Clovis officials declare May 14 Nonagenarian Day

CLOVIS - It was a short meeting, but Thursday evening the Clovis city commission saw to items for both the young and the old in the area.

Commissioners named May 14 as Nonagenarian Day, and to mark the occasion will hold its 52nd Annual Nonagenarian Tea that afternoon, 2 p.m. at 908 Hickory St. in Clovis.

The event is open to all those "90 years young and older," said Senior Services Director Barbara Riggan.

"If you're 89, you can come on in and see how much fun you're going to have next year," she added.

Following that proclamation was a "Blue Print for Youth Success" presentation from Mindy Watson, President of the Board of Directors for the United Way of Eastern New Mexico.

Watson's slideshow compared the "staggering" numbers on issues such as self harm, substance use and school safety for children and youth in Roosevelt and Curry counties with statewide data. Figures came from "a variety of sources," Watson said, including the local school district, the state's public education department and juvenile justice systems.

The presentation focused on youth success goals and called for volunteers to assist in efforts from four work groups addressing different objectives: increased access to programs in and after school, mental health and substance abuse treatment services, family engagement and youth vocational and career pathways.

"We're trying to get everybody at the table," she said. "Everyone has to come together to make this work. Everyone has a piece of the puzzle, no one has all the pieces."

Those interested in helping can sign up online at YouthSUCCESSenm.com or contact local UWENM representatives.

Commissioners at Thursday's meeting also approved by 6-0 vote to award a Financial Audit Services contract to Integrity at a pace of $132,000 over three years. Commissioners Rube Render and Sandra Taylor-Sawyer and Mayor David Lansford were not present at the meeting.