NMRC of the Red Hat Society Visit Ruidoso, New Mexico

Saturday, June 27, 2015

Members of the New Mexico Roadrunner Chapter of the Red Hat Society in Alamogordo, New Mexico drove to Ruidoso/Ruidoso Downs, New Mexico to visit Hubbard Museum of the American West, shop and dine. There was a bit of rain, sometimes heavy, but Red Hatters never let a little rain stop them.

First stop was the museum in Ruidoso Downs where they have a wonderful collection of art, Indian artifacts and old west transportation wagons and stage coaches. Everyone had a great time exploring the museum and, of course, purchased some items in the gift shop. From here we headed to the lovely Cherry Blossom Shoppe on Sudderth Drive that has great bargains in wearing apparel. They even have a Red Hat section and a couple of the girls bought hats there. Their employees are very helpful and try to find what you are looking for in the right color and size.

From here we went to Michelino's Italian Restaurant for lunch and it was most enjoyable. I had an Italian sausage sandwich and a cannelloni for dessert and several had spumoni for dessert. Then it was time to head back home to the Tularosa Basin. By this time the rain had quit so it was a pleasant drive with the mountains and desert looking fresh and clean from natures showers.

Do to the downpour just as we arrived, Trudy was unable to bring her motorized scooter in so she opted to wait for the rest of us to explore the museum as she had been there before anyway.

I shot the picture of Jean without an alert-she is usually smiling but was concentrating on shopping in the gift shop

Gail, another shopper, not disappointed by the offerings of this gift shop

VQ Donna looking lovely in her new glasses

Jean inspecting a wagon

Darla noted in this picture that they had added a tiny "E" on the Bakry sign

Gail checking out the stage coach painted in bright colors

Painted Apache cookware

An Apache Ritual Circle

War poles under glass

This proved to be quite an elaborate chuck wagon

A close up of the cook's fireplace next to the chuck wagon

This is a no frills chuck wagon, but quite adequate

Jean had planned to get on the horse, but the saddle was too loose

A wonderful painting of an abandoned jail

L to R: Gail, Darla and Jean discussing the ancient cart in front of them

This very crudely made cart was set up to be pulled by two oxen

Gail took my picture by this lovely two person carriage

These are Cherokee dolls on display

L to R: VQ Donna, Jean and Valerie enjoying lunch

Somehow, I did not manage to take any pictures of the girls shopping at the Cherry Blossom Shoppe, mainly because I was shopping and forgot all about the camera. Also, at lunch, I never made it to the other side of the table to photograph the rest of the group. My apologies ladies.

This is all I have to say for now.

Auditions for Fall Fundraiser at Theatre on the Hill

Sunday, June 21, 2015

A number of people attended auditions for six short plays by Alamogordo, New Mexico playwrights that will be showcased as a fundraiser for the Theatre on the Hill Guild on August 28-30, 2015. Attendees read through each play with parts assigned by Connie Breding, NMSU Drama Professor. The plays are: Social Insecurity, Mal's Practice and Search for Rosie's Balls all three by Robert Trowbridge, And Come Back a Star by Joylyn Mercouris, Seventeen Minutes by Carolyn Dittmer and One-Hundred and Two Stories by Carla C Crittenden (Kerr).

Everyone was pleasantly surprised at the level of the plays and came to a common conclusion that this Fall Fundraiser will be a grand success. The first auditions were held on Friday, June 19, 2015 at which several new people attended and added to the excitement of the play readings.

Be sure to mark your calendars to attend. The Guild needs your support and the actors need your enthusiasm as an audience. You will not be disappointed!

There will also be a Silent Auction during the production and, if you are reading this and have something you would like to donate for the auction, call Carla Kerr, guild president, at 921-6218 and she will be happy to pick up your donation.

Douglas A. Kerr, Photographer took random shots during the audition as people got into each character.

Monica Helm intently listening. No audition is complete without Monica!

Viviane Ackall, Guild member and supporter as well as mother of a couple of budding actors

Scott is an excellent musician and always ready to add to the production

Connie Breding addressing the group and Robert Trowbridge, playwright/actor

Eli Holmes, actor/singer

Victoria Kennedy and her brother, Jeremiah Crosby, well known thespians

Mia Rascon, most recently played Tolly in "Tolly and Pat" Spring Production 2015

Jeremiah and Gavin reading a play

Victoria reading a part

Deep concentration by actors

Aaron Palmer, also last cast in "Tolly and Pat" this Spring

Alan Gonzales, most recently in "Tolly and Pat" and "Chaos at the Concert"

Mia reading while Carla looks on

Carolyn Dittmer, actor/writer/journalist

A pensive Carla C Crittenden (Kerr), author, playwright/actor

You can tell by the photos that auditioning is quite informal and comfortable. Anyone thinking of trying out for a role should not be afraid of jumping in and giving it their best. This theatre group is helpful to everyone in their endeavors, friendly and positive, plus Connie Breding is one of the best drama teachers to learn under. She is understanding, positive and talented in her position and you will grow under her direction. Dedication and determination are the watchwords for a beginner. So, come on down the next time there is an audition call.

Thanks to Douglas A. Kerr, Photographer.

This is all I have to say for now.

NAACP and Friends of Library Celebrate Juneteenth

Saturday, June 20, 2015

Members and friends of the NAACP joined up with  Friends of the Library to celebrate Juneteenth at the public library in Alamogordo, New Mexico.

Juneteenth is derived from the words June and nineteenth to commemorate June 19, 1865, the day Union General Gordon Granger and 2,000 federal troops arrived on Galveston Island, Texas to take possession of the state and enforce General Order No. 3 which abolished slavery in southern states.

Today, Juneteenth commemorates African American freedom and emphasizes education and achievement. It is celebrated across our nation as a day, a week, and in some areas a month-long celebration of events and a time of coming together. It is a time for reflection, self-assessment, self-improvement and planning for the future.

People of all races, nationalities and religions join together to acknowledge a period of our history that has shaped and continues to influence our society, even today.

An opening proclamation was made by Otero County NAACP President Warren Robinson including prayers for the people murdered in North Carolina. Friends of the Library President Nadia Sikes also remarked on the importance and meaning of Juneteenth. NAACP Education Officer Ron Peeler gave a presentation of the history of Juneteenth. Local poet Keith Gerber presented several of his poems and Sarah Juba Addison delighted the audience with her storytelling expertise.

After enjoying refreshments, the audience went to the media room in the library for a participatory drum presentation by the Las Cruces-based New World Drummers. Along with learning to drum, participants were entertained by dancers Wanda Wakkinen and Karuna Warren.

Photo by Doug Kerr taken just before I left for the celebration, camera in hand

Otero County NAACP President Warren Robinson with opening remarks

Head of Friends of the Library, Nadia Sikes remarking on how similar we all are

NAACP Education Officer Ron Peeler relating history of Juneteenth

Some of the attendees

Another shot of attendees during break

Joel Hamilton always in attendance at these events

Adriene in serious conversation with Ron Peeler

Always dependable Bob Flotte was on hand with his charming assistant, making radio commentary on the event

Diana Hamilton  visiting with Denise Lang

Nadia Sikes being interviewed by Bob Flotte on radio

Local poet Keith Gerber related several of his poems

Alamogordo storyteller Sarah Juba Addison entertained the group with her great stories

One-Half of the New World Drummers

The other half of the New World Drummers demonstrating various instruments

Warren Robinson introducing the New World Drummers from Las Cruces, New Mexico

Wish we had sound. He was demonstrating a very melodious drum here.

They make beautiful music together much enjoyed by everyone

Joylyn Mercouris learning how to play the drum

Karen Hutchison and Jim concentrating on what comes next

Not only does she play drums, but dances beautifully as well

Wanda Wakkinen moving to the beat, a very graceful dancer as well

This drumming lasted far longer than intentioned, but everyone was having so much fun learning how to play and listening to songs that go with the playing. I know for sure, I can't sing and play drums at the same time! Juneteenth was a beautiful event, well presented, entertaining and educational at the same time.

This is all I have to say for now.