enchantment The Voice of New Mexico’s Rural Electric Cooperatives
SOCORRO ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE
MAY 2021
Meter Training Goes Virtual Roosevelt County Electric Cooperative’s Jeremy Neal, AMI facilitator, instructing class on instrument-rated metering installations. PHOTO BY JANICE CASTILLO
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Hale to the Stars The Anna, Age Eight Institute A Month of Celebrations
ALSO INSIDE >>
www.gmcs.org
MAY 2021 CONTENTS We Are enchantment View From enchantment Hale to the Stars
The Anna, Age Eight Institute Energy Sense Book Chat Virtual Meter School Your Electric Co-op Students Raise Money for Camp Hope On the Menu
NMSU Graduate Programs Electrical Safety The Market Place Youth Art
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enchantment!
We live in the Land of Enchantment … We are
Energy Efficiency Tip of the Month Avoid placing items such as lamps and TVs near your thermostat. The thermostat senses heat from these appliances, which can cause your air conditioner to run longer than necessary.
enchantment monthly photo winner
Take a photo of you holding YOUR MAGAZINE AND WIN!
How to contact enchantment Phone 505-982-4671
Email enchantment@nmelectric.coop Facebook facebook.com/enchantmentnmreca Mail 614 Don Gaspar Ave. Santa Fe, NM 87505 Community Events events@nmelectric.coop Display Ads enchantmentads@nmelectric.coop Book Chat Inquiries enchantment@nmelectric.coop Take a photo of you or someone with the magazine and email it with a few words about the photo. Include your name, mailing address and co-op name. One lucky member will win $20. Submitting your photo(s) gives us permission to publish or post the photo(s) in enchantment, on Facebook and in other media outlets. Email to: enchantment@nmelectric.coop
enchantment
May 1, 2021 • Vol. 73, No. 05 USPS 175-880 • ISSN 0046-1946 Circulation 88,000
enchantment (ISSN -) is published monthly by the New Mexico Rural Electric Cooperative Association, Don Gaspar Ave., Santa Fe, NM . enchantment provides reliable, helpful information on rural living and energy use to electric cooperative members and customers. More than , families and businesses receive enchantment magazine as electric cooperative members. Nonmember subscriptions are available at $ a year or $ for two years, payable to NMRECA. Allow four to eight weeks for first delivery. PERIODICAL POSTAGE paid at Santa Fe, NM - and additional mailing offices. CHANGE OF ADDRESS: Postmaster please send address changes to Don Gaspar Ave., Santa Fe, NM -. Readers who receive the publication through their electric cooperative membership should report address changes to their local electric cooperative office. THE NEW MEXICO RURAL ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE ASSOCIATION provides legislative and educational services
to the cooperatives that are members of the association and deliver electric power to New Mexico’s rural areas and small communities. The mission of the New Mexico Rural Electric Cooperative Association is to strengthen, support, unify and represent cooperative member interests at the local, state and national levels. Each cooperative has a representative on the association’s board of directors, which controls the editorial content and advertising policy of enchantment through its Publications Committee. OFFICERS OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Charles Pinson, president, Central Valley Electric Co-op, Artesia; Tim Morrow, vice president, Springer Electric Co-op, Springer; Duane Frost, secretary-treasurer, Central NM Electric Co-op, Mountainair BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Chris Martinez, Columbus Electric Co-op, Deming; Keith Gottlieb, Continental Divide Electric Co-op, Grants; Lance R. Adkins, Farmers’ Electric Co-op, Clovis; Robert Caudle, Lea County Electric Co-op, Lovington; James Ortiz, Mora-San Miguel Electric Cooperative; Thomas G. Rivas, Northern Río Arriba Electric Co-op, Chama; Preston Stone, Otero County Electric Co-op, Cloudcroft; Antonio Sanchez Jr., Roosevelt County Electric Co-op, Portales; George Biel, Sierra Electric Co-op, Elephant Butte; Donald L. Wolberg, Socorro Electric Co-op, Socorro; Travis Sullivan, Southwestern Electric Co-op, Clayton; Wayne Connell, Tri-State G&T Association, Westminster, Colorado; Charles G. Wagner, Western Farmers Electric Co-op, Oklahoma. NEW MEXICO RURAL ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE ASSOCIATION
Congratulations to… Columbus Electric Cooperative member Kathleen Martin, who photograhed Apalach the border cat with the May 2019 edition of enchantment magazine.
Kathleen wins $20! 4
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Don Gaspar Ave. Phone: -- Santa Fe, NM Fax: -- nmelectric.coop enchantment.coop Keven J. Groenewold, CEO, kgroenewold@nmelectric.coop Tom Condit, director of communications, tcondit@nmelectric.coop DISPLAY ADVERTISING: Rates available upon request. Co-op members and New Mexico display advertisers, email Shaylyn at enchantmentads@nmelectric.coop or call --. National representative: American MainStreet Publications, --. Advertisements in enchantment are paid solicitations and are not endorsed by the publisher or the electric cooperatives that are members of the New Mexico Rural Electric Cooperative Association. PRODUCT SATISFACTION AND DELIVERY RESPONSIBILITY LIE SOLELY WITH THE ADVERTISER. © New Mexico Rural Electric Cooperative Association Inc., in partnership with Pioneer Utility Resources. Reproduction prohibited without written permission of the publisher.
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view from enchantment I By Keven J. Groenewold, CEO New Mexico Rural Electric Cooperative Association
Choice Is Not Always Cheap The 2021 legislative session is in the rearview mirror. New Mexico has passed a law mandating sick leave for all employees beginning July 1, 2022. Recreational cannabis—marijuana—is now legal. Those are a couple of the higher profile bills passed during the latest legislative session. One bills that did not get as much attention was Senate Bill 83, the Local Choice Energy Act. The bill would have allowed municipalities or counties to elect to receive their power from an alternate supplier and further mandated that consumers participate unless they chose to opt out. Co-op members would have been switched to a different supplier with only a notice that if they would like to stay with the cooperative, they would have to fill out a form and take formal action. Co-ops were created to be rural aggregators. We serve fewer than five customers per mile of line. The cost of serving the state’s co-op areas—typically sparsely populated and poor—is much higher than serving crowded urban centers. The more rural areas of our membership would not be sought after for aggregation by power suppliers seeking to profit from legislation such as SB 83. These new local choice aggregators would have cherry-picked the local communities that are the heart of our membership. This would strand hundreds of millions of dollars of co-op investments and have a disproportionally negative impact on low-income people, rural and urban. This is not a new concept. In 1999, New Mexico chose to deregulate the electric utility industry. In 2001, in response to the California energy crisis, New Mexico delayed deregulation and
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repealed it in 2003. Various electricity markets have been deregulated during the past 20 years. Depending on who you talk to, there have been successes and failures. However, the savings promised to consumers by retail competitors did not materialize. A recent Wall Street Journal analysis of U.S. Energy Information Administration data found U.S. consumers who chose their electricity provider paid $19.2 billion more than they would have if they had stuck with incumbent utilities from 2010 through 2019. According to the report, in nearly every state, the local choice aggregator charged more than the incumbent utilities each year from 2015 through 2019. In Texas—where electricity deregulation has gone furthest—residential consumers who signed up with retailers paid $12.6 billion more from 2010 through 2019 than if they had paid the incumbent utilities’ rates, according to the WSJ’s analysis. The typical retail cost of electricity was 14% more than incumbent utility power in 2019. As we saw in February with winter storm Uri, Texas generation prices spiked to $9,000 per megawatt-hour. That is $9 per kilowatt-hour. The price in 2020 was $21 per MWh. It would have cost you $5 just to blow dry your hair this past February. Local choice providers claim their ability to procure electricity at competitive prices gives consumers better prices. Federal EIA data shows substantial savings for commercial and industrial power customers, but the savings are not the same for residential customers. Some aggregators have targeted the elderly as well as poor neighborhoods
often populated by minorities, where electricity bills account for larger shares of income. Before deregulation, a consumer usually had one option for electric power: buy from the regulated monopoly utility. Utility commissions let the utilities charge enough to cover costs and make a reasonable profit. At the co-op, we are your memberowned experts. We began aggregating rural consumers 80 years ago to deliver affordable and reliable electricity to the remote areas of New Mexico. It is our obligation to look after your power needs. We do this in an affordable and environmentally responsible manner. By 2024, more than 50% of all cooperative power will be supplied by renewable resources. As the old saying goes, “If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.” You can always pick up the phone and call your local energy expert at the co-op. We will be waiting by the phone.
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{ hale to the stars I By Alan Hale {
May’s Shifting Twilight Views A
fter passing behind the sun—as seen from Earth—earlier this year, Venus is now emerging into evening twilight. It will dominate the evening sky later this year, but for now, it is low above the western horizon during dusk and gradually climbs higher over the coming weeks and months. On Wednesday evening, May 12, the thin crescent moon lies very close to Venus. Sharing the lower western evening sky with Venus this month is our solar system’s innermost world, Mercury, which is higher above the horizon for most of the month but also much dimmer. Mercury passes close to the Pleiades star cluster in Taurus on Sunday evening, May 9. After setting over an hour and a half after sunset at mid-month, it rapidly sinks lower to the horizon throughout the next two weeks and passes close to Venus on Friday evening, May 28. Mars also is an evening-sky planet this month, being about halfway up the western sky when darkness falls and setting around local midnight. It continues to fade as it falls farther behind Earth in their respective travels around the sun. Meanwhile, our solar system’s two largest worlds grace the
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morning skies this month. Saturn and Jupiter rise one to two hours after midnight and are well up in the southeastern sky by dawn. The first total lunar eclipse in more than two years takes place Wednesday morning, May 26. From our part of the world, it occurs before and during dawn. After passing through Earth’s outer shadow, or penumbra, the moon enters the darker inner shadow, or umbra, at 3:45 a.m. MDT, beginning a partial eclipse. The moon fully enters the umbra at 5:10 a.m., thus starting the total eclipse. Totality lasts 18 minutes before the moon begins departing the umbra. The moon sets in the west before the partial eclipse is over. An enhanced-color image of Mercury, taken by NASA’S Messenger spacecraft January 14, 2008, during one of its initial fly-bys. PHOTO COURTESY OF NASA
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Overcoming Barriers The Anna, Age Eight Institute helps find resources for those in need By Nicole E. Drake In July 2020, New Mexico State University welcomed the Anna, Age Eight Institute— an organization that ensures New Mexico families have what they need to prevent trauma and succeed in future endeavors. Since then, the organization—which uses data-driven processes to build the capacity of local county governments to strengthen health, safety and resilience— has conducted several surveys about available resources in the state. “The initiative is dedicated to improving the lives of children and families in every community through a process of turning science into real-world solutions,” says Katherine Ortega Courtney, Anna, Age Eight Institute co-director. The Anna, Age Eight Institute is housed within NMSU’s Department of Family and Consumer Sciences in the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences, which allows the institute to work with NMSU’s Cooperative Extension Service. In 2020 and 2021, the Anna, Age Eight Institute conducted several surveys throughout New Mexico. The institute partnered with the NMSU Center for Community Analysis to distribute and analyze the surveys. The surveys collected information evaluating the need for and barriers to vital services from Dona Ana, Otero, Socorro and Rio Arriba counties. The 10 vital services for striving and surviving are medical care, behavioral health care, food security programs, housing security programs, transportation to vital services, parent supports— including resources for home-visiting and child care—early childhood education, fully resourced community schools with medical and behavioral health centers, youth mentors and job training. “The reports signify a commitment on the part of initiative participants, 8
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The Anna, Age Eight Institute—housed at New Mexico State University—works to ensure New Mexico families have what they need to prevent trauma and be successful. Co-directors Katherine Ortega Courtney, left, and Dominic Cappello lead the institute. COURTESY PHOTO
including nine counties in New Mexico, to use a data-driven and collaborative process to ensure that vital services meet the needs of 100% of county residents,” Katherine says. “This result-focused strategy is a long-term commitment to rural and urban New Mexicans, creating a new standard of care and quality of life.” The survey found that throughout the counties surveyed, there are consistent barriers for residents trying to access vital services. This includes difficulty to find affordable housing in all counties. Barriers to services dedicated to health and survival, such as medical services, vary in each county. Each report described the barriers to the vital services residents need to ensure the safety of households, run effective schools, and prevent adverse childhood experiences and trauma. “Specific barriers to these services vary by county, and local analysis is vital,” Katherine says. To combat these challenges, the information collected will guide the work done by the 100% New Mexico Initiative from each county. Ten teams—each focused on one vital service—will analyze the data provided and develop plans to remove the
The Anna, Age Eight Institute partnered with NMSU’s Center for Community Analysis and Erica Surova, senior program manager, to distribute and analyze surveys about available resources in the state. NMSU PHOTO
barriers. This will be done using continuous quality improvement, a process that focuses on resolving the needs of a community. Each team will be focused on health, racial equity and health disparities. “A challenge for every state is that there is no local entity with the mission and funding to identify and prevent barriers to vital services,” Katherine says. “The 100% New Mexico Initiative is a first-of-its-kind strategy, empowering city and county governments to take a leadership role in replacing barriers with opportunities for access.” Visit https://annaageeight.nmsu.edu for more information about the Anna, Age Eight Institute. enchantment.coop
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energy sense I Pat Keegan
Cooking all courses on the grill eliminates the need to turn on the kitchen stove. PHOTO BY SCOTT VAN OSDOL
Save Energy Outdoors
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he most common way to save energy during summer months is to lower your cooling costs indoors. If you spend a lot of time outdoors, you can save energy and money by reducing your air-conditioning use inside. Setting the thermostat just a few degrees higher can make quite a difference. There are many other ways to save energy outdoors.
Outdoor Lighting If you have security lighting, there is a good chance you can save a little energy. Some security lights can be 500 to 1,000 watts. That’s the equivalent of
40 to 80 indoor LED bulbs! Timers, motion sensors and light sensors can reduce your bulb energy use. Plus, when you use your lights less often, your neighbors may appreciate a little less light pollution. Switching to LEDs is a great strategy. Solar lights are also a good way to light walkways, a water feature or your deck without having to use power.
Pumps and Maintenance Many of us have one or more pumps that service our yard or are on our property. Pumps can supply water for a swimming pool, lawn and garden, or a septic system or well. It’s easy to let maintenance
This column was co-written by Pat Keegan and Brad Thiessen of Collaborative Efficiency. For more energy tips, go to collaborativeefficiency.com/energytips.
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slip, which decreases the pump’s efficiency and shortens its life. Maintaining pumps involves cleaning the filters or checking oil and belts. If you have multiple pumps and need to hire a professional for assistance, try to do all the maintenance at once to reduce the cost. You may also want to consider replacing older pumps with energy-efficient Energy Star-rated options. While you’re at it, check for leaks in the water lines, which make your pumps work harder and longer.
Grilling Using your oven can raise your kitchen’s temperature as much as 10 degrees, increasing the need to run your air conditioner. Grilling outdoors is a great way to save energy. If you like to barbecue
or grill most of your meals, you may want to consider the fuel you use. If natural gas is available, it’s usually less expensive than propane. Natural gas is also convenient because you don’t have to refill tanks like you do with propane. On the downside, if you don’t already have gas lines running to your patio or deck, the cost of installing them can be prohibitive. Charcoal briquettes or wood take more preparation and can be fussy to work with. Charcoal grills emit three times as much carbon as gas grills. Whichever fuel type you choose, you can save energy by barbecuing—keeping the lid closed during cooking—rather than grilling—cooking with the lid off at higher heat. We hope these ideas help you enjoy your outdoor space this summer and save energy! enchantment.coop
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book chat I By Michele Potter
www.michelepotter.com
Visit your local bookstores to buy books. Send your book for review to: Book Chat, Don Gaspar Ave., Santa Fe, NM 5 The Chiricahua Apaches The words, “The Apaches are coming!” struck fear in settlers’ hearts across the Southwest. The people were renowned for their cunning, bravery and imaginative cruelty toward enemies. Researcher Bill Cavaliere argues that only when Americans betrayed the Apache’s trust did they turn toward war. In 14 short, well-drawn chapters, Cavaliere shares a short history of the Chiricahua Apaches and their former territory—called Apacheria—in the corners of Arizona, New Mexico and Mexico. Historians of the Apache wars will appreciate the organized recollection of the conflicts between Mexicans, Americans and Apaches, as wild and terrifying as the high desert mountains themselves. The fates of the Chiricahua had turned, and the Chiricahua—many of whom had been imprisoned in Florida—now live on in Oklahoma, Mescalero and Ruidoso. All are outside the Apacheria.
This slim and heartfelt book of poetry and short essays is a fine example of how selfexpression is healing. This feels true for the writer, Manuel Gonzalez, who was the third poet laureate of Albuquerque. It’s also true in how Gonzales works with others, offering practical examples for first-time poets. Through workshops and poetry slams, poetry fosters connection with one another and builds community. This book celebrates the power of poetry in all of us. One section is about his workshops. He says being poet laureate means “spreading the gospel of authentic and sincere selfexpression to anyone willing to listen.” In his musings, Gonzales traces his own influences from his roots in Catholicism, through Carlos Castaneda to Ram Dass to pre-Columbian Mesoamerican theology and Paradise Lost. More advice from the poet/ambassador? Sit down, breathe deep and be real.
The World Is Our Classroom How will New Mexico, Arizona and Texas kids become tomorrow’s world citizens? Jennie Germann Molz, a professor of sociology living mostly in Taos, examines case studies of five families over several years. One of her informants says, “We believe that the best teacher is experience, and the best classroom is the world.” This study reveals how some broke free to live in far-flung places, from Thailand to Argentina. Her focus—the burgeoning field of mobility studies—offers imaginative lessons in how we might expand our horizons, even as COVID-19 makes us retract. German Molz shows how these people traveled sometimes for years to “future proof” their kids, shape them into global citizens and have fun. Some felt their kids were too institutionalized, while others sought creativity, adventure and closer family ties. All of the families live resourcefully, building community in fresh ways.
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Husk of Time, The Photographs of Victor Masayesva Beautiful, violent, breathtaking and personal, Husk of Time includes photographs combined with poems, short essays, descriptions and hand painting. The poetic visualizations particularly represent the Hopi of Arizona. Masayesva was raised in Hotevila and educated at the Horace Mann School in New York City, Princeton and the University of Arizona. The provocative work derives from stories, symbols and natural objects. You might say he has created a “visual cosmology.” In one section, Masayesva explores the idea of forgetfulness and explains how he exposed the 120-millimeter film of trees, then etched words on the
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emulsion and made the print. That’s just one example of how this groundbreaking work explores the juxtapositions, tensions, ironies and emotions we all live with on the way to discerning the shape of our own visions. This book leads me to reconsider my own history in different terms. Is that not liberating? He writes that it was the Hopi word “natsawina,” meaning to scare yourself, that inspired Einstein’s theory of relativity. That might say it all. By Victor Masayesva Jr. University of Arizona Press uapress.arizona.edu
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13496 Mueller NM Ad.indd 1
3/22/21 12:22 PM
Virtual Meter School Sparks Interest in Metering Among New Mexico’s Cooperatives By Ariana Kramer
F
lipping a switch to light or heat homes seems simple. That’s because most consumers don’t understand the intricacies involved in making that miracle happen. Thankfully, there are those who do. One important aspect of managing the systems that bring electricity to our homes and businesses is metering, or measuring of the flow of energy through the electrical grid. This is necessary to know what to charge customers, and to know when and where to upgrade the power grid to meet customer needs. Every three years, the New Mexico Rural Electric Self-Insurer’s Fund—in coordination with the NMRESIF Safety Committee and the Oklahoma Association of Electric Cooperatives Loss Control Division—sponsors a meter school to provide theoretical and technical training to those who work in metering. To prevent the spread of COVID-19 and comply with New Mexico Public Health orders, the meter school was offered in a virtual format for the first time on December 16-17, 2020. Eighty-four participants attended from New Mexico’s electric cooperatives. This included lineworkers and cooperative employees serving in other roles. “It was really neat the way it all came together,” says Eric Segovia, Roosevelt County Electric Cooperative engineering manager. “The best part of the co-ops is seeing how everyone comes together to tackle new challenges. This year, the challenge was putting on a meter school online that would usually be held in person.” Eric worked closely with Roy O’Day to develop the curriculum for the 2020 school. Roy works for OAEC as director of safety and loss control and performs service contract work for NMRESIF. Roy is responsible for coordinating and
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implementing the statewide meter school and the transformer school in all other years. He emphasizes the curriculum for the schools is developed collaboratively, with input from all co-ops. “It’s turned out to be quite a unique program for New Mexico because in this particular state, they utilize what we call safety coordinators at each cooperative,” Roy says. “Those safety coordinators coordinate with myself and the other instructors. They basically supervise what we do, make suggestions and recommendations, and stress what they want as far as curriculum. So it’s not just one person completely in charge of everything. We share the responsibility. I think that’s why it’s been so successful.” This year’s meter school was staged from Roosevelt County Electric Cooperative with its information technology, metering and warehouse departments providing expertise and equipment necessary for the virtual school. OAEC’s metering circuit and transformer bank were used as training and demonstration aids. The meter school took place over the course of two days for a total of seven hours. The instructors were Roy, Cade Standifer, Eric, Jeremy Neal and Billy Williams. “Since Jeremy and I are both at Roosevelt County, we decided to host the metering school here,” Eric says. “We set up a makeshift training center for us to do our metering school through Zoom. We had our IT department set up a camera and help us out with getting networking capability back to the warehouse. We had a pretty cool demonstration board.” While the school’s usual curriculum includes theory-based classroom learning and lab-based hands-on learning, this year was different. The training center was set up to demonstrate what would have been part of the hands-on lab. Instructors also used PowerPoint slides
to illustrate technical aspects of their lectures and adjusted their presentations to accommodate for online learning. “We had an idea that we’d probably have more people from other departments that may not understand metering on the level that metering departments do, so I tried to keep my presentation simple,” Eric says. “I tried to pick ideas out that I wanted to convey that would help spark people’s interest and spark their curiosity about metering, and really get them to think about not just metering and numbers, but also the issues that will be coming up in the future with metering.” Some of those issues have to do with the impact of increased electric vehicles and residential rooftop solar panels on the grid, and how to meter them correctly. Eric also addressed the issue of demand metering, or how to meter the energy load required from the grid at any one time. One silver lining that came out of the virtual learning experience was the training enchantment.coop
ABOVE: From left are Apprentice Lineman Tanner Rawdon, Groundman Isidro Duran, AMI Facilitator-Instructor for meter school Jeremy Neal, Lineman Barrett Williamson, Lineman Ro Orrantia and Groundman Alex Varela. TOP RIGHT: Jeremy discusses instrument-rated metering installations, right and bottom right. PHOTOS BY ROOSEVELT COUNTY ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE
was made available to a broader range of people working for the electric cooperatives. “We usually have between 25 and 30 participants each year in the meter schools,” Roy says. “This year, with the virtual school, we had about 84 registered participants. A lot of them weren’t technicians. Some of them were in administrative positions or other jobs within the co-op, so we had cross-training going on with leadership and supervisors and different departments sitting in on those programs to broaden their knowledge of power distribution.” Roy says the unexpected turnout opened up possibilities for how training may be held in the future, although nothing formal has been discussed. He says the downside of the 2020 virtual training was middle-level enchantment.coop
technicians did not have hands-on experience at the meter school, although they can get this at their own cooperatives. The next meter school will likely be a hands-on training in 2023, Roy says. “We have to have the hands-on,” he emphasizes. “We cannot continue forever without having hands-on in this industry.” Providing a regular meter school for lineworkers and metering technicians ensures new employees are adequately trained, and long-term employees are kept abreast of new trends. “Metering is a very important part of the electric co-op world,” Eric says. “It is the cash register for our company, so it needs to be accurate. There’s a lot more to metering than most people know.”
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Socorro Electric Cooperative
General Manager Joseph Herrera
Address
215 E. Manzanares Ave. P.O. Box H Socorro, NM 87801
Telephone
575-835-0560
Outages
800-351-7575 or 855-881-8159
service@socorroelectric.com
Website
www.socorroelectric.com
Office Hours
8 a.m. to 5 p.m. (M-F)
Board of Trustees President
Anne L. Dorough, District 5 575-993-4180
Vice President
Luis Aguilar, District 3
aguilar.district3@socorroelectric.com
Secretary-Treasurer
Paul Bustamante, District 1 pbustamante.district1@socorroelectric.com
Leroy Anaya
District 3 anaya.district3@socorroelectric.com
Michael Hawkes
District 4 mhawkes.district4@socorroelectric.com
James Nelson
District 2 nelson.district2@socorroelectric.com
Donald Wolberg District 3 505-710-3050
Board Meeting The Board of Trustees meets the fourth Wednesday of the month at the cooperative. This institution is an equal opportunity provider and employer.
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Solar Solicitor Frustrations Continue The past few months have brought confusion and frustration for Soccoro Electric Cooperative and our members. Socorro does not currently partner with any solar installation companies, but a company is giving our members false information. Since last October sales company Meraki Solutions—which markets solar products from Solcius—has canvassed the areas of Socorro, San Antonio, Escondida, Lemitar and Polvadera. The marketing of solar panels in our service area is nothing new. We have had members install solar on their homes and businesses since 2005, when the New Mexico Interconnection Program started. What is different is the tactics and claims made to our members. Unfortunately, the salespeople from Meraki frequently claim SEC recommends their products. They claim SEC is a business partner, and that SEC provided them with a letter to show members assuring them of the partnership. When asked for a copy, they failed to produce the letter. We cannot emphasize this point more emphatically: SEC is not currently, nor has SEC ever been, a partner with Meraki or Solcius. The only partners we have are you, our valued member-owners. Anytime SEC contracts with third-party contractors such as pole inspectors or drone inspection companies, we notify our members in advance. SEC employees have visited with several Meraki employees and supervisors, both personally and through phone calls. We have received numerous assurances these “SEC is our partner” claims will stop. Unfortunately, we continue hearing from our members that the claim is being made. As we have stated before, SEC is here to assist all our members who want to install solar panels. We have worked amicably with several solar providers—evidenced by the more than 210 existing solar interconnected systems in our service area. We recommend you check the Better Business Bureau listing of any company that provides you with a proposal to see what reviews and complaints they have received. Our research indicates Meraki is currently not rated by the BBB, and Solcius has had 90 complaints in the last three years. The next page has tips for avoiding solar scams. Like many of the products you buy, we suggest you shop around and get a proposal from more than one company and compare. If you have any questions, call Socorro Electric at 575-835-0560. enchantment.coop
Socorro Electric Cooperative
Solar energy is booming, and the future is brighter than ever—but beware of unscrupulous vendors Through rooftop solar panels, many homeowners can now harness the sun’s natural rays to produce environmentally friendly and cost-effective electricity. But with the increasing popularity of solar, some businesses are taking advantage of consumers interested in generating their own energy through rooftop panels. While many companies genuinely want to help consumers with a successful solar installation, there are occasional bad actors. You likely have heard a story or two about solar vendors who promised rooftop panels would generate enough electricity to power the entire home. After the homeowner has paid thousands of dollars for the installation, the panels don’t work as promised and the vendor cannot be found. If you are interested in solar panels for your home, consider these tips before installation: • First, talk to an energy adviser at SEC who can help you evaluate the economics, give advice on sizing and help you enchantment.coop
through the interconnection process. We want you to feel confident in the decisions you make about your home energy use—especially decisions about generating energy at home. • Collect at least three quotes from different solar companies to ensure you get a competitive deal. As with any major purchase, research is key, so thoroughly read customer reviews for each solar vendor. • If a vendor uses high-pressure sales tactics—such as an offer that is only good for 24 hours—run! Any reputable solar company will recognize you need time to review a proposal and thoroughly weigh your decision. • If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. If a solar company makes promises that sound unachievable and outlandish, they probably are. Remember, if you have any questions, you can always count on SEC for unbiased advice. • Finally, when it’s time to review and sign a solar contract, make sure the language is clear and easy to understand. Ensure any prior verbal or emailed promises are also included in the final contract. Going solar is a major decision, so you need to conduct a good bit of research. For a general starting point, check out the Department of Energy’s Homeowner’s Guide to Going Solar at www.energy.gov/eere/solar/homeowner-s-guide-going-solar. M AY 2 0 2 1
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Local Students Partner to Make a Difference NMSU film students launch campaign to encourage stimulus donations By Minerva Baumann
N
ew Mexico State University’s Creative Media Institute does more than teach state-of-the-art filmmaking and animation techniques to make students marketable for jobs in the film and television industry. One course helps students use filmmaking tools to make a difference in the Las Cruces community. “I think a lot of people think about the kinds of movies you see at the Allen Theaters when they think of what it is we do as filmmakers, and creating moving images for entertainment is definitely a big part of what we teach at CMI,” says Amy Lanasa, CMI professor and department head. “But film is also a medium that allows us to tell genuine human stories about complex societal problems. It can be used as a catalyst for organizing, networkbuilding and civic action.” A team of NMSU student filmmakers recently shot a film and coupled it with a GoFundMe campaign to raise $10,000 in 45 days to fund one year of resources for 50 people at Camp Hope, which serves Las Cruces’ homeless population. The campaign launched in late March and encourages the community to donate a portion of their stimulus checks to Camp Hope. In its first two weeks, the project has raised nearly $2,500. Fernando Rivera, Samantha D’Amico, Mario Martinez and Kyle Ivy teamed up on the project for NMSU professor Ilana Lapid’s Creative Media Institute course about the social impact of filmmaking. “I want to encourage my students to harness the power of visual storytelling to not only entertain, but also to engage with the pressing issues of our time—issues that matter to them.” Ilana says. “I want to train my students to be content creators who can also be change-makers in the world, who can choose to create media
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New Mexico State University Creative Media Institute students Samantha D’Amico and Fernando Rivera introduce the film they created as part of a social impact course. COURTESY PHOTO
that has impact in their community.” Camp Hope is a self-governing transitional living community that provides day shelter, temporary overnight shelter at Camp Hope, intensive case management, housing programs and transitioning out of homelessness into stable housing. “I had a preconceived idea of what causes someone to become homeless,” Samantha says. “Yet after hearing all of their unique stories, I gained a fresh perspective and a deeper compassion.” The students based their fundraising goal on supporting one year of services for high-cost items such as tents, sleeping bags and laundry detergent. “The residents of Camp Hope were excited to share their stories with the students from NMSU,” says Nicole Martinez, executive director of Mesilla Valley Community of Hope. “We had more participation for interviews from the residents than we typically have had in the past. From those we asked, they said they were surprised that students wanted to give up some of their stimulus checks to help homeless people they did not even know.” As student filmmakers interviewed residents at Camp Hope, they were surprised to discover the range of diversity among Las Cruces’ homeless population and the various stories that led them to Camp Hope. “The backgrounds of their experiences ranged from being an engineer and having everything to escaping an abusive family,”
Fernando says. “Through film, we not only express our ideas, but have the power to express our emotions.” Mario, director of photography, knew nothing about Camp Hope before filming began. He hopes their student film will help others gain empathy and compassion for those who struggle. “Film is a way to advance our society and our culture,” Mario says. “It’s an art form that can reach the masses and effect change both at a micro and macro level. I think it is important that we realize the responsibility that we hold when we make our films.” Kyle was the public relations director for the project. As he prepares to graduate this month, he hopes the response to the campaign continues. “I hope that after people in our community see the film, that they really understand the severity of the issue of homelessness in Las Cruces and, ultimately, it inspires a change and gets more people to be involved in community partnerships and programs for Camp Hope,” Kyle says. Ilana says the project has been an empowering experience for all students involved, helping them step into their power as leaders and influencing their peers in the CMI program. Watch the film on YouTube at www.youtu.be/ Y71kumfRIjA and find the Camp Hope Stimulus Campaign on GoFundMe at www.gofundme. com/f/camp-hope-stimulus-campaign?qid=5f72 27e1f878570eee04b7d6855908a4. enchantment.coop
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on the menu I By Sue Hutchison
A Month of Celebrations
May offers a number of holidays to celebrate with culinary delights. In some circles, Cinco de Mayo is commonly called the anniversary of the Battle of Puebla. The Mexican victory over French forces in 1862 has come to be celebrated each May 5. Dulce de leche, or “candy/ caramel from milk,” is featured in a recipe below. The cake is so moist, no sauce or frosting is needed. It may very well become a regular for Cinco de Mayo celebrations in coming years. Hints: prepared dulce de leche can be bought in most grocery stores that feature a Mexican/Spanish section, and caramel bits are easily found in most baking aisles. If you do not have buttermilk, a teaspoon of lemon juice mixed in milk will do nicely. Young chefs are featured in “I Helped” French Toast Casserole. Adults and children working together to create Mom’s breakfast is an activity to fondly remember. Kids given the freedom and ingredients to create culinary innovations will produce Mother’s Day gifts that are one-of-a-kind masterpieces for the star of the day. Watch out, moms, breakfast—and the kitchen—may never be the same.
Jacked-Up Veggies ¼ cup butter 2 yellow or white onions, sliced into thin rings 16 ounces frozen vegetable mix of choice 2 cloves garlic, minced
½ teaspoon pepper ½ teaspoon dried tarragon ½ teaspoon dill weed 8 slices pepper jack cheese, diced 1 cup french-fried onions
Melt butter in heavy skillet on medium heat. Add sliced onions to caramelize or until browned, 15 to 20 minutes. Prepare oven-safe loaf pan with butter-flavored cooking spray. Set aside. Heat oven to 375 F. Remove caramelized onions and spread in loaf pan. In the same skillet, add frozen vegetable mix, garlic, pepper, tarragon and dill. Cook until vegetables are soft but not discolored. Stir in cheese. Cook until cheese begins to string while melting. Place vegetable mix into loaf pan, patting down with the back of a spoon until level. Sprinkle french-fried onions on top. Bake 25 to 30 minutes or until bubbly. Serves 5-6.
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Dulce de Leche Cake 3 ¼ cups flour 2 teaspoons baking powder ½ teaspoon baking soda ½ teaspoon salt 1 cup butter, softened 1 cup brown sugar, packed
1 cup prepared dulce de leche 4 eggs, room temperature 2 teaspoons Mexican vanilla 1 cup buttermilk 2⁄3 cup caramel bits Powdered sugar
Heat oven to 350 F. Prepare either a fluted-tube pan or a 9x13 baking dish with butter spray. Dust with flour. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt. In a large bowl, cream butter and brown sugar together on low speed to incorporate, then on high until fully blended. Add dulce de leche until all is smooth. Add eggs and vanilla, blending until smooth. Blend in the flour mixture and buttermilk—half at a time—alternating until both are just incorporated without overmixing. Stir in caramel bits. Pour in prepared pan. Bake for 50 to 60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Remove from oven and place on cooling rack for 15 minutes. If using a fluted-tube pan, invert and remove to serving dish after cooling and allow to cool completely. Dust with powdered sugar.
enchantment.coop
‘I Helped’ French Toast Casserole 1 loaf prepared French bread (white or wheat) 1 cup brown sugar, loosely packed 3 tablespoons butter 4 tablespoons dark corn syrup 3 eggs 1½ cups milk
Evening Before Adults and children: Supervise children slicing French bread into approximately 1-inch-thick slices and spraying a 9x13 baking dish with butter-flavored cooking spray. Adults: In a saucepan, combine brown sugar, butter and corn syrup. Cook until butter is melted, sugar is dissolved and mixture is lightly boiling. Stir constantly to make caramel mixture. Slowly pour the caramel mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading to cover the bottom. Children: Whisk eggs, milk, vanilla, maple and butter flavoring together in a mixing bowl. Then dip the sliced bread into the egg
enchantment.coop
2 tablespoons vanilla 1 teaspoon maple flavoring 1 teaspoon butter flavoring ¼ teaspoon salt Toppings of choice: sprinkles, whipped cream, toasted nuts, mini-chocolate chips, etc.
mixture and place each one on top of the caramel mixture in baking dish. Pour remaining egg mixture on top of French bread. Cover and refrigerate overnight.
Sue Hutchison was born and raised a block from the freeway in Southern California. She had an early start with industrial, largescale cooking before age 20. She's always been both a beach bum and at home in the kitchen, where she enjoys making new creations.
Morning Adults: Place the French toast dish in the oven and set oven to 350 F. Bake until caramel mixture is bubbly and toast is slightly browned, 30 to 40 minutes. Remove from the oven and let cool for five minutes. Adults can place individual slices on plates, and children can top and decorate Mom’s portion as desired. Serve warm.
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U.S. News & World Report’s Best Graduate Schools 2022 list includes New Mexico State University graduate programs. NMSU PHOTO BY JOSH BACHMAN
NMSU Graduate Programs Earn Top 200 Rankings New Mexico State University’s doctorate and master’s programs are offered in person, online or as hybrid
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By Tiffany Acosta U.S. News & World Report’s Best Graduate Schools 2022 rankings have been released. Several New Mexico State University graduate programs were recognized. Graduate programs in the College of Education, College of Engineering, College of Business, College of Health and Social Services, and College of Arts and Sciences were ranked this year. U.S. News & World Report annually ranks professional school programs in business, education, engineering, law, medicine and nursing, along with area specialties. The list of best graduate schools includes in-depth evaluations of six academic disciplines using a variety of statistical data and surveys of academic peers. The methodology states rankings are based on two types of data: expert opinions about program excellence and statistical
indicators that measure the quality of a school’s faculty, research and students. NMSU graduate departments with programs ranked in the top 200 include: • Education: Tied for 125 • Engineering: Tied for 49 • Nursing: Tied for 139 (Doctor of Nursing Practice Tied for 109) • Biological sciences: Tied for 175 • Chemistry: Tied for 154 • Computer science: Tied for 133 • Economics: Tied for 120 • English: Tied for 131 • Fine arts: Tied for 135 • Mathematics: Tied for 117 • Physics: Tied for 124 • Psychology: Tied for 181 • Public affairs: Tied for 164 • Public health: Tied-123 • Social work: Tied-121 • Speech-language pathology: Tied for 170 For a complete list of rankings, visit www.usnews.com/grad. enchantment.coop
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Celebrate Safety in May The same electricity that powers our modern lives causes thousands of injuries every year—and 20% of those injured are children. Many of these injuries could be avoided with education and a quick look around the home for hazards. May is National Electrical Safety Month, but that doesn’t mean consumers shouldn’t take a few minutes to look around their homes regularly.
The National Electrical Manufacturers Association estimates 60% to 80% of power surges originate from within a home or business. PHOTOS BY BRANDON POMRENKE
Extension Cord and Power Strip Safety According to the Electrical Safety Foundation International, 50 people die every year from more than 3,300 fires caused by extension cords. Extension cords can overheat if used inappropriately. • Buy cords approved by an independent testing laboratory. • Make sure extension cords are appropriately rated for their use—indoor or outdoor—and meet or exceed the power needs of the device being used. • Do not plug extension cords into one another. Extending the length of your cord—or daisy chaining—is the most common cause of overheating. It overloads the cord and creates a serious fire hazard. • Inspect extension cords before plugging them in. Look for tears along the insulated cord, and check your sockets for bare wiring, metal parts and loose connections. • Do not use an extension cord or power strip with heaters or fans, which could cause cords to overheat and result in a fire. • Do not staple or nail extension cords to any surface. This could damage the cords. Do not run extension cords through walls, doorways, ceilings or floors. Keep the cords uncovered so heat can escape. • Keep outdoor extension cords away from standing water. • Never use three-pronged plugs with outlets that only have two slots. Anything in contact with the loose prong could catch fire. • Never cut off the ground pin (the third pin on a threepronged plug) to force your cable to fit a socket. It could lead to electrical shock or worse. • Use only surge-protected power strips. This helps prevent fires and protects your electrical equipment from surge-related damage.
• If your home is littered with extension cords and power strips, hire an electrician to install additional wall outlets. • Remember that power strips only add outlets; they do not change the amount of power received from the outlet. Avoid Overloading Circuits Do not overload your electrical system. Overloaded circuit warning signs are flickering, blinking or dimming lights; frequently tripped circuit breakers or blown fuses; warm or discolored wall plates; cracking, sizzling or buzzing from receptacles; a burning odor from receptacles or wall switches; and a mild shock or tingle from appliances, receptacles or switches. To prevent electrical overloads: • Never use extension cords or multioutlet converters for appliances. • All major appliances should be plugged directly into a wall receptacle outlet. Plug only one heat-producing appliance into an outlet at a time. • The Consumer Product Safety Commission estimates more than 50% of electrical fires that occur every year can be prevented by arc-fault circuit interrupters. • Use the appropriate-watt bulb for lighting fixtures. Using a larger-watt lightbulb may cause a fire. Watch for Overhead Power Lines Checking for overhead power lines before starting household projects is a fundamental safety measure. • Never touch a power line. Contact with an energized line can injure or kill you. • If you see a downed power line, stay at least 35 feet away, call 911 immediately and warn anyone nearby of the danger. • Always stay at least 10 feet away from overhead power lines. Do not assume the lines are for cable or telephone service. • Tree branches can become electrical conductors. If a tree is in contact with or near a power line, call your utility and make arrangements to de-energize the line before trimming branches. • Do not assume a power line is insulated. Often, what appears as insulation is only a soft covering to protect energized metal wires from the weather.
Teach everyone in the home to inspect power and extension cords for tears, cracks and fraying before use. Do not use nails or staples to secure cords, as this can cause damage or start a fire.
• Carry ladders and other long equipment horizontally to avoid contact with power lines. Other Home Safety Tips • Place safety caps on unused outlets to prevent children from accidentally placing items in the socket, which may cause a fire or injure them. It will also help you save energy by eliminating drafts.
• Consider installing tamper-resistant receptacles on all outlets. • Do not yank electrical cords from the wall. Pulling cords can damage the wall, socket and insulating material surrounding the wire. • Use outlets only for plugs. • Make sure your electrical cords are tucked away. Electrical trip hazards can cause fire, electrocution and other injuries.
Welcome to Medicare Free Virtual Medicare Fair June 23, 2021 1:00 – 5:00
Turning 65 or joining Medicare because of a disability? Need to learn about Medicare – and all its parts - to assist you in your initial enrollment decisions? Want trusted, unbiased Medicare education to help you make Medicare choices that best meet your needs? Interested in national expert presenters on Medicare eligibility, enrollment, and coverage options? Ready to connect with New Mexico’s state health insurance assistance programs (SHIP) to answer your individual questions?
For more information call 1-800-432-2080
This document was supported, in part, by grant number 90SATC0002 from the U.S. Administration for Community Living, Department of Health and Human Services, Washington, D.C. 20201. Grantees undertaking projects under government sponsorship are encouraged to express freely their findings and conclusions. Points of view or opinions do not, therefore, necessarily represent official Administration for Community Living policy. [February 2021]
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THE MARKET PLACE
Animals NOT ALL WATER TANKS ARE
created equal! Are quality, value and longevity important to you? Buy high specific gravity, heavyweight, long warranty, superior black NRCS tanks. Lowest prices only provide minimum standards, lower weights and shorter warranties. Find out more! 575-430-1010.
NEW MEXICO DRINKING WATER
storage tanks, heavy-duty black poly. Fittings customized to your needs. NRCS and EQUIP approved. High specific gravity, heavyweight, long warranty, algae resistant, black NRCS water tanks. Call 800-603-8272 or 575-682-2308.
SADDLES AND TACK. Everything
for the horse. Western & English tack bought and sold. Rancho Elisa Stables LLC, 500 Route 66 East, Moriarty, NM 87035. Call 505-832-5113 or email ranchoelisastablesfr@swcp.com
CHICKENS FOR SALE in Portales,
NM. Three and four month old pullets that lay brown, white, green and blue eggs, $8 to $10 each. Call Smokey Ball at 575-749-3471.
REGISTERED CHAMPION NIGERIAN DWARF GOATS for
show, milk or pets only. Bottle babies available. These are not meat goats. Located in Miami, NM. Some transport available. Call, text or email, 575-4185550, drkayepeery@hotmail.com
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MOUNTAIN-TOP GOATS, babies are on the ground milkers, bucks, babies, boer show wethers, weed eaters, cabrito and pets. Show quality Nubians, Mini Nubians, La Manchas, Mini La Manchas, Nigerian Dwarf and Boer goats. Also, Hair Sheep, Royal White and Painted Desert Cross. In Capitan, call 575-937-0342. BLACK ANGUS BULLS. Thick, easy fleshing, low maintenance bulls for sale. Range raised at high elevation. Trich and fertility tested. Low birth weight and Herd bulls available. Two year old bulls $2,200, yearlings $1,800. Good Bulls. Call Bobby Salvo 575-642-0962. RABBITS, ALL AGES AND SIZES.
For pets, show, meat, fur. Polish, New Zealand, Californians. Cages, feeders, door latches, urine and wire guards. Call Gene at 505-906-1291 in Jamestown, New Mexico, at The Bunny Farm. All calls will be answered.
LET US MARKET YOUR LIVESTOCK. Live auction every
Wednesday at 11 a.m. View online at dvauction.com, country bid or live auction. If you’ve got ‘em, we’ll sell’em. Call 575-374-2505. fivestateslivestockauction@gmail.com
HAULS FOR YOU - Livestock transportation service with a 16’ stock trailer. Transport to/from the vet, new homes and/or other locations, etc. Transport throughout New Mexico, West Texas and Southern Colorado. For more details, call 575-802-3422 or email king.bluesky@yahoo.com POLLED CHAROLAIS BULLS.
Trich and fertility tested. 2 year old bulls, $2,000 each. In Tucumcari, NM. Call 575-815-8155 or 575-461-3851; if no answer, leave message.
Business LOW-STEP TILE SHOWERS BUILT especially for you! Mountainair
and surrounding areas. Call 931-2012791 for free estimate, ask for Ed. Great prices, beautiful showers. Any tile, any pattern! Old School or Schluter System. In business since the late 1900s. 931-201-2791.
SUNSET SADDLES OFFERS CUSTOM LEATHERWORK; ie:
saddles, chaps, chinks, holsters, belts, etc. Also saddle & tack repair. Located in La Luz, New Mexico. Call 575-2578874. sunsetsaddles@yahoo.com
TILE, LAMINATE FLOORING INSTALLATION. Quality workman-
ship, reasonable prices. Ruidoso area. Call Graylan Townley 918-332-2235.
TWO BARELY USED INCUBATORS AND A HATCHER - $5,000 for all. In Clovis,
NM. Call 575-693-3568.
WANTED: FENCE BUILDER to build 4.5 mile barbed wire fence in Floyd area. All materials will be supplied. Call Harold Widener at 575-760-0116 or email haroldwidener55@gmail.com
Equipment GREAT OFFER ON SOLAR SUBMERSIBLE shallow/deep well
pumps! NRCS approved with twoyear warranty on selected pumps with affordable, easy installation! For a custom quote, call 505-429-3093 or email us at sales@solarsubmersiblewellpumps.com, 24/7 service. Order online at our website: www.solarsubmersiblewellpumps.com
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DRINKING WATER STORAGE TANKS, heavy-duty black poly, proven
algae resistant. 125 to 11,000 gallons, NRCS and EQUIP approved. Please give us a chance to serve you! MasterCard or Visa accepted. Call 575-682-2308 or 1-800-603-8272.
FISHING TACKLE WANTED:
“Antique” lures, reels, rods, tackle boxes. Pre-1950, please. Collector paying highest prices for “Grandpaw’s” tackle box. Lures $50 to $5,000 each. Reels $100 to $7,500 each. Send photos to: tacklechaser@aol.com or call Rick at 575-354-0365.
OVERHEAD FEED BINS. 1 to 4
compartment, 12 to 48 tons. Any size free standing cattle guards, no footing needed. Emery Welding, Clayton, New Mexico. Call 575-374-2320 or 575-2077402. Email: eweld98@yahoo.com
IRRIGATION PIPE FOR SALE! 6”, 8”, 10” PVC and aluminum pipe. Half the price of new and ready for the field. More efficient and less time consuming. Also have alfalfa valves, hydrants, butterfly valves, T’s and Elbows. Delivery available. Call/Text Sierra 575-770-8441. TWO-80 TON FEED BINS, one-18
ton feed bin, 1 unloading grain hopper, 6”x20’ auger, 8”x20’ auger, one-15 HP 3 phase electric motor, 1.4 ton feed cart with unloading auger. Call 505-384-5163 for more information.
POULTRY WIRE PVC COATED will
not rust! Power poles various lengths. Aircraft cable 5/16” and 1/4” various lengths. Frostless water faucets 3’ burial, $25 each. Call 505-384-5163 for more information.
CRAFTSMAN 5 HP TILLER, counter rotating rear tires. Owner’s manual. Used twice. $450. (Pictures available). In Clovis, call 575-799-6993. WANT TO BUY: Used metal one story
staircase. Call 505-425-9122 for more information.
enchantment.coop
Great Finds BUYING OLD STUFF: Gas pumps
and parts 1960’s or earlier, advertising signs, neon clocks, old car parts in original boxes, motor oil cans, license plate collections, Route 66 items, old metal road signs, odd and weird stuff. Fair prices paid. Have pickup, will travel. Gas Guy in Embudo, 505-852-2995.
RAILROAD ITEMS WANTED:
Kerosene lanterns, brass locks, keys, badges, uniforms, bells, whistles, and pre-1950 employee timetables. Always seeking items from any early New Mexico railroad, especially D&RG, C&S, EP&NE, EP&SW, AT&SF, SP or Rock Island. Call Randy Dunson at 575-7603341 or 575-356-6919.
WANTED: NEW MEXICO MOTORCYCLE LICENSE PLATES
1912-1970. Paying $100-$500 each. Also buying NM car plates 1900-1923. Visit NMplates.com for history and 4,500 photographs of NM plates. Bill Johnston, Box 1, Organ, NM 880520001. Email: Bill@NMplates.com or call 575-382-7804.
FISHING TACKLE WANTED:
“Antique” lures, reels, rods, tackle boxes. Pre-1950, please. Collector paying highest prices for “Grandpaw’s” tackle box. Lures $50 to $5,000 each. Reels $100 to $7,500 each. Send photos to: tacklechaser@aol.com or call Rick at 575-354-0365.
HEADSTONES (I.E. CEMETERY MONUMENTS) is our business.
Over 1,000 designs. An eternal memory of a loved one. TAOS MOUNTAIN HERITAGE. Call 575-770-2507 or Email: taos_mt_heritage@msn.com Website: www.taosmountainheritage.com
WANTED BY INDIVIDUAL: 351 SELF LOADING WINCHESTER.
Please call Wes at 713-898-0589.
WIND CHIMES AND PAINTINGS.
Metal chimes in various designs/ colors with beads and crystals $15 - $25. Original framed watercolor and oil paintings $25 - $75. Metal suncatchers $5 - $20. Southwestern style handbags and jewelry $8 - $15. In Carrizozo, call Dan at 505-582-8311 or email wittwer943@gmail.com
2 OLD, RUSTIC, WEATHERED LOG CABINS. Lots of character. For
dismantle, you move. $5,000 each. Call 505-425-7038 for more information.
ANTIQUE UPRIGHT PIANO.
In very good condition, probably needs tuning. $600. 3 CLAWFOOT BATHTUBS. One for $600, one for $200 and one for $100. Call 505-4257038 for more information.
Real Estate 2 MOUNTAIN CABINS, 25+
acres at 8,000 feet, Wildhorse Ranch Subdivision, Pie Town, NM. Well on stream with 5,000 storage tank and fire hydrant. New Mexico Hunting unit 13. To view this property, go to: https://fsbo.com/listings/listings/show/ id/520104/
SOCORRO. HOME WITH 1-2 ORGANIC FARM ACRES. New
cement ditch, direct access to Rio Grande, water rights, views, dark skies with city utilities. New $30 million dollar levy with miles of trails and parks, hospital and golf. $79,000. Call Owner, 505-550-3123.
WHIRLPOOL WATER SOFTENER,
Model no. WHE 33 LE 33. New, never installed. $300. Taos area. Call 575-770-0140.
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SOCORRO. 11 ORGANIC IRRIGATED ACRES. Water rights,
next to Rio Grande, views, miles of open space and parks. 2 homes, city utilities, dark skies, hospital and golf. Can split property. Take all for $350,000. Call owner, 505-550-3123.
ROCIADA, ACROSS FROM PENDARIES GOLF RESORT. SALE PENDING! Freshly renovated Air
G N I ND
Lock Log Home on 10+/- gently sloping acres. 3 bedrooms, 2 baths. 3,200+/square feet. 3-car garage/workshop with 110V, 220V. Barn. Good power, water and county road access. Great views of Hermits Peak from wrap-around decks. Contact NM#360 Real Estate, 505-454-0332.
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CONCHAS, 0 AND 00 RIDGE DRIVE. Two tracts with two lots per
each property (lots are 100x100 or .23 acre). Each tract has a permitted septic that has never been used. Electricity and co-op water nearby. $50,000 per tract. Big Mesa Realty, 575-456-2000. Paul Stout, broker, NMREL 17843, 575-7605461. www.bigmesarealty.com
NOGAL, TBD BARBER AVENUE. PRICE REDUCED! 2.89 acres in town-
site of Nogal. Co-op water and electricity nearby. $45,000. Big Mesa Realty, 575-456-2000. Paul Stout, broker, NMREL 17843, 575-760-5461. www.bigmesarealty.com
SAN ANTONIO, NM. 0 ZANJA ROAD. 4.66 acres irrigated farmland
CUERVO, 0 MESITA PASS ROAD. 148.13 acres in Mesita Ranch
in Middle Rio Grande Conservancy District with water rights. Produces alfalfa and grass hay crops. Utilities nearby. $69,000. Big Mesa Realty, 575456-2000. Paul Stout, broker, NMREL 17843, 575-760-5461. www.bigmesarealty.com
CONCHAS, BOAT DOCK DRIVE.
SUMNER LAKE, 0 RIVER RANCHES ROAD, Tract 7 (at inter-
Subdivision. Beautiful mesa views, perfect for homesite and or livestock. $85,000. Big Mesa Realty, 575-456-2000. Paul Stout, broker, NMREL 17843, 575760-5461. www.bigmesarealty.com 3 lots just over 1/2 acre per property. Two lots starting at $32,000 each. One lot at $35,000. Close to shoreline. Big Mesa Realty, 575-456-2000. Paul Stout, broker, NMREL 17843, 575-760-5461. www.bigmesarealty.com
section with State Road 203). Just over 20 acres. Scenic views just west of lake. $18,000. Big Mesa Realty, 575-456-2000. Paul Stout, broker, NMREL 17843, 575760-5461. www.bigmesarealty.com
To Place a Classified Ad
Deadline
1. Visit www.enchantment.coop/classifieds and complete form. You will be contacted by email with price and to pay by credit card (5% processing fee). 2. Or, complete form and select category. 3. Write ad on another sheet of paper. 4. Price: $20 up to first 40 words per ad, per category, per month. After 40 words, each word is 50 cents. Add $5 for small graphics such as cattle brands. Phone numbers, emails and websites count as one word.
To Send and Pay Your Classified Ad 1. Mail ad and payment (Payable to NMRECA) NMRECA • enchantment 614 Don Gaspar Ave. Santa Fe, NM 87505 28
M AY 2021
1. Due the 9th, one month prior. Ex: Ads due May 9 for the June issue.
Good to Know 1. Only members of New Mexico electric cooperatives may place ads. 2. We reserve the right to reject any ad. 4. Advertisements in enchantment are paid solicitations and are not endorsed by the publisher or the electric cooperatives of New Mexico. 5. PRODUCT SATISFACTION AND DELIVERY RESPONSIBILITY LIE SOLELY WITH THE ADVERTISER.
Questions
1. Call: 505-982-4671 or 2. Email: enchantment@nmelectric.coop
RIBERA, 340 CR B41E. 32.674 acres with 3-bedroom, 2-bath home with custom accents, hay barn, two detached garages. Just over 20 of those acres are in alfalfa and grass hay production. Pecos River frontage. Scenic views and close to I-25. $695,000. Big Mesa Realty, 575456-2000. Paul Stout, broker, NMREL 17843, 575-760-5461. www.bigmesarealty.com MAGDALENA, 47 ANGUS LOOP.
Magdalena Ranch Estates. SALE PENDING! 11.04 acres with 3-bedroom, 2-bath home, horse barn and corrals. Beautiful mountain views. Abundant ATV and hunting opportunities nearby. $175,000. Big Mesa Realty, 575-4562000. Paul Stout, broker, NMREL 17843, 575-760-5461. www.bigmesarealty.com
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G N I ND
DATIL, 464 SOUTHERN TRAIL.
Sugarloaf Mountain Subdivision, 5.5 acres vacant land. $8,000. Big Mesa Realty, 575-456-2000. Paul Stout, broker, NMREL 17843, 575-760-5461. www.bigmesarealty.com
DATIL, TBD WEST OF HERRINGTON CANYON ROAD.
44.5160 acres vacant land. $32,000. Big Mesa Realty, 575-456-2000. Paul Stout, broker, NMREL 17843, 575-760-5461. www.bigmesarealty.com
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enchantment.coop
DATIL, 31 OLD HIGHWAY 60.
DATIL, TBD SOUTHERN TRAIL,
G N I ND
2-bedroom, 1-bath home with bonus room that could be used for bedroom on three lots. Well, stone fence. Great for hunting property or rental opportunity. $57,000. Big Mesa Realty, 575-456-2000. Paul Stout, broker, NMREL 17843, 575760-5461. www.bigmesarealty.com
Sugarloaf Mountain Subdivision, SALE PENDING! 6.5 acres vacant land. $9,500. Big Mesa Realty, 575-456-2000, Paul Stout, broker, NMREL 17843, 575760-5461. www.bigmesarealty.com
PIE TOWN, SOUTH OF WILD HORSE SUBDIVISION. Two tracts
(3 lots) in Lewis Ranch Subdivision. $100,000. Big Mesa Realty, 575-4562000, Paul Stout, broker, NMREL 17843, 575-760-5461. www.bigmesarealty.com
with closest access from Goat Ranch Road. One is 20 acres for $16,000 and one is 40 acres for $32,000. Vacant land. Big Mesa Realty, 575-456-2000. Paul Stout, broker, NMREL 17843, 575-7605461. www.bigmesarealty.com
PIE TOWN, TBD STATE ROAD 603. 48.4 acres vacant land, fenced
with cleared land in corner for homesite. Great views, close to US 60 and Pie Town. $147,000. Big Mesa Realty, 575456-2000. Paul Stout, broker, NMREL 17843, 575-760-5461. www.bigmesarealty.com
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RAMAH, 281 CANDY KITCHEN ROAD, 42.26 acres with old stone home
LOGAN “LAKEVIEW” LOT. AMAZING view and quiet privacy!
Approximately 1.69 acres surrounded by native trees and arroyos. Open spaces east and west. Close to state park trails and lake. Viola Terry, broker. Call 575403-8522 or 575-403-8831.
FT. SUMNER LAKE, 139 PEACH LANE, “Nice” 2-bedroom, 1 1/2-bath,
carport, new well house/shed on 2.75 acres. $65,000. Call 575-915-7858.
WANTED! WORKING FAMILY FARMS AND RANCHES to list and
sell. Broker has over 45 years of experience working on a family farm in New Mexico and has been an owner and operator since 1988. Big Mesa Realty, 575-456-2000. Paul Stout, broker, NMREL 17843, 575-760-5461. www.bigmesarealty.com
CURRY, ROOSEVELT AND QUAY COUNTIES. In Clovis, Portales and
Tucumcari, or in the country. We want your properties to list and sell. Broker is life resident of Curry County and Clovis native. Big Mesa Realty, 575-456-2000. Paul Stout, broker, NMREL 17843, 575760-5461. www.bigmesarealty.com
FENCE LAKE, 295 PINE HILL ROAD. 60 acres with home, corral
outbuildings. $265,000. Big Mesa Realty, 575-456-2000. Paul Stout, broker, NMREL 17843, 575-760-5461. www.bigmesarealty.com
enchantment.coop
Give the Gift of
enchantment Send a gift subscription of enchantment magazine.
Mail a check or money order payable to NMRECA in the amount of $12 for a one-year or $18 for a two-year subscription. Include name and mailing address of recipient.
SUMNER LAKE, 00 RIVER RANCHES ROAD, Tract 8. SOLD!
D L SO
Just over 20 acres. Scenic views just west of lake. $18,000. Big Mesa Realty, 575456-2000. Paul Stout, broker, NMREL 17843, 575-760-5461. www.bigmesarealty.com
ARTESIA, NM. FOR SALE OR LEASE. Commercial property on 4+
acres, 8,800 sq. ft. Improvements with insulated steel shops, automobile lift and hoist, garage, carport, fenced yard, highway access. Great location for service business, light industrial/manufacturing, warehouse, contractor storage, shop rental. Prime investment property. Room for expansion. Also, Residence/ Shop and 4+ acres available separately. Call 575-746-7526 or 575-513-1445.
10 ISOLATED ACRES/BUILDING. LOCATED in McIntosh, NM. Near
Albuquerque and Santa Fe. No mortgage payments for the first year, OAC. Email nmlandgrant@yahoo.com for more information.
Vehicles WANTED: 1957 CHEVEY STATIONWAGON, 4-door complete
with NM title. Running or Not. Send picture and amount wanted to Robert McClanahan, HC 61 Box 4085, Ramah, NM 87321-9607.
2018 RV, 40’ PARK MODEL BY DESIGN II MONTE CARLO. Three
slides. Great condition, like new. Pictures available. $23,500. Located in Clovis, NM. Call 575-915-7858.
Mail payment and details to: enchantment magazine 614 Don Gaspar Ave. Santa Fe, NM 87505
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youth art
Fantastic Flowers! Congratulations to the Winners Scarlet Bannon • Age 9 Springer Electric Cooperative
Mila Carrillo • Age 9 Socorro Electric Cooperative
Iris Hassell • Age 6 Continental Divide Electric Cooperative
Emily Pacheco • Age 6 Central New Mexico Electric Cooperative
Elian Torres • Age 5 Mora-San Miguel Electric Cooperative
Catherine Walker • Age 9 Otero County Electric Cooperative
June’s Topic: Cartoon Characters We can’t wait to see your favorite cartoon characters! July’s Topic: American Flag Show us your best version of the stars and stripes!
Send Your Drawing By mail: Youth Editor 614 Don Gaspar Ave. Santa Fe, NM 87505 By email: enchantment@nmelectric.coop Deadline: Submit by the 9th, one month prior to publication. Hooray! Winners Get Paid: $15 Have a Youth Art Topic? Email or mail to the addresses above, or call 505-982-4671.
5 items to include on the
back of your drawing, otherwise YOU ARE DISQUALIFIED: 1. Name 2. Age 3. Mailing Address 4. Phone 5. Electric Co-op
*Accepted artwork up to age 13. DON'T FORGET THESE ITEMS!
30
M AY 2021
enchantment.coop
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