First Wednesday Free at Albuquerque Museum

Did you know that the first Wednesday of every month is free at the Albuquerque Museum? This Wednesday, Feb. 6, is a great opportunity to check out the current “Visions of the Hispanic World” art exhibition, featuring works by renowned artists such as Velázquez, Goya, El Greco, and many more, as well as view some of the Museum’s permanent exhibits. To learn more about the Albuquerque Museum, visit: https://www.cabq.gov/culturalservices/albuquerque-museum/general-museum-information

Black History Month Features Great Cultural and Community Events

The month of February honors Black History nationwide, and Albuquerque features numerous events in honor of this month. 2019’s theme is “Declarations of Interdependence based on a quote by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., with the overall goal of promoting multiculturalism by bringing together cultures to talk about challenges and unifying issues. Among the many events happening this month are the Omega Psi Phi Talent Hunt Competition, the One New Mexico Gospel Concert, The Asante Awards, and so much more. For a complete schedule of all events in honor of Black History Month, visit: http://nmblackhistorymonth.com/

IRS Warns of Potential Scams During Tax Season

‘Tis the season for taxes, and with taxes come the usual fraudulent attempts to steal identities and funds. Below are some tips and reminders about how to avoid possible identity theft:

·       The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) reminds residents that they DO NOT initiate contact with taxpayers via e-mail to request personal or financial information, so if you receive an e-mail claiming to be the IRS asking for information, delete it immediately.

·       Do not click on links or download attachments from unknown or suspicious e-mails.

·       Protect your personal information. Try not to carry your Social Security card in your wallet, and destroy and shred documentation with that information on it.

·       If you receive a telephone call or e-mail asking for personal or financial information, hang up immediately and report the call to the IRS Impersonation Scam Reporting hotline at (800) 366-4484, or by e-mailing: phishing@irs.gov

·       Always use security software on your computer, including a firewall and anti-virus protection.

·       Have very strong passwords and don’t use the same password for different accounts.

·       For more information on potential IRS scams and what you can do to protect yourself, visit: https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/taxpayer-guide-to-identity-theft

Planning Department Hosting Community Conversation for Historic Railyards

You are invited to share your input at a Community Conversation hosted by the Planning Department, to discuss responsible and dynamic redevelopment at the historic Railyards. The Planning Department, working with the Barelas Neighborhood Association, the South Broadway Neighborhood Association, and Vision Zero Albuquerque, invite the public to attend and participate in this “open space” format event, in which participants bring their ideas/issues/concerns and set the agenda. To learn more about this community event, contact James Aranda at: jmaranda@cabq.gov for more information.

Citizen’s Police Academy Opens 50 Slots

Ever wanted to join the Citizen’s Police Academy? Now is your chance! The Albuquerque Police Department has 50 openings for its next 12-week session, starting Tuesday, March 19. The Academy meets every Tuesday and Thursday, 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m., at the Police Academy, and students will receive classroom instruction from several APD specialized units, including Narcotics, K-9, SWAT, and others. To apply online, visit: www.cabq.gov/police/programs/citizen-police-academy

Self-Reporting Tools on City Web Pages Make It Easier to Request Services
Some City Departments have recently added self-reporting tools on their websites to make it easier for citizens to request help and services in their neighborhoods. Below are the four most recently added self-reporting pages to make it easier for you to connect!

·       Request Graffiti Removal at: https://www.cabq.gov/solidwaste/clean-city-programs/graffiti-removal

·       Report Abandoned Vehicles at: https://www.cabq.gov/report-abandoned-vehicles/report-abandoned-vehicles

·       Find Your Trash and Recycle Pickup Day: https://www.cabq.gov/solidwaste/trash-collection/collection-day-overview

·       Request Large Item Pickup: https://www.cabq.gov/solidwaste/trash-collection/large-item-pick-up

Requesting these services online can be much faster than calling 311 sometimes, so bookmark and start using them today!

Presentation Highlights Architecture of Southwest India

The Albuquerque International Association (AIA) invites you to “Ancient Architecture of India,” a presentation that discusses how the culture, religion, philosophy and politics of India are reflected in its architectural monuments.  Presented by Sanjay Kadu, AIA, and Sajini Badrinarayan, RA, LEED, AP BD+C, the presentation takes place Sunday, Feb. 10, from 3:30 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. To learn more, visit: www.abqinternational.org

Read to Me Program Hosting Kick-Off Event for 2019 Book Donation Drive

The Albuquerque Read to Me Program is hosting its annual book drive and kick-off event Tuesday, Feb. 5 at the Main Library at 10:00 a.m., and you can participate by donating books to this great program. This community-focused initiative collects new and gently used books for all ages, and distributes them to child development centers and programs throughout the city. If you would like more information, contact Dave Orner at dorner66@gmail.com.

Neighborhood Association Meetings Across Town

·       Holiday Park, Tuesday, Feb. 5 at 6:00 p.m., Holiday Park Community Center. E-mail: holidayparkneighborhood@gmail.com for more information.

·       Southwest Alliance of Neighbors, Tuesday, Feb. 5 at 6:00 p.m., Ted Gallegos Alamosa Community Center. E-mail: jgallegoswccdg@gmail.com for more information.

·       Paradise Hills Civic Association, Tuesday, Feb. 5 at 6:30 p.m., Paradise Hills Community Center. E-mail: phcassoc@gmail.com for more information.

·       North Valley Coalition, Wednesday, Feb. 6 at 5:30 p.m., North Valley Senior Center. E-mail: nyl43@aol.com for more information.

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

·       District 7 Coalition, Wednesday, Feb. 6 at 6:30 p.m., Horn YMCA. E-mail: davidh.d7@comcast.net for more information.

·       Victory Hills, Wednesday, Feb. 6 at 6:30 p.m., Loma Linda Community Center. E-mail: e2brecht@gmail.com for more information.

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

·       Westside Coalition, Wednesday, Feb. 6 at 7:00 p.m., Don Newton Taylor Ranch Community Center. E-mail: jfworrall@comcast.net for more information.

·       Silver Platinum Downtown, Thursday, Feb. 7 at 5:30 p.m., Imperial Building Community Room. E-mail: rc@silverplatinumdowntown.org for more information.

·       Raynolds Addition, Thursday, Feb. 7 at 7:00 p.m., Washington Middle School. E-mail: silverlopez@aol.com for more information.

LearningExpress Library Offers Free Online Tutorials for All Ages

LearningExpress Library features online tutorials, practice tests, and e-books to help patrons of all ages. It offers job search and workplace skills improvement, skill building in reading, writing, math, and basic  science, career certification and licensure exam prep, college and grad school entrance test prep, GED® test prep, and more! All you need is a library card to access the many learning resources available through this terrific online program. Visit: www.abqlibrary.org to get started.

Vanessa Baca

Neighborhood Communication Liaison, Office of Neighborhood Coordination (ONC)

City Council Department

(505) 768-3331 Office

Website: www.cabq.gov/neighborhoods