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Thursday, December 18, 2008

Briefs



          Rep. King Speaks At Torrance Event
        Rep. Rhonda King spoke at a meeting of the Partnership for a Healthy Torrance County on Dec. 3.
        King gave members updates about several things including an anticipated shortfall in state revenues. Members made several requests including keeping a Workforce Connection office open in Moriarty, and they gave updates about the various members' businesses.
        Downs Has Until June To Give Dates
        The Downs at Albuquerque has until June 2009 to submit race dates for the 2010 season, According to Julian Luna, state Racing Commission executive director.
        "We've left it up to Paul Blanchard and the city of Moriarty to structure a timetable so that he can begin racing in 2010. The Decision and Order says it all," Luna said referring to the commission's 10-page decision and order from May.
        Tracy Strand Is Jail Employee of Year
        Tracy Strand was named 2008 employee of the year by the private 910-bed medium-security jail in Estancia owned by Corrections Corporation of America, according to a press release from the Torrance County Detention Facility.
        Strand started working at the facility in 2001 as a correctional officer and later became a library aide.
        Strand works with local resources to increase the availability of books in the general and law libraries. Employees of the year go above and beyond the call of daily duty.
        "Tracy Strand exemplifies the highest standards that are expected of CCA employees," said Warden Robert Ezell. "Ms. Strand also demonstrates solid professionalism each day."
        The award is given to one exceptional employee who has made significant contributions to the facility's operations, staff morale and the community.
        One national CCA employee of the year will be selected and flown to Nashville, Tenn., where the company has headquarters.
        Area Residents To Aid Denish Move
        Two area residents have been tapped to help Lt. Gov. Diane Denish make the transition to governor.
        Angela Vachio of Cedar Crest and Michael Anaya of Moriarty will serve on one or more transition advisory teams. Those teams are divided into the following areas: government efficiency and finance, economic stability, transportation and infrastructure, education and workforce, healthy families and communities, energy and environment, safety and security, youth voices and youth vision and centennial anniversary.
        The teams are made up of representatives from every county in the state and will meet several times in the coming weeks.
        Each team is expected to give a report to Denish by Jan. 15.
        Chamber Holding Toy, Food Drive
        The Edgewood Chamber of Commerce is currently holding a toy and food drive to benefit local charities.
        To donate, bring an unwrapped toy or any nonperishable food item to the Chamber office from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. The office is west of N.M. 344, just south of Old Route 66. All donations will be given to local charities for distribution.
        EMHS Debaters Take Home Prizes
        The East Mountain High School Speech and Debate Team recently took home several prizes at a tournament at Rio Grande High School. Josh Talamante, a junior, took first place in Lincoln Douglas debate and was a final for impromptu speaking. Toby Merkle was a final in oral interpretation, was awarded outstanding speaker in student congress and was first place champion in impromptu speaking. Tim Bedeauz was a final for domestic extemporaneous speaking.
        Local Dog Beats Out Competition
        It takes a lot to be the top dog.
        Two area residents and their canine champions made the trip to Long Beach, Calif. last week to compete in the AKC/Eukanuba National Championship.
        Monica Stoner with Saluki Ch Sacre Tyana Gwynyfyr and Robert de Young's Australian Terrier Ch Benayr Tiger Lily were among the contenders.
        Benayr Tiger Lily was named the Best of Opposite Sex in the Australian Terrier breed group during the two-day event.
        The dogs competed against not only the top show dogs in the country, but also a slate of the finest specimens from around the world. The event will air on Animal Planet and the Discovery Channel on Jan. 31. Check your local listings for air times.
        The AKC/Eukanuba National Championship is the largest prize money dog show in the world, with cash and prizes awarded totaling more than $225,000. This prestigious competition is invitation-only. Dogs can qualify to attend the show by:
        Ranking in the top 25 of their breed based on breed points accumulated at AKC shows.
        Receiving an all-breed Best in Show win at any AKC show during the qualifying period.
        Winning "Best of Breed" at any AKC parent club national specialty (dog shows of all one breed).
        Completing their AKC championship in the Bred-By-Exhibitor class.
        In addition, the seven dogs in each AKC-registered breed are invited from those countries around the world with registries that issue pedigrees acceptable for AKC registration. The top dogs in each breed are provided by each country's national kennel clubs. Dogs from Africa, Asia, Europe and South America are expected to compete.
        For more information about the AKC/Eukanuba National Championship, please visit www.akc.org.
        Toy Drive, Giving Trees Are Set Up
        East Mountain Friends for Families 5th Annual Toy Drive has begun.
        The organization's Giving Tree is at Triangle Grocery in Cedar Crest.
        Drop boxes for people who would like to donate toys are at these locations: Turquoise Trail Market, La Marissa Hair Design, Aspects of Clay, Bank of the West, Sandia Crust Pizza, East Mountain Physical Therapy, May Pharmacy, Mountain Video, Fat Boy Coffee/Wobby's, Coffee at Dawn's, Molly's Bar, WaterMart, L-3 Communications and FAA/Air Traffic Control Tower Albuquerque.
        There is also a Giving Tree for the employees at the GCC Cement Plant in Tijeras. For more information, please call Pam at 980-1846.
        Students Can Report Crimes
        There is a new hot line for students to report threats of weapon-related violence or other crimes, such as bullying or vandalism, called SPEAK UP New Mexico.
        To use the service, call (866) SPEAK UP or (866) 773-2587. The hot line is available 24 hours a day, is anonymous and is staffed by professional crisis counselors, according to a Public Education Department news release. The counselors create reports for school districts and law enforcement and will direct emergency calls to 911, the news release said.
        Bethel Accepting Donations for Drive
        Bethel Community Storehouse is holding an annual holiday food drive. The storehouse is looking for donations of nonperishable food items and cash to help people through the season.
        Donations can be made during regular store hours, Tuesday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Donations will be accepted throughout the holiday season.
        7th Annual Snowshoe Race Set for Jan. 24
        The Seventh Annual Sandia Mountain Snowshoe Race is scheduled for Saturday, Jan. 24, at 10 a.m.
        The race will begin at the lower parking lot of the Sandia Crest House. The race is limited to 150 participants, but racers of all levels are invited. The registration fee of $25 ($35 after Jan. 10) includes a long-sleeve T-shirt, pre- and post-race refreshments and prizes for top racers in several categories.
        Registration begins Dec. 1 at REI in Albuquerque or you can mail in your registration form. For detailed information and to download your registration form, go to www.sandiasnowshoe.com.