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updateVolume 3, Issue 2 July 2009

State muSeum

Wyoming State Parks & Cultural Resources

ARTS. PARKS.HIS Y.

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Joan Sowada, Gold Fish Dialogue

Five Wyoming artists received purchase awards totaling $8,300 during the Governor’s Capitol Art Exhibition reception recently held at the Wyoming State Museum.

Gov. Dave Freudenthal presented purchase awards at the event to Dan Hayward, photo, “Mammoth Hot Springs,” and Travis Ivey, oil painting, “STOP/Jeffrey City,” both of Laramie; Helen Hoff, photo, “New Growth,” of Casper; Joan Sowada, textile, “Goldfish Dialogue,” Gillette; and Todd Kosharek, acrylic, “Western Cathedral,” Jackson.

Additionally, Hayward received the People’s Choice Award, a selection made through voting of those in attendance at the reception. Sue Sommers of Pinedale, received the Bobby Hathaway Juror’s Choice Award from Juror Ivar Zeile, owner and director of the Plus Gallery in Denver. Sommers produced an intaglio watercolor booklet titled, “Nine Views in Wyoming’s Wind River Range.”

The pieces receiving purchase awards will be included in the Capitol Art Collection and are now eligible for display in the offices of the state’s five elected

Governor’s Capitol Art Exhibition

Steve Wheat, Wyatt & Mason

Travis Ivey, STOP (Jeffrey City, WY)

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State muSeum continued

officials. The governor, first lady, secretary of state, state auditor, state treasurer, state superintendent of public instruction and representatives from the Division of Travel and Tourism selected the purchase award recipients. This year’s show featured 30 pieces by 26 artists selected by Zeile from 111 applicants.

Paul Ng, Classic Pontiac

Peter Queal performing during the reception at the Wyoming State Museum

Molesworth:Selections from the Permanent Collection

Wyoming State Museum June 20 - October 24, 2009

“Recent donations” exhibitAn updated exhibit of recent donations is currently on display at the Wyoming State Museum featuring some of the more interesting donations made in recent years. The “Recent Donations” exhibit annually showcases some of the wonderful objects Wyomingites have donated.

This year featured items include cameras from a local photographer, a magic lantern and a prosthetic leg from a Wyomingite who was injured in Italy during WWII. The exhibit was curated by Elizabeth Handwerk Kurt, collections researcher, and will be on display until summer of 2010.

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7/10/09

Dear Arts Parks & History employees,

Welcome to the new installment of the department newsletter. Once again, the great projects and activities in these pages showcase why we are the “quality of life” agency! This issue introduces a new feature on the activities of the department Green Team including tips on ways we can all work in a more sustainable way – important considerations in terms of being good stewards of our natural as well as our financial resources.

We’re in the middle of the busy summer season and our parks and historic sites have been hopping with visitors. I’m very appreciative of our hard working State Parks, Historic Sites & Trails staff who, through careful preparation, have been handling the heavy visitation effectively, despite budget cuts and increased pressures. I’m no less appreciative of our cultural resources staff who continue to provide invaluable services to our many internal and external customers while grappling with similar budget reductions and constraints and of our administrative services staff, whose work allows us to do all of the great things we showcase in this newsletter.

One part of the silver lining in these times is that it can force us to take a hard look at our work processes and re-examine why we’re here in the first place, why what we do matters and how we can find better ways to accomplish our missions. In the case of some of our programs, this kind of thoughtful inward focus is long-overdue and I’m looking forward to seeing more internal planning and problem solving going on in our agency in the upcoming months.

We’re at that time of year again when we submit our updated strategic plan and final reports and prepare our biennium budget requests. Clearly, things are going to be very tight during this next legislative budget session and the best thing we can all do to be successful is to continue to represent our agency with pride and dedication, to redouble our devotion to our important work and to provide the best service and the highest quality work we can for our customers - when you love and believe in your job, you make a better case by your example than any lobbyist could.

Thank you all for the hard work you put in every day – as these pages demonstrate - it shows!

Respectfully,

Milward Simpson, Director

diRectoR’S coRneR

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State PaRkS

May 26, thru June 3, 2009 we got the opportunity to work with a fine bunch of kids. The Wyoming Conservation Corp. (WCC) group was here to work on several projects for Boysen State Park.

The crew from top to bottom: Ryan Anderson, Emily Casey, Amber Wilson, Brandon Lucas, Nicole Zans, Tyler Dooley, Erin Daley, Ryan Schoonover.

Lower Wind River Campground Trail completed

Boysen State Park WCC Project

One of their projects was a daunting task of assembling 120 aluminum tables scheduled to replace old worn out tables in our campground areas. Assembly went like clock work till they got to the end, and realized some parts were missing. Once we discovered where they went to, 20 tables were torn apart, and reassembled to accomplish this needed task.

The second and more fun project was the construction of couple of trails, with a railing system to access the Wind River. Fisherman accessing our river had a hard time due to steep river embankments. Snowfall during winter months makes these trail quite a challenge. This trail project also addressed erosion issues we had in these areas, and rocks where gathered and hauled in to reduce soil erosion

Rick Helm did a great job in assisting these young folks, and provided some recreational, and education days for these individuals. Recreation consisted of jet skiing on Boysen Reservoir, and education consisted of a trip out to Castle Gardens petrography. These individuals seemed to be self motivated, and took pride in the work they performed. We are looking forward to next year working with this group. Thanks for a job well done. ~ Daniel Marty

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State PaRkS continued

Summer OutdOOr

Slam

The event gave kids the opportunity to learn the correct and safe way to participate in such activities as kayaking, mountain biking, archery, hiking, orienteering and many others.

An opportunity for youth to learn about a variety of outdoor activities was provided during the Summer Outdoor Slam Kids Xtreme event at Curt Gowdy State Park on June 6 – 7.

Held as part of the national Children in Nature program and the Wyoming Kids Xtreme campaign, the Summer Outdoor Slam is committed to reconnecting children and families with nature and the outdoors.

In addition to the various outdoor activities, the Fire Ants, a band from Buffalo, performed on Saturday.

Paul Taylor provided hands-on didgeridoo making workshops on Saturday.

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Up-to-date weather information and images from Buffalo Bill State Park are now available online thanks to a recently erected web camera and weather station at the reservoir.

The equipment was installed through a partnership involving the Wyoming Department of State Parks and Cultural Resources, Park County Recreation Board and Shoshone Recreation District and Day Weather, Inc.

The images and weather information can be seen at http://wyoparks.state.wy.us (link to State Parks and then Buffalo Bill.)

The weather station, proposed by a local citizens’ group headed by retired Cody teacher Jim Terry, provides visitors to the internet site wind speed and direction, barometric pressure and current temperatures at the reservoir.

The project was implemented to help visitors, primarily boaters and anglers, monitor conditions to aid in their planning for outings at the State Park.

Wyoming State Parks, Historic Sites and Trails Administrator Domenic Bravo recently held a Learn to Camp class.

Persons that had never camped before were taught the basics of camping in the wilderness. The class provided an overview of camping techniques as well

Web cam at Buffalo Bill State Park

Funding for the project was provided by the Park County Recreation Board, with assistance from the Shoshone Recreation District. Day Weather, Inc of Cheyenne supplied the equipment, provides technical assistance and hosts the data.

The web camera was proposed by State Parks staff and was funded by the State Legislature.

Learn to Camp Classas explained what gear is needed and how to stay safe. Additionally, participants learned about tasty, yet simple camping recipes.

The course was sponsored by the Wyoming State Parks, Historic Sites and Trails Wyoming Kids Xtreme Program and the Cheyenne Parks and Recreation Department.

State PaRkS continued

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State PaRkS continued

Brothers Kelly, Cory and Colter Schuevel enjoy a day waterskiing!

Fishin' the Buffalo Bill Resevoir

Buffalo Bill Photos by Mack Frost

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The 2009 Hot Spot Car Rally will be rolled into Hot Springs State Park on Father’s Day weekend. Over 2,000 visitors enjoyed a great showing of cars and feasted on some great food from the Food Fair! Every kind of car was there for the two-day event - muscle cars, street rods, antiques, classic and custom cars.

Two boys enjoy their own little island while sunbathing on the boat dock! These photos are of the lower terrace parking log at Hot Springs State Park which has been flooded for the last few weeks due to the release of water out of the Boysen Reservoir.

Hot Springs State Park

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a lone Bighorn Sheep feeding at the Rise in Sinks canyon.

The sheep has been a common sight in the canyon and has become somewhat famous, even seen in a widely viewed "You Tube" video (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MPdLtRexwqw).

State PaRkS continued

Recently reburbished for visitors to see, the Black and Orange Motor Cabins are the most complete and intact motor cabin complexes in the region from the 1920's era. The cabins featured a carport, light plant and separate outhouse and were very popular with travelers as they first began touring the country by car.

As well, the site enjoyed the 90th Anniversary Reenanctment of 1919 military Vehicle Lincoln Highway Convoy on July 1st with a short visit by member of the MVPA.

In 1919, the US Army's Military Transportation Corps (MTC) undertook a transcontinental Convoy to demonstrate the need for a mechanized Army. This "hooves to wheels" plan to modernize America's fighting force needed an attention-getting event to energize Congress and the citizenry, and parading the Army's military might from coast-to-coast along the new Lincoln Highway was a great way to get demonstrate new vehicles. As part of its mission

Fort Bridger Dedicates Black and Orange Cabins

to honor our country's military vehicle history, the MVPA has decided to recreate the famous 1919 Convoy in 2009 as a 90th Anniversary celebration of the achievement and in conjunction with the nation's President Lincoln Bicentennial celebration. For more information on this convoy and the organization, log onto www.mvpa.org.

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State HiStoRic SiteS

Broom Factory Grand openingat the Wyoming territorial Prison

Carissa Mine ToursPublic tours of South Pass City’s Carissa Mine will be held on various Saturday during June through August.

The tours will be held June 13, 20; July 18, 25; and August 1, 15, 22.

Tours, beginning in the South Pass City parking lot, will take the public through the Carissa Mill House and the newly reconstructed Head Frame and Trestle. Reconstructed last summer, the 67-foot-tall and 450-foot-long log structure making up the Head Frame and Trestle illustrates the way ore was lifted from the mine and transported to the Carissa mill house.

In 2003, the Wyoming State Legislature purchased the Carissa mine which then became part of South Pass City Historic Site. The Carissa was the main economic engine for South Pass City, and operated as a functioning gold mine well into the 1940s.

South Pass City Curator of Public Programs Jon Lane will walk visitors through the complex workings of the mill and provide an overview of the developments at the mine from 1870 through the late 1940s.

Currently, the Abandoned Mine Lands Division of the Department of Environmental Quality is stabilizing the Carissa Mine and Mill. This multi-phase project will restore one of Wyoming’s truly unique historical sites.

Due to safety regulations, tours are limited to 20 people and reservations must be made with South Pass City State Historic Site.

To make reservations, please call 307-332-3684, and ask for Carissa tour reservations.

The tour is extremely rigorous and participants should be able to negotiate steep terrain and steep, narrow stairs. The tours are not appropriate for children.

After more than 100 years these doors are open again!

The Wyoming Territorial Prison State Historic Site held the Grand Opening of the newly restored Broom Factory on Saturday, May 2, 2009.

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State HiStoRic PReSeRVation oFFice

Nancy Weidel, a senior historic preservation specialist for the Wyoming State Historic Preservation Office, recently completed “Cheyenne 1867-1917,” an Images of America book.

Through the use of photographs, many from the Wyoming State Archives, the book explores Cheyenne’s early history. Weidel shows the reader how the “Magic City of the Plains” quickly evolved from a tent town to one of the most sophisticated cities west of the Mississippi River.

This is Weidel’s second book, her first, the widely popular “Sheepwagon: Home on the Range,” explores the history and mystique of the sheepwagon.

Books are available through the Wyoming State Museum Store located in the Barrett Building, 2301 Central Avenue in Cheyenne.

CH

EY

EN

NE: 18

67–1917

NA

NC

Y W

EIDEL

CHEYENNE1867–1917

Nancy Weidel9 7 8 0 7 3 8 5 5 8 9 3 6

ISBN-10 0-7385-5893-1ISBN-13 978-0-7385-5893-6

5 1 9 9 9

CHEYENNE, WYOMING

ARCADIA PUBLISHING www.arcadiapublishing.com

$19.99

Cheyenne, known from its earliest days as the “Magic City of the Plains,” sprang up almost overnight in 1867 to meet the

Union Pacific Railroad’s anticipated westward expansion. Named after the Cheyenne Indian tribe that lived in the area, the wild frontier settlement quickly evolved from a tent town to one of the most sophisticated cities west of the Mississippi River. Cheyenne was settled by a variety of people, including cattle barons, soldiers from nearby Fort D. A. Russell, merchants, railroad workers, prostitutes, and gamblers. Buildings such as the Cheyenne Club, the Opera House, the Inter Ocean Hotel, the mansions along Ferguson Street, and a lively downtown defined Cheyenne as a prosperous city by the early 1880s. As Wyoming’s capital grew, annual events such as Frontier Days brought the legend of Cheyenne into the first two decades of the 20th century. Author Nancy Weidel is a writer and historian who has worked at the Wyoming State Historic Preservation Office in Cheyenne since 1992. In this volume, readers may explore Cheyenne’s history through vintage images, many of which have never been published. These photographs are drawn primarily from the extensive collection of the Wyoming State Archives. The Images of America series celebrates the history of neighborhoods, towns, and cities across the country. Using archival photographs, each title presents the distinctive stories from the past that shape the character of the community today. Arcadia is proud to play a part in the preservation of local heritage, making history available to all.

I M A G E S

o f A m e r i c a

The process of changing a series of interpretive signs near the Guernsey Rest Area will begin in May by the Wyoming State Historic Preservation Office.

The signs, located at Olinger’s Overlook, are part of an interpretive exhibit dealing with the North Platte River Valley. SHPO, through a partnership involving Guernsey State Park, Wyoming Department of Transportation, Town of Guernsey, Platte County Historical Society, Fort Laramie National Historic Site and the Mormon Trail Heritage Foundation, plans to replace nine of the 11 signs currently standing at the site.

The project will involve the creation of two interpretive signs with text and graphics, and one sign with a map identifying points of interest in the immediate area. The new signs will incorporate the historical information present on the current signs, as well as provide modern insight into the history of the North Platte River Valley.

From the time of the first Native Americans, continuing with fur trappers, wagon train emigrants, railroad passengers to the modern day tourist, the North Platte River Valley transportation corridor has aided in the development of commerce and industry in the region.

A public meeting is also scheduled in Guernsey in early September to take public comment on a final draft of the new signs. Details of that meeting will be available at a later date.

Persons wishing to participate in the project or needing more information are urged to contact Laura Nowlin, Monuments and Markers program coordinator, at 307-777-6179, or via email at lnowli@state .wy.us. The public can also contact Barbara Costopoulus of the Platte County Historical Society in Gunersey at 307-836-2404.

New Interpretive Signs

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State HiStoRic PReSeRVation oFFice continued

Why Live Downtown? “Living Upstairs in Wyoming,” a workshop presented by the National Trust for Historic Preservation, the Wyoming State Historic Preservation Office, Wyoming Arts Council and Wyoming Main Street, examined how the upper floors of commercial buildings can provide residences downtown. The free workshop was held in Sheridan May 11-12 and was open to anyone interested in getting upstairs residential space back in use.

“There are many reasons to live downtown in upstairs spaces,” commented Mary Hopkins, interim state historic preservation officer. “These include freedom from some of the cares of living in a home. Empty nesters and retirees enjoy being able to lock the door

Paul Sanders, long time archaeologist at the Office of the Wyoming State Archaeologist (OWSA) in Laramie, has accepted the position of Manager of the OWSA. Paul will fill the position that was left vacant by Dave Eckles upon his retirement. Paul brings his years of experience and good leadership to the program.

and leave on their travels. Young people looking for an apartment are used to a more pedestrian lifestyle on campus or in urban places and enjoy the proximity of places to spend their evenings.”

The workshop presented an award-winning program developed by the Illinois Main Street program, “Upstairs Downtown.” This program champions the reuse of existing infrastructures and buildings within established downtown neighborhoods as a sustainable alternative to sprawl, and as a way to bring vibrancy and growth to historic commercial districts. Communities encouraged to think “inside the box,” grow up instead of out.

State aRcHaeoloGiSt

Did you know that SPCR has its own "intranet" site? Add this site to your favorites list as it contains forms and permanent documents issued by the department, A&I and other sources. The intranet is located at http://wyospcr.state.wy.us/intranet Information is arranged in the left navigation bar by divisions and then by sections within the division. Individual sections that use their own forms and reports are available on the division/section pages. The "forms" link contains all department and statewide forms we might use daily while others are only used once in a while. The "permanent documents" link has reports and other written materials from both this department as well as other state agencies.

Let Laura Blair know at 777-7698 if you can't find something, would like to add something or make changes to the current listings. Or, you can email suggestions to lblair@state.wy.us

it

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SPcR

congratulations

Congratulations to Justin Hastings, son of Lisa Hastings, State Archives Records Management, who has received a swimming scholarship to the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. Hastings, a member of the Cheyenne East High Swim team and Wyoming Waves Club Team, was named the Wyoming Swimming Male Athlete of the Year for 2008. He is a state champion in the 100 breaststroke, 200 freestyle and 100 Butterfly. He also posted All-American times in the 100 Butterfly and 200 Individual Medley. He owns seven of eight individual records at East High and was named the East High School Senior Class Male Athlete for 2009.

Hastings, competing at the 2008 Western Zone championships in Gresham, Ore., won championships in the 200 Butterfly, 200 Backstroke, 100 Backstroke and 200 Individual Medley.

Also, Bryce Melcher, son of Kay Melcher, Fiscal, will compete on the Grand Canyon University (Phoenix, Az.) tennis team this fall. Melcher, a member of the East High tennis team, is this year’s #2 singles state champion.

Ryan Joyce, son of Roger Joyce, Archives/Museum manager, will compete on the Metro State College (Denver) tennis team this fall. Joyce, a member of the Cheyenne Central tennis team, was the 2008 #2 singles state runner-up.

Archives Awarded Two Grants

The Wyoming State Archives has been awarded two grants - one from the Wyoming Humanities Council and the other from the Wyoming Cultural Trust Fund - to capture the oral histories of prominent Wyomingites. Mark Junge, former historian with the State Historic Preservation Office is currently interviewing former Governor Jim Geringer for the project. As well, he will interview former Governor Mike Sullivan.

Phil Noble, our former director, will record an in-depth interview with Governor Freudenthal. Much of this interview will be recorded now with a continuation after Freudenthal leaves office.

As well, we hope to be able to interview other prominent Wyomingites after these interviews are complete.

You can listen to many of the interviews available through the Wyoming State Archives at wyoarchives.org. Just click on the "Oral Histories" link.

State aRcHiVeS

did you know that when promoting your department, you can always use the shorter uRl code? Instead of http://wyospcr.state.wy.us/, you can use ArtsParksHistory.com.

Other shorter, easier to remember and say URL’s include:wyoparks.orgwyomuseum.orgwyoarts.org

wyoarchives.orgwyotrails.com

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aRtS council

Art Works for Wyoming through NEA Stimulus FundingThe Wyoming Arts Council (WAC) and other state and regional arts agencies are a part of the NEA American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) distribution plan, which is a nationwide effort to reduce unemployment in the arts in 2009/2010.

Based on Federal guidelines, the funds provided to the WAC will be used for one-time grants that preserve jobs in the nonprofit sector – specifically, jobs that are at risk of elimination or reduced hours due to the economic downturn. Grant awards will support nonprofit arts organization salaries and/or fees for previously engaged artists and/or contractual personnel. These grants will provide a bridge of support to help arts organizations and artists get through the immediate economic situation. We have named the grant program Art Works for Wyoming (AWW).

By the time this newsletter is distributed, the deadline for the first round of AWW funding will have passed, and the WAC board will review the applications at their quarterly board meeting scheduled for June 4-5 in Newcastle. There will be a second deadline for AWW grants in late 2009 to allow Wyoming organizations some additional time to assess their budgets and revenue projections, and determine their need for assistance before applying for funding.

It is important to note that the WAC must follow strict guidelines in providing AWW funding to Wyoming nonprofit organizations. These are not funds that we can use in our other programs, and the WAC has not received a financial “windfall” through the stimulus funds. In reality, the WAC staff will just be working harder to manage this additional grant program to support the arts in Wyoming.

We were allowed to request NEA ARRA funds to keep a part-time WAC position that is proposed for elimination due to the current State economic downturn. Along with this part-time position, we

We are fortunate to live in a time when the arts are recognized for the impact they have on our economy. The fact that the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) was included in our nation’s Stimulus Funding Plan is a credit to all of the artists, art businesses and non-profit arts organizations who make their living through the arts, or hire artists to paint, dance, act, write, sculpt, design, etc.- not just at this point in time, but throughout our nation’s history.

The National Assembly of State Arts Agencies (NASAA), Americans for the Arts (AFTA), and other national, regional, state and local arts organizations have been working overtime to help Congress and the citizens of the United States understand that arts jobs are important to American communities. Like other jobs, arts jobs help individuals and families to pay household expenses, put children through college and achieve financial stability.

Arts jobs are part of a well-diversified and innovative 21st century economy. Nonprofit arts organizations employ artists, managers, marketers, technicians, teachers, designers, carpenters and workers in a wide variety of other trades and professions. According to AFTA, nonprofit arts organizations provide an estimated 5.7 million jobs in the U.S. each year.

In the face of reduced revenue, including grants and donations, nonprofit arts organizations across the country are being forced to reduce or eliminate staff positions, or enact salary and benefit reductions. They are also being forced to scale back on arts programming, arts education opportunities, and free events for their communities.

Artists are facing increases in unemployment. According to the NEA, unemployment rates for artists grew 26% more than for the overall work force in 2008, and are twice as high as for workers with comparable levels of education and training.

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aRtS council continued

have been asked to propose other reductions in our WAC State General Funds budget to accommodate possible cuts of up to 10% in the upcoming fiscal year (FY2010). We likely won’t know the true impact of these cuts until June, but the predictions are grim.

On a brighter note, the proposed NEA funding for Wyoming’s annual Partnership Grant has increased for FY 2010, and we hope to continue and enhance our programs for artists with these additional funds. NEA funds can’t be used to replace lost state funds, so we anticipate cutting back in travel, supplies

and other areas in order to keep our staff and grant programs intact.

The mission of the Wyoming Arts Council is to enhance the quality of life for the people of Wyoming by providing resources to sustain, promote and cultivate the arts. We carry out this mission through our various programs, grants and services to the state. They now will include a new program with a name that defines what we all know to be true – Art Works for Wyoming.

Rita Basom, Wyoming Arts Council Manager

Art Works for Wyoming through NEA Stimulus Funding continued ...Ar

tistiC

Dis

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009

ARtiStiC DiSCOveRy 2009 Artwork selected from the Wyoming High School Art Symposium

on display at the Wyoming Arts Council Gallery and the Barrett Building Lobby through september 11, 2009

Celebrating the arts Cultivating Creative Communities

S a v e t h e D a t ePlan to join the Wyoming Arts Council

for the 2nd Wyoming Arts Summit

September 24 - 25, 2009Little America

Cheyenne, Wyoming

Cover (clockwise from left): Willi-wall Ooloo-blue Loo, Kate Garner, clay; Steps to My Future, Jessica Brenton, ink; Class Lecture, Kevin Elmer, pencil

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uPdate on ouR militaRy

Major Brian Westerfield (son of Bill Westerfield, Field Supervisor of Parks) returned to Germany in October following his third deployment to Iraq where he was the Archers' Battery Commander with the Fires Squadron, 2nd Stryker Combat Brigade. He has served 33 months over there during the three tours. In February he and his wife returned to the states and had a brief visit with his family. He was promoted to Major on March 1 and is currently assigned to the language school in the Foreign Service Officer program in Monterey, CA.

Marine rocks to ‘Nashville Idol’ victory Story Date 3/24/2009 By Sgt. Elsa Portillo, Unit Marine Forces Africa

ABOARD USS NASHVILLE — Service members from the U.S. Navy, Marine Corps and Army, along with various Africa Partnership Station (APS) Nashville international maritime professionals, filled the USS Nashville (LPD 13) mess decks March 13 for ‘Nashville Idol,’ a Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR)-sponsored talent show.

The event gave the crew a chance to come together for some fun while showcasing their talents. A majority of participants sang or played an instrument, while others danced or performed comedy skits.

The first-place winner was Cpl. Sean Castaneda (son of Sue Castaneda, Public Information Office), advisor, Marine Advisor Team (MAT), with second and third place going to Machinist’s Mate Fireman Stephen C. Ball and Culinary Specialist Seaman Andre Smith, respectively.

These contestants may have been the top contenders, but they were just as nervous as everyone else to go up and perform in front of their comrades.

“It was really nerve wracking,” said Castaneda, a Cheyenne, Wy., native. “I only had an hour to prepare and I had never played guitar and sang at the same time in front of a crowd.”

Many others overcame their fear as well and surprised the crowd with a variety of talents. According to Ball, the crowd was very encouraging and enthusiastic.

“I think the turnout and participation was good,” said Ball, a Rockville, Ind., native. “It was awesome. People were really getting into it, laughing, having a good time cheering and holding up signs. It made it a lot of fun to be in and to be around.”

continued ...

Major Brian Westerfield during his second tour of duty in Iraq.

Westerfield receives his third Bronze Star at the end of his third tour.

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Those in attendance thought Nashville Idol was a success.

“It was a great time,” said SSgt. Lenny Lindsay II, advisor, MAT, APS Nashville, and Nashville Idol judge. “I thought it was a good morale booster, and I think other ships should do it as well.”

Nashville is currently deployed in support of APS, an international initiative under the auspices of Naval Forces Africa which aims to work cooperatively with U. S., European and African partners to enhance maritime safety and security on the African continent.

ABOARD USS NASHVILLE (LPD 13)-Corporal Sean Castaneda, advisor, Marine Advisor Team (MAT), Africa Partnership Station (APS) Nashville, sings Sweet Child o' Mine by Guns N' Roses during Nashville Idol 2009, a spinoff of American Idol. The event brought together service members from various branches and countries to share their talents and compete. Africa Partnership Station is an international initiative developed by Naval Forces Europe and Naval Forces Africa Which aims to work cooperatively with U. S. and international partners to improve maritime safety and security on the African continent. The USS Nashville is focused on supporting the APS strategy in West and Central Africa. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Elsa Portillo/ Released) , Sgt. Elsa Portillo, 3/13/2009 9:49 AM

APS provides a unique venue to align maritime engagements by utilizing an international team of expert trainers in a variety of military capacities and civilian fields such as fisheries management, port security and meteorology.

APS Nashville is preparing for its March 17 arrival in Lagos, Nigeria, for what will be the third African port of its five-month deployment.

To learn more about Africa Partnership Station and its mission, visit the APS website at www.c6f.navy.mil/aps_web/index.htm.

uPdate on ouR militaRy continued

Tom Lindmier's (Superintendent, Wyoming Territorial Prison) nephews, Marcus Neiman and William Lindmier, both Army Lieutenants, have just been sent to Kuwait. Lieutenant Lindmier has already had a tour of duty in Afghanistan where he was involved in combat several times.

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GReen PaGe

Green IdeasYou don’t have to be an environmental fanatic to make a difference. Making small changes over time in the way you use and re-use resources can really add up. Don’t try to do it all. Like developing any other habit, if you tackle too much at once, you set yourself up for failure. A better strategy is to begin by making one small change at a time. Studies show that developing a habit takes somewhere around 21 days. After that time you hardly need to think the process through and will begin to do tasks naturally.

So here are some suggestions for getting started in small ways.

1) Be consciences about turning out lights when you leave a room, including your office, if you can, bathrooms, and your hotel room when traveling.

2) Get a box and set it next to your desk for recycling paper. You’ll likely find yourself much more willing to recycle paper if you don’t have an unwieldy pile somewhere or need to get up to take it to the recycling bin each time.

3) Bring your lunch to work in a reusable container rather than a plastic bag you toss at the end of each day. Invest in re-usable containers for sandwiches and snacks rather than using plastic sandwich bags.

4) Bring your own coffee cup everywhere and use it when you buy coffee or tea. Most places will give you a discount on your purchase and a travel cup keeps your coffee warmer much longer than the paper variety.

5) Skip the elevator and take the stairs. Elevators use approximately 2.5 Wh (watt hour). That is approximately 1/2 the amount of energy it takes to recharge a cell phone battery. If you were to walk up and down 3 flights of stairs instead of using the elevator, it would save 15 Wh a day or 450 Wh a month. That would be enough to power a 37" Plasma TV for 3 hours. It may not sound like a lot, but this one is good for your health too.

After making just one of these simple changes and sticking to it, you may be encouraged to take on more. Small changes by everyone can make a big impact!

Current Tasks the Green Team is working to fulfill:*More Recycling Bins ~ inside and outside facilities to include "Blue Bins" in the Capitol Complex area

*Institute a policy that all documents should be printed double-sided and as individual printers become non-operational, they should be phased out and more shared printers utilized. All printer cartridges should be recycled

*Add the recycle and/or Tread Lightly logos to all signs and publications

*Create recycle/best practices posters for all break rooms

*Encourage visitors to recycle brochures

*Institute a policy on the use of compact flourescent bulbs and light sensors where possible

*Publish a Department newsletter highlighting green and best practices.

*Utilize a portion or all of the Internal Grant money for "Green Grants".Remember you can recycle your boxes.