Ken Keppeler, co-host with Jeanie McLerie of Roots and Branches 8-10 a.m. on Saturdays, operates new equipment in the upgraded broadcast studio of GMCR/KURU 89.1 FM at 519-B N. Bullard St., Silver City, NM.Gila/Mimbres Community Radio (KURU 89.1 FM) announced an open house at the station 12-4 p.m. on Saturday, March 16, at the corner of Sixth and North Bullard Streets in Silver City.

“Thanks to a wonderfully generous award from The 30Something, a local philanthropic organization, Gila/Mimbres Community Radio has been able to renovate our broadcast studio and install new, state-of-the art equipment,” said Jamie Newton, Chair of GMCR’s Board of Directors. “For our DJs and Program Hosts – all volunteers – this means greater versatility, more choice of media resources, enhanced ease of operation, and a more comfortable setting. The studio is more spacious and accommodating for live guests in musical performances, interviews, and discussions.”

“We’ll welcome visitors to enjoy light refreshments while they tour the upgraded studio and meet our Board members and volunteers,” Newton added. “GMCR/KURU is a nonprofit, sustained by donations from the community. This is a great time to support the station – and we’re still offering a beautiful T-shirt with the unique GMCR/KURU logo to anyone who sets up a monthly membership or donates $25 or more.”

Station Manager Marcus Hanson encouraged visitors to be sure to see the studio table custom-crafted by Gerhard Eipert of Burro Mountain Woodworks. “It’s really a sculpture, not just a table,” said Hanson, “made of thick planks of Iowa walnut and built to the specifications of our community radio contractors, Will Floyd and Ian Lewis, of Field Effect Radio. Their expertise in selecting and installing the new equipment was essential for our studio improvements.”

After ten years of broadcasting 24/7 at 10,500 watts on 89.1 FM and streaming on the Internet at GMCR.org, Gila/Mimbres Community Radio has more than three dozen DJs/Program Hosts bringing locally produced programs to Grant County and beyond. Nationally syndicated news, analysis, and cultural programs are also featured daily. The station is operated primarily by volunteers.

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, please call 575-597-4891.