2-15-2025 7:12pm

Inspiration in Chalk in Chihuahuita as Mayor Pro Tem Sharon McDonald and Artist Taylor Ojeda Partner in Kindness

Chris Edwards Editor

Chalk art as part of the Kindness Campaign in the Chihuahuita neighborhood inspired by Mayor Pro Tem Sharon McDonald

AlamogordoTownNews.org highlights via our "Alamogordo Proud Series" those unique organizations and individuals that make this region so unique via positive stories of hope and inspiration.

Alamogordo Public School's Lisa Patch has spearheaded the Kindness Month Initiative and said; "Random Acts of Kindness reminds us that we are all in this together. Life gets busy at any age, and we all need to take a minute to look around. Celebrating Kindness Month in the schools and in the community gives us the opportunity to pause and appreciate those around us. Kindness and compassion are free and invaluable. By incorporating this into our school culture, we are preventing bullying and making our schools safe, happy, and a fun place to be for everyone. This is my favorite time of the year ever since we started doing the kindness campaign. You can see the waves of kindness spread across our community. I hope everyone will join us in asking themselves, 'How can I show kindness today?’

One of the ideas behind kindness month was to marry acts of kindness with art and expression via sidewalk chalk art on Chalk Your Walk Day which was February 14th, 2025. The ideas was that everyone was encouraged to decorate sidewalks with messages of hope, encouragement, and love. Schools received chalk buckets to help bring this vision to life. Community members also took part by chalking their own driveways and storefronts and built messages in the parks.

Commissioner of Alamogordo's District 5 and Mayor Pro Tem, Sharon McDonald got into the act of kindness and expression in her Chihuahuita neighborhood in Alamogordo's city center.

McDonald thought it would be fun to gather some community members together and express themselves at one of Alamogordo's newest public parks the small one on Alaska Avenue behind the high school. Mayor Pro Tem McDonald said, "It was a great idea to share kindness by chalking your walk on Friday. My daily exercise walk starts right by the park near my house. I thought since the Tiger Track season at the high school is starting, and they practice in the area, it would be nice to send a message of kindness."

With that thought in mind Mayor Pro Tem McDonald called one of Alamogordo's talented artist and community volunteer, Taylor Ojeda. Taylor is recognized as a premier muralist artist who's works can be seen in Alamogordo's MainStreet District also in Mrs. McDonald's district and at the Alameda Park Zoo.

Mrs. McDonald explained her idea to show kindness to the track team which practices there via chalk. Of course, Taylor Ojeda agreed, and brought her sons over making it a family expression of kindness. Exactly the intent behind the day as envisioned by Lisa Patch of Alamogordo Public Schools.

McDonald said, "they showed up and got out of the car ready to chalk a few squares on the walk. It is so nice to see how children respond when they are asked to participate. I love that they came to help me with my hope to encourage kindness in my neighborhood. Taylor is a true talent and I learned how to use the chalk to the fullest with her help. She did the hopscotch on the sidewalk and added a look of talent. Her sons did the flowers and a complete house from a movie he loved. My contribution was of phrases on the sidewalk. I love to encourage young people. They are our help now and in the future. We want them to do well in all the growing stages of their life. I appreciate the opportunity to say, You are awesome and Have a nice day."

Taylor Ojeda said, "Commissioner McDonald's desire to care for this community is infectious. When I heard that she was going to chalk up some encouraging messages with a focus on reaching our high schoolers, I couldn't wait to bring my kids to help. This is a wonderful way to bring together our town, promote safe walking spaces, and speak life into everyone walking down the street."

Kindness month continues with...

Week 3 (Feb. 17-21): Be a Kindness Superhero – Motivating students and community members to be upstanders and spread kindness.

Week 4 (Feb. 24-28): Be Kind to Yourself – Highlighting the importance of self-care and personal well-being.

Community-Wide Kindness Challenge expands well beyond the school district.

The spirit of Kindness Month extends beyond the classroom, inviting local businesses, organizations, and families to participate. Community members can join in by completing the daily kindness challenges and spreading positivity in their workplaces and neighborhoods.

Let's all join together and become a kinder Alamogordo Community!

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