Category: Press Releases

Chili for Charity

Lifelong Ruidoso resident and firefighter Michael Friberg fondly recalls the chili cook-offs formerly  held downtown in unison with the Aspen Parade.  He misses the event but recognized an opportunity to generate funds for community programs by re-initiating the competition.  Thus, the First Annual Hook & Ladder Firefighter Chili Cook Off. Firefighters from around the state as well as local chefs, …

Heroes with Heart Nomination Form

Heroes with Heart Nomination Form Please mail or fax completed nomination (575) 378-1027 to the Nest to the attention of Coleen Widdell. “Heroes with Heart” celebrates local heroes who have shown exceptional and unselfish caring for others. According to HEAL Treasurer and Committee Chair Lynn Myers, “By honoring ordinary people who perform extraordinary acts of kindness, philanthropy and significantly impact …

The Nest Seeks Donations for “Off the Beaten Path” Art Auction.

Lorraine Gebo, mother of board member Lyn Meyer, has generously donated the first painting for the Nest’s “Off the Beaten Path” art competition. The work is by famed Western artist Lester Hughes. Hughes rose to fame after Presidential candidate Ronald Reagan discovered him during a 1976 campaign stop in Hughes’ home town of El Paso. Gebo’s husband was a collector …

Local Man Speaks at Legislative Press Conference

Ruidoso resident Raul Luevano was a featured speaker at the annual press conference of the New Mexico Coalition Against Domestic Violence in the rotunda of the Roundhouse in Santa Fe. He shared his story of growing up with an abuser and discussed the long-term effects of being a child victim and witness to domestic violence perpetrated by his father. Luevano …

The Nest “Oh Baby!” Diaper Drive Begins

The Nest is kicking off a month-long diaper drive to benefit the babies living at the domestic violence shelter in Ruidoso Downs. Each year, the Nest serves over 300 women and kids each year, over half of whom are children. “It’s not unusual for us to serve a family with more than one child in diapers. Despite the economic downturn, …

Police Officer Teaches Zumba at the Nest

For the past year, Wednesday nights have been especially lively at the Nest Domestic Violence Shelter. It’s on these nights Ruidoso Downs Police Officer and licensed Zumba instructor Carolee Sandoval arrives in the evening to teach Zumba to the residents. Sandoval is the mother of four children and a domestic violence survivor herself.  She says, “The residents need every little …

SANTA VISITS THE CHILDREN AT THE NEST

Santa Claus made a very special early visit last week in Ruidoso Downs. The streets came alive with the lights and sirens of the Ruidoso Downs Fire Department, as Chief Kenny Ellard escorted Santa in a fire truck to the Nest Domestic Violence Shelter. According to HEAL Board Treasurer Lynn Myers, “It was a magical experience watching these children, all …