Gallup Journey Magazine - February 2023

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February City Update - Fox Run Golf Course

GRIP IT & RIP IT!

City staff are constantly planning for the future, and in New Mexico, water is typically at the forefront of every project. Staff respects water as a precious resource and work hard to conserve it. A new effluent pipe is currently being designed. Once completed later in 2023, the pipe will allow the course to continue being watered by effluent water treated at the city's wastewater treatment plant. The new pipe will help the city's bottom line by making it eligible to receive water credits from state and national programs.

Environmental issues are another concern for staff. The two biggest issues are the quality of water and soil conditions. To compensate for the quality of water, staff needs to increase irrigation amounts by about 20 percent compared to higher quality water. Staff also utilizes a sulfur burner to help lower the pH level of water and change the water's characteristics to improve the irrigation effectiveness.

The improved water quality also helps push salt away from a plant's root zones - meaning the soil will be better for grass and plants, resulting in fewer bare spots. Please come see the staff's hard work as they use science and technology to develop a course as beautiful as the community surrounding it.

For more information about the course, Pro Shop, or to book a lesson with the Golf Pro, visit FoxRunNM.com or call 505-863-9224.

Councilor Linda Garcia

Councilor Michael Schaaf

Councilor Sarah Piano

Councilor Fran Palochak

The 18-hole course at Fox Run is operated by the City of Gallup. It features 6,223 yards of golf from the longest tees for a par of 70. The course rating is 67.7 and it has a slope rating of 117 on Kentucky Blue, Tall Fescue, and Rye grass. Designed by Leon Howard, the Fox Run Golf Course opened in 1965.

The Golf Course crew, from left, includes: Russell Sherrow, Josh Tom, Preston Tom, Kyle Woody, Mike Salas, and Kevin Naswood.

Mayor Louie Bonaguidi

Kevin Naswood is shown working soil to improve the course.

A Project of the Southwest Indian Foundation Open

get more done and increase revenue

MEP provides expertise designed to increase your profitability.

Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) is a non-profit organization that helps businesses increase profitability and competitiveness through services designed to streamline the processes of your facilities and supply chain to help you lower your expenses and downtime while increasing productivity (lean concepts).

New Mexico MEP offers workshops, onsite training and systems analyses.

New Mexico MEP uses multiple techniques to help businesses increase profits.

Type of Businesses Served: All types Stage of Businesses Served: All stages

Important: Many businesses qualify for financial assistance to attend New Mexico MEP’s training sessions or to receive onsite help with applying lean practices in the office and on the manufacturing floor.

Lean Concepts

Services designed to streamline the processes at your facilities and supply chain to help you lower your expenses and downtime while increasing productivity and income.

A minute here and a minute there adds up to a lot in a year. Without working harder, or working longer hours, you can get more done and increase revenue.

For information please contact Francis Bee, Gallup Business Improvement District (505) 870-7147, or email to - fb.gallupbid@mailfence.com

New Mexico MEP is a statewide assistance center dedicated to increasing the competitiveness of our state’s small and mid-sized businesses.

Thoughts From The West End

When I was a kid growing up my mother would always take us back to Wisconsin for the summer. We had moved from Wisconsin when I was four years old to a small community outside Ganado, Arizona called Wide Ruins. Two years later we moved to Gallup and made the Indian Hills neighborhood our home. I loved growing up in Indian Hills with access to the hogbacks and endless trails for our BMX bikes, but I did always enjoy when summer rolled around, and I knew that we would be heading to Wisconsin.

My mother belongs to the Baha’i Faith which was very different from my grandmother ’s religion in Wisconsin. She was a fundamental Christian whose congregation didn’t take a name. In her home you didn’t have a television because they didn’t believe in that. A radio was used for news and weather reports, and my grandmother never wore pants, always dresses. Like any good Christian she would always offer to take me to services that would be held at one of the member’s farms. I was always allowed to go and had this kind of Life of Pi (a movie) upbringing where I was introduced to

The Ancient Way Café

El Morro RV Park and Cabins

Our days and hours of operation are Thursdays through Sundays from 9 am to 5 pm

many different religious beliefs. The Baha’i Faith encouraged you to learn about other religions and my mom always wanted God to be at the center of her children’s life.

You couldn’t have found two people who had such opposite religious beliefs than my mother and grandmother. Those experiences have always stayed with me, and I wouldn’t have wanted a different upbringing. My grandmother lived in the country and farms surrounded us in every direction. She made breakfast, supper (lunch in the Midwest), and dinner. Breakfast was never really official, but supper and dinner was definitely going to be a sit down. Fresh vegetables from the garden would be served, always some type of meat, and it seems we never had a meal without the potato. Those meals my mother and grandmother cooked together brought all of us together and put aside any differences the adults had in core beliefs. I think this is something that many families have lost and if we could just get back to the dinner table everything would be all right.

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Come try our Smokehouse BBQ Omelet with our mouthwatering House-smoked Brisket, Huevos Rancheros, Ancient Way Burgers, Black Bean Burgers, Burritos, French Toast, and other breakfast and lunch delights. Plus we have a wide range of homemade desserts to entice you!

February Sunday Specials - Noon to 3 pm

S unday, Feb. 5th Chicken Enchiladas with Rice and Beans

S unday, Feb. 12th Spaghetti and Meatballs with Dinner Roll

S unday, Feb. 19th Chuck Steak with Roasted Red Potatoes and Mixed Veggies

S unday, Feb. 26th Trout Almondine with Sc alloped Potatoes and green S alad

Thank you for your ongoing love and support!

management and staff of the AWC

sudoku

When you finish these puzzles, bring them to our office at 210 E. Aztec Ave, оr take a pic with your phone and email it to gallupjourney@gmail.com. Don’t forget to include your name.

January Master Finishers

Lucy Hoskie

N.T.N.

R Morris

DK & Footies

Steve Mahnke, SR

Richard L

LiDeja Jones

Hilda Kendall

Valerie Barker

Sara Landavazo

Rebecca Bak

L. James Dec/Jan

Libby J Dec/Jan

Ajmitch

ESkeet

Alberta Kallestewa

Mark Gartner

Michelle Wilson

Charley Benally

Pepita

Tiyana Haloo

Thomas Gomez

Ernest F

Maureen Bia

Isaiah J. Rodriguez

18 Cooking with Tea Katie Sharpton Sindac, MPH

20 Let’s Go Tubing Michele Laughing Reeves

24 Zuni and Its Beauty Kenneth Maxymowich

30 Gallup Community Health Chuck Van Drunen

32 Event Calendar

36 Making Music at RCS. Living Out Exactly Who We Were Made To Be Bob Ippel

40 Walking In Beauty

42 MLK's messages of inspiration and love at UNM Gallup Ric hard Reyes

Thanks to our Contributors

this month:

Katie Sharpton Sindac, MPH

Michele Laughing-Reeves

Richard Reyes

Kenneth Maxymowich

Bob Ippel

Kenneth Riege

Kathy Polich

Dr.Vicki Handfield

Small Business Development Center

Suzanne Hammons

Publishers:

Daisy & Jason Arsenault

Chuck & Jenny Van Drunen

Managing Editor: Aileen Steigerwald

Gallup Journey Magazine

44 People Reading

46 John Baca MOH Recipient Vietnam

48 Opinion Poll

50 Connections Kathy Polich

53 Mental Health in the 2020’s Dr. Vicki Handfield

54 Soul Awake Yoga Small Business Development Center

56 Winter Activities Suzanne Hammons

Staff: Christine Carter

Do you have a cool local story you want to share with the Journey? Send your story to gallupjourney@gmail.com

505-722-3399 • 210 E. Aztec Ave. • PO Box 2187 gallupjourney.com • gallupjourney@gmail.com

Don’t want to miss an issue, subscribe to the Gallup Journey - one year $45.

February 2023 Issue #223

All Rights Reserved. No articles, photos, illustrations, advertisements, or design elements may be used without expressed written permission from the publisher, Gallup Journey Inc. This publication is distributed with the understanding that the information presented is from many sources, for which there can be no warranty or responsibility by the publisher as to accuracy, originality, or completeness. It is distributed with the understanding that the publisher is not engaged in making product endorsements, recommending health care or treatments, providing instruction, or recommending that any reader participate in any activity or behavior described in the publication. The opinions of the contributors to this publication belong to them and do not reflect the opinions of the editors or publishers.

Cover: Skye Blackbull

Photo by Zaypee Layugan

What We Do

OPTOMETRY CARE: Comprehensive examinations: pediatric beginning at 6 months old, adult, geriatric, special needs; Ocular disease management; Soft and specialty contact fittings; Pre and post surgery care

DIAGNOSTIC TESTING: Widefield photos, ocular coherence tomography, visual field testing, topography and other assessments to treat and manage eye diseases

OPTICAL SERVICES: Knowledgeable, friendly staff offering quality lens options and frames specific to your prescription, style, and needs

What's New

SAME DAY OPTICAL SERVICES: Available now. Get same day glasses within 1-2 hours. (Prescription and lens treatment limitations apply. Please ask a staff member for more info.)

OPHTHALMOLOGY CARE: Available in March. We are happy to welcome Dr. Steve Hillam who will perform injections in our office twice each month! Please contact our office to schedule with his staff. Assistance in transfer of care from out of town offices will be provided.

Contact Us!

Call or Text : 505-339-2015

Website : www.gallupeyegroup.com 816 Boardman Drive, Gallup, NM 87301

Family Medicine Associates are excited to announce that Ms. Irina Gorshkova, PA-C is now working full time at Family Medicine Associates.

Irina is a graduate of Gallup Middle College High School, the University of New Mexico, and the University of New Mexico School of Medicine’s Physician Assistant Program. Irina is available for acute care visits, women’s care visits, and has a special interest in office based minor surgical procedures.

Family Medicine Associates

is now open and available for appointments with either myself, Dr. Andrade, Mariah Barnes PA-C, or Irina Gorshkova PA-C.

Finally, our new and expanded office hours are as follows: Monday through Thursday, 8am until 7pm, appointments are available from 8:15am until 6:30pm with appointments available during lunch, 12pm-1pm. Friday, 8am until 5pm, appointments are available from 8:15am until 4:30pm, and appointments available during lunch from 12pm to 1pm.

We are accepting new patients and accept most insurances. Please call 505-722-6603 to schedule your appointment today.

517 E Nizhoni Blvd, Gallup, New Mexico 87301

Pro Gutters

The Gallup Journey magazine has been part of our community for over 15 years!

We have celebrated the opening of new businesses, introduced you to people who make Gallup the unique place it is and have done all of this with a positive voice.

We are your free community magazine. That means that you represent the voices of our community, the ideas, the people and the businesses.

All of us have a story to tell about our community. Stories that represent the best of Gallup. We want to hear those stories!

So, if you want to share that Gallup story with our readers, we invite you to put it into words.

If you are interested please contact by phone 7223399 or send us an email, gallupjourney@gmail.com. Stories are due by the 20th of each month and need to be around 800 words. Remember to include images.

Thank you for making the Gallup Journey our favorite community magazine.

OCEAN VIEWS

LAURA SMITH

MERRISHA LIVINGSTON HEART IN SAND AT VENICE BEACH CALIFORNIA

DZUNI PHOTOGRAPHY

MERRISHA LIVINGSTON SUNSET OF YUCCA PLAZA

MERRISHA LIVINGSTON

PHOTO IN THE PIT DURING LAMB OF GOD CONCERT

DANIEL ENSIGN

DZUNI PHOTOGRAPHY

DREAMS OF SPRING

DZUNI PHOTOGRAPHY

DZUNI PHOTOGRAPHY

PHYLLIS CASUSE

BIRTHDAY FLOWERS

Cooking with Tea

Did you know you can cook with tea? Tea is the second most consumed beverage in the world. Tea is loaded with polyphenols (antioxidants), which help keep your bones strong and healthy and improves your cognitive function. Oolong and green tea are packed with L-theanine, which can boost your mood as well as your sleep. You don’t have to limit yourself to only drinking this tasty ingredient but try cooking with it too.

Cooking with tea is one of the easiest, quickest, and most effective ways to add flavor to a recipe. For breakfast, simmer a pot of milk with a few tea bags such as chai, peach, or English Breakfast. Steep for a few minutes, remove the bags, then use tea to prepare oatmeal. Freeze any extra tea milk in ice cube trays to make smoothies. For savory dishes, simmer water with lemon, orange blossom, or chamomile tea to create a fragrant broth for cooking whole grains such as quinoa or brown rice. Use oolong or earl grey as a base for heartier dishes such as chili or stew. Herbal and fruit teas add delicious flavor to homemade dressings and vinaigrettes. Which ¼ cup brewed tea (or 2 teaspoons dry loose-leaf tea such as jasmine, berry, or mint) with 1/3 cup olive oil, 2 tablespoons of white or red wine vinegar, 1 teaspoon honey, and ½ teaspoon Dijon mustard. Pour over fresh leafy greens or roasted vegetables. From delicate to robust, just about any variety of tea can enrich sweet treats. Steep hibiscus or vanilla tea in milk, then use it to make custard or rice pudding. Grind chair tea leaves into a powder to put in sugar cookies or banana bread. Matcha powder is also a tasty addition to any type of ginger or lemon dessert.

Reference:foodandnutrition.org

Katie Sharpton Sindac, MPH Family & Community Health Extension Agent

Think of loose tea leaves as dried herbs— so many flavor combinations!

Let’s Go Tubing!

By Michele Laughing-Reeves

There’s no greater news for a student than to hear that it is a Snow Day. This means you could sleep a bit longer; you could put off doing homework for another day; and you could actually enjoy the snow. This, however, doesn’t excuse you from the having chores. The prospect of building a snowman, making snow angels, throwing snowballs, and going tubing is enough motivation to get the chores done quickly.

Building a gigantic snowman and making plenty of snow angels is fine, but the most fun is snowtubing. This is one of my fondest memories of my childhood. There are many hills within walking distance, but my siblings and I would use the tractor to take us to the bigger hills or to the mountainside. The excitement starts with the preparation for our tubing trip. First order of business is finding the inner tubes and pumping them up. There’s no guarantee that the smaller tube is faster than the larger one, so whatever we found was good enough. Sometimes we would need to patch up the holes first. Once the tubes are packed onto the sled, which is tied to the back of the tractor, we would gather the firewood and supplies and secure that on top of the tubes. We would then make a snack bag of PB&J sandwiches, crackers, and soda, and secure it to some part of the tractor which was still vacant. Finally, we would layer ourselves from head-to-toe until we resembled Ralphie’s little brother from The Christmas Story. After one last check, we trek off to find a big hill with a flat, steep incline.

Our tubing expedition, looking more like the Grinch’s over-stuffed sleigh, takes us down-and-up several ditches, through forests of pinon trees, and toward the larger hills in the Chuska Mountains. Some days we feel daring and adventurous, so we select the tallest hill we see. We arrive and split up; a couple of us set up base camp, and the others make the tubing trails. We excitedly unload the sleigh and discuss whether we should build a ramp near the base of the hill to create a jump. In our eagerness, we always seem to fail to take into consideration how difficult it will be to climb a steep hill in deep snow while carrying a huge inner tube. After two or three runs, the trail is ready. The first run is always a bit scary because there is the potential to crash and face-plant into the snow. With each run, the ride is faster and longer. Then, with our built-up confidence and boldness, we start riding head-first or in pairs or spinning or making the ramps higher. We completely lose track of time. The Sun is now dipping toward the western horizon, and our layers of clothing are starting to feel damp and cold.

If the camp was set up correctly, all we needed to do is light the match and we’d have a nice fire to sit around then eat our snacks. Sadly, the fire was never large enough to dry our clothes, so we’d agree that everyone takes one last turn before loading up and heading home. The trek home seemed longer. Our excitement and energy were spent, and the ride back on the tractor or the sleigh is cold and silent. At home, our mother doesn’t seem anxious about our late return; she just simply starts hanging our wet, cold clothes to dry by the stove. We start our evening chores hoping that, perhaps, tomorrow would be another snow day.

Many years later, our children have a different take on the same experience. For us to go tubing, we would have to schedule a day on the weekend and plan a whole itinerary. Tubing for them means packing up the truck, packing lunch, and wearing waterproof overalls to stay warm and dry. Inner tubes also vary from the old-school inner tubes for tires bought from tire repair shops to the expensive ones bought from the sporting goods store. Everyone’s unofficial favorite spot for tubing is Narbona Pass. Parking is just off to the side of the highway at the summit, and by the late morning, there are several vehicles facing the mountainside. The top of the hill is about a mile off the highway and the little ones may need to be carried part way. The tubing trails are long and fast, and if you crash, there are plenty of witnesses. Families will share trails, tell stories, give advice, and make sure no one gets injured. Because the walk back up the mountainside is long, it may only take less than a dozen runs to call it a day.

Once everyone has made it back to the truck and the tubes are all accounted for, you rev up the heater, take out the lunches, and eat while watching other kids tubing across the way. With tired bodies and full tummies, we head home. The kids start to nod off one by one. Perhaps on their next snow day, we will tell them of the good ole days when inner tubes cost $3, and a pair of socks makes a good substitute for mittens—in case your gloves got completely wet.

AROUND GALLUP

Rehoboth Christian School

2023 Honor Band

Farmington, New Mexico

ZUNI AND ITS BEAUTY

ZUNI AND ITS BEAUTY

had our first night dances of the year. Many households celebrated with chili stew, fresh bread and tamales. It always makes me smile to see the outdoor ovens billowing with smoke! When it’s so snowy and cold out many artists in the community are warm inside and creating wonderful pieces.

Back in the village...

With a new year upon us here in Zuni, we have already had our first blizzard of the year and as I write this there are weather warnings for more winter storms. At my home in Canada the temps are much colder and more than two feet of snow in places. Back in Zuni, we

When I ask Orlando Mahkee about his father, the first thing he remembers is that he was an outdoorsman. He remembers Jack Mahkee as always wanting to be outside. Whether it was tending to his animals, planting corn, just enjoying being out in the sun or deer hunting, Jack just loved being outside. Animals have always been a part of Jack’s life. His parents were also farmers and ranchers and instilled a very hard work ethic into the young Jack. He was taught that hard work brought results and a good life. Orlando is the oldest son of Jack and Alphonsilla Mahkee and he remembers being a young boy and going out to the sheep camp a lot and staying there working with his dad. Later Orlando’s son and nephew would also spend a lot of time there with their grandfather herding

sheep in summertime to give the sheepherder a break. This was out at Ojo, not far from Zuni. Also, not far from Zuni but in the opposite direction is Nutria Lake. This is where Jack had his cattle and horse ranch and where he farmed. Jack was an outstanding farmer. At Nutria with the help of his family, Jack would plant corn, alfalfa and oats. This is where the young Orlando was taught how to plant and farm by his patient and soft-spoken Father. Jack Mahkee was always a family man, and the best days of his life were spent with his wife, children and grandchildren. He loved to have fun with his family. Alphonsilla would always be cooking and have three meals a day ready for her family. She also loved being outdoors and baking bread as shown in the picture of her. Jack was a quiet man and he loved to be around his farm animals. He was taught not to be consumed by religious duties as this would lead to the animals being neglected. The animals provided the Mahkees with joy, com-

panionship and food on the table. Animals are sacred and sheep are at times sacrificed to provide good health and prosperity to the family.

In the early 70’s when Orlando was 11 or so, he remembers his mom and dad making jewelry. Jack Mahkee was taught and inspired to make jewelry by his great friend Curtis Leekity. Curtis and his wife Corinne are well known for making fabulous inlay jewelry in the form of animals and birds. They created this beautiful Appaloosa horse as shown in the picture and were known for their wonderful channel and stone to stone inlay work. Channel inlay in Zuni jewelry is where the stone or shell is enclosed and surrounded by a channel of sterling silver. Stone to stone inlay is as it sounds where individual stones are inlaid directly next to one another. Curtis is the grandson of the John Gordon Leak (Leekity). John Gordon Leekity worked many years for CG Wallace’s trading post here in Zuni. John Gordon Leekity’s work was part of CG Wallace’s personal collection that was famously auctioned off in 1975 by Sotheby’s Auction House. The young Jack Mahkee spent many hours with his friend Curtis perfecting his silverwork and channel and stone to stone inlay. Eventually, Jack and his wife Alphonsilla would create masterpieces on their own and it helped the family a great deal. Jack would do the silverwork while Alphonsilla would

By Kenneth Maxymowich

Helena and Helena Mahkee

perfectly inlay stone and shell into each piece. The couple started out creating their legendary birds and horses. They eventually broadened their horizons by making Disney characters, parrots, peacocks, Olla maidens, hummingbirds, deer, elk, cattle, rams and other animals. By far, I believe the couple are most known for their gorgeous horses. Most of their beautiful animals were created as bolo ties while their smaller birds were made as pin pendants, rings and pendants. Jack Mahkee is the son of Earl Mahkee and May Nokahaqua Mahkee and was born February 15, 1931. His siblings included Anita Mahkee, Eleanor Mahkee-Weeka, Earl Mahkee Jr, Frankie Mahkee, Lorna Mahkee, and Gilbert Mahkee. Anita is known for her beautiful inlay work and beaded dolls. Eleanor Weeka and Lorna Mahkee have created stunning needlepoint jewelry. Eventually, Jack Mahkee married Alphonsilla Helena Hechilay. The young couple started out with their young family in the middle village of Zuni near what is now Halona. Orlinda Mahkee still lives there today. The couple would have three children

with Orlando, Elton and Orlinda the youngest. By 1974 the family moved to the outskirts of Zuni where the family still has animals, and the corrals are still being used today. The sheep camp at Ojo already existed and the whole family spent many days there tending to the sheep. By 1978 Jack started the cattle and horse ranch at Nutria Lake. He would spend hours and days there admiring the beautiful countryside and tending to his animals. It’s no wonder the couple were so accomplished at creating their incredible animal and bird jewelry. Their surroundings were so beautiful as they portrayed and brought to life in their jewelry what they set their eyes on every day. Jack was also involved in his taxidermy work. His taxidermy certificate is dated December 4, 1956. By reading books and observing birds and animals in nature, Jack expelled at his craft. The funny thing is that although we came from different Countries and grew up in different decades, Jack Mahkee and I took the same taxidermy course by correspondence. The Northwestern School of Taxidermy was located in Omaha, Nebraska. I took the course while I was still in high school. Orlando has told me many times about how great an artist his father was. Jack mounted many animals and birds

including deer, elk, hawks, etc. When Jack wasn’t busy tending to his animals, farming or ranching, working on his taxidermy or spending time with family he would volunteer as a firefighter. Jack belonged to the Zuni Fire Fighter Hotshots and performed his duty of firefighting wildland fires when needed.

Although Jack and Alphonsilla loved to spend time and have fun with their family, they believed in working hard and were strict when needed. Jack especially believed in working hard for a living every day. He instilled these values in his children and grandchildren. He wanted his children to have a good life and would wake them up before sunrise to get on with their day. He believed the harder you work, the better the person you would become. He instilled that in you. He was the best role model you could ask for. There were days when Jack’s family would go out working all day and would not share a meal until they returned home late in the day. These morals, beliefs and values are still being instilled in the family today and I can honestly vouch for that.

Jack and Alphonsilla Mahkee’s legacy are carried on by their loving family. The sheep camp at Ojo and the cattle ranch at Nutria are thriving. The Mahkee’s eldest son Orlando is so much like his father, not only by his looks but by his hard work ethic, love of animals and the love of being outdoors on

Jack Mahkee

the land. They are all a great example that hard work pays off and although it’s not always easy, it is rewarding.

Please find enclosed the words of a young Lady remembering her wonderful Grandfather Jack Mahkee

Reflecting on my childhood and teenage years, I remember growing up with my nana (grandfather) Jack Mahkee in his home since I was born. Every morning as the sun rose, my little brother (Chad Mahkee) and I would watch our nana walk out of the house and go for his “walk.” As I grew older, I realized it wasn’t a walk, he was walking towards the sun rising to greet our yaddokya datchu (Fa-

ther Sun) and do his morning prayer. Then he would head down and feed the chickens and feed the pigs, and sheep that we kept close to home. He did not know how to sit still; you would always find him outside if he wasn’t working on his jewelry. Even till this day, I can hear the sound of him singing his kachina songs coming from his room across from mine. He would start low, and you couldn’t really hear him over the sound of his motor running, while he was starting up on his jewelry. Then slightly his singing would grow louder and louder until it filled the whole house. You could even hear his foot stepping to the song, no longer hearing the loud motor running. When he would finish his jewelry or finish tending to the animals, he would “rest his eyes,” which meant napping, I would always go up to him and wake him back up, by running up to him and pushing his stomach or I would mess with his ears or nose. He would smirk and or keep one eye slightly open, because he knew I was going to bother him. He wasn’t just a jewelry maker; he was a rancher and farmer. Aside from the animals we kept near the home, we would find ourselves every spring at his sheep camp located on the west side of Zuni near Ojo, when it was sheep shearing time. Our family would gather, and the men would be out tending and helping with the sheep, whereas as the women would be cooking in the adobe home that was on the land to feed the men. Once the sheep were complete, we would head to his land on the west side of Zuni in Nutria to tend to our cattle for branding. He

was a humble and hardworking man who was not a man of many words. I see so much resemblance between my father and my nana. The way they think and operate are so much alike, my father really is just like his “father” in more ways than one. Which is a thing my father and I always mention and discuss when we reflect on the past, because the way his father raised him, is the way my father raised me. Our family usually says the same thing about my father and I, she’s just like her “father.”

I often would see see my nana and my father, his eldest son Orlando “Dolo” Mahkee, out at the ranches and out in the field next to his house planting corn. He would have his garden with tomatoes, jalapenos, cilantro, watermelon, cantaloupe, and honey dew. As children, my brother and cousins, and I would harvest them for ourselves and run and hide and sit on the roof of the stew house and eat the watermelon. I can go on and on about my nana, but when I reflect on how I knew him as a child and teenager, the memories I have mentioned are what stick out the most. I cannot comment on how he aged, I was no longer home after I graduated from High School in 2001, I enlisted into the U.S. Army and recently retired in June of 2021, returning home in hopes to ensure the continuation of his most valuable teaching he left my father, farming and ranching. The same values my nana instilled in my father, he instilled in me. My nana and father’s teachings and focusing on being a hard worker is what I know helped me succeed throughout my military career, their teachings and values set the foundation for who I am today. My father taught me to be self-reliant, to be strong, and hard working. I hope to make them proud in ensuring the continuation of our families ranching and farming.

Elahkwa, Helena Mahkee Grand Daughter

The work of Jack and Alphonsilla Mahkee will always live on. Their incredible jewelry has graced many books, magazines, galleries and collections all over the world. Their animals and birds were not only metal, stone and shell but snapshots of a bird in flight or a lifelike bugling elk. Their work is an inspiration to all young artists here in the village of Zuni. We are truly blessed to have had them create such masterpieces and you are even more fortunate and blessed to have their art in your collection. HON

Curtis and Corinne Leekity horse bolo

UNSOLVED CASE HELP!

On January 10, 2017 at approximately 8:00 PM. McKinley County Sheriff’s Deputies responded to a homicide in the area of State Highway 118 and Defiance Draw Road, west of Gallup NM.

The victim, Erilaina Chavez was carjacked by unidentified suspects and shot in the back. The suspects then drove away from Erilaina in her 2016 GMC Canyon. A witness discovered Erilaina and notified emergency services. While waiting for medical assistance, Erilaina was able to inform the witness she had been shot and carjacked by unidentified hitchhikers and that the hitchhikers drove her vehicle north on Defiance Draw Road.

Erilaina died of her wounds before arriving at a hospital. Erilaina’s vehicle was located on Hunter’s point road on January 12, 2017, but no suspects were identified in this incident.

If anybody has information regarding this case, contact the McKinley County Sheriff’s Office Investigations Division at (505) 8631410 or to remain anonymous call Crimestoppers at 1-877-722-6161 and possibly get a cash reward up to $1000.00.

Gallup Community Health

By Richard Rohr

New Health Care Clinic Expands Facility and Services with Community Committed Doctors

by Chuck Van Drunen

Dr.Valory Wangler has been busy! She has seen over a 1,000 patients since August of 2022 when Gallup Community Health (GCH) was incepted. Her tireless mission to create a new health clinic in Gallup that provides excellent, accessible primary care for all ages is succeeding, and now greatly expanding. Dr. Wangler was named “Physician of the Year” by the New Mexico Society for Hospital Medicine in 2021 and was previously the Chief Medical Officer for Gallup’s RMCH hospital.

In January a small army of longstanding community doctors joined Dr. Wangler and GCH as providers, including the following:

Mary Poel (MD Pediatrics)

Gerald Robertson (MD Internal Medicine)

Chris Hoover (MD Urology)

Neil Jackson (MD Family Medicine)

Marcie Richmond (MD Family Medicine)

Hannah Palm (MD OB/GYN)

Andrea Walker (MD OB/GYN)

Michele Dearmond (NP)

Alex Cotter (PA)

To accommodate this new staff and anticipated patients GCH has increased its facilities by expanding into the majority of the building at 2022 E. Aztec Ave. The growing pains of the clinic has been helped by an outpouring of local/regional support and generosity. “All of the exam beds have been donated by Presbyterian in Albuquerque. Local nurse, Sara Pikaart, started a GoFundMe to help raise over $20k to meet our prenatal care insurance requirement. Countless others have donated just about everything else we needed; so this truly has been a community effort,” says Dr. Wangler.

GCH is unique in its mission to provide health care to the entire community regardless of one’s ability to pay. By using a sliding scale based on one’s income it typically only charges between $0$30 to see a doctor for those that don’t have medical insurance.

“Additionally we also help patients sign up for Medicaid or Medicare if that’s possible,” quips Dr. Wangler.

When new staff member, Dr. Neil Jackson, was asked whether he would be taking a pay cut to work at GCH, he was quick to replay, “Oh yes. . .big time, I think we’re all making sacrifices, but I’m so happy and grateful to work with this amazing group of people, and be a part of this organization that has a deep commitment to excellence in health care.”

Eventually GCH strives to become a Federally Qualified Health Care facility, where the government will provide support in additional medical reimbursements and access to grant funding to ensure it’s long term stability.

Currently the clinic offers the following services:

•Adult Primary Care

•Pediatric Primary Care

•Womens Health

•Prenatal Care

•LGBTQ Health

•Urology

•Contraception/Vasectomy

•Medication assisted therapy for opioid use disorder

Dr. Val Wangler was recognized in January by the New Mexico State Legislature for her work in Gallup

Gallup Community Health is also operating as an urgent care of sorts, with the potential to serve patients on the same day they call if one is in pressing need to see a provider. In addition Dr. Wangler adds that, “our group of providers are so committed to our community, their profession, their patients, that they are willing to go the extra distance to meet the needs as they arise.”

Former chaplain of RMCH hospital, Kris Pikaart, now the Director of Operations for GCH simply says that the new clinic is best summed up by a quote from Franciscan priest Richard Rohr. . . “The best criticism of the bad is simply the practice of the better.”

In practicing the “better”, Dr. Wangler was also recognized, just this past month, in the New Mexico Legislature for her dedication to the health care needs of the Gallup community.

For more information or to become a patient at GCH call 505-397-5172; visit gallupcommunityhealth.org, follow on Facebook, or write to info@gallupcommunityhealth.org.

Beginning February 3

Kids’ Crafter-noons

WEEKLY on Fridays

1:00 pm – 3:00 pm

Studio123 at ART123 Gallery

Kids ages 8+ are invited to spend the afternoon coloring, cutting, collaging, constructing and crafting! Cost: $5 drop-in rate (5-time punch cards available for $20) More info: www.galluparts.org/kidscraft

February 4

Community “Quick Draw”

1:00 pm – 3:00 pm, ART123 Gallery

Come get a taste of our 5th Annual Artist Challenge and paint your own 5” x 5” canvas in response to a surprise prompt to contribute to the “5-and-20 “group show. Canvases and painting supplies provided. All ages are welcome! No experience necessary.

YES I DO!

I want a copy of God's message of strenth, hope and love. (Psalms and Proverbs). I understand there is no charge. IT IS FREE!

NAME: ADDRESS: CITY: STATE: ZIP:

PLEASE WRITE CLEARLY

Allow A Few Weeks For Delivery Mail to: PO BOX 2025 Gallup, NM 87305

February 11

Valentine Cookie Decorating Class with Chelsea: 11:30 am

Camille’s Sidewalk Café Downtown

February 24

Open Mic Night: 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm

Camille’s Sidewalk Café Downtown

February 11

Show Opening: “5-and-20”

4:00 pm – 6:00 pm, ART123 Gallery

Be the first to see the 420 5” x 5” artworks completed by 21 local artists in 5 weeks as part of the 5th Annual Artist Challenge (for sale for $25 - $50 each).

February 18

“Master Class” Artist Workshop: Writing for Artists

1:00 pm – 4:00 pm, ART123

Gallery

All artists are invited to a FREE professional development workshop. Get help with writing your artist statement, bios, resume and more from artist and IAIA instructor Brian Fleetwood. For more information and to register visit www.516arts.org/events.

February 22

Wine & Painting: Tea Time

6:00 pm – 9:00 pm, ART123

Gallery

Have a creative night out! $35/ person. Limited space. Register at www.galluparts.org/wine-andpainting

February 23

“5-and-20” Artist Talk, 6:00 pm

ART123 Gallery

Artists dish on the 5th Annual Artist

Challenge in a “rapid fire”-style artist talk.

February 28

Weekend Workshop: Classic Calligraphy with Mariea Hall

9:00 am – 4:00 pm, ART123 Gallery

Learn to write in beautiful Italicstyle calligraphy. Practice with a calligraphy pen, then choose a quote to calligraph in black ink for display! $60/person. All materials included. No experience necessary! Limited space. Register at www.galluparts.org/workshops

February 21

COMMUNITY GRIEF

SUPPORT GROUP 7:00 PM. Open to all who have suffered a loss and are struggling to heal. There

is no cost to attend. Hosted for the community by the Gallup Masonic Lodge - 4501 E. Historic 66 Avenue. For more information, call or text 505-615-8053.

MCKINLEY COUNTY

Throughout the month of January 2023 to March 2023, the McKinley County Sheriff’s Department will be conducting ENDWI Checkpoints and Saturation Patrols, along with seatbelt enforcement and other traffic enforcement. Deputies will be targeting impaired drivers on our roadways and at checkpoints. The McKinley County Sheriff’s Department is working hard to make our county a safer place.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION

CONTACT: Sgt Tammy Houghtaling OFFICE: 505-863-1410

Children & Youth Library Weekly Events

Eureka!

Join OFPL in-person at the Children & Youth Library every Monday at 4:00 PM for STREAM workshops and activities for kids and tweens (ages 5-12). Eureka!

STREAM workshops explore topics in Science, Technology, Reading, Engineering, Art, and Making. Celebrate International Creativity Month by discovering the National Inventors Hall of Fame. Design, engineer, and create! Email pneilson@gallupnm.gov or call (505) 863-1291 for more information.

• February 6th - Matchbox

Microphone

Be inspired by the work of Dr. James West, co-inventor of the microphone, and create your own simple working microphone!

• February 13th - Grow a Sweet

Potato

Be inspired by the groundbreaking work of botanist George Washington Carver by starting to grow your very own sweet potato plant!

• February 20th - Build a Paper

Computer (Virtual)

Be inspired by the work of inventor and engineer Mark Dean by building your own computer out of paper.

• February 27th - Traffic Light

Tinkering

Be inspired by Garret Morgan, the inventor of traffic lights by designing your own switchable traffic light with LEDs.

Family Storytime

Join OFPL in-person at the Children & Youth Library every Monday and Wednesday at 11:00 AM for storytime activities, songs, rhymes, finger-plays, and read-aloud stories! This month, our story times will celebrate and honor Black History Month. Ages 0-5. Email pneilson@gallupnm.gov or call (505) 863-1291 for more information.

Monday

February 6th - To the Moon

February 13th - P, B, & J

February 20th - Holiday Closure

February 27th We All Scream for Ice Cream!

Wednesday:

February 8th - To the Moon

February 15th - P, B, & J

February 22nd - Stop and Go!

March 1st - We All Scream for Ice Cream!

Tinker Tech

Join OFPL in-person at the Children & Youth Library every Wednesday at 4:00 PM for an interactive, handson tech program for tweens & teens. Stimulate your creative thinking and learn how to use computer coding to create art, tell stories, and design games! Email pneilson@gallupnm. gov or call (505) 863-1291 for more information.

• February 1st - Banana Piano

Learn how to use the Makey Makey circuit board to attach everyday objects (like bananas!) to your computer to use them as inputs.

• February 8th - Is it Conductive?

Use a Makey Makey circuit board to design a device that can test whether or not an item is conductive, then code a simple computer app to work with your device!

• February 15th - Draw A Playable Instrument. Invent your own new musical instrument by drawing it on paper with conductive pencil lead, then use the Makey Makey circuit board to connect it to an app to let you play it!

• February 22nd - Build Sensors and Switches. Learn how to craft your own sensors and switches and then use them to interact with the computer.

Crafty Kids

Join us in person at the Children & Youth Library every Thursday at 4:00 PM for family-friendly crafts with step-by-step tutorials for all skill levels and ages. Supply kits are available at OFPL on a first-come, first-served basis using the Supply Request Form at ofpl.online. Email hetsitty@gallupnm.gov or call (505) 863-1291 for more information.

• February 2nd - Groundhog Stick Puppet (Groundhog Day)

Celebrate Groundhog Day by creating a cute groundhog! Will he see his shadow?

• February 9th - Stamped & Sewn Valentine’s Pouch

Hand-sew your own felt envelopes!

• February 16th - Black History Month Craft. Celebrate and honor Black History Month with an afternoon of assorted crafts!

• February 23rd - Bean Craft

Create a bean mosaic using assorted colored beans and other craft supplies!

Cycling is the best remedy!

This year marks the second year of a new riding program for three our GMCS county middle schools and the first year for one. Navajo Mid, Crownpoint Mid, Tohatchi Mid and Thoreau Mid to be exact. These county schools are part of a riding program implemented through a local riding group, Silver Stallion. This group is involved with riding programs across Gallup and McKinley County.

Silver Stallion has bicycles for their riders, but as the program has grown it has been difficult to transport and maintain so many bicycles. This year GMCS, with help from our School Board member, Kevin Mitchell, Navajo Middle School Principal, Jody Alexander, Social Workers, Tim Pikaart, Albert Avery, Jotham Ippel, and Thea James, those four previously mentioned middle schools all received 21 Brand New Giant Talon 1 bicycles of various sizes as well as 24 racing bicycle helmets. The bicycles have also been outfitted with thorn resistant tubes and tires to help navigate the rugged desert terrain.

Scott Nydam with the Silver Stallion Bicycle & Coffee works runs his nonprofit program with many of the area schools. The program consists of riding in the various riding trails on the reservation as well as private and public trails in the city. The participants also learn skills training, safety, bicycle maintenance, nutrition, and most of all the enjoyment of riding a bicycle. Nydam stated that he was trying to address the Issue of there being a lack of a cycling Industry in Gallup and most especially on the reservation. There are few bicycle shops in town and almost none of them on the reservation. Nydam and many other cycling enthusiasts considered our gorgeous landscape prime for mountain biking.

According to Ippel, the Idea began during Covid and all of the Isolation that came with It. Social workers Ippel and Avery thought that biking in the outdoors was a safe way to be together. When Jody Alexander moved to the region she met Tim Pikaart, Albert Avery and Jotham Ippel who all belonged to a summer riding group which included staff and students. Scott Nydam, who Is also a former pro cyclist, had the bicycles, the coaching expertise, and the model for the after-school program. Together their mutual love of cycling and their willingness to share what they know with our students and community Is how the riding programs became part of our reservation middle schools.

Ippel stated that their goal for the program and for future programs Is to help students gain Independence and to take Initiative when It comes to riding and their own personal goals with the sport. Ippel also said that the program Is progressing quite well and that it has created an Interest and enthusiasm from not only the participants but their parents and the communities as well. He said that the students regularly ask, “Are we biking today” and they seem to honestly look forward to being outside, active and Interacting together. This program has been a great motivator and has helped remedy the Isolation and loneliness of the past two years.

If you’re a parent and want to see this program grow or you would like to see this program at your student’s middle or high school or if you are a staff member and share an Interest In cycling are encouraged to get involved. This program could not have happened without all the people previously mentioned or without the help of the community, staff, parents, and participants.

GMCS RECOGNIZES BOARD SCHOLARS

Every year, students across the state of New Mexico take a series of assessments to measure achievement in math, science, and reading. All K-8 students take the NM-MSSA (New Mexico Measures of Student Success and Achievement), a state summative assessment for Mathematics and English Language Arts. Additionally, students in grades 5, 8, and 11 take the NM-ASR (New Mexico Assessment of Science Readiness). All 11th graders take the SAT which measures high school students’ readiness for college.

We are so pleased to recognize GMCS Board Scholars - students who scored “Advanced” on one or more of these assessments during the 20212022 school year. These students have demonstrated outstanding academic performance and GMCS is proud of their accomplishments!

A total of 544 students will receive Board Scholar awards this year. A special board meeting will be held February 21st at 6pm in GHS Auditorium to honor these students and their remarkable progress. Those students are:

Bella Acosta

Leonardo Acosta-Azumendi

Aidan Adakai

Charlene Aguirre

Charlotte Aguirre

Ameer Alassi

Mark Alderete

Alexander Alexeev

Alexandra Allan

Sophie Allison

Halla Almasri

Levi Alonzo

Azalee Analla

Amy Anderson

Chiesa Apatan

Tony Apodaca

Lilianne Arconeda

Jose Arreguin

Estefany Arreguin-Zubia

Cody Arviso

Brayden Ashley

Jerrimarie Ashley

Hanson A’Ta’zhoon

Andy Atcitty-Ruiz

Liam Atwood

Matthew Bahe

Elizabeth Baker

Keehara Nielsen Baldazo

Bailey Ball

Amie Banuelos

Langer Barber

Moriah Barber

Roscio Barron

Samhita Baskota

Durrell Becenti

Lewis Becenti

April Begay

Dylan Begay

Ethan Begay

Kaia Begay

Keanu Begay

Kyle Begay

Montaya Begay

Moraes Begay

Shyla Begay

Tylinn Begay

Taili Begaye

Steven Belisle

Adabella Belleza

Brandon Belmont

Brianna Belone

Cassidy Ben

Matthew Ben

Keianna Benallie

Jace Benally

Jesse Benally

Kayleb Benally

Tayler Bennett

Ciana Berg

Abbylee Berry

Jaden Beyale

Jaimeer Beyale

Kiana Bia

Aubrey Billie

Breanna Billie

Christopher Billie

Janyka Billie

Nevaeh Billie

Taylor Billiman

Langham Bitsoi

Jacob Bitsoie

Chea Bitsue

Lillie Blackgoat

Norrin Blood

Cauy Boggs

Haedyn Boggs

Ember Bond

Zayden Bond

Lillian Bowman

Raileigh Bowman

Laila Boyd

Riley Brennan

Bailey Briggs

Kenna Briggs

Demetria Brown

Dempsey Brown

Dylan Brown

Jacy Brown

Maci Brown

Sebastian Brown

Trevor Broxton

Jaida Bryant

Matilda Bryant

Mark Russel Buan

Mrogatien Buan

Jade Buffalohead-Ashcraft

Amilie Burbank

Lyric Burson

Ryan Bustamante

Addison Byrd

Amarie Byrum

Kaydene Capitan

Marco Caponpon

Danika Carey

Jaxon Carrasco

Ian Castaneda

Erik Castillo

John Cattaneo

Sydney Cattaneo

Julian Chacon

Emmett Chapman

Ezra Chapman

Adriana Chavarria

Amias Chavez

Aysha Chavez

Brandon Chavez

Gabriella Chavez

Leyah Chavez

Madison Chavez

Emerald Chee

Justin Chee

Luna Chee

Cale Chimoni

Arianna Clark

Scarlette Claude

Gwendolyn Claw

Austin Clawson

Deacon Clawson

Mearlz Angelia Clemen

Kammy Cleveland

Tempestt Coby

Paisley Coho

Ciyllis Cole-Roy

Emma Connell

Alyssa Connick

Kimberly Contreras

Liam Coonsis

Alyanna Joyce Copas

Aaron Cox

Ashton Cree

Madison Cucciardi

Caiden Curley

Joseph Dallas

Jasea Daniels

Zachariah David

Ariana Davis

Iris Day Chief

Johnny Deary

Myori Degroat

Celine Dela Cruz

Jaydyn Delgarito

Makylo Denetsone

Jaxon-Carter Deskins

Reina Deweese

Jaidyn Diaz

Ramelo Diaz

Sofia Diaz

Peyton Dineyazhe

Kaia Dodson

Angelina Donald

McKinzy Eddie

Tajay Edwards

Molly Ellis

Caile Emerson

Antonio Enriquez Jr

Kathleen Espinosa

Jade Esquibel

Jessica Etcitty

Omar Etsitty

Karl Ferreras

Gabriella Flisram

Sofia Flores-Cruz

Zoe Foley

Markus Foster

Jacob Francisco

Trevor Frankliin

Adysen Garcia

Darren Garcia

Kyria Garcia

Marissa Garcia

Lyla Garcia Sanchez

Miguel Gardea

Stephen George

Jaxon Gibbons

Kennedy Gibbons

Gabrielle Giron

Aiden Gishie

Andrea Glover

Dominic Goldberg

Nicolas-Paul Goldstein

Ashleigh Gomez

Ilias Gomez-Yantsios

Ace Gonzales

Hunter Gonzales

Joseph Gonzales

Robert Gonzales

Sophia Gonzales

Jaylee Gonzalez

Kaylen Gordo

Kirsten Gordo

Johanna Gordy

Angelo Granado

Angelo Granado

Tavia Gray

Micah Groten

Arianna Gruber

Aaliyah Guerrero

Asia Gutierrez

Jakyn Haley

Saleen Haley

Delray Halkini

Emma Harlow

Victoria Harmon

William Harmon

Shelby Haskie

Sadie Hatch

Alivia Hayes

Caleigh Hensley

Joanna Hernandez

Karen Hernandez

Roman Herrera

Treasure Hines

Taadiidiin Hogan

Jordan Hosteen

Lucas Houston

Yandiin Houston Jr

Josiah Howard

Anahi Huazano

Aariono Hubbard

Tyshi Hubbard

Emma Huckabay

Marcus Hughte

Hend Hussen

Kaylie James

Keith James

Ryan James

Ritt Jan Jamito

Ethan Jaramillo

Sophia Jeffress

Dominique Jim

Collin Jimmy

Noah Jinzo

Eli Joe

Jessica Joe

Purdy Joe

Vernon Joe

Sidney Johansen

Ace John

Wyatt John

Sieanna Johnson

Siena Joines

Faith Jones

Isaac Jones

Jaxson Jones

Shelby Jones

Amanda Juan

Sarah Kalleco

Sterling Kee

Dylan Keeto

Alexander Keller

Savannah Keyonnie

Kauhnilaiyah Kilgore

Ace Kiyite

Atom Kiyite

Rynil Lachica

Stathan Lambson

Trestan Lambson

Dillon Landavazo

Sebastian Landeros Hernandez

Noah Lange

Adam Largo

Christopher Largo

Taytum Largo

Marley Lastyona

Lilia Laurence

Andrew Lee

Bryson Lee

Deja Lee

Denaliah Lee

Hunter Lee

Jeremiah Lee

Lilly Lee

Lanaya Lementino

Rhyann Lementino

Call Lemmon

Vera Lemmon

Eliza Lesansee

Tristan Lewis

Troy Lincoln

Siobhan Lipchak

Hayden Littlefish

Alyssa Livingston

Mikayla Livingston

Sydney Livingston

Mateo Loera

Angelo Lopez

Bethia Lopez

Elijah Lopez

Isaac Lopez

Jaidyn Lopez

Devaye Lozano

Reice Lujan

Clarice Lynch

Zachariah Madrid

Arielle Mahan

Jonathan Maki

Leona Malone

Abigail Manning

Margem Collin Manuel

Marion James Manuel

Atsa-Bah Martin

Emily Martin

Kaden Martin

Kenlie Martine

Amadio Martinez

Madison Martinez

Gabriella Masci

Sawyer Matkovich

Matthew Maynerich

Noah Maynerich

Zackery Maynerich

Ivory Metzler

Kia Mike

McKale Mike

Bryce Miller

Camryn Miller

Karla Miller

Max Milliken

Julian Miranda

Kylie Montano

Alexis Morales

Gabriel Moreno

Cole Morgan

Danielle Morgan

Jaliha Morgan

Shiloh Morgan

Aiden Morris

Dakota Morris

James Mortensen

William Mortensen

Amy Murphy

Dreamy Nelson

Mauricio Nelson

Kaprice Nez

Nam Khanh Nguyen

Izabell Nickerson

Shawna Nickerson

Ayden Ochoa

Raeanna Ochoa

Kayden Orillie

Allan Ortiz

Christian Ortiz

Maryum Oweis

Corey Owens

Katie Pablo

Layla Pablo-Yazzie

Jalen Panana

John Paradise Jr

Azaley Parish

Chyenne Parker

Connor Parker

Janvi Patel

Para Patel

Tyler Paul

Sophia Angela Paz

Katelyn Peck

David Perales

Dominic Perales

Gianna Peretti

Celeste Perry

Artaysia Peshlakai

Holly Peters

Aubree Peterson

Presley Peterson

Stevie-Ray Peterson

Chris Pettigrew

Isabella Pimentel

Kester Pimentel

Joy Pinero

Bradley Pinto

Thomas Placencio

Isaiah Poyer

Adam Pozernick

Luke Pozernick

Jeremiah Proctor

Maleya Pugh

Ariana Ramirez

Stirling Ramone

Aaron Ray

Kayley Ray

Liam Ray

Roberto Rendon Iv

David Resendiz

Julian Resendiz-Arteaga

Gianna Reyes

Giselle Reyes

Angelo Rios

Dorian Rios

Robert Rivera

Lilianna Rojas

Jeremiah Roman

Elijah Romero

Mariah Romero

Melaray Romero

Azariah Romero-Daniel

Juliana Ronco

Leila Roybal

Mia Ruiz

Annsonbert Saji

Gage Salazar

Kiera Salazar

Phelony Salazar

Leilani Sam

Antoine Sanchez

Gabriela Sanchez

Geovanni Sanchez

Jonnie Sanchez

Anntisha Sandoval

Damien Sauceda

Sebastian Sauceda

Blas Saucedo

Chendyl Scholten

Skyler Scoopmire

Thomas Segura

Isabella Shirley

Roman Shorty

Xander Silentman

Alyssa Silversmith

Elek Singer

Isseca Situ

Gabriella Skeets

Paige Slim

Lager Slivers

Sitarah Smiley

Kazee Smith

Luke Smith

Raelee Smith

Ahmad Soufan

Braeden Spencer

Mykah Spencer

Shondiin Spencer

Adyson Spolar

Katherine Starr

Lilian Stevick

Anthony Storch

Brandon Sung

Elisa Swatzell

Russell Swatzell-Lujan

Brianna Taylor

Miguel Teller

Ava Teran

Michael Teran

Jesus Teran-Riffle

Adrian Ternes

Tiger Thomas

Bailey Thompson

LaRyiah Thompson

Cole Tietjen

Zandra Timtiman

Dallas Tolino

Hailey Tom

Makaila Tom

Shenelle Tom

Juan Torres

Azmi Totarro

Noah Trickey

Destiny Trimble

Lauryn Trimble

Ramon Trujillo

Tala Trujillo

Taylie Trujillo

Trevor Tso

Winnie Tso

Logan Tso-Henio

Ellianna Tsosie

Elyse Tsosie

Grace Tsosie

Harmonee Tsosie

Ilias Tsosie

Kaiser Tsosie

Rayya Tsosie

Tylon Tsosie

Joaquin Tyquiengco

Kealanie Tyquiengco

Joel Upshaw

Xochitl Valdez Porras

Sebastian Valentino

Edy Varela

Madison Velasquez

Victoria Velasquez

Srikar Venigalla

Winton Verburg

Isaac Vicenti

Payton Vigil

Hayden Villanueva-Chavez

Ulyies Villicana

Giada Wagner

Gina Wagner

Autumn Warren

Raiden Washburn

Tamia Washburn

Layla Watson

Krystal West

Alyssa White

Austin White

Riley White

Jazmine Whitehorse

Chandler Whitman

Dashiel Whitney

Laylanah Williams

Marius Williams

Ashton Willie

Demetrio Willie

Thatcher Wilson

Zoey Wilson

Journey Wommack

Aiden Woody

Tyrosen Woody

Logan Wooten

Braeyon Wray

Andrew Wylie

Benjamin Yale

Dylan Yazhe

Ashley Yazzie

Ayden Yazzie

Cherish Yazzie

Colter Yazzie

Dean Yazzie

Gavin Yazzie

Hailey Yazzie

Isabelle Yazzie

Jazmine Yazzie

Jerrison Yazzie

Launora Yazzie

Sarah Yazzie

Shauna Yazzie

Shyann Yazzie

Jennifer Yeh

Amariss Yoe

Jeremy Zarate

Jocelyn Zarate

Angelo Zepeda

Devan Zepeda

Making Music at RCS: Living Out Exactly Who We Were Made To Be

By Bob Ippel

I was recently asked why Rehoboth Christian School has been able to have 30% of its 200 high school students participating in the music program. The high rate of participation can be attributed, in part, to the love of music that is instilled throughout our elementary music classes. By the end of fifth grade, Rehoboth students have had weekly music classes based on the Kodaly approach to music education. The originator of this method, Zoltan Kodaly wrote, “If we ourselves sing often, this provides a deep experience of happiness in music. Through our own musical activities, we learn to know the pulsation, rhythm, and shape of melody. The enjoyment given encourages the study of instruments and the listening to other pieces of music as well.” (Kodály, 1964). In addition to the love of music flowing through their time in the music classroom, elementary students’ love of music grows through their involvement in performances where they participate in leading the audience in songs both secular and religious.

While in grades 6-8, all RCS students participate in both band and choir. Because most students have never participated in a formal band or choir, each one is asked to give those both a try to see if music might be one of their passions. “Unwrapping Gifts” is a program encouraged for Rehoboth Middle School students to explore their gifts in many arenas of life, including

"I

can really fly a kite!" sings Charlie Brown (Xander Leggett)

Over 35 Rehoboth students were selected to participate in honor bands and choir.

music. Students have the opportunity to choose to be a part of the jazz band, take guitar lessons or even use flip-flops beating on PVC pipes to create a rhythm band in Rehoboth’s version of “Stomp.”

By the time Rehoboth students enter high school, they have had musical opportunities to guide them in knowing if music is something they want to continue. Students can sign up for band, choir or both. These classes are unique in that they often include students in grades from 9th-12th. Bonds become stronger when they participate together in music festivals as well as yearly choir and band tours that travel throughout the United States. Many students find music to be a means of bringing healing to themselves and to others as music reaches into the soul in such mysterious ways.

At both the middle and high school levels, students are encouraged to audition for participation in a regional or statewide band or choir where they can experience the joy of creating music with other like-minded individuals. These experiences have inspired many Rehoboth graduates to pursue degrees in music education.

Music theater has also been a way for students to musically express themselves. During the fall 2022 semester, Rehoboth high school students performed You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown. The cast and stage crew became a family as they spent hours rehearsing together. The culmination of the show with song, dance, costumes, props and lights was a delight for the audiences who attended the evening and matinee performances of a show that combined fun music and an important message.

Why put so much effort into providing musical opportunities for Rehoboth students?

“Because the world is losing its color.”

Rey Clauschee, 8th grade student

“It shows what beauty God’s creation can make.”

Irelynn Delgado, 8th grade student.

“It’s what God would want!” Acacia Arviso, 7th grade student

“We want students to explore all possible areas of their talents and giftings, and to use those gifts to serve God through serving our community.”

Anna Christensen, MS/HS Choral Director

All State Band Participants, Ryan Jim, Meg Zwiers and Emma Egan. Schroeder (Evan Toddy) directs the Glee Club rehearsal.

“Music is a special gift. It touches something inside all of us, even if we don’t consider ourselves “musical.” At Rehoboth Christian School, we believe the reason for that connection is the image of God that we bear as people. His characteristics and qualities are woven into the fabric of what it means for us to be human, and just as God is the Creator, we too are creators—of poetry, art, architecture, dance, and music. Therefore, when you see the joy on the faces of performers or you feel that depth of meaning stirring in your soul, it’s because in those very moments, we are living out exactly who we were made to be.”

Dan Meester, High School Principal

For more information about Rehoboth’s music program or admissions, call 505-863-4412 or go to www. rcsnm.org

Ryan Jim rehearsing at UNM for All-State Band.

Sally (Lilli Briggs) sings about her "New Philosophy".

Violet (Esther Christensen) in "The Book Report".

Walking in Beauty

Roasted Balsamic Brussel Sprouts

Ingredients:

2 lbs of Brussel sprouts (trimmed and halved)

1/2 cup Olive Oil

1/4 cup balsamic vinegar

4 Tablespoons of honey

4 Garlic Cloves chopped Salt and pepper to taste

Preheat the oven to 425 degrees. Mix olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, chopped garlic, salt and pepper in a bowl. Add 2 pounds of the prepared Brussel sprouts to the mixture, mix thoroughly until all of the Brussel sprouts are covered in the mixture.

Arrange in a deep baking dish, bake at 425 degrees for 25-30 minutes. You want each Brussel sprout to be a darkened brown.

Enjoy!!

Guest speakers spread MLK’s messages of inspiration and love at UNM-Gallup

Commemorative service celebrates legacy of slain civil rights leader, encourages more progress

By Richard Reyes

When the Rev. Owen Latimore was a 12-year-old eighth-grader at Addison Junior High in Cleveland, Ohio, Martin Luther King Jr. delivered an inspiring speech directly to him and his fellow schoolchildren Oct. 22, 1964.

By his own admission, Latimore was not in tune with what was going on in the world at that time and didn’t even know who King was. Latimore said he didn’t put much thought into his future because opportunities were not that prevalent for someone like him back then.

“But when (King) came out and he began to speak, something moved,” Latimore said. “It was as if he was speaking to me and me alone.”

Latimore admitted that he did not remember the atmosphere in his school’s auditorium that day despite the cacophony of applause that can be heard in the audio recording from that day, which is available to hear online. Nor did Latimore remember much of King’s speech, but a portion of King’s message stuck with him throughout his life.

Latimore, now a pastor at the Grant Chapel AME Church in Albuquerque, recounted those words while delivering his own impassioned speech during the Martin Luther King Jr. Day Commemorative Service in the Calvin Hall Auditorium on The University of New Mexico-Gallup campus Saturday, Jan. 14, 2023.

“I remember when he said that if you can’t be a tree on a hill, be a bush in a valley,” Latimore said. “I remember when he said if you have to be a street sweeper, then sweep streets like Michelangelo painted the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel. I remember! I remember just as clear as day today when he said that if you have to be a street sweeper, then sweep streets like Shakespeare composed poetry, or sweep streets like Beethoven composed music.”

Latimore said he didn’t understand why those words touched him. Names like Michelangelo, Shakespeare and Beethoven had no connection to a black boy living in the Cleveland ghettos like himself, but King’s message stayed with him.

Nearly four years later, on April 4, 1968, Latimore remembered when he learned that King was assassinated in Memphis, Tennessee.

“I didn’t know what was going on, but for some reason, I sat down, and I began to cry,” Latimore said. “Tears were falling down my eyes. I didn’t understand what it was about, but I understood that I had lost somebody important in my life.”

Latimore compared black icons such as King, Malcolm X, Harriet Tubman, Nelson Mandela and Desmond Tutu to the “cloud of witnesses” referenced by Elijah in The Epistle of the Hebrews, a book of the New Testament.

“What they’re saying is, somebody came before you came,”

Latimore said.

“Somebody though pain and heartache that had to hew out the path which you walk today. Somebody before you came was here, and there is a thread, an eternal inner thread that connects us to those who were before us. And in that weaving of all these different peoples that came, there’s a foundation on which all of us stand that we can reach across one another and shake each other’s hand and say, ‘I believe that if I love you enough no matter what you say, no matter what you do, no matter what you think, that everything with me will be all right.’ That’s what I believe.”

Mona Frazier, a Gallup resident and community organizer and volunteer, emceed the commemorative service and also shared what King’s legacy meant to her.

She said she grew up in New Orleans and attended all-black schools in her early years. Because of King’s fight, she was eventually able to attend schools with children of other races and nationalities.

“He paved the way of fear to be gone from my life,” Frazier said. “We all bleed the same blood, and to love each other is the most important thing that any of us can give. And believe me, without his love and his fight for freedom that I can have a better life than my parents, I would not be here today.”

The commemorative service was hosted by the UNM-Gallup Office of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion in partnership with the Charlie Morrissey Education Center.

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Director L.D. Lovett said the event was meant to celebrate King’s legacy and serve as a reminder of King’s vision for the future from his “I Have a Dream” speech.

Lovett said the event was meant to acknowledge the strides that have been made on racial issues and civil rights in the United States since King died, but also to recognize there’s still progress to be made and action to be taken.

“In order to actualize what Dr. King was saying, it takes more from those of us who are here,” Lovett said. “It’s more than dreaming about it. We have to take positive steps to move to the next level.”

To open the service, the Rev. Kaul Corley, of St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church in Gallup, delivered an invocation. The choir from St. Paul also performed “Amazing Grace” and “We Shall Overcome.”

Laris Manuelito, the Navajo Nation liaison and field representative for Rep. Teresa Leger Fernandez, also made an appearance and delivered remarks.

“It is deeply meaningful for me because Dr. Martin Luther King, for me, is always a symbol of strength and of love and peace,” Manuelito said. “Love overcomes all. Love conquers all.”

UNM-Gallup Chancellor Sabrina Ezzell also participated in the event by welcoming everyone to the service, and Public Relations Specialist Richard Reyes read aloud UNM-Gallup’s land acknowledgement and delivered closing remarks. A reception

followed the service.

The UNM-Gallup Office of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion is planning more events in February in celebration of Black History Month.

Dr. Doris Fields, a poet, workshop facilitator, jewelry and visual artist, and retired public health administrator, is scheduled to host “A Night of Poetry” on Feb. 10, 2023.

Then Clifton Taulbert, an entrepreneur, CEO, Pulitzer nominee and international lecturer, is scheduled to deliver a virtual presentation on Feb. 16, 2023.

For updates about these events, follow UNM-Gallup’s social media accounts.

For more information about the Office of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, Lovett can be contacted at llovett@unm.edu.

The Rev. Kaul Corley, of St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church in Gallup, delivers an invocation during the Martin Luther King Jr. Day Commemorative Service in Calvin Hall Auditorium on The University of New Mexico-Gallup campus Saturday, Jan. 14, 2023.

The Rev. Owen Latimore, of Grant Chapel AME Church in Albuquerque, delivers an impassioned speech during the Martin Luther King Jr. Day Commemorative Service in Calvin Hall Auditorium on The University of New Mexico-Gallup campus Saturday, Jan. 14, 2023.

L.D. Lovett, director of The University of New MexicoGallup Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, speaks during the Martin Luther King Jr. Day Commemorative Service in the Calvin Hall Auditorium on campus Saturday, Jan. 14, 2023.

Mona Frazier, a Gallup resident and community organizer, emcees the Martin Luther King Jr. Day Commemorative Service in Calvin Hall Auditorium on The University of New Mexico-Gallup campus Saturday, Jan. 14, 2023.

People Reading

Merrisha and Matt Livingston at SoFi stadium for the Rams vs Broncos game

Ernie C’de Baca, President & CEO of the Albuquerque Hispano Chamber of Commerce, and Noah Commerford, President & CEO of the Latino Chamber of Commerce of Pueblo, reading the Center for American Values article in the November 2022 Edition of the Gallup Journey Magazine in the lobby of the Albuquerque Hispano Chamber of Commerce office.

Dr. Swaminathan and Karthik reading the Journey with Frosty the snowman

John Baca MOH Recipient Vietnam

important part of my life and if not for Hershey, I would have never meet so many incredible people to include about 50 Medal of Honor Recipients.

Before I continue, I should say a little more about this modest American Hero.

By Kenneth Riege

This story is about one of our nations greatest and most humble heroes, Medal of Honor Recipient (Vietnam) Mr. John Baca.

I suppose all my stories have and will always include a touch of Hershey since he was such an

John was born on 10 February 1949 in Providence, RI and was raised in San Diego, CA. Interesting fact is I started writing this story on 10 February 2023 just after I had gotten off the phone with John to tell him Happy Birthday and to make sure he was fine with me writing this story about him.

John was drafted into the United States Army on 10 June 1968 and on 10 Feb 1970 he was serving on a recoilless rifle team when the lead platoon of his company was ambushed. Spec. 4 Baca led his team forward through intense fire to reach the pinned down platoon. It was then a fragmentation grenade was tossed into their midst.

Spec. 4 Baca without hesitation and with complete disregard for his own safety unhesitatingly covered the grenade with his helmet and body absorbing the full blast while saving the lives of the eight fellow soldiers he was with. Spec. 4 Baca was presented the Medal of Honor for his heroic actions on 2 Mar 1971 by President Richard Nixon.

Like all the Medal of Honor Recipients, John doesn’t often speak of that day, but he prefers to tell the story of an event that happened on Christmas Day, 1969. John was on “point” when he surprised a young North Vietnamese soldier who was sitting alone on top of an enemy bunker. John had seen

rest of his platoon to catch up, John and his new friend, shared pictures of family and each read from their bibles. As fate would have it, in 1990, John along with seven other soldiers of the Veterans Vietnam Restoration Project return to Vietnam and worked alongside former North Vietnamese Soldiers building a health clinic in a village north of Hanoi. Working alongside John was his “Christmas Gift.”

This is John Baca’s bible from Vietnam along with his original Medal of Honor. These are now on display at the Medal of Honor Society’s Office in Mt. Pleasant, SC.

A few years ago, Retha, EricPaul and I traveled to San Diego

Here we are after breakfast. Retha had just presented John and Monsoon their very own “Wreath by Retha.” Had such a wonderful time hanging out with them sharing stories and taking pictures. From the left is John Baca, Retha, Eric-Paul, Daniel, Ken and Monsoon.

that the solder could not reach his rifle and not wanting to shoot him, yelled in Vietnamese for him to surrender. John calls this his “Christmas Gift” as he took the young man alive and unharmed. While waiting for the

to see our son Daniel and stayed in Oceanside, CA. While there we got to visit with John and his dear friend William “Monsoon” Mimiagi. Monsoon. Also, a Vietnam War Veteran, served 30 years in the Marine Corps

“

When I asked John, what were you thinking, he said, well Ken I must not have been thinking or else I wouldn’t have done what I did.”

USAF Veteran

“When I asked John, what were you thinking, he said, well Ken I must not have been thinking or else I wouldn’t have done what I did.”

This is the first picture of John and I. John was traveling with the Run for The Wall Central Route and stayed the night.

retiring as a Major. After the military he became a Special Education Teacher until his retirement in 2019.

I would like to close with this

one last story of John Baca. It is a story of when I went with Hershey to the 2018 Medal of Honor Convention in Annapolis, MD. I remember that day very

clearly because we were flying on September 11th, 2018. Our pilot with American Airlines had come back to visit with the MOH Recipients on the plane (there were 6 on our flight) and how honored he was to be flying them to Washington, D.C.

On 27 April 2002, John Baca Park was formally named in his honor. At the park’s dedication John read the following poem he had written for this occasion. “

The next day I got to go to the White House with about 40 MOH Recipients and their “plus 1.” It’s one of those moments where you want to pinch yourself but don’t because you are afraid of waking yourself up. After visiting with the President, we proceeded to the State Dining Room where beautifully prepared heavy hors d’oeuvres were there for us. When it was time to head back to the hotel, John had mentioned to Hershey that the last time he was in the White House was when he had received his medal. He shared the story of how his dear mother had taken a few pieces of silverware as souvenirs and how he wanted to do the same, but with there being so many metal detectors around he was afraid of getting caught. So, John came up with an alternate plan and that was to grab a handful of White House Napkins. He then grabbed a handful and stuck them into Hershey’s jacket pocket and said, well if we get caught, we will both go to jail together. I then said, well hell I can’t let you 2 go to jail without me, so I grabbed some of the napkins too.

It’s a playground for the young, a walk for the dog, These grounds will be blessed by the rain and the sun, free from the smog.

A refuge for the birds vacationing south, “Let’s visit Baca’s Park.”

Thankfully none of us went to jail and I have this great story to share.

I will be closing this story out with John Baca’s Medal of Honor Quote from the book:

“Medal of Honor Quotes, Inspiration from America’s Military Heroes.”

“Don’t swim through life; just float. Peace will never come on the battlefield; it comes from within. Allow gentleness and compassion to follow.”

Soon it won’t be long for all to enjoy their song! My buddies and friends have joined me for this delight.

Some unknown evenings I may be sitting upon my bench enjoying the quiet of the night.

What is a park? A site of beauty, a place to rest.

A place to stay, leave one’s worries, also leave behind their stress of the day.

A solitude visitor can be still, enjoy the quiet of their thought.

One can hear the voices in the breeze, trees are clapping their hands, with the movement of the leaves.

All humanity can find a space. All are welcomed to a safe, you might say sacred place.

These grounds will be a witness for families, lovers and friends who picnic, play, hold hands and maybe embrace. It will be filled with harmony and song and the smile of God’s grace. One last thing before I depart and be on my way, I sat on the bench and a swing in the park that was dedicated in my honor and in my name on this beautiful day.”

Here is another picture of Retha and I with Monsoon (far left) and John (far right) while attending the 2018 Skyball Event in Dallas, TX.

Here I am with one of the White House Napkins.

Opinion Poll:

1. Would you like to have more snow or less snow?

2. Build a snowman or a snow angel?

3. Have a snow day or school day?

Talan

1. Less snow

2. Snowman

3. Snow day!

Andrea

1. More snow

2. Snow angel

3. School day

Emma

1. More snow

2. Snowman

3. Snow day!

Duvi

1. More snow

2. Snow angel

3. Snow day!

Bob

1. More snow

2. Snowman

3. School day

Camilla

1. More snow

2. Snowman

3. Snow day!

Evin

1. More snow

2. Snowman

3. Snow day!

Angela

1. More snow

2. Snowman

3. Snow day!

Charlie

1. More snow

2. Snowman

3. Snow day!

Kat

1. More snow

2. Snowball fight

3. Snow day!

CONNEC

By Kathy Polich

If you like to people-watch, working in a high school provides ample subjects to study. Anyone who has spent time in a school will tell you, often, what kind of a day it’s going to be by the vibe you feel in the air when you hit the doorway. Somedays, I am amused and enthralled by the life of the teenage species. On other days, I want to run and hide.

The habitat in which they thrive is a noisy, chaotic, hormone-laden vortex of energy. The adults and mammoth trappings they lug around add to the fury. 2023 is the year I hit the halfcentury mark. More than once lately, others have asked if I would like to go back to my teen years; a resounding no escapes my lips in a half-yelp before I can even contemplate the question. If you know me, you can figure out the expletives that pair with my negative response. One thing that makes it appealing: what I wouldn’t do to have a summer with my friends!

Most of the crew from my high school on the best days are a social media or quick text connection. Outside the letdown of reunions, I haven’t seen more than a baker’s dozen since

graduation in 1991. Most of my closest friends were a few years younger or older. Many of them I haven’t seen since I headed off to college. I’m not a massive fan of social media. The last time I posted anything on FB was in 2020. How many of them would still be in my realm if that capacity to stay in such close contact was around 30 years ago? Who am I kidding; life and change would have prevailed anyway!

My best friend has remained. I call her my thick and thin. I met her within weeks of moving to Belen. While standing in front of my barn, saddling my horse, this younger blonde rode by. We chatted a bit, and I invited her to ride with me. Thirty-seven years later, it’s hard to wrap my head around just how important that chance meeting has been in my life. Over time we have entertained many titles for each other: Friend, roommate, advisor, maid of honor, sister, therapist, cheerleader, and babysitter, to name a few. Nita Jo makes me laugh harder than anyone I know. I’d fight an army to protect her. We love each other’s children. Our kids adore each other.

The students at my school got entirely new schedules in January. I had a set

TIONS

of besties in one of my classes last semester; this round, they are in separate classes. The first thing one morning, one of them entered my class, sulking. She wasn’t bubbly and chatting like normal. She asked me if she could take care of something in the office. I asked her if she was ok, and she responded yes. She came back and did her assignment, but something just seemed different. Later in the day, I saw them together and jokingly told her counterpart to take care of her because she was having a bad day. I related to something Girl One responded. She said, “We don’t have any classes together, and I feel like I’m going through withdrawal!” I get that; sometimes, it is months or close to a year between my in-person visits with Nita Jo.

I silently made a wish for these particular students and all the rest. In the future, I hope someone tells their parent’s wild stories about their antics years before around a campfire while they sit a bit embarrassed but proud, they didn’t get caught! (Story for another time: Don’t steal your parent’s fishing boat to float down the Rio Grande on a full moon!) I

hope they cheer each other on for years during the good times and bad. I wouldn’t be surprised if they someday hold each other’s babies and meet up for girl weekends alone! At the least, I hope they make some great memories before they graduate.

I am thankful my boys have great friendships. Most have lasted for years already. I love all their friends and am proud of the way my sons treat their friends.

I’ll probably get kicked out of the teacher club for this: Encourage your kids to have great friendships. If you look back on your school days, your favorite memory probably isn’t going to contain an assignment with its rubric for success. It might be about the teacher that delivered it. Your favorite memories are about connection. Parents, I hope that your kids are making the right connections! For the lucky ones, those last forever!

For now, I’m going to head to work. If you see me out and I look frazzled, remind me I’m blessed to witness daily, these fabulous creatures we call teens connecting!

HENRY MEYERS ZAYPEE LAYUGAN

MENTAL HEALTH IN THE 2020'S

It’s great that mental health needs have become so much more acceptable! Now, to say that you have a mental health issue, or are in therapy, or anything related to mental health needs, is actually ok, whew! Wow, actually, this is huge! Mental health was not socially acceptable for many years, it’s now becoming a lot more acceptable, to a degree…

Many people are still, understandably, reluctant to seek help, talk about their emotional state, or needs, or concerns, no matter how large or small, no matter how immediate or long range. It’s still hard.

One of the big deal items is diagnosis. This is complicated. Many people are a lot more comfortable saying they have anxiety, or depression, or bipolar disorder, to name a few. I think this is great. A diagnosis can be very comforting, knowing there is a name, or category for what is troubling you.

However, at the same time, it can be said that diagnoses are not so clear cut. And it can also be said that a diagnosis can be helpful but isn’t the whole story. A

This was important for financial and professional regard. Mental health practices were seen as unconventional at best, “crazy” at worst. As our insurance economy grew, so did the need for acceptance along these lines. Being able to bill and be paid via insurance was seen as necessary for the financial needs and personal confidence of these early professionals.

These diagnoses were never the same as medical diagnoses. Yes, medical diagnoses can certainly be changed, as new information arrives, in any individual case. But it’s important to recognize that mental health diagnoses are descriptions – of behaviors and experiences, not of results of bloodwork or other physical assessments. There is definitely overlap, as medical diagnoses often take into account a patients’ description of their physical complaints.

To me, it’s helpful to see us as continually evolving, whether it’s personal evolution, societal, medical or psychological. Evolution can be confusing. It is very complex, and we are complex beings. That can be

SOUL AWAKE YOGA

Soul Awake Yoga, LLC owner, Lindsay Anderson, has an inner beauty that is evident to anyone who attends her classes—her voice is calming, and her instruction demands self-awareness, endurance and dedication. Her existing clientele base has come to appreciate yoga as a practice that induces the discovery of their inner strength, and they value the disciplines Lindsay provides to help them transform their bodies, minds, and spirits.

Lindsay first began practicing yoga in late 2014, while living in Denver, Colorado, and after moving to Rapid City, South Dakota, in 2015, her dedication to her practice and interest in all thing’s yoga became even more evident. Here she found a community to learn and grow in. In her mind, she wanted to become the somewhat cliche, ideal yogi: a physically fit, mentally healthy, carefree hippie, unfazed by the annoyances and trials of everyday life. But even through that cloudy, cliched lens she noticed real changes happening in her body, mind, and spirit.

Lindsay had felt the transformative powers of asana and was compelled to start exploring all aspects of this ancient practice. She has dabbled in Hatha, Ashtanga, Vinyasa, Kundalini, Bhakti and Yin, but discovered her preferred style, Alignment-based flow yoga, while attending yoga teacher training. Lindsay completed her 200-hour Registered Yoga Teacher (RYT) certificate through the Dharma

Institute for Awakened Living in Laramie, Wyoming, in March of 2018. Her training helped deepen her understanding of yoga and dharma, and shortly after graduating she started Soul Awake Yoga LLC and opened a small studio in Hermosa, SD. Here she taught for several months before she and her partner decided to follow a new adventure chasing his UXO career. So far, they have lived in FL, AZ, KS, and now NM where they really committed to their nomadic lifestyle and embraced full-time RV life. They moved to Gallup in July of 2021 and are loving the area and the people!

Soon after arriving in Gallup, Lindsay found Bright Life Arts Studio, owned by long-time local, Leaf Ashley. Here Lindsay started getting to know her new community by picking up her old hobby of belly dance. After discovering that Leaf rented her studio by the hour for other teachers to use, Lindsay decided that now was the time and Bright Life Arts Studio was the place to reopen Soul Awake Yoga and start teaching again.

“The practice of yoga helps us to see who we really are, to discover all that our true selves encompass - joy, creativity, love, compassion and bliss,”

Not knowing exactly how to begin in her new State of NM, she contacted the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at UNM Gallup. After getting over a few hurdles with the help of the SBDC, she was ready to launch her business. She signed an agreement with Bright Life Arts Studio and offered her first yoga class in January of 2022. Lind say marketed her classes with the help of the SBDC which led to the distribution of flyers on her behalf. She also connected with local community members, and her customer base began to grow.

Lindsay began by offering a Beginners yoga eight-week series that quickly filled up and has been adding classes and events around the community ever since. Before long, Lindsay started thinking about expanding her business, adding an intermediate series to her schedule, and turned again to the SBDC for assistance.

She began working with a business advisor, who encouraged her to get over her fear of business management, assuring her it was an aspect of small business ownership she could master. The consultants also helped her with accounting, teaching her Excel spreadsheet rules, and co-creating simple spreadsheets together, building her knowledge of the five requirements of small business financial documents and basic PC spreadsheet software.

With the help of the SBDC,

Lindsay’s dream of being a Fulltime Yoga instructor has become a reality. Her student base continues to grow, and she is currently offering drop-in friendly classes 5 days per week locally and online.

Soul Awake Yoga LLC offers certified yoga instruction, providing group and private yoga classes in Alignment Based Flow yoga, Yin yoga, and Beginners’ yoga for local residents in Gallup and the surrounding area and nationwide residents online. Her specialty is helping new and seasoned yogis get comfortable and confident in their own practice.

“I enjoy giving students a deeper look into Yoga, that goes beyond the physical postures and will help develop students’ practice on and off the mat,” she said. “That is where I intend to invest more time and energy.”

Additionally, she is developing a new curriculum that will result in

an online beginner’s class series and is hosting a Yoga Book Club to help students explore Yoga’s ethical practices. She is also pursuing her 500-hour Registered Yoga Teacher (RYT) certificate as well as an Ayurvedic Nutrition certificate.

“The practice of yoga helps us to see who we really are, to discover all that our true selves encompass— joy, creativity, love, compassion and bliss,” Lindsay said. “Yoga guides students to experience that inner self.”

To awaken your life with your own yoga practice contact Lindsay at 303-746-0498, email soulawakeyoga@gmail.com, or visit https://soulawakeyoga.com

You can also visit Bright Life Arts Studio at www.brightlifearts. com to explore other class offerings.

The SBDC provides help for small businesses looking to draft business plans, navigate permitting processes, seek financing, and more. Lindsay says, “I wouldn’t be where I am today without their help!” Lindsay gives them a 10 out of 10 in helpfulness, kindness, knowledge, and professionalism.

Winter Activities

By Suzanne Hammons

As the cold winter months linger and the warm holiday glow fades, it’s easy to find yourself in a “tired” headspace: tired of the cold, missing the buzz of outdoor activity and gatherings that come with warmer weather, or falling into lethargy as the daylight fades early.

But one way to combat the seasonal blues, and to savor the winter months, comes in the form of what Norwegians call “friluftsliv” - that is, the “open air life”. Instead of lamenting the snow and ice, embrace the possibilities they bring! Here are some examples of outdoor activities that anyone can enjoy - even in the high deserts around Gallup (and four-legged companions will love them, too!):

Skiing

You don’t need a steep mountain and lifts to ski! There are many types of skiing:

e Alpine or Downhill skiing. This is what most people picture when they think of “skis” - downhill skis are short, rounded and easily maneuverable. They work best on steep downhill slopes, and aren’t very useful when traveling uphill, which is why lifts are often required.

e Nordic or Cross-country skiing. With cross-country skis, which are longer and thinner, you can travel over different terrain - flat, uphill, and downhill. There are tons of great places to do this around Gallup! Make sure to look for a road, trail, or route with gradual inclines and declines, ideally without much twisting and turning. Cross-country skis aren’t as agile as alpine skis, so while you can definitely have fun cruising a downhill, it’s best to find a place that won’t require sudden turns.

e Skimo or mountain skiing. Using alpine touring skis, find a steep mountain or route and head on up! This is a fantastic workout - many trail runners use skimo for supplemental training in winter.

The biggest downside to skiing is the cost of equipment, but luckily, inexpensive used equipment from sites like eBay or REI Outlet will work just fine!

Snowshoeing

Are you a fan of hiking? Snowshoeing might be perfect, especially when your favorite trails are covered in fresh powder. A good pair of snowshoes will strap right on to your regular hiking shoes or boots and keep you marching over the snow without sinking, like Legolas in The Fellowship of the Ring (also, I’m pretty sure Gallup’s mines aren’t infested with goblins and cave trolls, so that’s a plus).

Like skis, you’ll want poles for balance, and you can find plenty of sites selling used or inexpensive pairs, including snowshoes for kids, so the whole family can enjoy an excursion!

Curling

We’re not talking anything that would qualify you for the Olympics, here - just find an old hockey puck or other cylindrical object, head outside, and hold a friendly sidewalk competition!

Sledding/tubing

It’s not just for kids! Anyone can enjoy the rush of sledding downhill. Fewer people may know that you can also pick up an inner tube at various tire stores.

A word of caution: tubes are nearly impossible to steer, and can go very fast, so be sure to find a slope clear of debris or obstacles like trees and rocks. As a bonus, you can break out the inner tube in summer for floating on lakes and rivers.

Other

Make snow angels, build a fort or snowman, have a snowball fight! Don’t let age be a limiting factor - find the joy in using winter to create wonderful memories with your families and friends.

A note on safety

Safety first! Stick to well-established roads and trails. If you’re heading out where there may be limited cell service, always tell someone where you’re going and what time to expect you back. At all times - and definitely if you go off-trail - carry a GPS device that can track your route, so you’ll always know how to get back to your starting point. It’s also heavily advisable to invest in a satellite beacon that can be activated at any time and that will send your coordinates to first responders in an emergency situation.

Don’t forget to hydrate and take in adequate calories! It’s just as important to stay hydrated and satiated during winter as it is in the hot summer months.

Clothing matters, too! Even in temperatures below freezing, vigorous activity can cause sweating - and cooling sweat can lead to hypothermia. Layering is your friend - you can shed layers as you warm up or add them as you cool down. Depending on how low the temperature will be, you’ll want at least an inner or middle layer, and then an outdoor layer.

e Inner layer: thermal or long underwear.

e Middle: Adequate pants and shirts

e Outer: waterproof jacket or coat, hat, gloves, appropriate footwear

Steer clear of cotton, and go for either wool, fleece, or synthetic materials that dry quickly and keep moisture from your skin. A waterproof jacket or shell is a must, especially if you go outside while it’s snowing, raining, or sleeting. Various outdoor sporting stores can point you in the right direction, or check out sites like rei.com/learn/expert-advice or nmsarc.org/resources.html

Once you’ve embraced nature in winter, savor your indoor time, too! Sit by the fire or heater, experiment with new ways of making cider, tea, and cocoa, read a book by lamplight, tell ghost stories - there are endless possibilities for making your days and evenings cozy.

By exploring all the opportunities nature provides in winter, you’ll soon make the cold season a time to savor and relish.