Written by Mark T Fiedler - The Mark and Sheila Team October 20th, 2011
Rio Rancho New Mexico’s first full service hospital is open! Presbyterian Rust Medical Center is holding a huge grand opening party for the community Saturday October 22nd, but they have already performed over 20 surgeries, have one patient recovering in their new 68 bed patient tower, and the city’s first hospital born baby was delivered there on Wednesday. We were fortunate enough to attend a special pre-opening event co-hosted by the Rio Rancho Regional Chamber of Commerce and received the grand tour. The building is stupendous, with lots of natural light throughout, large comfortable patient rooms with a convertible couch/bed for family stay overs, and enough high tech to make NASA jealous.
Emergency room services were formerly handled at a Presbyterian office at High Resort Blvd and Hwy 528, but they have now been transferred to the new hospital. There’s even a helipad on the grounds. Services to be offered at the new facility include:
Written by Mark T Fiedler - The Mark and Sheila Team October 18th, 2011
The 40th Annual Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta kicked off with a weekend of perfect weather. The midweek weather suffered from unusual rain and wind setbacks, but by the final weekend the weather cleared up and Albuquerque’s signature event was back on track. It had been several years since we had visited the fiesta, and we had family in town, so it was time to go again. The event did not disappoint.
The mass ascension was incredible. From anywhere on the field, you couldn’t take a bad photo. The color, the shapes and the massive number of balloons in the sky at once was unprecedented. The day we were there, the wind was so calm that the hundreds of balloons that launched hung around for a long time over the field, making for a spectacular traffic jam of balloons.
The Night Magic evening balloon glow provided a surprisingly different spectacle. Dozens of balloons inflated and stayed anchored to the ground, firing their burners at intervals. The result was a flickering show of light and color. The glow was followed by a dazzling fireworks show.
If you’ve never been to the Balloon Fiesta, we hope our video motivates you to attend next year in person. You won’t be disappointed. Enjoy!
Written by Mark T Fiedler - The Mark and Sheila Team October 4th, 2011
Harris Jewelers and Gemologists is the largest jewelry store in Rio Rancho, NM. This is not the typical mall jewelry store, but an exceptional collection of jewelry professionals who do award-winning custom design work, engraving, jewelry repairs, appraisals and watch repairs. If you want to know the difference between FL-IF and VVS-2 diamonds, these are the people to see. The store has grown several times in the last few years, and you will often see their one-of-a-kind designs up for charity auction at the annual Mayor’s Ball. The store also carries product from dozens of the world’s most famous designers of jewelry and watches, including Breuning, Gitani, Seiko, Palladium, Citizen, Claude Thibaudeau and more. Watch the video below to meet the owners, Karen Fitzpatrick and Marc Guerin, then pay then a visit for some “Wife Insurance”.
Written by Mark T Fiedler - The Mark and Sheila Team October 4th, 2011
The 14th Annual Maize Maze is open 7 days a week now through the end of October at the Rio Grande Community Farm on Manzano, East of the river. The maze is cut into 7 acres of tall corn. This year’s design is a dinosaur. The activity supports the annual budget of the community farm. October 14th and 15th visitors are invited to explore the maze by moonlight. When the maze finishes, the fields will be knocked down to provide food for migrating birds. The video below is from the 2010 maze. For more information, visit http://www.riograndefarm.org .
Written by Mark T Fiedler - The Mark and Sheila Team September 18th, 2011
The 13th annual Bark in the Park special event, sponsored by Enchantment Pet Resort will be held at Olympus Park in Rio Rancho, NM on Saturday, September 24th from 10 am until 2 pm. The video is from the 12th annual Bark in the Park. If you and your family are “doggie” people, you will love the demonstrations, contests, educational booths and pet related vendors, – in fact everything about it! You can adopt a new pet, or even read to therapy dogs. For more information, call 505 891-4100.
Written by Mark T Fiedler - The Mark and Sheila Team September 8th, 2011
Loma Colorado in Rio Rancho, NM is the first residential and commercial development to be planned, designed, built and sold by one company – Pulte Homes. Covering nearly 433 acres in an area surrounded by more mature subdivisions, the neighborhood wil eventually have some 1,000 homes. Today that number stands at about 500 homes, but more are being built every day. Pulte offers more than a dozen different floorplans to be built, ranging from 1500 -4200 square feet.
There are three parks, three miles of trails and over ninety acres of open space. Close by are Rio Rancho High School, Blades Skating facility, the city’s Indoor Aquatic Recreation Center, the Loma Colorado Library, and the city Sports Complex. New retail stores are planned.
If you are interested in obtaining more information about building a new home here, or buying an existing one, contact us through our information form.
Written by Mark T Fiedler - The Mark and Sheila Team August 23rd, 2011
3 Bedrooms, 2 Baths, Approximately 1,586 Sq Ft
Live in a golf course community at a great price! Located near the Chamisa Hills Country Club, this home has a large kitchen, an open floor plan, new paint, cathedral ceilings in the main living area and new carpet. The backyard has a large open patio, refrigerated A/C, easy care landscaping and a beautiful shade tree. Location, location, location!
Written by Mark T Fiedler - The Mark and Sheila Team August 23rd, 2011
3 Bedrooms, 2 Baths, Approximately 1,558 Sq Ft
La Luz is a townhome community unlike the others. Designed by famed architect Antoine Predock, the buildings and grounds ebb and flow. This unit has an unobstructed view of the bosque plus city lights from the courtyard. Access the bosque trails at your front door. The brick floor in the living room is easy care. Recently installed laminate flooring covers most of the 2nd level (just a short set of stairs). The pool, tennis courts and other facilities probably have the best views in the city!
Written by Mark T Fiedler - The Mark and Sheila Team August 23rd, 2011
4 Bedrooms, 2 Baths, Approximately 2,510 Sq Ft
Better than new! If the builder did not already do it, the owners did! Beautiful 42 inch upper kitchen cabinets, stainless steel appliances and granite counters. The dining and living rooms feature a two-sided stacked stone fireplace. The master bedroom and dining room have trey ceilings with wood details. The luxurious master bath has a cultured granite counter and shower surround, double sinks and dark wood cabinetry. The back patio is the perfect space for entertaining, so bring your friends! (3 Bedrooms plus an office or den with a closet.)
Written by Mark T Fiedler - The Mark and Sheila Team July 11th, 2011
The 8th Annual Pork and Brew BBQ State Championship was held over the Fourth of July weekend at the Santa Ana Star Center in Rio Rancho, NM. What was once a relatively small event has grown to be a three day celebration of fun, music and barbeque! There were dozens of competitors vying for top prize in Chicken, Ribs, Pork and Brisket BBQ. You could buy samples from most vendors, and if you found one you really liked, you could buy a meal-sized portion to enjoy. For the kids and teens, the carnival rides beckoned. The music from the bandstand filled the whole area and dancing while you enjoyed a cold beer or lemonade was optional. The band performing in the video is “Wrestlin with Jimmy”.
Winners by Category
Overall
1st: Grand Champ: Mad Dawqz BBQ
2nd: Reserve Champ: Mad Max BBQ
Chicken
1st: Mad Max BBQ
2nd: Sweet Peppers
3rd: Thesmokering.com
Written by Mark T Fiedler - The Mark and Sheila Team July 7th, 2011
Premier Cinemas recently opened a new 14 screen all digital theater in Rio Rancho, NM. The projection systems are completely electronic, without any film involved, and therefore are also without the dust, scratches and other defects that come with it. Rio Rancho had been without a movie theater for about 20 years. Premier Cinemas CEO Gary Moore presided over the grand opening. In a first for the company, fans were invited to watch a movie or two for free on opening day. The theater boasts 4D presentations utilizing D-Box motion seating which moves in sync with action scenes in the movie. The city utilized gross receipts tax investment policy incentives to attract and secure the new facility, which is located near the corner of Unser Blvd. and Southern Blvd.
Written by Mark T Fiedler - The Mark and Sheila Team June 3rd, 2011
I’ve been paddling a kayak around many of the New Mexico lakes surrounding the Albuquerque / Rio Rancho area for several years. I’ve also experienced white water rafting in the Taos Box area of the Rio Grande, but I have to say that the experience of a five hour float through the Class One waters of the river between Bernalillo and Albuquerque is a totally different experience. You are not fighting to stay afloat or to not get dumped into boiling waters. Compared to lake paddling, you don’t have to work nearly as hard to get somewhere. Instead, you are experiencing the sky, the flora and fauna along the banks, and the “flow” of the river with relative ease.
Quiet Waters Paddling Adventures is unique in that they not only provide the shuttle service from beginning to end, the boats (kayaks or canoes), paddles and safety equipment, they also provide a guide to get you down the river in style. (Self guided tours are also available for more experienced paddlers.)
Sunset Magazine recently described Quiet Waters Paddling as the #1 outdoor day trip in Albuquerque. High praise, when compared to say, the Sandia Peak Tram, the Bio Park, and some of the available hot air balloon adventures. New Mexico Magazine called them their favorite trip available on the Rio Grande.
The tours are suitable for paddlers of all ages and skill levels. Temperatures and water flow conditions are suitable from spring through most of the fall. The company has sufficient equipment to handle large groups, making it a great activity for convention attendees, business organizations and others. You can visit Quiet Waters Paddling Adventures at 105 D Pleasant View Drive, Bernalillo, New Mexico. Call them at505 771-1234 or toll free: 877 45-FLOAT (877-453-5628).
Written by Mark T Fiedler - The Mark and Sheila Team May 29th, 2011
3 Bedrooms, 2 Baths, Approximately 1,732 Sq Ft
Beautiful River’s Edge III home with lots of space inside and out. This large lot has 2 beautiful patios, and a dog run for your furry friends. Inside, you’ll find newer carpet (2011), skylights and multiple living areas. The large kitchen has ceramic tile floors, lots of counter space and great storage, plus the garage is oversized with space for a workbench and more. This terrific home is ready and waiting for you to enjoy.
Written by Mark T Fiedler - The Mark and Sheila Team May 29th, 2011
Sometimes you find good things where you least expect to… Most weekends at the Idalia Road Marketplace in Rio Rancho you will see a small, mint-green trailer on the South side of the grounds. This is Geo’s Mobile Bistro – a small business run by George and Jan Menza. Visit early in the morning and you might see a line of hungry patrons lined up waiting to order or pick up one of their freshly made breakfast burritos. I seem to be addicted to the one made with turkey sausage, 2 eggs, green chili and cheddar cheese. Note that I did not say shredded potatoes. You won’t find cheap filler in these burritos.
George and Jan’s menu extends well beyond breakfast burritos. They draw on their years of experience running Geo’s Restaurant on Southern Blvd. to decide what their customers might enjoy. They sold the restaurant some time ago, and now with their fully equipped trailer they can provide food service almost anywhere in the state.
Consider a visit to the Idalia Road Marketplace to check out their great food. It’s open weekends through Oct. 30. Saturdays 9-2, Sundays 10-2. Located at 1320 Idalia Rd, just north of Northern Blvd. in Rio Rancho.
Written by Mark T Fiedler - The Mark and Sheila Team March 3rd, 2011
3 Bedrooms, 2 Baths, Approximately 1,453 Sq Ft
Super cute inside and out. Large family room with wood burning stove and a separate living room. Wait until you see the back yard! It’s great for entertaining or just relaxing with your coffee on the huge covered patio. There’s a Tuff Shed for your tools and there’s room to park an RV (or 2)on the extra wide lot. Newer roof (2006) and furnace for your peace of mind. This is lots of space for the money!
