It’s time to fall back – Daylight Saving Time ends at 2 AM Sunday, November 5th. Set your clocks back an hour before you go to bed on Saturday.
Recently we have focused on issues that are specific to the Village. Some issues we face are universal, at least, nationwide. One is climate change and its effects on our environment. At some point, like some homeowners in Santa Fe (see the October 28, 2023 Santa Fe New Mexican article here: https://www.santafenewmexican.com/news/real_estate/biggest-threat-to-hi…) , we may find it difficult to get homeowners insurance and as a result, unable to get financing for a home. The mounting risks from wildfires, now year-round, and floods linked to climate change have caused insurers to leave the California and Florida markets leaving some communities vulnerable. Studies of climate risks have shown many areas of the country facing sharply higher insurance rates because of increased damage from extremes of weather at least in part attributable to climate change. All the more reason why we need to do what we as individuals can to deal with this progressive problem. Provide whatever fire break you can around your house. Clear access so the firefighters can get to your property. Support the administration in our attempts to get a fire suppression system throughout the Village.
Because of where we live, next to the Rio Grande, flooding is always a concern. Although we are presently protected by the levee, we need to remember that the river is alive and moving. As a result of this past spring run-off the river moved about 140 feet to within 150 feet of the levee. Another flush of water like last year could damage the levee that protects us and our homes. That is why the Bureau of Reclamation has stepped up to begin work on the riverbank and why it is so important that we support this project. Signage will instruct us where we can safely go and what areas we need to avoid. Let us work with them so this project is successful. It is in our best interest. Those who are interested can go to the Village website and view the presentation made by Bureau of Reclamation at the last council meeting. The recording is available on the Village’s YouTube channel at this link: https://youtu.be/1Td9lXwfzS0. You can subscribe to the Village YouTube channel and get notified anytime a new video is posted.
Make sure you take the Village survey before November 27th. Your opinions are important, and the comprehensive plan committee wants to know what you think about the current state of the Village and get your input on ideas for the future. Every resident over the age of 16 can complete the survey. You can either take the survey online by scanning the QR code on the postcard mailed to you, follow the link from the Village website (https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/GGP3FR7), or pick up a paper copy from the Village administration office or the library. The survey is available in both English and Spanish. Please keep in mind this is a survey, not a referendum. You are not voting on any of the ideas presented in the survey – this is one set of data the committee will use to help create the updated comprehensive plan, but we want to know what your thoughts are on all these topics.
Elections are being held on November 7th in the old gym. Check the sample ballot before you go to plan your vote – you can find yours at NMVote.org . The Village has 3 bond questions and would appreciate a favorable vote for all 3. Money from these bonds would have a direct impact on the Village infrastructure. The Village share of the mill levy on your property tax will not increase.
A big shout out to Deputy Clerk Skye Devivi for the Veteran’s display in the Administration Building lobby. The walls are full of veterans of previous service for the United States. All military branches are represented as well as the wars that have been fought in the last 100 years. It is worth a visit. These are your family, friends, and neighbors and commemorates their service to our country.
If you didn’t make the Trunk or Treat this year, you have to go next year. It was quite a show. There was a HUGE balloon glow, MANY children and parents, and an infinite number of costumes, both retail and ingenious home made. And, of course, lots of CANDY! Parks and Rec. director Lynn Siverts, did an excellent job organizing and making sure no one ran out of treats, AKA CANDY! A HUGE shout out to the Corrales Police Department for their performance in management of the traffic from all the attendees. They were very professional, calm, and cool in getting everyone safely on their way.
The Old Church has a performance scheduled this weekend of “Melodius Ceremonia” with performances by Eli del Puerto and Celloquacious. Doors open at 6 PM and the performance begins at 6:30. Tickets can be purchased at this link: https://www.keelymackey.com/about-5.
The Winter Craft Show is coming! Mark your calendars for December 1, 2, and 3 from 10 AM – 4 PM at the Old San Ysidro Church. There will be handcrafted works of art from approximately 40 crafters and artists.
Speaking of Winter, the Farmer’s Almanac says if the rabbits are fat in the fall, it will be a cold winter. Has anyone seen the how the rabbits look lately?
CRIME AND SAFETY UPDATE
On 10/25, Officers stopped a male driver out of Bernalillo for a traffic infraction and after an investigation, that driver was arrested for DWI and transported to Sandoval County Detention Center.
This Tuesday, 10/31, 6:00pm - 7:00pm the Village of Corrales Parks and Rec will be hosting its "Trunk or Treat", the event is a safe and fun way for kids of all ages to enjoy Halloween! If you would like to donate candy, please drop it off at the Village Administration Offices (4324 Corrales Road).
We do expect some extra traffic due to Halloween and events, please be extra careful with the trick-or-treaters crossing the roadways. If you are hunting for candy, please make sure you are visible to drivers and have a flashlight on hand.
IF YOU SEE SOMETHING, SAY SOMETHING!!! (Except for zombies, we can't help you there)
You can call 9-1-1 for emergency police response. For a non-emergency, please call 505-891-7226. However, the non-emergency number still contacts the county dispatcher. Please DO NOT call the non-emergency number with questions about the Village. If you have a general question about the Village or need the phone number for a specific department, please call 505-897-0502 and section option “0” to speak to the Village receptionist.
HEALTH AND SAFETY UPDATE
Covid is still with us. New Mexico's Epidemiology report for the week-ending 10/30/23 reported 1,879 cases with tests done by a provider, 107 persons admitted to the hospital and a positivity rate of 25.2%. Everyone should be getting their 2023-2024 covid booster as well as an annual flu shot. Talk to your medical provider about RSV vaccines. If you need help finding a location for these vaccinations, please call Deputy Chief Lattin at 505-702-4182. Insurance covers these annual vaccines but there are options for residents who do not have insurance coverage to get both vaccinations.
UPCOMING EVENTS
SUNDAY – Corrales Grower’s Market 10 AM – 4 PM
SUNDAY – Corrales MainStreet’s First Sundy “Arts in the Village” – follow signs to different locations throughout the Village
MONDAY, TUESDAY, & FRIDAY – No school at Corrales Elementary
FRIDAY 11/10 Veteran’s Day – Village Offices will be closed
Bring in your letters for “Operation Gratitude” – letters will be accepted until December 8th. If you have questions, please email deputy clerk Skye DeVivi at sdevivi [at] corrales-nm.org.
Remember, we are all neighbors in the Village. Honor the speed limits. Watch out for pedestrians, cyclists, and equestrians. Be safe, stay healthy and warm. Don’t forget to VOTE.
Jim Fahey
Mayor of Corrales
Come visit the Hometown Heroes display in the lobby of the administration offices
QR code for Village survey