Archive for Estancia Valley
Oh, The Weather Outside…
by John Weckerle
Last night brought us some fairly intense weather here at NM-Central headquarters, with times of snow, freezing rain, thunder and lightning, and high winds. This morning seems dominated by the wind, although weather authorities warn of more potential precipitation before the system has passed. Local TV stations indicate that the Estancia Valley, including Estancia itself, will likely bear the brunt of the storm in our area. The northern part of the state has received substantial snowfall. Here at NM-Central, we’ve received a few inches or so.
NMRoads.com reports that road conditions in the area are (at best) snow-packed and icy. According to KOB.com, Moriarty-Edgewood schools and Estancia schools are closed, and East Mountain High School and APS schools are on a two-hour delay. We have not been able to find any information on Mountainair’s schools. We recommend that our readers stay home if they can, and to those who can’t, please be extra cautious.
Public Service Announcement: KXNM-88.7 FM seeks donations
from the KNSM-88.7 Community Foundation:
Dear Friends and Neighbors:
The KXNM FM 88.7 Community Foundation has recently received a match donation of up to $50,000.00 from a generous Torrance County Family that realizes the value and potential that a community-based educational not for profit radio station has to offer to area residents, businesses, schools, civic and non-profit organizations, municipal and county governments.
If as a community we rise to the challenge and raise $50,000, we will have enough money to build the transmission tower. It is the crucial and pivotal piece of infrastructure. No gift is too large or too small; this is truly a grass roots effort.
If you are an individual, organization or business that is able to give $2,500 or more you are eligible for the advantages of our Radio Pioneer underwriting program. »» Public Service Announcement: KXNM-88.7 FM seeks donations
I-40-III: The Search For Completion
by John Weckerle
According to an October 1 article in the Mountain View Telegraph, New Mexico Department of Transportation (NMDOT) public information officer Phil Gallegos announced that lane and ramp closures associated with the Tijeras to Zuzax road work would be a thing of the past by October 10. Perhaps predictably, during a round-trip to Albuquerque yesterday (October 11), we were fortunate to be able to exit at Zuzax and avoid the traffic that was backed up to that exit, apparently due to continued lane closures in the westbound direction. The return trip revealed that the eastbound lanes are open, although there is obviously line painting to be done on the bridges.
A slightly confusing announcement from NMDOT Friday stated the following:
Monday 10/12 from 8am to 4pm weekdays – I40 westbound from Zuzax to Tijeras will be reduced to one lane. Monday 10/12 from 9am to 5pm weekdays ? The I40 westbound Zuzax onramp will be CLOSED!! Tuesday 10/13 through Friday 10/16 from 7am to 3pm Tuesday and from 9am to 2pm Wednesday through Friday – I40 eastbound from Tijeras to Zuzax will be reduced to one lane. Expect delays! Ongoing and until further notice ? The Zuzax (exit 178) onramp to I40 westbound will be closed. Use NM14 or Carnuel onramp.
Rosy earlier predictions from NMDOT notwithstanding, we will all have to hold our sighs of relief just a little longer; to steal a phrase, it ain’t over ’till it’s over. We recommend that, in future, the NMDOT adopt the project planning methodology of Chief Engineer Montgomery Scott of the Starship Enterprise: multiply your estimates by four, and look like a miracle worker at the end – instead of looking otherwise.
Look, It’s A Bird! No, It’s A Nebula!
by John Weckerle
The crisp, clear skies of October (when they’re crisp and clear, at least) give us a wonderful opportunity to take a look at our celestial neighborhood. Here to help us out will be the Lake County Astronomical Society of Illinois and the Salinas Pueblo Missions National Monument, who will be co-hosting a Star Party at Gran Quivira. The event theme is “Native American Skies,” and on the menu will be views of celestial features through powerful telescopes and “Native American stories about the night skies. ” Stories and Native American Flute music will be provided by Ernie Dogwolf Lovato. The event is scheduled for Friday, October 16, with an alternate date in case of uncooperative weather. For more information, see the event flyer.
Music Festival A Success
by John Weckerle
Headliner John McCutcheon performs at this year's Wildlife West Music Festival
This year’s Wildlife West Music Festival was an unprecedented success, according to Wildlife West Nature Park founder and director Roger Alink.
According to Mr. Alink, the festival broke even for the first time since the Town of Edgewood suddenly terminated financial support last year, leaving the Park bound by contracts with entertainers and plagued by a 50% hole in the budget. The community rallied to the Park’s support, donating money and flea market items and purchasing raffle tickets on a custom mandolin, among other prizes. The Town’s decision – which, in the opinions of many (including this publication), was a policy or political decision wrapped in the anti-donation clause’s clothing – was hotly contested. Since that time, some Town officials seem to have come to appreciate the Park to a greater degree – Mayor Bob Stearley donated two pies for the pie auction, and Town Council member John Abrams was spotted enjoying John McCutcheon’s afternoon performance. Photos of some of the performances can be seen on Wildlife West’s music festival page.
The success of this year’s festival is significant because it shows that the Park can attract nationally – and, in the case of Mr. McCutcheon, internationally – recognized performers without the need for extensive governmental funding. We at NM-Central would like to express our appreciation to those who have supported the Park to date and helped to keep the music festivals alive.
Time To Take A Deep Breath
by John Weckerle
It is a rare thing here at New Mexico Central that we discuss issues currently on the national radar, but there is an issue that has come home to roost, at least for your editor, and probably for a lot of people. This is the issue of health insurance reform.
We have all seen the coverage of the angry exchanges over this issue, with substantial volatility being displayed by those opposed to one or the other supposed provisions of the draft legislation. A certain degree of emotion is, of course, to be expected in these situations, but we find it a little disappointing to see so many people proceeding directly to angry words, shouting, and other displays of less-than-civil behavior. While it may be personally satisfying, it seems quite possible that this will produce the opposite of their desired results; rarely does angry shouting change minds or garner support for a position – except perhaps among those who already support it. In the end, it’s really just preaching to the choir. »» Time To Take A Deep Breath
A Firehose In The Sky
Update: New Mexico Central received a total of 1.6 inches from yesterday’s storm, according to our rain gauge.
by John Weckerle
As I rode through Tijeras Canyon this afternoon, having finally escaped the 15 mph, storm-related slowdown on approach to Tijeras, I found myself listening to the dulcet tones of the emergency broadcast system klaxon. The system informed me that Albuquerque and eastern Bernalillo County were subject to flash flood warnings, and further clarified that some areas had received 2 inches of rain in 30 minutes. I arrived home just as the storm did, just a bit after 6 p.m., and was greeted by the sound of hail hitting the garage roof; it had started literally a second after I pulled in. A true gully-washer ensued, dropping about an inch in the first 20 minutes. It has been raining steadily since, and as of 8:40 this evening, we’ve measured 1.4 inches.
With the supply in the rain harvesting tanks nearly exhausted, this is all more than welcome. We do hope the hail – which was only pea-sized – didn’t do too much damage. We’d be interested in hearing how our readers fared, and how much rain you got!
New Mexico Central Eyewitness Weather…
by John Weckerle
…in which, I go outside and witness the weather. Nobody guessed the reference last time; maybe somebody will get lucky this time around.
Saturday night sent a swarm of thunderstorms through the vicinity of New Mexico Central headquarters, bringing us 0.1 to 0.2 inches of rain and a spectacular lightning display. As is often the case, your editor shot some photos of lightning over the valley – but this time, in addition, decided to sieze the opportunity for a little more up close and personal look at one of nature’s most impressive light shows. Fortunately, the lightning was close enough to be breathtaking, but far enough away to be safe.
Public Service Announcement: Relay For Life
Editor’s Note: We received the following message from Margarita Mercure Hibbs, chairperson for this year’s Relay for Life last week, and encourage everyone to either participate or sponsor a team. This annual American Cancer Society event raises funds for cancer research. The attachments to the message include the Relay for Life flyer, letter to supporters, and sponsorship agreement.
Hello Family and Friends,
Attached is a letter of information regarding this wonderful event. Some of you may know that I have been organizing this event in the Estancia Valley for the last two years. This August 1st and 2nd is my third and last year to Chair the event and it would be wonderful if you all could come out and support this special charity. As you know, my sister Paula, my mother Margie, my cousin Chris, my Aunt Marie and my father in law all experienced the ravages of cancer. This annual effort is my attempt to fight back against this terrible disease.
Please consider participating in this incredible event. It is a 24 hour event spent celebrating life for our cancer survivors, remembering our loved ones who did not make it and fighting back in solidarity by raising money to find more cures and provide more services to cancer patients. The philosophy is very simple; Cancer does not sleep, so for one full night, we will not sleep. It would really be special to have you participate and support my last year. »» Public Service Announcement: Relay For Life
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!
Public Service Announcement: Wildlife Safe Passage Meeting Tomorrow
by John Weckerle
We have received word from Linda Hill that the New Mexico Department of Transportation will be holding a meeting on Wildlife Safe Passage from Tijeras to Edgewood tomorrow at 4:30 p.m. at Wildlife West Nature Park’s Bean Barn. Wildlife Safe Passage uses a combination of tactics – fencing, underpasses, etc. to help prevent wildlife from crossing highways such as Interstate 40 and being struck by vehicles. Wildlife Passage also helps reduce the impacts of highways on animal migration, reproduction, foraging, access to water, and other ecologically essential activities. A similar effort was undertaken in Tijeras Canyon, where the DOT worked with the City of Albuquerque and local groups such as the Tijeras Canyon Safe Passage Coalition and others.
For a map and directions to Wildlife West, see the Park’s map & directions page.
Happy Birthday, New Mexico Central!
by John Weckerle
It hardly seems possible that, just a year ago today, NM-Central.com sprang into being. A lot has happened over the past year, and we thought it might be entertaining to take a stroll down memory lane, look over our early stories, and see what, if anything, has changed.
Our debut article – Will the Grinches steal Edgewood’s music festival? – discussed the Town of Edgewood’s decision to abruptly cut all its funding for the annual music festival at Wildlife West Nature Park. The pretext for this decision had to do with the Town’s position that funding the event represented a violation of the State anti-donation clause, an assertion that we disputed then and still dispute today. Because the funding was terminated after the Park had signed contracts with the performers, the Park had no choice but to produce the event under its own steam. The community came together and, with donations and other funds raised, the festival almost – but not quite – broke even. The financial strain from this situation, coupled with the subsequent economic downturn, have put the Park in a state of difficulty, and we again ask that people consider making donations at the Park’s web site. This year’s music festival, featuring nationally acclaimed folk performer John McCutcheon, promises to be a top-notch event, and tickets can be purchased in advance on the Park web site. »» Happy Birthday, New Mexico Central!
Coincidence? We Think Not.
by John Weckerle
Update: I met with Wally Gordon after this article was written, and Mr. Gordon explained that the appearance of the subject material was inadvertent. The Independent printed a clarification of the source in their next edition.
We would like to point out to our readers the striking similarities between the story titled “Free concerts in Mountainair” on page 10 of the April 15, 2009 edition of The Independent and our article, “Spring Must Be Here…,” published a week earlier. We’d like to point out specifically that the similarities are very striking – as striking as striking can be. Apart from deletion of a couple of phrases and insertion of the word “concert” which was inadvertently omitted from one of our sentences, one might be tempted to think that The Independent’s article was simply lifted from NM-Central.com – without permission.
There is an old saying: “Imitation is the most sincere form of flattery.” In the case of published material, however, that particular brand of flattery is illegal. We’ve sent a “cease and desist” message via e-mail to The Independent’s editor, Wally Gordon, demanding payment and an apology. We will keep our readers posted (pun intended) regarding The Independent’s response. We’re not sure whether they’re reading their e-mail today, but we think it’s a pretty good bet that they’re reading this. We’d like to suggest that The Independent be a little more careful in this regard in the future – or similarities may not be the only things striking.
Meetings, meetings everywhere…
by John Weckerle
In June 2008, the Office of the State Engineer (OSE), Interstate Stream Commission (ISC) published its first review and recommended update of the New Mexico State Water Plan. Published in December 2003, the Water Plan established priorities, developed strategies, and identified issues and solutions associated with water planning and policy throughout the State. Our region – Region #13, Estancia Basin – was the first of the State’s 16 water planning regions to complete its regional water plan, which was prepared and has since been updated by the Estancia Basin Water Planning Committee.
The ISC is currently working to update the Water Plan, and is holding a series of public meetings (schedule) to gather input on such issues as population growth/water demand,conservation, climate variability, and water projects needed in each of the regions. The meeting for the Estancia Basin will be held at the Moriarty Civic Center, 202 Broadway, on Thursday, April 23 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. We encourage those interested in water resources and associated State policies to attend the meeting and let their voices be heard. For more information, contact the ISS at (505) 764-3864.
Small Business Economic Stimulus Workshop
by John Weckerle
The NM Economic Development Department, the Estancia Valley Economic Development Association, and the Edgewood Chamber of Commerce are co-sponsoring a Business Finance & Labor Workshop at the Edgewood Middle School this Thursday, April 9, from 4:00 to 7:30 p.m. State elected officials and other guests will speak early in the program, and then representatives of the NMEDD and other State programs, U.S. Small Business Administration, and regional microlenders will provide information on their programs. The presenters will be available for one-on-one meetings with business owners and other individuals interested in obtaining more information and/or applying for the benefits of their various programs. This will be an excellent opportunity to learn more about available funding and obtain some information on the effect of economic stimulus provisions on loan programs.
EVEDA has also provided us with a copy of the New Mexico Congressional delegation’s Resource Guide to the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. We’ve reduced the file size so that you can download the file and look it over. This is a 45-page document providing a comprehensive look at the provisions of the Act. If you are interested in the stimulus package and/or the opportunities it may afford, we recommend giving it a look over and attending Thursday’s meeting.