Yesterday was December 7th, a date “which will live in infamy.” We must never forget so that it doesn’t happen again.
Yesterday was also the first night of Hanukkah. Happy Hanukkah to those who celebrate it here in the Village.
Today, December 8, is National Bad Hair Day for all the Scrooges out there. It’s okay to be “bah humbug” today but try to get it out of your system. It is the Holiday Season and only a little over two weeks of shopping days left until Christmas. The Starlight Parade was a huge success if you consider the large number of people who attended (although I realize there are those in the Village who don’t want more people visiting). Many families and children kept St. Nick busy listening to all those young wants and wishes. The weather was cold, but clear, the stew was good, and the bonfire was great after they finally got it started with a firebomb. Just kidding. The steel drums were magnificent, thanks to the students from the Cottonwood Montessori school. Kudos to Corrales MainStreet for getting this organized and getting everyone moving.
Tuesday, December 19, is A Christmas Carol Day and Wednesday, December 20 is Go Caroling Day. So, get your friends together, start practicing, and sing to your neighborhood.
I was reminded that we have overlooked our 4-legged friends too often during the winter season when those homeless animals suffer and have few to look out for them. There are organizations who have taken on the responsibility for many of those animals. CARMA, here in the Village, and Animal Humane are two that come to mind because of their assistance to our Village Administration and animal services. The 4 Paws Pet Food Bank can use some donations now and during the year. Visit their website for more information: https://carmanm.com/4-paws-pet-food-bank. Our own Corrales Fire Department can use some help in providing for our neighbors in the Village who need assistance and support. Don’t overlook the Giving Tree in the administration lobby. There you can actually identify an age group and gender of the individual getting your gift.
The problems with the animal services building have been identified and a plan to move forward has been developed. That’s the good news. The bad news is it probably won’t be ready for animals until April, ’24. But we persevere.
The gym construction appears to be staying on schedule for completion in mid-January, ’24. Our Parks and Rec Director and the Parks and Rec Commission will start working on a plan for the recently purchased Gonzales property soon.
CRIME AND SAFETY UPDATE
-On 11/27 a resident from Meadowlark reported vandalism to her stucco fence; an unknown person graffitied her fence with black spray-paint. There are no suspects at this time.
-A resident reported on 11/28 that someone made a large purchase through her Verizon account, luckily the resident caught the fraud in time and was able to cancel the order. Officers are currently working with Verizon to determine who placed the fraudulent order.
-On 11/30 a resident was contacted by their bank to notify them of suspicious activity on their account. A male, unknown to the resident was attempting to cash multiple checks via mobile deposit. The bank cancelled the checks and law enforcement was notified.
We tend to see an uptick in mail and package theft during the Holidays, follow these tips to help keep your information and purchases/gifts safe:
**Avoid leaving your mail in the mailbox for extended periods. Pick it up daily to minimize the risk of theft.
**Don't leave delivered mail and packages unattended. Just as wallets and purses shouldn't be left on the front seat of an unlocked car overnight, mail and packages shouldn't be left uncollected in mailboxes or on front porches for any length of time.
**If you’re going out of town, arrange to have your mail held at the local post office until your return. In addition, refrain from dropping mail into collection boxes after dark. Instead, take it directly to the post office for added security.
**Avoid sending cash by mail. Cash and gift cards are easy to steal, making it an attractive target for thieves. If you must mail valuables, consider obtaining insurance coverage for added protection. If you have a security camera system, consider positioning one to monitor your mailbox area for added surveillance.
**P.O. Boxes might be the answer. Customers concerned about the security of their mail can consider renting a P.O. Box at their local post office. The mail remains secure within the post office, accessible only when using the right key or combination. Many post office lobbies are open 24/7, allowing customers to retrieve mail on their schedule.
If you witness any unusual or suspicious behavior around mailboxes, quickly report it to the USPS or your local police department.
Remember, IF YOU SEE SOMETHING, SAY SOMETHING!
HEALTH AND SAFETY UPDATE
This is the time of year when respiratory viruses flourish. Make sure you are up-to-date on your vaccinations for COVID, Flu, and RSV if you are eligible. If you need help scheduling your vaccination appointments, you can call Deputy Fire Chief Tanya Lattin at 505-702-4182. Free COVID test kits are still available in the foyer at Village Hall, at the library, and from the fire department.
The fire department will be accepting donations for food, clothing and toys until December 18th. The Giving Tree is up in the administration lobby – come pick a tag (make sure to sign the check-out form) and bring unwrapped gifts back to the tree. Monetary donations can be mailed to the Corrales Fire Department at 4920 Corrales Road – make checks out to KCCF (Kiwanis Club of Corrales) and add “fire drive” to the memo line. You can also donate online at https://kiwanis-club-of-corrales.square.site/product/corrales-fire-fundraiser/122.
UPCOMING EVENTS
ONGOING THROUGH JANUARY 7TH – Visit the Giving Tree at the Corrales Library and help our librarians fulfill their wish list for the coming year.
TODAY – Lunch Bunch at Ex Novo sponsored by Corrales MainStreet. Bring a friend and find out about happenings in the Village. 12 PM
SATURDAY – Music in Corrales presents Gabriela Martinez, classical pianist, 7:30 PM at the Old San Ysidro Church. This event is sold out, but you can put your name on the waiting list for tickets starting at 6:30 PM.
MONDAY – Deadline to take the Village Survey for the comprehensive plan update. Paper copies (be sure to turn them in before 5 PM) are still available from the library or Village Hall, or take the survey online at: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/GGP3FR7. The online survey will close at 11:45 PM.
TUESDAY – Grand opening and ribbon cutting ceremony for Belle’s Urban Deli, 3650 Corrales Road, 12 PM. Please RSVP to 505-892-1533 or lisa [at] rrrcc.org.
WEDNESDAY – Story Time at the library 10 AM
MARK YOUR CALENDAR
- December 16th, 10 AM Explora visit at Corrales Library
- Festival of the Nativities, December 16th & 17th, 10 AM – 5 PM Old San Ysidro Church
- ¡Celebramos! 5th Annual Feria Artisanal Contemporary and Traditional Hispanic Market December 16th 10 AM – 7 PM, December 17th 10 AM – 5 PM 4829 Corrales Road, Casa Perea Art Space
- Wheels Museum Christmas Party, December 16th 2 – 4 PM, 1100 2nd St. SW
Have a Happy Holidays with family and friends. Stay safe, drive carefully, and remember to designate someone to drive after your partying. A new year is around the corner and the Village wants everyone here next year.
Jim Fahey
Mayor