The first day of fall is next week - September 22nd to be precise. This date is the astronomical start of fall. The meteorological start of fall is considered to be September 1st. Either way, cooler temperatures are on their way, and we will soon see the leaves changing color. Another sign of autumn is Balloon Fiesta - which is in 15 days, starting October 1st. You can read more fun facts about the start of the autumn season here: https://www.almanac.com/content/first-day-fall-autumnal-equinox
This week the village received grants from the Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF) for a total of $2,650,000.00 to use for planning and design of a fire suppression system and planning and design of sewer access for the entire village. They also gave the village access to a line of credit at 0.01% interest if needed for these projects. We hope to arrange other grants to complete the projects, but the line of credit is available to us at rates less than bonding, although payments would come from existing revenue sources. Still, not bad.
We still haven’t heard about the grant to complete funding for Rec Center gym project, but we are optimistic. Progress is being made by the committee planning the arts, community, and education facility (formerly known as the performing arts center) at the Jones property adjacent to the Rec Center and public works behind the Post Office. A presentation to the village council is planned for the September 27th meeting. Check the on-line agenda at the village web site (the agenda is posted by 5 p.m. the Friday prior to the meeting) then tune in that evening through Zoom to watch the presentation.
Be aware of pedestrians and bikers this weekend. The Bike and Wine Tour takes place Saturday and Sunday beginning at 10 a.m. each day. More information can be found here: https://www.un-17.org/corrales_bike_wine_tour?fbclid=IwAR1diOxBs-UZSX3NiK8-2gce8BmRy-VDhnP4vWOySqFqiQl3WZTZCeirDds. The Corrales Ditch Run, https://corralesditchrun.com/, will be Sunday starting at 7:30 a.m.
Also happening this weekend: Meet your candidates for pet mayor Saturday beginning at 9 a.m. at the Corrales Library. The Corrales Historical Society is hosting "Journey into the Mists of Time: New Mexico's Colorful Past" at the Historic Old San Ysidro Church Sunday at 2 pm. This event is FREE. https://www.corraleshistory.org/speaker.html
The Old Church Fine Arts Show and Sale will be held from October 1 until October 9 from 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. each day. Applications are available on the Historical Society website https://www.corraleshistory.org/ for artists to showcase their works.
Volunteers are still needed for the Harvest Festival, which takes place starting one week from tomorrow, on September 24th and 25th. You can sign up here: https://www.corralesharvestfestival.com/volunteer/
The Friends of Corrales Library Annual Fall Book Sale will be October 8th and 9th from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day, with the $5 bag sale taking place from 2 - 4 p.m. that Sunday. Check out the library's website for more information.
Our police officers and firefighters continue to excel at their jobs in service to our community. This week, Police Chief Vic Mangiacapra awarded Commendations to Officer Heaton, Officer Milane, Officer Quintana and CFD Commander Lattin for going above and beyond in their service to the community during a welfare check on August 17th, 2022. You can read the commendation letter here Congratulations to all!
Jim Fahey
Corrales Mayor