"Hidden Treasure" revealed on YouTube!

Looks like this "sleepy little town" is finally waking up to the 21st Century - give it a Shout Out!
What to my wandering eyes should there appear but the owner of this outstanding bed-and-breakfast in Patagonia, Nancy McCoy: taking center-stage herself to present a 2:28 video showing what's got to be one of the favorite overnight accommodations in this town that time forgot.
Yes, dear readers, at least some people are taking the wraps off and opening your eyes to some of the small wonders here in southeastern Arizona. . . .hit the link below

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I-DWDYtEWhA

PLACES & PEOPLE NOW: Patagonia Public Library, Abbie Zeltzer

In one of only two properties on the National Register of Historic Places here in Patagonia: Cady Hall/Patagonia Public Library has achieved a prominent role and mission in the community that is a common ground for all.
We want to salute and bring to your attention the dedicated years of service to the community by Abbie Zeltzer, the librarian for many years.
Current ongoing projects are many. One is the revitalization and regeneration of The Patagonia Museum initiative started with efforts of Ann Caston and Katie Goodwin [see updates on progress on the library's website] and now focusing on the Lochiel Schoolhouse.
Beginning this month "Capturing Arizona' Stories", a collaboration between The Arizona State Library, Archives and Public Records, The Patagonia Public Library, and The Patagonia Museum recording sessions will start to save for future generations rememberances from the past with individual oral histories recorded on video equipment. If you are someone, or know someone, with stories to tell please contact German Quiroga 520-343-5641 or email: tortugawerx@yahoo.com to schedule a convenient time.

Librarians in our nation’s 123,000 libraries make a difference in the lives of millions of Americans every day. Now is your chance to tell us why we should shine the spotlight on a librarian at your public, school, college, community college or university library. Nominate your librarian for the Carnegie Corporation of New York/New York Times I Love My Librarian Award!

Up to ten librarians will be honored. Each will receive $5,000 and be recognized at an awards ceremony hosted by The New York Times at TheTimesCenter in December 2009.

Kindly take the time now to enter your local nomination by going to this link: http://www.patagoniapubliclibrary.org/?p=398

More on Hummers

ARIZONA STATE PARKS: For Immediate Release
Managing and conserving Arizona’s natural, cultural and recreational resources for the benefit of the people, both in our Parks and through our Partners. FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Ellen Bilbrey at (602) 542-1996 or (602) 228-8518, or Monica Enriquez at (602) 542-6997. Contact by Email: pio(at)azstateparks.gov

Hummingbird Program in Arizona State Parks Needs Citizen Scientist Volunteers to Watch Birds

(Phoenix, AZ - August 28, 2009) The Arizona State Parks department, Audubon Arizona and the Hummingbird Monitoring Network (HMN) are launching an effort to collect scientific information about hummingbird species in Arizona. The project is funded by a grant provided by TogetherGreen.org, an Audubon conservation initiative made possible by funding and assistance from Toyota.

The project includes regional biodiversity studies and investigation about the distribution and migration of hummingbirds. (see hummonnet.org ) The diversity and abundance of hummingbirds in the SW United States, southern Canada, and northern Mexico will provide land managers with information that will help protect natural habitats.

The grant partners hope the program will inspire more conservation support as these citizen scientists collect important scientific results for this transamerican research program.

Utilizing State Parks in Arizona for scientific study, where professional staff can oversee intense programs, is common for researchers and nonprofits as well as Arizona's universities. The State Parks system includes natural areas that are highly protected, managed, and critical biomes in Arizona.

Several years ago, Dr. Bob Casavant, the Research and Science Manager for State Parks, teamed up with Dr. Susan Wethington of the Hummingbird Network to increase our knowledge about hummingbirds. They realized that State Parks/Natural Areas are perfect settings for conducting three and four-dimensional scientific research in outdoor laboratories while also educating children and adults about science.

Sonoita Creek Natural Area near Patagonia has been monitoring birds since January and Boyce Thompson Arboretum State Park will be a feeder-watch opportunity for new volunteers this fall. The Verde River Greenway Natural Area near Cottonwood, has also been designated by Audubon as an "Important Bird Area" and will be the next Park looking for citizen scientists. These State Parks will all offer high profile hummingbird conservation education events to engage the public in this volunteer research opportunity.

Read the complete Press Release and find opportunities to volunteer here
Arizona State Parks: Press Room