Sandhill cranes are on their way south to Texas, New Mexico, Mexico, and Arizona for their annual migration. We are fortunate here in Corrales to see and hear these magnificent creatures. Sandhill Cranes have a highly developed communication system: to keep the family together, to signal danger and to reinforce the pair-bond. The unison call is a duet done by a breeding pair in which the male has a one-note call, and the female a two-note call. Sandhill Cranes are also known for their dancing skills. Courting cranes stretch their wings, pump their heads, bow, and leap into the air in a graceful and energetic dance. In the early spring, they begin their migration to their breeding grounds. Enjoy these beautiful visitors to Corrales while they are here before they continue their migration further South.
Over the next few months, the administration is going to move forward on collecting data, information, and suggestions from the community about what they would like to see in the village in the future. An unofficial questionnaire has been printed in our local newspaper and several responses have been received by the administration. We have saved these and will use them, but the village is going to produce a survey that ask specific questions about what residents want from our village government. This survey will be available after the first of the year. We are concerned about land use and density. We live in a very desirable area that doesn’t become less desirable as we age. There is a need to balance and preserve what we love about our community with the needs of the community as our demographics change. We need to work harmoniously to reach a consensus.
Last week we shared the news of a purchase agreement for the Anderson property, north of the post office. Plans are being developed for this property and initial thoughts are to move the Growers’ Market to that site for greater safety and parking as well as some additional space for expansion. This property could address one of the big issues in the village, which is parking, as it would be available for public parking when the Growers’ Market is not active. This land purchase will not be final until all closing documents are filed, hopefully by the end of the calendar year.
Please be aware that the hospitals and the waiting rooms are feeling the stress statewide as surging cases of respiratory viruses are hitting our state. Please make sure you are getting your Covid vaccines, Boosters, and Flu Shots. We need to wear masks in closed and crowded spaces, practice social distancing when possible and wash our hands frequently. Even if you are not high risk, please think of the others around you because they might be. We want to keep everyone healthy and safe, especially during the upcoming holiday season. Free home Covid test kits are available at the village administration office and the Corrales Fire Department. It is recommended that you test yourself before visiting others and to have others test themselves before visiting you.
Upcoming Events in the Village:
Saturday, November 19th is Village Clean Up Day! Bring your household trash and green waste items to 500 Jones Road from 8am – 12pm for FREE disposal. No Hazardous Waste will be accepted.
Sunday, November 20th - New Mexico Holiday Traditions with Nicolasa Chavez at the Historic Old San Ysidro Church from 2pm – 4:45pm. Get in the spirit of the season with this free event. Space is limited.
Sunday, November 20th the Corrales Growers Market will be having a special Thanksgiving Market from 11am – 1pm. Please check out their website for more information: https://corralesgrowersmarket.com/
Saturday, November 26th is Small Business Saturday in Corrales and Nationwide! Get out and support our local businesses! Shop Small, Shop Local, Shop Corrales!
Sunday, November 27th from 1pm-3pm is the Ride in Round Up event at Top Form Arena. Horses in costume, Fire Department’s toy & food drive, refreshments & SANTA CLAUS!!
December 2nd – December 4th – 34th Annual Winter Craft Show at the Historic Old San Ysidro Church from 10am-4pm. Free Admission & Parking, 40 New Mexico artists, food, and a great opportunity to do some local holiday shopping!
Saturday, December 3rd - Corrales Starlight Parade from 5:30pm – 7:00pm. Along Corrales Road.
The Corrales Art Center and Corrales MainStreet are sponsoring a “Student Holiday Art Show & Contest” for all Corrales residents 18 years old and younger. CASH prizes will be awarded in multiple categories. Artwork is being accepted NOW at the Village Administration Office through December 1st. For rules, information, and applications visit website.
Corrales’ Holly Daze Collection Online auction brought to you by Corrales MainStreet and The Corrales Art Center begins November 27ththrough December 11thonline only at: https://visitcorrales.com/
The organization and development of the ACE Center, formerly known as the Performing Arts Center, is progressing, we still don’t have approval to move forward on demolition of the Jones house on the property by the EPA. The house contains residuals of hazardous materials. No funds have been found or set aside at this time for this project. Our hope is that the community will provide support for this project much like the village has done for our library and perhaps some funds can be raised through the next bond sale. Bond funds could then be leveraged to obtain grants from other sources, such as the legislature.
Cold temperatures will continue throughout the weekend and drop below freezing at night. Protect yourself and your home from freezing temperatures. Use caution when using your heaters and fireplaces and make sure your smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors have new batteries in them.
As winter rolls in, it's vital that you know how to prevent pipes from freezing in these extreme conditions. When water freezes in your pipes, whether due to quick drops in outside temperatures or poor insulation, its volume expands and puts pressure on the pipe from the inside. This can result in cracks or worse, a burst pipe! Even a small crack or two can be the start of some devastating and expensive water and plumbing damage to your home. Helpful information can be found here: https://homeownerfaqs.com/how-to-prevent-frozen-pipes/
Please get your flu shot and your Covid boosters. Wash your hands frequently. Stay warm and be safe.
Jim Fahey
Corrales Mayor
