++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
CLOUDCROFT ONLINE NEWSLETTER #246
December 24, 2004
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Dear Subscriber:

Our weeks and months on this mountain are normally filled with
a certain tranquillity that is often hard to find in other
places. It is possible that many of us here have been lulled
into a cardboard sense of the security that we are immune from
the unthinkable things that afflict people in other places.

Three violent deaths this past Saturday (see Village News, this
edition of The Newsletter) shook many of us into a reality few
of us wanted to face. What made that reality even harder to
accept was that one of the deaths was that of a person
that had taken it upon himself to protect the rest of us.

Bob Hedman chose to wear the uniform of an Otero County
Sheriff's deputy but around here the uniform of a peace officer
doesn't serve to separate one from another. Bob and the other
deputies assigned to the Sacramento mountains represent to us
locals not an authority to be dealt with but a helping hand
when needed and a friend always. We know it's not like that
everywhere but it has been that way here for a long time.

We drink coffee together after pancakes in a local restaurant.
We walk the sidelines together in support of The Bears in their
quest for the state football championship. The Sheriff's
deputies that patrol our village and surrounding area are
neighbors always and keepers of the peace only when they have to
be. Much of the time that "keeping the peace" comes in the form
of helping a citizen find a lost pet, coaxing a bear out of a
dumpster or, as it was in my case a few months ago, just
checking to be sure I was all right because I wasn't answering
the phone.

We were reminded Saturday of how that job can mean a sacrifice
few of us can imagine.

I am disposed to mention the fact that the actions taken by
Deputy Bill Anders likely prevented a person that had gone into
a killing mode and obviously had no concern of the ramifications
of killing again from leaving the scene of the mayhem he
created.

Bill would be the first to say he was doing the job he was hired
to do. No more and no less. He, like the rest of us, would
give anything if those few minutes of Saturday evening violence
had never happened. The scars that go with that slice of
terrible history will be with him for a long time.

Speaking for other Sacramento Mountain residents, thanks, Billy.
We hope you realize we're here for you...just as you were there
for us.

I'm afraid Cloudcroft will never be exactly the same after this
week. We were stripped of a certain innocence by mindless acts.

We are a community of searchers. Most of us came here from
some place else trying to find the evenness of life the 
mountains offer. We'll likely still reach out to strangers that
move here for whatever reason, but maybe with a little less 
blind faith that we once had.

We knew such things happened. We're not ignorant of the social
malignancy that exists in some other places. We just didn't
think it would ever happen here.

Perhaps many of us were naive. Maybe it was never a matter of
if, but when.

Right now, all we can think about is "why?"

Don Vanlandingham
Cloudcroft.com

----------------------------------------------------------------
IN THIS ISSUE
----------------------------------------------------------------
1. LOOKING AT THE WEATHER
2. SPECIAL -- LOST AND FOUND
3. PICTURE OF THE WEEK -- FOR THE WANT OF A GARAGE
4. VILLAGE NEWS
5. INSIDE THE SHOP -- PINE CREST CABIN
6. CLOUDCROFT ONLINE SPOTLIGHT -- CLOUDCROFT SENIOR CENTER
7. Q AND A -- BECAUSE CLOUDCROFT ONLINE READERS WANT TO KNOW
8. COMING EVENTS
9. LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
10. CONTACT INFORMATION
----------------------------------------------------------------
LOOKING AT THE WEATHER
----------------------------------------------------------------
Heavy snow (about 8 inches in areas) on Wednesday (12-22) with
more in the forecast toward the Christmas weekend. All snow
play areas are open. Four wheel drive or chains recommended for
any travel off the pavement.

High for the reporting period 47 at 9:50am December 20.

Low 14.8 at 4:38 am December 17th.

Moisture for the year to date: 24.68 inches (not including the
most recent snow).

See Cloudcroft.com for up-to-the-minute Cloudcroft weather
conditions. It's free and available 24-7.
----------------------------------------------------------------
SPECIAL -- LOST AND FOUND
----------------------------------------------------------------
Merry Christmas from the Chamber Staff! While rummaging through
our back room the other day I found some items that have been
"lost" by visitors to the Chamber, and Zenith Park. We were
hoping you would mention to your readers the following items
we are holding:

1. A Black Base Ball Cap, with a patch "24th Infantry Div. 
(Mech.) Desert Storm" and a Pin (US Flag with US Veteran, El 
Paso Electric) on it. This hat was found just after "Santaland
in Nov.

2. A silver colored disposable camera, "Studio 35" brand, 
with 20 pictures taken. We believe this was lost during 
Octoberfest.

3. A key chain with 3 keys, (2 silver "Faultless" brand & 1
small "Master" lock key.) The chain has a yellow plastic ID 
Tag with the word "Barcevac" written on the tag. Unknown time
of loss.

4. A Key Chain with a "Ford" ignition key and a Post Office 
Box key. Also a gold colored "Vision Ford" medallion. Unknown
when lost.

5. A Dental Retainer. Believed lost during "July Jamboree."

6. Reading glasses, yellow metal frame, and "brown ear pieces".
Unknown when lost.

7. A small gold colored ring with a small "Dos Pesos" coin
attached. Unknown when lost.

If any of your readers recognize these items, they can contact
us here at the Chamber. 1-866-874-4447.

Thanks in advance for any help you can provide.

Regards,
George Collins,
Visitors Services,
Cloudcroft Chamber of Commerce
----------------------------------------------------------------
PICTURE OF THE WEEK -- FOR THE WANT OF A GARAGE
----------------------------------------------------------------

http://www.cloudcroft.com/pics/cloudcroft10.jpg

----------------------------------------------------------------
VILLAGE NEWS
----------------------------------------------------------------
Three people died as a result of a domestic dispute Saturday at
a Highway 82 address near Cloudcroft.

Dead at the scene were Otero County Sheriff's Deputy Robert
Hedman who was one of two deputies answering the initial call,
Earl Flippen who investigators believe shot Redman, and 
Flippen's companion Deborah Rhoudes.

Flippen died as the result of an exchange of gunfire with
another deputy. Rhoudes' body was discovered inside the 
residence. She had also died of a gunshot wound.

Redman's death is the first incident of a peace officer losing
his life in the line of duty in the 105 year history of
Cloudcroft.
----------------------------------------------------------------
INSIDE THE SHOP -- PINE CREST CABIN
----------------------------------------------------------------
Great Location. Clean, modern, yet rustic looking 2 bedroom log
cabin, nestled in a beautiful secluded, wooded location in the
Village of Cloudcroft. The cabin is fully furnished and has a
well equipped kitchen, a fireplace, central heating and
television. For more information, call 1-866-682-2239 (toll
free), email PineCrest@ZiaNet.com, or see the link to our web
site on the Lodging page of Cloudcroft.com:

http://www.cloudcroft.com/lodging.htm

----------------------------------------------------------------
CLOUDCROFT ONLINE SPOTLIGHT -- CLOUDCROFT SENIOR CENTER
----------------------------------------------------------------

http://www.mtnseniors.com/

----------------------------------------------------------------
Q AND A -- BECAUSE CLOUDCROFT ONLINE READERS WANT TO KNOW
----------------------------------------------------------------
Q - You mentioned a Juarez dentist in a previous newsletter.
Can you give me the name?

A - It is our policy not to endorse goods or services in the
newsletter by name. Email us and we'll give you the names of
businesses you inquire about in a private reply.
----------------------------------------------------------------
COMING EVENTS
----------------------------------------------------------------
January 5 -- High Noon book club. Noon in the library. Bring
your lunch and join us in discussing "Whale Talk" by Chris
Crutcher.

February 4, 5, 6, 7 -- Mardi Gras celebration. Cloudcroft.

Would you like to help deliver meals to the homebound around
Cloudcroft? Monday through Friday deliveries. Call the
Cloudcroft Senior Center at (505)-682-3022. For information on
other Senior Center services, see their web site, listed on the
Cloudcroft.com Links button.

http://www.cloudcroft.com/links.htm

Mountain Garden Club meets every third Monday of each month.
Call (505) 682-2910 for more information.

Senior Van from Timberon to Alamogordo leaves the Timberon
Lodge promptly at 8:30 every Wednesday morning.

Free Vitals Clinic. Cloudcroft Senior Citizens Center, every
Wednesday. High Rolls Senior Citizens Center, first Thursday
of each month.
----------------------------------------------------------------
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
----------------------------------------------------------------
Dear Newsletter:

Just want to thank you for the beautiful photos this past year
in the newsletter.

The aspens were gorgeous, I intend to paint them after the
Holidays. Blue moon over white sands with your dog was also
very neat.

When we get homesick for our mountains, these help. In fact,
we enjoy everything about your letters.

Keep up the great work. Thank you!

Marilyn Mize
Wolfforth

----------------------------------------------------------------
Dear Newsletter:

What a wonderful reminder for the things we should be grateful
for all year long!

I've love the snow pictures. Although I've been coming to
Cloudcroft for over 45 years, I've never been in the winter. 
Now that my kids are older (2 freshmen--1 college, 1 high 
school) we can plan a holiday there for next year! The
difficulty of helping Santa transport goodies is past.

I look forward to a new year of newsletters.

Hope you & yours have a merry, merry Christmas....

Pat Mikeworth
Grand Prairie, TX

----------------------------------------------------------------
Dear Newsletter:

I read your letter today and laughed out loud. Thankfully no 
one else was in the house or they would have thought me nutty.
My husband is a royal scrooge. No one pays their debts owed to
us this time of year, (we are self employed), and that makes
him very grumpy. When he needs to order parts, the businesses
we deal with are closed.

I, however, decorated the house to the max. Two trees inside
this year and lights everywhere inside and out. Even have a
star and lights on the windmill tower. When someone asks where
we live, husband tells them to follow the glow. 

Your letter tickled me so I just had to respond and tell you
how much I enjoyed it. Thanks for the giggles....
 
Cyn King
Ruidoso/Midland, Tx 

----------------------------------------------------------------
Dear Newsletter:

The story of the dog really got to me. Three weeks ago, it was
a morning like all mornings in God's country. I had my coffee.
My two dogs had their morning treat. The fire was warm in the
wood stove. As usual, I was very content.
 
Little did I know that in a few minutes that my life was to
change. I noticed that my whippet mix, Guinness, was not around
in her usual spot on her cushion on the floor at my feet. I
went around the house and when I came to my bedroom, I noticed
that she was stretched out on my bed (her usual sleeping place.)
I said something to her like, come on sleepy head. Time to get
up. I walked over and touched her and immediately started
screaming. She was dead. 
 
I have had my Guinness since I picked her up at the pound in
Bakersfield, CA seven years ago. She was such a cute baby. She
grew up to be my best friend. She was always at my side, even
in the bathroom. All of my friends are mountain people like me.
We love our pets like our children. They have been so 
supportive.
 
I knew I could not live with one dog, my German Shorthair 
Pointer, Dinah. I have to have two. So I did what I do whenever
I need to get something. I went on the internet and found my
Freya, a Golden Retriever-Standard Poodle. She is a new breed
that is called a Goldendoodle. Don't laugh. There is another
new breed which is a Lab-Standard Poodle which is called a
Labradoodle. My Freya is now almost four months old. I now know
why 63 year old women don't have babies!
 
Merry Christmas to you and to all,
Gigi Sorenson
Mayhill, NM 

----------------------------------------------------------------
Dear Newsletter:

Thata way to go Peggy! Lights are great. The more the merrier!
Light up the hillside. Lights are symbolic of the season when
we are reminded of the Light of the World.

We light up the east side of Meridian, TX on the outside &
inside. Trees are ablaze. A huge wreath & cross adorn our
outside wall. A row of garlands and lights embrace the front
yard. 

Inside our home are seven trees from the 7 1/2 footer to smaller
ones with lights and ornaments. One is a mullen stock (from
Cloudcroft) with ornaments purchased at Eagle Ranch in Alamo.

Then there is the north woods display of moose and bears and
all kinds of wonderful crafts in our large window.

Our Kitty Purrfect has one tree she likes to climb - though
this year she has refrained up to this point.

Don and Peggy - have a most blessed and joyous Christmas. 
Peggy - keep lighting up Cloudcroft.

Rev. Allen Johannes

----------------------------------------------------------------
Dear Newsletter:

I read with interest how your wife likes to put lights out for
Christmas. You see I love to decorate for Christmas. We have a
12 ft. tree and the entire house is decorated.

This year it took longer than usual to decorate. I wasn't in
the mood, but I did finish the job. You see this is the first
year my mother and mother-in-law won't be sharing Christmas
with us.

My son, who is a lawyer, took a leave of absence from his firm
and re-enlisted in the Marines to fight in Iraq. He has been
there since August. He will be back in March and my Christmas
tree will be up for him to enjoy. We will also have a turkey
and all the dressings.

So enjoy each Christmas through a child's eyes because you
never know what the next year will bring.

Alice Rekeweg
Kingwood, Texas

----------------------------------------------------------------
Dear Newsletter:

I have been a faithful reader for about two years now; 
actually, ever since some dear friends (Gwen and Ed) retired
and moved to your blissful town. I've never taken the time to
write and tell you how much I enjoy reading Don's letters and
how nice it is to be informed about the latest happenings up
there.

What prompted me to write today is the The Hermit. I'd like to
send kudos to Jodiah for having the wisdom to move out and up,
and, more importantly, to Tom Tannehill for making it happen.
I can identify with Jodiah, and, like Bill White from AZ, I
too am listening to the tic-toc of the retirement clock. 
Unfortunately, I have about five years to go before I can
begin counting down by days. The good news is I can drive up
any weekend to get my "green" fix (or "white" fix, depending
on the season). 

Thank you for your wonderful newsletter. I wish you, Peggy,
and all your critters a joyous season and a healthy new year.

Nancy Gimenez,
El Paso, TX

----------------------------------------------------------------
Dear Newsletter:

Thanks for all of your little pieces of wisdom throughout the
year. Also, I really enjoyed the poem by Tom Tannehill. 
Finally, this is for Bill White, "Hang in there! You're almost
home." (My daughter lives in Phoenix, too, Bill, and she can't
wait to move.)

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
Sharon Cox
Magnolia, Texas

----------------------------------------------------------------
Dear Newsletter:

I lost another member of my extended family, Deputy Robert
Hedman of the Otero County Sheriff's Department. It sorrows
my heart further to hear that it occurred in Cloudcroft. The
incident stems from a domestic dispute in which Deputy Hedman
responded. There were a lot of victims in this occurrence;
Deputy Hedman, his family, the family of the person who shot
Deputy Hedman, the Deputy who shot the shooter and the
community as a whole.

I have a home in the Cloudcroft area where I plan on retiring
in a few months. I have met many people in the area and know
it is made up of nice, caring and loving people. I know you
know how to show care and love for the surviving victims in
this incident. But the one person normally over looked in this
type of situation is the surviving Deputy. The burden carried
by this person is heavy, but it shouldn't be! The Deputy only
reacted to the shooter's actions. At that moment in time the
shooter controlled the outcome…

I know nothing of the shooter, on other days and at other times
he/she may very well have been a wonderful person, the
situation may have been an odd occurrence, but that doesn't
change the event. It was a bad day in Cloudcroft

I didn't know you, but you were a friend just the same. A 
brother I never met, but will one day. When we became Peace
Officers we knew we would be fighting what others fear, but we
were young and believed we were supermen. In truth we are
only God's sheep dogs, watching his flock. Sleep well brother
Robert, I know you are now sleeping with angels.

God bless Robert Hedman, his family and friends.

http://www.cloudcroft.com/pics/white.jpg

"The only thing necessary for the triumph of Evil is for good
men to do nothing!" -- Edmund Burke

Bill White
Phoenix, AZ

================================================================
CONTACT INFORMATION
================================================================
TO UNSUBSCRIBE
To unsubscribe, email: unsubscribe@cloudcroft.com
You MUST put Unsubscribe in the Subject line.
----------------------------------------------------------------
TO SUBSCRIBE
To subscribe, go to
http://www.cloudcroft.com/subscribe.htm
----------------------------------------------------------------
BOUNCED EMAILS
If email to an address bounces (returns to us), that email
address is automatically deleted from our mailing list. If you
cease getting this newsletter suddenly, probably your provider
bounced your newsletter. This can happen when a provider is too
busy or is shutdown for some reason. If this happens to you, 
just revisit our site and re-add your email address to our list.
----------------------------------------------------------------
SUGGESTIONS AND LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
If you have comments or suggestions for this newsletter, please 
direct them to: newsletter@cloudcroft.com
You MUST put CC-Editor in the Subject line.
----------------------------------------------------------------
PAST ISSUES
http://www.cloudcroft.com/newsletters.htm
================================================================
Please feel free to pass this newsletter along to your friends.
However, we ask that you keep it intact and forward it in
its entirety.