Rain, rain…
by John Weckerle
Yesterday, I used the last of my harvested rainwater. Even though I have a 3,600 gallon capacity, the dry winter, followed by a dry spring, left me with far less than half of that to get through the season. With the second-year trees and shrubs associated with our ecological enhancement activities and the new vegetable gardens, plus the fountains/wildlife bubblers, that much only goes so far.
Why so dry? Part of the answer lies in the state of the El Nino – Southern Oscillation (ENSO), which is a coupled ocean-atmosphere phenomenon that affects weather on a global scale. It involves temperature anomalies in the surface waters of the central tropical Pacific Ocean. El Niño represents a period when surface waters are 0.5o or more warmer than normal, and La Niña represents a time during which temperatures are 0.5o or more cooler than normal. ENSO neutral conditions exist when surface water temperatures are within 0.5o of normal. During the El Niño part of the cycle, our area tends to get more rain, while dryer conditions persist during La Niña. During ENSO neutral conditions, there is an equal chance of having normal, above average, or below average conditions. We are currently experiencing the La Niña effect, which is currently weakening. »» Rain, rain…
Hey, Central New Mexico – Want To Take A Ride On the Space Station?
by John Weckerle
Well, you can’t – but you can watch other people do it for you. According to NASA, there will be some great observation opportunities from points within our area over the next few days, and at some times, both the International Space Station and the space shuttle will be visible at nearly the same time. For more information, check out the Moriarty Space Station sighting schedule.
Return of the Son of Grow Your Own
by John Weckerle
Given the interest everyone has shown in the concept of sustainable gardening, we think it appropriate to give another progress report on the raised-bed project. Our last update was June 1, and we’re pleased to provide a “then and now” photo comparison of one of the beds.
June 1 |
Today |
It is important to note here that none of these plants has yet been in the ground three weeks. They all appear to growing extraordinarily well, and have recovered from the minor frost damage that hit them a couple of weeks ago. There has generally been noticeable growth between morning and evening every day. The cauliflower, broccoli, and brussels sprouts (second row from the left and top of the third row) were relatively tiny “six-pack” plants when they went in. One of the squash plants already has its first blossom. In the other bed, the lettuce is already capable of providing at least sandwich quantities (and maybe even a small salad) without overly damaging the plants, and the green pepper plant has a fruit on it that is nearly as long as my thumb.
And “thumbs up” it is to this inexpensive, space-saving gardening technique, at least thus far. We’ll keep you posted! (pun intended)
The Farm Bill and New Mexico
Editor’s Note: In addition to her many other community service efforts, Margarita Mercure Hibbs is a leadership specialist for the My Rural America Action Fund, which addresses issues important to rural Americans. In her transmittal of this article, which was also submitted to various newspaper organizations, Ms. Mercure Hibbs notes that, due to a clerical error, the veto override was delayed until this week, and that Representatives Udall and Pearce supported this bill, while Representative Wilson did not.
by Margarita Mercure Hibbs
The Farm Bill, officially known as the Food, Conservation and Energy Act, is not perfect. That does not however, diminish how vital it is in our efforts to feed the world, supply energy for our nation, conserve our resources, assure a cleaner environment, improve our water quality, and advance the quality of life for millions of Americans. There are realities for rural Americans that should not be forgotten as we peer into the future strengthening our state and our nation. With the ongoing anxiety of a deepening recession, exorbitant gas prices and local families who lost their homes in the Trigo fires, the larger question is, are we a nation that cares for our rural people, or is this merely lip service paid during political campaigns? »» The Farm Bill and New Mexico
Not Just An I-40 Corridor Blog
The publisher of the Mountainair Arts blog expressed a concern this weekend that NM-Central.com was not interested in stories and information from the southern part of the region – Mountainair, Tajique, Torreon, Punta, Manzano, and others. We certainly are – and we’re interested in Willard, Encino, and all the other communities in the region. If you know somebody who has a story to tell from any of those areas, or anywhere in the region, please let them know about this blog, and we’ll work to get their news, views, etc. posted.
We’ve gotten things straightened out, and welcome Mountainair Arts as the first link on our blogroll!
Grow Your Own…Revisited
by John Weckerle
Let us turn our thoughts for a moment away from the winds of political intrigue and conflict and contemplate once again the simple joy of growing things. Especially edible ones.
During the First and Second World Wars, the U.S. government asked citizens to plant gardens (Victory Gardens) to help reduce pressure on the food supply and support the war effort. Millions of people in all environs – rural, suburban, and urban – planted gardens in the name of patriotism, growing food to feed themselves. This lessened the need for domestic food distribution and freed up resources to feed the troops fighting abroad. It is somewhat unfathomable, therefore, that today – with gas prices nearing $4.00 per gallon and substantial military efforts abroad – the U.S. government is not once again calling on the people to start growing at least small gardens and take some of the pressure of the food production and distribution system. »» Grow Your Own…Revisited
Beware of Unlicensed Contractors – And Let The Unlicensed Contractor Beware
by John Weckerle
In a letter to the Independent on May 13, the Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Department provided information on an unlicensed pavement company that has apparently been working illegally and doing poor quality work, leaving homeowners with a mess afterward. My own recent experience in a dispute (now in its 20th month) with a contractor who turned out to be unlicensed has required me to learn a few things about protecting oneself against predation by contractors who appear legitimate, but who may be something else entirely. NM-Central.com is happy to share some potentially useful information on avoiding and/or rectifying problems with unlicensed contractors.
»» Beware of Unlicensed Contractors – And Let The Unlicensed Contractor Beware
Parker’s Farm Greenhouse
by John Weckerle
For years, Spring and Summer would see a portable sign standing at the corner of NM 344 and Church Road in Edgewood and proclaiming that Parker’s Farm greenhouse was open for the season. The sign is gone now, whether as a result of development or prohibitions against off-premise signs contained in Edgewood’s rather lengthy and complex sign ordinance, but Parker’s remains, selling quality plants every Saturday and Sunday from 9 to 5 during the planting season. »» Parker’s Farm Greenhouse
Racing Commission Approves Albuquerque Downs Move To Moriarty
by John Weckerle
NM-Central.com has just received word that the New Mexico Racing Commission has approved the Albuquerque Downs application to relocate from the New Mexico State Fairgrounds in Albuquerque to Moriarty, New Mexico.
Plans for the facility, as presented by the Downs’ representatives at the recent Moriarty public meeting, include the racetrack, Las Vegas-style slot machine casino, food court, upscale steakhouse, advanced veterinary facility, stables, and other features. Congratulations are in order for the Downs, the governments of Moriarty and Torrance County, the Town of Estancia, which supported the project, and the local and regional organizations such as EVEDA who worked hard to demonstrate the community’s support for the project.
Fighting Poverty by Yanking Rural Services?
Guest Commentary by Flo Maze
Editor’s Note: Ms. Maze asks that anyone wishing to assist with this issue, including but not limited to signing petitions and providing other support, contact her at fmaze21@comcast.net. As stated in the article, a meeting on this issue is scheduled for June 12, 2008 at the Moriarty Civic Center. Members of MRCOG’s Workforce Connection Executive Committee are listed here. The July 2007 roster of the Workforce Connection Board can be found here. We have been advised that Pat Lincoln is no longer on the Board, reportedly having resigned in April. We note that only two of the remaining 35 members are listed with an address in the East Mountains and Estancia Valley, although Moriarty City Councilor Steve Anaya is listed with an Albuquerque business address. We do not currently have any confirmed information on the makeup of a local Board for the Workforce Connection.
On June 30, 2008, the Workforce Connection of Central New Mexico will be closing its doors to the citizens and businesses of Torrance and Southern Santa Fe County and Eastern Bernalillo County permanently. The Executive Board for the Workforce Connection under MRCOG (Mid Region Council of Governments) has made the final decision for this closure. »» Fighting Poverty by Yanking Rural Services?
Look, Up In The Sky
by John Weckerle
As I was hand-watering the trees I bought last year from the Edgewood Soil and Water Conservation District (with harvested rainwater) at around 8 a.m. this morning, I heard a loud, droning sound coming from the East. Curious, I looked out over the land below, and for the life of me, I could not figure out what was making the noise.
Finally, I looked up, and found my explanation. By the time I got the camera, it was fairly far away. It was certainly something to see! I’m not sure if all the residents in the area enjoyed it quite as much – especially those who might still have been trying to sleep. Then again, how many people sleep past 8 on a Sunday?
A Few Questions For Our Readers
In preparation for an upcoming article, we have some questions on regional development. We would like to ask our readers:
What does economic development mean to you?
What does sustainable development mean to you?
Should a regional plan for economic development, infrastructure, wildlife corridors, transportation, resource management, etc. be developed?
What values would you wish to see incorporated into regional development philosophies? Which do you think need more attention?
What role should municipal and county governments, business organizations, etc. play in setting the course for economic and other regional development?
Please feel free to provide us your thoughts as comments. It would be helpful if you include the part of the region in which you live and work, whether you’re a business owner, government employee, commuter, etc., and what type of work you do.
A Lawyer’s Time and Advice Is What?
by Chuck Ring
I guess that law schools must inject some of their graduates with chameleon DNA. How else to explain Edgewood’s very own attorney changing legal color at the drop of a suggestion? I am referring to his inability to support the funding of contracts with Wildlife West Nature Park, the Edgewood Library and the Edgewood Chamber of Commerce as reported in The Independent of May 21, 2008. All three entities have, in the past, contracted with the Town of Edgewood to provide services to the Town of Edgewood. Our attorney, Mr. Marcus Rael, Esq. seems unable to grasp the concept of contractual services, although he previously made no apparent protest regarding agreements with each of the aforementioned organizations. It seems Mr. Rael almost delights in referring to the contract payments as contributions in violation of the State Of New Mexico’s Anti-Donation Clause. »» A Lawyer’s Time and Advice Is What?
Be Ready
by John Weckerle
The Trigo fire that devastated over 13,000 acres in the Manzanos and destroyed dozens of homes is a grim reminder that fire wildfire is an ever-present threat in our part of the world. A dry Winter followed by a dry Spring makes it that much important that residents in the area be prepared for whatever may come their way. »» Be Ready
Grow Your Own
by John Weckerle
As gas prices continue to rise and our economy softens, more and more people are looking for ways to cut down on driving and save money on essentials. Anyone who has bought fresh vegetables recently knows that vegetable prices have been climbing, and it’s likely to get worse based on fuel price increases and other factors. It takes gas (and money) to get food to the grocery store, as well as from the grocery store, so it seems that it may be time for us all to think about returning to something that has perhaps faded in popularity: the home vegetable garden. »» Grow Your Own