Mayor's Message for October 6th, 2023

Balloon Fiesta time

In this next week we have American Libraries Day, 10/6, Ripe Pumpkin Day, 10/7, National Read to a Child Day, 10/8, and Indigenous Peoples’ Day, 10/9. Village offices will be closed that Monday.

We have the Balloon Fiesta beginning this weekend and running for the week. We anticipate balloons landing on the open municipal properties in the Village, since we suggested it. If we get any definitive information on balloon take-offs it will be posted on the Village web site calendar. You can view the calendar of fiesta events at https://balloonfiesta.com/Event-Schedule. NASA is going to be at the fiesta on Saturday the 14th for the eclipse. If you would like to view the eclipse safely without joining the crowds at the fiesta, stop by the library during their regular business hours and pick up a pair of eclipse glasses.

Preliminary engineering reports are being done for a Village wide sewer plan that will incorporate the existing line and for a fire suppression system.

Our Village engineer is working on what we hope will be the final completed design for the West Meadowlark project. A survey with the topography is being done on the Interior Drain to see what all the Village is actually responsible for maintaining. When that basic information is available, then the recommendations that have been developed by the interior drain committee can be considered for how to return this area to its natural state. The administration believes the legislative funds provided by Senator Brenda McKenna will be adequate to fund the project.

The Administration and Village Council are trying to develop policies to address traffic concerns objectively. Apparent increases in traffic are both good and bad. The bad is nobody likes excessive traffic. The good is people come to the Village to participate in our festivals, play on our soccer fields, eat in the restaurants, shop, etc. We have to look for a balance. With the activities focused in the commercial core, that limits traffic in residential areas, but we only have 3 main roads, Meadowlark, Loma Larga, and Corrales Road, for people to get here or leave.

The 35th Annual Fine Arts Show will be held in the Old San Ysidro Church during the 9 days of Balloon Fiesta, from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm each day, October 7 -15.  This brilliantly hung show will showcase over 150 pieces of art created by over 60 New Mexican artists.  25% of the proceeds from the sale of art will benefit the maintenance and preservation of the Old Church and grounds.  On the opening weekend, October 7 & 8, Flo Yepa’s family will be back with their traditional (and popular) Jemez foods for sale in the Old Church courtyard from 9:00 am to roughly 2:00 pm.  The Artists’ Reception on Friday evening (tonight!) offers an opportunity to meet many of the artists and to see & purchase art before the official opening.  5:00 to 7:00 pm Friday, October 6.  Light refreshments, wine & beer for sale, music by Darryl Dominguez, and plenty of art should combine to provide an enjoyable experience. 

CRIME AND SAFETY UPDATE

On 09/25, a resident of Ruperts Lane reported a phone scam where individuals kept calling to try to access bank accounts and other pertinent information. Please remember to keep your identity safe by being aware of impersonators online and via telephone and not to give out your personal information.

More ways to keep your identity safe can be found at FTC.GOV/IDTHEFT

A road rage incident was reported on 9/27 after a male came into the Police Department to claim that while driving near the north end of Corrales Road he was assaulted by another driver after a disagreement over proper driving habits. Contact the non-emergency dispatch if someone is driving aggressively or if you feel threatened while driving on the roadways.

On 09/28 a Burglary occurred on the 300 block of Reclining Acres, the suspects made entry through an unlocked window where they took a cowboy hat, guitar and other personal belongings. The suspects in question are thought to be relatives of the homeowner; regardless always keep your doors and windows locked to prevent yourself from becoming a victim.

Another wonderful Harvest Fest has come and gone, which means Balloon Fiesta is just around the corner! While the balloons are a sight to see, make sure to keep your eyes on the road in order to prevent any mishaps.

Have a safe week and as always,

IF YOU SEE SOMETHING, SAY SOMETHING!

HEALTH AND SAFETY UPDATE

There are now three brands of 23-24 COVID booster vaccines available. Novavax was added this week.   You can get the latest information on the fall covid booster availability and locations at https://cv.nmhealth.org/ Deputy Fire Chief Tanya Lattin is still available to answer questions and assist Corraleños in need of vaccines or with COVID questions by calling her at 505-702-4182.

Cool weather is upon us, it is time to think about safety while heating our home.  Make sure you have at least one functional carbon monoxide detector along with functional smoke alarms in every room of your home. Test your alarms at least once a month.  If you have a fire place, pellet or wood burning stove, make sure to have any all chimneys inspected and cleaned by a licensed and bonded chimney sweep before using them.    Keep all heating sources clear of anything flammable.  In the US between 2016-2020 heating equipment caused 1 in 6 home structure fires.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Ongoing through October: Registration for the Trunk-or-Treat event is available through the Village website by going to the Parks and Recreation page and clicking on “registrations” on the right side of the page. Candy donations for the event will be accepted at Village hall.

SATURDAY

  • Book Sale at Corrales Library (library will be closed) 9 AM – 4 PM La Entrada Park. Parking is available at the Gonzales property lot north of the former Wells Fargo bank building.
  • Fine Arts Show at Old San Ysidro Church 10 AM to 5 PM
  • Tour Casa San Ysidro 1:30 – 2:30 PM 973 Old Church Road. Schedule your tour at: https://www.cabq.gov/artsculture/albuquerque-museum/events/tour-casa/2023-10-07

SUNDAY

  • Book Sale at Corrales Library (library will be closed) 9 AM – 4 PM La Entrada Park. $5 Bag sale from 3 – 4 PM. Parking is available at the Gonzales property lot north of the former Wells Fargo bank building.
  • Grower’s Market 9 AM – Noon
  • Fine Arts Show at Old San Ysidro Church 10 AM to 5 PM

MONDAY

  • Village offices, including the Corrales Library, closed in observance of Indigenous People’s Day.

TUESDAY

  • Chess Club at the Corrales Library 6 PM

WEDNESDAY

  • Grower’s Market 9 AM – Noon
  • Story Time at the Library – 10 AM

Enjoy the Balloon Fiesta! Stay safe and healthy. Look out for your neighbors. Watch out for the bike riders, pedestrians, and equestrians. Look both ways before crossing the street. Keep your property as clear as possible of debris. Village fall cleanup is scheduled for November 4th

Jim Fahey

Corrales Mayor