“Owning a home offers myriad benefits throughout the year, but some of the financial advantages of home ownership are most apparent at tax time,” said NAR President Ron Phipps, broker-president of Phipps Realty in Warwick, R.I. “As many of today’s hard-working American families are feeling a financial squeeze, the tax benefits that can come from owning a home can be a welcome relief.”

A number of tax deductions and credits are still available for home owners; these include deductions – with specific limits – for mortgage interest and capital gains on home sales, and credits for certain energy-efficient home improvements. Even with these benefits, home owners pay 80-90 percent of all U.S. federal income taxes.

“It’s been suggested that many of today’s tax incentives for home ownership primarily benefit wealthy individuals, but that’s simply not true,” said Phipps. “As today’s public debate continues about what home ownership means for families, communities, and the nation’s economy, there’s no question that for many, owning a home is still the best way to begin building wealth.”

Ninety-one percent of home owners who claim the mortgage interest deduction earn less than $200,000 a year, and the ability to deduct the interest paid on a mortgage can mean significant savings at tax time. For example, a family who bought a home in 2010 with a $200,000, 30-year, fixed-rate mortgage, assuming an interest rate of 4.5 percent, could save nearly $3,500 in federal taxes when they file this year.

“Realtors® see the very real positive impact of home ownership every day with our clients,” said Phipps. “Recent proposals to reduce or eliminate the mortgage interest deduction and remove government support of the housing finance market could have disastrous consequences for the economy, not to mention making it harder or nearly impossible for millions of families to own their own homes. We believe America must continue to invest in home ownership, for the future of our families and our nation.”

For home owner tax season tips, visit www.HouseLogic.com. HouseLogic is a free source of information from NAR that helps home owners maintain and enhance the value of their homes and engage in issues that affect their local communities.

The National Association of Realtors®, “The Voice for Real Estate,” is America’s largest trade association, representing 1.1 million members involved in all aspects of the residential and commercial real estate industries.

Don’t stay home today, c’mon over to Mary Mac’s and MAKE MERRY!

Thursday, Mar 17 St. Patrick’s Day  Corned Beef and Cabbage dinner complete with potatoes and Irish Soda Bread- noon – 5pm. Reservations not necessary but appreciated.

Friday, March 18 – Quemado Senior Center -Chatauqua performance of “Samuel Clemens – Mark Twain’s Shadow”.  4:30 DINNER ($6.75), followed by performance. at 6pm.  No charge for the performance.  More details to follow.

Saturday March 19th 9:30am-NOON Magdalena-Friends for Animals BAKE SALE  To be held in front of the Old Westland Realty Bldg on hwy 60.  Look for the sign. Lots of good things to eat!

Saturday March 19th Meeting of the Catron County historical Society will include Richard Nichols giving a talk on the Mormon influence in Luna at the Quemado Community Center at 1 p.m.(From Mary Johnson, CCHS)

RIB-EYE STEAK NIGHT AT MARY MAC’S CAFE – 4:30pm-7pm

Sunday March 20 – FIRST DAY OF SPRING!

What: Today, the Census Bureau shipped local 2010 Census data to the governor and leadership of the state legislature in New Mexico. After confirmation of receipt, usually within 24 hours of shipment, the Census Bureau will issue a news release with five custom tables of data for the state. Tuesday’s release is expected around 2 p.m. EDT. At that time, the full set of data will be available via FTP download at http://www2.census.gov/census_2010/01-Redistricting_File–PL_94-171/. Within 24 hours after release, the data will be posted on the Census Bureau’s new American FactFinder site http://factfinder2.census.gov.

The data will include summaries of population totals, as well as data on race, Hispanic origin and voting age for multiple geographies within the state, such as census blocks, tracts, voting districts, cities, counties and school districts.

According to Public Law 94-171, the Census Bureau must provide redistricting data to the 50 states no later than April 1 of the year following the census. As a result, the Census Bureau is delivering the data state-by-state on a flow basis in February and March. All states will receive their data by April 1, 2011.

For More Information:

For more information on the Census Bureau’s Redistricting Data Program, visit http://www.census.gov/rdo and http://2010.census.gov/news/press-kits/redistricting.html.

Please visit http://2010.census.gov/2010census/data/ for an interactive map showcasing county-level population change from 1960 to 2010, as well as state-level data on race and Hispanic or Latino origin for 2010. The widget will be updated as states are released and can be embedded on your website.

Follow us on Twitter, Facebook, Flickr and YouTube (/uscensusbureau).

PROPANE DISPENSING STATION

You can now get your 20-100 lb. propane tanks filled in Datil.  Come and see Parker

Mon, Wed, Thurs, Fri. Sat. 9am-4pm

Sun 11am-4pm

At present station will be closed on Tuesdays, same as the café.  That will change in the near future.   772-5600.

We are still accepting PLASTIC GROCERY BAGS FOR THE FOOD PANTRY – bring them in any time.  We’re also accepting PERSONAL HYGIENE PRODUCTS, small size hotel/motel soaps, etc. Plus large size shampoos, shaving cream, razors, individual tissue packets, and what have you for struggling veterans in ALBUQUERQUE.  This will be a continuous project, at least until September.  Bring in to Mary Mac’s any time.

MARY MAC’S HOURS

Mon     Tues       Wed     Thurs    Fri    Sat   Sun

8-5   CLOSED   8-5        8-5        8-5   8-7   9-4

7784 Hwy 60, Datil   772-5600

Daily specials!

ROSWELL, N.M.,/ — Beginning this past Sunday, more than 90,000 Alltel customers joining AT&T* saw a change as AT&T expanded its service in Southern New Mexico.(1) AT&T has rebranded Alltel to AT&T in Las Cruces and in Chaves, Cibola, Eddy, Grant, Hidalgo, Lee, Lincoln, Luna, and Otero Counties and is introducing AT&T’s exciting lineup of products and services to these customers.

Since its acquisition of the Alltel wireless assets in Southern New Mexico, AT&T has invested significantly to transition the former Alltel network infrastructure to AT&T, with the nation’s fastest mobile broadband network. Now, Alltel customers in Southern New Mexico have access to AT&T’s industry-leading portfolio of mobile devices.

The rebranding effort includes the former Alltel stores at:

• 105 North Rosedale, Silver City, 88061
• 114 A2 Highway 70, Ruidoso, 88345
• 1223 West Pierce Street, Carlsbad, 88220
• 1300 El Paseo Road, Suite A, Las Cruces, 88001
• 1819 North Turner, Hobbs, 88240
• 325 West Main Street, Artesia, 88210
• 4311 North Main Street, Roswell, 88201
• 650 South White Sands Boulevard, Alamogordo, 88310

The rebranding effort also includes AT&T offerings at the following authorized retailers:

• Advance Wireless, 105 West 6th Street, Roswell, 88201
• What’s Up? Wireless locations at:
  • 1314 South Canal Street, Carlsbad, 88220
  • 922 West Avenue D, Lovington, 88260
  • 412 East Bender Boulevard, Hobbs, 88240(4)
• Radio Shack locations at:
  • 1401 North Turner, Broadmoor Shopping Center, Hobbs, 88240
  • 2360 Highway 180 East, Silver City, 88061
  • 2521 South Canal, Suite A, Carlsbad 88220
  • 4501 North Main Street, Space 405, Roswell, 88201
• Sam’s Club, 4400 North Main Street, Roswell, 88201

Trained sales consultants are available to demonstrate a wide range of advanced wireless products and services. Shoppers can also test the latest smartphones, quick messaging devices, netbooks and tablets. Customers have the opportunity to learn how to get the most from social networking, manage photos or navigate with GPS on exciting exclusive AT&T devices.

“We’re thrilled to welcome former Alltel customers to the AT&T community, and we’re confident that they will enjoy a fantastic wireless experience with AT&T,” said Chris Percy vice president and general manager for AT&T Mobility and Consumer Markets in the Desert Southwest Region. “We’ve been working nonstop to upgrade the Alltel network, and today we’re proud that customers in this area have access to the fastest mobile broadband network and a wireless network that covers 97 percent of all Americans as well as offers the best international coverage of any U.S. wireless provider — with voice service in more than 220 countries and data service in 200 countries.”

Former Alltel consumer wireless customers in this area have the option to receive a brand new AT&T 3G handset, comparable to their existing device, at no additional cost.(2) The vast majority of customers choosing free comparable devices are able to keep their existing rate plans, with no additional time commitment required.

Customers also have the opportunity to upgrade their devices for an additional fee and with a new two-year contract, with current AT&T rates and associated data plan. In addition to the benefits for all former Alltel customers joining AT&T in Southern New Mexico, customers choosing an AT&T rate plan will also enjoy A-List with Rollover®, exclusive to AT&T, which offers unlimited calling to up to 10 additional numbers on any network and allows customers to keep their unused Anytime Minutes for up to 12 months.(3)

Customers with questions about the transition process may visit www.att.com/alltel, call (800) 331 0500 or speak with a sales representative at a local retail location.

(1) AT&T is expanding its service in Southern New Mexico as a result of its acquisition of wireless assets from Verizon Wireless on June 22, 2010. AT&T continues to expect to launch service to former Alltel subscribers in the remainder of New Mexico in early 2011.

(2) Applies only to postpaid customers with a contract. Customers with laptop cards and netbooks may not have a choice of devices, but they are eligible for a comparable new device at no additional charge.

(3) A-List is available only with Individual plans $59.99 and over per month and FamilyTalk plan $89.99 or over per month. Other terms and conditions apply. Unused Rollover Minutes expire after the 12th billing period of the month minutes have been accumulated. Night and Weekend and Mobile to Mobile Minutes not included.

(4) The What’s Up? Wireless location in Hobbs will relocate to 1710 W Joe Harvey Blvd, Suite F&G, Hobbs, NM 88240 by May 2011.

*AT&T products and services are provided or offered by subsidiaries and affiliates of AT&T Inc. under the AT&T brand and not by AT&T Inc.

About AT&T

AT&T Inc. (NYSE: T) is a premier communications holding company. Its subsidiaries and affiliates – AT&T operating companies – are the providers of AT&T services in the United States and around the world. With a powerful array of network resources that includes the nation’s fastest mobile broadband network, AT&T is a leading provider of wireless, Wi-Fi, high speed Internet and voice services. A leader in mobile broadband, AT&T also offers the best wireless coverage worldwide, offering the most wireless phones that work in the most countries.  It also offers advanced TV services under the AT&T U-verse® and AT&T |DIRECTV brands. The company’s suite of IP-based business communications services is one of the most advanced in the world. In domestic markets, AT&T Advertising Solutions and AT&T Interactive are known for their leadership in local search and advertising.

Additional information about AT&T Inc. and the products and services provided by AT&T subsidiaries and affiliates is available at http://www.att.com.  This AT&T news release and other announcements are available at http://www.att.com/newsroom and as part of an RSS feed at www.att.com/rss. Or follow our news on Twitter at @ATT. Find us on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/ATT to discover more about our consumer and wireless services or at www.Facebook.com/ATTSmallBiz to discover more about our small business services.

Do you know about the Very Large Array? Also known as the VLA, it’s a radio astronomy observatory located between the towns of Magdalena and Datil, about 50 miles west of Socorro on US Route 60. The VLA is composed of 27 independent antennas, each of which has a dish diameter of 25 meters (82 feet) and weighs 209 metric tons (ergo, the Very Large part of the name).

They’re quite the fascinating site, and they’re gearing up to begin their yearly series of guided tours. Starting Saturday, April 2, 2011, special guided tours will be offered beginning at 11AM. The late start is to accommodate visitors who also would like to visit the Trinity site. The drive from the Trinity Site to the VLA takes about 2 hours.

VLA tours will leave the visitor center every half hour, with the last tour beginning at 4:00 p.m. Each tour takes a bit more than one hour, they are free, and no reservations are required.

The visitor center is open every day from 8:30 a.m. to dusk for self-guided walking tours. More information can be found here.

The VLA hosts tours EVERY FIRST SATURDAY OF EACH MONTH from 11:00AM – 3:00 PM including hands-on, family friendly activites related to the monthly theme. The event culminates in an evening Guided Night Sky Star Gazing at the Etscorn Observatory on the Campus of NM Tech in Socorro. The night time event begins at dark and lasts two hours, weather permitting. Contact Judy Stanley (jstanley@nrao.edu) at 575-835-7243.

Thank you, readers of Global Traveler! They voted our fair state “Best Domestic Tourism Destination” for 2010–—and we totally agree! According to the editors, “In the role as best domestic tourism destination, New Mexico definitely delivers.” In fact, it delivered better than Arizona, Hawaii, New York, Louisiana, Florida, Washington, Oregon, Colorado and Texas (we snatched top spot from AZ, who claimed the title in 2009).

“Our survey is unique from others as our readers have the only say,” said Francis Gallagher, publisher and CEO of the travel magazine written for executive business travelers. “Our yearly awards are sought after, highly respected and an unbiased reflection of the best in travel from those who know.”

The award was accepted by Martin Leger, advertising manager for the Department of Tourism, who stated: “Our great state continues to offer opportunity for new exploration, knowledge and adventure. Diverse cultures have shaped this land, its history and its people. Many choices for fulfilling vacations exist in all parts of the state and these diverse, cultural resources provide a multitude of intriguing possibilities for our visitors.”

We couldn’t have said it better ourselves.

Take a closer look at all New Mexico has to offer, including gorgeous expanses of prime land with breathtaking views and the peace and quiet you’ve been craving.

Progress is good! We’ve just put up additional power lines at Ponderosa Views, just minutes away from Pie Town, located right on the Continental Divide.

With 3,000 acres of wide open spaces, Ponderosa Views is the ideal spot to settle down on your own 10 – 20 acre piece and live out your very own version of the American Dream.

Stop by our offices or browse for your own spot online today!

C’mon over and enjoy our GAME NIGHT/CARE PACKAGE BUILDING PARTY for the 2/5 Marines currently deployed.

When: Sat. Feb. 19    2-4 pm

Place: Datil Baptist Church fellowship hall.

Who: Friends, families and supporters of our military are invited to attend.  Regional reps Harold and Ann Jenkerson will host the event in conjunction with a similar event at Camp Pendleton.

What: Participants can play games and bring donations to fill Game Night themed packages for a deployed company of the 2/5 Marines. Suggestions include: small hand held games, travel size games, jerky, cards, magazines, cigarettes, dip, gift cards, iTunes cards, music, etc.

For more information contact Ann at 772-5156. Come for an afternoon of fun, or if unable to attend, drop off a donation to support these Marines. Thanks for your support.

Be a pioneer! Head out to Santa Fe for the  first annual Santa Fe Winter Fiesta, taking place place February 18 – 27, 2011 throughout Santa Fe’s historic streets and in the nearby Rocky Mountains. Each day will be a celebration of the season with daily special events focusing on Santa Fe’s bountiful outdoor opportunities, Native American and Spanish cultures, the region’s savory and diverse cuisine, the city’s performing arts, and Santa Fe’s endless fine arts.

Click here to reserve your winter lanyard and enjoy a ton of discounts!

The festival will conclude with the 14th Annual ARTfeast, one of Santa Fe’s most popular annual events.