This weekend we celebrate Memorial Day. Memorial Day is an American holiday honoring the men and women who died while serving in the U. S. Military.
It was originally known as Decoration Day for more than a century, originating in the years following the Civil War and became an official federal holiday in 1971. Each year on Memorial Day, a national moment of remembrance takes place at 3 PM local time. Wearing a red poppy on Memorial Day began with a WW1 poem, “In Flanders Field.”
Many Americans observe Memorial Day by visiting cemeteries or memorials, hold family gatherings, or participate in parades. Memorial Day marks the beginning of the summer season. Despite the increasing celebration of the holiday as a summer rite of passage, there are some formal rituals still practiced. The American Flag should be hung at half-staff until noon on Memorial Day, then raised to the top of the staff.
In the beginning, Memorial Day, or Decoration Day as it was originally known, was held on May 30. In 1968 Congress passed the Uniform Monday Holiday Act, which established Memorial Day as the last Monday in May and declared it a federal holiday.
The Village offices will be closed Monday, May 30th in observance of Memorial Day. Voting at the community center will also be closed on Monday.
Enjoy your Memorial Day but remember and honor our past and those who sacrificed to make our futures possible.
Water for irrigation has been on everyone’s mind lately. We are still in drought conditions, have a large water debt to Texas, and the Corrales Siphon is damaged and isn’t working at capacity. The Middle Rio Grande Conservancy District has sent out information regarding the water issues that can be read here: https://www.mrgcd.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/Season-Outlook-Corrale… .
Covid cases are on the rise again this week. The Village administration is encouraging people visiting our facilities to go back to wearing masks. Corrales has a unique population, 33.3% of the population is 65 or older (which is roughly 2876 people). We know people 65 and over and people with certain medical conditions are predisposed to increased risk of severe COVID and death. Here are some key points to remember:
- If you qualify for a booster vaccine schedule your appointment
- Assess your risk factors and make determinations about masking and participation in activities
- If masking, wear a good mask KN95 or N95 with a good seal.
- If sick, stay home, get tested. Remember, influenza and other viruses are prevalent as well.
- Symptoms can be mild and mistaken for allergies
- Others may be more at risk for severe out comes, care about others
- If you do test positive, you need to at a minimum follow the guidelines below, you should contact all of your close contacts going back to the two days prior to symptoms
- Contact a healthcare provider to see if you should receive antiviral treatment
- If you need help finding information call Tanya Lattin 505-702-4182 or the State COVID line at 1-855-600-3453
For anyone who has been in CLOSE CONTACT with someone with COVID-19 (Quarantine):
These guidelines differ depending on your vaccination status. If you are up to date on all COVID-19 vaccines that you are eligible for:
- Wear a mask around others for 10 days.
- Test on Day 5 if possible.
- If you develop symptoms at any time, get tested if possible and stay at home until you get your results.
- If you can’t get a test, but still have symptoms, assume you are positive and follow guidelines for a COVID-positive test.
If you are unvaccinated, not fully vaccinated, or without a booster (not up to date on all vaccinations you are eligible for):
- Stay at home for 5 days.
- Then wear a mask around others for 5 MORE DAYS.
- Test on Day 5, if possible.
- If you develop symptoms at any time, get tested if possible and stay at home until you get your results.
- If you can’t get a test, but still have symptoms, assume you are positive and stay home and follow guidelines for a COVID-positive test.
For anyone who HAS SYMPTOMS of COVID-19 regardless of your vaccination status:
Symptoms of COVID-19 include fever, cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, muscle pain, headache, sore throat, chills, repeated shaking with chills, gastrointestinal illness and new loss of taste or smell.
- Get either an at-home rapid test or PCR test if possible and stay at home until you know your test result.
- If you test positive, follow the guidelines for a positive test result.
If you test negative but still have symptoms, continue to stay at home.- If possible, get a PCR test OR an at-home rapid test in 1-2 days.
- If you test positive on the PCR or at-home rapid test, follow guidelines for a COVID-positive test.
- If you test negative, no other test is needed at this time.
- If you can’t get a test, but still have symptoms, assume you are positive and follow guidelines for a COVID-positive test.
On a happier note, mark your calendars for the following upcoming events:
The Corrales Library Author Series for May is “Cloak & Dagger – Sisters in Crime” on May 31st. Visit for more information. The children’s summer reading program also kicks off next week with the Design Your Own Sea Monster event, Tuesday May 31st at 6pm. You can sign the kids up for reading logs and prizes here: https://corraleslibrary.beanstack.com/reader365Corrales
The Friends of Corrales Library Spring Book Sale will be June 4th and 5thfrom 9 AM to 4 PM each day in La Entrada Park (next to the Library) Thousands of adults' and kids' books, CDs, DVDs and other items will be available for $1 to $2 each. On Sunday, the famous $5 "bag sale" will take place from 2 pm to 4 pm. Bring your own shopping bag or purchase one from the volunteers, and fill the bag for just $5. All proceeds from the sale go to support the Library's programs, subscriptions, DVD purchases and other needs. Cash (small bills appreciated) or card accepted.
Art and the Landscape Photograph: A Four Hour Presentation by Doug Bennett, June 4th 8:30 AM to 12:30 PM sponsored by the Corrales Arts Center. Cost is $45 per participant www.corralesartscenter.org