The first week of March brought us real swings in temperature, spring-like days followed by sudden reminders that we are not there yet. Still, the sunshine, blue skies and warm afternoons have been uplifting.
March is Women’s History Month and Monday March 8 is Women’s Day. Women’s Day is celebrated all over the globe. It honors the contributions of women while recognizing the continuing struggle for justice and equality. Consider wearing royal purple. https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/presidential-actions/2021/03/01/a-proclamation-on-womens-history-month-2021/.
16 days remain in this legislative session. The Governor signed 2 new economic stimulus measures to help low-income New Mexico workers, give a 4-month tax holiday to dining establishments, food trucks and breweries and to make it easier for small businesses to qualify for low-interest loans. The aim is to help local communities like Corrales recover more quickly.
Thank you to Trees of Corrales for oak trees that are now planted at the Veteran's Memorial in La Entrada Park. We look forward to being able to sit in the shade a reflect in that space.
We are at an odd juncture in our marathon struggle against the pandemic. We are getting towards the end of the race but there are still obstacles ahead. More people are getting vaccinated, there’ll be vaccine for everyone by the end of May and cases are going down. Check out Dolly Parton urging us to get vaccinated with her new version of “Jolene” (aka “Vaccine”) https://ew.com/celebrity/dolly-parton-receives-covid-19-vaccine/?utm_source=emailshare&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=email-share-article&utm_content=20210303. All these things make us hopeful. But then there’s those obstacles: the downward trend may be slowing, more troubling virus variants are popping up and folks are just dog-tired of the restrictions. That last part, our collective fatigue, could really set us back. Please don’t let it! The Village is unwavering in its commitment to your safety. Help us and your community by continuing to follow the public health order. STAY CENTERED AND CARRY ON (mask, social distance, avoid large crowds). Together we will reach the finish line more quickly, obstacles and all.
SHOP LOCAL. Every business wants to be 100% open. But overwhelmingly, our local businesses are putting your health and safety first and following the PHO. If an outlier business is not following the rules, please protect yourself and make your own decision about patronage. As a community, let’s thank the fine businesses who are keeping us safe and healthy even as they face financial challenges caused by the pandemic. They need your business. Please support them.
The Corrales vaccination clinic continues to excel. Local businesses and citizens partnered up to provide lunch to the vaccination site crew this week. A big thank you to Perea's Tijuana Bar and Restaurant, Village Pizza, John Perea, Sam and John Thompson and Councilor Mel Knight for keeping those folks well fed. There are other clinics in Sandoval County and our citizens step up to help where needed. Corrales residents Mary Smith and Lawrence Blank volunteered last Friday at the Rio Rancho site, answering a last-minute call for help without hesitation. That’s my idea of the Corrales way. Thank you.
Join the Village Council Meeting on Tuesday March 9, 2021 at 6:30. The Agenda and public packet will be posted online today, along with instructions on how to join the meeting. (https://www.corrales-nm.org/villagecouncil/page/regular-council-meeting…) Highlights: an update on Village doings, a discussion of Village policies, walls and fences, and how to plan our 50th anniversary of incorporation. Yes, Corrales is golden! Zoom in to learn more about your local government.
The weekend promises lots of sunshine and mellow temperatures. Good chance to get outside and enjoy our Village. On Sunday, visit the Corrales Growers’ Market from 11-1. Whatever you do, please stay safe and enjoy yourselves, Corrales-style.
Jo Anne Roake
Mayor of Corrales