May 10th, 2012
The Downtown Action Team is pleased to welcome our newest team member, Gina Meyers, as the Growers’ Market manager. Come meet Gina and all your favorite farmers on May 19th when the Market returns to Robinson Park. Get your Picks on Rt. 66!
April 11th, 2012
“Grapes of Wrath” Depression Era Classic to Screen at the KiMo
Centennial Film Series Selection Features Scenes Shot in New Mexico
ALBUQUERQUE, NM- Next up in the KiMo Theatre’s Centennial Film series on Wednesday, April 18th at 7 p.m. is the classic “The Grapes of Wrath,” that won a Best Director Oscar® for John Ford, a Best Supporting Actress statue for Jane Darwell as Ma Joad, and a Best Actor nomination for lead Henry Fonda, who played Tom Joad.
Based on a story by John Steinbeck, the powerful filmtells the story of the Joads, an Oklahoma family, who, after losing their farm during the Great Depression in the 1930s, end up in California as migrant workers. The motion picture details their arduous journey across the United States as they search for work and opportunities for the family members.
After encountering violence and tragedy in the overcrowded migrant camps, Tom Joad, in trying to save the life of itinerant preacher Jim Casy (John Carradine) who accompanies the family to California, accidentally kills a camp guard and must be secreted out of the area.
Tom is moved to work for change by what he has witnessed in the various camps. He tells his family that he plans to carry on Casy’s mission in the world by fighting for social reform. He leaves to seek a new world and to join the movement committed to social justice.
In his parting words to the family, Tom Joad says: “I’ll be all around in the dark. I’ll be everywhere. Wherever you can look, wherever there’s a fight, so hungry people can eat, I’ll be there. Wherever there’s a cop beatin’ up a guy, I’ll be there. I’ll be in the way guys yell when they’re mad. I’ll be in the way kids laugh when they’re hungry and they know supper’s ready, and when the people are eatin’ the stuff they raise and livin’ in the houses they build, I’ll be there, too.”
This iconic film has won numerous honors, including being listed at #21 among the AFI’s 100 Years-100 Movies. Portions of the movie were filmed on Laguna Pueblo and near Gallup.
General admission for all screenings in the Centennial Film Series is free of charge. Concessions will be available on a cash-only basis both before and after the screening.
The KiMo Theatre is operated by the Cultural Services Department, City of Albuquerque, Richard J. Berry, Mayor. The Theatre is centrally located at 423 Central Avenue NW (corner of 5th and Central) and there is a large parking facility right behind the Theatre at 5th and Copper. Visit www.KimoAbq.org or call 311 for up-to-date information on the wide variety of entertainment options offered at this unique venue. TTY Users call 711.
April 9th, 2012
Call for Qualified Applicants:
The Downtown Action Team (DAT) and the Downtown Growers’ Market (DGM) are accepting applications for a part-time Market Manager position for the 2012 Downtown Growers’ Market summer season. Applicants with experience in Event Planning & Management, Permitting, Vendor Management, Fundraising, Budgeting, Marketing, Public Relations, Volunteerism and Community Engagement are invited to apply between April 6th and April 20th. See instructions at the bottom of this document.
In addition to the Job Description outlined below, we are looking for a qualified applicant who possesses the following skill sets:
Program Information:
The Downtown Growers’ Market is Albuquerque’s largest outdoor summer growers’ market located in Robinson Park at 8th & Central Ave. The 16th annual market season will kickoff on May 19th and run through November 3rd on Saturdays from 7AM to 11AM, for a total of 25 weeks. The market is host to 100 vendors each week, comprised of 60 fresh produce farm vendors, 20 prepared food vendors and a total of 40 craft vendors that share 20 booth spaces on alternating weekends.
The goal of the Downtown Growers’ Market is to provide a highly unique and valuable experience for all participants and continue to be a must-visit attraction for both locals and tourists. We serve the public as an economic and community development program of DAT focused on promoting and sustaining local agriculture and area farmers.
Market Manager Job Description:
The primary duty of the Market Manager will be to ensure the operational success and sustainability of the Downtown Growers’ Market. This includes any pre-season duties as listed below, a commitment to punctual arrival at 6:00am every Saturday to set up the market, and the fulfillment of all post-market activities.
The selected applicant must commit to organizing and attending all 25 market days and personally be present at all times to ensure the highest quality experience for both the customers and the vendors. Additionally, the new manager will be required to organize and attend a minimum of 4 vendor meetings, 3 to 5 on site special events and 3 to 5 off-site fundraising events. Weekly reporting of all market activities, merchandise sales, customer and vendor input and issues will take place on the Monday or Tuesday after the market with DAT staff. The Market Manager will work closely with DAT Deputy Director to finalize the schedule of all meetings and events prior to season kickoff.
A key priority for the network of citywide Albuquerque markets and our individual farm vendors will be the timely processing of SNAP EBT transactions and reimbursements. SNAP EBT is the federal food assistance program that provides low income families with access to fresh produce. Each week, market vendors collect EBT wooden tokens and redeem them at the end of the market day. Attentive accounting for all tokens must take place at the close of market and a report of all EBT transactions will be sent to the program accountant every Monday for immediate reconciliation.
The Market Manager will be contracted by, and report to, the DAT staff and when necessary, the DAT Board of Directors. The Market Manager is the primary conduit of information between the vendors and DAT and should be readily available to receive and deliver key information between both parties.
It cannot be stressed enough that the DGM prides itself in creating a unique “neighborhood” environment and experience for both patrons and vendors. The perfect applicant will embody the friendly, family atmosphere found at the market, and the necessary organizational and interpersonal skills to interact with both customers and vendors in a courteous, patient manner. A positive outlook and attitude are essential.
Essential Pre-Season Event Organization:
The Downtown Growers’ Market often requires two months of preliminary organization and planning to ensure all essential approvals, permits and infrastructure is in place prior to the season opening. In 2012, however, much of this work will already be completed by DAT staff in advance of the hiring of the Market Manager. These duties include the following:
- Attend the annual New Mexico Farmers Marketing Meeting in Santa Fe;
- Contact all necessary City of Albuquerque divisions and obtain the necessary permits to conduct the event in a public space;
- Work with DAT staff and DGM vendor advisory committee to determine an annual budget for the upcoming season;
- Contact all previous year vendors and notify them of key dates, paperwork requirements and process registration/applications for the upcoming season;
- Contact adjacent neighborhood associations to let them know the dates of the market;
- Process all produce and prepared food vendors with the Environmental Health Dept;
- Order any essential infrastructure items, such as barricades, portable toilets, fire extinguishers and other necessary items;
- Contact the State EBT office to ensure we have all the latest information, equipment and processed all vendor information for those who sell qualifying products;
- Meet with each vendor category (Produce, Prepared Foods, Arts/Crafts) to review rules/regulations, booth location, budgets, fees, etc…
- Meet with city Parks & Recreation department at Robinson Park to determine the condition of the park and a plan for ongoing maintenance;
- Assist with early season fundraising, marketing, event planning, outreach and other preliminary planning activities;
Primary Day-Of Market Event Functions:
Operations Management – Assist DAT Ambassadors, volunteer and farmers in preparing the site on market days; facilitate vendor arrival and setup; handle vendor and shopper comments/feedback/complaints; ensure site cleanliness and safety are maintained; enlist assistance from DAT Ambassadors and volunteers for administrative assistance as needed; evaluate new programming and promotional opportunities; ensure site is cleaned after closing and make note of any park or event issues.
Vendor Management – Arrive at 5:45/6:00am to welcome and greet vendors; assist when possible with vendor unloading and setup; keep records of number of vendors days and ensure vendors have their proper permits and have paid vendor fees; make sure all vendors are set up for sales by 7:00am; enforce DGM Vendors Rules & Regulations and bring known issues to the attention of DAT and advisory committee.
Financial Management – Work with Sam Lopez and volunteers in the operation of Debit/EBT transactions and WIC check processing; after the market, prepare the accounting worksheet for Monday reconciliation; distribute payments to Sam and token donations to weekly volunteers; work with Albuquerque Growers Market Alliance and the Alliance book keeper to ensure a quality EBT program.
Special Events – Working with DAT staff and ambassadors, assist in the facilitation of exceptional food related promotions that take place at the Market.
Community & Public Relations – Function as a spokesperson for the Market and liaison for DAT; assures the Market and its mission, programs and services are consistently presented in a professional and positive manner; identifies, encourages and maintains stakeholder relationships; keep in contact with local media outlets and provide regular updates; update Facebook, twitter and other appropriate social media; work with DAT staff on a creating a comprehensive marketing campaign (DAT staff will implement any media buys, design, printing and distribution)
Other - Facilitate and handle any other needs relating to the Growers’ Market that may arise on a time to time basis; work with DAT staff to address new issues and streamline market administration whenever possible; work with vendor advisory committee on new developments and longer term strategies.
Salary & Incentives
Base Salary Range: $14,000 to $17,500
Salary will be based upon experience and scope of additional skill sets:
Additional skill sets include:
Interested applicants are required to follow these steps:
Mail, email or hand-deliver to DAT a document which includes:
Q) What knowledge or experience do you have with the Downtown Growers’ Market?
Q) As Market Manager, what will you do operationally, and as the “face” of the Market, to bring our mission statement to life and to make our mission real?
Q) What about your background and experiences will enable you to do this?
Please submit all documents or questions to:
Christopher Goblet
Downtown Action Team
100 Gold Ave. SW #204
(505) 243-2230 x 107
Albuquerque, NM 87102
March 2nd, 2012
IN THIS WEEK’S ALERT:
Downtown Action Team bids farewell to Brian Morris
Council Re-District Dilutes Downtown Impact
Homelessness outreach meeting for business owners
Creative Bravos Awards Dinner – tickets on sale
Call for Artists – 100 for 100 Centennial Art Show
Downtown Action Team bids farewell to Brian Morris
At a recent Downtown Action Team Board meeting, Executive Director, Brian Morris presented his resignation and plans for a new career. After 10 years of dedicated service to the community at DAT, Mr. Morris is moving forward to pursue a career in consulting, political campaign management, fundraising and government relations at his own company, Morris Strategies For New Mexico. Brian’s last day with DAT will be March 9.
DAT would like to acknowledge Brian’s exceptional track record as the Image Enhancement Director, Deputy Director and Executive Director while at DAT. Brian began with the Downtown Action Team in 2001 and has served the last five years as Executive Director. He is widely respected for his leadership, integrity, vision and passion for Downtown Albuquerque.
“I have absolutely loved my career at Downtown Action Team,” said Brian Morris. “I’ve seen so many changes, developments and over $500 million in investment over the past 10 years. While it’s hard to leave this exciting and dynamic organization, I’m looking forward to working daily on my passion of politics and government relations.”
The Board has formed a Search Committee to hire a new Executive Director/CEO for DAT and has appointed DAT Board Chairman, Rick Rennie, as volunteer Interim Director during the search process. In the coming weeks, a posting for the position of Executive Director/CEO will be issued, both locally and nationally.
For information regarding the new Executive Director position, please email EDSearchCommittee@DowntownABQ.com.
We as a staff, board and friends extend our deepest gratitude to Brian and wish him ongoing success in this new endeavour.
Council Re-District Dilutes Downtown Impact
The DAT Board has been actively engaged in the City Council re-districting process this year and voted to endorse Plan V or a similar plan, which keeps the Downtown District in tact. As you are probably aware, the Council passed Plan L instead this past week, which moves District 3 to the Westside and engulfs Downtown into District 2 (the North Valley).
It is feared this new re-districting will make it even harder to move key initiatives forward which are essential to redevelopment in Downtown.
The new District 2 has a population deviation of over 4%. In addition, it puts most of the cities’ MRA areas all into one district. And, the new plan puts some of the most rural areas in with some of the most urban areas.
We encourage you to call the Mayor at (505) 768-3000 or email Mayor Berry at mayorberry@cabq.gov and ask him to VETO the Re-District plan and ask the Council to support Plan V-1 or a similar plan.
Albuquerque Heading Home, a collaborative initiative to combat cronic homelessness, has been very effective and innovative in addressing city-wide problems. While there have been many significant accomplishments, the program continues to need the assistance and support of local business owners. The ABQ Heading Home team has put together a meeting to inform the Business Community of “what’s happening and how it impacts your business”
Issues of homelessness affect everyone. They impact housing, businesses and our shared community pride. Representatives of Albuquerque Heading Home will meet with area business owners to share information about this exciting community initiative, lead discussion about challenges and progress, and gather your input for potential ways to move forward together. There will be two meetings held at the Convention Center on March 14th. The AM session 7:30-9AM and the PM session 2:00-2:30PM.
The 2012 Creative Bravos Award Recipients are:
Advance reservations are required. Tickets to the event are $75 for Creative Albuquerque members, $125 for two member tickets purchased at the same time. The non-member rate is $95 per ticket.
The City of Albuquerque and the Downtown Albuquerque Arts & Cultural District invite artists and craftspeople from the Greater Albuquerque area to participate in the upcoming Centennial Summerfest 100 for 100: A Statewide Juried Arts & Crafts Market.
will showcase 100 artists from the statewide network of Arts & Cultural Districts; 50 of those artists will be from Albuquerque. A panel of judges from around the state will award prizes for presentation and content, including Best in Show. The market will take place in Downtown Albuquerque on Saturday, June 16, 2012 from 12:00 – 6:00p as part of the larger Centennial Summerfest. For infomation on applying as an artist, please visit Creative Albuquerque’s website for detailed instructions
Creative Bravos Awards Dinner – Tickets on Sale
Now in their 27th year of honoring excellence, the Creative Bravos Awards Ceremony have earned a place among the city’s most exciting annual events. The gala event includes a welcome reception, sensational silent auction and the food of Slate Street Cafe; the awards ceremony and celebration of the 2012 Creative Bravos Honorees; followed by a champagne and dessert reception. All take place in the stunning surroundings of the Albuquerque Museum.
The 2012 Creative Bravos Award Recipients are:
Advance reservations are required. Tickets to the event are $75 for Creative Albuquerque members, $125 for two member tickets purchased at the same time. The non-member rate is $95 per ticket.
The City of Albuquerque and the Downtown Albuquerque Arts & Cultural District invite artists and craftspeople from the Greater Albuquerque area to participate in the upcoming Centennial Summerfest 100 for 100: A Statewide Juried Arts & Crafts Market.
will showcase 100 artists from the statewide network of Arts & Cultural Districts; 50 of those artists will be from Albuquerque. A panel of judges from around the state will award prizes for presentation and content, including Best in Show. The market will take place in Downtown Albuquerque on Saturday, June 16, 2012 from 12:00 – 6:00p as part of the larger Centennial Summerfest. For infomation on applying as an artist, please visit Creative Albuquerque’s website for detailed instructions.
January 9th, 2012
January 9th, 2012
Property & Business Owners Committee Meeting
Wednesday, Jan. 11
8:30 a.m.
DAT Conference Room
100 Gold SW, Suite 204
Please RSVP your attendance by emailing info@DowntownABQ.com
Property & Business Owners Committee Meeting
Wednesday, Jan. 25
8:30 a.m.
DAT Conference Room
100 Gold SW, Suite 204
Please RSVP your attendance by emailing info@DowntownABQ.com
Property & Business Owners Committee Meeting
Wednesday, Feb. 1
8:30 a.m.
DAT Conference Room
100 Gold SW, Suite 204
Please RSVP your attendance by emailing info@DowntownABQ.com
January 5th, 2012
Easy Rider Coming to KiMo Big Screen January 18th
1969 Breakthrough Movie to Open Centennial Film Series
ALBUQUERQUE NM-The KiMo Theatre launches its New Mexico Statehood Centennial Film Series with a movie that brought a whole new sensibility to filmmaking and enhanced the bankability of three Hollywood “rebels,” each of whom went on to build stellar careers.
To celebrate New Mexico’s 100 years of statehood, the KiMo is presenting a year-long series of programs and films that celebrate New Mexico’s history, culture and landscape. To launch the Film Series, the organizers have selected the still-popular award-winning counterculture film, Easy Rider, which stars Dennis Hopper, Jack Nicholson and Peter Fonda. The youthful director Dennis Hopper filmed part of the movie in Northern New Mexico and fell in love with the state, eventually becoming a long-time resident of Taos.
Easy Rider was written by Peter Fonda, Dennis Hopper, and Terry Southern, produced by Fonda and directed by Hopper. Hopper and Fonda play two bikers traveling through the American Southwest to reach New Orleans and the concept of “freedom.” The success of the film was a spark that ignited a new phase of filmmaking during the late sixties. In 1998, the film was added to the Library of Congress National Registry, having been deemed “culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant.”
A landmark counterculture film, and a touchstone for a generation that captured the national imagination, Easy Rider explores the societal landscape, issues, and tensions in the United States during the 1960s, such as the rise and fall of the hippie movement, drug use, and communal lifestyle. Easy Rider is famous for its use of real drugs in its portrayal of marijuana and other substances. In addition to featuring beautiful New Mexico vistas, the New Mexico connection is seen in Las Vegas, the town where the two bikers ride behind a parade, are arrested for “parading without a permit,” and meet Jack Nicholson’s drunken attorney character in jail. The name of the town can be viewed in the background in one scene during this part of the movie. While the scenery and openness of the Southwest answers their quest for “freedom,” the lure of New Orleans draws them to their eventual encounter with the opposing mores of the Deep South, resulting in tragedy.
At the prestigious 1969 Cannes Film Festival director Dennis Hopper was honored with the First Film Award (Prix de la première œuvre). The Academy Awards® handed Jack Nicholson a nomination for Best Actor in a Supporting Role, and the film was also nominated for Best Writing, Story and Screenplay Based on Material Not Previously Published or Produced. Easy rider appears at number 88 on the American Film Institute’s list of 100 Years, 100 Movies. The song, “Born to be Wild” (Steppenwolf) is listed in 29th place in AFI’s 100 Years, 100 Songs. The song was originally used as a “placeholder” in the development of the film, but it was soon evident that it fit the story perfectly and became an important part of defining the characters.
Several organizations are helping to financially support and actively promote the NM Speakers Series and the NM Film Seriesas part of Centennial Celebrations at the KiMo. “We are
especially thankful for the enthusiasticparticipation of the New Mexico Humanities Council, film!ABQ, the National Hispanic Cultural Center, and Creative Albuquerque,” said LarryParker, manager of the KiMo. “TheKiMo celebrations of our history and 100 years of statehood are truly a team effort.”
General admission seats for all evening programs in the NM Speaker Series are free of charge. All Series events will include Q&A sessions with the guest speaker and then a no-host coffee, tea, and cakes reception in the theatre’s gallery.
The KiMo Theatre is operated by the Cultural Services Department, City of Albuquerque, Richard J. Berry, Mayor. The Theatre is centrally located at 423 Central Avenue NW (corner of 5th and Central) and there is a large parking facility right behind the Theatre at 5th and Copper. Visit www.KimoAbq.org or call 311 for up-to-date information on the wide variety of entertainment options offered at this unique venue. TTY Users call 711.
For more information please contact
Larry Parker
505-768-3589
lparker@cabq.gov
December 5th, 2011
November 15th, 2011
Plan your Thanksgiving lunch or dinner at one of these fine dining locations located in Downtown!
Forque Kitchen and Bar (located inside the Hyatt) will be serving brunch! From 10am-6pm! salad-seafood-cider glazed turkey and more! ! ! !
Reservations are recommned you may call 505-843-2646 or 505-8432700 for more information.
http://albuquerque.hyatt.com/hyatt/hotels/entertainment/restaurants/index.jsp
Tucanos will be serving up a mixture of Thankgiving goodies! From all you can eat filet mignon to baked turkey! And peel and eat shrimp! Can’t forget the side of pumpkin pie! For reservations and more information call 505-246-9900!
http://www.tucanos.com/albuquerque.html
November 1st, 2011
The National Institute of Flamenco proudly presents:
El Museo at the National Hispanic Cultural Center, November 10th, 11th and 12th.
El Museo is a flamenco production highlighting Spanish classical dance and live symphonic accompaniment featuring Yjastros: The American Flamenco Repertory Company, flamenco dance icon Teo Morca and the University of New Mexico Symphony Orchestra.
The 50-piece University of New Mexico Symphony Orchestra ensemble, under the direction of Conductor Jorge Gómez Pérez, will present traditional flamenco music alongside the Romantic and Neo-Classical styles of Manuel de Falla, Antonio Vivaldi and Henry Charles Litolff, with other celebrated 19th and 20th century composers.
El Museo will premiere at the National Hispanic Cultural Center November 10th, 7 pm; November 11th, 8 pm; and November 12th, 8 pm, with tickets prices ranging from $20 – $40. Tickets are available at the NHCC box office by calling (505) 724-4771 or by visiting http://www.nhccnm.org/. Yjastros is a project of the National Institute of Flamenco.
