Taos Woman

Joy Dillingham won a Fulbright Scholarship to the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Arts in 1956. While touring with the Repertory Theater Company she met her future teacher and her life shifted gears.

It was said, “When no man steps forward to meet a need, a woman will.” Joy did.

It’s been over fifty years since Joy began the Study Society in New York and over forty years since founding the group that grew into The New York School of Practical Philosophy. Thirty-five thousand people found a philosophy based on the wisdom of the wisest. When asked why she went to the effort to have the Philosophy Foundation accredited by the State of New York as a “school”, she said, “There are times when knowledge is suppressed and organizations that promote truth are threatened. When that time comes, and it surely will, the School will have the protection of the law.”

Joy retired to New Mexico, and for the next 17 years she and William Kelsey continued to teach small groups in the area. Now fully retired, she continues her love of truth & knowledge.

Joy is a friend, teacher & mentor to a select few who are eternally grateful and truly blessed.

-excerpted from EAST MEETS WEST, by John Adago

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taoswoman celebrating the feminine spirit

Living the soulful life

T

aos and its women are authentic, independent, cautious of the norm and unafraid of taking risks.

They are as colorful, as protective, as tough, as forgiving — and, when need be, as unforgiving — and as special as this bright beacon in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains we call home.

Throughout Taos’ history, the driven and unique women here have shaped and molded many of our community’s children, the

arts, businesses and charitable endeavors. They are leaders and role models who leave no stone unturned and no road unexplored.

The strength, compassion and resolve of the feminine spirit is sustained through being with nature, through the reflection of Mother Earth, through creating beauty and elegance in her surroundings. Taos and its women embody that soulfulness.

Inside these pages are stories about women who work in the

outdoors, such as fly-fishing guide Emily Roley and Taos Ski Valley Snow Sports School Manager Christina Bruno; and groups working on greater causes and special projects, such as the artist collective TNT!, HEART of Taos, Habitat for Humanity’s Women’s Build and the philanthropic Women Give funding circle. Also featured is Moxie’s Katie Thomas, Taos icon/artist/activist Rini Templeton and eight “Taos Business Women to Know.” Rounding out this

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Rini’s Place

‘Josefa: The Lifetime of Maria Josefa Jaramillo Carson, 1828-1868’

La Tierra es nuestra madre — The Earth is our mother

By Meg Scherch Peterson

A new book explores the life of a true Taos pioneer

By Scott Gerdes

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Movers and shakers

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Taos Businesswomen to know

By Scott Gerdes

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True Grit

Hook, line and dreamer Emily Roley takes on male-dominated sport

By Larry C. Kelley

— Scott Gerdes, special sections editor

Robin Martin, owner

Women Build for Taos Habitat for Humanity

By Mel A. James

Damon scott, editor

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Scott Gerdes, special sections editor

Hammers, nails, empowerment

Free spirit

Katie Thomas has Moxie

By Joan Livingston

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The spirit of the collective art group TNT!

By Virginia C. Clark

Women Give

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‘Caring, tenancious, adventurous’ Christina Bruno

By Virginia C. Clark

Exacting creatives

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At the HEART of Taos Helping our community’s homeless women

By Mel A. James

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‘Community change through group effort’

By Scott Gerdes

Health watch Community assessment exposes most pressing needs for women in Taos

On the Cover: Photos by Katharine Egli and Megan Bowers Avina, along with submitted images by unidentified photographers.

Cover design by Karin Eberhardt.

TAOS WOMAN 2017

Taos women surround themselves with other formidable females who know their immense worth and who continue to inspire and be inspired, whether they are backed by men or not. They continue to follow their spirits, convictions and goals — not entirely for their own sakes, but for Taos’ sake.

Taos News staff

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installment of Taos Woman is a look at Taos County’s Women’s Health Assessment.

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Chris Baker, publisher

Chris Wood, advertising manager

Michelle M. Gutierrez, lead editorial designer Karin Eberhardt, production manager Katharine Egli, photographer Contributing writers: Virginia L. Clark, Mel A. James, Larry Kelley, Joan Livingston and Meg Scherch Peterson.

Contributing photographer: Megan Bowers Avina

Horses really can heal your soul.

Jenny Lancaster, Taos Cowgirl

Photo by Cyndi Gonzalez

We invite you to be a part of our growing horse world in Taos!

BOARDING . TRAINING . SALES

TRAINING AND MATCHING HORSES AND RIDERS IN TAOS SINCE 1995 575.770.0438 . TAOS, NEW MEXICO . TAOSJENNY@GMAIL.COM

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Rini’s Place

La Tierra es nuestra madre — The Earth is our mother

By Meg Scherch Peterson

R

ini Templeton (born Lucille Corinne Templeton in Buffalo, New York, in 1935) lived and worked in Taos and Northern New Mexico during the ‘60s and ‘70s, a time of great national social upheaval. We know her largely through a score of graphic works and drawings she produced in the United States and Central America in support of an array of workers’ and women’s struggles for social justice.

One June afternoon in 2007, I stumbled upon her work at Cemanahuac Spanish School in Cuernavaca, Mexico. At the time, I was boarding with a Mexican family and enrolled in a Spanish immersion program.

That afternoon, I was drawn like a magnet to a series of bold, expressive artworks hanging in one of the larger salas off a stone patio.

A crowd had gathered there, too, listening to a teacher from Oaxaca speaking about the struggle for teachers’ rights. I listened for a while and then started reading from a book about Templeton and her art. To my surprise, the essay I was reading was written by Taos author John Nichols. And as I read, I learned Templeton lived for a time with then husband, Taos artist John DePuy, in a small house on an expanse of sagebrush atop Pilar Hill. There in 1970, with the help of Nichols, she published The New Mexican Review, described by Nichols as “a liberal, muckraking journal.”

One of Templeton’s images was included in Nichols’ book, “The

Templeton called her definite black-andwhite images ‘Xerox art’ because activists and organizers could easily copy them for use, whenever they needed.

Milagro Beanfield War.” I learned, too, that following her death in Mexico in 1986, her ashes were scattered in Pilar, four years after I’d moved there.

Piecing together her life’s story, “El Arte de Rini Templeton,” published in 1988, organizes her art into two chapters of “Obras/ Works,” and through them her remarkable story unfolds. Las Obras chronicles not only her life and travels, but also the significant

Courtesy John Nichols

Rini Templeton

social movements of the time.

These works are largely uncredited to her, having been produced and copied for the fliers, banners, posters and T-shirts related to the many movements she supported. Templeton called her definite black-and-white images “Xerox art” because activists and organizers could easily copy them for use, whenever needed.

Templeton’s involvement didn’t stop at producing art — she joined activists at their meetings, demonstrations and picket lines.

She was in Cuba in 1959 when Castro came to power, later teaching in the literacy campaign and even cutting sugarcane. By the ‘60s, she was in Northern TEMPLETON continues on Page 8

Image courtesy riniart.org

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Images courtesy riniart.org

TEMPLETON continues from Page 6

New Mexico, where she embraced the Chicano movement. Her drawings for El Grito del Norte, based in Espanola, told of the land struggles of the time. In 1966, she married DePuy, though they were separated by 1973. During those years, she participated in several art shows in Taos, including two at the Stables Art Gallery of the Taos Art Association.

By the mid-’70s, she had moved to Mexico, though returned to Albuquerque to work on her book, “450 Years of Chicano History,” published by the Chicano Communications Center.

Later, she traveled to Panama and back to Mexico, where she joined a graphics group of artists

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and helped create the Mexican Cultural Workers Front. Much of her unsigned work was generated during this period of engagement with political actions and marches across Mexico. By 1980, she was in Nicaragua training activists in how to produce political and educational materials.

Following “Las Obras” chapters are a short chronology of her life plus an extended section, simply titled “Recuerdos de Rini.”

Here is where we find poignant stories about her life from those who knew her, including a poem written to her by well-known San Cristobal musician the late Cleofes Vigil, who wrote, in part: “With a smile of pleasure/Con sonrisa de gusto y placer

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And a courteous greeting/y saludos cortesanos She knew what a commitment was/Sabia que era un deber When she held out her hand/ Cuando estrechaba la mano.”

The late Jenny Vincent’s remembrances are also included, and she states her friendship with Templeton began about 1960 when her husband, Craig, was publisher and editor of El Crepusculo. Back then, Edward Abbey worked for a time as a reporter while Templeton was the art editor.

San Cristobal writer and activist Enriqueta Vasquez recalled first meeting Templeton in Denver in 1967: “Framed by bangs and ponytails, two big brown smiling

eyes looked at me and a strong hand reached out to grasp mine.

A sweet, almost whispering voice said, ‘Hi, I’m Rini.’ I knew almost instantly that I had met someone very special, with an important mission for herself and life.”

That afternoon at Cemanahuac Spanish School, Templeton’s important mission punched out from the black-and-white images hanging on the walls. There was no ignoring the powerful presence Donde Hay Vida: farmers bent over in fields, miners, steelworkers, women pushing supermarket carts, children flying kites. And while my Spanish ability has surely faded, the memory of these works of art has not. Her house atop Pilar Hill has been lovingly restored and renamed Rini’s Place.

Thank you to all of the hard working women of Kit Carson Electric, Telecom and Propane.

PICTURED: Lisa Muniz, Brianna Trujillo, Geraldine Romero, Andrea Chavez, Nadine Varela, Carmella Suazo, Brenda Cordova, Rose Marie Apodaca, Ophelia Trujillo, Deborah Madrid, Janet Cunico, Amy Lopez, Margaret Gonzales, Renee Romero, Adelaida Dominguez, Rebecca Sanchez, Aracelia Ortiz, Laura Valerio, Annette Rael, Roberta Romero NOT PICTURED: (Propane) Carla Esquibel, Rebecca Sanchez, Helen Archuleta, Melissa Martinez (Telecom) Stacey Danis, Denise Ortega, Sandra Richardson, Francina Trujillo (Electric) Joyce Archuleta, Kathy Coca, Audrey Cordova, Desserae Cordova, Jesucita Lopez, Michelle Polanco, Sandra Quintana, Cathy Romero, Augustina Torres, Eve Trujillo, Sandra Villalobos, Elizabeth Trujillo, DeAndra Chavez, Ariana Gurule,

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MOVERS AND SHAKERS

TAOS BUSINESSWOMEN TO KNOW

By Scott Gerdes

M

argaret Thatcher famously said, “If you want anything said, ask a man.

If you want something done, ask a woman.” Neuroscientists report that there are innate differences in the way men and women think, but that doesn’t mean men make better leaders, despite the fact that more men have historically secured top leadership positions. Taos, however, doesn’t fit into that mold. Women have been successfully leading the Taos business community for many years.

Listed within these pages are eight of our community’s female power brokers, which is really just the beginning of a much longer list that will be expanded in this annual publication.

12 Debbie Friday-Jagers

28 Ana Karina Armijo

56 Marny Schantz

14 ‘Mattress Mary’ Domito

42 Teruko Wilde

62 Katie Speirs

20 Ilona Spruce

54 Judith ‘Jude’ Gochee

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BLUE LAKE

Wall Sculpture, encaustic / balsa wood 24”X 24”

The Art of SUZANNE VANDEBOOM APPLAUDING RAIN STUDIO/GALLERY • By appointment 575.776.1481 • www.suzannevandeboom.com

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MOVERS AND SHAKERS TAOS BUSINESSWOMEN TO KNOW

Megan Bowers Avina

Debbie Friday-Jagers, on right, with her mother, Judi Friday.

DEBBIE FRIDAY-JAGERS

GENERAL MANAGER FRIDAY MOTORS INDUSTRY: AUTOMOBILE HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN AT THE HELM? “I have been at Friday Motors for 20 years and as general manager for the last three.”

WHAT IS THE TOWN OF TAOS DOING RIGHT FOR BUSINESS? “They are trying to encourage events to bring people into our community. They recognize that recreation and family recreation are huge opportunities for a town with all of our natural beauty and resources.”

WHAT MORE COULD THE TOWN BE DOING TO HELP GROW BUSINESS? “I would love to see more emphasis on doing business with our local businesses by adapting a policy to shop local first. Many communities in New Mexico have done this and the state allows for a local preference. I also think incentives for businesses who pay property taxes, payroll taxes and gross receipts should be recognized for their contributions, and any businesses desiring to do business in Taos for short-term sales or fairs should have to pay local taxes or fees of some sort to have the privilege of marketing to our wonderful community.”

WHO ARE YOUR HEROES IN REAL LIFE? “My mom! She never planned on being a businesswoman and she has taken all challenges in her life and turned them into opportunities. She got that from her parents and my father. They always helped us appreciate hard work and the privilege of being a part of our community.”

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Thank you to the Women who have shaped, directed, built, and created all that we know today as uniquely Taos.

We are honored to be in your footsteps and tire tracks!

Celebrating the Success of Women in Northern New Mexico for over 46 years Judi Friday, President, Friday Motors

Debbie Friday-Jagers, General Manager, Friday Motors

1040 Paseo del Pueblo Sur 575.758.2252 www.fridaymotors.com Follow Us on Facebook

Service

V I S I O N . L E A D E R S H I P.

RANDALL LUMBER SALUTES THE WOMEN OF TAOS.

You’ve nurtured the business and social success of Taos for centuries.

Randall Lumber and Hardware employs more than a dozen dedicated working women, including our Owner & President who exemplifies the dedication and service of these women.

“96 Years of Home T herapy in Taos” store hours: Mon-Fri 8AM-5PM

Sat 8AM-12 Noon Closed Sunday 315 Paseo del Pueblo Sur, Taos, NM 87571 phone: 575-758-2271 www.randalltaos.com TAOSNEWS.COM/TAOS-WOMAN

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MOVERS AND SHAKERS TAOS BUSINESSWOMEN TO KNOW

Megan Bowers Avina

‘Mattress’ Mary Domito

‘MATTRESS MARY’ DOMITO OWNER TAOS LIFESTYLE INDUSTRY: RETAIL

M

ary Domito opened her second furniture/mattress store (Alamosa Home) in Alamosa, Colorado, in May of 2005 and recently partnered with a longtime colleague to start a new luxury mattress store, Sleep & Dream, which opened in January in the Trader Joe’s shopping center in Santa Fe.

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN AT THE HELM? “I have owned Taos Lifestyle and its previous name, Sleep Sanctuary, for 13 years.”

WHAT IS THE TOWN OF TAOS DOING RIGHT FOR BUSINESS? “I appreciate that the town of Taos is not overzealous in its enforcement of the sign code, which lets businesses use signage to attract customers.”

WHAT MORE COULD THE TOWN BE DOING TO HELP GROW BUSINESS? “To maintain a solid infrastructure. Case in point, the empty Graham’s Grille location is a terrible eyesore in the heart of town along with several buildings across the street in one of the most prime commercial retail areas in town. I scratch my head at all the empty buildings. Are landlords greedy? Asking over current market value for rent? I always was taught that 50 percent of something is better than 100 percent of nothing.”

WHO ARE YOUR HEROES IN REAL LIFE? “Georgia O’Keeffe for her staunch individualism and breaking the mold to find her own personal vision and meaning in her art and life. Gloria Steinem for her lifetime of work championing equality for women. Susan B. Anthony and all the members of the suffrage movement who fought for women’s right to vote. Helen Keller, because when I feel life is too hard, I only need to think of her and I am reminded of just how lucky I am. And my biggest hero of all ... my mom.”

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Taos’ Best Kept Secret

LEFT TO RIGHT: Janice Crouse, RYT 200, Gentle Yoga for the Mature Adult Monique Parker, Owner RYT 500, E-RYT 200, Julie Cortopassi, RYT 500, Prenatal Yoga Raquela Moncada, RYT 500, Back Care

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TAOS FLORAL DESIGNS a SHELIA ROSS studio C U S TO M W E D D I N G & S PE C I A L E V E N T D E S I G N S I N S P I R E D B Y N AT U R E

taosfloraldesigns.com

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575 ·737· 0245

Shop Local - Shop Fair Trade

216B Paseo del Pueblo Norte, Taos 575-758-1256 www.taosmoxie.com TAOSNEWS.COM/TAOS-WOMAN

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The hike out to the river.

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Hook, line and dreamer Emily Roley takes on male-dominated sport

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By Larry C. Kelley

n the spring of 2015, Emily Roley packed as many belongings into her 2006 Subaru and a 13-foot 1972 Yellowstone travel trailer as she could cram in. Departing Nashville, Tennessee, she left behind family, friends, a lucrative career, a house and many memories. Her quest — to become a professional fly-fishing guide. After researching various locales, Taos seemed the best fit.

Roley’s journey began when she was a young girl. Her mother and father both fly fished, but it was her father’s deep passion for the sport that took a hold of her at a young age. He would take Roley and her siblings on fishing adventures in the streams and rivers of the Smoky Mountains only three hours from Nashville. It was in the Appalachian Mountains that the stage was set for her growing passion to become a guide. She continued to fish throughout high school and college.

She graduated with a fine arts degree in painting from Middle Tennessee State University in Murfreesboro, Tennessee (art being one reason Taos was appealing). Not one to squander any opportunity, Emily took advantage of a scholarship and drove out to British Columbia, where she attended Western Academy of Photography, where she also obtained a certificate. Roley began to build

her new life and in the process, she continued to work on her hobby of fly fishing. She soon became good friends with two other young women that became the “twin trio,” as they called themselves. They made a non-negotiable pact that every year, no matter the circumstances, they would plan and go on a fly-fishing trip to destinations unknown. Just them — no partners or other riffraff.

The where was not as important as the pact.

This tradition became the catalyst for Roley’s yearning for a road less traveled. In the fall of 2014, the “twin trio” decided go to Lee’s Ferry, Arizona, where guide Natalie Jenson captained them up and down the Colorado River. It was during these two days on the water with Jenson that Roley started to feel the pull to pursue fly fishing as a career.

She started talking about guiding with Jenson, a woman that had been there, done that and was still doing it. Roley had the mind-set of a novice regarding all the questions that needed to be asked. They spent seven days and nights in Lee’s Ferry and slowly but surely, Roley’s plan began to emerge. It was on her way back to Nashville when Roley committed to the dream that would not take no for an answer, although she knew she had chosen a very long line to cast.

ROLEY continues on Page 18

Courtesy image/Photo by Christopher M. Howard

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‘ ... going into it, I knew that I would have to work extremely hard and be persistent.’

ROLEY continues from Page 17

‘T

he guiding profession is a hard one to break into because the competition is high,” Roley expressed via email. “So, going into it I knew that I would have to work extremely hard and be persistent.”

Her first step was to research and locate a guide school, preferably in the Southwest. She had the skill set to capture trout on the fly, but after talking with Jenson, she knew that the nuances of being a guide would best be served under the tutelage of a master. After much research and the advice of many professionals, she decided to enroll in Taylor Streit’s Fly Fishing Guide School at the Taos Fly Shop. Streit is regarded by many as the dean of fly fishing in Northern New Mexico. Roley believed that both the man and the town of Taos would make for a good starting point. She contacted Streit and he promptly began to tell her all the reasons not to become a guide — long hours, low pay, seasonal work and fussy clients. His bluntness and directness is as well known as his fly-fishing skills. Roley remained unfazed and enrolled in spite of — or maybe because of — Streit’s objections.

Later, he called Roley back and apologized and mentioned that his son, Nick (owner of Taos Fly Shop and part owner of The Reel Life in Santa Fe), might be interested in hiring her. Nick believed that with the increasing number of women becoming interested in fly fishing, Roley might bring more balance to the shop. Her duties would not include guiding, but mainly catering to customers. Roley immediately recognized this opportunity and followed up with Nick. She was hired over the phone as it became clear to Nick she had both the fishing knowledge and people skills to be an asset to the shop. After graduation from guide school and with a new job that held promise, Roley set up the Yellowstone and began to live the life that was just a

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Courtesy images/Photo by Christopher M. Howard

Clockwise: Prepared for every condition; Emily and friend Susan Urmy; The rig.

twinkle in her eye only months ago.

As with all new beginnings, one has to pay their dues. Roley immersed herself in the shop; learning and listening, seeking added responsibilities as Nick recognized her organizational and management skills. Eventually, her efforts resulted in Nick choosing her to be the day-to-day shop manager.

Her duties included inventory, ordering equipment and supplies, coordinating the booking of guide trips, waiting on the customers and sharing her expertise and knowledge of fly fishing with others. Soon, Nick noticed that several customers were inquiring as to the availability of Roley to guide them. There was a noticeable difference in the number of families that wanted Roley to share her skills with family members that were unfamiliar with fly fishing, as well as those that had a longtime addiction to trout fishing. Gradually, she began to fulfill her ambition of becoming a professional fly-fishing guide. She continues to run the shop and guide when she can, and convinced Nick that he can get along without her for a day or two or three.

Roley has since sold her home in Nashville and bought a parcel of land on the outskirts of Taos with

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her fiancé, Ron Sedall (he happens to be a fly-fishing guide as well, but that is another campfire story).

Roley feels committed to introducing others to the thing called trout fishing. She has a personal blog, emily-roley. squarespace.com, where she chronicles both the personal and professional details of her transition from Tennessee to Taos. She also writes for and manages the Taos Fly Shop blog, taosflyshop.com, which allows her to communicate with other aficionados and wannabes.

Roley is well aware that she has immersed herself into a maledominated sport, especially in the realm of guides.

“If you get on any shop or guideservice website throughout the country and look at the listed guide staff, you will see how the percentage of male to female guides is significantly high,” she relayed.

Did that fact ever give her reason to pause?

“Honestly, it was this very fact that made my desire to become a guide more appealing,” she explained. “I was attracted to the challenge of it, and as a woman with great passion for the sport, I feel it is my duty to help other women

experience what the sport has to offer.”

Both she and Nick want to develop the increased interest by women in the sport. The Taos Fly Shop coordinated with the University of New Mexico-Taos to offer a course for beginning, intermediate and advanced students with plans to create a program specifically designed for women and children 12 years and older. She also is involved in the Enchanted Circle Chapter of Trout Unlimited, whose website is ec-tu.org.

This spring, Roley will be leading a group of women down to Argentina, where they will spend six days exploring the many rivers and lakes of the Patagonia region. She hopes to make this an annual pilgrimage, every year offering adventurous women the opportunity to take their passion for fly fishing to the next level.

Roley embodies the spirit of a Taos woman: independent, adventuresome, strong, creative, resourceful and intelligent with a fierce desire to follow her heart.

She champions for other women to explore a day of fishing, which does not always mean catching a fish, but always means catching a memory.

TOGETHER WE CREATE A SAFER COMMUNITY

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CAV is a safe place where everyone is welcome.

Our staff is trained to listen and offer information and resources to help find answers to your questions.

We believe that with the time,

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the next steps that are right for you.

Find out about all the services CAV offers to meet the individual needs of adults and children who experience domestic or sexual violence.

Hablamos Español 24 Hour Crisis Line (575) 758-9888

Office (575) 758-8082 TaosCAV.org TAOSNEWS.COM/TAOS-WOMAN

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MOVERS AND SHAKERS TAOS BUSINESSWOMEN TO KNOW

Megan Bowers Avina

Ilona Spruce and her daughter, Sadie Pepion, in their Taos Pueblo home.

ILONA SPRUCE

TAOS PUEBLO TOURISM DIRECTOR INDUSTRY: MARKETING AND TOURISM HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN AT THE HELM? “I have been in the tourism director position since 2012.”

WHAT IS THE TOWN OF TAOS DOING RIGHT FOR BUSINESS? “The town of Taos has seen change come from all directions. From a bird’s-eye view, I would say the efforts with infrastructure have been very successful for the town of Taos. Just like a lot of small towns across the country, change comes in increments. And I would say the same goes for the Pueblo; change comes slowly.”

WHAT MORE COULD THE TOWN BE DOING TO HELP GROW BUSINESS? “There is always more the town could be doing, but I think in the political and economic terrain we live in today, we are all capable of helping ourselves. I don’t know the internal workings of the town of Taos, but I do know there is need from all directions. Just like the Pueblo, we are all working with what we have to make things work in our favor. And although this is nice we, all communities, have to do a better job. We have to create the path for growth and nurture what is already growing, which isn’t always the easiest task, but at this point, we don’t have a choice — the future of our people depends on us today.”

WHO ARE YOUR HEROES IN REAL LIFE? “When I think of whom my heroes are in my life today, I would say I look to the children of the community.

When I hear my daughter and her friends chatter around about who they want to be or where they want to go, it motivates me to work that much harder. It is important children have hope and dreams, but as the adults in our community, it is important we lay the foundation and give them the tools to make those dreams a reality. And for that reason, our little ones are a true inspiration.”

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A Woman’s Touch

Let us show you the beauty of Taos.

Our experienced team of women Realtors® are here to assist you whether you are buying or selling your home or land.

You can count on us...we are dedicated to making your dream a reality!

Pictured above left to right: Ellen Lerner, Sally Torres, Kathryn Pate, Kelly Haukebo, center: Paula Madappa, Qualifying Broker.

See all TAOS and ANGEL FIRE listings www.HighMountainProperty.com

575-758-5852 • 575-377-2626 • 888-687-5253 TAOSNEWS.COM/TAOS-WOMAN

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Katharine Egli

The inaugural Brunch & Learn membership drive and educational event for the local philanthropic group Women Give was held Feb. 11 at Taos Country Club.

Women Give ‘Community change through group effort’

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By Scott Gerdes

s it conceivable for a group of women to come together with the purpose of having a lasting, powerful impact on supporting charitable projects that serve the women and girls of our community?

“Absolutely,” says Taos Community Foundation (TCF) Executive Director Lisa O’Brien, with a knowing wide grin and a sparkle in her eyes.

In modern America, third parties are being summoned to produce social services that were once essentially the responsibility

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of government. Among the new philanthropic associations that have emerged in this environment are voluntary groups known as giving or funding circles. Their aim is to bring people together to pool resources and then collectively decide how to distribute them.

Giving circles have been touted as the most democratic of philanthropic instruments, working to meet social needs and solve community problems, while enhancing the civic education and participation of their members.

Enter Women Give.

Through such a collective action,

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with an emphasis on education and mentoring, to date 17 Women Give members called “advisors” have pledged to give $1,000 annually for five years, which goes into a “funding pot.” The advisors then set out to positively impact the lives of women and girls in Taos and western Colfax counties by making significant grants and becoming more informed and engaged philanthropists.

Initially called Women in Philanthropy (WIP), in 2016 the group distributed $12,000 worth of grants between Bridges for Education, the University of New

Mexico Adult Learning Center, DreamTree Project, Match New Mexico and the Institute for Science Education through TCF. In the beginning WIP was born from the Women and Girl’s Circle Fund at TCF (2005-2008). As a first project, the fund was part of the statewide financing collaborative Funders Allied with Youth, which melded resources to provide monetary support with an emphasis on health care access, teen reproductive health and teen GIVE continues on Page 24

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The group wants to attract a wide range in the ages and diversity of new advisors so that all voices are heard. In O’Brien’s view, that is ‘totally doable.’

GIVE continued from Page 22

pregnancy prevention efforts.

TCF contributed $5,000 annually over three years. That money was pooled with funds from similar groups from around the state and then equally distributed. On top of TCF’s $15,000 investment, an additional $75,000 was leveraged for Taos County programs, which in part provided seed money for the First Steps Program and the Girls Circle Project.

At the end of the three-year commitment, no local leader picked up the reins. TCF then embarked on a mission to figure out how to continue supporting grant making for women’s and girls’ programs.

The foundation reached out to Taos women — from teachers and activists to doctors and grandmothers — to be part of the conversation. The discussions led to support, which morphed into WIP. Women Give is one fund out of the 140 overseen by TCF and its staff of “2 1/2.” Actually, TCF is really more of a host in respect to Women Give; O’Brien facilitates the group and two advisors — Alexsis Blake and Maggie EvansRael — have stepped into co-chair leadership roles. The advisors review and deliberate the grant application process on a quarterly basis. The name was recently changed to Women Give to better reflect that the group is more than Katharine Egli

Featured guest speaker, local ceramics artist Deborah Rael-Buckley., addresses the group during the inaugural Brunch & Learn membership drive and educational event at Taos Country Club.

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GIVE continues on Page 26

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Katharine Egli

A toast to success.

GIVE continued from Page 24

just about giving money.

On the horizon This year, O’Brien says the goal is to get 50 advisors onboard: “I would love to say we have $50,000 in the funding pot.”

The group wants to attract a wide range in the ages and diversity of new advisors so that all voices are heard. In O’Brien’s view, that is “totally doable.”

To do that, TCF looked at how best to engage women in the community — not just as financial

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resources, but as mentors and by offering learning opportunities regarding the issues that face our community’s women and girls. The idea for “Brunch & Learn” came from that discussion. The inaugural Brunch & Learn was held Feb. 11 at Taos Country Club featuring guest speaker local ceramics artist Deborah Rael-Buckley. Two more Brunch & Learn events will be held this year — one in the summer and another in the fall. O’Brien emphasizes that these events are not fundraisers — they are about “community change through group effort.”

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Education is a key focus for Women Give because for women, O’Brien explains, it refers back to access and how women and girls become strong leaders in the community. Getting women more involved in town and county politics is also a major focal point going forward.

climates.

“It’s all about opening doors, increasing interest and women supporting women,” O’Brien asserts.

“We all come with different experiences. There are ebbs and flows in terms of interest and how philanthropy moves in the community. On any type of committee, there are a wide range of goals. It can be hard to focus on all of them,” O’Brien conveys.

“But, there are no limits. Women Give can be as big as it naturally becomes. There are always places to put funding in this community.”

Involvement is also about empowerment and being able to roll with social and economic

For more information, contact TCF at (575) 737-9300 or go to the website taoscf.org.

Mark your calendar for our next two on Saturday, June 17th and October 14th, 2017

As Advisors to Women Give, we recognize there are needs in our community and are struck by the enormity of those needs. As an Advisory Council, we realize the significance of Women Give and that the greater our impact will be as our giving circle expands.

We know the power of numbers and by pooling our charitable gifts, we are able to meet a need that is greater than what most of us can accomplish on our own.

taoscf.org To learn more call 575-737-9300

THIS IS

O’KEEFFE COUNTRY

“I wish you could see what I see out the window—the earth pink and yellow cliffs to the north—the full pale moon about to go down in an early morning lavender sky . . . pink and purple hills in front and the scrubby fine dull green cedars—and a feeling of much space—It is a very beautiful world.” —Georgia O’Keeffe

YEAR-ROUND GEORGIA O’KEEFFE TRAIL RIDES LANDSCAPE TOURS & ARTIST WORKSHOPS O’KEEFFE IMMERSIONS & EXCURSIONS

VISIT: GHOSTRANCH.ORG/TW TO LEARN MORE

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MOVERS AND SHAKERS TAOS BUSINESSWOMEN TO KNOW

Megan Bowers Avina

Ana Karina Armijo

ANA KARINA ARMIJO

MARKETING AND TOURISM DIRECTOR FOR THE TOWN OF TAOS INDUSTRY: MARKETING AND TOURISM HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN AT THE HELM? “I’ve been director of marketing and tourism for 16 months.”

WHAT IS THE TOWN OF TAOS DOING RIGHT FOR BUSINESS? “By hiring a director of marketing and tourism and establishing a tourism department, the town has shown a commitment to the tourism industry that directly benefits local businesses. One of the important initiatives of the department is spending lodgers tax on local talent in providing marketing services. It’s been exciting to work with Taos designers, photographers, writers and content developers. We are providing contract work to locals and they are providing an accessible knowledge base. The other important initiative is promoting, supporting and developing events — whether art, music or cultural events — the town understands the importance of providing more tourism product to the visitor. The diverse events our community offers reflects the multicultural landscape that makes this place so special and encourages visitors to come back.”

WHAT MORE COULD THE TOWN BE DOING TO HELP GROW TOURISM? “The town should continue their efforts by mobilizing businesses to work together more closely in order to expand their reach to the venturesome traveler. Also, we want to encourage businesses to participate in the new technologies and opportunities of advertising and marketing. It can be daunting because things are constantly changing. But we see those businesses who are active on social media get real benefits and engagement with exposure of their brand on these new platforms.”

WHO ARE YOUR HEROES IN REAL LIFE? “My mom. She was a tough lady who sacrificed her dreams so her daughters had the opportunity to fulfill their own. Sometimes you don’t realize what that really means until they’re gone. She was strong, loyal and hardworking. She was and always will be my hero. I took this job because I knew she would be proud of me for taking the leap from running my own successful businesses to working for the community by promoting what I love, which is Taos.”

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‘Josefa: The Lifetime of Maria Josefa Jaramillo Carson, 1828-1868’ A new book explores the life of a true Taos pioneer

I

By Scott Gerdes

n the mid-19th century, Taos witnessed much upheaval and violence due to U.S. military invasion during the MexicanAmerican War. Much has been written about the men of the time, such as Gen. Stephen Watts Kearny, Taos trader and governor Charles Bent, Father Antonio Jose Martinez and frontiersman Kit Carson. But what of the women of that era, specifically Carson’s third and most beloved wife and local girl Maria “Josefa” Jaramillo?

It was a question that dawned on Karen Douglas, executive director of the Kit Carson Home and Museum in Taos. Three years ago, Douglas accepted her new post as the museum’s executive director.

One day while acquainting herself with the property, she focused on family photographs. They piqued her curiosity. Why was there only one verifiable photo of Josefa Carson? As she searched for more photos of the beautiful young woman, Douglas noticed that there was also not much written about her. An idea came to mind.

“Because of the turmoil of the times, I thought, ‘This woman deserves a book,’” Douglas shared.

“She was involved with important

Taos history while living in this small, three-bedroom house with seven children and a husband who was rarely home.”

Kit Carson often had to leave the home he bought Josefa for extended periods of time because he made a living as a mountain man, wilderness guide, American Indian agent and American Army officer.

“This was a woman’s life back then,” Douglas explained. “But it was hard to find out anything about them.”

Douglas reached out to her friend, Barbara Schultz, a retired educator and author of “The Couse Collection of Santos,” who gladly took the assignment of writing a book about Josefa — pro bono.

Schultz began her “project of passion” two years ago and quickly found herself searching for the proverbial needle in a haystack.

“It’s true, there wasn’t much written about her,” Schultz said.

Schultz started gaining some ground when she visited the Governor Bent House and Museum in Taos. There, she learned that Josefa and her sister, Ignacia (who was married to Bent), were both present in the Bent home when

Courtesy image

Book cover design by Janet Caldwell-Cannedy of Taos Design Studio.

the then-governor was dragged out into the street and killed during the Taos Rebellion of 1847. Along with Ignacia’s first-born daughter, Rumalda, she and Josefa dug the famous hole in the Bent house as an escape route into the adjoining house that fateful night.

It also came to light during Schultz’s research that Josefa was present when some Ute warriors came by the Carson home to visit with her husband, who was away. As often happened during skirmishes with other tribes, the Ute men had abducted a Navajo boy and were looking to sell him into slavery. His distress was not lost on Josefa, who asked the men what they wanted for the boy. “A horse,” they replied. So, she went out to the stable and brought back a horse.

The Carson home also entertained many historic figures.

And Josefa was the consummate host, making sure everyone was fed and had a place to sleep.

“Josefa kept this place going with seven children,” Douglas said. “She was not a wimp. This book is going to bring these places to life again.

The book is charming and talks about the time here for the women and children.”

“Josefa: The Lifetime of Maria Josefa Jaramillo Carson, 18281868” is being self-published by the museum with hopes of it being available in May. The museum is currently seeking donations toward its publication costs. All proceeds go directly to the museum.

“This is not just a history of Josefa,” Douglas added. “It’s a history of Taos.”

For more information, call the museum at (575) 758-4945 or go online to kitcarsonmuseum.org.

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True grit Katie Thomas has Moxie

K

By Joan Livingston

atie Thomas faced a dilemma in 2009.

The human resources position that brought her to Taos two years earlier ended when the company left town. She could have relocated, but she had already bought a home here.

And Thomas discovered she loved living in Taos.

“I had to figure a way to stay here,” she said. “I knew I couldn’t work an hourly job to pay my mortgage. I was single.”

Her solution? Be a business owner.

Considering Taos and elsewhere had plunged into the Great Recession, Thomas showed true grit when she opened Moxie Fair Trade & Handmade. Never mind she didn’t have any experience with retail.

And remarkably, more than seven years later, her business, which carries fair trade and U.S.made products, is not only going strong, Thomas owns Yucca Plaza, which has a block of 12 businesses, including Moxie.

Seizing an opportunity Six weeks after losing her job, Thomas bought Import Outlet, located next door to Moxie’s current location at 216 Paseo del Pueblo Norte, from Susanna Starr and began running her new store.

She changed the store’s name to Moxie after running a contest on KTAO radio station. One person nominated Chutzpah, a Yiddish word for audacity, with the remark, “It takes a lot of guts to do this in a bad economy.”

But the spelling of Chutzpah was problematic, so Thomas opted for Moxie, which is close to its spirit.

Katharine Egli

Moxie owner Katie Thomas

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She admits the business started on a shoestring. It didn’t have a computer, only a cash box. She couldn’t afford any extras or help.

THOMAS continues on Page 32

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THOMAS continued from Page 30

For the first two years, Thomas worked every day alone.

Her motto was: “If this fails, it’s not going to be because I didn’t try hard enough.”

Being in charge Thomas is originally from Connecticut, where she got a biology degree at the University of Connecticut.

She and her boyfriend, whom she later married, moved sight unseen in 1975 to Portales, New Mexico, where he attended grad school. It was a bit of a culture shock, she admits.

The couple returned to Connecticut, married and moved to Albuquerque, where she still has family — a daughter, Tiffany, and a 5-year-old grandson, Michael.

As for the degree in biology, Thomas originally thought she wanted to go to medical school.

“I decided I didn’t have the discipline or the patience or the money or the smarts,” she said. “It wasn’t a useful degree, but I did work in the healthcare field for a while.”

In Albuquerque, she worked for an ophthalmologist, but increasingly got more involved in the office’s front end, such as hiring, human resources and other responsibilities.

She says she liked being in charge, so she went to the University of New Mexico to earn a management certificate with an emphasis in human resources. She had a couple of HR jobs before moving to Taos.

The goods Moxie carries an array of clothing that includes a men’s line, jewelry, toys and home accessories.

(Thomas says the store’s biggest sellers are alpaca blankets, clothing and finger puppets.)

About 65 percent of the goods are imported Fair Trade and the rest, U.S. made.

Thomas admits she didn’t know a lot about fair trade at first, but she educated herself about the benefits, that it’s an ethical and helpful way to do business.

“It’s not just about reselling things,” she said. “It’s about making a difference and that aspect really attracted it to me.”

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Katharine Egli

Katie Thomas behind the counter at Moxie.

Thomas depends on the Fair Trade Federation to ensure everything about a product — from its inception to middlemen to its transportation — meets stringent standards. She also attends various conferences and trade shows.

The store’s U.S.-made goods include those that are locally produced, including art created by Thomas, who works in clay, beads and fiber.

Moxie’s customers are a mix of locals and tourists, with a heavy emphasis on the people who live here.

While Thomas welcomes customers from out of town, she recognizes tourism can be cyclical.

So she gears prices to locals and even offers a loyalty punch card.

“We want to be successful yearround,” she said.

Two years ago this July, Thomas called up the landlord of Yucca Plaza, who lived in Albuquerque, to make him an offer, and after the sale went through, she undertook a series of improvements, including a new roof, three sets of stairs and a new swamp cooler. She redid the bathrooms, repainted the columns and installed flower boxes.

When a business leaves, she

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redoes the space. She doesn’t accept any businesses that might compete with existing ones.

Work ethic Businesses frequently come and go in Taos, but what keeps Thomas going is a strong work ethic.

made the complex more appealing.

Besides, carrying fair trade goods from all over the world is very appealing to Moxie’s customers.

“Everything has a story and a person behind it,” she said.

“I work really hard, four to five days, sometimes more,” she says.

“I think being on-site as a business owner makes a huge difference.”

Then, there are the little things like keeping bologna in the fridge for customers’ dogs. Food and drink are allowed in the store.

She practices sound basic business practices, such as having regular hours and listening to what her customers want. Good customer service is important, as is offering quality merchandise at good prices.

And because community is important to Thomas, she is a supporter of local nonprofits with causes she feels are important, such as Stray Hearts, Community Against Violence and Habitat for Humanity.

“I have really good employees and we try to go above and beyond to provide a good customer experience,” Thomas said. “And we have fun.”

Thomas has three part-time employees, including Terra Matthews, who was the first to be hired in 2011.

Matthews calls Thomas “one of the most creative and energetic people” she’s ever known.

She says the store remains successful because Thomas has created a fun atmosphere and has

When she isn’t working at Moxie, Thomas spends time in the studio, reads and visits her daughter and grandson. She bikes in the summer.

Then, there are her three rescue dogs, Mindy, Milo and Susie, a malamute who has her own story.

For many years, Susie had been wandering downtown and being fed by local restaurants until Thomas managed to win her over.

Thomas said, “Eventually, she got in my car and went home with me.”

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Sonríe y Taos sonreirá contigo Smile and Taos smiles with you

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PHOTOS BY VARIOUS LOCAL PHOTOGRAPHERS, INCLUDING KATHARINE EGLI, MEGAN BOWERS AVINA, JIM O’DONNELL, TINA LARKIN, SCOTT GERDES, ALONG WITH SUBMITTED PHOTOS BY UNIDENTIFIED PHOTOGRAPHERS.

Kathleen Brennan

In the back row left to right are TNT! members Sally Gray, Dora Dillistone and Barbara Zaring. In the front row from left to right are Jan Dorris, TJ Mabry, Dianne Frost and M. Oliver.

Exacting creatives The spirit of the collective art group TNT!

By Virginia L. Clark

H

ow seven successful, highly individualistic female artists of a certain age group living and working in Taos managed to coordinate their personal visions and creativity to produce a participatory installation artwork

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— without knock-down drag-outs over purpose, process, interdisciplinary art activities and more — is yet another success of “The Corridor,” a 30-foot-long sculptural passageway erected in the lilac garden of The Stables Gallery during The Paseo Project II, Sept.

25-26, 2015.

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TNT! members Dora Dillistone, Jan Dorris, Dianne Frost, Sally Gray, TJ Mabrey, M. Oliver and Barbara Zaring got together in January of 2015 and met monthly to create the final iteration of “The Corridor,” with only two partial trial runs before the actual day of installation — a pretty

nerve-wracking scenario for such exacting creatives as these women.

“Sometimes, beginnings can be easy if the end is not known,” writes Mabrey, the group’s unanimously named instigator, about their installation piece.

TNT continues on Page 38

taosnews.com/taoswoman

Find the Entire Edition Online Anytime TAOSNEWS.COM/TAOS-WOMAN

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red tube. Woven in and out of the cuffs are snake-like patterns done with florescent paint. These snakes have paper clay heads with wire appendages.”

DIANNE FROST — (ANNE TRUITT, 1921-2004) FACEBOOK.COM/ DIANNE.FROST.58 “I [painted] my tube with sky blue acrylic paint. Orange and a touch of silver … form ribbon-like shapes along the length of the tube. Interference acrylic paint [is] a glaze and mica chips … add further sparkle [with] a final transparent wrap.”

SALLY GRAY — (SOFONISBA ANGUISSOLA, 1532-1625) SALLYGRAY100@GMAIL.COM “My tube is a pure green tube with a touch of my current passion, the Florentine Mannerists. My interpretations of a few grotess chi from the Uffizi ceilings will animate my minimalist tube. I will also honor the famous Renaissance woman, Sofonisba Anguilossa, court painter to Phillip II of Spain and New Spain (New Mexico).”

TJ MABREY — (KÄTHE KOLLWITZ, 1867-1945) TJMABREY.COM “Twelve feet long, 4.25 inches in diameter, [my tube] was painted with a dark purple acrylic paint overall, followed by two vertical stripes of silver paint sprayed top to bottom. Half-inch holes were drilled into the tube, in a random pattern, about 6-7 inches apart, in the middle third of the tube.

Various lengths, 4-8 inches, of clear plastic tubing have been inserted into these holes, which will allow light from a length of LED, battery-operated bulbs, inserted inside the cardboard tube, to emit a faint glow through the plastic tubes. CDs have been cut into shapes and inserted onto several of the plastic tubes.”

TNT continues from Page 36

“Allowing for the unseen, the unknown, the adventure of creating something can be magic, allowing for new and not seen aspects of a collaborative art to appear.”

The very same spirit of collaborative magic was foreseen for The PASEO, first proposed

by STEAMarts innovator/Taos artist Agnes Chavez and Taos Renaissance man Matt Thomas.

It is a festival of performanceinstallation art intended to unite the different exhibit venues of the 2014 Taos Fall Arts Festival. This town-wide, free-admission festival is now a highlight of Taos arts and a source destination in its own right.

The Corridor artists all knew each other from a critique class with University of New Mexico’s Jeremy McDonnell, variously attended over a five-year period.

They had never worked together, but they knew each other and their work.

“We all like each other,” Oliver said. “Working alone, you have a tendency to get insular and TNT continues on Page 40

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Courtesy photos

Clockwise: PASEO participants enjoy the TNT! art installation, “The Corridor”; TNT! did three partial installations in the summer of 2015 to work out kinks and refine ideas and night lighting; The original model from which the TNT! group’s idea for “The Corridor” evolved, which was then sent to The PASEO Committee for consideration.

‘THE CORRIDOR’ ARTIST STATEMENTS (CHOSEN ‘ARTIST AVATAR’) DORA DILLISTONE — (ANA MENDIETA, 1948-1985) DORADILLISTONE.COM “The tube I selected is approximately 1 foot shorter than the corridor tubes. It [has] additional internal support to allow for it to stand freely and at an angle. This [is to] symbolize the opening of the corridor to future women and future ideas in the arts.

The tube is painted in chromogenic paint with an additional sculptural element to be interactive. It will both

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register those that pass through and demonstrate our temporary marks on the world. The women I … honor on the silver tubes are contemporary, with an emphasis on New Mexico artists.”

JAN DORRIS — (EVA HESS, 19361970) JANDORRIS.COM “My tube was influenced by Calder (Alexander) because it presents black shapes on a silver background painted on five cuffs that surround the

M. OLIVER — (HELEN FRANKENTHALER, 1928-2011) MOLIVERART.COM “I’ve coated my 12-foot tube with a bright red latex and have added the decor in white in a variety of spots and circles. Plan is to have fun with various size watercolor brushes adding imagery to this very dramatic, red, 6-inch-wide cardboard tube.

Also, I’ve been considering adding a ‘crown,’ extending out of the top, and painted the same red.”

BARBARA ZARING — (GABRIELE MÜNTER, 1877-1962) BARBARAZARING.COM “My recycled tube, which is approximately 14 inches by 4.25 inches, will be one of 24 in “The Corridor.” It is painted in an ombre manner (gradual blending of one color to another) from black to white.

It is overlaid with 1-inch and ½-inch silver squares ascending the tube.

The piece resembles a serpent and calls forth associations of fertility and regeneration.”

DIANE ENRIGHT, ASSOC. BROKER - Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Taos Real Estate

Women And Real Estate Women are a force in real estate as both Buyers and Sellers. Did you know that the number of single women buyers has doubled in the last 25 years and single women are the 2nd largest group of Buyers and Sellers behind married couples? That is a trend that will continue and that number will increase according to the Pew Research Center as 45% of millennial women ages 18-24 are enrolled in college as compared to 38% of men.

Because of wage inequality at present, men can typically spend more on their homes than women but women will narrow the gap in the future. Count on it!

According to the National Assoc. of Realtors, NAR, 58% of single women are 1st time home buyers. That’s double the amount of men. Most state pride of ownership as the reason for buying.

Both single and married women tend to be the researchers, the doers, and decision makers.

Whether you’re a Buyer or a Seller, you need current information on the Taos real estate market to make educated decisions.

If you’re a Buyer, you want to know that you’re not overpaying for a property. Is the market going up, down or is it stable?

If you’re a Seller you need to know where to price your home to attract the most Buyers. You need to know what Buyers are looking for. Do you know what the number one thing both women and men are looking for? A well-maintained home.

Contact us now, to sell your well-maintained home. We need inventory.

Let’s start with the Current Market. Below are the charts that will give you an idea of the Taos Home Market for the past several years as well as where most sales occur according to price range.

Go to www.taoshomes.com and get the info you need to make good decisions. As a seller, you might want to know How to Stage Your Home on a Budget: For Buyers, there is a direct connection to ALL ACTIVE LISTINGS IN OUR MULTIPLE LISTING SERVICE and an INTERACTIVE MAP to help you locate them.

Did you know that 72% of Buyers search on their mobile and 58% say they found their home on a mobile APP? Go to http://app.bhhsre.com/BHHS1145/ or text 575-779-9315 to connect to our Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices APP. This is a useful tool for both Buyers and Sellers. You can get up to date info on all area listings directly from our MLS. See “nearby properties for sale”, “nearby recently sold”, “new to market”, and soooo much more.

DIANE ENRIGHT, Associate Broker, 575-758-5478 BRANDON ROSE, Associate Broker, 575-779-9315 515 Gusdorf Rd. Ste. 4 Taos, NM 87571 575-758-1924

diane@taoshomes.com Brandon Rose, Diane Enright, Janet Dearing

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Courtesy photo

Members of TNT! collaborate on ‘The Corridor’ art installation.

TNT continues from Page 38

isolated, so it really helps to see each other’s work and give each other feedback.”

Truly a “gestalt,” where the whole equals more than the sum of its parts, the group process somehow worked for each of them.

“I loved it,” Zaring said about the whole process. “I’m an introvert, but I became ‘The Teacher’ when everyone came through. I knew a lot about the artists and I’d tell them when people would ask. Dora had a heat-sensitive part of her tube and it would leave an imprint of your hand embedded on it.

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Everyone loved it, especially the kids, they loved being a part of it.”

The Corridor was ultimately constructed of 24, 12-foot-tall cardboard tubes mostly repurposed from Dan’s Carpets of Taos. Each artist designed a specific tube, which was then combined with 17 additional silver tubes inscribed with the names and histories of women in the arts — women from Sofonisba Anguissola (1532-1625) to Taos’ Agnes Martin (19122004).

“It was quite an adventure,” Gray said. “Here we are, longtime mature artists and we managed to

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work on it for eight months, and then to have it up and down in just two days!”

fun. And people enjoyed it. I was shocked at how responsive people were to it.”

Originally designed as a closed tunnel, in case of rain or other weather elements, Dillistone said it was a challenge; the tied top pulled away and morphed into a more open profile once it was finally erected.

Mabrey said the TNT! group is dynamite artists and women who, during the whole process, “came out with one voice.”

Gray and Dorris both agree that it seemed harder when they were in the middle of it all, and then it was suddenly done.

“It was fun,” Dorris said. “At the time I thought, ‘Oh this is hard.’

But when I look back on it, it was

“The unique tubes exhibit unquestionable talent, humor and a collective art spirit,” Mabrey concludes in the installation statement. “‘The Corridor’ unites art, history, women and collaboration, and inspires the empowerment of creativity with and within the Taos community.”

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CHRISTUS ST. VINCENT BREAST INSTITUTE

BRINGING WOMEN HOPE CHRISTUS St. Vincent Breast Institute is a comprehensive breast center delivering state-of-the-art diagnosis and treatment. The Breast Institute cares for both benign and malignant breast disease. We work closely with CHRISTUS St. Vincent Cancer Center to plan your treatment and care.

Through a collaborative, compassionate approach we are focused on helping women live longer, healthier, happier lives, free of cancer.

OUR PROVIDERS Anna Voltura, MD Diane Paolazzi, NP Colleene Sullivan-Moore, RN

CHRISTUS ST. VINCENT BREAST INSTITUTE 490 A WEST ZIA ROAD, SUITE 200 • SANTA FE, NM 87505 505.913.3101 • WWW.STVIN.ORG

CHRISTUS ST. VINCENT WOMEN’S CARE SPECIALISTS

COMPASSIONATE AND COMPREHENSIVE CARE FOR WOMEN From pregnancy and childbirth through menopause and beyond, our expert team provides personalized women’s health services to enhance your health and well-being.

OUR PROVIDERS Shelia Cepeda, MD, FACOG Eric Seward, MD, FACOG Dena Knight, Certified Nurse Midwife

Eric Manske, MD, FACOG Alison Stone, Certified Nurse Midwife Trisha Maxon, Certified Nurse Midwife

SERVICES WE PROVIDE Urogynecology Prenatal & Pregnancy Care Gynecologic care Full Scope Midwifery Care Menopause Family Planning

Infertility Cervical Cancer Screenings Pessary Fittings Biopsy Birthing Services Sexual dysfunction

Ultrasound Adolescent Health Care Counseling on healthy eating, exercise and development for women

CHRISTUS ST. VINCENT WOMEN’S CARE SPECIALISTS 2055 SOUTH PACHECO ST., STE. 300 • SANTA FE, NM 87505 505.984.0303 • WWW.STVIN.ORG TAOSNEWS.COM/TAOS-WOMAN

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MOVERS AND SHAKERS TAOS BUSINESSWOMEN TO KNOW

Megan Bowers Avina

Teruko Wilde

TERUKO WILDE

ARTIST AND CO-OWNER OF TOTAL ARTS GALLERY INDUSTRY: RETAIL/ART

T

eruko Wilde’s art has been represented by many galleries across the U.S., from Hawaii to Florida and all points in between. Her pieces have been included in invitational group exhibitions in Australia, China, Thailand and London.

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN AT THE HELM? “From 1995 — present (21 years). Co-owner Total Arts Gallery with Harold Geller, business partner and founder, since 1969. Also was owner of Fine Art Gallery/Framing shop from 1971-1985; co-publisher of the regional arts magazine, Prism; and co-publisher of the Willard Junction newspaper in Willard, Ohio.”

WHAT IS THE TOWN OF TAOS DOING RIGHT FOR BUSINESS? “Nothing.”

WHAT MORE COULD THE TOWN BE DOING TO HELP GROW BUSINESS? “People who work for our town need to be more ‘open minded.’ They need to unite our community. Our town’s marketing department needs to promote not only Taos’ outdoor activities and historical sights, but also fine arts galleries with emphasis on the numbers and uniqueness of our variety, including the quality of artwork by nationally established elite artists as well as the local, colorful arts and regional works. People who visit galleries are the ones who return over and over, which in turn benefits local lodging and restaurants, etc. Beautifying our downtown area to look more prosperous would also be helpful.”

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WHO ARE YOUR HEROES IN REAL LIFE? “My mentor — my mother, Moto. She was a very strong, independent, intelligent woman who was ahead of her time. She lost everything, including her husband, my father. She raised three children during and after World War II, without any government assistance. Yet, she was a generous and kind person who shared with others, even though she had little for herself.”

Celebrating Strong Women Building a Gentle World.

Please support these effective new non-profits, and all the local business owners building a prosperous and inter-connected community.

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2017

Years of FineArt in Taos

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TAOSNEWS.COM/TAOS-WOMAN

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Shutterstock

According to the 2016 Community Health Needs Assessment, ‘Maternal and Infant Measures’ are in need of improvement in Taos County in regard to women’s health.

Health watch Community assessment exposes most pressing needs for women in Taos County

A

health disparities remain.

High health costs and lack of education/information can make health improvements for women exceedingly difficult.

Women’s health issues have attained higher visibility and renewed political commitment in recent decades. While targeted policies and programs have enabled women to lead healthier lives, significant gender-based

Health-related challenges continue. And in Taos County, the most challenging of these for women revolves around maternity and infant care, according to the 2016 Community Health Needs Assessment (CHNA). In the U.S., high rates of maternal mortality, infant mortality and preterm

woman’s health is her total well-being, not determined solely by biological factors and reproduction, but also by effects of work load, nutrition and stress among others.

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births, as well as continuing disparities in pregnancy outcomes, have prompted a number of state agencies to focus on improving the quality and continuity of care provided to women of childbearing age.

For those reasons and because such assessments are required through the Affordable Care Act (aka Obamacare), Holy Cross Hospital (HCH) recently completed the evaluation of health needs for residents in Taos County.

The hospital also developed a plan for using its services to respond to the significant community needs identified in the report.

The CHNA identifies local health and medical needs and provides an overview of how HCH will respond to those needs. This document suggests areas where other local organizations and agencies might work with HCH to achieve desired improvements and illustrates HEALTH WATCH continues on Page 46

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Wasden Financial Management A Registered Investment Advisor

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is now open under the clinical direction of Ted Wiard LPCC CGC. Providing counseling for Families, Couples, Individuals and Youth.

412 SIPAPU, 525A SALAZAR PHONE 575 770 9513 GOLDENWILLOWCOUNSELING.COM IN PHOTO: YVETTE MONTOYA- LMHC, KIRRY NELSON - INTERN, KIERSTEN FIGURSKI - MA COUNSELING, JIM LENGERICH LPCC, MARCELLA SKOGEN - LAMFT, TED WIARD - DIRECTOR LPCC CGC , LARWENCE MEDINA MBA MISSING FROM PHOTO TED DIMOND LMHC

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HEALTH WATCH continues from Page 44

one way the hospital is meeting obligations to efficiently deliver medical services.

Data was gathered from multiple well-respected secondary sources to build an accurate picture of the current community and its health needs. A survey of a select group of local experts was performed to review the prior CHNA and provide feedback, and to ascertain whether the previously identified needs are still a priority. A second survey was distributed to the same group that reviewed the data gathered from the secondary sources and determined the “Significant Health Needs” for the community.

Findings suggest that significant health needs for women in Taos County center around “Maternal and Infant Measures.” Current data shows that OB/GYN visits in Taos County are 21.3 percent below average as compared to other New Mexico counties.

Specific experts’ comments or observations about maternal and infant care as being among the most significant needs for HCH to improve upon include the following: • “Becoming a baby-friendly hospital, support for a lactation consultant at the hospital supporting staff to understand the importance of the parentchild relationship and how to navigate this through social/ emotional awareness.”

• “I think there are more services in Taos devoted to this like First Steps, than other issues in this survey. OB/GYN services are a different issue.”

• “The hospital needs to identify why patients choose to receive their care in other locations ... then must develop a plan to address these concerns.”

• “Kiddos are our future.

Investments here save money later.”

Public comments received on a previously adopted implementation strategy in regard to maternal and infant care are as follows: • Grant to support the baby friendly initiative, hire Jana Bailey as the International Board Certified Lactation Consultant for Taos High School’s Lunch and Learn

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program.

• Continue First Steps Home Visiting and parenting classes through the Children’s Trust Fund.

• Continue support of First Steps. Educate expectant parents about other community resources such as El Sueno y Los Angelitos and Infant Mental Health providers in the community. Offer regular community presentations about related topics.

HCH services, programs and resources available to respond to this need include: • HCH First Steps Home Visiting program (FSHV).

• Taos Health Systems Women’s Health Institute.

• Northern New Mexico Birth Center.

• HCH Children’s Trust Fund Parenting Classes.

Additionally, HCH plans to take the following steps to address this particular health care need: • Reopening of The Birthing Center, an outpatient facility offering both traditional and alternative offerings.

• HCH is currently in the process

TAOSNEWS.COM/TAOS-WOMAN

of developing an outpatient pediatrics program.

•H CH will continue coordinating efforts with the organizations listed below, which offer resources responding to this need by identifying how HCH services can benefit their initiatives.

•H CH will continue to increase awareness of and referrals to the FSHV program.

HCH evaluation of impact of the actions taken since the immediately preceding CHNA: •T he FSHV Program has developed a memo of understanding with the state Children’s Youth & Family Department (CYFD) to receive referrals from this state agency. First Steps also works with two programs provided by Las Cumbres Community Services (LCCS) to provide family navigation and enhanced support for families with a need. LCCS is a behavioral health service that has been established for more than 20 years as an expert in the field of social/ emotional health. The FSHV program also refers parents and family members to a variety of

mental health/behavioral health counselors and therapists in the community. Collaborating agencies who receive FSHV referrals include: Valle del Sol; DreamTree Project; Golden Willow Retreat; Nonviolence Works; Tri-County Community Services, Community Against Violence and approximately 20 private practice individual therapists.

The FSHV program is currently collaborating with the Paso A Paso network on infant mental health.

The grant-funded collaboration now funds three mental health providers at FSHV, and this project will allow Taos County to have 23 endorsed providers, which accounts for more than a quarter of the total numbers in the state (80).

A copy of the full report is available for public review online at taoshospital.org and is available for inspection and copying in the hospital’s administrative office, Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Holy Cross Hospital will revise its implementation efforts each year and undertake a new study to revise this report in two to three years.

— Information supplied by Holy Cross Hospital

Adode & Pines Inn BED & BREAKFAST

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Why settle for just one bracelet when you can wear six?

Shop the Millicent Rogers Museum Store for the Best Selection of Vintage and Contemporary Southwest Jewelry

1504 Millicent Rogers Rd.

www.millicentrogers.org

575.758.2462 TAOSNEWS.COM/TAOS-WOMAN

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Hammers, nails, empowerment Women Build for Taos Habitat for Humanity

By Mel A. James

W

hen one thinks of a construction worker, the first image that comes to mind is likely not a woman. And until Rosie the Riveter showed up in World War II, it was even more

unlikely. But as women continue to gain equality in all areas of work, it becomes apparent that they are just as capable and willing to do labor that has been traditionally the realm of men. And based on the turnout for Habitat for Humanity’s National Women Build

week, it is also clear that women from all over the United States and all walks of life are willing to pick up a hammer to help those in need, while gaining independence at the same time. And the impetus behind the Women Build program is to highlight the unique

challenges women face when it comes to home ownership, whether it’s obtaining a home or simply maintaining it.

Women Build happens the week before Mother’s Day (second BUILD continues on Page 50

Katharine Egli

Barb Rich, who was visiting Taos from Pierport, Michigan, mixes cement during Habitat for Humanity’s National Women Build week in 2015.

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Habitat For Humanity of Taos’WOMEN BUILD

MAY 4-6

Learn & Volunteer to Build Alongside Home Buying Partner Family, the Padillas.

SNACKS SPEAKERS

and so much more!

First 40 to sign up get t-shirts and other goodies!

Contact Anne Weil Volunteer Coordinator at 758-7827

taoshabitat.org

Come & join our sponsoring Taos Business Women CREATRIX, Joan Duncan, ASID Interior Designer GRANITE CONCEPTS, Lisa Braselle REYNOLDS + RODAR, INSURANCE GROUP INC., Jake and Shona Rodar CABINETS BY CONNIE, Connie Sinclair STANFORD BUILT, Lee Stanford, Builder A “SHE NAILED IT” COMPETITION EVENT: More details to come.

PAGE SULLIVAN GROUP COLDWELL BANKER LOTA REALTY

“I Support Habitat for Humanity’s Women Build Event”

Come volunteer with us! May 4-6

Lee Stanford, Builder

Stanford Built Construction, LLC NEW CONSTRUCTION • RENOVATIONS • ADDITIONS • DESIGN

Building with distinctive attention to detail & environmental concern since 1980

575.770.6107 • STANFORDBUILT.COM

STANFORDBUILT@GMAIL.COM

• TAOS TAOSNEWS.COM/TAOS-WOMAN

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Katharine Egli

Women from near and far are willing to pick up a hammer to help those in need during the Habitat for Humanity’s National Women Build week the second Sunday in May.

BUILD continues from Page 48

Sunday of May). Around 300 Habitat for Humanity affiliates participate, with tens of thousands of women and men coming together to celebrate and empower women and their abilities.

Taos’ own Habitat affiliate has been a participant for nearly a decade now, and this year is no exception. Habitat for Humanity of Taos hosts a threeday build, which will span Thursday through Saturday, May 11-13.

Volunteers are welcome to participate in just one or two days or all three.

The Taos event sees a lot of repeat participants every year, including a few mother/daughter pairs, who do it together as a fun bonding experience.

There are two advantages to Taos that other Habitat affiliates don’t have, one of them being location: Many groups come from out of town because it’s a real opportunity to visit Northern New Mexico. As Cynthia Arvidson, executive director, explains, “These visiting workgroups, there’s other places that take them, so we’re kind of in competition, so one of the things

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that we promote, obviously, is Taos because it’s so unique and beautiful — and the adobe construction.” Taos is only one of two Habitat affiliates that builds with adobe bricks. Every volunteer group that comes in gets the opportunity to make adobe. As Arvidson says, “We like everybody to be able to at least touch them and make a set, even if we’re not at that stage on the worksite. We can always sell them at the ReStore.” The Habitat Taos ReStore is where construction materials and supplies are donated, sold and repurposed. It is important to note that none of the funding for the Taos affiliate comes from Habitat International. All money is raised from donations, fundraisers and sales from the ReStore.

A new feature of the Women Build event this year will be the addition of a hammering competition called “She Nailed It!” featuring teams of four, the goal of which will be to see which team can hammer a predetermined number of nails the fastest.

This is just one of the additional fundraising opportunities associated

TAOSNEWS.COM/TAOS-WOMAN

File pboto/Tina Larkin

Habitat for Humanity Executive Director Cynthia Arvidson is pictured in HFH’s ReStore side yard among the mirrors.

with the event. Last year, there was a Friday night fundraiser at Natural Accents Gallery, which consisted of a percentage of gallery sales that night earmarked to benefit Habitat, a silent auction and wine and hors d’oeuvres.

And every year, an effort is made to find local women-owned businesses to sponsor — in 2016, there were four.

In addition to local sponsorship, BUILD continues on Page 52

THE ART AND SCIENCE OF PURE PLANT AND FLOWER ESSENCES

YOUR STATE SENATOR

PHOTO, HAIR AND MAKEUP BY MARJORIE

CARLOS CISNEROS Supports The Women of Taos

All Lives Matter I WILL STAND FIRM, FROM HUMAN RIGHTS TO EQUAL RIGHTS. I SUPPORT EQUAL PAY FOR WOMEN AND WOMEN’S HEALTH CARE, I STRONGLY SUPPORT WOMAN’S BUSINESS ENTREPRENEURIAL INITIATIVES 575-751-7246 / 237 LEDOUX ST. TAOS, NM / SALONMARJORIE.COM

LET’S CELEBRATE THE WOMAN OF TAOS PAID FOR BY THE COMITY TO ELECT CARLOS CISNEROS

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File photo/Tina Larkin

Volunteers from Taos and all over the country gather to erect a home during the annual Habitat for Humanity’s National Women Build week.

“That’s what’s so cool about this, it’s to empower women and make them feel comfortable on the job site, because if we were to jump down to Santa Fe or Albuquerque and walk up to their job site, it would probably be very few women. It’s usually men on a job site and so it’s very intimidating to a lot of women, so this is to empower them to feel comfortable, to use tools that they’ve never used before, to learn a process they’ve never done before.”

— Cynthia Arvidson, Habitat for Humanity of Taos executive director 52

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BUILD continues from Page 50

Lowe’s of Española is a partner of the Taos build and provides incentives to the event: If Habitat Taos meets all the criteria, it gets $5,000 in spending credit at Lowe’s. One of the criteria is that there need to be 50 volunteers in the event, with at least 75 percent of them being women. So while men are welcome and do participate, the majority of the crew should be women.

As a partner, Lowe’s also provides all the schwag that is given to the volunteers, which in the past has included such items as pep rags, work aprons, cups and of course, T-shirts donning the Women Build logo.

Women Build has proven to be a successful endeavor, both in fundraising and in participation.

Habitat International’s statement on the event is this: “Our goal with Women Build is to empower women to help families build strength, stability and independence. We at Habitat have the ability to provide opportunities

for hands-on learning, and given these tools, women can succeed in changing their communities.”

Arvidson adds, “That’s what’s so cool about this, it’s to empower women and make them feel comfortable on the job site, because if we were to jump down to Santa Fe or Albuquerque and walk up to their job site, it would probably be very few women. It’s usually men on a job site and so it’s very intimidating to a lot of women, so this is to empower them to feel comfortable, to use tools that they’ve never used before, to learn a process they’ve never done before.” Arvidson emphasizes that the point of the build isn’t just for altruistic reasons, although that is an essential part, but it’s also about helping women to gain additional skills — a number of the participants come just to gain knowledge and hands-on construction experience.

For more information on participation or sponsorship, call (575) 758-7827 or visit taoshabitat.org.

Dennis Manzanares Manzanares Law Office Attorney & Counselor-at-Law (575) 770-0902 1105 Luz del Sol - Taos “Your attorney for all your family and business needs”

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102 Doña Luz Taos, New Mexico 87571 livealifeofsubstance.com 575.751.0992 TAOSNEWS.COM/TAOS-WOMAN

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MOVERS AND SHAKERS TAOS BUSINESSWOMEN TO KNOW

Megan Bowers Avina

Jude Gochee

JUDITH ‘JUDE’ GOCHEE OWNER GRAYSTONE FURNITURE INDUSTRY: RETAIL HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN AT THE HELM? “I opened Graystone in 2002, so I’m in my 15th year.”

WHAT IS THE TOWN OF TAOS DOING RIGHT FOR BUSINESS? “How do I nicely say that the town leaves me alone? For that I am thankful.”

WHAT DO YOU CONSIDER YOUR GREATEST ACHIEVEMENT? “Moving to Taos was first on my list. Creating a livelihood offering products as dramatic as Taos itself was my next achievement. Turning that livelihood into a business that employs others and supports the community is my greatest achievement. I couldn’t do any of it without help.”

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WHO ARE YOUR HEROES IN REAL LIFE? “Taos is full of my heroes: Lucy Whyte Ferguson, chiropractor who keeps me upright; Joy Dillingham, spiritual teacher; and Trudy Valerio Healy, activist with more than a decade serving on the New Mexico Water Trust Board. I have heroes more famous, but no more important.”

TAOS WOMAN 2017

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MOVERS AND SHAKERS TAOS BUSINESSWOMEN TO KNOW

Submitted photo

Marny Schantz

MARNY SCHANTZ OWNER/MANAGER BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY TAOS REAL ESTATE INDUSTRY: REAL ESTATE HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN AT THE HELM? “Since June 1987.”

WHAT IS THE TOWN OF TAOS DOING RIGHT FOR BUSINESS? “Chamber of Commerce. Making sure that the media knows about Taos. Always room for more activity and suggest that the chamber send out their published articles, etc., to members. Thank goodness Kit Carson Park is still named as such. Kit Carson is still taught in the schools and puts the town on the map for many. Continue the upstarted relationship with Taos Ski Valley. This is a diamond in the rough that should explode in about five years. Taos needs to be a part of that!”

WHAT MORE COULD THE TOWN BE DOING TO HELP GROW BUSINESS? “Streamline the process of building permits. Be friends with the county; the community needs a good hospital and an airport. Need sidewalks and roads repaired.”

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WHO ARE YOUR HEROES IN REAL LIFE? “My dad.”

Kit Carson married the beautiful Maria Josefa Jaramillo in Taos in 1843.

They were married for 25 years. Josefa died in April, 1868 – Kit died 30 days later.

HONORING THE FEMININE SPIRIT SINCE 1923...

History in Taos.

Visit the Kit Carson Home and Museum, in Taos, where history still lives.

Look for the new book about Josefa Carson, Josefa: The Lifetime of Maria Josefa Jaramillo Carson 1828-1868, available soon in the Museum’s giftshop.

KIT CARSON HOME AND MUSEUM 113 KIT CARSON ROAD, TAOS, NM 87571 575-758-4945 • WWW.KITCARSONMUSEUM.ORG Pa t a g on i a • Pr a n a • K u h l • To a d a n d C o. • A s o l o • Me r r e l l • R e e f • C h a c o • O lu k a i

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TAOSNEWS.COM/TAOS-WOMAN

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Courtesy image

HEART stands for: Hope, Empowerment, Advocacy, Respect and Transitional housing.

HEART continues from Page 64

T

he work that HEART does goes far beyond providing shelter. Its office, located in downtown Taos, is a day-use facility where it gives women all the tools they need to stabilize their current situation.

There is a room — called the “boutique” — that contains a wide variety of assorted clothes, shoes and accessories, from professional to casual, all available at no cost.

There is a mirror that hangs in here that says, “You Are Loved,” and as Khan says, “We want the women to really be uplifted by the experience of shopping.” And this boutique has an open door policy: Any woman in need, regardless of her housing situation, can come here and take what she needs.

There is a common area in the office, as well, that consists of a sitting area with magazines and books. The women are encouraged to just come and spend time, eat their lunch and visit with each other. Khan continues, “It gives them something to do — just welcome to be here and be in the hustle and bustle of it all. We offer them coffee and tea, and we have soup. We have a library of things they can use, including a computer, so the women can come here and look for jobs, they can work on their resumes, they can look for rentals. But they can also do fun things — like they can do their Facebook here. We’re not going to monitor it, we just want them to have a little space.”

The theme is prevalent in

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Mary Miller

From left to right are HEART board members Kathy Linton; Susan McQuade; Ama Khan (co-founder); Kathy Herman (co-founder); Suzanne Mitchell; and Debra Sherry.

everything HEART does: It believes that assisting women starts with making them feel comfortable and safe. When a woman experiences the trauma of losing nearly everything, it can make getting back on one’s feet feel hopeless and frightening. That is why another one of HEART’s missions is to make sure that pets are able to stay with the family. When asked about the significance of pets, Khan elaborates, “It’s absolutely critical. In fact, I’d say 90 percent of shelter facilities for the homeless require that the individual separate from their pets. Now if you can imagine having lost everything, and then they require that you let go of the one thing you have left, why on earth would we ask them to separate from that? The animals are key. It’s all about healing, so we’re going to be wanting as much help as we can to support that.”

addition, she and the coordinator set goals together; they begin to formulate a plan. If housing is needed, the woman (or man, in the occasional case) is taken to HEART’s storage unit, where she (or he) can actively begin to furnish the home they don’t even have yet.

This is a flip-flopped version of the usual approach: “She doesn’t have a home yet, technically … but it’s majorly significant for her to shift her perspective of herself. It means that the woman immediately starts to see herself in her home, and that awakens her inner motivation to really go for it.

It accelerates the healing and the recovery,” says Khan. All assistance is confidential. And if the woman is not yet homeless, but has a pending eviction, HEART can act as liaison with landlords to come to an agreement that will alleviate a crisis situation.

at these events: The goal is simply to create a supportive community.

The first thing that happens when a woman comes to HEART is she meets with the support coordinator.

During this meeting, basic emergency needs are established and met — transportation is arranged, she is given a resource guide and a $25 gift card. In

One of the other features of the program includes a monthly gathering, complete with meals prepared by volunteers, where the women who are currently in the program and past clients can come together to support and empower each other. There is no facilitating

HEART of Taos’ day-use facility and office is located at 204 Paseo del Pueblo Norte, across from Kit Carson Park. The HEART Resource Center is open TuesdayFriday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Call (575) 776-4245 or visit heartoftaos.org for more information.

TAOSNEWS.COM/TAOS-WOMAN

HEART is also committed to providing a living wage to its allfemale staff. According to Khan, “We’re going to nourish and empower from the top down.” And it is documenting everything it does to serve as a model for other rural communities. The idea is to show that a rural community like Taos can create a successful program like HEART, even with limited federal or state funding. The support of the community is evidenced by the success of fundraisers — a live auction recently raised more than $20,000. Khan elaborates, “It’s so possible … we’ve never not been able to completely furnish a home.

Underneath, we [the people of Taos] do have that compassionate heart, so to awaken that in a community is a beautiful thing.”

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At the HEART of Taos Helping our community’s homeless women

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By Mel A. James

t feels more like a home than it does an office. There is a large wooden table at the center of the room, and the walls are plastered in warm, soft colors.

The decorations seem carefully considered: Inspiring artwork, handmade crafts and decorative clocks accent the space. There are even a sofa and coffee table off to one side. The feel of the facility is a deliberate part of HEART of Taos’ mission: to make the women it serves feel as comfortable as possible. It’s meant to be homey and inviting, not cold and industrial.

Katharine Egli

Ama Khan, executive director and co-founder of HEART of Taos, photographed in her office holding a copper tree made for her by a homeless woman who was helped by the organization. The five candles in Khan’s office represent the first five women HEART helped get back on their feet.

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The HEART of Taos is an acronym for Hope, Empowerment, Advocacy, Respect and Transitional housing. In 2016, Ama Khan, executive director and co-founder, who had previously worked for the Taos Coalition to End Homelessness (TCEH), saw a distinct lack of services available for homeless women in Taos County. While Community Against Violence serves the domestic violence needs, it simply does not have the capacity to house other women with needs in the community, and TCEH is a men’sonly shelter. Khan saw the lack and launched HEART of Taos to fill the gap.

HEART continues on Page 66

Dining Out ONLINE ANYTIME

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MOVERS AND SHAKERS TAOS BUSINESSWOMEN TO KNOW

Megan Bowers Avina

Katie Speirs

KATIE SPEIRS

PRESIDENT/OWNER KTAOS SOLAR RADIO 101.9/LUNA 96.7 FM INDUSTRY: BROADCASTING HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN AT THE HELM? “September of 2004, I was hired as the production director. In February 2005, we moved into The KTAOS Solar Center. The following year, LUNA was born, our adult contemporary station. By 2010, Brad Hockmeyer, founder (KTAOS), sold his legacy locally. I originally purchased the station(s), property and liquor license in 2010. This has been the greatest career experience of my life.”

WHAT IS THE TOWN OF TAOS DOING RIGHT FOR BUSINESS? “We have found that the town of Taos works within the limits of town boundaries. Our town mayor, Dan Barrone, comes on air once a month to interview with Paddy Mac. We have a 300-mile broadcasting range and are happy to help the town reach the business community.”

WHAT MORE COULD THE TOWN BE DOING TO HELP GROW BUSINESS? “In order to live and work comfortably in our community, it needs to become more affordable (believe me — business owners want to pay more, it’s basic supply and demand economics). Taos is not easy to get to, and eventually, it could be through infrastructure to easily fly here and inevitably change the economic dynamic. I see this as a way to offer positive growth for our community and local businesses. Even though the airport is located in Taos County, I personally see this as beneficial to all.”

WHO ARE YOUR HEROES IN REAL LIFE? “I have a hard time with ‘favorites’: My parents; my husband, Dave; Brad Hockmeyer; radio industry and personal close friends; and musicians, particularly the artists I know personally and who have supported the stations. They are heroes.”

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Courtesy Photos

Snowboarder Christina Bruno.

BRUNO continues from Page 58

Colorado University in Gunnison for a degree in ski and resort management and outdoor leadership.

“I fell in love with Crested Butte.

A lot of my classes were outside and I did a lot of backpacking and wilderness first responder certs (certifications). I did do river guiding in Gunnison; and on Crested Butte Adventure Treks, we did kayaking and trekking, mountaineering and climbing also when I was working out of Moab and the Northern Cascades in the Oregon and Washington areas.”

She volunteered at Crested Butte adaptive center and found teaching outdoor activities to people with disabilities to be hugely rewarding.

“I love being outside and sharing that with others. I moved to Park City through the AmeriCorps program and worked for five years at the year-round National Ability Center.” There she taught therapeutic horseback riding, cycling, rockclimbing, skiing, snowboarding and more.

Taos time Looking for a less grueling pace, Bruno wanted a smaller town with a steep mountain. She found Taos through friends.

“What I love about being a woman in Taos and the Northern New Mexico community is that we are diverse and rich in culture.”

Industry development relies on technology and an ongoing dialogue

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Bruno also notes that she has an amazing group of women friends who also love to do backcountry touring. “Really strong spirits who are noncompetitive, warm and caring — just strong individuals.” with mountain guides, competition skiers, freeriders and passionate backcountry skiers — and Bruno is part of that dialogue.

“I also work with Custom Cult, a local snowboard company out of Albuquerque who has an online platform to make custom snowboards tailored to your height, weight, riding style and individualized graphics. My profile is one of the riding styles you can create a custom board around.”

She hopes to have the time to compete in some North American qualifiers, but definitely plans to compete in the Crested Butte and Taos 4-Star competitions, as well as in New Zealand’s series of qualifiers.

Because it was so fun, she plans on doing the full series of banked-

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slalom events in the Queenstown and Wanaka areas in Australia.

Having competed for the last five years in the Freeride World Qualifier competitions, she’s had a couple second- and third-place podiums.

“It’s difficult to find time to train and practice with a full-time job, but I love the challenge of competition and putting myself on the spot. I’m definitely competitive and always looking at ways to become a better version of me. The freeride competitions combine my love of steeps, adventure and selfimprovement.”

A “never summer” snow person, Bruno leads Women’s Weekend clinics at Taos Ski Valley every December and coaches the Southern Hemisphere winter’s Burton “Snowbroads” Women’s camps at the Remarkables in Queenstown, New Zealand.

She works different women’s freestyle camps and women’s weekends because they successfully create a non-threatening environment for women to indulge in their passion or try something new. Afterwards, she says the women often have a group to ride with and can push each other in a positive way.

What’s ahead Bruno recently was awarded a scholarship through the Liz Daley fund and American Alpine Institute, where she will improve her guiding and mountaineering skills through a mountaineering leadership course

in May of 2017. The upshot is preparing her for big plans of splitboarding and mountaineering in Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan. Time spent in Taos during the other three seasons is just as rewarding as it is during the winter months.

“Part of the reason I love living in Taos is because I feel a special connection with the area,” Bruno says, noting that even in the winter, she goes down to the mesa with Luna, her rescue blue heeler-pit bull-pointer mix, walking in the Gorge or biking on the rim.

“I love the contrast of the mountains and the desert; the contrast of the terrain and the seasons. It’s really rejuvenating to me.”

Bruno also notes that she has an amazing group of women friends who also love to do backcountry touring. “Really strong spirits who are noncompetitive, warm and caring — just strong individuals.”

Being in Taos is a spiritual connection for her.

“As a community, we celebrate the environment and our traditions from a variety of backgrounds, but share values of environmental stewardship, adventure, art, culture and connecting with each other. In light of recent politics, I hope we can continue to hold on to these values, our unique diversity and continue to stand strong together.”

Follow Christina Bruno on Twitter @christinabruno6 or on Instagram christina.bruno.cb.

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Courtesy photo

Springtime boarding Christina Bruno style.

Free spirit ‘Caring, tenacious, adventurous’ Christina Bruno

By Virginia L. Clark

R

enowned in the Taos snow sports community for her alpinist accomplishments in the U.S. and New Zealand, 31-year-old Christina Bruno brings both peak and depth experience to the people and cultures of Taos.

Self-described as “caring, tenacious and adventurous,” she is now Snow Sports School manager at Taos Ski Valley (TSV) starting this 2016-17 season. Bruno has distinguished herself locally and abroad in adaptive sports programs and competitive snowboarding, mountaineering and avalanche education.

“Even though the ski valley takes most of my time, the adaptive

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program I have fostered and developed has a great outreach into the community, especially with the community school group children,” Bruno said. “Each week, we have adaptive students come with their schools, taking lessons and being included in the program.”

ski-appreciation week in January, also offering adaptive lessons and mono ski demos to participants.

Now in her third season at TSV, she manages all the adaptive programs, adult alpine and snowboard lessons, the race department and video department.

Last season, Bruno passed her trainer’s exam and became the first adaptive snowboard examiner for the New Zealand Snowsports Instructors Alliance (NZSIA).

“I love the creativity of using different equipment and methods in teaching people with disabilities and sharing that knowledge with other instructors.”

Backcountry bliss Besides her adaptive skiing specialization, Bruno’s overall love is backcountry splitboarding — basically donning a snowboard split in half to make “skinning” or climbing to unbroken fields of powder or up to craggy peaks possible, all for untracked powder and the embrace of the wild.

Her TSV programming has expanded to include the weeklong Not Forgotten Outreach veteran

Born in Salt Lake City, Utah, back in the late ’80s, Bruno was just learning to walk at the same

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time U.S. backcountry skiing and telemark turns were also relative toddlers. In 1991, when she was 5 years old, just minutes away in the snowy Wasatch Mountains of Utah, avid Utah rider and avalanche forecaster Brett “Kowboy” Kobernik and Voilé CEO Wally Wariakois introduced the backcountry splitboard, turning the snowboard world upside down.

Synchronistically and unknowingly, Bruno’s passion was also born.

“I grew up 10 minutes from Snowbird and I was introduced to the skiing world by my family. We went on weekends. When I was 16, my mom started working at Snow Bird and so did I.” Bruno went to Western State BRUNO continues on Page 60

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