Valencia County Rural Committee Meeting Notes

March 20, 2014, 11:30am, Henry Perea Building

Attendees: Charles Carter, Stephanie Kozemchak, Lawrence Esquibel, Cynthia Ferrari, Cristina Jaramillo, Bart Regelbrugge, Ginny Adame, Sharon Tenorio, and Russell Griego.

Guest Speaker: Amy Duggan, Center for Nonprofit Excellence

Amy walked the attendees through the CNPE website: site has many resources, trainings, job openings, volunteer opportunities, etc. Amy discussed the Encore program, which is a program for retired professionals to provide expertise to nonprofits. Cost is $20k; they work 20 hrs/wk and have a 6-12 month term. This program would be great for the Community Wellness Coalition and/or other programs.Contact Amy for more information:

Discussion & Follow-up Items

  1. Welcome: Russell Griego for attending on behalf of Bank of the West.
  2. Committee needs representation from credit unions: Stephanie & Casey to pursue
  3. Tribal rep: Cynthia F. will contact Jill from Isleta Pueblo, Library Director. Casey will pursue Laguna Pueblo
  4. Media Plan: Rhona will contact VCNM for us to schedule a meeting.
  5. NM PBS: Laurel Wycokoff has an interest in recording and broadcasting a Townhall Meeting in two or more rural counties – including Valencia County. Details and more information to come.
  6. SHARE NM website: Question if Valencia Countycan have a landing page from the sharenm.orgwebsite – Bart R. will pursue.
  7. Fernando, Hispano Chamber of Commerce: the 2013 Metanza raised $10-11k = 20 scholarships!
  8. Cristina, Boys & Girls Club shared several updates:
  9. 12 Infinity HS students and adults took the Railrunner to Santa Fe to attend the Legislative session. They met with Valencia County reps.
  10. Youth of the Year, 10 year old Lucas Padilla, Belen student represented B&GC at the annual event.
  11. Launched a “Kick Butts” Program to discourage smoking and are working on an upcoming program called “Smart Girls.”
  12. Sharon T., BBBS: Looking for a program coordinator for Valencia County. Contact Sharon at: for more information
  13. Ginny A., CWC: gave an update on the 3-part training series on Results Based Accountability and Collective Impact completed in March. They are working on next steps and looking to expand their council!

Upcoming Events

  1. MeadowlakeTownhall – Senior Center Use: Sat, Mach 29, 10:30am, 100 Cuerro Lane, corner of Meadowlake Rd
  2. Tax Help NM – Valencia County Location, Los Lunas High School, 1776 Emilio Lopez Rd. February 4 - April 15, 2014, Tuesdays and Thursdays 3pm – 6pm, Saturdays 9am – 12 noon
  3. Statewide Health Councils & Community Gathering, March 31, Embassy Suites, Albuq
  4. United Way Campaign Celebration, April 3, National Dance Institute, 8am
  5. City of Albuq Child Abuse Prevention event, April 4, noon, Civic Plaza
  6. April 17, Village of Los Lunas’ 9th Annual Health and Wellness Fair, Thursday, April 17, 2014 from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. in the gym at Daniel Fernandez Park. Contact Ginny A. for more information:
  7. April is Child Abuse Prevention and Alcohol Awareness Month. Community Event, April 16, 2pm – 5pm, Daniel Fernandez Park and Youth Center. Contact Amber Chavez, YDI 505-865-7422
  8. Friday, May 10, 2013: Tim Lardner Memorial Scholarship Golf Tournament, go to for more information.
  9. Thursday, June 5, 2014: Los Lunas Schools 3rd Annual Golf Tournament, Isleta Golf Course, contact Jennifer Othart or Nina Mize: , 866.8288 or , 866.8338
  10. Hispano Chamber of Commerce is planning a Veteran’s Day event in November. Details to come.

Special thanks to Charles for the pizza and salad lunch!

Next Rural Committee Meeting: May 22, 2014, Henry Perea Building, 11:30am