The Voice of Central New Mexico College
Photos by
Mark Graven
Staff Writer
The Memorial Day thunderstorm may have poured approximately two inches of rain on parts of Albuquerque, according to the weatherman. Along H Building at CNM’s Montoya Campus the influx of moisture is paying off big time in terms of extremely green grass for at least the first week of June. North of Montoya, across the arroyo, at Oso Grande State Park, it is green, almost as far as the eye can see.
Photos by
Mark Graven
Staff Writer
As of May 28th, the foundation for the new catering/brewery facility at Robert P. Matteuchi Hall on CNM’s Main Campus has been laid, and the superstructure is being erected. Brycon Construction of Albuquerque is the general contractor for the job.
Story and Photos
by Mark Graven
Staff Writing
Walking through the parking lot of CNM’s Student Service Center on the sunny afternoon of May 25th, sounds of a ball game were reverberating.
Looking over the fence on the South side of CNM’ main campus, one could see fans in the stands at Isotopes Stadium.
An organ player was revving up the crowd with traditional baseball motivators like the “Charge” cheer; “Day-O, Day-O,” and Neil Diamond’s “Sweet Caroline.”
The Albuquerque Isotopes were hosting the Oklahoma City Dodgers. The score of the game ended up 12 to 0, in favor of the Dodgers, but sports were back, in an area where they had been dormant because of the covid pandemic.
So there appeared to be some joy in ABQ, even though the home team had struck out. Fans were in the stands, and cars were filling the parking lots. Baseball was bringing the New Mexico sports Mecca–which also includes University Stadium for UNM Lobo football and “The Pit” basketball arena– back to life.
Folks can checks the Isotopes website for the schedule of games and ticket prices.
Story by
Angela Harrington
Staff Reporter
United States President Joe Biden unveiled on April 28, 2021, the American Families Plan, which according to a Fact Sheet released on the same day by whitehouse.gov is a plan that is going to offer 2 years of community college to all Americans, including DREAMers.
It also proposes to provide an increase in the amount of individual Pell Grant awards by an additional $1,400 per student and allow DREAMers to access Pell Grants as well.
The Plan would also provide two years of free universal pre-K education, make child care more affordable, provide twelve weeks of paid family and medical leave to employees, as well as additional provisions.
Through legislative processes, Congress will consider the proposal.
The House and Senate have to pass the bill before it can take effect.
If the bill does not receive bipartisan support, then it may onlybe able to pass through a reconciliation vote, which requires only a simple majority vote in the Senate.
The money to finance this plan will come from taxes according to whitehouse.gov, but the majority of Americans will not feel the impact of those taxes.
The taxes will be taken from people who make $400,000 or more annually.
To read more about the proposed plan check out this link:
To learn more about what a reconciliation vote is and how it works, check out this link:
https://budget.house.gov/publications/fact-sheet/budget-reconciliation-basics
Flower Photos by
Mark Graven
Staff Writer
While most CNM students are on break between Spring and Summer semesters, the roses in the garden, by Smith Brasher Hall on Main Campus, are busy blooming during the second week of May.
Story and Photos by
Angela Harrington
Staff Reporter
CNM’s first ever post virtual graduation ceremony celebration was a success!
Graduating students and their friends and families lined up in their vehicles to make their way through the Smith-Brasher parking lot on Saturday May 1st, and patiently waited to be cheered and revered for the successes they have accomplished.
Sol the Suncat was there to make sure it was a lively time!
The route was lined with faculty and staff, clapping and waving, as each graduate rolled up and got out of their vehicle to be presented with a beautiful diploma cover and other school memorabilia.
As the traditional Pomp and Circumstance March played over the loud speaker, Dean of Students Chris Cavazos busily coordinated the announcement of each graduate’s name as they arrived.
CNM President Tracy Hartzler greeted the graduates and happily posed for quick photos with them as they made their way around the stage area, where CNM Board Members and additional faculty were waiting to congratulate them.
There was no shortage of enthusiasm or elation at the socially distanced and masked celebration.
See slide show below
Story and Photos by
Mark Graven
Staff Writer
Work on the Ken Chappy Hall remodel is progressing, as the Spring semester winds up. Â
The connection hallway/lounge between KC and Max Salazar looked to be in completed form. But a gander down the central hallway in KC showed a lot of work left to be done. Â
Workers under the supervision of Franken Construction Company of Albuquerque have installed some artsy-looking brick walls on the South side of KC, appropriate to serving as the home of the Art Department, with a naturally lit, cupola-topped art space in the middle of the KC to replace an open courtyard.
Story by
Dominique Lemus
Staff reporter
Topgolf Albuquerque
According to Topgolf employee, Jake Plotkin Topgolf is open Mondays through Sundays from 10am to 10pm.
Covid policies currently required reservations for bays required, and max capacity per bay is six people, including infants & children.
The bar and common areas are open for walk-ins but all guests are required to wear a facemask when in the venue.
Healthcare workers and Teachers are given a discount of 10% off all Topgolf game play plus additional benefits are offered for healthcare workers and teachers through April 30, 2021.
The normal cost per bay is listed below.
| Â | Tuesdays | Wednesdays -Mondays |
| Open-12PM | 12.50/hr per bay | $25/hr per bay |
| 12PM -5PM | $17.50/hr per bay | $35/hr per bay |
| 5PM- Close | $22.50/hr per bay | $45/hr per bay |
The Albuquerque Museum
According to Albuquerque museum employee, Haley Webb the Albuquerque Museum is open Tuesday and Wednesday 9 to 5, Thursdays through Sundays 9 to 8, and closed Mondays.
Covid policies currently require everyone to wear a facemask, and only 40 people are allowed in the museum every 30 minutes.
Tickets are not available to buy at the museum but are available to buy online through Hold My Ticket only.
The current cost for tickets is listed below.
| Seniors / Adults / NM Residents | $10 |
| Children 12 and under | Free |
| Albuquerque Museum Foundation Members with ID | $5 |
ABQ Biopark
According to the city of Albuquerque employee, Tim Garcia the Biopark is 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Wednesday-Sunday and closed Mondays and Tuesdays.
Covid policies are social distancing between guests, restrooms will be available and are cleaned and sanitized frequently.
All ABQ BioPark staff members are required to wear facemasks and all guests are required to wear a facemask unless eating or drinking.
The Biopark is limiting the number of tickets available each day.
Guests can choose a time and date when they can buy tickets online and must arrive within a half-hour of that time.
There is a military discount offered, the normal cost for tickets is listed below.
| Adult | Senior (65+) | Youth (3-12) | |
| New Mexico resident | $10.00 | $5.50 | $5.00 |
| Non-resident | $14.50 | $7.50 | $6.00 |
| Military discount- New Mexico resident | – $8.00 | $4.00 | |
| Military discount- Non-resident | $12.50 | $5.00 |
* Children (2 and under) – Free with a purchase of an adult ticket
ABQ BioPark – Botanic Garden
According to city of Albuquerque employee, Renee Castillo the Botanic Garden is open from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Wednesday-Sunday and closed Mondays and Tuesdays.
Covid policies require guests to buy tickets online just like the zoo and wear a facemask unless they are eating or drinking.
Outdoor food and beverage options and outdoor kiosks for merchandise are available.
Food can also be order online from the restaurants ahead of time.
There is a military discount offered, the cost for tickets is listed below.
| Adult | Senior (65+) | Youth (3-12) | |
| New Mexico resident | $10.00 | $5.50 | $5.00 |
| Non-resident | $14.50 | $7.50 | $6.00 |
| Military discount- New Mexico resident | – $8.00 | $4.00 | |
| Military discount- Non-resident | $12.50 | $5.00 |
* children (2 and under) – Free with a purchase of an adult ticket
Sandia Peak Tramway
According to Sandia Peak Tramway’s marketing manager, Jessica Fox they are open 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday through Mondays, closed Tuesdays, and Wednesdays.
Covid policies are that guests will be required to wear a facemask while on the Tramway and in Tram facilities, disposable face coverings will be available for use and temperature checks will be required.
TEN 3 Restaurant on the property will be doing indoor dining at 25% capacity.
Tramcars will operate at one-third capacity and will be cleaned and sanitized between each trip.
Windows and vents will be open during the tram flight and they ask you to wear warm clothing because it can be chilly.
Tram Tickets are available to buy online 24 hours before the day you plan to arrive and are limited.
There is a military discount offered, the cost for tickets is listed below.
| Adult 21 & Over | Child 0-12 | Young Adult 13-20 | Senior 62 & Over | Military* W/ valid ID | |
| Round-Trip Tram Ride | $25 | $15 | $20 | $20 | $20 |
| One-Way | $15 | $15 | $15 | $15 | $15 |
Story and Photos by
Mark Graven
Staff Writer
As summer-time begins to settle on Albuquerque, many ducks have already flown north. The duck population at the UNM Duck Pond–which numbers easily more than 500 Ducks in mid-winter– is down to less than a hundred now in mid-April.
Two large white ducks were taking in the sun on the gravel path next to the pond, and seemed in no hurry to leave, on April 13th. Some mallards were paddling slowly around in the water, enjoying a lot more room to maneuver. Others were floating around a grouping of rocks, and sometimes stopping to rest.
After-all, it is summertime, and the living is easy, at the UNM Duck Pond.
See slide show below.
Story by Angela Harrington
Photos by CNM Chronicle
Staff Reporter
This year’s CNM graduation ceremony, scheduled for May 1st at 12 noon, will be virtual again, according to CNM Dean of Students, Chris Cavazos.
“A lot of factors played into the decision to go virtual” said Cavazos.
Cavazos said that the decision to hold a virtual ceremony had to be made in advance due to the need to procure vendors and the venue.
He said that normally they use Tingley Coliseum or Expo New Mexico to hold in-person ceremonies, but due to the pandemic these venues were not an option.
“Obviously we didn’t expect to be doing another virtual ceremony a year later. Last year was kind of a spur of the moment, let’s put something together and go for it [situation]” he said.
Due to timelines and the need for planning, the decision to remain virtual was made in late February, and confirmed in the middle of March, according to Cavazos.
“We are aware of other schools, especially APS, who are holding in-person ceremonies; but we had already at that point decided to do virtual for planning purposes” he said.
There is still some chance for an in-person drive-through recognition celebration, on the same day as the virtual ceremony, said Cavazos.
The proposed celebration may consist of a drive-through diploma pick-up in front of the Student Services Center, according to Cavazos.
He said, “The celebration that we’re hoping to plan is going to be more about fun and recognition. Kind of like when you walk out of the ceremony and you start cheering and clapping. That’s what the celebration piece will be.”
It may be a chance for graduating students to put on the cap and gown, if they choose to, and celebrate at a distance, according to Cavazos.
He said that this has not been fully approved yet but that he hopes to have a decision and final details pertaining to this in the next week or so.
Cavazos said, “Cap and gown are not required for the virtual ceremony. However, graduation items are available to purchase through Jostens.”
What is for certain though, is that the virtual graduation ceremony will be available to family and friends from anywhere in the world, by attending online, according to Cavazos.
“There are some pluses, some positives, to a virtual ceremony” Cavazos said.
Cavazos encourages graduates to participate in the virtual ceremony. If a student believes that they are eligible to participate, but they have not received an email with instructions, please contact the Student Activities office or email graduationceremony@cnm.edu.
According to Cavazos there are some deadlines for signing up. To have your name appear in the program, you must sign up by April 9th. To be part of the recording and have your name read out loud, the deadline is April 16th.
“I would definitely encourage participation, although it’s not as ideal as an in-person ceremony, such as previous graduates and future graduates will be able to experience” said Cavazos.
Students have earned the opportunity to participate in a ceremony and it’s their day, he said.
“Everyone is going to remember this time forever. So why not say, I graduated during a pandemic? That makes it an even bigger accomplishment, if you ask me” Cavazos said.
He said that the school wants the students to be recognized for their accomplishments.
“CNM is doing the best we can with what’s available now and what we’re allowed, to make it a memorable day” stated Cavazos.
Additional information about the proposed accompanying drive-through celebration will be made available as soon as the decision is finalized, said Cavazos.
He said, “For all our students, graduating or not, just to be successful in their education during this time of crisis, is really something to recognize and be proud of.” The Chronicle will continue to keep you updated as more information becomes available.
