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contributors MarGarEt ChEasEbro has been a freelance writer for over 30 years. her articles have appeared in many magazines across the country. she was a correspondent for the albuquerque Journal and worked for several local newspapers. she has four published books of children’s puppet scripts. a former elementary school counselor, she is a reiki Master and practices several alternative healing techniques. she enjoys playing table tennis.
Dorothy Nobis has been a writer and editor for more than 25 years. she authored a travel guide, the insiders Guide to the Four Corners, published by Globe Pequot Press, and has been a frequent contributor to New Mexico Magazine.
Gail VaNik holds a ba in English and a Master's in international relations but was sidetracked from those career choices when she moved to the Four Corners region 16 years ago from lancaster, Pa. she and her husband, Vic, own Four seasons Greenhouse and Nursery in Dolores, but writing remains an interest and a passion. she has been a contributing writer for the telluride Watch, the Cortez Journal, and boomers and beyond, covering topics ranging from gardening advice to feature articles. Gail is also a regular contributor to industry specific publications such as today's Garden Center Magazine and lawn and Garden retailer, where she writes about topics such as inventory management and point of sale systems.
ViCky raMakka is retired from san Juan College where she directed programs and taught teacher education courses. Vicky and her husband reside north of aztec, where she does free-lance technical writing. Vicky says she meets the most fascinating people in the Four Corners area, and finds them always willing to share their expertise during interviews. she enjoys photographing the flora and fauna that reside in her ‘backyard’ which she considers any place within a mile walk. she is on the board of Directors of the aztec Museum and volunteers with the citizens’ steering committee to raise funds for a new animal shelter. Josh bishoP is a graduate of san Juan College with an associate degree in Digital Media arts and Design. he currently works at Majestic Media as a video producer and photographer.
WhitNEy hoWlE was born and raised in Farmington and is proud to call san Juan County home. the richness of the landscape and the diverse people, culture and traditions are a photographers dream. Whitney has his ba in Visual Communication from Collins College in tempe, ariz. he is a co-owner of howle Design and Photography—a family owned studio offering graphic design, photography, market research and consulting.
photographers
publisher Don Vaughan
Josh Bishop, Whitney Howle
editor Cindy Cowan Thiele
sales staff
designer Suzanne Thurman writers Dorothy Nobis, Margaret Cheasebro,
MAGAZINE Celebrating the lifestyle, Community and Culture of the Four Corners Vol. 7, No. 1 ©2014 by Majestic Media. Majestic Living is a quarterly publication. 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. 6 | MAJESTIC LIVING | WINTER 2014
Vicky Ramakka, Gail Vanik
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Majestic living welcomes story ideas and comments from readers. E-mail story ideas and comments to editor@majesticmediausa.com.
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winterfeatures:
10
True Partners
They sat side by side, close together, on the sofa in this comfortable home. They shared stories and memories, often finished each other’s sentences and read each other’s thoughts.
16
The Vanik’s are taking it personally
On a snowy day in the middle of January, a little girl bites into a vine-ripened tomato. Juice dribbling down her chin, she tells her mom, “These are better than candy!”
By Dorothy Nobis
By Gail Vanik
FOUR CORNERS’ 24 28 Holiday HAPPENINGS 32 34
Durango’s winter wonders Small town Colorado Christmas Holiday events
Traveling the World
The lure of foreign countries on his mind and with the desire to see new places, meet new people and explore the world, Shaun Connolly decided to make his dream of overseas travel come true. By Dorothy Nobis 8 | MAJESTIC LIVING | WINTER 2014
42
A chance at a better future
City of Farmington Municipal Judge Bill Liese is folksy, laid back, and comfortable with himself. That may be why he’s been so successful at improving the operation, accessibility and effectiveness of the municipal court. By Margaret Cheasebro
48
Zentangles intrigue
The art form, Zentangles, intrigues 16-year-old Ashley Parker. She’s so good at it that she won the national poster contest, Lights on Afterschool, with the technique. By Margaret Cheasebro
54
Gentling wild horses
Explorers and traders following the Old Spanish Trail during the early 1800s would have passed through Largo Canyon on their way from Santa Fe to Los Angeles. By Vicky Ramakka
66
It’s hard to say goodbye
In a quiet voice, quivering with emotion, Jinx Boli talked about losing six of her best friends. “I’m one of those people who feel like animals are people with little hairy disguises.” By Dorothy Nobis
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Living, loving and laughing in bulk
With seven children and another one on the way, things are never dull in the Brandy and Matthew James household. By Dorothy Nobis
Ballet in the sky
When Brian Astwood looks at the Parachuting Magazine to which he’s subscribed since 1973, he relives the thrill of sky diving. He participated in the sprot from 1969-1979 in Australia, Austria, Canada and the United States. By Margaret Cheasebro WINTER 2014 | MAJESTIC LIVING | 9
true
partners Scott and Tonya’s life path paved with trust, love and friendship Story by Dorothy Nobis | Photos by Whitney Howle
They sat side by side, close together, on the sofa in their comfortable home. They shared stories and memories, often finished each other’s sentences and read each other’s thoughts. They giggled at private jokes and there were subtle, affectionate pats on the leg. Tonya Farrow and Scott Eckstein just about didn’t date, let alone get married. While they knew each other – Scott was on the Bloomfield High School Wrestling
Team and Tonya was an Aztec High School cheerleader – their lives crossed paths, but never connected until after high school. After graduating from high school, Tonya went to Las Cruces to attend New Mexico State University. Scott, two years older, had completed his training at the police academy in Santa Fe and was a law enforcement officer with the Bloomfield Police Department. One summer,
when Tonya was home from college, the two met up at a local restaurant. “I recognized her and I struck up a conversation,” Scott remembered. “I gave him my phone number and I wanted him to call me,” Tonya said. Scott called and left messages, but Tonya never got them. Tonya decided there was one way to find out what Scott was doing – she drove above the speed limit, but even that ploy didn't work.
“We both thought we had blown each other off,” Tonya said. “I called the office and left him a message.” It was then that she discovered Scott had been transferred to the detective unit. Scott received that message and they had their first date just before Thanksgiving. “By Christmas, we knew we were meant for each other,” Scott said, “and we wanted to get married.” Tonya was in nursing school at NMSU and transferred to San Juan College to complete her degree. Nursing wasn’t her first career choice, however. “I majored in Crop and Soil Sciences, and I worked at the BHP Billiton Mine (west of Farmington) in the summer,” she said. “But when my sister was in an automobile accident and in the hospital, I sat with her so the nurses wouldn’t restrain her because of her head injury, and I’d talk to the nurses at night.” In spite of her other desire to be a diesel mechanic (“I had junk cars I worked on all the time,” she explained), “God knew that’s (nurs-
ing) what I needed to do.” Tonya was 22 and Scott was 24 when they got married on August 11, 1990. “We’ve been married now for 24 years,” Scott said, adding with a grin “and it’s taken us that long to get to know each other.” The couple said they argued more as a young couple. “We were both learning how not to be single and where our place in the marriage was,” Scott said. “The longer you’re married, the stuff that bothered you at the first of the marriage goes away. You become dependent on each other. I need her (Tonya) to get by. We really truly have a partnership. As time goes on, we’ve become more of a couple and less as individuals.” “She’s very thoughtful,” Scott said of his wife, patting her knee. “Every night on her way home, she calls to see if I need anything. Tonya’s my best friend. She’s very thoughtful, she’s sweet and she really does her best to take care of me and the family.” “And,” he added with a loving glance at his
wife, “she does a good job with it.” “Scott’s my partner and he’s so dependable,” Tonya said. “I know what to expect from him. He’s caring and he’s a God loving man. I know he loves God and that’s one of the things that attracted me to him and it was a prerequisite.” “And he was hot and good looking and godly as a bonus,” she added with a laugh. The couple attributes their solid marriage not just to good, but to great, communication. They discuss everything, they bounce ideas off each other and they share their professional worlds with each other. And these days, they have a lot to talk about. In 1994, Scott was still working for the Bloomfield Police Department. “We got these new cars and they were Tauruses,” he said. “I asked the police chief how come we got them and he said they were what the (Bloomfield City) Council decided on. So I decided, at some point, to run for City Council so we could get some good cars.”
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In 1995, Scott left the Bloomfield Police Department and began working for the San Juan County Sheriff’s Office. In 2004, he asked then Sheriff Bob Melton if he could run for the Bloomfield City Council, and when told he could, he did run and was elected. In 2006, the Bloomfield mayor decided not to seek re-election and Scott decided that would be his next political move. He ran and was elected. In 2008, Scott, now retired from the Sheriff’s office, was asked by the then Chair of the San Juan County Republican Party, Rod Montoya, to run for the San Juan County Commission. “I had the desire to continue serving the public and I was retired, so I had the time to devote to it (the County Commission)” he said. He was elected and is in his second term as a commissioner. For almost six years, Scott served as Bloomfield’s mayor and as a County Commissioner. “There was just one time that I had to abstain from a vote – when the Commission voted on Bloomfield annexing county land,” he said,
14 | MAJESTIC LIVING | WINTER 2014
“We’ve been married now for 24 years, and it’s taken us that long to get to know each other.” — Scott Eckstein adding that Bloomfield and county residents in his district often comment on his ability to be fair and do what’s best for the city and the county. “I vote my conscience, and I can’t be bullied (into voting one way or another),” he said proudly. “There are pressures and there are issues. And I’m not afraid to stand alone (in a vote). It can be stressful doing what I believe in and doing the right thing.” But it isn’t just Scott who’s been pulled into the political arena. As his wife – and his partner – Tonya is also involved. “I never dreamed this would be my fate,” Tonya said. “When I married Scott those many years ago, I had no idea the path our lives would take.”
Tonya has worked for San Juan Regional Medical Center for 23 years and loves her career. And while she is busy, she enjoys the responsibilities that come with being a mayor/commissioner’s wife. “Scott has gotten me into a lot of stuff,” Tonya said with a huge grin at her husband. “I’ve gotten in on (the) Get Pinked (campaign) and I’m an ambassador for Get Pinked. I believe in it and they’ll have a hard time ever getting rid of me!” In addition to the Get Pinked campaign, Tonya is always by her husband’s side at as many events as she can. They attend functions (some of them are after Tonya’s nursing shift, when she goes to the restroom dressed as a nurse and comes out in party clothes) and this year, worked with the city staff and volunteers to host Bloomfield’s Family Fourth celebration. Scott hedges when asked what he’ll do when his second term as County Commissioner ends in 2017. Being mayor and a County Commissioner has opened doors for him, Scott said, and if an opportunity presents itself to seek
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another elected position, he would likely take advantage of it. However, he is quick to say, he would never attempt to unseat an incumbent who has done a good job. “That’s selfish and self-serving,” he said. For Tonya, it’s all about what makes her partner and husband happy. Although, she admitted, it would be nice to actually use that big motorhome that sits by the garage, and the pool they haven’t used much “but hopefully, some day we will.”
First came love, then marriage, then the baby carriage (three times) and then, in the midst of it all, a political career that has embraced them both. They continue to seek the best for the citizens of Bloomfield and the citizens of San Juan County. “Politics isn’t a job,” Scott said. “It’s a lifestyle. It’s not a 9 to 5 job, and that’s what I’m here for.” And with his wife, his partner and his best friend by his side, they’ll be “here” together.
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The Vaniks are Taking iT personally Routine checkup paves the way for Winter Farmers Market Story and photos by Gail Vanik On a snowy day in the middle of January, a little girl bites into a vine-ripened tomato. Juice dribbling down her chin, she tells her mom, “These are better than candy!” A few feet away, someone is sampling home-baked goods. In another corner, a couple is buying the fresh greens for their dinner. And it’s all in your backyard at the newest offering on the local food scene – the Winter Farmer’s Market at Four Seasons Greenhouse and 16 | MAJESTIC LIVING | WINTER 2014
Nursery in Dolores. For many people, the initiative to get involved in the local food movement comes from a personal experience. For Four Seasons Greenhouse and Nursery, the journey into producing top quality, healthy, nutritious food has not only been a personal one, but it’s become a passion. It began in the fall of 2011. Vic Vanik, owner of Four Seasons, went
for a routine checkup, and during the course of that exam the doctor ordered routine blood work. When the results came back, it was discovered that his cholesterol was way above 200 – much higher than it should have been. The immediate response was to prescribe statins for him. Vic and his wife Gail talked about it, called the doctor back and said, “We’d like to try a different direction. We’d like to try to control this
through diet.” The doctor agreed, based on the fact that he leads an active, physical lifestyle, but she warned him not to expect much more than a 10 percent drop in the numbers. She said that it was probably hereditary and most of the time that’s the best you can expect from diet alone, but agreed that it
couldn’t hurt to try – for a while. They agreed that he would return for a checkup in six months. Vic went on a diet and Gail shares that “As someone who has never had to watch his weight or who has never had any other health concerns, it wasn’t a fun time at our house. In
fact, it got so bad that my folks at Four Seasons asked if they could just be laid off for the winter until he got through it. I told them, “Sorry, but no. If I have to suffer, so do you!” She continued, “We added lots of greens to our general diet. He gave up coffee, soft drinks, ice cream, chips – all of the things he shouldn’t have been eating anyway. Air popped popcorn, herbal tea, lean meat, and nuts became the staples in our house. With our son off to college, it was easy simply not to bring home the things that would be a temptation.” She added, “Although I am not a nutritionist, I was gestationally diabetic when I was pregnant and was able to control that through diet, so I had some sense of what we needed to do.” Four Seasons had been growing baby sunflower greens for several years and they ramped up that program and started playing with growing lettuce, spinach, tomatoes and a few other things in the greenhouse. Gail laughs, “I have to tell you, as much as he hated the diet, he loved eating vine-ripened tomatoes in the dead of winter!” Vic laughed, “The problem came when we were trying all of this – people would come in to buy a poinsettia and show great interest in the produce and want to buy that as well. I told them, “No, you can’t have that – that’s my dinner!” When he went back to the doctor in February for his follow-up blood work, his LDL cholesterol had dropped to an amazing 91. The doctor called and said she’d never seen anything like it and no medication was indicated at this time. But the Vaniks thought they might be on to something. With an increased interest in having a good, safe, local food supply, and with many people beginning to have health concerns, they thought it might be time to expand their business model. Vic has been a grower since 1972 and Gail says she’s rarely seen him as excited about a greenhouse project as he has been about this one. Last fall, Vic retrofitted many of their back growing greenhouses in order to grow more produce. The project took off and most of the nearly one acre that is under glass is full of produce this year. Several are now
18 | MAJESTIC LIVING | WINTER 2014
completely full of lettuce. Another holds other leafy cold crops. There are about 275 tomatoes planted. Spinach is ready for harvest, as are kale, Swiss chard, micro greens, and arugula. They have cucumbers, peppers, beet greens, broccoli, cabbage, and many other fresh, healthy offerings. “If things continue as they have, I believe we’ll be maxed out on space by next year,” Vic said. In addition to their own customers, Four Seasons supplies restaurants, local organic grocery stores, and four school districts, including Durango, with fresh produce to help to encourage children to eat healthier from a younger age. LiveWell Montezuma was instrumental in putting the pieces of that together by connecting them with the school districts. Vic says, “It’s a labor of love, but it’s also a great feeling knowing that we can help in feeding our community. You can call ahead any day and we’ll have it ready for you, or just show up. If what you want isn’t in the fridge, you can go along while we pick. You can’t get it any fresher than that!”
Perhaps the most exciting thing to come out of the Vanik’s venture into produce was the creation of a Winter Farmer’s Market. The original concept came from a friend of theirs who owns a garden center in New Hampshire and, with the addition of their own produce, it seemed to be the right time and a perfect fit. On Saturday mornings, from November through mid-March, the Winter Farmer’s Market at Four Seasons is a
busy, bustling place. “It’s now in its third year. The first year we tried it and we got the local producers and vendors involved at an early stage. At first we weren’t sure it was going to take off. At the first meeting, we only had one person show up!” Vic laughs. “For the first meeting this year, we already had all of the spots filled and now have a waiting list for January when we can open up more space once the Christmas shop
WINTER 2014 | MAJESTIC LIVING | 19
has been taken down.” He continued, “Saturday mornings get chaotic in a crazy, fun way. Many people come for breakfast, relax and read the paper in the warmth of the garden center, do their weekly produce shopping, then stay for lunch.” Producers throughout the area come together each week to sell their fresh produce, eggs, meat, home-baked goods, crafts and more. Some of the faces are favorites from the summer market, but others are new. Cecelia Berto sells her locally raised fresh USDA pork. Mitch and Joyce Periman have coffee and baked goods. Mary Beth Gentry, from Eagle Tree Farms, has fresh produce and eggs. W Lazy D Bison Company sells bison meat. Gerri Goodall from Bountiful Ridge Farm brings produce and baked goods. Sweet Water Gypsies bring their wood stove and make wood fired pizzas to order. Dragonfly Farms has fresh produce, tea and honey. Suzan Clifford makes savory soups, chili and breads. Gail Darling brings herbal products. Each market offers a variety of items with virtually something for anyone looking for fresh, local produce, meats and craft items. 20 | MAJESTIC LIVING | WINTER 2014
Vic says, “We are so excited about the Winter Market. For many of our vendors, it was a way to help support themselves and their families through the winter, while offering quality local products to the area. We really did end up with the ‘perfect storm.’” For the Vaniks, the Winter Market and produce expansion isn’t just another garden center offering. Instead, it’s the story of a personal journey. Gail cautions, “I’m not suggesting in any way that what we did would work for you – that would be up to you and your doctor to decide. But if you’re facing some of the same issues we have, a radical change in diet helped us. It certainly isn’t going to hurt, and to be able to get the freshest local food in the dead of a Colorado winter, well, that’s something pretty special.”
WINTER 2014 | MAJESTIC LIVING | 21
Holiday HAPPENINGS
FOUR CORNERS’
From the unique colors to the time-honored traditions, Christmas in the Southwest is special culturally and spiritually. With a blend of Native American spirituality, Hispanic tradition, Cowboy tradition, snow sports and desert fun, Christmastime offers luminarias/farilitos, red or green chilies, tamales, live nativity scenes and other unique food, colors, traditions and activities that you won’t find anywhere across the U.S. In the following pages we’ve given you a guide to all the sights and sounds our area has to offer.
FROM ALL OF US AT MAJESTIC MEDIA
Durango’s
winter wonders
A blanket of fresh powder cloaks the rugged mountains in Southwestern Colorado for Durango’s magical winter season! In addition to skiing and winter sports, our charming Colorado mountain town boasts a vibrant arts scene, relaxing natural hot springs, five craft breweries, scrumptious locally inspired cuisines, unique winter festivals, and more – all set in a quintessential Old West mountain town. With over a Dozen Vacations in One Destination, start planning your Colorado winter vacation at www.durango.org. 24 | MAJESTIC LIVING | WINTER 2014
Durango Mountain Resort Whether you choose to ski, snowboard, snowshoe, tube, sleigh or simply relax, Durango Mountain Resort (DMR) has it all. Recently named “Top 3 Livable Ski Towns” and “Best Ski Value in North America” for two years in a row, DMR knows how to create fun-filled winter adventures. With 88 trails across 1,360 skiable acres, the mountain offers prime skiing and snowboarding for beginners and advanced alike. New this year: The Burton Riglet Park, a terrain-based learning center in the base area, allows the youngest snowboarders, ages 3 through 6, to experience sliding on the snow. Lodging and lift value packages offer deep savings. From family-friendly events to beer tastings, DMR hosts entertaining festivities throughout the season.
Steampunk Snowdown January 28- February 1 Now in its 37th year, Snowdown is a longtime Durango tradition that brings locals and visitors together for a winter celebration guaranteed to chase away the winter blues. Parades, competitions, adults-only and children-friendly events combine to create a zany weeklong winter festival.
Winter wonders aboard the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad www.durangotrain.com • From Nov. 2014 – Jan. 2015, take a ride on the Polar Express. Based on the awardwinning book by Chris Van Allsburg, this winter ride is a magical journey for everyone on board. Sip hot cocoa while theatrical staff read the Polar Express, keep your eye open for The North Pole, reindeer and Santa Claus! • Experience the wonder of the wilderness in winter on the Cascade Canyon Train. • Enjoy brunch, live music and desserts on the New Year’s Train, Romance on the Rails on the Valentine’s Day Train, or practice your photography skills on breathtaking snowcapped wilderness aboard the Winter Photographers Train.
WINTER 2014 | MAJESTIC LIVING | 25
Winter waters Under snowy or sunshine skies, relax in a natural geothermal mineral bath at Trimble Spa & Natural Hot Springs. Take a hike along the Animas River Trail or try fly-fishing in the crisp waters of the Animas River. If you prefer to take it indoors, visit the Durango Rec Center’s indoor water park and pools.
Let the dogs be your guide Whisk through winter on a dog-powered exploration of the snowy peaks of Southwest Colorado. Durango Dog Ranch and Durango Mountain Resort offer dog sledding adventures and events all winter long. If you’re up for it, you will get a chance to drive the sled!
Sprinkle your winter holiday with history Whether your visit is a week, a night, an evening or a tour, be sure to visit the beautiful and historic lodgings in downtown Durango. The Strater Hotel, built in 1887, is decorated with period decor, beautiful handcrafted woodwork, and the largest collection of American Victorian walnut antiques. It recently received the prestigious “Historic Hotels of America Legendary Family Historic Hoteliers of the Year Award.” The Rochester Hotel and Leland House, built in 1927 and 1892 respectively, have been renovated by a mother and son team. The décor boasts original antiques and woodwork, as well as Western-movie themed rooms. The General Palmer, built in 1898, blends the comforts of modern living with Victorian charm in the heart of the historic downtown.
Arts in winter Take in Durango’s vibrant art scene during the holidays and winter season with the monthly First Thursday Art Walk, live performances at the Strater Theatre and Community Concert Hall at Fort Lewis College, live music at restaurants and local theater at the Durango Arts Center. The Durango Film celebrates a decade of independent film festivals in March of 2015. 26 | MAJESTIC LIVING | WINTER 2014
A hidden jewel in the arts and cultural world, Durango boasts over a dozen galleries that carry treasures from American Indians, Contemporary Western and Southwestern works of museum-quality art represented with sculptures, pottery, baskets, fine art photography and home furnishings.
Holiday festivities 2014 Local artisans gather every year for the annual Noel Night – a downtown evening of local delights, unique shopping, refreshments, free gift-wrapping, carolers, music and more. Mesa Verde decorates with luminarias for their Holiday Open House. For a complete list of Durango’s holiday events please visit our event calendar.
Durango Area Tourism Office The Durango Area Tourism Office is a notfor-profit organization operating with the mission to promote Durango and La Plata County’s multitude of tourism attractions, events and services. For more information, visit www.durango.org or call 970.247.3500.
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Colorado Christmas
The Southwestern holiday style of Dolores, Mancos and Cortez Story by Gail Vanik | Courtesy photos
A short drive away from the Farmington area is a place where Christmas magic abounds. From music to mesas to picturesque mountain towns, if you are looking for jolly holiday events, you may not have to look any further than your own backyard this season. Montezuma County is full of the spirit of the season!
Tucked away into the Four Corners region, the towns of Cortez, Dolores, and Mancos offer something for everyone throughout the months of November and December.
Dolores Shops Local Reminiscent of the mountain towns that helped build the state of Colorado, the charm-
ing town of Dolores will remind you of the true meaning of the word “local.” Their “Shop Local” promotion kicks the season off Nov. 29 and runs through Dec. 20. The Community Center hosts the Christmas Bazaar from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 6, where you’ll find all kinds of gifts and goodies for your holiday giving. If fine arts are more your
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style, wander over to the Dolores River Brewery. They hold a Fine Arts and Crafts Show on the same days and during the same times. On Saturday, Dec. 12, at 5:30 p.m. at the Galloping Goose Museum on Railroad Avenue, Santa will light the lights for their Yule Log Bonfire, and pass out cocoa, cookies and candy for the children. The lights will be up on the south side of the mountains surrounding the town and they are a festive and spectacular sight when viewed from Dolores. More information on the events in the Dolores area can be found on the Chamber of Commerce website at www.doloreschamber.com or by calling 970.882.4018.
Mancos has Christmas for Cowboys If you have never been to Mancos, be prepared to find a small town full of all the charm of yesteryear. If Christmas for cowboys is what you are seeking, then Mancos is the right place to find it. The Mancos Olde Fashioned Christmas celebration begins on Friday, Dec. 5, starting with the 6th Annual Christmas on the Trail and 4th Annual “Night of the Cowboy” western gear show and sale at the Goodnight Gallery from 5 to 7 p.m. The Rockin’ W Chuck
Wagon sets up in front of the gallery offering homemade chili, sopapillas and coffee. Inside you’ll find the work of Nathaniel’s – a western hatmaker – Ann Schwarting – western contemporary jewelry, and Steve Williams of Cowboy Forge. A custom spur maker, leather worker, and saddle maker join the artists on display. This event is entertaining, free, and open to the public. It’s the Goodnight Gallery’s way of thanking everyone for their support throughout the year. At 6 p.m. join the locals for the “Rudolph Run” – a two-mile fun run around downtown. It’s open to all ages. Costumes are encouraged for this fun-filled event, and it’s a great way to work off the chili and sopapillas! Add in a Christmas Cookie Contest at the Columbine Bar at 6:30 p.m. and an old-fashioned tree lighting, complete with a visit from Santa, at Pioneer Park at 7 p.m. Following the tree lighting, finish with a holiday movie at the Community Center, complete with treats, and you’ve got the perfect recipe for a fun-filled holiday evening. If Christmas music is what the holidays mean to you, enjoy the Mancos Valley Chorus at 3:30 p.m. Dec. 7 and 13, and again at 7 p.m. WINTER 2014 | MAJESTIC LIVING | 29
on Dec. 12 at the Mancos Valley United Methodist Church. This group has been singing together for a number of years and has become a holiday fixture in the community. They also will lift their voices in the spirit of the season in Cortez at the Cortez United Methodist Church at 7 p.m. on Dec. 9. Additional information on the holiday events in Mancos can be found on the Chamber’s website at www.mancoscolorado.com or by calling 970.533.7725.
Cortez decorates Main Street and lights up Mesa Verde Not to be outdone, Cortez holds a host of events in the weeks leading up to the holidays. The Parade of Lights is the epitome of small town holiday charm. Imagine Main Street in any small town during the holiday season. The store windows are gaily decorated. Decorations hang from the street lights. There’s a chill in the air. Then imagine the street completely dark except for the floats coming down the middle of the street, and you’ll have a good idea of what the Parade of Lights is like. Sponsored by the &
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Board of Realtors, a new theme is chosen each year and many of the businesses, civic groups, churches and youth groups in town participate. Prizes are given, so it’s a fun-filled and festive competition as each tries to outdo the other in their interpretation of that year’s theme. Each year is a delightful surprise as the floats are funny, religious, bright and bold, and sometimes outrageous. Some carry bands who lend their music to this festive celebration of the season. Some aren’t even floats, as horses, fire trucks, motorcycles and other modes of transportation – even reindeer – have been known to journey down Main Street during the Pa&
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rade. This year’s Parade of Lights will be held on Saturday, Dec. 6, down Main Street in Cortez and the theme this year is “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree.” The Parade kicks off at 6 p.m., but a word to the wise – get there long before that. People come early just to save the best spaces. If all of this doesn’t put you in the mood for the holiday season, there are two other events which have become holiday traditions in the area and aren’t to be missed. The first is the Luminaria Holiday Open House at Mesa Verde National Park. Held this year on
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Thursday, Dec. 4, the staff at the park hosts this yearly event from 4 to 9 p.m. All are invited to visit during the celebration which features special tours, musical entertainment and refreshments. However, the big draw is the luminaria display which lights up the pathways in the Park and Spruce Tree House. “Serene” is perhaps the best word to describe glowing luminarias in the winter air. The Chapin Mesa Archaeological Museum remains open until 9 p.m. and there is musical entertainment in the auditorium there throughout the evening. The Museum bookstore is open and admittance is free. Dress warmly and bring a flashlight if you plan to walk the paths. No Park admission fee is charged after 4 p.m. and more information can be obtained by calling the park at 970.529.4465. If you don’t care to drive the road up to the Park, there is an additional opportunity to enjoy the Southwestern luminaria tradition in the area. “Luminaria Night” at Four Seasons Greenhouse and Nursery, located halfway between Cortez and Dolores, is the most magical night of the year. Beginning at 5 p.m. on Dec. 13, enjoy over 1,000 luminarias, live musical entertainment by local community groups ranging from children’s choirs to the Four Corners Community Band, Santa, and refreshments. This annual evening is a popular attraction among many in the region and is free as a thank-you to all. Cortez, Dolores, and Mancos offer a number of wonderful hotels, bed and breakfasts, and motels in case the drive home after a day’s festivities seems a little daunting, or if the weather doesn’t cooperate. There is also a wide range of wonderful restaurants offering everything from steak to sushi. Whether it’s a Cowboy Christmas or the grace and quiet beauty of luminarias, there’s something for everyone in the Southwestern style in the Four Corners this holiday season. Enjoy the beauty found right in your own backyard and the local, friendly fun that comes from these small towns and the holiday mountain traditions surrounding them. WINTER 2014 | MAJESTIC LIVING | 31
HOLIDAY DECEMBER 3 - 6 FESTIVAL OF TREES Holiday entertainment presented by Presbyterian Medical Services. Come enjoy special events including Teddy Bear Tea, Storytelling, Fashions at the Festival luncheon, family night and much more, all at the Farmington Civic Center. Explore a winter wonderland amid an indoor forest of artfully decorated Christmas trees. Information: 505.599.1148
DECEMBER 4 FARMINGTON CHRISTMAS PARADE This annual lighted Christmas parade starts at 5:45 p.m. Parade route runs through Historic Downtown Farmington along Main Street. For parade applications and theme, call the Farmington Chamber of Commerce. Information: 505.325.0279
DECEMBER 5 RIVERGLO Looking for holiday cheer? Bundle up your family or invite that special someone for an unforgettable evening along the Animas River! Take in the beauty of hundreds of luminarias lighting the trails along the Animas River. Stop along the trail to enjoy carolers, musical performances, bonfires, a live nativity and, of course, Santa! This annual Farmington event takes place along the trails of Berg Park, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
DECEMBER 6 SAN JUAN COLLEGE LUMINARIAS Take part in a beautiful New Mexico tradition and walk or drive through one of the largest lumi32 | MAJESTIC LIVING | WINTER 2014
EVENTS naria displays in northwest New Mexico. Enjoy the luminarias, holiday music, carolers, hot chocolate, a star gaze and live nativity. Display illuminates the campus of San Juan College with thousands of candlelit paper sacks. San Juan College is located at 4601 College Blvd., Farmington. Red Apple Transit provides bus service through the display; call for details. Information: 505.566.3403
DECEMBER 6 SALMON RUINS HOLIDAY ARTS & CRAFTS FAIR Salmon Ruins brings together artisans from throughout the Four Corners to display and sell their wares at McGee Park off Hwy. 64, between Farmington and Bloomfield, N.M. Information: 505.632.2013
DECEMBER 6 HOLIDAY FAMILY CRAFT WORKSHOP The holidays are coming! Bring yourself or your whole family to the Farmington Recreation Center, 1101 Fairgrounds Road, and spend the morning from 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. creating fun and simple Christmas holiday cards, decorations, and gifts! Refreshments will be served and special door prizes will be given. Register no later than Thursday, December 5. Cost is $5. Information: 505.599.1184
DECEMBER 8 BLOOMFIELD CHRISTMAS PARADE Bloomfield, hosts the 7th annual lighted Christmas parade beginning at 6:30 p.m. Route starts at the Bloomfield High School. Information: 505.632.0880 OR www.bloomfieldchamber.info
DECEMBER 8 – JANUARY 2, 2015 BLOOMFIELD CELEBRATION OF LIGHTS Lighted Christmas displays create a wonderful winter wonderland at Salmon Park in Bloomfield, N.M., 501 N. 5th Street. The official lighting of the displays will be immediately after the Bloomfield Christmas parade. Information: 505.632.0880 or www.bloomfieldchamber.info
DECEMBER 11 EVENING OF LIGHTS AT AZTEC RUINS NATIONAL MONUMENT Wander through 2,000 luminarias lighting the historic Aztec Ruins National Park Visitor Center district from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. The Friends of Aztec Ruins will serve cookies and hot cocoa. The bookstore will stay open late and offer a 15 percent discount for holiday shopping. This event is free. 505.334.6174 or www.nps.gov/azru
DECEMBER 12 HOLIDAY ART WALK Come walk through Historic Downtown Farmington, from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., and celebrate the season with art receptions and open houses at many downtown locations. A wide variety of art from regional artists will be showcased throughout many of the downtown shops, galleries and restaurants. Art Walk maps will be available at participating locations. The Art Walk is coordinated by the Farmington Downtown Association and sponsored by Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Affairs. Information: 505.599.1419
DECEMBER 13 CHRISTMAS ARTS & CRAFTS Enjoy shopping for unique and handmade arts and crafts at the Farmington Indian Center. The sale is open to all vendors and buyers alike. This is an opportunity to meet with friends, find a little creative inspiration and wrap up holiday shopping – or in most cases, get started! Information: 505.327.6296
DECEMBER 16 BLOOMFIELD SANTA IN THE PARK From 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Salmon Park in Bloomfield, N.M., visit with Santa Claus and receive a free picture with Santa and his elves. Refreshments will take the chill off and luminaria to light the way round out this holiday event. Information: 505.632.0880
DECEMBER 20 REINDEER ROMP Join us for a little holiday cheer and participate in the 5K Reindeer Romp or the 2-mile North Pole Stroll! Held at Orchard Plaza in Historic Downtown Farmington from 4 p.m. to 6
p.m., this is a family friendly event with children’s winter carnival games, live holiday music, hot chocolate, hot apple cider, holiday cookies, and a chance to see Santa! Information: 505.599.1184
DECEMBER 21 WINTER SOLSTICE The Farmington Public Library has hosted the annual Winter Solstice Celebration for the Four Corners area since 2003, making use of the library’s architectural features which include solstice markers that were carefully calibrated and carved into the sandstone floor. Information: 505.599.1270 or www.infoway.org
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DECEMBER 23 LIVE NAVAJO NATIVITY This annual live nativity uses traditional Navajo clothing and live animals. The Nativity scene is presented entirely by children at the Four Corners Home for Children, 2103 W. Main St., in Farmington, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Information: 505.325.0255, 888.325.0255 or www.navajoministries.org
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TRAVELING THE WORLD The hardest part of the journey is the first step out the door Story by Dorothy Nobis | Photos by Josh Bishop and Courtesy photos The lure of foreign countries on his mind, and with the desire to see new places, meet new people and explore the world, Shaun Connolly decided to make his dream of overseas travel come true. Connolly wanted to begin his travels before he graduated from Michigan State College, but his father offered a suggestion he couldn’t turn down. “He said if I’d wait until I graduated,
he’d buy my plane ticket,” Connolly said. Connolly also took advantage of a yearlong work visa that would allow him to work in New Zealand. His dad’s gift of a flight to New Zealand, where Connolly planned to begin his adventure, was changed, however, when he decided first to spend some time in the Cook Islands and Fiji. With just $700 in his pocket, this adventure
wasn’t going to include first class hotels or expensive meals. What it would provide, however, was the beginning of the trip of a lifetime. “I worked on a sugar cane plantation in Fiji,” Connolly said. “I was traveling on a shoestring and I didn’t have a lot of financial resources, so I needed to work. I worked for room and board for a month, and then went to the Cook Islands.” WINTER 2014 | MAJESTIC LIVING | 35
36 | MAJESTIC LIVING | WINTER 2014
In the Cook Islands, Connolly discovered white sands, crystal clear water and a peace that comes from being in a remote area. With winter in New Zealand ending, Connolly continued his journey and discovered Russell, New Zealand, in the Bay of Islands, where a couple was building a resort. “The resort was to be a very highend boutique resort,” Connolly explained, “and the couple needed people to help build it from the ground up.” Hired as a bartender, Connolly quickly moved into the position of manager for the resort’s wine cellar, the third largest in New Zealand. But it wasn’t just the opportunity to be part of an amazing project that captured Connolly’s interest. It was a pretty brunette who was the general manager of the resort’s restaurant. Kereth Ellison, a graduate of Auck-
“We saved our pennies and we went to Australia, Southeast Asia, India and Europe.” — Kereth Connolly land University in New Zealand, was also interested in travel. She had just returned from spending several years in London and was part of the young group who was working for the Kamakura Resort in its early stages. The couple who owned the resort took a liking to Connolly and Ellison, Kereth said, because, “They saw us as a young version of themselves.” “Minus the extreme wealth (the older couple had),” Connolly chimed in with a laugh. It didn’t take Connolly long to move beyond his bartending duties.
WINTER 2014 | MAJESTIC LIVING | 37
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Our building has changed. Our dedication remains the same. The new Farmington Community Health Center is now open. Presbyterian Medical Services (PMS) has cared for our community for more than 30 years. We’re excited to announce the grand opening of our new, state-of-the-art facility. With 36 exam rooms, we’re able to care for even more patients of all ages. We provide one-stop access to primary care, pediatrics, dental services, psychiatric care, behavioral health, labs, pharmacy services, and veteran services.
Learn how PMS is improving care in San Juan County at pmsnm.org.
Farmington Community Health Center
1001 West Broadway Avenue, Suite E, Farmington, NM 87401 | 505-327-4796 | pmsnm.org HOURS: Monday-Friday, 7am-6pm . Additional Primary Care hours, Saturday, 7am-5pm. Accepting Medicare, Medicaid, most private insurances and a sliding fee scale for those who qualify.
38 | MAJESTIC LIVING | WINTER 2014
He took over the financials of the $25,000 a night resort, while Ellison continued managing the restaurant. The friendship between the two grew and they decided it was time to continue Connolly’s journey together. “Determined to make it around the world, we headed west,” Ellison said. “We saved our pennies and we went to Australia, Southeast Asia, India and Europe.” June 14, 2002, found the couple in Vietnam. “Shaun proposed to me on a beach in Vietnam on Flag Day,” Ellison said. With the adventure – and the year – ending, the couple decided to go home to Detroit for their wedding. The couple’s wedding registry was a bit unusual, they both said with smiles. “We came back to the states with nothing,” Shaun said. “We had a lot of paper products on our registry.” Connolly went to work for HSBC bank, but he and Ellison grew weary of the cold weather in Michigan. “We decided we wanted to live in the Southwest,” Shaun said. “When the recession hit in 2006, we knew we needed to get away from the economic slide and the weather.” Shaun monitored the openings HSBC posted
“The hardest thing (about traveling) is to walk out the front door. There’s never been a shortage of excuses of why not to travel.” — Shaun Connolly and when a position opened in Farmington, N.M., “we didn’t want to miss an opportunity to go to our target region.” In 2009, the financial crisis hit and HSBC laid off 12,000 people in one day. “I wanted to go out on my own,” Shaun explained. “We loved Farmington and we loved the opportunity to start a business of our own.” Connolly Financial was formed in that same year, and the Connolly family had grown by two – sons, Jameson, now 9, Griffin, now 7. “We thought about moving back to New Zealand,” Shaun said. “But we love the quality of life in New Mexico. We love the weather, we love to hike, camp, fish and golf. We love the variety of different things to do here and all the things we can do in three hours – the changes of topography, geography and weather.” Connolly Financial has been successful and the couple has never regretted their decision to move to Farmington and stay. Keeping their sons in touch with their grandparents in New Zealand is a priority, however.
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“We went back to New Zealand last summer,” Kereth said. “The kids and I stayed all summer and Shaun came for two weeks. My family loves it when we’re there.” “We want our kids to know the wonderful quality of life in New Zealand,” Shaun added. “It’s wonderful for them to travel internationally at a young age, and we want them to identify with both cultures and countries.” Living in their dream location of Farmington, the Connollys still get bitten by the travel bug. “All the time,” Shaun said with a laugh, about the lure of traveling. Because of the people they met and the things they saw and did, the Connollys encourage everyone who dreams of seeing the world to make that dream come true. “We wouldn’t change it (the travel) for the world,” Shaun said. “We traveled as far as we could and it’s part of what we are. The opportunity to travel through an undeveloped world was very endearing for us. We want our kids to know that as well.” The memories they have of the places they traveled are extensive. “We saw Cambodia by motorcycle, we crossed the Strait of Malacca 40 | MAJESTIC LIVING | WINTER 2014
by boat to Sumatra, and we visited Varanasi, the most sacred place in the Hindu faith, which is on the River Ganges,” Shaun said. There were minor instances that left less than great memories, however. “We were lucky,” Kereth said of their travels. “We ran into some difficult situations, but you’ll find trouble, and trouble can find you, anywhere.” “The hardest thing (about traveling) is to walk
out the front door,” Shaun said. “There’s never been a shortage of excuses of why not to travel. For us, there was a golden moment of opportunity in life after we graduated from college, and we took it.” “Don’t treat life as a great sprint,” Shaun added. “Create a lifestyle (for yourself) that provides a foundation of passion that lasts throughout your lifetime.”
While their youthful journey took them to places most people just dream about, Kereth and Shaun Connolly are thankful that their journey together brought them home – to Farmington. “We’re so happy to live here,” Shaun said, while Kereth nodded her head in agreement. “And while we hope to travel and see new places throughout our lives, no matter where we go, we’ll always come home to Farmington.”
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A chAnce at a better future Story by Margaret Cheasebro | Photos by Whitney Howle
Bill Liese enjoys helping people make positive changes in their lives City of Farmington Municipal Judge Bill Liese is folksy, laid back, and comfortable with himself. That may be why he’s been so successful at improving the operation, accessibility and effectiveness of the municipal court. “Judge Liese is probably one of the most capable, knowledgeable municipal judges in New Mexico,” said part-time Municipal Judge and former Farmington Mayor Bill Standley. “He’s very apt on knowledge of state law and city ordinances. He has such integrity, and he knows the nuances of the judicial system. He takes the job seriously. He wants to make 42 | MAJESTIC LIVING | WINTER 2014
sure that when he sits on the bench, the decisions he makes follow the law and serve the individual and the community well.”
Tough but fair After Liese was elected municipal judge in 1994 on a platform of being tough but fair, he oversaw the creation of the Farmington Municipal Probation System, which creates incentives for people to improve their lives. In 2000, he started the Minor Substance Abuse Prevention Program (MSAPP) aimed at helping people ages 18-20 not get their first DWI. In July 2013 he began working with Totah Behav-
ioral Health and the Farmington Police Department to target chronic substance abusers who live on the streets. Their efforts are part of the Joint Intervention Program that provides help for the chronically addicted. After he was reelected in March 2014, he and his court staff made plans to become a paperless court and improve communication among the Farmington Police Department, the court, attorneys and people who appear in court. Liese has the skills to help people work together and make changes. “I didn’t realize I had that ability, but I guess I do,” he said.
Grew up on small farm Those skills were honed early on the small farm where he grew up outside of Ignacio, Colo. His family raised sheep, goats, chickens, rabbits, geese, ducks, and a few head of cattle. They also grew hay, oats, barley, and vegetables, and cultivated an orchard. “Most of what we raised was for our own consumption,” he said. “We seldom had to go to the grocery store for anything. If we had a problem, we had to solve it with the resources we had.” Born the second of four boys, Liese and his older brother often hunted and fished to supplement the family’s diet. His mother was a homemaker, and his father owned an auto mechanic shop in Ignacio.
Enlisted in Navy After graduating from Ignacio High School in 1965, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy to avoid being drafted. He went to aviation technician school in Jacksonville, Fla. Assigned to the Fleet Air Reconnaissance squadron (VQ1), he was sent to Atsugi, Japan, to repair airplane electronics. He rotated
between there and home bases in the Philippines and Danang, Vietnam. When he left the Navy in 1968, he wanted to settle in Durango, work part time, and attend Fort Lewis College, but he couldn’t find work. So he applied at several places in Farmington, including the Farmington Police Department. “Lo and behold, less than two weeks later I was a police officer,” he said. “I hadn’t considered a law enforcement career until I saw the job opening.”
Became patrol officer He began as a patrol officer in 1968. When he retired in 1989, he was deputy chief. “It wasn’t in the back of my mind when I got hired that someday I would be the number two guy in the police department,” he said. His starting salary was $450 a month, so he took a second job to support his wife and two children. He worked part time as a yard hand and delivery person for Construction Supply and attended San Juan College, then the San Juan Branch of New Mexico State University, to earn
an associate degree in police science. He credits the police department with sharpening his people skills. “We had to manage the police department through tough economic times,” he said. “In this community, it’s either boom or bust. Being an administrator in the police department during the bust times, you had to find creative ways to get the job done with fewer resources. You did that by team building, by convincing your team that you’ve got to buckle down and do more with less. You also have to network within the community to get their support to leverage your Council and your state government to get the resources you need.”
Thought about being a judge He became good friends with Calvin Shields, who retired as chief of police. They often talked about someday becoming judges. “Time and time again we saw judges being elected who, during their campaign time, would promise to be tough on crime, especially on DWIs,” said Liese. “But when they got elected, it was business as usual.” When he retired from the police department, then Governor Garrey Carruthers appointed Liese as magistrate judge because Ellen Holloway retired with two years remaining in her term. After he unsuccessfully ran for the office in 1990, he became a regional drug enforcement coordinator for San Juan, McKinley and Cibola counties. During that time he was appointed as alternate municipal judge. He enjoyed it so much that when Municipal Judge Johnnie Byrd didn’t run again, he sought the office and won in 1994. He’s been municipal judge ever since.
Helps DWI offenders When the San Juan County DWI Facility opened at 1006 Municipal Drive in 1994, Liese saw an opportunity to help DWI offenders improve their lives. “When it first opened, it was just a treatment facility,” Liese explained. “I wrangled with the city to have DWI offenders who were convicted of DWI housed at the Farmington jail and walked over to the facility to get treatment during the day. That eventually led to dormitory space 44 | MAJESTIC LIVING | WINTER 2014
being allocated at the facility for male prisoners.” Later, the DWI facility expanded to include dormitory space for both men and women, and the program has expanded to cover other substance abuse issues. The facility has a high success rate with less than 12 percent of its graduates getting another DWI.
Starts probation program To help the municipal court be more successful, Liese thought it needed a probation program, which it didn’t have when he was elected. Instead, it operated with fines or jail time, neither of which were very successful at reducing crime. To be more effective, he thought there also needed to be accountability in the form of probation at the municipal court level. So Liese began working within the court system to obtain grants, the city of Farmington’s cooperation, and some extra money to establish the Farmington Municipal Probation System. “We started out with DWIs,” he said. “Now we do any number of serious misdemeanors such as DWI, child abuse or neglect, and repeat shop lifting, all of them misdemeanor crimes with a significant impact on the community.” The three-pronged approach of punishment, education and probation worked. “We were experiencing an extremely low recidivism rate with DWIs compared to national figures,” Liese said. “Nationally, there’s about a 40 percent recidivism rate, and we were experiencing less than 10 percent after we started the probation program. Now we’re at about 12 percent, which is still way better than the national average.”
Helps young people succeed That made him wonder what else the court could do to help people choose a better lifestyle. Someone in the probation department suggested helping people not get that first DWI charge. So he and his staff brainstormed. They identified their target group as people ages 18 through 20 who already have a substance abuse conviction such as shop lifting alcohol or possessing marijuana or paraphernalia. Research showed that people in that age range who’ve already committed a substance abuse crime have a 78
percent chance of earning a DWI conviction by the time they’re 25. In 2000 they developed MSAPP modeled after the Drug Court program. People in the 18 through 20 age group who appeared in court with a first-time substance abuse conviction would go into the program. They’d spend six months in training, and if they successfully finished it and stayed clean, their conviction would be wiped from their record.
High success rate The program has a high success rate. “Only about 20 percent of the people who successfully complete the program will go on to get a DWI,” Liese said. “It’s a one-of-a-kind program. We created it out of the blue, and it continues to be successful. Time and time again, youngsters who go through the program come back and thank us for sending them to it. They realize it’s a good thing we did for them.” Rob Mitchell, Deputy Director of Juvenile Justice Services for the state of New Mexico, has known Liese for many years. “Judge Liese is one of the most conscientious, community focused judges I have ever known,” Mitchell said. “He really wants people to get well.”
Focuses on street inebriates Though the court was having good success with the 18 through 20 age group, they weren’t so successful with inebriates who lived on the streets instead of going home, where family members were tired or scared of their drunken behavior. In an attempt to reach street inebriates, the municipal court began working with Totah Behavioral Health (TBH), part of Presbyterian Medical Services, and the Farmington Police Department through the Joint Intervention Program (JIP). Together, they target chronic substance abusers who live on the street. San Juan Regional Medical Center is JIP’s fiscal agent, and the city of Farmington and San Juan County both help to fund it. “People convicted of a substance abuse go through Totah Behavioral Health, and while they’re in that program they’re also on probation with us,” Liese said. “Between the two of us, we’re trying to modify their behavior. But with the chronically addicted it’s going to take a long WINTER 2014 | MAJESTIC LIVING | 45
time, if ever, to change that behavior.” The court staff and TBH hope to start a similar project with the Navajo Nation through the Department of Behavioral Health in Shiprock. “The hope is that eventually the money that it costs to fund the program will be offset by savings from emergency room visits and jail time,” Liese said. He also hopes the state legislature will someday approve a liquor excise tax that would go directly to TBH.
Creating paperless court After Liese was reelected this March, he and his staff made plans to create a paperless court. “We’re working with the police department so all the citations and other documents are submitted to the court electronically,” he said. When a person is issued a ticket on the street, they will get a paper similar to a grocery store receipt. On it will be all the information they need, including when to appear in court. Attorneys also will submit their reports electronically to the court, and people will have access to information that’s for public view. “I hope in a year we’ll have the start of the information flow going, and in the next three years we’ll have it completed,” Liese said. “We’re creating a new animal. We’re doing it to make the court more accessible.”
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Over the years, Liese has enjoyed mentoring ten new municipal judges. He’s also an avid outdoorsman. “I love the mountains. I love backpacking, fishing and hunting,” he said. “But my greatest love is Jeeping. I’ve had a Jeep for close to 40 years. I enjoy the back roads of Colorado to the point that some people have jumped out of my Jeep because they swear I can’t do what I think I can. I haven’t lost one yet.” He looks forward to his next three-and-a-half years as municipal judge. He feels good when people make positive changes in their lives. “Every time you have somebody in court, you hope this is the one you’re going to have an impact on,” he said. “When they make good changes in their lives, that makes my job rewarding.”
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No obstacle can stop Ashley Parker’s passion for drawing Story by Margaret Cheasebro | Photos by Josh Bishop The art form, Zentangles, intrigues 16-year-old Ashley Parker. She’s so good at it that she won the national poster contest, Lights on Afterschool, with the technique. Zentangles is similar to doodling, but more intricate. It requires a specified series of steps to complete. Its structured, repetitive, elegant patterns help to increase focus and creativity and promote relaxation. A high school junior, Ashley is homeschooled by her mother,
Susan Parker, but she takes art lessons from retired interior designer, Barbara Uttz of Aztec, who teaches art to several homeschoolers. “Ashley has far exceeded what I can do with Zentangles,” Barbara said.
Homeschooled since first grade Ashley first learned about the Lights on Afterschool contest from her mother, who has
homeschooled her since Ashley was in first grade. Ashley’s dad is Kevin Parker, pastor of the First Baptist Church in Aztec. “One of the nice things about homeschool is I can choose curriculums that work well with her creativity,” Susan said. “Ashley has always wanted to be an artist.” Ashley is one of four siblings, and Susan has homeschooled them all. Anna is a high school senior, Sarah attends college, and Stephen is a civil engineer.
To help Ashley plan for her future, Susan suggested she enter art contests. “She needed to learn the process to move her art forward and make a living with it if she was truly interested in pursuing it,” Susan explained.
Library helps Ashley find contest She looked for a contest that Ashley could enter. With help from Farmington Public Library staff she found Lights on Afterschool. “We looked at a bunch of other contests, and they hadn’t matched with what I like to do,” Ashley said. “I don’t do a lot of watercolors, and there are lots of watercolor contests. The Lights on Afterschool contest wanted you to use bright colors and things like pens, markers and crayons instead of pastels and watercolors. I pretty much use all Sharpies. This contest really matched with what I do, so I decided to go for it.” “We laugh, because in her purse she carried a lot of Sharpies,” Susan said. Ashley grinned as she displayed a tan cloth bag bulging with Sharpies. She keeps a book of her art filled with bright, cheerful, elaborate designs. Her work is intricate, detailed and colorful.
Spends time at library When Farmington Public Library personnel encouraged her to enter the Lights on Afterschool contest, Ashley felt even more motivated. She spends a lot of time at the library, partly because she’s involved with Blended Zine, a magazine written, drawn and produced by teenagers with help from the Farmington Library, and published by local philanthropic organizations. “The library staff really wanted to have a winner from New Mexico,” Susan noted. Part of the Afterschool Alliance program, Lights on Afterschool celebrates afterschool programs and their important role in the lives of children, families and communities. In this area, it’s based at the Farmington Public Library, where Youth Services Coordinator Flo Trujillo encourages teens to enter national contests. Ashley is the first teen to win the national Lights on Afterschool contest from this area. 50 | MAJESTIC LIVING | WINTER 2014
She’s lights on Broadway “I think winning that is the ultimate,” Flo said. “This is something I’ve been chasing for awhile. When I saw Ashley’s artwork, I could see the marquee. She’s lights on Broadway to me right now. She’s the ultimate.” To Flo, Ashley’s entry appeared unique, and contest judges were seeking a different look. “When they realized it was a teen who drew it, they wanted to go that way,” Flo said. “It’s very modern. They saw something in her art.” During the New Mexico AfterSchool Alliance conference Oct. 24 and 25 in Albuquerque, Ashley was recognized as the poster contest’s national winner.
Didn’t think she would win “I really didn’t think I was going to win,” she said, “so I forgot about the contest. After awhile I started looking for the date that they notify you if you win. I looked through the contest rules, and they said, ‘Please do not use neon markers.’ I was like, oh, no, this is bad, because I used almost neon markers.” While she waited to hear the results, a problem flared up with her eyes that she thought had been resolved. Three-and-a-half years earlier, Ashley lost a large amount of vision in her left eye. After consulting with many doctors, the family discovered she had an autoimmune issue in which her body is attacking her retina and possibly her optic nerve. “She was stable all that time until last fall,” Susan explained. Doctors tried steroid treatments, and one injection helped for a short time. A second injection followed but caused complications. Now, Ashley has glaucoma in her left eye. Finally, doctors, who have tried valiantly to help Ashley, gave her two chemotherapy treatments to suppress her immune system so it would stop attacking her eye. When doctors learn the chemotherapy results, they will create a treatment plan for Ashley.
Learns she won while in hospital The family was at the University of New Mexico Hospital in Albuquerque this July where Ashley was about to get her first chemotherapy
treatment when her dad’s cell phone rang. It was Anna. Someone from the Farmington Library wanted to contact Ashley and her parents, and she wondered what number to give them. “My mom and I got very excited because we knew it was going to be about the contest,” Ashley said. “My dad was like, ‘Maybe it’s not. You shouldn’t jump to conclusions too fast.’” A few minutes later, Kevin’s phone rang, and library personnel told him Ashley had won the national contest. “They had it on speaker phone, so all of the
people in the hospital admissions office were congratulating me,” Ashley said. “I have a mini fan club there.” Two weeks later when they returned to Albuquerque for the second chemotherapy treatment, the hospital admissions staff recognized her. “We walked into the office,” Ashley recalled, “and they said, ‘There’s the art winner!’”
Eye challenges don’t stop her Though Ashley’s eye condition makes it hard for her to see 3-D movie effects, it hasn’t kept WINTER 2014 | MAJESTIC LIVING | 51
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her from learning to drive. Nor has it affected her artwork, which still features intricate drawings that haven’t lost any of their detail. “I can do really tiny stuff,” Ashley said. “I’ve always liked the look of things being smaller. I compensate with my right eye. I’ve always loved drawing, so I just keep drawing.” She draws most of her work in black and white and then adds color. “She used to sit in the car with her drawings on the way to Albuquerque,” Susan said. “She’d be quiet back there. By the time we’d get to Albuquerque, she’d have her picture finished, or be ready to put color in it.”
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Ashley continues to pursue her art full force. She’s taking a sketching class at San Juan College, and this fall she became a member of the Blended Zine production team. “We design the layout for the magazine, the cover and how the pieces are put together inside,” Ashley said. “There’s poems and art work. Then we sift through all the submissions and select the art work and poems and put it all together.” Ashley knows what it’s like to submit work to the magazine. She entered some art a year or two ago, but it wasn’t selected. She decided to submit four pieces for the May 2014 issue, and two were published in the magazine. One was selected as the Teen’s Choice Award and is on display in Lieutenant Governor John Sanchez’s office in Santa Fe.
Blended Zine features county youth The first Blended Zine magazine was first published in January 2008, and it’s been published twice a year ever since. Its goal is to be an “artistic outlet to enlighten, enrich and change lives by providing innovative, optimistic, and constructive influences for adolescents,” according to the Blended Zine website. Its name was inspired by the diversity of San Juan County cultures and the many talented people here. Blended Zine developed its own format and content. It’s a full-color magazine that accepts original submissions only from people ages 13 to 19 who live in San Juan County. Its production staff is made up of teenagers from area high schools and San Juan 52 | MAJESTIC LIVING | WINTER 2014
Dedicated to her passion
College. It’s funded by local and state organizations. “Learning the technological and computer side of art will be very helpful,” Ashley said of her work with Blended Zine. “If I decide to go into some sort of digital media degree, the experience will help me understand how it all works.”
Organizes her time well In addition to Blended Zine, Ashley plays the flute in the San Juan College Community Band. She learned to organize her time well through her homeschool experience. “I give them a weekly schedule,” Susan explained, “but I don’t micromanage it. If you don’t do your literature today, then you have two days of literature to do tomorrow. By the end of the week you need to be where you need to be. That works for everything except math. Everybody does math every day because it’s too easy to let that slide.” The planning model has worked well, and Stephen credits it with his college success. When
some college students floundered because they’d never learned to manage their time, Stephen thrived.
Despite her success, Ashley remains humble and dedicated to her passion. “Ashley is dynamic,” Flo said. “She is strong. I know she has a little bit of a handicap with her eyesight, but that inspires me so much more. I think it should inspire our teens more. It shouldn’t stop you if you have a passion.” Ashley isn’t sure what she will do once she graduates from high school, but she and her family are checking out colleges. She loves working with children, and she’s open to considering a career that will combine art and kids. “I’d love to see her be an art teacher,” said Barbara. “She’s a very gentle, loving girl. I think she can go quite a ways with it.” Her family supports Ashley in whatever she wants to do. “Ashley is an awesome, amazing girl,” said her mother. “She is very positive. You see it in her art. It’s happy and joyful.”
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GentlinG wild horses Story and photos by Vicky Ramakka
Patricia and John Irick train mustangs for adoption Explorers and traders following the Old Spanish Trail during the early 1800s would have passed through Largo Canyon on their way from Santa Fe to Los Angeles. Today’s travelers on Highway 550 between Bernalillo and Farmington bypass the Largo Canyon road that begins at Counselor Trading Post and comes out north of Blanco on Highway 64. Now only a few ranchers and oil and gas field hands are likely to be driving the bumpy County Road 4450. And when they see the zebra – A ZEBRA!?! – no doubt they shake their heads and wonder if they are hallucinating. But not to worry, they’ve just reached Mustang Camp. “Sargent Spotticus is the most photographed zebra in the Four Corners,” says Mustang Camp owner and head trainer Patricia Irick. Spot, as she calls him, lives with assorted mustangs under the care of Patricia and John Irick. The Iricks established Mustang Camp in 2009 to gentle wild horses with the aim of increasing successful wild horse adoptions and promoting modern training methods. Mustang Camp, as proclaimed on their brochure, is located in the middle of nowhere. Approaching from the north, it is 26 miles from a paved highway; from the south it’s 24 miles. It once functioned as Largo School serving families that lived in the oil and gas camps scattered around remote areas during the early boom years in the San Juan Basin. Patricia Irick rewarding Sargent Spotticus. The school operated from the mid-1950s until it closed in 54 | MAJESTIC LIVING | WINTER 2014
Mustang showing freeze mark.
Cassandra Mohr with Sundance.
1983. The defunct gym, classroom buildings and dorm area gained new life when the Iricks purchased the property in 1998. The old school became a Southwest style retreat center. When Patricia got involved with mustang training, they added stalls, pens, corrals and hay sheds. Now they contract with the U.S. Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management to gentle and train wild horses rounded up on federal lands managed by the Carson National Forest and BLM Farmington Resource Area. Mustang Camp works through the Mustang Heritage Foundation’s Trainer Incentive Program to gentle horses to the stage that they are halter broken. Based in Georgetown, Texas, the Mustang Heritage Foundation helps promote the Bureau of Land Management’s National Wild Horse and Burro Program to increase the number of successful adoptions. The BLM’s Adopt-A-Horse or Burro Program was initiated in 1973 and allows qualified people to take ownership of wild horses and burros. To qualify, potential owners need to certify they have adequate space and facilities to keep a horse and pay the $125 adoption fee. They must properly care for and maintain the horse for one year before receiving final ownership. The day I visited Mustang Camp, I walked among the 21 current residents. Contrary to images of wild horses, panicking and kicking up 56 | MAJESTIC LIVING | WINTER 2014
dust, being rounded up by helicopters and cowboys, these mustangs barely noticed my presence. This pleases Patricia, as one of her main objectives in gentling her charges is that they come toward a potential owner, not run away. Each one sported a freeze mark along the left side of the neck, the permanent, painless way that BLM uses to identify each horse. The mark contains a code for the state where the animal was captured, its year of birth and its registration number. Most of these horses will be on their way to new homes within two or three months of arriving at Mustang Camp. “We try to have the horses trained in 45 days,” Patricia says. “But it’s variable. Since we take whole herd gathers, we have everything from the foals to the elderly animals. The young horses are easier to train, up to age 4. The older ones are a lot more challenging.” “We train until they get adopted,” she says. “The training is that you can touch them all over, can lift up their feet – back feet are hardest – can lead and tie them and put them in a horse trailer.” This foundation allows the person adopting the horse to continue training it to ride, pack or just be an amiable family companion. Daily training sessions are about 15 minutes long. “You can go longer,” Patricia says, “but you get a lot farther if every day they really look forward to the next training session, because that’s when we get to play a game, get out the
food, have fun.” That’s what she wants to create from the horse’s point of view, but Patricia’s perspective is scientific and meticulous. “We have everything systematized as far as the training process. We always look for the most effective, efficient way to train. Every step of the way is codified. We have objectives, methods, and criteria by which they are complete.” Data from every session with each horse is entered into a database on a laptop. This has resulted in about 12,000 session records so far this year. An early session target may be coaxing the horse to touch the trainer’s finger with nose, then sticking its head into a halter, and ending up with the biggie – loading in a trailer. “It’s all based on Learning theory,” Patricia explains. “We quantify what the horse can do before the session, and what the horse can do after the session. We have pre- and post-tests for every session.” If this sounds like an educator and researcher talking, it is. Patricia’s Bachelor of Science degree from University of New Mexico was in Secondary Education. As a graduate student in biology, she gained more teaching experience conducting classes for undergraduates. Research skills came along with earning a Ph.D. in biology, also from UNM. Due to her early work surveying endangered plants, Dr. Barlow is known locally as an expert botanist. Now with the reputation of teacher and mustang trainer, people from across the United States and other countries make their way to apprentice with Patricia at Mustang Camp. Currently, Cassandra Mohr from Idaho is helping tame the mustangs. She hopes to work with prison rehabilitation programs in which inmates learn social skills and responsibility through training mustangs. Approximately 100 interns have experienced Patricia’s scientific training methods at Mustang Camp. She compiled her philosophy and methods in a book meant initially for interns and now available on Amazon.com (search for it by author, Dr. Patricia Barlow-Irick). The book, “How 2 Train A _______” describes the principles of behavior analysis applied to taming and training. The reader may fill in the blank with any animal species, or maybe even spouses or children. Sargent Spotticus is a living example. The zebra’s owner wanted to sell him because he was
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wild and dangerous. Curiosity and the researcher in her made Patricia contact the owner and offer two months of free training, just to see if her methods would transfer to a non-domesticated animal. It worked, and Spot has been a permanent resident of Mustang Camp for three years. The grateful owner gave him to Patricia, in exchange for boarding her two horses for several months. Sargent Spotticus now enjoys being rubbed on his neck. His black and white stripes actually make ripples under your hand. Not only is he tame, he is trained. He does the Hokey Pokey! Patricia launches into song “Put you left foot in, take your left foot out…” At a twirl of her fingers, Spot turns himself around. Interns make their home in the old boarding school facilities. Interns have come from Russia, Egypt, and several European countries. “It’s exciting for them (Europeans) to come out here and be in the middle of nowhere for the first time in their lives. They seek the whole idea of the American West, and mustangs are a part of the living history.” One woman from Austria spent two months at Mustang Camp learning to train mustangs. She
58 | MAJESTIC LIVING | WINTER 2014
Patricia Irick explainng the training process.
was determined to adopt her favorite pupil, Kalispell, and applied to the BLM adoption program. After the BLM required one-year waiting period, the woman arranged for Kalispell to be delivered to Houston, and then shipped by jet to Austria. “Yes, there’s a Jicarilla Mustang being ridden in the Alps, and she has a very unique horse,” claims Patricia.
Adoption to forever homes is the whole purpose of the program. The Iricks publicize horses ready for adoption on their website, with announcements in newspapers and by word-ofmouth. Potential adopters sometimes travel to Mustang Camp to see a horse or just go by a picture, trusting the mustang reputation as an exceptional trail horse with a stable disposition. Horses with distinctive colors or appealing names draw the greatest interest. Staff at Mustang Camp have fun coming up with a naming theme for each new group of horses. I met Darwin, Einstein and Tesla the day I visited. The BLM approves an adopter’s application. But, Patricia says, “We’re kind of the first line on the adoption process. We like to deliver the horses, and if we decide it’s not a good thing, if they don’t have corrals or adequate facilities that they claimed to have, we’ll bring the horse back home. People think, oh, $125 fee to adopt a horse. I can afford that. They don’t think about what it actually costs to keep a horse. So I try to make sure they really understand what adoption involves.” The few horses that get returned for one reason or another eventually find their right adopters. Almost all of the 400 horses that have been tamed at Mustang Camp have been or are in the process of being adopted. “We’ve been doing between 2 and 4 percent of the total national adoptions, from right here in the middle of nowhere. While the Carson National Forest staff uses a * Wild Horses 82
The joy of 7 kids outweighs the challenges at the James house Story by Dorothy Nobis | Photos by Josh Bishop With seven children and another one on the way, things are never dull in the Brandy and Matthew James household. The chatter, laughter and giggles of six girls and the sweet baby coos from a 1-year-old boy make life busy for the James family, but also so very rewarding and enjoyable. While Brandy didn’t plan on having
eight children, “it just kind of happened,” she said. “We had one girl, then two, then three and we decided to go for a boy. Then we had twin girls, and another girl and, finally, a boy on August 10, 2013.” The children – Damara, 12, Emerie, 11, Hannah, 9, Evie and Gabi, 8, and Lydia, 6 – were delighted when they found out they were going to have another sibling
when Brandy and Matthew told them about Logan. And, when they discovered Brandy was pregnant again – the baby is due in the spring – the girls were excited. “It was a big surprise to us,” Brandy said, “but when we told the girls, they said they’d been praying for another baby and they knew (we would have one).”
That many children might create havoc in many homes, but not in the James household. “I’m a very organized person,” Brandy said, adding that there are times when things are out of place, but, “when I look at them and see all those happy little people laughing and having a blast, it’s all worth it.” While the challenges of having a large family are many, Brandy focuses on the benefits. “It’s hard to think of challenges because the joy outweighs the work every time,” she said. “The time it takes for us to get ready to leave the house is nuts. The time we spend on hair and finding the perfect earrings and outfits for six females is only increasing as
62 | MAJESTIC LIVING | WINTER 2014
they get older. And just the challenge of making sure everyone is where they should be at the right time and is content and happy with themselves is a challenge.”
With a laugh, Brandy mentions a phenomenon, the “bulk effect.” “Everything you deal with is in bulk, from the noise level to dipping out ice cream. That will give you carpel tunnel after so many scoops,” she said. “And no matter how many times you think you’ve gotten everyone taken care of, there’s always one more waiting. As far as the noise level, it’s always high. I remind myself not a single one is yelling. They’re just talking at the same time, thus increasing the sound.” A trip to the store is another adventure, Brandy admitted. “We block the whole aisle. Each kiddo is paying attention and trying to stay out of the way, but the bulk effect comes
into play. The aisle will be crowded with me and seven kids and a buggy, no matter what we do.” A trip to the library causes extra noise, even though the children whisper. When they go to the park, they take all the swings, and when they go to a restaurant, “we are the ones they are shoving tables together for,” Brandy said. “And when you get behind us at the bowling alley or the skating rink, it takes us forever to get foot attire that fits, since I don’t have shoe sizes memorized. Same thing with getting ice cream or cookies at the mall. We try to let people go ahead of us if there’s a line, simply because I like for each child to really get to pick what they want, but no child knows on the first go ‘round.” “It’s simply the bulk effect and it boils down to the simple fact that it takes nine people more time to get the same task done, whether it’s loading up in the van or walking the mall,” Brandy added. “But that also means more jokes, more funny kid stories, more pictures drawn just for mom, more hugs and kisses, and more people to love and be loved by.” That bulk effect comes into play each day. Brandy homeschools her children, teaching curriculum from kindergarten through seventh grade. With six of the seven kids needing instruction each day, Brandy said her organizational skills are mandatory. “The older ones are doing algebra and the little ones are doing shapes and coloring,” she said. “The older girls are not allowed to say ‘That’s too hard’ (with an algebra problem). Staying in the lines (coloring) is difficult, too.” The children’s class time is staggered throughout the day, Brandy said. The older girls enjoy doing their class work in their rooms, where it’s quiet, and the younger ones enjoy staying at the kitchen table. “I stay in the kitchen, helping the little ones,” she said. “And I check on the older ones.” There are two homeschool groups in the area, and the James’ children are actively involved with both. The groups have science fairs, history fairs, a speech and debate club, choir, a Lego League, and a book club, and they take field trips. “We’ve taken the kids to fire stations, to the sheriff’s office, the airport and – my personal favorite – to the Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory,
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which I found very educational,” Brandy said with a laugh. The homeschool groups also enjoy skate days, park days, and swim days, and the mothers work together to provide a variety of activities for the kids. “The homeschool groups involve such great families and moms,” said Brandy. “They work so hard to make sure all the kids have the opportunity to do as many things as they can to learn and enhance their education and have fun with their peers.” Because Matthew travels much of the time (he is an electrical engineer with Momentum Midstream out of Durango), Brandy is the primary parent for the children. And the children appreciate their mother and understand the challenges she faces. “I just feel so loved,” said Damara, 12. “Everything she (Brandy) does for us with school and taking care of us – it’s not easy but she is a very good example for us.” As the oldest, Damara is well aware of the fact that her siblings look up to her. “I always try to do my best and be a good example,” she said. “I’m not always, but I try.” Damara also enjoys being part of a large family. “I love it,” she said of her family unit. “I want a lot of kids. I think a large family is normal and it would be strange not to have my sisters and brother around.” Evie and Gabi are the twins. “We love being twins,” both the girls said, almost simultaneously. “We get to play together a lot and sleep together.” “We do plays and dance and all six of us sing to Mom a lot,” Gabi said, “and we love Logan.” “Logan’s funny,” Evie chimed in. “He wiggles 64 | MAJESTIC LIVING | WINTER 2014
around like he’s dancing and he always makes me laugh.” Logan is a joy to all of the girls. “I was really happy (when Logan was born) since there’s so many of us girls,” Hannah said. “I really wanted a brother. I’m not much of a girly-girl and Logan will be fun to play with when he gets older.” With a husband who must travel to provide for his every-growing family, Brandy is fortunate to have support from her family. “We have such a loving and supportive family,” she said. “We have my family and my husband’s grandmother and aunts and uncle who are all here for every birthday party and are excited at every dance and piano recital. My dad plants a garden every year and the kids are out there with him, throwing seeds in the ground, weeding and picking vegetables – sometimes prematurely picking them, but he has the patience to show them the difference between the green tomatoes and the red.” When Matthew’s parents, who are missionaries in Australia, come to visit each year, the girls enjoy the fun of having them here. “Suddenly, everything is fun,” Brandy said of the kids and their grandparent’ visits. “There is so much love and support in our family, and real joy, that we forget sometimes that we’re a bit bigger than other families. We are simply the size God wants us to be, and continuing to grow.” “We stopped ‘planning on just one more’ a couple of kiddos ago,” laughed Brandy, “but it seems sad to think of not having them. With the new one on the way that we hadn’t planned on at all, when we found out, we were excited and relieved that
Logan will have a buddy.” Brenda and Arthur Blevins are Brandy’s parents and live next door. Brenda cooks for the family almost every night and said it’s the best part of her day. “A lot of times, I’ll ask what everyone wants (for dinner) and we’ll have a little bit of everything,” Brenda said. “Brandy never fusses at me when I spoil the kids and give them things they don’t really need. And she’s never fusses at me when we have dessert first for dinner.” Brenda said she’s very proud of her daughter. “She doesn’t yell at them at all and she has such patience with them,” she said. “And Brandy lets us have the kids whenever we want.” That “whenever we want” includes each weekend, when two of the children spend the night with Brenda and Arthur. “The kids are such a joy to me. When they come in the door for dinner, it just lights up my life. And we laugh so much, it relaxes me,” Brenda said. For Brandy, having her mother next door to cook is a real blessing. “Dinner has been my nemesis for years,” she said. “I was raised on sit-down family dinners and that’s what I’ve tried to do with my kids. When we moved close to my parents, I became very spoiled. My mom loves to cook and genuinely receives so much joy from feeding anyone and everyone. So as I continue to face my monster (dinner) and its 30 minutes before supper should be ready and I’m staring at the open fridge with no inspiration, the phone rings and my mom says ‘I have supper ready with steaks on the grill. Baked potatoes and vegetables from the garden. Come join us.’” “Then, I say a prayer of thanks and load up the kids,” Brandy added. “One thing I’ve learned is, I don’t have to be superwoman. It’s not weak to accept help. And when suppertime comes around and I’m beat for the day and my mom wants to feed us and see the grandkids and enjoy a family meal, I’m not ashamed to take her up on it. The rest of the time, I’m happy to accept help from my husband and we can feed our family together. We all have weaknesses – cooking is mine – but thankfully, there are loved ones around who love to help us out when we are worn out. And that is a huge blessing.”
Arthur Blevins, Brandy’s father, is a minister at Philadelphia Baptist Church in Aztec. “’Lo, children are a heritage of the Lord; and the fruit of the womb is his reward – Psalms 127:3,’” Arthur said. “I have certainly found this scripture to be true with regards to my children, and now my grandchildren. We are certainly blessed to have so many grandchildren and to have them living near us. It is a joy to have them around and to interact with them.” The children are anxious to help him with chores, including feeding and watering his mules, cleaning pens and working in the garden, where they help plant, water and harvest the produce. “We also have fun activities that we enjoy, like riding the mules, going fishing and going camping and hiking in the mountains,” Arthur added. “It is a joy to teach them new things and watch them learn. They certainly add excitement to our lives and we thank God for each of them.” Having a large family provides challenges and opportunities, Brandy said. “We pull up somewhere and one child gets out, then another and another,” she said with a laugh. “It’s like a clown car, with the last one getting out holding a baby.” Clothing is handed down from girl to girl (Logan gets new things!) and shopping is done carefully. Food is purchased in bulk and fun times are always in the schedule. Piano and violin lessons are offered and artistic talents are encouraged. With seven children and another one on the way, Brandy said her time alone is limited. “I read a lot and we don’t do school in the summer,” she said. “The kids and I like to swim and be outside, so I float in the pool and read. I don’t need a lot of ‘me time.’ I enjoy the kids and watching their personalities develop. I have really cool kids.” A swimming pool and lots of playground equipment keep the kids entertained and busy outside, Brandy added. At the end of the day, when one small boy and six active girls are in bed and the house is quiet, Brandy and Matt James count their blessings – one bed at a time – and find strength and support in each other, and they are thankful for their healthy, happy family.
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CUT COST. NOT COVERAGE WINTER 2014 | MAJESTIC LIVING | 65
It’s hard to say goodbye The Summers help with the loss of our four legged family members Story by Dorothy Nobis | Photos by Whitney Howle In a quiet voice, quivering with emotion, Jinx Boli talked about losing six of her best friends. “I’m one of those people who feel like animals are people with little hairy disguises,” Boli said. “Tammie and Tom feel our sorrow and they understand our loss.” Tammie and Tom Summers are the owners of Pet Memorial, 2415 E. 20th Street in Farmington. When a pet owner loses a beloved furry friend, they often call the Summers for comfort and for taking care of the end of their friend’s life. For many years, the Summers owned Fur, Fin and Feather, where they offered boarding services, pet supplies, and pet cremation. In November of 2013, the Summers decided to close Fur, Fin and Feather and semi-retire. The long hours of running a business seven days a week had taken its toll and the Summers wanted to put that part of their careers behind them. The cremation part of it, however, was more difficult to give up. 66 | MAJESTIC LIVING | WINTER 2014
“We have such a love of animals and we understand the pain of losing an animal,” Tammie said. “We understand the hurt and we want to make that loss a more loving closure and end to their pet’s life.” The only legal way to dispose of a dead animal, Tom explained, is to put it in a landfill. “We believe cremation is a good alternative, and there is a law against burying an animal on property located within the city limits of Farmington,” he said. Cremating a pet allows owners the opportunity to take the pet with them when and if they move, or to spread the pet’s ashes at places the pet loved, Tom said. The Summers were owners of Billy Judd, who was a trailing dog that worked with search and rescue. When Billy died, the Summers cremated him, “We put Billy in all the places he had worked and in all the places he ran trails,” Tom said. “We returned him to where he loved.” “We’re a prime example of why people want to cremate their pets,” Tammie said. “And we still have the ashes and the memories.” Keeping an urn with a pet’s cremains and name on the urn makes all the difference to the pet’s owners, the Summers said. “It keeps the memories alive. We can relate with people who have lost their pets.” The Summers are always available to pick up an animal and prepare it for cremation. They offer a 24-hour emergency service and take care of cremation as soon as possible. “We’re called often to meet with the owners, pick up the pet and take care of it,” Tom said. “It’s an
Farmington ordinance Section 6-2-8 of the Farmington city code doesn’t clearly state that animals cannot be buried on property within the city limits. it does state that it is the duty of the owner/occupant to dispose of the dead animal “to the city dump or appropriate place of disposal. no person shall deposit or otherwise place any dead animal or portion of any dead animal for collection by sanitation personnel.” it also states that a dead animal may be “placed in a plastic bag or similar container, which is securely fastened shut. the secured plastic bag or container should be disposed of by park ranger/animal control personnel.” 68 | MAJESTIC LIVING | WINTER 2014
“We’re called often to meet with the owners, pick up the pet and take care of it. It’s an emotional parting and we want to help.” — Tom Summers
emotional parting and we want to help.” Once the pet has been cremated, it takes several days before the ashes are ready for the owner to pick up, Tammie said. “Although, we do whatever the pet owner wants,” she said, adding “We had a veterinarian call us about a pet who died and the owner was traveling through. She wanted us to cremate her pet and put it in the mail the next day.” San Juan Veterinary Hospital is one of many veterinarians in the area who refer clients to the Pet Memorial when a pet dies. “Tom’s here every day, picking up pets,” said Viann Willits, practice manager for San Juan Veterinary Hospital. “He (and Tammie) do a great service and it’s a very good thing.” Cremation is a good closure for pet owners when they lose a pet, Willits added. “I have a friend whose little dog died,” she
said. “She had her dog cremated and now has the ashes in a locket she wears around her neck.” “Cremation made it possible for her to have her pet with her all the time now,” Willits said. Cremains can be picked up from 11 a.m.2 p.m. Monday through Thursdays. The cost of cremation ranges from $105-$195, depending on the type of urn requested. For a simple cremation and the disposal of the remains, the cost is $60. What isn’t included in the cost is the counseling and listening the couple does for its clients. “People often want to talk about their pets, and that’s good for them,” Tammie said. “We get beautiful letters and cards (from clients) and that’s the reason we knew we needed to do this. Emotions run high when it’s your own (pet), and we understand that.”
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Jinx Boli said she appreciated the kindness the Summers extended to her when her pets died. “They’re so caring,” she said. “I go in bawling and I’m bawling when I pick them (ashes) up. An animal deserves as much dignity as people do and Tom and Tammie always take care of my pets.” “They feel our sorrow and our loss and it’s not just a business for them,” Boli added. “Now, I can take the ashes (of the pets) with me.” There is one loved pet, however, that will remain in her heart forever, but she will not have the ashes as a memory. The Bolis found a dog that had evidently been wired or tied to a bush in the desert. They rescued the dog and for 13 years, the dog was part of their family. “Then, one day, he disappeared,” Boli said, her voice cracking with emotion. “We couldn’t find any sign of him at all. One day, he walked into our lives and one day, he just walked out.”
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1-800-554-5111
www.FlyGreatLakes.com
Four Corners Regional Airport
1300 W. Navajo St. Farmington, NM • 505-599-1395 www.IflyFarmington.com
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Ballet in the SKY Sky diving is in Brian Astwood’s blood Story by Margaret Cheasebro | Photos by Whitney Howle
When Brian Astwood looks at the Parachuting Magazine to which he’s subscribed since 1973, he relives the thrill of sky diving. He participated in the sport from 1969-1979 in Australia, Austria, Canada, and the United States.
“Every time I look at this magazine, I want to jump so bad!” he exclaimed. Today, he works for Waste Management in San Juan County as a container delivery driver. He hasn’t sky dived for years, but he never lost his love for the sport. When he did sky dive, he worked mostly as a painter to make a living to pay for the sport. He painted air traffic control towers, apartments, steel beams and ceilings and whatever other painting jobs he could get in the many countries in which he lived.
Building. “I became quite a buff young man,” he said. His idol was Steve Reeves, who once played Superman. To escape a troubled childhood in which he and his father clashed, he moved to New South Wales, Australia, in his late teens and changed his last name to Reeves. When he joined the U.S. Parachute Association in 1973, his membership card bore the name Brian Reeves. He keeps it as a souvenir. It wasn’t until he married in 1988 that his wife convinced him to reconcile with his father, and he changed his name back to Astwood.
Born in New Zealand Born in New Zealand in 1942, Brian had little schooling. After he broke both heels and ankles in an accident while he was in elementary school, he spent almost a year in the hospital. “That put ‘paid’ to any schooling I had,” he said. “My father arranged for me to have private tutors, but that didn’t work out.” As a teenager in Wellington, Australia, he worked for a gymnasium called Silhouette Body
Movie sparks sky diving interest While in New South Wales, he saw the movie Gypsy Moth starring Burt Lancaster. It was 1969, and the movie set the course for the next ten years of his life. “It looked so cool when they were free falling and so terrific when they were under canopy,” he said, his eyes glowing. He found a nearby sky diving club and
Ugly Concrete?
began to hang out with the jumpers. “For the first month or two, all I did was help the guys with their rigging,” he said. “When they came down from jumping, I would help them pack their canopy, and I got to know them.”
Makes first jump After he passed a physical and ground training on Dec. 28, 1969, he was allowed to make his first jump. It was meticulously recorded in a log book that he still keeps. The log book includes the date and height of each jump, where it occurred, comments about his landing, and the signature of a supervisor. It records 129 jumps. That first jump occurred at Frog’s Hollow in the town of Bega in New South Wales. He jumped from a height of 2,800 feet. One of the first tandem rigs he jumped with had a reserve parachute in front. Now most of them are at the jumper’s back. His first canopy was called a 7TU. “You had to pull hard to maneuver the canopy,” he said. “You had your guidelines.”
Takes 10,000-foot jump In a small town called Bachelor at the tip of Australia’s Northern Territories, he made his first 10,000-foot jump several months later. “That’s about a minute of freefall,” he said. “I loved it.” In 1970, he left Australia for a year and a half to travel through Europe, Asia, Scandinavia, and the Middle East. In 1971 in Vienna, Austria, he met some sky divers and toured Austria with them. They sky dived for the love of it, received no pay, and contributed to the cost of every jump.
Does demonstration jumps
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“We went from Vienna to Innsbruck, and I jumped there in demonstration jumps,” he said. “People had a wine fest or a beer fest, and we were asked to jump, so we put on a show for them and jumped out of helicopters.” Wherever he was, he usually found painting jobs. Once he worked as a baker, other times as a laborer.
“Back then I could talk my way into anything,” he said. “When I was in Vienna, I spoke their language well. I asked the airport manager if I could paint the conning (air traffic control) tower, and he said yes. That’s how I made some of my money.”
Jumps in the U.S. and Canada Eventually he traveled from Belgium to the United States. The dates grow hazy in his mind, but his sky diving log book reminds him that his first jump in the U.S. was in 1973 at the Issaquah Club in Issaquah, Washington. Later he went from Issaquah to Abbotsford, Canada, where he did more sky diving. “The aircraft we used were Piper Cubs, Cessna 170s and 180s, and helicopters,” he recalled. On one of his jumps Brian had a close call and almost pulled the rip cord too late. If jumpers pull the cord when they’re lower than 1,500 feet above the ground, they could have a hard landing. He asked engineers if they could make a device to fit on his helmet like an egg timer that he could set just before he jumped from the aircraft. It would sound off when he reached the right altitude to pull the cord. Once the device was built, he attached it to his helmet on every jump. While in Utah, he met U.S. sky diving legend Jerry Bird and invited him to wear the safety device. “It worked perfectly,” Brian said. Today, many devices providing that kind of safety are on the market.
Sky dives in formation Wherever he went, Brian gravitated toward sky divers. “I would say, ‘Hi, how you doing? I came from this, came from that, jumped here, jumped there. Would it be possible to jump on this load or the next load?’ They said, ‘Sure. Sign up.’” He’s known the thrill of creating formations in the air with two other divers. He made his highest jump from 12,500 feet in Perris Valley, Calif., in 1979, and he took his final jump on Dec. 16, 1979. He would have continued jumping, but while he lived in Hollywood, Calif., playing bit parts in movies, among them
A young Brian Astwood in an advertising photo session.
Mountain Man and Sergeant Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band, someone stole his sky diving rig from his vehicle.
Tries to buy friend’s rig He’s tried to buy a rig from his Farmington friend, Paul Smith, but Paul won’t part with it. “It’s like an appendage,” Paul said. Though he has not sky dived with Brian, Paul respects Brian’s knowledge and experience. “We’ve spoken about sky diving, about the joy, trepidation and excitement on our first jumps,” said Paul. “It’s a very exhilarating sport and at the same time very frightening. I am assured of Brian’s experience by his relationship with the thrill of the sport.” His wife, Elizabeth, looked into buying a sky diving jump for Brian’s birthday. “It’s his passion,” she said. “It’s what he loves to do, but it was too much for my budget. I don’t know if I could look at him jumping out of a plane.” A rig used to cost $2,000, but now it costs more than $6,000. Brian pointed to rigs advertised in Parachuting Magazine. “The cost is inhibiting,” he said.
Joins painter’s union After his rig was stolen, he spent several years in Glendale, Calif., where he joined the painter’s union. It was there in 1988 that he met Elizabeth through a worldwide Christian newspaper that a friend from Elizabeth’s church in Bakersfield, Calif., lent her. Elizabeth worked in law enforcement there, and she was cautious about anyone she met. “I basically investigated everyone that approached me,” she said. They began corresponding through a dating service in the newspaper. Within a matter of days, they began phoning each other, their conversations sometimes lasting for hours. Their phone bills skyrocketed. “This went on a couple of weeks,” Elizabeth said. “Back then they had phone operators, and the operator told us, ‘It would be cheaper if you got married.’”
Marry after two-week courtship The next time Brian called, he proposed. Following a two-week courtship they eloped, but only after he agreed to attend church WINTER 2014 | MAJESTIC LIVING | 75
regularly with Elizabeth. He has kept that promise. “Her family wasn’t too happy,” Brian said, “because back then I was a firecracker. I had a temper. I hadn’t matured.” He and Elizabeth’s teenage daughter did not hit it off well. “It was firecrackers, Fourth of July, every day,” Brian recalled. Today, they have a loving relationship which stretches to their three grandchildren and one great-grandchild. After their marriage, they lived in Bakersfield for a year. When Elizabeth left the sheriff’s department, they moved to Fresno, Calif. Brian found work as a painter, and Elizabeth babysat children in her home and did seamstress work.
Drives church bus From there, they moved to Everett, Washington, where the climate was similar to New Zealand. They stayed for nine years. When the church they attended needed a driver for
their big red school bus, Brian volunteered, got his CDL (commercial driver’s license) and, in his spare time, drove for the church’s bus ministry. He continued to work as a painter until he was injured on the job. After his injury, the couple considered moving to New Zealand but couldn’t afford to, so they researched New Mexico, where Elizabeth grew up in Silver City. They chose the Farmington area and found a house in Bloomfield. Temporary work service placement led Elizabeth to her current job as an administrative secretary for Morningstar Minerals.
Finally earns degree Brian had always wanted to get his high school diploma, so he earned his GED through Bloomfield High School. He began attending San Juan College in 2001, but had to put his schooling on hold to earn a living. He drove a truck for Consolidated Constructors, then for Four Corners Material. He finally re-
turned to San Juan College and earned an associate degree in liberal arts, graduating in 2012. Today, not only does he work for Waste Management, but he has written a book based on a true story about a man he met in Washington State who deserted from the Vietnam War. He’s in the process of getting it published. Though he hasn’t sky dived for years, Brian keeps up with the sport.
Ballet in the sky “From my first jump in Australia to where they are now is like holy criminy jicket,” he exclaimed. “It’s like watching ballet in the sky. They’re even doing head first ballet! I don’t believe I’ll ever be there. I’d just be happy to jump out with a couple of buddies, make a three-way or four-way star and call it good.” If he had the equipment to sky dive again, he said, his eyes dancing, “I’d do it in a heartbeat.”
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Have a merry, happy, spooky, plentiful and beautiful Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas season!
Coolest Things GIFT FOR ALL AGES
First we lost Thanksgiving to Christmas shopping, and now Halloween has fallen to the elongation of Dec. 25. Retailers are stretching the holiday like confectioners pulling peppermint taffy. Soon we will have the 365 Days of Christmas to document in song. There’s no way to remember all that. Instead, this year, we’ll do what this magazine has always done, focus on people, one at a time. We have broken down our gifts for young children, teens, adults, and wild and wacky fantasy gifts for those with money to burn. May your shopping be painless and your holiday celebrations the most joyful ever.
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IF YOU ARE FABULOUS JUSt nOd YOUR hEAd
Wine of the Month Club www.Amazon.com
personalized artwork www.allpopart.com
hot ’n’ Spicy of the Month Club www.clubsgalore.com/club/hot-n-spicy
Customized bobbleheads www.whoopassenterprises.com
The Wine of the Month Club is the perfect gift to impress any wine lover! Each month we’ll deliver two full-sized bottles of hard-to-find, premium wines from award-winning boutique wineries across the globe. Professional wine tasters who sample hundreds of new wines every year looking for the perfect combination of flavor, rarity and value have carefully selected every wine delivered.
AllPopArt is a group of artists, illustrators, and professional framers dedicated to a simple idea: Your art should be about your life. AllPopArt has worked with thousands of customers, using their own photos to create custom, museum-grade pop art portraits. The first goal (and biggest joy!) is to create outstanding personalized artwork using sustainable materials, hand and computer illustration, creativity and a lot of heart.
Why not add a little spice to his life with these Hot ‘n’ Spicy treats each month! Gift includes four sizzling surprises each month that will set him on fire! If you know someone that just can’t get enough HEAT—this is the club you’re looking for! Gift experts have searched the globe to find the best blistering hot sauces, peppery salsas, zesty snacks, hot winger sauce, spicy chili and much more. All delivered right to their doorstep.
If you’re looking for a present for the man that has everything, custom bobbleheads will be a cute and quirky addition to his new office or desk, and they are a unique way to commemorate special events. It’s simple. Just choose your body from one of the stock designs or a completely custom body doll. Then, describe how your bobblehead will look and submit photos. Receive proofs of the dolls and make unlimited rounds of changes.
3-Month Wine Club - $104.85 ($34.95 per month) Seasonal (4-Month) Club - $139.80 ($34.95 per month) 6-Month Club - $203.70 ($33.95 per month) 12-Month Club - $395.40 ($32.95 per month)
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Starting at $100
Bronze (3 months) $36.95/mo, $110.85 total Silver (6 months) $36.45/mo, $218.70 total Gold (9 months) $35.95/mo, $323.55 total Platinum (12 months) $35.45/mo, $425.40
Starting at $100
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PiMP My riDe
razor ground Force Powered ride-on Car Available at Target, Walmart, and Amazon Suitable for riders ages 8 and older, the sleek silver-and-black Ground Force gokart attains a maximum speed of 12 miles per hour, making it the perfect kart for zipping around flat trails or a cul-desac. The Ground Force’s quiet variablespeed, chain-driven motor is powered by two 12-volt batteries which deliver approximately 45 minutes of drive time per charge. And operation is a breeze thanks to the hand-controlled accelerator and hand brake. average price $240
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tHe great PuMP iS a girl’S BeSt FrienD
Disney Princess Palace Magic Dance pet Available at the Disney Store, Target, Walmart, Kmart, ToysRus, eBay and Amazon Cinderella’s pet, Pumpkin, comes to life with this adorable, interactive, remotecontrolled puppy. Magic Dance Pumpkin can speak over a dozen phrases and sounds, follow movement commands from the light-up magic wand controller, and perform two pre-programmed dance sequences. Pumpkin dances to two songs, wiggles her tail back and forth, and performs a puppy curtsy. For children over 3. $49 to $59
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HalF Segway, HalF Butler
wowwee MiP robot Available at Target, Walmart, Kmart, ToysRus, eBay and Amazon If you’ve ever wanted your very own toy robot, you can now have it with the WowWee MiP Robot in White or black. The GestureSense technology allows you to use your hand motions to direct your robot. Use the free App to drive your robot, play games. Of course MiP also has a mind of its own. It will express gratitude, get cranky, want to play games, dance with joy, and more. MiP is 5.12 inches tall and 6.5 inches wide. Suggested for ages 8 years and up. $89 to $99
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Downton BarBie
Mega Bloks Barbie Fab Mansion Available at Target, Walmart, Kmart, ToysRus, eBay and Amazon You’re the designer with the Build ‘n Play Fab Mansion by Mega Bloks Barbie™. Snappy modular rooms make it easy to build and decorate the perfect mansion for your Barbie™ and Skipper™ mini fashion figures. Design your dream house and arrange the rooms any way you want. Build the bed with beautiful canopy, put the big screen in just the right spot, and set up the perfect vanity for lots of fashion fun! Ideal for kids ages 4 and up. $48.99
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solar sPeak
smartphone Projector www.whatonearthcatalog or www.urbanoutfitters.com and Amazon
universal solar Power Window charger eBay and Amazon
Pop your smartphone into this handy projector and unleash the potential of your cramped screen by projecting it onto a wall. The retro-styled projector housing of corrugated cardboard is easy to assemble, includes intuitive icons to aid best projection results, and provides natural sound amplification. A sticky silicone pad inside the back compartment accommodates any phone up to 3 x 5.5. $27 to $35
The ISol Window Solar Charger for mobile devices is the latest design combining technology and style into one unit. Each ISol Window Solar Charger comes with a cling mechanism that allows you to stick the charger on window and absorb solar power. The rechargeable battery which built-in the ISol Window Solar Charger can provide energy to charge GPS, I-pod, cell phones, & smartphones, such as I-Phone, Blackberry, Android based phones. $54
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iPad Foosball Apple, Amazon Now you can work your pull, snake, bank, bread and butter shots, fake out your opponent, and snap the ball into the goal with a resounding “THUNK.” This all happens on New Potato’s table-top Foosball via a Bluetooth wireless connection to the app on your iPad. Just like real tournament tables, Classic Match Foosball brings the complete foosball experience to your iPad. $70 to $99
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cool tunes, Warm noggin’
Dc Devin Headphone Visor Beanie www.dogfunk.com, Pacsun.com, Amazon and eBay You’ll be headbangin’ strong all day long with this built-in and removable headphoned hat. Perfect for boarding or a boring day in class. Just string the wire down your back and inside a hoodie, no one will even know any better. When you get caught you can’t tell them I told you that, though. Removable headphones built in. DC logo stitched on left temple. 8” height measured flat. 8” opening measured flat. Hand wash only. Imported. 100 percent acrylic. $24 to $30
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Montblanc Star Classique Automatic A Timepiece of distinguished shape: Essential, pure and elegantly slim. Delicate nuances of style create a classic and refined look, perfect for that subtle expression of extravagance. With its exceptional slim case, the Star Classique Automatic embellishes minimalistic time indication with unquestionable Swiss watchmaking. $3,340
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texas hold 'em Set www. Neimamarcus.com or www.bergdorfgoodman.com
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expenSive ride into hiStorY
Genuine 1902 e. Joy Morris Carousel horse www.hammacher.com
This is the heirloom carousel horse handHoused in black thesius leather case, carved in 1902 by E. Joy Morris Carousel this set includes two decks of cards, play Company, renowned master-carvers of the money, and multicolor chips. world’s finest carousel horses. It is one of 9"W x 5"D x 12"T. only two-dozen carved by E. Joy Morris Handcrafted in Italy. from 1896 through 1902, an era known as $1,400 the Golden Age of American carousel craftsmanship. The horse was hand painted, adding rich detail to intricate details such as the tassels hanging from the saddle and the black and white lower legs. Includes a brass carousel pole and stand. $64,000
See into the future
Zoltar www.hammacher.com This is Zoltar, the classic animatronic fortune teller found in arcades. It stands 6 1/2' tall, and augurs a spoken and printed fortune for you. Zoltar acknowledges your presence and invites you to approach him. Once you insert a quarter (coins may be removed), Zoltar nods his head up and down as his crystal ball illuminates and he sweeps his hand back and forth. Zoltar provides 16 different spoken fortunes and dispenses one of 23 different printed fortunes in the form of a paper card. $9,000
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Wild horses
continued from 58
number of ways to reach their remarkable record of adopting out nearly 100 percent of the wild horses they capture, the Mustang Camp is a big part to their success rate. Patricia gives much credit to Anthony Madrid, District Ranger for the Carson National Forest Jicarilla Ranger District. “The Forest Service is doing a great job. It’s local. It starts with Anthony, he’s really the force behind it.” She also speaks highly of the dedication and competence of Sean Kelly, Wild Horse Coordinator for the Carson National Forest and Jeff Tafoya, Lead Rangeland Management Spe-
cialist at the BLM Farmington Resource Area. Tafoya is just as quick to give credit to the Iricks. “We’re very fortunate to have them as partners in what we do,” he says. “They do a really good job with the horses. Training a mustang is a tricky task. With Patricia and John’s training experience, you get a horse that you can actually start working with.” Patricia champions the way the local Forest Service handles gathers. “The Forest Service is trying an alternative. They gather about 6 to 10 head. It doesn’t obliterate everything for the
horses, cohesive groups stay together. It helps them coming into the facility, because they can stay with their family unit. It’s less stressful.” “Instead of a huge gather where there are hundreds of horses, they can be dealt with little by little. They can become assets to the community. The Forest Service is doing a great thing.” For photos of adoptable mustangs, see mustangcamp.org. For more information visit www.mustangheritagefoundation.org, www.blm.gov/ wo/st/en/prog/whbprogram and www.fs.fed.us/ rangelands/ecology/wildhorseburro.
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DeNae’s Boutique...................................................15 3030 E. Main, Farmington, N.M. 505-326-6025 Dentless Image LLC.................................................52 1509 Schofield Lane, Suite C, Farmington, NM 505-592-2603 Desert Hills Dental Care..........................................47 2525 E. 30th St., Farmington, N.M. 505-327-4863 866-327-4863 www.deserthillsdental.com Durango & Silverton Train.......................................31 479 Main Ave., Durango, CO 888-872-4607 www.durangotrain.com The Dusty Attic.......................................................41 111 W. Main, Farmington, NM 505-327-7696 Employee Connections, Inc. ....................................57 2901 E. 20th Street, Farmington, NM 505-324-8877 Farmington Family Dentistry...................................56 703 N. Dustin Ave., Farmington, NM 505-564-9700 www.myfarmingtondentist.com The Floor Trader.....................................................26 5013 E. Main Street, Farmington, NM 505-325-8800 www.floortraderfarmington.com Four Corners Community Bank................................31 Seven Convenient Locations Farmington • Aztec • Cortez NM 505-327-3222 CO 970-564-8421 www.TheBankForMe.com Harmony Naprapathic.............................................33 8100 E. Main St., Farmington, NM 505-0086 www.harmonynaprapathic.com Highlands University...............................................21 505-566-3552 nmhu.edu/farmington Inside Ideas............................................................30 2632 E. Main St., Farmington, NM 505-326-0713 www.insideideas.net J.A. Jewelers & Co. ......................................13, 36, 69 4005 E. Main St., Farmington, NM 505-599-9400 www.jajewels.com Jae-Geo’s Bridal & Tuxedo.......................................41 302 W. Main St., Farmington, NM 505-326-5240 www.jaegeosformalwear.com Kathy’s Discount Party Store ..................................40 3836-B E. Main, Farmington, NM 505-324-1080 www.kathyspartystore.com
Kitchen and Bath Artworks......................................45 7525 E. Main St., Farmington, NM 505-860-8166 Le Petit Salon .........................................................20 406 Broadway, 5150 College Blvd. Farmington, N.M. 505-325-1214 Lujan Quality Carpet Cleaning .................................52 215-2188 Naked Mobile ...........................................................5 1-844-BE NAKED (236-2533) www.mynakedmobile.com Next Level Home Audio & Video .............................77 1510 E. 20th St., Suite A, Farmington, N.M. 505-327-NEXT www.327NEXT.com On the Spot Cleaning..............................................68 505-327-0592 www.onthespotcleaningnm.com Orthopedic Associates PA.......................................14 2300 E. 30th St., D-101, Farmington, NM 505-327-1400 www.oa-pa.com Parker’s Inc. Office Products...................................69 714-C W. Main St., Farmington, N.M. 505-325-8852 www.parkersinc.com Partners Assisted Living.........................................12 313 N. Locke Ave., Farmington, N.M. 505-325-9600 www.partnerassistedliving.com Pinon Hills Community Church.................................83 www.PinonHillsCharities.org Presbyterian Medical Services ................................38 1001 West Broadway Ave., Suite E, Farmington, NM 505-327-4796 www.pmsnm.org Quality Appliance....................................................38 522 E. Broadway, Farmington, N.M. 505-327-6271 R.A. Biel Plumbing & Heating..................................53 Farmington, N.M., 505-327-7755 www.rabielplumbing.com Raindrops...............................................................37 4001 E. Main, Farmington, NM 505-327-7425 Reliance Medical Group...........................................62 3451 N. Butler Avenue, Farmington, N.M. 505-566-1915 1409 West Aztec Blvd., Aztec, N.M. 505-334-1772 www.reliancemedicalgroup.com Red Brick Pizza.......................................................50 5150 E. Main, Ste. 113, Farmington, NM 505-326-6222
ReMax of Farmington ...............................................3 108 N. Orchard, Farmington, N.M. 505-327-4777 www.remax.com San Juan College ....................................................59 505-326-3311 www.sanjuancollege.edu San Juan Nurseries .................................................19 800 E. 20th St., Farmington, N.M. 505-326-0358 www.sanjuannurseries.com San Juan United Way...............................................58 903 W. Apache Street, Farmington, NM 505-326-1195 Sanchez and Sanchez Real Estate.............................4 4301 Largo St. Suite F, Farmington, NM 87402 505-327-9039 Sauce .....................................................................29 5600 Mickey Plaza, Farmington, NM 505-402-6390 Sewing Studio.........................................................41 407 W. Broadway, Farmington, NM 505-325-2688 Sleep-N-Aire...........................................................18 3650 Iles Avenue, Farmington, N.M. 505-327-2811 www.sleepnairemattress.com Southwest Concrete Supply.....................................74 2420 E. Main, Farmington, N.M. 505-325-2333 www.swconcretesupply.com Southwest Obstetrics and Gynecology ....................70 634 West Pinon, Farmington, NM 505-325-4898 www.Southwest-OBGYN.net Sun Glass ...............................................................51 602 West Main Street, Farmington, NM 505-327-9677 Sunray Gaming .......................................................40 On Hwy 64., Farmington, N.M. 505-566-1200 Treadworks.............................................................76 4227 E. Main St., Farmington, NM 505-327-0286 4215 Hwy. 64, Kirtland, NM 505-598-1055 www.treadworks.com Ziems Ford/Michelle Brown.....................................44 5700 E. Main, Farmington, N.M. 505-793-2352 www.ziemsfordcorners.com Webb Toyota...........................................................84 3911 E. Main, Farmington, N.M. 505-325-1911 Ziems Ford.............................................................39 5700 E. Main, Farmington, N.M. 505-325-8826
Majestic Living
Volume 7 Issue 1
WINTER 2014