Author: lydia

Unique collaboration will offer world class programs for local Native American and Hispanic Filmmakers

SANTA FE-New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson today announced a new collaboration between Robert Redford and the State of New Mexico that is currently referred to as “Sundance in New Mexico.” The initiative will partner with the Department of Cultural Affairs and the New Mexico Film Office to create and expand upon training programs in film, arts, and the environment. These programs will be designed specifically for New Mexico’s Native American and Hispanic filmmakers. The Governor was joined by Mr. Redford at a news conference today at the State Capitol in Santa Fe.

“This marks a new level of commitment on the part of Bob Redford and my administration in supporting the underrepresented voices in our culture, to job creation through the arts, and to the power of partnerships built on mutual goals and aspirations,” said Governor Richardson. “The Redford and Sundance names are held in high esteem around the globe, and are synonymous in most people’s minds with innovation in the arts, advocacy of the environment, and public policy reflecting both. This is a tremendous opportunity for New Mexico’s Native American and Hispanic filmmakers, and for the state as a whole.”

“My love of New Mexico goes back many, many years,” said Robert Redford. “My commitment to this state began with The Milagro Beanfield War.” Sundance in New Mexico will be based at historic Los Luceros in Northern New Mexico, a cultural treasure located along the Rio Grande that is owned and operated by the New Mexico Department of Cultural Affairs. In use as early as 1350 by the Tewa people of Pfioge Pueblo, Los Luceros ultimately was pivotal in the development of commerce and government in New Mexico.

“We are pleased that this collaboration will allow the Department to fulfill its dual mission of protecting the state’s cultural heritage, while providing educational programs that will benefit the people of New Mexico,” said Stuart Ashman, Secretary of the Department of Cultural Affairs Robert Redford has a long history with New Mexico, dating back to the 1988 movie The Milagro Beanfield War. The actor-filmmaker is also well known for his environmental activism. Mr. Redford founded the Sundance Institute in 1981, a not-for-profit organization that fosters the development of original storytelling in film and theatre. It is internationally recognized for its artistic development programs for directors, screenwriters, producers, film composers, playwrights and theatre artists.

Sundance – the place – in the mountains of Utah, also reflects Mr. Redford’s lifetime commitment of bringing together the arts and the environment. “During these tough economic times, it is imperative to create partnerships which allow film and arts initiatives to not just survive, but to flourish,” said Lisa Strout, Director of the New Mexico Film Office. “This opportunity is an honor and a gift to the State of New Mexico.”

The costs for Sundance in New Mexico will be covered with existing appropriations for the operation of Los Luceros. In his remarks, Governor Richardson recognized New Mexico Speaker of the House Ben Lujan for his leadership and ongoing dedication and support of Hispanic and Native American filmmakers in New Mexico. For more information on Sundance in New Mexico contact Kathleen Broyles (505) 476-5604 or e-mail loslucerosnm@gmail.com.

Redford is currently building a house near Tesuque, about 10 minutes north of Santa Fe.

Santa Fe, N.M., May 22, 2009 – When the Grand Opening ribbon is cut at the brand-new New Mexico History Museum on Sunday, May 24, it will be in historical style. A pair of 18th-century Spanish scribe’s scissors have been loaned to the Museum by longtime supporter Jerry Richardson, a Museum of New Mexico Foundation trustee.

The scissors were purchased by Richardson in 2002 at an antiques show in Santa Fe. Described to Richardson as “scribe’s shears or scissors,” they were dated to the early 18th century, but believed to be even older. In that earlier era, villagers who could not read or write themselves went to a scribe when they wanted to send someone a letter. They dictated the letter to the scribe, who had a long roll of paper, pen, ink and a pair of scissors. After writing the letter, the scribe would cut it off the roll, thereby conserving the remaining paper.

“I am very pleased that these historic scribe’s scissors are going to be used for the very historic occasion of the opening of the New Mexico History Museum,” said Richardson, a founding member of Los Compadres del Palacio, the group that began working on the Museum about 20 years ago. “It has always been my hope that they would someday become part of the collections there and now, with this linkage, they are even more appropriate for the collections.”

The ribbon-cutting begins at 1 p.m. Sunday, May 24, in the Palace of the Governors Courtyard. Speakers will include:

New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson

Former U.S. Sen. Pete Domenici, for whom the Museum building is named

Dr. Frances Levine, director of the Museum

Stuart Ashman, secretary of the Department of Cultural Affairs

Alvin Warren, secretary of the Department of Indian Affairs

Ambassador Patricia Espinosa, Mexican Foreign Affairs Ministry

Spanish Ambassador to the United States D. Jorge Dezcallar de Mazarredo

New Mexico History Museum at 113 Lincoln Avenue, just behind the Palace of the Governors on the Santa Fe Plaza Museum Front Desk: 505-476-5200

The New Mexico Rail Runner will operate its Saturday schedule (http://www.nmrailrunner.com/schedule.asp) on May 24 and 25 to accommodate opening-weekend visitors. In addition, all four of the state’s Santa Fe-based museums will have free admission on both days: the Museum of Art (http://www.nmartmuseum.org/); the Museum of International Folk Art (http://www.internationalfolkart.org/); and the Museum of Indian Arts and Culture (http://www.indianartsandculture.org/).

AAA today projected the number of Americans traveling on vacation this Memorial Day holiday weekend will increase 1.5 percent from 2008 with approximately 32.4 million travelers taking a trip of 50 or more miles away from home. Last year, 31.9 million Americans traveled during the same period; a dramatic decline from the 35.3 million travelers who vacationed in 2007.

According to Robert L. Darbelnet, AAA President & CEO, “the good news is sharply lower gasoline prices and plentiful travel bargains have Americans feeling better about taking a road trip this summer which should help tourism-based economic activity throughout the nation.”

New Mexico’s high country offers beautiful sunny skies and cool evenings. Just 28 miles from the Arizona border, Spring Canyon Ranch is your best bet for a fantastic summer escape! Plentiful wildlife, gorgeous views, and lots of room to roam—think horseback, ATV, camping by starlight… It’s a getaway in the true sense of the word, miles away from the daily grind.

Trips by auto will be the beneficiary of Americans’ returning wanderlust with 27 million people – or nearly 83 percent of all travelers – planning a road trip. This summer AAA does not expect the price of gasoline to average more than $2.50 per gallon. (The current nationwide average price of self-serve regular is $2.248.)

Gas prices, airfare, rental car rates and some lodging costs will be lower

According to AAA’s Leisure Travel Index, air fares over the Memorial Day holiday weekend are expected to decrease four percent from last year as air passengers will pay an average $176. Car rental rates will drop lower with consumers paying an average of $43 per day compared to $45 a year ago, a decrease of three percent. Hotel rates for AAA Three Diamond lodgings are expected to be 12 percent less than last year with travelers spending an average of $142 per night. Travelers planning to stay at AAA Two Diamond hotels will pay an average of $104 per night, seven percent less than a year ago.

As North America’s largest motoring and leisure travel organization, AAA provides more than 51 million members with travel, insurance, financial and automotive-related services. Since its founding in 1902, the not-for-profit, fully tax-paying AAA has been a leader and advocate for the safety and security of all travelers. AAA clubs can be visited on the Internet at AAA.com—organize your New Mexico trip today!

Enchantment Helicopters Inc of Albuquerque, New Mexico is helping to raise money for Soldier’s Angels and Havasu for Youth at the Desert Storm Poker Run 2009 and the POPRA Offshore Boat Races at Lake Havasu, Arizona April 23-26. Enchantment Helicopters is providing multiple aircraft and pilots for aerial support for the aerial safety teams, videographers and still photography. In between the professional services for the boat races, Enchantment will be offering “Fun Flights” around the festivities at the Nautical Inn Resort. A portion of proceeds from the “Fun Flights” will be donated to Soldier’s Angels and Havasu for Youth. Soldier’s Angels is an organization that helps the troops, both at home and away, with many different programs such as Adopt a Soldier, Blankets of Gratitute, Angel Baker and much much more.    Enchantment has a deep respect for our service men and women overseas and at home. As a Part 141 school, Enchantment works with many of our service men and women who after returning home are now Enchantments Helicopters’ students through the Military GI program.

About Enchantment Helicopters
Enchantment Helicopters is a division of International Helicopter Services. Enchantment’s terrain places the school at over 5,800 feet in elevation. We are one of the few Flight Schools in the United States that allows every student to put on their resume that every hour of training is High Altitude Training. EHI/IHTA is also the only flight school in the nation that can offer 141 external load training. Our services also span the entire state of New Mexico and include aerial photography for the Motion Picture Industry with SAG pilots. Enchantment also owns Sky Signs that can carry your special message in the night sky just like the Goodyear airship.

Typical back porch view at a Spring Canyon Ranch home…

Regarded as one of the tougher stage races in North America, the 23rd annual Tour of the Gila returns April 29-May 3, 2009, with SRAM Corporation as the new title sponsor.

“We are honored to welcome the SRAM Corporation as title sponsor,” said Michael Cerletti, Secretary of the New Mexico Tourism Department. “We are dedicated to the continued expansion of the Tour of the Gila, an important step in the process of proving the economic viability of New Mexico in the sporting world. The folks in Silver City are to be commended for their efforts in supporting what has become one of New Mexico’s more popular competitive athletic events and one that continues to have a huge economic impact in Grant County.”

The SRAM Tour of the Gila is the biggest and most prestigious cycling event in New Mexico, annually attracting 450 to 550 participants to Silver City from all over North America and the world. In previous years, cyclists from 32 states and 13 foreign countries have participated, with 50 percent of them coming from Colorado, Texas, Arizona and California.

“SRAM had been searching for a road cycling event to attach its name to for a few years,” said David Zimberoff, Global Marketing Director for the SRAM Corporation. “The Tour of the Gila represents the type of performance and passion that fits perfectly with our brand. We have provided Neutral Race Support for a few years now, and feel like its time to increase our presence given the amount of teams riding SRAM components now. We are very excited to become the title sponsor for this event, and look forward to a very strong promotional relationship for many years.”

Co-sponsors of this year’s event include the New Mexico Sports Authority (a program of the New Mexico Tourism Department), Tim Schoeny, the Town of Silver City, Holiday Inn Express, Champion Systems, Gila Hike & Bike, Southwest Bone & Joint Institute , Gila Regional Medical Center, Sparks Clinic, Dr. Gail Willow, James Hamilton Construction, Douglas Gorthy DDS, Econo Lodge, Comfort Inn,  Community Foundation for Greater Atlanta,  Hidalgo Medical Services, New Mexico Spokettes Racing Team, and Permian Basin Bicycle Association.

For more information, contact Lanny Olson, Tour of the Gila Sponsorship Director, 575-590-1076,
or visit www.tourofthegila.com.

Just 22 miles south of Vera Cruz Mountain Ranch, the resort town of Ruidoso offers fun and excitement for young and old—all year long!

April 11:  Easter Egg Hunt:  Cedar Creek Park, 10:30am sharp! This fun annual event is always held the Saturday before Easter: Have your kids (age 1-10) ‘hunt’ for over 5,000 eggs, visit with the Easter Bunny & Smokey Bear. Fire engine rides, refreshments & lots of prizes. For more info, call 575-257-5030.

April 11: Easter Egg Hunt: All-American Park, Ruidoso Downs, 9am. The Ruidoso Downs Auxiliary will hold a community Easter egg hunt for kids ages 1-10. Everyone is invited!
April 11: Easter in the Park – Alamogordo: Washington Park, Alamogordo NM. Admission is free and so are the ‘eggs’; bring your Easter Basket and come early for the city of Alamogordo’s annual hunt! Info: 575-439-4142

April 12: Outdoor Easter Sunrise Services: Two Rivers Park at 720 Sudderth, behind Ruidoso Visitors Center, 6:30am. ALSO: Community United Methodist Church will also host an Easter Egg Hunt at 9:30 am, and regular Sunday Church service will take place at 220 Junction. For more info, call 575-257-4170.

April 17-26: Waiting in the Wings: April 17-19 & 24-26 Ruidoso Schools Performing Arts Center. A Noel Coward Play, ‘The Wings’ is less than lavish charity home for retired actresses in straitened circumstances who have been stars in their day. For more information call Don Madaris 575-258-3133

April 19-26: Billy The Kid Trail Ride: Ft. Sumner NM. This year’s ride will leave Fort Sumner April 19th, and arrive in Lincoln April 26th. With historically accurate re-enactments, storytelling and more, The Billy the Kid Trail Ride offers a true Western experience, while preserving lands and landmarks. Info: Rex Buchman, 620-794-5332

April 22: Great American Clean-Up & Bank Challenge: Schoolhouse Park, Sudderth, 8am. What better way to celebrate upcoming Earth Day than to help clean up our little corner of the world? Sign-up begins at 8am, then break for lunch and free giveaways at 11am. Info: 575-257-5030

April 23-26: The 5th Annual White Sands International Film Festival. : The 5th Annual White Sands International Film Festival. April 23-26, 2009 will premiere The Land of Space and Time in Alamogordo, NM on April 23rd, 2009 at Allen Theatres Cineplex 10. Award winning filmmakers Michael Lennick and Shirley Guilliford will screen their latest epic. The Land of Space and Time a documentary that spans more than 1,000 years to tell the anecdote and Irony-laden tale of sky and space adventures launched from the enchanted land of New Mexico. For more information contact Elise McMullen, 917-689-0619.

April 24-26: 3rd Annual Kite Festival : April – 24th, 25th, & 26th—Annual Kite Festival Corner of Hull and White Mountain, near Kidz Connection Park. The Ruidoso Parks and Recreation Department and We Cree8 join forces to present the 3rd Annual event. Join us for a wild and brilliant display of kites; bring your own, or buy one here. Hours: Fri. from 1 to 5 p.m. Sat. from 9 to 5 p.m. & Sun. 1-5. Weather permitting. Donations welcome, More Info: Joan or Jeri at WeCree8 575-257-5575 www.RuidosoKiteFestival.com

April 25: The Drowsy Chaperone: Spencer Theater for the Performing Arts, Hwy 220 in Alto, 2pm and 8pm. A high-energy musical within a comedy, this show won more Tony’s than any other show in 2006; 2pm tickets $56 and $59, 8pm tickets $66 and $69. Info: Spencer Box Office, 575-336-4800 or www.spencertheater.com

April 25: Dance with music of the Graham Brothers: The No Scum Allowed Saloon is located in the old ghost town of White Oaks, 12 miles northeast of Carrizozo. Call 575-648-5583 for times.
April 25-26: Artists of White Oaks Tour: White Oaks NM, 10-4. White Oaks Pottery presents an exhibit of the newest works by Ivy Heyman (porcelain), Pam Lewis (jewelry), Lisa Maue (tile), and Suzanne Donazetti (woven metal). Explore functional, affordable and unique pieces in a studio setting; 3 miles east of White Oaks, follow the signs. Info: 575-648-2985

Visit the Ruidoso Chamber of Commerce for more information.

These aren’t your average every day fuzzy balls of white wool: these exotic creatures are Barbary Sheep, native to North Africa. Snapped on a sunny day near Vera Cruz Mountain Ranch, this herd is probably descended from the animals released by the Canadian River by the Game and Fish Department back in 1950.

Just one of the many breathtaking sights you can view right outside your window when you own a piece of New Mexico at Vera Cruz Mountain Ranch!

Piercing blue skies and cold nights equal perfect weather for hitting the slopes—and New Mexico’s ski resorts are the perfect place to indulge your passion for this exciting sport. Check out the weather reports and individual resort news at www.skinewmexico.com. For example, you can hit the slopes at Ski Apache for a very reasonable $43 for an adult full day lift ticket. Located just outside the charming town of Ruidoso and minutes from the sprawling vistas of Vera Cruz Mountain Ranch, Ski Apache offers a variety of events during the season, including the family-oriented Hot Chocolate Cup Race, as well as special vacation packages with the Inn of the Mountain Gods.