Get your "slow food" on at Tuesday Farmers Market

Cindy Ridenour, president of the Tuesday Farmers Market board of directors, says that the market will bring in two "slow food" chefs during the summer to teach buyers about using fresh ingredients. Said Ridenour in today's Wyoming Tribune-Eagle: "These chefs will be showing how to get back to cooking with real natural foods that you can get at our market rather than reaching for the Cheez Whiz or Bisquick." So stroll onto the Depot Plaza in downtown Cheyenne to find fresh local foods and fine handmade crafts. Products featured this Tuesday, June 12, 3-6:30 p.m.:

• Locally-raised fresh vegetables
• Colorado Western Slope cherries
• Locally raised mushrooms
• Grass-fed beef, lamb, and bison, pork, poultry, goat's meat
• Farm fresh eggs
• Bratwurst, chowders, bisque, smoked wild-caught salmon, tamales
• Dine on the plaza or take-home BBQ
• Locally produced honey, jams and jellies, hot sauce
• Gourmet pastas, flavored oils and vinegars
• Fresh breads and baked goods
• Natural, locally-produced body care products
• Hand-crafted glass gifts, wood working, alpaca fiber crafts, photo cards and other crafts

Live Music by Franklin Taggart

In memoriam: Colorado writer Ed Quillen

Freelance journalist Ed Quillen died at 61 last Sunday in Salida, Colo., a place he put on the map with his humorous, curmudgeonly columns. For decades, his columns were a must-read for me. His final piece was in the June 6 Denver Post and focused on Colorado’s rep as “home of the Red Scare,” a tradition that goes back to the 1870s, with the labeling of Utes as “indigenous communists” who must go. Big Bill Haywood and other union leaders got the commie label later and now we have the Denver Republican Party inviting Fla. Repub Rep. Allen West to speak about modern-day commies in the ranks of the Democrats. Who’s a Colorado commie in Congress? Rep. Jared Polis, millionaire entrepreneur turned public servant. Ed, We are going to miss you! Read his final column at http://www.denverpost.com/quillen/ci_20543845/yet-another-red-scare?source=pkg. Read his obit at http://www.denverpost.com/obituaries/ci_20781716/denver-post-columnist-ed-quillen-dies-at-age

Democratic candidates drop in on Cheyenne Pride Day festivities

Lee Filer, candidate for Wyoming HD12

Two new Democratic Party candidates for the Wyoming State Legislature attended today's Cheyenne Pride Day picnic at Lions Park. Lee Filer is running in House District 12 and Gary Datus is running in HD 42. Both are newbies. Lee is a hard-working family man -- he's a railroader and a member of the Air National Guard -- and he's fired up to take on the Republican contenders still in the race (incumbent Amy Edmonds chose not to run). He's only 32, which makes him several decades younger than the average Wyoming House member. As a Dem and a Gen Y guy, he would automatically add to the diversity of the Legislature. Gary Datus was in education for 42 years, 27 of them as principal of Triumph H.S., Johnson Junior High, and others. Gary would be a good guy to have in the fight. Judging by their performance during the past two legislative sessions, Extremist Republicans have a low regard for publicly-funded educators -- publicly-funded anybody.

Incumbent Dems Mary Throne and Jim Byrd also spoke at the picnic, which is sponsored by Wyoming Equality. Jim Byrd spoke about the face that WE represents the kind of equality that he thinks the Equality State is all about -- equal right for everyone. He also pointed out that at least five House races in 2010 were decided by 20 votes or less. So get out there and vote, people!

And remember that Wyoming Equality is holding a dance and fund-raiser starting at 8 tonight at Suite 1901 in downtown Cheyenne. Tix are $5 for members, $10 for non-members.

Democrats in Laramie County say, "We ain't dead yet!"

This editorial cartoon on WyoFile illustrates the dilemma faced by badly outnumbered Dems in WY. But we Dems aren't ready to North Koreanize our state just yet. Read the comments on WyoFile: http://wyofile.com/2012/06/single-party-state/

From Joe Corrigan and Wendy Soto, Laramie County Democrats Grassroots Coalition:

Please join us at a “Meet the Candidates Open House” sponsored by the Laramie County Democrats Grassroots Coalition at the home of Joe Corrigan, Treasurer, 3626 Dover Road, Cheyenne, on Sunday, June 24, 1-5 p.m.

We've all heard fellow Democrats say, "I wish we had more people running on our side of the ticket," or, "I wish our party were stronger." As Wyoming Democrats we are accustomed to playing the role of underdog. However, in these trying times, when ultra conservatives would like to destroy the moderation which is the hallmark of Wyoming politics, we have no choice; we must become stronger NOW.

The truth is the Wyoming Democratic Party is strongest when we all get involved. We must back our candidates, volunteer our time and energy, donate a little of our hard earned cash, and give our candidates the encouragement and support they need to survive the campaign and more important, to win elections. One step in the right direction is to join us on June 24 to meet candidates and raise money for the Laramie County Democrats Grassroots Coalition. All money raised will go toward providing resources and support for our candidates. In return, you'll meet these impressive candidates, shake hands with some hard working elected officials, get to know energetic fellow Democrats, enjoy delicious refreshments, and have a good time!

We are suggesting a minimum donation of $25 for this event, but all donations will be greatly appreciated. If you can't attend the Open House but you want to show your support for the Laramie County Democrats Grassroots Coalition, please send your contribution to LCDGC at PO Box 2986, Cheyenne, Wyoming, 82003. We hope to see you on June 24!!!  

Please RSVP by calling Joe at 630.6192 or Wendy at 635.2609 by June 18, 2012.

WY Wilderness Association hosts a weekend of art and nature at Honeycomb Buttes

From a press release from the Wyoming Wilderness Association:

The Wyoming Wilderness Association is excited to be hosting a weekend of art and nature with Joan Hoffmann, extraordinary oil and pastel artist from Colorado and Vermont, conservationist and teacher.

Friday- Sunday June, 15-17, Hoffmann will inspire painters of any medium or skill level, in a car campout near Honeycomb Buttes. Saturday morning artists will rendezvous to set up car camping near the Honeycombs, with short day hikes to paint, and campfire critiques and stories to follow. Sunday morning, artists will paint the gorgeous Honeycomb Buttes for a grand finale of an inspiring art-filled weekend. This opportunity is free and open to the public. For more information, contact Martha Tate at 307-672-2751 or visit WWA’s website at http://www.wildwyo.org/

Wyoming Wilderness Association encourages everyone to take advantage of the summer, get out and explore the wild parts of the state, and find out what makes Wyoming and its wilderness areas so special.

WY ACLU and WY Equality urge WY to live up to its "Equality State" motto

Say Amen:

The ACLU of Wyoming is teaming up with Wyoming Equality to fight for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) rights and marriage equality in Wyoming because we believe in a society that values fairness and equality.

Say Amen again, brothers and sisters:

The true measure of us as a state is how we treat each other. Every individual should have the opportunity to make a lifetime commitment legally to the person he or she loves. Want to help us fight for LGBT rights and marriage equality in Wyoming? Please contact us to find out ways to get involved. More info at http://acluwyomingchapter.blogspot.com/2012/06/equal-rights-in-equality-state.html

Cheyenne Pride Day: BBQ by day, dance by night

Cheyenne Pride takes place on Saturday, June 9.

Lions Park Gazebo. Free hot dogs and hamburgers from 12:00 - 4:00 pm

Dance at Suite 1901 from 8:00 pm - 1:00 am. Admission: $5.00 members, $10.00 non-members

Sponsored by Wyoming Equality. 

Go cowboy crazy this weekend over Joanne Kennedy's "Cowboy Crazy"

My writing pal Joanne Kennedy debuts her new novel from 6-8 p.m. tomorrow (June 9) at Barnes & Noble in Cheyenne. It's called "Cowboy Crazy" and it's her first novel with a laughing cowboy on the cover. The guys on the cover always look so seriously hunkish. But this one looks positively gleeful (although still equipped with dangerous pecs bared by an open shirt). For years, Joanne was a member of our local writing critique group and I got to know her work well. Not that I'm a fan of studly cowboys, but I am a fan of good writing and of stories well told. Go out and buy "Cowboy Trouble " or "Cowboy Fever" or "Tall, Dark and Cowboy" or... you get the picture.

Petersen: Diverse voices needed in Wyoming Legislature

Kathleen Petersen: Diverse voices needed in Legislature -- Wyoming Tribune Eagle Online:

Giving a voice to the people, especially minority groups, is what prompted Kathleen Petersen's run in state House District 8. 

She hopes to increase the number of women and Democrats in the Wyoming Legislature to offer a more balanced mix of perspectives, she said. 

“I just feel for a good, balanced government, you need to hear from more than one demographic.”

That one demographic is old (or aging) conservative white guys. I have nothing against aging legislators, it's just their calcified brains and hardened hearts that piss me off. So, if we can just get a few more women or minorities or just-plain Democrats in the Legislature, we'll be light years ahead of where we are now, which is somewhere in the Triassic Era.

I especially welcome Kathleen's District 8 bid. That's my district. We used to have a woman legislator representing us -- Lori Millin. Our current rep, Repub Bob Nicholas, is another predictable Republican with predictably bad voting patterns.

Take a serious look at Kathleen for the upcoming election. Read the WTE profile at above link.

Wyoming's only largest Juneteenth celebration set for June 16 in Cheyenne

This comes from Nancy Sindelar's excellent e-newsletter. BTW, the Chris you see named at the bottom of your screen is my lovely wife, YMCA membership coordinator and fellow NAACP member.  You can catch her talking about Juneteenth on Channel 5 tomorrow morning, some time between 6-7 a.m. Here's the news:

Saturday, June 16th, Cheyenne:  Juneteenth Cultural Park Festival.  Celebrate the day the Blacks in Texas finally found out they were no longer slaves, more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation.  Food and merchandise vendors, rap groups, demonstrations and non-profits.  11 AM, Martin Luther King, Jr. Park, Ames Ave at Martin Luther King Ct.  Info:  Chris, 634-9622 ext13.  Free.  

Wisconsin defeat as seen from Wyoming

There you have it (from Blowing in the Wyoming Wind):

"...with surprising support from union households, Wisconsin voters retained a governor who promised to destroy the labor movement in a state with a proud history of protecting worker's rights... Nearly 40% of Wisconsin union members voted to retain the man [Scott Walker] who loathes them."  

This union member in Right-to-Work Wyoming is disgusted. We start every day knowing the cards are stacked against us. We have to stand together or perish. 

If you like your films wild & scenic...

Multitalented multitasker Forrest King works on four paintings at once for next Art Design and Dine

The next Art Design and Dine Artwalk features "Portraits in Progress – Live painting by Forrest King"

Thursday, June 14th from 5-8 at the Ancient Sage, 1726 Capital Ave in Historic Downtown Cheyenne

Four new portraits in progress by Forrest King, two of which have not been revealed to the public, will be worked on simultaneously!

The paintings worked will be Harry P. Hynds, Alex Frye, A Little Girl Named Jayne, and Leah Zegan.

Other works in progress will also be on display, including the Battered Bride, Repression Number One, and a nameless one!

Stop by for a refreshment, and if you purchase something from the Ancient Sage you will be entered into a drawing for a “one of a kind” signed 8×10 print of your favorite Forrest King painting. (Only customers who buy during the event will be entered)

Happy Mama Conference in N.C. for mothers of kids with real, but invisible, brain-based disabilities

This sounds like a fabulous retreat for mothers (and possibly fathers) of kids with ADHD, OCD, SPD, and so on. From the "Easy to Love but Hard to Raise" blog that I write for occasionally:

The Happy Mama Conference & Retreat will take place July 28–29, 2012, at the Rock Barn Golf & Spa, in Conover, North Carolina. Here’s what the retreat is all about, as described on the Happy Mama website, www.if-mama-aint-happy.com :

What: A CONFERENCE that focuses on your needs as the mom to a child with a very real, but invisible, brain-based disability, like ADHD, ADD, OCD, ODD, FASD, PBD, SPD, PDD, or one of the many other overlapping conditions that make parenting your child an extra challenging situation, and a RETREAT, where we’ll provide you with wonderful food, spa opportunities, fun activities, and camaraderie with other moms who know exactly where you’re coming from.

Why: Because parenting children with invisible disabilities is an extremely stressful, isolating, and emotional job and one which can impact your health and well-being in a negative way.

The retreat, hosted by DRT Press (publisher of Easy to Love but Hard to Raise) and the website {a mom’s view of ADHD} (founded and edited by Penny Williams) and supported by a growing list of sponsors, including CHADD and the Catawba Valley Medical Center, will offer the perfect blend of education, support, and pampering.

Saturday’s speakers will cover: “Parenthood, Stress, Health, and Resiliency,” “Advocating for Your Child in School,” and “How to Be Happy: Calming Techniques for You and Your Child.”Sunday will be devoted to fun and pampering, which may include spa treatments, relaxing by the pool, gem mining, hiking, yoga, horseback riding, or kayaking.

Doesn’t that sound fabulous? I can hardly wait!

Sharon Barbary Bryan registered for the conference, but has since found out that she’s unable to attend. Sharon is donating her conference registration and on-site lodging, approximately a $350 value, to a deserving mom! The retreat organizers are running a contest to determine what lucky mama will be the recipient of Sharon’s generous gift. Here’s how it works: Follow this link. Nominate a special needs mama whom you feel deserves to attend the retreat, by writing a sentence or two in the comments field (of that post, not this one!) explaining why she needs a break. The contest will run June 1 – June 22.

If you are interested in attending whether you win this contest or not, please don’t hesitate to register now. Registration is just $129 until July 1. If you are “in the business” of ADHD, FASD, ASD, or other brain-based disorders and wish to become a retreat sponsor, email happymamaretreat@gmail.com

for their sponsorship package

Meg Lanker-Simons' Cognitive Dissonance gets "Golden Thinkr" honors from ThinkProgress

Laramie blogging pal Meg Lanker-Simons (Cognitive Dissonance) has just been named one of 10 Tumblr Golden Thinkrs by ThinkProgress (see her sardonic visage at bottom left of graphic). Agreed -- Meg's blog is a hoot and filled with cool graphics and digs at wacko conservatives, of which we have many in Wyoming. Meg is off to NN12 in Providence this week where she will earn more fans. Here's the news:

The moment you’ve all been waiting for is here! After months (days) of eager anticipation (quiet indifference), ThinkProgress is pleased to award our inaugural Golden Thinkrs to 10 tumblrs that have made us laugh, cry, think, sing, skip and—in one particular moment of weakness—drink heavily.

There are too many unique and worthy voices on Tumblr to cram into one award ceremony, so instead we relied on a complicated, mathematical formula to whittle down our list to what you see here. We did not—repeat, DID NOT—throw darts at a board and choose the first 10 we hit.

We be ugly in Wyoming

From TV reviewer Mary McNamara's LA Times review of the "Longmire" pilot:

Where Longmire strides, Vic bounces, and though Sackhoff doesn't have quite enough to do in the pilot, the chemistry between the two will no doubt be the river running through the show. While anything can happen over time in a TV series, their relationship appears remarkably, and mercifully, free of sexual or even romantic tension, despite their being the two best-looking people in the county and probably the state. (No offense meant, citizens of Wyoming.)

"Longmire" on A&E is based on the novels of Craig Johnson of Ucross, Wyoming, pop. 25, in Sheridan County, home to several ruggedly attractive people.

Obama for America phone bank June 4 in Cheyenne

From Obama for America, Wyoming chapter:

What: Obama for America team meeting and phone bank in Cheyenne

Where: Laramie County Public Library, 2200 Pioneer Avenue, Cheyenne, WY 82001

When: Monday, June 4, 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Contact: 307-461-1702

M.L. Liebler "rides the quatrains" in Afghanistan

Detroit's "Beat Angel" M.L. Liebler is one of the presenters this weekend at the Wyoming Writers, Inc., conference in Casper. He just wrote a great story in the Detroit Metro Times about a recent trip teaching poetry workshops in Afghanistan. Go to this link on the Wyomingarts blog: http://wyomingarts.blogspot.com/2012/05/from-ml-liebler-poet-and-teacher.html

Dems' Spring Hat Tea postponed until June 24

This just in...

Unfortunately, the Spring Hat Tea, originally scheduled for June 2, has been cancelled due to unforeseen events. However, please save the date for Sunday, June 24, 2012. Another exciting Grassroots Coalition event is being planned.

Wear a fashionable hat -- and raise funds for Dems

From fun-loving Dem Wendy Soto: You are invited to a lovely Spring Hat Tea this Saturday. Come join your Democratic friends for tea and desserts. Let's celebrate Spring by planning to elect Democrats in November.   Please join us and invite a friend!  Saturday, June 2, 2-4 pm  Wendy Soto's home, 3439 Essex Special guest speaker: Robin Van Ausdall, E.D. State Party Tickets $15, second ticket of nonmember guest $10 Show off your most fabulous hat!