Continental Divide Co-op hoping
for crowd at meeting

By Helen Davis
Cibola County Bureau

GRANTS — Continental Divide Electric Cooperative is in the final countdown for the big annual members meeting and community day.

This Saturday, CDEC events open at 6 a.m. when participants in the 7 a.m. Fun Run register, but most activities and the meeting registration start at 8 a.m. at Grants High School.

Co-op members will make their vote for board members and the proposed bylaw change when they register. CDEC is asking members to change the bylaws to waive the current $5 membership.

The first 550 members to register will receive an energy saving gift package. Registration closes at noon so votes can be counted and winners announced, if the meeting makes its quorum of approximately 550 members. Even if the quorum is not reached, the meeting will go on with drawings winners for the big Laughlin, Nev., trip and the smaller appliance and cash prizes, plus show a video. Most activities will start to close down when the meeting starts, but children’s activities may run as late as 1 p.m., CDEC spokesman Mac Juarez said.

Between registration and the meeting, members will have plenty to do. The co-op is sponsoring a first ever Energy Efficiency Fair, with presentations by five guest organizations. Juarez said guests would give 15-minute presentations in rotation from 10 a.m. till noon and be available at tables to answer questions and discuss energy issues.

Futures Foundations Families Center is bringing their Youth Festival to the meeting with activities that include a petting zoo, games and jumpers, educational activities and a hot dog sale. Proceeds from food sales will go to support the foundation.

The New Mexico Department of Health will be on hand to from 8 a.m. till noon to provide free immunizations for children up to 18 years old. Parents should bring their children’s shot records, insurance information and Medicaid cards, if they have them.

In an additional boost to well being in the co-op’s service district, CEDC is sponsoring a wellness fair, with free health screening including diabetes screening and cholesterol testing, which require a five-hour fast before the tests. Attendees can also get tested for osteoporosis, stroke (recommended for those over 55 years old) and blood pressure.

The previously announced Grants High School Jazz Band will not be playing at the event. Members must attend the meeting to be eligible to win prizes in the drawings.