December 2009/January 2010 TheEssence_Vol3_Iss1_11.27 - FINAL

the Essence

The Frolic

When Winter Is Upon Us

by Angie Chipera

Business Essence All In The Family

By Lynn Strauss

Essential Person

Crystal Dufresne: Wife, Mother, Business Owner, Community Volunteer

By Lynn Strauss

Los Alamos and White Rock Insight Home for the First Time

by Mandy Marksteiner

Arts & Culture Unusual Gift Ideas

by Katy Korkos

Community Matters Take The 3/50 Challenge

Calendar Of Events December 2009/January 2010

of Los Alamos and White Rock

December 2009/January 2010, Volume 3, Issue 1

Winterfest

“Holidays begin at Home” Friday 12/4

Creches Show The Nutcracker

Saturday 12/5

Santa @ CB Fox Creches Show Earth Treasure Show Arts & Crafts Fair Affordable Art Sale Christmas Bazaar

Sunday 12/6

Earth Treasure Show Affordable Art Sale CB Fox Open The Nutcracker North Pole workshop Luminaria Walk

Holiday Lights parade

Holiday Gordons’ Concert Drawn Wagon Sleigh Rides Winter Crafts Extravaganza Puppet show

For a full schedule of events visit LAMainStreet.com

the

Essence December 2009/January 2010

www.ReadTheEssence.com

the

Essence

December

2009

/January 2010

6 The Frolic

When Winter is Upon Us

by Angie Chipera

10 The Business Essence

All in The Family

By Lynn Strauss

12 The Essential Person

Crystal Dufresne: Wife, Mother, Business Owner, Community Volunteer

By Lynn Strauss

16 Los Alamos and White Rock Insight Home for the First Time

by Mandy Marksteiner

18 Arts & Culture Unusual Gift Ideas

by Katy Korkos

20 Community Matters Take The 3/50 Challenge

22 Calendar Of Events

December 2009 and January 2010

About the cover: East of Los Alamos Photo by Larry Lamsa

www.losalamoschamber.com

the

Essence December 2009/January 2010

Editor’s Note Hi Ho, the holidays, the best time of the year. These shorter days of December and January are the best

time to come together to share warmth, light, and comfort; a time to gather with friends and families and remember the important things in life. It’s time to trot out the family recipes from a time when we were all in less of a hurry, to spend the day making posole or tamales, decorating cookies, basting the turkey, or listening to the bubbling of the stew in the crockpot. It’s time to snuggle up with a good book or watch a movie you’ve already seen a dozen times.

It’s times like these that CommUnity really Matters.

I’d also like to introduce Suzette Fox as the newest member of our Community Team here at the Los Alamos Commerce and Development Corporation. She has taken on the job of Community Projects Coordinator for our endeavors. Come on out and meet Suzette at Winterfest!

In this issue of The Essence This issue of The Essence marks a new volume, the third year in the CommUnity Matters initiative. All of the stories emphasize the themes of home and family, from Mandy Marksteiner’s “Home for the first time” to Lynn Strauss’ story about the Dufresne family’s finding a permanent home here in Los Alamos. Angie Chipera has written about a bunch of fun things to do this winter and I talked to Chamber members to come up with unusual gift ideas. Lynn has also contributed a story about the Deal family- this hard-working and modest family has been contributing to our well-being since the 1950’s.

Let’s hope this issue of the Essence also warms your hearts Katy Korkos, Interim Editor Member Services Coordinator Los Alamos Chamber of Commerce 505.661.4816, KatyK@losalamos.org

Suzette Fox, Community Projects Coordinator Los Alamos Commerce and Development Corporation 505.661.4844, Suzette@losalamos.org

Check out what’s happening in Los Alamos!!

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the

Essence December 2009/January 2010

www.ReadTheEssence.com

the

Essence Katy Korkos Interim Editor

Suzette Fox Community Projects Coordinator

Claire Roybal Ads Coordinator

Katy Korkos, Chelo Rojas Writer/Content Editor

Cindy Whiting, Kevin Holsapple Content Editors

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Coming December 2009….

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A class that helps older adults maintain their independence & improve their functional fitness.

Exercises will focus on improving your strength, cardiovascular endurance, balance, and flexibility.

Try this class FREE the month of December!

Call 662-LAFC(5232) for more Information

Essence December 2009/January 2010

The Frolic

When Winter Is Upon Us

By Angie Chipera

Los Alamos is a fabulous community of giving people who care for each other, community outreach or fundraisers. Here are some great things to look forward to in our community.

The fact that winter is upon us hasn’t slowed us down!

present “Twelve Angry Men.” In this play, the Korean War has ended, the Civil Rights Movement is growing, and one young man living in the slums finds himself on trial for his father’s murder. What should be an openand-shut case takes a new twist, and soon tempers flare as the twelve jurors reveal their true character.

Showtime is 7:30 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, 2:00 p.m. on Sundays. $12 for adults, $10 seniors and students. Purchase tickets at CB Fox or at the door.

Grow your Créche Collection.

Be inspired by these local crèche collectors who are fascinated by the infant Jesus and his birth scene.

Nativity sets are from the Holy Land, France, Germany, Mexico, South America, Africa and United States. Part of Winterfest Week, the crèche collections will be on display Friday December 4th and Saturday December 5th at the Latter Day Saints Church in Los Alamos. It’s free of charge and open to the public.

Hunt for treasure Tour the Valles.

Skiers and non-skiers can enjoy the Valles Caldera National Preserve from a horse-drawn sleigh. On your sixty-minute drive, you’ll have a 360 degree view of the Valle Grande, where you may see coyotes, herds of elk or bald eagles. Hear the lore of the “old Baca Ranch” as the blades on your sleigh cut through the crisp snow. If the snow is not adequate, you’ll ride in a wagon. Reservations are not required but are encouraged and will be accepted starting in November. Rides start in December. Adults-$30, Seniors 62-and-over-$24, Children 15-and-under$15, age 5 and under- Free. Directions are posted on their website.

Enjoy a world-class performance with Trio Solisti.

The Los Alamos Concert Association warms up the winter with Trio Solisti, a group of solo

instrumentalists who have blended their talents.

“Trio Solisti has earned a national reputation for its passionate, committed, and adventurous performances marked by exquisite individuality of expression and seamless ensemble playing.” 8 p.m. on January 9th at the Duane Smith Auditorium.

Tickets will be available at the door, or can be ordered through the Los Alamos Concert Association website.

Have your appetite stimulated by a free film.

The Mesa Public Library film series is all about food this winter. Films like “The Big Night,” “Fried Green Tomatoes,” and “Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner” are on the menu, at 7 p.m. on the first Thursday evening of the month in the upstairs screening room at the library.

Step back in time to 1954.

Starting January 8th, the Los Alamos Little Theater will the

Essence December 2009/January 2010

… at the Los Alamos Geological Society’s Earth Treasure Show. On December 5th and 6th, members of the Los Alamos Geological Society will display exhibits from their collections, demonstrate cutting, carving, and polishing techniques, and preparing mineral & fossil specimens. Free movies. Minerals, geologic specimens, gems, jewelry, and fossils will be for sale. Proceeds benefit their scholarship fund, which is used as prize money for the Los Alamos Science Fair and supports undergraduate students in New Mexico Universities who are studying earth sciences. Door prizes are awarded at regular intervals both days of the show. Admission is free and a snack bar is available.

Watch the Holiday Light Parade.

As part of the Winter Festival, the theme for this year’s parade is “Home for the Holidays.” Last year’s “Polar Express,” which was constructed using four Atomic City transits, was a big hit. Parade entries are www.ReadTheEssence.com

open to all local businesses and organizations. Immediately following the parade is the Tree Lighting Ceremony at Ashley Pond.

Ski the new terrain park on Pajarito Mountain.

Constructed on Easy Mother, the new terrain park promises to add to everyone’s ski experience. The Ski Hill still has 40 great trails, excellent tree skiing, and the best bump skiing in the state. It is rarely overcrowded and the lift lines are not long but its greatest asset is the respectful, polite, generous nature of the staff, skiers, and snowboarders. Pajarito Mountain has always been a not-for-profit organization that depends heavily on volunteers. It’s all about fun!

Santa is well known for his ability to be in several places at once …

Los Alamos Heart Council We teach you how to “Love Your Heart”

Coming in February

Annual Heart Month Seminars In Los Alamos and Espanola (CEUs for nurses and allied health providers)

For Information On Our Programs Visit:

www.LosAlamosHeartCouncil.org or e-mail President@LosAlamosHeartCouncil.org

Skate with Santa and his elves.

Santa’s never too busy to visit the Ice Rink. He and his elves will greet the boys and girls and hand out candy canes. Have your picture taken with Santa on or off the ice! December 19 from 2-4 p.m., December 20, 3-5 p.m. Sponsored by the Los Alamos County Recreation Division.

NEW

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LOS ALAMOS

More Choice. More Choice. More Choice.

Santa Loves Pancakes.

Santa is well known for his ability to be in several places at once, so he’ll be joining you for breakfast on Dec. 12 to benefit the Kiwanis Club. I know, he looks like he could put away a few pancakes, but you don’t have to cook- just go to the Betty Ehart Senior Center- the Kiwanis Club will thank you by supporting scholarships, school refurbishing, the Fourth of July fireworks, Key Club, and many other great programs. There is no charge to attend, but a donation of a new toy, non-perishable food or even money will benefit the foster children who live in Los Alamos and Española. The Kiwanis Club puts on the breakfast, then helps the foster kids have a great Christmas party every year.

Santa is coming …

That ol’ Saint Nick sure gets around- he’ll be at CB Fox right after breakfast, from 11 a.m. ‘til 4 p.m. on the Saturdays leading up to Christmas. Considering how much time Santa will be spending in town this December, Los Alamos kids had better be very nice!

Shop the Winter Farmers Markets

Enjoy the comfort of historic Fuller Lodge as you shop the Winter Farmers Markets. The bounty produced by area farmers and craftspeople will be evident year–round, with chiles, honey, organically raised meats, soaps and scented candles.

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the

Essence December 2009/January 2010

The Frolic (continued from page7) Affordable Art The Art Center at Fuller Lodge puts on a special show each year that showcases the fine art and crafts produced here. This year’s show runs from the end of November clear through January 2, 2010.

The main gallery is transformed into a holiday gift paradise brimming with original, affordable arts and crafts. Everything priced betwen $10 - $250. Where your shopping becomes fun!

Aloha Skate

Say good-bye to the old year and hello to the new on ice, as the County’s Recreation Division hosts a skating party with a Hawaiian theme on New Year’s Eve, from 8 p.m. to nearly midnight. Break out those Hawaiian shirts and skate with Tiki Torches to the sounds of some rockin’ surf music.

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Essence December 2009/January 2010

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the

Essence December 2009/January 2010

The Business Essence

A

All in the Family

web of family businesses support the Deal family … and a legacy.

If you ask Bill Deal for advice on how to run a successful family business, he will say, “As long as you have the love. You’ve got to have the love.”

The dots of businesses in a small town are easy to connect, and when the lines between them are bloodlines, it’s even more interesting.

Bill Deal is the 84-year-old patriarch of the Deal family and Mary Deal Realty. He and his wife Mary came to Los Alamos in 1950 to start a life together.

Bill was fresh out of grad school with a doctorate and a position at the Lab. They started a family and by the early 1960s they had four children, Becky, Kate, Mary Anne and Bill. Mary worked for the Lab as a group secretary and Cyclotron operator, and then in shipping and receiving.

In 1965 the government began selling residences to their occupants, a process called “disposal,” and the only private housing in Los Alamos County was in White Rock. The only real estate broker in town was a man named Andy Long.

By Lynn Strauss

Mary discovered an affinity for real estate sales as one of the first lot owners when Pajarito Acres property was being developed. She soon got her license and started her own business.

“She had a great capability of pleasing people and finding them the right home,” Bill says. “She worked for over 30 years doing that.”

“In 1968 I got a sales license, after getting permission to have an outside business from Norris Bradbury,” Bill recalls. “In 1970 I got a broker license and was the silent partner, doing the accounting and such. Mary had the sales genius that made the money.”

Over the course of 30 years, Bill worked as a Group Leader, a Division Leader, and a Deputy Associate Director in the Lab. He earned an executive MBA from UNM in 1976 to add to his 1950 PhD in physics from the University of Texas.

The Deals built the Mary Deal Building in 1977 and Bill retired from Lab in 1980 after 30 years service. “In 1980 when I retired, I thought I’d computerize the business,” Bill says.

He’s long since done that. Bill has been retired from the Lab for 29 years. At its peak, the business owned 108 rentals, and Bill recalls replacing a refrigerator a month during that time. Now the family is running a web of businesses.

“It was not our intention to create a family business,” Bill says. “Mary just had a talent for business.”

Sadly, Mary Deal passed away in February of 2008 after a long illness that forced her retirement in 1999.

When she became ill, daughters Kate O’Donnell and Mary Anne Beard returned to Los Alamos to help with the family business. Mary Anne’s husband Tim Beard and Kate’s husband Jim O’Donnell have also pitched in to help wherever they can. Tim has followed in his father-in-law’s footsteps by working full-time at the lab and whenever needed in the family business, while Jim’s main job with the family businesses is as the manager of the Reel Deal Theater.

Mary Anne is now a real estate broker and the qualifying broker for the office, and the manager of the family trust established in 1976. She’s also a Director on the board of the Real Estate Association of New Mexico and property manager for several rentals and the Mary Deal Building. She manages the website for the Reel Deal Theater, and outside of the office, she teaches math at UNM LA and plays violin in the Los Alamos Symphony orchestra.

`Taking the leap from real estate and property management to the movie theater business came about when the two sisters were sitting in the office and brainstorming about what Los Alamos really needed, and also how to develop an awkward piece of land without just building another office building.

“This town really needs a movie theater,” they decided.

Using his MBA knowledge, Bill researched the viability of a theater and found, he says, “It wouldn’t prove to be a big money maker, but we felt the town needed it.”

Bill admits he had a soft spot for the movies. “He grew up an Army brat in San Antonio at Fort Sam Houston and also in Panama, and went to the movie theater with the soldiers,” Mary Anne says. “It’s sort of come full circle. He still to this day sees a movie at the theater most every Saturday afternoon.”

Bill also feels very strongly about leaving a legacy for his hometown. “We have a micro-economy here,” says Bill. “It’s completely dependent on the Lab. When the Lab declines, business declines. But the movie theater is holding its own.”

The Reel Deal Theater’s success is partly because of the demand for a theater and because of the Deal family’s support and management. Bill’s son-in-law Jim O’Donnell offered to manage the theater when

fyi

—Think about all the families in business who give up their holidays to make yours brighter- they’re out there making deliveries on Christmas Eve, keeping the shop open late for last-minute shoppers and answering the phone outside of regular hours. They do it gladly.

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Essence December 2009/January 2010

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the family parted ways with the national chain Translux.

“I like new things, new challenges,” says Jim. “The theater has 13 employees.

The most challenging thing about running the Theater is arm-wrestling Hollywood to get first-run movies. We are on the cusp of being big enough for having a market for first run movies. They are the ones that pay the bills.”

“About 55% of the ticket sales income goes to the movie studios,” Jim said.

The family has made the decision to keep ticket prices lower than Santa Fe and Española. “We have the lowest prices around.”

“We do a lot of programs with schools – field trips, prom night, homecoming night, late nights for youth, midnight movies, and Senior Appreciation Night,” Kate says. “We have a free summer program for pre-schoolers that’s sponsored by LANB. There’s also a partnership with the YMCA, and other youth programs.”

When the Reel Deal Theater got started in 2003, pre-show ads were still photo slides. The family wanted to go digital, so Kate started her own screen advertising business, “Reel Deal Theater Screen Advertising” - another family business offspring.

“We jumped in with both feet,” says Kate. “Digital pre-shows weren’t common yet. It was new technology and we were ahead of the curve at the time. We have made our pre-show unique because we’re independently owned and we can do that. It’s all about Los Alamos. We shoot film in town, and people watch and enjoy the ads because they see people they know and places they identify with .”

Kate has been doing pre-show productions since 2006, and also helps at the real estate office providing secretarial support and bookkeeping.

Jim is also a fine arts photographer who has shown at the Art Center at Fuller Lodge, and shot photos for the Monitor. His newest venture is a partnership with the new Village Arts owner and manager, Ken Nebel. They are remodeling a 4,500 square-foot building on DP Road to be a gallery, workshop and meeting place for artists. Kate is also consulting with the Village Arts project, helping to put the space together, and doing a pre-show ad for Village Arts. It is located at 216 DP Road, in the old Coffee Booth and Waller’s Plumbing location.

“December will be filled with parties,” Jim says. “A grand opening and a gallery opening. There will be art classes, a gallery space, and space to hang out and discuss ideas -- a place for the artist community to gather.”

Thus, another Deal family offspring business appears to be bound for success, but with 12 grandchildren, Bill Deal’s businesses are not his only success stories.

“The first William Deal came in 1739 from Frankfurt, Germany to Philadelphia,” Bill says, “and my youngest grandchild is named William Deal.”

“What I like about working with a family business is that our family gets along really well and enjoy each other, so it gives me an opportunity to spend a lot of time with my father, who still comes into the office every day, at 84,” Kate says.

“He’s very vibrant and an essential part of this business and sharp as ever. He’s integral to the business. And I enjoy working with my husband and sister. We’re not competitive, so we get along well.”

“I like working with my family, they’re my best friends and the people I see all the time,” Mary Anne says. “The only downside is that I worry about everyone’s health. But in a way, it’s much easier than a non-family business because grievances don’t go through a process, we just hash them out. We’re all a team.”

‘As long as you have the love,’ indeed. }

www.losalamoschamber.com

the

ASSETS IN ACTION Search Institute's 40 Developmental Assets are concrete, commonsense, positive experiences and qualities essential to raising successfulyoung people. These assets have the power during critical adolescent years to influence choices young people make and help them become caring, responsible adults.

To receive a free, weekly email on tips and tools to instill these assets in youth, email Bernadette@losalamos.org or call 661-4846.

Assets in Action is a community building program of the Los Alamos Chamber of Commerce.

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Essence December 2009/January 2010

11

The Essential Person

Crystal Dufresne: Wife, mother, business owner, community volunteer

By Lynn Strauss

C

hatty, cheery conversations click along among the women of Curves, a national

franchise women’s work-out club in downtown Los Alamos. Topics of conversation run the gamut from recipe exchanges to happenings at the high school and state politics, according to owner Crystal Dufresne.

All the while, hydraulic resistance machines move and clang rhythmically with the banter and fits of laughter.

The group is as varied as can be -- single, married, divorced, widowed, moms, grandmas, writers, physicists, teachers, and businesswomen. As a member and beneficiary of the club, Crystal says she has lost weight and gained friends. That’s why she bought the franchise. The opportunity to purchase the business opened up a few months after Crystal moved to Los Alamos, and she felt it was right for her.

It was July of 2006 that Crystal and her family moved from Washington, D.C. where they had lived for 10 years. Her husband Tom took a position at the Lab as a technical staff member. Their daughter Clarissa is 20 and attending the University of Tennessee, and their son Brad is 15 and a sophomore at Los Alamos High School and plays on the tennis team.

Soon after their arrival, the family began to find their place in the community. Tom had been in the Army for 11 years, so the family lived by “Home is where the Army sends us.” But upon moving to Los Alamos, they adopted a new motto -- “Home is the community that we build up around us,” says Crystal.

“If you want to be happy where you live, you have to help make it a happy place.”

That fall, Crystal and her daughter Clarissa

fyi

joined Curves to work out together to enjoy some mother-daughter time.

“I began to meet people and felt like a part of the community,” says Crystal. “I met lots of ladies with varied backgrounds, and found out about what was going on in town, and realized that was the best way to acclimate to the area.”

Soon Crystal had taken a staff position at Curves, and when the business came up for sale, she talked to her whole family and decided to buy it.

She lost weight and saw her own health improve since she joined, and often celebrated with other women as they progressed to their goals. She considers her business to be a form of ministry, because of its support of women and its success in community-building.

The Curves tradition was not unlike Crystal’s own community work – being involved with local charities. Curves already had a tradition and a corporate culture of community participation, so she inherited some fundraisers and took on new ones.

The Food Drive for LA Cares and the “Relay for Life” for American Cancer Society were staples, and her first Christmas as the owner of Curves the group adopted a family that had lost their home to a fire and bought them all presents.

She organized the Curves members to give Christmas presents to the residents of Casa Mesita girls’ home, hosts the Trick or Treat on Main Street -- handing out healthy snacks and week-long memberships. Crystal added another drive this year, the “Soles4Souls” effort, which facilitates the donations of shoes to aid people worldwide.

In early June of this year, Crystal moved Curves to a new, smaller location on Central Avenue in the Mari-Mac Village, a few doors south of the Motor Vehicle Division and just up the stairs from the Coffee Booth. Devoted followers made the switch to the new location instantly, because they didn’t want to lose touch with their friends.

“Many members say that’s why they choose to exercise at Curves – because of the community

—Los Alamos Fitness, the Family YMCA and Curves all offer help in achieving the ultimate goal, that of good health, with classes and programs designed for every level of fitness.

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of people to share and talk with as they work out,” Crystal says. “We all come together and to do things. For example, we had members who went to the Trinity on the Hill Mission trip to Juarez, Mexico. We all supported them with donations and good wishes.”

Crystal says that “health” includes a variety of things – physical health, spiritual health, and emotional health. “I love being the owner of Curves,” she says. “I know we are helping to make people stronger, in so many ways.”

�

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the Essence

Photo: Jeremy Varela

Photo: Sally King

of Los Alamos and White Rock

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Photo: Larry Lamsa

“Winter came down to our home one night Quietly pirouetting in on silver-toed slippers of snow, And we, we were children once again.” ­ — Bill Morgan Jr.

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Los Alamos Alamos and White Rock Insight Home for the First Time

By Mandy Marksteiner

This holiday season three families have something new to celebrate!

Michal Mocko and his wife Veronica are celebrating Michal’s recent conversion from post-doc to full time staff at the lab, Kip and Andrea Bishofberger just got married, and Siobhan and Anders Niklasson just had their second baby. And they all just bought their first homes!

As first time homebuyers they all qualified for a tax credit of $8,000. President Obama signed legislation that extended the deadline to April 2010 and expandedthe terms to include move up buyers, who are now eligible for a $6,500 tax credit.

When Michal Mocko was working as a post-doc, his family rented a duplex in Los Alamos northern community. They started looking for a single-family home last August, as soon as he knew he would be converted.

“We already saw all the houses in our price range, and didn’t find what we wanted,” said Michal Mocko. “This house went on the market the night before we decided to give White Rock another look.

We had Suzie Havemann book an appointment. We saw this place and within fifteen minutes we made an offer.”

What they love the most about their new place is the space. It has five bedrooms, a sunroom with a Jacuzzi and, in addition to their two-car garage, they have an extra garage that can be used as a workshop. “We bought a house because we wanted to buy a house,” said Michal. “I have a stable income and we have kids. For us the tax credit was another incentive.”

And what a great incentive to buy a house! Just think about what you can do with that $8,000 or $6,500 tax credit…

Make your home fit your style.

“This is the first place we’ve ever owned, so we’re already thinking about painting and decorating,” said Veronica Mocko. “It’s the first time we’ve had a chance to do that.”

fyi—

have kids.” They also plan to add a second sink in the bathroom so their kids, Daniel and Jane, can brush their teeth together.

When the Niklasson’s daughter Liv was born, they needed more space. So they moved out of their rental home and bought both sides of a duplex, immediately doubling their space. So far they’re using the extra side as storage, but they’re planning to remove the wall between the kitchens to make it into one big house.

Raise the value of your home.

Whether you just bought a house or are trying to sell, it’s always a good investment to update your house in some way.

Lee Metzger, the owner of Metzger’s “Do It Best” Hardware, has been a real estate broker for 35 years, and knows what home improvement projects make the biggest difference.“The main thing that improves sale price is paint,” he said. “We carry a great line of paint and can mix paint to match anything.”

Cheryl Sowder, owner of The Finishing Touch, said, “People are putting a lot of effort into redoing their home. People who have just purchased are doing whatever they can to make it their own home.”

Not sure where to start? Sowder is an interior designer and often helps her clients come up with design ideas and choose colors.

The Bishofbergers had had some help decorating their adobe style home. Just weeks after moving in, they had a wedding shower with over 50 guests.

Because they have high ceilings in their adobe style house, they may start buying something that they didn’t need in their separate apartments – large pieces of artwork.

Kip is originally from California, and what made him feel at home was to plant two Redwood saplings (wedding gifts from his dad) in his yard. To improve the chances that they would take root he dug an enormous hole, removed all the rocks and amended the soil.

Make your home fit your needs.

“The first thing we built was a sandbox,” said Veronica Mocko, “because the previous owners didn’t

Linda Maes, the operation supervisor at The Finishing Touch, said, “There’s a lot of competition, because so many houses are on the market. So if there’s anything that looks bad a buyer will move on.

Hardwood is one thing that really does improve the value of your house. But anything new is good.”

When you buy home improvement supplies at

This may be the absolute best time ever to purchase real estate in Los Alamos County and to make your home more valuable. With low interest rates, reasonable prices, federal tax incentives, knowledgeable brokers and agents and enthusiastic lenders- why delay?

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The Finishing Touch will do the measurements free of charge, and they can do installation. Sowder said, “The installers have been with us for many years. We have faith in them.”

“Because so many of the houses here were built in the 1950’s, a lot of people need a new vanity,” said Metzger. Metzger’s has a few vanities on display, but their catalog has many more to choose from.“Small things like outlet covers and bathroom racks for your towels can really make a house look better without a huge expense.”

Make your house more energy efficient.

“A good thing to buy with extra money from taxes is “energy smart” light bulbs. They last longer and save a lot of electricity,” said Metzger. Metzger’s also carries solar powered lights for the garden and infrared heaters that can save up to 50% in heating bills.

“Here in New Mexico we have to be conservative with our water,” said Betty Jacob, a lawn and garden sales associate at Metzger’s. Jacob said drip irrigation systems save water by reducing evaporation. Like a sprinkler, they can be put on a timer. Their “beginner kits” introduce people to water saving drip irrigation systems.

People can also receive a Federal Tax Credit worth 30% of the cost of certain energy efficient products (up to $1,500 total) purchased during 2009 and 2010.

The Finishing Touch carries Duette®Architella® honeycomb shades, by Hunter Douglas; they’re the only window coverings that qualify for the tax credit.

If you don’t feel like fixing up your house, it might be time to fix up your finances.

Assuming that the tax credit actually results in a windfall of cash (i.e. they don’t owe more taxes than then the credit provides), a financial planner can recommend ways to put that money to work to define and prioritize realistic goals for their financial future.

The financial planning process begins with understanding where your money goes each month.

Pay off high interest credit card balances first.

(Unless it’s a “good debt” like a home mortgage or college loan where the interest maybe used in an itemized deduction.)

The next step is to make sure you have emergency reserves – a liquid fund of 3 to 6 months of required expenses so that you don’t have to use credit cards to pay for unexpected expenses.

Make sure you have enough insurance to protect your familyfrom risks such as accidents, sickness or death of a wage earner.

Al Aglialoro, an agent with Farm Bureau Financial Services, said that with $8,000 a healthy 30-year old can get $48,700 in All Life Single Premium life insurance. When you get that type of policy, you never have to make another payment and you will have life insurance for the rest of your life. It builds cash value, so in twenty years the $8,000 will be $17,708 and the death benefit will grow to $57,155.

Finally, use an account with compounding growth, such as a money market, CD rollover or diversified stock and bond fund) to save up for more

medium to long-term goals such as college, starting a business, buying or paying off income-producing real estate or retirement.

It’s not too late to take advantage of the tax credit!

“The expansion is what may be really exciting for you,” said Kendra Henning, owner of Re/Max, in Los Alamos. “The credit is no longer limited to first-time homebuyers. Moveup buyers who have owned their current home for at least five years can receive a $6,500 tax credit when they buy a home for $800,000 or less.”

The income limit has been increased. Before single people had to have an income under $75,000 and married couples had to have a combined income of less than $120,000. Now singles can make up to $120,000 and couples can have a combined income of $225,000.

“The $6,500 is a true tax credit, not just a reduction of your taxable income,” said Henning. “In other words, if you would normally owe $1,000 in federal taxes, you will get a $5,500 refund instead. If you would normally get a $1,000 refund, you’ll get a $7,500 refund.”

It’s easy to get the rebate if you qualify. Pearl White, owner of Real Estate Associates PVW, LLC, said, “You just talk to your accountant and show that you bought the property and, if you qualify, you will get the credit on your taxes.”

Lorraine Hartway, CPA, LLC

Lorraine@hartwaycpa.com Small Business Center 190 Central Park Sq. Suite 101 • Los Alamos, NM 87544 Phone: 505-662-3122 • Fax: 505-662-0094

Bilingual Montessori School

We have been selected by Los Alamos Small Business Development Center "The 2008 Success Client"

Year Round School!

111 Longview Dr. Suite 8 White Rock Days:Monday- Friday Hours:7:30am-6:00pm Accepting applications for the Summer Session/ Academic Year 2009/10 half-time opening Available call the school for details!

Phone:(505) 672-1800 www.bilingualmontessorischool.com

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Ages: 3 months-6 years

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BROWNELL’S 609 Central Ave 505-662-6501

$79999 17

Arts & Culture Unusual Gift Ideas

by Katy Korkos

“D

on’t give me anything I have to dust,” Grandma always said.

That may sound like a challenge to the unwary gift buyer, but it’s not as hard as it sounds to find something wonderful and dustless. Grandma liked useful things. Grandma LOVED chocolate.

Grandma’s gift to us was always the dreaded “mukluk”- a hybrid garment that is part slipper and part sock. The mukluk was dreaded for several reasons: it was made of wool, and was itchy on the ankles. At least half of Grandma’s 12 grandchildren lived in California, where slippers are pretty much unnecessary. As kids, we might have preferred a toy or doll or board game, or something pink or shiny or fashionable, and mukluks were distinctly unfashionable. But they were given with love, and when Grandma came to visit, suddenly we became mukluk wearers.

So how do we get around the dust issue, yet give gifts that our loved ones will remember fondly? Los Alamos Chamber members are full of suggestions for things that never need dusting: Tools And Gadgets– What woman would not be thrilled with her very own set of pliers? (Well, OK, some women would not be thrilled, but I love mine). My other favorite tool is my cordless drill. I also love my pretty Japanese pruning saw and beautiful pruning shears. The fine folks at Los Alamos Home Improvement, Frank’s Supply and Metzger’s Do It Best are happy to help you select the right tool for the job. If it’s a gadget you’re after, go visit Liz Thomson at Cookn’ in Style. Liz is a selfproclaimed gadget wizard, and her store has a full wall of gadgets. She can show you a knife designed for soft cheeses, a microwave pasta cooker, or a lobster-claw type of pot grabber.

So get the cordless drill for Mom and a cool gadget for Dad, and everybody will be happy.

Classes And Workshops– this could be a bit tricky. You never want to give a cooking class to someone who hates cooking, or a wildflower class to someone who hates hiking, or fitness classes to someone who’s sensitive about their weight- but if you’ve ever heard your significant other say “I wish I had taken tap dancing”- there’s your clue. PAC-8 gives videography lessons, the Art Center at Fuller Lodge has dozens of art classes for young and old throughout the year, Cookn’ in Style has both easy and more technical cooking classes. Dance classes for young and old are available through Dance Arts Los Alamos and the New Mexico Dance Theater.

High Flyers Gymnastics, Los Alamos Fitness, Pajarito Mountain Ski Area, the Sportsmans Club and the Family YMCA can all help you get off on the right foot (literally) with athletic pursuits.

Memberships And Sponsorships–

A gift membership to the Pajarito Environmental Education Center or Los Alamos Historical Society, or a subscription for season tickets to the Los Alamos Concert Association, would make anyone feel good.

A donation in the name of your giftee to any one of those organizations, or to Habitat for Humanity, the Friends of the Shelter would honor your friend and support a beloved cause. You can sponsor a girl for a day at the Casa Mesita Group Home, volunteer your time at a resale shop, or pay for the cost of a year’s membership in the Rotary Club or Kiwanis.

Experiences– a trip or smaller getaway (like a day spa visit), a bit of pampering or a guided hikeanything out of the daily norm constitutes the perfect gift. Enchanted Trek Travel and Dugan’s Travel can help with the longer trip, but why not considered the guided tour of Puye Cliffs or a professionally guided flyfishing trip with Land of Enchantment Guides’ Noah Parker. If your idea of a great getaway includes smelling good, looking good, and feeling good, a visit to the Spa at Hilltop House, Pearl’s Place or It’s All About You should fill the bill, and they all offer gift certificates.

Food Is Good– Every dining establishment in town is happy to help you customize the gift of food- there are gift cards or gift certificates at the CoffeeHouse Cafe, Bob’s Bodacious Bar B Q, the Bandelier Grill, Hot Rocks Cafe, the Hill Diner, De Colores, Central Avenue Grill, Ruby K’s, Fabulous 50’s Diner, Home Run Pizza- you’re not just giving the gift of food, you’re

preventing and avoiding housework .

Chocolate– Once again, letting Grandma be my guide- have you ever considered giving chocolate?

Chocolate is its own food group- the theobromides (meaning food of the gods). There’s no such thing as bad chocolate, but some chocolate is just plain better.

CB Fox has Joseph Schmidt truffles, Toblerone, Lindtpoetry to my ears. Sometimes I give my husband chocolate just so I can eat it. If CB Fox is closed, there are some pretty good chocolates at Smith’s, too.

Cleaning Service– “If you’re lucky enough to have a relative who is a collector, you will already know what they want. A collection is never really complete, whether they collect matchbox toys, books, fabric, Christmas plates, carnival glass or rubber duckies. Your loved one, unlike my Grandma, may really enjoy dusting, because it gives them a chance to enjoy their collection. However, I’ve never met anyone who really enjoys shampooing their carpets, so why not consider contracting with Atomic City Cleaning’s carpet-cleaning service.”

Clothing– Mukluks never need dusting, and they have come a long way since the fifties- they’re no longer itchy, and they come in pink. I’m almost tempted to give some to my grandchildren, but they live in California and go barefoot, and they’d probably just think I’m weird.

Chamber Checks– Still stumped? There is always the Chamber Check option. Chamber Checks are portable gift certificates that can be spent with any Chamber member business. They are attractively packaged in any multiple of ten dollars and come with a listing of all of the places a recipient can spend them. Chamber Checks are available for purchase at the Chamber of Commerce, 109 Central Park Square. If you intend to purchase quite a few, don’t hesitate to call ahead (662-8105) to be sure they will be available when you arrive.

EDITOR’S NOTE: In our family, we just celebrate generic “Holidays,” which include two birthdays, an anniversary, Christmas and Hanukkah in mid- to late December.

We sing Christmas carols and eat matzoh brei (better than it sounds), we light candles and give gifts. We decorate the Christmas tree with six-pointed stars, and wrap the gifts with blue paper. We have a permanent floating “re-gift,” the coveted rubber chicken. The family with whom the rubber chicken resides for the year is responsible for disguising it and passing it on at the next family gathering. It’s a great holiday tradition!

fyi—To find out more about any of the gift suggestions in the story, go to the Business Directory on fyiLA.com. And if this story inspires you to think of quirky family traditions of your own, please call or e-mail us with ideas for next year!

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Photo: Carol Clark

Discover...

Los Alamos’ Portable Gift Certificate!

Chamber Checks

To Purchase or for more information, visit the Los Alamos Chamber of Commerce, call 661-4815, or go to LosAlamosChamber.com

For large orders please call in advance

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:Take the 3/50 Challenge

Pauline Schneider, executive director of the Los Alamos Retired and Senior Organization, and Irene Powell, Retired Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP)

“I

magine visiting a local business, only to find it had closed up shop. It might have been a restaurant, a retailer, a service business, or even a doctor’s office. Make a mental list of those businesses you really value, who contribute to the great quality of life we have here in Los Alamos County.”

This consciousness raising exercise is at the core of the 3/50 Project, a grassroots initiative aimed at supporting local economies … three businesses at a time.

The “50” part of the 3/50 name suggests spending $50 a month with each of the three businesses to support them and help to sustain them. Making a conscious effort to support local businesses can pay significant dividends for our community’s economy as well. In our community, $50 in expenditures by 50% of the people who work in our community results in $450,000 in revenues, a very significant number.

What do people think about the 3/50 idea? This month we have a conversation with Irene Powell and Pauline Schneider of Los Alamos Retired and Senior Organization, LARSO. Interview/Conversation …

Are you up for the 3/50 challenge?

This is a pretty slick idea! I think it makes good sense.

We are in.

What businesses come to mind?

(Irene) “Cook’n In Style”, “Metzgers”, “CB Fox”, and “Central Avenue Grill” are places that come immediately to mind. (Pauline) “Metzgers” and “Otowi Station Bookstore” come right to mind for me.

When I think about local businesses, I think about convenience and service. I can get there in just a few minutes and someone will help me find what I need. I had to return something recently that wasn’t the right size and it was a snap … that would have been a long ordeal if I had to do that out of town or through the mail.

Sometimes my husband will say “you could buy that cheaper …” in Santa Fe or over the internet.

I don’t find that to be the case … especially once I consider shipping charges, travel time and costs, and those kinds of things.

Can you think of a business you haven’t been to lately that the 3/50 idea has you thinking about visiting?

Daniels Café is a place I haven’t been to yet. I need to go try it out. I just noticed a sign at Home Run Pizza in Los Alamos that they serve New York style hot dogs …I’m going to pay a visit.

How is LARSO involved in the community?

We are all about being involved in the community and making this a great place to live for our senior citizens.. Our seniors also give back. RSVP by itself provides volunteer services to 65 organizations around the community.

Given what we are talking about right now with the 3/50 project, it makes me think of things we are doing together right now with local businesses. We are working on the Festival of Chocolates and the Festival of Trees right now. These are community fundraisers. Ruby K’s Bagel Café and the Decadent Table are a couple of the Chamber member businesses that are pitching in to help. We’re also planning a December luncheon for our senior citizens together with LANB. They really get involved.

They serve the food, decorate the place, provide the entertainment to provide great holiday cheer to more than 200 seniors. It is the local businesses that help to make these things happen.

fyi

—Los Alamos Retired and Senior Organization, LARSO, provides service, fellowship, instruction, and advocacy for Los Alamos County citizens who are 60 years of age and older.

RSVP is a LARSO program that matches retired and senior volunteers with volunteer needs in the community.

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Afternoon Tea

By Dotty

Thursday Afternoons from 2-5 Located at Cook’n in Style/ Tea World Call 662-7890 for reservations

Three Delicious Tiers

Scones and tea breads Savory Finger Sandwiches Tempting Sweets

Juvenile Justice Advisory Board

North Road Inn

Luxurious • Comfortable • Friendly 2127 NORTH ROAD • LOS ALAMOS • NM 87544 505.662.3678 • WWW.NORTHROADINN.COM

losalamosjjab.com visit us on the web

The Los Alamos Juvenile Justice Advisory Board (JJAB) is a collaboration of agencies and QRQ SUR¿WV FRPPLWWHG WR EXLOGLQJ ORFDO capacity to improve the lives of kids and their IDPLOLHV --$% FRQQHFWV UHVRXUFHV WR EHQH¿W lives through over 20 different programs.

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CALENDAR OF EVENTS 1 Tues. – January 2 Sat., 2010 Annual Affordable Art Sale The main gallery of the Art Center at Fuller Lodge is transformed into a holiday gift paradise brimming with original, affordable arts and crafts.

4 Friday

Coro de Camara - A Pops Christmas Choral Concert This concert will feature popular Christmas songs, such as Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas and Silver Bells, accompanied by piano, bass and drums.

4 Friday – 5 Saturday

16th Annual Crèches From Around the World For 16 years, the Los Alamos Crèche Show has traditionally brought together both faith and art through the annual display of nativities.

4 Friday – 6 Sunday

Winterfest 2009: The Holidays Begin At Home!

This winter we will kick off the holidays Los Alamos style with 14 events and activities!

Dance Arts Los Alamos Presents The Nutcracker Ballet.

DALA’s annual performance has a longstanding tradition of featuring local celebrities and showcasing emerging ballet stars. This year’s performances will prove to be no exception.

5 Saturday

TOTH’s Children’s Christmas Bazaar Children, kindergarten through 6th grade, bring your parents and leave them to relax and enjoy refreshments while you do your holiday shopping for them and your loved ones. There you can shop and have your gifts wrapped.

Winter Craft Extravaganza Drop by Youth Services at Mesa Public Library for our winter craft extravaganza!

Choose from a variety of projects for all ages and skill levels and celebrate the season by making something fun.

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December 2009 Drawn Wagon Sleigh Rides Leaving every 15 minutes from in front of the Chamber of Commerce.

Fuller Lodge Open House The doors of Fuller Lodge are thrown open on the first Saturday in December to ring in the holidays. Carolers, cookies, wreaths and the community Christmas tree fill the Lodge with the joy of the season.

Annual Knights of Columbus Arts and Crafts Fair

Annual Holiday Lights Parade Holidays Begin at Home. Neon lighted floats from local businesses and organizations.

Ashley Pond Tree Lighting Hundreds gather to see the trees around Ashley Pond that are brilliantly lit up for the holiday season.

Special Holiday Gordons’ Concert Los Alamos Big Band at Fuller Lodge.

WinterFest Special Puppet Show Sunny Birklund and the Puppet Playhouse present a great all ages puppet show featuring marionettes, handpuppets, lumberjacks, surprises and a Spanish hurdy gurdy.

5 Saturday – 6 Sunday

Los Alamos Geological Society Earth Treasure Show Annual gem show with geodes, silent auctions, and several dealers with everything from jewelry to sand sculptures to mineral specimens.

5, 12, & 19 Saturdays

Santa at CB Fox. Come see Santa at CB Fox!

6 Sunday North Pole Workshop Participants of all ages can enjoy cookie decorating, holiday crafts, hot cocoa and a digital photograph with Santa and his helpers.

9th Annual Holiday Luminaria Walk The stables come alive with beautiful holiday spirit! Free hayrides, treats, hot cider.

the

6, 13, & 20 Sundays CB Fox Open Sundays in December from 12–4 Extra shopping days just when you need it!

10 Thursday

Holiday Farmers Market in Fuller Lodge Everyone will be love the fresh and organic selection of produce for their holiday cooking and decorating needs!

12 Saturday

Kiwanis Breakfast with Santa Free with donation of canned food and/or cash donation.

PEEC Class: Holiday Eco-Crafts for Kids Children will create environmentally friendly holiday gifts using recycled materials and objects found in nature.

13 Sunday

Community Winds Concert-Christmas with the Winds Come celebrate the season with music!

18 Friday

Outdoor Movie at the Ice Rink Elf. Rated PG. FREE!

19 Saturday

Skate With Santa and his Elves Santa always takes time during his busy holiday schedule to visit the Ice Rink. He is bringing his elves to help him greet boys and girls and hand out candy canes.

21, 22, 23 Monday – Wednesday

CB Fox Open Late Til’8 During Christmas Week

24 Thursday CB Fox Open Christmas Eve Store will be open from 9 AM to 3:30 PM

Christmas Eve Luminaria Skate at the Ice Rink Start a holiday tradition at the Ice Rink. Enjoy a quiet evening of holiday music, holiday lights, hot cocoa, and skating under the winter sky.

31 Thursday

Say Aloha to 2010 Skate in the New Year Family fun New Year’s Eve event to welcome in 2010. Hawaiian themed this year so break out those Hawaiian shirts, Beach Boys tunes, and skate with the Tiki Torches.

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January 2010 7 Tuesday Mesa Public Library FREE Film Series The current theme of the series is food, and on the menu is Fried Green Tomatoes.

9 Saturday

Los Alamos Concert Association presents Trio Solisti Comprised of three brilliant instrumentalists - violinist Maria Bachmann, cellist Alexis Pia Gerlach and pianist Jon Klibonoff.

12 Tuesday

Historical Lecture Series Alan Osbourne, New Mexico’s Colorful Past. Osbourne will speak on the pre-Columbian New Mexico cultures, the coming of Spain, Indian-Spanish relations, and the Mexican and American takeovers.

14 Thursday

Winter Farmers Market in Fuller Lodge This market will help you start off the new year right!

18 Monday

Art Center at Fuller Lodge Opening Reception – Roots Explore family history, personal origins, traditional media and craft form, and arts inherent to time and place, or make your piece into a multigenerational or family project.

Photo: Larry Lamsa

fyiLA.com

Photo: Sally King

Community calendar, searchable business directory, full event details, more events, and contact information at fyiLA.com

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David Horpedahl, Owner/Qualifying Broker

Stay informed about projects around Los Alamos County!

Visit www.losalamosnm.us and click on “Newsletters Subscribe” for updates on projects: Diamond Phase III Judicial-Police/Jail Complex Airport Basin Site Animal Shelter and more!

Questions? Call Los Alamos County Public Works at 662-8150.

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672-4083

Located in White Rock next to Smith’s

www.bandeliergrill.com

Monday - Friday 11 to 2 & 5 to 8 Saturday 5 to 8 i New Items Added to Menu i Monday Night is Kids Night i New Dessert Menu i Live Music on Tuesday Night i Beer and Wine Menu Updated i White Rock’s Family Restaurant