Village Insider | Vol. XV | November 2022

I hope this finds everyone well and enjoying the beautiful, crisp weather we are having here in the Village. I love seeing all the fall colors as I go around town – there is sure nothing like fall in the mountains!

At the last Village Council meeting, it was time to once again recognize the Department of the Quarter and the Employee of the Quarter. I know that our employees and departments here in the Village work very hard day-in and day-out. It is important that they know how much their time and efforts are appreciated. If you see our Village staff out and about, please take the time to thank them for their efforts.

The Department of the Quarter is the Ruidoso Police Department. The RPD has a hand in every event or project within the Village throughout the year. All officers and supervisors interact with the public in a professional and courteous manner to assist and keep our citizens and visitors safe. The department worked together very well in the recent AspenFest parade to organize and direct traffic. They are always working with other agencies and departments on a variety of things. RFD goes above and beyond to organize the RPD Citizens Academy where members of the public can learn about aspects of the department. The Police Department represents our community well, and we are very thankful to have each one of them!

Ryan Blanchard with our Street Department was recognized as the Employee of the Quarter. Ryan became a foreman for the Street Department just before this quarter started and what an asset he has been! Talk about a worker - he always makes himself available in emergency situations and has worked more hours than anyone in the department this quarter. Kudos to Ryan. It is great to have you at the Village!

Until next time, please remember to be kind to your neighbors and those who visit our Village. Don’t forget to tune-in to KRUI – 1490 AM every Monday morning from 8:00 – 10:00 AM for Mondays with the Mayor.

Mayor Lynn Crawford

Mayor Lynn Crawford

Ryan Blanchard

VILLAGE COUNCIL MEETINGS Recent Actions

At the October 11, 2022, Regular Council meeting, the Governing Body:

» Mayor Lynn D. Crawford Recognized by Proclamation Ruidoso Warrior Head Football Coach Kief Johnson for his 100th Coaching Victory.

» Approved Ratification on Submission of a Notice of Interest for the Meander Drive Culvert Project to the New Mexico Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management Mitigation Program with a Total Estimated Project Cost of $1,030,000.00.

» Approved Ratification on Submission of a Notice of Interest for the Gavilan Canyon Road Bridge Project to the New Mexico Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management Mitigation Program with a Total Estimated Project Cost of $2,400,000.00.

» Adopted Resolution 2022-44, a Resolution Approving the Acquisition of Real Property Located at 203 Friedenbloom Drive, Ruidoso Downs, New Mexico in Lincoln County.

» Approved award of contract to Andamo Sanchez Excavation & Trucking, Inc. for the Two Rivers Habitat Improvement Project, in the Amount Not to Exceed $188,359.79, Including Gross Receipts Tax.

» Approved Agreement with Renegade Construction, LLC through CES for 2906 Sudderth Drive Sidewalk Project, in the Amount of $80,044.09, Including Gross Receipts Tax.

» Approved Agreement with Sky Elements, LLC for Drone Light Show Services.

» Adopted Resolution 2022-46, a Resolution Authorizing the Execution and Delivery of a Grant Agreement Between the Village of Ruidoso and the New Mexico Department of Finance, and Administration Appropriation No: 22-ZG1016-21, in the Amount of $787,500.00 for the Sole Purpose of Law Enforcement Recruitment for the Village of Ruidoso Police Department.

at 5:30 PM

Ruidoso Village Council Members

Capital Outlay

The Village of Ruidoso has compiled a list of the top 10 capital projects submitted for capital outlay dollars during the upcoming legislative session.

The State of New Mexico Property Control Act defines a capital outlay project as the acquisition, improvement, alteration, or reconstruction of assets of a long-term character that are intended to continue to be held or used, including land, buildings, machinery, furniture, and equipment. Capital outlay funding cannot be used for operating expenses; salaries; materials and supplies; events; brochures, pamphlets, and publications; or retroactive reimbursements of previous purchases.

PROJECTS INCLUDE:

Lodgers’ Tax Funding Available

The Village of Ruidoso Lodgers Tax Committee is now accepting applications from local organizations for the financial support of marketing events that bring visitors to the region for the upcoming 2023-2024 calendar years. Please note that these public funds are to be administered according to NM State Law and Village Ordinances.

The electronic application can be found online at Ruidoso-NM.gov.

Airport 575-336-8111

Convention Center 575-258-5445 Judicial 575-257-9055 Library 575-258-3704 Parks & Recreation 575-257-5030 Police 575-258-7365 Fire 575-257-3473 Solid Waste 575-257-1502 Street Works 575-257-6023

Regional Waste Water Treatment Plant (RWWTP) 575-378-8417

Senior Center 575-257-4565

Water Distribution and Sewer Collections 575-257-2386

Water Production 575-257-5525

Water Rights/Watershed (RJU) 575-258-6913

FACADE IMPROVEMENT GRANTS AVAILABLE

to Midtown Businesses

The Village recently received State of New Mexico Legislative funding from the Junior Bill in the amount of $230,000. This appropriation can be used to plan, design, construct, improve, and rehabilitate building facades within the Main Street District. Any property or business owner whose property lies within the Ruidoso Main Street District is eligible for the program.

Geographic Boundary

HALL:

Includes Properties Within The Solid Black Boundary Line

The Facade Improvement Grant Program aims to revitalize properties in the Main Street district in Ruidoso by providing financial assistance to building owners and tenants with property owner approval for the improvement and maintenance of existing commercial buildings. Financial aid is made available to provide a visual impact on the exterior, thus improving the marketability of the general area.

Grants will be awarded up to $40,000 and must include a 25% match from the applicant. Below is the timeline for applying:

Please refer to the Facade Improvement Grant Application information at Ruidoso-NM.gov to ensure you have the best chance of submitting a successful application.

Past, Present

AspenFest started off with a fantastic parade in which there were 46 entries! There were a lot of locals and visitors alike that lined Sudderth to watch the parade go by, and Helen Woodfin was a fabulous Grand Marshal! Shortly after, Wingfield quickly filled with individuals attending the After-Party. Despite the rain, attendees enjoyed a variety of vendors who sold food, drinks, jewelry, and other items. Saturday’s music line-up kicked off with an amazing acoustical performance by Jhett Black, followed by several other New Mexico bands. The evening concluded with a rousing performance by the Young Dubliners, who quickly became a crowd favorite. Sunday saw more great entertainment with the Memphis Band and Al Hurricane, Jr. closing out two days of a great event.

The winning entries were as follows:

Girl Scout Troop 1650

Champion

Haley Bigmouth – Ms. Mescalero

Ruidoso Gymnastics

Best Decorated Vehicle

Honorable Mention

Blue Angels Volleyball

Honorable Mention

Girl Scout Troop 1650

Haley Bigmouth – Ms. Mescalero

RUIDOSO MIDTOWN ASSOCIATION UPDATE From the Desk of Executive Director Kendra King

It is hard to believe that we are already gearing up for the holiday rush. Celebrating Halloween in Midtown is the kickoff time for colder weather. Let us hope for a snow-filled winter ahead! A very special thank you to all of the merchants that came together to give away candy, the pumpkin roll and coffin races sponsors, and as always, thank you to the Village of Ruidoso Parks and Recreation Department and the Ruidoso Valley Chamber of Commerce for their support.

I want to take this opportunity to remind everyone to shop local this year for your holiday gifts! It is a misconception that shopping the boutiques in Midtown is more expensive than shopping online. With the prevalence of internet shopping, most of the businesses in Midtown have adapted to being competitive with their pricing. You may find the prices within $5 of big box retail, but please remember that the extra $5 is going to the same businesses that generously give away candy to the youth in our community every October.

Pictured is Downshift Brewery and their successful Oktoberfest event that was held in that parking lot behind their business. It didn’t rain them out, just a little sprinkle that gave us a beautiful rainbow.

You can find some wonderful items shopping in Midtown! Candles, jewelry of every possible style, boutique clothing, fine art, t-shirts, dog and pet accessories, Southwestern style decor, plants, coffee, NM True products, wine, whiskey, handmade soap, NM souvenirs, candy and sweets, gems and minerals, handmade pottery, books and board games, men’s beard accessories, designer knives, hiking/outdoors necessities, children’s toys, canned treats and snacks, green and red chili, locally brewed craft beer and much more can be purchased right here in Ruidoso. If you are not sure where to start, make a day of it! And don’t forget to grab a delicious lunch while you are in Midtown!

As always, please feel free to contact me or any Board member for any reason. We enjoy making the connection. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram for regular photos and event updates.

RUIDOSO CONVENTION CENTER

Three Kings of Comedy

On Saturday, October 29th, comedians Paul Rodriguez, Alex Reymundo, Joey Medina, and special guest Steven Michael Quezada performed at the Ruidoso Convention Center. Rodriguez, Reymundo, and Medina are all alumni of the Original Latin Kings of Comedy Tour formed in 2002. Albuquerque native Steven Michael Quezada joined the trio for this special night of laugh-out-loud comedy. In addition to his comedy career, Quezada is also an actor, best known for his role as DEA Agent Steven Gomez on the series Breaking Bad and Better Call Saul.

The evening started with a VIP meet-and-greet with the comedians, including a reserved tequila tasting courtesy of Alex Reymundo’s “Number Juan Tequila” brand. This event was sponsored by the Village of Ruidoso, the VOR Lodger’s Tax Committee, the Ruidoso Convention Center, and the MCM Elegante.

Paul Rodriguez

CHAMBER

From the Desk of Executive Director Deborah Douds

With the arrival of autumn, we have many things to look forward to including the Thanksgiving season! Here at the Ruidoso Valley Chamber of Commerce, we are very thankful for the Ruidoso Valley Greeters. Our Greeters are very active in the community, performing ribbon cuttings for our new businesses. This month, we welcomed Brook Leonard as the new owner of All Lathered Up in Midtown with a ribbon cutting. We also welcomed The Ruidoso Emporium. Although already a well-established business, the Ruidoso Emporium has undergone renovations and is under new management.

The Ruidoso Valley Greeters also bestow the Champion of Service Award. They recently honored Aaron Lopez of T-Mobile. Aaron was nominated by a customer who received outstanding customer service from him. Thank you, Aaron and congratulations!

What we are most thankful for this year is that the Ruidoso Valley Greeters will once again be hosting the Christmas Jubilee November 11-13th at the Ruidoso Convention Center. The Christmas Jubilee is a much-loved annual event in Ruidoso. There will be 70+ vendors, including amazing pieces from Virgil Stephens Fine Art and Tiffanie Owen Fine Art. Both are very talented local artists. Also attending as vendors are Wild Spirit Designs Jewelry and J & A Rustic Wood Products. Local merchants like 25th in Mid, Old Barrel Tea & Spice Co., Pavelka’s Sleep & Comfort, and Ruidoso Flower Shop are just a few of the many vendors. You will be able to get all of your Christmas shopping done at once, maybe finding a little something for yourself too!

What would Christmas Jubilee be without something fun for the kids? Pix N Stix will be at the Jubilee with their awesome photo trailer for pictures with Santa. There will be lots of fun activities for the kids, including reading to Sadie and Ruby, line dancing to Christmas carols, and a sing-a-long!

The Ruidoso Valley Greeters is the philanthropic arm of the Chamber. All of the proceeds from the Jubilee are donated back to the community. Into the 35 years since the first Jubilee, the Greeters have put almost a half a million dollars back in the community, pledging money to our local charities. Some of the charities receiving pledges from the Greeters have included: the Humane Society of Lincoln County, Lincoln County Food Bank, Food 4 Kids Backpack Program, COPE, the Nest, and the High Mountain Youth Project.

The Festival of Lights Parade will be on Saturday, December 3rd at 5:30 PM, with the theme of Star Wars “Christmas in the Stars.” Let your imagination run wild – we can’t wait to see all of the great floats for the Festival of Lights Parade!

Aaron Lopez - Champion of Service Award winner

November EVENTS

Check out our line-up of great events for fall! Please visit DiscoverRuidoso.com for full details on each event.

NOVEMBER 2:

•

Ruidoso Writer’s Group, Ruidoso Public Library

NOVEMBER 4:

•

The Magic of Robert Lake, The Spencer Theater

NOVEMBER 4-6:

• A Christmas Affair, Ruidoso Convention Center

NOVEMBER 6:

• Alto Farmer’s and Craft Market, Enchanted Vine Barn

NOVEMBER 8:

• Women’s Full Moon Circle, Rarebird Workshop

NOVEMBER 10:

• The Fabulous Patriotic Equinox Orchestra, The Spencer Theater

NOVEMBER 12:

• Jim Leslie, Lost Hiker Brewing Company

• Saturday Night Fights, Inn of the Mountain Gods

NOVEMBER 11-13:

• Christmas Jubilee, Ruidoso Convention Center

NOVEMBER 16:

• Ruidoso Writer’s Group, Ruidoso Public Library

NOVEMBER 17:

• Regional Housing Fair, Ruidoso Convention Center

NOVEMBER 18-20:

•

Alamo Evening Lions Gun Show, Ruidoso Convention Center

NOVEMBER 25:

•

White Mountain Christmas – Opening Weekend, Flying J Ranch (other dates available through the holiday season)

NOVEMBER 26:

• Turkey Trot, White Mountain Recreation Sports Complex

• Teo Gonzalez & Rogelio Ramos, Inn of the Mountain Gods

NOVEMBER 27:

• Christmas Tree Lighting, Inn of the Mountain Gods

NOVEMBER 2:

• Scarecrow Storytime, Ruidoso Public Library

• Kids Mindfulness Class into Art Play, Rarebird Workshop

NOVEMBER

• Youth Night, Rarebird Workshop (ages 9-16)

NOVEMBER 9:

• Opposites Storytime, Ruidoso Public Library

• Kids Mindfulness Class into Art Play, Rarebird Workshop

NOVEMBER

• Youth Night, Rarebird Workshop (ages 9-16)

NOVEMBER

Party,

(ages

Corn Storytime, Ruidoso Public Library

• Kids Mindfulness Class into Art Play, Rarebird Workshop

NOVEMBER

• Youth Night, Rarebird Workshop (ages 9-16)

NOVEMBER

• Kids Talent Night, Rarebird Workshop

NOVEMBER

• Turkey Time Storytime, Ruidoso Public Library

• Kids Mindfulness Class into Art Play, Rarebird Workshop

NOVEMBER 30:

• Scents of the Season Storytime, Ruidoso Public Library

• Kids Mindfulness Class Into Art Play, Rarebird Workshop

HUMAN RESOURCES

With the recent retirement of long-time Director Rodney Griego of the Parks & Recreation Department, the Village has evaluated the growth of the department over the last several years. Given the extent of Parks & Recreation programming - which encompasses everything from youth and adult sports to parks and facility maintenance, the public swimming pool and Wibit operations, and special events, concerts, and more - it was determined that splitting the department management will be most effective in continuing a high level of service to our citizens.

The Village will now have a Parks and Facility Maintenance Director who will be responsible for all maintenance, development, and management of parks, lakes, and facilities. On the recreation side, a Recreation Operations Director will be responsible for the development and management of special events, youth and adult sports, and recreational facilities.

Although the departments and operations are now split, the directors and staff will continue to work closely together to ensure that operations continue to be successful in all of these areas.

NEW DIRECTOR SPOTLIGHT: Recreation Operations Director - Matthew Baird

Matthew Baird is originally from Hobbs, NM, and has spent over a decade in the Parks and Recreation field at various municipalities in Texas and New Mexico. Matthew has worked for the City of Hobbs, Nor-Lea Hospital in Lovington overseeing the Aquatics Center, the City of Abilene, and most recently as the Recreational Services Manager for the City of Lubbock. In his career, he has had the opportunity to be part of a team that built two large recreation centers: the Center of Recreational Excellence in Hobbs and the Lovington Wellness Center in Lovington, along with multiple splash pad and pool renovations.

Matthew is excited about the recreation opportunities that Ruidoso offers, and he is looking forward to working on current events and offerings as well as working on expansion and growth that will add to the quality of life for citizens in the community as well as those who visit.

Baird received his Associate’s degree from New Mexico Junior College.

Parks and Facilities Maintenance Director - Stephen Aragon

Stephen Aragon was raised in Las Vegas, NM, and has continued to make Las Vegas his home since graduating in 2001 from Robertson High School. After high school, Aragon attended Luna Community College and New Mexico Highlands University. His passion has always been to inspire and lead in order to improve his community. Stephen has worked in the government sector for four years, most recently serving as Director of Parks & Recreation for the City of Las Vegas. Prior to this position, he spent 16 years working in the private sector, specializing in case management, behavioral and mental health, staff development, and various management roles.

Stephen is a very active individual and stays involved in his community. He has 20+ years of volunteerism for many community organizations. He officiates youth sports up to the collegiate level. He also runs and operates his family’s cattle ranch, located near Anton Chico, NM, a family tradition dating back to the 1850s. He is the father to two beautiful children and is a proud uncle to four nieces and three nephews.

Stephen is excited about his new role as the Parks and Facilities Maintenance Director, relocating to beautiful Ruidoso, and collaborating with the Village to move t he Parks Department forward.

Matthew Baird

Stephen Aragon