Exciting Ideas in Wyoming Communities! — Pinedale Christmas Light Competition, 2020

Photography courtesy Sydney Jensen, White Buffalo Photography

For Christmas 2020, Monica Chen of Sacred Rim Event Planning in Pinedale wanted to introduce a new event. “My husband and I moved to Pinedale in February of 2019,” Monica shares. “Our first Christmas in the town was that year and as tradition, we drove around to look at Christmas lights. We were sad to see that not many people decorated. So [in 2020], we decided to put on a Christmas Light Competition in hopes of lighting up Pinedale. With the crazy year, I wanted to help bring some extra joy during the Christmas season through beautiful light displays.”

This free event was brought to Pinedale through Monica’s company, Sacred Rim Event Planning. Both residences and businesses were invited to compete. An interactive map was provided for the community to drive around and look at the lights, then vote on their favorites.

Three local businesses joined in on the fun, providing generous donations for prizes:  Geared Up Bikes, 307 Mercantile Co. Sporting Goods and Nested West (click on these links or their logos below to learn more about these businesses). The photography provided here of a few of the participants and their creative ideas are courtesy Sydney Jensen of White Buffalo Photography.

Photography courtesy Sydney Jensen, White Buffalo Photography

As with all new community events, Monica took some notes on things that worked well and things that needed some tweaking. (I sure do know all about that myself!) Overall, it was a success and Monica’s energy in Pinedale and around the area can be felt through her Instagram work – check her out @sacredrimeventplanning , where she talks about her wedding & event planning services, but also unique rentals available!

Do you have a new Wyoming community event or some 2020 spirit to share? We want to share it with our community! Email me at editor@wyolifestyle.com!

Til Next Time,

Kati Hime

Photography courtesy Sydney Jensen, White Buffalo Photography

WY People: Vaughan and Hawkins Inducted into WY Aviation Hall of Fame

Visit to learn more and listen to their entertaining & informative podcasts for free: https://www.wyomingpublicmedia.org/programs/modern-west-original-podcast-archive#stream/0

From the Wyoming Department of Transportation


Doyle Vaughan, of Jackson, and Daniel Hawkins, of Greybull, are the latest inductees into the Wyoming Aviation Hall of Fame for their work in the field of aviation.

With the Wyoming Aviation Hall of Fame celebrating its 25th anniversary, organization leaders wanted to mark the milestone by inducting two individuals this year.

Daniel Hawkins, courtesy WY DOT



Daniel J. Hawkins operated highly specialized aerial services, including mountain flying, firefighting, search and rescue, surveying and hauling. An experienced fixed wing pilot, Hawkins also was a highly experienced helicopter pilot who used helicopters in a variety of applications. He was co-owner of Hawkins & Powers Aviation Inc. and co-owned several fixed-base operations in northern Wyoming, including Sky Aviation in Worland, Powell Aviation and Big Horn Airways in Sheridan.  

Hawkins began working for Greybull-based Avery Aviation in 1964. He later purchased the company with Gene Powers in 1969, changing the name to Hawkins & Powers. Known for its innovations in aerial firefighting techniques and slurry delivery systems, Hawkins & Powers operated for more than 35 years before closing in 2005.

Hawkins was a pioneer in the use of helicopters in mountain flying, search and rescue, the energy industry, agricultural and rangeland, and wildlife applications. In 2000, he received the Helicopter Association International’s prestigious Robert E. Trimble Memorial Award for his mountain flying accomplishments and innovations and, in 2006, the Meritorious Service Award for his outstanding service to the civil helicopter community.

Hawkins had numerous memorable moments in a helicopter, including placing a bison monument on top of Cedar Mountain, west of Cody, to mark the site where Buffalo Bill Cody wished to be buried. He also appeared as the helicopter pilot in the 1968 John Wayne movie, Hellfighters, filmed near Casper.

Hawkins logged more than 30,000 flight hours in his 60 years of flying. He passed away on June 28, 2006.

Doyle Vaughan, courtesy WY DOT



Doyle Vaughan began flying in the 1950s. His professional flying began in Texas, where he joined an air service company. In 1962, Vaughan was selected by the U.S. Army to be an instructor pilot at Fort Wolters, Texas. While a U.S. Army Primary Helicopter instructor, he received the Gold Safety Certificate. After his service, he was hired by Hughes Tool Company as a corporate pilot.

Vaughan came to Wyoming where, beginning in 1969, he operated a fixed-base operation at the Johnson County Airport in Buffalo. In addition to offering fuel and maintenance, he offered flight instruction, aerial spraying, a helicopter service, fire lookout and geological surveying.

After a brief period as a line captain with the newly formed Federal Express, Vaughan joined another new company, Southwest Airlines, in April 1973. Vaughan was the 18th pilot hired to fly for Southwest. In 1984, the Vaughan family moved back to Wyoming where they settled in Jackson. Vaughan saw an opportunity for expanded commercial service and advocated for Southwest to serve Jackson Hole. In 1985, he was honored to fly the first Southwest flight into Jackson. He flew for Southwest until he reached the Age 60 Rule in 1993. While at Southwest, he logged more than 18,000 hours in the Boeing 737. Vaughan also was a charter pilot for Jackson Hole Aviation.

After retirement, Vaughan remained active in aviation by promoting flying in the area. He was involved with career days at Jackson Hole High School and the local Young Eagles program. He worked closely with Wyoming Senator John Barrasso for support of the Fair Treatment for Experienced Pilot Act that was passed by Congress in 2007, raising the commercial pilot retirement age to 65. He served on the Jackson Hole Airport Board from 1999-2009. While serving on the local airport board, he worked closely with Grand Teton National Park officials to find mutually agreeable solutions, including improving runway safety while addressing environmental impacts. Vaughan served the citizens of Wyoming by serving on the Wyoming Aeronautics Commission from 2009-2020.

Vaughan logged more than 28,000 flying hours. Vaughan passed away on Oct. 7, 2020

The Wyoming Aviation Hall of Fame first inductions occurred in 1995, when Ralph Johnson, Harold Slim Lewis, Dillard Pic Walker and Samuel Phillips were inducted. The hall of fame is a non-profit, publicly supported, tax-exempt organization dedicated to honoring individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the establishment, development and/or advancement of aviation in Wyoming.

The WAHF maintains a display case that includes plaques with the inductee biographies, as well as artifacts. This case is scheduled to be placed in the new Laramie Regional Airport Terminal in the spring 2021. For more information about the hall of fame, to nominate an individual, or to make a donation, please call Board Chairman John Waggener, in Laramie, at (307) 766-2563.

WY WOMEN & FAMILY: UW Kaleidoscope Fashion Show, Laramie’s The Buried Moon Ballet

Laramie Dance & Arts Center presents “The Buried Moon Ballet” May 4&5

“The Buried Moon Ballet,” an original production by Jordyn Brummond and featuring costumes handmade by Beth Brummond, appears on the Laramie High School Auditorium stage on Friday and Saturday, May 4 and 5. Performances are 7:30 pm Friday, May 4, and on Saturday, May 5, a matinee at 2:30 pm, followed by a final evening performance at 7:30 pm. Tickets are $10 for adults, $7.50 for children for the evening performances; matinee rates are $8 adults, $5.50 children. Seniors are $7.50 for evening performances and $5.50 for matinee. As an added bonus, families can donate $2 of their children’s ticket price to their elementary school PTA or preschool, and seniors can donate $2 of their ticket to the Eppson Senior Center!

Brummond is a pointe, ballet, modern and lyrical instructor at Laramie Dance & Arts Center (LD&A), and has been since summer of 2014, when owners Levi and Kati Hime purchased Laramie Dance Center. The Himes changed the name of the center in 2015, moving it away from its ballet-centered previous focus to one that includes ballet among many types of dance, art, music and movement. Multiple performances featuring the diverse programming at Laramie Dance & Arts Center happen throughout the year, including Irish, belly dance, cheerleading, hip hop, tap and more. The center also is home to Snowy Range Music Together (a music and movement program for babies through preschoolers and a loving adult), and Snowy Range Taekwondo.

This is Brummond’s third original ballet production, taken from inspirations in fables and classic tales. Jordyn creates the story line, characters, selects the music and creates the choreography all by hand. She directs all rehearsals and coordinates team bonding events for the dancers. Participation in the ballet is an additional, optional activity offered to the students at LD&A, and is an inexpensive activity for the participants. Brummond donates her time and expertise to weekend rehearsals over the course of many months, and the students’ cost is the cost of their shoes and other garments needed to support the costumes.

Jordyn’s mother Beth Brummond creates the dancers’ costumes by hand every year. “These are incredible, priceless creations,” co-owner Kati Hime says. “The sewing is exquisite, the fabrics they choose are beautiful, and you couldn’t find hand-tailored costumes like these at a low price. They are truly one of a kind. We are so fortunate to have Beth’s passion on display on stage for these young ladies.” The costumes this year take on a celestial theme, with a beautiful surprise twist!

This year’s production follows the plight of the moon, who is stolen and buried. Villagers must take it upon themselves to find the moon and restore it to its rightful place in the night sky, surrounded by the stars that guard it. This is a family-friendly story and performance that is sure to delight all ages. LD&A dancers will also be on hand for a meet and greet photo op with young ballet hopefuls after each performance in the lobby way!

Tickets are available at the door or ahead of time by calling 742-6767. Laramie Dance & Arts Center is a welcoming program that accepts all levels and ages of people who are passionate about the arts. See their schedules, class descriptions and more at laramiedancecenter.com.

Designs produced by Paul Ditty as well as seniors in UW’s textiles, fashion and design program via the Department of Family & Consumer Sciences, College of Agriculture are part of an annual exciting fashion this Saturday, April 21 at the UW Union Ballroom at 7 pm. The Annual Kaleidoscope Fashion Show is a student led and produced event that happens every spring at the University of Wyoming. Kaleidoscope showcases unique, handmade designs from students, community members, and alumni. Admission is free.

Following is a sample of a few seniors participating in this year’s event …

The Anne Collection
By:Erin Jensik

The Anne Collection is a ready-to-wear, eco-friendly line inspired by French Provincial furniture and its color palette. I wanted this line to be comfortable, flattering, and versatile. The open backs and form-fitting pieces creates an edgy, confident energy while the bamboo/cotton knit fabric makes these garments comfortable enough to spend all day in.

Salvaje
By: Yair Sanchez

Salvaje is a collection of African safari & savannah colors and animal prints. Salvaje embodies the motto of being yourself. The word salvaje translates to wild – when you think of the wild you think of freedom, being fierce, being independent, strong, but most importantly being who ever you want to be. That is what’s seen on the runway, with some risqué, modern fashion. This collection can be worn to a cocktail event, parties or red carpet events when wanting a more simplistic look.

“Triforium”

By: Jamie Lindsey

Triforium investigates parallels in fashion and architecture. The selection of Gothic architecture allows for the conceptual and visual expression of my existing interests in balancing elegance with darkness. This period of time comes with an air of fantasy and boldness; this is represented with striking silhouettes and sculptural applications of steel rod. The title is representative of the forms I borrowed from architecture of the time, but it is also symbolic of the middle ground between light and dark.

“Ever After” 
by Nikka Solatorio

This collection was inspired by fairy tales and folklore, each of the individual garments are deities and spirits from Filipino fables. It is meant to be whimsical and lively where the main focus are on the details of the garments; such as the embroidered floral appliques and hand-sewn beading.

Give a Sweet Wyoming Gift No Matter Where You Are! + Bent & Rusty GROWS!

 

SERENDIPITY CONFECTIONS OF WYOMING SHIPS THEIR DELICIOUS CARAMELS & GOODIES NATIONWIDE!

VISIT SERENDIPITY CONFECTIONS ONLINE – CLICK HERE!


Want to give a Sweet Wyoming Gift, no matter where you are? It’s online and EASY!  Visit Serendipity Confections for a special deal that lasts through Saturday, November 25 — and visit them online after November 25 as their holiday yumminess keeps giving no matter what day it is!

Social Media Fans – Follow the links:

LIKE SERENDIPITY CONFECTIONS ON FACEBOOK

FOLLOW SERENDIPITY CONFECTIONS ON INSTAGRAM

TWEET, TWEET!  SERENDIPITY CONFECTIONS IS ON TWITTER TOO!


LARAMIE’S BENT & RUSTY COTTON COMPANY GROWS UNDERGROUND THIS HOLIDAY WEEKEND!

 

WYO WOMAN & FAMILY: Menarche … What the Heck is that Word & How do I tell my Daughter?!

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In this & future blogs, we’ll feature writing by students of the University of Wyoming’s Family & Consumer Science Department, within the College of Agriculture. A select number of professors have chosen to provide student papers & projects to be displayed via our blog and new e-magazine. Keep an eye out for more topics on parenting, growth & development, learning, relationships, nutrition and more!

 


“Blood is Going to Come From WHERE?!”

by Jordan Kucera and Alyssa McElwain, PhD, CFLE

Across generations, women can recall their personal experiences in early adolescence when they encountered their first period. For some women, this experience was welcome and expected, whereas others experienced shock, distress, and confusion. Research suggests that these experiences can have either positive or negative associations with becoming a woman based on the information (or lack thereof) young girls receive prior to their first period or menstruation.

On average, girls get their first period around age 12-13; however, there is great individual difference and girls can get their period between ages 9-16. Some parents miss the window of opportunity to prepare their daughters because puberty is occurring at younger ages. Research shows that when discussions take place before puberty, young girls have a more accurate understanding of what will happen to their bodies and a more positive outlook on becoming a woman. For this reason, it is a good idea to begin conversations about puberty sooner rather than later.

Information about menstruation typically comes from our mothers, but also comes from friends, female relatives, books, magazines, school, the internet, movies, and television. These sources may provide conflicting, inaccurate, and even pessimistic perspectives about menstruation. For example, girls sometimes think they cannot use tampons until they are older or that they should not be physically active during their period, neither of which are true. Some girls receive little to no information and feel confused about this important aspect of the female body.

A study conducted with early adolescents (youth ages 10 to 14) who had not yet begun menstruation, found that few girls were knowledgeable about the menstrual cycle. Many girls reported negative attitudes about menstruation and some even compared their menstruation to having an illness. A majority of girls believed that their periods would bring incurable and unavoidable pain that would prohibit them from participating in social activities or attending school. One study found that some girls believe they need to hide their menstruation from family members and friends (especially males). Although a majority of girls thought that having your period was a sign of maturity, many girls persisted in having negative beliefs such as the idea that menstruation is embarrassing, uncomfortable, or even shameful.

Lack of information and misunderstandings about periods can lead young girls to feel overwhelmed and extremely frightened about what is happening to their bodies when they encounter their first period. Research shows that poor overall experiences with menstruation are linked to low self-esteem, poor body image, and issues with sexuality. Accurate information, provided at earlier ages from a variety of sources that include not only the mother, but also informative education programs can allow girls to have a better overall experience and view menstruation more positively.

Knowledge is power and accurate, positive information provides young girls with more optimistic and all-encompassing knowledge regarding the processes involved in maturation. See the talking points below for important information to include in a conversation with the young girl in your life.

Period-Positive Talking Points:

  • Menstruation is a healthy and normal part of being female.
  • You can continue to have a normal, active life during your period.
  • The women in your life have your back! We’ve all been there and are understanding, so don’t be afraid to ask questions or even ask a stranger for a pad or tampon if you need one.
  • Girls start getting their period at different ages and bleeding usually occurs for 5-7 days each month, about every 28 days. It’s normal for some women to get premenstrual symptoms (PMS) like cramps, headaches, and bloating before their period.

 

References

Amann-Gainotti, M. (1986). Sexual socialization during early adolescence: The menarche.             Adolescence, 21, 703.

Burrows, A., & Johnson, S. (2005). Girls’ experiences of menarche and menstruation. Journal      of Reproductive and Infant Psychology, 23, 235-249.

Newton, V. (2016). Positioning periods in context: Contemporary discourses and dilemmas.         In Everyday Discourses of Menstruation (pp. 49-70). Palgrave Macmillan: UK.

Moore, S. (1995). Girls’ understanding and social constructions of menarche. Journal of   Adolescence, 18, 87-104.

Rembeck, G., Möller, M., & Gunnarsson, R. (2006). Attitudes and feelings towards menstruation and womanhood in girls at menarche. Acta Pædiatrica, 95: 707–714.

Uskul, A. K. (2004). Women’s menarche stories from a multicultural sample. Social Science & Medicine59, 667-679.

Check out the Dayton Art Loop Studio Tour

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Check out the Dayton Art Loop Studio Tour — Saturday, November 19, from 10-4 in beautiful Dayton, WY.

An annual showcase of the many artists and artisans in beautiful & quaint Dayton, Wyoming!

  • Raffle for a basket of items donated by participants (proceeds benefit our local art scholarship), as well as a door price drawn from people who visit each stop on the map.
  • New to this year’s tour will be David & Donna McDougall’s new gallery — Painted Skull Studio — located at the historical Hans Kleiber residence in Dayton.
  • Noted local artist Alice Fuller is also back in the tour.  She’ll be showing in her studio just outside Dayton.  Don’t miss this stop!
  • Gallery on Main will host a variety of local artists as well as sweet treats, lunch and beverages, and Tongue River Valley Community Center will host lunch and a bazaar, as well as Iris Sorensen’s award-winning Lakota dolls and dance sticks. Iris’ husband Kevin will show his woodwork there as well. Barb Sellar will have new items at Dog Paw Pottery.
  • The Art Loop is a perfect place to pick up unique gifts by local artists!
  • Sonja Caywood will be celebrating her brand new studio addition, at 317 2nd Ave W!  “More than 4 people will fit inside my studio now,” Sonja adds. “So bring a friend!”  

Watch for signs and pick up a map to enter in the door prize drawing.

Fall Colors with Steve Stanze

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I was up in Laramie, Wyoming last weekend visiting my grandparents with my sister. We came up to visit them for two weeks when we were kids and wanted to relive some of the memories. Saw a mama moose and two babies right off a trail in Vedauwoo and caught the beautiful scenery in the Snowy Range Mountains.

–Steve Stanze, St. Louis

*(Thanks, Steve!)*

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#wykidsaregood & events coming up!

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SHARE YOUR #WYKIDSAREGOOD MOMENTS WITH US!

As we prepare to launch our new Wy Woman & Family Magazine website & first online magazine, we want to hear from you! We’re looking for stories of Wyoming kids (of any age!) doing good things for others!

Helping someone in need … volunteering to help others … giving comfort to a person in need … being nice to someone … big or small, we want to hear it all!

No prizes, no gimmicks, no giveaways — just a chance to applaud Wyoming kids for being amazing.

We’re going to blog & share these stories as they come in, so don’t wait! Each story will include the child’s first name and town where they live. Pictures are welcome, but not required. Please include a statement on your willingness to publish your child’s first name, Wyoming home town and photo (if included/desired) on our blog.

Email to editor@wyolifestyle.com – no deadlines, we’ll keep them going as they come in!

Search the hashtag #wykidsaregood to find our stories that we share …

#wykidsaregood 


Upcoming Wyoming Events!

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Laramie’s Higher Ground Fair 2016

Higher Ground Fair 2016

A new regional fair to celebrate rural living in the Rocky Mountains is coming to Laramie September 24 and 25. It’s been said there’s no such thing as an original idea, but according to Gayle Woodsum, a long-time community organizer and founder of the fair’s sponsor, Feeding Laramie Valley, mixing great traditional ideas in a new way can result in something better than the original.

The Higher Ground Fair is designed to bring together a truly diverse mix of participants and fairgoers as it provides space for valuing the intersection of music, art, food, cultural awareness, traditional family farming and ranching, new agriculture, gardening, health and wellness, social action, animals, the environment and sustainable living, as a means of learning from each other to create a better future for all Rocky Mountain communities in the six states of Colorado, Idaho, Montana, New Mexico, Utah and Wyoming, and the Native First Nations that also call the region home.

“This is a challenging time in our world,” says Woodsum, for whom the Higher Ground Fair has long been a dream. “Individuals and communities are inundated by messages of fear and hate, underscored by the growing reality of health, economic and social disparities between people of privilege and people just struggling to survive. Yet, this is also a time of incredible ingenuity and hope coming from people determined to find community solutions to worldwide problems.

“Residents of the rural Rocky Mountains have always honored the grandeur of their environment by being resourceful, capable and tenacious. The Higher Ground Fair is an opportunity to celebrate their history and simultaneously set a new stage for leveraging community forces to develop creative possibilities for a better world — a stage that also promises a lot of fun.”

Organizes of the Higher Ground Fair have spread their reach wide to launch this new event with something for everyone:  musical concerts and dance performances; art exhibits and workshops; agricultural displays and demonstrations; a llama and alpaca performance and fleece show; food vendors featuring regionally sourced ingredients; inspiring educational workshops and presentations; companion and wilderness animals; regional arts and crafts vendors; a kids adventure zone; gardening, composting and recycling exhibits — all at one event. All designed to bring people together who typically enjoy such offerings in separate environments.

Vendor and display booth spaces are being offered free of charge this debut year for the Higher Ground Fair, with participation applications being accepted for consideration as long as space remains available. A large volunteer corps will be responsible for the fair’s complex infrastructure, with volunteer recruiting incentives including free t-shirts, free fair entry, free lunches and free on-site camping. Fairgoers over the age of 12 will pay a $10 entry fee at the gate, $8 in advance; with tickets for elders 65 and over going for $8 at the gate and $6 in advance. Children 12 and under are free. Contact and other fair information can be found at www.highergroundfair.org, by calling 307.223.4399 or emailing info@highergroundfair.org.

 

Wyoming Made: Laramie’s Scrap Tree Creates Personalized Works of Art

WY Public Radio third block good for top of listingLaramie’s Scrap Tree & Customizable Art

1305 S. 3rd St., Laramie

307.745.5141

Facebook page

Laramie’s Scrap Tree store, a treasure of scrapbooking, card making and other crafty wonders, was featured in our Summer 2015 issue of WLM. At the time, we also pointed out another side to their business – custom glassware, wood (and new cast iron!) items that can be personalized to reflect a wedding or anniversary, as well as lots of great Wyoming bucking horse items! Artist Joe Hageman is a Renaissance man, with multiple hats as a long-time Laramie attorney, co-owner of Scrap Tree with his lovely wife Manni, and his expanding art business. Available to ship and very customizable, check out Scrap Tree and contact them for someone special on your list (or perhaps yourself!)

Joe took this brand for a couple, and blasted it into their wedding goblets ...
Joe took this brand for a couple, and blasted it into their wedding goblets …

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The finished goblets for the couple!

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New cast iron blasting!
New cast iron blasting!

 

WHP TROOPER INJURED RESPONDING TO SHOTS FIRED CALL

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Images & text courtesy Wyoming Highway Patrol

Wyoming Highway Patrol Trooper Joel Eldred was involved in a crash near Glenrock on June 30th. Trooper Eldred is a 12 year veteran with the Patrol and is stationed out of Glenrock.

Trooper Eldred was responding emergent to a “shots fired” call in Douglas with both the emergency lights and sirens activated on his Dodge Charger patrol car. While passing eastbound traffic on US 20/26 at mile post 163.63, a 2002 Jeep SUV traveling east turned left into a commercial business driveway in front of the passing patrol car. The Jeep was driven by 49 year old Jamestown, Louisiana resident Robin Belgard. Trooper Eldred applied emergency braking and steered his patrol car into the north ditch to avoid the Jeep. Despite Trooper Eldred’s efforts to avoid a crash, the two vehicles still collided as the patrol car entered the ditch. After entering the ditch, Trooper Eldred’s patrol car rolled a minimum of four times. The Jeep spun around on the highway and came to rest facing west in the westbound lane of US 20/26.

Investigators are crediting Trooper Eldred’s seat belt use, ballistic vest use, vehicle safety design (including airbags) and the patrol car’s prisoner transport safety cage for minimizing the injuries Trooper Eldred sustained from the crash.

Robin Belgard was treated for her injuries and was released from the hospital on June 30th.

Trooper Eldred had attended WHP sponsored training the day before this crash occurred titled Below 100. The Below 100 program is a nationwide training initiative being given to Troopers and other law enforcement agencies in Wyoming to minimize the amount of officer involved deaths across the United States. Wearing your seat belt, wearing your ballistic vest and preparing for traffic to turn left in front of officers during emergency response are three main points emphasized in the Below 100 program.

No citations have been issued from this crash at the time of this update. Trooper Eldred is expected to be discharged from the hospital today (July 1st) and to make a full recovery from his injuries.

NEWS from the PARKS: John Colter Day to Tell Story of Mtn Man History in JH

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The Colter Stone

John Colter Day to Tell Story of Mountain Man History in Jackson Hole

MOOSE, WY —The annual John Colter Day will be held Monday, June 27, at Colter Bay Visitor Center in Grand Teton National Park. Colter explored the vast Yellowstone country during the winter of 1807-1808, and was likely the first European to ever travel the region. This marks the ninth year that Grand Teton has offered special presentations to highlight the life of John Colter and the mountain men of the 1800s.

John Colter Day highlights include:

Colter Stone Display — June 24-July 5, 2016
This stone—on loan from the Teton Valley Historical Museum in Driggs, Idaho— is a piece of rhyolite lava carved in the shape of a human head and engraved with the name John Colter, and year 1808. Discovered in Tetonia, Idaho in 1933, the stone, if authentic, represents the only solid proof of the route followed by trapper and explorer John Colter. As a member of the famed Lewis and Clark expedition from 1804 to 1806, Colter was given an early discharge from the Corps of Discovery. He set out on his own from a fur traders’ fort in the southern Montana territory and he traveled south to present-day Cody, Wyoming. On his return, he passed through an area that is now part of Yellowstone National Park. A section of his journey may have brought him through Jackson Hole, over Teton Pass, and along the western slope of the Tetons.

Presentations at Colter Bay Visitor Center — June 27, 2016

11:00 a.m. – The Story of the Colter Stone
Ranger Naturalist Dan Greenblatt will detail the legend and history of this fascinating artifact.

2:30 p.m. – John Colter: Mountain Man Superhero
Dr. Barbara Mueller, professor of anthropology at Casper College, will discuss the life of John Colter, widely considered to be the first mountain man of the American West.

5:30 p.m. –The Story of Sacagewea
Local author, historian and storyteller, Ken Thomasma, will talk about Sacagewea, a Shoshone woman who accompanied the Lewis and Clark expedition across the western United States from 1804-1806.

7:00 p.m. – Mountain Man of Jackson Hole
Ranger Naturalist Andrew Langford will re-create the rugged life of a mountain man, enduring brutal winters and physical dangers in the unmapped West during the 1800s.

9:00 p.m. – Run for Your Life: Then and Now
Dr. Barbara Mueller, professor of anthropology, will discuss historic adventures.

For more information about the Colter Day events, please call the Colter Bay Visitor Center at 307.739.3594.

EXPLORE WYOMING: Mountain View Hotel, Centennial

 

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THE MOUNTAIN VIEW HOTEL

CENTENNIAL, WYOMING

307.742.3588  www.themountainviewhotel.com

 

On April 1, Levi & I were treated to a night at the Mountain View Hotel, a historic establishment in Centennial, just about 30 miles west of Laramie on US Highway 130. Due to our crazy lifestyle with our businesses, we weren’t able to make it until later that Friday evening. However, the owners, Kat & Mike, were kind to us and showed us around, regardless of the hour – part of that Wyoming hospitality that they literally offer around the clock.

Fine hospitality at the Mountain View Hotel isn’t a new phenomenon, but it is something Kat & Mike are proud to continue. Opened in time for the June 4, 1907 arrival of the Laramie Plains, Hahn’s Peak Railroad opening, the establishment was dedicated in a “golden spike” ceremony. Painted white with black trim and built at a cost of $8,000 at the time, it boasted 20 guest rooms, a dining room and a “most improved system of plumbing” – never mind that the bathrooms ended up in the stables. Today, you can find the historic register books and china in the nearby Nici Self Museum.

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The hotel has received a lovely face lift by Kat & Mike, and its rooms and suites include a restaurant serving breakfast and lunch, coffee roaster and espresso bar. Kat & Mike showed us the suites that make a great stay for a small group, and work well for snowmobilers, hunters, summer vacationers… We discussed how the hotel also makes a great stay for wedding parties getting married in the Snowies – many groups rent the entire hotel for their wedding party to enjoy historic accommodations prior to the big day.

Our room was the Mountain Sage Room, a comfy space with two queen beds and a beautiful en suite bathroom. I had to grab many pictures of the eye-catching antiqued ceiling. We settled in with snacks and a late night Myth Busters marathon, and ended the night soaking in the peaceful silence that I remembered from nighttimes of living in the Snowies as a kid.

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In the morning, the room had a lovely sunlight glow and still remained peacefully quiet. I prefer to wake up to a good book, especially on the weekends, so I grabbed my Doris Kearns Goodwin The Bully Pulpit (a great read if you like presidential – or just Victorian – history like I do!) and waited for Levi to wake up. Meandering downstairs, the smell of freshly roasted coffee greeted us and Levi, our family java hound, made a beeline for the espresso bar while I thanked Kat for a great & peaceful night’s stay. Families of snowmobilers were enjoying breakfast in the quaint restaurant, and since we had to rush back as we had a full day of parties with our Laramie bounce house business, I eyed their plates greedily and noticed everyone was having a good meal. There were lots of options for Levi when it came to his coffee, and he went for black with a little extra milk to go. The early spring sunshine was bright and there were still hints of snow – winter season adventure may have been winding down, but you wouldn’t have known it to see the cars with skis and snowmobiles go swishing by through Centennial on their way to the Snowies and Snowy Range Ski Area.

If you’re heading to Laramie or Saratoga to partake in the beauty of the Snowies or enjoy Laramie Jubilee Days, you must make a stay at Mountain View Hotel high on your priority list. After all, if you’re right there and adventuring, you’ll want to fall into a comfy bed that’s nearby and enjoy fresh Joe in the morning. Why not do all that with a little history besides? And when you’re there, be sure to take the hop, skip and jump across the highway to the Nici Self Museum and learn the history of the area. Gold star for those who can email us and let us know where the village got its start and its intriguing name …

Til the Next Adventure …

Kati Hime, Editor

editor@wyolifestyle.com

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Wyoming Real Estate: 444 Augusta Drive Riverton, WY; Cornerstone Group Realty, LLC

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Realty Office:  215 S. Broadway Riverton WY  82501

307.856.1818    www.cgrsells.com

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FOR SALE:  444 Augusta Drive, Riverton, Wyoming

Contact Judy Bauman-Broker/Owner

307.856.1818 or 307.851.1756

judy@cgrsells.com

Best of Both Worlds… County property w/NO Covenants, surrounded by the beautiful Riverton Golf Course.

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If you desire graceful living among beautiful surroundings, you must see this exceptionally gracious home. You’ll have the best seat in the house for mountain and golf course views on this 1.72 acre county lot w/NO Covenants! This home offers a 3 car attached garage, cathedral ceilings, walk-in closets, exquisite mountain views and marble, slate & parquet finishes throughout. Come experience what over 6,000 sq. ft. of wall to wall spaciousness feels like…

Take a photo tour online at www.cgrsells.com.

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National Bighorn Sheep Center Volunteer Opps & More…

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Learn more about the National Bighorn Sheep Center in Dubois —> click here!

Volunteer Opportunity:

Help monitor Upper Wind River Valley Bighorns: Monday, March 14th

The Wyoming Game and Fish Department and the University of Wyoming will begin capturing bighorn sheep in the Dubois area for a movement and body condition study on Monday, March 14th. If you are interested in volunteering to help with this work, and/or to observe, please contact Sara by Sunday, March 13th via email at sara@bighorn.org.

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Final “Spring Fever Series” Event:

Jackson Hole Wildlife Film Showing: Tuesday, March 15th, 7pm-9pm at the Bighorn Sheep Center

Want to see a series of fabulous films celebrating wildlife and the natural world? With a great, short selection of films from the Jackson Hole Wildlife Film Festival, we will be awed and inspired by amazing wildlife from around the world in our own cozy Ron Ball Gallery and Theater at the Bighorn Sheep Center. Popcorn and beverages will be provided. Event is free and open to the public.