Focus on Artesia Spring 2014

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Chase Scholars Doing GoodLuis Reyes Leads the Rec

Artesia Library Grand Opening Artesia High Swim Team

History of Our ParksChamber News & More!

Parks &Re-Creation

"Success in life has nothing to do with

what you gain in life or accomplish for yourself. It's what

you do for others."- Danny �omas

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FROM THE EDITOR

FOCUS ON GIVING BACKCHASE SCHOLARS LASTING IMPRESSION

FOCUS ON NATURENEW NAVAJO NATURE TRAIL

FOCUS ON RELIGIONTOXIC WASTE?

FOCUS ON RECREATIONREYES FINDS JOY AT THE REC DEPT.

FOCUS ON HEALTHGETTING CUT HAS NEVER LOOKED SO GOOD!

FOCUS ON SPORTSSWIM TEAM SWIM

FOCUS ON THE CITYARTESIA LIBRARY OPEN FOR BUSINESS

PHOTOS IN FOCUSFOCUS ON MAINSTREETSPRING HAS SPRUNG!

FOCUS ON HISTORYARTESIA PARKS CHRONOLOGY

FOCUS ON RESTORATIONRESTORING EAGLE DRAW’S AIRPLANE

FOCUS ON CREATIVITYTHIS MEANS WAR! - HAIR WAR!

FOCUS ON THE CHAMBER

FOCUS BUSINESS DIRECTORY

F O C U S O N A R T E S I A I S P U B L I S H E D Q U A R T E R L Y B Y A D V E N T U R E M A R K E T I N GAd Venture Marketing, Ltd. Co. • 866.207.0821 • ad-venturemarketing.comAll rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part without permission of the publisher is prohibited.

Every effort was made to ensure accuracy of the information provided.The publisher assumes no responsibility or liability for errors, changes or omissions.

Staci Guy, Editorial Director - Lilly Anaya, AdvertisingPhotography by Staci Guy - along with submitted photos

Special Contributors: Jason Kraft, Kyle Marksteiner, Rebecca Prendergast,Nancy Dunn & The Artesia Chamber of Commerce

S P R I N G 2 0 1 4

A B O U T T H E C O V E RKids play on simulated oilfield equipment at Jaycee Park - from left: Elle Bogle,

Adalyn Troost, Ryan Bogle, Chase Bogle, Peyton Troost and Carson Troost. They are the children of Joe and Nicole Bogle and Phillip and Vanessa Troost.

Photo by Jennifer Coats Photography

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WELL, WE HAVE OFFICIALLY ROLLED INTO OUR SECOND YEAR FOR FOCUS ON ARTESIA AND LET ME SAY, WHAT A YEAR IT’S BEEN! I have been so humbled and gratified by the community’s support of our little magazine. I say “little,” but in reality, the effort that goes into putting each issue of Focus on Artesia together is anything but little. It’s a collaborative effort between writers, photographers, graphic artists and you, the fascinating community that I am fortunate enough to get to interact with and share stories about with our readers.

With each issue I am reminded just how blessed I am to have this job and how fortunate I am to live in the City of Champions! The spring issue of Focus on Artesia is no different.

When I began putting this issue together way back in late January, I decided I wanted to focus on parks and recreation. Sounds springy,

right? To be honest though, I was interviewing Artesia Recreation Department director Luis Reyes for this issue when I had a light bulb moment (actually, I stole the light bulb moment from Luis!). When we were discussing his role with the recreation department, he told me he often calls it the re-creation department because they try to use their programs to re-create people.

“That’s it!” I thought. I will call our spring issue “Parks & Re-Creation.” In this issue we take a look back at the history of our city’s parks, peek into the future of the parks and marvel at the present. But I also wanted to take the opportunity to share with you some stories about local people that are helping Artesians re-create themselves, such as the Schoonmakers who opened a gym called Get Cut.

And what spring issue would be complete without some actual recreation? For that reason, we included stories about the high school swim team and a group of cosmetologists that are preparing for a once-in-a-lifetime chance to be in a TV documentary.

I hope you will take the time to read through this issue of Focus on Artesia and learn a little more about what makes our community so special. As always, it was an absolute pleasure to put this together and I can’t wait to share with you what we have in store for this summer. You won’t be disappointed!

Best Wishes, Staci Guy, Editorial Director

ABOUT THE EDITORStaci Guy is the Editorial Director of Focus on Artesia. She can be reached at [email protected].

F O C U S from the editor

STACI GUYEditorial DirectorFOCUS ON ARTESIA

Here We Go Again...AND I COULDN’T BE MORE EXCITED!

4 F O C U S O N A R T E S I A | S P R I N G 2 0 1 4 F O C U S N M . C O M

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F O C U S on giving back

There’s an airplane at Eagle Draw and a small, simulated oilfield at Jaycee Park that beckons children

of all ages to engage their imaginations while at play. Both parks speak to the culture and atmosphere that is Artesia, and both parks came about as a result of collaboration between the Chase Foundation and the City of Artesia.

In 2011, board members at the Chase Foundation decided to implement a community service initiative for recipients of the annual Chase Foundation scholarship. As part of the initiative, scholars get out into the community and perform various service projects for an entire week, including the installation of new playground equipment at city parks.

“We felt like it was important for the Chase Scholars to give back to the community like the Chase Family has done for many years,” explained Chase Foundation Director Richard Price.

Once the decision was made to implement a community service initiative, the Chase Foundation met with City of Artesia officials to discuss possible projects whereby the two entities could work together. And thus the idea to improve city parks was born, with both entities

allocating funds to purchase the required equipment.

In the beginning, Chase Scholars performed service projects for various elderly and in-need families around town and they did some painting and cleaning at local parks. But in 2012 the scholars stepped their game up and installed equipment at Jaycee Park that depicts the very essence of our region – the oilfield. There’s a pumpjack see-saw and a larger piece of equipment that looks like an oil rig, complete with slides, ladders, mechanisms that provide a great core workout and a lookout tower. It’s a place where children can go and allow their imaginations to take them right out to the field with dad or to a job location with grandpa.

Chase Scholars from the class of 2013 spent their community service hours installing a large airplane at Eagle Draw. Not to be confused with the historic airplane that has called Eagle Draw home since the 1970s, the new playground equipment allows children to fly the plane, hang off the wings and peek out of the windows—something impossible on the real plane, which is suspended in the air.

Aside from installing new equipment, Chase Scholars have also painted the shelters at Jaycee Park, fencing, Little League dugouts, concession stands, scoreboards and various pieces of

PHOTO: Chase Scholar, Christina Almanza, a 2013 graduate of AHS. Kids (from left to right) Chase Bogle, Ryan Bogle, Peyton Troost, Elle Bogle, Carson Troost and Adalyn Troost.

Chase Scholars

Leave Lasting Impression


equipment at Guadalupe Park; installed fencing at the Little League fields, mowed and sprayed for weeds, picked up trash and leveled ball fields.

According to Price, the Chase Foundation has no plans to stop there. “Hopefully each year through the partnership with the City and Chase Foundation there will be additional equipment purchased for park improvements,” he shared. For one scholarship recipient, having the opportunity to give back through community service initiatives was more rewarding than she could have ever imagined. Jayci Grantham, a 2012 graduate of Artesia High School, was part of the team that installed the oilfield equipment at Jaycee Park and was also asked back the following year to serve as a team leader for the airplane installation. “When they asked us to come back I thought it was really cool because they didn’t just tell us exactly what to do,” she pointed out. “They said, ‘We want you to take charge and learn how to be in charge of it,’ which gave us the freedom to learn and do things on our own, rather than them just telling us what to do. It was a great experience for us to gain leadership skills.”

Every morning during community service week, Grantham said they would get the supplies together for the work site and she would gather her team members, tell them what they were doing for the day and provide on-site supervision. “I would get in touch with the person there in charge of building the playground, see what we needed to get done and then relay that message on to our team,” she related. “I actually participated in the work with them too because they didn’t just want us to lead the group and sit back and watch, they wanted us to be a part of the group, so we would actually help them out.” All that work didn’t deter her from wanting to help out in the future, either. “I’m hoping to get to go back this summer and do it again with this next group of kids.”

Grantham, who was recently accepted into the nursing program at West Texas A&M University, admitted, “Without the scholarship I would be in extreme debt. It’s meant a lot to me and my family because my brother and sister both graduated from AHS and without it there’s no way our parents could have put us all through college.”

She went on to emphasize, “We are so, so thankful. That’s another big reason I participate in this when they ask me to; I feel that a great way to return

the favor is to help the community and to give back as much as we can. I know Mack (Chase) is a big advocate of giving back and helping the community, so to be able to help him do that made me feel good.”

As a Chase Scholar finishing up her second year in college, Grantham offered her advice to future scholars: “I would tell them that it’s worth it! Don’t just take the money and go off and take advantage of the situation. It’s a choice that Mack had to give us this money, so work hard in college and go there to learn. Don’t just fail out PHOTO: Chase Scholars posing on playground equipment they

helped to assemble as part of their community service projects.

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because it really is wasting money if you’re not there to get that education. That’s what Mack’s intent was—to get an education and then come back and help out the community, so that’s what we should be doing.”

Grantham said she would like to thank

the Chase Foundation personally for their generosity. “They have opened so many doors for people and given them opportunities that normally they wouldn’t have had,” she contended. “It means a lot to me and to my parents; my parents are so extremely thankful for what the Chase Foundation has done for us, too. I’m doing my best to represent what the Chase Foundation stands for.”

While in college, Grantham is working part time at the school and is active in the Wesley Foundation. In addition, she leads a Bible study every week. “It’s growing my leadership skills and helps me for my future to lead others,” she maintained. “Anything that can help me help others is what I chose to do!”

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PHOTO: Chase Scholars and other volunteers help build playground equipment and work on other community projects.


A NEW ARTESIA TRAIL OFFERS VISITORS AN EXCELLENT SPOT TO LEARN ABOUT THE BIRDS AND THE BEES, AND THE BUTTERFLIES AND BATS AS WELL.

Throughout the past year, Navajo Refining Company, LLC and the City of Artesia have planned and constructed the Navajo Nature Trail located along Eagle Draw in Artesia. Specifically, the quarter-mile trail is located between Eagle Draw and JJ Clark, between 16th Street and Centennial Avenue. The space has been transformed into a native tree and plant-lined walking trail complete with a water fountain and bench.

The focus of the park is on native pollinators which are extremely beneficial to the ecosystem, aesthetic environment and mosquito problem in Artesia. Pollinators include birds, bats, flies, beetles, butterflies, moths and bees. To accommodate these pollinators and enhance the habitat, Navajo has planted pollinator-friendly native plants and constructed a butterfly pond and a bluebird box.

Mike Holder, Environmental Manager for Navajo Refining Company, stated, “We are excited about the opportunity to work with the City of Artesia on the Navajo Nature Trail project and look forward to expanding the trail and continuing our relationship with our community.”

The environmental consulting firm, CP&Y, worked with Navajo in developing the trail. CP&Y consulted with the Wildlife Habitat Council (WHC) and will continue to conduct site visits and research. “We previously worked with Mike Holder on other WHC certifications and he thought it would be a great way for Navajo to give back to the community,” noted CP&Y biologist Bonnie Doggett. “Navajo and its employees have shown such a wonderful response to the community.”

“We’re proud to partner with private organizations to make improvements to our parks for the betterment of the community as a whole,” added Byron Landfair, Director of Infrastructure for the City of Artesia.

To complete the construction of the Navajo Nature Trail, a volunteer day was held on October 10, 2013, where over 40 volunteers from Navajo, the Artesia Chamber of Commerce and the community came out to help complete the construction of the site by spreading mulch and gravel, picking up trash, sweeping sidewalks and weeding. As a thank you to

F O C U S on nature

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the hard workers, Navajo provided gloves, hats, and hard hat stickers with the Nature Trail logo. The volunteer day was documented by local media, and a citizen even sent Navajo a thank you letter for making such a big effort to beautify the community.

In addition to the work performed, Navajo will be submitting a Wildlife at Work application to the WHC this coming June. This effort will certify that the Navajo Nature Trail has been active for at least one year and has created a successful management plan that lists goals and objectives and completely documents the progress of the site. Wildlife at Work certification programs are voluntary efforts that provide a structure for

corporate-driven cooperative efforts between management, employees and community members to create, conserve and restore wildlife habitat on corporate or corporate partner lands.

Another volunteer day will be held in the spring of 2014, where activities will include picking up trash, pulling weeds and monitoring the bluebird box.

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PHOTO: Navajo employees, Artesia Chamber of Commerce members and citizens who came out to complete the construction of the Navajo Nature Trail on volunteer day.

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F O C U S on religion

JASON KRAFTSenior PastorWEST MAIN BAPTIST CHURCH, ARTESIA

Apparently toxic waste is oozing from the ground and leaking into the air in our

little corner of the world. Truth is, toxic waste may be oozing and leaking into your life right now.

All of us, during different seasons of life, get stuck in potentially toxic relationships. Maybe you’re stuck in an unhealthy marriage, family or working relationship. If you were married, born or hired into a toxic relationship, there’s often not much you can do but make the most of it and take the high road as often as the opportunity presents itself. So let’s talk instead about the toxic relationships that we get stuck in because we choose them: friendships. Sometimes the friendships we choose can turn into toxic relationships.

I have a friend who is great fun; he makes me laugh and he’s full of life, but he’s toxic. There is so much drama in maintaining a friendship with him that it’s like being friends with a seventh grade girl (no offense to all you seventh grade girls reading this).

Truth is, the more time I spend with this friend, the more I’m sucked into his toxic vortex of bitterness, delusion and cynicism. I don’t want to bring the residue of this toxic waste into my home or workplace.

Maintaining a toxic friendship requires massive amounts of time and energy, both of which come in limited quantities. I came to the conclusion a few years ago that if I’m going to be the best husband, father and pastor I can be, then I need to limit the time and energy I spend on toxic relationships.

If you’ve got toxic friendships, I strongly encourage you to deal with them and stop maintaining them. You have limited amounts of time, emotional energy, and spiritual energy. If you’re going to be the best spouse, parent and child of God you can be, you need to recognize your limits and refuse to spend your valuable time and energy on such friendships. Set some

healthy boundaries and be willing to completely cut off some relationships if necessary.

I know some of you are thinking that’s not a very Christian thing to do; we are supposed to love everyone. You don’t have to spend time with people to love them, however. Jesus didn’t. When his friendship with Judas turned toxic, Jesus simply allowed the relationship to dissolve. In Acts chapter 15, Paul and Barnabas had to part ways because their relationship became toxic.

Don’t spend another day standing in a pool of toxic waste! Sometimes you just have to move on.

Toxic Waste?

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IF THERE’S ONE BIT OF ADVICE LUIS REYES HAS PASSED ALONG TO HIS CHILDREN, IT IS THIS: “YOU’RE NEVER FINISHED WHEN YOU LOSE. YOU’RE FINISHED WHEN YOU QUIT.”

Reyes is certainly no quitter. In fact, he has been heading up the Artesia Recreation Department for nearly 25 years, yet still manages to approach his duties with enthusiasm and fresh ideas. Always a quick wit and clever with his sayings, he’s been known to tell people, when asked what department within the city he works for, that it’s the re-creation department. “A lot of times people kind of look at me weird because they think I’m just saying it wrong, but I call it ‘re-creation’ because we try use our programs to re-create you,” he explained.

Reyes’ memories of the Artesia Center date back to his childhood, when a man named Lowe Wickersham served as director. “I used to play ball here when I was a kid and it was just a dirt lot,” Reyes recalled. “Mr. Wickersham was the first recreation center director and he took care of the kids so well. He was great! He was a super good guy and one of my mentors.”

As a child his mentor was Mr. Wickersham, but as he matured, Reyes found yet another mentor that would ultimately change his life: Mike Allen, his high school coach. “Mike Allen never gave up on me—ever,” Reyes shared. “He coached me, counseled me and he wanted me to succeed. He was probably my greatest mentor.” In fact, he credits Allen for keeping him from making a big mistake as a young, immature high school athlete. Admitting that he “thought he knew

everything,” Reyes confided that in the heat of the moment one day he got mad and decided he wanted to quit the team. “I’ll never forget what he told me,” Reyes recalled. “He said, ‘I would never quit on you. Why would you quit on me?’” That’s all it took for him to pull himself together and head back out to the field, ready to play ball.

Taking cues from his childhood and adolescent mentors, Reyes has always approached his position with the Recreation Department with enthusiasm and passion, both for his staff and for the students whose lives he touches. “I love seeing the kids grow up,” he declared, recalling former students who have gone on to become doctors and coaches and dedicated parents. “It’s neat to see them as they go through the program and then grow up and become adults. I love it!”

Reyes knows a successful program like the City’s recreation program doesn’t happen by chance and it certainly doesn’t happen with just one person. It’s a group effort. He attributes the program’s success to a combination of his dedication, his staff ’s efforts and unwavering community support. “We have a great staff here,” he beamed. “Their hearts are set on helping the

kids and helping the community,” which, he observed, returns the favor ten-fold. “Artesia has been great and I wouldn’t trade it for anything in the world. People are so willing to help out. I love my community!”

Reyes admitted he often shocks people in other communities when he attends work-related conferences and tells them about the support his department receives. “People ask me how in the world we can put on a summer recreation program that’s five days a week and feed the kids really good food every day for only $35 per child for the entire summer. And I tell them it’s because we have people and businesses in our community that truly care about our kids. It’s only through their support that we can do something like that and it’s something that not very many other communities experience.

We are so, so blessed to live here, but sometimes we don’t realize just how fortunate we really are.” Over the past 24 years, he has seen good times and bad, but he wouldn’t trade his

F O C U S on recreation

Reyes Finds Joyat the Helm of theRec Department

“When I wake up in the mornings, instead of saying ‘Good God, it’s morning;’ I say, “Good morning, God. What do You have for me today?’ I take Him with me everywhere I go.” - Luis Reyes


experiences or his job for anything. “There have been days I wanted to hang it up, but I said, ‘No, the Lord has brought me this far for a reason and as long as I am able, I will keep doing this because it’s what I love.’”

Aside from running the City’s recreation department, Reyes enjoys hunting and fishing, is active in his church and has been a long-time coach for his granddaughter’s softball team. And true to his “inner child,” he has

also been known to don a clown outfit and perform “gospel wonders.” “I don’t like to call it magic, so I call it gospel wonders,” he explained. “It’s just a way for me to dress up and have some fun with the kids.” He summed up his outlook on life simply, claiming, “When I wake up in the mornings, instead of saying ‘Good God, it’s morning,’ I say, ‘Good morning, God. What do You have for me today?’ I take Him with me everywhere I go.”

Tarra WilliamsRecreation Specialist Date started at City of Artesia: November 4, 2013

Education: Associate degrees in photojournalism and business administration

Previous work experience: Parks and Recreation Department, Atlanta, Georgia, 1991-2002; massage therapist 1997-2006; real estate agent 2006-present

What made you want to join the recreation department for the City of Artesia? I enjoy being around kids, coaching and mentoring. I was visiting my mom on vacation, saw the job posting and it was a perfect fit for me!

What are your goals for your position, short-term and long-term? I want to create programs for both adults and kids that will continue to grow. I would love to bring some life back to the Center!

What is the best part of your job? The best part of my job is being in the position to create and develop new programs. Sonny Bernal and I want life back in our Center! We want to see people come into the Center for programs.

What do you want people to know about you? I have been working with kids for more than 20 years. I played on a national softball team and finally retired at age 35. My abilities and aspirations come on the fly! I enjoy staying busy and being involved with the community.

What is your favorite quote, verse or motto? “If you believe it, you can achieve it!”

Sonny BernalRecreation SpecialistDate started at City of Artesia: June 2, 2013

Education: Bachelor of Science in Education from Baylor University; Associate of Arts degree from El Paso Community College

Previous work experience: I have played sports all my life. I’ve played football, basketball, baseball, wrestling, track & field

and golf. I volunteered at the Bledsoe Miller Recreation Center. In high school I was involved with the Big Brothers Big Sisters program. I worked as a lifeguard,

a water aerobics instructor and a learn-to-swim instructor. I have volunteered with a private school recreation program and the First Baptist Church in Waco, Texas.

What made you want to join the

recreation department for the City of Artesia? I would like to thank Bill Thalman, Luis Reyes and Tina Torres for bringing me on board and allowing me an opportunity to make a difference

in the community. My choice was easy because I am doing what I love to do. I love sports, I love being outside and I love kids, so in reality, I will never work a day in my life!

What are your goals for your position, short-term and long-term? I’m learning on the go. I’m trying to get to know the people of Artesia, their needs and their wants. This will help me plan for the future. I’m working on a self-defense class, a summer basketball camp and a flag football league. Later I would like to see a wrestling program at the center, adult basketball league, 24/7 Dad for the Dads Around Town program and a dance program for people of all ages.

What is the best part of your job? I get to work with kids, make a difference in their lives. In return, the kids keep me young!

What do you want people to know about you? I’m excited to be here in Artesia, working for the recreation department. I’m here for the kids and for people of Artesia and all I can hope for is to make a difference in a kid’s life and in the community.

What is your favorite quote, verse or motto? “Happiness is not something you postpone for the future; it is something you design for the present.” Jim Rohn

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UPCOMING EVENTS FOR CITY OF ARTESIA RECREATION DEPARTMENT Men’s Flag Football League, March 16 • Color Run, April 12 • Summer Program (“A Great Adventure”), June 2-July 25 • Summer Weights and Skills, June 23-July 25Summer Boys and Girls Basketball, June 9-June 27


PHOTO: Milo and Angela Schoonmaker turned a personal tragedy into a thriving business with the help of friends, family and plenty of faith.Photo by Jennifer Coats

MILO AND ANGELA SCHOONMAKER ARE ON A MISSION to help people in Artesia get healthy, inside and out. This fabulously fit couple has found a way to take an unfortunate situation and use it as a platform to turn both of their dreams into reality. His dream was a gym; hers, a salon.

November 1, 2012 started out like any other day for the Schoonmakers. Milo got up and went to work in the oilfields and Angela went to her job as a cosmetologist; but on that day, their lives were forever changed. Milo sustained a horrific injury on the job that left him clinging to life. The former tough guy who had served his country with the United States Marine Corps and had previously worked as a personal trainer was reduced to being nearly crippled and suffering from debilitating seizures. Those were the darkest of times for the newly married couple.

But the Schoonmakers’ story doesn’t end there. In fact, it would prove to be only the beginning of their journey of faith that would see the opening of a gym and eventually a beauty salon.

THE BACK STORY“After Milo’s accident, I was working two jobs and running around, chasing

kids and just trying to keep us afloat,” Angela shared. “That’s when I decided to start running at 5:00 a.m. with some of my friends. I just needed some time for me and that’s the only time I had.”

Soon, more people joined Angela on her quest to get fit and Milo, who wasn’t able to work but had gone back to school at that point, offered his services to train them in the couple’s backyard. “We worked out at 5:00 a.m. in our backyard and pretty soon the class filled up, so we decided to offer a 6:00 a.m. class too,” she said. “That filled up so we added a 7:30 a.m. class. For about six months we offered three

classes a day at our house, but they got so big we had to move the classes to Eagle Draw.”

So how did the couple go from offering free fitness classes at their home to owning a gym? According to Angela, it “fell in their laps” and is all part of God’s plan.

F O C U S on health

Getting Cut Has Never Looked So Good!

PHOTO RIGHT: They mean business! Pictured from left are trainers and staff members: Angela Schoonmaker, owner; Susan Molina, receptionist; Rachel Balencia, trainer; Abigail Grado, massage therapist; and kneeling, Billy Delgado, trainer.

“I joined Get Cut because it is a Christian-based gym where working out leads to a both a healthy mind and body. The staff is super friendly and knowledgeable!”

- Belinda Clifton


One day last year Angela said she was at a Christian women’s camp when a lady named Sister Vonnie Lopez told her she felt there were big changes in store for Angela and her husband and that it would be “God working through their lives.” A month later, she said she and Milo attended a Sing Inspiration (A presentation of joyous and inspirational songs from different groups and towns brought together

for a special event to worship God) in Roswell, where they prayed for the healing of Milo’s body and mind. “Before Milo sat back down, the pastor told him that what happened (his oilfield accident) occurred for a reason. He said he knew Milo had been running for a long time and that God had allowed it to happen to him because He loved him. He also said that there would be tons of blessings coming his way as soon as he got home,” Angela shared.

True to the pastor’s predictions, when they got home their lives began to change in ways they never could have imagined. Milo quit having to use his cane to walk, financial blessings began to pour in and they were finally able to open a gym. “God just opened doors for us all the way once we started leaning on Him,” Angela said.

Another example of how God is opening doors for the couple, she says, is through their staff. The receptionist, Susan Molina, recently retired as a nurse and heads up the Kids Fit program for youth from ages 6 to 17. “It’s been such a blessing having her here and working with the kids because the parents feel comfortable leaving their kids with her,” Angela explained. And Rachel Balencia, one

of three trainers on staff, has “always been fitness-minded” and is making an invaluable contribution to the Get Cut family (they call themselves a family rather than a club or organization). “It’s not by accident that we are all here, with our given skill sets at this time in our lives,” Angela beamed. “It’s all part of God’s plan.”

Milo echoed Angela’s sentiments, adding: “God has a purpose for each and every one of us. For me it was to motivate, strengthen and help people endure the stresses of this

PHOTOS: Children ages 6-14 participate in Kid Fit classes at Get Cut, which are modified versions of the adult classes. Kid Fit classes meet Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 4-5 p.m. Photos by Jennifer Coats

“I have worked out for years and I have to say I have never loved working out more than I do at Get Cut! I’m addicted! There is one thing to be said about the workouts. It doesn’t matter your fitness level, you WILL be challenged! I have become friends with a lot of new people

through Get Cut and I think most people feel that we are more like family. We laugh and cut up, high five, push one another and praise each other’s accomplishments. Each of the trainers has his or her own way of pushing us. Rachel Balencia is a huge asset to their business. Milo and Angela have done a great job of creating a positive, Christian atmosphere. It doesn’t matter your fitness level, your financial status or the color of your skin. When you walk through the doors at Get Cut, you are part of an awesome family!”

- Danielle Denson


earth and to help them build their personal relationship with God. I am a shepherd in a shirt and shorts. Strong body equals strong mind equals strong soul!”

Angela said in all the trials and struggles they have endured over the past two years, she and Milo have managed to find their purpose. “Now we’re redirected,” Angela proclaims. “We’re no longer living about me, me, me. We’re here to bring glory to God.”

GOALS AND DREAMSWhile Milo always dreamed of owning his own gym, Angela has always longed to own a beauty salon. Soon, that dream too will become a reality.

“I love working out and training people, but I have always wanted my own salon,” she admits. “That room up there,” she said, pointing to an empty room at the front of the building, “that’s where we plan to put the salon.

We will have room for several hair stylists and a nail tech. I’m so excited about it!” Milo recently completed beauty school in Carlsbad so that between the two of them, the business of Get Cut is completely covered. “He’s doing that so that when I’m not here, he can manage the salon and know what’s going on and vice versa,” Angela explained. “We want to both be knowledgeable about what’s going on at Get Cut.”

The Get Cut family is eager to help clients improve their lives from the inside out, from weight lifting classes capped off with daily devotionals, to a salon offering beauty services and products, to an in-house massage therapist offering a variety of services. Get Cut is a fitting name all around.

“We love our trainers here at Get Cut! They motivate you and push you hard to aim high for your goal. It has great people that become your family. And what makes it amazing is the great

faith and prayers after every workout. If it wasn’t for them, Johnny and I wouldn’t be here where we are today. Our motto at the gym is: No one gets left behind. So if you are looking for a great place to work out and get healthy, go to Get Cut!”

- Johnny & Roberta Lara


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F O C U S on sports

THEY WERE A SCHOOL WITHOUT A POOL, BUT ARTESIA’S SWIMMERS MANAGED TO KEEP THEIR COOL. Artesia High School’s natatorium is now closed indefinitely due to a leak, so the members of the swim team had to make some extra adjustments during the 2013-2014 season. The Federal Law Enforcement Training Center (FLETC) was able to provide swimming accommodations for most of the season. FLETC had previously provided recreational swimming as well but had to eliminate that option due to budget cuts. “They kept it [the Artesia pool] cold for us until we got through last season,” coach Shelley Ebarb noted. “We started at FLETC for a few days a week last spring.”

FLETC uses the pool for water safety classes earlier in the day, but Artesia’s swimmers would practice from 4:30-6:00 p.m. each weekday. Seventh period at the high school would be used for lifting weights or running. It was a 25-yard, seven-lane pool that was great for training, Ebarb explained, but the downside was that the pool did not have diving blocks. Also, the swimmers had to present a badge and identification each day, due to FLETC’s security policy.

The team then had to make some additional

PHOTO: The 2013-2014 Artesia High School Swim Team. Photo by Jennifer Coats

by Kyle Marksteiner

SWIM TEAMSWIM


adjustments when the FLETC pool closed down for several weeks for repair. Artesia’s swimmers would leave school at 2:30 p.m. each day and head for the Carlsbad Aquatic Center. “I don’t think we were ever later than 6:30 p.m. getting back home,” Waller recalled. “We still got a good conditioning. You just had to put in the extra hours. It was really nice of them (Carlsbad) to let us do that.”

The district meet this year was at Carlsbad’s pool, so Artesia’s swimmers were in a familiar location. The top two places in each race qualified for state, as did anyone finishing below set qualifying times. “We can qualify in every meet we go to that has been set up right,” Ebarb boasted prior to the February 15 district meet. “Today is for bragging rights.”

A great deal of Artesia’s success this year can be attributed to freshman sensation Jonathan Darnell, who qualified for state in several events

and led the boys’ relay team to qualify in several others. Darnell swam on varsity as an eighth grader as well and has been a competitor in the pool for the past five years. “I just went and tried it out one day and realized that I liked it and kept on going,” he stated. He was injured for two weeks, but was healthy in time for the district and state meets.

Artesia’s girls were also fired up for the district meet. “Today, we have a very good chance of qualifying our 200 freestyle for girls, and we expect the guys to qualify in the medley as well,” said senior Shealynn Waller. “I’d be very happy to go to state again as a senior.”

She swims in the medley relay, butterfly, freestyle and “whatever my coach tells me to swim. It’s been difficult this year, but not having our own pool, I think we performed exceptionally well considering,” she added.

Darnell said he hopes Artesia can work something out to get a new pool.

“It’s really helpful to have a pool you can go to multiple times a day and go swimming whenever needed,” he said. “Right now, I’m hoping to go to state and do the best I can to see what happens.”

Waller, meanwhile, knew her high school career would be wrapping up soon. “It’s weird to think that two weeks from now it will be over,” she revealed. “I can’t be happier with my four years of swimming.”

Ebarb noted a committee is currently looking into developing a plan to build a new pool to replace the school natatorium. The plan will likely involve a combination of private contributions, school funds and city funds. “You know what? Our biggest problem this year was not [the lack of] a pool,” she concluded. “Our biggest problem was that they were all getting sick. It was just one after another, and then we had a couple of injuries.” The additional effort paid off, however, and the Bulldogs and Lady Dogs wrapped up their season with some bragging rights anyway.

PHOTO: Freshmen sensation Jonathan Darnell qualified for state this year in several events and led the boys’ relay team to qualify in several others. Photo by Jennifer Coats

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Boys 200 Medley Relay: Jonathan Darnell, Arturo Rea-Williams, Joaquin Granados, Brock Bowman (15th finish, finals time 1:49.65) Boys 100 Butterfly: Jonathan Darnell (16th finish, finals time 57.11)

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S T A T E Q U A L I F I E R S

THE COMMUNITY AND GUESTS FROM AROUND THE COUNTRY CELEBRATED MARCH 1, 2014, AS THE NEW BUILDING OPENED TO THE PUBLIC FOR THE FIRST TIME.The public-private partnership took more than four years to organize, involving coordination between many property and business owners, raising funds, designing the building and its campus, sharing the responsibilities of construction between public and private, and mobilizing dozens of volunteers to work in every aspect of the project from design to grand opening celebration planning.

Mayor Phillip Burch has been heard saying he knows a good deal when he sees one. He felt the City got one when he and the City Council agreed to enter into a relationship with private donors to build the spectacular Artesia Public Library. Not many cities can boast about partnership the way Artesia can. Private companies and individuals come together time after time to support City-owned projects that will serve the community and improve Artesia’s quality of life.

Each donor to the library has a special story to tell about his or her involvement. It was Estelle Yates’ vision and funding support that

convinced the City, volunteers and donors to become involved. Her son, Peyton Yates, led the charge his mother created by donating his own money and establishing the system that would allow the public-private partnership to occur.

The children of Myrtle and Garel Ray Westall were the first to jump in unsolicited as donors. The first time they heard of the library project, they chose to donate, although an architect had not even yet been selected. They wanted to honor the memory of their parents.

Carl Everett is a graduate of Artesia High School. Although he left when he graduated, his family remained and he visits often. Everett’s professional life is in technology. He and his wife were particularly interested in supporting a new library that would offer Artesians technology, new ways of learning and connecting to the world.

Artesia is full of generous corporate citizens, too. Concho Resources and Navajo Refining/HollyFrontier

maintain an active interest in giving back to Artesia. Although the companies are not locally owned, each participates in the community by generously supporting Artesia’s finest efforts through funding and volunteers. The donations provided by Concho and Navajo gave the Artesia Library Foundation the support it needed to move the project forward to construction.Locally owned businesses participated, too, by providing significant in-kind services. Sweatt Construction provided demolition. Mack Energy / Deer Horn Aviation stored the Peter Hurd mural for nearly two years. Wilbanks Energy Logistics provided cranes and operators to place the mural in the library. Finally, First American Bank officers and directors donated funds to match a generous donation made by Mary and Frank Yates.Because of its people, their creativity and commitment, Artesia is a community that stands out among many. Visit the Artesia Public Library today to enjoy what the public-private partnership has provided. The staff has settled in beautifully to the new environment and is ready to serve. New hours are 9:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Monday-Saturday.

F O C U S on the city A R T E S I A P U B L I C L I B R A R Y

Artesia Public Library is Open for Business!



GRAND OPENING OF THE NEWARTESIA PUBLIC LIBRARY

M A R C H 1 , 2 0 1 4Photos by Staci Guy


F O C U S on mainstreet

REBECCA PRENDERGASTExecutive DirectorARTESIA MAINSTREET

IF YOUR EYES ARE ITCHY AND YOU’RE sniffling, chances are you probably have allergies. While you may be miserable for a time, you can console yourself with the fact that spring has sprung in Artesia. The trees and shrubs are in beautiful bloom on Main Street, and downtown is beginning to turn green again. Here in New Mexico, we especially appreciate the green we have, and often many of these green spaces are our parks. We can connect with our friends and neighbors in a shared environment, in what the National Trust for Historic Preservation calls a sense of place. Rarely associated with major commercial corridors, malls or big box retailers, this sense of place, combined with traditional green elements such as grass, shrubs and trees, make a park a place where people want to gather.

BENEFITS THAT A COMMUNITY GAINS WHEN THEIR MUNICIPALITYINVESTS IN PARKS:

Economic Value: Parks improve the local tax base and enhance property values. In numerous studies, parks

and recreation are also named as one of the top reasons that businesses and individuals choose to relocate to a city. One study found that quality of life in a community increases the attractiveness of a job by 33%. Retirees are also attracted to a municipality that invests in parks.

Health Benefits: Parks are places where residents go to get healthy and stay fit. A municipality which promotes places to become physically active shows an increase in residents who place value in individual health, which may mean reduced stress and lowered blood pressure.

Social Importance: People value the time they spend in city parks walking the dog, playing soccer or celebrating a birthday. This time spent together helps us grow closer together as a community.

So as you stock up on allergy medicine, you may not realize the significance our green spaces provide,

but they make for a healthy city and a healthy downtown. Take a moment to appreciate our oasis in the desert, and take advantage of the shade that the beautiful trees downtown give as you take in the monumental art and shop with our merchants downtown.

Spring has Sprung!

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1905 The Artesia Improvement Co., made up of Joe E.

Clayton, John Hodges, J.A. Cottingham and S.P. Deming, is the second real estate group to develop Artesia. They donate the land for a city park and a Park Commission is appointed. An early artesian well is located in the park.

1906 The Artesia Improvement Co. tries to renege on

the land donation. Several people who bought “park-front” property at inflated prices threaten to sue them. The park land is quickly reinstated and a gazebo is built off-center.

1921 Citizens volunteer to help WCTU (Women’s Christian

Temperance Union) Ladies, appointed as overseers, clean and supervise the park. Bermuda grass is laid down in turf squares and plans are made for a city pool on the site as well, although it was never built. Local children help lay down the turf squares in exchange for the promise of free pool tickets (they’re still waiting!).

1924 The City Board has now taken over supervision

and maintenance of the park. A small tax is levied to finance park maintenance, with additional fundraising taking place in the city each year. Six steel benches are paid for through a radio program at the Majestic Theater and a donation from the Rotary Club. A regular caretaker is employed and he adds seven new flower beds and trees. A bandstand and lights are added as well.

1925 Most of the park’s maintenance funds now

come from private subscription, since the tax levied isn’t enough to cover the maintenance costs.

1931 20 Colorado Blue Spruce trees are planted in February.

State Fair funds from 1916, won by Eddy County, are split between Artesia & Carlsbad. Artesia stands to gain $650 as its

share to go toward the park’s maintenance provided the town can match the amount.

1932 New lights are installed in the center of the park.

1933 A record freeze kills most of the trees and shrubs in

the park.

1937 Civil Works Administration (CWA)

labor replaces dead trees in the park. The corner pillars and walkways to the center of the park are also added at this time, made from native New Mexico stone.

1939 The city throws a big barbecue

party at Central Park to celebrate the completion of several Works Progress Administration (WPA) building projects in town. Over 4,000 people attend this dedication, including Governor Miles.

1944 By now, bulb flowers have

been planted on either side of the walkways. A fountain has been installed in the center of the park and the gazebo remains off to one side.

1957 The fountain is now being used

as a cactus planter.

Prior to the mid-1960s: Four concrete picnic tables are installed.

1960s The cactus in the

fountain/planter is now dead and the whole thing is full of weeds.

1970s The fountain

has been removed at some point and a new gazebo/

pavilion installed in the center of the park. The slab basketball area is also laid down and playground equipment is installed, including two twirls (removed in the mid-1980s), three swings and one chin-up bar.

1986 Volleyball nets are installed.

1997 A neighborhood group, the Friends of Central

Park, works together to unearth the old CWA/WPA walkways, plant trees, pull out the dead ones and in general restore Central Park.

Central Park ChronologyCentral Park is Artesia’s oldest park,

dating back to the early 1900s.

T H E H I STO RY O F

Artesia’s Parks


Guadalupe Park • Jaycee Park& Roberts MLK Park Chronology

T H E H I STO RY O F

Artesia’s Parks

Guadalupe Park6.23.48 • William Dooley donated land for park on behalf of Florence Dooley and Grace Wetig2.23.55 • Built picnic tables12.12.56 • Approved improvement plan3.13.57 • Planted 20 trees6.12.57 • Bid for tennis court awarded to Walter Nugent, $1,20012.28.71 • Improvements to park part of Urban Renewal Project - Roadrunner (project name)2.2.72 • Improvements completed - sprinkler system, picnic tables, grills, fence, tennis court resurfacing, playground equipment3.24.81 • Bid for park shelter supplies awarded to Mueller Supply, $2,390.168.28.89 • Adopted final budget, $22,778 allocated for park2.27.90 • Received legislative grant, $40,000 7.17.90 • Budget item - park dedication $1,5005.14.91 • Rejected bids for bandshell - over $20,000 budget5.28.91 • Added $10,000 for four light poles7.16.91 • Added $6,000 for lights and electrical10.22.91 • Recommend building gazebo with remaining grant funds4.14.92 • Negotiated price with O.H. Speir Construction to build gazebo, $19,7184.18.94 • Budget item - repaired shelter roof and added basketball goals to slab, $5,0007.28.98 • Neighborhood group requested $125,000 for improvements4.27.99 • Improvements included walking track, 45 degree angle parking, entry arch, water fountains, more lighting6.8.99 • Bid for improvements awarded to Constructors, Inc., $105,2449.14.99 • Approved mural for arch, $7,00011.23.99 • Final project cost $105,468.74

2.11.03 • Budget item - electrical service improvement $12,000

6.10.03 • Budget item - playground equip. $15,000

12.16.03 • Approved additional $30,000 for playground equipment

Jaycee Park6.26.63 • Resolution 28 named the 200 acre park “Jaycee Municipal Park”

1.22.64 • Flagpole erected and area prepared for planting

8.12.64 • Council called for General Obligation Bond for funds to complete park

2.13.65 • Boy Scouts attended and conducted special Council meeting on Jaycee Park including discussion of plans for playground areas

9.22.65 • Allocated 500’ x 350’-400’ section to archery club; club would fence area, plant shrubs, build barbecue pits

8.9.66 • Allocated $50,000 and $25,000 from legislative funds to develop park

8.23.66 • Hired Jack Verhines of Scanlon & Associates to develop park plan

9.12.67 • BOR funds - $50,000 for Phase II

4.23.68 • Established plans for Phase II work including natatorium and golf course - sprinkler system, large community barbecue pit, 80 picnic tables and benches, 50 outdoor grills, two shuffleboard courts, tot play area, grass, trees, shrubs, two restrooms; estimated cost $55,000

8.27.68 • Circle Drive renamed “R.W. Harper Drive” after late Dr. R.W. Harper; Phase III plans included swimming pool, bath house, wading pool, tennis courts, volleyball courts, pre-teen play area

10.22.68 • Phase II estimated costs $112,000; City opted to save money by using City employees.

5.21.71 • Due to drop in economy, golf course not considered feasible

1.11.72 • 200 trees to be planted

1.9.73 • Artesia Motor Association granted permission to construct cycle track

6.13.73 • Babe Ruth & Connie Mack leagues requested to move from Roberts to Jaycee Park

10.23.73 • Bid for tennis courts awarded to Howard Lewis, $26,215

7.22.74 • Called for bond election for pool, golf course and activities center

3.22.78 • Acquired 150 trees from Bolack Farms in Farmington

9.9.80 • Completed concrete slab for skaters

11.11.80 • Moved Babe Ruth field from Brainard Park to west of Little League field at Jaycee Park; completed projects including 40 person shelter, 100’ x 80’ slab north of shelter

07.12.83 • BOR no longer required to approve projects at Jaycee Park; three Pee Wee fields to be constructed at League’s expense

10.22.85 • Heard proposal from Recreation Department to dedicate area in northwest corner of west 80 acres for softball complex and use inside jog track for soccer field

01.14.86 • Used $12,000 in revenue sharing to build new flyer’s field; began construction of one softball field, shared expenses with League

06.23.87 • Approved land for radio cars west of Pee Wee fields

01.24.89 • Someone in Houston, Texas donated 57 acres adjacent to Jaycee Park

09.25.90 • Bid for sprinkler system piping awarded to Alamo Pipe and Supply, $20,576.30

10.23.90 • Bid for sprinkler system awarded to Baron Supply, $18,173.70

11.09.93 • Bike/walking path from Federal Law Enforcement Training Center to downtown and out to Jaycee Park, $500,000

04.12.94 • Set up temporary backstop, dugout and bleachers for Girls’ T-ball

12.03.96 • Bid for upgrades to Little League and church league fields awarded to Summit Electric Supply, $5,704.00

01.18.98 • Approved $15,000 toward land for access road

07.07.98 • Upgraded restrooms, $5,000; considered purchasing additional 30 acres to square up park and provide third estimate, put $15,000 in to start with

07.13.99 • Purchased 30 acres, $15,500

10.22.02 • Annexed additional 30 acres

06.14.05 • Bid for west storage pond (lagoon) awarded, $1,349,373.90

04.22.08 • Artesia Lions Club donated tree in honor of Arbor Day

09.09.08 • Contributed $135,000 toward new Facilities Maintenance Building

03.10.09 • Installed concrete slabs & fencing

(Edited Timeline)


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Playground at MLK Park

Roberts MLK Park3.14.41 • Clovis team wanted to use ball field for spring training

12.28.49 • City park established and annexed

7.12.50 • Park named “Artesia Municipal Park”

9.13.50 • Eagles Baseball Club raised funds to complete their ball park

11.3.50 • Considered improvements to park to attract professional baseball team to Artesia; estimated cost $12,000, Chamber to pay $5,000

1951 • Chamber donated $2,500 toward improvements at Municipal Park ballfields

1.28.53 • Proposed plat designated picnic areas and roads

8.17.53 • Bid for restrooms awarded to Champion, $1,569

6.9.54 • Proposal to change park name to “Roberts Park” failed

7.28.54 • Bid for two Little League fields awarded to Richards Electric, $901.88

8.25.56 • Artesia Indians Baseball Club requested use of ball park

8.22.56 • Dee Sprayberry awarded 60-day trial to operate miniature train

3.26.58 • Artesia Giants scheduled games at ball park

5.13.59 • Main drive through Municipal Park named “Terpening Drive;” report on zoo being built; ball park named in memory of Fred Brainard

2.28.62 • Braves Baseball Club (semi-pro) used ball park on Sundays

11.26.68 • Municipal Park included in Urban Renewal Neighborhood Program

6.12.73 • Leagues requested move from Municipal Park to Jaycee Park

6.27.78 • Advertised for bids for $40,000 improvements through Community Development; installed large shelter, upgraded playground equipment, added barbecue pits, new tables, two handball courts, upgraded lighting

9.26.78 • Bid for handball courts awarded to Pecos Valley Enterprises, $16,703.75

6.26.79 • Bid for park shelter materials awarded to Mueller Supply, $2,136.99; handball courts completed

1.8.80 • Changed park name to “Roberts Park”

6.9.92 • Bid for bandshell awarded to Briscoe Construction, $53,234

4.11.95 • Built 40’ x 40’ concrete slab with two basketball goals, $3,700

4.15.95 • Donated Brainard Park (ball park) to Artesia Schools

7.7.98 • Budget recommendation - ADA upgrade to park, $45,000

7.10.01 • Preliminary site for skate park located north of handball courts

9.25.01 • Named proposed recreation complex in Roberts Park for Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

4.13.04 • Proposed BMX park southeast of MLK Park, cost for materials $2,500

5.22.07 • Budget request #3 for Parks Department - $350,000 for Roberts Park

(Edited Timeline)

It’s one of the first things people notice when they pull into town from the north and is the topic of

many discussions by people who grew up in Artesia—the old airplane at Eagle Draw.

Our airplane was originally built in 1951 and saw service with the Tactical Air Command in Virginia before being transferred to the New Mexico Air National Guard. The F-84 series was

produced from 1946-1957 and had at least a

dozen different models,

although the “F” series was by far the most popular. This series was the first operational fighter to be equipped for aerial refueling, and it was used extensively in the Korean War. Artesia’s airplane was decommissioned at Kirtland Air Force Base (AFB) and transported to Artesia early in 1972.

Did you know that the plane had to be split in half to fit aboard a flatbed truck for the trip? A crew of Air Force mechanics accompanied it and reassembled it in time for its formal dedication on March 18, 1972 as part of a program to commemorate the completion of the Eagle Draw Watershed Program.

The airplane was restored by the

Artesia Historical Museum and Art Center in 1985 when then-director Terry Koenig and the Jaycees and some volunteers sanded and painted it. What people who worked on that restoration remember is the nastiness of the paint they used. The official military paint was obsolete by 1985, but Koenig managed to locate some at Kirtland AFB. Maupin’s True Value Hardware brought some paint-shaking equipment out to the park, but even so the paint was so grainy that it had to be strained before using. Although the crew was working outside, the paint still was so toxic-smelling that it made everyone sick.

The 1985 restoration turned out well, but the airplane remained an

by Nancy Dunn, Director of the Artesia Historical Museum and Art Center

F O C U S on restoration

PHOTO LEFT: Mayor Ernest Thompson & Air Force Col. M.H. Brewer (Kirtland Air Force Base) in March 1972.PHOTO BELOW: Museum Director Terry Koenig, Bart Hanson, Jesse Perez in 1985.

A Community Project:RESTORING EAGLE DRAW’S AIRPLANE


F R E E A D M I S S I O N505 West Richardson Ave. • Artesia, NM(575) 748-2390 • www.artesianm.gov

2209 W. Main • Artesia, NM(575) 748-3324 • Fax (575) 748-2868

Toll Free Reservations: 1-800-676-7481

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increasingly popular target for vandals due to its ground-level mounts. Plans for an aboveground pedestal had been drawn up but never completed, so about 13 years ago I dragged them out of the file and started trying to figure out ways to both restore the plane and build a new pedestal. The worst part about this whole project was dealing with the city’s Air Force liaison, who never did respond to requests for permission to restore and remount the plane. After a year and a half of silence despite constant letters from me, the Air Force transferred the airplane loan program over to Patricia Ochs of Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Ohio. She responded to me within a week, thus taking our project out of its holding pattern.

Dan Cogar of Champion, Inc. started working with City Building Inspector Virgel Jaquess on the pedestal specifications. This involved several pages of geometry, which was incomprehensible to me since I flunked it in high school! But they

persevered and finalized the plans for a new pedestal that would raise the plane ten feet in the air. Pat Soleman with Artesia Glass & Mirror Co. replaced the canopy—twice—and the replacement decals were custom-made by Moody Aerographics of Florida.

But the biggest problem was the paint job itself. An employee of Sherwin-Williams Co. helped a lot with paint selection. She even loaned me her paint chips, which weren’t technically supposed to leave the store, to help match the colors. An employee from the Streets Department pressure-washed the plane and the Artesia Center’s Summer Youth Program workers (under the direction of Luis Reyes) volunteered (or were volunteered) to do the actual painting. Those kids were the real heroes of this project, working in 100 plus degree heat.

The paint needed to cure for two weeks before applying the stencils, but I wanted to get the airplane off the

ground as soon as the paint was dry. Champion, Inc. raised the plane up onto its new pedestal just as the 2001 Eddy County Fair Parade was starting, and Streets Department employee Cutter Childress went up in the bucket truck a couple of weeks later to apply the decals and numbers. He was assisted by Stan Henry, who holds the dubious distinction of helping with both the 1985 and 2001 restorations.

Expenses for the restoration were borne by the City of Artesia through lodgers’ tax contributions. The Museum also kicked in some money out of our exhibits budget. I feel fortunate that we have such a great bunch of people in this town to pitch in to make this restoration a success. Today the airplane looks great and public feedback has been really gratifying. One of our mottoes is that we have “Artesia Pride,” and the support this project received proves it.

PHOTOS: Working on the plane’s paint job and installing it onto its new pedestal in 2001.


F O C U S on creativity

In late 2013, salon owner Brenda Jaquez was approached about a hair competition called the Hair Wars Supreme Salon Tour. With the possibility of the competition being filmed for a TV documentary, it was an opportunity she couldn’t pass up.

According to the competition’s website, “the Supreme Salon Tour is the largest runway hair, makeup and fashion competition that is judged and awarded. The competition consists of top salons from around the world competing for the title “SUPREME SALON” by displaying their creativity and style on the runway. The top salons from each region will move on to the International Finals.” The 15th annual ultimate beauty industry night for top salons, stylists, makeup artists, designers, fashion lines, costuming and accessories gives stylists and makeup artists the chance to show off their talents.

In essence, Hair Wars is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for this small-

town salon to let loose and showcase its creative side. “It’s nice to be able to use our artistic side and have fun,” said stylist Angie Jarratt. “These hairstyles are something we would never be able to do otherwise, so having this opportunity is going to be fun for us!”

The competition, which will take place at the Camino Real Hotel in El Paso, will be hosted by BRAVO’s “Shear Genius” finalist Ben Mollin, who was on a hit TV show where he was judged on creative hair challenges. The competition will include a “Who’s Who” from the world of hair and makeup.

So how did a small-town New

Mexico salon land an invitation to an exclusive, worldwide hair and makeup competition? According to Jarratt, producers looked at various Joico salons across the region and a lady by the name of Jessica Bustamante, who knows the women at Expressions, hand-picked them to participate. “It was an exclusive invitation and we were so excited to have been selected,” she beamed.

Once their salon was selected, the real work began. “We have to buy all of our supplies, which will include things like fake hair, accessories and costumes and we will also have travel expenses we have to cover,” Jarratt said. “It’s pretty expensive since we are taking 12

THIS MEANS WAR!THE STAFF AT EXPRESSIONS SALON IS GOING TO WAR - HAIR WAR!

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models and our entire staff.”

In addition to supplies, the group is also responsible for their own music and choreography. They hired a local DJ to mix the music and local teacher and former cheerleader Alysia Tutak has agreed to help with choreography.

The Expressions staff will build the hair forms between now and May 18. Once they arrive in El Paso for the competition, they will attach the pieces to the models, who will then walk the runway. It’s a rather lengthy process that will certainly come as a team effort.

So what kinds of wild and wacky ‘dos can we expect to see from the ladies at Expressions? “All things ‘Wild West!’” Jarratt said. Think teepees, horses, eagles, cacti, Indians, a sheriff and a pioneer girl; and of course no Wild West theme would be complete without an outlaw! Of significance, she pointed out, is the fact that all of the items will be made completely of hair.

Models for the group will include Fabian Lopez, Kenna Zuniga, Eric Ruiz, Savanna Knowlton, Raven Chavarria, Celene Sepulveda, Janessa Galindo, Brooke Hoskins, Allie Hidalgo, Taren Boyce, Jordan Williams and Janica Fernandez.

To raise funds for the event, the staff is raffling off nearly $500 worth of beauty supplies and services for $10 per ticket. First prize consists of highlights and a style, a facial with makeup, eye and lip waxing, a large glitter tattoo that will last 14 days, a spray tan, a manicure and pedicure with product to help maintain color and a massage. Second prize includes a haircut and ear

piercing. Third prize is a basket of beauty products.

Raffle tickets can be purchased at Expressions Salon, 1102 N. 1st Street. For more information, call the salon at 746-9717.

Hair Wars Supreme Salon Tour El

Paso is scheduled for Saturday, May 18, 2014 from 5:00 p.m. to 2:00 a.m. Tickets are still available for anyone age 21 and over. For ticket information, call (915) 591-2015.

PHOTO BELOW: Members of the Expressions Salon team. The team will compete in the Hair Wars Supreme Salon Tour in El Paso this May.


F O C U S on the chamber

CARC, INC.315 W. Washington • Artesia, NM 88210 • 575.887.1570Artesia Trailblazers and the Artesia Chamber of Commerce were proud to participate in CARC’s ribbon cutting for their new Artesia office September 24. CARC provides early childhood developmental screening in the Artesia and Carlsbad areas. Photo by: Artesia Daily Press

SUNBELT RENTALS700 E. Mill Rd. • Artesia, NM 88210 • 575.746.2385 • sunbeltrentals.comThe Artesia Chamber of Commerce and Artesia Trailblazers welcomed Sunbelt Rentals at their ribbon cutting on October 7. Sunbelt Oil and Gas Services is one of the largest equipment rental companies in the United States. Based in Fort Mill, South Carolina, the company has 400 locations nationwide. The Artesia location is managed by Kevin Corley. Sunbelt serves the needs of a wide variety of customers, from commercial, residential, municipal and specialized service industries to weekend do-it-yourselfers.

CENTRAL VALLEY ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE, INC. 1403 N. 13th St. • Artesia, NM 88210 • 575.746.3571 • cvecoop.orgCentral Valley Electric Cooperative, Inc. celebrated the grand opening of their new building October 9. CVE employees served lunch and guided tours of the new facility for the public. Central Valley Electric Cooperative, Inc. has been voted “Best Place to Work for in Artesia.”

JHS CAPITAL ADVISORS575.736.1562 • jhs.capital.com/stevenlofquist.cppArtesia Trailblazers and the Artesia Chamber of Commerce welcomed JHS Capital Advisors to the community with a ribbon cutting October 10. Steven Lofquist manages the Artesia location of JHS Capital Advisors, who has offices across the United States. Lofquist counsels families and businesses for financial and retirement planning. Photo by: Artesia Daily Press

GOOD LIFE SENIOR LIVING906 Pistachio Ln. • Artesia, NM 88210 • 575.602.9311 • goodlifeal.comArtesia Trailblazers and the Artesia Chamber of Commerce welcomed Good Life Senior Living at a ground breaking ceremony on October 23. The new assisted living care center is located just north of Wal-Mart off of 26th St. Owner Chad Partington and administrator Anna Gomez anticipate completion of the new facility by spring of 2014.

SMILE XPRESSIONS601 S. Roselawn Ave. • Artesia, NM 88210 • 575.746.1900 • artesiadentist.comSmile Xpressions broke ground for their new dental facility November 1 with Artesia Trailblazers and the Artesia Chamber of Commerce. Kay Younggren has owned Smile Xpressions since 2008 and with this new facility will be providing Artesia with state of the art dental care. The new office will be located at the corner of 26th St. and Hermosa Ave. Photo by: Artesia Daily Press

ARTESIA FIRE DEPARTMENT HELIPAD3300 W. Main St. • Artesia, NM 88210Artesia Trailblazers and the Artesia Chamber of Commerce celebrated the completion of the emergency services helipad at a ribbon cutting ceremony December 4. Artesia’s new helipad will allow emergency services to be provided by Tristate CareFlight. Not only will this be available for Artesia but will also benefit all of Southeast New Mexico. The helipad is located behind the firehouse at the Public Safety Complex. Photo by: Artesia Daily Press36 F O C U S O N A R T E S I A | S P R I N G 2 0 1 4

F O C U S on the chamber

WELCOME NEW CHAMBER MEMBERS!

SPENCER THEATER108 Spencer Rd., Alto, NM 88312575.336.4800spencertheater.com

GOLDEN INSURANCEAGENCY, P.C.1901 W. Main St., Artesia, NM 88210575.736.1500

SIMPLY BELLO323 W. Main St., Artesia, NM 88210575.736.3663

BUFFALO OILFIELDSUPPLY, LLC11368 Lovington Hwy., Artesia, NM 88210575.746.6652

ST. JUAN MACIAS MISSIONARIES, INC.,SAN JUAN MACIAS CENTER2602 S. Richey #303, Artesia, NM 88210575.708.0033maciasmission.com

A & A LOANS, LLC207 S. 1st St., Artesia, NM 88210575.748.2274

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RALPH NIXEXPLORATION, LLC611 W. Main St., Artesia, NM 88210575.746.9829

MEET THE CHAMBER STAFF

HAYLEYKLEIN

Executive Director

DEBBIEVAN DER VEENDirector of Administration

VICKIE GROUSNICK

Events & Marketing Coordinator

KELCEY McCALEB

MembershipCoordinator

MICHAEL BUNT

Artesia’s Economic Development Director

RESURRECTION506 W. Main St. • Artesia, NM 88210 • 575.308.3065The Artesia Chamber of Commerce and Artesia Trailblazers welcomed Resurrection as a new Chamber member December 4. Owner Diana Briggs provides Artesia with a unique style in everything from baby clothes to adult apparel, shoes and accessories. Photo by: Artesia Daily Press

SAGEBRUSH ANNIE’S ANTIQUES119 W. Main St. • Artesia, NM 88210 • 575.746.3137Artesia Trailblazers and the Artesia Chamber of Commerce celebrated the opening of Sagebrush Annie’s Antiques at a ribbon cutting December 12. Lou Ann Capps is the new owner of the business, which offers unique items for a variety of treasure-seekers. Consignment space is available and new items come in daily.

SCOTT TAKACS REAL ESTATE916 S. 13th St. • Artesia, NM 88210 575.748.7200 • st-re.comArtesia Trailblazers and the Artesia Chamber of Commerce welcomed Scott Takacs Real Estate at a ribbon cutting and grand opening December 13. Scott Takacs has opened his real estate business to support Artesia in its expansion and growth. Takacs will not only specialize in residential homes but also commercial, new developments and custom home building.

YUM YUM YOGURT318 W. Main St. • Artesia, NM 88210 • 575.616.1670Artesia Trailblazers and the Artesia Chamber of Commerce welcomed Yum Yum Yogurt December 30. Yum Yum offers frozen yogurt, including a dairy-free option, along with assorted toppings and syrups, gift cards and birthday packages.


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Focus on Artesia Spring 2014