Northeast Area Command Hosts “Coffee with a Cop” This Thursday Morning

The Northeast Area Command invites you to enjoy a cup of coffee and meet some of the police officers, including the APD Horse Mounted Unit, on Thursday, March 8, 8:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m., at the Starbucks, 4301 San Mateo NE. For questions, call 505-823-4455.

Keep Albuquerque Beautiful Hosts 7th Annual Recyclothes for Kids in Need

This year on St. Patrick’s Day, go green and spring clean! As you organize your closets, dresser drawers, and even your garages, set aside clean, gently used clothes to benefit the lives of Albuquerque students. Bring your donation to Hinkle Family Fun Center, 12932 Indian School Rd. NE, on Saturday, March 17 from 8:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Participants who bring a large bag(s) of clean, gently used clothes will receive a free mini golf pass. Visit:  http://www.cabq.gov/solidwaste/events/recyclothes to learn more.

Veteran’s Outreach Event at Westgate Community Center This Week

The New Mexico Department of Veteran’s Affairs offers weekly veteran’s outreach events across Albuquerque and Bernalillo County. This week’s outreach event takes place Wednesday, March 7, 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. at the Westgate Community Center, 1400 Snowvista Blvd. SW. If you or someone you know is a military veteran and would like to learn about what tax benefits and other resources are available, this event is for you! E-mail: josephmdorn@state.nm.us or call 505-383-2414 for more information.

Neighborhood Association Meetings Around Town

·        Holiday Park NA, Tuesday, March 6 at 6:00 p.m., Holiday Park Community Center. E-mail: holidayparkneighborhood@gmail.com for more information.

·        Southwest Alliance of Neighborhoods, Tuesday, March 6 at 6:00 p.m., Alamosa Community Center. E-mail: johnnyepena@comcast.net for more information.

·        Nor Este NA, Tuesday, March 6 at 7:00 p.m., North Domingo Baca Multigenerational Center. E-mail: jgriffee@noreste.org for more information.

·        West Old Town NA, Wednesday, March 7 at 6:00 p.m., Los Duranes Community Center. E-mail: bengpl150@comcast.net for more information.

·        District 7 Coalition of Neighborhoods, Wednesday, March 7 at 6:30 p.m., Horn YMCA. E-mail: davidhd7@comcast.net for more information.

·        Victory Hills NA, Wednesday, March 7 at 6:30 p.m., Loma Linda Community Center. E-mail: eebrecht@yahoo.com for more information.

·        Downtown NA, Wednesday, March 7 at 6:45 p.m., Lew Wallace Elementary School. E-mail: holly.siebert@gmail.com for more information.

·        Westside Coalition of Neighborhood Associations, Wednesday, March 7 at 7:00 p.m., Don Newton Taylor Ranch Community Center. E-mail: jfworrall@comcast.net for more information.

·        Barelas NA, Thursday, March 8 at 6:00 p.m., Barelas Community Center. E-mail: info@barelas.org for more information.

·        South Valley Coalition of Neighborhoods, Thursday, March 8 at 6:30 p.m., Bernalillo County South Area Command. E-mail: rmahoney01@comcast.net for more information.

·        International District Town Hall Meeting, Sunday, March 11 at 1:00 p.m., Mesa Verde Community Center. E-mail: ecardiel@bernco.gov for more information.

Meet a Gila Monster and Live to Tell the Tale!

The Open Space Visitor Center invites you to come and meet some Gila monsters on Saturday, March 10! Jerry Tuttle of Zoo Crew Kids will lead a discussion on this large lizard, and there will also be a live feeding demonstration after the talk. Space is limited for this free event, so sign up now! Visit: www.cabq.gov/openspace to sign up, or call 505-897-8831.

Tips to Reduce Auto Theft Risks

With car thefts being a concern citywide, the Albuquerque Police Department has several tips to help keep your vehicle safe:

·        ALWAYS lock your car, close your windows, and engage your anti-theft device when leaving your vehicle.

·        Don’t leave your keys in your car for any reason.

·        Park in well-lit areas close to buildings.

·        Do not leave valuables in your car, including purses, wallets, cell phones, laptop computers, briefcases, backpacks or gym bags.

·        If possible, park your vehicle in a garage, behind a lockable gate, or in an area with good lighting.

·        If you take your vehicle for service, only leave your ignition key. Some people leave their entire key ring, including house keys, and copying these keys is another way thieves can strike.

·        Don’t keep vehicle registration, insurance paperwork, or other types of documents in your car. If there is a break-in, this information can be used for identity theft. Instead, keep this paperwork in your wallet and carry it with you.

·        If you see suspicious individuals wandering in parking lots or looking into vehicles parked on the street, you can anonymously call to report them. Call APD at 242-COPS (2677).

·        If you do see a vehicle burglary IN PROGRESS, call 911 immediately. Don’t intervene.

·        In winter months, do not leave your vehicle running to “warm up.” This is one very easy way for criminals to steal your car.

·        Etch your vehicle identification number (VIN) on car doors, windows, windshields, engine blocks, and other parts.

·        Consider utilizing these other vehicle safety devices – a kill switch, a steering wheel lock, a steering column collar, brake locks, or wheel locks.

Early Headstart Registration Happening Now

Interested in enrolling your child in one of the City’s Child Development programs? Early registration for Head Start, as well as other programs, is happening now. To find out more about these services and learn about enrollment, visit: http://www.cabq.gov/family/childcare-development-programs/?utm_source=website&utm_medium=homepage&utm_campaign=winter-2018-childcare-development-programs

“Spring into the Community” Event Ushers in the Season

Have you visited the Thomas Bell Community Center at 3001 University SE yet? If not, this Saturday, March 10 is the perfect opportunity to “Spring into the Community!” This free, family-friendly event will feature Orbit the Isotopes Mascot, a Show and Shine car display, jumpers and prizes for the kiddos, information on City services, and much more. Drop by anytime between 10:30 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. Visit: http://www.cabq.gov/family/facilities-centers/community-center-locations/southeast/thomas-bell-community-center/thomas-bell-community-center to learn more.

Walking Tours Offer a Historical Tour of Albuquerque

Did you know that the Albuquerque Historical Society offers free, guided walking tours of the Downtown area every Saturday morning at 10:00 a.m.? You’ll get to see a side of Albuquerque not many people experience when you visit historic interiors and learn the stories behind the buildings and architecture of our unique downtown. No pets, please.  To learn more, visit: http://albuqhistsoc.org/downtown-albuquerque-walking-tours/

Neighborhood Toolbox Offers Resources for Senior Neighbors

The City offers many different resources for senior citizen neighbors, including many programs for “aging in place” and ways that you can help older residents in our community. This month’s Neighborhood Toolbox shares some suggestions for your neighborhood, at: www.cabq.gov/office-of-neighborhood-coordination/news/age-diversity-in-neighborhoods

Vanessa Baca

Neighborhood Communication Liaison, Office of Neighborhood Coordination (ONC)

City Council Department

(505) 768-3331 Office

www.cabq.gov/neighborhoods

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