Historical Tour, 4H, Bake Sale, Bookmobile, Ceramics

By Kaye Mindar
special to Mountain Mail

Mountain Mail/STPNS

June 19, 2008

SOCORRO, New Mexico (STPNS) -- I thought I might mention the summer solstice this Friday, but I came across a much more interesting article on an important historical event of June 20.

In 1782, Congress adopted the Great Seal of the United States. The seal is used to authenticate certain documents issued by the federal government.

The main figure on the front of the seal is the coat of arms of the U.S. The 1782 resolution adopting the seal describes the image on the reverse as an unfinished pyramid.

In honor of the fact that there were originally 13 states in the Union, items consisting of that number are common motifs in the seal.

There are 13 stars (in the "glory" above the eagle's head), 13 stripes on the shield, 13 arrows in the eagle's talon, 13 letters in the mottos "e. pluribus Unum" and "annuit coeptis" (apparently coincidental; there are 52 characters on the whole seal, which is itself evenly divisible by 13), 13 olive leaves (by custom, not by law), 13 olives on the branch (by custom, not by law), 13 brick levels of the pyramid (by custom, not by law) and 13 sides showing on the ribbon (by custom, not by law).

Historical Society

About 30 guests from all over the county enjoyed a wonderful day Saturday for the annual tour and luncheon with the Luna Historical Society.

Guests enjoyed the day, touring historical sites around the community, and traveled to Alex Paterson's ranch at Center Fire, where history abounds. The Luna Community Center sponsored a luncheon following the sightseeing.

It was an incredible day they will always remember for the special, indescribable feeling of closeness to those who carved this beautiful valley with such sacrifice, some with their lives.

Luna Valley 4H

Saturday at 9 a.m. will be the annual 4H project tour and cook out for our Luna valley 4H. Anyone is invited to attend and see what hard work our 4H students have been doing. Those planning to attend should meet at the Luna Community Center. Contact Joyce Laney as soon as possible if you plan to attend so she can accommodate everyone.

Community Center

There are a few family reunions scheduled already for the community building for the summer and if there are other events for which you may need the center, contact Alberta Nicolds to make reservations or for more information at 547-2476.

The center is not specifically for the families of Luna.

Senior Activities

The senior bake and rummage sale last Friday was an absolute triumph for the center. There were many donated goods, used and new, and all proceeds go to support the Catron Commission of the Aging.

Luna Rodeo

For the first time in more than five years, Luna Rodeo ticket prices will be raised to offset the cost of renting bleachers to accommodate larger crowds.

Cost will now be $10 for adults, $5 for children ages 7 to 12 and kids younger than 6 will get in free.

Applications have been mailed and signup must be completed by return mail no later than July 18.

Ceramics Class

Charlie's Country Crafts is back in business with weekly Tuesday night sessions open to all ages. Last week's first session was a big success. For more information, contact Susan Ley at 547-2176

Bookmobile

Due to changes in villages visited and fuel costs, the bookmobile will be posting a new schedule in August. There will be no bookmobile in Luna in July.

Preparedness Corner

May and June's canning sessions will be at 9 a.m. June 28 and will be combined. For other food orders, there are ongoing signup sheets available and Joyce Laney will be available to help with any questions. Contact her at 547-2720.

Our Project Noah for the third week of June is to add to our 72-hour kit supplies; four granola bars, two sticks beef jerky, one package chewing gum and 12 hard candies. That is per person, per household.  

Genealogy Corner

Being summer and reunion time, here are some more ways to share genealogical research.

One way to incorporate shared family history into the reunion is to hold it near a place of significance to your family, such as a homestead or cemetery.

As for timing, you could hold the reunion on an important historical date (for example, the anniversary of your ancestors' arrival in the U.S., a wedding or birthday).

On a smaller scale, you could use family history facts to make games, such as crossword puzzles, word games or scavenger hunts.

Icebreakers and introductory games help set the tone for reunion fun.

You could use the information you've learned in your research to put together a display for your relatives. Consider including books, historical documents (photocopies are sufficient), pictures and maps.

Quote of the week

"Ah, summer, what power you have to make us suffer and like it."

        

Search this newspaper's archives at: Mountain Mail Archives