the Essence
www.losalamoschamber.com
of Los Alamos and White Rock
December 2008–January 2009, Volume 2, Issue 1
December 2008–January 2009
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LOS ALAMOS
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CONTENTS/FEATURES
8 THE FROLIC
HOLIDAY DISCOVERIES AT HOME: A banquet of opportunities
10 THE BUSINESS ESSENCE Making Ice Luminarias
Metzgers Do It Best
12 LOS ALAMOS INSIGHT
Los Alamos Lights
14 ESSENCE FEATURE
Essence Pictures
16 ARTS & CULTURE
Greg Schneider, Guitars and Gateaux
18 ESSENTIAL PERSON
Kim Selvage
20 COMMUNITY MATTERS Local Cares Update
22 Calendar of Events
www.losalamoschamber.com
December and January
December 2008–January 2009
Letter From the Editor
We have concluded volume one of The Essence. As you can tell, volume two comes with some
changes. We have done some improvements to the look and feel of the publication. We have also made some changes in the distribution. You can now go to ReadTheEssence.com to read online or find locations where you can pick up a hard copy. Many people I run into dread the holiday season. I, on the other hand, enjoy this time of year. It is cold outside and nothing is better that snuggling up with my little ones and sharing a book or watching a holiday movie, not to mention all the great food that comes with the season. “There is nothing ever to do in Los Alamos.” I had this same mindset when I first moved here. Now that I know how to actually look for things to do here, I find myself inviting out of town friends and family to visit for a variety of events. Christy Vendrell comes back to her home town and reminisces about the things she loved as a child and how she plans on taking advantage of all the new things in our community. She has taken advantage of the websites and visitor guide to steer her from event to event and from place to place. Family businesses have always intrigued me. Sometimes family members are hard to work with when we just see them every couple of months or so, but for years? Kudos to all of the family businesses in town. If you don’t know who those businesses are make sure to read Katy Korkos’s story about Metzger’s. She introduces us to the family and enlightens us on how it all came about. She also covers the other local family businesses in our community. Christel Hanson takes us on another adventure. This time she takes us to the neighborhoods that exquisitely decorate in the holiday spirit. Her adventure pretty much covers the entire community from White Rock to the tip of Barranca Mesa. The greatest thing about these light displays is that almost all are organized by the people in the neighborhoods and are done in the spirit of the holiday. Like music? How about desserts? Thanks to the Arts Council you can have your music and cake and eat it too! Mandy Marksteiner talks with Greg Schneider about Guitars and Gateaux. There are many great classical guitarists that perform here. Gateaux, by the way, are very light sponge cakes with a rich icing or filling and are pronounced ga-toh. Katy Korkos sits down with Kim Selvage and has a conversation about family and community. Kim is a dynamic person who fills her days with constructive worthwhile activities that benefit her family and community. We are fortunate to have a leader such as Kim in our community. Living in Los Alamos has certainly taken much of the chaos out of the gift buying. Living in a bigger city it is natural to head to the big box stores and malls to do our shopping, so that is what we did. Now our approach is much calmer and less chaotic. We make our list and then make our game plan. How many names can we cross off our list here in our community? It was surprising how many we crossed off the list without even leaving the hill. We know there are those friends and family members that specifically ask for items that are not available here, but are only a click away. . Oh how we miss the lines we use to stand in and the crowded stores! If you are unfamiliar with local shopping go to shoplosalamos.com and browse the many stores we have here.
Jeremy Varela
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Los Alamos Commerce & Development Corp. Events & Marketing Coordinator LA MainStreet Manager p: 505.661.4844 f: 505.662.8399
Check out what’s happening in Los Alamos!! LAmainstreet.com . visit.losalamos.com
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the
Essence Managing Editor Jeremy Varela
Ads Coordinator Claire Roybal
Writer/Content Editor Katy Korkos
Content Editor Chelo Rojas
Essence Committee Cindy Whiting
Visit Our Websites: http://visit.losalamos.com
Online visitor guide to Los Alamos http://www.fyiLA.com
Community calendar, searchable business directory, and more
http://locate.losalamos.com Online relocation guide
http://www.losalamoschamber.com Chamber of Commerce
www.losalamoschamber.com
December 2008–January 2009
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Visit the newly remodeled Los Alamos Historical Museum Shop for unique gift ideas and our exclusive line of Los Alamos holiday cards. Off Central Ave. just north of Fuller Lodge. Open 10-4 Mon.–Sat. and 1–4 Sun. Admission to the Museum is free. www.losalamoshistory.org 505.662.6272
www.losalamoschamber.com
December 2008–January 2009
THE FROLIC
HOLIDAY DISCOVERIES AT HOME A banquet of opportunities
by Christy Vendrell
Every holiday, I return to Los Alamos, my
heart’s home away from home, I discover it all over again. As a repeat visitor, coming from a metropolis with freeways and endless consumer stimuli, I recommend you all "stay local" from now through the new year to re-claim your niche in your community. I so look forward to taking a break from my hectic life! The moment I arrive I soak in Los Alamos’ rugged outdoor beauty. I grew up here; I’ve traveled around the world; and my favorite place is the drive and view coming up and down "The Hill." Always, as I climb the hill and come around the last turn heading up towards the beautiful new Welcome to Los Alamos entrance monument, I get an ache in my chest. My thoughts always return to my childhood home and the holiday aroma of the kitchen, the sound of the old heater in the Group 13 government house, and the chatter and laughter of many friends and neighbors that filled our home. My visits include reconnecting with the sophisticated, unique and even quirky people I know and taking advantage of the many holiday events I find on-line at fyiLA and visit.losalamos.com - I can't believe how many events are lined up for the holidays! My visits also include getting outdoors, shopping and relaxinga banquet of enjoyment. I see my Los Alamos Holiday Menu as follows: Appetizers – a choice of lively holiday events and activities, cultural events, museums, outdoor recreation and hiking. The Main Dish - a great choice of smart stressfree holiday shopping, including buying chamber checks, memberships to health clubs and locally produced works of art. And for Dessert – relaxation! That includes dining out, having a coffee with a friend, getting a massage, reading a good book about local history,
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and more hiking- visits to the exquisite mesas, trails, canyons and mountains. What more could I ask for? To fit everything in, I pretty much map out my journey for the month of December before I arrive, using the info I get from the website. I also pick up a visitor guide at one of the "Where Discoveries Are Made" displays, found all over town, followed by a stop at the Los Alamos or White Rock Visitor Center to get the most up-to date current local information, like the Walk and Shop guide and a Walking Tour guide of the historic district. My best friend since 9th grade lives on Bathtub Row and she and I often step out her door to begin the walking tour of the historic district. The weather in late fall is perfect for a walk - cool, beautiful, even acoustic as we hear the fall cottonwood leaves knocking around. On our brisk walk past the Romero cabin we might talk about how much fun we had one recent afternoon at Fuller Lodge listening to Jan McDonald at the Arts Council's Brown Bag Performance. I believe nothing brings out the best in us like live music. We heard Jan play The Passionate Trumpet. What a class act! And of course, I always plan to “do” WinterFest! Bravo! Bravo! Whoever puts this together deserves a raise! I love to see the crèches and attend the beloved production of the Nutcracker. I might start the day at the Earth Treasure Show and the Kiwanis’ Breakfast with Santa, followed by the Open House at Fuller Lodge. I get nostalgic - I grew up with a chunk of history in my family’s home when my dad bought a piece of the hand-crafted bar from the Nambe room and put it in our basement. The Holiday Luminaria Walk at the stables is so beautiful, it gives me a feeling of pride and belonging. Overall, I have to say the Holiday Lights Parade, the Tree Lighting at Ashley Pond and the Holiday Concert put on by Russ Gordon are the caviar of my weekend.
My calendar is already filled in with postWinterFest, pre-Christmas and post-Christmas day happenings in Los Alamos. On the 21st there's the Bandelier Solstice Walk, which starts at 7:15 am - a very special hike to watch the sunrise in alignment with the entry to the Tyuonyi Pueblo village. That experience sounds comparable to one of my many experiences at Chaco Canyon. Christmas eve you'll find me at the County Ice Rink Luminaria Skate. Maybe I'll see Santa and have another talk with him. My friends and I grew up at that rink. It also is teeming with progress - it feels so much more modern, now, and I love the fact that it’s refrigerated so the season lasts much longer. After the big Christmas day meal I'll be looking for a way to burn some calories. I've been trying to improve my dance skills and plan to put them to the test at the annual Big Band Dance on the 27th at the IHM church- can’t wait to see if the “Dancing for Dummies” course pays off. I might also choose to go the Bandelier Holiday Nightwalk. I've done this many times - this popular event is not just for visitors, Los Alamos, have you tried it? It's a very special experience; the walk along the main loop trail in the darkness evokes the special character of the area The outdoor experience in Los Alamos is spectacular. The hikes I take every day have far exceeded my expectations, and I've been hiking here since I was a kid. Authors Craig Martin, Roland Pettit, Dorothy Hoard, Betty Lilienthal and co-chair of LA Walks Janie O’Rourke have all been my sources of expertise when it comes to Los Alamos outdoors. I especially enjoy the Guaje Canyon Trail this time around. I love to go into the canyons and cross the bridges my friend Betsy Lucido, county engineer, has designed and built. And a new outdoors venue is the new skate park. Wow! My godson has invited me to watch him "do his thing" there – kudos, Los Alamos, for www.losalamoschamber.com
giving our youth such a vibrant venue for getting exercise and feeling appreciated at home I plan to ski at Pajarito Ski Hill (please let it snow) which is a huge example of progress made in Los Alamos. It is nothing like it was in the 70’s when I first learned to ski. Tom Long and his crew have put Pajarito Mountain on the map to rival any Rocky Mountain ski area.
of your hometown, so give yourself a break and give your town a boost. Shop locally! Even chain stores located here provide local jobs
If WinterFest, attending so many holiday events, and getting outdoors in Los Alamos are the appetizers - shopping is my main dish!
This past year I lost my dog. I plan to go to the animal shelter, where I volunteered as a youth, to see if I can find a dog for a friend. Last I heard there were five dogs ready and waiting to be adopted – what a fun place to "shop." Studies show petting your dog or cat has a direct calming effect on both the pet and the owner - much needed during the holidays. Pet Pangaea, the only pet store in Los Alamos, is the one place to find the perfect gift for all the pets I know, along with wild bird seed for people who love watching wildlife.
Main Dish
Holiday shopping is not an indulgence, it is a creative endeavor! Accept it, celebrate it! As Dave Fox, owner of CBFox, said in his letter to the editor: "It is time to make that “MUTUALITY” connection ...The right time – the most critical time of all – to use local stores and restaurants has arrived. So may we all greet the season ahead with personal energy and an enthused recognition of this decidedly clear fact: now is the right time – the most critical time of all. With thanks for your understanding, your friendship and for shopping with us." Right on, Dave! Let's try to lift the spirits of our business owners; let's help to restore economic optimism this time of year. Spend locally! Staying local helps prevent that tension in your neck and the spikes in blood pressure while looking for a parking space in the mall My family may have driven to Santa Fe in the 60's and 70's to shop at JC Penney’s but we did most of our shopping at Clement and Benner, The Clothes Rack and TG and Y. During this economic slump, with budget constraints, fighting traffic and construction and gas guzzling nightmares, shop at home! Los Alamos merchants, restaurateurs, and entrepreneurs are the backbone of the business district and this is your chance to contribute to the robust health
I love shopping at the indoor Los Alamos Winter Farmer's Market and the Affordable Art show at the Art Center, because I know the dollars I spend go straight to the farmers and artists
Dessert
Remember, I'm a gourmand. I take breaks for refreshments and snacks during my LA shopping sprees and end almost every day with a friend for a fresh dinner served at one of the many local eateries. To further relax, I take in a few good movies - thank you Bill Deal for giving us the Reel Deal theatre. And thank goodness for Otowi Station bookstore, where the staff recommendations always point me in the direction of a relaxing read. The Los Alamos YMCA has a workout for any body! There are now so many places to do yoga, from Bikram yoga to the Los Alamos Fitness Center, to help me bring balance and energy to this Los Alamos holiday visit. I know I can go swimming at the Aquatic Center and soak in the therapy pool or go to Curves, or the Fitness Center to stay fit. There are many chiropractors, massage therapists, and even spas in town. There is certainly no shortage of beauty salons to get a fresh manicure, pedicure or a haircut!
At the end of my December visit, my last bite of dessert will be New Year’s. I can’t decide between the New Year's Eve party at the ice rink with games, food, door prizes, noise makers and ice skating under the stars, the big party at the Hilltop House, with champagne at midnight, or the melodrama at the Little Theater. Maybe if I plan it just right, I can do all three! The Los Alamos Little Theater didn't have an annual New Year's play when I was growing up. Their New Year's Eve Party started as a party just for theatre members, but grew into a full night's affair with appetizers, a show, dinner, music, and dancing. Traditionally, theatre members have made all the food but this year, they're going to have barbeque from Bob's Bodacious BBQ. Eric Bjorklund is the current president of LALT and a childhood friend of mine. He says, "This year's party ushers in the annual melodrama which will be “Ten Nights in a Barroom,” a production based on a temperance play. There's going to be a DJ who will play music in the background during the dinner and then dance music following the show until the wee hours. From this visitor’s perspective, the discoveries in Los Alamos and the creative spirit don't stop with the scientists - the marketing efforts of the hardworking retailers, merchants, and restaurateurs; the beautiful works of the many local artists; and the dedicated stewards of the outdoors all contribute to a great quality of life here. My visits to Los Alamos are always a discovery, perfectly exemplifying the motto…"Los Alamos, Where Discoveries are Made." Take this holiday season to stay in Los Alamos, and connect and celebrate life at home. From a former resident/part-timer/regular return visitor "Los Alamos has changed Los Alamos has progressed."
fyi—visit our websites ... http://visit.losalamos.com, Online visitor guide to Los Alamos • http://www.fyiLA.com, Community calendar, searchable business directory, and more • http://locate.losalamos.com, Online relocation guide • http://www.losalamoschamber.com, Chamber of Commerce www.losalamoschamber.com
December 2008–January 2009
THE BUSINESS ESSENCE Metzgers Do It Best by Katy Korkos
Farmers Insurance agent with an office on Deacon Street, and is enjoying working with his clientele in that service-intensive business.
Metzger’s is literally a household name
Doing business in Los Alamos County is unique, and takes a special breed. People who operate their businesses here have to know that the customers are demanding, but that it is possible to create a customer for life if you can supply the demanding customer with exactly what he or she needs. People are also very sensitive to price, and merchants have to fight a preconceived notion that prices are higher up on the hill.
in Los Alamos County. Now three generations of Metzger men have worked in the family business since founder Lee Metzger, Sr. started his the first store in 1943. Metzger’s Do It Best in downtown Los Alamos, Metzger’s Mobile Service Station on Diamond Drive and Metzger’s Do It Best in White Rock are practically institutions in our community, providing fishing tackle, kitchen mixers, fan belts, Swiss army knives, propane, garage sale signs, potting soil, camp lanterns, and literally thousands of other items beyond what one might expect to find at a hardware store. “My Dad started the business in 1943 in a little shed,” Lee Metzger says. “I worked in the store as a kid, I did lube and oil, fixed tires.” Founder Lee J. Metzger, Sr. died in 1982, after growing the business from that small shed, to a larger Firestone store that sold everything from clothes to major appliances, to the current three stores specializing in hardware and automotive supplies. His three sons, Lee Jr., Tom and Bob Metzger grew up in the business and took over after their father passed away. The Metzger family is unusual in the fact that those three sons all wanted careers in business, and each of them went to college to add the academic part to his resume. Lee, Jr. got a business degree from UCLA; Bob got his business degree from UC Berkeley; and Tom got his degree in economics from UCLA. The family is even more unusual in that the third generation is also involved. Lee’s son Greg also studied business, and got his master’s degree in business from UC Irvine, knowing that doing business in the twenty-first century is quite a
“Our prices are very similar to the big boxes. We’re right in the ballpark with them. They advertise their ‘loss-leaders’ very heavily, but if you took every single product in the store, we’re right in there.” “We try real hard to give good service- that’s where we can beat the big boxes. We have knowledgeable employees that know the products, and who can take the time to help our customers figure out exactly what they need.” bit more complex than it was in 1943 when his grandfather started out. For a time during the 1980’s and ‘90’s, brothers Bob and Tom were far more active in the family business than Lee was. Lee would fly in from his home in California a couple of times each year to meet with his brothers and provide his input on the stores. It wasn’t until both Bob and Tom passed away that he took a more active role. Tom’s kids Heather and Patrick also inherited the entrepreneurial spirit, but were bought out of the hardware business by Lee and Greg after their father passed away. Heather worked as the executive director for Little Forest Playschool, while Patrick Metzger has set up shop as a
Lee and Greg alternate weeks in the store, and overlap a couple of days, to bring each other up to date. “One of us is always in the store,” Lee says. “We have great managers, but it’s always good to have an owner on site.” Lee credits his current staff with being the cream of the crop, the best he has ever seen in his years in business. “I think we have the best people working for us right now that we’ve ever had. Our people are just super.” He believes that treating his employees with respect and dignity, being an equal-opportunity workplace, and offering a good benefits package
fyi—The White Rock Metzger’s caters more to horse-owners and to campers than the Los Alamos Metzger’s, and is open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., seven days a week. 10
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are the keys to keeping good people. He also believes in allowing each of the three locations to develop its own identity. Each store has different hours, different products and different specialties. “It’s like a family down there; they know people by their first names, their kids, their pets...” The perception that is often expressed locally that businesses come and go in the blink of an eye, yet there are several which have this multigenerational history. Randy Smith, who owns Los Alamos Home Improvement on DP Road, has followed in his dad’s footsteps. Randy’s Dad Pete managed White Rock Builder’s Supply for many years and showed him the ropes. “He taught me the work ethic,” Randy says. Dr. David Gartz has followed in Dr. Roger Gartz’s dental practice, Roger and Kent Waterman have followed their dad Bob, as developers and property managers, Lou Rojas followed his dad Louis in the moving business and Andy Fox works full-time alongside his Mom, Ann, and his Dad, Dave at CB Fox. All of them have found joy in providing service to their community and building lifelong relationships with their clients.
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December 2008–January 2009
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LOS ALAMOS INSIGHT
Los Alamos Lights by Christel Hanson
“T
he newest way to save money this holiday season: don’t eat! Not only does it save money and time, but it’s also a great holiday diet plan.” This exact proposal isn’t in print, but with magazines, newspapers, and websites all offering articles on “101 Ways to Save Money,” we may see it any day now. More practical (and actually published) suggestions range from making gifts, to reinventing old décor, to the best places to find your turkey on sale. The national economic crunch is naturally affecting New Mexicans. “Economic Doldrums” were the recent subject of a Journal North edition story. Economic gurus are also projecting a drop in holiday spending. However, times of frugality often serve to highlight the warmth and cheer of the holiday spirit. Even when budgets are tight, good will is often reflected in the custom of adorning homes and trees with lights. Even better, lights can be enjoyed by the whole family or with friends for the price of a little gas (if you want to stay warm), or for absolutely free (if you brave the cold). In Los Alamos and White Rock, the holiday sights kick off as soon as starry strands drape trees along Central Avenue and State Road 4. County Councilwoman Sharon Stover says that the lighted trees in White Rock along Highway 4
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didn’t exist until residents requested them several years ago. Now the lights glow merrily along the highway, welcoming wanderers and locals further into the reaches of neighborhoods and streets to look for more lights. Look we must. It seems to be a local tradition that lights must be hunted. Rather than being in the most visible or central locations, the most popular places for looky-lous during the holiday seasons are on Barranca and North Mesas. Far from the downtown lights at the end of Barranca Mesa, on Los Pueblos and Navajo Loop, residents traditionally put out luminarias— typically made of candles in small brown bags—in yards and on houses. According to Leslie Bucklin, a representative of the Communications and Public Relations Division, the tradition is not directly organized, but rather a grassroots movement. Individuals in neighborhoods provide “basic support for what has become natural tradition.” Los Alamos County spreads holiday cheer by providing sand for the luminarias in various spots around town. The county also turns off the lights on Los Pueblos and Navajo Loop on Christmas Eve so that passersby can get the full effect. Also providing significant light are homes off San Ildefonso Road, where residents have created a glowing hollow of their own that lures onlookers each winter. “Ponderosa Estates has also had impressive displays in the last few years,” says Bucklin. In White Rock, the residents of Canada Way often display streaming lines of luminarias. They are joined by neighborhoods on Brighton
and Bristol, where an alternative take on the traditional brown-bagged luminarias has appeared: ice luminarias. Instead of placing the candle in a bag, the votives are surrounded by blocks of ice. If the weather is cold enough, the ice luminarias will stay frozen until the candle melts its way to the ground. Among other residents who typically go all out in lights for the holidays are Sharon and Al Elliot, who usually “set up a minimum of lights in the front yard and have a 20-minute walking tour in the back,” says Sharon. Unfortunately, residents will be sorely missing their contribution as they are setting up no lights this year. “No lights?” I asked incredulously. “We’re going back east to visit grandchildren,” explained Sharon. If you have grandchildren or little ones in town this winter, you may have attended Winter Fest, on the first weekend in December. If you missed it, be sure to catch the Holiday Lights Parade next year. “It’s usually the coldest day of the year,” laughs Bucklin. If you do decide to take part in the free event, which lasts about 30 minutes, dress warmly and come prepared to stay for the lighting ceremony at Ashley Pond, when the tree lights are all switched on at once. Another annual treat you won’t want to miss is the Luminaria Walk at the horse stables, which takes place the day after the Holiday Lights Parade from 5 to 7 p.m. “It’s really the stables’ area Open House,” says Lisa Reader, who is organizing the 2008 event, the tenth annual walk.
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Owners of horses and stables put out luminarias and lights; there is a bonfire and you can catch a hayride if you prefer not to walk. The Stable Owners Association and the Los Alamos Pony Club sponsor the Walk. The Pony Club often provides refreshments and some people “bring out their horses to pet,” says Reader, making the event a hit for visitors of all ages. Thanks to residents and county employees who are working hard to manufacture luminarias, or are draping trees and hanging lights, the holidays in Los Alamos and White Rock remind us that economics have little to do with the holiday spirit. Joy is shared simply by placing a star atop a tree, or setting out a few brown bags and candles.
Making Ice Luminarias Try an economical twist on traditional New Mexican luminarias. All you need are some recycled materials and water. Here’s how:
You will need:
A recycled container: an ice cream bucket, milk jug, or butter tub. Clear plastic cups. ~Duct tape. ~Tea lights or votive candles. ~Optional: evergreen sprigs, citrus slices, berries, etc.
To make:
1. Place the clear plastic cup inside the larger container. 2. To prevent the inner cup from floating away, place duct tape over the top of the container and the cup, securing the cup. 3. Fill the outer container with water, leaving the inner cup empty. 4. Freeze. (This can take anywhere from 8 to 24 hours, so you will want to plan ahead.) 5. Once your luminaria is frozen, remove the duct tape and run warm water on the outside of the large container to remove the block of ice. 6. Place the candle inside the plastic cup, still inside the icy luminaria. 7. Place and light. Voila! For variation, place sprigs of evergreen, pinecones, slices of citrus fruit, berries, or even ornaments, ribbon, or Kool-Aid in the large container before filling with water. This will add color and texture to your icy lanterns. Please don’t forget to be aware of any potential fire danger and pick everything up when you’re done!
fyi—If you’d like to try fancier shapes, you can purchase ice lantern molds at: www.exaco.com/Ice_Lantern.htm or www.arcticicelantern.com. www.losalamoschamber.com
December 2008–January 2009
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December 2008–January 2009
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ARTS & CULTURE Greg Schneider, Guitars and Gateaux by Mandy Marksteiner
Fellowship. He is the professor of Music and head of the guitar studies department at the University of New Mexico.
As a professional guitar player and music professor,
Greg Schneider has made a lot of friends in the guitar world, but doesn’t always get the chance to see them play. So it was only natural that in 2006 he started Guitars and Gateaux. Every fourth Thursday of the month, from 7:00-8:30 pm, everyone is invited to attend the guitar concerts. The Los Alamos Arts Council provides the venue, Fuller Lodge, and a dessert table heaped with cheesecake, cakes and creampuffs, for a low ticket price of $15, and only $10 for members of the Arts Council. Tickets can be purchased in advance at the Los Alamos Arts Council office in Fuller Lodge, or are available at the door. Between letting toddlers pluck the strings of his guitar in Music Together classes to teaching lessons at UNM, sharing his love of the guitar comes naturally. “I knew quite a few people with a lot of talent who don’t necessarily have a following in the area. I thought it would be great to get them playing up here.” The concerts are informal and approachable for people of all ages. Relax and talk to the performers if you want. Half of the people who attend are regulars. Most of the guitar performers are local and regional players. “I wanted to make people aware of the local guitar talent,” said Schneider. In January the Albuquerque Academy Guitar Quartet, one of the most admired secondary school guitar ensembles in the United States, will perform. Each year there is an open audition for the four spots in the group. Even former members have to re-audition. The 2008-2009 Albuquerque Academy Guitar Quartet members are Eric Sandoval, Eileen Torrez, Norman Farquhar, and Tony Mariano. The AAGQ is directed by Mickey Jones and was initially formed in 1996. In February one of the world’s finest classical guitarists will play. Michael Chapdelaine is the only guitarist to win first prize in the world’s top competitions in both the classical and finger style genres of guitar. He has twice been awarded the National Endowment of the Arts Solo Recital
He will perform a wide range of styles on both the steel string and classical guitar, including original works. “I would love to see at least half of the gigs be with student guitarists because it’s a great opportunity to play in a warm friendly environment,” said Schneider. Many of the students come from Albuquerque Academy, which has an outstanding guitar music program with 140 kids playing classical guitar. He would like to make the series even more local by inviting players from the Northern New Mexico College, in Española. The musicians this spring include David Gonzales, a student intern at Albuquerque Academy; Jerry Barton, who plays Celtic guitar and sings; Mickey Jones and Jeremy Maynes, instructors at Albuquerque Academy; and Ricko Donovan, who sings and plays Celtic guitar, hammer dulcimer and mandocello. Giving local musicians a place to play fits perfectly into the Arts Council’s mission. In 1967 the Arts Council was formed as a non-profit with two responsibilities: to promote cultural activities in Los Alamos and to develop and preserve the Fuller Lodge as a cultural center for the citizens of Los Alamos. By promoting a lifelong engagement with the arts they serve as a catalyst for economic, social and cultural growth that brings the different segments of the population together The Arts Council sponsors more than 50 events throughout the year including Brown Bag performances and the Los Alamos Film Society screenings. The Kite Festival in the spring, Pumpkin Glow and the Scarecrow Contest in the fall, and Missoula Children’s Theatre each summer are major enterprises that take a huge amount of planning and coordination. In addition, the Arts Council puts on two crafts fairs each year, one in early May, near Mother’s Day, and one in the fall, for the holidays. The Fuller Lodge Holiday Open House rings in the holidays on the first Saturday in December, and is capped off by the Light Parade and treelighting at Ashley Pond. These events are all made possible by the support of local businesses and volunteers. They have gotten support from Village Arts by Marilyn, Brian Booth and his Coffee Booth, now the CoffeeHouse Cafe, from Russ Gordon and his Gordons Concert series, from Smith’s Grocery Store, and from CB Fox, as well as a great deal of help on publicity from PAC-8, the Reel Deal Theater, local radio station KRSN and the Los Alamos Monitor.
fyi—For more information about any of those events, to volunteer, to buy tickets to a Guitars and Gateaux concert, or to join the Arts Council, visit the Arts Council’s headquarters in Fuller Lodge, or go to www.laartscouncil.org 16
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Childrens Holiday Portrait Special Friday December 12 & Saturday December 13 Call Today to Schedule
662-2523
Join the 267 community members who have already contributed to making a new science classroom a reality for our students.
Beginning this January, Los Alamos Fitness will be offering classes, lectures, and other health and fitness programs specially designed for people over the age of 50. Come join us in getting stronger, more flexible and more fit. Those who attend can earn points toward free gifts and prizes!
Call 662-LAFC(5232) for More Information www.losalamoschamber.com
at 470-3734 or
www.lapsfoundation.com December 2008–January 2009
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ESSENTIAL PERSON
Kim Selvage by Katy Korkos
The Selvages first had the Trinity Beverage Company, a very popular restaurant across from Ashley Pond, which closed when the building they were in changed hands. They now own and operate both the Bandelier Grill in White Rock and the Best Western Hilltop House Hotel. Kim wants to position the Bandelier Grill as a restaurant of choice for kids and families, while the Hilltop House has changed its character from that of a hotel/restaurant to more of a hotel/meeting-conference center with an intimate bar. She does not see the hospitality business as one where businesses need to fight over a few customers, but more as one where every business has its niche. “What the communities need to learn is how to work together, not in competition.” She believes that if everyone supported all of the restaurants in the county, the results would be phenomenal.
“A
nything that goes into improving my kids’ lives and our community, that’s what I stand for,” Kim Selvage says. With two businesses, two busy kids, church, social service organizations, and co-chairing the 2009 Leadership Los Alamos class with husband Ron, Kim’s appointment book clearly shows her commitment. “I selectively pick what I choose to volunteer for, based on where I see the benefits to my kids and the community.” In the past five years that has included the Pinon School advisory team, volunteering at the Science Fair, being a substitute Sunday school teacher, serving on the board of the Family Strengths Network, starting up a Women’s Business Network Group and most recently, Leadership Los Alamos. In addition to everything else, she has written a children’s book, and has just sent it off to publishers. She puts about 40,000 miles per year on her car.
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Kim prints out something called BIG TO DO LIST every week, and her time is closely booked from morning ‘til night. A typical day might include listings for “Orchestra” at 8 a.m., a Leadership Los Alamos meeting at the Hilltop House after that, where she can also make sure the breakfast service is going well, then delivering school lunches to Chamisa at 11, a Big Brothers Big Sisters meeting at noon, Good News at 3, football at 5:30, and managing the Bandelier Grill in all of the spare minutes in between appointments. Her experience as a project manager appears to be very helpful when it comes to time management. She left her position at the lab just this summer. Although she really loved the project she was working on, she was afraid she just might have too many things going on. How does she do it all? “We don’t have cable and we don’t have Gameboys,” Kim said. All four Selvages would rather be doing something fun and productive in their spare time, if there is any spare time. Derek is 10 and Ruby is 8 now, and they are running their own PennySquisher business producing souvenir pennies. They make sure the machine is clean and working properly, that there is plenty of change on hand and that their customers are satisfied. The kids are responsible for making the regular monthly payments plus interest on the machine, but they don’t have to pay rent on the space they use in the Bandelier Grill.
www.losalamoschamber.com
Although it was way outside Kim’s comfort zone, she and both kids tried out for parts in “The Sound of Music.” The entire family takes part in the local triathlons each year. “I don’t expect my kids to do anything I wouldn’t do, and I don’t expect Los Alamos to do anything I wouldn’t be willing to do either.” She says that people can step up and support their community in so many small ways, that it doesn’t always take the grand gesture or the big commitment to make this a better place. “If you have a great idea, try to make it happen.”
in our restaurant, or when we offered free entrees to Veterans on Veterans Day. These things are not about money, they are about community.” You have to try lots of things. “What residents of Los Alamos can do in the next three months is go somewhere they haven’t gone before, be it a meeting or a shop, and experience something new. They can go to the dinner dances or the Pumpkin Splash.
Kim herself is a graduate of the 2007 Leadership Los Alamos class. There is a running joke among the classes that the one you graduated from was “The Best” class, but Kim actually believes that the current 2009 class is the best one yet. She praised them for being 100 percent attentive to the programs. “They’re really focused on the speakers, they pay attention,” Kim said. “You feel like you’re really making a difference.” And past graduates are enjoying being involved with the current class. “This is the first thing I’ve ever been involved in where I had so many volunteers I don’t know what to do with all of them.” “Being a leader doesn’t mean you have to be in charge of something,” Kim said. Kim does see particularly the next three months as crucial to the Los Alamos business community. She believes that if the local businesspeople can stick it out through the tough economic times, we will have a stronger and better community than we did before. “We’ve done things knowing we weren’t going to make any money, but we knew what the benefit was to the town. An example would be when we had a silent auction
fyi—Kim recommends that people go to the visit.losalamos website to see a list of all of the events going on around town. www.losalamoschamber.com
December 2008–January 2009
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CommunityMatters
program. Locals Care merchants donate a percentage of every purchase by Locals Care cardholders to the
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Self-Help, Inc. representative Ellen
cardholder’s designated non-profit organization. Almost $8000 has been donated so far in 2008 to the
Morris-Bond and her daughter Song Li recognize
many Los Alamos community organizations who
Locals Care merchants Liz Thompson of Cook’n
contribute to the quality of life here. For information
In Style, Dave Fox of CB Fox, and Marilyn Warren
about how to participate, visit www.localscareLA.
of Village Arts by Marilyn, on behalf of all
com. Self-Help enriches our community through a
fourteen Locals Care merchants, for their financial
variety of programs and services aimed at helping
contributions to Self-Help through the Locals Care
families and individuals in need.
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www.losalamoschamber.com
MUTUAL CONNECTION: ROWING IN SAME DIRECTION
Economic tumult -- gas pump, real estate, recession, gnashing political teeth and all -- has taken its toll on Los Alamos County homeowners, customers and local businesses alike. Talk about being in the same boat! -- this boat ride is no joke for any of us. Retailing in Los Alamos of course has never been exactly a ride on a cupcake. And in just 3 months the voyage has caused many of us to start taking on serious water. So we seriously submit that the time to re-strengthen the existing County retail sector has, frankly, arrived for certain. The right time – the most critical time of all -- to use local stores and restaurants has arrived. It is time to make that “MUTUALITY” connection: how one hand does indeed rub the other. A better tax base still makes a better community. A top-drawer realtionship with local business still yields kind and generous support for the entire community of local organizations. It’s the wisdom of rowing generally in the same direction, whatever the weather. So may we all Greet the Season ahead with personal energy and an enthused recognition of this decidedly clear fact: now is the right time --- the most crtical time of all.
Dave Fox
With thanks for your understanding, friendship and support,
www.losalamoschamber.com
December 2008–January 2009
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fyiLA.com
Community calendar, searchable business directory, and Full Event Details and Contact Information at fyiLA.com 12/2, 3, 9, 10, 16, 17, 23, 24 Ten Nights in a Barroom. Adapted by Fred Carmichael, from the temperance drama by William W. Pratt. 8:15 PM – 10:30 PM
DECEMBER 2008
12/10/08 –12/11/08
Cambodia’s Hope Orphanage Fundraiser Unique Boutique Sale Find that One of a Kind Gift-Silks, Jewels, Accessories, fine arts and more. 1:00 PM – 8:00 PM
12/11/08
Theater Performance, The One Acts Come in for a night of laughs and tears as we host a variety of student written and directed one acts. 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM Los Alamos Winter Farmer’s Market This market will give you a chance to pick up those holiday gifts! 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM
12/12/08
Los Alamos Symphony Orchestra Christmas Concert The symphony will be directed by Mike Gyurik and will offer some familiar favorites such as “Winter Wonderland,” “We Wish you a Merry Christmas,” “Sleigh Ride” and A Vaughn Williams Christmas,” as well as new arrangements of the most well-known Christmas carols. 7:00 PM – 9:30 PM
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12/13/08
12/27/08
Come see Santa at CB Fox! 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Holiday Nightwalk at Bandelier National Monument These popular walks along the main loop trail in darkness evoke the special character of the area. 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
The Night They Missed the Forest for the Trees A performance of the Starstruck Youth Theatre. Shakespeare Song Dance. Adults $5; Children/Seniors $3. 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM
12/14/08
Community Winds Concert-Christmas with the Winds Come celebrate the season with music! 2:00 PM– 4:30 PM
12/18/08
Authors Speak Series: Doris Francis Doris Francis is a social-cultural anthropological/gerontologist whose search, publications, and exhibitions have focused on ethnic folk art and the elderly as transmitters of traditional culture; occupational folk art as a creative strategy for maintaining self-identity in retirement; cemeteries as sites of cultural creativity and memory construction; ethnobotany, the study of the interrelationship of people and plants; and ethnographic jewelry as biography and embodied identity. 7:00 PM– 9:30 PM
12/20/08
Adventure Edge-Rock Gym Climbing Trips Transportation, Gym Admission, and Climbing Equipment provided by the Los Alamos County Recreation Division. 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Los Alamos Big Band Christmas Dance Admission is $5 for students, including college students and $10 for adults. 7:30 PM – 10:30 PM
12/27/08 –12/30/08
Holiday Hockey Tournament Mite X-ice; Squirt, Peewee and ATOMS sections throughout the 4 day tournament. 8:00 AM –8:00 PM
12/31/08
New Year’s Eve Party Appetizers - Champagne at Midnight - Door Prize Drawings! 9:00 PM – 1: 00 AM Skate in the New Year at the Rink Celebrate a safe New Year’s Eve at the Rink with games, food, and ice skating under the stars, Door prizes throughout the night and noise makers and party hats to the first 100 through the door. 8:00 PM – 11:45 PM Annual Melodrama New Year’s Bash! Ten Nights in a Barroom. Adapted by Fred Carmichael, from the temperance drama by William W. Pratt. Special New Year’s Party on December 31! Performance is at 8:15 AM and the party lasts until 1:00 AM!
Come see Santa at CB Fox! 11:00 AM– 4:00 PM
12/21/08
Winter Solstice Walk at Bandelier National Monument Meet a park ranger at the visitor center to walk to Tyuonyi Pueblo to watch the sunrise in alignment with the village entry. 7:15 AM – 9:30 AM
12/24/08
Christmas Eve Luminaria Skate at the Ice Rink Start a new, relaxing holiday tradition at the Ice Rink. Enjoy a quiet evening of holiday music, holiday lights, hot cocoa, and skating under the winter sky. 6:00 PM– 8:00 PM www.losalamoschamber.com
1/09/09
Luau on Ice Grab your grass skirt and head to the place where the hottest people will be at the coolest place in Los Alamos. Leis handed out to the first 1000 people. Best/Ugliest Hawaiian shirt and pineapple eating contests, plus a grand prize drawing at 10:00 (must be present to win). 9:00 PM – 11:45 PM
JANUARY 2009
1/16/09
Big M.A.C. Ice Skating Night An evening of ice skating for middle school youth at the rink with music, refreshments and chaperoned by ice rink and Youth Activity Center staff. 7:00 PM– 9:00 PM
1/19/08
Adventure Edge-Rock Gym Climbing Trips Transportation, Gym Admission, and Climbing Equipment provided by the Los Alamos County Recreation Division. 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
1/22/09
Los Alamos Winter Farmers’ Market This market will help you start off the new year right! 9:00 AM– 1:00 PM
1/23/09
Theater Performance, Topper Revue 2009 A student created variety show showcasing LAHS talent. 7:00 PM– 10:00 PM
1/25/09
Theater Performance, Topper Revue 2009 A student created variety show showcasing LAHS talent. 2:00 PM – 05:00 PM
1/29/09
Theater Performance, Topper Revue 2009 A student created variety show showcasing LAHS talent. 7:00 PM– 10:00 PM
www.losalamoschamber.com
December 2008–January 2009
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Happy Holidays &
have a prosperous New Year! From all of us here at the
Los Alamos Commerce & Development Corporation