This Friday, February 2nd, is Ground Hog Day. Long range forecasts are for cloudy skies early Friday morning. Obviously, I am writing this before Friday morning. It is anticipated that the clouds will hold and that the groundhog will be shadowless and, therefore, an early spring. We shall see what has happened and how accurate it is. Groundhogs are related to ground squirrels, also known as marmots. They don’t live in this part of the US. If you want more information about groundhogs, Wikipedia has a good synopsis, and you can learn more about groundhogs than you ever wanted to know. (By the way, Punxsutawney Phil did not see his shadow this morning, forecasting an early spring. He is only correct 39% of the time).
Saturday is National Honey Badger Day. It isn’t really a badger, but more of a weasel. They don’t range here either but live in Africa. That’s good because they really like to eat chickens and ducks.
The Friends of the Corrales Library, FOCL, is having a jewelry sale fund raiser to support activities at the library. It will be at Hendren Hall in the San Ysidro Church on Saturday, February 10th, from 10 AM until 3 PM. All the jewelry has been donated and all sales are final. Take a look. It is for a good cause.
Construction on the new gym at the Rec Center is nearly complete. The flooring is going in right now, and final inspections should be complete by the end of the month. March 2nd is the planned date for the grand opening/ribbon cutting. Mark your calendar and keep an eye on future messages for more information on the activities planned for the grand opening.
Speaking of complete projects: the ATM at the old Wells Fargo building on Corrales Road is up and running again!
Remember that Covid, the flu, and RSV are hanging around, continuing to cause upper respiratory infections. In a crowd, wear a mask if you are in a high risk group, elderly or have significant medical issues. If you have not been vaccinated, consider it, and discuss with your health care provider.
There is no council meeting this next week, but we should have a full agenda the following week on the 13th. Tune in. It may be informative. You are welcome to share your thoughts and comments with the Council during the Corraleños forum. A sign-up sheet is placed by the door if you attend in person, or if you would like to attend the meeting from the comfort of your home, you can address the governing body through Zoom. To sign up to speak via Zoom, please email the Village Clerk at mromero [at] corrales-nm.org (mromero@corrales-nm.org) or give her a call at 505-897-0502 before noon the day of the meeting at which you would like to speak.
CRIME AND SAFETY UPDATE
In an effort to keep the Mayor’s Message more concise, we will be sending out the crime and safety update to the email distribution list every Monday (or Tuesday if there is a holiday on Monday) after Chief Mangiacapra releases the information. This will also ensure residents are seeing the latest information in a timelier manner. You can always check the “NEWS” section of the Village website for these reports.
HEALTH AND SAFETY UPDAT
Our latest numbers for influenza-like illnesses are still in the very high category. Residents are encouraged to get their annual flu and covid-19 vaccinations. You can find locations and book appointments to receive either vaccine. You can also reduce the risk of spreading these illnesses by wearing a mask when going to places where you will be around a large group of people, wash your hands frequently, and staying home if you feel ill. If you have questions or need assistance scheduling vaccine appointments, please call Deputy Fire Chief Tanya Lattin at 505-702-4182.
As the spring irrigation and planting season approaches, remember to call the burn line prior to burning 505-899-9819. New Mexico is prone to spring winds, which will limit burn days, so plan your burn days accordingly. You can download your burn permit from the Village website on the fire department’s page.
UPCOMING EVENTS
SATURDAY – Dead wood removal from the Bosque 10 AM – 12 PM. Meet at the Romero Rd. Bosque entrance.
SATURDAY – Friendship bracelet craft event for kids 10 AM Corrales Library
SUNDAY - Art in the Village – the first Sunday of the month throughout the Village 10 AM
SUNDAY – Corrales Grower’s Market, 11 AM – 1 PM
TUESDAY – Leopold Land Ethic Discussion with environmental educator Elena Kayak at the Corrales Library 6 – 7:30 PM
THURSDAY – first chick delivery to Village Mercantile
MARK YOUR CALENDAR
- February 10 – Love Your Library Jewelry sale 10 AM – 3 PM Hendren Hall at San Ysidro Catholic Church, 5015 Corrales Road. All proceeds go to support the Corrales Library.
- February 10 – Casa San Ysidro Open House 1 – 4 PM
- February 10 – Music In Corrales presents New York Polyphony A cappella Quartet 7:30 PM. This event is sold out, but you can get on the waiting list for tickets by arriving at 6:30 PM. Open seats will go on sale to the waiting list at 7:20 PM.
- February 11 – Cottonwood School Market 10 AM – Cottonwood School, 3896 Corrales Rd.
- February 15 – 50th Anniversary Tour for the Iconic Canjun Band: BeauSoleil avec Michael Doucet 7:30 PM, Historic Old San Ysidro Church. Visit Corrales MainStreet’s Community Calendar for more information HERE.
Watch out for pedestrians, cyclists, and equestrians while driving in the Village. Obey the traffic signs. Be considerate of your neighbors. Scoop the poop when out with your dog who will be on a leash.
Jim Fahey
Mayor of Corrales