Archive for Estancia Valley
Canines In Abundance — Human Companions Drag Behind
by Chuck Ring
Volunteers, Edgewood Town Staff, volunteer canines, along with State Representative Kathy McCoy, Edgewood Mayor Robert Stearley and wife Diane, Edgewood Councilor Rita-Loy Simmons, along with Susan Simons (Susan G. Komen, CNM Executive Director) helped to make the annualÂ
Of course, the event was made even more successful through the participation of the many canines and their human friends who “tagged” along without tags of their own. There was nary a harsh word exchanged among or between the canines and the people persons were equally well-behaved. The crossovers made from one side of Old 66 to the opposite side were made safely thanks to the able efforts of Edgewood Police Department officers who held-up or directed traffic at various spots along the walking course.
In addition to the walk of approximately three miles, a silent auction was held. The fees for the walk along with the silent auction proceeds will go to benefit efforts to find a cure for breast cancer and for animal welfare activities in and around the community. The folks from Edgewood Animal Control offered computer chipping at reduced rates; a bargain my wife sought to obtain, but I let her know that I was not keen on having a chip of my own. Although, it might not be such a bad idea for those mornings when I wake up and can’t seem to find my way to the facilities located just off of the bedroom. Anyway, our Shorty dog received his chip and Pugsley the Puganator received his in the past.
Here’s hoping for a larger turnout for next year’s event. Look to the upcoming issue of the Mountain View Telegraph for more information and photographs of the participants … women, men and beasties.
New Mexico Sex Offender Registry Site
by Chuck Ring
I am not by nature an alarmist. But, I also believe forewarned is forearmed. With Halloween and other holidays coming very soon, it might be valuable for parents and others to know more about some of the areas and individuals to avoid during trick or treat and other activities where children and adults are placed together.
The New Mexico Department Of Public Safety (DPS) maintains a website known as the Sex Offender Registry. The site is user friendly and there is no need to provide detailed information in this article. You can get to the site by clicking here
Be sure to read all of the warnings contained on the various pages of the website and recognize that the information provided on the website is provided as a public service and there is a disclaimer for accuracy. In other words, please use the information as it was intended to be used. Do not use it to intimidate, harass, or to take any action outside the bounds of propriety. Nor should individuals or groups do anything that would be a violation of any law regarding any information found on the website.
A Howl Of Glee And A Meow Of Appreciation
By Chuck Ring
Edgewood Mayor Robert Stearley hosted a meeting on Friday, October 17, 2008 in an attempt to determine if the regional animal shelter idea previously scuttled in March of this year might be worth further study.
New Mexico State Representative Kathy McCoy (R) whose district covers a great deal of Edgewood and who previously saw that $150,000 was appropriated for a feasibility study of the shelter was present to lend her support and suggestions for the project. Representative McCoy pointed out to those present that the New Mexico State coffers are likely to be quite empty if the present economic downturn continues, so it might not be prudent to depend on much help from the State of New Mexico during the upcoming legislative session. Susan Simons, who is largely responsible for the new impetus given to the issue was present and presented information on shelters that might be adaptable to this region should the effort continue. Official representatives and staff from Bernalillo County and staff from Edgewood were present as were representatives from the animal humane sector of the region.
In spite of some negative aspects, i.e., present economic problems, the meeting conducted by Mayor Stearley was upbeat and the mayor promised to carry a request to the Edgewood Council that would seek funds for Ms. Simons and Edgewood Animal Control Supervisor Vickey Murphy to travel to an appropriate location to view previously constructed animal shelters.
A future meeting has been scheduled for Friday, November 21, 2008, 9:30 AM at the Edgewood Community Center. All interested individuals are encouraged to attend to lend their opinions and ideas toward the effort.
Several canines and a couple of felines waiting outside the community center after the meeting were seen to swish or wag their tails in apparent approbation for the mayor’s and other attendees’ actions during the meeting.
If you do support this effort, please let Representative McCoy, Mayor Stearley, the Edgewood Town Council and other potentially interested officials know of your desires.
Farewell To A Community Leader And A Wonderful Neighbor
by John Weckerle
On Monday of this week, Mark Jensen – native New Mexican, benefactor of the Edgewood Library and my next-door neighbor – passed away after a long illness. Mark, a genuinely positive person and the best one could ask for in a neighbor, will be fondly remembered as somebody who was always looking out for others. Whether it was a road in need of repair, a neighborhood project, or just someone who needed snow removed from their driveway, Mark was always there to lend a hand. His dedication to the community can be seen in his support of the library and the other community initiatives he supported. The world was a better place for having Mark Jensen in it, and will remain a better place for his having been here.
According to another neighbor, Doug Schramm, the Albuquerque Journal may not have properly conveyed the information on the memorial service for Mark. Doug drove into Albuquerque to get the facts straight and informs us that the memorial service will be at the French Mortuary on Lomas Blvd, just east of Eubank, at 2:30 tomorrow, Saturday, October 18.
Our neighborhood, Edgewood, and New Mexico have all lost a great friend in Mark Jensen – and gained a great memory. Let us hope that his generosity and positive outlook on life will live on in each of us.
Extra-Cheap Entertainment For The Excessively Bored Young Person
by Chuck Ring
Yes, gas is cheaper than it was a month ago, but no one can say for how long. Even so, it is still an expensive proposition to drive to Albuquerque for movies or other entertainment. Then, when you get there, you’ll likely bust a twenty dollar bill for admittance and popcorn for two people and you haven’t taken into account the cost for gasoline and the wear and tear on the family buggy. What to do?
Don’t fall back on the couch and watch that big screen that has somehow managed to deliver everything that has become important to you and most of your family. Instead do what your grandparents did before television and computer games inserted themselves into every corner of their lives and brain containers. To further clarify, for those of you lost in space or just spaced-out, I’ve lifted a little content from “Radio Lovers.Com” to better explain where we’re going.
“We offer hundreds of vintage radio shows for you to listen to online in mp3 format, all for free. Before the days of video games, shopping malls, MTV, and the Internet, families used to sit in their living room each night to listen to radio shows such as Superman, Groucho Marx, The Avenger, Gunsmoke, Sherlock Homes, and many others. When TV become popular in the 1950’s, most of these shows went off the air, but they now live on at websites such as this one and on weekly nostalgia radio broadcasts worldwide.”
Find yourself one or more URLs that will direct you to “old time radio shows” which can be downloaded to an IPOD© or an MP3 player for a listening time of your choice. If you wish you can listen from your computer, but knowing that you would want to get outside for fresh air, exercise and Starbucks, I listed the players first.
To help you get started, here’s one of the most extensive and free download sites to be found http://www.radiolovers.com/There are many other sites for this kind of content, both free and fee. Just grab a Google and find them using old time radio show for the search term.
One last hint for the older crowd. This was really subterfuge meant for your eyes. Armed with in-depth information after listening to countless hours of old time radio, you should be able to answer the following question. Who ended his show with, “Good night, Mrs. Calabash … wherever you are.” And, why did he use the phrase? Using the preceding information will allow you to enjoy life a little more and actually force you to be secure in your oldness. Maybe we can look at it as the first step in the “12 Step Program To Growing Old And Almost Liking It.” Nah!
In any event, check it out, young or old. Nostalgia does not have to mean “a wistful or excessively sentimental yearning for return to or of some past period or irrecoverable condition” as Webster would say.�
A Brief Autumn Interlude
by John Weckerle
A couple of weeks ago, I decided to take a break and walk around Wildlife West Nature Park in Edgewood on a crisp Saturday morning. I always enjoy Wildlife West in the fall, in part because the cool weather seems to trigger more activity on the part of the animals and in part because I just like being outdoors in the fall. With the many new habitats now at Wildlife West, some of the residents are easier to see and enjoy than ever. Over the last couple of years, the Park has added new habitats for the roadrunner (finished just a few weeks ago), foxes, raccoons, bobcat, golden eagle, and pronghorn. This time around, I was lucky enough to find the roadrunner enjoying the perch in her new, expanded home and catch a couple of the other residents in mid-yawn.
Wildlife West will be holding its final Chuckwagon Dinner for the season, featuring the Bar D Wranglers, this Saturday. Reservations must be made by 1 p.m. the day of the show. For more information, see the Park’s event page. »» A Brief Autumn Interlude
A Grinch Or A Temporary Glitch
by Chuck Ring
According to an article in today’s (October 7, 2008) Albuquerque Journal and word on the street, “The Connection” call center will “disconnect” operations in Moriarty on December 6, 2008.
As is often the case when operations are shuttered, the action comes at a most inopportune time. The state of the economy and this loss of 150 area jobs serves as a double dose of sadness for our area and our citizens. As a former employee at the facility, I know that some employees at The Connection have been employed there since the facility opened in 2000. The jobs offered a foot in the door of their future life for many young people who were looking for a way station before embarking on an academic career or a higher salaried job. Other employees, such as single mothers, were offered a job that allowed the opportunity to better feed and clothe their children and themselves. Most of the employees have been decent and loyal employees who thought of their fellow employees as family.
I know that Moriarty Mayor Adan
In the meantime, the area service organizations, churches and others able to offer help should jump in with both feet and with all the resources they can spare. Let us do all we are able toward making this coming season as comfortable and joyous as possible given the dire prospects for immediate recovery.
I’m confident that the good folks in this valley will not forget their fellow citizens in their time of need and financial discomfort.
Who will be the first to step forward? This can be a temporary glitch if we work together.
And, They Did
by Chuck Ring
Have A Heart … Give A Hand And a great hand and big heart it was. On Saturday, September 20th, 2008, citizens from Edgewood and the rest of the Estancia Valley turned out to raise money for the Tony Jaramillo family (see details in preceding link).
From community leaders such as Edgewood Mayor Bob Stearley with wife Diane and Edgewood Town Counselor Rita-Loy Simmons and hundreds of other area citizens, the generosity and caring nature of those who attended and bid for items in the silent auction or purchased food and baked goods was demonstrative of the general top-notch nature of our citizenry. The fund raiser was successful in all aspects and the proceeds will help the Jaramillo’s to move forward from their tragedy.
The Jaramillo’s have asked that their deep appreciation for all who assisted be passed on. So, everyone, please believe – you are deeply appreciated.
Three Hits and A Dismal Mess Of A Miss
At last Wednesday’s (September 17, 2008) Edgewood Town Council meeting there were at least three hits. There may have been more, but I left before the meeting concluded and the agenda did not foretell the distinct possibility of other great or decent occurrences during the meeting. On to the three hits:
- Councilor Abrams asked for and received a promise from the mayor that the mayor would move post-haste to appoint a renewable energy committee/commission. This promise after some prodding from others. See All Aboard … An Energy Board
- Councilor Hill gained the support of the mayor to investigate and possibly strangle the impact fees the town passes on to Santa Fe County. Both Councilor Hill and Mayor Stearley are to address this issue with Santa Fe County authorities. While at it, they may as well attempt to obtain the 1/4 cent gross receipts tax the county promised to look at forgiving
- Mayor Stearley finally and wisely broached the subject of hiring a consulting firm to help in the establishment of wastewater user fees. The fees must cover operating and maintenance costs plus any principal and interest payments to retire the debt incurred for the treatment plant.
Ah, the mess and the miss? The reader, if attentive and a regular reader, will remember that this article North To Taxland and responses to it, reported on the North Central Regional Transit District’s transportation service. The article provided further links, among other information, regarding details of a referendum to be placed on the ballot during the forthcoming general election in November. The article posed the possibility that the district’s operation in the southern portion of the county can offer little to the bulk of Edgewood area citizens. Additionally, the article pointed out the likelihood that fully one-half of the proposed tax would accrue to the Railrunner system and Edgewood does not have representation on the district board. »» Three Hits and A Dismal Mess Of A Miss
Sometimes We Forget
 by Chuck Ring
Sometimes we forget to thank or otherwise recognize the news media when they do something extraordinarily nice. So it goes. Even when they announce events for two or three weeks running. Not only do many of us fail to attend their events, we never get around to expressing our gratitude for their sponsorship of different events that recognize our area volunteers or help our organizations to succeed. »» Sometimes We Forget
Have A Heart … Give A Hand
by Chuck RingÂ
Many who reside in the Estancia Valley are well acquainted with the Tony Jaramillo family. The family has operated a service station and garage in Edgewood on the north side of the Edgewood Exit for around 36 years. The family members have shown their community spirit in various ways through the years. They have helped many valley citizens in distress by donating goods, services and labor for the repair of vehicles, even going so far as to loan vehicles for extended periods. Last year, the family, with Tony Jr. at the helm, worked with a local church and area businesses to help unwed mothers with gifts of oil changes and other needed maintenance items. Side benefits for the mothers included personal pampering such as free beauty products and free nail polishing. The family has donated Thanksgiving and Christmas meals to the senior center in Edgewood for over twenty years and Tony Jr., his wife Audrey and children have contributed their time and other resources to produce the annual car show at Valley View Christian Church for five years running. The rest of the family’s gracious efforts are too numerous to mention, but they have been of benefit to a wide segment of the valley population.Â
Sadly, on Monday, September 8, 2008 Larry Jaramillo, (son of Tony Sr. and Josie) who would have been 42 years of age on October 17 was killed in an automobile accident as he and his mother were traveling on I-40 west of Edgewood. Ms. Jaramillo (Josie) was injured, but is recovering. Larry, challenged by autism and Parkinson’s disease, is remembered as a young man of God who inspired others much healthier than himself. On Wednesday (September 11, 2008) A funeral was conducted for Larry in Edgewood. A funeral attended by an estimated 500 mourners. This was fitting, as Larry’s wish was for a “big” funeral.Â
The accident, hospital and funeral expenses for the family have been very burdensome without insurance and Jerry and Dinah Gevedon, the owners of DJ’s Dog House are managing an effort to raise funds to help the Jaramillo’s defray expenses. In addition to donating items and proceeds from their business during a portion of the business day on September 20th, they are also offering their parking lot and other facilities for a silent auction and bake sale on the same day. DJ’s employees are generously donating their labor for the event. Additionally, many community business owners are donating products for the silent auction. Members of Larry’s church and other community volunteers will help organize the event and will be present to assist during the events. Â
The family requests prayer during the following weeks as Josie recovers and life without Larry continues.
 An announcement is to run in the Mountain View Telegraph next week and is repeated here:
Fundraiser/Silent Auction/Bake Sale
All proceeds benefit Jaramillo Family
Saturday, September 20th, 2:30pm to 6:30pm at DJ’s Doghouse/Edgewood Hwy 344 and Dinkle
Phone: 286-9933Â
Individuals or Businesses wishing to contribute Silent Auction items, please contact:Chuck Ring, cell # 263-3268 or email cring@comcast.net    Â
Those wishing to donate bake sale items should call DJ’s Dog house at 286-9933 to arrange for your contributions.
The photo below shows Larry and his nephew Nickolas during an outing
Santa Fe Conservation Trust Presentation On Conservation Easements
by John Weckerle
The Santa Fe Conservation Trust will visit Edgewood to discuss new State funding for conservation easements. The meeting will be held at the Wildlife West Nature Park bean barn on Sunday, September 14 from 3 to 4 p.m. Admission to the presentation is free. For more information, see the event flyer.
Conservation easements are voluntary, legally binding agreements between landowners and a government agency or other entity that limit or prohibit certain uses or restrict development on a given property in order to preserve important resources – for example, habitat, agricultural capacity, and archaeological sites. Landowners may donate the easement, potentially making them eligible for State and federal tax incentives, or they may be paid directly by the entity holding the easement. Tax advantages may include reductions in both income tax and estate taxes, making conservation easements a potential tool for helping to keep estates intact upon bequest. Conservation easements are binding upon future owners of the land.
Since its inception in 1993, the Santa Fe Conservation Trust has protected more than 30,000 acres of land in Santa Fe county and surrounding counties. The organization is a federally recognized, 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization, meaning that donations are tax-deductible.
Twinkle, Twinkle…
by John Weckerle
On a clear night, especially one when there are not too many lights shining and the four guys in Moriarty with the annoying flashlights are on vacation, New Mexico’s real central valley and the East West Mountains have a wonderful, naked-eye view of the cosmos. We here at New Mexico Central love it, and it’s always a treat to pass on an opportunity for another way to enjoy it.
Today, we’re providing a link to Heavens Above’s excellent resource, which helps us try and identify the constellations above us. The search begins with their Select Town(s) page. Enter the name of the nearest town (just the town, don’t include the state), and pick the correct town from the list. Under Astronomy, select “Whole Sky Chart.” The resulting page shows the default star chart, and users can input date/time to get the right configuration for whatever time they wish. Options include “Black on white” or “Coloured” for the star chart; if you print it to take outside at night, “Black on white” is your logical choice. “Size,” in pixels, specifies the size of the square image output by the system. We ramped it up to 4000, with virtually no delay – although the image does look a bit choppy at that size. »» Twinkle, Twinkle…
A Celestial Reminder
by John Weckerle
The International Space Station will be making its way across the early morning sky above the East West Mountains again over the next couple of weeks. If you’re up early, take a look up and see if you can spot it! The current schedule can be found here.
Hay, Alfalfa!
by John Weckerle
No, not the one in The Little Rascals – today, we’re talking real hay, and real alfalfa. Many area farmers are currently harvesting alfalfa, and yesterday I had the privilege of joining Jim and Peggy Schwebach and Ryan Schwebach at their farm near McIntosh, NM to get a first-hand look at how alfalfa is harvested. The Schwebachs grow alfalfa and corn (for silage), much of which is consumed by dairy cattle within the state.
Harvesting alfalfa is not simply a matter of starting up the mower and picking up some hay. First, the alfalfa is cut and laid out in windrows. The Schwebachs use flat windrows to allow for a wider variety of conditions under which the hay can be collected. Alfalfa can only be baled effectively under certain conditions, and knowing when to bale requires balancing a complex range of variables including temperature, dew point, humidity, and wind speed. All of these can affect the moisture content of the hay, which is critical to successful baling as well as the value of the hay. To estimate the time at which conditions may be right, the Schwebachs monitor the hourly predictions available at the NOAA NWS web site (McIntosh, NM example). They must then be ready to confirm that conditions are right using real-time measurements at the farm. »» Hay, Alfalfa!