Today, February 3, is National Honey Badger Day. The honey badger, also known as the ratel, is not native to the Americas. Not quite sure how this day was devoted to the critter. Sunday is Western Monarch butterfly and National Chocolate Fondue Day. I think most of us could celebrate those two days.
This is for Ron Curry, our Village Administrator, who is always searching for new words. The word of the day is anemometer: an instrument to measure the speed of the wind. If you come across fascinating words you hear infrequently, send those to the Village Clerk, Melanie Romero at mromero [at] corrales-nm.org . We all enjoy new words, and even some with unusual uses or meanings. Ron has been a Village Administrator in Los Ranchos, a cabinet member for the Richardson administration, NMED, and the EPA Administrator for Region 6 (included New Mexico) in the past. The Village is fortunate to have him in this job.
While working on the Comprehensive Plan (THE PLAN), one becomes aware of the fact that a “plan” must be developed to produce THE PLAN. Further discussions with stakeholders in the Village revealed that we need to update other plans: the Downtown Master Plan, the Economic Development Plan, and the Arts and Cultural Plan by MainStreet. All these plans are similar because they are formulated by thoughtful, educated, caring, involved-in-the-community people. They also have considerable overlap and are far-reaching in some cases beyond the limited resources of our small village in an economically challenged state. In these plans, we talk about history, agriculture, art, and the desire to maintain the ambiance of the Village. Ambiance is defined as the “character and atmosphere of the place,” our place, Corrales. For each person, that may be something different that they perceive here and cherish. People contribute to the character of the Village. One might argue that the people are the character of the Village. As you fill out the comprehensive plan survey, think about the important things here in our village that contribute to its livability and survival…and its character. We are hoping to get information out to the community about the survey monkey or where you can pick up the paper form soon. Be patient and check your mail.
CRIME & SAFETY UPDATE:
On Friday, 1/27 a resident of Cadillo LN advised police that someone opened her mailbox the night before in an apparent attempt to steal her mail (same location as reported on 12/19/22). Mail theft is a nationwide issue and it is advisable to take preventive measures such as installing a locking mailbox or getting a P.O. box. Also, remember to retrieve incoming mail promptly, take outgoing items directly to the Post Office and visit the United States Postal Inspection Service web site for more information concerning mail theft prevention: https://www.uspis.gov/tips-prevention/mail-theft
Also on Friday, 1/27 a resident of Anya RD reported that her tenant threatened her with a shotgun, and it was also discovered that the suspect had set fire to a tractor which was parked on the property. The 56-year-old male is being charged with Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon, Arson and Criminal Damage to Property.
Please look out for each other in your neighborhoods and report suspicious persons, vehicles, or circumstances by calling 505-891-7226 (9-1-1 for emergencies). - SEE IT, HEAR IT, REPORT IT!
COVID & FLU SEASON UPDATE:
COVID is still here and will probably be here for the foreseeable future. We need to be aware of the potential for infection and focus a little more than usual on our personal hygiene, i.e., washing hands, social distancing, perhaps even occasional masking when in large crowds, and of course, vaccinations as suggested by the CDC. As a reminder, FREE Covid home test kits are still available at Village Hall, Corrales Fire Station, and the Corrales Library. Please remember to stay home if you feel sick. The FDA has increased and updated the shelf life of most home tests. To check the tests that you have, the FDA website can be found on the Village of Corrales website under COVID – 19 Resources.
UPCOMING EVENTS IN THE VILLAGE:
Sunday, February 5th – First Sunday sponsored by Corrales MainStreet – throughout the business corridor.
Sunday, February 5th – Corrales Growers’ Market – Winter Market from 11:00am – 1:00 pm.
Sunday, February 5th – Chick & Duck Primer Seminar at The Village Mercantile store @ 5 pm. The first shipment of chicks will arrive at the store on February 9th. Please visit their website for more information about upcoming events, supplies and chick deliveries at: https://www.thevillagemercantile.com/
Tuesday, February 7th – Regular Council Meeting at the Corrales Courthouse Building @ 6:30 pm.
Thursday, February 9th – Casa Vieja Ribbon Cutting sponsored by Corrales MainStreet @5:00 pm
Saturday, February 11th – East Ella Fuel Break Clean-Up with the Corrales Fire Department & The Bosque Advisory Commission from 9:00 am – 12:00 pm. Hauling old branches, wood, tree trimmings and removing invasive grasses to help reduce the fire threat in the bosque. For more information, please contact Joan Hashimoto at: joanhashi [at] gmail.com .
Saturday, February 11th – The Brazil Guitar Duo of João Luiz and Douglas Lora returns to the Music in Corrales concert series. This concert is SOLD OUT, so there will be no ticket sales at the door.
Tuesday, February 14th – Happy Valentine’s Day – spend the day with someone you love.
Sunday, February 19th – “The Mexican Period 1821-1848” speaker series by Leslie Kim at the Historic Old San Ysidro Church @ 2 pm – This is a FREE event that is open to the public.
The Corrales community is invited to the San Ysidro Parish golf tournament at Top Golf, 1600 Desert Surf Circle, NE ABQ, on February 16, 2023. Check in time is at 11:45 am with tee time at 12:00 pm to 3:00 pm. Cost is $125.00 per person to enter and includes lunch, bay cost and goodie bag. Late registration will be $135.00 after February 6, 2023. Golf clubs are available or bring your own. Mulligans are $5.00 each or 5 for $20.00 available day of the event. Teams are encouraged to register! All male, all female, or Coed teams accepted! There will be awards! Come and enjoy raffles, food, drinks, and plenty of fun! Please register at: https://sanysidroparish.org/golftournament.
We have a new art exhibit up in the Village Hall Administration Building – “The Two Barbara’s,” by two local artists. Please stop by and have a look! 100% of the sale of their artwork goes directly to the artists. If you would like to exhibit your artwork, please contact the Deputy Clerk, Skye Devivi at: sdevivi [at] corrales-nm.org () or by phone at: 505-897-0502 ext 213.
The evening temperatures will continue to be chilly into next week, please stay warm! For more weather information, please visit: https://weather.com/ .
If you know someone who would like to receive the Mayor’s Message by email, please contact the Village Clerk, Melanie Romero at mromero [at] corrales-nm.org () or by phone at: 505-897-9502 ext 208.
Be kind to each other and stay safe,
Jim Fahey
Corrales Mayor