VALLE VISTA
Environment writer Paskus at the Harwood
Writer-reporter Laura Paskus, a 2019 Aldo and Estella Leopold Writing Program resident, has settled into Mi Casita to begin work on finishing her book, “At the Precipice: New Mexico’s Changing Climate.”
On Tuesday (June 25), at 7 p.m. at the Harwood Museum in Taos, Paskus will read excerpts from her forthcoming book in a free event and take questions and comments from the audience.
“I’m excited to take a step back from day-to-day reporting and have the time and solitude to make sure my work will not only serve the public today, but also provide an accurate and lasting record for future generations,” said Paskus, who is an environmental reporter for New Mexico Political Report, a correspondent for PBS “New Mexico in Focus” and a full-time graduate student at University of New Mexico.
The Southwest is “ground zero” for climate change as it is warming more rapidly than the global average, Paskus said. A decrease in the annual snowpack and earlier runoffs are among the impacts already occurring in New Mexico and surrounding states. All these factors will dry out soils sooner in the spring, and produce longer wildfire seasons and a more severe public health hazard due to an increase in dust storms, she said.
In her book to be published by UNM Press, Paskus outlines and explains the impacts of climate change in a way that makes it “accessible to a general readership and useful for both decision-makers and scientists.”
Big Costilla reunion planned
A major reunion is planned for Costilla, Amalia and surrounding villages on July 6-7. Residents and families of other villages such as Poleo, Zacate Blanco, El Llano, Ventero, New Mexico; and Garcia and Jaroso, Colorado, also are invited. Former and current residents are invited to attend the celebration at the Plaza de Arriba in the heart of Costilla, off State Road 522. Watch for more details in The Taos News.
Balloons over Angel Fire The annual Balloons over Angel Fire festivities begin Friday (June 14) and continue through Father’s Day (June 16). Mass ascensions are planned at 7 a.m. each morning with balloon glow at 9 p.m. on Saturday night. The Rotary Club will be serving up burritos from 7-9 a.m. Enjoy balloon vendor booths in the morning and music in the afternoons.
Cleveland Roller Mill open for summer
The historic Cleveland Roller Mill Museum is open now through the summer. The hours are 10 a.m. to
3 p.m. weekends through Labor Day. Admission $3 per person.
There will be a benefit dance and potluck for the museum on Aug. 10 from
4:30 to 10 p.m. The Rifters will play boot-scootin’ country dance music from 7ish till
10ish p.m. Tickets are $20 per person. Camping is available. Potluck breakfast for those that stay over.
The museum is located just off State Road 518 near mile marker 31.5 near Cleveland, New Mexico. For more information, call (575) 3872645 or go to the website at