Local Briefs June 19

PNT Staff Reports

Author to discuss Portales book

Barbara Russell Chesser, a Portales native who now lives in Waco, Texas, will present a copy of her latest book, “Remembering Mattie,” to the Portales Public Library during a reception from 4-5 p.m. Friday at the library.

“Remembering Mattie” includes reminiscences about Mattie’s Cafe, a fixture in Portales more than 50 years ago, and photographs and information about the city and surrounding area from the first two-thirds of the 1900s.

Chesser has written four books and co-authored four books. She has been a university professor and president of an international company.

The public is invited to attend the reception, hosted by Friends of the Portales Public Library.

Alumni Band presents free concert

The Eastern New Mexico University Alumni Band will present a free concert at 7 p.m. Saturday in the Campus Union Ballroom in Portales.

This year marks the 20th anniversary of the founding of the ENMU Alumni Band.

Information: Dustin Seifert, 562-2377.

Night sky workshop planned

A free workshop on saving money with energy efficient outdoor lighting will be held in Portales by the Night Sky Program and New Mexico State Parks.

This workshop will be hosted by Peter Liscomb, director of the Night Sky Program, at 4 p.m. Thursday, in the meeting room at the Memorial Building. Liscomb will cover topics that include practical tips and low cost solutions and conserving natural resources when using outdoor lighting.

The information at the workshop will comply with the New Mexico Night Sky Protection Act that was signed into law in 1992. The act was developed under the leadership of the New Mexico Heritage Preservation Alliance. The purpose of the act is to regulate outdoor night lighting to preserve the state’s dark sky which results in beneficial energy and financial savings.

In 1999 NMPHA declared that New Mexico’s night sky as one of the most endangered cultural resources.

Information: 356-5331