HHA Scheduler October 20, 2009
A correction from last publication, this update from the Hubbell House Alliance is not in place of our newsletter, La Bandera, but to accompany it and provide further outreach to the community.
As the weather starts to change and summer comes
to an end, we would like to to thank everyone for making our events great and
helping the house and gardens grow. The property is taking new life as
continuous's agriculture projects produce organic peppers, melons, raspberries,
and other amazing vegetables, which can be purchased at the South Valley
Grower's Market and Abuelita's Restaurant. The house has gained history,
artifacts, energy, and character and is only in the infancy stages of something
great. Our events are going will slow down due to the weather but there
are two great events left. We are in the works or establishing seminars,
expanding our gardens, and integrating community organizations, local schools,
and amazing individuals to continue our exponential growth next year.
Chairman Remarks:
Well the year is nearly over and we have come so far! Personally it is the home stretch for me as I end my term on the board after 9 years of board service. Concurrently, Carol Chapman will see her term conclude as well. Carol Chapman if you recall was HHA’s first Chairman followed by Margie Hlava. Much that has been accomplished in my short tenure could not have been done without their sacrifices and I wish to acknowledge their contributions. The Hubbell House Alliance will now be seeing its fourth president and the start of a new decade of existence. We have been blessed and appreciative of a seven year partnership with Bernalillo County Parks and Recreation Open Space in co-managing and operating the property. I believe the partnership has served us well, and has been a good example of a public private partnership!
Where are we today? Some would say it is uncertain for not for profits in these tough economic times. In the previous two quarters we have tightened our financial belts in lieu of private contribution shortcomings. We still could be facing further cuts if this trend continues, but the year is not over yet! Despite many obstacles including starting 5 new board members and having to bid through RFP BCPR county re-selection process and negotiation, we have witnessed the completion of the Casita Caretaker quarters, installation of our computers and office systems along with internet wireless capabilities and multi-security camera systems, audio – visual equipment, performance stage, new tents and a 12 by 20 foot inflatable high definition screen. We have hired two employees Jedrek Lamb and Jeff Warren. Jedrek our administrative/ event coordinator has been a great asset in attracting new partnerships to our organization. Jeff Warren hired as a temp this spring has evolved to be an important component of our agriculture mission. Jeff has produced a much more sophisticated irrigation system for the orchard and vineyard and successfully cultivated two new 30 x 60 foot produce plots in the middle field…I am quite proud of our board in that it has met the challenge to facilitate, organize and coordinate a four fold increase in the amount of events from 2008 to 2009…This was no small task in a one year time frame which fostered many coordinated BCPR events on behalf of the one year commemorative of Aldo Leopold Centennial Celebration. The Celebration held throughout many of the BCPR open space properties including several well attended work shop seminars, movie screenings and a series of environmental films conducted at the Gutierrez-Hubbell property and featured on our new big screen.
Today, we have outfitted the mercantile shop with fixtures, displays and POS systems in the hopes to become a key revenue stream for HHA. The mercantile store will open as a gift shop and include a coffee bistro in an open wireless internet environment with new picnic benches and old fashioned bancos placed throughout the portal and property. It will surly be a great place to relax and sip a hot or cold beverage. As you walk to our shop you will notice our traditional covered wagon and trading post look. We have made arrangements with local growers to sell their products in the shop which bring community and commerce.
In addition, we are in the middle of a most active acquisition period. The Taos Museum and Martinez House have donated several appropriate period furnishings and paintings. I wish to thank them for their generosity along with Carol Chapman, Julia Seligman and Francis Ray for their success in obtaining these historical artifacts.
I also wish to express our board’s gratitude to family, friends and community who have bestowed original Hubbell artifacts currently on display. I must mention, Steve Lane our board secretary and the diligent efforts of the museum design committee in selecting a museum design firm to produce our Master Exhibit Plan, which will eventually be our museum theme and blueprint! In order to stretch our precious dollars and community outreach, we have partnered with Goodwill Industries in a federal jobs retraining program providing limited operational staff to HHA…
Subsequently, by the time you receive this newsletter our Vice-Chairman, Robert Trujillo Clay Campbell, Chip Berglund, Ed Crocker and I will be in Nashville, Tennessee accepting a prestigious award for historic preservation from the National Preservation Trust that will be televised on HGTV and covered by county public relations. What an honor to be recognized nationally for all our efforts. Thanks to the many, including Cornerstones, BCPR, Ed Crocker and all of HHA past and present for creating this possibility…
So what does the future look like? Well we have appointed new board members to replace open board positions to term completion. Arthur Martinez comes to us with great public/private business and government agency experience. New to our board and former County Commissioner, Theresa Cordova has been elected to our board to and we are excited about the possibility of her contribution to the organization. Lucille Cordova no relation to Theresa is a founder of a local historical family themed museum and promises to bring much needed experience and direction to our board. The next wave of board member candidates will continue to create a sustainable organization. Fundraising, grant writing, staffing and more event activities will be a top board priority in 2010…
In summary, I am confident the future we will bring top corporate sponsors. Entities like Wells Fargo who wish to promote themselves in the South Valley and look to the Gutierrez-Hubbell has a great vehicle to work with, may sponsor select future events including our annual Matanza. Unfortunately, this year because of monetary and manpower deficits, we scaled back the Matanza to coincide with our annual election meeting on November 21st, 2009. But we believe the 2010 Matanza will be one to remember! HHA in 2010 will surely grow in its operations and put in place an on site caretaker, enhanced farm operations, and more acquisitions.
Our partner Bernalillo County Parks and Recreation has embarked on future partnership possibilities, which will involve government, not for profits, and corporate partners in a model that promises to enhance the operation and outreach of all its properties. Ultimately, this could create a tremendous synergetic program when properties symbiotically work in harmony. We have laid much groundwork in 2009 and with the new board, I feel confident and optimistic about HHA’s future endeavors. I am grateful to have served alongside BCPR and HHA and thank all of you for nine years of public service.
Sincerely,
Lorenzo Hubbell
Chairman
Hubbell House
Alliance
Summary of Events:
Since the last
publication, there have been many great events that have shown our
diversity. The Medicinal Gardening workshop had one of our largest
turnouts. Seemingly everyone involved was captivated and attentive as we walked
around the property and through the gardens learning about the amazing ability
of plants, so often overlooked. Our big screen was officially revealed
for the Aldo Leopold Legacy Film Series Short Film Competition. The films
were great but the atmosphere was amazing. We then had a very informative
presentation from Albuquerque Hydroponics & Lighting to educate people on
how to keep plants growing all year long. We then brought the big screen
out again to show Blue Gold, a documentary that has won several international
festivals. Several kids and families then joined us for a New Mexico
Mountain Man presentation as Mountain Bob displayed pelts, historical methods,
tools, and stories. From invaluable lessons of the past to the latest
innovations of entertainment, people of all ages and backgrounds are starting
to once again gather at this wonderful place to share and cultivate
energy.
Upcoming Events:
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October 17th |
9:30am – 10:30am |
Harvesting Seeds |
Learn how to practice the ultimate form of sustainability, seed saving. |
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November 7th |
10am – 12pm |
Aldo Leopold Finale |
Join us for education and entertainment as we wrap it all up and discuss where to go from here |
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November 21st |
TBA |
Annual Meeting & Matanza |
Learn what we are doing and how to become involved while enjoying good food. |
Remember, we are open on Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday from 10am to 2pm for anyone to come down for a tour of the beautifully rehabilitated historic house or look around at the ongoing agriculture projects. Feel free to contact our coordinator, Jedrek, at 505-244-0507 or info@hubbellhousealliance.org. We need support and involvement in order to sustain our projects and maintain the house and property that are vital to the community while ensuring constant growth and improvement. Members provide essential support to the Hubbell House Alliance and make sure we stay open. Volunteers give invaluable help towards our agriculture projects and keeping the property majestic. Thank you for all those who have helped and a thank you in advance to those who will join in our commitment to honoring the past and and creating a sustainable future.
Together we will create something great,
Lorenzo Hubbell
Chairman
Hubbell House Alliance
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Enclosed are my dues and donations. |
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$15 |
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$25 |
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$50 |
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Sponsor |
$100 - $499 |
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Ally |
$500 - $999 |
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$1,000 - $2,400 |
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Patron |
$2,500 - $9,000 |
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Lifetime |
$10,000 |
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