$FM FCS BU J OH U IF J G FT U Z M F $PNNVOJ U Z BOE $VM U VS F PG U IF ' PVS $PS OFS T
'"--
Shutters
Rolling shutters are installed on your home or business to cover windows, doors and patios. They are mounted on the exterior and controlled from the interior with switches, remote or automated systems. Shutters offer many benefits including energy savings, security, room darkening and noise reduction.
Exterior Screens Screens are mounted on the exterior to cover windows and doors. They are operated from the inside with touch of a radio remote control. Screens are retractable and automatically apply tension to the fabric when down. They filter the unwanted light and heat while preserving your beautiful view. You have the sun we have the solution.
Patios
A patio screen is a great way to create a more usable outdoor living space. Patio screens stop the heat and glare and provide daytime privacy while maintaining your view. You can control the patio screens or let an automatic sun & wind system do it for you. Imagine having the freedom to enjoy your patio year round.
Interiors Free In Home Estimates
505-324-2008
825 N. Sullivan • Farmington Each franchise locally owned and operated.
Looking for light control, heat protection and room darkening, all with a designer’s touch? Then you need to look at our interior line of functional decorative screens. Screens are available in many different transparencies, colors and styes that will appeal to any taste. Whether you’re a business architect or homeowner, our interior line has a solution for you.
ɡ L ʕ ʃ ɚ ʨʖ
t Annual 11th
Cla Cl lassic aasssic ssic Car Car Raffle RRaf aff af fffffle llee Classic
$40 pe $40 per er chanc chance We aaccept ccce cept ccre cred edi dit ccards. s. We credit ards.
Catholic ath c School Quality Catholic Education
To order order d ttickets iccket ets ccall a all To
t 505.427.9292 t
Drawing will be held aat Sacrred Heart Catholic School s Annnuual Haarvest Festival rmington, NM on SSaturday, 20 012. in Farrm aturday, OOctober ctober 13, 201 2012
t 350 engine t automatic transmission t power steering t power brakes t cowl induction hood t 17 inch wheels t
A Farmington Tradition of Trusted Care for Over 35 Years
WELCOMING NEW PATIENTS & SAME DAY EMERGENCIES
Comprehensive Dentistry for all Ages
Hygiene & Preventive Care • Dental Implants • Crowns & Bridges IV Sedation Dentistry • Sleep Apnea & Snoring Treatment Wisdom Teeth Removal • Invisalign® Invisible Braces • Dentures/Denture Repairs
Charles Schumacher, DDS Gene Hilton, DDS Cameron Black, DDS
Accepting Most Dental Insurance — We Will Make the Most of Your Insurance!
505-327-4863
2525 East 30th Street • Farmington, NM 866-327-4863 INTEREST-FREE FINANCING AVAILABLE
DesertHillsDental.com
M-W-F 7:00 am - 5:00 pm T-Th 7:00 am - 6:00 pm
fromtheeditor: Beautiful colors and that crisp morning air are headed our way; they are a couple of things I wait for all year. Fall or autumn, however you like to label it, is my favorite season. Soon we’ll smell roasting green chiles, begin picking out the perfect pumpkin and gearing up for kids soccer and a month of Get Pinked San Juan County activities. The summer has gone by in a flash and it’s been a hot one this year. I welcome the great weather and unique activities this season brings. In this issue, we’ve highlighted a few places you might want to visit before you start thinking about holiday gatherings and Christmas shopping. We’ve got stories about the Navajo Dam community and the growth that fly fishing has brought to the community. If you’re up for a hike, we’ve also featured some hidden treasures that you can uncover with a walk through Largo and Blanco Canyons. We’ve also started a new feature this issue called Power Couples. We will be highlighting couples in the area who have contributed to the growth, quality of life and spirit of our community. While the shadows may start to lengthen and we’ve got to start thinking about breaking out our sweaters, there are still plenty of great things to look forward to here in the Four Corners. Many of our area’s top annual events take place in the late summer and fall. And, as always, we’ve found an abundance of amazing people to introduce you to in this issue. Enjoy!
Cindy Cowan Thiele
Follow us on
@MajesticMediaUS
majesticmediaUSA
publisher Don Vaughan managing editor Cindy Cowan Thiele staff photographer Tony Bennett designers Suzanne Thurman, Jennifer Hargrove,
Michael Billie
MAGAZINE
writers
Celebrating the Lifestyle, Community and Culture of the Four Corners Vol. 4, No. 4 ©2012 by Majestic Media. Majestic Living is a quarterly publication. Our next issue will publish in mid-February. Material herein may not be reprinted without expressed written consent of the publisher. If you receive a copy that is torn or damaged call 505.516.1230.
Cover photo Comments 6 | MAJESTIC LIVING | FALL 2012
Margaret Cheasebro, Dorothy Nobis, Debra Mayeux, Lauren Duff, Vicky Ramakka, Ron Price sales staff
DeYan Valdez, Jeanene Valdes, Teia Camacho, Shelly Acosta, Aimee Velasquez For advertising information
Call 505.516.1230 Photo by Tony Bennett
Majestic Living welcomes story ideas and comments from readers. E-mail story ideas and comments to editor@majesticmediausa.com.
FALL 2012 | MAJESTIC LIVING | 7
contributors DoRoTHy noBiS has been a writer and editor for more than 25 years. She authored a travel guide, “The insiders guide to the Four corners,” published by globe Pequot Press, has been a frequent contributor to new mexico magazine. She currently serves as President/ceo of the Farmington chamber of commerce.
DeBRa mayeUx, of Farmington, is an award-winning journalist with recognitions from the associated Press of new mexico and colorado and the new mexico Press association and the colorado Broadcast association. She has covered stories throughout the Southwest and in mexico and Jordan, where she interviewed diplomats and the royal family. after nearly 20 years in the business, she recently opened her own freelance writing and media business. mayeux enjoys the outdoors, reading and spending time with her family. She is the coordinator of Farmington Walk and Roll, a Safe Routes to School organization. She is married to David mayeux and they have three children: nick, alexander and Peter.
maRgaReT cHeaSeBRo has been a freelance writer for over 30 years. Her articles have appeared in many magazines across the country. She was a correspondent for the albuquerque Journal and worked for several local newspapers. She has four published books of children’s puppet scripts. a former elementary school counselor, she is a Reiki master and practices several alternative healing techniques. She enjoys playing table tennis. She and her husband live near aztec.
LaURen DUFF is a recent graduate of the gaylord college of Journalism and mass communication at the University of oklahoma. She received her bachelor’s degree in print journalism with a minor in international studies. While in college, Duff was a reporter at the university newspaper, the oklahoma Daily, and interned in Washington D.c. as a communications intern at the national Petrochemical and Refiners association. originally from Dallas, Texas, she moved to Farmington days after graduating college and has fallen in love with the area. Duff enjoys traveling, writing, and cheering on her alma mater. BoomeR SooneR!
Tony BenneTT grew up in Farmington. He received his bachelor’s degree in photography from Brooks institute. He owned and operated a commercial photography studio in Dallas for over 20 years. He was also team photographer for the Dallas cowboys for 10 years. now back in Farmington, Tony wants to bring his many years of photo experience to photographing families, weddings, events, portraits, and more, to his hometown… ……and Ski ! He teaches at San Juan college.
Majestic Living Magazine is online! Log on to www.majesticlivingusa.com and click on the cover to access an online digital version of our magazine! Check out past issues! 8 | MAJESTIC LIVING | FALL 2012
Ron PRice owns and operates Productive outcomes, inc. He offers a variety of services including dispute resolution, adoption home study investigations, and workplace training. Ron also provides marriage education and enhancement to couples planning marriage or who wish to remain happily married. Ron is happily married to maridell Price, a Registered nurse at the San Juan Regional medical center. They have been married 30 years. Ron has a Ba in Sociology from the University of Rhode island, and a master’s Degree in counseling from the University of new mexico.
Vicky Ramakka is retired from San Juan college where she directed programs and taught teacher education courses. Vicky and her husband reside north of aztec, where she does free-lance technical writing. Vicky says she meets the most fascinating people in the Four corners area, and finds them always willing to share their expertise during interviews. She photographing the flora and fauna that reside in her ‘back yard’ which she considers any place within a mile walk. She is on the Board of Directors of the aztec museum and volunteers with the citizens’ steering committee to raise funds for a new animal shelter.
Discovering our most
valuable resource. At ConocoPhillips, we value the knowledge, diversity of thought and experiences our employees have to offer. As we look toward the future, we’re engaging some of the brightest minds and employing the latest technology to find tomorrow’s energy solutions. If you are interested in learning, growing and applying your professional skills in the exciting energy industry, we’re interested in you. For more information, please visit our Web site at conocophillips.com/careers.
www.conocophillips.com
ConocoPhillips Company. 2012. All rights reserved.
fallfeatures: 12
It’s the fly-fishing that attracts them
What do you envision when you think of the best destination for a leisurely vacation? By Lauren Duff
20
36
Roots and respect
Blazing enthusiasm
“Caliente” is a well-known Spanish word meaning hot. Many residents of the Four Corners area know it to mean fun. For our area, Caliente also is a musical organization co-founded by two ladies who seem to have more energy and enthusiasm for life than they know what to do with.
It was New Year’s Day, 1980. Bob and Flo Williams hosted a party that ultimately offered more than champagne and resolutions – at least for two of their guests By Dorthy Nobis
28 Back where it all began
From her rural agricultural roots to the halls of academia, San Juan College president Toni Pendergrass, 41, has discovered the importance of communicating well.
By Ron Price
By Margaret Cheasebro
42
46
Helping cure what ails you
Steve Burgess never thought his children would follow in his footsteps when he chose a career in pharmaceuticals. His youngest, however, made that choice after graduating with a business and biology degree in 2006 from the University of New Mexico By Debra Mayeux 10 | MAJESTIC LIVING | FALL 2012
This is Durango
How would you portray Durango? Would you use images of spectacular mountain scenery, people having fun on raft rides, the handsome campus of Fort Lewis College? Would you mention the historical buildings, the interesting museums and art galleries and the great variety of fine restaurants? By Vicky Ramakka
50
Dinetah
Dinetah – the ancestral homeland of the Navajo people – weaves its way along the winding rocky roads of Largo and Blanco Canyons.There the knowledgeable traveler can find hidden treasures of petroglyphs and undisturbed ruins dating back to the late 1600s. By Debra Mayeux
60
Wesley Austin: Pursuing his passion
When you think of the dance move “the robot,” what comes to mind? By Lauren Duff
64
Working together
In a cooperative effort between Fort Lewis College and San Juan College, a six-week research project this summer laid the groundwork for testing that could show if certain vegetables reduce inflammation caused by cigarette smoke.
56 Triumph from tragedy
Paul Lapaire knows a thing or two about how life can turn upside down in a moment. The 53-yearold, 27-year married father of two grown daughters thought his life was pretty well set. His career at Williams Field Services was progressing well and he was looking forward to watching his daughters marry and one day make him a grandfather. All that changed on a fateful day in October of 2007. By Ron Price
By Margaret Cheasebro
68
72
Finding flavoniods
From Social butterfly to small town life
For thousands of years in Asia, goji berries have been known for their nutritional and medicinal qualities. But Asia doesn’t have a corner on them. Similar plants are found in New Mexico.
Beautiful, confident and with a certain amount of sassiness, when Sallyanne Bachman enters a room, she immediately owns it. By Dorthy Nobis
By Margaret Cheasebro
IN THIS ISSUE
6 From the Editor 78 Coolest Things
80 What’s happening FALL 2012 | MAJESTIC LIVING | 11
It’s the
that attracts them
12 | MAJESTIC LIVING | FALL 2012
But it’s the people, businesses at Navajo Dam that keeps them coming back By Lauren Duff Photos:Tony Bennett What do you envision when you think of the best destination for a leisurely vacation? Some people dream of white sand beaches with a crystal clear ocean expanding into the horizon, or perhaps an isolated cabin hidden in the mountainous forests? What about Navajo Dam? Individuals who have worked in the Navajo Dam community for years claim that the number of people traveling to the area has been rising. Snaking around the mesas of the Navajo Dam area is the San Juan River. Considered one of the best rivers in the country for fly fishing, many fly fishers from all over the world travel to the river to catch the rich supply of trout. “There has been a big increase in tourism over the years from Texas and Arizona. I have noticed the people coming out on guided trips are a lot of beginners who have never fished before. The economy might be bad but fishing is still doing fairly well,” said Nicole Bridge, lodge manager and fishing guide at Fishheads San Juan River Lodge. “A lot of people are still willing to spend a lot of money on fly fishing. We are the newest business in the area, besides the hot dog
stand down the street.” The Angler’s Heart Bed and Breakfast opened its doors in 1998. Since then, Joyce Dykstra, manager at the bed and breakfast, has had guests from all over the country and even from Spain, Italy, Germany, Venezuela, and the Netherlands. “Typically, it’s the fly fishing that has brought in the tourists,” she said. “There have also been more activities than what I have recalled in the past. Boating has become more popular.” While the popularity of fly fishing in the area is escalating, businesses within the Navajo Dam community are have flourished over the years. Bed and breakfasts, fly fishing shops, and restaurants are springing up due to the growth of tourism. “There has been some renewed interest by shop owners and it seems like that has expanded and people seem to be pleased with what is available here at the moment. I would say last year not so much, but I think this year has shown some great changes and people are more interested in coming to the area again,” explained Dykstra. Larry Johnson, owner and president of Soaring Eagle Lodge, feels fly fishers travel to the area because of its convenient location. “All of the customers can get into Four Corners in one flight, usually,” he said. Johnson added that fly fishing in other parts of the country, such as Alaska, may be a challenging destination to venture to because of its isolated location. “If you go to Alaska, it’s beautiful, but it’s a journey and expensive.” FALL 2012 | MAJESTIC LIVING | 13
SAN JUAN MARINE & SPORTS Established & serving the 4 Corners since 1976
• SALES: Bayliner, South Bay Pontoons, G-3 Boats, Glastron, Skeeter & Now Chaparral • SERVICE: Mercruiser, Yamaha & Many other Brands (Give Us A Call) • ACCESSORIES: Everything you need for Boating Fun. • LUBES, OILS, & DO IT YOURSELF MAINTENANCE ITEMS • STORAGE Find us on FACEBOOK
www. sanjuanmarine.com
San Juan Marine & Sports Halfway between Farmington & Aztec 933 Hwy 516 • Flora Vista, NM
( 50 5) 334- 27 17
PRODUCTS
INSTALLATION AVAILABLE
Grille Guards • Headache Racks Bumper Replacements • Tire Chains & more! WE CARRY
Parts and Service
5700 East Main • Farmington • 505-325-8826
OPEN TILL MIDNIGHT MONDAY - FRIDAY 14 | MAJESTIC LIVING | FALL 2012
Johnson recognizes the beauty surrounding the San Juan River. And who wouldn’t? Mesas with hints of red and purple tower over the snake-like river, and as fly fishers submerge their legs into this cold river, they can see the fish swimming downstream because of the water’s clarity. Having the Navajo Dam community being minutes away from the river is also convenient for lodging and dining. “It is a world class destination. It’s the quality of the fishery itself because it’s well managed by New Mexico Game and Fish. It is the perfect habitat for trout because of the cold water that flows from the Navajo Lake,” said Jay Walden, manager at Abe’s Motel and Fly Shop, which opened in 1958. “The river is a huge resource for the area and it brings in a lot of money for the local economy as well as the state economy, such as the goods we sell, licenses, as well as taxes on all the food and groceries, and fishing supplies.” Although Walden believes the fly fishing tourism helps the economy, he feels it has been slower since the 1990s. “It has to be because of the recession. I noticed we were getting a lot of people coming from farther away, now a lot of our traffic seems to be more regional; more people that can do the day’s drive rather than fly,” He said. Alex Arnold, event coordinator at Wines of San Juan, nine miles south of Navajo Dam, said tourism has picked up at their business. “I think the ambiance of the whole place is so amazing to the people who come out. When they come out here they get to experience things that they wouldn’t normally experience anywhere else,” she said. “The tourists come from all over the country and overseas.” Arnold mentioned that most people come to the area for fishing and camping. She added the winery recently had tourists from Holland. The businesses in Navajo Dam work together to promote one another and to encourage tourists to experience the entire area. “We all kind of support each other. If they have people in lodges, then they send them down here to the winery,” Arnold said. Within the small Navajo Dam community, tucked away and is unknown to many, rich history and expertise are prominent. So for the beach-lovers who enjoy laying on the sands with a margarita in one hand, or the trail-seekers who travel to mountains to find the perfect hiking path that is encompassed by pine trees reaching to the skies, maybe venturing to the San Juan River to experience the local businesses and learn the traits of fly fishing isn’t such a bad idea. You wouldn’t want to miss out on the adventures Navajo Dam has to offer.
Back to the land – with cell phone in hand By Vicky Ramakka Photos:Tony Bennett There’s nothing new about young people l eaving the land for the lure of bright city lights. Sometimes they find that it’s not all that it’s cracked up to be. In fact, it often gives them a greater appreciation for their roots and heritage. That’s what happened with Jacob Chavez. He returned to Turley to make a go of it on property occupied by the Chavez family for five generations.
While earlier patriarchs of the Chavez family looked to the land to produce crops and livestock, Jacob Chavez looks to farming the San Juan River to compete in the new economy. Operating as Majestic Enchantment Fly Fishing, Chavez plans to tap into the growing Four Corners tourism and recreation market. The family owns one-half mile of shoreline on both sides of the San Juan River. Six miles downriver from the Navajo Dam community, it cradles the bend in the river known by fishermen
as “Three Ladder Hole.” The property is adjacent to Wines of the San Juan, a recognizable landmark for many San Juan County residents. While fishermen sometimes crowd the highly renowned Quality Waters below Navajo Dam, Majestic Enchantment Fly Fishing offers anglers private access to excellent trout fishing. For a fee of $15 per hour, $25 for half a day, and $50 for sunup to sundown, fly fishing aficionados find this rare access to great fishing a worthwhile investment. Chavez may have five to seven guests a day on the property, but never more than ten. “I want people to feel like they’re miles away from everywhere. Just a place to escape, relax and explore.” Chavez also wants to make it a rewarding experience by asking guests to follow Quality Waters guidelines of catch and release by using barbless hooks. No guns or alcohol, either. “I try to keep it balanced with nature,” Chavez says. Customers fish for German Brown and Rainbow trout. “The largest that I’ve seen,” reports Chavez, “was a guy with three kids. They caught a 26” German Brown.” Chavez offers a specialized niche in the recreation options surrounding the San Juan River. “This is a place for people who know how to fish. I don’t provide equipment nor teach people the basics. I just don’t have the patience for that.” Yet he knows the pleasure this pursuit can provide. “I brought some friends out here. It was the first time they ever caught a fish. Seeing the look on their faces – that’s worth a hundred bucks!” Chavez spends his days maintaining the property for his priority business, fly fishing access, while continuing to prepare it for the future uses he envisions. He has cleared and leveled 1 ½ miles of trails suitable for hiking, bird watching or jogging. Chavez charges a reasonable fee to groups who want to use the property. He’s already hosted engagement and wedding photo shoots at a particularly scenic spot by the river. Standing under an arching cottonwood, Chavez proclaims, “I love this view right here. The layers of color are reflected in the water.”
Being about a two- to three-hour river float from access points near the Navajo Dam settlement, Chavez invites rafters to use the grounds as a staging area. The cleared picnic area comes at just the right time to get out and stretch your legs. During my visit, two groups of river rafters guided by a Pagosa Springs tour company made shore, ate lunch, paid the property use fee, and climbed into vans for the trip home. Not short on ideas, Chavez thinks movie producers would find Majestic Enchantment just the right place should they need a river setting. And a Frisbee Golf course ought to attract athletic types that could make an after-game visit to Wines of the San Juan. Upon graduating from Bloomfield High School, being a business entrepreneur in Turley, N.M., was the farthest thing from Chavez’s plans. Right after graduation, he recalls telling friends, “I’m leaving this old town. There’s nothing here for me. I’m going to the big city – Manhattan.” Six months in New York City convinced him that there’s no place like home. “It was just too big, too fast for me.” Nor did living in Phoenix or Albuquerque suit him. “I came back home and I love it here,” he states. After returning to the area, Chavez entered the Carpenters Union. After four years in construction, he went into the oil and gas field. “I worked hard in the oil field and made tons of money. I loved it at the time. But it’s what pushed me to do this. I decided if I start my own business, I won’t need to answer to nobody else.” Between carpentry skills and working around oil rigs, Chavez gained experience using tools and heavy equipment, which is now paying off. “I learned to push myself on those jobs. And I learned to have a thick skin. Everything I’ve done helps here.” Chavez has a few other traits that underpin his business. He’s got an eye for art, been a life-long collector of American Indian artifacts, has an extended family with deep roots in the area, and is passionate about making a go of his business. It’s the hundred year old two-story adobe family homestead that centers his life. He stayed there as a teenager, with his grandmother Consuelo Chavez, who passed away in 2008. “I saved it and renovated it. My Dad [Steve] was of the generation – if it’s old, tear it down and build it new.” He updated the exterior with a paprika paint shade set off by
Ugly Concrete?
We can help! Ask us how.
FULL LINE OF DECORATIVE CONCRETE SYSTEMS
COLOR STAINS • COLOR DYES • STAMPS POWDER COLORS • COUNTER TOPS SEALERS • ANTIQUE COLORS OVERLAYS • RESURFACERS CRACK REPAIR UNDER NEW OWNERSHIP
2420 E. MAIN FARMINGTON, NM 87401
505.325.2333
FAX
505.325.2777
FALL 2012 | MAJESTIC LIVING | 17
turquoise trim. The color combination works, proclaiming that Santa Fe isn’t the only place with a lock on southwestern décor. He gutted the first floor and renovated it, keeping true to many of its original aspects. He re-painted the walls with the original colors, but spiced it up with more vibrant shades. “I wish my grandma had seen it,” Chavez says. “Family members say she would have approved.” The rooms reflect early homestead days and showcase his collector’s instinct. Navajo rugs decorate the walls, carved Hopi dolls add color. Grandma’s dresser now holds a micaceous clay bean pot that looks new but is what she actually cooked with. The 1909 Majestic Stove links back to the first generation in the house, Don Sixto and Nestorita Chavez. Originally used to heat the house and for cooking, the stove has been converted to propane and serves as a space heater. Chavez explains why it seems to squat in the corner of the kitchen, “My greatgreat-grandma, she was a short woman. She couldn’t reach, so they took the legs off.”
18 | MAJESTIC LIVING | FALL 2012
Chavez describes himself as “an antiquer.” Because of his family’s longtime association with American Indian farmers, he has accumulated an enviable collection of authentic American Indian objects. Both inherited items and objects he has acquired himself decorate the home. What generations past called the dining room, Chavez has re-named the Poker Room – complete with the obligatory “dogs playing poker” picture on the wall. A zebra skin covers the table and a stuffed elephant head occupies a corner over a desk. Somehow it all fits together. Chavez has an eye for art and design. He explains, “I took art classes in high school. A lot of my friends are artists. I was always envious that I couldn’t produce anything as well – a true piece of art. So I guess collecting it and owning it is another way of having art in my life. I see it as an investment.” He adds, “I don’t take vacations. I don’t go out partying. I’d rather spend the money on a nice rug or leather couch that will last for years.” Collectors need to either get a bigger house or find an outlet for their treasures. A businessman
needs an office and a place to handle customers’ transactions. Chavez transformed an outbuilding on the property to serve both purposes, and the art gallery is now an integral part of the business. Stepping into the Majestic Enchantment Art Gallery is like stepping into a hybrid of a Santa Fe gallery and a trading post. Chavez explains how his knowledge of Navajo culture came about. His great-grandfather, Jose Eduardo Chavez adopted two Navajo boys, raising them as brothers with his son Raphael. “My grandpa [Raphael] was a sheepherder. He spoke Navajo, Spanish and English. He translated for people. He did a lot of trading with the Navajos. Me and the Navajo kids would be here playing while the adults got hay and water in 50-gallon drums.” The trading tradition continues. Chavez collects cottonwood roots from the family’s cattle allotment in Largo Canyon, and trades them with a carver who lives in Pueblo Pintado. Lawrence Charley II carves one-of-a-kind Hopi Kachina Dolls and Chavez incorporates the resulting beautifully made statues into his own collection or offers
them for sale in the Art Gallery. Chavez offers a variety of quality contemporary and vintage work by local and Native artists on consignment in the art gallery. “I’m trying to support them so they’ll put the money back into their art and keep on growing as artists.” As Chavez picks up one of the elegant alabaster statues depicting a couple holding a wedding basket, he says, “I like this one. It would be great as a wedding gift.” Another display case has early sand-cast Navajo silver belt buckles, rings and jewelry. Contemporary artist, V. J. Yazzie, from Huerfano, exhibits her paintings at the Gallery. Another friend, Doradee Frank from Sheep Springs, consigns her handmade Navajo Kachina Dolls at the gallery. Kachina doll collectors will delight in studying the wall with the dolls of many costumes -- smaller ones priced at $30 and tall ones at $50. Authenticity is
#"
important to Chavez. “I just want tourists to come in here and see authentic Navajo jewelry, the baskets, the art work. If you went to Santa Fe, it would be about four times that price.” The art gallery reflects Chavez’s eclectic collecting habits. In addition to authentic American Indian wares, there’s an old-fashioned hand-operated cash register. “I picked that up in Cortez. It adds character, it’s got little spaces for half-dollars and silver dollars,” Chavez says, showing how it rings up purchases. He also points out “the little alien dude” that guards the front door. Another case displays Chavez’s personal collection, some of which he wears for special occasions. Chavez has a tale about each item. “This is my medicine bag,” he says, emptying a small pouch on the counter, revealing objects associated with water. “One of my friends who is a
* Chavez
!!
!"
./4
.32+
+4'/5
:/7. +9+5< :/2*6./+0* 5+40')+1+27
!
267'00'7/32
"
!"
3(/0+ !+59/)+
/,+7/1+
34
& %
%
'2*
"
837+6
2 "/1+
% " "
!
"
%
!
%"
!#
# ! ! "#
&
!
2+;7 73
$
&"
"
"
::: 7+).2'-0'66 )31
! 7. = '51/2-732 00+2
"
".+'75+6
! FALL 2012 | MAJESTIC LIVING | 19
POWER COUPLE
20 | MAJESTIC LIVING | FALL 2012
oots and respect FALL 2012 | MAJESTIC LIVING | 21
Deans have shared more than 30 years of love for each other and Farmington By Dorothy Nobis Photos: Tony Bennett
!
I Relieve Pain with the most natural and non-invasive techniques available. These treatments will compliment any traditional medical program. I’m ready to help when you’re ready to start healing.
Dr. Portia Sykes, D.N.
Low Back • Neck and Shoulder • Carpal Tunnel • Arthritis • Headaches • Muscle Spasms • Fibromyalgia • TMJ
(505) 327-0086
8100 E. Main St., Farmington, NM 87402 www.harmonynaprapathic.com 22 | MAJESTIC LIVING | FALL 2012
It was New Year’s Day, 1980. Bob and Flo Williams hosted a party that ultimately offered more than champagne and resolutions – at least for two of their guests. John Dean, home for the holidays after graduating from law school, and Gayle Givler, who lived in Farmington, met at the Williams’ party. “I had heard of John, but had never met him,” Gayle said. “John stood out because he was so much fun. He had a sense of humor, was well read, and I fell in love.” John also thought his year was starting out really well. “She was, and always has been, very pretty,” he said of Gayle, “and I liked the fact that she was independent.” The couple dated and a year later they married. The Deans will celebrate their 31st wedding anniversary in October. Sitting on the patio of their comfortable family home, Gayle and John shared stories about their life together with the ease of a couple who, after almost 31 years, still enjoy and respect each other. They offered memories that elicited laughter and bickered affectionately about some of the details of those memories. The Deans are one of Farmington’s power couples. They have lived in the community all of their married life and John was raised in Farmington. When mentioning mutual friends, John will ask “how long have you known them?” and add, “I’ve known them all my life.” He is proud of the roots his family has in Farmington and of raising his own family here. “I’ve always liked Farmington,” he said. “I like to see people I went to school with and I like living 17 blocks from where I was raised. I
enjoy the history (of Farmington) and of having roots (here.)” “Roots really do mean a lot to John,” Gayle said, who grew up in Omaha, Neb., but has called Farmington home since 1975. Those roots include the house they’ve called home for 30 years. Gayle tells stories about the chandelier that lights up the dining room (she found it in the parking lot of the Salvation Army several years after they bought the house and bought the chandelier for $50), the wall of windows in the living room of the house (when they bought the house, she couldn’t afford new window treatments, so she had the windows tinted, which offers privacy but lots of light) and the neighborhood, which is quiet and private. When asked if they’ve ever considered moving, there is a look exchanged between Gayle and John that was almost one of surprise. John looked around the backyard and said, “Some of the trees in this yard were Christmas trees,” he said. “There are a lot of memories here and this is home.” “We raised our kids here,” Gayle said, adding “and I’m not sure why we’ve never moved.” “In a marriage, decisions have to be made at the same time,” John reflected “I guess we’ve never decided at the same time to move. It takes two votes to move and we’ve never had two votes.” If the Deans have never had the required two votes to move, there is one area in which they not only have the same vote, but the same priority. That is community service and giving back to a community they say has given them so much. Gayle was a stay-at-home mom for 14 years after working as a speech pathologist for five years, before her first child was born. “I served on the Parks and Recreation Commission and on the (Farmington) school board and I stayed involved,” Gayle said, adding she and John made just about every event their children were involved in while they were in school. “That training (the Parks and Recreation Commission and the school board) was helpful
for me to be the executive director of the San Juan College Foundation,” she said about the job she still holds. “I love this community and I want to make it better. I can’t think of anything I’d rather do than to give people the opportunity to be part of San Juan College. I get to be a fundraiser and this community is the most generous place on earth.” John shares his wife’s commitment to the community and the people who live here. He is one in a line of family members who have been attorneys, including his grandfather, who was a District Attorney in Texas for 25 years. “I feel like this is an extension (of the family) for me. I’m still an attorney and I believe that serving in my position as a (district) judge is service to my community and serving my community is not hard.” John also served as a member of the San Juan County Commission. “Being a judge or serving on the County Commission – they’re both the greatest jobs in the world and they are both equally rewarding. Community service
is something I want to do.” Being able to work together to help people get on or get back on track is something Gayle and John are both grateful for. As a judge, John often suggests to people who come before him in the courtroom they get an education to help them move forward in their lives and become successful. One of those people took the judge’s advice and went to see Gayle, where she hoped to get financial help from the San Juan Foundation in order to start school. Not only did the young woman start her studies at San Juan College, she graduated and was a speaker during the graduation ceremonies. “That was the proudest thing we accomplished together,” John said with a big smile. “I come into contact with a lot of people who have not graduated from high school. I tell them ‘Go to the Clock Tower (at San Juan College) building and talk to Mrs. Dean.’” “The young woman was a single mom and she received two degrees,” Gayle said. “We encouraged her. Because of the generosity of so
t e g t ’ n Do
! D E K BAN You DON’T have
“TO PAY”
Be a FIRST. Be a FI FIRST! RST! FREE Standard Checking and IInstant nstant Issue Debit Cards. 49 19 East Main St, Farmington 4919 Farmington 327-4478 www.ffnm.org 327-4478 www.ffnm.org
FFederally ederrally insured insured bbyy NCU NNCUA CUA
FALL 2012 | MAJESTIC LIVING | 23
many people in the community, (the Foundation) is able to help students with tuition and books so they can go to San Juan College.” For all the good they do in the community, to suggest to John and Gayle Dean they are a “power couple,” brings suggestion of other couples they believe are powerful. “A ‘power couple’ is people who are content in their lives and use their abilities and resources to do things that benefit others,” John said, ignoring the fact that he just described Gayle and himself. “Power is an illusion. Everybody is powerful – it’s what you do with your life that makes you powerful.” If the Deans don’t consider themselves to be a power couple, others disagree. Marj Black has known the Deans for years and remembers when John and Gayle both hosted a local radio talk show, This, That and the Other (TTO), on KENN radio at separate times, but with the same passion. Gayle took the show from radio to television and both have fond memories of those opportunities.
24 | MAJESTIC LIVING | FALL 2012
“John and Gayle Dean have been of and for the welfare their community for many years. Well known through their time as media personalities, Gayle with her KOBF-TV show and John on the radio, they have served as “the voice of San Juan County,” Black said. “Almost everyone in San Juan County has been inter-
viewed at one time or another by these two.” “As president of the San Juan College Foundation Board for the past two years, I have gained an appreciation for Gayle’s commitment to San Juan College and to building opportunities for students,” Black continued. “Gayle has broadened the base of foundation donors and
3500 E. Curbside Carryout Main St. â&#x20AC;˘ Catering 505-3262000 3500 E. Main St.
www.Buzztown.eatFarmington moregreek.c om 505-326-2000
www.EatMoreGREEK.com
YOUR MEAL IS COOKED TO ORDER. Consumption of under cooked meats, poultry, seafood or eggs may increase the risk of food-bourne illness. NOTE: An 18% gratuity is applied to parties of six or more.
Now Locally Owned & Operated
has ensured that those who have so generously given to the students and programs of the college are appropriately recognized. “ “Both Gayle and John have also served their church, First United Methodist Church, on many various councils and committees and they continue to be active members of that church. John was instrumental in developing the DWI facility when he served as county commissioner and he continues to build support for young people who need direction through Grade Court,” Black added. “Before becoming the director of the SJC Foundation, Gayle served students through her years on the Farmington School Board. There is no doubt that they will continue to seek ways that they can help build better communities here in San Juan County.” Their friends appreciate the relationship and the community involvement the Deans share. When asked their secrets for staying married – and happily – for more than 30 years, it was John who spoke up first. “I wouldn’t have a clue,” he said, shaking his head. “It’s no secret
26 | MAJESTIC LIVING | FALL 2012
that two people have to have a relationship that is comfortable and enjoyable. I don’t believe too much in ‘happy.’ You really have to be peaceful and serene to be happy.” “I’m totally joyful (in the marriage),” Gayle said. “But the bottom line is I think we’re really blessed. We had a lot in common when we fell in love 30 years ago and we still have so much in common and we still love each other.” Looking at his wife, John added. “What would I have to complain about? What would John Dean have to complain about? We really are blessed.” Barry Digman has been a friend of John’s for some 50 years. They grew up together in the same neighborhood where Digman lives today. “John’s been a good friend for a long time and it’s been a wonderful journey,” Digman said. Digman can’t remember, however, when he met Gayle. “Some people are such a part of who you are and your life, there’s not a ‘starting point.’ Gayle is one of those and she’s
just always been there.” Digman doesn’t see the Deans as a power couple. “John has this spirituality about him – a sense of fairness and a sense of justice. To me, that’s who John is. He’s a pretty remarkable guy and is ‘old school’ smart. He would be called a renaissance man because he’s the kind of guy with a broad spectrum to the things he does.” “He’s not constrained by what other people think of him,” Digman said of his friend. “Some people see that as arrogance, but it’s not. It’s a confidence he has in what is right for him and his community and he’s willing to do what he can to make the community a better place.” Being John’s friend isn’t always easy, Digman admitted. “John is a friend in the truest sense of the word,” he explained. “He’ll hold you accountable and expects you to hold him accountable also.” Digman has equally good things to say about his friend, Gayle. “Gayle is so nice and is so upbeat and also has that sense that people
who have talent and abilities and the skills that she has have an obligation to step up to the plate and help the community be a better place.” “Gayle gets it,” Digman added. “She gets community.” Digman said he also appreciates what the Deans have as a couple. “They are absolutely a happy couple. The just glow when they’re together. They’re both really smart and appreciate what each other does and what they do for the community.” Community minded, professionally successful, happily married – all those terms fit John and Gayle Dean. But while they have much in common, these two pillars of the community aren’t cookie cutter images of each other. John likes to cook; Gayle doesn’t. John loves to ride his motorcycle; Gayle is less enthusiastic about it. (Although Gayle will ride on the back, where John says she often sleeps!) John prefers small gatherings with friends and family; Gayle enjoys a party of any size. John is shy, Gayle is not.
Wait a minute – Judge John Dean “shy?” “I am shy,” John said, “I force myself to go to parties.” No one would argue that Gayle is the more outgoing of the two. “If I meet someone, I get to know everything about them,” Gayle said with a laugh. “Gayle’s job is to take people to lunch and have tea parties and send people get well cards and thank you notes,” John said with a sly smile. “I send people to jail.” The Deans shared a laugh at that remark with the comfort of two people who have shared a life that has not been without challenges, but has offered opportunities and much joy. Sitting on their patio behind their loved family home, one believes that John may be right. Power isn’t something people have. It is something they earn by helping others, giving back to their community and being part of a couple that is content with who they are, what they do, and loving every minute of the life they share. And with that in mind, Gayle and John Dean are the epitome of a Power Couple.
Solga & Jakino P.A. Certified Public Accountants
We are about helping your business grow! Thomas Solga, CPA Michael Jakino, CPA Brandon Jakino, CPA Kandis Lamke, CPA Keith Rodolph, CPA Susan Kuenzler, CPA
Jayme Solga • Denise Norman Karen Bishop • Megan Krom Juliann Trotter • Ilene Saiz Jane Shipman • Josh Ash Paul McGee • Teresa Miller Mary Ripley
“With 17 professional accountants, bookkeepers and support staff we are poised to provide your business excellent service.” The CPA. Never underestimate the value.
Tax Returns
Individual • Corporate Partnership & LLC Estate
Other Services Include:
Bookkeeping/Payroll Oil & Gas Industry Expertise Tax Planning • Audits Internal Controls Now Accepting New Clients
901 N. Tucker Farmington, NM
505-327-0266
FALL 2012 | MAJESTIC LIVING | 27
28 | MAJESTIC LIVING | FALL 2012
where it all
Pendergrass returns to San Juan County as President of San Juan College By Margaret Cheasebro Photos: Tony Bennett From her rural agricultural roots to the halls of academia, San Juan College President Toni Pendergrass, 41, has discovered the importance of communicating well. “I’ve learned that you need to be very inclusive and involve people in activities,” she said. “People need to feel like they have a voice, that they’re being heard, and that they’re part of the shared vision for the college. I don’t subscribe to top down leadership at all.” Pendergrass began working as San Juan College president on July 2, and she’s been spending a lot of time listening to people. FALL 2012 | MAJESTIC LIVING | 29
“I think she’s doing great,” said Shane Chance, chairman of the San Juan College Board. “She’s listening with open ears and trying to get a handle on all the complexities the office presents.” Engaging the community “Right now I basically have three priorities,” Pendergrass said. “Since I’m new to the college, the first one is getting out and engaging with our internal and external community members. It’s really important that I get to know people and do a lot of listening and hear their input about the college. And I need to get to know everyone who works at the college.” She’s met with several community groups, among them the Chamber of Commerce, San Juan Safe Communities, and Four Corners Economic Development. She intends to be involved in the community.
Economic development Her second priority is economic development. She plans to support what the college has already done in that area and to help advance those efforts in the community. San Juan College has done a good job of responding to the community’s economic needs, she said. She hopes to help identify high-wage, highskilled jobs so people can support their families well. “You have to look at the labor market data and determine what jobs would be good, then work with the community to attract businesses to the area,” she said. “The community college is kind of the economic development engine for many communities nationally, and this one certainly is.” Supports strategic planning Her third priority is to support ongoing strate-
gic planning at San Juan College. “They’ve updated all their foundational statements, their mission, vision and values,” she said. “They’re established four strategic directions with 10 goals that fit under that. We’ll develop objectives this next year so we can implement our strategic plan. The strategic goals have to do with things such as having accessible high quality instructional programs and services and advancing economic development.” She supports activities that let everyone express their ideas about what should be in that strategic plan. “We want to get broad based input for decision making,” she said. Any changes made, she explained, will be done in connection with the college’s strategic plan. Listening to all aspects “Right now what I’m trying to do is just listen to every aspect of situations,” she noted. “A lot of people have shared their recommendations, ideas and suggestions.” SJC Director of Marketing and Public Relations Rhonda Schaefer said of Pendergrass, “When you speak with her, you can tell that she truly cares about San Juan College. She’s dedicated to our continued success. Along with having experience and a real understanding of community colleges, she welcomes challenges and embraces the concept of building collaborative relationships, both on campus and in the community. We are very fortunate to have her at SJC.” Heard about job while in Texas Pendergrass was working at San Jacinto College’s South Campus in Houston, Texas, as vice president of learning when she heard that San Juan College was looking for a new president. “The community college world is kind of small,” she said. “I was aware when everything happened with Dr. (Carol) Spencer. Several people who live here let me know the job was available, and a lot of my mentors in community colleges encouraged me to apply as well.”
30 | MAJESTIC LIVING | FALL 2012
0M
0$ (67,& Media
Keystone Energy
FOUR STATES GASKET & RUBBER INC.
Spencer had been president of the college, but left after a disagreement with the college board. Mike Tacha stepped in as interim president until Pendergrass was hired. “Dr. Henderson was here for 27 years, and I didn’t want to pass up an opportunity that may not come back in my lifetime,” said Pendergrass. “I’ve always wanted to return home. It’s where my heart is. I’m just so proud to be a New Mexican and to be from San Juan County.” Grew up in Aztec Born in Albuquerque, Pendergrass grew up in Aztec. She graduated from Aztec High School in 1989. “We lived near McCoy Elementary, and we walked to school there,” she said. “We had eight acres on Road 2980. When you turn to go to Navajo Dam, you used to be able to see the barn. Now it’s grown so much that you don’t see it, but there’s a barn and an arena there.”
32 | MAJESTIC LIVING | FALL 2012
On those eight acres, the family raised and ran quarter horses. Her parents, Carroll and Marylee Hopper, own a horse farm in Fort Sumner, N.M., and her father continues to train race horses. The Hoppers once owned Hopper’s Lounge and Package in Aztec. They also had other businesses, among them Windmill Western Wear and Tack Shack, a feed store for the local race track. “We’re very proud of Toni,” said Mrs. Hopper. “She’s done very well.” Rode horses and was in FFA Pendergrass rode horses when she was growing up. “We ‘rodeod’ and showed animals at the county and state fairs,” she said. “We did barrel racing, pole bending, goat tying -- just about everything.” In high school she was the AHS student body vice president and homecoming queen. She also was the district vice presi-
dent of Future Farmers of America. “Being in FFA helped to shape who I am today,” she said. When in FFA, she judged livestock, land, meat and wool, and competed in parliamentary procedure. She also raised lambs, pigs and calves. “My dad was in FFA when he was younger, and he’d had a grand champion pig at the New Mexico State Fair,” she said, “so he was very supportive of all of it.” To this day, she still uses the parliamentary procedures that she learned in high school. Earns degrees at NMSU Because she’d been to high school FFA events at New Mexico State University, it seemed natural for her to attend NMSU, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in agricultural economics. She went on to earn a master’s degree in both agricultural economics and economics
from NMSU. Then she took a job as director of institutional planning and research at Clovis Community College. “I fell in love with the community college mission and everything they do to serve the community and educate the citizens,” she said. Specialized in community colleges Five years later, she moved to Austin to the University of Texas to earn her doctorate in educational administration with a specialization in community college leadership. “I was single and didn’t have any kids,” she said. “It was easy for me to move to Austin and pursue that.” After earning her degree, she gained work experience in the community college world, including at El Centro College, Dallas County Community College District, and at Wayne County Community College. At those colleges, she held administrative positions rang-
ing from academic affairs and student success to planning, development and accountability. Met husband in Ruidoso She met her husband, Dr. Doug Pendergrass, during the All American Futurity on a Labor Day weekend in Ruidoso. At the time, she lived in Dallas and he lived in Austin. They married May 1, 2004, in Ruidoso. “His family’s from Del Rio, Texas, and most of my family and friends are here, so Ruidoso was kind of a half-way point,” she said, “and it’s where we met.” Doug is a chiropractor. While he was in Houston he worked with medical doctors using a technique to help people recover rapidly from soft tissue injuries such as tennis elbow and plantar fasciitis. They have three children They have three children, Douglas, 7, who attends Lydia Rippey Elementary in Aztec; Raylee, 4, who will start school next year;
and Hadley, who just turned 1. The family is leasing a house in Flora Vista with plans to buy a few acres someday somewhere in the Aztec area. Pendergrass’s mother is staying with the family for awhile to help with the children. “I thoroughly enjoy my grandkids,” said Mrs. Hopper. “They’re very good kids, and very special. We get along just fine.” “I have a really good support system,” Pendergrass said. “It’s a work in progress all the time. And my husband is very supportive.” Loves outdoor activities She loves outdoor activities, including fishing and water skiing at Navajo Lake, taking in sporting events, running, and mountain biking. “I want to raise my children here, and we want to enjoy our family here in this area, because I feel I received such a good experience here,” she said. “I want to give back to this community because it’s given me so much.”
FALL 2012 | MAJESTIC LIVING | 33
Chavez medicine man out on the reservation made it for me. He said I’m a water element. Like I’m the river, the water bearer.” Chavez has a story about every item on display. They often intersect with his family’s tenure in the area, which he is proud to relate. “My great-great-grandparents raised long-haired, angora goats. Don Sixto had a contract with the U.S. government to provide mohair for World War I uniforms. That was the first business that operated here.” His greatgrandparents’ graves are in the Turley cemetery. The family’s roots run deep in the area. Sabrina Hood, Aztec Library Director, is a longtime friend of the Chavez family. She acknowledges the history the Chavez homestead represents and says, “Jacob is preserving that history.” She appreciates his community involvement, especially loaning items from his collection to the library for special events. “Jacob is well-versed in Diné culture. He is in tune with the Navajo culture, is able to share stories behind the objects.” Hood also enjoys get-togethers with friends and family at Majestic Enchantment. She describes beautiful sunsets and the scenery and says, “It’s a great place for hanging out and enjoying the river.” So, is the young man that went off to New York City content to be back on the farm? Chavez confirms that he is. “It’s been a major transition in my life going from the lifestyle I had to this – almost a complete opposite. I was making tons of money in the oil field, but I’m happier here, working for myself.” Chavez established Majestic Enchantment in 2010 and had a grand opening this past April in conjunction with an area celebration by other local businesses. “It’s a blessing to be here,” an unabashed Chavez says. “My skyscrapers are these sandstone cliffs.” Majestic Enchantment Fly Fishing and Art Gallery are located 13.8 miles from Bloomfield. Follow Highway 64 through Blanco. Turn left on NM 511, and go just over two miles. Phone number is 505.801.9163, website is majesticenchantment.com. 34 | MAJESTIC LIVING | FALL 2012
BLAZING E N T H U S I A S M
Photo by Tony Bennett
Caliente is a chorus that builds community note by note Story by Ron Price
“Caliente” is a well-known Spanish word meaning hot. Many residents of the Four Corners area know it to mean fun. For our area, Caliente also is a musical organization co-founded by two ladies who seem to have more energy and enthusiasm for life than they know what to do with. Virginia Nickels-Hircock is the vocal director and Robyn Ferre Woodard is the accompanist. The group is open to everyone - as Virginia puts it: “We have 16-year-old high school kids standing next to seniors up to age 89.” Robyn appreciates that “Caliente gives a sense of community – you’re part of something special.” Caliente began in 2006 because, as Virginia remembers, she “wanted to travel, and was interested in doing so with like-minded musicians.” Her second motivation was “to conduct different music, not just music for the high school curriculum.” Originally from Arkansas, Virginia moved to Farmington in 1990 to work at Heights Middle School. She has spent her last 11 years teaching choir at Piedra Vista High School. As a teen member of a high school choir, Virginia felt the desire to be a choral director, but put those thoughts to the side and began to pursue a career in architecture. “It was the math” she says “that made me reconsider a career in music.” She recalls “It was actually in a survey class when it hit me that I was in the wrong course of study, not because I couldn’t do the math, I just didn’t enjoy it. I left and changed majors that very day.” FALL 2012 | MAJESTIC LIVING | 37
Courtesy photos
Shortly after her arrival in Farmington, Virginia began to seek a pianist to accompany her students. The name Robyn Woodard kept coming up, which is little surprise to longtime residents of this area. Robyn moved here from San Francisco at the tender age of 3 when her father Carl Ferre began his 30-year teaching career at Farmington High. The word ubiquitous fits her well, as Robyn has displayed her piano talents at numerous venues and events for longer than she is willing to admit. The word fun also well embodies Robyn, for she is usually seen laughing while sharing her musical talents. While fun is a major goal, Virginia states
38 | MAJESTIC LIVING | FALL 2012
“The real purpose of Caliente is to build community. We don’t audition, we don’t want to be exclusive.” — Virginia Nickels-Hircock “The real purpose of Caliente is to build community. We don’t audition, we don’t want to be exclusive.” Having said that, however, Robyn notes “Caliente is not really designed for folks with little or no musical skill and
experience.” While no one is turned away, Virginia will not put up with mediocrity. “After making mistakes and having them pointed out I expect them to be fixed,” she says. Robyn is of the same mind, stating “It’s not fair to those who are giving their best to have their work compromised by those who are not able to do so due to lack of skill.” Robyn also believes “People love Virginia in part because she demands the best they can give and she brings it out of them.” Perhaps what sets Caliente aside from other musical vocal ensembles is the energy that is included in every performance. Virginia wants action. As she puts it “I want to see the
American Hand Crafted Amish Furniture
Amish Furniture isn’t a style.... It’s a standard of excellence.
Make your selection unique, you choose the wood and the stain.
Furniture you love to come home to.
801 W. Main Farmington
(Next door to Casa Hermosa)
Photo by Tony Bennett physical art of singing. I ask that singers show facial expression; I also like to include movement in our presentations.” With her infectious laugh Robyn observes “It is great fun to watch folks do choreography who haven’t done it before.” In 2007 Virginia and Robyn began what has become a biennial event of traveling the globe to see new sights and to perform before new and varied audiences. A key feature of these trips for Virginia is that “We sing on the bus, we rehearse wherever we are able, and we do impromptu concerts” all of which she views as “magical.” The ensemble has traveled to Italy/Austria, Ireland, and Greece. Each journey has provided its own special musical moments. Robyn recalls an extraordinary instance when “We shared a concert with a children’s group in Ireland in which our mutual love of music bridged the cultural gap.” Local Life Coach Jeanne Kofron is a relative newcomer to Caliente, having recently completed her first year. She joined because as she says she was “looking for a fun, new activity to add to my life.” She read an article in a local newspaper and decided Caliente might just fit that need. While she very much enjoys singing, Jeanne also appreciates “the camaraderie of people who enjoy what they do.” Allen Lyon is the current board president of
Monday-Saturday 10am - 6pm Sunday by appointment
(505) 327-9967
FALL 2012 | MAJESTIC LIVING | 39
“People love Virginia in part because she demands the best they can give and she brings it out of them.” — Robyn Ferre Woodard
Caliente. He and his wife Karon have been with the group since 2009. Allen describes Caliente as “a group of people who thoroughly enjoy music and thoroughly enjoy other people.” He and Karon also appreciate “the opportunity to travel and see the world.” They have been to Ireland and Greece and plan to make next year’s trip to Spain. Along with the performances and travel, Caliente members also gather for fun events throughout the year. Robyn cites a time after their Italy/Austria tour when Caliente threw a party at the Totah Theatre and showed The Sound of Music. She recalls, “It was so great to see our group come dressed as characters in the movie. Each one got to stand on stage and sing their part when it came on screen.” Virginia thoroughly enjoyed the time the group put on a “Hidden Talent Show” when “Everyone was invited to demonstrate their hidden talents, sharing anything other than musical abilities. Such skills included joke telling, wild yoga moves, and other body oddities.” The choral ensemble that started out fairly low key and informal has now evolved into a 501(C)(3) non-profit organization with 55 to 60 performers. Caliente operates with the annual school schedule. Rehearsals are held on Tuesday evenings from 6 to 7:30 p.m. The 2013 season is set to resume on Sept. 11. More information is available at www.calientechoir.org You are certainly invited to check out the Caliente experience, but with the warning that it just might become habit forming. As Robyn says “Once you experience it, you want to do it again and again.” 40 | MAJESTIC LIVING | FALL 2012
Great Connections to Great Destinations Denver Phoenix Las Vegas Free Parking
www.ďŹ&#x201A;ygreatlakes.com
1-800-554-5111
42 | MAJESTIC LIVING | FALL 2012
Local father and son pharmacists work one-on-one with patients By Debra Mayeux Photos:Tony Bennett Steve Burgess never thought his children would follow in his footsteps when he chose a career in pharmaceuticals. His youngest, however, made that choice after graduating with a business and biology degree in 2006 from the University of
New Mexico. “I was really surprised. I thought he was going to go into engineering or dentistry,” Steve said of Craig, who graduated in 2010 from the UNM School of Pharmacy. Craig, who specializes in compounding pharmaceuticals, recently joined the family business at Pinon Family Pharmacy and works each day by his father’s side. They also added a compounding area in which Craig designs specific drugs for patients. “It works really well. If he gets busy and I’m compounding, I can stop and help him on the
Pinon side,” Craig said. “It’s nice that with the two businesses together we can help each other out.” Steve bought The Medicine Shoppe more than 30 years ago. He had been working as a pharmacist at Furr’s Grocery Store for a couple of years, and it was not the career path he wanted. He began helping out at a small locally owned pharmacy – The Medicine Shoppe — and realized this was what the business was all about. “People wanted our service. They wanted a different type of experience – a one-on-one – kind of like it used to be in the old days,” Steve FALL 2012 | MAJESTIC LIVING | 43
Happy Hour H H
THE NEW EW
$3 Shakes $5 Appetiz Appetizers ers ( $7
At
Special Selection
urgers (Special Selection)
Monda Monday-Friday nd y-Friday 3pm-6pm 3pm op in n to see our special y hour hou menu and get eat deals eals on your favorite foods!
1819 E. 20th St. Farmington, armington, NM arm www.BlueMoon-Diner.com .BlueMoon-Diner .com n-D 505-324-0001 4-00
La Casita Cafe Francine Marez
Courtyard by Marriott Keith Barbeau
FastLane Hobbies John and Brenda Sandoval
Connecting The Corners with Five Locations – Farmington – Aztec – Cortez. 44 | MAJESTIC LIVING | FALL 2012
said. There also was the stimulation of having one’s own business for which to be responsible. He had to keep records, do the books, plan advertising and help the consumer — all in a day’s work. “It gave me a reason to get up.” Steve will never forget the day he made the decision to branch out on his own. He came home from work at Furr’s and talked to his very pregnant wife Cathy. Their first son, Matt, was due in two weeks, and Steve told his wife that he was going to use the family’s savings to buy The Medicine Shoppe. “She almost had the baby right then,” he said. More than 30 years later, he is certain the family made the right decision. He had The Medicine Shoppe franchise for several years, operating in a small building on 20th Street. Steve was always there with one or two helpers. “People liked the consistency,” he said. Steve remembered everyone by name. He would look into their medical history and provide thorough counseling regarding their condition and the medication they were receiving from their doctor. He offered free health care screenings and providing a wholistic approach to the pharmacy. When he moved the business to the medical facility on 30th Street, he changed the name to Pinon Family Pharmacy, but he retained the consistency of service. “We want to take care of everything that we can. That’s our objective – fast, friendly service,” he said. The pharmacy continues to offer health ¬ ¬screenings conducted by students from the College of Pharmacy. He also offers vaccines for things such as the flu and shingles, and with the addition of Craig to the staff, Pinon Family Pharmacy can compound drugs. “Compounding is customized drug therapy,” the younger Burgess explained. “Rather than match an individual to a manufactured drug, it’s making the medication specific to an individual’s needs.” Craig became interested in compounding in his fourth year of college. He began investigating the different options of a career in pharmaceuticals. He discovered a passion for compounding, and his mentor encouraged him either to open his own pharmacy or join his father in Farmington. “That’s when we started investigating expanding his practice,” Craig said. “I was pretty shocked when Craig said he wanted to come to Farmington,” Steve said. He actually had
been thinking of putting in a compounding pharmacy for the past five years. “It’s been great working with my son he brings in a new fresh way of thinking.” Craig not only received a great education, he also interned under some very interesting circumstances. He has done compounding for humans and in a veterinary setting in Phoenix. He also worked at a hospice facility in Salt Lake City. “I knew if I came back to a small community like Farmington it would be a good idea to incorporate all aspects of my practice,” he said, just as Steve called him to the phone to answer a client’s question about her compounded prescription. He smiled and stepped to the phone, speaking in a polite and gentle way. It is this care for the patient as a person that makes Pinon Family Pharmacy a different type of business. “The biggest thing in working here is the customer service,” Craig said. Another plus is the opportunity for working with designer medicine is that the opportunities are endless. “You are customizing the dose and the administration route.”
Craig can make an ibuprofen cream that can be rubbed directly on the sore spot. He even does bio-identical hormone replacement therapy. “We only replace what the body naturally produces,” he explained, likening the process to buying organic products in the grocery store. “You know exactly what you’re getting. … When you don’t take synthetic medications you’re exposing your body to less and less. You only replenish what the body naturally produces on its own.” When it comes to animals, Craig can flavor their medicine. Cats can have a prescription with tuna or sardine flavor added. Dogs can have their medicine taste like beef. The compounding even helps children in need of sometimes rare or understocked medicines. “I compounded an unavailable medication for child, so he could get better,” Craig said. The compounding service is just another way for Pinon Family Pharmacy to help those in need, because compounding often can be less costly than manufactured drugs and the medication is tailored to the patient. “We can usually make it
up at whatever your co-pay might be, because we’re cutting out the middle man,” Craig said. “For those who don’t have insurance there’s definitely a cost savings.” Compound pharmacists use raw materials and thousands of formulas to create a drug. “There’s a lot of different things we can do to accommodate their different issues and needs,” Steve said. “When something on my dad’s side can’t be filled, maybe I can help the patient out with a compounded medicine,” Craig added. “If a patient can’t swallow a capsule, then we can give them the medication in a different way.” Craig usually mixes in the morning or in the evening, when the shop isn’t open, and on average the Burgess men are in the pharmacy about 10 hours each day. “It’s an enjoyable profession, but it has to be enjoyable for the patient as well,” Steve said. “I owe a lot to the people who have worked for me over the years,” he added, and that of course includes Craig, who just happens to be making Steve’s job a little bit easier these days.
Many homeowners are dining out, and not in a fancy restaurant—but in the comfort of their own back yards.
Your SJN Design Specialist will customize your
outdoor kitchen to your taste with options such as: • Custom Grilling Island • Custom Fireplaces and Firepits • Refrigerators • Sinks
• Televisions • Sound Systems • Artistic Landscape Lighting • Custom Stone Work or Stucco
Now you can head “out to dinner” anytime you want!
San Juan Nurseries
“Advice You
Can Grow With” 800 E. 20th St. • Farmington • 505.326.0358 • www.sanjuannurseries.com facebook.com/sanjuannurseries.com
Friend Us!
FALL 2012 | MAJESTIC LIVING | 45
46 | MAJESTIC LIVING | FALL 2012
New Durango Welcome Center showcases a thriving community By Vicky Ramakka Photos:Tony Bennett How would you portray Durango? Would you use images of spectacular mountain scenery, people having fun on raft rides, the handsome campus of Fort Lewis College? Would you mention the historical buildings, the interesting museums and art galleries and the great variety of fine restaurants? Throw in a warm western welcome and high-tech interactive displays and you’ve got the new Durango Welcome Center. Oh yes, and don’t forget public restrooms, a water bottle refill station and a location smack-dab in the center of downtown, and you’ve got a must-go-to place for tourists and locals alike. Involved with both the Durango Business Improvement District. or BID, and the city of Durango, Business Development Manager Bob Kunkel is proud to show off the newest attraction in town. “It’s like a website brought to life,” says Kunkel, gesturing to images that seem to jump out of the wall, concise signage and interactive multi-touch options. “This is what we wanted it to be, a website in real time.” Going one step better than a website, the Welcome Center is staffed with real live Durango experts who can guide visitors toward their individual interests. Business owners and tourism representatives have long recognized that the downtown Durango FALL 2012 | MAJESTIC LIVING | 47
experience could become even better for visitors and locals alike. Along with numerous community stakeholders, Kunkel formulated a plan that would solve what they identified as deficiencies in the downtown area. The vision started to take shape when Kunkel pinpointed a suitable site at 8th Street and Main Avenue. Echoes of saws and hammers signaled progress and the June 25 grand opening made the Durango Welcome Center vision a reality. Kunkel ticks off the key motivators behind creation of the Welcome Center. A significant portion of Durango’s economy is based on tourism. Hundreds of thousands of tourists walk through downtown Durango. It made sense to relocate the Durango Area Tourism Office, or DATO, the agency tasked with promoting Durango, from its Santa Rita Park offices on the edge of town to where the action is. DATO and the Durango Chamber of Commerce will also continue to offer services at the existing Visitors Center in Santa Rita Park. From his own travels, Kunkel knows that visitors rely on and trust guidance from a publicly
operated welcome center. Such an operation could fulfill BID members’ goal to connect tourists better to local businesses. Now, anyone walking into the Welcome Center will see friendly staff eager to provide information about restaurants, attractions, reservations, events and excursions in the surrounding Four Corners. These tourists though, along with downtown businesses, had a perennial complaint - no public restrooms. Kunkel hits the nail on the head when he says, “People may come in to the Welcome Center for one reason, but discover something else of interest.” Clean, convenient restrooms help local businesses, as much as they do visitors, by decreasing their cost of supplies and maintenance. The final major piece was that Fort Lewis College has long had an aspiration for a downtown presence. The Community Concert Hall at Fort Lewis College has had a downtown ticket office for half a dozen years but, Kunkel says, “Someone could drive through Durango and never know we have a great college here. The goal should be for the hundreds of
)66)4 #%; 62 /)%1 !47'. 2716 26 26%4; :64%'6-21
thousands of tourists who drive through town to be able to go home and talk about Fort Lewis.” From aspiration to reality, a Fort Lewis employee is up front and visible at the Welcome Center, greeting visitors and eager to tell them about majors that are offered, athletic events and activities. The ticket office for the Community Concert Hall has also been relocated to the Welcome Center. Potential students, parents, alumni – all have a chance to connect with what Fort Lewis College offers. Clarifying these key motivators behind creation of the Welcome Center was one thing, and talking about the need was easy. Bringing it into reality was a whole different ball game. “What was keeping things from happening?” Kunkel recalls. “Cost and opportunity. I had a solution. What about collaborating on a downtown welcome center. We can all get what we want to have by developing a shared facility. I took the lead and secured this location. I found a site ideally situated, centrally located, dead center of downtown.” Substantial monetary contributions from the
%43)6 < !-/) < "3,2/56)4;
,)0 (4; 6)%0 /)%1-1+
4-)5 -1
9-6,276 52%.-1+ 6,) 3%( %1( '%43)6 7%4%16))( '/)%1
4))1 )46-*-)( /)%1-1+ *4)) <
,2745 126 (%;5 ())3 '/)%15
29)4*7/ 647'. 02716 ):64%'6-21
26 '%4&21%6-1+ 0-1)4%/ 9%6)4 < )5-(7)
%*) *24 ',-/(4)1 %1( 3)65 < 2 4)%33)%4-1+ 53265
)6 "4-1) )028%/ !4)%60)16
#) +7%4%16))
3)6 2(24
4)028%/ < *4)) &/%'. /-+,6 -153)'6-21 ):64% 5)48-')
%1 7%1 2716; !
!
< !
<
"!
"
!
$
2*% ,%-4 48 | MAJESTIC LIVING | FALL 2012
!
" ! ! ! "
!
" " !
! !
64)6',-1+ %6',)5 326 ;)
city of Durango, Business Improvement District, and Fort Lewis College, as well as a lease commitment from the Durango Area Tourism Office and a break from the building owner on long term rental costs, allowed things to fall into place. “It’s a model of collaboration for other communities,” Kunkel claims. It was a challenge to fuse the cultures of the major players – education, government and business. “It took time to learn to live and work together. We had to understand each other’s end game objective, had to share, listen and compromise.” But for the key partners - Fort Lewis College, Durango Area Tourism Office, Durango Business Improvement District and the city of Durango, the new Welcome Center is an outcome that they can all claim as a success. While Kunkel anticipates that Durango businesses will see an increase of about 2 percent in sales, and the city will see a commensurate increase in sales tax generated, it will be the community’s support that determines long-term success of the Durango Welcome Center. That’s why all aspects of the Durango community are represented.
49 | MAJESTIC LIVING | FALL 2012
“We want people to know who we are, what’s important to Durango, how we live here, that we have a great hospital, a great airport. It’s a complete community; we want to tell our story about the library, the many non-profit organizations,” Kunkel asserts. So look for the eye-catching full-size cutout of a woman in 1880s dress on the Four Corners Museum Network’s display. Pick up tips on where to camp and hike on the abundant public lands in the area. Even local residents will discover new places and activities to try in our own backyard. Peggy Zemach, Durango Arts Center executive director, agrees. “The Welcome Center is great for everyone. Museum and cultural centers are well represented. Tourists have a place to get information. It will definitely produce an economic impact.” Zemach expects to see more traffic through the Arts Center as a result of the Welcome Center. Kunkel sees the Welcome Center as enhancing business by keeping visitors in the area longer or convincing them to return to play, live or thrive here in their business.
Kunkel says, “The train is known internationally and tourists come to ride the train. They plan on Durango for a day, because they don’t know about the river, or the mountain bike trails, or the art, the shopping, and the restaurants.” Using Durango as a hub, the Welcome Center showcases one-day excursions that may include Native American casinos, fly fishing on an alpine lake, walking through ancestral Puebloan ruins or shopping galleries with in-demand western and contemporary art and fashions. So what should locals know about the Durango Welcome Center? Kunkel ticks off the reasons, “Easy to find, safe harbor – no one will try to sell you something, find out about what’s new, use the restroom, buy tickets, check email, dogs on leashes welcome, use the ATM, and re-charge their gizmos.” In addition to all that, this writer recommends playing with Multi-touch Table Top attraction – it’s fun! And watch for the Dining Passport coming this fall for discounts on favorite restaurants. The Welcome Center is located at 802 Main Avenue, on the corner of 8th Street.
50 | MAJESTIC LIVING | FALL 2012
FALL 2012 | MAJESTIC LIVING | 51
Tour reveals historic Navajo homeland By Debra Mayeux Photos:Tony Bennett Dinetah – the ancestral homeland of the Navajo people – weaves its way along the winding rocky roads of Largo and Blanco Canyons. There the knowledgeable traveler can find hidden treasures of petroglyphs and undisturbed ruins dating back to the late 1600s. It is not an easy trip, with four-wheel drive being needed to climb the unpaved and often muddy terrain. Then, there are the hikes up large sandstone outcroppings to the tops of high peaks, where the towers and pueblitos can be found. Without the trained eye, rock art is often
missed, but once discovered it tells the stories of ancient people, warriors and the arrival of the Spaniards to this world. Larry Baker of Salmon Ruins has made it his life’s work to investigate and interpret Dinetah. He and Clay Johnston, program director for New Mexico Site Stewards, hold the key to the map of this nearly uncivilized land in their minds. They easily navigate through the roads created by oil field traffic to destinations unknown in modern society. This is what they do when taking tourists and adventurers on a Journey into the Past. The program was developed in 1996 by Baker and other archaeologists and anthropologists at Salmon Ruins. It was done to provide an interface with the public to cultural resources and historic sites. It also was a way to raise minimal revenue for Salmon Ruins. “It took a couple of years to gain momentum and take,” Baker said, adding that each year the destinations increase. “The most popular destination is Chaco Canyon, but the pueblitos
and rock art in Dinetah is gaining momentum and popularity.” Nancy Sweet Espinosa, museum coordinator at Salmon Ruins, is an expert on Chaco Canyon. An anthropologist for the past nine years, she is in her second career and doing what she truly loves. Prior to going back to school to complete her education, Sweet Espinosa was a 9-1-1 operator. She spent her first job sitting at a desk. Now her office is the back country and Indian ruins of the region. “I’m one of the lucky ones who not only got to study my interest, but also get to practice it,” she said as she drove east on Highway 64 toward the entrance to Largo Canyon. “There’s rock art in every canyon for 15 miles along the Largo Canyon road.” Rock art and some unique free-standing ruins make up a day tour to Dinetah, where history of the Four Corners can be found around every corner. Clay Johnston, who was along for the ride, pointed out that there is a little settlement of
Looking for Excellent Students
Navajo Prep, Home of the Fighting Eagles, is a college preparatory school offering individual attention, academic excellence and championship athletics to students.
• Dedicated to cultural learning • Residential living, and off-campus living, with transportation • Excellent academics - 90% of graduates are enrolled in higher education. • Candidate school for International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme.
Navajo Preparatory School
1220 W. Apache Street • Farmington, NM 87401 • 505-326-6571 • www.navajoprep.com
` Yideesk33g00 Naat1anii | Leaders now and into the future
52 | MAJESTIC LIVING | FALL 2012
Navajo people living in Blanco Canyon just west of Largo. “Whenever they brought them back from the Long Walk, they scattered them all over San Juan County and other counties. The idea was if they scattered them out, they wouldn’t cause as much trouble,” he explained. On a tour of Dinetah, participants are not confined to the boundaries of a park. “The rock art in the area is fabulous, and the Navajo defensive sites or pueblitos are positioned throughout the landscape,” Baker said. Sweet Espinosa added that no two tours are the same. “We try to accommodate all the way around as best we can for folks’ needs and abilities,” she said. “If a person has been with us before they might want to see something different, so we can customize the tours.” There was a long trek out to Crow Canyon, an area managed by the Bureau of Land Management. Sweet Espinosa located
it by finding a large tree that was split down the middle. A small, brown metal sign pointed toward the area, where world-class rock art could be found after a short hike of about a mile toward the sandstone. “I’ve been coming out here for 9 ½ years and I’m still not sure where I’m going,” Sweet Espinosa said. Crow Canyon is an absolute must, providing a delight to the senses. Filled with the fragrance of sagebrush and pine needles, there is a crisp, fresh feel to the air. A light breeze tickles the skin to ease the sun’s burning rays. An occasional lizard runs through the bushes rustling the branches, and the freshly watered earth is covered in purple, yellow, white and green desert flowers. The hike is easily managed, and with a look up toward the mountain the rock art cannot be missed. There are warriors, chickens, flowing water and horses complete with saddles. Cowboys on horseback
H Helping elping y yo you ou ffind ind lloans oans tthat hat fifitt yo yyour our llife. ife.
Mortgages are all we do. And as our 40,000 satisfied customers will tell you, we do them better than anyone else.
• Free no-obligation consultation • Four years in San Juan County • As a direct lender, we fund all our loans • Faster approval thanks to in-house underwriting and processing • 21-day close • Conventional, VA, FHA, USDA, NMMFA and Manufactured loans with zero-down programs available • Your satisfaction is our top priority • Servicing New Mexico
m msfhome.com sfhome.com Matekovic h Manager LS #196133 100012793
Farmington Farmington Location: Location: 2901 East 20th Street, Suite 102 Farmington, NM 87402
(505) (505) 325-5862 325-5862
Great Great n new ew llogo, ogo, ssame ame g great reat p people. eople. A And nd sstill till a available vailable sseven even d days ays a w week. eek. C Call all u uss ttoday. oday. M Mortgage ortgage SSolutions olutions ooff CColorado, olorado, LLLC, LC, ddba ba M Mortgage ortgage SSolutions olutions FFinancial. inancial. NNMLS MLS ##61602. 61602. RRegulated egulated bbyy tthe he DDivision ivision ooff RReal eal EEstate. state.
FALL 2012 | MAJESTIC LIVING | 53
Lookk no further. Having one special person for your car, home and life insurance lets you get down to business with the rest of your life. Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re State FarmÂŽ ² LW¡V ZKDW ZH GR Ć&#x2021; Ć&#x2021; GET GET TO TO A BETTER BET TER STATE STATEâ&#x201E;˘. C CONTACT ONTACT A AN NA AGENT GENT TODAY. TODAY. Chris Mark Sebastian, Agent %XV www.chrissebastian.net )DUPLQJ WRQ 10
Kerney T Ta aylor Ins Agcy Inc Kerney Taylor, Agent %XV www.kerneytaylor.com %ORRPĂ&#x20AC;HOG 10
Rich Cross II, Agent %XV ULFK FURVV J [Y#VWDWHIDUP FRP )DUPLQJ WRQ 10
Thomas Payne, Agent %XV www.tpayneinsurance.com $]WHF 10
Trudy Goldsmith, Agent %XV www.farming toninsurance.net )DUPLQJ WRQ 10
Kent Wilson, Agent %XV NHQW ZLOVRQ E IP#VWDWHIDUP FRP )DUPLQJ WRQ 10
Jack, Agent Le Gr and Jac %XV OHJUDQG MDFN E W #VWDWHIDUP FRP )DUPLQJ WRQ 10
Wendy Most, Agent %XV ZHQG\#LQVXUHGE\PRVW FRP )DUPLQJ WRQ 10
s tatefarm.comÂŽ 1101202.1
State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company, State Farm Indemnit y Company State Farm Fire and Casualt y Company, State Farm General Insurance Company, Blooming ton, IL
54 | MAJESTIC LIVING | FALL 2012
and men wearing horned helmets represent the arrival of the Spanish Conquistadors. â&#x20AC;&#x153;These are historic panels,â&#x20AC;? Sweet Espinosa said. At Crow Canyon there is the Main Panel, the Warrior Panel and the 44 Panel. â&#x20AC;&#x153;There are all the petroglyphs,â&#x20AC;? Johnston said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Every now and then we find a new one.â&#x20AC;? The rock art dates back to the 1700s and is considered to be Navajo, but there also were more modern versions, considered to be vandalism. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a constant, constant problem,â&#x20AC;? Johnston said. Some people disrespectful of the historic significance of the region carve their names and dates over the existing historic panels. Others actually have shaved the petroglyphs off the mountainside and attempted to sell the artwork to collectors. All of this activity is illegal. The New Mexico Site Stewards are the volunteers who monitor the sites looking for vandalism. They also help to stabilize existing ruins. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The philosophy is not to interpret and rebuild, but to reinforce the walls to stop them from falling,â&#x20AC;? Sweet Espinosa said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It is preservation in its present state.â&#x20AC;? Stabilization began in the 1970s when the trend was to simply rebuild. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The reality was they were not sure their interpretation was right,â&#x20AC;? Sweet Espinosa explained. There also were problems with the materials being used. Cement was used to keep the walls up, but it caused the sandstone to crumble. Archaeologists and anthropologists then discovered that a binder of clay and mortar with polymer and linseed oil was very much like the original material used to build rock houses and historic structures, such as Tapacito â&#x20AC;&#x201C; the oldest ruin in Largo Canyon â&#x20AC;&#x201C; dating back to 1680. The next stop was Hooded Fireplace â&#x20AC;&#x201C; one of many pueblitos found throughout the region. Johnston said the Site Stewards once set off smoke bombs at several of the pueblitos to see if the smoke would be visible from each site. Hooded Fireplace was on the list and two other locations could be seen from atop the mountain. Managed by the Bureau of Land Management, it is nestled high atop a rocky mountain, where the Navajo could have seen it for miles and miles. There is a round structure on site, similar to a kiva, and there are several rooms. What makes it unique is
the roof that remains attached to one of the buildings and a fireplace with a hood over its top that also is intact. Then it was across the county line into Rio Arriba County, where there is a lot of oil and gas activity, but also an archaeological treasure found behind a locked gate on the historic Truby Ranch. Atop Pine Tree Canyon sits Truby’s Tower. It is a historic Navajo watchtower – also part of the defensive sites. It remains intact with large pieces of wood leaning against the rock walls for those needing to gain entry to the site. A few paces from the road created for oilfield traffic it is an amazing ruin in great condition, also under the watchful eye of Johnston and his Site Stewards. This ended the nearly six-hour journey through Dinetah and it was time to return back to Salmon Ruins. On the way, Johnston pointed out the many mountain tops and rock walls that make up the 1,200 known archaeological sites in the region. “There’s Three Corn, Pork Chop – I like some of these names they give them. They’re unique,” he said. Johnston also pointed out a ranch at the base of Pioche Canyon. “I’d like to own that ranch, so I could sit out here closer to the ruins,” he said. Johnston is not alone in his desire to learn more about the Ancient Puebloans and the Navajo history of the Four Corners. Their heritage is a draw to tourists from across the world. “In a time when our general visitation has been declining, these professional tour programs have remained strong and are gaining strength,” Baker said. “These aren’t just sightseeing adventure tours. We are interpreting the sites to provide historical background into the sites.” Tours of Chaco Canyon also are offered and include a stop at the visitor’s center and a guided tour of the loop. The tour costs $295 per couple plus $35 for each additional person. This includes transportation to and from the sites and a picnic style lunch. It is not a moneymaking venture, really covering only the cost of the tour, according to Sweet Espinosa, who said they book up fast, especially in the milder months. “We encourage people to book as soon as they know their vacation dates,” she said. Bookings are done through Salmon Ruins, 505.632.2013.
www.nearlyfamoussalon.com
s u o r amo
Gl
325-8360 Hair
325-6266
Nails Body Permanent Cosmetics Special Occasion Hair Makeup
Professional Products
Gift Certificates
Mon-Sat 9am-7pm 2501 E. 20th St. Suite 4 Hutton Plaza Farmington, NM
Support for terminally ill and their families. Hospice care delivered by a team of dedicated professionals: Medical Director ♥ Skilled Nurses ♥ Physical Therapy Occupational Therapy ♥ Speech Therapy Nursing Aides ♥ Medical Social Worker ♥ Bereavement Dietician ♥ Counselor/Chaplain ♥ Volunteers Joint Commission Accredited
Member of San Juan United Way
Northwest New Mexico Hospice & Home Care The only not for profit homecare/ hospice, serving the Four Corners.
Nurses Available 24/7
Call (505)327-0301
We accept Medicare, Medicaid & Private Insurance
Northwest New Mexico Hospice & Home Care 608 Reilly Ave. ♥ Farmington ♥ www.pms-inc.org FALL 2012 | MAJESTIC LIVING | 55
Triumph FROM
tragedy Lepaire’s random acts of safety are a tribute to Ryan Bard By Ron Price Photos by Tony Bennett Paul Lapaire knows a thing or two about how life can turn upside down in a moment. The 53-year-old, 27-year married father of two grown daughters thought his life was pretty well set. His career at Williams Field Services was progressing well and he was looking forward to watching his daughters marry and one day make him a grandfather. All that changed on a fateful day in October of 2007. It was Oct. 21, 2007, to be exact, when Paul’s future son-in-law Ryan Bard lost his life in a fiery crash in Abilene, Texas. Ryan was engaged to marry Paul’s daughter Caley. Paul says he clearly remembers Ryan “spent most of his time at our house either in the kitchen with my wife learning how to cook or laying on the couch wrapped around my daughter.” Though he wasn’t sure he was ready to be a father-in-law, Paul was pleased with Caley’s choice. He describes Ryan as “honest, fun loving, someone you wanted to know, and appreciated as a friend. “ Paul also enjoyed Ryan’s “mega-watt smile” and the fact that “he was totally committed to my daughter.” Needless to say, Ryan’s death took everyone by surprise and shock. While he attended many of Ryan’s races, his last was one race he missed. He considers that to be a blessing saying “I have been spared gruesome memories of his final moments.” 56 | MAJESTIC LIVING | FALL 2012
While spared those memories, Paul couldn’t escape the recurring thought that, as he puts it, “I knew I had to do something, I just didn’t know what.” Fairly new to the world of auto racing — he had never gone to a race until Caley invited him to come watch Ryan — Paul began to inquire of others more knowledgeable than he as to how he might foster the memory of the son-in-law he never had. “I noticed that most racers wore special T-shirts so I decided to make up Ryan Bard T-shirts, figuring I could sell them and use the proceeds for a good purpose,” he said. As he developed a bit of cash flow from the sales Paul began to perform what he called “random acts of safety.” At various racetracks he took it upon himself to encourage drivers and their crews to have their fire extinguishers out and accessible. He states “If I saw they had one out when I came by I would give them a $10 gift certificate to a local store.” Paul laughs as he recalls drivers and their crews began to watch for him to come by and often held out both the extinguisher and their hand. His practice in such circumstances was to ”always congratulate them for their initiative and safety, and
proceed to the next driver.” In those days Paul says he was “consumed with the idea of safety and trying to make sure what happened to Ryan might not happen to someone else.” In a short time he became impressed to develop a race car simulator to help drivers be prepared better for what to do in the event of a rollover requiring a hasty exit. He says “I’m convinced God gave me the idea as I kept meeting up with people who could help make it happen.” The result of that inspiration is Flipr and a renewed sense of mission and purpose for Paul. Once the dream became a reality, with help from numerous individuals and companies, Paul headed to the Fairgrounds Speedway in Cortez. He knew Flipr could create a real life experience for drivers, having tested it out on himself first. What he didn’t know was how well it would be received by drivers. He remembers the first night “feeling like the Pied piper as folks were drawn to see what I had brought.” Some drivers did indeed give the Flipr a try. Paul says he deeply regrets, however, that “Wherever I’ve gone it’s only been a handful of drivers who have been willing to participate.” He is pleased, however, that
“...Where Families Come First!”
At Desert View Family Counseling Services, we are trained to help people deal with complex problems. Since 1995, we have been helping people deal with life’s challenges. From managing depression to resolving relationship and parenting issues, our therapists provide compassionate and confidential guidance.
(505) 326-7878 Monday - Thursday 8 a.m. - 7 p.m. Friday 8 a.m. - 12 noon
After Hours Crisis Line
505-947-3645 NOW AT: 905 W. Apache • Farmington
Visit our website: www.desertviewsas.org 58 | MAJESTIC LIVING | FALL 2012
“those who do give it a try are well impressed.” Paul explains the lower number of willing participants is likely because “There is a lot of ego and pride in race car drivers and many are fearful of not doing well or looking good during the experience.” He add, “This is especially true for the larger and perhaps older drivers who may fear they lack the flexibility required to exit quickly and safely.” Though not yet satisfied, Paul is well pleased that he has been able to make a significant impact on race car safety. Among the improvements, he notes “Flipr showed us that some seat belts don’t release properly when upside down.” This has led to potential testing modifications and improvements in seat belts for race cars. Another contribution he made is a design improvement for a crucial component of the racecar. A big factor in Ryan’s death was a leaking fuel cap that caused gas to escape and ignite when it reached the cockpit. The racing industry now insists that fuel caps be fitted with gaskets to keep fuel from escaping when upside-down. Paul states “I felt this was a step in the right direction, but I knew there was something missing so I came up with a spring to
hold the gasket in place.” Paul sent his idea off to manufacturers, but as of this writing none have put it into implementation. Obviously fire prevention is the key drive for Paul. In his words “I firmly believe that every trailer, every pit should have their own fire extinguisher.” He approached Randy Rogers, owner of Farmington Fire and Safety, who agreed to give extinguishers to Paul for him to give out as needed. Paul frequently takes Flipr to race tracks throughout the Southwest as far as time and funds allow. He is also invited to speak at various racing venues. He tells the drivers “I am not here to address making you go faster, I’m out to make sure you go home each night.” Paul has recently been invited to the IMCA (International Motor Contest Association) Super Nationals in Boone, Iowa, over the Labor Day weekend. “Thrilled” is a huge understatement for, as Paul says, “I will be exposed to more drivers in one week than I might be in a year of touring various tracks.” The plan is for him to set up Flipr on manufacturers’ row where he says he will “be with the big boys of racing.” Surrounded daily by drivers and vendors alike, Paul says he
“hopes to secure some significant sponsorship to provide the capital necessary to take this information as far and wide as possible.” Amanda Tenski heads up Public Relations and sales for the local Aztec Speedway. In her words, Flipr “has really revolutionized the racing industry.” With personal experience she says “drivers have learned how crazy it is to flip.” Paul feels privileged to be chosen by God to help make a major difference in people’s lives. In his words, “This isn’t fun, but I feel it’s my calling and I have to do it even though it means I often relive a tragic event.” He goes on to say, ”I take comfort in knowing we’re (he and the many who have helped along the way) making a difference and keeping others from experiencing the same fate as Ryan.” The development of Flipr would not have occurred were it not for the efforts of Paul Lapaire. He is quick to point out, however, that it would not have come to be had it not been for the efforts and contributions of numerous others. Among those helpful in the process have been: Williams Energy, XL Concrete, DXP Safety Alliance, Clay-Groomer Machine Shop, Riley Industrial, and Farmington Fire and Safety.
FALL 2012 | MAJESTIC LIVING | 59
60 | MAJESTIC LIVING | FALL 2012
Austin’s love of dance takes him all over the world By Lauren Duff When you think of the dance move “the robot,” what comes to mind? Parents attempting to embarrass their children in front of friends, or the awkward student trying to impress his longtime crush at the homecoming dance? But for one local individual, the robot is a dance move that has created a name for him and shown the world his extraordinary talent. Wesley Austin, 27, did not realize dancing was a natural gift of his until he was in middle school, when he encountered his first dance environment at Tibbett’s Junior High School in Farmington. His inspiration was sparked after watching students break-dance during afterschool hours. He then
raced home that evening to learn his first move, “the worm,” and was hooked ever since. From his first dance move to now, Austin, now known by his stage name “Poppin John,” has perfected the technique of poppin, a broad dance genre that is a mix of the robot and hip-hop. “The term poppin means the contracting of your muscles to the beat, almost like electric shock. There are a lot of flavors of poppin, like waving and the robot – those two are my main styles,” he explained. “People said poppin died in the ’80s and the industry moved on. For us, it just really came back. In the Farmington surrounding areas there were 12 crews that we would go to Skateway USA and compete against each other. I also learned a lot of moves from trying to mimic dance movies like Break In and just hanging out with my buddies.” John’s father, Mark Austin, always would help his son get to competitions around the area. “By the time he was in the teens he was part of the FALL 2012 | MAJESTIC LIVING | 61
crew and they would go to competitions. I remember driving them to Albuquerque, Las Vegas, and Flagstaff for competitions and he held his own in them very well,” Austin said. Throughout John’s high school years, wrestling became a major priority. Once graduation came around the corner, he had the opportunity to wrestle in college, but John chose dance instead. “I did one semester of college and then decided to pursue dance rather than education. I was definitely sold on dancing as a career – I treated it like it was my job.” When asked if he was proud about his son pursuing his passion, Austin said, “Always. There is no question there. You should always pursue your passion because you can always get a job and you might as well go after your passion first and if it works out then great and then go after something else. I’m very proud and he is very entertaining, even if he wasn’t my boy. He is just very talented.” “I wouldn’t be heading in the direction I’m going in if my parents haven’t supported me when I started. They are always super supportive and they are awesome,” John explained. In 2004, a year after graduating from high school, John put high-quality videos of him dancing as a way to grab the attention of viewers. The big year was 2007. John felt the pressure to move out of Farmington because of the entertainment industry and to improve his chances of being discovered. Albuquerque was his first destination, where he resided for nine months before moving to his current hometown in south El Paso, Texas. Now a married man, John and his wife have settled down in a large enough city that enables him to continue pursuing his passion for dance. Also, one of his videos reached one million viewers in 2007. “The videos helped me get a name in the dance industry. I’ve traveled the world from having consistently good content online and winning big competitions,” he explained. John also made a name for himself during a 2008 competition in the performance capital of the country, Las Vegas. Hip-Hop International is a world renowned competition tailored to John’s dance genre. “It is a world event for almost every country,” he explained. From living in 62 | MAJESTIC LIVING | FALL 2012
Farmington to traveling to a packed city with dazzling neon lights for the sole purpose of competing, John came out on top and won the overall competition. “In the meantime, I have taught at almost every studio that has been close to me,” he said. By doing what he loves to do, John has been fortunate to travel to European and Asian countries to participate in international competitions and teach dancing workshops. “They don t respond differently. When I teach classes overseas the people look at me as a celebrity because they see me on TV – I inspire a lot of them to dance. Those people are really excited to take my classes. I have a following in the United States, but not as hardcore as overseas,” John explained. What is his favorite country to which to travel? Singapore. “I’ve been to Singapore twice and every time I went there I had a great time,” he claimed. “I love having culture shock, and that’s on the other side of the world. I have been to a lot of different cultures and Singapore is definitely an amazing place to be.” John embarked on another European extravaganza in 2009 when he performed on Carnival Cruise Lines traveling to countries surrounding the Mediterranean Sea. “The whole European tour took around three months. It was crazy. We did minimal work because we were a specialty act on board. I performed with another break dancer and acrobat.” John lives for performing and feels “at home” when he walks onto a dark stage in front of a
crowded audience. “Once I’m on stage I’m not nervous. I love the rush and adrenaline from the audience – I have a really great time on stage. My past successes always come back to me when I go and perform and that really takes all the nervousness and doubt out of me. I pride myself in being good in showcasing. There is a difference between being able to showcase and being a good competitor; it’s two completely different skills. Showing what poppin is to the audience is where I really shine.” John said he is looking forward to many opportunities in the near future. At the end of July he traveled to Lorrach, Germany, where he performed in the Urban Dance Showcase and taught workshops at a dance camp. “It is a pretty small town but a nice studio that has developed a big name for themselves. It has brought people there who have won America’s Best Dance Crew,” John explained. In a couple of years from now, John can see his wife and himself living in either Las Vegas or Los Angeles. “Being in the dance industry you have to be where it is at. I do OK traveling, but it’s easier to do auditions when you are local,” he said. “L.A. is really fast-paced, so that’s why I haven’t been able to get my foot in the door of the industry yet.” What are his aspirations a couple of years from now? He wants to perform in music videos and commercials. Maybe one day he will appear on popular channels such as MTV and continue to show the world his obvious talents.
Fort Lewis, San Juan College partner on research project By Margaret Cheasebro Photos: Tony Bennett In a cooperative effort between Fort Lewis College and San Juan College, a six-week research project this summer laid the groundwork for testing that could show if certain vegetables reduce inflammation caused by cigarette smoke. The cruciferous vegetables, including broccoli, contain a compound called sulforaphane. The study is part of a five-year project that began in September 2011 and will continue through August 2016. Three students helped SJC associate professor of biology Veronica Evans, PhD, and FLC assistant professor of biology David Blake, PhD, do a series of DNA studies involving the gene Interleukin-8 (IL-8). It is one of many cytokines, or small molecules, produced by epithelial cells, which line body cavities such as airways. Research students Shiloh Dee, Martha Roberts, and Leslie Elkins helped with the project. Smoke causes cells to release gene “If you’re exposed to cigarette smoke, the smoke causes cells in the lungs to release 64 | MAJESTIC LIVING | FALL 2012
IL-8,” said Evans. “That causes inflammation and leads to Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, or COPD.” Blake explained, “Certain cells produce these things called cytokines. They’re really small molecules that all cells produce, and certain cytokines are pro-inflammatory. So if you’re smoking and your epithelial cells release these compounds, you’re going to get cells from your blood coming into your lungs. The epithelial cells recognize the smoke is foreign or bad, and they’ll produce cytokines, which are a kind of relay system, to tell certain cells to come and combat those foreign invaders.” Long-term inflammation can cause lung damage. “If people are smoking every day, inflammation is always going to be there because the cells are being told something bad is always happening,” Blake said. “If something bad is always happening and you’re always fighting it, you’re going to destroy lung tissue. That’s why I think sulforaphane would be beneficial.” Inflammation causes health problems Inflammation also contributes to other health problems, such as asthma, irritable bowel syndrome, heart and blood pressure issues.
“So understanding how IL-8 is regulated and how IL-8 causes inflammation is really important,” Evans said. “It’s fun that we’re doing cutting edge research even though we’re a small school.” When Blake was doing post-doctoral work at Johns Hopkins University, he worked in a lab using sulforaphane. The compound is found in cruciferous vegetables, including Brussels sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, bok choy, kale, collards, Chinese broccoli, broccoli raab, kohlrabi, mustard, turnip, radish, arugula and
watercress. The compound was discovered by Paul Talalay, a researcher at Johns Hopkins. “There’s research to show it is anticarcinogenic,” Blake said. “It kills cancer cells.” Sulforaphanes reduce inflammation by entering cells and stopping them from making so much IL-8. Blake wrote research papers Blake has written research papers about his
studies of the compound. Two articles appeared in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences and in American Journal of Respiratory Cell and Molecular Biology. In the cooperative college study, Blake removed DNA from the cells at Fort Lewis College. He gave the DNA to Evans, who worked with it in the San Juan College lab. “We amplified the parts we’re interested in, the IL-8,” Evans said. She used a polymerase chain reaction, or
PCR, to make more copies of the piece of DNA that was of interest. That involved using a thermocycler and some special enzymes. The thermocycler brought the temperature to the boiling point so the DNA strands could be pulled apart. Once those strands were separated, the enzymes could copy the DNA. “It keeps on repeating the process until you make a lot of DNA,” Evans said. “We’re trying to get a whole lot more IL-8 to see how it changes expression with inflammation.” FALL 2012 | MAJESTIC LIVING | 65
Research students help Three research students helped with the project. They were Shiloh Dee, Martha Roberts, and Leslie Elkins. “They were able to put DNA pieces of the IL-8 promoter sequence with a reporter gene into cells grown in a petri dish,” said Evans. “When inflammation was induced, the reporter gene, which makes the enzyme firefly luciferase, was expressed. Then the light produced by the firefly luciferase was measured.” The promoter sequences of a gene are binding sites for transcription factors, which are on or off signals for genes in the cells. “The students did good,” Blake said. “We went through the process of what the assay is called, how does it work, and then gave them a dry run to see if they could actually do it.” An assay involves tests done in a certain order to measure what the IL-8 was doing. “They usually worked as a group of three,” Blake said. “One person was the contractor, telling the other two what to do. The other
two were kind of the worker bees doing the assay, hopefully in the correct order.” Students compare cell reactions They were able to place the DNA into cells. They wanted to compare what would happen in the cell with a full IL-8 gene promoter sequence and what would happen if some of the nucleotides, (molecules within DNA) were left out of the promoter sequence. With some of those nucleotides and transcription factors missing, would the gene’s reaction to cigarette smoke and sulforophane be the same? Would inflammation still be reduced? “The project itself, at least on paper, to me and Veronica was pretty simple,” Blake said. “But there were parts that the students weren’t familiar with and that were new to me and Veronica as well.” They didn’t have enough time to test the cells using sulforaphane. “If we had had two or three more weeks, we could have used the cells with that DNA with
$
100
on a Tankless Rinnai Water Heater Installed • Carriers Boilers & Furnaces • Duct Cleaning • Drain/Sewer Cleaning • Video Drain Inspection • Electronic Leak Location • Water & Sewer Repiping • Bathroon & Kitchen Remodeling
cigarette smoke and sulforaphane,” Blake said, “but we didn’t quite get that far. What they accomplished was that they were able to perform research using human cells to measure different end points. With that, they gained some understanding of the different parts of the cell and how they interact.” First hand view of real life research It helped students understand what real life research study is like. “There’s a whole bunch of different scientific TV shows, like CSI, where they take a test tube, stick it in a machine and get an answer within five minutes,” Blake said. “This one project sounded pretty simple over X number of weeks, but we didn’t get that far because not everything worked perfectly. It never does in science. The project works from the DNA level to something you can measure outside the cells. It takes a lot of time to figure it out.” The project taught Leslie Elkins about trial and error.
250 $ 500
$
OFF
to
OFF
• Water Heaters • Refrigeration & Evaporative Cooling • Backflow Preventer Testing • Complete Gas Service • LP Gas Service • Carbon Monoxide Testing
on selected Carrier Heating/Cooling Systems installed.
• Complete Septic Systems • Backhoe Service & Trenching • Planned Service Agreements • 24-Hour Emergency • All Major Credit Cards Accepted • 100% Satisfaction Guaranteed since 1988
1205 Troy King Rd. Farmington, NM 87401
www.rabielplumbing.com
Call 505 -327-7755 66 | MAJESTIC LIVING | FALL 2012
“Not every experiment will turn out with the correct answers,” she said. “Research requires multiple experiments and patience. When our experimental results failed, we had to do the same procedure repetitively until potential results occurred.” Elkins has transferred to Montana State University, where she plans to complete her biology degree and study to become an orthodontist. Roberts wants to continue research Martha Roberts, who hopes to get a PhD in neuroscience, plans to apply as a research student again next summer when the project will continue. Born and raised in Farmington, at 29 she was the oldest student in the project. This fall she will begin her second year at San Juan College. “I loved the research project, because this is my career path,” she said. I want to do research on the nervous system involving diseases like MS and Alzheimers.” Shiloh Dee of Shiprock won’t apply for the research project next summer because she graduated from San Juan College and transferred to the University of Arizona to study physiology. She hopes to be a physician, specializing in pediatric or internal medicine. The project wasn’t difficult, she said, but “The frustrating part was trying to be successful at replicating the DNA. Then we took those replicas up to Fort Lewis, where Dr. Blake was growing human epithelial cells. We inserted those DNA cells into the epithelial cells. We ran out of time for the research.” Results line up with other research They were able to complete one group of a chain of base pairs. They sent it to a gene-sequencing center which compared the students’ sample to the center’s sequence. “We got it back, and it lined up pretty well with our results,” Shiloh said. The ongoing research might lead to a breakthrough. “Scientific research is a collaboration,” Evans said. “If we find something interesting, we’ll publish the results, and some other groups could carry on. We’ll keep working on this project and see where it leads us. It could eventually lead to us developing the clinical applications.”
0RWLYDWLRQ LV MXVW D FODVV DZD\ All classes included with your membership! =XPED %RG\3XPS $TXD )LWQHVV 3LODWHV %RG\&RPEDW 6WHS )LW .LGV &;:RU[ 3L<R 7XUER .LFN &\FOLQJ <RJD 6LOYHUVQHDNHUV $QG 0RUH
( 7+ 67 '(),1(' &20 10 2:1(' 23(5$7('
FALL 2012 | MAJESTIC LIVING | 67
Students help unlock the potential of local goji berries By Margaret Cheasebro Photos:Tony Bennett For thousands of years in Asia, goji berries have been known for their nutritional and medicinal qualities. But Asia doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have a corner on them. Similar plants are found in New Mexico. 68 | MAJESTIC LIVING | FALL 2012
The New Mexico plants belong to the same genus, Lycium, as the goji berry, which has a reputation for promoting longevity, providing a stronger immune system, and supporting the adrenal glands so people can better handle stress. Goji berries contain many healthy minerals, fatty acids and other nutrients. They have two to four times the amount of antioxidants found in blueberries. Antioxidants protect DNA from free radical and radiation damage. The genus Lycium belongs to a larger family that includes such plants as peppers, eggplant, potatoes, and tomatoes.
Unlocking the plantsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; secrets Two research projects are under way at San Juan College that could provide clues for how to cultivate three of those New Mexico plants and how nutritious they are compared to their Asian relatives. Several research students, who were paid stipends, helped with the projects. Toward the end of May on a field trip between Las Cruces and Farmington, some of them collected native plant clippings. One project was funded through New Mexico State University, which administers a huge National Institute of Health Bridges to Baccalaureate grant. Its purpose is to encourage minority
south of Farmington. He oversaw the enzyme project along with Dr. Don Hyder and Dr. Veronica Evans, both associate professors of biology at San Juan College. “Oxidative stress is implicated in a number of diseases, like cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and certain types of cancer,” Lombard said. Extracted DNA samples With Evans’ assistance, research student Patricia Charley of Farmington extracted DNA from the plant clippings and put them through a polymerase chain reaction with the help of an enzyme. “I was trying to figure out how much of the enzyme, flavonol synthase, each plant made to see which plant has the most medicinal value and to compare all of them, the native and exotic species,” said Charley. “I did find that the plants have the enzyme,” she noted. “There are five flavonol synthase genes in other plants. I was only able to find four out of the five genes” during the eight-week study. “It took awhile.” Also receiving a student stipend under the Bridges to Baccalaureate grant was Dexter Lupe of Waterflow, who studied samples of soil that had received brackish water from a reverse osmosis plant in the Aztec area.
students to get their baccalaureate degree in science, particularly chemistry, biology and plant sciences. Part of a five-year grant, this year San Juan College received $15,860 for two student stipends, lab supplies for professors, and expenses for students to attend the national conference of the Society for Advancement of Chicanos and Native Americans in Science, or SACNAS, Oct. 11, 2014 in Seattle, Wash. SACNAS is a society of scientists dedicated to fostering the success of Hispanic/Chicano and American Indian scientists from college students to the professional level in their efforts to attain advanced degrees, careers, and leadership
positions in science. Search for an enzyme That project involved searching for a certain enzyme that helps to make flavonoids in the plants. Flavonoids are strong antioxidants that have health benefits for humans, among them reducing the effects of allergens, viruses, and cancer causing agents. “Flavonoids are really cool compounds because they are strong antioxidants,” said Dr. Kevin Lombard, an assistant professor of biology who is a researcher at the New Mexico State University Agriculture Science Center on the bluffs
Second project looks for rutin The second research project involved looking for rutin, which is a flavonoid in the plant. That project was headed by Hyder and Lombard. It was funded with a $1.2 million five-year grant, ending in 2016, from the National Science Foundation. Known as the Four Corners Stem Success, or FOCUSS, program, it encourages more students to transfer to four-year colleges and graduate with a bachelor’s degree in the fields of science, technology, engineering or math. San Juan College’s School of Math, Science and Engineering received $445,000 of the grant, and the remainder went to Fort Lewis College. That same FOCUSS grant also funded a joint San Juan/Fort Lewis research project to see if compounds in vegetables such as broccoli reduce FALL 2012 | MAJESTIC LIVING | 69
2
Rates as low as
.99% APR WAC
on a new or used car loan? Now thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s smart!
Send your student OFF TO SCHOOL IN A SAFE RIDE 'ET A LOAN FOR A NEW OR USED CAR OR REFINANCE YOUR 2006 or newer car FROM ANOTHER FINANCIAL INSTITUTION AND GET AN AMAZING LOW RATE #OME SEE US and LET S TALK OPTIONS
(505) 326-7701 www.AnimasCU.com Three convenient locations to serve you!
2101 E. 20th Street & 3850 E. Main Street s &ARMINGTON 7 "ROADWAY s )NSIDE &ARMER S -ARKET s "LOOMFIELD Animas Credit Union membership is open to anyone living or working in San Juan County.
inflammation in the lungs due to cigarette smoke. The rutin study will help to determine how much of the flavonoids are contained by each of the native and Asian Lycium species. Native plants used for food and medicine â&#x20AC;&#x153;The plants native to New Mexico have been used traditionally by Native American people for food and medicine,â&#x20AC;? said Hyder. â&#x20AC;&#x153;But nobody has evaluated whether these plants can be cultivated here commercially instead of being imported from China, whether they have the same qualities as the Chinese Lycium, or if they could be used as food or medicine, even though we know they can be. I would like to see the introduction of one of our native species as a potential food and medicinal plant. It would increase the diversity of our diet.â&#x20AC;? Some of the Lycium plants in Asia grow in an environment and latitude thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s similar to Farmington. The New Mexico species are known as Lycium torreyi, Lycium pallidum, and Lycium berlanderi. Lycium pallidum grows on the San Juan College campus. Research students Tonia Becenti of Kirtland, Kalyn Boyer of Farmington and Charley collected clippings from plants in the Lycium genus on the May trip between Las Cruces and Farmington. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We clipped little pieces off of the plants,â&#x20AC;? said Becenti. â&#x20AC;&#x153;If they had fruit and flowers, we took some. We also took leaves and bark. Then we brought it back, dried it, weighed it and did an extraction protocol that we learned from the research Dr. Hyder made us do on the plants.â&#x20AC;? Native plant high in rutin Results of that protocol showed that the concentration of rutin in one of the native plants, Lycium torrei, was higher than rutin contained in either of the Asian species. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Because it was just a six-week study, we didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t think we would get numbers,â&#x20AC;? Boyer said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;When we got results for the content of rutin, we were pretty excited. Because one of the native plants had a higher concentration of rutin, it shows we donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t need to plant the Asian species for medicinal purposes.â&#x20AC;? Students obtained Asian plant clippings from NMSUâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s science center, where Lombard grows two
70 | MAJESTIC LIVING | FALL 2012
well known Asian goji berry species, Lycium chinensis and Lycium barbarum. Lombard called the research students fantastic. “I couldn’t run the research program without them,” he said. Goji berry study began in 2010 San Juan College professors and students began studying goji berries in 2010. That year, researchers found where the Lycium species were distributed in the San Juan Basin. They used GPS and GIS technology to map native populations, and they studied environmental survey reports including detailed plant lists from oil and gas well sites. They discovered that the native plant Lycium pallidum, also known as pale wolfberry, grows throughout the basin. However, attempts to propagate it were inconclusive. A poster display about that study states, “Over 17,000 Oriental medicine practitioners are certified in the U.S. and have reported widespread issues of adulterance, i.e., heavy
metals, found in imported herbs from China. For this reason, interest in U.S. produced cultivars of Chinese medicinal herbs is gaining interest and represents new opportunities for growers seeking to diversify their crop portfolio.” Also in 2010, the NMSU agriculture science center near Farmington cultivated Asian varieties in experimental plots. Growing native plants a challenge The study continued in 2011 as attempts were made to propagate pale wolfberry. Layered stems from the plants were buried, watered, and carefully monitored. “We’ve had no success with asexual propagation, by stem cuttings or root cuttings,” Lombard said. “That has presented a challenge. We’ve been taking the cuttings in the summer. Maybe we should be taking them in the spring or fall. Maybe the agent in the materials is too old.” But he’ll continue trying. “It’s a pretty difficult plant to grow,” Hyder said. “It’s really contrary.”
Hyder keeps a close eye on various aspects of the research, but he gets most excited when students realize that research is something they can do. Student discovers interest in research Through the project, Becenti discovered she liked research. “My original plan was to get a biology degree and maintain that in the bachelor’s program,” she said. “Doing this research project makes me think I can do research for cancer or as a career.” Students will show what they’ve learned from the research projects when they make poster presentations of their work at the SACNAS national conference. Hyder loves to see students’ enthusiasm and confidence grow. “That’s the part that’s really cool to me,” he said. “I love to see them get excited about research and to realize they don’t have to take a second seat to someone else.”
Let the Bandit Sweep Away Your Messes
20OFF
MAKE YOUR PARKING LOT NEW
% Sealcoating Plus
101 E. Pinon • Farmington www.dirt-bandit.com
FREE striping in September
326-0111
Locally Owned & Operated Certified, Licensed, Bonded and Insured FALL 2012 | MAJESTIC LIVING | 71
72 | MAJESTIC LIVING | FALL 2012
Bachman has fond memories from decades as an international singing star By Dorothy Nobis Photos:Tony Bennett Beautiful, confident and with a certain amount of sassiness, when Sallyanne Bachman enters a room, she immediately owns it. With the voice of an angel, Bachman has traveled the world, been in the spotlight on stage, and entertained audiences everywhere as a singer, comedienne and actress. FALL 2012 | MAJESTIC LIVING | 73
, 3 , 3(* 2 $ 01 3(*# $*$!0 2(,& $5 $6("- $,2$,,( *
0 (# 7
"2 - ! $ 0 +
3"2(-, 8
74 | MAJESTIC LIVING | FALL 2012
2 30# 7 "2 - ! $ 0 .+
0+(,&2-, (4(" $,2$0 00(,&2-, 0+(,&2-, %%*$ 8 ' **$,&$ 8 $+-,120 2(-,1 8 $,#-01 1)/&/3(*21'-5 &+ (* "-+
Included on her extensive list of friends (which would make every Face Book user jealous!) are Betty Grable, Don Ameche, Dan Dailey, Mitzi Gaynor, John Davidson, Bob Hope, Danny Thomas, Steve Allen, Pat Boone, Red Skelton, Liberace and Goldie Hawn. Bachman met Hawn when they auditioned – along with 2,000 other hopefuls – for the opportunity to sing at Melodyland, a large theater in Anaheim, Calif. “I went down and auditioned, but they were only going to pick seven girls and seven guys,” Bachman said. “I got the part and so did Goldie Hawn. We danced together and we became great friends.” Friendship with Hawn, who remains a big star and friend today, wasn’t the only bond Bachman enjoyed with the stars she worked with. “I learned a lot from Bob Hope and Red Skelton,” she said, adding that both men helped her understand the importance of bringing her personality to the stage. Bachman’s path to success wasn’t exactly a yellow brick road, however. She grew up in Albuquerque, where her father managed a JC Penney’s store and her mother was a socialite. One of six children, Bachman’s relationship with her mother was not always an easy or comfortable one. “My mother and I are not kindred spirits,” Bachman said with a slight shake of her head. “When I was in the ninth grade, she sent me to the Miss Hockaday’s School for Young Girls in Dallas. It was a finishing school, where I learned how to pour tea and other social skills.” Bachman stayed at the finishing school for a year before returning to Albuquerque, where she attended Albuquerque High School. The finishing school taught the young Bachman to study, and she skipped a year in high school. When she was 16, the Ted Mack’s Original Amateur Hour held a contest. Unbeknownst to her parents, who were out of town, Bachman auditioned and came in second. Bachman’s mother had encouraged her to take piano lessons as a child, but it wasn’t the
ivory keys that whetted Bachman’s musical appetite. It was singing. Bachman never sang in front of her parents and they had no idea of the talent with which their daughter had been blessed. “I didn’t tell my mother I auditioned,” Bachman said of the contest, “because I didn’t win.” However, the young man who did win the contest was disqualified because he wasn’t from New Mexico, he was more than 18 years old, and he was a professional. Bachman was named the new winner, but there was a caveat to the win. “He got my watch,” she laughed, remembering the prize that came with the win. When the call came to let Bachman know she had been named the winner, which included a trip to New York City, it was her mother who took the call. Once her mother discovered her daughter’s musical talent, she encouraged Bachman to pursue it and make it a career. “I auditioned for the Metropolitan Opera,” Bachman said. “When we got back to the hotel, the phone rang and my mother was told I had won a scholarship at Juilliard (a prestigious school of dance, drama and music in New York City). “She didn’t ask me (if I wanted to accept), she just said ‘yes.’” If her mother’s dream for her daughter was fame, it wasn’t always a dream her daughter shared, however. While Bachman loved singing, she also wanted a college degree. She applied to and was accepted by Brigham Young University in Utah, where her musical talents were honed. But in spite of leads in many of the university’s musicals, there was a distraction and his name was L.B. Bachman. “Meeting L.B. was a pivotal point in my life,” Bachman said. “He gave me a ring (engagement) when he proposed and I called my parents to tell them I was engaged. They said I was too young (to get married). We eloped and when I told my mother, she had a fit. She said she never wanted to see me again, but that lasted about three weeks.” Bachman’s mother finally accepted and embraced her daughter’s marriage, but asked
“Because You Deserve The Very Best”
505-327-9631 1-800-304-9860 1028 W. Main, Farmington, NM
www.favers-homes.com kathy@favers-homes.com
faVEr’S HoMES if family owned and the leading home provider in the Southwest Region. We’ve been making the dream of home ownership a reality for thousands of customers since 1972 and is the name you’ve known and trusted for 40 years.
EaSY QualifYing anD low inTErEST raTES (for QualifiED BuYErS)
• Singlewides • Triplewides
• Doublewides • Quadruples
• Modular Homes • Colorado Coded
DL#92
FALL 2012 | MAJESTIC LIVING | 75
WE’RE NOT YOUR TYPICAL
ORTHODONTIC OFFICE!
ff! aff ical stta typic Not your ty
Not yo your u ty typic cal doct ctto or! r
you see why off yo your coworkers are Isn’t it time yo y ou se s ee w hy all o y our friends and a c ow wo orke kers a re patients off Dr. Herman? www.Herman4Braces.com p patien ts o r Her man? V Visit w www.Herma ww. n4B 4 races.com tto o see s why you us! w hy yo y ou should choose os u s! Call today to have all of your questions answered and to make your appointment!
505.564.9000 | 1.800.4Braces
Call today to learn about current promotions and low monthly payments of $183 or less!
76 | MAJESTIC LIVING | FALL 2012
Bachman and her new husband to finish college. Not long after their marriage, L.B. was drafted to serve in the Korean War, and Bachman was pregnant. She lived with her parents for more than a year while her husband was in the military, and spent three semesters at the University of New Mexico while raising the couple’s first son. When L.B. returned, they honored Bachman’s mother’s wish and returned to school. They enrolled in Utah State University and, with a baby in tow, Bachman continued to take classes. Her major was music. With master’s degrees in hand, the couple decided to move to California and Bachman’s career blossomed. She juggled shows with a family that by then included five children. The combination of beauty and talent Bachman possessed prompted a screen test and the offer of a movie contract. “I had five children and I would have been gone a lot,” Bachman said. “And I didn’t want to be a movie star, I wanted to sing.” Sing she did – everything from opera to country and western music, which prompted comparisons between her and the legendary Patsy Cline. Her passion for music and for the stage was interrupted when her husband decided to return to school to get his law degree. During that time, Bachman did limited performances, always making her family her priority. With his law degree in hand, L.B. decided to postpone his legal career to accompany his talented wife in her travels around the world. “He took care of the legalities and the paperwork,” Bachman explained. Finally, with a career that spanned six decades, Bachman and her husband decided they wanted to retire. Bachman had visited Farmington when her father made trips to the area for J.C. Penney’s. “As a little girl, I remember always loving coming to Farmington.” In addition, the Bachman’s daughter, Honey, and her husband Dan Farley, had moved back to Farmington after spending some time in California. “They missed the small town and Dan
Revis Taylor is a good friend to Bachman. “She has had a very outstanding life singing in Europe and (the) USA,” Taylor said. “She has a gift to organize also. She organized an empty nesters fireside or evening once a month to further education and socializing.” “She is a very gracious friend and enjoys her family here in the area.” Taylor continued. “Dr. Dan Farley’s wife, Honey , is her daughter. They have two boys that play football; one graduated this spring. Family is important to Sallyanne and her husband.” Now in her late 70s, but still beautiful, captivating, entertaining – and sassy – Bachman reviews her past, is enjoying her present and always looks forward to her future. “I have a God-given talent and I’ve been very blessed. I didn’t always agree with my mother, but the older I get, I find myself quoting her all the time. As you grow older, you grow wiser.” Older and wiser, with a career that took her to the heights of celebrity, Sallyanne Bachman now finds joy in a simple life, surrounded by friends, family – and those wonderful memories.
' #(%
GET PINKED 2012
wanted to have his dental practice in Farmington,” Bachman explained. “Dan is the best dentist and I just couldn’t ask for better kids,” she added of her daughter and son-in-law. So when the Bachmans decided to leave California, it was Farmington they opted for to make their home. While the slower pace and smaller community is a definite change for a woman who has traveled the world and enjoyed the company and friendship of major stars, it is a good life, Bachman said. “We’ve been here three years and it’s perfect,” she said of her current lifestyle. “There comes a time when you don’t need (the lifestyle of a star). I’ve been the social butterfly and I’ve enjoyed seeing people enjoy what I was doing. I had all that and it’s OK to let go of it.” “I don’t miss the life I had,” she added. “I relish remembering it. I remember all the good times and it was a good life, but life is really good now.” Bachman’s life now includes being active in church activities, watching some television and visiting with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
' )))
'& '$ "
'(%
*
#! '#
)
%
#%
' #" " #%! ' #" #"' ' ' " ( " #(" ' #"
FALL 2012 | MAJESTIC LIVING | 77
M L
1
Coolest Things get ready for fall
gone in a flash It’s really hard to believe that kids are back in school, there are Christmas decorations in stores and we made it through the hottest month ever on record. We’re just like all of you; we don’t know where the summer went. So, whether we like it or not it’s, again, time to get ready for fall. For some of us, it is the season we wait for all year and for others it is the month you dread. Any way you look at it, here’s some interesting items that might make the fact we have to face cooler temperatures and head back inside a little easier.
2
4
3 1
just a swangin’
2
summer bounty, winter delight
3
baby, it’s cold outside
4
no need to call the fire department
Electronic golf swing trainer with analysis www.mobilegolfstats.com
Canning essentials set www.sunshinegrains.com
3M 2141W Indoor 5-window insulator kit www.materialshome.com
It starting to cool down and with fall approaching now is a great time to perfect that golf swing of yours. This electronic golf swing trainer provides an animated display showing the ball flight and it measures and tracks club head speed for each club. You can choose any club from a driver to a 9-iron. It has a white alignment strip that helps visualize the correct swing plane. It also keeps track of shot distance and direction. A little bit of practice with this swing trainer and your buddies will be buying your drinks after each game.
You spent the summer taking great care of your garden and now it’s paying off. As you begin to harvest the fruits of your labor, make sure nothing goes to waste. This canning set features five essential tools for canning and dehydrating. The set includes a vinyl coated jar wrench, vinyl coated jar lifter, an extra wide mouth funnel, tongs with vinyl-coated handles and a magnetic lid lifter. Here’s to a winter filled with fresh veggies from your garden.
It will be that time before you know it. Fall means it’s time to get ready for the cold winter nights. With the 3M indoor window insulator kit you can lower your heating bills during the winter and make your home more energy-efficient. Part of 3M’s line of energy-saving products, this kit includes window insulation film and a roll of double-sided mounting tape to create an airtight seal. Stretching the film removes wrinkles for a transparent view. This version of the 3M indoor window insulator kit enables you to insulate five 3-foot-by-5-foot windows.
If someone called you and said there was fire emanating from their wall the first thing you would do was tell them to hang up and call the fire department. But not with this cool addition to your home. This Vivo wall-mounted fireplace features three burner cups and a chic black backdrop against which the flames stand out. Perfect for placement behind a sofa or any large space that commands a focal point. It has tempered glass for safety, stainless steel burner, snuffer tool and a safety wall bracket system. It burns clean eco-friendly bio/ethanol fuel and comes with a one-year warranty.
Price: 22.54
Price: $297.04
$122.04
78 | MAJESTIC LIVING | FALL 2012
Set (599): $12.99
www.overstock.com
5
8
6
7 5
no, it’s not a muppet
Silicone Plum Mini Oven Mitt www.crateandbarrel.com This goofy looking tool might look like something from Sesame Street, but it’s actually a great kitchen tool to have for cooking this fall. The silicone mitt uses gripping “teeth” to grab piping-hot baking dishes and pans. New design shortens the lower slot for a snugger fit and better control. It fits either hand, has a hanging hood for easy access and is dishwasher safe. An affordable way to keep from getting burned in your busy kitchen, and if you draw a couple of eyes on it you can use it to scare your kids and keep them out of the kitchen when you’re cooking. It comes in white, plum and lime green.
6
southern cooks’ best friend
Tortilla Press www.crateandbarrel.com You'll never go back to storebought tortillas once you experience the fresh ones from this traditional handmade Mexican press in sand-cast aluminum. A light press transforms a small ball of dough into a flat tortilla that can be browned in a skillet, grilled, or deep-fried for crispy homemade tortilla chips. It’s 9 inches wide by 7 inches deep with a diameter of 2.5 inches. You can clean it with a damp cloth. Price: 19.95
7
you’ve got the power
www.powertrekk.com This new product from Sweden allows hikers, bikers, campers and other outdoor enthusiasts to get instant power to charge their cell phones and other devices just by mixing a tiny bit of fresh or salt water with the special Powerpukk. The water-powered portable fuel cell charger means not having to worry about finding an outlet or access to direct sunlight as required by other chargers. $240
9 8
9
pimpin’ out your pumpkin
2012 Paradise Hot Tub Spa www.integrityspas.com
Deluxe pumpkin carving tool set www.homegeared.com
If you’ve had a bad day at the office, or you’ve gotten so cold your bones hurt, this Paradise hot tub will be your new best friend this fall. It features 88 Hydrotherapy water jets that massage your body into relaxation no matter where you choose to sit. There is seating for 10 with neck and foot jets. Each seat features a variety of jet configurations to give you a wonderfully unique hydrotherapy massage including directional neck and foot jets. It also has a 17-inch pop-up television with DVD/AM/FM/CD/MP3/USB System, two pop-up surround speakers, two cabinet speakers, water level LED mood lighting, HALO perimeter LED lighting and stainless steel jets.
Life would have been a lot easier as a kid if we’d had these stylin’ tools to create our pumpkin masterpieces. The set of Improvements Deluxe Carving Tools is worthy of hanging out next to your knife collection the entire month of October. The set includes three carving tools, one scoop, six easy-touse stencils, and 10-1/4″ diameter wood pumpkin stand. They are ergonomically designed using stainless steel blades and real wooden handles meant to perform the task of creating your masterpiece jack-o-lantern, are easy to clean up and will last for many years to come. Now we can all stop buying those plastic sets that break five minutes into carving out your masterpiece.
$5,899.00 Price: 9.95
from cranky to calm
$20.
FALL 2012 | MAJESTIC LIVING | 79
happenings
09 12
SEPTEMBER 14 - 16 ANTIQUE TRUCK & EQUIPMENT SHOW At Riverside Park in Aztec - Friday and Saturday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., Sunday from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Activities for the whole family: parade, fishing derby for children, live music, arts and crafts and more. Information: 505.320.3596
SEPTEMBER 15 – 16 ANIMAS RIVER GREEN CHILE FESTIVAL Join Sutherland Farms in Aztec for the Animas River Green Chile Festival. Music and lots of chile roasting will be happening along with train rides, face painting and hay bales for the kids. No admission fee. Come celebrate the harvest season! Information: 505.334.3578 or www.sutherlandfarms.net SEPTEMBER 22 and 23 Durango Autumn Arts Festival A signature event of Durango Arts Center, Downtown Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., the Autumn Arts Festival is an annual celebration of artists and those who love the arts. Featuring 80 artists’ booths with arts and crafts of all media, live music by Pete Giuliani, local food, children’s corner and much more! 80 | MAJESTIC LIVING | FaLL 2012
What to Do, See anD enjoy arounD the area SEPTEMBER 29 - 30 HARVEST FESTIVAL New Mexico Centennial, celebrate 100 years in style with live music, juried art show, specialty foods, grape stomp competition, and many activities commemorating the state’s centennial from noon to 7 p.m. at Wines of the San Juan, 233 Hwy. 511, Turley. Information: 505.632.0879, or visit www.winesofthesanjuan.com
OCTOBER 12 FALL ART WALK Come walk through Historic Downtown Farmington - Sunday from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., and enjoy a crisp fall evening with art receptions and open houses at many downtown locations. A wide variety of art from regional artists will be showcased throughout many of the downtown shops, galleries and restaurants. Art Walk maps will be available at participating locations. The Art Walk is coordinated by the Farmington Downtown Association, and sponsored by Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Affairs. Information: 505.599.1419.
Happenings OCTOBER 12 – 13 FOUR CORNERS STORYTELLING FESTIVAL National and local storytellers of all ages will be featured in the two-day celebration of an almost lost art - Storytelling. Slow down the pace, kick back and listen to traditional tales told by some of the very best national and local storytellers. The festival will feature stories of all varieties -- scary ghost stories, family stories, folklore and myths! Festival events are held at Berg Park and The Totah Theatre. Information: 505.599.1273, or www.infoway.org
OCTOBER 20 – 21 THE 13TH ANNUAL FARMINGTON RENAISSANCE FAIRE In Animas Park, off Browning Parkway. This event, sponsored by the Farmington Museum, is full of artisans, food, musicians and processionals of nobility. Sword fighters battle in front of lords and ladies while bagpipes play in the background. Information: 505.599.1174, or visit www.farmingtonmuseum.org OCTOBER 4 – 7 DURANGO COwBOY GATHERING What better way to experience this frontier town than during the annual cowboy poetry gathering! This is a beautiful autumn event with evening performances and Saturday daytime sessions. Poets and musicians from throughout the country perform classic and contemporary poems and songs that will bring tears to your eyes or keep you in stitches. Visit www.durango.com/cowboy_gathering for more information. FALL 2012 | MAJESTIC LIVING | 81
ADVERTISERS DIRECTORy Animas Credit Union........................70 2101 E. 20th St. 3850 E. Main St. Farmington, N.M. 505-326-7701 405 W. Broadway Inside Farmer’s Market Bloomfield, N.M. www.animascu.com Armstrong Coury Insurance ............15 424 E. Main St. Farmington, N.M. 505-327-5077 www.armstrongcouryinsurance.com Artifiacts Gallery .............................54 302 E. Main Street Farmington, N.M. 505-327-2907 Basin Home Health .........................40 200 N. Orchard Avenue Farmington, N.M. 505-325-8231 www.basinhomehealth.com Blue Moon ......................................44 1819 E. 20th St. Farmington, N.M. 505-324-0001 www.BlueMoon-Diner.com The Browsery .................................76 1605 E. 20th Street Farmington, N.M. 505-325-4885 Budget Blinds ...................................2 825 N. Sullivan Ave. Farmington, N.M. 505-324-2008
Directory Plus.................................81 108 W. Main St. Farmington, N.M. 505-326-6651 www.directoryplus.com Dirt Bandits Sweeping.....................71 101 E. Piñon St. Farmington, N.M. 505.326.0111 www.dirt-bandit.com Durango Party Rental......................75 970-259-6009 www.durangopartyrental.com Edward Jones/Marcia F. Phillips.......34 4801 N. Butler Ave., Suite 7101 Farmington, N.M. 505-326-7200 www.edwardjones.com Farmington Museum .......................77 3041 E. Main St. Farmington, N.M. 505-599-1174 www.farmingtonmuseum.org Faver’s Homes................................75 1028 W. Main St. Farmington, N.M. 505-327-9631 800-304-9860 First Financial Credit Union .............23 4919 E. Main St. Farmington, N.M. 505-327-4478 www.ffnm.org
Chem Dry........................................48 505-325-7601
The Floor Trader.....................39 & 67 5013 E. Main St., Farmington, NM 87402 505-325-8800
City of Farmington..........................41 Great Lakes Airlines Farmington, N.M. 1-800-554-5111 www.flygreatlakes.com
Four Corners Community Bank ........44 Farmington, N.M. 505-327-3222 New Mexico 970-565-2779 Colorado www.TheBankForMe.com
ConocoPhillips ..................................9 www.conocophillips.com
Four Corners Orthodontics..............76 3751 N. Butler Ave. Farmington, N.M. 505-564-9000 1-800-4Braces www.herman4braces.com
Defined Fitness...............................67 1700 E. 20th Street Farmington, N.M. 505-325-3555 www.defined.com Desert Hills Dental Care ....................5 2525 E. 30th St. Farmington, N.M. 505-327-4863 866-327-4863 www.deserthillsdental.com Desert View Counseling ..................58 905 W. Apache Farmington, N.M. 505-326-7878 www.desertviewsas.org
The Head Shop...............................27 Parker’s Inc. Office Products...........33 714-C W. Main St. 3180 N. Butler Ave., Ste. 400 Farmington, N.M. Farmington, N.M. 505-325-8852 505-326-4531 www.parkersinc.com I Live True 22 .................................30 Pelle Laser Spa ...............................32 4251 E. Main St. Farmington, N.M. 5920 E. Main St., Suite B Farmington, N.M. Le Petit Salon..................................22 505-326-1623 406 Broadway www.pellespa.com Farmington, N.M. Pinon Hills Community Church.........31 505-325-1214 Pinon Hills Community Charities M. Moose........................................35 5101 N. Dustin Avenue The Shops at Mabé Farmington, N.M. 5920 E. Main St., Suite A 505-325-4541 Farmington, N.M. Presbyterian Medical Services.........55 505-325-7800 www.mmoose.com Farmington Community Health Center 1001 W. Broadway Metal Depot ....................................18 Farmington, N.M. 505-564-8077 505-327-4796 www.metaldepots.com www.pms-inc.org Millennium Insurance Agency..........74 2700 Farmington Ave., Building A Farmington, N.M. 505-325-1849 www.millnm.com Mortgage Solutions ........................53 2901 East 20th St., Suite 102 Farmington, N.M. 505-325-5862 679 East 2nd Avenue, Unit 4/5 Suite A Durango, C.O. 970-259-3039 www.mortgagesolutionshome.com My Big Fat Greek Restaurant ...........25 3500 E. Main St. Farmington, N.M. 505-326-2000 www.eatmoregreek.com Natalie’s for Her, Him, Home ...........83 4301 Largo, Suite H Farmington, N.M. www.nataliesonline.com Navajo Prepatory School ................52 1220 W. Apache St. Farmington, N.M. 505-326-6571 www.navajoprep.com
Graff Orthodontics..........................70 3180 N. Butler Farmington, N.M. 505-327-4884 www.graffortho.com
Nearly Famous Totally Glamorous ...55 2501 E. 20th St., Suite 4 Hutton Plaza Farmington, N.M. 505-325-8360 505-325-6266
Harmony Naprapathic .....................22 8100 E. Main St. Farmington, N.M. 505-327-0086 www.harmonynaprapathic.com
Next Level Home Audio & Video......63 1510 E. 20th St., Suite A Farmington, N.M. 505-327-NEXT www.327NEXT.com
82 | MAJESTIC LIVING | FALL 2012
R.A. Biel Plumbing & Heating ..........66 Farmington, N.M. 505-327-7755 www.rabielplumbing.com Ramon Valdez Fine Furniture..........81 Farmington, N.M. 505-320-6377 www.ramonvaldezfinefurniture.com
San Juan United Way.......................40 505-326-1195 www.sjunitedway.org Silk ...................................................4 5150 College Blvd., Ste. 204 Farmington, N.M. 505-326-3501 www.silkabb.com Sleep-n-Aire ...................................24 3650 Iles Ave. Farmington, N.M. 505-326-2811 www.sleepairemattress.com Solga and Jakino.............................27 901 N. Tucker Farmington, N.M. 505-327-0266 Southwest Concrete Supply.............17 2420 E. Main Farmington, N.M. 505-325-2333 Southwest Obstetrics and Gynecology. .......................................................26 622 W. Maple St., Suite 1 Farmington, N.M. 505-325-4898 State Farm Insurance......................54 www.statefarm.com
Reliance Medical Group...................34 3451 N. Butler Ave. Farmington, N.M. 505-566-1915 www.reliancemedicalgroup.com
Sundance Dental Care.................6 & 7 Locations in Farmington, Bloomfield, Kirtland & Gallup 505-407-0087 www.sundancesmile.com
Royal Floor .....................................59 2021 E. 19th Street Farmington, N.M. 505-327-0476
Techna Glass Auto...........................19 1795 E. 20th St. Farmington, N.M. 505-326-6545 www.technaglass.com
Sacred Heart Catholic Schools...........3 404 N. Allen Ave. Farmington, N.M. 505-325-7152 www.shcs.org San Juan Marine and Sports............14 933 Hwy 516 Flora Vista, N.M. 505-334-2717 San Juan Nurseries .........................45 800 E. 20th St. Farmington, N.M. 505-326-0358 www.sanjuannurseries.com San Juan Quilters Guild....................74 sjqgquiltshow@gmail.com San Juan Regional Medical Center ...38 Full Engagement Training Farmington, N.M. 505-609-2171 www.fullengagementtraining.com
Ute Mountain Casino .........................49 Towaoc, Colo. 970-565-8800 1-800-258-8007 www.utemountaincasino.com Webb Toyota...................................84 3701 E. Main Farmington, N.M. 505-327-5900 Wood Haus Furniture......................39 801 W. Main St. Farmington, N.M. 505-327-9967 Zia Sporting Goods.........................17 500 E. Main Farmington, N.M. 505-327-6004 Ziems Ford .....................................14 5700 E. Main Farmington, N.M. 505-325-8826
OYOT TA A WEBB TOYOT 3911 E. Main, Farmington (505) 325-1911
wn with optional equipment. Production model may vary. 1Be sure to obey traffic regulations Prototype shown regula and maintain awareness wareness of road and traffic conditions. Select Entune™ apps use a large amount of data ta and you are responsible for all da data charges. Apps pps and ser services vary by phone and carrier. Not all apps pps and data da services are available initially. Apps identified by “TM” or “®” are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective companies and cannot be used without permission. See toyota.com/entune for the latest information regarding apps and services. vices. 22012 EPA-estimated ted 25 city/35 highway/28 combined mileage milea for Camry 4-cyl. Actual mileage ge will var vary. 3Based on manufacturers’ data.
UYYATOYOTA.COM BUY BUYATOYOTA.COM