Gallup Sun • Friday July 24, 2015

FREE TAKE ONE!

‘Pixels’ Low on Quality?17

Code Talker Honored.15

VOL 1 | ISSUE 16 | JULY 24, 2015

GALLUP’S HOT ROD SCENE:

Classic cars, coffee on a Sunday afternoon. Page4

Inside ...

Cops busy with DWIs.6 Gallup and the Arts.12 Gurley Car Show & Freedom Flight & Ride Schedule.14

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1308 Metro Ave, Gallup, NM • (505) 863-9559

Friday July 24, 2015 • Gallup Sun

NEWS

NEWS

Gallup Sun • Friday July 24, 2015

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NEWS

Camille’s Coffee and Cars

Lester Sandoval stands proudly in front of his highly customized 1993 4WD GMC 1500 last Sunday in the parking lot of Camille’s Sidewalk Cafe.

Lawrence Molina and his daughter Virginia stand next to their 2004 Cadillac at the Camille’s Coffee and Cars event last Sunday.

Story and Photos

by Tom Hartsock Sun Correspondent

E

njoying a fresh cup of your favorite coffee and looking at custom cars may not be your perfect idea of how to spend Sunday afternoon, but for a growing crowd, it has become the thing to do on warm summer Sundays. Camille’s owner James Rich says that his business has picked up considerable since this Sunday event was started and parking lot

director Julian Martinez said that the average number of cars had also grown, with as many as 25 filling a slot in the area, first come, first served.

The vehicle that stood out the most last Sunday among some tough competition was the 1993 4 WD GMC 1500 owned by Lester Sandoval of Gallup. An artist himself – he designs and puts together exotic furniture using the large roots of the Ponderosa pines in the area – Sandoval customized an old hunting truck into a shimmering, eye-stopping creation of overall beauty.

Outdoor wildlife covers the exterior of Sandoval’s truck. This is the rear passenger side quarter panel.

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Friday July 24, 2015 • Gallup Sun

The pickup truck has the requisite spinners on each wheel and lots of fresh chrome, but it is the exquisite paint job and the Lambo doors that force the casual observers into a closer look. Outdoors scenes depicting the hunting life are everywhere, and none of them are duplicated. The entire truck had all the dings and dents repaired before a base coat covered the metal. Lester then took his vehicle to another artist in Albuquerque where every scene was air-brushed into place and then protected by

Emilio Villarreal displays his customized bicycle at the Camille’s Coffee and Cars event held every summer Sunday in the spacious parking lot of the popular eatery.

four clear coats before coming back to Gallup.

“I had to take a four-year mortgage to pay for it all, about

Owners of several “racers” look into the engine compartments during Sunday’s car show in the parking area of Camille’s Sidewalk Cafe.

$20,000, but it was worth it to me,” Lester said.

Sandoval pointed out the radio antenna – a piece of metal fishing rod – and then loudly showed off his 9,000 watt stereo system in the back of the truck, protected by a tonneau cover that is also covered with outdoor scenes. Add to all this some simple etchings of pine branches on the side windows and an amazing rendition of three bear cubs playing in a stream, on the engine side of the hood, and most would have to agree that this vehicle is indeed one-of-a-kind. The interior of the cab follows the same motif and sports a small TV screen for DVDs. It’s worth a trip out of the house on a lazy, summer day if you are prepared to be awed by this artistic masterpiece.

NEWS

Octavia Fellin Public Library hires deputy director Staff Report

T

he Oc t av i a Fel l i n Library recently hired Suzanne Feldberg as deputy director. Prior to coming to Gallup she was the librarian at Hopi Junior Senior High School. She served as the librarian at Albuquerque Academy and the Director of Library and Media Services for 19 school districts in Otsego County, New York.

Feldberg holds a bachelor’s degree in Fine Art from Long Island University, a master’s degree in Library and Information Science from the Palmer School of Library a nd Infor mation Science,

Suzanne Felberg

and an advanced degree in Educational Leadership from Stony Brook University. She also has coursework in Online Teaching and Learning from the University of Wisconsin and is certified by the state of New Mexico in ESL and ELL tutoring for adults.

Having lived in several places including Nova Scotia,

Canada; Heidelberg, Germany; upstate and downstate New York; A r i zon a ; a nd New Mexico, Ms. Feldberg believes that cultures are connected more by their similarities than their differences, and her goal is to use that approach to enhance library outreach efforts in Gallup.

Her skills include technology training, educational technology integration, community outreach, photography and lithography. With this diverse portfolio she will continue to develop the library’s outreach and increase the computer and technology classes being offered by Octav ia Fellin Library.

ON THE COVER Al Trujillo, better known around Gallup as ‘Super,’ casually leans against his stripped down and customized 1923 Model T Ford at the Camille’s Coffee and Cars event July 19.

MISSING DOG

Gallup resident Dave Cuellar and his wife have been missing their best friend “Jada” since July 6th. She escaped from her yard on north Fourth Street in Gallup after being spooked by fireworks. She’s wearing a red collar with identification. Be on the lookout so we can help bring this beauty home. If you have seen her, call Dave at: (505) 879-3333. There’s a reward for her safe return.

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Publisher/Editor Babette Herrmann Correspondents Kim Gaona Tom Hartsock Melinda Sanchez Design David Tsigelman The Gallup Sun, published Fridays, is not responsible or liable for any claims or offerings, nor responsible for availability of products advertised. All rights reserved.

Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited.

PO Box 1212 Gallup, NM 87305 www.gallupsun.com Find us on Facebook and Twitter Phone: (505) 728-1640 Fax: (505) 212-0391 gallupsun@gmail.com

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Gallup Sun • Friday July 24, 2015

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WEEKLY DWI REPORT

By Babette Herrmann Michael Kirk, 48, Gallup, NM DWI – Alcohol/Drugs Felony: Great Bodily Injury Kirk is faci n g mu lt i ple ch a r ge s for allegedly running over his fr iend Buddy Jeffries – three times – according to a State Police report compiled by Officer Chanelle Preston July 17. Jeffries told Preston that he and Kirk were arguing, and when he got out to walk toward his house, Kirk started driving his truck toward him, proceeding to run him over three times with his black pickup truck. “I don’t know what Mike’s problem is,” Jeffries, told the officer, according to the report.

Jeffries suffered multiple rib fractures, contusions/lacerations, and a fracture to his left knee. Kirk reportedly told Gallup Police Depar tment Officer Matthew Ashley that six men jumped him and Jeffries at Rocket Lounge. He’s facing felony charges for running Jeffries over and a DWI, along with some smaller charges.

Raymond Romero, 23, Gallup, NM 4th DWI GPD Officer T i m o t h y Hughte was on patrol when he noticed Romero driving a white pick up t r uck dow n Montoya Bouleva rd ea stbou nd w it h no headlights on July 14. Romero was reportedly smoking and handed the officer a state ID card and couldn’t prov ide

proof of vehicle insurance and registration. After Hughte placed Romero under arrest, he found open containers of alcohol, stating that “Some ca n s were old a nd some were fresh.” In addition to the DWI, Romero was also charged with driving with a suspended/revoked license, among other charges.

Kel l i M. A r t hu r, 46, Crownpoint, NM 3rd DWI Maybe the third time is a charm for Arthur, who was pulled over by McKinley County Sheriff’s O f f ice Deput y Merlin Benally July 20 on U.S. Route 491. Arthur was slurring words and couldn’t pass any of the field sobriety tests. The two passengers in the white Chevy Malibu were intoxicated as well, so the vehicle belonging to Robert Billie was towed away. Arthur was also charged with driving with a suspended/ revoked license.

L i o n e l S h o r t y, 2 7, Crownpoint, NM 3rd DWI Shorty reportedly caught a GPD O f f ic e r Angelo Cellicion’s attention when he turned northbound onto U.S. Route 491 from Metro Avenue with his passenger door open July 11. Shorty pulled into the Sonic north location where according to the report the driver had the “odor of intoxicating beverage coming from his breath and person.” He also admitted that he had “2 tall ones” of “Bud Light.” He blew a .21 during the alcohol breath test, nearly three times the legal limit of .08.

Donovan Sandoval, 30, Gamerco, NM 2nd DWI MCSO Deputy Lee Joh nson pulled over Sandoval on July 17, after Metro Di spatch not ified officers to be on the lookout for a Red Suburban, in which two occupants reportedly tried to fight with the tenants, on private property, located on Hassler Valley Road. Johnson followed the vehicle and turned on his emergency lights to pull the vehicle over. Sandoval pulled into the Third Street Tavern Bar and attempted to make his way into the bar, but was told

by Johnson and another deputy “to stop and to get on the ground.” Sandoval complied and was placed under arrest.

The passenger was arrested for an outstanding warrant. His alcohol breath test revealed a .16 and .14 result – both well above the legal limit of .08.

Wilfred George Yazzie, Jr., Sheep Springs, NM Witness Scott Chischilly who saw Yazzie allegedly a s s au lt i ng h i s wife at the Giant store parking lot in Yahtahey July 20 reported him to police. When MCSO Deputy Shane Bennett arrived at the scene, he noticed Yazzie, wearing a bloodstained white shirt yell at another man wearing a white shirt. When Bennett asked Yazzie why he was bleeding, according to the report he states, “I don’t know, I was fighting with my woman.’”

His wife, Arlene Yazzie, who was also intoxicated, said that her husband was pushing and hitting her as he drove. Their

three-year-old son was in tow and was later picked up by his grandmother. Yazzie blew a .16 during the alcohol breath test – twice the legal limit. Arlene Yazzie was booked for an outstanding bench warrant and child abuse. In addition to DWI, Yazzie was booked for careless driving and battery on a household member.

Randy G. Ben, 43, Blue Gap, AZ A citizen that witnessed a car leaving the scene where vehicles were broken into at the parking lot of Safeway on U.S. Route 491 on June 27, followed a Nissan Versa until police could catch up with him. When police approached the vehicle, Ben told the officer that he had been drinking a “4 Loko” and four cans of Bud Light. The three women in the car with him denied any involvement in the car break-ins. Ben refused all field sobriety tests, including the “chemical test” that detects blood alcohol levels. He was booked into the McKinley County Adult Detention Center for aggravated DWI, no driver’s license, open container (24 ounce Budweiser in the center console), and an outstanding warrant from Apache County, Ariz. A separate report was filed for the vehicle break-ins.

Kerley Biggs, 25, Ramah, NM Biggs, who had a n outsta nding wa rra nt from the U.S. Marshall’s office, gave this as an excuse for fleeing from GPD Officer Carmelita James in the Walmart parking lot July 3. After his escape, the maroon Chevy was briefly spotted by two officers, but it quickly eluded them. However, by happenstance, James noticed the vehicle on U.S. Route 491 while transporting a prisoner to jail.

Sgt. Benny Gaona and Officer

Ryan Blackgoat caught up with Biggs in the JC Penny’s parking lot where he was arrested.

When he took the alcohol breath test, he blew three times the legal limit. Biggs was booked for Aggravated DWI, resisting/ evading an officer, obstructing an officer, reckless driving, open container and driving without a license and insurance.

He was also booked on his U.S. Marshall’s warrant for an outstanding probation violation.

H y r o n G o r m a n , 2 9, Yahtahey, NM Gorman reportedly brought some attention upon himself when several individuals noticed him doing donuts in the parking lot of the Magic Carwash on 1335 W. Jefferson July 15. Gorman came close to hitting other vehicles, and to boot, he was buzzed and failed to pass the field sobriety tests given to him by Officer Jeremy Shirley. A chemical test revealed that he had a blood alcohol content of .18 and later .17. He was booked for his first aggravated DWI and for driving without a license.

Judith Homer, 43, Zuni, NM Homer told St at e Pol ice Officer James Garylle that she hit Clark Sloan’s truck traveling down 602 was for two reasons: she had no breaks and that she was learning to drive a stick shift. As the officer spoke to Homer, he smelled booze on her breath.

Homer denied it, stating that she didn’t have anything to drink that day. She managed to fail field sobriety tests and refused a breath or chemical test and was booked for aggravated DWI, and for driving without a license and for failing to provide proof of auto insurance.

UNM-Gallup to Benefit from Local Grant Staff Report

N

or thwest New Mex ico R eg ion a l Sol id Wa st e wa s recently awarded a grant from the New Mexico Env iron ment Depa r tment Solid Waste Bureau that will make it easier for the citizens of McKinley County to have a

6

convenient location to drop off their recyclable materials.

As a result of the successfully funded grant application, UNMGallup will be a designated recycling station. Grant funds will be used to purchase bins for all buildings on campus as well as other supplies, such as wheeled carts, that will allow for a greater commitment to sustainability efforts.

Friday July 24, 2015 • Gallup Sun

Pamela Stovall, Associate Professor of Communications and Journalism at UNM-Gallup wrote the grant proposal in her capacity as a team member of the NWNMRSW group. This collaborative effort resulted in the $17,500 award that will be used to purchase bins and recycling materials.

“This is a strong

community-wide effort to lead the way in recycling,” Stovall said. “In the long term it is hoped that staff will be available to support and encourage recycling.

UNM-Gallup did a test study earlier in the year and the students were amazing. Students took the extra steps to separate recyclable materials with the help of individual staff members

and departments. Having such a strong student response led to the local organization choosing UNM-Gallup as a location for placement of the bins.”

The paperwork is still in progress to place the bins, but once situated, community members will be invited to utilize the drop off site for all recyclable materials.

NEWS

UNM-Gallup awarded Department of Education grant

Seated, from left: Jayme McMahon, Senior Program Manager, Student Success Center; Adrienne Tsikewa, TRIO Program Specialist; Standing, from left: Anslem Bitsoi, Senior Tutor; and TRIO peer tutors Tomas Bernabe, Shynal Robinson, Alyssa Gchachu, and Anthony Tsosie. Photo Credit: Courtesy of UNM-G

Center and author of the TRIO grant proposal, received news of the award through a phone call from Senator Tom Udall’s office early this week.

Upon receipt of the award letter, she stated, “We are ver y excited to have been awarded the TRIO/Student Support Ser vices grant for t he nex t f ive ye a r s , a nd we are thrilled to have the o p p or t u n it y t o c o nt i nue prov iding cr itica l suppor t services to students attending UNM-Gallup. This was a highly competitive grant cycle, and I am very proud that the submitted proposal, along with the proven record of success within the program, earned new funding for our institution. TRIO programs provide much needed s u pp or t a nd s er v ic e s t o first-generation, low-income students and students with

towards successful completion of a certificate or degree

EDUCATION GRANT | SEE PAGE 11

Staff Report

T

he University of New M e x ic o - G a l lu p i s proud to announce its receipt of a Student S u p p o r t S e r v ic e s G r a n t from the U.S. Department of Education. This award is for the TRIO Student Suppor t Ser vices program at UNMGallup and will be funded in the amount of $235,228 per year for a five year period for a total of $1,176,140.00 over the course of the grant cycle.

The TRIO program prov ides customized suppor t services to UNM-Gallup students who qualify based on income level, first generation status, or low academic preparedness. Institutions of higher education are funded for Student Support Services progra ms to prov ide academic development opportunities and individualized assistance to students which is intended to motivate them

progra m ma nager for the UNM-Gallup Student Success

To

ur s In fo Fu n

Freedom Integrity Respect

Excellence Success Diversity

od o ow F h tS r A sic u M

program.

Jayme McMahon, senior

UNM-Gallup Invites You to Join Us for a Celebration Of Education, Diversity and Community Thursday, July 30, 2015 3:00 PM—7:00 PM The University of New Mexico prepares people to achieve their educational and professional goals in a context of respect for the traditions and values of the many groups it serves.

NEWS

Gallup Sun • Friday July 24, 2015

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State Auditor: TRD tried to ‘obstruct’ investigation

By Joey Peters NM Political Report

A

st ate depa r t ment attempted to thwart an outside investigation into its cabinet secretary’s alleged wrongdoings, State Auditor Tim Keller said in a press conference July 22.

Keller released four documents related to his office’s preliminary investigation into whether Taxation and Revenue Department Secretary Demesia Padilla illegally intervened to give preferential treatment to her former client and retaliated against employees who brought concerns. The Taxation Department collects and distributes tax funds in New Mexico.

Among the newly released documents are letters showing how the department attempted to prevent two of its employees from being interviewed by an outside firm hired by the state

auditor to look into the matter.

“They basically were trying to obstruct our investigation,” Keller said. “As soon as they found out about it they immediately tried to prevent anyone in that organization from talking to us. And, of course, for a number of reasons that’s inappropriate and not allowed.”

Keller released the docu m e n t s o n We d n e s d a y because of multiple public records requests following the a nnouncement of the investigation.

The preliminar y investigation stemmed from an anonymous complaint to the state auditor’s fraud hotline in February. Keller said his office performed “initial fact-finding” on the complaint before handing it over to an independent firm.

That firm, Albuquerquebased McHard Accounting C on s u lt i n g ( ht t p: // w w w. mchardaccountingconsulting. com/) , entered a contract with

NM State Auditor Tim Keller.

the state in April to conduct a preliminary investigation that involved “interviewing no more than four staff or former staff members of the entity.” The contract totaled $11,500.

Keller noted that executives from not just his office, but also the Taxation Department signed off on the preliminary investigation.

ALLEGED OBSTRUCTION OF INVESTIGATION But soon enoug h, t he Taxation Department told two of its employees to not talk to investigators. Keller’s office

Taxation and Revenue Department Secretary Demesia Padilla is on State Auditor Tim Keller’s radar for allegedly giving preferential treatment to former clients and for retaliating against potential whistleblowers. Photo Credit: NM Political Report

wrote a letter to Taxation Department General Counsel Brad Odell on June 9, citing the auditing authority from his office and whistleblower protection laws that require the employees to cooperate with the investigation.

The letter, written by State Auditor Chief Legal Counsel Sarita Nair, threatened to take steps to file a subpoena to

interview the employees and warned that the costs of the investigation would be shifted to the Taxation Department if it didn’t comply.

Nair noted that up until that point, her office “has endeavored to keep this investigation confidential.”

STATE AUDITOR | SEE PAGE 9

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NEWS

STATE AUDITOR | FROM PAGE 8 “With the filing of the petition, the investigation will become a matter of public record,” she wrote.

Investigators eventually interviewed the two employee without taking these steps. But at the press conference, Keller said that in this case “the damage was done in a sense that they tried to scare employees from talking about this serious matter.”

“There are many aspects we’re concerned about in terms of retribution here,” he said.

“But one of them is, obviously if your boss says you can’t talk to someone, and then comes back and says you can talk to them, there’s a pretty dangerous situation where we’re not sure if they’re going to be straightforward with us and share the information that is appropriate for this kind of taxpayer protection situation.”

According to Nair’s letter, the Taxation Department also wanted its legal counsel present during the interviews.

“We do not believe this would be appropriate,” she wrote. “It is essential that interviewees feel comfortable to speak honestly and openly with the firm that is investigating this matter. We believe that the presence of Department counsel would have a dramatic chilling effect on this type of free communication.”

In a statement, Taxation Department spokesman Ben Cloutier called Keller’s comments that the department tried to obstruct the investigation “absolutely outrageous.”

“He was given access to everyone he wanted to interview and provided all documents, but didn’t bother to even ask to interview those at the center of this issue.” Cloutier said, referring to Padilla never being interviewed during the investigation. “That very fact just goes to show that this is nothing more than a media stunt with the only purpose of advancing his political career.”

ARGUMENTS THAT AUDITOR OVERSTEPPED AUTHORITY Odell sent Nair a response two days later arguing that “the State Auditor seeks to perform an audit of the Department outside the scope of his authority.”

Specifically, he wrote that NEWS

the state auditor’s office is limited to only looking at the Taxation Department’s “financial affairs and transactions.”

“Your letter provides that the authority of the Office of the State Auditor is based on a report made that there was an abuse within the Department that resulted in a loss of revenue,” Odell wrote. “Based on the employee the Office of the State Auditor seeks to inter view, the Department has grave concerns that this investigation seeks to determine whether the Department is properly enforcing the Tax Code and collecting taxes, penalties, and interest.”

Odell added that his department had concerns that the investigation “will seek disclosure of taxpayer information.”

Discussing anything apart from “the procedures for selecting audits, performing audits and collecting taxes” would put the employees “in jeopardy of disclosing confidential taxpayer information” that could result in “employment and criminal sanctions,” he wrote.

The preliminary investigation eventually found basis for a deeper investigation, which is now in the hands of Attorney General Hector Balderas.

Odell’s letter notes that Keller also “had conversations with Secretary Padilla concerning this matter.”

Keller also released his July 9 letter to Balderas, which said that the preliminary investigation found enough to warrant a look into whether Padilla retaliated against employees “to protect herself from possible individual liability resulting from her actions as a certified public accountant working for that taxpayer.”

Keller wouldn’t delve into more specifics at the press conference, including who Padilla’s former client is or how much money the state potentially lost because of her alleged actions. Nor would he release the names of the state employees who were originally told not to cooperate with his investigation or the hours of audio recordings from the investigation.

He did, however, add that the primary issue at stake was “a change in the taxable amount” of Padilla’s former client. Keller also noted that tax confidentiality laws may prevent the name of the client from ever being released publicly.

WEEKLY CRIME BLOTTER

By Babette Herrmann

PAPA JOHN’S ROBBED, SUSPECT AT LARGE Gallup Police Department Capt. Rick White said that a male suspect walked into Papa John’s on 2102 E. Hwy 66 shortly after noon on July 22 and demanded money. He lifted up his sweater to reveal a handgun. The cashier reportedly gave the suspect an undisclosed amount of money, then he headed out of the restaurant westbound. The suspect is described as a Hispanic male in his late 20s, medium build, and was wearing a dark sweater with the word «Rocawear» inscribed on it, grey sweatpants, a blue baseball cap and sunglasses. White said a silver extended cab pickup truck was seen leaving, near the scene, at a high rate of speed. If you have any information, contact Crimestoppers: (505) 722-6846.

SHOTS FIRED Luckily no one was hurt on this shooting/threatening with a handgun rampage of sorts July 16. GPD Officer Norman Bowman was on patrol when he noticed on his unit’s computer a call originating from Tohatchi, which stated a woman had been threatened by a gun-wielding Gallup resident by the name of Christopher Becenti. On his way to Becenti’s home on Dairy Drive, Bowman received a call of shots fired by an intoxicated man driving around the Red Hills area in a white utility truck. Bowman arrived at the residence, with his AR-15 at the ready, and noted the white utility truck and some individuals standing near it.

They pointed to Becenti and Bowman was able to handcuff him. His grandmother, Bernice Becenti, handed the weapon, that was in her purse, to the officer. As the investigation unfolded, eyewitness Kenneth Williams told detectives that Becenti, 25, knocked at his door, shot off three or four rounds and pointed the gun at him before leaving the scene.

He was booked into McKinley County Adult Detention Center for aggravated assault and negligent use of a deadly weapon.

CHILD ABUSE GPD Officer Chaz Trocoso had no trouble finding Gloria L e e’s home a s he he a r d screams comi ng f rom t he 612 S. Second St. residence July 10. As Trocoso approached the premises he looked into a window a saw a female sans shirt being pulled by the hair and shoulder by another female.

It appears the female being assaulted was trying to get away. The one doing the hair pulling was Lee, 39, and the female trying to get away from her was her 17-year-old daughter. According to the police report, Lee said that her daughter was the aggressor and she was merely defending herself.

Lee’s daughter said her mom came home intoxicated and she was merely trying to get her mom into the house when things got heated between the two. Lee also said, the report states, that her daughter “was being disrespectful about [her] going out and consuming alcohol.” The daughter complained of back pain and her mom was arrested and booked into McKinley County Adult Detention Center for one count of child abuse.

DRUNK SUPERVISION LEADS TO CHARGES Children, Yo u t h , a n d F a m i l i e s Depar tment requested a welfare check on a residence, 334 Black Diamond Canyon Dr. When GPD Off icer Luke Ma r tin arrived on the scene July 14, he observed a child crawling on the front stairs of the porch unattended. He noticed two more children laying on the couch inside the home. The mother, Loucinda Delgarito, 40, answered the door and the officer immediately recognized

that she was intoxicated, and noted that the house seemed unkempt and there was the strong odor of animal urine or feces. Although the children said they felt safe, Martin took her into custody for three counts of child abandonment.

Her sister, Ophelia Long, assumed temporary custody of the children. Delgarito blew a .20 during the alcohol breath test and later a .14.

TAKING A REST? When Aaron Shorty, 31, parked in front of Debra Pino’s home, she immediately took notice of his dark colored Jeep and approached the intoxicated Shorty. She also noticed that his 4-year-old son was in the vehicle, according to the police report. She asked for the keys, but Shorty refused to hand them over, and instead, turned the car off and put the keys in his pocket. Pino took the child into her home for safety reasons and he was released to his mother when she arrived at the scene. Shorty was taken to the hospital for clearance and then booked into the McKinley County Detention Center for Child Abandonment.

ASSAULT RESULTS IN ROBBERY ARREST TJ B e g a y told GPD Officer Justin B en a l ly t h a t he was mindi n g h i s ow n busi ness a s he crossed the downtown walkway on his way to visit family July 16. It was during this portion of his walk that he was reportedly accosted by Anthony Ray, Derrick Joe and an unknown male. He said that Ray, 42, punched him in the face and he fell down and a scuffle ensued. Begay said that Ray also made off with his blue Dodgers baseball cap. An employee with the American Bar gave up Ray’s location, and upon seeing dried blood on his knuckles, Benally arrested Ray for robbery.

Gallup Sun • Friday July 24, 2015

9

OPINIONS With long-term unemployment, why make parents work for food?

By Veronica C. García

T

here’s a n old saying that when you’re stuck in a hole the first thing you should do i s stop d ig g i ng. New Mexicans are used to hearing that their home state is in the hole. We are at the bottom of the nation in everything from child well-being to poverty to hunger. Despite this, there are some up in Santa Fe who want to continue to dig.

A report put out last week by Governing shows New Mexico at the very bottom for longterm unemployment. Nearly half of our unemployed workers have been out of a job for 27 weeks or longer. To be clear, only people

who are out of a job and are actively seeking work are considered unemployed. Those who have given up ever finding another job are not counted.

You have to be working hard to find work in order to be considered one of the 64,000 New Mexicans who are unemployed. And New Mexico’s unemployed are working hard. Not only are 45 percent of them considered long-term unemployed, but these folks have also been out of work for 43 weeks, on average. That’s just nine weeks short of a year, and far longer than the national average of 28 weeks.

While the long-term unemployed across the nation are either finding jobs or giving up after 28 weeks on average, New Mexicans are still hitting the pavement many months later.

They have to because New Mexico was hit hard by the Great Recession. We lost 36,000 private-sector jobs between 2008 and 2009. While things have improved, we still had 20,000 fewer jobs in

May of 2015 than we did in May of 2008. As part of the federal stimulus, states were allowed to waive work requirements for people receiving SNAP food benefits.

Some states have reinstated the federal work requirements for their SNAP recipients, but New Mexico continues to be eligible for a waiver because our economic recovery has been so slow.

That, however, does not faze the folks at our Human Services Department. They’ve decided to decline the waiver so they can take SNAP benefits away from people who are still unable to find a job.

They’ll even take food away from kids as young as seven.

A quick read through of the HSD document detailing the proposed rules change (NM Human Services Register Vol. 38 No. 13) gives some clue as to the department’s desire to turn away federal dollars for hungry New Mexicans. In order to continue receiving SNAP, recipients would have to complete

MADAME G

an “Individual Responsibility Plan,” among other things.

The title of the plan alone implies that only irresponsible people need assistance. The plan is described as a “tool” to assist SNAP participants in “long-term career planning,” by addressing their “barriers” to employment, setting “realistic” employment goals, and identifying the steps necessary to achieve those goals.

To be fair, some SNAP recipients may indeed benefit from such a plan. But if you lost your job because of the economic downturn and have done everything in your power to find a new one but can’t—because New Mexico still has 20,000 fewer jobs than it did seven years ago—an individual responsibility plan is worse than useless.

It’s insulting. Taking away SNAP benefits because those 20,000 jobs still have not magically reappeared—despite the creation of all those individual responsibility plans—is adding insult to injury.

In a strong economy, work requirements are reasonable.

New Mexico’s economy is still weak and job creation is slow.

On top of that, almost one in three New Mexico children—or 28 percent—don’t have enough food to eat. These are kids who often go hungry despite SNAP, school lunch programs, food pantries, and the other charitable organizations that offer food assistance. If the folks at HSD get their way, some of these kids will be hungrier still.

Because it’s required by law, HSD must allow public input on these regulations before they go into effect. The rules change document is not easy to find on HSD’s website. Perhaps HSD should come up with its own individual responsibility plan and put “improving communication with the public” at the top of the list.

Veronica C. García is the Executive Director at New Mexico Voices for Children.

GUIDE TO THE STARS WEEK OF JULY 24-30

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22)

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21)

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18)

TAURUS (April 20-May 20)

It’s going into Leo’s birthday season, and Madame G assures you that this one will be a dazzling one to remember. Not for the weather, but the extreme positive vibes that you feel when the people in your life are in tune to each others needs. Some ice cream cake and good music will have you prancing around the house like the king/queen of the castle.

You’ll have a blast.

Sometimes your confidence is false and you fail to recognize it. Madame G wants you to feel confident, but not when it alienates you from other folks trying to be helpful in a situation. Scorpio, you can sting at will and hurt others or you can be the finest diplomat at work and home and get results that don’t necessarily put you in the limelight. Think team work.

Having a nice summer? I figured you were. It’s definitely your thing. You love summer sports, whether it’s watching or participating. You also like the biking, hiking and outdoorsy kind of stuff that has become part of the Gallup landscape.

G says you need to document your jaunts via video or photos. Share those experiences on social media. You’ll motivate others to do the same.

Well, being somewhat structured, your mind is already in Fall. Relax, it’s still July, even though the school year is around the corner. There’s still some time to learn new hip hop steps and show it off to your friends. There’s still time for an ice cream social and weekend camping. So, don’t waste time thinking about Autumn.

There’s plenty of warm weather things for you to do.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) Don’t let a an old friend influence future decision making – especially if you haven’t seen this friend for years and he or she suddenly friends you on Facebook. All the sudden, it seems like it was yesterday that you last saw each other. People change and not always for the better. Even if it seems like a positive relationship, proceed with some caution. Buy a scratcher, you may win $5 bucks.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct.22) The dust in your house is driving you batty. It’s like you dust, and two hours later, like magic the dust is back with a vengeance. While you prefer balance and cleanliness, don’t let it stop you from visiting that large body of water with friends or family. Slather some bronzer on those pasty legs and hop aboard that wave runner, boat or engage in whatever fun you like to have in the water.

10

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21)

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20)

So, vacation is winding down for Gallupians and the school year is upon us. Madame G felt like half of Gallup was gone for about three months. How about spending this weekend at home. Do the “staycation” and attend the Gurley’s carshow, Freedom Flight & Ride and all the other fun activities in downtown this weekend. Feeling brave? Be sure to don that leather biker mama outfit and live it up a bit!

It’s summer and like many fishes, you long to be near the sea. But those shark attacks televised in recent news reports have definitely put a damper on your fantasies of swimming with the dolphins. So, try a nearby lake or forested area. It gives you all the positive ions you need to recharge your batteries and to get you swimming upstream again.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19)

ARIES (March 21-April 19)

Do yourself a favor and get loose! Shake out that hair, put on some makeup and go to the store. We need to glam it up a bit Capricorn as you rely T-shirts and jeans and pulling your hair back (gals) in a ponytail. You may ask me why look nice at the supermarket, well, I am here to tell you that if you want your star to shine bright, it starts with the most simplest things: taking care of yourself is taking care of your appearance.

It’s been a lighter week for you, emotionally speaking. You’re feeling better and not so consumed by what you consider the rat race. Pull yourself up some more. Take a nice drive, with no destination in mind. Who knows, maybe you’ll end up in Pie Town and get a mean sugar buzz going. Please order Madame G the Green Chile Apple Pie if you happen upon Pie Town.

Friday July 24, 2015 • Gallup Sun

GEMINI (May 21-June 20) Madame G kids around a lot about the duality of Gemini: the good twin and not-so-good twin. It’s not that you are possessed by some evil twin, or you’re morally questionable, it’s just that you sometimes struggle with following the right path for you. Don’t let outside influences control your day or destiny. If you want to eat truffles and watch Dr. Oz fret over women’s health, then go for it!

One day won’t hurt.

CANCER (June 21-July 22) As your birthday month comes to a close, remember the good times you had, instead of focusing on what you didn’t get or what someone else got for their birthday. It’s important to feel special in the eyes of our loved ones, but it’s not everything. Crabs, with their tough exteriors, are actually quite sensitive and can easily crack.

Madame G says to love yourself: selfworth is everything.

OPINIONS

Beat the summertime blues and get your business noticed today

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25 Hogan’s Not-Heroes and Trump’s Wild Card Rants

By Howard Barbanel

A

s a kid one of my favorite TV sitcoms was Hogan’s Heroes.

Set i n a Ger ma n POW camp during World War II a group of really sharp Allied prisoners of war (most of them fliers who were shot down or parachuted to safety) were humorously and cleverly outsmarting their dimwitted and bumbling Nazi jailers. Colonel Robert Hogan proudly wore his air force leather jacket and hat through each episode. It never occurred to me that these Allied POWs were anything less than heroes, if even fictionally.

Other cinematic POW high water marks of the time were the movies The Great Escape and Von Ryan’s Express. In both of these films ensemble casts of major Hollywood stars stood up to, undermined and escaped from their enemy captors. It didn’t dawn on me then and it still doesn’t register now that Steve McQueen, James Garner, Frank Sinatra and others were portraying characters that were not heroic by dint of their having been captured by the Krauts. And McQueen and Sinatra both looked as dapper in their Air Force leather as did Bob Crane as Hogan.

But clea rly a l l of my received wisdom from a lifetime of reality and cinema

Bob Crane as Col. Hogan, Steve McQueen in The Great Escape and Frank Sinatra as Col. Ryan

was wrong. Because Donald Trump has decided that John McCain is no war hero for having spent five and a half years as a tortured guest of the North Vietnamese.

McCain was no hero for having become a naval aviator (Top Gun, anyone?) at a time when many, including the aforementioned Mr. Trump used any and every means at their privileged disposal to avoid military service. He was no hero for being shot down while over Hanoi (Trump says he has more respect for those who aren’t captured) and somehow surviving life threatening injuries. He was clearly no hero for enduring sustained physical and psychological brutality because his father was a four-star Admiral serving at that time in the Pacific. He

EDUCATION GRANT | FROM PAGE 7 disabilities who are often underrepresented and most at-risk for achieving success in their postsecondary endeavors.”

The objectives of the grant funded program directly address the academic needs of students and propose strategies to help students maintain good academic standing through a robust host of institutional means including academic and financial aid advising, career counseling, tutoring, OPINIONS

was obviously no hero for having survived what would have surely crippled lesser men, returning home and building a life of accomplishment. What then is heroism to Mr. Trump?

Getting shot in the chest or head instead of out of the sky and walking away from that?

I suppose that McCain should surrender his medals for having had the temerity to survive being shot out of the sky.

In the Tony-award winning show Fiddler on the Roof, there’s a song called “If I Were a Rich Man,” where the show’s hero, the very poor Tevye the Milkman muses about what his life would be like if he had the riches of Croesus (or Trump) at his disposal. There are a few verses that are very apt when applied to Mr. Trump: The most important men

supplemental instruction, coaching, and mentoring.

The Depa r tment of Education strictly monitors institutions utilizing Student Support Services funding to insure that students are progressing and graduating from their programs.

UNM-Gallup has maintained a strong TRIO program since 2001. The most recent grant ends Aug. 31, so the fate of the program remained uncertain until the new grant was awarded.

Jeannie Baca, director of Student Affairs at UNM-Gallup, spoke as to the benefits of the grant for students.

in town would come to fawn on me!

T hey would ask me to advise them, Like a Solomon the Wise.

“If you please, Reb Tevye...”

“Pardon me, Reb Tevye...”

Posin g p r obl e m s th at would cross a rabbi’s eyes!

And it won’t make one bit of difference if I answer right or wrong.

When you’re rich, they think you really know!

Trump gets ink and airtime not because he’s a greater thinker or leader but because he’s a very, very rich man who doesn’t mind employing his money in the service of espousing his views and because he always says wild and outlandish things. That he’s causing immense damage to the Republican Party must

“ We a r e ver y exc it e d t o b e named as a recipient of the TRIO Student Support Services grant and are extremely thankful to the U.S. Department of Education for their confidence and support,” she said.

“UNM-Gallup provides opportunities for students to earn a credential, transfer to a four-year university or receive job training. This grant will provide opportunities for academic development, assist students with ba sic college requirements, and motivate students toward the s ucce s s f u l complet ion of t hei r

be delighting the magicians and viziers at Hilary Campaign Central.

It should be stated that I’m no big supporter on John McCain the politician. For that matter I’m no fan of John Kerry, our Secretary of State who has had his own military service impugned and maligned. My Dad, 88, served for a little over a year towards the end of World War II in the Naval Air Corps but he was not a pilot and never saw combat.

He built and taught others to build machine guns and he also welded planes back together. Because he, McCain, Kerry and millions more men and women donned the uniform of our country and put themselves in harm’s way to defend our freedom, they’re all heroes and no one’s honorable service should be belittled and denigrated.

The bottom line is that being Commander-in-Chief requires a sober and considered temperament because the President makes life and death decisions for service members and for the country as a whole.

His or her finger is on the literal button that could send us all to kingdom come. Does Trump have that sober temperament?

GOP voters should tell Trump “you’re fired,” and expunge this circus sideshow from serious discourse on the future of our nation and of the world.

postsecondary education. It will continue to enrich and strengthen the UNM-G community.”

Executive Director Dr. Christopher Dyer, in adding his strong support of the TRIO program said: “The TRIO program represents a critical part of services we provide to students by helping those who need additional support to achieve college success.

This program has had remarkable success in the past, and this present award is evidence of the excellent work done for our students who have academic needs.”

Gallup Sun • Friday July 24, 2015

11

COMMUNITY

Gallup and the Arts One may research the definitions of Art in many ways: your persona l dictiona r y, Wikipedia, the Octavia Fellin Public Library, and thousands of essays available on-line or in ancient or not so ancient books found in bookstores everywhere. The list is not limited just to those described above, of course, as almost every individual has their own idea of what constitutes Art.

FIND US ON FACEBOOK 12

Basically, though, art is a method of expression, whether it be strictly visual or actively visual. Art also includes sound, speech as well as music. The list covers just about everything humans do, with exceptions for pure science and a very small handful of other career choices. Yet even the exceptions have some Art involved in their discipline – a surgeon’s first cut should be should not be a bloody gash –

Another mural of early history in the life of Gallup, just one of many scattered throughout the downtown area.

https://www.facebook.com/ Gallupsun

The world of art with its many branches is important to Gallup and the surrounding area. Articles have been published in the last several weeks, and even before, dealing with va r ious ga ller ies, events, and types of art that one can become almost overwhelmed w it h t he s t r uc t u re – or non-structure – of the organizations attempting to publicize their particular passions.

Confusion exists in the minds of many, especially those not involved in this field, about the fuss that surrounds this subject. While this article will probably not clear up all the questions people have, an attempt will be made to clarify exactly what is going on with the many forms of art in this area.

There are basic questions to answer, first, before any reasonable resolution can be formed about ways to rectify what seems to be everyone talking at the same time.

WHAT IS ART?

Friday July 24, 2015 • Gallup Sun

and scientists are very careful to mix chemicals in precise amounts for the best results.

Art includes, but is not limited to: paintings, music, theater, dance, sculpture, jewelry-making, and literature.

Within in each of these are various types of the major art form.

Painting includes water colors, acrylics, and other compositions that adhere to a surface, and the subject matter is even more varied, from grafitti-style (not the crude words used by gangs to mark territory or threaten others) through traditional and contemporary to modern designs and what I call “splash art” used by modernists who throw buckets of paint at a canvas to express their emotions through color. In today’s society, the use of logos for businesses also need to be included. There is also a niche for interior or exterior design, though the proper effect is not just paint but the use of natural or synthetic materials to highlight or distinguish a room or structure.

Mural on east wall of Camille’s Sidewalk Cafe, depicting scenes from Japanese lives in Gallup, including memories of Medal of Honor recipient Hershey Miyamura receiving the award from President Dwight Eisenhower.

Music is just as varied. reading for enjoyment is comChurch songs, popular music, mon but also provides for techhead-banging rock, contempo- nical help in all the other arts. It rary rock in many styles, hip- could be stated with the advent hop, operatic arias, and other of the computer that books are classical tunes. Did I leave out old fashioned, yet according to anything? Probably. the statistics at Octavia Fellin Theater is not just stage Public Library thousands of plays but also includea movies, patrons rely on the printed operas and other forms that word as a major source of their use both the power of speech knowledge; everything from - sung or recited - the action children’s of movement and the visual of books to the most in-depth attire of the period. volumes written to educate the Dance ranges from belly danc- interested in social, political, ing and other forms of traditional historical and technical facts, movement – including square or just tell a story designed to dancing – but also includes Native invigorate the thought process.

American, European and Asian There you have at least a styles of dress and movement beginning to what belongs in as well as the the more modern the world of art. forms of dance practiced by young Part II of this series will and old alike. be published next Friday and Sculpture is creating either will discuss the importance a likeness of people and ani- of Art to Gallup and the surmals, or using one’s imagina- rounding area. tion to help interpret the area or situation where the design w i l l s t a nd .

And everyone in this county knows about jewelry making, potter y and rug manufacture, so little needs to be said in that regard.

Literature is perhaps the most important art of them all, This mural is on the wall at City Hall, the artist using since not only layers of action to show familiar Gallup scenes.

A painting on a wall in the walkway area between Aztec Avenue and Coal Street.

Story and Photos

by Tom Hartsock Sun Correspondent

COMMUNITY

‘Polka in the Pines’ to celebrate Croatian heritage

By Melinda Russell Sun Correspondent

Y

oung or old, Croatian or not, everyone is welcome at the Polka in the Pines picnic Aug. 2. The 38 year old event celebrates the historic culture, music and food of the Croatian people of Gallup.

Thanks to Katie Bolf, the community of immigrants have carried on this tradition since 1978. After Bolf attended a Croatia n Convention in Toronto, Canada in 1947 she came home with a mission to keep the traditions of her homeland alive.

Bolf and friend, Shirley Baker hosted a Croatian / Slovenian radio station on Sundays until 1974. They sold advertising to pay for the show and spoke both in their native language and in English.

At nearly 101-years-old, Luby Grenko is planning to enjoy Polka music, Croatian food and old fashioned companionship just as she did when the picnic tradition started 38 years ago.

Photo Credit: Courtesy

But most of all, they played music.

A memor i a l wa s con structed in 1999 to honor Croatian immigrants who came to Gallup in the late 1800s in hopes of giving their families a better life. The memorial stands in the Babe Ruth Park south of Interstate 40. The Hrvatska Nada, or Croatian Hope, statue has symbols on each of its four sides that represent important parts of the immigrant’s story. There are dancers, tamburas and coal miners and the Virgin Mary.

COMMUNITY

Pictured from left to right: Amadore Kozeliski, Dominic Biava III, Iyla Gordon, Elle Gordon, Damiano Kozeliski. Front: Faustino Kozeliski Five generations of Croatian descendants have enjoyed the annual polka dance and picnic sponsored by the Gallup Croatian community. “I’m still fighting like dukes to have mass, dance and band,” said Katie Bolf who has been an organizer since the beginning. Photo Credit: Courtesy

If you surf YouTube channel for Croatian music, just like in America, there are pop and traditional styles among others. The instruments are different than Americans are accustomed to. One traditionally Croatian instrument is a tambura, a long-neck stringed instrument similar to a guitar.

They also use accordions and saxophones.

Many folks were introduced to polka music by John Candy in the movie “Home Alone.”

Remember when he referred to his band as a bunch of “polka bums.”

Bolf and other Croatian women published a cookbook in the 1970s so they could pay for a tambura instructor to come from Phoenix every week to giv lessons. Bolf said it was expensive but it was important to teach the children the music of their homeland.

T he Croat ia n mot her s formed a bowling team for their children. The youth were at a tournament in Phoenix when the boys decided to throw the mattresses out of the hotel window. Some of those notable young men were Chuck Mataya, Bill Knight and Frankie Chiapetti, said Bolf.

Food is the other tradition that brings people to the gathering. This year, they will serve Silanc´e which is beef, pork and rice wrapped in cabbage leaves. They will also

serve sauerkraut, pogatisa and strudel.

Bolf said Frankie Spollar’s kids will roast a pig on a spit.

Misty Tolson said five generations of Croatians will be

at the picnic this year. She has attended almost every picnic since they started. They will also serve enchiladas. Tolson says you have to serve enchiladas in Gallup even if it is a Croatian picnic.

Last year the band arrived a day early. They brought Grandma, Lu jubica “Luby” Grenko, a bottle of blueberry brandy from Croatia, Tolson said. The band played and sang until late in the night. That experience brought back memories of childhood for Tolson.

Grenko was born in Gallup in 1914. Her mother died in an influenza epidemic in 1918.

She was sent to Croatia to stay with family until she was 14. As an adult, Grenko was a homemaker, kept books for the Grenko Coal Mine and worked for Kitchens Opera House during the time her grandfather owned it.

The rest of the time, she baked Pogatisa, Tolson said.

Grenko will be a few days short of 101 at the picnic this

year. She is planning to dance the polka like she has almost every one of the past 38 years.

But the picnic is for young and old alike. It is a family event and in recent years, everyone from the community has been welcomed.

Bolf said she does this, “because I love my heritage.

I was born and raised over there.”

POLKA IN THE PINES Sunday, August 2 Noon to 5 pm Tickets: Up to 5 years old - Free Children 5 to 10 - $ 10 Adults 11 and up - $ 20 For Tickets Call: Katie Bolf (505) 870-5172 Darlene Yocham (505) 862-1990 Misty Tolson (505) 8792804

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PM Gallup Sun • Friday July 24, 6/15/15 2015 4:2613

This Weekend Rocks! Classic cars, balloonists, motorcycles to descend on Gallup making the competition stiff for when it comes time to hand out trophies.

At this year’s car show, G u r l e y ’s w i l l b e g i v i n g

Staff Report

T

he 9th Annual Route 6 6 C a r, T r u c k & Street Rod Show, will be held this weekend as a collective effort with the Freedom Flight Ride & Cruise event. The event will include a motorcycle cruise of Freedom Riders from Tucumcari to the state line and balloonists will participate in mass ascensions each day. The Freedom Riders will also hold the Toys for Tots “Christmas In July” toy run on Sunday.

A va r iet y of food, vendors, a beer garden, and live mu sic w i l l rou nd- out t he day’s enter ta inment a long with outstanding shopping oppor t u n it ie s i n h i st or ic downtown Gallup.

Gurley Motor Co. owner Steven Gurley said this is the second year that the Route 66 Car, Truck & Street Rod Show has teamed up with the the Freedom Flight Ride & Cruise and expects even a better turnout this year, thanks to the collaboration.

“What started out as a vision is just starting to develop,” he said. “What a (great) way to promote the Most Patriotic Small Town in America.”

Gurley said that all the proceeds from the car show’s registration go to Veterans Helping Ve t er a n s a nd O p er a t ion Wounded Warrior.

SCHEDULE

L a st yea r he ga i ned a deeper sense of what the event means to veterans when one man approached him during last year’s Saturday evening festivities. Gurley said the man had tears rolling down

"Come to Where the Indians Trade" Indian Jewelry Capital of the World in the Heart of Indian Country

his face and expressed gratitude toward the city of Gallup for holding an event centered a rou nd ser v ice men a nd women.

Gurley expects about 150 classic cars and hotrods,

Dee Velasco Sun Correspondent

Est. 1913

100 Years of Continuous Service 6 Days a Week VisitrTe hSetore Treasu

222 W. 66th Ave, Gallup, NM 87301

(505) 722-476 2

Friday July 24, 2015 • Gallup Sun

Friday, July 24 6:00 am | Hot Air Balloon Mass Ascensions | Gallup Golf Course, 1109 Susan Ave. 6:3 0 pm – 8:3 0 pm | Motorcycle Ride Across NM | Dinner & Registration at Tucumcari Elks Lodge #1117, 2118 S. Adams St. 6:3 0 pm | Dow nt ow n Cr u i s e | Ga l lup Ch a mber of Commerce Pa rking L ot .

Saturday, July 25 6:00 am | Hot Air Balloon Mass Ascensions | Gallup Golf Course 8:00 am | Car Show registration | Gurley Motor Co. 9:00 am | Motorcycle Ride Across New Mexico: Freedom Ride Registration | Glen Rio Visitor’s Center, WB I-40 NM/ TX State Line.

3:0 0 pm | R out e. 6 6 Freedom Weekend: Music, Food, Vendors, Entertainment, and Beer Garden | Downtown Courthouse Square.

3:0 0 pm | L ive Ba nd: Memphis P Tails (ABQ, NM) | Courthouse Square 5:0 0 pm | L ive Ba nd: Dashboard Romeos (Santa

Fe, NM) | Courthouse Square 7:00 pm | Nightly Indian Dances | Courthouse Square 7:00 pm ArtsCrawl 7:0 0 pm – 9:0 0 pm | Downtown Evening Cruise | Gurley Motor Co., 9:00 pm | Live Band: Black Pearl Ba nd (ABQ, NM) | Courthouse Square 8:00 pm | “Tunnel of Fire” | Historic Hwy. 66 & 3rd St. Gallup Sunday, July 27 6:00 am | Hot Air Balloon Mass Ascensions Gallup Golf Course 8:00 am | Route 66 Desert Challenge | Gallup OHV/MX Park 10:00 am | Toys for Tots: C h r i s t m a s i n Ju ly Toy Run | Gallup Chamber of Commerce, 106 W. Hwy 66.

11:00 am | Toys for Tots: K ick Stands Up | Gallup Chamber of Commerce (Ride will end at Speedway Towing, 601 W. Hwy 66.

Entry Fee: New Toy + $10 or $20 per rider.)

12:00 pm | Route 66 Desert Challenge: Awards | Gallup OHV/MX Park

‘Slaughter’ rocks Fire & Ice Bike Rally

RICHARDSON'S TRADING CO. & CASH PAWN

14

aw ay a 2 0 0 4 conver t ible Ford Mustang. Visit www. gurleymotorcoroute66carshow.com for more details.

90’s Ha rd Rock ba nd, “Slaughter” rocked, Grants during the 15th Annual Historic 66 Fire & Ice Bike Rally July 18.

Pa r t of t he t h ree - day weekend lineup of events, Slaughter, took the stage

performing their greatest hits to an excited bike and roll crowd.

Bikers from all over the country rode in and packed the City of Grants during this year’s events.

Slaughter, the main headlining band proved that true music with heart, can last and affect generations upon generations.

For med in La s Vega s, Nevada, in late 1988, with lead vocalist/rhythm guitarist, Mark Slaughter, and bassist Dana Strum, the band reached stardom in 1990 with their first album, «Stick It to Ya.» Front man Mark Slaughter spoke of the band’s ongoing success.

“Jamming for over 27 years has put us on the classic rock side,” he quipped. “We’ve been doing it a lot of years and we’ve

become classic. It’s been a great ride, we love playing New Mexico, it’s very exciting, there’s a passion in the people there that’s awesome, even when music was going through a tough time during the 90s, New Mexico has always been great!”

The success of the band shows in having recorded only five studio albums that have gone, Gold, Platinum, and MultiPlatinum – 1990 «Stick It to Ya,» 1992 «The Wild Life, « 1995 «Fear No Evil,» 1997 Revolution, 1999 Back to Reality.

String of hits also came with these albums such as, “Up All Night”, “Fly to the Angels”,

SLAUGHTER | SEE PAGE 19 COMMUNITY

Begaye orders flags at half-staff for Navajo Code Talker Kee Etsicitty

By Rick Abasta Press Officer Office of the President & Vice President

W

I N DOW ROCK , Ariz.—The Navajo Nat ion lost a nationa l hero on July 21, with the passing of Navajo Code Talker Kee Etsicitty.

“The Navajo people are in mourning for the loss of Kee Etsicitty, one of our beloved Navajo Code Talkers and role models for our nation,” Navajo Nation President Russell Begaye said.

All flags across the Navajo Nation will be flown at halfstaff in honor of Etsicitty, beginning today and ending at sunset on Saturday.

“These defenders of our country and Navajo way of life demonstrated the strength and power of the Navajo language and utilized it to end World War II,” Begaye said. “It is only appropriate that we honor Kee Etsicitty’s faithful service with this display of respect across our Nation.

“Our prayers and condolences to his family,” he added.

Navajo Nation President Russell Begaye ordered flags across the Navajo Nation to be flown at half-staff in honor of Navajo Code Talker Kee Etsicitty, who passed on July 21. The Nation is in mourning for the loss of a national hero today, he said. Photo Credit: Courtesy

Vice President Jonathan Nez said there are very few Navajo Code Talkers remaining and that they must be honored and respected.

“If you see a Code Talker, take the time to thank them for their service and shake their hand. They are truly living legends,” he said.

“Yesterday, we lost a living legend,” he added.

Kurtis Etscitty said his father lived a very long life and that he was very proud of him for his service as a Navajo Code Talker.

“(My dad) said our Navajo language is very sacred. He told the kids to speak the language because it was handed down to us by the Creator,” he said.

When participating at book signings, Etscitty was fond of telling young kids that the Navajo language is in their bloodline and the only way they would learn it is by trying to speak the language, Kurtis recalled.

Etsicitty was well known in his community of Chichiltah, where he was one of six Navajo Code Talkers that lived there.

The last living Code Talker from the chapter is Thomas H. Begay.

Etsicitty worked for the Navajo Nation School Board and oversaw 67 tribal schools alongside former vice chairman Ed T. Begay, a term of service he was very proud of.

Kurtis said his father was good worker and a humble man with a surname that’s common on the Navajo Nation, but a very uncommon spelling.

“The last name was spelled like that because the Marine recruiter didn’t know how to spell it. He took a guess and

my dad kept the spelling from there. We’re the only ones from the Navajo Nation that spell our name like that,” he said.

Etsicitty’s Marine Corps brothers couldn’t pronounce his last name, so they took to calling him “Electricity,” Kurtis said.

From 1943 to 1945, Etsicitty served in the South Pacific as a Navajo Code Talker for a period of two years, two months and two days. He saw combat in the Battles of Guadalcanal, Bougainville, Guam, Saipan, and Iwo Jima.

He was a member of the second group of Navajo Code Talkers after the first 29, the all-Navajo Platoon 297. The 60 troops of Platoon 297 were trained at Camp Pendleton before getting shipped off to war.

Kurtis said his father lied about his age to enlist in the U.S. Marine Corps and was actually 16 when he enlisted.

Etsicitty volunteered because he wanted to protect the Navajo Nation from foreign invasion and prevent them from “taking away Navajo heritage.”

Etsicitty talked to Kurtis about how he and the other

Code Talkers would crave mutton.

“My dad said somebody would run over the hill to a village and steal a sheep. They would bring it back and then butcher it. They even made a sweat lodge out there and had a sweat,” Kurtis said.

Etsicitty wa s a devout Catholic and often said the only reason why he was able to return home safely was because of prayer. His first night at Guadalcanal, Etsicitty heard a bomb whistling down to earth and believed it was coming for him.

In addition to his service as a Navajo Code Talker, Etsicitty was rodeo announcer for more than 50 years. His vision was always for the future of the Navajo people.

“He’d get all choked up when he saw kids playing basketball or rodeoing. He’d say, ‘This is what we fought for – liberty,’ ” Kurtis said.

An account has been setup for the family for funeral expenses under the name Kurtis Etsicitty at Wells Fargo Bank, reference account number 1044509014.

Begaye, Nez issue statement on Navajo fluency referendum Staff Report

W

INDOW ROCK, Ariz.—Now that the referendum on the Navajo fluency requirements for the presidency of the Navajo Nation has been settled, President Russell Begaye and Vice President Jonathan Nez said it is time to move forward and begin the healing process for the Navajo people.

“We appreciate the fact that the people were given the opportunity to vote, even though we were disappointed with the number of people that came out to vote,” P re sident Begaye Navajo Nation President Russell Begaye. said. “In the future, Photo Credit: Courtesy we recommend that referendums be voted on during the general election so we don’t spend more money than we need to.”

Vice President Nez said, “We believe that the Navajo COMMUNITY

people know the importance and the value of the Navajo language as the foundation of our Navajo Nation.”

The administration has said that as the Navajo Nation moves into the future, there is going to be more referendums put before the people to decide on critical issues like the language debate.

“Our stance was to encourage the people to participate in the voting process and we support the voice of the people,” Begaye said.

He said the language must be protected to ensure that it is spoken for centuries to come and that it doesn’t become extinct like it has among some tribes.

“As the Nation advances, now, more than ever, there will be a revitalization of the Navajo language in our schools, places of work, and most importantly, in our homes,” Nez said.

President Begaye and Vice President Nez thank the Navajo people for voting on this important referendum. The fact that both sides from the referendum recognize that the Navajo language is vital to our future is a victory for the Navajo people.

“We appreciate the vote that took place and we’re ready to move forward as a nation,” Begaye said.

“We need to work together, support each other and encourage one another because we are one people, one nation.”

Gallup Sun • Friday July 24, 2015

15

KendalBen Barbeque: a new approach to an old favorite Story and Photos

by Jeffrey Smith For the Sun

V

ILLAGE OF MILAN– From the first smile of KendalBen’s manager John, you become aware there is something positive and new about the dining experience available at KendalBen Barbeque in Milan.

KendalBen’s serves food such as a lightly smoked Bison Burger, which might be surprising to find in Albuquerque much less a village next to Grants with 4,000 inhabitants.

Kenda lBen’s is ow ned by Kendal Cash who also serves as one of two chefs. KendalBen is Cash’s nickname.

As you enter the restaurant you see an interesting mix of old and new. Traditional barbeque fans are greeted by a wall made partly of planks of weathered wood.

“The wood is from my great-grandfather’s barn in Monument, New Mexico,” Cash explains.

The wall of weathered wood is surrounded by solid designs made of hand prepared wood, metal and fabric art handcrafted by Cash at his father’s metal fabrication shop.

The attention to detail is

Chef Kendal Cash and his son standing in front of a sign he made.

also clear when you try the food: the large Bison Burger comes with a side of corn mixed with roasted chopped New Mexico chile. It has a full but fairly mild flavor. The bison is supplied by a Colorado company and is hormone and antibiotic free. Perhaps because it is grass fed it is also low in cholesterol and high in Omega 3 fatty acid which helps promote healthy hearts.

In addition, the most popular items are the pulled pork (smoked for 16 hours over oak wood) and the “Rowdy Chicken” a Kansas City-style hot breaded fillet. Racks and half-racks of ribs are available.

The restaurant serves ribeyes and briskets of either bison or beef. All of the meat entrees other than the rib-eye steaks and chicken is smoked.

The hand created metal art and blue lights supply a cool atmosphere somewhat unexpected for the standard barbeque restaurant.

“I wanted to get away from the traditional barbeque and create a five-star dining experience in my own style of what a barbeque restaurant should be,” Cash said.

After working as a carpenter in construction and working his way up to a superintendent job Cash decided to study

Culinary Arts. He entered the Art Institute in Draper, Utah and graduated in 2011 with a Bachelor’s degree. He has shared his knowledge and work ethic with a staff that provides old style good service, as I’ve found each time I’ve visited the restaurant.

For folks who are more traditional all the meats are available as tortilla wraps or in a deep fried chimichanga style.

KendalBen’s has an extra chef which makes possible a full dessert line made from scratch: Raspberry Chocolate Cheese Ca ke, Ger ma n Chocolate Cake, Peach Cobbler and Cookies with Ice Cream.

Cash purchased a food trailer and wood smoker oven in 2011 after graduating from college. After supplying food to the Fire and Ice Bike Rally

with information from Cash: “I have t ra i n i ng ma nua ls written for every position” he said.

The original restaurant trailer sported a new and rather colorful design at the recent Fire and Ice rally. The design includes a large KB logo which is also used in the restaurant’s wooden décor.

As the owner of a growing business Kendal tells his staff “If you want you can make a career out of this.”

Both the manager John and my latest server, Courtney, seem to take this opportunity seriously as they were both friendly and professional.

The word has spread about KendalBen’s and they have regular customers coming each month from Gallup and Albuquerque.

The restaurant from the outside view sports vintage wooden signs originally used during the mining boom at Latham’s western wear store in Grants.

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Friday July 24, 2015 • Gallup Sun

from 2011 through 2013, he opened his mobile restaurant with tables available under a canopy in Grants on Santa Fe Avenue from July through November 2013.

The winter weather sent him looking for a full-time restaurant location, which he found in Milan. KendalBen opened in its current location in April 2014 and now has 14 employees –10 of them full time. The building came with an existing laundry, which his wife Laura operates using her name: Laura’s Laundry.

KendalBen’s was the new business of the year in Grants/ Milan this past year. The restaurant also won an award as part of its catering business when they served 500 people at the annual Chamber of Commerce banquet.

The friendly yet professiona l st a f f i s suppor ted

“Even though it is a smaller restaurant we can give you a big town experience,” Cash said. His goal is “to convince them we’re offering them a dining experience as good as any big city.”

One modern trend you’ll notice in the restaurant is shown by the re-purposing of antique materials. Solid wood benches in the front of the restaurant, which are placed on a frame of hand done pipes, are made of wood which was originally used in his uncle’s adobe home in Cubero, NM. Each bench seems a symbol of the KendalBen approach: using quality, traditional ingredients in a new way.

The restaurant is located in East Milan at 314 W. Highway 66. It is open from 10:30am – 9 pm Mon - Thurs., and until 11 pm on Friday and Saturday.

Contact: (505) 287-5095.

COMMUNITY

PIXELS Features A Script With Too Many Design Flaws

By Glenn Kay For the Sun

RATING: «« OUT OF 4 STARS RUNNING TIME: 106 MIN.

T

r uthfully, the idea of characters from a rcade ga mes of the 80s waging war against the Earth is appealing. Pixels features a super concept, but something goes a little wonky in the execution.

While the movie should have given star Adam Sandler a chance at something different, the production doesn’t stray from the actor’s slapstick formula. Yes, it’s better than most of his recent output, but it’s still a disappointingly generic film that ultimately comes across a little uninspired.

Back in the 80s, a time capsule probe is sent into outer space. When an alien force receives it and interprets the contents as aggressive, they send warriors based on famous a rca de ga mes. P resident Cooper (Kevin James) calls upon his childhood friend/

Video game characters strike back at earth in “Pixels,” staring Kevin James and Adam Sandler.

Opens in theaters July 24. Photo Credit: Happy Madison Productions.

video game authority Brenner (Sandler) for advice. As extrater restr ia l attacks begin, Brenner recruits unstable childhood pal Ludlow (Josh Gad) and ex-con/arch gaming nemesis Eddie (Peter Dinklage) to help. This motley crew raises the eyebrows of Colonel Violet van Patten (Michelle Monaghan), but their archaic knowledge helps humanity fight back.

And that’s about all the character development viewers will get. They play games against the alien force and

begin to feel validated in their childhood pursuits, but that’s about as big of an arc as each actor is given. There’s not much of a plot either and the script does nothing to explain the motivations for the extraterrestrials (other than a brief comment from a character that their planet was once a happy place before they received Earth’s violent communications).

Admittedly, the exaggerated versions of the arcade games are wonderful to look at. It’s fun to see the enormous

digitized attackers chase the heroes and rampage through the real world. This includes an impressive Centipede and Pac-Man stand-offs through the streets of London and New York City. Yet, while there’s great potential in the sweet-looking arcade creations taking out people and buildings in a hilariously malevolent way, the movie shies away from depicting any significant chaos.

The supporting characters have a few funny moments.

Dinklage is amusing as the arrogant Eddie, who makes outrageous demands of the government before he agrees to help save the world. And it’s entertaining to see alien-dubbed clips from the 80s used to relay messages. It allows Earthlings worldwide to receive death threats from the likes of a New Wave-era Hall & Oats.

Still, it’s sad that for every amusing idea or comment, there are so many stale jokes and juvenile gags. Against all odds, the screenwriters even manage to inflict some pointless scatological humor upon the audience (it involves one of the arcade characters wetting itself ). Much of these

half-baked attempts at laughs are directly aimed at very young children. This is particularly strange, given that the subject matter’s primary appeal is to 40-somethings who remember playing these games. It’s difficult to imagine why one would cast so many talented performers and comics (including not only leads like Sandler, Dinklage, Gad and Monaghan, but also Jane Krakowski, Brian Cox and Sean Bean) and then give them little to do other than scream and fall over themselves.

Perhaps the producers were hedging their bets and trying to squeeze material in for every demographic, but the approach leaves Pixels in a comedy no man’s land. Most viewers will feel that they aren’t the target audience. And while the movie may contain a couple of fun scenes, the subject matter never quite gels with the obvious and occasionally infantile humor. It could have been a darkly funny apocalyptic comedy, but the version viewers will see contains too many design flaws.

For more reviews, check out: www.cinemastance.com

PETS OF THE WEEK SHELLIE 643) Shellie is a female tabby cat with interesting markings. She has been at the shelter since the beginning of June and really needs to find a home soon. She is friendly and loves attention.

Gallup McKinley Humane Society has a cat/kitten special of $25 until the end of the month!

I’ll Be Your Bestie!

EVA AND WALLY 7208 and 7209 - Eva and Wally are female Shepard mix puppies, about nine weeks old, and will be medium-sized adults.

There’s a great selection of adult dogs too that are waiting on their forever homes.

Aren’t We Cute?

Visit and adopt one of these deserving furry friends at Gallup-McKinley County Humane Society: 1315 Hamilton Rd #B, Gallup, NM. Information: (505) 863-2616.

COMMUNITY

Gallup Sun • Friday July 24, 2015

17

DVD/Blu-ray Roundup for July 21, 2015

By Glenn Kay For the Sun

E

very once in a while, you get a lean week.

This column would certainly qualify, with only a few highlights coming your way. Still, there are some eccentric efforts that may be worth a look. So if you can’t make it out to the movies this week, be sure to give one of these titles a try!

BIG NEW RELEASES!

Kung Fu Killer - 51 year old action hero Donnie Yen headlines this Hong Kong fight flick about a killer wiping out the best martial artists in the land.

It’s up to the lead’s convict/ kung fu master character to help the cops track down and stop the offender. While no one has called it a classic, reviews were pretty decent for this effort. Most described it as a fun flick with better than average performances. Of course, it’s also a great showcase for Yen’s still impressive abilities.

(including Killer Workout, Deadly Prey and Raw Justice).

These titles are noteworthy for their cheesy, over-the-top approach. Well, he’s made a brand new one. This time, it’s about a former Australian Intelligence agent who is brought out of retirement when her teenage daughter is kidnapped on a camping trip.

Leilani Sarelle plays the kickbutt heroine, with appearances by genre vets Eric Roberts, Mark Rolston and Vernon Wells. There are no reviews available, so interested parties will have to take a chance with this release.

Wild Horses - A Texas Ranger reopens a 15 year old missing persons case in this ranch-set mystery. As the case progresses, suspicion is placed on various members of the family of the disappeared. While it was directed by co-star Robert Duvall, critics didn’t end up giving this effort much praise in fact, notices were extremely poor. They called it melodramatic and filled with too many subplots, to the point where the movie ends up an incoherent mess. Now viewers can make up their own minds. It also features James Franco, Josh Harnett and Angie Cepeda.

as behind-the-scenes footage, a making-of documentary and publicity materials. Looks like a little title that might be worth catching up with.

Kino also has a few terror classics on the cards. Black Sabbath (1963) in an anthology flick starring Boris Karloff that tells three spooky tales from different periods in history. It’s a beautifully shot Italian effort directed by the famed Mario Bava, whose resume contains several cult classics. This disc presents the US cut of the film (the European version is also available through Kino’s site).

BLASTS FROM THE PAST!

Relentless Justice - B-movie fans may know the name David A. Prior - he’s responsible for directing several 80s and 90s low-budget action cult classics

18

Shout! Factor y have another cult item on the cards.

I, Madman (1989) is a horror flick from Tibor Takacs (The Gate) about a bookstore clerk (Jenny Wright) who finds the character from her favorite horror film leaping off of the pages. The quirky tone has helped it develop a following over the years. The impressive Blu-ray features include a director commentary as well

Friday July 24, 2015 • Gallup Sun

They’ve also got a couple of Vincent Price titles coming to Blu-ray. The Tangiers set House

of 1,000 Dolls (1967) involves a nightclub magician using his powers to kidnap women.

Madhouse (1974) features a horror movie actor recently relea sed from a n a sylu m who discovers that one of his famous onscreen characters has begun killing people in the real world.

Leomark Studios is presenting a DVD of Furious (1984). They’ve described it as an entertainingly bizarre item that has been heavily bootlegged at comic book conventions, and is now finally gaining an official release. It follows a group of martial arts heroes who must save the world by fighting invading aliens. Personally, I know nothing about it, but what I’ve read certainly raises my curiosity. Arrow also has the Spaghetti Western Cemetery Without Crosses (1969) aka The Rope and the Colt arriving as 2 disc special edition Blu-ray. And Cheezy Flicks are distributing a DVD of the Italian Star Wars knock-off, War of the Robots (1978).

Finally, Lions Gate have a few interesting titles being re-released to DVD, including the somber, well-regarded dramas The Crossing Guard (1995) and The Diving Bell and

the Butterfly (2007). The most interesting oddity is Runaway Daughters (1994). In the early 90s, there were a series of Showtime “Rebel Highway” TV movie remakes of classic 50s drive-in f licks, including Roadracers (1994) from Robert Rodriquez. Runaway Daughters was directed by Joe Dante (Gremlins) and the cast included Julie Bowen and AntMan’s Paul Rudd as a teenaged biker. Sounds like it might be a fun little B-movie to revisit.

YOU KNOW, FOR KIDS!

Criterion’s Blu-ray of the award-winning comedy/drama My Beautiful Laun drette (1985) is likely to impress.

Stephen Frears (Dangerous Liaisons, The Grifters, The Q u e e n, Phi l o m e n a) tel l s this story about a Pakistani man who attempts to open a Laundromat in London, only to come under assault by a group of racist thugs. Among the group is the lead’s former boyfriend, who joins him in his business endeavor. It features an early performance from Daniel Day Lewis as the street tough. The disc features a new transfer of the film and interviews with its participants.

Below are the highlights that might be of appeal to kids.

LEGO - Ninjago: Masters of Spinjitsu - Tournament of Elements: Season 4 L et’s L e ar n Kin dn e ss (Nickelodeon) Mia & Me: Friends to the Rescue

Scooby-Doo & Kiss: Rock & Roll Mystery COMMUNITY

Teens get a wellness conference of their own

By Dee Velasco Sun Correspondent

T

he Nav a jo Hea lt h Education Program, and co-sponsor Ma nuelito Chapter Hou se, w i l l present t he, 2015 TEEN Wellness conference, Tuesday, July 28, at the Manuelito Chapter House.

This is a FREE event for all area teens. The conference takes place from 9 am – 3:30 pm, with registration beginning at 8:30 am.

The wellness conferences’ presentations include: “ M e t h Aw a r e n e s s & Prevention”, “Negative Effects of Alcohol on the CNS(central nervous system),” “Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder,”and “Let’s make positive choices.”

Area organizations will also be on hand: MSPI(Meth Suicide Preventative Initiative), DWI Program and Juvenile Substance Abuse Crisis Center.

Senior Head Educator Frieda Naegle has been working on this year’s conference and hopes to

SLAUGHTER | FROM PAGE 14 “Spend My Life,” “Real Love” and “Days Gone By.” “We tear it up like …we still do it like high school kids, we love what we do, and we’re playing the hits … we’re playing the songs people know and love.

It’s a good time and the music we play represents a very good time in our lives. And for the kids that are just discovering it, they find it’s cool and it has a lot of heart in it.” Slaughter said.

When asked if they prepare differently for each show, Slaughter says: “It’s not a nervousness, I thinks it’s, we really wanna be the best that we can be, we really try, we strive for perfection, we’re entertainers.

The guy playing drums right now for us, Zoltan, is just an amazing drummer. And I invite anyone to look up on YouTube, Zoltan Chaney, and he’s a phenomenal show. And you know, Dana Strum, has been with me since the Vinnie Vincent Invasion, and he’s still with me. You know twentynine years later, it’s been one of those things that you have a band that’s a real band and COMMUNITY

educate area teens on the many problems that are facing them in today’s society.

“Our main goal is to target the teenagers on wellness, to reach out to them, help them focus on health, school, and, safety,” she said.

Throughout the day, teens will have the opportunity to visit booths that address the ongoing problems they face each day.

“The presenters target a certain age with a lot of prevention,” she said. “The use of methamphetamine has increased among our area young ones, fourteen to mid-school, and with proper presentation, they can learn about the deadly use of it and stay away from it. We will have the presenters speaking on these topics and hopefully steer the teen in the right direction.”

The conference is free and open to everyone, Naegle hopes to draw in parents as well to listen to the presentations.

“These young kids see their relatives out on the street and there are already young people living on the streets, she said. “We it’s not put on. People actually enjoy seeing each other when we play, so there’s a friendship there that’s not put on. We’re not all driving around in separate buses, and can’t don’t talk to each other, it’s a good thing.”

Slaughter recalled bands where tension is at a high.

“There’s some animosity, weird animosity with bands and everything else, and you know what I think it is, we actually enjoy each other’s company.

We’ve had a really good run, we’re very thankful to the fans for being there through the years. And I think they know that, and I think that’s one of the things that transcends all the way across.”

The band has performed and traveled throughout the United States and various countries.

“We love what we do, and certainly anyone who goes to the show will see that. We’ve done Sturgis, we’ve done all kinds of different ones, Daytona, and all that, not necessarily part of the bike community but I guess we are,” he jokes.

Slaughter definitely rocked and entertained the crowd. Even through a downpour, they sang with a passion and zeal that truly shows why they are still rocking.

have to somehow put a stop to it, do a turn around, maybe not a full100 percent, but to start breaking that cycle. We don’t want them to lose to drugs, alcohol, sexually transmitted diseases; HIV is on the rise again. We found that some are making their own drugs, not only do we want to help the teen but, the parent as well. Most of these teenagers come from a dysfunctional family, where one or both parents are using, unemployment, drop-outs, teen pregnancy also come into play. In most cases we find that both parents are not in the house and the grand parents are raising the kids.”

T h e T E E N We l l n e s s Conference is also set for July 29 at the Twin Lakes Chapter House.

“Hopefully we can reach out to five out of ten teenagers to get serious about life, if they can apply themselves they will be thankful,” Naegles said. “We have had success in the past and hopefully again this year we will, we just want to reach out and help.”

Naegle also works with the elderly through her program,

Manuelito Chapter House (505) 905-3073 Tuesday – July 28, 2015 Master of Ceremony: TBA

AGENDA 8:30am

Registration

Navajo Health Education Program Gallup Office-(505) 722-1741

9:00am

Welcome Address Invocation

Mr. Milton Davidson, Chapter President Volunteer

9:30am - 10:30am

“Methamphetamine Awareness & Prevention”

Wilfred Moses, Traditional Practitioner NTCCF/MSPI Project

10:30 - 12:00am

“Negative Effects of Alcohol Perrline Kelewood, DWI Prevention on the Brain, Organs, & the CNS” Specialist, McKinley County DWI Prevention

12:00 - 1:00pm

(Lunch will be provided - guess speaker Flora Benn, NNOBS)

1:00pm - 2:00pm

“Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder”

Veronica Garnenez, CPI, LSAA Navajo Department of Health/DBHS

2:00pm - 3:00pm

“Let’s Make Positive Choices”

Loren Anthony, Case Manager Juveniles Substance Abuse Crisis Center

3:00pm - 3:15pm

Closing Remark Benediction

Freida Naegle, SHE Volunteer

SAFE TRAVELS! This is a Drug & Alcohol Free Event. NHEP is not responsible for any injuries, lost or stolen items during the event.

Co-Sponsor Manuelito Chapter & NHEP

“We have an Elderly Fest, which we focus on elderly abuse, medical topics, accidents and falls, and even engage the elderly in physical activities. We go around to different chapters and educate the public.”

ADVERTISE

For more information contact Freida Naegle at the Gallup – Navajo Health Education Program, 516 E. Nizhoni Blvd.

GIMC #51 in Gallup or call (505) 722-1741.

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gallupsun@gmail.com | www.gallupsun.com Gallup Sun • Friday July 24, 2015

19

Junior Public Safety Academy July 20-24th Staff Report Photos by Tom Hartsock

S

ixty-nine youths between the ages of eight and 18 got to enjoy a week filled with activities that emergency responders go through when training as new recruits. This challenging and innovative learning environment inspires children to achieve academic and fitness excellence.

The Junior Public Safety Academy headed by UNMGallup is a joint venture with the City of Gallup, Gallup Police and Fire Departments, McKinley County Sheriff’s Of f ice, McK i n ley Cou nt y Emergency and Fire, New Mexico Motor Transportation

A group of JPSA cadets haul sandbags on top of a body board in a timed competition.

Cadets fill sandbags to ready for competition.

Depa r tment, New Mexico State Police, and Navajo Police Department.

UNM-G provided all the uniforms, their facilities, along with various other inventory

needed for the program.

McKinley County Board of Commissioners approved $7,000 in funds to go toward

this year’s academy. Photos on this page captured the academy in action at the Gallup’s south side Fire Department July 22.

A group of JPSA cadets do a team building exercise demonstrating the difficulty a Fire Brigade has transporting water.

Interim Cadet Major John Ryan Gutierrez leads his group, Charlie Company, at the south side Gallup Fire Department July 22.

Delta Company moves double time in order to get their last few sandbags across the finish line in a timed competition.

Delta Company practices lining up in height line.

20 Friday July 24, 2015 • Gallup Sun

COMMUNITY

SPORTS 360 A Return to Adult Softball Story and Photos

by Tom Hartsock Sun Correspondent

I

t’s been a while since I’ve visited the Spor ts Plex, and that was just a brief visit last year to watch Miyamura and Gallup H ig h ba seba l l ut i l i ze t he la rge f ield that fronts the entryway.

A personal invitation by Women’s League director Sheila Battles Silva was all the encouragement I needed to return. Back in the day – mostly before the Sports Plex had been built – the other softball fields around town had been my second home; Washington Park,

top six places in women’s fast pitch and one of those teams went through regional play with no losses.

Yes, those were the days, but they are not today. Now it’s all about slow pitch and even that game has changed a lot; one umpire per game instead of two, and the batters start with a 1-1 count to shave time off the game.

Yet it is still softball and the game is the game, with all the attendant smells of the concession stand, yells from the players as they encourage each other, and lots of appreciation for effort from the fans.

Progress may have taken away or changed some rules but it

Michelle Landavazo of the El Sombrero Diamonds releases a pitch The ball takes a big bounce on the hard turf in the Sports Plex last during women’s action at the Sports Plex last Monday night.

Monday, rolling to the fence before being snagged.

Indian Hills, Father Dunstan Park, and the softball field at Ford Canyon were the places where I spent most evenings or days of every week, from May through August.

In the first years, fast pitch was the only game, though I continued through the evolution of slow pitch and even started the initial co-ed league. Now it is all about slow pitch with just a hint of the fast pitch glory that used to prevail, even state-wide.

I remember one state tournament here in Gallup where the local teams locked up five of the SPORTS

cannot deny the basic aspects of the game itself.

Where once I knew everybody that stepped on the field, now I was almost a complete stranger. The players were friendly enough, considering their concentration was on the game, as it should be in any tournament.

A nd th is wa s the f ina l t ou r n a ment of t he reg u lar season for the women, brought to a more sudden close than planned earlier in the season. Blame motherhood for that, and the early

Jenni Wei of the Saanii Slammers rounds third and heads for home during Monday’s game.

star t of school. The men’s league does not worry about that as much.

There were some old friends at the complex, notably members of the Holtsoi and Barton families, who seem to always be at the park if a game is being played. I’m sure there were others at the lower fields where the men were playing, but the sun was going down quickly and forcing me and my camera to leave, so I had to make a promise to come back next week when the men go through their brackets.

Many thanks, Sheila, for inviting me and for assisting me in keeping all the names straight. Let’s do it again next year!

Another weekend coming up, and there is another youth tournament taking place in Ford Canyon. That’s where I will be, in the PeeWee Reese scorebooth, for the Willie Mays Regional World Series. Pool play was set for Thursday with a single elimination bracket to start on Friday and finishing on Saturday with the championship game.

Now you know where I will be, and though I can’t invite everyone to the scorebooth, I will have some time between games to visit with you in the bleachers, I hope. We’ll see you then!

The women players of the Sunshines seem to line up in a row, but that is merely the defensive positions of pitcher, second base person, and centerfielder.

Gallup Sun • Friday July 24, 2015

21

Navajo youth participate in bike ride to promote drug and suicide prevention Staff Report

W

I N D O W ROCK , A r i z.– Approximately 60 Navajo youth from Dilkon and nearby communities participated in a five-day bike ride, beginning at Twin Arrows Navajo Casino Resort and ending in the capital of the Navajo Nation to promote methamphetamine and suicide prevention among Navajo youth.

The bike riders concluded their nearly 200-mile long journey at the fairgrounds in Window Rock on Sunday, where they were greeted by members of the Navajo Nation Council and other groups who participated in the annual horse and bike ride event as part of the Summer Council Session.

“The bike ride keeps the minds of our youth strong and allows them to commit to a positive cause,” said Claudia Jackson, who organized the third annual bike ride, adding that there is a tremendous need for youth empowerment in Navajo communities due to the overwhelming rates of drug use and suicides among Navajo youth.

Jackson said that within the last six months, a total of four Navajo youth have committed suicide in and around the community of Dilkon. She also stated that Dilkon Youth Services has had to intervene in three cases in which youth exhibited suicidal tendencies.

O n Ju l y 19, Ja c k s o n along with Council Delegate Alton Joe Shepherd (Jeddito,

Claudia Jackson and Council Delegate Alton Joe Shepherd thank Navajo youth for participating in the bike ride at the Window Rock fairgrounds July 19. Photo Credit: Courtesy

Cornfields, Ganado, Kin Dah Lichíí, Steamboat) encouraged the youth to remain strongminded and to avoid substance abuse in order to build a stronger community and a prosperous future.

Jackson thanked Delegate Shepherd, who rode with the group, for supporting the group with food, lodging, and other resources along the way.

“We are very thankful to Delegate Shepherd and his chapters for assisting our group with food, showers, and shelter,” stated Jackson.

After the completion of the five-day bike ride, Jackson said the group is now looking to create a bike riding club for youth to participate in on the

weekends.

“I believe it will provide the kids with something to look forward to every weekend and help them to remain strong to overcome challenges they may face down the road,” added Jackson.

Jackson also expressed her appreciation to Council Delegate Amber Kanazbah Crot t y ( Beclabit o, Cove, Gadi’i’áhi/To’Koi, Red Valley, Tooh Haltsooi, Toadlena/Two Grey Hills, Tsé ałnáoz’t’I’í) for participating in the bike ride and for continuing to encou r a ge a nd empower Navajo youth to live a healthy and positive lifestyle.

The bike riders began their journey at Twin Arrows Navajo Casino Resort and continued

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through the communities of Leupp, Dilkon, Tsidi To ii, Tolani Lake, Indian Wells, White Cone, and Klagetoh before concluding the five-day ride in Window Rock.

T he g roup made t hei r way to the Council Chamber on Monday morning for the opening ceremony for the 2015 Summer Council Session,

where they were acknowledged and recognized as role models for all Navajo youth across the Navajo Nation.

She also thanked the Office of the Speaker, Navajo Nation Gaming Enterprise, Navajo County Sheriff’s Office, and the Navajo Nation Police for contributing to the bike ride as well.

PUBLIC NOTICE

McK I N L EY COU N T Y B OA R D OF C OU N T Y COMMISSIONERS desires to bring to your attention the PUBLIC NOTICE issued by the Cibola National Forest regarding Open House Public meetings to review and comment on draft desired conditions for the resources, goods, and services provided by the Cibola National Forest and National Grass Lands. This also includes the identifying and inventorying of remote areas in the Forest that may be potentially suitable for wilderness.

You can participate in any of the meetings throughout the Cibola National Forest.

For the Citizens of McKinley County, there will be a meeting on July 27, 2015 at the Gallup Community Services Center 410 Bataan Veterans Street, Gallup, NM from 6:00pm to 8:00pm; and on July 30, 2015 at Ramah High School 74 South Bloomfield Ave. Ramah, NM 6:00pm to 8:00pm; and in Grants, NM on August 3, 2015 at the Knights of Columbus Hall 1601 E. Roosevelt ave., at Sakelares blvd 6:00pm to 8:00pm.

The Forest Services has posted at its website http://www.fs.usda.gov/ detail/cibola/landmanagement/planning/?cid=FSBDEV3_065627 documents posters, and maps that will be presented during the Open House Meetings.

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COMMUNITY CALENDAR JULY 24 - 30, 2015 FRIDAY JULY 24 FREE COMPUTER CLASS The Octavia Fellin Public Library is offering free computer training at the Main Branch, 115 W. Hill. Class size is limited to 10 participants per session. Registration is required. To register, call (505) 863-1291 or email: libtrain@ gallumnm.gov or visit the front desk of the library. Today’s class: Intermediate Microsoft Excel 2010, 2 - 4 pm.

SATURDAY JULY 25 Summer Reading will have its end of Summer Reading Party.

Participants need to turn in their game boards by Thursday July 23 to receive an invitation to the big Superhero Bash. No game boards will be accepted after July 23. Prizes will be awarded for completing game boards. For more information, please call the Children’s Branch at (505) 726-6120 or email childlib@gallupnm.gov.

MONDAY JULY 27 FREE COMPUTER CLASS The Octavia Fellin Public Library is offering free computer training at the Main Branch, 115 W. Hill. Class size is limited to 10 participants per session. Registration is

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required. To register, call (505) 863-1291 or email: libtrain@ gallumnm.gov or visit the front desk of the library. Today’s class: Intermediate Microsoft PowerPoint 2010, 5:30 pm - 7:30 pm.

TUESDAY JULY 28 FREE COMPUTER CLASS The Octavia Fellin Public Library is offering free computer training at the Main Branch, 115 W. Hill. Class size is limited to 10 participants per session. Registration is required. To register, call (505) 863-1291 or email: libtrain@ gallumnm.gov or visit the front desk of the library. Today’s class: Basic Computer Skills, 11 am - 1 pm.

CITY COUNCIL Gallup City Council will meet a 6 pm in the City Council Chambers, 110 West Aztec Ave. Agendas will be available at least 72 hours prior to each meeting and can be picked up at the City Clerk’s office.

WEDNESDAY JULY 29 BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BUDGET MEETING The McKinley County Board of Commissioners will hold a special meeting for among

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YARD SALE 316 S. Valley View Rd. Saturday, July 25, starting 8 am.

For sale: Dryer, box springs and mattress, kids clothing and more!

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other issues to finalize the fiscal year 2016 budget and other year end reports. This County Commission Meeting will begin at 9 am on July 29.

This meeting will be held in the Commission Chambers, Third Floor of the McKinley County Courthouse, 207 West Hill, Gallup, New Mexico. A copy of the agenda will be available 72 hours prior to the meeting in the Manager’s Office and the County Clerk’s Office. Auxiliary aides for the disabled are available upon request; please contact Michelle Esquibel at (505) 722-3868 at least 48 hours in advance of the meeting to make any necessary arrangements.

MOVIE NIGHT The Octavia Fellin Public Library, 115 W. Hill, is showing movies for the month of July with a “fighting for freedom theme,” starting at 5:30 pm.

This week’s movie: “Bat*21.”

Popcorn provided.

MEETING WITH COUNCILOR LINDA GARCIA We invite you to meet with Councilor Linda Garcia at the Northside Neighborhood Association monthly meeting beginning at 6:30 pm at the Northside Senior Center.

Councilor Garcia will be there to listen to your concerns. It’s a great opportunity to share ideas and we welcome your compliments and complaints.

Please join us and feel free to bring a friend or two. If you have any questions, please call Linda at (505) 879-4176.

ONGOING LAND OF ENCHANTMENT OPERA The Land of Enchantment Opera performs every Monday through Saturday at 6:30 pm throughout the month of July.

The events are held at the Courthouse Square in Gallup, 207 W. Hill Ave. All performances are free to attend for the public, excluding other scheduled performances.

For more information, please contact Jason Winfield at (928) 853-2142.

GALLUP SOLAR MEETINGS Interested in learning more about solar energy? Come to a Gallup Solar meeting, held the first three Wednesdays of the month from 6-8 pm, East Logan Ave. Email: gallupsolar@gmail.com or call (505) 726-2497.

HABITAT FOR HUMANITY Habitat for Humanity Yard Sale fund raisers are open 9 am to noon every Saturday on Warehouse Lane off of Allison Road. If you have household items to donate or wish to volunteer, call Bill Bright at (505) 722-4226.

SUMMER NIGHTLY INDIAN DANCES Dances take place every night through Labor Day, from 7 pm to 8 pm, at the Courthouse Square, located on Aztec between 2nd and 3rd streets. Free admission. (505) 722-2228.

To post a non-profit or civic event in the calendar section, please email: gallupsunevents@gmail.com or fax: (505) 212-0391. Deadline: Monday 5 pm.

Gallup Sun • Friday July 24, 2015

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24 Friday July 24, 2015 • Gallup Sun

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