Zia Magazine Collection Spring 2018

SPRING 2018

Southwest New Mexico The Land The Art and The People!

The Forgotten Veterans Memorial Paying tribute to those who bravely served

Las Cruces Culture Hidden gems for theater and literature

Lordsburg Labor of Love Downtown comes alive!

Local Color in Deming and Reserve We visit Olmesquite and Uncle Bill’s Bar

Melinda’s Medical Supply Your friends for health and wellness in Silver City

WWW.ZIAPUBLISHING.COM

COLLECTION

Gila

Optical, Inc. Shannon Mittica American Board of Opticianry Certified Certified Ophthalmic Technician

Celina Telles, Optician

604 West Spring St. • Silver City, NM 88061

Tel: 575-388-4464

www.gilaoptical.com

Designer Frames and Digital Lenses Certified Safety Glasses

Comprehensive Ophthalmology Offering the latest advancements of technology to diagnose and treat eye disease

Serving Southwest New Mexico Since 2004

American Board of Ophthalmology Comprehensive Eye Exams, Cataract Surgery, Glaucoma Surgery, Minor In-Office Procedures, Dry Eye, Premium Lenses, Laser Surgery for the Treatment of Eye Disease.

Nicholas M. Mittica Jr., M.D.

604 W. Spring St. | www.gilaeyecare.com

(575) 388-4464

AUTO ACCIDENTS • WORKERS COMP SPORTS INJURIES • PERSONAL INJURY

Why Live With Pain?

HEADACHES & TMD • NECK & BACK PAIN • HIP & LEG PAIN • SHOULDER & ARM PAIN DISK, MUSCLE & JOINT PAIN • SCIATICA & CHRONIC ARTHRITIS • POST SURGICAL REHAB MEDICARE AND MEDICAID AND MOST OTHER INSURANCES

SUZANNE GRAVES, MPT, BS, BA. • Owner/operator of Desert Springs Physical Therapy 18 years • Graduated with a masters’ degree in physical therapy in 1997 from The University of St. Augustine, St. Augustine, FL. • Earned a BS in Gerontology and a BA in Exercise and Fitness at The University of Northern Colorado, Greely CO. • Retired MAJ USAR, last station Ft. Bliss.

Mobilized to Ft. Sill OK in 1996 for the global war on terror, acted as Assistant Chief of physical therapy at Reynold’s Army Community Hospital.

• 18 years of mentoring WNMU Kinesiology and COTA students.

• Clinical instructor for UNM doctoral students, Pima Medical Institute for physical therapy assistant students.

• Enjoys learning about leadership, and improve ways to run her business.

• Title sponsor for The Gila Monster Gran Fondo – fundraiser for the Tour of the Gila.

• Supports The American Legion and various other local organizations.

• Heads up “Cookies for our Troops” for Grant County.

• Enjoys cycling, hiking, backpacking, gardening, spending time with family and friends.

Has marched the ½ marathon Bataan Death March x 5 with her father. Has completed 2 Century bicycle rides.

KELLY HOWARD, PHYSICAL THERAPIST ASSISTANT

I was born and raised on the Central Coast of California, where I met and married my husband Andre. In addition to our two sons, we also have two grandchildren. I attended Professional Skills Institute in Santa Barbara, where I graduated from their Physical Therapy Assistant program in 1996.

Also, in 2003 I became certified in Lymphatic Drainage management. Before relocating to Silver City in the fall of 2017, I have lived and practiced in a variety of different clinical settings in California, Idaho, Nevada, the U.S. Virgin Islands. My husband and I also lived for a season in the Philippines, where we oversaw feeding programs for malnourished children and performed medical outreaches to the poorest communities on the islands. My husband and I are Co-Pastors of New Hope Fellowship here in Silver City. My hobbies include gardening, shooting and playing with our German Shepherd.

M-F • 8am - 6pm • Timely Appointments Available • Call Today.

310 W. 11th • Silver City • Se Habla Español

575.534.1187

No One Knows The Country Like We Do! ® GEORGIA BEARUP Qualifying Broker Owner, REALTOR® 575-388-8556 GeorgiaBearup17@msn.com www.MimbresRealty.com

CISSY MCANDREW PAT BEARUP Accredited Buyers Representative Broker, REALTOR® EcoBroker®, GREEN Realtor® Farm & Ranch 575-538-1337 575-534-5030 CissyMcAndrew@gmail.com Pat.Bearup@hotmail.com www.SilverCityTour.com www.MimbresRealty.com

SANDRA HICKS Associate Broker 575-538-1337 sandrahicks.realtor@gmail.com www.MimbresRealty.com

NANCY J. LAMB Associate Broker 575-313-3529 nlamb7@gmail.com www.MimbresRealty.com

Property Management | 575-313-3208

Your Winning Silver City Team is here for all your Real Estate needs!

Office in Historic Downtown Silver City OPEN WEEKENDS! Monday-Friday 9 to 5 • Saturday-Sunday 10 to 4 414 N. Bullard St. I Silver City, NM 88061 I 575-538-3789 I 800-827-9198 I www.MimbresRealty.com

THERE’S NOTHING MORE COMFORTING THAN A FAMILIAR FACE. WE LIVE WHERE YOU LIVE.

Life insurance is something you want to talk about with someone you know. Who better than your State Farm agent. ey’ve been here for you in the past and understand the importance of keeping an eye on the future.

For life insurance, call your neighborhood State Farm agent.

COME VISIT US AT OUR NEW LOCATION

Serving Southwest New Mexico Chuck Johnson, Agent #1 Ranch Club Road Silver City, NM 88061 Bus: 575.538.5321 888.616.0884 Cell: 575.590.7746 chuck.johnson.b7i7@statefarm.com

LIKE A GOOD NEIGHBOR STATE FARM IS THERE. Providing Insurance and Financial Services

statefarm.com State Farm Fire and Casualty Company Home Office … Bloomington, Illinois

Jon P. Saari, Agent #1 Ranch Club Road Silver City, NM 88061 Bus: 575.597.1111 Fax: 575.956.6392 jon@insuregc.com

Quality Dental Care For You and Your Family

Working to bring Grant County the best care we can to keep you smiling — year after year!

• Comprehensive Dentistry

• Teeth Whitening

• Dental Implants

• Invisalign®

• Braces — Clear and Traditional

• One Visit Crowns with CEREC • Wisdom Teeth Extraction with IV Sedation

• Orthodontist in office on Fridays Dr. Smith

Justin Porter, DDS

Dr. Justin Porter was born and raised in Safford AZ. His parents taught him at an early age to work hard and to serve others in the community. This is what drew him to Dentistry. After graduating Safford High School, he served a two year mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Chile where he became fluent in Spanish. He married Kristi his high school sweetheart and they have four children, Jace, Chance, Maci and Lane. They love to spend family time together. Dr. Porter attended Eastern Arizona College and the University of Arizona for his undergraduate studies in the field of Biochemistry. He went to dental school at Marquette University and graduated with a Doctor of Dental Surgery degree in 2004.

Dr. Porter moved to Silver City, NM and started his dental office Silver City Dental in 2005. He and his staff are dedicated to improving the oral health for the entire family with state of the art equipment and knowledge. He has a strong commitment to continuing education and has completed mini residencies in dental implants and iv sedation. With this advanced training and his deep commitment to honesty and integrity, you can expect nothing but the best, most conscientious care from Dr. Porter. He provides his patients with a caring, gentle and comprehensive approach to oral health. Dr. Porter looks forward to meeting you and serving your dental needs.

1340 E. 32nd Street, Silver City, NM 88061

(575) 538-5664 • www.silvercitydental.com

New Location Woodlands Ace Hardware 505-569-8004

522 E. Reinken Ave • Belen, NM 87002

(575) 534-0782

Monday-Friday 7am to 6:30 pm • Sunday 8:30 to 5:30

3025 Highway 180 E • Silver City, NM 88061

Featuress

SPRING 2018

35 Remembering the Forgotten

46 The Black Box Theater Ceil and Peter Herman’s Black Box Theater brings excitement and sophistication to the Las Cruces theater scene. Find out how fate brought them together!

photo Jesse Ochoa

Armando Amador worked tirelessly to make the Forgotten Veterans Memorial a reality. Now, it is a sacred space honoring those who made the greatest sacrifice.

35

52 Casa Camino Real Bookstore Las Cruces literary luminary Denise Chávez has an eclectic shop full of books, artwork, and the best café de la olla in New Mexico.

Their family tradition and passion for great winemaking have deep roots throughout New Mexico. The Lescombes family loves their customers and supports their communities.

65 Revitalization Challenges

photo by Cheryl Fallstead

55 St. Clair Winery

46

Businesses and government are pitching in to re-energize the historic Railroad District and Motel Avenue in Lordsburg, enticing visitors to live, work, and buy local.

70 Uncle Bill’s Bar

90 Melinda’s Medical Supply Silver City native Melinda Bartlett’s caring attitude makes her a special part of the health care community—helping people feel their best is her passion!

photo courtesy St. Clair Winery

A fateful game of cards led to the establishment of this beloved institution in Catron County, still owned and operated by descendants of Uncle Bill.

55

DEPARTMENTS

30

photo by Samuel Kirshbaum

SPRING / SUMMER 2018

of TALK the TOWN

73 Buck Burns, Melissa Brown and Laura Brown

lead the Cobre junior thespians to perform Disney’s The Lion King Jr.

77 Deborah Hutchings

“Painting what she feels” to create Windmill in the Field for our cover.

78 MRAC

28

WHAT’S NEW? 18

WNMU

Leading the online learning revolution

photo by Mark Erickson

photo by Cheryl Fallstead

50

Planning the annual Silver City Blues Festival.

80 Silver City Arts & Cultural District Planning the annual Silver City Clay Festival.

GREAT OUTDOORS 82 Abe Villarreal

enjoys a day hike in the Gila Wilderness.

Talk to your spouse about your retirement vision 24

Howard Richardson

Opens Corner Kitchen in downtown Silver City photo by Eric Witherow

28

Craig Wentz

Concentrating on his art 30

Mandeep Yadav

Head coach for WNMU tennis teams 38

Brett Myrick

Great grandson of former New Mexico governor shares his passion for water preservation.

THE MIMBRES CONNECTION 40

Sam Baca

Restores the San Jose Mission in Faywood in a labor of love.

12

70 LAS CRUCES 45

Ceil & Peter Herman

Bringing the gift of theater to Las Cruces in a small Black Box 50

Denise Chávez

Her eclectic collection of books and charm at the Casa Camino Real bookstore

ZIA MAGAZINE COLLECTION Spring 2018

82

photo by Abe Villarreal

22 Edward Jones

AREA ATTRACTIONS 86

Parks, Monuments & Trails

A guide to the area’s many outdoor opportunities

BORDERLANDS

HEALTH & WELLNESS

60

Randy McCowan

Creating Olmesquite, Deming ghost town.

65

Debra Greene

Disaster challenged her to rebuild her downtown Lordsburg properties.

68

LEAP: Lordsburg Economic Advancement Committee Making a difference to renovate Main Street

94

Dan Otero

Receives three year contract extension as CEO of Hidalgo Medical Services (HMS)

IN EVERY ISSUE...

14 15 87 88 73

About the Cover Contributors Area Map Local Maps Index of Advertisers with Map Locations

PATIENT-FOCUSED FAMILY DENTAL CARE As a patient-focused family dental office, Dr. Bonura and the team at Silver Smiles offer personalized, comprehensive dentistry with a focus on integrity and high-quality service. We don’t just provide exceptional dental care – we create a welcoming environment to make you feel like a part of our family every time you visit!

Family Dentistry

Restorative Dentistry

Exams & Cleanings Children’s Dental Health Bruxism Treatment

Dental Fillings Dental Crowns Root Canal Treatment Dental Implants

Cosmetic Dentistry Teeth Whitening Bonding/Contouring Porcelain Veneers

Meet Dr. Bonura Caytlyn Foy Bonura, DDS, was born and raised in Silver City, New Mexico. She attended Creighton University in Omaha, NE and graduated summa cum laude with a Bachelor of Science in Biology. Then attended Baylor College of Dentistry, where she received her Doctor of Dental Surgery. After completing dental school, Dr. Bonura furthered her education and completed an Advanced Education in General Dentistry program at the University of New Mexico. Here she learned to perform advanced dental procedures, including implant placement and restoration, hospital dentistry (including sedation dentistry) and pediatric dentistry techniques.

1608 North Bennett St. • Silver City, NM 88061

(575) 534-3699 • www.SilverSmilesDental.com

ZIA MAGAZINE COLLECTION Terri Menges

President & Managing Director

Arlyn Cooley

Staff Accountant

Cari Anderson Maeve Garigan Marsha Hill James Edd Hughs Kevin Lenkner Charlie McKee Jennifer Olson Kathy-Lyn Allen Pacheco Mike Rowse Elaine Stachera Simon Eric Witherow Abraham Villarreal Contributing Writers

William J. PERKINS

D av i d M .

Lopez

C at h ry n L .

WAL L AC E

D NIEL B. DA D i et z e l

Mark Erickson Cheryl Fallstead Jay Hemphill Samuel Kirshbaum Jesse Ochoa Kathy-Lyn Allen Pacheco Jay Scott Debra Sutton Abe Villarreal Eric Witherow

Contributing Photographers

Where Your Friends Go To Save Money!

601 E 19th Street Silver City, NM 88061

575-538-3787

Terri Menges Debra Sutton Designers

Terri Menges Jesse Ochoa Jay Scott Elaine Stachera Simon Advertising Sales

3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3

Auto Truck Motorcycle RVs and Trailer Homeowner Landlord, Renter Business Liability Property, Equipment Workers Comp Liability Truckers Surety Bonds

www.CarsonInsuranceAgency.com 14

ZIA MAGAZINE COLLECTION Spring 2018

Our Cover: Windmill in the Field, 8" x 10"oil on canvas by Silver City artist Deborah Hutchings. The windmill is located near City of Rocks State Park on Hwy. 180 between Deming, once known as “City of Windmills,” and Silver City. See artist profile on page 77.

Zia Magazine Collection is published bi-annually by Zia Publishing Corp., PO Box 1248, 116 McKinney Rd. (deliveries only), Silver City, NM 88062-1248. Phone and Fax: 575-388-4444, e-mail: info@ziapublishing.com Zia Magazine Collection Online: www.ziapublishing.com ©Zia Publishing Corp., 2018. This issue of Zia Magazine Collection is copyrighted under the laws of the United States of America. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part without permission of the publisher prohibited. For permission to use any portion of this publication email: info@ziapublishing.com. All submissions of editorial or photography are only accepted without risk to the publisher for loss or damage.

Every effort was made to ensure accuracy in the information provided. The publisher assumes no responsibility or liability for errors, changes or omissions.

Contributors

WELCOME HOME.

WE MAKE RELOCATING EASY. Mark Erickson has shot just about everything in his 50-plus years of photographing Silver City.

One poignant memory he has is photographing Fort Bayard after the Wreaths Across America Project put out close to 3,800 at the facility during the Christmas season to honor veterans buried there.

Giving you piece of mind on your everyday risk.

TOWNSEND INSURANCE AGENCY

Personalized Service Serving all of New Mexico & Arizona

YOUR TRUSTED ADVISOR

Allen K. Townsend Agency Owner Jay Hemphill Born in the Kansas City area, Jay Hemphill moved to Silver City, NM in 1999 to attend WNMU, and he graduated with a BFA in photography in 2003. He loves hiking and backpacking in the Gila.

Se Habla Español

Come on by our new location and meet your friendliest staff in the southwest.

1123 N. Pope Street, Silver City, NM 88061 allentownsend@allstate.com

www.allstate.com/allentownsend Cheryl Fallstead is a freelance writer, photographer, and designer who also teaches photography and graphic design for Doña Ana Community College. Cheryl is also the Kahuna Grande of the Las Cruces Ukes, a community group of ukulele enthusiasts. She moved to Las Cruces from California with her husband, Brian, over a decade ago and has bloomed where she was transplanted.

(575) 537-1551

IT’S GOOD TO BE IN

Samuel Kirschbaum recently moved to Silver City from the DC area and immediately fell in love with the beauty, culture and the personal connections of small town life. He is looking to attend WNMU in the summer and is extremely excited for the opportunities to come.

Full Service Salad Bar

2005 HIGHWAY 180 SILVER CITY, NM 88061

(575) 538-4387 1220 N. Hudson • Silver City, NM 88061 (575) 538-2956 1111 Tom Foy Blvd. • Bayard, NM 88023 (575) 537-3317

2005 Hwy 180 • Silver City, NM 88061 (575) 388-1231

12 Convenient Locations

1810 N. Swan • Silver City City, NM 88061 (575) 388-4020 501 N. Gold St • Deming, NM 88030 (575) 546-3992

402 Tom Foy Blvd. • Bayard, NM 88023 (575) 537-7000

1111 Tom Foy Blvd. • Bayard, NM 88023 (575) 537-3681

Jesse Ochoa came here in 2006 from southern California where he owned a lumber and a furniture manufacturing company for 18 years.

He retired for a while and then went to work with the Sun News in digital and print advertising sales.

He later became Display Advertising Manager for the Daily Press. He took a small break before coming to work with Zia Publishing as Sales Manager and Photographer. He has enjoyed being part of a great team that, with our advertisers, help make this one of the best publications in the Southwest and New Mexico.

Michael D. Rowse Agent

575.597.0206 Mike.Rowse@fbfs.com 215 W. College Ave. Silver City, NM 88061

I make insurance simple.® Auto | Home | Life | Annuities | Health Farm/Ranch | Crop | Business | College | Retirement

Farm Bureau Property & Casualty Insurance Company* | Western Agricultural Insurance Company* | Farm Bureau Life Insurance Company* *Company providers of Farm Bureau Financial Services Health insurance policies are underwritten by an insurance company that is not affiliated with our companies.

16

ZIA MAGAZINE COLLECTION Spring 2018

Mike Rowse Born in Silver City, Mike and wife, Linda, met as students at WNMU. Careers took them around the western U.S. but they returned home in 2001 to run KSCQ radio. Their two daughters worked in the business, making it a true family affair. Mike is now with Farm Bureau insurance.

Jay Scott moved to Silver City as a teen from southeast NM and fell in love with the mountains, forests, and canyons. With a background in art and photography, he has a natural artist’s eye and he can see beauty everywhere in anything.

He is the owner of Kiss My Glass window cleaning and also enjoys visiting with customers as an ad sales rep for Zia Publishing.

Elaine Stachera Simon is a writer and editor.

Having had a career in higher education development and advancement, she now provides communication and consulting services for nonprofits. She also writes artful and sensitive obituaries and eulogies, helping mourners publicly remember and celebrate their loved ones.

Contact Elaine at goodwordforyou@yahoo.com.

Abe Villarreal Abe Villarreal is the Assistant Dean of Student Activities at Western New Mexico University. A native of Douglas, AZ, when not on campus, he enjoys writing about his observations on life, people, and American traditions. He lives in Silver City.

Eric Witherow left Ireland to seek adventure when he was 17. He roamed the globe documenting his escapades. Finally looking to settle, Eric surrendered to Silver City’s natural beauty, wonderful climate and the living history. Eric says, “I’ve never run across so many interesting folks anywhere. It keeps the mind, body, and soul alive.” He enjoys books, wine, good friends, and taking pictures.

Spring 2018 ZIA MAGAZINE COLLECTION 17

Spring 2018 ZIA MAGAZINE COLLECTION 19

the

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Monday- Saturday 9:30am to 5:30pm Serving New Mexico since 2005.

• Choice Selection of Mattresses to Choose From Including Innerspring, Memory Foam and Latex •

All Wood Bedroom Furniture • Linens and Pillows • Adjustable Beds • Headboards • Recliners • Guitars etc.

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FINANCIAL FOCUS

Talk to Your SPOUSE About Your Retirement Vision COURTESY OF JAMES EDD HUGHS AT EDWARD JONES®

If you’re single, your retirement goals are your own – you don’t really have to consult with anybody, and you can change your plans whenever you like. However, if you’re married, you and your spouse should develop a joint “vision” encompassing all the key areas of your retirement lifestyle. These are a few questions you may want to address first.

• Where should we live? Once you retire, you may need to consider two key aspects of your living situation: the size and location of your home. Regarding size, you may look around one day and realize you have more living space than you actually need. This is especially true, of course, if you have children who have set out on their own. So, if you have a large single-family house, you may want to consider whether you should move into a condominium or even an apartment, either of which might be more cost-effective for you.

As for location, you may decide that retirement is the perfect time to move, either to seek a more favorable climate or to be near grown children and grandchildren. In any case, moving to a different area is a major financial decision, so you and your spouse will certainly want to discuss all the aspects of relocation.

• Will either of us work? Retirement no longer means the cessation of all work. You or your spouse – or perhaps you and your spouse – may want to use your skills and experience to do some consulting or even open your own business. Adding a source of earned income will almost certainly help your financial picture during retirement, but if either you or your spouse is planning to do some work, you will want to be sure this activity doesn’t disrupt other plans that may be important to you, such as traveling.

Also, any source of earned income during your retirement years may well affect important financial decisions, such as when to take Social Security and how much to withdraw each year from your retirement accounts, such as your IRA and 401(k).

Again, it’s essential that you and your spouse be on the same page about any type of employment during retirement.

• How will we spend our time? Aside from possibly doing some type of work during your retirement years, how else might you spend your time? Would you like to travel extensively? Or would you rather stick close to home and pursue your hobbies or volunteer? These don’t have to be eitheror decisions – hopefully, you’ll be able to explore many pursuits during your retirement. Keep in mind, though, that there will be different costs for these various activities, so you and your spouse may need to prioritize your choices to ensure they fit in to your overall financial strategies.

As you can see, you and your spouse will have some key decisions about the financial aspects of your retirement. However, with some careful planning, you can make the moves that can help you work toward your common retirement vision.

This article was written by Edward Jones for use by your local Edward Jones Financial Advisor. Copyright ©2018 Edward Jones. All rights reserved.

Member SIPC. Edward Jones, its employees and financial advisors are not estate planners and cannot provide tax or legal advice. You should consult your estate-planning attorney or qualified tax advisor regarding your situation.

James Edd Hughs, AAMS® Financial Advisor 210 Hwy. 180 W, Suite 100 Silver City, NM 88061 575-534-1221 www.edwardjones.com

Spring 2018 ZIA MAGAZINE COLLECTION 23

What’s New u HOWARD RICHARDSON

Corner Kitchen Great Food Prepared With Love

Finding your passion in life and making a career of it is a dream that many of us have, but most of us do not achieve.

For those that do, life can be pretty special. But sometimes, in our youth we may not realize that we had already found our passion until we’ve gone out and done other things.

WRITTEN BY MIKE ROWSE PHOTOS BY SAMUEL KIRSHBAUM

THE CORNER KITCHEN was photographed by SAMUEL KIRSHBAUM on February 18, 2018. right: Howard prepares Papas Loco Scramble Plate, made with rosemary, chorizo, potatoes, scrambled eggs, black beans, cheese, avocado, and chipolte cream.

Touch HOME I NTERIORS

F

OR HOWARD RICHARDSON THE pATH TO HIS DREAM job started in his grandmother’s kitchen and ended with his own restaurant in Silver City, with a slight detour along the way.

After graduating from high school, Howard held several positions with a Wall Street firm, one of which was processing buy/sell orders for bonds. Back in those days, when someone purchased bonds, someone had to actually count the bonds and record serial numbers into ledgers.

Howard made a pretty good living doing things like that but soon realized that a career on Wall Street was not for him.

In 1982 Howard made the decision to leave a promising future with a good firm and move across country to San Diego where he began washing dishes at the Marriott Hotel. Talk about starting on the bottom rung of the career ladder! But his supervisors soon recognized Howard’s work ethic and desire to not only progress along a career path in the industry, but his desire to learn everything he could about the business. Soon he became a bar back, then a bartender, and began learning the management side of the restaurant business.

Howard learned a lot about how to run a successful business from his years with the Marriott Corporation, especially about how to train people to provide the best service and the best products on a consistent basis.

It wasn’t long before other restaurants began calling on Howard and he soon took a job at a new sports bar being opened by San Diego Charger, Junior Seau.

After six years an opportunity at the iconic San Diego steakhouse, Bully’s East, presented itself. Howard started in the bar but the manager gave him the opportunity to move into the kitchen and learn from the ground up how to make great food.

Howard knew that he wanted to be in the restaurant industry and the best way to learn is to actually do things. e biggest lesson Howard took away from Bully’s was to make everything from scratch. It takes longer, but it makes such a difference, and customers know good food.

The other lesson Howard took away from all of those experiences was that he loved interacting with the customers and his coworkers. Having that kind of personal touch not only sets the establishment apart from other restaurants but you also get the immediate feedback that you want. at feedback helps you continually improve your product and the experience for the customer, not to mention creating a positive atmosphere at work and surrounding yourself with people who are also passionate about the business. From the time he made the decision to become a dishwasher through today, Howard feels like he’s never worked a day in his life because of the people with whom he’s interacted.

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Mon.-Fri. 9am to 5pm • Sat. By Appointment

e other lesson Howard took away from all of those experiences was that he loved interacting with the customers and his coworkers.

575-388-9002 1302 North Hudson Street Silver City, NM 88061 • Fax: 575-388-1603 fthinteriors1@qwestoffice.net

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u HOWARD RICHARDSON

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t didn’t take long for some of the Howard reflects upon his youth where customers to begin calling upon Howard he learned to cook in his grandmother’s for catering services. parents asked kitchen. He didn’t know it at the time, Howard to cater the opening night gala although maybe he did down deep, that he for the La Jolla Country Day School, which had not only a knack for cooking, but also was so successful and well received that he was a great love. Certainly spending all of that soon catering events throughout Rancho time in the kitchen with his grandmother Santa Fe, La Jolla, and point Loma. e was special and maybe that’s why he loves restaurant industry is another industry in cooking dishes for others so much. He’s which change is common, and there are many never lost the feeling that he had during options for chefs, managers, and others who those special times growing up and that’s have made this their career. probably why he puts so much love and care While on vacation, Howard visited Silver into the dishes that he creates in his new City, NM and fell in love. He had heard a restaurant, Corner Kitchen. little bit about the town but what he experiHoward has put together a menu that enced exceeded his expectations. e pride will continue to evolve but his emphasis is of New Mexico citizens in their state, their on homestyle cooking with everything town, their history and their heritage really made from scratch as always. The menu impressed Howard. He will feature a variety of knew it was a place he above: The “Grilled Eggplant dishes including Asian, wanted to be. Howard took Sandwich” is prepared with grilled Italian, Southern, and a chance and walked into balsamic marinated eggplant, pan Mexican food. Howard fried red bell peppers and onions, the Little Toad Creek Brew- goat cheese balsamic reduction likes to describe it as comery and Distillery asking for sauce on a fresh baked 12 inch fort food from different a job. It just so happened sandwich roll. cuisines. Of course there that David and Teresa were looking for somewill be locally sourced ingredients as often one to run the kitchen and the rest is, as they as possible. The other emphasis for the say, history. It gave him a chance to learn restaurant was to have really good food at some new dishes and to get a feel for the peovery affordable prices and available ple in the community, and he quickly built quickly, especially during the day when new relationships and friendships. Soon he people have to work and don’t have a lot knew it was time to strike out on his own. of time for a home-cooked meal.

e menu will feature a variety of dishes including Asian, Italian, Southern, and Mexican food.

★★★★★ Yelp 5 Star Rating

Opening any business can be a stressful endeavor and restaurants especially so with all of the various permits, inspections, and modifications that have to be made in order to get up and running. All of that has been made so much easier by the people of Silver City, so many of whom have helped in small and large ways as Howard has worked to open up the restaurant. From contractors and electricians, the fire marshal, and building inspector, to others who have helped Howard develop his menu and taught him new skills in the kitchen, he couldn’t have done it without the support of his friends in the community. ere are so many to name that it would be almost impossible to list them all.

But that’s another special aspect of Silver City and the surrounding area—people genuinely want to help you and will do anything they can to see you succeed. And they don’t ask for anything in return. In some ways it’s representative of the ideals that we believe made the West great, neighbors helping neighbors. It’s another aspect of Silver City that prompted Howard to make it his new home. Now he has a way to give back by providing what some might say is a small token of his appreciation for and love of the people of our town, great food prepared with love.

“Todd is a top notch and honest mechanic.

Saved our Silverado and trip to the Gila Cliff Dwellings. And his dog is pretty awesome too. THANK YOU! Highly recommend.” “... I know I have a reliable shop now to count on when I’m in town for any repairs or maintenance I might need!”

“This shop was a real find in a small town or anywhere else! Unfortunately, our Mercedes SUV had developed a "sputter" on the drive up. The owner, Todd, quickly diagnosed the issue and repaired it. No fuss. No muss. No overcharge!”

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Patrick Conlin, Broker/Owner above: Howard on the steps at Corner Kitchen located at 300 S. Bullard St. in Silver City HOURS: Thursday-Monday 8am-4pm.

Breakfast is served 8-11am and lunch is served 11am-closing. s FOR MORE INFORMATION CALL 575-590-2603

120 E. 11th St. • Silver City 575-538-0404 2991 Hwy. 35 • Mimbres 575-574-8798 www.bettersilvercity.com Better Homes an Gardens is a registered of Meredith corporation licensed to Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate LLC.Equal Opportunity Employer.

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Spring 2018 ZIA MAGAZINE COLLECTION 27

Craig Wentz Visual Artist

WRITTEN AND PHOTOGRAPHED BY MARK ERICKSON

“I don’t need a day job now, so I can concentrate on art.”

A

s I drove into the parking area of the Wentz/Simmons home, I thought about the years that had passed with Wentz Electric and the transition into solar power. Craig had become a journeyman electrician in 1974 and spent quite a bit of time working on coal fired generation with IBEW 611. He spent time going to college and working and received his art degree in 1981 after initially starting in pre-med. His initial interest in art started with his mother, who had been doing paint by number and had some of the oils left. Young Craig, nine years old, still has that painting. While working at Tyrone. Craig converted the center section of a trailer into an art studio. He has work from Hubbard Cabin, Cascade Creek in Colorado, but tells with a smile of a time sailing around in the Southeast when he would do watercolors and sell them at the dock when he and Gail would put in for supplies.

Since 1986 Craig and Gail have been running their business in Silver City. e business, raising a son and building a house really put a damper on the art. Around 2006 interest in solar really came on and Wentz Electric really promoted and built a lot of arrays, both stand alone and putting power back into the grid. ey are still involved with the Green Chamber of Commerce.

Music is also important to Craig, Gail and omas, their son. While omas was learning violin from Jeanie McLerie of Bayou Seco fame they all got involved and, with Ken Keppler and many other musicians, formed e Big Ditch Crickets.

Finally retired from doing electrical, Craig says that he can again concentrate on art and has started by doing a series of color pencil drawings.

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BARKER MANNING GALLERY Acclaimed Aspen and Boulder, Colorado artist now makes Silver City, New Mexico home.

Colorful and whimsical, these paintings also go deeper into the psyche.

Aboriginal dreams perhaps.

Barker’s work brings a smile to the face while, at the same time, striking a chord with an ancient time.

406-A N. Bullard, Silver City, NM 88061 720 506 0079 720 318 4145 Barkermanning.com Barkermanninggallery@gmail.com Spring 2018 ZIA MAGAZINE COLLECTION 29

u MANDEEP YADAV

WNMU

Tennis Coach Mandeep Yadav’s journey to Silver City began half a world away and what seems like ages ago. Mandeep is originally from Chandigarh, India. Now he’s the head coach for men’s and women’s tennis at Western New Mexico University, although he had plenty of stops in between.

WRITTEN BY MIKE ROWSE PHOTOS BY SAM KIRSHBAUM

C

HANDIGARH IS THE CApITAL CITY OF THE NORTHERN STATES OF pUNJAB AND HARYANA. IT IS ON e New York Times 2018 list of 52 places to go. It is described as a green city and a place for lovers of architecture, having a heavy French and Swiss influence on the buildings in the city. It is also near the Himalayan mountain range so hiking is a popular pastime as well.

Mandeep started playing tennis at an early age due to the influence of his older brother and his father. His father was a police officer assigned to the security detail for India’s Davis Cup match against Australia in 1995. He had never played tennis before but fell in love with the sport and soon it was a family pastime. ere is not a formal high school tennis program in India, but the local tennis clubs form junior teams that play against other teams around India.

Mandeep soon earned a top ranking in the International Tennis Federation junior rankings, reaching the #20 spot among India’s juniors and a #495 world ranking. at not only earned him recognition among his peers in his home country, but began bringing attention from colleges around the world.

In spring 2010, Mandeep accepted an offer to play college tennis at Liberty University in Virginia. Moving to the United States was a culture shock amplified by attending a Christian University. But it was a place that he fit right in because of the tennis and the camaraderie you build with teammates, no matter what sport you’re playing. In fact, it’s the team aspect of what many see as an individual sport that drew Mandeep into the coaching ranks after his college playing days had concluded.

Mandeep stayed at Liberty University as a graduate assistant to begin his coaching career before moving on to Lynchburg College as an assistant coach where he helped both the men’s and women’s teams reach the postseason tournament. After a year as a teaching pro in Weston, FL, Mandeep returned to the college coaching ranks at McKendree University in Illinois.

While initially serving as the assistant coach, he took the helm and guided both the men’s and women’s teams to postseason berths and winning records. Not only did his teams have success on the court but they earned the Great Lakes Valley Athletic Conference president’s Council award for academic excellence and the Spring 2018 ZIA MAGAZINE COLLECTION 31

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u MANDEEP YADAV

Brother James Gaffney Distinguished Scholar Award as the team achieved a perfect grade point average.

After three years at McKendree University the opportunity to coach at Western New Mexico presented itself. For Mandeep it was a chance to move up in classification for the college ranks and test his coaching skills. He jumped at the opportunity even though it meant another move just as he was getting comfortable in Illinois.

Many of us understand the challenges of moving to an area where you know no one and nothing about the community. mandeep was excited to see that, while our mountains are not the Himalayas, there was an opportunity to go hiking. Within a couple of days of moving to our beautiful town, Mandeep was excited to see Gomez peak and the surrounding trail system. Since then he has found many of the hiking trails that

are so close to town and provide relaxing and challenging hikes with beautiful views and beautiful scenery. e town of Silver City itself was a pleasant surprise for Mandeep, who had become used to the hustle and bustle and crowded cities of the Northeast and Midwest. As usually happens with people who moved to our town, he immediately noticed what he called “a very nice vibe” which he described as “relaxed and chill.”

Even though some of the towns he had lived in across America would be described by many as small towns, Mandeep said that many of them tried to masquerade as larger cities but Silver City has its own feel.

In addition to the hiking, one of the things he discovered quickly was the variety of restaurant options available. As a vegetarian, he often finds it difficult to find local restaurants that serve not only a vegetarian

...he took the helm and guided both the men’s and women’s teams to postseason berths and winning records. Not only did his teams have success on the court but the team achieved a perfect grade point average.

fare but good vegetarian food. He had no problem finding delicious selections at places like Shevek’s, Diane’s, and Tapas Tree.

And imagine on your first weekend in your new home getting to experience Chocolate Fantasia. He admits he’s a little disappointed that event is only a once-a-year occurrence but he’s looking forward to next year. e other adjustment Mandeep had to make was getting used to the friendly people.

Like most residents who come to Silver City from larger metropolises, having everyone smile and say hello is a pleasant adjustment to have to make. He was also glad to see that there is such a vibrant tennis community in a small town that has accepted him and made the adjustment so much easier.

Any coach will tell you moving every few years is just part of the job but that every now and then you find a place where you feel comfortable and wouldn’t mind calling home for a long time. For Mandeep, Silver City has that kind of feel. Who knows what the future will bring, not only for him, but also for WNMU tennis? We imagine that both have a bright and promising future.

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Spring 2018 ZIA MAGAZINE COLLECTION 33

u ARMANDO AMADOR

REMEMBERING the

Forgotten Amador leads area veterans into the forefront WRITTEN BY ABRAHAM VILLARREAL PHOTOGRAPHY BY JAY HEMPHILL

At the age of 19, Armando Amador was given a draft notice by Uncle Sam. e U.S. Government was looking for a few good men and Amador was next in line.

H

E WAS EMpLOYED BY KENNECOTT COppER COMpANY AT THE TIME. IT WAS THE SUMMER

of 1971 and one of the top songs in the country was John Denver’s “Take Me Home, Country Roads.”

“I accepted it,” said Amador. “No one in my family at that point had gone to war.”

Amador felt it was his obligation to follow orders. It was the way he was raised. “e guys at work had told me a lot about Vietnam,” said Amador. “But I said I’ll go, I’ll do what I can and I’ll do what is right.”

After a 19-hour flight, he arrived in Cam Rahn Bay, stationed a distance from the city. He experienced the harsh realities of the long and controversial conflict. Amador spent the next year and 21 days in the Southeast Asian country.

“I was a squad leader in basic training, became a rifleman, a machine gunner, and a radio man,” he recalled. “I decided to push as hard as I can and in the process, learned to become an animal to survive.”

After nearly 13 months in the jungles of Vietnam, Amador was one day greeted by a serArmando Amador standing by a statue titled You Are Home, geant calling his name. “He told me that he had depicting a soldier embraced by orders for me to come back home and he took Jesus at the Forgotten Veterans Memorial Park near Fort Bayard. me out of the jungles and we left.”

Spring 2018 ZIA MAGAZINE COLLECTION 35

Santa Clara assisted living Serving those who require assistance with the activities of daily living.

• Caregivers Check on Residents Round the Clock • Nurse on Staff • Consulting Pharmacist • Home Health and Physical Therapists Available • Group and One-On-One Exercise Programs • Full Structured Activity Program • Medical Assistance with Transportation Available • Have Trust in us with your Loved ones.

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u VIETNAM VETERANS

M

any young soldiers return home and never say a word about the lifechanging moments experienced in far away places. Amador made a decision not only to speak about his experiences, but also to use them to transform a community.

It was his final act in the military that served as an impetus for his long struggle for veteran rights. As he signed his paperwork to be discharged, Amador unknowingly waived his V.A. benefits.

Not realizing it until more than a decade after his return home, Amador learned of the loss of his benefits when he became sick, ending up in a Los Angeles hospital. e devastating revelation was compounded by a challenging search to find a diagnosis. “I used to walk in Bayard all

night long,” said Amador. “I needed to find out why I couldn’t rest.”

Following a visit with a psychiatrist who told him that all Vietnam veterans were crazy, a second and a third psychiatrist were also dead ends. post Traumatic Stress Disorder (pTSD) was not well known, and Amador was left without answers. Finding a job was a challenge, so he turned to education.

“I decided to go to school at Western New Mexico University,” said Amador.

After his advisor told him that he would not succeed in accounting, his preferred degree choice, Amador decided that being told no was no longer an option.

“I needed to go to school to prove to my kids that we can move forward and get something out of life,” said Amador.

While in college, Amador became a standout student. He was elected to student

“A lot of vets have been forgotten by families and even their own country.” Today, the Forgotten Veterans Memorial is a modern park where no detail is overlooked.

Every landscaped corner is meticulously manicured.

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government, and began to challenge the V.A. military conflict in history. in an effort to receive his benefits. His efforts Local veterans continue to work on the eventually paid off, and the Amador name project, adding something else to it as became well known among state leaders as a money is raised and awareness is grown. A passionate voice for veterans’ rights. new office space was recently opened next In 1991, Amador earned his degree in acto the park, where official business can be counting, proving the naysayers wrong. He conducted and planning takes place for soon began the next phase of his life, finding further project developments. a place of belonging for his fellow soldiers. e park also serves as a spiritual healing What was once a hilly patch of empty place with religious imagery and views of land on the road to Fort Bayard became a dramatic natural landscapes. It exists in exgrand vision in the mind of Amador and his actly the right place, just as Amador and Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 358, the park supporters intended. for which he now serves as president. “ere’s something powerful here,” said Leading efforts to Amador. He can tell you receive capital outlay several stories where visiopposite: Armando and Pablo Ortega Madrid, a fellow veteran funding, Amador and tors through the years felt and member of the Vietnam his brotherhood of volsomewhat of a supernatVeterans of America, Chapter 358 unteers worked toural experience. by the Huey helicopter at the park. above: Vietnam Veterans Color gether through raffles “is place is sacred.”

Guard. kneeling, left to right–David and other fundraisers, Outside the gazebo, a Prates, Jose Ray Jr. Standing from hoping to create a new Huey helicopter is careleft to right—Paul Madrid, Armando Y. Amador, Henry Morales, Richard space of remembrance. fully balanced in the air.

Luna, and Julian Jacquez.

“A lot of vets have Several feet from it a been forgotten by families and even their lookout tower. Symbols of a conflict that own country,” said Amador. Today, the Forgive the aging soldiers opportunities for gotten Veterans Memorial is a modern park sharing. Grandpas tell their grandkids where no detail is overlooked. Every landabout bravery and forgiveness. scaped corner is meticulously manicured. At School kids visit and learn about big the center is a gazebo where visitors are enthings. ings that matter. circled by plaques marking every American ey learn about love.

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Brett Myrick Fifth Generation New Mexican, Navy SEAL, Water Protector.

Brett and I met fo fforr this interview at the Toad T ad in To Silver City. Nothing like a libation to get at the facts!

He told me about his great-great-grandfather Octaviano Larrazolo who was brought up to Tucson in the Arizona Territory by Bishop Salpointe.

WRITTEN AND PHOTOGRAPHED BY MARK ERICKSON

O

CTAVIANO LARRAZOLO INITIALLY STUDIED THEOLOGY AT St. Michael’s college in Santa Fe in preparation for the priesthood, graduating in 1876. On December 11, 1884 he became a U.S. citizen. He later was admitted to the Texas state bar and elected district attorney twice. He then moved to Las Vegas, New Mexico Territory in 1895, practicing law and becoming involved in Democratic politics with a focus on civil rights for the Latinos, Mexicans and Hispanos who comprised two-thirds of the Territory’s population. He had trouble finding success as a Democrat, however, because most Latinos identified as Republicans. Octavio ran for governor of New Mexico, and in 1918 he won, becoming the first Mexican-born Latino governor. He later served as a state senator, and died on April 7, 1930.

Oh yes, this interview is about Brett! More about activism on his part in a minute.

Brett joined the military in 1979 and was headed toward an advanced electronics program in the navy when SEAL motivators in boot camp convinced him that this was where he should be. In September of 1981 he became a SEAL and ultimately spent the next ten years with SEAL Team 5. Wanting to spend some time with his younger brother, he left the service. He then spent time in the Gila Wilderness from 1992 to 1999 working trail and enjoying the forest.

When North Country came to production in Grant County he entered film as a special effects technician and moved into stunt work in Seraphim Falls. He’s since been involved in many feature films including No Country for Old Men. Brett is active for the preservation of water resources and has been with the Standing Rock Water protectors when the veterans arrived to protest the pipeline across Indian Lands. He’s also worked with Secretary Zinke on the protection for public lands, notably in the Organ Mountains. He believes that the Gila should permanently be given wild river status. Brett would like you to visit his funding website at: www.gofundme.com/otterdoit

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ZIA MAGAZINE COLLECTION Spring 2018

The

Mimbres u SAM BACA

CONNECTION

A Labor of Love and Faith: RestoRation of the san Jose Mission in faywood

For the past 125 years, a small adobe chapel has sat on the banks of the Mimbres River. Graced with a blue neon cross and flanked by a red-roofed outhouse, its modest appearance belies a rich history in the local community.

WRITTEN BY MAEVE GARIGAN PHOTOS BY JESSE OCHOA AND COURTESY SAM BACA

photo by Maeve Garrigan

A HEAVY, HAND-CARVED STONE PILLAR SITS IN FRONT OF THE MAIN DOOR. LEGEND HAS IT that a local girl, Sarah Andazola, left town and her first love behind, and later passed away in California. Heartbroken by the loss, her former love pulled a massive stone from the river, carefully smoothing and shaping it, and engraved the initials “S.A.” at the base. ere’s cinematic history as well. e chapel has a bit part in the classic 1956 Western film Giant, starring Elizabeth Taylor, Rock Hudson and James Dean.

Stories and drama aside, the chapel provides a vital foundation for the local community: a place for folks to gather, share, and worship.

Built in 1893 to serve a thriving agricultural community in the river valley, the chapel fell into disrepair as families left the area and population dwindled.

Mr. Sam Baca, proprietor of Baca’s Funeral Chapels and former mayor of Deming, described the situation. “e old timers could no longer make a living on a 40-acre farm, and the church naturally lost parishioners. It was hard for the people that remained to maintain the church. I asked for permission from the bishop and the pastor to do the right thing and preserve it.”

Mr. Baca, whose family still owns a nearby farm, launched an ambitious repair and restore project in 2012. Knowing that local

40

ZIA MAGAZINE COLLECTION Spring 2018

parishioners would be unable to shoulder the financial burden, he reached out to friends and families with roots in the area. eir generous donations funded critical repairs of the roof and floor, installation of new interior walls and lighting, the addition of a wheelchair access ramp, and a central heating and air conditioning system. ese upgrades, while extensive, have been made with care and attention to preserve the original character of the chapel. e original altar stone, with relics from the San Isidro Mission, remains carefully installed. e original wood doors, which came from the San Vincente Mission in Silver City, have been repurposed to hang over the closet. e church bell, cast in 1892 in St Louis, MO and installed in the early 1900s, still rings today. e chapel repair and restoration is foremost a service to the community and its faith, but it is also a deeply personal mission for Mr. Baca.

“My family helped build this church,” explained Mr. Baca. “All the Baca family were baptized here, had first communion here, were married here, and are buried here.” is sentiment was echoed by a recent contributor who said, “ere is no doubt that our ancestors are smiling and sending energy and love.”

With a little luck and fortitude, this cycle of life, love and faith will continue for generations to come.

The San Jose Mission is located on Hwy 61 in Faywood, NM, near mile marker 10. s FOR MORE INFORMATION on the restoration project or to make a donation, please call 575-546-1666, email mimbrenio@hotmail.com, or send correspondence to San Jose Mission, PO Box 91, Faywood, NM 88034.

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Spring 2018 ZIA MAGAZINE COLLECTION 41

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Las Cruces u CEIL & PETER HERMAN

Bringing the Gift of Theater to Las Cruces in a Small Black Box If two people were ever destined to be together, they are Ceil and Peter Herman, owners of the Black Box eater in downtown Las Cruces.

WRITTEN BY ELAINE STACHERA SIMON PHOTOGRAPHY BY CHERYL FALLSTEAD AND PETER HERMAN

Fate tried—and failed —to introduce Peter and Ceil very early on. ey grew up ten miles from each other as the crow flies (Peter in Scarsdale, N.Y. and Ceil in Cresskill, N.J.). this page: Peter and Ceil Herman enjoy the patio outside the Black Box Theater. opposite: A scene from the Black Box production of Photograph 51, a play by Anna Ziegler. The play is about x-ray crystallographer Rosalind Franklin, whose contribution to the discovery of the double-helix structure of DNA is often overlooked.

B

OTH HAD pARENTS WHO INTRODUCED THEM TO theater at early ages—Ceil remembers seeing her first performance at five years old when her mother took her to e Mikado. (Ceil recalls that her mother prepped her well, playing the music again and again beforehand so she would recognize the songs.) peter’s first recollection of attending a performance with his parents is that of another Gilbert and Sullivan piece, Pirates of Penzance. ey agree chances are good their childhood paths led through the same theaters.

As president of her high school theater club, Ceil arranged trips to other high schools to watch their productions. One of these high schools was peter’s…but he was working backstage, and the two did not meet.

After high school, both landed in pittsburgh for college (Ceil at Carnegie Tech, now Carnegie-Mellon University, and peter at the University of pittsburgh), and both majored in biology. Fate (finally!) triumphed when they met at a biology conference at pitt.

Fifty years on, they remain a handsome couple, interacting with the ease of the long and happily married. Ceil’s demeanor reflects the careful, detailed thought process of a theatrical director—which she is. peter generally lets Ceil do the talking, but bursts out of the background to add animated emphasis to Ceil’s linear presentation—as you’d expect from a lighting designer and technician, which, indeed, he is. eir Las Cruces story began in 1981.

Starting work at New Mexico State University and for the first time having some discretionary income, they began a tradition that lasts to this day of an annual trip to London (occasionally New York City) for theater immersion vacations, taking in 1520 shows in the space of two weeks.

Fifteen years later, Ceil was a full professor, and had reached the traditional pinnacles of academia, obtaining significant amounts of research grant money and coveted teaching awards. Ceil and peter’s friends in the NMSU theater arts department were encouraging them to take classes, and as they did, they found they already

Ceil remembers seeing her first performance at five years old when her mother took her to e Mikado. peter’s first recollection of attending a performance with his parents is that of another Gilbert and Sullivan piece, Pirates of Penzance.

Spring 2018 ZIA MAGAZINE COLLECTION 45

u CEIL & PETER HERMAN

Their love for theater was beyond passion — they had a calling to create their own theatrical company...

46

knew intuitively much of what was being taught, having seen more than 1,000 shows. ey took classes on all aspects of theater, including acting classes to understand performance from an actor’s perspective. At the same time, they took every opportunity they could to hone their directing and lighting chops, working with the community theater, children’s theater, and Sin Fronteras/Writers Without Borders.

By this time, they knew their love for theater was beyond passion—they had a calling to create their own theatrical company, and retiring from NMSU was the first step to answering the call. ey looked for a space to transform into theater space, but it soon became clear they needed to build it from the ground up. (One of the better pieces of advice they received was to ensure a large enough women’s restroom with plenty of stalls—if there’s a holdup at intermission, a poorly designed ladies’ room is likely to blame!) A good architect helped them turn their calling into bricks and mortar, and in 2000 the Black Box eater emerged.

Instead of a traditional groundbreaking, Ceil and peter came up with a more meaningful symbol. ey asked friends and sup-

ZIA MAGAZINE COLLECTION SSpring 2018

porters to come by and tie strings around the chain link fence around the building site—some strings were sent by friends from as far away as Sweden—and instead of shovels in the dirt, the strings were ceremoniously cut and the dream became reality. e Black Box is now home for Ceil and peter’s No Strings eatre Company (NSTC), which had nominally existed even before the theater was built. e focus of NSTC is contemporary and lesser-known works, as well as other forms of theater including puppetry, improvisation, and performance art. Ceil and peter do, however, ensure each Black Box season includes a variety of material; indeed, it is a regular stop for the Gilbert and Sullivan Company of El paso, and Little Shop of Horrors was a recent hit.

Regardless of the show, the Black Box is a unique venue—one you’d expect to find in the arts district of a much-larger urban area. e air shifts as you enter the performance space; it is sound-damped, yet above: Franklin took “Photograph 51,” which was key to understanding the structure of DNA, but received little recognition. One of her colleagues disclosed Photograph 51 without her knowledge or permission to her competitor, James Watson, which he then used for his own DNA model.

feels like it vibrates with the energy of past performances. e space is small, but the matte black walls create a perception of unlimited room. e floor-level stage leaves no option but for intimacy with the art of the actors—which is, according to Ceil, one reason actors love it so much.

What has driven the Hermans’ love of theater for so long? Not surprisingly, they have similar answers. “You can’t have theater without an audience,” says peter. “You can see the same play on three different nights, and each night will be a slightly different play.” Ceil concurs: “eater is immediate and right in front of you. at’s what’s exciting. You leave your life and go into another world. e actors are close, and you feel like you are a part of what’s going on.”

Visiting Las Cruces? You’ll definitely want to be a part of what’s going on at the Black Box eater. And make sure to say “hello!” to Ceil and peter! visiting the Black Box Theater Located downtown at 430 N. Main St., free parking is available on the side of the building off N. Church St. General admission: $15 Seniors (65+) and students: $12 Thursday nights all seats are $10!

Waitless Friday, April 6, 13 and 20 at 8 pm Saturday, April 7, 14 and 21 at 8 pm Sunday, April 15 and 22 at 2:30 pm Thursday, April 19 at 7 pm The rivals Friday, May 25 and June 2 and 9 at 8 pm Saturday, May 26, June 3 and 10 at 8 pm Sunday, June 4 and 11 at 2:30 pm Thursday, June 8 at 7 pm top: Actors love working at the Black Box Theater because of the intimacy with the audience. Here, the actors sit only a few feet away from the first row. There isn’t a bad seat in the house!

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ZIA MAGAZINE COLLECTION Spring 2018

s FOR MORE INFORMATION GO TO WWW.NO-STRINGS.ORG OR CALL 575.523.1223

Lung Specialists of Las Cruces

OUR MEDICAL PROFESSIONALS ALEJANDRO ARzABALA JR., MD has been in practice for six years. A native of El paso, TX, he did his residency at Texas Tech Health Science Center in El paso and his fellowship at the University of Mississippi Medical Center in Jackson, MS. He is certified in Internal Medicine and specializes in pulmonary Disease and Critical Care Medicine.

ALAN ORELLANA, M.D. has been in practice for seven years. He completed his residency at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center and his fellowship at University of Texas Health Science Center-Houston.

He is certified in Critical Care Medicine, Internal Medicine, and pulmonary Disease.

HECTOR SANTIAGO-BELLEDONNE, MD has been in practice for five years. He completed his residency at Texas Tech Health Science Center and his fellowship at the University of Utah. He specializes in pulmonary Disease and Critical Care Medicine.

ISABEL G. CONCHA, ACNP-BC is our nurse practitioner who received her bachelor’s in Nursing from New Mexico State University in 2005 and received her master’s in Nursing from Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center in 2012.

Internal Medicine

Pulmonary Medicine

ABOUT LUNG SPECIALISTS OF LAS CRUCES

Lung Specialists of Las Cruces is celebrating its five-year anniversary of providing southwestern New Mexico with caring and comprehensive treatment of pulmonary disorders for patients 18 years of age and older.

Our bilingual (English/Spanish) providers offer clinical evaluation and diagnostic and treatment services to patients with pulmonary disorders including, but not limited to, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, interstitial pulmonary disease, asthma, emphysema, chronic bronchitis, lung nodules, pulmonary hypertension, sarcoidosis, and pneumonia.

Our pulmonary function test lab is conveniently located on-site!

Open Monday–Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

2407 S. Telshor Blvd. | Las Cruces, NM 88011 Fax (575) 532-0306 | (575) 532-0303

Critical Care Medicine

u DENISE CHÁVEZ

Casa Camino Real Bookstore

Where Hearts and Minds Gather If you were looking for an eclectic collection of books, vinyl, and prints, engaging conversation with a charming literary icon, or a lovely cup of café de la olla, South Tornillo Street in Las Cruces may not be the first place you would think to go.

But it should be.

WRITTEN BY ELAINE STACHERA SIMON PHOTOGRAPHY BY CHERYL FALLSTEAD THAT’S WHERE YOU’LL FIND CASA CAMINO REAL BOOKSTORE, ART GALLERY, AND community resource center, owned by Las Cruces legend Denise Chávez and her husband, artist/ photographer Daniel Zolinsky.

A life-size cutout of Frida Kahlo greets you at the door, possibly dressed for the weather in a hat and scarf, or perhaps sporting beads and festive attire. As you cross the threshold into the sala, stop and enjoy the sensory overload.

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ZIA MAGAZINE COLLECTION Spring 2018

on their Abebooks page. Casa Camino Real has a stunning collection of approximately 100 photos of the Tarahumara people taken by John Running, several of ake in the colorful walls covered in artwork, the scent of spiced Mexican which hang on the wall. coffee, the sound of Denise’s voice calling, “Come in, come in, True to its identity as a multicultural welcome!”… and, of course, books, books everywhere. community resource, the shelves conDenise and Daniel opened Casa Camino Real in 2012. Denise got a tain wide swaths of books on the people taste for bookselling as co-founder of the Border Book Festival, which and cultures of the Borderland, includended in 2015 after a run of more than 25 wildly successful years. ing Native American, Chicano/a, and e motto of Casa Camino Real is, “is is the temple where books are sacred.”

Latino/a literature. A goal of Casa ose who love words are welcome, and Casa Camino Real often serves as a venue Camino Real, Denise says, is to be a for book signings and author readings, as well as local writers and book club meet“sanctuary business” where all people ings and many book, vintage vinyl, and art sales events. are comfortable and able to find “inforCasa Camino Real boasts a fine collection of first edition and out-of-print books, mation, education, and empowerment.” as well as two signed novels by Henry Miller (destined for a garage sale before being If you are looking for books that rescued), and signed books by Larry McMurtry, Joyce Carol contain gratuitous opposite: Denise Chávez Oates, and Joan Didion. She boasts a first-edition Stephen King violence or are about shows off one of the many old novel, as well as a coveted 11th edition (1910) set of Encyclopedia topics such as serial books with beautiful marbled paper available at Casa Camino Britannica. Recently, Denise sold a rare eight-volume text-andkillers, you won’t find Real bookstore. You’ll find artwork set of Don Quixote printed in the 1900s to a buyer in them here. at said, literary and artistic treasures old and new throughout the Spain, and a signed first edition of the poisonwood Bible to a man violence sometimes casa. Slow down and enjoy the in Maine as a gift for his wife. depends on your perpeaceful atmosphere as you explore the many collections of For most people, though, the draw to Casa Camino Real are not spective. Denise recalls books, photos, and artwork. the high end, centuries-old, marble-papered treasures. Less-expensive being “balled out” by a literary gems line the walls and fill the cases. Delightful, unusual children’s books share professor from Columbia University a cozy room with hundreds (maybe thousands) of vinyl records, including spokenbecause Casa Camino Real has books word recordings. You’ll find poetry, science fiction, folklore, military history, books in on pancho Villa, and the professor felt other languages, and photography, and a fascinating erotica collection is sold online this was inappropriate. “Well,” Denise said to her, “I suppose it depends on how your grandfather fared in the “I’m like a book shepherd. I want our customers to Mexican Revolution.” do more than look, but really see what’s here.”

Denise is a force of nature in both

T

Spring 2018 ZIA MAGAZINE COLLECTION 51

THIS IS NOT AN INVITATION. IT’S A DARE. We dare you to ignore it.

We dare you to categorize it.

We dare you to rationalize it.

The Slingshot.® Insanely low. Absurdly powerful.

No roof. No doors. No regrets.

Choose a model.

Throw it in gear. And go.

We dare you.

u DENISE CHÁVEZ

In business since 1989

THE

POWER 2000 N. Telshor Blvd. • Las Cruces, NM 88011 CENTER 575.522.1050 • WWW.THEPOWERCENTER.COM

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ZIA MAGAZINE COLLECTION Spring 2018

the literary world and the community.

In addition to “bookseller,” she refers to herself as a “performance writer,” and is an accomplished novelist, poet, and playwright. Her critically acclaimed books include Loving Pedro Infante, e Last of the Menu Girls, Face of An Angel, e Woman Who Knew the Language of Animals, A Taco Testimony: Meditations on Family, Food, and Culture, and e King and Queen of Comezón. Her work has been reviewed in e New York Times, the Los Angeles Times, Publisher’s Weekly, and studied in many academic and literary journals. e list of awards she has received is lengthy, and includes the New Mexico Governor’s Award for Excellence in the Arts, the Rockefeller playwriting Fellowship, and the University of New Mexico paul Bartlett Ré peace prize.

If there were an award for the most delicious cup of café de la olla, Denise would win it hands down. You can ask her for the recipe when you visit Casa Camino Real in person.

They are open Tuesday–Saturday 11 am–5 pm, and Sundays noon–5 pm. You can buy their books online and find them (and like them) on Facebook by searching Casa Camino Real Book Store and Art Gallery. above: Denise doing one of her favorite things—talking about books! s FOR MORE INFORMATION GO TO www.abebooks.com/casa-camino-real-lascruces-nm/55655980/sf 314 S. Tornillo St. in Las Cruces 575.523.3988

Conditions Treated Include: Conveniently located in Las Cruces, our goal at the Mesilla

• Spinal Pain

Valley Pain Clinic is to deliver the best pain care available in

• Shoulder, Knee, and Hip Pain

southwestern New Mexico. When you come to MVPC, our

• Neck Pain

skilled team will comprehensively assess your pain profile

• Lower Back Pain

and work closely with your referring physician. Depending

• Chronic Abdominal Pain

on your unique needs, your pain control treatment may be

• Shingles - Post Herpetic

either simple or complex—but always within our mandate of providing safe and lasting pain relief.

• Neuropathy (Facial, Intercostal, Distal)

Procedures Used Include: • Spinal Cord Stimulation • Stellate Ganglion Block • Vertebroplasty (Sacral Plasty) • Ultrasound-Guided Peripheral Nerve Blocks

Dr. Cesar Velarde Our double-board-certified clinic director, Dr. Cesar Velarde, received his medical degree in La Paz, Bolivia and specialty training in anesthesiology at the University of New Mexico. He also completed his fellowship in pain management at UNM, and became an assistant professor and member of the UNM pain clinic. He moved to Las Cruces to work as an anesthesiologist, and shortly thereafter opened pain clinics at both Las Cruces hospitals. In 2011, after many years of providing outstanding pain care at these clinics, he opened the doors to his own practice, Mesilla Valley Pain Clinic.

1240 S. Telshor, Suite A 575.556.9776 Las Cruces, NM 88011

575.652.4666 fax • mvpain@live.com

Our bilingual physician and staff at Mesilla Valley Pain Clinic work with both Memorial Medical Center and MountainView Regional Medical Center.

www.MesillaValleyPainClinic.com

y o a c sd a T e 0 u 0 T . $1

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T H UN DE R LU B E & CAR WA SH Oil Change & Lube • No Appointment Needed M-F 8AM-5PM - SAT 8AM-2PM 1900 E. Pine St. Deming, NM 88030(575) 544-3918

Borderlands u THE LESCOMBES FAMILY

St.Clair Winery

A commitment of generations.

Take a winemaking legacy that spans six generations, three continents, over seventy different wines, and hundreds of awards. Add in the desire for the highest quality standards, community spirited involvement, and an unwavering commitment to New Mexico. at’s the Lescombes Family in a nutshell.

WRITTEN BY CARI ANDERSON PHOTOGRAPHY

BY JESSE OCHOA AND COURTESY ST. CLAIR WINERY

this page: Hervé dining at the St. Clair Winery & Bistro in Las Cruces.

Spring 2018 ZIA MAGAZINE COLLECTION 55

u THE LESCOMBES FAMILY

G

ROWING GRApES, MAKING WINE AND RUNNING A SUCCESSFUL BUSINESS IS challenging anywhere, but doing it in southern New Mexico is what defines St. Clair Winery and the Lescombes family.

Hervé Lescombes began his family’s local 30plus year journey in 1981 when he planted his first New Mexico grapes.

“What we grow is really who we are,” says Florent Lescombes, Vice president and Hervé’s son. “We are unique and invested because of our vineyard.” e family winery has undergone a huge transformation since its inception. Starting out as a boutique winery producing mostly dry red wine, today the Lescombes family’s St. Clair Winery caters to many different palates and are a formidable United States wine producer, distributing to 47 states and producing an average of 120,000 cases a year, a sum of over 1.4 million bottles.

Just east of Lordsburg, NM, lies the Lescombes family vineyard with 180 acres of vines. e warm days and cool nights at an elevation of 4,500 feet lend to growing great wine grape varietals including Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Muscat and petit Verdot. e winery sits on a 15-acre property just east of Deming. Among the winery’s labels are D.H. Lescombes, St. Clair, Blue Teal and Soleil Mimosa.

FAMILY HISTORY Hervé grew up in Algeria at the family winery until the age of 19 when he and his family fled the 1962 Algerian Revolution and immigrated to France. It was there he met his wife, Danielle, whom he married in 1967.

56

won contracts to plant vineyard land that he Over the course of the next two decades, had sold to other investors. Much of this land Hervé made wine at his Domaine de was near the vineyard that the Lescombes perignon winery in Burgundy, France, and Danielle gave birth to their three children. family grows grapes in today.

While the family was successful in France, the In 1984, Hervé’s vision became a reality when he bottled his first New Mexico vingrowing regulations on the wine industry tage. Over the course of the next decade many were stifling and Hervé wanted more freedom lessons were learned, many of them the hard and had a thirst for adventure. way. Florent jokingly estimates that over the In 1981, at 38 years old and speaking no years about 6,000 acres of mistakes were English, Hervé came to tour the Truth or planted. e biggest problem they encountered Consequences area, and soon after, bought offwas that most Americans did not care for the the-grid property from the Oppenheimer Corporation in Engle, NM. e soil and French style of dry red wine. By 1987, wine climate were very similar to that of Algeria and production in New Mexico had plummeted paired with the allure of living in the United and many investors pulled out. Seeing an opportunity, Hervé opened up Blue Teal tasting States, the idea earned his investment. His room at the Fountain enephew, pierre, who also did atre in Old Mesilla. not speak English, joined him above, left: In 2015, St. Clair By 1991, both of and his family and the pair voluntarily attained a food grade Hervé’s sons, Florent and planted their first vines. certification that has standards Emmanuel, were workUnfortunately, they encounat or above those of USDA and ing full-time in the family tered a calamity of mishaps FDA. This raises the bar on quality, cleanliness and business as they moved involving water rights, chalconsistency. right: Florent into the abandoned St. lenging irrigation logistics, Lescombes, manages the Clair Winery facility in and business scams. business side. The winery’s Deming. e D.H. During the next several hi-tech equipment can analyze Lescombes brand was inyears, Hervé began to buy a wines chemistry in seconds. better-suited land throughtroduced to commemoout New Mexico and West Texas and enticed rate Danielle and Herve and their newfound legacy in New Mexico. many other European investors to join in the In 1993, they opened a tasting room and rebirth of New Mexico’s wine industry. e inevent center in Las Cruces that they called dustry once flourished in Spanish colonial days “Mademoiselle Vineyards.” ey even further and up until prohibition, but subsequently had diversified for a time, becoming involved in dried up. He introduced a mechanical planting microbreweries, music venues, and nightclubs. device similar to what he used in Algeria and

St. Clair donates proceeds from their annual Winefest to Cancer Support of Deming and Luna County. is year, about 5,000 people attended and the final donation was $9,300. Every cent goes to help local cancer patients.

ZIA MAGAZINE COLLECTION Spring 2018

Together, the determined Lescombes family concentrated their efforts on St. Clair Winery, slowly and deliberately, paying particular attention to marketing. ey shifted from the make-wine-and-see-who-buys-it philosophy to finding out what consumers wanted to drink first—which turned out to be sweeter wines—and then making those types of wines while still retaining high quality.

“We needed to understand our customers,” Florent says, “and then be able to give our consumers what they enjoyed.”

Today, the brothers each have their role.

Emmanuel is the viticulturist and Florent manages the business side. Florent’s oldest son, Julien, 17, is keeping the family tradition going by leading the 7th generation into the business is currently working on the bottling line.

While Hervé officially retired from everyday duties, his passion for wine and the business he built keeps him plenty involved. He hosts tours with vineyard and winery guests at the home he built overlooking the vineyard, often preparing a special tour lunch himself. Guests are delighted at the underground cellar Hervé dug and built, which now holds thousands of bottles of vintage wine, some aged over 20 years.

COMMUNITY AND EDUCATION In 2005, the Lescombes family opened their first location in Albuquerque. Initially planned as a tasting room, the combination of food and wine pairing quickly evolved into the introduction of St. Clair Winery & Bistro, a full-service restaurant concept. ere are now Bistro locations serving Farmington and Las Cruces as well.

Realizing that their staff is their best tool to communicate directly with the public, the family is committed to both properly training their staff and listening to customer feedback.

“It’s all about the relationship with the customer,” Florent says. “We are here because of the incredible support and we want to ensure we continue to listen to our customers.”

After more than three decades living in Deming, the Lescombes family roots have grown deep, as has their commitment to the community they live in. Since 2010, St. Clair has donated proceeds from their annual Winefest to Cancer Support of Deming and Luna County. is year, about 5,000 people attended and the final donation was $9,300 to the local non-profit. Every cent goes to help local cancer patients.e Lescombes family also makes a special wine, St. Clair Bistro Red, of which they donate $1 per bottle sold to the

6a 7 D m a - 1 ys 0p m

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575-546-3922 • PeppersSupermarket.com

Spring 2018 ZIA MAGAZINE COLLECTION 57

u THE LESCOMBES FAMILY 1846 Ancestors of the Lescombes family move from Dunkerque, Prussia to Algeria where the French government gives 29 acres per family 1880-1890 First vineyards are planted in Algeria 1943 Hervé Lescombes is born 1962 Lescombes family flees war-torn Algeria back to France 1965 Plant vineyards in Burgundy region of France 1967 Danielle and Hervé marry; Domaine de Perignon winery built in Chablis 1980 Hervé negotiates for land with Oppenheimer Corporation in NM 1981 Lescombes family moves to Engle, NM, plants first vines 1982 Hervé buys property near Lordsburg and plants vineyard 1983 Hervé builds first winery near Lordsburg 1984 First vintage is bottled 1986 NM wine industry thrives with 7,000 acres of vineyards 1987 Hervé opens Blue Teal tasting room at the Fountain Theatre in Mesilla 1989 Florent Lescombes joins the family business; vineyards in NM down to 700 acres 1991 Lescombes family moves business into St. Clair Winery in Deming 1991 Emmanuel Lescombes joins the family business; Hervé introduces D.H. Lescombes 1993 Family opens 2nd tasting room in Las Cruces; starts self-distributing wine 1999 Family purchases and plants current day vineyard near Lordsburg 2000 Family employs 20 New Mexicans; tasting rooms in Las Cruces & Deming open 2005 First Winery & Bistro opens in Albuquerque 2007 Family officially purchases winery in Deming; opens 2nd Bistro in Las Cruces; expands vineyard to 1,800 acres 2010 Family opens 3rd Bistro in Farmington 2015 Winery attains food-grade certification 2017 Lescombes family now produces over 1.4 million bottles of wine annually; employs 225 staff members

Roadrunner Food Bank of New Mexico, raising $8,328 this year. Every dollar raised provides three meals to the hungry across the state. roughout the year there are also teacher appreciation discounts, free meals for veterans on Veterans Day, “Yappy Hour” events that raise money for local animal organizations, wine release parties that benefit Roadrunner Food Bank, as well as numerous other community donations and sponsorships. e employment opportunities throughout the state continue to grow as well. In 2000, St. Clair employed about 20 employees. Today it employs about 225 staff members across the state, as well as nationally.

COMMITMENT TO qUALITY Soleil Mimosa, a premixed bottled line of mimosas, is one of the winery’s top sellers.

Never skimping on quality, they use unfiltered, freshly squeezed fruit juice to make this popular product.

In 2015, St. Clair voluntarily strived for and attained a food grade certification from ASI, a national industry group that has standards at or above those of the USDA and FDA. Not an easy designation to attain, this raises the bar on quality, cleanliness, and consistency.

The Lescombes family has also long-known the benefits of mechanical grape harvesting over hand harvesting, and it doesn’t stop at just efficiency. “e mechanical harvester has many

advantages,” said Emmanuel. “We can adjust our settings to only get the best ripe berries, while leaving behind unripe berries that were on the same bunch.” He goes on to explain how hand harvesting usually picked by the bunch, even if many berries on a bunch are unripe or simply not of good quality. “Many believe that hand-harvesting is more selective, but it’s really not. We only want the best berries to make it into the bottle.”

In 2011, Emmanuel began making his own compost and today the vineyard produces about 5,000 tons of nutrient-rich compost using grape seeds, grape stems, and even paper recycled from the office. is helps to naturally protect and fertilize their vineyards while reducing waste.

“We are as organic as we can be,” Florent says. “We use a natural approach and sustainable methods whenever possible.” e winery’s on-site laboratory is equipped with high-tech equipment that can analyze a wine’s chemistry in seconds from just a couple of drops. is ensures the consistency of their wines, vintage after vintage.

St. Clair’s list of awards is long, and it is arguably the most-awarded New Mexico winery in history. e awards are certainly nice, but even the biggest and best of the accolades they have received don’t compare to customer preference. “e awards affirm our beliefs–that we’re making great quality wine here in New Mexico,” says Florent. “e sales tell us what our customers prefer to drink, and that’s just as important.”

ONE STOP SHOPPING...

FLOOR PLANS • DESIGN • CONSTRUCTION

THE FUTURE AND NEW MExICO WINE REALITIES “We are trying to grow the industry here in New Mexico,” Florent says.

He admits that New Mexico is many years behind California regarding vineyard and winery support infrastructure. In California, there are many resources and contractors that can help with harvesting, equipment, and almost anything else. But here in New Mexico, if a machine breaks down or they need a specialized part, it could take weeks or months to arrive from California or Europe.

So the Lescombes family has simply cut out the middleman by creating their own machine shop to make parts and learned to do the repairs in-house.

According to wineamerica.org, there are currently 52 wine producers in New Mexico with a total state economic impact of $876.7 million. Florent says that everybody wants more wineries in New Mexico. His advice to new wineries is to “start slow and talk to those already in the industry.”

Many plans are in place for 2018. e Lescombes are planning to open the doors of a new restaurant in Alamogordo, as well as open an additional location in El paso. A new tasting room location in Santa Fe is also in the works.

As they continue their journey, they also plan to expand their vineyard operations to support future demand. e winery also has plans to begin to craft its own brandy, which would make them the only distiller in New Mexico that grows their own grapes for spirits production.

Florent and Emmanuel look ahead to the vineyard and winemaking industry in New Mexico. It’s a road-less-traveled, but according to at least one family, it’s worth it.“It’s fun. We are lucky,” Florent says with a smile.

• Build on your lot or ours • Custom Homes

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www.LunaRossaWinery.com

opposite: Viticulturalist Emmanuel, with the mechanical harvester that selects only the best grapes for processing. opposite, inset: Hervé overlooking the vineyard. top: The underground cellar that Hervé dug and built houses thousands of bottles of vintage wine. above: Julien Lescombes, 7th generation, currently works on the bottling line.

s FOR MORE INFORMATION VISIT WWW.STCLAIRWINERY.COM 1325 DE BACA RD SE • DEMING, NM 575-546-1179

Spring 2018 ZIA MAGAZINE COLLECTION 59

u RANDY McCOWAN

Olmesquite: The Town that Never Was and the Man Who Made It Up Meet Randy McCowan of Deming. Storyteller. Historian.

Philosopher. Eternal little kid.

Randy has the timeless look of someone who has spent a lifetime marching through the desert to the beat of his own drum.

Indeed, he has done just that.

WRITTEN BY ELAINE STACHERA SIMON PHOTOGRAPHY BY JESSE OCHOA

Randy McCowan photographed by Jesse Ochoa at Olmesquite on November 21, 2017.

“If I could go back, I would live by myself in the mountains but come out and help people.”

R

ANDY IS pRETTY FAMOUS AROUND HERE FOR THE ghost town he built behind the house he shares with his wife, Sally. Called Olmesquite, he built it by himself from reclaimed wood and adobe he mixed and stomped himself. (Randy taught himself to make adobe. “If you want something bad enough, you learn how to do it.”)

Over time, Olmesquite grew to 16 buildings, plus a windmill, a water tank, a cemetery, and a two-seater outhouse hauled in from a defunct hog farm.

Every ghost town needs ghosts, and the ones that inhabit Olmesquite are a product of Randy’s considerable imagination.

Loosely based on every Old West story ever told, the history of Olmesquite spans from its origin in 1890 as a small settlement close to the amenities of Deming to its demise in 1920 due to the town folk being wiped out when the bank’s safe was stolen. e safe was found with its door blown off (in fact, you’ll see it in Olmesquite), but the money was never recovered, the robbers never brought to justice, and the town faded away. (If you want to hear the rest of the story of Olmesquite, well, you’re going to have to ask Randy.)

When asked why he built Olmesquite, the answer is not entirely clear—not even, perhaps, to Randy. However, he remarked that, “Everyone has their own niche in life.

You find it, and that’s what you do.”

Randy’s niche is sharing his love of Old West history with people who are interested. Retirement lets him indulge his passion, delving into local history rarely found in textbooks. Randy gave the example of Clinton Greaves, the first Buffalo Soldier stationed at Fort Bayard to receive the Congressional Medal of Honor. Corporal Greaves provided the means for his comrades to escape when 40-50 armed Apache warriors trapped them in the Florida Mountains. “at’s a big deal,” Randy says, “and not something most people know about.” He laments that a busload of kids “will be taken to a pumpkin patch, but not for history field trips.”

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www.adobedeli.com • 575-546-0361

Spring 2018 ZIA MAGAZINE COLLECTION 61

u RANDY McCOWAN

D “A lot of people don’t understand history.”

62

on’t think for a minute that Randy sits behind a computer and looks stuff up. He doesn't own a computer or a cell phone.

He reads and he walks, exploring the path of the Mormon Battalion, Cook’s Canyon, the Butterfield Overland Trail, and the Florida Mountains. Often he goes out alone, but sometimes with an anthropologist friend who has shown him many overlooked sites of historical interest, usually overgrown, occasionally vandalized. “As time goes by, things disappear. Somebody chipped this or that off, or something else happened,” Randy sighs.

Helping people is another of Randy’s niches. Years back, he taught a 79-year-old neighbor lady to drive (!). He had long been taking her for grocery shopping on Wednesdays (always followed by coffee and chicken wings at Peppers).

He happily accompanies visitors out into the desert in pursuit of history, careful to remind them there always needs to be a Plan B in case something unexpected happens. (Lost

in the desert without water? Follow a trail of cow pies and you’ll find water. “Push aside the cow snot and bugs, there’ll be water underneath…and you’ll drink it!”) Randy is somewhat incredulous that, “ere’s people in this town who’ve never been out in the desert. Can’t be scared, it’s nothing scary, it’s just different. But when you get out there, you’re the guest of Mother Nature.” e building and backstory of Olmesquite is not Randy’s only flight of fancy inspired by the history of the Old West. Randy has written two tales of historical fiction, El Perdido and Guardian in the Wilderness and four children’s books—he sells his books, along with other creations such as crosses made out of dried cholla, at farmers’ markets four times a year.

Sally, his wife, has a firm handshake and the warmest brown eyes you could ever hope to see. After capably wrangling him for 56 years of marriage, she readily admits that she doesn’t always know when Randy is telling a true tale or a tall tale. But that seems to amuse her. In fact, you get the feeling that

When I played cowboys and Indians as a kid, “all the Indians I knew wanted to be the cowboys ‘cause they always won.”

ZIA MAGAZINE COLLECTION Spring 2018

DEMING

D E N TA L S E R V I C E S O U R M I S S I O N I S TO P R OVI D E PATI E NTS O F ALL AG E S W ITH Q UALITY, C O M P R E H E N S IVE D E NTI STRY I N A WAR M AN D W E LC O M I N G E NVI R O N M E NT. We’ve equipped our office with the latest dental technology, allowing us to provide the advanced general and cosmetic dental treatments our patients need and desire. Dr. Trevor Williams believes that the best doctor-patient relationships are based on trust and communication, which is why he gets to know each and every patient by name.

At Deming Dental Services, you’ll never be treated like “just another patient.”

You are a valuable member of our dental family!

W E LO O K F O R W A R D TO S E E I N G Y O U R S M I L E !

she is amused quite a bit of the time, especially when it comes to Randy’s adventures.

Randy chuckles when he says that more than one person (starting with his own grandmother and mother) has said he was born 100 years too late, and he says the little kid in him never grew up. And that’s okay by him. After all, he winks, “Life is fun if you make it fun.”

Comprehensive Dental Care

Cosmetic Dentistry

• Routine Dental Cleanings & Individual Exams • Digital X-rays & Digital Panoramic X-rays • Dental Sealants & Fluoride Treatments • Custom Nightguards & Athletic Mouthguards • Oral Cancer Screenings • Drug-Free Headache Prevention

• Tooth-Colored Dental Fillings • Porcelain Crowns & Fixed Bridges • ClearCorrect™ Teeth Straightening • Porcelain Veneers & Snap-On Smile® • Quick Pro ZOOM in-office tooth whitening • Easy at-home bleaching system with Opalescence

Restorative Dentistry

Periodontal (Gum) Care

• Tooth-Colored Dental Fillings • One-Visit Crowns with CEREC® • Endodontics (Root Canal Therapy) • Complete & Partial Dentures Placement cement & Restoration • Dental Implant Plac

• Diagnosis of Gum Disease • Scaling and Root Planing (Deep Cleanings) • Arestin® Local Antibiotic Treatment • Laser Treatment Available T rm Maintenance Te Maintenaance Plans • Long Long-Term

Dr. Trevor T evor Williams was raised in Raymond, Alberta, Canada, the oldest of seven children. His small, Tr tight-knit hometown continues to be one of his fondest memories of childhood, and he is happy to be practicing in Deming which has many similar characteristics. He is actively involved in the community and enjoys coaching high school basketball and serving as a Scoutmaster for a local Boy Scout troop.

After high school, Dr. Williams attended Brigham Young University where he met and fell in love with his wife, Marlena, a graduate of Deming High School. The Williamses are grateful to be parents of eight children and for the joy that comes from family.

After completing his Bachelor of Science degree, Dr. Williams earned his dental degree from Oregon Health and Sciences University School of Dentistry. He has continued to focus on education, acquiring the skills to provide advanced treatments such as dental implant surgery and restoration, which had not previously been available in Deming. In conjunction with education, he is implementing advanced technologies to provide his patients with state of the art dental treatment.

Dr. Williams is focused on treating patients as if they, too, are members of his family. His goal is to enhance the lives of his patients by providing optimal dental care with respect and compassion.

400 S. Gold Ave. • Deming, NM 88030 575-546-2684 • www.demingdental.com

Lovingly Caring

for babies, kids and teens - Ages 0-18

Dr. Florence C. Roque, DNP, CPNP Dr Providing Wholistic Pediatric Care with a Focus on Disease Prevention, Health, Growth and Development of Your Child’s Physical, Mental, Emotional and Spiritual Needs.

Well Checks & Sports Physicals ADHD & Behavioral Screening Asthma Diagnosis & Prevention Allergy Testing & Immunotherapy Immunizations & TB Testing Sick Visits Vision & Hearing Screening WIC Visits & Prescriptions

To get to know a country, you must have direct contact with the earth. It’s futile to gaze at the world through a car window. ~Albert Einstein s Want to tour olmesquite?

You are welcome if you call ahead and make an appointment—575.546.1081. And you will definitely leave knowing something new about the Old West.

WALK-INS WELCOME

1020 South 8th St., Suite A. • Deming, NM (across from the Public Pool)

www.SWPedsCare.com

like us on facebook

575-936-4350 After Hours: 575-545-3985

Spring 2018 ZIA MAGAZINE COLLECTION 63

Family owned since 1934.

Proudly serving Grant, Luna and Hidalgo counties for over

80 YEARS!

2401 Atlantic Way SE • Deming NM 88030 575-546-2688 • www.demingcoke.com

u LORDSBURG MAINSTREET REVITALIZATION REVITA T LIZAT TA A ION AT

&

Facing Challenges Overcoming Disaster WRITTEN AND PHOTOGRAPHED

BY ERIC WITHEROW

Rejuvenating an old western-frontier town is no easy task. Attracting visitors to this historic territory is one thing, but enticing new residents and new businesses presents more of a challenge.

Deborah Greene with daughters Brenda Hood and Glenda Greene own and operate businesses downtown.

Spring 2018 ZIA MAGAZINE COLLECTION 65

u LORDSBURG MAINSTREET REVITALIZATION

During the week of July 23rd disaster happened...

They would stay, they would rebuild, and remain.

66

I

t is a challenge that the city of Lordsburg is embracing. With enthusiasm and creativity, the Lordsburg Economic Advancement project (LEAp) has joined forces with local merchants and the city council and is shaking the State tree for any State or foundation grants. Lordsburg’s beginning is inextricably entwined with that of the famous, or infamous, Shakespeare, NM. Not the Bard, but the rough-edged mining town that sprang up at the base of the pyramid Mountains. e lure of shiny diamonds laying right on the ground for the picking drew thousands of fortune seekers to the new territory. For twelve years or so Shakespeare featured mining and miners, cowboys and outlaws. Gunfights and rough frontier justice.

Tensions were high in Shakespeare in the 1880s.

Apache raids, isolation and a tough citizenry made for a combustible mixture.

“Russian Bill” Tettenborn, an alleged horse thief, and the unfortunate Mr. Sandy King, just arrested, were dragged from the jail by an irate mob and promptly hanged from the rafters of the Grant Hotel. Asked why the citizens had taken such action, they explained that while Bill was a horse thief, Sandy King was guilty of being

“a damned nuisance.” In a humorous, if macabre follow up, the boys replied to the telegram from Bill’s mother seeking news of her son with the following, “Dear Madam, your son has died of throat trouble.”

In 1880 when the railroad came, the tracks were laid a couple of miles downslope where the work was easier. Shakespeare became a ghost town. And the new town of Lordsburg sprang up next to the railroad track.

Railroad Avenue, e Track.

Lordsburg, New Mexico has so much to offer. Its ideal southwest desert climate is thanks in part to its 4,000' elevation. Early summers are hot and dry, though altitude means more than latitude here; late summer brings the monsoons, afternoon thunderstorms that bring needed moisture but, hikers beware, watch for flashfloods. Winters tend to be very mild with snow usually melting by mid-day and temperatures rarely dipping into the single digits.

What better place to come, live, and start your own business—art gallery, restaurant, service provider, whatever your dream might be.

With a current population of around 2,500,

Deborah Greene recognized the future and attraction of her D new location and has pushed tirelessly for its rebirth.

ZIA MAGAZINE COLLECTION Spring 2018

paper. Brenda also operates B&B Printing and Design in the same location.

Deborah’s other daughter Glenda also moved her business, e Cottage House, with seven employees, to support the community effort. is move was a considered decision not only for Deborah, Brenda and Glenda but for the life of their community.

Working with LEAP, the Main Street Project and with Marsha Hill, director of the “It’s Time To Take Back e Track” Chamber of Commerce, the Greene family LEAP is leading the way: Incentive business hub in the new Railroad District programs encourage and assist property had reason to be optimistic. owners to upgrade their buildings in order During the weekend of July 23rd, disaster to make them more attractive to new busistruck. A huge windstorm knocked over the ness. Dollar for dollar grants are available. brick facade of the buildExemplifying the optimism of Lordsburg’s downtown above: Shakespeare is privately ing, severely damaging the roof. An inch and a half of business community Deborah owned and personal tours are rain followed, flooding Greene is the real deal, a true given on scheduled dates.

Please contact the Ghost Town the entire building. nugget. In 1998 Deborah for tour dates at 575-542-9034.

Salvaging what they opened Bookkeeping Plus, a could, Deborah and her daughters continued multi service accounting, tax and office supply to operate their businesses with the generous business. Originally located on Main Street. help of their many friends who offered office Deborah took a leap and relocated. space and assistance.

In 2008 she purchased the building at Wrestling with their futures, the Greene 210-212-214 E Motel Drive, right across girls confronted difficult choices. Their from the railroad tracks. Deborah recoginsurance came through with full coverage nized the future and attraction of her new for the damage. After spending so many location and has pushed tirelessly for its years and so much effort to rejuvenate her rebirth. In addition to her own established hometown, Deborah was understandably Bookkeeping Plus, Deborah invited along tempted to take the money, walk away, her two strong-willed daughters and their and retire. own independent businesses.

But Deborah, Brenda and Glenda made Brenda Hood owns and operates e a family choice—they would stay. ey Hidalgo County Herald, with a circulation would rebuild and remain. And that’s what of 1,800 and is responsible for the myriad they have done. Today, after rebuilding, the tasks necessary to produce a weekly newshalf the number in Hidalgo County, the city of Lordsburg, NM is poised for growth.

Originally known as Railroad Avenue, Motel Drive was the town’s main street. Life sprang up around Railroad Avenue—shops, marketplaces, gathering places.

Over time, business migrated a block south to Main Street and the Railroad area suffered. Now, some locals say...

three enterprises are thriving.

Whether you need accounting or bookkeeping advice, printed design products, or gifts and flowers, the Greene girls stand here to serve you.

Come down to e Track and see the possibilities of opening your own business.

From a candy store or coffee shop to a start-up tech company—whatever your dream might be—the local business folks down on Motel Avenue and the Railroad District will welcome and support you.

Lordsburg will support you.

Let’s rebuild e Track. above: The windmill is on display at the Hidalgo County Museum. s FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT

Marsha Hill, Executive Director, Lordsburg Hidalgo Co. Chamber of Commerce 575-574-7973 or Emily Schilling, SWNM Council of Governments 575-388-1509.

Spring 2018 ZIA MAGAZINE COLLECTION 67

u LORDSBURG ECONOMIC ADVANCEMENT PROJECT

LEAP

Committee

Making a Difference WRITTEN BY MARSHA HILL AND EMILY SCHILLING PHOTOGRAPHY BY ERIC WITHEROW

A FRONTIER COMMUNITY

LORDSBURG ECONOMIC

e City of Lordsburg was designated a Frontier ADVANCEMENT PROJECT (LEAP) Community through NM MainStreet, and went aka MAINSTREET PROJECT During 2017, the eight- member LEAP committee met over a dozen times, through a streetscaping project that brought the City goals that helped the Lordsburg Economic Advance- scheduled three community Clean Ups, had six Facade Squad work days, two fundraisers, and successfully partnered with the City of ment Project (LEAP) get the Lordsburg, Lordsburg Elks Lodge #1813, NM Clean and Downtown Master Plan and above: Newly renovated buildings on Main Street.

The Lordsburg Beautiful, NM Department of Transportation, SWNM Council the Metropolitan RedevelopHidalgo County Chamber of of Governments, the Chamber of Commerce, USDA, and Union ment Area (MRA) Plan done.

Commerce houses the Historic Pacific Railroad to get projects off the ground.

LEAP has been taking the recPhoto Gallery and the Veterans Memorial Park. There are businesses e City of Lordsburg and SWNM Council of Governments ommendations from those two available in the area for sale or lease. were successful in attaining grants from the Union Pacific plans, moving them forward.

Members of LEAP have been attending the NM Railroad in the combined amount of $35k to help defray costs of improvements MainStreet quarterly trainings for the last four years, and beautification projects. Part of this money was used to offer the property owners on Motel Drive a $1 for $1 match on materials for their facade improvements. to bring back inspiration, ideas, and knowledge.

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ZIA MAGAZINE COLLECTION Spring 2018

$6,000 NM CLEAN & BEAUTIFUL GRANT FOR MEDIANS Funds will be used to paint and plant the planters at Exit 22, and is scheduled to start March 17. e grant will also provide beautification to the Highway 70 underpass median and will provide clean up materials for another Community Cleanup Day scheduled for April 14 in conjunction with the Keep America Beautiful Campaign. May and June will see more beautification projects when drought resistant plants will be planted in the two locations.

$28,000 USDA GRANT FOR A MARkET ANALYSIS

to Welcome HIDALGO COUNTY, NEW MEXICO

After selecting the firm to conduct the analysis, their cost was more than the grant award. e City of Lordsburg provided an additional $5k making it possible for the analysis to move forward. On February 20-22, 2018 Better City, LLC, a marketing firm from Ogden, Utah, spent three full days interviewing community leaders and partners, elected officials, lifetimers, business owners and other residents. is analysis is part of a broader research, evaluation, and implementation project, designed to provide the City with action plans and insights for economic development, business recruitment and retention, and financial sustainability. Better City also held a roundtable discussion and received valuable input from the attendees. ey will continue to contact the LEAP board with their progress on a biweekly basis.

PROGRESS To date, there have been two successful facade improvements, two unsightly billboards removed, a Metropolitan Redevelopment Area plan done, a property assessment done in preparation for an Accelerator Program application, which will bring Lordsburg one step closer to being a MainStreet Community, two Community Cleanup days, and two fundraisers.

OTHER SITES OF INTEREST Located within the Metropolitan Redevelopment Area are several other sites of interest are the historic Central Elementary School, newly built Memorial Park, Lordsburg-Hidalgo Library, Hidalgo County Courthouse, Chamber of Commerce Photo Gallery, and the Lordsburg-Hidalgo Museum, which is housed in the old National Guard Armory.

GATEWAY TO OUTDOOR ADVENTURE

We Have It All...

◆ Beautiful Landscapes

◆ Year-Round Activities

◆ Ghost Town Tours

◆ Photo Opportunities

◆ Abundant Wildlife ◆ Art Communities

◆ Birding Habitats

◆ Hunting Opportunities

SAVE THE DATE: The LEAP Board meets the third Wednesday of each month at 3:00 pm at the Chamber of Commerce Office.

The public is welcome and encouraged to attend.

s FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT

Marsha Hill, Executive Director, Lordsburg Hidalgo Co. Chamber of Commerce 575-574-7973 or Emily Schilling, SWNM Council of Governments 575-388-1509.

206 Main Street • PO Box 699 • Lordsburg, NM 88045 575-542-9864 • lordsburgcoc@gilanet.com Spring 2018 ZIA MAGAZINE COLLECTION 69

u UNCLE BILL’S BAR

A True Catron County Tale....

WRITTEN AND PHOTOGRAPHED BY ERIC WITHEROW

Imagine the circumstances that would prompt a young family with deep roots in Alabama to pack up and depart for an uncertain future: No warning to neighbors or friends. None at all.

Imagine the determination and willpower to leave everything behind and strike out anew.

S

UCH A MAN WAS WASHINGTON JONES WHO WITH HIS WIFE Mary Ann plus six children headed West in search of a new life. After a rugged, arduous trek by covered wagon, the Jones family landed in the tiny cattle and logging community of Reserve, NM. After the Civil War, uprooted soldiers, immigrants and their families moved into the newly discovered western settlements.

Washington Jones settled in Reserve with his family, ranching and also opening a mercantile store in town.

Washington’s third son, Bill, turned out to be an opportunistic sort of fellow. e young Bill often found himself in the company of like-minded entrepreneurs and soon joined their society and their notorious high-stakes poker games. Many fortunes were won and lost in these contests: Ranches, land, homesteads, futures, everything, at risk in this reckless gambling.

Due to skill, happenstance or good fortune, Bill Jones emerged the winner in a particularly heated game and found himself owner of the town’s saloon. posting his shingle on the building he’d won he proudly proclaimed himself:

Owner/Proprietor Uncle Bill’s Bar 1880 And thereon hangs a tale ....

Bill Jones made the trek from Alabama to far southwest New Mexico with his parents and siblings in the great tide flowing West after the Civil War. e southern border states of Texas, New Mexico and Arizona saw itself thrown into turmoil with the incursion of cattlemen, loggers and miners.

Mexican residents and landowners, along with the Native Apache tribes weren’t thrilled about this intrusion on their territory.

Back home in Reserve Bill Jones’s life was about to change.

No one recalls Bill’s winning hand that night in the back of the saloon, but it’s presentation on that table drew gasps, if not

weapons. Bill Jones had just won the whole shebang with one hand of poker.

Folks were no better and no worse back then but a bet was a bet. Next day Bill Jones hung his shingle over the door of “Uncle Bill’s Bar.” Mid to late 1880s New Mexico was a raw and dangerous place. Ranchers were particularly hard hit, suffering constant losses to rustling of cattle and horses both from Apache war parties and outlaw gangs.

From the 1860s and the days of Cochise, the Chiricahua Apache were at war with both the US and Mexico. No one was safe from their depredations. Unlike other Indian tribes the Chiricahua culture depended on supplying their needs by raiding and taking, killing anyone who opposed them.

Warriors whose names echo down the years attest to their impact even now: Cochise, Geronimo, Chihuahua, Chato, the Apache Kid. All made southwest New Mexico a hazardous place to settle and raise a family. e remote wilderness also provided perfect cover for desperados escaping entanglements with the law. Outlaws, rustlers, gamblers and murderers ran to New Mexico and the border region to hide.

Due to skill, happenstance or good fortune, Bill Jones emerged the winner in a particularly heated game and found himself owner of the town’s saloon.

left: Uncle Bill’s granddaughter, Zoe Ann Jones and his great granddaughter, Leisil Luera and top Uncle Bill’s Bar, today, photographed by Eric Witherow in February 2018. left, inset: Uncle Bill, 1943. above, top: Sid and Jewell, 1960. above: Sid and Jewell and friends, 1959.

Spring 2018 ZIA MAGAZINE COLLECTION 71

ese were tough times to embark on a new life. But such was the character of intrepid settlers like the Jones family that they succeeded in staying, putting down roots, and forming a community.

With a new enterprise and a new mailorder bride, Hattie, by his side, Bill Jones looked toward a new century and the many changes that were sure to follow.

Stepping inside Uncle Bill’s Bar and taking a moment to look around. one is transported to the early frontier. A giant moose head and magnificent Golden and Bald Eagles adorn the walls and an impressive collection of western firearms dangles from the ceiling. e place is chock-a-block with fascinating western memorabilia and all tell the history of the turbulent birth of southwest New Mexico, and of one man’s dream to carve out a place for himself and his future generations.

An American dream.

Uncle Bill’s Bar remains a vibrant and beloved institution in the community.

Owned and operated by Uncle Bill’s granddaughter, Zoe Ann Jones and his great granddaughters, Leisil Luera and twin sister Katie Romero, the new generations retain Bill’s sense of community.

From food drives to musical benefits to simply passing the hat for someone in need, Uncle Bill’s Bar remains a family gathering place.

top: Uncle Bill, 1943.

EVENT DATES: Jun 9 Way Out West Local Trade w/CW Ayon.

Jul 21 Luna Rodeo Dance w/Eli James Band.

Oct 27 Halloween Dance & Costume Contest w/ CW Ayon Dec 31 New Year’s Eve Dance w/The Real West Band

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ZIA MAGAZINE COLLECTION Spring 2018

s FOR MORE INFORMATION CALL 575-533-6369 OPEN MONDAY-SATURDAY 9AM TO 2AM SUNDAY FROM NOON TO MIDNIGHT

Talk the Town of

u BUCK BURNS, LAURA L. BROWN, MELISSA BROWN

Disney’s

The Lion King Jr.

... as you’ve never seen it.

WRITTEN AND PHOTOGRAPHED BY ERIC WITHEROW e Cobre Consolidated School District, under the direction of Buck Burns, Melissa Brown B andd Laura L Brown B playing l i to crowded, d d wildly ildl enthusiastic h i i audiences di wrappedd up its i six show run with two final performances at the Fine Arts Center at WNMU on Saturday, March 3rd, 2018. e kids of the district took what might have been a run-of-the-mill exercise and turned it into a tour-de-force performance. With little or no rehearsal time, these junior thespians rose to the occasion.

Disney’s The Lion King Jr. photographed by Eric Witherow on March 3, 2018. top: Three dozen Cobre kids taking a well deserved bow. center: Scar, portrayed by Sergio Salcido. above: Buck Burns applying his magic to Zazu, portrayed by Mateo Salcido.

CAST Rafiki: Michael Lozano, Leilani Marquez Mufasa: Olivia Zuniga, Christian McBride Sarabi: Janessa Mathis, Peyton Altamirano Zazu: Mateo Salcido, Aaliyah Salas Scar: Serge Salcido, Alexis Barela Young Simba: Analiza Gavaldon, Ixayna Alcorta Young Nala: Elijah Gavaldon Sarafina: Leilani Marquez, Aimerie Pena Shenzi: Elianah Guadiana Banzai: Ray Holguin, Joseph Montenegro Ed: Kloie Rodriguez Timon: Noah Rodriguez, Nicolas Zamora Pumbaa: Santiago Subia-Peru, Lucy Montenegro Simba: Alix Rivera Nala: Jazmine Garcia ENSEMBLE Zebras, Birds, Giraffes, Gazelles, Antelopes, Grass, Lionesses, Buzzards, Jungle Trees, & Wildebeests: Ixayana Alcorta, Alexis Barela, Peyton Altamirano, Annie Garcia, Analiza Gavaldon, Elijah Gavaldon, Isabella Gavaldon, Madyson Gavaldon, Gianna Garza, Miley Harter, Ray Holguin, Sami Huerta, Michael Lozano, Janessa Mathis, Siah Martinez, Christian McBride, Trinity McBride, Joseph Montenegro, Lucy Montenegro, Aimerie Pena, Brody Richter, Michael Richter, Noah Rodriguez, Aaliyah Salas, Mateo Salcido, Serge Salcido, Santiago Subia-Peru, Nicholas Zamora, Olivia Zuniga CuRTAiN Diego Ramirez

Spring 2018 ZIA MAGAZINE COLLECTION 73

Ma Alw de ay Fre s sh

y bo ns w o Co or ti P

u All YoEat Can

a t s a P

Breakfast B stt

day Thurnsner Di

Saturday 7am to 10:30am 30 0am Sunday 8am to 2pm m

Lunch Monday - Saturday 11am to 2:30pm

Dinner nner FILET MIGNON & ITALIAN Thursday - Saturday 5 to 8pm

Pizza & Calzones @ Lunch & Dinner

315 N. Texas St. @ Market St. One Block West of Bullard in Downtown Silver City, NM

575.388.5430 | www.vickiseatery.com

The Silco Theater

Adults......................$8.50 Seniors.....................$7.50 Matinee...................$7.50 Totally Tuesday........$6.00 Child.......................$5.50

74

311 N. Bullard St Silver City 88061

Clean,Comfortable Affordable!

Open Every Day of the Year!

www.TheSilco.com • 575-956-6185

ZIA MAGAZINE COLLECTION Spring 2018

u BUCK BURNS, LAURA L. BROWN, MELISSA BROWN

In the dressing room just before curtain, Scar, played by Sergio Salcido, called out “I need feet.” Buck, busy applying make-up to Zazu (Mateo Salcido) called for assistance. Immediately, Emma and Susie and Randy sprang into action and rendered Scar’s feet black.

Local businesses came forward to support the Cobre kids in this production. From the many volunteers to the costume design, make-up and direction of Buck Burns of Manzanita Ridge, to the generous assistance provided by the staff at WNMU, this was truly a community effort.

We are so fortunate to live in a place where community really matters. Our kids are in good hands. e show itself grabbed the audience right from the start. With dramatic lighting and brilliant set and costume design, it remained up to the cast to deliver.

And did they ever. With an uncanny sense of timing, humor and musicality the Cobre Kids made e Lion King Jr. proud. Laughter and applause followed every single scene.

Brilliant performances, brilliant kids.

With this kind of community support and family interaction we should count ourselves lucky to have such fine representatives for the future. Well done, Cobre Kids.

Celebrating 120 Years

Located in the downtown historic district.

Locally Owned & Operated

top: Disney’s The Lion King Jr. cast. above: Rafiki, portrayed by Michael Lozano.

Cobre Consolidated School District is located at 900 A. Central Ave., Bayard, NM 88023 FOR MORE INFORMATION on the Theater Group, please e-mail Laura Lynne Brown at lbrown@cobre.k12.nm.us or send correspondence to Hurley Elementary School/Attn: Laura Brown, 300 Carrassco Avenue, Hurley, NM 88043

• Aff Affordable ffo ff fordab a le Ra ab R Rates ates at • 20 Rooms & Suites • Continental Breakfast • Free Wi-Fi • Cable Flat Screen TV • Ground Floor Suites Available

Visit Ol West Gallery & Mercantile next door.

575-388-1811 106 W. Broadway • Silver City, NM 88061 • www.silvercitypalacehotel.com l h l

Spring 2018 ZIA MAGAZINE COLLECTION 75

Silver City

AT YOUR SERVICE

CASA VIEJA

CREPES BAN MI MPERS BURGER CHOMPERS EMPANADAS PET FRIENDLY DINING

At the Syzygy factory twenty artisans work together to produce a Timeless, Sophisticated and Distinctive line of handmade tile. Lovely shapes and mosaics are cut and pressed by hand. Glazes are carefully applied with a brush. Tours Available.

SYZYGY Tile 106 N. Bullard St • Silver City, NM • 575-388-5472 www.SyzygyTile.com

ree Room Guest House & Special Event Venue in the Heart of Historic Downtown 400 N. Arizona St. Silver City, NM 88061 www.casaviejasilvercity.com www.airbnb.com • 575-313-6837

OPEN Mon-Th 11-3 Fri-Sat 11-4 DOWNTOWN SILVER CITY IN THE HUB 601 N. BULLARD ST. 575-597-8272 TAPASTREEGRILL.COM

Farm Bureau Financial Services Insurance • Investments Susan Sumrall Agent

575.538.5864 Worship: Joseph Gros Thurs. 6:30, Senior Pastor Sun. 8:30 & 10:30 A non-denominational i i l church h h teaching verse-by-verse through the Bible. www.calvarysilver.com 3001 Hwy. 90 S. • 575-388-1031

susan.sumrall@fbfs.com

4505 Hwy. 180 East Silver City, NM 88061

AUTO | HOME | LIFE | ANNUITIES | HEALTH FARM/RANCH | CROP | BUSINESS Registered Representative/Securities & Services offered through FBL Marketing Services, LLC, 54 University Avenue, West Des Moines, IA 50266 877.860.2904, Member SIPC.

Walk-ins Welcome

Family Oriented Full Service Salon Perms • Cuts • Colors • Nails Wax • Manicures & Pedicures

575.388.5188

315 E. 16th St. • Silver City, NM Charlotte Benavidez, Owner • Book Exchange

A SPECIAL GETAWAY PLACE FOR COUPLES TOWN AND COUNTRY GARDEN CLUB

THRIFT STORE Community Service Since 1960

BEST deals in town!

Serving the Community’s Veterans, Active Duty Military Families and Youth Programs.

Ray Davis 956-5153 76

Gil Choquette 534-1643

Hours: Wed., Fri., Sat. 9am-2pm

575-534-4529

georgetowncabinsresort.com “Near Silver City”

ZIA MAGAZINE COLLECTION Spring 2018

Proceeds benefit and beautify our community We accept clean clothing and smaller item donations

606 N. Bullard Street Downtown Silver City

Shop, Play, Stay, Live!

u COVER ARTIST

Deborah Hutchings

The Big Ditch Park is just steps away from great dining and shopping.

WRITTEN BY CHARLIE McKEE “You can’t paint what you don’t feel,” Deborah Hutchings said as she applied her brush to the image of the windmill she was painting. e artist continued, “You have to be happy about what you’re painting – at least I do.”

With her roots in New England where her art reflected the lush colors and landscapes of the area in floral watercolors, Hutchings says that she has “always and forever” wanted to be an artist. She was fortunate to have parents who recognized, nurtured, and encouraged her talent as a young girl, and she went on to achieve a Bachelor in Fine Arts.

Having vacationed in the Southwest during her 25-year career in advertising and marketing in the Northeast, Hutchings and her husband, Alan, were drawn to the warmer climate and slower pace of Silver City in 2006. Here, the more rugged terrain and its vast expanses led the artist to use oils instead of watercolor to portray the solid, enduring, and sometimes harsh landscapes.

Hutchings says that when the shape, color, or design of something hits her heart and she visualizes what she can do with it, it fires her passion to paint. In summary, in the artist’s words, “I want to paint everything and anything. I am exploring as a painter and painting as an explorer.” s FOR MORE INFORMATION DEB HUTCHINGS FINE ART WWW.DEBHUTCHINGS.COM deb@debhutchings.com 575-313-6939

Funded by Silver City Lodger’s Tax

Downtown Silver City has it all! www.silvercitymainstreet.com An Eclectic Mix of Media Styles from Fine Art to Wearable Days & Hours: Wed - Sat 10-5 Cover Artist, Deborah Hutchings exhibits here... Come see the Original!

Finn's Gallery

300 N. Arizona • Silver City (406) 790-0573 Facebook

High end furniture and accessories from America’s finest resorts and hotels.

MANZANITA RIDGE 107 N. Bullard Street Silver City, NM 575-388-1158

Spring 2018 ZIA MAGAZINE COLLECTION 77

u MIMBRES REGION ARTS COUNCIL

Silver City Blues Festival Celebrating Music, Arts and the Community WRITTEN BY KEVIN LENKNER

T

he festival has come to be a celebration of soul-stirring music, artisan wares, decadent culinary delights and playtime in the park. It is an open invitation to locals and visitors interested in reconnecting with all that is good and meaningful about small town, rural life in the Southwest.

THE MUSIC

Hand in hand with the celebration of Memorial Day, the Silver City Blues Festival marks the official start of summer. A community tradition in its 23rd year, the Blues Festival is much more than a music concert.

e Mimbres Region Arts Council is honored to present the 23rd Annual Silver City Blues Festival kicking off Friday, May 25 with the Bus Tapes from Santa Fe at 6pm. Local favorite Brandon Perrault, opens Saturday’s full slate of performers that includes Brody Buster, 2017 International Blues Challenge’s “Best Harmonica Player,” and Amanda Fish, winner of 2016 Blues Blast Music Award. Last year’s Blues Festival favorite, the Ghost Town Blues Band from Memphis, Tennessee, returns to Silver City to headline Saturday evening. Sunday’s performers include New Mexican favorite C.W. Ayon, Tony Holiday and the Velvetones from Salt Lake City, UT and from Austin, TX young blues prodigies, e Peterson Brothers.

s SAVE THE DATE

Southwest Print Fiesta

is moving to October 5-7 2018. We are joining other great events in our creative community like Silver City’s Red Dot Gallery weekend. More info to come at www.southwestprintfiesta.org

s FOR MORE INFORMATION About This Year’s Festival visit: www.SilverCityBluesFestival.com FACEBOOK@SilverCity Blues Festival INSTAGRAM@SilverCityBluesFest or call 575-313-6939

THE ARTS Our creative community will be front and center at the 2018 Blues Festival. A new tradition, the Gila Glass Classic Flame Off, returns this year. Silver City’s own, e Glasserie, will present an evening of competitive glass blowing and torch work. Come see these artisans manipulate flame and glass to create works that will be auctioned to benefit local charities. e Silver City Clay Festival also returns in 2018 to offer festival attendees the opportunity to get their hands “dirty” with an artistic clay experience and demonstrations. e Silver City Art Association will also lend a hand in promoting the arts and artists in Silver City. Expanding participation in 2018, the Southwest Print Fiesta will have print making activities and artist demonstrations that feature even more of Silver City’s creative community.

ARTISAN MARKETPLACE AND CULINARY PAVILION A great collection of vendors and some local favorites have been assembled for the artisan marketplace in the Culinary Pavilion.

Little Toad Creek Brewery & Distillery is providing a selection of their own brews as well as other craft beers from the state of New Mexico. You can also try out their cocktails and spirits. Bring some extra money and pick up one-of-a-kind handmade artisan wares that can also be that perfect memento or gift for someone special.s

UNFORGETTABLE ATTRACTIONS & AREA EVENTS Set the date!

Visit 1.3 million acres of forest, wilderness areas, parks, monuments, trails, and historic sites.

Enjoy museums, galleries, shopping, dining, birding, star gazing, hiking, biking, fishing, and hunting.

Take in a festival or event.

GRANT COUNTY EVENTS Jan

Feb

Mar Apr May

Jun Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

MRAC Performance Series.

575-538-2505 www.mimbresarts.org Chocolate Fantasia.

575-538-2505 www.mimbresarts.org MRAC Indie Folk Series.

575-538-2505 MRAC Performance Series.

575-538-2505 www.mimbresarts.org Historic Ft. Bayard Walking Tour. 575-956-3294 Tour of the Gila.

575-590-2612 www.tourofthegila.com Downtown Expo.

575-534-1700 silvercitymainstreet.com Silver City Blues Festival.

575-538-2505 www.mimbresarts.org Wild, Wild West Pro Rodeo. 575-538-5560 silvercityprorodeo.com Independence Day Festivities. 575-538-3785 SC Museum Ice Cream Social. 575-538-5921 Big Ditch Day. 575-534-1700 The Silver City CLAY Festival. 575-538-5560 www.clayfestival.com Run to Copper Country Car Show. 575-538-5560 coppercountrycruisers.com Signal Peak Challenge Mountain Bike Race.

575-388-3222 San Vicente Artists Art Fair.

575-534-4269 artfair@silvercityartists.org Gem & MIneral Show.

575-538-5560 Cliff, Gila Grant Co. Fair.

575-538-3785 Gila River Festival.

575-538-8078 www.gilaconservation.org Fort Bayard Days.

575-388-4477 www.fortbayard.org Red Hot Children’s Fiesta.

575-388-1198 SW Festival of the Written Word. www.swwordfiesta.org RED DOT Studio & Gallery Walk. 575-313-9631 www.silvercitygalleries.com Southwest Print Fiesta.

575-538-2505 www.mimbresarts.org Annual Lighted Christmas Parade. 575-534-1700 silvercitymainstreet.com Fiber Arts Festival.

575-538-5733 www.fiberartscollective.org Tamal Fiesta y Más.

575-538-1337 tamalfiestaymas.org Victorian Christmas Evening. 575-538-5921

u THE GREAT OUTDOORS

Enjoying a

3.3

Million Acre Background

6:00 A.M. I wake up, look out the window and notice it’s going to be another amazing day in southwest New Mexico. e coffee begins to brew, birds start chirping, and the sun starts warming up this amazing place we call home.

WRITTEN AND PHOTOGRAPHED

BY ABE VILLARREAL

Nestled in the tall pines near Pinos Altos, just 7 miles north of Silver City, NM. 15 Two-Story Cabins with all amenities and Beautiful Lodge with kitchen available for Special Events.

Imagine the possibilities!

Wedding Destination Family Group Reunions • Gift Shop • Secluded Balconies • Relaxing Porches • Hot Tub in Cabana

Anniversary Celebrations Workshops & Group Meetings • Crackling Fireplaces • Satellite TV • Cabins with kitchens are available.

575.388.4501 888.388.4515 Make reservations & view availability online

www.BearCreekCabins.com 88 Main Street • 4766 Hwy 15 (mailing only) Pinos Altos, NM 88053

Water Heaters Heating Systems Air Conditioning Systems Water, Gas & Sewer Lin es Bathroom & Kitchen Remodeling 2815 Pinos Altos Road Serving Silver City since 1981 License #018637

P.O. Box 656

575-538-2973

Silver City, NM 88062 Bonded & Insured

Spring 2018 ZIA MAGAZINE COLLECTION 83

GRANT COUNTY ATTRACTIONS

Aldo Leopold Vista. Picnic and wilderness interpretive site, 6 miles north of Buckhorn.

Big Ditch Park. Formed when flood lowered Main St. 55 feet.

Bill Evans Lake. Fishing & primitive camping, 12 mi. south of Cliff.

Fort Cobre. A scale replica erected in Pinos Altos of an 1804 fort that protected the Santa Rita copper mine.

Fort Bayard. U.S. Infantry post built in 1863. Housed Buffalo Soldiers. 10 miles east of Silver City.

Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument. Cliff dwelling ruins from the 13th century. 44 miles north of Silver City. 575-536-9461.

Gila National Forest/Silver City Ranger District. 3005 E. Camino del Bosque. 575-388-8201. www.fs.fed.us/r3/gila.

Hearst Church. Seasonal museum and art gallery. Built in 1898 with Hearst newspaper empire money. In Pinos Altos, 6 mi. north of Silver City.

Kneeling Nun. Natural monolith resembling a praying nun. 15 mi. E. of Silver City at Santa Rita mine.

Lake Roberts. Camping, trout fishing, hummingbird banding, birding, and stargazing. 28 miles north of Silver City. 575-536-3206.

Lightfeather Hot Spring. Near Gila Cliff Dwellings Visitor Center.

30 minute walk includes 2 river crossings. 575-536-9461.

Mimbres Region Arts Council.

Scheduled events held throughout the year. 575-758-7289 www. mimbresarts.org.

Old Hurley Company Store. One of the first buildings in Hurley supplied miners and their families, housed the Chino Mine payroll office, and later served as a department store.

Pinos Altos Melodrama Theater.

Adjacent to the Buckhorn Saloon in the Pinos Altos Opera House.

575-388-3848.

Royal Scepter Mineral Museum. Rock shop, jewelry, and gifts. 1805 Little Walnut. 575-5389001. www.RoyalScepter.com.

San Vicente Art Walks. Selfguided gallery and studio tour within walking distance in downtown Silver City. Call for map. 1800-548-9378.

Silver City Museum. Area history, Indian artifacts, mining exhibits and Victorian furnishings. 312 W. Broadway. 575-388-5721. www. silvercitymuseum.org.

Trail of the Mountain Spirits National Scenic Byway. Loops north on NM15 to Gila Cliff Dwellings Nat’l.

Monument, southeast on NM35, and west on NM152 and US180.

Western New Mexico University Museum. Local and natural history including the Eisele Collection of Prehistoric Southwestern Pottery and Artifacts, the world’s largest permanent exhibit of Mimbres pottery. Watts Hall – Lower Level , 500 18th St. See ad page 59. 575538-6386. www.wnmu.edu/univ/ museum.html.

LUNA COUNTY EVENTS

Mar Camp Furlong Day. Pancho Villa State Park in Columbus. 575-531-2711.

Rockhound Roundup.

575-543-8915 Aug Great American Duck Race.

888-345-1125. www.demingduckrace.com.

Oct St. Clair Wine Festival.

575-546-1179. www.StClairVineyards.com.

Dec Christmas Light Parade.

Downtown Deming.

575-546-2674.

Holiday Lights. Rockhound State Park. 575-546-6182.

84

u OUTDOORS CONTINUED 7:00 A.M. After packing up some snacks and a large bottle of water, I head out for a day of hiking. e possibilities are endless because when you start out from Silver City, or anywhere in Grant County, hiking, biking, and trail walking options are found only a few miles away in almost any direction.

I head out towards pinos Altos, a tiny community nestled in the mountains. It’s the kind of drive you can make with the windows rolled down and the music on loud. Making your way through a winding road driving up past 7,000 feet in elevation gives you a natural high.

7:30 A.M. Shortly after passing the former mining town, I reach a not-so-descriptive marker next to a cattle guard. It’s the trailhead to Tadpole Ridge, an 8.5-mile trail that leads up to 8,500 feet elevations.

Directly across the road is Signal peak, a popular hiking trail only about 2.5 miles long. I’ve done that one before. It’s quite the challenge because it’s a straight shot up the peak. Once you reach the top, there is a lookout that gives you eye-popping views of the forest. It’s simply breathtaking.

ZIA MAGAZINE COLLECTION Spring 2018

7:45 A.M. A group of buddies are joining me and after a few minutes taking selfies, we head out. ere is a gentle breeze and a few other cars at the trailhead.

We may run across other outdoor enthusiasts, but at the moment, it feels like the forest belongs to us.

9:00 A.M. We’ve been at it for over an hour. Unlike other area hikes close to town including Gomez peak, the appeal to Tadpole Ridge is the changing landscapes and the feeling that you are really lost in the middle of nowhere. From giant boulders to cliff side trails, you cross large sections of conifer trees and green landscapes.

It’s one of the majesties of the Gila National Forest. To the outsider, New Mexico is a dry, open landscape. In reality, it’s a mixture of environments and experiences that earn the state its nickname of the Land of Enchantment.

10:00 A.M. It’s hard to get too far up the trail because everyone wants to keep stopping for pictures of the mountains and long-distance views. After a few water breaks we keep moving along, enjoying the fresh smell of the air and the small talk.

2:00 P.M. After a lunch break, and the difficult decision to turn around and head back down the trail, we make it back to Highway 15 where we are parked.

We’re dusty, and have a few scratches. ey are small badges of honor for a group of amateur hikers who like to think that hiking in the Gila National Forest has made us true outdoorsmen.

Hiking in the Gila is easy, fun, and invigorating. ere are dozens of hidden getaways that are easy to access. Each weekend in the Silver City area can be filled with short afternoons or long days of adventure in the great outdoors.

3:00 P.M. We all gather on the outside patio at a local restaurant for a few drinks and laughs. It’s nearing the end of an-

other memorable day in southwest New Mexico.

• Computerized Gates • Completely fenced

4028 Hwy 90 S Silver City, NM 88061

• Wide Driveways • Night Lighting

575-388-2200 • 888-829-7277 Locally owned

licensed, insured, and certified by the National Association of Wastewater Transporters, Inc. • • • • • •

Our professional technicians have been serving Silver City, Grant and Hidalgo Counties for 40+ years.

Sanitized, ADA-Compliant Portable Restrooms and Hand-Wash Stations for short or long term construction and special event rentals.

SEPTIC SYSTEM INSPECTIONS - Nationally Certified SEPTIC SYSTEM PUMPING - State Qualified COMMERCIAL & INDUSTRIAL TRAP PUMPING INDUSTRIAL VACUUM SERVICES - WET OR DRY PIPELINE CAMERA INSPECTING & LOCATING EXCAVATIONS - UNCOVER SEPTIC SYSTEMS

www.HEI-Humphreys.com • Fax: 575-534-4976 4007 HWY 90 SOUTH • SILVER CITY, NM 88061

575-538-2152 • 1-888-538-2152

Spring 2018 ZIA MAGAZINE COLLECTION 85

LUNA COUNTY ATTRACTIONS

City of Rocks State Park. Rock formations formed over 34 million years ago during a volcanic eruption.

Overnight campsites; visitor center; botanical garden; wildlife; hiking; and more. Located 30 miles NW of Deming on US 180 and NM 61. 575-536-2800.

Deming Luna Mimbres Museum.

Minerals, gems, frontier military history and Mimbres exhibits. 301 S. Silver. 575-546-2382. www.Deming LunaMimbresMuseum.com.

Luna Rossa Winery. 575-544-1160. www.LunaRossaWinery.com Rockhound State Park. Collect up to 15 lbs of rocks. The 250-acre park has picnic facilities; overnight camping; hiking trails; wildlife; and exhibits on local history of Buffalo Soldiers, Apache Indians and more. 14 miles SE of Deming. 575-546-6182.

Saint Clair Winery. 575-546-1179. www.stclairvineyards.com.

Spring Canyon State Park. Realize a serene beauty and complete sense of isolation. Picnicking facilities. Ibex, wild goats from Iran, may be encountered.

575-546-6182. cityofdeming.org.

Pancho Villa State Park. Located on the site of old Camp Furlong where Villa raided the U.S. This 61-acre park offers a massive desert botanical garden, camping and museum/visitor center. 575-531-2711.

U.S. and Mexico Port of Entry.

24-hour crossing Columbus/Palomas.

3 mi. S. of Columbus. 575-531-2686.

u CITY OF ROCKS STATE PARK

parks &

Monuments ENJOY THE AREA ATTRACTIONS

e formations create a likeliness of a city with streets and buildings. Complete with a desert garden, the park offers picnicking and camping spots.

Publisher’s Note: Documents are required for returning to the United States. Check with U.S. Customs before leaving the U.S. All items purchased in Mexico must be declared when returning to the U.S. and Mexican law strictly forbids carrying guns or ammunition into Mexico.

PHOTOGRAPHED BY JOE BURGESS

LOCATION Deming is located at the junction of Interstate 10, US 180 and NM 11, next to Rockhound State Park and 34 miles north of the U.S. border with Mexico.

MORE INFORMATION Deming Visitor Center 575-567-1962 www.exploredeming.com, demingvisitor@gmail.com

HIDALGO COUNTY EVENTS

Lordsburg July 4th Activities & Fireworks.

575-542-9864 Rodeo July 4th Parade, BBQ, Cake Auction & Dance. 575-557-2202 Aug Hidalgo County Fair, Rodeos, Parade, Animal Shows & Sales. 3 day event.

575-542-9291 Sep Tejano Fest. Car/Bike Show. 575-574-5382 Oct Discover Hidalgo Classic Car Show, Mud Bogs, Fiddle Contest, Mariachi & Flamenco Dance Contest, Dutch-oven Cook off.

575-542-9864.

Dec Lordsburg Light Parade.

575-542-9864.

Moonlight Madness.

575-542-8844.

Jul

Shakespeare Ghost Town A National Historic Site The West’s Most Authentic Ghost Town Scheduled Tours 10am & 2pm Apr 7,8 Jan 13,14 May 12,13 Feb 10,11 Jun 9,10 Mar 10,11 Contact Manny Hough 575-542-9034 Stein’s Railroad Ghost Town Scheduled Tours Aug 25 Feb 19 Sep 22 Mar 10 Oct 20 Apr 14 Nov 17 May 12 Dec 15 Jun 30 Jul 28

86

Trail Mountain Spirits

Gila Cliff Dwellings

Continental Divide C

City of Rocks

This 93-mile loop is filled with scenic beauty, from the old gold-mining town of Piños Altos and the Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument, to Lake Roberts and the Mimbres River Valley. You also will find the Santa Rita mine overlook, Santa Clara, and historic Fort Bayard. The route makes for a perfect all day excursion by car.

The 533-acre Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument is where you can see the homes and catch a glimpse into the lives of Native Americans who lived here between seven and eight hundred years ago. It is about two hours from Deming and Silver City. Call ahead for hours and road conditions to (575) 536-9461.

Area hikers enjoy a rare opportunity here: day hikes on the renowned footpath that stretches from Mexico to Canada. Also known as the "King of Trails," the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail (CDT) runs through New Mexico, Colorado, Wyoming, Idaho, and Montana. Parts of the trail are challenging, so hikers should be in good physical condition.

Located between Silver City and Deming this is a perfect spot for a fun-filled, family day trip or picnic. The park features giant monoliths that were formed from the eruption of an ancient volcano, and eroded by the wind over an extended period of time. These huge, unusually shaped boulders are perfect for sightseeing or climbing.

of the

National Scenic Byway

National Monument

ZIA MAGAZINE COLLECTION Spring 2018

National Scenic Trail

State Park

To Gallup

36 To Grants

117 36 To Springerville

180

60

180 32

12 159

Pancho Villa

Rockhound

Pancho Villa State Park is located on the site of Camp Furlong and includes the first operational military airstrip In the U.S. The new museum and interpretive center includes era military vehicles and a replica of the Jenny airplane.

There are 61 modern and spacious RV areas and campsites, a botanical garden, and an interpretive walking tour.

Activities include hiking and picnicking, birding, and wildlife observation. For star gazers, the skies are among the darkest in the country, and the park hosts National Public Observatory "Star Party" events each year. It also is a mineral collector’s paradise: Visitors are encouraged to dig and carry away up to 15 pounds of minerals.

State Park

State Park

Fort Bayard

National Historic Landmark

Established in 1866 as a US Army installation, it was set aside as the Fort Bayard Military Reservation by Presidential Order in 1869. General George Crook and Second Lieutenant John Pershing were officers during the 1880s. The Buffalo Soldiers were on detached duty there.

It received National Historic Landmark status in 2004.

Black Range

Shakespeare

National Historic Site

Just two miles south of Lordsburg sits Shakespeare ghost town, once roamed by the likes of Billy the Kid, Curly Bill Brocius, Russian Bill, John Ringo, Sandy King, Jim Hughes, the Clantons, and other infamous outlaws and sturdy frontiersmen. The 1800s mining camp and Butterfield Trail stage stop boldly cling to their rip-roaring past.

Area Map

The Catwalk

National Recreation Trail

In 1893, a pipe and catwalk were bolted to the shear, narrow walls of lower Whitewater Canyon to carry water to a mill and the town of Graham at the canyon’s outlet. Today, the U.S. Forest Service maintains Catwalk National Recreation Trail - a picnic area and metal catwalk leading to a trail that climbs deep into the Gila Wilderness.

Spring 2018 ZIA MAGAZINE COLLECTION 87

For additional information and to schedule tour time visit: FB: Steins NM Railroad Ghost Town.

78

Contact the Lordsburg-Hidalgo County Chamber to check on events and dates, as changes may occur throughout the year. 575-542-9864 Fx: 575-542-9059 email: lordsburgcoc@gilanet.com

29

HIDALGO CO. ATTRACTIONS

2

15

Lordsburg Hidalgo Museum. This Old West museum documents the early history in which the nearby ghost towns took root. M-F 1-5 PM. 710 E 2nd St. 575-542-9086.

Rodeo. On the NM-AZ border in southern Hidalgo Co., Rodeo is a small art center with the Chiricahua Guild & Gallery located in an old Mission Church, and the Chiricahua Desert Museum with live reptile displays, a gift shop, and gallery. The area offers facilities for travelers.

Veterans Memorial Park. Honoring those who have served their country in the military, and for those who have served their community as a public servant, law enforcement, fire fighter, EMS and dispatch.

Shakespeare Ghost Town. 2.5 miles southwest of Lordsburg. Call for guided tour schedule. 575-5429034.shakespeareghostown.com.

Steins Railroad Ghost Town. A living history. Contact for guided tours. s t e i n s g h o s t to w n @ g m a i l . c o m . www.steinsnmrailroadghosttown. webs.comor www.facebook.com/pg/ Steins-NM-Railroad-Ghost Town.

Peloncillo Mountains Wilderness.

Ragged and rugged, the historic Butterfield Stage Route forms the southern boundary.

46

3

115

130 6

8 50 16

108 21

7 5 19

42

9 74

93 56 99 114 27

4

98 97

36 32

24

102

62

47

191

127 22

LOCATION Lordsburg is at the junction of I-10, US 70 and NM 90 near the Butterfield Trail stage stop of Shakespeare.

104

33

MORE INFORMATION

60

Lordsburg Hidalgo County Chamber of Commerce 575-542-9864 www.LordsburgHidalgoCounty.net email: lordsburgcoc@gilanet.com

38

106

CATRON COUNTY EVENTS

Mar Dutch Oven Cook Off. Glenwood. 575-539-2714.

Jun Way out West Wine Fest. Uncle Bill’s Bar. Reserve. 575-533-6369 Jul 4th of July Big Bang Weekend & Doo Dah Parade Glenwood. 575-539-2373.

Dance w/Eli James Band. Uncle Bill’s Bar. Reserve. 575-533-6369 Frisco Cowbelles BBQ, Dance, & Art Auction.

Glenwood. info@cowbelles.org.

Luna Rodeo. lunarodeo.com.

Aug Catron County Fair & Rodeo.

Reserve. 575-533-6430.

Sep Pie Town Pie Festival. www.pietownfestival.com.

Oct Halloween Dance. Uncle Bill’s Bar. Reserve. 575-533-6369 Dec New Year’s Eve Dance. Uncle Bill’s Bar. Reserve. 575-533-6369

41

45

210 84 110

260

86

101

68

27

57

6 96

64 91

53 37

LOCATION Reserve is located at the junction of NM 12 and the San Francisco River.

Glenwood is located on US 180, 37 miles south of Reserve and 60 miles northwest of Silver City.

88

72

11 85 78 95

CATRON CO. ATTRACTIONS

Clairmont. Ghost town 19 miles northeast of Glenwood.

Mogollon. Ghost town 13 miles northeast of Glenwood.

Cooney’s Tomb. Alma, 7 miles north of Glenwood. Burial of soldiers killed in a conflict with Apaches.

Snow Lake. In the Gila National Forest. Camping and fishing. 47 miles northeast of Glenwood.

Quemado Lake. Camping, fishing.

11 miles south of Quemado.

Whitewater Canyon. 5 miles east of Glenwood.

238

60

ZIA MAGAZINE COLLECTION Spring 2018

165

27

1

Index of Advertisers Art Gallery/Artists /Artists Barker Manning ng Gallery Finn’s Gallery

130 6

29 77

Assisted Living Santa Clara Assisted Living Sunset Vista Adult Residential Care

77 78

36 37

Attorneys Lopez, Dietzel, Perkins & Wallace

56

14

Auto, Sales, Lube, Repair & Car Wash Sisbarro The Power Center Todd’s Axis Motors Thunder Lube & Car Wash

89 67 50 26

1 52 27 54

Chamber of Commerce/CVB Deming Luna Co.Chamber 253 59 Lordsburg Hidalgo Co. Chamber 165 68-69 Silver City Grant Co. Chamber 6 89 Visit Las Cruces 51 47

222

44

45 260

10

Churches Calvary Chapel Contractors & Builders Chaves Construction J & S Plumbing & Heating Luna Homebuilders Sun Power Solar Tres Amigos Enterprises 27

CPA’s Law’s & Co. 77

40

58

61 96 67

253

89

40

53 61 94

23 250

66

20

26

49

92

59

51

96 25

52

98

41 83 59 48 72 33

20

Entertainment Movies Mimbres Region Arts Council The Silco Theater

62 78-79 84 74

64

250 26

57 54

Home/Products Services A Better Chimney 21 Ace Hardware 130 Finishing Touch 32 Kiss My Glass Window Cleaning 31 Manzanita Ridge 57 Syzygy Tileworks 95 The Bedroom Shoppe 22

41 10 25 93 77 76 21

Insurance Allstate, Townsend Insurance Carson Insurance Farm Bureau, Susan Sumrall Farm Bureau, Mike Rowse State Farm, Chuck Johnson State Farm, Jon Saari Tom Blanchard Insurance

15 14 76 16 8 8 32

Investments Financial Edward Jones, James Edd Hughs

67

19 46 49 96 102

76

Distributor Deming Coca Cola

Grocery & Meat Markets Pepper’s Supermarket Yoya’s Market 27

64

Lodging Bear Creek Motel & Cabins Casa Vieja B & B Casita’s de Gila Guesthouses Georgetown Cabins Holiday I nn Express The Palace Hotel Whitewater Motel

97 7 222 47 16 18 101

9 22-23 10 41 17 37 44 68 114

83 76 85 76 17 75 72

Medical / Dental Angelwings Home Care 132 92 Deming Dental 23 63 Desert Springs Physical Therapy 24 6 Gila Eye Care 38 5 Gila Optical 38 4 Gila Regional Medical Center 2 96-C3 HMS Hidalgo Medical Services 27 94-95 Lung Specialists of Las Cruces 52 49 Melinda’s Medical Supplies 15 93 Mesilla Valley Pain 59 53 Mimbres Memorial Hospital 66 2 and Nursing Home 66 3 Mimbres Valley Medical Group 87 9 Silver City Dental, Dr. Porter Silver Smiles 42 13 Southwest Pediatric Care 92 63,C4 Museum WNMU Museum Organization American Legion Community Foundation of Southern New Mexico Las Cruces Ukes Silver City Arts & Cultural District Silver City MainStreet Project Pet Care Frumpy Fox Propane Griffin’s Fuel Center

5

75

191

76

25 105

52 48

11 80-81 85 77 33

26

8

41

Real Estate Developments Property Management 127 27 Better Homes & Gardens Mimbres Mountain Ranch 58 42-43 RE/Max 74 17 United Country Mimbres Real Estate 106 7 Restaurant Bakery/Coffee Adobe Deli Diane’s Restaurant & Deli Revel Tapas Tree Grill Vicki’s Eatery Wrangler’s Bar & Grill Yoya’s Bar & Grill

61 60 72 104 210 115 26

61 29 33 76 74 16 54

238

76 92

RV Park 81 Palms

67

61

Salons Mirror Mirrage

63

76

Retail Town & Country Thrift Store Ultra Health

Schools & Universities Western New Mexico University

Chamber of Commerce And Conference Center The gateway to information on visiting, living, retiring, vacationing and doing business in Southwestern New Mexico!

(800) 548-9378 (575) 538-3785

4 18-20

Self Storage

By Pass Self Storage

91

85

Septic Services Humphrey’s Enterprises, HEI

53

85

Shipping & Mailing The UPS Store

108

33

Telephone Service WNM Communications

110

C2

96 94

59 57

Winery Luna Rossa Winery St. Clair Winery

Silver City Grant County

www.SilverCity.org

this page: Melinda in the Shoe Room. opposite, left: A display of Melinda’s hempbased products. opposite, right: The Melinda’s staff: Christina Pacheco, Melinda Bartlett and Adriane Torrez.

Not shown is Emilio B. Rivera.

Photos by Samuel Kirshbaum.

u MELINDA’S MEDICAL SUPPLY

Serving the Community with Knowledge and a Caring Attitude Lifelong residents of Silver City, or at least those of us who grew up here, will remember the building now occupied by Melinda’s Medical Supply as the building known to us as “e place.” We used to go here to play foosball, video games, or shoot pool when school was not in session. How appropriate that our generation is now visiting that same building to get the things we need as we get older.

WRITTEN BY MIKE ROWSE PHOTOGRAPHY BY SAMUEL KIRSCHBAUM AND ERIC WITHEROW

M

ELINDA BARTLETT STARTED IN THE MEDICAL SUppLY BUSINESS OVER 30 YEARS AGO IN ALBUQUERQUE. SHE needed a part-time job and found one. Little did she know that job would become her avocation and passion. She and her husband are both Grant County natives, so it was an easy decision to return to their home 18 years ago to raise their children and start their medical supply business.

Many of you might think that Melinda’s only carries medical supplies like wheelchairs, walkers, diabetic supplies or other items that you might only need if you are sick or injured.

While they have an extensive product line to help you through almost any medical situation, they also carry so many other things designed to help prevent injury or illness.

For example, they carry a full line of essential oils designed to naturally treat all kinds of conditions and prevent others. Do you suffer from allergies? ere’s an essential oil for that.

How about excessive stress from your kids or your job? ere’s an essential oil for that as well.

In fact, the uses for essential oils, which are becoming very popular, are numerous. Melinda also carries a full line of bracelets, necklaces and diffusers that help to disperse the oils. ey are also now carrying hemp-based products from oils to creams that can help reduce pain, stress, and anxiety. And don’t forget the line of Vionic, Sanosan, and Sanita shoes they carry, as well as diabetic shoes.

Melinda’s Medical Supply also carries a full line of lotions and creams from local producers, Udder Delight and Super Salve. e products featured at Melinda’s make your skin and feet softer, but they also have products that do things like repel insects. Of course, some of those products also have medical uses such as to promote healing of injuries like sprains, strains, or even broken bones. Other products can help promote better circulation.

And you’ll smell really nice, too!

Melinda’s carries an extensive line of products that you might need after an injury or illness or to help you prevent an injury or illness.

Spring 2018 ZIA MAGAZINE COLLECTION 91

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ZIA MAGAZINE COLLECTION Spring 2018

I think you get the idea, Melinda’s carries an extensive line of products that you might need after an injury or illness or to help you prevent an injury or illness. Melinda is a Certified Orthotic & Mastectomy fitter. She can help with any mastectomy or bracing needs. But no matter how extensive their product line is, it’s the knowledge and caring attitude that really set Melinda’s apart from the competitors. ey care as much about helping you get back to your old self as anyone. Often, the first time we find ourself in a situation in which we need to rehabilitate we are not exactly sure what to expect or what we might need to help with that process. e staff at Melinda’s knows what you need.

One big thing about shopping at a local business, they’ll also tell you what you don’t need. Too often customers come in and are like kids in a candy store. Melinda says they’ll start picking out products that they don’t really need, or more importantly, that insurance won’t pay for. Melinda and her staff know how to navigate the insurance process and will advise their clients what to expect. at’s invaluable and something you usually only get from a local business person.

Speaking from personal experience, when my dad had hip replacement surgery, we knew we were going to need a wheelchair and a walker but there were so many things we hadn’t thought of. Something as simple as getting a jar of peanut butter out of the cabinet or even putting on his socks in the morning were going to be things that he could not do easily. e staff at Melinda’s discussed all of these situations with us and recommended products that would make his life, and ours as well, much easier. ey

M elinda’s Medical Supply

“Over 50 Years of Experience”

Get g going! g Shop Locally.

We have w what you’re looking for.

actually have little devices that can help you put your sock on without having to bend over or cross your legs–things you can’t do when you’ve had a hip replacement. ere is no doubt in my mind that their knowledge and caring attitude made a difficult situation much easier.

Caring. When you sit and talk to Melinda and her staff, it’s obvious they care. e smiles beam when they talk about making someone’s life better. Like the young lady who couldn’t open her hands because of the pain she was experiencing. But 30 minutes after applying a lotion recommended by Melinda, she was able to do just that. Or the cancer patient who took another product they offer and now doesn’t have the nausea that so many people experience, making her ordeal a bit more bearable.

Any business can come along and fill a need in the community and certainly Melinda’s does that. But to stay in business this long, they do something beyond just providing a product or service. ey care.

To me, that’s the real reason for the success of Melinda, her staff, and her business. ey care. top, left: Bathroom safety equipment. top, right: Power operated scooters and electric lift chairs. Photos by Eric Witherow. s FOR MORE INFORMATION MELINDA’S MEDICAL SUPPLY 910 E. 32ND STREET • SILVER CITY, NM 88061 575-534-4013 • 866-534-4013 WWW.MELINDASMEDICALSUPPLY.COM OPEN TUESDAY - SUNDAY. CLOSED MONDAYS

Services

• 24 Hour Emergency Service • Full Time Certified Orthotic Mastectomy Fitter • Medicare, Medicaid, Private Insurance & Workmans Compensation Accepted • Medicare accredited through The Compliance Team. Inc. pply.com asmedicalsu www.melind

910 E. 32nd St. • Silver City, NM 575.534.4013 • 866.534.4013 www.melindasmedical.myhalelife.com

Jay Scott Owner/Operator

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Products

Oxygen & Respiratory Equipment CPAP Machines & Supplies Power Lift Recliners Hospital Beds Incontinence Supplies Bathroom Safety Aids Motorized Scooters Koi Scrubs for Men & Women Diabetic Care Supplies & Shoes Orthopedic Supports & Orthotics Sanita, Sanosan & Vionic Shoes Mastectomy Products Essential Oils Hemp Oil Products Medical Alert Monitors

CALL TO SCHEDULE YOUR APPOINTMENT TODAY

575-200-8793 or

Spring 2018 ZIA MAGAZINE COLLECTION 93

u HIDALGO MEDICAL SERVICES

Dan Otero Receives ree-Year Contract Extension e thirteen member Board of Directors of Hidalgo Medical Services (HMS) unanimously extended the contract of its Chief Executive Officer in February 2018. Dan Otero received a three-year extension to his contract as CEO.

BY KATHY-LYN ALLEN PACHECO

A

ACCORDINg TO CARMEN ACOSTA, HMS BOARD CHAIRwOMAN, “THE HMS BOARD OF DIRECTORS HAS COMplETE CONFIDENCE in Mr. Otero’s ability to achieve our goals, as demonstrated by past and current performance. He has shown effective leadership in the delivery of day-to-day operations and has expanded the scope of services offered to our communities.

Mr. Otero is dedicated to serving HMS patients, employees, and the communities we serve. we look forward to continuing our work relationship with Mr. Otero.”

“As a long-time member of this community – both personally and professionally – I am truly honored to lead HMS as the CEO. A variety of factors continue to put pressure on our nation’s health care system, and HMS remains steadfast in meeting its mission to improve the health and quality of life for the citizens we serve in both Hidalgo and grant counties,” stated Otero.

Notable achievements accomplished by the HMS team under Otero’s leadership, since his hiring in February 2016, include the organization’s employee base growing from approximately 200 to 230 staff members, the recruitment and retention of 19 healthcare providers across the system’s four service lines, HMS receiving its first ever Quality New Mexico (piñon level) recognition status, coordinating the acquisition of four grant County Senior Centers, and forging strong partnerships with local and state entities to manage the HMS Tu Casa Substance Abuse Facility.

According to Otero, HMS’s commitment to improving the health and well-being of the communities it serves is reflected in the number of diverse healthcare providers that the organization has contracted since his hiring in February 2016: two family medicine physicians with OB experience, two pediatricians, three certified nurse practitioners, one physician assistant, two clinicalpsychologists, four mental health therapists, two dentists, two registered dental hygienists, and one registered dietitian/certified diabetes educator. Otero added, “HMS employees are a professional, high quality team, and it is always my hope that each HMS employee chooses to stay with our organization for the long term.

Our HMS ‘family’ is only as strong as its weakest link, and we’re here to support all HMS employees in their professional growth and development.” Under Otero’s supervision, the HMS leadership team continues to develop patient and employee service initiatives with the strategic goal of becoming one of Fortune’s Top 100 Best Companies to work For® and a Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award recipient.

Otero said that he is aware of increasing optimism about HMS’ stability and growth in the community, and understands that need to remain nimble and innovative during times 94

ZIA MAGAZINE COLLECTION Spring 2018

of significant healthcare and political change. “In April 2017, HMS implemented a system-wide patient satisfaction survey to collect feedback from HMS patients and clients – onsite – following their healthcare appointments with us. For the month of January 2018, those results show that at least 98% of all survey participants (more than 375 individuals across all HMS clinical locations) would refer their family or friends to HMS for their healthcare needs,” he detailed. Otero added, “Nine of HMS’s fifteen clinical quality outcomes exceed national measures set by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) for all (approximately 1,400) community health centers in the United States. Ten of HMS’s fifteen clinical quality outcomes are greater than overall state of New Mexico measures, and both unique HMS patients (15,799 in 2016 to 16,131 in 2017) and the number of HMS patient encounters (73,942 in 2016 to 74,843 in 2017) continue to increase – all while maintaining a healthy bottom line.”

As Hidalgo and Grant Counties’ only Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC), HMS provides comprehensive, quality, and affordable medical, dental, mental health, and family support services in a patient-centered and integrated environment to more than 16,000 individuals annually at 13 clinical locations. s TO LEARN MORE ABOUT HMS

services, providers, and locations, please visit www.hmsnm.org or call (888) 271-3596.

YOUR FAMILY’S FIRST CHOICE FOR COMPREHENSIVE HEALTH CARE

MEDICAL I DENTAL I MENTAL HEALTH I FAMILY SUPPORT

CALL TODAY TO SCHEDULE YOUR NEXT APPOINTMENT

(888) 271-3596 I www.hmsnm.org

Animas I Bayard I Cliff/Gila I Lordsburg I Mimbres I Silver City I Cobre HIgh School I Lordsburg HIgh School I Silver City HIgh School

Lovingly Caring for babies, kids and teens - Ages 0-18

W WALK-INS S WE WELCOME • Well Checks & Sports Physicals • Preoperative History & Physicals • ADHD & Behavioral Screening • Asthma Diagnosis & Preventive Care • Allergy Testing & Immunotherapy • Immunizations & TB Testing • Sick Visits • Vision & Hearing Screening • WIC Visits & Prescriptions •C4 OtherZIA Pediatric Illnesses MAGAZINE

Dr. Florence C. Roque, DNP, CPNP Providing Wholistic Pediatric Care with a Focus on Disease Prevention, Health, Growth and Development of Your Child’s Physical, Mental, Emotional and Spiritual Needs.

575-936-4350 After Hours: 575-545-3985 1020 South 8th St., Suite A. • Deming, NM (across from the Public Pool)

www.SWPedsCare.com

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