The heat is unrelenting with little rain. And now we have cottonwood fluff “snowing” everywhere. The cottonwood fluff is HIGHLY flammable, so never burn it and do not use any sparking tools (welders or grinders, etc.) that could ignite it. Either keep it damp or dispose of it like other yard waste. Fire danger is extreme so no burning and please, NO FIREWORKS.
Corrales Fire Department, with the assistance of our Police Department and surrounding agencies, were nothing short of heroic in putting out a fire very close to the bosque last Sunday. Extensive property damage was sustained. The Village is grateful to have such an outstanding crew, but the fire situation, as noted above, is critical. Each of us needs to protect our properties from fire. 3 steps: LEAN (Prune shrubs and trees and cut back tree branches, especially within 15 feet of your chimney); CLEAN (Remove all dead plant material (including dead leaves, dried vegetation and stacked firewood), and GREEN (Plant fire-resistant vegetation). Have an emergency plan (for you AND your animals). Keep access clear for first responders and make sure your house number is visible from all directions. For more information, see Living with Fire: A Guide for the Homeowner - New Mexico at https://www.emnrd.nm.gov/sfd/fire-prevention-programs/living-with-fire-guide-new-mexico/.
BUY MORE BOOKS! The Friends of the Corrales Library (FOCL) is having an in-person book sale on July 3rd and 4th, 9am to 5pm in La Entrada Park. Stay cool under the trees. Beverages and treats will be for sale. Great prices on thousands of items and it’s all to benefit the Corrales Community Library. Admission is free. More info at https://friendsofthecorraleslibrary.wildapricot.org/page-18173.
Do you love house tours? The Exploring Artful Places Committee (part of CAC) will present a virtual house tour on Sunday June 27 at 3 pm. Enjoy the lovely Spanish Colonial home of Josef Diaz and Malcolm Purdy. For more information and ticket prices, call 505-508-5074 or visit https://www.corralesartscenter.org.
Two ways to beat the heat. Stroll the Corrales Community Library (Mon. through Sat) or take the plunge at the Corrales Community Pool (everyday, 12:30-5:30).
Corrales Road (448) repaving update. The contractor’s equipment had some issues this week (probably doesn’t like the heat either), but work resumes today. In order to make up time, the company will be working this Saturday, June 19th. On the northbound lane, the repaving is up to Chaparral Lane. On the south bound lane, work has not progressed as far due to poor conditions under the road surface. Every day, Public Works, Fire and Police report any unforeseen delays or problems to the Village Administrator for appropriate action. Please continue to take alternate routes. Thank you for your patience.
Speaking of June 19th, we have a new federal holiday! Juneteenth marks the emancipation of African Americans who had been enslaved in the United States (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Juneteenth). Juneteenth is also a New Mexico State holiday, so flags will be flown at half-mast through Saturday in its honor.
Corrales is a community where volunteers participate. The Village has numerous committees and commissions filled with citizens who donate their time to assist Corrales. For a full calendar of the Village committees/commissions (who they are, where and when they meet). Meeting times and locations are found on the Calendar . Give a shout out to a neighbor or friend who is serving on one of these bodies. Interested in applying? Reach out to Village Clerk Aaron Gjullin, for more information: agjullin [at] corrales-nm.org, 505-897-0502 ext. 208.
News on the reopening front is mixed. Many more of us are vaccinated, but we are still a tad short of the 60% number set for full reopening. Right now, we are at 59%. If you are vaccinated, great; if you are not, please help yourself and others by getting your shot. We only need 7,600 vaccinations today in order to reach the goal. You won’t get sick and we will all be free to enjoy our summer and fully support our businesses. We are counting on you! Check out https://cvvaccine.nmhealth.org.
Tomorrow is Juneteenth. Sunday is Father’s Day. Great reasons to celebrate, have a barbecue, do early outdoor activities, lounge poolside or in an air-conditioned room. Don’t forget to pick up fresh produce at Corrales Growers’ Market, Sunday 9-12 (https://corralesgrowersmarket.com/). Whatever you do, please enjoy yourselves, Corrales-style.
Jo Anne Roake
Mayor of Corrales