Pride In America, Wedding Bells, Rodeo, County Fair

By Kaye Mindar
special to Mountain Mail

Mountain Mail/STPNS

July 17, 2008

SOCORRO, New Mexico (STPNS) -- I cannot say that I have ever felt "hollow" about being an American, either during the rites and celebrations of July or during the winter Holidays when we bring family cultures and traditions from around the world into our home and celebrate in our own special way.

I will always be grateful to be an American because I have the freedom of speech to tell you that.

I also have the freedom of religion to personally thank my Father in Heaven for my beliefs, I have the freedom of the press and this once a week small-town column to write down whatever is on my mind and also the right to vote; a gift of freedom to show the nation my personal opinion.

I can express my opinion on so many subjects without the worry of being prosecuted or persecuted. I must remember that my neighbor holds those rights also and I respect their views even if I do not always agree.

I can speak out for or against my government officials, but I will always pray for them. I have the freedom of going to school at any age.

I can read my Bible or Torah or Quran or any other religious book of my choosing, and discuss them with anyone and everyone and not worry; again doing this with respect for their views and their personal rights in the process.

As a woman, I can show my face and hair in public or speak without fear of being beaten. I can work, have money and even run for public office. I am proud to be an American because of the Constitution of the United States, Bill of Rights and Declaration of Independence.

These are not just old papers in a federal building on display, they guarantee me the right of freedom, the same freedom that fills my heart with a bursting pride every day that I wake up in my own bed and remember to thank the greater power that I have the freedom to believe in for giving me another day.

Wedding Bells

Congratulations to Lorraine Snyder, who was married in Idaho on Saturday. She is now Mrs. Eric Hiser and they will make their home in Greenleaf, Idaho. We wish them the best in their new lives together.  

Luna Rodeo

There are advertisements and posters outlining the events of the upcoming Luna Rodeo, so I will not try repeat too much here.

The annual Street Fair will be at 6 p.m. July 25 at the LDS Church parking lot. The event grows more popular each year and is a great time for all to kick off the weekend.

This year, more dessert contests are being added and it promises to be a sweet evening.

The Luna pioneer parade will be at 10 a.m. Saturday with a barbecue following at 11 a.m. Posters around town include all the times and details.

This is the first time in more than five years that rodeo ticket prices have increased. Adults get in for $10, children ages 7 through 12 for $5 and children 6 and under get in free.

The night will end with a dance featuring Jesse Carey and his Saddle Mountain Band at the Luna Community Center.

County Fair

It seems as though there is no rest anytime soon. As soon as one celebration ends, another starts gearing up - the Catron County Fair is right around the corner, beginning Aug. 20. It's time to have projects in the finishing stages and livestock about ready. Members or people who can donate to the Luna Buyers Club should call Joyce Laney.

Project Noah

Food orders for the Aug. 30 canning session need to be turned in by July 27. There is a one-time order placed now until the end of July for dehydrated green chile.

Those also will be ready to be canned during the Aug. 30 session.

Call Joyce Laney to order as soon as possible if you are interested.

The next canning session will be at 9 a.m. Aug. 2. All are welcome to come to the Luna LDS Church and see how the process takes place and get involved at any level.

We extend a true heartfelt "thank you" to Jerry and Joyce Laney and all who work so hard at canning sessions and the preparations that are involved. It is a never-ending sacrifice of time and talents.

For our Project Noah, week 1 was our storage level, including 25 pounds grain, 10 pounds milk/dairy, 10 pounds oils, 12 pounds sugars, 10 pounds fruits, 24 cans vegetables, 24 cans fruit, four gallons bleach, assorted cleaning supplies, pet supplies, assorted condiments, spices and so on. That is per person.

Week 2 is our quick-start guide, including two cans of tuna, two cans of cream soup, two pounds of shortening, 100 pounds of wheat, 20 pounds of sugar, one pound of yeast and 10 pounds of flour.

Ruraldeliveries.com is just about ready to take orders. In the meantime, deliveries from Costco each month are proving to be a success for those who are taking advantage of it. Call Chuck Rubles at (480) 430-8447 to order. We thank him for all that he is providing to our households, getting products to us in rural areas and the work and organizational skills he has been sharing

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