Focus on Roswell Spring 2016 by FocusNM.com

SPRING 2016

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FROM THE EDITOR FOCUS ON CONTEMPORARY ART

THE ALMOST INVISIBLE ARTS COMMUNITY IN ROSWELL FOCUS ON LOCAL ART

EVERYBODY HAS A MARK MAIN STREET ARTS

FOCUS ON DANCE

FOCUS ON LOCAL FLAVORS

FOCUS ON THE COMMUNITY

FOCUS ON THE CHAMBER

THE STUDIO+ OFFERS MORE THAN TRADITIONAL DANCE PECOS FLAVORS WINERY ROSWELL’S ART SCENE HAS A NEW ALLY

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ABOUT THE COVER Celebrating the Arts in Roswell: Various photos from stories inside this issue of Focus on Roswell. Staci Guy, Editorial Director - Adrian Martinez, Advertising Photography by Contributors & Submitted Photos Special Contributors: Ben Mattice, Brooke Linthicum, Manon Arnett & the Roswell Chamber of Commerce FOCUS ON ROSWELL IS PUBLISHED QUARTERLY BY AD VENTURE MARKETING

Ad Venture Marketing, Ltd. Co. • 866.207.0821 • ad-venturemarketing.com All 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.

SPRING 2016 | A COMMUNITY MAGAZINE

F O C U S from the editor

ARTFULLYSUBJECTIVE When asked how he defined the word “art,” famed artist Andy Warhol said, “Art is anything you can get away with.” I love that definition. It’s so simple, yet so accurate.

STACI GUY

Editorial Director

FOCUS ON ROSWELL

Personally speaking, I believe it is impossible to conclusively define the word “art.” Sure Wikipedia and Webster have their definitions, and if you ask 1,000 different artists, you would likely get 1,000 different answers, but in actuality, art is subjective. There is no right or wrong answer to the question because art is, well…art. It can be many things—therapeutic, beautiful, meaningful—but it can also be messy and loud and strange. To you, art might be an intricate tattoo or an airbrushed mural, while the next person might view the exact same things as trashy or an act of vandalism. Art can take the form of dancing or acting or singing, painting or sculpting or drawing. Art can be writing or reciting, even miming or posing. Hairdressers and makeup artists, seamstresses and designers—they all require some degree of creative energy that, in my mind, classifies it as art. You might disagree because art is subjective. What I found in putting together this issue of Focus on Roswell, and in life in general, is that art is deeply personal. On many levels it is a form of self-expression, but somehow it also serves as a great unifier. Songwriters often divulge their innermost thoughts and feelings, then people like you and I come together in concert; we sing and we relate. The song is personal to the songwriter, yet it can unify thousands. The same goes for painters. They depict their feelings on canvas and then people like you and me view them in galleries

FOCUS ON ROSWELL | SPRING 2016

or purchase them for our homes, and we can relate. Dancers might express feelings through movement, but audiences enjoy the beauty of their movements as well, and it unifies us. You see, art is personal yet public, insightful yet reflective. Art is tangible and intangible, concrete and abstract. One thing is certain, Roswell has no shortage when it comes to legitimate artists. As you will see when you read through this issue of Focus on Roswell, we barely scraped the surface when it comes to showcasing the sheer talent that can be found in this community. Writer Ben Mattice wrote a fantastic article about the Anderson family and their contribution to the art scene here, while Manon Arnett focused on the beauty that is dance in her piece on The Studio+. Freelance writer Brooke Linthicum shows us that art can be

found in a gallery, such as at Main Street Arts, or even in a bottle thanks to Pecos Flavors Winery. The truth is, Roswell is bursting at the seams when it comes to artistic talent! With a limited number of pages allotted, it was extremely difficult for us to narrow down the stories we chose to include in this special issue of Focus on Roswell. There are countless organizations and artists that are more than worthy of inclusion, but limited time, resources and space simply didn’t allow us to include it all. For this reason, I have no doubt we will revisit this topic in a future publication. Until then, I hope that you will read through this issue and enjoy learning about some of the special people, places, events and organizations this community has to offer. You are sure to find something that will enlighten, inspire and hopefully even educate you regarding the arts in Roswell. Until next time, be blessed, friends!

Best Regards, - Staci Guy, Editorial Director A B O U T T H E E D IT O R

Staci Guy is the editorial director of Focus on Roswell and Focus on Artesia. She can be reached at staci@ad-venturemarketing.com.

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F O C U S on contemporary art

The Almost Invisible Arts Community in Roswell

he Anderson estate sits off in a field northeast of town, and many in Roswell know the view well. A copper and steel cupola towers above a squat, ranch-style home. The house is surrounded by small manicured hills, and built into one of those hills is The Henge, a contemporary take on the megaliths of ancient Britain. Built by Herb Goldman as a commissioned work of art, The Henge is a massive juxtaposition of concrete structures, but if you move past the impressive outer shell of the Anderson estate you walk into five decades of art

history. You are no longer in the 21st century, nor even the 20th, for art covers virtually every wall surface of the long entry hall and airy living spaces of the home. This space exists almost on another dimensional plane from ordinary life, defying the very confines of time. At the center of this meta-universe in the Pecos River Valley is a legendary man named Donald Anderson, who has chosen to surround himself with ineffable beauty. The story of how he came to change Roswell

PHOTO BELOW: Donald B. Anderson standing before his new RAiR compound northeast of Roswell PHOTO RIGHT: The Henge, an art installation by Herb Goldman and commissioned by Donald B. Anderson

FOCUS ON ROSWELL | SPRING 2016

by Ben Mattice

and cement in stone a legacy that will survive beyond any currently living generation is something every “Roswalien” should hear. Anderson’s story begins long before Roswell was on his radar. Having grown up in Chicago and attended Purdue University in Indiana, Donald Anderson was a self-taught artist. During his time as a student there, Purdue had no art department, so he made do with the few resources

available in the area. After spending four years in the Navy, he joined his brother in the oil business, which was just blooming in Roswell back in 1946. He learned to balance his art and his business, a difficult task in any world. The famous sculptor Luis Jimenez once said of Anderson, “He’s this artist who has this wonderful hobby of making money in the oil business.” And that is exactly how he ordered his life. When he arrived in Roswell, there was no art scene to speak of. The few accomplished artists in the southeast region of the state wanted nothing to do with the minor town of Roswell and its small local museum, which was etched out of a defunct WWIIera WPA building displaying little more than Navajo textiles and pottery. Anderson involved himself in the unstaffed museum, devoting himself to creating a staffed and functioning museum. Out of the desire to celebrate art through the creation of a space in which to view art came the credibility to begin Roswell’s first artist residency. Now, Anderson didn’t particularly know how to go about creating an artist community where few artists

resided, but when Gene Smith and Lee Johnson, director and assistant director of the Roswell Museum in 1967, suggested he invite some artists to stay for a while, he knew he was on to something meaningful. He invited artists Barbara Latham and Howard Cook to come from Taos to be the first residents in his as yet established program. And that was the start of a new era for Roswell. Anderson and the Roswell Museum began to give out grants for artists to come to Roswell and create. After a rough start with a St. Louis painter and his family who couldn’t weather the harsh environment of the high desert scrubland, the program quickly grew, and by 1970 a full-fledged Artistin-Residence program was up and running. Eight artists comprised the first group of residents, which included Sally Midgette Anderson (now Donald Anderson’s wife) and her thenhusband Bill Midgette, who moved from Portland, Oregon to paint a mural for Anderson. The compound, where the residents lived and utilized their gift of time to create art, was a set of eight stucco bungalows on an

eight-acre property on the northwest side of Roswell that still exists today as rented apartments and studio facilities. This became known as “Hippie Corners” to the locals due to the general perception of the arts as drug culture at the time. An FBI agent even appeared once during the Cold War to figure out if this small band of artists had any sort of connection to the Communists. Though the agent was “planted,” his purpose was quite obvious to resident Richard Mock, who said in provocation, “Hey, if somebody wants to give me a million dollars, I’ll start a revolution.” In conservative Roswell, contemporary art was an oddity, perceived as progressive counter culture. Nevertheless, the city continued to support the program through the endowed vessel of the Roswell Museum and Art Center. In the 1990s support waned, and the museum and its directors became less amenable to contemporary art and the Artist-in-Residence program, leaning toward more traditional and native art exhibits. Thus Anderson began to PHOTOS BELOW: Roswell Artists-in-Residence 40th anniversary

reunion • The new RAiR compound baptized by the sunset

SPRING 2016 | A COMMUNITY MAGAZINE

element attractive to artists who apply to the program, as the program lasts an entire year. Each house on the new compound is large enough for families, and if the spouse or partner is also an artist, many times extra studio space is available.

convert a warehouse he owned on College Avenue into what is now the Anderson Museum of Contemporary Art, officially opening in 1995 as a space to display works by former residents of the grant. Today, the space houses art from over 200 former residents. In 2002 the grant program became an official non-profit, the Roswell Artistin-Residence Foundation (RAiR). Anderson and his wife Sally expressed their great pride in the unique jury process of RAiR. Artists crave the affirmation that comes when their art gains merit in its own right, and thus RAiR jurors select grant finalists with this idea in mind. As the jurors review the portfolios in each application, they have zero access to information about the artists, which allows the art to speak for itself. Anderson says, “It is always a pleasant surprise to find out who the artists are after the selection process is over.” Many times the artists are friends or colleagues of former residents of the grant. This is a rare and encouraging format to many artists.

Many residencies require contribution. RAiR requires nothing of the artist once he or she is in Roswell. The gift of time is just that: a gift. Certainly one reason artists would apply to such a program is because they have a drive to create. Many are frustrated with the lack of time life generally gives a person to create, but the program demands nothing from the residents during their unusually lengthy stay in Roswell.

From its conception until now, the RAiR program has gone from a fringe community on the outskirts of a post-WWII Roswell (a place where an exit of the military middle class after the air force base closed down left a cultural void) to one of the most influential non-profit organizations in town. People from all over the world come to Roswell for the Roswell Artist-in-Residence program, and without Anderson and his vision, Roswell might be a place devoid of contemporary artist culture. Just another dusty oil town on a rural American highway. But if you just step through the doors of his museum, you will immediately understand how the future of Roswell relies on the goodwill and passion of people like Donald and Sally Anderson.

PHOTO ABOVE: The first Artists-in-Residence in the old compound west of Roswell PHOTOS BELOW: Donald and

Sally Anderson (at left and middle) enjoy an Artist-in-Residence luncheon as they visit with an unidentified patron • The Anderson Museum of Contemporary Art on a sunny New Mexico day

The family aspect of RAiR is another

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F O C U S on local art

Everybody Has a Mark Main Street Arts by Brooke Linthicum

the age of 45, Peggy Krantz found a picture of her grandparents and immediately thought it would be a beautiful drawing. “I had never drawn before but decided I would try,” she admitted. “I drew it over and over, erasing this, fixing that. Pretty soon it started to look a little bit like my grandfather. I continued to erase and draw and erase and draw, and then it started to resemble my grandmother.” She never imagined that she could draw anything at all and was surprised with the outcome of her work. “From there I decided that I would draw every day and continue to practice to see if I could improve.” She kept a sketch journal and took time each day to do a little something. Over time, her drawings began to improve and she found her own unique style. “Each piece of art is as unique to the creator as it is to the one that likes it. Sometimes I paint something that I think nobody is going to like and it sells quickly and other times I am the only one that likes it. The point is, it doesn’t matter. Art is an expression of an individual, and everybody has a mark.” Krantz’s story not only inspired her to continue to draw and learn more about art, but it also inspired her to share the gift of art with others. “I wanted a place that people could dabble in the arts. A place for those

FOCUS ON ROSWELL | SPRING 2016

“Art is an expression of an individual, and everybody has a mark.”

that have either never tried but are interested or even have had experience but needed the venue to do more. I also wanted to be able to expose more of our children to the arts.” Peggy purchased the property located at 223 N. Main and began working to open the doors. Main Street Arts is a creative and exciting art space that houses two businesses: The Gallery and Krantz Art and Studio. Main Street Arts is perfectly located for locals and tourists to experience some of the beautiful talent Roswell has to offer. She wanted it to be a “go-to place to show people what our local art looks like and help direct them to other artists in the community.” The Gallery features works by more than 30 artists in a wide variety of styles, subjects and mediums, including paintings, pottery, photography, original jewelry, wood and metal work and so much more. The Gallery is the perfect place for local artists to display and sell their work.

The Gallery is very supportive of the arts in the community. Many of the artists showcased in The Gallery are willing to go out to the schools or any other program in the community and provide on-site classes and education. The artists feel it is important to continue to spread the love of the arts to the next generations. Krantz was named a People’s Choice Award winner in 2012 at the Roswell Fine Arts League Show and has received other awards and recognition along the way as well. However, she is most proud of her work with people with disabilities. “I have a couple of students that I give lessons to that have various disabilities. It’s so rewarding for me to see them create a beautiful piece of art that they never thought they would be able to [do]. Some have difficulty communicating and/or speaking, but they are able to communicate through their art. We find ways to collaborate with the artists and students, and the finished products are priceless.” Several of the featured artists, including Krantz, offer classes in various mediums. “Many of our students are surprised with the outcome of their finished product. They often come in thinking they will never be able to do it and leave with this beautiful work of art they are proud of.” For more information about Main Street Arts, The Gallery or Krantz Art and Studio, find Peggy Krantz on Facebook at Main Street Arts Roswell NM.

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F O C U S on dance

THE STUDIO+

Offers More Than Traditional Dance by Manon Arnett

The Studio+ dance company offers the community a chance to experience the arts right in their own backyard.

wonderful is the productions we now create are more than a dance recital; they’re a story near and dear to our hearts unfolding like a beautiful flower in front of our eyes. We really believe we have introduced something new to our hometown.”

With various dance classes during the week and periodic performances throughout the year, the studio is continuously trying to grow and provide something that will suit the visual arts interest in the small community of Roswell.

The Studio+ performance of Peter Pan in May, at New Mexico Military Institute’s (NMMI) 1,300-seat Pearson Auditorium, will appeal to both adults and children alike. It is a contemporary take on an old tale filled with impressive enthusiasm, laughter, and will keep kids on the edge of their seats.

“This place is special,” observed Jennifer Wolfe, owner of The Studio+ for the past 10 years. She said over those years the studio has grown into something more than just dance. They are a family that offers extraordinary contemporary performances. “What’s

“The auditorium is an awesome space for performing arts and allows the audience to be in touch with the performance and the performers. You can see their faces from anywhere in the theater,” Wolfe pointed out. For budding dancers and those interested in performing arts, The Studio+ offers classes in tap, ballet, jazz, hip-hop, modern, Irish and acrobatics as well as specialty dance workshops throughout the year. PHOTO: Jennifer Wolfe (bottom left) poses with Aren James Hooper (bottom row center) and The Studio+ dancers after a two-week dance workshop that included a dance number for the upcoming Peter Pan production in May.

FOCUS ON ROSWELL | SPRING 2016

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Join us! The Studio+ owner Jennifer Wolfe (back row in black) with some of the cast members from this past winter’s The Santa Session Christmas production PHOTO:

The dancers for this year’s production of Peter Pan are perfectly cast for the parts of Peter, Wendy, Tinkerbell, Hook, Mr. Smee, Tiger Lily, Crocodile and their friends. This is the latest production by The Studio+ and company teaching staff, which Wolf describes as a youthful execution of Neverland and a boy who never wants to grow up. “We go over details into making this a production the community will laugh [at], love and leave thinking this is something [they] want to see again.” The incredible youthful dancers bring energy and show off the choreography so beautifully in the stories showcased every year, adding extra elements of energy and charm to each performance. She said the engaging and playful choreography by guest instructor Aren James Hooper is masterful, bringing his dance experience from New York, Australia and all parts of the

world back to his hometown stage in Roswell. Going forward, The Studio+ will continue to try to appeal to the mixed audiences in the area and to encourage them to view performing arts as jewel in the community. “The performing arts are really for everyone,” according to Wolfe. “It’s neat to be able to offer this to the community without them having to go out of town to see something like this.” Peter Pan will run May 27-28 at NMMI’s Pearson Auditorium. Tickets can be purchased at TutuTix.com.

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F O C U S on local flavors

by Brooke Linthicum

n their 12th year of business, Pecos Flavors Winery has become more than just a place to have a glass of wine. The winery is best known as local, educational and welcoming. Josh Ragsdale, managing partner, said they have evolved into a “top notch establishment with a focus on quality and service. The winery provides a great place to enjoy wonderful New Mexico wine and entertainment for both locals and tourists alike.”

LOCAL

Pecos Flavors Winery was founded by Paul and Cindy Ragsdale in April 2004. The Ragsdales were both born and raised in Roswell, and their son Josh Ragsdale now runs the family business. Pecos Flavors Winery first opened its doors as a tasting room in downtown Roswell with a desire to feature New Mexico wines and products. After visiting wineries around the state, the owners decided that Roswell needed a place to experience and purchase all the great wines the Land of Enchantment has to offer, including their own Compadres wine.

FOCUS ON ROSWELL | SPRING 2016

Local, Educational and Welcoming Pecos Flavors Winery first planted their grapes in 2004 and produces a signature label Compadres, which is a New Mexico Cabernet and Syrah blend sold both in stores and online. “Every year our wine changes,” said Josh. “In 2007 we produced our first vintage wine. We always make a Cabernet and Syrah blend, but in 2012 we also began making a Temperanillo.”

EDUCATIONAL

The winery also carries a wide variety of New Mexico wines with more than a dozen labels and over 80 different varieties and blends. Tourists traveling through or locals who want a better understanding of wine are invited to stop in for a wine tasting. Tastings are conducted Monday through Saturday from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm. All are welcome to have a glass or bottle of wine and enjoy cheese and fruit trays with friends. Pecos Flavors Winery proudly serves more than five different breweries from across the state of

New Mexico as well. The winery’s beautiful tasting room reflects the southern New Mexico farm and ranch décor, complete with a bar more than 100 years old found in the Hondo Valley and a statue of Billy the Kid that compliments the atmosphere. The winery also carries a nice selection of New Mexico made products including coffee, green chile foods, sauces, stew mixes, chocolates, pecans, pistachios and cheeses.

WELCOMING

In 2008, Josh and his family decided to expand the night life and entertainment offered by the winery. Their goal was to make it an additional tourist destination for people visiting Roswell. “We wanted to create an oasis for locals and tourists to showcase great New Mexico wine and entertainment,” he shared. Josh is a 2002 graduate of Goddard High School.

He then graduated from Vanguard University of Southern California in 2006 with a degree in business and marketing. It was there that he went to work for Warner Bros. Studios and developed many relationships and connections that have been beneficial in expanding the night life at the winery.

play for tips to a lineup of nationally touring, Grammy nominated, recognized musicians. This great lineup has included entertainment such as Devan Allman and Cracker and Civil Twilight, just to name a few. Some acts to look forward to in the coming weeks include Jacob Farr, Larry Hooper and Drew Kennedy.

“We are in our 12th year of business, and I find it both challenging and humorous that people every day still say they don’t know we are here,” he expressed, which gives him the drive to continue to surge ahead and challenge the status quo in Roswell. “When people say there is nothing to do here, that is our motivation. We are always looking for new bands, new entertainment and new ways to give people something to be excited about.”

THE FUTURE

The winery now offers entertainment three or four weeks out of each month. The venue has evolved from a homegrown entertainment spot where local musicians would come and

As with many businesses in Roswell, Winter Storm Goliath took its toll on the winery. “It caused some major roof issues that we are in the process of getting repaired, and we have had to relocate temporarily to 113 E. 3rd just around the corner. In the meantime, we are taking advantage of the situation and using this as an opportunity to remodel our 305 N. Main location,” he noted, adding that they are “definitely going to change up the layout.” Two such changes include the addition of a stage and a balcony. “The rest is a surprise that will be revealed when we open!” he teased.

The winery has experienced many great successes over the past 12 years and we should expect equally great things for the future. “We are very fortunate to have great staff and equally great customers that have made our success possible,” Josh concluded. For more information log onto their website at pecosflavorswinery.com or visit their Facebook page, Pecos Flavors Winery. You can also get text updates and information by texting “winery” to 54900.

SPRING 2016 | A COMMUNITY MAGAZINE

F O C U S on the community

ROSWELL’S ART SCENE HAS A NEW ALLY by Ben Mattice

Although the same star shines on all parts of the world, for some reason it shines differently on the high desert of the Pecos Valley—a pitiless, pale light in some respects–and on a clear fall weekday morning three years ago in Roswell, the sun brazed the prickly New Mexico landscape in a peculiar way. A Texas Millennial met the smartly dressed bespectacled “Mayor of Starbucks,” who presented her with a vision for the future of Roswell no one had dared yet attempt. That vision would grow to become a swan song for the phrase “there’s nothing to do in Roswell.” No longer would young professionals take the first train out of Roswell for more “cultured” cities. Downtown would, like SOHO in the 1980s, populate with young faces, and young people from all aspects of Roswell would unite around one purpose: the promotion of art in their city. At the very heart of this vision lay a desire to inject some youth into the

nearly invisible yet rich art world in Roswell. Larry Connelly (the “Mayor of Starbucks”) knew in his heart of hearts that Sara Mitchell and Carolyn Madison, both mid-generation Millennials, would take this idea and preach it. According to Sara Mitchell, he “pitch[ed] his idea, set a date, and then immediately went out of town.” Not the least thrown off by Connelly’s sudden departure, Mitchell and Madison took Connelly’s vision to a group of at least 40 mostly fellow patrons of the same Starbucks—Connelly’s constituents—who could rally behind such an idea. The nebulous nature of the vision was terrifying to Mitchell and

PHOTOS (LEFT TO RIGHT): Sara Mitchell, Carolyn Madison, and Larry (Mayor of Starbucks) Connelly at Pecos Flavors Winery

Rey Berrones and baby Mitchell supervising Sara and Mitch Mitchell painting pottery • Sara, Mitch, and baby Mitchell showing off pottery they made for Roswell Motor Supply fundraiser

•

FOCUS ON ROSWELL | SPRING 2016

Madison, as they did not know many of the people whom Connelly had invited. Yet they bravely presented the idea and let people talk it out grassroots style. The meeting revolved around food that Mitchell and Madison had prepared themselves. Mitchell claimed, “It was my idea that [The Young Professionals for the Arts Collective’s] meetings be centered around brunch, because that is my favorite meal and there was no one [in Roswell] serving it at the time.” Nearly all the attendees joined the as yet unnamed young professionals group that day. And to keep up the momentum of the group, Mitchell and Madison created a Facebook page and sent each new member a personal email asking why the arts were important to him or her. This effort and a mixer at the Holiday Inn’s new hip bar, Oasis, cemented the foundation for a new force in Roswell. Their first official meeting was at the Liberty, where Toddzilla’s food truck provided the brunch and the group organized into action teams designed to fill several perceived needs in the arts community: a volunteering team, a civic engagement team, an education

team and an art event advocate team. They chose a name, The Young Professionals for the Arts Collective (YPAC), and, according to Sara Mitchell, within the first year, they “formed a Board of Directors, became a 501(c)(3) non-profit, and put in over 600 hours of service, not counting all of the behind-the-scenes work that Carolyn, Larry, [Sara], and the other board members did on [their] own.”

Keeping with the brunch tradition that Mitchell and Madison began almost three years ago, YPAC meets quarterly and invites an area or visiting artist to speak on why the arts are so important to our community. The quarterly brunch is included in YPAC membership, and the board plans to add more perks beyond volunteer opportunities to membership, namely discounts on various art events around town.

Today YPAC is still a major volunteer force in Roswell despite still being a relatively small group with only about 50 official members. The group volunteers at yearly events such as the Jazz Festival, RMAC Block Party, Potter’s Guild, various Anderson Museum events and many other art events. YPAC’s education team essentially became the event team and organizes YPAC’s own events at least quarterly.

Leadership in YPAC has passed to a new group this year. Rey Berrones, former editor for Vision Magazine at the Roswell Daily Record, is now president of the board. Carolyn Madison is still on the board as the events director, but the other half of the founding duo, Sara Mitchell, has moved on to different pastures to be closer to family, though she remains in contact with the team and advises from afar.

Most recently the team began a new a veritable art installation called “Bring What You Made, Take What You Love” at Stellar Coffee Company, on display February 18-March 18. The team already held three events leading up to the art opening, each giving artists the opportunity and space to create. At its debut, a back wall at Stellar Coffee Company will be covered with art. People can come and take any piece they like, with one rule: you have to fill the space you just created with your own art. YPAC has become known for interactive events like these. From poetry workshops to painting parties, YPAC not only promotes the arts (their main mission), but facilitates art as well.

YPAC survives today as a platform for art initiatives and fundraisers like the Bring Hope Back to Roswell, which aims to make the Hope Amphitheater across from the Wool Bowl fully functioning once again. Performing arts, culinary arts, visual arts, literary arts—every art shareable to the community at large—is viable for Roswell’s premiere young professionals group to promote. Even if the sun has scorched the landscape and made the surrounding fields the perfect set piece for a retro post-apocalyptic film, Roswell’s art scene has a new ally, and the cactus of youth blooms wild in the Pecos River Valley.

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F O C U S on the chamber

Your Roswell Chamber of Commerce is here to work for you!

At the Chamber, it’s our business to help your business. We’re here to support you and your customers. And beyond your current customers, we want to help you find new customers and grow your business. We do that by helping you get the word out about your products and services. We’re also dedicated to making Roswell the very best place to live and visit. We work hard to relocate families to our beautiful city, and to increase retirement in Roswell. We are often the first stop for visitors on their way in, and as we greet each one of them with a smile, we encourage them to stop at all the wonderful local attractions. And as always, we partner with other organizations to promote community pride and spirit.

Our mission is to promote economic and social prosperity, assist in business development and tourism, and foster community spirit and pride.

WELCOME NEW CHAMBER MEMBERS! Roswell Chamber of Commerce is proud to welcome the following new members. NOVEMBER 2015 GRAND ESTATES INN OF THE MOUNTAIN GODS K-BOB’S SPRING RIVER DENTAL TERRI ELLIOTT INSURANCE AGENCY

DECEMBER 2015 MATTRESS, INC. VERY BERRY YOGURT BAR TAYLOR & ASSOCIATES, INC.

JANUARY 2016 APPLE ELECTRICAL CONTRACTORS BIMBO BAKERIES, USA ERNIE’S SIGNS GRANDJEAN LAW FIRM, LLC STRANDS OF GOLD

FOCUS ON ROSWELL | SPRING 2016

RENEWED MEMBERS ACCOUNTING & CONSULTING GROUP ADVANCED HOME CARE OF ROSWELL AMERICAN PORTA-STOR ARTESIA ARTS COUNCIL B.C.R., INC. BCA MEDICAL ASSOCIATES, P.A. BLACK BETTY BBQ BOB REED PEST CONTROL BOY SCOUTS OF AMERICA CHEF TODDZILLA MOBILE CUISINE CLEAN WATER TECH, LLC GEORGE’S CARPET AND TILE GIRL SCOUTS OF THE DESERT SOUTHWEST HY-BON ENGINEERING CO., INC. L&F DISTRIBUTORS, LLC LARRY’S DISCOUNT GUN SHOP LEPRINO FOODS COMPANY LOVELACE REGIONAL HOSPITAL MAJESTIC COMMUNICATIONS, LLC PHILLIP CATHEY, D.D.S., P.C. RODEWAY INN OF ROSWELL SCHENCK NURSERY THE SALVATION ARMY WAKEFIELD OIL COMFORT KEEPERS OTERO FEDERAL CREDIT UNION D. OIL & GAS PROPERTIES ROSWELL COMMUNITY LITTLE THEATRE WE TRAVEL ROSWELL JOB CORPS EASTERN NEW MEXICO STATE FAIR BOARD COLL BROS. LAW, LLC ADDUS HEALTHCARE AMERICAN TRANSMISSION HALEY FARMS CHEWS ORIENTAL GIFTS AND COINS PECOS VALLEY CHIROPRACTIC DOMINO’S PIZZA SPRINT SPORTS REHABILITATION, INC. MAY, TAYLOR & COMPANY, P.C. FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH COUNTRY CLUB DENTAL CENTURY 21 HOME PLANNING NEW MEXICO SENIOR OLYMPICS, INC. SOUTHWEST DAIRY FARMERS GLORIETA GEOSCIENCE, INC. FRIENDS OF THE ROSWELL ZOO DO-RIGHT ROOFING & GUTTERS, INC. ATWOOD, MALONE, TURNER & SABIN BULLOCK’S JEWELRY, INC. CATTLE BARON RESTAURANT, INC.

CHAMPION MOTOR SPORTS CHUCK HANSON EXIT REALTY OF ROSWELL FAMILY RESOURCE AND REFERRAL, INC. FARM BUREAU FINANCIAL SERVICES - WEATHERS & GRANT AGENCY GANDY MARLEY, INC. GATEWAY CHRISTIAN SCHOOL GENTIVA HOSPICE GRACE COMMUNITY CHURCH HENNIGHAUSEN & OLSEN, LLP KOBR-TV LANDMARK TITLE ROSWELL LAW OFFICE OF MATTHEW BRISTOL LIFE CHANGER STUDIES, INC. LILLEY CRAFT MAIN TRAILER SALES, INC. MERIDIAN INSURANCE SERVICES NITA STURGES PEACHTREE RETIREMENT VILLAGE PECOS VALLEY BROADCASTING COMPANY PEPPERS GRILL & BAR READ & STEVENS, INC. RELICWOOD MEDIA ROSWELL RACQUET CLUB & SPA ROSWELL REFUGE FOR BATTERED ADULTS ROSWELL SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA SECURITEL, INC. SONNY ESPINOZA STEVE HENDERSON STRATA PRODUCTION COMPANY STRIPES, LLC SWICKARD AGENCY, INC. TINNIE MERCANTILE STORE AND DELI TOWN OF HAGERMAN UNITED WAY OF CHAVES COUNTY WAIDE IRRIGATION SERVICE & SUPPLY WENNER & WENNER YATES ENERGY CORPORATION DE BACA COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE ESPANOLA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE EUNICE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE FARMINGTON CHAMBER OF COMMERCE LUBBOCK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE NAMES & NUMBERS NEW MEXICO ARMY NATIONAL GUARD NEW MEXICO BUSINESS JOURNAL NEW MEXICO DEPARTMENT OF TOURISM QUALITY NEW MEXICO THE LOCAL PAGES, INC.

FOCUSNM.COM

F O C U S on the chamber

MEET T HE C HA M BE R S TAF F

CANDACE LEWIS Executive Director

TAWNIE HONEY

Membership Coordinator

KRISTIN VINSON Office Manager

ESTER GARCIA

Communications / Event Coordinator

RPC CPAS & CONSULTANTS

NEW SPLASH PAD

BROOKDALE COUNTRY CLUB

SPRING RIVER DENTAL

RPC CPAs & Consultants welcomed everyone to their ribbon cutting celebration announcing the company’s new name on December 8. They introduced their staff and showed us their beautiful offices. RPC CPAs & Consultants, formerly known as Accounting & Consulting Group, is located at 400 N. Pennsylvania, Suite 800.

Brookdale Country Club welcomed everyone to their ribbon cutting celebration announcing their company’s new name on December 10. They introduced their staff and showed off their beautiful building. Brookdale Country Club, formerly known as Emeritus at Roswell, is located at 2801 N. Kentucky.

A ground breaking ceremony celebrating the future site of the City of Roswell’s new splash pad was held at Poe Corn Park on December 9. The Murphy family was honored for their contribution to this wonderful project for our children.

Spring River Dental welcomed everyone to their grand opening celebration on December 12. They introduced their staff and gave a tour of their beautiful offices. Spring River Dental is located at 711 W. Alameda. SPRING 2016 | A COMMUNITY MAGAZINE

F O C U S on the chamber

HABITAT FOR HUMANITY BETTS FAMILY

CENTURY 21 HOME PLANNING

Habitat for Humanity celebrated a ribbon cutting on December 14 to dedicate a new home to the Betts family.

Century 21 Home Planning welcomed everyone to their ribbon cutting celebration announcing their grand opening on January 14. The new owners introduced their staff and showed us their beautiful building. Century 21 Home Planning is located at 3117 N. Main.

CHAMPION XPRESS CAR WASH

PERK-N-JERK

Champion Xpress Car Wash welcomed everyone to their ribbon cutting celebration on November 7. They introduced the owners and staff and showed us around their high tech car wash station. Champion Xpress is located at 3616 N. Main.

PLANET FITNESS

Planet Fitness welcomed everyone to their ribbon cutting celebration announcing their grand opening on January 27. The Planet Fitness team unveiled their beautiful facility and provided focused tours of their equipment and specialized programs. Planet Fitness is located at 1705 S. Main. FOCUS ON ROSWELL | SPRING 2016

The Roswell Chamber of Commerce and business owner Mike Sistok celebrated the grand opening and ribbon cutting of Perk-NJerk beef jerky and espresso on Thursday, January 7. Mike Sistok welcomed everyone to his location and invited them to taste his delectable beef jerky and coffee. Perk-N-Jerk is located at 1608 W. 2nd Street.

The voice of business in Chaves County since 1918! 131 WEST 2nd STREET â&#x20AC;˘ ROSWELL, NEW MEXICO 88201

1-877-849-7679 â&#x20AC;˘ 575-623-5695

F O C U S on the chamber

TOKAY BEADED ART

GERINA PILLER

OCOTILLO FAMILY PRACTICE

PAPA JOHN’S PIZZA

The Roswell Chamber of Commerce and business owner Juanita Finger celebrated the grand opening and ribbon cutting of Tokay Beaded Art on January 28. Juanita Finger welcomed everyone to her location where she displayed beautiful hand crafted beaded art. Tokay Beaded Art is located at 1407 W. 2nd Street.

Ocotillo Family Practice welcomed everyone to their grand opening celebration on November 6. They introduced their staff and gave a tour of their beautiful office. Ocotillo Family Practice is located at 313 W. Country Club Road, Suite 15.

The city of Roswell welcomed professional golfer Gerina Piller as she returned to her home town on October 29 after recently helping lead the U.S. Women’s team win in the Solheim Cup Tournament in Europe with her 9-foot putt. Pictured: Gerina Piller (left) and her mother Rita Stevenson

Papa John’s Pizza welcomed everyone to their grand opening celebration on November 4. They introduced their staff and displayed a great variety of pizzas and drinks as well as great entertainment for the whole family. Thank you to Nathan Campbell for allowing us to be a part of their grand opening. Papa John’s Pizza is located at 625 N. Main.

JOIN THE CHAMBER From free advertising, to great events, to connecting with the community and other members, there are many reasons to become a Chamber member today!

Contact Candace Lewis for more information: candace@roswellnm.org (575) 623-5695 Or sign up online right now! www.roswellnm.org SPRING 2016 | A COMMUNITY MAGAZINE

F O C U S business directory

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Tickets or information, contact

OCOTILLO PATRON SERVICES

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March 18, 2016 CASHORE MARIONETTES

March 25, 2016 BLUFFETT

TRIBUTE TO JIMMY BUFFETT

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May 6, 2016 HOTEL CALIFORNIA

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TRIBUTE TO NEIL DIAMOND

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At Eastern New Mexico Medical Center, you have access to some of the most advanced care, right here at home. You also have access to something else very important – our pledge to treating you better. A progressive, 162–bed, full service hospital, ENMMC is fully accredited by The Joint Commission. We have built a 106-year legacy of blending technology and skill with compassion and healing, and we continue to grow to meet the area’s needs.

Cardiology Cardiovascular Services Dentistry Emergency Medicine Family Practice Gastroenterology General Surgery Geriatrics Internal Medicine Laparoscopic Surgery

We are committed to the health and wellbeing of our community and our technology and facility echo that. With technology such as MRI, 64-slice CT, breast MRI and Image Guided Radiation Therapy for cancer patients most patients can receive the care they need without ever leaving home.

Nephrology

Eastern New Mexico Medical Center is also proud to offer our 30-minute ER Pledge to our community. We are committed to getting our you in and seen by a provider as efficiently as possible. And if you or your loved ones ever experience chest pain or signs of a heart attack, rest assured, we have Interventional Cardiology Physicians on call.

Ophthalmology

Whether you’re here for surgery, outpatient tests, or emergency care, we go out of our way to make you feel calm, comfortable and well cared for. Our staff take pride in taking care of our patients and our community.

Neurology Nuclear Medicine Obstetrics/Gynecology Oncology Oral/Maxillofacial Surgery Orthopedics/Surgery Otolaryngology/Allergy Pain Management Pathology Pediatrics Physical Therapy Podiatry Psychiatry Pulmonology

To learn more about our full range of services and programs visit www.ENMMC.com. .

Radiation Oncology Radiology, Including Nuclear Medicine, CT, MRI Specials, PET/CT Rehab Services Outpatient/Inpatient Respiratory Therapy Rheumatology Sleep Studies Urology Vascular/Endovascular Surgery Wound Care