Archive for May 27, 2009

A Truly Celestial Celebration This Saturday

by John Weckerle

The MoonThe Albuquerque Astronomical Society will hold the first of this summer’s three big East West Mountain events – combining a Star Party and Astrophotography Boot Camp –  at Oak Flat this Saturday, May 30 (subsequent events are June 27 and July 25).  Astrophotographer Becky Ramotowski (some of Ms. Ramotowski’s outstanding photos can be seen here), whose photos were reportedly featured in the BBC series, The Sky At Night, will provide instruction on taking great celestial images to novices and advanced shooters alike, with any type of camera: digital SLR, point-and-shoot, and even film cameras.  As Ms. Ramotowski notes in the May 2009 edition of the Sidereal Times, “The ultimate goal is to get attendees whipped into shape so they will have an extraordinary photo to enter in the TAAS Astrophoto Show in November.” That’s a great opportunity for photographers of any stripe. »» A Truly Celestial Celebration This Saturday

Employment Opportunity

From the Central New Mexico Electric Cooperative:

Central New Mexico Electric Cooperative is accepting resumes for a full time Billing Technician in the Mountainair office.  Must be proficient in generalized computer skills with a strong emphasis on Microsoft Excel.  Bookkeeping experience and strong communication skills are required.  College education is preferred. Please send resumes to CNMEC, PO Box 669, Moriarty NM 87035.  Att: Alena  Closing 6-5-09

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.