Del Rio News ECRWSS QUESTA • RED RIVER • CERRO • COSTILLA • AMALIA • LAMA • SAN CRISTOBAL in THIS Living a Life of Adventure and Service ISSUE

Volume IV, Issue VII *********ECRWSSEDDM**** PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE JULY 2021 PAID PERMIT NO.3 Questa Del Rio News ECRWSS QUESTA • RED RIVER • CERRO • COSTILLA • AMALIA • LAMA • SAN CRISTOBAL IN THIS Living a Life of Adventure and Service ISSUE

CELEBRATING THE COMMUNITY OF LAMA! BUSINESS NEWS Questa Crafts and Collectibles Market on Saturdays Small Business Development Center Page 4 FISHING, RECREATION & WILDLIFE Questa Fishing Derby Winners Page 26 Our New Monthly Feature, "BIRD IS THE WORD!" By Bryce Flanagan, this month's story: Declining Bird Populations Page 14 EDUCATION QISD Hires New Superintendent Page 18 COMMUNITY NEWS The Lama Foundation: Then and Now Page 16 QHS Track & Field Goes to State Page 22 Daniel Hutchison Bud Wilson bridges the generation gap with some pointers on tomato growing. SUSTAINABLE LIVING Lama Community Garden Page 13 By DANIEL HUTCHISON and got lost in the mountains. ADVICE While attending medical school, Bud Wilson was born in 1925 in FROM BUD: Bud returned to San Cristobal. While the suburbs of Chicago, but forged his there, he heard that a young woman had “Make choices for your life that help connection to the land and people of died in childbirth, leaving two kids with- make the world a little better…. northern New Mexico when he was just out a mother; this affirmed his commit- NCRTA BLUE BUS 16 years old, while accompanying his one thing after another.” ment to becoming a doctor and serve in AWARDED FUNDS FOR high school teacher on a research trip to Interviews with Bud Wilson places of highest need. Dr. Wilson prac- ELECTRIC BUSES San Cristobal. That summer, in 1942, he can be found on the Questa Stories ticed open heart and general surgery for worked as a ranch hand in the Latir area. The New Mexico Department of website: QuestaStories.org. 50 years and developed a reputation for At that time the highway turned to dirt Transportation will receive funds to indefatigable devotion to his patients. In at the New Mexico border! one pioneering procedure, Bud spent 26 purchase new electric buses and charging The year before, at age 15, Bud invited him to pledge. He declined, hours holding a woman’s heart together. infrastructure on behalf of the North Central Wilson had gone to work on a farm because they excluded minority students. Defying statistical probability, she sur- Regional Transit District. The project, which in Kansas for the summer. He milked Bud was subsequently elected class vived. He established surgical programs will also support charging equipment and the cows, hitched the horse team, and president. In June 1947, Bud began the in New Mexico (including the first heart workforce training, will improve service pitched the hay. When the old farmer process of buying a ranch in Lama, NM. program in the state), in Colorado, and reliability and address air quality, improving left for a family crisis, young Bud had On break from school, he loaded up an in India, where his family relocated to environmental justice in the Taos Pueblo to run the whole operation on his own. old army truck with teenagers from Chi- live and work temporarily. community. Look for more information in His love of the land and unflagging work cago and headed west to work and camp Digging ditches in the Land of En- our August Issue! ethic were born. for the summer on the land. Bud and chantment to pay for med school, Bud After serving as a Navy pilot, Bud the dudes raced across the mesas riding went to college. Prestigious fraternities bareback, dug 80-ft-deep wells by hand, BUD WILSON cont’d on page 28 EDITORIAL Questa Del Rio News NOTICIAS QUESTA DEL RIO Summer Fun In The Published Monthly by the QUESTA ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT FUND Publicación mensual por EL FONDO PARA EL DESARROLLO ECONOMICO DE QUESTA Enchanted Circle LOU McCALL Editor Leaving the COVID-19 era behind us (we hope!), everyone is jumping headfirst MARTHA SHEPP Assistant Editor/Editor asistente into summer fun. In the Enchanted Circle, that means enjoying the great outdoors EMILY WILDE Graphic Design & Pagination/Diseño gráfico y paginación ROBYN BLACK Food Editor/Editor de comida in many ways. SARA MARTINEZ Costilla Correspondant/Corresponsal de Costilla y Amalia Check out the winners of the 2021 Questa Fishing Derby at Eagle Rock Lake on CAROLINE YEZER San Cristobal Correspondant/Corresponsal de San Cristobal page 15. We are blessed with wonderful fishing and Eagle Rock Lake is a beautiful MAX KHUDIAKOV Social Media/Coordinador de Redes Sociales place to spend a summer day or an hour. Soon the lake will be a pitstop on the trail ERNESTO CISNEROS Journalism Intern/Pasante de Periodismo running along the Red River that connects the Village of Questa to the Town of Red TERESA DOVALPAGE Translator/Traductora River. That will be a nice walk. Thank you to all the individuals and groups who are BRYCE FLANIGAN MARTA GLOVER helping to make this beautiful dream come true. MARIA GONZALEZ Our July issue celebrates the community of Lama—now there is a place that CHARLENE R. JOHNSON TONER MITCHELL knows about summer fun! Check out what the locals are doing with their Lama DONNA MITCHELL-MONIAK DEBORAH ARCHULETA-MORENO Community Garden. We also highlight Nat Wilson and the La Lama Acequia—such SHARON NICHOLSON MANDY STAPLEFORD great work of water stewardship. Nat’s Father, Bud Wilson, also of Lama, had the vi- BARBARA TRACY sion to create a summer camp for youth, and many decades later, our young people ELLEN WOOD MICHAEL YOUNG are still enjoying the great outdoors. Columnists/Columnistas Monthly Features/Presentaciones Mensuales We are excited that our food section is no longer called Quarantine Quisine! CHUCK KROON Distribution Manager/Gerente de distribución We have gone back to the original name, Enchanted Eats, and what better way to [email protected] (575) 586-2360 celebrate the end of quarantining than by featuring favorite potluck recipes from VANETTE HARRIS Subscription Manager/Gerente de subcripciones FREE SUBSCRIPTIONS VIA EMAIL some great cooks in Lama. July is National Culinary Arts Month, National Grilling SUBCRIPCIONES POR CORREO ELECTRONICO Month, and also National Picnic Month, so let’s have a good time with good food PAPER SUBSCRIPTIONS VIA USPS $60 per year SUBSCRIPCIONES EN PAPEL POR CORREO USPS $60 por año and good people, eat outside, have a picnic, and enjoy ourselves.

Contact us to subscribe/Pónganse en contacto para subscribir How can we cover Lama without talking about the Lama Foundation, an inter- [email protected] nationally celebrated destination, right here at home! See page 16 to learn about TO VIEW PAST ISSUES OF THIS PUBLICATION PARA REVISAR PUBLICACIONES ANTERIORES their 50 years of service and a list of their summer events. Some events are still https://www.facebook.com/QuestaNews virtual, but, hey, it IS summer and it IS fun! https://www.facebook.com/VisitQuesta www.Questa–nm.com Please remember to visit the Questa Farmers Market on Sundays to support the QUESTA ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT FUND local food movement. And there is the new Saturday Market: The Questa Collect- DE LA COMUNIDAD DE QUESTA FONDO PARA EL DESARROLLO DE QUESTA ibles & Crafts Market is at the Farmers Market site, near the Questa Visitor Center. Please support your local newspaper by stopping by the booth on Saturdays, sign up LYNN SKALL QEDF Director/Director for subscriptions, buy products donated to the Questa Del Rio News and just tell us BOARD OF DIRECTORS CONSEJO DE ADMINISTRACION DEL how we can improve to serve you better. If you want to clear out some stuff, please FONDO PARA EL DESARROLLO DE QUESTA donate it and we will sell it as part of our fundraising efforts. Don’t be shy about pay- Malaquias Rael Chairman/Presidente, Mark Gallegos Secretary/Treasurer/Secretario y Tesorero, ing for news! Please think about setting up a booth at the market with your collect- Louis Herrera Brent Jaramillo ibles, and raising some funds of your own. Marcus Rael, Jr. Last month our cover story was the Questa History Trail official opening. July is QUESTA DEL RIO NEWS a great time to take a stroll through historic Questa and explore local history. PO Box 1072 1 Highway 38 Next month we’ll bring you our annual back-to-school issue. So much is hap- Questa, NM 87556 pening in education and lots of good stuff is going on with our youth. Stay tuned OUR MISSION To Inform, Inspire, Connect and Unite the Communities of Northern Taos County. and have a wonderful July!

NUESTRO OBJETIVO Es informar, inspirar, contactar, y unir a toda la comunidad del norte del condado de Taos. Lou McCall, Editor Advertising/Anuncios And all the folks at the Questa Del Rio News [email protected] [email protected] (575) 586-2258 www.questanews.com THANK YOU TO EVERYONE WHO MADE OUR JULY ISSUE SO AWESOME! Check out our donate button! ¡Mira nuestro botón para donar! Like us on FaceBook/Questa Del Rio News! DUANE ABEL, CHRIS ARELLANO, LINDA BETZ, KATE BROWN, CLAIRE COTÉ, PLEASE SEND ALL COMMENTS AND CONTRIBUTIONS PETE CRIDER, ANNIE DEGAN, BRYCE FLANIGAN, POLLY FOX, LINDA FRIEDMAN, BY THE 12TH OF THE MONTH NOS PUEDEN CONTACTAR PARA INFORMACIÓN GEORGIA GERSH, DANIEL HERRERA, DANIEL HUTCHISON, ANWAR KAELIN, ENVÍE ANTES DEL DÍA 12 DEL MES RACHEL KUC, SENATOR BEN R. LUJAN, NICK MAESTAS, HILARY MARKIN, [email protected] MARTY MICHAEL, JIM NAGLE, STEPHANIE OWENS, MONICA RAEL-AGUILAR, (575) 586-2149 CATHERINE ROTH, LARRY SANCHEZ, NOVA SANDERS, PEGGY TRIGG, NAT WILSON, TODD WYNWARD

2 July 2021 • Questa Del Rio News • QuestaNews.com QUESTA DEL RIO NEWS

to homosexuality, but to non-heterosexu- firework and landed under the tongue ality). And yes, these categories even have of my sneaker, burning a hole all the flags. I encourage you to do an online way through the top of my foot and search, see if they fit (or not), and check What are you leaving a scar the size of a dime. I still Your June Pride stories were won- out online forums like Reddit where grateful have that scar today. I am grateful for derful, thank you! I especially found the others ask questions similar to yours. It's for? learning at a young age how to be care- ABCs of LGBTQIA helpful, I have one an exciting time because you can help ful around fireworks. question, though. What category do shape this discussion. Thanks for this BY MARTA GLOVER Fernando and Marcela, Taos people fit into when they have life part- excellent question. (US citizens 30 years, from Argentina) ners of the same sex, and it is a platonic Caroline Yezer, We have had some hot days in June, Four of our children were born relationship? It is often assumed that PhD Cultural Anthropology which got me thinking about the 4th of in Texas. We are grateful to see our I am a lesbian, which I do not identify July. May we all celebrate this holiday children celebrate this holiday as native with. There is a term “Boston Mar- Thank you, Questa Del Rio News, together and be grateful to resume some Tejanos first, Americans second. We like riage,” that referred to women who lived for the great coverage of all the good of our annual festive activities. Here’s seeing them celebrate the holiday of the together out of necessity, often wid- things that are going on in our area. what folks on the street are saying about country that adopted them. When they ows. Such arrangements were socially We at the Vida del Norte Coalition love the 4th of July: were younger, a ritual was established accepted up until the early 20th century. being in touch with the community via in our neighborhood. We would get all I would be interested in knowing if the Questa Del Rio News. It's a huge Miranda, Red River (teenage student) the kids into the Radio Flyers and pull this category is considered a topic of advantage for everyone. them down to the park and wait for gender studies. Janie Corinne, M.P.H. I am grateful for the 4th of July because I celebrate my dog, Tobly's the fireworks. When our home was in Name withheld Personal and Public Texas, New Mexico was one of our top by request Health Consultant birthday every year on this day. Last year it was COVID-19 but we still man- destinations. We have a huge heart for Vida Del Norte Coalition New Mexico. Dear Reader, this is a great ques- aged to celebrate by making a birthday tion and an example of how despite the Thank you for printing Andie Ma- cake and getting bacon peanut butter Taya, Questa increase in LGBTQIA identity catego- claren’s heartfelt article about her friend ice cream for him. (community midwife) ries, they still cannot capture the whole who died with her secrets. How sad she Andrea, Taos I was a rodeo queen in Pilar, New spectrum of human relationships. Yes, felt she must hide an important part of (screenwriter) Mexico on the 4th of July. I am grate- “Boston Marriage” is a gender studies herself from her husband and that her I will never forget the 4th of July ful to feel connected with the horses topic (search for articles on googleschol- secret died with her. This was a power- when I was 4 years old. My brother and and the way the earth feels beneath ar.com). New categories may describe ful story that deserved to be shared. I were shooting off fireworks in the their hooves. I want to honor it every something closer to your situation. Some Julian Spalding, Taos front yard when the top blew off the year by riding across the mesa because identify partnerships within a spec- I am country! trum of “aro” (non-romantic) and “ace” Thank you so much for sharing! My (asexual) identities, such as “Oriented heart sings. Gratitude to your newspaper Aroace” (see https://lgbta.wikia.org/wiki/ for helping make a better world. Oriented_Aroace). Others are “queerpla- Love, Andie ARE YOU FINANCING tonic" (in this sense “queer” doesn’t refer A USED VEHICLE? Meet Ernesto, Newest Addition to Don’t be taken advantage of! Questa Dealership Questa del Rio News! Credit Union school or law school out of state at a later time. He’s currently a junior at Price of Car $10,670 $10,670 New Mexico State University in Las Warranty $4,250 $1,595 Cruces, NM, where he's double ma- joring in journalism and government, GAP Insurance $1,035 $495 with a potential minor in social media STAFF WRITERS management. His focus is on multime- Total Loan Amount $15,955 $12,760 Ernesto is a Questa native who is dia journalism and public relations. often known through his grandfather, Ernesto takes pride in his academic Monthly Payment $445 $249 Flavio Cisneros, the unofficial histori- achievements, having been the recipient of numerous scholarships from the This example is based off an actual purchase agreement an for the Questa community. While that a QCU member was given by a used car auto dealership. Ernesto wasn’t born in New Mexico, he NMSU Department of Government, Apply at the Questa Credit Union to get your pre-approval letter today and save. considers himself a lifelong New Mexi- the NMSU Department of Journalism Bad Credit? Don’t worry we offer financial can and Questeño with a strong passion & Media Studies, and the Taos Commu- coaching and may still be able to help you. nity Foundation. He is also a third-year Above example based on a 650 credit score and 72 month term. for writing and discovery. This is not an offer of credit. All loans subject to approval and loan policy conditions. Ernesto graduated from Taos Acad- NMSU Crimson Scholar. Please call a QCU loan officer today to see your options. emy in 2019. From there, he decided to Ernesto is excited to work with us pursue journalism, after being accepted this summer to build experience that questacreditunion.org into the prestigious Emerson College will help him in his programs in college and future career. Feel free to contact in Boston, MA. Ernesto decided to stay Not a member yet? Joining is easy. Call today! in New Mexico instead, to obtain his him at [email protected] or Questa Credit Union 2433 Hwy 522 Questa, NM 87556 bachelor’s degree and pursue graduate through social media.

QuestaNews.com • Questa Del Rio News • July 2021 3 BUSINESS

I have been in hundreds of class- of a culture. We are driven to be a part schooling so they are worthwhile and rooms, as a graduate student, a teacher, of it all from birth, whether we witness meaningful for students. I believe the a consultant with a national reform traditional culture of Taos Pueblo or the prison metaphor for public school can organization, and an independent work of accounting and business in the be replaced by schools that provide rele- consultant in Taos. The vast majority of western paradigm. Cultural experiences vant and authentic content and learning professionals in these schools: teach- are the stuff of our imaginings. for students. Educators have a lot of ers, administrators, support staff, are A large part of my passion, vision, work to do, and should not be passive committed and dedicated to the children and mission in life is to work to trans- recipients of a PowerPoint. Imagine they serve. Many beautiful classrooms form classrooms into places of play, Education partners with educators so we exist, and many teachers take the hard from crafting the narrative of history to can collaborate in the classroom and in road of designing their own curriculum. the work of mathematics and science— professional development sessions to do And I have left many of the classrooms curriculum that embeds the principles the actual work to transform classrooms. I have visited with my heart broken for of deep play so students can learn with Just as children deserve real world tasks squandered childhoods. their entire beings, not just build limited to learn and grow, so do teachers. Profes- We have inherited a prison-like, memory pathways to hold factoids. sional learning experiences should pro- IMAGINE EDUCATION factory model education system. And The hope is to create classrooms that vide resources, structures, and systems we teach how we were taught—students honor cultures, family backgrounds, needed to sustain adult learning and en- By DR. STEPHANIE sitting in rows, in square institutional and individual identities: classrooms courage teaching that works for helping OWENS, PH. D. rooms, passively listening and working in which teachers see their first role as children grow—in real classrooms. through worksheets or textbooks. I relationship builder, so students feel Dr. Stephanie Owens, Ph.D. is a Lama Students learn by doing. stay in my chosen career path because I known and feel that some adult in their Teachers learn by teaching. resident, Educational Psychologist, and CEO have hope. Hope in humanity. And, yes, world genuinely cares about them and and Lead Consultant for Imagine Education. The world is our classroom. even hope in public education, which their future, using teaching methods She earned her doctorate and master’s Imagine Education provides help I believe has the potential of being the that honor the social and imaginative degree in Experimental Psychology with an to create equitable great equalizer. nature of the human mind. We have emphasis in neuropsychology and cognitive and inspiring educational The path of a teacher and a coach many classrooms and teachers who work development, at the University of Northern environments for children. of teachers was never my intention. to transform education. And… Imagine Colorado. Stephanie has over 25 years of My passions are neuropsychology: the if all children viewed school not as a experience teaching in public K-12 schools Fluorescent lights illuminate the relationship of biology to the experience prison but a place of learning through and college/university settings. She has worked room. The bell rings, a door is opened, of having a mind, how humans learn play. Imagine school as another place of as an educational consultant at the national, and the occupants shuffle out to the next and develop, and in research design wellness, a place in which children can southwestern, and New Mexico state level, as well as with many of the Native Nations in appointed space. The lunchroom… food and analysis. As a result of this crooked have a safe place to learn how to play in New Mexico. To learn more about Imagine created by the lowest bidder—you know path, I stumbled onto learning how the healthy ways—with ideas, with others, Education’s programs, including Teacher by the smell. Where are you? Many peo- human imagination evolved and how it and spontaneously, with an open field Professional Development, Curriculum ple, when asked this question, respond, is ultimately the primary way we learn of view. Imagine the shift in our human Writing, Instructional Leadership and other “prison.” No—you are in a public school, how to be humans living in communi- story... and have hope. educational services explore https://www. where most of our children live at least ties, because we have a biological need The overarching goal of Imagine imagineeducation.org or contact (575) 779- seven hours a day for 180 days a year. to become fully participating members Education is to transform schools and 9778; [email protected]. Questa Crafts & Collectibles Market, Every Saturday By LYNN SKALL kind finds and selling their creations, such as handmade jewelry, antiques, original There is a new “market” in town, the artwork, handcrafted items, collectibles, Questa Crafts and Collectibles Market, yard-sale sellables, and more. Wendy Me- launched on June 12, and held every Sat- dina, who is a regular at the Sunday Mar- urday from 10 am – 2 pm, throughout the ket, is a regular vendor, selling her famous summer. The Questa Economic Devel- Frito Pies, homemade baked goods, and opment Fund launched it, in response to her refreshing specialty summer drinks locals looking for a venue like the Farmers (non-alcoholic). The Questa Del Rio News Market to display and sell their artwork, handmade jewelry, antiques, and more. has a booth at the Market, too, where you The Crafts and Collectibles Market is can sign up for subscriptions and chat with E. WIlde just that place! It takes place adjacent to the news staff. The Leather Lady of Questa, Torre Strong of Lynx Leatherworks, is one of the fine artisans at the new Questa Visitor Center, in the same location The Crafts and Collectibles Market Questa Crafts & Collectibles Market. as the Sunday Questa Farmers Market. gives tourists passing through Questa an- Parking is always free, and the Visitor Cen- other reason to stop—they’ll meet the local New vendors are always welcome to summer (16 weeks). All vendors are re- ter is open for restrooms, friendly conver- vendors who share stories, make sugges- participate in the Saturday Market; just quired to have a current Village of Questa sation, and information about the area. tions about what to see, where to eat, and show up and register on-site beginning at Peddler’s Permit, valid for three months. What will you find at the Saturday what to do. The Visitor Center will provide 8:30 am for set-up. Bring your own tables, It can also be purchased on-site during Market? Since vendors change every week, the directions, maps, and details. Visitors chairs, cashbox, and all supplies. There registration, for a $35 in cash. you’ll discover new treasures and collect- will stop, stay awhile, and be enchanted by is a $10/week fee per booth space for the For more information about the Saturday ibles every time you stop by. It’s where you the Questa area on their way around the day, or $125 pre-paid for a guaranteed Market, please contact Lynn Skall at lynn@ will meet area locals showcasing one-of-a Enchanted Circle scenic byway. booth space in the same spot for the whole questedf.com or call (575) 586-2149.

4 July 2021 • Questa Del Rio News • QuestaNews.com BUSINESS QBEN Agricultural Meeting: Opportunities for Growth in coordination with UNM-Taos and the Questa Independent School District. Pivotal New Mexico representatives Terry Brunner and Linda Serranto suggested numerous solutions to these Questa Business Entrepreneurial Network ideas, from USDA grants to establishing community-led cooperatives. Their focus By ERNESTO CISNEROS for the QBEN meeting was to inform people about some of the USDA-AMS The Questa Business Entrepreneur- food programs currently available and to ial Network (QBEN) and the Questa answer questions about the application Economic Development Fund (QEDF) process. Some of these financial programs invited Pivotal New Mexico, a non-profit Lynn Skall are the Farmers Market Promotion Pro- organization providing funds for social Terry Brunner, CEO of Pivotal New Mexico, speaks at the June QBEN meeting, held at Rael's Market, about gram, Local Foods Promotion Program, and charitable projects, to have an open expanding agriculture in the Questa area. and Regional Food System Partnerships. discussion on Wednesday, June 9, at Rael’s These programs work to expand produc- Market in Questa. Agricultural efforts in benefits for the local economy by en- businesses close the communication gap er-to-consumer access, and to expand northern New Mexico were the focus of couraging local artisans such as bakers to allow collaborative efforts and reduce local and regional businesses enterprises. this discussion. Among the topics were and food preparers to utilize the kitchen long-term operating expenses. While some of these programs have access to grants, funding, and commu- for their services. A community kitchen Preserving historical agricultural June deadlines, it’s advised that interest- nication regarding existing resources. would possibly increase local commerce traditions in the community was also ed applicants keep an eye out for other Attendees had the opportunity to voice at the Questa Farmer’s Market and small discussed. Giving students the tools to programs through the USDA website or their concerns, pitch potential projects, local businesses. research, plan, and write grants for agricul- through direct one-on-one contact with a and share their support for agriculture in Community mapping was another ture sustainability was a main concern, Pivotal representative. our rural communities. emphasized topic. Some attendees felt considering the declining abilities of older For more information about this meeting or to Access to a community commer- this project was necessary to determine farmers and agriculturalists. Research and meet with a Pivotal New Mexico representative, cial kitchen was one of the emphasized the available resources in terms of water, writing workshops were brought up as contact Questa Economic Development Fund projects. Those who attended the meeting land, or equipment. Identifying these possible opportunities for students to get Director Lynn Skall, at [email protected] felt that it would present strong economic factors could help struggling farmers and involved through an internship program or (575) 586-2149.

Free Business Consulting By LYNN SKALL Questa area businesses have a dedicated SBDC Zoom consultation time After so many changes over the past pre-scheduled with Kaelin on the third year, have you thought about making Thursday of every month. Drop in be- changes to your business? Go virtual? tween 2 and 3 pm. for a private one-on- Open a storefront? Would you like to one assistance session or by appointment better position your company to grow by email or phone [email protected]; and expand? Or start a new business? (575) 737-6219, which are both free and You are fortunate to have Anwar Kaelin confidential. NEXT MEETING: JULY 14 as a knowledgeable and experienced The SBDC website is loaded with ND local resource to help you with these business training webinars and resources JOIN US ON THE 2 questions, through the Small Business available to you at any time at no charge. Development Center (SBDC), a program Workshops are offered, covering a wide WEDNESDAY OF EACH MONTH of the Small Business Administration range of business topics. Go to https:// The Questa Business Entrepreneurial Network meetings (SBA), for which he is director. nmsbdc.ecenterdirect.com/events. address issues that shape our community, Anwar assists “anybody who has an July webinars include: they are free and everyone is invited to participate intent or desire to start a business, needs • Basic Steps to Starting a New Business assistance for every stage of business, in New Mexico (July 7 at 11:30 am) Join us in person for refreshments or rounding out the business cycle.” He • Should Retailers Sell their Products followed by the monthly QBEN meeting added he can also “help small businesses Online? (July 13 at noon) with their bookkeeping, GRT filings, and • The Most Important Web Statistic: at Rael’s Market at review their financials, all at no cost.” Bounce Rate (July 9 at noon) 2430 NM-Hwy 522 in Questa Examples of the types of businesses • Plus five others! Anwar can help include crafts people This month’s drop-in Zoom session (575) 779-9249 who want to sell online, artists who need is July 21 between 2 to 3 pm; join at any help marketing themselves, tourism- time via video conference on Zoom at For more information about QBEN and this month’s topic, related businesses like hunting outfitters, https://zoom.us/j/5757376219, or call in or to attend virtually via Zoom, entrepreneurs who have an idea they by phone at (346) 248-7799; contact Lynn Skall at [email protected] want to turn into a business, and more! (575) 737-6219.

QuestaNews.com • Questa Del Rio News • July 2021 5 ENCHANTED EATS

If serving on wheat tortillas, fry until soft but not 4. Let cool completely, then break crackers along 3. Bake in a 375° oven for about an hour in a crisp.) Set out garnishes and let everyone assemble their scored lines and store in an airtight container greased 8 x 10” ceramic dish. After baking, let it their own. Makes 10 tacos. for up to three weeks. Makes 2 baking sheets of rest a short while before eating hot. It is equally crispbread. good cold, cut into small pieces, and eaten as The Life-Changing Crackers finger food. For a potluck dish, cold is easiest. Ingredients Polly Fox is a painter. Her pastels and watercolors 1 c sunflower seeds are sometimes available at The Magpie 1/2 c flax seeds Gallery in Taos. Her marbled papers are in a 1/3 c pumpkin seeds permanent collection at the Metropolitan Museum 1/4 c sesame seeds of Art in New York. She is the founding member of Lama 1-1/2 c rolled oats the family flower essence business 2 T chia seeds www.petessences.com. Potluck 4 T psyllium seed husks (3 T if using psyllium husk powder) ------Recipes 1-1/2 t fine grain sea salt 1 T maple syrup (for sugar-free diets, use a pinch Fresh Vegetable Salad Our food section is no longer called "Quarantine of stevia) From STEPHANIE OWENS Quisine"—"Enchanted Eats" is back! Most of us 3 T melted coconut oil or ghee have not been to a potluck in a while, so let's get 1-1/2 c water This is always a hit! And sometimes we all this party started. We asked Lama residents to share forget that salads are needed at potlucks, their favorite potluck recipes, and here they are, just Rosemary, Garlic, ------especially in summer! in time for the growing season, fresh and healthy, and Smoked Salt Version Salad Ingredients so enjoy! Half batch: Wild and Green Casserole Kale, finely shredded ------2 T. chopped fresh rosemary From POLLY FOX Carrots, shredded 1/4 – 1/2 t garlic powder (depending on how Our lush and most luscious spring in years has Red cabbage, shredded Middle Eastern Tacos strong you like it) filled our meadows with beautiful plants and Cauliflower, finely chopped From LINDA FRIEDMAN Smoked sea salt, to taste flowers. These are just some of the plants ready Sunflower seeds to eat now (or will be later in our Lama mountain 1 T or so of nutritional yeast Wonderfully tasty and satisfying! Of all the recipes Fig, Anise, and growing season); Amaranth, Clover, Dandelion, that appeared in the 1971 edition of this iconic Dressing Ingredients Black Pepper Version Lambsquarter, Knotweed, Mustard, and Purslane. cookbook, Diet for a Small Planet, by Frances Garlic, minced (to taste preference) Half batch: Garden-grown herbs are powerful, much like the Moore Lappé, this is the one my family has eaten Balsamic vinegar 3 large dried figs wilds growing nearby. most often. The bean-sesame mix makes a great Low sodium soy sauce 1 t anise seed cracker spread, too. With precooked beans, the Ingredients Oil of choice 1 t cracked black pepper One dozen eggs (We like Linda Friedman's happy whole thing can be put together in no time. 1. Whisk liquid dressing ingredients together to Lama chicken eggs!) Increase any of the spices to taste. 1. In a large bowl combine all dry ingredients, your preferred taste. Add garlic. stirring well. Whisk maple syrup, oil, and water 1-1/12 c herbs and wild greens, finely chopped Ingredients together in a measuring cup. Add this to the dry One bunch of Rainbow Chard leaves, torn into 2. Massage vegetables with a little oil. Pour 3 c well-cooked garbanzo beans (1 c uncooked) ingredients and mix very well until everything is small pieces dressing onto veggies and toss to coat well. 1/2 c ground toasted sesame seeds or 1/4 c completely soaked and dough becomes very thick 3 c grated cheese. Use 2-4 different kinds Sprinkle sunflower seeds and mix in. sesame butter but still manageable). Divide the dough roughly in 3/4 c half-and-half or milk 2 cloves garlic half, and set aside one half. 3/4 c frozen or freshly prepared green chiles 2 T lemon juice 1 t ground cumin 2. Place one half of the dough back into the bowl 3/4 t ground coriander 1/8 t freshly ground nutmeg and add any flavoring you like. Gather into a ball Salt to taste About 3/4 c breadcrumbs and place it between sheets of baking paper. 1/2 t ground cumin Using a rolling pin, firmly roll out into a thin sheet. 1. Begin by picking the greens. Recently I gathered 1/4 – 1/2 t cayenne pepper Remove top layer of baking paper and using the Thyme, Oregano, Lovage, Mint, Summer Savory, 10 pieces pita bread or wheat tortillas tip of a knife, score the dough into shapes you like Chives, Tarragon, Rosemary, Lemon Balm, Garnishes: shredded lettuce, chopped tomatoes, (I choose rectangles). Repeat with remaining half Lambsquarters, Dandelion, Alfalfa, Grass, Mustard, chopped cucumber, of dough. Let sit out on the counter for at least two Dock, and Clover. Chop what you have to equal chopped onion, 1-1/2 c yogurt, or grated cheese hours, all day, or overnight. 1-1/2 cups. Combine with chard and chiles. 1. Purée together beans, sesame seeds, garlic, 3. Preheat oven to 350º degrees. Using the baking 2. In a large bowl, beat the eggs, cumin, nutmeg, lemon juice, coriander, salt, cumin, and cayenne paper, slide the dough onto a cookie sheet and milk, or half-and-half. Add the greens and most pepper, adding beans’ cooking liquid or water bake for 20 minutes. Remove cookie sheet from of the cheese. Add to the ceramic baking dish. Put if needed for easier blending. Let stand at room oven, flip the whole cracker over (if it breaks a the reserved cheese on top and cover generously temperature a least 30 minutes. bit, don't worry) and peel the baking paper off of with breadcrumbs and gently push the crumbs 2. Cut flatbread in half (to give 2 semicircles from the back. Return to oven and bake for another 10 and cheese together to form a happy crust. each) and fill pockets with bean mixture. (If you minutes, until fully dry, crisp, and golden around like, heat filled pockets in oven before garnishing. the edges.

6 July 2021 • Questa Del Rio News • QuestaNews.com COMMUNITY NEWS Mayordomo, Nat Wilson: Water Stewardship By CAROLINE YEZER munity responded by installing more than a mile of inch-and-a-half poly Nat Wilson has been the Mayordo- pipe, which can deliver 30 gallons per mo for the El Rito de la Lama Acequia minute, all freefalling gravity flow—it’s Association for a couple of decades. not a pressurized system. This has been Born in Colorado, Nat grew up in Den- a lifeline in times of scarcity. “We have ver, Albuquerque, and overseas in India a fantastic hybrid water delivery system when his father, Bud Wilson, had a job on our acequia. We maintain the natural teaching medicine. Yet his very first historic earthen ditch for times when childhood memory is of Lama. When we have good water flow, but we are he was three years old, he remembers prepared for the worst when it dries up.” peering into the Lama sky, mesmerized Putting the pipe along the ditch by how fast the clouds zoomed past. challenged Nat’s understanding of Today, in his role as Mayordomo, Nat hydrodynamics and forced him to de- thinks a lot about those clouds, and velop his knowledge through trial and what futures they hold for small high- error. “The pipe was rolled out on the land communities like Lama. surface, mirroring the original acequia The El Rito de la Lama acequia is system. People connect to it just like just one of about 700 working ditches they open their gate on their ditch time. that deliver water from New Mexico’s We also checked the angles with a level mountain peaks to farms and people to ensure it has a constant slope, so that below. Compared to its 300-year-old it self-drains.” This made it possible (and older) siblings, the Lama ditch is a for a strong water flow throughout the spring chicken: it was incorporated over winter, when there is less run-off and 100 years ago, to promote agriculture freezing temperatures. “As long as the and protect water rights for agricultural pipe is empty at night, we have a little and domestic use. window during the day between late Nat makes it clear that the Lama morning and an hour before sunset Courtesy Photo ditch is NOT a domestic water associ- when we can attach the pipes and bring The Lama Mountain basin and its acequia, with Mayordomo Nat Wilson. ation. It delivers water for residential water to household cisterns, and then use, as well as to sustain greenhouses, we remove it before it starts freezing… not only about the water drying up, but migrating ducks, Great Blue Heron, gardens, orchards, pastures and hay- We can have temperatures below zero extreme weather. “Gully washers” (hard a Black Ibis, and last year, a bear who fields. We tend to think of ditches in at night, yet run water down the pipe downpours) and spring runoff still went in for a swim. And I hadn’t seen a terms of field irrigation, but the acequia in the day when it warms up and the provide plenty of water, but “we have bear here for years.” was traditionally a source for household sun shines.” to catch it and keep it from running off Even with all these adaptations, how- water as well. This is still the case in As one of the lowest parciantes on the land. Large storage capacity is key. ever, Nat explains that the traditional communities like Lama, where success- Cisterns in Lama have become more the acequia, Nat has witnessed the re- acequia emphasis on collaboration will fully drilling a well and hitting water is, treat of the waters over several decades. essential than ever.” play the most important role in future as Nat says, “a big gamble.” Each user is But this scarcity is relative: “Steve Hin- Storage in ponds is also very import- water stewardship. “People get very responsible for filtering or treating this ton told me years back, this little bit of ant for Lama to maintain fire safety and household water. Stock tanks are also water we have here in Lama would sup- provide relief for disappearing wildlife: anxious about water; they can feel really filled all through the year by the main ply a whole village in Morocco.” Lama “During the Lama fire of 1996, firefight- desperate. It highlights the importance pipe’s flow. parciantes have had to make do with ers drew on a pond for water. So, I just of cooperation— if that is lacking, that’s About a decade ago, during an ex- less, but these changes have worked. try to keep it from going dry. The ponds when way more trouble arises.” So far, treme drought, Nat and the Lama com- As Nat points out, climate change is also attract a variety of wildlife. I’ve seen the Lama acequia is still flowing strong!

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QuestaNews.com • Questa Del Rio News • July 2021 7 HEALTH & WELLNESS

years ago that we celebrate today. The is the distinction of men into KINGS party stove against ye rok (rocks) – we price paid by those who fought for our and SUBJECTS. Male and female are the had very bad travilling the woods and BODY freedom from tyranny placed on the col- distinctions of nature, good and bad the swamps – our provision being very short onies by King George III and the British distinctions of heaven; but how a race hear we killed a dog – I got a small piece MIND aristocracy was tremendous. of men came into the world so exalted of it and sum broth that it was boyled SPIRIT In 1775, Thomas Paine wrote an in- above the rest, and distinguished like with great deal of trubel – then, lay tense, detailed pamphlet entitled Com- some new species, is worth inquiring down took our blancots and slept – very mon Sense that inspired the Declaration into, and whether they are the means harty for the times.” By BARBARA TRACY of Independence. In it he spoke of how of happiness or of misery of mankind.” As anyone can hear in the words of the colonies were drawn into fighting —Thomas Paine Jeremiah Greenman, this was a harsh COMMON SENSE Britain’s wars and then subjected to We get a small taste of those times time for those who were standing up for My memories of the 4th of July while new taxes to compensate for the cost of when people were fighting the revolu- liberty in the face of tyranny. A revolu- living at my grandparent’s farm are of those wars. tion. Many soldiers kept a diary of their tion fought so that citizens and not kings sitting on the back porch watching the He also spoke of the English Consti- experiences. Here is a quote from the and queens should make the laws that younger children running, shouting tution, in which there is first the king, diary of Jeremiah Greenman, a young they lived by. and giggling while holding sparklers a monarch who is a hereditary ruler. man in the Continental Army (I am “…for independence means no more and setting off firecrackers. I would Second are the peers, the hereditary ar- presenting the quote in his own voice than this, whether we shall make our sit there silently listening to the adults istocracy known as the House of Lords. and spelling). own laws or whether the king, the great- and watching the farm dogs hide in an And third are the commons, which are “Tuesday 31 October 1775. Set out est enemy this continent hath or can attempt to get away from the noise of the the common people represented by the this morn very early – left 5 sick men in have, shall tell us ‘there shall be no laws fireworks. All this while waiting for the House of Commons. It is made very the woods that was not abel to march but such as I like.’” —Thomas Paine big family dinner, usually consisting of clear in Common Sense how the voice – left two well men with them but what For those who have not read Com- potato salad, fried chicken, and—don’t of the people in the House of Commons litel provision thay hed did not last mon Sense, it is inspiring from the forget—the watermelon. It was always a was unheard because the peers were them - we gave out of our little – every standpoint that it speaks to the impor- very happy occasion. supportive of the king and the king was man gave sum but the men that was left tance of the voice of the people; that Even though I had read the Declara- the final voice in any decision. was obliged to leave them to the mercy should always be the first consideration. tion of Independence as a requirement “But there is another and greater of the wild beast – this day we ware Enjoy this 4th of July and please take in school, back then I was oblivious distinction of which no truly natural or pasing along the river we saw 3 cannows a little time to be grateful to those who to the true meaning of the day 245 religious reason can be assigned and that that went forward with the advance were so brave in their quest for freedom.

plants, animals, people, and the Earth less chatter in our mind, less concern, those around us is, in the end, liber- herself kept rippling out from us. less worry. One key that fosters simplic- ating because we have identified the Friends, know that your presence ity is acknowledging that "This becomes self-fulfilling prophecy of our actions or ripples into the world, too. Loving-kind- that." Pause a moment various times inactions, our words, and choices. May Positive ness, generosity, and authenticity radiate through the day and say to yourself, "If we all have great insights! from your essential being or whatever I put this in motion (through thoughts, July 23 is Gorgeous Grandma Thoughts you prefer to call your inner wholeness words, or actions) there will be pre- Day. Make it a special day for her! and compassion. It ripples into your dictable results." Likewise, "If I don't And the heat is on! Please be mindful By DONNA MITCHELL–MONIAK neighborhood, permeates your home, complete something, it will need to be of your health and of the tinder-dry and the people there, and encourages attended to." Catching the various ways environment. Have a safe and happy Six of us gathered to meditate for a loving-kindness in others. "Let your we make complexity for ourselves and July, everyone. week. Our focus was the direct experi- light so shine," said a great Teacher. ence of our essential inner essence. But Yes, indeed! the first experience we had was hugs July 3 is Plastic-Bag-Free Day. We made possible by being together in one all know what to do. Bring the bags you July is: Special Days room, not Zoom, with masks off and need to the store as you pick up the as close as we wanted to be with one last-minute items for 4th of July week- National Hemp Month in July another. We could have quiet, empathic end. Remember: plastic is forever; and to conversations where everyone could Mother Earth that means no bueno. World Watercolor Month July 5 National Workaholics Day hear without anyone speaking loudly, July 12 is Simplicity Day. So, "What National Anti-Boredom Month July 7 National Father Daughter no words misunderstood due to being does simplicity mean to you?" This is National Cell Phone Courtesy Month Take a Walk Day muffled by a mask. Our first direct- ex a significant question. With a disabled perience of presence was shared pres- body, simplicity becomes a way of National Culinary Arts Month July 11 National Cheer Up The Lonely Day ence. It was delightful, delicious, joyous, life. Much that brings complexity to National Grilling Month July 15 National Give Something and heartfelt. life must be let go over the years. One Away Day Hugs were the perfect threshold into person's simplicity is not necessarily National Hot Dog Month a week of deep meditation, not only another's. There's a quality behind the National Ice Cream Month July 18 National Ice Cream Day because a hug is an embrace of gen- word simplicity that seems to be what – Third Sunday in July Independent Retailer Month uineness, but because our meditative people yearn for when, in frustration or July 25 National Parent’s Day experiences kept embracing genuineness overwhelm, they cry out for simplicity. It National Picnic Month – Fourth Sunday in July to the world. A clear luminous love, as if is peace of mind. We long for less spikes National Peach Month the heart of pure being was hugging all and valleys in our emotions, less drama, July 28 Buffalo Soldiers Day

8 July 2021 • Questa Del Rio News • QuestaNews.com HEALTH & WELLNESS “Oops. I’m having a senior moment.” because your brain is full of various words from your vocabulary. program: neurobics. Neurobics can take things that are vying for your attention. And here’s a way to program your the form of mental exercises, brain teas- If you feel the need to fill the silence brain with positive words: whenever ers, and puzzles. Studies show that by gap, just mention that you have so many you’re telling someone something and exercising your brain, you can actually things to tell, and they’re all coming to the next thought seems to disappear, create new neural pathways at any age the front of your mind at once. mentally say, “I have a clear, sharp mind,” and reverse cognitive decline. Words are very powerful, whether before continuing. Say it often enough Don’t forget The Questa Studio Arts we’re saying them out loud, or silently as and your brain will take the command Tour is August 14-15! I will have my thoughts. Your words program your sub- and run with it. You can affect your paintings and books at the Oasis of I hear it all the time. A friend is conscious mind, and your subconscious health and wellbeing by choosing posi- Lorien hub in El Rito. We will have live telling me something, and before she mind programs your biology, according tive and affirming thoughts and words! jazz on Saturday from noon – 3 pm. finishes, there’s a pause. She might clear to recent studies in neuroscience and Advances in brain imaging and neu- Hope to see you there! For more information, visit https://northernnewmexi- her throat and crinkle her eyebrows. cell biology. roscience have enabled scientists to learn coartists.com/about-the-tour/ Then she says, “Oh dear, another senior It’s important to stop “telling” your more about the brain and how it works. moment.” Although it seems harmless, subconscious you accept the belief that While researchers at the University of Ellen Wood of Questa is the award-winning when we say “senior moment,” we’re loss of mental ability is natural as you Kansas have found that getting plenty of author of the series of books, The Secret reinforcing and accepting a belief that Method for Growing Younger, available at age. Make it a habit to catch yourself physical exercise may keep your brain fit, www.NorthernNewMexicoArtists.com. Her we’re losing mental ability. before you utter the words, “senior mo- too, there’s even better news—the latest website is www.HowToGrowYounger.com. Having your mind momentarily go ment.” If they slip out occasionally, that’s scientific research shows that your brain Contact Ellen at blank happens to everyone. Often, it’s okay. Just start again to erase those two performs best when it has its own fitness [email protected] “Ay, estoy teniendo un momento senil” Por ELLEN WOOD mento senil.” Si se te escapan de vez en La gira de Questa Studio Arts Tour es en El Rito. Habrá jazz en vivo el sábado cuando, está bien. Simplemente comienza del 14 al 15 de agosto y tendré mis pin- desde el mediodía hasta las 3. Lo escucho todo el tiempo. Una amiga de nuevo a borrar esas dos palabras de tu turas y libros en el centro Oasis of Lorien Traducido por Teresa Dovalpage me está diciendo algo y antes de que ter- vocabulario. mine de hablar, hace una pausa. Se aclara Y aquí hay una manera de programar la garganta y arruga las cejas. Luego dice: tu cerebro con palabras positivas: siempre “Dios mío, otro momento senil.” que le estés diciendo algo a alguien y el Ese dicho puede haber sido gracioso pensamiento que sigue parezca desa- las primeras diez veces, pero ahora está parecer, di mentalmente: “Tengo la mente ya enraizado en nuestro idioma y no es clara y lúcida,” antes de continuar. Dilo motivo de risa. Aunque parece inofensivo, con suficiente frecuencia y tu cerebro cuando decimos “momento senil,” refor- tomará el comando y lo hará realidad. zamos y aceptamos la creencia de que ¡Puedes mejorar tu salud y bienestar eli- estamos perdiendo la capacidad mental. giendo pensamientos y palabras positivos Que la mente se quede momentánea- y afirmativos! mente en blanco le pasa a todo el mundo. Los avances en las imágenes cerebrales A menudo, es porque el cerebro está y en el campo de la neurociencia han lleno de varias cosas que compiten por su permitido a los científicos aprender más atención. Si sientes la necesidad de llenar sobre el cerebro y cómo funciona. Si el vacío del silencio, solo menciona que bien los investigadores de la Universidad tienes muchas cosas que contar y que de Kansas han descubierto que hacer todas te vienen a la mente a la vez. ejercicio físico también puede mantener Las palabras son muy poderosas, el cerebro en forma, hay noticias aún ya sea que las digamos en voz alta o en mejores. silencio, en forma de pensamientos. Tus Las últimas investigaciones científicas palabras programan tu mente subconsci- muestran que el cerebro funciona mejor ente y tu mente subconsciente programa cuando tiene su propio programa de tu biología, de acuerdo con estudios re- acondicionamiento físico: neuróbicos. cientes en neurociencia y biología celular. Los neuróbicos pueden tomar la forma de Es importante dejar de “decirle” a tu ejercicios mentales, acertijos y adivi- subconsciente que acepte la creencia de nanzas. Los estudios demuestran que, al que la pérdida de la capacidad mental es ejercitar el cerebro, en realidad se crean natural a medida que envejeces. Procura nuevas vías neuronales y se revierte el de- estar consciente de lo que estás diciendo y terioro cognitivo. ¡Podemos estimular el pensando, y crea el hábito para detenerse crecimiento de nuestras células cerebrales antes de pronunciar las palabras “mo- a cualquier edad!

QuestaNews.com • Questa Del Rio News • July 2021 9 ARTS & CULTURE

and its history. Everything I saw, learned, tion of local crafts using locally available explored, and experienced went into my materials, connecting local culture back work. Instead of pure landscape I now to geology and climate. Historical events added historical details, ruins, old trails, also influence this complex cultural layer, Artist Highlight traces of battles, often treating the land- leaving all kinds of traces on it. scape as an old map rich with information, Nicole: Do you locate yourself in these such as can be seen in my very long piece places that you depict? MONIQUE BELITZ, called “Thought Lines.” I learned about Monique: Yes, I do locate myself in LAMA ARTIST the vegetation, water issues, birds, the places I have visited, such as San Cristobal atomic bomb, what have you—it all went or Amalia. Once I start a piece I would say This interview of Monique Belitz by into my art. I walk from object to object, aware of how Nicole Dial-Kay, Curator of Exhibitions Then I got a teaching position in Ne- the ground shifts, climbs, descends, and + Collections is used by permission from braska. I loved teaching and my students, changes direction. And how this influenc- Harwood Museum of Art, Taos, New but the landscape there nearly killed me: An example of collage and the single figure that es the growth of trees and shrubs, the flow Mexico. All photos are courtesy the artist. we often see in her smaller works. dead, poisoned, no food for wildlife, polli- of the creeks, where the fields are located Nicole Dial-Kay: You live in Lama, nators, butterflies, acknowledged historical and where the acequias run. Even though I but you were born in Utrecht, the Nether- dance with the media. roots barely 130 years deep. It led me to invent a lot, it all is dependent on the logic lands: you have also lived in Germany, the Another approach is to paint and draw explore new topics such as the refugees of geology and climate and physics. east coast of the US, Oregon, Nebraska, with acrylic ink on an acrylic under- crisis in Syria/Europe and the observed Nicole: While it may not be immedi- and a previous time when studying art in painting that is nearly black with some and experienced Nebraska hierarchy in ately obvious to those viewing your work, New Mexico in Albuquerque. How has luminous dark orangy spots. On top society: women, men, church, grain ele- you are actually quite political. How do that lived experience with such drastically of this rough ground I draw incredibly vators. It won’t surprise you to learn that I you use your work in support of that? different places informed your work? detailed trees, shrubs, homes, people, and Monique: If you connect geology, Monique Belitz: It is hard to be sought early retirement and moved right sometimes paint on the ink to fill in larger back to New Mexico! climate, natural resources, and history uprooted so many times, with so many areas. My palette is very restricted. I use then you end up at least with aspects of language changes as well, not to mention western techniques regarding the creation reality, with some issues that are political. cultural differences. You never regain the of depth, such as perspective, and fore- I will use one example here: I made an feeling of belonging, which is often a topic shortening while combining them with an artist book ten years ago. It has the shape in my mixed media pieces. eastern flatness as I use the same color ink of an accordion with red string creating I set out to become an artist at age both in foreground and background. a border. On one side of the accordion 14 in Germany and was influenced by Nicole: With you I think a lot about book was painted an empty desert scene German books about drawing/painting, the multiple classifications of “landscape” by day. The other side showed humans European art I saw in museums, and the —geological landscape, wildlife landscape, struggling in the dark through the desert, landscape of Bavaria. The small spaces cultural landscape, urban landscape. All illegal immigrants along the old, histor- in the landscape I experienced in Europe of these are contained in your work. What ic Camino Real, crossing the red string are still visible in my current artwork do you see as the relationship between artificial political border. In my newest where I change directionals, content, and each of these important planes of existence paintings I address socio-political issues colors faster and more often than the large on our planet? while actually just showing/recording Exploring refugee crises in subject matter. American landscape would require. Monique: The answer is intercon- what we three ladies of Lama are doing to While living in Eugene, Oregon, nectedness. Geology, altitude, and climate restore our property. I painted the series in suddenly I painted landscapes all in pink create the conditions for flora, fauna, and Nicole: Talk us through the different reaction to a male acquaintance telling me tones; I was so happy with the people, the resources such as timber, clay for adobe, media that you are using and your pro- what women can and cannot do, which varied landscape, and the general liber- and rocks. These in turn influence the way made my eyebrows rise up higher and cesses for creating. al attitudes. local culture and urban landscape develop. higher. In these pieces you see our house/ Monique: I work very intuitively, with We see agricultural villages next to a river, property and lots of women felling trees, a general idea of what I want to do. Each preferably protected from the wind by cutting them up, chopping wood, stacking piece leads me into a slightly different surrounding mesas or mountains. The wood, sawing boards, building furniture, direction. The beauty of my approach, of villages grow slowly and organically, not painting furniture, gardening, building a collaging large pieces of paper together is dependent on urban planning or grids. chicken coop, picking apples, fixing old that I can start work right in the middle Their relative isolation leads to the produc- cars, painting the trim of windows, taking and later tear off a piece or insert it some- care of small children, filling bird feeders, where else in the unfolding composition, baking pies and painting art. These wom- even extending the height of the piece. en are all different ages, body-types and Torn edges often play a crucial composi- skin colors, working together, taking care A multimedia peace entitled “Thought Lines.” tional role in my pieces. I enjoy a similar of each other, the land and the animals freedom in media choices: I love water- according to the tenets of permaculture. color and use both washes and as texture And they do so in a location that was the In 1989 I had visited Taos Pueblo and marks created by a half-dry brush; but beginning of the commune “The Magic White Sands on a cross-country drive then I crave contrasts: so I use a drawing Tortoise” in Lama 50 years ago! and those memories stayed with me and technique such as walnut ink that I apply informed my decision to move to New with a broken twig, relishing the unpre- Interview of Monique Belitz by Nicole Dial-Kay, Mexico after my marriage ended. In Albu- dictable quality of its lines. Pastel crayons Curator of Exhibitions + Collections, Harwood querque, I worked towards my MFA and add more texture or lighten up a muddied Museum of Art. "Contemporary Art / Taos: then my MA in art history with emphasis watercolor area, while smudged charcoal A landscape using the limited palette she has Artist Interview Series." Contemporary Art on Native American Art. I went on many with a second layer of marks on top creates invented, and layering through inks. / Taos 2020. 11 Jul.-9 May 2020. Harwood many trips exploring this lovely state a different contrast—It’s a back and forth, a Museum of Art, Taos, New Mexico.

10 July 2021 • Questa Del Rio News • QuestaNews.com ARTS & CULTURE What is Your Library? Books AND Local Artwork!

Peggy Trigg A variety of two-dimensional works grace the new library wing west wall. By PEGGY TRIGG the Questa Studio Art Tour and will be on display through July. To see more work If you haven’t gotten the chance to by these artists, come to the live event: the check out the art display in the Questa Questa Studio Art Tour, August 14 and 15. Public Library’s new Senator Carlos Cis- The second display is a grouping of neros wing, make sure you take a minute local textile artists. Many types of textiles and drop by. Not only will you see the are represented, including crochet, quilt- fabulous new wing of the library, which is ing, hand-stitching, and embroidery. The full of light and beauty, you will also have textile show will be on display through the chance to view artwork by some of our the end of October. If you are a textile area’s most talented artists! artist and would like to have your work There are currently two exhibitions on display in the library, please let the hanging. The first is a large display of 14 librarian know. Applications are available Peggy Trigg artworks on the west wall by artists from at the library. Completed Senator Carlos Cisneros wing of the Questa Library. magpie wonderful things for your nest FEATURING OVER FORTY OF TAOS’S MOST TALENTED ARTISTS JEWELRY • POTTERY • FINE ART • FOLK ART ART ACQUISITION AND HANGING

NOELLE KALOM SCOTT MESSICK

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QuestaNews.com • Questa Del Rio News • July 2021 11 ARTS & CULTURE

hub locations! On the tour, you will ter Ross, Martha Shepp, and Allison NUEVO AMERICANO MUSIC find paintings, drawings, ceramics, Wonderland. FESTIVAL IS BACK: JULY 31 sculpture, weaving, quilting, carving, In Sunshine Valley we will have By CHRIS ARELLANO and more. Along with favorites from one new hub that will feature textiles, past tours, this year’s tour will have paintings, and local products: Virsyl- After a break last year due to the additional artists and hubs in Questa, via Farm, as well as a petting zoo pandemic, the fourth annual Nuevo El Rito, and the Sunshine Valley. for the kids. Americano Music Festival returns! It grew out of my experience teaching my THE QUESTA STUDIO ART TOUR: In Questa, Nick Ortega, famed Look for brochures in the commu- Summer School of Rock program, which JOIN US AUGUST 14-15 stained-glass artist, will be opening nity soon. More information can be has been ongoing for the past nine years. By PEGGY TRIGG his private studio. New hubs in El found at northernnewmexicoartists. Rito include the studios of Bill and com or Peggy Trigg at questastu- I wanted the kids to have the experience of being part of a music festival. The The Questa Studio Art Tour is set the late Nancy Brown, Ola Sun, Barrie [email protected]. There will be a first two years were held at the Costilla for August 14 and 15 from 10 am – 5 Andrews, and the Takoja Institute, studio tour information station at the historic plaza. In 2019, we moved the pm, with over 42 artists in 14 different which will feature work from Win- Questa Visitor Center, too. venue to the Torres Ranch in Costilla, to have space for festival attendees to camp overnight. Featured artists include: Felix Gato & Eli Del Puerto, Gonzalo, Spiral Pilots, Alto, Carlos Medina, Lara Man- zanares, and myself. There will be local food vendors, too. Come and enjoy!

WHERE: Torres Ranch, 4400 Hwy 522 Costilla NM WHEN: Saturday, July 31, noon to 11 pm ADMISSION: $20/adult, $10/students, kids 12 and under free Dry Camping spots available on the festival property $20 (first come, first serve)

QUESTA CHAMBER MUSIC SERIES PARTNERS WITH QUESTA FARMERS MARKET By MARTHA SHEPP

How can we support performing artists when their audiences cannot attend in person? This was the question all live music concert planners faced all last year, during the pandemic. The QCMS collaborated with Yoga Sala in Questa, and put on a hybrid poetry, dance, and live music concert last September (which was recorded; see https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U- v8zEtx3aQE), but as time went on, with public gatherings still not allowed, none JUST JUST TEASER A of the usual classical musicians I draw upon for concerts had been working on any new music or events. So when the opportunity to support live local music at the Questa Farmers Market arose, we jumped on it. We’re proud and happy to support half of the lineup of live music you’ll hear every Sunday through mid-October at the market. We are grateful for the support provided by Taos Community Foun- dation, in their funding and for Market Coordinator Gaea McGahee. Go to QuestaFarmersMarket.org to see the music line-up.

12 July 2021 • Questa Del Rio News • QuestaNews.com SUSTAINABLE LIVING The Lama Community Garden By STEPHANIE OWENS of the Wilson ranch. We have a shared agreement to collaboratively use our ace- The Lama Community Garden quia time to grow food. We built garden initiative began in 2007 through the beds, rain catchment, and an irrigation non-profit, Localogy. It was an inte- system as fast as we could to get seeds in grated effort to grow food with Roots the ground this season. We are currently & Wings Community School students growing root vegetables and the usual during the academic year and the Sangre greenhouse plants at the greenhouse and de Cristo Youth Ranch during the sum- working toward growing our green leaf mer months—schools don’t have a good vegetables and having some root vegeta- schedule for farmer education! This ble redundancy in the new garden beds. project also encouraged local communi- Water is, of course, the limiting factor ty member participation in a Commu- on the numbers of households that can nity Supported Agriculture (CSA)-type participate in the project. The ultimate design. At the time, we were growing dream is that we as a community can food on about an acre of land and, soon, begin to work together to help encour- in a high tunnel greenhouse. age other families to join the commu- The Lama Community Garden nity garden by expanding homestead currently inhabits the high tunnel greenhouse, and a small amount of land Nova Sanders gardening infrastructure in other places in Lama with access to water. With this around it, on the ranch property of Ben The Lama community garden in its protected greenhouse, blossoming! Wilson, Dr. Bud Wilson’s son. Over the type of design, we can strategically grow decades, Dr. Wilson worked very hard to ing plants. And we were primarily the households are participating by giving food varieties in different zones on the protect as much of the Lama community sole gardeners, with help from the Lama labor and/or financial investment in mountain and then trade what we grow from capitalist development as he could. community acequia mayordomo, Nat exchange for a share of the food we all with each other—and share the joy in One of his protective measures included Wilson, coordinating the irrigation. grow together. We have also expanded working with one another as a commu- placing much of the Wilson proper- By 2018, the high tunnel greenhouse the community garden to my property, nity for the health and well-being of us ty under American Farmland Trust had been in use for a decade and in need which is next to Nova’s and northeast all in an uncertain future. protective status. The Lama Community of major structural renovation and soil Garden use of land and acequia water, amendments. Nova and I got busy with along with the horses on the ranch, help children and work (grocery shopping fulfill the requirements to maintain that is certainly quicker and easier) and designation and protect the cultural dropped the project, until the pandem- heritage of Lama. ic of 2020. Though we knew in theory Over the past 14 years, the organiza- that the modern, industrial food system tion and membership of the community skates on a thin line of security, that un- garden shifted, expanded, and finally, derstanding became very real last spring. ended in 2011. In 2015, with small Nova and I, with a few other neighbors children and growing grocery bills, Nova in possession of machinery and skills, Sanders and I decided to restart the renovated the greenhouse structure, community garden project with permis- amended the soil, revised and expanded sion from Localogy and Ben Wilson. For the garden beds, and gave a needed lift a couple of years, we grew food only in to the irrigation system. the greenhouse: the usual peppers, to- The Lama Community Garden matoes, cucumbers, and other heat-lov- gets better every year. This year, four

Questa Farmers Market

Visitor Center LIVE MUSIC! rmer at NM Hwy 38 Fa s M a a st r e k u e EBT/SNAP, WIC, DUFB t ACCEPTED! SUNDAYS Q est.2017 Venders 10:00 am - 2:00 pm Welcome QFM questafarmersmarket.org (575) 224-2102

QuestaNews.com • Questa Del Rio News • July 2021 13 FISHING, RECREATION & WILDLIFE

against insects. At the time of this followed by pesticides, which poison 67 4. Avoid using pesticides and buying writing, the Santa Fe National Forest is million birds per year. Wind turbines, pesticide-treated foods. The irony in flames, and smoke is spreading across airplanes, and communication towers of pesticide use is their inadvertent Bird is the state because insect-infested timbers collectively account for less than 1% of destruction of one of nature’s best the Word are burning like matchboxes. With no annual bird deaths. pest controllers—birds—by poisoning woodpeckers and other insect-eating Seven Steps to Help Save Birds them and removing their food source. avians to control their population, wild- These tips come courtesy of the Cornell Consider natural pest control mea- By BRYCE FLANIGAN fire is another threat that may become Lab for Ornithology sures, such as ladybugs and lizards, or use organic pesticides. even more common in the future. Larger 1. Make windows safer for birds by 5. Drink shade-grown coffee. The DECLINING BIRD birds prey upon rodents that otherwise breaking up their reflections. Verti- coffee industry is rife with child labor, POPULATIONS devour our gardens, chew through cal lines spaced 2” apart will prevent slavery, and the destruction of forests. our car wires, and spread diseases. songbirds and hummingbirds from In 1970, the bird population of the Three-quarters of coffee farms grow Unchecked rodent populations have crashing. You can hang cloth strips, United States was around 10 billion. their beans in the sun, cutting down historically been a plague upon humans, prayer flags, or turn your window into Today there are 7 billion, and each year the habitats for birds and other wild- caused by the lack of predators. an art project with non-toxic tempera we lose between 500 million to 1 billion life in doing so. By choosing fair-trade Cats, windmills, cars: what’s paint. If you’re not feeling crafty, you more, to anthropogenic, or man-made, coffee grown in the shade, you’ll be killing the birds? can buy bird decals or install an insect causes. According to the Cornell Lab helping coffee farmers and 42 species In 2020, New Mexico witnessed one screen in front of your window. for Ornithology in their landmark 2019 of North American migratory birds of the largest mass die-offs of birds in 2. Keep cats indoors all the time. If report on the drastic decline in bird spe- that winter in coffee plantations. [And recent memory. Thousands of migratory you’re concerned about your feline cies, the situation “can result in composi- you will taste the difference!] birds suddenly and unexpectedly died. not getting enough fresh air, build a tional and functional changes of ecosys- 6. Avoid using single-use plastic. Use The cause of these deaths was an early small “catio” for them, buy a cat-bub- tems.” Without a regular population, the reusable containers instead, and try to cold snap that killed a primary food ble backpack for hiking trips, and see natural balance in ecosystems becomes avoid plastic in general, as it leach- source for them—insects. In fact, insect how your cat responds to a harness. It unsustainable, and the extinctions of es toxic PFAs into your body and populations have been on the decline, can take most cats some getting used species begin. The Cornell report states the world around you. PFAs cause that birds act as an accurate barome- losing a quarter of their total world pop- to, but taking your cat on a hike gives cancers, lower reproductive potential, ter for ecological health at large, given ulation in 30 years. Pesticide use is the it great exercise without harming the and induce weight gain, and that’s how easy it is to track them, and their driving force behind most of these avian local fauna. just in humans. populations—spread across the whole deaths, with changing climates account- 3. Uproot your lawn and plant native 7. Watch birds and report your findings. United States. New Mexico in particular ing for a majority of the rest. Indeed, shrubs and trees. Lawns are, frankly, As stated above, birds are such an ex- supports a great diversity of bird species, pesticides are also one of the top killers a waste of water and time. They don’t cellent barometer for the health of the behind only Texas and California, of birds in the US. produce any food, and the little shelter planet as a whole because of how easy thanks to our state’s grasslands, forests, In a study published by Wallace P. they do provide to insects is miti- it is to track them. When you go bird- arid deserts, and alpine areas. Unfortu- Erickson, et al., 2005, the various an- gated by the constant maintenance ing, report your findings to scientists nately, the southwest has also seen the thropogenic causes of bird deaths were they require. Replace your lawn with using the eBird app, or join a project loss of 42% of our wintering migratory analyzed and calculated to find the worst native shrubs and trees that provide like Feeder Watch or Breeding Bird birds over the past 40 years. offenders. By far the deadliest obstacle food and shelter for birds and other Survey. By informing the people who Ripple effects from the absence of for birds is buildings, accounting for native wildlife. The Audubon Society study birds’ migrations and lifecycles, birds are seen in many ways. Birds play 550 million fatal collisions and making has a handy service to find native we will better understand how to map a crucial role in pollinating plants. Com- up 58% of total bird deaths. Power lines plant life beneficial to birds, listed by out future population trajectories. bined with the plummeting butterfly come next, electrocuting around 130 zip code. Some recommendations for Bryce Flanagan moved from and bee populations, flowers become million birds annually. Cats are close us in 87556 are American Plum, Big Sacramento, CA to Taos County in 2016, more rare and the fauna that depend on behind, killing 100 million birds, in what Sagebrush, Sunflowers, and Golden and has lived in Questa for two years. He's them for sustenance likewise suffer. The the authors stress is a very conservative Currant. Aspens and evergreens give passionate about the unique and beautiful loss of birds disrupts the food chain, as estimate. Automobiles take the fourth year-round shelter to birds, if you have wildlife of our state and is a regular smaller birds act as efficient pest control spot, comprising 80 million deaths, room for one. contributor to the Questa Del Rio News.

realized his unique opportunity to make for being there. each other and that is the power of pet a difference. Anyone who has loved a pet knows companionship.” Since 2011, Kwane has visited the how strong the bond of love can To expand his mission, Kwane set poorest areas of Los Angeles carrying be.,Homeless people are with their ani- up a GoFundMe page called “The Street his medical bag and offering his ser- mal every minute of every day, and that Vet.” He is also documenting his experi- vices, free of charge. He treats a myriad relationship means everything to them. ences in a TV series of the same name, STREET VET of animal illnesses, from infections to These animals can provide their own- where he hopes to not only take care of allergies, bad teeth, flea infestations, and ers with a sense of belonging, purpose, the animals in need but to also challenge even arthritis. He also arranges surgeries security, and hope within the hard times By MANDY STAPLEFORD the preconceived notions of the home- at no or low cost, often paying for medi- they face on the street. It is not unusual less people who love them. It’s often overlooked that people cines and supplies out of his own pocket. for the owners to treat their animals who become homeless are not likely to While the majority of his patients are better than they treat themselves. This story brought to you by Arroyo Seco be able to care for their pets properly. dogs, he also sees cats, birds, and reptiles “I’ve seen homeless people feed Live. “Building community through creativity. Disturbed by this issue and the rising too. He gets to know these animals and their pet before they feed themselves,” SecoLive.org. www.goodnewsgoodplanet.com problem of homelessness in America, their owners, who often open up about he says. “I’ve seen them give their last Audio Story on PRX https://exchange.prx.org/ California veterinarian Kwane Stewart their lives on the street and their reasons dollar to care for them. They sustain pieces/358197-gn_7-10-street-vet

14 July 2021 • Questa Del Rio News • QuestaNews.com FISHING, RECREATION & WILDLIFE Farther Afield: Fishing the Tusas Range Creeks By TONER MITCHELL where you’ll be able to throw a spinner. TROUT UNLIMITED Dropping a beadhead nymph, a prince, or zebra midge perhaps: below a grass- New Mexico is a land of stark con- hopper will also work. trasts—mountains vaulting up from These creeks can definitely sus- sagebrush plains, canyons gashed in the tain a good harvest (within the law, of earth. In contrast, the Tusas Range in the course). Cutthroats should be released, north central part of the state are hardly as they’re hanging by a thread in these noticeable. They rise so gradually west drought-stricken times. Though most of of the Rio Grande gorge that you hardly Toner Mitchell your fish will be on the small side, there know they’re there, or that they hide a few Beautiful cutthroat trout in El Rito Creek in the Tusas Range. is always a chance for a big brown on the of the most precious trout streams New Vallecitos. They’re spooky though, so Mexico has to offer. yourself warned. amount of private land. Otherwise, you’ll make sure you look before you cast. Originating just north of Highway 64 The next drainage west from the want to wade wet, no waders necessary I keep hoping some of the beaver west of Tres Piedras, the Rio Tusas offers Vallecitos is (the other) El Rito Creek, a due to the heat you’ll most likely encoun- activity I’m seeing in the Tusas area will rainbow cutthroat hybrids down to its gem of a stream abounding in solitude ter. Anticipate extremely slick wading expand, as it will lead to cooler water confluence with the Rio Vallecitos, which and harboring Rio Grande cutthroat on the Vallecitos. It’s one of the greasiest temperatures and more consistent water is a wonderful fishery in its own right, trout. To get there, cross the gorge bridge streams I’ve ever fished. flows later in the season. I know the out of the way and full of rainbows and and catch Highway 285 in Tres Piedras Due to their small size, these creeks benefits of beavers are not widely believed browns. Buy yourself a Carson National or at Carson. Head north on Highway fish best with flies or extremely small yet, but hopefully the day will come soon Forest Motor Vehicle Use map to get the 111, and at La Madera, you’ll pick up Panther Martin spinners. I prefer dry when we realize what a blessing these lay of the land. I assume that as northern Highway 554, which will take you to the flies, either an attractor like a red Roy- animals can be to our fishing and our New Mexicans, we all know that a road village of El Rito (not Questa’s El Rito but al Humpy or something to match the communities. Mainly I just like catching on the map doesn’t necessarily mean a El Rito Grande!). From there you’ll take omnipresent grasshoppers and ants. Like bigger fish. road in real life, or at least a road that one County Road 280, which takes you north everywhere in el norte, July is when the If you could use a break from the should travel without the right kind of along El Rito Creek until it breaks west spruce moths blow up, so bring a supply same old fishing routine, give the Tusas vehicle. Nowhere is this more true than towards Canjilon. of blonde Elk Hair Caddis in size 14 or Range creeks a try; if not for the fishing, in the area between Highway 64 and Make sure you’re aware of where you 12. In the canyon of the Vallecitos you’ll for the jaw-dropping scenery you may Highway 84 near Ghost Ranch. Consider are on these creeks, as there is a decent encounter some deeper pools. That’s not know exists.

QuestaNews.com • Questa Del Rio News • July 2021 15 LAMA FOUNDATION The Lama Foundation: Then and Now By LOU MCCALL With their commitment to be a pan-religious center, they celebrate and support My perspective on the Lama Foun- spirituality in all its forms. On most Thurs- dation is personal. In high school, my days, Lama offers zikr, the Sufi practice sister worked at a bookstore and came of remembrance, that originated in the home with the book, Be Here Now. It was Islamic tradition, and they observe tradi- written by Baba Ram Dass, illustrated and tional Jewish Shabbat the following day. edited by Lama residents, and originally Shabbat has been meeting consistently for published by the Lama Foundation. I first over 35 years. (See page 30 Weekly Events went there in 1975 and met the author, for more information) Ram Dass. I was stricken with the place and the people. Along with zikr, there is a rich Sufi tra- In the 1990s I spent a week in silent dition at Lama. Murshid Samuel L. Lewis meditation with about 50 others. I camped is the first American-born Sufi Master. in a tent, worked in the kitchen, and felt Known fondly as Sufi Sam, he is buried at like I was part of the community. Over the Lama, and Sufi practitioners from around years I became friends with people from the world come to pay respects. Sufi Sam Lama who were known as “Lama Beans.” I Martha Shepp wrote books published by the Lama Foun- always wished I was a “Lama Bean!” Shower facility designed and built by architecture students from University of Colorado-Boulder dation and are sold in their gift shop. Lama stories abound. The Lama Environmental Design Program. Sustainable design and low-cost construction methods make this an Since 1970, when residents started earth-friendly and pleasant place to shower. Foundation offers a hermitage retreat printing prayer flags, Lama Foundation cabin way up the mountain. There people early buildings were made with hand tools, the small crew goes within, working on Cottage Industries has helped them grow. can stay without company, telephones, or and the group lived by candlelight. With the property, communing for meals, daily Their store now includes apparel, greeting communication with the outside world. the generosity of residents and visitors, the meditation and other practices. cards, prayer beads, and the many books The kitchen crew brings food and leaves it first solar power system was installed, and Lama has fulfilled its educational they publish. Please visit their online store in a bear-proof box, picks up dishes from the place continued to grow. mission in many ways. Small structures to see their beautiful selection of gifts. the previous meal, retrieves notes if the The year after buildings started going have been designed and built by archi- store.lamafoundation.org retreatant needs anything, and leaves sup- up, the foundation was incorporated as tectural students from Colorado Uni- Lama’s best-known product is the plies. A friend of mine had a life-long fear an “educational, religious, and scientific” versity-Boulder's Environmental Design book, Be Here Now, first printed in 1971. of being alone and stayed at the Hermit- organization with their mission statement Program. Students come for a summer To celebrate its 50th anniversary, Lama is age. Her companions were her journal and “…to be a sustainable spiritual community to build using sustainable design and offering commemorative merchandise, the Hermitage journal, which she wrote in and educational center dedicated to the low-cost construction methods, including including Be Here Now T-shirts, the book feverishly, and a few critters who came to awakening of consciousness, spiritual prac- off-grid cabins, deluxe tent platforms, and which is packaged in a special anniversary visit. She left with a profound love for sol- tice with respect for all traditions, service, a beautiful shower facility. Lama residents edition of the original pizza box, as it was itude. She stayed there for “…three nights and stewardship of the land.” notice a blossoming in the students over originally sold. Over the decades, over two and four days filled with fear and rodents Over the decades, many thousands the summer. By the time they leave, they million copies have been sold, the Lama and timelessness and joy and all the her- of seekers have visited and lived at Lama. are a part of the family. Foundation still receives royalties. Ram mits who’d been up there before quoting Whether for an event, a day, weekend, The Lama Foundation has been an Dass maintained close ties with Lama scriptures, giving out house advice from a summer, or many years, the residents open laboratory of experimentation, built and held seminars there. He passed away the hermit journals...” I thought of my live and work together with the common on creativity, science, and faith. Buildings in 2019 and one memorial was held in friend as I gazed up at the Hermitage on a purpose of fostering the spiritual jour- were constructed solely because they were Taos, as well as one on Maui, where Ram spring day. What a wonderful service...and neys of individuals and groups, toward needed and not necessarily because any- Dass lived. that is just one of many good things that an enlightened planet. The community, one knew how. Wise elders and mentors It has been a quiet year at the Lama goes on at the Lama Foundation. while maintaining their home sustainably, were sometimes available to lead the way, Foundation. They are opening this sum- People from all over the world visit the works together to create an ecosystem providing valuable education. It can be mer with their regular retreat schedule to Lama Foundation. Many local residents that accommodates groups, offers retreats, empowering, especially for youth, to create those who are fully vaccinated. They have do not know that this spiritual retreat and workshops, residency programs and something bigger than themselves, to a brilliant cast of residents and interns and educational center of world renown is just other events. overcome challenges, accomplish intimi- are showing every sign of continuing to outside our back door. They may be even In the summers, Lama operates as a re- dating tasks, and create a thing of beauty. evolve and expand, doing good things in more surprised to learn that in 2017, the treat center, with summer residents com- Depending on who is there at the time, spiritual community celebrated its 50th ing to help, bringing the total population what is needed, the ever-changing cast of the world. As first stated on the cover of Be anniversary and this year marks the 50th up to around 12 to 15. Currently the Lama characters step up, figure it out, and get Here Now, “LOVE, SERVE, REMEMBER” anniversary of the publication of Be Here Foundation is open to visitors who have ‘er done. The coordinator of Lama, Jamil is seen frequently on signs and prayer Now, just one of many books and products been fully vaccinated and have completed Paurel, calls Lama “A Mystery School. The flags, a good reminder of why the Lama that come out of Lama. their Vaccination Verification Form. mystery,” he says, “Is how we always seem Beans are here. In 1967, Barbara Durkee (Asha Greer) Retreats are offered by a variety of to have what we need.” Would you like to know more about Stephen (Nooruddeen) Durkee, and teachers and are a primary source of It is hard to describe what Lama is, the Lama Foundation? Please check out Jonathan Altman started the community income for the group. Their programs and everything that happens there. It is a their website https://www.lamatogether. when Altman purchased 100 acres of land include spiritual teachings, meditation place where traditions meet, meld, and are org. Click on Events to see their current adjacent to the Carson National Forest. retreats, youth programs, and permacul- shared. The residents meditate together, schedule of monthly, weekly, and annual They began construction on the first ture certification. In the winters, summer grow much of their own food, and share events and look for their activities on the buildings in 1968. With no electricity, the residents are gone, things slow down, and meals, much like in the monastic tradition. Questa Del Rio News community calendar.

16 July 2021 • Questa Del Rio News • QuestaNews.com LAMA FOUNDATION

Lama Foundation July Online Programs Persevering in our mission to connect, cultivate, care, and grow Planning our summer during pandemic times has been challenging. Most events are online. In- person events are now open to those who have been fully vaccinated. If you are planning a visit, please fill out our Vaccination Verification Form as part of your registration process. More details and registration are continuing to evolve. July 1 Lama Tea, July July 2-3 Writing as Prayer, Mirabai Starr July 6 Contemplative Environmentalism Panel July 13 Environmental Activism in a World of Wounds Panel July 14 Heart Club, July July 16-18 The Path of Love and Truth, with Saraswati Rain July 17-18 Contemplative Environmentalism Workshop, Paul Wapner & Lena Fletcher July 23-24 Intro to Conflict Management Part 1, Thomas Renault. (Intro to Conflict Management Part 2 Certification will be August 7 & 21, and September 11 & 25 ) July 28-Aug 1 Teen Mindfulness, Julie Tato, Greg Weeks, Kima June July 30-Aug 1 Into the Boundless Heart: A Movement Retreat, Zuleikha Every Friday 6:30 pm Shabbat, Online and in person for those who are fully vaccinated. Most Thursday Evenings Zikr, the Sufi Path of Remembrance, for those who are fully vaccinated. To find out more about these events and to register visit: https://www.lamatogether.org/events/ (575) 586-1269 [email protected]

QuestaNews.com • Questa Del Rio News • July 2021 17 EDUCATION QISD Prepares for Elections Questa School Hires Superintendent By ERNESTO CISNEROS retary of State’s website, candidacy filing By ERNESTO CISNEROS our Interim Superintendent to help dates are August 24 from 9 am to 5 pm transition and close out the school The Questa Independent School Dis- and August 31 from 9 am to 5 pm for He’s hired! The Questa Indepen- year. I am very excited to welcome to trict is preparing for an unusual election write-in candidacy. Interested candi- dent School District has hired Mr. our school district and community the cycle this coming November. Four seats dates will file a Declaration of Candida- John Maldonado as the new super- new superintendent, Mr. John Mal- will be up for grabs, leaving board mem- cy which must be notarized along with intendent to lead the district for the donado. We look forward to the next ber Juan Cisneros, who holds position 1, an Affidavit of Designee for Filing if upcoming school year. Maldonado chapter in our district.” Lovato said. the lone member whose seat is safe for candidates are not filing the paperwork comes to Questa from the Mora Lovato also thanked district staff another two years. themselves. All forms must be turned Independent School District, where he and parents for being cooperative Positions 2, 3, 4, and 5 are available in on the appropriate filing dates to the was the principal at Mora Elementary. during these tough times. in the 2021 election cycle. Interested Bureau of Elections at the Taos County Maldonado started his new position “I want to also thank our awesome candidates must reside in the Questa Clerk’s Office, located at 105 Albright the week of June 14. staff for getting our kids through the school district, which covers the general Street. Candidacy on the November The district had been in search of weird and rough school year. They did Questa area as well as the northern parts ballot may not be granted if candidates a new superintendent after former such a fantastic job. Last, but not least of Taos County. Upon filing for candida- miss the filing deadlines. superintendent Carla Archuleta re- I would like to thank all the parents, cy, your voter registration must be up- A Declaration of Candidacy form tired at the end of 2020. Maria Cintas, grandparents, and family members to-date with the appropriate addresses and 2021 candidate manual can be QISD K-12 Principal, filled the vacant who helped the students with the and information. Specific requirements found on the NMSBA website under position as interim superintendent virtual learning platform. All in all, it and moral responsibilities can be found resource center and documents. For until Maldonado was hired. was a combined effort and we got it in detail on the New Mexico School specific information about this upcom- In a statement, Questa Indepen- done. Thank you all for such a great Boards Association (NMSBA) website ing election or to seek help with filing, dent School District Board President job and sticking with it. Together we at nmsba.org. contact the Taos County Bureau of Jose Lovato thanked Archuleta for can all accomplish bigger and better According to the New Mexico Sec- Elections at (575) 737-6400. her work throughout the district things. Enjoy the summer and we look while being optimistic about the new forward to seeing you all at the start of Sustain your Community by superintendent. the school year.” Lovato said. “I would like to thank and wish Readers can look forward to a ADVERTISING HERE! Mrs. Carla Archuleta all the best in more in-depth profile on Mr. Mal- her retirement. I would like to thank donado in our August back-to- CALL OR E–MAIL US FOR RATES! 575–586–2258 or [email protected] Mrs. Maria Cintas for stepping in as school issue!

QUICK QUESTA NEWS! STAY TUNED FOR MORE IN OUR AUGUST ISSUE. STAFF WRITER Dollar General is starting to Alianna Gonzalez, 8th-grader from move dirt! Community mem- Questa Junior High School, took third bers are advised to watch out for place in pole vaulting at the 2021 New heavy traffic and activity in this Mexico Athletic Association Track area, across from CarQuesta, as & Field Championships. Alianna construction persists throughout finished with a final jump of 7 feet 6 the coming months. Watch your inches. It was held at the University speed and maintain safe driving! of New Mexico in Albuquerque on Postmaster Pat Browne is no June 18, after a yearlong suspension of longer at the Questa Post Office. high school sports due to COVID-19. He has left to care for his mother, Miguel Romero and Deluvina Sanchez who is suffering from a serious coached the boys and girls teams this illness. In his absence, Lisa Vigil season, with assistant coach Monique is Interim Postmaster. Sending Trujillo. Questa Independent School blessings to Pat and his family: District has plans for improvements to here’s hoping he can return to the QHS and Alta Vista tracks. Questa. And remember-July 1st is National Postal Worker Day, let’s honor all the folks who bring Jason Gonzalez us our mail!

18 July 2021 • Questa Del Rio News • QuestaNews.com EDUCATION

July 16: meet at Questa Municipal Park Friday Night Teen Hangout the day of the event. This event will be for a summer tree planting At the Vida Del Norte and starting held at 64 Gallegos Rd., across from the celebration and dedication ceremony on July 9, our offices will be open every old La Cienega School and Gym. Gates where memorial plaques are placed by Friday evening, from 7 – 11 pm, to open at 1:30 pm, with live music from the newly planted trees. You can still provide an alternative location for teens 2 – 7 pm. This is an all-ages, alcohol-free dedicate a tree to a loved one for a dona- to socialize in a safe, alcohol-, drug- and event. Kids get in free! VIDA DEL NORTE tion of $100. For more information visit: tobacco-free space. An adult will be on Police Appreciation SUMMER EVENTS www.vidadelnorte.com/parktrees site on Fridays until 11 pm. Luncheon October 29: By RACHEL KUC´ August 20: meet at Eagle Rock Lake Monthly Vida Del Norte Coalition Vida Del Norte has decided to host another Police Appreciation Luncheon September 17: meet at the Meetings Last Monday of each month: Vida Del Norte Coalition is help- this fall to show gratitude to our local Questa Farmers Market These meetings are open to the ing to organize these events in Questa law enforcement and invite community Family Movie Nights Starting on public and are a great way to find out this summer. Put these dates on your members and officers to come together June 24: Vida Del Norte is hosting a what the coalition is up to. Brainstorm calendar today to stay involved, and have to share a meal and some conversation. family movie night every other Thursday ways to prevent youth substance misuse. some safe alcohol/drug-free fun! This year, Vida will host the luncheon on (mostly) and continuing through the These meetings are at 6 pm on the last Friday, October 29. This date falls during Community Connection Days summer. These movie nights are held in Monday of the month and will now be Red Ribbon Week, which is an annual You may have already read about the the side yard, outside of our office, at 62 held in person at Vida Del Norte, 62 Drug, Alcohol, and Tobacco Prevention Community Connection Days in the Highway 38. Movies will start at dusk. Highway 38. People can also attend on- Awareness Campaign that happens in June issue of the Questa Del Rio News. To find out what movie will be playing line via zoom at: https://us02web.zoom. the US. Red Ribbon Week is a perfect These are monthly days of service and visit www.vidadelnorte.com/movie- us/j/85026030334. time to be thankful for the help that our nights. Vida movie night dates are as celebration where community members Summer Music-Fest Fundraiser for local law enforcement gives us every day follows: June 24, July 8, July 22, August of all ages work together on a project Skate Park August 21: to try and prevent substance misuse in that helps make Questa even more spe- 5, August 19, September 2, and Septem- Outdoor Music-Fest to raise money our community. cial. Collaborators with Vida are: LEAP ber 16. to build a skate park for youth in the Be on the lookout for flyers around (Localogy), Taos Behavioral Health’s Back-To-School Supplies Questa area will feature live performanc- town for these events and visit www. SUCCESS Youth Program, the Village of Giveaway July 31: es by local musicians: the UZ Band and vidadelnorte.com/calendar to see if Questa, Trout Unlimited, QEDF, and the Packets of back-to-school supplies Mariachi Cielo. Tickets will be pre-sold any other events come up during the Questa Del Rio News. Community Con- will be handed out from 10:00am – online at www.vidadelnorte.com, or summer. Also please visit us at Vida Del nection Days meet at 9 am, with lunch 1:00pm at Vida Del Norte, 62 Highway look for the Active8 youth selling paper Norte or call Maria Gonzalez, the Coali- served at 12:30 pm. 38 in Questa. tickets around town and at the gate on tion Coordinator at (575) 779-2260.

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QuestaNews.com • Questa Del Rio News • July 2021 19 LITERARY LOCALS Questa Public Library Celebrates Grand Re-Opening With New Wing

Ernesto Cisneros Ernesto Cisneros It’s official! Mayor Mark Gallegos and Library Director Sharon Nicholson cut the ceremonial ribbon. Friends of the Questa Library pose with Kit Carson Electric and Guzman Energy representatives after being awarded a $10K grant.

By ERNESTO CISNEROS Coggins led the ceremony in here for a while.’ I said ‘Alright Esther, it was new, we hadn’t been here very remembrance of two individuals who we’ll figure this out, we’ll figure this long, and it was already too small. It Library staff, patrons, and local dig- fought hard for this project to be pos- out,’” Gallegos said. wasn’t just books, it was people. We nitaries celebrated the grand re-open- sible—the late Village of Questa Mayor Gallegos also spoke about the needed more room for people, and ing of the Questa Public Library on Esther Garcia and late State Senator library’s importance to the community, then I realized the board had already Saturday, June 12. The library had been Carlos Cisneros. Garcia championed stating how it’s become an import- started an idea and had commissioned under construction since April 2020 to the works of a library expansion under ant place for individuals to research, a design for the library and I could see, complete an expansion to the existing her reign as mayor and throughout conduct business, or just visit with yeah! we need that, but it wasn’t going building which would become the new the Gallegos administration. Garcia their neighbors. to happen—and then I realized it could Senator Carlos Cisneros Wing. The lobbied Senator Cisneros to secure Questa Library Director Sharon happen!” Nicholson said. “I had the addition houses space for a reception funding for this expansion, which was Nicholson shared her gratitude to plans on the wall and I looked at them area, public meeting space, archive eventually included in the New Mexi- the Village of Questa as well as the every day. It became a reality to me room, and a kids reading room. co Legislature’s 2019 capital spending many individuals who were involved and the more I looked, the more I said, The ceremony kicked off with bill. Before his death, Cisneros also in making this project happen. In her ‘We need to do this. We need some- speakers who emphasized the impor- co-sponsored Senate Bill NMSB264, speech, Nicholson jokingly pointed out thing really special for the people of tance of public libraries. Among those signed by Gov. Michelle Luján Grish- other improvements while informing Questa.’ Just because we’re Questa and were Friends of the Questa Public am, to preserve rural libraries by ex- us about the forthcoming projects for an impoverished community, doesn’t Library President (FQPL) Evelyn panding funding through endowment the library, such as an electric vehicle mean we have to have a poor library. Coggins, State Sen. Bobby Gonzales and grant programs. charging station, parking lot improve- We can have something really nice for (D-Taos), Nick Maestas, represent- Mayor Gallegos paid homage to ments, and outdoor lighting. our people, so that became the goal,’’ ing US Sen. Ben Ray Luján (D-NM), Garcia by reflecting on her persistence When asked why this expansion was Nicholson said. Village of Questa Mayor Mark Gal- to get this expansion completed. “I important to her, Nicholson noted how Lunch was provided after the cer- legos, Questa Library Director Sharon will always remember that Mrs. Garcia small the original space was, including emony by Kit Carson Electric, while Nicholson, and Kit Carson Electric and would say, ‘Mark, you know we gotta the library community. Expansion was northern New Mexico musician Chris Guzman Energy representatives. get that library money; I’m going to be inevitable. “When I became librarian… Arellano performed.

This Village…In Memory of Enriquetta Vigil, and All Those Lost

By MONICA RAEL-AGUILAR ed to keep going… to survive… one day But we tend to reach for the pain. But Loss is loss, no matter how severe, but at a time. An emotional territory—the death is a celebration. So why are we so how can I fall, you always catch me— That kind of love that saves you... act of working together didn't really afraid of that emotion? It is a beautiful you are always here. Our village is like a heart and right now matter—it's the time we have together transition—for all. It's the powerful Monica Rael-Aguilar considers herself we are in the middle. Sharing the core that really matters: we are each other’s kind of love that saves you. Don't ever blessed to have been born and raised in of who we are, sharing our sorrow, our energy, laughing, and healing each take this village away from me... It is my Questa and to be part of a big family. She pain, our love. other's wounds; we are in each other’s heart, but I am its heart right now. The lives in Trinidad, CO and although she misses That heart gave us the love we need- strength. A love we lose is a love we gain. whole world fades… This is what is real. Questa, she always feels connected.

20 July 2021 • Questa Del Rio News • QuestaNews.com LITERARY LOCALS

jumping every new day Just another mummy in the cargo in the daze of hot days every new day, an opportunity to start again Dancing together on the golden in the daze of old age to practice gratitude streets of glory…

i ponder the miracle to practice patience transformed into their heavenly of color to practice art and growing flowers bodies…Yiddish cries muffled of the arrival of flowers on this earth. every new day, a fresh start in leaky sprinkler systems... i ponder about worth Voices of Russian ancestors move god sez i am his worthy perfect earth child to remember how precious it is to be here from air conditioner to air reflecting the miracle back to MYSELF every new day conditioner. White winged aluminum I do — Georgia Gersh hurls through Miami skies. I AM LOVE Watching my hands reach for light — Annie Degen I see this is the animal, the sacrificial creature, the animal the ancestor, the ancestor of the tongue, the givers of Lot for Able, the POETS OF LAMA animal of the word Georgia Gersh and her of speaking peoples, parents, Annie Degan and of the ram, of the lingua the late Bill Gersh have of the reason for line– left a creative footprint on I kid thee not daddy, I kid thee the community of Lama. Not… there for endless horizon Creativity runs in their family. miles… clothed mummies had risen All three are known for from the cargo of unknowns… their visual arts, especially stretched elongations encased in stainless steel painting. For our July Literary screaming Locals feature, we offer their What’s wrong with the figure????? Poems of the Month. Enjoy! — Bill Gersh

Free Vacation Bible School July 28 - 30 Funeral Home of Taos 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm daily at Harvest Questa •2558 HWY 522 CAN I TRANSFER MY PRE-PLAN? Ages 2-18 welcome Yes You Can! Sponsored by LWM & Harvest Questa Please Pre-Register by contacting us at (575) 770-1714 (866) 657-4019 We honor any existing pre-plans from any other funeral home, Summer Fun! honoring their cost or even saving you and your family money. Family Movie Nights WEDNESDAYS • JULY 7 • AUGUST 4 STARTS AT 7:00 PM FREE Hot dogs, Games, s’mores and more! Where Families Come First 12 Llano Road, Questa NM 87556 1524 Paseo Del Pueblo Sur, Taos, NM 87571 devargastaos.com www.lwmsite.org

QuestaNews.com • Questa Del Rio News • July 2021 21 COMMUNITY NEWS Yoga Sala and the Questa Farmers Market: Updates

Studious market interns, Ashlynn Rael and Alianna (Booboo) Gonzalez, learn the ropes from Gaea McGahee (center) at the Sunday Questa Farmers Market. Paid internships for teens are an important mission for Questa Farmers Market. QFM offers EBT and Double Up Food Bucks for food and produce at the market and our interns help run this program, as well as care for Come to dance camp this the gardens, and cook pizzas July, with Miss Tuesday! in the horno! Gaea McGahee Martha Shepp

Yoga Sala is a multi-use studio space Seated Moving Meditation: Sheng Kostecki-Shaw’s book, based on the yoga instructor, and to share the healing in Questa where regular movement Zhen, Tuesdays at 8:15 am and Fridays remarkable true story of Julia Butterfly properties of mindful movement with classes, special events, and workshops 10:00 am. Hill, a girl who lived in a tree to save a all. Her class can be done seated in a are hosted. All classes and activities are Sheng Zhen is an accessible form of forest. Camp includes dance, literature, chair or on the floor. built with this intention: to support a moving meditation that cultivates pro- choreography, snacks, and crafts. The fi- At the Sunday Questa Farmers Market culture of health. These include yoga, found inner peace, harmony, and open- nal class will culminate in a performance Come for the food, the fresh pro- zumba, kids ballet, music, and medi- ness of the heart. The beginner forms are with group and student choreography. duce, the arts, and the music! Here’s the tation. It is located at 2331 Hwy 522, done seated, and are wonderful for all Older students are welcome, too! musical lineup for July: nearly opposite the ArtQuesta Gallery. people, including elders and those with Gentle Yoga, Mondays in July 4:00 pm July 4 Jack Lorang and Jeff Allred These are offered for free or by dona- limited mobility. Taught by Ola Sun. Every Monday in July we host a free July 11 The Arcane Ramblers tion through our nonprofit project, Sala Kids Ballet Camp: Fridays in July, 1:00- gentle yoga class. It is guided by Rae July 18 Nick Hans (music) & Puppet Reach, a program of the local 501 (c) 3:00: in person (ages 3 - 10) Lewis. She is currently studying to be- Show @ 12 p.m. Cristina Masoliver 3, Localogy. Miss Tuesday leads this Introductory come a YTA certified teacher and offers July 25 Chris and Rodney Arellano Silent Meditation Mondays, 6:00 pm: in “Luna and Me” Dance Camp this free weekly class to get to know the person, no registration required Inspired by local author Jenny Sue community, to aid her development as a

SCVFD Officially on the Map! BY CAROLINE YEZER

San Cristobal Volunteer Fire Depart- ment is officially on the map with a new sign in front of their station on Calle del Medio in San Cristobal. Shown here after they put up their sign are (from left) San Cristobal Neighborhood Association President J. R. Logan, incoming Fire Chief Stephen Pace, and outgoing Fire Chief Joseph Godfrey.

Steve Pace

22 July 2021 • Questa Del Rio News • QuestaNews.com COMMUNITY JOIN CONNECTION DAYS US! Intergenerational Days of Service & Celebration IT'S A FAMILY CELEBRATION AT QUESTA PARK AT 9:00AM Tree Planting, Beautification, Kids Games, Volleyball, Horseshoes JULY & more! Community Lunch at 12:30pm FRIDAY FOR MORE INFORMATION: 16 LEAPsite.org • 575-224-9066

Collaborators:

uesta Economic Development Fund

Chevron is proud to sponsor this ad in support of the Questa Del Rio News.

QuestaNews.com • Questa Del Rio News • July 2021 23 COMMUNITY NEWS

that isn’t really what he wants to do. Disney has attempted, realistically, to in this movie, when two souls transition Instead, he dreams of his real passion, depict black people in animated form. to Earth and end up in bodies they were playing jazz piano in nightclubs. Early in They successfully portray the variety of not intended to occupy. In addition to the movie, he gets a break, and it appears black skin textures and colors, adding Joe’s soul, there is also Soul #22 (Tina that his dreams are about to come true. to the human palette of animated, but Fey). Since these souls are numbered, Except that they don’t. As with most real, characters. imagine how long ago this one has been of us, something happens that changes When Joe is in the “other world,” he is waiting around for a “spark” to get into his life trajectory. And with that, we recognizably himself, but adopts a visage a body. When #22 and Joe finally do go arrive in the other half of the movie: The befitting the soul community. And it is to Earth, the resulting switched identity Great Beyond, The Great Before, and pretty hard to quibble with the design—I sequence goes on a bit long, but it is an The Zone. The great pleasures of this mean, what exactly does a soul look like, important part of the story. In the end, movie are here—in areas that probably anyway? The animation in this world there is a definite message to this film, can only be explored in an animated is simpler, using pastel colors or black but I’ll leave that up to you to tease out. film. Here we aren’t dealing with people, and white, and why not? The complexity So, this is an incredible movie, but JULY MOVIE REVIEW: SOUL but rather their essence, their “souls.” here is not in the visual presentation, I find one big flaw. Soul is almost two Demographers estimate more than This movie, quite literally, explores no- but in the strange concoction of ideas different movies: the New York City jazz 108 billion human beings have inhabited tions of where souls come from, where and processes that souls undergo as they scene and the other world. Each has its the earth since we became something they go, and what exactly we might do transition from one stage to another. own visual and musical style, and while recognizable as human. That number with them while “living.” And these are The other distinguishing charac- the characters do transition, they behave (actually the number 108,210,121,415) not trivializations—there is substantial teristic of the other world is the music. differently because the worlds are so dif- figures largely in this movie, and I’m food for thought, or should I say “nour- Instead of Jon Batiste’s jazzy improvs, we ferent. I think the relationship between guessing that will surprise you a bit. ishment of the soul!” get the electronic music of Oscar-win- the essence of jazz—the harmony found What does the number of human beings The film navigates between these ning Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross, in life’s spontaneity—and the essence of that have populated this planet have to two worlds with great finesse. The New whose ethereal and cerebral tonality spark could have been illustrated more do with a movie about jazz? York world is rich in detail and visceral is so soothingly appealing. It’s difficult directly. Nonetheless, it is still an out- Well, about half of the movie has experience. It is also accompanied by to imagine a better choice to represent standing movie. (4.5 Stars) to do with jazz. The story is about a the terrific jazz music of Jon Batiste, this world. musician, Joe (Jamie Foxx), not in New an accomplished keyboardist making The preparation of souls for their Available to watch on most of your favorite Orleans, but in New York, who teaches superb music in New York. Joe is black adventure on Earth is particularly streaming services (rental fees may apply) middle school band students. However, and he represents the first time Pixar/ interesting, and gets special treatment or by Netflix DVD.

PHOTO OF THE MONTH

Nat Wilson, Lama artist, musician and mayordomo of La Lama Acequia Association, paints the gorgeous vista with a little help from his friend Bella.

Courtesy Photo

e–mail [email protected] (don’t forget to include a caption and your name)

24 July 2021 • Questa Del Rio News • QuestaNews.com COMMUNITY NEWS The Path to Restoration: A Podcast By DANIEL HERRERA episode at taostilt.org/path-to-restora- to explore the invitational steps YOU are following as we move together through AND TODD WYNWARD tion. taking in YOUR life to bring about heal- the weeks: In it, we pursue the questions: under ing and restoring right relationship. 1) Listen to the podcast with a heart Daniel Herrera here, saying a warm what conditions might a settler dare You might want to consider join- hungry and open for life change. hello. Hello!!! You all are some of my to call a place "home?" What must we ing The Path to Restoration podcast and 2) Reflect: How are you being in- dear friends and familia. I am hum- change in our lifeways to begin to restore Zoom community that we are creat- vited to live deeper into the podcast's bled, proud, and excited to celebrate right relation and become more authen- ing together this summer. We're do- themes? something that has just emerged: Todd tic people of place? This is the humbling ing something different: There are five 3) Join us in the live Zoom response Wynward and Daniel Herrera are be- and commonwealth work that many of Zoom response forums, one held every forum the following Monday. ing interviewed by Zach Martinez in a us must do, as we examine our cultural other week, providing space for listener podcast series called The Path to Restora- legacy of colonization and settlement. response to the podcasts we release the Please email us to let us know you're tion, and the first episode, “Becoming a We engaged in a discussion about previous week. We'll be doing this for 10 interested at [email protected] Person of Place,” just became available. how the podcast's themes are emerging weeks, so we hope you join the virtual or [email protected]. We had a really good time doing it—you in our lives, in a Zoom forum on Mon- campfire all summer as we grow a place- If you'd like to sign up to stay in the might have a good time listening to it! day, June 7. It was NOT a time to debate based movement together! loop about the next podcasts and Zoom You might want to check out the first ideas or judge other people; but a time Here's the three-step pattern we'll be meetings, register at taostilt.square.site

NCRTD Buses to Operate at 50% Capacity

By JIM NAGLE Social distancing is still encouraged, passenger vehicles: our top priorities viruses, germs, and flu. Upon guidance from New Mexico and masks are required as per federal are to continue service to you, and keep NCRTD provides fare-free bus ser- Department of Health and the Depart- law, which requires passengers and driv- you and our employees healthy and safe. vice on 27 of 29 routes within our service ment of Transportation Transit and Rail ers (with limited exceptions) to wear a If you are experiencing flu symptoms, area, encompassing over 10,000 square Division, North Central Regional Transit properly fitting mask at all times. we ask that you refrain from boarding miles of north central New Mexico, in- District (NCRTD) Blue Buses will now The NCRTD continues to take ag- our vehicles. Thank you for partnering cluding the counties of Los Alamos, Rio operate at 50% capacity. gressive measures to clean and disinfect with us to help prevent the spread of any Arriba, Santa Fe, and Taos.

Catherine Roth and Marty Michael Win NorthStar’s GRAND OPENING May Puzzle Contest By ELLEN WOOD, “Numerous customers and AD AGENCY FOR people new to NorthStar enjoyed NEW TOOL NORTHSTAR TIRE & AUTO participating in the puzzle contests, and it was great to have some fun,” NorthStar’s puzzle campaign began in January, and May was the said General Manager Malaquias final puzzle ad. Two winners were “JR” Rael. Previous months’ win- RENTAL STORE drawn from among the entries ners of an oil change include Jim for NorthStar Tire & Auto’s May Arciniega, Casilda Lovato, Sharon puzzle contest: Marty Michael and Pacheco, Christina Hendrix, Juan Catherine Roth. Each received a gift and Donna Baca, Jeannie Masters, certificate for a free oil change. Benita Muniz, and Mary Jo Kelly.

QUEST Ellen Wood Ellen Wood A NorthStar Tire & Auto May Marty Michael, a second winner 2420 St. Hwy 522 • Questa, NM 87556 puzzle winner Catherine Roth. of the May puzzle drawing. 575.586.0419

QuestaNews.com • Questa Del Rio News • July 2021 25 COMMUNITY NEWS Veterans Park Renamed For The Late Senator Carlos Cisneros By ERNESTO CISNEROS very first time I had a deep conversation with the good senator was at the Heal- Locals, family members, and digni- ing Field, honoring those who gave the taries gathered on Memorial Day, May ultimate sacrifice for our nation. I saw 31, to honor the late State Senator Car- his heart and his incredible commitment los Cisneros by dedicating the Questa to the veterans in our community… I Veterans Memorial Park in his name. couldn’t think of a better way to honor a Among those in attendance were US Sen. lifetime legacy that is really the epitome of Ben Ray Lujan, Lt. Gov. Howie Morales, public service,” said Colón. and State Auditor Brian Colón. All three, While the weather cooperated for most along with Questa Mayor Mark Gallegos, of the ceremony, Sen. Lujan was able to shared about Senator Cisneros’ legacy and give a few words before a downpour blan- his dedication to serving the people of keted the crowd. He spoke of Cisneros’ northern New Mexico. passion for advocacy and for standing up Mayor Gallegos opened the ceremo- for what’s right, and how this encouraged ny by highlighting the Senator’s years of Lujan throughout his years as a public service, through legislation in Santa Fe servant. “...Senator Carlos Cisneros was and his involvement back home. One of my senator too, all the way to Nambé… he E. Wilde his best known accomplishments for the fought for us, he taught us the importance Senator Ben Ray Lujan (D-NM) reflects on his memories and respect for Senator Cisneros at the Questa area was funding for the Cabresto of speaking up... Carlos had that deep rededication ceremony while event organizers Virgil Gomez and Larry Sanchez stand by. Dam Project, totaling nearly $7 million. voice that would come from within and He co-sponsored senate bills passed in people would listen and unite,” Lujan said. Questa Village Council and they voted it was only right to take on this dedica- 2019, before his death, which appropri- The Carlos R. Cisneros Veterans 5-0 to get this on board—I was excited tion project. ated funds for rural libraries and acequia Memorial was a collaboration of efforts by with that.” In the meantime, Sanchez said his infrastructure. former Taos County Commissioner Larry Sanchez said the Senator had initially goal is to get more veterans highlighted in “Our senator did so much for this Sanchez, the Questa Village Council and secured funds for purchasing this very the community. “I’m not done yet! We’ve community in 33 years; he put his hand on others. Sanchez said the opportunity to property for a veterans memorial. Annual got to get some more veterans’ names so many things that we’ve gotten to benefit rename the veterans park arose after Sen. funds for the Vietnam Remembrance Wall on the veterans memorial in Questa,” from—the Little League Park, the library, Cisneros died in 2019. “He took care of and Bataan Death March plaque were also Sanchez said. the community center, the youth center...” our communities and his constituents... appropriated as part of the veterans me- A celebratory reception was held after Gallegos said. we couldn’t just forget him; we had to morial project. Sanchez said the park was the ceremony at the El Monte Carlo where State Auditor Colón recalled his own do something in Questa. He’s one of our expected to grow as more funds become community members had the chance to experiences with the late Senator. “The own,” Sanchez said. “I went before the available. With Senator Cisneros' death, catch up with their government officials.

Fifth Annual Questa Fishing Derby–$1,000 in Cash Prizes! By LYNN SKALL

Over 60 contestants from ages 2 to 70 participated in the Fifth Annual Questa Fishing Derby at Eagle Rock Lake on Saturday, June 26, vying for $1,000 in cash prizes. In an unexpected twist and turn of the reel, the longest fish were caught by the youngest an- glers! More than 75 prizes, donated by local sponsors, were awarded. Smoky Bear from the Carson National For- est was there, too! Congratulations to all winners: Questeña and new mom, Patricia Michael, won $500 for first place in Toner Mitchell, New Mexico Water and Ember-Star Medina, age the adult category. In second place was Fabian Vargas of Questa ($100), Habitat Program Director for Trout 5, from Taos, fishes every and a tie for third went to Roberto Falomir of Questa and Joey Allison of Unlimited, a supporter of the event, weekend at Eagle Rock Lake Espanola (splitting $50). was the fish-measuring officiant. with her family. She hooked WINNERS! the longest fish of the day, a Rainbow Trout, winning KIDS, UNDER 12, LONGEST FISH YOUTH, 12 TO 17 ADULTS, 18 AND OLDER $100 for first place in the 1st Place: 16-1/2”—Ember-Star Median, Taos, age 5 1st Place: 14’’—Ricardo Leon, Jr., Cerro 1st Place: 13-1/2”—Patricia Michael, Questa under-12 kids’ category. 2nd Place: 16-1/4”—Clyde Tindell, Arlington, TX, age 8 2nd Place: 13-3/4”—Landon Pelfrey, Gunter, TX 2nd Place: 13”—Fabian Vargas, Taos 3rd Place: 15-1/4”—Liam Garcia, Questa, age 2 3rd Place: 13”—Noah Mandonado, Questa 3rd Place Tie: 12-1/2”—Roberto Falomir, Questa Photos By Lynn Skall 3rd Place Tie: 12-1/2”—Joey Allison, Espanola

26 July 2021 • Questa Del Rio News • QuestaNews.com COMMUNITY NEWS Rainbow Family Gathering In Carson National Forest

By HILARY MARKIN of Rainbow Family participants visiting Carson National Forest. in the forest. This order also prohibits stores and buying food and supplies A forest resource protection plan for welding, using an acetylene torch, or The group called the Rainbow Family along routes to the gathering site. Forest the event will address concerns about operating any torch with an open flame of Living Light has chosen the Carson and county roads near the forest in Taos health and safety, watershed protection, within the boundaries of the Carson National Forest for its 2021 national County are expected to become congest- natural resource protection, and rehabil- National Forest. Forest visitors are asked gathering. Since 1972, the group has ed during the event. Road closures and/ itation of the event site before the group to use extreme caution when these fire held an annual summer camping event or traffic detours may occur within the leaves. The Forest Service is mobilizing restrictions are in place. You can find in a different national forest. This event National Forest. a national incident management team out more about this event at http:// will coincide with the Fourth of July The USDA Forest Service manages with experience managing these types of rainbowfamilygatherings.net/2021-rain- holiday, and participants have already the annual event in close coordination events. The team is working in unified bow-gathering/. begun arriving. with tribal, state, and local partners, to command with the Taos County Sher- The Rainbow Family pursues social protect the health and safety of everyone iff’s Office and other local authorities. and spiritual activities and prays for involved, and to lessen environmental A note to all: Stage 1 fire restric- world peace. Crowds range from 2,000 impacts to the site by providing informa- tions are now in effect. Fires, campfires, to 10,000 in number. An event of this tion and enforcing laws. “We understand charcoal grills, and coal and wood stoves size can have significant impacts on there may be impacts to our community, are allowed only in developed campsites traffic, communities, local resources, our neighbors, and our forest visitors, or picnic areas with Forest Service-built residents, and other visitors. Local busi- and are working to minimize effects,” fire rings or grills. Campfires are pro- nesses can expect to see large numbers said James Duran, forest supervisor for hibited at all dispersed camping sites

Tree Planting, Puppets, Get up to date LOCAL NEWS throughout Lunch & Games! the month by Following us By CLAIRE COTÉ horseshoes, and more! Come celebrate @Questa Del Rio News the heart of summer at the park! You are invited to the 3rd Com- With each monthly Community munity Connection Day, on July 16 Connection Day, a diverse group of us at Questa Municipal Park. This day of come together to improve our public intergenerational service and communi- spaces. Come connect with friends, UESTA ty celebration is the culmination of our & make new ones, and envision together Memorial Grove tree fund drive. More trees at the park will provide shade and what we want for our community! Collectibles wind protection for our kids (and all of The Memorial Grove is also a mean- us who enjoy the park), and improve ingful way to honor loved ones, and you Market habitat for our birds and pollinators. can still have a tree planted for a $100 Starting at 9 am, volunteers will donation. Contributions of any amount plant the trees. Midday, a community are appreciated For info about the tree lunch will be served, and renowned fundraiser and making donations, call EVERY SATURDAY puppeteer Cristina Masolivar will Laura Vallejos: (575) 635-2934. Infor- June 12th – October 2nd present her outdoor, hilarious-to-all-ag- mation about Community Days can be 10:00 am – 2:00 pm es puppet show Flamencos. There will found at: www.leapsite.org or by calling At the Questa Visitor Center: be games too: basketball, volleyball, (575) 224-9066. Located at the Questa traffic light (1 NM Hwy 38) For more information call: (575) 613-2852

e... Crafts • Attic Treasures • Collectibles • Homemade Delectables D’t hes e! Garage-Sale Sellables • Vintage Finds Vaccinat VENDORS WE HAVE COVID VACCINES WELCOME! AVAILABLE! $10 per week per vendor space Set up 9am; bring own tables, chairs, cash bank, etc. Call us to schedule your vaccination Required $35 Peddler’s Permit can be purchased 505-586-0315 and choose option #1. on site, good for 3 months For more Vendor information uesta Economic Development Fund PMSNM.ORG call (575) 586-2149

QuestaNews.com • Questa Del Rio News • July 2021 27 COMMUNITY NEWS

BUD WILSON cont’d from page 1 to dig some post holes with the kids first chance to lead a life as blessed as his. He loves them. Bud has saved countless lives thing in the morning. In his 80s, Bud tells every camper that they are forever at the hospital and at the camp. He is a still hiked up to catch the campers at the welcome on his ranch. healer of hearts. was smitten with his beloved Barb when Bud is tough as nails, kind, exceed- he saw her removing a banana cream top of 12,000 ft. Lobo Peak. Now in his ingly generous, patient, wise, charismat- pie from Jennie Vincent’s oven. They 90s he still joins campers for rigorous ic, optimistic, and humble. He possesses had four children together. In 1985, Bud adventures and ranch work. a sharp intellect, unwavering integrity, and Barb founded the Sangre de Cristo At the Sangre de Cristo Youth Ranch, and an insatiable curiosity that has Youth Ranch Summer Camp. They every youth can know the same satis- kept his mind elastic and his attitudes wanted to give the single mom nurses at faction and self-esteem earned through progressive. Every camper would refer the hospital a break during the summer. doing an honest day’s work in real ser- to Bud as “cool.” He is slow to anger and Bud often didn’t charge people for vice that Bud initially found for himself quick to forgive, an engaging commu- surgeries, but what money he did earn on the farm in Kansas. Campers share nicator, and a trusted friend, a loving was poured into the camp. The month- the freedom, camaraderie, and connec- father and a devoted husband. Above all, long experience has been provided tion to nature that ranch life provides. Bud has the rarest of gifts: true com- free of charge for over 30 years. When Camp gives kids an appreciation for the passion. He has the ability to genuinely he wasn’t keeping vigil at a bedside in strength of diversity in community, and empathize with almost any perspective. recovery, Dr. Wilson was driving up to all the tools to become fulfilled human Claire Cote He can make people feel appreciated and Lama in the middle of the night, eager beings. Bud wants everyone to have a Daniel Hutchison and Bud Wilson loved, because he truly appreciates and

The Questa History Trail Grand Opening 1 2 3 By MARTHA SHEPP

The Questa History Trail's grand opening on Saturday, June 5 was a great success, with over 50 guests. After last year’s cancellations, and despite a detour across the church parking lot, Questa historian Flavio Cisneros came out to lead us, along with others: May- or Mark Gallegos, musician Michael Rael, and other team contributors. If you missed this event, the trail is self-guided! Find maps at the Welcome 4 5 6 kiosk or the Questa Visitor Center, or just start at the corner and follow the red wooden arrows. It's an informative story of Questa and a microcosm of northern New Mexcio’s history! (Please be respectful of parishioners and residents as you walk the trail.)

Row 1: 1. Michael Rael serenades. 2. The welcome tent team. 3. Out-of-towners sign in.

Row 2: 4. Mayor Mark Gallegos. 5. Inside the restored church. 6. Flavio starts his commentary.

Row 3: 7. The crowd of 50+ gathered on a beautiful 7 National Trails Day, June 6.

28 July 2021 • Questa Del Rio News • QuestaNews.com IN THE STARS

ESOTERIC ASTROLOGY SKYDANCE ESOTERIC ASTROLOGY by Charlene R. Johnson JULY 2021

LEO AND THE SUN Both light and shadow are the dance of Love. —Rumi We have three levels of astrology as far as we know at this time: Traditional astrology, which most people use; esoteric astrology, which is meant to become the predominant astrology of the Aquarian Age in full swing by the Age of Capricorn; and a third level of astrology called Hierarchical Astrology. Since few people are vibrating that high yet, we know very little about it, but we do know the planetary rulers shift as we evolve. As humanity begins to vibrate on higher, more conscious, 000WAGS. 75) 751-9247 10 COM more awake levels, so the meanings of the planets shift and vibrate with us. Old meanings no longer fit; we feel like we’ve (5 “outgrown our horoscope.” The one planetary rulership which remains the same on all three levels is the Sun with Leo. The symbol for the Sun is a circle with a central dot, one of humanity’s oldest symbols. It can be found on cave walls and sacred rock formations all over the world. Its meanings are as infinite as its relationship to Leo: the circle of life, vitality, DID YOU KNOW? prana, the heart of our Universe, and the center of our solar system—without which none of us would exist in physical Spiders are arthropods. Eight legs, multiple eyes and two body form. It is the void and existence within the void. It is everything and nothing; me in the center with God all around; God segments. New Mexico has hundreds of species of spiders. in the center of me. God is Love and Leo rules Love. Leo—with its love of life, its bounding joy in the sun, its need for Most common are wolf, cellar(daddy longlegs), House spiders, playfulness and remembering that life is not always serious but IS always about Love. As we shift into the “dog days” of orb weavers, brown recluse, black widows and the largest spider, summer, it’s interesting that, in fact, we are shifting into the sign of cats, not dogs! Nothing plays like a cat, then curls up in the tarantula. Spiders live in all our habitats from deserts to high the sun with the tip of its tail, the dot in the center of life itself. mountain meadows to streams and lakes eating millions of insects and other arthropods. All spiders are poisonous(venom), but only a few Everyone: Enjoy a cat; they know. are dangerous to man. The black widow, brown widow, some wolf spiders and the brown recluse(fiddleback). ARIES a Planet: Mercury C MARCH 20 – APRIL 19 LIBRA g Planet: Uranus H SEPT 22 – OCT 22 Dynamic: Challenges, blessings and lots of shifting energy. Dynamic: You’re at the crux of it all right now. CALL FOR DETAILS Direction: Time to stay on your toes. Direction: No blame allowed; rather, find the balance. Soul Thought: What does “mercurial” mean? Soul Thought: “Awareness is inseparable from 575.770.3297 ENVIRONMENTAL PEST CONTROL wisdom.” —Eckhart Tolle TAURUS b Planet: Vulcan APRIL 19 – MAY 20 Dynamic: You may find it difficult to articulate clearly when it SCORPIO h Planet: Mars E OCT 22 – NOV 21 really matters. Dynamic: A partnership – love and/or marriage Direction: “Feel” into the words you want to say. – becomes intense. Soul Thought: “Symbols are the natural speech of the Soul, a Direction: Isn’t that what you want?! language older and more universal than words.” —C.S. Lewis Soul Thought: Be careful what you ask for. SUMMER GEMINI c Planet: Venus D MAY 20 – July 20 SAGITTARIUS i Planet: Earth O NOV 21 – DEC 20 Dynamic: It’s almost like the light coming into the light. Dynamic: A struggle uphill is meant to generate a great view. Direction: Be the reflection. Direction: Be sure to look around. CAMPING Soul Thought: A sight for sore eyes. Soul Thought: It’s all in plain view. CANCER d Planet: Neptune I July 20 – JULY 22 CAPRICORN j Planet: Saturn G DEC 20 – JAN 19 & FISHING Dynamic: You have an uncanny ability to perceive things right Dynamic: By the end of month the mundane and the esoteric now. come together. Direction: Look long and hard. Direction: Shouldering the load with another is a good thing. SUPPLIES Soul Thought: When light sparkles on water. Soul Thought: When the physical and metaphysical worlds meet. LEO e Planet: Sun A JULY 22 – AUG 22 HERE! Dynamic: Good days ahead; you feel strong. AQUARIUS k Planet: Jupiter F JAN 19 – FEB 18 Direction: Flex your muscles on behalf of others. Dynamic: All this back-and-forthing may make you dizzy. Soul Thought: “It’s better to light a candle than curse the Direction: Someone has to show the way. darkness.” —Chinese proverb Soul Thought: Treading in the footsteps in the sand. VIRGO f Planet: Moon B AUG 22 – SEPT 22 PISCES l Planet: Pluto J FEB 18 – MAR 20 Dynamic: You have been both the reason for, and the recipient of Dynamic: You may feel less like following the rules than ever. major change in the last two months. Direction: Determine who and what the rules are for. Direction: Both were needed; accept in gratitude. Soul Thought: A time to be impious. Soul Thought: What is an eclipse?

To discover your Rising Sign, or for more information, contact Charlene R. Johnson, QUESTA LUMBER & HARDWARE CO. www.SkyDanceAstrology.com, or email: [email protected] 2349 State Road 522 • Questa NM • 575.586.0414 Esoteric Astrology is focused on the rising sign more than the sun sign (we suggest you read both) and provides clarity, direction and answers for those seeking a higher level of life. questalumber.com

QuestaNews.com • Questa Del Rio News • July 2021 29 CLASSIFIEDS

WANTED ambassador: greet guests, answer phones, - $1 each or 12 for $10. For more info, to [email protected] or leave a message at am – noon, 140 Embargo Rd in Questa. For contractors, entrepreneurs in Questa can distribute area info, sell merchandise, clean coordinate pick-up at the Questa Visitor Center, (575) 586-2149. more information call (575) 586-0486. If drop in for one-on-one business consulting Vendors for Questa Crafts & Collectibles and organize. Knowledge of Questa, Red River, or to request a postage quote call: (575) 586- Heads Up: Mandatory 10-digit dialing you need an emergency food box please call: and training in planning, accessing capital, Market on Saturdays only: all summer. and Taos areas preferred. $10/hr. Contact Lynn 2258 or email [email protected]. Jeannie Masters (586-0486 or 779-9194) or marketing, regulatory compliance, technology Sell artwork, antiques, handcrafted originals, coming! To complete all local calls, you will Skall: [email protected] or leave a message soon need to dial area code plus the telephone Nancy Parker (586-2096 or 505 699-7563). development, international trade, and more. collectibles, surplus personal effects. New at (575) 586-2149. NOTICES To make a donation go to https://www. https://zoom.us/j/5757376219 Join by vendors mention this ad and get your first number. This applies to all calls within your Elementary Teacher Needed. Call Red Tales and Tails at the Questa Public area code that are currently dialed with only ncfpquesta.com/ or mail donation to: North phone: +1 346 248 7799. For appointments Saturday free, each additional Saturday is $10. Library Summer Reading is going full Central Food Pantry, PO Box 1076, Questa, NM call (575) 737-6219. For info call Lynn (575) 586-2149. River Valley Charter School at (575) 754-6117. seven digits. blast! Read and enter at the library to win one 87556. For more information, please email Enchanted Circle Bicycle Tour Welding instructor needed to teach of seven bikes! Mon.– Fri. 10 am. More fun to RTD “Blue Buses” will not operate on [email protected] HELP WANTED hands-on classes at the new Questa High Monday, July 5th, in observance of the is August 28. The course starts and finisheds come! Last day is July 14, when we will have Questa One-on-One Business in Red River, with an 85-mile and 100-mile Housekeeper for a small home in School Welding Lab. Classes begin with the Fourth of July holiday. Have a safe and happy the drawing for bikes and lots of prizes and Counseling Drop-in Hour by the Small ride. Cost to ride is $80-115; includes t-shirt, Sunshine Valley, once or twice a month. Fall 2021 semester. For more information and Independence Day! surprises. Call QPL for more information: Business Development Center at UNM-Taos meals, and support. Register at rollmassif. Call Tana at (575) 613-2504. to apply contact Lynn Skall: lynn@questaedf. (575) 586-2023. com or leave a message at (575) 586-2149. with Anwar Kaelin. FREE and CONFIDENTIAL, com/enchantedcricle Work at the Questa Visitor Center! Every The Questa Visitor Center invites local North Central New Mexico Food no appointment needed, on the third July Quote from Lisa Fox: “ They say how Wednesday and Thursday from 10 am - 3 FOR SALE artists to sell note cards, postcards, and Pantry: Distribution days are the second Thursday of every month, July 21 from long a minute is depends on which side of the pm June through September. Be a Questa 2 – 3 pm. Business owners, independent Back Issues of The Questa Del Rio News unframed prints. Contact Lynn Skall: and fourth Fridays of the month from 9 bathroom door you’re on.” —Sadhguru COMMUNITY CALENDAR • JULY 2021 JULY 2 6:00-8:30 pm JULY 13 6:00 pm JULY 21 2:00 - 3:00 pm JULY 31 10:00 am - 1 pm 10:00 - 11:30 am remembrance, it is a group practice involving Bingo, Red River Community House. Village of Questa Town Council Meeting SBDC drop-in consulting session. Join Back To School Supply Giveaway Questa Public Library Kids Summer Reading chant and movement. In person for those who Please verify dates at https://www. online via Zoom; call the Village Office for the anytime via video conference on zoom at https:// Packets of back-to-school supplies will be given program. July 6 & 13. Call (575) 586-2023 or are fully vaccinated. To find out more and to redrivercommunityhouse.com/2018-calender Zoom link and access code to “attend” the zoom.us./j/5757376219, or call in by phone at out. Vida Del Norte, 62 Hwy 38 in Questa email [email protected]. register, visit: https://www.lamatogether.org/events/ (575) 754-2349 meeting, (575) 586-0694. (346) 248-7799. JULY 31 6:30 am - 4:30 pm https://www.questalibrary.org/ Call us at 575-586-1269, or JULY 4 JULY 14 10:00 - 11:30 am JULY 22 begins at dusk Enchanted Forest Trail Races, Red River. 2:00 -3:00 pm email [email protected]. Independence Day Questa Public Library Bang-up Fun day to Family Movie Nights Vida Del Norte is hosting Information: https://geminiadventures.com/ Kids Nature Craft Classes, Red River Community JULY 4 10:00 am celebrate the end of Summer Reading program. a family movie night every other Thursday enchanted-forest-trail-races/. To register as House. Please verify dates at Fourth of July Parade in Red River. Chamber Bicycle contest giveaway for SRP participants! through the summer. These movie nights are held a runner: https://ultrasignup.com/register. https://www.redrivercommunityhouse. FRIDAYS Call (575) 586-2023 or email outside of Vida Del Norte, 62 Highway 38. aspx?did=83777 com/2018-calender of Commerce (575) 754-2366. 10:00 am Email: [email protected]; [email protected]. To find out what movie will be playing visit (575) 754-2349 https://www.questalibrary.org/ www.vidadelnorte.com/movienights. Yoga Sala, Seated Moving Meditation, https://redriver.org/ 5:30 - 7:00 pm http://www.yogasalaquesta.org/ JULY 16 9:00 am - noon JULY 22 6:00 - 8:30 pm Yoga Sala, Gentle Candle-lit Yoga, JULY 5 6:00 - 8:30 pm Recurring 1:00 - 3:00 pm Bingo, Red River Community House. Community Connection Day. Questa Park: Bingo, Red River Community House. Please http://www.yogasalaquesta.org/ Summer Tree Planting and Celebration. verify dates at www.redrivercommunityhouse. Yoga Sala, Kids Dance Camp (ages 3-8), Please verify dates at Weekly http://www.yogasalaquesta.org/ https://www.redrivercommunityhouse. Questa Municipal Park. Dedication ceremony - com/calendar (575) 754-2349 WEDNESDAYS com/2018-calender (575) 754-2349 memorial plaques placed by newly planted trees. JULY 23 6:00 - 8:30 pm Events 1:00 - 3:00 pm You can still dedicate a tree to a loved one for a Bingo, Red River Community House. 9:00 am Questa Village Yard, brush collection and chipper JULY 6 6:00 pm donation of $100. For more information visit: Yoga Sala: Gentle Morning Yoga, services. Free. Contact the Village of Questa for Questa Independent School District Board Please verify dates at https://www. https://vidadelnorte.com/parktrees/, redrivercommunityhouse.com/2018-calender SUNDAYS http://www.yogasalaquesta.org/ more information (575) 586-0964 Meeting online via Zoom; call the https://leapsite.org/ or (575) 224-9066. Administrative Office for the Zoom link and (575) 754-2349 10:00 am - 2:00 pm 10:00 - 11:30 am 6:00 pm access code to participate, (575) 586-0421. JULY 16 6:00 - 8:30 pm JULY 23 9:00 am - noon Questa Farmers Market; Questa Visitors Center Questa Public Library Kids Summer Reading New Thirst Group at Living Word Ministries, Bingo, Red River Community House. Food for all at North Central NM Food parking lot. https://questafarmersmarket.org/ program. July 7 & 14. Call (575) 586-2023 or 12 Llano Rd., Questa JULY 8 Begins at dusk Please verify dates at Pantry, 140 Embargo Rd in Questa. (575) 224-2102 email [email protected]. 6:00 - 8:30 pm Family Movie Nights Vida Del Norte is hosting https://www.redrivercommunityhouse. https://www.questalibrary.org/ a family movie night every other Thursday (575) 586-0486. Website: Bingo, Red River Community House com/2018-calender https://www.ncfpquesta.com/ through the summer. These movie nights are held (575) 754-2349 MONDAYS 3:00 - 6:00 pm (575) 754-2349 outside of Vida Del Norte, 62 Highway 38. JULY 26 6:00 pm Cerro Vista Farm, produce & plants for sale. https://www.redrivercommunityhouse. To find out what movie will be playing visit JULY 17 10:00 am Vida Del Norte Coalition Meetings 10:00 - 11:00 am, June 7, 14, and 198 Lower Buena Vista Rd, Cerro, NM com/2018-calender Yoga Sala, Writers Group, by Zoom, 21 only www.vidadelnorte.com/movienights. The monthly Vida Del Norte Coalition Meetings https://cerrovistafarm.com/ http://www.yogasalaquesta.org/ Yoga Sala, Ballet for Kids (ages 3-8), in person 6:30 pm JULY 9 9:00 am - noon are open to the public and are a great time to find 6:00 pm Shabbat, Online and in person for those who are 7/17/21 - 7/18/21 Contemplative out what the coalition is up to and work with the only, http://www.yogasalaquesta.org/ Food for all at North Central NM Food Environmentalism Workshop, Paul Wapner & Yoga Sala, Zumba (power), fully vaccinated. To find out more and to register, Pantry, 140 Embargo Rd in Questa. community to come up with ways to prevent 4:30 pm http://www.yogasalaquesta.org/ visit: https://www.lamatogether.org/events/ Lena Fletcher youth substance misuse. 62 Highway 38. Zoom Yoga Sala, Community Yoga, Gentle Practice, (575) 586-0486. Website: 8:30 - 10 pm Call us at 575-586-1269, or https://www.ncfpquesta.com/ JULY 17-20 All day at https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85026030334. http://www.yogasalaquesta.org/ email [email protected]. Square Dancing, Red River Community House. Movies on the Mount, Red River Community JULY 9 6:00 - 8:30 pm JULY 26 6:00 - 8:30 pm 6:00 - 7:00 pm House (575) 754-2349 Call Blanche Hudson (806) 681-3802 Bingo, Red River Community House. Yoga Sala, Silent Meditation Mondays, Bingo, Red River Community House. https://www.redrivercommunityhouse. SATURDAYS for more information. Please verify dates at https://www. http://www.yogasalaquesta.org/ Please verify dates at https://www. https://www.redrivercommunityhouse.com/ com/2018-calender redrivercommunityhouse.com/2018-calender redrivercommunityhouse.com/2018-calender 6:00 - 8:30 pm 8:30 - 9:30 am Yoga Sala, Zumba (dance), (575) 754-2349 JULY 19 3:30 pm (575) 754-2349 Bingo, Red River Community House Questa Library Book Club meets at the THURSDAYS http://www.yogasalaquesta.org/ JULY 12 10:00 - 11:30 am JULY 27 6:00 pm (575) 754-2349 library. Read something International. Village of Questa Town Council Meeting https://www.redrivercommunityhouse. 5:30 pm 10:00 am - 2:00 pm Questa Public Library, Kids Summer (575) 586-2023 Reading program (575) 586-2023 or email online via Zoom; call the Village Office for the com/2018-calender Yoga Sala, Yoga Slow Flow, Questa Crafts & Collectibles Market; [email protected]. JULY 20 1:15 - 2:15 pm Zoom link and access code to “attend” the http://www.yogasalaquesta.org/ Questa Visitors Center parking lot. https://www.questalibrary.org/ Bookmobile at Questa Post Office. No meeting, (575) 586-0694. 6:00 pm https://questafarmersmarket.org/ TUESDAYS (575) 586-2149 school stops for July and August. (575) 376-2474 JULY 30 6-8:30 pm Thursday Night Jam Session at Rael's Market & 6:00-8:30 pm or [email protected] 8:15 am Bingo, Red River Community House. Bingo, Red River Community House. Coffee House; bring your instrument to jam or Yoga Sala, Seated Moving Meditation, Please verify dates at https://www. JULY 20 6:00 pm Please verify dates at https://www. just bring yourself and enjoy. Free! http://www.yogasalaquesta.org/ redrivercommunityhouse.com/2018-calender Questa Independent School District Board redrivercommunityhouse.com/2018-calender 2430 NM-Hwy 522 in Questa (575) 779-9249 (575) 754-2349 Meeting online via Zoom; call for access. (575) 754-2349 10:00 am Evening (575) 586-0421. Yoga Sala, Gentle Morning Yoga, At the Lama Foundation: Zikr is held most http://www.yogasalaquesta.org/ Thursday evenings. The Sufi practice of

30 July 2021 • Questa Del Rio News • QuestaNews.com BULLETIN BOARD

Have a voice in CHURCH your town’s future Attend public meetings virtually! DIRECTORY These meetings are open, and public comments are welcome with a limit of 3 minutes. Check the websites for agenda topics and past minutes. QUESTA QUESTA CHURCH OF CHRIST Call your Town Hall for accurate dates and times. 2 miles north of Questa on State Road 522 (which are fluctuating currently) ST. ANTHONY DE PADUA CHURCH Sunday Bible Class Sunday 9:30 am Father Andrew Ifele (575) 586-0470 followed by worship at 10:15 am

Saturday 6 pm, Sunday 7 am in Spanish, VILLAGE RED RIVER KAGYU MILA GURU SANGHA https://redriver.org/ 11 am in English Tibetan Buddhism OF QUESTA MISSION CHURCHES OF ST. ANTHONY’S: Monday, 11 am: Green Tara http://questa–nm.com/ Town Council meets the Costilla - Sagrado Corazon - Sunday 9 am Tuesday, 6 pm: Chenrezig Questa Village Council meets 4th Tuesday of the month Cerro - Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe - 2nd & 4th Thursday, 4 pm: Medicine Buddha the 2nd and 4th Tuesdays, at 5:00 pm at the Saturdays 4 pm www.earthjourney.org at 6 pm at Town Hall Conference Center Amalia - Santo Niño - 1st & 3rd Saturdays 4 pm (575) 586-1454, Hilece Linda Calhoun, HARVEST QUESTA KINGDOM HALL OF JEHOVAH’S WITNESSES Mark Gallegos, Mayor Pastors Kristi & Johnny Gonzales (575) 586-1947 Mayor [email protected] 2558 Hwy 522 [email protected] Sunday 11 am - 12:30 pm Georgiana Rael, AMALIA Renee Martinez, Wednesday Women’s Bible Study on Zoom 6 - 7 pm Town Administrator Town Clerk/Administrator Check newspaper calendar for evening prayer dates SANTO NIÑO MISSION CHURCH [email protected] [email protected] Message us for Zoom links 1st & 3rd Saturdays 4 pm Phone (575) 770-1714 Red River Town Hall ABUNDANT LIFE CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP Village of Questa Town Hall Visit us online: HarvestQuesta.org Sunday Service 10:30 am 575–754–2277 575–586–0694 100 E Main Street LIVING WORD MINISTRIES Potluck & Fellowship 3rd Sunday of the month 2500 Old State Rd. 3 Pastors Peter and Gayle Martinez Highway 196, Amalia Red River, NM 87558 Questa, NM 87556 P.O. Box 1020 12 Llano Road Pastors: Lorenzo & Arleen Lucero Service: Sunday 10:30 am (575) 770-5716 Nursery and Kids’ Church at 10:30 am Wednesday Bible Study 7 pm RED RIVER www.lwmsite.org (575) 586-1587 FAITH MOUNTAIN FELLOWSHIP Corner of River Street and Copper King Trail AA MEETINGS PATH OF LOVE Sunday 10:30 am Sunday 7:30 am class and meditation First Baptist Church of Red River A NEW DIRECTION Introductory Meditation Class Sunday 3 pm 103 High Cost Trail Alcoholics Anonymous (575) 586-1454, Hilece Our human resources, as marshaled by Sundays 8:15 am and 10:30 am Online Zoom Meetings: THEOSOPHY Pastor Joe Phillips (575) 754-2882 the will, were not sufficient; they failed Sunday 10am Alice Bailey Theosophy Study Group https://aa–intergroup.org/ ST. EDWIN’S CATHOLIC CHURCH (575) 586-4641, Francis North end of Silver Bell Trail directory_audio–video.php utterly… Every day is a day when we Saturday 6 pm (Confession prior to Mass or by appt.) must carry the vision of God's will into Father Andrew Ifele (575) 586-0470 For Information on local meetings call Mose at all our activities. 575–224–4326 ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS, pp. 45, 85

QuestaNews.com • Questa Del Rio News • July 2021 31 BUSINESS DIRECTORY

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www.questalodge.com • (575) 586-9913

SHOP LOCALS TA SHOP QUES LOCAL July ~ Online and in person YOGA • QIGONG • ZUMBA free / donation: • KIDS BALLET FRIDAYS hydraulic hoses and small engine repair • WRITING GROUP • SILENT MEDITATION P.O.2349 Box NM 199 HWY–522 • MOVING MEDITATION Questa, NM 87556 You need it? 2420 St. Hwy 522 575.224.2102 Phone: (575) 586-0414 Questa, NM 87556 We rent it. Fax: (575) 586-1916 575-586-0419/0418 Register: YogaSalaQuesta.org

S I L&E Self Storage T $40 for 5’x10’ E $60 10’x10’ to $90 10’x20’ S Vecinos and Visitors Welcome T • Espresso and coffee • Locally crafted furniture • (575) 586-0568 (575) 586-0695 O • NM Products • Art Work • Shower Facilities • 32 Sagebrush Rd. (next to Questa High School) • Treasures New and Old • Thursday Night Music Jam • R • Meeting Space for Small Groups • E QUESTA, NEW MEXICO • AT THE LIGHT