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.

Spring Canyon Ranch welcomes its latest resident, a cozy three-bedroom log home, custom-built by Pie Town’s very own Log, Stick & Steel. Blending in with the gorgeous Quemado landscape dotted with juniper and piñon trees, the proud owners have over 1500 square feet of indoor space and a full-length porch outdoors to enjoy the pristine high country air and the clear, star-filled evening sky.

With our fantastic current specials, it’s the perfect time to buy your own slice of the “Land of Enchantment!” Spring Canyon Ranch offers a wonderful alternative to city living, a great vacation getaway, retirement home or simply a good investment. Land rarely depreciates—we should know, we’ve been in the business for over 50 years!

Imagine yourself here… and give us a call!

Albuquerque, NM (February, 2009) – ReelzChannel®—TV About Movies(TM), has chosen the state-of-the-art Albuquerque Studios for its new corporate headquarters located in New Mexico’s “Hollywood Southwest.” The network has signed a lease for 30,000 square feet of office and production space, making it the largest long-term tenant at the illustrious facility. The studio has been home to many top film and television productions since 2007, including Terminator Salvation: The Future Begins, Game, The Spirit, Breaking Bad and In Plain Sight.

Build-out of the studio’s office and technical spaces will begin immediately, with a design from Albuquerque-based architecture firm Dekker/Perich/Sabatini. Construction will be managed by Klinger Constructors and will be completed just months after the network’s plans to relocate were announced. The target move-in date is May 1, 2009, when ReelzChannel’s programming, production, Web development, creative services, marketing and communications divisions all will be housed and operated out of one location for the first time.

“Albuquerque Studios provides the right combination of office and studio space to support our streamlined operations,” said Stan E. Hubbard, CEO of ReelzChannel. “We are looking forward to joining the New Mexico community and are thrilled to be so close to the state’s world-class movie and television professionals at this thriving production facility.”

Nick Smerigan, COO of Albuquerque Studios had this to say about The ReelzChannel move, “We are extremely pleased to welcome ReelzChannel to our campus and to our group of leading production related businesses. This is a world-class addition to our facility and to the entire film and television production community here in New Mexico.”

“It comes as no surprise that ReelzChannel has landed at Albuquerque Studios. This network is a great fit for an incredible facility and brings a very fitting component to the overall production center that continues to build at the studio complex.” added Albuquerque Mayor, Martin Chavez.

Albuquerque Studios – Opened in mid-2007, Albuquerque Studios (www.abqstudios.com) is a purpose-built motion picture and television production facility in Albuquerque, New Mexico and includes some of largest and tallest stages ever built outside of Hollywood. Its 28-acre campus is comprised of 8 world-class soundstages totaling 168,000 square feet, 100,000 square feet of mill / production support space and 100,000 square feet of full service production office space. Soundstages are paired, allowing clients to open two 18,000 sf stages to one, large 36,000 sf as well as open two 24,000 sf stages to one, massive 48,000 sf soundstage 55 feet to the grid. The studio  hosts production on campus and supports production all over the southwest with the help of a full suite of production support departments and partner companies. Albuquerque Studios also acts as facilities manager for the City of Albuquerque-owned historic Santa Fe Railyard facility in downtown Albuquerque for all entertainment related business.

ReelzChannel® —TV About Movies(TM), is the only cable/satellite network and website dedicated to everything about movies. The network and website (http://www.reelzchannel.com) feature entertaining original programs and content that offer a fresh perspective on movies, from behind-the-scenes movie clips and new release movie reviews to the latest movie trailers and suggestions for what to see tonight at home or in the theater. On ReelzChannel.com movie fans can check movie times with local movie theater listings, find new movies currently playing on TV and watch full-length movie trailers. In addition to extensive cable and telco carriage in markets across the country, ReelzChannel TV is carried via satellite on DIRECTV (Channel 238) and DISH Network (Channel 299), and is reaching more than 43 million homes nationwide. Local channel information is available on the website’s home page  through a zip code look-up. Owned by Hubbard Media Group, ReelzChannel will be moving its headquarters from St. Paul to Albuquerque in May 2009. The network also operates out of offices in Los Angeles, New York, and Chicago.

The stage hands and set builders from Warner Bros/Alcon Entertainment are all over Carrizozo, transforming 12th Street into a small-town wasteland. Filming here begins around March 3rd for “The Book of Eli,” starring Denzel Washington and Gary Oldman. The action thriller will film also film in and around Alamogordo, Santa Fe and Albuquerque from February through May 2009. “The Book of Eli” takes place in the not-too-distant future, across the wasteland of what once was America. A lone warrior, Eli (Washington), must fight to bring society the knowledge (the sacred Book of Eli) that could be the key to its redemption. Producers include Joel Silver, Andrew Kosove, Broderick Johnson, and Denzel Washington.

While you’re in town checking out the sets, don’t miss a visit to Vera Cruz Mountain Ranch for look at our magnificent 140-acre lots!

Investment Expands and Enhances Network to Stay Ahead of Growing Demand For Wireless Calling, Data Access, Navigation, Music and More

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M., /PRNewswire/ — Wireless users in New Mexico and El Paso, Texas, are making more wireless calls and using more data services thanks to Verizon Wireless’ more than $30 million network investment in 2008. That’s an average of more than $80,000 per day spent to provide customers with the reliable, high-quality service they expect from Verizon Wireless.

The company’s ongoing network investment now totals more than $275 million in New Mexico and El Paso and more than $50 billion nationally over the past eight years. The 2008 enhancements significantly increase the number of calls and data transmissions the Verizon Wireless network can handle.

“Our customers are texting, handling e-mail, downloading music, visiting Web sites, sharing pictures and videos, and making calls at a record pace. Last year in New Mexico and El Paso, wireless data traffic increased nearly 150 percent from 2007,” said Tony Heyman, regional president, Verizon Wireless.

“That’s why we built the nation’s largest and most reliable wireless network, and why we will continue to invest to make it better.”

The 2008 network investment includes adding 10 new cell sites in New Mexico and El Paso, updating and adding capacity to many others, and further improving backup power capabilities to improve network reliability and add new services.

The multi-million dollar enhancement also includes expansion of the company’s 3G high-speed wireless network throughout New Mexico and El Paso. Customers can access advanced wireless services at even faster broadband speeds, including:

  --  V CAST -- a multimedia service that allows customers to stream video
      clips, play cutting-edge 3D games, download full-song music tracks
      over-the-air, and get turn-by-turn audible driving directions and
      traffic updates with VZ Navigator(SM).
  --  Mobile Broadband -- a service that allows customers to wirelessly
      access their e-mail and calendars, the Internet, and other information
      anytime on a secure connection.

Strong demand for Verizon Wireless services continued during the fourth quarter of 2008 with organic growth totaling 1.4 million net customer additions, essentially all of which were retail. Following the recently completed Alltel acquisition, Verizon Wireless now serves more than 80 million customers, excluding markets to be divested.