Gallup Journey Magazine - July 2023

Indigenous Dance and Art Series

HEAD SINGER: Delvin Bennett (Comanche)

HEAD DANCER: Ernest D. Reed (Dine’)

EMCEE: Duane Harris (Dine’)

ARENA DIRECTOR: Adrian Yazzie (Dine’)

GOURD DANCE

COORDINATORS: Mike Salabiye-Victor Bob

Thoughts From The West End

Who’s your favorite? This month we reveal the winners of the Gallup Greats. It is always a popular issue and this year we had more voting participants than we have had in years. We always appreciate the voters taking their time to submit their entries, and we are always excited to tally the votes to see who this year’s winners are.

My wife and I have always put our children in city league sports. We have been to our fair share of summer night baseball games and Saturday morning soccer games. Our children have been lucky enough to be on the best teams, but more often on the team that didn’t win the most games. When the season comes to an end it almost always finishes with a participation trophy. This is that trophy that so many believe shouldn’t be awarded to everyone.

Participation is what I think we should all be doing. Isn’t that what makes everything better. When we get a community involved that is when the magic happens. Think about when the Gallup High School boys or girls are playing an important basketball game and the gymnasium is filled, it creates an excitement in town. The local newspaper sells more papers, you see a number of people wearing orange and black, and you can’t help but overhear people talking about the team. We should all practice more participation.

So, thank you for participating in this year’s vote and I believe you all should have gotten a trophy.

Jpa-

2023-2024 SCHOOL YEAR SPORTS PHYSICALS

First Come First Serve Basis

$25 cash or $26 credit card

Following Dates:

Wednesday July 19

4pm to 6pm at Hozho Academy, main gym • 515 Park Ave

Friday July 21

1pm to 3pm at Miyamura High School, main gym

680 Boardman Ave

Monday July 24

4pm to 6pm at Miyamura High School, main gym 680 Boardman Ave

Wednesday July 26

4pm to 6pm at Gallup High School back gym area/locker room

Friday July 28

12pm to 2pm at Hozho Academy, main gym • 515 Park Ave

Monday July 31

3pm to 5pm at Gallup High School back gym area/locker room

Further dates are pending and subject to change, look on Facebook for additional dates at Rehoboth Christian School

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.

June Master Finishers

Jaye Smith

DK & Footies

Stephen Mahnke

R Morris

N.T.N.

Rachel J Livingston

2 Quick4u!

E Skeet

LiDeja Jones

Charley Benally

Pepita

Maureen Bia

Michelle Skeets

Alyssa Ashley

Sarge Dinini

Laura Juan-Pablo

Ernest Fred

Sarah Landavazo

Joe Menini

Alberta Kallestewa

A Mitch

Bryan Thompson

Thomas Gomez

Valerie Barker

Elmer Williams

Rob A

Hilda Garcia

Chei-Ann Manygoats

24 A Delayed, But Fitting Tribune Mart in Link

26 Picnic In the Pines Tr i-Slavic Members

28 Tis The Season To Be Cautious Michele Laughing-Reeves

34 Event Calendar

Thanks to our Contributors this month

Martin Link

Michele Laughing-Reeves

Richard Reyes

Kenneth Riege

Dr.Vicki Handfield

Publishers:

Daisy & Jason Arsenault

Chuck & Jenny Van Drunen

Art Director: Christine Carter

Do

• gallupjourney@gmail.com

Gallup Journey Magazine 505-722-3399 • 210 E. Aztec Ave. • PO Box 2187 gallupjourney.com

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

July2023 Issue #228

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.

Medium Easy

Courtesy of Brenden Rich

BEST OF THE BEST WINNERS!

• Best Place to Workout - Wowie’s Gym

• Best Burger - Grandpa’s Grill

• Best Breakfast Burrito - Blake’s Lotaburger

• Best Coffee - Gallup Coffee Company

• Best Sandwich - Angela’s Cafe

• Best Pizza - Fratelli’s Bistro

• Best City-Sponsored Tourist EventGallup ArtsCrawl

• Best Green Chili - Jerry’s Cafe

• Best Red Chili - Don Diego’s

• Best Stuffed Sopapilla - Genaro’s Cafe

• Best Native American Jewelry StorePerry Null Trading

• Best Flea Market - Gallup Flea Market

• Best Outdoor Activity - Hiking

• Best Fishing Hole - McGaffey Lake

• Best Tire Shop - Shaffer Tire Inc.

• Best Tea - CHA’AHH! milk tea cafe

• Best Thrift Shop - Catholic Charities

• Best Restaurant - Fratelli’s Bistro

• Best Laundromat - Elite Laundry

• Best Car Dealership - Rico Auto Complex

• Best Baker y - Juniper Bakery

• Best Rodeo - Lion’s Club

• Best Food Truck - Rosco’s Tacos

• Best Ar t Gallery - ART123 Gallery-gallupARTS

• Best Barbershop - Blancos Cuts

• Best Hair Salon and Day Spa - Mystique Salon and Day Spa

• Best Grocer y Store: La Montañita Food Co-op

• Best Park - Mossman Park

• Best Enchiladas - Gordo's Cafe

• Best Tamale - Anthony's A Taste of the Southwest

• Best City Basketball Cour t - Ford Canyon

• Best Company to Work for - Gallup-McKinley County Schools

• Most Recognizable Gallupian - Pinky

BE A KID

Honoring the Families of Navajo Code Talkers

Presented by Shannon Gurley O’Donnell in partnership with gallupARTS.

10 artists share work honoring the sacrifices made by the families of WWII Navajo Code Talkers.

ArtsCrawl Family Craft: Build-a-Beehive

Buzz over to the Events Center to get busy turning dollar store items into bee-autiful decorations.

Pop-up Children’s Museumin the Event Center

Check out a Flight Lab, Magnetic Mazes, Keva Planks, and Coding Robots in the Events Center.

Full Country Band

Performing at 1st Street & W. Coal Avenue

Bright Life Art Studio

Performance at 8 PM 2nd Street & W Coal Avenue

DJ Katrina 2nd Street & W. Coal Avenue

DJ Zomboka 3rd Street & W. Coal Avenue

Arts & Crafts Vendors

Food Trucks

A DELAYED, BUT FITTING TRIBUTE

By Martin Link

When World War II came to an end with the Japanese surrender on September 2, 1945, the Code Talker Units assigned to all six Marine divisions were allowed to check out and go home, but with a pledge each one of them took and were expected to comply with -- that they would seek no publicity and be ready, if needed, to come back into the Marine Corps and be ready to continue sending and receiving battlefield messages.

So, for more than two decades, the 400 + former Navajo Code Talkers kept their secret, in spite of two major conflicts -- “Desert Storm” and the Korean War. But it turned out that their linguistic system of codesending had been replaced by new and more refined electronic methods, and they were never reactivated. In late 1968 the Navajo Code was declassified under Dept. of Defense Directive 5200.9.

The first major recognition of the role the Navajo Code Talkers performed during the Second World War took place in late June, 1969, at the 22nd annual reunion of the 4th Marine Division Association in Chicago, Ill. The association’s reunion chairman, Lee Cannon, had earlier suggested that the Reunion Committee depart from the tradition of honoring “The same medal of honor people” year after year, and instead, give recognition to the Navajo Code Talkers. The idea was warmly accepted, and working in cooperation with some Navajo tribal officials, a group of 21 former code talkers, representing all six divisions, were selected to travel to Chicago and participate in the reunion. The Navy provided a passenger plane to take them from Window Rock to Chicago, and back again after the reunion.

The highlight of the 4th Division Association Reunion was the ceremony where the Code Talkers were all presented a specifically created bronze medallion designed to recognize Native Americans’ contributions in the war. Depicted on the medallion is the painting, “Ira Hayes, His Dream -- His Reality” by Joe Ruiz Grande. It shows Ira Hayes, a Pima Indian, riding his Indian Pony flanked by five marines, one of them Ira Hayes, raising the flag at Iwo Jima, and the statement “Honoring the American Indian Marine.” About a year later Philip Johnston travelled to Window Rock, Az. and visited me, at the time I was the curator of the Navajo Tribal Museum. Johnston gave me a box of papers pertinent to the Code Talkers’ training program.

During the summer of 1970, I, in the capacity of the museum curator, showed those papers to visiting members of the staff of the Duke Indian Oral History Project of the University of Utah, and it was their suggestion that experiences of some of the Code Talkers should be tape recorded, and that this important historical record should be added to the tribal archives.

During the winter and spring of 1971, I, with the

help of Ted Evans, the Navajo Tribe’s head of Veterans Affairs and Lee Cannon, the 4th Marine Div. activity chairman, prepared the Navajo Museum for a welladvertised Code Talker Reunion. Even Philip Johnston agreed to come back again. The staff under C. Gregory Crampton and the Duke Indian Oral History Project, along with the interviewer retained by the museum, Ernie Bulow, had all made their arrangements in surrounding buildings to talk to individual Code Talkers and record their wartime experiences.

All was in readiness on the morning of July 9, 1971 when the Navajo Tribal Museum began to register people for the two-day, long awaited, Navajo Code Talker Reunion. About 64 Code Talkers and another 30 wives/family members showed up. The first morning was spent renewing old acquaintances and watching World War II movies provided by the Marine Corps. Lunch was prepared by members of the food demonstration team from the Navajo Office of Economic Opportunity after they had explained the nutritional values of certain foods. Wilson Skeet, Vice-Chairman of the Navajo Nation and a former Code Talker himself, opened the afternoon session by officially welcoming the men and their families to Window Rock. C. Gregory Crampton of the Duke Indian Oral History Project of the Univ. of Utah, and Benis M. Frank, Head of the Marine Corps Oral History Program explained the importance of tape

recording the Code Talkers’ part in the war.

Philip Johnston then told the audience about his part in the training program, and Carl Gorman, William McCabe and John Benally reminisced about Platoon 382, the first Code Talker unit and about some of their own, often humorous wartime experiences. The afternoon’s program was concluded when Philip Johnston sang, in Navajo, three songs he had learned as a child on the reservation.

That Friday evening a barbeque, sponsored by the Ft. Defiance V.F.W. Post 6789 was held on the grounds of nearby St. Michaels High School. A pageant built around themes in Navajo history was presented by drama students from the Rough Rock Demonstration School in Arizona.

Saturday morning was spent listening to speeches by representatives of the Arizona and New Mexico offices of the Veterans Associations. Lee Cannon of the 4th Marine Div. Association pointed out the opportunities that could accrue if the men were organized and affiliated with one of the Marine Corps division Associations.

The attendees briefly discussed Cannon›s suggestions and selected a task force to look into the matter of forming an association. Those selected included John Benally, Chairman, James Nahkai Jr., Vice-Chairman, William McCabe, Sec.-Treasurer. A representative from each of the five Marine divisions was also selected: Jimmie King (1st), Carl Gorman (2nd), Dennie Housteen (3rd), Raphael Yazzie (4th), and Paul Blatchford (5th).

At noon the men all adjourned to the hill behind the tribal museum. Marines from the local recruiting offices in the area served a C-Ration lunch. The highlight of the afternoon was the reenactment of the “Code Talking” by the men using two radios furnished by the Marine Corps and stationed a couple of hundred yards apart. Navajo coded messages were sent back and forth. After this, Lee Cannon presented a medallion that showed Ira Hayes on the front, to all those attendees who had not gone to Chicago earlier and received one there.

A banquet held that Saturday evening at the Window

Teddy Draper Sr. & Philip Johnston

Rock Motor Inn was the climax of the reunion. A personal representative of the Commandant of the Marine Corps, Col. John Kleinhans, spoke about the Marine Corps League, and Art Arviso spoke to the audience on behalf of Chairman Peter McDonald who was out of town and unable to attend.

The program culminated with Dean Wilson and Jimmie King taking the podium. Wilson sang a flag song he had composed in honor of the American Flag, and King sang his version of the Marine Corps Hymn. Both songs were sung in the Navajo language.

For all practical purposes the Reunion was now over with, but my close relationship to the Navajo Code Talker Association had just begun.

C-Rations Ready To Go

Frank T. Thompson, Dennie Housteen, Harold Y. Foster, Merril L. Sandoval

Picnic In The Pines: The Gallup Slavic and Italian Lodges Cultural Extravaganza

By Tri-Slavic Members

It all started 50 years ago. It was called Tri-Slavic CCU, CFU and SNPJ lodges held at Wildlife Picnic Area. So many people attended they would even sit along to hillsides to enjoy. It moved to Z-Lazy-B Ranch in 2000. The founding members were: Shirley Baker, Katie Bolf, Luby Grenko, Mary Petranovich, Rosemary Plese,

Josephine Schmaltz, Julie Radosevich, and Joe and Josephine Yurcic. Meal served at that time: Filance (Sarma), Roast Beef, Beans, and Coleslaw. Midafternoon: they sold sausage and kraut sandwiches. They served watermelon. Mass was held at 11:00am followed by the meal. They had games for the children and a Horseshoe Tournament for the adults. The band was Don Lipovac from Kansas City, Kansas. They were a wonderful group, and everyone enjoyed singing and dancing. It was great fun for the whole family. Children had fun playing with their friends and family and the adults had a fun time as well. This year’s annual picnic will combine the local Croatian and Italian lodges. (We do this every few years). The picnic will be held on July 30, 2023, at

Z-lazy-B Ranch in McGaffey, NM. Mass will be at 11:00am and the meal will start at 12:00 noon to 2:00pm. Meal will be Filance (Sarma), Sausages and Peppers along with sides. Band will be Chris Thomas and the Hot Shots. There will be a wine and cheese tasting, a jump house, games for children, bocce ball tournament, corn hole and horseshoes.

Price adults $25.00, children 5-12 $10.00 and children under 4 free.

Contact:

Clara DeArmond 505-722-3165

Marla Dee 505-870-2158.

First American Traders (D J Biava) 505-722-6601

Sherry Fuhs 505-870-8771

Jovanna Kennedy 595-879-2869

Misty Tolson. 505-879-2804.

This is the first picnic since Covid. Come out and have a wonderful time. Tickets are sold in advance.

Tis the Season to Be Cautious Tis the Season to Be Cautious

By Michele Laughing-Reeves

In recent national news we’ve seen New York City shrouded in a smoky reddishorange haze, and people on the East Coast were warned to stay indoors. Social media posts showed images of a surreal, eerie city and complaints of the bad air quality Those of us on the western side of the country, who are all too familiar with wildfire season, quickly empathized. A quick whiff of the air could instantly tell us if there was a forest fire in the vicinity. Smoke from massive wildfires that started in early June across Canada created hazy skies as far south as Kentucky and caused two Canadian airports to temporarily shut down. Summer has just started, and Canada has already surpassed its most destructive wildfire season of 1995, when more than 7 million hectares burned, and this is why it made international news.

The last time a wildfire made international news was back in January of 2020 when Australian firefighters were battling several massive bushfires. News reels showed Koala bears crawling out of burning forests and being rescued by passersby. That, too, was just as massive, with the worst environmental impact occurring on Kangaroo Island, where thousands of Koala bears and sheep were killed. The island was also home to many endangered species; the long-term impact may still be too early to assess. The smoke from these bushfires stretched across the Pacific and caused hazy skies in South America! Like Canada, these wildfires were caused by lightening, an act of nature.

Unfortunately, humans do cause many of these wildfires. In the US, forest fires have become more frequent in western states, especially in California. New Mexico and the Navajo Nation have been Hazy sky over Crystal, NM.

fighting their share of fires, and it is quite scary to see flames inch closer to homes and livestock. People in rural areas are most susceptible and must be more vigilant and proactive. Communities near the forests of the Chuska Mountains, Fort Defiance Plateau, and the Continental Divide get anxious this time of the year; any plume of smoke is cause for worry. I have seen a few forest fires from our yard in Crystal, NM, with the flames easily visible at night. The Assayii Lake Fire of 2014 was the worst of what I’ve seen; before our eyes, it crept over the crest of the Chuskas, fueled by dry vegetation and high winds. We were up-wind from the fire, so we weren’t in any danger, but it was scary, nevertheless. Many families had just moved back up the mountain with their herds of livestock for the summer, and they were forced to evacuate, some leaving their animals behind. Crystal Chapter House was turned into the command center for the 600 firefighters and Hotshots, and everybody chipped in as best they could. Residents were forced to take shelter at gymnasiums of nearby schools. Sadly, it was later determined that this fire was human caused.

Environmentalists point to climate change as the cause of the increased number of wildfires around the world. With increased temperatures, the western region of the country has been in a prolonged drought for years and has created dead, dry vegetation that ignites

quickly. While botanists have also stressed the importance of a wildfire’s role in a forest biome, indicating that wildfires are part of how nature takes care of itself. The extreme heat of a forest fire is necessary for some plant species to release their seeds and to germinate. These plants and trees have long life cycles, so they only need to be exposed to heat a few times a century. In fact, some plants, like Juniper, are coated with a flammable resin to help fuel the fire. This would be another reason why forest fires are difficult to contain. If the wildfire isn’t threatening homes or towns, the best option may just be to have it burn itself out.

In all seriousness, our region has not fully recovered from several years of drought, and we are very likely to have orange and red flag warnings of fire danger throughout the summer. According to the US Forest Service, 9 out of 10 wildfires are caused by humans. In fact, it was out of one of these New Mexican wildfires that the ambassador of fire prevention, Smokey Bear, was created. A young, badly burned bear cub was rescued in the Capitan Mountains in 1950 and he became the living version of the icon bear. Smokey Bear’s command: “Only YOU can prevent forest fires!” is more consequential than ever as more people and places are impacted. In honor of Smokey Bear’s 79th anniversary and Mother Earth, we all need to be cautious when camping or hiking or visiting the beautiful mountains.

GMCS 2023-2024 OFFICIAL SCHOOL CALENDAR

JULY 8

Paint-Along: Cactus

ART123 Gallery, 1-3pm

Kids and adults: follow stepby-step instructions to make a spunky cactus painting!

$20/person

More info and register: www. galluparts.org/paint-along

JULY 8

Show Opening: Honoring the Families of Navajo Code Talkers

ART123 Gallery , 7 - 9pm

Presented by Shannon Gurley O’Donnell in partnership with

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

gallupARTS, 10 artists share work honoring the sacrifices made by the families of WWII Navajo Code Talkers.

JULY 14

FREE Public New Deal Art

Tour: The What, Why & How of Western American Art Dig into the origins of western American art. 4pm Meet at the entrance to the McKinley County Courthouse. www.galluparts.org/newdeal

JULY 21

FREE Public New Deal Art

Tour: The Art & Craft of the New Deal

See how the New Deal helped create a uniquely New Mexican aesthetic. 4pm Meet at the entrance to the Octavia Fellin Public Library. www.galluparts.org/newdeal

JULY 22

Weekend Workshop: Tie Dye Masterclass

Learn far-far-above-average tie dye designs and techniques and make an intricate tie dye T-Shirt with master of the craft

Alex Montjoy. 1 - 4pm $40/person www.galluparts.org/workshops

JULY 26

Paint & Sip: Koi Pond Have a creative night out! Paint a koi pond scene while sipping Mai Tai mocktails.

ART123 Gallery

6 - 9pm, $35/person

www.galluparts.org/paint-sip

Summer Art Classes for Kids

Mondays - Thursdays each week at ART123 Gallery

• AM Session (for kids 58): 10am - 12pm

• PM Session (for kids 8+): 1 - 3pm $60/kid/week

www.galluparts.org/

summer

Week of July 10

AM: Arts & Crafts

PM: Beading

Week of July 17

AM: Arts & Crafts PM: Clay

Week of July 24

AM: Arts & Crafts

PM: Painting

JULY 14

Event: Community Recruitment Fair 12pm-4pm

Rio West Mall (Center Court) Community Event/Open to everyone. Clubs, sports teams, organizations, early childhood, daycares, etc. looking to recruit new members are invited to setup a booth. No fee to register. Tables and chairs provided.

Information: Email hannah. madrid@riowestmall. com or anita.artalejo@ riowestmall.com

Phone: Mall Management Office 505-722-7281

JULY 15

Event: Summer Craft Fair

10am-5pm

Rio West Mall (Center Court) Over 30 Craft vendors will be set up near Center Court selling homemade items, baked good, and crafts.

Information: Email hannah. madrid@riowestmall. com or anita.artalejo@ riowestmall.com

Phone: Mall Management Office 505-722-7281

JULY 15

Event: Diecast Collectables Rio West Mall (Center Court) Vendors will be set up to buy, sell, and trade diecast collectables. There will be a Hot wheel coloring contest for kids ages 5-16 years old, each entry will receive a free Hot Wheels car. We also have a papercraft model car for kids and a Hot Wheels race setup for kids.

Information: Email hannah. madrid@riowestmall. com or anita.artalejo@ riowestmall.com

Phone: Mall Management Office 505-722-7281

July Events at the Octavia Fellin Public Library

Kidz Cinema

Join us at the Children & Youth Library every Tuesday at 1:00 PM for weekly family oriented film screenings. This month’s films will all celebrate friendship, kindness, and unity in conjunction with our summer reading program, All Together Now. Email pneilson@gallupnm.gov or call (505) 863-1291 for more information.

● July 4th - No Kidz Cinema (CLOSED in observance of Independence Day)

● July 11th - The Kid Who Would be King

2019 | PG | 2 hrs.

Alex, a 12-year-old boy, and his friends fight an evil sorceress with the help of Excalibur, the sword of King Arthur, in a bid to save the world from her atrocities.

● July 18th - The Peanuts Movie

2015 | G | 1 hr. 18 mins.

Charlie Brown, Lucy, Linus and friends embark on an epic adventure while Snoopy tracks down the Red Baron, his nemesis.

● July 25th - Luca

2021 | PG | 1 hr. 41 mins. On the Italian Riviera, an unlikely but strong friendship grows between a human being and a sea monster disguised as a human.

Camille’s Sidewalk Café Events:

July 7-

Friday Night Rides – Cars & Coffee – 7pm to 9pm

July 28Open Mic Night @ 6pm

Fourth of July Holiday

July 4th

Principals Seminar

July 11th - July 14th

Substitute Training

July 21st

GMCS Board Meeting

July 24th

Summer Meals End

July 28th

Walking in Beauty

4th of July Yogurt Parfaits

Ingredients

1 cup nonfat Greek yogurt

4 teaspoons honey or 4 tablespoons light maple syrup

1 tablespoon favorite granola

Handful of berries (raspberries, blackberries, strawberries, blueberries, or mix and match)

Directions

1. In a small bowl combine the yogurt and honey or maple syrup.

2. Spoon the sweetened yogurt into four shot glasses, until each is half full, this will be about 2 tablespoons for each.

3. Add 1 tablespoon of granola to the center of each glass.

4. Then fill the glasses with the rest of the yogurt (again about 2 tablespoons per glass) and top each with a few berries.

5. Chill if not serving immediately.

Tuesday, July 4th,2023

Mall Hours 10am 6pm

People Reading

Gallup

Donald and Sarah (Menapace) Walker in Chamberlain, SD reading the Journey by the Dignity Sculpture.

A showcase of skill and sportsmanship

UNM-Gallup hosts chess tournament for players ranging in age from 5-77

By Richard Reyes

At only age 11, Eli Embrey showed tremendous chess prowess by winning the top spot in his age category in the inaugural End of Year Gallup Chess Tournament at The University of New MexicoGallup on Saturday, June 3, 2023.

Embrey, a Tobe Turpen Elementary graduate and soon-tobe Chief Manuelito Middle School student, won three of his games, lost one game, and drew one game against a player three times his age during the five-round tournament, which is believed to be the first of its kind in Gallup in at least a decade.

“I was scared for a bit,” Embrey said of his game against UNMGallup Associate Professor Matt Mingus, which ended in a draw. “I knew I messed up for a bit.”

But Embrey didn’t resign and found a way to stalemate his opponent in the endgame despite being down material. His prize for coming out on top in the 12 and under youth category: a new chess set courtesy of the Octavia Fellin Public Library and the Revolution Chess Club.

“I’m ecstatic,” Embrey’s father Brian Donnelly said of his son’s final result. “My father was an excellent chess player, … but my dad would make me sit down and play. We never forced him (Eli). For him to want to do it, I was getting teary-eyed a few times. When I saw his game from a year ago to now, it’s just been incredible. I’m very proud of him.”

“It’s awesome,” his mother Dusti Embrey added. “It’s nice to see him developing. His critical thinking skills are really on point.”

Eli Embrey said he has been playing chess for about a year and a half. He mostly learns from playing consistently with

the Octavia Fellin Public Library Chess Club, which meets every Tuesday and Friday at the Children’s Branch.

Starting a chess revolution

Octavia Fellin’s Youth Services

Librarian Phil Neilson organized the chess tournament while Brendan Moore, the library’s chess coach, and Rodney Brown, founder of Revolution Chess, served as tournament co-directors.

Neilson said there have been chess clubs at the library in the past, but Moore was the driving force behind the current iteration of the club, which started in August 2022. Neilson said the high level of interest in the club inspired him, Moore and Brown to work on hosting a local tournament.

They then approached UNMGallup Zollinger Library Director Markos Chavez and Sr. Public Relations Specialist Richard Reyes to see if they wanted to get involved. Chavez and Reyes facilitated the use of the Student Services & Technology Center on campus as the tournament venue.

“This is definitely one of the best spaces, even of other tournaments I’ve been to,” Moore said.

“For sure,” Brown added. “This is one of the nicest I’ve ever been, and I’ve been to a lot of tournaments.”

UNM-Gallup also has its own student chess club, the Lobos Chess Club. Mingus serves as one of the faculty advisors along with Assistant Professor Andrew McFeaters, and Reyes helps coach. Club Vice President LaDre Wero was one of 27 players, ranging in age from 5 to 77 years old, who participated in the tournament.

“I don’t think it could have gone better,” Moore said after the conclusion of the event. “We had excitement. Those tie breaks (at the end) were really close. We had

a lot of skill, even in the younger categories. I couldn’t be happier with how it went.”

‘The competition was excellent’

The tie-breaks that Moore mentioned happened between the top two overall players, Jacob Walters and Bronson Huber, as well as the top two players in the 13 and over category, Cash Long and Austin Cervantes.

All four players ended the tournament with 4 points each because they each won four games and lost one during the five rounds of play.

In the end, Walters beat Huber to earn first place overall, while Long beat Cervantes to earn first in the 13 and over category.

“It always feels good to win,” Walters said after the match, “but I feel lucky as well because the competition was excellent. All of our players here were great, so I feel blessed to have the opportunity to play.”

“It didn’t really matter to me,” Long said of his win. “As long as I had fun and played, it was good.”

Huber said it was still awesome earning second place overall in his first-ever chess tournament.

“It was nerve wracking, but I’m an adrenaline junky working for the fire department, so I love those feelings of angst and having to make the right move and make it on time,” Huber said.

‘Chess is also kind of like life’

Bronson Huber’s daughter, Riley Huber, also played in the tournament. Despite losing all five of her games, she said she enjoyed the experience, particularly because of the quiet atmosphere during play.

Bronson Huber said both he and his daughter have attentiondeficient/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), so he loves what chess does for their brains.

“We’re just able to get lost in it,” he said. “All the noise stops when you’re just focusing on that board, so it’s really cool. I really love chess. I’ve been playing for just a couple years, and she’s starting to get into it. She’s starting to see how that works and how it helps with the ADHD.”

“I feel like chess is also kind of like life,” Riley Huber added. “Life is an order of moves. So is chess.”

Walters said he loves chess because of the satisfaction in finding astounding sacrifices and little tactics that appear to be mistakes but end up winning the game.

“It’s just a beautiful game,” he said. “And the better you get at the game, the more you appreciate its beauty.”

Benefits of playing chess

Neilson said playing chess teaches children a lot of life skills, such as patience, analytical thinking and planning. There is also the satisfaction of figuring out puzzles, thinking things through, and finding order and control.

Brown said chess may also help kids with their reasoning, math and spatial skills in addition to their creativity and initiative. There are also life lessons, such as not resigning and playing though to the end — just like Eli Embrey did in his drawn game against Mingus.

Neilson said the game can also teach sportsmanship and how to lose gracefully. He said he was particularly struck by how positive

and supportive everyone was during the tournament, even if they didn’t place or win a prize. He credited Moore for setting that tone in the library’s chess club.

“One of the things Brendan said way early on in the chess club was, ‘One of the best ways to learn chess is to lose at chess,’” Neilson said. “To play something where losing is a good thing is really important. I just felt that in the tournament. There was that sense of positivity and losing graciously.”

Get involved, play chess Neilson said that he hopes this tournament was just the starting point for bigger tournaments in Gallup in the future.

Inspired by the success of the tournament, UNM-Gallup’s Zollinger Library is starting a new weekly event called Summer Chess Duels from noon2 p.m. every Monday. All ages and skill levels are welcome.

The UNM-Gallup Lobos Chess Club is inactive for the summer, but it will start up again in the Fall 2023 semester. All ages are welcome to the club’s weekly Chess Jam, but 75% of the club’s membership must be UNM students.

The Octavia Fellin Chess Club remains active during the summer. All ages are welcome, but it is targeted at the 8-18 age range. The club meets

from 4:30-5:30 p.m. every Tuesday for lessons/practice and from 4:30-5:30 p.m. every Friday for open/casual play.

For more information about the Zollinger Library Summer Chess Duels, contact Markos Chavez at 505-8637531 or markos@unm.edu.

For more information about the UNM-Gallup Lobos Chess Club, contact Andrew McFeaters at avmcfeats@unm.edu.

For more information about the Octavia Fellin Public Library Chess Club, contact Phil Neilson at 505-8631291 or pneilson@gallupnm.gov.

For more information about UNMGallup, please visit gallup.unm.edu.

For more UNM-Gallup news

and events, please visit gallup.unm.edu/ news.

Steve Maus, left, smiles during his game against Cash Long in the End of Year Gallup Chess Tournament at The University of New Mexico-Gallup Saturday, June 3, 2023.

Ahmad Soufan, right, contemplates his next move against Riley Huber during the End of Year Gallup Chess Tournament at The University of New Mexico-Gallup Saturday, June 3, 2023.

John Taylor, who frequents the weekly Lobos Chess Club gathering, plays a move during the End of Year Gallup Chess Tournament at The University of New Mexico-Gallup Saturday, June 3, 2023.

Isaac Mingus plans his next move against his opponent LaDre Wero during the End of Year Gallup Chess Tournament at The University of New Mexico-Gallup Saturday, June 3, 2023.

Shaddix Clark pauses for a deep think against his opponent Liam Christensen during the End of Year Gallup Chess Tournament at The University of New Mexico-Gallup Saturday, June 3, 2023.

Serving a Cause Greater Than Self

By Kenneth Riege

With the 4th of July coming, I wanted to do a story about one of the greatest patriots I know, my dear friend and US Marine Corps and Vietnam War Veteran Mr. David Palomares. David has done so much not only for his community, but also played a very important role in our community, especially

are always there when needed.

This is a picture of David and I the first time we met. He and his wife Penny (who took this picture) were on their way back to San Diego after the 2018 Run for The Wall. They had heard stories from other RFTW Riders about this hotel in Gallup, NM that was more like a museum

with the 1st Battalion/5th Marines in Vietnam. After a quick tour of the hotel, we headed off for a visit with Hershey and then lunch at the El Rancho. Little did I know that would be the start of an amazing friendship with one of the greatest patriots I have ever met.

David and his wife

Penny along with their “crew” have made many trips to Gallup and have donated some of the coolest items that are on display at the hotel. Here are a few pictures of these amazing items.

There are many other amazing items on display that David has donated to the hotel, and I just encourage everyone to stop by the Comfort Suites in Gallup to see for themselves.

during the beginning stages of the pandemic. I will get to that later, but wanted to share a little more about David and his crew of patriots that

and they wanted to see for themselves. We had a wonderful visit, and it was a great honor sharing stories of my grandfather to David who also served

We all remember March 2020 when the world was turned upside down and this entire area was shut off from the rest of the world. David and his crew of patriots didn’t let that stop them as they made many trips from San Diego to Gallup to help our community. If something was needed, they brought it and with the help of the Navajo Hopi Honor Riders the items brought by David were then separated and then taken to the different chapter houses for disbursement. It was a great honor having the Comfort Suites in Gallup serve as the “distribution center” to the many

USAF Veteran

Navajo Code Talker Statue

Navajo Code Talker Quilt

This amazing chair and Bulldogs called Sgt. Caesar (L) and Doc. Molly are part of the amazing exhibits on display at the Comfort Suites Gallup.

This is a picture of David and I the first time we met.

truckloads of items David brought.

Altogether, I believe David made over 20 trips here during 2020 and weather was not an option to slow him down. We have all heard the saying of going “Above and Beyond” the call of duty, well David and his crew certainly did just that. This is just the “Tip of the Iceberg” of what David,

Penny and their crew have done and continue to do while serving the military community in their area. They have performed many different ceremonies honoring the fallen and the Gold Star Family Community while also visiting local schools sharing stories of patriotism.

So, one might think that with David and his crew,

it’s all serious, and I am here to tell you that this group of patriots have a definite silly side to them. Here is one photo that I was blessed to have been a part of. This was taken at Hershey’s house in 2019 and we just called it “The Aliens Have Arrived.”

I have been so blessed to have gotten to meet such beautiful people like David and Penny and to be called a friend and brother. I know David will always do whatever needs to be done to continue his mission of “Serving a cause greater than Self.”

In closing I would like to use US Army Veteran and Vietnam War Medal of Honor Recipient Jose Rodela’s quote that fit’s perfect with this story: “Service doesn’t come

I started thinking about the MOH Quotes that I have provided and decided that from this story going forward I will also provide a picture of these amazing warriors.

Medal of Honor Quilt

David and Penny

This part of the story shows the side of David, Penny and “The Crew” “Service Above Self” philosophy.

The Aliens Have Arrived

without sacrifice, but both are worth the freedom gained.”

WILDTHING CHAMPIONSHIP BULL RIDING

JULY 7-8, 2023

As part of giving back to the community, the WildThing rodeo allows the Manuelito Children's Home to run the parking and concessions which provide the organization with its largest fundraising event each year. It's not a random connection as Larry's dad helped found the children's home, and Larry himself remembers as a kid spending time with other kids from the home in his early years. So, he is proud to help and carries a place in his heart for the mission and love the home offers.

Hope to see you all there!

ANXIETY III

There are several common experiences of the physical symptoms of anxiety. The short list is tension, gastrointestinal issues, difficulty breathing, and chest pressure. There are others, less common; these are the most frequently experienced. Difficulty sleeping goes with the territory!!!

The most common kinds of tension-related physical problems are headaches, neck and shoulder pain, trouble breathing and chest pressure. Gastrointestinal problems include cramping and frequent urges to urinate or defecate, often including diarrhea and constipation. It helps to understand that shallow breathing creates vascular constriction, affecting many bodily functions, including cold fingers and toes, even numbness and tingling.

Chest pressure is very troubling and frightening; it’s vital to get it checked out. Most of the time it doesn’t indicate a heart condition, but it’s really important to make

sure. Going to the ER is often a difficult choice – make that choice and get some clarity for yourself!!

Keep in mind that the medical staff of any ER is on the lookout for heart attacks. Many folks have told me that when the ER staff find that there is no heart problem, they often say, “it’s just anxiety” and people can feel dismissed. Keep in mind that the training for working in an ER is very focused on serious heart conditions and in comparison, it’s understandable that anxiety falls in a less urgent category.

Anxiety contributes to some illnesses, including asthma and IBS. It’s not usually the only cause, but it is a frequent contributing factor.

It’s frustrating, but in the longer term, helpful – to get medical conditions checked out, hopefully ruled out. Often people hope it’s a medical condition that can be treated successfully. Many are reluctant to know that symptoms are based on mental health needs and can be helped with mental health treatment. It still is hard to accept, and many of us feel ashamed, disappointed, conflicted and many other variations, about any mental health issue. Even with all the recent acceptance of mental health in general, all of us often have a hard time accepting the need for help. The acceptance of mental health needs is RECENT, not long standing and hasn’t been part of our culture for a very long time.

Reaching out and accepting help runs contrary to the emphasis in our society on independence, selfreliance, strength, determination, etc. We all tend to have trouble admitting our insecurities, issues, and imperfections.

Deep, regular, breathing does wonders for reducing anxiety. In my practice I have seen breathing and talking help a lot, enough that medication is rarely needed. Medication may be needed and can be very helpful.

We ALL forget to breathe deeply to help reduce anxiety; no matter how experienced we may be. Anxiety interferes with good,

quality, helpful thought patterns, it’s universal. Shallow breathing reduces the oxygen getting to our brains; we have all experienced better thinking when rested, relaxed, calm. When we’re anxious, we’re getting enough oxygen to live on, no question. But we’re not getting enough to think clearly, to think well, to think objectively, or creatively.

It helps to develop your own ritual for better breathing. No matter how you do it, repetition is key; developing the habit helps a great deal when you’re stressed and anxious. Working on it when we’re calmer is very effective, although very hard to remember to do! Even those of us who have worked on this for years, forget to breathe deeply when the stress level is high! It’s ok, we’re human. The best we can do is remember when we can and use the breath work when we can. Breathe in deeply, hold it a second, breathe out slowly and fully. Repeat many times. Deepen the breaths as much as you can –with practice you can breathe more deeply than before. How long and how many times you do this depends on how anxious you are feeling, try it out and see what works for you! Pay attention and notice where you may be holding tension. Often our shoulders don’t move much when we attempt to breathe deeply – this may inhibit deeper breathing. Try to loosen your neck and shoulders – by raising and lowering your shoulders – this will help your breathing and help you feel more relaxed too. This is just one example –check major muscle groups and areas of your body for tension and try different ways of moving body parts and allowing muscles to relax a bit. The more you practice, the better you’ll get.

I hope you find this helpful and informative. I’m moving away from Gallup to Corrales – not too far away – and I’ll miss Gallup and the many great folks I’ve gotten to know here. I’ll write more in the future and will visit!!!

Dr. Vicki Handfield Clinical Psychologist vhandfield@gmail.com 609-841-9159

This month we are going to focus on the physical symptoms and helpful techniques for anxiety.