General Interest
Tax or no Tax on Social Security?
By Kim Hafermalz July 24, 2025
Photo by Alexander Grey on Unsplash
Photo by Alexander Grey on Unsplash
On July 4, 2025, millions of retirees and others received an unusual email from the Social Security Administration (SSA). The text of the email is also on the SSA blog1.
The Social Security Administration (SSA) is celebrating the passage of the One Big, Beautiful Bill, a landmark piece of legislation that delivers long-awaited tax relief to millions of older Americans.
The bill ensures that nearly 90% of Social Security beneficiaries will no longer pay federal income taxes on their benefits, providing meaningful and immediate relief to seniors who have spent a lifetime contributing to our nation’s economy.
Not to get too deep into the legislative weeds, but the Congressional Budget Act of 1974 prohibits the Senate from making changes to Social Security benefits or taxes in reconciliation bills. The One Big Beautiful Bill was a reconciliation bill.
To continue the hypothesis that Federal taxes are owed on Social Security benefits is answered on SSA.gov FAQs: Must I pay taxes on Social Security Benefits?2 The answer is yes; federal taxes are still owed on Social Security benefits.
So, what is the long-awaited tax relief? The One Big, Beautiful Bill gives a special $6,000 deduction for an individual and $12,000 deduction for couples filing jointly who are 65 and older. These deductions really don’t have anything to do with Social Security; they have to do with age. See the table below.
|
The One Big Beautiful Bill deduction or not |
Yes, you get the deduction |
Sorry, no you don’t qualify |
|
62-64 years old on Social Security |
X |
|
|
65 + but not receiving Social Security |
X |
|
|
65 + receiving Social Security |
X |
This special deduction ends in 2028 unless Congress and the new administration extends it.
1 https://blog.ssa.gov/social-security-applauds-passage-of-legislation-providing-historic-tax-relief-for-seniors/
2 https://www.ssa.gov/faqs/en/questions/KA-02471.html
SAFETY FIRST!
Mirehaven Neighborhood Watch
By Cathy Carter, July 12, 2025
The Mirehaven Neighborhood Watch captains and others today gathered to hear from a speaker from the Community Policing Council (CPC), a part of Albuquerque city government. John Newell, Vice-President of the Mirehaven Neighborhood Association and the Neighborhood Watch leader, introduced Kelly Mensah, the Community Policing Council Liaison. Mensah talked about the Council’s strucure and responsibilities.
Mensah said there are council groups across the city. The Northwest council serves the Mirehaven area; resident Ed Buttner participates with it. Mensah said the group is self-governing and creates their own guidelines An important role is to advise the Police Department in designing operating procedures.
Mensah emphasized that more people would be welcome in the councils. Their important role of advising the APD chief in matters of procedures and recruitment would be better facilitated with more council members.
Potential council members must be caring, community-oriented, and engaged city of Albuquerque residents, looking to improve policing in their communities.” A prospective member submits an application and a statement of interest and he or she is then invited to attend a CPC meeting. Once chosen for a council membership, the members have opportunities for supplemental training. Some of the extended education includes “ride-alongs with APD, and attendance in the Community Policing Academy, which will necessitate a background check for active felony warrants, active criminal charges, an excessive background of criminal history, or misdemeanor or DWI arrests in the past three years.” Mensah also said that some of the education includes touring the crime lab, shooting at the range, and feeding the horses. The idea is for a council member to understand how APD works.
Newell also put out a plea for more residents to participate in Neighborhood Watch. Captains are especially needed for Phases 3 and 4. To sign up or to get more information, contact John Newell.
Photo by Richard Bell on Unsplash
Photo by Richard Bell on Unsplash
RESIDENT PROFILE : Gary Schancer
Running is Who I Am
by Cathy Carter, July 10, 2025
Gary Schancer. Photo by Cathy Carter
Gary Schancer. Photo by Cathy Carter
Gary Schancer today provided an inside look at his life, his favorite activity, and who he is. He said he is “a husband, a father, and a runner … Running has become who I am.” Schancer said that he is most interested in fitness since there is a history of heart disease in his family but he added that crossing the finish line gives him a great deal of satisfaction.
He has a number of significant accomplishments in running.
Schancer's medals. Photo by Gary Schancer.
Schancer's medals. Photo by Gary Schancer.
He completed a marathon in every state of the United States. After he finished the 50th race in Atlantic City, New Jersey, he was celebrated by the Albuquerque Journal.
From the Albuquerque Journal. Photo by Gary Schancer
From the Albuquerque Journal. Photo by Gary Schancer
On June 14-15, 2025, he completed an event called Death by 5K in which he ran ten 5K races in twenty-four hours. Schancer said that he had never done anything like this. When asked if he would do it again he just laughed and said “No.”
Schancer has a master’s degree in exercise physiology and enjoys working with people who want to become more fit. ‘I've coached runners for years,” he said. “I enjoy helping people to reach their goals.” He is active with this in Mirehaven. After he moved in to the neighborhood he started an interest group called Walk to Jog. He said the people who started with the group began with more walking than running but now some are participating in actual races.
When asked what was next, Schancer said there was nothing set yet but that he was sure something would come up. For now he wants to focus on working with his interest group.
Mirehaven: A Welcoming, Safe Neighborhood?
By Teresa Reinhard, July 2025
At least two separate incidents within our community in the past four or five months have been directed toward Mirehaven LGBQT+ residents, threatening The Estates at Mirehaven’s commitment to be a welcoming, kind, and safe neighborhood for all.
Considering those incidents of verbal and physical intimidation, Mirehaven News wanted to explore the impact on residents, both straight and within the LGBTQ+ community. The quotes below, or paraphrased comments, from residents express the concerns and emotions in response to the mean-spirited, unkind, and even threatening behavior. Residents’ names have been omitted for privacy and safety.
“I don’t want to be scared off by the actions of nasty people. In fact, I now want to feel even more connected to the community to counteract what happened, not just with the LGBQT+ residents, but with the whole community. I would like everyone to be reminded that we aspire to be a safe community for everybody.”
“Except for these unfortunate events, we have felt very welcomed.”
“Ninety-nine percent of the people are so welcoming and positive. We want to live with pride and be examples for others, despite fear of being rejected. We want to live our authentic lives and live and let live. Even if you don’t agree with me or how I live my life, one can still be kind, considerate, and thoughtful. We can bond over dogs, the Petroglyphs, community projects. We represent so many walks of life — helping and caring professionals, teachers, medical professionals. We can’t allow negative people, or their behaviors, to impact us negatively.”
“I felt sad; it felt like a gut punch. It was so positive to move here, but that ugly incident made me change my walking route. It was a visceral feeling. I felt drained.”
“The community has been so responsive. Our allies have shown an outpouring of love. One lady I don’t know said ‘can I give you a hug’ and ‘I’m so appalled by what happened.’ Her reaction was one of genuine, authentic emotion. It really touched me.”
“The impact on me was I was in a funk for two weeks. The community could not have been more supportive. There was an outpouring [of support].”
“I was very disturbed by what happened. You think you’re safe in your neighborhood. I hope it never happens again.”
Photo by Joyce Hankins on Unsplash
Photo by Joyce Hankins on Unsplash
Mirehaven aspires to be a community where all residents are treated kindly, with dignity and respect. This should be a safe space for everyone. What happens to any one individual in our neighborhood impacts us all. A kind and welcoming neighborhood is important to everyone.
Things we can do to be kind, considerate neighbors.
- Model respectful, kind behavior to everyone.
- Introduce yourself and get to know your neighbors. Balance that with respect for others’ space and privacy.
- Join Neighbor-4-Neighbor, a Mirehaven Interest Group, or other Mirehaven interest groups to learn about both the diversity and commonalities of our residents.
- Don’t tolerate rude or intimidating behavior. If you feel safe, tell the rude person that his or her behavior is inappropriate; or report it to the appropriate authorities.
Curious about Cannabis?
By Teresa Reinhard July 30, 2025
Kelly Butterman, Head of Education and Culture for Verdes Cannabis, presented on the potential wellness benefits of Cannabis at the Sandia Amenity Center.
She briefly covered the history of the plant (there is evidence humans grew cannabis as an agricultural crop by 10,000 BCE) and focused on some common medicinal uses of the plant, as well as various delivery mechanisms (tinctures, smoking, vaping, edibles, topical creams, and suppositories), and potential negative side-effects (including drowsiness, dizziness, low blood pressure, dry mouth, and paranoia).
Her talk focused on the multiple uses, including pain relief, reduction of inflammation, insomnia, anxiety, and symptom management (such as abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and as an appetite stimulant) caused by some medical treatments, including chemotherapies.
Her interest in cannabis stemmed from assisting her adult son cope effectively with the repercussions of post-traumatic stress resulting from his military service. She enjoys training Verdes employees, as well as educating medical personnel and individuals who are seeking pain relief, improved sleep, and anxiety reduction.
She stressed the importance of getting educated on the properties of the plant, and to use the smallest amount to see how it affects your body. She cautioned that everyone’s body is different and may have a vastly different response.
As always, you should seek the guidance of your medical provider before using cannabis to discuss potential benefits, risks, and appropriate dosage based your unique medical conditions and needs.
Kelly may be contacted at kbutterman@verdescannabis.com for more information.
Santa Fe named top tourist destination in the U.S.
By Cathy Carter, July 8, 2025
Photo by Sean Pavone/Travel + Leisure
Photo by Sean Pavone/Travel + Leisure
Today Travel and Leisure magazine announced that it has declared Santa Fe, New Mexico as the number one U.S. city destination. Acknowledging the honor, Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham said on social media, “Our City Different continues to capture hearts worldwide with its distinctive blend of rich culture, world-class cuisine, stunning art scene, and unmatched hospitality. ¡Que viva Santa Fe!”
The magazine said readers “… raved about the inventive New Mexican cuisine and the destination’s natural beauty” with its more than 300 days of sunshine. Urban niceties like markets and art galleries also rank highly with visitors. The magazine quoted a repeat visitor who said, “Every visit exceeds the last.”
New Mexico honored again
Photo from Smithsonian Magazine
Photo from Smithsonian Magazine
Smithsonian Magazine announced in a current issue that the fifteen best small towns In America includes Truth or Consequences, New Mexico. Each year the magazine chooses the best small towns in America with populations less than 21,000 residents. T or C, as New Mexicans call it, has a population of 6,000.
The magazine looked at art, culture, and historic aspects of the towns they considered for selection. T or C is especially well-known for its geothermal mineral waters. There are ten commercial bathhouses in the historic downtown. Spaceport America is twenty miles southeast of the town which allows guided tours of the facility. The downtown has a vibrant art scene with a number of galleries to visit.
Mirehaven’s Chuck Webster Presents at Sandia XR Conference, Demos VR at Explora
By Chuck Webster July 23, 2025
Chuck Webster, MD, MSIE, MSIS, a local XR advocate and Meetup organizer, took part in Sandia National Laboratories’ 7th Annual XR Conference on July 23. He presented virtually as his avatar, dressed all in black and wearing sunglasses, broadcasting live from New Mexico’s Metaverse (AKA, his second bedroom). (XR refers to both Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality.)
Screenshot by Chuck Webster
Screenshot by Chuck Webster
Chuck then spent the next morning offering hands-on VR demos at Explora Science Center in Albuquerque’s Old Town. Here is a shot of the Mirehaven VR Club table.
Photo by Timothy Hand
Photo by Timothy Hand
His talk, “Building XR Community in New Mexico,” highlighted three Meetup groups he leads:
These groups explore everything from immersive art and spatial tech to casual Quest play and professional XR networking.
At Explora’s Demo Day, Chuck and fellow VR New Mexico member Richard guided kids and families through virtual experiences using the Meta Quest 3 headset. Chuck has now spoken at two consecutive Sandia XR Conferences.
Matt Gallegos, XR Conference chair, told KOAT News, “This event showcases the leading edge of immersive technologies… We aim to inspire curiosity and engagement.”
KOAT’s full story, “XR Demo Day Offers a Look at What the Future May Be,” is available here:
https://www.koat.com/article/xr-demo-day-offers-a-look-at-what-the-future-may-be/65468325
To watch Chuck’s full presentation:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qiADgGSWxWo
Chuck and his fellow presenters and exhibitors are already looking forward to next year!
Built with Shorthand