C Lloyd McKenzie, MBA, e-PRO, CDPE

Today I received an email from an individual who asked, ‘Why are you blogging about Albuquerque Academy (AA) on a real estate blog?’ I thought for a minute then I decided to make it the topic of my blog.
First of all, let my preface my answer by giving you some background information. My affiliation with Albuquerque Academy (AA) started in 1999 when the older of my two sons was accepted there. Seven years later he graduated and went on to further his studies at MIT. In 2001 the younger of my two sons got into the Academy. During his tenure, he participated in Track & Field and Football. I was hooked on football. I consider myself a lifetime Albuquerque Academy (AA) Charger Fan.

I could answer the question in this way: the people that I deal with on a regular basis are into Albuquerque Academy Chargers' Football. There aren't too many bloggers out there paying attention to Albuquerque Academy, much less to blog about Chargers' Football.

Also, to the extent that real estate agents are getting involved in social networking to increase their business, writing about Albuquerque Academy Chargers Football on my real estate blog is one and the same in terms of logic.

Albuquerque Academy is the best that New Mexico has to offer. It has been ranked 6th in the nation for Independent Schools. On a yearly basis it has an average of 30 Merit Finalists; some of it graduates go on to the best institutions of higher learning across nation. It excels in both academics and extra-curricular activities.
Real estate in close proximity of the Academy, usually hold their values very well. So for individual who are thinking about buying, they should consider this area. And for families with children they should definitely consider Albuquerque Academy

Last night in the cold and balmy chill of Bloomfield, NM the Albuquerque Academy Chargers whipped Bloomfield Bobcats 42-6 in the quarter finals of the NM Prep AAA Football Playoffs. It may have come as a surprise to the Bobcats and NM Prep Insiders that the Chargers were able to DOMINATE...the entire game, but not to the normally low-keyed CHARGER FANS, who seemed to have found their voice in their somewhat melodic chant..."We Believe! We believe! We believe! We Believe in the Chargers! Their cheers and chants resonated throughout the stadium; their small antics and constant encouragement to the team seemed to have quieted the hometown supporters. It was a joy to watch as the Chargers gave NOTHING...and took EVERYTHING from the Bobcats.

The Charger team, 22 players strong demonstrated the slogan "Show me heart...and I'll show you success." They might be small in stature, but we must admit, they have big hearts.

Bloomfield will be moving up to AAAA next year, so it's unlikely that we will meet them in another playoff. We wish them all the best. In the meantime, the Chargers now move to the semi-finals. Good Luck Chargers!

Charger fan for Life!

Today, November 16, 2009, Golden Corral hosted Military Appreciation Dinner. It opened its doors to all who have served in the military. As a military retiree myself, I took the opportunity to visit the Golden Corral Buffet and Grill on Central Avenue in Albuquerque, NM. And what a surprise they had in store for us. First of all, we were greeted by volunteers from local ROTC. Each veteran was given a tag displaying a Gold Star on top of a silver banner stating "I Served" and surrounding it was a navy blue background with simple message from Golden Corral, "We thank the men & women of the U.S. Military."

As I stood in line, I observed hundreds of veterans and their families walking in to dine. There were some in uniform, others like me, who looked like ordinary americans, then there were the disabled, who were bussed in. Everyone was welcomed with opened arms.

As we approached the dining area, we were greeted by a cashier then we were seated. The aroma was magnificient! I knew then, that I had to have a steak. Golden Corral grills some of the best steaks in Albuquerque. I was impressed. It was grilled to taste. For me, there are few cuisines that can top a well done steak with baked sweet potatoes. I was satisfied! Thanks to Golden Corral, it was their way of saying thank you.

As I made my way around the restaurant, I chatted with quite a few of the patrons. There was Michael from the National Guard, Eva and her family, Navy veteran, John, an Active Duty Air Force Staff Sergeant, they all had the same thing to say, Golden Corral made them feel special today.

Today, Golden Corral gets an A+ for a genuine display of gratitude. There were no half measures. They went all out. On behalf of all who have served. Thank you to Golden Corral

It is the envy of New Mexico; the pride of Albuquerque; an institution where many families have had to relocate, in order to allow their children to attend. Albuquerque Academy is a private independent school, with an endowment matched only by some of the top institutions of higher learning across this country.

It has a very rigorous academic program, unmatched in the state of New Mexico. It is the most competitive of all schools in the state, not only in academics, but also in sports and extra-curricular activities. It has received national recognition in many areas.

For all families relocating to New Mexico, I would definitely urge them to take a look at Albuquerque Academy, if they have school-age children. Besides the aforementioned, they have the most generous financial aid program. For more information, visit www.aa.edu

Last evening, the eve of Veterans’ Day 2009, the Leadership of Kirtland Air Force Base conducted a Commander’s Call during which two chapters of the New Mexico Blue Star Mothers, Rio Grande Valley and Rio Rancho Chapters were recognized for the support they have given to the men and women of “Team Kirtland.” Blue Star Mothers is an organization with roots dated back to WWII, where the mothers of deployed service members volunteer their time and efforts to help from the home front. Since 9-11, they have been a visible presence all across the United States. Here in New Mexico, is no exception. They have planned rallies, fundraisers, care package drives and homecoming, just to highlight a few of the things they do. Their most visible event is usually Homecoming, where they are always in force to welcome the returning members, whether it was it was a lone service member or an entire squadron. Their impact has been far reaching. As the base commander echoed in his remarks, “No words can fully express our gratitude to you.” Blue Star Mothers, has done good by our warriors. The things they do for our service members are very much appreciated. We are thankful for them

If you are not familiar with the Blue Star Mothers, I urge you to contact a chapter nearest you. They are definitely for a worthy cause.

Here is the contact information for all the New Mexico Chapters:

Farmington / Four Corners - Chapter 1

President - Rita Gibson

Contact: 505-325-3834

Albuquerque / Rio Grande Valley - Chapter 2

President- Nina Steffen

Contact: 505-325-6724

In Case of Emergency Please Contact:

Nina Steffen - 505 856 2154

Del Norte Rio Arriba Chapter 3

President - Karen Casias

505-588-7121

Rio Rancho, Chapter 5

President—Julie M. Roberts 505-453-8931

Blue Star Mothers of Valencia County Chapter 6

President - Jean E Casey

505-217-1806

Santa Fe Blue Star Mothers of America Chapter 7

President - Frances Garcia

505-471-0408