February Newsletter 2013-2014
Content
Winter 2014 Volume 1, Issue 2
EcoServants Update
In This Edition:
Recap WSAR Recycling Event RWTC Challenge Day Trail Update Calendars Volunteer 1 2 2 3 4 4 5 5
EcoServants has been quite busy over the last few months. We have completed numerous projects and have already begun to make a difference in the community. In November, EcoRangers partook in the forest monitoring of Moon Mountain and Cedar Creek. After gathering the necessary data from over 120 acres of forest, we had contributed over 120 hours of service! In December, we embarked on our EcoMentor program with Ruidoso Middle School (RMS), and as of February 6th, we have completed 12 mornings of homework help, games, and other activities with these youngsters. We were given another opportunity to volunteer at RMS when Challenge Day came to town. Challenge Day - a social and emotional workshop - is an all day event for 7th and 8th graders that teaches kids to respect, accept, and be real with others and themselves. As of January 31st, we have removed over 40 trees from 27 plus miles of trail in Lincoln County! We have also contributed over 380 hours of community service at the historical Lincoln and Fort Stanton sites. By the time of our Recycling Fiesta in March, we will have participated in 4 reMountain Search and Rescue (WMSAR). We even participated in a mock disaster drill through the Red Cross, furthering our knowledge in shelter operations. We also had the chance to participate in a WMSAR exercise in conjunction with the Roswell Civil Air Patrol. Although we have not participated in any WMSAR searches yet, we are now members, attend monthly meetings and hikes, and are on our way to becoming certified NMSAR responders. Another matter we have been tackling is social media. We all are now active “pinners” and “Instagrammers,” much more Facebook savvy, and all know of tweeting and hashtagging (#). Moreover, we are updating our website and are learning some HTML coding and web design. We have been involved in many other volunteering engagements including: the Christmas Jubilee, Christmas in the Park, the Disabled Skiers Silent Auction, and canvassing for fire preparedness.
EcoRanger Recap by Joshua Terrell
EcoServants, established in 2004 to support cave preservation, has been involved in many projects serving the Lincoln County community. These projects include mentoring Ruidoso’s youth, providing summer work, building and maintaining trails with Lincoln County, supporting community cleanups, aiding disaster relief efforts, recycling education, community gardens and helping other local nonprofits.
cycling events. Throughout our three months of service, we have been given many opportunities for various trainings such as material on Incident Command System, American Red Cross disaster relief, and White
Page 2
EcoServants
Volume 1, Issue 2
White Mountain Search and Rescue by Anne Skold
The transition from 2013 to 2014 marked a very eventful period for the White Mountains Search and Rescue (WMSAR) team, of which we are now officially members. During the month of November, we attended our first “It was a dandy, meeting ole time,” Josh where Terrell exclaimed. we met some of the great individuals that make up the WMSAR team. Josh Terrell joined the other WMSAR volunteers to provide a helping hand at the Ruidoso Valley Greeters’ Christmas Jubilee. “It was a dandy, ole time,” Terrell exclaimed. Activities really swung into full gear in December with a search exercise at Valley of Fires, the annual Christmas Party at the Innsbrook Village Country Club, and a successful callout at Tortalita Canyon Trail. The Valley of Fires hike had a good turnout and was a great way to spend a Saturday morning hopping around on the rugged pahoehoe. For a few of us it was our first time on a mock search and rescue and received a crash training on how to enter latitude and longitude points, gathered from various pings, and use the GPS to reach the coordinate points. The mission was to find an overweight yet fit man with a white beard who left a trail of presents and toys along his path. Although we failed to find the elusive Kris Kringle, we managed to find coordinate points where he left plastic bags full of marking tape, mugs, stuffed animals, handkerchiefs, and other goodies. The festive nature continued on into Monday night with the WMSAR Christmas Party. There were lots of excellent, homemade dishes and a customized Bingo game.. The year wrapped up with a search and rescue instigated to find two women lost off of Tortalita Canyon Trail, which was thankfully, a success. The transition to the new year witnessed anything but a decreased flurry of activities. We hit the ground running with our first WMSAR training for the Search and Rescue Field Certification test early in the month, and have continued to partake in weekly trainings thanks to the guidance of Tony Davis. We spent an agreeable Saturday participating in the Roswell Civil Air Patrol search for two targets, consisting of tarps and people that they needed to spot from aerial perspective, and volunteering at the Ski Apache Disabled Skiers’ Live and Silent Auction at the Inn of the Mountain Gods. We have appreciated becoming part of the White Mountain Search and Rescue team, and look forward to another eight months with the crew.
Yet Another Recycling Event by Cory Welborn
Here at EcoServants, we're committed to making a difference throughout our community. Thanks to the participation and assistance of Jim Miller and Green Tree Solid Waste Disposal, we have been given an opportunity to hold a week long recycling event for all of you in Lincoln County to come out and let us properly dispose of all the old tires, old appliances and outdated or used electronics you may happen to have lying around. In order for this event to be as successful as we would like, we only need two things; 1.) you guys to help spread the word get it out there! (You know we’re going to do our part!), and 2.) if it applies to you bring us any combination of the above mentioned items so that we can all make sure they are disposed of properly. If we all do our part great things can be accomplished not only for our town but for the environment as well and when you really think about it who wants junk just lying around taking away from the beauty that is your home or property! If you have any questions or would like to donate some of your time volunteering please contact us !
EcoServants
Volume 1, Issue 2
Page 3
Ready When the Time Comes by Anne Skold
On January 8th and 9th, some members of the American Red Cross based out of Albuquerque paid us a visit. They had agreed to come down to Ruidoso to train us in running a shelter in the case of a disaster through the “Ready When the Time Comes” (RWTC) program. In order to partake in this program, we needed to complete various trainings prior to their visit, which would entail an onsite training and a mock drill. We had already commenced the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) Incident Command System (ICS) levels 100, 200, and 700 trainings for our participation in White Mountain Search and Rescue (WMSAR) and Ham Radio. However, we were required to take the online course, Disaster Services: An Overview, and the Sheltering Fundamentals course, which we were able to take in person at the EcoServants’ office. One of the benefits of registering as a volunteer with the American Red Cross is that they offer several online courses for free. Thus, we were recommended to take several other courses pertinent to the RWTC program in order to better prepare ourselves. Some of the EcoRangers went above and beyond the required coursework and successfully completed the Bulk Distribution Fundamentals and Disaster Action Team Fundamentals. However, there are still many opportunities for further growth and learning within the American Red Cross Saba Learning Center! After all our training was up to speed, we participated in a mock drill at J Bar J Country Church. Since the church is offering its facilities as a disaster relief shelter, the American Red Cross members felt it was most appropriate to train at the site. It was a great venue and everyone we met was very welcoming and helpful! We spent a pleasant morning touring the facilities, practicing setting up some of the domains of operation, and acting out various scenarios that dealt with the residents and their needs. We soon learned that there are a large array of forms and protocols for dealing with the different clients and that each case should be carefully reviewed and handled. However, physically running through the shelter operations was a great help and provided us with insights that we could not have captured solely through the class. Thank you to the American Red Cross members and J Bar J Country Church for making these trainings and mock drill possible!
Page 4
EcoServants
Volume 1, Issue 2
Challenge Day at RMS by Ezekiel Flores
Recently at Ruidoso Middle School we were pleased to participate in an event called Challenge Day. Each year RMS hosts this event, a 6.5 hour emotional workshop designed to “demonstrate the possibility of love and connection through the celebration of diversity, truth, and full expression.” It aims to urge these students to be the change they wish to see in the world, and it does so effectively. Led by two charismatic Challenge Day leaders, the students were welcomed into a gymnasium full of applauding, dancing “grown-ups.” They warily made their way into the gym to sit in a circle beside adults and students alike. Before long, they warmed up to the adult population, joining in the dancing, hugging, and… crying. The aim of Challenge Day is to impart the invaluable wisdom of compassion and love, and not without good reason; the mind is a peculiar thing, and it would do good on Thursday, February 20th by all to better understand at 6:30 pm, at Ruidoso Midourselves and emotions. dle School. All are welcome Each year the staff of RMS to attend, and please do so raises the funds required to that the Challenge Day tradition may continue! By host the Challenge Day next year, the entire event. This is not an easy Ruidoso High School will feat, to say the least; each Challenge day costs $3200 have been through the program, this is owed greatly to plus other expenses. The school books 3 consecutive the admirable efforts of the Challenge Days, amounting RMS staff. to over $10,000. One fundraiser particularly will be a Talent Showcase, displaying the many talents of the RMS students. This will be
Lincoln County Trail System Update by Cory Welborn
To all you hikers, bikers and horseback riders! You’ll be happy to know that we here at EcoServants are working hard to keep our vast network of trails cleared of any fallen trees and debris. As you all know between the ravaging spread of the bark beetle, the ever present damage from Little Bear Fire and a serious lack of moisture our forest has been subject to some rather serious changes but that does not take away from the natural beauty of the land we call home. As of February 1st 2014 we have cleared an estimated twenty-seven plus miles throughout our trail system here's a brief list:
Argentina/big Bonita-6.6 miles t-13.- 1.6 miles 9 trees Grindstone-10 miles 6 trees Three rivers-3.5 miles 9 trees (also large fallen rock at about four miles up) Perk canyon-4.7 miles 10 trees Cedar creek- .6 miles 3 trees
EcoServants
Volume 1, Issue 2
Page 5
MARCH 2014
Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 1
Schedule of Events
February 20, RMS Talent Showcase AmeriCorps Week TBA WMSAR March 17 Recycling Fiesta, March 2629
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
Volunteer by Josh Terrell
As many of you know, EcoServants is a nonprofit that engages directly and indirectly in our community. One large aspect of our organization is the importance of community and volunteerism. Founder and executive director Stephen Carter saw a lack of volunteerism in Lincoln County, which was a major purpose in creating EcoServants in 2003. Although our communities are still somewhat close today, especially during natural disasters like the Little Bear Fire and the Flood of 2008, community service was much more common in previous generations. Helping others was once assumed, understood, and enjoyed in society. Today, people are often sentenced to community service for breaking the law; community service should not be mandatory. We urge and invite everyone to serve your community. If you have no idea how, volunteer with EcoServants! You can earn scholarships for serving over 450 and 675 hours; not to mention, we always need your help. You can also volunteer with White Mountain Search and Rescue and American Red Cross. WMSAR meetings are every third Monday at First Christian Church on Hull Road, and you can find information on Red Cross opportunities at redcross.org. If you would like to give some of your time by serving with EcoServants you can contact us on Facebook, by email or mail, or you can come by the office. Lastly, we would like to extend a special invitation to all veterans. Be the difference in your community!
Primary Business Address 1204 Suite #3 Mechem Dr. Ruidoso, NM 88345 Mailing Address PO Box 1723 Ruidoso, NM 88355 Phone: (575) 808-1204 E-mail: [email protected]
We’re on the Web! www.ecoservants.org facebook.com/ecoservants.nonprofit
“Directly engaging the community through service towards a more sustainable future.”
Many thanks to our many sponsors!
EcoServants Update
In This Edition:
Recap WSAR Recycling Event RWTC Challenge Day Trail Update Calendars Volunteer 1 2 2 3 4 4 5 5
EcoServants has been quite busy over the last few months. We have completed numerous projects and have already begun to make a difference in the community. In November, EcoRangers partook in the forest monitoring of Moon Mountain and Cedar Creek. After gathering the necessary data from over 120 acres of forest, we had contributed over 120 hours of service! In December, we embarked on our EcoMentor program with Ruidoso Middle School (RMS), and as of February 6th, we have completed 12 mornings of homework help, games, and other activities with these youngsters. We were given another opportunity to volunteer at RMS when Challenge Day came to town. Challenge Day - a social and emotional workshop - is an all day event for 7th and 8th graders that teaches kids to respect, accept, and be real with others and themselves. As of January 31st, we have removed over 40 trees from 27 plus miles of trail in Lincoln County! We have also contributed over 380 hours of community service at the historical Lincoln and Fort Stanton sites. By the time of our Recycling Fiesta in March, we will have participated in 4 reMountain Search and Rescue (WMSAR). We even participated in a mock disaster drill through the Red Cross, furthering our knowledge in shelter operations. We also had the chance to participate in a WMSAR exercise in conjunction with the Roswell Civil Air Patrol. Although we have not participated in any WMSAR searches yet, we are now members, attend monthly meetings and hikes, and are on our way to becoming certified NMSAR responders. Another matter we have been tackling is social media. We all are now active “pinners” and “Instagrammers,” much more Facebook savvy, and all know of tweeting and hashtagging (#). Moreover, we are updating our website and are learning some HTML coding and web design. We have been involved in many other volunteering engagements including: the Christmas Jubilee, Christmas in the Park, the Disabled Skiers Silent Auction, and canvassing for fire preparedness.
EcoRanger Recap by Joshua Terrell
EcoServants, established in 2004 to support cave preservation, has been involved in many projects serving the Lincoln County community. These projects include mentoring Ruidoso’s youth, providing summer work, building and maintaining trails with Lincoln County, supporting community cleanups, aiding disaster relief efforts, recycling education, community gardens and helping other local nonprofits.
cycling events. Throughout our three months of service, we have been given many opportunities for various trainings such as material on Incident Command System, American Red Cross disaster relief, and White
Page 2
EcoServants
Volume 1, Issue 2
White Mountain Search and Rescue by Anne Skold
The transition from 2013 to 2014 marked a very eventful period for the White Mountains Search and Rescue (WMSAR) team, of which we are now officially members. During the month of November, we attended our first “It was a dandy, meeting ole time,” Josh where Terrell exclaimed. we met some of the great individuals that make up the WMSAR team. Josh Terrell joined the other WMSAR volunteers to provide a helping hand at the Ruidoso Valley Greeters’ Christmas Jubilee. “It was a dandy, ole time,” Terrell exclaimed. Activities really swung into full gear in December with a search exercise at Valley of Fires, the annual Christmas Party at the Innsbrook Village Country Club, and a successful callout at Tortalita Canyon Trail. The Valley of Fires hike had a good turnout and was a great way to spend a Saturday morning hopping around on the rugged pahoehoe. For a few of us it was our first time on a mock search and rescue and received a crash training on how to enter latitude and longitude points, gathered from various pings, and use the GPS to reach the coordinate points. The mission was to find an overweight yet fit man with a white beard who left a trail of presents and toys along his path. Although we failed to find the elusive Kris Kringle, we managed to find coordinate points where he left plastic bags full of marking tape, mugs, stuffed animals, handkerchiefs, and other goodies. The festive nature continued on into Monday night with the WMSAR Christmas Party. There were lots of excellent, homemade dishes and a customized Bingo game.. The year wrapped up with a search and rescue instigated to find two women lost off of Tortalita Canyon Trail, which was thankfully, a success. The transition to the new year witnessed anything but a decreased flurry of activities. We hit the ground running with our first WMSAR training for the Search and Rescue Field Certification test early in the month, and have continued to partake in weekly trainings thanks to the guidance of Tony Davis. We spent an agreeable Saturday participating in the Roswell Civil Air Patrol search for two targets, consisting of tarps and people that they needed to spot from aerial perspective, and volunteering at the Ski Apache Disabled Skiers’ Live and Silent Auction at the Inn of the Mountain Gods. We have appreciated becoming part of the White Mountain Search and Rescue team, and look forward to another eight months with the crew.
Yet Another Recycling Event by Cory Welborn
Here at EcoServants, we're committed to making a difference throughout our community. Thanks to the participation and assistance of Jim Miller and Green Tree Solid Waste Disposal, we have been given an opportunity to hold a week long recycling event for all of you in Lincoln County to come out and let us properly dispose of all the old tires, old appliances and outdated or used electronics you may happen to have lying around. In order for this event to be as successful as we would like, we only need two things; 1.) you guys to help spread the word get it out there! (You know we’re going to do our part!), and 2.) if it applies to you bring us any combination of the above mentioned items so that we can all make sure they are disposed of properly. If we all do our part great things can be accomplished not only for our town but for the environment as well and when you really think about it who wants junk just lying around taking away from the beauty that is your home or property! If you have any questions or would like to donate some of your time volunteering please contact us !
EcoServants
Volume 1, Issue 2
Page 3
Ready When the Time Comes by Anne Skold
On January 8th and 9th, some members of the American Red Cross based out of Albuquerque paid us a visit. They had agreed to come down to Ruidoso to train us in running a shelter in the case of a disaster through the “Ready When the Time Comes” (RWTC) program. In order to partake in this program, we needed to complete various trainings prior to their visit, which would entail an onsite training and a mock drill. We had already commenced the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) Incident Command System (ICS) levels 100, 200, and 700 trainings for our participation in White Mountain Search and Rescue (WMSAR) and Ham Radio. However, we were required to take the online course, Disaster Services: An Overview, and the Sheltering Fundamentals course, which we were able to take in person at the EcoServants’ office. One of the benefits of registering as a volunteer with the American Red Cross is that they offer several online courses for free. Thus, we were recommended to take several other courses pertinent to the RWTC program in order to better prepare ourselves. Some of the EcoRangers went above and beyond the required coursework and successfully completed the Bulk Distribution Fundamentals and Disaster Action Team Fundamentals. However, there are still many opportunities for further growth and learning within the American Red Cross Saba Learning Center! After all our training was up to speed, we participated in a mock drill at J Bar J Country Church. Since the church is offering its facilities as a disaster relief shelter, the American Red Cross members felt it was most appropriate to train at the site. It was a great venue and everyone we met was very welcoming and helpful! We spent a pleasant morning touring the facilities, practicing setting up some of the domains of operation, and acting out various scenarios that dealt with the residents and their needs. We soon learned that there are a large array of forms and protocols for dealing with the different clients and that each case should be carefully reviewed and handled. However, physically running through the shelter operations was a great help and provided us with insights that we could not have captured solely through the class. Thank you to the American Red Cross members and J Bar J Country Church for making these trainings and mock drill possible!
Page 4
EcoServants
Volume 1, Issue 2
Challenge Day at RMS by Ezekiel Flores
Recently at Ruidoso Middle School we were pleased to participate in an event called Challenge Day. Each year RMS hosts this event, a 6.5 hour emotional workshop designed to “demonstrate the possibility of love and connection through the celebration of diversity, truth, and full expression.” It aims to urge these students to be the change they wish to see in the world, and it does so effectively. Led by two charismatic Challenge Day leaders, the students were welcomed into a gymnasium full of applauding, dancing “grown-ups.” They warily made their way into the gym to sit in a circle beside adults and students alike. Before long, they warmed up to the adult population, joining in the dancing, hugging, and… crying. The aim of Challenge Day is to impart the invaluable wisdom of compassion and love, and not without good reason; the mind is a peculiar thing, and it would do good on Thursday, February 20th by all to better understand at 6:30 pm, at Ruidoso Midourselves and emotions. dle School. All are welcome Each year the staff of RMS to attend, and please do so raises the funds required to that the Challenge Day tradition may continue! By host the Challenge Day next year, the entire event. This is not an easy Ruidoso High School will feat, to say the least; each Challenge day costs $3200 have been through the program, this is owed greatly to plus other expenses. The school books 3 consecutive the admirable efforts of the Challenge Days, amounting RMS staff. to over $10,000. One fundraiser particularly will be a Talent Showcase, displaying the many talents of the RMS students. This will be
Lincoln County Trail System Update by Cory Welborn
To all you hikers, bikers and horseback riders! You’ll be happy to know that we here at EcoServants are working hard to keep our vast network of trails cleared of any fallen trees and debris. As you all know between the ravaging spread of the bark beetle, the ever present damage from Little Bear Fire and a serious lack of moisture our forest has been subject to some rather serious changes but that does not take away from the natural beauty of the land we call home. As of February 1st 2014 we have cleared an estimated twenty-seven plus miles throughout our trail system here's a brief list:
Argentina/big Bonita-6.6 miles t-13.- 1.6 miles 9 trees Grindstone-10 miles 6 trees Three rivers-3.5 miles 9 trees (also large fallen rock at about four miles up) Perk canyon-4.7 miles 10 trees Cedar creek- .6 miles 3 trees
EcoServants
Volume 1, Issue 2
Page 5
MARCH 2014
Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 1
Schedule of Events
February 20, RMS Talent Showcase AmeriCorps Week TBA WMSAR March 17 Recycling Fiesta, March 2629
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
Volunteer by Josh Terrell
As many of you know, EcoServants is a nonprofit that engages directly and indirectly in our community. One large aspect of our organization is the importance of community and volunteerism. Founder and executive director Stephen Carter saw a lack of volunteerism in Lincoln County, which was a major purpose in creating EcoServants in 2003. Although our communities are still somewhat close today, especially during natural disasters like the Little Bear Fire and the Flood of 2008, community service was much more common in previous generations. Helping others was once assumed, understood, and enjoyed in society. Today, people are often sentenced to community service for breaking the law; community service should not be mandatory. We urge and invite everyone to serve your community. If you have no idea how, volunteer with EcoServants! You can earn scholarships for serving over 450 and 675 hours; not to mention, we always need your help. You can also volunteer with White Mountain Search and Rescue and American Red Cross. WMSAR meetings are every third Monday at First Christian Church on Hull Road, and you can find information on Red Cross opportunities at redcross.org. If you would like to give some of your time by serving with EcoServants you can contact us on Facebook, by email or mail, or you can come by the office. Lastly, we would like to extend a special invitation to all veterans. Be the difference in your community!
Primary Business Address 1204 Suite #3 Mechem Dr. Ruidoso, NM 88345 Mailing Address PO Box 1723 Ruidoso, NM 88355 Phone: (575) 808-1204 E-mail: [email protected]
We’re on the Web! www.ecoservants.org facebook.com/ecoservants.nonprofit
“Directly engaging the community through service towards a more sustainable future.”
Many thanks to our many sponsors!
