Approximately 28,300 people in New Mexico lost health insurance coverage in 2009 due to a rise in unemployment, according to a report issued recently by the health consumer organization Families USA.

According to the report, the state's average unemployment rate in 2008 was 4.2 percent, while the average rate this year was 6.3 percent, thereby resulting in losses of health coverage.


The Santa Fe Parliamentary Unit will present a two-hour seminar titled "Taking, Writing, Correcting, and Adopting Meeting Minutes" at 6:30 p.m. Thursday,
Nov. 12, at Ghost Ranch Santa Fe.

The seminar will provide information and practical applications of the procedures outlined in Robert's Rules of Order Newly Revised.

Space is limited; pre-registration is required.

The seminar will be presented by Janice Strand, professional registered parliamentarian.

Contact Strand at 505-466-1326 or janstr@msn.com for pre-registration information.


On Nov. 6-7, the Scherer Institute of Natural Healing will celebrate its 30th anniversary with a healing arts festival.

The school, founded in 1979 by Jay Scherer, has trained people from all over the world in the art and science of massage therapy. The institute offers a low-cost student clinic and volunteer outreach programs.

The community is invited to share in the celebration.

The institute is at 1091-A Siler Road. For information about these and other events, call 982-8398 or visit www.schererinstitute.com


Thomas Herrera, a financial adviser with Waddell & Reed Inc. will provide a free money-management workshop at noon, 1:15 and 2:30 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 10, at Santa Fe Community College, Room 567.

Herrera, who will discuss personal financial issues, wants to bring financial awareness to individuals and families of Santa Fe, a statement said.

The workshop is open to the public, with refreshments provided. RSVP required at 986-0125 or therrera@wradvisors.com.


The Thornburg Campus has been awarded LEED Gold certification by the U.S. Green Building Council, with performance numbers that make it the most sustainable building in New Mexico, according to an e-mail.

The council has verified that the campus will use 47 percent less energy and 43 percent less water than a typical office building and that 90 percent of construction waste was recycled.

"We worked very hard to achieve this LEED designation," said Garrett Thornburg, founder and chairman of Thornburg Investment Management, in the statement.