HAPPY NEW YEAR - Mountain Times

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Mountain Times
JANUARY 2009
HAPPY NEW YEAR
The tradition of the New Year's Resolutions goes all the way back to
153 B.C. Janus, a mythical king of early Rome was placed at the head
of the calendar.
With two faces, Janus could look back on past events and forward to
the future. Janus became the ancient symbol for resolutions and many
Romans looked for forgiveness from their enemies and also exchanged
gifts before the beginning of each year.
The New Year has not always begun on January 1, and it doesn't begin
on that date everywhere today. It begins on that date only for cultures
that use a 365-day solar calendar. January 1 became the beginning of the
New Year in 46 B.C., when Julius Caesar developed a calendar that would
more accurately reflect the seasons than previous calendars had.
The Romans named the first month of the year after Janus, the god
of beginnings and the guardian of doors and entrances. He was always
depicted with two faces, one on the front of his head and one on the
back. Thus he could look backward and forward at the same time. At
midnight on December 31, the Romans imagined Janus looking back
at the old year and forward to the new. The Romans began a tradition
of exchanging gifts on New Year's Eve by giving one another branches
from sacred trees for good fortune. Later, nuts or coins imprinted with
the god Janus became more common New Year's gifts.
In the Middle Ages, Christians changed New Year's Day to December
25, the birth of Jesus. Then they changed it to March 25, a holiday called
the Annunciation. In the sixteenth century, Pope Gregory XIII revised
the Julian calendar, and the celebration of the New Year was returned
to January 1.
The Julian and Gregorian calendars are solar calendars. Some cultures
have lunar calendars, however. A year in a lunar calendar is less than 365
days because the months are based on the phases of the moon. The
Chinese use a lunar calendar. Their new year begins at the time of the
first full moon (over the Far East) after the sun enters Aquarius- sometime
between January 19 and February 21.
Although the date for New Year's Day is not the same in every culture,
it is always a time for celebration and for customs to ensure good luck
in the coming year.
www.GoalsGuy.com.
Santa Brings Smiles to the children of Timberon
The Timberon Youth Boosters asked Santa to come visit all of the good
little boys and girls.
Mitch Goss just found out that he was on the good list this year.
See additional pictures on page 14.
NEW RULES ADOPTED FOR
BIG-GAME HUNTING
New Mexico big-game hunters will see significant rule changes for the
2009-2010 seasons that affect the way hunters apply and pay for licenses
and permits.
The new rules, adopted Dec. 4 by the State Game Commission, are in
the 2009-2010 Big-Game Rules and Information Booklet, now available
on the Department of Game and Fish Web site, www.wildlife.state.nm.us.
A printed version of the booklet will be available in early January at
more than 200 license vendors statewide, and at Department offices in
Albuquerque, Santa Fe, Raton, Roswell and Las Cruces.
See article on page 8
HOLLOMAN RECEIVES ADDITIONAL F-22A RAPTORS
HOLLOMAN AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. – Three F-22A Raptors arrived at
Holloman Monday, Dec. 15, following a flight from Elmendorf Air Force
Base, Alaska.
A fourth aircraft is scheduled to arrive later in the week from Hill Air
Force Base, Utah.
The arrival of the four Raptors is the first since the F-22 made its official
arrival in the Tularosa Basin during a ceremony in June 2008. At that time
two aircraft with Holloman (HO) markings ushered in a new mission for the
base following the retirement of the F-117A, which had been stationed
at Holloman since 1992.
“The arrival of these aircraft is another important step towards our
operational readiness. As we edge closer to the day we have two
20-aircraft squadrons of F-22A Raptors, these aircraft underscore the
important role Holloman plays in keeping the nation safe. From today
well into the future, no matter where and when our nation calls, the
Fightin’ 49er’s will be prepared to respond as we always have, ready to
“Protect and Avenge.”
The aircraft arrived in the late afternoon after an early morning take
off from the largest Air Force installation in Alaska. The three aircraft will
feature the tail markings “AK” until they can be painted with the traditional
“HO” markings of Holloman at a later date.
PRESORT
STANDARD
US POSTAGE
PAID
WEED, N.M.
PERMIT NO. 1
Current goals have the base projected to have a combat ready squadron
by Nov. 1, 2009.
Maintenance personnel with the 49th Fighter Wing look over the recent
addition to the aircraft inventory at Holloman Air Force Base. The F-22A
arrived from Elmendorf Air Force Base, Alaska, on Dec. 15. (U.S. Air Force
photo illustration/Airman 1st Class Deandre Curtiss)
Valentines Day Contest!
Get a subscription to this newspaper
505-987-2523 today!
Enter to Win a $25.00 Gift Certificate to
Spring Mountain Restaurant. Details inside!
Don’t Tell Anybody, but....by Don Vanlandingham
You've probably been there.
People finishing your thought for you.
It happens to me a lot and I blame it in large
part on this Newsletter.
Most of my personal friends are subscribers
to this publication. No, they're not my friends
BECAUSE they subscribe and I don't believe they
subscribe just because they are my friends but
the fact remains.
I was invited for another great weekend at
the home of Bruce and Vickie in the Texas Hill
Country last weekend. Also guesting at their
house were two other close friends of mine,
Lewis and Bonnie from Cloudcroft.
Bruce and Vickie are world class cooks. I drove
away after my stay saying to myself last night's
meal was be best I've ever had which is saying
something because the best meal I had ever had
up to that point was also at Bruce and Vickie's
the last time I was there...but I digress.
We're sitting around the table after dinner
over adult beverages and trading stories. Some
great stuff.
It's a good thing B and V's home is in a rural
area because we were all laughing pretty loud.
If we had been situated in a home close to many
others our decibel level may have been high
enough to attract a disturbance complaint.
Among the accounts was that of Vickie's
experience at a bank she worked for when she
first moved to the hill country several years
ago.
The story is this as best as I remember:
Bruce admired the grips on a handgun owned
by a friend. The friend had handcrafted the grips
himself. He told Vickie about this magnificent
work of art. Vickie had the idea of taking Bruce's
weapon and having the friend design new grips
for it as a special gift. She contacted the friend
and asked to see his gun before she ordered the
work done.
Soon after at the bank, another staffer
summoned Vickie from her desk to the driveup window. She was told there was a driveup customer that wanted to speak with her.
Vickie went to the window and opened the
intercom.
year. Over 400 stories since the beginning of
the decade.
It has been fun and rewarding but it has also
made me a pretty dull party guest.
I'll get two sentences into a recount of one of
my experiences and someone will say "Yeah...I
remember you wrote about that."
"How are ya?"
For a former high school class clown and a
"Fine. You wanted to see the gun?"
former radio person that had to be entertaining
"Sure."
every morning coming in last for the best story
The friend/customer pulled out the revolver told during a dinner party is a little hard to
and held it up for Vickie (and everyone else in accept.
the bank) to see out the bullet proof drive up
On the other hand my therapist (if I had
window.
one) would tell me just shut up and enjoy the
That's an interesting enough chain of events, company of the quality of friends it took you a
but it doesn't end there.
lifetime to accumulate.
Vickie says she opened the drive up tray and
Thanks for a wonderful weekend, you guys.
the guy outside dropped the gun into the And thanks for laughing at my stories even if
tray. Vickie retrieved it, took it out of the tray, you've heard them before.
examined it, put it back in the tray, punched the
send button and slid it back to him.
Don Vanlandingham writes a weekly newsletter
She didn't think much about it until the guy about life in the Sacramento Mountains. Contact
with the gun drove off and she turned to go back him at [email protected]
to her office. She saw a bunch of co-workers
staring at her with very large eyes and very
open mouths.
“100 FANTASTIC FACTS ABOUT NEW MEXICO”,
Our dinner party laughed until tears came to a history and travel guide book to The Land of
our eyes when she told the story...but I digress Enchantment by THE CLOUDCROFT ONLINE
again.
NEWSLETTER’s Don Vanlandingham, is now
In that situation of story telling, you're both available.
enjoying the accounts and at the same time
To order your copy, send $20 ($5 of which is
trying to think of a worthwhile story to tell
for shipping and handling) to:
yourself. At least that's the way I am.
The problem is, if something interesting
Don Vanlandingham
happens to me, I write about it and it usually
Box 98564
shows up in The Newsletter. So, at a gathering
Lubbock, Texas 79499
of friends when I say "That reminds me of the
time..." that's a cue for everyone to get up and Each copy ordered by mail will be autographed
go mix another cocktail.
unless otherwise requested.
I have been writing this thing for almost ten
years. That's one personal reflection 52 times a
Letters to the Editor
Dear Editor:
I should like to take this opportunity to say thanks to those on
the newspaper staff who were so helpful to me in my campaign
for Otero County Commissioner District 3.
I appreciate all who voted for me. I especially am grateful for
those who spoke up for and gave me bi-partisan support. It has
long been my opinion that the positions of Commissioner and
District Attorney should not be partisan positions or races.
Sincerely,
Robert Dulaney Barrett
Sacramento, NM 575 687-4016
Hi. Compliments on your website.
I noticed it lists FE McCleary as to believed to have arrived in
WEED in 1885. He lived in Carlsbad in the 1890's. Do you have
any documentation you could possible share with me?
I am researching my family history and Frank is my greatgrandfather's brother.
Thank you so much.
Vince McCleary
7844 1/2 Flight Avenue Los Angeles, CA 90045
(310) 429-3997
PAGE 2
MOUNTAIN TIMES - JANUARY 2009 ISSUE
1-575-987-2523
Views from the Pioneer Village
The El Paso & Northeastern Railroad “The Dream”
Previous articles
dealt with the
Eddy ’s previous
projects - the
Colorado ranch
a n d t h e Pe c o s
Valley Railroad.
Their third project
was the El Paso and
Northeastern Railroad.
This time the Eddys avoided some of the
“mistakes” of the Pecos Valley Railway. First,
no longer would they accept a single, wealthy
investor as a partner. Instead they looked for a
large number of wealthy investors so that they
would not be so dependant on a single investor.
This would also assure adequate capitalization.
Second, they did a better job of researching
the market for a railroad to assure that there
was a diversity of potential
customers to support it.
Never again would they build
a railroad dependent on only
one customer, like agriculture
in the Pecos Valley. Eddy
spent over two years planning
the project before going
back east to solicit investors.
Finally they allowed alcohol
to be sold on one block, but
only one block, in the new
town of Alamogordo, and
thereby avoided the “Phenix”
problem they had in Eddy.
As before, they had a good
pitch. They proposed to
haul gold ore from White Oaks, silver and iron
ore from the Jarilla Mountains, coal from White
Oaks and the Salado coal field
near Capitan, logs from the
mountains to a sawmill in
Alamogordo, lumber from the
sawmill to El Paso and beyond,
and farm and ranch products
from the mountains and the
Tularosa Basin, respectively.
They even proposed to haul
white sand from the Tularosa
Basin, although that never
materialized.
And this time they were to build
not just one new town, but three
- Alamogordo, Cloudcroft, and
Capitan. (After they decided
to bypass White Oaks, they
also built Carrizozo and put
their shops there.) The towns
provided lot sales and
business opportunities,
as well as supporting the
railroad. Each town had
a depot for passenger
traffic and a stock yard
for livestock shipments.
Alamogordo would be
their headquarters and
would have their sawmill.
Cloudcroft would be a
tourist destination, and
Capitan would service the
coal mining at the Salado
coal fields.
Also supplies
could be hauled, not only
for towns in the region, but for Fort Bliss (just
outside El Paso), Fort Stanton (east of Capitan)
and the Mescalero
reservation (on
the north end of
the Sacramento
Mountains.)
Fur thermore
there were
deposits of iron
ore and fire and
potter’s clay near
Ancho (north of
Carrizozo). Finally
if the line were to
be connected to
the Rock Island, it
would shorten the
Chicago to El Paso
distance by 250
miles and provide
a connection to
the west coast, Mexico City, and other places
via El Paso.
Of all these things, coal was considered to be
the most valuable, at least in the short term,
even more valuable than gold. Gold is measured
by the ounce; coal by the ton. A railroad needs
tonnage to haul to be successful, and the coal
itself would be very valuable for their own use,
as well as for a product to sell.
The railroad was funded by a group of coal,
steel, and mining executives from the sister cities
of Scranton and Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania.
Eddy brought them on a special train in April of
1897 to San Antonio, New Mexico, (just south
of Socorro) to see the region first hand. They
lived cowboy style, sleeping on the ground
and eating from a chuck wagon, but they
rode in fancy carriages drawn by four-horse
hitches. They toured ranches, the coal fields, the
mountains, the basin, and even the Mescalero
reservation. The tour ended in El Paso, where
their train met them. They were convinced,
and an agreement was signed October 1, 1897.
Construction started that December. Although
Eddy started building with used rail he got as a
bargain, he eventually bought most of the rails
and other steel products from his investors, so
they had business reasons for supporting the
project other that just as an investment.
It is amazing how much money Eddy’s investors
put up. An approximate inflation factor for
expressing turn-of-the-century (1900) dollars
in today’s money is a factor of 100. Eddy’s
investors poured millions of dollars into the
project - possibly a billion dollars or more in
today’s money.
If you enjoy our monthly articles, you will really
enjoy our museum and pioneer village. Our
hours are 10 to 4 p.m., Fridays and Saturdays.
Introducing A new "pet vac"
Which has now been installed in the dog wash.
PAGE 3
MOUNTAIN TIMES - jANUARY 2009 ISSUE
1-575-987-2523
IN MEMORY OF ERNESTINE HALLER
February 22, 1926 to December 5, 2008
Our Mother was born Ernestine Marie Schnieber
in Inavale, Nebraska. Her parents were Charles
and Grace. When she was a young girl, she used
to think the big celebration each year was for her
birthday, but later found out it also was George
Washington’s birthday. Mother was the oldest
of 4 siblings. Her two brothers are Kenny and
Glenn. Her sister is Amy Skinner. Kenny lives in
El Paso, while Glenn and Amy live in Nebraska.
Mother was always a hard worker. When a
teenager, she would wake before it was light.
She prepared salad packages for her father,
which she delivered to his store. She graduated
from high school in Nebraska and soon married
our father, Lou Fetters.
She worked for our Father for 20 years, in his
business, that at it's height had 3 offices covering
3 states. During this time, she ran the household
and raised her 3 children. Of her 2 sons Russell
was the oldest (now deceased). Joe was born
next. Her only daughter Lou Anne is the
youngest. Joe currently lives in Albuquerque,
and Lou Anne in El Paso.
While working for our Dad, she went back
to college for 2 years while we were in high
school.
Mother has 5 grandchildren. Her son Joe
has 3 boys, Joseph Jr., Brandon and Chris. Her
daughter Lou Anne has 2 boys, Jonathan and
Stephen. Our Mother has 4 great-grandchildren.
While we were growing up, she took my brothers
to guitar lessons and myself to dance lessons.
She joined the booster club and supported our
school activities.
All 3 of us kids attended Eastwood high school
and UTEP in El Paso. She was always physically
active. She even used to race go-carts, when she
was younger, at their Albuquerque racetrack.
She was married many years to our Dad. She
later wed Ed Haller. He was a well known high
school basketball coach. They both retired
and lived full time in Timberon. They enjoyed
the beautiful views, the quiet, and the golfing.
Mother was the first woman elected to the
Board of Directors in Timberon. Later when
she was widowed, she remained independent
and continued to stay in her favorite place, the
mountains.
She had a green thumb and enjoyed
gardening. She could grow tomato plants
from seeds. Mother was an excellent cook.
Even when she was older, she always insisted on
cooking for us when we visited. It was a tradition
to visit Mom in Timberon for Thanksgiving. And
even though she was in the hospital this last
Thanksgiving, we all got together; not knowing
it would be our last holiday.
We will remember her with love in our hearts.
And an unending gratitude for all she has done
and sacrificed for us. Mother, we love you now
and always.
THE ELDERLAW FORUM
Reverse Mortgages and the “Generational Housing Bubble”
SPRING MOUNTAIN
RESTAURANT
& TRADING POST
We Use ONLY
US Farm Raised
Catfish
Best BBQ and Catfish in New Mexico
HOURS:
Thursday, Fri, & Sat 11am - 8pm
Sun 11 am - 3 pm CLOSED Mon-Wed.
HWY 82 Mile Marker 12
(Between High Rolls and Cloudcroft)
Call in Orders (575) 682-4550
Cobbler Cider
Southwestern Art
Local Crafts & Collectibles
All-You-Can-Eat Catfish
Fridays & Saturdays
5:00-Closing
Reservations Suggested
ASPEN CO. Construction
George Corder
PO Box 143 Timberon, NM 88350
phone 575-987-2372
PAGE 4
NM LIC # 30323
The paid-for family home—long considered a source of secure housing
for the old and an eventual inheritance for the young—“ain’t what it used
to be.”
“I’ve had my mother’s home on the market for 18 months,” said the helpline
caller. “It’s in a great location. I’ve received two offers; the first was for $90,000
under what the realtor said it was worth, and the second was $120,000 under
the asking price. You estate planning folks are supposed to have an eye on
financial markets.
“Should I sell at this absurdly low price? How long is this deflated housing
market going to last? Or, is it going to get worse?”
My answer, paraphrasing Danish Physicist Neils Bohr: “Prediction is very
difficult; especially about the future.” Many economists believe the current
housing downturn will be bottom out next year and rebound by 2011. It
may; but another, more disturbing view is held by two University of Southern
California researchers.
They believe the present housing bubble will be followed by a bubble of
even more monumental proportions. They call it the “generational housing
bubble.” Its underlying rationale is quite simple: 78 million “baby boomers”
are entering the years when seniors typically sell their homes and downsize.
Demographically, there will more sellers than buyers.
The researchers—Professor Dowell Myers and Doctoral Candidate
Sungho Ryu—speculate the “generational housing bubble” could last for
up to two decades. They contend the market shift could come quickly
after 2011 as the leading edge of the boomers pass age 65. At 75 they
are three times more likely to be sellers, and at 80, nine times more likely
to be sellers.
One way to extract useful value from the family home is a reverse
mortgage. It may not produce the same level of cash flow available to
reverse mortgagors two years ago; nevertheless it may offer badly-needed
income as the value of stocks and pension funds plummet.
The caller’s mother may wish to sell the family home at the offered price
and take advantage of a new reverse mortgage rule. Starting January 1,
2009, FHA will begin to insure reverse mortgage loans for the purchase of a
new home. This would allow her to downsize, be nearer to her son’s family
and keep more of the proceeds from the sale of the family home.
This may be her best protection against the “generational housing
bubble.”
Professor Michael Myers
Pro bono legal information and advice is available to persons 55 and
older through the USD Senior Legal Helpline, 1-800-747-1895; mmyers@
usd.edu
MOUNTAIN TIMES - JANUARY 2009 ISSUE
1-575-987-2523
Rural New Mexico Receives $84.3 Million in Federal Funding
From USDA Rural Development in FY- 2008
USDA Rural Development State Director Ryan Gleason today announced
that in FY 2008 his organization provided more than $84 million in
loans and grants throughout rural New Mexico to support the mission
of improving the quality of life for rural New Mexicans. This money
was provided for the construction of water, wastewater and other
infrastructure projects and in support of business development and
home ownership.
In making the announcement, Gleason said, “I am really proud of our
Rural Development staff and I’m honored to be leading an organization
that makes such a difference in the lives of rural New Mexicans.” Gleason
added, “Even during these difficult economic times, we have made
possible the creation of quality jobs, financed affordable housing and
ensured that clean water is available to those living in rural New Mexico.
In fact, this was the single most productive year in the history of our
organization.”
Gleason’s comments came as the program areas that make up USDA
Rural Development (RD) tallied the final numbers for the 2008 fiscal year.
The $84-plus million is the single largest amount that Rural Development
staff has ever funded in a fiscal year. Through RD Programs, loans and
grants were distributed to rural New Mexicans in the following areas:
The Business Program issued $22.8 million in federal funds for fifteen
business projects which created or saved more than 206 jobs in rural
New Mexico. Of that number, sixteen of the business projects received
more than $900,000 in grant money. The grant monies were allocated to
non-profit organizations for business studies or to provide equipment
for six rural businesses.
The Water and Environmental Program financed a total of over $29.3
million in loans and grants to build or refurbish 32 water and wastewater
projects located in communities of less than 10,000 people in rural New
Mexico. As a result of the financing, the environment was protected and
clean, healthy water is available to thousands of people living in the
affected areas
The Community Facility Program financed twelve projects, including the
construction of numerous community buildings and the purchase of first
responder equipment, for a total of slightly more than $5 million.
The Housing Program issued loans and grants in the amount of $27.1
million in several housing programs including mortgage loans to 355
families. This financing included $7.8 million financed the remodeling
of homes belonging to the elderly and another $115,000 was given to
a non-profit to further assist in the restoration of older homes through
the Housing Preservation Grant (HPG) program. This also reflects a $1.3
million loan made in conjunction with other funding to build the Falcon
Ridge apartment complex which replaced the Los Caballos apartments
in Hatch, New Mexico, which was destroyed by a flood in 2006.
USDA Rural Development's mission is to increase economic opportunity
and improve the quality of life in rural communities. Further information
on rural programs is available at a local USDA Rural Development office
or by visiting USDA's web site at http://www.rurdev.usda.gov.
SLIM RANDLES “HOME COUNTRY”
Annette George, owner of the Soup ‘R
Market, picked up the list of her New Year’s
resolutions:
www.ocec-inc.com
Office
575-682-2521
Outage Assistance
1-800-548-4660
Yard Maintenance Wood Chipping Fire wood
1. Replace cracked glass on the meat
cooler.
2. Walk two miles each morning before
work.
3. Lose 15 pounds by summer.
4. Take a class in Spanish.
She thought about the kind of person she’d be at this time next year with all those
things done, and it made her smile. Then she looked out the window at the snow and
crossed off number two. “Each morning” was just too … too, inflexible. It’s always best,
she thought to make promises you can keep.
Annette tapped her teeth with the pencil.
The Spanish class was in the city, and with gas prices being what they are …
well, she could always pick up a Spanish grammar book at the Read Me Now
bookstore. Number 4 reluctantly had a line drawn through it.
You know, that glass has been cracked on the meat cooler for six years now, and
it has never caused any kind of health threat. So the line up the glass causes a
slight distortion as a shopper looks at a pork chop. So what? And have you seen
what they get to replace that glass?
The pencil drew again, slowly but deliberately.
This left number three: lose 15 pounds by summer. This is one she will not scratch
off. She remembers sitting by the swimming hole on Lewis Creek last summer
watching the kids swimming. Next summer, she’ll swim with them. She will
lose those 15 pounds. How? Well, by … eating better. Sure. Maybe one of those
chocolate milkshake supplements each morning. Well,
better not say each morning, but … whenever, you know.
And walking. How much? Who knows? But walking.
Yes. Walking. Losing 15 pounds. By summer. She smiled
and decided to celebrate with a candy bar. Only one, of
course.
Life is good.
Brought to you by 3Rivers Archery, the traditional folks.
Visit them at 3RiversArchery.com.
PAGE 5
MOUNTAIN TIMES - JANUEARY 2009 ISSUE
1-575-987-2523
BUCKET DIPPER OR BUCKET FILLER
The world is basically made up to two kinds
of people – bucket dippers and bucket fillers.
Or to put it another way, givers and takers, or
spreaders and gatherers. Bucket dippers have
immediate gratification but bucket fillers have
lasting satisfaction.
An example of a bucket dipper would be my
friend “Sally.” Sally has a handicapped sticker
for her car that she got legally when she had an
operation that kept her from being mobile. The
handicapped sticker is still valid, and when she
goes to the mall, she parks in handicapped places
simply because she can. She has healed enough
that she can and will walk around the mall for
two or three hours shopping, but still uses the
handicapped sticker. Her using the handicapped
parking spot when she doesn’t need it, takes that
spot from someone else who might really need it.
What she is doing is legal, yes, but that does not
make it the right thing to do.
Another very small example of a bucket dipper –
A bucket dipper will leave the shopping cart next
to her car instead of taking it to the corral simply
because it is convenient.
Givers and takers come in many forms and
have very different attitudes. A taker will go
to McDonalds and grab 5 or 6 extra sugars or
ketchup because they are free. These kinds of
people will take anything that is free whether
they need it or not. Nothing is free. It always
costs somebody something. Bucket dippers
and fillers are all around us. You know, bucket
dippers often show up at dinner time – hungry.
Since the bucket filler is cooking anyway, it’s just
as simple as putting another plate on the table.
Bucket dippers ask bucket fillers to loan them
“gas” for their car because they didn’t have time
to get some earlier and they are almost always
almost out. Bucket dippers almost always forget
their wallet when you go to a nice restaurant and
you (bucket filler)– of course–pay for the meal.
They offer to pay the next time (usually doesn’t
happen).
Gatherers believe that what you get determines
how your life is and how successful you are; they
have a houseful of “stuff” they don’t need and
don’t use. Spreaders believe that it is what you
leave behind that is important – not what you
take with you. When a world/society/person is
a bucket dipper, they are drawing energy from
the universe. The nature of the universe is that
it maintains a status of equilibrium. When you
upset this equilibrium, things deteriorate and the
imbalance can be dreadful/serious/or detrimental
to you and to the world.
Many bucket dippers place their values above
that of the world or society. It’s all about meme–me-me-me. I believe our country and its
greatness has been built upon the sacrifices
and insight of our forefathers who placed the
value of the many over the needs of a few. They
overlooked their individual likes and dislikes to
make decisions that would result in a better future
for the world.
If our country has more dippers than fillers, we
will be on the downhill slope to extinction or
at least becoming, as many people have said, a
third world country in the next generation or two.
When our country has more fillers than dippers,
we will prosper and be healthier, stronger, and
well respected.
We as a people tend to be our best when things
are at their worst and are worst when things are at
their best. The old adage, “it is better to give than
to receive,” is still very true.
What kind of legacy and world are we
leaving to our children and grandchildren?
We may not be able to choose some day, but
the good news is, we can still choose right
now. This applies on all scales – from the
personal to the family – to the community
– to the nation. Are you a bucket filler or a
bucket dipper? What now?
Shirley Holstrom
Homes AND Land
G02-008- 029 $98,500.00
This unique frame-built house has 1590 square
feet +/-. Four beds, two baths. Two large sun
rooms. Home has new floor coverings. Wood
heater plus propane and electric heat.
JUST REDUCED FROM $139,900.00 TO
$129,900.00 Timberon Unit 3, Block 50, Lot 15
Beautiful home with view!!!
1981 Celtic Kaufmann mobile home on one acre
+/- lot. 1680 sq.ft with a beautiful view. 3 beds,
2 baths. A nice pellet stove, central heat and
one propane wall heater. Kitchen, living room,
family room and dining room is an open floor
plan. Master suite has a walk in closet, garden tub
and separate shower. 28’x30’ garage/shop. 8’x10’
storage building. Owner Financing Available.
$59,500.00 Unit 10, Block 106, Lot 32
1981 Mobile Home. 1164 sq. ft. (+/-). 2 beds
and 2 baths. Large roomy kitchen, dining area
that opens into the living room. Small separate
laundry room off kitchen. Partially furnished. 2
front decks. This home is very well maintained
home located on .500 ac. with a metal roof.
$106,500.00 Unit 12, Block 103, Lot 215
1987 Double wide mobile home is 1,680 sq.ft.
located on .344 acre! Has just been remodeled
inside and out. 3 beds and 2 baths, living and
dining room with a wood burning stove. Large
kitchen and breakfast bar. New tile and/or wood
laminate flooring, central heat and a.c, all new
double pane windows. Front deck is covered.
Home has new metal roof. Owner Financing.
ROBERTS REALTY
PO Box 1, Timberon NM 88350
575-987-2440
WWW.timberonnm.com
PAGE 6
MOUNTAIN TIMES - JANUARY 2009 ISSUE
1-575-987-2523
Health Happenings!
HELP IS HERE
Finally for those people that are low income and live in
Otero County they can get assessment and care for their
substance abuse addictions. Have you heard about the ACCESS TO
RECOVERY (ATR)?
We have a large grant donated through SAMSHA. This agency is a
clearinghouse for counselors and addiction educational materials. They
have utilized monies through Value Options and the present ATR Program.
We can now get care by calling Premiercare of Alamogordo.
Yes this is true – FREE – counseling for those that live in Otero County and
within 20 miles of this county. They must meet the income requirement of
making less than $26,000.00 yearly. The age requirement is over eighteen.
These people that qualify must commit to counseling and the assistance
provided through the Recovery Support Services. But clients can freely
choose from a list of providers. The program is targeted for METH, gay/
lesbian, and single mothers with small children but also this program can
also be utilized for any substance abuse and any population that is tired
of the lifestyle that drugs and alcohol have taken them.
What is Recovery Support Services? Through this grant the clients
can receive much needed additional services which are nutritional
education, bio-feedback, and massage therapy. This is why it is called
recovery support. The future holds true that more traditional, physical,
and pastoral services will be made available soon to be added to this list
and in addition to substance abuse counseling.
There is a serious problem with substance abuse and dependency
By: Sylvia A King, LADAC
in Otero County. Please take advantage of this FREE service through
Premiercare of Alamogordo. They can be reached at 575-415-5288. The
counselors are licensed and will see you get the appropriate services
needed to start your way to recovery from addictive behavior.
Located at 1401 White Sands Blvd., behind Applebee’s the staff can
be available by calling for an appointment. Office is usually opened
weekdays. The ATR website is www.atrnm.com.
Happy Holidays! Give you or a family member, a friend, or employee a
great gift for this wonderful season or for the coming New Year - show
them this article. All referrals and conversations are confidential.
This column is provided as a service of the Otero County Community
Health Council and the Mountain Times as a way to provide the latest
in health and wellness information, services and events. The Mission of
the OCCHC is “to assess, promote, and enhance the health and well being
of county residents by creating a process that encourages broad-based
community involvement.” If you would like more information about
OCCHC or would like to be a part of our efforts, contact Lee Ann Loney,
OCCHC Coordinator, at 700 E. First Street, Suite 720, Alamogordo, NM
88310, 443-8100, [email protected] for more information. The
Community Health Council meets the first Tuesday of each month, 11:30
am at The Counseling Center, 1900 E. 10th St. Articles for this column are
submitted by Health Council partners, but do not necessarily reflect the
views or policies of the Otero County Community Health Council.
New E-Presribing
The New Mexico Prescription Improvement
Coalition (NMPIC) recently launched an electronic
prescribing (e-prescribing) pilot involving up to
100 physicians statewide. This pilot, based on
a statewide e-prescribing strategy and work
plan accepted by NMPIC leadership, promotes
the adoption of e-prescribing to enhance
medication management and patient safety in
participating locations.
Sponsoring organizations for this pilot are Blue
Cross and Blue Shield of New Mexico, Lovelace
Health Plan, Molina Healthcare of New Mexico,
the New Mexico Human Services Department,
Presbyterian Health Plan, and United HealthCare
Insurance Company.
NMPIC identified the 100 participating
physicians based on a needs assessment
conducted earlier this year. DrFirst, RxNT and
ZixCorp have been selected as vendors for
this pilot. Physician participants will work
with the selected vendors to implement
their e-prescribing software and receive the
necessary training.
Each physician group will need to sign an
agreement with their chosen vendor. NMPIC will
pay implementation fees for the participating
pilot physicians as well as subscription fees
for the pilot’s second year, contingent upon
participants’ reporting the required quarterly
data and submitting 80 percent of their
prescriptions electronically.
“E-prescribing can greatly reduce medication
errors that can jeopardize the health and safety
of patients as well as waste precious health
care dollars in treating conditions
that never should have occurred,” said
Doug Lohkamp, RPh, NMPIC Health
Information Technology Workgroup
Chair, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of
New Mexico. “E-prescribing informs
providers upfront about their patients’
medication histories and the potential
for dangerous interactions.”
According to the Institute of Medicine,
more than 1.5 million Americans are
injured every year by drug errors.
For more information on the e-prescribing
pilot or NMPIC, contact Galina Priloutskaya,
manager for drug safety at the New Mexico
Medical Review Association, at gpriloutskaya@
nmmra.org.
NMPIC is a group effort aimed at reducing
the negative health effects associated with
inappropriate drug treatment in Medicare
beneficiaries and serves New Mexico’s community
interest through education, clinical guidelines
for appropriate treatment of people with chronic
disease and drug utilization. NMMRA is a not-forprofit, physician-sponsored organization that
is New Mexico’s federally contracted Medicare
Quality Improvement Organization and External
Quality Review Organization for Medicaid and
works with health care providers, consumer and
health care organizations, and state and federal
agencies to improve the quality of health care
in New Mexico.
Anna Dykeman, MA Senior Communications
Specialist
New Mexico Medical Review Association
(NMMRA)
5801 Osuna Rd. NE; Suite 200 Albuquerque,
NM 87109-2587 (505) 998-9730
(800) 663-6351 [email protected]
www.nmmra.org
(575) 987-2553
Sacramento
Mountain united
methodist church
Services in the Smith Chapel at the
Sacramento Methodist Assembly in
Sacramento New Mexico.
Riverside Condos
Worship Service - 10am
Sunday School - 11am
in Timberon, New Mexico
687-4016
PAGE 7
MOUNTAIN TIMES - JANUARY 2009 ISSUE
1-575-987-2523
Rule changes and important dates include:
2009-2010 Seasons
Customer ID number: Beginning in 2009, everyone applying for
a public-land license or permit, or purchasing a license via a private
land authorization or the Valles Caldera must first obtain a Customer
ID Number online at www.wildlife.state.nm.us or in person from any
Department office. This number must be included on each application,
or the application will be rejected.
Application deadlines: Feb. 4 is the deadline to apply for oryx draw
licenses, bear WMA permits, population management hunts, and turkey
draw permits. April 8 is the deadline to apply for public deer permits;
and elk, pronghorn antelope, ibex, Barbary sheep, javelina, and bighorn
sheep draw licenses. Online applications must be made before 5 p.m.
Mountain Time on the deadline day.
Full fee up-front: Everyone applying for a pronghorn, bighorn sheep,
ibex, javelina or Barbary sheep draw license must pay the full license and
application fee when applying. Online applicants will be charged for the
full license fee, plus the nonrefundable application fee at the time of
application. Unsuccessful applicants will receive refunds.
New online application fees: The new nonrefundable application fees
are $9 for residents and $12 for nonresidents.
Youth encouragement elk hunts: These hunts will be made available to
youth hunters who applied for big-game hunts and were unsuccessful in
the draw. These hunts will be made available on a first-come, first-served
basis.
New unit boundaries: Several Game Management Unit boundaries
have changed, including: the elimination of Unit 44 and the creation of
a new Unit 59; and boundary adjustments in units 5B, 41, 45, 51, 52, 54
and 55B.
No deer application fees for resident disabled veterans: New Mexico
resident Disabled American Veteran applicants do not need to submit an
application fee when applying for a free deer permit.
2010-2011 Seasons
Every-other-year restrictions: Beginning in license-year 2010-2011,
anyone applying for a pronghorn license, or a public-draw Q (quality)
or HD (high-demand) elk or deer license, may not have received a Q or
HD public draw elk license the previous year.
Anyone with questions about the new rules or hunting and fishing in
New Mexico is encouraged to call (505) 476-8000.
SPECIAL GAME COMMISSION MEETING WILL
ADDRESS PRIVATE-LAND ACCESS, POSTING
The State Game Commission will have a special meeting in Albuquerque
on Saturday, Jan. 10, to hear public comments and discuss proposed rules
regarding hunters' and anglers' access to private lands.
The special meeting was called to gather more information from the
public about proposed amendments to state hunting and fishing mannerand-method rules, specifically how property is posted against trespass.
The proposed amendments also address responsibilities of landowners,
hunters and anglers in obtaining or granting permission to hunt or fish
on private land.
The meeting will be from 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 10, in the first-floor
multi-purpose room or the New Mexico Museum of Natural History and
Science, 1801 Mountain Road NW, in Albuquerque. More information is
available by calling (505) 476-8008.
The State Game Commission is composed of seven members who
represent the state’s diverse interests in wildlife-associated recreation and
conservation. Members are appointed by the governor and confirmed
by the state Senate. Current members are Chairman Jim McClintic,
Albuquerque; Vice-chair Sandy Buffett, Santa Fe; M.H. “Dutch” Salmon,
Silver City; Alfredo Montoya, Alcalde; Leo Sims, Hobbs; Tom Arvas,
Albuquerque; and Oscar Simpson, Albuquerque.
If you are an individual with a disability who is in need of a reader,
amplifier, qualified sign language interpreter, or any other form of auxiliary
aid or service to attend or participate in the meeting, please contact
Shirley Baker, (505) 476-8030. Public documents, including the agenda
and minutes, can be provided in various accessible forms.
SEND US YOUR
BEST
VALENTINES DAY
STORY
AND YOU COULD WIN:
Dinner for two at the
SPRING MOUNTAIN RESTAURANT
(A $25.00 GIFT CERTIFICATE)
JAMES ACKERMANN
TREE TRIMMING
1-877-426-0385
1-575-987-2551
Scrub-Oak Cut - Lot Thinning - Removal Dead - Down - Hazard - Firewood
FREE ESTIMATES
SATISFACTION GUARANTEED
IN GOD WE TRUST
Name____________________________________________
Phone number_____________________________________
Address___________________________________________
Send your Valentine’s Day Story of 500 words or less to:
Mountain Times Newspaper
P.O. Box 266
Timberon, NM 88350
All stories must be original and be received by January 20th, 2009.
The TWSD Minutes were
not available
at the time of printing.
PAGE 8
MOUNTAIN TIMES - JANUARY 2009 ISSUE
1-575-987-2523
The Forester’s Log: Bears and Burns
July 1995
Fresh burn areas draw all kinds of curious
animals, and foresters are among the crowd.
From the years of mopping up forest fires—
spending the last few days on assignment
putting out any smoking log or duff that is near
the control line—I have witnessed many animals
that find fresh burned ground fascinating. The
elk come in, and browse on the needles of
remaining saplings as if they are discovering a
smoke-flavored delicacy. The raptors fly around,
hoping to catch some rodent emerging from the
safety of their burrow but no longer into a world
that offers immediate camouflage. The bears
saunter through, turning over rocks and logs
and generally just seeming to look around.
Often we debate if we see so many bears after
a fire because bears are attracted to burn areas,
or if it bears are always this close in the woods,
but until the brush has burned away, they are
just hidden from our view.
Therefore, I should not have been so surprised
that afternoon, when marking trees on Buddy
Elkins’ ranch outside of Grants, to hear three
sharp whistles coming from the drainage below
me.
As a home schooling parent and a consulting
forester, my kids often work with me. In this
instance, my work was to mark leave trees on a
private salvage sale after a major wildfire. The
work required me to evaluate every tree in the
area which meant continually moving up and
down the slope.
My seven-year old twins preferred playing in
the drainage bottom while I worked the hillsides
with marking trees that had the best chance of
post-fire survival.
We all had whistles, and through the day we
would communicate. One whistle was a simple
question, ‘everything is fine, but where are
you?’ This was answered with single whistle.
Throughout the day, each ten to twenty minutes,
we would signal each other. I would also leave
my gallon paint cans with the kids, and tie in
with them in person each time I emptied the
quart-size paint gun I carried with me.
The two whistle call was more serious in nature.
It meant come here as soon as you can, even
though it is not an emergency. Usually the kids
used this call to signal they were ready for lunch,
or that they needed a jacket from the car, or
some other pressing reason to ask Mom to set
down her paint can for awhile.
The three whistle call was a real emergency,
and up until this day, we had never used it.
When I heard it, I immediately came crashing
down the hill slope in the direction of the kids.
As soon as I spotted Roland he was waving his
arms at me to stop.
Between us there was a large black bear that
was fixed on something behind the kids. It
only took a second to realize it was a bear cub. I
hollered at the bear to let her know I was behind
her and to distract her from my children. Then
I told the twins to start moving slowly up the
drainage toward our car away from the bears.
Mama Bear must have had the same idea,
because she growled at her cub and the little
guy started moving down the drainage. In less
than a minute, I was reunited with my cubs, and
she was reunited with hers.
I’m not sure what the bear family did the rest of
the day, but we broke camp and headed home.
I left the kids with their father, and finished the
marking job alone.
For this month’s Forester’s Log column, I am
sharing a story from 1995 which will appear in
my new book, The Forester’s Log: Musings from
the Woods, UNM Press, Spring 2009.
U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service
Sacramento Mountains checkerspot butterfly
The status of the Sacramento Mountains checkerspot butterfly will be
reviewed to see if the insect warrants federal protection as a threatened
or endangered species, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service announced
today.
The announcement follows an initial review of a petition seeking to
protect the Sacramento Mountains checkerspot butterfly under the
Endangered Species Act.
The Service will undertake a more thorough review of the Sacramento
Mountains checkerspot butterfly to determine if it should be added to
the federal lists of endangered and threatened wildlife and plants.
Today’s decision, referred to a 90-day finding by the agency, is based
on scientific information about the Sacramento Mountains checkerspot
butterfly provided in the petition requesting listing the species under the
Act. The petition finding does not mean that the Service has decided it
is appropriate to give the Sacramento Mountains checkerspot butterfly
federal protection under the ESA. Rather, this finding is the first step
in a process that triggers a more thorough review of all the biological
information available. The finding is available on the internet at www.
fws.gov/southwest/es/NewMexico/.
To ensure this review is comprehensive, the Service is soliciting
information from state and federal natural resource agencies and all
interested parties regarding the Sacramento Mountains checkerspot
butterfly and its habitat.
Comments and information will be accepted until Feb. 3, 2009, and can
be submitted electronically via the Federal eRulemaking Portal at www.
regulations.gov, or can be mailed or hand delivered to Public Comments
Processing, Attn: FWS-R2-ES-2008-0110; Division of Policy and Directives
Management; U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 4401 N. Fairfax Drive, Suite
222; Arlington, VA 22203.
The Service will evaluate all information regarding the status and
distribution of the Sacramento Mountains checkerspot butterfly,
including the impacts or potential impacts to the species resulting from
either human activities or natural causes.
Sacramento Mountains checkerspot butterflys are found only in higher
elevations in Otero County.
The petition was filed by the Center for Biological Diversity and Forest
Guardians, now WildEarth Guardians. In a settlement, the Service agreed
to submit today’s finding and to conduct the more thorough analysis by
August, 2009.The mission of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is working
with others to conserve, protect and enhance fish, wildlife, plants and
their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. We
are both a leader and trusted partner in fish and wildlife conservation,
known for our scientific excellence, stewardship of lands and natural
resources, dedicated professionals and commitment to public service.
For more information on our work and the people who make it happen,
visit www.fws.gov.
Please be Advised:
SANDERS
&
DANLEY
2521 Nor th Florida - (505) 437-3820
Alamogordo, New Mexico
Since 1959
PAGE 9
BLM will be in Timberon burning slash
units on or around January 13th
for approximately one week.
MOUNTAIN TIMES -JANUARY 2009 ISSUE
1-575-987-2523
Mountain Top Daylight Lodge Donates Monies to TWSD
Grandma Peggy’s Recipe
Caramel French Toast
French Bread
1 stick of butter
1 cup brown sugar
3 TB Caro Syrup
6 eggs
1 1/2 cups of milk
1 TB vanilla
Cinnamon/fresh fruit
Dick Dysart from Timberon’s Mountain Top Daylight Lodge No 81
presented Joan Schug representative of TWSD with a check on Tuesday
December 9th to help with the swimming pool improvements.
Melt butter and brown sugar, Caro Syrup over medium heat. Bring
to a boil, pour into 9x11 pan. Slice bread into 1 inch widths and
lay over caramel mixture. Mix eggs, milk, and vanilla and pour over
bread. Sprinkle top with cinnamon, cover with plastic wrap. Refrigerate overnight. Uncover and bake at 350 for 45 minutes. Serve with
fruit and syrup.
Timberon Baptist Chapel
Timberon
Rentals
Timberon, NM
575-987-2201
Apartments
$35 to $70 per Night
Two and tHree
Bedroom Houses
$80 per Night
PRIVATE RV SPACE
FOR RENT
Kevin & Shantel Keune,
Managers
PAGE 10
The Timberon Chapel is now becoming Timberon Baptist Chapel by constituting and
incorporating into a free standing church.
The property was originally purchased by Mountain Valley Baptist Association in 1977 from
North American Land Development. In 1981 the land was sold to First Baptist Church of
Alamogordo. Reverend Frank Wheeler and his wife Dorma Lee started the mission in 1979.
The Baptist Convention of N.M. provided the chapel building.
After 30 years, being a mission of First Baptist Church, it was decided that it was time to
become a free standing church.
In December 2008, the name Timberon Baptist Chapel was voted on by the members as the
permanent name. The deacons and trustees are currently working on the constitution, by-laws,
and articles of incorporation.
MOUNTAIN TIMES - JANUARY 2009 ISSUE
1-505-987-2523
Facts from a Pharmacist
What OTC products can I use to lose weight?
Of the dietary supplements that
are available none have proven
to help in losing weight, they list
themselves as increased energy
(caffeine), increase fat oxidation
( gre e n te a ) , i n c re a s e wate r
elimination (dandelion & cascara),
and increase satiety (psyllium).
There is one new drug that could
help because it is lipase inhibitor which prevents the absorption of fats
into the blood stream. It is orlisata or trade name Alli.
The best proven way is by Diet. A diet low in fat, saturated fat, trans-fats
and cholesterol, and high in fruits, vegetables, fiber, and whole grains
leads to lower rates of mortality. It is recommended that one receives
3-5 servings of vegetables, 2 to 4 servings of fruits, and 6 to 11 servings
of grains daily, depending on an individual caloric need.
Diet therapy includes working with a person to decrease their daily
caloric intake. There are two types of diets, the low calorie diet (LCD) and
the very low calorie diet (VLCD). The LCD is the diet that is recommended
for most people. Low calorie diets consist of a diet that contains 1,200
calories/day for women and 1,500 calories/day for men. VCLD are
not recommended as they require continued monitoring and special
supplementations.
Physical activity is an important component of weight loss therapy,
and it appears to produce similar weight loss compared to diet alone.
Most of the weight loss occurs by decreasing caloric intake. Physical
activity further helps in preventing weight regain. The goal of a weight
management program is to include 30 minutes of moderate intensity
exercise 5 to 7 times per week. A moderate amount of physical activity
burns about 150 calories per hour.
The next topic in weight loss is Behavioral Therapy. Behavioral therapy
focuses on maintaining compliance with dietary therapy and physical
activity and increasing a person’s awareness of how such compliance will
help increase weight loss. The first step is to formulate clear goals that
may be easily measured. Secondly, it is important to help patients find
ways to achieve their set goals. Once the goal is set, the persons should
examine factors that will help or hinder the achievement of the goal.
The third behavioral approach is to advocate small changes, as they will
produce success and help build a foundation for more distant goals. In
order to help persons modify behavior, it is crucial to educate them on:
1. Self-monitoring by observing and keeping record of their behavior as
it relates to goals, 2. Implementing a reward system to encourage them
to attain goals, 3. Stimulus control to help encourage patients to modify
behavior in order to attain goals.
For successful treatment or initiation of therapy, a person should be
motivated and willing to change their lifestyle habits. Most important is
the fact that success of therapy depends on a lifelong commitment.
If you have a question for the Pharmacist, you may contact him at
[email protected] or Mountain Times, P.O. Box 266,
Timberon, NM 88350
John Vaughan in the Army
On January 7th, 19 year
old, Timberon resident,
John Vaughan, will be
going to Ft. Sill in Sill,
Oklahoma for ten weeks
of basic training. Then
he is on his way for 10
more weeks of advanced
individual training in
Redstone, Alabama.
John has chosen to
enter the army as an
Ammuniton Specialist;
one who gathers and
distributes ammunition.
He has signed up for four
years and is hopeful to be
going into the army as a
class E-2.
John states that he
is going to keep the
Mountain Times posted
of his progress.
Enjoying Timberon’s first Snow Fall
The morning of December 9th, a little more than an inch of snow fell.
Spud Jones hooked up a sled to the back of his pick-up and took his
grandchildren, Bonnie and Katie Shields (center) and their friends, Nolan,
(far left) Nathan (far right) and their mom, Nicole for a ride down Riverside
Road. (Nan Ladd was all snuggled up nice and warm in the truck.)
WEED COUNTRY STORE
3 Agua Chiquita
Weed, NM
(575) 687-3040
~ Skin Care at the Spa ~
Facials
Massages
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a actually vacuumed away! This is all done by a trained professional... leaving your skin fresh and renewed... $75.00
The Royal Treatment is a great way to pamper yourself or someone you care about. The treatment includes a 30 minute
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Many other treatments are available to fit any budget. Ask for Liz Noble Walker at the...
OPEN:
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10:00-4:00 Sunday
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575-437-5175
PAGE 11
By Dave Eerkes
MOUNTAIN TIMES - JANURAY 2009 ISSUE
GIF
TS
GROCERIES
TOBACCO
COLLECTIBLES
SUNDAY LUNCH
11:00-3:00
1-575-987-2523
Before the Holidays, Get Those Charitable Donations Lined Up
After a Turbulent 2008, Make Some New
Year’s Resolutions for a Financially Healthy
2009
Money worries are the most common cause
of holiday stress, according to Mental Health
America. The 2006 study showed that parents
are more stressed than all other demographic
groups by finances and females are more
likely than men to feel stressed by finances.
Money isn’t everyone’s No. 1 worry, but if it’s
yours, why not consider the following New Year’s resolutions to improve
your financial life?
Resolve:
1. To write down your goals: Have you ever written down the big things
you want in life? Granted, all great dreams don’t cost money, but many of
them do. Money buys freedom – to travel, to retire early, to start a business,
to change careers. Putting goals in writing gives them a formality and a
starting point for the planning you must do.
2. To evaluate your risk tolerance: One of the most beneficial things
financial planners do is help you articulate your financial goals and
establish (or re-establish) your tolerance for risk. With the market
turbulence that’s marked 2008, many individuals would benefit from an
analysis of how much risk they want – or need – to take given what they
want to achieve with their money.
3. To track your spending: If you haven’t purchased financial accounting
software or set up a reliable accounting method of your own, this is the
year to do it. Diligent expense tracking is the first critical step to getting
personal finances in order.
4. To consider advice on taxes and planning: Maybe you’ve always
winged it with your taxes and considered your company 401(k) the ticket
to your financial future. Chances are your planning is inadequate. Start
getting references on good tax professionals and consider sitting down
with a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional to discuss your
current retirement savings picture and what you can do to improve it.
5. To cut your credit card debt: If you can’t ever seem to get yourself
completely out of credit card debt, make this the year to do it. Take
inventory of your balances, figure out if you can consolidate them under
your lowest-rate card, and resolve to pay off an amount that exceeds the
minimum – on time, every month. Oh, and pay cash from now on.
6. To save: If you haven’t signed up for your employer’s 401(k) plan or
begun a savings plan tailored for the self-employed, this is the year. And
resolve to save at least 5-10 percent of your take-home pay based on
your cash flow, and place the maximum in whatever retirement savings
plans you qualify for.
7. Get ahead on your mortgage: This advice isn’t for everybody,
but if you’ve paid off your credit cards by paying more than the
minimum, you can apply the same principle to your mortgage
payment. Every dollar you prepay will potentially save thousands
in interest over the life of the loan if you plan to stay in your home
long-term. In fact, if you make one extra payment a year, either at
once or in equal monthly shares over the course of a year, you can
cut at least five years of payments on a 30-year loan. Just don’t short
your retirement investment plans to accomplish this.
8. Invest in yourself: If going back to college or taking specific
coursework will help you advance in your career, plan to do it. If
investing in a health club membership that you actually makes sense
for your health as well as your insurance costs, do it.
9. To redefine the way you shop: If you’re an impulse shopper,
break the habit in ’09. As a suggestion, get a legal pad and make
that your centralized shopping list – use a single page for groceries,
stock-up goods (it’s wise to start buying essentials in bulk if you can
measure the savings), essential clothing or big expenditures you’ll
need to make at specific times. Taking that pad with you wherever
you spend money is a good way to keep a grip on your wallet as
long as you don’t stray from the list.
10. To attack that miscellaneous column: Do you really need deluxe
cable? How much are you paying for your Internet service? Can you
wear a sweater around the house and lower the thermostat? In every
budget, there are items that can be cut – or at least trimmed. Take a
hard look at all your “essentials” to see how essential they really are.
Aim for a target of at least 10 percent and start setting that money
aside on a regular basis.
This column is produced by the Financial Planning Association,
the membership organization for the financial planning
community, and is provided by Charles Wagner, a local member
of FPA.
ASPEN CO. Construction
George Corder
PO Box 143 Timberon, NM 88350
phone 575-987-2372
PAGE 12
MOUNTAIN TIMES - JANUARY 2009 ISSUE
NM LIC # 30323
1-575-987-2523
Below are articles taken out of “The Hitchin’ Post” from Weed, New
Mexico. You can find the full version on the internet at www.mountaintimes.net, under Weed. You can also drive to Weed and grab a couple of
copies. Editor - Patsy Ward.
Weed
If You’re Lucky Enough to Live in the Mountains, You’re Lucky Enough!
Get Well Wishes & Prayers to:
...Julie & Kathy Burris who were involved in a one-car accident on Agua
Chiquita Rd. on December 8. The accident was the result of slick roads
due to snow and ice.
...Jim & Claudine Walls
...Tom & Shelia Fry who had the flu
Comings & Goings
...Tom Ward’s son, Brent, and daughter-in-law, Bernie, visited Tom & Patsy
the weekend of December 12. The visit was wonderful but much too
short.
Weed Community CHRISTmas Party
On December 12, we attended the Community CHRISTmas party in
the old Weed school gym. The food was fantastic and visiting with our
friends was awesome.
GOD is good in having such a wonderful party. We hope more of our
friends will attend next year and make it an even better party. - Evelyn
Miller
Vacation Time
Doug left on November 28 to visit friends in Texas and go deer hunting.
He took a CHRISTmas tree to Dusty and Teri, and Teri did a good job of
decorating it. Dusty sent us a picture of how pretty it turned out. Dusty
got a deer when Doug went hunting with him, and we now have part of
it and our dogs have a lot of scraps from it. Doug got back on December
12 so we could attend the Weed party and another party on the 13th
that also turned out to be an awesome CHRISTmas party. We love living
in this wonderful place that GOD gave us and being with so many godly
people. Thanks to all of you with whom we spent the CHRISTmas holidays.
- Evelyn Miller
Sacramento News - Joy Garrett Goin
Greetings from Sacramento....actually greetings from Sac-Bug Scuffle!
Sacramento news first: Thanks to all of you who helped in any way
to make the Candlelight\Dinner at SMA such a success....whether you
helped with the service or came to worship, it all contributed to making
a memorable evening. If you think "just showing up" doesn't count, try
having a worship service with one or two people in the congregation!
Now, the Bug Scuffle news: Got to thinking the other day about my
Grammy Penny. During WWII, after Dad was drafted and Mom had to go
to work to supplement his pay as a buck private, we all moved in with
Grammy. "All" included the three of us and my Aunt and her kids. (Uncle
Lewie also got drafted) My poor Grammy went from no kids to five kids...
all except one pre-schoolers! I can see Grammy now during stressful
moments....and there seemed to be an abundance of them...clapping
her hand to her head and exclaiming loudly "I'm going to Willard before
this day is out!"...
( Willard being the
state mental hospital.) I
have had a few Willard
moments during our
move down here! One
of them was last Sunday when, in addition to our water being off as the
result of an extremely hard to find leak, the power went out! Ever try to
comb your hair in a windowless bathroom when the lights are out???? We
are down here full time.....Sure would be nice if our stuff was also down
here! We have the "basics," but the stuff that makes a place a home is
still patiently waiting at the Sac place! We have had to change our plans
several times because of various things. When the move is finally complete
I will appreciate it even more! And it will happen, just have to be patient....
grrrrrr!....and never ever in the future move during December. Too much
going on, plus, did you know it SNOWS in December???
But in spite of it all Ray and I are having fun. So many neat things
happening at this time of year....impossible to fit them all in, but did get
to help with decorating Weed, and sing in the Community Choir, and
attend the Ward's open house! And weather permitting will attend the
Christmas Eve service at Cloudcroft United Methodist Church. If weather
doesn't co-operate, we will have our own here!
Pinon News - Margaret Merritt
Greetings from Piñon! In January on the 19th day of 2009, the Piñon
Post Office will have been in public service to the community for 102
years. January 19, 1907 - January 19, 2009. The “house on the corner” in
Piñon is in full possession of the old records of the Service. Twyla Monson
Lewis offered to share them with me one busy day. I must ask her if the
offer still stands? Her grandmother, Mary Tanner, was the Postmistress
when I married in 1939 and had been for some time. I have since known
four different Postmistresses - Ethel Smith, Mary Lou Stevenson, Linda
Parker and Jeannette Coupland. Could I have missed one or so while my
children’s school days were occupying my time and energy? The service
we receive has always been kindly offered and efficient for the period of
time. Once I recall when “The Mail Hack” was one of the ways folks got
around over the mountains. No heater and maybe side curtains as I recall,
but wheels which ran maybe three times a week? Vehicles have changed
as well as road improvements available. No UPS or FedEx on the horizon
then. Our zip code of 88344 is our identification now.
Telephone numbers are nebulous as cell companies. My early memories
of telephones here were tied directly to the Forest Service lines. There
are still a few of the stub-posts still under my watchful eye on my fences.
Sound of a saw “in a strange location” roused me some 25 years ago to
investigate to find a potential wood cutter harvesting one (already had
cut one down). No more of that if I can help it. History is history.
On December 6, the Club Christmas part was held. Good food, lots of
friends and fun, with silly gift exchange enjoyed by all, including the
folks who lost their gift three times at least. A new family here just for a
few months’ work were initiated into the Silly Game. Fast learners and
participating in the Bookmobile, also.
Game night will be held on New Year’s Eve at the Piñon Club House.
Bring snacks and favorite games sometime after 6 p.m.
Adios until 2009.
THE WEED CAFE
The Livelihood of Piñon - Mike Joy
NEW:
When any community is recognized, it is done so by the establishment of a Post Office and a zip
code.
In rural communities, the Post Office is also often times a meeting place for neighbors to get together.
New neighbors are met there first oft times. In the community of Piñon, NM, for example, the Post Office is
not only the place to pick up and send your mail, it is also where you buy your postage stamps, envelopes,
cards, mailing packages, etc. If what you need is not available, the Post Mistress can have it for you in 3
days and sometimes less. This Post Office also offers a safe holding service for those customers who do
not get their mail on a regular basis or are away for an extended stay. It serves people who live 30 to 40
miles and more away from Piñon. There is one other thing this Office does that is vital to this community.
It provides a steady salary for the Post Mistress. In these distressed times, her wages are essential to the
livelihood of her family. Please think about this, folks. Piñon desperately needs her Post Office.
How many miles of road are kept up to allow folks to come to or through Piñon?
Charbroiled Hamburgers
Excellent
Green Chile Cheeseburgers
Always Daily Specials
to tantalize your taste buds.
Home-Made Desserts
(575) 687-3611
Dates to Remember
Closed Sunday
Monday-Thursday 8-3
Fri & Sat 8-7
PAGE 13
January 1 - New Year’s Day (Post Office closed)
January 19 - Dr. M. L. King Day (Federal holiday)
January 20 - Bookmobile, Weed 1 p.m. - 2:15 p.m.; Piñon, 3p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
MOUNTAIN TIMES - JANUARY 2009 ISSUE
1-575-987-2523
Continued from front page....
Santa
Jayce and Lane Clark
Clay and Calvin Hamill with Santa.
Calvary Corner
Question:
What purpose
does the Law of
God serve for us
who are born
again?
Answer:
I understand that believers are saved by grace
through faith in Jesus, and not by good works.
(See Eph 2:8.) It is clear after reading Galatians
that one cannot be saved by a combination
of grace and performing of good deeds. Paul
wrote that he did not nullify the grace of God,
and that if righteousness could be attained by
obeying the Law, then Christ died needlessly.
(See Gal 2:21.)
The Law of God does not simply reveal the
standard of right and wrong, it also has the
power shut the mouths of sinners who are
willing to honestly admit their guilt. Any man
who will man up to the truth that he has lied,
lusted, stolen or hated, will then sit silently
before the righteous Judge, and surrender his
life to Christ. (See Rom 3:19-23.)
Have you ever looked in the mirror and realized
you needed to wash with soap? The commands
of God are like a mirror which drives dirty people
to the cleansing agent, which is Jesus. (See
1John 1:7.)
Trying to keep God’s commands will never
provide access into heaven. Jesus declared, “I
did not come to abolish, but to fulfill the Law”
(Mat 5:17). He already did the impossible for us,
by keeping the Law in our place. Now we live
by the leading of His Holy Spirit within us. (See
Gal 5:16.)
Christians are no longer under the condemning
aspects of the commandments of God, but
the law still helps us in our Christian walk.
Paul exhorted the Corinthians when he said,
“Examine yourselves! Or do you not recognize
this, that Jesus Christ is in you; unless indeed you
fail the test” (2Cor 5:17). To examine ourselves
would require a standard to examine against.
That standard is God’s Law. If our behavior
continues to be sinful while sensing no shame,
then our salvation would be suspect. We would
be found living under a false sense of security.
Since God’s kindness leads us to repentance,
how would we know what we were repenting of,
unless we knew what God’s Law required? (See
Rom 2:4.) Since God’s grace teaches us to deny
ungodliness, how would we define ungodliness
without God’s Law? (See Titus 2:11-13.) Christians
know this to be true or they wouldn’t become
rattled when the Ten Commandments are
removed from schools and court rooms. The
standard still stands, but born again Christians
are no longer under its condemning power.
The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit and a
contrite heart. (See Psa 51:17.) The brokenness
which God desires is the breaking of our will
to sin, and sin is explained in His Law. Our
appreciation of God’s grace increases as we
realize how sinful we’ve been.
Psalm 66:18
Pastor Huck: calvarycorner.com
Pastor Huck [email protected] www.
calvarycorner.com 623-374-5655
Ridiculous-nessss
Get Your Gas
and Diesel Here!
"Pithy" to me's a funny word.
I don't think I'll ever use it.
I think it absurd to lisp a word
So… I won't choose it.
OPEN EVERY DAY
10-5
Josie’s Has NM LOTTERY TICKETS!
And how about the "artichoke"?
Its a stupid term for common folk.
Just a harmless little vegetable
Who's name is not too palatable.
It's ridiculous I've got to say
When silly words come into play.
So let this be a lesson to me
Not to obfuscate my "verbiality"!
(575) 987-2365
Made that last word up…
Tom Tannehill
PAGE 14
MOUNTAIN TIMES - JANUARY 2009 ISSUE
1-575-987-2523
THE MOUNTAIN Trading Post
Real estate SECTION
FOR SALE:
MEMBER RUIDOSO AND OTERO BOARD OF REALTORS
7 Premium Golf Course Lots
***OWNER FINANCE NO QUALIFYING***
7 Premium Golf Course Lots located on Paradise Valley Rd in Timberon. All
located on the greens and fairways. In the process of being thinned under the
Government Program.
$25,900 each. Low Down Payment. Water and electricity nearby.
Call for details: (575) 987-2563
FOR SALE:
APEX 32' FLAT SCREEN TV
EXCELLENT COLOR AND CONDITION
$150 CASH FIRM. YOU MOVE.
FOR SALE:
California King Waterbed Mattress
with baffles and heater
$150.00
O.B.O.
CALL 575-987-2563
575 987-2523
When was the last time you had
your chimney cleaned?
If you don’t know,
now is the time!
Good Selection-Including Golf Course
SEE ALL OUR CLOUDCROFT AND TIMBERON AREA LISTINGS
AT: www.diamondjrealestate.com
Cloudcroft DRINKING
WATER Storage Tanks
Catch Rain!! Black, algae resistant, from 100 to
10,000 gallons, reasonable prices, free delivery.
Please give us a chance to serve you!!
MasterCard/Visa
1-800-603-8272 or (575) 682-2308.
Call for an inspection:
MOUNTAIN CABIN
On 1.03 Acres
3 Bedrooms, 1 3/4 Bath- 2 Levels
Recent Updates
Call for Info or Showing
PHONE: 575-682-1317 FAX: 575-682-1318TOLL FREE: 1-866-344-6190
FREE NOTARY PUBLIC SERVICES
Call Shirley Holstrom
(575) 987-2523
DIAMOND J REAL ESTATE,
PO BOX 1374, CLOUDCROFT, NM 88317
BOBBY and JALENE JONES, Co-Qualifying Brokers
Greg Adams, Caryn Pridemore Broker/Realtor
Skip Pridemore Broker/Realtor
LOTS OF GREAT LOTS FOR SALE
STARTING AS LOW AS $2500.00
(575) 987-2403
Timberon Baptist Chapel
Sermon Series in Daniel January 2009
A unique “Sacramento Mountains” gift!
“A Cop’s Prison Letters to Cloudcroft
…Pieces of the Puzzle, and more…”
A book by Billy Anders.
Available locally at The Hastings Book Store,
on Amazon.com, Barnes & Noble. com, E-Bay.
$11.95
All profits to the family of
Deputy Sheriff Robert Hedman, killed near
Cloudcroft in the line of duty December 18th, 2004.
Sermon titles and outlines from New Standard for Living series by Dr. Charles R.
Swindoll.
TIMBERON baptist CHAPEL
The Ladies Bible Study
is now being held at the Chapel
on Wednesdays
at 10 AM.
(575) 682-2208
I would like a subscription to the
January 4, Prophecy in Panorama (Survey of Daniel)
January 11, How to Pass a Test Without Cheating (Daniel 1)
January 18, A King on the Couch (Daniel 2:1-30)
January 25, A Blueprint of Tomorrow (Daniel 2:31-49)
Sunday Morning Bible Study at 9:45am
Sunday Morning
Worship at 11:00am
Prayer and Bible Study at
6:00pm Wednesday
Mountain
Covering Timberon and the Sacramento Mountains of New Mexico
( ) $12.00 (12 issues, bulk rate)
( ) $30.00 (12 issues, first class)
( ) New Subscription
( ) Renewal
name: ____________________________________________________________________________________
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city: ____________________________________________ state: ______________ zip: __________________
Phone: _________________________________ Email: _____________________________________________
Send this form and your check to Mountain Times, PO Box 266, Timberon, NM 88350
PAGE 15
MOUNTAIN TIMES - JANUARY 2009 ISSUE
1-575-987-2523
PAGE 20
MOUNTAIN TIMES JANUARY 2009 ISSUE
1-575-987-2523
BRAIN GAMES