Archive for Uncategorized
Happy Independence Day
by John Weckerle
From Virginia Beach, VA we wish all our readers a happy and safe Fourth of July holiday and weekend. Things have been a bit busy, but we hope to bring you some photographs and travel commentary within the next day or two. We should be back on a more regular “schedule” by Wednesday or Thursday.
Torrance County Roads Review – District 3
by John Weckerle
Checking in on our friends at Mountainair Announcements, we find that District 3 Commissioner Chavez is soliciting input regarding problem roads in that part of the County. Vanessa Vaile at Mountainair Arts is assisting Commissioner Chavez by compiling a list, a primary version of which she hopes to submit by June 30. For more details and information on how to get a county road review, see the full announcement.
Mooning The Estancia Valley
by John Weckerle
Saturday and Sunday nights were great ones for those with an appreciation of a full moon – especially those of us who had a camera ready. Click on the image to the right to see a full-sized copy of Saturday night’s display!
Flying Objects Identified
by John Weckerle
Those of us who were out pounding rebar into the ground and setting soup cans on it (go ahead, ask us why – we dare you) this evening enjoyed a sight worth seeing – and those of us with a camera handy should always be happy to pass it on. The spectacular sight of a weather balloon illuminated by the setting sun is always worthy of note, but to have a jet pass so “closely” (from our point of view, of course) was a rare treat. We hope that somebody on the plane got a great shot of the balloon. We were actually going to post photos of this weekend’s full moon today, but we’ll hold them for a day or two given the uniqueness of today’s display. Want to know where it is now? Check out the NASA balloon tracking page! More photos behind the cut… »» Flying Objects Identified
KXNM FM Torrance County Listener Survey
by John Weckerle
The Torrance County Project Office is soliciting public input on the creation of the area’s first rural radio station, KXNM 88.5 FM via a simple, five-question survey. The questionnaire is available in both English and Spanish. For more information, contact Ellen Burgess or Pat Lincoln at 832-0332.
Public Service Announcement – I-40 Westbound Lane Closures
According to the NMDOT, I-40 westbound will be reduced to two lanes from today through 5 a.m. next Monday so that a skid-resistant surface can be applied. The westbound Carnuel exit will be closed when the right lane is being resurfaced, possibly Monday through Wednesday of this week.
Fundraiser For Wildlife West Next Saturday
by John Weckerle
Next Saturday, June 6, a fundraiser will be held to feed the animals at Wildlife West Nature Park in Edgewood, New Mexico. This will include a chuckwagon supper, entertainment by The Rattlerz, tours of the animal areas, disc golf, horseshoes, and a free-flight Peregrine Falcon demonstration – all for the paltry sum of $28 per person. For reservations, contact the Park at (505) 281-7655 or (505) 286-4053. For more information, see the Park’s event flier.
Once again, folks, Wildlife West is an outstanding asset to the regional community, and the Park needs our help. We simply can’t wait and assume that a big donor will ride in on a white horse and start tossing food into the habitats. If you can’t make it to the fundraiser, please consider visiting the Park web site and making a contribution. Even the smallest donation helps, and if enough of us make those donations, it will be just as good as one big one. To all our readers, whether they hail from here or elsewhere, please do what you can to feed the animals at Wildlife West. You will have our thanks.
Public Service Announcement: Fire Prevention Meeting To Be Held June 4
Checking in on Chuck Ring’s blog, we see that Bernalillo County Commissioner Michael Brasher has announced a fire protection/prevention meeting to update residents on the 2009 fire season. For more information, see Chuck’s article.
No More Nambe For Me
by John Weckerle
An article in yesterday’s Albuquerque Journal informs us that Nambe, the maker of “New Mexican” metal objects d’art, outsourced all its casting operations to China and India last year, with only polishing being done at its Espanola plant. They’re also operating four retail stores and, despite the fact that none of their products are made in New Mexico, they still consider themselves a New Mexico company. Well, they may technically be headquartered here, but they’ve sent their manufacturing jobs overseas, and in our opinion their products are no longer “New Mexican,” regardless of whether the designs are created here. I don’t own that much Nambe, but every piece I’ve purchased – or ever will – was made in the United States. If you’re against outsourcing American – and especially New Mexican – manufacturing jobs, then you may wish to consider not purchasing Nambe products in the future.
What do you mean “Free Money”?
by Kelly Krauth
With all of the new stimulus package rebates, refunds and hoopla, it amazes me of how many people do not really know about the money that is now available to them through the First-Time Homebuyer’s Credit. I recently participated in a workshop and asked this very question to a group of people. 1 of 30 people raised their hand when I asked this very question. This made me realize that I needed to get this news out to my local community. Now before I lose you at “first time home buyer”, did you know that a first time home buyer also means an individual who has not owned a principal residence in the previous three years?
Let me say this simply for everyone to understand. This is a gift. No catch and no gimmick. Anyone who as ever wanted to buy a new home now has the opportunity to receive a gift from Uncle Sam up to $8,000 for buying a new home before November 30th 2009. »» What do you mean “Free Money”?
New Edgewood Outdoor Market Opens Next Month
by Kelly Krauth
When I was younger, one of my favorite Saturday morning events was a trip to the farmer’s market. Wandering through the booths, picking and choosing my “prizes” for the week was something that I looked forward to. As we look towards doing our part in the fight for a “green” community, the revitalization of the local market seems a wise choice.
On June 13th, the Edgewood “Arts and Organics Market” will open on the corner of Rt 66 and 344. As the name implies we will offer a variety of organic fruits, vegetables, nuts, honey, and eggs as well as the crafts and products of local artisans. We are seeking all facets of vendors as we wish to offer enough variety to have something for everyone. Growers, Artists, Canners, Bakers, Crafters, musicians and anyone else that has a marketable product that is produced locally is welcome to join us!
The market will be open every Saturday from 9:00 – 1:00 through September. For more vending or other information, call Shari at 235-8285.
Osha Fire 75% Contained
by John Weckerle
Firefighters from the Mountainair Ranger District and the Type 1 Mount Taylor Hot Shot Crew, with support from a severity engine from the Caribou/Targhee in Idaho, appear to have successfully fought a fire that grew to only two acres this week. As of yesterday, May 8, the Osha fire, which started in very rugged terrain was 75% contained, and District fire official Arlene Perea anticipated that the fire would be completely contained by last night. While the cause of the fire is as yet undetermined, the District suspect that lightning is likely the culprit, as there were confirmed strikes in the area during last weekend’s storms. Mop-up efforts will continue throughout the weekend.
We’d like to take this opportunity to remind everyone that this has been a relatively dry year thus far, and that means that fire danger may increase as time moves on. The warm weather and winds seem likely to dry the area more over the next week, with no precipitation predicted until next Sunday in the vicinity of New Mexico Central headquarters. Please take extra care to avoid starting fires, and if you must smoke, let’s keep those cigarettes in the car, and the butts in the ashtrays. If you’re worried about smelling up the car, try some smokeless ashtrays:
- Smoke Outlet
- Talon Outlet
- Smoke Eliminator
- The Distinguished Self-Extinquisher
- Smokeless Car Ashtray
Avoid using open flame outdoors whereever possible, and keep a fire extinguisher handy while using outdoor tools such as chainsaws.
Wildlife West Raptor Class
by John Weckerle
Did you know that the only birds in the world known to have any sense of smell are the kiwi and our own Turkey Vulture? This is just one of the many fascinanting facts attendees at Wildlife West Nature Park’s Bird Handling Class will learn. The Park will hold its Bird Handling Class on Saturday, June 13, 2009 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. The cost is $20, which is an outstanding value for a great day of learning about native raptors. For more information, see Wildlife West’s Bird Handling Class page and our June 9, 2008 article.
On another note: I recently met with Park officials who told me that donations were down significantly compared to last year; they didn’t have hard figures, but thought it might be as much as 65%. I was shocked to hear that the Park is currently borrowing money just to feed the animals. Folks, Wildlife West is an asset that all of us can enjoy and that provides employment and educational opportunities for our young people – and the rest of us. We’d like to remind everyone that memberships can be purchased and donations of any size made via the Park’s membership page. We know that times are tough, but even small donations – $5, $10, $20, etc. – can help Wildlife West continue to be the asset it has become. The Park also accepts corporate, music festival, and habitat sponsorships (corporate and music festival sponsorships may be purchased online, and habitat sponsorships may be purchased through coordination with the Park). For more information, contact the Park at 505-281-7655 or toll free at 877-981-9453, or visit the Wildlife West web site, roll your cursor over the “Support” button, and choose the link that interests you. Wildlife West is recognized by the IRS as a tax exempt 501(c)(3) organization, so your contributions are tax-deductible. Checks can be sent to:
Wildlife West Nature Park
P.O. Box Number 1359
Edgewood, NM 87015
As always, we encourage people to visit the Park – your entry fee also helps, and we think you’ll find the visit well worth the price of admission.
Public Service Announcement – Credit Workshop
The New Mexico Small Business Development Center at the Albuquerque South Valley SBDC will be holding a credit workshop on May 26, 2009 from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. For more information, see the full announcement.
Public Service Announcement: Community Mural In Mountainair
Checking in on our friends at Mountainair Announcements, we find that there will be a Community Mosaic Workshop on Wednesday, May 6 beginning at 9 p.m. at Mountainair Clayworks. For more information, see the full announcement. We wish the Manzano Mountain Arts Council and sponsors Mary and Scott Childers good luck with this one; it sounds like a great way to add color and interest to the look of the community.