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!
Written by Mark T Fiedler - The Mark and Sheila Team February 13th, 2011
The 3.4 mile extension of Paseo Del Vocan (now NM Road 347) between Hwy 550 and Iris Road in Rio Rancho opened Thursday. The two lane road is really a joy to drive on. (I drove the length of it 15 minutes before its official opening at noon.) Paseo Del Volcan is projected to eventually span the distance from Hwy 550 to Hwy 40, adding a much needed North- South route to the Albuquerque/Rio Rancho Metro area.
There was a public ceremony and ribbon cutting at 11:00 am in a tent to shelter the participants from the day’s cold and wind. Debbie Moore, CEO of the Rio Rancho Regional Chamber of Commerce was Mistress of Ceremonies, with additional words from Rio Rancho Mayor Tom Swisstack, Darryl Madalena, Chairman of the Sandoval County Commission, and Dewey Cave, Executive Director of of Mid Region Council of Governments. The word for the day was “cooperation”. Without the cooperation of numerous government agencies and private organizations, the funding and construction of this piece of road would never have seen the light of day. Total funding for the project was $14 Million (which wouldn’t buy you a goat path in some parts of the country, but they did a lot with it here in New Mexico). The cost would have been much higher if the right of way had not been set aside many years ago.
Written by Mark T Fiedler - The Mark and Sheila Team February 13th, 2011
NM House Bill 110 was introduced in the Round House on January 20, 2011. The bill proposes to amend the Metropolitan Redevelopment Act to allow the City of Rio Rancho to have limited powers of eminent domain condemnation. When Amrep Corporation first developed Rio Rancho, the entire city was platted (divided) into thousands of oddly shaped lots, including many which spanned arroyos and were nowhere close to utilities or amenities. These lots were most often sold to individual buyers from across the country.
In order to install streets, curbs, sewer and water lines to an area, it usually take development of a significant number of lots into a neighborhood. Trying to purchase even a hundred different lots from a hundred different owners can become a nightmare. Just a couple of holdouts can keep a project from moving ahead, and without a project, there is no planning. Without planning you can get chaos.
The video is of a presentation given by Mike Skolnick from Excalibur Realty at a recent meeting of the Executive Association of Greater Rio Rancho. Mike is an expert in land assemblage for development in the Rio Rancho, NM area. He gives an extensive history of the beginnings of Rio Rancho, a description of the bill now before the Legislature, and some of the difficulties the bill might solve and/or create.
Written by Mark T Fiedler - The Mark and Sheila Team February 5th, 2011
The Friends and Lovers Balloon Rally has been held every year since the mid 1970’s on Valentine’s Day weekend. The event is put on by the Albuquerque Aerostat Ascension Association (“Aerostat” is much cooler word for “balloon”.), and showcases over 100 local hot air balloon crews and their craft. For many years the event was held at the Rio Rancho Balloon Park near Northern and Unser Blvds. The video above was filmed at the 2010 event. This year the rally will be held at Balloon Fiesta Park in Albuquerque, February 12 and 13.
Written by Mark T Fiedler - The Mark and Sheila Team January 25th, 2011
3 Bedrooms, 3 Baths, Approximately 2017 Sq Ft, 2 Car Garage
Mountain and Rio Grande bosque views out front. Convenient access to bosque walking trails. Semi-custom home in Rivers Edge III. The back yard is over the top – with a pond, an outdoor fireplace, covered entertainment space, fruit trees, back yard access and extra covered parking. Many custom touches throughout. You’ll love the polished wood flooring in the Master Bedroom, and extensive ceramic tile throughout. This is a special home. You’ll love it!
Written by Mark T Fiedler - The Mark and Sheila Team January 25th, 2011
3 Bedrooms, 2 Baths, Approximately 1445 Sq Ft, 2 Car Garage
Beautiful Wallen built home in Enchanted Hills. Includes extras and features not usually found in the area. Lots of fresh decorator paint, plus a great floorplan, with larger bedrooms and spacious living areas. Plenty of storage, including a large 10×12 ft finished storage shed with doors on both ends. Huge covered patio for relaxing or entertaining. Completely landscaped front and back. Be sure to visit this one – you will be glad you did!
Written by Mark T Fiedler - The Mark and Sheila Team January 7th, 2011
This soft and cuddly kitty is available for adoption at the Rio Rancho Animal Control Shelter on Northern Blvd. He is about 1 year old, playful and pretty. His ID number is C 10 002191. If you’re looking for new best friend, call the shelter at 505 891-5075 to confirm his availability, If he’s already found a new home, they have lots of other wonderful pets there ready for adoption. (Note: The “C” in his ID # does not stand for “Cat”. It stands for “Canine”. Cats are supposed to be “F” for “Feline”. Somebody goofed… So it you really want the cat, don’t take no for an answer if they tell you it couldn’t be a cat with a C code.)
The Rio Rancho Animal Control Shelter is located at 3441 Northern Blvd, Rio Rancho, NM 87124. They are open Monday through Saturday from 9-5. They close from 12-1 for lunch.
Written by Mark T Fiedler - The Mark and Sheila Team January 1st, 2011
The producers of the annual Albuquerque River of Lights display at the Albuquerque Bio Park really outdid themselves this year. We visited the display a couple years ago, and it was good for about an hour’s walk through then, but this year, with a combination of a half dozen new light sculptures, excellent organization and presentation, we probably doubled the time we spent there.
The display consists of millions of lights in over 140 light displays and animated sculptures, often set to holiday music and sound effects. Proceeds of ticket sales benefit the Albuquerque Bio Park, which consists of the Zoo, Botanical Garden, Tingley Beach and the Aquarium.
The weather cooperated on the evening we visited. It was cold, but there was no wind, which helped keep the focus on the displays, not on how cold we were. If they pull off the same quality of presentation next year, we will be back again to enjoy it.
Written by Mark T Fiedler - The Mark and Sheila Team December 18th, 2010
People who do not live in New Mexico often have expectations of an environment replete with cacti, sand dunes, camels and extreme heat. The fact is, although there is a wide variety of terrain and conditions in the state, Rio Rancho is located at around a mile in altitude, and the weather is pretty moderate. We do get snow, usually a couple to three times a year, but it most often disappears within hours to a day or so.
The storm that we filmed just a week before Christmas left about 8 inches of the white stuff on the ground. Because schools do not always have plows and other snow removal equipment, this little bit shut down schools for the day. Since there was no school, local kids did what kids do in snow – made snowmen, forts, and threw snowballs at each other. The next day the sun was out, the roads were dry, and there was still snow in the shadows, but very little elsewhere.
