Archive for Announcements
Southern New Mexico Resource Advisory Committeee to Accept Project Proposals
Editor’s Note: We received this just today from Karen Takai. It’s a little outside our usual coverage area, but if anybody knows of anyone wanting to do projects in the referenced counties, please pass this along.
ALAMOGORDO, NEW MEXICO…The Southern New Mexico Resource Advisory Committee (RAC) is seeking proposals for projects that enhance forest ecosystems (environment functioning) or restore and improve land health and water quality on the Cibola, Gila, and Lincoln National Forests and other adjacent lands in Catron, Grant, Lincoln, Otero, Socorro, and Sierra Counties. The RAC committee has nearly $2,005,000 to allocate to projects this year, made available through the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination Act for fiscal years 2008 and 2009 Title II monies (http://www.fs.fed.us/srs/Title-II.shtml). Proposals and Title II monies will be recommended by the RAC to the Designated Federal Official (DFO), Al Koss, based on each affected County’s Title II monies allocation percentage. The RAC will be funded annually for an additional two years with slightly declining amounts each year. »» Southern New Mexico Resource Advisory Committeee to Accept Project Proposals
Music Festival Hits Edgewood
by John Weckerle
For those who may have forgotten, the Wildlife West Music Festival begins tonight with a barn dance and other festivities at Wildlife West Nature Park in Edgewood. Tomorrow’s headliners includes two-time Grammy nominee Claire Lynch, Grammy Winner Pat Donohue, Spring Creek, and Small Potatoes. They will be joined by Hot Club of Santa Fe, Syd Masters and the Swing Riders, Cheap Shots, Atomic Grass, the Martin Family Band, and the Muddy River String Band. This is a wonderful event for the whole family, and tomorrow promises to be a great experience.
Celtic Festival Coming To Tijeras
by John Weckerle
The folks at Just Imagine Gallery have informed us that there will be a Celtic Festival at the Tijeras Arts Market on July 31 and August 1. Entertainment will include JUBALation (a band that has appeared at the Wildlife West Music Festival), Gerry Muisener, Dan McDermott, Eagle’s Whistle, and the McTeggart Step Dancers. For more information, see the Tijeras Arts Market events page.
Public Service Announcement: American Cancer Society Relay For Life Meeting
by Margarita Mercure Hibbs
Please come to the meeting scheduled on Sunday, this weekend at 3pm is in the Town Council Conference Room. We will have an update on current teams, fundraisers and general information and logistics to share. Please come with your questions and ideas.
A light meal will be provided and the meeting is usually less than 2 hours.
I wanted to remind you that this year’s American Cancer Society’s Relay For Life – Estancia Valley is going to be August 6th and 7th of this summer and will be held in Arthur Park, Estancia, New Mexico. As you know, Margarita’s Gallery has been a proud sponsor for 3 years and this will be our 4th year. I hope that you all will please consider this incredible cause in your schedule of activities and definitely donate to this worthy cause. Contact me at 505-384-3131 or 505-705-9526 or Brenda Smythe at 505-705-5445. Brenda is my Co-Chair and will be next year’s Event Chair, God willing.
Remember that we can now register online as participants, team or sponsors at:
Cibola National Forest Enacts Stage 1 Fire Restrictions
USDA Forest Service Press Release
Albuquerque, June 17, 2010 – The Cibola National Forest, including the Mt. Taylor, Sandia and Mountainair Ranger Districts will implement Stage 1 fire restrictions starting Friday, June 18 at 8:00am. Cibola National Forest Supervisor Nancy Rose explained, “With the recent increase in temperatures, higher winds, continued dry conditions that are drying vegetation, the potential for Wildland fires has increased and we feel it is necessary to take these precautions.”
As always, fireworks are prohibited on all national forest system lands.
Beginning 8:00 am, Friday, June 18, 2010, the following restrictions apply to the Mt. Taylor, Sandia and Mountainair Ranger Districts.
Open Campfire Restrictions:
- Campfires, charcoal grills and stove fires are prohibited on national forest lands except in Forest Service developed camp and picnic grounds where grills are provided.
Restrictions:
- Pressurized liquid or gas stoves, lanterns and heaters meeting safety specifications are allowed. Please contact the Cibola National Forest for more details regarding where fires are allowed.
- Smoking is allowed within an enclosed vehicle or building; a developed recreation site; or while stopped in an area at least three feet in diameter and free of all flammable material.
Please call for more information, Mark Chavez, Cibola National Forest Supervisor’s Office at 505-346-3900, or one of the following district offices:
- Mt. Taylor Ranger District, 505- 287-8833
- Sandia Ranger District, 505-281-3304
- Mountainair Ranger District, 505-847-2990
Additional fire information for the Southwest Area is available at http://gacc.nifc.gov/swcc/index.htm.
Public Service Announcement: Father’s Day Car Show
by John Weckerle
Those looking for something to do this weekend might consider the 7th Annual Father’s Day Car Show at Valley View Christian Church just north of NM 344 and Dinkle Road in Edgewood, which will be held from 9 a.m to 3:30 p.m. this Sunday, June 20. For more information, see the Valley View Car Show page or the Gadabout-Blogalot.com announcement.
Wind Technology Training Coming To Moriarty
by John Weckerle
Residents of the Estancia Valley and the surrounding area will soon have the opportunity to receive specialized training in the area of wind energy technology, according to a recent press release issued by Mesalands Community College in Tucumcari.
The program comes as a cooperative effort between Mesalands, the Estancia Valley Economic Development Association, the City of Moriarty, and the New Mexico Workforce Connection of Central New Mexico. According to North American Wind Research and Training Center Director Jim Morgan “This pilot project provides the essential technical courses needed to assist students in obtaining a wind industry job and in turn supply area wind farms with wind energy technicians that will already have basic knowledge of the industry.” Courses will cover safety issues, and will include subjects such as basic electricity, mechanics, hydraulics, and turbine safety. Classes for the 8-week training program will be held in Moriarty, and some training will take place at the NAWRTC, including climbing the college’s 1.5 megawatt wind turbine. Students who successfully complete the program will receive an Occupational Certificate in Basic Wind Energy Technology.
Those interested in applying should contact the New Mexico Workforce Connection of Central New Mexico at 832-6774.
According to the Mesalands wind energy technology program web site, the college also offers an Associate of Applied Science degree in Wind Energy Technology, as well as customized training programs. Completion of the NAWRTC facility is scheduled for September 2010, and Mesalands has already installed a 1.5 MW General Electric wind turbine.
USDA Announces Energy Grants For Agriculture, Rural Small Businesses
by John Weckerle
The U.S. Department of Agriculture has issued a grant announcement for that may be of interest to some of our readers: Renewable Energy Systems and Energy Efficiency Improvements, targeted at agricultural producers (including farmers and ranchers who gain 50 percent or more of their gross income from agricultural operations) and rural small businesses. Rural electric cooperatives may also be eligible to apply. Grants are awarded competitively and may provide up to 25% of total project costs, with a $500,000 limit on renewable energy systems and $250,000 for energy improvments (the “floor” is $2,500 for renewable energy systems and $1,500 for energy efficiency improvements). The total estimated program funding is $51.5 million, and at least 20% of the grants will be for less than $20,000. The closing date for applications is June 30, 2010. For more information, see the Grants.gov announcement.
Spring Has Sprung, Or Is/Will Be…And There’s Plenty To Do!
by John Weckerle
The first weekend of May always brings plenty of outdoor fun to the NM-Central.com area, and this year is no exception. We’ve received notice of a number of events planned for this Saturday and Sunday, including:
- This Saturday and Sunday, May 1 & 2, Wildlife West Nature Park in Edgewood will hold its annual Green Energy Fair and Wind Festival. This is a great opportunity to learn a little about renewable energy, see (and even buy) some great kites, and – of course – visit Wildlife West’s enhanced zoo.
- High Desert Riders, a regional equestrian group, will hold their fifth annual livestock sale and flea market this Saturday, May 1, in Edgewood. There will be opportunities to buy or sell livestock and equestrian-related items, and mini-clinics will discuss subjects associated with rabbits, goats, sheep, chickens, and horses. For more info, see the event flier.
- This weekend will also mark the opening of the season at the Tijeras Open Air Market on Old Route 66, featuring “exciting artists” and “exciting new crafts.” Festivities will include music by Gene Corbin and Susan Clark (separately) on Saturday, and the Southwest String Band on Sunday.
- Local artists and craftspeople will also be on hand in front of the Triangle Grocery in Cedar Crest.
- According to our friends at Mountainair Announcements, a community garden meeting and workday is scheduled for this Saturday at 10 a.m. at Mojave Rose in Mountainair. For more information, see the Mountainair Announcements article.
It certainly seems as if there will be plenty to do out in the fresh air this weekend. Cool, but not cold, temperatures should put a spring in our steps. Have fun out there!
Public Service Announcement: American Cancer Society Relay For Life – Estancia Valley Kickoff Meeting
The kickoff meeting for the Estancia Valley’s ACS Relay for Life will be held this coming Sunday, April 25 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the East Torrance Water Conservation District Educational Building. A light dinner will be served. For more information, see the event flier.
A Little “Exposure”
by John Weckerle
Your editor has been informed that two of his photographs will be published in the July edition of New Mexico Magazine, which will be “on the stands” June 20. The photos – one of a peregrine falcon in flight, and one of peregrine expert Tom Smylie working with a falcon during a demonstration at Wildlife West Nature Park – were provided free of charge in support of the Park. Wildlife West holds free flight falcon shows during its Harvest Festival and as part of its weekly Chuckwagon Suppers, held each Saturday during the summer.
Public Service Announcement: Estancia Basin Water Planning Committee Canceled
The meeting of the Estancia Basin Water Planning Committee scheduled for Thursday, April 15, 2010 has been canceled. The next meeting is scheduled for May 20, 2010 and will be held in Moriarty at the Magnum Steel Buildings conference room.
Public Service Announcment: Wildlife West Invitation to Green Energy Vendors
Editor’s note: The press release below is an invitation to vendors to participate in the annual Wind Festival and Green Energy Fair at Wildlife West Nature Park next month. The invitation would appear to include exhibitors as well as vendors.
Invitation to participate in our free wind festival and green energy fair at Wildlife West Nature Park in Edgewood, NM. Any vendor that has anything to do with green energy or the wind should consider coming to our 9th annual festival on May 1,2 from 10-6 daily. Our e-mail is info@wildlifewest.org if you would like to join us. There is no fee for any vendor qualified by doing any education or having products or services relating to our theme of green energy and or wind gadgets or kites. Please join us for the fun and opportunity to meet and greet our visitors.
Thank you, Roger Alink 263-9453
Public Service Announcement: Edgewood Mobile Pantry and Civitan Clothing Exchange
The Edgewood Mobile Pantry and Civitan Clothing Exchange will be conducting distribution tomorrow, March 25. For more information, see the article at Gadabout-Blogalot.com.
Public Service Announcement: Mountainair Ranger District Travel Management Environmental Assessment Ready for Public Review
from Mark M. Chavez, Public Affairs Officer/Web Manager, Cibola National Forest & Grasslands
Mountainair, NM – March 4th, 2010 – The Mountainair Ranger District, Cibola National Forest, is hosting three Open Houses March 9th, 10th and 11th to provide an opportunity for public review and comment regarding the proposals described in the Environmental Assessment for Travel Management on the Mountainair Ranger District. The meeting will begin with a short presentation on the alternatives at 5 p.m., followed by the Open House where individuals will have an opportunity to meet with the Interdisciplinary Team and ask questions about the environmental analysis and the alternatives. »» Public Service Announcement: Mountainair Ranger District Travel Management Environmental Assessment Ready for Public Review