Tag: Wyoming Lifestyle Magazine

NEWS FROM THE PARKS: National Elk Refuge Celebration, GTNP Looking for Youth for Summer 2014

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Visit our website & read the current issue – Spring 2014 issue will be coming out soon!

image from National Elk Refuge website

National Elk Refuge:  NER to Celebrate the National Wildlife Refuge System

The National Elk Refuge is pleased to offer an opportunity this month to celebrate several significant dates in the history of the National Wildlife Refuge System. From Friday, March 14 through Sunday, March 23, displays and naturalist presentations at the Jackson Hole & Greater Yellowstone Visitor Center will focus on the conservation efforts of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. The events listed below will run daily throughout the ten–day celebration and are free of charge. The Visitor Center is located at 532 N. Cache Street in Jackson and is open from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm daily.

President Theodore Roosevelt established the nation’s first wildlife refuge on March 14, 1903 at Pelican Island National Bird Reservation in Florida. Since then, the National Wildlife Refuge System has grown into a vast network of habitats that benefits wildlife, provides outstanding outdoor experiences, and protects a healthy environment. To show how large the national wildlife refuge system has grown, National Elk Refuge naturalists will display a large U.S. map in the Jackson Hole & Greater Yellowstone Visitor Center, showing the location of all the refuges (over 560) throughout the country. Visitors will be asked to place a pin on the national wildlife refuge closest to their home. On March 24, the refuge receiving the most pins will be announced on Facebook and Twitter.

Guests can learn more about the establishment of the National Wildlife Refuge System through two displays set up in the small theater located on the top level of the Visitor Center. The first exhibit will be a time line showing significant dates throughout the history of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, along with a brief description of each event. The second display will highlight the 80 year history of the Federal Duck Stamp program. President Franklin Roosevelt signed the Migratory Bird Hunting Stamp Act, popularly known as the Duck Stamp Act, on March 16, 1934. Originally created as a license required for hunting migratory waterfowl, Duck Stamps have a much larger purpose today. They serve as a vital tool for wetland conservation, with 98 cents out of every dollar generated by the sales going directly to purchase or lease wetland habitat within the National Wildlife Refuge System. The sale of stamps is not restricted to hunters; many non–hunters collect the beautiful stamps and purchase them to support wildlife conservation. Refuge naturalists will share images of some of the previous Duck Stamps from throughout the years.

Visitor center staff will run a video entitled “America’s Darling: The Story of Jay N. Ding Darling” continuously during the celebration to honor the conservation achievements of the man that designed the first Federal Duck Stamp. In addition to his Duck Stamp art, Darling authored two books and twice won the Pulitzer Prize for cartooning, in 1923 and again in 1942. He used his satirical pen to promote issues of conservation and to bring national attention to environmental concerns. On Sunday, March 16, naturalists will set up a table with art supplies and reference books outside of the theater, allowing children and adults to design their own Duck Stamp.

More information on the National Wildlife Refuge System can be found at www.fws.gov/refuges/about/index.html. To inquire about the Visitor Center events, please call 307.739.9322.

National Park:  Youth Conservation Program Recruits Wanted!

Grand Teton National Park Recruits for 2014 Youth Conservation Program

MOOSE, WY —Grand Teton National Park is recruiting participants for the 2014 Youth Conservation Program (YCP). Funding for this youth employment opportunity comes from the Grand Teton National Park Foundation through generous contributions by their donors. Applications must be postmarked by March 14, 2014

The YCP is a summer program for high school students, ages 16 to 19. The 2014 program will span ten weeks from June 16 through August 21. This marks the ninth year that Grand Teton has conducted the program, and trail supervisors hope to enroll 15-25 short-term positions during this recruitment period.

Participants must be at least 16 years of age by June 16, and live locally as housing is not provided. Applicants must also be United States citizens and students in good standing. Other qualifications include good team skills, a willingness to learn about Grand Teton National Park and its trail system, and the ability to work at a physically demanding job which may involve lifting 30-40 pounds. Wages for participants in the YCP program are set at approximately $11.00 per hour.

YCP enrollees develop an understanding of National Park Service (NPS) conservation ethics as they assist with critically-needed maintenance and rehabilitation on park trails and pathways. Participants work alongside NPS crew leaders and become familiar with NPS stewardship goals, while learning essential trail maintenance skills. YCP participants will work 30-50% of their time with several of the other park divisions (i.e. Science and Resource Management, Interagency Fire, Interpretation, and Visitor and Resource Protection). Students will also meet experts in all aspects of public lands conservation.

During the course of their day, YCP participants may answer basic visitor questions and serve as ambassadors for the park as they complete project work on some of the most visible, and most impacted, park trails. Most of the work will be focused on projects dealing with rehabilitation of trails and backcountry areas through activities such as brushing, hazard tree removal, and construction of water bars and drainage swales. In addition to the project work, environmental education programs and several recreational opportunities are also offered.

As an extension of their mission to support innovative projects that add value to Grand Teton National Park, the Foundation provides funding for salaries, work boots, work pants, tee-shirts, and free transportation to and from Jackson for YCP participants. For more information about this youth program and how to contribute to future YCP activities, or other Foundation programs, contact Leslie Mattson by email at leslie@gtnpf.org or phone 307.732.0629.

To obtain an application or get further information about the 2014 YCP, please call Stacy Myers in Grand Teton National Park at 307.739.3379, or write to YCP Program, GTNP, Drawer 170, Moose, WY 83012.  Applications are also available online at http://www.nps.gov/grte/supportyourpark/ycp.htm

 

MADE IN WYOMING: Olde Tyme Remedies/Unker’s Multi-Purpose Therapeutic Products

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visit our website & read the current issue – spring issue is coming soon!

We are thrilled to team with the Wyoming Business Council to feature a Wyoming First business every week on our blog! Wyoming First is a program that promotes Wyoming member businesses. Visit their website (click here) to learn more about this service — and if you are a Wyoming business who’s not a member, be sure to inquire about membership! There are many benefits!

This week we are featuring Olde Tyme Remedies, LLC of Upton

Patricia Pendleton, Olde Tyme Remedies, LLC  — Mfg. of Unker’s Multi-Purpose Therapeutic Products  Upton, WY 82730

888-866-2843  otr-unkers@fuse.net  www.unkers.com

Patricia Pendleton is the current owner and CEO of Unker’s.  Her great uncle began making the mutli-purpose healing and pain relief salve from a formula which went back to the early 1900’s. Pat’s father refined the original formula to use all pure essential oils and continued making the salve in his garage in Wapakoneta, Ohio. The name Unker’s is derived from a young relative who could not say “Uncle” but could only say “Unker.” In 1995, the company moved to Upton, Wyoming, where all products are manufactured today.

Unker’s Multi-Purpose Therapeutic Products does not take custom orders since they have product available for shipment at all times.  All products are handcrafted and there is a full line of personal care and topical pain relief items.

This is a family, Christian-based, and woman-owned manufacturing company competing successfully in a market place with much larger companies.  They stand behind their products and have not issued a refund due to the quality of the products in 32 years.  Unker’s Multi-Purpose Therapeutic Products has had customer’s family members call them when they have passed away to let them know that their product & company meant so much to that person!  How many companies can say that?

 

Unker’s products are multi-purpose topical pain relief, so not only do customers get a high quality product made in the USA, they also save money.  No need to buy one product to treat one symptom only to find it has chemicals in it, an expiration date and may not do the job.  Unker’s manufactures their products with all pure essential oils purchased from US vendors, no chemicals and an indefinite expiration date!

 

Customers can contact Unker’s Multi-Purpose Therapeutic Products directly to purchase by the case, or they can purchase from one of the many retail locations listed on their website.  Prices vary depending on the quantity/cases purchased.  Unker’s does not sell individual items from their facility, but refers customers to one of their retailers.

Purchase Unker’s at these retail locations in Wyoming:

  • Discount Remedies and Wyoming Shirt & Gift in Casper
  • Nature’s Corner in Thermopolis
  • Hasco Industrial Supply in Worland
  • Genesis Chiropractic in Landers
  • South Street Pharmacy in Wheatland
  • Broken Wheel Truck Stop in Douglas
  • Joe’s Food Center, Arrow Gas in Upton
  • Diehl’s Supermarket in Moorcroft
  • Cassidy Seed & Feed in Sundance
  • Thars Feed in Newcastle

Unker’s took its first venture into NASCAR recently by sponsoring veteran driver Mike Wallace’s Car No. 28 in the running of February’s Nationwide Series Daytona 500. (see picture).  Veteran NASCAR driver Mike Wallace #28 in the Unker’s sponsored car February 22, 2014 Daytona Florida

Catch Some Air with the Jeep Brand at JH Mountain Resort

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visit our website and read the current issue — our spring issue is on its way soon!

Catch Some Air with the Jeep® Brand at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort

 

What’s your style?  From March 1 until March 30, get familiar with the expert skills of the 2014 Jeep® brand vehicle lineup at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort. While there, the Jeep brand will be offering an up close look at all the sweet spots on the all-new 2014 Jeep Cherokee recently named ‘Best Small Utility’ by PBS’ MotorWeek, the 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee, and the 2014 Jeep Wrangler. While out on the fresh powdery slopes, posses making trails at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort can get some solid hot cocoa, coffee, key vehicle knowledge and gnarly keepsake photos, all compliments of the Jeep brand. All those who visit the Jeep brand experience at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort can enter the 2014 Chrysler Group National Giveaway for a chance to win $45,000 towards any eligible vehicle, including the 2014 Jeep Cherokee. Learn how the Official Vehicle of the Jackson Hole Mountain Resort is made to keep up with any adventure. For more information on the Jeep brand please visit www.Jeep.com.

 

MADE IN WYOMING: Calamity Ranch

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visit our website & read the current issue – spring issue is coming soon!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We are thrilled to team with the Wyoming Business Council to feature a Wyoming First business every week on our blog! Wyoming First is a program that promotes Wyoming member businesses. Visit their website (click here) to learn more about this service — and if you are a Wyoming business who’s not a member, be sure to inquire about membership! There are many benefits!

This week we are featuring Calamity Ranch of Guernsey, Wyoming

Cassie Wells, Calamity Ranch  PO Box 831  Guernsey, WY 82214  307-630-6301  calamityranch@ymail.com

www.calamityranchwyoming.com

Although Cassie has been crafting since 2000, officially Calamity Ranch began in 2011 making western leather headbands, flip flops and other accessory items. Cassie started off selling on crafters’ websites and Facebook. Now she travels to festivals, fairs, rodeos and holiday shows.  Customers can find out where she will be on the road either on the website or their Facebook page, Calamity Ranch.

Right now Cassie currently works out of her home but is looking forward to opening a store front in the future. Every year she tries to expand the business by offering more items and services.

Cassie started Calamity Ranch because she missed sales and was looking for an opportunity to use her creativity.  She had always seen herself as an entrepreneur and wanted to really give it a go, and it definitely keeps her going since she also works full time.  Calamity Ranch is evolving into a family business as well; her husband travels with Cassie to shows and has also been involved by making the paracord bracelets which are so popular.

Calamity Ranch takes special orders and Cassie enjoys working with customers to create that special calamity.  Prices range from $5-100 depending on the item. Products can be ordered via email, telephone or on the web site, www.calamityranchwyoming.com.

Many products feature the Wyoming Bucking Horse and are officially licensed. The Wyoming flip flops are really popular sellers and are more or less one of a kind.  Cassie doesn’t usually use the same design to create a pair and the leathers are purchased in limited quantities. They are available in brown, black, wedges or flats. Her western leather headbands are also great items for the cowgirl that likes a fun trendy look. Many different styles, colors and no two are a like! New products are made constantly to keep things fresh!

Wilson, WY’s Answer to the Winter Doldrums – by Liberty Lausterer

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visit our website & read the current issue — Sprinter issue (Spring + Winter) will be coming before long!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Liberty Lausterer, our guest blogger, is back with another look at life in Wyoming from a new resident’s eyes. We greatly appreciate learning what our state looks & learns like to someone new – always keeps the perspective fresh!

 

Wilson, Wyoming’s Answer to the Winter Doldrums

by Liberty Lausterer

As a newcomer to Wyoming I have paid close attention when someone tells me what they do to make it through these long, cold winter months. The advice has been wide and varied: take up a winter sport, learn a new hobby like knitting, take full advantage of your Netflix membership, read those books that have been on your list for eons, and be sure to take a trip to a warmer climate in April or May (a.k.a. “Get the hell out of Dodge.”). This is great advice but you may have noticed that many of these and other winter activities are solitary ones. In a sparsely populated state that is beset by hostile weather for much of the year, how does one keep from growing lonely and isolated? Where do you go in subzero temperatures to connect with other people?

Wilson, Wyoming’s answer to the winter doldrums is the Stagecoach Bar. Over the past seventy years the Stagecoach Bar has been that rare place where people from all walks of life are brought together by music and dancing. It’s the place people could stay connected to each other through snow and ice, despite frigid temps and unrelenting winds. On any given Sunday evening one can see wranglers, hippies, bikers, cowboys, ski bums, millionaires, dudes, and curmudgeons on the dance floor together. The story of how a bar became the glue that holds together an unlikely mix of people has been told by filmmaker Jennifer Tennican in her documentary “The Stagecoach Bar: An American Crossroads.”

If you are interested to learn how the history of a bar could mirror the history of an entire region (Jackson Hole) and become a powerful unifying force, Tennican’s film is worth watching. But, more importantly, if you long for an experience of authentic community in your neck of the woods, then this film will provide inspiration and a reason to head to your local watering hole.

Tennican’s documentary will be screened at the Center for the Arts in Jackson on March 14th and the WYO Theater in Sheridan on May 24th.  It will also air on Wyoming PBS in May, and on dozens of other PBS stations across the country.

MADE IN WYOMING: Strasser Log Furniture

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We are thrilled to team with the Wyoming Business Council to feature a Wyoming First business every week on our blog! Wyoming First is a program that promotes Wyoming member businesses. Visit their website (click here) to learn more about this service — and if you are a Wyoming business who’s not a member, be sure to inquire about membership! There are many benefits!

This week we are featuring Strasser Log Furniture of Cheyenne

Mike Strasser, Strasser Log Furniture 10121 Branding Iron Cheyenne, WY 82009   307-349-9741   strasserfurniture@yahoo.com www.strasserlogfurniture.com

Strasser Log Furniture is a family owned and operated furniture, crafts and gift workshop in Cheyenne. Mike Strasser started looking for log furniture sites and magazines featuring log furniture and decided he could build it himself. In 2009 he began making log furniture as a hobby. It has since become a growing business in which he builds beautiful, high quality, handcrafted products made from Wyoming Pine at an affordable price. Mike’s goal is to be building log furniture full time when he retires from his career in the Wyoming Army National Guard.

Each log is hand peeled, hand sanded, and then dried into a custom creation here in Cheyenne. Hand peeling helps preserve the pine’s beautiful grain, rustic knots and unique color variation. Because the logs are dried naturally they may feature worm tracking, cracks and checks, which add to the natural beauty of the wood and also gives each piece its own character. All orders for Strasser Log Furniture are custom orders.

Mike is looking for retail shops to sell his work at this time. Mike is a native Wyoming citizen. His parents and grandparents were in the timber industry, and Mike has kept that tradition alive with Strasser Log Furniture. Instead of harvesting timber for communities, Mike harvests trees for the household by putting log furniture in the price range that Wyoming residents can afford. Strasser Log Furniture products vary from coasters, candles, pet beds, full size beds, bunk beds, end tables, book shelves and custom military awards. Cost range from $10 to $1500. Contact Strasser Log Furniture directly via phone, email and their website regarding questions and to discuss orders.

SHOP WYOMING: Outlaw Rodeo Wear

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Outlaw Rodeo Wear of Ten Sleep, WY has new merchandise available – and they’re up for a FedEx Small Business Grant! Learn more below, and be sure to visit them via the links!

Originated in the rugged Big Horn Mountains in Northern Wyoming, Outlaw Rodeo Wear is dedicated to the rough and hell-raising lifestyles of the most famous outlaws such as Butch Cassidy and The Sundance Kid, The James Gang, and especially some more current hometown outlaws. Named after the wild and crazy Beauty and the Beast Rodeo in Ten Sleep, Wyoming, Outlaw Rodeo Wear strives to bring you tough looking, great feeling rodeo and western wear. Designed by true cowboys and cowgirls, Outlaw Rodeo Wear will make everyone look and feel a little more outlaw.

visit them!  web  |  facebook

click here to vote for Outlaw Rodeo Wear in the FedEx Small Business Grant contest – and be sure to share it too!

WY FOODIE: New Recipe from WY Beef Council + Bin22 Jackson

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Looking for a fresh idea for dinner tonight? Check out this recipe from our friends at the Wyoming Beef Council! We greatly appreciate all the hard work they do promoting the advantages of beef – a Wyoming agricultural staple and the income for many of our friends & neighbors!

Mediterranean Beef and Salad Pita

Total recipe time: 25 to 30 minutes

Makes 4 servings

 

Ingredients

1 pound ground beef

1 medium red bell pepper, chopped

4 cups chopped romaine lettuce

1/3 cup crumbled herb-flavored feta cheese

1/3 cup prepared regular or reduced fat non-creamy Italian dressing or other vinaigrette

1/4 cup Kalamata or ripe olives, chopped

4 pita breads, toasted

 

Instructions

  1. Heat large nonstick skillet over medium heat until hot. Add ground beef and bell pepper; cook 8 to 10 minutes, breaking into 3/4-inch crumbles and stirring occasionally. Remove from heat. Pour off drippings.
  2. Add lettuce, cheese, dressing and olives to beef mixture; toss to combine. Top pitas with equal amounts of beef mixture.

Test Kitchen Tips

Cooking times are for fresh or thoroughly thawed ground beef. Ground beef should be cooked to an internal temperature of 160°F. Color is not a reliable indicator of ground beef ‘doneness.’

JACKSON:  Bin 22

Bin22 in Jackson Hole reflects the sophisticated energy of New York City and the rustic elegance of the Italian countryside, all in a quaint space in the heart of Jackson. This cozy downtown addition flaunts a diverse selection of great value wines, craft beers and regional spirits unparalleled by any shop in the Valley. Adjacent to the libations lies a small grocer featuring homemade pastas, pizza dough, cheeses, salumi, ice cream and more. Venture beyond the specialty grocer and bottle shop to the intimate wine bar area and outdoor deck, open for lunch and dinner daily. Order from the extensive wine, beer and cocktail menu while enjoying Spanish and Italian style tapas and delectable desserts. Belly up to one of the community tables and get lost amidst the rustic wood surroundings or stop for a quick visit with the cheese monger pulling fresh mozzarella at the open kitchen window. Sip Wyoming Whiskey from the state’s first legal distillery, poured straight from the cask behind the marble bar. An experience for the senses, Bin22 offers a contemporary take on an old world culinary experience.

visit online  |  facebook  |  twitter  |  instagram @bin22jh

 

International Pedigree Stage Stop Sled Dog Race Kicks Off TONIGHT!

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We dare you to say the name 10 times fast – or even the acronym, IPSSSDR — I always get hung up on S #2. 🙂 This beyond awesome, annual event finds dog teams mushing across the western half of Wyoming, stopping in small towns along the way, and bringing together a whole lot of folks excited to see this wintry spectacle. The event kicks off TONIGHT, January 31, in Jackson (see event details below!) – and continues through February 8 with stops detailed below… Stay tuned to their website & Facebook page for pictures, details, updates & more!

Photos in this blog post taken from IPSSSDR Facebook page

The excitement of the 19th annual IPSSSDR will be unleashed tonight at the Town Square in downtown Jackson, Wyoming. It’s easy to find the starting line if you listen for the enthusiastic howls and excited barking of more than 300 sled dogs. And they are ready to run!! Prepare yourself for a full evening of events as this week shifts into high gear.
The first teams leave the starting chute at 6:30PM so come early to take advantage of the unique opportunities this race offers. You can meet and greet the mushers, see the lovely Rebecca Podio, Miss Wyoming 2013, watch video of previous races, and, on this cold night, enjoy some hot food and drink. You can even win prizes at the PEDIGREE® tent. Then pick out a choice spot to watch the teams as they race through the streets of Jackson on their way to the Snow King Resort. After you’ve seen the two and four footed athletes head down the block and out of sight, catch the free shuttle START BUS from Town Square to the Snow King Center. At the finish line you can congratulate the mushers and maybe even pet a dog or two, then watch the torch light parade as it snakes down the mountain (see photograph), the Jackson Hole Air Force participate. And if that isn’t enough, there will be dazzling fireworks, too.


The race continues for the next eight days, covering 330 miles with stops in Alpine, West Yellowstone, Lander, Pinedale, Big Piney/Marbleton, Kemmerer, and, crossing the final finish line February 8, in Evanston. Follow the race right here on Facebook or visit the official race website atwww.wyomingstagestop.org for exclusive coverage, photos, and current standings.

MADE IN WYOMING: Tom Balding Bits & Spurs

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visit our website & read the current issue

We are thrilled to team with the Wyoming Business Council to feature a Wyoming First business every week on our blog! Wyoming First is a program that promotes Wyoming member businesses. Visit their website (click here) to learn more about this service — and if you are a Wyoming business who’s not a member, be sure to inquire about membership! There are many benefits!

This week we are featuring Tom Balding Bits & Spurs of Sheridan, WY

Tom Balding, Tom Balding Bits and Spurs  655 Riverside  Sheridan, WY 82801  307-672-8459  sales@tombalding.com   www.tombalding.com

After leaving the fast-paced life in California, Tom Balding moved to Sheridan, Wyoming.  Being an avid outdoorsman he was drawn to the area after a visit to Sheridan.  Tom admired the breathtaking scenery and limitless opportunities to enjoy the outdoors.  He takes pleasure in supporting his community and his days are full running the business, spending time with family and being involved in the community; however, he also takes time to enjoy the beautiful outdoors that captured him in the beginning.

Tom has always been drawn to working with metal. In 1984, a neighbor asked Tom to repair a broken bit — and that began his journey to Tom Balding Bits and Spurs.   The business began with Tom putting together scrap sailboat parts to create the first bit design.  He quickly learned through trial and error what was required of the bits in order to perform at the level his clients required.  Tom decided to pursue bit and spur crafting full time and the process was refined into the high quality craftsmanship that Tom Balding Bits and Spurs is known for today.

For 15 years Tom ran the company as a one man operation.  In 1998, a multiple winner of American Quarter Horse Association World Championships began using Tom’s bits.  Word got around the western horse circuit; Tom sold his house and built his shop and began hiring his team, which he calls a small family.

Tom works closely with professional riders during the development of new products to make certain of their performance, and feedback is considered for the final designs.  It can take up to a year before the final product is offered to the general public.

Almost all bits and spur orders are custom orders.  They have a list of parts, finishes, and extras for their bits and spurs and people choose exactly what they want.  People can order products via the website (www.tombalding.com), phone (307-672-8459), or email (sales@tombalding.com).  The base price on bits is $125 and on spurs $240. They can become as elaborate, and in turn more expensive, as the customer desires.

Along with the famous Tom Balding Bits and Spurs, customers can find belt buckles, bracelets, earrings, scarf slides, key rings and money clips on the web site and at the store.  Tom and his team pay just as much attention to detail for these items that they do with the bits and spurs.

They were recently featured on three segments of Discovery Channels “How It’s Made” —  one segment on spurs, the second on bits, and the third on belt buckles. Their reputation and customer base is worldwide.

Tom Balding Bits & Spurs offers tours Monday through Friday from 8:00 am to 4:30 pm MST, which includes a walk through of each product’s process.

Valentine’s Day Fun in WY – Singing Flowers in Laramie, Wintry Fun in Green River…

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Laramie’s Fresh Flower Fantasy Brings Harmony to V-Day

In Laramie and looking for something fun & unique for your sweetie on Valentine’s Day? Fresh Flower Fantasy offers singing valentines! Have your beautiful roses or other flowers delivered by some very talented musicians – and you can even name your tune! Delivery charges are tiered, from the non-musical variety to a selection from the list below…or add your own for just a little extra! Details — call 307-742-7616!
A list of the selections you can choose…or name your tune for just a little extra: 
“1, 2, 3, 4” by the Plain White T’s — “It Only Takes a Moment” from the musical Hello, Dolly — “I’m Yours” by Jason Mraz — “Just the Way You Are” by Bruno Mars — “A Thousand Years” by Christina Perri — “You’re Still the One” by Shania Twain — “Mine” by Taylor Swift — “Lucky” by Colbie Caillat and Jason Mraz (duet only) — “I Can’t Help Falling in Love With You” duet originally by Elvis — Duets or solos available, unless marked otherwise!
 

Green River — 2014 Crystal Classic Winter Festival Offers Wintry Fun, Food & Heat for the Whole Family! Say wha?! Read on for more…

Be sure to check our the Crystal Classic Winter Festival in Green River, where you can enjoy fun of the chilly — and hot — variety… Confused? Here’s a list of what you can enjoy:  ice carving competitions — Snow Boot Softball Tourney – 5K Walk/Run — fireworks at Expedition Island — ice bar — Ice Cube Hunt — soup cook off & s’mores stations — live music to heat you up… just to name a few activities! Check out the Sweetwater County Tourism website for a full schedule of events – and head to Green River to get your winter adventure on!

Liberty Lausterer: “This Wyoming Life”

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Earlier this month I saw Ira Glass give a talk at the Jackson Hole Center for the Arts in Jackson, WY. Glass is the host of the public radio show This American Life. He appeared on stage wearing a skinny grey suit and tie, having flown in from NYC, and joked that he was way overdressed for his Wyoming audience. His blue jean wearing, ice pick carrying audience cheered him on in agreement.

Then Glass did what he does best, he told stories. The stories he told, like those heard on This American Life, ranged from the weirdly mundane to the shockingly bizarre. But every story, whether it was one about an AWKWARD gaff at work, or questions surrounding a bizarre murder case in North Carolina, were told in a spirit of mystery and intrigue. Glass has reclaimed the ancient art of storytelling. Based on the huge success of the radio show and the buzz in Jackson around Glass’ appearance (a second show was added when the first one sold out in just four hours), I’d say there is something in all of us that still longs to hear a good story.

That’s the truly magnificent thing about stories, everyone has at least one to tell. And since there are only a half million people living in Wyoming that means that Wyoming stories are pretty rare as stories go. It just so happens that Wyoming Public Media has started a project to collect stories from around the state. Anyone can participate. All you have to do is show up and tell one or several stories of your life in Wyoming. You can listen here to stories that have already been collected, and you can get information about where to go to share yours.

Because while there is something exciting about someone flying in from NYC to share stories that are broadcast all over the nation and beyond, I’d say there’s something even more meaningful about hearing stories from this Wyoming life.

C.J. Box Releases “Stone Cold”

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I was thrilled to receive my copy of C.J. Box’s newest book, Stone Cold, published by Putnam. The 14th novel in Box’s acclaimed series about Wyoming game Joe Pickett, will publish on March 11. C.J. Box is a long-time resident of Wyoming – I was beyond thrilled to interview him for our Sprinter 2012 issue of WLM! A graduate of Kelly Walsh High School in Casper, and a reporter for the Saratoga Sun, C.J. Box discusses topics that are sympathetic to the west and Wyoming. “My goal is that with every book, readers are exposed to different points of view on controversial issues that they may not have known before,” Box said during our 2012 interview.

Critics call Box’s 2013 national bestseller Breaking Point “explosive” (South Florida Sun-Sentinel), “superlative” (The Cleveland Plain Dealer), “thrilling” (Publishers Weekly) and “exceptionally well-told” (USA Today).  Stone Cold puts Joe Pickett in the middle of an investigation of a mysterious new resident…

“In a distant part of Wyoming, a very rich stranger has settled in and built a virtual fortress for himself and his rather menacing staff. Located in the remote Black Hills of Wyoming, this grand estate poses a number of mysteries… Joe Picket, still officially a game warden, but now mostly a troubleshooter for Wyoming’s controversial Governor Rulon, is assigned to find out what the about the mystery man is. But as Joe investigates,  he soon realizes there is more to the situation than he’d anticipated…” Putnam Publishers

Loved by readers across Wyoming, the nation and world, C.J. Box continues to capture and hold readers’ attention through his suspenseful stories. Be sure to reserve your copy of Stone Cold at your favorite store!

 

 

 

Gain Free Entry into Grand Teton National Park on Martin Luther King, Jr. Day

Posted on by wlmeditor

MOOSE, WY — Grand Teton National Park will waive entrance fees on Monday, January 20, 2014 in recognition of the Martin Luther King, Jr. federal holiday. Grand Teton will join the more than 400 other units of the National Park System to acknowledge this special day as part of an effort to encourage families and individuals to visit and experience the wonders of their national parks. The entry fee for a private, non-commercial vehicle to Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks normally costs $25 for seven days.

In addition to waiving entrance fees during this upcoming holiday, Grand Teton will also offer free admission on eight other days throughout 2014. The additional fee-free dates for the calendar year include:

•             February 15-17 (President’s Day weekend)

•             April 19-20 (National Park Week opening weekend)

•             August 25 (National Park Service’s 98th anniversary)

•             September 27 (National Public Lands Day)

•             November 11 (Veterans Day)

Weekend visitors to Grand Teton can enjoy winter activities from auto-touring, wildlife viewing and photography to cross-country skiing, skate skiing and snowshoeing across the snow-covered landscape.  A popular winter trail—that spans the unplowed Teton Park Road from Taggart Lake parking area to Signal Mountain Lodge—is open, and although not machine groomed, it is packed and tracked by previous skiers.

In addition to skiing, photography and wildlife watching, ranger-led snowshoe hikes take place each Tuesday, Friday and Saturday day at 1:30 p.m. from the Taggart Lake parking area. The two-hour guided walks offer an opportunity to learn about snow science and winter ecology. Previous experience is not necessary, and snowshoes are available for a rental fee of $5 for adults and $2 for children, 8 years or older. Reservations are required and can be made at 307.739.3399.

For complete information about winter activities in Grand Teton National Park or the John D. Rockefeller, Jr. Memorial Parkway, go to http://www.nps.gov/grte/parknews/upload/Winter_Guide_14.pdf. Visitors can obtain winter season information about Grand Teton and the JDR Parkway in the following ways:

  •  The park’s website at www.nps.gov/grte.
  • The Jackson Hole and Greater Yellowstone Visitor Center on North Cache Street in Jackson.
  • The park’s information line at 307.739.3399, between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., Monday— Saturday.

“Mama, Rock Me Like a Wagon Wheel…”

Posted on by wlmeditor

Thanks to our contributing blogger, Liberty Lausterer, for a look into square dancing! Thought of as country past times, square dancing and line dancing can be found throughout Wyoming. Liberty takes a look into the art of square dancing…

by Liberty Lausterer

Square Dancing Caller to Dancers:

“Bow to your partner. Corner too. Circle left. Heads up to the center and back. Sides, Grand Square. Turn a corner. California Twirl. Dosados and swing your partner!”

Old Crow Medicine Show

If this square dancing speak reads a little like a foreign language, don’t worry, you’re not alone. Up until two months ago I had no idea what most of these calls meant. But when we moved to Wyoming it seemed like the perfect way to embrace the west. Plus the Quadra Dangle in Laramie is just a really neat space, and piece of Union Pacific Railroad history in Wyoming. And when the caller played Old Crow Medicine Show’s “Wagon Wheel,” Mumford and Sons, Stevie Wonder, and Zumba music during the open house I was all in.

Next month my husband and I will complete our three months of Mainstream Lessons. Mainstream means we can literally travel anywhere in the world and dance the same exact calls we dance in Wyoming. But that’s not even the best part. What is truly amazing about square dancing is that you get to embrace a piece of western culture, and you get to embrace your partner (not to mention lots of other people’s partners).

A fast-paced scene at Laramie’s Quadra Dangle, courtesy Liberty Lausterer

I happen to dance in Laramie, but there are clubs all over the state. The Quadra Dangle will offer another session of lessons in January. So rock me mama like a wagon wheel!