Archive for July, 2010


Video: 7000 Kalgan Rd NE in Rio Rancho, NM

Written by Mark T Fiedler - The Mark and Sheila Team
July 29th, 2010

4 BR  4 BA   Approx 3700 Sq Ft   3 Car Garage   Built 2007

This is probably the nicest home currently for sale in Rio Rancho! Everything in this home says luxury and quality. You’ll love the gleaming cherry wood floor in the unique octagonal living room; the way the chocolate chip granite contrasts with the dark knotty wood; The high end Jenn Aire appliances; the soaring family room with the granite fireplace surround; and the walls of windows with the best Sandia Mtn view in town. The huge Master Bedroom Suite is downstairs. You’ll love it!

For more info and photos, go to MarkandSheilaTeam.com .

(This property is no longer on the market.)

Video: Soda Dam in the Jemez Mountains of New Mexico

Written by Mark T Fiedler - The Mark and Sheila Team
July 27th, 2010

Located about half way between Jemez Springs and Battleship Rock, Soda Dam is an unusual geologic structure located alongside Route 4 in the Jemez Mountains. The dam was formed over thousands of years by depositing of minerals – primarily calcium carbonate, in minute layers to eventually build this magnificent structure. The dam partially blocks the Jemez River, sometimes creating a pool upstream. The materials were deposited on the dam by groundwater which seeped into the natural fault located nearby, was heated by volcanic rock deep in the earth, and which carried the dissolved minerals and gases back to the surface.

A number of active springs within the dam structure continue to carve small caves and streak the surface with color from various trace minerals.

Video: The back road to the Jemez Mountains

Written by Mark T Fiedler - The Mark and Sheila Team
July 26th, 2010

So, you’re up for a little drive in the mountains… If you head west out of the northern end of Rio Rancho on Hwy 550, within a few minutes you’ll hit New Mexico Route 4 and San Ysidro. Route 4 is the 64 mile long main road through the Jemez Mountains connecting the Albuquerque / Rio Rancho area with the Jemez Pueblo, Los Alamos and the Bandelier National Monument.

A few miles north of San Isidro you will find the Canon de San Diego region, with its stunning red rock formations and dirt, rich with iron. The Jemez Pueblo is located here, although tribal laws do not permit photography of the pueblo or its people.

A few miles north of the pueblo, if you’re really paying attention, you will see a turnoff to the left (west) for Highway 485 – a 1 ½ – 2 lane back way into the Jemez Mountains. Although Route 4 is a quicker and wider road than 485, I find myself taking the road less traveled almost every time. The road crosses the Jemez River and goes up a narrow, steep rock canyon, following the Rio Guadalupe. A few miles in you will encounter the Gilman Tunnels. These 2 tunnels were originally built in the 1920’s to accommodate a logging railroad. Just past the tunnels, the pavement ends. In fact, there is a gate across the road at that point which is often closed well into May because of snow and poor road conditions until the spring and summer heat dries things out. The road is rough, but the vistas of the mountain meadows are worth the bumpy ride.

Once you complete the loop and rejoin Route 4, you will be within a short distance of 3 more of the region’s star attractions – Fenton Lake, Battleship Rock and Soda Dam.

Battleship Rock is easily seen from the road and is worth a stop. The large exposed rock face emulates the bow of a large ship – hence the name. The striking, 200 foot tall natural formation of welded volcanic ash is studded with glass-like obsidian rock. A river runs through the day-use picnic area at the base, and hiking trails abound.

Jemez Mountains, NM

Cathy McGill and John Rangel perform!

Written by Mark T Fiedler - The Mark and Sheila Team
July 21st, 2010

Jazz music is alive and well in the Albuquerque / Rio Rancho Metro area. With dozens of venues and hundreds of performances each year, local jazz fans have lots of opportunities to satisfy their cravings…

Last week, Singer Cathryn (Cathy) McGill and Jazz Pianist John Rangel performed outside at the Prairie Star Restaurant, just over the Rio Rancho border in the Santa Ana Pueblo. Between the great food, the changing twilight vista of the Sandia Mountains, the rolling green of the Twin Warriors Golf Course, and the up-close-and-personal musical performance of two of the area’s top musical talents – it was a night to remember.

Cathy McGill and John Rangel were recently awarded the New Mexico Music Award in the Adult R & B category.

For more information about Cathy McGill, visit her website. John Rangel’s website can be accessed here.

7164 Husky Drive NE in Rio Rancho, NM

Written by Mark T Fiedler - The Mark and Sheila Team
July 16th, 2010


3 BR 2 BA 1700 Sq Ft

This was already the nicest home in the neighborhood when the Sellers bought it a few years ago…. Since then they have added Gorgeous Crown Molding, Wood Laminate Flooring in the main living area, New French Doors, New Light Fixtures and Ceiling Fans. Out back they built a Beautiful Wood Pergula over the patio. Do you have more than a couple cars? They also poured a 3rd Car Pad on the driveway. With quick access to Hwy 550, you can be in Albuquerque or Santa Fe in minutes. Come take a look!

For more info and photos, go to MarkandSheilaTeam.com .

Rio Rancho, NM cracks the Top 100 Places to Live and Launch – Again!

Written by Mark T Fiedler - The Mark and Sheila Team
July 16th, 2010

Rio Rancho NM City Hall

The City of Rio Rancho was named #51 in the Top 100 Places to Live and Launch (a business) by Money Magazine in their latest issue. In 2006, Rio Rancho was #56 on the list, and was #83 in 2008. While there is some controversy about the magazine’s methodology in selecting their top 100, there is no denying that many things have been going right in Rio Rancho in the past few years…. Economically, Rio Rancho has been attracting a number of new and well known companies to settle here. Housing prices have remained moderate compared with much of the country, and the ups and downs of the national economy have had a lesser effect locally. You can see the statistical results for the latest rating below.

 
Rio Rancho stats
  City stats        Best places avg.
Median family income
(per year)
$66,971 $90,957
Job growth %
(2000-2009)*
67.48% 15.71%
Median home price $168,625 $239,391
 
Test scores reading
(% above/below state average)
22.5% 22.9%
Test scores math
(% above/below average)
41.4% 22.9%
Personal crime incidents (per 1,000)        3 2
Property crime incidents (per 1,000) 25 24
Restaurants
(within 15 miles)
1,316 2,967
High temp in July ° F 85.2° 86.2°
Low temp in Jan ° F 15.1° 21.3°
Median age 33.1 35.3

 Financial  City stats         Best places avg.
Median family income
(per year)
$66,971 $90,957
Family purchasing power
(annual, cost-of-living adjusted)
$68,865 $86,860
State sales tax 5.12% 5.45%
State income tax rate
(highest bracket)
4.90%I 7.35%
State income tax rate
(lowest bracket)
1.70%I 2.96%
Auto insurance premiums
(Average price quotes, for the state)
$1,805 $1,707
Job growth %
(2000-2009)*
67.48% 15.71%
Housing
Median home price $168,625 $239,391
Average property taxes
(2008)
$1,406 $3,418
Education
Colleges, universities and
professional schools (within 30 miles)
4 25
Test scores reading
(% above/below state average)
22.5% 22.9%
Test scores math
(% above/below average)
41.4% 22.9%
% students attending public/private
schools (located within town limits)
97.2/2.8 87.8/12.2
Quality of life
Air quality index*
(% of days AQI ranked as good)
68.0% 77.8%
Personal crime incidents (per 1,000) 3 2
Property crime incidents (per 1,000) 25 24
Median commute time (in minutes) 25.0 21.4
% population with commute
45 mins. or longer
17.3% 13.6%
% population walk or bike to work 1.1% 3.6%
 Leisure and culture
Movie theaters
(within 15 miles)
17 31
Restaurants
(within 15 miles)
1,316 2,967
Bars
(within 15 miles)
61 207
Public golf courses
(within 30 miles)
26 162
Libraries
(within 15 miles)
31 72
within 30 miles) 3 10
Ski resorts (within 100 miles) 4 12
Arts funding (Dollars per person of state funds spent on arts) 1.4 1.5
Weather
Annual rainfall
(inches)
13.99 37.40
% clear days in the area 46 29
High temp in July ° F 85.2° 86.2°
Low temp in Jan ° F 15.1° 21.3°
Median age 33.1 35.3
Completed at least some college
(% of residents)
62.7% 71.5%
Married % 59.2% 56.6%
Divorced % 11.2% 8.4%
Racial diversity index
(100 is national average; higher numbers indicate greater diversity)
347.2 94.9
From the August 2010 issue
Notes: *County data

(I) Income tax notes:
The tax brackets reported are for single individuals. For married couples filing jointly, the same rates apply for income under $8,000 to over $24,000. Married households filing separately pay the tax imposed on half the income.
These states allow personal exemption or standard deductions as provided in the IRC.

Video: Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church and Preschool

Written by Mark T Fiedler - The Mark and Sheila Team
July 13th, 2010

Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church is a small but growing congregation in Rio Rancho, NM. The church debuted as Rio Rancho Lutheran Mission in 1994, and adopted its current name when it joined the the Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod in 1996.  After holding services in a school cafeteria and a store front for several years, they built the first phase of their current facility on a hilltop near Pasilla Rd. and Highway 528. Reverend Kenneth DeSoto has been Pastor of the church since 2008.

In the Fall of 2002, the church opened a Christian Preschool, keeping the enrollment low, and quality high. Children 2 1/2 years through 5 years old are eligible for admission.

The address is 2400 Monterrey Road NE, Rio Rancho, NM 87144. The phone number is 505-867-9554. Visit their website for a schedule of services and events: http://www.shepherdofthehillsrr.org

Video: Free Music in the Park Series Continues…

Written by Mark T Fiedler - The Mark and Sheila Team
July 7th, 2010

The Music in the Park series put on by the Rio Rancho Parks, Recreation and Community Services Department runs late Spring through the Summer at the Rotary Club Barbecue Pavilion at Haynes Park.
The activity is free, and people are encouraged to bring chairs, blankets and snacks. Sorry, they don’t allow anything harder than lemonade to drink. Most nights an ice cream truck shows up to offer cold treats. The video above features the Mudd Brothers Band.

Performances start at 7pm and end around 8:30. The rest of the 2010 season offerings are below:

July 11: Placitas Mountain Band (Bluegrass and Old Time Music)
July 18: Michael and Donna Coy (Folk)
July 25: Bosque Blues (Acoustic Blues Duo)
August 1: Rudy Boy Experiment (Hot Rockin’ Blues)
August 8: Dennis Higgins & The 2010 Band Folk (Folk, Blues & Contemporary Jazz)
August 15: Saints and Sinners (Classic Rock and Blues)
August 22: Twisted Mojo (Classic Blues, Rock and Soul)
August 29: Rio Rancho Symphonic Band (Symphonic Music)
*Musical acts subject to change

Haynes Park is located at 2006 Grande Blvd., which is across the street from Intel on N.M. 528/Pat D’Arco Highway.

For additional information, please call the city of Rio Rancho’s Parks, Recreation and Community Services Department at (505) 891-5015.

Video: Straight Chiropractic – Fighting Subluxation in Rio Rancho, One Patient at a Time!

Written by Mark T Fiedler - The Mark and Sheila Team
July 7th, 2010

When we visited Straight Chiropractic in Rio Rancho, we found it to be a really first-class operation.  Their philosophy is that chiropractic care is not just about occasional adjustments, say when you are hurting, but is a part of a larger process of overall health care, including good nutrition, exercise, limiting the use of drugs and medications, etc. Dr. Brad Fackrell owns Straight Chiropractic, although other doctors practice alongside him as well.  He offers weekly classes in the evening on a variety of subjects for patients and visitors who are interested in improving their health.

When patients commit to a program, they can come in for adjustments at times convenient to them, from very early to some evening hours. Dr Brad’s use of technology in his practice helps patients get in and back out quickly, while keeping the quality of care high.  His office staff is friendly and knowledgeable, most often greeting patients by name on sight.  We had the opportunity to sit in on a staff meeting at day’s end when filming there, and the positive attitude, the supportiveness  and conviction of all the employees and doctors was astounding.  In January of 2010, the practice moved into larger quarters within the same shopping center off Southern Blvd.  You can reach Straight Chiropractic at 505 507-9355. They are located at 3301 Southern Blvd. Suite 105 (next to the Albertson’s Grocery Store)

(Note) On the first day we were filming at Straight Chiropractic the staff was holding a special event where everyone was wearing matching T-shirts.  Although the office atmosphere is casual, Dr. Brad is usually dressed more conservatively than shown in parts of the video. The fact that he went on camera wearing the special T-shirt speaks to the fact that his focus is on patient health and wellness, which we believe is to his credit…