Round the Roundhouse

04/14/2025

Pilgrimage to Santuario de Chimayó

“Preparedness tips for walkers & guidelines for motorists”

El Santuario de Chimayo Pilgrimage Preferred Route
As the annual pilgrimage to El Santuario de Chimayó approaches, Santa Fe County reminds the public that more than two dozen public safety agencies across the region are coordinating efforts to ensure the safety of thousands of peregrinos this Good Friday, April 18, 2025.

The Santa Fe County Fire Department, Office of Emergency Management, and Sheriff’s Office are working closely with regional partners to provide a unified safety response, including traffic management, emergency medical services, and on-the-ground assistance along the pilgrimage route.

Enhanced traffic patrols will be in effect. Law enforcement agencies, including the Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Office, New Mexico State Police, the Espanola Police Department, Rio Arriba Sheriff’s Office, Santa Fe City Police Department, Tesuque and Pojoaque Police Departments, Los Alamos Police Department, the Bureau of Indian Affairs, and Santa Fe County Animal Control, along with firefighters from various departments, will work together to safeguard the event.

Careful planning is crucial for those intending to participate. With traffic congestion in mind, consider developing a pre-planned route, check-in locations, and pre-arranged pick-up and drop-off points. Remember that cell phone service may be limited depending on your wireless carrier.

Pilgrim Safety Guidelines

Santuario Walkers:

Walk only on designated pedestrian paths and follow posted signage.
Wear weather-appropriate clothing, comfortable shoes, a hat, sunglasses, and layered attire.
Wear bright, visible colors and reflective gear; avoid dark clothing.
Carry a flashlight or glow stick for visibility at night.
Bring sufficient water, snacks, and sunscreen.
Walk in groups and avoid walking alone.
Stay off roadways and medians.
Call 911 in case of emergency.
Inform someone of your planned route and expected arrival time.
For additional safety tips, watch the Santa Fe County Fire Department’s video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aycDuQS4HAE.

Transportation Options
NCRTD
The North Central Regional Transit District (NCRTD) Blue Bus will provide a free shuttle service to Chimayo from the Cities of Gold Casino parking lot in addition to its regular route between Española and Chimayo to support pilgrims. For more information on transit schedules, visit RideTheBlueBus.com

04/10/2025

April's edition is now available in print and online, Roundtheroundhouse.com

03/27/2025

Summer reading Program.... sign up as instructor or sign up a child https://www.literacy.nm.gov/

03/27/2025

03/11/2025

March's edition of 'Round The Roundhouse is now available in print and online, roundtheroundhouse.com. Enjoy!

03/03/2025

Pancho Villa State Park will host Camp Furlong Day on March 8 as part of the Cabalgata Fiesta de Amistad in Columbus, New Mexico.

"Cabalgata Fiesta de Amistad" translates to "Horseback Riding Festival of Friendship" in English. It honors the March 6, 1916, surprise attack on Columbus and Camp Furlong by the Mexican revolutionary Francisco "Pancho" Villa triggering the U.S. military’s Punitive Expedition to capture him.

The festival features a horseback parade, a memorial, and various other events focusing on the legacy of the raid and Camp Furlong, now known as Pancho Villa State Park, and its pivotal role in U.S. and Mexican history.

“Fiesta de Amistad and Camp Furlong Day are powerful reminders of the importance of preserving New Mexico’s heritage, including our shared history with Mexico,” said Melanie A. Kenderdine, EMNRD Cabinet Secretary Designate. “Pancho Villa State Park connects the community to this legacy, ensuring future generations can learn about and appreciate the events that shaped our state.”

On Camp Furlong Day, visitors can take guided tours of the park’s Exhibit Hall, to explore the region’s history and learn how the camp became a state park. Guest speakers will also offer insights into events that shaped the Village of Columbus and the surrounding area.

Event Schedule:

9 a.m.: Guided historical tour of the village of Columbus.
10 a.m.: Professor Glenn Minuth, Cochise College, Douglas, AZ
“The Importance of Coote’s Hill in the Raid on Columbus”
Visitors will climb Coote’s Hill to learn about its tactical role in the raid and its geological significance. The presentation will cover the planning of the attack on Columbus and Camp Furlong.
1 p.m.: Professor Glenn Minuth, Cochise College, Douglas, AZ
“On the Border with the National Guard: Mobilizing for War in 1916”
Minuth will discuss the National Guard’s role during the 1916 border crisis, as President Woodrow Wilson mobilized 150,000 soldiers to prevent war with Mexico and prepare for the Mexican Expedition.
2 p.m.: Vernon Yates, Instructor, Fort Bliss Sergeants Major Academy, El Paso, TX
“Virtual Staff Ride – Columbus Raid”
This virtual tour will explore the Raid on Columbus, key figures in the event, and the chaos that unfolded during the attack on the town and its residents.
Event Details:

Date: March 8
Time: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Location: Pancho Villa State Park, Columbus, N.M.
Admission: Free (camping and utilities extra)
The park offers a large campground with utility hookups for recreational vehicles. Comfort stations are currently closed for repairs, but restrooms are available near the museum. For more information, call 575-531-2711 or visit Pancho Villa State Park.

For details on events taking place in the Village of Columbus, log onto https://villageofcolumbusnm.com/a-historic-celebration-cabalgata-fiesta-de-amistad-2025/.

02/24/2025

Gov. Lujan Grisham announces statewide support for laid off federal workers

Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham announced today that the New Mexico Department of Workforce Solutions, in partnership with the State Personnel Office and the Economic Development Department, is launching comprehensive support initiatives to assist individuals recently separated from federal employment.

This initiative includes a dedicated resource web page, recruitment events, and access to education and training opportunities.

“We are committed to ensuring that New Mexicans who have been abruptly dismissed from federal jobs have the resources and support they need to transition smoothly into new career opportunities,” said Gov. Lujan Grisham. “Our state agencies and partners are mobilizing to provide job assistance, education, and training to help our workforce thrive.”

The dedicated resource page is available on the Department of Workforce Solutions website: WorkForNM.com or www.dws.state.nm.us/FederalWorkerResources. The online resource offers vital information about unemployment insurance, job search and career support, and answers to frequently asked questions. This centralized hub aims to streamline access to critical resources for affected workers.

To connect federal workers recently separated from their jobs with immediate opportunities, recruitment events are scheduled at America’s Job Center New Mexico locations on the following dates:

Feb. 28, – Albuquerque and Santa Fe, 2 – 5 p.m.
March 7, – Carlsbad and Las Cruces, 2 – 5 p.m.

These events will feature employers ready to hire, including New Mexico State agencies, private sector businesses, and local municipalities. Attendees can explore career opportunities, network with potential employers, and learn about available education and training programs for career growth.

Those interested in career opportunities within state government may see openings on the State Personnel website, www.spo.state.nm.us.

Workers separated from employment from the federal government, federal contractors, or federal grantees are encouraged to apply for Unemployment Insurance. Applications may be submitted online at www.jobs.state.nm.us, by phone at 1-877-664-6984, or in person at any America’s Job Center New Mexico location. Additional information is available at www.dws.state.nm.us/UIQuickFacts.

New Mexico Workforce Connection - New Mexico's official online portal to virtual job matching services, employment resources, the Unemployment Insurance system, and much more.

02/12/2025

Our February edition is available in print and online, roundtheroundhouse.com

02/03/2025

February is American Heart Month
Wear red on Feb. 7 to support women’s heart health

Heart disease is the leading cause of death for men, women and most racial and ethnic groups in the United States and the leading cause of death of New Mexicans in 2022.
“This February we are encouraging New Mexicans to take steps to protect their heart health,” said Dr. Miranda Durham, chief medical officer for the New Mexico Department of Health. “And on February 7, join us in wearing red to raise awareness about heart disease and to support the many women who are impacted by it.”
High blood pressure is the leading cause of heart disease and nearly half of adults in the United States have high blood pressure. In New Mexico, 31.8% of the population had high blood pressure in 2021.

There are steps New Mexicans can take to lower their risk of high blood pressure and heart disease:

Eat healthy: Choose healthy meal and snack options including plenty of fruits and vegetables as well as foods high in fiber and protein. Avoid too much salt and saturated fat.
Keep yourself at a healthy weight: Being overweight increases your risk of high blood pressure.
Be physically active: Every week adults should get at least 2 hours and 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise, such as brisk walking or bicycling.
No smoking: Smoking, even occasionally, raises your blood pressure and puts you at a higher risk for heart attack and stroke.
Limit alcohol intake: Too much alcohol can raise your blood pressure.
Get enough sleep: Getting a healthy amount of sleep, seven to eight hours a night, helps keep your heart and blood vessels healthy.


For more information about heart disease visit the Centers for Disease Control and for more information about wear red day visit Go Red for Women.

01/15/2025

We have been asked to share this missing person alert. It is our understanding he was a former NM state officer.

01/15/2025

Here's the cover of our first edition of 2025.
This January edition is available in print and online, roundtheroundhouse.com

Happy New Year!

01/07/2025

Voting is now live, go vote!!! With almost 700 names submitted, the list has been narrowed down to the top 50.

We need your help in selecting the 12 winners, so please visit our website and vote now at https://www.dot.nm.gov/name-a-plow/.