Well, yes, it is mighty cold out there. That means you need to take precautions to make sure your water pipes don’t freeze, to keep yourself warm, and to protect your animals from the arctic temperatures. It is good indoor weather for home improvement, cooking, and binge watching, reading or making that one-of-a-kind gift. Just sitting is good too.
The Village is wrapping up its food and present drives. On behalf of the Village, thank you for the generosity you have shown. Because of you, our neighbors will be enjoying a brighter and happier holiday.
Speaking of acts of kindness, I read in the paper the other day stories of everyday people who really made a difference. A third grader used his saved allowance to pay off his schoolmates’ cafeteria debt so they could be served lunch. A customer realized his waitress had a broken hearing aid and left a large tip so she could repair it and keep her job. A state trooper held a struggling new mother’s crying baby so she could finish her meal. Neighbors who rallied to cover the money stolen from a little girl’s lemonade stand ($9) wound up raising $350 and she donated it all to Feeding America. These same type of things happen in our town as well. Our unsung heroes can be found teaching kids to read, mentoring kids through recreational activities, making extra welfare checks on those who live alone - the list goes on and on. If you have a story, I’d love to hear it.
I suspect many of us will be out and about getting gifts. Shop Local! The Corrales Growers’ Winter Market is open this Sunday, from 11-1. There will be food, produce, music and wonderful gifts. Plus, you’ll see your neighbors all bundled up in winter finery.
Most of all, as we approach the holidays, please take care of yourselves and enjoy (even for a moment), the beauty of the season, Corrales-style. The Village Offices will be closed on December 24 and 25 for the holiday.
Jo Anne Roake, Mayor