Archive for January, 2009
January At Bethel Community Storehouse
By Bob Steiner
Regular readers of the blog know that we have previously reported on the great work being done at the Bethel Community Storehouse in Moriarty. This outstanding donor-based charitable organization has been serving the needs of less fortunate citizens in the valley for more than twenty two years. Supported mainly by donations from area churches, civic organizations, and private citizens, the storehouse on a given “average” month last year provided services to more than 750 families (1750 people). This number surged to 1100 families (3000 residents) during the recent Christmas season.  It appears that this increase in clients will continue during the coming months. With limited donations coming in, a great burden has been placed on the storehouse staff to see that the people are being served. »» January At Bethel Community Storehouse
Tijeras To Hold Public Meeting on Zoning Ordinance
The Village of Tijeras will hold a public hearing to allow public comment on its Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance. The hearing will be part of the Village’s regular meeting scheduled for January 12 at 6:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers at the Village Hall. For more information, contact Daniel Abram at 281-1220 or dabram@villageoftijeras.com.
Youth Job Opportunities At Wildlife West
by John Weckerle
Each summer, Wildlife West Nature Park in Edgewood provides employment to young people age 14 to 25 in cooperation with the New Mexico Youth Conservation Corps (YCC) program. These jobs not only give participants the chance to earn money, but provide an opportunity to acquire a wide variety of skills and learn about the park’s animals and the ecological aspects of wildlife. The work is broad in scope: the participants may find themselves maintaining trails, guiding tours, assisting zookeepers, building habitats (in fact, the zoo has essentially been built by young people), and much more.
Recruiting for this summer’s program has begun. Applicants must send a resume and two references to the Park by March 15, 2009 to apply for employment this summer. For more information, contact the Park at (505) 281-7655.
The Bees’ Knees, And It’s Time For Trees
by John Weckerle
Long ago, in a county far, far away…
…Your editor took first place in the county science fair for his project on bees. I had live bees, posters, and materials, and learned a few things about our great friends and partners of the order Hymenoptera, and wanted at that time to be a beekeeper (but failed to inspire the parents to the same degree) – so you can imagine the little jump of enthusiasm I experienced when I read the latest East Torrance Soil and Water Conservation District newsletter and found that the District is hosting a workshop on raising bees at the Torrance County Fairgrounds on January 30, 2009 from 10:30 a.m. to noon. Now, more than ever, we need to understand how bees make life as we know it possible (no kidding, there) and learn how those of us with a little room and a little time can help keep these incredible creatures working for themselves, the ecosystem, agriculture, and all of us – and maybe get a little honey, to boot. For more information, and to reserve a seat or three, contact Cheri or Kitty at (505) 384-2272, extension 3.
The District’s Spring plant sale has also started, and we recommend getting your order in as soon as possible. For more information and to download an order form, visit the District’s plant sale page.
Edgewood Library Grand Opening
by John Weckerle
The Town of Edgewood will celebrate the Grand Opening of its Community Library at the new location this Saturday, January 10 at 10 a.m. The new library – which we still think should be named to honor its greatest benefactor, Mark Jensen and his mother, Alta Mae Jensen – is located at #95 Highway 344 in Edgewood. Festivities will include a book signing by NASA astronaut Mike Mullane. We consider the facts that Mr. Mullane will be attending, that the mayor is a former rocket scientist, and that the International Space Station will be passing over earlier that morning to be an absolute coincidence. Then again, you never know…
Is A $4700 Pay Raise Justified?
By Bob Steiner
For those of you not in the know,  the U.S. Congress has just given itself a pay raise. Through December 31st the average congressional  pay was just under $170,000. Effective January 1st this amount has been raised to $174,700, an increase of $4700.  It should also be noted that our elected representatives are also eligible to other funds through the generous expense accounts that go with working on Capitol Hill. I know the cost of living in the District of Columbia is high, but at this time I believe some discussion on the overall compensation paid out to these elected officials is in the public interest.
Ostensibly, this recent increase was an “automatic” cost of living adjustment, which the government computers factor in each year based on various economic information. Still, at a time when I see a major employer closing in Moriarty, retail stores, and automobile plants shutting their doors, I find the “timing” of this increase to be in particularly bad taste. When asked about this raise, I know our legislators will say they really had no choice on the matter. “The Computer did it.” So what can they do? I might suggest that each “person” could donate the amount of his/her raise back to one of the welfare organizations in our area. I am quite skeptical in believing that this will actually happen. Still, I think this would be the “right” thing to do, especially in view of the economic turmoil we are experiencing at this time. On the other hand, perhaps I am being too cynical. Just maybe our elected “persons” have been working hard for their constituents and actually merit an increase in pay. Let’s take just a few minutes and try to review some of the political “successes” of the past few years. Since it seems to be one of the major issues of our daily lives, just what has the congress done to improve the economy?
Mr. Obama May Have To Forget, Ol’ What’s His Name
by Chuck Ring (GadAbout-BlogAlot ©2008)
Quote Freely From the Article — Leave The Pseudonym Alone
Word from today’s New York Times informs that Governor Bill Richardson has removed himself from further consideration or confirmation for President-Elect Obama’s Secretary of Commerce position. »» Mr. Obama May Have To Forget, Ol’ What’s His Name
Now Available – New Mexico Central Merchandise
We are pleased to announce the availability of New Mexico Central swag, including shirts, hats, mugs, bumper stickers, and more! Let your friends, neighbors, and local politicians know what you’re reading so they can join in the fun. For more information and to look over our products, check out the New Mexico Central section of your editor’s online store today!
There’s More Than One Kind Of Roundabout
by Chuck Ring (GadAbout-BlogAlot ©2008)
Quote Freely From the Article — Leave The Pseudonym Alone
Roundabout: circuitous , indirect <had to take a roundabout route> The forgoing is from The Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary. »» There’s More Than One Kind Of Roundabout
State Proposes New Restrictions On Hunting, Fishing, Trapping
by John Weckerle
The New Mexico Department of Game and Fish has proposed new regulations regarding hunting, fishing, and trapping on private lands, including unposted private lands. The purpose of the regulation is to require that hunters, fishermen, and trappers have written permission from the landowner. A public meeting will be held at the New Mexico Museum of Natural History on Saturday, January 10, 2009 from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. A copy of the press release and draft regulation is provided here.
Debate is likely to be spirited, as it always is when private property rights are balanced against other interests. Property owners will likely argue that they have a right to quiet enjoyment of their land without the need to post it, which can be expensive and require sign maintenance and replacement. Hunters, fishermen, and trappers have already argued that the penalties are too harsh, and that they should not apply to inadvertent or unknowing trespass. »» State Proposes New Restrictions On Hunting, Fishing, Trapping
Grow Your Own New Year
by John Weckerle
We wish you all a happy, satisfying, and prosperous New Year – and we also wish you to know that the arugula, green onions, snow peas, and one of the lettuce mixes have sprouted. Happy New Year!