A week of special programming to CELEBRATE COMMUNITY RADIO will be held July 31 – August 5 by Gila/Mimbres Community Radio (KURU 89.1 FM). More than two dozen DJs and Program Hosts will showcase local talent with live guests offering music, poetry, literature, commentary, and cultural features, all of it tailored to the needs and interests of Grant County and the surrounding listening area. “Everyone is encouraged to tune their radio to 89.1 FM or stream on the web at GMCR.org – to listen, enjoy, and donate, so our community’s very own independent, nonprofit radio station can continue to flourish,” said Jamie Newton, Chair of GMCR’s Board of Directors. “We’ve added new programs and reorganized our weekly schedule. There’s a lot to discover! We hope our regular listeners will invite their friends to listen to the programs they appreciate, and to join them as supporters whose donations keep this independent station on the air.”

An announcement said that the station, now in its tenth year of broadcasting 24/7 at 10,500 watts, has much to celebrate. Creative entertainment and incisive analysis of current trends and events come from both nationally syndicated sources and local people who prepare original programs and are heard live on the air daily. The station is operated primarily by volunteers, with support and guidance from Manager Marcus Hanson. The building at 519 N. Bullard Street became a permanent home for GMCR/KURU 89.1 FM in 2022, when it was generously donated by owners Janey Katz and Suzi Calhoun. Thanks to a grant of $30,000 from the local philanthropic group, The 30Something, infrastructure improvements are in progress at both the studio in town and the broadcasting site on Pinos Altos Mountain, for greater reliability and ease of operation by the station’s many volunteers.

The week to CELEBRATE COMMUNITY RADIO will conclude with a party at the Whiskey Creek Zócalo (11786 US-180 East, Arenas Valley, NM) on Aug. 5. from 5-7 p.m., meet DJs, Program Hosts, Board members, and volunteers. Beginning at 7 p.m., dance and enjoy music performed by musicians who are also DJs and Program Hosts. Great food and beverages will be available for purchase from the Zócalo throughout the evening. Tickets for the concert and party starting at 7 p.m. are $15 each or two for $25. Supporters who set up monthly donations of $5.00 or more will receive two complimentary tickets.

Gila/Mimbres Community Radio is funded entirely by donations from the community. To join or donate with a credit card or PayPal, visit GMCR.org on the Internet and click the “DONATE” button. Checks payable to GMCR may be mailed to 519-B North Bullard Street, Silver City, NM 88061, or dropped through the mail slot. For more information during this special week, please call 575-597-4891.