirement Council ChairpersonCentury 21 Assoc. Professionals

Ken Britt,Lodger’s Tax RepresentativeLiving Desert State Park

Wes Carter,City Council RepresentativeCity Council

Mayor Dale Janway,City of Carlsbad MayorCity of Carlsbad

Tina Britain, Board MemberCurves International

Kirstin Carlson, Board MemberCarlsbad Mental Health

Chris Bird, Board MemberCarlsbad National Bank

Rudy Dominguez, Board MemberIntrepid Potash NMLLC

Jim Harrison, Board MemberCarlsbad Community Foundation

Tom Hollis, Board MemberCarlsbad National Bank

Todd Hyden, Board MemberRoss Hyden Motors

Ben Jaime, Board MemberXCEL Energy

Susan Owen, Board MemberLakeview Christian Home

Dave Rogers, Board MemberCARC, Inc.

Jerry Rogers, Board MemberSE Readi-Mix

Mark Schinnerer, Board MemberCARC, Inc

As the new Chairman of the Board for the Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce, I would like to take a few moments to discuss my vision of the Chamber’s role over the next twelve months. For starters, Carlsbad and South Eddy County seem to be weathering the current economic recession pretty well thus far and I believe that our community’s success is indicative of the level of diversity that has been created within the community over the last thirty years. Diversification tends to breed stability as well as better decisions. As a result, I am proud

to say that your current Board of Directors are comprised of some of the hardest-working, dedicated, and most diverse thinking individuals that can be found in Carlsbad. I couldn’t have picked a better group to work with and I look forward to serving them and you over the next year.

Secondly, I have challenged your Board of Directors to engage in three main goals during the next year. Those goals are 1) To do the right thing in their role as Director in making decisions on behalf of our members; 2) To serve the Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce membership and the community of Carlsbad by adding value through their thoughts, words, and deeds; and 3) To be committed in their role as Director by attending Chamber sponsored meetings, events, and ribbon cuttings.

Lastly, I will attempt to engender a spirit of cooperation and collaboration between the Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce and other community partner organizations such as the City of Carlsbad, Eddy County, the Carlsbad Department of Development, and the Carlsbad MainStreet Organization in an attempt to better serve our member businesses and the constituents of Carlsbad. By working together in a collaborative and cooperative fashion, we can work to improve the appearance of our city, promote tourism and customer service, and cultivate an environment of business growth, business development, and business sustainability.

I am proud to serve as the Chairman of the Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce and to serve you, the members, as the Board and I strive to provide leadership, guidance, and support to the business community for the promotion of economic and community growth. I encourage you to contact me or any of the members of the Board of Directors if you have any questions, suggestions, or need additional information regarding one of the Chamber councils, events, or activities.

Sincerely,

Russell Hardy

Johnna Stephens, Board MemberCarlsbad Mental Health

Brenda Suggs, Board MemberWestern Commerce Bank

Debe Wagner, Board MemberPioneer Bank

Robert Young, Board MemberWalter Gerrells Performing Arts Center

Honorary Board MembersAmy BarnhartJohn BenjaminAlison BryantLarry CoalsonDr. Ned ElkinsRoxanne LaraJohn LujanErnie MendozaJim StovallDr. George VeniJohn WatersDr. Sheri Williams

5

Grand OpeninGs ribbOn cuttinGs GrOund breakinGs

According to the World Health Organization, by 2050 more than 1/5th of the world’s population will be over the age of 60. Older adults are more pro active about their health and are staying in the workforce longer. They are keeping active in the community and will continue to do so with the right opportunities and support.

Governments, the World Health Organization and many non-profit organizations are promoting age friendly changes for cities. Can Carlsbad become an age friendly community? Requirements target eight key areas.

• Outdoor spaces and buildings• Transportation• Housing• Respect and social inclusion• Social participation• Communication and information• Civic participation and employment opportunities• Community support and health services

Age friendly places aren’t just about catering to a specific age group. They benefit all members of the community both directly and indirectly. Carlsbad is a work in progress so there are many opportunities for leadership and involvement. The well-being of any community begins with all of us. A community is built on one-on-one interactions among the citizens. How can you make a difference? GET INVOLVED.

Janell Whitlock, Director or Retirement, can be reached at the Chamber of Commerce 575-887-6516

Representatives from CARC, the Chamberof Commerce, City of Carlsbad and friends

celebrate the grand opening of CARC’snew offices at 611 N. Canal.

Jeremiah Kane is joined by ChamberAmbassadors in cutting the ribbon atHow ‘Bout Them Cowboys located

at 615 W Mermod.

Carlsbad – an aGefriendly Community?

Employees, family, friends and ChamberAmbassadors help Alan Wood of Denton-Wood

Funeral Home cut the ribbon for the recentaddition to their services.

Denton Wood is located at 1001 N Canal.

The Museum Mercantile is now open insidethe Carlsbad Museum & Arts Center located

at 418 W Fox.

The Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce Ambas-sadors and Donna French cut the ribbon to open The Recovery Center located at 207 W McKay.

Elizabeth and Bill Raitt, the owners ofAquaceros Spa & Salon, together with their staff and members of the Chamber of Com-

merce Ambassadors, cut the ribbon at929 N. Canal St.

6 on carlsbad

on the chamber

What has theChamber been up to?In July through September we:• Had ribbon cuttings and grand openings for CARC, The Recovery Center, Aquaceros Day Spa, the Carlsbad Museum Mercantile, Denton-Wood, and How ‘Bout Them Cowboys• Took 5,625 Visit/Relocate/Retire Guides to trade shows• Mailed over 500 Visit/Relocate/Retire Guides to individuals wanting to visit Carlsbad• Sent 2,550 Visit/Relocate/Retire Guides to other visitor’s center in New Mexico• Gave out nine relocation packets• Greeted over 700 visitors to the Chamber office• Had almost 5,000 visits to the Chamber web site• Welcomed nine new Chamber members• Held the 1st Quarter Lunch with the Chamber of Commerce Governmental Affairs Council – guest speakers included NM Secretary of Transportation Gary Giron, Chairman of the NM Highway Department Johnny Cope and Congressman Harry Teague

Don’t hesitate to contact us if you have questions, needs…or just want to visit!

Governmental affairsCounCil lunCheonThe Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce Governmental Affairs Council held its first quarterly luncheon on Tuesday, August 17, 2010, at the Best Western Stevens Inn with about 70 Carlsbad citizens and elected officials in attendance. Guest speakers for this event were Congressman Harry Teague, New Mexico Secretary of Transportation Gary Giron, New Mexico State Transportation Chairman, Johnny Cope and Carlsbad Mayor Dale Janway. They discussed plans for and timing of the Canal Street Project along with other projects for Southeast New Mexico and announced that bids for the Canal Street project will be going out this Friday. Secretary Giron stated that the key to economic development is good roads. Representative John Heaton thanked Past Carlsbad Mayor Bob Forrest and Dave Rogers with the Citizens Advisory Committee for their efforts in getting this project going.

“We are very excited about this new venue sponsored by Governmental Affairs,” states Chamber Governmental Affairs Council Chair, Bonnie Bakal. “Public response has been very gratifying and we are very pleased with the interest the quarterly meeting has demonstrated.” Topics for these quarterly meetings are selected based on Carlsbad happenings of interest to the entire community.

What should everyone that Comes to your toWn see?According to Carla Duarte everyone should come to Carlsbad to see Christmas on the Pecos! Carla recently called the Cooper Lawrence Show – a nationally syndicated radio show broadcast on CD104/Carlsbad Radio in Carlsbad – to answer that question. Christmas on the Pecos was the first thing that came to her mind when she heard the question on the radio. Her description of Christmas on the Pecos won her a Jack Johnson CD and the opportunity to be placed in a drawing for a trip to Los Angeles, CA to hear Johnson in concert in October. Several days later she received the call that she and a guest had won the trip!

Duarte said that she told Cooper Lawrence that Christmas on the Pecos was in Carlsbad, New Mexico - where the Pecos River runs through the town. Carla told her that homeowners along the riverfront decorate their yards with thousands of Christmas lights and decorations and that visitors ride pontoon boats up and down the river to view the beautiful displays. Carla told Cooper that it’s a really beautiful sight and everyone should come to Carlsbad to see it!

Carla and her husband Tommy are looking forward to the expense paid weekend getaway where they will stay at the historic Roosevelt Hotel in Hollywood and enjoy the Jack Johnson concert at the Hollywood Bowl; and surely fit in some sight seeing!

Don Hughes, owner of Carlsbad Radio shared his excitement, “Carlsbad Radio is thrilled that out of the 200 plus radio stations across America that carry the very popular Cooper

Lawrence show, it was one of our listeners that won the trip! We want to extend our congratulations to Carla and on behalf of all of Carlsbad we want to thank her for taking the time to submit her entry that so eloquently described the event we know as Christmas on the Pecos. The kind of national exposure she got for our City and Christmas on the Pecos couldn’t have been bought for any price.”

Sponsored by the Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce, Christmas on the Pecos is an annual event in Carlsbad from the Friday after Thanksgiving through New Year’s Eve. The magical event is created by over 100 homeowners who spend hours decorating their riverfront properties with millions of lights to the delight of over 15,000 passengers each year. The event has been named as a top 100 must see event by the American Bus Association for the last eight years, was the 2008 Outstanding Event of the Year by the NM Tourism Association, was chosen by A & E in 2004 as one of the Ultimate Top 20 Small Town Holiday Events, and is the longest running holiday event in North America.

Visit www.christmasonthepecos.com or contact the Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce at 575-887-6516 for more information on the upcoming 19th Annual Christmas on the Pecos event.

“We are very excitedabout this new venue sponsored

by Governmental Affairs.”Bonnie Bakal

Chamber Governmental Affairs Council Chair

7

from the editor

Change of seasonsPeople have been telling me about the amusement park that used to be down by the beach ever since I first moved to Carlsbad back in 1998.

They speak about it with a degree of reverence usually only reserved, in these parts, for the Dallas Cowboys, baseball and Applebee’s. Even if you run it through the filter of probable nostalgia, the beach park sounds like it

was pretty darned cool. So, check out John Safin’s feature on the Carlsbad beach inside this edition.

I’m also thrilled that I had the opportunity to interview Don and Ruthie Porter, two of the most genuinely nice people I’ve ever met. I’ve wanted to interview the Porters for a long time, but I knew they’d be too humble to agree to an interview. So I told a little white lie and said I just wanted to talk to them about the organizations they assist. OK, it was only partially a white lie, since I did want to include that information as well. Anyhow, I’m very happy I have the chance to share a little bit about what the Porters contribute to our community.

Also inside this edition, lowrider bicycles, University of New Mexico football player Bubba Forrest, coffee clutches and much, much more!

fundraising in CarlsbadThe change of seasons means, among other things, a change in primary fundraiser tactics. Summer’s car washes have been replaced by the other two generals of Carlsbad’s fundraising triumvirate–taco plate and Krispy Krème sales.

Carlsbad has a donut store now! We’ve all seen three different signs around town promising donut stores, and now word is that at least one of them has opened. Is this going to interfere with Krispy Krème sales? I doubt it. It’s not like Carlsbad’s Mexican restaurants interfere with taco plate sales.

Still, I’ve thought for some time now that we need to try to come up with a few more fundraiser options. During the summer, the car wash scene has become so overcrowded that it looks like Carlsbad’s children have gone on strike, what with all the kids holding signs and all.

So I’d like to suggest, as one potential fundraiser option, holding what I’m calling an un-car wash.

Here’s how it works: Say there are already five car washes scheduled for the weekend. If you schedule a car wash, there will be six of them and you will make about 1/6 of the car wash fundraiser revenue that would be generated in Carlsbad.

Instead, you go to each of the other car wash groups and see if they’d be willing to pay you a small stipend NOT to hold a car wash to keep you from taking their customers. With your un-car wash, you make some money and don’t interfere with anyone else’s fundraiser efforts.

Plus, you can spend that Saturday afternoon watching college football instead.

Goodbye and helloA couple of years ago, I was invited to take pictures at the annual CASA banquet. The theme that year was puzzles, and each banquet table was decorated with a pile of puzzle pieces. Most of the people at the banquet accepted the fact that the puzzle pieces were, in fact, decorations.

But I couldn’t help myself. I began carefully reaching around on the table to put together one of the puzzles. A minute or so later I noticed that someone at the table was helping me. It turned out to be none other than Dave Moody, manager of the Department of Energy’s Carlsbad Field Office. In other words, he’s the guy in charge of WIPP.

The other guests at the banquet began to get puzzled looks of their own on their faces as Dr. Moody and I quietly put together the puzzle.

Dr. Moody has now taken over as the manager of the Savannah River Site in Georgia. There isn’t enough space here to talk about all the good I feel Moody accomplished for the WIPP project. I also consider him to be a person of the highest character. While Dr. Moody has accomplished an awful lot in his life–degrees, patents, titles–I’ll always remember him as the guy who didn’t let any of those things get to his head when there was a chance to work on a jigsaw puzzle.

On the flip side, I wanted to welcome Amy Barnhart back to Carlsbad as the new director of Carlsbad MainStreet. I had the opportunity to work with Amy when she was an intern what seems like a million years ago now. I’m sure she’ll do an outstanding job.

rule the WorldSo I’m teaching a writing class at the college and our journal topic a few weeks ago was “What would you do if you ruled the world?”

A few people in the class shared their answers, and most of them were about what you’d expect–women would have to wear bikinis all the time and men would never be allowed to wear Speedos and so forth. And then one young man in the class raised his hand and gave me an answer that really shocked me.

“I don’t really think I know enough to rule the world,” he admitted. “I’d probably try to find the best experts I could in a variety of fields and work with them and listen to what they had to say.”

Humility? A willingness to listen? To cooperate? Maybe there’s hope after all.

P.S. Congratulations Cody Ross on being selected the MVP of the National League Championship Series! That's just amazing.

Kyle Marksteiner is the editor of Focus Magazine.Write him at editor@ad-venturemarketing.com.

8 on carlsbad

NOVEMBER 13American Recycles day11 a.m. – 3 p.m.Learn how you can make a difference! Exhibits and booths about recyclying and composting will be set up in the Visitor Center.

NOVEMBER 20Oliver Lee - The Beaver Moon5:00 PM - 7:30 PMEnjoy the beauty of Dog Canyon at sundown. Watch the moonrise over the Sacramento escarpment. Dress warmly, arrive early and enjoy stories about the moon. Meet at Group Shelter. Fees: Regular Entrance Fee Contact: Charles Wood 575-437-8284

NOVEMBER 26 - dECEMBER 31Christmas on the PecosChristmas on the Pecos River has been awarded one of the top 100 “must see” events in North America by the American Bus Association 14 years in a row since 1996. Carlsbad Contact: Chamber of Commerce575-887-6516 800-221-1224 (recorded message)

NOVEMBER 27Carlsbad’s Annual Electric Light Parade MainStreet/Keep Carlsbad Beautiful”The parade will begin at 7:00 p.m. It will begin at Canyon and Greene, travel north on Canyon, turn east on Church, and end at the Beach parking lot. Contact: Wanda Welch, 706-0953, Deanna Taylor, 302-4944 or Keep Carlsbad Beautiful, 887-0483

dECEMBER 4Living desert: Holiday Bells2:00 PM - 3:00 PMThis free program featuring holiday music with hand bells will be presented in the Visitor Center. Fees: No Fee, Contact: Kathryn Law, 887-5516

dECEMBER 11Living desert: Holidays with the Animals1:00 PM - 3:00 PMChildren enjoy activities and make holiday cards for their favorite Living Desert animals. There is no fee to attend this event but regular admission fees apply to enter the zoo; or each visitor may donate a new book, toy, or non-perishable food item to be distributed to local charities. Fees: see description Contact: Kathryn Law, 887-5516

dECEMBER 18Sugarite Canyon - Sugarite Luminarias5:00 PM - 8:30 PMCome take part in this holiday tradition and stroll along the banks of Chicorica Creek on a path lined with 2,000 luminarias. Experience the flickering of candles amid the sounds of carols and enjoy cookies and hot drinks. Bring the kids to visit with Santa! Take a peek at the planets through the park telescope! Fees: Regular Entrance Fee, Contact: staff, 445-5607

dECEMBER 20Oliver Lee - Winter Soltice Lunar Eclipse5:00 PM - 6:30 PMEnjoy the beauty of Dog Canyon at sundown. Learn about celestial cycles and how early cultures used the night sky to time their daily lives. The Group Shelter will remain open for those visitors who would like to stay up and view the Lunar Eclipse. Camping space at the Group Shelter is limited, pre-registration for camping is required. Meet at Group Shelter. Fees: Regular Entrance Fee, Contact: Charles Wood, 437-8284

JANUARY 7Carlsbad Community Concert Association presents, Jason Floyd Cramer. 7:30 p.m.P.R. Leyva School AuditoriumFor more information please call 302-6843.

JANUARY 7 - APRIL 29 Living desert - Pre-School Story Time9:30 AM - 10:30 AMActivities include songs, a story, crafts and a short walk in the park every Friday when school is in session. This program is open to pre-school children ages infant to 5 years old accompanied by adults and is free of charge. The last one will be April 29, resuming the Friday after Labor Day. Fees: No Fee, Contact: Kathryn Law, 887-5516

JANUARY 8Living desert - Maggie the Bear’s Birthday Party1:00 PM - 3:00 PMHelp Maggie, our famous painting bear, celebrate her sixth birthday and learn about Bear Awareness. Watch Maggie unwrap her special edible presents at 2:00 p.m. The lucky visitor who guesses Maggie’s weight will win a free Maggie painting. Fees: Regular Entrance Fee, Contact: Kathryn Law, 887-5516

JANUARY 8Oliver Lee - Jupiter, Uranus & the Moon6:00 PM - 8:00 PMThe Amateur Astronomers Group will sponsor an evening under the stars. Jupiter and Uranus are at a very close conjunction in the constellation Pisces, with a crescent Moon nearby. Dress warmly, come early and enjoy the beauty of Dog Canyon at sundown. Meet at Group Shelter. Fees: Regular Entrance Fee, Contact: Charles Wood, 437-8284

FEBRUARY 5Oliver Lee - Orion the Hunter6:30 PM - 8:00 PMThe Amateur Astronomers Group will be sponsoring a tour of the winter sky. Orion and his companion constellations will be highlighted. Dress warmly, come early and enjoy a beautiful Dog Canyon Sunset. Meet at Group Shelter. Fees: Regular Entrance Fee, Contact: Charles Wood, 575-437-8284

FEBRUARY 12Oliver Lee - dog Canyon @ Sunset5:00 PM - 6:30 PMJoin this ranger-guided sunset stroll and enjoy the beauty of Dog Canyon at sunset. As the canyon walls light up from the setting sun, they become a spectacular golden color. Bring your cameras and take the beauty of Dog Canyon home with you. Meet at Visitor Center. Fees: Regular Entrance Fee, Contact: Charles Wood, 575-437-8284

OTHER EVENTS

Friday FocusFridays (7:30-9:30 a.m.)Friday Focus is a great opportunity to market yourbusiness and network with other Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce members at the Stevens Inn. Place a business card in the basket and when called on introduce yourself and your business. Distribute business and promotional material on tables. (Collect before leaving). Networking opportunities are endless. Call the Chamber for more information at 887-6516.

Preschool Story TimeFridays (9:30-10:30 a.m.)Story time takes place every Friday morning whenschool is in session at the Living Desert Zoo andGardens State Park Visitor’s Center. Songs, a story, ashort walk in the park (weather permitting), and craftsare offered for preschool children and accompanyingadults. Free. For more information, call Linda Frank.

BECOME A CASA VOLUNTEERSpeak up for abused and neglected children in our community! CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates), a nonprofit child advocacy organization, will be training new volunteers February 2011. CASA’s advocate for the best interest of children who are

caught up in our court system and suffer because of abuse, neglect and domestic violence. If you are interested in being “A Powerful Voice in a Child’s Life” please call Eddy County CASA 887-5966 or come by 118 West Mermod. www.eddycountycasa.org

Hire a Job Seeker from Our Community and Receive Help to Offset Training Costs. New Mexico Workforce Connection in Eddy County has funds to help you train new employees or upgrade the skills of your current employees. Quick turnaround, limited paperwork and money in your pocket make this a great opportunity!

To learn more contact:Mildred Henderson at 575-887-1174 ormhenderson@nmwcc.com

SENd US YOUR EVENTS!We welcome submissions to the community events page. Please e-mail upcoming activities toeditor@ad-venturemarketing.com.

CONTACTSCARLSBAd CHAMBER

OF COMMERCEwww.carlsbadchamber.com • 575-887-6516

CARLSBAd dEPARTMENTOF dEVELOPMENT

www.developcarlsbad.org • 575-887-6562

CITY OF CARLSBAdwww.cityofcarlsbadnm.com • 575-887-1191

CITY OF CARLSBAdPOLICE dEPARTMENT

www.carlsbadpolicedepartment.com • 575-885-2111

EddY COUNTYwww.co.eddy.nm.us • 575-887-9511

EddY COUNTYSHERIFF’S dEPARTMENT

887-7551

CARLSBAd MUNICIPAL SCHOOLSwww.carlsbad.k12.nm.us • 575-234-3300

NEW MExICO STATE UNIVERSITYwww.artemis.nmsu.edu • 575-234-9250

CARLSBAd MEdICAL CENTERwww.carlsbadmedicalcenter.com • 575-887-4100

WIPPwww.wipp.energy.gov • 575-234-7200

CARLSBAd CAVERNSNATIONAL PARK

www.nps.gov/cave/ • 575-785-2232

COMMUNITY EVENTS

9

on history

Sherman, please set the Way-Back Machine for the late 1960s. For those of you under the age of 40, we’ll jump into the hot tub time machine and splash into the past. Walt Disney World was about to open in Orlando, Florida. The Disney Company was

already the talk of the country with their 1955 opening of Disneyland in California. It became obvious to several people in Southeastern New Mexico that it was time for Carlsbad to get its own amusement park.

Robert O. Anderson was an oilman who knew his business, how to do business, and wanted to help his community. He lived in Roswell with connections that extended throughout New Mexico and across the nation. It might help to know he merged his oil company, Atlantic Refining, with Richfield Oil, creating ARCO--better known in the western states as AM/PM convenience stores.

Meanwhile in Carlsbad, the Coca-Cola Bottling Company was in operation. This was when Coke put real sugar in the soda, the soda into a glass bottle, and a bottle opener was needed to get the cap off (unless you were a tough guy who could open it with his teeth). Pete Pelletier ran the bottling plant and wanted to have Coca-Cola more involved in the community. Soon, Anderson and Pelletier joined with other people and started the process of building an amusement area in Carlsbad.

“The beach was used more often for swimming back then,” said Jed Howard, President of the Southeastern New Mexico Historical Society. “There

weren’t as many private swimming pools in Carlsbad. The beach then was good because the river water would flow faster and kept the water cleaner.” Because the beach area had some activity, it made sense to find a suitable location along the Pecos River for the amusement park. “

Anderson put some money into the President’s Park, got his family to run it, and revitalized the area to go with the times.” The Pecos River would even become part of the amusement park with paddleboat rides on the George Washington. The boat was purchased out of state and brought to Carlsbad around 1969.

“There was also a train for everyone to ride. It was a 1/5th scale model that was a live steam engine called “Abe Lincoln,” Jed recalled. “The track would loop up to what is now Riverbend near the trestle bridge and down to about where the fountain is now.”

The 2-mile trip train ride, partnered with the George Washington boat ride,

gave visitors a chance for a relaxing tour of Lake Carlsbad. For those with a need for speed, there were other rides that would let the wind blow through your hair.

Leslie Aragon worked at President’s Park when she was a teenager. “I remember the train was an ‘older person’s job’ for Kelly and Jeff, who were both around 22 years old. I was 17 years old when I worked there, so I operated the kiddy rides; the mini-Ferris wheel, the airplane ride, the little cars that went in a circle.”

She remembered the big Ferris wheel, bumper cars, tilt-a-whirl, and the carousel. “The carousel was really special.” Leslie was very much correct about the uniqueness of the carousel as it was crafted by the Dentzel family.

Gustav Dentzel emigrated from Germany to the United States in the late 1800s and is considered the father of the modern merry-go-round. In the late 1970s, Anderson bought the Dentzel carousel, brought it to Carlsbad, repaired, and refurbished it. The bridge crossing Lake Carlsbad was farther north than the current walking bridge. Once on the other side, there were more attractions, including a ride on the carousel in the big, round room in the building that is now the Pecos River Village Convention Center. No

by John Safin

Carlsbad amusement needed oil, Coke, and a Wooden Horse

President’s Park: tHen and noWphotos courtesy of jed howard pictured Below, from left, are walter Gerrells,julie Nixon eisenhower, and peter pelletier.

surprise that section of the convention center is called the “Carousel Room.”

When asked what she liked best about working at the park, Leslie said it was very fun. “Parents would bring their kids and grandparents brought their grandchildren. No one stayed grumpy whenever they came to the park. All my friends worked, too. I was outside in the great weather.”

One of the perks of working at the park was getting on the rides for free. Leslie briefly commented about riding the giant, spinning swing with her friend Yvonne more than they should have. She stopped telling the story at this point.

Speaking of overindulging, Jed recalled McDonald’s had a restaurant at the park for a couple years. Several other people remember there was a McDonald’s, but no one could remember when it opened or how long it was actually open. Leslie added, “There was an ice cream parlor and a booth that sold hamburgers, french fries, corn dogs, and other fried foods.”

Sadly, all good things must come to an end. The park began having financial troubles in the 1980s. Attendance slowed with the changing dynamic of the community (fewer children), tourist activity in the area slowed, the state of the economy was shaky, and the price of gasoline jumped to $1.30 a gallon. Anderson sold the park to Bob Light in

1984. A few years later, the City of Carlsbad bought the park with plans to continue operating it. The amount of repair and maintenance, plus the liability cost, was simply too much. The rides were sold, donated, or otherwise disposed. The Dentzel carousel was sold to someone in Oklahoma.

Today, while Carlsbad residents and visitors enjoy the lake, pieces of President’s Park are visible. The beach house on the raised area of the municipal park was the ticket booth, and some footings for the rides look like little monuments dotting the grassy areas. In the spirit of President’s Park, both sides of Lake Carlsbad continue to be an attraction.

“The Pecos River Village is still used today and the convention center has rooms available for any type of meeting or event,” said Brenda Whiteaker, Director of Operations for the Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce. “The village has a working kitchen if someone has a wedding, an anniversary party, or other event at the convention center. Of course, the entire village is open for Christmas on the Pecos tours.”

Bordering the convention center on the north is Lake Carlsbad Municipal Golf Course. This public venue has a nine-hole and an 18-hole course on the east side of Lake

Carlsbad. South of the convention center is the

Riverwalk Recreation Complex and Project

Playground. On the opposite bank, Lake Carlsbad Municipal

Tennis Complex is open free to the public. Adjacent to the tennis

courts is the Cascades at Carlsbad, a soon-to-be-developed outdoor village marketplace.

Of course, there are six miles of grassy playground area with picnic tables and the beach is still a great place to go swimming. The George Washington is still operated today by Carlsbad Cruise Lines, and one of the boats is used by the Christmas on the Pecos tour. Remember to ask the captain how she survived floods, a few incidents of sinking, and the bullet holes on the command bridge.

Whether you’re nostalgic for the past or looking toward the future, the area once known as President’s Park remains a great place to have family fun.

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

President’s Park: tHen and noW

11

For many Carlsbad residents, Carlsbad Caverns National Park is that place they went to on a fourth grade field trip two decades ago and then visited ten years ago when Great Aunt Sally came through town on a visit.

Families interested in saving money during tough economic times, however, may be interested in giving Carlsbad Caverns a second look. After all, most communities don’t have a “staycation” option that happens to be a natural wonder.

“Families who may be interested in a one-day type thing may be interested in our special tours,” said Paula Bauer, management assistant for the park. “If they live in Carlsbad, they can always plan to come during one of our slow times like February.”

The special tours involve any trip beyond the traditional jaunt through the Natural Entrance or the Big Room. While only a few of the 117 caves at the park–Carlsbad Cavern, Spider Cave and Slaughter Canyon Cave–are open to the public for tours, enough variety of tours exists to allow there to be something for everyone.

Special tours range in difficulty. At the easiest level is the King’s Palace Tour, a 90- minute trek along a paved route offered five times a day during the summer and twice a day throughout the rest of the year. Visitors descend to the deepest portion of the Carlsbad Cavern available to the public, where they get the opportunity to see more of the park’s most majestic features.

On the other end of the spectrum is the four-hour Hall of the White Giant Tour, one of the most challenging tours available to the public. The experience involves ladders, ropes, free-climbing and slippery surfaces. Each visitor needs to bring gloves, knee pads and 4-AA batteries. The park provides helmets and headlamps. Tours are Saturday at 1 p.m.

Other special tours offered weekly at the park are the lantern-lit Left Hand Tunnel Tour, the Lower Cave Tour, the Slaughter Canyon Cave Tour and the Spider Cave Tour.

Ranger-guided tours tend to fill up pretty quickly. Tours can be reserved from six months up to two days prior to the date of the tour. Any unsold tickets are sold at the park’s ticket office on a first come, first served basis. To make reservations, call 1-877-444-6777.

“We tell people to make reservations as soon as they’ve made a decision, but as a local person, you can also try a few days in advance because sometimes there’s a cancellation,” Bauer said. “The idea of these trips is why not try a little adventure? You can go underground by lantern light, or if you want, you can get down and dirty and crawl through tight passages.”

Carlsbad Caverns also has a number of annual events available for nearby residents. The marquee event is the annual bat flight

This White Giant underground feature can only be seen by taking the ranger-guided Hall of the White Giant adventure tour. Inset Photo: Visitors and rangers at Carlsbad Caverns National Park explore Lower Cave. The Lower Cave tour is a difficult three-hour tour offered at 1 p.m. Monday through Friday. PHOTO By PETER JONES

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12 on carlsbad

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breakfast, which is held from about 5-7 a.m. on a Saturday morning in July. The park invites visitors to watch the resident 400,000 Mexican free-tail bats return from their nightly search for food. The Caverns also holds a number of star parties throughout the summer and fall that have been expanded so that they also include talks about the wildlife that comes out in the area at night, Bauer stated.

Another big annual event popular with the Carlsbad community is March for Parks. March for Parks, explained Helen Fields, education outreach coordinator, is where local schoolchildren hold fundraisers to assist with improving a local park.

“As classrooms raise a certain amount of money, they can earn free field trips to Carlsbad Caverns, the Living Desert and Brantley Lake,” Fields said. “March for Parks has partnered with the City of Carlsbad, and last year’s money went to refurbish the park on 8th Street and Florida.”

Area children can also participate in the Caverns’ ParKids program, which is held during two weeks in the summer for children ages 7-9 and 10-12.

“Last year, the focus was on habitat. We try to choose a theme and work around that,” Fields said. “We have activities to get them out to our park and introduce them to other public land in the area.”

Starting in January, some fourth graders with Carlsbad and Loving schools will participate in curriculum-based programs at the Caverns, while third graders will have the opportunity to participate in a similar in-school program. The park also conducts an in-school program at Artesia’s schools.

This year, through April, thousands of visitors to Carlsbad Caverns National Park will enjoy colorful artwork created by students of local elementary schools. Each month artwork from a different elementary school will be prominently displayed in the park Visitor Center.

Adults also have opportunities to learn more about what goes on at Carlsbad Caverns National Park. The park offers a two-week volunteer ranger training program.

“We’re looking for folks who live in town who can commit one day a week, or really whatever fits their schedule,” Fields said.

If plane tickets to Disney World or Las Vegas are looking a little steep this year, take a hop, skip and a jump to visit Carlsbad Caverns National Park. It may just be the perfect destination.

Visitors to Carlsbad Caverns National Park look at artworkcreated by students at Carlsbad’s Craft Elementary School.

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13

In August, Carlsbad residents celebrated National Night Out by holding a whopping 37 different block parties around town.

While many residents were busy flipping burgers and hot dogs, Don and Ruthie Porter were loading up their video and photography equipment to get to work. The Porters managed to attend 27 of the day’s 37 community celebrations (including two spontaneous events), where they took pictures and shot some video. After uploading hundreds of local photos, they then put together a video package for the local Anti-Drug/Gang Coalition to use as promotional and contest material.

And while they have a business license, here’s the real catch–the Porters do what they do for free. Each year, Don and Ruthie Porter put together photograph and video packages of numerous community events which they give to event organizers and post online for the entire world to see.

“Don and Ruthie Porter would be too humble to admit it, but their selfless contributions of time and photography to the Carlsbad Community Anti-Drug/Gang Coalition, local military and first responder personnel, and sporting activities have done so much to increase a sense of community here,” said Eve Flanigan, director of the Anti-Drug/Gang Coalition. “The success of National Night Out and other events here is due in no small part to Mr. and Mrs. Porter. This community is grateful for their many contributions.”

The Porters share their pictures on the web site desertphotos.net, which is averaging about 57,000 hits a month. They also operate a community events web site at eddycountynews.com.

Information on their web site is available in 13 different languages. In addition to covering community events, the site also includes hundreds of photographs taken at local landmarks, such as Carlsbad Caverns National Park and Sitting Bull Falls.

“We’ve had a lot of people from Europe view our photos before they come here to visit,” Don said. “Then they’ll want to meet us at Walmart when they actually come here to see Carlsbad Caverns.”

Additionally, children will tell the Porters they have seen photos of their parents posted online that Ruthie and Don took years ago.

Ruthie said she became interested in sharing photography partially due to the disability of her husband.

“When he got put into a wheelchair, there were a lot of things he no longer had access to,” she said. “I realized then that a lot of other people don’t have access to a lot of things, too. The reason for the pictures is that when people talk about the Caverns or Sitting Bull Falls, they (people who might have a disability) can see what they look like.”

While the photographs are free, you can’t just take them off the site. The

Porters have a system set up where they email you the pictures you have viewed and would like. They prefer this system because it gives them a little more control.

The Porters said they first started helping with community activities in 2002, when they helped out a local radio station by providing photography at several events. They began assisting the Anti Drug/Gang Coalition in 2005 when they were contacted by Officer Rick Bailey and asked to help.

They also helped photograph the Vietnam Veteran’s Memorial Traveling wall when it came to Carlsbad, and they put together a Relay for Life photo package every year. “Relay for Life is where we start our season each year,” Don said. “Before that, we usually get a couple months off.”

Covering the visiting Vietnam Veteran Wall was especially touching because Ruthie, through her photography, was able to bring together a family that had been separated for 30 years.

“You can’t pay enough money for that,” Don said.

on everyday heroes

Ruthie and don Porter stand in front of one of the vehicles they use while travelling around town taking pictures. This summer, the Porters photographed 27 of 37 National Night Out celebrations.

Desert PhotosAn OAsIs Of GenerOsIty

14 on carlsbad

Other events they’ve assisted by providing photography have included the Carlsbad Foundation Dinner, a recent tribute to former Carlsbad Mayor Bob Forrest, the National Guard 920th Engineers welcome home celebration and the Brotherhood of the 74 Toy Run. They’ve also assisted groups, including the Carlsbad Department of Development and Carlsbad MainStreet, by supplying video or photographs, and they even attend and

photograph city council meetings.

“And pretty much anything Linnie Davis asks us to help with,” Don added.

They used to cover youth sports activities, but opted not to continue to do so out of a concern over who might have access to such pictures once they were posted. Still, they enjoyed the games they attended.

“The kids used to get so used to Ruthie that I remember once during a soccer game this boy was dribbling down the field and he stopped and put his foot up on the ball. Then all the other kids stopped as well and posed for her,” Don recalled.

Some people even seem to find Don and Ruthie Porter to be too good to be true.

“We’re told all the time ‘you should charge,’” Ruthie said. “But we like helping. It’s something we enjoy. It’s a way we can contribute to Carlsbad.”

Some people have become surprisingly insistent about wanting to pay for services, Ruthie said, but the only payment the Porters have ever willingly accepted was a one-time contribution of cookies.

“We get yelled at so many times. People want us to take money,” Don said.“But we’re doing this because we enjoy helping the community.”

The Porters each have a role in their voluntary business. “I’m the web dude,” Don said. “I work under the hood. I don’t have one computer. I have four of them.”

Ruthie, meanwhile, is responsible for taking the majority of the 60,000 photos now available on the desertphotos.net site. Her primary camera is a Nikon D200, while her secondary is a D70.

Their online site, Eddycountynews.com, is one of several privately-run community-centered internet message boards in Carlsbad. Discussion on eddycountynews.com remains positive and productive. Ruthie said she and her husband were originally infrequent posters on another site, “The Rant.”

“When that went down, people needed a place. We decided to throw something up,” she said.

The Porters generally don’t shoot weddings or other private events. If asked, they are happy to direct such queries to local for-profit photography

businesses.

“I think it’s worth noting that it’s not Desert Photography. It is Desert Photos,” Don said.

Now and then, Don and Ruthie will talk about cutting back on a volunteer effort that has, at times, become a full-time job.

“Every year, we’ll decide not to do as much, but then the phone will ring,” Ruthie said. “We’re not very good at saying no.”

“Really, we like that, instead of just sitting here, we go out and do something for the community,” Don said. “I’m not looking for fame or fortune. I don’t care about getting the girls. I already have the best one on the planet. We want to do this because we enjoy it.”

A picture may be worth a thousand words, but in the case of Don and Ruthie Porter, perhaps 60,000 pictures can be summed up with one word–community.

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1. Elvis made a guest appearance at CARC Inc. this year to join Special Olympians in celebrating Eunice Kennedy Shriver Day. Photo by Kyle Marksteiner.

2. Mayor Dale Janway anxiously awaits to be dunked at the first Nana’s Fall Festival. Photo by Bianca L. Granado

3. Joleanna Galindo, 2, attempts to move a pumpkin at the St. Peter’s Lutheran Church pumpkin patch. Photo by Bianca L. Granado

4. Claudia Anchondo moves to the beat at the Party in Pink Zumbathon benefiting the Susan G. Komen for the Cure. Photo by Bianca L. Granado

5. Jasmarih Galindo, 7, shows off her favorite pumpkin at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church pumkin patch. Photo by Bianca L. Granado

6. Joe Epstein received this year’s A.J. Crawford Humanitarian Award from Carlsbad Foundation Board President Linnie Davis. Photo by Desert Photos.

7. Pete Livingstone, far right, leads a pack of joggers during the National Night Out kickoff fun run this year. Photo by Kyle Marksteiner.

8. As the Eddy County Fair was underway, behind the scenes livestock was being prepared for auction. Photo by Kyle Marksteiner.

9. Zene Armendariz and Amber Cabezuela show their Zumba skills to raise money for cancer at the Party in Pink Zumbathon. Photo by Bianca L. Granado

10. Hundreds turned out for the first Nana’s Fall Festival at the end of National Fire Prevention week. Photo by Bianca L. Granado

11. Deena and Mike Antiporda and their children Evan, Riley and Logan participate in National Night Out kickoff activities. Photo by Kyle Marksteiner.

12. Kaleigh Sinka sits with her lamb during a break in the action at the Eddy County Fair. Photo by Kyle Marksteiner.

13. More than 100 people attended the Party in Pink Zumbathon. Photo by Bianca L. Granado

14. Wanda Durham consults with John Cameron, 4, at the dunking booth at Nana’s Fall Festival. Photo by Bianca L. Granado

15. Chuck and Jan Tidwell feed a group of hungry ducks at the Beach Park on a recent afternoon. Photo by Bianca L. Granado

16. Donna Colwell leads a steer during this year’s county fair. Photo by Kyle Marksteiner.

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on business

Statistics show that shopping at a locally-owned store has its advantages, according to Toni Balzano, New Mexico’s deputy cabinet secretary for economic development.

“If you spend $100 in a local shop, 68 of those dollars will stay in the community, through payroll, expenditures, etc,” Balzano said. “If you spend that same $100 at a store that is not local, say a national store, only $43 stays in your community.”

The reason for the difference is that large chain stores will send a great deal of their profits out of state, and some of their taxes are also paid out of state through the corporate office. In the case of a ma and pa business, however, the profit goes to the local owners, who then again spend it locally. And their tax money is paid locally, where it goes toward local roads and schools.

“During this budget crises and so forth, we have been trying to encourage people to shop locally within the community,” Balzano said. “The returns are greater, and that translates into roads, schools and services in the long run.”

Balzano said her department has also been sponsoring and working with area MainStreets on a program throughout the state encouraging customers to spend a portion of their Christmas shopping money locally during the holiday season.

“We’re encouraging customers to spend $25 in two locally owned stores in their community,” she said. “It’s not a lot, but it makes a big difference for local stores. We really saw a surge in the amount being spent. We really hope people will take that into their plan and try to spend some of their money locally.”

Balzano noted that 85 percent of the jobs created in New Mexico are created by a small businesses. She said she grew up in Carlsbad, so she knows that many people shop in El Paso and Lubbock.

“I know it’s easy to cross the border into Texas and do your shopping, but you really are helping not just the local community but the entire state when you choose to shop local.”

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18 on carlsbad

Thanks for Supporting Carlsbad MainStreetThose of you familiar with Carlsbad MainStreet know we are in the middle of our busy season. We celebrated Carlsbad’s 15th Annual Downtown Fall Festival in October. Hundreds of children descended upon the downtown, trick-or-treating

from business to business. Each child that participated in the costume contest received a goodie bag, regardless of whether they were the winner or not.

Though the first Fall Festival occurred after my trick-or-treating heyday, for many children it is an event that will always be synonymous with Halloween, candy, downtown Carlsbad and good times.

While the connection between trick-or-treating and future customers for downtown businesses may not be

immediately obvious, upon reflection it becomes more apparent. Anyone who grew up in Carlsbad can tell you they have fond memories of the downtown area. Whether they were shopping with their parents, or taking their own children shopping, there was something special about being downtown.

While the children who attended the Fall Festival this year may not currently be in the market for an antique armoire, a pair of diamond earrings or locally-made pottery, they will always associate the fun they experienced there with downtown Carlsbad. When they are old enough to put their purchasing power to use, they will make the connection between those positive experiences and spending time in downtown Carlsbad.

In the meantime, we at Carlsbad MainStreet will continue to facilitate new business for merchants, good times for children and adults, and positive feelings toward downtown.

The Downtown Holiday Stroll, to be held the 27th of this month, encourages residents to shop downtown by offering discounts and refreshments while providing them

with the opportunity to win Downtown Dollars and gift certificates to businesses. On that same afternoon, the young lady who raises the most money for the Downtown Light and Decoration Fund will be crowned Little Miss Merry Christmas. Every Little Miss Merry Christmas contestant will receive prizes and have the opportunity to ride in the Electric Light Parade in horse-drawn carriages later that evening. The parade, which was once on the verge of extinction, is thriving and continues to be a special holiday tradition shared by all.

While the appearance of downtown and the stores located there may have changed through the years, the purpose of downtown as a shopping destination and gathering place for the community has not. Carlsbad MainStreet is dedicated to supporting the economic growth of downtown businesses and the enjoyment of residents and visitors alike.

We thank the merchants and business owners for their hard work and the residents of Carlsbad for their continued support of these businesses. And we thank all of you for your continued support of Carlsbad MainStreet.

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19

on technology

These days, chatting with your next door neighbor is just as simple as logging on to your computer, visiting a social networking site and then finding your next door neighbor online.

Carlsbad residents are easily keeping up with the rest of the nation when it comes to using social networking sites such as Facebook and MySpace. And while chatting online may lack the personal touch of gossiping with a neighbor over the backyard fence, it has plenty of advantages as well. For example, while using a social networking site, you can chat with your friends while also looking at pictures of grandchildren or hunting vampires.

Here are a few profiles of Carlsbad’s internet-savvy men and women:

c.j. rogersC. J. Rogers, a junior at Carlsbad High School, has accounts on both Facebook and MySpace but said she spends most of her time on Facebook.

“All of my friends were originally on MySpace, but everyone said Facebook was better,” she said. “I know a lot of people have switched, but most people love one or the other.”

One advantage of Facebook, Rogers said, is that it is easier to find friends. Another advantage is that it draws friends and family members of all ages, while MySpace seems to appeal to a younger audience.Rogers said she spent a couple hours a day on Facebook during the summer.

She split her time between chatting with friends she hadn’t seen in awhile and playing Facebook “apps” such as Vampire Wars and Mafia Wars.

“When you are having a bad day, you go to Facebook and can talk to people,” she said. “I also have friends from different towns and states that I normally don’t get to see, and I can reconnect with family and see pictures of people that I haven’t seen in years.”

And sometimes Rogers will use Facebook to communicate with people who aren’t from quite so far away.

“I’ve chatted with my dad from the other room,” she admitted.

Rogers said she often disables her chat feature because it can become overwhelming when four or five windows are going at the same time. Instead, she’ll communicate by updating her own profile page and reading the updates of friends and family members.

Her mom is also on Facebook, as are her stepsister, stepmother, aunt and uncle. Her brother isn’t quite old enough.

“My grandmother’s on there, too,” Rogers said. “She’s not super active, but she’s on there.”

Since just about everyone is on Facebook, Rogers has learned to watch what she says.

“I have to be careful what I vent about,” she said. “If I have a bad day during soccer practice, well, my soccer coach is on there. I have to sometimes be a little vague.”

Rogers said her online personality is slightly different than her personality in the real world.

“When I’m talking, I’m talking to one person, whereas on Facebook it’s out there so everybody can see it, comment and judge. I can still be myself, but I just have to be careful about what I say and how I say it.”

nita salerNita Saler has been a regular on local internet discussion boards for more than ten years now. She first started at “The Rant,” a message board that was part

of the web site “Carlsbad Online.”

“I liked finding out what was going on around town, and it was the fastest way to get information,” she said.

Since then, she’s posted on quite a few community sites. In fact, she’s the owner of thecarlsbaddispatch.com, a board where Saler and friends continue to keep each other posted about what is happening around town.

The network can also be helpful to law enforcement. Saler owns a police scanner, and she will share important information, such as an area to avoid if there is a fire, when she hears it over the scanner. “There was this one time, several yearsback, when a couple of girls were abducted,” Saler recalled. “I heard the BOLO (Be On the Look Out) on the scanner, so I put it on the web. Within 15 minutes, there were people out in the area looking for those little girls.”Saler believes in allowing most things on her web site, but she will edit in correct information if she is aware misinformation has been posted.

20 on carlsbad

“I don’t let anybody slam anybody,” she said. “There’s no cussing or putting anyone down. It’s a clean, family board.”

As far as Facebook goes, Saler said she uses the application because it is a good way to keep in touch with her family.

“We share pictures with family all over the United States,” she said. “I’ve found a lot of family that I had lost contact with. As a matter of fact, I got in touch with a cousin I hadn’t seen in over 30 years.”

Saler and her husband, Mike, are also members of the United States Marine Corps site and the Carlsbad Veteran’s Honor Guard site.

Saler said she played quite a few games when she first started on Facebook but eventually became bored with them. Now, she mostly uses Facebook to visit family. Her husband isn’t into the Facebook games, she said, but “if he has something smart to say, he’ll sound it off.”

All told, Saler estimated that she spends

about four hours a day online.

She says her online identity is no different than her real life persona.

“I’m me all the time. If I’ve got something to say I’ll say it. Why live a lie?” she noted.

richard bradleyRichard Bradley, who works in the insurance industry, said a friend talked him into joining Facebook. He posts for both personal and business reasons.

“It is touted as one of the best marketing tools available,” he said. “I need all the marketing I can get, starting a new business, especially at no cost.”

Facebook is a subtle way to market, he noted. He uses it as a tool to keep in touch with people throughout the day and as a method of getting to know people better.

“Being in the insurance business, it’s important for people to remember who you are and what you do,” he noted.

What does he post online?

“I’ll post a comment occasionally, especially when our lives are at stake, politically,” he said. “Occasionally, I post things that are meaningful to me, like sayings, articles or email information that comes to me.”

He also “joined the cause” of an upcoming high school reunion and used Facebook as a way of keeping in touch with old friends.

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on carlsbad characters

Carlsbad’s special olympianstake Center stage

terranCe orgain MiCHelle Wankel JoCelyn Zuniga

Flying with Han Solo doesn’t have to be long, long ago or even in a galaxy far, far away.

When athlete Terrance Orgain boarded a plane in Albuquerque for a flight to Nebraska, actor Harrison Ford, known for his roles as Han Solo and Indiana Jones, greeted Orgain from the cockpit. Ford volunteered to pilot some of the Special Olympians representing Team New Mexico.“He was a pleasant man,” said Orgain. “If only I had a camera with me I would have been taking some pictures of him. He wished us all good luck and told us hopefully everything comes along well.”Orgain was one of three Carlsbad residents selected to represent New Mexico at the Special Olympics National Games, which took place during the summer in Lincoln, Nebraska. Jocelyn Zuniga and Michelle Wankel were also picked to represent Carlsbad.

Wankel won gold medals in the 25 yard freestyle, 25 yard backstroke and with her team in the 4X25 relay. The state aquatics coach was Carlsbad’s Carolyn Olson.

“Nebraska was amazing,” said Wankel. “It was beautiful. I never imagined what Nebraska would look like, but when I got there I was shocked.”

Zuniga, who has competed for 21 years in the Special Olympics, was awarded a silver medal in the 200 meter run and a bronze in the mini-javelin. She finished 6th in the 100 meter run and placed fourth in the 4X100 run.

“It was really neat and everybody was nice, but it was humid,” noted Zuniga. “We walked from our dorms to the track every day.”

Orgain took a gold in the 400 meter run, the 800 meter run and the mini-javelin. He was also on Zuniga’s fourth-place relay team.

Orgain is currently a senior at Eastern New Mexico University in Portales, where he majors in physical education. “After that, I’ll hopefully start to teach and all of that,” he said. He has been a participant in the Special Olympics since 2001, when high school coach Kent Hitchens got him involved. He mostly competed at the high school level for several years, but returned to the Special Olympics when he started attending college.Several years ago, Orgain also had the opportunity to compete at the international level during a Special Olympics event in China.“What I remember the most from there was the stadium being so big,” Orgain said. “I had friends all over the place. We got to see everything, but we didn’t get to see the Great Wall.”Special Olympics New Mexico sent 20 athletes to the second national competition. Lincoln hosted 3,000 Special Olympians, 1,000 coaches, 8,500 volunteers and 20,000 family members and friends. The next Special Olympic National Games will be held in 2014. “What I remember is you get to see all kinds of new people that I hadn’t got to see before,” Orgain said. “I also got to see quite a few people who went to China with me.”Nebraska, Orgain pointed out, was a little different than China. For sightseeing this time, Orgain and family members went to a local flag football field and then visited a college football stadium.

Orgain said the event’s opening ceremony was especially memorable because of some of the rock bands that performed. While the running events were old hat to him, the javelin was something new.

“Even though it was my first time competing in a field event like this, I really

liked it,” he said. “I threw it around 18 feet. There was a very good crowd that was yelling all over the place. Not only people from Team New Mexico, but everyone from different states.”

Wankel said she’s been involved in the Special Olympics for nine years now. She also competes in bocce and bowling and used to run track.

“I kicked my hardest and I did my arms and legs as fast as I could. I got to the other side without stopping. That’s how I won these gold medals,” Wankel noted.

Wankel also loved the fact that so many people were cheering her on.

“I got to go to a place where they had the victory dance, and I got a lot of stuff in Nebraska,” she noted. “I also got to get my teeth cleaned for free.”

“I just wanted to thank everybody who helped get me there,” Zuniga concluded.

Zuniga and Wankel were honored several weeks later during Eunice Kennedy Shriver Day, an annual celebration of Kennedy Shriver’s life on Sept. 25 that focused on the development of the Special Olympics program.

Orgain, meanwhile, was back in school at Portales, where he also assists the Greyhound football team during home games by chasing the ball down after field goals are kicked.

“I’m still going to continue to compete (in Special Olympics),” he noted. “I want to keep going until I can reach the hall of fame. I’ll keep practicing pretty hard and trying to improve my time.”

“Just one more thing for everybody to remember as well,” added Orgain. “I know people love to win a lot more than lose, but there is another thing that connects together. One quote I heard in Nebraska is ‘Let me win, but if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt.’”

22 on carlsbad

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It’s an early weekday morning at one of Carlsbad’s favorite local cafés. The smell of coffee fills the air, and the

song Young Girl is playing on the speaker.Outside there are two or three groups of people talking. One group discusses the local political campaigns while others seem to be working on a project. Inside, a group of women are in the back room chatting and laughing as they joke to keep the “coffee coming.” In a corner sits a man with a book. As he gets up to refill his cup of coffee, trying to decide between the flavors, a familiar face recognizes him and they began to have what seems an animated conversation about government. The friend leaves and once again the man resumes his reading. It’s just another day at a Carlsbad coffee house. Coffee, joe, java, brew, or whatever consumers choose to call it, seems to go hand in hand with socializing in just about any city, and Carlsbad is no exception. The potential opening or closing of a local coffee house is always an item of interest to members of the community, said Jeff Campbell, marketing director for the Carlsbad Department of Development. “There’s probably not any more of an interest in cafés than there is in other places like an Applebee’s or place like that, but I do know that when another café closed after opening for a very short time, people were baffled. They were looking forward to going,” said Campbell said. Paul Acerra is just one of the many frequenters at local coffee joints that have come to contribute to the development of a “coffee culture.” Acerra said he comes to the Blue House Bakery and Café two or three times a week. “It’s become a routine. I can sometimes spend up to four hours here.”Acerra speaks with a slight accent that tells you that while he isn’t originally from Carlsbad, he has been here for a while. He said he always brings along some reading material during his coffee house sojourns. Sometimes he even gets to read, as it’s not rare for him to find someone to chat with, whether it’s a friend or even a perfect stranger. “I like their (coffee shops) ambiance. I like the coffee; I like reading at places like these. Sometimes I read. Sometimes I just chat. I like the coffee culture,” Acerra said. Acerra has gotten to know most of the “regulars,” as he puts it, at his favorite coffee-hotspot. The characters he pays attention to the most are the unfamiliar faces that may walk in.

“You can tell right away who is from out of town or someone who doesn’t come by very often,” he said. “Those are the people I pay attention to.”Outside of the Blue House, John and Judy Aarnink are chatting with their friend, who gets up to get a refill. The Aarninks also visit the café two or three times a week with friends. Their drinks of choice are an Americano and a latte.“We try to ride our bikes at least one of the days we come in,” he explains. “So we get our exercise and our coffee at the same time.” The Aarnicks enjoy this type of setting. They say it gives personality to Carlsbad. “Anything that we can do to add ambiance to Carlsbad, I’m all for it,” Mrs. Aarnick adds. At another café close by sits another “coffee culture” archetype–the worker. Typing away and working, Alison Bryant sits with her laptop and a latte. “I come here at least once a week,” said Bryant, who works from home. “It is a chance to get out and be around people and focus on my work.”Bryant said the atmosphere of a place like the café she frequents inspires and motivates her, as well as keeps her coming back time after time. “I don’t feel rushed here and can really have an experience versus just going to a fast food restaurant and getting in and out quickly,” she said. “I can really focus on what I’m working on when I come here.”Bryant said she knows many residents who frequent her favorite café to use the wi-fi and to work. “It’s a fun and peaceful way to get your work done. I see a lot of different people come in and sit by themselves, and they’ll be working or talking on the phone making business calls.”

Those inside the “coffee culture” are seeking a mixture of ambiance, atmosphere and socialization, with the added bonus of a caffeine fix. They’re also always looking for a new location to visit—and they may not have to wait long. Campbell, with the CDOD, said there might be a new café opening in Carlsbad soon. He added that most residents are looking for variety, “something out of the normal.” “There’s definitely a different cultural feel to cafés and I know people are always looking for, and enjoy, that,” he said. One way or another, Carlsbad’s coffee houses will continue to remain a cultural crossroads.

Fill Up WithCarlsbad Coffee Culture

Though Alison Bryant often takes her laptop to work at Blue House Bakery & Cafe, on occasions she also goes to socialize with friends like Kerri Christensen and Sarah Inman.

by BIANCA L. GRANAdO

23

on community

Every weekend, a bunch of guys get together in Carlsbad to relax. They play sports, wax nostalgic and hold a cookout.

Nothing unusual about that, except for the fact that the members of this group come from Hobbs; Lovington; Roswell; Jal; and Seminole, Texas. Oh, and they’re all originally from India.

Members of the Southeastern New Mexico Indian community gather each weekend at the Riverwalk Recreation Center for an afternoon of volleyball. “There are usually about 18 to 20 people,” said Vito Desai, during a Saturday

in October. “We’re down some this weekend because several people are at a funeral in Amarillo.

Desai, who owns the Stagecoach Inn, was born in Carlsbad, but most of the men who were attending Saturday were born in India and have lived in the United States from between five and ten years.

Sony Patel, manager of America’s Best Value Inn and owner of the Parkview Motel in Carlsbad, said the weekend tradition began out of the fact that many members of the group came from the same district of India. In

fact, some of the same men would gather together there and play volleyball and cricket, one of India’s most popular sports.

As many of the men began relocating to the United States, they resumed the tradition. Younger men will participate in the weekend gathering over the summer, but often can’t make it during school. This specific event is for men only. Women will hold their own separate events, Patel said, and members of the area’s Indian community also hold plenty of co-ed activities.

Each community in Southeastern New Mexico only has a very small Indian population, so such gatherings are good opportunities to catch up with friends.

“The main thing is we just try to gather all the Indian communities,” Patel said. “That’s

our main goal. That’s why people are willing to make a two-hour drive. It’s just fun for everyone to get free from their business.”

Many members of the local Indian community will make a trip back to India at least once a year, Patel noted, so it’s also a good chance to find out what’s happening back home.

While a wide variety of members of the local Indian community will show up from time to time at the weekly volleyball game, most of the regulars work in the hotel industry as owners, managers or employees.

“I’d say about 99 percent of us here are in the hotel industry,” Patel said.

Other events draw in a much wider group of Indians living in the region.

“I remember one party drew about 250 people,” Desai said. “There were people from Las Cruces who found out about it and stopped by to attend.”

The regular volleyball matches and cookouts are held either Saturday or Sunday, depending on everyone’s schedule. During the match, players speak in Gujarati, the language of one of India’s states.

Patel said that members of the group have also attempted to play cricket in a lot near the Carlsbad mall.

“But it’s very hard to catch up with cricket,” he noted. “And some of us have not played for eight years.”

When Patel first arrived in Carlsbad, he said there were only seven or eight Indian families in the community, but now there are more than 30.

The after-match cookout will sometimes feature Western food, but most of the time it features traditional Indian food. Many members of the volleyball squad are vegetarian, so such dishes are always available.

Patel said he used to be a vegetarian, but there just weren’t as many options around town as he might have preferred. “So I gave up,” he said, smiling.

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Local schools will be getting into the holiday spirit with the help of Character Counts and the Carlsbad Mall as they participate in a Holiday Gingerbread House Contest.

Elementary schools throughout Carlsbad will take part in the contest, with the winners claiming prize money for their school as well as money to donate to local charities.Janie Balzano works with Public Relations for the Carlsbad Mall and is also on the Character Counts leadership board. Balzano said the contest helps children understand what caring means, especially during the holiday season.

Balzano said the mall will be sponsoring the prize money for the contest and the first place school will win $1,000 for its Character Counts program and an additional $1,000 for a local charity.

The first place house will be judged by a celebrity panel of local dignitaries and hopefully some local television personalities, Balzano said.

Second place will win $750 for its Character Counts program and an additional $750 for a local charity. Second place will be judged by a popular choice decided by a total amount of pennies left in penny jars next to each house.

The third place house will win $500 for its Character Counts program and an additional $500 for a local charity. The third place house will be judged by Santa and his elves.

Kim Arrington is in charge of the Character Counts program at the Early Childhood Education Center and said the theme for each house will represent one of the pillars of the Character Counts program.

“Each of the schools are going to get to decorate their gingerbread house in some sort of character theme,” Arrington said. “They could decorate with a theme of citizenship, respect, or responsibility… Then they will be displayed at the mall… It is great because it teaches citizenship to the kids at the school. It is a super partnership between the schools and the community.”

Kids, teachers and adults will take part in decorating the houses and there will be a $40 limit on decorations for each school’s house, Balzano said. She added schools are encouraged to use recycled items in decorating their houses.

Balzano said the winning schools will vote on which charity they would like to donate money to. Charities they will be choosing

from will be the Assistance League, Boys and Girls Club, Battered Families Shelter, Carlsbad Community Theater, CASA, Christmas Anonymous, Community Kitchen, Habitat for Humanity, Living Desert Zoo, Noah’s Ark and the United Way.

The gingerbread houses will be on display at the Carlsbad Mall from Nov. 26 through Christmas Eve with judging taking place at 1 p.m. Dec. 11.

“We are hoping that this will really build into something fun,” Balzano said of the Gingerbread House Contest. “Some of the merchants are even talking about next year setting it up to where we can have an auction at the end and even auction those houses even further to make more money for the charity and the schools.”

Here Come thegingerbread Houses

by JEFF KELLER

25

on art

This is the story of three brothers and the love they share for building lowrider bicycles.

It all started about seven years ago. The brothers, boys at the time, had been looking at pictures of bikes in a lowrider magazine.

A lowrider is a style of car that has its suspension system modified through hydraulics so that it rides as low as possible. Lowriders are often classic cars from the 1940s through the 1950s, which are then modified through chrome, velvet and overspoked wheels into a unique vehicle-turned-artwork.

Years ago, lowrider enthusiasts would achieve their look by placing sandbags in their trunk, but now the same thing is accomplished technically.

Lowrider bicycles are highly customized bikes usually featuring a long wheelbase and decorative styling similar to lowrider cars.

“I’d seen them in magazines. I like the look,” said Lupe, 21. In fact Lupe and his brother, Anthony, have both had their artwork published in Lowrider Magazine.

But they weren’t really hooked until they attended a car show in Odessa, Texas, and saw the real thing. After that, Anthony, 19, purchased the first bike.

“They just looked bad,” said Anthony, in a way indicating that he meant the good kind of bad. “Nobody around here was doing it.”

It was a two wheeler when he bought it, but he refurbished it and turned it into a three wheeler. Some lowrider bikes are modified into lowrider tricycles, allowing them to sit

The Gonzalez brothers brought lowrider bicycle competitions back to Carlsbad. Pictured Above, from left, are Lupe Gonazlez Jr., Anthony Gonzalez and Aaron Gonzalez.

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much closer to the ground while still being rideable.

Soon, Anthony, Lupe and Aaron, 18, had all purchased bikes and were busy turning them into lowriders. In fact, working on their bikes became one of their biggest hobbies.

They used to ride their lowriders around town, but now the bikes are treated predominantly as works of art. The Gonzalez brothers hope that one day interest in lowrider bicycles will grow to the point that they can make a business out of their hobby. At the vehicle level, lowriders can be investments worth thousands of dollars.

The first time Anthony entered a contest there wasn’t even a category for bicycles, so they were placed in the motorcycle category. He finished third.

Since then, local car shows have started holding a special category for lowrider bikes, and the Gonzalez boys have even started seeing some competition from both other Carlsbad residents and people from neighboring communities. They hope to also be able to attend some contests out of town as well.

Currently, local bike shows offer two different classes, custom and original. The Gonzalez brothers said they still enjoy building from scratch.

“We like building our own,” Lupe said.

27

Former Cavemen football player Bubba Forrest was always a leader on the gridiron during his high school career.

From 2004-2006, Forrest set a school record for most tackles in a career with 268. Forrest has taken his talent for the game to the next level as he is now a defensive leader for the University of New Mexico football team.

Now a junior at UNM, Forrest is leading the Lobos in tackles through six games this season with 50. He picked up his first interception of the season in a game against rival New Mexico State University on October 9.

Forrest red-shirted his freshman season. He has been with the Lobo program for four seasons and said a tough part about transitioning from the high school level to college play was adjusting to the speed of play.

“It is completely different at this level compared to high school,” Forrest said. “I have had to adjust to the speed of the game and I have learned a lot about the game in the time that I have been here and that has helped me tremendously.”

Forrest has played under the guidance of two head coaches at UNM. He began his collegiate career with Rocky Long as his coach and now plays for UNM coach Mike Locksley.

“I have learned great things from both of them,” Bubba said. “Coach Long was kind of more old school with just a tough mentality and Coach Locksley is kind of from the new philosophy that football has gone to with a focus on speed. But, the things that I have learned from both of them have really helped me on the field.”

The fact that Forrest is leading the Lobo defense in tackling this season comes as no surprise to Carlsbad High School’s head football coach Ron Arrington. Arrington coached Forrest as a defensive coordinator during the 2006 season at CHS and said Forrest was always prepared to do his best on the football field.

“Bubba was a joy to coach because he showed up to work every day,” Arrington said. “I think his work ethic has really carried him quite a ways. Obviously he was born with some natural ability, but his work ethic has really helped him become the football player he is today.”

Bubba is not the first Forrest to take the field for the Lobos. Three of his cousins also played football at UNM, as did his father Richard Forrest. Bubba said it has been a great experience playing at the same college where many of his relatives played.

“It has been awesome,” Bubba said. “It is a great feeling to kind of continue the family legacy up here.”

Bubba’s father, Richard Forrest, said he has enjoyed seeing his son compete at the collegiate level.

“Susan (Bubba’s mother) and I are both so proud of him,” Richard Forrest said. “It is so neat to sit in those big stadiums like at Oregon or Texas A&M and see your son run out in front of 60 or 80,000 people. He is playing good. He is having a great year, and we are just so proud of him. He has worked so hard, and he deserves everything that has come his way.”

The Lobos have experienced a tough beginning to the 2010 season as they have lost their first six contests. Bubba said though the start of the season has been challenging, he has fallen back on his upbringing to help him get through this tough stretch of games.

“Beginning the season 0 and 6 definitely tests your character, so you have to be strong from that standpoint and come out here with a positive attitude everyday,” Bubba said. “The main thing that keeps me going is just my drive to do good. That is something my parents taught me--just to do my best no matter what the situation is, so that is what I try to come out here and do.”

With a season and a half remaining in his collegiate career, Bubba said he has set a goal of improving each day and doing whatever he can to help the Lobos win. He is majoring in general business and is working toward a minor in communications.

After college he said he plans to return home to help with the family tire business, and he would like to coach football at some level. He has not ruled out trying to achieve his dream of playing football professionally.

“I would love to play football for as long as I can,” Bubba said. “It has been my lifelong dream, so if I could pursue a career in football after college is over, I would love to do that.”

on sports

FORMER CAVEMEN PLAYER BUBBA FORREST LEAdING LOBO dEFENSE by JEFF KELLER

BUBBA FORREST, WHO SET A SCHOOL RECORd AT CARLSBAd HIGH SCHOOL WITH 268 TACKLES, IS CURRENTLY LEAdING THE UNM LOBO dEFENSE IN TACKLES AS WELL.

28 on carlsbad

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