Meadow Lake Residents Association

Tis' The Season

2008-12-03T09:04:00.001-07:00

Tis' The Season for snow and toys,
Tis' The Season for all good little girls and boys.

Tis' The Season to think about others not as fortunate as we,
Tis' The Season to donate and put some presents under their tree.

While your deciding on which charity to use to make someone else's
dream come true,
I've prepared some Christmas music just for you.

http://mysharedfiles.no-ip.org/Christmas/mp3player.html

If you need some help in deciding which charity to choose,
I've set up a safe and secure one, which all of you may use.

http://give.salvationarmyusa.org/goto/bob3160

Have a great Holiday Season and don't forget to help some one else this year,
by donating and bringing them some Christmas cheer.

Halloween Potluck

2008-10-05T15:25:00.004-06:00

2008-09-21T08:12:00.002-06:00

Safer Under The Stars

2008-08-01T18:19:00.002-06:00

This is sponsored by The 13th Judicial District Attorney's Office.
Come and check it out. Meet your neighbors and enjoy some free food.

Safer Under The Stars

2008-07-17T16:11:00.001-06:00

Join us in organizing our COUNTY WIDE fight against crime. Help make our kids, family, friends, and neighbors

safe

July 24^th, 2008 at 6:00 pm

the Meadow Lake Community Center, 100 Cuerro Lane, Meadowlake Road, New Mexico

Uniting all residents of Valencia County in a calculated effort to reclaim our streets.

COME HELP US:

· Organize the Weed and Seed Task Force

· Organize Teams of action

· Kick off our Safer Under The Stars Task Force on Tuesday AUGUST 5^th.

Remember to join us, Thursday July 24^th, as we take the first steps towards Taking Back Our Streets, and halting the crime that runs them.

Questions Contact: Special Programs Director Annette Martinez-Varela at 505-343-7514

Email: Amartinez-Varela@da.state.nm.us

Sponsored by: 13^th Judicial District Attorney’s Office

2008-07-11T14:55:00.006-06:00

Attention Meadow Lake Residents!

On July 23rd an application for a Zone Change from RR1 to C2 will be heard at the Planning and Zoning Commission at 4 PM in the Commission Chambers of the Courthouse on Luna Avenue.

The application to be heard is for a Special Events Arena to be located at: 35 High Deal Drive (HIGH DEAL and FENCELINE ROAD)

We've been told that the events planned at this arena can be as large as 500 people or more.

All interested parties should attend this hearing and voice their opinions.
You can also contact the following County Leaders to express your thoughts:

ERIC ZAMORA ..................COUNTY MANAGER .............866-2003
JAMES ARANDA ...............PLANNING & ZONING ..........866-2050
RUBEN CHAVEZ .............. CODE ENFORCEMENT......... 866-2035
LYNETTE PINKSTON ...... COMMISSIONER ..................865-6786

At present, the applicants have been served with a notice to stop all activities until their application has either been approved or denied.

2008-06-26T08:05:00.004-06:00

Big Spring Fire

Pictures taken by Torres Leyba
a Director of the
Meadow Lake Residents Association
on 6-25-08
at approximately 12:25 PM
Pictures where taken from the
Meadow Lake Senior/Community Center
At 12:00 Noon, this fire was described as 90% contained.
15 minutes later, it was considered "Out of Control"
When will New Mexico learn from it's past, recent fire history ???
How many more of it's citizens have to needlessly suffer ?
90% contained means finish your job. Put out the fire !!!
Don't walk away to have it again flair up as it has done in
2 successive fires at almost the same location.

* Help Us Celebrate The 4th Of July *

2008-06-24T15:58:00.005-06:00

Election News And Update For The Residents Of Meadow Lake.

2008-06-06T08:56:00.001-06:00

As of 10 p.m. Tuesday 6/03/08, the will of the People along with a healthy dose of mathematical certainty has determined that neither Commissioner Lynnette Pinkston or State Senator James Taylor will return to their offices in January 2009. Tonight, both were effectively defeated for re-election and will relinquish their offices on the last day of December 2008.
For Meadowlake, this news can be either a time of progress and growth or a time of sadness and slowdown. From this moment on the decision as to whom will be elected to these two offices is now firmly and unquestionably in the hands of our Residents. We had a historic turnout in our Precinct Tuesday - from 2004, when less than 45 votes combined determined who would be the winner in any particular race, nearly 200 voters turned out to cast their ballots for their local and National representation in 2008's Primary ALONE. As expected, it was a General Election-type turnout, and November should be double, if not triple that amount.
Meadowlake, led by those who care, regardless of what office they may hold or what organization they may belong to at any given moment, can lead the Community we love no matter who happens to be in or out of elective office; now that the votes have been cast in the name of our future, in the immortal words of Robert Redford, "What do we do now?"
The answer, in the case of Meadowlake, its dreams and its future has now become as important for us as Residents as it is for those who were victorious in their campaigns on Tuesday. In the light of this new Dawn, may the answer we give in the days ahead be worthy of the beautiful Community and the good people whose lives we strive to make better by our service - every single day.
Respectfully,
Torres G. Leyba
Director
Meadow Lake Residents Association

Meadow Lake Spring Cleanup

2008-05-18T07:50:00.003-06:00

Click picture to enlarge
Thanks to all of you who participated.
Each one of you can consider yourselves an
UNSUNG HERO OF MEADOW LAKE.
Thank You

Manzano Fire

2008-04-30T17:11:00.004-06:00

Click picture to enlarge

The Manzano Fire which has been burning for
over two weeks is again out of control.
More pictures are available here

Spring Cleanup

2008-04-27T15:53:00.000-06:00

Date: May 17th 2008
Time: 8:00 AM till 1:00 PM
Place: Meadow Lake Community (Senior) Center
Call: 306-1549 For More Information

Couple suspected in Meadow Lake murder

2008-03-29T08:02:00.002-06:00

LOS LUNAS, N. M. (KRQE) - Arrest warrants have been issued for a young couple
wanted in connection with the murder of a man in Meadow Lake Monday night.
The second teen-ager suspected of murdering a Meadow Lake man is now in custody.
Brittany Brylowe, 19, turned herself in Friday night.
You can read the rest of the story at:
http://www.krqe.com/global/story.asp?s=8086837

The Murder of a Resident

2008-03-26T16:12:00.004-06:00

Mr. Burns' ( The person slain at 572 Meadow Lake Road) alleged lifestyle is the aspect of the case that will most likely receive the most attention by the media and possibly our own residents, it is still important to keep in mind the fact that regardless of status or standing in the community (drug dealer, tanker driver, association officer, tireless public advocate, etc.), Murder is still Murder, and somebody chose to commit the act here against one of our own residents because their perception of us is of a community that will not care or take appropriate action because "this time" it was just some scuzzy pusher who got whacked in his own drug den.

What we would like our residents to remember is that other people's perceptions of Meadow Lake is what led to Burn's choosing to make us his home base initially; that in turn led to criminal activity in our area which, due to poor police coverage during his stay here finally resulted in an even greater criminal act being committed against him, right in the very heart of our community. As for having a crappy yard, well, that's something my family and I are trying to cope with ourselves - But death, either to my family, to me or to someone with a criminal record is no solution to the issue, nor should the issue of yard upkeep, drug use or any other human failing ever be an acceptable reason for shrugging off a crime as heinous as the taking of another human being's life.

The majority of the residents of Meadow Lake don't condone whatever criminal activity Burns may or may not have been engaged in here. The Meadow Lake Residents Association will continue to take these issues front and center before our County officials, our Law Enforcement agencies and our Judiciary to address, not just leaving them to be sorted out by the same criminal element we're trying to get rid of. George Burns wasn't killed because people were outraged with his dealing drugs, he was killed because the drugs he was dealing probably didn't meet one of his customer's standards, and thats no damn defense.

A manned Sub-Station in Meadow Lake, combined with a more visible and available police presence here puts all residents breaking the law on notice that their lifestyles will not be tolerated within our boundaries, and that the people who would do deals with them had better think real hard before committing any act that could be construed as against the law in any way. That should be our message going forward with this if we're asked; to do less is to put attention on one crime while completely ignoring a much larger and more dangerous one for our residents. No one life is less worthy of protection than anyone else here - thats one reason why our long-time residents have always said that Meadow Lake really is "Above it All."
Respectfully submitted,
Torres Leyba
Director, MLRA

Suspicious Death

2008-03-25T06:58:00.004-06:00

MEADOW LAKE, N. M. (KRQE) - Investigators tonight are looking at a suspicious death in the Valencia County community of Meadow Lake.

A man in his mid-50s was found dead at a home in the 500 block of Meadow lake Road around 7 p.m.

Deputies said a neighbor found the body after noticing the victim's back door was open.

For now investigators have little to go on:

"At this time there is no weapon," Sheriff's Deputy Ed Chavez said. "We do not have any suspect.

"We're treating it as a suspicious death until we get some more facts."

The victim reportedly had wounds to his head and upper body, but so far there is no word on the cause of death.

If you have any information and/or are able to help our Sheriff's Department, please contact them at:

(505) 866-2460

Remember, we are their eyes and ears.

Volunteers Needed !

2008-03-18T06:46:00.001-06:00

The Meadow Lake Fire department needs volunteers.
For information please call: (505) 975-8299

Senior Bingo

2008-03-13T16:20:00.002-06:00

Our Seniors enjoying the weekly Bingo
held every Thursday from 1 PM - 3 PM
at the Community/Senior Center.
If your a Senior, (60 and Up) come join us.

Cleaning Up!

2008-02-23T12:58:00.002-07:00

Even the wind couldn't stop this cleanup!

2008-02-18T09:02:00.003-07:00

Our Seniors at Lunch

Meadow Lake Residents Association Meeting
on 3/08/2008 Starts at 10 AM
at the

Meadow Lake Community Center.

Bring a Neighbor!

Spring Pot Luck
on 3/15/2008 Starts at 11 AM
at the

Meadow Lake Community Center.

An Angry Sunset

2008-02-13T19:37:00.002-07:00

A storm is brewing.
Can you tell ?

2008-02-08T08:58:00.000-07:00

2007-12-26T18:29:00.000-07:00

"Red Sky at night, Sailors delight".
According to our Sunset tonight,
we should have a great day tomorrow.
Beautiful sunsets are just one of the joys of living
in Meadow Lake.

Christmas - Anniversary Celebration

2007-12-06T06:41:00.000-07:00

Sat. Dec. 15 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM at the Meadow Lake Community Center
Help us celebrate our 1st Anniversary and the Christmas holidays.

A sign-up sheet for the Pot luck celebration will be available at the Meadow Lake Community Center starting Sat 12-08-07 when we hold our next
Meadow Lake Residents Association Meeting.

For the Celebration we will also be asking that all those who attend bring at least one can of non perishable food to be donated to the San Juan Diego Parish Food drive.

Here are the important dates to remember:

12-08-07 Meadow Lake Residents Association Meeting
at the Community center 10.00 AM
12-08-07 Older American Program Meeting starts following the
Association Meeting
12-15-07 Christmas - Pot Luck Anniversary Celebration 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM
Don't forget to bring FOOD for the celebration and a Non Perishable food item to be donated.

Thanks, see all of you soon.

Neighborhood Watch

2007-11-13T07:43:00.000-07:00

Neighborhood Watch Organization Meeting
November 17 at 10:00AM
at the
Meadow Lake Community Center

Sponsored by our Commissioner
Lynette Pinkston
and
Deputy Sheriff Jorge Trujillo

All Residents Are Urged To Attend.

______________________________

Stay informed. Visit the Association's website:
http://mlra.newmexico.googlepages.com

Guest Speaker

2007-11-08T14:36:00.000-07:00

Our District Attorney Lemuel Martinez will be our featured guest speaker at the next Meadow Lake Residents Association meeting to be held on Nov 10th from 10:00AM till 12Noon at the Meadow Lake Community Center. Bring your neighbor and some questions.

Giant Yard Sale

2007-09-21T15:50:00.000-06:00

Giant Yard Sale Saturday 9-22-07
7:00 AM till 2:00 PM
at the Meadow Lake Community Center

A Sad Note

2007-09-14T14:42:00.000-06:00

Our mascot JADE, who was owned by Bill and Rosemary LeBrecht passed away yesterday. She has been their friend and companion for the past 12 years and will be deeply missed. I and I'm sure the rest of the members of the Meadow Lake Residents Association extend our deepest sympathy.

2007-08-26T16:04:00.000-06:00

Click picture to enlarge

The Meadow Lake Firehouse expansion project looks like it's getting close to completion.
The next Meadow Lake Residents Association will be held on 9-8-07 at 10:00 AM at the Meadow Lake Community Center. Bring a neighbor.

Town Hall Meeting

2007-08-04T05:58:00.001-06:00

(Click to enlarge)
Commissioner Lynette Pinkston will be holding a Town Meeting on Tuesday Aug. 7th at 7:00PM at the Community Center to discuss the possible partial closing of Mesa Estates Rd. aka Fence Line Rd.
All interested residents are urged to attend.

Thanks to Cindy Sluter and Tierra Bonnita we again had a large dumpster delivered.

Construction is proceeding on schedule for both the Community Center and the Firehouse.

Your Association In The News

2007-07-14T14:41:00.000-06:00

Following todays interesting meeting, several of the directors
of the Meadow Lake Community Association where interviewed.
KOB-TV (Channel 4) will show their highlights during the 6 PM and 10 PM News.
KOAT -TV (Channel 7) will show their highlights during the 10 PM News Today and, during the 6 AM News on Sunday.
Unfortunately or special guest Rep. Kiki Saavedra was unable to attend due to the unexpected death of a close friend.
He expects to meet with the directors in the near future to discuss our concerns in order to determine what help is able to offer.
More news to follow shortly.

Meet Rep. "Kiki" Saavedra

2007-07-08T14:03:00.000-06:00

Henry "Kiki" Saavedra
Representative for the 10th District.
He is our Representative at the State Legislature
and will be our honored speaker at the
July 14th Meadow Lake Residents Association meeting.
Please attend, bring a friend and as always, remember that
every one is welcome.
The meeting starts at 10 AM at the Meadow Lake Community Center

Sunset 6-22-07

2007-06-23T09:16:00.001-06:00

Click picture to enlarge.
We had a cloud cover last night which made for a pretty sunset.
Unfortunately, we only got a few sprinkles out of this.

Firehouse Groundbreaking Pictures

2007-06-19T16:38:00.001-06:00

On Sat. 6-16-07 a groundbreaking ceremony was held at the
Meadow Lake Firehouse. If you couldn't come, you missed a nice event.
Here are two alternate ways to see these pictures: Album
SlideShow

Ground Breaking

2007-06-12T19:43:00.000-06:00

There will be a ground breaking ceremony
at the Meadow Lake Firehouse on 6-16-2007
at 9AM. Please join us for this festive and important event.

A sucessful Community Project

2007-04-30T07:17:00.000-06:00

59 brave soles showed up for our clean up campaign on the 21st of April 2007.
The winds blew so bad that it was hard to keep the trash from blowing out of the bags.
The bar-b-que /pot luck luncheon turned out great. All food was gone by 1:15pm.
But everyone enjoyed themselves, and worked very hard.
Thank you to all who helped with the clean up and brought food and drinks for the Pot-luck lunch and Bar B Que.
The Meadow Lake Residents Association appreciates all your efforts.
Thanks again!
Click here for more pictures.
Our next Meadow Lake Residents Association meeting is scheduled for May 12, 2007 at the Meadow Lake Community Center at 10 AM.
Bring a neighbor.

Your Tax Dollars At Work

2007-04-05T09:31:00.000-06:00

(Click on any picture to enlarge it)

Sam Aragon, Lynette Pinkston, Rubin Chavez and, Tony Savilla
One of the Meadow Lake Residents Association's prime goals is the removal of abandoned and burned homes in our area. On April 2nd with the combined efforts of all those who make up the Association and represented on that day by one of our Directors, Sam Aragon, the abandoned home at 51 Osha was finally demolished and remove.
Our sincere thanks to County Commissioner Lynette Pinkston, Planning and Zoning Officer Rubin Chavez and the Abatement Officer Tony Savilla for making this goal a reality.
This wasn't the first and will not be the last home to either be renovated or remove.

Tony Savilla surveying the fruits of his labor.

The crew hard at work.

A Good Reason to live in Meadow Lake NM

2007-04-02T09:06:00.000-06:00

To view a slide show of Sunset in Meadow Lake, Please click HERE
(High Speed Internet Access is suggested)

Patronize our Local Merchants .
It makes good Community and Economic sense.

Update:
Mr. George Boss was found yesterday in Albuquerque.
He is fine.

Community Clean-Up and Potluck Bar-b-que

2007-04-01T18:25:00.000-06:00

Join us on April 21st from 8:00am till 3:00pm. We will take a break from 12:00 noon till 1:00 pm for a Potluck Bar-b-que. Come join us at the Meadow Lake Community Center at 8:00am to sign up for this community function. All able bodied residents are invited and needed. Help in keeping our community free of trash.
Working together, turns a chore into something enjoyable.
Please come and join us,
Rosemary LeBrecht

MISSING

2007-03-31T15:45:00.000-06:00

George Boss of Meadow Lake wandered away from his home last night.
He is a tall, ( 6'2" ) elderly, (50 - 60 years) thin, man with gray hair.

Mr Boss suffers from Alzheimer's and is an insulin dependent diabetic who hasn't had any medication since last night.

If you see him, please call 911

Thank You Commissioner Lynette Pinkston

2007-03-31T11:26:00.000-06:00

Re-striping of Meadowlake Road has been completed.

Safe passing zones are now clearly marked.
The new speed limits should be posted soon.

Our next Meadow Lake Residents Association meeting
is scheduled for April 14, 2007 at the Community Center.
Bring a neighbor.

A successful Shot Clinic

2007-03-21T05:27:00.000-06:00

Thanks to the combined efforts of some very
dedicated people, this past Saturday 3-17-2007
was a great day for 212 pooches who received vaccinations
that day.
You'll find more pictures of the event here

Your Help Is Urgently Needed

2007-03-12T10:27:00.000-06:00

Early this morning ( 3/12-07 ) 42-year-old Kathleen Cooper was the victim of a fatal hit and run.
If you have any information, PLEASE contact the New Mexico State Police - the Valencia County Sheriff''s department (505)866-2400 or the Association's hot line.
You'll find phone numbers here
The incident occurred an Meadow Lake Road just east of Manzano Expressway.
Deputies believe the vehicle, which is estimated as having been traveling at about 55 miles per hour at the time, may have driven off the road when it struck Ms. Cooper. Evidence at the scene makes deputies believe the vehicle could be an early '90s model Ford.
Deputy Methola said Ms. Cooper is in critical condition at the University of New Mexico Hospital with two broken legs, a broken back and severe head injuries. She has undergone two surgeries, but the deputy said doctors still aren't sure if she'll survive.
Update:
Nearly three weeks after being struck from behind while walking on the side of the road, Kathleen Cooper died Friday 3-30-07 from her injuries. Cooper, 42, was struck by a vehicle while walking on Meadow Lake Road in the early morning hours of Monday, March 12.

Summary of the March Meeting

2007-03-11T08:09:00.000-06:00

The meeting was called to order at 10 AM and following the customary and welcome Pledge of Allegiance, the agenda for this meeting was approved.
Our Fire Marshal Casey Davis was awarded a certificate of appreciation by Bill LeBrecht.
Sam Aragon brought us up-to-date on the items of interest which the board has actively perused since the last meeting.

Lt. Robert Shilling present an update of the Impact Program setup for the Meadow Lake area.
( An Impact Operation is a planned law enforcement activity involving more than one resource (Officer/Agent) and focused on meeting a specific goal or objective)
To Date, there have been 32 such "Operations" which resulted in the following aggregate results:
1. Total Arrests to date: 41
2. Drug and Property Activity to date:
Firearms Seized: 7 Stolen Vehicles recovered: 11
Recovered Property: 3 Incidents
Total Drugs confiscated (including Marijuana, Meth and Cocaine) valued in excess of $330,000.00
3. On the lighter side, some of us have also learned to slow down a bit and are all wearing our seat belts. It's the safer and cheaper thing to do......

Judy Babcock from Quixote Humane, Inc. filled us in on the upcoming Meadow Lake Shot Clinic which will be held on March 17th from 10 AM TO 2 PM.

The Association's By-laws where given out, read, discussed and, after a few minor adjustment where unanimously approved by the members.

For those of you able to attend, the next County Commissioner's Meeting will be held on
March 14th at 5 PM at the Court House.

On April 21 2007 a Community Cleanup with POT LUCK & BAR-B-QUE is planned. If you haven't signed up, contact the Association.

The Meeting was adjourned at 12:40 PM

Our next Meadow Lake Residents Association meeting will be held on April 14 2007 from 10 AM to 12 PM at the Meadow Lake Community Center

Meadow Lake Shot Clinic

2007-03-09T11:13:00.000-07:00

Saturday March 17 2007
10:00 AM To 2:00 PM

at the

Meadow Lake Community Center
$5.00 Per Dog which includes:
Parvo/Distemper 5-way shot
Rabies vaccination (required by State law)
One year County license (required by County)
Voucher for $20 spay or $15 neuter (by April 10, 2007)
Collar and Gift pack first 100 dogs

For further information call: (505) 203-4459
or check out the Quixote News and Events

Sponsored by:
Meadow Lake Residents Association
and
Quixote Humane, Inc

Valencia County Hospital Site Approved

2007-03-08T08:52:00.000-07:00

The county commission met at 9 a.m. Wednesday, March 7, at the boardroom in the county courthouse. The consideration of a hospital site was again on the agenda, after being tabled at the Feb. 21 commission meeting.

The site located at Rt 47 and Manzano Expressway was ultimately chosen after a fairly boisterous discussion. Commissioner Ron Gentry, Commissioner Lynette Pinkston and, Commissioner Georgia Otero-Kirkham voting in favor of this site.

CYFD - Implement Changes - NOW

2007-02-21T17:18:00.000-07:00

The article in the News-Bulletin on 2/14/07 and the responses made by CYFD Cabinet Secretary-Designate Dorian Dodson, should have been titled "CYFD evaluates how to best avoid responsibility"

At this point, finding excuses or looking for others to blame or, planning for some distant future changes will NOT prevent another loss of life that should have been prevented by CYFD.

It is time for this agency to own up to it's mistakes and take the lead in implementing immediate changes in it's flawed responses to the needs to the children this agency was set up to protect.

There is unfortunately nothing that any one can do to bring Amanda Piggott back. CYFD can however make the necessary changes to prevent another senseless death.

CYFD - Implement Changes - Do it NOW.....
WE ARE WATCHING and WE WILL NOT FORGET !!!

An Update and a Thank You

2007-02-18T11:00:00.000-07:00

After a little over a month of intensive work, the Valencia County Hospital Planning Board presented its final three hospital site suggestions to the county commission Wednesday evening (2/17/06). There where quite a few remarks made from various representatives from local home owners and community associations which can best be summed up as follows:
The hospital is being built to prevent local patients from having to drive to Albuquerque and should be where the people are going to use it. It's not built for the doctors convenience. Although none of the 3 sites are perfect, it was the general consensus of the community representatives present, that the site at Highway 47 and Manzano Expressway would be the most favorable for the residents not living near Interstate 25.
The commission is expected to make a decision on a hospital site at its 9 a.m. meeting on Wednesday, Feb. 21, at the courthouse.
You are all urged to attend and may express your own opinions in the open discussion portion of this meeting.
___________________________________________________

Lt. Robert Shilling of the New Mexico State Police recently made the following remark to Rosemary LeBrecht:
"This situation/project going on in Meadow lake is my 'ideal' of what law enforcement should be all about...and it's about time! I'm in it for the long haul... One of my long standing 'distastes' with the law enforcement profession is that it seems most people don't give a hoot...you all do."
We (The Meadow Lake Residents Association) want to thank Lt. Robert Shilling for all the extra work he has put into helping our association.

Amanda Piggott - Deceased but NOT Forgotten

2007-02-07T15:19:00.001-07:00

As a resident of Meadow Lake, I was deeply disturbed by the article that appeared in the Valencia County News Bulletin on 2/3/07 regarding the charges brought against Nelda Piggott and her son Christopher in the negligent death of Amanda Piggott.

I am also appalled at the apparent disregard by the State agency (CYFD) to protect Amanda. The agency apparently received 8 notices of abuse and never lifted a finger to help or rescue Amanda.
In my eyes, they are at least equally guilty in the death of this child who was adopted by Mrs. Pigott. Why didn't CYFD which is charged with protecting our children's welfare, step in sooner? Is Meadow Lake so far out of the mainstream that even our needy and, in this case, totally neglected children are forgotten ?

As a member of the Meadow Lake Residents Association,
I'll make sure this issue is brought up on 2/10/07,
when we have our next monthly Assosiation Meeting
at the Meadow Lake Community Center.

As a father, grand-father and great-grandfather, it hurts deeply when an incident like this happen. Unfortunately, this isn't a perfect world or a perfect society. There is however no excuse for a watchdog agency like the State Children, Youth and Families Department
to stand idly by while a child is abused and neglected until she dies of dehydration.
Bob G.

Shame on them and shame on all of us for allowing this to happen.

Update:
A Valencia County jury on Oct 9th acquitted Nelda Anne Piggott who was on trial this week on charges that she placed her
14-year-old adopted disabled daughter in a situation that caused her death last year.
Christopher Piggott, 21, who has also been charged, is awaiting a hearing to determine competency.

The full story can be found in an article recently published in the News-Bulletin

Thank You Lieutenant Robert W. Shilling

2007-01-28T06:52:00.000-07:00

On Saturday Jan 27th 2006, Lieutenant Robert W Shilling
conducted the "Refuse to Be A Victim" program at the
Meadow Lake Community Center.

Approximately 40 people attended this extremely worthwhile and
informative program.

For those of you who could not attend, remember, the program is available on the Internet at: http://www.nrahq.org/rtbav/

We all owe Lieutenant Robert W Shilling a great big "Thanks"
for the effort he has put into his presentation and for his and
the New Mexico State Police's continued involvement and support
they are giving to the Meadow Lake Community.

Road Block

2007-01-28T06:12:00.000-07:00

On Thursday, Jan 25 2006 the New Mexico State Police
manned a surprise Road Block and netted the following results:

-5 warrant arrests
-1 stolen car
-2 guns seized
-3 cars towed
-4 gang members identified
and interviewed
-some minor narcotics seizures
- they also identified the gang members who've
been responsible for a lot of the tagging the
Meadow Lakes Community
- the State Police also received a lot of valuable information
on still ongoing criminal activities

Lieutenant Robert W. Shilling of the NM State police stated that
90% of the people they talked to while conducting the road block
where extremely happy to see them.

Thank You

2007-01-20T14:27:00.000-07:00

One of our newest members Gene Nall, did an excellent job in summing up the important items covered in our last meeting. Here is what he wrote in a letter to the editor of the Valencia County News-Bulletin:

Join a group to help your community

"Today, Saturday, Jan. 13, I attended the Meadow Lake Residents Association meeting. Even though I do not live in Meadow Lake proper, a few miles west on Meadow Lake Road, I felt as if it may be to my interest to check out the meeting.
I was very impressed by the great turn-out of residents, state and county law enforcement officers, zoning, animal control, Tierra Bonita and our county commissioner as well as appointed association officers. In fact, I was so impressed that I signed up as a member of the association. Ya know, strength in numbers.
I believe it would be beneficial if others not living in Meadow Lake proper would also become members and participate in helping in the clean-up and crime prevention for this area. It would also be well if residents of other communities would adopt a similar program.
... There are many things to be learned, such as getting license plate numbers and reporting them to the proper source when you observe littering or even trash falling from vehicles. There is an ordinance that the trash being hauled must be covered."

A sincere Thank You Mr Nall for your kind words and welcome to the Association.

Remember:
The "Refuse to Be A Victim" program will be presented on Saturday Jan 27th 10 AM at the Meadow Lake Community Center. Don't forget to Bring your lunch.

Short Update

2007-01-13T18:51:00.000-07:00

01-13-2007

We had another great meeting today including quite a few new members.

A complete update will follow in a few days but I thought the Emergency phone numbers needed to be posted as soon as possible:

Dont forget to visit our Website

Update!

2006-12-29T06:52:00.000-07:00

The State Police Impact operation has to date netted the following results:

-13 “Operations” conducted since November 9, 2006
-17 Arrests (7 Felony, 10 Misdemeanors)
-5 Recovered Stolen Vehicles
-1 Recovered Stolen Camper
-1 Seized Firearm
-1.5 lbs. Marijuana Seized
-3 grams Cocaine Seized
-3 grams Meth Seized
-2 Search Warrants Served
Our sincere thanks for their continuing vigilance.

Robert Shilling reported the following:
"We are continuing to receive good information and intelligence. Please advise all the folks to keep the calls coming with respect to suspicious activity, residences and vehicles! 841-9218…P.S. License plate numbers and house descriptions are VERY helpful!!!!"

He further passed on the following reminder:
"In an effort to impact crime in the area, including dangerous and/or illegal driving, the State Police will randomly conduct DAYLIGHT Driver’s License, Registration, and Insurance compliance roadblocks.
The New Year is a good reminder for the residents to check out their vehicles and make sure everything is current and up to date. Don’t forget to check your driver’s license!"

To date, we have a total of 75 people registered for the Refuse to Be A Victim class which will be held on Jan 27th as listed on the Meadow Lake Residents Association website.
Those of you with Internet access, are welcome to check out the online version of this course.

Reminder:
Next regular meeting will be held on Jan 13 2007

Meadow Lake still making Headlines

2006-12-20T09:11:00.000-07:00

Here are some Excerpts:

There are places in Valencia County where homes are protected by barbed wire, businesses' doors and windows are covered with wrought iron and residents don't go out at night.
Belen ranks No. 1 in property crime.Nationally, Los Lunas is in the top 1 percent in violent crime, and Belen is in the top 4 percent for cities their size.
Police say drugs, gangs and criminals from Albuquerque seeking refuge in rural areas are fueling the problem.

"There is more than just a sense that there are more bad guys than good guys. It is a reality in Valencia County," said State Police Lt. Robert Shilling. "Hats off to Albuquerque. They have done a good job at addressing their crime problem. But the reality is they have not squashed it. They have just moved it."

Det. Steve Flores, one of two officers in Valencia County who investigates narcotics full time, said the drugs are also coming from Albuquerque gang members."Before I came here, drugs were running rampant. No one was working it," he said. "The second day on the job, I seized 60 pounds of marijuana. There is plenty of work here."

In the midst of it all are residents like Bill and Rosemary Lebrecht. The couple lives in a nice one-story home on two acres in Meadow Lake.Their home is well kept, the house is graffiti-free and they take pride in their community.But they are surrounded by burned trailers. The never go on extended vacations, and every time they leave, they lock their driveway with a large farm fence.At night? "We never go out," Rosemary Lebrecht said.

Last month, the impact team conducted a special operation in Meadow Lake, seized a significant amount of narcotics and arrested four people who had warrants in Bernalillo County.
Lt. Shilling said, "Crime prevention doesn't start with law enforcement. It starts with citizens not wanting crime in their neighborhood."

This is precisely why the Meadow Lake Residents Association was formed.
We, the Meadow Lake residents, are like minded citizens united in a common goal. In unity, there is strength and together we plan to restore our community so that it will again be considered:
"Safe, Beautiful and a Desirous place to live".

The full article article can be found here:
http://www.news-bulletin.com/news/67453-12-16-06.html

Snow - Snow - Snow

2006-12-19T16:13:00.000-07:00

Mother nature is getting ready for Santa in Meadow Lake

Los Lunas Mew Mexico

Click on the links for Full size pictures

TopLeft ..... TopRight

BottomLeft ..... BottomCenter ..... BottomRight

Meadow Lake begins work on crime and cleanup.

2006-12-14T11:38:00.000-07:00

Here are some highlights from our last meeting held on 12-09-2006:

The Directors of the Meadow Lake Residents Association are taking their concerns before the county commission, law enforcement agencies, judges and the governor. We've made contact with newly elected State Rep. Andrew Barreras and newly elected County Commissioner David Medina, and they've promised to help us with our efforts.

Sam Aragon offered a special thanks to Cyndi Sluder of Tierra Bonita, the county's Keep New Mexico Beautiful agency for procuring dumpsters for us to help in the continuing effort to clean up our community.

Rosemary Lebrecht explained that the association dues have been established at $5.00 per month per family for those that can afford it. These dues are needed to help cover association costs.

Joe Morse was asked to organize three committees at the meeting, and residents were asked to sign up and volunteer to work on them immediately.
The three committees will focus on trash and weeds, a Neighborhood Watch program and an abatement program to get burned-out mobile homes removed.

State Police Sgt. Andy Baldridge explained that he is stationed in Los Lunas and understands that the residents of Meadow Lake have been having problems.
"I'll be one of your primary points of contact, and one of my specialties is community policing," Sgt. Andy Baldridge said. "We're committed to doing as much as we can, and when we're not on other calls, we are specifically detailed to come out here and spend as much time in the area as we can." "The police, are a tool, but we're not the answer to the problems out here," Baldridge said. "We want to educate you guys and give you more tools on how to deal with these things."

Sheriff's Deputy Jorge Trujillo talked a little about the Neighborhood Watch program the residents can organize and said they will start at the first of the year to get those established.
"The best weapon you can have is a pair of binoculars, not a gun or a knife," Trujillo said. The long process of removing abandoned or burned-out buildings was spelled out, and John Mirabal,
county code enforcement officer, and Tony Savilla, an abatemant officer for the county, took residents through the 12 steps that have to be taken.

We also received an education of the trials and tribulations of a 911 operator thanks to the great insight Faye Mitchell shared with us.

An association Web site was created by Bob Gostischa and is now in place. The association's e-mail and blog, which were set up earlier, can all be reached by visiting: http://mlra.newmexico.googlepages.com/
"It's the quickest way to find out what's going on between meetings," Bob Gostischa said.

In closing, Sam Aragon emphasized: "We don't have to live like this. We formed the association to revitalize Meadow Lake and bring it back to what it used to be."

Jackie Schlotfeldt of the Valencia County News-Bulletin has done an excellent job of writing up the complete minutes of our last meeting. Their newspaper is an excellent way to stay up-to-date with local news.

The next meeting of the Meadow Lake Residents Association will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 13, at the community center.

Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays And A Happy New YearTo All The Meadow Lake Residents

An Early Holiday Surprise.

2006-11-29T11:18:00.000-07:00

Mother Nature surprised us today with a little reminder that winter isn't far away.
Since we only have just over 25 days till Christmas, this should get every one into

the holiday spirit!
You can see the full size image HERE . Remember, the next scheduled meeting is on Saturday, December 9th at 10 AM.

Visit our Website

Meadow Lake Community Center Cleanup.

2006-11-20T05:57:00.000-07:00

Saturday was cleanup day at the Meadow Lake Community Center.

Some of the members of the Meadow Lake Residents Association got together on

Sat. 11-18-06 for the start of the Community Center's cleanup campaign.

It was truly amazing to see the drastic change that occurred in just a short amount of time.

When people work together, the effort seems minimal and the rewards are truly magnified. Hopefully every one is able to see the small Slide Show I've put together.

Unfortunately the day didn't start of as we had hoped.

Apparently some Vandals had gotten to the center sometime during the night.

I'm sure this issue will be covered more fully at our next regular meeting on Dec. 9, 2006.

We Are Here To Stay!

2006-11-16T14:36:00.000-07:00

The Meadow Lake Residents' Association isn't going away.

That was the very clear message sent at last Saturday's meeting. One of the association founders, Rosemary Lebrecht, said she felt it was only fair that the group contact the governor.
"We sent him a letter," she said. "We got a letter back stating that our information had been forwarded to the New Mexico Department of Public Safety. I contacted his office again, and we're now on a three-page list of people who want to see him. This will take time, and we will keep going."
Several law enforcement officers were on hand at the meeting to update the association and the gathered citizens on what steps they would be taking to increase police presence in Meadow Lake.
New Mexico state police Sgt. Pat Garrett said either he or officer Randy Baldridge would be at the association's monthly meetings from now on. "We are both familiar with the problems here," he said. "We will work to assist you with the limited resources we have."
Garrett said he has sent e-mails to all uniformed officers who patrol the area and asked them to hit Meadow Lake and El Cerro harder. "We know these are areas of concern," he said.
According to Garrett, state police will also be stepping up speed enforcement, setting up a field sobriety checkpoint in the Meadow Lake area on Nov. 17 and trying to serve arrest warrants on wanted individuals living in or known to frequent the area.
Garrett also said the state police would be meeting with the Valencia County sheriff's department. "We can't do this alone," he said.
Garrett said he had been told that many citizens hesitate to call law enforcement for fear of retaliation. "You can remain anonymous," he said. "You can go through Samuel (Aragon) with a sealed letter. You don't have to tell us exactly where you live. Just give us the area. We're not going to send officers to your house so everyone knows you called us."
An operational plan will be developed to address problems and issues in Meadow Lake, he said. "We have nine officers and two sergeants," he said. "We will work on prioritizing your area to address these issues."
Valencia County Undersheriff Bill Martinez apologized for missing the meeting last month. "I'm sure you've had questions and concerns on your minds for the umpteenth time," he said.
One woman took the opportunity to speak her mind. "I've lived here for 20 years," she said. "Drug dealers and illegal aliens have moved in ... I've called the sheriff's department and, before they can get here, everything is gone.
"I called the DEA and the FBI and told them, 'don't call the sheriff's department until you're on site.' They caught the guy. Think about what I'm saying."
Martinez asked if what she was saying is that somebody is tipping criminals off. Marsh indicated she was. "Unfortunately, that's not new to me," he said. "We are trying to look at ourselves internally and trying to work on the issue. You are not the first person who has told me that."
One man in the audience voiced concern over the non-emergency dispatchers for the sheriff's department. "Please don't tell me I'm not a priority," he said.
Martinez said the county is in the final stages of getting a regional dispatch center set up.
The center will handle calls not only from the county but Los Lunas, Belen and Bosque Farms as well. "It will be one centralized center," he said. "It will have more resources, and hopefully, the people who take the calls will be more professional."
An audience member asked if the location of sobriety checkpoints had to be advertised in the newspaper. Martinez said they did. "As the sheriff's department, we usually say Valencia County," he said. Garrett said they are required to give the general area and date of the checkpoints.
Martinez was asked if the sheriff's department has a gang unit. He said it does, but it is a small one. An audience member wanted to know how many deputies are on duty between 11 p.m. and 5 a.m. "That's when most of the problems happen up here," he said.
The department has two 12-hour shifts in a 24-hour period, Martinez said, and, in that time, there are four to five officers on duty.
A temporary substation in Meadow Lake was brought up again. Martinez pointed out that the department has a substation in El Cerro. "Very often it isn't manned," he said. "We don't have the resources."
Martinez said the department recently received $10,000 to implement a tactical plan focusing on Meadow Lake. "To improve the quality of life, we have to improve public safety," he said. "I'm going to go out on a limb and promise you will see a marked improvement."
Lt. Robert Shilling, a detective with the state police, said Meadow Lake has been on his radar for a long time. Shilling said his agency is planning what is called an "impact" on the area. "We dedicate full-time detectives and narcotics agents, and the sole purpose is to improve the quality of life in an area," he said. "We also ask local agencies to get involved if they have the resources."
Shilling said the primary purpose of the impact would be gang issues. "We will be identifying gang members and putting the pressure on them," he said. Shilling went on to say the state police is prepared to dedicate anywhere from $40,000 to $70,000 over the next fiscal year to impacting violent crimes in the Meadow Lake area.
"We need information," he said. "I'll have a dedicated phone number for the impact team next month, but until then you can call me at my office." Shilling's number is (505) 841-9218.
He said if he wasn't available, to leave a message and he would get back in touch. "If you want to wait until the middle of the night and leave an anonymous voicemail, go ahead," he said. "Just get us the information."
Shilling volunteered to present the Refuse to Be a Victim program to the association. "It starts with you saying you won't be a victim," he said. "I would love to give this program here." Another association founder, Bill Lebrecht, asked Shilling to present the workshop, and he agreed.
Any individual interested in attending the workshop can contact Lebrecht at 306-1549. The workshop will be held Saturday, Jan. 27, at the Meadow Lake community center from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. "Everybody bring a lunch," Lebrecht said.
The next two meetings of the Meadow Lake Neighborhood Association will be held on Saturday, Dec. 9, and Saturday, Jan. 13, at the community center. Both meetings will start at 10 a.m.

All are welcome.

Thanks to Julia M. Dendinger News-Bulletin Staff Writer; jdendinger@news-bulletin.com for the excellent minutes of our first official meeting.
http://www.news-bulletin.com/news/66657-11-15-06.html

Meadow Lake Residents Association

Tis' The Season

Halloween Potluck

Safer Under The Stars

Safer Under The Stars

***** Help Us Celebrate The 4th Of July *****

Election News And Update For The Residents Of Meadow Lake.

Meadow Lake Spring Cleanup

Manzano Fire

Spring Cleanup

Couple suspected in Meadow Lake murder

The Murder of a Resident

Suspicious Death

Volunteers Needed !

Senior Bingo

Cleaning Up!

An Angry Sunset

Christmas - Anniversary Celebration

Neighborhood Watch

Guest Speaker

Giant Yard Sale

A Sad Note

Town Hall Meeting

Your Association In The News

Meet Rep. "Kiki" Saavedra

Sunset 6-22-07

Firehouse Groundbreaking Pictures

Ground Breaking

A sucessful Community Project

Your Tax Dollars At Work

A Good Reason to live in Meadow Lake NM

Community Clean-Up and Potluck Bar-b-que

MISSING

Thank You Commissioner Lynette Pinkston

A successful Shot Clinic

Your Help Is Urgently Needed

Summary of the March Meeting

Meadow Lake Shot Clinic

Valencia County Hospital Site Approved

CYFD - Implement Changes - NOW

An Update and a Thank You

Amanda Piggott - Deceased but NOT Forgotten

Thank You Lieutenant Robert W. Shilling

Road Block

Thank You

Short Update

Update!

Meadow Lake still making Headlines

Snow - Snow - Snow

Meadow Lake begins work on crime and cleanup.

An Early Holiday Surprise.

Meadow Lake Community Center Cleanup.

We Are Here To Stay!

* Help Us Celebrate The 4th Of July *