in the spot light janey katz · betty bolling kate brown keith & kyle brown patricia brown buck...
TRANSCRIPT
Summer ’06
ComplimentaryQ U I T E S I M P L Y T H E B E S T !
MUSICIANSin the SPOT LIGHT
JANEY KATZ“re in CARn ART”
LOCAL KIDSMaking it BIG in the Arts
25 YEARSMIMBRES REGION ARTS
COUNCIL CELEBRATES
ORCHID CAFEGreat Food in a Casual
Elegant Setting
GREATGrant CountyEMPLOYERSSumptuousSUMMER Recipes THERAPY Pets
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6 – SILVER CITY LIFE
SILVER CITYLIFESUMMER 2006
f ea tu res11 Teleperformance USA Opens Silver City Facility.
Combined community effort helps to bring an innovativetelecommunications industry leader to town.
18 Grant County Employers. A variety of local businessesprovide jobs for hundreds of area residents.
24 The Orchid Café. With their latest venture, Cienega Spaand Salon owners Robin and Pam Hogan bring us ataste of Latin America and the Caribbean.
28 Local Kids making it Big in the Arts. We talk with sevenhometown young people who are making an impression onthe visual and performing arts world.
36 Lights on the Horizon. Introducing three young ladies wethink you’ll be seeing more of in the future.
41 Area Musicians. Let the good times roll – Grant Countymusical performers offer support to each other and theircommunities while making us all smile.
48 MRAC Celebrates 25 Years. On its silver anniversary,number one-rated Mimbres Region Arts Council has plentyto celebrate.
58 Brewer Hill Missionary Baptist Church. A church that feedsboth body and soul.
60 Summer Recipes. Delectable dishes that add sizzle to thesummertime.
s i l ve r c i t y sourceS1-S16 Silver City Source. Shops and Services, Galleries and
Attractions, Salons & Spas, Products, Restaurant Menus.
depar tmen ts8 Editor’s Note. A few words from Managing Editor Lynn Janes.
14 Faces in Business.
16 Relocators. Meet the owners of Manzanita Ridge.
38 The Arts. Janey Katz and her car parts critters.
52 Outdoors. Take a kid fishing.
54 Birding. Local birding opportunities.
56 Longtimers. Conversations with Jack and Alice Hill andLorenzo Cabrera.
65 Out & About. Snapshots of local events.
Medical.
68 Gila Regional Medical Center’s Surgical Center of theSouthwest.
72 Rebuilding Fort Bayard with GEO Care, Inc.
74 Pets. Recent adoptions and a look at Therapy Pets.
78 Openings, Performances and Special Events.
ON THE COVER:A well-known regionalperformer and recordingartist, Silver City’s BrandonPerrault is working on a CD oforiginal music based on thearea’s mining history.
contents
Property Managemen tProperty Managemen t505.313.3208
www.mimbresrealty.com
Rodeo Office
Downtown Office
Main Office
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2700 A Hwy.180 EastSilver City, NM 88061
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Downtown OfficeOpen Mon.-Sat. 9 to 5 & Sun. 10 to 4
414 North Bullard StreetDowntown, Silver City
505.534.4616 877.MIMBRES
Rodeo Office199 Hwy. 80 • Rode o ,NM 88056
505.557.1244
www.mimbresrealty.com
www.unitedcountry.com/silvercitynm
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Monday-Saturday 9-6 • Sunday 12-5Locally Owned and Operated.
W W W. S E A R S D E A L E R S . C O M / 3329
8 – SILVER CITY LIFE
EDITOR’S NOTE
HELLO AND WELCOME TO THE SUMMER 2006 ISSUE
OF SILVER CITY LIFE. MY NAME IS LYNN JANES, AND I
AM excited about assuming the role of the publication’s
Managing Editor.
I grew up here and then left, as many do, but Silver City has a way of bringing you back. The
people, weather, and Gila Wilderness make it a great place to work and live in. I feel very
fortunate to have spent the majority of my life in the area.
Our community has always contained a rich mixture of many cultures; today it has become a
worldwide cultural melting pot. I am continually fascinated by the diverse backgrounds of the
people who enrich our lives by choosing to make Silver City their home.
For the past several years I have worked out of town frequently, and putting together this issue
of Silver City Life has given me the opportunity to reconnect with the community. What I great
time I have had re-establishing old friendships and making new ones. Silver City is blossoming.
I had always been partial to the place but it just keeps getting better. It is a community we can
all be proud of.
At Silver City Life, we strive to keep our readers informed of all that the area has to offer. With
each edition we will continue to combine fresh new features with old favorites. Life here is so
multi-faceted that it is hard to choose what to cover next, but each issue will contain current
events and personality profiles as well as stories of our past and the people who have sustained
our community through the years.
The management and staff of Zia Publishing Corp. extend our thanks to our advertisers for
making this magazine possible. We encourage our readers to shop at and use the services of
those advertisers to thank them for their support.
Your input and ideas are welcome. Please feel free to contact me.
Sincerely,
Lynn JanesManaging Editor
Lynn Janes
www.ziapublishing.com – 9
SILVER CITYLIFETerri Menges
President & Managing Director
Joseph BurgessVice President
Arlyn CooleyStaff Accountant
Lynn JanesManaging Editor
Brett FerneauStaff Writer
Judy DouBravaLisa Jimenez
Eugene LewisM. H. “Dutch” Salmon
Vivian SavittPat Young
Contributing Writers
Joseph BurgessPhotography except
where credited
Judy DouBravaBrett Ferneau
Lynn JanesLisa Jimenez
Mary Alice MurphyM.H. “Dutch”Salmon
Dale & MirianZimmerman
Contributing Photographers
Graham DoddDatabase Administrator
LeAnne KnudsenProject Coordinator
Debra SuttonAmanda Yaryan
Designers
Lynn JanesAdvertising Sales
Graham DoddLeAnne Knudsen
Distribution
Special Thanks to: Mitra Ahsan
David AndersonAria Arasteh
Al ArastehBryan AshbyDavid Beatty
Colby BeserraWendy Beserra
Betty BollingKate Brown
Keith & Kyle BrownPatricia Brown
Buck BurnsMiriam & Pete Burrows
Joe CardonaBelia & Lorenzo Cabrera
Karen CarrChris Conner
David del JuncoAlaina DunivanJudy DouBrava
Rosemary GallegosJim & Linda GallowayCamille & Greg Garcia
Maggie GarciaMonica Santa Maria
GarciaBill Gassert
Ralph GauerRosaruby Glaberman
Dru GrayLee Gruber
Grant Co. Humane Soc.Carlos GutierrezAlice & Jack Hill
Pam & Robin Hogan
Special Thanks cont’d.Diane HollowayHolly HudginsMargo HughesRick JohnsonJaney KatzLinda & Carol KeithKen KeppelerDonna Clayton LauderJeff LeBlancEuelia LewisJessica & Charles LincolnLinda Locklar, DVMAnn & Vincent MarraShelby MarraBetty MarriageQuinn MartinCindy & David MartinezLeanna MartinezFaye McCalmontJeanie McLerieDavid MeehanHowie MillerLee NavinLeAnne & Matthew
OrmandRebekah OrmandAlice PauserBrandon PerraultRuth Ann PoppeMarisa QuinonezYvonne & Rudy QuinonezChristine RickmanPatsy & Floyd RobertsonElizabeth RockeyEarseye RossArlene SchadelDonna SchaefferCharles ShawGerry & Gabby TamayoRosa and Ernie TerrazasCarol ThompsonNancy TrinkleChris TrujilloDavid Van AukerJudy WardBodhi WerberZeb & Emily WhiteMelanie Zipin
©Zia Publishing Corp.,2006. This issue of SilverCity Life is copyright underthe laws of the UnitedStates of America. All rightsreserved. Reproduction inwhole or part without per-mission of the publisherprohibited. For permissionto use any portion of thispublication email:[email protected]. Allsubmissions of editorial orphotography are onlyaccepted without risk tothe publisher for loss ordamage. Every effort wasmade to ensure accuracy inthe information provided.The publisher assumes noresponsibility or liability forerrors, changes oromissions.
Silver City Life is published bi-annually by Zia Publishing Corp. with offices at:611 N. Hudson StreetSilver City, NM 88061 Phone: 505-956-1560Fax: 505-956-1580e-mail: [email protected] Website: www.ziapublishing.com
Subscriptions: $7.00.Outside the USA: Pleasecall for rates. Back Issues$3.50. Subscriptiontelephone: 505-956-1560
314 E. 14th StreetP.O. Box 1477
Silver City, NM 88062
505.538.3847800.716.3847
Outstanding Agents, Outstanding ResultsOutstanding Agents, Outstanding Results
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10 – SILVER CITY LIFE
con t r ibu to r sJudy DouBrava is locally wellknown as a cosmetologist at OffBroadway and for her annualculinary contributions toChocolate Fantasia. Her otherinterests include writing,photography and the ethicaltreatment of animals. She livesin Silver City with her husbandJesse and her dog Spot.
Lisa Jimenez is a freelancewriter/grant writer, yogi,community activist andbusinesswoman. Downtimeincludes hiking, biking, cookingand gardening. She lives inbeautiful historic Silver City withher husband, Avelino, and lotsof parakeets.
Brett Ferneau and his wifeLeAnne Knudsen relocated tothe Silver City area three and ahalf years ago from Santa Fe.They live near Santa Rita, whereBrett is a lieutenant in thevolunteer fire department. Thecouple has two mammothsaddle donkeys, Frosty andAspen.
Eugene Lewis began seriousbirding in the early 1950's ineastern Kansas. He roamed allover the state of Kansas in hispursuit of the avian species andthen, upon retirement, moved to Silver City in 1991 where he has been heavily into birdingas well.
Vivian Savitt worked in theWashington bureau of CBSNews. She earned a journalismdegree from UT-Austin, hastraveled throughout the world,and is polishing up a screenplayset in Silver City. Two "un-pleasantly eccentric" pugs guardher house on the Big Ditch.
Dutch Salmon has been fishingthe Gila River for 25 years. He isa former correspondent for theAlbuquerque Journal and theauthor of 7 books, including GilaDescending and the recentlypublished Country Sports.Salmon lives with his wife Cherieand son Bud on 12 acres nearSilver City, not far from the GilaWilderness which they all enjoy.
Pat Young a retired journalist,lives with her husband, Jeff, inthe mountains above theMimbres Valley in a log homethey hand built. She has writtenfor numerous publications andpresently handles PublicRelations and advertising forSmith Real Estate.
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Two Convenient Locations: 1928 Hwy. 180 East & Wal-Mart.
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www.ziapublishing.com – 11
WHEN THE SILVER CITY BRANCH OF
A NATIONAL CUSTOMER SUPPORT
center closed its doors in 2003, the local
office of the Southwest New Mexico Small
Business Development Center (NMSBDC),
the Silver City-Grant County Economic
Development Corporation (SIGRED) and
concerned residents quietly and
purposefully began the search to bring a
more sustainable employer to our
community. With patient persistence, flyers
were sent and hundreds of contacts made.
Two and a half years later, the facility on
East Highway 180 is the newest
telecommunications site for
Teleperformance USA, a subsidiary of one
of the two largest customer relations
management companies in the world.
Business Advisor Judy Ward of
NMSBDC was one of many people who
BY BRETT FERNEAU
above: : Teleperformance USA, a customer-relations management company opened itsdoors on US 180 east. inset: Judy Ward discusses the impact on the community.
Silver CitywelcomesTeleperformanceUSA
Photo
©Jo
seph
Burg
ess 2
006
Photo
by B
rett F
ernea
u
12 – SILVER CITY LIFE
worked to coordinate six site visits to
Silver City from major corporations.
While it is too early to calculate the long-
term effect the presence of
Teleperformance USA will have on the
local economy, she says there are already
positive indications.
“Gross receipts are up,” she says. “That
means businesses are busier.”
She goes on to explain that local over-
the-counter gross receipts are not only
important to local businesspeople, but
also to Silver City’s infrastructure. While
the county derives its income from
property taxes, the income of the city
itself depends on gross receipts taxes, New
Mexico’s version of sales tax.
Teleperformance USA started up in the
early 1990’s with about 30 employees and
SR Teleperformance, its parent company,
now employs more than 60,000 people
worldwide, according to Silver City Site
Manager Bryan Ashby.
“The company recognizes that its
biggest asset is not its financial resources,
or the hundreds of thousands of dollars
worth of equipment we install at every
site,” he says. “The company’s biggest
assets are its employees. We know how to
train employees profitably, and as long as
the company is successful it’s not afraid to
give back to its employees and the
community.”
In Silver City’s case, “giving back”
includes offering highly competitive
Photo
court
esy S
ilver
City D
aily P
ressAPPLIANCES & CARPETING
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www.ziapublishing.com – 13
opposite: Silver City’s newest business willemploy 500 people by early fall to manageand man a telecommunications group.
starting wages and sponsoring the 2006
Tour of the Gila bicycle race.
Bryan says his company has developed
its own highly effective management style:
rather than over-hiring and experiencing
significant employee turnover,
Teleperformance USA hires fewer people
initially, trains them thoroughly and keeps
attrition to a minimum. Bryan estimates
that 90 per cent of company promotions
at the local site will come directly from the
Silver City workforce, and states that all
applications for supervisory positions will
be taken from current employees.
“It’s important that Silver City people
manage the Silver City site,” he says.
The site plans to have 500 employees
working its phone system by early fall,
with more to be added as demand
increases. Ultimately, though, the success
of the project will result from a
collaborative effort.
“Success depends on the team,” Bryan
says, “not on management, not on
Teleperformance USA, but on the team.”
”““The company’s
biggest assets areits employees. Weknow how to trainemployees profit-ably, and as long asthe company issuccessful it’s notafraid to give backto its employees andthe community.”
Silver City Offices 610 Silver Heights Blvd. • 1609 N. Swan Street • Silver City, NM 88061
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Bayard, NM 88023
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Doug Baird, Sales Associate505-533-6838
ActionREALTYA
Specializing in Gila/San Francisco River Valley and Secluded Rural Properties.
14 – SILVER CITY LIFE
Gerry & GabbyTamayoPueblo on the Mimbres Bed & BreakfastWelcome to thisbeautiful bed andbreakfast, an adobe
style home nestled on 13 acres bordering theGila National Forest. The Mimbres Riverflows through the property, and guests canexplore the nearby Black and Aldo Leopoldmountain ranges, former territory of theChiricahua Apache, Mimbres and Mogollontribes. The Pueblo invokes its surroundings,with rooms featuring traditional artwork,antiques and artifacts from the area. Formore information, call (505) 536-9391 orvisit www.puebloonthemimbres.com.
Jim & Linda GallowayGrey Feathers LodgeAt Grey Feathers Lodge, the outdoorenthusiast or anyone in need of a little R&Rwill find themselves in paradise, with birding,fishing, hiking and stargazing just a few of themany opportunities available for leavingstress behind. Imagine watching the sunrisefrom one of their large porches, where it’scommon to see elk grazing, deer drinkingfrom Sapillo Creek, or a flock of wild turkeyor javelina having breakfast. Call 536-3206or visit www.greyfeathers.com.
FACES IN BUSINESSWRITTEN AND PHOTOGRAPHED BY LISA JIMINEZ
Kyle & KeithBrownWerner Tire Service, Inc.1155 Highway 180 EastWerner Tire has servedSilver City since 1959,and its solid reputation
for customer satisfaction is sure to continueunder the new ownership of brothers Kyleand Keith Brown. “It’s more important forus to keep a customer than to make a sale,”says Keith. Werner Tire carries a completeline of quality tires and Interstate batteries,and boasts a large selection of after-marketwheels. Store hours: 8 - 5:30 M-F and 8 – noon Saturday. Call 538-3807.
GONZALES LAW FIRMBusiness Law • Criminal Cases • Divorce & Family
R. Nathan Gonzales, ESQ., P.C.925 N. Hudson St.
Silver City, NM
Office: (505) 388.8009 Fax: (505) 388.8015
www.ziapublishing.com – 15
Christine RickmanChristine’s Interior Design2315 Little Walnut Road and at Syzygy Tileworks106 North BullardChristine Rickman,former owner of
Christine’s Gallery, offers full-service interiordesign services, including complete floorplans needed for building; materials, finishesand color selection. Recent clients includePrudential Real Estate, and LifeQuest whereshe designed the building’s canopies. “I lovethe whole process of transforming a space,”says Christine, who has a degree in design.“No job is too big or too small.” Christine’salso carries a line of luxurious furniture andfabric. Call (505) 388-3414.
Jessica & CharlesLincolnJessica’s Bridal Boutique110 E. 11th StreetThere’s no bridalboutique like Jessica’s!The bride-to-be will
find everything she needs for her special dayat this beautiful boutique, where Jessicapersonally attends to every detail, right downto gloves, jewelry and shoes. “It’s verybeautiful to see a young girl’s face when she’sin her gown,” says Jessica. “It brings me greathappiness.” Jessica’s carries a large selectionof gowns for all special occasions, and offerstuxedo rentals. Call 534-4473, or visitwww.jessicaboutique.com.
Chris Trujillo,Qualifying BrokerSilver City Real Estate, Inc.304 E. 17th StreetAfter 10 years withERA Mimbres Realty,Silver City native Chris
Trujillo struck out on his own. “I really listento my customers so that I can find the besthome for them,” says Chris, who studiedreal estate and finance at New Mexico StateUniversity. He also handles commerciallistings. “I sell it all,” he says. And if he’s notbusy with a client, look for him on the golfcourse. Call 534-0441.
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16 – SILVER CITY LIFE
THE PARTNERS IN MANZANITA RIDGE, DAVID VAN AUKER, RICK JOHNSON AND BUCK BURNS,arrived from Globe, AZ in hopes of buying the Murray Hotel. Instead, they purchased Fort Cobre in Pinos Altos, anda building on Bullard Street, now their fabulous used hotel furniture business. Along the way, the three have come to
stand among Silver’s most ardent boosters, and Manzanita Ridge is a destination store.“Almost everything that has happened to us has been synchronistic,” says David, a Mesa, AZ
native. “Our old store in Globe, also named Manzanita Ridge, was originally a LighthouseGospel Church. So was this place. And the people we bought it from were loyal customers inGlobe. Before I moved, I had terrible insomnia; meds didn’t work. From night one in Silver,I slept well.”
New Comer
above: Manzanita Ridge partners David Van Auker, Rick Johnson, Buck Burns and Mr. Binx, the cat.inset: Used hotel furniture includes everything imaginable. opposite: The Manzanita Ridge partnersalso own Fort Cobre, a special events venue.
The ThreeManzanitos& Binx
The ThreeManzanitos& BinxWRITTEN BY VIVIAN SAVITT
PHOTOGRAPHY BY JUDY DOUBRAVA AND JOE BURGESS
RELOCATORS
www.ziapublishing.com – 17
“The vibes here were good too,” addsRick, who’s originally from Ovid, MI.“While we were trying to buy the hotel,people referred to us as the ‘Murray boys’and offered to help us clean it up!”
“Even now,” says Buck, the youngestpartner, “people stop in to bring food toMr. Binx, our cat. The furniture groupiescome in twice a week to see what’s new.They call it their ‘Manzanita Ridge fix.’”
David acknowledges the store’s success:“We actually expected sales to decrease – inwhich case we’d have retired. But we do fivetimes more business here than in Globe.”
They believe that business wouldn’t bewhat it is without the “phenomenal”MainStreet Project and the MimbresRegional Arts Council.
“We spent 16 years in Globe hoping itwould become like Silver City. That justdidn’t happen,” says Rick. “We’ve made aneffort to give back to this town.”
The effort includes the store’ssponsorship of summer functions like theMillie & Billy Ball and their customerappreciation July 4th Barbecue at FortCobre. Last year 1,100 hamburgers and200 hot dogs were consumed at thebarbeque.
“We shopped for 500 people,” says Buck,the self-appointed cook. “Some peoplestayed until midnight.”
The partners describe the fort as a“hobby and fun venture that ManzanitaRidge makes possible.” It’s available forcharity events and proves good for the localeconomy.
“We had a fashion shoot inside the Fortfor a rug advertisement. The photographerused 21 models, some horses and hiredlocals for the background. We heard that$100,000.00 was spent,” beams David.
Chuck Johnson, Agent#1 Ranch Club RoadSilver City, NM 88061Bus: [email protected]
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18 – SILVER CITY LIFE
above, from left: Lee Gruber and
David del JuncoSyzygy Tileworks
John Rossfeld, CEOGila Regional Medical
CenterSean Ormand
President and CEOFirst New Mexico Bank
Ernie and Rosa TerrazasTimberland Construction
Diane HollowayOwner
Diane’s Restaurant and Bakery
From top-quality health care and financial services to specialized manufacturing, fine
dining and custom building, Silver City area businesses are varied and unique. However,
they also share some important characteristics that push each to excel – passion for their
work, dedication to excellence, respect for employees and a strong work ethic.
5A Look at
GREATGRANT COUNTY
The five local businesses featured in this issue embody these key attributes and
more: Gila Regional Medical Center, the second largest employer in Grant County;
First New Mexico Bank, a locally owned independent bank; Syzygy Tileworks, one
of the nation’s most respected makers of handmade tiles; Diane’s Restaurant and
Bakery, award-winning eatery in Silver City’s historic downtown; and Timberland
Construction, builder of fine custom homes.
Though individually unique, each makes an important contribution to the quality
of life in Silver City.
EMPLOYERSWRITTEN BY LISA JIMENEZ PHOTOGRAPHY BY JOE BURGESS, LISA JIMENEZ AND GILA REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTER
www.ziapublishing.com – 19www.ziapublishing.com – 19
DIANE’S RESTAURANTSINCE 1996, EMPLOYS 30
WHAT A DIFFERENCE A DECADE HAS MADE IN THE LIFE OF DIANEHolloway, award-winning owner of Diane’s Restaurant and Bakery in Silver City’s
historic downtown. Ten years ago, she was an unemployed pastry chef. With the help
of friends and a small business loan, she opened her doors May 1st, 1996, and has
been working to meet the demand ever since.
“I love to feed people,” Diane says, “I enjoy seeing people walk out happy.”
She also likes helping the young people she works with nurture their interest in the
restaurant business. “I have some very talented people working for me who are very
passionate about what they do, and I want to support that any way I can.”
With 30 employees, Diane’s experience as a mother serves her well. She has
helped members of her staff deal with a variety of challenges, and offers
financial support to employees who want to continue their culinary training.
“Being a mom isn’t so different from being an employer,” she says. “The restaurant is really an
extension of home. We’re a family here.”
With Diane’s help, line cook Quinton Bass, 24, is working toward his professional cooking
certificate at the Technical Vocational Institute’s culinary school in Albuquerque, where his employer
also received part of her training. “This is the best job I’ve ever had,” Quinton says. “Once you work
here you’re kind of spoiled. It’s a very positive atmosphere.”
Diane’s son, Bodhi Werber, is her lead chef and business partner. Reflecting the enthusiasm of the
staff, he adds, “Good help is hard to find. We’ve got a great team and I enjoy being a part of it.”
top: Quinton Bass prepares for a local catering. above, left: An impressive presentation is part of the diningexperience at Diane’s. right: Diane Holloway, owner and driving force behind Diane’s Restaurant.
20 – SILVER CITY LIFE
FIRST NEW MEXICO BANK IS A HOMETOWN INDEPENDENT FULL SERVICE BANK, the oldest operating in Silver City. The bank values its long-term personnel. As a result theemployees value their relationship with the bank, and that’s the way the bank’s President and CEO,Sean Ormand, thinks things ought to be. “We create a nurturing atmosphere for our employeesand get their dedication in return.”
Sean, a Silver City native, began his banking career in 1985 as a teller. The knowledge of thebusiness that he gained while advancing to the executive level has helped him create the familyatmosphere that he knows is so important to an independent bank’s success. “We want ouremployees to know each of our customers by name so they get that personal attention when theyenter our bank.”
An incentive that is popular with the bank’s staff of 21 is their full benefit package that includes amedical plan, retirement benefits and bonuses.
First New Mexico Bank and its staff can be proud of its active involvement in the community.Each year the bank contributes more than $30,000 to many organizations and fundraisingactivities. They have a special passion for the youth of Grant County and have established afund to help children in need. The fund provides glasses, clothing, food and other necessities.“We believe in civic commitment,” Sean says. “We’re not a big chain bank. The money madein this bank stays in the community, and we feel a real responsibility to give back.”
top: Rebecca Tollefson and Annette Acuna of First New Mexico Bank’s new accountsdepartment. above: Sean Ormand, President and CEO. right: Leslie Rodriguez andAjay Reynolds of First New Mexico Bank’s Mortgage Dept.
FIRST NEW MEXICO BANKSINCE 1990, EMPLOYS 21BY ARLENE SCHADEL
GILA REGIONALMEDICAL CENTERSINCE 1983, 600+ CAREGIVERSPHOTOS COURTESY GILA REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTER
IMPRESSIVE. THERE IS NO BETTER WORD TO DESCRIBE RECENT IMPROVEMENTS ATGila Regional Medical Center (GRMC), and the community seems to agree. In 2000, 45 percent of
residents surveyed named GRMC their hospital of choice, and 28 percent said GRMC offered the mostmodern care and technology. Five years later, 80 percent of residents prefer GRMC, and the number ofsurvey respondents saying that GRMC offers modern technology and patient care has doubled. Why? It’sa winning combination of high-tech services and high-touch patient care, says CEO John Rossfeld.
“Our concentrated focus on providing patient-centered care and modern technology has made a tremendous difference,” he says,“Overall patient satisfaction has increased 56 percent in five years, and we’re very proud of that.”
In 2003 GRMC became affiliated with the non-profit organization Planetree, and staff eagerly embraced its patient-centered changessuch as the “dignity gown,” which covers the patient’s body front and back.
“We have you covered,” Rossfeld says with a grin.GRMC now offers longer visiting hours, pet therapy, local art displays, and expanded wellness programs. Hospital administrators even
make patient rounds. The new surgical center and improved cancer treatment have greatly improved patient care and convenience. To keep community satisfaction high, Rossfeld is committed to community input in planning
activities to ensure that appropriate technologies are available to meet local health care needs. Healso understands that technology is only part of the patient satisfaction equation.
“As important as our facilities and equipment are, our people are our most important resource,”Rossfeld says. “They make GRMC a great place to work and a great place to be cared for.”
top: Gila Regional CEO John Rossfeld reviews the records. insets: staff members discussresults of patient-centered practices and positive attitudes.
22 – SILVER CITY LIFE
top, left: One of several display areas in the new building reflects the tile versatility offered by Syzygy. top,right: Lee and David next to one of their new kilns that will provide additional capacity and flexibility.
SHE IS AN ARTIST, SALESPERSON AND BUSINESS MANAGER; HE IS A SCIENTIST,engineer and inventor. Together Lee Gruber and husband David del Junco form a complementary
duo that has put Syzygy Tileworks on the map in the world of handcrafted, custom tile production.
Syzygy, a Greek word meaning a pair yoked together or two related things, is the perfect name for
the business. For 13 years the two have worked hand-in-hand toward building Syzygy into a
nationally recognized name in the industry.
“It’s a great combination that has allowed us to grow the business together,” says Lee. “We’ve
experienced steady, slow growth. We orchestrated it that way and very wisely so.”
Lee and David’s patience, hard work and passion for their craft have paid off. The business recently
moved to a 9,000 square-feet space at 106 N. Bullard Street, which includes a well-lit, open
showroom and retail space, graced by beautiful stone and tile-accented floors featuring Syzygy tiles as well as those of other
specialty tile makers.
“This is a big move for us,” Lee says, recalling the days when Syzygy consisted mostly of numerous experiments
in their garage. “Now the hope is to grow another 50 to 75 percent in the next two to three years.”
Such growth would make room for another 10 employees, bringing their staff to more than 30. Since it
only hires locally, Syzygy is an integral part of the Silver City economy. The couple’s own example sets the
tone in the workplace.
“David and I both emphasize work ethic, respect and kindness,” says Lee. “I think that we’ve been fairly
generous employers, and we hope that rubs off.”
SYZYGY TILESINCE 1993, EMPLOYS 21
TIMBERLANDCONSTRUCTION, INC.SINCE 1996, EMPLOYS 12
ERNIE TERRAZAS AND HIS TEAM AT TIMBERLAND CONSTRUCTION, INC. HAVE BUILT A NICHEfor themselves in custom home building since they began their business in 1996. Ernie enjoys meeting people
and working with clients, in addition to the creative challenges and fast-paced atmosphere of the construction
business. “It’s something new every single day,” he says. Ernie’s skills are well complemented by his wife, partner
and business manager Rosa, who has a bachelor’s degree in business administration.
Ernie notes, “Rosa takes care of the paperwork side of the business so that I can be on the job.”
Rosa also brings technological know-how to the team, facilitating design and construction with email and
building progress photos sent to the company’s clientele, many of them retirees from out-of-state.
“We do whatever it takes to keep the customer informed,” she says, “In addition, we now offer nationally
backed home warranties.”
“We focus on offering distinct designs and good customer service to set Timberland apart,”
says Ernie. Lynn Foth and Oscar Fuentes lived in Michigan while their home was under
construction. “We were real satisfied with Timberland,” says Fuentes. “We got exactly what
we wanted because Ernie and the whole Timberland team were great to work with.” The
couple asked for some very specific design elements, and Foth says she was “amazed at how
closely they hit every detail.” If we were to have another house built, we’d ask Ernie.”
Timberland has 12 employees, and Ernie and Rosa attribute much of their success to their
team and to longstanding relationships with their valued sub-contractors. The company
recently moved its headquarters to a new location at 1107 N. Hudson.
above: Timberland Construction exterior and interior details reveal unique features of the company’swork. right: Ernie and Rosa Terrazas, owners of Timberland Construction.
Orchid Cafe“We wanted to do this for three and a half years,” says Robin Hogan, “but we waited
until we were ready.”
The co-owner of Cienega Spa, Salon and Art Gallery is speaking of the
newest venture he and his wife Pam have begun at their hundred-year-old
building on Cooper Street – the Orchid Café, which opened last July and
has been steadily gaining a following for the last nine months.
It’s little wonder the restaurant’s popularity is growing. It features
Orchid CafeWRITTEN BY BRETT FERNEAU PHOTOGRAPHY BY JOE BURGESS
“Its little wonder the restaurant
above: Pam and Robin Hogan launchedOrchid Café at their spacious Cienega DaySpa location. The spinach omlette right andthe fresh fruit salad and Belgian waffleopposite are among brunch favorites, whilethe yellowfin tuna below is a dinner entrée.
a relaxed, casually elegant atmosphere,
patio dining in season, and its own unique
culinary creations and flavors. The
kitchen boasts an indoor charcoal grill,
with a radiant blend of natural oak and
mesquite coals lending a smoky savor to
entrées such as grilled yellowfin tuna
steak, Jamaican jerk bacon-wrapped
shrimp kabob and chipotle-rubbed ribeye
steak over gorgonzola toast, as well as a
variety of vegetarian specialty dishes
including grilled Boca and Portobello
mushrooms. The salads are fresh, the
deserts homemade and the lemonade
fresh-squeezed. The kitchen is under the
creative eye of Chef Nathan “Nate” Lowell
and Anthony “Bo” Gonzales, both busy in
their spare moments creating new menu
items for the spring/summer season.
Originally from Las Cruces, Robin and
Pam know Caribbean and Latin American
flavors well. They lived in Central
America, Mexico, Honduras and south
is a success ...”
26 – SILVER CITY LIFE
Padre Island, Texas before coming to Silver
City. Knowledge gained by living abroad
also enables Robin to assist artists from
Mexico to legally enter the U.S. for the
annual Fiesta de la Olla, held by the
Mimbres Region Arts Council.
Robin notes that while the Orchid Café
strives to provide good service, he is not
interested in seeing how many customers he
can push through the door in a day. He
wants guests to have a relaxed experience
and enjoy the locally produced artwork that
adorns the indoor dining area. He would
also like diners to know that the café has
recently acquired a beer and wine license,
and that he is looking forward to creating
the establishment’s own unique champagne
cocktails and specialty drinks.
A meal at the café can be enjoyed on its
ocated approximately 5 miles west of Silver City on Hwy. 180 W. borderingthe Gila National Forest, Wind Canyon Estates boasts breath-taking views,some as far away as Arizona. Enjoy the native vegetation of beautiful wildflowers, yucca, and stately piñon, juniper, cedar and oak. 10 acre parcelspriced from the low $80’s. Definitely a place to explore!
LLEnchantment Realty501 Silver Heights Blvd.Silver City, NM 88061
It’s why people move to Silver City!
www.silvercity-realestate.com1-800-456-3132 • 505-538-2931
Wind Canyon EstatesWind Canyon Estates
Clean design, fine craftsmanship, custom details in homes and gardens built to harmonize with the southwestern landscape and climate.
Natural materials and passivesolar design emphasize theintrinsic beauty of our homes.
To talk to our clients about theirhomes, contact us:
David LawrencePO Box 1159 • Silver City, NM 88062
505.388.9281
“Simplicity is a clean, direct
expression of that essential
quality of the thing that
is in nature of
the thing itself.”
Frank Lloyd Wright,
THE NATURAL HOUSE
www.ziapublishing.com – 27
own or as part of a complete spa experience
that can even include lodging. Robin says
that in recent years both Mother’s Day and
Father’s Day have become popular times
when people give gift certificates for spa
day packages. Cienega Spa and Salon is a
full-service establishment offering both
men and women everything from
manicures and facials to massage, and
having a restaurant on the premises
augments the possibilities.
“The restaurant is a nice asset for the
spa,” he concludes, “and we’re having fun
with it. You can’t have one any other way.”
The Orchid Café is open seven days a
week for lunch and Wednesday through
Saturday for dinner. In addition, Sunday
brunch features lox and bagels, specialty
omelets and fresh fruit waffles.
Orchid Café dining area.
28 – SILVER CITY LIFE
No one can say it’s been easy, and none of the Grant County young people we’ve profiledon the following pages got a free ride to where they are today. Nor have they reached theends of their journeys. They continue practicing, working and creating, seeking to improvetheir abilities and understandings of their chosen fields. Their futures are promising simplybecause each has created his or her own destiny.
While the emotional support of family and friends is important, it is often no match forthe derision, ennui or envy of an increasingly competitive and cynical world. It’s mucheasier to abandon an aspiration and speak wistfully of what might have been than to continue pursuing themuse wherever she leads. Perhaps the most notable thing about these seven is that they dared to dream earlyin life of achieving success in the visual or performing arts, and never lost their courage or commitment.
All of our local young people are important to us, and we believe that they have futures just as bright aseach is willing to strive for. We hope that these stories might help encourage them to reach for the stars.
WRITTEN BY BRETT FERNEAU
kid smaking it
BIGkid stop row, from left: Aria ArastehAlaina DunivanLeanna MartinezColby Beserrabottom row, from left: Rebekah OrmandChris ConnerRosaruby Glaberman
Seven Success Stories: Hometown Young People in the Arts
Photo
©Be
verly
Barr
ett
www.ziapublishing.com – 29
When did you firstbecome interested inyour field? – At twoor three. Mymother couldn’ttake me anyplacewhere there was apiano or I’d try toplay it.Was growing up in asmall town an
advantage or a disadvantage? – I can’treally say. My teachers have beenabsolutely wonderful, so I don’t think itwas a disadvantage.Many performers and artists never receivewidespread recognition. Did that bother you,starting out? – It didn’t cross my mind.Were there obstacles to overcome inreaching your current level of achievement?– There were a few times when Ithought it was too much trouble and Ididn’t want to play anymore. Doingsomething consistently can be difficult.Now I’m thankful to my mom and myteacher for not allowing me to“temporarily” quit.Who have been sources of encouragement?– My teacher, Patricia Brown; myparents, a lot of people who havelistened to me play and friends I’vemade at workshops.What do you hope to accomplish in thefuture? – I want to improve my sight-reading.What do you like most about what you do?– When I know a piece well enough tojust play it and listen to it withoutpaying attention to my hands or whatI’m doing. The sense ofaccomplishment is a great experience.What do you like least? – Gettingsomething wrong stuck in my head.Learning something like the wrongnotes or the wrong fingering can causehuge problems later on when it’salready learned.Do you ever get discouraged? What do youdo about it? – It’s been my good fortunethat my teacher has always helped mepick pieces that are challenging but notso difficult I can’t play them. Only oncehave I tried to learn a piece that wasbeyond my ability.If you could do life over again, what wouldyou do differently? – There’s not much toredo, but I would have listened to myteacher more about hand positions andsight-reading. When you’re doingsomething for fun you’re not necessarilylearning basics.Are there any words of experience you’d liketo pass along to young people who mightdream of doing what you are doing? – Eatyour veggies. (Laughs.) Seriously, payattention to what your teachers have tosay. They know what they’re talkingabout. It will save you a lot of trouble.
Aria Andrew Arasteh was originally attracted topianos as a toddler, attempting to play any that heencountered. He started taking lessons at age four. By the time he was 11, the
Silver City native had won the statewide competition sponsored by the Music
Teachers National Association.
“The competitors are extremely proficient at their craft,” says longtime
piano teacher Patricia Brown, who has taught Aria from the beginning. “They
work at it for hours and hours a day. Achievement at that level requires an
intense amount of personal involvement.”
Patricia is a proponent of the Suzuki method of instruction, which
teaches music to children as a language. When Aria was not yet five, his mother,
Mitra Ahsan, took him to the Suzuki Institute in Los Angeles. He attended the
Colorado Suzuki Institute during summers from age five on, studying both piano
and violin. He played in several honors recitals there, and performed Clementi’s
Sonatina #3 with a string quartet at age eight. Last year Aria was awarded the
Paderwski Gold Medal by the American College of Musicians for 10 years of
excellence in Auditions.
Now 15, Aria is living proof that an arts
background does not come at the expense of the
sciences. Since the ninth grade, he has been
concurrently enrolled at Western New Mexico
University, where he has taken several classes in
computer science.
Aria notes that he may have inherited his interest
in music from his father. Al Arasteh is a recognized
flamenco guitarist who performs at the Twisted Vine
when he is not teaching math at WNMU.
Aria Andrew
ArastehPIANISTPHOTO BY JOE BURGESS
Photo
©Art
hur M
ontzk
a
30 – SILVER CITY LIFE
LeannaMartinezCLASSICAL BALLERINAPHOTO COURTESY OF BURKLYN BALLET THEATER
When did you becomeinterested in dancing? –At five.At what age did youdecide to pursue itprofessionally? – At 14 I was running track,cheerleading andmissing a lot at schoolbecause of dance.That’s when I realized
that dance was what I truly enjoyed,and was most passionate about.Many performers and artists never receivewidespread recognition. Did that bother you,starting out? – It did bother me because Idon’t think our society puts enoughemphasis on the arts. But I realized thereason for dance is self-expression, notrecognition.Were there obstacles you had to overcome?– Having self-confidence. You’recriticized constantly. You have to betough and independent, and you haveto grow up young.What or who have been sources ofencouragement? – My parents of course,David and Cindy Martinez. They’venever pressured me and alwayssupported me. They have alwaysencouraged me to pursue my dreams.Ellen Johnson, my best friend, has alsobeen a great source of support.What do you hope to accomplish from thispoint forward? – I eventually want toperform full time with a dancecompany. For the time being I amtraining and auditioning for variouscompanies and conservatories.What do you like most about what you do?– The sense of accomplishment. It’sdifficult, and I enjoy challenge.What do you like the least? – Twelve-hourrehearsals, swollen achy feet. You haveto overlook the pain part.Do you ever get discouraged? What do youdo about it? – Oh, yeah. Sometimes youfeel down, like you’re never going toimprove. Sometimes you get a bad part.Most of the time it’s just a bad day. Youhave to step back and look at whyyou’re doing it. Has it been worth the dedication and hardwork so far? – Yes, it has. It helps me ineverything I do.If you could do life over again, what wouldyou do differently? – It’s hard to say. Iwouldn’t be the person I am todaywithout the mistakes I’ve made.What do you enjoy doing when you’re notworking? – I like the outdoors. Hiking,rafting and camping.Are there any words of experience you’d liketo pass along to young people who mightdream of doing what you’re doing? – –Don’t do it because of what you think itmight bring you. You have to truly lovewhat you do and work hard at it.
At age 17, Leanna Martinez has already beendancing for a dozen years. Born in Rhode Island to aU.S. Navy officer and his wife, Leanna lived in Washington state and Florida,
where she began performing with Florida’s Pensacola Youth Ensemble at age five.
The family relocated to Silver City in 1994.
After a year’s ballet training in Silver City, 12-year-old Leanna was
recommended for pre-professional training at the
Ballet Arts School in Tucson, where
admission is gained by audition only.
Accepted, she began a rigorous schedule
that challenged her dedication to her art.
She took her week’s tests at her regular
school on Friday
mornings in
order to be in
Tucson on time
for Friday night
rehearsal. After a
weekend of hard work,
she would return
to Silver City on
Sunday nights.
At 16 Leanna attended
boarding school at
Interlochen Arts Academy
in northern Michigan.
Following graduation she
began dancing for Ballet
Tucson, which stages two major
performances with a full orchestra
and two smaller performances
annually. Major performances typically
require four months of rehearsal.
Last summer Leanna auditioned again,
this time with Burklyn Ballet Theatre,
which accepts only 25 dancers yearly.
After four weeks of intensive training, the
troupe performed “Sleeping Beauty” for ten days
straight at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe in Scotland,
the largest arts festival in the world.
Intelligent and articulate, Leanna says her demanding
schedule forced her to mature quickly, and to decide
early on if dancing was what she really wanted to do in
life. Her career demonstrates what talent, dedication and
hard work can accomplish for a ballerina from a small
townin the American West.
Photo
court
esy L
eann
a Mart
inez
www.ziapublishing.com – 31
Do you feelgrowing up in asmall town wasan advantage ora disadvantageto your career?– In a smalltown you havethe opportuni-ty to be a kid.In the citieschildren have
to turn into adults quicker. I got toenjoy my childhood.Many performers and artists never receivewidespread recognition. Did that botheryou, starting out? – I wouldn’trecommend this to anyone wantingsecurity. It’s a war of attrition. You haveto stick it out and be willing to fail.Who have been sources of encouragement?– Greg Klein, my agent; my wife’s beenwonderful; and there’s no way I couldhave undertaken it without the supportof my parents.What are some changes you’ve noticed inyour field since you started out? – Thebusiness has steered away fromclassically trained actors. It’s moreabout the look now. More models thanstage actors are becoming stars.What do you hope to accomplish from thispoint forward? – Steady work. I want toamass a satisfying body of work, andto be able to look back and say it wasfun. Lots of people want to be stars,but not that many want to be actors. Iwant to work, not necessarily be a star.What do you like most about what you do?– The community itself. Show peopleare a ball to be around.What do you like the least? – You can’tjust go do it; you have to wait untilsomeone hires you.Do you ever get discouraged? What do youdo about it? – Sure, it’s part of thebusiness. You have to stay focused.Keep alive artistically by having outsideinterests.How long do you plan to continue yourcareer? – ’Til I die.Has it been worth the dedication and hardwork so far? – Absolutely. No regrets at all.If you could do life over again, what wouldyou do differently? – Mistakes are part ofthe learning curve. I can’t imaginechanging anything.What do you enjoy doing when you’re notworking? – Playing golf with my father; I wish I could do more of that.Are there any words of experience you’dlike to pass along to young people whomight dream of doing what you are doing? –Like any other tradesman, go to schooland learn your craft from the groundup. That way you’ll have a foundationto build on.
Local viewers may have already seen Chris Conneron television and not realized they were watching aSilver City native at work. Chris has appeared on commercials for Landrover™
and Toyota™ as well as episodes of the programs “E.R.” and “West Wing.”
A trained theater actor who enjoys Shakespeare, this 30-year-old has also
performed in numerous live stage productions across the country, most recently
“Pennsyltucky” at the Epiphany Theater Company in New York City. His movie
credits include “Playing By Heart,” “Judgment Day,” “Late Last Night” and “Gods
and Generals,” in which he portrayed another young actor from a different
century. The role was fixed at a point in time when that actor, John Wilkes
Booth, had not yet become famous as the man who shot Abraham Lincoln.
Chris pragmatically regards acting as a trade and himself as a journeyman
tradesperson plying his craft. It is a viewpoint in sharp contrast to often starry-
eyed notions of show business celebrity. If his name sounds familiar it may be
because of Chris’s acting credentials, or there could be another reason: his
father Mike has operated Conner Fine Jewelers in downtown Silver City for
many years. Chris’s wife Julie White is a stage actress whose performance in the
play “The Little Dog Laughed” opened to rave reviews in New York City
recently.
When we talked to Chris he was moving back from New York to Los
Angeles, because that’s where a working actor needs to be located to undertake
the extensive and bewildering process of auditioning for TV program pilots. In
the future, though, Chris hopes to own a home in a place called Silver City.
Chris
ConnerACTORPHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY CHRIS CONNER
Photo
court
esy S
ilver
City D
aily P
ress
32 – SILVER CITY LIFE
When asked how long she’s been interested inacting, Rosaruby Glaberman laughs and replies,“Since birth!” The twenty-four year old stage actress works in the
challenging field of action-based theater, an art form
that does not begin with a pre-written
script. While writers may be
involved, the final production is
the result of a collaborative effort
of all individuals participating in
it. When work started on the
latest project in early March, the
story was not yet created but the
theater dates were already
booked. Confident in the
outcome, Rosaruby describes the
process as both frightening and
exciting.
Rosaruby was born and raised
in the Mimbres Hotsprings Ranch
community. She is the daughter of
noted area potter Kate Brown, who
established one of the first art
galleries in Silver City. When
Rosaruby was 14, Kate drove her to
California where she auditioned for
the Idyllwild Arts Academy. Accepted
with a scholarship, she graduated three
years later and went to New York
where she earned her bachelor’s degree
in theater at Eugene Lang College, part of
the New School University. While in New
York she was involved with the North
American Cultural Laboratory (NaCl) and
underwent several months of intense
physical and voice training, eventually
touring Eastern Europe with the production
company.
These days Rosaruby lives in Austin, Texas
where she works with the Ariel Dance Theater.
An experienced director and stage manager, she
recently created her own solo show called
“Eleven Minutes,” which she performed at the
Frontera Fest in Austin.
Rosaruby has also done some film work and is
interested in doing more, but remains committed to
the unique struggle and creative spontaneity of live
theater.
When did youfirst becomeinterested in yourfield? – At birth!At what age didyou decide topursue thisprofessionally? –When I was inboarding schoolin California.
Do you feel growing up in a small town wasan advantage or a disadvantage to yourcareer? – I grew up in an artisticcommunity, and the people werecreative and very supportive.Many performers and artists never receivewidespread recognition. Did that botheryou, starting out? – It still concerns me; Ifeel I’m still struggling. But even ifthere was nobody watching, I’m stilldoing what I want to do.What or who have been sources ofencouragement as you’ve pursued yourcareer? – The artists that I know, peoplewho are doing the same things I am.Is there someone in your field who youparticularly admire? – Any ensemble-based theater group.What do you hope to accomplish from thispoint forward? – I want to travel more,and I’m interested in drama therapy.Acting has helped me to learn toexpress myself, and I think it helpsothers too. I’ll probably pursue agraduate school degree in that.What do you like most about what you do?– I like the feeling of working with otherartists; the close community of it, andthe ‘rock star’ feeling you get on stage.What do you like the least? – You have todeal with a lot of rejection. You can’t bethin-skinned and take up acting,because people are going to tell youexactly what they think. Auditions arealways hard.How long do you plan to continue yourcareer? – Until I don’t want to do it anymore.Has it been worth the dedication and hardwork so far? – Definitely.If you could do life over again, what wouldyou do differently? – (Laughing) Hey, mylife’s not half over yet! I just hope Idon’t make any big mistakes.What do you enjoy doing when you’re notworking? – Travel is my favorite thing. Ienjoy hiking, meeting new people,eating good food and drinking goodwine.Are there any words of experience you’dlike to pass along to young people whomight dream of doing what you are doing? –Go out and create it for yourself if it’snot there. Don’t get breast implantsjust because some director tells you to.Being unique is the best thing to do.
Rosaruby
GlabermanACTORPHOTOGRAPHY © BEVERLY BARRETT
Photo
court
esy K
ate B
rown
www.ziapublishing.com – 33
When did you firstbecome interestedin your field? – Istarted trainingat 3 1/2, but mymother claims Iwas doingcartwheelsbefore birth.When did youdecide to pursue
this professionally?– I decided on coachingwhen I was 17 or 18.Do you feel growing up in a small town wasan advantage or a disadvantage to yourcareer? – It was difficult because wedidn’t have a real facility. My instructionwas sort of on-and-off.Many performers and artists never receivewidespread recognition. Did that bother you,starting out? – I never noticed. When Iwas with the Silver Stars, we wereimpressed to get our picture in thepaper. But I never felt like I was anybody special.Were there obstacles you’ve had toovercome? – I started competing when Iwas 14, and many other kids were 8 or9. Mentally it felt like I was racing theclock, but I was probably more focusedbecause I started later. Who have been sources of encouragement? –My coaches: Sabrina Pack, AaronGraves, Jim Gault and Kyle Shanton; myteammates; and my parents, Matthewand Leanne Ormand – they never pushedme and were always supportive.Is there someone in your field who youparticularly admire? – The cast of “PeaceChild.” They’re incredible dancers.What do you hope to accomplish from thispoint forward? – I’ll continue working withchildren, and I’d like to try writing.What do you like most about what you do? –With “Peace Child,” it’s performing. I’mdoing something I love doing andworking in a production I believe in.What do you like the least? – Hard floors.Gymnasts are used to working on mats.Stage floors are hard, so you get bruises.How long do you plan to continue yourcareer? – Age limits your time as agymnast. I plan to go on coaching foryears and years.Has it been worth the dedication and hardwork so far? – Yes, definitely.If you could do life over again, is theresomething you’d do differently? – Probablynot. Everything you go through makesyou the person that you are.Are there any words of experience you’d liketo pass along to young people who mightdream of doing what you are doing? – Besure you enjoy it; otherwise it’s notworth it. Try not to compare yourselfwith others. Focus on doing your bestand challenging yourself.
It’s a long journey from the sunny campus of NewMexico State University to the dark world of cannibalism
and tribal warfare, but Rebekah Ormand is taking it in stride. This 24-year-old
gymnast performs with the traveling stage show “Peace Child,” a theatrical
dance production based on the book of the same name by Don Richardson. It
tells the true story of a missionary couple’s adventures in the former
Netherlands New Guinea in the 1960s, among a culture in which treachery was
considered a high form of social accomplishment.
Petite and blonde, Rebekah performs in heavy makeup, and as the
show’s only gymnast she’s usually in the thick of the action. Traveling in a 15-
passenger van with a large truck carrying stagehands, the show set, scaffolding
and lighting, the troupe has toured the western United States since November.
In all, the production will appear in ten states and several cities in Canada. We
caught up with Rebekah recently, when the company was in town to perform
at Cobre High School in Bayard before pushing on to Arizona.
Rebekah was born in Silver City where she grew up learning gymnastics and
competing with the Silver Stars gymnastics club.
In recent years she has become interested
in coaching, and has spent the last four
summers working as a coach at Lake
Owen, a gymnastics camp in Wisconsin.
She continued coaching and performing
while majoring in English at NMSU Las
Cruces. After graduation last June she
auditioned for the Montana-based
producers of “Peace Child” by
videotape and was accepted.
When the show ends its run
next June, Rebekah plans to return
here for a vacation before
resuming her coaching career.
Rebekah
OrmandGYMNASTPHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY REBEKAH ORMAND
34 – SILVER CITY LIFE
When did youfirst becomeinterested inyour field? –When I waseight I joinedthe Silver CityChildren’sChoir directedby Mr. Sass.
Many performers and artists never receivewidespread recognition. Did that botheryou, starting out? – You spend your 20’sgetting over vague notions of fame andfortune. I’m happy making good art andfeel fortunate to earn a living at it.Were there obstacles to overcome inreaching your current level of achievement?– I took a pay cut and gave up jobsecurity to pursue music. My wife and Italked it over a lot.Why did you choose Chicago instead ofNew York or LA? – Chicago is a goodplace to be a working artist. It’s a blue-collar town. Everybody works –including musicians!Who have been sources of encouragement?–My grandparents and my mom,Wendy Beserra.Is there someone in your field who youparticularly admire? – James Taylor, Stingand Stevie Wonder.What are some changes you’ve noticed inyour field since starting out? – Theindustry has turned upside down.Traditional ways of making records andgetting airplay have changed forever.What do you hope to accomplish in thefuture? – I want to start my own band inthe special events industry and usethat as a platform to perform anddistribute original music. My goal is tocontinue to write.What do you like most about what you do?– Singing and making people happyfeels like what I was put on earth to do.Do you ever get discouraged? What do youdo about it? – Sure, I get discouraged. Ilock myself in a room with my guitarand force myself to write a new song.How long do you plan to continue yourcareer? – As long as I possibly can. I’lltake a cue from Mick Jagger. You’reonly too old if you feel too old.Has it been worth the dedication and hardwork so far? – Absolutely.If you could do life over again, what wouldyou do differently? – I’d learn to speakSpanish and I’d have studied financemore carefully when I was younger.Are there any words of experience you’dlike to pass along to young people whomight dream of doing what you are doing? –Stick with those music lessons andabsorb as much as you can. That wayyou’ll have the skills to make your ownchoices later on.
Silver City native Colby Beserra’s publicity photomight appropriately appear in a dictionary beside the
word “versatility.” At 33, this singer, songwriter, guitarist, teacher, actor, director
and bandleader has already enjoyed an extensive career, but it seems that he is
just getting started.
Following his graduation from Northwestern
University in 1996, Colby spent a year teaching
fifth grade before accepting the position of
Managing Director at the Vittum Theater, a state-
of-the-art community theater at the Northwestern
Settlement House in Chicago, Illinois. During his
four-year tenure at the Vittum he was hired as a
featured vocalist for the Ken Arlen Orchestra,
a Chicago-based musical powerhouse with
whom he performs over 100 gigs a year.
He subsequently became a Creative
Consultant for Arlen Music, as well as a
bandleader and performer with the
bands Soul Motion and the AMC
Rhythm & Blues Revue. During this time
he has shared the stage with such noted
performers as the Pointer Sisters, Patti
LaBelle and Richard Marx.
In 2002, Colby began writing the songs
for his self-titled debut solo album.
Released in 2005, it features melodic guitar
lines and intelligent lyrics sung in a bright,
clear voice over tight bass and drum
tracks.
Colby is named for his grandfather, Bill
Colby. Bill operated Colby’s, Inc., a
sporting goods store, for 53 years at the
northeast corner of Bullard and Market
Streets in downtown Silver City.
Although he pursues his career in a
decidedly urban environment, Colby’s
roots remain firmly planted in New
Mexico, and he credits our sweeping
sunsets and long desert roads with
helping him create the “high
lonesome” sound heard on several of
his original recordings.
COLBY
BeserraCOMPOSER MUSICIANPHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY COLBY BESERRA
Photo
court
esy W
endy
Bes
erra
www.ziapublishing.com – 35
Your age? – 22.Were you born inGrant County? Didyou grow uphere? – I wasborn in SanDiego. Wemoved herewhen I was sixmonths old. My
great-grandfather was a copper andgold miner at the Royal John Mine here.When did you first become interested in yourfield? – I’ve always been interested in it.At what age did you decide to pursue thisprofessionally? – After graduating fromhigh school.Do you feel growing up in a small town wasan advantage or a disadvantage to yourcareer? – It was an advantage. You learnhow to talk to people. My mother runsher own business, and I was never inday care; she always took me with her.You can learn a lot at the hitching rail.Many performers and artists never receivewidespread recognition. Did that bother you,starting out? – No. I just like to do it.Who have been sources of encouragementas you’ve pursued your career? – Mom andKaren taught me. My mom has alwaysbeen an artist.Is there someone in your field who youparticularly admire? – Karen, John Gurcheand Mike Casaus. Mike was my artteacher at Silver High School.What are some changes you’ve noticed inyour field since you started out? – I’vebecome a better artist. I’m better atnoticing things.What do you hope to accomplish from thispoint forward? – I’d like to become betterknown and add to my own portfolio.What do you like most about what you do? –Drawing animals.What do you like the least? – Maps andperipheral graphics.Do you ever get discouraged? What do youdo about it? – Yes, everybody does. I justattack it harder and try to get it right.How long do you plan to continue yourcareer? – As long as I can.Has it been worth the dedication and hardwork so far? – Yes. I can’t put it intowords.If you could do life over again, what wouldyou do differently? – Have more horses.What do you enjoy doing when you’re notworking? – Riding, photography, packinginto the wilderness with my husband,Cory, and our horses.Are there any words of experience you’d liketo pass along to young people who mightdream of doing what you’re doing? – If youhave the ability and enjoy it, try andpursue it.
On a typical workday, Alaina Dunivan deals at closerange with giant worms and insects, wild primitivemammals and carnivorous birds with teeth. On days when she is able to get away
from the creatures, this 22-year-old often finds herself surrounded by military
tanks and machine gun emplacements. What’s more, she enjoys every bit of it.
This is the fantastic world of the Karen Carr Studio, where Alaina and owner
Karen Carr produce huge, photographic-quality murals for top museums and
institutions around the country. Two years ago, Alaina brought her considerable
artistic abilities to the studio for a six-month tryout. She never left.
As a child, Alaina regularly accompanied her mother, farrier Tammie Baker, to
work shoeing horses. This gave her a thorough knowledge of mammalian
anatomy, something she uses often in her artistic vocation. Since no one has ever
actually seen a prehistoric animal, Karen and
Alaina must rely on skeletons, research
and their own knowledge of biology to
create images of these extinct
creatures. They use computers in
their work, but like other tools,
computers cannot bestow artistic
ability on those who use them. The
results will only be as good as the
artist.
A mural project can take from one
to four years to complete. Among
other venues, the studio has work
on display at the Smithsonian and
Audubon Museums. Karen and
Alaina are currently working on
the “Price of Freedom” exhibit for
the U.S. Marine Corps at Quantico,
VA and illustrating books on
natural history.
“Alaina is the kind of person you
can point toward something and
walk away,” says Karen. “You don’t
have to stand over her shoulder. She
gets it done.”
Alaina
DunivanMURALISTPHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY ALAINA DUNAVAN
36 – SILVER CITY LIFE
Silver City and Grant County are
endowed with an abundance of
capable, talented people whose
abilities and contributions often
go unnoticed simply because
they are just “local folks.”
Commerce, cuisine, horse-
manship, medicine, technology,
visual and performing arts – name
a field of human endeavor and
you’ll likely find an area resident
who excels at it, quietly going
about his or her business without
fanfare.
The same can be said of the
area’s school-age youth, who
deserve our encouragement
without imposed expectations. In
that spirit, Silver City Life
presents three young ladies we
think you’ll be hearing more about
in years to come.
SHELBYMARRAAGE 12
The daughter of mining engineer
Vincent Marra and his wife Ann,
Shelby attended elementary
school while living with her family
in Chile. As a result she became
fully bilingual at an early age, and
keeps in touch with her South
American friends via Email.
Shelby began dancing ballet and
folklorico in Chile, continuing with
ballet, jazz and tap dancing when
the Marras relocated to Silver City.
If her name sounds familiar, it may
be because she was crowned
Little Miss Silver City in 2004,
going on to become Little Miss
New Mexico that same year. She
studies dancing six hours a week
plus Saturdays, meanwhile finding
time to play basketball, softball and
maintain a 4.0 grade average.
While she loves dancing, she says
that school comes first, and would
curtail her other activities if she
couldn’t keep up with her
homework. Interested in math,
Shelby tutors other students twice
a week.
MARISAQUINONEZAGE 11
Marisa Quinonez seems quiet and
shy — until she has a microphone in
her hand. She sings a wide variety
of songs in both English and
Spanish, from classics like “Crazy”
by Patsy Cline to hits by
contemporary artists like Ashlee
Simpson and Kelly Clarkson. She
gave her first public performance at
a community talent show at age six.
Now an 11-year-old fifth grader,
Marisa is in her second year with
the G.W. Stout Folklorico Dance
Team, which performs at school and
community events around the state.
She has attended Stardancers
dance classes since she was five
and is in her first year on the Junior
Dance Team.
The daughter of Rudy and Yvonne
Quinonez, Marisa has four brothers,
four dogs and a cockatiel that
whistles along when she sings.
Examples of her poetry are being
published in two upcoming books,
“Anthology of Poetry by Young
Americans” and “Celebration of
Young Poets.”
lightsHORIZON
lightsON THE HORIZON
WRITTEN BY BRETT FERNEAUPHOTOGRAPHY BY JOE BURGESS
www.ziapublishing.com – 37
MAGGIEGARCIAAGE 16
Maggie Garcia is a lifelong
singer, but thought little of it until
the fifth grade when a friend
introduced her to a voice instructor.
The evening of that very same day
Maggie gave her first public
performance at the Cobre High
School Fine Arts Auditorium. She
received a standing ovation.
Maggie plays piano, flute, guitar
and violin. She appears with the
Cobre Mariachis, the Cobre High
School Band, Choir, and Jazz Band
and sings in her church choir. She
performs at weddings and sings
“Mananitas,” a Spanish birthday
song, for individuals throughout
the area.
Citing her parents, Greg and
Camille Garcia, and her high school
band teacher Mr. Gerhart as
positive influences, Maggie has
written five original songs and plans
to record a CD locally when she has
written five more. She will be
singing at the street dance that
kicks off the 2006 Silver City Blues
Festival in May.
38 – SILVER CITY LIFE
opposite: Janey Katzwith her collection ofold truck doors andhoods from whichspring truck crittersand angels (insetsabove and page 40).
WRITTEN BY PAT YOUNG PHOTOGRAPHY BY JOE BURGESS
...The owner might even show you a sculpture she has given as a token of appreciation.That's because Janey frequents salvage yards searching for old car hoods and doors tocreate what she calls “re-in-CARn-ART.”
“It's a little bit above recycling,” she says, flashing a warm, genuine smile that reappearsfrequently when she talks. She transforms forgotten car parts into works of art.
It all began in the early 1990's in Santa Fe. Janey says she was waiting tables, butarthritis caused her to quit.
“I've always been attracted to the patina on old cars and trucks,” she says. “I used tobe a painter. So I thought, I'll paint using these colors. Then I thought, why don't I justuse the vehicle?"
She discovered an old hood in an arroyo. Her blacksmith suggested she get a plasmacutter, and the rest is history.
“All I had to do was ‘draw’ with the plasma cutter,” Janey says. She never sketches onthe metal first.
Janey started with nudes, then angels holding animals. The solo animals, well knownas “Hood Ornaments,” or critter pins, and “Critters from the Hood,” or critter
KATZKATZjaney
Mention the name Janey Katz atjust about any salvage yard in New Mexico
or Arizona, and they'll know her.
40 – SILVER CITY LIFE
sculptures, came later. The number of galleries displaying her work mushroomed fromone in Santa Fe to 100 around the country.
In 1998, Janey and Suzi Calhoun bought Little Cherry Creek Ranch north of SilverCity as a “getaway” from their home in Galisteo near Santa Fe. Janey says they weren'there three days when they realized there was something magical about Silver City.
“The people are Silver City," she says. "This town feels very seamless to me."They stayed and have become active additions to the downtown. Suzi, also an artist,
displays her pottery next to Janey’s critters at Art and Conversation. They also have YadaYada Yarn and The Wherehouse, home to an antique, art, and flea market during thesummer months. Their latest investment is “The Hub,” a city block downtown where anold Chevrolet dealership once stood. Janey envisions a town square retaining the historic“car dealership feel,” with fountains, benches, restaurants and shops.
Every unique piece of Janey’s artwork reflects a bit of her personality. Turn the artworkover and you'll know the year and make of the resurrected vehicle. In the case of a HoodOrnament critter pin, she feels “animals are always a reminder of the existence ofunconditional love.” If you have a Critter from the Hood sculpture, she says that, “beingas they're from the ‘Hood,’ they each have an attitude of their own.”
If you own one of her earlier angel artworks, then she believes you have a “guardian.”But perhaps that spirit applies to all of her art.
“My belief is that we all have ‘guardian angels’ that watch over, protect and care forus,” Janey says. “My hope is that you will take my sculptures home and hang them in aspecial place where they can make you smile and remind you that you never really haveto do anything alone.”
www.ziapublishing.com – 41
clockwise fromtop left: Localmusical talentincludes CaptainCactus, CopperCreek Wranglers,Monica Santa MariaGarcia, Bayou Seco,Brandon Perraultand Melanie Zipin.
LOCALMusiciansROCK!
WRITTEN BY VIVIAN SAVITTPHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY ????, ???? ,????, ????, ????
WITH THE OPENING OF NEW PERFORMANCE SPACES SUCH AS ISAAC'S
Bar & Grill and the soon-to-blossom Silco Theater, Silver City’s music scene continues to expand.
Established venues like the Twisted Vine, Buffalo Bar, Silver City Brewery, Drifter Lounge and
special events such as Storyteller’s Night at Dos Baristas and Open Mike at the Buckhorn Saloon
highlight both new and known acts.
The musicians themselves are a group of gifted, energetic, and friendly folks who lend time and
talent to outreach programs and fund raisers. Music seems to run in families; four of the six acts
profiled here involve husbands and wives. While the performers’ creative approaches are as diverse
as their personalities, all seem to share a sense of community.
42 – SILVER CITY LIFE
Jeanie McLerie and Ken Keppeler, the husband-wife duo known as Bayou Seco, have
been collectors of traditional music for 28 years. The multilingual folklorists have learned
songs from elder musicians in their own surroundings, observing their lives and
community values. This insight materializes on stage in Bayou Seco’s compelling
performances of Cajun and Southwestern music. Eunice, LA, where the couple met,
represents the “heartbeat of Cajun music,” according to Jeanie.
“The action occurs in rural dance halls where weddings, saint days and other functions
are celebrated,” she says.
Look for Bayou Seco’s CDs at Alotta Gelato and the Silver City Museum shop.
Tejano (“Tex-Mex”) music is the driving force for Bayard-based Monica Santa Maria
Garcia and Illusion, a band put together by Monica’s husband, bass guitarist Rick Garcia.
Illusion also features Monica’s brother Joe Santa Maria on tenor saxophone, Ron
Martinez on drums and Jessie Lozano on lead guitar.
“The band learns new songs quickly,” says Monica, a Silver City native. “We also play
country western tunes and oldies, including Selena and Elvis Presley hits. Here in town
BAYOU
SECO“We would love toplay more at familyfunctions, especiallyin a space withwooden floors soeveryone can dance!”Website:www.bayouseco.com
Tejano music only attracts a medium sized crowd, so we perform more frequently in
Tucson and Deming. We’ve also played the Tejano Fiesta in Lordsburg for four years.”
Last March, Illusion played at the three-day Tejano Music Awards Fan Fair in San
Antonio, Texas, “the Tejano music capitol of the world.” The Texas Talent Music
Association puts on the event, which has spurred the band on to its next milestone.
“We returned to e-mail requesting CDs! So we’ll have one out this summer.”
Another husband and wife musical team, singer/songwriter Melanie Zipin and
guitarist/co-writer Jeff LeBlanc, specializes in original music. The couple met nine
years ago.
“Jeff could carry the music part with his guitar playing, and it was great to write with
someone else,” says Melanie. “We started booking gigs and traveling.”
Admittedly shy, Melanie had to be coaxed onto the stage the first time she sang in
public. In 1999, when fans of her introspective and entrancing lyrics began requesting
MONICA SANTA MARIA
GARCIA“We are a Tejano bandfrom Bayard. At “FanFair,” where 100 bandsplayed, only four werefrom New Mexico. Thefeedback was great.” Website: eocities.com/
illusionband2001
www.ziapublishing.com – 43
44 – SILVER CITY LIFE
CD’s, a friendship with producer Phil Brown facilitated this next dimension to
her work. A band and CD materialized. In due course, the Mimbres Region
Arts Council (MRAC) hosted a release party for her. Today Melanie and Jeff
have two CDs out and a third in the making.
“The new CD will be simpler both in background and instrumentation,”
Melanie says. “It will be about voice and lyrics.”
Well-known performer Brandon Perrault, who has rarely passed up a chance
to sing anywhere, about almost anything, is in a songwriting phase too. With
ten CD’s out (available at Dos Baristas) ranging from covers of Mexican
traditional tunes to patriotic, jazz and country music, this versatile musician has
been inspired by the film ‘Salt of the Earth’ to explore mining history.
A fourth generation Silver City native, Brandon aspires to travel more
extensively and to expand his audience outside the southwest. Last year he
journeyed to Tokyo, performing at a traditional Buddhist wedding ceremony. To
the delight of the audience, Brandon sang “Brown-Eyed Girl” and “Morena de Mi
Corazon,” a song written by actor Antonio Banderas for the film “Desperado.”
Live rock ’n’ roll is the forte of the 10-year-old musical entity known as
BRANDON
PERRAULT“Musicians here are close.All of us understand thatmusic is about sharing ourunique voices as well aslove for the community.”Website:www.brandonperrault.com
www.ziapublishing.com – 45
Captain Cactus and the Midlife Crisis Band. The five-member group practices in a loft
built by guitarist/songwriter Howie Miller. Captain Cactus plays both original and cover
tunes and appears frequently at the Drifter Lounge.
“New listeners don’t expect so much electric guitar,” says bass guitar and mandolin
player Quinn Martin. “Everyone ends up dancing and all of us have fun.”
Besides Howie and Quinn, the band’s roster also includes Joe Cardona on guitar, Bill
Gassert on drums and Betty Marriage singing lead vocals. Quinn and Bill have played
together for seven years.
“I’m in it for the money and Bill for the babes,” quips Quinn. On a more serious note,
he says, “There are new options now that Betty’s involved. Betty invigorates the music.”
“I inspired Howie to write for me,” Betty adds. Her slinky voice revels in tunes like
Steve Earle’s “Copperhead Road” and Howie’s composition “Isolation Blues.”
Meanwhile, back at Copper Creek Ranch, “the old west is alive and kickin’.” Owners
Floyd and Jo Ann “Patsy” Robertson are dedicated to preserving classic western music
made popular by artists like the Sons of the Pioneers, Gene Autry, Roy Rogers, Bob
Wills, Marty Robbins and Rex Allen. The Copper Creek Wranglers can cook, too, and we
don’t mean just musically. On Friday and Saturday nights from late May to early
September they serve a barbecue chuckwagon supper with real cowboy ‘fixin’s’ before
MELANIE
ZIPIN “I had never reallythought about mysinging other than asanother way toexpress myself, alongwith my beadwork,poetry and drawings.”Website:www.melaniezipin.com
46 – SILVER CITY LIFE
CAPTAIN
CACTUS“We pump at leastthree new songs intoevery gig, but wealways play “Gloria”or “Mustang Sally”whenever weperform.” Bookings: (505) 590-1769
taking off their aprons and taking the stage to round out an evening of western family
fun. Floyd plays guitar, and both he and Patsy sing. The Wranglers lineup also includes
David Anderson on fiddle and bass, Tamera Perry on guitar and vocals, and Debbie
Anderson on vocals. Ken Anderson coordinates the sound.Weather is never a problem;
the events take place in the ranch’s big red barn, with a seating capacity of 200.
Reservations are recommended. The Wranglers’ latest CD is “Rhythms of the West.”
Many area musicians supplement their musical activities with an amazingly diverse
assortment of occupations and community activities. A WNMU graduate, elementary
school music teacher Brandon Perrault participates in the Fine Arts Friday program and
frequently helps fellow musicians with sound at the Buckhorn Saloon. He also teaches
the Cobre High School Mariachis with fellow musician Lorenzo Cabrera (see Lorenzo’s
story on page 57.) Brandon enjoys using his talent to “help others move ahead.”
Proceeds from his recently released CD of spiritual music benefit his two favorite
churches in Santa Clara.
Melanie Zipin teaches a weekly creative writing course at Meadow Hawk Middle
School and administers PNM’s Fine Arts Friday Program for the Mimbres Region Arts
Council in Grant County and Deming elementary schools.
“This program” she says, “places artists in the schools either performing or leading
classes on an array of subjects from bookmaking to theater.”
Monica Santa Maria Garcia is the mother of two young children who works as an
COPPER CREEK
WRANGLERS
www.ziapublishing.com – 47
administrative assistant to the superintendent of Cobre Schools.
“Fortunately my family helps with baby sitting,” she notes.
Quinn of Captain Cactus is a deputy district attorney, and lead
singer Betty is a former KSCQ disc jockey and Phelps Dodge
truck driver. Joe is a former California studio guitarist who does
concrete work.
While Ken and Jeanie of Bayou Seco play a variety of instruments,
Ken, who usually plays the diatonic, or “button” accordion, is also a
violinmaker. He and partner Peter White have created instruments
played throughout the country. Ken even made the five-string fiddle
that Jeanie plays. She, in turn, gives lessons to children who perform
as the Fiddling Friends. Each summer the couple takes traditional
American music overseas, performing at festivals in Europe.
Floyd at Copper Creek Ranch, who had been entertaining thoughts
of retirement, has put that idea on hold for the time being. Instead, he
is running for Grant County Commissioner of District One in this
June’s election on a platform of “honesty, integrity and hard work.”
“I had thought that I’d just sit on my porch, play my guitar and sell
boots,” he says, referring to the ranch’s Cowtown Boot Shop. “Well,
the porch will still be there when I’m ready.”
“We try to make sureeverybody feels better whenthey leave than they didwhen they came in – andnobody goes away hungry!”
Jo Ann “Patsy” RobertsonCopper Creek WranglersWebsite:www.coppercreekranch.cc
48 – SILVER CITY LIFE
THE MIMBRES REGION ARTS COUNCIL CELEBRATES ITS SILVER ANNIVERSARY
this year. Rated the number one arts council by the State Arts Division for the third year in a row,
the MRAC, like fine wine, just seems to get better with age. Many new area residents cite the arts
council and its events as one of the reasons for relocating to Silver City.
The late John Stermer and his wife Lucy founded the MRAC 25 years ago. John was a well-
known local artist, and his work is displayed in the Governor’s Gallery in Santa Fe and private
collections around the country. He recognized the importance of having an organization to
support the broad spectrum of arts. Through the years, many prominent people in our
community have served on the 15 seat volunteer board of directors, including State Representative
WRITTEN BY PAT YOUNG PHOTOGRAPHY BY JOE BURGESS, JUDY DOUBRAVA AND MRAC
2525MIMBRES REGION
ARTS COUNCIL
YEARSOF PROGRESS
www.ziapublishing.com – 49
top: Honeyboy Edwards, one of the talented Bluesartists at last year’s event. above: crowds jam GoughPark during Silver City’s popular Blues Festival. right:A few of the hard-working individuals who keeppushing the Mimbres Region Arts Council to the topof the performance list for the State of New Mexicoinclude Sheila Swisher, Office Manager; Diane Miller,Volunteer Coordinator; Dea Gross, Bookkeeper; andFaye McCalmont.
Photo
by Ju
dy D
ouBr
ava
50 – SILVER CITY LIFE
Dianne Hamilton and City Councilor Steve May. Present-day MRAC Executive Director
Faye McCalmont notes that many newcomers get involved with the arts council as soon
as they unpack.
“It’s exciting to watch,” she says, “I enjoy drawing people in so they see the value of this
organization and become willing to put their energy into supporting the arts.”
Faye’s own involvement with the arts council dates back to the very first Silver City
Blues Festival in 1996. At the time, however, it wasn’t planned as a festival, simply an
indoor evening of blues. When the venue didn’t work out, the event was moved to Gough
Park with free admission.
“It was freezing that day. It was so cold that people brought sleeping bags,” she recalls.
“There were maybe 200 people in the audience.”
Now one of the most renowned blues fests in the country, the yearly event draws
thousands. This year’s festival will kick off with a street dance Friday, May 26th, featuring
Brandon Perrault and talented Cobre High School singer Maggie Garcia.* Phil Guy,
brother of blues legend Buddy Guy, showcases the Saturday lineup in one of his first gigs
since the release of his new album, He’s My Blues Brother. Harry Manx, a Mohan Veena
player and favorite from last year’s folk series, performs on Sunday, followed by 75-year-
old folk blues legend Odetta.
above: Pottery workshopssponsored by MRAC includethe famed potters of Mata Ortiz,Mexico. above, right: JamesEdd and Debbie Hughs chatwith Michael Metcalf at LoisDuffy Gallery during Weekendat the Galleries. opposite, top:Grant County Mural Project.opposite, bottom: MicheleBooth provides entertainmentat Lois Duffy Gallery.
www.ziapublishing.com – 51
The scope of the MRAC’s activities has also grown exponentially
through the years. When Faye became executive director a decade ago,
the organization had an annual operating budget of $50,000. That same
budget today is close to $400,000. Among the programs the council
provides are Fine Arts Fridays at Silver City, Cobre and Deming schools,
a musical performance season rich in variety, the Grant County Youth
Mural Program with help from area artists, the highly successful Folk
Series, the Fiesta de la Olla, the Talented Neighbor program for
supporting local musicians, a gallery space for local artists, an artist
lecture series and Weekend at the Galleries, another event that draws
thousands of people yearly.
“All of this is only possible because of all the great people who are
involved,” Faye says. “It’s because of such terrific community support
that we have so much to celebrate.”
Happy anniversary, MRAC!
*Read more about Maggie Garcia in “Lights on the Horizon,” page 36.
52 – SILVER CITY LIFE
SOUTHWEST NEW MEXICO IS A GREAT PLACE TO TAKE A KID FISHING.The warm climate means fishing is feasible about 9 months of the year. We don’t have alot of water – not compared to states like New York or Minnesota – but we’ve got a goodvariety of water. There are big lakes like Elephant Butte, small lakes like Lake Roberts,and streams like the Gila River. Bass, catfish, trout, carp, and panfish are all a possibility,depending on where you go.
I like to start a kid fishing with bait rather than spin casting or fly fishing. It’s easier asa first step, and kids get a kick of out catching the bait as well as catching the fish withthe bait. I recall two memorable adventures out along the Gila River.
My son Bud, then 8 years old, had two friends visiting from Hawaii. Christopher andEthan didn’t know word one about fishing but we gathered up some gear and away wewent. At the first crossing I turned the three rascals loose with a fine-mesh net. You shouldhave seen them get after those crawfish, scurrying away in the shallows! They whooped
and hollered and finally got up enough courage to pick them up and put them in a plastic sack. The kids had somuch fun chasing crawfish, they hated to quit and start fishing.
OUTDOORS
Above: Bud, Christopher and Ethen
Pho
to f
rom
M.H
. Sal
mon
col
lect
ion.
Take A Kid
FISHINGFISHINGBY M.H. “Dutch” Salmon
www.ziapublishing.com – 53
But you only need so many crawfishand I gathered the boys up and we headedfor a big pool upstream. It was pretty spotsurrounded by cottonwood and willowand nobody else around. I helped them tobait up, we got two lines in the water, andit didn’t take long and we had a bite. Inthe end we caught three nice smallmouthbass, and with the big one of 16 inches ittook all three boys taking turns to get himin. They said it was almost as much fun aschasing those crawfish.
The year before Bud and I had a greatadventure at the same pool. Again weused a crawfish as bait, and this day hehad stood and watched me hook and landa 30" carp. With the flimsy fly rod I wasusing it took me 11⁄2 hrs. to get the fish in.I needed Bud to help net the fish at thebank. Carp are great fighters and afterlanding and measuring the fish we let thisfellow go. Watching the struggle, Bud gotintrigued by carp fishing and a few weekslater we were back at the same pool.
This time we used the fine-mesh net tocatch some hellgrammites, turning overrocks and holding the net downstream.Bud had a lightweight spinning rod, butwe rigged this spinning rod up for baitand put a hellgrammite on the bottom.He hooked a huge fish, especially hugefor a 7-year–old. But where I had laboredfor 11⁄2 hours, it only took Bud 20minutes to land a 30" carp. Bud said,“Dad, it’s the same fish!” Probably so;they looked exactly alike. Only this timewe took the fish home, used the filetknife, and finished the adventure bycooking up some fine fish patties.
Trout like the colder water. Catfishand carp like the warmer water. The bassand panfish are somewhere in-between,and may overlap in places. All these fishare fun, catching the bait to lure them isfun too, and now is the time to take akid fishing.
M.H.“Dutch”Salmon is a writer living near Silver Citywho will take any excuse to go fishing with his kid.
See me for Car and Home Insurance and save.
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State Farm • Home Offices: Bloomington, IL
54 – SILVER CITY LIFE
BIRDING
added since that time. By the way, thespecies list for New Mexico is more than500, putting this state in the number fiveposition for the most species recorded.What birds can be different enough todraw people to visit or even to move here?
How about the Red-faced Warbler,
Painted Redstart, Scott’s Oriole, Black-chinned Sparrow, Hooded Oriole,Hutton’s Vireo and MagnificentHummingbird? Or three species oftanagers, five species of thrashers, morethan 20 species of sparrows and sevenspecies of wrens? This is but a small
sampling of the wonderful birds to be seenwithin a few miles of Silver City. Somebirds are here year round while other are tobe found only in the spring and summer,or the winter season.
On a more personal note, a place I go toregularly happens to be the sewage pondarea for the village of Tyrone. Over a spanof 14 years I have listed 189 species in thatgeneral area while I have a list of 94 speciesseen in or flying over my yard right in the
WRITTEN BY GENE LEWIS PHOTOGRAPHY BY DALE AND MARIAN ZIMMERMAN
Silver City is well known for its artists and the great variety of art galleries butthe variety of birds around here has been often overlooked. A few years ago achecklist for the area had a whopping 310 species and there have been a number
BirdsThe Variety of
BirdsDraws People Here
www.ziapublishing.com – 55
middle of Silver City. I know of one birderliving at the edge of town with a yard list ofmore than 140 species. My wife and Imoved here in 1991 because of the greatbirding opportunity and the friendly climate.I have not been disappointed with either.
How does one learn where to look forbirds? The Southwestern New MexicoAudubon Society is a good starting point.It has meetings held the first Friday of themonth on the WNMU campus in all themonths but summer and January, andregular field trips. It also sponsors twoChristmas Bird Counts in December and aSpring Migration count in May. Otherspecial events are a raptor count the firstSaturday of December and a Gila Rivercount the first Saturday of May, sponsoredby the biology department at WNMU.
Two other sources of information onwhere to find birds are the New MexicoBird Finding Guide, which has severalpages devoted to the southwestern counties,and the Southwestern New Mexico BirdingTrail Map, a state game and fish departmentpublication that gives a listing of birdingplaces within a drive of an hour or so fromSilver City and tells of some of the specialtybirds that can be found at each stop.
I must also mention such birds asCommon Black-Hawk, Zone-tailed Hawk,Montezuma Quail, Lucy’s Warbler, Grace’sWarbler (it’s nice to have the ladiesrepresented), Vermilion Flycatcher and alarge variety of other flycatchers. I haveneglected water birds but they are herethough in smaller numbers than other placesand can give some surprises. Also, look forSandhill Cranes along the Gila River in thewinter months. I could go on but it is bestto go out and discover the bird life on yourown. Just get out and look, and don’t forgetyour binoculars and bird book. You could besurprised by a Bridled Titmouse or PygmyNuthatch along the way.
opposite: The Northern Red Cardinal and theAcorn Woodpecker are among the 310 speciesof birds found in the Silver City area. Sources ofinformation and events are the SouthwesternNew Mexico Audibon Society, WNMU BiologyDepartment and the New Mexico Game andFish Department.
SERVING SILVER CITY, GRANT COUNTY & SURROUNDING AREASSERVING SILVER CITY, GRANT COUNTY & SURROUNDING AREAS
1775 Highway 180 East1775 Highway 180 East
In the Mimbres Tim Donovan knows Landand Homes! From the Gila Cliff Dwellings to Faywood Hot Springs, Tim Donovan
knows the land and the people of the Mimbres country. He has explored it on foot,by Jeep and on horseback. He’s a Real Estate Professional with insight into people
and issues from water rights to subdivision to hunting and forest regulations.
Give a call or come by the Smith Real Estate office in Mimbres.
Mimbres Branch Office3516 N. Hwy. 35 Mimbres, NM 88049
505.536.3870 office505.534.7955 [email protected] Silver City Office
www.realtor.com
Quality People, Quality Service
for Over 38 Years
56 – SILVER CITY LIFE
Your age? Jack: 84. Alice: 83.Were the “good old days” really allthat good? Jack: They were basicallypeople-friendly. Alice: Silver City was anice town to grow up in.As a child, what was one of thethings you enjoyed most? Jack:Swimming. Alice: Horseback riding.As a child, what was one of thethings you enjoyed least? Alice:Sauerkraut juice.Is life better/easier now? Jack: Welived through the great depression, sothings are better now than then. Alice:Everybody was in the same boat, though.We didn’t feel deprived.What has been one of the biggestchanges in southwestern NewMexico over the years, and how doyou feel about it? Jack: There’s been abig increase in population. That’s bothgood and bad. We’ve lost a lot of privacy.Alice: A lot of people want to changeeverything. I’m all for change, but ifsomething’s not broken you shouldn’t tryto fix it.What is your favorite place to visit inSilver City? Jack: I enjoy lunch at thebowling alley after a round of golf. Alice:Good heavens, to have to pick one out!I’d say the Silver City Museum.Do you have a favorite actor ormovie? Jack: “A Shot in the Dark” withPeter Sellers. Alice: “Pretty Woman” withJulia Roberts.If you had all the money in the world,what would you do with it?Jack: Spend it. Alice: I’d see somebody I love who needed something and buy it for them. I might even get Jack a pairof shoes.What event or occurrence do you feelhad a large impact on our area or onyou personally? Both: The war (WorldWar II).What do think of current technology?Jack: Fabulous. Alice: Too much, too fast.What do you know about people andlife today that you wish you hadknown when you were younger?Alice: I wouldn’t want to know; that wouldtake all the spontaneity out of life. Life isall about what’s around the next corner.Is there something helpful you wouldlike to say to young people who arejust starting out? Jack: Get thateducation, but have fun too. Alice: I’d liketo see kids have time to be kids whilethey’re still young. I’d also say: There’smore good than bad to life. You cancount on it.
Jack and AliceHill were bothborn in Silver City just a yearapart, but they didn’t meet untilJack was home on leave duringWorld War II. The young Navytorpedo bomber pilot was thebest man at a good friend’swedding, while Alice was thereas a bridesmaid for her own
good friend. Jack and Alice were later married in the same church.For seven years after the war the couple operated Hill’s Camp, a combination store
and service station with rental cabins located across from Benny’s Market on PopeSt., where Med Square stands today*.
From there they both went on to long careers in education. Jack taught mathfor ten years at Cobre and 18 years at Silver High School before becoming principalthere.
“I was talked into it,” he says modestly of his tenure as principal.Alice was a secretary for 29 years at Stout and La Plata Middle Schools, which were
called junior high schools at the time.“I loved every minute of it,” she reports, “I like
teenagers.”With her sister Ida Foster Campbell, Alice Foster
Hill researched and wrote Triumph and Tragedy: AHistory of Thomas Lyons and the LCs, published byHigh-Lonesome Press. It is the documented truestory of partners Thomas Lyons and AngusCampbell, who founded an immense cattle empire,the LC Ranches, in southwest New Mexico in the late19th century.
Jack and Alice are proud of the book andtheir own careers, but prouder of theirthree grown children: Bobbi, aguidance counselor, John, whoworks in construction and buildshandcrafted furniture, andScott, a physicaltherapist. All threelive in the SilverCity area.
*See State SenatorBen Altamirano’s story inthe previous issue ofSilver City Life.
JACK & ALICEHillPHOTOGRAPHY BY JOE BURGESS
LONGTIMERSBY BRETT FERNEAU
www.ziapublishing.com – 57
At 71, Lorenzo Cabrerahas been sharing musicwith others for 66 years. His father, also named
Lorenzo, was a mariachi who played the violin, guitar,
bull fiddle and guitarron. He taught his son to play
guitar and sing by age five, and young Lorenzo was
performing in public soon after. At 15, Lorenzo was
also playing the vijuela, a five-stringed instrument,
and appearing with his father’s band, Los Gavilanes,
at such 1950s venues as the Fiero Nightclub and the
El Dorado Lounge in Hanover.
His music changed direction when he learned to play
the saxophone and joined the Swing Kings. He was a
member of Soto’s Pan American Band and the
Maruffo Latineers before starting his own band,
the Coronados. After several years with the
Coronados, the course of his music changed
once more when he picked up his guitar
again and began playing at his church,
where he organized a choir.
With a family to support, Lorenzo always
kept his day job and retired after 34 years
at Kennecott Corp. He opened a guitar
studio in Silver City where he sold
instruments and gave lessons until health
problems forced him to give it up. He thought he
had retired again until Cobre High School called,
asking him to help organize and teach the Cobre
Mariachis. That was ten years ago. Since then, he
has taught several of his own grandchildren in the
class.
“The kids have gotten used to me,” Lorenzo
says, “They won’t let me retire.” He doesn’t seem
to mind. He enjoys working with the students
and helping with their problems when asked.
Lorenzo and his wife Belia have five grown
children, all musicians.
LORENZOCabreraPHOTOS COURTESY LORENZO CABRERA
Where are you from originally, andhow long have you lived here? – I wasborn in Rincón, a farming village nearHatch. My family moved here in the ‘40s.What sort of work did you do? I retiredfrom Kennecott as a repairman. Duringstrikes and layoffs I worked at the countyor for several different building contractors.I always had a job with one of them.Were the “good old days” really all thatgood? Let’s say that when there waswork, they were real good.As a child, what was one of the thingsyou enjoyed most? Playing music andsinging.As a child, what was one of the thingsyou enjoyed least? Working. (Laughs.)Is life better/easier now? Oh yes, it’svery differentWas life better/simpler then? No. Itwas rough.If you had all the money in the world,what would you do with it? – In myexperience, it’s not what you have; it’s howyou use it. I’d share it with the ones whoreally don’t have it.Is there something in life you’d stilllike to do? – I’d like to travel someday,maybe to Europe just to see what’s on theother side of the world.What event or occurrence do you feelhad a large impact on our area or onyou personally? Mine strikes and layoffsalways had a big impact. The economywas different than today. Without thatmoney, everything started to die. Therewas very little credit. Like you said in themagazine [the previous Silver City Life],people like Gabby Armendariz and BenAltamirano [who extended credit ongroceries] helped tremendously, but thereweren’t many of them. My wife’s uncle hadLa Fe Store in Vanadium, and he would letpeople charge. I think the community grewas more places offered charge accounts.Is there something helpful you wouldlike to say to young people who arejust starting out? I deal a lot with kids.When I was young my dad and I werefriends. That’s missing now. Maybe life isharder now, because both parents have towork. Families don’t eat meals together.We’re so involved with ourselves that kidsget neglected in different ways. We needto spend more time with them and showthem more love. I wish I could help eachone individually. I’ll tell you this: musicworks wonders.
58 – SILVER CITY LIFE
A welcome mat is always out at Brewer Hill Missionary Baptist Church in Silver City. Dependingon the timing, a visitor might be served a moving sermon or a marvelous meal. The church couldbe solemn and quiet, or filled with beautiful music. On many days, it is filled with the wonderfularomas of cooking.
The church is housed in a modest white building atop Brewer Hill, with panoramic, peacefulviews of town and the mountains beyond. An attached kitchen, commercially equipped andimmaculately kept, is home to The Brewer Hill Kitchen and Catering Service, an auxiliary businessthat helps financially support the church.
The land where this church sits was named after Rebecca Brewer. Madam Brewer, as she was known,was one of Silver City’s many colorful characters over the years. She donated the land, with the onlycost being approximately $150 in fees. There was a stipulation, however, that the land could only be
WRITTEN BY PAT YOUNGPHOTOGRAPHY BY JOE BURGESS
above: Pastor Earseye Ross at Brewer Hill Missionary Baptist Church. opposite: Church membersgathered for Sunday services following an evening of event catering.
Charles Shaw, morecommonly known as “Chef”around the Brewer HillMissionary Baptist churchwhere he is in charge of TheBrewer Hill Kitchen andCatering Service, came to Silvercity in 1963. A quiet man whotakes cooking very seriously,Shaw has been a chef for over50 years.
“You have to be patient withfood,” he says. “Recipes comefrom years of testing.”
Below is one of Charles’srecipes, which he offers withthese words of wisdom:“Follow a recipe until youmaster it. Only then should youinnovate and improvise.”
Chicken Livers Supreme
Ingredients:
1 lb. chicken livers1 bunch green onions1/2 box mushrooms1 pint sour creamSaltBlack pepperGarlic1 cup flour
Season and dredge chickenlivers. Fry, turning once, for about 5 minutes in a 12-inch frying pan. Take livers out of pan.
Slice mushrooms; chop bigends of green onions. Sautéonions and mushrooms forabout 4 minutes in a 10-inchsauce pan.
Using the 12-inch pan, add acup of flour to make gravy.Add livers and sauteingredients. Simmer for 5minutes. Add sour cream andserve.
Serves 4. May be served withrice or noodles.
More information on BrewerHill Kitchen and Cateringservice is available by callingthe church at 534-0048.
FEEDING
BodySoul&BodySoul
The Brewer Hill Missionary Baptist Church
www.ziapublishing.com – 59
used for religious purposes. Brewer HillMissionary Baptist Church was started onthis hill in 1947 with seven members.
Pastor Earseye B. Ross has been thechurch’s minister since he came here fromShreveport, LA, in 1977 with his wifePatricia. In the church kitchen CharlesShaw, a retired area chef, is in charge.
“He feeds them physically and I feedthem spiritually,” Earseye says.
In addition to Christian work, cateringand special barbeque dinners and bakesales on the first Friday of every month, thechurch offers a training program forprospective cooks in the spacious kitchen,and guidance to those in need in thepastor’s tiny office. He firmly believes thatstrong spirituality makes a stronger person.
Earseye, father of seven, a medicationnurse at Fort Bayard and a volunteer atWestern New Mexico University’s MultiCultural Student Affairs, wears manyhats. Figuratively speaking, so does thechurch. There are Wednesday eveningand Sunday morning services, revivals,monthly fellowship services with otherchurches, and famous cooking. Behindthe altar an array of professional musicalequipment reflects the special passion ofEarseye’s daughter, Rachel, who singsprofessionally. On the wall of the church,a large Christian mural showcases thetalent of C.A. Snyman, who teaches artclasses at the church.
“We like to make people feel at homeaway from home,” Earseye says. “We puta lot of emphasis on Bible teaching, andwe like to feel we are a church ofhospitality, no matter who [people] are orwhere they are from.”
120 E. 11th StreetToll-free (866) 538-0404 • Office (505) 538-0404
www.prudentialsilvercity.com
Patrick Conlin, [email protected]
Tracy Bauer, [email protected]
Lisa Parker, [email protected]
Karen Sheean, [email protected]
Dawn Holladay, [email protected]
RepresentingDos Griegos Subdivision
New Phases Open Now!
Shannon Stirnweis
The Old Hurley Store99 Cortez Ave. Hurley, NM
FINE ART • Picture Framing • Printmaking Workshops Unique Gifts • Historic Hurley Museum
Tues.-Fri. 10-5 • Sat. 10-7Visit The Newest Art Venue In Southwestern New Mexico!
505-537-0300www.thetown.com • [email protected]
The Old Hurley Store99 Cortez Ave. Hurley, NM
FINE ART • Picture Framing • Printmaking Workshops Unique Gifts • Historic Hurley Museum
Tues.-Fri. 10-5 • Sat. 10-7Visit The Newest Art Venue In Southwestern New Mexico!
505-537-0300www.thetown.com • [email protected]
60 – SILVER CITY LIFE
SUMMERRECIPESPHOTOGRAPHY BY JOE BURGESS
When I visited Cuzco, Peru, withthe Arts Council & Museum Tour,our large group was frequentlyserved buffet style. I was impressedby the marinated dishes among theappetizers and salads. Upon myreturn, I created my own dish that Idubbed Cuzco Confetti Salsa.
Cuzco Confetti Salsa 11⁄2 cup (fresh or frozen) limabeans 1 cup (fresh or frozen) corn (cut off cob)
Microwave these vegetables forabout 1 minute to thaw or blanch
1⁄2 cup chopped and peeledcucumber
1⁄2 cup chopped red bell pepper1⁄2 cup chopped green bell
pepper1⁄2 red onion chopped1 ripe tomato chopped
Mix all vegetables in a large bowl
Add:1⁄2 cup chopped cilantro1⁄2 tsp oregano
Salt and pepper to taste1⁄4 cup olive oil Squeeze the juice
of 3 fresh limes
Serve at room temperature
Carol ThompsonCENTURY 21
Thompson Realty
www.ziapublishing.com – 61
Many of the folks who stop for coffee onSunday mornings at Dos Baristas CoffeeGallery have been requesting more to eatthan our pastries. I began experimentingwith quiches, which we are now offeringon Sunday mornings until they run out.
Spinach, Mushroom & Cheese Quiche
Ingredients1 pastry shell for deep dish pie plate10 ounces frozen chopped spinach1⁄2 pound sliced mushrooms1⁄2 tsp salt1⁄8 tsp black pepper1 tablespoon horseradish1⁄2 cup sour cream1⁄2 cup grated cheddar cheese3 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese4 large eggs11⁄2 cups half & half1⁄8 tsp salt1⁄8 tsp cayenne pepper1⁄8 teaspoon nutmeg
Cook spinach according to packagedirections. Drain and dry spinach. In abowl, combine salt, pepper, horseradishand sour cream. Blend in spinach.Spread mixture in the pastry shell.Sauté the mushrooms in butter. Drainand layer on top of the spinach mixture.Sprinkle with the grated cheeses. Beatthe eggs and add the half and half, andremaining seasonings. Beat untilsmooth. Pour the egg mixture into thepastry shell.Bake at 375 degrees in a preheatedoven for 40 minutes or until the top ispuffed up and browned and a knifeinserted in the center comes out clean.Remove from the oven and let stand for5 to 10 minutes to set.Enjoy!
Ruth Ann PoppeDos Baristas Coffee Gallery
62 – SILVER CITY LIFE
I was surprised to find chayote in the localSilver City markets, but zucchini can also besubstituted in this dish. It can be servedseparately or used as the bed for a bakedmeat product. It is simple and adds adelightful Southwest flair to a meal.
Chayotes with corn & Jalapeños chiles3 Chayotes1 medium red onion, chopped3 or 4 garlic cloves, crushed4 fresh jalapeño chiles2 whole kernel sweet corn 15 oz. cans1 Philadelphia cream cheese 8 oz.
Salt to your taste1⁄2 cup fresh grated parmesan cheese2 Tablespoons of oil for frying.
Peel chayotes, cut in half and removeseeds, then cut halves in small bite sizecubes. Cover with water and boil untiltender, about 15 nimutes. Drain and set aside.
Drain corn and set aside.
Heat oil in frying pan, add onions, garlic, chayotes and corn. Fry overmedium heat for about 10 minutesstirring occasionally.
Wash jalapeños, cut in halves, scrapeseeds and veins. Put in cold salt waterand set aside.
Add cream cheese in pieces over therest of the ingredients in frying pan.Continue cooking until cheese melts.
Dry jalapeños and cut length-wise intostrips. Add strips to frying pan and mixfor a few minutes.
Sprinkle with Parmesean cheese andserve in a warm dish.
You can also top with chicken or porkand serve..
Carlos Guiterrez
www.ziapublishing.com – 63
Grandma Horcasitas’BiscochitosCorrection of incomplete recipe printed in Silver City Life Winter 2006.1 lb. lard4 cups flour1 jigger wine1 tsp. anise flavor or anise balls3⁄4 cup sugar2 eggs1⁄2 tsp baking powder1⁄4 tsp. saltCinnamon sugar mixture to roll cookies in Cream lard. Add sugar, cream again. Addeggs, wine and anise. Mix. In a separatebowl, mix together the flour, baking powderand salt. Gradually add the combined dryingredients. Knead. If dough is too sticky toform into little balls, add more flour with alittle baking powder. Form into little balls, oryou may roll out dough and cut intodesigns. Bake in 350 degree oven for about15 minutes, or until slightly brown. Rollthem in a mixture of cinnamon and sugar.
Christy Miller
A refreshing summer drink is Agua deJamaica. I found the dried red Jamaicaflowers in Palomas labeled as hibiscus. Ihave made the drink for large groups, aswell as another drink called Horchata, a riceand milk drink. I’ll save Horchata foranother issue.
Agua de Jamaica2 cups dry Jamaica flowers10 cups water1 cup sugar
Rinse the flowers briefly to removeimpurities. Place in a saucepan and add 6 cups water. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to medium and cook for 10 minutes. Remove the pan from heatand let stand for 10-20 minutes. Straininto a pitcher, dilute with 4 cups waterand add sugar.
Carlos Guiterrez
64 – SILVER CITY LIFE
Growing a business takes lots of time.With two small children still at home,ages 6 and 2, I’m always looking forsimple recipes with ingredients that canbe found locally. The following recipe isso easy to prepare; yet makes for agreat family meal without sacrificing alot of family time. !Buen Provecho!
Grilled Seafood Packets2 pounds raw, large shrimp1 pound sea scallops4 – 6 ears of corn cut into fourthsApprox. 24 large cherry tomatoesTop with Chive Butter
Chive ButterMelt 1 stick of butter with 1 tablespoon fresh chives
Prepare gas grill or heat coals formedium heat. Cut eight large sheetsof heavy-duty aluminum foil andplace shrimp, scallops, corn andcherry tomatoes in the center ofeach sheet – divided equally. Drizzle2 tablespoons Chive Butter over theseafood and vegetables.
Seal packets and grill for 20 to 30minutes. Shrimp should be pink andvegetables tender. Serve individuallyor place on a colorful platter for extrapizzazz.
If you can’t wait until summer to grill,you may place packets on a cookiesheet in a 375 degree oven for 30 –40 minutes.
Great with a michelada!
Rosa TerrazasTimberland Construction, Inc.
X
www.ziapublishing.com – 65
out& about
MainStreet USA held a fund-raising dinner for restoration of the Silco Theater,catered by Orchid Café and with entertainment by Gypsy Feet. Photographed wereFrank Milan, Miriam and Henry Cwieka and daughter Liz Baxter, as well asattendees Judy Menefee, Sudie Ruhne, Barbara Smith and Dr. Wilson. At the headof the line for East Indian cuisine were Laura Howell, Melinda and George Austin.
Recognizing the efforts behind the La Capilla Chapel project were Carlos
Provencio, Mona Britt, Joe and Senovia Ray, Raul Turietta, Randy Villa, Duane
Brokett, and John and Dianne Hamilton.
GRMC’s Surgical Center of the Southwest, an important segment of the region’smedical care facilities, held an opening reception for its new facility. Participating wereTom Boyle, Valerie Duntz, Maria Muñoz, Mario Quintana, Patricia Heil, Elva
Quimby, Tami Betes and Marielle Remillard.
A contributor to the region’s alternative healing options are the Silver Paws therapypets. Tiki the poodle is with Raelynn Botello.
“Making a Hand,” a photography exhibit focused on New Mexico’s ranch childrenopened at Western New Mexico University Museum and among the attendees wereTy and Sherri Bays and their sons Clell and Ketch, Linda MacArthur with hergrandson Jacob and Cynthia Bettison with Gene Peach and Karen Rossman.
Among the many locals attending an opening at Leyba and Ingalls Arts wereBurghardt, Angela Sommer-Bodenburg, Marcia Smith and David Furnas; Star,
John Rehovec and Susan Hill; Terri Matelson, Tiffin Mabry and Jane Janson;
Morgan Bighley, Melanie Zipin, Shauna and Naio McCosh; Suzi Calhoun, Mary
Alice Murphy and Janey Katz; Rudy Griego, Cynthis Bettison and Fred Barraza;
Diana Ingalls Leyba with Linda Brewer and Jane Janson; Rachel Bighley and
XBurghardt, Angela Sommer-Bodenburg, Marcia Smith, David Furnas
Star, John Rehovec, Susan Hill
Terri Matelson, Tiffin Mabry, Jane Janson
Lisa Hawk, Melanie Zipin, Jeff LeBlanc
Suzi Calhoun, Mary Alice Murphy, Janey Katz
Rudy Griego, Cynthia Bettison, Fred Barraza
Vicki Hawkins, Erlinda Sierra, Johanna Sosaya and Donna Linette
Diana Ingalls Leyba, Linda Brewer, Jane Janson
Rachel Bighley, Maura Gonsior
Carl Levi & friends
Morgan Bighley, Melanie Zipin, Shauna McCosh, Naio
Maura Gonsior; and there’s Melanie again with Lisa Hawk and Jeff LeBlanc. Alsoenjoying the art were Rudy Griego, Cynthia Bettison and Fred Barraza.
If you missed the opening of the impressive and spacious new JW Art Gallery inthe Old Hurley Store, make an effort to stop and welcome owners Karin and
Joseph Wade. The current exhibition includes work by Shannon Stirnweis, Loren
Schmidt and a representation of Wade’s own work. The ribbons were cut by HurleyMayor Baca and well-wishers included council members, village employees andState Representative Manny Herrera. Admiring the artwork were Rolene
Jameson Aguirre and Annie Baca from the Clerk’s office. Impressed by the print-making shop were Ouida Touchon from Cruz Nopal Art Studio in Las Cruces and ElPaso print maker Oscar Moya. Mayor Baca discussed the galleries impact withowner Joseph Wade.
Another delectable Chocolate Fantasia event included Tyler Connoley and Kristen
Pyle, Judy DouBrava, Connie Hostetler and Jess Gorell, Kim Godfrey and Mattie
Johnson, Avelino Maestas, and Aaron and Lorena Salsburg from El Paso.At the Pinos Altos Art Fair we found Eric Patterson singing Knocking on Heavens
Door and Dana Smolens, Jim Jones, Frank Ferrara and Skip Thacker, the GilaRangers Cowboy Action Club.
Furr’s Supermarket stepped up to the line last Thanksgiving providing a dinnerenjoyed by many needy locals. Among the volunteer servers were Don Ganader and
Arlyn Cooley, Martha Choquette, Norma Arambula and Pat Leonard.
Mayor Baca, Joseph Wade Karin & Joseph Wade and Manny Herrera
Th
Mario Quintana and Patricia Heil
Carlos Provencio, Mona Britt, Senovia Ray, Raul Turietta, Randy Villa
Laura Howell and Melinda & George Austin in the serving line Gene Peach, Karen Rossman, Cynthia Bettison
Ty and Sheri Bays & sons Clell and Ketch
Ribbon Cutting at JW Art Gallery
Frank Milan, Miriam & Henry Cwieka, Liz Baxter Judy Menefee, Sudie Ruhne, Barbara Smith, Dr. Wilson Linda McArthur and grandson Jacob
Duane Brockett
Tami Bates and Elva Quimby
GJo
John & Dianne Hamilton
Rolene JamesonAguirre & Anne Baca
La Capilla Chapel Dedication Attendants Valerie Duntz and Maria M. Muñoz Tom Boyle Marielle Memillard
Among the participants at a lively Fort Bayard Days event were Bob Mallins
showing medical equipment that had been used in the Civil War, Cecilia Bell
introcucing Ron Hendersen playing the part of Lt. Fountain from camp near GlenwoodNov.-Dec. 1885, Lizz Arellano showing knitted items from 1800 patterns, John Bell
as Col. Bushnell and Becky as Miss Harding discussing the ‘chasing technique’ usedwith TB patients, Bob Pelham enjoying a carriage ride provided by Serenity Acres
and Jean Wright at the Silver City Museum Society booth with items for sale.Geo Care, the management group at Ft. Bayard, held a successful job fair at Holiday
Inn Express. Facilitating the event were Vicki Hawkins, Erlinda Sierra, Johanna
Sosaya and Donna Linette.
Your Photos Wanted! Be an “Out & About” reporter! Silver City Life invites itsreaders to submit their photos of local events and gatherings for this department. Our staffdoes its best to cover a broad range of events. Nobody can be everywhere at once, though,so the best way to ensure that your favorite group or organization is featured in thesepages is to send your own photo. Please attach a note listing the organization, the event,and the people pictured in order from left to right. Photos cannot be returned, so you’llwant to send a duplicate. Send photos to:
Zia Publishing Corp.Dept. O611 N. Hudson St.Silver City, NM 88061
Tyler Connoley, Kristen Pyle Judy DouBrava
Ron Henderson Cecilia Bell making introductions
Bob Pelham Jean Wright
John Bell and Becky
Thanksgiving Dinner participants Martha Choquette, Christen Rogers
Eric Patterson b
Connie Hostetler, Jess Gorell
Raelynn Botello and Tiki Kristy Arambula Don Ganader, Arlyn Cooley
Bob Mallins
mby
Kim Godfrey, Mattie Johnson
Gila Rangers — Dana Smolens, Jim Jones, Frank Ferrara and Skip Thacker
Norma Arambula, MarthaChoquette
ard
Norma Arambula, Martha Choquette, Pat Leonard
Avelino Maestas
Lizz Arellano
Aaron and Lorena Salsburg
68 – SILVER CITY LIFE
Z
MEDICAL
Gila Regional MedicalCenter’s Surgical Centerof the Southwest is a brickand mortar testament tothe hospital’s missionstatement, “We work forthe health of ourneighbors,” and to itscombination of high-techservices and patient-centered care. The new8,000-square-foot facilityboasts two state-of-the-artoperating rooms, six pre-op rooms large enough fora family member to staywith a patient beforesurgery, and a separateadmitting area for surgicalpatients.
“Connecting the new surgical addition to the existing surgicalsuite allows us to provide the best customer care and convenienceof an ambulatory surgery center, backed up by a full-servicehospital,” says Joan Dewbre, GRMC’s director of surgery. “The
GRMC’SSURGICAL CENTER
OF THE SOUTHWEST
center is a terrificexample of ourcommitment to high-touch patient care andhigh-tech medicine.”
The phrase “high-touch” refers to aphilosophy of treatmentin which the physical andemotional comfort of thepatient is the firstconsideration.
State of the arttechnology allows thehospital to offer newprocedures unavailableelsewhere in NewMexico. Navigated kneereplacement surgeryallows precise alignment
of the prosthesis, resulting in many years of additional wear.Green-light laser surgery, along with the hospital’s newlithotripter, provides new treatment options for various urinarytract problems, and the $4.7 million investment in high-tech
WRITTEN BY LISA JIMENEZ PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY
GILA REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTER
“We
work
for the
health
of our
neighbors.”
“high-
touch
patient
care and
high-tech
medicine.”
www.ziapublishing.com – 69
opposite and above: The new SurgicalCenter of the Southwest employs state-of-the-art technology that allows Gila RegionalMedical Center to offer proceduresunavailable elsewhere in New Mexico.
• Power Lift Recliners
• Orthopedic Supports
• Bathroom Safety Aids
• Motorized 3 Wheelers
• Diabetic Care Supplies
• Hospital Mattresses & Beds
• Oxygen & Respiratory Equipment
• Personal Healthcare Disposables
Medicare/Medicaid Certified
Private Insurance Accepted
FREE DELIVERY • 24 Hour Emergency Service
505.534.4013866.534.4013
910 E. 32nd St. • Silver City, NM
• Power Lift Recliners
• Orthopedic Supports
• Bathroom Safety Aids
• Motorized 3 Wheelers
• Diabetic Care Supplies
• Hospital Mattresses & Beds
• Oxygen & Respiratory Equipment
• Personal Healthcare Disposables
Medicare/Medicaid Certified
Private Insurance Accepted
FREE DELIVERY • 24 Hour Emergency Service
505.534.4013866.534.4013
910 E. 32nd St. • Silver City, NM
70 – SILVER CITY LIFE
surgical equipment and facilities also givespatients new options for eye surgeryservices, colonoscopies and endometrialablation, a much less invasive alternativeto traditional hysterectomies that isavailable in only a few New Mexicohospitals.
Surgeons played an important role inthe development of the surgical center,according to John Rossfeld, GRMC’schief executive officer.
“We asked for input from the surgeonsright from the beginning because we werelooking for ways to make the care aspatient-centered and convenient aspossible,” Rossfeld says. “Our surgeonsand department staff were key to makingthis center happen.”
More than 4,000 surgeries arecompleted each year at the hospital, andtwo-thirds of them are ambulatory,requiring no overnight stay. In addition togeneral surgery services, GRMC offerssurgical services in the areas of
Cosmetic andAesthetic Dentistry
John B. Sherman, DDS3115 North Leslie Road, Silver City 505.388.2515
Laser Bleaching • Smile Makeover • Orthodontics • White Fillings • Porcelain Veneers and Crowns American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry • Academy of General Dentistry
www.ziapublishing.com – 71
orthopedics; ophthalmology; ear, noseand throat; gynecology; general practice;podiatry and urology.
GRMC is the state’s only hospitalaffiliated with Planetree, a national non-profit organization advocating patient-centered care in a healing environment.
“We try to train all personnel tointroduce themselves and to interactwith patients and their families,” saysGMRC communications coordinatorElizabeth Rockey. “We strive to providethe sort of care that patients want, notnecessarily that which is most
convenient for the hospital.”
Publisher’s note: In an industry-widesurvey of 1600 hospitals, GMRC’sChemotherapy Department wasrecently rated highest in the nation incustomer satisfaction, including a 100%score in the “Friendliness” category. Thedepartment will be part of theComprehensive Cancer Center slatedfor construction at the Surgical Centerof the Southwest facility in theupcoming year.
opposite and above: The $4.7 millioninvestment in high-tech surgical equipmentand facilities provides new patient optionsand less invasive alternatives. Two-thirdsof the surgeries performed by the hospitalrequire no overnight stay.
SILVER CITY OB/GYNFellow American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists
DONALD H. MONTOYA, M.D.Board Certified
PROFESSIONAL • CONFIDENTIAL • CARING
SILVER CITY OB/GYN
1290 East 32nd Street • Silver City, NM 88061-7229505-388-3200
• Infertility• Gynecologic Laparoscopy• Obstetrics• Uro-Gynecologic Surgery• Incontinence• Normal and High-Risk
Obstetrics with 3-DimensionalUltrasound
• General Gynecologic CareIncluding Menopause and PAPSmears
• Hablamos Español• We Welcome New Patients• Pacientes Nuevos Bienvenidos• Most Insurance Plans Accepted
72 – SILVER CITY LIFE
above: Fort Bayard will preserve its historic links to the past as it moves into a new era with a proposed state-of-the-art medical facility.
A LONG HISTORY AS A LOCAL LANDMARK AND A CARINGHAVEN FOR VETERANS AND OTHER PEOPLE WITH HEALTHcare needs will continue at Fort Bayard Medical Center. It will simply bewearing a new name under GEO Care, Inc. And by early in 2008, it willbe housed in a new state-of-the-art facility as well.
Built in the 1860’s, Fort Bayard was home to hundreds of AfricanAmerican soldiers, nicknamed “Buffalo Soldiers” by the Cheyenne andComanche. The U.S. Army transformed the post into a medical facilityafter noting that the area climate held the promise of good health. It laterbecame a Veterans Administration Hospital, and most recently, a state-run hospital.
According to the new Fort Bayard Administrator, Dale Pelton, thefacility will continue to have a distinct veteran’s unit and a separatechemical dependency detox and rehabilitation unit, as well as skillednursing care with a complete rehabilitation therapy department and along-term care unit.
Rebuilding
FortBayardRebuilding
FortBayardBY PAT YOUNG
www.ziapublishing.com – 73
“We expect people from all over thecountry to come visit,” Pelton says. “And Iwould like to say that I have been verypleasantly surprised by the condition,cleanliness and spaciousness of the existingfacility, as well as the caring, compassion-ate staff.”
GEO Care, Inc. is an internationalcompany, with 100 percent of its revenuescoming from state and governmentcontracts. It officially took overmanagement of Fort Bayard in November of2005. Only two people on the 24-personmanagement staff have been brought infrom outside the area, including Pelton,who comes from Tucson, and VickiHawkins, Director of Nursing Services, whocomes from Santa Fe. The rest of the staffincludes previous employees and peoplehired locally, according to Pelton.
GEO Care, Inc. has been mandated todesign, construct, build and manage thenew 230-bed facility on a parcel of landadjacent to the existing hospital. The landwill be owned by Grant County, as will thebuilding once bonds are paid off.
Jorge Dominicis, President of GEO Care,Inc., says, “There has been tremendouscooperation between GEO Care and thevarious communities, especially on choosinga site for the new state-of-the-art facility.Furthermore, GEO Care has successfullyaddressed and corrected all of theoperational deficiencies cited by the Centerfor Medicare-Medicaid Services (CMS) andthe State of New Mexico Department ofHealth during its re-visit to the facility. Weare happy with the progress that has beenmade to improve the quality of care at thefacility and look forward to transformingFort Bayard into a center of excellence forlong-term care.”
While a new building and anotherchapter begin for the Fort Bayard MedicalCenter under GEO Care, Inc., there is hopethat the old buildings will remain a link tothe past. That, says Pelton, will be up to theState of New Mexico and the Fort BayardHistoric Preservation Society. “We certainlysupport renovation of the existing facility asa national monument.”
74 – SILVER CITY LIFE
THERE ARE MANY METHODS OF ALTERNATIVE HEALING THESE DAYS,but only one of the methods is quite hairy. This method is Therapy Dogs. Studies haveproven that interaction with these dogs can help lower blood pressure and stress levels,and relieve depression. Silver City is fortunate to have a volunteer group of TherapyDogs called "Silver Paws." The dogs and their owners visit nursing homes, schools andhospitals in our area and in Deming.
Silver Paws was started by Betty Bolling and now has five to six therapy dogs in thegroup. Donna Schaeffer with her Great Dane Ace, Bichon Frise Abbi, and MargoHughes with her poodle Tiki, are active members of Silver Paws. Jean Spires also
PETSTherapy
PETSWRITTEN AND PHOTOGRAPHED BY JUDY DOUBRAVA
Silver Paws, a volunteergroup of therapy dogs,interact with patients tohelp lower blood pressureand stress levels and relievedepression. Dogs arescreened and tested toqualify.
PETS
www.ziapublishing.com – 75
volunteers in this group with her shepherd mix Bo, and more dogs are being testedto see if they qualify to be Therapy Dogs.
Betty originally took her Schnauzer Happy, to one of the local facilities to visita friend. While walking the hallways, other patients noticed her dog and came outto pet Happy. Betty realized that it lifted the spirits of the patients and that theylooked forward to seeing the dog. One of her friends told her about a nationalorganization called Therapy Dogs Inc. and after some consideration, she decidedto start our local group, the Silver Paws.
So, what does it take to make your dog a Therapy Dog? Mixed breeds orpedigrees that are at least one year old are welcome. Current vaccinations arerequired, as well as a stool check. Dogs must go through a series of tests performedby Therapy Dog Testers in order to qualify. Some of things the testers look for arehow the dog/handler team initially greets someone, if the dogs are under controlwith a loose lead, the team’s canine/human behavior, and the team's appearance.Having basic obedience skills comes in handy, but is not required. The dogs arealso judged on their reactions different types of smells, to wheelchairs, walkers,and canes, and to people with an uneven gait, coughing and other distractions.After meeting these requirements at three different facilities without any faults, thedog may proudly wear the red heart on his/her collar signifying that it is an officialTherapy Dog.
Betty has been involved with the Silver Paws for 15 years. Her other Schnauzers,Elke and Jenna, accompany her now. Since meeting Betty, Margo Hughes andTiki have been members for three years. Asked how she likes being a volunteerMargo’s response when is, “I love it!"
The Silver Paws motto is “Sharing smiles and joy.” For more information onhow to become a Therapy Dog volunteer, contact Donna Schaeffer at 538-0350.
Cards • Gifts • HobbiesCrafts • Souvenirs
Office SuppliesFurniture • Machines
703 N. BullardSilver City, NM 88061
538-5324
CONSULTATIONBSCHEDULED TRIMS
PHOTO RECORDBPERSONAL CLINICS
Mark Jeldness, Certified Practitioner & FieldInstructor for the American Association of
Natural Hoof Care Practitioners.
505.313.4885BSILVER CITY, NMwww.aanhcp.orgBwww.lite-n-tuff.com
email: [email protected]
NaturalHoof Care.
76 – SILVER CITY LIFE
Animals aren't the only ones that are warm and fuzzy – animalcompanions tend to give us warm and fuzzy feelings as well. Noteveryone is meant to have a pet, though. When considering adoptinga pet, please let some common sense be involved in the decision. Ifyou are never home, a pet, unless it is a fish, probably isn't for you. Ifyou have very young children, a large puppy that loves to jumpprobably isn't your best decision. Many pets end up at animalshelters because obtaining them was not a wise choice, or they werenot given enough time to adapt to their owner’s lifestyle.
One thing that helps when adopting dogs is enrolling them in anobedience class or working with them on your own teaching basiccommands. ‘Sit,’ ‘lie down,’ ‘stay’ and ‘come’ are all good commandsto start with. A dog wants to please you and will feel proud when itlearns something new. Be consistent, and all will go well. Obedienceclasses will instruct you on how to teach your dog if you need morehelp with training.
When adopting a shelter dog, keep in mind that you do not knowwhat they have been through and may need more patience thanothers. Submissive behavior does not always mean they weremistreated, but may simply mean they are unsure of their situation.
Dogs are pack animals. When taken out of a pack, you, their newfamily, becomes the pack. Dogs need to know that you, not they, arethe boss. Do not simply tie or chain your dog outside and feed itonce a day as your only contact with it. The dog will feel separatedfrom its pack, and may become aggressive because it will naturallywant to protect its space, which is only the length of the chain.
HappyEndings
HappyEndings
WRITTEN AND PHOTOGRAPHED BY JUDY DOUBRAVA
PETS
Angel, Tabitha Heather, Silky,Willie, Pepper, Princess, MistyMiriam & Pete Burrows
Who says you can't find heaven on earth? Four catsadopted from our local shelter have found it with Miriam andPete Burrows. These cats, along with 3 other cats thatrelocated from Wisconsin with their human companions,have a spacious yard with special cat fencing. They have 3cat doors to come and go as they please, and sand pitsavailable outside for their toilet needs. The yard has plentyof trees and more were planted for their climbing pleasures.
Miriam went to the animal shelter looking for one extra catand came home with four. It was hard to decide which catsto adopt. "I would take them all home if I could," Miriam said.
How do you come up with that many names? Theirnames are: Angel, Tabitha Heather (one name), Silky, Willie,Pepper, Princess, and Misty.
Bonnie, Lady and LulaLinda and Carol Keith
Having a soft spot for animals and volunteering atthe animal shelter is sometimes a tough combination.Linda's softest spot tends to be for Dobermans.Bonnie ended up at the shelter, afraid of everything.After being adopted by Linda and her family, she hasregained her confidence. With the Keiths’ activelifestyle, Linda felt that Bonnie needed constantcompanionship, so they adopted a dog for Bonnie.Lady livened up their home with all of her energy andbecame a great companion for Bonnie. The Keiths’daughter, Carol, needed a small dog for apartmentliving and found Lula the deer Chihuahua at theshelter. She's a deer Chihuahua because her legs areso long, but she is also a dear to the Keiths. Eventhough she is much smaller than the other two dogs,Lula rules the roost when she is visiting.
www.ziapublishing.com – 77
ShiloLee Navin
Shilo started out her life chained with acollar that she outgrew. No one took it off, sothe collar grew into her neck. She was tiedand abandoned at the animal shelter.Surgery was needed to remove the collar.Her picture was in the newspaper and areachildren donated their pennies to help payfor the cost of her care. She became knownas Penny.
Penny received a scholarship to obedienceschool and graduated with her adoptedhuman, Lee Navin. Penny now goes by thename of Shilo. Shilo was afraid of many thingslike noises and humans, but after lots ofpatience, she now understands that they willnot be allowed to hurt her anymore.
IndyZeb & Emily White
Zeb and Emily White “just wanted a cat.”They didn’t get just any cat. They got Indy,the toilet trained cat. After a few months ofpatience and perseverance, Indy learnedhow to use the toilet.
It took 3 trips to the animal shelterbefore they decided on this mellow cat.She was 4-5 months old. The staff at theshelter instructed them on how to takecare of a cat. Indy is taking care ofbusiness just fine.
When asked why they wanted a cat, theyreplied, "We like the independence of acat." Maybe the name Indy is short forIndependent.
ValentinoLinda Locklar, DVM
The veterinary clinic (Animal Medical Center)seemed empty since the loss of its clinic cat inDecember, so Linda Locklar's two employees,Nancy Trinkle and Rosemary Gallegos went to theanimal shelter in search of a cat. Valentino caughttheir eye. “He is so loving and affectionate.”
Why the name Valentino? “He has a perfect littleheart on his nose,” Rosemary points out. He adjustedquickly to his new home. There is one problem though– everyone wants to take Valentino home with them.
Linda Locklar, DVM, says with a grin thatValentino is the consulting physician and official catscan. “Valentino thinks he has to oversee all of mypatients.” Even when dogs growl at him, it doesn'tseem to faze him.
BlondieDru Gray
Cut, bitten and kicked by other horses, Blondieawaited her fate in a corral at a slaughterhouse.The owners of Serenity Acres saw potential inher, saved her life and brought her back to SilverCity for rehabilitation. After considerable medicaland personal attention, she was on the road to recovery.
Dru Gray volunteers at Serenity Acres andfound a special connection with Blondie. Themore they worked together in rehab, the moreDru thought they would be a good team, so sheasked if she could adopt Blondie. It has takenseveral months of patience and care for Blondieto gain her confidence in the human race, but Druis showing her that some humans are kind.
78 – SILVER CITY LIFE
MAYMay 3-7 20th Annual Teleperformance USA
Tour of the Gila bicycle race. 388-3222 www.tourofthegila.com.
5 WNMU Spring Commencement. AtOld James Stadium. 538-6320.
6 Friends of the Library Book Sale.534-4210.Premier Yard Sale. At the AnimalShelter. 538-9261.
13 9th Annual MainStreet Celebrationof Spring. In Historic Downtown and Big Ditch Park. 534-1700 www.silvercitymainstreet.com.
12-14 Gila River Festival. At variouslocations in Cliff and Silver City. 538-8078www.silvercity.org/dest_River_Festival.php
19-21 USSSA – Blues Festival Men &Women’s Slo-Pitch WorldHispanic Qualifier. 388-3242 or 313-2303.
21 Woodwind-String Recital. At the Episcopal Church of the GoodShepherd. 388-4764.
23 Hummingbird Study and Banding.534-4866 www.hbnm.org.
26-28 11th Annual Silver City BluesFestival. At Gough Park and othervenues. 538-2505 or 888-758-7289www.mimbresarts.org.
27-29 Annual Three-Day Shoot. 388-2737www.mangusbowmen.com.
27 Stars-N-Parks astronomy program.At sunset at City of Rocks. 527-8386.
31-Jun 3 Wild, Wild West Pro Rodeo. At SWHorseman’s Park. 388-2586.
Ongoing Melodrama Theater at the PinosAltos Opera House. SaturdayEvenings at 8:00pm. 388-3848.
S ILVER CITY
May 26-28. 11th Annual Silver City Blues Festival
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Farmer’s Market. Saturdays 8:30-Noonat 6th and Bullard starting May 13th. 536-9681.
JUNEJun 4 Garden Club Tour. 538-5192 or
538-3787.9-11 USSSA Southwest Baseball
Tournament. 388-3242 or 313-2303.10 3rd Annual Millie and Billy Ball. At
Flame Convention Center. 538-2505 or888-758-7289 www.mimbresarts.org.
16 MRAC Gallery Exhibit Reception for works by San Vicente Artists. 538-2505 or 888-758-7289 www.mimbresarts.org.
16-18 St. Mary’s Reunion. 785-243-2113.USSSA Southwest Girls Fast PitchTournament. 388-3242 or 313-2303.
24 Stars-N-Parks astronomy program. At sunset at City of Rocks. 527-8386.
Ongoing Melodrama Theater at the PinosAltos Opera House. Saturday Eveningsat 8:00pm. 388-3848.Farmer’s Market. Saturdays 8:30-Noonat 6th and Bullard. 536-9681.Copper Creek Ranch ChuckwagonSupper & Western Show. Friday andSaturday evenings. 538-2917.
JULYJul 4 Independence Day Parade and Park
Activities. At Gough Park. 538-3785.7-10 Hummingbird Study and Banding.
877-620-2327www.bearmountainlodge.com.
8 Summer Shoot. 388-2737www.mangusbowmen.com.Annual Ice Cream Social. At SilverCity Museum. 538-5921.
14-16 Fiesta de la Olla. In HistoricDowntown Silver City. 538-2505 or888-758-7289 www.mimbresarts.org.USSSA Regional All-Star BaseballTournament. 388-3242 or 313-2303.
22-23 Backyard Hummingbird Festival.At Lake Roberts. 888-536-4266www.hbnm.org
Ongoing Melodrama Theater at the PinosAltos Opera House. SaturdayEvenings at 8:00pm. 388-3848.Farmer’s Market. Saturdays 8:30-Noon at 6th and Bullard. 536-9681.Copper Creek Ranch ChuckwagonSupper & Western Show. Friday andSaturday evenings. 538-2917.
AUGUSTAug 4-6 USSSA Men’s Class “E” West Zone
State Championship Slo-Pitch. 388-3242 or 313-2303.
12 Pre-Hunt Shoot. 388-2737www.mangusbowmen.com.
18-20 15th Annual Run to Copper CountryCar Show. At WNMU Old JamesStadium. 388-3468.
26 Stars-N-Parks astronomy program.At sunset at City of Rocks. 527-8386.
Ongoing Melodrama Theater at the PinosAltos Opera House. SaturdayEvenings at 8:00pm. 388-3848.Farmer’s Market. Saturdays 8:30-Noon at 6th and Bullard. 536-9681.Copper Creek Ranch ChuckwagonSupper & Western Show. Friday andSaturday evenings. 538-2917.
SEPTEMBERSep 2-4 23rd Ann. Gem & Mineral Show. At
Silver City Recreation Ctr. 538-3216.
2-3 Annual San Vicente Art Fair. AtBig Ditch Park. 538-1082 www.silvercityartists.org.
9 Golden Dragon Chinese Acrobats.538-2505 or 888-758-7289.
23 Stars-N-Parks astronomy program.At sunset at City of Rocks. 527-8386.
Ongoing Melodrama Theater at the PinosAltos Opera House. SaturdayEvenings at 8:00pm. 388-3848.Farmer’s Market. Saturdays 8:30-Noon at 6th and Bullard. 536-9681.Copper Creek Ranch ChuckwagonSupper & Western Show. Fridayand Saturday evenings. 538-2917.
OCTOBEROct 1 Grant County Community Concert
Association Concert. At WNMUFine Arts Theater. 538-0203.
6-9 Annual Weekend at the Galleries.538-2505 or 888-758-7289 www.mimbresarts.org.
6 Taste of Wine Gala. 538-2505 or888-758-7289 www.mimbresarts.org.
7 Santa Cruz River Band. 538-2505 or888-758-7289 www.mimbresarts.org.
13 Lucy Kaplanski. 538-2505 or 888-758-7289 www.mimbresarts.org.
20 BYU Ballroom Dance Company.538-2505 or 888-758-7289 www.mimbresarts.org.
21 Stars-N-Parks astronomy program.At sunset at City of Rocks. 527-8386.
Ongoing Melodrama Theater at the PinosAltos Opera House. SaturdayEvenings at 8:00pm. 388-3848.
AREA PERFORMANCES & SPECIAL EVENTS
May 31 June 3. Wild Wild West Pro Rodeo July 14-16. Fiesta de la Olla October 6-9. Weekend at the Galleries
Security and serenity in the high desert.Live among the beauty and peacefulness ofsouthern New Mexico. Couple that withthe exciting civilizations, culture, geologyand people of the historic southwest. Over300 days of sunshine each year to enjoygolfing, swimming, hiking, hot airballooning, exploring, and the GreatAmerican Duck Race. Peacefulness, yet funand adventures are just minutes away.Enjoy State Parks, National Parks andMexico!
Participate in the many activities of themost active and comprehensive seniorcenter in the southwest.
Stay a picture of good health withMimbres Hospital Medical Facilities & theirstate of the art medical technology. Keepsmiling with great weather, pleasanthospitality of the area, & low cost of living.
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