Saturday, September 6, 2008

Ulivarri presented Lifetime Achievement Award

Jackie Schlotfeldt News-Bulletin Staff Writer; jschlotfeldt@news-bulletin.com

Belen Retirement hasn't had a slowing effect on Terese "Tinky" Ulivarri - in fact, she's just as busy today — if not more so — than she was when working full time.

The Mid-Region Council of Governments (MRCOG) recently recognized Ulivarri's contributions to regional issues in Valencia County and presented her a Lifetime Achievement award.

"I wasn't expecting it," Ulivarri said. "It was very nice to be recognized."

In addition to serving on the Belen City Council, Ulivarri has also dedicated her time to attending meetings of the Mid-Region Council of Government in 1998 to chairing the board beginning in 2001. She served as chair for two years before becoming vice-chair of the board a position she held for two more years.

Lawrence Rael, executive director of MRCOG, said Ulivarri has been involved in COG for many years and was chair for two consecutive terms, which is unusual.

"She represents not only Belen, but the whole region," Rael said. "She's dedicated a lot of time on behalf of the region, and she's done an outstanding job representing Belen and the municipalities of Valencia County."

Rael went on to say Ulivarri also chairs the water resource board, which is a major subcommittee that is very active with regional water issues.

Born and raised in Belen, Ulivarri spent 25 years with the State Parks and Recreation Department, beginning her career as a park manager and working her way up to regional manager in charge of five state parks. Ulivarri spent the last few years before retirement as a safety and training officer for all department employees.

After retiring, Ulivarri decided to continue being involved with the community she grew up in and ran for a seat on the Belen City Council in 2002, a position she has held for the past six years.

One important thing Ulivarri said she has learned since working with COG is the connection needed between municipalities to address common issues and concerns and work together to get things done.

"(Former county commission chair) Mary Andersen and I saw issues that were bigger than my town or my village or county," Ulivarri said.

What they did to organize people from different municipalities was to talk about the issues that affect the whole county, specifically transportation issues. From their work, studies were conducted and a transportation steering committee was developed.

"We learned to work together," Ulivarri said. "It's not us against them."

Ulivarri said she was surprised by the award and enjoys working with the people at MRCOG, saying it has given her a chance to come to know all types of people from all over the region.

"I get to know the person, and that's the beauty of it," Ulivarri said. "I've never been told, 'no we can't do that - it's been, 'yeah, let's get it done.' Everything is so positive."

Ulivarri said the whole region is benefiting from the work being done through the combined efforts of the municipalities with the hope of MRCOG.

"We all have the same problems," Ulivarri said. "And we work together instead of trying to reinvent the wheel."

Belen Mayor Ronnie Torres said it was nice to see Ulivarri acknowledged for the work she has put into work with COG.

"It's well deserved," Torres said. "She's been active with COG for years."

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