Gallup Journey Magazine - November 2022

ourney gallup

NOVEMBER CITY UPDATE NATIONAL NATIVE AMERICAN HERITAGE MONTH

The Octavia Fellin Public Library (OFPL) and City of Gallup invite our community to celebrate America’s indigenous heritage during the month of November. Part of OFPL’s mission is to nurture and enrich our community by honoring local heritage and creating new traditions, all-year-round but, November officially unifies that focus across the broader United States. Congress passed a joint resolution in 1990 and Native American Indian Heritage Month was signed into law. Now there are many ways to celebrate and learn more about the rich traditions of the indigenous people like these resources from the National Park Service https://www.nps.gov/subjects/tellingallamericansstories/indigenousheritage.htm

Experience the Big Library Read, the world’s largest digital book club, with a Newbery Awardwinning young adult novel. November 2nd16th, book lovers with a valid OFPL library card can join thousands of others around the globe reading Darcie Little Badger’s indigenous fantasy novel, A Snake Falls to Earth. OFPL card holders can read the ebook and audio book for free and join the online discussions. https://biglibraryread.com/join-the-discussion/

If you prefer to have a book in-hand, OFPL has an extensive collection of books by indigenous authors on display and ready to checkout at both library locations.

FOR OUR WEE FOLK...

We highly recommend the beautifully illustrated Herizon by award-winning author Daniel Vandever. The story of a young Dine girl asked to help her Grandmother to retrieve a flock of sheep aided by a magical scarf.

FAMILY STORYTIME

Participants will learn color words in Navajo and Zuni and explore the significance of different colors in these cultures. Monday & Wednesday at 11:00 AM in the children & youth library.

FOR OUR YOUTH...

Brian Young’s debut book Healer of the Water Monster will transport you in to a mystical world right here in the midst of the four sacred mountains of Navajoland.

MAKERS DON’T MISS...

Circular cardboard weaving for our Crafty Kids, create a circle loom with recycled cardboard and use yarn to design your own mini-rug. November 10th at 4:00 PM in the children & youth library.

OFPL is bringing indigenous-inspired lithograph print making to Rio West Mall on November 19th from 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM. Look for us near the food court.

Fundamentals and techniques of rug weaving in traditional Diné style, including warping, carding and spinning with Diné weaver Lois A. Becenti and Diné Be´ iinà – The Navajo Lifeway - on the fourth Friday of every month between 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM in the main library.

MAKERS VIRTUAL PROGRAMMING...

Creative Corner on OFPL’s YouTube channel every Friday at 3:00 PM. Take and make kits are available, but request them early!

• November 18th - Learn beading basics to create your own indigenous inspired rosette.

• November 25th - Learn how to create your own dream-catcher using wire, suede lace, string, beads, and more as well as its history and significance to the indigenous people.

For more detail on OFPL classes, workshops, job postings, videos, and more, visit our website ofpl.online or call 505-863-1291.

OFPL invites the community to share their traditions and celebrations on social media. Utilize our social media handle, @galluplibrary, and tag #OFPL, #GallupCelebrates in your posts.

Mayor Louie Bonaguidi

Linda Garcia

Michael Schaaf

Sarah Piano Councilor Fran Palochak

Thoughts From

End

I Live Here

I haven’t lived in Gallup my whole life, just the last forty-three years. Not as long as some of the first families that came to this community with the railroad in the late 1800s, or anywhere near the amount of time the Navajo and Zuni have been in the area. However, it is my home and I always want to see it improve. This magazine is all about the promotion of our area and all the good that takes place here.

Being part of the Gallup Journey Magazine seems to be an invite into conversations about what needs to change in our community. I get to hear some great ideas, and at the same time I hear some things that really don’t make

that much sense to me. To be honest, I really do like to hear all the different thoughts on what would make this a better community. After all, bike trails for one guy could be meaningless to another. But I bet that Gallupian that doesn’t care about those trails appreciates the trash clean up and removing of those illegal campsites that fill our open areas.

I get more excited about the big stuff than I do the small changes, this is just how I am built. Someone pitched the idea that the city should build a rodeo arena on the piece of property they purchased from Houston Lumber. He imagined a summer filled with bulls and broncs, and the excited tourists who would flock to the big show. Ideas are what begins change, send us your ideas of what would make Gallup better and we will print the best ones. gallupjourney@gmail. com

-Jpa

November S unday Specials noon to 5 pm

Sunday, November 6 Spaghetti and Meatballs with French Bread

Sunday, Novemmber 13 Pot Roast with Mashed Potatoes and Grav y, Veggies

Sunday, Novemmber 20 Beer Battered Cod with JoJo (s) and Slaw

Sunday, November 27 Chicken Enchiladas with Green Chilies, Beans, and Rice

Thank you

El Morro RV Park, Cabins & Ancient Way Café elmorro nm.com • elmorror v@gmail.com • 505 783 4612

Near

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.

October Master Finishers

Gina W.

Charley Benally

Thomas Gomez

LiDeja Jones

Sarah Landavazo

Tiyana Haloo

DK & Footies

N.T.N.

Hope Barlow

Vaherra John

Vicky Chavez

Alberta B.

Elmer Williams

Lois Becenti

Rebecca Bak Rob

Michelle Wilson

Joe Peterman

E. Skeet

Sherwyn C. Seabass & Flo

Colleen Hoskie

Steve Mahnke

Maureen Bia

R Morris

Leon Chee Libby J

L. James Pepita

2Quick4u!

Valerie Barker

Hilda Kendall

Reading

In November Edith Iwan

A Lesson in Gratitude Kris Pikaart

Away From Plastics

Citizens’ Recycling Council

Center for American Values In Pueblo, Colorado

Riege

Photos

Educational Childcare

Vicki Handfield, Clinical Psychologist

Iwan

Polich

Reyes

Laughing Reeves

Bradley

Maxymowich

Rhor

Pikaart

Citizens’ Recycling Council

Riege

Handfield

Publishers: Daisy & Jason Arsenault

& Jenny Van Drunen Managing Editor: Aileen Steigerwald Staff: Christine Carter

you have a cool local story

want

the Journey

your story to gallupjourney@gmail.com

permission from the publisher, Gallup Journey Inc.

responsibility by the publisher as to accuracy, originality, or

treatments, providing instruction, or recommending that

to them and do not reflect the opinions of the editors or publishers.

Cover: Photo by Gwen Wilson

PLACE

I have been sharing specific details on the programs I have implemented as the Undersheriff and the work the Sheriff’s Of fice has been doing for our communities. It is important to remember that one man, or woman, cannot accomplish these things alone, “It takes a village…”. Our success is achieved through good leadership, the hard work of the men and women at the Sheriff’s Office, and our partnerships with other agencies, businesses, schools, and community members. I wanted to recap our successful programs and let you know what I have in the works.

Joint Agency Efforts- We have been doing alcohol enforcement operations, continuing the DWI Task Force, multi-agency checkpoints, joint missing person cases, drag racing enforcement, warrant roundups, and working with federal agencies on drug enforcement.

Narcotics Enforcement- Drug interdiction and local narcotics enforcement have led to large quantity drug seizures and local dealer arrests. We are also working toward a multi-agency task force.

School Education- We are giving presentations to students at the schools on the dangers of drugs and alcohol and introducing students to law enforcement and the jobs we perform.

Internships- For several years we have partnered with local programs to provide job placement and job shadowing for our college and high school students.

Recruiting- We have a team that travels to job fairs, schools, colleges, and military veteran events to recruit quality deputies for the Sheriff’s Office.

Accountability- We have implemented warrant roundups to ensure victims get their day in court and a work program for those serving time to help clean up our communities. We are also working with the jail and care providers to create solid reentry programs to help with overcoming addiction and getting job placement.

K-9 Program- Currently we have 5 dog handlers who are certified in patrol work and finding drugs. We have been doing drug sweeps for the schools countywide. We recently received funding to purchase more dogs and train handlers.

Community Classes- We are teaching classes for schools, care centers, businesses, and community members in the areas of active shooter response, NARCAN, Stop the Bleed, and situational awareness.

Social Media- We opened a Facebook page @mckinleycountysheriffsoffice in October 2020 to keep community members informed. The page has reached over 100k people and is still growing.

Upcoming Programs- We are in the preliminary stages of a reserve deputy unit and neighborhood watch program. We are collaborating with the jail to start a GED program for inmates. We are also looking into collaborating with the courts on a repeat offender program.

I am humbly asking for your vote so we can continue these programs for our communities. I appreciate all the support we received in the primary election and I am asking for that support again in the general election this November.

You can follow me on Facebook @Maiorano4Sheriff or you can email me at Maiorano4Sheriff@gmail.com.

GENERAL ELECTION

ABSENTEE VOTING OCT. 11 - NOV. 4

Fully endorsed by current Sheriff, Ron Silversmith

EARLY VOTING OCT. 11 - NOV. 5 McKINLEY COUNTY COURTHOUSE

JAMES MAIORANO III for McKINLEY COUNTY SHERIFF

OCT. 22 – NOV. 5 RIO WEST MALL THOREAU FIRE STATION TWIN LAKES CHAPTER HOUSE ZUNI TRIBAL BUILDING MANUELITO CHAPTER HOUSE CROWNPOINT ELECTION OFFICE

By Kathy Polich

This week I ran face-first into a moment of gratitude. The event leads back to one of the most beneficial Rules of the Mind you can implement: Reject criticism and let in praise. It’s been a few months since I shared any of the Rules of the Mind. These concepts aren’t new to you but packaged with a different spin. Throughout my studies of Rapid Transformational Therapy and becoming a certified hypnotist, I enjoyed this take on some of the classic lessons learned during your life. Download the Gallup Journey App and check my earlier articles for a recap.

Now, back to rejecting criticism. Make sure to distinguish this from the inability to be corrected if you are wrong. I’m speaking of the harsh, hurtful words that sting our core. The most common form of delivery for detrimental comments is through self-criticism. If you remember from an earlier article, our mind believes everything we tell it; good or bad, right or wrong, true or untrue. The most important thing is to tell yourself good things. That starts with self-praise.

I was born in Gallup. My Polich side came from Croatia over 100 years ago, with deep roots that blew in on coal dust from the Gibson Mine and planted at McGaffey along with potatoes. My siblings went to GHS, just like my parents before them. I always thought I would be a Bengal too. In the ‘80s, most kids in this town thought that was a given. The railroad had other plans and transferred my dad during my 8th-grade year. I was uprooted and transplanted to the valley by the Rio Grande and started my first year as a Belen Eagle. The transition took work. I was homesick for my friends and family in Gallup. Life went on, and soon, I had traded in my family legacy of orange and black for maroon and yellow. Back home, I enjoyed school. Great teachers and coaches molded and influenced me. Once we moved, that was only sometimes the case. I had a few standout teachers in high school. Notable being Mrs. Turley, who was also

I love it when I get gobsmacked or what I like to call GODSMACK

a railroad transplant from Gallup. I learned to love storytelling from her. If she reads this, I’m getting a thrashing. She is a stickler for grammar and punctuation. I have adopted a less formal approach. I’m sorry, Bev, you are still the master! I hope that makes up for it! I only connected with some of the teachers and coaches I came across at BHS. I had one in particular, that made me cringe sometimes.

Basketball was second place in my life only to rodeo. I struggled to navigate when I got a standoffish and stern coach who shared none of her personality. Sometimes she said mean and critical things that did not drive improvement on the court. I recall one memory that left me less than inspired. During a game hosted by one of our district rivals, I sat on the bench next to her. We must have been ahead, or I would have been on the court. The detail of the memory faded years ago, but I can recall clearly the smile on her face as she made fun of me.

My mom originally came from Texas. A slight twang has remained throughout her 65-year tenure here. A bit of the drawl rubbed off on me and was more noticeable around my predominately Hispanic basketball team. As I sat next to her, cheering my team on, she looked at me and repeated what I had said in her best hick accent. It wasn’t in a fun, joking way. I remember it just seemed mean. I was a tough kid, but that hurt my feelings. I can’t say she was horrible to me; she wasn’t. Looking back, I allowed her criticism on and off the court to seep in. I started to tell myself some of the complaints she spewed. Previous to her, I had had coaches I would have followed off a cliff. She would have had to push me off! I have not thought about her in years. Well, not until last Friday.

I woke up at 4:30 am with her on my brain. I was reworking the past through the lens of an adult. How many students and athletes have I inadvertently shut down over the last 25 years

as a coach and educator? I hope only a few. I’m not cocky enough to claim perfection. To those that slipped by, I’m sorry. Later that afternoon, I chuckled as I traveled from Gallup to Belen to watch my son play football for Miyamura. When I walked across that football field to get my diploma over thirty years ago, I would have never been able to think up this scenario. I was following a big purple and silver bus covered in stars and stripes loaded with a football team from Gallup that wasn’t the Bengals. I was headed to my old stomping grounds to cheer against the Eagles; GO PATRIOTS!

Fast forward to the game. My dad still lives in Belen. I picked him up, and we headed to the field. As we walked through the gate and headed over to the visitor’s bleachers, I had one of those moments where multiple memories hit me. The school band played, and the home team ran off the field and back to the locker room. They were so close I could smell the sweat and maybe a bit of fear. Caught up in brief glimpses of long ago, I waited for the team to pass. And that’s when I got the smack. I had to walk near a small set of bleachers in front of the concession stand to access the visitor’s area. Two people were sitting and having a conversation. I was close enough to touch them when a lady turned around. I hoped she didn’t see the look on my face as she looked me in the eyes before she turned her back on me. Yep, out of all the gin joints, it was that coach! She didn’t recognize me. For a split second, I almost stopped and greeted her. Instead, I ducked my head and hurried on. She looked the same, with a few bonus pounds and some wrinkles. Her trademark, long curly hair was still free flowing. With the sunset lighting and my gut reaction to flee, I could not tell you if chemicals or time were in charge of its color.

She sat there throughout the game. I speculated that she was cheering on a grandkid. I thought about giving her a piece of my mind or just being extra sugary sweet while channeling my internal hick accent. But in the end, I had a revelation. I bet she had never woken up at 4:30 am thinking about me. I decided right then and there she was not worth my time. I gave myself a little pep talk and some self-praise. It was a personal conversation, but along the lines of; You’re a good teacher, you care about the kids, you go the extra mile for them, etc. It made me very grateful for the mentors I have had in my life that showed me through example both how to treat people and how not to. She taught me some valuable lessons! In the end, I wish her well and I am glad to know she’s doing ok.

After the game, I took a picture with my son in the endzone. He taught me how to make the winning hand sign all the kids flash now in pictures. I’ve traded in my maroon and yellow for purple and silver! Go, Patriots!

If you are interested in learning more about the Rules of the Mind and how to implement them for change in your life, check out my website at www.championride.org

Walking in Beauty

Pumpkin Bars

Ingredients

2 cup all-purpose flour

1 cup pecans, chopped finely

¾

granulated sugar

baking powder

ground cinnamon

teaspoon baking soda

½ teaspoon salt

large eggs, beaten

1 15-ounce can 100% pure pumpkin

cup canola oil

¼ cup 2% milk

½ cup mini semi-sweet chocolate chips

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Lightly oil or coat a 15-x-10-x-1-inch rimmed baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.

2. Mix together the all-purpose flour, pecans, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, baking soda and salt in a large bowl until combined.

3. In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs, pumpkin, oil and milk until blended. Pour the liquid ingredients over the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Stir in the chocolate chips.

4. Spread the batter evenly in the prepared pan and bake for 25 minutes, or until a wooden toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let cool and then cut into 1-inch bar squares. Enjoy!

By Jason Arsenault

Choosing a career can become very difficult. First, the choices can be endless. Second, you might be pushed into a career you are not very interested in. Third, it can be a long road to gain the credentials you need for some careers. Fourth, you are definitely going to face many obstacles and have those “what the hell am I doing” moments. The reasons can go and on, and on, and on for picking or not picking what you are going to do with the rest of your life. It doesn’t seem like it was a difficult choice for Dillion Garcia.

He grew up in a house where food was at center. Not only did his family create these amazing meals, but it seemed like to him that

even friends of the family cooked the best meals. All these creations shared a common ingredient, love. Being surrounded by a group of people that cared about what they were making and using quality ingredients shaped the way Dillion thought about food. Plus, it wasn’t just one type of food he was tasting, it was a range of ethnicities and styles of cooking. These wonderful dishes brought his family and friends together and would be at the center of every important function.

All of us from Gallup, New Mexico understand a dish like tacos or a meat like carne asada. Dillon knew that he wanted to do tacos that represented our community and flavors. From the beginning all of his dishes would begin with the freshest quality ingredients that ensured you would remember his food. The menu would become more than just tacos. You can order up a tasty green chile cheeseburger, bacon

wrapped bratwurst that are bursting with flavor, burritos, quesadillas, and his famous carne asada fries. At first bite you understand that Dillon is cooking for his family, friends, and community.

The food truck got its name from Dillon’s most loyal companion, Rosco the Dog. We have all grown familiar with the seeing the bright orange food truck on the northside of Gallup, and at the Gallup 12s running events. You can also rent the food truck for special occasions. Dillon will accommodate large parties and is always happy to be part of a Gallup event. If you are lucky, he will make a batch of his watermelon juice to go with all those tasty food items. Remember, this food is made with love!

If you need to place an order or follow the food truck use Vitog505 on Snapchat or follow Rosco’s LLC on Facebook.

UNM-Gallup Hosts Pit Stop for 2022 Sovereignty Run

By Richard Reyes Senior public relations specialist The University of New Mexico-Gallup

GALLUP — The University of New Mexico-Gallup hosted a pit stop for the 2022 Sovereignty Run on campus Wednesday, Oct. 12.

The Sovereignty Run is a cross-country run organized by the National Congress of American Indians and Bright Path Strong.

“The Sovereignty Run calls attention to the erosion of tribal sovereignty on reservation lands, including raising awareness of the new attacks on tribal sovereignty in the face of the harmful Supreme Court decision in CastroHuerta,” according to a news release from the National Congress of American Indians. “The run also pays homage to Native Olympian Jim Thorpe.”

During the Sovereignty Run, a 25-foot totem pole created by the House of Tears Carvers of Lummi Nation is traveling alongside runners symbolic of honoring, uniting and empowering communities to protect sacred places, cultures and tribal sovereignty along the way.

UNM-Gallup was honored to host this event, especially since it came only two days after Indigenous Peoples’ Day.

UNM-Gallup serves a predominantly Native American population and acknowledges that the branch campus sits on the traditional homelands of the Pueblo of Zuni and Navajo Nation.

Since time immemorial, the original peoples of New Mexico maintained deep connections to the land and made significant contributions to the broader community statewide. We honor the land itself and those who remain stewards of this land throughout the generations and also acknowledge our committed relationship to Indigenous peoples.

We thankfully recognize our history, strive to build robust relationships with sovereign Native nations and Indigenous peoples, and commit to maintain a diverse and inclusive environment with respect, understanding and appreciation of all.

UNM-Gallup receives funding to better meet needs of the community

The University of New Mexico-Gallup recently received five financial awards that will allow the branch campus to better meet the needs of the community while also improving student recruitment and retention.

UNM-Gallup received the following financial awards:

• Nursing Faculty Endowment for $2.5 million.

• Teacher Education Faculty Endowment for $2.5 million.

• Nursing Expansion Award for $464,000.

• Tribal Education Initiative Award for $100,000.

• Early Childhood Student Success Grant for $88,000.

“These financial awards are significant,” UNM-Gallup Interim Chancellor Sabrina Ezzell said. “The endowments for nursing and education are particularly instrumental in helping us meet the critical needs of the community.”

The two faculty endowments are for faculty salaries, enabling UNM-Gallup to hire two additional faculty members ― one for the Nursing Program and one for the Teacher Education Program. The branch uses the interest off the endowments to pay the salaries. The endowments will continue to fund the faculty positions for years to come.

The other three financial awards are one-

time awards for fiscal 2022-2023.

The Nursing Expansion funds will go toward faculty salaries along with simulation equipment and instructional materials. The funding also goes toward student scholarships that pay for Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS) fees and National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) testing review fees.

The Tribal Education Initiative Award will pay for a student success specialist in the Education Department.

And the Early Childhood Student Success Grant will provide stipends for students in the Early Childhood Education Program. Students will be eligible to receive between $1,500 and $2,000 each to help cover costs outside of tuition, such as food, transportation and housing. The stipends will be awarded on a first-come, first-served basis.

“All of these awards help us with student recruitment and retention,” Ezzell said.

“Additional faculty will help us to increase the number of nursing and education students, while money towards student support will help to increase the number of students who progress and graduate.”

General Obligation Bond 3 for Higher Education will provide $3 million to UNMGallup for Gurley Hall renovation

This fall, voters in Gallup will be asked to invest in the state’s public colleges, universities and specialty schools. General Obligation Bond 3 is asking voters to approve nearly $215.6 million for needed renovations, upgrades and improvements. Voting “yes” on GO Bond 3 will not increase property tax rates.

In Gallup, approval of GO Bond 3 will mean an allocation of $3 million for UNM-Gallup, which will fund the renovation of Gurley Hall. Also, passage of Bond 3 is estimated to create 2,000 jobs in construction, architecture and related fields across New Mexico, helping boost local economies and gross receipts tax revenue.

Gurley Hall is the front door to the Gallup campus. Renovations would improve the use of space, the quality of space and proximity of spaces by increasing natural light. This project would transform the dated Gurley Hall into a

safe and welcoming space to aid student success. It is critical in UNM-Gallup’s attraction and retention of students, and it could motivate students to graduate.

This renovation would provide formal and informal spaces for students to study, gather, eat and get assistance. It would provide students with access to administrative assistance as well as comfortable and safe places to study, work on group projects, and meet with faculty and other students.

Absentee voting and in-person early voting began Oct. 11. Expanded early voting is scheduled from Saturday, Oct. 22, to Saturday, Nov. 5. Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 8, with polls open for in-person voting from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

For additional information about GO Bond 3, including a detailed list of projects the bond would fund throughout New Mexico, visit www.Bond3forNM.com.

For more information about UNM-Gallup, please visit gallup.unm.edu.

For more UNM-Gallup news and events, please visit gallup.unm.edu/news.

Pictured from top left clockwise are National Congress of American Indians President Fawn Sharp; Freddie Lane, road manager for the House of Tears Carvers of Lummi Nation; Dillon Shije, a tribal councilman for the Pueblo of Zia who organized and ran with the New Mexico segment of the 2022 Sovereignty Run; and Esther Yazzie-Lewis, a federally certified Navajo interpreter and teacher of Navajo language and culture with Diné Centered Research and Evaluation and the Southwest Research and Information Center.

A Weaver’s Day

By Michele Laughing-Reeves

“How we spend our days is, of course, how we spend our lives. What we do with this hour, and that one, is what we are doing. A schedule defends from chaos and whim. It is a net for catching days…” wrote American author Annie Dil lard. Such is the case for everyone; how we choose to spend each day defines our lives, and each person’s definition is unique. Like a lot of Navajo artists, my life is defined by what I love doing--weaving. I be came a weaver at the early age of 8 or 9 without known that it would play a crucial role throughout my life. The main reason why weaving is an enjoyable profession is because, despite the daily routine, it provides endless creativity. Each day has near ly the same schedule, but each time I sit down at the loom, the experience is different.

The long Summer days are the best. Without an alarm or a rooster (he died many years ago), we would wake when the stars are still visible in the sky. I would build a fire in the metal grill, which was once a 55-gal lon barrel, and start warming the wa ter for the morning coffee. While we wait for the fire to burn down to the coals, my mother and I settle into our spots in front of our weavings. Our weavings are usually set up back-toback on the same loom so that we are facing one another. My sister retreats to her loom in another room. We do this out of habit, and we can have a

productive day when we start this early. KTNN is on the radio (yes, the radio) and there’s no need to have a conversation this early. After about an hour, I check the water and the fire. They are ready—for coffee and for cooking.

The sun is up, but it is still cool, and my father and children start to make their way out to the hot grill. This morning, like many Summer mornings, we are having grilled ba con and tortilla with coal-brewed coffee and juice. The coffee pot is now set on the coal and the grill is cleaned and ready for the dough. As the smell of brewing coffee surround us, my mother flattens the dough while I place it on the grill, it cooks, I turn it over, it cooks, and onto the next piece. Meanwhile, my daughter has taken up the difficult task of grill ing the bacon, because it will always catch fire. It requires a skill in quick ness and coordination. In no time, we each have our breakfast sandwiches in one hand and hot coffee in the other as we sit in camping chairs, listening to the traffic heading toward Window Rock. But before we ven ture away from the grill, my daughter tosses a small piece of her last sand wich into the dying fire to thank the Holy People for their blessings.

The sheep and goats start to make noise, wanting their breakfast as well, so we are rushed back into our schedule. While the sheep herders feed the sheepdogs and the ducks, we return to our looms. Now, we are wide awake and fed, and we can now

converse about whatever happens to come over the radio waves, which just happens to be campaign adver tisements. We do this for the next two or so hours, letting our hands and fingers move automatically from left to right, right to left, and back again. It almost seems mindlessly, the de signs creating themselves. However, my sister and I have been weaving for more than four decades and my mother six, so that the skill involves mostly feeling our way through the motion with our fingers and hands. Today, I am weaving a new design, and I have a mental picture of it, so this may involve some trial-and-er ror. I am curious to see how the de sign will transfer into the weaving, and whether I have the colors I want. Because I’m so invested, I skip our morning coffee break at 11am. Meanwhile, my mother is setting up her Crystal pattern design, so she is counting and recounting the warp to make sure the design will fit vertically. After the design is set up, she starts gathering yarn to color-co ordinate and to make sure that there is enough of each color to complete the weaving, especially the homedyed wool. By 11am she has her yarn and design ready to go. My sister is weaving a pictorial, her umpteenth one. She weaves as fast as she talks, which is good because we rely on her to run errands. She often volunteers to go shopping for groceries and sup plies, but today she plans on dying some wool with onion skins. She has boiled the skins yesterday and let it

sit overnight, so she should get some bright peach colors. After she serves up more coffee and snacks for break, she starts to reheat the pot of dye. She is determined to dye as much wool as possible before the onion skins lose its potency. She will most likely not get back to her weaving for the rest of the day.

We usually have a late lunch around two o’clock and followed by a long break, away from our weavings. Weavers sit for long pe riods of time, so it helps to also take the time to exercise or do other chores. Today, we all decide to help my sister dye her wool and form an assembly line. Since the newly dyed wool must be rinsed several times, we easily arrange a first, second, and last rinse cycles. We, including my sister, also know that we have an ulterior motive for helping, we would like a skein or two of peach colored wool. I am anxious to get back to my weav ing, so I’ve earned about a skein of dyed wool. But the time away from my weaving has given me time to reconsider color choic es or design patterns, so I can make these changes without “unweaving” too much. My sister has a talent for matching colors, so I often ask for her advice, for design critique I ask my mother.

It is usually about 4 or 5 pm before we re turn to our looms, and we usually weave late into the night. Dinner is a quick break around 6pm, when the sheepherder is bringing home the sheep and goats. Any weaving done in the evening using artificial light requires careful attention to colors. It is easy to mistakenly use the wrong color, and it won’t be discov ered until the following morning when the Sun rises. Whenever we are in doubt about a color, we have no choice but to call it a day. There’s always tomorrow.

Dillard also said, “We live in all we seek.” Weavers, like many artists, seek to create and find solace in their creativity. What we create becomes our livelihood, and for most of us our, job is also our hobby. How do you spend this hour and that hour?

The 5 Gallup cemeteries will join the more than 3,100 participating locations across the country to Remember, Honor and Teach on Saturday, Dec. 17, 2022

National nonprofit Wreaths Across America (WAA) announced today that all 4 cemeteries in Gallup, N.M. will once again be joining in the mission to Remember, Honor, Teach, as an official location for 2022. This is the fourth year that the cemeteries will participate in this national program.

Wreaths Across America started as a simple gesture of thanks that has grown into a national movement of dedicated volunteers and communities coming together to not only remember the nation’s fallen and honor their service, but to teach the next generation about the sacrifices made for us to live freely. This year, there will be more than 3,100 participating locations placing veterans’ wreaths on National Wreaths Across America Day – Saturday, Dec. 17, 2022 – with more than two million volunteers coming together in coordination with wreaths being laid at Arlington National Cemetery.

The goal for Gallup is to raise enough funds to place over 1500 sponsored veterans’ wreaths on the headstones of all the local heroes laid to rest there in Gallup and at Rehoboth Cemetery where there are also 120 veterans buried. And to ensure that the individuals who served to protect the freedoms of our country never be forgotten, bringing the community together in patriotic commemoration.

“We are forever grateful for the thousands of supporters who dedicate their time and effort to fulfilling our mission all year long,” said Karen Worcester, executive director, Wreaths Across America. “These individuals and their communities know the value of remembering the fallen, honoring those who currently serve and teaching the next generation about the sacrifices made for our freedom every day, and without their continued support, Wreaths Across America would not exist.”

Those interested in volunteering for Gallup’s Wreaths Across America Day or sponsoring a wreath at a cost of $15.00 for each live Balsam wood wreath (which will be delivered by Semitruck to Gallup, N.M.), are invited to visit these direct links. The cutoff date to sponsor wreaths this year is November 28, 2022.

Gallup City Cemetery www. wreathsacrossamerica.org/NM0068

Hillcrest Cemetery www.wreathsacrossamerica. org/NM0069

Sunset Memorial Cemetery www.wreathsacrossamerica.org/NM0067

Gallup State Veterans Cemetery www. wreathsacrossamerica.org/NM0066

Rehoboth Cemetery www.wreathsacrossamerica.org/NM0081

National Wreaths Across America Day is a free community event open to all people. About Wreaths Across America

Wreaths Across America is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded to continue and expand the annual wreath- laying ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery begun by Maine businessman Morrill Worcester in 1992. The organization’s mission – Remember, Honor, Teach – is carried out in part each year by coordinating wreath-laying ceremonies in December at Arlington, as well as at thousands of veterans’ cemeteries and other locations in all 50 states and beyond.

All Wreaths Across America Day events are, non-political/religious events, open to all people. For more information, to donate or to sign up to volunteer, please visit www. WreathsAcrossAmerica.org

Press Contacts:

Local: Janice Bradley Janiceb43@outlook.com 505/879-8900

Sean Sullivan ssullivan@wreathsacrossamerica. org (207) 230-4599

GALLUP, N.M. WREATHS ACROSS AMERICA ANNOUNCES IT WILL CONTINUE AS AN OFFICIAL LOCATION FOR THE 2022 NATIONAL WREATHS ACROSS AMERICA DAY

Gallup’s Middle College High School Plans for New Building as it Earns Top 50 Spot for all New Mexico High Schools

According to rankings at Niche.com, Gallup’s Middle College High School was ranked in New Mexico as the 38th best overall public high school, the 15th best charter school, and 1st as the most diverse school in the state. The Middle College High School is an early college charter school where motivated students can earn college credits and even an associates degree while in high school.

The Middle College High School, incepted in 2002, is also the oldest early-college charter school in New Mexico. Now 20 years later over two dozen other New Mexico charter schools have followed the Middle College’s lead in creating a program specifically designed to help high school students gain college skills, credits, and even an associates degree while still in high school.

Dr. Rob Hunter, Chief Executive Officer, of the Middle College High School for the last eight years says, “ One of our main goals is to see students go on to higher education and to make sure they are succeeding. We use metrics to follow how our students are doing for

the first 18 months after they graduate. We want to know how many of students that moved on to higher education are still succeeding in college. Since 2017 over 80% of the Middle College’s students are still enrolled and succeeding in college a year after graduation.”

The Middle College High School is an academically rigorous program that aims to also connect students with colleges and universities well before graduation. They employ student success advisors that create connections for kids to participate in summer college programs, educate families on college financial aid processes, and help students find, apply, and visit colleges across the country (see sidebar on next page).

The Middle College High School is also ready to begin construction of its new building located next door to Gallup’s branch of the University of New Mexico. “We are really excited to begin construction on our new facilities that will allow students the proximity for their university classes, while also having a separate

cohesive space for our student body and amazing teachers,” says Dr. Hunter. “This new facility will have an East entrance to honor the culture of our Native students, a science lab, as well as a large multi-purpose room for events. There will also be plenty of outdoor spaces for a potential greenhouse, solar array, and other student projects. So we are really excited to see this new building come on line, potentially as soon as next school year!”

For any family or student that would like to apply to the Middle College High School, or for more information on the school. Go to: www.mchsgallup.com or call 505-722-9945.

Middle College High School Seniors Fly to East coast for college visits

Middle College High School seniors, Taylor Dineyazhe and Natasha Thompson both recently completed complimentary fly-in visits to prestigious East coast colleges.

Natasha says, “ I applied to visit Bowdoin College because I am interested in becoming an aerospace engineer and they were eager to sit down with me to explore that reality!”

Taylor says, “The Middle College High School helped me connect with Dartmouth College’s program that encourages qualified indigenous students to visit their campus. My goal is to become an environmental engineer and I was super excited to connect with other Native students on my visit.”

Both students were encouraged to be wanted and welcomed by the prospective colleges. These seniors will graduate this year from the Middle College High School with a 2 year associates degrees from the University of New Mexico, that will jump start their higher education ambitions.

Taylor says she hopes to continue her education to get a Ph.D. someday, while Natasha also plans for at least a Masters degree in the aerospace world.

When asked what has helped them the most in their educational dreams, Natasha says, “the Middle College requires each student to have 480 minutes of ‘tutor time’ each week and that really helped me. The program here is really well designed to push independent learners like myself.”

Taylor says, “It was super helpful to have assistance with all the potential college connections, with financial aid info, and college guidance in general. I’m thankful for that.”

Best of wishes to both girls on their journeys!

An architectural rendering of the new Middle College High School’s building

Natasha Thompson of Twin Lakes, NM visits Bowdoin College in Brunswick, Maine

Taylor Dineyazhe, of Gallup, NM visits Dartmouth College in Hanover, New Hampshire

Middle College High School’s New building is designed with an East entrance.

Thank you to our Sponsors for Supporting Big Brothers Big Sisters and the Power of Youth Mentoring!

SPARE SPONSORS

Comcast Coca-Cola of Durango Jiffy Lube

RETURN SPONSORS

Amazing Grace Insurance Bubany Insurance Agency

Butler’s Office Equipment & Supply Cellular One

Chee Montaño State Farm Insurance Cindy and Brett Newberry Clay Fultz Insurance DePauli Engineering Eco Clima Refrigeration

First Financial Credit Union

Gallup Land Partners High Desert Cycles

Kachina Rentals

Keeler & Keeler Law Firm

Maverick-Adventure First Stop Navajo Tractor Sales Rhino Health

Rosebrough, Fowles & Foutz P.C

Roto-Rooter Plumbing

Sacred Wind Communications Subway

West End Donut and Deli

Pocket Sponsors

Elite Laundry

John’s Used Cars

Navajo Technical Utility Authority

Re/Max Combined Investments

Sundance Dental of Gallup Vision Clinic

Prize Donors

505 Burgers and Wing, Allen Theatres, Angela’s Café, Applebee’s, Bishop Optical, Blitz Nutrition, Camille’s Sidewalk Café (High Desert QSR), Champion Ford, Cocina De Dominguez, Cracker Barrel, Dairy Queen Desert View Massage, Don Diego’s, Dr. Linda Hite Chiropractor, Earls, El Rancho Hotel, Gallup Coffee Company, Genaro’s, Goodyear Tire, Gordo’s Café, Hilton Garden Inn, I knead Sugar, Java Drip Coffee, JCPenney, Jerry ‘s café, KFC (High Desert QSR), La Barraca, La Montanita, Lowes Grocery Store, Maverik Gas Station, Moxy Salon, Panz Alegra, Railway Café, Rico Auto Complex, Route 66 Diner, Safeway, Sizzler, Starbucks, Subway, Taco Bell (High Desert QSR), The Flower Basket, Virgies, Wowie’s Gym, Zen Steak and Sushi

Pins painted by Zuni High School, Crownpoint High School, and Miyamura High School.

MATCH PLAY SPONSORS

ZUNI AND ITS BEAUTY

By Kenneth Maxymowich

Keshi Ko:don dawa:nun ah:dayayah - Ho Joyce

Waseta la:shina hom

tsida dayakowah Teresa Waseta la:shinakah.

Hello, how’s everyone doing? My name is Joyce Waseta and our late Mom was Teresa Waseta.

As we were growing up in beautiful Zuni Pueblo we used to live in the middle village with our mom, my two younger sisters and our aunts and

uncles that our mom raised us with. I refer to them as my sisters and brothers. We were a huge family of 9 but as a single mom she raised us all right and I’m thankful we had a mom that was kindhearted and always had empathy for everyone. Life here in Zuni has been the best. As kids we didn’t have the luxury of sitting around watching TV or playing games. Instead, we would all be playing out by the river swimming with all our neighborhood friends!

At the end of the day, we would be all grey from the mud of the river. At times when we were not swimming, we would help our grandmas water the plants in their waffle gardens. The river was always full and just a few steps away was their gardens where

my cousins (sisters) would all help. Their waffle gardens were always abundant with cilantro, onions, corn and other vegetables that they grew. Our oldest Grandma lived to be 102 years old, and our other Grandma was 97 years old. I remember waiting patiently with our sisters for our grandma to finish making the parched corn. If she had pinions, she would add them in and it was the best snack ever. We didn’t have to go to the store to buy our snacks!

My inspiration for jewelry making came from my mom and she was known for her beautiful Zuni maidens. I’m not exactly sure when she started making this pattern. She used to make adjustable inlay rings and small butterflies, but she stuck to this pattern and to this day I

am still carrying on her legacy. When the buyers wanted to order her stuff, they would say the Olla Maidens but then my mom would correct them saying they are Zuni Maidens because they don’t have the pottery on their heads. I call them Zuni Maidens because they resemble a Zuni girl in a traditional outfit. The beads on the side are the pins on a manta.

I remember our mom working and we would all sit around watching her. With a big family to raise she would work for long hours, but never did I hear her complain. When the buyers first came to Zuni she would trade her jewelry for rugs, carpets and decorations. Our house was always adorned with these flowerpots and Jesus and Mary statues but when they started buying and paid cash it was Christmas for us every day ha-ha!! We would anxiously wait to see which buyer would stop by first. It was funny when buyers would fight over my mom’s jewelry. One time she got mad at two buyers and told them to leave which they did, and the funny part was that they had both already paid her for the choker she was working on! There was a restaurant called Pat’s

Teresa Waseta

Teresa Waseta

Chili Parlor and with the money my mom made we would always order out. Our little cousin would join us and the next day our mom would work on the other set that was already paid for.

In the late 70s all my sisters were all grown up and we got crowded in the second home we had so my mom applied for a housing unit, and we moved there along with my two sisters and my first Son. Knowing that raising a child was my responsibility our mom kindly asked me if I wanted to help her make the Zuni Maidens. I didn’t want to put the burden on her to support my son so I graciously agreed. Without hesitation she taught me step by step on how to make them. I started by cutting the turquoise and shells while she did the soldering and we set the stone and shell together. Later I started soldering. Back then she didn’t have an engraver to etch them and was using a very sharp nail to etch the eyes and mouth. This one day I went to Turquoise Village to buy some supplies and bought an engraver. It took a lot of practice to get used to using it as at times the faces would look lop sided or the eyes would be connected, and we had to grind them over again. With all her guidance and patience in me, I’m carrying on her Zuni Maidens that she created. She was my only mentor that believed in me, and she had confidence that I could do it. I’m so thankful to her for putting us where we are today. My two sisters are silversmiths and work on different inlay jewelry. I am so blessed to have this pattern. Sadly, we lost our mom in 1995 when she passed away from cancer. I now sign all my jewelry with

an engraver.

Right now, I have a son and three daughters. I don’t think they have the patience to sit and make jewelry and they all have their own jobs. My third daughter helped me once and I don’t know if she still remembers how to make our Zuni Maidens. I am proudly the patient one like my mom was and I’m not ready to quit anytime soon. I want to keep working as long as I’m able. If anything, I want our younger daughter Kayla to carry on our Zuni Maidens.

There were so many funny and precious times with our mom. The funniest moment I had with our mom was when she burned her maidens haha! We used to use Duco-cement when setting. One time for some reason we needed to finish our pieces right away but using Duco-cement took time to dry. When we were done setting, she said let me go cook them in the microwave. We just laughed about it and then said OK! It was summertime and we were all working outside in the porch, and I was waiting for her. Then she casually walks out, and I was looking at her as

she was looking at something down the street. I then asked her “Are they dry?” Her eyes got big and said He:ya:ha! (Oh no!) I followed her as she ran into the kitchen and got them out of the microwave. Our Maidens were all smoking, and the settings were all popped out. We all started laughing and I told her she jinxed it now and now you really cooked your Maidens ha-ha! All in the days work as we started again the next day. I told her now go dry them on the car not the microwave... and don’t drive the car anywhere! My Mom was a character. She was truly an inspiration and the backbone of our family. After that we started using super glue! Another wonderful story is when my sister calls me and says turn your TV station to Geraldo. I asked her why and it turned out a Lady in the audience was wearing my choker. I quickly turned it on and sure enough there was someone on TV wearing a Zuni Maiden choker. Pretty soon all the

family was calling telling me. I’m just grateful that they all like Geraldo and were watching ha-ha!

The other pattern I work on is cluster jewelry. I don’t sell to buyers but just to family and friends for their personal use. I learned to make this pattern from watching my husband Leland making his rings. He makes bracelets as well. When I make these patterns, I do everything myself. Leland’s eyes are not that great anymore, so he doesn’t solder the small pieces any longer. He enjoys making larger jewelry like bow guards and big bracelets and rings for personal use. I enjoy making bracelets, pins and squash necklaces. When I’m not sitting at my worktable, I enjoy sitting at my sewing table which is my other hobby. I love to sew! All seamstresses seem to make the same things, but I try not to copy but instead create different patterns. I make cooking aprons, bread bags, canvas bags, Women’s traditional clothing and Men’s traditional shirts. If I’m not sewing or working on my jewelry, we enjoy going to our Grandchildren’s games. Our Grandkids are in school sports, and we love watching them play and love supporting them in what they love to play.

There are so many buyers that I would like to thank. ELAH’KWA for buying our jewelry all these years. Special thanks to a buyer (Ray) for being a great supporter for our mom and now for me. This guy never said “No, not buying” to our mom. He would always buy from our mom, even when it was slow, and he already had the same jewelry. To this day he is doing the same for me. To all buyers, thank you so much for buying from me. I truly appreciate doing business with the local buyers and the ones in Gallup.

Lastly, I want to say thank you to my sister Carol Faye for introducing me to our newest friend, Hom Kuwayah Kenny. Thank you for doing business with Leland and me. Elah’kwa!

This beautiful Lady was kind enough to write this wonderful story of her family life and I am so grateful and blessed to have Joyce and Leland in my life. We have become such good friends and I will always support them and their incredible creations.

HON DOBINDE

A:HOI’ Elahkwa, Kenny

Sensing Nature

Creation spirituality reveals our human arrogance, and maybe that’s why we are afraid of it. Maybe that’s why we’re afraid to believe that God has spoken to us primarily in what is. Francis of Assisi was basically a hermit. He lived in the middle of nature. And if we want nature to come to life for us, we have to live in the middle of it for a while. When we get away from the voices of human beings, then we really start hearing the voices of animals and trees. ey start talking to us, as it were. And we start talking back. Foundational faith, I would call it, the grounding for personal and biblical faith.

I have been blessed to spend several Lents living as a hermit in nature. When we get rid of our watches and all the usual reference points, it is amazing how real and compelling light and darkness become. It’s amazing how real animals become. And it’s amazing how much we notice about what’s happening in a tree each day. It’s almost as if we weren’t seeing it all before, and we wonder if we have ever seen at all. I don’t think that Western civilization realizes what a high price we pay for separating ourselves from the natural world. One of the prices is certainly a lack of a sort of natural contemplation, a natural seeing. My times in the hermitage re-situated me in God’s universe, in God’s providence and plan. I had a feeling of being realigned with what is. I belonged and was thereby saved! ink about it.

So, creation spirituality is, rst of all, the natural spirituality of people who have learned how to see. I am beginning to think that much of institutional religion is rather useless if it is not grounded in natural seeing and nature religion.

We probably don’t communicate with something unless we have already experienced its communications to us. I know by the third week I was talking to lizards on my porch at the hermitage, and I have no doubt that somehow some communion was happening. I don’t know how to explain it beyond that. I was reattached, and they were reattached.

When we are at peace, when we are not ghting it, when we are not xing and controlling this world, when we are not lled with anger, all we can do is start loving and forgiving. Nothing else makes sense when we are alone with God. All we can do is let go; there’s nothing worth holding on to, because there is nothing else we need. It is in that free space, I think, that realignment happens. Francis lived out of such realignment. And I think it is the realignment that he announced to the world in the form of worship and adoration.

Reference: Adapted from Richard Rohr, “Christianity and the Creation: A Franciscan Speaks to Franciscans,” in Embracing Earth: Catholic Approaches to Ecology, ed. Albert J. LaChance and John E. Carroll (Orbis Books: 1994), 132–133.

About the Center for Action and Contemplation:

e Center for Action and Contemplation, in Albuquerque New Mexico, is an educational nonpro t that introduces spiritual seekers to the contemplative Christian path of transformation. We o er teachings by our core faculty that are rooted in Christian mystical traditions and point to our intrinsic oneness with God and each other. Founded by Franciscan Richard Rohr in 1987, our programs and resources are designed to help deepen prayer practice and strengthen compassionate engagement in the world. Learn more about our organization at cac.org or on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter

Rehoboth Christian High School to Perform YOU’RE A GOOD MAN, CHARLIE BROWN

By Jo Leggett

Twelve Rehoboth Christian High School students have been working tirelessly to bring their fall musical, You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown (Revival), to life November 17-19, 2022.

Lillith Briggs (9th), who plays “Sally,” was especially excited to get to do this musical. “This is a classic,” she explained. “It’s characters we’ve known since childhood. They have such personalities! Sally is really proud; Snoopy is energetic and imaginative. And the comedy is subtle—though there are some slapstick parts.”

Angela-Faith Sowers (10th), playing “Snoopy,” added, “Snoopy is like Mater from Cars. He adds random fun things.”

The show presents vignettes in a day for Charlie Brown and his friends. These characters both stir up a sense of nostalgia while also being very relatable. “I think Charlie Brown has a lot of my insecurities,” expressed Xander Leggett (11th), who plays the titular character. “So, I just need to let my guard down, and I’ll play him perfectly.”

Lillith giggled while saying, “My friends told me I’m a lot like Sally. She has my…daily attitude.”

The students shared that the pandemic motivated them to want to be involved. The time where they were often stuck at home with limited social interaction stirred a desire in them to be a part of something bigger. The musical gives them a chance to do just that. They

have been juggling responsibilities of academics and athletics to also benefit from the artform that is musical theater. “This gives me a chance to express myself,” said Lane Etsitty (12th), who plays “Linus.” “This is my first time doing a play. I want to do something different and put myself out there and express myself in music and acting.”

Ash Seciwa (11th; Peppermint Patty) expressed a similar benefit, “This helps me get over my fear of people by pushing me to get out of my comfort zone and make new friends.”

Theater also gives students a chance to develop skills that take them behind the scenes. Over 20 high schoolers are involved with set, stage managing, lights, sound, and crew. They anticipate being a part of the energy that comes from live performances.

The students are directed by Jo Leggett and Anna Christensen. They are both making their directorial debuts in musical theater this fall.

“Rehoboth has had such a strong arts department, but I felt like this was a gap that needed to be filled. I’m delighted to spend time sharing my love of musicals with these great students,” said Ms. Leggett.

“We’ve been met by so much support by the school, not just Principal Meester, but also

administration, teachers, and coaches. People are ready to have something big like this in the community again!”

The full cast includes Xander Leggett (Charlie Brown), Juliana Meester (Lucy), Angela-Faith Sowers (Snoopy), Lane Etsitty (Linus), Evin Toddy (Schroeder), and Lillith Briggs (Sally) as well as ensemble members Esther Christensen, Amy Ross, Ash (Cheyenne) Seciwa, Landon Watts, Katherine Baldonado, and Jade Singer.

Performances will be November 17 and 18 at 6:30 p.m. and November 19 at 4:30 p.m. General admission tickets are $5 for adults and $3 for students. People interested in the family-friendly

show can purchase tickets at the high school or admin building or call 505-726-9635 for more information.

YOU’RE A GOOD MAN, CHARLIE BROWN Based on The Comic Strip “Peanuts” by Charles M. Schulz Book, Music and Lyrics by Clark Gesner Additional Dialogue by Michael Mayer Additional Music and Lyrics by Andrew Lippa

YOU’RE A GOOD MAN, CHARLIE BROWN is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals on behalf of Tams-Witmark. LLC. www.concordtheatricals.com

NOVEMBER 2022

window painting. Complete the hunt and be entered into a holiday ornament giveaway! (ART123 hours: Tues. - Sat. 12 - 6pm)

NOVEMBER 15

COMMUNITY GRIEF SUPPORT GROUP. 7:00 Open to all who have suf fered a loss and are struggling to deal with it. There is no cost to attend. Hosted for the communi ty by the Gallup Masonic Lodge - 4501 E. Historic 66 Avenue. For more information, call or text 505-615-8053.

November 19

Pop-up Holiday Art MarketOpening Day! at ART123 Gallery, 12 – 6:00 pm Find the perfect locally-made, handcrafted artisan gift for every one on your list.

The Pop-up Holiday Art Market will run through December 23. ART123 Hours: Tues. - Sat. 12 –6:00 pm.

FLORAL ARRANGEMENT

Bake, Craft & Rummage Sale

8:00 am to 1:00 pm

Gallup Church of Christ 1000 E. Green Ave. (Corner of Ford & Green)

NOVEMBER 20

SOMEONE YOU LOVE IS DYING - HOW DO YOU

COPE? 2:00 PM. A special pro gram for those who are caring for a terminally ill patient. Grief begins well before the actual loss has occurred. The program also will provide information on making care adjustments for the upcoming holidays, especially for those on a dementia journey. Presented by Robert Keene, hos pice chaplain. There is no cost to attend, but reservations are appreciated. Hosted for the com munity by the Gallup Masonic Lodge - 4501 E. Historic 66 Av enue. For more information, call or text 505-615-8053.

November 29

When Art is Your Business! at ART123 Gallery, 5:30 - 7:30pm

November 12

Show Opening: “INSPIRATION” by Arnulfo Peña at ART123 Gallery

7:00 pm – 9:00 pm (during ArtsCrawl)

See how inspiration has been car ried through three generations of artists.

“INSPIRATION” will be on view through December 3.

November 12 - December 31

“Frosty the Snowman Visits Gal lup” Window Painting Display + Scavenger Hunt in Downtown Gallup

Take a stroll along Coal Ave. from 1st to 3rd streets and check out window paintings of Frosty the Snowman gamboling about Gallup. Pick up a scavenger hunt guide at ART123 Gallery and look for hidden pictures in each

WORKSHOP

10:30 am, at the Community Pantry. Just in time for the Hol idays. A table arrangement you will make and take. Everything you need will be supplied for $20. Instruction by Suzy Andrego, NGS Master Flower Show Judge. Sponsored by NMSU Cooperative Extension Service and McKinley/ Cibola County Master Gardeners. Class size limited. Preregistration required by Nov. 14. Call or come by: Gallup Community Pantry, 1130 Hasler Valley Rd., Gallup, NM, 505-726-8068

Gallup’s Small Business Devel opment Center and gallupARTS are teaming up with WESST to offer a FREE info session for art ists and creators on entrepreneur ship and business resources. Reg ister by calling (505) 863-7637 or emailing cjarvison@unm.edu

December 1

The University of New Mexico-Gallup will host its 8th Annual Holiday in New Mexico event at 5:00 pm8:00 pm Thursday, Dec. 1. The event will feature lumi narias, live music, food, hot chocolate, Santa Claus and the closing reception for the annual Student Art Exhibi tion. The event is free and open to the public.

November Events at the Octavia Fellin Public Library Special Events:

Google Career Certificate Scholarship

Jump-start your career with a Google Career Certificate scholarship. Prepare for entry-level positions in Data Analytics, IT Support, Project Management, or User Experience (UX) design - no college degree or relevant experience re quired. Learn the skills to be job-ready in six months with opportunities to over 1.3 million jobs and an average starting salary of $63,600 per year. Apply for a scholarship at ofpl.online . Email bmartin@gallupnm.gov or call (505) 8631291 for more information.

Friends of the Octavia Fellin Public Library (FOFPL) Membership drive

The Friends of the Octavia Fellin Public Library is having a membership drive through the end of the year. The Friends is a non-profit organization focused on investing in our library’s continued success and growth, and enhancing the quality of life for the people in our community. Visit the library to sign up, or look for our booth at Arts Crawl! Join Friends of OFPL today for $10 per year or $25 for 3 years! Take advantage of member benefits like discounts at select local businesses and book sales, volunteer opportunities to fund-raise and ad vocate for the library, and early notification of new library materials! Support your library! Email bmartin@gallupnm.gov or call (505) 863-1291 for more information.

Community Día de Los Muertos Altar

OFPL invites the local community to add photos, messages, and symbolic items to our Altar “Ofrenda” during the month. Honor loved ones who have passed with a community Día de Los Muertos Altar at the Main Library. Día de Los Muertos (Day of the Dead) is an ancient, Mexican and Mexican American holiday, with a historically rich tradition that integrates pre-Columbian and Catholic customs and is often celebrated in Mexico on November 1st and 2nd . The celebrations are based on the belief that the souls of the ones gone can come back to this world on these days. The Altars also known as Ofrendas are the most prominent feature in the celebration because they show the souls the way to their home. Altars make the souls (animas) feel welcomed and show them they have not been forgotten. Email bmartin@gallupnm.gov or call 505863-1291 for more information.

UPCOMING EVENTS

This is a group for anyone, but especially those interested in eventually becoming leaders in CR. We will be going through the entire CR 12 Step becoming leaders in CR. We will be going through the entire CR 12 Step curriculum (approximately 30 weeks) and along the way we will also be curriculum (approximately 30 weeks) and along the way we will also be learning what it takes to start a group and keep it going. learning what it takes to start a group and keep it going.

This is a group for anyone, but especially those interested in eventually

If you’re new to recovery and haven’t yet worked the Steps, this is an excellent opportunity to start at the beginning and move through the excellent opportunity to start at the beginning and move through the entire program with the support of a local group. entire program with the support of a local group.

If you’re new to recovery and haven’t yet worked the Steps, this is an

If you’ve already been through the Steps then you can be of great support and encouragement to a newcomer, and you can learn how support and encouragement to a newcomer, and you can learn how to be of service in starting a group and keeping it up and running. to be of service in starting a group and keeping it up and running.

If you’ve already been through the Steps then you can be of great

When: weekly on Mondays, beginning October 24th, 2022, 6pm Where: Ch’ihootso Baptist Church in St. Michaels, AZ (map on back) Where: Ch’ihootso Baptist Church in St. Michaels, AZ (map on back)

When: weekly on Mondays, beginning October 24th, 2022, 6pm

For more info, contact Steve (302 437 9352) or Wayne (575 815 8457) For more info, contact Steve (302 437 9352) or Wayne (575 815 8457)

God doesn’t want us to suffer alone, or to celebrate our victories alone

God doesn’t want us to suffer alone, or to celebrate our victories alone Come be part of a group! There are other Celebrate Recovery options available in Come be part of a group! There are other Celebrate Recovery options available in Window Rock, Gallup, Zuni, Indian Wells, and Ganado

Window Rock, Gallup, Zuni, Indian Wells, and Ganado We hope to meet you soon! We hope to meet you soon!

A new Celebrate Recovery 12 Step Study is starting in St Michaels, AZ! A new Celebrate Recovery 12 Step Study is starting in St Michaels, AZ!

Ballistic Vests for our

The Sparky Project goal was to provide funding for ballistic vests to our First Responders (City Fire Department EMS). This became our passion when we learned our First Responders need protective gear. For this reason, the Gallup Sixers made it a priority to “Take Care of Those Who Take Care of Us.”

Gallup Sixer’s, a group part of the Gallup Chamber of Commerce-Leadership McKinley 2022, wants to thank all the sponsors, donors, and volunteers that helped us reach our GOAL! We had tremendous success through events, donations & volunteered time! We are also grateful for the support from our community. Our accomplishments are a direct result of your generosity and participation.

• Big Cheese-Donation Box

• Gallup Lions Club-Motocross Parking

• Gal-A-Bowl-Hosting Bowling Events

• WaFd Bank-Hosting our Bake Sales & Meetings

• Safeway-Gift Cards

• Ben Welch-Run for the Wall Food Sale

• Rio West Mall Management-Gift Cards & Cases of Water

• Sammy C’s Rock N’ Sports Pub & Grille & Rocket Café- Gift Cards

• Pizza 9/ Doner Drives- End of Day Sales (30%)

• K&B Company Inc.-Hamburger/ Hotdog Buns & Tortilla Chips

• Jeff & Ruth Davies-Easter Bunny Cake

• Gallup Water Works-Bags of Ice

• Dennis w/ Shamrock-Hamburgers

• Hannah Madrid-Baked Goods

• Theresa Villanueva-Baked Goods

• Jessica Creech-Baked Goods/Prizes

• Chief Jesus Morales-Baked Goods

• Loren & Caile Emerson-Baked Goods.

• Odee & Beanna- Baked Goods/Prizes

• Anonymous Donors-Special Gifts & Other Support

Special thanks to:

• Leadership McKinley 2022-Gallup Chamber of Commerce

• Amigo Automotive Group (Chevrolet, Toyota, Dodge)-Classic Car Show & Food Sales

Local Fire Department

Special thanks to our Volunteers who helped along the way:

• Loren & Caile Emerson

• Odee & Beanna

• Ryan, Kadan & Coy Randolph

• Sal Martinez

Special thanks to the Individuals & Businesses who gave monetarily:

• Comfort Suites

• Gallup Fire Extinguishers

• Four Corners Title Company

• Gallup Title Co.

• Dallago Corporation

• Ron Molina Gas Services

• Gallup Rotary Club

• City Counselor Sarah Piano

• Gallup Propane Services

• Dr. Phillip VanAllsburg & Family

• Dan Anderson

• Brother Jay McCollum

• Hannah Madrid

Gallup Sixer’s Team:

• Stacey Randolph-Manuelito Navajo Children’s Home Inc.

• Jeannie Miller-WaFd Bank

• Anita Artalejo- Rio West Mall

• Nathan Emerson-Gallup Fire Department

• Roscoe Whiterock-City of Gallup Senior Center

• Roxy Jimenez-Sammy C’s Rock N’ Sports Pub & Grille & Rocket Cafe

Gallup Fire

2022 DWI Law Enforcement Appreciation Dinner

Richard

Compadre

Gardening in November

The garden begins its long winter nap just in time for you to prepare for the Holidays.

If you have young trees or shrubs, now is time to protect them from sunscald injury. This occurs in winter when the southwest exposed trunk of a young tree is exposed to wide temperature swings. The bark of many young trees is very thin and the living layer of bark, the phloem, is killed by the repeated freezing at night at the heating up during the day. The damage weakens the tree and is unsightly. At the tree ages, the bark thickens and is less susceptible to the winter temperature swings. There are several ways to protect the tree trunk by reducing the excessive heating from the sun during the day. The trunk and large branches with southwest exposure can be wrapped with white flexible tape or plastic tube wrap. The wrap or tube needs to be removed in the spring after the last

frost and reapplied in the fall. You can also paint the trunk with white, indoor latex paint (outdoor has additives that are harmful to trees). It can be diluted with 1:1 with water and leaves the trunk white which may not be pleasing to the eye. I did not receive any instructions about sunscald and as a result have a very disfigured tree. Below is a picture of a Golden Raintree (Koelreuteria paniculate) I bought at an Albuquerque nursery over 10 years ago.

OTHER THINGS TO DO THIS MONTH ARE:

• Containers in a sunny and sheltered area can be planted with pansies or ornamental kale. Water weekly if daytime temperatures are above freezing. Keep a protective cover handy to throw over the pots if temperatures dip into the single digits and you can enjoy color in your garden all winter.

• If you use manure, now is the time to put it on your lawn and garden. Manure is salty, our soil is salty, and our water is salty. If manure is applied in the fall, there is time for the salt to leach through the soil so it will not harm your plants in the spring.

• Prune shade trees if needed and begin to prune evergreens. Use the greenery to decorate your house for the Holidays.

• Use dried leaves in your compost pile, to cover your perennials from drying out if there is no snow cover in the winter. If you have space, save some bags of leaves to mix with grass clippings for next spring’s compost.

Check out the things to do in Gallup this month for the Floral Design workshop being offered by the County Cooperative Extension service and the Master Gardeners.

Edith Iwan is a Cibola-McKinley County Master Gardener who lives and works in Thoreau. As a Master Gardener she assists the County Cooperative Extension Service in providing accurate, research-based gardening information to county residents. If you have any gardening questions, please call the NMSU Cibola County Extension at 505-287-9266 or NMSU McKinley County Extension at 505-863-3432.

Gratitude A Lessonin

By Kris Pikaart

I am trying out a few new things this year, having done the same job for nearly 20 years. One of those things is stepping into being a high school counselor. It has been a bit of a curve, learning to relate to and talk to teenagers. I find them incredibly interesting, funny and intriguing. I am regularly deeply moved by hearing the stories of the challenges that they face

at home and at school. I love to watch them move around the hallways–complicated social interactions happening all day every day. It is not always easy to find the keys to unlock those complicated minds, but it is interesting to start to learn how.

They taught me good lesson this week during chapel. Some kids enjoy chapel time, and some of them sit through it unwittingly. This week we had a speaker who was talking about

gratitude–about what it means to be grateful even in the midst of really hard circumstances. She talked for a little while, and then she asked the kids to raise their hands and talk about what they are grateful for. Not what they THINK they should be grateful for, but what they actually, specifically feel a welling up of gratitude for.

The speaker was visiting from a part of the country where kids talk a lot more than they do here, so I felt a

little nervous for her. I worried that she didn’t know that this was asking a bit much from these kids–a pretty quiet bunch. There was a short awkward silence, before a boy in the front raised his hand. Into the microphone he told every how proud of himself he is that he could run cross-country. Then another hand went up. This one told everyone that he was relieved that his depression was better and that he could help other people with theirs. The next: for the friend who picks a little flower for her every morning. The next: for the kid who makes a small little drawing just to cheer her up. And then it went on and on. Hands shooting up all over the room, the speaker running around with the microphone from one side of the room to the other.

Grateful for this friend, for that friend. For the little brother. For a classmate whose birthday it was. For a stuffed dinosaur who goes to class with them. For a teacher. For all of the teachers. The room just became more and more alive. From the quiet, serious faces at the beginning of

chapel, the room swelled with joy and laughter. It felt great. I couldn’t stop smiling afterwards. I think almost everyone in the room was smiling. It was like someone pumped a whole bunch of nitrous oxide into the room.

And it reminded me again of something that I know. Something that we all know. Real gratitude–not the canned and forced kind, but the kind that just swelled up out of us–is absolutely contagious. It changes us, and in turn it changes the people around us. It nearly changes the quality of the air around us. It is palpable.

We know it. We all know it. The unexpected, heartfelt thanks of another bolsters us up. Gives us a shot of oxygen for the tired soul. Gratitude is a double gift. It raises our own spirits when we feel it and say it aloud. And then it also does the same for the people around us. It’s a little miraculous, actually. If teenagers can express their deep, sweet places of gratitude, so can we adults. Let’s all try and see if we can change the very air in a room.

Hey Kids follow Santa to the Court House Plaza on December 3rd, following the Christmas Parade!

Santa and his helpers will be giving out free goodie bags, Hot Chocolate and Cookies! Plus, Mom and Dad you could win Santa’s Chair!

That’s Saturday December 3rd at the Court House Plaza following the Chistmas Parade! See You There!

iHeartMEDIA

1632 South Second Street, Gallup Office and Sales 505-863-9391

Practicing for

Dr.

By McKinley Citizens’ Recycling Council

One estimate states humans have produced almost 10 billion tons of plastic. If there ever was a time to reduce the plastic in our lives, it’s now. As we all know, plastic production and waste are problems for the environment and for our health.

t Litter - If we continue on our current path, by 2050 there will be more plastic than fish in the oceans. Straws, bags, fast food containers, etc. litter our landscapes and harm many species.

t Petrochemical plants – Refineries and plastic manufacturing plants are dangerous and dirty. The air and water pollution from these sites disproportionately affect the poor and people of color.

t Micro-plastic in our bodies – Plastics do not biodegrade; they just form smaller and smaller particles. Studies show that a person consumes up to the weight of a credit card of plastic every week. The dangers of toxins in plastics are just now being studied, but we know certain of the chemicals are endocrine disruptors. These could cause diseases like cancer and autoimmune disorders.

While plastics provide benefits to our modern lives, they come at a huge cost. What can we do about it? Each of us can help ‘green’ our community with respect to plastic.

Decrease the amount of plastic you use when possible. “Gallup Away” from a throwaway culture by:

t Buying products in non-plastic, minimal, or recycled packaging

t Buying in bulk

t Using refillable containers and reusable shopping bags

t Refusing to buy into the oil and gas industry’s invented “need” for disposable single-use plastics.

t Using and re-using, repairing, and buying less. Think circular!

Use your consumer power to support sustainability trends and local businesses. Gallup is lucky to have businesses promoting eco-friendly buying. Let’s highlight two of these local stores:

The Water Store. Besides providing an economic alternative to individual bottled water, the Water Store carries many products that are not plastic nor in plastic containers. Tru Earth products include Ecostrips laundry detergent, bamboo utensils, and wool dryer balls. The HiBAR line consists of solid shampoo, conditioner, and face wash, all in recycled, compostable cardboard packaging. Solid products eliminate water; why pay for water and for shipping water? Then there are the ‘unpaper’ towels, snack bags, and scrubbers made of fabric from Marley’s Monsters. Here is a chance to try a plastic wrap substitute. Unpasted tooth tabs

Away from Plastic

Check out the following to learn more about what you can do:

are free of plastics and preservatives, and you can purchase a sample of 30 for a few dollars to see if they work for you.

La Montanita Food Coop. This is the local go-to place for buying organic food in bulk; you can even buy bars of soap in bulk. Their If You Care products include unbleached, compostable coffee filters, post-consumer recycled kitchen garbage bags, 100% recycled aluminum foil, and paper snack and sandwich bags. Check out the World Centric plates made of plants, not petroleum, which are compostable and a good replacement for paper plates. To eliminate plastic detergent bottles, you can buy Ecosnext liquidless squares. Using the Ecosnext squares, like the Tru Earth Eco Strips, frees you from being complicit in burning fossil fuels to ship water.

Recycle what you can. Currently, less than 7% of plastic in the US is recycled. All plastics are not the same but consist of different polymers. When you check out those numbers in the triangle of the chasing arrows symbol on a detergent bottle or a yogurt cup, you are identifying the chemical make-up of different plastics. Sorting and recycling these is a major challenge, so less use of plastics is the goal.

Currently in Gallup you can recycle #1 and #2 plastics thanks to the Northwest New Mexico Regional Solid Waste Authority. Plastic #1 is polyethylene terephthalate (PET), a plastic widely used for bottles of water, soda, shampoo and spray cleaners and for food containers like berry baskets and lettuce boxes. Plastic #2 is high density polyethylene (HDPE); laundry detergent, milk jugs, and certain packaging are made of HDPE. Take your #1 and #2 plastics to the community recycling stations at Larry Brian Mitchell Recreation Center and Ford Canyon Park. For details, see the recycling page at https://www. gallupnm.gov

Join MCRC in celebrating America Recycles Day on November 5, 9am to 3pm, at the Community Service Center, north of the Food Pantry. Learn about the options in our community for reducing plastic use. Enjoy door prize drawings, a free drawing for a composter, entertainment, craft vendors, kids’ activities, a silent auction, and more.

The Solving Plastic Issue, Summer 2021 of Yes! Magazine https://www.yesmagazine.org

Sierra Club’s plastic research and advocacy: https://www.sierraclub.org

McKinley Citizens’ Recycling Council: https://www.facebook.com/ recyclegallup/

Our firm is accepting new cases in the areas of:

Estate Planning

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• Real Estate

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Trust Administration

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Family Law

Criminal Defense

Auto Accidents

Mr. Foutz will be accepting cases in the areas of Real Estate, Family Law, Criminal Defense, Auto Accidents, and Personal Injury.

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Our Firm is also accepting cases in the areas of Estate Planning, Estate/Trust Administration, Employment Law, and Business Formation.

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101 W. Aztec Ave., Suite A Gallup, NM 87301 505 722 9121 www.rf lawfirm.com

The Center for American Values in Pueblo, CO

By Kenneth Riege USAF Veteran

In each of my stories I have ended them with a quote from one of our nations Medal of Honor Recipients. These quotes have come from a book called, “Medal of Honor Quotes, Inspiration from American’s Military Heroes.” This book was published by the Center for American Values in Pueblo, CO. This story is about the Center and what they have done to inspire and keep the legacy of our nations MOH Recipients alive and well.

The CAV (as it is referred to) was established in 2010 and is located in beautiful Pueblo, CO. Pueblo is known as the “Home of Heroes.” More Medal of Honor Recipients have come from Pueblo (based upon its population) than any other town.

Here are the names of these great heroes: William J. Crawford US Army, WW2 (there will be a side story on Mr. Crawford later), Carl L. Sitter and Raymond G. Murphy, USMC,

Korea and Drew Dix, US Army, Vietnam.

President Eisenhower once remarked, after bestowing the Medal of Honor to Raymond G. Murphy, “What’s in the water out there in Pueblo, all you guys turn out to be heroes.

William Crawford, was a

quiet, humble man who after retiring from the United States Army went on to work as a janitor at the United States Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs. Mr. Crawford was described as an “unimpressive figure, one you could easily overlook during a hectic day at

the Academy. Mr. Crawford, being shy and unassuming was just fine with that and did his job and did it well.

One day a cadet by the name of James Moschgat, was reading a book about WW2 and the tough ground campaign in Italy. He came across an incredible

Here is a picture of the Center for American Values in Pueblo. CO. One thing they do that is so amazing is when there is a Medal of Honor Recipient there, the center will place American Flags all around the top of the building.

story of a Private William Crawford who was presumed KIA (Killed In Action) and who’s father received the MOH for his son. Unknown to his family and to the US Army, Pvt. Crawford had been captured by German Soldiers and held as a POW for 19 months until the war ended. There was a picture that bore a very striking resemblance to Mr. Crawford. When Cadet Moschgat shared this with his fellow cadet’s they decided to ask Mr. Crawford if that was him and he simply

replied, “Yes, that’s me.” When the cadets had asked him why he didn’t talk about it, Mr. Crawford said, “Well that was just one day in my life that happened a long time ago.” It didn’t take long for this story to spread across the AF Academy Campus, and everyone formed a new respect for this quiet, unassuming janitor that as all MOH Recipients put it, “They were simply doing their duty as best they could.”

While working at the Air Force Academy, Mr. Crawford

had mentioned that he never had a formal ceremony for his Medal of Honor and had hoped that someday that might happen. Well in 1984 the cadets at the Air Force Academy had notified then President Ronald Reagan about Mr. Crawford’s wish and sure enough President Reagan formally awarded retired US Army Master Sergeant William Crawford with the Medal of Honor during their graduation ceremony.

Here is a photo I had taken when I traveled with Hershey over the 4th of July for their events. You can see the American Flags atop the building as Vietnam MOH Recipient Mr. Pete Lemon waves to Hershey and I. Pete is the one in the blue shirt with both arms waiving.

Here is my beautiful wife Retha at the CAV when we went with Hershey in March 2017 to an event in Denver. We stopped at the CAV to say hello.

I am going to close this story a little different and include the MOH Quotes from all 4 of the Pueblo MOH Recipients starting with: William J. Crawford, US Army, WW2: “Money is nothing if you lose your country.”

Carl L. Sitter, USMC, Korea

“Go out into the world in peace; have courage, hold onto what is good, strengthen the fainthearted, support the weak, help the suffering, and honor all people.”

Raymond G. “Jerry” Murphy, USMC, Korea

“We live in the best country in the world. It is our duty to love, guide and protect it.”

Drew D. Dix, US Army, Vietnam “Nothing is ever as bad as you think it might be.”

These statues of the 4 MOH Recipients are in front of the Pueblo Convention Center.

Photo Winner This Month

Wilson

Cover Photo Entries

"LoneTree"LisaRodriguez

Cynthia Chavez

Janet Butler

Robert Klein

Monique Martinez

Jessica Rousseau

Zaypee Layugan

Erin Bulow

"Tree Eating Rock" Robert Koops

Kristin Yazzie

Morning on the Hogbacks" Packy Gredecki

"Joshua Tree" JayLyn Hinckley

Isabella Yazzie 11 Years Old

Laura Smith

Nick Martinez

EDUCATIONAL CHILDCARE: Community childcare/education coordination

Idea by: Dr Vicki Handfield, Clinical Psychologist vhandfield@gmail.com 609-841-9159

Hi Gallupians, You may or may not have seen my brief article in last month’s Journey. It was about the tremendous need for more available, accessible and affordable childcare. Here is my idea, please contact me with any thoughts you may have. I want and need a group of dedicated folks in order to make this a reality. Any ideas, reactions, concepts, hopes or dreams are welcome!

Childcare for infants and toddlers (up to pre-K and K level, including after-school) and education regarding childcare/developmental stages for middle and high school children could be combined.

Middle and high school students would learn about caring for and the developmental stages of babies and toddlers. Basics of child development can be taught in schools, to prepare the students for childcare responsibilities and for parenthood. This can be gradually escalated as children/teens become older and more responsible.

Adults will run childcare programs and will supervise teens and tweens as they learn to care for infants and toddlers. Adults (potentially including teachers, childcare workers, counselors, mental health professionals and advanced education professionals) will teach and supervise. Teens/ tweens will have short periods of time to care for children initially, gradually lengthening as they get older and more experienced. Perhaps at some point they could be paid as well. It could become a training opportunity for future childcare workers. Older members of the community (properly screened) could help care for children and could help teach children/teens. Schools could become community centers. Community connection/

involvement could become available for many.

It would be ideal to start small, as an experiment. It might grow too fast otherwise, risking poor coordination, bad outcomes and divisiveness. It would require a lot of coordination among many different agencies/departments/governmental entities/educational resources/financial resources and others. It would be important that involvement of children and students begin as voluntary; childcare, paid for by parents, in a school setting would always be voluntary, while caring for children could become a requirement in the future.

Differences in beliefs and practices for childcare are to be expected. People will need to be informed ahead of time that all beliefs, practices, and traditions will be respected. These important differences could be incorporated into the educational process.

Teaching about childcare and development could be combined with sex education and life skills classes.

Any allegations of abuse will be reported and investigated. Children and teens, and their parents will need to be warned that no abuse/harmful actions will be tolerated. Hopefully this approach will prevent more child abuse as these children/ teens become parents.

Possibilities:

Parenting skills could be improved. Unplanned pregnancies could be reduced. Childcare could be better paid, better regulated, more accessible, and less expensive. Education and training for childcare workers could be regulated, updated and streamlined.

Dr Vicki Handfield is a clinical psychologist practicing in Gallup

th Annual Gallup Journey Arts Edition