Reawakening!

Time to order luminarias!

After almost a year of hibernation, the Newman Park Neighborhood Association is reawakening. 

A General Meeting was held at the Friesenhahn home on November 15 and new board members were elected: Lynn Coyle (NPNA's founding President), Orlando Arriola, Andy Baca, Becky Friesenhahn, Robert Taylor and Jim Tolbert. 

This past Tuesday the new Board met at the Tolbert home and officers for 2015 were elected: Andy Baca (Secretary), Robert Taylor (Treasurer), Becky Friesenhahn (Vice-President) and Jim Tolbert (President). 

The Board made plans for the annual luminarias fundraiser. Expect a sales flyer soon at your front door. Along with the information about the fundraiser, the flyer will ask for donations from members of the Newman Park Neighborhood Association. Who is a member? President Jim Tolbert said that all people in the Association boundaries should be considered members. There is no membership fee. Instead, there is a suggested donation of $20 per household. But less is okay and certainly more will be appreciated. So give what you can.

Of course, donations can be made online at any time. Just go to www.newmanpark.blogspot.com and click on the yellow donate button.

Becky Friesenhahn Is New NPNA President!

There are new members and new officers on your Newman Park Neighborhood Association Board:

Becky Friesenhahn,        President

Violet Urquidez,               Vice President

Robert Taylor,                   Treasurer

Jim Tolbert,                        Secretary

Orlando Arriola

Andrea Baca

Alma Foreman

Lisa Garibay

Ana Reyes

Sally Sauli

The El Paso Department of Transportation has announced a two week closure of Scenic Drive except for Scenic Sundays from 6 to 11 a.m. when the road is available to walkers, runners, hikers, bicyclists and even Chihuahuas (accompanied by a human):

The public is advised that Scenic Drive will be closed to the traveling public for two weeks effective September 17^th to allow for roadway improvements.  The City of El Paso Department of Transportation (EPDoT) will be making repairs to the concrete pavement, rock walls and roadway striping from September 17^th through the 29^th.  During this period, Scenic Drive will only be open to the public on Sundays for participants of Scenic Sundays.  Proper traffic control measures will be in place to direct the traveling public through this area for this period. Traffic will be detoured through nearby streets. The project schedule is a plan that may be modified due to the weather or other unforeseen events.

Our neighborhood library has turned a new page in its history.  Acting Branch Manager Laurel Indalecio invites you to the Expansion Celebration to be held at the Memorial Park Library, 3200 Copper, on Thursday, September 20, 2012 at 2 p.m. Be sure to book this event.

Finally, City Council Representative Steve Ortega has published a fact sheet about Triple A Baseball in El Paso. You can read it here.

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.com and 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 7 and Number 28 published on September 15 , 2012

Little Free Library at Newman Park?

Lee Byrd discusses a Little Free Library box created at Cinco Puntos Press. Click image to enlarge.

A recent neighborhood e-letter, ¡Hola Vecinos!©, discussed the hot national trend of Little Free Library boxes that are placed in parks, at schools and in neighborhoods where people can leave a book for someone else and pick-up a book to read. 

Newman Park Neighborhood Association board member, Jim Tolbert, asked that putting a box at Newman Park be considered at the next board meeting on September 13th. Since that meeting comes after the next City Parks and Recreation Advisory Board meeting, Tolbert (also a member of PRAB) asked that the Parks Department approve such a box for Newman Park. Jim will relate board member responses which have all been positive so far. 

NPNA board member, Lisa Garibay, even said that she would be happy to stock the box initially with books from her own home as well as watch over it, the quality of its contents, and its overall maintenance. "I have been super excited about the Little Free Library concept for a while," Garibay said. "Let's do this!"

Others are saying "Ditto". 

Past board member and Treasurer, Lee Byrd, sent this message: "Cinco Puntos already has a free library painted and ready to go. It would be great at the park. Lisa Lopez [the local school librarian spearheading the Free Library here in El Paso  ] brought us one and we painted it bright colors but could not quite figure out where to put it."

Newman Park?

Learn more about the Little Free Library online.  Find them and like them on Facebook. 

Help Police Track Crime Patterns

Commander Mark Austin addresses concerns at a meeting of the Newman Park Neighborhood Association Board.

Commander Mark Austin of the EPPD Central Regional Command visited with members of the Newman Park Neighborhood Association Board during their regular meeting last Saturday. Commander Austin was accompanied by Neighborhood Relations Coordinator, Leslie Canada.

Addressing several recent concerns voiced by Association members, Austin stressed the need for neighbors to help police identify crime patterns. Even if someone takes a small item from the yard (a flower pot, a solar light), it should be reported so that police can track the pattern or trail of the thief. He mentioned that storage sheds have been a recent target of thieves and asked that people keep their sheds locked. He also said that suspicious persons or situations should be reported - vehicles parked in alley ways or persons or cars not normally "belonging" to the neighborhood were two examples. He emphasized that neighbors should talk to their neighbors and know what is happening.

Board Planning Meeting Sets 2011 Goals

Rep. Susie Byrd shows off her "79930" hoodie at the annual Strategic Planning meeting.

Last Saturday Newman Park Neighborhood Board members held a strategic planning meeting. Attending were Vice-President Becky Friesenhahn, Treasurer Lee Byrd, Lynn Coyle, Lisa Degliantoni, Robert Taylor, Secretary Sally Ann Sauli and President Jim Tolbert. Their special guest was our City Council Representative, Susie Byrd. Here are the goals for 2011:

Newman Park Neighborhood Association 2011 Goals

1. Stay positive and fun.

2. Keep and build upon our events of 2010.

3. Keep our beautiful park as our focus.

4. Recruit and develop our General Membership and Board Members.

5. Maintain and enhance communication strategy.

6. Encourage neighborhood investments.

7. Engage businesses on Piedras Street to become active in our Association.

8. Help calm traffic in our area.

New President for Newman Park Neighborhood Association

Jim Tolbert with Newman Park guest and community activist, Debbie Kelly

This past Saturday, board members of the Newman Park Neighborhood Association elected me(Jim Tolbert) as President. I will fill the one-year unexpired term of Lynn Coyle. Lynn will serve out her last year on the board but resigned as President. The board also re-elected Abbie Majercyzk as Secretary. Becky Friesenhahn has one more year as Vice-President and Lee Byrd has one more year as Treasurer.

I'm the author of this blog and the neighborhood e-letter. I also serve on other community boards. I'm President of the West Texas Urban Forestry Council, convenor of Celebration of Our Mountains, a member of the City of El Paso Open Space Advisory Board and Parks and Recreation Advisory Board. I'm a member of the Franklin Mountains Wilderness Coalition board, a Master Naturalist and a Master Gardener. Occasionally I do work doing marketing copy for clients along with some public relations work. I have a number of print and promotional products customers. I promote hiking and schedule hikes for a growing list of people. I also blog at elpasonaturally.

Jim presents Lynn with a plaque in appreciation of her service as NPNA's first President

To say that following Lynn will be a hard act to follow is a gross understatement. Lynn established the tempo and events of our Association. Around town and at City Hall, it is her face that people often put to our neighborhood. She would not quit until the McKee House was finally under new ownership and she has kept an eye on the park always with a deep, maternal, loving concern. I am fortunate that she will remain on the board.

I am also fortunate for all the other great persons who serve the neighborhood as board members. The wisdom, experience, talents and caring of each member is a real asset not only to any President, but also to the neighborhood, greater community and city. I am lucky to be serving with Becky Friesenhahn (Vice-President), Abbie Majercyzk (Secretary), Lee Byrd (Treasurer), Sally Sauli (Neighborhood Coalition Liaison), Lisa Degliantoni, Robert Taylor, Juan Villalobos, Christine Estrada (who thankfully returns to the board) and, of course, Lynn.

The main thing is that the other board members and I are here for you. Please don't ever hesitate to call or email me with anything that is on your mind or in your heart.

Newmanista and former Mayor Suzie Azar and Newman Park guest, Professor Karl Putnam

Newman Park Board Revises Bylaws

This past Saturday, board members of the Newman Park Neighborhood Association revised the 2007 bylaws with the principal goal of involving the general membership more by

• Going to quarterly general membership meetings (the current bylaws require bi-monthly meetings which have never taken place)
• Opening board membership up to 5/5 2 year staggered terms
• Ensuring that the general membership nominates and elects board members in all instances

Read and/or download the bylaws as revised here. Some final revisions were made during the meeting and are highlighted in yellow.

Board membership will be expanded from 8 persons to 10. Recently board member, Becky Ayala, resigned. Rather than replacing that chair which expires at the general meeting in July, the current members who will serve for one more year will remain fixed at five. (This list consists of Board President Lynn Coyle, Board Vice President Becky Friesenhahn, Juan Villalobos, Treasurer Lee Byrd and Jim Tolbert whose terms expire next July 2011.) 3 new board members will be added to the list of those elected in even years which now includes Abbie Majerczyk and Lisa Degliantoni. The terms of these 5 persons would then expire in 2012.

Lynn Coyle has recently expressed a desire to step down as President. Obviously, whoever is elected President by the board after the general meeting which elects new board members is elected to fill the remaining year of Lynn’s Presidency. Becky Friesenhahn and Lee Byrd will continue to serve as officers as they have one more year in their terms. The new board membership will have to re-elect Abbie as Secretary should the general membership re-elect her to the board for another two-year term and Abbie wishes to continue in that capacity.

Members of the Newman Park Neighborhood Association may nominate persons to serve on the board for a 2-year term. The Annual meeting is scheduled for July 10. The Big Easy will provide the musical entertainment. Newmanista, Mike Torres, plays in that band.

Newman Park from Comanche Peak

Newmanista Alex Limon of Texas Gas Service was on Comanche Peak recently with his telemetry technicians. One of the crew members had a camera and Alex asked him to take some pictures of Newman Park. In an email to the Newman Park Neighborhood Association President Lynn Coyle, Alex wrote: "You and the neighborhood association have done a great job with the Park."

Lynn responded: "The park is a gem . . . without a vibrant city parks department, attentive city representative and crack staff and committee association board members, we would not have the gorgeous park that we have today."

Newman Park Neighborhood Association Board Hard at Work

Pictured clockwise from far left: Becky Friesenhahn, Lee Byrd, Abbie Majerczyk, Becky Ayala, Lynn Coyle, Lisa Degliantoni. Not pictured: Jim Tolbert (behind the camera)

The newly re-elected Newman Park Neighborhood Association Board members were hard at work this past Saturday morning beginning at 7:30 a.m. They re-elected their officers: Lynn Coyle, President; Becky Friesenhahn, Vice President; Lee Byrd, Secretary; and Abbie Majerczyk, Secretary. All were excited about the success of the membership drive and annual meeting. Over $750 was collected and that's just a beginning.

Along with committee reports and other pressing business on the agenda, the Board is also getting ready for the return performance of Romance Latino on Saturday, August 22, at Newman Park.

Newman Park Neighborhood Association To Collect Food for Children's Homes

The Newman Park Neighborhood Association will collect food for the Lee and Beulah Moor Children's Home during its First Fridays program.

On the first Friday of each month Newman Park area residents and their friends and family gather at the park for fun, fellowship, recreation and community building. There is no set agenda for these first Friday events of each month. People gather to visit, play games, get some exercise and just enjoy time outside and with friends and neighbors. May 1 is the next "First Friday" event and has been billed as "Frisbee Friday". First Fridays go from 6 to 9 p.m. the first Friday of each month through October.

At their last meeting, NPNA board members voted to take up a collection of canned and dried food for El Paso's Lee and Beulah Moor Children's Home. Board member, Abbie Majerczyk, will lead the neighborhood's efforts to benefit the home.

The Lee and Beulah Moor Children’s Home "supports children and families who are experiencing difficulty in their lives—for whatever reason—by providing a nurturing, positive environment and teaching self-respect, respect for others, and the importance of taking responsibility for one’s own decisions and actions." Their goal is very simple: "To strengthen families in crisis".

The Children's Home depends on local support in order to provide a range of services to the nearly 70 children currently in residence and their families. Of course, given the current economic conditions, donations are more important than ever. There are a number of ways to donate to the home including cash donations that can safely be done online.

When you come to a First Friday event, bring canned or dried food. Even if you can't come but are able to drop food off at the park, please do so. Here is a list of canned and dried foods that the Children's Home requests:

# 10 (gallon) can of tropical fruit
# 10 (gallon) can of fruit cocktail
# 10 (gallon) can Mandarin Oranges
# 10 (gallon) can peaches
# 10 (gallon) can green beans
# 10 (gallon) can corn
# 10 (gallon) can alfredo sauce
# 10 (gallon) can tomato sauce
# 10 (gallon) can green enchilada sauce
# 10 (gallon) Rague
12-14 oz. can of cream of mushroom soup
12-14 oz. can of cream of chicken soup
Rice (large bulk bags)
Jello mix
Cans of Pam non-stick spray
Cake mix
Cake frosting
Bags of instant potatoes
Baking cups
Star pasta
Dried pinto beans (large bulk bags)
Chocolate drink mix (encourages children to drink milk)
Sugar (large bulk bags)
Flour (large bulk bags)

Newman Park Neighborhood Association September Board Minutes

Minutes for Newman Park Neighborhood Association Board Meeting, September 26, 2008 at Cinco Puntos Press, 701 Texas Avenue, El Paso, TX.

In attendance: Becky Ayala, Lee Byrd, Lynn Coyle, Lisa Degliantoni, Abbie Majerczyk and Jim Tolbert.

President Lynn Coyle called the meeting to order at 8:15 a.m.

Minutes of August 23, 2008 meeting were approved.

Treasurer Lee Byrd reported that we have $1095.37 in the bank of which $400 is dedicated for bench memorials. We received $500 for the Romance Latino event from the City. Our expenses for that event were $363. So we netted $137.

Board members gave feedback about the Romance Latino event attended by 230 people. Reasons given for success included getting flyers out early, pitching the event in email, having an event that attracted more families.

The Board next discussed its participation in Pride Day on October 18th beginning at 8 a.m. Lisa said that she would ask for flyers and a dumpster for the event. Lisa will also make copies of the flyer and get to distributors. Jim will talk to the President of the Rim Area Neighborhood Association, Richard Teschner, about working together to pick-up trash along Scenic Drive. The following is our calendar for the publicity for this event:

October 10 (or prior) Electronic file of Pride Day flyer to me
October 11 Hard copies of Pride Day Flyers to board members/distributors
October 18 Pride Day

There was considerable excitement when discussing the Halloween event on October 25th beginning at 4 p.m. Becky F. has volunteered to get the pumpkins again this year. Abbie and Lisa said that they would get some kits for doing face painting. Becky A. and Lisa will bring extra tables. Abbie will bring buckets and Becky A. will bring soap for washing up. Lynn and Abbie will bring some things for collecting seeds, etc. Lee will see if Bobby Byrd will read a scary story or two. We will not encourage kids to come in costume this year. As we did last year, we will promote safe trick-or-treating in the neighborhood by asking people to keep their lights turned on. Lee agreed to prepare the Halloween flyer. We will ask Sergio if he will prepare the Spanish version for this flyer. Lee will copy flyers and get to all distributors. The following is our calendar for the publicity for this event:

October 16 Deadline to complete bilingual Halloween Event flyer
October 17 (or prior) Electronic file of Halloween Event flyer to me
October 18 Hard copies of Halloween Event flyer to board members/distributors
October 25 Halloween event

The Board began discussing CDBG grants for the neighborhood. The deadline for application is in November. Different ideas for the grant were discussed: new playground equipment, a basketball court, or a natural (e.g., Texas Sage) border along Alabama. Lynn suggested that we discuss these ideas via email.

There will be a community meeting on September 30 at 6 p.m. at the Memorial Garden Center, 3105 Grant. to discuss the Wheeling Street changes and the impact of those changes on traffic on Richmond and Louisville.

Jim will follow-up with Richard Garcia about the status of new swings for the Park.

The McKee Mansion (2630 Richmond) will be auctioned off by the Trustee at the County Courthouse on October 7 at 10 am.

Meeting was adjourned a few minutes past 9 a.m.

Newman Park Neighborhood Association August Board Minutes

Minutes for Newman Park Neighborhood Association Board Meeting, August 23, 2008 at Cinco Puntos Press, 701 Texas Avenue, El Paso, TX.

In attendance: Becky Ayala, Lee Byrd, Lynn Coyle, Lisa Degliantoni, Becky Friesenhahn, Sergio Guerrero, Abbie Majerczyk and Jim Tolbert.

President Lynn Coyle called the meeting to order at 8:05 a.m.

New board member, Abbie Majerczyk, was introduced. She replaces Diana Erickson who recently resigned from the Board.

Sergio Guerrero gave a report on the recent Neighborhood Coalition Summit. He and Jim Tolbert attended. The name of our Association did not appear on the list of Neighborhood Associations. Jim was tasked with making sure that Mark Alvarado and Bill Sparks are made aware of this oversight.

Jim recommended that we begin attending Coalition meetings on the third Monday of every month. He said that he would attend as often as he could.

Jim Tolbert brought up the Neighborhood Leadership Academy. It was decided that the Academy was good for new Associations who weren’t as familiar with City government. It was agreed that we are pretty knowledgeable about the City departments and that they are pretty familiar with us.

The Board next heard a report from Jim about the Traffic Calming/Greening Committee. The Board discussed the proposed traffic changes at Wheeling. Lynn said that she would attend the follow-up meeting at the City regarding this change. Becky Friesenhahn urged that others attend as well.

The Board also had a lengthy discussion about planting more trees in the neighborhood. Lisa Degliantoni and Sergio Guerrero said that they would assist with a grant proposal through the West Texas Urban Forestry Council to the Neighborwoods Tree program sponsored by the Alliance for Community Trees.

The Board next discussed the upcoming September 13th music in the park event. Lee remarked that the City will soon have a program that will pay for neighborhood association concerts. Lee was tasked with finding a band for September 13th.

At the end of the meeting, the following calendar in preparation for the 13th was agreed upon:

Prior to September 4 Band Selection
Thursday, September 4 Info to Becky F. for Flyer
Translation into Spanish by Sergio
Monday, September 8 Flyers Distributed

The Board briefly discussed the Halloween event. It was agreed that the event should be expanded to include other activities. As Halloween falls on a Friday this year and not on a school night, it was suggested that Trick or Treaters could return to the Park for a scary story.

The Board continues to be concerned about the deterioration of the McKee Mansion (2630 Richmond). Lee will contact Gary Williams at the El Paso Community Foundation to see if they have interest in the property. She also mentioned contacting the McKee Foundation as well.

Becky Friesenhahn next reported on the last Neighborhood Improvement Program update. She and Jim met with Lorrine Quimiro in the Neighborhood Services Department on August 13th. Final placement of benches, tables, exercise stations, etc. were discussed. Flexibility was given to City engineers for the best possible positioning of items. Becky left Lorrine a copy of the engineering drawing from the Parks Department showing where the new swings would be placed. An onsite meeting at Newman Park will be scheduled. We are on the fast track and should see the improvements completed by spring of 2009. Becky also asked that the City take responsibility for engineering estimates if too much. A major contention with the City centers on the fact that 50% of the grant for neighborhood improvements includes engineering/permitting costs. A $50,000 grant is in essence only a $25,000 grant.

Lynn asked Board members to consider that future events in the Park be advertised on a banner in the Park similar to one used at Madeline Park. A twice yearly printed bi-lingual newsletter was also suggested. It was also suggested that an event flyer be sent out to the e-letter list prior to an event. Becky Ayala will check to see if Americorp or other groups will leaflet the neighborhood for us.

Meeting adjourned at 9:32 a.m.

Newman Park Neighborhood Association July Board Minutes

Minutes for Newman Park Neighborhood Association Board Meeting, July 26, 2008 at Cinco Puntos Press, 701 Texas Avenue, El Paso, TX. The remnants of Hurricane Dolly were causing area wide flooding in El Paso as well as Dona Ana, Otero, and Lincoln Counties of New Mexico.

In attendance: Becky Ayala, Lee Byrd, Lynn Coyle, Lisa Degliantoni, Sergio Guerrero, and Jim Tolbert.

President Lynn Coyle called the meeting to order at 8:13 a.m.

Lee reported that we have $976.12 in the bank of which $400 is designated for park bench memorials. $195 has been collected for membership dues including a membership from a Kern resident.

The Board began with reflection about the good things and bad things of the recent Annual meeting. Although some people who have regularly attended events in the past were missed, looking at attendance across several events the overall attendance at events has been good. Having a “membership” table and committee sign-up sheets worked well. Suggestions included: post signs at Park to join the Association, reach out to renters, invite people who use the Park but who may be beyond our boundaries, offer a Yoga/exercise class, and target micro-communities.
There will be a Neighborhood Association Summit on August 16th 8:00 AM - 2:00 PM at the Ysleta Independent School District Administration and Cultural Arts Center, 9600 Sims Drive.
Sergio and Jim will attend.

The Board next discussed beginning to work with committees. There were several people who signed-up to be on a committee at the annual meeting. Quick follow-up with these people was encouraged. The Board proposed good ideas for each of the committees.

The Board with regret accepted the resignation of Diana Erickson. Lisa D proposed Abbie ? as a replacement. The Board agreed to Ask Abbie.

The next board meeting will be August 23rd. Our next Park event is scheduled for August 23rd. The Board discussed possible movies for that night. Lynn asked that board members email each other with suggestions for movies. A concert is scheduled for September 13th. A Tejano band was recommended. Keeping to an acoustic group seemed to be the preference of board members. It was also suggested to add events to our pumpkin carving: a reading of La Llorona or El Cucuy for example.

Meeting adjourned.

Newman Park Neighborhood Association June Board Minutes

Minutes for Newman Park Neighborhood Association Board Meeting, June 21, 2008 at Doña Lupe Cafe, 2919 Pershing, El Paso, TX.

In attendance: Lynn Coyle, Diana Erickson, Lee Byrd and Jim Tolbert.

President Lynn Coyle called the meeting to order at 7:49 a.m.

Lee reported that we have $981.96 in the bank of which $400 is designated for park bench memorials. $300 has been collected for membership dues. Lynn agreed to write a “pitch” for dues for the newsletter.

There has been no report back from the City yet regarding traffic calming.

Feedback was given about the past movie night. There was concern that the movie (“The Love Bug”) was too long and too dated. It was also hard to hear.

The Board next discussed the upcoming annual meeting and picnic in July. Mayor Pro-Tem Susie Byrd’s office will supply hamburgers and hotdogs. People will bring a favorite side dish.

It was suggested that the September 13th concert include a fundraiser. Most felt that a group such as Ceiba or Los San Patricios would attract the most people to the fundraiser. Diana Erickson suggested getting donations as with a silent auction. However, people purchase tickets that go for a drawing for each donated item. [N.B. If we are going to do this, we need to start ASAP getting donations.]

The Board liked the plan for the placement of the swing sets as presented by Ric Garcia to Becky Friesenhahn and Jim Tolbert.

Questions were raised about the NIP funds – when would those improvements be made.

The City has no plans to replace the playground equipment in the foreseeable future.

Finally, the Board discussed painting tables and benches. Lynn said that she preferred that such painting be part of a bigger plan for art in the park along the lines of that done at the El Paso Botanical Gardens/Keystone Heritage Park. There was some discussion about painting tables and benches now and re-doing them later when money is available to do the larger art projects. Lynn was going to speak with Pat Dalbin about Public Art funding.

Food was great.

Meeting adjourned.

May 2nd ¡Hola Vecinos!© E-Letter: Calling All Volunteers

A Big Welcome to our new Association Board Member: Sergio Guerrero, Jr. Sergio, a resident on Frankfort Avenue, brings to the Board quite a portfolio. He holds two Masters from the University of Texas Lyndon B. Johnson School of Public Affairs, has worked on environmental issues for the EPA in the City of El Paso, and is currently teaching in the El Paso ISD. He is the son of a very beloved teacher, Rosa Guerrero, who was my class sponsor at Austin High School. (Sergio also has a very loyal Chihuahua named Azucar.)

Sergio replaces Christina Estrada who is moving with her family to New Hampshire. We wish her and her family all the happiness in the world and thank her for her service.

Please help your Newman Park Neighborhood Association with its second annual membership drive on Saturday, May 24th. We need people to go door to door, give out information about the Association and its activities, and collect membership contributions. The drive will begin at 8:30 with a potluck at President Lynn Coyle’s home, 2700 Richmond Avenue. The more people that we have, the more ground we can cover and the fewer homes each person will have to call on. Since our Association extends from Nashville to Aurora and Piedras to the mountain, there is a bit of ground to cover.

Anyone can send in a contribution of $15 or more at any time. Checks can be mailed to our Treasurer, Lee Byrd, at Cinco Puntos Press, 701 Texas Avenue, El Paso 79901.

Attached is a 2008 Association Membership Application.

Please remember that your Association also needs your experience and help with these Committees:

Crime Committee

Communications Committee (includes this e-letter and developing a future hardcopy newsletter, blog and web site, distributes flyers to all neighbors regarding upcoming events of special importance to all)

Events Committee ("fun stuff" - concerts, pumpkin carvings, caroling, potlucks, etc.)

Park Committee (park improvements, grand design, a Master Plan, maintenance)

Neighborhood Economic Planning Committee (elicits local business support for the Association and encourages support for our local businesses, works to boost local economic vitality.)

Greening/Traffic Calming Committee (works to calm traffic in and around the neighborhood; advocates for “green” living and restoring and expanding a native tree canopy; promotes xeriscaping.)

Great news! Our application for a $50,000 Neighborhood Improvement Program grant was accepted by City Council. Lynn Coyle reports:

“I am happy to report that the City Council voted to approve our $50,000 grant!

I made a brief appearance before city council to introduce our organization and thank the City for providing us this grant opportunity. This victory belongs to the NIP committee! Thank you Becky Friesenhahn (our fearless advocate with the City), Becky Ayala, Jim Tolbert and former board member Cristina Estrada. Really, the work of this committee has been long and hard – oftentimes frustrating and thankless. Great things happen when we work collectively. These improvements will truly increase our enjoyment of the park for years and years to come.”

A letter from Lorrine Quimiro of the Department of Community and Human Development to Becky confirmed that grant as well.

However folks, don’t hold your breath to see any improvements immediately. The City often moves slower than a snail on tree sap. For example, the City has yet to install new swing sets in the Park adjacent to the current playground. This $16,000 grant was made many moons ago – many moons ago. Board Member Lisa Degliantoni has volunteered to follow-up with Richard Garcia in the Parks Department to see whether we can finally get this project moving along. (By the way, the new swings will be installed without removing the beautiful live oaks near the playground.)

President Lynn Coyle, highly recommends that you visit the El Paso Botanical Gardens at Keystone Heritage Park and see the beautiful mosaics on the walls of the garden:

“If anyone has not been over to the El Paso Botanical Gardens at Keystone Heritage Park, I highly recommend a visit. There are incredible ruins, great birds and a fantastic butterfly exhibit. I also want you all to check out these fabulous mosaics on the walls of the gardens. I am thinking that a Newman Park monument/sign can look something like these mosaics with a professional artist and neighborhood kids working together to create it. I have spoken with the director of public art and she is amenable to funding such a project."

Be sure that you check out http://newmanpark.smugmug.com/. Pictures from our Halloween, Christmas and Easter events have been posted. You can upload your own neighborhood photos as well. (Anyone have historic photos of our hood?)

Also take time to visit our blog (http://www.newmanpark.blogspot.com/), take the “greening” poll and read about traffic calming. Also, please become a member of our Google Group. It’s easy to do. Just visit http://groups.google.com/group/newmanpark and sign-up or email me at jimhtolbert@elp.rr.com and ask me to add you to the list. Members: please be sure to update your membership information. Two of us have pictures. (No comment about Paco Man.) Being a member of the Google Group allows you to participate in discussions about topics of concern to the neighborhood. It also means that you can send out one email and have it broadcast to all other members. You may know about a missing person, have a lost pet, or have seen a suspicious activity in the neighborhood. You can get the word out quickly as a member of our Google Group. Ideally, it would be great if all of you would join so we can assure that all urgent messages go to as many households as possible.

Finally, all of us are concerned about rising food costs (not to mention our having to mortgage our homes and pet Chihuahuas before we buy gasoline). I love one of our local grocery stores: Amigo Market on Fort Boulevard and Copia. They sell a gallon of Sarah Milk (great milk!) for just $2.69. I’m also seeing great prices for beans, rice and store made tortillas. Beat that Albertson’s!

¡Vaya con Dios!