Announcement: Forum on Rural Small Business Health Care and Development Resources
The Estancia Valley Economic Development Association, USDA Rural Development, and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services will host a forum on Rural Small Business Health Care and Development Resources this Friday, August 19, from 3:00 to 4:30 p.m. at the Moriarty Civic Center at 202 Broadway in Moriarty. The forum will also discuss how the health care reform act will affect the rural resident.
Press Release: Harvest Festival & Grand Opening of Historic Pinto Bean Museum at Wildlife West
Editor’s Note: We will have more on the Historic Pinto Bean Museum in an upcoming article.
It’s a weekend of delicious locally grown food, tractor parade, 5K Pronghorn Run (links to information and online registration can be found on the Park’s home page), music and fun for the entire family at the annual Harvest Festival on August 26-28 at Wildlife West Nature Park in Edgewood. This three-day weekend event celebrates the area’s culture, traditions, and agricultural heritage with the grand opening of its newly developed historic Pinto Bean Museum. The museum was funded by a grant from the Northern Rio Grande National Heritage Area, Inc.
The Festival opens on Friday evening at 7:30 p.m. with free admission to a documentary film about Aldo Leopold, the internationally-renowned conservationist. Saturday morning starts with a tractor parade beginning at 9 a.m. at Wildlife West. The parade proceeds along Horton Road, east on Dinkle Road, then turns south along Highway 344 and ends back at Wildlife West.
Throughout the weekend visitors can sample and purchase locally grown products–fresh cut sweet corn, raspberries, honey, pumpkins and other yummy treats. Anasazi Fields Winery will be on hand on Saturday for wine tasting. Plus free hot dogs for everyone!
New this year are behind the scenes black bear tours, two young elk calves, and presentations about endangered Mexican grey wolves by Elke Duerr, filmmaker and conservationist, and Susan Dicks, DVM, U.S. Fish and Wildlife. (Editor’s Note: Ms. Duerr and Dr. Dicks were featured in our article A Wolf Adventure: Bringing Lobos Home to Wildlife West Nature Park) Renowned chainsaw artist Mark Chavez will demonstrate his artistic chainsaw techniques.
»» Press Release: Harvest Festival & Grand Opening of Historic Pinto Bean Museum at Wildlife West
Good Morning
by John Weckerle
It’s been a while since we posted a sunrise picture; for what it’s worth, the opportunities have been a little limited of late, but this morning afforded a good one.
Sunrise over the Estancia Valley this morning.
Grow Your Own – Na Na Na Na Na Na Na Na…
by John Weckerle
On Wednesday morning of this week, while harvesting yet more zucchini (as well as yellow squash, string beans, a couple of Roma tomatoes, and a gigantic bell pepper), your editor did the unusual and set his mini-pruners (great for cutting zucchini off the plant) on the ground, and left them there. Late that afternoon a few clouds appeared on the horizon, and it became clear that a trip to the garden to collect the nippers was in order. I moseyed on up to the bed of plenty, and noticed that the tomato plants looked much different than they had just that morning – a lot of leaves were missing, and some of the branches looked wilted on plants that had looked healthy just hours before. Given that we’ve all but critter-proofed the garden (it’s now completely covered with bird netting), such damage was hardly expected. I proceeded cautiously toward the tomatoes, ready for anything.
Suddenly, the whispering sound of leathery wings filled the air, and I froze in place. There could be only one thing that could have wreaked the havoc that lay before me…
Woofstock Seeking Vendors, Performers, Silent Auction Donations
by John Weckerle
The Town of Edgewood is hosting its first Woofstock Pet Expo and Adoption Festival Saturday, August 20 from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the new Edgewood Athletic Complex just north of Edgewood Elementary School. The event will help fund an animal care facility in Edgewood. Several agencies will be on hand with dogs and cats available for adoption. Reduced-price tests, vaccinations, spay/neuter, nail trims and more will be provided, and animal-related exhibitors will offer merchandise, collectibles, animal gear, and arts. The events will include a 7 a.m. dog walk, a mock dog show, a 2 p.m. silent auction and a Dunk the Dog Catcher tank.
Organizers are seeking more food vendors, silent auction items, and entertainers willing to donate a little time. For more information, including contacts, see the event flyer.
Fire Restrictions Lifted In Three Districts
by John Weckerle
We have received word from Arlene Perea at the Mountainair Ranger District that fire restrictions have been lifted in the Mountainair, Sandia, and Magdalena Ranger Districts. No fire restrictions are in effect in the Mount Taylor Ranger District, and Stage II fire restrictions remain in effect in the Black Kettle & McClellan National Grasslands and Kiowa and Rita Blanca National Grasslands. While fire restrictions have been lifted, we urge forest-goers to use caution during their activities, and keep the cigarettes (and butts) out of the forest environment. As the announcement advises, keep an eye on your surroundings and be prepared for fast-arriving thunderstorms. For more information, see the full text of the announcement.
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.
Press Release: Hot Club of Cowtown Performs Live & 10 other Bands at Wildlife West, July 29-31 in Edgewood
Wildlife West sponsors its 9th Annual Music Festival on Friday, July 29 through Sunday 31, 2011 with an impressive line-up of nationally acclaimed performers, including The Hot Club of Cowtown, Finders & Youngberg, Chuck Pyle and Grayson. This phenomenal 9th Annual Music Festival features 11 bands performing on two stages, musicians workshops, jam sessions, musical instrument contests, wildlife viewing, and free hay rides, camping and parking.
George Bullfrog and the Turquoise Trailers will kick off the weekend of fun with an old-fashioned country barn dance on Friday at 7 p.m. in a historic pinto bean barn. Bring your dancing boots and dance to this outstanding western swing band.
On Saturday different bands perform on 2 stages, each hour starting at 11 a.m. and into the evening until 9:30 p.m. Hot Club of Cowtown brings the unique style of hot jazz to Western swing in a powerful and breathtaking live show on Saturday at 4:30 and 8:30 p.m., and they present an interactive workshop at 6 p.m.
Other renowned musicians provide constant entertainment and interactive workshops on Saturday, including Finders and Youngberg, who explores the love for old-time, honky-tonk, folk and bluegrass while making their own unique music. Colorado’s favorite storyteller and Zen Cowboy, Chuck Pyle, is a sly humorist and an innovative finger-style guitarist. Singer-songwriter Michael Edser is Grayson. He has toured extensively through Europe and the United States and is now capturing 66 performances in documentary format over the course of 66 days along Route 66. Wildlife West is located just off of Route 66 in Edgewood!
Gospel performers, Coyote Crossing, take the stage on Sunday at 11 a.m. Folk and bluegrass performances continue until 4 p.m. Fiddle and guitar contests start next, providing opportunity for visitors to participate and show their talent. Winners will be awarded a musical instrument courtesy of Robertson & Sons Violin and Guitar Vista in Albuquerque. See www.wildlifewest.org for contest rules. Following the contests there will be an open stage for youth group performers.
Throughout the weekend, visitors can stroll around the wildlife park and experience, close-up wildlife in their natural habitat, including endangered Mexican wolves, cougars, black bear, javelina, hawks, crested caracaras and more.
Get away from the heat in Albuquerque for a cool weekend of music ? temperatures are usually 10 degrees cooler! It’s fun for the entire family ? children under 12 are free. All events take place in the Edgewood Performing Arts Center at Wildlife West.
Don’t miss this incredible line-up of musicians in a beautiful high desert setting. Just 25 minutes east of Albuquerque, off Interstate-40 in Edgewood. The festival is made possible in part by the New Mexico Arts, a division of the Department of Cultural Affairs. For a complete schedule of performances and more information go to www.wildlifewest.org or contact Wildlife West at 505-281-7655 or toll free 877-981-9453.
*****
What: Wildlife West Music Festival
When: Friday, July 29 – Sunday 31, 2011
Friday, 7 p.m. Country Barn Dance with George Bullfrog & the Turquoise Trailers
Saturday, performances hourly on 2 stages, 11 a.m. – 9:30 p.m.
Sunday, performances hourly, 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Where: Wildlife West Nature Park, 87 North Frontage Road, Edgewood, 20 miles east of Albuquerque off I-40, take exit 187 and follow the signs.
Cost: Barn dance $10, Saturday $25, Sunday $15, Sat. & Sun. $35. Children under 12 admitted free. Purchase tickets at the door.
Contact: 505-281-7655 or 877-0981-9453, or visit www.wildlifewest.org.
Mortgage Payement Assistance Available To 352 New Mexico Homeowners
by John Weckerle
The New Mexico Mortgage Finance Authority has announced a new Federal program under which a total of 352 homeowners will receive up to $50,000 to help pay a portion of their mortgage for up to two years. The Emergency Homeowners Loan Program (EHLP) is part of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act, and provides assistance to people who are behind on their mortgage payments due to job loss or medical expenses. Applicants must meet a variety of conditions to qualify. For more information and application information, see the NMMFA announcement.
Grow Your Own – It’s A Jungle Out There
by John Weckerle
Senior Agricultural Security Correspondent Wilson demonstrates proper pest prevention positioning and his signature "Baleful Bunny Stare." This has not saved the chard, but everything else appears untouched.
Well, it’s almost a jungle, and it’s looking like it may get there soon. Thus far, Beds 4 and 5 have produced a few very tasty nibbles: a snow pea here, a green bean there, and the radishes – ah, the radishes. They’re delicious, and they are (or will be) many. The first of the yellow summer squash will be ready today or tomorrow, and we’re already ready for them.
Bed 4, our “veggie decor” bed, appears to be a success. The cabbages, which are just beginning to form heads, are a couple of feet across and flourishing. Four of the six cauliflower plants have begun forming heads, as well, and we suspect that the other two are just a couple of days behind. It is from Bed 4 that we’ve been sampling the snow peas and green beans, and we can take kale, thyme, basil, and oregano any time we like – although kale is best held until cool weather. The bell peppers and eggplant remain an uncertainty; these may be affected by the shade from the surprisingly-resurrected trumpet vine, which has yet to produce any flower buds but which has grown from the ground to a height of six feet in about a month.
Relay For Life Benefit Dinner
by John Weckerle
We’ve received word from Brenda Smythe, the Relay For Life – Estancia Valley Event Chair, that a benefit dinner will be held at the Tomato Café in Albuquerque tonight. For more information, see the event flyer.
Celebrate Without Fireworks
Editor’s note: The Town of Edgewood, Santa Fe County, and the City of Santa Fe have all either enacted or extended bans on fireworks. Many public areas have been closed due to extreme fire. Folks, we are living through what is probably the worst drought in living memory. Let’s celebrate our patriotism by not endangering the lives and property of our fellow Americans, and save those fireworks to celebrate some really good rain when it comes. A tip of the hat to Chuck Ring at Gadabout-Blogalot.com for posting information on several of the bans (here and here).
by Martin Heinrich
Dear Friend,
This 4th of July, as we gather with friends and family in celebration of our nation, please make safety a priority. Specifically, I’d like to caution you against using fireworks of any kind this year.
With wildfires burning throughout our state, it is more important than ever for each of us to do our part in protecting our treasured natural resources and communities from more unintended fires. I commend the hundreds of brave men and women who are on the ground fighting the New Mexico wildfires. Please join me in spreading the word on how to stay safe this weekend, and throughout the fire season.
Here are a few wildfire safety tips:
- Do not use fireworks of any kind.
- Use caution and common sense before lighting any fire.
- Understand that any fire you create could become a wildfire.
- Never, ever leave any fire unattended.
- Properly extinguish and discard smoking materials.
- Be aware of your surroundings and careful when operating equipment during periods of dry or hot weather.
- Speak up and step in when you see someone in danger of starting a wildfire.
Common ways you could unintentionally start a wildfire:
- Unattended debris burning
- Equipment fires such as from lawnmowers, ATVs, power equipment
- Smoking
- Unattended campfires
- Children playing with matches or lighters
- Fireworks
I wish you and your family a safe, healthy, and fun holiday. It is an honor to represent you in Congress. My staff and I are here to serve you, and I urge you to contact me anytime.
Be well and keep in touch —
MARTIN HEINRICH
Member of Congress
More Of The Same
by John Weckerle
With a busy week behind us and this morning’s garden endeavors complete, and having been watching for a while, we decided to take a closer look in on the Sandia Tea Party site (www.sandiateaparty.com) and see what the newest local chapter was up to. We found ourselves neither greatly surprised nor disappointed: both in format and in content, we found exactly what we expected.
From the standpoint of format, the Sandia Tea Party site is a mess, suggesting that something has gone terribly wrong with the group’s WordPress software. This is just a little surprising, since a look through the articles on the site suggests that it is being managed by Edgewood Town Councilor Chuck Ring, who has been blogging for at least a couple of years. The effective formatting characteristic of WordPress is entirely lacking, and the site is all plain text. An anomalous swath of dark background nearly obscures one section of content.
As bad as the formatting is, the content does little to compensate. We examined two articles – one on the famed “Pigford” cases, and one on global warming – and that was enough. Let’s have a quick look at the two.
Torrance County Extends Fireworks Ban
by John Weckerle
At its most recent meeting, the Torrance County Commission enacted a thirty day extension of the of ban on fireworks and open burning originally passed on May 24. Open burning, ceremonial burning, recreational burning, and the use of fireworks (other than those that are part of a public display approved by local fire departments) are subject to restrictions. For more information, see the resolution, the associated ordinance, and the State fire restrictions for eastern, southwest, and south central New Mexico. Readers who observe people using fireworks and decide not to shoot the miscreants* (505) 384-2705 or (505) 384-2706.
*Editor’s note: We’re kidding; please don’t shoot anybody.