Newman Park Blog

Menudo y mas

noreply@blogger.com (Jim Tolbert) — Fri, 17 May 2013 17:18:00 +0000

Click on image to enlarge.

Smart Code Meeting Tonight

noreply@blogger.com (Jim Tolbert) — Thu, 09 May 2013 14:33:00 +0000

SMART CODE MEETING TONIGHT

Information Meeting about Smart Code sponsored by Rep. Susie Byrd's office

Where: Sunset High School (formerly Houston School) Auditorium

When: Thursday, May 9, 2013

Time: 6:00 pm

Five Points Smart Growth Presentation

Crime of the Week Map

noreply@blogger.com (Jim Tolbert) — Wed, 01 May 2013 21:05:00 +0000

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Great American Cleanup a Huge Success Thanks to Hanks ROTC

noreply@blogger.com (Jim Tolbert) — Tue, 30 Apr 2013 20:21:00 +0000

Click on all images to enlarge.

Once again, Great American Cleanup was a huge success in our neighborhood. This year members of the Hanks High School ROTC pitched in to cleanup in and around the park and three neighborhood homes.

NPNA President, Becky Friesenhahn praised the Hanks group: "Wow what an incredibly successful cleanup we had this past Saturday! The Hanks High School ROTC and Ms. Eileen Williams made this event the success that it was. This group of kids cleaned the park, the playground area, assisted with trash pick up from neighbors, cleaned the front yard of three neighbor's homes and all done with a smile!!!! What an incredible group! Thanks hanks high school ROTC. We could not have done this without you!!!!!

Great American Clean-up This Saturday

noreply@blogger.com (Jim Tolbert) — Tue, 23 Apr 2013 18:21:00 +0000

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Great American Cleanup April 27th

noreply@blogger.com (Jim Tolbert) — Tue, 09 Apr 2013 23:29:00 +0000

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Say Farewell to City Hall on Scenic Sunday

noreply@blogger.com (Jim Tolbert) — Tue, 09 Apr 2013 22:07:00 +0000

Image courtesy of KVIA

Here's a press release from . . .

CITY REPRESENTATIVE SUSIE BYRD

Date: Sunday, April 14, 2013
Time: Scenic Sunday is open every Sunday from 6:00 a.m-11:00 a.m.
Location: Scenic Drive

EL PASO, TEXAS – On Sunday, April 14, 2013, join Representative Susie Byrd as the community says goodbye to the former city hall building during Scenic Sundays. El Paso’s old city hall is scheduled to be demolished at 9 in the morning. Scenic Drive will provide an incredible view for this historic event and will give spectators a firsthand glimpse of El Paso’s changing skyline.

Every Sunday, Scenic Drive is closed to motorists starting at 6:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.. The community can enjoy walking, hiking, bicycling, and running on Scenic Drive without worrying about cars.

Neighborhood Watch Meeting This Saturday

noreply@blogger.com (Jim Tolbert) — Mon, 08 Apr 2013 21:25:00 +0000

NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH ASSOCIATION OF EL PASO

P.O. BOX 24152

EL PASO, TX 79914

(915) 759-2699 EXT. 2138

April 1, 2013

Dear Neighborhood Watch Association Member,

I hope all of you are doing well.

To let you know, we are having a General Membership meeting on Saturday, April 13, 2013, at the Northeast Regional Command Center from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. We will have a guest speaker, Crime Investigator U.S. Marshall, Jesus Flores.

This membership meeting is extremely important to all of the members of NWA, as we need your assistance to determine the following:

There are 3 members who will be retiring from the NWA board:
James Ratcliff, Vice-President and Membership Chair
Grace Lino-Fernandez, Secretary and Westside Representative
Fred Shuford, Northeast Representative

If these positions can be filled, and I am asked to do so, I will stay on as president for the next year. However, I am also filling the position of Treasurer, and that position will need to be filled as well.

So, that leaves us with four positions that need to be filled. If no one will step up to help fill these positions, the NWA of El Paso will be become inactive.

We have also considered the return of a newsletter; however, we need someone to strongly consider taking up the position which is in charge of creating the newsletter and sending it out to the members.
We cannot stress enough how very important it is that these positions be filled. You should have a copy of the By-Laws which does define the responsibilities of each of these positions. Please read them and consider which position with which you would like to participate.

We are asking that each of you consider becoming a member of the NWA board. The only prerequisites are 1.) You need to be a block captain; 2.) You agree to serve on the board for at least one year.

Further, those present at our General Membership meeting discussed going back to National Night Out in August, as opposed to Texas Night Out in October. All agreed to move National Night Out back to August. Northeast Regional Commands’ CPO contacted National Town Watch, and they had no problem with approving El Paso about going back to National Night Out in August. The Chief’s office has been advised of this change. So, unless we hear differently, El Paso will participate in the National Night Out event in August.

As you may be aware, two of the main reasons for moving the National Night Out event back to August are that there is more daylight and the children are out of school. Second, the whole country celebrates National Night Out on the same day. This should be the first Tuesday of August (6th).

Again, please consider attending this very important meeting. Your input is needed and important to the future of the NWA. We will have door prizes, and, if you can, please bring a snack.

Thank you so much for your continued support. The future of NWA is up to you. We have accomplished a lot these past years, and, together, we can do so much more.

Look forward to seeing you there.

Sincerely,

Tina Gianes

Tina Gianes, President

Time-of-day watering schedule resumes on Monday

noreply@blogger.com (Jim Tolbert) — Sat, 30 Mar 2013 14:12:00 +0000

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Candidate Breakfast this Thursday

noreply@blogger.com (Jim Tolbert) — Mon, 04 Mar 2013 22:59:00 +0000

Date: Thursday, March 7, 2013
Time: 7:30 A.M.
Location: 4201 Alabama, Tierra Del Sol Restaurant

EL PASO, TEXAS – On Thursday, March 7, 2013, Representative Susie Byrd will host a community meeting to introduce the Mayoral and District 2 candidates. The candidates will discuss their platforms and distribute their campaign literature and will be available to answer questions from the public.

Among the candidates is Newmanista, Jim Tolbert, co-founder of the Newman Park Neighborhood Association, Board member since 2007, current Secretary, immediate past-President, writer and editor of ¡Hola Vecinos!©, the official weekly newsletter of Newman Park since July 24, 2007.

Animals in the Hood

noreply@blogger.com (Jim Tolbert) — Fri, 01 Mar 2013 15:45:00 +0000

Fred and Pat Dalbin took these two pictures last night of mule deer near Savannah:

Click on image to enlarge. Look carefully where the light beam shines.

Fred said: "Last night we saw 2 mule deer on Savannah – I bet looking for water."

Hector Montes recently snagged this pic of a coyote along Scenic Drive:

Neighborhood News Winter 2013 Newsletter

noreply@blogger.com (Jim Tolbert) — Fri, 22 Feb 2013 23:53:00 +0000

Below is the Winter 2013 Neighborhood Newsletter from El Paso's Neighborhood Services. Be sure also to read their brochure online.

Neighborhood News Winter 2013 by jimhtolbert434

Five Points Smart Code

noreply@blogger.com (Jim Tolbert) — Fri, 22 Feb 2013 23:46:00 +0000

City planners, Michael McElroy and Harrison Plourde, gave the presentation below to the Newman Park Neighborhood Association Board this past Wednesday evening, February 20, 2013:

Five Points Smart Code Plan by jimhtolbert434

Open House Features New Book by Ho Baron

noreply@blogger.com (Jim Tolbert) — Thu, 14 Feb 2013 19:39:00 +0000

Click on image to enlarge.

Friends and neighbors, fellow artists, kindred spirits,

I’ve written and published a book about my sculpture, “Gods for Future Religions.” Although the book is already available on Amazon and Barnes and Noble, its official release will take place at my open house Sunday, February 24, 1-5pm. The event is a book signing, and I invite all to visit, only to purchase the book if you wish but also to see a collection of figurative, surreal sculptures that’s a trip to experience. The book itself is a colorful work of art, and it sells for $19.95. Also I’d like you to see my “Dysfunctional Family Tree,” a new work in progress.

I’ve spent 30 years creating a collection of 300 sculptures. My book weaves a story of a mythical kingdom where my sculptures play Jungian archetypal roles. Personal anecdotes and observations enhance the narrative, while the book also highlights samples of my earlier pen-and-ink drawings and experimental drawing photographs.

“Illuminated by the artist’s engaging insight,” one book reviewer noted. He labeled the book “part monograph, part manifesto” and in a flattering stretch described me as “H. R. Giger meets Keith Haring.” “Baron’s title, although meant to be tongue-in-cheek, signifies the cosmic nature of his art. His pieces appear as if they were discovered among the ruins of some Mesoamerican tribe theorized to have communicated with extraterrestrial beings.”

I hope to see you Sunday, otherwise look for me on Amazon or Barnes and Noble. When the world’s had enough of its existing gods, it’ll need new ones . . . and with my sculptures, I’m ready! - Ho Baron

Map to 2830 Aurora

Top Stolen Cars

noreply@blogger.com (Jim Tolbert) — Thu, 14 Feb 2013 16:42:00 +0000

NEWS RELEASE

DATE: February 13, 2013

Auto Thefts are Down 49 Percent in 2013

Date/Time: January 1 – February 12, 2013

Location: Various

EL PASO, TEXAS – Auto Thefts in El Paso are down 49% as of February 12, 2013. Investigators assigned to the Auto Theft Task Force release the top stolen vehicles as of February 12, 2013.

Honda CIVIC (includes CRX) 11

Ford Ranger 3

Ford Mustang 3

Honda Accord 3

Jeep Wrangler 3

Nissan Maxima 2

Acura Integra 2

Audi A4 2

Ford F-150 2

Chevrolet Cobalt 2

Jeep Grand Cherokee 2

Nissan Altima 2

The Honda CIVIC is the number one stolen vehicle in El Paso for 2013 as of February 12, 2013. The Ford F150 was the number one spot for 2012 with a total of 76 trucks reported stolen last year. The CIVIC was second most stolen vehicle with a total of 59 being stolen in 2012. Auto Thefts were down throughout El Paso in 2012 18% compared to 2011. Auto Thefts are down 49% so far this year compared to this same time period in 2012.

Officer H. Slack #2106, CPO

314 S. Leon

El Paso TX 79901

915-838-8013

Newman Park Sign Dedication This Saturday

noreply@blogger.com (Jim Tolbert) — Wed, 06 Feb 2013 18:02:00 +0000

Click on image to enlarge.

Rep. Byrd's Office Donates Tree in Honor of Margaret Tolbert

noreply@blogger.com (Jim Tolbert) — Tue, 05 Feb 2013 21:35:00 +0000

Representative Susie Byrd's District 2 Office recently donated a new tree for Newman Park in memory of Margaret H. Tolbert who passed away on September 23, 2012. The tree is a lovely Italian Stone Pine selected by City of El Paso Arborist, Brent Pearson.

Mrs. Tolbert's son, Jim, has served on the Newman Park Neighborhood Association board since the inception of the association which he helped to found. He has been the board President and now serves as Secretary. He currently is a candidate for the District 2 seat as Ms. Byrd's term will soon expire.

You can give the gift of a tree through the City's Memorial Tree Program.

The Tolbert family gratefully acknowledges the gift of the tree and thanks Rep.Byrd and her Assistant, Judy Gutierrez.

Byrd Breakfast to Host Balliew

noreply@blogger.com (Jim Tolbert) — Tue, 29 Jan 2013 18:15:00 +0000

John Balliew, the newly appointed President and CEO of El Paso Water Utilities/Public Service Board, will speak at Rep. Susie Byrd’s breakfast this Thursday morning, January 31, at 7:30 a.m. at Tierra Del Sol Restaurant on Alabama and Hamilton. Mr. Balliew will discuss the drought, water conservation and his vision for the future of EPWU. Read more about John Balliew.

Gun control/safety is controversial to say the least. The Mayor’s office issued this announcement about a gathering tomorrow at City Hall:

“Come join a group of concerned citizens urging Mayor John Cook to come out in support of President Obama's Gun Safety proposals, and encouraging him to join Mayors Against Illegal Guns. Help us make the statement that not all of Texas is in lockstep with the NRA!

Wednesday, January 30, 11:00 am. Meet on 1st floor, then proceed to:

10th floor of City Hall
2 Civic Center Plaza
El Paso, TX 79901
Info: Pat Delgado 740-3962”

Speaking of City Hall, keep up with all the departmental moves to new locations downtown ahead of the demolition of the City Hall Building. Go herefor relocation information.

Make plans now for the official Dedication of Our New Newman Park Sign, Saturday, February 9 at 10:30 a.m. Tom Lea Institute Founder, Adair Margo, Neighborhood Services Coordinator, Mark Weber, and other dignitaries will be on-hand for this celebration. Cake, chai tea and coffee will be served.

The grant for the sign came through Neighborhood Services of the Community & Human Development Department. Mr. Todd Jones of Wright & Dalbin Architects, Inc. designed our sign. (BTW Fred Dalbin, a principal of Wright & Dalbin, is a Newmanista. His wife, Pat, is the Public Art Program Coordinator for the City of El Paso.) El Paso Graphics did the amazing tile work. JJT Construction Services, LLC (Mr. Jose Torres, owner) was the contractor.

Check out events and hikes at your Franklin Mountains State Park. Do the Peak Fitness Challenge. Walk, bike, run Scenic Drive on all Sundays from 7 a.m. until Noon. All vehicular traffic is prohibited on these Scenic Sundays.

Vaya con Dios!

¡Hola Vecinos!© is an emailed newsletter for the people and businesses in the Newman Park neighborhood of El Paso, their friends and other interested persons. It is written and published by Jim Tolbert who takes sole responsibility for the content of the letter. To subscribe or unsubscribe, just reply to this letter or email jimhtolbert@elp.rr.com.

Please visit www.newmanpark.blogspot.comand www.elpasonaturally.blogspot.com.

The mission of the Newman Park Neighborhood Association is to improve the quality of life in the Newman Park neighborhood through care and attention to the park and surrounding areas, and to build a community network of care, watchfulness and concern for each other and our beautiful desert environment.

This is Volume 8 and Number 3 published on January 29, 2013

Community Leaders Support EPISD Board of Managers

noreply@blogger.com (Jim Tolbert) — Sat, 26 Jan 2013 00:11:00 +0000

Many of us are interested, of course, in the current difficulties at EPISD. Here is a letter from El Paso community letters to the Department of Justice and the Texas Education Agency expressing support for a Board of Managers who, in effect, replace the current school board:

Senator Shapleigh emailed this message with instructions urging people to contact the Department of Justice:

"We have learned that the Department of Justice is taking comment on EPISD.

Specifically, the issue is how the community views the removal of the Board and installation of the new Board of Managers.

I have submitted a strong letter to DOJ sharing my view that the current EPISD Board has no trust and that a new Board of Managers is necessary.

I hope that you will contact DOJ and submit your opinion as well.

Here is the contact information:

*JOI HYATT 202.307.3109

*Email at: Section5.comments@usdoj.gov(Please insert the submission number in the subject line of your email or the server will reject your email. Here is the submission number: 2012-5818.)

Please deliver your strong message today about reform at EPISD.

Con ganas!

Eliot Shapleigh"

New EPWU CEO John Balliew To Speak at Byrd Breakfast

noreply@blogger.com (Jim Tolbert) — Fri, 25 Jan 2013 23:37:00 +0000

CITY REPRESENTATIVE SUSIE BYRD

COMMUNITY MEETING

Susie Byrd with John Balliew at Skateboard Park Dedication, May 2012

GUEST SPEAKER

John Balliew, President and CEO

El Paso Public Water Utilities

Date: Thursday, January 31, 2013

Time: 7:30 A.M.

Location: 4201 Alabama, Tierra Del Sol Restaurant (Map)

EL PASO, TEXAS – Representative Susie Byrd will host a community meeting at 7:30am at Tierra Del Sol Restaurant. Guest speaker will be John Balliew, the newly appointed President and CEO of El Paso Public Water Utilities. Mr. Balliew will discuss the drought, water preservation and his vision for the future of EPWU.

New Sign Finished!

noreply@blogger.com (Jim Tolbert) — Mon, 07 Jan 2013 23:59:00 +0000

Click on image to enlarge.

Area Closures

noreply@blogger.com (Jim Tolbert) — Fri, 04 Jan 2013 00:23:00 +0000

KVIA has released a list of area closures due to weather along with links to school district sites. Also keep an eye on the City of El Pasoand on El Paso County.

If the weather gets below 20°, then the City does not pick-up the recycling bins. The Director of Environmental Services, Ellen Smyth, explains: “The trucks are hard to start (hydraulics) so we start late and only get trash.” To keep track of the temperatures, I’ve added the Weather Bug widget to our Newman Park blog. It’s at the top of the right hand column.

By the way, check out Recycle El Paso and Environmental Services. Good information and tips.

Email me your snow photos please. They can be shared on our blog page.

Finally, please note that a Chihuahua is not in the punch line:

Vaya con Dios!

Please visit www.newmanpark.blogspot.comand www.elpasonaturally.blogspot.com.

This is Volume 8 and Number 2 published on January 3, 2013

Hola Vecinos Begins 8th Year of Publication

noreply@blogger.com (Jim Tolbert) — Thu, 03 Jan 2013 19:01:00 +0000

Today's e-letter begins the 8th year of publishing. It's been a pleasure. - Jim Tolbert

It’s snowing! Donna Stephens took some great pics of the park this morning. See them and get the inside scoop from our local National Weather Service office.

Big thanks to Laura Zweber who single-handedly repaired the doors on our Little Free Library. Not only did Laura repair a broken door, she improved the hinges and made the doors more wind-resistant. Thank you, Laura!

Speaking about the Little Free Library: We are very low on books. Remember this is a library. Take a book; return a book. Or give another book. This is our library. Anyone can use it. That’s why we want to take care of it. Our LFL “offers a way to share good things to read – favorite books from your childhood or books you would recommend to friends; books that teach, intrigue and engage you. All of us can help by keeping this collection stocked with good reading material.” It’s really simple: Take a book. Share it by returning to any Little Library or pass it on to a friend. Give books. Leave notes in the book. Let others know about your reading experience. Pass it on. Bottom line: we are good at borrowing books but need to be better about returning or putting other books into the library. Please help.

We’ve been informed that the lettering for the new park sign will be delivered to the contractor this Friday. So – any time after that our new Newman Park sign should be completed. See a picture hereif you haven’t already.

You know the routine. There weren’t any trash and recycling services on Tuesday (New Year’s Day) – so pick-up is this Saturday, January 5^th. Services return to normal Tuesday pick-ups beginning January 8^th.

Finally, with this e-letter I begin the eighth year of ¡Hola Vecinos! It has been a joy to write these often weekly letters with news about our neighborhood association, city or more. Thanks for reading them and our blog.

Prospero Año Nuevo!

¡Hola Vecinos!© is an emailed newsletter for the people and businesses in the Newman Park neighborhood of El Paso, their friends and other interested persons. It is written and published by Jim Tolbertwho takes sole responsibility for the content of the letter. To subscribe or unsubscribe, just reply to this letter or email jimhtolbert@elp.rr.com.

Please visit www.newmanpark.blogspot.comand www.elpasonaturally.blogspot.com.

This is Volume 8 and Number 1 published on January 3, 2013

It's Snowing!

noreply@blogger.com (Jim Tolbert) — Thu, 03 Jan 2013 17:48:00 +0000

Newman Park in the snow. 3 pictures above courtesy of Donna Stephens

It's snowing and there's more to come today. So what's going on? Mike Hardiman of the National Weather Service explains:

"It's a fairly 'classic' setup for snow in the Borderland. Basically, a backdoor cold front came in last night, while an upper low moved in from the west earlier today, scooping up subtropical moisture out ahead of it, and pushing it 'up and over' the cold front. The result is saturation and precipitation, and thanks to the colder air - it's snow."

Mike's prediction:

"There will be an initial band of light snow this morning, followed by more showery/spotty snow showers throughout the day. Then the heavier snowfall will occur between 5 p.m. and 11 p.m. Thursday as the best dynamics associated with the upper level system swing through the area. The highest snowfall amounts will *generally* be focused over SE El Paso County and especially Hudspeth County. (Thu Night/Fri probably will not be a good time to be on I-10 east of town). However, with an easterly low-level flow, terrain will amplify snowfall amounts . . . Expect 2 to 5 inches in El Paso County - but the higher amounts will be in Northeast El Paso (upslope flow on the east-facing slopes of the Franklin Mountains), and down in the far SE part of the county. If you live on the West Side or Upper Valley, you'll be in a downslope 'shadow' west of the Franklin Mountains and will see amounts on the lower end of the scale. Areas west of the Hueco Mountains will probably see slightly lower amounts too due to the 'shadowing' effect."

Finishing Touches

noreply@blogger.com (Jim Tolbert) — Wed, 26 Dec 2012 22:40:00 +0000

Our Newman Park sign just needs the lettering now. This picture was taken on Saturday, December 22, 2012. Click image to enlarge.