Meet Your Principals: GMCS

Meet Your GMCS ‘Elementary’ Principals

Catherine A. Miller: Joel Copley Joel Copley is beginning his sixth year as principal at Catherine A. Miller Elementary School. Previously, Joel has worked at Kennedy Mid, EDC, and was a principal and teacher in Michigan. Joel said what he loves about being an educator is “working with people every day. Helping students grow, helping teachers grow in their craft” Joel added he his excited about moving more into a digital instruction. “I enjoy the challenge of that,” he said. Joel said that a lot of students are excited to be back in school, “especially those in the building.” Joel encourages students to be confident in asking teachers questions. Joel attended Calvin College in Grand Rapids, Michigan. As for his hobbies, Joel said, “I like to work on vehicles, I like to hike, run and mountain bike, travel with family. I like to build things as well. Asked what can be found on his music playlist, Joel answered, “Quite a range. Anywhere from political podcasts, definitely some Christian radio, alternative rock from the 90’s.”

Chee Dodge Elementary: Sasha Blanco Sasha Blanco is a first-year principal at Chee Dodge Elementary School. Sasha has worked in the district for 16 years, the last two years as an assistant principal at Miyamura High School. Sasha wanted to be an administrator since she saw her mom teach when Sasha was in the 10th grade. Sasha’s message to her students was “This will be the first generation to create an online version for years to come. They’re the start of it. Together, we’re going to make history.” Sasha likes to play adult softball, play soccer on the weekends and to hang out with her family. Sasha’s music playlist will consist of anything from country and oldies to hip hop and rap.

Crownpoint Elementary: Leoneil Tulabing Leoneil Tulabing is beginning his second year as principal at Crownpoint Elementary School. Previously, Leo was a former school leader intern at Crownpoint Elementary and Thoreau Elementary, a math teacher at Thoreau Middle School and a secondary math teacher in the Philippines. Leo finished his bachelor’s in 2010 and his master’s degree in 2015 at the Philippine Normal University. “One thing I love about being an educator is having the opportunity to inspire and help students achieve their dreams and guide them to be responsible citizens. It is a special power to mold the future.” And what advice would Leo give his students? “I want to use the quote of Manolis Votsis ‘Success is always a process, never an event. Failure is always an event, never a person.’ Do not be afraid to commit mistakes and learn from those mistakes.” Leo’s hobbies include cooking and traveling to different states and countries. His music playlist is a combination of modern rock, pop and country music.

David Skeet Elementary: Amanda Clawson Amanda Clawson is beginning her first year as principal at David Skeet Elementary. Last year, Amanda was SLI at Stagecoach and Red Rock Elementary and taught at Ramah Elementary for 10 years. Amanda started her teaching career at Espanola. Amanda said what she loves about being an educator is “the students. That’s what makes it worth it for me.” Amanda wants her students to know they “are strong, they are resilient, they can bounce back from hard things and they can do hard things.” Amanda is an avid reader and also enjoys watching movies and spending time with her family. Amanda said her music playlist will include “everything. This morning I was listening to early 2000’s rap and then I switched to 70’s pop rock. Depends on the mood I guess.”

Del Norte Elementary: Richy Ferguson Richy Ferguson begins his second year as principal at Del Norte Elementary School. Previously, Richy worked for five years at Stagecoach Elementary, was a principal at Roosevelt Elementary for 14 years and worked at Central Office for three years and was the principal at Gallup Mid School for two years. Richy received his bachelor’s at the University of New Mexico and his master’s at Western New Mexico. In his spare time, Richy likes to work on cars and likes to attend community and sporting activities. Richy’s music playlist includes a variety of music.

Indian Hills Elementary: Randy Crisler Randy Crisler begins his third year as principal at Indian Hills Elementary. Previously, Randy was a principal in the city of Dubai in the United Arab Emirates. Crisler said what he loves as a principal is “being able to go into the classrooms, see all grade levels and students. Seeing the kids and being with them. Helping out and supporting the teachers.” Randy said things are going pretty well this year and he was “impressed with the drive our teachers have with figuring out the technology. I’ve been very pleased with how things have been going.” On advising his students about this year, Randy said, “To just to be in constant contact with their teachers. The communication piece is going to be more important. Ask questions and be engaged.” Randy earned his undergrad at the University of Arizona in Tucson and his first graduate school was at American University in Cairo, Egypt. Randy earned his

administration degree at the University of Idaho. Among his hobbies, Randy likes to fix up cars, work in his garage and fix things, along with golfing and traveling. Randy’s music playlist includes 1980’s rock.

Jefferson Elementary: Jessica Landavazo-Guillen Jessica Landavazo-Guillen begins her sixth year as principal at Jefferson Elementary School. Jessica graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Education from Arizona State University and graduated with her Master’s in Educational Administration from Grand Canyon University. Jessica said, “I love working with the students, getting to know them and letting them know how much I care about them” Jessica’s hobbies include traveling, reading, playing Candy Crush and spending time with friends and family – children Dillon and Madison and husband Mike. Country music can be found on Jessica’s music playlist.

Lincoln Elementary: Edgardo Castro Edgardo was born and raised in the Philippine Islands. He received a BS in Education degree at the Western Mindanao State University, Philippines, and his MS in Educational Leadership at Old Dominion University. He is also a National Board-Certified English Language Development Specialist. He has a son, Xavier (9 years old). Edgardo said the year, as challenging as it is, is going “excellent. We cannot control the pandemic, but we can control ourselves. I’m the kind of person that sees the glass as being half full. Edgardo’s advice to his students would be to “persevere. Here at the school we go by the three R’s – be respectful, be responsible and have resourcefulness.” Edgardo’s favorite song is “Happy,” by Pharrell Williams.

Navajo Elementary: Kitty Wise Kitty Wise begins her first year as principal at Navajo Pine Elementary School. Kitty received her bachelor’s degree at Louisiana State University in Shreveport, her master’s with the University of Phoenix and earned her leadership at the University of New Mexico. Kitty said being an educator is rewarding because “Every day is an adventure.” As for her advice to her students, Kitty said “As much as possible, be a student the way you would always be a student.” Kitty’s favorite pastime is traveling and she also enjoys reading. She mainly listens to country music or classic rock.

Ramah Elementary: Oscar Ontiveros

Oscar Ontiveros begins his third year as principal at Ramah Elementary School. Oscar has worked as a public school administrator for 27 years in elementary school, middle school and high school education. Oscar earned a bachelor’s at UTEP and earned his master’s at Sul Ross State University. Oscar said “I enjoy working with everybody in my school who are passionate about having a positive influence on the lives of all students. Oscar’s hobbies include playing tennis and collecting minerals. Oscar’s music playlist would include “Eye of the Tiger,” “Lean On Me” and “Get Up And Never Give Up.”

Red Rock Elementary: Tara Udeh Tara Udeh is beginning her third year as principal at Red Rock Elementary. Before Red Rock, Tara worked as an elementary principal at a school in Jos, Nigeria for six years. Prior to that, Tara was the first grade teacher at the same school for three years. Tara said what she loves about being an educator is “I love the interactions I have with students, especially when they demonstrate excitement and pride in the learning and growing process.” Tara looks at the current pandemic challenge as “I am trying to stay positive and see this period as an opportunity for growth in resiliency and determination. I’m seeking input and ideas from our staff and capitalizing on teamwork.” Tara went to Calvin University in Michigan and Western New Mexico University. Tara’s hobbies include spending time with her family, hiking and being in the mountains, reading and “getting in lots of good laughs as we interact with our 18-month old.” Tara’s music playlist includes a “wide variety of music ranging from lots of different Nigerian jams to pop to country to gospel to folk. “One of my favorite bands over the last couple of years has been “For King and Country.”

Stagecoach Elementary: Adrian Garcia Adrian Garcia is beginning his second year as principal at Stagecoach Elementary. Garcia, who went to college at the University of New Mexico, said the year is “going good, under the circumstances. Students are getting online and it’s going fairly well.” As for the advice Adrian would give his students would be to “Know that things will get better and to do their best. And to stay positive. It won’t be like this forever.” On being a successful principal, Adrian said, “You have to be able to think outside of the box, need to communicate, be flexible. You need to be able to continue, have to stay on the vision of your school, remember why we’re here and what our mission is. And do it with excellence. And be able to communicate that to your students, staff and community.” Adrian’s said he loves to play music, guitar and drums, and he likes hiking. On his music preferences, he likes listening to 80’s music on Spotify.

Thoreau Elementary: Daryl Antone Daryl Antone begins his third year as principal at Thoreau Elementary. Previously, Daryl was an assistant principal at Miyamura High School and a special education teacher before that. “I am passionate about making positive changes,” Antone answered when asked what he loves about being an educator. During this year dealing with the many changes, Daryl said “We take it one day at a time. When challenges arise, we address it, learn from it, move on and make sure all safety measures are always being taken.” Daryl advises his students to “make sure they are doing their best to complete the work presented during this remote learning and continue to practice the safety precautions so we can eventually go back to in-person learning.” Daryl attended college at Grand Canyon University. Daryl’s hobbies include being outdoors and spending time with his family. Daryl’s music playlist includes “a variety of genres, from country to rock music.”

Tobe Turpen Elementary: Cynthia Mowrer Cynthia Mowrer has been the principal at Tobe Turpen Elementary for six years. Before becoming principal, Cynthia taught first grade and reading lab at Stagecoach Elementary for 20 years. Cynthia’s parents were also educators – mom Lynelle Lewis Sensabaugh was the librarian at Gallup High and dad Don Lewis was a counselor at Gallup High. Cynthia graduated from Gallup High, attended the University of New Mexico and Western New University. “My favorite subject in school was always P.E., whether in elementary, high school or college.” Cynthia said being a principal this year “has been a study in flexibility and patience. “If you don’t like the way things are going one week, don’t worry it will change.” Cynthia’s favorite things to do outside of work are traveling with her husband on their motorcycle, doing anything with their four children, reading and being outside playing with her dogs. “I also enjoy country dancing, so my playlist is predominantly country music, with some 80’s rock – anything by Brooks and Dunn, Keith Urban, Kane Brown, Eagles and Maroon Five.”

Tohatchi Elementary: Robin Holder Robin Holder begins her second year as principal at Tohatchi Elementary School. It is Robin’s fourth year as an administrator. Robin said she “loves working with the kids.” Asked what she would like her students to take away from this year, Robin said, “That just because we are in a situation doesn’t mean that we can’t learn and be successful. Sometimes in challenging situations, we rise to the occasion.” Robin said she likes to read and spend time with friends. Her favorite music is southern rock-nroll and country music.

Twin Lakes Elementary: Ophelia Sanchez Ophelia Sanchez begins her fourth year as principal at Twin Lakes Elementary School. “The most important thing, I truly wholeheartedly believe that our kids can do anything with the right guidance and with the right support.” Ophelia looks at the current pandemic challenge as an opportunity, saying “It’s kind of like it’s a revolution where we’re looking at education in a different way. It excites me.” Ophelia attended the University of New Mexico and Western New Mexico. Ophelia likes to read. Among Ophelia’s favorite music is heavy metal and rock.

Meet Your GMCS ‘Mid School’ Principals

Chief Manuelito Mid School: Kristen Dashner Kristen Dashner has been a principal for eight years and is beginning her second year at Chief Manuelito. Kristen said what she loves about being an educator is “that it is a brand new challenge every day. You never know what the day is going to bring.” Kristen said surrounding herself with competent people is helping with dealing the challenges of this new school year. Kristen is a graduate of the University of New Mexico and earned her graduate degree from Western New Mexico. She is a business major and earned an undergrad degree in human resources. Kristen loves gardening, hiking, reading and traveling. Her music playlist includes Canadian musician Grimes and rock band Rainbow Kitten Surprise.

Crownpoint Mid School: Danielle Straate Danielle Straate is beginning her second year as principal at Crownpoint Mid School. Danielle has worked as a high school counselor at Crownpoint High School and, before coming to the county, Danielle taught special education at Aztec and Los Alamos. Danielle received her undergrad at Luther College, earned her special education licensure from Santa Fe Community College, graduated from Adams State and earned her administrative master’s at Western New Mexico University.

Gallup Mid School: Lindsey Mingus

Lindsey Mingus has been the principal at Gallup Mid School since May 2020. Lindsey has a Bachelors in Middle Grades Education from Ashland University in

Ashland, Ohio and a master’s from the University of New Mexico. Lindsey has been the School Leader Intern for the last two school years. Previously, Lindsey taught sixth grade math and ELA at Westwood Middle School in Gainesville, Florida for four years before moving to Gallup. Lindsey is in her eighth year with GMCS, teaching four years at Gallup Mid School and was the Dean of Students between JFK Middle School and Jefferson Elementary. Lindsey says she loves “helping students find what they excel at and embracing that spirit.” Lindsey adds that she would “like students to put forth their best effort and understand that the learning will look very different this year. And always ask questions.” Lindsey’s hobbies include spending time with family, two little boys and husband, saying the family enjoys “hiking around Gallup. I do enjoy reading a good book and knitting when I get a minute.” Lindsey’s music playlist would have the Hamilton Musical Soundtrack.

John F. Kennedy Mid School: Steve Wargo Steve Wargo begins his second year as principal at John F. Kennedy Mid School. Steve received his undergraduate degree in secondary education from Northern Arizona University in 1992 and his master’s in Educational Leadership from Grand Canyon University in 2007. Steve has been in GMCS for 27 years. Steve was at Gallup High School for 21 years where he served as a social studies teacher, athletic director, assistant principal, student store manager while also serving as a coach for football, wrestling and girls basketball. Steve was principal at Chief Manuelito Middle School for five years. “I loved working with that staff (at Chief Manuelito) and then last year was my first at JFK, where I have also got to work with some great educators. Wargo said what he loves about being an educator is “seeing the light go on for kids whey they get a concept or see things from a different perspective.” As for this year, Steve’s advice to his students is “embrace the change, have a growth mindset and show up every day. I want them to know we care about them and want them to be successful, but that in this format for learning, this is a two-way street.” Steve enjoys sports, news, politics, running, doing yard work and being with his wife of 22 years, Yolanda Wargo. Steve’s music playlist would include a variety of music, but mostly grunge and heavy metal. Steve loves Rush, Alice In Chains, Tool, Godsmack, Zeppelin along with AC DC, Guns-N-Roses, Genesis and Def Leppard. “I’m a bald hair band dude,” Steve said.

Navajo Pine Mid School: Mary Ann Sherman

This is Mary Ann’s sixth year in Navajo, with time being spent at Navajo Pine High School and Navajo Pine Mid School. This will be Mary Ann’s first year being the principal for the mid school primarily. Mary Ann said, “she loves working with students, they are our first priority.” Mary Ann advises her students to “try your best” and use the programs available to them to be successful this year. “I hope by the time we are done with virtual learning, they are all technologically literate because that’s the future.” Mary Ann’s hobbies include camping, traveling, Navajo rug weaving and spending time with her grandchildren. Mary Ann attended Eastern New Mexico University, Western New Mexico University and Northern Arizona University.

Thoreau Mid School: Heather Gutierrez Heather Gutierrez has been the principal at Thoreau Middle School since January 2018. Previously, Heather was a classroom teacher with the Grants Cibola County School District as well as an Adjunct Instructor at the NMSU Grants Branch. Heather said, “What I love the most about being an educator is making a positive impact on students’ lives.” Heather earned her undergrad in Elementary Education at New Mexico Highlands and has a graduate degree from the University of Phoenix in Education Leadership and another graduate degree in Education Leadership from the University of the Southwest, N.M. Heather said her most important attribute to being a successful principal is “building relationships with the students and staff. With positive relationships, you better understand what the most critical needs are and can plan accordingly.” Among her hobbies Heather loves to be outdoors, go camping, hiking, hunting and spending time with her family. She also “loves to read when I can squeeze in the time to.” Heather said for her favorite music, she is “a lover of all genres so you would find a little bit of everything. It depends on the day, activity or my mood.”

Tohatchi Mid School: Anthony Morrison Anthony Morrison begins his sixth year as principal at Tohatchi Mid School. Anthony earned his bachelor’s at Brigham Young University, earned his first master’s in Seattle, his second master’s at Northern Arizona University and completed his superintendent’s certification at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. He is currently working on his doctorial these with the University of Phoenix. “The most important thing is making sure they (the students) are safe, whether they are at school, distance learning or in the hybrid model.” As for this year, Anthony said he wants the students to “know that the staff and I care about them. We want them to be safe, but we also want them to learn. We miss them and we can’t wait to see them again in our halls.” In his free time, Anthony likes to spend time with his children. “My

daughter likes to play dolls, so I’m getting pretty good at that. My son likes to talk about the video games he has been playing.”

Meet your GMCS ‘High School’ Principals

Crownpoint High School – Robert Lopez-Mata Robert Lopez-Mata is beginning his third year as principal at Crownpoint High School. “I really enjoy helping students reach their goals,” Robert said. Robert feels online learning is something that is going to be a positive for his students’ future, saying “Using the new online platform, this is something that in the long run will benefit the students.” Robert’s hobbies include playing golf and watching movies. Robert’s playlist would include hip hop, rap and pop music.

Gallup Central High School: Jacob Stokes Jacob Stokes begins his first year as principal at Gallup Central High School. Previously, Jacob was the principal at Chee Dodge Elementary School for three years and was Dean of Students for three years, also at Chee Dodge. Jacob said what he loves about being an educator is the “emotional rewards when you’re able to help a student in need. There’s just so much happiness you get out of this job.” As for the upcoming year, Jacob said, “We have a solid plan as a district and we’re moving forward and I think we’re all working hard to achieve our end goal which is to give the kids the best education this district has to offer.” Jacob’s advice to his students is to work hard. “Hard work can overcome most things in life.” Jacob’s No. 1 hobby is spending time with his kids. As far as what will appear on his music playlist, Jacob said some Alan Jackson, George Strait and some retro-80’s music.

Gallup High School: Tammy Hall Tammy Hall is beginning her first year as principal at Gallup High School. Tammy earned a bachelor’s degree in Special Education/Early Childhood from Ohio University, a master’s in Educational Leadership from Western New Mexico University and an Educational Specialist Degree from Arkansas State University. Tammy began as an elementary special education teacher, transferred to EDC as a Spec Facilitator and eventually worked as an Early Childhood Interventionist and then a Sped Coordinator. Tammy has been an administrator, Early Childhood Director, Elementary Director and Director of Curriculum and Instruction. Most recently, Tammy was an assistant principal at Miyamura High School. “I have had the opportunity to work in many capacities during my 35 years in the district,” Tammy said. “The most rewarding part of any of the positions that I have held is supporting students as they learn new skills and supporting teachers as they grow as professionals in their career.” Tammy’s hobbies including spending time outside and doing DIY projects at home. Tammy’s music playlist includes country and contemporary Christian music. “I have gone through many stages in music genre,” Tammy said.

McKinley Academy: Sharmyn Munoz Sharmyn Munoz is beginning her third year as principal at McKinley Academy. Sharmyn was a business major at the University of Arizona and earned her master’s degree at Western New Mexico. Sharmyn grew up in Thoreau. Sharmyn said she likes “helping students plan their futures.” Sharmyn said she tries to give her students hope, saying “When you’re up against adversity, that makes you stronger. You have to keep your goals in sight. I tell my sons that you have to keep moving forward.” Sharmyn enjoys rodeo, riding horses, fishing, traveling and reading. Her music playlist will have 80’s rock and country.

Miyamura High School: Jack McFarland Jack McFarland is beginning his seventh year as principal at Miyamura High School. Jack attended college at Eastern New Mexico, College of the Southwest and Western New Mexico. Jack has worked as a teacher at Carlsbad Middle School and Gallup High School, assistant principal at Tohatchi High School and assistant principal and head principal at Kennedy Mid School. Jack said he loves “watching students grow in education and as a person.” Jack said he has set up educational teams at his school that he meets with to help problem solve the difficulties of COVID-19. “The teams that are most active this year are our safety and technology teams.” Jack advises his students to “be positive and flexible as things will change very quickly with virtual learning.” He also wants his students to know that “change is inevitable and constant. Working through the challenges this year will help you conquer your fears and capitalize on your strengths.” Jack enjoys golfing and working out. His music playlist includes old rock and a little country.

Navajo Pine High School: Joshua Stepney Joshua is originally from Maryland. He received his bachelor’s in psychology and his master’s in school counseling from Frostburg State University in Maryland. Joshua begins his first year as principal at Navajo Pine High School. This is his fifth year at Navajo Pine High School, the previous four years spent as a school counselor. Joshua calls

previous principal Mary Ann Sherman his mentor, saying she “taught me everything I know.” Joshua said that being able to interact with the students is his favorite aspect about being an educator. As for the advice Joshua would give his students this year in dealing with the changes brought on by the coronavirus pandemic would be to keep “their communication window open, to make sure they continually ask for help.” Joshua says he loves working, but outside of work he enjoys talking to his friends in Maryland, going sight-seeing and listening to music, of which he listens to a mixture of music but “you would definitely find Beyonce because she is my favorite.”

Ramah High School: Lanny Ray Lanny Ray begins his fifth year as principal at Ramah High School. Lanny attended the University of New Mexico and Prescott, where he earned his bachelor’s degree. He earned his master’s degree at Western New Mexico. As for dealing with the challenges of this new year, Ray said, “I can tell you, we as a whole staff and myself we’re going in with a positive attitude. We have snags like everybody else, but I think we’re moving along very well. I just came back from all my classrooms and they’re working as hard as they can. We’re following all our safety protocols. The rooms are set to proper distances, we have marking on the floors. Lanny advises his students to “keep plugging along. They’re struggling with their laptops, struggling with new systems but kids are smart and they’ll probably figure it out before we will. It’s tough on them not being able to be in school. They just need to keep a positive attitude and keep moving forward.” He added, “They’re adaptable, intuitive, they can get through it. They can move on and be better for it. I think this is a good head start on how to take an online college class. I think they’ll be all right.” As for his hobbies, Lanny likes to play a lot of music and is part of ‘Diamondback’ (a local band that plays in the area) and he likes to work on cars. Lanny said his music playlist will have “mainly country. We play country, old country.”

Thoreau High School: Lawrence Sena Lawrence Sena is beginning his fifth year as principal at Thoreau High School. Previously, Lawrence was in Santa Rosa, N.M., where he taught elementary grades 3-5 for four years, middle school social studies 6-8 for four years, high school social studies/athletic director/ transportation director for five years. Lawrence also taught social studies in high school at Tucumcari where he was also a coach in various sports (volleyball, football, baseball, basketball and softball) during those years. “I love that I get the chance to make a difference in people’s lives. Being able to show students that someone cares enough about them to help them succeed,” Lawrence said. As for the challenges posed this year, Lawrence answered, “In order to survive this environment, one must be able to adapt quickly to the changes that are occurring on a daily basis. Understanding that what we planned for today may not even be workable tomorrow.” He added, “Be patient. We will get through this together.” Lawrence earned a BA in elementary education and social studies, Western Governors Master of Science in Curriculum and Instruction and North Central University Education Specialists Degree in Educational Leadership at New Mexico Highlands University. Lawrence enjoys camping, fishing and reading. His music playlist will include “a lot of everything,” including classic rock, current rock, top 40, Latin and country. “It all depends on the mood I am in,” he said.

Tohatchi High School: Kristi Del Curto Kristi Del Curto begins her first year as principal at Tohatchi High School. Kristi, who has been in education for 16 years, comes to Tohatchi from a charter school in Albuquerque, where she was the assistant principal for the last 10 years. “We’re looking at the social and emotional needs of our students,” Kristi responded about the challenges confronting her students this year. “Just helping them all we can.” Kristi added about what she would like her students to take away from this year, “I want them to be successful students in the fact that they overcame the obstacles that COVID-19 is presenting.” Kristi received her master’s degree at Grand Canyon University. As for her hobbies, Kristi said she loves to cricket (cutting out vinyl and making t-shirts and crafts). Kristi loves country music.

Tse’ Yi’ Gai High School: Kelly Morris Kelly Morris has been the principal at Tse’ Yi’ Gai High School since January, 2020. Kelly said her first year at the school has been “going as good as can be.” Kelly said that much time is being spent on students and teachers getting acclimated to on-line learning. As for her advice to her students, Kelly said, “Just take it one day at a time. Just remember it is not going to be like this all year.” Kelly said what she loves about being an educator is “I like helping people learn things they didn’t know. I like being able to teach, be it students, parents or teachers.” Kelly said she hopes her students leave this year learning “perseverance.” Kelly earned two bachelor’s degrees at the University of Colorado, which she attended for five years and earned her master’s degree at Grand Canyon University. Her favorite subject is math and she was a high school math teacher before becoming a principal. Kelly worked at Miyamura High School for seven years, one year at Rio Rancho and one year in Denver, Colorado. Kelly enjoys going to the mountains with her husband (usually riding their quad), watching movies and reading. Her music playlist includes country music, “mostly 90’s country,” she said.

Art123 Gallery

The mission of gallupARTS is to “foster creativity, culture, commerce and quality of life in Gallup and McKinley County through the arts.”

Art123 has done a great job during this coronavirus by establishing a local artists fund. This fund was established to help aid artists during this economic struggle. They have also created Free Family Art Kits to be picked up each month with a new craft and skill to be learned.

The next Free Family Art Kit will be on October 2nd. Make a mask and sculpt a clay monster! October’s Free Family Art Kit: Happy Halloween will be available for pickup on a first-come-first-served basis at ART123 Gallery on Friday, October 2 from 12 – 4pm.

For more information: galluparts.org

Hours: Tuesday-Friday 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm Saturday 12:00 pm to 4:00 pm • 505-488-2136

La Montañita Co-op – Food Market

This is a busy market with a dedicated local following. La Montañita is located at 105 East Coal Avenue and keeps the hours of 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM all seven days of the week. The selection of local and organic foods is very impressive. You will find a friendly staff always ready to help you find what you are looking for and to give advice on their large selection of vitamins. Remember during the COVID-19 pandemic that only four customers are allowed in the market at one time and are required to wear a mask and social distance. This month you are definitely going to want to shop your local Co-op because New Mexico green chile will be arriving.