Gallup Sun • Friday January 1, 2015

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Friday January 1, 2016 • Gallup Sun

NEWS

NEWS Downtown revitalization plans draws speculation, few praises

By Tom Hartsock and Chrissy Largo Sun Correspondents

A

fter feedback from the Gallup community based off of a steering committee that met six times over a six month span, a Metropolitan Redevelopment Area plan, or MRA, is entering its final planning stages.

The MRA was designed to retain the historical aspects of the city and at the same time provide for new and improved projects within downtown Gallup.

The final plans for the MRA, and “Gallup’s Arts and Cultural District” is one step closer to fruition as it was approved by the City Council on Dec.15 with a vote of 5-0.

The span of the Metropolitan Redevelopment A rea does not stretch the entire length of Coal Av e n u e , o n l y f r o m Woodrow to Seventh Street.

However, the ultimate target within the bull’s eye is much smaller, from First to Fourth Street on Coal, though this mark is not isolated from the proximity of other businesses that inhabit the adjoining blocks.

Implementation of the top 27 projects, ranked by the community members at a November Open House meeting, were categorized by a timeline matrix that would give an idea as to when the projects would be completed such as short term (1-3 years), midterm (4-6 years) and long term (7-10 years).

For instance, at the top of the list of projects, a new state-of-art library is considered short term and therefore, completion could take up to one to three years and would merge the main branch with the Children’s Branch.

NEWS

Looking west from Second Street, between Coal Ave. and Historic Hwy 66. The current condition of alleyways were of concern to some tenants. Photo Credit: Tom Hartsock

NORTH SIDE OF STREET

More project s i nclude improvements to Coal Avenue and making it into an event street, pedestrian and signage improvements, and alleyway upgrades from First to Third Streets between Highway 66 and Aztec Avenue. An “event street” closes off the street to vehicles during special events.

With the thought in mind to cover this small area as a representation of the entire MRA, two Gallup Sun reporters covered opposite sides of Coal Ave. for the approximate two and a half block area on Dec. 28, asking questions about what the completion of these projects could mean for the businesses in this area.

Some of the businesses did not know a lot about the MRA, although it has been highlighted in the print media for several months. Other owners knew more than the average citizen, especially Louie Bonaguidi, who is the president of Business Improvement District, and owner of Electric City Shoe Shop and other downtown shops. He also re-introduced Main Street back to Gallup after an absence of several years.

“Working in this area, day after day, sometimes we can’t see the forest for the trees,” Bonaguidi said. “Change is good for some things, but not everything needs to be changed.

“This plan will allow the city more accessible fundi n g t h r ou g h C om mu n it y Development Block Grants,” he said.

He went on to discuss several individual projects:

thumbs totally up for a new library; cautious approval of redesigned alleyways; and a disagreement with walkways under the railroad tracks.

“They talked about making

this bicycle/pedestrian tunnel much longer than it needs to be, by several blocks. Don’t know what they plan on to keep water out of it when we get our heavy rains or big snows. Maybe the Corps of Engineers will come in and use the same pumps that didn’t work on Ninth and Maloney,” Bonaguidi laughed.

The Bonaguidi family has been in business downtown since 1924 and has a vast amount of experience with changes and the good or bad each carries with them.

But a negative remark or two aside, Bonaguidi did think that the sessions headed by Charlie Deans, created some good ideas.

Deans, a Land Planner from CommunityByDesign, who has over 25 years of experience in urban design, community planning and landscape analysis, said that he was hired by the City and based on the communities preferences, there was a total of 27 projects; however, it was narrowed down to six top projects that they would like to see the city implement.

“One of the steps in the

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Gallup Sun • Friday January 1, 2016

3

Police ID body found last week Man wrangles

By Babette Herrmann Sun Editor

P

ol ice h ave ident ified the man found dead behind the Pe p s i C o l a p l a n t on Gallup Christmas eve as

Richa rd Pete, 49, of Bread Springs.

Pete’s body was sent to the Of f ice of the Med ica l Exa m iner in A lbuquerque for toxicology testing a nd for an autopsy to determine his cause of death.

Investigators did not discover any signs of foul play at the scene, and if it’s exposure related, Gallup Police Department Capt. Rick White said this will mark the fifth death this year tied to frigid temperatures.

with police officers

By Babette Herrmann Sun Editor

K

yle Rodriguez wasn’t too happy when police officers approached him at the Hilton Garden Inn parking lot Dec. 19.

He claimed that he was checking on his car, but despite this excuse, Gallup Police Department Officer Angelo Cellicion said that he would be transferred to Gallup Detox Center.

“Kyle Rodriguez appeared to get angry and stood in a fighting stance,” according to Darius Johnson’s police report.

When both Johnson and

Cellicion tried to handcuff him, a scuffle ensued. Both officers were able to subdue Rodriguez, and he went to jail instead of detox. Rodriguez, 28, was booked for battery on a police officer.

THANK YOU ADVERTISERS Amazing Grace Insurance - 5 Bubany Insurance - 1 Investigators examine the scene of where Richard Pete of Bread Springs was found dead Dec. 24. Photo Credit: Tom Hartsock

Butler’s Office Equipment & Supply Co - 10 Cowtown Feed & Livestock - 3 El Morro Theatre - 9 Go Team Go - 16 McKinley County Fire/EMS - 5 Nugget Gallery - 11 Pinnacle Bank - 11 Richardson’s Trading - 11 Rio West Mall - 8 Rocket Cafe - 5 Sammy C’s - 14 Thunderbird Supply Co - 4 TravelCenters of America - 2 UPS Store - 6

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Friday January 1, 2016 • Gallup Sun

Gallup Sun Publishing, LLC Publisher/Editor Babette Herrmann Advertising Raenona Harvey Correspondents Tom Hartsock Chrissy Largo Photography Del Ray Shepherd Waldenberger Calendar Editor Lealia Nelson Design David Tsigelman On the Cover: Downtown alleyways that need revamped; a downtown gateway under construction; a new library; and economic resurgence – all a part of the MRA. Photos by Tom Hartsock 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. The Gallup Sun distributes newspapers in McKinley, Cibola and Apache counties.

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 Letter to the editor/guest column ACCEPTED BY EMAIL ONLY. State full name and city/town. No pen names. ID required. All submissions subjected to editor’s approval.

Guest columnists, email Sun for submission requirements.

NEWS

WEEKLY CRIME BLOTTER Staff Reports

WOMAN SHOT IN FOOT 12/28, GAMERCO McKinley County Sheriff’s Of f ice Deput y J.Bow ma n responded to a call at a local hospital where a woman had a gunshot wound to her foot.

According the the deputy’s report, the victim said that she was visiting a friend on Rosarita Street in Gamerco to pick up clothes and blankets.

As she was leaving, a white, older model vehicle parked behind her and a unknown man knocked on her window.

He was holding a gun. The victim put her vehicle in reverse and this is when the man shot at her, hitting her in the foot.

MALL BREAK-IN 12/27, GALLUP A Rio West Mall security guard called on police in response to a b r e a k- i n at one of the back mall offices.

Gallup Police Depar tment Off icer Nor ma n Bow ma n responded to the scene and found Jordan Canuto, 21, hiding behind a wall with his black hoodie covering his face. He tried to tell Bowman that an employee let him in, but the damage to the ceiling and witness testimony proved otherwise.

JUST PO’D 12/26, GAMERCO MCSO Deput y Jeff Ba r n hu r st encou ntered a biza r re scene when he r e s p o nd e d t o a c a l l i n Gamerco in reference to some

individuals duking it out. When he arrived, he saw that Sheldon Brown was holding something against his bloody hairline.

According the Barnhurst’s report, Brown said “his friend was crazy and hit him.”

Next, Barnhurst went to a nearby apartment where he noticed a lot of blood and encountered Bryan Sam, who said that his brother Devin Sam “got pissed off” and started hitting his friend. When Bryan confronted his brother, Devin bit into his index finger, breaking open the skin. Devin fled the scene, and according to the report, “it’s still unknown why Devin was pissed off.”

HOME BREAK-IN THWARTED 12/23, GALLUP A watchf u l neig hbor helped police t o n a b Pau l Chavez, who had broken into a residence on Red Rock Drive.

The neighbor was even helpful to the alleged thief, allowing him to use his phone. Then the neighbor asked who was planning to visit, and Chavez, 23, rambled off a name before he left down the street. The helpful neighbor walked across the street and noticed a black duffle bag that contained a purse, black body amour vest and tool bag. The neighbor noticed that his neighbor’s window was opened and police were able to arrest Chavez a short time later.

from the Shalimar Lounge had his black Ford truck stolen by her, reportedly. MCSO Deputy Jasmine Jaramillo took the report and noted that the man changed his story and told the deputy that he picked the woman up on the way home.

When he got out of the truck to use the restroom, she made her move, and drove away with the truck.

MAN USES CAR AS WEAPON 12/15, GALLUP A man trying to help protect a woman from getting hit by her boyfriend ended up getting hit himself – by a car. Witnesses say Jeremy Mitchell was driving erratically and in circles near the Teriyaki House on south Second Street.

When the victim heard the woman screaming, he came to her aid and that’s when Mitchell stepped on the gas.

According to the report, the impact caused the victim to “flip over twice” and fly about five feet. The victim was taken to a local hospital and had visible scrapes and said that he felt pain in his left leg and elbow.

GPD Capt. Rick White said that a warrant was issued for Mitchell and he was arrested on Dec. 18. He’s being charged with aggravated battery and assault.

WARRANT ARRESTS New! The following individuals were arrested for outstanding warrants. Dates are approximate.

12/28 Lisa A. Nelson Rober I. Gashytewa Jr. Jay D. Joe 12/27 Hubert McCray 12/23 Dominic Garcia Billie C. Stewart 12/22 Dickie Billy Raymond Becenti Joe Daggett Darnell Bennett 12/21 Kyle Begay Colburn Bennette Alexander I. Tsosie 12/19 Steve Lopez Alex Nez

Tichina Bahe 12/18 Sandra A. Manning Jeremy S. Mitchell 12/17 James Tushawa Myron Wilson Sheldon L. Johns 12/16 Andrew Hale Kimberly Willie Arthur Manuelito Francisco Holbert 12/14 Maynard Miller James Castillo Murphey Tullie Elija Yazzie Ricky Miller Sonia Toney 12/12 Richard Leon Leuppe 12/11 Kyle Tim Smith Curtis Skeet Cordarrell F. Shay

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NEWS

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102 E. Aztec Gallup Gallup Sun • Friday January 1, 2016

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DOWNTOWN | FROM PAGE 3 process was really looking at opportunity sites,” Deans said.

“We look at public ownership because those are usually the assets that are easiest to develop and revitalize whether it is a partnership, whether the city does it as public facilities, or whether it is a partnership with private developers.”

T here sa Gu i l len, w it h her husba nd Jer r y, operates Maria’s Restaurant and has been there since 1982.

Although neither knew a lot about the plans, Guillen was excited that the city might clean up the alleyway behind the small building.

John Matajcich of Gallup Service Mart, was less positive about this plan except for one minor problem he has experienced. Seems the city workers used dirt in the current alley and it has built up in certain areas, causing any excess water to run into his basement.

“It’s the transients and the visitors that cause the most problems,” said Matajcich, whose store is the headquarters for a number of local ladies that spend their free time ripping, stitching, and stripping as they create beautiful quilts.

“They dump their trash in the dumpsters and it is a total mess every Monday morning,” Matajcich said. “The city needs to have workers keeping it clean, just like they do the sidewalks around City Hall.”

SOUTH SIDE OF THE STREET Owner of Coal Street Pub, Ramon Chavez, has owned and operated his business for 10 years, and he is in support of the new MRA plan because he says any thing that can beautif y a nd make dow ntown Gallup better, should be done.

“If you could pull people off the interstate because out of all the thousands of people that passes by, to most of them, we are just a blink of an eye,” he said. “If we can say we have a downtown development or arts and cultural district and pull people off the interstate that would benefit everybody.”

He says signs should be put up on the interstate that advertise the new Gallup Arts and Cultural District once it

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is built so that people passing through can see what Gallup is all about.

“We have the best art and the most diversified art, for the last 100 years,” he said.

“Sand paintings, jewelry, rugs, I mean everything. Everybody k now s a bout t he I nd i a n Market in Santa Fe, where do you think they come from?

Right here. Eighty percent of Santa Fe’s Indian Market comes from right here. Nobody knows about Gallup. Advertise us!”

Others were not so optimistic, such as business owner Bill Keeler of Gallup Jewelry and Pawn. Thirty years ago he opened up his business during the time that 75 percent of downtown Gallup was boarded up. He admits that there have been some vast improvements, like the bus station.

“I see things happening and not happening,” he said. “They (the city and civic groups like B.I.D., Main Street, and Chamber of Commerce) start but they do not finish. Another group of elected officials come in and they have new people come in, they don’t even own property downtown.”

What about parking issues that could arise from the anticipated influx of tourists that come strolling through Gallup once the MRA is complete?

Tiffany and Justin Benson, owners of the Gallup Coffee Company, have been open for seven months now, and both said they do not see parking as an issue.

“What I think would be a great idea, would be to put in angled parking,” Tiffany said.

“It would alleviate the parallel parking issues, especially in a community that has big trucks. It is hard to fit in your standard parallel spot.”

The couple came out to visit Tiffany’s grandmother one year and they decided that they liked the area and wanted to open up a coffee shop.

W hen a sked about the upcoming MRA plan being implemented, Justin replied that cleaning up Gallup and making it visually appealing would be a good place to start.

“I think the people themselves have to want to change things to change,” he said. “But I think that it is a useful tool and I think it is a good thing.

But, I wouldn’t just count on people just sitting in city positions to change all of Gallup.

I think that people need to change Gallup.”

Friday January 1, 2016 • Gallup Sun

WEEKLY DWI REPORT Staff Reports Willie Keeto, Jr. Dec. 12, 2:48 am 2nd DWI, aggravated K e e t o , 62, told Ga l lup Pol ice Department Officer Charles Steele that he didn’t notice that the officer was trying to pull him over near the start of Munoz overpass all the way to the north side KFC. He was swerving in and out of lanes, nearly losing control by Denny’s restaurant.

He did admit to Steele that he had consumed two pitchers of beer. He blew a .19 and .18 during the breath test.

Everett Tom Dec. 10, 4:05 pm Aggravated DWI McKinley County Sheriff’s Office Deputy L o r e n z o G u e r r e r o responded to a wreck near the El Rancho Hotel area. When he approached Tom he noticed the smell of liquor coming from his breath. Tom, 32, failed the field sobriety tests and was booked for an aggravated DWI for refusing to take the breath test.

Alexander R. Pinto Dec. 9, 10 am Aggravated DWI P i n t o refused to take the breath test, earning him an aggravated DWI. Witnesses not i f ie d d i s patch about an erratic driver traveling on south Second Street that nearly collided with some vehicles. As GPD Officer

M a t t h e w G r a h a m headed to the scene, he noticed t he green Chev y matching the description of the suspect vehicle heading westbound on Hwy 564 at a high rate of speed.

He tur ned a round a nd pulled Pinto over. From there, things got repetitive. Pinto, 24, proceeded to ask the officer for his name, repeatedly. He also refused to take the breath test.

Craig Elton Anthony Dec. 8, 12:30 pm Aggravated DWI Tis the season for aggravated DWIs. Anthony was smashed when MCSO Deputy Merlin Benally pulled him over on U.S. Route 491, after he received a tip that a liquor establishment refused to sell him booze.

A nthony, 39, had denied being at the bar when a sked, but then agreed to take the field sobriety tests.

He didn’t fare too well.

Benally would find a 7.5 ounce, partially consumed can of Smirnoff black beer (watermelon flavor) in Anthony’s car.

When Benally gave him the breath test, he blew a .30 and .32. The legal limit is .08.

Christopher K. Evans Dec. 3, 9:20 pm 6th DWI, Aggravated Evans was pulled over by GPD Officer Chavo Chischilly after running over a curb while making a turn. Chischilly, 31, pulled into the Safeway parking lot where Officer Darius Johnson stepped in and immediately noticed the “smell of intoxicating liquor” coming from the vehicle,

according to his report. He had bloodshot eyes and was driving on a suspended/revoked license.

From there, t h i ng s went down hill.

He refused the breath tests, repor te d l y s ay i n g , “I understand and I don’t give a f-ck, I don’t care just take me to jail.” As Johnson was attempting to get a warrant for a blood draw, Evans became “disorderly and combative,” the report states.

For safety reasons, he withdrew the request.

Russell Francis Nov. 30, 9 pm 2nd DWI, Aggravated Francis’ less than stellar driving moves was attracting some attention from area businesses, prompting more than one caller to phone in his erratic driving. GPD Officer Luke Martin noticed Francis’ bla ck Toyot a H ig h la nder switch lanes without using a signal. The vehicle was a match from a complaint taken earlier from Blake’s Lotaburger.

A f t e r Martin pulled Francis over, Francis proceeded to tell the officer that he was having a“craving,” prompting him to stop at Blake’s for some grub.

He slurred his words as well and fumbled his way through the field sobriety tests. He refused to take the breath test.

Alfrain Cross Nov. 28, 8 am 4th DWI, Aggravated Cross should not have been driving on his suspended / revoked license when he got pulled over by GPD Officer Carmelita James. According to James’ report, Cross, 31, hit a vehicle near 702 N. McKinley Dr. and left the scene. He stated that he was nervous as the reason for fleeing the scene, but also admitted to drinking a four-pack of Budweiser.

He str uggled to get through field sobriety tests and failed, earning a fourth DWI. He blew a .25 and .23 during the breath tests. The legal limit is .08.

NEWS

OPINIONS

By Joe Schaller Continued from last week CH A PTER T W ELV E: I D ON ’ T CATCH T H E S U STA I N A B I L I T Y O F YOUR DRIFT PARDNER – Part Three, You Can Position Those Solar Mandates Where the Sun Don’t Shine FRACKING: Hydraulic fracturing, a drilling technique for natural gas used since the 1940s. Modern technology allows the prospect of US energy independence with low oil and gas prices. Fracking is the trigger for our reduced CO2 emissions. Lack of it is responsible for renewable Europe’s

increase in emissions.

S O L A R A N D FRACKING WATER USAGE PERSPECTIVE: You may have heard of California’s annual 70 million gallons water usage for fracking however you likely haven’t heard of the typical annual water usage of just one solar farm, 500 to 700 million gallons.

FRACKING SAFETY: After extensive studies the highly politicized EPA was forced to admit there was no evidence of fracking impacting drinking water. Minor and rare earthquake activity is only associated with wastewater disposal.

ALARMIST: Someone who is considered to be exaggerating a danger or prophesying calamities, often with a profit motive, and so causing needless worry or panic. Alarmism

is the mechanism of survival for the climate crisis industry, EPA bureaucracy and ‘big green’ activism.

THE 97% CONSENSUS MYTH: A bogus study by green alarmists supported by yellow journalists and democrats which claims overwhelming support by scientists of global warming theory.

T H E ON E OR T WO PERCENT CONSENSUS: An analysis by Friends of Science of the four main studies to document alleged warming consensus revealed only 1.2% or 13 scientists out of 1,117 agreed with the IPCC view that human activity is the primary cause of global warming since 1950.

IPCC: Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, a ‘scientific’ body under the auspices of the United Nations

MADAME G

established in 1988 to promote the theory of man-made global warming by way of $billions of bureaucratic funding, enabling big government statists to expand power and control over mankind.

MODERN RECYCLING: An invention of big industry without any prodding from the government. On the other hand, government imposed recycling has proven to waste resources, use more energy, do more environmental harm than good and be very costly.

Yet, how can it be wrong, when it feels so right?

O R G A N I C FOOTPRINT: Numerous studies prove no consistent differences in nutritional content between organic and conventionally grown crops. Organic fa r m i ng methods requ i re

considerably more land though, and that makes its environmental footprint considerably larger. Organic foods offer an effective placebo to some.

T R AGE DY OF T H E COMMONS: Public lands and waters are overgrazed and overfished. The simple timetested solution is to convert the public resource into private property. Overgrazing on the public owned Navajo Nation is a prime example.

OV ERGR A ZING SNU B: For decades desertification f rom overg ra zi ng on t he Navajo Nation was considered America’s worst environmental disaster yet green activists turned a blind eye in the name of political correctness.

LEXICON | SEE PAGE 8

GUIDE TO THE STARS WEEK OF JAN. 1 – JAN. 7

The New Year rushes in with a bang. You’re excited because 2015 was so last year, and you couldn’t be more grateful. Madame G suggests making practical New Year’s resolutions. Such as, clean the dishes after every meal or drink hot chocolate everyday. Resolutions are about fresh beginnings. Set goals that you can really appreciate.

ARIES (March 21-April 19)

CANCER (June 21-July 22)

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct.22)

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19)

Are you on furlough? Perhaps not, but you may feel as if you’re in limbo.

You’re lost between the present and future. It doesn’t suit the ram to sit still, but you must or all your well-laid plans will fall. Madame G suggests using this time for deep self-reflection. You might just learn something. If all else fails, walk the dog. Exercise is good for the heart.

Hiding in your house under the covers is not a healthy hobby. Frankly, chasing after the dog when the mail person comes is not a form of exercise either. Start the year right and make a commitment to yourself.

Get moving!

Pungent smells and dry skin are among your pet peeves. Everyone seems to stink right now. And it’s not always body odor. Some people just let you down. They create havoc and chaos all around them like Pigpen from Peanuts. Why you fall for those types, you’ll never know. It’s a tragedy and mystery. Isn’t love wonderful?

Enjoy the New Year!

TAURUS (April 20-May 20)

Your ego loves company and that requires more than just an audience.

You need to feel accomplished each and everyday. It keeps your energy high and your spirits up, way up.

This energizes the room and tortures your enemies. Just kidding, you mock them with success. They’re more like jealous admirers anyway. Happy New Year!

Your sign is prone to over anxiety and fear. This contributes to depression and anger. Work colleagues may not have your stamina, determination, and drive. They may even fail to act if they see problems popping up because they feel unequipped to handle it. Do your best, but at the end of the day remember this Polish proverb: “Not my circus, not my not my monkeys.”

New Years threw you over a mountain. Did you dancing on any tables? Did you start up any fights? It’s best to hang your head and pretend to forget. Modern technology torments humanity with instantaneous proof of misdeeds.

Grin and bear it, the world loves to watch you fail. Remember the dog and cat will always love you. Plus, hair dye is cheap.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20) Your circle of friends may be growing and you know just how to cover it.

Parties, parties, parties! It’s been the perfect time of year for it too.

But, you’re running out of gas. This is a sign that you should focus on more practical endeavors. You’re networking has paid off though, and it may well shine light on your next career move. Se la vie!

NEWS

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22)

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) Your perfection and discipline are renowned. Even your cat learned to use a proper toilet. He also walks on a lead, drives the car, and attends parties. But, not everyone appreciates your furry little friend, not that you care. You’re a trendsetter not a follower, mainly because you couldn’t be bothered to follow. Madame G salutes your brilliance Virgo.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21) Mighty Scorpio, is the red tape forcing you down like a glacier to the Titanic? Then remember the words of the quintessential crusty bureaucrat, Ron Swanson: “I wish that she would ask for permission so that I could say no. I like saying no. It lowers their enthusiasm.” In other words, sometimes it’s better to ask for forgiveness than to ask for permission. Vive le Revolucion!

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21) You have a dark side and like Luke you must choose: Good or Evil. You may not believe in the concepts, but that doesn’t mean you can stand around doing nothing. You must participate in life or wake up to discover that it’s drifted away. If you watch someone abusing an animal, child, or fellow human being take action. You don’t want to be guilty by association. Carpe diem!

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18) Your house was full of guests and movement. Now it’s dull and free of extraneous persons. You couldn’t be happier. The best part of the holidays is that they’re over. You may not always be an introvert, but playing an extrovert in life is hard. Enjoy the time to yourself. Read something by the philosopher Plato. If that’s too light try Neil Gaiman’s American Gods. It might just hit the spot.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20) It’s the beginning of the New Year.

Make a resolution you can keep.

Commit to recycle five soda or beer cans a week. Take the dog for a fiveminute walk. By low-balling your estimate, you might just trick yourself into actually completing the task. The added benefit is that you’ll stay out longer than you planned. Good luck!

Gallup Sun • Friday January 1, 2016

7

Getting the numbers right: Thousands of New Mexican veterans wait for treatment of PTSD

By Carolie Watkins Guest Columnist

H

aving a little disagreement with Regional Office Congressional Liaison about demographic number of Veterans in our State. Being told my statistics are in accurate or hypothetical but now the 2015 numbers

LEXICON | FROM PAGE 7 L A ND STEWA RDSH IP: Natural cycles of wildfires are one thing however mismanagement of federally owned forests and rangelands has created environmental devastation and economic hardships. Property rights make the environment an asset rather than a liability by giving owners an incentive for stewardship.

FREE MARKET ENVIRONMENTALISM: An approach to env ironmenta l problems focusing on

are out and varies a little from 2014 but that is because we lost several in 2014 and I know we lost more in 2015.

We st i l l h ave 172 ,595 Veterans in our state and 106,485 are 65 or older. 2014 showed only 77,000 so census numbers must not have counted all those on the reservation.

Another state site says we

have 171,528 so we have about a thousand difference but the point is we have 106,485 Veterans age 65 or older. Of that number we have 56,900 Vietnam Vets, World War II 5,300, and Korea 18,500 totaling 80,700. so about 26,000 over 65 were peacetime Veterans. Many if these 56,900 Vietnam Veterans are still fighting for disability

improving environmental quality using property rights and markets. In practice, capitalist economies have enjoyed steady improvement in environmental quality, while totalitarian governments have been the worst desecrators of the planet.

DOOMSDAY PREDICTIONS: Media, academic, political, bureaucratic, corporate and evangelical activist prophets rake in $billions frightening the gullible with contemporary Chicken Little fables of ozone depletion, acid rain, radiation hazards and the grandest whopper of all, global warming - or

cooling - or climate change- or chaos - whatever.

AL GORE 2016 DOOMSDAY PREDICTION: In 2006 “Ten years to save the planet from a scorching”. World CO2 emissions have not decreased and that means we will all be toast in 2016. Mankind will cease to exist. “The science is settled, the debate is over.” Kiss your butt goodbye…… Until then, Merry Christmas, Happy New Year’s Day and bundle up, the climate is cold out there. **You can have all 13 chapters of the Lexicon in a booklet for $2.00 at the UPS store, 2418 E HWY 66**

connected with Agent Orange exposure.

Agent Orange is a presumptive condition and extended presumption of service connection for nine infectious diseases associated with Gulf War service, including malaria, West Nile virus, and non-typhoid salmonella.

• In July 2010, the VA published a historic change to its rules, streamlining the process and paperwork needed by combat veterans, regardless of the war they served in, to pursue

a claim for disability pay for post-traumatic stress disorder.

Daily I am told by Vietnam Veterans the feel VA is procrastinating on their claims waiting on them to die so they do not have to pay anything because disability is only for the Veteran.

I have been asked to stop telling them that when the truth is they tell me and I have no good answer to dispute their claim.

I am working with (10) that

VETERANS | SEE PAGE 9

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Friday January 1, 2016 • Gallup Sun

OPINIONS

COMMUNITY

Local teen pens first novel

By Tom Hartsock Sun Correspondent

M

ichael Ma rquez, 17, will graduate in May 2016 from M iya mu r a H ig h School. The oldest son of Joseph and Emily, Marquez spent his freshman year at Gallup Catholic before they closed the high school. “ M r s . ( R ut h) R ob er t s started me on writing,” he said.

“At first it was a way to earn extra credit and then I found that I liked it and just wanted to write, a lot.”

For his sophomore year, Marquez went to Miyamura and met another English teacher who also encouraged his writing, Mr. (Timothy) Johnson.

“Sometimes I would turn in as many as 20 pages to him,” Marquez said.

Johnson never complained and even once told Emily that he saved Marquez’ work to read last, because it was so good and entertaining.

The grandma in this story is Josephine Jaramillo, who showed her love for her two grandsons (Matthew, 13, is the younger brother) in many ways, not least of all by putting both of them in her will as joint recipients of her family home and the rental house behind it.

Michael Marquez. Photo Credit: Tom Hartsock

They were the only two grandchildren that Jaramillo had in her lifetime. It’s often said that a grandma’s love has no boundaries and that would certainly seem to be true in this case.

Ja r a m i l lo e ncou r a ge d

Marquez in his writing, gently, by telling him, “Do it if you want to.”

It took Marquez two years to complete his thoughts and his book, titled “The Power of Alsban,” published by Amazon.

About 10 chapters into the book, his computer died and caused some delay as the story was put back together. Marquez describes it as a present day adventure story, though the storyline might not bear that out to some readers. You just need to trust the author.

F ive m a i n ch a r a c t er s inhabit these pages. They all wake up on another planet and want to return to earth, but find that there are tasks they must complete before they can do so.

T he 17-yea r- old leader has white hair and is named Oliver Jackson. The cute, longhaired blond girl next to him is 16-year-old Heather, who is knowledgeable about guns.

Not your normal guns though; these burn or freeze instead of just puncture and destroy.

The other three characters are perhaps even stranger: a chupacabra named Kaku, a strong and silent type; an alien (unrevealed homeland) named Key; and a cat, named Kitten Cane who walks on its rear legs and speaks English.

Other people, gangs, are also looking for the staffs, or tasks to complete, and are violent in opposition to the five main characters. To learn more, log on to Amazon.com: michael j marquez paperback and ask to purchase the book

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VETERANS | FROM PAGE 8 fall in either Agent Orange medical conditions of PTSD. I have (2) Korean Veterans with PTSD and hearing loss and they are still fighting for their deserved disability.

We also have 50,500 Gulf War/Iraq/Afghanistan Veterans in New Mexico and am working with (15) with PTSD, and presumptive conditions that continue to be denied by our A lbuquerque Regional VA Office. These Veterans struggle as severe or more severe than older Veterans because they still have children to provide for and cannot keep a job.

Being told things are always getting better, but not in New COMMUNITY

for $9.99. And be prepared for the coming sequel, which Marquez has promised to start right after the Christmas holidays are over, His parents are very proud of him. But they expressed that pride at the interview by being thankful for the teachers that helped him overcome his shy, quiet, and reserved nature.

His mother, Emily, also told the story of Marquez bringing the first copy of his book to the room where his grandma lay dying. He wanted her to see it, even if she couldn’t read it. So, he laid it on the bedside table for her to look at.

Jaramillo died on Dec. 11 at the age of 77, just days after Marquez had received his copy of the book. Truly, his effort became a book for grandma, who will surely live on in his heart.

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JANUARY 1-7 Saturday-Thursday Mexico, Marriages failing, relationships ending and inability to keep a job because of the PTSD. This is a repeat of the Vietnam Veteran Story.

Veterans from all wars have attended inpatient treatment for PTSD and a year or more later still waiting for claim to

be approved. Others attending this program from other states have been approved within 90 days.

We need all these Veterans and the public to start demanding from our Senators and Congressmen to take care of New Mexico Veterans.

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JANUARY 3rd Sunday 2pm Gallup Sun • Friday January 1, 2016

9

Fort Defiance Chapter awaits LGA certification for upcoming year

By Chrissy Largo Gallup Sun Correspondent

W

ith a current population of over 6,000 community members and a status of approximately 3,000 registered voters, the Fort Defiance Chapter officials and community members will have a reason to celebrate as they look forward to obtaining their Local Governance Act certification on Jan.15.

The certification celebration will take place at the Fort Defiance Chapter House at 10 am along with the Resources and Development Committee’s regularly scheduled meeting, pending approval of legislation that will call for certification of the chapter.

“We couldn’t have done this without the community and we couldn’t have come this far without opening our doors to the community and saying, ‘come in’” Chapter Coordinator Tony K. Watchman said. “We should have done this a long time ago.

But, you know that is not going to dampen our outlook on certification.”

Fort Defiance Chapter will be among the 43 chapters that have achieved LGA certification. It has been something that they have

The United States, Navajo Nation, and Arizona flag move wildly above the Fort Defiance Chapter.

Photo Credit: Chrissy Largo

been waiting for since the days of Albert Hale’s administration in 1987, and when Title 26 was enacted.

“The chapter has a lot to look forward to,” he said. “What we as chapter officials and staff have realized and determined, from probably way before our time, is Fort Defiance has a lot of potential. It has a lot of room to grow in various areas, not in the Navajo Nation government but also economically. The possibilities are endless.”

Watchman says the biggest hurdle was getting the Five Management System in order,

and the process it took in standardizing the FMS manual. He learned that just handling the budget, sticking to their policies and making sure that all their documentation was in place, was the best way to go.

The five management system, which included the “accounting, procurement, filing, personnel and property” aspect was implemented by the LGA, set in place by the Navajo Nation Council in 1988. This initially allowed the evaluation and measurement of the effectiveness of Chapter operations.

“I think our community has

grown with the chapter up to this point and they realized that they have to be self-sufficient,” he said. “And not look at the chapter and say, ‘well, the chapter will provide.’ The chapter will not be able to provide 100 percent.”

Other chapter officials such as Chapter Secretary Brenda Wauneka can honestly say that certification did not come easy.

About three years ago, when a whole new administration came into office at the chapter, she says that it has always been one of their main goals to work towards certification.

“It took a lot of work, effort, and reconciling,” she said.

“Especially going back to the budget, due to mismanagement and misuse of chapter funds from the previous administration.”

Chapter Vice President, Lorraine Nelson agreed and she feels that community members have changed because they were used to handouts because the previous administrations did not follow policies.

“But I think they are figuring out that we mean business and we are going to follow policies, like we are supposed to, so there is no question to who we help,” she said. “I think a lot of people consider that when they come in

and start demanding, there’s a set of policies. That is what we have to go by.”

Once the chapter is certified, the chapter officials agree that their goal is to develop Fort Defiance by looking into the possibility of opening a restaurant and hotel right across from the Fort Defiance Hospital. They discussed the option of building a three-story office complex and putting in solar street lights that are self-sufficient.

Zondra Bitsuie, who has been the chapter president since 2012, says that they are looking forward to deciding as a community in how they want their government formed and how they are entitled to the sales tax within the Fort Defiance Chapter boundaries.

“We can use that money towa rds for more projects instead of looking towards government for funding and start really modeling on how we want to run our government,” she said.

She continues by stating that it is really important that the people look at who they vote in to continue to follow policies and procedures. She adds that part of her platform was achieving certification, accountability, and transparency.

“I’d like to acknowledge the staff and officials for working together because I think working together as a team was really important in moving forward with this administration and getting the chapter certified,” she said. “They really worked hard.”

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Friday January 1, 2016 • Gallup Sun

COMMUNITY

Thoreau Chapter distributes toys to local youth

Get vaccinated against the flu

Staff Report

T

HOREAU – On Christmas day, Council Delegate Edmund Ya z z ie (Churchrock, Iyanbito, Mariano Lake, Pinedale, Smith Lake, Thoreau) who represents several of the local communities, and Thoreau Chapter officials distributed toys to over 100 local youth on Christmas Day. According to chapter president Lester Emerson, the Navajo Nation Office of Youth Development in Crownpoint and the Thoreau Chapter contributed the toys for the first annual toy distribution.

Delegate Yazzie has previously noted that there has been a rise in the number of suicides among youth in the local area in recent months and that the toy distribution is one way of bringing positivity to the youth and communities.

“I thank the Thoreau Chapter officials for organizing the toy give-away,” Yazzie said. “I think it truly lifted the spirits of our youth on this special day.”

Emerson said the community of Thoreau is also working toward

JOHN DOWLING

Staff Report

Council Delegate Edmund Yazzie, Thoreau Chapter officials, and local youth during the toy giveaway held at the Thoreau Chapter House on Dec. 25. Photo Credit: Courtesy

other initiatives that would benefit the youth such as developing a wellness center and basketball courts.

“We want to keep our youth occupied by providing them positive opportunities to engage with one another and their communities,” Yazzie said.

Emerson explained that the initiative began when a nine-year old community member came before the chapter members recently during a planning meeting and recommended the toy give-away to provide something positive for needy

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children during the holidays.

“From that point on, we began seeking donations and we are thankful to the Office of Youth Development’s Crownpoint office for their contributions,” Emerson said.

Yazzie, Emerson, and other chapter officials volunteered over two hours to distribute the toys at the chapter house last Friday.

Chapter officials and Yazzie said they hope to continue the event on an annual basis and hope to have more donations from various sources in the coming years.

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GREAT YEAR We would like to thank all in the community for the relationships and memories that made the past year so great. We look forward to sharing another year with our friends and neighbors.

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This past week, the New Mexico Department of Health has seen an increase in influenza-like illness activity, but influenza activity is likely to increase during upcoming months. With most of the flu season still to come, getting a flu vaccination now can still protect you from illness this season. Information to date shows that this season’s vaccine is a good match to protect against the types of flu currently circulating in the United States, including New Mexico.

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“Getting a flu vaccination every year is the best way to protect yourself and your loved ones from inf luenza,” said Department of Health Cabinet Secretary Retta Ward, MPH . “In addition to getting vaccinated, frequent hand washing helps protect against flu and other respiratory viruses. Also, remember to sneeze or cough into your upper sleeve or elbow, rather than into your hands.”

The Department of Health recommends that individuals talk with their healthcare provider or pharmacist about getting the flu vaccine. The Department offers vaccinations for people without insurance or who are otherwise not able to get vaccinated. Those

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Gallup Sun • Friday January 1, 2016

11

DVD/Blu-ray Roundup for Jan. 1, 2016

By Glenn Kay For the Sun

W

elcome back to this week’s edition of DVD and Blu-ray highlights. There are actually some interesting titles coming despite the holiday slow down. So if you can’t make it out to the movies this week, be sure and give one of these titles a try!

BIG NEW RELEASES!

Bone Tomahawk - If you enjoyed Kurt Russell in The Hateful Eight, you may be interested in checking out this smaller western with a horror edge. In it, he plays a sheriff who forms a motley crew to rescue some townspeople abducted by a band of

GET VACCINATED | FROM PAGE 11 with Medicaid or other insurance who go to Public Health Offices are asked to bring their insurance card.

Even if you think you already had the flu this season, it is recommended everyone 6 months and older get a flu vaccine. The flu vaccine protects against multiple strains of flu that may be circulating at any given time, and people can get infected with more than one type of flu during the season. The Department of Health also recommends that you ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist if you need the pneumococcal vaccine which can be given at the same time as flu vaccine. Influenza frequently causes types of pneumonia that can be prevented by the pneumococcal vaccine.

12

cannibals. Reviews were quite strong for the effort, stating that the movie was beautifully shot, the cast were excellent and that the production was surprisingly effective in fusing various genres together.

Sounds like an indie film worth checking out. Suppor ting players include Lili Simmons, Matthew Fox, Patrick Wilson, David Arquette and Richard Jenkins.

Heist - A desperate father decides to rob a casino to pay for his daughter’s medical bills, but events take a turn for the worse and he’s forced to hijack a bus during his escape.

The press didn’t care for this action/drama, writing that the plotting was pedestrian and the story predictable, resulting in a movie that doesn’t generate as much tension as it should.

Jeffrey Dean Morgan, Robert De Niro, K ate Boswor th, Morris Chestnut, Dave Bautista and Gina Carano headline the project.

Hitman: Agent 47 - This is the second film adaptation based upon the popular video game. It follows the genetically engineered title character.

After being hired to assassinate a young woman, he disobeys orders and attempts to help her uncover a nefarious criminal conspiracy. Critics hated this film, suggesting that there was little in the way of character development and that the constant barrage of

action was actually numbing instead of invigorating. The cast includes Rupert Friend, Hannah Ware, Zachary Quinto, Ciaran Hinds and Thomas Kretschmann.

T he Perfect G uy - Not really... a businesswoman believes she’s found the man of her dreams in a charming stranger, only to discover that he is actually a psychotic killer.

Notices were also terrible for this effort, stating that the screenplay doesn’t do much for its lead, forcing her to making ridiculously bad decisions in order to advance the plot.

Apparently, the entire endeavor is impossible to take seriously.

Now viewers can rent it and see if they agree. Sanna Luthan, Michael Ealy, Morris Chestnut, Charles S. Dutton John Getz and Tess Harper star.

Some Kind of Hate - A bullied teen travels to a school in

People in high-risk groups and those who live with or care for high risk individuals are especially encouraged to get vaccinated against the flu. People in high-risk groups are at increased risk for having serious flu‐related complications, such as hospitalization and death. People in these groups should also consider seeing their healthcare provider to be evaluated for antiviral medications if they develop flu symptoms. Flu symptoms may include rapid illness onset with fever, cough, sore throat, headache, and/or muscle aches.

Inf luenza vaccination is highly recommended for the following high risk groups: • Pregnant women (any trimester) and up to two weeks post-partum • Children younger than 5, but especially children younger than 2 years old

• People age 65 and older • People of any age with certain chronic medical conditions like asthma, diabetes, and lung or heart disease and those with immunosuppression from medication or disease • People who live in nursing homes and other long-term care facilities • People who live with or care for those at high risk for complications from flu, including healthcare personnel and caregivers of babies younger than 6 months • American Indians and Alaskan Natives • People who are morbidly obese To find out more about flu vaccination clinics throughout New Mexico, you can call the Immunization Hotline toll free at 1-866-681-5872 or visit www.nmhealth.org

Friday January 1, 2016 • Gallup Sun

this horror/thriller, where she endures even more taunting and humiliations. Thankfully for her, a vengeful spirit notices the assaults and rises from

the grave to take revenge. A few reviewers appreciated the attempts at adding social satire to this genre pic, but most felt that it didn’t cohere properly and felt that it was a difficult effort to sit through. Spencer Breslin and Ronen Rubenstein are top-billed.

A Wa lk in th e Wood s Ba sed on the bestselli ng, no n - f ic t io n novel of t he sa me na me, this ya r n follow s aut hor Bi l l Br y son.

Retu r ning home a f ter living several years abroad, he attempts to reconnect with h is homela nd by wa lk i ng the Appalachian Trail with a n old f r iend. Wa ck i ne s s ensues. The movie garnered mixed reactions, with most suggesting that the adap tation does away with the more thoughtful material in favor of more obvious slapstick gags. The movie stars Robert Redford, Nick Nolte, Em ma Thompson, Ma r y Steenburgen, Kristin Schaal and Nick Offerman.

BLASTS FROM THE PAST!

Mario Bava has quite a famous figure in cult cinemas. His gorgeously-lensed Italian genre movies have influenced countless filmmakers over the years, and now Arrow are releasing one of his titles as a Blu-ray/DVD set.

Blood and Black Lace (1964) is a

film that helped create a template for “giallo” cinema. Specifically, he took the stale mystery thriller format and emphasized visuals and atmosphere along with more elaborate and suspenseful murder sequences. This title finds a group of beautiful models being stalked by a unknown masked killer.

The Blu-ray comes with a new restoration, English and Italian sound (with new English subtitles), an audio commentary

by Bava’s biographer, a documentary on the film and the director’s influence on cinema, visual essays, panel discussions, trailers and even more. If you’re a fan of horror cinema, this looks like an interesting item.

YOU KNOW, FOR KIDS!

It’s slim pickings for kids, but it seems like every youngster out there enjoys Daniel Tiger, so at least there could be some interest in the week’s sole release.

Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood: Would You Be Mine?

COMMUNITY

SPORTS 360 Paying Attention to All Students

By Tom Hartsock Sun Correspondent

P

robably the most difficult position in the world is tr y ing to remain totally unbia sed, especia l ly towa rd s younger people. Of course it also applies to adults, but parents, teachers and coaches would seem to take the brunt of the problem upon themselves, maybe or not rightly so.

I’ve t a lked about t h is before, but with more of a sports theme. The problem,

Constitution, included common sense items we would have overlooked, probably gladly.

We still today have personal problems with some of them.

I absolutely detest the parent, coach or teacher, including their supervisors, who deny their prejudice and who overuse the phrase, “It’s all about the kids.” Makes me want to punch them in the nose and divert their attention span to where it belongs.

A local Poly Sci and History high school teacher spent the entire year, as far as I know,

D’Kyrah Chee, #12, puts up a free throw for Navajo Pine while Wingate’s Brittany Bruce, #5, and Chassity Belone, #11, wait patiently for the second shot and a chance at a rebound. The final score was not available by deadline.

party of choice, demeaning any student that dared to bring up these concepts. At year’s end, he took a poll of his students and discovered through this means that over 90 percent said they would always vote for Democrats in the future. He was so proud of the progress his classes made!

I wonder how he would have felt if he had been compelled under the same conditions to learn the same lessons from a Right-wing Republican? Or wouldn’t the switch have been

naturally, doesn’t end with just games, but extends itself to almost every other aspect of humanity, including: food choices; to read or not to read; TV programming; and the list is almost endless. We have become so convinced of our wants and desires they render us incapable of seeing, listening, tasting, smelling or thinking in another way.

It is not the differences that separate us, necessarily.

Sometimes it is really the way we like our food cooked or the genre of stories we prefer to read or watch. Splitting hairs is a universal past-time, it seems, and us ignorant humans can’t seem to kick the habit, no matter how silly, stupid, or out of the world our thinking becomes.

It is no wonder our forefathers, when drawing up our

fair?

This is exactly the place where common sense comes into play; it’s not if what you say is absolute tr uth, but whether there is a different

SPORTS

side to consider. And what is the long-range gain or loss a s a consequence of you r belief?

I have three children, so I can’t just call my vote split down the middle. All three of them are different in many ways from the others, but there are many similarities as well. I never, that I remember, attempted to steer them one way in life. It was tempting, of course, but just not something I wanted to do.

Perhaps that is because of my own childhood, where choices were limited by the beliefs and experiences of my parents, both very good people who wanted only the best for all of their children. But still the iron fences were always evident.

Spent a l it t le t i me at Wingate today, as the reader can tell from the accompanying picture. Not a big crowd for a game between two reservation schools, but it is the middle of the week, sorta, and in between holidays. The Wingate girls’ was way ahead in the third quarter against Navajo Pine, but I wasn’t able to stay for the final score because of the jumped up deadline this week.

The boys were ready to go at it once the girls finished up.

Got to see several people I don’t run into every day, which made the day trip even more enjoyable. But I don’t remember seeing YOU there, and YOU know who I mean. Maybe I’ll get lucky and see you next week in the bleachers at the Bengal Boys’ Invite.

Tyrianne Begaye, #33, thought she might have a shot at the bucket until Brittney Payton, #22, stepped up to defend. The final score was not available by deadline.

convincing his classes that the Democratic Party had all the right answers. He spent a great deal of his lessons in debunking any idea that did not come from his political

Chassity Belone, #11, takes a free throw while four opponents from Navajo Pine overload one side in case she misses, including Tyrianne Begaye, #33, and Kalika Bryant, #4. The final score was not available by deadline.

Gallup Sun • Friday January 1, 2016

13

Attention Gallup residents!

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Here is the list of top ten baby names in New Mexico in 2015 as compiled by the Department of Health’s Bureau of Vital Records and Health Statistics:

TOP 10 BABY NAMES IN NEW MEXICO FOR 2015* Females 1. Mia 2. Sophia 3. Isabella 4. Ava 5. Olivia

6. Emma 7. Sofia 8. Abigail 9. Aria 10 Emily Males 1. Noah 2. Elijah 3. Liam 4. Michael 5. Josiah 6. Alexander 7. Gabriel 8. Aiden 9. Jacob 10. Daniel *Provisional data

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The Community Outreach and Patient Empowerment (COPE) Program is a Partners In Health sister organization and a non-profit entity 501(c)3 based in Gallup, NM. COPE’s vision is to eliminate health disparities and improve the wellbeing of American Indians and Alaska Natives. COPE is currently hiring for the following positions: - Chief Operating Officer - Fruit and Vegetable Prescription Program (FVRx) Coordinator - Rosebud Program Manager - Training Specialist - Women’s Health Project Coordinator

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REPORTER WANTED Gallup Sun is looking for freelance reporters to cover public safety, politics, sports, and education. Recent graduates or journalism/English majors are encouraged to apply. Will consider candidates from outside of the area. Training provided.

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Scores Dec. 28, Monday GHS GBB @ Dumas, TX – Scores Not Reported MHS BBB 50 vs. L.V. Robertson 66 @ Stu Clark Tournament Dec. 29, Tuesday GHS GBB @ Clovis Invite Scores Not Reported MHS BBB @ Stu Clark Tournament – Scores Not

Reported MHS GBB vs Loving @ Goddard Holiday Tournament Scores Not Reported WHS BBB vs. Navajo Pine, Scores Not Available WHS GBB vs. Navajo Pine, Scores Not Available Dec. 30, Wednesday GHS GBB @ Clovis Invite Scores Not Available

MHS BBB @ Stu Clark Tournament - Scores Not Available MHS GBB @ Goddard Holiday Tournament - Scores Not Available Dec. 31, Thursday MHS GBB @ Goddard Holiday Tournament - Scores Not Available

Sports Schedule Jan. 2, Saturday GHS BBB @ Bernalillo, 7 GHS GBBvs, Cleveland, 7 GHS WRST @ Miyamura, 8 am MHS WRST Duals, 8 am ToHS GBB @ Monument Valley, 4:45 WHS BBB @ Pojoaque Valley, 2 WHS GBB @ St. Michael, AZ, 2 Jan. 5, Tuesday GHS GBB @ Los Lunas, 7 MHS BBB @ Newcomb, 4

MHS GBB @ Moriarty, 7 RCHS GBB vs. Navajo Pine, 5 ToHS BBB @ Dulce, 6:30 Jan. 7, Thursday GHS BBB vs. Tohatchi, 7:30 (Bengal Invite) MHS BBB vs. Valencia, 7 MHS GBB @ Wingate, 7 RCHS GBB @ Sandia Prep Tournament, TBA ToHS BBB @ Gallup - Bengal Invite, 7:30 ToHS GBB @ Striking Eagle Invite, TBA WHS BBB @ Striking Eagle Invite, TBA

WHS GBB vs, Miyamura, 7 Jan. 8, Friday GHS BBB vs. TBD, 7:30 (Bengal Invite) MHS WRST @ Al Salazar Invite (SF), 10 am RCHS GBB @ Sandia Prep Tournament, TBA ToHS BBB @ Bengal Invite, TBA ToHS GBB @ Striking Eagle Invite, TBA WHS BBB @ Striking Eagle Invite, TBA WHS WRST @ St. Mike’s Invite (SF), 9 am

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Friday January 1, 2016 • Gallup Sun

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COMMUNITY CALENDAR JAN. 1 – JAN. 7, 2015 FRIDAY JAN. 1 MOVIE: PAN

Starts at 2 pm.

El Morro Theater, 207 West Coal Ave. PG.

RECYCLING BIN REDUCED HOURS The Recycling Bins at the Cultural Center and Larry Brian Mitchell Recreation Center will be closed New Year’s Day. Regular hours will be observed all other days. The Cultural Center is open Monday, Wednesday, and Friday: 8 am - noon. Larry Brian Mitchell is open Monday, Wednesday, and Friday: 12 pm - 4 pm. For more information call the NWNM Regional Solid Waste Authority (505) 905 - 8400.

HOLIDAY RECYCLING BINS CLOSURES The Gallup Transfer Station is closed for New Year’s Day. GALLUP-MCKINLEY COUNTY SCHOOLS Winter Break No School CITY OF GALLUP Offices Closed LIVE MUSIC Pianist and Vocalist Micaela De Paul takes center stage from 7:30 - 9:30 pm at Coal Street Pub, 303 West Coal Ave. (505) 722 - 0117 SATURDAY JAN. 2 RECYCLING BIN REDUCED HOURS The Larry Brian Mitchell recycling bins have reduced hours from 10 am - 1 pm. Regular hours will be observed all other days. The Cultural Center is open Monday, Wednesday, and Friday: 8 am - 12 pm.

Larry Brian Mitchell is open Monday, Wednesday, and Friday: 12 pm - 4 pm. For more information call the NWNM Regional Solid Waste Authority (505) 905 - 8400.

LIVE MUSIC 3 Blind Mice – Tim, Merlin, n Ed takes center stage from 7:30 - 9:30 pm at Coal Street Pub, 303 West Coal Ave. (505) 722 - 0117 SUNDAY JAN. 3 MOVIE: THE GOONIES Starts at 2 pm. El Morro Theater, 207 West Coal Ave. PG. MONDAY JAN. 4 GALLUP-MCKINLEY COUNTY SCHOOLS There is a Board of Education Meeting at the Student Support Center. Starts at 6 pm.

For more information please call: (505) 722 - 7711. Location: 640 Boardman Dr. TUESDAY JAN. 5 ELEMENTARY SCHOOL GRAND OPENING Please join the Gallup-McKinley County School as they present the grand opening of the Catherine A. Miller, Elementary School. The new school is at the site of the former Church Rock Elementary School. Blessing begins at 9 am. The Pledge Of Allegiance will kick off the opening activities at 10 am. For more information please call (505) 721 - 1000. Location: 43 Challenger Rd. GALLUP-MCKINLEY COUNTY SCHOOLS There will be an IEC Work session. Starts at 5:30 pm.

Location: Student Support Center. For more information please call: (505) 721 - 1000.

WEDNESDAY JAN. 6 AWARD-WINNING LECTURE SERIES Rehoboth Christian School presents Stephen Ritz: Harvesting Hope and cultivating Minds, Stories from the South Bronx. This lecture kicks off 15 days of free liberal arts education, from an award winning lecture series. Live Internet video feed will be available. For online listening and archives of past lectures, please visit calvin.edu/January. From 10:30 - 11:30 am.

Location: 07B Tse Yaaniichii Lane. Free LIVE MUSIC Open-Mic-Night. Local Talent takes center stage from 8 - 10 pm at Coal Street Pub, 303 West Coal Ave. (505) 722 0117 HOLIDAY HUSTLE FILMS Join us for a free family movie and popcorn is provided.

Starts: 5:30 pm.

Octavia Fellin Public Library, 115 W. Hill Ave. Film: San Andreas OPEN-MIC-NIGHT Local talent takes center stage from 8 - 10 pm at Coal Street Pub, 303 West Coal Ave. (505) 722-0117.

OVEREATERS ANONYMOUS Meetings every Wednesday at 6 pm, First United Methodist Church, 1800 Red Rock Dr., corner of Nizhoni/Red Rock.

Enter northwest corner off Nizhoni Library room.

THURSDAY JAN. 7 AWARD-WINNING LECTURE

CALENDAR

SERIES Rehoboth Christian School presents Marsden, Mouw, Plantinga & Wolterstorff: Renaissance of Christian Thought. This lecture is part of the 15 days of a free liberal arts education, from an award winning lecture series. Live Internet video feed will be available. For online listening, and archives of past lectures please visit calvin.edu/January. From 10:30 am - 11:30 am.

Location: 07B Tse Yaaniichii Lane. Free ONGOING TEACHER’S TRAILER Attention educators, craftspeople, and citizens! If you’re looking for recycled materials for your Holiday projects, the McKinley Citizens Recycling Council has a resource center.

Contact a MCRC volunteer at the Larry Brian Mitchell Recreation Center on Saturdays, from 10 am - 2 pm. The items available include: cardboard tubes, cylindrical containers, egg cartons, popsicle and chop sticks, tissue boxes, 2-Liter bottles, boxes and tins of all sizes, and much more.

For more information call (505) 722-9257 or leave a message on the MCRC website: www.recylcegallup.org COMMUNITY PANTRY The Hope Garden is offering organic produce for sale from 10 am - 12 pm, Tue - Fri. We are located at 1130 E. Hasler Valley Rd. All funds go to helping feed local folks. For personal attention call (505) 726-8068 or when visiting ask for Kenworth Jones.

FIRST INDIAN BAPTIST CHURCH Monday Night Back to Basics Bible Class, Red Hills Trailer Park recreation center 7 pm; Tuesday Family Bible Study FIBC 501 S. 3rd St, 6 pm; Sunday Worship and Prayer at FIBC 501 S. 3rd, 10:30 am. Contact: Pastor Robert Fontenot (505) 979-0511. fibcgallup@gmail.com / www. fibcgallup.weebly.com GALLUP-MCKINLEY COUNTY HUMANE SOCIETY Wednesdays are low-cost Spay and Neuter Days, at the Gallup-McKinley County Humane Society. For more information please call (505) 863-2616, or email: gmchumanesociety@gmail.com.

Location: 1315 Hamilton Rd. 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.

GALLUP SUSTAINABLE GALLUP BOARD The City of Gallup’s Sustainable Gallup Board meets on the first Monday each month from 3 - 5 pm in the Mayor’s Conference Room at City Hall. Community members concerned about conservation, energy, water, recycling, and other environmental issues are welcome. Call Bill Bright at (505) 722 - 0039 for information. Location: 404 West Maxwell, Ave. HABITAT GALLUP

Join us for the Habitat Gallup, a home building organization offering a hand up, not a hand out. We need your help to plan for our sixth home in Gallup. For more information please call Bill Bright (505) 722- 4226. Meets monthly on the third Monday of each month 6 - 8 pm. Location: 113 E. Logan Ave. HISTORIAS DE GALLUP The Library is collecting oral histories from people in the community. Historias de Gallup will focus on Hispanic History in the area and stories that will give listeners a picture of Gallup in the past. These histories will be recorded and stored at the library for future generations to listen to. Anyone interested in participating should contact the library to schedule an interview time.

Latino Americans: 500 Years of History has been made possible through a grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities and the American Library Association. Information:(505) 863-1291 or email: mdchavez@gallupnm.gov QUILTING GROUP Come on down and join our quilting group. We have quilting bees every Tuesday from 9 am – 2:30 pm, and Thursday from 9 am – 2:30 pm. For more information please contact Virginia Gustafson (505) 879-3001. Located by the Playground of Dreams and Harold Runnels Center in the Larry Brian Mitchell Recreation Center, 705 Montoya Blvd.

RECYCLING COUNCIL McKinley Citizen’s Recycling Council is a local non-profit working to increase recycling through education, community outreach, and partnership with local government agencies. MCRC meets the first Saturday of the month at

2 pm, at Red Mesa on Hill St. For more information please call (505) 722-5142 or visit www. Recylegallup.org.

SAVE THE DATE AWARD-WINNING LECTURE SERIES Rehoboth Christian School presents 15 days of a free liberal arts education from an award winning lecture series, Jan. 6 - 26. Live Internet video feed will be available. For online listening, and archives of past lectures please visit calvin.edu/January. Begins: 10:30 am. Location: 07B Tse Yaaniichii Lane. Free NAVAJO WINTER CULTURE FESTIVAL TMC Health Promotion and Disease Prevention presents the Navajo Winter Culture Festival on January 14, 2016.

There will be special events such as Winter Stories, Navajo Shoe Game, Moccasin Making, and more. Special guests include: The Pollen Trail Dancers, Sunny Dooley, 2015-2016 Miss Navajo: Alyson Shirley, and The Tsehootsooi Middle School Dine Club Dancers. For more information please call: (928) 729-8055 or (928) 729-8172.

Starts at 5 pm. Location: Office of Dine Youth Gym (behind That’s A Burger), Fort Defiance, Ariz.

NAVAJO NATION BREASTFEEDING COALITION Join Grace Bible Church for the Navajo Nation Breastfeeding Coalition on Jan. 8.

Agenda includes: Introduction of the Navajo Nation Breastfeeding Coalition, history, mission and accomplishments at 9 am; What does Community breastfeeding support look like to you, at 11 am; networking lunch; community talks at 1 pm; and closing remarks at 2 pm. For more information please contact (928) 206-7885.

Location: Grace Bible Church 222 Boulder Dr. AMERICAN INDIAN DAY Save the date! It’s American Indian day at the Legislature on Friday, February 5, 2016.

Broadening State Tribal Relations for generations to come.

For more will be posted on the Indian Affairs Department website: www.iad.state.nm.us or call Nicole Macias at (505) 476-1600.

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 January 1, 2016

15 15

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823 US HWY 491 GALLUP, NM 87301

(505) 863-8049

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