Updated Wednesday 2 December 2020. 6.25 pm NOTE: the figures here will be out of date as soon as they are posted but will be updated regularly, generally around 1900h (7.00pm) each day. Local data are from NM DOH, and these figures often do not tally on a daily basis. Carson is a relatively safe place to be living in the era of Covid-19, the disease caused by the novel corona virus named SARS-CoV-2, an abbreviation for Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome-related Coronavirus 2. We are quite well insulated from immediate sources of infection and most of us implement the four simple protections: staying home as much as possible, the use of face masks, physical distancing, and hand washing. A winning combination. However, we know that at least two members of our community returned from out of state with Covid-19. They have since quarantined, recovered, and tested negative for the virus, so how safe we in Carson remain depends on all of us and our behavior. Record increases in the County and the State during November makes Carson cases more likely. To quote Gede Gigerenza,”The collective threat of Covid-19 means we are all in it together. It is crucial people recognize that […]

Carson Neighbors Connected is a way for you to connect with your neighbors by email. Whether you want to borrow a trailer, hire someone to help you at home or with a project, or you need a ride to town, this is a way of asking your neighbors for help, or offering your services. There is no charge for this community service. To sign up just send an email to [email protected] If you have a message to send, just send it to [email protected] and it will be sent out to those who have registered on the list. The list of emails we collect will not be shared or sold, and is completely private. Emails to Carson Neighbors Connected will be sent only to those who have asked to be included on the list.

Only around 65% of registered voters in Taos County voted this November. 16,865 votes were cast. Statewide, 68% of registered voters voted, the highest in the state being Los Alamos, where nearly 80% of registered voters voted. In Taos County, for US President, Biden/Harris (Democrat) received 76% of our votes, Trump/Pence (Republican) 22%. For US Senate, Ben Lujan (Democrat) received 76% of our votes, Mark V Ronchetti (Republican) 22%, and Bob Walsh (Libertarian) 2% United States Representative District 3, Teresa Leger Fernandez (Democrat) received 80% of our votes, Alexis Johnson (Republican) received 20% of our votes. To see full results for Taos County, and the rest of New Mexico, click here.   

Fire prevention and safety from fire should be at the forefront of our minds. The Carson Fire and Rescue Department (CFRD) has been working diligently with the State Fire Marshal to improve our local fire-fighting capabilities. The CFRD secured last year a 2020 NM Fire Protection Grant Award of $140,151.20 from the Fire Service Support Bureau of the New Mexico Public Regulation Commission for the development of a dedicated fire suppression water supply. This is part of a broader plan to raise the rating of the CFRD from ISO9 to ISO8. See https://www.powerdms.com/blog/iso-ratings-fire-departments/ for more information. ISO is short for Insurance Service Office. The New Mexico Fire Service Support Bureau inspects each fire department to assess their ISO score. This significant grant amount is in addition to CFRD’s allotment from the NM Fire Protection Fund, which in 2021 will be around $59,000. See here for more information http://nmprc.state.nm.us/state-firemarshal/fire-service-support/docs/FireFundExpenditures2015.pdf The largest contributor to a good ISO score (the best is 1) is the availability of water, a bit of a problem for CFRD. The grant they received has enabled them to drill a well (to 400 feet in depth, yielding 20 gallons a minute), and in the near future to install […]

Help the Carson and neighboring communities with your time. Elisabeth Maier is asking for volunteer help at the Community Clothing Boutique, and perhaps also at the Food Bank, each Thursday afternoon. Elisabeth needs help sorting clothes donations, organizing the Boutique space, and helping customers.  She usually starts to help at the food bank by filling the food bags from about 1.30. After customers arrive she opens the Boutique until 3.30  to 4pm. Masks and physical distancing is practiced and required. If you might have an interest, please call Elisabeth at 575 751 7480. Thank you.  

I am thrilled to announce that Carson Volunteer Fire Department has obtained a grant to drill a well adjacent to the fire station. This should lead to a better grade on our readiness to deal with fire locally, and hopefully to better home insurance premiums! We’ll post more details as we learn more. Meanwhile, here’s a photo of the well-drilling rig at the fire station. Elizabeth Brownrigg President Carson Community Association

Posted by Paul Green, updated Wednesday September 23, 2020. October 18, 2020. A recent update and overview can be found here: Dying birds and the fires: scientists work to unravel a great mystery Many in Carson are commenting on large numbers of dead “small, yellow birds” following the cold front that moved over us overnight on Tuesday, 8 September, 2020, depositing snow around Carson. In the days before the cold front arrived, the first week of September 2020, there was a build-up of warblers in our community, mainly Wilson’s Warbler, Orange-crowned Warbler, and MacGillivray’s Warbler. These birds are currently on a medium and long-distance migration to their wintering grounds in central America. MacGillivray’s Warbler breeds as far north as Alaska, down to the southern Rockies in New Mexico. Wilson’s Warbler is much more northerly, breeding across the extreme north of the North American continent, with some breeding in the Rockies as far south as New Mexico. Orange-crowned Warbler breeds across Canada, and the north western United States and further south along the Rockies. All species are migrating south this time of year to spend their winter in places that can support their insect-feeding habit. Orange-crowned Warblers spend their winter in […]

We are approaching the end of  this year’s census season. The deadline to complete the 2020 U.S. Census questionnaire is September 30th.  It is vital that everyone completes and submits the census form. Undercounting will negatively impact New Mexico’s federal funding and political representation at the federal level for the next decade. The census results also has a major impact on the arts and culture sector in New Mexico, as well as library services in rural areas such as the bookmobile that visits Carson. Many federal agencies, including the Institute of Museum and Library Services, which funds a large portion of New Mexico State Library’s bookmobile service, as well as statewide databases, and the Library for the Blind and Print Disabled, distribute funds on a per capita basis that is determined by the census. If New Mexico is undercounted, we will see a real effect in the loss of money for critical major arts and culture organizations like museums, theater groups, symphonies, and opera companies, as well as for arts in the schools and community art programs, local arts councils and studio tours, for folk art apprenticeship programs, and for small non-profit arts organizations. The funding helps communities across New […]

The New Mexico State Library Northeast Bookmobile service, which has been in hiatus since the Covid-19 pandemic broke out, will resume a limited schedule of visits from mid September. The first Covid-19 visit to Carson is on September 15, and the bookmobile will be parked at the Carson Store from 2.30 to 3.00 pm.  The library has eliminated some stops in order to schedule limited “day run” only services at this time. If you visit the bookmobile, it is very important to adhere to social distancing guidelines and, masks will be required. The bookmobile service asks that all patrons take note of the following: Please DO NOT come to the bookmobile if you are sick in any way. Masks will be required at all times and 6ft social distancing is required. All stops will only be 30 minutes, and no one is allowed on the bookmobile at this time. This first visit will be a pick-up stop only.  You can hand over a list of books you would like the bookmobile to bring to you in October.  NOTE: You can also place holds / requests through the online catalog, by phone 575-376-2474, or email [email protected] Requests need to be submitted at […]

Here’s a reminder for how you can vote safely given current social/physical distancing recommendations in force—by applying for an Absentee Ballot to vote by mail.  Just go to https://portal.sos.state.nm.us/OVR/WebPages/AbsenteeApplication.aspx and complete the form online. Alternatively, you can print the form for an absentee ballot application at https://www.taoscounty.org/DocumentCenter/View/48/Absentee-Application-PDF. Once you have completed the form, you must mail it to the the county clerk so that she receives it no later than 5:00 p.m. on Thursday, October 30, 2020 for the General Election. You have to submit an application for each election. Mail your completed form to: Anna Martinez, Taos County Clerk,  105 Albright Street Suite D Taos, NM 87571   Or email the County Clerk at [email protected]   Within twenty-three (23) days of Election Day, the county clerk must either mail the ballot or notice of rejection to the applicant as soon as practicable; provided that the ballot or a notice of rejection is sent not later than twenty-two (22) days before the election.   Here are some useful places to learn about voting. How to Vote https://howto.vote/ has information about how to register and your options for when and where to vote  Get to the Polls https://gettothepolls.com/ has information about where to […]

Thank you to all who voted by proxy in the Carson Community Association board elections. We would like to welcome Kerry Dowding as our new board member and Peter Allen as our incumbent and re-elected board member. Thanks also for the votes for me; I will continue on as CCA President. The current CCA board slate is as follows: Officers Elizabeth Brownrigg (President) [email protected] Rik Bowman (Secretary / Treasurer) [email protected] Jerry Boxberger (Vice President) [email protected] Board Members Peter Allen [email protected] Kerry Dowding [email protected] Rob Hughes [email protected] Craig Osen [email protected] Elizabeth Brownrigg President  Carson Community Association

After a short closure in July, the Carson Food Bank and Clothing Boutique is now open again to all Carson residents on Thursday from 3.00–4.00 pm at the Carson Community Association Quonset Community Building.  Please note that masks are required to protect the volunteers and others during the continuing Covid-19 pandemic. There are no set qualifications to receive food or clothing. Everyone is included. The food can range from basic items such as bread, rice, and potatoes to fancy or even exotic delectables on occasion, depending on the donations received from grocery stores or restaurants that week. Read more about the history of the Carson Santo Nino Food Bank, which was started and is run by long-time Carson residents Richard and Tupper Hawley with the help of volunteers. Notification about closures will be posted in advance on the noticeboard or the calendar on this website.

Due to the continuing Covid-19 situation, CCA is unable able to host an in-person general meeting to hold board elections and will instead to do it by proxy. We have three nominees for the three positions up for election or re-election: Elizabeth Brownrigg, for President, incumbent Peter Allen, Board Member, incumbent Kerry Dowding, Board Member, new I encourage Carsonites to vote by sending me an email with a YAY or NAY to each candidate.  DEADLINE TO GET YOUR VOTE IN IS AUGUST 18. Remember to periodically check our website for updates. Elizabeth Brownrigg President Carson Community Association

About a week ago, the tractor pictured above and possibly some tools were taken from Greg Scott’s property. If you know anything at all about this, please contact the Sheriff: 575/737-6480, M-F, 10am-2pm. Whoever hauled away the tractor used one of my utility roads to access Greg Scott’s place. Additionally, a few months ago, Parker Haynes’ truck vanished, only to be found a few weeks later in Colorado. If you notice unusual activity or vehicles driving around, it might be a good idea to snap a photo of the license plate, or even call the sheriff. If you own a home here but it’s normally unoccupied, be sure not to leave valuables around, and, if possible, have it checked on periodically. In the 13 years I’ve lived here, we have had very few incidents of crime, and we want to keep it that way. I’m sad to have to report on these things. Let’s all please stay vigilant and keep an eye out. Elizabeth Brownrigg President Carson Community Association

There are two elections on the horizon. 2020 Primary Election – June 2, 2020 2020 General Election – November 3, 2020 Given social/physical distancing recommendations currently in force, you may want to apply for an Absentee Ballot, so you can vote by mail. You can print the form for absentee ballot application here: https://www.taoscounty.org/DocumentCenter/View/48/Absentee-Application-PDF Once you have completed the form, you must mail it to the the county clerk so that she receives it no later than 5:00 p.m. on Thursday, May 28, 2020 for the 2020 Primary Election, and again Thursday, October 30, 2020 for the General Election. You have to submit an application for each election. Send your completed form to: Anna Martinez, Taos County Clerk, 105 Albright Street Suite D Taos, NM 87571 You can email the County Clerk at: [email protected] Within twenty-three (23) days of Election Day, the county clerk must either mail the ballot or notice of rejection to the applicant as soon as practicable; provided that the ballot or a notice of rejection is sent not later than twenty-two (22) days before the election. You can learn more by going here:https://www.taoscounty.org/175/Bureau-of-Elections https://portal.sos.state.nm.us/OVR/WebPages/AbsenteeApplication.aspx   Elizabeth Brownrigg President,  Carson Community Association

2020 is National Census Year. Many of us in Carson will not have received forms through the mail, and it’s important for rural areas such as Carson to be included as it affects how financial resources will be allocated to us in the future.  New Mexico receives more than $7 billion a year in federal funding but this will continue to happen only if everyone completes the census. The funding helps communities across the state get improved roads, schools, health care programs, and more. This is a once-a-decade opportunity for us all to be counted and to count towards an important source of funding for the state and Carson. If you have not received forms, and you want to be counted, you can go to the following website to enter your information https://2020census.gov. You can also phone (844) 330-2020 to complete your census. Thank you for your participation. Elizabeth Brownrigg President,  Carson Community Association  

After a five-week closure due to lack of funding to purchase supplies, the CCA is happy to report that the Carson Food Bank and Clothing Boutique will resume its regular schedule starting on Thursday December 12. Distribution will, as usual, be at the CCA Community Building/Quonset from 3pm to 4pm. However, in the event the driveway is impassable, the food will be distributed at the Carson Cafe and Grocery. As long as funding and circumstances permit, the Carson Food Bank and Clothing Boutique will continue every Thursday, 3 – 4pm, at the CCA Community Building.   We want to thank everyone who donates money and/or time. It makes a difference to our community.   Elizabeth Brownrigg President,  Carson Community Association  

At the recent Carson Spring Bling Fling, some attendees had to flee the event early when they found themselves mercilessly bitten by tiny biting insects commonly referred to as biting midges or no-see-ums in North America. The no-see-um season generally lasts about two weeks in Carson, usually during the later half of June according to long-time Carsonites. However, with the unusually heavy amount of winter precipitation, Carson saw a longer no-see-um season and a much heavier population than in previous years. No-see-ums are flies in the order Diptera, family Ceratopogonidae that includes >4000 species in 78 genera worldwide, with >600 species in 36 genera in North America. The vast majority feed on other insects or other non-human animals, with species in only four genera feeding on the blood of mammals. Biting midges are not known to transmit disease agents to humans in the USA but they are vectors of the Blue Tongue virus, a major cause of disease in livestock. The most important genera are Culicoides, Leptoconops, and Forcipomyia. They go through the usual life cycle (egg, larva, pupa, and adult) which can last 2–6 weeks depending on species and environmental conditions. They may complete two or more generations per […]

From the CCA President Hi Everyone, I want to welcome all the new folks to Carson, and remind people that the Carson Community Association hosts several events throughout the year: Trash Pick-Up on Hwy 567 Day this year is on Wednesday, 5/8/19, 8:30am–noon. We will meet at the store and organize into small groups to walk along Hwy 567 and pick up the trash. Pizza will be provided at noon for all those who participate in keeping Carson beautiful! The Spring Bling Fling is a spring yard sale we have each spring, Saturday, 6/15/19, 11am–2pm. People bring their quality items to sell at the Fire Department, where we have tables set up, and donate 20% of their sales to the CCA. It’s a great time to meet and socialize, as well as buy and sell. The Fall Festival is in October at the store, Saturday, 10/12/19, 12–4pm. This is our major annual fundraiser. We have a wonderful raffle, a great BBQ and bake sale, entertainment, and folks can also bring things to sell. Holiday Pot-Luck Party is mid-December at the Quonset hut, Saturday, 12/14/19, 5–8pm. The CCA provides beverages, and people bring food to share. Sometimes we have a bonfire […]