Discover why Angel Fire Resort is consistently rated one of the top family ski areas in the Southern Rockies by entering the “Come Up for Air at Angel Fire Resort Winter Ski Getaway.”

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The “Come Up for Air Angel Fire Resort Winter Ski Getaway” also includes lift tickets for four (two days), plus equipment rental; snow tubing; and night skiing tickets. Cap off the adventure with a fabulous dinner for four at Angel Fire Resort’s new $16 million Angel Fire Country Club. Open to the public year-round, this new facility redefines the standards of elegance and hospitality in New Mexico’s high mountains.

The charm of Angel Fire is easy to grasp. Located in the scenic Moreno Valley, the resort sits in a 15-mile long, three-mile wide, high alpine valley surrounded by mountains. The resort offers two high-speed quad chairlifts, three double chairlifts and two Sunkid Wondercarpets, all accessing more than 70 trails for all skill levels.

The resort prides itself on appealing to the freestyle ski and snowboard crowd. The two freestyle parks have something for everyone. Lowrider Park features lower rails and smaller features for burgeoning freestylers, while Liberation Park features a dedicated chairlift, numerous jumps, and rails for advanced riders.

Whether your passion is carving turns, freestyling, or simply watching the “fire of the angels” sunset with a mug of hot chocolate, Angel Fire can provide a memorable winter adventure experience for the entire family.

Enter the “Come Up for Air Angel Fire Resort Winter Ski Getaway” today!

CLICK HERE to enter the sweepstakes and click here to learn more about Angel Fire Resort!

Date: Saturday, October 16th, 2010

8:00 AM
RUIDOSO, NEW MEXICO

The Race

Ski Run Road Challenge is a 20K(12.5 miles) uphill run (solo or team relay race) on a paved road -(Highway 532) in Lincoln County, Ruidoso, New Mexico. This race is sanctioned by USATF. All profits benefit Ski Apache Disabled Skier program.

Times

• Race starts 8 a.m. sharp at Eagle Creek Sports Complex.
• Relay buses will leave at 7.30 a.m. to drop off team members at MM3.3, MM6, & MM9.5.

Elevation & Relief stations

• Start: 7319 feet
• MM3.3: 7608 feet (Water & energy drink available)
• MM6: 8645 feet (Water & energy drink available)
• MM9.5: 9959 feet (Water & energy drink available)
• Finish at Ski Apache Plaza: 9970 feet

Age Groups

• Male & Female: 19 & under, 20-29, 30-39, 40- 49, 50-59, 60-69, 70 &over.
• Relay Teams: Male, Female or Co-ed.

Registration – No registration on race day.

By mail: Must be postmarked no later that Oct 13 , 2010. Mail to: SRRC, P.O. Box 561, Ruidoso, NM 88355.

Internet registration: Active.com

Late Registration & Packet pick-up:
• Friday, October 15th at Ruidoso Athletic Club, from 8:00 am till 5:00 pm, 415 Wingfield Street (575-257-4900 or 937-7106)

Costs:
• Solo $20 if postmarked by 9/30/10, $30 through 10/14/10. $50 on 10/15/10.
• Military/Youth (under 19): $20 through 10/14/10. $40 on 10/15/10.
• Relay Male/Female/Co-ed: $100 if postmarked by 9/30/10, $130 through 10/14/10. $160 on 10/15/10. Military Relay: $100 through 10/14/10. $160 on 10/15/10.

The Cause

Started in 1976, Ski Apache Disabled Skiers Program is one of the oldest adaptive ski schools in the country. The goal of SADSP is to provide snow sports instruction to any person with a permanent disability, regardless of the type of extent of disability or financial limitations. SADSP works with individuals, schools, NMSB & VI, rehabilitation centers, occupational and physical therapy centers.

T-Shirts & Awards & Food

The first 3 overall Male & Female winners will receive products from Nathan Human Propulsion Laboratories (wwwNathanSports.com) and a carved Ruidoso bear. Awards to first, second and third male & female in each age groups will be at the discretion of the race director. All preregistered participants will receive a commemorative T-shirt with their packet. We make every effort to have sufficient shirts for all participants. Great food catered by Ski Apache will be available free of charge to runners & volunteers at the finish line (Ski Apache Plaza). Guests and spectators may purchase lunch.

Traffic Control and Safety

Since Hwy 532/Ski Run Road ends at Ski Apache parking lot (the finish line for the race), traffic will be closed to unauthorized vehicles from MM3 to MM12 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Starting at noon, shuttle buses will return finishers to the starting point of the race. Any private/unauthorized vehicles MUST start the drive to the finish line before 8 a.m. and cannot come back down before noon. NO EXCEPTIONS.

RUNNERS STAY ON THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE ROAD FOR THE ENTIRE RACE! NO DEVICES WITH HEADPHONES!

No Walkers, No bicycles, No strollers, No pets allowed, No devices with headphones..

Accommodations

• The High Country Lodge (walking distance from the start of the race) will offer a $69 + tax room rate, Hwy 48, Alto, NM 88312. 1-800-845-7265 or 575-336-4321.www.highcountrylodge.net

• La Junta Lodge (located 11/2 mile West of Eagle Creek Sports Complex). $69 + tax/2 persons & $10 for each additional person. Late check out at 1p.m.www.lajuntalodge.com. Reservations 1-800-443-8423.

• Check Websites such as www.ruidosonow.com, www.ruidoso.net, www.goruidosonow.com.

Weather/Clothing

The average October temperatures in Ruidoso are low 31, high 68. At this elevation, be prepared for the “unexpected.” Weather can change suddenly. Participants are encouraged to have adequate clothing available at the finish line. A race vehicle will be available to carry a bag (preferably the same as your packet) with your bib number to the finish line to be collected at the end of the race.

Directions

NORTH: From I-25 South take exit 139, Hwy 380 east to Carrizozo then Hwy 37 to Nogal, Hwy 48 to Ruidoso, turn right to Ski Run Road (#532).
SOUTH :: From Las Cruces, NM take Hwy 70 NE to Alamogordo then north to Ruidoso, proceed on Hwy 48 six miles north of Ruidoso to Ski Run Road(#532). From El Paso, TX take Hwy 54 north to Alamogordo, NM then HWY 70 north to Ruidoso, proceed on Hwy 48 six miles north of Ruidoso to Ski Run Road (#532).
EAST: From Roswell, NM take Hwy 70 West to Ruidoso, then proceed on Hwy 48, six miles north of Ruidoso to Ski Run Road (#532).

Information

Race Director: Frederic Moras

(575) 257-9507 or (575) 937-7106; email info@skirunroadchallenge.com info@skirunroadchallenge.com

The National Association of Realtors®’ HouseLogic, a free, comprehensive consumer website about all aspects of homeownership, today launched Operation Home Relief, a new Facebook Causes campaign. The campaign aims to increase awareness, rally support and raise funding for USA Cares, a nonprofit organization that provides counseling and financial foreclosure assistance to post-9/11 active duty U.S. military service personnel, veterans and their families.

HouseLogic will donate $1 to USA Cares every time someone “likes” the Operation Home Relief Cause page on Facebook and will match individual donations made to the cause, up to $20,000.

“Owning a home is part of the American dream, where we make memories, build our futures, and feel comfortable and secure; and any family who loses that dream to foreclosure is one family too many,” said NAR President Vicki Cox Golder, owner of Vicki L. Cox & Associates in Tucson, Ariz. “HouseLogic’s Operation Home Relief aims to help sustain homeownership for military families who have already given so much to support our country, and we hope others will join together with us to support this worthy cause.”

When people lose homes to foreclosure, the community, the housing market and the economy all suffer. HouseLogic’s Foreclosure Guide highlights personal stories and offers information and tips to help homeowners facing foreclosure make smart, proactive decisions about what steps to take, where to find help and the alternatives to foreclosure. The guide also includes ideas for how others can get involved to combat foreclosures in their community.

“U.S. military service members bravely face danger around the world every day on behalf of all Americans. Yet, some military service members and their families also face financial dangers and hardships at home,” said William H. Nelson, executive director, USA Cares. “USA Cares’ sole mission is to help these service members and their families in their time of financial need. To that end, we’re excited to have the support of HouseLogic and the National Association of Realtors®. Their new Facebook Causes campaign highlights the work USA Cares is doing, reminding Americans of the many challenges faced by U.S. military service members and their families, and generates support via Facebook for the help that we’re offering every day.”

For more information on sustaining homeownership, and many other housing topics, visit HouseLogic at www.houselogic.com.

HouseLogic is a free source of information and tools for homeowners from the National Association of Realtors® that helps homeowners make smart decisions about all aspects of their home. HouseLogic helps homeowners plan and organize their home projects and provides timely articles and news; home improvement advice and how-to’s; and information about taxes, home finances and insurance.

USA Cares is a nonprofit 501(c)3 organization that helps post-9/11 military and their families with basic needs, assists veterans suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and traumatic brain injury (TBI) and their families and works to prevent private military home foreclosures and evictions. In seven years, USA Cares has received over 24,000 requests and responded with more than $7 million in grants. Military families anywhere in America can apply for assistance through the USA Cares web site, www.usacares.org or by calling 800-773-0387. For more information on USA Cares contact John Revell, jrevell@usacares.org or call 270-352-5451.

The National Association of Realtors®, “The Voice for Real Estate,” is America’s largest trade association, representing 1.1 million members involved in all aspects of the residential and commercial real estate industries.

Schedule Coming Soon

WHEN: Saturday, October 16,  2010 WHERE: Sierra Blanca Regional Airport Ruidoso, NM (SRR) WHAT’S HAPPENING: Vietnam Era Soldier Rescue Re-Enactment Gliders and Glider Rides VFW Providing Free Hamburgers and Hot Dogs Pancake Breakfast Provided by KFC and Taco Bell Aircraft Camping Area Flour Bombing Competition WWII P-51 Mustang Demonstration German Air-Force Tornado Display Aircraft Rescue Fire Truck Rides and Demonstration Classic Car Show by the Pine Top Car Club Air Race And Much More

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — Rarely does a destination have the opportunity to announce a project that transcends geographic boundaries and cultural norms. With the completion of a 4,000 sq. ft. fresco inside the Torreon of the National Hispanic Cultural Center (NHCC) in Albuquerque (www.ItsATrip.org), visitors are invited to experience an extraordinary work of art and labor of love.

New Mexico artist Frederico Vigil has spent close to a decade on the project, which shares the story of Hispanic culture through the ancient art of fresco. The mural depicts Hispanic history through historical periods plus significant and iconic people and places.

The fresco will be unveiled as the NHCC (www.nhccnm.org) celebrates their 10th anniversary on October 10, 2010.

Following in the footsteps of fresco masters such as Giotto, Michelangelo, Masaccio and Goya, and, more recently, muralists Diego Rivera and Jose Clemente Orozco, Vigil continues this time-honored tradition inside the Torreon of the NHCC.

The intricate process of fresco requires many steps for each component of a mural. When the exhibit is completely finished, the NHCC will offer interpretive materials, classes and workshops showing the process so even non-artists can comprehend the magnitude of the masterpiece they are viewing.

As it is painted in the round, there are several points of entry into the fresco, allowing visitors to begin their journey wherever they choose. Over 3,000 years of Hispanic history are depicted in the broadest sense. In short, the fresco depicts and conveys the complexities, diversity and richness of the Hispanic experience. Themes such as science, literature, religion, acculturation, and technological evolution are followed across geographical expanses and time.

Born and raised in Santa Fe, Artist Frederico Vigil grew up infused with the rich history that has become the trademark of his art. Vigil first became involved with fresco during an internship in the 1970s with Lucienne Bloch and Stephen Pope Dimitroff, who were notably, apprentices to Diego Rivera.  This initial experience piqued his interest and he has since dedicated his life to creating frescos. Since completing his first fresco in 1984, he has created 12 major frescos; the one at the NHCC is his largest to date.

Albuquerque is an easy two and a half hour drive from either Ruidoso or Quemado—come visit Vera Cruz Mountain Ranch or Spring Canyon Ranch and find out for yourself why so many are choosing the New Mexico lifestyle!

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Photographs courtesy of Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, Inc.

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Earth, Wind and Flyers Kite Flying Contest For Kids of All Ages Friday, October 8, 2010 Contact:  Kathie Leyendecker, Media Relations kleyendecker@balloonfiesta.com 505-228-9874

Surviving Spouses and Wounded Warriors Eligible for Special Forbearance WASHINGTON, DC — At an event today at the Pentagon, Fannie Mae (FNMA/OTC) and the U.S. Army announced new initiatives to help service members who are struggling with their mortgage payments avoid foreclosure. The effort includes a mortgage payment forbearance of up to six months where the death or injury of a service member on active duty causes a hardship for impacted military families with a mortgage obligation. The company also announced the creation of a special hotline, 877-MIL-4566, available to all service members to receive guidance about their mortgage options and enlist assistance. “The men and women of our Armed Forces have shown extraordinary commitment to our country while facing unique challenges as a result of their service,” said Jeff Hayward, Senior Vice President of Fannie Mae’s National Servicing Organization. “No family impacted by a death or injury in the line of duty should have to face the additional burden of foreclosure as a result of the hardship. We want to do all that we can to provide support to these families at a time of need as we honor their sacrifices and service to our country.” The Honorable Katherine Hammack, Assistant Secretary of the Army (Installations and Environment), remarked, “We who serve alongside our military recognize the great sacrifice they and their families make each day. The initiative between Fannie Mae and the lending community recognizes their sacrifice and demonstrates our gratitude for those who face economic hardships as a result of their service. We are profoundly grateful for this heartwarming response from the lending community as they become partners in designing and implementing this initiative.” Service members or surviving spouses who may be eligible for the special forbearance are to contact their mortgage company. The mortgage company may grant forbearance of up to six months under Fannie Mae’s “Unique Hardships” guidelines with Fannie Mae’s approval. Under forbearance, the mortgage company may reduce or suspend the borrower’s monthly payments for the specified period. Credit bureau reporting will be suspended during the forbearance to minimize any derogatory impact. Fannie Mae has also created printed materials that will be available on military bases to help service members understand their options if they find themselves having trouble making their mortgage payments. Fannie Mae’s new consumer education Web site, KnowYourOptions.com, is another resource for struggling homeowners. The site outlines the choices available to homeowners and provides guidance on how they can contact and work with their mortgage company to find solutions. Service members are encouraged to visit www.KnowYourOptions.com/Military or call the Fannie Mae Military Support Hotline, 877-MIL-4566.

Congress has unanimously approved a one-year extension, until Sept. 30, 2011, for the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). A long-term extension has been a top legislative priority for NAR (National Association of REALTORS®). Earlier in 2010 the NFIP lapsed, causing major disruptions for REALTORS®, and with the Sept. 30 deadline fast approaching, NAR redoubled its efforts to extend the program.

REALTOR® advocacy efforts helped make the long-term extension a reality. When Congress returned to Washington, D.C. in mid-September, NAR was waiting with its federal political coordinators who came to D.C. to meet with key senators and urge the long-term extension. Additionally, on Sept. 22 NAR was ably represented by Maryland REALTOR® Nick D’Ambrosia. He stressed to the Senate Committee on Banking NAR’s commitment to extend and strengthening the program beyond 2011 for the long-term. While the one-year extension brings a level of certainty to the NFIP, there needs to be comprehensive reform measures to place the NFIP on more sound financial footing for at least another five years.

Flood Insurance Timeline

Sept. 21, 2010 S. 3814 Approved by Unanimous Consent in the Senate

Sept. 23, 2010 S. 3814 Approved by Voice Vote in House of Representatives

The bill now heads to President Obama for his signature as soon as next week. With program authority now extended for a year, it is expected that attention will turn to proposals to reform and ensure the financial soundness of the NFIP. While the House passed its reform bill (H.R. 5114) earlier this year, it is unlikely that a comprehensive reform bill will move until the 112th Congress goes into session next year.

Source: NAR

Americans overwhelmingly oppose any action by Congress to tamper with the mortgage interest deduction, according to a nationwide survey which supports the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION of REALTORS® position that home ownership incentives must be preserved.

Nearly 80 percent of respondents said they support retaining federal tax incentives to promote home ownership in a survey commissioned by the National Association of Home Builders. “These results show strong national voter support for keeping the mortgage interest deduction,” said Neil Newhouse, partner at Public Opinion Strategies, a research firm based in Alexandria, Va., which conducted the survey.

“Clearly, voters have a very strong connection to the home mortgage interest deduction and are not likely to respond well to efforts to reduce or eliminate it. In fact, voters overwhelmingly say they would be less likely to vote for a candidate for Congress who supported either eliminating or reducing the home mortgage interest deduction,” Newhouse said.

NAHB’s findings bolster efforts by NAR to refocus national attention on the benefits of home ownership. NAR’s Homeownership Matters initiative is dedicated to maintaining taxpayer incentives and challenging misleading reports in the media that are being used to attack long-standing government policies. NAR will host a free webinar on Sept. 28 featuring chief economist Lawrence Yun to provide practitioners and REALTOR® association executives with information on NAR’s initiative.

Even when told that getting rid of the mortgage interest deduction would help ease the federal budget deficit, 72 percent of respondents in the NAHB survey opposed any proposal to abolish the home mortgage interest deduction. This cut across partisan lines and home owner status; 76 percent of Republicans, 75 percent of Independents, and 64 percent of Democrats oppose eliminating the deduction. Meanwhile, 75 percent of home owners and 55 percent of renters also oppose doing away with the home mortgage interest deduction.

Public Opinion Strategies conducted the survey Sept. 9 through 12 to assess the public’s attitude toward the mortgage interest deduction and the importance of home ownership.

“As the midterm elections draw near, voters are sending a resounding message to Congress and the Administration: Don’t meddle with the mortgage interest deduction or other tax incentives that support home ownership,” said NAHB Chairman Bob Jones, a home builder from Bloomfield Hills, Mich.

Sources: NAR, National Association of Home Builders