Christmas Jubilee 2011

Article from The Ruidoso News March 7, 1985

By Sharon Makokian, Ruidoso News staff writer

The Ruidoso Valley Chamber of Commerce is in the process of organizing a group of women to serve as official greeters at various functions.

Executive director John Jeffers said the Chamber has had ambassadors in the past. He would like to see the tradition reinstated.

The new group will differ from the old one in a unique way: it will be comprised solely of businesswomen. Jeffers said a similar group in Albuquerque, called the Kachina Greeters, has been very successful.

The group will be open to all chamber businesswomen on a first-come, first-served basis. Jeffers anticipates having 20 members, divided into two groups of 10. However, if response is very good, the group could have 30 members, forming three teams.

Jeffers said serving as a greeter would provide a good opportunity for businesswomen to get exposure. They will act as hostesses for groundbreakings, ribbon cuttings, visiting dignitaries and special events.

The outfits the greeters wear are being designed in the chamber office. Jeffers said he conceptualizes something with a southwestern flair. The participating women would be responsible for purchasing their own uniforms.

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By Jane Terrell The Ruidoso Valley Greeters presented the first Christmas Jubilee shopping extravaganza Nov. 11-12, 1988 at Cree Meadows Country Club. There were 37 merchants, gift shop owners, jewelers and gallery representatives. The president, Mildred Crocker, said the event offered Ruidoso locals and visitors a chance to shop an assortment of merchants under one roof. This first Christmas Jubilee also offered ongoing entertainment and Breakfast with Santa and Mrs. Santa Claus.

The second Jubilee came around in 1989 at Carrizo Lodge and there was already a waiting list of those who wanted to participate after the success of the first Jubilee. The third and fourth Jubilees were held at Inn of the Mountain Gods, growing to a three-day event. The Jubilee still had Breakfast with Santa plus a buffet luncheon and a fashion show.

By the time 1992 rolled around, the Jubilee had moved to the new Civic Events Center where the grand opening was held in conjunction with the Jubilee. The merchant booths had grown to 58. There was still the Breakfast with Santa, the luncheon and the fashion show. Since 1992, the Civic Events Center, renamed the Ruidoso Convention Center, has been the home of the Christmas Jubilee.

In 1993, there was a record 68 merchants but instead of the luncheon, there was an afternoon tea and fashion show. By 2001, the Jubilee grew to 80 booths – all Lincoln County merchants – showing their wares, plus a full food court representing four local restaurants.

Little has changed since 2001, although the attendance has grown. The Convention Center is filled to capacity with all the booths decorated in Christmas paper and ribbons, bright lights and laughter. There is

picture-taking with Santa and Christmas Storytelling too.

One merchant, the Ruidoso Flower Shop, has been to every one of the Christmas Jubilees. There are several others who are right behind in the number of Jubilees.

“As a merchant, there is no where I could spend my advertising dollars more wisely,” said Jane Terrell of the Ruidoso Flower Shop, “than to have a booth at Christmas Jubilee where almost 5,000 attendees see what our shop has to offer.”

The Christmas Jubilee began as a showcase for Lincoln County merchants during a traditionally slow time of year for the area. The Jubilee is open to any Lincoln County merchant who has a business license and a New Mexico gross receipts tax number. The only catch is… you may end up on the waiting list for a possible chance if an available booth opens up. The Christmas Jubilee is always the second weekend in November. See you there!

www.ruidosoflowershop.com 353 Sudderth • Ruidoso 575-257-2812 800-996-2812 A part of every Christmas Jubilee from the beginning!

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Taken from the Greeters’ “Celebrating Twenty Years 1985-2005”

The Ruidoso Valley Greeters, a branch of the Ruidoso Chamber of Commerce, is a self-sustaining, non-profit organization formed for the purpose of promoting business and tourist development by assisting the Chamber with activities which benefit the Village of Ruidoso and Lincoln County. This includes organizing ribbon cuttings at new businesses, attending monthly Business After Hours and hosting special programs, events and/ or programs.

maintain a strong body, a clear mind, a pure spirit and a devotion to the welfare of your people.”

Melody Vuicich, the first chairman, remembers the Greeters’ out of town promotions being the receptions that were held for political and business leaders. A reception was held for the governor, senators and congressmen in the home of Jackie Corbin. Melody felt the crowning achievement was the reception held in Austin, Texas for both the governors of Texas and New Mexico.

While Mildred Crocker was chairman in 1986-1988, the Greeters held a convention for all New Mexico chamber ambassadors. This was the year before the National Association of Chamber Ambassadors was established.

The first Christmas Jubilee was in 1988.

The Greeters also hosted the annual Horseman’s Gala.

During the chairmanship of Clay Adams, 1989-1990, the Greeters hand delivered the invitations to all of the horsemen, top personnel at the Race Track, the Mayor, Their first monthly meeting was held April 4, 1985 and councilmen and other dignitaries because of a glitch in they are still held on the first Thursday of the month.

The Zia symbol is used on one of the service pins earned getting them mailed. Clay remembers that this was one of the largest crowds ever at the Gala.

by Greeters. The reason is “the Zia culture believes that there is a great brotherhood of all things and to be a The Greeters began participating in the Ruidoso Arts Continued on pg. 6 part of that, you have a sacred obligation to develop and The original Ruidoso Valley Greeters were Joan Bailey (Zagone), Brenda Buckner, Anita Carpenter, Ann Griffith, Kandie Hinderliter, Peggy Lewis, Flo Maul, Shirley McCormick, Lorri McKnight (McMasters), Susan Miller, Moncor, Pat Parnell, Mary Parsons, Betty Patton, Nancy Radziewicz (Mitchell), Jackie Rawlins, Jean Rhoten, Jerry Shaw, Anita Smith, Sonja Smith and Melody Vuicich.

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By Annette Wallace I have had various duties with the Christmas Jubilee but I found my niche with the Santa Room. I never had children of my own but it is always so rewarding to see the children’s eyes light up in awe of seeing Santa. And, of course, there are those that are terrified at the sight of him! After their visit, the Santa elves give each child a toy and a candy cane.

One of our volunteer Santas did not write down anything but talked about hearing the children’s Christmas list wishes. One little boy about the age of 5 was adamant that he wanted his own kitchen from Santa because he loved to cook. A little girl just wanted her Dad to come home safely from Iraq and nothing else. Some of them make you smile, while others pull at your heartstrings.

For years we took Polaroid pictures for $2 each. I believe it was the 2006 Jubilee when we began using the digital cameras. Although the pictures are far superior to the Polaroids, we would occasionally get backed up with larger orders of photos. Thanks to one of our Greeters with great organizational skills, we came up with the idea of putting the number of pictures wanted on a card, then handing it to one of the photographers and that solved the problem!

Whether or not you have children or grandchildren to visit with Santa, you are welcome to stop by and observe the chaos and have a candy cane on us!

2 The birth of the Greeters 3 Christmas Jubilee from the beginning 4 Ruidoso Valley Greeter history 11 Business booth listing 12-13 Map 14 Santa’s here!

15 Ruidoso Valley Greeters donations 16 Those turquoise-jacketed gals 17 Greeters uniforms - a brief history 18 Meeting, greeting and a tip of the Greeter’s hat Business After Hours 19-22 Calendar of Events 22 Storytelling 23 Greeters provide valuable service to the community Ribbon Cuttings and the Greeters A product of the

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Continued from pg. 4 Festival in 1990 when Peggy Wash was chairman. They had a booth selling popcorn, the Festival was held outdoors and it rained. They remember a muddy mess! In June 1991, the Welcome Back Horsemen Party was held at Cree Meadows and hosted by the Greeters.

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In 1991, the title “Chairman” was replaced by President.

The “first” President was Camille Mansell. Bonnie Mattox was President for the grand opening of our new Civic Events Center in 1992. President Sally Burkstaller set up the point system and a lifetime membership category in 1993.

During the presidency of Trink Edmonds in 1994-1995, six Greeters attended the National Association of Chamber Ambassadors Conference in Montrose, Colo.

While there they were able to land the Conference for Ruidoso in 1997. The Greeters also began to participate in Adopt-A-Highway and volunteered time on Thursday afternoons to support the Chamber. In 1997 they also began volunteering at the Motorcycle Rally.

The Greeters with Nelda Lewis as President in 19981999 established the Champions of Service award. The Greeters felt that the business people in the community who gave exceptional service needed to be recognized.

There is a traveling trophy, a certificate, photo in the newspapers and in the Chamber newsletter and their name on the Chamber marquee. Forms are available to nominate someone for Champion of Service at the Chamber or from any Greeter.

In 1999, President Carole Benham and the Greeters adopted Two Rivers Park. It is located on Sudderth behind the Chamber. They purchased new tables and benches and held an ice cream social to initiate the park. In 2001 under President Kaye Kernodle, they donated funds and have their name on the tree house in the Kids Konnection Park. They also assisted with the Home and Garden Show.

President Nisha Hoffman had the Greeters running in 2002. They backed a member and her team in the Relay for Life, they were runners for the bridge tournament, they assisted with Fort Stanton LIVE! and the Motorcycle Rally, they walked the Aspenfest Parade, they held the Jubilee and hosted Santa at Festival of Lights besides the normal ribbon cuttings, Champions of Service and meeting and greeting.

In the spring of 2002 the Greeters decided to build the gazebo in Two Rivers Park. It was finished during the presidency of Betty Blair in 2003-2004. Jan Sawyer, President 2004-2005 sums it up best; “All of the Greeter members deserve thanks – when there is a job to be done, someone always steps up, volunteers and it gets done!”

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All Lathered Up Artistic Art from Wood Beads to Beauty Blue Gem Bohemian Buffalo Buffett’s Candies CC Boutique Cahoots & Co Casa Feliz & Flowers Chartreuse Moose Cherry Blossom Shoppe Circle D Metal Art Cloud Nine Coco B’s D&D Sales Deborah Wenzel, Artist Deer Trail Pottery Discoveries Diva Designs Double R Bar Studio Dream Catcher Jerseys Earth N Stone Gallery Gems By Dennis Grindstone Graphics GR Bar Ranch Gypsy Hounds

35 1 58 70 49 74 56 60 54 2 77 52 67 18 27 42 76 69 9 14 63 50 44 17 26 8

Heartlines High Plains Art Traders Hondo Iris Farm & Gallery Jackies Jamie Ink Jewelry By Alice Junque N Jewels Kona Cowboy Coffee Leathers with Style Lia Sophia Jewelry Log Cabin Quilts Mary Kay Cosmetics Misty Mt. Gourmet Shoppe Mitchell’s Silver Mountain Aire Clothiers Mountain Ridge Creations Rascally Red’s Jewelry w/ Mountain Toppers No Bones About It On Eagles Wings One of a Kind Photos By Pat Piñon Pottery Rainwaters Real Food Red Raccoon

28 15 41 6 57 55 24 21 33 37 46 66 23 31 38 12 4 10 72 47 7 39 59 75 45

Releewood Rescued Wood Riata Home Interiors Ruidoso Flower Shop Ruidoso River Museum Sabor Sacramento Mt. Village Sally Sue Jewelry San Patricio Berry Farm Schlotzsky’s Cinnabons Simon Gomez Jeweler & Artist Southwest Designs Speaking Wood Sugarfoot Farm Tanner Tradition Teresa’s Clay Works The Bear Place The Bird House The Menagerie The Three Bears Two Deer Trent’s Jewelry & Gifts Victorian Memories Wild Spirit Zia Creations Zoe

71 36 11 43 20 32 65 19 29 51 22 62 30 53 16 34 25 3 73 5 13 48 68 61 40 64

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Door Blue Goose

Seaso

Sheriff’s Posse

Prudy’s

Lincoln County Grill

Circle D Metal Art

Mountain Ridge Creations

Annie’s Little Sure Shot Espresso

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Cinnabon Gypsy Hounds

Diva Designs

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No Bones About It

Riata Home Interiors

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Teresa’s Clay Works

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Lia Sophia Jewelry

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37 Rescued Wood

The Three Bears

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5 Rascally Red’s Jewelry w/Mtn Toppers

Deborah Wenzel, Artist

Sabor

Bohemia Buffalo

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42

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Hondo Iris Farms and Gallery

Gems by Dennis

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Trent’s Jewelry and Gift

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Zia Creations

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One of a Kind

Ruidoso Flower Shop

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Piñon Pottery

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Jackies

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The Bird House

Chartreuse Moose

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Artistic Art from Wood

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Entrance

Greeter Table

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Two Deer

Double R Bar

High Plains Art Traders

Tanner Traditions

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Grindstone Graphics

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Jamie Ink

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Dream Catchers

Buffett’s Candies

Coco B’s

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The Menagerie

Cloud Nine

CC Boutique

Cherry Blossom

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On Eagles Wings

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Deer Trail Pottery

Rainwaters Blue Gem

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Mary Kay

Beads to Beauty

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Beads to Beauty

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21 Simon Gomez Jeweler & Artist

Misty Mountain Gourmet

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Vic tor ian M

Zoe de Negri Jewelry

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Kona Cowboy Coffee

Discoveries

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Ruidoso River Museum

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Sacramento Mountain Village

Sugar Foot Farm

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Jewelry

by Alice

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Relee Wood

Cahoots & Cahoots [[[[[[ Company

Sally Sue Jewelry Creation

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The Bear Place Mitchell’s Silver

Speaking Wood

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San Patricio Berry Farm

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Heartlines

D&D Sales

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GR Bar Ranch

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S T o r y T e L L i N G & v i S i T W i T h S A N TA Saturday, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. • Sunday 12:30 - 3 p.m.

My name is Fred Kilian and I have been one of the Santas at the Jubilee for several years. It is something I look forward to each year. Last year I was disappointed because I was unable to perform the duties of the “Jolly Ole Guy”. So, I am looking forward to next year when I get to see the smiling, crying, terrified, understanding, believing, non-believing faces of the children and their parents, that stand in line patiently waiting to sit on Santa’s lap. When they whisper in my ear what they want for Christmas, it’s one of many ways to find out the latest fads in children’s toys. It makes me feel younger and “in the know”.

It’s fun to watch the proud parents hoping for the perfect picture for the start of the Christmas season in Ruidoso. It gets everyone in the mood for the coming holidays. I think the Jubilee is a great tradition for Ruidoso and hope to be a part of it for many years to come.

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By Jill Harper-Duncan The Christmas Jubilee is the Ruidoso Valley Greeters’ signature annual event, held the second full weekend of November. It originated to assist the local merchants by bringing people to the village during the slowest time of the year. Proceeds go back into the village by way of donations or projects.

Over the years, the Greeters have sponsored a room at the NEST, put picnic tables in Two Rivers Park, built the gazebo at the Chamber, contributed greatly to the mural at the fire station and the Humane Society’s dog park and spaying projects, sponsored the Ruidoso Library’s Teen Project and Books for Babies programs and continue to contribute monthly to the local food banks.

Ruidoso Day in Santa Fe • Ruidoso Noon Lions Club Ruidoso Police Department • Ruidoso Public Library and Friends of the Ruidoso Library Ruidoso Regional Council for the Arts Ruidoso Valley Chamber of Commerce Ski Apache Disabled Skiers’ Program • Ski Run Road Challenge • The NEST • Wall of Courage Donation request forms are available at the Chamber of Commerce.

Donations made within the community include: Chamber Music Festival • Community United Methodist Church • Community Youth Center Warehouse • Festival of Lights • Fort Stanton, Inc. Gateway Disaster Relief Team • Humane Society Lincoln County Community Theater • Lincoln County Food Bank • Lincoln County Sheriff’s Posse Peace Village, Inc. • Road Runner Food Bank

visit us at the christmas jubilee in the ruidoso convention center!

contemporary and vintage native american jewelry

624 sudderth • ruidoso, nm 88345 • 575.257.8675 • email: tannertradition@windstream.net large pull-through parking lot • tour groups welcome | 15

By Barb O’Leary The Ruidoso Valley Greeters, those turquoise-jacketed gals you see all over Lincoln County, are a branch of the Ruidoso Valley Chamber of Commerce. They help support business in the county by holding ribbon cuttings for new businesses; hold surprise monthly Champion of Service Awards that go to a business employee who shows “above and beyond” courtesy, helpfulness, kindness, thoughtfulness, and efficiency to customers; and attend Business After Hours where local businesses stay open later to celebrate with food and friendship.

The Greeters work indoors at such venues as the Art Festival, the home and garden show, and the Alto Art tour helping with booth-sitting, collecting money, and helping anyway they can. They work outside in the sun, rain, wind, and maybe even snow. They can be found serving a welcome meal to the bikers

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during the giant motorcycle rallies; and marching down the streets of Ruidoso during the Aspenfest parade bringing Santa Claus to town for the holidays.

It takes cooperation, hard work and everyone pulling their share- and more- to plan, set up and host their annual three-day Greeter fundraiser, the Christmas Jubilee.

So, what does it take to be a Ruidoso Valley Greeter?

It takes a great deal of standing and walking. It takes attending meetings, active participation, attending ribbon cuttings, Customer of Service awards, being on committees, chairing committees, public interaction, and public relations. It takes smiling and chatting while standing in the rain and wind.

Throughout all this, the Greeters follow a point system for the various activities, meetings, and jobs.

They work to attain a 1,000 point pin; a 2,000 point pin and Lifetime Membership; and a feather for each 1,000 points thereafter.

Most of the 30 Ruidoso Valley Greeters are retired; but some still work. All of the Greeters are full-time residents in Lincoln County. They are smart, personable, caring and funny.

At this time, the Ruidoso Valley Greeter organization is full. When a vacancy occurs, a possible new Greeter is recommended by another Greeter. The Membership committee reviews the application, interviews the woman, and makes their recommendation to the Executive Board, and then finally to the General organization.

By Jan Sawyer

The current uniform is a denim style jacket complete with a zipper - but In March of 1985, the Ruidoso Chamber of Commerce organized a group of women to serve as official greeters. also of turquoise and black with tiny The outfits the Greeters would wear were designed in the black sequins scattered over the surchamber office. John Jeffers (the Executive director of the face. It is worn with turquoise, black Chamber at that time) said he thought they should have or white tops and black slacks or skirts. It was bought in the spring of a southwestern flair. All four different uniforms worn by 2005 from Tricia’s – after almost seven the Greeters since 1985 have had turquoise either as an months of debating and looking at accent or as the main color, and that color was chosen various jackets. Did you ever have to because it definitely says New Mexico. get thirty women to agree on one In the beginning Greeters bought style? their own uniforms. A Ruidoso shop Other than these four uniforms, the called Kaleidoscope owned by Karen Greeters wear summer vests that Barrows supplied these first uniforms. have trim woven by Jan Sawyer, and They consisted of a beige skirt and sewn by the members themselves. blouse made of a textured muslin These black vests replaced light material, and featured a turquoise turquoise vests in 2001. And for other cummerbund. Each Greeter also wore occasions there are white, turquoise an identical turquoise bracelet. and black polo shirts, sweatshirts, and The second uniforms were sewn even a black apron – all embroidered

by Gloria Fogerson in 1988, and with the Ruidoso Valley Greeter logo. had a fringed turquoise skirt and a v-shaped fringed tunic that could be worn over a shirt or turtleneck. They were made of a suede–like material.

Again, the Greeters bought their own uniforms.

The third uniforms, first worn in 1998, were a southwestern woven print bolero jacket of black and turquoise, and these were from Sisters Two, another shop in Ruidoso. The Greeters usually wore black or turquoise tops and black skirts and slacks with these. The organization bought these jackets.

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By Sally Burkstaller When the Ruidoso Valley Greeters was first organized it was a co-ed group formed by the Ruidoso Chamber of Commerce as a “hail-fellow, well met” arm to aid in “Meet and Greet” activities to make welcome various important groups and individuals coming to the Ruidoso area.

Member businesses were invited to nominate an employee to serve in the organization, business meetings were held during the lunch hour, and participating employees were given time off to attend functions during business hours.

Within a short time, the Greeters morphed into an all female group, still all professionals, still meeting at noon, but with a wider scope of activities. Soon, retired women indicated a desire to belong. The name of the organization was changed to the present

Ruidoso Valley Greeters, new by-laws and membership requirements were written, uniforms were ordered, and the group essentially became what it is today.

The Ruidoso Valley Greeters have enjoyed many hospitality assignments. Senators Pete Dominici and Jeff Bingaman; governors Gary Johnson and Bill Richardson and many state representatives have all been welcomed to the area by the Greeters. Plus the Greeters have served at registration and hospitality tables at such conventions such as the New Mexico Bar Association. In recent years, the Greeters have joined the local chamber board for Ruidoso Days in Santa Fe. Former Lt. Gov. Diane Denish has formally recognized the Greeters on two occasions, and the Greeters welcomed present Gov. Susana Martinez during her visit following the 2011 fire.

When invited to participate, the Greeters will continue to support the Chamber and the village in making welcome noteworthy individuals and organizations visiting the town.

By Deborah Douds Business After Hours (BAH) is a networking event for Chamber Members. Generally held monthly, it gives Chamber Members the opportunity to show off their business, explaining who they are and what they do.

When you attend a Business After Hours you have the opportunity to meet and network with other members. The best advertising is often word of mouth, so by expanding your base of social contacts and building new relationships, you have an excellent opportunity to grow your company. Also it is a good occasion to discuss and share new ideas and/or any problems you may be having with other business owners or attendees.

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Business After Hours is a free event open to Chamber Members and their employees. We encourage all members to participate.

11 Veterans’ Day Tribute: Come

have fun with a free BBQ and live music at this historic saloon, No Scum Allowed! Noon to 5 p.m. For more info, call No Scum Allowed Saloon: 575-648-5583.

933 White Oaks Avenue, White Oaks, NM

11-13 Christmas Jubilee: This Christ-

mas Jubilee will be held at the Convention Center sponsored by the Ruidoso Valley Greeters.

Shopping, local merchants, food court, Santa Claus, and storytelling. Hours are noon to 6 on the 11th. 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. on the 12th and 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. on the 13th. For more info, call (575) 336-7632. 111 Sierra Blanca Dr., Ruidoso, NM

coming to the Inn of the Mountain Gods stage! Lopez has been praised by both audiences and critics for his work as a stand-up comedian, actor and talk show host as well as for his extensive charity work. For more info, call 1-800-545-9011. 287 Carrizo Canyon Road, Mescalero, NM

19 Spencer Park Antique and

20 Blast at the Spencer Theater:

22 Don Williams at the Inn of the

12 R & R in Ruidoso Block Party:

Ruidoso celebrates its special relationship with our Active and Retired Military Personnel with a block party from noon - 4 p.m.

Sudderth Drive will be closed between Chase and Center Streets, where we will have live music, a Taste of Ruidoso, a Kid’s Zone, and more. To close out the day’s festivities, the Sons of the Pioneers will be performing at Mountain Annies at 7 p.m. For more info, call 575-257-7395.

Sudderth Drive between Chase and Center Streets

Collectible Swap Meet: Food, music, free spaces for qualified vendors / artists / craftsmen.

From 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. weather permitting. Follow the signs from the 4 Way Stop Sign on Hwy. 380 and Hwy. 54. For more info, call 480-299-6441. Spencer Park, Hwy, 380, Carrizozo, NM

CALENDAR

November 2011

BLAST! Winner of the 2001 Tony Award for Best Special Theatrical Event and the 2001 Emmy Award for Best Choreography is a virtual explosion of music and theater which uses drum and bugle corps the way Riverdance uses Irish step dancers. Tickets are $79 and performance starts at 7pm. For more info, call (888) 818-7872 or (575) 336-4800. 108 Spencer Rd., Alto, NM

Mountain Gods: Don’t miss country singer and song writer, Don Williams, at the Inn of the Mountain Gods! For more info, call 1-800-545-9011. 287 13 The Homegrown Boyz Band: Carrizo Canyon Road from 3 p.m. - 7 p.m. at The Quar- Mescalero, NM ters Bar and Grill. For more info, call 575-257-9535. 2535 Sudderth Dr., Ruidoso, NM 2-4 Walk Through Bethlehem at George Lopez: George Lopez is 17-18 the Angus Nazarene Church:

December 2011

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cALeNDAr

This is a wonderful walk through time! See a different look at Bethlehem in Jesus’ time.

There will be people dressed in costume as well as artisans showing their work and a nativity scene. This is by reservation only! Dec. 2 and 4 times are 6 - 8 p.m. Dec. 3 time is 2 p.m. For more info, call 575-336-8032.

Hwy 48 Angus Hill, Alto, NM

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Craft and Christmas Goodies Fair: From 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. at the Mayhill Convention Center For more info, call 575-687-3334 or 575-687-2003

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Festival of Lights: Beautifully lit and fantastically festive, the Festival of Lights 2011 Parade, bring friends and family for an evening of twinkling lights, hot chocolate and togetherness in the winter wonderland of Ruidoso! Throughout Midtown Ruidoso, beginning at Mechem and Sudderth and continuing to the Chamber of Commerce.

Time: 5:30 p.m. For more info, call 575-257-7395

9-11

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Miracle on 34th Street: A musical adaptation of the favorite holiday tale by Valentine Davies, made famous by the 1947 Edmund Gwenn, Maureen O’Hara and John Payne movie of the same name. Performance starts at 7 p.m. Tickets are $79. For more info, call (888) 818-7872 or (575) 336-4800. 108 Spencer Rd., Alto, NM

Walk Through Bethlehem at the Angus Nazarene Church: This is a wonderful walk through time! See a different look at Bethlehem in Jesus’ time. There will be people dressed in costume as well as artisans showing their work and

a nativity scene. This is by reservation only. 6 - 8 p.m. For more info, call 575-336-8032. Hwy 48 Angus Hill Alto, NM

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7th Annual Lincoln County Sheriff ’s Posse’s Cowboy Christmas Ball: Come have dinner at Mountain Annie’s and dance the night away, with Jody Nix and the Texas Cowboys!

Tickets sell out fast, so get them while you can. For more info, call 575-808-4111. 2710 Sudderth Dr., Ruidoso

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Ruidoso Dance Ensemble’s The Nutcracker: A Christmas Classic for the whole family; two delightful family performances. 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Tickets, $28. For more info, call (888) 818-7872 or (575) 336-4800. 108 Spencer Rd., Alto, N

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Flying J Wranglers Christmas Special: It’s Christmas week cowboy style as the Wranglers return home from their holiday tour. For more info, call (888) 818-7872 or (575) 336-4800. 108 Spencer Rd., Alto, NM

JANuAry 2012 14

The Pointer Sisters: Don’t miss the Pointer Sisters in concert at the Inn of the Mountain Gods!

For more info, call (800) 5459011. 287 Carrizo Canyon Road, Mescalero , NM

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Stayin’ Alive! at the Spencer Theater: Stayin’ Alive! The world’s number one Bee Gees tribute band! Performance is at 7 p.m. Tickets are $69. For more info, call (888) 818-7872 or (575) 336-4800. 108 Spencer Rd., Alto, NM

4 The Texas Tenors at the Spen-

12 Valentine Soiree Dinner Dance at the Spencer Theater: Singles and couples alike are invited to celebrate the beauty of love and life at the Guild of the Spencer Theater’s 11th Annual Dinner & Dance Valentine Soiree. Taking place on the stage of the Spencer Theater, the celebration includes a gourmet three-course dinner, complimentary cocktail and dancing to the Michael Francis Trio. For more info, call (888) 818-7872 or (575) 336-4800. 108 Spencer Rd., Alto, NM

cer Theater: Three ruggedly handsome men in Stetsons who sing tenor! Superb tenors at that, opera and Broadway seasoned with deep musicality, harmonic blending and million dollar smiles. What more could you ask for! For more info, call (888) 818-7872 or (575) 3364800. 108 Spencer Rd., Alto, NM

16 Marty Stuart & His Fabulous

Superlatives: Barn-burning honky tonk and hillbilly rock is the hallmark country sound of Marty Stuart, the four-time Grammy winning star who first made his mark on the charts in the 90s. Tickets are $79. Fried chicken pre-show buffet $20.

For more info, call (888) 8187872 or (575) 336-4800. 108 Spencer Rd., Alto, NM

April 2012

23 Damn Yankees at the Spencer

14 Country Royalty: Jason Petty

& Carolyn Martin pay tribute to Hank Williams & Patsy Cline.

Tickets at $69. Pre-show short rib buffet $20. Performance starts at 7 p.m. For more info, call (888) 818-7872 or (575) 3364800. 108 Spencer Rd., Alto, NM

Theater: Home-runs, hit songs and a sizzling siren named Lola have made Damn Yankees a musical comedy favorite. Written

by Richard Adler and Jerry Ross 21 Spencer’s Theater of Illusion: (of The Pajama Game fame), One of the largest touring magithis frothy tale of a baseball cal shows on the road today fanatic who sells his soul to the comes to the Spencer Theater.

Devil to help his favorite team Tickets are $59. Pre-show roast win the pennant race won 8 turkey buffet at 5 p.m. $20. PerTony Awards – including Best formance starts at 7 p.m.

Musical. For more info, call (888) For more info, call (888) 818818-7872 or (575) 336-4800. 108 7872 or (575) 336-4800. 108 Spencer Rd., Alto, NM Spencer Rd., Alto, NM

Ma r c h 2 0 1 2

phony blossomed in the desert nearly 50 years ago when the Las Cruces Symphony Orchestra (LCSO) organized to provide symphonic music to the region.

Season after season ever since, the orchestra has performed classical, pops and youth concerts to standing ovations and rave reviews. For more info, call (888) 818-7872 or (575) 3364800. 108 Spencer Rd., Alto, NM

CALENDAR

February 2012

3 Las Cruces Chamber Orchestra: A vivacious young sym-

28 Coppelia at the Spencer

Theater: The full-length, classic tale is a livelier, more realistic story than most other ballet

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CALENDAR

classics: it’s a heart-warming story about two young lovers and a romantic toy-maker who thinks he has magical powers.

Old Dr. Coppelius lets everyone believe his creation, Coppélia, a mechanical doll, is a real person, and so captivating is she that young Franz falls in love with her. Performance is $28 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. For more info, call (888) 818-7872 or (575) 3364800. 108 Spencer Rd., Alto, NM

Ma y 2 0 1 2

5 Gary Puckett and the Union

Gap: During the late 60s Gary Puckett & The Union Gap forged a series of massive chart ballads ‘almost otherworldly in their sheer earnestness, melodrama, and white-bread conservatism,’ says Music Critic Guide’s Jason Ankeny. ‘The group pioneered the hip-to-be-square concept... clad in Civil War-era get-ups (complete with fictitious military ranks) … Puckett and the Union Gap were in their own way as far-out and singular as any other act of the period.’

Performance is at 7 p.m. Tickets are $69. Pre-show Angus burger buffet dinner $20. For more info, call (888) 818-7872 or (575) 3364800. 108 Spencer Rd., Alto, NM

By Nisha Hoffman A random remark when talking about the Ruidoso Valley Greeters’ Christmas Jubilee was all it took for Storytelling to evolve.

Betty Blair and I were trying to come up with a way to contribute to the Jubilee and talk led from Breakfast with Santa and how this had to be retired due to time constraints and increased numbers of children, to my saying, “I am a storyteller”.

Well, one thing led to another and I said I had been working with schools, libraries, organizations and churches for quite some time. I could dress as Mrs. Santa and tell the children stories before or after they visit with Santa Claus.

From that little discussion in 1999, came Storytelling at the Christmas Jubilee complete with a rocking chair, a Mrs. Santa costume, and a wild twirly hat that everyone enjoys looking at.

Be sure to look for Mrs. Santa during the Christmas Jubilee—a lot of fun and entertaining too!

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Excerpts from a letter by Brad Treptow, former Executive Director of the Ruidoso Valley Chamber of Commerce, written in approximately 2005 for the Greeters’ 20th anniversary.

cle rallies and other shows.

functions including chamber and community events such as the Ruidoso Art Festival, both major motorcy-

Brad L. Treptow, Executive Director, Ruidoso Valley Chamber of Commerce

By K’Aun Kingsley

ting need only to contact the Ruidoso Chamber of Commerce. They will pass along the information and someone from the Greeter organization will call to set up a time for this fun event.

One of the Ruidoso Valley Greeters largest projects is their Christmas Jubilee. The purpose of this Lincoln County business expo is to foster local shopping for The Ruidoso Valley Greeters are a critical aspect of the holiday season. Each and every Greeter works on this community and have been for the past 20 years. I this event in some capacity and this has been such would like to congratulate each and every one of the a success. Furthermore, the monies raised from this Greeters on this milestone and wish them success for project are donated directly back to this community. the next 20 years as well.

Evidence of this is the gazebo in Two Rivers Park.

This group of volunteer women includes some of the The Greeters adopted Two Rivers Park as one of their community service projects. The Greeters have also most dedicated individuals in our community. They donated to the Lincoln County Food Bank and have invest several hours of volunteer time, not just for committed to remodeling a room in the new domesthe Greeters and their activities, but towards other meaningful organizations and activities. These include tic violence shelter.

Fort Stanton, The Ruidoso Visitors Center, local church Their commitment to this community is solid. Many, if groups, Hubbard Museum of the American West, as not all of the Greeters spend time with their children, well as several others. grandchildren and travel in between all of the activities they coordinate and host. That is the largest comIt’s important to put that into perspective with the pliment for the Greeters, how much they accomplish regular Greeter activities for the past 20 years. The with volunteers given personal commitments outside Ruidoso Valley Greeters coordinate and plan ribbon cuttings at a business’ request. They have created and of the organization’s scope of work. Please join me in congratulating each and every Ruidoso Valley Greeter implemented the Champions of Service program recognizing and awarding community service profes- on their 20th Anniversary and their dedication to our community as well as wishing them success for the sionals for their dedication and practice of great cusnext 20 years! tomer service. The Greeters also volunteer at several

Ribbon cuttings are one of the truly fun and rewarding services the Ruidoso Valley Greeters perform for the community.

Are you a new business that has opened in Lincoln County? Have you moved to a new location? The Greeter organization loves to rally and offer support to these businesses with a big “Welcome!” and a ribbon cutting complete with giant scissors, a welcome plaque and a giant good luck turquoise bow. It is a special way to introduce new businesses and opportunities to the area. And besides all of this, the business and its owners get their picture in both local newspapers and free advertising. Can it get any better than that?

Businesses that wish to participate in a ribbon cut-

Be sure to watch for a local business near you where there are Greeter women in their turquoise and black jackets, giant scissors, a giant turquoise bow, and pictures being taken outside. A fun time is had by all.

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COME OUT AND PLAY AT SKI APACHE!

WINTER EVENTS GUIDE SAT., NOV. 19

• Warren Miller Film “Like There’s No Tomorrow” at Inn of the Mountain Gods

THURS., NOV. 24

• Opening Day!

SAT., DEC. 17

• Dummy Gelunde Ski Jump & Torchlight Parade

SAT., JAN. 14

• 50th Anniversary Party & Vertical Challenge

FRI., FEB. 3

• Total Mileage Challenge

WED., FEB. 15

• Cross Your Heart Cup

WED., FEB. 29

• SADSP Fun Race & Obstacle Course

Visit SkiApache.com for more information on these fun and exciting events!

s Season open !

24 er Novemb