Advisory Council needs representatives

The United States Postal Service is seeking residents to serve on Rio Rancho’s Postal Consumer Advisory Council (RRPCAC).

The RRPCAC provides a venue for council members to meet with postal representatives to discuss issues as well as provide ideas and suggestions for improving customer satisfaction. The Postal Service also works with council members to promote consumer knowledge of changes to local programs, policies, and procedures.

Applications can be obtained at the Rio Rancho Post Office at 900 Pinetree Road.



Homework assistance available at the Library

It’s a bird, it’s a plane — no it’s the Homework League. The Homework League, a homework assistance program, will now be available at the Esther Bone Memorial Library on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.. Children in grades K-9 are eligible to receive homework tutoring.

The Homework League is a group of dedicated super Rio Rancho High School students. These students are all members of the National Honor Society and volunteer at both the Loma Colorado Main Library and now the Esther Bone Memorial Library. Able to demonstrate long division in a single bound, tutor reading, assist with science fair projects — these heroic tutors can help children master their homework.

Students who need homework assistance should check in at the Youth Services Desk, Esther Bone Memorial Library, 950 Pinetree Rd.

For more information, call Youth Services at 891-5012, ext 4.

Blue Star Mothers

Once again, the Rio Rancho Blue Star Mothers are reaching out to Rio Rancho and surrounding communities for help. On Oct. 18, Blue Star families and volunteers will pack approximately 350 boxes of snacks, entertainment and hygiene items for shipment to troops deployed overseas and stateside.

In addition to contributions of miscellaneous items, the Blue Star Moms need financial contributions to cover the cost of postage at $9.95 per box.

“To ensure that no one serving our country is overlooked, we invite the community to submit the names and complete addresses of their loved ones in the military,” said Marla Griffith, chapter president. “This information will be held in strictest confidence,” Griffith continued, “and will be destroyed immediately after the mailing.” Send the required information to cnizio3@yahoo.com.

To request a list of items most appreciated by the troops, call 792-4552 or send an e-mail to lalag007@msn.com. Financial contributions can be mailed to Rio Rancho Blue Star Mothers, c/o Financial Secretary, P.O. Box 15594, Rio Rancho, NM 87174.

Start using 575 area code Monday

The New Mexico Public Regulation Commission would like to remind consumers that the 505/575 area code split relief plan, approved in 2006 by the state PRC, will enter its final phase today, when mandatory dialing becomes effective.

Once mandatory dialing starts, callers must use the correct area code to complete their calls. A recorded announcement will be played when a caller dials the old 505 area code for a number that moved to the new 575 area code.

That recording will direct callers to hang up and redial.

Retaining the 505 area code is the northwestern part of the state, including Albuquerque, Espanola, Farmington, Gallup, Las Vegas, Santa Fe, Shiprock and most of the Navajo Nation.

The southern and eastern portions of the state, including Alamogordo, Carlsbad, Clovis, Deming, Hobbs, Las Cruces, Penasco, Roswell, Raton, Silver City and Taos will be served by the new 575 area code.