Gives worship in music and writings, participates in sing alongs and encouraging the flourishing of joyful connection, culture, and community.

And whereas Musica del Aire will be giving a free hands-on intergeneration music writing workshop at No Palito's Galleria and a free public performance at the Hilton Garden Inn on Saturday, October 24th.

Please join us at Nopalitos Caleria from 10 to 12 free.

Our dream is that we would have a 12-year-old writing with her grandmother, two sisters writing about their mother.

Everything is free.

Well, late afternoon, five to seven at the Hilton Garden Inn.

And I'm very happy that our new nonprofit, El Museo de la Gente, a Community Archival Resource Center, got three grants to support this group of people, including the Humanities Council, a still small voice for you, and many local patrons.

I have some flyers in the back, but I'm so honored to sponsor this group that sinks everything from Pete Seeger to Basanova to La Llorona to Cien Años to my favorite canción Misteca.

So I hope you will join us and dance the broom dance with us.

And uh all I can say is Las Cruces, keep dancing.

Thank you.

Thank you very much.

Um I have flyers that I will leave for uh board members here, so I'll leave them with someone.

I'm not sure who, but thank you all very much.

Thank you, Mayor.

We're honored.

And we'll take this.

Okay, I have some more.

Thank

you.

Yes, thank you.

Next is a proclamation for domestic violence awareness month.

Is there anyone here representing the group?

Seeing none, I'll go ahead and read their proclamation.

Whereas it is vital to recognize that domestic violence does not discriminate, to acknowledge this is also understand that it is our collective responsibility as a community to break the silence, challenge social norms, and promote a culture of respect, love, and justice.

Let us be motivated and inspired to take action.

And whereas La Casa Incorporated mission since 1981 has been to support individuals impacted by domestic violence by providing shelter, advocacy, and comprehensive services throughout southern New Mexico.

This commitment fosters healing and empowering to those in need.

And whereas we must recognize the tireless efforts of advocates, volunteers, and organizations like La Casa, who stand as pillars of our community safety.

Their resentless pursuit to create a safer and more just environment for all, along with their dedication to educating, empowering, and supporting victims and survivors, instills reassurance and confidence in us all.

And whereas the theme of this year's annual annual candlelight visual for surviving to soaring honors the courage and strength of survivors as they break free, heal, and create a life of hope and freedom.

It reminds us that survival is not the end of the journey, but the foundation from which survivors rise to reclaim their voices, their dreams, and their future.

La Casa annual candlelight vigil also serves as a reminder to honor our friends, families, and neighbors who have tragically lost their lives due to domestic violence.

And whereas the community is called upon to unite in La Casa's commitment to support domestic violence prevention initiatives by promoting awareness and providing essential resources.

As the needs of those who La Casa serves continue to expand, we must enhance our outreach and resources.

The support and commitment of the community are crucial in fostering an inclusive network that offers assistance and hope to all who seek it, giving every survivor the support needed, not only to survive, but to soar.

Now, therefore, we, the mayor and city council of Las Cruces, New Mexico, do hereby proclaim October 20, October 2026 as domestic violence awareness month.

We encourage all residents and our elected officials to participate in the candlelight visual and offer initiatives organized by La Casa to honor survivors and advocate for a community free from violence and abuse.

Let us join together to lift up survivors as they move from surviving to soaring and to foster a society rooted in compassion, justice, and safety for

all.

Thank you.

And I was told Mr.

Weaver could not attend today, but we still want to read the proclamation and acknowledge

him.

Richard Weaver, owner of Weaver's Welding, wanted an event to bring young people and authority figures together in a friendly, non-threatening atmosphere.

And whereas he and many friends of the community sponsored the first great pumpkin candy drop in 2006.

And whereas he formed Friends of the Community, a 501c3 organization, and where he rented Mag Park, solicitated donations of cash andor candy, and invited kids, young and old.

And whereas he also invited the Las Cruces Police Department, the Las Cruces Fire Department, Doniana County Sheriff's Posse, public officials, everyone who represents authority.

And whereas he has grown the candy drop to include all four fields at MAG Park with music, events, and booths, his only mandate is that everything is free.

Now, therefore, we, the mayor and city council of Las Cruces, New Mexico, do hereby proclaim Sunday, October 25th, 2026, as the Friends of the Community Candy Drop Day, and encourage everyone to support friends of the community and help them provide a safe, fun event for young people.

Thank

you.

The next one is proclamation for Las Cruces Veterans Day Parade, presented to William Bill Hawkins.

And anyone else that wants to come

up

representing our veterans, where the proclamation reads, whereas for 250 years, generations of America, Americans have answered the call to military service, demonstrating courage, sacrifice, and devotion to our nation and its people.

And whereas the men and women of the United States Armed Forces have served at home and abroad in times of war and peace to defend our nation and uphold the ideals of liberty and democracy.

And whereas Las Cruces is proud to be a home to veterans whose service, leadership, and continued contributions strengthen our community, and whereas we recognize the military families and loved ones whose strength, support, and sacrifices are an essential part of our nation's military story.

And whereas the Las Cruces Veterans Parade has honored veterans since its acception in 1995, made possible through the vision and leadership of Colonel Retired Fred Frank.

And whereas the Las Cruces Veteran Parade to be held on November 7th brings our community together to express gratitude to those who have served, remember those who gave their lives, and honor the enduring legacy of military service.