Photo courtesy of Janet Blair: Council celebrated the purchase of the Gonzales Property 8/8/23.
What is a blue moon? There are two definitions that are in common use today :
Seasonal Blue Moon: the extra full moon that occurs within an astronomical season. One season—defined by the dates of the solstices and equinoxes—typically has three full moons occurring within it. If a season instead has four full moons, then the third full moon (not the fourth) in the season may be called a Blue Moon. Calendrical Blue Moon: the second full moon to occur in a calendar month. It takes our Moon about 29.5 days to complete one cycle of phases (from new Moon to new Moon), so if a full Moon occurs on the first of a month, there will be a second full Moon—a Blue Moon—at the end of the month, too (except in February). The next Blue Moon according to either definition will occur on August 30, 2023.
The Blue Moon in August 2023 will be a calendrical Blue Moon (i.e., the second full Moon in a calendar month). This Blue Moon is also special because it’s the nearest supermoon of 2023, meaning that it’s the biggest and brightest full Moon of the year! Since the Moon’s period of phases is 29 1/2 days, while months usually have 30 or 31 days, it’s obvious that if a full Moon lands on the first day of any month except February, it will repeat again at the end. Turns out, calendrical Blue Moons happen every 30 months on average. Two and a half years. Seasonal Blue Moons happen at a similar rate: about once every two to three years. So maybe “Once in a Blue Moon” isn’t so rare after all!
The heat is on. We have just had the hottest day, the hottest week, and the hottest month on record. It is time to do what we can to decrease our carbon footprints. Every little bit can help. Everyone should make their own personal emergency evacuation plan as has been outlined previously by our fire department (you can find more info on that here. Access to your property is very important should a fire occur at your property. Keep private roads and driveways clear of vegetation and trash so firefighters can get to any site on your property. Gates blocking access will be removed in an emergency.
Remember that elections are being held this November. Check with the Village Clerk for information about applying to run for office. No experience required, just interest in supporting our Village and doing what you can to help the community. By running for office, you may be able to raise awareness about an issue. Take positive action to improve the situation. All of us need to be involved in our local government. If running for office isn’t your cup of tea, then volunteer for a community activity.
Speaking of supporting the Village, that would include the Bosque. Those who walk their dogs in the Bosque, clean up the POOP. Think about your friends and neighbors who also walk in the Bosque. They don’t want to step in it. It will be there a long time unless YOU SCOOP THE POOP. It will take at least 2 months for dog poop to breakdown. Dog poop is loaded with fecal coliform, twice as much as human waste, and will contaminate the river and ground water just the same. SCOOP THE POOP!
There was a discussion about speeding in the Village at the council meeting on Tuesday evening. The council had some ideas about how to address the speeding, although statistics don’t show that we have a problem. There is an apparent misconception that the Mayor can unilaterally change the speed limits. No so. The Village administration is going to develop a plan to present to the council, hopefully by next meeting or the first one in September. Considering that a little more than 85% of us go the speed limits as already set and in place for many years, most of us will suffer for the relatively small number of our neighbors who have complained and others who do speed. Don’t speed. Be kind to your neighbors. Watch out for walkers, bicyclists, equestrians, and children playing in the streets.
TOMATO GROWER ALERT: DESERT BROOMRAPE IN THE VILLAGE
Seed2Need, a Corrales non-profit that grows tomatoes and other vegetables for donation to local food pantries, has encountered a parasitic weed with purple flowers that attaches itself to the roots of tomato plants, eventually killing the host plant by depriving it of nutrients. The Agricultural Extension Service at NMSU has identified the weed as a species of broomrape. The only crop vegetable it is known to kill is tomato. A single broomrape seedling can quickly grow beneath the tomato plant, producing up to 500,000 microscopic wind-dispersed seeds that survive in the soil for 35 years. You can read more about it here. If you find broomrape in your tomato patch, please report it to the Master Gardeners helpline at emailhelpline [at] sandovalmastergardeners.org.
We have a new exhibit up in the lobby of the administration building, “Glimmerglass & Creative Wood Carving” Stop by and see the unique works of art by local artists Gail Grambling Harrison & Russ Bessette, which will be on display until October 31st.
The Corrales Historical Society is celebrating their 50-year anniversary and they are looking for new members to join them in their mission to preserve and maintain the Historic Old San Ysidro Church for future generations to enjoy. If you would like to become a member, please visit: https://www.corraleshistory.org/new-chs-memberships.html to get started!
Tickets are going fast for the next Corrales MainStreet Starry Night fundraiser, “Denim ‘N Lace” which will take place on August 26th. For more information and to purchase your tickets please visit: https://visitcorrales.com/starry-night
CRIME AND SAFETY REPORT:
On Mon. 07/31 a resident of Coroval RD reported that the hair had been cut off the tails of two horses on her property, possibly during daylight hours on Thu. 07/27 (a similar incident was reported on Calle Conejo on 07/05). Take steps to secure your property and deter thieves, to include installing surveillance cameras, and contact Corrales Animal Services if you have any information pertaining to these incidents.
On Sat. 08/05 a resident of W. Valverde RD reported that a window on his residence had been struck and damaged by a cinder block while he was out between 2:00PM and 9:00PM.
We appreciate everyone who participated in National Night Out last Tuesday 08/01. Keep looking out for each other in your neighborhoods and call CPD (9-1-1 for emergencies and 505-891-7226 for a non-emergency police response) to check out suspicious circumstances.
Remember: SEE IT, HEAR IT, REPORT IT!
HEALTH AND SAFETY UPDATE:
The Corrales Fire Department is still holding vaccine drive-through clinics (including pediatric) for anyone who has never received a bi-valiant vaccine, and those that over 65 who have only had one bi-valiant vaccine. Registration is available by going to: https://goodtimes.vaccinenm.org/stay-ahead-nm/. Please call Deputy Fire Chief, Tanya Lattin at 505-702-4182 with any questions or if you need assistance with registration.
Covid is still with us and there has been a significant uptick in cases. FREE Covid Home tests are still available at Village Hall, the Corrales Library, and the Fire Station. If you feel sick, please stay home, and wear a mask when traveling and in crowded areas. With kids back in school, we are likely to see numbers continue to increase throughout the Village and surrounding areas.
The Humane Society of the United States has information available on how to help protect your barn and animals from fire. The fire department has added the pamphlet to their website.
UPCOMING EVENTS:
Saturday – Saturday Stitch Club – Corrales Library 10:30 AM
Sunday – Grower’s Market 9 AM – 12 PM
Sunday -- Sunday Morning Bike Ride, begins promptly at 8am at the Alameda/Rio Grande Open Space, 1300 Alameda Blvd. Meet new friends, all skill levels are welcome. For more information and to reserve your spot, please visit: https://www.meetup.com/abq-coed-biking-hiking-activities-group/events/kfdxftyfclbrb/
Tuesday – Deadline for New Old Church Artwork Submissions to the Corrales Historical Society: www.corraleshistory.org
Wednesday - Wednesday Growers’ Market from 9am – 12pm
Wednesday – Story Time at the library – 10 AM
Stay safe, stay cool, stay healthy, look out for your neighbors, and look both ways when crossing the street.
Jim Fahey
Corrales Mayor