October 27th, 2020

Covid and closures
As the number od COVID cases iin NM continues to climb and remain high, many communities are responding with increased restrictions in addition to those set by the state.  Noting the risk posed statewide and locally, Las Vegas Mayor Louie Trujillo issued a curfew for “every day of the week for the hours between 10:00 p.m. and 5:00 a.m.”  effective through November 6th. In Las Cruces, in Dona Ana County, which has seen the highest number of cases statewide on several days during the past week, Mayor Miyagashima issued an emergency proclamation increasing enforcement of mask wearing and closing the city’s indoor recreation facilities for a week. 
 
In addition, the first winter storm, which has sent welcome moisture to much of the drought-stricken state, has caused delays and closed several facilities, including the Las Vegas Abe Montoya Recreation Center and the San Miguel County magistrate court. Between virus numbers and snow accumulation, it seems a good time to stay home for a few days, if possible. 
 
At the Center - Food and Agriculture
The EVCC is winding down a successful produce distribution program that was made possible by funding from the New Mexico Farmers' Marketing Association.  The program allowed the distribution of bags of produce to over 40 participants, including seniors and other community members in the El Valle region. Funding allowed the center to support local agriculture by purchasing produce from growers in the valley and distributing it locally to those in need. This benefitted the community and local agriculture by increasing incentives for growers to distribute their product locally, making it possible to keep locally grown food in the area and providing a food resource in a community that is classified, despite its rich agricultural tradition, as a food desert due to an absence of grocery retail outlets. The Center plans to expand the program next year to include a local farmers market outlet and a subscription CSA. 
 
Additionally the food front – starting in late November, the Community Center will become a distribution point for the ECHO commodity food program for seniors living in the El Valle region.  The program includes distribution of food boxes every other month to anyone over 60 who meets the income criteria of need. To learn more, consult the program flier and fill out a program application. For more information, contact the El Valle Community ‘Center at 505-660-3434 or email elvallecenter@gmail.com.