Easter is known as the time to celebrate the end of Lent and the resurrection of Jesus Christ on Easter Sunday. However, like some religious holidays, Easter has become commercialized over the years. Easter now means candy, baskets, egg hunts, and the Easter Bunny. Where did that come from? Legend has told us that the Easter Bunny is a long-eared, cotton-tailed creature that hops from house to house to deliver baskets full of goodies to children. The Easter Bunny made its way to America in the 1700s, first introduced by German immigrants to Pennsylvania. They brought the tradition of the egg laying hare, “Osterhase” or “Oschter Haws” from the Old Country. Legend has it, the rabbit would lay colorful eggs as gifts to the children who were good. Eventually, the custom spread across America until it became a widespread Easter tradition.
Remember, the Kiwanis Annual Easter Egg Hunt is at La Entrada Park at 10 AM sharp this Saturday, April 8 for children ages 1-8. Keep an eye out for the Easter Bunny and his arch nemesis, Wile E Coyote.
Last week we talked a little about history. The Village of Corrales has quite a history. Credit for this goes to Village Historian, Mary P. Davis and the Corrales Historical Society. I have heard much about it the last few weeks. Did you know the Historic Old San Ysidro Church was built in1868 and was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1980? After San Ysidro Church was built in the 1960s the Old Church was de-sanctified by the Archdiocese and became a multi-use facility providing community activities, meetings, concerts, weddings, guest speakers and art shows. Beginning in 1963 and for the next 24 years, it was the home of the Adobe Theater. The Adobe Theater then moved to its new home on 4th Street in 1987. Care of the Old Church is managed by the non-profit Corrales Historical Society, for more information please check out their website at: https://www.corraleshistory.org/. This may sound familiar because, that is the “theme” of the Arts, Community, Education (ACE) multi-use building that has been discussed for the Jones’ property after the demolition of the existing structure is complete. To further complete the picture, the Adobe Theater has expressed interest in returning to Corrales. You can see a short video of the demolition site on our YouTube page: https://youtu.be/E-hUXYfwQNQ.
Some of you may not have been bitten by the “farming bug” even though you have lived in and enjoyed Corrales and the agricultural ambiance. You can still grow many food products for your table in pots or containers, just don’t forget to water them. Some plants, like tomatoes, peppers, lettuces, bush beans, and radishes can be grown fresh in containers. There is your salad for lunch and/or dinner. Garlic and onions do well in containers, also. Remember to start small. Keep it manageable. It is supposed to be fun. Talk to the vendors at the Growers’ Market or the Master Gardeners at the growers’ market during the season to get some helpful hints. Take advantage of what the community has to offer and don’t forget about the fantastic Corrales Community Seed Library that is available at the Corrales Community Library located at 84 West La Entrada Road. Website.
Other questions that have come up recently from residents include the Upper West Meadowlark south side trail. That trail has line of sight issues that still exist, and the Village is still working with the homeowners to clear that up. The Village Council has requested a work study, planned for May 2 at 3pm, to re-evaluate the parking area of the administrative complex and get more information. We are waiting on permits for along Corrales Road. We will continue to provide updates on this and other projects in future Mayor’s Messages. NMDOT has requested additional information about the pathway and that has been sent to them. Then the work will begin on the new animal services building.
CRIME & SAFETY UPDATE:
Wednesday, 3/29 a citizen reported that she never received an item which she was expecting and suspected that it had been stolen from her individual mailbox off of Corrales Road near Pedroncelli Road. Remember to retrieve your mail / parcels promptly, take outgoing items directly to the Post Office, consider getting a P.O. box for added security and visit the U.S. Postal Inspection Service website for more information concerning mail theft: https://www.uspis.gov/tips-prevention/mail-theft
Saturday, 4/01 at around 2:30pm a resident of Barnard Road reported that one of his vehicle windows had been struck and damaged by a rock during the preceding 4-hour period.
Corrales Police Department will be partnering with the United States Drug Enforcement Administration for the 2023 National Prescription Drug Take Back Day on Saturday April 22nd. Citizens will be able to drop off unwanted prescription medications for safe disposal at the Corrales Police Department station at 4324 Corrales Road between 10:00AM and 2:00PM on that date. Please click on this link for more information concerning National Prescription Drug Take Back Day, home disposal methods and to find locations of year-round pharmaceutical disposal locations: https://www.deadiversion.usdoj.gov/drug_disposal/index.html
HEALTH & SAFETY UPDATE:
If you haven’t received a Covid booster vaccine on or after September 4th of 2022 you should contact Fire Commander Tanya Lattin at 505-702-4182 to schedule a vaccine. Staying up to date on your vaccinations helps keep you and your loved ones safe.
As a reminder, FREE Covid home test kits are still available at Village Hall, Corrales Fire Station, and the Corrales Library. Please remember to wear a mask indoors (especially in crowds), social distance, wash your hands frequently and stay home if you feel sick.
Wildfire season is upon us and the Spring winds this time of year do not help! Here is some information on ways to protect your home.
UPCOMING EVENTS IN THE VILLAGE AND BEYOND :
Friday, April 7th – Village of Corrales Administration Offices, Court & Planning & Zoning will be CLOSED.
Friday, April 7th – “Albuquerque ART Walk & ARTS Crawl” -Downtown ABQ, Central Ave, and side streets from 5-9pm. For more information please visit: www.artcrawlabq.org
Saturday, April 8th – “Kids Easter Egg Hunt” for children ages 8 and under. This event is sponsored by Kiwanis Club of Corrales. It will take place at La Entrada Park and begins at 10:00am sharp!
Saturday & Sunday, April 8th & 9th – “Cultural Dance Program” representing various pueblos at the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center. More information at: www.indianpueblo.org
Sunday, April 9th – HAPPY EASTER!
Sunday, April 9th – FREE admission at the Albuquerque Museum from 9am – 1pm!
Tuesday, April 11th – Regular Village Council Meeting at 6:30pm.
Sunday, April 16th – “The 1712 Albuquerque-Bernalillo Presidio Soldiers and the Manila Galleons” speaker series presented by: Linda Tigges at the Historic Old San Ysidro Church at 2pm. This event is FREE to the public.
Tuesday, April 18th – Last day to file your taxes!
Saturday, April 22nd – “ARCA’a Annual Geranium Celebration” at 181 East La Entrada Lane from 9-11am. Please RSVP no later than 4/14 to MCody [at] ARCASpirit.org () if you plan to attend.
Saturday, April 22nd – “John Jogensen Bluegrass Band” at the Old San Ysidro Church at 7:30pm. This concert is SOLD OUT but there may be last-minute tickets available at the door. Please arrive by 6:30pm to be put on the waiting list. We will sell as many tickets as there are seats available.
The “Corrales Art Studio Tour” has moved back to its original Spring Dates! Come join us May 6th and 7th on a tour of local artists’ studios and galleries! There will be 93 artists who will showcase their artwork throughout the Village. Whether you're a collector, an art lover, or simply looking for a fun weekend activity, the Corrales Art Studio Tour is the perfect opportunity to connect with local Corrales artists.
The “Friends of the Corrales Library” (FOCL) seeks book contributions for its Spring Book Sale. FOCL is a not-for-profit funding arm that provides financial support for so many wonderful library programs serving our Villagers. Besides a Spring-Cleaning aid, your contributions are tax deductible as well as the chief source of our great library programming, especially for kids. Drop books off at the Corrales Library during normal business hours! Thank you for your support!
It's business registration season here in the administration office. If you plan to do business of any kind in the Village of Corrales, as per our Village Ordinance 10-28, you must obtain a business license, and in most cases a fire inspection, prior to doing so. This also includes Short-Term Rentals & Food Trucks! Please contact Deputy Clerk, Skye Devivi at: sdevivi [at] corrales-nm.org or by phone at 505-897-0502 ext 213 for more information or if you have any questions. Skye is here to help guide you through the process.
If you know someone who would like to receive the weekly mayor’s message electronically, please email the Village Clerk Melanie Romero at mromero [at] corrales-nm.org () or by phone at: 505-897-0502 ext. 208.
Stay safe, stay healthy, enjoy the holiday, and connect with your family.
Jim Fahey
Corrales Mayor