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!
One Way Or Another — You Will Go Roundabout
by Chuck Ring (GadAbout-BlogAlot ©2008)Â
Quote Freely From the Article — Leave The Pseudonym Alone
Roundabouts, traffic circles, calming devices; call them what you will. Some of them are touted and proven as efficient traffic handlers. There is a difference between roundabouts and traffic circles, so it is beneficial to get them settled in one’s mind. Here’s a webpage that will assist in helping everyone to sort out the differences between the twoÂ
Merry Christmas!
by John Weckerle
From NM-Central headquarters, I wish you all a merry, safe, and joyous Christmas – and happy holidays of any and all kinds you may be celebrating at this time of year!
Solar-Power Incentives — Bah, Humbug!
by Chuck Ring (GadAbout-BlogAlot ©2008)Â
Quote Freely From the Article — Leave The Pseudonym Alone
Of course, I’m not against incentives for solar or wind power. Let me explain. The New Mexico Public Regulation Commission (PRC) has just approved regulations that requires Public Service Company of New Mexico (PSC) to pay commercial customers 15 cents for ever solar-generated kilowatt used by its commercial customers. This is in addition to a 13 cent scheme for residential customers. The PRC stopped short or refused to require PSC to pay for any excess power generated by the company’s customers. Whether this refusal is good for the customer and PSC is anyone’s guess, but one reason given by the PRC is that the PRC didn’t want the customers to become mini-utilities or words to that effect. On balance all the forgoing seems great for PSC’s customers and it allows PSC to comply with regulations that require it to be more green.Â
Town House Community Not Approved
By Bob Steiner
At a meeting of the Edgewood Planning and Zoning Commission on Monday, December 22, a request to change a zone designation to allow the development of a town house community within current town boundaries, was defeated. The requested zone change from “R1 residential” to “multi-use”, would have permitted the erection of eight clusters of four town houses each on the Northwest corner of the the intersection of State Road 344 and Venus. »» Town House Community Not Approved
Grow Your Own – A Long Winter’s WHAT?
by John Weckerle
What does a would-be sustainable food gardener do when the temperatures drop too low to grow?
a) Stay home, sit by the fire and plan for next year.
b) Start collecting recipes for next year’s harvest.
c) Move to warmer environs so as to continue growing.
d) All of the above.
If you answered “d,” you were correct, even though a and c appear mutually exclusive; as long as you don’t have to move far, and one of your hobbies is house plants, you can have it all – or, at least, that’s what I’m betting on. »» Grow Your Own – A Long Winter’s WHAT?
“LIBRARY” —- Now Let Us Apply The Name It Deserves
by Chuck Ring (GadAbout-BlogAlot ©2008)Â
Quote Freely From the Article — Leave The Pseudonym Alone
The new location for the Edgewood Library is said to be ready to open for the enjoyment of Edgewood area citizens. All of the volunteers, board members, town councilors and Mayor Stearley deserve our thanks. The facility is designated “LIBRARY”. But, there is a conspicuous absence that should be addressed as soon as possible. »» “LIBRARY” —- Now Let Us Apply The Name It Deserves
Public Service Announcement – MS Support Group Forming
by John Weckerle
We’ve received word from Donna Seagrave on the formation of the East Mountain/Estancia Valley Multiple Sclerosis Support Group. The group will provide support and socialization for people in the area who do not wish to or cannot drive to Albuquerque. Meetings will be held at the Edgewood Community Center on the second Tuesday of each month, beginning January 13, 2008 from 6-8 p.m. and will be facilitated by Donna and Jacqueline. For more information, call 281-0996.
This is great news for area residents who are dealing with the challenges posed by a difficult and not always well understood medical condition. According to the Mayo Clinic, “Sometimes, joining a support group, where you can share experiences and feelings with other people, is a good approach.” We wish the group the best of success and hope those in the area with MS will benefit from it.
A few MS-related links:
Bacon Fried Is Pork Applied
by Chuck Ring (GadAbout-BlogAlot ©2008)Â
Quote Freely From the Article — Leave The Pseudonym Alone
The Rio Grande Foundation (RGF) has just published their latest piggy booklet