Letters to the Editor (Nov. 9)

Belen Fire Department was extremely helpful 

Editor: 

We would very much like to thank the Belen Fire Department for their superb service during the most recent flooding a few weeks ago.  

We had been out working to sweep and shovel rainwater from pouring into our garage on West Aragon Road. Suddenly, a department vehicle pulled up and two firefighters started unloading sandbags to place around our flood gates — something that saved us from days of digging out from under the mud.  

It wasn’t until they left that we noticed they’d also placed sandbags along our front drive on North Mesa Road and those of our neighbors. We can’t express how grateful we were and how much work they’d saved us. I wished we’d gotten their names so we could thank them personally. 

We, two senior citizens, decided to move the sandbags, a couple a day, away from the driveways shortly after the storm. They are extremely heavy.  

As we struggled to lift them, a Belen Fire Department EMT vehicle pulled up, three men jumped out and, within minutes, they’d moved all the sandbags. Their uniforms got dusty, and I worried about their backs. They were good-natured, cheerful and wonderful — and this time we got a couple of their names: EMT/Firefighters Garcia and Carbajal, along with a hard-working trainee, who’d just happened to be passing by. 

This is to let our community know what fine, compassionate and helpful people are serving us all in our fire department and what wonderful attitudes they have. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts. 

  

B.W. and Sandra Battin 

Belen 

 

We appreciate our community for support 

Editor: 

Thank you to everyone that was involved with helping us host the 16th annual Capt. Tamara Long Archuleta Memorial Open Karate Championships tournament at Belen High School gymnasium on Oct. 21, 2023. 

The tournament program sponsors along with the competitors helped us to raise $5,000 for the Capt. Tamara Long Archuleta Scholarship Program for next year.   

Thank you to Mark Peter and Ranchero Builders Supply, Gene and Joann Carrillo Enterprises, Frank’s Septic Services, Felipe Silva Professional Contracting Builders, Pavlos and Nikki Panagopoulos Agency, Loyal Order of Moose Lodge No. 1680, d’Alicia’s Fine Jewelers, William and Neata Matturro, Robert Noblin, Noblin Funeral Service, Terrace Grove Cemetery, Terrace Grove Pet Services, Noblin Engraving, Rick Engler Trinseo, Sisneros Brothers MFG, Cole and Melanie McMahan, La Merced Moose Lodge No. 2550, and Caroline Spicher and Tasa Stromei Small Steps Visitation. 

We also appreciate and are thankful for Diana Wong NMDOT District 3-Women’s Veterans presenting the colors, Rev. Robert Browning Church of the Redeemer, and Isabella Carrillo singing the National Anthem. A big thank you to the Belen Consolidated Schools. 

Again, thank you to everyone and the Valencia County-News Bulletin and Mike Powers for their coverage of this event. 

  

Richard and Cindy Long 

Owner/operators of Belen Goju Ryu Karate