Gallup Sun ● August 13, 2021

E FRE

VOL 7 | ISSUE 333 | AUGUST 13, 2021

t GMCS Paren ide Gu Information e See Insid

By Beth Blakeman Managing Editor

D

octors at Rehoboth M c K i n l e y Christian Hospital submitted signed

DON’T COMPLAIN, ORGANIZE!

union authorization cards to the National Labor Relations Board as a step toward forming a union in par tnership with the Union of American Physicians and Dentists. The announcement came on Aug.

10.

The UAPD is an affiliate of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees International.

Dr. St ua r t Bu s sey, t he president of UAPD for almost

15 yea r s, sa id a g roup of a b out 2 5 R MC H do c t or s has been talking to UAPD. com via Zoom over the past month.

The physician organizing committee at RMCH issued a

public statement which was reproduced by the UAPD in its Aug. 10 press release.

RMCH | SEE PAGE 7

2

Friday August 13, 2021 • Gallup Sun

NEWS

NEWS

Gallup Sun • Friday August 13, 2021

3

LOCAL NEWS

NEWS

Bearsun charms children on the Navajo reservation TREKS MILES FOR HIS MISSIONS

By Rippy Bryan Williams Guest Submission

B

ea r su n a ka Jes se Larios is a 33-yearold California native who created Bearsun in 2016 with the help of a friend. The costume consists of a huge football shaped head made of durable material. The head has two 10-inch ears with eyebrows, eyes and a nose, but no mouth. Larios states, “Bearsun’s actions are his words.”

The large bear has shown up on social media platforms where he has been spotted on State Road 602 south of Gallup and in and around the Chuska Mountains. He’s been been a topic of discussion in the communities surrounding Gallup the past four weeks.

He entered the Nava jo Reservation just south of Tuba City Ariz. Aug. 3.

Eight-year-old Isaac Ranger from Yah-ta-hey. hugs his five-month-old pot-bellied pig “Sugga” during the Bearsun trek from Yah-ta-hey to Twin Lakes. He said he had followed Bearsun’s journey on his father’s Facebook account. Photo Credit: Courtesy Rippy Bryan Williams Bearsun has also trekked to the Dilkon, Indian Wells, Leupp, Cornfields and Window Rock Ariz. Bearsun is walking from Los Angeles Calif. to New York, which is approximately 2,780 miles.

He is on foot and he is on a mission. He is walking to raise awareness, support and funds

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Bearsun was created in 2016. Here is Jesse Larios dressed in his Bearsun costume.

Photo Credit: Ryan Hudgeons, RAH Photography

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MAYOR SPEEDS UP AT RADAR SIGNS A little-known fact about Mayor Bonaguidi

Eleven-year-old Alexa Harvey from Church Rock, N.M curls up against Bearsun with her dog in her arms.“ I can’t believe one person could bring so many people together,” she said. Photo Credit: Courtesy Rippy Bryan Williams

9

for autism, breast cancer, the disabled, mental health and environmental issues.

On Aug. 8, the community of Yah-ta-hey greeted Bearsun as he arrived at 3:20 pm walking in from Window Rock, Ariz.

Approximately 400 people were in attendance to greet him at that location with signs, drawings and letters. Not only did the children have big smiles upon seeing Bearsun, so did the adults and even the elders.

A line formed for a meet and greet with Bearsun in

Bearsun is joined by admirers and friends on his trek from Yah-ta-hey to Twin Lakes, N.M. Photo Credit: Ryan Hudgeons, RAH Photography

Yah-ta-hey. A tent canopy was set up and a folding chair was provided by one of the locals.

Bearsun sat down on the chair to rest his feet. Infants, children, Navajo nation royalty, and elders stood in line with their phones out ready to get pictures with Bearsun. Children brought out their drawings of Bearsun and he autographed them.

Many on lookers were also

calling Bearsun by his name in Navajo, “Shash Jo’Hanaa’ei.”

Navajo elder teachings are told about how the bear signifies strength.

Many cancer survivors got up close and told Bearsun stories about their fights with cancer. Bearsun sat and met with

BEARSUN | SEE PAGE 8

WHAT’S INSIDE …

MAGIC SOIL DISCOVERED IN PHILIPPINES? Anti-bacterial properties found on Mayon volcano

Friday August 13, 2021 • Gallup Sun

10 12 13 A DIFFERENT KIND OF SAINT Color the Patron Saint of special ed. students, teachers

RYAN REYNOLDS AS A BANK TELLER Crushing on Molotov Girl

A PEEK AT CEREMONIAL There’s still time to see it live

NEWS

NEWS

Gallup Sun • Friday August 13, 2021

5

City council addresses budget adjustments for multiple city projects

By Molly Adamson Sun Correspondent

R

adar signs don’t just cost speeders, they cost the city.

Radar signs that alert drivers to how fast they’re going have been around Gallup

Gallup Sun Publishing, LLC Publisher Babette Herrmann Office Manager Mandy Marks Managing Editor Beth Blakeman Design Vladimir Lotysh Contributing Editor Cody Begaye Correspondents Rick Abasta Molly Adamson Russell Jones Photography Cable Hoover Ana Hudgeons Ryan Hudgeons Knifewing Segura On the Cover: View of Rehoboth McKinley Christian Hospital. Photo Courtesy nmhanet.org

The Gallup Sun, published Fridays, is not responsible or liable for any claims or offerings, nor responsible for availability of products advertised. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited. The Gallup Sun distributes newspapers in McKinley, Cibola and Apache counties.

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since 2016 in an effort to stop speeding. During the Aug. 10 city council meeting, Gallup’s Construction Superintendent Robert Hamblen told the council that the signs need some maintenance, and that the work would cost the city $20,000.

Gallup has 27 radar signs, and Hamblen said they cost about $4,000 apiece. He said that each sign has three batteries, and those cost about $700 each and last about two years.

The LED boards cost about $700 each.

Hamblen explained that there has been a switch to red lithium batteries, which last longer. “[The red lithium batteries] actually handle the winter better … where the older batteries couldn’t handle [ the cold] as

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Friday August 13, 2021 • Gallup Sun

An equipment buy-out is being considered for Gallup’s Fox Run Golf Course. File Photo

well,” Hamblen said.

During his presentation Hamblen brought up the fact that the radar signs can actually store information about how fast a car was going. He said this can be very helpful in the case of a car accident.

Councilor Yogash Kumar, Dist. 3, reminded the council about the speed bumps they had initially placed around the city before the radar signs were installed.

“[It was] really expensive to put those speed bumps in,” Kumar recalled. “I think they were running around $15,000 for the concrete ones.”

Mayor Louis Bonaguidi and Hamblen confirmed that the concrete speed bumps cost about $7,000 each and that the city usually put in two in one place.

Bonaguidi asked Hamblen and the council if the radar signs were slowing traffic,

while also admitting with a laugh that he usually speeds up when he sees the sign flashing.

Hamblen acknowledged that the signs have led to some people trying to increase their speed number.

Before the council unanimously agreed to approve the budget adjustment, Councilor Linda Garcia, Dist. 1, explained why she thought the radar signs are necessary. She also poked fun at the mayor’s comments about his own attitude toward the signs. “[Speeding is] a real problem in the city and especially in the neighborhoods … so it’s a deterrent that we’re trying to put [in] for men like [the mayor] and teenagers,” Garcia said.

SAFETY CONCERNS Hamblen also spoke to the council about emergency concrete repairs that need to be made around the city. He

CITY COUNCIL | SEE PAGE 8

NEWS

RMCH | FROM COVER “We h ave de c ide d t o unionize for one reason: to protect and improve the lives of our patients, without fear of reprisal for speaking up on their behalf.”

The challenges at RMCH are similar to those of many corporate health care workpl a c e s , B u s s e y s a i d . He described it as a transition from doctors in private practice working for themselves, to doctors as employees of big cor porations, without control over the care they provide.

Dr. Mary Poel, a pediatrician at the College Clinic, 2111 College Drive, who is acti ng a s the spokesperson for the core group of RMCH physicians seeking to form a union, expressed concern over changes which occurred since Community Ho s pit a l Cor por a t ion of Plano, Tex. began managing RMCH. “ T he p owe r s t h a t b e should be meeting with the physicians with the different specialties instead of making arbitrary decisions that affect us,” she said. “We have no way to have a ny input into those things.”

Poel said doctors should have more of a say in how clinica l decisions a re reached. She said they are sometimes made based on financial considerations.

“We see it as our responsibility to make it safe in the hospital for patients,” she said.

Poel ment ioned t he importance of being treated by qualified physicians and having enough doctors to cover the community.

W h i le m a ny of t he s e issues have been under discussion, the impetus to form a union reached a critical point when the doctor representing the medical staff on the board was fired. He took his seat as the only doctor on t he boa rd i n Ja nua r y and lasted in that position u nt i l Ju ly. Poel sa id t he doctor was dismissed as a result of disagreements with the administration about patient care.

“That was the stimulus that we as a medical staff needed to do something,” Poel said.

Medical assistants were also let go. Poel said that NEWS

move left her clinic so shortha nded that the sta ff ca n barely keep up.

Another issue the group wa nt s to rev iew is t he upkeep of hospital equipment and supplies.

On one floor the intensive care unit at RMCH relies on a system of bells in order to keep the nurse’s station informed.

Bussey said the standard of care in a hospital is a call system which turns a light on in the nurse’s station. The

bells, he said, can’t be heard above the noise in the ICU. The bells are a for m of cost-cutting, he said.

One of the doctors went online looking for a call system that wasn’t very expensive, Poel said. Asked if it isn’t the hospital’s responsibility to cover such costs, she s a id t h a t s omet i me s doctors have been known to contribute their own money.

At th is time she is not awa re of a ny pla n to purchase a new call system.

W H AT CH A NGES WOULD YOU MAKE? If the union is approved, Poel has a list of issues she would like to see addressed.

The first thing she wants to k now is where the money goes. “ The doctor’s group a s a whole would rea lly like to see the financials of the hospital,” she told the Sun. “Where is the money being spent?”

Doctors want to be part of prioritizing how funds are

disbursed, she ex pla ined.

T h e y w a n t t o fo c u s o n patient safety, services, and having enough doctors available to provide great care for the outpatient clinics and the hospital.

F u r t her more, t he doct or who w a s t er m i n a t e d should come back, unless the administration can give reasons for the firing. Poel

RMCH | SEE PAGE 8

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BEARSUN | FROM PAGE 4 many people.

THE BEARSUN OUTFIT Larios said this isn’t the first Bearsun outfit he has made.

“This is actually a replica of the first Bearsun costume.”

Upon close inspection of the costume, stains, wear, tear and

CITY COUNCIL | FROM PAGE 6 noted that the Public Works Department has been getting numerous complaints about streets and sidewalks buckling throughout the city, and that it is becoming a safety concern for pedestrians and motorists.

He requested $20,000 to fi x the issue.

“We need to get these repa i r s done i n a ti mely

RMCH | FROM PAGE 7 doesn’t believe it had anything to do with clinical care or interactions with peers or patients.

One topic that wa s not

previous repairs are visible.

Bearsun walked the majority of the Navajo reservation in moccasins that were gifted to him upon his arrival there.

Prior to walking into Window Rock, Ariz. the sole of the left moccasin gave out. Which wasn’t new to Bearsun as he walked from Los Angeles to San Francisco in April. It took

Bearsun two weeks to make that journey. Also in 2020 he ran a 26.2-mile marathon in the bear costume.

“My feet are fi ne,” Bearsun said. “Gotta take care of your feet.”

The shoes Bearsun is currently wearing are fairly new.

They are turquoise with light blue, orange-and-black trim.

He switched back to wearing shoes in Window Rock N.M., as he walked the western part of the Navajo reservation in moccasins.

Bearsun walks an average of 30-50 miles a day. He is very open to changes in his travel route as he has run into road closures, muddy roads and various obstacles.

He walked out of Yah-ta-hey going east with an entourage of about 25 people and walked north on U.S. Highway 491.

To learn more about the causes Bearsun is walking for and to donate visit iambearsun.com. Follow his travels on Instagram and Facebook under the name “I am Bearsun.”

manner,” Hamblen commented.

The council una nimously approved the budget adjustment.

GOLF COURSE TO CH A NGE EQU IPMEN T LEASE During the meeting Fox Run Director of Golf Matthew Alcala requested that the council approve the course’s switch from a fair market value lease to a one-dollar buy out lease for its maintenance equipment.

Alcala explained the difference between the two types of leases by comparing the market value lease to a car lease.

He said when someone leases a car, they can only drive it for a certain number of hours and it has to be returned in a certain condition. The dealership or the bank is then able to put a value on that car or in the golf course’s case, the golf equipment once it’s returned.

A dollar buy out is an

agreement with the bank or dealership that lets them know the golf course intends to buy the equipment once the lease is up. With a one dollar buy out lease, the golf course will only need to give the bank a dollar once the equipment’s lease is up and then they will own the machinery at the end of the lease.

Alcala said some of the golf course’s equipment leases are about to expire this year,

and that this new proposal would extend the terms of the remaining equipment. The current lease will end in 2026, and that’s when the city will be able to make the one-dollar purchase.

Alcala stated that changing the lea se ty pe would lower future budgets by about $182,000 in lease payments. The council unanimously approved the lease change.

part of the discussion was s a l a r ie s . B o t h Po e l a nd Rachel F lores, orga nizing director of UA PD, emphasi zed t h at t he Zoom d i s cussions about the desire to for m a u n ion centered around patient care.

Poel said the reason she was chosen to become the spokesperson for the core g roup s eek i ng t o for m a union, wa s because there is a fear of reprisals by the administration.

“A lot of t he you n ger

doctors that are part of this … they don’t want to lose their jobs,” Poel said.

CHC has been asked to recog n ize the new u n ion.

Ca l l s to t he ma nagement compa ny from the Gallup Sun Aug. 11 and 12 received

no response.

The Sun also contacted RMCH Executive Director Ina Burmeister for comment, and was informed that something would be forthcoming.

However, no response was received by press time.

Check out our FREE access community website! www.gallupsun.com 8

Friday August 13, 2021 • Gallup Sun

NEWS

NEWS

HEALTH & ENVIRONMENT

Earthweek: Diary of a Changing World Week ending Friday, August 6, 2021

By Steve Newman

Wild COVID A U.S. su r vey of wild deer in four states found that many of the animals showed signs of being infected with the COVID-19 virus.

The finding suggests that even if the virus is brought under control in the human popu lation, w ild a n ima ls could act as reservoirs for the virus in the future. The U.S. Department of Agriculture says the percentage of deer with antibodies for SARS-CoV-2 ranged from a low of 7 percent in the samples from Illinois to a high of 60 percent in Michigan’s deer. In total, a third of the deer tested positive. None of the infected animals appeared to be ill, and it is not certain how they were exposed. Experts say those wanting to feast on cooked wild game are unlikely to contract COVID-19 from eating infected animals.

Tropical Cyclones Tropical Storm Lupit brought rain to China’s Guangdong a nd F u jia n prov i nces a s Tropical Storm Mirinae threatened Japan.

• Hurricane Hilda churned the eastern Pacific.

Brazilian Snow A w ide swat h of southern Brazil received a blanket of extremely rare snowfall and freezing rain that shocked many residents accustomed to a more temperate climate. “I am 62 years old and had never seen the snow,” truck driver Iodor Goncalves Marques told Globo TV. The Antarctic chill also reached Rio de Janeiro, causing the city’s homeless to

+52° Death Valley, California

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-71 South Pole, Antarctica struggle to keep warm. It also brought freezing temperatures to São Paulo and Minas Gerais states, which are major producers of commodities such as sugar, citrus and coffee.

The last time southern Brazil received significant snowfall was in 1957, when more than 1.2 metres accumulated on the ground in the state of Santa Catarina.

Massive Melt A m idsu m mer heat wave across parts of the northern Atlantic caused enough of Greenland’s ice cap to melt in a single day to submerge the entire state of Florida beneath 5 cm of water. The warmest temperatures on record across the world’s largest island caused a weeklong “massive melting event,” according to Danish researchers. They say the area melting this summer is larger than during the record summer melt of 2019 and is averaging about 8 billion tonnes of loss per day. Greenland’s ice would raise sea levels by 6 to 7 metres if completely melted.

5.1

slopes of the country’s Mayon volcano contain bacterial species that show potential antibiotic and anti-colorectal cancer properties. Kristel Mae Oliveros and colleagues from the University of the Philippines Los Baños say the most promising of 30 bacteria found in the volcanic soil really caught their attention.

“Streptomyces sp. A1-08 stood out because it has shown antagonistic effects on all test microorganisms and the methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus

aureus, or simply MRSA,” they said in a statement. Should the researchers confi rm it to be a new bacterial species, they will rename it Streptomyces mayonensis A1-08, after the volcano.

Climate Perils New st ud ie s f i nd t h at E a r t h will suffer a growing number of devastating floods and deadly heat waves.

Chinese and UK scientists say that unless greenhouse gas emissions are significantly

curbed, wet regions such as the tropics and areas with monsoons will not only get wetter, but they will a lso swing widely between wet a nd d r y. More frequently stalled weather patterns will bring prolonged periods of heavy rain and their resulting flood disasters, such as those this summer in China and Western Europe. The stalled patterns will create more frequent “heat domes,” such as those triggering firestorms in western Nor th America and southeastern Europe this summer.

Earthquakes A strong temblor da maged buildings in northwestern Peru.

• Earth movements were also felt in New Zealand’s lower North Island, eastern Japan, northern Pakistan and eastern Afghanistan, Kuwait, Turkey’s Aegean islands, northeastern Morocco and east-central Wyoming.

Dist. by: Andrews McMeel Syndication ©MMXXI Earth Environment Service

Volcanic Therapy Philippine scientists say they have discovered that the

The soil on the Philippines’ Mayon volcano contains bacteria that scientists say could treat infections and colon cancers. Photo Credit: Legazpi City HEALTH & ENVIRONMENT

Gallup Sun • Friday August 13, 2021

9

COMMUNITY

A saint who was hidden away SAINT JOSEPH OF CUPERTINO, 1603-1663 A.D. Feast Day September 18 Patron Saint of aviators, pilots, flying, studying, special education students and teachers, and those suffering from mental illness

By Sean Wells Contributing artist

A

s a child, Joseph was known to wander about with his mout h agape, gaining a reputation as absent minded, a slow lea r ner, and quick to anger. He wanted to join the Franciscan order. At first rejected, he was later accepted at the Capuchin monastery as a lay brother. He wa s rejected aga in within the year, due to his recurrent visions.

Dur ing this time, he grew a deep humility and gentle manner.

He studied diligently for the priesthood, eventually becoming a fully-ordained priest. He was known to go into regular ecstatic states in which he would r ise off the

ground and f ly, with claims that there were witnesses for over 70 such events. His reputation grew and it was finally decided that he should be hidden away from the public.

M a ny p e o ple j u d ge d S a i nt Joseph, based on how he looked.

They believed he was diminished i n h is abi l it y to ach ieve. T hey did not understand his intellect, his path and passion and that his dedication and perseverance could help him achieve his dreams and overcome obst acles. T he mes sage here is that anyone can have a higher pur pose a nd do great things.

I f you have a specia l needs child, I pray that the spirit of Saint Joseph will f ly over your house and bring a feathered blessing to shower on your child and surround your family with support and love.

P l e a s e e nj oy c o l o r i n g t h e image in honor of Saint Joseph of Cupertino.

Coloring page artist Sean Wells accompanied by her sons from left: Phoenix and Griffin at the Rail Yards Market in Albuquerque in 2017. Photo Credit: Toby Younis

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CHILDREN’S COLORING PAGE: SAINT JOSEPH of CUPERTINO

Please post your finished images on Facebook or Instagram #ColorSeanWells Image and text copyright ©2021 Sean Wells.

Please contact SeanWellsCreates@gmail.com for any commercial use of this image. Thank you!

COMMUNITY

Gallup Sun • Friday August 13, 2021

11

‘Free Guy’ brings a bank teller into a video game

By Glenn Kay For the Sun

RATING:  OUT OF  RUNNING TIME: 115 MINUTES

M

ovies based around video games have a lw ay s b e e n a toug h prospect for filmmakers. Perhaps it’s t he a l rea dy ex a g ger a t e d and artificial nature of the source material, but many adaptations of these properties have had difficulty generating much in the way of tension and excitement. The latest attempt is “Free Guy,” which benefits from being an original tale not based on any preexisting game. It manages to earn a few laughs from its entertaining and charismatic lead, but struggles to build dramatic momentum as it begins jumping in and out of its video game setting.

Guy (Ryan Reynolds) is an upbeat bank teller who lives a predictably routine existence in a colorful city.

Unfortunately for our protagonist, crime is rampant a nd v iolence is genera l ly accepted among the populace. In fact, it is immediately clear that Guy is actually a background character in an

online game. One morning, the hero decides to change and improve his life.

He approaches a woman on the street on whom he has a crush, named Molotov Girl (Jodie Comer). As it turns out, this figure is an avatar of a real person named Millie.

She claims to be one of two programmers who built the online environment before it was taken over by sinister entrepreneur, A ntoine (Taika Waititi). Millie and Guy search for evidence in the artificial world to prove that she and her friend Keys (Joe Keer y) are the actual game designers.

But on the outside, Antoine plots to stop Millie and Keys by shutting down the program and installing an upgraded version that will wipe out all preexisting characters and information.

There’s a lot of potential early on and the film does poke fun at its odd and fabricated world. It is amusing to see these friendly characters deal with horrible things occurring around them with little more than a shrug as they accept their sad position in life. There are some funny bits as Guy attempts to change his life within the game. This results in confusion from other background characters, like friend Buddy (Lil Rel Howery), who doesn’t

Bank teller Guy (Ryan Reynolds) and his crush Molotov Girl (Jodie Comer) back to back as they careen through a world that travels in and out of a video game environment in “Free Guy.” Photo Credit: 20th Century Studios

know how to respond to these new unexpected hiccups in their daily habits.

A nd of cou rse, a s Guy becomes more adventurous and puts himself in danger, he actually develops a following in the real world, with avatars

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of gamers reaching out to make his acquaintance.

Not all of the jokes work, but there are some chuckles as Guy develops his personality and becomes a fuller person. What does hobble the movie are its frequent tr ips outside of the ga me environment, which begin to take over the running time.

The story decides to emphasize and address a romantic subplot between Millie and shy progra m mer Keys, a s well as detail their adversarial relationship with Antoine.

Co-star Waititi does manage to land a few funny comments in his over-the-top part, but the frequent cutaways to the real world generally aren’t as effective and at times even feel jarring.

The unrequited love story doesn’t make an impression and it isn’t long before the likable Guy begins to feel like a secondary character in his own movie.

T h a n k f u l ly, t her e a r e some clever visuals during the climax as pieces of the on li ne env i ron ment a re slowly deleted and Guy is

forced to square off against an appropriately ridiculous online opponent to save his existence and those of the game’s background characters. These scenes are enjoyable and one wishes the film had kept viewers completely contained within the unique, unusual digital world and removed the story’s conventional and predictable elements occurring outside the game.

Reynolds is always fun to watch and his friendly quips make for an entertaining contrast with the surreal chaos occurring around him. It’s just too bad that viewers are often taken out of the fun and jostled between multiple subplots occurring in different worlds. “Free Guy” has a great set-up and certainly possesses some enjoyable moments, but the screenwriters clearly weren’t sure about which characters and elements to focus on. As a result, the story’s more routine elements end up diffusing Guy’s personal journey and make the movie less of a standout than it should have been.

COMMUNITY

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Mike Hyatt, Superintendent mhyatt@gmcs.org Deputy Superintendent Jvanna Hanks II Assistant Superintendent Wade Bell K’Dawn Montano Pauletta White, Ed. D

GMCS Parents, As we reflect back on the 2020-2021 school year, we are amazed at what our school community has been able to accomplish under the most difficult of circumstances. I want to recognize all the stakeholders who were involved in making sure that this past year was as successful as possible. Our students, staff, Board of Education, and other stakeholder’s hard work and dedication made this past school year as successful and safe as possible. Our educational community became problem solvers who quickly adapted to ever-changing circumstances in the service of our students. Thank you for your support and for entrusting us with our most valuable asset – your children.

Now is the time to move forward. On August 18 GMCS will finally be starting the school year with full-time in-person learning five days per week. I believe this will be the first step of returning back to some normalcy for them and their academic growth. We look forward to another successful year and we are looking forward to seeing all of our students back in school.

During this upcoming school year, I wanted to highlight some of the new and continuing things you will be seeing in GMCS as we look towards the future: x x x x x x x

x x

Focus on closing the COVID learning gap Providing additional academic and social-emotional supports to all students Keeping our schools clean and safe Providing a computing device to every student New incentives for staff retention and recruitment Student supply packages proved to all families GMCS is under construction - look for progress as we update and improve school facilities o New Facilities being built: Red Rock Elementary, Tohatchi High School, Navajo Pine High School, Crownpoint High School, Crownpoint Middle School, Gallup High School.

Focus on career readiness for our students by providing employability skills, career exploration, and continued Career Pathway opportunities On-going advocacy to keep the 10’s of millions of dollars acquired already for our students’ education and to fight for even more needed funding

Thank you again for your support of GMCS and for all you do in empowering our children’s future.

Mike Hyatt GMCS Superintendent School Board Members: President Charles Long Vice President Chris Mortensen Secretary Michael Schaaf Member Priscilla Benally Member Kevin Mitchell

640 S. BOARDMAN, GALLUP, NM 87301

2A 2A Friday August 13, 2021 • Gallup Sun

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505-721-1000

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GMCS.ORG

GMCS

PARENT RESOURCE PAGE School Supplies GMCS will be providing all School Supplies to our students-for the full list of the supplies visit our website at www.gmcs.org Breakfast & Lunch Info GMCS will provide free breakfast and lunch to every student within our 32 schools-School menus can be found on our website www.gmcs.org under the parent Tab>Breakfast/Lunch Menus Sports Schedules Sports Schedules can be found on our website www.gmcs.org under the ”About Us Tab” Athletics Bus Barn and Transportation contact information: Crownpoint Bus Barn Gallup Bus Barn Thoreau Bus Barn Tohatchi Bus Barn Transportation Department- Dorie Armenta

(505) 721-1591 (505) 721-2252 (505) 721-4591 (505) 721-4791 (505) 721-1191

Student Counseling The Counseling Department is looking forward to welcoming students back for the 2021-2022 school year. The past year and a half has presented challenges for families and school communities. Both have suffered various degrees of grief and loss due to the Covid 19 pandemic. To better prepare us for this upcoming year, the Counseling Department has planned and conducted trainings and supports for staff and students. Our desire is to support the social-emotional learning of the entire school community.

Our goal is to connect with families to ensure that each student has their basic needs met. That each student who comes to school is physically safe throughout the day. Additionally, that they are known by all their teachers and have a strong sense of belonging at school.

This is a complex task, however, the GMCS Counseling Department and the staff at each school are excited to serve your child and family in this way.

For additional information or support call 505-721-1000.

Keep up with our happenings within GMCS Visit our website often at www.gmcs.org and your schools website.

Follow us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/gallupmckinleycountyschools/ Follow us on Instagram at GMCSNews Look for this logo on your child’s school website and be sure to update your email so you can get Peachjar digital flyers emailed to you.

GMCS

3A Gallup Sun • Friday August 13, 2021 3A

GMCS prepares for another COVID year MASK MANDATE FOR ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS By: Molly Adamson Sun Correspondent

G

allup-McK inley County Schools is get ti ng ready for a no t he r C OV I D school year, and as the first day of school gets closer, the district is waiting on the New Mex ico Public Education Department to provide updates on the mask mandate.

On July 26 the NMPED upd a t e d t hei r COV I D -19 response kit. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention changed its COVID-19 guidelines on July 27 in response to an uptick in COVID-19 cases.

The NMPED has not made any changes to its guidelines as of Aug. 10.

Based on the most recent regulations GMCS will begin the school year with the requirement that anyone in an elementary school must wear

a mask while in the school,on school transportation, or at a school-sponsored event, regardless of their vaccination status.

Middle school and high school students, staff, and volunteers who are fully vaccinated and able to provide documentation of that fact do not have to wear masks indoors. Secondary school students, staff, and volunteers who are not vaccinated or do not show proof of vaccination will be required to wear masks while in school buildings, on school transportation, or at a school-sponsored event.

No one will be required to wear a mask outdoors.

Unvaccinated spectators at indoor school events, such as games or theater performances, will be required to wear masks. They will not need to provide evidence of their vaccination status.

I n a n i nt er v iew w it h the Sun, GMCS Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum/ Instruction Wade Bell said the NMPED could be coming out with new guidelines at any time, and that the district would be ready to respond to any changes that are announced.

But for now, Bell recommends that when it comes to the younger children, parents need to remind them to wash their hands and wear their masks. He did acknowledge that keeping track of safety practices with youngsters can be somewhat challenging.

“It is so hard for a threeyear-old,” Bell said. “Sometimes we just lost. They’re not gonna wear it. You’re not going to win.”

GMCS has partnered with the New Mexico Destination Careers Academy, giving students the option of participating in distance learning. Bell

explained that the Academy hires its own teachers, but even if students study with those teachers, they will still be considered part of the GMCS district.

Bell said the district had been considering an online option even before COVID-19 and the pandemic created a need for it. “[It was] just an option for kids [who] struggle in the classroom,” Bell explained. “That was our initial intent, but then COVID hit.”

Bell said that any parents who have concerns about sending their kids back to school at this time can come to any of the Open House events the district is hosting and learn about all of the precautions the schools are taking, including PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) and disinfectant robots that clean the classrooms at night.

Open House info can

Twin Lakes Elementary School UV disinfectant robot. Photo Credit: Courtesy: GMCS

be found online at https:// www.gmcs.org/apps/news/ article/1467835.

Getting equipped for the new school year Beth Blakeman Managing Editor

C

r ayo n s a n d p e n cils, notebooks and r u ler s — t hey are all supplies needed

for students heading back to school.

While the state offers taxfree days to help cover the cost of some of the necessities, the Gallup McKinley County Schools District provides a

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4A 4A Friday August 13, 2021 • Gallup Sun

little something extra — free supplies in the form of edukits.

Va nes sa Ducket t , who handles web tech/community engagement, for GMCS, says the edukits have been part of the back-to-school picture for four years, beginning in the 2018/2019 school year. The year before that, the district provided all the supplies itself.

In addition to saving parents and guardians money for supplies, GMCS also helps out by providing free breakfast and lunch for students.

The supplies in the edukits are based on grade levels: P r e s c ho ol / K i nd e r g a r t e n , grades 1-2, grades 3-5, grades 6-8, and grades 9-12.

Each year GMCS surveys district teachers to be sure they get the specific supplies they need.

To view the student su p p ly k i t s for 2 0 212022 School Year, visit h t t p s : / / w w w. g m c s . o r g / apps/pages/index. jsp?uREC_ ID=1190632&type= d&pREC_ ID=1978864

This is Miyamura High School Student-Kiara Salazar, at MHS holding an edukit in August 2019. Photo Credit: Courtesy GMCS GMCS

McKinley County Providers for Mental Health Services Gallup Agency Gallup Indian Medical Center Gallup Indian Behavioral Health Services Rehoboth McKinley Christian Hospital Behavioral Health Services Navajo Nation Division of Behavioral and Mental Health Services Western NM Counseling Medical Services Presbyterian Medical Services Our Journey Counseling Services Sexual Assault Services of Northwest New Mexico McKinley County Intensive Outpatient Treatment Program

Phone # 505-722-1000 505-722-1165 (ER) 505-722-1571 505-863-7000 505-726-6910 505-862-7417 505-721-2681 505-409-0726 505-979-4677 505-399-5940 1-866-908-4700 (Hotline) 505-863-3869

Crownpoint Area Agency Crownpoint Behavioral Health New Horizons Crownpoint Service Unit

Phone # 505-786-2111 505-786-5291 Thoreau Area

Agency Presbyterian Medical Services (PMS) Thoreau Community Center

Phone # 505-862-7417 505-862-7590 Fort Defiance Area

Agency Tsehootsoi Medical Center Mental Health Fort Defiance MBMHS Outpatient Treatment Center Navajo Treatment Center Dawn of Recovery

Phone # 928-729-8500 928-729-4012 928-729-4282 928-729-4012

Zuni Area Agency Zuni Mental Health HIS Behavioral Health Services

GMCS

Phone # 505-782-7312

5A Gallup Sun • Friday August 13, 2021 5A

Starting STEM early A NEW STEM PROGRAM COMES TO GMCS MIDDLE SCHOOLS By: Molly Adamson Sun Correspondent

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ore a nd m o r e schools are stepping up their STEM curriculums in order to prepare students for ST EM c a reer fields, and now three of Ga llup -McK inley County Schools District middle schools are doing the same.

Ga llup Middle School, Navajo Middle School, a nd Crow npoi nt Midd le School are introducing a new progra m called Project Lead the Way this school year.

According to Gallup Middle School’s pr incipa l Lindsey Mingus, the program will have two elective courses: Science of Tech nolog y a nd Med ic a l Det ec t ive.

In an interview with the Sun, Mingus said about 120 students are enrolled in the course.

It will last two semesters, w ith the f irst semester being the Science of Technology Course and the second bei ng Med ic a l Detective.

T he Science of Technology por tion of the class will introduce the students to t he ba sics of eng ineering. Mingus said the students w ill learn about the principles of physics and how it works in the rea l world th roug h hands-on instruction.

She explained that the Medical Detective portion of the course will look at anatomy

Gallup Middle School Principal Lindsey Mingus Photo Credit: GMCS and physiology. She stated that students wou ld be le a r n i n g about themselves and how their bodies work.

“I think that it provides real world simulations and activities for the students to experience, so they can see where STEM is in their ever yday lives,” Mingus said.

Mingus explained that the goal of these classes is to help get middle schoolers ready for high school a nd beyond. T hese courses are supposed to encourage students to build employability skills such as working with their peers to complete a project.

In its inauguration ye a r, t he pr og r a m is only available to seventh a nd eighth graders. But Mingus stated that next year they will be offering more classes at the other middle schools, as well as letting sixth graders be a part of the program.

“It’s a n a ma zi ng prog ra m a nd we’re really excited for our students to ex per ience it this year at Gallup Middle School,” Mingus concluded.

GMCS

General audience to weigh in on new GMCS website By: Molly Adamson Sun Correspondent

T

he Gallup-McKinley School Distr ict is updat i ng it s web site to make it more u ser-f r iend ly. Du r i ng t he Aug. 2 school board meeting A s si st a nt Super i ntendent of Curriculum / Instr uction Wade Bell showed the school board what the website will look like.

Assistant Superintendent of Business Services Jvanna Hanks explained why the district needs a new website.

“We find that our website now is not user-friendly enou g h [so] people c a n’t a cces s it qu ick ly,” Ha n k s commented.

The distr ict is working with a design company called Juicebox to build the new website. Bell said the district owns the website’s code, so it won’t owe any annual fees and it won’t cost anything to update it.

GMCS

Presenting the design to the board is part of Phase 3 of the project’s timeline, Bell said. Phase 4 is scheduled to begin in three or four weeks a nd will include getting a general audience to view the website. The audience will include people within the district and will ser ve as a chance to clean up the website. Bell told the board he would make sure they had access to the beta version so they could share their input as well.

Bell said the site would be up and running and ready for the public by December.

The district’s Community Outreach Director Vanessa Duckett will be in charge of updating the site.

Bel l showed t he boa rd what the website would look like on phones, desk tops, and tablets. He then went on to describe the different sections of the site.

There will be a Student/ Parent page that will provide

During the Aug. 2 school board meeting Assistant Superintendent Wade Bell showed the school board what the new website would look like on phones, desktops, and tablets.

Photo Credit: Zoom meeting screenshot

particulars about things like meals. Parents will be able to update their students’ information in this section, and Bell said eventually they will even be able to enroll students completely online. He also mentioned that parents will be able to take surveys that w ill help the distr ict understand their wants and

needs.

The academic section of the website will include curriculum data, the College and Career Readiness program, library services, services for exceptional students, Section 504 — wh ich is desig ned t o pr ov ide e q u a l a cc e s s a nd fa i r ness i n genera l education, as well as New

Mex ico P ubl ic Educat ion Depa r tment A ssessment infor mation. Bell sa id the libra r y ser v ices page will eventually make it possible for students to check out books online.

The athletics page will have spor ts schedules and the events page will house the district calendar along with each school’s specific calendar.

T he web sit e w i l l a l s o allow for easy access to student handbooks and the student behavior policy.

The board’s Vice President Chris Mortensen made one suggestion about engaging students in the website.

“I think we’d be doing a disservice if we weren’t able to get our kids involved in some of this,” he said.

Mor ten sen sug gested h av i n g s ome of t he s t u dents’ artworks and photos appear on the website. Bell said he would look into that possibility.

7A Gallup Sun • Friday August 13, 2021 7A

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8A 8A Friday August 13, 2021 • Gallup Sun

GMCS

Meet our

GMCS Principals ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS Nick Garro – Catherine A Miller Elementary School Tell me about yourself: My name is Nick Garro, and I am the new Principal of Catherine A. Miller. I was born in Kansas City, Missouri, but I grew up in ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ǯȱ ȱ Ĵ ȱ ȱ Elementary, Thoreau Elementary, Stagecoach Elementary, and Kennedy Middle School in my youth.

What are your interests outside of school? I am ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ Ĵ ¢ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ blessed me with two amazing children: Madilynn (7) and Jaxon (9). As a family, we enjoy being in nature and Gallup has the perfect mixture of geological features to keep my eyes shining. In addition to enjoying our beautiful surroundings, we enjoy watching local sports and eating at Don Diego’s.

What is your educational and background? My journey into public education came to realization my senior year of high school when I worked with a student who inspired me to believe that ALL STUDENTS CAN LEARN, some ȱ ě ȱ ȱ ȱ ǯȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ¡ ȱ ¢ȱ with my bachelor’s in special education and later my Master of Arts in Special Education. After working with students with severe exceptionalities, I began work as an Inclusion math and English teacher at Tohatchi High school, Yeigo Yeigo Nashdoitsoh!! While in Tohatchi, I supported students in athletics as Athletic Director for two years, which then inspired me to earn a master’s degree in educational leadership from Western New Mexico University. Later, I had the opportunity to support students in an administrative role at Lincoln and Stagecoach Elementary Schools along with Gallup High school.

What is your Role/Vision? As Principal of Catherine A. Miller, I look forward to meeting you and engaging in the surrounding communities. The students at Catherine A. Miller have welcomed me with warm hearts and smiling eyes, so parents/guardians, thank you for raising such wonderful children. At Catherine A. Miller, we believe every student can be successful with appropriate support, relevant learning, and rigorous classroom studies that prepare our students for the rigor of local, district and state assessments.

Catherine A. Miller Elementary School 505-721-1400

Sasha Blanco – Chee Dodge Elementary School ȱ ȱ ȱ DZȱ ȱ ȱ Ĵ¢ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ Gallup, as I have lived here since I was one year old. I Ĵ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ¢ ȱ volleyball, basketball, cheerleading and softball. When I am not working, I like to hang out with my family and friends, especially my niece and two nephews, as well as playing sports. When I need an escape and some downtime, I enjoy building with Legos, and seeing the result of clicking small and interlocking bricks together.

I like to walk my dog Billy and go on bike rides with my mom.

What made you want to become an educator? Education and school have always been a big part of my life. My mother was a teacher, and I spent a lot of time in her classroom after-hours and on weekends. In high school, I remember volunteering in her classroom one afternoon when the students were doing a cool project called “Pumpkin Math.” Students were busy measuring, ȱ ȱĚ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ǰȱ ȱ ȱ realizing all the math concepts they were working on. That day, I knew I wanted to become a teacher. My senior year in high school, I volunteered and ȱ ȱ ȱ ¢ȱ ȱ ȱę Ȭ ȱ ǯ ȱ ȱ Ĵ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ next four years, I substituted at the schools, and then became an assistant at ȱ ¢ǯȱȱ ¢ȱę ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱś ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ě ȱ Elementary. From there, I obtained my master’s degree at Grand Canyon and went on to be an Instructional Coach, Assistant Principal at Miyamura and now I am the principal at Chee Dodge Elementary.

What interests you? Hobbies-I have a variety of hobbies, I like to listen to all forms of music, my favorites being country and 90’s music. I enjoy ǰȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ¢ȱ Ĵ ȱ ȱ ǯȱȱ DZȱ Ȭ pitch, soccer, swimming, bike riding and walking my dog. Music: Country, 90’s and 2000’s What is your Role/Vision? My role is to create future leaders who will come back to enhance our community and educate the next generation of learners. My community has been good to me, and I feel the responsibility to support it and “give back”. I believe a positive community inspires people and promotes a sense of self-discovery and group connections, encouraging community members to express their beliefs and values to build relations with one another.

Ris Robinson – Crownpoint Elementary School Tell Me About Yourself: I am Riss Robinson. I came to Gallup, New Mexico, by way of my hometown of Reynolds, Georgia. I began my career ten years ago with Dougherty County Public Schools. My wife Dr. Devin Robinson (OB/GYN physician and

ȱ Ĝ Ǽ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ £ ǯȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ǯ ǯȱ degree in History from Albany State University, Master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction from Columbus State University, and a Specialist degree in Curriculum and Education Leadership from Northwest Missouri State University.

What made you want to become an educator? I have been surrounded by education all of my life. Several family members are educators, and there was ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ¢ȱ ¢ǯȱ ¢ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱę ȱ ȱ to tell me that I was going to be an educator. She said I would drag a briefcase around the house, knock on doors and say, “It’s me, Mr. Teacher!”. So, you can ¢ȱ ȱ ¢ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ Ě ȱȃ ¢ȱ ȱ ǯȄȱ ¢ȱ ȱ to study history in college and later teach social studies is profoundly rooted in African American oral tradition. As a child, I was constantly surrounded by generations of wisdom-rich heritage painfully yet carefully cataloged for posterity through broken language, calloused hands, arthritic limbs, and sea-grey ¢ ǯȱ ¢ȱę ȱ ȱ ȱę Ȭ ȱ ǰȱ ǯȱ ȱ ǰȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ follow my “calling.”

What interests you? Hobbies/Activities: Eating and sleeping, community service, cooking, traveling, journaling, junking/thrifting, or anything related to historical research and preservation. Interests: History, Baseball, Tennis, Travel, Storytelling, Theater. Music: Traditional Gospel, R&B, Neo Soul, Pop Country, Blues, Juke Joint Soul, Jazz, Hip Hop What is your Role/Vision? To provide GMCS students and communities equitable and sustainable learning opportunities through deliberate, consistent, and structured academic and social interactions.

Crownpoint Elementary School 505-721-1500

Amanda Clawson – David Skeet Elementary School Tell me about yourself: I was born and raised in northern New Mexico. I am the second of 4 children.

I began my teaching career in the Espanola Public School District, and this will be my twelfth year in the Gallup McKinley School District (GMCS). I have ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ě ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ time including as a teacher, an Instructional Coach, an SLI, and as a principal. My husband Sean and I live on his family ranch near El Morro where he was raised. We enjoy the quiet and beauty of the area and understand the challenges of muddy roads.

Education: Kindergarten-12th grade: Pojoaque Valley Schools, 1998 ȱ ę DZȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ¢ǰȱŘŖŖŗ BS: Brigham Young University, 2005 ȱ ę DZȱ ȱ ȱ ¡ ȱ ǰȱŘŖŖş MS Ed. Leadership: Western Governor’s University, 2020 What made you want to become an educator? I have always been passionate about supporting children and families. Through various experiences, I learned that I could have the greatest positive impact on children and families by ensuring that they have the best education possible.

What interests you? I usually have a couple of books I’m reading and at least one audio book I’m listening to, movies – mostly old Hollywood classics and rom coms. I love spending time with my family. Road trips with my hubby, visiting museums or historical sites. I have a very eclectic music taste. Depends on my mood.

What is your Role/Vision? My vision is to provide the best education to students so that they have opportunities and choices in life. My philosophy on education is that we do our best to give students the tools they need to be successful in life. We make decisions based on what is best for students. We, as parents and educators, have the most important jobs in the world. Our impact ȱ Ě ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ę ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ educating students. Now, more than ever, we are faced with unique challenges. ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ¢ ǰȱ ¢ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱę ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ of hope and excitement for what we can contribute to the future through our work at David Skeet Elementary, with our students, community, and families.

David Skeet Elementary School Phone (505) 721-1700

Chee Dodge Elementary School 505-721-1300

GMCS

9A Gallup Sun • Friday August 13, 2021 9A

Richy Ferguson – Del Norte Elementary School Tell me About Yourself: I have worked for GMCS ȱŗşşŚȱǻŘŝȱ¢ Ǽǰȱę ȱ¢ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ teacher and this will be my twenty-second year as an administrator. I have been married to my beautiful wife for 31 years. I have four (4) wonderful children and a great son-in-law. The last member of the family is our dog (Lilly) and I really do not know if she belongs to us or we belong to her.

What made you want to become an educator? I was working at Gallup Lumber and spent my lunch hours volunteering in my wife’s classroom. I really enjoyed being in the classroom working with students. I started taking education classes at UNM-Gallup and earned my under-graduate degree in education from UNM. My master’s degree in administration is from Western New Mexico University (WNMU).

What interests you? Hobbies: I enjoy spending time working on my 1972 Volkswagen Beetle. I love the challenge of keeping a 49-year-old vehicle ǯ ȱ DZȱ Ĵ ȱ ¢ȱ¢ ȱ Ȃ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ

ȱ ȱ ȱ ǯȱ ȱ Ĵ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ¢ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ Ĵ ȱ ǯȱ DZȱ ȱǻ ȱ ȱ ȱ ¢ Ǽȱ What is your Role/Vision? Del Norte will be a stable, safe, inclusive ȱ ȱ ěȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ process so that students will be able to build the skills they need to be successful in life.

Del Norte Elementary School 505-721-5200

Daryl Antone – Indian Hills Elementary School Tell me About Yourself: I grew up in Gallup. I went to school and graduated from GMCS. I am the principal of Indian Hills Elementary.

Education: What made you want to become an educator? I have a Master of Education from Grand Canyon University. Having the ability to make a real ě ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ǯȱ ȱ ¢ȱ ȱ¢ ȱ work with students, you have the potential to make a lasting impression.

What interests you? Hobbies: I like to camp, hunt, ȱę ǯȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ¢ǯȱȱ DZȱ ¢ȱ watching my daughter play college basketball. Music: All music is good.

What is your Role/Vision? To have each student be a lifelong learner who contributes to an ever changing and increasingly diverse world. To have ¢ȱ ěȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ Ȭ ǰȱ ȱ ¢ǰȱ ȱ £ ȱ ȱ ě ¢ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ǯ

Indian Hills Elementary School 505-721-2900

ȱ £ȱȮȱ ě ȱ ¢ȱ ȱ Tell me about yourself: I was born and raised in Gallup. I am a wife and mother of three boys. My family is my world. I have worked at GMCS as a teacher and in administration for 11 years.

Education: I graduated from Gallup High School. I earned my bachelor’s degree in Music Education from Eastern New Mexico University. I earned my master’s degree in Educational Administration from Grand Canyon University.

What made you want to become and educator? I became an educator because I wanted to share my passion for music and open the door to creative opportunities for students. I moved into administration to have more of an impact on student’s academic growth and success.

What interests you? I enjoy my work and watching students grow. I have learned to focus my mind on what is best for students. I enjoy spending time with family and staying busy within the community. I am a part of the GMCS Teachers Ensemble.

What is your Role/Vision? My role is to create a culture of learning in our school. I support the growth of teachers that will positively grow student academics. My ultimate goal is to create successful contributing members of our community.

ě ȱ ¢ȱ ȱ 505-721-3000

Edgardo Castro – Lincoln Elementary School Tell me about yourself: I am originally from the Philippines. I have been with GMCS for the past 6 years. I started as the principal of Juan de Onate Elementary School in 2016. When Onate merged with Washington Elementary and became Del Norte Elementary School, I became the principal of the new combined school. In 2017 I became the principal of Roosevelt Elementary School. I found myself again in the same position when Roosevelt combined with Lincoln elementary School, and I became principal of that new merger.

What made you become an educator? I was inspired by a family

10A Friday August 13, 2021 • Gallup Sun 10A

member back home in the Philippines. He was a teacher for 42 years and showed me how education can change lives. Education is the 1st step to any profession and in my opinion, it is the most amazing profession. I believe that every day is a new opportunity for learning.

What interests you? Currently I am working on my Ph.D. I enjoy reading and writing, but right now I am busy working on my dissertation. I believe that it is important to balance everything out by taking care of yourself. I ¢ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ Ȭ Ě ǯȱȱ What is your Role/Vision? My goal is to help the students to become more ę ȱ ǯȱȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ¡ȱ ȱ none of us learn the same. Some of our students are met with language barriers.

I can relate! For those students I believe visualization is the best approach.

Lincoln Elementary School 505-721-3400

Ĵ¢ȱ ȱȮȱ ȱ ¢ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ DZȱ ¢ȱ ȱ ȱ Ĵ¢ȱ ǯ ȱ ȱ have been in education for 10 years. I moved here from Louisiana where I grew up. I have taught high school Social Studies and ELA at the prison in Milan. I was an IC for two years and an SLI for 1. I am currently the Principal at Navajo Elementary. I have been married for 32 years and have three daughters. I enjoy taking a yearly vacation with my husband, grown children and spouses and grandchildren. We try to go to new places and have new experiences every year.

Your Education: I have a bachelor’s from Louisiana State University in Shreveport, A Masters in Curriculum and Instruction from University of Phoenix and completed my additional Leadership courses through a program at University of New Mexico.

What made you want to become and educator? I always knew I would eventually like to teach. However, I chose to raise most of my children ę ǯ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱşŗŗȱ ȱ ǰȱ ȱ ǰȱ Carhop and Transcription Coordinator. Having these careers and raising my children made me realize I ¢ȱ ȱ ȱę ȱ ¢ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ Education which is what I really wanted to do.

What interests you? I enjoy traveling and spending time with my family.

What is your Role/Vision? I believe my role is to create a safe and positive environment for our students to learn. I need to ensure the teachers and students have what is necessary for them to be successful in their role. I need to be visible and actively engaged in all activities at the school.

Navajo Elementary School 505-721-3500

Oscar Ontiveros - Ramah Elementary School

Tell me about yourself: I began my career in El Paso, Texas.

I hold a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from the University of Texas at El Paso and a master’s degree in Pk-12 Mid-Management Administration from Sul Ross State University. My professional experience in education consists of 5 years teaching and 31 years in public school administration.

What is your educational and background? To my surprise, becoming an educator has been the hardest, thankless job I ever ended up loving. I am grateful for the turn of events that led me to become an educator, otherwise I would not have found my calling. School was not as easy for me because ȱ ȱ ȱ ¢ȱę ȱ ǯȱ ¢ȱ ȱ ¢ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ understand what was being taught. My teachers fostered within me a desire to learn, challenge myself and explore. I wanted to share that same experience with others. As a student, I always dreamed about becoming a teacher because my teachers were always encouraging, and they were able to make learning so much ǯȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ¢ǰȱ ǰȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ Ĵ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ Principal and Principal. I have held District leadership positions as a Director, Coordinating Migrant Education, Bilingual Education, Special Programs and Even Start Family Literacy Programs. My professional experience includes working with the U.S. Department of Education validating national benchmarks for schools that were published in areas such as The Concept of a Learning Centered School, Challenging Standards and Curriculum, The Classroom Common Core, and Expectations for Schools, Families and Communities. ȱ ȱ ¡ȱ¢ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ Ĝ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ¢ȱ ȱ ě ȱ ȱ ¡ȱ¢ ȱ ȱ ȱ Ĝ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ and Improvement.

What are your interests outside of school? I was an avid tennis player in my youth, and I played in the Junior Davis Cup. While playing tennis for Midland Junior College I became a national champion and was named an AllAmerican. Since my parents were both expert geologists, I continue to enjoy collecting museum quality mineral specimens from all over the world.

What Role/Vision do you see for yourself as principal of Ramah ¢DZȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ę ȱ ¢ȱ ȱ ȱ ǯ ȱ ȱ ěȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ¢ ǰȱ ȱ ǰȱ

GMCS

communication, and a wide range of thinking skills to encourage deep understanding and knowledge. The song “You will be Found” from the musical Dear Evan Hansen is a reminder to me that the most important part of my job is to make sure that my students are heard and that they all get the help they need.

Ramah Elementary School 505-721-3700

Eva Prieto – Red Rock Elementary School Tell me About Yourself: I am honored to have the opportunity to lead a school alongside Red Rock ¢ȱ Ȃ ȱ £ ȱ ěǷȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ Ĵ ȱ ȱ ȱę ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱę ȱ¢ ǯȱ During this time, I have had the privilege to teach and work with a variety of students from preschool all the way to graduate school.

What made you want to become and educator? ȱ Ĵ ȱ ȱ ¢ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ for undergraduate and both WNMU and UNM for graduate school. I have a master’s degree in Special Education and a master’s degree in Business Administration. I am also a National Ȭ ę ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ¡ ȱ ȱ ǯȱȱ What interests you? Hobbies: Reading, hiking, and performing arts! Activities: Performing Arts Music: I love music! I am currently listening to Vesna by DakhaBrakha.

What is your Role/Vision? I appreciate the opportunity to share your child’s educational experience with you and I look forward to collaborating with ¢ ȱ ȱ ȱ ¢ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ǯȱ ȱ ȱ Ĵ ȱ ȱ ȱ our school community in our shared vision where all stakeholders work towards academic excellence and student achievement. I ȱ Ĵ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ěȱ ȱ ȱ ǯȱȱ

Red Rock Elementary School 505-721-3900

Neil Tulabing – Stagecoach Elementary School Tell me about yourself: My name is Neil Tulabing and I am 31 years old. I am originally from the Philippines. I started teaching Math at GMCS in 2015.

All my background education is in secondary education.

I have spent time teaching math in both high school and 3 years with Thoreau Middle School. This will be my third year as a principal. This next year I will be the new principal of Stagecoach Elementary.

What made you want to become an educator? I started teaching when I was 19. I got my master’s degree in 2015.

What interests you? I love cooking and ǯȱȱ ¢ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ¢ȱ ě ȱ restaurants and new cuisine so that we can try making it at home.

What is your Role/Vision? “I would like ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ¢ȱ ȱ ȱ ěȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ help out each other in a collaborate way in helping all the students achieve their dreams”.

Stagecoach Elementary School 505-721-4300

Dr. Michelle Galaviz – Thoreau Elementary School Tell me about yourself: Ya’at’eeh, shi k’ei doó shi diné’e. Shí éí Dr. Michelle Galaviz yinishye, Tsi’naajinii Ù ǰȱ à Ȃ £ ǰȱ ¤ȱ Ç ÇÇ ǯȱ ·Ú Ç ÇȂ·Çȱ ǯȱ ¢ Ȃ¤ Ȃ·Çȱ ¤ Çǯȱ ȱ ȱ colleagues, friends, families, and community members.

I am a member of the Navajo Tribe. My maternal clan is Black Streak Wood People Clan (Tsi’naajinii). My ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱǻ à Ȃ £ Ǽǯȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ¢ ǯȱ ¢ȱ ȱ ȱ Ĵ ȱ ȱ schools. I am married to my wonderful and amazing ǯȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ¡ ȱ ȱ ȱ Ĵ ȱ all GMCS schools. I have lived in the Gallup area since I was in elementary school. I continue to work for our community and help in our schools.

What is your educational background? I graduated from Gallup High School. I earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Early Childhood Education from ȱ ¢ȱ ȱ ȱ ¡ ǯȱ ǰȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ¢ȱę ȱ master’s degree in Counseling from Western New Mexico State University. After, ȱ Ĵ ȱ ȱ ȱ ¡ ȱ ¢ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ¢ȱ ȱ Ȃ ȱ degree in Educational Leadership and Administration. Then, I was accepted into the Educational Leadership Doctoral Program at New Mexico State University in Las Cruces, New Mexico. I earned my Doctorate Degree in Educational

GMCS

ȱ ȱ ǯȱ ȱ ȱ Ĵ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ the past 20 years.

What made you want to become and educator? I became an educator to help inspire other students to set high goals and let them know that nothing ȱ ǯȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ Ĵ ǰȱ ¢ȱ ǰȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ǰȱ and let nothing stop you. Education is important and it plays a huge role in my journey. I have always been encouraged by my grandparents, parents, and family members to achieve as much as I could in education. I hope I can inspire others to achieve their highest ability.

What are your interests? Outside of school I love to read and watch movies. I ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ¢ȱ ȱ ȱ ě ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ groups. I like to listen to all types of music; what keeps me positive and happy.

What Role/Vision do you see for yourself as principal of Thoreau Elementary: My role and vision are to inspire others. I want students to know that just because you come from a small community does not mean you cannot ȱ ȱ ě ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ǯȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ whatever their past is or whatever the trends have shown, they are not their past and they are not whatever the trends show. I want students to know they are masterpieces, and they can write their own destinies and achieve more than they ever thought they could.

Thoreau Elementary School 505-721-4400

Robin Holder – Tohatchi Elementary School Tell me About Yourself: I have been married for 40 years. We have one son, one daughter, and 4 grandsons of whom we are very proud. They bring joy to our lives.

What made you want to become and educator? I always wanted to teach. I never wanted to do anything else. I taught high school Math in Georgia before moving to Gallup 16 years ago. I began teaching at Gallup High School in 2005, became an Instructional Coach for GMCS in 2009, and became an Administrator in 2017. I love learning and working with teachers, but ¢ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ǯ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ¢ȱ ¢ȱ ȱ Ĵ ȱ to spend time in classrooms with children and hearing them tell me about what they are learning.

What interests you? Hobbies: Reading, cooking. Activities: Camping, walking early in the morning, spending time with friends and family. Music: 70’s Rock and Roll, Country What is your Role/Vision? My role is to ensure that all decisions and actions at Tohatchi Elementary School are made by answering the question, “What is best for the students?”

Tohatchi Elementary School 505-721-4700

Noel Thomas – Turpen Elementary School Tell me About Yourself: Noel Thomas born and raised in Gallup NM. I have had the opportunity ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ě ȱ ¢ȱ ȱ ȱ ě ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ǯȱ ȱ ȱ ¢ȱ married to my husband Trevor, we have 3 kids Lexi in 8th grade, MelaRay in 7th grade and Cole our ninemonth-old son. I have three brothers and a big family that I love spending time with. I am blessed with amazing parents that have been supportive of all of my endeavors in life.

Education: I have my bachelors in elementary education from the University of New Mexico, and my master’s in educational leadership from Western New Mexico University.

What made you want to become and educator? I made the decision to go into ȱ ȱ ȱ Ě ȱ ȱ Ȃȱ ǯȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ¢ȱ love for learning. I had great educators growing up and I want to be able to share and give back to the community.

What interests you? I enjoy reading, watching baseball, outdoor ȱ ȱ ȱ ǰȱę ǰȱ ǰȱ ȱ ǯȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ trips to relax and refresh with my family. More recently my family has been enjoying “Escape Rooms” to work together to try to escape in one hour by solving unique and challenging problems. Any other time is spent with my family helping and participating in their activities.

What is your Role/Vision? My vision as a new principal at Tobe Turpen ¢ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ¢ȱ ěȱ ȱ ¢ȱ ȱ ě ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ possible to our 400 students.

“WORK HARD, GO FAR, ALWAYS REMEMBER WHO YOU ARE! Hooowwwlll!”

Tobe Turpen Elementary 505-721-5000

Elna Go – Twin Lakes Elementary School Tell me about yourself: Life is wonderful and full of surprises. Always radiate kindness, warmth and positivity wherever you go and whatever you do.

My name is Elna DelaCruz Go. I have been in this teaching profession for quite a while. I graduated from the University of the Philippines. Diliman, Quezon City for my bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education and obtained my master’s degree in

Meet our GMCS Principals

11A Gallup Sun • Friday August 13, 2021 11A

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_______________________________

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August 18 First Day For Students ____________________________ September 6 Labor Day September 13 P/T Conference ____________________________ October 11 Indigenous Day October 7 End Of Q1 October 8 & 11 Fall Break October 14 Early Release October 31 Halloween ____________________________ November 11 Veterans Day November 22-26 Thanksgiving Break November 25 Thanksgiving Day ____________________________ December 17 End Of Semester 1 December 20-24 Winter Break December 27-31 Winter Break December 25 Christmas Day

January 3 Students Return January 6 Early Release January 17 M.L. King Day ___________________________ February 7 P/T Conference February 21 Presidents’ Day ___________________________ March 11 End Of Q3 March 14-18 Spring Break March 24 Early Release ___________________________ April 15 Good Friday April 17 Easter Sunday/ April 18 No School April 25 Navajo Sovereignty ___________________________ May 30 Memorial Day May 31 Last Day Of School ___________________________ June 17 Juneteenth Observed ___________________________ Every Friday is Early Release.

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FREE 10-Week program!

A great opportunity to obtain an entry level career in the trades with great earnings & advancement potential.

Don’t let this opportunity pass by. **Only serious individuals need apply** www.GallupEDC.com/WORKFORCE Brought to you by Greater Gallup EDC, Southwest Indian Foundation, & NM DWS

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Educational Administration back then. I am a mother of 3 and a grandmother of 4.

What made you want to become an educator? It was my mother who was my second-grade teacher who inspired me to become a teacher. I saw her passion and dedication to teaching. I started teaching in the Philippines where I became a principal as well. I taught in Chicago for 11 years upon my arrival to the United States. My family moved to New Mexico, where GMCS became my ę ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ǯȱȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ and administrator because I was awarded as an Exemplary Teacher for two years at Red Rock Elementary School while teaching fourth grade. I moved to Kennedy Middle School where I was a performing Instructional coach under the Achieve-Excellence Program by our district. After that I became a School Leader Intern at Turpen Elementary School before I was hired as the school principal of Twin Lakes Elementary School.

What interests you? I love to Travel with my family. I like watching movies with my husband. Keeping the house organized with seasonal themes is my stress reliever. Top of the world, You, Close to You or any songs by the Carpenters are my favorite. I also enjoy inspirational music.

What is your role or vision? As an educational leader, I would like to empower my students to be successful, responsible and respectful citizens in a multicultural environment. I want them to proudly say to everybody that I ę ȱ ¢ȱ ¢ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ¢ȱ ǯȱȱ ȱ ȱ ¢ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ěȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ǯȱȱȱ Since my last name is Go... I would say Go, Go, Go Twin Lakes Eagles. Soar High!

Twin Lakes Elementary School 505-721-5100

MIDDLE SCHOOLS Randy Crisler – Chief Manuelito Middle School Tell me About Yourself: I grew up in Elko Nevada, a small town in north-eastern Nevada. I have traveled and lived in the Philippines, Egypt, and the United Arab Emirates. My undergraduate is from the University of Arizona in Tucson and my graduate school was the University of Idaho. I started my career as a teacher 16 years ago at Gallup Junior High as a 9th grade Social Studies teacher. After 3 years in Gallup, I moved to Idaho and taught there in a middle school until I became a principal. After several years in Idaho a family friend invited us to come back to Gallup and our family has been back for almost 5 years—4 of those years as a principal at Indian Hills Elementary. My wife and I have 3 children and our youngest who was born in Gallup is a sophomore at McKinley Academy.

What made you want to become an educator? I have always wanted to become a teacher since I was in elementary school. The only time this changed was after September 11th, 2001, when I thought I would go into the military or work for the government; however, after much consideration and prayer I decided to stay with teaching. As a teacher I loved to see the growth my students were making in the classroom. And as principal I now get to see this growth in the whole school.

What interests you? Hobbies: I do not really have any hobbies. I like to try to learn new things and my most recent “hobby” is to learn how to smoke meat for a BBQ. Activities: I love to Golf, go camping, travel, and participate in water activities. Music: 1970-1980s Rock What is your Role/Vision? As a principal my key role is to help students achieve greatness and to have a quality educational experience. I believe that anytime a student can perform, compete, demonstrate, or present in front of others…. This is the best kind of education experience for students.

Chief Manuelito Middle School 505-721-5600

Dr. Kay Morris – Crownpoint Middle School Tell me about Yourself: I have been in education for ȱ ¢Ȭę ȱ¢ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ in the capacity of teacher, teacher mentor, instructional coach, educational consultant, K-12 administrator and researcher. I have had the privilege of working with students of all ethnicities and cultures in various states.

Education: What made you become an educator?

My educational background includes Doctor of Philosophy in Education with an emphasis on Educational Administration and Leadership. The focus of my research was on Small Class Size and its Impact on Students Learning. I also hold a master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction and a bachelor’s degree in Liberal Arts with a focus in Political Science. I went into education for several reasons but most importantly to Ě ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ¢ǯȱȱ What is your Role/Vision? My role as a principal for Crownpoint Middle School is not only to lead but to also focus on quality of teaching and learning that will be evident in the classroom and to collaborate on cultivating a culture that focuses on quality and equity.

Crownpoint Middle School 505-721-5400

Lindsey Mingus – Gallup Middle School Tell me About Yourself: I am so happy to be a Gallup Mid Mustang. 7 of my 8 years with GMCS have been spent at Gallup Mid and they have been wonderful years. I enjoy spending time with my family ȱ ȱ ȱ ¢ȱ ȱ Ĵ ȱ ¢ ǯ ȱ ȱ ȱ ¢ȱ from Ohio and love to get back when I can.

What made you want to become an educator? I went to Ashland University in Ashland, Ohio for undergrad where I have a degree in Middle Grades Education. I have a Master’s in Ed Leadership from UNM - Go Lobos! I went into Education because I love learning and the empowerment that education provides to people. I wanted to share the love of learning to students and share the gift of lifelong learning with them. ȱ ȱ¢ ǵȱȱ ȱ ¢ȱ Ĵ ȱ ȱ ǯȱȱ ȱ ȱ ¢ ȱ ȱ my Cricut machine and listening to 90s Music What is your Role/Vision? All students have the capacity and ability to learn. It ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱę ȱ ȱ how they learn best.

Gallup Middle School 505-721-2700

Jessica Landavazo Guillen – John F. Kennedy Middle School Tell me about yourself: I am Jessica Landavazo Guillen. I am the new principal of John F. Kennedy Middle School. My husband, Mike, and I have 5 DZȱ ǰȱ Ĵ ǰȱ Adam Guillen, and Dillon and Madison Landavazo.

What interests you? I enjoy baseball, softball, coaching, traveling, and spending time with her family and friends.

Education: What made you become an educator? I graduated from Robert E. Lee High ȱ ȱ ǰȱ ȱ ȱ Ĵ ȱ £ ȱ State University where I earned a Bachelor of Arts in Education with an endorsement in K-12 Physical Education. I began my career teaching physical education at Lincoln Elementary 15 years. I then went on to earn a Master of Education in Educational Administration from Grand Canyon University. I became the Dean of Students for one year followed ¢ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ě ȱ Elementary for another 6 years. I grew up in the classroom. My mother was a Kindergarten teacher. ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ěǯȱ ȱ students are capable of learning, and all students, ȱ Ĵ ȱ ȱ ǰȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ cares about them.

What is your role or vision? My vision is for students and teachers to build a strong, positive, and professional school climate and culture that will foster student success. I believe that all the knowledge in the world cannot make a good leader. It is the care for the work and the ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ě ǯȱȱ

John F. Kennedy Middle School 505-721-3100

Jodi Alexander – Navajo Middle School Tell me About Yourself: My name is Jody Alexander.

I am new to New Mexico (and loving it) from Florida and entering my 27th year in education. I was a high school band director for 17 years, a vocational teacher ȱę ǰȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ Coordinator, Dean, and Assistant Principal. As well as being an educator, I played French horn professionally in orchestras, theaters, and churches and raced bicycles for fun. I enjoy being around and working with all kinds of animals.

What Wh hatt made mad ade de you yo ou want to become an educator? As a student, my favorite classes were Band and PE. I studied music education to become a high school band director so students who were not necessarily that great in academic classes could feel the same success I did in school and learn the ability to create beauty with music.

What interests you? I enjoy cycling, hiking, most outdoors activities except water activities because in Florida everything in the water wants to either sting you or eat you. I enjoy doing the work in education! I like Neo-Classical and country music What is your Role/Vision? My vision is that all students have the ability to be successful in life, whether it be academic or vocational. My role is to ȱ ȱ ȱ ěȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱę ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ǯ As principal, I am also instrumental in guiding our students to become their best selves, whatever that might be.

Navajo Middle School 505-721-5300

14A Friday August 13, 2021 • Gallup Sun 14A

GMCS

Nadine Gonzalez – Thoreau Middle School Tell me about yourself: I am Nadine Gonzales, and I am from the neighboring community of Grants. I am the mother of two adult children, ages 20 and 23. I am very connected to both the Grants community and the McKinley County community. I live in Grants, and I raised my family here. I came to school in Gallup and earned my bachelor’s degree from UNM Gallup.

I have been in education since 2002 and I have taught Kindergarten, 6th grade, 7th grade and ELA (English Language Arts). I have nearly 20 years of educational experience as well as two years of that as a school principal in the Grants School District. Last year I taught ELA at Thoreau Middle School, and I am truly excited about my new role as principal.

What made you become an educator? I decided in the 8th grade that ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ǯȱ ȱ ȱ ¢ȱ ȱ ȱ ¢ȱ Ě ȱ ¢ȱ interest in education. I graduated high school in 1996, received my bachelors from UNM and my MA from Grand Canyon University in 2015.

What is your Role/Vision? Mid School is already a really unique ¡ ǯȱȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ¢ȱ Ě ȱ ¢ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ the people in their lives. We as educators are also in a unique position to be a ȱ Ě ȱ ȱ ȱ ǯȱȱ ¢ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ¢ ȱ ȱȬȱ ěǰȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ¢ǯȱȱ ȱ ǰȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ important that we as a school and community are all in the trenches together.

Collaboration is the key to success and overcoming obstacles.

Thoreau Middle School 505-721-4900

Lucinda Bitsoi – Tohatchi Middle School Tell me about yourself: Ya’at’eeh (hello) my name is Lucinda Bitsoi, I am haltsooi, (meadow people, born for Naneesht’eezhi Tachinii (red running into the water) My maternal grandfathers are Kinyaa’aanii (towering house) my paternal grandfathers are Ashiihi (salt people) I am from ȱ ¢ȱ ȱ Ĵ ǰȱ ȱ Mexico. I am married and have 3 grown children and one grandson. I am an alumnus of Tohatchi high school.

What made you want to become an educator? When I was in high school, I really did not know what I wanted to do as far as a career, ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ Ĵ ȱ ǰȱ ȱ ¢ȱ knowing what I wanted to do. I started a job with the community pre-school, where I enjoyed learning new skills and working with the children, I then worked at the high school as an assistant with special needs students, where I decided that I would like to become a teacher, I have been teaching high school students for the past 20 years as a Navajo Language & culture teacher. Teaching is very rewarding in various ways, I enjoy working with students, seeing students learn and become motivated about learning, seeing the impact and rewards of being in education has made me the educator I am today. Inspiring students to be the best they ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ¢ȱ ȱ ȱ ǯȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱę ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ǰȱ ȱ ǰȱ ȱ ěǰȱ and the parents of the community.

What interests you? I enjoy sewing and traveling (when we can). I enjoy evening walks, being with family, friends and my pet puppies. I enjoy all types of music, country and love 70’s music.

What is your Role/Vision? I am excited for the 2021-22 school year, as principal of Tohatchi middle school. I look forward to working with the communities ȱ ǰȱ Ĵ ǰȱ ¡ ȱ ǰȱ ¢ ȱ ¢ ȱ ȱ ȱ ǯȱ ȱ would like to lead and allow our students to reach their potential and allow for ¢ȱ ȱ Ĵ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ǯȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ students in all areas of learning in Math, English, Science, Social Studies, the elective classes, and incorporating technology and cultural relevancy, “Together Molding Scholars” is our vision for our students. “Naasji’ niha’alchini ba adeet’i, nizhonigo idaholaah dooleel (we will move forward to work for our children so that they may learn in a beautiful way)

Tohatchi Middle School 505-721-4900

HIGH SCHOOLS Ĵ ¢ȱ ȱȮȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ Tell me about yourself: I am a wife and mom to two energetic, fun, and sweet kids. As a child, I grew up ȱ ǰȱ ȱ ȱ Ĵ ȱ ȱ ȱ ǰȱ ǯȱ ȱ played volleyball and track and eventually received a scholarship to play volleyball in college. I loved living in the country and learning hard work. My family,

GMCS

including my 92- and 93-year-old grandparents, still live on our family’s land and continue to haul their own water, chop their own wood, care for the land ǻ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱę Ǽȱ ȱ £ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ǯȱ ¢ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ his own the house my sister and I grew up in. I have a lot of pride and passion for growing up in the country and bringing that understanding to the beautiful community of Crownpoint.

What made you want to become an educator? I am a proud alumnus from Eastern New Mexico University. Go Greyhounds!! I graduated from ENMU with my bachelor’s in biology and received my master’s in educational leadership.

What interests you? My main interests are being outdoors and spending time with my family. We enjoy skiing, hiking, and camping every year. I love ȱ ȱ Ĵ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ǯ What Role/Vision? As the principal at Crownpoint High School my vision is to bring rigor and opportunities to Crownpoint students that will propel their futures and prepare them for the career they choose. I plan on accomplishing this by capitalizing on our 6 pathways and taking advantage of local resources to create internships and job apprenticeships.

Crownpoint High School 505-721-1600

David Gibbons – Gallup Central High School Tell me About Yourself: I am David Gibbons. I grew up in this area and am a product of Gallup-McKinley County Schools. My wife and I have four wonderful children. We love living in this beautiful part of New Mexico. I have 18 years of experience in education. As a classroom educator I primarily taught Mathematics, but I also had the privilege of teaching Japanese, Music, and Film. I also enjoyed nine years working as an athletic director. I am excited for a new school year and the opportunity to work with the students, parents, and ěȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ǯ What made you want to become and educator? Initially I intended on pursuing a career that was not related to education. While living in Japan I had opportunities to teach, and I recognized in myself a passion for teaching. When I returned, I set out to become a teacher and I have been involved in education ever since. Each student has tremendous potential and considers it a great privilege to contribute to student success.

What interests you? Hobbies: I enjoy spending time with my family playing sports and playing music. My favorite sport is basketball, and my favorite instrument is the guitar. Activities: Most of my time outside of school is spent on family and church activities. We enjoy spending time outdoors, especially paddle boarding. Music: I listen to everything, but I am not a big fan of pop country.

What is your Role/Vision? I believe my role as principal is to lead for student success. The intent of my instructional leadership, communication, operations management, program development, and professional development is to promote student achievement. My vision is an engaged learning community that recognizes the value of education, provides structure and support for learning, and sets students on a trajectory for life-long success.

Gallup Central High School 505-721-2400

Tammy Hall – Gallup High School Tell me about yourself: I grew up in the Midwest but have worked for GMCS in various positions for over 30 years, so I consider Gallup my home.

What is your educational background: What made you want to become and educator? In high school I read the book “A Boy Called It”. This book gave me insight into how a caring adult can positively impact the life of a struggling child.

What are your interests outside of school? I enjoy gardening, camping, and traveling.

What is your Role/Vision? Educators have the ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ¢ȱ Ě ȱ ȱ ȱ of future generations. To this end, my goal is to support teachers so they can assist students in developing the skills and knowledge they need to successfully meet their post-secondary college and/or career goals.

Gallup High School 505-721-2500

Jessica Rodriguez: Hiroshi Miyamura High School Tell me about yourself: I come from the great state of Texas. I started with GMCS as a teacher for Thoreau Middle School where I fell in love with this unique community. I was made school leader for the 202021 school year and ended the year as the new head principal at Hiroshi Miyamura High School. I am very excited about my role as principal and welcome the opportunity to see how I can help to improve the fut ures of our students.

What is your educational background? I received my Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry, and my Master of Education in Secondary Education and I am currently working on my Doctorate in Organizational Leadership. I originally chose education because I ȱ ȱ ǯȱȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ Ě ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ¢ȱ

Meet our GMCS Principals

15A Gallup Sun • Friday August 13, 2021 15A

ȱ Ȃ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ě ǯȱȱ What are your interests outside of school? I enjoy spending time doing crafts, painting, and enjoying music. I am also the proud mama of my two beloved fur babies.

What is your Role/Vision? Overall, my goal is to take MHS to new heights. My vision centers on the “whole child” and how MHS and leadership can build a skillset for each student that will help them to succeed long after they have graduated.

Hiroshi Miyamura High School 505-721-1900

Sharmyn Munoz – McKinley Academy Tell me about yourself: I grew up in Thoreau, NM where I graduated from high school. I went to college in Idaho and Arizona where I received college rodeo scholarships. After graduating from the University of Arizona, I moved to Gallup and married George. I have two sons, Zane, and Landon. ę ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ company in Gallup. Landon is a commercial pilot and will be a Senior in college at NAU next year.

What made you want to become an educator? I graduated from the University of Arizona with a business degree, majoring in Management Information Systems. I moved back home to NM and began looking for a job around Gallup. I was interested in working for the City or UNM, but nothing panned out. Then I got a call from my old high school principal, Mr. Muzingo, who was an Assistant Superintendent for GMCS. He heard I moved back home with a business degree and asked me if I had any interest in teaching business at the high school level.

He told me about a new school they planned to open in the Fall, an alternative school (Central High). I was hired to teach business in the Fall of 1994. Later, I became interested in educational leadership and went on to earn two master’s ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ę ȱ ȱ ¢ ¢ǯ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ teenagers! ȱ ȱ¢ ǵ DZ ǰȱĚ¢ ǰȱ ǰ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ¢ǯȱ DZ ǰȱ ǰȱ ǰȱ ȱ ǰȱę ǯȱ Music: Country, 80’s, 90’s, Classic Rock What is your Role/Vision? In my position as the principal at McKinley ¢ǰȱ ȱ ¢ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ Ĵ ǯ I spend a lot of time interviewing prospective students, helping students overcome obstacles, and making their dual credit experience as meaningful as ǯ ȱ ¢ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ě ¢ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ¢ȱ ȱ ȱ courses the opportunity to obtain their associate degree or accumulate as many general education requirements as possible before they graduate from high school. We are in the process of developing a Computer Science pathway at McKinley Academy. This will allow students to gain knowledge and experience ȱ ȱ ȱę ȱ ȱ ę ȱ ¢ ¢ǯ ȱ district wide early college program three years ago with 250 students. This year ȱ ȱ ȱŚŘśȱ ȱ Ĵ ȱ ¢ȱ ¢ǯ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ¢ȱ ȱ ȱ at around 500 students eventually.

McKinley Academy 505-721-4200

Dr. Roberta Tayah – Navajo Pine High School Tell me about yourself: I am Dine, originally from Chinle, AZ. I have been in education for over 30 years.

What made you want to become an educator? I became a teacher and principal before I became a mother. I wanted to teach children to read as I enjoyed many genres of children literature and wanted children to enjoy reading. I have a passion for collecting children’s books for all ages and started my own library at home.

My own children were born into a house full of books and they all took to reading at an early age.

What interests you? I enjoy beadwork, walking, and traveling. I enjoy going to Indian Casinos and giving back to Native tribes.

I love all types of music. Recently, I’ve been listening to Navajo gospel so I can translate to English to test my own Navajo language skills. I love reading and writing on Native Education issues. I enjoy long walks and desire to get back into running soon.

What Role/Vision? I want to be a positive role model to students, ǰȱ ěǰȱ ȱ ¢ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ Ĵ ȱ ¢ȱ ȱ ȱ ǯ ȱȱ

Navajo Pine High School 505-721-3600

Lanny Ray – Ramah High School Tell me about yourself: I’m a lifelong resident of Zuni and Ramah NM. I graduated from Zuni High School and went to work for Kerr-McGee Nuclear Corporation right out of high school in the uranium mining and milling industry.

What made you want to become an educator? I became an educator after seeing the need for schools to teach students the skills that auto mechanics, welding and carpenters need to be successful in each of those industries. Through my training and experience in the uranium industry I was able to begin my career in education as a vocational teacher teaching each of those subjects. Over time ȱ ȱ ¢ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ę ȱ ȱ

16A Friday August 13, 2021 • Gallup Sun 16A

well as a master’s in administration which led me to become the principal at Ramah High School. I try to continue to learn something new every day.

What interests you? I enjoy playing music, working on cars and heavy equipment. I also enjoy building instruments like guitars and violins. I like all kinds of music from old country to heavy metal.

What Role/Vision? We are continually working to improve Ramah High School through the implementation of programs such as our Career Pathways ȱ ȱ ȱ ě ȱ ¢ ȱ ȱ ȱ ǰȱ ǰȱ ȱ and STEM as well as our College Associates track through GMCS McKinley Academy.

Ramah High School 505-721-3800

Lawrence Sena – Thoreau High School Your Education: BA in History and Elementary Education (NMHU) – Master of Science in Curriculum and Instruction (WGU) – currently working on Educational Doctorate in Educational Leadership (NCU) What made you want to become and educator? I really enjoyed coaching youth sports and realized that working with youth was an extremely rewarding endeavor. I decided that I would change my major and go into education. I have been in education for 25 years; working as a teacher at all levels from 4-12 grades. I have been an Athletic Director, Transportation Director and have been the Principal at Thoreau High School for the past 5 years. ȱ ȱ¢ ǵȱ ȱ ¢ȱ ¢ȱ ȱ Ȭęȱ ȱ ȱ ǯȱ Camping and sports. I enjoy all genres of music – but my preference is Metal/ Rock What is your Role/Vision? As the leader of Thoreau High School, I want to be part of creating an environment in which we help project success and ¡ ǯȱ ȱ Ĵ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ǰȱ ȱ ȱ help them develop a positive vision for themselves. We then as educators must ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ Ȃ ȱ Ĵ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ownership of their vision.

Thoreau High School 505-721-4500

Kristi Del Curto - Tohatchi High School Tell me about yourself: My name is Kristi Del Curto, I am originally from Gallup NM and graduated from Gallup High School. I have a master’s degree in Curriculum & Instruction, I have been in education for 18 years and have been able to teach and work in many capacities. This is my 2nd year as the Tohatchi High School principal, and I am honored to have been given the opportunity to work with such a great community, ěǰȱ ȱ ǯ What made you want to become an educator? I have always wanted to be a teacher, but I had never taken it seriously until I talked with my old teacher from Red Rock School. I had always admired her, and she was the inspiration that made me go back to college and get my degree.

What interests you? I like to make t-shirts with my Cricut machine. I enjoy camping and shooting my bow. I love country music, but I listen to almost everything.

What is your Role/Vision? My vision for Tohatchi is to build a ¢ȱ ȱ ȱ ě ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ Ȃȱ ěǰȱ ǰȱ and community members. Tohatchi will be a safe and collaborative environment.

My role will be to facilitate all the needs of our school so that we will be the best that Tohatchi can be.

Tohatchi High School 505-721-4800

Kelly Morris – Tse Yi Gai High School Tell me about yourself: My name is Kelly Morris, and I am the principal of Tse Yi Gai High School. I have been in education for 12 years, 10 of which are in GMCS. Prior to becoming a principal, I was a math teacher at Miyamura High School.

What is your educational background: What made you want to become and educator? I have wanted to be a teacher since I was 7 years old. Math was always my favorite subject, and it was the subject I would teach when I played school as a young child.

What are your interests outside of school? I love ȱ ȱ Ƿ ȱ ȱ ǰȱ ǰȱę ǰȱ ȱ ȱ ¢ȱ ǯȱȱ ȱ ȱ ¢ȱ ǰȱ watching movies, reading, playing sudoku and listening to country and Christmas music, they are my favorite.

What Role/Vision do you see for yourself as principal of Tse Yi Gai: As a principal I want to inspire my ěȱ ȱ ȱ Ĵ ȱ ȱ ȱ ¢ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ that interest them after high school.

Tse Yi Gai High School 505-721-5500

GMCS

GMCS SCHOOL CONTACTS LIST 2021-22 Elementary Schools

Elementary Schools

Middle Schools

High Schools

Chee Dodge Elementary Sasha Blanco 505-721-1300 Catherine A. Miller Elementary Nick Garro 505-721-1400 Crownpoint Elementary Ris Robinson 505-721-1500 David Skeet Elementary Amanda Clawson 505-721-1700

Navajo Elementary Kitty Wise 505-721-3500

Chief Manuelito Middle Randy Crisler 505-721-5600

Crownpoint High Brittainy Garro 505-721-1600

Ramah Elementary Oscar Ontiveros 505-721-3700

Crownpoint Middle Dr. Kay Morris 505-721-5400

Gallup High Tammy Hall 505-721-2500

Stagecoach Elementary Neil Tulabing 505-721-4300

Gallup Middle Lindsey Smith-Mingus 505-721-2700 John F. Kennedy Middle Jessica Landavazo-Guillen 505-721-3100

Hiroshi Miyamura High Jessica Rodriguez 505-721-1900 Navajo Pine High Dr. Roberta Tayah 505-721-3600

Del Norte Elementary Richy Ferugson 505-721-5200

Thoreau Elementary Dr. Michelle Galaviz 505-721-4400

Navajo Middle Jody Alexander 505-721-5300

Ramah High Lanny Ray 505-721-3800

Indian Hills Elementary Daryl Antone 505-721-2900

Tohatchi Elementary Robin Holder 505-721-4700

Thoreau Middle Nadine Gonzales 505-721-4600

Thoreau High Lawrence Sena 505-721-4500

Jefferson Elementary Felicia Sanchez 505-721-3000

Turpen Elementary Noel Romero-Thomas 505-721-5000

Tohatchi Middle Lucinda Bitsoi 505-721-4900

Tohatchi High Kristi Del Curto 505-721-4800

Lincoln Elementary Edgardo Castro 505-721-3400

Twin Lakes Elementary Elna Go 505-721-5100

Gallup Central David Gibbons 505-721-2400

Tse Yi Gai High Kelly Morris 505-721-5500

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Red Rock Elementary Eva Prieto 505-721-3900

17A Gallup Sun • Friday August 13, 2021 17A

SCHOOL IS BACK IN SESSION! T h e M c K I n l ey Co u n ty DWI Pro g ra m wa n t s to re m i n d s t u d e n t s t h a t a m a j o r i ty o f t h e i r p e e r s a re N OT d r i n k i n g a l co h o l !

S t a t i s t i c s s h ow t h a t 8 5 . 5% o f h i g h s c h o o l s t u d e n t s i n M c Ki n l ey Co u n ty re p o r te d n o c u r re n t drinking in the past 3 0 d ay s ( N M YR R S , 2 0 1 0 ) .

L e t ' s ke e p wo r k i n g to g e t h e r to p reve n t underage drinking!

New Mexico Department of Health. (2019) New Mexico Youth Risk & Resiliency Survey. Retrieved from https://www.youthrisk.org/pdf/countyreports/YRRS-2019-HS-countyreport-mckinley.pdf

18A Friday August 13, 2021 • Gallup Sun 18A

Public Education Department launches ‘Year of Literacy’ Molly Adamson Sun Correspondent

N

ew Mexico Public Education D e p a r t me nt Secretary-designate Kurt Steinhaus wants to get all New Mexicans reading.

“Reading is the key to learning. It’s an essential skill that really makes it possible to expand your horizons in any direction,” Steinhaus said. “This isn’t just for schools and students -- it’s for everyone. We want all of New Mexico to participate in celebrating a literacy that honors the rich cultures of our state.”

In 2019, only 34 percent of New Mexico public school students were rated “proficient and above” in reading, according to the NMPED. Steinhaus wants to change all that. He has named 2021-2022 the ‘Year of Literacy’ across the state. He proposed the campaign as a way to engage all New Mexicans in a skill that is essential to unlocking education.

H is predecessor Rya n Stewart agreed.

“We need to be a state of avid readers, and we’ll only get there when students see their role models reading for information and reading for pleasure,” Stewart said. “The Year of Literacy is an important reminder that until every New Mexico child can read at grade level or above, our education system is not serving our state as it should.”

Oc t av i a Fel l i n P ubl ic L ibra r y’s Yout h Ser v ices Manager Anne Price told the Sun how important it is for parents to encourage reading at a young age in order to promote literacy skills.

Price explained that the first thousand days of a child’s life is the time when their brain is the most active. She recommended that parents read to their newborns and toddlers.

“It’s one of the best ways for them to acquire language,” Price explained. “We know that kids who are read to, especially before they are school-aged, are much more prepared for kindergarten than children who aren’t read to.”

Price said that for schoolaged children who are already

Public Education Department’s Secretary designate, Kurt Steinhaus has named this year the “Year of Literacy” across New Mexico. To kick off the celebration, the department has started a #GetCaughtReading social media campaign. reading independently, parents need to encourage that activity.

“Let your child direct their independent reading,” Price said. We spend a lot of time telling kids what to read, especially in school.

“So I highly recommend that parents allow their children to make their own choices when it comes to their free reading,” she said.

The Year of Literacy will include participatory events, beginning with a “Get Caught R e a d i n g ” c a m p a i g n . To participate: • Families: Take a picture of your child reading independently or with other family members and send it, along with a caption, to family.engagement@state.nm.us.

• Teachers: Take a picture of how you are promoting reading in your classroom and send it, along with a caption, to teacher. liaison@state.nm.us.

• Businesses: Take a picture of how your business is promoting reading or access to quality books and materials, and send it, along with a caption, to community.engagement@state. nm.us.

The Public Education Department will use the photos on social media with the #GetCaughtReading hashtag and for other Year of Literacy events.

The department is also looking for partners to conduct book drives, establish little free libraries, and provide mentoring and tutoring opportunities.

Email community.engagement@ state.nm.us to express interest or offer other ideas.

GMCS

MIKE HYATT SUPERINTENDENT

NEAL CUNNINGHAM SFE-FOOD SERVICE DIRECTOR

K’DAWN MONTANO ASSOCIATE SUPERINTENDENT

EILEEN HAWS FOOD SERVICE SUPERVISOR

Media Release TO: Dear Parent/Guardian FROM: Neal Cunningham, Food Service Director, Eileen Haws, Food Service Supervisor DATE: July 1, 2021 SUBJECT: Gallup-McKinley County Schools Operating the Seamless Summer Option Gallup-McKinley County Schools are proud to be offering meals to all children ages 18 and under. This is available under the COVID-19: Child Nutrition Response #85 Nationwide Waiver to Allow the Seamless Summer Option through school year 2021-2022. Meals may be picked up at any of the 32 Gallup-McKinley County Schools Listed: Catherine A. Miller Elementary, Chee Dodge Elementary, Chief Manuelito Middle, Crownpoint Elementary, Crownpoint Middle, Crownpoint High, David Skeet Elementary, Del Norte Elementary, Gallup Central High, Gallup High, Gallup Middle, Indian Hills Elementary, Jefferson Elementary, John F. Kennedy Middle, Miyamura High, Lincoln Elementary, Navajo Elementary, Navajo Middle, Navajo Pine High, Ramah Elementary, Ramah Middle/High, Red Rock Elementary, Stagecoach Elementary, Thoreau Elementary, Thoreau Middle School, Thoreau High, Tohatchi Elementary, Tohatchi Middle, Tohatchi High, Tse’yi’ Gai High; Tobe Turpen Elementary, and Twin Lakes Elementary. A healthy and nutritious breakfast and lunch will be available to all children at no charge. All students attending the listed schools may participate in the breakfast and lunch program at no cost to them. Studies have shown that children who are not hungry perform better in school. By providing meals to all children at no charge, we are hoping to create a better learning environment for our students. The school breakfasts and lunches that we serve follow U.S. Department of Agriculture guidelines for healthy school meals. The School Breakfast and Lunch Programs cannot succeed without your support; please encourage your children to participate in the school meal programs. Meals will be served to all students at no charge regardless of the eligibility status.

If you have any questions about the program, please feel free to contact us at (505) 721-1126 or (505) 721-1127.

Sincerely, Chef Neal Cunningham Director of Food Service

Non-discrimination Statement: In accordance with Federal Civil Rights Law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Civil Rights regulations and policies, the USDA, its Agencies, offices, and employees, and institutions participating in or administering USDA programs are prohibited from discriminating based on race, color, national origin, sex, disability, age, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity in any program or activity conducted or funded by the USDA. Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication for program information (e.g. Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language, etc.), should contact the Agency (State or local) where they applied for benefits. Individuals who are deaf, hard of hearing or have speech disabilities may contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339. Additionally, program information may be made available in languages other than English.

To file a program complaint of discrimination, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form, (AD-3027) found online at: http://www.ascr.usda.gov/complaint_filing_cust.html, and at any USDA office, or write a letter addressed to USDA and provide in the letter all of the information requested in the form. To request a copy of the complaint form, call (866) 632-9992. Submit your completed form or letter to USDA by: Mail: U.S. Department of Agriculture Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, D.C. 20250-9410. Fax: (202) 690-7442 or E-mail: proqram.intake@usda.gov.

This institution is an equal opportunity provider GMCS

19A Gallup Sun • Friday August 13, 2021 19A

Learning about life through poetry A UNIVERSITY-LED HIGH SCHOOL POETRY CLASS TEACHES SKILLS TO HELP STUDENTS IN COLLEGE AND LIFE

By Holly J. Wagner For the Sun

A

sk a neurosurgeon what high school cla ss helped put them on their career path, and most people wouldn’t expect the answer to be poetry.

The folks at PBS’ “Poetry in America” are hoping to change that, with classes that offer students the opportunity to earn credit for college, as well as high school.

“We found, especially with high school students, that poetry really speaks to them in a lot of ways,” Poetry in America Director of Education and Strategy Caitlin Ballotta Rajagopalan said. “A lot of them like writing poetry.”

Career Advisor Dr. Nancy Post brought it to the Gallup McKinley County Schools district and hopes to expand it.

“It teaches them what to expect from college courses, especially college writing,” Post

said.

The course is focused on teaching them how to read and interpret poetry.

Each term puts special emphasis on two poems. In the 2020 class, the poems were “Bare Facts” by Chickasaw author Linda Hogan, and “Rabbots and Fire” by Alberto Rios.

PBS is doing a segment on Southwestern poetry for the third season of the TV program “Poetry in America,” which will start airing in January.

The program will also be streaming on poetryinamerica. org in late February. Because of their participation in the class, five Miyamura students will be featured in the segment.

“Poetry is more than what it seems,” Miyamura student Tasheena Thompson said.

She said the class taught her ways to read poetry and see different perspectives —skills she hopes will help her in her goal of becoming a neurosurgeon.

The most important thing

she learned was to “take my culture with me,” Thompson said.

“Being a Native American, it’s hard to raise awareness of cultural issues.”

The semester-long class, offered again this year, is an elective open to juniors and seniors The class is bearing fruit at Hiroshi Miyamura High School, which joined the pilot program.

Among the handful of students in the Miyamura pilot class, one student has gone on to study journalism at Columbia University and another is doing pre-dentistry coursework at Baylor University, Post said.

The program is designed to offer mentoring and guidance to participants.

The program grew out of a Harvard University extension course that Professor Elisa New started in 2013.

In 2019 the high school

POETRY | SEE PAGE 22 Miyamura High School Student Tasheena Thompson sits for an interview for an upcoming segment of PBS’ “Poetry In America” series. Photo Credit: Courtesy Dr. Nancy Post

1208 East Aztec Ave. 505-221-6025 dawn@dawnmorganphotography.com

PORTRAITS

Senior Family Children Maternity & Baby 1st Year Program

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Photo Booth Available for Events!

Studio hours Tuesday - Saturday by appointment only.

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For Questions, Quotes & Inquiries please call: 505-221-6025 20A Friday August 13, 2021 • Gallup Sun 20A

Professor Elisa New and Miyamura High School student (now graduate) Rheanna Smallcanyon prepare for a taping of PBS’ “Poetry In America” series. Photo Credit: Courtesy Dr. Nancy Post GMCS

The excitement of fall sports returns

By Russell Jones Sun Correspondent

T

he familiar sounds of echoi ng voice s and slamming locker doors are returning as high school athletes suit up for fall sports.

Last season, many games were postponed.

Physical education departments at Gallup McKinley County Schools are working hard to make sure this season’s competitions will go smoothly while maintaining the safest possible environment for all students, parents, and coaches.

After the shortened spring season, football season will kick off just four months after the last game was played, with a Football Jamboree at Angelo DiPaolo Memorial Stadium Aug. 13, teams from Gallup, Miyamura, Laguna-Acoma, Crownpoint, Zuni and Thoreau are all expected to participate.

The Jamboree begins at 5 pm.

Admission is free.

The Gallup Bengals will

SPORTS | SEE PAGE 22

Tohatchi Cougar Blane Long, junior, (FB, RB, FS), is tackled by Gallup Bengal #22 Jacob Hosteen, Senior, (WR, CB), April 2 at Angelo Di Paolo Memorial Stadium in Gallup. The Bengals lost to the Cougars 34-20. Photo Credit: Ryan Hudgeons, RAH Photography

Miyamura Patriot Justus Manuelito, (13), knocks a header away from Bloomfield Bobcat Haley Madrid, (22), at Angelo DiPaolo Memorial Stadium in Gallup March 27. Photo Credit: Cable Hoover

Gallup Bengal Kody Touchine, (#32), goes for the rebound against Grants Pirate Colton Moore, (#32), on March 30, at Gallup High School. The Bengals defeated Grants 72-44. Photo Credit: Ana Hudgeons/ RAH Photography

Lady Bengal Kennedy Smiley (12) passes the ball as Espanola Lady SunDevil Anita Deaguero tried to block the pass, May 8 at The Pit. Photo Credit: Ryan Hudgeons, RAH Photography

The Miyamura defense, led by Mauricio Moreno, (26), Dionte Gilbert, (21), and Clayton Hall, (18), closes in on the Bengals, Alejandro Alatorre, (6). The crosstown rivals met March 26, at Angelo DiPaolo Memorial Stadium. Photo Credit: Mike Esquibel Miyamura’s Chaunice Charleston, (10), serves up the ball to the Grants Lady Pirates during a matchup March 26 in Gallup. Photo Credit: Mike Esquibel

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Revelers wave from the back of the parade wagon at the 2021 Lady Bengals basketball State Champions 4A Celebration Parade on Aztec Avenue between First and Second Streets May 12. Photo Credit: Knifewing Segura

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21A Gallup Sun • Friday August 13, 2021 21A

SPORTS | FROM PAGE 21 take on Bernalillo Aug. 20 at 7 pm for the season opener, following an Aug. 13 scrimmage. Fans are encouraged to support the team, while keeping guidelines from the New Mexico Athletic Association in mind.

The NMAA general guidelines for the 2021-2022 school

year are: M a sk s s h a l l be wor n indoors at all times, by all persons not fully vaccinated Unvaccinated individuals shall social distance to the greatest extent possible Unvaccinated indiv iduals shall not share sleeping quarters Personal athletic equipment shall not be shared by any individuals

School Board Meetings All meetings will be held at the Student Support Center 640 Boardman, Gallup, N.M. 87301 At 1:00 PM

Agendas will be posted on our website gmcs.org July 12, 2021 August 2, 2021

The NMAA believes it is essential to the physical and mental well-being of students to return to physical activity and athletic competition, according to their “COVID-19 Guidelines for Participation.”

According to the NMAA Constitution, the most important single consideration in the regulation of any school activity must be the welfare and healthy development of students. School personnel have been encouraged to collaborate with local public health offi cials to determine what is best for each individual community.

Each school’s athletic department is working with its school administration to ensure that the business of school athletics is not only safe, but enjoyable all season long.

At one pr ivate school, Fall 2021 will start with a

celebration of accomplishment s f rom la st sea son.

Rehoboth Christian School will host a parade at 10:30 am Aug. 13 to honor the Lady Lynx. The Rehoboth girls brought home the New Mexico Class 2A state

POETRY | FROM PAGE 20

it going forward.

The Poetry In America organization developed the platform and course work, which takes students across a range of poetry styles starting with Walt Whitman and ending at hip-hop culture.

The program reached about 1,200 students across the

program launched as a partnership among Poetry In America, the nonprofit National Education Equity Lab, and the university. In 2020 it expanded with the support of Arizona State University, which will continue to facilitate

title for track in June 2021. The parade will run from the Red Rock 10 - Allen Theatres, 3711 Church Rock St. to the campus, where an assembly celebrating the team and the new school year will be held.

Bengal Wide Receiver, Andrew Wilson (28) gets between two Pirates defenders, Tyler Everhart (80) and Bryan Hernandez, at Angelo DiPaolo Memorial Stadium March 19. The Bengals fell to Grants 51-0. Photo Credit: Mike Esquibel

country in the fall of 2019, and has averaged about 400 per semester since then, according to Rajagopalan.

For the coming school year, the organization anticipates about 1,300 students from 94 schools will participate.

Miyamura will be part of that group.

August 23, 2021 September 13, 2021 October 4, 2021 October 25, 2021 November 15, 2021 December 13, 2021 January 10, 2022 January 31, 2022 February 22, 2022 March 21, 2022 April 11, 2022 May 2, 2022 May 23, 2022 June 13, 2022 22A Friday August 13, 2021 • Gallup Sun 22A

GMCS

GMCS

23A Gallup Sun • Friday August 13, 2021 23A

EACH OF US DEFINES ALL OF US. WHAT MAKES US DIFFERENT MAKES US STRONG—AND A FORCE TO BE RECKONED WITH. Here at UNM-Gallup, we are a community of unique perspectives respecting and embracing our differences. We are a culture of contrast rather than a contrast of culture, unafraid to let our colors run and blend. We let the very things that divide us become the things that connect us to each other, so that we can create, collect, and be inspired by knowledge—about everything from nursing and construction technology to fine arts, liberal arts, and business.

DISCOVER MORE AT GALLUP.UNM.EDU. FALL SEMESTER BEGINS AUGUST 23RD.

@UNMGALLUP

24A Friday August 13, 2021 • Gallup Sun 24A

GMCS

2021 Ceremonial in Art, Dance

Members of the Kallestewa Dance Group who performed at the 2021 Gallup Inter-Tribal Ceremonial at Courthouse Square Aug. 10. Men from left: Mangaysha Kallestewa, Keelan Nastacio, Allen Kallestewa, Lyndon Gasper. Women from left: DeLaney Melikan, Talia Wallace, Gabriella James

Reversible necklace made by Navajo-San Felipe artist B. Tsiiyupovi Tom on display at the 2021 Gallup Inter-Tribal Ceremonial. Photo Credit: Knifewing Segura

Painting by Alvin John at Red Rock Auditorium Aug. 10. Photo Credit: Knifewing Segura

Sculpture by Navajo artist Leslie Pablo at Red Rock Auditorium Aug. 10. Photo Credit: Knifewing Segura

Zia Pueblo artist Edna Guilford’s pottery piece at the 2021 Gallup Inter-Tribal Ceremonial. Photo Credit: Knifewing Segura

Kallestewa Dance Group’s Keelan Nastacio performs at Courthouse Square Aug. 10 at the 2021 Gallup Inter-Tribal Ceremonial. Photo Credit: Knifewing Segura

COMMUNITY

Gallup Sun • Friday August 13, 2021

13

ORDINANCE NO. 2021-JUL-004

AN ORDINANCE REGULATING MEDICAL AND RECREATIONAL CANNABIS ESTABLISHMENTS, OTHER CANNABIS BUSINESSES,PRODUCTION OF CANNABIS AND CANNABIS PRODUCTS.

1 2/

8 2/

WHEREAS, the Cannabis Regulation Act (NMSA 1978 §§ 26-2C-1 – 26-2C-42) has authorized a variety of uses related to the legalization of medical and recreational commercial cannabis activities, which legalization has the potential to greatly expand the legal cannabis market; and

7 T

WHEREAS, Cannabis cultivation, production, and manufacturing creates strong odors, can involve the use of significant amounts of energy and water, and requires security and other measures to reduce the risk of theft or other diversion to the illegal cannabis market,including possession and use by persons under the age of twenty-one; and WHEREAS, Cannabis is an intoxicating drug, making it appropriate to regulate the hours during which cannabisproducts may be sold and the areas in which cannabis products may be consumed; and

F A

WHEREAS, alcohol is a legal intoxicating substance but its consumption in public is restricted as is the time of sale; and, WHEREAS, the smoking of cannabis products may create health risks due to exposure to secondhand smoke andvaporized cannabis concentrates; and

R D

WHEREAS, N.M.S.A. 1978, Section 4-37-1 (1995) provides that Counties have the power to enact ordinances to “provide for the safety, preserve the health, promote the prosperity and improve the morals, order, comfort and convenience of any county or its inhabitants;” and, WHEREAS, the Board of County Commissioners of McKinley County, New Mexico finds that it will promote the public health, safety, and welfare to enact provisions regulating the use of Cannabis in McKinley County.

THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF MCKINLEY COUNTY, NEW MEXICO: [See remaining DRAFT ordinance, page 15, start of Legal/Public Notices] 14

Friday August 13, 2021 • Gallup Sun

CLASSIFIEDS LEGAL/PUBLIC NOTICES JUMP FROM PAGE 14 – DRAFT ORDINANCE 7/28/21: ORDINANCE NO. 2021JUL-004 AN ORDINANCE REGULATING MEDICAL AND RECREATIONAL CANNABIS ESTABLISHMENTS, OTHER CANNABIS BUSINESSES,PRODUCTION OF CANNABIS AND CANNABIS PRODUCTS. DRAFT 7/28/21 SECTION 1. DEFINITIONS. (A) Cannabis.

(1) means all parts of the plant genus Cannabis containing a delta-9- tetrahydrocannabinol concentration of morethan three-tenths percent on a dry weight basis, whether growing or not; the seeds of the plant; the resin extracted from any part of the plant; and every compound, manufacture, salt, derivative, mixture or preparation of the plant, its seeds or its resin;and (2) does not include: (a) ) the mature stalks of the plant; fiber produced from the stalks; oil or cake made from the seeds of the plant; any other compound, manufacture, salt, derivative, mixture or preparation of the mature stalks, fiber, oil or cake; or the sterilized seed of the plant that is incapable of germination; or (b) the weight of any other ingredient combined with cannabis products to prepare topical or oral administrations, food, drink or another product; (B) Cannabis Consumption Area. An area where cannabis products may be served and consumed; (C) Cannabis courier. A person that transports cannabis products to qualified patients, primary caregivers or reciprocal participants or directly to consumers.

(D) Cannabis establishCLASSIFIEDS

ment. Means: (1) a cannabis testing laboratory; (2) a cannabis manufacturer; (3) a cannabis producer; (4) a cannabis retailer; (5) a cannabis research laboratory; (6) a vertically integrated cannabis establishment; (7) a cannabis producer microbusiness; (8) an integrated cannabis microbusiness; or (9) a cannabis consumption area.

(E) Cannabis manufacturer. A person that: (1) manufactures cannabis products; (2) packages cannabis products; (3) has cannabis products tested by a cannabis testing laboratory; or (4) purchases, acquires, sells or transports wholesale cannabis products to other cannabis establishments; (F) Cannabis producer. A person that: (1) cultivates cannabis plants; (2) has unprocessed cannabis products tested by a cannabis testing laboratory; (3) transports unprocessed cannabis products only to other cannabis establishments; or (4) sells cannabis products wholesale; (G) Cannabis producer microbusiness. A cannabis producer at a single licensed premises that possesses no morethan two hundred total mature cannabis plants at any one time; (H) Cannabis product. A product that is or that contains cannabis or cannabis extract, including edible or topicalproducts that may also contain other ingredients; (I) Cannabis research laboratory. A facility that produces or possesses cannabis products and all parts of the plant genus Cannabis for the purpose of studying cannabis cultivation, characteristics or uses; (J) Cannabis Retailer. A person that sells cannabis

products to qualified patients, primary caregivers orreciprocal participants or directly to consumers; (K) Cannabis Testing Laboratory. A person that samples, collects and tests cannabis products and transports cannabis products for the purpose of testing; (L) Commercial cannabis activity: (1) means the cultivation, production, possession, manufacture, storage, testing, researching, labeling, transportation, couriering, purchase for resale, sale or consignment of cannabis products; and (2) does not include activities related only to the medical cannabis program, to cannabis training and education programs or to the personal cultivation or use of cannabis; (M) Consumer. A person twenty-one years of age or older who purchases, acquires, owns, possesses or uses acannabis product for a purpose other than resale; (N) County. The area lying within the corporate boundaries of the County of McKinley and outside the boundaries ofany incorporated municipality or American Indian reservation or any federally controlled land including Indian Allotment Land.

(O) Cultivation. Any activity involving the planting, growing, harvesting, drying, curing, grading or trimming ofcannabis; (P) Cultural center. An organization, building or complex that promotes culture and arts.

(Q) Facility. A building, space or grounds licensed for the production, possession, testing, manufacturing or distribution of cannabis, cannabis extracts or cannabis products; (R) Government Facility. A facility, agency or area used for public purposes, and owned or operated by aninstrumentality or agency of

federal, state or local government.

the Lynn and Erin Compassionate Use Act;

(S) Homegrown or Homemade. Grown or made for purposes that are not dependent or conditioned upon the provision or receipt of financial consideration;

(Y) Medical Cannabis Program. The program created pursuant to the Lynn and Erin Compassionate Use Act;

(T) Household. A housing unit and includes any place in or around the housing unit at which an occupant of thehousing unit produces, manufactures, keeps or stores homegrown cannabis or homemade cannabis products; (U) Integrated Cannabis Microbusiness. A person that is authorized to conduct one or more of the following: (1) production of cannabis at a single licensed premises; provided that the person shall not possess more than two hundred total mature cannabis plants at any one time; (2) manufacture of cannabis products at a single licensed premises; (3) sales and transportation of only cannabis products produced or manufactured by that person; (4) operation of only one retail establishment; and (5) couriering of cannabis products to qualified patients, primary caregivers or reciprocal participants or directly to consumers; (V) Licensed Premises. A location that includes: (1) all enclosed public and private areas at the location that are used in the business and includes offices,kitchens, restrooms and storerooms; (2) all areas outside of a building that are specifically included in the license for the production, manufacturing, wholesale sale or retail sale of cannabis products; and (3) with respect to a location that is specifically licensed for the production of cannabis outside of a building, the entire unit of land that is created by subsection or partition of land that the licensee owns, leases or has a right to occupy; (W) Manufacture. To compound, blend, extract, infuse, package or otherwise prepare a cannabis product; (X) Medical Cannabis.

Cannabis products used by a qualified patient or reciprocal participant in accordance with

(Z) Medical Cannabis Registry. The system by which the department of health approves or denies applications and issues and renews registry identification cards for qualified patients; (AA) Mobile, Portable or Temporary Unit. Any motorized or non-motorized vehicle, trailer, or other device designed to be portable and not permanently attached to the ground from which items are ordinarily vended, served, or offered for sale.

(BB) Public Place. A place to which the general public has access and includes hallways, lobbies and other parts of apartment houses and hotels that do not constitute rooms or apartments designed for actual residence; highways; streets; alleys; trails; schools; places of amusement or recreation; parks; playgrounds; and places used in connection with public passenger transportation; (CC) Qualified Patient. A resident of New Mexico who holds a registry identification card pursuant to the Lynn andErin Compassionate Use Act; (DD) Reciprocal Participant. A person who is not a resident of New Mexico and who holds proof of enrollment by a governmental regulatory authority to participate in the medical cannabis program of another state of the United States, theDistrict of Columbia or a territory or commonwealth of the United States in which the person resides or a person who holds proof of enrollment by a governmental regulatory authority of a New Mexico Indian nation, tribe or pueblo to participate in its medical cannabis program; (EE) Residence. A place where someone lives.

(FF) Retail Establishment.

A location at which cannabis products are sold to qualified patients, primary caregivers

CLASSIFIEDS | SEE PAGE 16

Gallup Sun • Friday August 13, 2021

15

CLASSIFIEDS | FROM PAGE 15 and reciprocal participants and directly to consumers; (GG) Smoke. To inhale, exhale, burn or carry any lighted or heated device or pipe or any other lighted or heated cannabis products intended for inhalation, whether natural or synthetic, in any manner or in any form.

(HH) Unprocessed. Unaltered from an original, raw or natural state; and (II) Vertically Integrated Cannabis Establishment. A person that is authorized to act as any of the following: (1) a cannabis courier; (2) a cannabis manufacturer; (3) a cannabis producer; and (4) a cannabis retailer.

SECTION 2. LOCATION (A) Minimum separation distance: 300 feet. A cannabis establishment must maintain a minimum separation distance of 300 feet from any residence, religious assembly or church, library, cultural center, community center, public park,government facility or other cannabis establishment. The 300 feet separation distance does not apply to a school or daycare center or to a residence on the same lot or parcel as the cannabis establishment (B) Minimum separation distance for schools and daycare centers. A cannabis establishment must maintain a minimum separation distance of at least 300 feet from any school or daycare center that was in existence at the time the cannabis establishment was issued a licensed by the state.

(C) Measurement. For the purposes of this Ordinance, distances shall be measured in a straight line, without regard to intervening structures or objects, from the nearest point on the property line of the lot on which the cannabis establishment is located, to the nearest point on any property line of a residence, religious assembly or church, library, cultural center,community center, public park, government facility, school or daycare center, and a cannabis establishment.

16

(D) Exception for Subsequent uses of Nearby Property. A cannabis establishment, lawfully operating under this Ordinance, shall not be deemed to be in violation of the location/distance restrictions set forth above solely because a specific use subsequently locates within the minimum required distance of the cannabis establishment, or when any other lot or tract within the required minimum distance of the cannabis establishment subsequently becomes a residence.

CLASSIFIEDS Read online at gallupsun.com

cle 16.

SECTION 3. OPERATING TIMES. McKinley County has in existence an Ordinance No. JAN18-001 regulating the hours of sale for Alcohol, a legal intoxicating substance. In like manner for the intoxicating Cannabis Drug -- Cannabis retailers and cannabis consumption areas may only operate during the following hours: (A) Cannabis Consumption Areas. Products may only be served and consumed in cannabis consumption areas between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 a.m. Monday through Saturday and noon to midnight on Sundays.

(B) Cannabis Retailers.

Cannabis retailers may only sell cannabis products for off-site consumption between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and midnight Monday through Saturday and noon to midnight on Sundays.

SECTION 4. CANNABIS CONSUMPTION AREAS Cannabis consumption areas are subject to the following: (A) A cannabis consumption area in which consumption is limited to consumption by qualified patients or reciprocal participants may be located inside any cannabis retailer; provided, however, that smoking of cannabis products in such consumption areas is only allowed if the cannabis consumption area occupies a standalone building from which smoke does not infiltrate other indoor workplaces or other indoor public places where smoking is otherwise prohibited pursuant to theDee Johnson Clean Indoor Air Act, NMSA 1978, Chapter 24, Arti-

Friday August 13, 2021 • Gallup Sun

(B) Cannabis consumption areas that are open to consumers are also subject to the following: (1) the smoking of cannabis products is only allowed within a licensed cannabis consumption area that occupies a standalone building from which smoke does not infiltrate other indoor workplaces or other indoor public places where smoking is otherwise prohibited pursuant to the Dee Johnson Clean Indoor Air Act, NMSA 1978, Chapter 24, Article 16;and (2) access to cannabis consumption areas open to consumers is restricted to persons twenty-one years of ageand older.

SECTION 5. BUSINESS REGISTRATION Any person engaged in commercial cannabis activities must comply with McKinley County Ordinance No. JUN-06-049, “Governing the Licensure, Permitting and Regulating the Activities of Businesses; Flea Markets; and Merchants in McKinley County”, including Amendment No. One to the Ordinance.

SECTION 6. SECURITY / FENCING (A) Each cannabis producer, cannabis research laboratory, and cannabis testing laboratory is required to erect and maintain a lockable fence of sturdy construction measuring no less than six feet in height enclosing and screening from view the area where cannabis is located. The enclosure shall remain securely locked during non-business hours.

(B) Cannabis cultivation and

production for personal use in quantities and as permitted by the CRA and the Lynn and Erin Compassionate Use Act is allowed anywhere in the County, subject to the following: Cannabis cultivation and production for personal use must be conducted inside an enclosed and locked dwelling unit or an appropriate accessory structure (e.g., a controlled-environment agricultural structure).

SECTION 7. MOBILE UNITS Cannabis sales from mobile, portable, or temporary units or drive-through locations are prohibited.

SECTION 8 SMOKING OF CANNABIS IN PUBLIC PLACE Smoking of cannabis products in a public place, except as permitted by state law, is prohibited.

SECTION 9. EXISTING MEDICAL CANNABIS ESTABLISHMENTS Any medical cannabis establishment existing as of the date of the passage of this Ordinance shall not be required to comply with the location/ distance requirements of Section 2.

SECTION 10. ENFORCEMENT. A McKinley County Code Compliance Officer as designated by the County, or a certified McKinley County Sheriff’s Deputy may issue citations for violation of this Ordinance.

SECTION 11. PENALTIES.

With the exception of Section 8, which is punishable by State law, any violation of this Ordinance may be enforced in any court of competent juris-

diction. The maximum penalty per violation shall be $300.

Each day during the time in which a violation occurs shall be deemed a separate violation. Nothing herein shall prevent McKinley County from seeking injunctive relief, if appropriate.

SECTION 12. SAVING CLAUSE. Should any portion of this Ordinance be declared unenforceable after a final, nonappeal decision of a court of competent jurisdiction, the remaining provisions of this Ordinance shall, to the extent feasible, remain in full force and effect.

SECTION 13. EMERGENCY CLAUSE AND EFFECTIVE DATE. Because of the urgent need for regulation pursuant to this Ordinance, the Board of County Commissioners declares that it is necessary for the public peace, health and safety that this Ordinance take effect immediately after passage when it is recorded in the book kept by the County for that purpose and authenticated by the signature of the county clerk. In the event a court of competent jurisdiction finds that the passage of this Ordinance did not constitute an emergency, then the effective date of thisOrdinance shall be 30 days after this Ordinance is recorded with the County Clerk.

This space intentionally left blank.

ORDINANCE NO. 2021JUL-004 “AN ORDINANCE REGULATING MEDICAL AND RECREATIONAL CANNABIS ESTABLISHMENTS, OTHER CANNABIS BUSINESSES, PRO-

CLASSIFIEDS | SEE PAGE 17 CLASSIFIEDS

CLASSIFIEDS | FROM PAGE 16 DUCTION OF CANNABIS AND CANNABIS PRODUCTS” IS PASSED, APPROVED AND ADOPTED this 17th day of August 2021.

BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF MCKINLEY COUNTY, NEW MEXICO __________________________ Billy Moore, Chairperson __________________________ Genevieve Jackson, Commissioner __________________________ Robert Baca, Commissioner ATTEST: __________________________ Jacqueline K. Sloan, County Clerk GALLUP SUN: PUBLISHED: August 8, 2021 *** ELEVENTH JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT COUNTY OF MCKINLEY STATE OF NEW MEXICO In the Matter of the Estate of JACK FOSTER, Deceased.

No. D-1113-PB-2021-00036 NOTICE TO CREDITORS WYNEMA GONZALES has been appointed Personal Representative of the Estate of JACK FOSTER, deceased. All persons having claims against this estate are required to present their claims within four (4) months after the date of the first publication of this Notice or the claims will be forever barred. Claims must be presented either to the Personal Representative at the offices of Mason & Isaacson, P.A., 104 East Aztec Avenue, Gallup, New Mexico, 87301, attorneys for the Personal Representative, or filed with the District Court of McKinley County, New Mexico.

Dated: WYNEMA GONZALES Personal Representative MASON & ISAACSON, P.A.

By James J. Mason Attorneys for Personal Representative 104 East Aztec Avenue Gallup, New Mexico 87301 CLASSIFIEDS

(505) 722-4463 Publication Date:Gallup Sun July 30, 2021 August 6, 2021 August 13, 2021 *** LEGAL NOTICE REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS Public Notice is hereby provided that the Gallup-McKinley County Schools is accepting competitive sealed proposals for: VERTICAL BOREHOLE AND FORMATION THERMAL CONDUCTIVITY TEST SERVICES RFP-2022-05MA Commodity Code(s): 90742 & 90783 As more particularly set out in the RFP documents, copies of which may be obtained by downloading from the Gallup-McKinley County Schools eBidding platform website https://gmcs.bonfirehub.com Sealed proposals for such will be received until 2:00 P.M. (LOCAL TIME) on, September 2, 2021. FAX and HARDCOPY PROPOSALS will NOT be accepted. Offerors will not be able to upload proposals or documents after the specified CLOSING date and time.

The Gallup-McKinley County School Board of Education reserves the right to reject any or all proposals, waive any formalities or minor inconsistencies, and/or cancel this solicitation in its entirety.

Dated the 6th Day of August 2021 By: /S/ Charles Long, President Board of Education Gallup-McKinley County School District No. 1 RFP ISSUE DATE: August 6, 2021 PUBLICATION DATES: August 6 & 13, 2021 (Gallup Sun) *** LEGAL NOTICE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that The Gallup Housing Authority will conduct its monthly Board of Commissioners meeting to be held on Friday August 20, 2021 at 9:00 am MST. Meeting will be conducted at the Gallup Housing Authority, 203

Debra Dr. Gallup, New Mexico 87301. A copy of the agenda and/or specific agenda items may be obtained at the Gallup Housing Authority office. This is a public meeting except for items to be considered in closed session. A general public comment period is allowed at the end of the business portion of the meeting.

Please be advised the Gallup Housing Authority will comply with all Federal and State COVID-19 protocols; group sizes dependent upon the McKinley County COVID-19 risk level, social distancing and mask requirements amongst attendee’s, and not allowing anyone who is sick or exhibiting signs of COVID -19 into the public meeting area. Documents are available in various accessible formats and interested parties may also participate by phone.

If you are an individual with a disability who is in need of a reader, amplifier, qualified sign language interpreter, or any other form of auxiliary aid or service to attend or participate in the hearing or meeting, please contact the Gallup Housing Authority at (505) 722-4388, at least (1) week prior to the meeting or as soon as possible. Public documents, including the agenda and minutes, can be provided in various accessible formats. Please contact the Gallup Housing Authority, if a summary or other type of accessible format is needed Gallup Housing Authority Gallup, McKinley County, New Mexico By:/S/ Alfred Abeita, Chairman of the Board Publish Date: Gallup Sun August 13, 2021 *** LEGAL NOTICE INVITATION TO BID Public Notice is hereby provided that the Gallup-McKinley County Schools is accepting competitive sealed bids for: NEW, FLEET VEHICLES ITB-2022-06MA Commodity Code(s): 07180 & 07203 As more particularly set out in the BID documents, copies of which may be obtained by

downloading from the Gallup-McKinley County Schools eBidding platform website https://gmcs.bonfirehub.com Sealed BIDS for such will be received until 2:00 P.M. (LOCAL TIME) on, September 1, 2021. FAX and HARDCOPY BIDS will NOT be accepted.

Bidders will not be able to upload bids or documents after the specified CLOSING date and time.

The Gallup-McKinley County School Board of Education reserves the right to reject any or all bids, waive any formalities or minor inconsistencies, and/or cancel this solicitation in its entirety.

Dated this 11th Day of August 2021

Chair pursuant to state law and county policy can limit the time of comments and reduce common or cumulative comments as needed; comments will be limited to 3 minutes A copy of the agenda will be available 72 hours prior to the meeting in the Manager’s Office and the County Clerk’s Office and can be sent electronically upon request.

All interested parties are invited to view.

Done this 10th day of August 2021 McKINLEY COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS /S/ Billy Moore, Chairperson Publication date: Gallup Sun, August 13, 2021 ***

By: /S/ Charles Long, President Board of Education Gallup-McKinley County School District No. 1 BID ISSUE DATE: August 11, 2021 PUBLICATION DATES: August 13 & 20, 2021 (Gallup Sun) *** PUBLIC NOTICE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the McKinley County Board of Commissioners will hold a Regular Meeting on Tuesday, August 17, 2021, at 9:00 a.m. Among other items, the County Commission will receive and consider public comments, and take action to adopt Ordinance No. 2021JUL-004 “Regulating Medical and Recreational Cannabis Establishments, Other Cannabis Businesses, Production of Cannabis and Cannabis Products.”

This meeting will be held “In-Person” -- Adhering to the Social Distancing Protocols in effect for the meeting day -- including room capacity limits, mask requirements and other safety practices issued by the Governor’s Office due to the COVID-19 pandemic; and the requirements of the Open Meetings Act allowing members of the public to attend and listen to meetings of the quorum of the governing body. This meeting will be held in the Commission Chambers, Third Floor of the McKinley County Courthouse, 207 West Hill, Gallup, New Mexico. The Commission

PROCLAMATION NOTICE OF ELECTION Pursuant to the Regular Local Election Act, NMSA 1978, Sections 1 -22-4 to 1-22-19 (1969, as amended through 2021), I, Jacqueline K. Sloan, McKinley County Clerk, by the virtue of the authority vested in me, do hereby issue the following proclamation: That a Regular Local Election is called to be held throughout the State of New Mexico and in Gallup – McKinley County and precinct thereof on November 2, 2021.

That a Regular Local Election shall be a nonpartisan election, and the names of all candidates shall be listed on the ballot with no party or slate designation; and That a Regular Local Election shall be held for the purpose of permitting all registered voters in McKinley County to elect qualified persons on a local governing body and questions for the following offices: GALLUP, McKINLEY COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICT No. 1 – THREE SCHOOL BOARD MEMBERS District 2, position 2 Board Member - FOUR-YEAR TERM District 4, position 4 Board Member - FOUR-YEAR TERM District 5, position 5 Board Member - FOUR-YEAR TERM

CLASSIFIEDS | SEE PAGE 18

Gallup Sun • Friday August 13, 2021

17

General Obligation Bond Question:

“Shall the Gallup-McKinley County School District No. 1 be authorized to issue up to $6,000,000 of general obligation bonds for the purpose of (1) erecting, remodeling, making additions to and furnishing school buildings, including teacher housing (2) purchasing or improving school grounds, (3) purchasing computer software and hardware for student use in public schools, (4) providing matching funds for capital outlay projects funded pursuant to the Public School Capital Outlay Act, or (5) any combination of these purposes?”

FOR the school district bonds AGAINST the school district bonds

General Obligation Bond Question:

“Shall the Gallup-McKinley County School District No. 1 be authorized to issue up to $6,000,000 of general obligation bonds for the purpose of (1) erecting, remodeling, making additions to and furnishing school buildings, including teacher housing (2) purchasing or improving school grounds, (3) purchasing computer software and hardware for student use in public schools, (4) providing matching funds for capital outlay projects funded pursuant to the Public School Capital Outlay Act, or (5) any combination of these purposes?”

FOR the school district bonds AGAINST the school district bonds

General Obligation Bond Question:

“Shall the Gallup-McKinley County School District No. 1 be authorized to issue up to $6,000,000 of general obligation bonds for the purpose of (1) erecting, remodeling, making additions to and furnishing school buildings, including teacher housing (2) purchasing or improving school grounds, (3) purchasing computer software and hardware for student use in public schools, (4) providing matching funds for capital outlay projects funded pursuant to the Public School Capital Outlay Act, or (5) any combination of these purposes?”

FOR the school district bonds AGAINST the school district bonds

General Obligation Bond Question:

“Shall the Gallup-McKinley County School District No. 1 be authorized to issue up to $6,000,000 of general obligation bonds for the purpose of (1) erecting, remodeling, making additions to and furnishing school buildings, including teacher housing (2) purchasing or improving school grounds, (3) purchasing computer software and hardware for student use in public schools, (4) providing matching funds for capital outlay projects funded pursuant to the Public School Capital Outlay Act, or (5) any combination of these purposes?”

FOR the school district bonds AGAINST the school district bonds

General Obligation Bond Question:

“Shall the Gallup-McKinley County School District No. 1 be authorized to issue up to $6,000,000 of general obligation bonds for the purpose of (1) erecting, remodeling, making additions to and furnishing school buildings, including teacher housing (2) purchasing or improving school grounds, (3) purchasing computer software and hardware for student use in public schools, (4) providing matching funds for capital outlay projects funded pursuant to the Public School Capital Outlay Act, or (5) any combination of these purposes?”

FOR the school district bonds AGAINST the school district bonds

Tax Levy Question:

«Shall the Gallup-McKinley County School District No. 1 continue impose a property tax of $2.00 per each $1,000.00 of net taxable value of property allocated to the Gallup-McKinley County School District No. 1 for the property tax years 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025, 2026 and 2027 for the purpose of: (1) erecting, remodeling, making additions to, providing equipment for or furnishing public school buildings, including teacher housing and pre-kindergarten classroom facilities; For Capital (2) purchasing or improving public school grounds; Improvements Tax (3) maintenance of public school buildings, including teacher housing, or public school grounds, including the purchasing or repairing of maintenance equipment, participating in the facility information management system as required by the Public School Capital Outlay Act [Chapter 22, Article 24 NMSA 1978] and including payments under contracts with regional education cooperatives for maintenance support services and expenditures for technical training Against Capital and certification for maintenance and facilities management personnel, but excluding salary expenses of school district employees; Improvements Tax (4) purchasing activity vehicles for transporting students to extracurricular school activities; or (5) purchasing computer software and hardware for student use in public school classrooms.

(6) purchasing and installing education technology improvements, excluding salary expenses of school district employees, but including tools used in the educational process that constitute learning and administrative resources, and which may also include: (a) satellite, copper and fiber-optic transmission; computer and network connection devices; digital communication equipment, including voice, video and data equipment; servers; switches; portable media devices, such as discs and drives to contain data for electronic storage and playback; and the purchase or licensing of software licenses or other technologies and services, maintenance, equipment and computer infrastructure information, techniques and tools used to implement technology in schools and related facilities; and (b) improvements, alterations and modifications to, or expansions of, existing buildings or tangible personal property necessary or advisable to house or otherwise accommodate any of the tools listed in (6) above.

CLASSIFIEDS | FROM PAGE 17

TWO ADVISORY BOARD MEMBERS

Member FOUR-YEAR TERM

FOUR-YEAR TERM Position 3 Board Member

TABLE 1

Position 1 Advisory Board Member FOUR-YEAR TERM Position 2 Advisory Board

ZUNI PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT Position 2 Board Member

FOUR-YEAR TERM Position 5 Board Member

UNIVERSITY OF NEW MEXICO-GALLUP

18

Friday August 13, 2021 • Gallup Sun

FOUR-YEAR TERM

CUBA SOIL AND WATER CONSERVATION DISTRICT (McKinley, Rio Arriba & San-

CLASSIFIEDS | SEE PAGE 19 CLASSIFIEDS

CLASSIFIEDS | FROM PAGE 18

FOUR-YEAR TERM Position 2 Board Member

doval) (Landowner, registered voter & resident within the geographical area of the district)

FOUR-YEAR TERM Position 3 Board Member

Position 3 District Supervisor FOUR-YEAR TERM Position 4 District Supervisor FOUR-YEAR TERM

EARLY VOTING will be conducted at the McKinley County Clerk’s Office, 207 W. Hill Ave., Room 100, Gallup NM 87301, Commencing on Tuesday, October 5, 2021 during regular business hours, 8:00am to 5:00pm., Monday through Friday and Saturday, October 30th, 2021 from 10:00am – 6:00pm.

MCKINLEY SOIL AND WATER CONSERVATION DISTRICT TWO DISTRICT SUPERVISORS (McKinley & Cibola) (Landowner, registered voter & resident within the geographical area of the district) Position 3 District Supervisor FOUR-YEAR TERM Position 4 District Supervisor FOUR-YEAR TERM GAMERCO WATER AND SANITATION DISTRICT THREE BOARD MEMBERS (Landowner, registered voter & resident within the geographical area of the district) Position 1 Board Member TO FILL REMAINING TWO YEARS OF A FOUR-YEAR TERM Position 2 Board Member TO FILL REMAINING TWO YEARS OF A FOUR-YEAR TERM Position 3 Board Member TO FILL REMAINING TWO YEARS OF A FOUR-YEAR TERM RAMAH WATER AND SANITATION DISTRICT TWO BOARD MEMBERS (Landowner, registered voter & resident within the geographical area of the district)

FOUR-YEAR TERM

ABSENTEE VOTING will be conducted at McKinley County Clerk’s Office, 207 W. Hill Ave., Room 100, Gallup NM 87301, commencing on Tuesday, October 5, 2021. The Last day for the County Clerk’s to mail an absentee ballot to a voter is Tuesday, October 19, 2021. The last day the County Clerk’s office will accept an absentee ballot for processing is Tuesday, November 2, 2021 by 7pm.

EARLY VOTING AT ALTERNATE LOCATIONS will commence on Saturday, October 16, 2021 and end on Saturday, October 30, 2021. The alternate locations and hours are as follows: Thoreau Fire Station – #65 First Avenue, Thoreau, New Mexico Tuesday thru Friday: Noon to 8:00pm Saturday 10:00am – 6:00pm Zuni Tribal Building – 1203B State Highway 53, Zuni New Mexico Tuesday thru Saturday: 9:00am – 5:00pm Crownpoint Election Office – Intersection of Hwy 9 and Chaco Blvd, Crownpoint NM Tuesday thru Saturday: 9:00am – 5:00pm

Position 3 Board Member FOUR-YEAR TERM Position 4 Board Member FOUR-YEAR TERM YAHTAHEY WATER AND SANITATION DISTRICT TWO BOARD MEMBERS (Landowner, registered voter & resident within the geographical area of the district)

Twin Lakes Chapter House – State Hwy 491, Mile Marker 13 Twin Lakes, New Mexico Tuesday thru Friday: Noon to 8:00pm and Saturday: 9:00am – 5:00pm IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that on election day, November 2, 2021 hours of operation will be from 7:00am to 7:00pm at the following voting convenience center locations:

Position 1 Board Member VOTING CONVENIENCE CLASSIFIEDS

CENTERS Gallup Southside Fire Station – 1800 S 2nd St, Gallup, NM Gallup Northside Fire Station – 911 W Lincoln Ave, Gallup NM Gallup Eastside Fire Station – 3700 Church Rock St, Gallup NM Gallup Westside Fire Station – 707 Rico St, Gallup NM McKinley County Courthouse Rotunda – 207 W. Hill Ave., Room 100, Gallup NM Rio West Mall – 1300 W Maloney Ave, Gallup NM UNM Gallup Branch Gurley Hall – 705 Gurley Ave, Gallup NM Larry Brian Mitchell Recreation Center – Marguerite Franco Drive, Gallup NM Zuni Tribal Office – 1202 B State Highway 53, Zuni NM Blackrock Fire Station (Zuni) – 04, 3rd Street Zuni, NM Red Rock Chapter House – 79 Refuge Rock Rd #A, Gallup NM Crownpoint Election Office – Intersection of Hwy 9 and Chaco Blvd, Crownpoint NM Thoreau Sheriff Substation – 109 Hwy 371 Thoreau, NM Red Lake Chapter House – Shepard Spring Rd. Navajo NM Navajo Estates Fire Station – 19 C Sunset Valley Rd. YahTaHey, NM Hilltop Christian School – PO Box 9090 Tse Bonito NM Mexican Springs Chapter House – PO Box 93 Mexican Springs NM Tohatchi Elementary School – 100 Ch’ooshgai Road Tohatchi NM Twin Lakes Elementary School – N HWY 491 Twin Lakes, NM Coyote Canyon Chapter House – PO Box 257 Brimhall, NM Standing Rock Chapter House – PO Box 247 Crownpoint, NM Whitehorse Lake Chapter House – HCR 79 Box 4069 Cuba, NM Ojo Encino Chapter House – HCR 79 Box 1500 Ojo Encino, NM Baca Chapter House – State Hwy 122 Prewitt, N Smith Lake Chapter House – 1299 Hwy 371, Smith Lake, NM Ft. Wingate Fire Station – 290 McGaffey Lake Road Ft. Wingate, NM Catherine A Miller Elementary School – Challenger Road Churchrock, NM Rock Springs Chapter House – PO Box 4608 YahTaHey, NM Manuelito Chapter House – HCR 57 Box 9069 Manuelito, NM

Check out our FREE access community website! www.gallupsun.com Pinedale Chapter House – 523 Hwy N 11-49 Churchrock, NM Breadsprings Chapter House – B017-001 Rodeo Road, Breadsprings, NM David Skeet Elementary School – Route 45 Jones Ranch Road, Vanderwagen, NM Ramah Fire Station – #4 Tietjen Ave. Ramah, NM Mariano Lake Administrative Building – M003-001 Mariano Lake Loop Dr. Mariano Lake, NM Whispering Cedars Fire Station – 40 Whispering Cedars Rd., Jamestown NM Iyanbito Chapter House – 2111 A Suite 21A Iyanbito Rd, Ft. Wingate NM Tsayatoh Multi-Complex Building – West TseYaToh Rd., TseYaToh, NM Becenti Chapter House, PO Box 708 – Crownpoint, NM Dalton Pass (Nahodishgish) Chapter House – West Navajo Rt. 9, Crownpoint NM Pueblo Pintado Fire Station – Navajo Route 9, Mile Marker 76, Pueblo Pintado, NM TO BE ELIGIBLE TO VOTE IN THE UPCOMING Regular Local Election a qualified elector needed to be registered by October 5, 2021 or a qualified elector may register to vote or update existing certificate of registration at the County Clerk’s office during regular hours and days of operation beginning October 5, 2021 through October 30, 2021.

Declarations of candidacy and nominating petitions if required shall be filed with the McKinley County Clerk on Tuesday, August 24, 2021, between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Declarations of candidacy and nominating petitions if required for a person desiring to be a write-in candidate shall be filed with the McKinley County Clerk on Tuesday, August 31, 2021, between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.

Done under my hand and seal this 11th day of August 2021.

_Jacqueline K. Sloan_____________________ Jacqueline K. Sloan McKinley County Clerk Publication Date: Gallup Sun August 13, 2021 *** P R O C L A M A CIÓN NOTICIA DE ELECCIÓN De conformidad con la Ley Electoral Local Regular, NMSA 1978, Secciones 1 -224 a 1-22-19 (1969, modificada hasta 2021), yo, Jacqueline K. Sloan, Secretaria del Condado de McKinley, por la virtud de la autoridad invertida en mi, emito la siguiente proclamación: Que una Elección Local Regular está llamada a celebrarse en todo el Estado de Nuevo México y en Gallup – Condado de McKinley y distrito de la misma el 2 de Noviembre del 2021.

Que una Elección Local Regular sea una elección no partidista, y los nombres de todos los candidatos aparecerán en la boleta sin designación de partido o pizarra; Y Que se llevará a cabo una Elección Local Regular para permitir a toda persona registrada para votar en el Condado de McKinley para elegir a miembros de un órgano de gobierno local y, preguntas para las siguientes oficinas: ESCUELA DEL CONDADO DE MCKINLEY EN GALLUP DISTRITO No.1 - TRES MIEMBROS DE LA JUNTA ESCOLAR Distrito 2, posición 2 Miembro de la Junta TERMINO DE CUATRO AÑOS Distrito 4, posición 4 Miembro de la Junta TERMINO DE CUATRO AÑOS Distrito 5, posición 5 Miembro de la Junta TERMINO DE CUATRO AÑOS

CLASSIFIEDS | SEE PAGE 20

Gallup Sun • Friday August 13, 2021

19

Pregunta sobre Bonos de Obligación General:

“¿Se deberá autorizar al Distrito Escolar del Condado No. 1 de Gallup-McKinley a emitir un máximo de $6,000,000 en bonos de obligación general con el fin de (1) erigir, remodelar, hacer ampliaciones y amueblar los edificios de las escuelas, incluidas las viviendas para maestros; (2) comprar o mejorar las instalaciones escolares; (3) comprar el software y el hardware para computadoras que usarán los estudiantes de las escuelas públicas; (4) proporcionar fondos equivalentes para proyectos de desembolso de capital financiados conforme a la Ley de Desembolso de Capital de las Escuelas Públicas, o (5) cualquier combinación de estos fines?”

A FAVOR de los bonos para el distrito escolar EN CONTRA de los bonos para el distrito escolar

Pregunta sobre el Gravamen Fiscal: A Favor del Impuesto para el Mejoramiento del Capital

En Contra del Impuesto para el Mejoramiento del Capital

“¿Deberá el Distrito Escolar del Condado No. 1 de Gallup-McKinley seguir imponiendo un impuesto sobre la propiedad de $2.00 por cada $1,000.00 del valor neto imponible de propiedad asignado al Distrito Escolar del Condado No. 1 de Gallup-McKinley durante los años de imposición de impuestos sobre la propiedad 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025, 2026 y 2027 con el propósito de: (1) erigir, remodelar, hacer ampliaciones, proporcionar equipos o amueblar los edificios de las escuelas públicas, incluidas las viviendas para maestros y las instalaciones para aulas de prekindergarten; (2) comprar o mejorar las instalaciones de las escuelas públicas; (3) mantener los edificios de las escuelas públicas, incluidas las viviendas para maestros o las instalaciones para las escuelas públicas, lo cual incluye la compra o reparación de equipos de mantenimiento, la participación en el sistema de manejo de información de las instalaciones según lo exige la Ley de Desembolsos de Capital de las Escuelas Públicas [Capítulo 22, Artículo 24, NMSA 1978] y que incluye los pagos conforme a los contratos con las cooperativas regionales de educación para servicios de apoyo para el mantenimiento y los gastos para la capacitación técnica y la certificación del personal de mantenimiento y de administración de las instalaciones, pero que excluye los gastos del pago de sueldos de los empleados del distrito escolar; (4) comprar vehículos de actividades para el transporte de estudiantes a actividades escolares extracurriculares; o (5) comprar el software y el hardware para computadoras que usen los estudiantes en las aulas de las escuelas públicas.

(6) comprar e instalar mejoras para la tecnología de la educación, lo cual excluye los gastos del pago de sueldos de los empleados del distrito escolar, pero que incluye las herramientas usadas en el proceso educativo que constituyen los recursos para el aprendizaje y los recursos administrativos, y que también podrá incluir: (a) transmisión por satélite, cable de cobre y fibra óptica; dispositivos de computación y de conexión a redes; equipos de comunicación digital, incluso equipos de voz, de video y de datos; servidores; interruptores; dispositivos portátiles de información, como discos y unidades para contener datos para almacenamiento y reproducción electrónica, y la compra o autorización para uso de licencias de software u otras tecnologías y servicios, mantenimiento, equipos e información de infraestructura informática, técnicas y herramientas usadas para implementar tecnología en las escuelas e instalaciones relacionadas; y (b) mejoras, alteraciones y modificaciones o ampliaciones de edificios existentes o de bienes personales tangibles necesarios o aconsejables para guardar o de alguna otra manera contener cualquiera de las herramientas indicadas en el punto (6) que aparece más arriba?»

CLASSIFIEDS | FROM PAGE 19 TABLE 2 UNIVERSIDAD DE NUEVO MEXICO-GALLUP DOS ASSESORES Miembros de la Junta Posición 1 Assesor Miembro de la Junta TERMINO DE CUATRO AÑOS Posición 2 Assesor Miembro de la Junta TERMINO DE CUATRO AÑOS

DISTRITO DE LA ESCUELA PUBLICA DE ZUNI Posición 2 Miembro de la Junta TERMINO DE CUATRO AÑOS Posición 3 Miembro de la Junta TERMINO DE CUATRO AÑOS Posición 5 Miembro de la Junta TERMINO DE CUATRO AÑOS DISTRITO DE CONSERVACIÓN DE TIERRAS Y AGUA DE CUBA (McKinley, Rio Arriba y Sandoval) (Propretario, votante registrado y residente dentro de la zona geográfica definida del Distrito) Posición 3 Supervisor del Distrito TERMINO DE

CUATRO AÑOS Posición 4 Supervisor del Distrito TERMINO DE CUATRO AÑOS MCKINLEY DISTRITO DE CONSERVACIÓN DE TIERRAS Y AGUA DOS Supervisores del Distrito (McKinley y Cibola) (Propretario, votante registrado y residente dentro de la zona geográfica definida del Distrito) Posición 3 Supervisor del Distrito TERMINO DE CUATRO AÑOS Posición 4 Supervisor del Distrito TERMINO DE CUATRO AÑOS DISTRITO DE GAMERCO DEL AGUA Y SALUBRIDAD TRES Miembros de la Junta (Propretario, votante registrado y residente dentro de la zona geográfica definida del Distrito) Posición 1 Miembro de la Junta PARA CUBRIR LOS DOS AÑOS RESTANTES DE UN TERMINO DE CUATRO AÑOS Posición 2 Miembro de la Junta PARA CUBRIR LOS DOS AÑOS RESTANTES DE UN TERMINO DE CUATRO AÑOS

20 Friday August 13, 2021 • Gallup Sun

Posición 3 Miembro de la Junta PARA CUBRIR LOS DOS AÑOS RESTANTES DE UN TERMINO DE CUATRO AÑOS DISTRITO DE RAMAH DEL AGUA Y SALUBRIDAD DOS Miembros de la Junta (Propretario, votante registrado y residente dentro de la zona geográfica definida del Distrito) Posición 3 Miembro de la Junta TERMINO DE CUATRO AÑOS Posición 4 Miembro de la Junta TERMINO DE CUATRO AÑOS DISTRITO DEYAHTAHEY DEL AGUA Y SALUBRIDAD DOS Miembros de la Junta (Propretario, votante registrado y residente dentro de la zona geográfica definida del Distrito) Posición 1 Miembro de la Junta TERMINO DE CUATRO AÑOS Posición 2 Miembro de la Junta TERMINO DE CUATRO AÑOS Posición 3 Miembro de la Junta TERMINO DE CUATRO AÑOS

VOTACIÓN

TEMPRANA

se

llevará a cabo en la Oficina del Secretario del Condado de McKinley, 207 W. Hill Ave., Room 100, Gallup NM 87301, la cual empezará, martes 5 de octubre del 2021 durante horas regulares de oficina, de 8:00 a.m. a 5:00 p.m., de lunes a viernes y el sabado octubre 30, 2021 de las 10:00am – 6:00pm.

La VOTACIÓN AUSENTE se llevará a cabo en la Oficina del Secretario del Condado de McKinley, 207 W. Hill Ave., Room 100, Gallup NM 87301, Nuevo México, empezando el martes, 5 de octubre de 2021.

El último día para que la Oficina del Secretario del Condado envíe una boleta de votación ausente a un votante es el martes, 19 de octubre de 2021. El último día para que la Oficina del Secretario del Condado acepte una boleta de votación ausente para processar es el martes, 2 de noviembre de 2021 a las 7pm.

LA VOTACIÓN ANTICIPADA EN LUGARES ALTERNOS empezará el sábado, 16 de octubre de 2021 y terminará el sábado, 30 de octubre de 2021. Los lugares de votación alternos y sus horarios son los siguientes: Estacion de Bomberos de Thoreau – #65 Primera Avenida, Thoreau, Nuevo Mexico

martes a viernes: 12:00 pm a 8:00 pm sabado 10:00 am – 6:00 pm Edificion de la Tribu de Zuni – 1203B State Highway 53, Zuni Nuevo Mexico martes a sabado: 9:00am – 5:00pm Oficina de Elección de Crownpoint – Intersección of Hwy 9 y Chaco Blvd, Crownpoint NM martes a sabado: 9:00am – 5:00pm Twin Lakes Casa Capitular – State Hwy 491, Mile Marker 13 Twin Lakes, New Mexico martes a viernes: 12:00 pm to 8:00 pm y sabado: 9:00am – 5:00pm SE ORDENA ADEMÁS que el día de las elecciones, el, 2 de noviembre del 2021 las horas de operación sean de 7:00 a.m. a 7:00 p.m. en las siguientes ubicaciones de los centros de votación de conveniencia: CENTROS DE VOTACIÓN DE CONVENIENCIA Gallup Estación de Bomberos al Sur– 1800 S 2nd St, Gallup, NM Gallup Estación de Bomberos al Norte– 911 W Lincoln Ave,

CLASSIFIEDS | SEE PAGE 21 CLASSIFIEDS

CLASSIFIEDS | FROM PAGE 20 Gallup NM Gallup Estación de Bomberos al Este – 3700 Church Rock St, Gallup NM Gallup Estación de Bomberos al Oeste– 707 Rico St, Gallup NM McKinley County Courthouse Rotunda – 207 W. Hill Ave., Room 100, Gallup NM Rio West Mall – 1300 W Maloney Ave, Gallup NM UNM Gallup Branch Gurley Hall – 705 Gurley Ave, Gallup NM Centro de Recreacion Larry Brian Mitchell – Marguerite Franco Drive, Gallup NM Oficina de Zuni Tribal – 1202 B State Highway 53, Zuni NM Blackrock Estación de Bomberos (Zuni) – 04, 3rd Street Zuni, NM Casa Capitular Red Rock – 79 Refuge Rock Rd #A, Gallup NM Oficina de Elección de Crownpoint – Intersection of Hwy 9 and Chaco Blvd, Crownpoint NM Thoreau Sheriff Substation – 109 Hwy 371 Thoreau, NM Casa Capitular Red Lake – Shepard Spring Rd. Navajo NM Estación de Bomberos Navajo Estates – 19 C Sunset Valley Rd. YahTaHey, NM Hilltop Christian Escuela– PO Box 9090 Tse Bonito NM Casa Capitular Mexican Springs – PO Box 93 Mexican Springs NM Escuela Primaria Tohatchi – 100 Ch’ooshgai Road Tohatchi NM Escuela Primaria Twin Lakes – N HWY 491 Twin Lakes, NM Casa Capitular Coyote Canyon – PO Box 257 Brimhall, NM Casa Capitular Standing Rock – PO Box 247 Crownpoint, NM Casa Capitular Whitehorse Lake – HCR 79 Box 4069 Cuba, NM Casa Capitular Ojo Encino – HCR 79 Box 1500 Ojo Encino, NM Casa Capitular Baca – State Hwy 122 Prewitt, N Casa Capitular Smith Lake– 1299 Hwy 371, Smith Lake, NM Estación de Bomberos Ft. Wingate – 290 McGaffey Lake Road Ft. Wingate, NM Catherine A Miller Primaria Escuela– Challenger Road Churchrock, NM Casa Capitular Rock Springs – PO Box 4608 YahTaHey, NM Casa Capitular Manuelito – HCR 57 Box 9069 Manuelito, NM Casa Capitular Pinedale – 523 Hwy N 11-49 Churchrock, NM CLASSIFIEDS

Casa Capitular Breadsprings – B017-001 Rodeo Road, Breadsprings, NM Escuela Primaria David Skeet – Route 45 Jones Ranch Road, Vanderwagen, NM Estación de Bomberos Ramah – #4 Tietjen Ave. Ramah, NM Mariano Lake Administrative Building – M003-001 Mariano Lake Loop Dr. Mariano Lake,NM Estación de Bomberos Whispering Cedars – 40 Whispering Cedars Rd., Jamestown NM Casa Capitular Iyanbito – 2111 A Suite 21A Iyanbito Rd, Ft. Wingate NM Edificio Complejo Tsayatoh Multi-– West TseYaToh Rd., TseYaToh, NM Becenti Casa Capitular, PO Box 708 – Crownpoint, NM Dalton Pass (Nahodishgish) Senior Center – Service Route 9, Crownpoint NM Estación de Bomberos del Pueblo Pintado-Navajo Route 9, Mile Marker 76, Pueblo Pintado, NM PARA SER ELEGIBLE para votar en la próxima Elección General, un elector calificado debe registrarse antes del 5 de octubre de 2021 o un elector calificado puede registrarse para votar o actualizar un certificado de registro existente en la oficina del Secretario del Condado durante las horas regulares y los días hábiles, empezando el 5 de octubre de 2021 hasta el 30 de octubre de 2021.

Declaraciones de candidatura y peticiones nominados si son requeridos deben ser presentadas ante la Secretaria del Estado el martes 24 de Agosto del 2021, durante las horas de 9:00 am a 5:00 pm. Declaraciones de candidatura y peticiones nominados si son requeridos para una persona que desea ser agregado deben ser presentadas ante la Secretaria del Estado el martes 31 de Agosto del 2021 durante las horas de 9:00 a.m. a 5:00 p.m.

Need a past issue? $2.00 per copy. Note issue date and send check or M.O. to: Gallup Sun, PO Box 1212, Gallup, NM 87305. Subject to availability.

AUTO SALES Gurley Motor Company

22020 Toyota Camry AWD T21573a 2020 FORD ESCAPE S AWD LIKE NEW WITH ONLY 5500 MILES! GOLD CERTIFIED WITH WARRANTY INCLUDED! $31,275

Jacqueline K. Sloan Escribana del Condado de McKinley Publication Date: Gallup Sun August 13, 2021 *** GALLUP SUN ARCHIVES

Amigo Automotive Center 1900 South Second St, Gallup, NM (505)722-7701 Amigoautomotive.com

HELP WANTED McKinley County is now accepting applications for the following positions: 2018 FORD ECOSPORT SE FWD EQUIPPED WITH SUNROOF, HEATED SEATS AND XM SATELLITE RADIO! ONLY 25,500 MILES $23,350

2018 Ford Fusion Hybrid SE FWD 67,2227 miles Save on Gas with a Hybrid! $21,675 Gurley Motor Co. 701 W. Coal Ave, Gallup, NM (505) 722-6621 www.gurleymotorford.com *** Amigo Automotive Center

POSITION Deputy Certified DEPARTMENT Sheriff’s Office FOR BEST CONSIDERATION DATE N/A Applications and additional information regarding positions can be found on the County website www. co.mckinley.nm.us Dezirie Gomez, CPO Human Resource Director *** McKinley County is now accepting applications for the following positions: POSITIONS Community Service Director DEPARTMENT Community Service FOR BEST CONSIDERATION DATE: August 26, 2021

Expedido bajo mi mando y sello este 11 de Agosto del 2021. _Jacqueline K. Sloan_____________________

22014 Dodge Challenger R/T Classic Condition: Used Body Style: Coupe Milage: 80,031 Stock #: P21098 Retail Price: $23,488

2015 Chevrolet Equinox St # J21003 117,390 miles Red AWD $16,200

Applications and additional information regarding positions can be found on the County website www. co.mckinley.nm.us Dezirie Gomez, CPO Human Resource Director *** Job Vacancy Announcement

Accounting Assistant Gallup Housing Authority General Job Description: Responsible for providing administrative support to the accountant with data entry, processing, and recording transactions, and assisting with audits and all other financial and business functions related to the Housing Authority. Assists in preparation of various financial or administrative reports, financial data tracking sheets, and any other reports required by the Department.

The successful candidate must have: basic knowledge of GAAP, bookkeeping principles, recordkeeping and retention procedures, budgeting, cost allocations, auditing, and financial reporting; skilled in operating standard office equipment and applicable computer software, such as Microsoft Suites; knowledge of record keeping, file management, standard office procedures and policies; ability to complete tasks with minimal instruction and meet deadlines; knowledge of cash management policies and procedures; general understanding of accounts payable and payroll processing policies and procedures; ability to deal effectively with sensitive and confidential information; ability to carry out effective communication including oral, grammatical, and written instructions in English During probationary period, the non-exempt employee may work part-time, approximately 20-25 hours per week.

Once probationary period is completed, this will be a non-exempt full-time position of 40 hours per week.

Applications and/or a copy of the job description may be requested by email at: GHA. Main@galluphousing.com.

Applicants may return the application in person or may submit their applications to the email above.

DEADLINE TO APPLY: 08/20/2021 Gallup Housing Authority is an Equal Opportunity Employer

CLASSIFIEDS | SEE PAGE 22

Gallup Sun • Friday August 13, 2021

21

CLASSIFIEDS | FROM PAGE 21 *** Job Vacancy Announcement Maintenance Technician Gallup Housing Authority Responsible for maintenance of buildings, facilities, grounds, and light equipment.

Performs some carpentry, electrical, plumbing, and other repairs in response to Tenant Work Order requests and/or results of inspections of units by HUD or other State and Local Agencies.

Performs minor repairs and maintenance on mechanical equipment or machinery.

Duties include but are not limited to; repainting of exteriors and interiors of housing units; repair or replacement of sinks, toilet bowls, showers, tubs and fixtures, screen doors, windows electrical light fixtures, etc. as needed; repair and/or replacement of water heaters and appliances.

Successful applicant must be able to; determine materials, tools and equipment needed to perform each task; work on site with minimal super-

vision. Must be able to read, write and complete required reports. Successful applicant should have significant experience in performing the tasks listed above. Current Driver’s license required.

Must pass background check.

This is a non-exempt fulltime position.

Applications are available at the Gallup Housing Authority located at 203 Debra Drive in Gallup, NM 87301, or can be requested and submitted by email at: GHA.Main@galluphousing.com.

DEADLINE TO APPLY: August 27, 2021 Gallup Housing Authority is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Publish Date: Gallup Sun August 13, 2021 August 20, 2021 *** Job Vacancy Announcement Administrative Assistant – Front Desk Gallup Housing Authority General Job Description:

The person will serve as the initial “point of contact” with the public, applicants, tenants, and vendors. Person will provide general administrative and clerical support to each of the following departments: Housing, Finance, Administration, and Maintenance as needed. Person will assist Executive Director and Agency staff in preparation for Board meetings; including agenda preparation, administering public notice of meetings, recording and filing of both meeting minutes and approved resolutions.

The successful candidate must have excellent computer skills and experience with Word, Outlook, and Excel spreadsheets. Must be skilled in standard office procedures and operations.

Must have ability to communicate effectively with applicants, tenants, other employees, and the general public, and must be fluent in the English language. Relevant college coursework is highly preferred. Applicant must have and maintain a current valid driver’s license.

A background check will be required upon hire.

''A Tradition'' • A Gallup tradition with over 100 years of dedicated service.

Now under new ownership, the Rollie legacy continues; providing the facilities and conveniences that serve families best with dignity, integrity and understanding.

• Rollie Mortuary offers package pricing, accepts Navajo Nation Social Service packages and can assist families with pre-need planning and set up.

• Rollie Mortuary offers a genuine desire to be of assistance to you and your family in this time of need.

401 E. Nizhoni Blvd.

Gallup, NM 87301 (505) 863-4452

SUBSCRIBE TO THE

GALLUP SUN! Three Convenient Delivery Options Snail Mail: __ 1 yr. $62.95 __ 6 mo. $32.95

*Home Delivery: __ 1 yr. $45 __ 6 mo. $25

*Gallup metro area only

Name: ___________________________________ Address: _________________________________ City/State/Zip: ____________________________ Phone: ________________ (for billing purposes only) Mail Check to: Gallup Sun, PO Box 1212, Gallup, NM 87305 • Fax: (505) 212-0391 • Email: gallupsun@gmail.com Credit Card #: _________________ Exp: _______ 3-4 digit code: _________ Billing zip: _________ Pay By Phone: (505) 722-8994 The Gallup Sun is distributed weekly, on Fridays. Forms received after Wednesday, the subscription will start the following Friday.

This is a non-exempt parttime position of approximately 20 hours per week.

Applications and a copy of the job description may be obtained at 203 Debra Drive, Gallup NM 87301, or may be requested by email at: GHA. Main@galluphousing.com.

Applicants may apply in person or submit their applications to the email above.

DEADLINE TO APPLY: August 27, 2021 Gallup Housing Authority is an Equal Opportunity Employer Publish Date: Gallup Sun August 13, 2021 August 20 ,2021 *** WRITERS/PHOTOGRAPHERS WANTED The Gallup Sun is hiring freelance writers and photographers. We know you’re out there! Also, taking resumes for a full/time reporter.

Please email resume with samples/clips to Publisher Babette Herrmann: gallupsun@gmail.com *** ACCOUNTS SPECIALIST

22 Friday August 13, 2021 • Gallup Sun

Digital (Email): __ 1 yr. $35 __ 6 mo. $20

Do you enjoy talking to and meeting new people? Do you prefer a job that requires a mix of time at the office and field work that challenges your unique set of skills?

Moreover, as a current customer service representative or sales representative, do you truly care about the folks you’re helping on a daily basis?

If you answered yes to these questions, then the position of Gallup Sun Accounts Specialist might be for you. In this dynamic, career-track position, you’ll visit existing Gallup Sun account clients, and visit with potential clients. You’ll provide our clients with the attention they deserve. You’ll work hard, but with vision and purpose, and no two days will be the same.

This is a full-time, salary-plus-bonus position with a SEP IRA and healthcare/ dental credit package. Twoweeks paid vacation after one year of employment. Serious applicants only. Please email your cover letter and resume (please explain any gaps in employment) to: gallupsun@gmail.com CLASSIFIEDS

COMMUNITY CALENDAR AUGUST 13 – AUGUST 19, 20211 FRIDAY, AUGUST 13

LAWN CHESS

4 pm. Join OFPL at the playground on the west side of the Children’s Branch for Lawn Chess. We’ll be playing with giant pieces measuring over one foot tall! Masters and beginners alike are welcome to join us for this fun spin on the classic game. For more information email childlib@gallupnm.gov or call (505) 863-1291.

MCKINLEY COUNTY BACK TO SCHOOL IMMUNIZATION CLINICS

8:30 am-4 pm @ McKinley Public Health Office (1919 College Dr.) Call (505) 722-4391 to schedule an appointment. Bring your child’s shot record.

Vaccines will be provided at no cost for children through 18 years of age.

SATURDAY, AUGUST 14

THE AUGUST SHOW: ALL IN ONE

11:30 am Virtual Show Opening: on the @gallupARTS Facebook and Instagram pages.

12 pm-4 pm “Open House”-Style Show Opening which includes 13 artists. 36 works.

Painting. Paper. Mixed Media. Sculpture. Digital Art. Found Object Art. Drawing. and Poetry. ART123 Gallery (123 W. Coal Ave.)

SELF-CARE SATURDAY

1 pm. Join OFPL on Facebook, @galluplibrary or YouTube to make a Concentration & Focus Roller DIY self-care product. Watch our previous self-care workshops on YouTube to boost your mental, emotional, and physical health. Ingredient list will be available at ofpl.online prior to the workshop. For more information email jwhitman@gallupnm.gov or call (505) 863-1291.

DEEP IN THE STACKS!

2 pm. Join us on Facebook and Instagram, @ galluplibrary or YouTube to catch conversations on various topics and hear about all of the exciting upcoming events at OFPL. Watch our newest virtual show! We’ll answer questions, showcase library materials, and more Deep in the Stacks!

For more information email mdchavez@gallupnm.gov or call (505) 863-1291.

CALENDAR

MCKINLEY COUNTY BACK TO SCHOOL IMMUNIZATION CLINICS

9 am-2 pm @ McKinley Public Health Office (1919 College Dr.). Call (505) 722-4391 to schedule an appointment. Bring your child’s shot record. Vaccines will be provided at no cost for children through 18 years of age.

THUNDERBIRD PROMOTIONAL MODEL AUDITIONS

11 am-3 pm Thunderbird Supply Company is holding its model auditions at the Farmington Museum, 3041 E Main St, Farmington.

SUMMER READING 2021: TAILS AND TALES

All ages can participate in Summer Reading 2021!

Children read four hours, vote in the Land of Enchantment Books Awards, or complete a Summer of STEM kit. Do one, two, or all three! Expand your horizons, read different genres and a variety of literature and complete a book bingo card. All age groups are eligible to win PRIZES. The last day to submit your bingo card and enter into a grand prize drawing is Sept. 1.

For more information email aprice@gallupnm. gov or call (505) 863-1291.

FIRE HYDRANT TESTING

7 am-7 pm Mon.-Sun. The Gallup Fire Dept. will conduct annual fire hydrant testing and maintenance.

This includes capturing pressure readings, flowing water of the fire hydrant, cleaning, painting and documenting any inefficiency found. Customers who experience any discolored water problems after the tests are encouraged to turn on a cold-water faucet outside of the house and let it run for five to 10 minutes. A slight decline in water quality is common. If quality does not improve or further problems occur, contact the Gallup Water Department by calling the utility dispatcher at (505) 863-1200.

Testing is scheduled to continue until mid-August.

MONDAY, AUGUST 16

DIY DREAMCATCHERS

2 pm and 4 pm. Join OFPL in the Meeting Room at the Main Library. Honor and celebrate the Inter-Tribal Indian Ceremonial by creating your own dreamcatcher using crafting supplies. Learn how to create a dreamcatcher using wire, suede lace, string, beads, and more while discovering its history and signif-

CALENDAR

icance to the indigenous people. Can’t make the in-person session? Request your supply kit after the event and make the dreamcatcher at home with a pre-recorded tutorial.

Each session is limited to 20 individuals on a firstcome first-served basis.

For more information email jwhitman@gallupnm. gov or call (505) 863-1291.

TUESDAY, AUGUST 17

TUESDAY EVENING VIRTUAL ARTIST TALKS

6 pm. LIVE on the @ gallupARTS and @ART123Gallery Facebook pages. Chat with featured artists from ART123 Gallery’s “The August Show: All in One” about their creative processes.

CHILDREN’S LIBRARY BRANCH WEEKLY EVENTS SCIENCE AND THE FIVE SENSES

1 pm. Join us on Facebook and YouTube to explore with our five senses. This month we’re focusing on science we can see!- Does it Glow?

TECH TIME: ONLINE EDUCATION & TRAINING

4 pm on Facebook, @ galluplibrary or YouTube at Octavia Fellin Public Library for FREE computer classes. Watch our archived collection of classes or take part in our new LIVE In-Person classes. Submit your technology questions, and we will create tutorial videos to meet your technology needs. For more information email libtrain@ gallupnm.gov or call (505) 863-1291.

RESUME AND COVER LETTER HELP (LIVE IN-PERSON)

Resumes and cover letters are your opportunities to impress! Let us help you create your best resume and cover letter for this important job process.

Learn about OFPL resources and get feedback to help you land your dream job. Join us in-person or on Facebook Live.

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 18

GMCS FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL MCKINLEY COUNTY BACK TO SCHOOL IMMUNIZATION CLINICS

8:30 am-11 am @ McKinley Public Health Office (1919 College Dr.) Call (505) 722-4391 to schedule an appointment. Bring your child’s shot record.

Vaccines will be provided at no cost for children through 18 years of age.

STORYTIME SCIENCE

11 am. Outside by the playground at Octavia Fellin Public Library Children’s Branch. Join us for stories, songs and science!

THURSDAY, AUGUST 19

WE READ, WE TALK BOOK CLUB

6 pm. Zoom discussions on “Braiding Sweetgrass: Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge and the Teachings of Plants”

by Robin Wall Kimmerer shows how other living beings—asters and goldenrod, strawberries and squash, salamanders, algae, and sweetgrass—offer us gifts and lessons, even if we’ve forgotten how to hear their voices. For more information email bmartin@gallupnm.gov or call (505) 863-1291.

2021 LEVITT AMP GALLUP MUSIC SERIES

7 pm @El Morro Theatre (207 W. Coal Ave.) Alice Wallace will perform with Native Roots in person and streamed live @GallupMainStreet.

CHILDREN’S LIBRARY BRANCH WEEKLY EVENTS CRAFTY KIDS

4 pm on Facebook and YouTube @galluplibrary (all ages) for family-friendly crafts and step-by-step tutorials for all skill levels.

Supply kits are available at OFPL on a first-come, first-served basis using the Supply Request Form at ofpl.online. This week we will introduce you to Pool Noodle Airplanes ONGOING

BIG BROTHERS BIG SISTERS NEEDS HELP

Following a break-in over the week end of July 24, a number of things were taken or destroyed at the 100 E. Aztec Ave. office. Because the organization is committed to its cause, the doors are open and people are back at work. However, they would appreciate donations to help replace some of the items that were stolen, enhance their security, and get the office professionally cleaned.

If you wish to help, visit bbbsmountainregion.org, email info@bbbsmountainregion.org, or call (505) 726-4285 or (505) 728-8356.

support-no college degree or relevant experience required. Apply for a scholarship at https://forms. gle/1jThmKPHVScnJuxr5 now through Sept. 15. For more information email bmartin@gallupnm.gov or call (505) 863-1291.

RMCHCS COVID VACCINATION CLINIC

8 am-5 pm Mon.-Fri. @ College Clinic (2111 College Dr.). No appointments needed. For COVID testing please call (505) 236-1074 and someone will come out to your vehicle to obtain a specimen.

RMCHCS RAPID CARE AND URGENT CARE

8 am-5 pm. Closed weekends @ 1850 U. S. Rte. 66. urgent care visits, vaccines, primary care. (505) 488-2603.

SUMMER READING 2021: TAILS AND TALES BINGO CARDS

There’s still time! Don’t forget to return your summer reading bingo card to be entered into weekly prize drawings. Last day to submit your bingo card and enter into a grand prize drawing is Sept. 1.

For more information email bmartin@gallupnm. gov or call (505) 863-1291.

MCKINLEY COUNTY PUBLIC HEALTH SERVICES

8 am-5 pm; closed 12 pm-1 pm Mon.- Fri. @ McKinley Public Health Office (1919 College Dr.) Call (505) 7222004 for WIC services. Call (505) 722-4391 for clinical services. For COVID vaccinations (Moderna & Pfizer), register at cvvaccine.nm.org or call for assistance. Services include vaccines for children up to age 18 and adults 19 and older; Confidential family planning & STI services and confidential harm reduction services on Thursdays from 9 am-12 pm.

CIBOLA COUNTY AMATEUR RADIO CLUB

The club meets monthly. It is a non-profit 501c, and an all-volunteer organization made up of local amateur radio operators who assist local governments during emergencies, find lost people, and help citizens obtain their licenses to become amateur radio operators at no cost. Visitors and members must pay for their own meals.

GOOGLE CAREER CERTIFICATE SCHOLARSHIP

Jump-start your career with a Google Career Certificate scholarship.

Prepare for entry-level positions in data analytics, project management, user experience design, and IT

To post a nonprofit or civic event in the calendar section, please email: gallupsunevents@gmail.com or fax: (505) 212-0391. Deadline: Monday at 5 pm.

Gallup Sun • Friday August 13, 2021

23

Notice TO ALL TENANTS Issued: August 9, 2021 DO YOU NEED RENTAL ASSISTANCE? The State of New Mexico will grant federal aid to New Mexicans for rental and utility assistance to households experiencing financial hardship due to the COVID-19 outbreak.

AM I ELIGIBLE? The Tenant must: x Be obligated to pay rent thru some type of agreement to rent the property you are living in x Be a primary resident in a housing unit located in NM x Able to show a financial impact due to the COVID-19 pandemic x Have household income that falls within the Housing Cost Assistance Income Limits x Unemployed and/or receiving unemployment benefits x Able to demonstrate risk of experiencing homelessness or housing instability x Able to demonstrate outstanding rent and utility obligations incurred since March 20, 2020.

WHAT DOES IT COVER? Rent; Utility Bills [Electric and Gas]; Water and Sewer; Trash removal; and other expenses related to housing costs [hotel/motel arrangements].

WHAT PAPERWORK DO I NEED? x Proof of renting [Rental Agreement, Lease, Landlord Verification letter, etc.]. x Household documents [Pay stubs, unemployment letter or 2020 Tax return] x Notice of nonpayment, termination notice or notice of Eviction, Utility cut-off notice, etc. x Proof of Job Loss or Significant loss of income.

WHERE

DO

I

APPLY? You can apply on-line www.renthelpnm.org or by calling: 1-833-485-1334

at:

Information provided as courtesy of Gallup Housing Authority

24 Friday August 13, 2021 • Gallup Sun

COMMUNITY