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Thursday, July 12, 2007

In Brief

Telegraph Staff Reports
    Mountain View Telegraph Thursday, July 12, 2007 B9
    DWI Arrest Is 6th
    For Moriarty Man
    Dallas Akin had been on the wagon for more than a year, but said he got "upset and bored and started drinking again," according to documents filed in Santa Fe County Magistrate Court.
    That's what the 42-year-old Moriarty man told a State Police officer July 2 on N.M. 41 near Galisteo before he was arrested in his sixth DWI, according to court documents.
    Akin was found asleep in the passenger seat of his 1990 BMW— with the engine still running— partially blocking the road late that afternoon.
    Law enforcement officials conducted a blood-alcohol test on Akin, who blew a 0.25. The legal limit is 0.08 percent. He was unable to blow a second time, according to court documents.
    Community Assets
    Nominees Sought
    The Mountain View Telegraph is still seeking nominations for its annual Community Assets edition.
    Nominees should be people who do volunteer work or otherwise contribute selflessly to making the East Mountains and Estancia Valley a better place.
    Nominations should be e-mailed to jbrennan@mvtelegraph.com as soon as possible. They can also be mailed to Mountain View Telegraph, P.O. Box 2225, Moriarty, NM 87035.
    Nominations should include the nominee's name and phone number if possible, as well as a brief description of the efforts that make them deserving of inclusion in the Community Assets edition. Those nominating candidates should also include their own name, phone number and e-mail address.
    Nominees chosen will be featured in the special edition to be published later this summer.
    Goodbye Party For
    Torrance Manager
    A retirement reception for Torrance County Manager Bob Ayre will be held Wednesday at the Buford Steakhouse.
    The reception will begin at 6 p.m. at the restaurant on N.M. 41 north of Moriarty. For more information, call 246-4752.
    Relay for Life Set
    For Next Month
    Relay for Life, scheduled for Aug. 3-4 in Estancia's Arthur Park, is an overnight community celebration where individuals and teams camp out, barbecue, dance and take turns walking around a track relay-style to raise funds to fight cancer.
    At nightfall, participants light hundreds of luminarias around the track in a moving ceremony to honor cancer survivors, as well as friends and family members who have lost battles with the disease.
    Estancia Mayor Martin Hibbs would like to organize three teams, one composed of town employees, to walk in the relay.
    For more information about the event or about organizing a team, contact any of the following:

Margarita Hibbs, Estancia event chair, at 384-6015 or 705-5253;
   

Jeanine Garcia, Willard event chair, at 384-2882;
   

Diane Stearley, Edgewood event chair, at 281-3755;
   

Michaela Allen, Moriarty event chair, at 832-4391;
   

Patsy Padilla, Mountainair event chair, at 847-2225; or
   

Kevin Ledwith of the American Cancer Society at 866-238-3219 or 559-9424.
    Farmer Chosen
    For Wind Project
    Barbara Mann, a farmer from Stanley, has been selected as a Top 50 Finalist in the American Express "Members' Project" competition.
    Mann's project proposal is for small, rural wind farms to provide electricity wherever the wind blows.
    Card holders vote online through July 16, when the field will be cut to 25 finalists. The winning project will be awarded up to $5 million by American Express.
    Estancia Trolley
    Back in Business
    The Estancia town trolley, purchased for $1 from Albuquerque in the fall of 2006, is back in operation.
    "The gas machine quit," Estancia Mayor Martin Hibbs told the Estancia Board of Trustees on July 3, referring to a natural gas converter, also donated by Albuquerque.
    Hibbs explained that problems with the machine began on June 26, making it impossible to refuel the trolley. Adding to the problem, a wrong part was delivered several days later, and then another spare part also sent from Albuquerque was incorrect. Then Hibbs discovered a leak in the fuel line.
    Even though a mechanic replaced the incorrect part, Hibbs said he was disappointed because the gas pump was unreliable.
    Hibbs added that it's difficult to get parts since they come from Canada and not Albuquerque, and not many people know how to work on a pump.
    He said that, in the long run, the town may have to convert the trolley from natural gas to gasoline. Trustees estimated the conversion might cost about $2,000.
    A mechanic has replaced the incorrect part and the trolley is running on schedule: Monday through Saturday from 10 to 4 p.m.
    District Selling
    Native Grass Seeds
    The Edgewood Soil and Water Conservation District is selling native grass seeds.
    To place an order, come by the district's office at 2506 Old Route 66 in Moriarty.
    For more information, call 832-1111.
    Official Fills In
    As Administrator
    Karen Mahalick was appointed acting town administrator by the Edgewood Town Council on June 6.
    Mahalick is filling in for Jeff Condrey, who has been on medical leave for several weeks and is expected back on July 1.
    The council also passed a resolution to change the name of N.M. 344— from Frost Road south, including all of Edgewood 7— to Keaty Boulevard after Edgewood's first mayor, Larry Keaty.
    Keaty received 92 votes in the 1999 election. He was unopposed.
    "Without Mayor Keaty, none of this would have happened," said Councilor Glenn Felton.
    The council also approved a resolution to rename North Frontage Road to Wildwest Parkway.
    Edgewood Mayor Howard Calkins said the Single Action Shooting Society (SASS) wanted to call the road Cowboy Way, but the name sounded "too Hollywood" to the mayor.
    Ruidoso Suspect
    Arrested in Fraud
    A Ruidoso man who is accused of using fraudulent money orders to buy an all-terrain vehicle in Tijeras was caught and booked on a $75,000 warrant last month.
    Kody Fish is accused of passing fraudulent money orders and checks.
    Fish was apprehended at 6 p.m. on June 3 when he was stopped for a minor traffic violation. Fish was in a stolen vehicle and was in possession of a "stack" of fraudulent checks and money orders, according to Detective Jim Goff of the Bernalillo County Sheriff's Department.
    Goff has been involved with the case almost from the beginning.
    "One guy I talked to this morning said he was embarrassed that he got took like that," Goff said in a phone interview on June 4. "It could happen to anybody."
    Tijeras Open-Air
    Market Expanding
    The Tijeras Open-Air Arts Market is expanding this year to include a farmers' market, food vendors and raw materials suppliers for beaders and jewelers.
    The market is a juried arts and crafts event held weekends May through October on two acres surrounding Just Imagine Gallery & Coffee House. It features work created mostly by New Mexican artisans as well as live musical performances in a natural scenic setting.
    For more information, call 281-9611 or e-mail aking@nm.net.
    Visitor Guide For
    East Mountains
    A new "Visitor Recreation Guide and Map to the Sandia and Manzanita Mountains" is now available at several East Mountains locations.
    The guide was written and published by Friends of the Sandia Mountains in partnership with the Sandia Ranger District.
    It contains information on a variety of recreational activities and sites in the area, including hiking, biking and equestrian trails, as well as tips for enjoying the mountains.
    The guide is available at the Sandia Ranger Station, the upper tram terminal, the Sandia Crest visitor center and the Tinkertown museum, as well as REI and the Albuquerque Convention and Visitors Bureau.
    For more information, visit www.friendsofthesandias.org..
    Tutoring Program
    Needs Volunteers
    The Aim Higher tutoring program at A. Montoya Elementary School in Tijeras needs volunteers for the coming school session.
    The reading tutoring sessions are one hour a week and aimed at first, second and third graders who need a little extra help.
    Tutoring is scheduled Monday, Tuesday or Thursday from 8:10 a.m. to noon and only requires one hour of commitment. There is a three-hour training session for volunteers in August.
    For more information, contact Doris Hartenberger at 286-1911 or dphartenb@yahoo.com.
    Cycling Studio
    At Heritage Inn
    Alta Mae's Heritage Inn in Edgewood has launched a new indoor cycling studio featuring the well-known Spinning program.
    The inn, known for its bed and breakfast and conference facilities, will offer a series of workout classes aimed at cardiovascular fitness, weight loss and increased endurance. The inn hopes to create long-term health and fitness programs that will eventually include yoga and meditation classes, pilates and Tai Chi, according to a news release.
    The first class is complimentary and additional classes are $12.
    Class schedules are available at www.altamae-nm.com. For more information, call Lainie S. Quirk, director of the fitness studio at Alta Mae's, at 283-8292.
    Teens To Attend
    Leadership Forum
    Two young leaders from the community will attend a conference in hopes of taking the skills they learn back to their local high schools to share with other students.
    Katie Ramer from Estancia Middle School and Erika Jaquez from Moriarty High School will travel to Orlando, Fla., in August to attend the 9th Annual Leadership Conference sponsored by the Underage Drinking Enforcement Training Center.
    Tracey Master, DWI coordinator for Torrance County, and Lori LeMoine, Torrance County Teen Court coordinator, will accompany the young women to the conference.
    Sponsorship for travel expenses came through a grant program, Master said.
    "A lot of times these conferences empower students with more information to help them be successful in life," said Master.
    Schools Offer Free
    Summer Meals
    The free Summer Meal Program administered by the Moriarty Municipal Schools district began June 4.
    The program will provide breakfast and/or lunch at the following sites Monday through Friday:
   

Mountainview Elementary School— Breakfast at 8 a.m., lunch at 11:20 a.m. Through July 27.
    Moriarty Elementary— Breakfast at 8 a.m., lunch at 11:30 a.m. Through July 27.
    Edgewood Skate Park— Lunch from 12:15-12:45 p.m., no breakfast. Through July 27.
    Parkwood Park (Moriarty)— Lunch from 11-11:30 a.m., no breakfast. Through July 27.
    Civic Park (Moriarty)-- Lunch from 11:45 a.m.-12:30 p.m., no breakfast. Through July 27.
    Echo Ridge (Water Tanks)— Lunch from 11-11:30 a.m., no breakfast. Through July 27.
    Moriarty Gardens Nursery— Lunch from noon to 12:30 p.m., no breakfast. Through July 27.
    Calvary Chapel (N.M. 41)— breakfast at 8 a.m., lunch from 11:30 a.m. to noon. Through July 27.
    Tests Available
    For Osteoporosis
    East Mountains and Estancia Valley residents can schedule diagnostic tests for osteoporosis at two local clinics.
    Osteoporosis Diagnostic Center will provide the bone density testing in its mobile diagnostic unit each month at First Choice Community Health Center in Edgewood and PMS Family Practice Center in Mountainair.
    The mobile unit uses the "gold standard" in technology for osteoporosis testing, according to a news release from the company.
    The test takes less than 10 minutes using an open scanner with a very low radiation dose (less than an airport screener). A medical provider's referral is required and is available from any medical clinic or provider.
    The World Health Organization estimates that one in two women and one in eight men will suffer an osteoporosis-related fracture in their lifetime, the release said. The disease usually has no symptoms until bone mass drops so low that a fracture or stooped spine occurs.
    For more information, call Cheryl Everett at 321-3994.
    'Domenici Report'
    Offered by E-Mail
    Sen. Pete Domenici, R-N.M., has launched an electronic newsletter to constituents in New Mexico.
    "The Domenici Report" is delivered monthly to New Mexicans who sign up on Domenici's Web site. The newsletter includes information related to New Mexico and the federal government and also includes podcasts and video features, according to a news release.
    The first issue, for example, included information about the disaster declaration process used by the Federal Emergency Management Agency to help New Mexico recover from disasters like flooding or severe drought conditions. It also had discussions on the issue of "net neutrality" and how to gain constituent assistance in dealing with federal agencies.
    For "The Domenici Report" subscription information, visit domenici.senate.gov/email--newsletter.cfm.
    Volunteer Help
    Needed at Library
    Volunteers are needed to work two to four hours per week at the Moriarty Community Library, the Moriarty Historical Society & Museum and the Read "Write" Adult Literacy Program.
    Interested volunteers should call 832-2513 or inquire at the library.
    Torrance Needs
    Foster Homes
    Foster homes are needed in Torrance County for abused and neglected children in protective custody, according to the New Mexico Children, Youth and Families Department.
    Foster parents can be single or married, and can choose the age (newborn to 17), gender and ethnicity of the children they foster. Foster care can range from as little as four days to long-term.
    CYFD provides a monthly financial subsidy, free day care and medical coverage for each child as well as training and support.
    Adoption is also an option for the hundreds of children who need permanent loving homes, according to CYFD's Ronny Diaz.
    For information on foster care or adoption, call Tanna Corral in Estancia at 384-2745 or Ronny Diaz at (800) 255-8859 ext. 134. Information is also available at www.cyfd.org.
    Church Offering
    Medical Supplies
    Vista Grande Church in Sandia Park is offering assistance to East Mountains residents in need of medical supplies and equipment through its Hand to Hand Medical Supply Ministry.
    The purpose of the program is to provide specific medical supply equipment on a short-term basis at no cost to those who cannot afford it.
    Anyone who lives in the East Mountains can apply.
    The church also wants donations of used items such as crutches, canes, walkers, wheelchairs, bathroom accessories for the handicapped, shower chairs and any other such equipment that is clean, in good condition and reusable.
    For more information, call 217-9456 or visit www.vistagrandechurch.com.
    Literacy Program
    Seeks Old Phones
    The Read "Write" Adult Literacy Program is seeking donations of old cell phones.
    The nonprofit program will receive between $5 and $8 for each phone sent in to be reprogrammed, refurbished or recycled, according to a news release from the group.
    Refurbished phones are sent to emerging countries as well as some areas of the United States, or recycled as an environmental measure.
    The phones need not be in working order. Donors are reminded to deactivate their wireless service before donating their phones.
    They can be dropped off at the Moriarty Community Library. For more information, call 832-2513.
    Girl Scouts Need
    Car Booster Seats
    The state's booster law has made it harder for Girl Scout troops to transport their members to camp, according to a news release from the Girl Scouts of Chaparral Council Inc.
    The council is seeking donations of new booster seats for leaders and Girl Scout troops to borrow so they can transport their members to camp and other events.
    To make a new booster seat donation, please contact Melissa Bruney, director of fund development, at 343-1040 or (800) 658-6768.
    National Forest
    Seeks Volunteers
    The Mountainair Ranger District of the Cibola National Forest is looking for volunteer recreation workers.
    Volunteers will be trained to provide services to the public, including recreation site maintenance, trail maintenance and patrol, and public relations.
    For more information, call the ranger district office at 847-2990.
    Behavioral Health
    Group Seeks Input
    The Torrance Behavioral Health Alliance has formed.
    The state has changed how it funds behavioral health services, and the alliance has input into how services in the county are affected.
    "Behavioral Health" includes counseling for youth and adults, psychiatric/mental health services, DWI, domestic violence. It also performs other community services.
    Volunteers and community input are needed for the alliance.
    The alliance will meet on the fourth Tuesday of each month from 9 to 11 a.m. in Estancia at the CYFD office. Transportation can be arranged.
    For more information, please call Debbie Chambers at the Moriarty Public Health office at 832-6782.
    Bethel Storehouse
    Needs Donations
    The Bethel Community Storehouse is accepting clean, usable donations of all kinds, except large appliances.
    Furniture is especially needed.
    Donation hours are 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Mondays, 8:30 to 5 p.m. on Tuesdays through Fridays and 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturdays.
    Tax receipts are available.
    For more information, call the storehouse at 832-6642.
    Workshops Teach
    Fire Protection
    The East Mountain Interagency Fire Protection Association is offering brief presentations on the FireWise Communities program to interested residents.
    FireWise teaches homeowners about wildland fire protection and is sponsored by the National Wildfire Coordinating Group.
    EMIFPA's presentations last about 15-20 minutes and allow residents to see if they want to participate in the full FireWise Communities workshop. Presentations can be given at meetings of homeowners' associations or to small groups of interested residents who want to hear what FireWise is all about.
    For more information, call Deb Stefan at 281-9756 or e-mail albuturkey@hotmail.com. You also can visit the Web site at www.firewise.org to get a better understanding of the program and for educational information.
    The FireWise Communities workshops are provided by New Mexico State Forestry's Bernalillo district. If interested in participating in a FireWise workshop, contact Karen Lightfoot at 867-2334.
    Nonprofit Offers
    Free Legal Help
    Residents of most of the East Mountains and Estancia Valley can get assistance with domestic violence and small claims cases from Legal FACS.
    Legal FACS is a nonprofit domestic violence advocacy and legal services provider assisting low-income individuals and families with domestic and small claims cases, and providing advocacy, outreach and educational programs for victims of domestic violence in Bernalillo, Sandoval, Torrance and Valencia counties.
    Offices are at 400 Gold Ave. SW, Suite 106, Albuquerque, NM 87102. Call 217-0464 for 24-hour advocacy service.
    Volunteers Sought
    For Wildlife West
    Wildlife West Nature Park in Edgewood is looking for volunteers to staff its office.
    The hours are noon to 4 p.m. during the fall and winter and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. during daylight-saving time. Volunteers will help a not-for-profit enhance the zoo and wildlife refuge and will have the opportunity to interact with visitors as well as mountain lions, raccoons, hawks, a bull elk, Mexican gray wolves and many more species of animals.
    For more information, call 281-7655.