Council of Governments holds annual luncheon in Cibola County

GRANTS, N.M. – The Northwest New Mexico Council of Governments held its annual luncheon in Cibola County at Coyote Del Malpais Golf Course on July 28. A large white tent was set up outside the clubhouse, encompassing decorated tables set up for many guests, coming from all across Cibola County and New Mexico. After guests arrived, they signed into the sign-in sheet, grabed a ticket, and took their seats. The event began roughly around noon, and as guests settled in, Grants Councilman Erik Garcia, District 1, gave the welcoming address in place of Grants Mayor Martin “Modey” Hicks, who did not attend the luncheon.

Councilman Garcia thanked everyone for coming, welcomed them to Coyote Del Malpais Golf Course, and spoke on his excitement for the “new direction” that Grants is heading in. Next to speak was Billy Moore, who serves as the Board Chair for the NWNMCOG. Moore took a moment to recognize all of the elected officials and prominent figures present at the luncheon, ranging from the state level to the local level. Some of these figures included State Representative Eliseo Alcon, State Representative Harry Garcia, State Representative Doreen Johnson, Cibola County Manager Kate Fletcher, City of Grants Manager Vanessa Chavez, and Village of Milan Mayor Felix Gonzales, among many others.

After the welcoming address by Councilor Garcia and opening remarks by Chairman Moore, a prayer was offered, and then lunch was served. Caterers for this event were Grandma Jo’s Bakery, located in the Dancing Eagle Supermarket off I-40. After guests finished eating, NWNMCOG Executive Director Evan Williams gave a speech on the state of the COG. There are seven Councils of Government in the state of New Mexico, and in Williams’ opinion, “We live in the best one.”

Williams also went on to discuss the meaning of the COG, saying that there are no jurisdictions, but simply one community. Williams talked about how the COG is stronger when its different parts work together, and then he went on to recognize many individuals present at the luncheon, who he said have done a lot for the COG. A few of these persons included Rep. Garcia, Alcon, Johnson, Eileen Yarborough, Donald Jaramillo, Village of Milan personnel, City of Grants personnel, and Cibola County personnel.

“Economic development is a team sport,” said Williams, also later adding, “We don’t have to worry about holding events in Ci bola County because Cibola County shows up and shows out.”

Williams continued by naming the main priorities of the COG: financial stability, efficient staffing, special projects, and economic development. Williams then asked a few of the NWNMCOG staff members to talk a bit about what they are working on within the COG and what the highlights of their work has been. Michael Sage spoke on his work within the Prewitt, New Mexico area, the Escalante Generating Station, and McKinley Paper. Brandon Howe said his highlight was outdoor recreation planning for the City of Grants. Angelina Gray’s highlights were working in the McKinley County area to establish funding and planning for small and efficient rural water systems and community development programs. Martina Whitmore’s work highlights have been as an administrator for the COG, and working with COG finances, audits, et cetera. Bob Kypers gave a cultural native language welcome and said his highlights were transportation and transportation project funding. This year, Kypers put in an application for $19.5 million since $120 million will be available statewide for transportation projects. Finally, Kerry House talked about working with Zuni Mountain trails projects, statistics, geography, and census data and inclusion. Williams closed by thanking his team for all the hard work they do.

Finally, Regional Champion Awards were given out to the following individuals: Cibola County Commissioner Martha Garcia, City of Farmington Mayor Nate Duckett, McKinley County Attorney Doug Decker, and NMDOT District Engineer Larry Marynard. These individuals were recognized and awarded as regional champions for the leadership, vision, and service they have displayed in their communities. The presenter for Commissioner Garcia individually recognized her for her dedication, determination, rare ability to touch many communities positively, and desire to help and empower people. The presenter also offered his prayers for Garcia, as she had to leave the luncheon early due to a family emergency.

Duckett’s presenter recognized the Farmington mayor’s leadership, strength, pandemic efforts, commitment to the families of Farmington, and his “unwavering support and championing” of the San Juan Trading Station. During Decker’s award presentation, he was recognized for his work as an excellent lawyer, a true friend, confidant, man of faith, and, to Chairman Moore, the “perfect example” of what people should strive to be. Finally, Marynard was commended for his attentiveness, ability to prioritize, always being on top of everything, and his unchanging role with the COG. Marynard said afterward that he never saw what he did as a job or a duty, but rather an opportunity to work with a lot of great people.

In bringing the luncheon to a close, door prizes were given out to guests who had their ticket number called. These included water bottles, flower arrangements, a New Mexico United flag, and a Coyote Del Malpais handbag.

Event partners for the 2021 Annual NWNMCOG Luncheon were the City of Grants, specifically Projects Coordinator Donald Jaramillo. Event sponsors were the City of Grants, Grants Police Department, Coyote Del Malpais Golf Course, and McKinley County.