The crocus and daffodils are starting to appear, along with first buds and blooms on our trees. And why not? Sunday March 20th is the first day of spring. We get more daylight hours and of course, more spring winds. Here’s a humorous take on what NOT to do on a windy day: https://johnwhowell.com/2015/11/09/top-ten-things-not-to-do-on-a-windy-day.
The bridge at West Ella and Loma Larga is open and ready for traffic! Final repaving and some additional construction will take place at a later date. Many thanks to Public Works Director Michael Chavez and his team for their great work.
“Let’s go, Aggies!” Number 12 ranked New Mexico State University Aggies beat Number 5 Connecticut 70 – 63 last night in the first round of the NCAA Basketball Tournament. This is the first time they’ve won a game in the tournament since 1993. They will play Number 4-seed Arkansas tomorrow night starting at 6:40 p.m. The game will be broadcast on TNT.
The New Mexico Department of Health is replacing news releases with daily COVID-19 updates. The data will be posted online Monday through Friday at 2 p.m. https://cvprovider.nmhealth.org/public-dashboard.html. Right now, COVID-19 cases are declining rapidly, giving us all a reason for optimism.
The Corrales Senior Center is now fully open for on-site meals and activities. Seniors, regardless of vaccination status, are welcome. Masks are required. Great news for the many who enjoy its services.
Starting in early June, the Rio Rancho division of the Rio Metro Regional Transit District will offer dial-a-rides in Corrales for people 62 and older and those 18 and older with disabilities. Qualified applicants can call to arrange a ride within Corrales, to Rio Rancho or to the ABQ Transit Center. A medical van will be able to take patients into Albuquerque for medical appointments. The Village thanks Director Terry Doyle for offering Corrales this valuable pilot project.
Starting Wednesday, March 23rd, the gymnasium will open for basketball and pickleball. Please call Mekenzie at 505 899-8900 to schedule a time. When you arrive, you will find much improved changing room facilities, thanks to funding by State Senator Brenda McKenna.
The Planning and Zoning Department is celebrating the arrival of a large-scale scanner. This piece of equipment will save the Village time and money. Thank you to our County Commissioners Katherine Bruch and Jay Block.
The Village Administrative Offices once again are sporting local art. Drop by to see the works of Paul Rodenhauser, Kevin Black, Lauren Deyo and Sue Rael. Thank you for making the offices look so nice.
There is still time to get tickets from Music in Corrales for the in-person TAKE3 concert this Sunday at 3:00 p.m. at the Old Church. https://www.musicincorrales.org/tickets/.
On March 27th, don’t miss former New Mexico Senator Dede Feldman’s overview of the New Mexico State Legislature, “The Best Little Chorizo Factory in New Mexico.” Old Church at 2 p.m. FREE.
There is a Village Council Meeting on Tuesday, March 22nd at 6:30 p.m. and it’s in person (folks can also zoom). It will be the last meeting of the current Administration and Council. The regular meeting will be preceded by a work study for current and future elected officials. Get the Agenda and Public Packet online at: https://www.corrales-nm.org/villagecouncil/page/regular-council-meeting-8. The Village is excited to roll out the new audio system. Along with much improved sound in the Council Chambers, those zooming in remotely will be able to participate. Thank you to Village Clerk Melanie Romero, Parks and Rec Director Lynn Siverts, Public Works Director Michael Chavez and sound engineer Mike Langner.
This weekend promises it all: sun, cloud and winds. You can go all in for March Madness https://www.cbssports.com/college-basketball/news/2022-march-madness-tv-schedule-how-to-watch-the-ncaa-tournament-tv-announcers-tip-times/, or shop local https://visitcorrales.com/, or explore our beautiful outdoors. Whatever you choose to do, welcome spring and enjoy yourselves, Corrales-style.
Jo Anne Roake
Mayor of Corrales
