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Image Courtesy of Mario Manzo
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Image Courtesy of Mario Manzo
View Mario's work online
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March 29, 2024
Weekly WeatherThank you Contributors and Paid SubscribersKaty and Rick B
Alex and Willa B Courtney P
Burn Ban Until Further Notice in Rio ArribaFeatures
Previous Features
Landmark funding includes tuition-free college, loan repayment programs and enhanced educational opportunities statewide
SANTA FE – Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham has approved a record $1.3 billion to support higher education statewide in FY25, a nearly 4% increase from last year that includes expanded funding for proven tuition-free college, loan repayment programs and workforce initiatives. “Under Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham's visionary leadership, New Mexico is steadfast in its commitment to fostering accessible and equitable education for all. This significant funding underscores our dedication to realizing the promise of cradle-to-career education, empowering individuals, bolstering our economy, and enriching our communities. It exemplifies our unwavering belief that education is the cornerstone of progress and prosperity for every New Mexican," said Higher Education Secretary Stephanie M. Rodriguez. The governor approved $162 million for the Opportunity Scholarship, the largest appropriation in program history. Combined with the creation of the state Higher Education Trust Fund, New Mexico now dedicates a greater proportion of state funding to tuition-free college than any other state. A record 42,000 students benefited from the program last year, with 10,000 students using the program to attend college in the summer. Since the signing of the Opportunity Scholarship Act in 2022, statewide enrollment has increased by more than 7% and completion of short-term certificates has increased by 39%. Between 2021 and 2022, students receiving the Opportunity Scholarship were 8 percentage points likelier to stay in schools than their peers. The state’s record-breaking loan repayment and scholarship programs for working health care professionals and teachers received a continuation of expanded funding from last year. The Health Loan Repayment Program received $14.6 million for the second year in a row to provide up to $25,000 in student loan forgiveness to 700 working doctors, nurses, dentists, mental health professionals and others with a three-year service commitment. The Teacher Loan Repayment Program is sustained at $5 million, and the Teacher Preparation Affordability Scholarship also received a $5 million appropriation. Colleges and universities will see a 4% increase in operational funding for a total $1.1 billion going toward the state’s 25 public colleges and universities. Additionally, the governor approved $325 million for capital outlay projects on college campuses, $32.5 million for building renewal and replacement and $5 million for equipment renewal and replacement. College faculty and employees will also receive an average 3 percent pay increase and a funding increase of one percent toward employee benefits. Additional budget measures signed by the governor are outlined below: · $15 million for the Health Professional Loan Repayment Program · $14.8 million to expand nurse education programs · $25 million to provide matching funds for university research · $10 million for scholarships for master’s and doctoral students pursuing STEM degrees · $10 million to create endowed faculty positions and fund scholarships in social work education programs · $20 million to support students in workforce training programs not covered by other financial aid programs · $2 million for a pilot program to support adult students in Integrated Education and Training Programs · $3.725 million for RISE NM, the state’s education and workforce longitudinal data system · $3 million for the state’s six centers of excellence for social work, agriculture, early childhood education, cybersecurity, renewable energy and biosciences · $750,000 for adult literacy programs · $1 million for the Dual Credit Program at public colleges and universities · $600,000 for the Dual Credit Program at tribal colleges and universities · $6,828,000 for adult education programs, including instructional materials and high school equivalency test vouchers. · $5 million for the Teacher Preparation Affordability Scholarship · $5 million for the Teacher Loan Repayment Program · $5.5 million for cybersecurity initiatives for K-12 and higher education ### The New Mexico Higher Education Department was established in 2005 and oversees the state’s public and tribal colleges, universities and special schools. It also oversees adult education and literacy programs statewide, manages state-funded financial aid programs and capital projects for higher education institutions, provides college readiness services via the GEAR UP program, and grants state authorization to private colleges operating within New Mexico. For more information, visit hed.nm.gov or follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram at @NMHigherEd. US Forest Service releases environmental assessment for Encino Vista Project in the JemezAgency details plans for expansive Santa Fe National Forest cutting and intentional burning project; comment period to run through April 15th
Click to Read More and Submit your comments The Forest Service is requesting comments on the project to be submitted by Monday, April 15, 2024. Comments may be sent: ♦ via the agency’s online comment portal for the project, or ♦ via mail to Mark Sando, Coyote District Ranger, HC 78, Box 1, Coyote, NM 87012-0001 2024 Pilgrimage Safety PrecautionsThe Rio Arriba County Sheriff’s Office is actively preparing for the 2024 Pilgrimage to the Santuario in Chimayo, demonstrating a commitment to public safety and the welfare of all participants, community members, and visitors.
- A significant number of individuals partaking in the pilgrimage travel along the heavily trafficked State Road 76, located within Rio Arriba County, prompting an increase in traffic patrols by Rio Arriba County Sheriff’s Deputies in this specific area. - Beginning on Thursday evening, March 28th, Sheriff’s Deputies will commence patrols as walkers embark on their journey to Chimayo, ensuring a safe and secure environment for all involved. - The Sheriff’s Office Command post will be established at the Arboleda Community Center, serving as a designated safe haven away from the roadway where individuals can rest, rehydrate, and recharge before continuing their pilgrimage. - It is strongly advised that walkers take additional precautions to enhance their visibility along the roadways, particularly if they are walking during low light hours, to minimize the risk of accidents. - Motorists are urged to exercise caution, reduce speeds, and display patience and courtesy towards walkers and other drivers, maintaining a safe distance between their vehicles and the shoulder to provide ample space for pedestrians. - Safety Tips: - Wear bright, reflective clothing, especially when walking at night. - Dress in layers to combat the cold mornings. - Carry a flashlight for increased visibility. - Opt for comfortable footwear to prevent discomfort during the journey. - Avoid crossing onto the roadway and stay on designated paths. - Walk in groups of three or more for enhanced safety. - Refrain from driving under the influence of alcohol and report emergencies by dialing 911. - Stay hydrated throughout the pilgrimage to prevent dehydration and exhaustion. - Emphasizing the importance of adhering to safety guidelines and recommendations, the Rio Arriba County Sheriff’s Office aims to ensure a smooth and secure 2024 Pilgrimage to the Santuario in Chimayo for all participants and visitors. Northern Youth Project News
For the Birds - Sharp Shinned HawkAt the feeder - image left courtesy of Sharon Leftwich, Right Greg Lewandowski
A tiny hawk that appears in a blur of motion—and often disappears in a flurry of feathers. That’s the Sharp-shinned Hawk, the smallest hawk in Canada and the United States and a daring, acrobatic flier. These raptors have distinctive proportions: long legs, short wings, and very long tails, which they use for navigating their deep-woods homes at top speed in pursuit of songbirds and mice. They’re easiest to spot in fall on their southward migration, or occasionally at winter feeders.
Catch of the WeekRio Chama: Mark Mondragon of Rio Chama caught a 23.5-inch brown trout using a silver Panther Martin spinner below Abiquiu Lake on March 22.
Abiquiu Lake: Contact the Abiquiu Lake Main Office at 505-685-4371 for updated lake conditions and closure information.
Rio Chama: Streamflow below El Vado Lake Monday morning was 102 cfs; streamflow below Abiquiu Lake Monday morning was 137 cfs. Fishing for trout below Abiquiu Lake was fair to good when using Panther Martin spinners. Please remember, from the river-crossing bridge on U.S. Highway 84 at Abiquiu upstream 7 miles to the base of Abiquiu Dam is special trout waters with a bag limit of only two trout. Abiquiu Lake LevelsWe've gotten a number of emails about the current lake level (low). After enjoying the high levels last summer we asked John Burman, Lead Ranger at Abiquiu Lake.
He shared with us While I don’t know exactly what the lake level will look like, I do know that snow pack is well over 110% for the upper Rio Grande and Rio Chama, plus Abiquiu is still holding water for El Vado, so it is very likely that we will have another high year. We will have our annual open house soon to discuss it with the public as well. We will share the dates and time of the open house when available. House Sitters wantedWe've also been asked for recommendations for house sitters. If you house sit and have local references, email us at the Abiquiu News and we will pass your information on. Info@abiquiunews.com
Send us your questions and comments Email Scene Around TownSend us your local images. Send to AbiquiuNewsImages@gmail.com Please send images under 1mb. My inbox will thank you. ~Carol
Art, Music and BooksEl Rito Art Association MeetingThe El Rito Art Association will be meeting Sunday, April 7,2024, 10:30 AM at the Student Center on Northern New Mexico College campus - El Rito. Park at the round-a-bout and towards the back of the campus and to the left.
If you would like to socialize, we will have tea, etc. at 10:00 before the meeting. Hope to see you, elritoartassociation@gmail.com with any questions Get Your Eclipse GlassesThe Abiquiu Library & Cultural Center has free glasses for the upcoming eclipse on April 8th. Stop by and pick up a pair!
The Pueblo de Abiquiu Library & Cultural Center Monday Closed Tuesday 12 – 5 Wednesday 12 – 5 Thursday 12 – 5 Friday 12 – 5 Saturday 10 – 3 Sunday Closed http://www.abiquiulibrary.com New Moon Solar Eclipse in AiresAt Abiquiu InnThe Locals’ Picks Book List
Zach Hively Casa Urraca Press has created a place for locals in our area to recommend books to each other, and a place to find book suggestions with a personal touch.
Have a book to recommend? Send it to Zach at casaurracaltd@gmail.com – title, author, and the reason you suggest it.
The full Locals’ Picks list is available to view here on Bookshop. A purchase from Casa Urraca's link helps support independent bookstores. Abiquiu’s Casa Urraca Press earns a commission from every shopping trip that starts with the above Bookshop link—you can shop the entire Bookshop site in addition to the locals' picks. Plus, a percentage of every book (at least 10%) goes straight to independent bookstores. This is an opportunity to support small businesses with the same convenience as large online retailers. Abiquiu Book Club
EventsPlease remember, events will go in for a maximum of three Fridays before the event. Send text, word or publisher file and a separate image, please keep images below 1 mb and send to info@abiquiunews.com. Vertical PDFs or JPGs will be edited for space. Send by Wednesday Noon for inclusion in that Friday's News.
Holy Week
Good Friday March 29 St Thomas the Apostle: Morada del Alto Good Friday Events: The Encuentro > in Abiquiu Plaza at 10 am. Tienblas at Morada del Alto at 8pm 3 PM – The Stations of the Cross – Abiquiu 3:30 PM – Good Friday Service (Passion of the Lord, Veneration of the Cross, Holy Communion) Holy Saturday, March 30 9 PM – Easter Vigil Mass – Abiquiu Easter Sunday March 31 8 AM – Mass -Medanales 10 AM – Mass - Canones 12 noon – Mass - Gallina Peter Black back at Cafe Sierra NegraPeter Black will be playing music at Cafe Sierra Negra on April 4th.
Let’s all show him our support and welcome him back! 5-7 pm Thursday, April 4th, 15% discount for locals! The Abiquiu Inn will host an artist reception on Sunday, April 7 from 1P - 3P in the Upstairs Gallery. Please join us as we celebrate New Mexico Colcha: The Legacy of Beatrice Maestas Sandoval. Light refreshments will be served.
http://www.abiquiuinn.com Photos by Analinda Dunning Gather with us, for "Grief As Sanctuary: A Land Gathering and Fundraiser for Únashay" with Dr. Bayo Akomolafe.
This will be at Únashay Sanctuary on Tewa lands in Abiquiu, New Mexico with Dr. Bayo Akomolafe, Únashay and Gerard’s House to explore grief as sanctuary in these times. It will include an open teahouse, silent auction, community art, song and ritual. Visit here to learn more and buy tickets. Únashay is a non-profit grief sanctuary on the red earth of Tewa lands that offers (land-based and mobile) presence, space, companionship and creation for the grieving, whilst forging a new culture of emergent community for grief in all its many forms. Announcements and ClassesFridays, 10:00am-11:30am, April 5th - May 10th
Location: Northern New Mexico College, El Rito campus, Alumni Hall Cost: $40 for 6 weeks Tai Chi is a moving meditation and whole body exercise for maintaining and building health. This will be a 6-week introductory course; no experience required. To register: contact Virginia Cata (505) 747-5477, virginia_c@nnmc.edu For more information: contact the instructor, Chris Ng, metcalfng@mac.com Wilderness first aid classes right here at Ghost Ranch. No cost to attendA Wilderness First Aid (WFA) certification is an introductory course to wilderness medicine. This course, held April 22-23 and April 24-25, is designed for interested people who have little or no experience in first aid or wilderness medicine. It is recommended for individuals who enjoy the backcountry, or are responsible for others while in the backcountry, (professional guides, youth leaders, etc).
Tuition is free for New Mexico Residents. Please call 505.685.1000 to register. Pilates is the method developed by Joseph Pilates to strengthen muscles, increase flexibility, improve balance and cultivate a mind-body connection, paying particular attention to how movement stems from the core. Pilates can be what you want it to be; soft and opening, or athletic and powerful.
As a certified Pilates instructor, I offer one-on-one private one hour sessions in my home studio in Abiquiu. I customize your session to your physical abilities and skill level, from classical to athletic. Reach out to me, Terra Green Nitz, at pilatesnomad73@gmail.com. Soulfire Yoga is now at Dancing in the Desert Thursdays 9 - 10AM
For a full listing of classes go to https://soulfireyogawithjoy.com/class-calendar/ or our classes page. Learn More about Soufire Yoga online. Our workshops and retreats often go beyond traditional classroom style teaching by creating a space where participants explore in a non-competitive, supportive, and hands-on learning environment.
April 2024 Hoo Are You? With Raymond VanBuskirk April 19-21 Soul Journal: Art, Poetry, Prayer, and Prose with Dr. Rosemary Kaszans April 21-26 The Zen of Stone Carving with Robin Keck April 21-26 Adobe on the Ranch with Wayne Williams April 21-26 Exciting Variety in Plain Weave with Sarah Noggle April 21-26 Wilderness First Aid Training with Darien Fernandez* April 22-23 Wilderness First Aid Training with Darien Fernandez* April 24-25 May 2024 Birding at Ghost Ranch with Raymond VanBuskirk May 7-12 Ghost Ranch Bluegrass Camp with Bluegrass Camps West May 8-12 Bolos and Bluegrass with Jamie Halpern May 8-12 Geology of NM Landscape: Rocks Tell Many Tales with Albert Shultz & Peter Barkmann May 8-12 Stillpoint: The Spiritual Journey with Stillpoint Staff May 13-19 June 2024 Good Courage: Preparing for the End of Life with Annalouiza Armendariz June 2-6Watercolor: Paint Chimney Rock and Box Canyon with Antonio Darden June 2-7Sabbath as Life Abundant with Rev. Anita Amstutz June 24-29 Church Youth Week with Zehnder Bros. June 23-28 Family Week with Various Instructors June 30 - July 5 Camp Wingbeat: Teen Birding Adventure with Raymond VanBuskirk June 30 - July 6 July 7-13 SummerVenture Introduction to Southwest Silversmithing with Jamie Halpern and Susie Sawin Fire It Up! Art Welding with David Kadlec and Connie B Burkhart Ghost Ranch Chorale with Adam Waite, Barbara Hulac, and Leena Waite Sparkling Soil - Working with Micaceous Clay with Barbara Campbell Lino Printing on Fabric and Paper with Karena Koeberle Wells Draw What You See, Remember What You Saw with Jennifer Pickett Animated Stained Glass with Joseph Cavalieri Sculpting Paper Birds with Roberto Benavidez Senior High Initiative (SHI) - Photography with Zachary Wadkins-Daub Adult Service Corps with Martha Murchison and Art Myers July 14-20 SummerVenture Stone, Shell, and Silver: Advanced with Jamie Halpern and Susie Sawin Fire It Up! Art Welding with David Kadlec and Connie B Burkhart Raku - Playing with Fire with Michael Thornton Singing and Drumming our Connections with David Poole and Cliff Berrien Improv for Writing with Mari Kempes The Figure in the Desert, The Painter in the Land with Andrea Vargas 20th Century Women in the Americas with Jennie Hirsh Beyond the Sheets: Ghost Ranch Residency in Paper with Chauncey Foster Hardcore Hiking in Mindfulness with Jesse Fisher Sculpting Paper Birds with Roberto Benavidez Senior High Initiative (SHI): Rocks and Roaming with Robin Keck Adult Service Corps with Martha Murchison and Art Myers July 21-27 SummerVenture Traditional Yoruba Adire Eleko and Tie-Dye with Indigo with Gasali Adeyemo Fire It Up! Art Welding with David Kadlec and Connie B Burkhart Tru Green Pottery with Barbara Campbell Silversmithing Open Studio with Jamie Halpern and Susie Sawin Senior High Initiative (SHI): Beyond Making Paper with Chauncey Foster Yoga: Calling the Spirit Back with Edie Tsong Maps, Journeys, and Geographies with Anita Skeen and Colleen Anderson Art and Social Justice with Jennie Hirsh Watercolor Landscapes with Patsy Welch Ghost Ranch Gospel Choir: Union and Reunion with Revs. Todd O’Neal and Nathaniel Best Adult Service Corps with Martha Murchison and Art Myers Sew Happy Service Corps with Ronnie Ashford |
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March 2024 Specials 30th & 31st Ham Hock Beans & Chicos New Mexico Red Chile, Crispy Corn Tortilla Strips, Romaine Lettuce, Pico de Gallo, Cheese, Onion, Cilantro, Sour Cream Topped with One Sunny Side Egg Need to RehomeHello, I am originally from Port Washington, New York born in January 22, 2014 – Yes, I’m an Aquarius… I’m a pretty sure I’m just a mutt – Male, 30 lbs. Brown eyes, fixed and golden fur.
I am looking for a new place to call home – preferably in Northern New Mexico. I love children, and other dogs, especially playful ones! I must admit though, I have attacked a cat or two in my day. I do not have any dietary restrictions or known health issues, as a matter of fact KFC is my favorite. I’m housetrained and come with my own bedding, leash, collar and toys. I love to go on hikes, camping, long road trips, and I’m always first to call shotgun… If you would like to meet and see if we’re a match, please send an email to harmonyhill329@outlook.com Found DogsFound Dog near the Rural Event Center
Call 505-469-6035 Persian
Persian is our most cuddly kitten available! He is a beautiful longhair boy who is an absolute socialite and a philosophical conversationalist. He has always been very welcoming to cuddles and affection even from strangers, and petting Persian is almost hypnotizing with how soft his fur is! This 2yo 10lb Siamese won’t last a hot second so hurry in - we are open to walk-in adopters Monday-Saturday 11am-4:30pm. www.espanolahumane.org 505-753-8662 Daphne
Daphne is simply ear-resistable! This dog is a good egg looking for her hoppily-ever-after. This 2yo 53lb confection of perfection just graduated from 8-weeks of training in our Paws in the Pen program at the State Penitentiary of New Mexico! Daphne's expressive eyes and smiley face will melt you into an actual puddle of love. She has bloomed with her training, is friendly with everyone, and she loves to play with other dogs. Apply for Daphne on our website so we can schedule a meet and greet! Daphne goes home potty, leash, and crate trained with a whole list of cues and behaviors; to ensure a successful adoption, we are providing four free training sessions with adopters so you can learn what your dog knows, plus an invitation to weekly discounted drop-in classes. Monday-Saturday 11am-4:30pm. www.espanolahumane.org 505-753-8662 |
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