Ripples
The Official Newsletter of the River Reach Foundation
May 2023
It’s time for . . .
Riverfest
May 26, 27, 28, 2023
Farmington, NM
https://riverfestnewmexico.com/
Mark your calendar! Riverfest is almost upon us, and we are in full swing getting everything ready. Be sure and check out the articles in this newsletter as we have made a few changes this year. The most notable changes are the car show location, and the River Kids and children’s activities. The car show has been moved to Boyd Park (corner of Miller and Pinon), and the River Kids and children’s activities will be held at the River Reach Terrace over by the splash pad and playground. Visit our website or go to our Facebook page for more information on all the events and activities.
The President’s Corner
There is an old saying that goes: “Spring has sprung; the grass is riz, I wonder where all the flowers is.” Today, I would re-word that saying to: “Spring has sprung, the grass has riz, and we know where the water is!!”
Yes, the water is running high and fast, and we are carefully monitoring the situation. With that in mind, we have a good backup plan in case the river floods – and no events will be cancelled – just moved to safer locations along the River Reach Terrace and Boyd Park. Keep checking both our Facebook page and website for updated information.
River Reach Foundation Elections
Officers and Directors were elected at our February Foundation meeting. D’Ann Waters was reelected as President, and Gary Hanson as Vice President. Debbie Braff, our treasurer for many years, decided to step back and let someone else take the lead. Evan Noel was elected as our new treasurer, and Chris Troyer remains as the Secretary. New board members include Alvin Keeswood, Bernadette Alrid, and Brian Turner. Our new part-time administrator is Kendra Allen.
Other News
PAST EVENTS IN MARCH
On March 13th, the River Reach Foundation, in partnership with the City of Farmington, recruited some local contractors to remove large concrete chunks, old tires, and reinforcing steel bars that were put in place long ago to help stabilize the riverbanks, but now pose a risk to rafters.
The cleanup took place at the Among the Waters Trail on the west side of the city south of the Bisti Highway at the confluence where the Animas and San Juan rivers come together. The excavator was provided by Ace Services. Doug Foutz Construction provided the dump trucks and hauling, while XL Concrete recycled the concrete, crushing it for re-use in construction, road, and landscaping projects. The Foundation and the City of Farmington are extremely grateful for these contractors who freely gave their time, and completed the cleanup in one day. Because of their efforts, the river is now a lot safer for rafters!
GOT PHOTOS??
The River Reach Foundation is creating a 15-month Calendar for 2024 to celebrate the beauty of the Animas River as it flows in All seasons!
The best photos capturing the beauty and versatility of our wonderful Animas River in Farmington will grace the monthly pages of our new FULL COLOR River Reach Foundation 2024-2025 calendar. If you enjoy capturing your favorite images on your camera or a smartphone – of family and friends, your pets, and the wildlife along the Animas River – the, we need your help.
Join in the fun of sending your favorite photos and memories along the river, as it meanders through Farmington. Graduation and wedding, experiences at Riverfest, River Jam, Riverglo, family picnics, fishing fun, disc golf, fun runs, and much more.
Deadline for submission is July 1, 2023! More information and submission forms can be found on our website here.
UPCOMING EVENTS AND PROJECTS
River Reach Foundation meeting on June 8, 2023, at 6:00pm at the Farmington Civic Center. Our speaker will be Donna Thatcher, who led the Riverside Nature Center and its Volunteer program, “Friends of the Nature Center,” for 23 years – creating programs for our children and their families throughout the four seasons of the year.
Hear Donna share her experience and vast knowledge of the Animas River’s resident animals, plants, and trees – all of which, as community members, we can enjoy 365 days a year.
ART CARVINGS
IN THE ANIMAS/BERG PARKS
The River Reach Foundation is inviting all wood carving artists to carve animals, birds, ducks, fish, etc. found in our parks on several tree stumps using chainsaws, etc. Information, and the proposal requirements, can be found on our website here.
RIVERFEST EVENTS
TRASH IN FASHION RECYCLED FASHION SHOW
Sunday, May 28, 2023
11:00am
Sponsored by Budget Blinds and Waste Management
Come participate in, or watch, a fashion show that celebrates creative fashion while promoting waste reduction and sustainability! Enjoy Scott Michlin and Cidy Iacovetto as they (in recycled costumers) emcee the event. There are 10 entries each for child, teen, and adult categories. Prizes will be awarded for 1st & 2nd places in each category. For more information, contact Cindy at (505) 801-0373.
POPULAR RIVERFEST RACES!
Both the Wiener Dog Races and the Duck Race are very popular! Be sure to enter your Wiener Dog and purchase your duck race tickets! You can register and pay for both events online at https://riverfestnewmexico.com/.
RIVERFEST 2023 ENTERTAINMENT SCHEDULE
RIVER REACH TERRACE
Friday
5:00pm – 6:45pm – Majik Ham
7:15pm – 9:00pm – Tim Sullivan
Saturday
10:00am – 11:30am – Shawn Arrington Band
11:00am – 12:00pm – Weiner Dog Races
12:30pm – 2:00pm – Jo Tohonnie, Jr. and the White Mountain Apache Crown Dancers
2:30pm – 4:00pm – Breezin’
4:30pm – 6:00pm – Funkified
6:30pm – 8:00pm – Jokers Wild
Sunday
11:00am – 12:30pm – Black Velvet
1:00pm – 2:30pm – Sandstoners
3:00pm – 5:00pm – Wild Country
Also appearing: Mysto the Magician, Alyssa Buescher Fire Performer, and Luke Renner Yo-Yo Performances
ROCKY REACH LANDING
Saturday
10:00am – 11:30am – Delbert Anderson
12:00pm – 1:30pm – Desert Thunder Band
2:00pm – 3:30pm – Brant Leeper Band
4:00pm – 5:30pm – Spaghetti Western Band
6:00pm – 8:00pm – Ben Gibson Band
Sunday
11:00am – 12:00pm – Trash in Fashion Recycled Fashion Show at Cottonwood Landing
11:00am – 12:30pm – Julie & The Boyz
12:00pm – 5:00pm – One Nation Gourd Dance at Cottonwood Landing
1:30pm – 2:30pm – Kirk James Band
3:00pm – Duck Race
3:00pm – 3:30pm – Misto the Maji (Magic Show)
3:30pm – 5:00pm – F.A.B. Band
Also appearing: Mysto the Magician, Alyssa Buescher Fire Performer, and Luke Renner Yo-Yo Performances
Getting to Know our Board Members
D'Ann Waters
President
D’Ann Waters joined the River Reach Foundation in 2017. She was the vice-president last year and is the newly elected president. D’Ann is a retired Travel Consultant and Real Estate Broker. She is a firm believer in continual learning and has recently completed two courses in accounting and is looking forward to finding another less complicated course to take.
Karen Lupton
Past President
Karen serves as the Immediate Past President of the River Reach Foundation. She enjoys looking for ways to connect people with the beautiful rivers here in Farmington and working to put on events that bring people down to the river!
Monica Smith
Vice President
Monica serves as the current vice president of the foundation. Monica was born and raised in Farmington. And has served on the foundation for the past three years. Monica enjoys spending time outdoors with her family and fishing.
Debbie Braff
Treasurer
Debbie Braff joined the River Reach Foundation in 2003 and currently serves as the Treasurer. She is a retired Farmington school principal. Her hobbies include photography, landscape gardening, and walking or hiking her golden retrievers at the River or up on Hood Mesa.
Chris Troyer
Secretary
Chris Troyer, River Reach Member since 2017. Moved to Farmington in 2013 with ConocoPhillips. Currently retired. I enjoy walking my dog Chester, hiking, playing Pickle ball, traveling to see my grandchildren in Texas and Washington and volunteering. Currently board member at Big Brothers Big Sisters. Volunteered with the City to inventory all items in the museum collection.
Bob Lehmer
Co Chairman of the PRCA Riverine Task Force in 1984. Became a founding member of the River Reach Foundation in 1986 and its first President. Has continued since as a member of the Board of Directors. Started the first Riverfest (1987)and Riverglo (1998).
Gloria Lehmer
Gloria Lehmer has been participating in the events and trails on our Rivers since she moved back from College in the late 80’s. She’s been a River Reach Foundation Board Member for a number of years, and currently serves as the Goal Team #1.
Cody Dudgeon
Cody Dudgeon is a teacher at Piedra Vista High School who grew up in Flora Vista beside the Animas River. He and his wife have been whitewater raft guides in Montana and Idaho and appreciate the beauty and quality of life that rivers provide the communities on their banks. After moving back to New Mexico in 2015 Cody joined the River Reach foundation to help promote the protection, and advocate for the sustainable use, of our local rivers. Beginning this spring Cody and his wife’s new venture Desert River Guides will be offering river raft trips on the Animas and San Juan rivers. As a community member who walks the trails with his daughter and a small business owner starting a company based on river recreation, Cody believes that the River Reach Foundation is an essential part of the future of Farmington.
Gary Hanson
Gary Hanson is a retired lawyer. He and his wife, Jeanne, moved to Farmington in 2018 as an “adventure” destination and love their new home. Gary’s interests include hiking, biking, exploring the Four Corners, and spending time with good friends (both two and four-legged).
Rick Page
I joined the Board in the mid 90’s as near as I can remember, no one I’ve talked to has any specific records. I was both Board president and Riverfest chairman in 2003 and 2004. My hobbies include my grandkids, rafting, hiking, camping, fishing and cooking. During my time one the Board, I’ve been involved in numerous river projects including boat launches, Animas / San Juan river guide, bank stabilization projects, Penny Lane Dam reconstruction, Rocky Reach rapid construction and reconstruction modification.
Evan Noel
Born In Farmington. Graduated From FHS 2001. BA in business administration UNM. Former ABO Certified Optician in Albuquerque/Santa Fe area. Moved back to Farmington to worked for the Family business, Noel’s Inc. for 14 years. Secretary, Rotary Club of Farmington. Commissioner Farmington PRCA. Board Member San Juan big Brothers Big Sisters. 4-time Fantasy Football Champion. Yoga enthusiast. Father of Two wonderful Boys.
Ryan Merrion
James Neidhart
My wife and I moved to Farmington in 1996 in no small part because of the River Walk and community spirit. I joined the River Reach Foundation board in 2021. Now about four years retired, I enjoy family, farming, fishing, reading, gardening, and horses.
James Luther
Doug Abe
Join the River Reach Foundation
Help the Foundation meet its goals by becoming a member today!
As a member, you are entitled to voting privileges in Foundation matters. Members are encouraged to attend the Foundation’s meetings which occur on the first Thursday of each month at 6:00 PM at the Farmington Civic Center. If you have any questions or concerns, please call (505) 716-4405.
Buy Your Paver Today
Buy a Custom Brick Paver
Purchase your engraved custom memorial, family, or business concrete paver to show your support for the river trails. Your paver will be located in a highly visible location at the River Reach Terrace for all river walk visitors to see and enjoy every day for years to come.
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River Reach Foundation · P.O. Box 2056 · Farmington, NM 87499-2056 · 505.716.4405 · river.reach.foundation@outlook.com