First- and second-grade students at Placitas Elementary School
write about and illustrate the things for which they are thankful.

I am thankful for . . .

—Submitted by Tim Nadeau

Placitas charter school moves forward

Bernalillo Public Schools has approved the application of the Village Academy Charter School in Placitas, allowing the charter committee to proceed toward opening the kindergarten-through-eighth-grade school in August 2005.

Committee chair Rosanne Eakin wishes to thank the board for their cooperative response to the community's application. She also would like to thank all the members of the community who have worked so long and hard developing the school's curriculum and plan.

Committee member Anna Rutins commented that the committee had put in tremendous effort all year and had "much to be thankful for."

The VACS committee now may fine-tune their schedules and committee assignments. Further information is available from Rosanne Eakin, 867-5980, Ebigsis@cs.com.

Placitas Library winter holiday celebration, book signing

—Sue Strasia
President

Calling all kids young and old, you are invited to the Placitas Community Library’s first annual Winter Holiday Celebration and Meet An Author on December 11 from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Kids, come join in the cookie decorating, story time, and holiday goodies. Guest author Richard E. Peck will sign and discuss six of his books from 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. The most recent are Dead Pawn (a New Mexico mystery), Strategy of Terror (a thriller), and A New Mexico Experience (a popular history from thirty historical figures in New Mexico).

Richard Peck lives in Placitas with his wife, Donna, after nine years as UNM president. He is a former Marine Corps pilot, disk jockey, and stand-up comic, and a current grandfather.

Coming soon, genealogy and book-discussion groups.

Sign up in the library if you are interested in participating in grant writing, site development, or programming.

Library services include participating in the NM State Library Interlibrary Loan System, high-speed Internet, a computer with Windows 2000, and over four thousand books to choose from. We’re out of room! It’s time to rent a storage unit to house new and incoming books.

Library hours are from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Saturdays, and anytime you see the American flag flying at the library. A new phone has been installed. Please call 867-3355 during library hours for any questions or comments.

Thank you for voting Yes on the library bond, and congratulations to Anne Frost, vice president of the library. She has received certified librarian status, making it possible for the library to qualify for state funding. Due to Anne’s efforts and your vote, the Placitas Community Library is now eligible for an estimated $17,000. This will go a long way towards programs, books, and computers. Happy holidays!