Archive for Estancia Valley
Turbines Galore — But, Not Without Combat In San Miguel And Taos Counties
by Chuck Ring (GadAbout-BlogAlot ©2008)Â
Quote Freely From the Article — Leave The Pseudonym Alone
Pueblo, Colorado has just landed a wind-turbine factory which will likely employ 500 or more Coloradans. It is estimated that the facility will manufacture 1000 wind-turbines a year when it is operating at full capacity. You can read more about the good luck in Colorado. Click the colored text for more READTHESTORY
Meanwhile, some folks in San Miguel MaybeSpinNotWorthyInSanMiguel and Taos Counties WeHaveAHumAlready have been decrying the fact that wind energy developers are trying to install wind-turbines in those counties. You may wonder why the opposition is of interest to folks in the Estancia Valley (the valley). It is really quite simple; the valley already has its first wind-turbine farm and there will likely be additional turbines in the future. Which we deem to be a good effort. Edgewood and the Moriarty-Edgewood School District are both very serious about generating wind energy to power various aspects of their electric energy needs. That is not to say, that they are not interested in solar energy, but they have each seriously started the process of examining the viability of wind energy for the near future.
»» Turbines Galore — But, Not Without Combat In San Miguel And Taos Counties
Into Every Life, A Little Snow Must Fall…
by John Weckerle
And sometimes we get a good light show, to boot. A break in the cloud cover this morning gave us yet another spectacular sunrise to go along with our late Fall moisture (remember: winter doesn’t start officially until Sunday!). It looks as if the kids in our area will have some time to enjoy the snow – according to the KOAT school closings page, all the schools in our area are closed except for Mountainair’s schools, which are on a 2-hour delay. State offices are also closed today. According to my “more or less personalized” weather page, there’s an 80% chance of snow today and 40% chance tonight. It also says that less than half an inch of snow is to be expected – but that’s what it said yesterday, so it’s possible we could see quite a bit more today. Another storm appears to be taking aim at New Mexico, and the rest of the work week may see us getting even more. If the predictions hold true, we’ll see a return of “mud season” this weekend.
Holiday Raffle To Support Community Radio
by John Weckerle
A raffle to benefit the establishment of a new community radio station is under way! Prizes include:
- 1st – $500
- 2nd – $250
- 3rd – $100
Tickets are $1.00 or $5.00 for six tickets. The drawing will be held at the Torrance County Project Office holiday open house on December 18, 2008. For more information and to buy tickets contact Ellen Burgess, Programs Manager, at (505) 832-0332 or by e-mail at eburgess@lobo.net.
We here at NM-Central wholeheartedly and enthusiastically support this outstanding project and urge you all to do so as well, so please call Ellen and find out how to get your tickets today!
Alice King Passes at 78
by John Weckerle
It was a sad moment yesterday when we learned that Alice King, wife of former governor Bruce King and long-time advocate for troubled children, passed away yesterday after suffering a massive stroke Thursday.
I have had the pleasure of meeting Mrs. King several time at functions here in the area, and she was always friendly and warm in her greetings.  As a first lady, and later as a tireless advocate, she worked and fought to protect and serve New Mexico’s children. Even though she is gone, a part of her will always be there in the lives of those who have been helped by the programs she started and sponsored.
We are asking that anyone who has information on a public memorial service pass the word on to us, so that we can post the details here.
Like A Good Neighbor … Time To Belly Up
 by Chuck Ring (GadAbout-BlogAlot ©2008)Â
Quote Freely From the Article — Leave The Pseudonym Alone
On October 7th of this year I posted the following article
Since that time area churches, other non-profits and area businesses have contributed money and other items to assist those losing their jobs through the difficult transition in times that were perilous even before the closing of the call center. Temporary assistance is always welcome by those in need, but more is needed in order to secure another employer or employers to employ those who want to work.
The rumor on the street is that Moriarty has asked for the help of Edgewood to refurbish parts of the building or grounds where a new tenant might locate. I believe this is a fitting proposal for several reasons:
- those who have or will lose their jobs want to work and they need to work
- some employees who lost their jobs live in Edgewood and other points outside of Moriarty
- as a former employee of the connection, I can attest to the fact that a majority of the employees spent a portion of each paycheck at Edgewood businesses
- Edgewood is not in the charity business, but this potential assistance is not charity. It is taking care of our own; no matter the location of their residence
- this assistance would demonstrate Edgewood’s willingness to recognize the assistance given to citizens of this valley and reward that assistance in a meaningful way
- it would be one more illustration of a regional approach to economic development
- it would demonstrate to the legislature and Santa Fe County that our dollars need to stay here to help our own, before sliding to Santa Fe City and Santa Fe County
The Lion’s Friend Sleeps Tonight
by John Weckerle
The memorial service for Bill Brown took place at the Wildlife West Nature Park Bean Barn. Friends, acquaintances, fellow volunteers, and others joined Bill’s family to celebrate the life of Edgewood’s mountain lion man (seen here with his friend in this photo provided by Judy Hudgins). In attendance were a broad spectrum of area residents: former Edgewood Town Council members Chuck Ring and Frank Lasky; former Edgewood mayor Howard Calkins; and current Edgewood Town Council member Rita Loy Simmons, just to name a few. The service was officiated by Roger Alink, founder and director of the park and long-time friend of Bill’s. On hand were many of Bill’s friends and those who held him dear, several of whom shared anecdotes about their experiences with Bill during his years as a volunteer and president of the Park’s Board of Directors. »» The Lion’s Friend Sleeps Tonight
Scam Some Ham, Or My Attempt To Double-Up On Thanksgiving
by Chuck Ring (GadAbout-BlogAlot ©2008)
Quote Freely From the Article — Leave The Pseudonym Alone
After having a great meal with my friend Jim Smith at Katrinah’s East Mountain Grill (KEMG) on this date, Jim and I were privileged to have Katrinah’s grandmom (Kathy Shuit,co-owner of KEMG) grace our table. Jim’s satiated eyes were glazed over due to the effects of the giant chicken-fried steak he had just experienced; but I of the grand abdomen, had given my stomach a reprieve having recently experienced fusion of L-4/L-5 and needing less strain on the back, I had taken the ignoble, but sensible path to satisfaction … I quit eating.
But, I did not quit listening. I heard that Kathy would close the grill on November 25 (tomorrow, Thanksgiving Day) and that she would be open for approximately sixty family members and friends. Knowing that my lovely Carol would not open the Ring Kitchen until Thursday at around 3:00 PM, I was quite sure that I was friend enough to throw myself on Kathy’s mercy. »» Scam Some Ham, Or My Attempt To Double-Up On Thanksgiving
Wildlife West Announces 2009 Music Festival Headliners And Event Schedule
by John Weckerle
Last year’s Wildlife West Music Festival may have been a tough act to follow, but this year’s lineup looks like another crowning achievement. Internationally known folk musician John McCutcheon will return to delight the audience with his incredible and varied repertoire. With over 30 albums to his credit and the ability to play about a dozen instruments, John McCutcheon’s performances are an uncommon treat among musical experiences. His songs tell stories of American life with a rare insight, and his instrumentals are often unparalleled in both skill and the enjoyment they bring to the listener. The Badly Bent – an award winning bluegrass band from Durango, Colorado – will be welcomed by those who return to Wildlife West year after year for bluegrass that, as phrased on the band’s web site, “never strays far from the roots established by the fathers of the genre.” Dave Firestine and Round The House – another award-winning band, but this time from Tucson, Arizona – will regale us with “authentic Irish music, with a twist of Tucson.” Syd Masters & The Swing Riders, the headliner for Wildlife West’s regular Chuckwagon Suppers, will entertain us with their unique blend of traditional and original cowboy music and humor. Also returning will be The Squash Blossom Boys, a local band that should be remembered by last year’s attendees. More bands will be announced soon!
Online ticket sales will commence soon on the park’s web site, as will a new series of sponsorships directed specifically toward those who would like to show their support for the festival.
Wildlife West has also released its event schedule for 2009, with events listed as follows:
- Wind Festival May 2, 3
- Chuckwagon Dinner Shows Saturday nights – June 20 through Sept. 15.
- Bear Fair July 11
- 7th Annual Music Festival August 7 – 9
- Harvest Festival August 28, 30
- Melodrama TBA
Time To Pack Up And Go Home
by John Weckerle
Like many area residents and business owners, I find myself making several trips a week to Albuquerque. For what seems to be about sixty years, but is probably somewhat less, I have been driving through a reduced speed zone (45 mph) associated with the I-40 Sedillo Hill construction. The work appears to be essentially complete, and there is little or no activity, especially in the westbound direction. While the new pavement and especially the long-awaited third lane in the eastbound direction are greatly appreciated, it is time now for the NMDOT to have their contractor pack up the equipment, pick up the barrels, and let us enjoy the new highway at the speeds for which it was designed.
A call made Wednesday to New Mexico Department of Transportation official Phil Gallegos to check on the status of the project has not been returned. However, we checked NMRoads.com, and find that the projected completion date is Tuesday, November 18.
Goings-On In Mountainair This Weekend
by John Weckerle
Our friend Vanessa Vaile at the Mountainair Arts Blog has given us the heads-up that there are things to do in Mountainair this Saturday, including a fundraiser for the Mountainair Shelter Project, a sidwalk sale, and the first anniversary party for Alpine Alley – a coffee house that, according to Vanessa, “has become the popular hangout among resettlers and visitors.” For more information, check out Mountainair Announcements. Weather forecasts are for a beautiful day Saturday, and there’s plenty of daylight to visit both the Mountainar events and Wildlife West’s Community Appreciation Day.  Better get out and about, readers; winter’s coming!
Community Appreciation Day At Wildlife West This Saturday
by John Weckerle
This Saturday, November 15th, Wildlife West Nature Park in Edgewood will be holding a day of appreciation for the support shown by the regional community. From 12 to 4 p.m., admission will be free, as will be hot dogs and drinks. Any business that wants a free 1/2 table booth space in the bean barn (heated!) should call 281-7655. NM-Central will be sharing a booth space with your editor’s commercial enterprise, WeckTech. Both I and Senior Staff Writer Chuck Ring plan to attend and hope to see you there!
Yes, They Have No Bananas — No Lemons Either (Not From New Mexico)
 by Chuck Ring (GadAbout-BlogAlot ©2008)
Quote freely From the Article — Leave The Pseudonym Alone
Yes, We Got No Bananas (click to hear)
Some might ask if I have turned daft, or as others might ask, more daft. What the heck is the significance of the song. Fair question and the answer will come in due time.
I picked up the most recent issue of The Independent (The I) and became enthralled by an article which I assumed to be satire until I realized that The I doesn’t do satire, but they are good at silly and
inane. And, inside their boiling vats of criticism floats the Edgewood Wal-Mart; the target of repeated slam articles and diatribes at the dripping pens of The I. The article turns out to be sour and nonsensical to the extreme. How? Let us see the ways.
The title of the article is, Wal-Mart fails to keep local buying pledge by Robert Raffone and if the reader did not read past the title, he or she might be inclined to negatively shake their head or tsk-tsk at the very least. Mr. Raffone tells us that on a “recent” walk-through of the Edgewood Wal-Mart and more particularly, the produce section, not a single item of produce from East Mountain growers poked their leafy little heads, eyes or ears from the produce bins. Mr. Raffone enumerates a list of produce and fruits that he did find. His list included strawberries, pumpkins, corn and grapes from California along with lemons from Chile and apples from Washington. Mr. Raffone goes on to list oranges from South Africa, as well as bell peppers from Canada and tomatoes from Mexico as being present among the United Nations of produce. But, all locally grown produce was absent without leave from Edgewood’s Wal-Mart. »» Yes, They Have No Bananas — No Lemons Either (Not From New Mexico)
Not Quite Over For The Political Junkies
by Chuck Ring
For those who are political junkies or just feel like a junk heap after the election, here’s something you can play with to see trends and results statewide and countywide.
After you arrive at the page you will see that you are on the results page for Santa Fe County. If you wish to dig down to individual precincts you will find a precinct select window next to the county window in the upper left corner of the page. Of course you can also select another county to examine if you want to spend all day and night on the site.
In Santa Fe County precincts 15, 16, 18, 73, 84 and 85 the transit tax was voted down. The total vote was 2755 against to 1515 for, which seems to verify that most folks in those precincts (which is mostly Edgewood do not see a train track or any other real overall transportation benefit to the citizens in our future. But, the bad news is that the rest of the Santa Fe County portion of transit district citizens felt differently and voted for the tax, so that the totals were 34934 for to 28,501 opposed.
So, what will happen as a result of the transit tax passing? On January 1, 2009, you will see the gross receipts tax for the incorporated area of Edgewood (inside Santa Fe County) rise from 7.625 to 7.750. This tax, joins other taxes that have been foisted on us because we cannot overcome the votes from the rest of the county when it comes to tax referendums. One answer to the perpetual problem is the possibility of forming a county out of portions of Santa Fe, Bernalillo and perhaps Torrance counties. This is not the first time that this possibility has been mentioned, but it might be more viable now, because it is difficult to walk much less run, with Santa Fe County’s hand in our back pocket.
It could be worse. Santa Fe City joins Española, and Taos to have gross receipts tax rates above eight cents on the dollar.
What? A 36″ Giant Sucking Sound!
by Chuck Ring
Just when you thought that the City Different, AKA Santa Fe or Disneyland, was through being outrageous, comes the story that they want to add to their water supply. Maybe not bad on the surface, but this deal involves sucking or pushing water through a 36″ pipeline from Ft. Sumner. Such sucking and/or pushing would be over a distance of 145 miles and a lift in elevation from 4049 feet altitude to an elevation of 7320 feet altitude. A lift of 3271 feet through a 36 inch pipeline will require enormous energy, materials and “mucho dinero.” Similar problems did not deter Santa Fe City several years ago when they hatched a similar scheme to import water from the Estancia Basin in Torrance County to Santa Fe. A very vocal Estancia Basin contingency and a well-attended Santa Fe City Council meeting put a dam up to halt that particular project.
I am preparing a series of articles that will shed light on some of the two Santa Fes’ (The Twins) water deals and gimmicks. The articles will be published here and will be utilized elsewhere in an attempt to halt the craziness of The Twins and their like, especially as their actions apply to taxing entities that will not see benefit of such taxation and similar actions. Until I post the first article in the series, you can slake your thirst by accessing and reading an article on the subject which appears in today’s (Sunday, November 2, 2008) Santa Fe New Mexican:
http://www.santafenewmexican.com/Local%20News/Private-water-pipeline-proposed-for-S-F-
That’s it for now.
GadAbout-BlogAlot
Community Appreciation Event Offered By Wildlife West Nature Park
One might, or certainly should know, that those that are generous are bound to generosity through their hearts and souls. Such is the case, in the opinion of many,with Roger Alink, Founder of Wildlife West, Roger’s wife Terry and the many volunteers and employees who work at and for Wildlife West Nature Park (WWNP).
WWNP has not had an easy time of it during the last 7-8 months, having had promised funding jerked from their coffers by the nimble fingers of fate. That WWNP and the folks who run the park were able to complete their mission for another year is testimony to their ability to overcome the seeming silliness of bureaucracy and still remain sane and decent folks.
So, what does the above have to do with generosity. It has much to do with generosity of spirit, and as mentioned above, the generosity of heart and soul. Generous, committed people do not stop at obstacles that are selfishly erected by their detractors. They surpass them. Either over, under or around; true devotees will always out over ignorance or the faint of heart.
Which brings us to an event sponsored by Roger Alink and his crew in appreciation for individual and community support offered to WWNP this year. See the flyer below which was designed by Mail & Copy Business Center, Inc. Hope to see you there!
