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fromtheeditor: We all have holiday expectations. Most of those are based on the traditions of holidays past. However, like the people we love, no two will ever be exactly the same. We want our holidays to remind us of the past, but the harder we try to relive them the farther we get from where we started. Time has a way of saying “Sorry. That was then, this is now.” It’s not necessarily a bad thing. Most times we find change just creates another great memory and a new tradition is born. We don’t have to sit at the same table, under the same roof or even in the same time zone, to celebrate together. The same is true for each issue of Majestic Living Magazine. It always reflects the people in our area and, while the goal of the magazine doesn’t change, no two stories are ever the same. You’ll find at the core of each individual the same thing you find at the core of all our holiday celebrations – love and compassion. Those emotions are two traditions that never change. As long as that stays the same, we will never run out of stories to write and you’ll have endless holiday celebrations filled with new and exciting traditions. There are all sorts of traditions worth keeping. But the only ones that should remain absolute are love and compassion. Whether you’re in the same room with a loved one, or on the phone with them, your gratitude for having them in your life will always shine through. All of you inspire us in the same way because your lives and your traditions warm our hearts and inspire us to keep the tradition of Majestic Living moving forward. Enjoy these stories, and maybe they will inspire you to start a new family tradition. Have a wondrous holiday season from our family to yours.
Cindy Cowan Thiele
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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. 5, No. 1 ©2012 by Majestic Media. Majestic Living is a quarterly publication. Our next issue will publish in 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 | WINTER 2012
Debra Mayeux, Lauren Duff, Margaret Cheasebro Ron Price, Sherri Grona sales staff
DeYan Valdez, Jeanene Valdes, Shelly Acosta, Aimee Velasquez, Caitlin Mars 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.
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WINTER 2012 | MAJESTIC LIVING | 7
contributors DeBRA MAyeUx, of Farmington, is an awardwinning 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.
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!
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 ennis. She and her husband live near Aztec.
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.
SHeRRi gRonA owns and operates Artemis grant consulting, LLc, in Bloomfield. Artemis grants specializes in grant identification, development and management with an emphasis on nonprofit organizations. grona is a motivated professional with extensive experience in the media and a proven commitment to community and regional development. With a strong drive to give back to the community, grona coaches youth soccer, as well as serving on the Bloomfield youth Soccer League board of directors. She also is a charter member of the gateway city civitan club.
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 | WINTER 2012
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winterfeatures: 12
The call of the theater
Theresa Carson, 47, wears many hats. She’s the artistic director of Sandstone Productions and ar tistic director and theater manager of Durango Ar ts Center (DAC). By Margaret Cheasebro
20
Food, family and fighting fires
A “firefighter family” and its traditions are vital to Kipp Rix, a firefighter with the Farmington and San Juan County Fire Depar tments. One tradition that is par ticularly important to him is the laughter and conversations heard around a fire station’s dinner table while enjoying a home-cooked meal. By Lauren Duff
28
Soup and clay
San Juan County is all about giving back. By Lauren Duff
36
Global introduction
Wilann Thomas, 58, of Aztec, is passionate about helping Four Corners artisans find an outlet for their creations. By Margaret Cheasebro
42
Oh, you beautiful doll!
When Annette Moorehead, 76, was 5 years old and lived in Erie, Pa., she stood on a kitchen chair and grasped a wishbone that her mother had hung on the wall. By Margaret Cheasebro
10 | MAJESTIC LIVING | WINTER 2012
48
Faith and friendship
Jack and Terri For tner have a relationship based in commitment. “I know Terri is committed to me and I’m committed to her. No matter what, I will stay faithful to her and her to me,” Jack said over a lunch break in the kitchen of the family’s Farmington home. By Debra Mayeux
52
Identity, faith, skill and teaching
It was harvest time in Shiprock, and the Joe family farm was bustling. Red and green chiles were laid out to dry in the entryway of the home, and the family cat wandered back and forth greeting the guests piling through the front door. By Debra Mayeux
56
60
Becoming Santa
The Four Corners area is home to a wide variety of interesting characters and Rick Greenaker, a.k.a. Santa Clause, is definitely on that list. By Ron Price
The power of music
Chris Hodges, 26, made a new year’s resolution in January 2011 that has ultimately transformed his career and helped him reach many of his aspirations. His resolution was to have his music heard on television shows. By Lauren Duff
64
Senior companions
When Sue Arnold of Farmington was a senior volunteer, she helped people shop, took them to yard sales, visited with them, and helped them find resources to make their lives more pleasant. By Margaret Cheasebro
68
The musicality of life
Don’t ever tell Virginia Sue Pevey she can’t do something. Chances are good she’ll prove you wrong. Virginia grew up in Longview, Texas. She describes her family as being “of humble means.” By Ron Price
IN THIS ISSUE
6 From the Editor 78 Coolest Things
74
A passion for performing arts
DURANGO, COLO. – “Passion and purpose go hand in hand,” author Steve Pavlina said. “When you discover your purpose, you will normally find it’s something you’re tremendously passionate about.” By Sherri Grona
80 What’s happening WINTER 2012 | MAJESTIC LIVING | 11
12 | MAJESTIC LIVING | WINTER 2012
The call of the
manager of Durango Arts Center (DAC). She played Aphrodite and seven other roles in Metamorphosis, a play produced this fall by a Durango group called Merely Players. In February, she’ll be in rehearsals for Independence, a play that the Durango Arts Center, in collaboration with Merely Players, will produce in March. She will portray the oldest daughter in the drama that tells the story of a mother and her three daughters who try to find their independence and identity outside the family while staying connected as a family. Durango Arts Center thrives The Durango Arts Center, a non-profit or-
Sandstone, Durango Arts Center send Carson in a new direction
Story by Margaret Cheasebro Photos by Tony Bennett
ganization at the corner of 2nd Avenue and 8th Street, is a thriving facility that takes up half a block. It includes a performing arts
Theresa Carson, 47, wears many hats.
section with a 200-seat theater, a visual arts
She’s the artistic director of Sandstone
gallery, dance studio and education studio
Productions and artistic director and theater
that involves everything from print making to
Papier-mâché.
vides educational programs. In those roles,
Productions in Farmington. She’s in charge
she maintains the theater and oversees all
of the main stage show and of the Heather
studio. The center also rents office space to
the rentals, and she’s planning for the
McGaughey Children’s Theater.
a film organization called DIFF, the San Juan
center to produce more of its own shows.
People can rent the theater and dance
Symphony, and artist Maureen May. Durango
“It’s going to have its own theater
“We’ve been growing since she’s been with us,” said city of Farmington’s
Friends of the Arts also has a library and
season,” she said. “We’re working on a
Superintendent of Cultural Affairs Shawn
gallery there.
brochure, and I’m looking for
Lyle. “We set a record last year with Fiddler
sponsorships.”
on the Roof.” Theresa can’t say enough
“There’s so much happening here,” Theresa said. She began the DAC job in May 2012.
She has arranged for adult theater workshops in a seven-Saturday series that
She’s directing A Christmas Carol at the
about the outdoor amphitheater at Lions Wilderness Park, where summer shows are
include such subjects as improvisation,
produced.
center with performance dates of Dec. 7
acting, and playwriting. The series ended in
“We’re so incredibly blessed and
through 9 and Dec. 14 through 16.
early November. This winter, there will be
fortunate to have a space like that,” she
after-school theater related programs for
said. “I’m not sure people know what a
children.
rarity it is. The outdoor theater is stunning.
The center will have a Neil Simon summer in 2013, featuring the musical They’re Playing Our Song and the comedy Plaza Suite.
I have professional actor friends who have City pleased with
She promotes
her work at Sandstone
theater and education
Theresa has always had more than one
Theresa’s responsibilities at the center fall
been in the theater circuit, and they’re in awe. They say, ‘I can’t believe this is in Farmington.’ I treasure Sandstone, and the
job at a time. In that tradition, in the
city should treasure it. They should never
in three areas. Besides being theater
summer of 2013 she will begin her fifth
cut that program. It would be the worst
manager and artistic director, she also pro-
season as artistic director for Sandstone
thing they could do.”
14 | MAJESTIC LIVING | WINTER 2012
Could Grease be the next play? Though she’s not sure what play Sandstone will produce in 2013, she has her eye on Grease. “We are attempting to find out how much the royalties are for Grease,” she said. “It’s pricey. When you do theater, you pay a fee for every performance. You have to obtain the rights, and then you pay royalties.” If it fits into Sandstone’s budget, the musical that recently had a revival on Broadway could be the next play to be adapted for the outdoor stage. The royalties for last year’s Fiddler on the Roof “were a bit expensive,” Theresa said. “It was a huge success. It was a record breaking show. We had upwards of 500 people every night the last two weekends.” Theresa loves directing actors on the outdoor stage.
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“I’m out in the elements being creative, having people play and use their imagination right out there on the rocks and in the trees. They’re getting dirty and they’re in the sand. It’s like playtime, and I’m getting paid for it.” Born in Ohio, raised in Chicago Born in Cincinnati, Ohio, Theresa moved to Chicago when she was in the third grade. She grew up there. She’d never seen the Four Corners until she drove through it on her way
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vacation. She fell in love with the land and with national parks. In her 20s, she spent six years in Chicago,
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pursuing an acting career while working at Bistro 110, a restaurant right off of Michigan Avenue that catered to artists. “They wanted artists to work there, and in exchange if I had to call them that morning and say I have an audition for a play, they’d say okay,” she said. “They were pretty accommodating.”
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She loved acting in creative, innovative plays, but most were produced by people WINTER 2012 | MAJESTIC LIVING | 15
who had no money to pay actors or to market
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the plays. “When I started doing work for the bigger, more reputable theaters, it felt more like a business than a creative project,” she said. The city started to wear on her. “It’s hard to live in a city,” she said. “I
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park ranger. She moved to Durango in 1994 and stayed in a youth hostel for three months. She attended Fort Lewis College and worked part time at Mesa Verde National Park, first at the entrance gate, then giving tours, and finally as both a park ranger and substitute ranger. She also worked at Carvers Brewing Company in Durango and got a part-time job
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as administrative and marketing assistant for FLC’s theater department. “I did a lot of hiking and went to a lot of music festivals,” she recalled. Though she loved her time at the national park and in Durango, the town felt small compared to city life, and she missed the theater. “I think being a park ranger and being outside, connecting with our culture and our history, grounded me enough to know that I really wanted to come back to theater,” she said. Gets master’s degree in Salt Lake City While at Fort Lewis she met a visiting instructor, Dr. Helen Richardson, who had an impressive professional theater resume. During the year Helen was at Fort Lewis, she became Theresa’s mentor. When she moved to Salt Lake City, she kept in touch with Theresa and let her know about a graduate directing program at the University of Utah. In 1997 Theresa moved to Salt Lake City and studied with Helen for three years while she earned her master of fine arts in directing. “My last year of grad school I applied for
16 | MAJESTIC LIVING | WINTER 2012
45 jobs at colleges and universities in six months,” Theresa related. “I was willing to go anywhere.” When Minnesota State University at Moorhead offered her a job teaching theater and speech, she moved there in 2000 and spent four years at MSU. “I loved my department, I loved the faculty, and I loved the students,” she said. “I was thriving career-wise, but I was not thriving personally.” She pines for Durango She vacationed in Durango every summer,
children.
and she pined for the town.
“It’s basically a one-person department,”
“There I was, 38, 39 and 40 years old,
she said. “The woman who had the job before
“It caught me by surprise,” she noted.
working four jobs,” she said. “I missed being
me was retiring. I felt like it was a gift. I’m very
When she learned about an adjunct position
fully immersed in a college setting.”
passionate about what I do. I was so excited to
in the theater department at Fort Lewis
be teaching full time again and directing and
College, she took it. True to form, she took on other duties as well. She taught a class or two
Works at San Juan College
working with students. I had six really
So in 2006 she began working at San Juan
at Pueblo Community College, waited tables at
College in Farmington as the director of
Cypress Café, and started a little theater for
theater.
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wonderful years here.” “Theresa was not only a talented director, she was a truly inspiring teacher of theater,”
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said Lisa Wilson, interim vice president for learning at SJC. “She came up with wonderfully innovative, creative activities for her students. She inspired them to stretch and to take on roles that pushed them beyond their comfort levels. When she first arrived, she set the goal of making the San Juan College Theater Program an integral part of the Four Corners theater scene. Within a couple of years she succeeded.� Loves directing outside Theresa took on additional responsibilities in 2009 when she became the artistic director for Sandstone Productions. “I love directing outside,� she said. “All our rehearsals are outside in the amphitheater. It’s in the summer, and summers are beautiful in the Four Corners.� When she learned the Durango Arts Center wanted to hire a full time artistic director in 2012, she thought it would be exciting to manage a theater. “I felt like maybe it was the next step in my
Making a Difference Made Easy
career, and I wanted to get back to Durango,� she said. She and her partner, Maggie March, had settled in Aztec, but their jobs kept them traveling frequently between Farmington and Durango. Maggie is the assistant manager at Natural Grocers in Durango, and she was one of the first employees at Natural Grocers in Farmington.
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days a week, and Maggie is commuting five. I fill
days off at the moment, so I’m commuting seven up my gas tank every three or four days.� They had a Dec. 5 closing date on their
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Theresa is living once again in the town for which she once pined. The call of the theater and the Four Corners grounded Theresa in the land she loved the first moment she saw it.
18 | MAJESTIC LIVING | WINTER 2012
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At San Juan Regional Medical Center we invest in state-of-the-art diagnostics, and are accredited by the American College of Radiology. Our team includes highly-skilled diagnostic specialists and radiologists. We offer minimal wait time, same day appointments, and a healing environment. San Juan Regional Medical Center, caring for the Four Corners since 1910. Call 505.609.6228 to schedule your appointment.
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Food, family and
Kipp’s firehouse cuisine just might get him on Food Network one day Story by Lauren Duff Photos by Tony Bennett A “firefighter family” and its traditions are vital to Kipp Rix, a firefighter with the Farmington and San Juan County Fire Departments. One tradition that is particularly important to him is the laughter and conversations heard around a fire station’s dinner table while enjoying a home-cooked meal. 20 | MAJESTIC LIVING | WINTER 2012
WINTER 2012 | MAJESTIC LIVING | 21
Rix has been in the fire service for more than 15 years as a volunteer firefighter, and five years ago he became a career firefighter, now holding the title of Assistant District Chief with San Juan County Fire, District 3. But firefighting isn’t his only passion, he spends many hours in the kitchen or tending to his barbecue, cooking up delicious meals for his fellow firefighters. “It gives me an avenue and an opportunity to give back,” Rix said about his cooking. His desire to concoct delectable recipes has not been a recent ambition. Rix began testing and mixing ingredients together since he was 9 years old. “Watching shows like the ‘Galloping Gourmet’ and ‘Julia Child’ really sparked my interest of putting flavors together.” Rix said he enjoyed the “instant gratification” and praise from his family and peers when he cooked for them. Growing up in the country also helped
22 | MAJESTIC LIVING | WINTER 2012
inspire and develop his cooking style. Because he raised his own show steer each year for Future Farmers of American projects, Rix learned how to cook simple country style meals. Throughout his teenage years and into his early adulthood, Rix never lost his passion to cook. He worked for 20 years in the home improvement field as a plumber, for the businesses Home Base and Home Depot, and opened his own home inspection company, before he considered becoming a firefighter. On Jan. 3, 2007, at the age of 47, Rix became the oldest person on record to complete the fire academy and acquire fulltime fire fighter status with the Farmington Fire Department. Since then, he has devoted much of his time to giving back to a career that has impacted his life. The trip of a lifetime In early 2009, Rix published his first cookbook, Fire House Cook Book “Farming-
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ton Favorites,” which is a compilation of recipes that he has developed over the past 15 years. The book consists of comfort food recipes, such as Huevos Rancheros, BBQ Pork Burgers, and his specialty, Chicken Al Carbon. “The first cookbook is something I had been thinking about doing for awhile during my rookie year with the Farmington Fire
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Department,” Rix explained. Instead of simply writing and publishing his cookbook, Rix went the extra 4,773 miles to promote his cookbook and raise money for the Fallen Firefighters Foundation during a 14-day road trip. “We raised $2,000 for the Fallen Firefighters on that trip.” This road trip idea was triggered after Steve Guattery, who is now retired from the Farmington Fire Department, and Rix talked about the drive on Route 66. “That struck a chord as a good time to write the cookbook and
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use the cookbook as an excuse to do that trip.� On the morning of July 22, 2009, Rix and his wife, Celeste, Doug Hatfield, San Juan County Fire Chief, and his wife, Loraine, and members of the Farmington Fire Department met at the Farmington Red Cross office and began their journey. “I thought it was important to support him and the effort to raise money for the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation and support those who have lost loved ones,� Hatfield said, who traveled only a portion of the trip. The first stop was Pagosa Springs, Colo., then to Littleton, Colo., Kearny, Neb., Des Moines, Iowa, and then Chicago, Ill., where they spent two days with the Chicago Fire Department and cooked for one of the fire stations. On the morning of July 27, the group began their 14-day adventure on Route 66
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from Chicago to Santa Monica, Calif.
the top of this hill, and you look out over
have had a couple of classes and the interest
Throughout the journey, they would stop at
the hill and there was the ocean. Seeing the
is growing.”
various fire stations, collecting recipes from
ocean, I knew we rode across the nation
other firefighters and cooking for them and
east to west,” Rix said.
their families. “Wherever we stopped,
Fire House Cuisine
During the trip, 300 pounds of beef,
everyone treated us like family even though
200 pounds of chicken, and 125 chorizo
they never had met us before,” Rix said.
brats were served to over 1,000 firefighters
Diane Feldman, Fire Engineering Magazine
and their families.
and FireLife executive editor. From there, a
“We got to stay at the fire stations and one of the places we actually stayed at was a
Rix was also inspired to publish his second
Two years ago, Rix was introduced to
friendship was sparked and Rix began to
church, where we slept on cots,” Celeste
cookbook, Fire House Cook Book II: 14
write cooking articles for the website’s
explained.
Days on RT 66, which includes additional
cooking section.
Rix explained the hardest part of the trip was when the group cooked for the Albuquerque Fire Department because, even
recipes from firefighters he met during the road trip. The money collected from the second
“A cooking show was something that had been lurking in the back of my head. I wrote her (Feldman) and asked what do you think
though they were three hours from home,
book’s sales helps fund a firefighter survival
they still had another 10 days to go. “Thank
class that Rix developed for San Juan
God we did keep on going.”
College. “We use that funding for other
something that she has thought about for a
firefighters so they can come in and take the
few years and the launch of Fire House
class and we pay the fee for them.”
Cuisine, Rix’s cooking show on
When they arrived in California, the Santa Monica Fire Department met them at the Rose Bowl and took them to Malibu Canyon.
Rix said anyone taking the class can also
about this?” Feldman told Rix a cooking show was
www.fireengineering.com, was the outcome.
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“We drove through there for 30 minutes to
receive college credits. “It’s growing. We
The show takes viewers through the steps
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it takes to whip up Rix’s recipes. The chicken el carbon cooking show was dedicated around Troy Brown, Farmington Fire Department battalion chief on his retirement. Fire House Cuisine also prepares meals for
DeNae’s
Rix also hosts three fundraising events for the county fire department. “Kipp volunteers for everything. He will always be like, ‘Honey, guess what we are
fire departments and highlights the firefighters
doing?’ I call him a ‘Mad Hatter Jack.’ He is a
and their activities on and off duty.
Jack of all trades,” Celeste said. “I have always been passionate about paying
Giving back to the community
Ladies & Juniors Boutique
it forward and giving back,” Rix said His biggest passion is to one day have a
In October 2012, Rix helped organize a
show on Food Network. “I like the challenge
chili cook-off and charity motorcycle ride at
type shows, Robert Irvine, and everything that
the Farmington Harley-Davidson store to help
is Giada,” referring to Giada De Laurentiis,
Rennie McCright, a young girl battling cancer.
who has her own Italian cooking show.
“We would like to thank the people of
26 | MAJESTIC LIVING | WINTER 2012
a BBQ cook off this spring.”
Celeste said she would love to send Rix to a
Farmington and surrounding families that
culinary school in Albuquerque. “ Everything he
showed up and supported the event. We are
does is self-taught, and if it snowed he would be
going to make it an annual event and possibly
out there the next day with his barbecue.”
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Hospice Charity Bowl Sale warms peoples lives, helps community Story by Lauren Duff Photos by Tony Bennett San Juan County is all about giving back. Some of the most traditional annual events
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revolve around giving to charities, and for several years The Hospice Charity Bowl Sale has drawn in community residents who continue to participate every year and give back. Don Ellis, San Juan College’s fine arts
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division chairman and “head of the clay area,” has been involved with the bowl sale for six years, since he began working as a ceramics professor.
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“It is a good cause and it is something that serves the community and something that students get into. It is also a good learning tool for students in producing the same thing,” Ellis said. The Hospice Charity Bowl Sale happened on Dec. 6 and 7 at the Henderson Fine Arts Building at San Juan College. Community residents who attended the event purchased ceramic bowls for $10 and enjoyed various soup recipes provided by the college’s caterer. All proceeds collected during the two days were donated to Northwest New Mexico Hospice in Farmington.
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Ellis said he admires the community’s involvement every year. “It’s great. We started getting phone calls at beginning of the semester from people making sure they won’t miss it.” Since Ellis began participating in the bowl sale, the number of ceramic bowls produced by his students jumped from 300 to more than 1,500 bowls, showing his devotion and immense contribution to the event.
Toni Trosky, who has been a potter for 15 years and one of Ellis’ students, said Ellis is a “fun teacher” and he encourages every student to get involved with the bowl sale. “He encourages everyone to get involved, even the beginners. He is a wonderful person, very soft-hearted, and cares about what goes on.” Trosky has also been actively involved with the bowl sale since it began 13 years ago. “It is such a special, beautiful thing that we can do for others and it just touches me every year when I hear the stories people tell me that they have a husband, father, mother, brother, or some family member in the hospice. It makes us realize how blessed we
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Trosky said there is a core group that has been involved with the bowl sale for a long 50 to 75 bowls.” Another one of Ellis’ students, Fiona Clark, has also helped out with the soup bowl, participating in it for 10 years. “I just feel like it is a great way to raise money for the hospice and 100 percent goes to the hospice and it ends up being a community thing.” Clark also admires Ellis’ hard work and dedication to this fundraising event every year, saying he is “encouraging” and “contributes a lot.” Helping the community Cindy McNealy, Henderson Fine Arts
Gallery manager, helped begin the Hospice
Christmas gifts. Most people are glad to help
and instructors who began making the
Charity Bowl Sale 13 years ago as a way
out this cause,” McNealy said, adding that
ceramic bowls at the beginning of the
support a charity that affects a large portion
$12,000 was raised during last year’s event.
summer, but community members also were
of the community. “We wanted to do a char-
Lisa Bailey, Northwest New Mexico Hospice
invited to come to the studio and participate
ity that centers around everyone and we
volunteer coordinator, said the proceeds
thought the hospice would touch the largest
collected really help because the hospice is a
part of our community.”
non-profit organization. “The funds are
time to a good cause, the countless hours his
important, but it is also about the public
students spent in the studio making the
awareness.”
ceramic bowls also improved their technique.
Every year, the bowl sale is packed with hungry, supportive community residents, McNealy said. “The holidays are tough when
Bailey said the funds help “fill in the gaps”
you have lost someone and it is a great place
when patients are underinsured or have no
to come get a hot bowl of soup and support
insurance.
the cause.” Along with the sale of ceramic bowls,
in the bowl-making. Ellis explained that along with donating
“The repetition of throwing the bowls really helps them.” Beau Betoni, San Juan College junior,
“This is my first year (with hospice) and
enjoys making the bowls for this cause
being involved and just meeting the people
because “It is always nice to help out.”
students and artists were also allowed to set
and hearing their stories of how they have
Betoni made about 50 bowls, with each
up booths and sell their wares. Of the
challenged themselves to make 100 bowls.
one taking about five minutes to mold. The
overall vendor sales, 20 percent were
The whole thing has been very touching, and
hours he spent making these bowls have
donated to the hospice.
a moving experience to be involved in.”
improved his craft. “It helps me get better
“I think it benefits a lot of people because you can come to this event and find
and better.” Student involvement
well-made, inexpensive bowls. We have some excellent artisans and it is a nice place to get
After molding the bowls, Betoni said there are several other steps before they are com-
Most of the bowls are made by students
pleted. Once the bowl has its shape, it goes
WINTER 2012 | MAJESTIC LIVING | 33
through a leather-hard stage and then is trimmed, biscuit fired, and glazed. “For me, glazing is the fun part because that is when you can be creative with the design.” Betoni said some students have made bowls for this charity event for five years. “People really enjoy it.” Hopes for the future The Hospice Charity Bowl Sale is a heartwarming event because many people in the community have been touched by the need for a hospice. “This can affect anyone in our community. If you have six months or less to live, you can get hospice care, and that is what we are trying to help keep going. That is the motivation I see with the people coming to buy the bowls. Most people want to help,” McNealy said. The bowl sale will continue to warm people’s lives and aid the ones in need. Ellis be-
34 | MAJESTIC LIVING | WINTER 2012
lieves the event will persevere for many years.
grown over the years. He added he would love
“I really think it has gotten as large as it can
to be a part of future bowl sale events and
get,” referring to how the event has drastically
continue to get his students involved.
WINTER 2012 | MAJESTIC LIVING | 35
Online business puts local artisans on the world stage Story by Margaret Cheasebro Photos by Tony Bennett
Paula Nelson, started essentially MORE, an online market place, in August 2010. Their website – www.essentiallymore.com – went up in January 2011, and since then they have featured the creations of 18 artists, craftsmen, and creators of foods, including spice blends, teas and coffee. Though essentially MORE represents
Wilann Thomas, 58, of Aztec, is passion-
artisans, Wilann and Paula also develop some
ate about helping Four Corners artisans find
products themselves. Among them are cook-
an outlet for their creations. That’s why she
books with recipes Wilann developed for
and her Bayfield, Colo., business partner,
coffee, drinks and snacks, and recipes that
36 | MAJESTIC LIVING | WINTER 2012
WINTER 2012 | MAJESTIC LIVING | 37
use their veggie dip spice. Paula has
efforts. The money stays here and helps to
Products from beans to books
developed a line of spa products, including
build our economy.”
Some products include note cards, batter
an all natural body butter. “We have created items such as our body butter, bath salts, soap, lip balm, handmade
Wilann is also passionate about buying locally. “The closer the food that we eat is grown
and dip mixes, gourmet Anasazi beans, children’s books, coffee, tea, spice mixes, jewelry, bath and spa supplies, and gift
crocheted washcloths, and recipes in the
to us, the healthier it is for us,” she said.
midst of learning how to do accounting and
“It’s fresher, and it’s not harvested as early
Kelly Karlin of Farmington sells her note
websites,” Wilann said. “I’m learning how to
as it would be if it were grown somewhere
cards on essentially MORE’s trading post. She
write blogs and do online marketing. With
else. I’ve had health issues myself, and my
uses digital artography to create unique
blogs, you can sometimes get away with not
body has a tough time digesting processed
pictures by combining art and photography
having perfect punctuation as long as you
foods. So the closer the food is grown to
on the computer.
share from the heart.”
me, the better.”
Wilann’s heart is about helping others.
The essentially MORE website also includes a mercantile section, which showcases
Creative Four Corners people “There are amazingly talented, gifted and
items Wilann and Paula discovered while traveling to area market places. “We will purchase their products for
certificates.
“I have a feeling essentially MORE’s website will draw tourists who want something from this area,” Kelly said. The business partners are always looking for ways to help clients sell their products. That’s how Wilann learned about Ren-
creative people who make their home in the
resale on our site, noting where we got them
dezvous, a new business at 110 W. Main St. in
Four Corners area,” she said. “If you can buy
from,” Wilann said. “We also have a
Farmington, which opened its storefront to
a birthday, Christmas or thinking-of-you
consignment section, which we call Thursdays
artisans who sell their products there.
present that somebody local made with
Market, for the people who consign their
attention and love, you’re supporting their
products to us.”
“Wilann is a kind, gentle person,” said client Bonnie Williams of Aztec. “She’s honest
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and intelligent, and she takes pride in trying her best to do whatever she has promised anybody.” Learned interpersonal skills early Part of essentially MORE’s success can be traced to Wilann’s interpersonal skills, many learned as a child. Her dad was in the Army, and for the first 12 years of her life, she
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“It was challenging because I was extremely shy,” she said. “Moving and having a very different name always singled me out when I didn’t want to be. But in the end it was a good thing because it helped me overcome my shyness.” Her name was a gift from her grandmother when her parents couldn’t decide what to call her. “It was time to take me home from the
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It’s a combination of my father’s and mother’s name, William and JoAnn.” Managed family business Her parents divorced when Wilann was 13. She moved to Tacoma, Wash., then to Everett, Wash., where she worked at and eventually managed the family business, a donut and sandwich shop. After graduating from Everett Community College in 1974, she continued to manage the business. “I remember getting up at 4 a.m. to make donuts and start the chili,” Wilann said. “To this day, my favorite breakfast is a nice big bowl of homemade chili and a glass of milk.” Because she doesn’t like to remain idle, for three-and-a-half years she also volunteered at a local home for mentally and emotionally disturbed boys ages 6 through 11. Later, she worked for and eventually managed Market Spice, a coffee, tea and spice shop with an espresso bar at a mall in Lynnwood, Wash.
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Feels call
San Juan Safe Communities Initiatives.
to missions After working there seven years, she felt a call to missions, so she moved to Texas,
MORE prefers to buy from fair trade Starts her own business She’d always wanted to start her own
where she worked with a small missions
business, so she and Paula sat down one day
ministry. She managed the office and
and explored possibilities.
handled the needs of 13 missionaries, who were stationed all over the world. She eventually became a short-term
coffee that came from Uganda. Essentially
“Essentially MORE came from the memory of how many times I’ve wanted to send gift
companies, who pay growers a fair price for their product. The website also promotes the music ministry of Paul Hudson, another missionary who was sent out from Everett, Wash. He lives in Thailand.
packages to friends and family with samplings
missionary herself, working in such places as
from this area,” she said. “So we started a
Passionate about coffee
Mississippi, Mexico, China, and Israel. Her
business based on products from the Four
Wilann has been passionate about coffee
last short term assignment was to New Mex-
Corners.”
ico, where she worked with a local ministry.
The online venture includes a recycle
ever since she worked at Market Spice. In fact, the first product essentially MORE
“They asked me to stay, so I worked with
element in which profits from the sale of
developed was coffee roasted by Desert
them for eight years in Farmington,” she said.
Kawa Koffee go to support a ministry in
Sun, a Durango business.
In 2009, her mother and stepfather
Uganda, which is run by Margaret Nelson.
“Though I enjoy all aspects of coffee, the
moved to New Mexico to be closer to her.
Wilann and Margaret were originally sent as
funny part is I don’t drink coffee, but I like
Though her step-father and mother have
missionaries from the same church in Everett,
its flavor,” she said. “When my mom put
since died, her mom’s horsehair pottery is
Wash. The Uganda ministry involves helping
coffee in her cake icing when I was a kid, it
on the essentially MORE website.
local business owners learn to manage
was so good. If I put a little coffee in my
businesses with integrity.
hot chocolate, um-m-m, I like that. So I
After leaving mission work, Wilann spent a couple of years working with the non-profit
The coffee is a blend, including some
researched and found my own blend. I like it smooth, subtle and not bitter.” She also found a Toddy Maker. It uses a cold water press method of making coffee, which decreases the acidity by 67 percent. Both the coffee blend and Toddy Maker are featured on www.essentiallymore.com. Volunteers for Thursday’s Market Wilann uses the website to facilitate her volunteer work with Thursday’s Market, a concept which began in October 2010. That’s when Wilann and two other women approached Norm Tucker, director of Bloomfield’s cultural center, about finding a place for local vendors to sell their homemade items. “Within half an hour it was a done deal,” Wilann said, “but the other two women said they didn’t want to run it. They just wanted to be vendors. So I stepped in as the facilitator.” Pat Wilson of Bloomfield sells a variety of handmade crafts at Thursday’s Market.
40 | MAJESTIC LIVING | WINTER 2012
“It’s been up and down with the economy, but I usually make enough to pay for being there,” she said. “Around the holidays it’s done quite a bit better. Wilann is absolutely excellent to work with.” Thursday’s Market moves to Saturdays The market was moved to 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. the third Saturday of each month at EZ Shade, 8180 E. Main St. at the east edge of Farmington, for part of the summer. The next market will be at the Bloomfield Cultural Center the first Saturday of December, which falls on Dec. 1. Dates have not yet been set for 2013. It’s not a money maker, but it feeds Wilann’s passion for helping artisans to sell their prod-
it’s not only crafts,” Wilann said. “I call it a pub-
cally, you can bring whatever it is that you do.”
ucts. They contribute by paying a booth fee.
lic market where a variety of vendors, including
Her love of promoting local artisans keeps
growers, can bring their products and sell them. It’s a public market “Many times Thursday’s Market has been promoted as a craft fair, and I just cringe, because
Wilann going strong.
People who have licenses to bake can sell their
“I am passionate about our community,” she
baked goods as well. We’ve also had local eggs
said. “I don’t always know where that enthusiasm
and beef jerky sold at Thursdays Market. Basi-
will take me, but I’ll leave that up to God.”
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A childhood wish come true has grown into a 3,700 piece collection Story by Margaret Cheasebro Photos by Tony Bennett
With all the fervor she could muster, An-
She doesn’t know where her love for dolls
nette wished for a big doll to join her smaller
came from, but the passion has been with her
ones. On Christmas morning, the Madame
for a lifetime. Today her Farmington home is
Alexander doll waited for her under the
filled with dolls, bears, miniatures, buggies,
Christmas tree.
dollhouses, doll furniture and other acces-
“I knew the wishbone worked!” Annette exclaimed.
When Annette Moorehead, 76, was 5 years
House full of dolls
mother had hung on the wall.
She retired in 1999 as director of elemen-
sories. Among them are several doll nativity sets. She has over 3,700 dolls, and each doll is
old and lived in Erie, Pa., she stood on a
tary education in the Farmington School Dis-
tagged with an inventory number, the name
kitchen chair and grasped a wishbone that her
trict, after a 40-year career in education.
she gave the doll, the date and place she ac-
42 | MAJESTIC LIVING | WINTER 2012
and want their dolls to have a good home.
Challenging childhood move Though they like dolls, they don’t have the
Dolls of many varieties
passion for them that Annette had as a child.
Raggedy Ann and Andy dolls fill one bed-
She remembers her move from Pennsylvania to
room, neatly arranged on the bed, in chairs, a bookshelf, dresser and baby bed.
“I brought three or four dolls with me,” she
Dolls of almost every variety and size fill
said, “but some things didn’t make the move.
other bedrooms and line the stairs to her base-
They were the teddy bears, the furniture, the
ment, which looks like a neat-as-a-pin doll
doll high chair, buggy and that sort of thing.”
store.
acquired it. The dolls come from many coun-
Arizona in 1949 when she was 13.
Her parents left them behind, mistakenly
In the master bedroom are bride dolls,
thinking she’d outgrown them. When she got to
American Girl dolls, Raggedy Ann and Andy
Arizona and realized other girls her age didn’t
dolls, Patti Playpals, Cabbage Patch dolls, and
play with dolls, she put her dolls away.
Madame Alexander dolls, among others. Hed-
“Fortunately, they didn’t get thrown away,”
wig, Harry Potter’s pet snowy owl, even has a
she said. “My dad had an old trunk, and that’s
place there, as does a playpen for the couple’s
where a lot of my stuff went. It’s downstairs in
real life black poodle, Cupcake.
my basement now.”
Her husband, Ralph, a retired San Juan Col-
tries, some sent to her by her youngest son,
lege academic dean and psychology professor,
Richard, a colonel in the Air Force. Her col-
approves of her collection.
Marries Ralph at 17 Other activities filled her days. As a high
lection includes dolls she’s found in Corn
“She enjoys doing it, and that’s what’s im-
school student, she met Ralph, who’d just re-
Flakes boxes, McDonald’s meals, at candy
portant,” he said. “When we’re out someplace
turned from 18 months in Korea with the Air
stores, department stores, garage sales,
on a trip, she finds dolls. She remembers
Force. They married on Jan. 14, 1954, when
restaurants, and doll shows.
where she found everything. Her memory is like
Annette was a senior at Flagstaff High School in
a steel trap.”
Arizona.
“You never know where you’re going to find them,” she said. She also gets them from friends and from people who’ve heard about her collection
He built Annette a two-story dollhouse.
“I couldn’t be valedictorian, because I was
Their granddaughters enjoy playing with it when
married,” she said. “Those were the rules back
they come to visit.
then.” WINTER 2012 | MAJESTIC LIVING | 43
Ralph was a second semester sophomore in college when Annette began attending Northern Arizona University in Flagstaff, then known as Arizona State College. She took up to 20 hours per semester, and earned her degree in two-anda-half years, graduating first in her class with h ighest distinction. Became parents in college Their first child, Randy, was born Aug. 28, 1956, while they were both still in college. Ralph worked 40 to 50 hours a week besides attending college, and Annette earned 50 cents an hour as student help. She paid half of that to the babysitter. Things eased up a little when Ralph was awarded a $25 scholarship the last semester of his senior year. “It was tough,” Ralph recalled. “Annette would say, ‘What kind of bills do you want to pay this month?’ I’d say, ‘I don’t know. Pick the first three.’” They graduated together in May 1959. Annette was hired by the Wickenburg, Ariz., Member
Joint Commission Accredited
school district, but she spent her first semester substitute teaching because their second son, Ronald, was born the first Friday of the 19591960 school year. The second semester she
Comfort & Care Providing
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taught fifth grade. Taught in one-room school house After three years there, they moved to Laramie, Wyo., where Ralph had a National Defense Education Act Fellowship at the University of Wyoming. Annette spent a year teaching first through sixth graders in a one-room school house 20 miles from Laramie. “There were about a dozen kids,” she recalled.
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run the school. They had a rude awakening.” She hauled her own water to the school but didn’t have to build a fire because a gas stove had just been installed. It was very cold that winter, and a thermometer in the noon sun sometimes read 12 degrees below zero.
Earns
Earns doctorate degree
master’s degree
In 1973, after teaching in Yuma for eight
The next school year, 1963-64, Annette
years, Annette spent two years commuting to
“You’ve been talking to the principal for 20
earned her master’s degree in elementary
the University of Arizona in Tucson to earn
minutes!”
education with a minor in geography at the
her Ph.D. in elementary education and
University of Wyoming while working in the
reading. She returned to teaching to collect
Finally admits she collects dolls
university’s guidance office as a secretary.
original data for her doctoral dissertation,
Some of her dolls went with her to first
“It helped put groceries on the table,”
“Selected Factors Related to Reading Suc-
grade classes she taught, and students
cess in the First Grade.” She earned her
learned their colors, shapes and other
doctorate in 1977, the same year the family
concepts with the help of those dolls.
she said. After she graduated in 1964, the family moved to Casper, Wyo., so Ralph could finish his doctoral dissertation. Annette
“The principal,” he replied. Moorehead drew herself up and told him,
It wasn’t until Annette was the principal at
moved to Farmington.
Bluffview that she admitted to herself she
Annette taught first grade at Bluffview
taught first grade in Casper and was the
Elementary School for one year, then
collected dolls. It was hard to admit, she
grade level leader.
became Bluffview’s principal, a position she
said, “because I called myself a grownup,
held for nine years. The first couple of years
and grownups didn’t do these things.”
They moved to Yuma, Ariz., in 1966,
She joined a doll club in Farmington in
where their third son, Richard, was born
in Farmington, she also taught graduate
soon after they arrived. Because of that,
classes in diagnostic reading for New Mexico
the late 1970s and associated with other
Annette taught as a substitute the first
State University.
grownups who shared her passion. She gave
semester. The rest of that school year, she
During her first year as principal, a sales-
it up for awhile because, with her limited
taught English as a Second Language to
man stopped at the school and chatted with
time, she had to make a choice between the
about 30 students. The family lived in Yuma
her. Finally, he asked, “When is he coming?”
doll club and singing soprano in the First
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Methodist Church choir. She chose the choir.
“Who?” Moorehead queried.
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Retirement offers time for dolls From 1987-1989, she was principal at
history lesson,” she said. For the last 18 years, Mesa Verde
she can share her passion for dolls. “Her husband always comes and helps her
Northeast Elementary, then took a job as
Elementary School fourth grade teacher
set up,” Granko said. “He was one of my
director of elementary education at the
Donna Granko has invited Moorehead to talk
teachers at San Juan College.”
Farmington School District’s central office, a
about her American Girl dolls.
invited Annette to make a doll presentation.
position she retired from in 1999. Now that she’s retired, she has time to play with her dolls. Every month she decorates the living room
She felt apprehensive the first time she
Students learn
“She was my boss’s boss,” Granko said. “I
history from dolls
was intimidated by her. I thought I have to
“It’s always a highlight for the 4th grade,”
do this just right. But she’s delightful. I am
with dolls and knickknacks that represent
Granko said. “She has American Girl dolls
events celebrated that month.
representing every era of our U.S. history. With each doll she has a tremendous
always so flattered that she comes.” Annette gives
Gets her first
collection of items – the food they ate, how
varied doll presentations
American Girl dolls
it was carried, their school desks and lunch
Over the years, Annette has given talks
For Christmas 1986, Ralph gave her the
boxes, their sleepwear, beds, trunks, coats
about McDonalds dolls, American Girl dolls,
first three American Girl dolls, and her Amer-
and blankets. The kids can really relate to
and Dolls of the Century. She will tailor her
ican Girl collection has grown ever since. The
that and compare and contrast it to what
talks to people’s needs.
dolls represent girls of different times in
they have now. We give kids a heads up that
American history, and each comes with story-
she’s coming so they will read the books
books about the girl. Annette has given pre-
about each doll.”
sentations about them in Farmington schools. “My American Girl dolls are a sneaky
46 | MAJESTIC LIVING | WINTER 2012
To arrange for a doll presentation, call her at 505.326.7599. She never tires of her dolls.
It takes a lot of work to bring the dolls to
“I don’t know if I’m in a second child-
school, but Annette loves to do it. It’s a way
hood,” she said, “or if I never grew up.”
POWER COUPLE
Jack and Terri Fortner committed to helping others Story by Debra Mayeux Photos by Tony Bennett Jack and Terri Fortner have a relationship based in commitment. “I know Terri is committed to me and I’m committed to her. No matter what, I will stay faithful to her and her to me,” Jack said over a lunch break in the kitchen of the
48 | MAJESTIC LIVING | WINTER 2012
family’s Farmington home. Commitment has kept this couple strong
Despite very different upbringings, they had a solid foundation in faith and service.
seventh grade. The family of five packed up and drove
and it has kept their fondness for one
“We’ve come from different interests,” Terri
across the border into Mexico, and
another growing, even when studies, careers
said. “We’ve incorporated those into per-
continued south to Guatemala until they
and passions have kept them apart.
sonal growth.”
reached the city of San Salvador. It was a long
The Fortners met in 1987 in the Emer-
Terri was born in Kermit, Texas – the
journey. “My dad wasn’t willing to pay bribes,
gency Room at San Juan Regional Medical
hometown of Roy Orbison. When her father
so we would sit at borders for hours,” she said.
Center. Terri was a nurse and Jack brought a
decided to become a preacher, they moved
Most of their possessions were lost along the
friend in for medical care. “We were playing
to Lubbock, Texas. “My dad was always in-
way, and when they arrived the civil war in El
church league basketball, when he fell and
volved in helping people,” she said.
Salvador was beginning.
twisted his ankle,” Jack said.
His work led her to become interested in
“Our school was covered in barbed wire,
They saw each other and a courtship
serving the sick and the poor, but her desire
there was a guard with a machine gun
began. The Fortners were married one year
to serve others was solidified after the family
outside of the gate,” she said. Her father
later.
moved to El Salvador, when Terri was in the
would go into the city on a motorbike to spread the Gospel, and more often than not, the roads were barricaded. Terri learned street smarts, but she also led a life of seclusion. “We would go to school and come home,” she said. By the time Terri turned 16, she knew she would be a nurse. “I would see people on the side of the road, pulling lice out their children’s hair – children were malnourished without clothing,” she said. It was her desire to provide them with care. While Terri was spending her teenage years in El Salvador, Jack was attending school in Farmington and working as a busboy at his uncle’s business – Chef Bernie’s. Jack and his brother Bill are the sons of Corky Trimble, a first-generation American, who raised her boys on her own and worked every day of her life to provide for them. She worked with her brother Bernie Sandoval at Chef Bernie’s and the two became active in the politics of San Juan County, more specifically in the Democratic Party. Jack learned about politics from his mother, and it helped shape his future. “It started with my mother. Watching her and my uncle being involved let me know anyone could be involved,” he said. Jack also wanted to have an impact on his hometown. WINTER 2012 | MAJESTIC LIVING | 49
Jack studied at UNM and became an attorney. He continued to help a variety of politicians by working on their campaigns, and in 1994 he was appointed to the Environmental Improvement Board. By 1996 he was elected to the San Juan County Commission and, in that capacity, served as chairman three times and vice chairman twice. He was running a busy legal practice, serving on the Commission and taking care of the couple’s first child, Suzanne, when Terri went back to college at UNM. “She would drive to Gallup or Albuquerque two days a week to get her bachelor’s degree,” Jack said. Then, the couple’s second child, Krissy, was born, and Terri decided to stay home for eight years. During this time, Terri supported Jack’s career and political aspirations, and he continued to receive political appointments after working on a variety of campaigns. Jack was appointed in 1998 by Gov. Gary
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governors. He also served as the chairman of the Labor Management Relationship Board for the city of Farmington and as the Domestic Violence
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Hearing Officer for the county. “I made the short list for the U.S. judgeship, and I got to go to the West Wing of the White House,” he said. Jack also has held member-
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ship on both the New Mexico and San Juan County Bar Associations and on the Connie
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Mack World Series Committee. He was just reelected to a San Juan County Commission seat and will be sworn in after the first of the year. “The most fulfilling thing I’ve done is coach
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my daughters,” he said. “What’s cool about that is all kids need their mom and dad, but it’s important to have their dad involved.” Jack coaches the Piedra Vista Girls’ Softball
Team, through which he has inspired the girls to learn responsibility and sportsmanship. “To have their dad there – it has been
“Our goal is to address mental health issues,” she said. Terri also has received political
work and play. “I like to be involved in things that have an impact on other people,” Jack said.
pivotal in their lives. It provided them with
appointments with regard to her work. She
security,” he said.
was named vice chair of the New Mexico
officials to build upon the educational op-
Board of Nursing, an organization in which
portunities within the region as well as the
ters’ lives, but especially when he acted as
she has had membership for six years. “I
creation and development of good high-
“Mr. Dad” for a second time, during Terri’s
really enjoy it, but it is very time-consuming,”
paying jobs – “To keep our kids here,” Terri
educational career. After receiving her bach-
she said. Terri is a member of the New
added.
elor’s degree from UNM and staying home for
Mexico Nurse Practitioner Coalition.
He has been actively involved in his daugh-
eight years after Krissy was born, Terri went
Nominated in 2009 by Gov. Bill
He wants to work with other elected
Despite their active lifestyles that include careers, politics and community service, Jack
back to school at NMSU, where she earned
Richardson, Terri received the Outstanding
and Terri have a strong relationship based in
her master’s degree in clinical psychology.
Women of New Mexico Award.
their Christian beliefs.
The degree has a medication component
One of Terri’s great passions is history,
“Our faith was compatible since the
and behavioral health component, which has
and she is actively involved with the
beginning,” Jack said. “Our faith is the
allowed her to work as a psychiatric nurse
Daughters of the American Revolution. “I’ve
cornerstone of not just our marriage, but
practitioner. She has worked with veterans
done a lot of family research,” she said.
our lives. It motivates Terri and it motivates
suffering from post traumatic stress disorder
The Fortners are actively involved in the
me to serve other people.”
to inmates at the county jail, but Terri
community and politics, because the love
recently opened her own practice – Across
New Mexico and San Juan County and they
kept them together for 24 years. “We truly
the Mind Mental Health Services.
want this area to remain a great place to live,
are best friends,” Jack said.
Their faith along with their friendship has
WINTER 2012 | MAJESTIC LIVING | 51
Shiprock Historical Society works to grow business, preserve culture Story by Debra Mayeux It was harvest time in Shiprock, and the Joe family farm was bustling. Red and green chiles were laid out to dry in the entryway of the home, and the family cat wandered back and forth greeting the guests piling through the front door.
sugar on the table.”
hometown stories with outsiders wanting to
Navajo people love coffee and there
learn about the Navajo. She opens the doors
always is a pot ready to brew. They drink it
to her home every harvest and invites every-
the stove and preparing a mixture of water,
up hot with every type of meal. This is just
one in Shiprock in for the traditional meal.
flour and salt to make dough that would be
one of the many things to learn about the
cooked to a golden crisp and served with a
people who were on this land before the
she was serving up green chili stew, red chili
variety of American Indian stews in crock
white man arrived.
with beans, beef stew and dessert. The first
In the kitchen, Elsie Joe was heating oil on
pots on the table. “Come in, come in,” Elsie said. “There’s coffee and Navajo tea. I have honey and
Elsie is a member of the Shiprock
It was the Sunday of the Shiprock Fair and
order of business, however, was to finish up
Historical Society and it is her passion and
the fry bread. She invited the newly arrived
joy to share her culture, traditions and
Anglo guests to join in the fun, showing them WINTER 2012 | MAJESTIC LIVING | 53
how to stretch the dough, while strategically
popular as a part of a traditional Navajo
poking holes in it to make it fry up crispy.
meal. They can be purchased from vendors at
“I was always taught that you wash your hands after making fry bread, so you don’t greet your guests with flour on your hands,” she said, flashing an infectious smile.
the Shiprock Flea Market and that weekend in early October at the Shiprock Fair. The fair is one of the things that led to
He was encouraged to write a book, but there was too much information. Visitors to the region would come to Shiprock and want to visit a museum or cultural center, but the only place with a
the creation of the Shiprock Historical Soci-
record of the history was the Shiprock Trad-
ety. Eugene Joe, a brother to Elsie, said it
ing Company. Eugene and his family knew
eat. “The first meal, we’ll serve you. After
had a lot to do with sharing stories about the
that a historical society was needed that
that you serve yourself, because you’re
old days and merging that with the new.
would become the keepers of the records.
The bread was done and it was time to
family,” she continued. “It’s up to you. If you
“People would sit and talk about the old
“The Shiprock Historical Society was made
are hungry, you will come in, fight the hunger
days,” Eugene said. The members would mix
up of people who live in Shiprock, who were
battle and cook for yourself.”
in lessons about life and cultural value. “My
born and raised here or who moved here,”
main focus was to listen to those stories, and
Elsie said. There were 18 people at the first
I would sit and absorb that.”
meeting in 2010.
After finishing up the meal, Elsie invites the crowd to pick a variety of desserts that included store-bought pies and cakes. “We
What Eugene learned about his people and
Since that first meeting, the membership
didn’t grow up with sweets,” she explained
himself was that there were four principles to
has worked to develop an annual Shiprock
saying that was a Western European tradition
live by – identity, faith, skill and teaching.
Fair Magazine that promotes not only the fair
introduced to the Navajo.
He wanted to absorb the traditional
but the history of the Shiprock community.
The desserts she had as a child included a
knowledge and share it with others, and that
“It’s not just one person,” Eugene said.
type of corn ice cream that was a mixture of
led him to begin researching Shiprock – how
“As a group we have merged together. Our
blue corn mush with ice left to freeze
the community came to be. “I found so much
identity is the Shiprock Historical Society –
overnight. Blue corn cakes and mush remain
to talk about,” Eugene said.
that’s who we are.”
54 | MAJESTIC LIVING | WINTER 2012
San Juan County Commissioner GloJean Todacheene is a society member who praises Eugene as the visionary. “He’s thinking of the
cultural protocols families will still negotiate
working in Shiprock,” he said. “Eighty
a marriage and a dowry,” Elsie said.
percent of the people know me.”
There also is a clan system set up through
Having a business owner as part of the
forest, not just the tree. He has so much
the female lineage. “Identity is so important
society is important, because one of its goals
faith in the potential of the society – you
– your clan is your identity basis,” To-
is to keep businesses in Shiprock and to push
have to believe,” she said, adding it is an
dacheene said.
for economic development. “Local businesses
important group for Navajo students to retain
Storytelling has been a Navajo tradition, as
their identity. “The Navajo youth – this is
is a sense of community. “Native people say
something they can be really, really proud
we’re all related That’s the beauty of the
of.”
sense of community,” Todacheene said.
It also helps them to understand things
The sense of community even includes a
are so important to the community,” Todacheene said. The society has a historic basis to develop a vision for the future of Shiprock. And growing business, as well as, preserving
that belong in their history and things that
local business owner who is not a tribal
culture are two of its main functions. The
do not. Elsie pointed out some examples by
member. Ben Montano moved to Shiprock in
other aspect is to share the stories by
saying that both the dream catcher and the
1963 when he was discharged from the
archiving the past. This could be done with a
powwow were not Navajo traditions. They
Army. He drove to Tosi’idoh Trading Post
museum or historic society building, but one
came to this region from other tribes and
and went to work. “I didn’t know beans
is yet to become available.
were adopted as Navajo.
about anything when I got out of the
Some Navajo traditions included a history
service,” he said. “I was in Shiprock for two
of arranged marriages without dating, in
years and started learning the Navajo
order to maintain control of the land. “There
language.”
were arranged marriages up until about 50
the space to grow,” Elsie said. For more information about the Shiprock Historical Society, log onto
In 1970 Montano bought a business in Shiprock. “I do not regret one day living and
shiprockhistoricalsociety.com or email: shiprockhistoricalsociety@yahoo.com.
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or 60 years ago, and to acknowledge the
“We’re ready to bloom, but we don’t have
WINTER 2012 | MAJESTIC LIVING | 55
56 | MAJESTIC LIVING | WINTER 2012
Becoming The gift of being the man in the red suit Story by Ron Price Photos by Tony Bennett The Four Corners area is home to a wide variety of interesting characters and Rick Greenaker, a.k.a. Santa Clause, is definitely on that list. When you ask Rick where he was born he will joyfully tell you “the North Pole, of course.” Actually that’s probably not far from the truth, having been born and raised outside
Buffalo, N.Y. In 1976 Rick visited Taos and quickly became enchanted with the Southwest. It wasn’t until 1993, after spending several years in Texas, that he moved to Farmington to work for Halliburton. While currently employed by San Juan College as a CDL instructor, Rick will absolutely tell you “being Santa is truly the best
job I’ve ever had.” He sees the role of Santa as a Christmas present of sorts, having come into it quite unexpectedly. “For many years I would put on my Santa hat and go to the mall to people watch,” Rick said. It was in 2005 as he was walking by the Santa concession when “the manager jumped
WINTER 2012 | MAJESTIC LIVING | 57
over the rail, came running over to me and asked if I wanted an application for next year.” At the time, Rick didn’t know there was formal training to be a Santa. “I didn’t have the $1,000, even if I did know it was available,” he said. To prepare for the role, he let his naturally white beard grow to beyond acceptable oilfield limits. His initial training came from “other Santas and mostly on the job.” Soon after accepting the job, he quickly learned that, in his official Santa capacity, “I was the prop and I was only there to sell photos for my employer.” Rather than become jaded, Rick said he “kept the attitude that I really do love children and since love is what Christmas is all about, it’s a good fit for me.” In 2011 Rick wanted to put more professionalism into my Santa experience, so he enrolled in Santa School in Denver. “I learned a lot of corny jokes, which I’ll
58 | MAJESTIC LIVING | WINTER 2012
spare your readers for the moment.” He also remembers learning how to pose children appropriately, along with lots of new material or what the instructor referred to as ‘Santa’s secrets.’ For Rick, it remains “a magical moment when I put on the suit.” He really enjoys the fact that all sorts of children truly believe that I am Santa. Customers who have hired Rick to be Santa for their organizations have been pleased. JoAn Wheeler was the assistant manager for the Santa concession when Rick worked at the Animas Valley Mall. “Rick was great with the kids, ” Wheeler said. She knows full well that, to succeed as Santa, you have to be able to tolerate kids and, as she says, “for Rick that was never a problem, nothing ever seemed to faze him or get him out of his role.” Jim Holgate, the business manager of Reliance Medical Group, hired Rick to be their Santa.
Holgate never regretted that decision, “Rick is great as Santa. He is professional and very well trained. He is authentic as Santa and great with kids and adults too.” In addition to his role as Santa, Rick has long been involved in Boy Scouts as a troop leader and various other volunteer positions. He has also performed with various choirs from Masterworks to Caliente to his own and other churches. Andrea Greenaker has shared her life with Rick for the past 17 years. “Rick always has a song in his head and he sometimes has a hard time realizing others don’t.” As Greenaker puts it “Rick lives in music.” People who know Rick well see him as one who gets pleasure out of life by bringing joy to others. He has been gifted in so many ways and he takes delight in using his gifts to please and entertain people. So the next time you’re at a local concert, be sure to look for a white-bearded gentleman in the choir. Chances are it’ll be Rick and he’ll have a great big smile, and maybe even a ho-ho-ho, just for you.
WINTER 2012 | MAJESTIC LIVING | 59
The of Chris Hodges is proof you can turn your dreams and resolutions into reality Story by Lauren Duff Chris Hodges, 26, made a new year’s resolution in January 2011 that has ultimately transformed his career and helped him reach many of his aspirations. His resolution was to have his music heard on television shows. Born and raised in Farmington, Hodges attributes his musical background to his family. His parents, who owned a music store in Farmington when he was younger, encouraged Hodges to try an orchestral instrument during his junior high school years. He chose the violin and, from there, his musical talents flourished. The heavy-metal group Metallica was another major influence on Hodges’ love for music. “It was around ninth grade when I really started getting into bands. Metallica influenced me to play the guitar,” Hodges said with a chuckle. His mom, Sharon Bass, encouraged him also to pick up the guitar when she introduced the concept of reading tabs. “It was like a light bulb went off and the rest was history. I don’t think he has put the guitar down since then,” she said. In 2003, his high school days came to end, but doors of opportunity quickly swung open through which to venture. On his high school 60 | MAJESTIC LIVING | WINTER 2012
graduation day Hodges was asked to play the
“With a professional music degree, I was
focusing on composing.�
national anthem on the classical guitar. “He did
able to dabble in different things. It helped
On top of teaching and finding time to
an instrumental arrangement and it was just
me build up my technique and apply theory
compose, Hodges plays in a band at Mountain
beautiful. Naturally he had 5,000 people
concepts into my own compositions,� Hodges
Valley Church, a non-denominational church in
there watching him and I was a little nervous
explained. He defines himself as a “theory
Phoenix, and jams with his cover band, Party
for him, but he pulled it off. That was the
junky.�
Crashers, who were fortunate to play with
largest audience at that point,� Bass explained. Hodges’ dream of becoming a composer
Once his college years ended, Hodges was determined to find a use for his degree. He
country singer Toby Keith during a concert at Montelucia Resort in Paradise Valley, Ariz.
grew closer after he received a scholarship
returned to Farmington for a couple of months
through the Berklee World Scholarship Tour.
and then ventured to Phoenix to pursue the
supposed to play like one song with us, but it
“When he graduated from high school and was
dreams he has thought about since he was
turned into a 45-minute set,� Hodges
about to go to Berklee he said he didn’t know
young. He has lived there for five years now.
explained. “He just started picking songs on
if he should go and I said ‘No, you are going;
“Phoenix seemed like a good place – It is
“At the end of the night he (Keith) was only
our set list and singing them with us so we just
it is a dream of yours. Even though I’m going
only six hours from Los Angeles for when I go
to miss you like crazy, this is an opportunity
out there for gigs.� Hodges added he wanted
and you can’t pass this up.’ I always have tried
to reside in a city not too far away from his
resolution. While many individuals make
to be there for him – always there to listen
family.
resolutions and do not follow through with
and encourage him,� Bass said.
Once settled in, Hodges found himself
kept going.� January 2011 Hodges made his new year’s
them, Hodges never backed down. His
Hodges began his college career in 2003 at
tackling a variety of musical projects. “I used
resolution was to make connections with the
Berklee College of Music in Boston. In 2007,
to teach guitar to students all the time at the
right people and have his music get picked up
he earned his Bachelor’s Degree in
beginning. I wanted to share my love of music
by television shows.
Professional Music.
with people. I found, over time, I began
“I began to build up from there. Now, I
simply
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have a lot of connections with music publishers, who are the middle man between me and the music supervisor of a production company,” Hodges explained. Even though he still completely owns the rights to his music, Hodges streams his music files to publishers and uploads them into a music library used by other composers from all over
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the globe. From there, different television producers pick up tracks that seem suitable for their specific shows. It is all based on Hodges’ talent and maybe even a little luck. “I never know what will get licensed.” Along with recording his guitar playing, Hodges uses a synthesized keyboard to create other instrument sounds for his tracks. “The program I use is made for producing music. I also use it as a way for writing down my ideas.” The first television show to pick up his tracks was Tosh.O on Comedy Central. Hodges said the first time he heard his music on television was a day that he will always remember. He was working on the computer while his “buddies” were keeping him company. All of a sudden, the music he composed in the small studio of his home was being played through the speakers of his television. “Once I heard the song, I had a shot of adrenaline. I instantly called my mom.” “I had no doubt that he couldn’t do it because he has always been bright. I’m just thrilled. I was so proud of him and he has this stamina and stays right with it. I’m lost for words sometimes. I’m very proud of him and I know he is going to go far. It’s like it is escalating daily, and he is very talented,” Bass cheerfully explained. From January 2011 to November 2011, with only 11 months of devotion to his resolution, Hodge’s accomplishments spiked and his music was picked up during Sunday Night Football on the show Rock Center with Brian Williams. “There were probably 20 million people watching and who heard my music. It is still awesome to me.” His music has been chosen for a variety of television genres: Teen Wolf promo on MTV, Dateline on NBC, US Open on Fox Japan, The Pauly
D Project on MTV, Toddlers and Tiaras on TLC, the Today Show on NBC, and many others. Even video games have used his compositions. Hodges claims his favorite placement thus far was for the commercial of the documentary The Epic Journey of Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson DVD. “That kind of genre is really my forte and niche,” he admitted. Hodges is fortunate to have developed networks with numerous connections. “There
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referring to how he has became noticed so rapidly by music publishers and supervisors.
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From graduating from a reputable music college in Boston to moving to Phoenix and playing in a Toby Keith concert with his cover band, to the determination that has helped his tracks be picked up by numerous television shows, to even winning an award from the American Society of
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“I have always loved the power of music – It is really hard to explain. I love seeing music come to visuals. It is so powerful and that’s what I live for.”
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many TV placements people are constantly hearing my tracks.” In the future, he may perhaps extend his talent to movie trailers. “One of my ultimate
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About 44 percent of its funding comes from federal sources, and 36 percent comes from the New Mexico Area Agency
n’t drive, she needed a senior volunteer to take her to the grocery store and do other errands. “We have homework at rehab,” she said. “My senior companion is going to help me with that.
Providing great friendship, assistance to the elderly Story by Margaret Cheasebro Photos by Tony Bennett
on Aging. The other 20 percent is provided locally by United Way. The program is administered by Northwest New Mexico Seniors.
My brain has to make new pathways.” “That’s what I’m seeing. A lot of the volun-
Family has history
teers are now clients,” said Frances Miramontes,
of volunteering
Senior Companion Program coordinator.
Sue’s senior companion is Chris Dyer, 56, of Aztec, who has known about the program for a
Program is part of Senior Corps The Senior Companion Program, which began in 1974, is part of Senior Corps and adminis-
long time. Chris’s mother was a senior volunteer for at least 10 years. “She would have five clients, so she was gone
tered by the Corporation for National and
every day,” Chris recalls. “She would slowly
volunteer, she helped people shop, took them
Community Service. The other two programs are
build up to that number. Then it was, ‘Okay, I’m
to yard sales, visited with them, and helped
RSVP, a senior volunteer organization that offers
done.’ She quit them all. Then she’d say, ‘I went
them find resources to make their lives more
a variety of services, and the Foster Grandpar-
ahead and took Jan back.’ Then about a week
pleasant.
ent program, which provides experienced tutors
later, she’d say, ‘Well, you know, Vera really
and mentors for children with special needs.
needs somebody.’ Then, first thing you know,
When Sue Arnold of Farmington was a senior
But when Sue had a stroke in June and could64 | MAJESTIC LIVING | WINTER 2012
she’s back into five of them. I felt like it was a
about $100 a week,” Chris said. “It buys my
Now, three years later, she likes being a client
wonderful program, because it gave her a rea-
groceries.”
and getting help from a volunteer.
son to get up and put her clothes on in the morning. After my dad died, she had nothing”
Background checks required
until she became a senior volunteer.
Senior companions are fingerprinted, go
Volunteers tailor help to clients’ needs
Now her mother is a client and has her own
through local and federal background checks,
senior companion who helps her twice a week,
and sign code of conduct and confidentiality
on hangers for quite awhile,” Chris said. “She
four hours each day.
statements.
was having physical problems, so she was putting
“They agree not to talk about one client to Volunteers must be 55 or older To be eligible for the Senior Volunteer Program, volunteers must be 55 or older. Those who meet certain income guidelines receive a
another person,” said Frances. When Sue first became a Senior Volunteer, she had retired and needed something to do. “I read about them needing volunteers in the
“With Sue, I folded clothes and hung them up
the clothes on the bed after they came out of the dryer. Pretty soon you couldn’t see the bed. Later, we’d go shopping. She’s a shopper extraordinaire. When I get there on Wednesdays, she’s got the paper spread all over the table
small stipend of $2.65 an hour. All volunteers
paper,” she said. “So I signed up, and I had four
with clippings and coupons and circles around
receive accident and liability insurance and a
ladies that I took care of. I really enjoyed
stuff. She’s got a list for me. We’ll go to one
small reimbursement for meals while they are on
helping them. They were pleasant, and I didn’t
store, and she’ll say, ‘You go down this way and
duty. They’re also reimbursed for transportation,
have any problems with them at all.”
get everything on this list. I’ll go that way.’ I
and they receive monthly training.
At that time, the Senior Volunteer Program
spent most of one morning chasing a lady in a
“The income guidelines to be a senior
was administered by San Juan College. When
motorized wheelchair because I thought it was
companion are that you must make less than
that arrangement ended three years ago, Sue
Sue. I wanted to ask her what flavor of oatmeal
$11,170 a year,” Frances said.
needed chemotherapy for lung cancer and
she wanted. I came around the corner moving
leukemia, so she had to stop being a volunteer.
pretty quick, and I’m like, ‘You’re not Sue!’ I’m
“When I don’t miss any of my clients, I make
WINTER 2012 | MAJESTIC LIVING | 65
going to put a flag on her chair next time so I don’t run down the wrong lady!” Sue smiled and gave a little shrug. “Being on Social Security, you try to stretch the money as far as it will go.” Sometimes Chris takes her swimming. Program needs more volunteers Currently, the Senior Volunteer Program has four volunteers and 13 clients with 12 more on the waiting list. “There’s a really big need out there,” Frances said. “I had a gentleman call me today, and he’s interested in being a volunteer. He’s worked with seniors. I hope we can sign him on. He’s probably going to be overwhelmed, because as soon as he’s ready for a second client, I’ll give him another one and try to get him up to four clients.” Sometimes Senior Companions need help with their time sheets and mileage. Anyone who wants to volunteer will get that extra help as needed. “I have to tell one of my companions to
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come in every three days. We sit down with her time sheet, and I help her write the mileage,” said Frances. “I enjoy what I’m doing. These ladies are awesome ladies. They’ve worked their whole lives, and now they’re giving up their time to do this with other seniors. I think that’s neat.” Chris likes variety of client needs Chris is happy with her three clients. She does different things with each of them. She sits and visits with one of her other clients, takes her shopping, and helps her trim roses and hollyhocks. Another client is teaching her how to
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weave, a task that gives the client pleasure because she’s sharing what she loves to do. “I made place mats, and it was a brand new experience,” Chris said. “I’d never done weaving before. I guess she corrects my mistakes at night after I leave. Now we’re getting ready to make a rug.”
She also took that client to the doctor and to the nursing home to see her husband, who’s a resident there. “It was a nice visit because he was alert,” Chris said. “He recognized her, and she was
meet those needs. The client then signs a letter of agreement for one year. that form and re-sign the client up again,” Frances said.
The primary function of the Senior
“I always loved volunteering,” said Sue. “After awhile the clients come to depend on you. They feel like they’ve got a buddy,
Companions provide companionship
Clients have a buddy
“After that year is over, we have to redo
pleased with that.” Volunteers provide
even more valuable.
relief to families A Senior Companion can give welcome relief to family members.
someone they can really talk to about things.” There are certain things volunteers are not permitted to do. They can’t do activities normally performed by doctors, nurses or
Companion Program is to provide companion-
“One of my ladies is a companion to an
ship for seniors who are financially eligible for
elderly gentleman who is a game show fanatic,”
They can’t do major household cleaning or
the program, said Sandra Yoakum, financial
Frances said. “His son was overwhelmed,
repairs, nor can they handle anything financial
manager of Northwest New Mexico Seniors.
because he had put his life on hold to look
such as depositing cash or checks in the bank.
after his dad. He stopped going to church, and
There are a number of other don’ts to protect
said. “She’s doing what she can to recruit more
he had been highly involved in that. So the
both volunteers and clients.
volunteers so we’re able to serve more
companion goes in the evenings and sits with
people.”
the elderly gentleman for two-and-a-half hours
“I think Frances is doing very well,” Sandra
Before a client is paired with a companion, Frances takes the companion to the client’s
while his son goes to church meetings.”
professionals such as administering medicine.
Chris is glad she signed up to be a volunteer. “I think I’ve found three dear friends,” she
Other programs, such as Medicare, often
said. “My clients are very different, but that’s
home, and they find out what the client’s
don’t pay for that kind of assistance, Sue said,
what makes them special because I relate to
needs are and how well the companion can
which makes the Senior Companion Program
them in a different way.”
WINTER 2012 | MAJESTIC LIVING | 67
ton pickers. While she did have an older sister, the more than 11-year age difference between them made her pretty much an only child. Church was a regular experience for Virginia growing up, although her parents weren’t much involved other than Sunday attendance. While in third grade, a friend invited Virginia to join the junior choir at her church. “That’s my earliest remembrance of being in love with music and singing,” Pevey recalls. She was affected so deeply that she told her parents she would one day go to college and be a music teacher. A major part of her
Pevey helps people find their voice through her love of music Story by Ron Price Photos by Tony Bennett
inspiration came from her elementary school music teacher who, she says “made music so much fun I just thought that would be a wonderful life.” The response she got from her mother however was, as she puts it, “less than thrilled.” Years later she asked her mother about that reaction and learned that “she was just trying to keep me from being disappointed if I didn’t get to go to college.” The seed had been planted, however, and from that time on, if there was a choir she was
Don’t ever tell Virginia Sue Pevey she can’t do something. Chances are good she’ll prove you wrong. Virginia grew up in Longview, Texas.
in it. Among the influential people in Virginia’s young life was Herb Teat,
She describes her family as being “of humble means.” Her parents
who was known statewide for building, from scratch, a high quality
were of limited education and lived difficult lives as farmers and cot-
music program at her high school. Teat only worked with the cream of
68 | MAJESTIC LIVING | WINTER 2012
the crop vocalists of the school, so Virginia had to work her way up
“when we learned that Mr. Teat would be coming to work with us the
to the elite Concert Choir.
next day, we were in awe as if God Himself were coming.”
Teat had an assistant who she says, “worked with us every day teaching us to sight read and learn parts.” She vividly remembers
Fortunately Teat lived up to his reputation. “He led us in such a way that I felt he was pulling the music right out of my soul.” She also
WINTER 2012 | MAJESTIC LIVING | 69
recalls how “he made the music come alive,”
so I could pay for the first year of college.
Virginia said.
My thinking was if I went to college and
She appreciates the opportunity she.
found out it wasn’t my thing I could drop out
“I learned more patience, and how to
The impact of that experience was life changing. “That’s when I knew I didn’t just want to
and not be in debt,” Virginia said. To her great surprise, Virginia did indeed
to be a better teacher.
make subjects more learnable by breaking the material into smaller parts.” This, she
be a choral director. I knew I wanted to
succeed in college, making the honor roll in
says, is still a part of her teaching style
stand in front of people and help them to
her first semester. This, she says, “was the
today.
experience music the way Mr. Teat did for
first time in my life that I had ever made an
me,” she said.
honor roll.” This achievement left her feeling
more than 29 years and included three
she could indeed hack it in college.
school districts. She feels one of her crown-
“I caught his passion.” With rugged determination and hard work
While college was a positive experience
Virginia was rewarded by being selected to
for Virginia, the years immediately following
the Texas All State Choir in her senior year.
didn’t quite pan out as she had hoped and
This was not just an honor for Virginia, but it
planned.
also opened the door for her to get a partial scholarship to East Texas State University where she would be able to pursue her childhood dream.
“One month after graduating, I married a man I never should have married.” That marriage ended in divorce after 3 ½ years.
Virginia’s teaching career in Texas spanned
ing achievements is that she “built a choral program from scratch just like Mr. Teat.” When she first got to the school in Tatum, Texas, there were 500 students and the choir consisted of six girls. “When I left 21 years later I had 75 kids in my high school choir. We had more in the choir than in the band.”
Though thrilled about the possibility,
Virginia’s first teaching job with her degree
Virginia wasn’t sure she would make it in
in music education was in the field of special
from God, of course, my persistence and
college.
education. While unexpected, Virginia feels
ability to build relationships.“ She also
the experience she gained helped her grow
believes that parents grew to trust her over
“I worked part time while in high school
70 | MAJESTIC LIVING | WINTER 2012
Virginia says her secret to success is “aside
time and wanted their children to be in her program. While she values her time in public education, Virginia felt that since childhood she always sensed some sort of calling to church ministry. She began serving part time in various capacities in her church in Texas. “Seventeen years later a pastor suggested I should seek ordination as a Deacon.” Virginia remembers being floored by the suggestion, but also feeling it might be a prompting from God.
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Not one to say no to the deity, Virginia retired from teaching and entered Brite Divinity School a month later. In June of 2009 she completed her seminary degree and began looking for a church where she could serve. One day she came across an ad in the
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with all her qualifications. She remembers having to look up Farmington on the Internet to find out where it was, but decided to put in her application.
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have read “Only Virginia Pevey need apply.” Pastor Dave Blackwell inherited Virginia as a staff member when he became the lead pastor in 2011. He couldn’t be more pleased. Blackwell appreciates the fact that “Virginia is truly
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interested in developing people to be Disciples of Christ and she uses music to accomplish that purpose.” “She has a way with people and strives to let each one know they are special, that they matter to her,” he said. Dave believes people respond well to Virginia because she goes out of her way to let them know how much she appreciates them taking the time to serve in the choir or other church related activities. For now, and the foreseeable future, Virginia feels totally at home with her church and musical families in this area. With so much of her original family still residing in Texas, however, it doesn’t take long to realize that much
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of her heart still resides there as well. So maybe we should selfishly pray that God will
formed in 1945. Robin Harris, who sings baritone for the
heard the group perform I knew they would need a lot of work,” Virginia said.
lead her to continue sharing her musical talents
Four Corners Harmony and does much of the
and passion which are having such an effect
comedy, believes the local group began in
here in Northwest New Mexico. We’ll just enjoy
1983. During his 13-year tenure with the group
it for as long as we can.
he has seen directors come and go. In his
direct. She has taught us so much about keys
opinion Virginia is a perfect fit as director. He
and parts and different types of music,”
Directing Four Corners Harmony
appreciates how “she is bringing us together.”
Wehlage said.
Barbershop quartet singing is thought to be
Several in the group appreciate how much en-
Now into her second year with the group, Virginia has no regrets and neither does Frank. “Virginia likes to teach music as well as
The Four Corners harmony is always looking
a truly American creation having begun in the
joyment Virginia has brought to their practices
for new members to help share the fun. They
late 19th century. At that time the local bar-
and how much she has helped them grow in
practice on Thursday evenings at 7 p.m. at the
bershop served as a social gathering place for
their performances.
Zion Lutheran Church on Foothills Drive.
African-American men who enjoyed the cama-
Frank Wehlage has sung for years in the
“You don’t have to have great musical abil-
raderie of singing together. It quickly spread to
choir at First United Methodist Church in
ity.” What is helpful is the ability to match
vocalists of other races as well.
Farmington, and with the Four Corners
pitch and have some idea of how notes fit
Harmony Barber Shoppers.
together,” according to Virginia.
The modern era of Barbershop singing began in 1938, when Owen C. Cash of Tulsa,
The latter group was in need of a director,
Okla., founded the Society for the Preserva-
and shortly after Virginia arrived in Farmington
people have a singing voice – they just haven’t
tion and Encouragement of Barber Shop
he and fellow choir member Bill Thompson
been taught how to find it.
Quartet Signing in America Incorporated, or
began to drop hints her way that she should
SPEBSQSA. A similar organization for female
consider the position.
vocalists, called the Sweet Adelines, was
72 | MAJESTIC LIVING | WINTER 2012
“The timing wasn’t right for me, plus having
She is also quick to point out that most
For more information on Four Corners Harmony please contact Gary Hobbs at 505.327.2240 or gobbsharry@hotmail.com.
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74 | MAJESTIC LIVING | WINTER 2012
A passion for performing
Charles Leslie finds his purpose in the theater Story by Sherri Grona Photos by Tony Bennett DURANGO, COLO. – “Passion and purpose go hand in hand,” author Steve Pavlina said. “When you discover your purpose, you will normally find it’s something you’re tremendously passionate about.” Such was the
WINTER 2012 | MAJESTIC LIVING | 75
case for one Durango resident whose
community,” Leslie said. “It’s about getting
passion led him to find his purpose.
the arts in front of people.”
The performing arts have surrounded
This production manager has always been
“I liked being on stage, but I was curious. I wanted to know how things worked,” Leslie said. “Why did that light come on when it
Charles Leslie, director of the Fort Lewis
keen to bring performances to the stage.
did? Why are people doing that? Are there
Community Concert Hall, all his life. There
From a very early age, Leslie was surrounded
other ways to do it? I wanted to know all
seems to be no escape. Not that he wants
by the arts. His parents were both musicians
the little details.” In short, Leslie said he had
one. The arts for him are the same as
and very active in the performing arts in Dal-
to understand how everything came together
breathing – without them he could not exist.
las.
to make a production. “That was my
“I have to work in the performing arts world,” Leslie said recently. “I’ve tried, but I can’t do anything else. It’s in my blood.” Leslie has served as the director of the
“They took me to see everything from rock-n-roll to opera,” he recalled. Being surrounded by such a diverse mix of
passion,” he explained; “figuring out how to get performances on stage.” Leslie went on to earn his master’s degree
the arts, it was inevitable that Leslie would
from the University of Texas at Austin Fine
Concert Hall for four years and in that time
choose a career path that led him to the
Arts College in Theater Technology. He also
has seen it evolve into something powerful
stage and performing halls. However, this
worked as a theater professor at the
and enlightening. As home to the San Juan
didn’t happen the way one might expect.
University of Evansville in Indiana as well as a
Symphony Orchestra, the Concert Hall also
After high school, he attended Lyon College
visiting professor at the University of
hosts an eclectic mix of artists and
in Arkansas where he majored in theater and
Washington in Seattle. He eventually made
performers. With performances ranging from
earned his Bachelor of Arts. He acted in
his way back to Austin, where he worked as
Big Bad Voodoo Daddy’s big band music to
several college performances, but his insa-
the production manager at UT Austin. There
the Diavolo Dance Theater to African pop
tiable curiosity drove him more and more to
Leslie learned not only how to put together
stars, there’s something for everybody.
the production and management side of the
a stellar performance, but how the arts
business.
could touch and transform people.
“Durango is a really vibrant arts
76 | MAJESTIC LIVING | WINTER 2012
“Live performances can entertain you the way that nothing else can,” Leslie said. “You can escape, be transported. They touch people in ways that can change lives, change paths.” For Leslie, one such “life altering” experience came when he saw the Buena Vista Social Club performance live in Austin in 2000. The Buena Vista Social Club was a “members-only club” in Havana, Cuba, that was a popular location for musicians to meet and play during the 1940s and early 1950s. The era saw the birth of the jazz influenced mambo, the charanga, and dance forms such as the pachanga and the cha-cha-cha, as well as the continued development of traditional
content in Austin. Still, he wondered if there
order to have the money required for
Afro-Cuban musical styles such as rumba.
was more. His curiosity drove him to
operations and general management. He also
However, as part of the fallout of the Cuban
consider the possibility that his talents might
must ensure that the hall is in top shape,
Revolution (1953-1956) the club was closed
be needed elsewhere and that there was
whether that be oiling a squeaking door
and the musicians forbidden to perform.
more to learn. Little did he know at the time
hinge, replacing light bulbs or fixing the air
that his path would lead him to the Four
conditioning. He has to have his hands in
Corners and Durango.
everything to ensure that Durango and the
“They either performed the ‘wrong’ kind of music or may have been out of political favor,” Leslie explained. “The (Cuban) government wanted to promote more traditional styles of music.” “When we presented them, some of the
“I thought I would never leave Austin,” he said. “I was happy there.” He began looking and soon came across
surrounding areas have access to quality and varied entertainment. “It keeps it really exciting and
the Fort Lewis Community Concert Hall
interesting,” Leslie laughs, adding that the
musicians had not performed publicly since
posting seeking a director. “I fell in love
“mundane daily tasks” are just part of the
the 1950’s and many were in their ’70s,
with the people and the campus,” he said of
performances.
’80s and ’90s,” he added. “Even with that,
Durango and Fort Lewis College. The
the performance was excellent and one had
Concert Hall hadn’t been operational for
Durango, Leslie and his “wonderful” crew
a feeling we would never see these
very long and the fledgling program had
have engaged a variety of performances and
performers again. It was truly an once-in-a-
plenty of room to grow and develop. Leslie
artists for the Community Concert Hall. The
lifetime experience. I guess it was life alter-
found the possibility of being able to create
600-seat Community Concert Hall hosts
ing because it showed me how music and
and build something special very exciting.
local, regional, and national music, comedy,
cultures connect across time and distance.” Leslie spent nine years at UT Austin. Part of that time he was the associate director for the Fine Arts College and served one
“It was one of those things that was so at-
In the four years since coming to
drama, lecture, and dance acts in an
tractive to me,” he said. “So, when they
“intimate setting.” This season alone will
made the offer, I jumped in.”
feature the State Street Ballet’s Nutcracker,
However, Leslie’s job is not just about
The Josh Abbot Band, the Second City
year as the program’s interim director.
putting on lavish performances and enter-
comedy troop, and Oliver Mtukudzi and the
Presented with opportunity to apply for the
taining the masses. As the Hall’s director,
Black Spirits. Mtukudzi is a Zimbthere is a
director’s position, Leslie couldn’t do so
Leslie wears many hats. Not only is he is
larger art world out there.
without looking at all of his options. With a
responsible for booking the artists and
wife, three grown stepchildren and a
performers, but he must secure the necessary
people and I care about getting the arts in
daughter, who lived in Oregon, Leslie was
funds and obtain corporate sponsorships in
front of people,” he said.
“The arts can open the world up to
WINTER 2012 | MAJESTIC LIVING | 77
M L
Coolest Things
Running out of ideas? In trying to save you a bit of head-scratching, we’ve lined up a few “inventive” items. This year, instead of the typical tools for dad and sweater for mom, we’re hoping to help you think outside the box. A few of these items are way outside the box, but they are gifts your loved ones will talk about for years. Whether they will discuss how much they loved the gift, or wonder when you went off the deep end with your gift giving, really depends on you and how well you know your loved ones. No matter what you end up buying, it’s the thought that counts. Enjoy!
Thought provoking gifts ’Tis the season!
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Honoring Heroes
Healing Fields Flags This year our community will have an opportunity to purchase an American flag and dog tag to honor loved ones who are veterans or members of the armed services our everyday heroes. The flag and dog tag will also be on display during the 2013 Flags of Remembrance Healing Fields. The gift purchase includes a gift box that contains a personalized dog tag similar to the one that will be on display next year. Then, when the flag display is over, the flag and an additional dog tag will go home with the gift recipient. People who wish to purchase this gift can visit Third Axis, 4250 E. Main St., Suite B; Southwest Soccer Sports, 2020 N. Sullivan Ave.; Four Corner Community Bank locations, and Oil & Gas Equipment in Flora Vista. $60
78 | MAJESTIC LIVING | WINTER 2012
2
no matter wHere you go, tHere you are!
Hand-stitched City Quilt Haptic Lab Website: www.hapticlab.com This beautiful, heirloom-quality quilt features a hand-stitched map of a major world city. Made of 100 percent durable cotton, these one-of-akind custom Soft-Maps can also be commissioned for any place on earth, at any scale: the small town you grew up in, the city or country you're lonely for, or the college campus where you met your mate. These functional art pieces make unforgettable wedding and anniversary gifts and are heirlooms meant to last for generations. Each custom quilt is crafted entirely by hand in Brooklyn and takes 200+ hours to complete. The quilt fits a full to king size bed and are machine washable in cold water. Cost is contingent upon map scale and detail. Price start at $450
3
time waits for no one
4
colorful conversations
Flat Life Clock www.gnr8.biz
Native Union Pop Phone Website: www.westelm.com
No you’re not in an alternate universe or dreaming, you’ve just gone from 3D to 1D. If you have one of those crazy relatives that likes weird stuff, admit it, we all have one, the Flat Life Clock could be the perfect gift. This clock is a flat picture of a clock that’s actually a fully functioning clock. A clever play on form vs. function, the two-dimensional image performs as if it were the three-dimensional object. Dimensions: 23.5" x 16.5" x .25"
Retro redux! Brought to you by tech designers Native Union, these colorful Pop Phones work with most mobile devices, including iPhones and iPads. The flexible cord and embedded noise reduction technology make it easy to chat just about anywhere. The phone has a high-quality speaker and is made of soft-touch plastic. It includes a 3.5mm jack ad is 3”w x 4”d x 10”.
$149
$29
6 5
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frosty brews for the man cave
Brew Master 11-Cubic-Foot Fridge With Draft System www.brookstone.com If you’ve just won the lottery or inherited a bunch of money, this is the perfect splurge for yourself or the beer drinker in your life. Now you can have a Northstar retro-funky fridge with a factory-installed Brew Master draft system, including through-the-door tap dispenser, coupler, connections, CO2 cylinder, retro splashback and drip tray. Add a keg of your favorite brew, pull the tap, sit back and chill. Some shelves can remain in the fridge (depending on fridge model and keg size) for fresh foods and beverages. All shelves can be replaced when keg is not installed. Size: 32.5"L x 24.2"W x 62"H $3,520.99
6
these paintings speak volumes
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sometimes pain is a good thing
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i promise to. . .
Voice Art www.voiceartgallery.com
MessengerBag SPIKED www.rknewyork.com
I (thou) Ring www.oneoriginjewelry.com
Have you ever found it difficult to find the right gifts to express your feelings? With Voice Art, you can transform your favorite saying into a masterpiece, ready to hang on the wall for you and others to admire. Our canvas giclée (zheclay) prints are 100 percent personalized, because, like a fingerprint, your voice is unique to you. There are no two alike! They are made from museum quality archival certified canvas that comes with our quality guarantee. With each print you can download a Certificate of Authenticity and the recording that created the artwork.
Why spikes? Well, maybe your significant other has read Fifty Shades of Grey, black leather is their thing, they love medieval times and a mace is too heavy, or you want them to have a weapon but guns are too dangerous. Whatever the reason, this SPIKED messenger bag offers the wearer that amazing edge without the in-your-face aesthetics that the shiny nickel hardware on some of our other bags give the wearer. The bag can be worn as a crossbody, at forearm and/or held in hand. If your giftee is clumsy, include some bandages and the parameditcs emergency phone number with the bag until they are comfortable carrying this leather gift/weapon.
If your loved one is on the softer, more demure side, here’s the opposite – and cheaper – alternative to the spiked messenger bag. Give her the unexpected, romance gift. Have your vows or love letters bound together and custom made into a ring that she can wear. The I (thou) Ring is perfect for celebrating your special occasions. Just remember that now, when you’re in an argument, she has written proof “at hand” to prove what you said. This is a great, beautifully crafted, one-of-a-kind gift.
Starting at $75
$200
$950
WINTER 2012 | MAJESTIC LIVING | 79
happenings
12 12
whAT TO dO, SEE ANd ENJOY AROUNd ThE AREA
dECEMBER 22 LIVE NAVAJO NATIVITY This annual live nativity uses traditional Navajo apparel and live animals. The Nativity scene is presented entirely by children, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Four Corners Home for Children, 2103 W. Main St. in Farmington. Information: 505.325.0255, 888.325.0255 or www.navajoministries.org dECEMBER 31 ROSES IN wINTER NEw YEAR’S EVE BALL Music will be provided by Nite Owl Band with wine tasting by St. Clair Winery. Appetizers, cash bar and a sit-down dinner, live auction, pay to play games, promstyle photos, champagne toast make up the fun at the Courtyard by Marriott starting at 7 p.m. Masks are optional and one-of-a-kind hand decorated masks are available for donation. Tickets: $100 per person. Information: 505.325.3549 or amber@FamilyCrisisCenter.org
80 | MAJESTIC LIVING | wINTER 2012
JANUARY 30 TO FEB. 3 SNOwdOwN 2013 GET YOUR GEEk ON! Snowdown is Durango's annual Winter Celebration. A costume party, parade, follies, and annually changing theme make this four-day winter party the most wonderful time of the year. The 2013 theme is “Get Your Geek On!” Mark your calendar, and start getting ready for Snowdown, which takes place throughout Durango, Colo., Jan. 30 through Feb. 3, 2013! For more information, visit Snowdown.org.
happenings
PERFECTLY MEMORABLE EVENTS START HERE For nearly a decade, Durango Party Rental has helped brides, businesses and planners host extraordinary events. You can enjoy the party, knowing we’ve thought of everything. For a lakeside ceremony with
a mountain view, consider our favorite venue, LePlatt’s Pond. Relax and enjoy your wedding, knowing DPR has thought of everything. One-stop convenience: Illuminarts Photography
Weddings, conferences & special events U Expert planner & certified bridal consultant U Elegant all-weather tents U
LePlatt’s Pond venue New Farmington showroom U Largest selection of party items U Horse-drawn bridal carriage U U
Mention this ad and receive a FREE GIFT with any rental of $100 or more. Allison Ragsdale Photography
We put it all together perfectly. FarmingtonPartyRental.com U 505.566.3704 DurangoPartyRental.com U 970.259.6009
FEBRUARY 16 VAlEntinE tRAin Experience Romance on the Rails from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Durango Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad provides Turn of the century ambiance with your loved one onboard a Premium or Deluxe-Class car as it travels along the Animas River. For more information visit www.durangotrain.com.
Visit our Farmington Showroom! Thru the Lens Photography
FEBRUARY 26 MontY PYthon’s sPAMAlot Lovingly ripped off from the classic film comedy Monty Python and the Holy Grail, SPAMALOT is a new musical with an entirely new score created by Eric Idle and John DuPrez, telling the legendary tale of King Arthur and his Knights of the Round Table, and featuring a bevy of beautiful show girls, not to mention cows, killer rabbits and French people. The Farmington Civic Center Foundation for the Performing Arts is pleased to sponsor this exciting Tony Winner Best Musical 2005 at 7:30 p.m. in the Miriam M. Taylor Theater at the Farmington Civic Center, 200 W. Arrington St.,. Ticket prices: $40, $35, $30, $20. Tickets: webtrac.fmtn.org. Info: 505.599.1148 WintER 2012 | MAJESTIC LIVING | 81
ADVERTISERS DIRECTORy Animas Credit Union........................18 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 ............76 424 E. Main St. Farmington, N.M. 505-327-5077 www.armstrongcouryinsurance.com
Directory Plus.................................81 108 W. Main St. Farmington, N.M. 505-326-6651 www.directoryplus.com
Harmony Naprapathic.....................71 8100 E. Main St. Farmington, N.M. 505-327-0086 www.harmonynaprapathic.com
Dirt Bandits Sweeping.....................73 101 E. Piñon St. Farmington, N.M. 505.326.0111 www.dirt-bandit.com
Howard’s Cleaners..........................47 Partners Assisted Living.........32 & 71 313 N. Locke Ave. 1601 N. Dustin Farmington, N.M. Farmington, N.M. 505-325-9600 505-325-5931 www.partnerassistedliving.com I Live True 22 .................................44 Pelle Laser Spa.........................4 & 75 4251 E. Main St. 5920 E. Main St., Suite B Farmington, N.M. Farmington, N.M. Inside Ideas ....................................55 505-326-1623 www.pellespa.com 2632 E. Main Street
Durango Party Rental......................81 970-259-6009 www.durangopartyrental.com
Basin Home Health .........................50 200 N. Orchard Avenue Farmington, N.M. 505-325-8231 www.basinhomehealth.com
Edward Jones/Dennis Gross ............23 2713 E. 20th Farmington, N.M. 505-325-5938 www.edwardjones.com
Basin Occupational & Urgent Care ....... ..............................................24 & 61 1308 E. 20th Street Farmington, N.M. 505-324-0149 www.basinhealth.com
Edward Jones/Marcia F. Phillips.......63 4801 N. Butler Ave., Suite 7101 Farmington, N.M. 505-326-7200 www.edwardjones.com
Beehive Homes...............................62 400 & 404 N. Locke Farmington, N.M. 508 N. Airport Dr. Farmington, N.M. 505-427-3794 Budget Blinds ...................................2 825 N. Sullivan Ave. Farmington, N.M. 505-324-2008 City of Farmington..........................27 Great Lakes Airlines Farmington, N.M. 1-800-554-5111 www.flygreatlakes.com ConocoPhillips ..................................9 www.conocophillips.com DeNae’s Boutique...........................26 3030 E. Main Farmington, N.M. 505-326-6025 Defined Fitness...............................33 1700 E. 20th Street Farmington, N.M. 505-325-3555 www.defined.com Dependable Maytag........................23 2800 E. 20th Farmington, N.M. 505-327-2800 www.farmingtonmaytag.com Desert Hills Dental Care ....................5 2525 E. 30th St. Farmington, N.M. 505-327-4863 866-327-4863 www.deserthillsdental.com
Faver’s Homes................................18 1028 W. Main St. Farmington, N.M. 505-327-9631 800-304-9860 First Financial Credit Union .............39 4919 E. Main St. Farmington, N.M. 505-327-4478 www.ffnm.org The Floor Trader.............................40 5013 E. Main St., Farmington, NM 87402 505-325-8800 Four Corners Community Bank ........15 Farmington, N.M. 505-327-3222 New Mexico 970-565-2779 Colorado www.TheBankForMe.com Four Corners Orthodontics..............16 3751 N. Butler Ave. Farmington, N.M. 505-564-9000 1-800-4Braces www.herman4braces.com
Farmington, N.M. 505-326-0713 www.InsideIdeas.net JA Jewelers......................................67 4005 E. Main Street Farmington, N.M. 505-599-9400 www.jajewels.com
Preferred Homecare .......................39 2844 E. Main St., Suite 105 Farmington, N.M. 505-325-9868
Pinon Hills Community Church...........3 Pinon Hills Community Charities 5101 N. Dustin Avenue Farmington, N.M. Le Petit Salon..................................50 505-325-4541 406 Broadway Presbyterian Medical Services.........44 Farmington, N.M. Farmington Community Health Center 505-325-1214 1001 W. Broadway Metal Depot ....................................54 Farmington, N.M. 505-327-4796 505-564-8077 www.pms-inc.org www.metaldepots.com Mortgage Solutions ........................34 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
R.A. Biel Plumbing & Heating ..........41 Farmington, N.M. 505-327-7755 www.rabielplumbing.com Raindrops.......................................45 4001 E. Main St. Farmington, N.M. 505-327-7425
Natalie’s for Her, Him, Home ...........83 Reliance Medical Group...................66 4301 Largo, Suite H 3451 N. Butler Ave. Farmington, N.M. Farmington, N.M. www.nataliesonline.com 505-566-1915 www.reliancemedicalgroup.com Navajo Prepatory School ................25 1220 W. Apache St. Royal Floor .....................................22 Farmington, N.M. 2021 E. 19th Street 505-326-6571 Farmington, N.M. www.navajoprep.com 505-327-0476
Francisca’s Restaurant ....................32 1000 N. Butler Farmington, N.M. 505-324-9095
Nearly Famous Totally Glamorous ...55 2501 E. 20th St., Suite 4 Hutton Plaza Farmington, N.M. 505-325-8360 505-325-6266
Graff Orthodontics..........................31 3180 N. Butler Farmington, N.M. 505-327-4884 www.graffortho.com
Next Level Home Audio & Video......63 1510 E. 20th St., Suite A Farmington, N.M. 505-327-NEXT www.327NEXT.com
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Parker’s Inc. Office Products...........65 714-C W. Main St. Farmington, N.M. 505-325-8852 www.parkersinc.com
Sage Family Practice.......................30 3751 N. Butler Ave. Farmington, N.M. 505-324-1240 San Juan Nurseries .........................51 800 E. 20th St. Farmington, N.M. 505-326-0358 www.sanjuannurseries.com San Juan Regional Medical Center ...19 Full Engagement Training Farmington, N.M. 505-609-2171 www.fullengagementtraining.com
San Juan United Way.......................16 505-326-1195 www.sjunitedway.org Sleep-n-Aire ...................................69 3650 Iles Ave. Farmington, N.M. 505-326-2811 www.sleepairemattress.com Southwest Concrete Supply.............66 2420 E. Main Farmington, N.M. 505-325-2333 Southwest Obstetrics and Gynecology. .......................................................72 622 W. Maple St., Suite 1 Farmington, N.M. 505-325-4898 Spotless Solutions ..........................17 505-326-4755 www.spotlesssolutions.com Starfire Fireplace ............................38 2616 E. Main St. Farmington, N.M. 505-327-3657 State Farm Insurance......................30 www.statefarm.com Sundance Dental Care.................6 & 7 Locations in Farmington, Bloomfield, Kirtland & Gallup 505-407-0087 www.sundancesmile.com Tony Bennett Photography .............70 505-793-6832 www.TonyBennettPhotography.com Tri City Auto Sales...........................58 836 Hwy. 516 Flora Vista, N.M. 505-320-1511 Ute Mountain Casino .........................46 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......................14 801 W. Main St. Farmington, N.M. 505-327-9967 Ziems Ford .....................................63 5700 E. Main Farmington, N.M. 505-325-8826
PRIUS v
44 Estimated MPG
1
PRIUS LIFTBACK
PRIUS c
51 Estimated MPG
53 Estimated MPG
2
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Toyota is the most fuel-efficient full-line automotive manufacturer.
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CAMRY HYBRID
CAMRY
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COROLLA
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5
6
RAV4
HIGHLANDER HYBRID
28 Estimated MPG
8
34 Estimated MPG
7
SIENNA
28 Estimated MPG
9
25 Estimated MPG
10
WEBB TOYOTA 3701 E. Main St., Farmington (505) 327-5900
And to make these great deals even better, every new Toyota comes with ToyotaCare,11 featuring a complimentary maintenance plan with roadside assistance.
Options shown. 12012 EPA-estimated MPG 44 city/40 highway/42 combined mileage for Prius v. Actual mileage will vary. 22012 EPA-estimated MPG 51 city/48 highway/50 combined mileage for Prius Liftback. Actual mileage will vary. 32012 EPA-estimated MPG 53 city/46 highway/ 50 combined mileage for Prius c. Actual mileage will vary. 4Based on NHTSA Final Industry MY10 CAFE data for Toyota Motor Sales. 52012 EPA-estimated MPG 43 city/39 highway/41 combined mileage for Camry Hybrid LE. Actual mileage will vary. 62012 EPA-estimated MPG 25 city/35 highway/28 combined mileage for Camry 4-cyl. Actual mileage will vary. 72012 EPA-estimated MPG 27 city/34 highway mileage for Corolla with manual transmission. Actual mileage will vary. 82012 EPA-estimated MPG 22 city/28 highway/24 combined mileage for RAV4 4-cyl. 2WD. Actual mileage will vary. 92012 EPA-estimated MPG 28 city/28 highway/28 combined mileage for Highlander Hybrid. Actual mileage will vary. 102012 EPA-estimated MPG 18 city/25 highway/21 combined mileage for Sienna V6 FWD. Actual mileage will vary. 11Covers normal factory-scheduled service for 2 years or 25K miles, whichever comes first. The new vehicle cannot be part of a rental or commercial fl eet. See participating dealer for complete plan details. Valid only in the continental United States and Alaska.
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