Volume V, Issue IV *********ECRWSSEDDM**** PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE APRIL (FOOLS') 2021 PAID PERMIT NO.3 The Newspaper ECRWSS CUESTA • REY RIVER • CERRA • COSTILA • AMALLIA • LLAMA • SAN CISTOBAL IN THIS State-of-the-Art Questa Outlet Mall ISSUE Breaks Ground in Summer 2021
COMMUNITY NEWS The Dalai Lama coming to El Rito! Spring of 2022 Page 56 BUSINESS Questa Business Park next location for Amazon Fulfillment Center, announces Jeff Bazos. Page 64 FISHING, RECREATION & WILDLIFE Ute Mountain Shocker! Tourist climbs through snow to top of Ute Mountain, finds hundreds of giraffes. Page 41 SPORTS SECTION QUESTA HIGH BASKETBALL Takes State in Zoom Tournament! See Photo Essay in Sports Section
Welcome to our XXL F. Otto Proposed interior design of the new outlet mall shows the latest in interior design trends. With a large allotment of interior space for early morning mall Earth Day, Easter, and walkers and mid-afternoon entertainment from modern pop icons like Menudo and New Edition. (Actual photo is from the set of the third season of Netflix show April Fools' Edition. Stranger Things) After a lengthy debate about the We hope you find it proposed construction during their last meeting, some objections were noted. EXTRA EXTRA The Chamber agreed to proceed with informative. By GABRIELLA GUCCI, construction of the mall in the belief FASHION CORRESPONDENT that the hundreds of shoppers expected The Questa Chamber of Commerce to frequent the mall on a weekly basis So that we don't has announced an exciting new develop- will provide a much-needed economic ment for the area! This summer, construc- boost to Questa. cause excess tion will begin on a premium outlet mall Community members with any con- adjacent to the Industrial Park. The park- cerns or questions about the construction confusion, the ing lot will accommodate up to 250 cars, of the outlet mall can contact the Cham- April Fools' and will include premium stores such as ber to voice their opinion. However, F. Otto Eddie Bauer, Guess, Le Creuset, Samsonite please keep in mind that if you do call, articles/ads will Chamber members will have to fess up Blazing new modern movie theater will show the Luggage, Banana Republic, Coach, and have a little joker newest releases like Ferris Bueller's Day Off and Robo Brooks Brothers for Men. In total, fifty that they know nothing about it, since the Cop in Dolby Stereo SR. (Actual photo is from the set stores will be part of this new high-end outlet mall plan is just a figment of this hat icon near them. of the third season of Netflix show Stranger Things) shopping experience! writer’s imagination. APRIL FOOLS! LEDITOR FROM THE EDITOR Questa Del Rio News NOTICIAS QUESTA DEL RIO "What we are doing here is so important, we better not take it too seriously." Published Monthly by the QUESTA ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT FUND Publicación mensual por — Shunryu Suzuki Roshi EL FONDO PARA EL DESARROLLO ECONOMICO DE QUESTA LOU McCALL Editor MARTHA SHEPP Assistant Editor/Editor asistente Welcome to our Fourth Annual April Fools’ edition! People still talk about some EMILY WILDE Graphic Design & Pagination/Diseño gráfico y paginación of the crazy stories we have published in previous years. This is really fun for us, a ROBYN BLACK Food Editor/Editor de comida nice way to get over the winter doldrums and lighten up. April Fools’ is an opportu- SARA MARTINEZ Costilla Correspondant/Corresponsal de Costilla y Amalia nity for us not to take ourselves too seriously, as Zen Masters such as Suzuki Roshi CAROLINE YEZER San Cristobal Correspondant/Corresponsal de San Cristobal and Uncle Henry remind us. TERESA DOVALPAGE Translator/Traductora Only once (that I know of) have we seriously offended anyone with an April MARTA GLOVER MARIA GONZALEZ Fools’ story. And since we offend people occasionally, if not regularly, that is not CHARLENE R. JOHNSON TOO terrible. Our advisors tell us that hearing from readers, whether they are TONER MITCHELL DONNA MITCHELL-MONIAK pleased or not, is a good thing. It means that people actually read what we write, DEBORAH ARCHULETA-MORENO think about what they read, and that we are doing our job. Some might argue that CYNTHIA NAJIM SHARON NICHOLSON pushing buttons is what journalism does. True journalism reports the facts, which MANDY STAPLEFORD isn’t always comfortable. BARBARA TRACY ELLEN WOOD Maybe we see something in this newspaper or on national news that upsets MICHAEL YOUNG Columnists/Columnistas us. It can be helpful to observe what bothers us and why. Being naturally aware of Monthly Features/Presentaciones Mensuales suffering is the hallmark of sensitive souls. When we witness the suffering of others CHUCK KROON Distribution Manager/Gerente de distribución (think Easter and the crucifixion of Christ), or the destruction of our planet, (think [email protected] (575) 586-2360 Earth Day) it means that we are seeking clarity, a process that leads to greater and VANETTE HARRIS Subscription Manager/Gerente de subcripciones FREE SUBSCRIPTIONS VIA EMAIL sometimes profound sensitivity.When we want to be more clear, we will notice SUBCRIPCIONES POR CORREO ELECTRONICO more suffering than others, both in the world out there, as well as our own interior PAPER SUBSCRIPTIONS VIA USPS $60 per year SUBSCRIPCIONES EN PAPEL POR CORREO USPS $60 por año landscapes. The past year has brought a wake-up call, hopefully for the whole world, and at Contact us to subscribe/Pónganse en contacto para subscribir [email protected] least to many people. As if from a dream, much of the world realized they have been TO VIEW PAST ISSUES OF THIS PUBLICATION sleepwalking. Going about a life on autopilot, with habitual behaviors that can be PARA REVISAR PUBLICACIONES ANTERIORES https://www.facebook.com/QuestaNews destructive or at least not helpful, can suddenly be viewed for what they are– some- https://www.facebook.com/VisitQuesta thing that needs to change. This has been happening on a national and international www.Questa–nm.com scale, as well, with governments striving for more transparency to offer real solu- QUESTA ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT FUND DE LA COMUNIDAD DE QUESTA tions to real problems. It has been a year of transformation, sometimes painful. Not FONDO PARA EL DESARROLLO DE QUESTA everyone can face their demons, or as I prefer to call them, angels in disguise. Some LYNN SKALL QEDF Director/Director individuals may not be able or want to slow down. It can take time and patience and
BOARD OF DIRECTORS a lot of self-care. CONSEJO DE ADMINISTRACION DEL But I digress; we were talking about not taking ourselves too seriously! In addi- FONDO PARA EL DESARROLLO DE QUESTA Malaquias Rael Chairman/Presidente, tion to April Fools’ Day, this is also our annual Earth Day issue, and we are excited Mark Gallegos Secretary/Treasurer/Secretario y Tesorero, to offer you some great stories about creative and sustainable solutions with Earth Louis Herrera Christian Isely Day events going on right here at home. Brent Jaramillo We are celebrating Easter this month and in this paper we are not addressing Marcus Rael, Jr. commercialized aspects of the holiday like chocolate bunnies. We hope you and QUESTA DEL RIO NEWS your families have a wonderful Sagrada Semana (Holy Week). And congratulations PO Box 1072 1 Highway 38 to those lucky folks who received an Easter ham from the North Central Food Questa, NM 87556 Pantry—Enjoy! OUR MISSION To Inform, Inspire, Connect and Unite the Communities of Northern Taos County. AND April is National Poetry Month, so dust off your favorite old poetry books and spend time with your beloved poems and poets. Why not fire up your laptop NUESTRO OBJETIVO Es informar, inspirar, contactar, y unir a toda la comunidad del norte del condado de Taos. or pick up your pen and journal! There is no time like April to write down those Advertising/Anuncios powerful words that keep going through your head, sometimes over and over, until [email protected] you actually do something with them. There is something about springtime and [email protected] (575) 586-2258 flowers busting through the soil that inspires poetry, so we are featuring New Mex- www.questanews.com ico Poet Laureate Levi Romero in our Literary Locals section. We hope that April is Check out our donate button! ¡Mira nuestro botón para donar! Like us on FaceBook/Questa Del Rio News! your time to experience more poetics and gratitude in your life, no matter what that PLEASE SEND ALL COMMENTS AND CONTRIBUTIONS looks like. And remember, “What we are doing here is so important, we better not BY THE 12TH OF THE MONTH take it too seriously!” NOS PUEDEN CONTACTAR PARA INFORMACIÓN ENVÍE ANTES DEL DÍA 12 DEL MES [email protected] - Lou McCall and the Pulitzer Prize-winning poets (575) 586-2149 of the Questa Del Rio News - Happy April Fools’ Day!
2 April 2021 • Questa Del Rio News • QuestaNews.com THE REAL COVER STORY Successful Public Vaccination Day In Questa
Daniel Hutchison Over 700 registered persons patiently stood in line to get vaccinated at Questa High School on Tuesday, March 2. Cars were lined up along Sage Brush Road all the way to Highway 522. The vaccine clinic was a cooperative effort of the New Mexico Department of Health and many local agencies, businesses, and individuals.
By JONATHAN HUTCHISON health complications. Fortunately, caught up (masked and socially dis- community agencies that helped make The community came together for a enough vaccine was on hand to immu- tanced, of course) as they waited patient- this event possible: ly in line, while incoming cars stretched very effective vaccination event, thanks nize members of other age groups, too. • Taos County Office of all the way from Questa High School to to a cooperative effort by the New Mexi- Excitement was in the air as peo- Emergency Management Highway 522. co Department of Health and numerous ple celebrated the end of their wait for • Taos County Fire & Emergency local community agencies. Approxi- the vaccine, and the light at the end of Taos County Fire Chief Mike Medical Services, including mately 700 people received the Moderna the long pandemic tunnel. Old friends Cordova acknowledged the following personnel from the Questa, Latir, La COVID-19 vaccine at the Questa High Lama, Costilla, and San Cristobal fire districts. Emergency medical School gymnasium on Tuesday, March VACCINATION EVENT PROVIDES MUCH NEEDED SOCIAL CONTACT 2. Many received their first dose, while technicians and paramedics administered vaccines and screened others received their second (or booster) Seniors report that the vaccination events attracting large numbers of people have provided participants, while fire personnel shot. This was the second public vacci- welcome relief from social isolation. People came from Taos and other parts of Taos County, provided traffic control and nation event to take place in Questa, in as well as Colorado. For some, there was a lot of joy in seeing old friends and neighbors. general support. addition to a special session for area first Although the usual hugs were missing and some people didn’t recognize each other, it • Village of Questa was fun, and a good reminder about what we have been missing. These events also give responders. • Taos County Sheriff’s office staff and The objective of this vaccination us hope that we will soon be allowed to gather again when the pandemic is over. Many Taos Central Dispatch event was to vaccinate senior citi- community members are grateful to those on the front lines who worked together to get • Taos County Senior Center staff zens, the group most vulnerable to those vaccines out. COVID-19, as well as those with at-risk VACCINATION EVENT cont’d on page 36
QuestaNews.com • Questa Del Rio News • April 2021 3 LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
THANK YOU TO OUR LOCAL, INTERNATIONAL AND INTERGALACTIC CONTRIBUTORS TO OUR FORTIETH ANNUAL Dear excellent newspaper: APRIL FOOLS’ ISSUE: WE COULDN’T HAVE DONE IT WITHOUT YOU! Would it be possible to publish photo- graphs – identifying each artist – of the LINDA BETZ, JAY BOUCHARD, JOSE CHAVEZ, DALE CISNEROS, SR., artworks on the banners? DALE CISNEROS JR, DINA COLEMAN, JANIE CORINNE, Kudos to Lou McCall for such a won- The banners are eye-catching and make CLAIRE COTÉ, PETE CRIDER, CULLEN CURTISS, CAROLINE GALLEGOS, derful job on the OCHO article. She a statement about the art community LOLA GANLER, MARTA GLOVER, PRISCILLA PRESLEY GUTIERREZ, took the time to interview a number of here. But at 20 – 25 mph, driving care- LUPE ESTRELLA, PAUL FIGUEROA, JAVONNE GOODMAN, people and still construct the coherent fully, they can't be fully seen as individ- DANIEL HUTCHISON, JONATHAN HUTCHISON, GILLIAN JOYCE, history of OCHO into an enjoyable ual artworks. RACHEL KUC´, ANDREA LAWRENCE, MARGARET LEJUSTE, read. We always tried to make OCHO They’re enticing, I'd like to look at them CARRIE LEVEN, RENEE MARTINEZ, SARA MARTINEZ, as inclusive, warm, and welcoming attentively. KIMBER MACDONALD, JEANNIE MASTERS, GAEA MCGAHEE, JIM as possible. The article conveyed that Thank you. O'DONNELL, POETRY MAGAZINE, QUESTA CLINIC, MIKE RITTER, spirit and the role we played in incu- Marsha Skinner KIMBERLY RITTERHOUSE, LEVI ROMERO, JENNIFER SCHLESINGER, bating creative ventures that spread JUNE SUMMER, PATTY TORRES, PEGGY TRIGG, their wings. Marsha, that sounds like a great idea for JOHN WALSH & ALTA VISTA STUDENTS AMBER A. , SIERRA O, Grateful to the community, a future issue! We will see how we can do UNIVERSITY OF NEW MEXICO PRESS, LAURA VALLEJOS, Ms.Barrie Andrews and Min Jae Hong that. In the meantime, on a day you're MARK LEWIS WAGNER, SCOTT WYLAND [email protected] not too busy, you can park your car at the Questa Visitor Center and take a walk The paper keeps getting better and bet- through downtown where you can look Sharon Pacheco and Christina Hendrix ter, folks!!! I usually just skim through up, see the artwork, and the artist's name things... but this edition kept me reading (along the side of each banner). There are Win NorthStar’s February Contest each interesting topic. Thank you all for three different sets of banners: Retablos a great job done, I look forward to the from St. Anthony’s Church, historic April paper! photos, and these, the local artists. Many With gratitude of the local artists represented in these Maria Mikhailas banners can be found at www.northern- newmexicoartists.com with their other You do a wonderful job with the paper artworks and biographies. We appreciate and it's such a blessing to receive it every your appreciation of the Questa art com- month! It helps me as a relative new- munity, thanks for writing! comer to keep abreast of what's happen- ing locally and also to learn more about P.S. Last month’s issue announced these, the rich history of this area. Keep up the and we listed all the artists. Here they are good work!! again: Ruth Archuleta, Monique Belitz, Joan Diane DeFremery, Roger Harrington, Sandra Harrington, Marcos Herrera, Bet- From the editor: It is so gratifying to sy Irwin, Clarence Lacome, Lou McCall, hear how much the paper means to the Gaea McGahee, Maria Mikhailas, Betsy community, thank you for sharing with Ellen Wood Peirce, Michael Rael, Mike Ridder, Mar- us. You are the reason we do this every tha Shepp, Peggy Trigg, Armando Vigil, From left to right, Art Trujillo, Lucas Lovato, Sundance Stadtler, Rodney Cordova, and Malaquias “JR” month. We always love to hear from our and the youth of Questa. Rael at NorthStar’s drawing of February’s puzzle winners. readers. We would also like to thank all the folks out there who send us their Assistant Editor, By ELLEN WOOD, AD AGENCY lobby waiting for their car or truck to contributions. Keep ‘em coming! Martha Shepp FOR NORTHSTAR TIRE & AUTO be repaired or for new tires to be put Rodney Cordova covered his eyes on, by finding and circling the words while reaching into the can to pull out in the puzzle and putting their entry Questa Del Rio News the two winning entries for North- into the jar. Star’s February puzzle contest. His The series of NorthStar Tire and Columnist Wins New Shoes workmates, Art Trujillo, Lucas Lovato, Auto ads featuring puzzle contests and Sundance Stadtler, witnessed the began in the January issue of Questa STAFF WRITERS drawing while NorthStar’s manager, Del Rio News. “The March NorthStar In mid-January, Wood received a Malaquias “JR” Rael, held the can ad was a crossword puzzle, which phone call from Dr. Whitehouse saying filled with entries. The winners, Sha- seemed to be more difficult than the his office had had a drawing of all the ron Pacheco and Christina Hendrix, others, so the guys in the shop had to reviewers in the previous quarter. Ellen each received a gift certificate for give hints,” said Rael. Wood was the name picked as the win- an oil change. This month’s ad is a word scram- ner of a new pair of HOKA shoes of any Numerous people from Questa ble puzzle. The two winners of the cost from The Running Hub in Santa and surrounding communities solved April puzzle will be announced in Fe! So Wood went to that store in Santa the word search puzzle in the Feb- our paper’s June issue. No purchase is Fe, tried on several pairs of shoes, and ruary issue of Questa Del Rio News necessary to participate in the puzzle chose a pair of $160 HOKA shoes that Kathy Namba and brought or mailed it to NorthStar. contest and have the opportunity to were perfect for her. In this case, it’s true Congratulations Ellen Wood! Thank you, Dr. Paul Some entrants passed the time in the win a free oil change! that one good deed deserves another. Whitehouse of Santa Fe.
4 April 2021 • Questa Del Rio News • QuestaNews.com LA CURACIÓN OCURRE AQUÍ WE SHIP! THE CANDY CRATE
Northern New Mexico’s Premier Candy Store 575.754.2925 300 West Main Street, Red River NM www.CandyMountainFudge.com 24/7 Textline 575.770.2706 24/7 Helpline 575.758.9888 Desde 1978 (mil novecientos setanta ocho), GREETING CARDS Community Against Violence (CAV) ha apoyar a los sobrevivientes www.taoscav.org BY MONIQUE PARKER de violencia sexual.¿Conoce a un sobreviviente? Puede que seas la primera persona que le hayan dicho. O podrían estar compartiendo contigo semanas o años después de que sucedió. Es importante responder con cuidado. ABUNDANT LIVING WOMAN’S CONFERENCE “Te creo” “No fue tu culpa” • • 6:30pm Para obtener ayuda para usted o para alguien que ama, April 16 & 17 Friday & Saturday llame a la línea de ayuda directa de an in person & virtual event : Register at lwmsite.org 24 horas del CAV al 575-758-9888 o visite TaosCAV.org. Friday: Pastor Lou Ann Lee Creemos que todos merecen estar seguros. Saturday: Pastor Tomika Preston 945 Salazar Road, Taos NM Linea de ayuda: 575-758-9888 Grow through what you go through Linea de mensaje: 575-770-2706 Living Word Ministries • 12 Llano Road, Questa NM 87556 TaosCAV.org
E-Commerce Toolkit for Rural Businesses Jay Bouchard, of the LOR Foundation, presents the toolkit LOR sponsored to help business owners in rural areas create e-commerce websites. FREE, everyone welcome!
Join the Workshop on Thursday, April 1 at 6:00 pm via Zoom https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82723797091?pwd=M0svbHNacUVnNkpPZ2VkdTdqdnRtdz09 Meeting ID: 827 2379 7091 Passcode: 846370 Call in: (346) 248-7799
QuestaNews.com • Questa Del Rio News • April 2021 5 BUSINESS Pandemic,s Silver Lining for Taos Area Small Businesses By JAY BOUCHARD program. Downtown Taos MainStreet is free toolkit/handbook that any Taos-ar- • How comfortable are you with Last spring, when the pandemic a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that serves as the ea business can now access to pursue technology? You don’t have to be forced businesses to shut their doors action-based implementation organi- e-commerce, with their learnings and Bill Gates to build and manage your across the world, it seemed tragic. zation coordinating with the Town of best practices. It draws on the successes own website as well as your point- After the initial shock, many businesses Taos, Taos County, businesses, property and challenges of the Business Alive of-sale system (POS). Some content began to think about exploring selling owners, and community partners to program. and provides an easy-to-un- management systems (CMS) provide their wares and services online, and in achieve a shared vision of the historic derstand step-by-step program to get simple templates from which you doing so may have saved a bad situa- downtown district. businesses online and bring in more can start from scratch, and Shopify is tion from becoming worse. Some had Business Alive debuted at a time income at minimal cost. among the most popular because it can to start from scratch, having no online when e-commerce in rural America was There is a learning curve, though, function as both a CMS and point-of- presence, and other local businesses already a growing priority: in 2019, one since setting up an e-commerce site isn’t sale system. were able to make their existing online third of rural small businesses in the U.S. as easy as simply clicking a button, and • Getting the word out: You’ll also selling platforms more robust, with the made less than 20 percent of their sales there’s a lot to consider before diving in. need to let people know about your assistance of a program from the LOR online. The pandemic, though, prompt- From breaking down what you’ll need to new site. A budget-friendly option to Foundation. “COVID-19 peeled back ed an e-commerce boom: Some small get started, to weighing the best platform consider is setting up a Facebook and some real vulnerabilities in our business businesses more than doubled online options and just what’s required to con- Instagram ad account and budgeting a communities,” said Jake Caldwell, LOR'S sales during the holiday season, and ini- tinue growing your site, this handbook small amount to boost posts and create Taos-area program officer. tiatives like those in Taos could sustain aims to make it easier for aspiring online ads targeting potential customers in Last summer, in the wake of the the momentum. merchants anywhere to find successes of your geographic area. LOR’s social early shock of the pandemic, a partner- From this summertime experience of their own. media overview toolkit can help you ship was birthed with the non-profit working with five downtown Taos busi- You'll need to consider your goals, get started. Taos MainStreet—The Business Alive nesses, LOR Foundation has created a bandwidth, and budget. Start by asking To access the toolkit/handbook, go yourself these questions: to https://lorfoundation.org/stories/cre- • What is the goal of your website? ating-e-commerce-for-small-business/ This handbook helps rural merchants launch • How much are you willing to spend? At the end of this article, there is a link Website costs can range from a few where you can download the toolkit: online versions of their stores. hundred dollars to several thousand. “Creating an E-Commerce Website: • How large is your inventory? The Basics.” House Representative Ortez Speaks at March QBEN Meeting
year. $200 million is being appropri- ated for rental assistance and utilities. Other COVID-relief packages include grants, loans, workers compensation for employees contracting COVID while on the job, and unemployment insurance increases. “We’re getting the By LYNN SKALL funds out the door to help our fellow “In Taos County there is $700,000 New Mexicans,” said Ortez. to $1 million in utility-rated debt from The bill to legalize recreational mar- COVID-19,” reported Kristina Ortez, ijuana will impact Taos County, as the the freshman House Representative for county will get to decide at what level District 42, in her first public commu- sales would be taxed, and how those nity meeting, speaking at the Questa funds are to be used, such as to address Business Entrepreneurial Network substance abuse disorder. Zoom meeting on March 10. Local citizen Francisco Gonzales, Of her four sponsored bills that concerned about the social issues have passed the House and are in line around alcohol and addiction, ques- to be heard in Senate committees, tioned Ortez about her support of HB Representative Ortez said, “The bill Courtesy Photo 255. This bill allows package stores and that will do the most good in our dis- Newly elected New Mexico State Representative Kristina Ortez, spoke at the March QBEN meeting, her restaurants to deliver alcohol to cus- trict is House Bill 206, The Utility and first public community meeting since taking office. tomers’ homes and makes it easier for Affordability Relief Act. Low-income restaurants to serve spirits, in addition families experiencing utilities debt due Ortez is proud the House has big issue for our small businesses, our to beer and wine. The bill is intend- to COVID-19 will be able to enter into passed over $7 billion in COVID-relief workers, and families during recovery,” ed to bolster bars and restaurants a payment plan that gives them twice support measures during this year’s reported Ortez. that have suffered financially during as many months to pay back the debt, legislative session. “Remarkable work is A bipartisan bill will increase the the pandemic. and for every dollar paid, half of the being done in the House and Senate on low-income tax credit for families, remaining debt will be forgiven.” expanding broadband access—that’s a raising it from $24,000 to $37,000 a QBEN MEETING cont’d on page 36
6 April 2021• Questa Del Rio News • QuestaNews.com BUSINESS
well business slowed way down; no one was drilling wells. Whenever his dad asked his son what he wanted to do when he grew up, the answer was always the same, “Drill wells.” His father insist- CISNEROS WATER WORKS ed he go to college, as there was so much By LOU MCCALL uncertainty at the time and he wanted his son to get an education. He told him Right here in Questa is a father-son to at least go for two years and then team who drill and service wells all over see what happens... So, Dale Jr. went Taos County. They have other family to UNM Medical School and got an businesses, as well. Fate got Dale Cisne- Associates Degree in Nuclear Medicine. ros Sr. into the well drilling business 27 After graduation he handed his dad his years ago. He was looking for someone diploma and said, “I still want to drill!” to drill a well and couldn’t find anyone. The recession continued, business After asking around, he got the name was slow, and Dale Jr. continued his of a retired couple who had moved to education, soon completing his bache- Amalia from Wyoming. The older gen- lor’s degree, also in Nuclear Medicine. tleman had sustained a back injury and Despite his professors encouraging him had stopped running his well-drilling to go to medical school, he still want- business. Dale asked him if he wanted ed to drill. to sell his rig, thinking he could drill his Now Dale Cisneros Jr. is a busy well himself. And the rest is history... young man. He is married with two Dale laughs now at how young and young children, and besides working stupid he was (his words, not mine). He alongside his father in their family didn’t even know how to drive the huge businesses, he works in the Nuclear truck home! Another twist of fate helped Medicine department of Holy Cross him get the business going. Dale had Hospital in Taos. His son, Dale Cisneros heard through the grapevine that some- III, at 4 years old, is already riding along Martha Shepp one local with a well business had laid and showing interest in helping out with Dale Cisneros, Sr. off an experienced driller. As it turned the family business. They will transition out, that driller was looking for work the business name to DDD, to include all and he was able to show Dale the ropes three generations. to get the business going. The father-son team encourages peo- Dale Sr. studied business and earned ple to dowse for water before investing his BA at the College of Santa Fe and his in drilling a well and they have some MA at New Mexico Highlands Universi- interesting stories. Paul Martinez of ty. As a young man just starting out, with Amalia is what they call a water-witcher. a young family, it was a stretch for him The Dales work with Paul a lot, since he to finance the $100k needed to purchase can always find exactly the right spot the rig, but he worked hard and paid for water, and can also tell how deep the Martha Shepp it off in one year. Dale’s brother, John well will need to be. The start of a business: this is the original rig Dale Cisneros, also worked with the young Dale Sr. and Jr. started another water Sr. purchased 27 years ago. company, originally named Cisneros business, called D’s Ice, that has turned Well Drilling. There was such a need for out to be a booming business. They wells in the area, that in the first year started their ice business out of their they drilled over 100 wells, usually two home. They provide ice to Questa, Red to three wells per week! At one point River, and the Costilla area. Over the 4th they were so busy that they worked for of July weekend, D’s Ice delivered almost over 35 days without a single day off. 1000 bags of ice! Martha Shepp Dale’s son, Dale Jr., was 9 years old The three generations of Cisneros: From left to right: Three generations of Cisneros, when the business got started. He loved Dale Sr., Dale Jr., and Dale III are all Dale Jr., Dale III, and Dale Sr. to ride along and spent a lot of time with working on their latest project, the new the rig. At one point, his uncle John was Eagle Rock RV Park on Highway 38, working on a well and said aloud that adjacent to Eagle Rock Lake. The RV he needed a pipe wrench. He turned park will offer 100 RV spaces. They plan Cisneros Water Works around and there was Dale Jr. dragging a to have everything up and running by are your guys! 48” pipe wrench that was bigger than he the spring of 2021. Los Tres Dales and Do you need to dig a well, fix a well, was. Right then and there, his dad said it Cisneros Water Works began providing was time to put him on the payroll! services to the Questa area almost three buy or service a pump, buy ice, Dale Jr. graduated from Penasco decades ago, and give every indication or find more information about Eagle High in 2006. As the recession hit, the that they will be around for a few more. Rock RV Park? Call Dale Sr. Martha Shepp at (575) 770-7259 or Community Businesses Little Dale III is with an individual home-sized well pump. His grandpa is steadying a community well TELL US ABOUT A BUSINESS YOU WOULD LIKE TO SEE FEATURED HERE. [email protected] Dale Jr. at (575) 613-0182. pump, recently extricated from the earth.
QuestaNews.com • Questa Del Rio News • April 2021 7 ARTS & CULTURE
Carrie Leven – Archaeologist with the Questa Ranger Station. (and photographer) Claire Cote, LEAP director – artist and educator, gentle instigator, mother, and radical homemaker. Oral History collec- tor and image archive facilitator. IS THE QUESTA HISTORY TRAIL Gaea McGahee, LEAP Creative Associate “HISTORY?” NOT AT ALL! – Questa Farmers Market founder and By MARTHA SHEPP manager, adjunct anthropology faculty Here's a long overdue update on your with NMSU/DACC. Oral History collec- community walking trail, The Questa tor and image archive facilitator. History Trail. If you're not familiar, you'll A grand opening and celebration for certainly know it by its tripod kiosk with the Questa History Trail was to take place Alberta Bouyer the big “Welcome” and map, on Highway in June 2020, but with the pandemic... Tim Long and Walter Dunlop help build sign frames at Mark Sideris' studio on the church plaza, 2017. 522 at the stoplight corner, in beautiful you know that story of delay and attempt- downtown Questa. In its eight stops ed new plans! Another twist has entered through the heart of Questa, its interpre- the picture, though: St. Anthony's Church tive signage traces topics such as ancient began renovation work on a new parking settlements, rare geologic features, area during the “pandemic pause” but multi-cultural origins, religious devo- the new level of dirt—much lower—has tion, acequias, the role of mining, the disturbed access to stop #5 on the trail restoration of Questa’s 1800s church, and (giving acequia history) just at the spot more. Its soft opening was on National where Mark Sideris had built a beautiful Trails Day, 2018, when over 75 visitors new bridge to accompany the informa- gathered and walked, with local guides. tion and guide visitors along to sign #6 The original group who met in 2016 to without having them walk along the start creating the trail were: narrow road, a safety issue. (See before and after photos.) Mark Sideris – Historic Saint Anthony’s Alberta Bouyer Which is not to say that The Questa Martha Shepp Church Restoration Project foreman, car- Before the new church parking lot grading, the History Trail cannot be walked, because After the parking lot changes, quite a leap in penter, and landscape-engineer advisor. sign was in place and awaiting just a few railroad distance from the ground! as a self-guided tour, the only obstacle at Flavio Cisneros – Retired history teacher ties to complete the walk up to the acequia and this point is having to skip stop #5. By the new bridge. Here is retired history teacher and and oral-history facilitator. way, did you know you can get a map of project member, Flavio Cisneros, looking at the Jeannie Masters & Kate Cisneros – the route at the Questa Visitor Center, or new permanent sign. June 2021, so watch for updates here and North Central NM Food Pantry found- download it from the website, Questa- on the trail website. Stop #5 may not be ers and co-directors, and oral history Trail.org, where loads of supplementary so looking forward to having an opening ready but the show must go on! facilitators. history information is also available? It’s a celebration this June!” The team also needs new helpers and What's the upshot? Team members team members (students! teachers!) to Tim Long – Small business owner, car- great source of detailed history of Questa, and the church will resolve the stairs help keep the trail moving forward. Be penter, and seasonal ranger at Rio Grande for students, teachers, and history buffs. and access issues, and go ahead with the in touch! For more information, contact del Norte National Monument. Alberta Bouyer, team leader for the History Trail, says, '“Our project team Trail's grand opening and celebration in Alberta at [email protected] Alberta Bouyer – Founding Questa has worked for four years, with so much Tourism Director, writer, marketing support, both in-kind and in the thou- consultant, and project administrator; sands of dollars, from not only generous “Our younger generation are interested to know the history currently chair of the Questa Cre- residents, but from village, county, state, ative Council. and federal sources. All of these support- of the community. Who else but us can share this?” Martha Shepp – Artist, editor, and the ers have put so much trust in our com- —Flavio Cisneros, retired history teacher and project’s graphic designer. munity to build this valuable asset, we are St. Anthony's church parishioner
Wanted! Artists and Volunteers for the Questa Studio Arts Tour By PEGGY TRIGG to? See application information below. If you are an artist and would like In addition to artists, we are also an application for the tour, you can pick It’s that time again. The Questa Studio looking for volunteers to be in the plan- one up at ArtQuesta, Rael’s Market, or Arts Tour is taking applications for the ning group. This group of artists and art online at northernnewmexicoartists. 2021 tour, which will be held on Saturday lovers will meet approximately five times com. If you are an artist and can’t do the and Sunday, August 14 and 15. Currently and will make the major decisions to be tour, you are still welcome to join our we have over 30 artists and more than implemented for the tour. We need your website! If you are an art lover and are eight hubs or studios confirmed. Artists input! This is a community show, and interested in volunteering, or just need are excited about the potential of the 2021 we want it to represent ideas from the more information, please contact Peggy tour and are eager to join; would you like whole area. at [email protected].
8 April 2021• Questa Del Rio News • QuestaNews.com QCC UPDATES Northern New Mexico,s Music: Past and Present Project
By MARTHA SHEPP Chris Arellano has completed his second interview with Ernie Marquez and has already recorded with Joseph Marquez, both men who have been part of Los Penitentes Brotherhood, and who are willing to share the traditions, tunes, and lyrics. Chris is studying the melo- dies that have been passed down for over a thousand years with Los Penitentes/ Hermanos y la Morada. (See related story on page 20.) He describes “There is a deep spiritual journey through the lyrics (prayers) and the melodies are sung a capella. These will somehow be represented in the May concert at Chris Arellano the conclusion of this first phase of my Joe Marquez research and recordings.” Next, he will be exploring the northern New Mexico/ southern Colorado tradition, Los Dias New Year Celebration, which dates back hundreds of years. This project is a collaboration with the Manitos Community Memory project and Questa Stories. Both entities gather and share voices, stories, images, and traditions of the communities of northern Taos County and southern Colorado villages. The work Chris is doing will become part of these archives. This project is supported in part by New Mexico Arts, a division of the Depart- ment of Cultural Affairs, and by the National Endowment for the Arts, and Taos Community Foundation. Learn more at QuestaStories.org and Chris Arellano Chris Arellano Manitos.net. Donate to support this Joe Marquez's handwritten volume of the ancient Ernie Marquez, at home with his music, and ready to share the musical history of northern New Mexico project at QuestaCreative.org. hymns.with project director Chris Arellano. with project director Chris Arellano.
QUESTA POTTER ing with clay allows me to follow a daily and Magpie Gallery in Taos. MICHAEL RIDDER rhythm that I find most rewarding. Reach Mike or see more of his I work as a potter in a home studio. Creating a vessel over several days or work here: michaelridder.com, https:// My work is thrown on a potter’s wheel. weeks, from forming to glazing to firing, northernnewmexicoartists.com/mi- It is fired to cone 6 in an oxidation at- requires patience and a commitment to a chael-ridder/ mosphere. The complete creation of the process that is thousands of years old. Photos Courtesy the Artist work from start to finish is accomplished I focus on the present, so my work evolves and I hope to bring a freshness Right: “Blue Vase” by Mike Ridder by me alone. Bottom:: Mike Ridder I have lived in northern New Mexico of intention to each piece I make. I and southern Colorado for most of my strive to produce functional work that life. I have worked with clay for about 38 will allow me to share my feel for the years, off and on. I worked as a behav- material so that those who see and use ioral health counselor for 28 years and my pots may share in the experience of always maintained a home clay studio creation. I make kitchenware, dinner- during that time. I worked in clay as ware, and pottery. time allowed and never lost interest in I enjoy interacting with my custom- that medium. I have been working in ers through gallery openings, art/craft clay full-time since moving here, about fairs and our own annual studio tour. six years ago. These galleries in New Mexico represent Clay is the material that I am most me: La Mesa Gallery in Santa Fe, Patri- drawn to in the creative process. Work- cian Design Gallery in Albuquerque,
QuestaNews.com • Questa Del Rio News • April 2021 9 HEALTH & WELLNESS
Her father, a chef, took her to the However, the ground coffee beans and retell the story over and over to BODY | MIND | SPIRIT kitchen. He filled three pots with water were unique. After they were exposed ourselves, and that is our trap. When we and placed each on a high fire. He to boiling water, they changed the water read a book we turn the pages from one By BARBARA TRACY placed potatoes in one pot, eggs in the and created something new. “Which one part of the story to another; we don’t sit second pot, and ground coffee beans are you?” he asked his daughter. BE A COFFEE BEAN on one page and stew about the story. in the third. He let them boil, without “When adversity knocks on your Like the coffee bean, we are aware As our readers may have noticed, saying a word. door how do you respond? Are you a that we have within us the ability to I often write about the mind and the Then he pulled the eggs and pota- potato, an egg, or a coffee bean? transform the boiling water into some- thought processes that we humans tend toes from the pots and placed them in a —Author unknown thing pleasant, something useful, and to ignore. We pass off our thoughts bowl. He then poured the coffee into a possibly something new. We too have without even a hint that we, in that very cup. Turning to her, he asked “Daughter, Our life journey can present many that transformative power within to moment, are cultivating and feeding the what do you see?” events and challenges along the way, empower our response to challenges. growth of that thought and the impact “Potatoes, eggs, and coffee,” she and when they cross our path, it is an That is the deep inner strength that is far it has on our lives. It is imperative that hastily replied. opportunity to look at how we react. greater than the physical. It gives us the humanity be more conscious about how “Look closer” he said, “and touch the This is an important part of our life power to choose how we use our minds we use our thoughts because they are the potatoes.” She did and noted that they lessons, because how we respond to life’s and our hearts to meet our challenges. source of creating the lives that we lead. were soft. He then asked her to take an situations sets the stage for our emo- Many trials can be extremely difficult I choose to write from as many egg and break it. After pulling off the tions, our thinking, and our physical and when those times arise, if possible, angles as possible in hopes of stirring an shell, she observed the hard-boiled egg. conditioning. Challenges help us master think of the situation as a way to learn awakening in our readers about the im- Finally, he asked her to sip the coffee. Its how we use our mental and emotional portance of our thinking. Even though rich aroma brought a smile to her face. as well as physical presence to determine more about ourselves and become many people say they understand, I “Father, what does this mean?” she how we react. stronger in the mastery of our thoughts have heard from some readers a lack asked. He explained that the potatoes, Like the potato, which I see as the girl and emotions—if you feel so inclined, of understanding. Here I offer a short the eggs, and coffee beans had each in this story, the response is to become pray or ask for help. Remember the story focused on the thought processes faced the same adversity, the boiling soft with a tendency to wallow in the woman in the story went from suffering involved in reacting to life’s challenges. water. However, each one reacted differ- story, the “woe is me” of life, becoming to smiling when she drinks the coffee of Once upon a time a daughter com- ently. The potato went in strong, hard depressed. Like the egg, we can respond transformation. plained to her father that her life was and unrelenting, but in boiling water, by hardening, which can lead to being miserable and that she didn’t know how became soft. shut off from life and can also lead to You will not break loose until you she was going to make it. She was tired The egg was fragile, with the thin anger. The egg turns against any possi- realize that you yourself forge the chains of fighting and struggling all the time. It outer shell protecting its liquid interior bilities and approaches the situation with that bind you. seemed just as one problem was solved, until it was put in the boiling water. the heart and mind closed. In both cases, —The Disappearance of the Universe another soon followed. Then the inside became hard. there is the tendency to rethink, rehash, by Gary Renard
One day in early March, about 40 wise. But, they'll eat insects through the red-winged blackbirds stopped to refuel summer; and if you let your flowers go Positive Thoughts and drink on their way north. Great to seed, they'll pick them clean. by Donna Mitchell–Moniak Horned Owls have mated and last year's April includes Earth Day all over young will be getting the boot. By the the world. There is so much that each time you read this, Robins will be back of us can do in support of our Mother Last September, five inches of snow and crocuses popping up. Earth, her ecosystems, and the crea- took us, and migrating birds, by surprise. The goal in the backyard is a perma- tures we share this Earth with. Creating Those few days and nights of frigid tem- culture haven: with fruiting bushes and habitat is one. Not only will you enjoy peratures combined with snow, found trees, seed-bearing flowers that birds the birds year-round, but butterflies, small migrating birds literally dropping love, all with vegetables for neighbors beautiful moths, and native wild bees from the sky. Though I had started and for myself. In a few years a beautiful will float around your garden through throwing birdseed the winter before, the habitat will exist, complimenting the the summer. Planting trees or bushes takers were merely the few sparrows and neighboring yard with its flowers and cools a yard in the summer, and as the chickadees that had wintered over here. Stock Photo roosting trees. trees mature, they offer protection from From last September, through the winter Hairy Woodpeckers Hummingbird feeders will go up on the wind which sucks winter heat out and into spring, however, the bird popu- my neighbor's portico in May. We put up through the crevices of a home. Next lation and species variety had expanded with its wild and sunflowers. So, they three the last two summers. Any given month's Positive Thoughts will include significantly here in Jaroso. stayed. Mid-winter, Purple Finches, day there can be 30-50 hummingbirds, a simple something to do when planting One young male Hairy Woodpecker Red-headed House Finches, and two especially for their morning joe and eve- a young tree, to ensure water efficiency arrived with the September snow. The Nuthatches established themselves here ning nightcap. I expect Orioles in June throughout the life of the tree. male of that species has a red patch on too. Handicap-friendly bird feeders put for the gooseberries next door. This is Beauty, bird song, and fun! Happy its head. I must have been a woodpeck- in locations that my walker could get to such fun! If you don't feed birds already, Spring, Happy Easter, Happy Earth Day. er in a past life. The daily sight of him all winter, plus an ice-free water source consider doing so. The thing is, once you As we emerge from COVID-19 with makes me happy! The sparrows and ensured by my thoughtful neighbor, begin, please continue. They will come its forced decrease of human activity, chickadees that nested here last year has turned our two yards into songbird to depend on you the three seasons that take note. The sky is bluer and the air is found lots of food in the new garden, heaven and visual joy. there is not a reliable food source other- cleaner. Together, let's keep it that way.
Get your local news from Questa Del Rio News
10 April 2021• Questa Del Rio News • QuestaNews.com HEALTH & WELLNESS Some Things I Wish I’d Learned 2. Splash water on my face, then buried underneath the crowd. And I’m grateful for everyone in my fam- quickly apply moisturizer to seal in wouldn’t you know it? That’s when ily—the four kids, my two stepkids, the wetness. My complexion is quite they decide to visit. two foster kids and all their spouses good for my age but it wasn’t until 4. Pray more frequently even when and partners, and my 15 grandkids I was in my 30s that I learned that things are hunky-dory. St. Joseph is with their spouses and partners, and water is the best thing for my face. my main go-to guy and I ask him my four great-grandkids (and the All the creams in the world cannot for this or that for myself or other one on the way). do as much good for my com- people quite a bit. But only once in 6. Honored my mother and my father plexion as water, splashed on and a while do I just talk to him to say Although I have no major, horrid before turning 20 years old. I wasn’t a then sealed in. hello and thank you, St. Joe, life is bad kid, but I appreciate my parents regrets, there are some things I wish I had 3. Update my refrigerator door before good and I appreciate your look- so much more now than I did as a started sooner or realized sooner. someone in the family notices ing after me. child and teenager. 1. Don’t slouch. My posture gets that their picture is missing. Even And I wish I had done these: It’s too late for these last two, but it’s slouchier every day. It has been awful though I have two big doors on my 5. Had more kids. Too late now but never too late for the others. Perhaps you since I was a kid and my mom was fridge, there’s not enough room for I wish I had had more. I raised 4 can think of wisdom you’ve gained over convinced it was because I carried a each person to have more than one biological children but I wouldn’t the years. big, heavy bookbag to school every photo. But every year when I get new mind having a few more, despite the day (no backpacks in those days). Ellen Wood of Questa is the award-winning family Christmas photos, I just move challenges of the diapers and terrible author of the series of books, The Secret But regardless of the reason, at 84 my some magnets around to add them twos stage—and sophomore year Method for Growing Younger, available posture is really slouchy. I remind and promise myself I’ll remove their in high school (that was the worst). at www.NorthernNewMexicoArtists.com. myself regularly to stand up straight previous year’s. Somehow, I don’t And I wish they lived closer. Like just Her website is www.HowToGrowYounger.com but not often enough. get around to it and someone gets down the road. Don’t get me wrong. Contact Ellen at [email protected] Algunas cosas que quisiera haber aprendido Por ELLEN WOOD familiares por Navidad, simplemente 6. Honrar a mi madre y a mi padre mos casos, pero nunca es demasiado tarde Aunque no me arrepiento de nada muevo algunos imanes para agregarlas antes de cumplir los 20 años. No fui para los demás. Quizás tú también puedas particularmente espantoso o monumen- y me prometo a mí misma que una mala chica, pero aprecio a mis pensar en la sabiduría que has adquirido a tal, hay algunas cosas que quisiera haber eliminaré las del año anterior. De padres mucho más ahora que cuan- lo largo de los años. comenzado a hacer antes o de las que alguna manera, no lo logro y alguien do era niña y adolescente. desearía haberme dado cuenta antes. queda enterrado debajo de los muchos Es demasiado tarde para estos dos últi- Traducción: Teresa Dovalpage 1. No encorvarme. Mi postura se vuelve otros. ¿Y no te lo imaginas? Es justo más encorvada cada día. Ha sido entonces cuando deciden visitarme. horrible desde que era niña y mi mamá 4. Rezar con más frecuencia, incluso estaba convencida de que la causa cuando las cosas vayan bien. San era que llevaba una bolsa con libros José es mi amigo principal a quien grande y pesada a la escuela todos los recurro y le pido esto o aquello, para días (no había mochilas en esos días). mí o para otras personas. Pero solo Pero independientemente de la razón, de vez en cuando hablo con él para a los 84 años mi postura es de veras saludarte y agradecerte, St. Joseíto, que corcovada. Me recuerdo a mí misma la vida es buena y que te agradezco con regularidad que debo mantenerme que me cuides. erguida, pero no lo hago lo suficiente. Y desearía haber hecho lo siguiente: 2. Salpicarme la cara con agua, luego 5. Tener más hijos. Es demasiado tarde ponerme enseguida una crema ahora, pero desearía haber tenido humectante para sellar la humedad. más. Crie a cuatro hijos biológicos, Tengo el cutis bastante bueno para mi pero no me importaría tener algunos edad, pero no fue hasta los 30 años que más, a pesar de los fastidios que aprendí que el agua es lo mejor para dan los pañales y la terrible etapa mi rostro. Todas las cremas del mundo de los dos años —y el segundo año no me hacen tanto bien para el cutis en la escuela secundaria (ese fue el como el agua, primero salpicada y peor). Y desearía que vivieran más luego sellada. cerca. Quiero decir, como a la vuelta 3. Actualizar la puerta de mi del camino. No me malinterpret- refrigerador antes de que alguien de en. Estoy agradecida por todos en la familia se dé cuenta de que falta mi familia —los cuatro hijos, mis su foto. Aunque tengo dos puertas dos hijastros, dos hijos adoptivos y grandes en mi refrigerador, no hay todos sus cónyuges y parejas, y mis suficiente espacio para que cada 15 nietos y sus cónyuges y pare- persona tenga más de una foto. Pero jas, y mis cuatro bisnietos y el que cada año, cuando recibo nuevas fotos está en camino.
QuestaNews.com • Questa Del Rio News • April 2021 11 HEALTH & WELLNESS COVID-19 Vaccine Registration Step-by-Step Checklist Please keep in mind the supply of registration is complete administration of it is not, so you will be Health at (855) 600-3453 or the Ag- vaccine is currently extremely limited. 9. Check text and email regularly asked if you have Medicaid, Medicare, ing and Disability Resource Center at The goal is for everyone to be able to for event code or other insurance, and to provide your 800-432-2080. easily get a COVID-19 vaccine when The New Mexico Department of card at your appointment. Regardless Partners in Lifelong sufficient quantities are available. Until Health will notify a pool of eligible of whether or not you have insurance, Independence and Healthy Aging that time, the New Mexico Department members within your community that there will be no cost to you for the shot. PO Box 27118 • Santa Fe, of Health is rolling the vaccine out in a vaccine is available with a special event You will NOT be asked to provide your New Mexico 87502-7118 phased approach. Currently groups 1A code. This opportunity to schedule an Medicare number while registering, and and 1B are eligible. That includes people (505) 476-4799 online appointment is offered on a first- there is no charge to register. If you are age 75 or older and people age 16 or Toll-free (800) 432-2080 come, first-served basis. If you are not asked for your Medicare number or told older who have high-risk medical con- www.nmaging.state.nm.us able to schedule an online appointment you must pay to be put on a list, you may ditions. However, everyone who wishes by selecting a specific location, date, and be the target of a scam and should dis- to get a vaccine is encouraged to register time, please do not show up at the event. engage and call the Aging and Disability now. For updates on COVID-19, visit And, please do not worry. This will not Resource Center at 1-800-432-2080 to https://cv.nmhealth.org/ be your only opportunity to schedule complete your registration. an appointment. The department will To register online: To register if you don’t have a comput- reach out and notify you of additional 1. Go to www.vaccinenm.org er or internet access: opportunities in the future. Event codes 2. Click on “I want to create a 1. Call the Aging and Disability Resource are linked to a specific registration and new profile” Center at 1-800-432-2080 can’t be shared. 3. Put in basic information (your 2. You will be asked to provide your registration is NOT complete name, DOB, address, and information When you receive your event code: at this point) about high risk medical conditions 1. Go to vaccinenm.org, select “I want to 4. Check text or email for 3. Options counselor will complete your access my registration” confirmation code registration on your behalf COVID-19 VACCINATION REGISTRATION 2. Use confirmation code and DOB to 5. Go to vaccinenm.org, select “I want to 4. A representative of DOH will contact access your registration ASSISTANCE HOTLINE access my registration” you to provide event code and 6. Use confirmation code and DOB to 3. Select “Make Appointment” information about how to schedule HOLY CROSS HOSPITAL (Taos Area) access your registration 4. Enter event code to appointment when vaccine is available Monday - Friday, 9:00 am - 3:00 pm 7. Complete registration (personal schedule appointment in your area Phone #: (575) 751-8950 information, chronic medical 5. On the day of your appointment, go to 5. You will be provided a medical QUESTA HEALTH CENTER conditions, demographic information, vaccinenm.org, use your confirmation questionnaire to complete on the day (Questa & Red River Area) employer, and insurance information code to access your registration, and of your appointment Monday - Friday, 9:00 am - 3:00 pm complete the medical questionnaire. will all have green check marks) For more information or assistance (575) 586-0315 x2224 8. You will get a confirmation when your Although the vaccine itself is free, the call the New Mexico Department of
12 April 2021• Questa Del Rio News • QuestaNews.com FISHING, RECREATION & WILDLIFE Something in the Water By STONER MITCHELL “BAD NEWS, GUYS.” Our friend, Jenn, was back from doing the dishes, which, according to the protocol manual of the Trujillo Meadows yurt, required three stations: washing, rinsing, and sanitizing, fol- lowed by pouring the wastewater down the hole of the outhouse. Somehow, she’d overlooked a fork and spoon in the bin and had dumped them with the water. Under normal circumstances, this would not have been anywhere close to a problem. But these were not normal circumstances. We had snowshoed four Toner Mitchell miles through a blizzard that would Trujillo Meadows in the autumn. pile to our knees by the exact blessed moment that we finally reached the yurt. to feel less like Frosty the Snowman and Safe inside, we built a nice fire. Over din- more like The Shining. The snow kept ner and a game of Scrabble, we congrat- on falling, the forest grew quiet, and our ulated our own hustle and perseverance. minds conjured images of our doom. As we played, my wife read aloud As a lifelong resident of the Rio several recent entries in the yurt’s guest Grande basin, I should have remem- book. A common theme revealed itself, bered the region’s penchant for preserv- the unexplained occurrences attributed ing random legends, if not fabricating to a being called the Trujillo Toilet Troll. their basis in fact. There’s the mythical We learned that the troll, in defiance Chupacabra. Or the Snow Vampire, a of logic and a properly functioning gag monster my dad swore could break a po- reflex, allegedly resides in the outhouse lar bear’s neck with one hand. My grand- Jennifer Schlesinger Jennifer Schlesinger and is responsible for unexplained mother, who refused to leave her house Troll’s lair at Trujillo Meadows. Trujillo Meadows yurt in the snow. events —missing or rearranged be- until a decade after passing away, made longings, strange noises, and such. The herself a local celebrity around Ranchos the fire dying down and the cold that a couple buddies of mine spotted following day’s fumbled silverware, as we de Taos. Throughout my life, I’ve collect- creeping in, it occurred to me that the while fishing the Los Pinos 20 years ago. would suspect, seemed like more than a ed lots of these characters, and there’s a Los Pinos—the river that runs through They guessed it at over five feet, so big random event. story behind every one of them. Trujillo Meadows—is arguably the Rio that it scared them. In spite of his fear, Arguably harmless stuff, but against a Think I’m full of it? Tell that to La Grande’s spookiest tributary. First there my friend Alexis touched its tail with his backdrop of a remote yurt and a dan- Llorona and get back to me! are the rattlesnakes, by the writhing tons. gerous winter storm, our situation came On our last night in the yurt, with And the legendary Spirit Fish, a trout IN THE WATER cont’d on page 36 Carson National Forest Plans Spring Prescribed Burns By JAVONNE GOODMAN a final decision to implement a pre- Ranger District. ary measures. Information on air quality Fire managers on the Carson Na- scribed fire. • 1-acre pile burn on Cabresto Mesa in and protecting your health can be found Each prescribed burn is designed the Jicarilla Ranger District. online at the New Mexico Department of tional Forest are planning to strategically to meet specific objectives and will be • 902 acres for the Mesita broadcast burn Health (NMDOH) Environmental Public implement prescribed burns across the managed with firefighter and public in Canjilon, New Mexico. Health Tracking (EPHT) website. forest this spring to reduce hazardous safety as the first priority. The projects • 1,243 acres for the Ensenada broadcast Prescribed fire is part of a sci- fuels before the onset of the 2021 wild- under consideration between now and burn in El Rito, New Mexico. ence-based framework for managing land fire season. These treatments are an the end of May are: • 1,893 acres for the Martinez ponderosa pine and dry mixed-conifer effective way to slow wildfires and change • Approximately 4,967 acres for the Canyon broadcast burn in Tres forests like the Carson National Forest to fire behavior. Ring unit within the Valle Vidal near Piedras, New Mexico. reduce the risk of high-severity wildfire The decision to implement a specific Cimarron, New Mexico. The intent is Smoke may be visible from the sur- and allow low-intensity fire to play its prescribed burn depends on multiple to treat fuels that have accumulated rounding areas during and after igni- natural role in a frequent-fire ecosystem. conditions, including the national wild- over the last 15 years and reintroduce tions begin. The Carson National Forest Fire updates will be posted on the land fire preparedness level and resource fire onto the landscape to imitate a manages prescribed fires in compliance Carson National Forest website (https:// availability, fuel moisture levels, air more natural fire regime. with New Mexico state regulations on www.fs.usda.gov/carson), New Mex- quality, ventilation, and forecasted weath- • 1,300 acres for the La Jara unit in air quality and smoke management. ico Fire Information website (https:// er and winds. During the COVID-19 Taos Canyon. Smoke-sensitive individuals and people nmfireinfo.com/author/cnfpio), and on pandemic, fire managers consider smoke • 140-acre broadcast burn for the Eul with respiratory problems or heart dis- the Carson National Forest Facebook and impacts to communities before making unit on Carracas Mesa in the Jicarilla ease are encouraged to take precaution- Twitter pages.
QuestaNews.com • Questa Del Rio News • April 2021 13 SUSTAINABLE LIVING New Frontiers In Recycling: Addressing The Battery Glut By JONATHAN HUTCHISON Processing centers break down recy- Sean Vargas of O’Reilly Auto Parts, in more we consumers pivot to renewable Continuing our series on recycling, clable batteries and harvest their chemical Taos, reports that his store accepts spent sources of energy (of all kinds), the more we turn to the proper disposal and re- and mineral ingredients to be used in lead-acid car batteries (no purchase re- public demand for better infrastructure cycling of batteries used in every house- new products. Recovered, reused mate- quired) and offers a $10 gift card, one per will increase. Back at Taos County Solid hold, in every vehicle, and on many job rials require less energy and water than household, per day. Recycling facilities Waste, Lorenzo Gutierez has lots of plans sites. We are up to our necks in batteries! new extraction processes and the man- exist for this class of battery and state law to expand our recycling programs, and is Due to the many types of batteries, ufacture of those new products, keeping prohibits any other method of disposal. just waiting for the people of Taos County disposal and recycling can seem com- costs down and using less raw resourc- Like all forms of recycling, reclaim- to make them happen. plicated. We will spare you the many es. It is now possible to use recovered ing batteries requires attention and details here; our aim is to make the case materials in new batteries. (See sidebar effort. Moving to rechargeables involves for phasing out single-use batteries and on Energizer’s new initiative). The sidebar modest investment up front. The payoff, transitioning to rechargeable/recyclables. provides a number of helpful online in terms of saving money, conserving This article will assist those who are ready resources to help identify the different resources, controlling landfill fees and to save money, save energy, and help save types of household batteries, learn which taxes, and safeguarding our soil and the planet. types can be recycled, how to do so safely, water, is immeasurable. Remember, the U.S. consumers bought 15 million and how to find recycling services. motor vehicles last year, along with 15 So, what’s the current situation here million lead-acid auto batteries. The mar- in Taos County? Battery recycling laws ket for lithium-ion cordless power tool and regulations vary widely from state to batteries is expected to reach $5.3 billion state. According to call2recycle.com, an Battery Types and by 2025. All of them eventually degrade, educational, advocacy, and networking How to Recycle Them to be discarded and replaced. Three bil- organization, “State battery recycling re- lion household batteries are sold annually quirements are in effect” in New Mexico. One-stop website with comprehensive information in the U.S. The majority are “single use,” The NM Solid Waste website cites no spe- have a limited amount of stored energy, cific laws or regulations, advising instead, Battery consumption statistics, impact on the waste stream, different types, are not rechargeable, and are generally to “contact your local municipal, county, what they’re made of, where and how to recycle each type: not recycled. Most end up in our landfills. solid waste authority, or tribal recycling https://www.ehso.com/batteries.php Alkaline batteries no longer have toxic program to find out what and how to recycle in your community.” Taos County Solid Waste lead and mercury, so most states (in- http://www.taoscounty.org/368/Solid-Waste-Operations cluding ours) allow for their disposal in Fortunately, the Taos County Solid household trash. Waste district has several collection Edward Martinez – Director (575) 770-9127 Technology now exists to recycle points for batteries, one of which is our Lorenzo Gutierrez – Code Enforcement (575) 779-8941 single-use batteries... and this service is local Cerro Transfer Station. Currently, Email: [email protected] not cost efficient for most recycling pro- they accept household, computer, and New Mexico Recycling Coalition cordless tool batteries. Currently, the grams. So, hundreds of tons of spent bat- (575) 224-2630 teries enter the waste stream every year. county cannot recycle single-use alka- To reduce the impact on our landfills, we line batteries, but point man Lorenzo https://www.recyclenewmexico.com can start by putting aside all batteries that Gutierez encourages users to include all call2recycle are designed to be recycled. batteries when they recycle. Since many https://www.call2recycle.org The other parallel strategy is to people have trouble identifying their National recycling program, partnering with big box stores and other businesses. batteries, his team collects all types and reduce the number of batteries we use by Mail-in option and location tool for local recycling sites. Businesses can sign up switching to rechargeables. Rechargeable sorts them to prevent recyclable batteries and recyclable batteries are practical for from mistakenly ending up in the landfill. here: almost all applications, so when we have These are sent to Santa Fe and on to El https://www.call2recycle.org/the-rechargeable-battery-recycling-corporation- a choice, they’re good for the environ- Paso for processing, while non-recycla- rbrc-provides-free-and-easy-enrollment-for-businesses/ ment, good for our wallets, and good for bles currently go into lined hazardous Home Depot those who come after us. Using them waste landfills. https://www.homedepot.com/c/ab/how-to-dispose-of-batteries/9ba683603be in your household devices, while some- There are a number of non-govern- what more expensive, outlast single-use mental partners for recycling in Taos 9fa5395fab90124a115f1 batteries many times over, saving money County. According to Courtney Gurno Energizer Batteries in the long run while sparing the landfill. of Randall Lumber, in Taos, her store is https://www.energizer.com/responsibility/battery-recycling Even rechargeables eventually degrade part of the call2recycle network. Drop off and must be replaced. It’s important to spent cell phone batteries (and unwanted earth911 keep them out of your trash. The newer phones), rechargeable/recyclable house- https://earth911.com/?s=batteries types, such as lithium-ion and nickel hold batteries, and battery packs for How to Dispose of Old Batteries the Right Way metal hydride, contain volatile chemicals cordless tools. There is no fee and plastic https://batterysolutions.com/news/dispose-old-batteries-right-way/ and heavy metals that can leach into soils battery bags are provided. and water tables, and even catch fire in a CarQuest in Questa accepts car bat- Hybrid/EV Battery Recycling landfill. Recycling these batteries pre- teries with no fee and a drop-off basket https://www.globaltechenvironmental.com/ vents soil and water contamination. But out front. NorthStar Auto in Questa Battery and Electronics Pick-Up anywhere In the U.S. that’s not the only way they benefit the partners with CarQuest to dispose of environment. the car batteries they replace. Likewise,
14 April 2021• Questa Del Rio News • QuestaNews.com SUSTAINABLE LIVING Swap Seeds! By GILLIAN JOYCE The Taos Seed Exchange has been a labor of love for longtime Taos County resident Nan Fisher. She began the seed exchange nine years ago and has hosted seed-sharing events and stewarded seed-exchange stations across the county ever since. In the summer of 2020, Nan asked local agricultural organization Alianza Agri-Cultura de Taos to take Courtesy Photo Nannie Plants over stewardship of the seed exchange, Taos Seed Exchange founder, Nan Fisher, who and they happily accepted! volunteered her service for nine years before the Alianza Agri-Cultura de Taos (AA- Seed Exchange was adopted by Alianza Agricultura CT) is changing the name of the Taos de Taos. The seed exchange program is coming to Questa! Seed Exchange to honor Nan’s years of stewardship. It is now called Auntie one—so if you don’t have seed or spare Nannie’s Seed Exchange. AA-CT is also cash to offer, take the seed you need any- working with the Red Willow Center at way and consider giving back in differ- Taos Pueblo and with Land, Experience, ent ways, whether it’s taking a minute to and Art of Place (LEAP) based in Ques- straighten up the station, telling others ta, to further develop programs related about the seed stations, or growing some to local seed diversity and sovereignty. seed to share next year. Look for new seed-related programming 2021 Seed Exchange Stations: for Taos County in the coming years. “Seeds Dreaming," by Claire Coté, 2021 1. Rael’s Market in Questa Due to COVID-19, the usual 2. Questa Public Library spring seed exchange meetup event will not take place in 2021. But thanks The days are longer, the soil is warmer, so it’s time to 3. The Re-Store in Taos to Nan’s years of work, there are still swap seeds! Auntie Nannie’s Seed Exchange continues 4. Rio Fernando Park in Taos plenty of opportunities to share seed! 5. Re-Threads in Taos Seed exchange stations can be found to bear fruit during COVID-19. 6. The Talpa Community throughout the county from late March Center in Talpa 7. Carson Café and Grocery in Carson through early July. cies and variety, and ideally planting in mind this is a community resource, 8. The Spot in Peñasco Seed Exchange Station: How’s It Work? instructions. Feel free to include any so don’t take more than you need for All seed exchange stations are other information; is it your favorite this season, and try to leave enough for Big thanks goes to the LOR Foun- equipped with envelopes, pens, and a variety for canning?, or are these seeds the next person. If you are particularly dation for providing funding for new donation jar, as well as plenty of seed! your grandmother grew for decades?, happy about a certain variety you find wooden seed exchange stations; to High Bring your extra seeds to donate, wheth- or it is a variety you’ve found to be at a seed station (or somewhere else), Mowing Seed Company; Pueblo Seed er they are seeds you overbought or particularly frost-tolerant? Seed stories consider growing extra to produce seed Company; and many other seed com- seeds that you have grown yourself. are important! to swap next year! panies and gardeners for their generous BRING: If bringing seed that is TAKE: Take new seeds with you. Use If you don’t have any seed to swap, seed donations that will ensure the not in a seed packet, please label it as envelopes and pens to package and label consider making a small cash donation. seed swapping season begins, full of accurately as you can: provide spe- your newfound seed treasures. Keep The seed stations are here for every- possibilities!
dramatic, full of rich, earthy color. The huge, pointy Easter eggs of multiple arid climate, as earth-based materials are geography is indeed beautiful, but with- sizes pushed down into the sand. Over both readily available and provide won- out sufficient tourism residents often 100 of these bulbous forms are grouped derful thermal mass. The interiors are fall prey to illegal trafficking activities, together amid winding pathways. The cool during the day as the thick earthen using their boats. In a unique attempt to interiors are extraordinary in their walls absorb the sun’s heat and then boost the local economy and empower different heights and primary colors and radiate it back inside at night. This suc- its residents in another direction, the are beautifully simplistic and minimal- cessful and gorgeous eco-friendly design Tehran-based firm ZAV Architects, ist in design. have built a brightly colored and visually The structures are made using an has won multiple architectural awards CHANGE YOUR FOCUS, engaging community right on the beach, innovative building method called su- and achieved its purpose of encouraging CHANGE YOUR WORLD. with the sensational jagged mountain peradobe, which involves layering long tourism, boosting the economy, and SUPER ADOBE range as the backdrop. fabric tubes filled with earth and other uniting the community who live there. The multipurpose development is organic materials, like straw, to form a This story brought to you by Arroyo Seco Live. Hormuz is an island south of Iran, in called Majara, and is intended to tie compression structure. The multicol- “Building community through creativity.” SecoLive.org. the Persian Gulf. It lays claim to being together the lives of the local people ored domes were built with the help Audio file on SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/ an historic port, controlling shipments user-259154859/super-adobeTranscript PDF: https:// and visitors, both culturally and eco- of local residents, who were trained in mcusercontent.com/6dd23531465f1c13f80eb7d84/files/ of petroleum from the Middle East. nomically. What you see from the sea is the superadobe process. This mud bag b614645d-2f39-4c7d-855a-742c1a532897/GN_7.06__ Its mountainous terrain is jagged and a cluster of candy-colored domes, like construction is well suited to the hot, SuperAdobe.pdf
QuestaNews.com • Questa Del Rio News • April 2021 15 SUSTAINABLE LIVING The Global Creative Challenge 2021
Courtesy Photos Courtesy Photos First Guinness World Record, 2008 Mark has collaborated with community members on these large-scale works: children dance with him on this one!
spirit and go an extra inch, word, note, the world. Indigenous cultures call this 30,000 kids and adults. Our first project ONE ARTIST movement: just because you can. Set process initiation. that set a Guinness World Record for the IMAGINING your own personal world record for Let’s imagine the world we want to live largest pavement art covered 90,000 sq. your largest creative expression. You will in, and in so doing, make change hap- ft. (almost 2 football fields) with chalk THE WORLD feel better during and afterwards: more pen. Here’s how: with the help of 6,000 people, most CREATING TOGETHER grounded, wider, more present, more • Make art on or near Earth Day of them elementary school kids from alive, more able to help solve the world’s April 22, 2021. Alameda, CA. It was large enough to be EARTH DAY problems. You can share your endeav- • Get friends and family involved. seen and photographed by satellite. or and see what the world is doing on APRIL 22, 2021 • Be part of our virtual team. Email Mark Lewis Wagner, MA, is a traditional Facebook, where a gallery will be created us: [email protected] and digital artist, educator, illustrator, fine We have a new exciting project. It’s so big for sharing work. for more info. art painter, graphic designer, photographer, we need your help; we are inviting you and Pandemic isolation and talk of cli- • Network with an organization filmmaker, musician, author, college/ the rest of the world to be part of it. mate change have been hard on every- in your community: art centers, elementary school/state prison art teacher. one, but especially hard on our youth. schools, PTA, village or town Clients: Smithsonian Museum of Natural They are afraid of something they can’t councils, churches, etc., and get History, Pixar/Disney, SpaceX, Target, PG&E, see, afraid for their future, afraid for the them involved. Samsung, Oakland Museum, and Oakland Founder and creative director of world that they are inheriting... That’s • Network nationally: children’s art Zoo. He teaches art online at Chabot College and is working on a sci-fi novel called Graffiti the art endeavor he calls “Drawing on a heavy burden. Suicide rates are up museums, museums, art organiza- Wars (when art saved the world—a story Earth,” Mark Lewis Wagner, a half-time around the world, especially for young tions, art festivals, etc. resident of Questa, will attempt to set people. Not having a reason to live— about art and war). Mark has created five • Network Internationally: every pieces of art photographed by satellite. He a new Guinness World Record for the that’s our shared problem. continent and all countries, UN, spends half his studio time in Oakland, CA largest chalk street-art drawing, exceed- We need to find creative solutions. UNICEF, etc. and the other half in Questa, New Mexico. ing his first Guinness World Record, set What do we need now on the planet? We Here’s how some folks are participat- www.marklewiswagner.com in 2008. The new attempt will be on an asked the Earth what it needed and it ing: Victoria has enrolled her communi- www.drawingonearth.org old tennis court on the decommissioned told us in no uncertain terms: imagina- ty to create a big chalk drawing together. FaceBook: groups/dinstagrrawingonearth01 Naval Air Base in Alameda, CA, com- tion. Not the frilly stuff, but the real stuff: Bobbie Rea has her elementary school Instagram: drawingonearth prising 18,000 sq. ft. He’ll work on it for visionary powerful imagining that cre- on board. Mary’s neighbors are all draw- five days, starting on April 19. ates the future, the kind of imagination ing in their own driveways. All these Concurrent with Mark’s chalk that put humans on the moon, made actions are COVID-safe, and a way to drawing record attempt in California, cars, cellphones and created ways that help people feel connected to something Mark invites us to be part of this global we survived other pandemics—we imag- bigger than themselves. story! His creative challenge: Imagine ine everything first. The Earth needs More about Drawing on Earth: we a changed climate, imagine the world humans to evolve into mature beings are a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that connects creating together, imagine a future for who use intuition and explore the mys- art and creativity to youth and com- everyone and everything. What do tery. Humans on earth need to grow up, munities around the world. We mainly you see? Dance it, draw, sing, sculpt, to grow “in.” As mature beings, we then focus on chalk drawing on streets and write, paint, digitally make it—and can take responsibility for ourselves, for school playgrounds. We have drawn on while you’re at it, stretch your creative one another, for our communities, and three continents and so far worked with Get your local news from Questa Del Rio News
16 April 2021• Questa Del Rio News • QuestaNews.com SUSTAINABLE LIVING Celebrate Earth Day at the Questa Municipal Park CONTINUING A LEGACY OF of keeping our planet healthy and clean, YOUTH LEADERSHIP: YOU ARE and for people to renew their commit- INVITED! FRIDAY, APRIL 23 WORK ment to make positive changes in their DAY AT QUESTA PARK communities. Let’s come together in solidarity with LEAP’s Earth Day celebrations in local youth to mark Earth Day along- Questa started with a suggestion from side communities around the world. Starr, the artist, seamstress, and friend On Friday, April 23, the day after Earth to many, who passed away in January of Day, from 10 am to 3 pm! Join Active8 this year. LEAP’s first Earth Day event youth, Mayor Mark Gallegos, LEAP, was the 2014 opening reception for and community volunteers at Questa "Seeds: Time Capsules of Wilderness," Municipal Park to plant trees, celebrate an exhibition of artwork by Alta Vista natural beauty, and work to maintain Elementary students, at OCHO Art + and improve assets at our park. Event Space. Starr’s remarkable Earth Day turtle banner hung in the window.
The more our youth CELEBRATE EARTH DAY AT and we all put back QUESTA MUNICIPAL PARK! Maria Gonzalez towards our Earth in What: Tree planting, spring cleaning & The Vida Del Norte Active8, back row, from left to right: Angelica Lovato, Mckayla Martinez, Araceli recycling, repurposing, youth-led visioning for skatepark creation Gonzalez, Ashlynn Rael, Alianna Gonzalez, Amalia Gonzalez, Kaylee Piper. Front row: Esteban Gomez, Issac Ortega and planting, we Where: Questa Municipal Park, 7-1/2 Questa Municipal Park Road, just past the will hopefully find a Library and Youth Center. balance within our When: Friday, April 23, 10 am – 3 pm whole ecosystem. (the day after Earth Day) Who: Everyone is welcome! Cost: Free —Questa Mayor Mark Gallegos Event Contact: Claire Coté (LEAP) - [email protected] (575) 224-9066 Youth & Future Skatepark contact: The Questa Municipal Park we enjoy Maria Gonzalez (VIDA del Norte); today exists in large part due to the vi- sion and diligence of the Playground Su- [email protected] perheroes Project, a group of eight Ques- (575) 779-2260 ta High School student interns who were *Sourced from: https://www.taosnews. hired through a work-study program com/news/playground-superheroes- in 2013-14. These motivated students team-keeps-optimism-alive-in-questa/ Claire Cote helped transform the Questa Municipal article_cf208386-72e6-57b7-865d- Previous Earth Day work day volunteers at Questa Park. Park with help from the Chevron Questa bbdb0f13b95c.html Mine, Community Build, and the Questa vision for a skatepark and other projects Economic Development Fund.* at the park. Get in touch with Vida del Now, the Vida del Norte Drug-Free Norte program coordinator, Maria Gon- Coalition’s Active8 members are con- This year for Earth Day, gather- zalez, to join in on April 23 to share your tinuing this legacy of youth leadership ing outdoors to work safely together ideas and help out! If you have them, as they envision innovations at the park. is especially meaningful. The day will please bring work gloves and yard clean- Plans for a skatepark and other ideas include planting drought-tolerant trees, ing tools; we’ll have extra gloves donated for improvements will be explored and work on repairing the irrigation sys- by Questa Lumber and Hardware and Martha Shepp presented on Friday, April 23. The Ac- tem, removal of invasive plant species, additional tools on hand as well. Entrance to Questa Municipal Park, behind the tive8 youth leaders are Angelica Lovato, trash pick-up, and brainstorming park Coordinated by LEAP (Land, Expe- Library and Youth Center. Araceli Gonzalez, McKayla Martinez, improvements. Of course, a hearty lunch rience and Art of Place) in collabora- Kalena Trujillo, Kaylee Piper, Ama- for volunteers will be provided midday. tion with the Vida del Norte Coalition, Foundation, and generous individual lia Gonzalez, Alianna Gonzalez, and Progress on-site is our goal, but what’s Questa Earth Day Celebration partners tree sponsors and volunteers. Ashlynn Rael. New recruits are Domi- more important is having fun, strength- include the Questa Public Library, Vil- To join the VIDA youth leader- nic Vallejos, Patrick Vallejos, Marlayna ening friendships by working together lage of Questa, Localogy, North Cen- ship team, contact Maria Gonzalez, Vallejos, and Esperanza Vallejos. in service, and amplifying youth and tral Food Pantry, and Questa Farmers [email protected] or The first Earth Day was celebrated community voices to shape the future of Market. Sponsors that have made this (575) 779-2260. 51 years ago on April 22, 1970. This our park and beyond. project possible include ACE Hardware Information about the Earth Day holiday was dreamed up by U.S. Senator All local youth are invited and all Nursery in Taos, Questa Hardware, Los event can be found at: www.leapsite.org or Gaylord Nelson, to mark the importance are welcome! Please come to create the Jardineros Garden Club of Taos, LOR by calling (575) 224-9066.
QuestaNews.com • Questa Del Rio News • April 2021 17 EDUCATION Questa Junior Senior High School Celebrates 100 Years With The National Honor Society INDUCTION CEREMONY SUNDAY, statues, and around the world. Mem- energetically involved in their school APRIL 18 BY ZOOM bership recognizes students for their ac- and community. They are musicians By SARA MARTINEZ complishments and challenges them to and dancers, champion cheerleaders, develop their leadership further through athletes, mentors, actors, artists, chefs, Questa Junior Senior High School active involvement in school activities and gamers. They donate blood, they is proud to join thousands of schools and community service. help referee for Little League Sports, they around the world to celebrate the cen- “NHS identifies students who want help their grandparents, aunts, uncles, tennial anniversary of the National Hon- more from their education than letter and cousins with chores or putting a or Society (NHS). Since its inception grades—they want to make a valuable birthday party together. Some of them in 1921, the NHS has been a pioneer in difference in society,” said Nara Lee, even find the time to work part-time. student organizations by using a unique, director of NASSP Student Leadership. These students are busy every day of the forward-thinking lens to recognize stu- “As we look to the future, NHS will con- week. Our community is enriched with dents for far more than academia. NHS tinue to push the boundaries of student their energy and devotion. honors students for their outstanding executive director of the National Asso- development, serving as the champion On Sunday April 18, 2021 at 2 pm, academic achievement and community ciation of Secondary School Principals of student growth and achievement for we will induct 25 new and returning engagement, while providing programs (NASSP), which serves as the parent the entire learning community.” members (see list below). As with so and services that support their develop- organization of NHS. “For the past 100 The Kiowa chapter of Questa Junior many other things that have changed ment into exemplary role models. years, these pillars of NHS have spread Senior High School will celebrate 52 and are unpredictable with COVID-19, “As we celebrate the centennial throughout learning communities, ulti- years, founded by Mrs. Sally Lucero we will hold our induction ceremony anniversary of the National Honor mately making a lasting impact on the in 1969. We are proud to have been virtually again this year. Please visit Society, we recognize the important education landscape across the United inducting new members who are willing the school website for zoom login info. role the organization has played to States and beyond.” to be leaders in the school today so that https://qisd-nm.schoolloop.com/ For develop well-rounded students who Today, it is estimated that more than they can serve as our leaders of our more information about NHS and to embody scholarship, service, leadership, one million students participate in NHS global community in the future. When join the NHS centennial celebration, and character,” said JoAnn Bartoletti, activities annually, with chapters in all 50 they are not studying, they are fully and visit www.nhs.us/100.
The following students are candidates for selection to the Kiowa Chapter of NHS. Candidacy begins by meeting the scholarship criterion of 3.5 and no Cs for 2 semesters in a row (Spring and Fall 2020), members then must maintain a 3.0 and no Ds. Teachers and staff are then asked to review each candidate on the qualities of leadership, service, and character to confirm that these students have met all the criteria for membership. National Junior Honor Society National Honor Society (Grades 7-9) (Grades 10-12) Melissa Andrianos *Jaydyn Cintas Joaquin Arellano Santana Cintas Alexis Brown Angelica Lovato *Janae Dominguez Aalyiah Martinez approved of these changes for returning Amalia Gonzales Elizabeth Martinez all students to in-person learning. Alyana Leon Leah Martinez All on-site precautions for COVID- safe learning remain in place. Masks are *Alyse Lovato Honorio Justin Rael REQUIRED, social distancing will be *Liliana Martinez *Karina Rael observed, and time will be built in for Sophia Martinez Annaliese Rivera CORNER handwashing and other safety practices. *Ariana Medina Questa Cheer and Spirit Team were We are SO excited to move into our out to welcome junior and senior high Kaylee Piper *New inductee:s next phase of school re-entry! Due to students back on March 29. Elementary Nathaniel Rael changes at the state level, the New Mex- students will be welcomed back with a ico Public Education Department has Antonio Romero Red-Carpet Entrance Celebration on stated that all schools shall open for all April 6. Go Cats! Ricardo Sanchez students to return to school on-site for four days per week. Families still have Kimber MacDonald Aliyah Santistevan Lead Teacher, AVIES, RCSWLA *Donny Santistevan the option to stay in virtual learning mode, remotely, at home. On March 16 Maria Cintas the Questa Independent School Board QISD Interim Superintendent
18 April 2021• Questa Del Rio News • QuestaNews.com EDUCATION QUESTA INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT: HONOR ROLL 2020-21 Quarter 3 QUESTA HIGH QUESTA JUNIOR ALTA VISTA HONOR ROLL ALTA VISTA SCHOOL HIGH SCHOOL ELEMENTARY 3RD GRADE INTERMEDIATE SCHOOL Cabanas, Alice SCHOOL PRINCIPAL’S ROLL PRINCIPAL’S ROLL Chavez, Analeyah 12TH GRADE 8TH GRADE PRINCIPAL'S ROLL Cisneros, Aubrey PRINCIPAL’S ROLL Martinez, Aalyiah Andrianos, Melissa 3RD GRADE Fernandez, Dante 6TH GRADE Lovato, Albert Griego, Urijah 11TH GRADE 7TH GRADE Cardenas, Patrick Cisneros, Josiah Lovato, Bella'Elizabeth 5TH GRADE Lovato, Angelica Lovato, Alyse Dominguez, Mateo Martinez, Gracie Padilla, Thiago Martinez, Leah Santistevan, Donny Fernandez, Nelson Ortega, Drake Rivera, Annaliese 4TH GRADE HONOR ROLL Halterman, LilyAnn Vigil Flores, Maria-Mercedes Arguello, Gabreella 9TH GRADE 8TH GRADE McKenney, Ashley 2ND GRADE Vigil, Lyanna Rael, Nathaniel Brown, Alexis Roybal, Lucia Casaus, Damian HONOR ROLL Sanchez, Ricardo Segura, Xayvion Cortez, Mary Cardenas, Kamryn 6TH GRADE HONOR ROLL Gonzalez, Alianna Vigil-Rael, Andres Fernandez, Caridad Gallegos, Donovan Brown, Porfirio Leon, Alyana 2ND GRADE Cordova, Kaylei 12TH GRADE Martinez, Evanie Martinez, Liliana Hurtado, Ronnie Cintas, Santana Arellano, Mariah Martinez, Liam Rael, Delilah Ortega, Delena Martinez, Elizabeth 1ST GRADE Mondragon, Xzavier Santistevan, Aliyah Ortega, Mariana Medina, Tiana Ortega, Jeremiah Ritchlin-Cruz, Jovad Vallejos, Jacob Depontes, Gypsy Molina, Monica Depontes, Sequoia Salas III, Agustin Roybal III, Larry Trujillo, Consuelo 7TH GRADE Ortega, Sebastian Young, Abigail Vallejos, Esperanza 11TH GRADE Dominguez, Janae Vigil, Alexx 1ST GRADE 5TH GRADE Danis, Tate Leon Jr., Ricardo Chavez, Diego Arellano, Ryan KINDERGARTEN Caraveo, Nicole LaCome, Danielle Medina, Ariana Cisneros, Aylee Medina, Joshlyn Griego, Eliseo Gallegos, Betty Cisneros, Analea Mascarenas, Martina Cisneros, Lukas Ortega, Jocelyne Martinez, Lucinda Gomez, Austin Quintana, Nataniel Ortega, Adrial Cordova, Hayley Smith, Sophia Martinez, Skarlet Ortega, Jackson Dominguez, Maliyah 10TH GRADE Martinez, Wayne Hernandez, Hecter Chavez, Josiah MERIT ROLL Padilla, Christopher Romero, Lucas Rowell, Aiden Hernandez, Serenity Cintas, Jaydyn 8TH GRADE Kindergarten Knight, Egypt Gonzales, Juan Rael, Ashlynn Sanchez, Cataleya Cardenas, Zachary Ortiz, Sierra Sanchez, Fernando Martinez Jr., Jason Roberts, Savanna Fernandez, Darren Romero, Miguel Martinez, Jordyn Gallegos, Jeremiah Smith, Remington 7TH GRADE Tannahill, Wesley Rael, Karina Littlepage, Alaysia Rael, Dedrick Martinez, Joseph Vialpando, Isaac 9TH GRADE Pacheco, Aspen 4TH GRADE Arellano, Joaquin Rael, Jason Cisneros, Alya Carter, Alayna MERIT ROLL Gallegos, Izyk Cisneros, Faith Hurtado, Makayla 3RD GRADE Gonzales, Praxedes Madrid, Xzavier Padilla, Mia Ortega, Bradley Gonzalez, Amalia Reynolds, Taylia Rael, Adrienne Gonzalez, Marivel 2ND GRADE Rael, Jaylee Mascarenas, Marcus Santistevan, Joel Ortega, Isaac Gonzales, Brenda Tannahill, Jeremiah Lovato, Sofia Piper, Kaylee Vigil, Ericka Lovato, Xavier Young, Giana Rivera, Martin Medina, Valentina MERIT ROLL Michael, Joshua MERIT ROLL 6TH GRADE 12TH GRADE 1ST GRADE Quintana, Corina Cardenas, Anika Gomez, Lylah Segura, Atreyu Griego, Mariah McKenney, Ian Segura, Isaac Hernandez, Ozzy Montoya, Anthony Vigil, Chanell Lovato, Anthony CRITERIA FOR HONOR ROLL: Padilla, Melody 5TH GRADE Principal’s Roll: must have 4.0 GPA Sanchez, Jeffrey Buerger, Harris 10TH GRADE Honor Roll: must have 3.2+ GPA KINDERGARTEN Martinez, Marivel Gonzales, Marcus Martinez, Cecelia Lovato, Mya Merit Roll: must have 2.85+ GPA 4TH GRADE Medina, Emmanuel Trujillo, Kalena Trujillo, Mya 9TH GRADE Trujillo, Nikkita Caraveo, Diego Ramirez, Juan Carlos
QuestaNews.com • Questa Del Rio News • April 2021 19 LIBRARY Questa Library Welcomes Assistant Librarian Laura Vallejos QUESTA back to Questa after 15 years away. We to help us with library duties and in as- were pleasantly surprised to find that sisting younger children with activities, PUBLIC LIBRARY Questa has evolved into a busy, boom- as well as planning teen activities. For ing village. There are so many positive our younger children, we are planning a By SHARON NICHOLSON, changes and improvements going on Summer Reading Program with activ- LIBRARY DIRECTOR here, and having options and choices ities and special guests. We will have makes living here more enjoyable. We games, reading challenges, and prizes! The advisory board and staff of the wanted a safe place to help raise our Learning can be fun and exciting. See Questa Library are excited to announce grandsons. Here they can explore and you at the library!” the addition of Assistant Librarian move about freely, learning life skills that Laura, we are glad you have joined Laura Vallejos. Many of you are already are as essential as academic skills. Courtesy Photo acquainted with Laura, having grown “I am especially excited about having us. Kids ages 4-10 are encouraged to up with her or working with her at Alta a new expanded library for our commu- Laura Vallejos, Questa Public Library’s newest sign up soon for Summer Reading. The addition. Vista Elementary. We asked Laura to say nity. As assistant librarian, my goal is to fun begins June 7, Monday through a few words about herself and what she create a welcoming and safe place where Wednesday each week, from 10-11:30 looks forward to at our library: children, teens, and adults can come here and hang out. They can work on am through June and then again July “I am excited about this new oppor- relax and enjoy browsing books and their homework after school and meet 12-21. Call Laura with your questions at tunity. My family and I recently moved other media. We want our teens to come their friends here. They can volunteer (575) 586-2023. Read With Libby & New Mexico Library-To-Go By LINDA BETZ Libby. While eBooks were already hands-free listening. widely used as a portable reading Why pay fees when you can get a Download free eBooks and audio- source for home and travel, their use good read on your computer, tablet, books! On the Questa Public Library has broadened as the pandemic contin- Kindle, or smartphone for free? Make home page at www.questalibrary.org, ues. With limited physical library ac- now a good time to try some different scroll down and in the right-hand cess, all of us who are now homebound technologies to add to your newfound column, you’ll see a light blue box link can more easily access free eBooks and Zoom skills! For assistance call Sharon to New Mexico Library To Go. audiobooks. Nicholson, QPL Librarian, at (575) 586- Your local library card allows you Many readers like having the ability 2023. Keep in mind that library hours access to tens of thousands of titles the apps allow, to make any book print used audiobooks for long commutes are reduced because of COVID-19 to through the free apps OverDrive and larger and easier to read. Those who now bring them into their homes for Tuesday through Thursday, 1-5 pm. Cuesta Public Library Looks to the Future
By GENE GREEN, April 31 opening, darn it. upset if the numbers aren’t just right... joying a Triple Chocolate Delight made HEAD LIBRARIAN Patrons looking for the latest best- just so someone else can take them out, with pistachio milk.” seller or non-fiction book will be and then I have to go through the whole When asked about what will hap- The new addition to the Cuesta shocked at the Library’s recent an- rigmarole all over again. Geez! Honestly, pen to the discarded books, the Head Public Library will open April 31, with nouncement that it will no longer be I don’t know what all the fuss is about, Librarian replied, “A nice bonfire would some amazing features. Technicians are offering books to lend. “They are such a teaching kids to read...” be lovely, don’t you think?” He went on perfecting the state-of-the-art zipline to bother,” said the Head Librarian, Gene He continued his rant. “I don’t even to suggest that DVDs might be the next move guests from the old building to the Green. “People come in all hours of the want to go into the bookshelves them- to go. People with questions may contact new wing. Use will initially be limited to day, interrupting me, wanting to check selves. They are such unsightly things, the Library at (575) 586-2023. “But only three round trips per day. The originally out this book or that. And then when the getting in the way of the clean lines of an between midnight and 5 am on the sec- planned main attraction, our antique books are returned, I have to put them empty space, and we’re always having to ond Tuesday of each week.” He carousel, will not be ready in time for the back on the shelves in order. People get dust them. I would much rather be en- then added, “April Fools!”
APRIL FOOLS' DAY BY SIERRA O. April Fools’ Day is a day that people prank each other, on Some people say April Fools’ has been around since 1582. It April 1 every year. A lot of people like April Fools’ Day and is a very popular day and people around the world celebrate some dislike April Fools’ Day. There are jokes, pranks, and fun April Fools’ Day. when someone pranks another and they yell “Aprils Fools!” to the person. April Fools’ has been around for several centuries. From Mr. John Walsh’s Alta Vista Fifth Grade Class
20 April 2021• Questa Del Rio News • QuestaNews.com LITERARY LOCAL New Mexico’s First Poet Laureate: Levi Romero
FROM WIKIPEDIA Mexico Department of Cultural Affairs the New Mexico Cultural Landscapes On January 30, 2020, Levi Romero, for the creation of a state Poet Laure- Certificate program and the Digital originally from Dixon, New Mexico, ate program. Cuentos project. He writes his poems in was appointed New Mexico's first Poet The three-year position of Poet both English and Spanish and loves the Laureate. New Mexico became the Laureate includes an annual stipend of Manitos dialect of north central New 46th state to offer an official state poet $25,000, travel and printing expenses, Mexico. He prefers the term Nuevoméx- position. Taos poet Anne MacNaughton, and part-time staff support. The position icano, or "New Mexican," rather than co-founder of SOMOS, the Taos Poetry supports literacy and enhances educa- Chicano or Hispanic. Circus, and the Poet Education Project, tion while enriching the arts across the Romero has won national recogni- was among the three New Mexican state. Through speaking at statewide tion and has made a lifetime commit- poets on the selection committee who engagements and programs at schools ment to poetry and his long teaching courtesy photo chose Levi Romero. and libraries, the poet will engage all career. He has published two collections Albuquerque Senator Bill O’Neill, New Mexicans with poetry and also Levi Romero of poetry: A Poetry of Remembrance: himself a poet, sponsored Senate Bill document his travels via web journal Mexico, where he earned a Bachelor of New and Rejected Works, and In the 536 of New Mexico’s 2019 regular and podcast. Romero was also appointed Arts in architecture in 1994 and Master Gathering of Silence, both published by session that funded the Poet Laureate as New Mexico Quincentennial poet. of Arts in architecture 2000. Romero is University of New Mexico Press. He’s program. Governor Michelle Lujan Levi Romero graduated from the an assistant professor in the Chicana and also the co-author of the book Sagrado: Grisham signed the bill on April 5, 2019, Menaul Boarding School in Albuquer- Chicano Studies Department at the Uni- A Photopoetics Across the Chicano Home- which allocated $107,000 to the New que and attended the University of New versity of New Mexico, where he directs land, written with Spencer R. Herrera. alibi Woodstove of that saw western swing dancing in dim all the way home of ten cents for a cream soda at Corrina's lantern flame woodstove of the water drop sizzle of strawberry Nehis and a bag of chili chips when the cop pulled up My Childhood that watched Elvis come in from across the of buñuelos and biscochitos and flour on at Medina's llano strumming the chin of a handful of bubble gum acá Santos's I wondered how we were going to explain all this woodstove of my childhood a mail-order Stella and singing in Spanish of chokecherry jam dropping out woodstove of genius wisdom dressed up as ‘cause when you are doing something where potatoes cut like triangle chips were fried woodstove from the end of a tortilla the village idiot it’s not too hard to lie, in manteca de marrano of the feast lamb tied up under the of hand-me-down stories locked away but when you’re doing nothing woodstove woodstove of lazy autumn smoke swirling away crabapple tree that heard Mentorcito's violin bringing in the in the dispensa well, what can you say to nowhere of early sour cherries ripening above the new yea of bien loco local heroes cracking homeruns woodstove of December cornstalk horizon that saw Tío Eliseo bring in an armload of wood Saturday afternoons en la cañada “we’re just sitting here officer, evacuating the cold chill at sunrise of neighbors bartering a cup of sugar that heard Tío Antonio coming down the road woodstove just talking, and he’s writing poetry” woodstove of celebration and mourning in exchange for mitote and conversation whistling a corrido and swinging his cane of all that and more of all that disappearing of post-World War II Korea y Vietnam woodstove of rain tenderly pouring into woodstove of the blessed noontime as children played hide 'n' seek in that I mean, how’s that really going to sound the afternoon woodstove corner that kept vigil over abandoned goodtime feeling and salt sprinkling onto the patio from the and Grandma Juanita heating up the caldito to a guy who means business drunken nodding remembrance mouth of the porch woodstove of the sanctified and untamed while stumbling on the footsteps of tradition and carries a gun woodstove corner where uncles primos woodstove of the nighttime crackling softly holy spirit woodstove that heard the fall of a people By LEVI ROMERO compadres rising in silence of harmonious harmonica medleys of the dream awake dreamers gathered on visits from Califas that died of a loneliness without cure blowing before bedtime prayer prophesizing in the beginning how the end Levi Romero, "alibi" from In the Gathering of Silence. woodstove corner with a warm ear for nostalgia would come that cured itself in the company woodstove facing John F. Kennedy's Copyright © 1996 by Levi Romero. Reprinted by permis- where Mama Ane stirred the atole and wrung of creaking trochil gates left open forever of the so many more lonely sion of West End Press. her hands picture on the wall of twisted caved-in gallineros rocking woodstove of my childhood thumb over thumb praying for her children's woodstove of Protestant Sundays in weeping April wind By LEVI ROMERO children's children ringing without bells of abandoned orchards waist deep woodstove that witnessed six decades washing woodstove of dark earth its face at the vandeja in desánimo Levi Romero, "Woodstove of My Childhood" fat worms and acequias of teardrops that held back the laughter from In the Gathering of Silence. Copyright © woodstove of 1960s propaganda 1996 by Levi Romero. Reprinted by permission of the penitente procession moving through of West End Press. and all the rich hippies knocking poorly at the the hills screen door for the soul of the village woodstove of private crazy laughter woodstove of the wounded faithful proudly of woodpeckers pecking through rough-hewn concealing their scars barn timbers only to meet the sky woodstove of armpit farts and bedtime giggles of rabbits nervously nibbling evening away of pitchforks and axes under the bed in case in the arroyo of intruders of the water bucket banging and splashing of coffee cans filled with everything but coffee
QuestaNews.com • Questa Del Rio News • April 2021 21 LOCAL HISTORY The Last of a Brotherhood, Los Hermanos Penitentes By DEBORAH Lent on Ash Wednesday, the Hermanos ARCHULETA-MORENO pray at the Stations of the Cross. During It is the evening of Good Friday, and Holy Week, mass will be held at the there is the sound of prayers, mournful morada. On Good Friday, a procession alabados (hymns), rattling of chains, and takes place: this is known as the Encuen- wailing; filling the air from the morada tro (or Encounter.) The procession may (a meeting or prayer house) as the secret vary from one community to another., rite is being practiced. Within these but these Hermanos will carry a statue walls, a brotherhood, the Hermanos of Jesus from the morada to the church Penitentes, has gathered. These religious as they pray and sing alabados. The rites have been in practice as far back as Veronicas (women who were auxilia- 400 years ago—perhaps much earlier. ries, who supported the men during New Mexico’s religious history runs Holy Week.), will carry a Virgin Mary long and deep. It has always been an statue to el Calavario, to meet the men. important way of life for the Spanish There the procession is joined by family communities of deeply religious people members and worshipers. El Encuentro who were once isolated from others and then continues the procession back to from the formal church. These remote the morada. villages did not have priests nor access to The number of active moradas and the sacraments, therefore Los Hermanos their numbers are declining. I recently Penitentes met the needs of their people, spoke with Mr. Jose Chavez, President building their own prayer houses and and Hermano of the Cerro morada. “At carrying out their religious duties. The one time there had been 70 Hermanos, moradas were constructed in almost but now we are left with only six; we every village from southern Colorado, lost two this year,” he says. Becom- through northern New Mexico, and all ing an Hermano has been a tradition the way to the Rio Bonito in southern that is passed down from generation New Mexico. to generation. Mr. Chavez says, “The In 1851, the morada in Cerro, New generation of today do not want to learn Mexico was built (prior to the village’s the prayers, for the reason that all the original Catholic church) and religious prayers are in Spanish, and the younger rites are still being practiced there to this generations do not speak Spanish.” day, 170 years later! At the beginning of I believe the link of the Hermanos and their communities is too important to give up, however the younger gen- eration may not be as devoted to the Catholic faith as their forefathers were. The new generation has a modern way of thinking, but maybe stepping into a morada that dates back hundreds of years, they could find that there is still value in the ancient teachings and the old ways.
Martha Shepp Left: Jose Chavez, President and Hermano of the Cerro morada. Above: Mr. Chavez by the entrance to the 1850s building where the rites are practiced. Right: Statuary within the worship space, most likely brought to Cerro from Spain before this building was even constructed. A Significant Part of New Mexico History By PAUL FIGUEROA, by Juan de Oñate. Dr. Rick Hendrick’s expedition from Abiquiu to California gmail.com for Zoom login information. TAOS COUNTY HISTORICAL research on the Camino Real focuses and this trail became known as the Old Rick Hendricks, PhD. is the New SOCIETY on the period of the Reconquest from Spanish Trail in John C. Fremont’s 1844 Mexico State Records Administrator 1692-93 through the papers of Governor published report. and previously served as State Historian The Camino Real, the Santa Fe Diego de Vargas. The advent of Mexican Please join us for Taos County for nine years. He is a former editor of Trail, and the Old Spanish Trail form a independence in 1821 coincided with Historical Society’s Zoom lecture “Re- the Vargas Project at University of New significant part of New Mexico and Taos the opening of the Santa Fe Trail and the flections on Three Trails” by Dr. Rick Mexico and has written extensively history. The Camino Real was extended period from 1822 to 1846 for extensive Hendricks on Saturday, April 3 at 2 pm. on the history of the American South- northward out of New Spain in 1598 trade. In 1829, Antonio Armijo led an Contact Paul Figueroa, paulcfigueroa@ west and Mexico.
22 April 2021• Questa Del Rio News • QuestaNews.com LOCAL HISTORY A New Columnist Joins the Team
By DEBORAH degree in history at Eastern New Mexico ARCHULETA-MORENO University. I have my own history page New Mexico—enriched with unique on Facebook called Folklore, History, traditions, cultures, and beauty, I am and The Enchantment of New Mexico. It honored to call home. I was raised in brings me great pleasure to be a part of Cerro, New Mexico, where my father’s The Questa Del Rio News. family can be traced back to the first Folklore, History, and settlers in the area. My mother’s family The Enchantment of New Mexico | Facebook is from the southern part of the state, so https://www.facebook.com/ I am from both northern and south- FolkloreHistoryand ern New Mexico. Currently, I reside in TheEnchantmentofNewMexico Roswell, New Mexico and am blessed https://www.etsy.com/shop/ Courtesy Photos with my husband and two rambunctious DeborahsArtandCrafts children, a girl and boy, ages 5 and 3. My Wooden cross with turquoise inlay by Deborah Archuleta-Moreno, available on Etsy. husband serves on active duty with the U.S. Army National Guard. Growing up in the mountains with the Rio Grande as my backyard, I drew much inspiration from the beauty and history that surrounded me. I paint, write, and am constantly crafting. I have an Etsy store where I sell my items and I also sell at craft fairs. I was always fascinated with the stories and tales that my grandparents told me, which sparked an interest in Courtesy Photos Courtesy Photos history, especially the history of New Mexico. I am currently finishing my Deborah Archuleta-Moreno Colorfully painted crosses by Deborah Archuleta-Moreno, available on Etsy.
HOMETOWN ~ FAMILY OWNED
YEARS
Serving Northern New Mexico Families for 85 Years with offices in Taos, Española, Santa Fe and now Los Alamos. Rivera Family Funerals & cremations Amos & Tim Rivera riverafamilyfuneralhome.com (575) 758-3841
QuestaNews.com • Questa Del Rio News • April 2021 23 QUARANTINE QUISINE Llama Introduces 100% COVID-Safe Group Dining By LOLA GANLER has a huge following, with 1.5 million are the Scene. entertainment (think: cats). The country’s first completely safe members. “It’s easy,” said Rayal, “You just Meals enjoyed in the conversation Rayal reports that the company is pick your membership level and make rooms last about twice as long, so plan growing so fast that this month he had to dining experience during the COVID-19 a reservation for the Zoomm Dining accordingly. Dining discussions range hire over two dozen new employees from pandemic was recently introduced in Room of your choice to dine with fellow from the best online shopping, current Llama, “I’m proud that I’m helping to New Mexico’s Llama community. All din- Zoommers.” He says Dining Rooms are religious beliefs, past political partisan- keep our country safe during the pan- ing interaction is mask-free, guaranteed categorized by type of food, type of con- ship, to the meaning of life; the newest demic, contributing to local economic 100% safe, and with no limit on the num- versation, or type of background. “You addition is My Favorite Real Restaurants. development, and connecting people and ber of concurrent dining companions. just pick what you’re in the mood for.” Participants are encouraged to suggest food with my Zoomm Dining Rooms ©. “The idea just came to me!” said Dining Room options by food cur- discussion topics, as the conversa- Grab your meal, put down a placemat, get founder, Barth Rayal. “After working rently include Subs ’n’ Suds, Stake Your tions never end. comfy, and enter your Dining Room!” from home for a year, spending all my Steak, Tex-Mex-with-your-Ex, Hamburg- For those who want to dine with com- To join The Dining Room by Zoomm time on Zoomm calls, and eating at my ers from Hamburg, Leftovers Over Easy, panionship but don’t want to interact, with a yearlong membership and to make desk in front of the computer, I said to Just Eat Sweets, and the ever popular preferring to eat in silence or have the dining reservations, visit: DiningRoom@ myself, ‘I’m dining COVID-free, I need Junk Food Joint. New Dining Rooms to need to keep working, they can select Zoooommmmm.com. Mention promo to patent this!’ so I did.” open in the next few weeks include Catch from over 10,000 background themes, code: APRIL FOOLS! The Dining Room by Zoomm, LLC ©, of Today, The Italian Scallion, Chile Chili, providing endless options for daily was launched in early March and already and for vegetarians, Beans & Greens inspiration, meditation, digestion, even Benefit Programs Available at the Questa FarmersMarket By GAEA MCGAHEE • To apply for SNAP (also called EBT double your money. This is a federally To learn how to participate in the Wom- During the past market season, and food stamps): Go to www.hsd.state. supported food benefit program. en, Infant, Children Farmers’ Market USDA Food Benefit usage was up 40 nm.us or call (800) 432-6217. If you • Want to receive Senior Nutrition Nutrition Program (WIC FMNP) Go to percent from 2019. In 2020, more have SNAP, you will receive Double-Up- Program Checks to use at your local nmwic.org or call (866) 867-3124. people shopped using EBT and Double- Food-Bucks automatically at the market. market? To learn more about the Senior Up-Food-Bucks.* The Questa Farmers When you take out $25 from your SNAP Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program, call * For information about Double-Up- Market can accept these benefits as well EBT Card at the Questa Farmers Market, (505) 242-6777. Food Bucks, check out this YouTube Video: as WIC and Senior Nutrition Farm you’ll get another $25 to spend on local • WIC clients, would you like money https://youtu.be/_wm-sEVLHEE Program Checks. fruits and vegetables. This is how you to spend at your local farmers market?
It was surprising to see how many people showed up to participate. The prizes went surprisingly quickly. This treasure hunt kicked off an idea that Vida Del Norte is promoting called the #HealthyHero Challenges. These will be monthly activities that people can do TREASURE HUNT on their own and then post photos of AT EAGLE ROCK LAKE themselves participating with the hashtag By RACHEL KUC’ #HealthyHero, to promote healthy lead- ership in our community. On March 17, Saint Patrick's Day, From left to right, Izziah Gonzales, 12; Mariah BettyMaria Gallegos with her treasures. To find out what the next #Healthy- the Vida Del Norte Coalition organized Gonzales, 4; their mother, Pastor Kristi Gonzales, Hero challenge will be please check www. with Zachariah Gonzales, 2; and Micah Gonzales, the Lucky Leprechaun Treasure Hunt at vidadelnorte.com/healthyhero. They will 10: Koda Segura, 11 Eagle Rock Lake in Questa. This was a be posted by the second week of each fun event where people could participate month. Vida is also organizing an event on their own, to keep up social distanc- for Easter that will take place on April 3, ing. Lucky the Leprechaun put up clues the Saturday before Easter. To find out around the lake and on the trail along the what this event will be and where it will Red River toward the Carson National be held, please visit www.vidadelnorte. Forest Ranger District Office. com or keep an eye out for the flyers. These clues eventually led back to Vida wants to give special thanks to the the lake where there were two boxes full employees at the Questa Ranger District of prizes for the kids and a few for the for giving permission to have the treasure parents, too. The idea behind this activity hunt at the lake and for keeping that area was to provide something fun for people so nice for the community. Also, thanks in our community to do on Saint Patrick's to everyone who came out on Saint Pat- Izyk Gallegos with his prizes after the Enriquetta Gonzales helps to decorate the Day, and get people outside and moving. rick's Day to participate. treasure hunt. treasure boxes.
24 April 2021• Questa Del Rio News • QuestaNews.com WEalways NEED YOUR SUPPORT This community's newspaper works for you.
1. IF YOU LIVE AWAY, SUBSCRIBE TODAY. 3. DONATE YOUR TIME. Would you like to keep in touch with the Questa community from afar and receive a real newspaper in You can join our volunteer staff. Are you a writer or a photographer? Would you like to volunteer your mailbox that you can hold in your hand? Subscribe now for $60 a year. With PayPal you can choose as a Volunteer Coordinator or help in another way? Join our team! a recurring payment of $5 per month. Make a note on your check or PayPal payment that it is for a Let us know! Email [email protected]. subscription to Questa Del Rio News. 4. DONATE YOUR MONEY. TO PAY ONLINE go to http://www.questanews.com/. Scroll down to the yellow donate button. Many of And, of course, we can always use the cash. We have tried to make it an easy-ish process by our supporters have chosen to make an automatic monthly donation. This is an easy way to offer your adding a PayPal donation button on our website. For a cash donation call us at (575) 586-2149 to arrange continuous support for our work. Your tax deductible contributions will help ensure that your local news a drop off time at the Questa Visitors Center. For a check donation, simply mail it to the following address. source will continue. QUESTA DEL RIO NEWS, PO Box 1072, Questa, NM 87556, and please make a note that it is a donation to the newspaper . No amount is too small. MAIL A CHECK TO QUESTA DEL RIO NEWS, PO Box 1072, Questa, NM 87556, and please make a note that it is a subscription to the newspaper and 5. DONATE YOUR GOOD VIBES. BE SURE TO INCLUDE YOUR MAILING ADDRESS. This is very important. Tell us and everyone else what you think of us. What you think we are doing right or how we can improve. Send us your press releases. Send us your opinions for the Letters to the 2. ADVERTISE Editor column. (We like them to be constructive.) Send us your recipes, or column ideas or photos. Use From something as small as a classified ad to sell your washing machine, to a full-page ad announcing our classifieds section to reach locals about local stuff. Advertise to your base. Engage with us, engage your huge holiday sale, you can reach your audience affordably here at the Questa Del Rio News. with our community. We need your valued feedback. With a month long shelf life and the forced distribution that goes directly into the mailboxes of all residents in four zip codes, our competitive rates and package deals make for a wise choice for your advertising dollars. For rates or questions contact Dina Coleman at (575) 586-2258 or For late breaking community [email protected]. news follow us on Facebook. questanews.com
QuestaNews.com • Questa Del Rio News • April 2021 25 SUSTAINABLE LIVING April Showers Banned By JUNE SUMMER law, banning April showers, is predicted and blatant disregard for the bouquet of Concerns about droughts impacting to save and redirect more than a trillion needs within our state. So, as the melted the flora and fauna has forced the State dollars and gallons of water, and this will snow runoff makes its way from the of New Mexico to pass an unprecedent- ensure our state will continue to bloom peaks in Colorado’s highest mountains ed law that impacts all state residents: and beautifully flourish in the future.” into the creeks, streams, brooks, arroyos, April showers are now banned through Scientific studies have proven that tributaries, ditches, gullies, canals, lakes, May 1, 2021. showers use 28 more gallons than a ponds, and rivers of New Mexico, the To protect the water supply for the quick sponge bath. This study, con- water flow will be closely monitored and benefit of all residents and the budding ducted in 1999 by SPRING (Saving restricted with these new laws in place. Courtesy Photo operations in the state, no one will be Precious Resources Inside the Nation’s The Governor admitted that enforce- New Mexico bans April showers through May 1, permitted to take showers during the Geosphere), a non-binary group that ment will be difficult, and individuals 2021. month of April. counsels the states on the use of natural and families are asked to self- regulate. extended; I think we all agree that we New Mexico Governor, Michael Lo- resources, precious metals, and emer- The Governor pleaded, “Our future is at han-Grishin says, “Citizens are asked to gent gases, has been widely accepted. stake! We all want to see the state contin- need next month to bring us those May comply with this current change during As this past winter’s snowpack is ue to blossom and grow!” flowers.” Then the Governor added, the month of April, as an investment in average at best, SPRING raised concerns The Governor closed by saying, “Let’s “Thank you for reading this our future. This new New Mexico State about April showers, their water waste, ensure that these laws don’t have to be far… APRIL FOOLS’!” UFO Activity on San Antonio Mountain By LUPE ESTRELLA several smaller lights above and around the north. She said she saw a stick or I have a window in my bedroom and it. I thought if I stared at it long enough something coming out from the bottom, when I lie on my side, I can look right it would move, but instead at around which I couldn’t see. It was there for at 2:00 am it slowly started to fade and was out onto San Antonio. He is my patron least half an hour around 4:30 pm on a entirely gone by 2:02 am. Since then I saint, so his mountain is very special to clear day. I went inside and came back have kept a close eye on the mountain me. At night it is usually dark; nothing out and then it was gone. and haven’t seen anything unusual. much to look at. Even though this is the April Fools’ One of our neighbors sees a lot of On March 8, 2018 something woke issue, everything I have written actually strange lights on Ute Mountain. One lights, both in the daytime and at night, me up and I was startled to see a very that were aired on network TV in Phoe- happened. I have never been that inter- night there were a cluster of lights about ested in UFOs until recently. I heard that bright red light at the base of San Anto- one-third of the way up from the base of nix, New York City, and other places there are more UFO sightings in the San nio, on the northeast side. I looked at the the mountain, yellowish white lights. in the U.S. These came to be known as Luis Valley than almost anywhere else in clock: it was 1:49 am. I got up to get a Several years ago someone was the Phoenix Lights. Look for them on the country. If I was a galactic visitor, I better look at it. I compared its bright- talking about seeing a huge triangular YouTube and you will see these network would like to come here, too. ness to the taillights of a car on Highway craft being chased by four army helicop- news stories and lots of photos. They are 522; there was no comparison. The lights ters. I actually saw those huge helicop- round little lights, sometimes in clusters I like to look up at the night sky and on the highway were about a mile from ters that day along Highway 522 as I was and sometimes by themselves, just hov- it is amazing to me how many stars there me, and not very bright. I have been told driving. I assumed they were military. I ering in the sky. They were not like stars, are. The number of galaxies out there that San Antonio is over 70 miles away caught them out of the corner of my eye, but more like round glowing orbs. cannot even be counted, let alone stars. and the light was so bright and big, I flying north and very low up Sunshine I got a call one afternoon from my With every star having the potential for could hardly believe it. Valley. If they were chasing a UFO, I did neighbor who was watching some- planets orbiting around them, it seems I went to get my glasses to get a not see it. A couple days later our grand- thing that seemed to be hovering over pretty far-fetched that the Earth is the better look and then I looked through son told us one of his teachers had seen our house. I went outside to look and only planet capable of supporting life. It the binoculars. The light appeared to it and told the whole class about it. there it was. It was almost like a silver seems even more far-fetched that we are be the shape of an arc, like a bowl with There have been news stories of weather balloon, just a metallic glow to the most intelligent life in the universe. Cerro de la Olla Wilderness Bill FROM SCOTT WYLAND, Rio Grande del Norte National Monu- port behind them. tional land uses while protecting critical THE SANTA FE NEW MEXICAN ment in Taos County. The other two bills Cerro de la Olla is already part of the habitat for elk, bears, and other wild- FEB 4, 2021 in New Mexico will restrict hard-rock Rio Grande del Norte National Mon- life, he said. mining in the Pecos watershed, and bar ument. Making it a wilderness would U.S. Senator from New Mexico, Ralph Vigil, chairman of the New mining on four federal sites in San- prevent road building there. People in Mexico Acequia Association stated that Martin Heinrich, is re-introducing three doval County. this area have hunted, gathered herbs, the wilderness destination would be conservation bills. Introducing these Heinrich said the bills had already and collected firewood for generations bills early allows him to take advantage stood a good chance of being enacted around Cerro de la Olla, Heinrich said. good for the people in that area. "If we of the favorable political shift, he said. into law even under a GOP-controlled The proposed legislation, backed by don't take care of the land that provides Our local Cerro de la Olla would be des- Senate and the Trump administration community members, nonprofit groups us life, there's not going to be anything ignated as a wilderness area within the because of the hearty community sup- and tribes, would preserve the tradi- left for anybody," he said.
26 April 2021• Questa Del Rio News • QuestaNews.com Funeral Home of Taos WThhee nC &a Wreh eYreo Yuo uN Need ,It
CAN I TRANSFER MY PRE-PLAN? Services conveniently offered virtually and in-person.
Yes You Can! Questa Health Center Contact Us For More Information 2573 State Highway 522, Questa 575.586.0315
(866) 657-4019 PMSNM.ORG We honor any existing pre-plans from any other funeral home, honoring their cost or even saving you and your family money. Easter and Hummingbirds. April is a month for renewal. DID YOU KNOW? Hummingbirds arrive April 16th. Get your feeders ready to go! If flowers aren’t blooming yet, these tiny birds can starve. Hummingbirds are the smallest migrating bird. Some travel over 4000 miles. New Mexico has 3 species. Black-chinned, Broad- tailed and the Rufous. They are the only birds that can fly backwards and can reach speeds of over 60 mph. They don’t have a sense of smell. Hummers drink nectar and also feed on insects, mostly fruit flies. They can’t walk or hop. They don’t have knees. Enjoy our new arrivals. Get those feeders out! Where Families Come First 1524 Paseo Del Pueblo Sur, Taos, NM 87571 devargastaos.com 575.770.3297 ENVIRONMENTAL PEST CONTROL
HEALING HAPPENS HERE Air Filter april 12-17 Sale! Since 1978, Community Against Violence (CAV) has been there to support survivors of sexual violence. Do you know a survivor? You may be the first person they’ve ever told. Or they might be sharing with you weeks or years after it happened. It’s important to respond with care. “I believe you” “It wasn’t your fault”
For support for you or someone you love, call CAV’s 24-hour confidential Helpline 575-758-9888 or visit TaosCAV.org We believe everyone deserves to be safe.
TA 945 Salazar Road, Taos NM UEST 24/7 Textline 575.770.2706 QU 24/7 Helpline 575.758.9888 2420 St. Hwy 522 • Questa, NM 87556 575.586.0419 www.taoscav.org
QuestaNews.com • Questa Del Rio News • April 2021 27 COMMUNITY NEWS
Caroline (from El Rito): interviewed at Questa Lumber and Hardware. What are you “I dated a man born on April Fools’ Day. On that day and continuing on grateful for? with that relationship, I learned how to create boundaries. I am grateful he influ- OUT ON THE STREET enced me to take care of myself and not with MARTA GLOVER play the fool!” Introducing the Questa Del Rio News Robert (from Taos): interviewed at a regular feature from Marta Glover, our Questa area construction job site new Ambassador of Gratitude! She is “With my fun-loving mother, Ange- interviewing local people “on the street” to la, we always shared an April Fools’ joke ask them what they are grateful for. This together every year, and we never knew month’s theme is April Fools’ Day. what that would be. We had a fruit bowl QUESTION: Have you ever had an on the table full of apples and oranges. I April Fools’ joke played on you or that was about 13 years old and bit into my first you played on someone that changed your plastic orange. I am grateful for those silly day or changed your life that you are truly times I had with my mother.” grateful for? Marta Glover is a resident of Lama and is Jeanna (from Lama): interviewed at the grateful to be part the Questa Del Rio News. Questa Family Dollar Store Jeanna's son, Forrest (now 32 years old) at the age of 10, taped the sink’s spray handle so that when she turned it on, it Andrea Lawrence sprayed all over her and everywhere! "He could be a mischievous fellow who never Our Gratitude Correspondent, Marta Glover, with one of her horses, Matty. meant any harm." Jeanna is grateful for his humor, still! North Central Food Pantry Volunteers Mostly Vaccinated! QUESTA NEWS STAFF every month. Living Word Ministries of Thanks to the office of the Governor, Questa stepped up and said, no, when New Mexico's food pantry volunteers the Food Pantry thought it would have have been deemed providers of essential to close its doors. the show must go on! They teamed up and recruited volun- services. Being on the front line means teers from Faith Mountain Fellowship that the volunteers at Questa's North in Red River, as well. The work of the Central Food Pantry could get in line North Central Food Pantry continues to early to get vaccinated, especially since be an inspiration and can be considered many are over 70 years old. Jeannie a ministry of its own. Masters, president of our local food pantry, has worked overtime to get their volunteers registered for vaccines through Ancianos, the Questa Clinic, and Holy Cross Hospital. This has been no small feat since Jeannie was plagued with a scourge of technical issues in March. She now has a functional com- puter, internet, and cell phone, so thank you everyone for your patience and tech Distribution days are the second and fourth support! The end result is that almost all Gaea McGahee Fridays of the month from 9 am–noon at 140 the food pantry volunteers are now vac- The angel among us who anonymously donated 240 turkeys to the North Central Food Pantry for the Embargo Rd. in Questa. For more information cinated, something to celebrate, so our holidays last fall topped his/her generosity and purchased 300 Easter hams for the Food Pantry's March call (575) 586-0486. If you need an emergency community members and volunteers 26 distribution. Loading up food for the next drive-up client is Lawrence Cisneros, left, and Avelina food box, please call Jeannie Masters (586- Martinez. can feel a lot better about coming to the 0486 or 779-9194) or Nancy Parker (586-2096 Food Pantry. or (505) 699-7563). To make a donation on the Over the past year, having enough ies to cars—they were appreciated and try’s website: ncfpquesta.com. Food Pantry website go to https://www.ncf- volunteers became a challenge, especial- sorely missed when they could no longer The Food Pantry staff wants our pquesta.com/ or mail your donation to North ly since the Food Pantry went from "self- help. Food Pantry supporter David Rol- community to know what a blessing two Central Food Pantry, PO Box 1076, Questa, NM serve" to providing curbside service. lason put together a COVID-19 online local churches have been for them, step- 87556. For more information, please email Over the summer it was nice to have training document that volunteers can ping up to fill in the gaps to help with all [email protected]. young students carry boxes of grocer- access. It is available on the Food Pan- the work that goes into providing food
28 April 2021• Questa Del Rio News • QuestaNews.com LOCAL TRAVELS
HAWAII. NOW? REALLY? By EMILY WILDE It all started last year in March of 2020. Mom had planned a two-week Ha- waiian extravaganza for herself, celebrat- ing her 80th birthday. Then COVID-19 rolled out and proceeded to become our new reality. She begrudgingly can- celed the trip. In the interim, she decided it would be most enjoyable for the extravagan- za to become a mother-daughter trip and surely all this COVID stuff will have concluded by December...so she proceeded to reroute and juggle all the points and credits. She managed to line up all the plans again, this time in De- cember of 2020. As December loomed closer, we started to realize that the new reality wasn’t going away. In fact, on the day we Photos by E. Wilde were to head to the airport, the governor Above: The obligatory boat in the ocean shot. of Hawaii decided to reinstate tougher Right: Little Free Pantry, Hawaii Style. regulations and voilà! we were thwarted once again. Bags in hand, we turned around and mom, being the tenacious woman she is, went back to the drawing board. Now taking this personally, mom Hawaii, we have arrived! It was worth rerouted and juggled (again), deter- everything. I have never been, and it was mined to win against this incredible not disappointing. We rented a car and assault on what she considered good and did a self-guided tour via an app that polite travel etiquette. took us around the entire island and March 2021. Take three. This time it was a super way to see so much of it around we strategically adjusting our in just five days. We ate great food, got plans a bit by staying on one island for good photos, and saw a ton of the island. the duration, reducing the time to one Despite knowing there were a lot of week instead of two, leaving from Den- Japanese there, I was pleasantly sur- ver International instead of Albuquer- prised and so happy to be exposed to so que, and arranging to take a $200 (each) many Japanese and half-Japanese people COVID-19 test that insurance does not like me. I had a weird and pleasant sense cover, but was completely guaranteed to of belonging at times, and I thought be accepted by Hawaii. (that last thing that was super funny. I didn’t grow up hurt). With all that we were FINALLY around many Japanese people, three in the air and actually heading toward to be exact, so this was a new feel- this mythical island in the Pacific! Once ing entirely. landing in Hawaii via Dallas, 12 hours Mom and I had a great time, and later, we were subjected to a gauntlet of believe it or not, she has already planned proving; proof of clean tests, proof of another visit in March of 2022! (sigh) Above: The endangered Green Sea turtle is filing our information, proof of lodg- We will see how that pans out, I guess, protected by many laws which is good because ing, proof of itinerary logged onto the but I am not complaining. So with that they come onto the beach to sleep at night all Hawaiian government site and proof said, until next time! I have posted many over the place. of who we were. We then were able to photos and videos of our trip in case you Right: Questa Del Rio News stowed away move to...wait for it... yet another line have a hankering for the tropics right and goes to the big island! to be tested once again before being now. https://emilywilde.wixsite.com/ew- allowed to finally enter Hawaii. ildephotos/hawaii-march2021
QuestaNews.com • Questa Del Rio News • April 2021 29 COMMUNITY NEWS
tractors were involved in the Business sections. Target completion date is in Park,” said Gallegos. April, and “everyone is invited to the Potential tenants interested in the ribbon cutting and to tour the new Business Park include a couple who library,” said the Mayor. want to open a small engine repair shop Fishing, Recreation, and Wildlife: to work on ATVs, motorcycles, and The environment is our most cherished side-by-sides (she grew up in Questa resource and Questa is responsible 2021 STATE OF THE and wants to return home). Another for preserving these natural areas; the VILLAGE VILLAGE UPDATE food industry processing operation is Red River and Eagle Rock Lake are the VIRTUAL MEETING By LYNN SKALL looking to relocate from Colorado (the main attractions, with people coming "HOT TOPICS" The past year of COVID-19 owners have already taken up perma- to fish from throughout New Mexico APRIL 5 AT 6 pm nent residence in this area). The Village and the neighboring states. challenges has also had its benefits Mayor Gallegos will host his second is in conversations with a meat proces- Red River Restoration: Questa has for Questa. Mayor Mark Gallegos State of the Village Virtual Meeting, sor, who is also interested in opening a received $1.3 million through National began his State of the Village Update, called Hot Topics, on Monday, April retail storefront. “We’re excited to see Resource Trustee funding dedicated to on March 1 via Zoom, by expressing 5, from 6-7 pm. This will be a Q & A who our next tenant will be, and we further restoration along the Red River. how proud he is of the community for session and a great time for communi- hope all three will get established this coming together during the pandemic The work is primarily to ensure aquatic ty members to ask any questions they year,” said Gallegos. and staying strong. He went on to share quality and protection of native habi- have. To pose a question in advance, feel In addition to economic devel- the successful projects and accomplish- tats. Work will begin this year; residents free to call the Village Office at (575) opment, job opportunities and job ments the Village of Questa has com- along the river will start to see survey- 586-0694 or email dcoleman@villa- pleted over the past year that continue creation, the Village of Questa focused ors and engineers in the area. geofquesta.org. See below for meeting to strengthen the community. on providing improved infrastructure Questa has many opportunities information. This will also be available Following the Governor’s mandates and quality services to its citizens. in the works, with plans to provide a on our Village of Questa Facebook page during COVID-19—staying home Cabresto Water Main: Another better place for seniors to gather and and Website: https://questa-nm.com/. and staying local—Questa businesses CDB Grant of $750,000 was received engage in activities with one another. maintained steady traffic. The Village to replace part of the 50-year-old water Another plan is to establish a good day- Please join my meeting from your com- realized benefits in gross receipt taxes, lines located from the Sanchez resi- care center for early childhood develop- puter, tablet, or smartphone. boasted the Mayor, adding “that’s what dence south to North Kiowa. Local ment. The Mayor would like to secure https://global.gotomeeting.com/ shopping local does!” Local tax revenue contractor, Romero Excavating, has funding for Emergency Medical Service join/735585597 enables more funds to be used for com- been awarded the project, which began and Fire Department volunteers, “They You can also dial in using your phone. munity projects. in late March and will take in late risk their lives on our behalf: they (For supported devices, tap a one-touch Questa has been fortunate to have March and take two or three months should be compensated in some way or number below to join instantly.) received over $9 million in federal, to complete. get a stipend to do this. We don’t want United States (Toll Free): 1 866 899 4679 state, and private funding for commu- Cabresto Road Paving: At the same to need these services and not have - One-touch: nity projects over the past two or three time the water main is being replaced, them be available,” Mayor Gallegos tel:+18668994679,,735585597# years. “There’s a lot of support to ensure Cabresto Road will be newly paved. shared. He spoke with Congresswom- United States: +1 (571) 317-3116 our small community does not die like Questa was awarded $1 million for this an Teresa Fernandez in Washington, - One-touch: other former mining communities project from the New Mexico Depart- D.C. to bring attention to this need and tel:+15713173116,,735585597# have. Our governing body has worked ment of Transportation with special asked for her help to come up with a Access Code: 735-585-597 hard [with] staff, one another, senators, funding to help connect local roads to solution for these services. If additional and representatives to provide better state highways—in this case, Highway COVID-19 relief funding is made avail- THE VILLAGE OF QUESTA services to our community. It’s not just 38. The lower section of Cabresto Road able to the municipalities, this initiative 2500 Old State Road 3 the current council, but previous may- is “shovel-ready,” with the engineering will be at the top of the list. Questa, NM 87556 ors and council members who are also and design complete, ready for the next “These are all the things we have (575) 586-0694 seeing the positive impact their work is phase of improvements when more strived to work on for the citizens of [email protected] now having on the community,” report- funding becomes available. our community. If you have any ques- https://questa-nm.com ed the Mayor, as he began to describe Sewer Line Improvements: Fund- tions or concerns, please email me or accomplishments over the last year and ing received from National Resource the staff and we’ll do our best to explain what’s still in the works. Trustees will connect some residents any actions we have taken and get your The Business Park: The Questa to the city sewer, with a $1.5 mil- request presented to the governing Community Clean-up Business Park is 80 percent complete, lion price tag. body.” Mayor Gallegos closed by saying, Day in Questa with only a few details to finalize and New Well: To prevent a repeat of “We will continue to be a vibrant, paving work to be done; then the Park the major water crisis in 2016, a new strong, successful community.” Saturday, May 1: will be open for business, ready to well is being drilled deeper into a high- Join the Village of Questa for the welcome new tenants. This project was er quality aquifer, which will “provide State of the Village April Edition, Q & 8:00 am - 4:00 pm a $2.6 million undertaking in part- better water service for generations,” A Session entitled Hot Topics, on April nership with the Federal Economic said Gallegos. 5 from 6 - 7 pm. See the Village Voice, Roll-off dumpsters will be available at Development Administration ($1.2 Library Extension: After many for more information. the Village for use by community members, million), Chevron Mining Company years and multiple mayors sharing the Mark Gallegos has represented the free of charge. Times are tentative, look for ($500,000), the State of New Mexico same vision, the Questa Public Library community as Mayor for the past seven flyers around town this month. Community Development Block Grant: is getting a new wing. The expansion years; he will run again in 2022 and hopes CDBG, ($500,000), and Senator Bobby received $550,000 in legislative fund- For more information contact the to continue in his role as mayor. To contact Village at (575) 586-0694 Gonzales and former State Senator Car- ing and will feature an archive room Mayor Gallegos, call the Village Offices at los Cisneros helping the village recover with historic photos, a small meetings (575) 586-0694 or email him at $400,000. “We’re proud that local con- area, and separate adult and children [email protected].
30 April 2021• Questa Del Rio News • QuestaNews.com THE QUESTA LODGING PROJECT Do you have a rental property available? We have a WAIT LIST of people looking for rentals in Questa and the surrounding area!
CALL TODAY! Deborah Torres, QLP Project Manager at 505.301.3956 or [email protected]
A huge thank you to our contributors, Chevron, Questa Economic Development Fund and the LOR Foundation! We couldn't do it without you!
Chevron is proud to sponsor this ad in support of the Questa Del Rio News.
QuestaNews.com • Questa Del Rio News • April 2021 31 COMMUNITY NEWS
truth. Unlike many documentaries, this one is deservedly rated MA (Mature Community School Announces Audiences)—it does not sugarcoat the situation, nor does it hide anything from the viewer. When we hear Waad’s voice Open Enrollment and Charter Award commenting on what is being filmed, it is never to pass judgment: it only docu- ments her own feelings. It is far from a “talking heads'' style of documentary. The film ranks third (out of the 38 Oscar-nominated movies) in the Internet Movie Database (IMDB) audience rating and comes in fifth in the critic MetaScore. By MICHAEL YOUNG It scored well above American Factory, the documentary category Oscar winner. APRIL MOVIE REVIEW My guess is that For Sama didn’t win the FOR SAMA Oscar simply because Academy voters found it too brutally honest. Halfway through an already visceral We watch Sama’s first years in this By JON ORRIS, DIRECTOR documentary, we witness a stillborn birth. movie and can’t help but be moved at how Roots and Wings Community The small bluish baby is not moving or Coutesy Photo casual her adaptation is to the constant School (RWCS) in Lama, a state-au- breathing. The doctor works feverishly, Roots & Wings student attending class from shelling. We see her rushed from one thorized public charter school, was rubbing the baby’s back, slapping its tiny home during COVID-19. room in the hospital to the basement as awarded the Elementary Charter butt, and probing its mouth. His frantic bombs fall nearby. And we see her having School of the Year Award on Janu- efforts go on for what seems a heartbreak- a modest birthday party. The film is a ary 14, 2021, by the Public Charter and procedures to comply with the ing eternity until suddenly, the baby jerks journal from Waad to her own daughter Schools of New Mexico (PCSNM) required state COVID-safe practices. its hands and feet, his lungs fill, and he to explain why her parents made the de- in a virtual ceremony. The ceremony Families will still have the option of re- lets out a loud cry. cisions they did—to have her in the first was broadcast live on Facebook and maining remote for the rest of the year. The sustained efforts to bring life to place, to stay in Aleppo up until the last is still available to watch on PCSNM’s Roots and Wings Community that baby serve as an appropriate met- moment, and then, when it looked like Facebook page. School is an expeditionary-inspired aphor for the entire movie. For Sama is their very lives depend on it, to leave. As RWCS has been approved by the learning school serving a diverse group about the attempts to bring back life to Waad says at one point: “Sama. You’re the Public Education Commission (PEC) of students from the greater Taos com- the death throes of Syria’s brutal civil war. most beautiful thing in our life. But what to have their charter renewed, starting munity in northern New Mexico. Set The film is the product of more than five a life I’ve brought you into. You didn’t a new 5-year term on July 1, 2021. in a farm and mountain environment, years of journalism in Aleppo by a young choose this. Will you ever forgive me?” RWCS was approved to increase its Roots and Wings uses the natural sur- 21-year-old woman, Waad Al-Kateab. I’ve written before that one of the diffi- enrollment cap from 50 to 60 Kinder- roundings, active academic approach, She recorded more than 500 hours of her culties in evaluating documentaries is the garten through 8th grade students. and personalized atmosphere to make life in the Syrian city that was President difficulty separating the feelings for the For several years RWCS has had a learning an adventure. The results are Assad’s most severe target of oppression subject of the film, and your evaluation long waitlist and now more students students who are engaged, self-reflec- as he bombed the hell out of his own of the filmmaker’s craft itself. Sometimes who want to enroll in the school will tive, and active citizens, pursuing aca- citizens, with the assistance of Russian you can find one of them attractive, but get in. The open enrollment period is demic excellence, an attitude of service, warplanes. not the other. There is no such problem in now open with these ten additional and the compassionate behaviors that The honesty and humanity of her ef- this movie: the filmmaking is so personal slots available. Space is available in cultivate a connection to the unique forts have produced what I think is prob- and yet so poignantly honest, that the ALL grades. agricultural, cultural, and linguistic ably the best of many documentaries on two begin to merge. I think you will have RWCS will be returning to full heritage of northern New Mexico. the brutality of the Syrian war. Last Men no problem being overwhelmed by the in-person learning as required by the To learn more about the school, see a in Aleppo, Fathers and Sons, and even entire package. NMPED with a target date of April 12. video about our program, or to apply, this year’s The Cave, have all told slightly A question that viewers will have is: The school is upgrading its ventilation please go to our website at www.root- different stories focusing on the futile why would anyone want to bring a child system and making other improve- sandwingscommunityschool.org or resistance to Assad’s disgusting treatment into such a world? The beauty of this ex- ments to the school and its policies call the school office at (575) 586-2076. of the people in his country, those whom ceptional film is that it answers that ques- he should protect and serve. But For tion so affirmatively. They are fighting, Sama stands above the rest in its powerful at least until the end, for her. And that treatment of both the inhumanity of the explains just about anything humans do, situation and the remarkable resilience of both for their children and the next life. In-Person Learning, the people struggling to survive. Waad, For Sama. An exceptional film. (5 Stars) in just a few frames, is able to move the viewer from deep feelings of horror at what is happening, to emotions of Fingers Crossed! sympathy and understanding at residents’ By KIMBERLY RITTERHOUSE Education Secretary Ryan Stewart. remarkable persistence and humanity to Red River Valley Charter School We are excited to have our students one another. has been providing learning in a 100% back on campus and are looking for- The film has an impact well beyond virtual setting since November 2020. We ward to closing out our school year in the reach of most documentaries. Part of are currently in the planning process to person. For more information about that comes from her youth and unwav- welcome back students on April 5, the Red River Valley Charter School please ering commitment to showing the brutal date announced by New Mexico Public call (575) 754-6117 ext. 130.
32 April 2021• Questa Del Rio News • QuestaNews.com TIMETIME TO TO GET GET YOUR YOUR GARDEN GARDEN ON! ON!
SCHOLARSHIP OPEN to ALL SENIORS Contact the Questa High School Counselor for application & requirements. DEADLINE IS MAY 7TH.
questacreditunion.org
Not a member yet? Joining is easy. Call today! SpringSpring Questa Credit Union 2433 Hwy 522 Questa, NM 87556 Over 20 Years in Business. is Here Easy Financing Available. is Here Thank you from the Big John’s Family! TIMESEE WHAT’S TO NEW GET IN THEYOUR GARDEN GARDEN SECTION THIS ON! SEASON We want to be your friend in furniture! QUESTA LUMBER & HARDWARE CO. Specializing in Mattresses & Recliners. 2349 State Road 522 • Questa NM 575.586.0414 (719) 589-3099 Located at 800 Main Street Alamosa (right next to Pizza Hut) questalumber.com BigJohnsFurnitureWarehouse.com
Community Clean-up Day in Questa Saturday, May 1
Roll-off dumpsters will be available at the Village for use by community members, free of charge. Times are tentative, look for flyers around town this month. For more information contact the Village at (575) 586-0694
QuestaNews.com • Questa Del Rio News • April 2021 33 COMMUNITY NEWS Pudae pro magnatum net exped et volorit isinctem L JNCODO NCONODS Ut enim ad minima veniam, quis Sed ut perspiciatis, unde omnis iste nostrum exercitationem ullam corporis suscipit laboriosam, nisi ut aliquid ex natus error sit voluptatem accusantium ea commodi consequatur? Quis autem doloremque laudantium, totam rem ape- vel eum iure reprehenderit, qui in ea riam eaque ipsa, quae ab illo inventore voluptate velit esse, quam nihil molestiae veritatis et quasi architecto beatae vitae consequatur, vel illum, qui dolorem eum dicta sunt, explicabo. Nemo enim ipsam fugiat, quo voluptas nulla pariatur? voluptatem, quia voluptas sit, asperna- At vero eos et accusamus et iusto tur aut odit aut fugit, sed quia conse- odio dignissimos ducimus, qui blanditiis quuntur magni dolores eos, qui ratione praesentium voluptatum deleniti atque voluptatem sequi nesciunt, neque porro corrupti, quos dolores et quas molestias
“Sed ut perspiciatis, unde omnis iste natus error sit Hncj Kmocpa Quiat que coritem int et labo. Toresseque ne pero doluptas ditis venis res re pos et la vellaceaque psaerat um iure reprehenderit, qui in ea voluptate pratinistrum eos debit, ulpa vitis consedi gnatur? velit esse, quam nihil molestiae consequatur, vel illum, qui dolorem eum fugiat, quo voluptas?” Nam libero tempore, cum soluta piente delectus, ut aut reiciendis volupta- nobis est eligendi optio, cumque nihil tibus maiores alias consequatur aut per- impedit, quo minus id, quod maxime ferendis doloribus asperiores repellat…” quisquam est, qui dolorem ipsum, quia excepturi sint, obcaecati cupiditate non placeator repellendus. Temporibus Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, con- dolor sit amet consectetur adipisci[ng] provident, similique sunt in culpa, qui autem quibusdam et aut officiis debitis sectetur adipiscing elit. Nam hendrerit velit, sed quia non numquam [do] eius officia deserunt mollitia animi, id est aut rerum necessitatibus saepe eveni- modi tempora inci[di]dunt, ut labore laborum et dolorum fuga. Et harum et, ut et voluptates repudiandae sint et nisi sed sollicitudin pellentesque. Nunc et dolore magnam aliquam quaerat quidem rerum facilis est et expedita molestiae non recusandae. posuere purus rhoncus voluptatem. distinctio. Itaque earum rerum hic tenetur a sa- pulvinar aliquam.
PHOTO OF THE MONTH
by F. Otto New in town, helper elves. They come with credentials, references, and a great attitude.
Think you can take a good photo? Share it.
e–mail [email protected] (don’t forget to include a caption and your name)
34 April 2021• Questa Del Rio News • QuestaNews.com THE
Have you been casting around for a new bank? The River Bank can float your loan and we’ve always got a line BANK on great new investments. Choose The River Bank, because River angling the financial markets can be tough and we can help you tackle your fishcal goals.
Contact us at: [email protected]
Where your money flows with greater returns
QuestaNews.com • Questa Del Rio News • April 2021 35 JUMP PAGE
County public schools, the airport, the starts, so it’s a rush to read the analysis market; we need more thought, more QBEN MEETING cont’d from page 6 purchase of emergency vehicles and and figure out questions to ask.” outreach to community members.” ambulances; Questa’s Cabresto Road The day of the QBEN meeting Lisa O’Brien, director of the Taos “The bill could have been expanded improvement project was approved, was the first day that Ortez had sat Community Foundation, was one of for restaurants to sell spirits without and funds are earmarked for the Red in person on the House floor; all her many who thanked Kristina for her home delivery included,” stated Gon- River Charter School. previous legislative work has been work and for serving our community. zales. Janie Corinne, a board member When asked about her experience done via Zoom. “The speaker saw me She went on to say, “I can imagine it of Vida Del Norte Coalition whose as a first-year legislator, Ortez admit- and invited me up to be the speaker on has to be really difficult to represent a mission is to prevent substance misuse ted that it was difficult not working the floor, and I led us for three hours community and a district and look at in northern Taos County youth, added, with her fellow lawmakers in person, through the order of business for all of the health of the state; I applaud you “[NM has] the highest alcohol-related since much of what they do is relation- the bills. Today was very intimidating for balancing this at the legislature for a fatality rate in the country; it’s a very ship-based. “I’m a freshman here, no for me, but it was a very good learning very large body of people with so many serious issue.” She asked that Ortez staff, unpaid—it’s very challenging, I experience.” diverse needs.” “shed some light” on this issue, which don’t have anyone to help me to do [the Rick Bellis, Taos County Manager, Ortez was confident and spoke with appears to have “put the needs of the outreach I’d like to see on each bill].” wrote in the Zoom comment section, enthusiasm. It was apparent that she is industry above the needs of the people Fortunately, Ortez is supported by a “We need a paid legislature with paid fully engaged and proud to be serving needing support. We would like to un- group of seven other freshman legis- staff to assist you so that we are all ef- District 42. She closed by saying, “Ul- derstand more about the benefits of the lators, and she has a mentor who has fective as a state with the short sessions timately, everyone on that floor cares bill.” Ortez agreed, “We need to address helped her through this first year. we have.” A few bills this year have set about New Mexico—all want to make how this will impact rural communi- She described her days as starting the stage for that discussion, in addi- our state better.” ties and what the remedies are.” at 8 am and lasting until after 11 pm tion to extending the legislative session State Representative Kristina Ortez In appropriations, $200 million was for the past five weeks. “We don’t know to make it longer. Ortez said, “I think posted her cellphone number and en- requested for Taos County; Ortez was what bills are going to be heard on a part of the reason [NM is] at the bot- courages her constituents to send her able to secure $1.3 million and Senator day-to-day basis: we literally get a no- tom of every poll is because we’re mak- text messages with questions, concerns, Gonzales obtained $2 million for Taos tice two hours before the floor debate ing decisions very quickly in a volatile and comments: (575) 770-7792.
VACCINATION cont’d from page 3 Those who have received a first especially with the emergence of variant This Questa vaccination event was a dose are reminded of the importance of strains of the virus. Avoid unneces- huge success, thanks to the coordination • Questa Independent School District getting their booster shot for maximum sary outings and gatherings, especially of Chief Cordova and his team and the • Albertsons Pharmacy provided the protection against COVID-19. Until a indoors. Wear face masks, and practice extraordinary cooperation of so many— vaccines and monitored the event critical mass of the population is fully minimum 6-foot social distancing. Call citizens and staff alike. Let’s build upon • Kit Carson Electric vaccinated, COVID-19 will continue to the New Mexico Department of Health this success by continuing to work • El Monte Carlo Lounge in Questa and endanger the public. Even when fully Coronavirus Hotline at 1-855-600-3453 together in the same spirit to help one Chalupp’s Pizza in Taos provided food vaccinated, it is vital to continue all if you may have been exposed to the another get through this pandemic. for event staff efforts to prevent community spread, virus and require testing.
WATER cont’d from page 13 After slogging back to the car through a couple feet of new snow, we found it half covered by the snowplows. fishing rod, causing it to surge away, its As rotten luck would have it, a snow- tail pushing waves from bank to bank. plow drove up at the exact moment Go ahead, laugh. While you’re at it, when it could no longer be of help, since remember Truchacabra, the monster Rio we had already dug ourselves out. So, I Grande gorge trout that has amassed a had difficulty suppressing a scowl or a terrifying body count through a career of many decades (that’s right, a really old finger, because not only had he buried trout that kills people!). us in the first place, I saw him wink at Then search your memory banks me as he passed by. Kind of like he was for a night three years ago. You should trolling me. remember a news account of a rain- Toner Mitchell has been called worse bow-colored streak scorching the winter than“Stoner.” He said it didn’t help that his sky northwest of Questa, a UFO crash- sister put that in cheers during basketball ing behind San Antonio Mountain, a games. “Toner, Toner, he’s no stoner. If he had a liver he’d be a donor.” Toner is the New blaze of turquoise light. Might this craft Mexico Water and Habitat Coordinator for have been occupied? By what, or whom? Trout Unlimited. He has worked with No one knows, as the vessel was never Questa for several years on fisheries and recovered. What we do know, according natural resource issues as a member of the to the guest book in the Trujillo Mead- Village Economic Development Leadership Jennifer Schlesinger ows yurt, is that eerie mischief has not Team. He is a regular contributor to abated ever since. Questa del Rio News. Bad snowplow!
ADVERTISE IN YOUR COMMUNITY! CALL OR E–MAIL US FOR ADVERTISING RATES! (575) 586-2258 or [email protected]
36 April 2021• Questa Del Rio News • QuestaNews.com CALENDAR
ESOTERIC ASTROLOGY DATES TO REMEMBER SKYDANCE ESOTERIC ASTROLOGY by Charlene R. Johnson APRIL 2021 APRIL 2021 APRIL 1 6 pm APRIL 26 6 pm Free Passion to Profits Workshop featuring a presentation of Vida Del Norte Monthly Coalition Meetings are the last Monday of the complimentary E-commerce Tool Kit developed by the LOR every month. Zoom link for the meeting: https://us02web.zoom. Foundation and Main Street Taos. Join the workshop via Zoom: us/j/8578620293 or the Meeting ID: 857 862 0293. BLESSINGS AND CHALLENGES https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82723797091?pwd=M0svbHNacUVnN Contact Maria Gonzalez for more information 779-2260. kpPZ2VkdTdqdnRtdz09 Or call-in at (346) 248-7799. “The seven hills before the mountain you climb.” —Dr. Douglas Baker APRIL 20 6 pm Meeting ID: 827 2379 7091 Passcode: 846370 Questa Independent School District Board Meeting online via Zoom; Triangles contain the most important energy of the Universe. The Universe was created when the Word (Note, Number, Song) APRIL 3 2 pm call the Administrative Office for the Zoom link and access for the sounded out the first three rays—Truth, Beauty, Goodness—of the seven rays, which then dispersed down into the 12 signs Taos County Historical Society- Zoom Lecture “Reflections on meeting, (575) 586-0421. of the zodiac and into the chakras of man. Every religion has a trinity—Father, Son, Holy Spirit—Vishnu, Brahma, Shiva— Three Trails” Dr. by Rick Hendricks. Contact Paul Figueroa, APRIL 23 9 am – noon Osiris, Horus, Isis, etc. In astrology, a 120-degree relationship between two planets forms the beginning of a triangle, called [email protected] for login. See page 22 for more info. Food distribution for everyone at North Central NM Food Pantry, 140 a trine. This is considered a beneficial relationship, one which often gets overlooked as we tend not to notice our blessings as APRIL 4 11 am Embargo Rd in Questa. (575) 586-0486. Special Easter Service, followed by an Easter Egg Hunt at Harvest often as we notice our challenges. When three planets form trines with each other, creating a Grand Trine, it’s considered the APRIL 23 10 am – 3 pm Questa. 2558 Hwy 522, (575) 770-5906 EARTH DAY/WORK DAY at Questa Municipal Park, 7-1/2 Questa greatest blessing possible. APRIL 5 6 - 7 pm Municipal Park Road. See page 17 for more details or contact Clair But the Soul loves a challenge. Challenges offer us opportunities for growth which is less likely with a trine. Thus, we say State of the Village April Edition, Q & A Session. Title: Hot Topics. See Coté: [email protected] (575) 224-9066. Zoom details on page 30 or contact the Village at (575) 586-0694 or APRIL 24 10 am – 1 pm that a trine works best with a challenge. Therefore, this month offers a great opportunity. Not only do we have an ongoing [email protected] for more information. challenge between Uranus and Saturn, but we also have a Grand Trine for most of the month. That challenge is about the Writing Workshop with Nick Jaina. Register at http://www. APRIL 6 6 pm yogasalaquesta.org/events-workshops/writing-with-nick-jaina/, upheaval of the status quo, particularly in government and social systems. The Trine offers an opportunity for intellectual Questa Independent School District Board Meeting online via Zoom; (575) 224-2102. communication and the desire to interact and understand our fellow human beings. That challenge can be stubborn and fixed call the Administrative Office for the Zoom link and access code to APRIL 24 in its approach, but the Trine can lighten the mood. By the end of the month the trine shifts into a more “feeling” mode, bringing participate, (575) 586-0421. Yoga Sala book group, 4:30 pm by Zoom, sign up here: http://www. back the opportunity to connect on an emotional level… or not. Knowing this energy flow exists, however, gives us the APRIL 8 6 pm yogasalaquesta.org/events-workshops/, (575) 224-2102. opportunity to tap into it at the highest possible levels. Thursday Night Jam Session at Rael's Market & Coffee House; bring APRIL 27 6 pm your instrument to jam or just bring yourself and enjoy. Free! Village of Questa Town Council Meeting online via Zoom; call the Everyone: First of three Super Moons for the year on April 27. 2430 NM-Hwy 522 in Questa (575) 779-9249 Village Office for the Zoom link and access code to “attend” the APRIL 9 9 am – noon meeting, (575) 586-0694. ARIES a Planet: Mercury C MARCH 20 – APRIL 19 LIBRA g Planet: Uranus H SEPT 22 – OCT 22 Food distribution for everyone at North Central NM Food Pantry, APRIL 27 5:30 – 7 pm 140 Embargo Rd in Questa. (575) 586-0486. Dynamic: You’re in your element the first half of the month. Dynamic: While you are in a potentially tough position, Restorative Yoga with special guests providing live music at Yoga Direction: Hold that thought. it’s clearly working off karma. APRIL 10 4:30 pm Sala. Register at http://www.yogasalaquesta.org/classes-2/, Yoga Sala book group by Zoom, sign up here: http://www. (575) 224-2102. Soul Thought: “A mind that is stretched by a new idea can never Direction: And building up your good karma bank account. yogasalaquesta.org/events-workshops/ go back to its original dimensions.” —Oliver Wendell Holmes Soul Thought: The Soul loves a challenge! APRIL 29 5:30 pm APRIL 11 11 am Restorative Yoga with special guests providing live music at Yoga TAURUS b Planet: Vulcan APRIL 19 – MAY 20 SCORPIO h Planet: Mars E OCT 22 – NOV 21 Teen Challenge at Harvest Questa, 2558 Hwy 522, (575) 770-5906 Sala. Register at http://www.yogasalaquesta.org/classes-2/, (575) 224-2102. Dynamic: The second half of the month feels better but you Dynamic: NOW communication lightens up. APRIL 13 6 pm may also feel pushed. Direction: As long as emotions don’t infect your words. Village of Questa Town Council Meeting online via Zoom; call the APRIL 29 6 pm Village Office for the Zoom link and access code to “attend” the Thursday Night Jam Session at Rael's Market & Coffee House; bring Direction: Digging in your heels just plows up the dirt. Soul Thought: “Poetry is language against which you meeting, (575) 586-0694. your instrument to jam or just bring yourself and enjoy. Free! Soul Thought: When stepping aside is better… have no defense.” —David Whyte 2430 NM-Hwy 522 in Questa (575) 779-9249 like the bullfighters do? APRIL 14 6 pm SAGITTARIUS i Planet: Earth O NOV 21 – DEC 20 Monthly Questa Business Entrepreneurial Meeting via Zoom, MAY 1 8 am – 4 pm GEMINI c Planet: Venus D MAY 20 – July 20 Dynamic: You are part of this Grand Trine. QUESTA BEAUTIFICATION & SPRING CLEAN UP DAYS, Community Clean-up day in Questa. Roll-off dumpsters will be free, everyone is welcome. available at the Village for use by community members, free of Dynamic: Do you think you’re tackling one Direction: Discern your blessings. charge. Times are tentative, look for flyers around town this month. https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87849364259?pwd=Mms0TjBBR1dJR2 big dog after the other? Soul Thought: What is Truth, Beauty, and Goodness? For more information contact the Village at (575) 586-0694 FyUVlCem44RVVZQT09 Direction: Tackle them with charm. MAY 9 CAPRICORN j Planet: Saturn G DEC 20 – JAN 19 Call in by phone: (346) 248-7799 Meeting ID: 878 4936 4259 Soul Thought: Words can be weapons, but they Mother's Day Free Photography at Harvest Questa, Passcode: 282982 can also win the war. Dynamic: No question you are getting through a very tough job. 2558 Hwy 522, (575) 770-5906 Direction: Make sure it is on behalf of all of humanity. APRIL 15 6 pm d I Thursday Night Jam Session at Rael's Market & Coffee House; bring SPECIAL DAYS IN APRIL: CANCER Planet: Neptune July 20 – JULY 22 Soul Thought: “Small and invisible as this contribution may be, APRIL 1 Holy Thursday, April Fools Day your instrument to jam or just bring yourself and enjoy. Free! Dynamic: This challenge with your energy could make it is yet an opus magnum.” —Carl Jung APRIL 2 Good Friday, World Autism Awareness Day, 2430 NM-Hwy 522 in Questa (575) 779-9249 life more interesting. Children's Book Day k F Direction: Look for clarity by month’s end. AQUARIUS Planet: Jupiter JAN 19 – FEB 18 APRIL 16 & 17 APRIL 3 Love Our Children Day Soul Thought: “I will leave the light on...“ Dynamic: Your point of the trine cuts through all the challenges. Abundant Living Women's Conference. Living Word Ministries, APRIL 4 Easter 12 Llano Road, Questa. (575) 741-0805 APRIL 7 World Health Day, National Walking Day, No —song by Sawyer Brown Direction: Express your joy! Soul Thought: The world needs it. APRIL 17 10:30 – 11:30 am Housework Day, National Bookmobile Day APRIL 8 Empanada Day LEO e Planet: Sun A JULY 22 – AUG 22 In-person Qigong special class with Martha Morgan at Yoga Sala l J APRIL 9 National Day of Silence! Dynamic: The energy of starting over is still fresh. PISCES Planet: Pluto FEB 18 – MAR 20 Questa http://www.yogasalaquesta.org/classes-2/, (575) 224-2102. APRIL 9 National Day of Silence Direction: Get clear on why. Dynamic: You may be struggling with what is right or wrong. APRIL 12 Ramadan begins Soul Thought: What can the Lion and the Ram do Direction: Feeling torn or confused helps one find APRIL 18 2 pm APRIL 15 Tax Day, World Art Day, Get to Know Your Customers Day Questa Junior Senior High School, National Honor Society Virtual when they work together? the deeper answers. APRIL 22 Earth Day Soul Thought: Who invented right and wrong? Induction Ceremony. Visit the school website closer to the event for APRIL 23 Talk Like Shakespeare Day f B zoom login info. https://qisd-nm.schoolloop.com/ See page 18 for VIRGO Planet: Moon AUG 22 – SEPT 22 more information. APRIL IS: Dynamic: Sometimes it’s hard to remember that we’re National Awareness Month for: Alcohol, Child Abuse, Cannabis APRIL 19 3:30 pm all in this together. Fair Housing Month, Military Child Month, Guitar Month, Garden Questa Public Library Book Club meets via Zoom. The book for April Month, Parkinson's Awareness Month, Volunteer Month, and Direction: Know it. is anything non-fiction. Call the library at (575) 586-2023 for the Poetry Month Soul Thought: The World is a reflection of me. invitation to the meeting. APRIL 22 6 pm To discover your Rising Sign, or for more information, contact Charlene R. Johnson, Thursday Night Jam Session at Rael's Market & Coffee House; bring www.SkyDanceAstrology.com, or email: [email protected] your instrument to jam or just bring yourself and enjoy. Free! 2430 NM-Hwy 522 in Questa (575) 779-9249 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. PLEASE SEND US YOUR EVENTS OR CALENDAR LISTINGS! [email protected]
QuestaNews.com • Questa Del Rio News • April 2021 37 CLASSIFIEDS HELP WANTED It's April -- and time for Poetry! I'm VOLUNTEER once again curating Poetry Month events OPPORTUNITIES Questa Del Rio News seeks part- for SOMOS this April in honor of National time Social Media/Website coordinator, Poetry Month. All readings are free to attend Are you a writer, photographer, approximately 10 to 20 hours per month, and take place via Zoom. More detailed social media whiz, fundraiser, or Questa Plant Emporium work from home. Salary based on experience. information on the readers (along with Zoom grant writer? We are always looking for Contact [email protected] or links) is available on the Calendar section of contributors to the Questa Del Rio News! (575) 586-2149. the SOMOS website, somostaos.org. Please Wanna help? Contact us at news@questaedf. Sagebrush bushes for sale. $20 each. Vida Del Norte Coalition is excited to join in to support these wonderful poets com or check out our Facebook page https:// Get rid of your grass and plant these fast-growing sagebrush bushes. Perfect www.facebook.com/QuestaNews/ collaborate with the Questa Schools to bring from Taos and beyond! Wishing you all the for water conservation! You'll be the envy of the neighborhood. the Botvin LifeSkills Curriculum to students. best, Ariana FOR SALE Vida Del Norte is currently seeking an intern Did you know you can receive the 24-inch HP printer for sale - Designjet to receive the LifeSkills training and funding COVID-19 vaccine in Colorado if you 510 printer series. Prints large-format to eventually turn this into a full-time position are a resident of Taos County? Valley-Wide technical documents, with high quality (555) CALL-SAGE so that we can reach more students with this Counseling and Support Center in Alamosa, output for CAD drawings. Must sell, price prevention program. For information contact CO is now accepting appointments for negotiable. Email [email protected]. Vida Del Norte Director Maria Gonzalez at COVID-19 vaccinations for anyone over [email protected] or call 65 years of age, health care workers, first (575) 779-2260. responders, and educators. Please call WELDING INSTRUCTOR NEEDED to (833) 350-1113 to get started. teach a hands-on dual-credit class at the https://vwhs.org/ For vaccine appointments, FRESH LOVE new Questa High School Welding Lab, a call (719) 587-9610 partnership with UNM-Taos. Classes are North Central New Mexico Food Pantry: -FREE slated to begin when Covid restrictions permit Distribution days are the second and fourth Tired of that worn out relationship? in-person learning. The class will be held on Fridays of the month from 9 am – noon. Order our FRESH LOVE and renew your Fridays for 3-4 hours with a maximum of 10 140 Embargo Rd in Questa. For more marriage or partnership. 1-oz. bottle is FREE. students. Welding certification preferred, past information call (575) 586-0486. If you need Put a few drops in your bath water, welding experience may qualify in place of an emergency food box please call: Jeannie rub a tiny bit on each elbow and your third eye, certification. For more information, and to Masters (586-0486 or 779-9194) or Nancy and watch what happens! You'll be newly in love: you'll apply, contact Lynn Skall, Questa Economic Parker (586-2096 or 505-699-7563). To both feel like young lovers all over again. Development Fund, 575-586-2149. make a donation on the Food Pantry website FREE. Just mail $75 for shipping. NOTICES go to https://www.ncfpquesta.com/ or mail donation to: North Central Food Pantry, Community Clean-up Day in Questa. PO Box 1076, Questa, NM 87556. For more May 1st. Roll-off dumpsters will be available information, please email wrmesquire2@ at the Village for use by community members, gmail.com free of charge. Times are tentative 8 am – 4 Questa One-on-One Business pm, look for flyers around town in April. Counseling Drop-in Hour by the Small For more information contact the Village of Business Development Center at UNM-Taos Questa at (575) 586-0694. with Anwar Kaelin. FREE and CONFIDENTIAL QEDF Street Clean-Up in Questa! No appointment needed. Third Thursday Please plan to join us and the Village of of every month, from 2 – 4 pm. Business Questa on Saturday, May 1, and join our clean owners, independent contractors, or Many NCRTD Routes up committee, more great fun coming up! entrepreneurs in Questa can drop in for For more information, call Larry Sanchez at one-on-one business consulting and Now Operating on Regular (575) 779-0995 training. Planning, accessing capital, Roots and Wings Community School marketing, regulatory compliance, technology Route Schedules (RWCS) in Lama was awarded the development, international trade, and more. Elementary Charter School of the Year! The https://zoom.us/j/5757376219 Join by FROM JIM NAGLE school has a long waitlist and is increasing phone: +1 346 248 7799, Meeting ID: 575 Something? Something?Need Have Many North Central Regional Transit District Blue Bus its enrollment from 50 to 60 Kindergarten 737 6219. For specific appointments call through 8th grade students. The open (575) 737-6219. routes have begun to operate on their regular route schedules. LIST IT IN Seating remains limited to provide social distance and adhere enrollment period is now open for ALL LOVE NOTES FROM LISA “Your mind is a THE CLASSIFIEDS! grades. To learn more, see a video about garden. Your thoughts are the seeds. to the limiting of persons to groups of five or less. our program, or to apply, please visit www. QuestaDelRioNewsAds@ Please visit the routes section at RidetheBlueBus.com for the You can grow flowers, or you can grow gmail.com rootsandwingscommunityschool.org or call weeds!” —Osho latest information on all routes. (575) 586-2076. Face coverings are required to ride the Blue Bus and must remain on for the duration of one’s trip. The NCRTD continues to take aggressive measures to clean and disinfect passenger vehicles daily. The District’s top priority is to Jelly beans for sale: continue service to the public, and to keep them and our employees the size of a small bulldog— healthy and safe. We ask that anyone experiencing flu symptoms refrain from boarding our vehicles. the black licorice ones are the best. $30/lb. For more information, please visit www.RidetheBlueBus.com or call (505) 629-4725 ext. 2, or toll-free (866) 206-0754 ext. 2.
38 April 2021• Questa Del Rio News • QuestaNews.com BULLETIN BOARD
Public Health Order announced on August 27, 2020: Houses of worship may operate at 40% capacity indoors. Next QBEN Meeting CHURCH Wed, April 14 6:00 pm DIRECTORY The Questa Business Entrepreneurial Network monthly meetings are free to attend and all Questa area businesses are welcome and encouraged to participate. The purpose of QBEN is to act as a central hub of information, a place to share business ideas QUESTA KAGYU MILA GURU SANGHA and resources, and to have a voice in helping to direct Questa's future. Tibetan Buddhism ST. ANTHONY DE PADUA CHURCH Tuesday 11 am - Green Tara JOIN US ON THE 2ND WEDNESDAY OF EACH MONTH VIA ZOOM Father Andrew Ifele (575) 586-0470 Thursday 3 pm - Chenrezig Here is the link to join the meeting by video: Saturday 6 pm, Sunday 7 am in Spanish, [email protected] 11 am in English www.earthjourney.org https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87849364259?pwd= MISSION CHURCHES OF ST. ANTHONY’S: (575) 586-1454 Mms0TjBBR1dJR2FyUVlCem44RVVZQT09 Costilla - Sagrado Corazon - Sunday 9 am KINGDOM HALL OF JEHOVAH’S WITNESSES Call–in only: (346) 248–7799 Cerro - Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe - 2nd & 4th (575) 586-1947 Saturdays 4 pm Meeting ID: 878 4936 4259 Passcode: 282982 Amalia - Santo Niño - 1st & 3rd Saturdays 4 pm AMALIA For more information about QBEN, HARVEST QUESTA SANTO NIÑO MISSION CHURCH contact Cynthia Rael–Vigil, owner of Rael's Market and Coffeeshop in Questa’s Town Center Pastors Kristi & Johnny Gonzales 1st & 3rd Saturdays 4 pm on Hwy 522: [email protected] call (575) 779–9249, 2558 Hwy 522 or just stop by the Market and say hello (with mask in place). Sunday 11 am - 12:30 pm ABUNDANT LIFE CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP Wednesday Women’s Bible Study on Zoom 6 - 7 pm Sunday Service 10:30 am Check newspaper calendar for evening prayer dates Potluck & Fellowship 3rd Sunday of the month Message us for Zoom links Highway 196, Amalia Phone (575) 770-1714 Pastors: Lorenzo & Arleen Lucero Visit us online: HarvestQuesta.org (575) 770-5716 LIKE US ON FACEBOOK! LIVING WORD MINISTRIES Pastors Peter and Gayle Martinez RED RIVER 12 Llano Road Questa Del Rio News FAITH MOUNTAIN FELLOWSHIP Service: Sunday 10:30 am Corner of River Street and Copper King Trail Nursery and Kids’ Church at 10:30 am Sunday 10:30 am Wednesday Bible Study 7 pm First Baptist Church of Red River www.lwmsite.org 103 High Cost Trail (575) 586-1587 Sundays 8:15 am and 10:30 am PATH OF LOVE Pastor Joe Phillips (575) 754-2882 Have a voice in Sunday 7:30 am class and meditation ST. EDWIN’S CATHOLIC CHURCH Introductory Meditation Class Sunday 3 pm your town’s future North end of Silver Bell Trail (575) 586-1454, Hilece Attend public meetings via ZOOM! Saturday 6 pm (Confession prior to Mass or by appt.) These meetings are open, and public THEOSOPHY Father Andrew Ifele (575) 586-0470 Sunday 10am Alice Bailey Theosophy Study Group comments are welcome with a limit of 3 minutes. (575) 586-4641, Francis Check the websites for agenda topics and past minutes. Call your Town Hall for accurate dates and times. QUESTA CHURCH OF CHRIST (which are fluctuating currently) 2 miles north of Questa on State Road 522 Sunday Bible Class Sunday 9:30 am followed by worship at 10:15 am VILLAGE RED RIVER OF QUESTA https://redriver.org/ http://questa–nm.com/ Town Council meets the Questa Village Council meets 4th Tuesday of the month the 2nd and 4th Tuesdays, at 5:00 pm at the at 6 pm at Town Hall Conference Center AA MEETINGS Linda Calhoun, Mark Gallegos, Mayor Mayor [email protected] AA WORDS OF WIZDUM [email protected] Georgiana Rael, Alcoholics Anonymous April Fools’ 2021 Renee Martinez, Online Zoom Meetings: Town Administrator Town Clerk/Administrator [email protected] https://aa–intergroup.org/ [email protected] directory_audio–video.php If you have a drinking problem, Red River Town Hall Village of Questa Town Hall 575–754–2277 For Information on local stop drinking. 575–586–0694 meetings call Mose at 100 E Main Street 2500 Old State Rd. 3 Red River, NM 87558 575–224–4326 Questa, NM 87556 P.O. Box 1020 ZEN WIZDUMB
QuestaNews.com • Questa Del Rio News • April 2021 39 BUSINESS DIRECTORY
April ~ Online and in person
YOGA • QIGONG • ZUMBA KIDS BALLET ~ free HIP HOP DANCE WRITING WORKSHOP BOOK CLUB Questa Dental Center 2451 Highway 522 575.224.2102 575-586-0259 Register: YogaS alaQuesta.org
Vecinos and Visitors Welcome • Espresso and coffee • Locally crafted furniture • • NM Products • Art Work • Shower Facilities • • Treasures New and Old • Thursday Night Music Jam • • Meeting Space for Small Groups • QUESTA, NEW MEXICO • AT THE LIGHT Faithful Beginnings • Hot chocolate bombs • Personalized masks GiftsLocal for & Any Handmade Day • Ornaments 575.779.5416 • and more! [email protected]
S I T LOCALS E to SHOP SHOP S T O QUESTA LOCAL R E
Located in Questa! Pottery, Jewelry, and Paintings. Handcrafted Gifts. 2322 #9 S NM Hwy. 522 Questa, NM 575.224.0182 | ArtQuesta.com 10% Off With This Ad P.O.2349 Box NM 199 HWY–522 Questa, NM 87556 Phone: (575) 586-0414 Fax: (575) 586-1916
L&E Self Storage Jay’s $40 for 5’x10’ $60 10’x10’ hydraulic hoses and small engine repair Unique $90 10’x20’ (575) 586-0568 (575) 586-0695 Thrift Shop You need it? 2420 St. Hwy 522 32 Sagebrush Rd. (next to Questa High School) Questa, NM 87556 12 NM-38, Questa, NM 87556 We rent it. 575-586-0419/0418 (575) 779-3723