Good morning and welcome to the Freedom New Mexico Thursday briefing.

Mentors needed

United Way of Eastern New Mexico is seeking 1,000 men and women in Curry and Roosevelt counties to be literacy volunteers in area schools.

The volunteers will serve as mentors to help kids become better readers.

Here’s a link with more info: http://www.unitedwayenm.org/index.php?bShow=68&cat=1

Cancer retreat

Cancer Services of New Mexico is taking applications for its Family Cancer Retreat.

It’s set for Sept. 16-18 in Glorieta.

The free program provides New Mexico's adult cancer patients and survivors and their loved ones with tools and information to manage treatment and survival.

Application packets: www.cancerservicesnm.org or call 505-239-4239.

Loans available

Small, non-farm businesses in Curry, Roosevelt and Quay counties can apply for low-interest disaster loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration.

Small non-farm businesses, small agricultural cooperatives and most private, non-profit organizations may qualify for Economic Injury Disaster Loans of up to $2 million.

The deadline to apply is Feb. 24, 2012.

Applicants may apply online at https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela

Quirky quote of the day

“What would men be without women? Scarce, sir, mighty scarce.” — Mark Twain

Today in history

On this day in 1975, less than one week after her divorce from Sonny Bono became final,

Cher—America's most famous newly single woman—tied the knot with rock star Gregg Allman, only to file for divorce from him just nine days later.

Here’s the rest of the story:

http://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/cher-marries-greg-allman

Weather

Today — Mostly sunny and hot, with a high near 98. South wind 5 to 10 mph increasing to between 15 and 20 mph.

Tonight — Partly cloudy, with a low around 65. South wind between 10 and 20 mph.