Folks, For those that haven't heard, The National Cave and Karst Research Institute had their opening celebration for their new headquarters in Carlsbad, New Mexico. The event occurred on Saturday, May 14 and was attended by a host of dignitaries including George Veni, Dale Pate, Jack Hess, Jim Goodbar, Ron Green, Hazel Medville, Dale Janway (Mayor of Carlsbad), New Mexico State Senator Vernon Asbill, and Bert Frost (NPS), In addition, David Steensen, (NPS), John Heaton (N.M. Congressman), Richard Cervantes (NMT), Bob Forrest (former Mayor of Carlsbad), and James Greer (President of Greer Construction), Jessie Richardson (VPI) were on hand. Jim Goodbar and Ron Kerbo cut the cave cake marking the opening of the building. In addition, Jack Hess (Executive Director of GSA), Debbie Buecher (Wildlife Biologist accompanied by two bats and her husband Bob), myself and Penny Boston were invited lecturers.
The event was attended by more than 300 people and included a number of cavers (Pat Seiser, Mark Joop, and Bob Buecher come to mind) and volunteers and the wonderful NCKRI staff (Lewis Land, Dianne Gillespie, Debbie Herr, and Ann Doudy). There were some really nice exhibits from the various sponsors and founding partners including an inflatable cave. George Veni, as the Executive Director did a really great job. Everyone has moved in to their new offices and are hard at work. In addition, Penny Boston is in Socorro, New Mexico at NMT and is also part of the NCKRI team. Kevin Stafford, professor at Stephen Austin was also present and received an award for his contributions to NCKRI. I know George, Lewis, Dianne, Debbie, and Ann worked really hard getting the building prepared for opening day. The Founding Partners, the NPS, New Mexico Tech, and the City of Carlsbad, were all well represented. The new NCKRI building is really outstanding. It includes an bat roost, statute of Jim White, rigging for vertical practice, nice offices, lots of green features, conference and educational rooms. A library and bookstore will be added to the facility as it develops. Pardon me if I've left anyone out. It was a good time had by all. Geary Geary M. Schindel, P.G. Chief Technical Officer EDWARDS AQUIFER A U T H O R I T Y 1615 N. ST. MARY'S STREET SAN ANTONIO, TX 78215 (210) 222.2204 OFFICE (210) 299.5262 FAX (210) 326.1576 MOBILE
