Community news and events
Batista brings its Latin Rock Experience to the Village at Mammoth’s Events Plaza for Cinco de Mayo! The boys in the band are … Joe Batista-Band Leader-Keys/Timbales-Percussion, Lead vocal; Jesse Batista-Guitar,vocal; Ronnie R-Timbales-Percussions vocal; Cisco M-Sax; Patrick-Congas; Mario C.-Bass, vocal; and Ronnie C.-drums. Pictured: Jesse Batista rocks Mammoth Lakes. (Photo courtesy Batista)
Batista at Cinco de Mayo
For locals who may have shied away from the crowds this winter in the Village, this Wednesday’s Cinco de Mayo party may be “the best excuse you could possibly have to come up to the Village,” says Russ Squier, co-owner of Gomez’s.
“We’ll be pulling out all the stops,” says Squier.
One of those stops is Santana cover band Batista, a band brought in by Mike Hoover and Cathleen Calderon, which wowed audiences at Villagefest three summers ago.
Batista will perform its “Latin rock experience” show from 4-7 p.m. in the Village Events Plaza, the centerpiece of a daylong fiesta, featuring a partnership between the Village at Mammoth and the Mono Council for the Arts.
The theme: “Mammoth Coming Together as a Community.”
What that means to you: Great music, great food at giveaway prices, roving mariachi bands, kid-friendly activities, and then, once the kiddies have gone to bed, adult-friendly activities.
And the Village parking garage will be open if you don’t feel like walking any more than you have to.
Sheet: Russ, I notice your business card indicates you are a semi-pro tequila drinker. Can we expect you to declare for the pro draft on Wednesday?
Russ: Absolutely.
Gomez’s and Lakanuki are the Village’s designated late-night hotspots for Cinco de Mayo. Squier notes that Gomez’s will not close at all during the spring shoulder season.
Anyone can race!
All Mammoth Mountain Ski Team & Race Dept. Alumni, Coaches, Parents, Friends, etc. are welcome to race in the 2010 3rd Annual Ski Challenge and Alumni Race. Organizers say the race is basically open to anyone who likes to ski fast, so come on in, the snow’s fine!
Events kick off Friday, April 30, at 6 p.m. with a no-host Cocktail Party at Tamarack Lodge. Meet up with old friends and share stories. Then, make sure you’re ready Saturday, May 1, at 10 a.m. Fun Race; registration from 7:30-9 a.m. at the Race Department Office. Specially priced race tickets are available at registration.
Format: Village Championship Dual Slalom with handicaps. Award Ceremony after the Race: $300 cash prize to fastest competitor, plus the fastest alumnus’ name will be engraved on perpetual trophy! Entry is $30. Proceeds benefit the Mammoth Ski and Snowboard Education Foundation (MSSEF). More info: contact: Connie Lizza Moyer, 760.934.6554.
Local ski patrollers take Gold
Ski patrollers went head to head at Squaw Valley USA last weekend for the first ever nation-wide Professional Ski Patrol Olympics. Patrol teams from North America competed in insane sled races, bamboo throws, avalanche transceiver searches and a giant slalom race down some of Squaw Valley’s steepest terrain.
After two days of close competition, the Mammoth/June Mountain patrol team claimed the Gold Medal and the title of the 2010 North American Patrol Champions. Squaw Valley USA took the Silver Medal and Alpine Meadows claimed the Bronze.
Knox, Nordic “feels snow good”
After a busy nordic sports season, Mammoth Nordic’s Brian Knox is stoked. He and the non-profit Nordic volunteer crew just shut down their free facility located alongside and behind the Mammoth Lakes Welcome Center off Hwy 203, and are already at work putting plans in place for next season.
Knox told the Mono County Tourism Commission earlier this week that the U.S. Forest Service recently approved a proposal to “significantly expand” the course beyond its current 8 miles of trail, which starts at the Welcome Center nordic trailhead and extending to Shady Rest Park. Knox said the goal is to potentially double the amount, but acknowledged that the final figure will be dependent on the U.S.F.S. “I can’t say for sure it will be double. They have parameters we have to work in and we respect that,” Knox said.
In addition to that work, the Nordic team is working on a proposal to provide groomed trails on the Mammoth Middle School campus next winter.
“We’ve got a lot to do to get ready for next season,” Knox said. “We won’t get to enjoy our break much I’m afraid, but that’s okay. We love what we do, and I think it shows.”
More info: www.mammothnordic.com or call 760.914.2637.
Hospital hires Aukee
The Northern Inyo Hospital executive staff announced earlier this month the have hired Angenette Aukee as new Director of Marketing & Community Health and Education. Aukee will be responsible for obtaining grants to enhance the services NIH provides to the community, increasing public awareness of the services currently offered, and will oversee the Community Health and Education committee.
Prior to her new position, Aukee was Financial Controller/Operations Manager for the J. Rousek Toy Company in Bishop. She will be responsible for developing and executing a marketing strategy to “improve patient, staff, physician, and customer satisfaction.”
AYSO soccer registration
Register your child as a player and volunteer as a team parent, coach or referee for Mammoth AYSO Soccer on Tuesday, May 4, in the Mammoth Lakes Library from 4–6:30 p.m.
Fees: $55 per child, $45 for siblings.
Speed the process this year and apply online. Log on to www.eayso.org, create a profile, select the NEW* Player or Volunteer application and bring the completed form on May 4 with payment. Birth certificates required for new players; photo IDs required for volunteers.
Players who register before June 1 are guaranteed placement on a team, provided there are sufficient coaches.
Info: Commissioner Stuart Brown at 760.914.0699 or America Hernandez at 760.934.4450. Web: www.mammothayso.com.
ICARE dinner a huge success
ICARE scored another big hit with its 14th annual fundraising dinner on Saturday, April 17. Animal-loving attendees (about 700 of them) enjoyed a delicious dinner catered by Whiskey Creek, sponsored by Union Bank of California and the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (DWP) and served by the hardworking 4-H member volunteers.
Proceeds from the fundraiser totaled $30,000, which partially funds our Low-Cost Spay/Neuter Program for the next year.
More info on ICARE: 760.872.3802.
Bishop’s “Taste of the Sierra”
The Bishop Area Chamber of Commerce invites the public to “The Taste of the Sierra” this Friday, April 30, from 6-9 p.m. in the Charles Brown Auditorium at the Tri-County Fairgrounds in Bishop in conjunction with the of the popular Home Show.
Proceeds benefit the Bishop Chamber’s projects. Info: April at 760.873.8405.
MHS Senior Class fundraiser
Mammoth High School’s Class of 2010 will host its Senior Dinner Fundraiser at Whiskey Creek Restaurant on May10-13. Choice of entrees include Grilled Teriyaki Salmon, Angus Filet Mignon, Peanut-Ginger Chicken or Artichoke Cannelloni, TIx are just $25 per person
To purchase tickets talk to any Mammoth High School senior or call Scott Luke 760.934.8541, ext. 220.
