Our recent warm spell is about to disappear. A frigid cold snap and winter storm is on the way. Please take special care to protect your animals.
The third Monday of February is a federal holiday, Presidents’ Day. In 1968, Congress passed the Monday Holiday Law to create three-day weekends for American workers and “bring substantial benefits to both the spiritual and economic life of the Nation.” While not uniformly observed in the states (e.g., New Mexico observes this day on the Monday after Thanksgiving!), Presidents’ Day does offer a chance to think about the origins of our country, our leaders and our values. Plus, let’s not forget all those Presidents’ Day Sales.
Tuesday is Mardi Gras. To lift your spirits, please see the link (https://www.nola.com/multimedia/photos/collection_57b3b908-54fb-11eb-af…) for a photo gallery of decorated houses (“house floats”) in New Orleans. It’s the community response to the fact there will be no parades this year. King cake, anyone?
It is so nice to report some good news on the COVID front. Sandoval County, along with 14 others in New Mexico, has moved to YELLOW. In keeping with the Public Health Order, Village outdoor recreational facilities are open at 25% capacity. Indoor dining is allowed at 25%, outdoor dining at 75%. Businesses can operate at 25%. Mass gatherings are now at 10. Vaccinations are helping, but we’ve got fewer COVID cases because of you and me, keeping ourselves and each other safe. The CDC now says wearing a double mask increases protection from 40% to 90%. So, please, wear a (double) mask, stay 6 feet apart and avoid unnecessary travel. We are not out of the woods, but we have reason to hope.
Along with COVID safe practices, to overcome the virus we must get vaccinated. NM already has 16% fewer cases because of vaccinations. PLEASE REGISTER FOR YOUR VACCINE. Go to https://cvvaccine.nmhealth.org/. You will receive a code to complete your registration. There is a help line, but if you need more, please call Commander Tanya Lattin at (505), 702-4182. Tanya plans to help folks register at local businesses such as Corrales Growers Market, Casa Vieja and Ex Novo. There may be a tasty incentive to register! Details to follow. Finally, please get tested. If the test is positive, you’ll get the help you need fast; if it’s negative, you’ll help reduce the positivity rate. Get the free VAULT test at https://learn.vaulthealth.com/nm/. So, 3 Steps to get back to “normal-ish”: 1) Stay COVID safe, 2) Get registered for vaccine and 3) get tested.
Corrales has stood up a vaccination POD (point of distribution), under the supervision of the New Mexico Department of Health. The pod will start small and then expand as more vaccine becomes available. Commander Lattin worked hard to make this a reality and has been helped along the way by many other Village employees. Great effort. New Mexico is in the very top tier of states in the United States in vaccine distribution. As the governor says, we just need more vaccine! (see some photos below)
Corrales has recovered ICIP monies awarded in 2020 but swept by the Legislature. Better than expected revenues allowed the state to return some monies, so Corrales will remodel the Corrales Police Department, purchase a water tender truck, extend the fire suppression line and get Corrales Animal Control much-needed equipment.
The Local Election Act passed in 2018 gave municipalities the option to stick with March elections in even years, “opt-out”, or hold elections in November of odd-numbered years and “opt-in”. Under the opt-in, all elected terms would either be shortened to November of 2021 and November of 2023 or lengthened to November of 2023 and November of 2025. Election functions would be handled by the County Clerk. The Village is gathering data so the Governing Body can make a reasoned decision whether to opt-in by June 30. If Corrales does not opt-in, our local municipal elections will remain in March of even-numbered years (2022 and 2024).
Shopping Local is the way we are going to succeed and thrive. One way forward is creative collaborations among businesses. For the latest example, check out eclecticcorrales.com for a special pairing of local wines and chocolates (See flyer below). Also, why not venture out with our newfound freedom and safely pick up some Valentine goodies from our local businesses?
Lots of holiday options. Not only is it Presidents’ Day weekend, but today is the start of Chinese New Year and Sunday is Valentine’s Day. Given the projected weather, be safe and alert. Could be a good time to stay warm indoors. Whatever you do, please enjoy yourselves, Corrales-style.
Jo Anne Roake
Mayor of Corrales
