Finally…
by John Weckerle
As all can tell, we have finally upgraded to the latest version of WordPress and changed the design of the blog. We’ve done this to take advantage of the spam control, nested commenting, and other new features of WordPress 2.8.2 – not to mention the opportunity to exploit a little more of the “real estate” on our viewers’ screens. Why did we take so long? Well, our previous version was old enough that we had to take some elaborate steps to ensure that our content would not be eliminated. Everything seems to have worked well, and we hope that we are providing a more enjoyable experience.
We will be replacing the header image with something more regionally appropriate relatively soon, and are planning some other potential changes, as well.
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!
Who Will Win The Battle?
Editor’s note: Thanks to Mountainair Announcements for the heads-up on this event.
by John Weckerle
That depends on who plays best – in this Saturday’s Battle of the Bands at Estancia’s first annual Teen Fest. Teen Fest, to be held beginning at 1 p.m. on Saturday, July 25 at Estancia Park in…well, Estancia, of course… includes the Battle of the Bands, a teen art and music festival, and a Guitar Hero competition. For more information, call 384-1092 or stop by the Estancia Town Office.
Teen Fest comes to us via the Teen Outreach Program (TOP), available thanks to the efforts of the good folks at the Torrance County Projects Office (TCPO). According to the New Mexico Department of Health, the TOP is “a school and community-based program designed to prevent teen pregnancy and academic failure, and to promote positive youth development.” There are opportunities for community service, classroom discussions, activities, and developing life experience. For more info, see the TOP flier or contact TOP at 384-1092 or 832-0332.
Accident Takes Life Of Edgewood Teen
by John Weckerle
We received e-mail messages from Edgewood Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Friday Robin Foshee regarding an automobile accident that took the life of Ariel O’Dwyer of Edgewood last Tuesday. Tyler O’Dwyer, Ariel’s brother, and Michelle Popkes were very seriously injured in the crash. Ms. Foshee has set up a memorial fund (“O’Dwyer Memorial”) at Sandia Laboratories Federal Credit Union. Donations may be made at any SLFCU branch. For more information, contact Ms. Foshee at 286-2577.
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: Rodeo!
Checking in on our friends at Mountainair Announcements, we find that the Mountainair Gymkhana Rodeo is scheduled for tomorrow (Sunday, July 19) all day at the fairgrounds off Route 55. For more information, see the Mountainair Announcments announcement.
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
Fire Areas Open With Restrictions; Others Close
by John Weckerle
The Mountainair Ranger District lifted closure orders for the Ojo Peak, Trigo, and Big Spring Fire Rehabilitation Areas on July 2, 2009. However, restrictions have been placed on the use of motorized vehicles within those areas. The Tajique, New Canyon, and Capilla Peak campgrounds have been closed until December 31, as has Forest Road 245. For more information and for updates on closures and restrictions within the Cibola National Forest, consult the Cibola National Forest Closures and Restrictions page.
Look, Up In The Sky!
by John Weckerle
Visitors to the top of the Sandia Peak Tramway received an unusual treat today, as several hang gliders launched from the area just north of High Finance Restaurant. One glider headed straight toward Albuquerque, but the second worked to ride the thermals and gain substantial altitude before leaving the area. Onlookers were heard to comment that two of the hang gliders were headed to a landing at a concert in Santa Fe. »» Look, Up In The Sky!
San Miguel Fire Expanding Slowly
by John Weckerle
The San Miguel Fire expanded to 477 acres today, according to the New Mexico Fire Information blog. The fire, which was visible today from the top of the Sandia Peak Tramway, was sparked by lightning. It is located approximately 13 miles south of Los Alamos, and about 4.5 miles southwest of the Bandelier National Monument Overlook. The Monument remains open during normal operating hours, and access to main visitor areas is unaffected, although there are some back-country closures. The fire is visible from the Monument’s overlook, and staff will be available at the overlook from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. to answer questions and provide updated information. For more information on the fire, see the New Mexico Fire Information blog.
Grow Your Own – The Good, The Bad, And The Squirrels
by John Weckerle
Having returned from our extended sojourn(s) in the eastern U.S., we are now in a position to update our readers on the progress of our gardening efforts and experiments. We wish to thank our good friends Russ and Phyllis Hayes, who diligently cared for the vegetables and all our other plants while we were on the road. Thanks to their efforts, we should be dining on fresh veggies (well, we’ve already had some kale and a few cherry tomatoes…) within the next week or so.
Bed 1
Edgewood Energy Planning Needs More Diverse Approach
by John Weckerle
This week’s local newspapers are abuzz with discussion of controversies surrounding proposals to encourage alternative energy capabilities in Edgewood, New Mexico. As in the past, the discussion seems focused primarily on wind energy, with proponents seeking to find a way to allow residents to place wind turbines on their properties. Solar technologies appear to remain an afterthought, as do energy-efficiency upgrades. With the exception of some comments from Town Councilor Brad Hill quoted in The Independent, there appears to be little thought given to a balanced approach to energy and developing a comprehensive energy management strategy that could produce the desired benefits with a minimum of dispute. The public discussion has focused almost entirely on wind issues, and review of the minutes of the Town Council, Planning and Zoning Committee, and Energy Committee meetings available online provides no indication that other alternative energy sources have ever been seriously discussed – this in spite of the fact that Town Council and P&Z Committee members have expressed concerns about the apparently nearly-exclusive focus on wind. We have been critical of this approach in the past (see our February 6, 2009 article), and remain so. »» Edgewood Energy Planning Needs More Diverse Approach
Much To Our Surprise…
by John Weckerle
…we join you yet again from the Northeast U.S. – specifically, Gillette, NJ. Our return flight scheduled for yesterday was canceled, and our rescheduled flight leaves this afternoon.
For now, we provide a few images from the Turtle Back Zoo, Essex County, NJ. This is a small zoo – perhaps the size of Wildlife West Nature Park overall, but with some rides, picnic areas, and a reptile house. They had a very nice prairie dog exhibit, but we were very unimpressed with the penguin exhibit – two penguins huddled in about a square foot of shade with no other shelter apparent. Overall, it’s a good zoo, but a little difficult from the photographic standpoint.
Within a couple of days, we will provide commentary on the aquarium in Virginia Beach, VA.
Happy Independence Day
by John Weckerle
From Virginia Beach, VA we wish all our readers a happy and safe Fourth of July holiday and weekend. Things have been a bit busy, but we hope to bring you some photographs and travel commentary within the next day or two. We should be back on a more regular “schedule” by Wednesday or Thursday.
Something Musical This Way Comes
by John Weckerle
As August approaches, so does this year’s music festival at Wildlife West Nature Park. Featuring such acts as John McCutcheon, the Badly Bent, Dave Firestine and Round the House, and Syd Masters & The Swing Riders among many others, the festival will provide plenty of opportunities for listening and other fun – and, of course, access to the zoo. The festival is being held at the same time as the Town of Edgewood’s Run, Rally and Rock celebration, a cooperative effort between the Town and the Chamber of Commerce, and shuttles will reportedly make it easy to get to and from both events. For more information on the music festival, see the Wildlife West Nature Park site.
While we’re on the subject, we’d like to remind our readers that the Park is still in need of donations to help support its continued operation. Wildlife West provides outstanding educational opportunities for people of all ages, and employment for many of our local young people during the summer. Donations can be made by credit card on the Park’s web site, and of course they can accept checks through the mail and cash in person. If you can afford it, we ask that you consider donating what you can – donations of any size will help.