“YES Ma’AM” Trio Members Angie Hoff, Michelle Coolidge, and Mary Mau.

Have you ever wanted to “…take a sentimental journey” with “Mr. Sandman” or the “…Boogie, Woogie Bugle Boy of Company B”?   These songs and other memorable tunes of the World War II era will be featured when the YES Ma’AM vocal trio performs at the Grand Theater in Rocky Ford on Saturday, September 17, 2011.   Tickets are available for either the 2:00 p.m. performance or the 7:00 p.m. performance. 

The YES Ma’AM group from Bayard, Nebraska was formed in 2006, and performs musical selections from the 1940’s era.  Many of the tunes are Continue reading ““YES Ma’AM” Trio to Boogie-Woogie in Rocky Ford” »

Rudy Meyers, Taxidermist, who has the “Big Game and Birds” art exhibit here in the BAIE Center. Rudy is talking to a group of home school students about his exhibit and the art of taxidermy. The exhibit will be here through April 22, 2011.

According to Webster’s dictionary, “taxidermy” is the art of preparing, stuffing, and mounting the skins of animals so as to appear lifelike.   The March exhibit in the BAIE Center, entitled “Big Game and Birds”, is reflective of the skills of a master taxidermist, Rudy Meyers.  Meyers, of Rocky Ford, has been plying his trade since 1974, and estimates that through the years he has mounted thousands of big game and birds.

Rudy was born in the coal mining area of Western Pennsylvania, but moved to Colorado when he was six years old.  He has always enjoyed hunting, especially water fowl hunting and big game.  In the Main Street Gallery of the BAIE Center one will see evidence of Rudy’s hunting abilities, as there will be mounts of antelope, deer, bears, a mountain lion, a black buck, boars, javelinas, and other big game.  In the Conference Room Gallery will be mounts of birds and water fowl.  Many of the species in the exhibit can be seen in different areas throughout Southeast Colorado.

For 33 years, Tanglewood Taxidermy, operated in Westminster, Colorado.   In 2006, when Rudy’s studio was taken by eminent domain to make room for a Colorado Department of Transportation project, Rudy and his wife, Debbie, relocated their home and taxidermy business to Rocky Ford.  Rudy and Debbie also have a business, Tanglewood Adventures, an entity through which they organize and book hunting and fishing trips all over the world.  Rudy and Debbie both enjoy hunting, and have hunted throughout Southeast Colorado, as well as in 13 states and 4 countries.  Rudy has lots of fond memories of hunting excursions, but he indicates his favorite trip is hunting elk with a bow and arrow.

Rudy is a licensed outfitter and also operates a hunting club.   He has done taxidermy work for many entities and individuals, such as Denver Zoo; Ocean Journey; the Colorado Division of Wildlife; the Federal Fish and Wildlife Division; the City of Westminster; and the City of Arvada.

Rudy and Debbie are the parents of four children, and eight grandchildren.

Rudy is a staunch supporter of Ducks Unlimited and the Colorado Division of Wildlife for their efforts in wildlife management and resources. Rudy suggests that even non-hunters who enjoy birds and wildlife can assist in preserving our wildlife habitat and heritage by buying a waterfowl stamp; joining Ducks Unlimited; or by buying a hunting license.

The Artist’s Reception featuring live music and refreshments will be held on Friday evening, March 11, 2011 from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. at the BAIE Center at 408 North Main Street in Rocky Ford.

Regular gallery hours are 2:00 – 4:00 p.m. on Tuesday and Thursday, by “chance”, or by appointment by calling the BAIE Center at(719).316.2753 – x102.