Archive for August 4, 2011
Grow Your Own – The Squash Man Cometh
by John Weckerle
Once again, we are awash with squash!
Well, harvest time is upon us, and harvest we have – will continue to do. We’re seeing big volumes on zucchini and yellow squash at present, due in large part to a vacation to West Virginia during which nothing was harvested or eaten. The photo to the right was actually taken last Friday, and we have been hard at work consuming the superfluity of squash. The death of our refrigerator and the week-plus it took to get a new one delivered meant that consumption was a priority. Fortunately, we had some things planned for this past weekend that included a need to provide food. Since the picture was taken, we’ve made and served substantial quantities of zucchini lasagna (using thin lengthwise slices baked before assembly), calabacitas, and zucchini bread. We also grated some up to freeze for future use. As it happens, the garden has continued to produce these cylindrical beauties, so plans are to make some squash and/or zucchini fritters, stuffed squash, plain ol’ fried squash, etc. And no, it’s not getting tedious; this stuff is all just great. Squash production should slow down a bit now that we’re able to visit the garden daily and grab the squash while it’s still reasonably sized.
Tourism Is Very Serious Business
by Roger Alink, Founder of Wildlife West Nature Park
Tourism is a very serious business!
Many people including local government leaders do not understand the importance of tourism to their community’s overall economic well being. People who are considering moving a business to a new community often start with a visit to a local tourism attraction. To lose a tourism industry is to lose the basis for your economic development. These quotes are from Dr. Peter E. Tarlow, world tourism consultant.
New Mexico tourism is a 6.1 billion dollar impact to the economy annually. It is the second largest industry behind the government. It is a clean industry with very little impact on the infrastructure because tourists spend money and leave to go home afterwards.
Edgewood has two very important tourist attractions with SASS Founders Ranch and Wildlife West Nature Park. People from all over the world and all over the country come to Edgewood to visit and celebrate the many events held at these two locations. The documented economic impact of these two attractions is in the millions of dollars with motels, restaurants, retailers, fuel providers, auto repair, and fees for various services all adding to the gross receipts that directly benefit all area residents. This is important new revenue that doesn’t come from local taxpayers. It is critical that all community residents and leaders understand and support these events and attractions.