Edgewood Connected and Legacy Church Serve Those Who Serve

By Russell Huffman

EDGEWOOD, N.M. – The meeting room of the Edgewood Fire Department served as the perfect setting on Saturday for a gathering centered on gratitude and community. The occasion was the First Responder Luncheon, a heartfelt event aimed at honoring the local crews who ensure the safety of the East Mountains.

Edgewood Connected, a local organization focused on community revitalization, partnered with Legacy Church to host the event, providing meals and appreciation for the area’s first responders.

For Audrey Jaramillo, President of Edgewood Connected, the event was about stripping away the noise of daily life to focus on what matters.

“We serve basically to serve the community,” Jaramillo said. “There is a group of us that just want to do good things, positive things for the community, and not have to deal with all the town politics and drama.” She emphasized the critical role of the honorees, noting that first responders “ensure the safety and security of our citizens.”

A Partnership Built on Service

Serving the meal alongside the Edgewood Connected officers was a dedicated team from Legacy Church. Leanne Chavez, representing the church’s serving team, said the partnership was an easy “yes” when Jaramillo reached out.

“How could we refuse?” Chavez said. “Audrey reached out to us to see if we would partner with her… It’s a church that you can really get involved in and really build a family.”

Chavez noted that while Legacy is a large organization with campuses across the region, the Edgewood location strives to make sure residents know they aren’t alone. Their service extends beyond the church walls, including programs like Feed New Mexico Kids and substantial contributions to Make-A-Wish.

Connecting Resources and Community

The luncheon is part of a broader string of recent activity by Edgewood Connected. Their mission is to connect resources—both funds and people—to the community.

This year’s efforts included a popular pop-up ice-skating rink that drew families out the day prior to the luncheon, an idea Jaramillo said was sparked by a suggestion on Nextdoor.

Jaramillo credited the success of the weekend’s events to a strong network of support, including Legacy Church, the Town of Edgewood Lodgers’ Tax, Property Patriots, Rich Ford, and the dedicated officers of Edgewood Connected.

Looking Ahead: Lights and Skates ⛸️

Fresh off the success of the ice-skating event, Edgewood Connected is already planning for the future, including consideration of roller skating for 2026.

In the immediate future, the organization is lighting up the town with a Holiday Lights Contest. Residents can enter their homes or businesses via the Edgewood Connected website.

“We’re going to pick residential and commercial categories and give prizes,” Jaramillo explained. The group plans to publish a map for light-seekers, and judging will take place on December 23. While public feedback will be taken into account, Edgewood Connected will make the final determination on the winners.

Legacy Church in Edgewood holds non-denominational services Sundays at 9:00 a.m. and 10:45 a.m., and Wednesdays at 6:30 p.m.