gallup living

Gallup’s Colorful

Film History Premiere

Locations for Filmmakers

Zuni Artist Phil Hughte:

Documenting Culture Shock

Hershey Miyamura Honored by

President Obama and Colin Powell

RED ROCK BALLOON RALLY CELEBRATES 30 YEARS

Winter 2010/11

$3.25

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IN THIS ISSUE

12 GALLUP’S COLORFUL FILM HISTORY Premiere Location for Filmmaking

16 ZUNI ARTIST PHIL HUGHTE Documenting Culture Shock 21 HERSHEY MIYAMURA Honored by President Obama and Colin Powell

30 RED ROCK BALLOON RALLY Celebrates 30 Years

DEPARTMENTSCOMMUNITY PROFILES8 People you should definitely know

COMMUNITY CULTURE22 89th Gallup Inter-Tribal Ceremonial A major success32 Gallup Lions Club Elects First Woman President34 Calendar of Events Events not to be missed36 Rodeos Summertime Entertainment

HISTORY24 Family Reunion It all began with the Martinellis26 Historic Images Gallup in the 1920’s

BUSINESS CLIMATE38 Gallup McKinley Chamber of Commerce Building Gets a Face-lift46 Rehoboth McKinley Christian Health Care Services Health Information Strategist

LOCAL FLAVOR40 Kids on the Move Sumit Patel, Caitlin Bush and the State Champion Baseball Team44 Talk of the Town People, Places and Happenings

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4 Gallup livinG Winter 2010/11

Gallup Living magazines can be purchased at the following Gallup area businesses.Butler’s Printing CompanyChamber of CommerceEl Rancho Gift ShopEl Sombrero RestaurantEllis Tanner Trading Co.Gallup Lumber CompanyGallup Ceremonial OfficeHistoric Train DepotOrtega’s Travel CenterPerry Null TradingRain Bird TradingRichardson’s TradingSammy C’s Rock n’ Sports GrilleShush Yaz Trading Co.UNM-Gallup Book StoreUSA-RV ParkJoe Milo White Water TradingNavajo Arts & CraftsNavajo MuseumToadlena Trading PostZuni CoOpZuni Tourism Office

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ABOUT OUR COVERThe legendary photographer George C. Hight took

this photo of Ambrose Roanhorse, a well known Navajo silversmith in the late 1950’s. Roanhorse was teaching silversmithing , at the Fort Wingate Indian School at the time. This same photo is at the McKinley County Courthouse and Millicent Rogers Museum in Taos. It also appeared as a back cover on the Arizona Highway Magazine.

GallupLiving

Winter 2010/11 Gallup livinG 5

GallupLiving

Sheila BrewerSheila Brewer was born in Denver, Colorado and received her college education at Colorado State University. In

1963 she was employed as a Life Sciences teacher at Gallup’s Central Jr. High School (now J. F. Kennedy Jr. H.S.).For 29 years she taught a variety of general sciences until her retirement in 1992. But being retired didn’t abate her

interest in the natural and social sciences of the Gallup area.She continues to be actively involved in the Plateau Sciences Society, the Northwest New Mexico Geology Club

and the Archaeological Society of New Mexico. For two days a week she volunteers at the B.L.M. Visitor Center in Grants.

Zuni Dancers perform at Dance Round. Photo by: Gary Langston


Gaye Brown de AlvarezGail BoatwrightLouie BonaguidiJeremy BoucherErnie BulowIna BurmeisterCaitlin BushMichael ByrneSammy ChiodaDiane Di PaoloMike EnfieldTeri FraizerIrene FranklinDebbie GarciaPhil GarciaShan Guadagnoli Tom HartsockLori HeightGeorge & Bonnie HightSandi JohnseyGloria KallestewaCheri KatzTom KennedyBarbara KozeliskiGary LangstonBill LeeWalter LeybaMartin Link

Kasey MartinelliLucille MartinelliPeggy MartinelliPam MeiloMayor Harry MendozaJoe & Brenda MilosevichKay NeimanSumit PatelAlice PerezLarry PetersonSteven PreecePeter ProcopioFrancis RichardsonLisa RodriquezEllis TannerJoe & Cindy TannerLynn TannerElaine & Roger ThomasLoren ThomasTodd Yocham

Gallup Living is printed by Colorado Printing Company, 2800 Printers Way, Grand Junction, Colorado, 81506

Gallup Living and JL and Associates LLC, produce Gallup Living Magazine, bi-annually, all rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part without written

permission is prohibited.

GallupLivingTo the many people that have helped us generate this beautiful magazine.

Contributing Gaye Brown de Alvarez Writers Ernie Bulow Ina Burmeister Tom Hartsock Tom Kennedy Martin Link Judith Leyba

Contributing Armando Alvarez Photographers The Boatwright Family Ina Burmeister Tom Kennedy Gary Langston Lisa Rodriquez

Old Photos Ernie Bulow Courtesy of Shan Guadagnoli George C. Hight Tom Kennedy Joe Milosevich Elaine & Roger Thomas

Advertising Judith Leyba Sales 505-820-6798 505-989-8062

Distribution Walter Leyba Peggy Martinelli

SPECIAL THANKS!


BarBara KozelisKi

CommunityProfiles

Barbara Kozeliski was named last summer to lead Gallup Catholic Schools, at least for this year.

The Diocese of Gallup had announced earlier that they were reclaiming the privatized school and had disbanded the Board of Directors, utilizing them as consultants instead. Father Ravi Kiran, who is the Superintendent of the Diocese schools, quickly held open meetings with both teachers and parents, acting much more quickly than some thought possible.

Kozeliski quickly pointed out that her assignment is temporary, noting that at age 63 she is not looking for a career.

Kozeliski was a Math and Religion teacher for 14 years at the elementary and mid-school level and was the assistant Principal at Gallup Catholic for three years. Her time with the ad hoc committee was spent most importantly on categorizing the comments from teachers and parents and compiling them into a readable summary for Fr. Ravi.

Gallup Catholic has done well academically in past years, sending many graduates to large universities like Notre Dame, Tulane, Marquette and Creighton. The provisional ac-creditation earlier this year deals with many areas outside of academics, including reporting and following nationally accepted guidelines, and that is what this new administration will work towards.

It appears that this move by the Diocese is one that will be beneficial and will accomplish the goals and policy the committee helped to set. Father Ravi insisted during his meeting with the parents that Gallup Catholic was not just an experiment but was to serve as a model instead for the 13 other schools that will come under Diocesan control over the next few years.

Barbara Kozeliski, whether temporary or permanent in the long run, is a positive factor in this equation. She brings that positive factor with her.

“Everyday is an adventure!” she says. “The kids are so good, cooperative and helpful, as we find new strengths and interests.”

Diane Di paolo A graduate of Canon City (Colorado)

High school in 1967, Diane earned her B.A.in Social Science from the University of Northern Colorado in 1971 and followed her new husband to this area, working at Ft. Defiance Elementary for eight years, three in the second grade, three in the third grade and two as the librarian.

Diane received her Masters’ from the Uni-versity of Arizona in Elementary Education In 1976 and earned another Masters’ from WNMU in Gallup for Counseling in 1992.

She took a leave from education for four years to begin her own family, but stayed active as the president of TLS Pre-School for two years.

In 1983 she started teaching sixth-grade at Gallup Mid School and in 1984 she was teaching second-grade at Juan de Onate Elementary, where she stayed for two years.

In 1986 she began a 17-year stint as a Counselor, earning a NM Counselor of the Year award in 1994, and was named the Di-rector of Counseling Services for the school district in 2002 until her retirement earlier this year. Diane has been a staunch advocate for the Character Counts Program in the district.

Her main focus has always been, and remains, “Do what is right for the kids!”

She has spent her adult life backing up those words with positive actions.


by appointment only 505.870.1124

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Gallup Film Liaison Region 1 since 1982

CommunityProfiles

Jeremy BouCher miChael D. Byrne

Jeremy Boucher has been the director of the Gallup Cultural Center for three year. The affable young man graduated with a Liberal Arts degree from Thomas Aquinas College in Santa Paula, California but hails from Montana.

“My job is to work on the Code Talker exhibit for the Cultural Center, and Economic Development,” Jeremy said. “I also administer the Grant Program and Outreach to the community.”

There is really no set job description in his job, and he is given leeway in establishing connections with the opera program, the arts, scholarships, and everything that goes with it.

Life in Gallup is great, according to Boucher (pronounced Boo-shay).

“Gallup has a lot to offer. It is a diamond in the rough and there are good things to be done in this great community. It’s the most interesting place I’ve ever lived!”

Jeremy and his wife, along with their four sons and one daughter – his oldest child is six—are being acclimatized, though the culture shock they have experienced is still growing on his wife.

“There is a lot of work to do, but I enjoy the challenges. It is interesting and most of the people I’ve met are super! That’s not always the case in a multi-cultural environment!”

That is the normal way for Gallup though, as Jeremy and his family are finding out.

Gallup welcomed the first permanent director of the Business Investmeny District BID) on August 12, Michael D. Byrne.

Armed with a degree in Liberal Arts from Thomas Aquinas College in Santa Paula, California, some experience in entrepreneurship, an actively inspired imagination, and the willingness to work hard, the young man from Montclair, New Jersey has transitioned easily into the battle to help rebuild the downtown area into a vital and lively part of the community.

Michael is not married and has no children, which means that his devotion to the matter at hand will not be interrupted with those issues. He is currently focused on implementing a series of key physical improvements to the BID, including informational kiosks and gateway signage. He is also exploring the possibility of lighted crosswalks to make the downtown area more pedestrian friendly.

In mid-November, the BID will be working with the North West New Mexico Council Of Government during the second annual regional economic development symposium. December has been earmarked for the BID to sponsor a series of events at the Courthouse Square called “Christmas in Gallup.”

In January, the BID will hold its first membership meeting for the property owners and business owners of the BID.

Future projects will enhance the walk-ability of Downtown Gallup and highlight the key attractions of the area and the City at large, especially Historic Highway 66 and Native American Culture.

“The future of Downtown Gallup is very bright,” contends Byrne.It will be up to him and the BID members to have it shine ever

brighter.


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Gallup Film Liaison Region 1 since 1982

Ever since Thomas Edison visited New Mexico Territory in 1898 and made his first movie “Indian Day School” in 1898, our state, and in particular, the Four Corners area has been a premiere location for filmmakers.

“Indian Day School,” filmed in Isleta and only 50 seconds long, opened the door for D.W. Griffith and Robert Flaherty, directors who not only made westerns, but documentaries on Indian life.

“R.E. Griffith’s Hotel El Rancho was built in 1937 as a haven for Hollywood’s famous. His well-known brother, D.W. Griffith (director of such classics as “Birth of a Nation”), encouraged using El Rancho as a base for crews and stars on location because of its access to western landscapes and the rustic elegance of the hotel.

El Rancho’s elegance included superior service and food of Fred Harvey-trained personnel, accommodations for roughing it in comfort and gaming tables and liquid refreshments in the tradition of the Old West.

above: Ramon Navarro and Lupe Velez starred in the Movie Version of Laughing Boy. Scott Preston of Ganado played Red Man, the villain of Laughing Boy. Preston was later Vice Chairman of the Navajo Tribe, and a famous medicine man and herbalist.

right: George Hight in the late 40’s or early 50’s with his up to date cameraand equipment of the times.

opposite inset: George Hight and Tom Mullarky were hired by many of the movie studios to shoot still photos on set. On this day George’s family was there as well. Bonnie, his wife and two of his children George, Jr. and his daughter Carolyn.

GallupFeature

Gallup’s Colorful Film History

Written by Gaye Brown de Alvarez | Old Photos courtesy of Ernie Bulow and George C. Hight.


Stars arrived in Gallup in the insulated atmosphere of Santa Fe Railway trains. But soon they learned about the journey to the El Rancho by wagon, carriage or buggy that met every Santa Fe passenger train. Chauffeur driven limousines arrived from Hollywood on Route 66 for use in the daily trips to the filming locations.

Gallup citizens worked as stand-ins, extras, location employees, delivery boys, guides, stock suppliers and interpreters. Retailers sold everything from toothpaste to Indian jewelry, including, of course, proper cowboy hats. And Gallup became a working holiday away from the Hollywood image. And the distance from radio’s Walter Winchell meant no gossip of their lapses from idolized stardom.

Rumors abounded in Gallup about the quantity of alcohol that flowed night and day when some actors were residents of the hotel. According to El Rancho night employees, Errol Flynn worked all day and drank all night. John Wayne usually headed straight for Monument Valley, so the only rumors about his actions circulated on the reservation in the Navajo language.

Howard Wilson could have translated

those observations, but he didn’t. Howard Wilson and Bert Cresto were indispensable in attracting Hollywood studios to Gallup and El Rancho. Not only did they provide general transportation, extras, location and housing arrangements, and interpret the Navajo language, they provided equipment, advice, and filled in as actors on occasion. When Leone Rollie, stand-in for Marilyn Maxwell in “New Mexico” (1950), was assigned to ride a stagecoach in a chase scene along the base of the red rocks, Bert Cresto offered to ride with her. The hair-raising ride at breakneck speed, with Navajos in pursuit, still appears in film and on TV. That stagecoach careening along the edge of the Rio Puerco has become the classic western pursuit. It was shot in one take.

El Rancho was linked to Hollywood and the movie industry from 1940 through 1964. By 1964, the lure of the western hero was fading. Brilliant Technicolor vistas were replacing dramatic, stark images in black and white. The mysterious west by that time was readily available by automobile along Route 66 and the almost completed Interstate 40. In 1951 the film noir movie “Ace in the Hole”, starring Kirk Douglas, was filmed just west

of Gallup in Box Canyon, along with “Fort Defiance,” “New Mexico,” “Only the Valiant,” “Raton Pass,” and “Red Mountain.” And all the Hollywood actors stayed at the El Rancho, which today has rooms, suites and framed still photos remembering those days.

But when interest in westerns started fading, the 1989 production of “Enid is Sleeping,” later released as “Over Her Dear Body” was shot in Gallup, using a house in the Indian Hills subdivision as a location. The 1994 Oliver Stone production of “Natural Born Killers,” used the old Log Cabin Lodge and downtown Gallup as location.

Armand Ortega’s restored Hotel El Rancho was once again duplicating the star-studded years. But this time the stars were travelers along Route 66 and Interstate 40.

In this new millennium, westerns are still made, but the new trend in Hollywood seems to be science fiction and post-apocalyptic stories. For movies like Terminator Salvation, The Book of Eli, locations are needed with desperate desolation. A new movie, “High Midnight” is set in 1892 when a broken-down sheriff is forced to join forces with an obsessed Victorian vampire hunter to defeat an undead force consuming a small frontier town in 1892 New Mexico. These locations need vast horizons and little or no electric poles and overhead aircraft. Where can you find these locations? Not in California.

The Sundance Institute selected Gallup Native Sydney Freeland’s project, “Drunktown’s Finest,” as one of its projects in December, 2009. She was awarded a $20,000 New Visions/New Mexico contract award for “Drunktown’s Finest.” In this original script,

left: The film crew for “Rainbow Boys”, directed by Norman Patrick Brown, films in an empty downtown alley on a Sunday in August, 2009. Photo by Armando Alvarez.

opposite: Local Navajos were extras in Laughing Boy.

GallupFeature


three Native Americans—a rebellious father-to-be, a devout Christian, and a promiscuous transsexual—find their self-images challenged, and ultimately strengthened, as they come of age on the Indian reservation.

Just wrapped... “Due Date” a film starring Robert Downey Jr., with a car chase scene near the red rocks in Thoreau, the Colorado Plateau north of I-40 was the perfect location.

In 1979, when the earth split open in “Superman” and Lois Lane’s car fell into the crack, the Superman crew found the area north of Gallup to be the ideal location. Locals were hired as body doubles; hundreds of people swarmed local hotels and two helicopters with mounted cameras could be seen at the airport for weeks. Rumor has it that local businesswomen Martha Zollinger and Gloria Howes drove out to the set and were told it was a closed set. They claimed to be from the city’s planning and zoning department and were let in. They watched the action from behind some rocks and when the opportunity presented it self, Zollinger stuck out her pink tennis shoe and it was never edited out of the movie.

Documentaries, “Turquoise Rose,” “Rainbow Boy,” “Butterfly Effect,” “Pete and Cleo,” Code Talker movies, and a Food Network show, titled “Dinner Impossible” featuring Celebrity Chef Robert Irving filed during the Red Rock Balloon Rally, along with cowboys and Indians and far-away planet landscapes.

Gallup has it all!

Location, Location, LocationLocal photographer Lisa Rodriguez is determined to get location scouts to look at Gallup

and the surrounding area with her book, “Filmmaking in Gallup.” Showing off the land, the town and the vastness of the area, the book shows film location scouts just what is available in Gallup, an airport with empty hangars, a decommissioned army post that looks no different than it did 100 years ago, rocks that could easily pass for another planet, an old cemetery from the Mexican-American war.

But bringing the location scouts to Gallup takes time and effort. “Gallup Filmmaking,” shows the details of what is available in what could be seen as a forgotten little town at the edge of the reservation. Funded by the New Mexico Film Office, Economic Development money and local lodger’s tax, Rodriguez, with help from Albuquerque Studios, was able to get location scouts for “3:10 to Yuma” and “Men Who Stare at Goats,” to consider Gallup.

Melissa HenryI grew up on the Navajo reservation doing what at the

time were typical children’s activities, such as herding sheep, caring for livestock and playing in the forest, with no electricity or television, which allowed hours of time to daydream and come up with stories.

I was fortunate to have parents who would tell me traditional Navajo stories. From those roots, I can see my stories are set to dreamlike situations while using the tools of western film.

My films work as fictional mythologies that use the theories of early Soviet montage to create new poetic meanings, and add to Native language and culture rather than simply reporting on it.

It is my hope that the work that I am creating can be used in language preservation efforts and in the continuation of a vibrant Navajo culture into the future.

At this point in time, my work focuses on digital video in which has been categorized as children’s films in native language. My film Horse You See has been an official selection in the NMAI’s Native American Film Festival, where it was placed in a language-related program. Horse You See also won “Best Children’s Film” in the 2009 Talking Circle Film Festival, in Hawaii.

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reGionalFeature

“He was a really easy man to do business with,” remem-bers Greg Hoffman of Turquoise Village in Zuni. “He was always happy and energetic. His passing was a real shock.” Hofmann doesn’t want to part with the few paintings of Phil’s he still owns, including a very large oil of the Shalako ceremony.

Just about everyone in Zuni uses similar words to describe Philbert Hughte, the highly regarded Zuni artist. Roger Thomas of Halona Plaza and his wife Elaine put it this way. “He’d come into the store all excited, with his portfolio under his arm. This would happen a couple of times a year. He’d have an idea for a new drawing just for us.”

above: Author Phil from the cover of his “A Zuni Artist Looks at Frank H. Cushing” (Courtesy of Tom Kennedy)

right: Clown Warriors - a typically humorous painting in acrylic. (Courtesy of Tom Kennedy)

Zuni Artist Phil Hughte:Documenting Culture Shock

Written by Ernie Bulow | Original artwork courtesy of Elaine and Roger Thomas, Joe Milosevich and Tom Kennedy


Phil liked to talk over his ideas—though they remained his alone, apparently. He wasn’t looking for help, just affirmation. Jim Ostler who helped edit and nurture Hughte’s book A Zuni Artist Looks at Frank Hamilton Cushing, published in 1994, describes the same process. According to Ostler, Phil was always excited about his work.

Ostler tells in his “Discourse” in the book how Hughte would burst in, show some recent drawings, explain them, then sell them to the Zuni Arts and Crafts Shop. Then he’d toss around ideas for future drawings. It wasn’t long before he’d repeat the process. Ostler just held the drawings, sensing they should be kept together as a document, rather than be peddled as humorous sketches.

Over the years he did quite a number of pieces for Halona and the Thomases. He would work the store into situations that involved traditional Zuni ways, and the occasional “melika” tourist. They were struck by the last card—they like to call them “Year End” cards, sent out to customers around Christmas time—the last thing Phil ever drew for them. It was very futuristic, showing the Zuni river as a boating venue, a huge building he labeled Zuni Christian University, right where the Christian Reform School is about to be built. All the houses have dish antennas on them and there is a moving sidewalk across the river.

Of course the Vanderwagon family, under Patriarch Andrew, came to Zuni as missionaries. The store just celebrated one hundred years in the same place, owned by the same family.

The Thomases were delighted with the drawing, but they showed it to a couple of tribal leaders before they printed it up and sent it out to customers. As Roger said, “We didn’t want to cause any trouble in the village.” They are still moved by the fact that his last piece for them was set in the future. All the other scenes show Zunis interacting in usual ways with Halona store.

In all of the drawings they own there is a kissing couple, somewhere in the background. It is humorous, of course, but also a sort of hidden signature—a Phil Hughte private joke. Hughte was always known for his sense of humor and love of fun.

A childhood friend of his, Willie Gia remembers Phil from grade school Willie always refers to him as Philbert, though Anglos know him as Phil. One of the many pranks they played together was entering a skit contest in the sixth grade. Phil, Willie and two other boys decided to do a takeoff on the rock group The Monkeys, who were popular at the time.

above: Miniature water-color painting of the historic bridge over the Zuni River. (Courtesy of Roger & Elaine Thomas)

below: “The Haneke Dance Group” - a tongue-in-check color pencil drawing for a local non-Zuni school teacher friend. (Courtesy of Tom Kennedy)

above: Zuni Olla Maiden - a rare portrait painting. (Courtesy of

Roger & Elaine Thomas)


GallupFeature

above: One of a several pencil sketches Phil created for the Halona Plaza business. (Courtesy

of Roger & Elaine Thomas)

above right: “Zuni in the Future” - Phil’s humorous prediction in pencil. (Courtesy of

Roger & Elaine Thomas)

right: A satirical “Kilroy” cartoon in pen from the former “Shiwi Messenger” newspaper

commenting on a controversial local Zuni project. (Courtesy of Tom Kennedy)

They couldn’t find—or borrow—a real drum set so someone went to town and bought a child-sized drum kit. Phil was the drummer. The sketch was a hilarious success and Willie says they won the contest, and their names were the first engraved on a large traveling trophy.

Once they did a mock “Navajo” dance and another time they made masks and pretended to be old men and women. Phil seems to have been the instigator of most of these performances, though a sense of humor seems to be a major ingredient in the character of a Zuni.

Philbert Hughte was born in Zuni Pueblo April 27, 1953. He took his family name from his stepfather Henry Hughte, but his mother remarried and Joe Quampehon raised him. He went to school in Zuni and was active in athletics. His friend Willie Gia said they would organize teams in the summer to stay in shape and Willie became a marathoner. Showing an aptitude for art, Phil went on to Northern Arizona University, where he graduated in 1977.


Hughte taught art at Twin Buttes school for many years and influenced a lot of young Zunis. According to friends he also taught at the Zuni Learning Center where he was in charge of community arts and crafts. Though he is best known for his “cartoon” style, he was an accomplished easel artist and several of his oil paintings are still in the Zuni village. Phil’s mother Martha has two of his oils that were painted on canvas left over from making mudhead masks.

Krisztina Kosse of the Maxwell Museum wrote in her “Commentary” to Phil’s book: “Looking at Phil Hughte’s cartoons is like peeling back a pleasing, beautifully formed but pungent onion. There is the aesthic pleasure of form and texture, there is the intellectual pleasure of peeling back lalyers of meaning, there are the emotional ups and downs of tears and laughter, and there is, as in all good cartoons, a bite.”

That almost says it all. Philbert Hughte was an extraordinary talent in a village of very talented people. I would only add that Phil’s drawings were never mean spirited nor one sided. He wasn’t prone to Anglo bashing, as some young Native artists are wont to be. The stories in the drawings are complex and often very subtle. One thing for sure, Hughte knew his Frank Cushing. He must have read everything he could find by him, then picked up on the oral tradition of the tribe.

Phil was about half done with yet another book—aimed at teaching young Zunis about their culture. The drawings for that work and the Cushing book are in the Zuni Museum, kitty cornered from Halona Plaza, the second greatest collection of his work. His untimely death was truly a tragedy.

right: Phil’s regional humor is in full evi-dence on these three pen sketches produced

for his friend, Joe Milosevich. Calendars featuring sketches, including these three

were produced and distributed by Joe Milo’s White Water Trading Post a few years ago,

in memory of his friend. They were much sought after by area residents and were a great success. Courtesy of Joe Milosevich


reGionalInterest

The recognition received by recipients of the Congres-sional Medal of Honor is never-ending, as it should be.

Gallup’s own Hershey Miyamura keeps a fairly busy schedule of appearances, locally and nationwide, as patriotism in this country has increased over the past several years. His latest acknowledgment came in June of last year when he was invited to participate in a televised recording for July Fourth with four other veterans that are privileged to wear the light blue ribbon with stars on their chests.

The all-expense paid, three-day trip to Washington, D.C. was an honor of the highest magnitude. Held in the famous Ford Theater, the gala celebration planned to air on July 4 included other celebrities like Kelly Clarkson, Lionel Richie, Robin Roberts and Dick Van Dyke. Michelle Obama was the Honorary Chair for this event and retired General Colin Powell read the citations that went with the nation’s highest award for bravery. Hershey was able to talk with Powell and with Van Dyke, which pleased him as much as anything else.

It was still a week until the big holiday, but the recipients and their wives were taken everywhere by limo, from their rooms at the Hotel Monaco on F Street to the floodlight-filled theater.

A visit to the Korean War Memorial was especially relevant to Hershey, and he suggested that everyone that visits our nation’s capitol should see it. That was Hershey’s war and everything about it is relevant to him!

All of the recipients were supposed to be attired in tuxedoes, but since none of them owned that type of garment, black suits with bow ties and of course, the medal around their necks was more than sufficient.

It was the third or fourth such celebration that the Miyamuras have attended this year, but all are special to Hershey and his wife Terry. And they are special to our nation, and especially to Gallup.

Hershey MiyamuraWritten by Tom Hartsock | Photos courtesy of Miyamura Family

above: President Barack Obama salutes Congressional Medal of Honor WinnerHershey Miyamura at the Ford Center in Washington, DC during the 4thof July Celebration 2010.

right: Colin Powell on stage with Hershey Miyamura during the Celebration.


loCalCulture

This summer Gallup’s Inter-Tribal Indian Ceremonial ended up in black ink—the second year in a row. Louis Bonaguidi, Ceremonial Board President is optimistic for the future. “I came into the job at a very low point in Ceremonial history and we have worked hard to bring the event back from the brink,” he said.

For years the Ceremonial has suffered economic woes for a variety of reasons. Bonaguidi points out that, “Ceremonial directors from the very beginning of the event have been volunteers. Ceremonial has been completely volunteer.” Currently the Ceremonial Chairman is a seasonal job, and one of the few paid positions in the whole organization.

Teri Fraizer—a past Ceremonial queen, by the way—is only officially on duty during the summer months when there is a lull in he job with the McKinley County school system. “But I work at it year around,” she said. “There is so much to do. And I’m a child of the Ceremonial. I took part with my parents when I was just a kid.”

Bonaguidi adds, “It is a tough job. Running the Ceremonial has broken down several people over the years.”The finances have been a roller coaster ride as the Ceremonial passed from hand to hand over the years.

It has belonged to the state, the city of Gallup, and has existed as its own entity. “When Governor Johnson came in in 1996, he decided that Ceremonial was an island and shouldn’t be supported by the state. Johnson

above: Apache Devil Dancers perform at the Saturday morning parade during Inter-Tribal Ceremonial.

right: The dance groups work their way through downtown Gallup.

opposite: Old Stagecoach pulled by ateam of horses ends the Ceremonial parade.

89th Gallup Ceremoniala major success

Written by Ernie Bulow | Photography by Gary Langston


completely cut funding and the Ceremonial lost Larry Linford who was a state employee.

Teri is passionate about Ceremonial. “I see this as a healing process,” she says. “We are rebuilding from the ground up at the present time. We’ve seen the bottom.” One of the biggest problems Fraiser is trying to cope with is the lack of an advertising budget. Print advertising is very expensive and doesn’t seem to produce results. She is taking Ceremonial digital with an updated website and facebook exposure. “We got two thousand people on facebook in the first two weeks.”

Bonaguidi points out that they are using twenty year old computers and need to address that problem in the near future. But they are completely digital now and that makes keeping up with entries, awards and the like much easier.

“We are always changing and growing,” Teri said. “We have some changes to the dance groups

this year. We try to keep things fresh.” She also adds that they are trying to return Ceremonial to a truly Native American event. “When Ceremonial started it was for the Indians themselves,” she says. “We want to make them feel like it is still held for them, and in their honor.”

Louis Bonaguidi says that besides the hard

work of everyone involved, the Ceremonial owes a big debt of gratitude to Fire Rock Casino which has underwritten the last two years’ events. “The free night is a big boost for the community.,” he pointed out. “And their support has allowed us to expand the awards by twenty per cent.” Clearly the Ceremonial is headed in the right direction.

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GallupHistory

When a stonemason from Northern Italy named Charles Martinelli and his wife Minnie settled in New Mexico, it was just a step away from the Old Country.

The city of Gallup was in its infancy in the 1880s. Their two oldest children, Lena and Caesar had joined the family back in Pennsylvania and six more children would be born to the pair in Gallup.

The original Charles was a stonemason and would built a two-story stone house the locals referred to as “a mansion.” It was torn down after it burned and that location is now the site of Gurley Motors.

Last summer a couple of cousins, Beth Katz and Kyle Boatwright, from Southern California, realized that many of their family had never been to Gallup or met the rest of their relatives, so they planned an historic reunion, complete with travel on the Super Chief, accommodations at the old historic El Rancho Hotel, and visits to the Gallup’s Inter-Tribal Ceremonial.

On Friday the group traveled to Zuni Pueblo with a two hour stop at Joe Milo’s, south of town. Joe, his sister Judith Leyba and the late Penny Kozeliski are grandchildren of Lena Martinelli. She married John Meagher II and they had four children, Ethel Stock (who moved to England) Kate Boatwright, John Meagher III and Gloria Milosevich who all stayed in Gallup.

above: Joe Milosevich showing the group some family memorabilia. Frank Martinelli and Kay Neiman in foreground.

right: Final Saturday Night Dinner hosted by Frank and Lucille Martinelli.

Back Row - L to R - Manny Katz, Walter Leyba, Kathy Maltby, Anton Maltby, Brenda Milosevich, Joe Milosevich, Craig Boatwright, Pam Meoli, Chris Meoli.

2nd Row Seated - L to R - Cheri Katz, Judith Leyba, Lucille Martinelli, Frank Martinelli, Peggy Martinelli, Kay Neiman, Gail Boatwright.

Front Row - L to R - Jack Boatwright, Kasey Martinelli, Tristan Isaacs, Beth Katz with Kayln Maltby, Kyle Boatwright with Kayne Malby,Jeff Boatwright and Garret Isaacs.

Family Reunionit all began with the Martinellis

Written by Ernie Bulow | Photos courtesy of the Boatwright Family


above: Some of the Boatwrights arriving from Southern California on the Super Chief. L to R - Gail Boatwright, Kay Boatwright Neiman, Cheri Boartwright Katz, Craig Boatwright and his children Jeff, Kyle and 10 year old Jack.

right: After lots of Pizza and Gelato, Kyle served her birthday cake to the group and thanked her Grandmother (Nana) Gail Boartwright who had hosted the celebration.

below: What is a Trip to Zuni without stopping first at Joe Milo’s White Water Trading Post. After spend-ing 3 hours going through everything in the Historic Trading Post, the group was ready to head to Zuni totour the Old Mission Church.

left: A Day in Zuni - waiting for lunch at the Inn at Halona Patio.L to R - Chris Meoli, Walter Leyba, Kay Neiman, Craig Boatwright (on couch), Jack Boatwright, Kasey Martinelli, Garret Isaacs, and Tristan Isaacs.

above: Kyle Boatwright Celebrates her 21st Birthday at Fratelli’s Italian Bisto. L to R - Walter Leyba, Gail Boatwright, Kay Neiman, Manny Katz, Chris Meoli, the birthday girl Kyle, Beth Katz, Tristan Isaacs, Garret Isaacs and Jack Boatwright. Attending , but not shown: Peggy Martinelli, Cheri Katz, Jeff Boatwright, Kasey Martinelli, Judith Leyba and Pam Meoli.


After the stop at Milo’s White Water Trading Post they had lunch at the Inn at Halona’s patio and a personal tour of the famous Our Lady of Guadalupe Mission church at Zuni.

Dinner on Friday celebrated Kyle Boatwright’s twenty-first birthday, hosted at Fratelli’s by her grandmother Gail Boatwright. Gail was married to the late “Bobby” Boatwright who graduated from Gallup HS, as well as his sisters Kay Neiman

and Cheri Katz.The climax was dinner at Virgie’s

Restaurant hosted by the late Frank Martinelli and his wife Lucille. His father, Frank Martinelli Sr who was married to Mary Kitchen (of Kitchen’s Opera House) had two sons, Frank and Charlie. The Martinellis followed in their grandfather’s path. The beautiful homes and fireplaces of Martinelli Estates is a reminder of their extraordinary talent.

Finding a place to feed more than twenty-five people during Ceremonial indicates Frank and Lucille’s position in town.

Everyone agreed that the final dinner was the high point of the reunion.

right: One of two Steakhouses in Gallup. Zen’s Steak and Sushi Bar is located in the same building as King

Dragon Chinese on the North side of town on Hwy. 491. Great steaks and

the only Sushi Bar in town.

above: Grandchildren of Bob & Kate BoatwrightL to R - Pam Boatwright Meoli, Craig Boatwright and Beth Katz.

above: The Milosevich’s. L to R - Brenda & Joe Milosevich, Kathy Kozeliski Maltby, Judith Milosevich Leyba and Walter Leyba. Walter and Gloria Milosevich were the parents of Joe, Judy and the late, Penny Kozeliski.

right: Saturday Night Dinner at VirgiesL to R - Peggy Martinelli, Kathy Maltby, WalterLeyba, Anton Maltby, Kayln Maltly, Judith Leyba and Gail Boatwright.

above: Final Saturday Night DinnerL to R - Cheri Katz, Kathy Maltby, Kasey Martinelli, Garrett Isaccs, Pam Meoli, Lucille Martinelli, Gail Boatwright, Frank MartinelliIn Front - Kayne Maltby and Walter Leyba.

Special Thanks to Charlie Chavez and the Staff at

Virgie's Restaurant.


GallupHistory

A Gallup street in the 1920’s

Gallup in the “Horse and Buggy” days.

Navajo women sitting on top of a traditional Hogan, resting andsunning themselves.

Historic Images

Photos by Tom MullarkeyCourtesy of Shan Guadagnoli


BusinessChanges

COMFORT INN CELEBRATES 1ST ANNIVERSARYThere’s a new hotel in Gallup that caters to both tourists and business travelers and has easy ac-cess from I-40. The newly constructed Comfort Suites is just two miles from Fire Rock Casino and three miles from Red Rock Park. Local residents who may be expecting out-of-town visitors during the coming holiday season might want to check out their boutique stylerooms and reasonable rates. Guests can enjoy such features as a free hot breakfast, free wired and wireless high-speed Internet access, anindoor heated pool and hot tub and guest laundry. A spacious banquet/meeting room is also located in the building and can be available to business conferences as well as for local groupswho need a facility for birthday parties or family reunions. For more information call the manager, Ken Riege at (505) 863-3445.

RIO WEST MALL UNDER MANAGEMENTThe Rio West Mall has come under new man-agement as a result of a Chapter 11 bankruptcy of the previous owner, General GrowthProperties. The Mall has been transferred to a new company, the Howard Hughes Corpora-tion. The General Manager of the Mall, Rhett “Rob-bie” Robison said, “In terms of operation, its business as usual at this point in time.” The Howard Hughes Corporation is a devel-oper and operator of master planned communi-ties and long-term mixed use properties. Initial press releases indicate that HHC considers the Mall as a “long-term value potential” and will make every effort to fill all the vacant units,and bring the complex of businesses back into the mainstream of Gallup’s economy.

Written by Martin Link

Cimarron RoseRelax and Renew your Spirit

1 - 8 0 0 - 8 5 6 - 5 7 7 6 v w w w . c i m a r r o n r o s e . c o m

A “Green” Zuni Mountain Bed & BreakfastOn Scenic Route 53

v Three Private, Spacious Full Kitchen Suites v Delivered Breakfasts v Fireplaces v Patios

Quality Lodging Naturally

Northwest New MexicoVisitor CenterThe Northwest New Mexico Visitor Center provides a gateway to exploring the recreational and cultural opportunities which

abound in this part of the State. The multi-agency center provides area information, exhibits, maps, books,

videos, and programs.

Open Daily 8 to 5 Mountain Standard Time

Mountain Day Light Time 9 to 6

505-876-2783 1900 East Santa Fe Avenue Grants, New Mexico 87020


ART GALOREDid you know Gallup has the largest WPA mural, located in the McKinley County Courthouse? Gallup also boasts the fact that their WPA Art Collection is the largest in New Mexico. And as long as we are bragging, we recently added another ten murals to outdoor walls on downtown businesses, plus the dozens of monu-ments and sculptures spread through out the City.

THE ‘PERKY’ BURGERThe official name of the arroyo, Rio Puerco that splits Gallup in two was more familiarly shortened to the “Perky” by locals. Many businesses have used the term as a selling point for their local merchandise, none better than the late restaurateur Rocco DiPomazio, who designed and sold many “Perky” Burgers that combined the best of several cultures, and are still on the menu at The Rocket Café.

HIGH DESERT HOLLYWOODNoted Hollywood mogul, D.W. Griffith was respon-sible for financing the El Rancho Hotel for use by his stars in 1938. The surrounding rock formations and marvelous canyons near Gallup were one-of-a-kind backdrops for many films and the Californians wanted an oasis of their own after a hard day on location. The El Rancho soon became a landmark building on the outskirts of Gallup and has continued to cater to a multitude of visitors that prefer a little history with their accommodations.

PRESIDENTIAL JELLYBEANSYou need to check out the menu at the famous El Rancho Hotel on Route 66,where all the items are named after famous stars who have stayed at the hotel, such as Kirk Douglas, John Wayne and Lucille Ball to name a few. But the Ronald Reagan Bacon Cheese Burger comes with a little something extra – a side of Jelly Beans!

Gallup Tidbits Written by Tom Hartsock

Night Singing. Oil/Acrylic – 1991Navajo Artist Irving ToddyCourtesy of Ellis Tanner Trading Co.

For business or pleasure. Uniquely located in the center of ZuniPueblo. 8 Guest Rooms. Beautiful Patios for outdoor events,Meeting/Conference/Reception facilities & Catering Services.

Recommended by the San Francisco Chronicle and Los Angeles Times Travel Sections

23 Pia Mesa Road • Zuni, New Mexico 87327Phone: 505-782-4547 • Fax: 505-782-2155 • email: [email protected]

800-752-3278 • www.halona.com

Experience Zuni

ZUNI VISITOR & ARTS CENTER1239 Historic Route 53. Zuni, New Mexico [email protected] • www.zunitourism.com

505-782-7238

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In 1974 a balloonist named Tom Norcross began parking his hot air balloon in Gallup. He had discovered that the Red Rock formation east of town created a unique environment for the giant floaters. Micro currents. Air, when it cools, flows downward like water. When the sun warms it back up, it rises. The rock formations created a swirl of up and down drafts and cross currents that gave balloonists a thrilling experience.

CommunityCulture

right: “Special Shapes” are always a crowd pleaser at the

annual balloon rally.

Red Rock Balloon RallyTurns Thirty

Written by Ernie Bulow | Photography by Lisa Rodriquez


www.redrockballoonrally.com • 1 -800-380-4989

December 3rd, 4th

& 5th2010

New Mexico’s Premier Balloon Event Since 1981

Alan and Kay Wilson, linguist and English profes-sor, owned the next two balloons. Mesa Moon and Desert Sun were their names and they were joined shortly by Karl Lohman’s ride, Weather Naut, and Peter Procopio’s Firebird. Word of the special joy of sailing in the Gallup area spread quickly.

Karl Lohman, one of the founders of the Red Rock Balloon Rally, recalls that they had a sort of pre-event in 1980 they called a balloon rodeo. The participants were all from New Mexico and they discovered they had a good thing. In 1981 they went official and had between twenty-five and thirty baskets in the air.

Lionel McKinney, a local Indian trader, named the event and helped Bob Roseborough incor-porated the group. From the beginning it was an “invitation only” gathering because pilots had to have a lot of experience. The rally became known as a hard knocks venue—there were a lot of rough landings. Obviously that only added some excite-ment to the experience.

Gallup booster Jim Hurlbut decreed that the Red Rock Balloon Rally was a major event when it caused its first traffic jam. The other two “events” in Gallup are the Ceremonial and the Lion’s Club Rodeo.

The first weekend in December was chosen because of the cold and sunshine combination in the area. They have only been totally snowed out once. Karl attributes the Zuni Shalako prayers for giving them good flying conditions.

Ray Bayless, a recruiter for the Indian Health Service, brought three balloons to town. “He was our local expert,” says Lohman.

Over the years the crowd has continued to grow and according to Radio Personality Bill Lee, this year’s rally should bring in between 250 and 300 hot air balloons for the weekend event.

above: Even the trailers are a work of art.


In the 65 years that the local Lions Club has been in existence, this year marks the first time a woman has been elected to the office of the club’s presidency.

The current president is Cassie Henderson, who has been an active member of the club for a number of years and has worked her way “through the chairs” to gain this position.

For many years, all Lion Clubs had a separate support group known as the Lioness, whose members were mainly the wives of club members. The local chapter of Lioness was dissolved in 2001, and the members were admitted into the Lions Club. At present, the club now has a total of 95 members.

Their main activity every year has been to sponsor the Lions Club Rodeo at Red Rock Park. Their up-coming rodeo is scheduled for June 16-18, 2011, and Henderson said that they are already working on the event.

“June will be an extremely active month,” said Henderson “because we are hosting the State Convention the weekend before the rodeo.” The local club expects 30 to 35 other Lion Clubs from throughout the state to send delegates to the convention, which is scheduled for June 10-12, 2011. That weekend will also be the time for their rodeo parade and downtown barbeque dinner.

This past October the club presented a check for $1,000 to The American Legion Post 8 for what will be the first banner (in memory of Senior Airman Jason Cunningham) to be displayed under the McKinley County Heroes Program.

“The club is really behind me,” says Henderson, “and especially patient and helpful with my public speaking. This is the first time in my life that I’m having to get up before a group of people and conduct a meeting.”

Congratulations Cassie!

CommunityCulture

above: (left) Scott and Bobbie’s son Trent, along with a friend ride on one of the floats in

last summer’s Lion’s Club Rodeo Parade.

right: L-R: Cassie Henderson, club presi-dent; Amanda Clawson (grand-daughter);

Bobbie Clawson (daughter); Georgia Merrill (mother). Bobbie’s husband, Scott, is the Rodeo Chairman. Three generations all take pride in

raising Wiener-dogs. Gallup Lions Club Elects First Woman President

Written by Martin Link | Photography by Gary Langston


December3-5 30th Annual Red Rock

Balloon Rally (505)722-2228.4 Christmas Parade in

Downtown Gallup January17 Martin Luther King Jr. Civil

Rights Celebration (505)722-2258

February 14 St. Valentine Day

March5 Bishop’s Mardi Gras Red Rock Park (505)722-3839 17 St Patrick’s DayTBA Celtic Festival of Arts and

Spirituality

April12 Dawn ‘til Dusk Mountain

Bike Race Twelve hour endurance race on Gallup’s High Desert Trail System course. (505)722-2228 www.dawntilduskrace.com

23 Easter Spring Fling Day Ford Canyon Park (505)863-6851

29-30 All Nations PowWow (505)722-2228

May5 Cinco De Mayo Celebration

(505)863-6851 19-20 “Run for the Wall” Annual

cross country motorcycle ride arrives in Gallup towards the Vietnam Veteran’s Memorial Mall in Washington, DC

(505)863-668120-22 Freedom Ride and Flight

(505)722-2228 20 Gallup High School

Graduation (505)721-250021 Miyamura High School

Graduation (505)721-190030 VFW Memorial Day Parade

and Ceremony Courthouse Square

June4 Gallup Triathlon3-5 USTRC Team Roping

Championship Red Rock Park Arena (505)863-6701

9-10 State High School Finals Rodeo Red Rock Park Arena

(505)722-3839 11 63rd Annual Lion’s Club

Parade14 Navajo Code Talker Day15-18 62nd Annual Lion’s Club

Rodeo www.galluplions.org24-25 Relay for Life Gallup Sports

Complex. Remembrance and Support of cancer victims while raising money for the American Cancer Society. (505)870-9662

New Mexico National Junior High School Finals Rodeo at Red Rock Park Arena June 24 through July 3, 2011

2011 CalenDar of Events

For More Information call 722-2228

Nightly Indian Dances begin Memorial Day and run until Labor Day Courthouse Square (505)722-2228 for information.

Crownpoint Indian Rug Auction held the 2nd Friday of every month (505)786-7386 www.Crownpointrugauction.com


Photography by Gary Langston


63nD annual lionsroDeo anD BarBeCueJune 15-18, 2011 Parade and BarbecueSaturday, June 11thFour days and nights of top-flight amateur rodeo, the best barbecue feast, a huge parade, country/western dancing, and many special events await you in this event that features over 800 cowboys and cowgirls. Sponsored by the Lions Club as a community project, the excitement builds to the final night of competition and the thousands of dollars in prize money and awards that is distributed to the best. Fans become part of the program too, as the service club receives donations from many sponsors that are given away during nightly raffle drawings. www.galluplions.org.

Call Scott Clawson at 870-4952 for more information

GallupRodeos

nm national Junior hiGh roDeo finals

June 24 - July 3, 2011You will be amazed at the talents of these 6th, 7th, and 8th grade rodeo performers that gather in Gallup for the Finals competi-

tion. Over 900 contestants from 47 states, including Alaska and Hawaii, several Canadian Provinces and Australia compete in a week-long test of their skills in Barrel Racing; Chute Dogging;

Bull Riding; Breakaway, Calf, and Ribbon Roping; Goat Tying; Team Roping and Pole Bending.

Call Judi Starkovich at 863-1230 for more information.

Special section: As seen in the 2011 Gallup Visitor Guide

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18th annual “WilD thinG” Bull riDinG Championship July 8-9, 2011The toughest riders on the rankest bulls go for two nights (45 riders a night) as they compete for about $25,000 in prize money. The number one Open Bull Riding event in the Southwest, the Wild thing is filmed and shown on TV in Canada, Mexico and the United States. Junior Loopers (ropers), Wooly (Sheep) Riders Championship, and young Calf Riders also appear each night, along with a perilous game of Cowboy Poker, where fans can compete for prize money by staying in their chairs while a rampaging bull circles the arena. Don’t miss the mouth dropping, ear-popping fireworks demonstration during each performance, and a head full of excitement and fun that will last until next year.

Call Larry Peterson at 863-5402 for more information.

all-inDian roDeo at the 90th inter-triBal inDian Ceremonial August 10-14, 2011This rodeo is presented during the days of the

Inter-Tribal Indian Ceremonial and features riders and per-formers from tribes across the continent in acts of bravery, strength, agility, and

endurance in the Southwest’s original sport, rodeo. All contestants must be members of registered Na-tive American tribes and many compete in the professional ranks. This is a distinct event that fully involves the fans with the talents of the Native American cowboys, many of whom practice the sport on their own area ranches.

Call Cermonial Office at 863-3896 for more information.

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loCalBusiness

During the fall of 2010, the 56-year old building that has been home to both the Gallup--McKinley County Chamber of Commerce and UNM-Gallup’s Small Busi-ness Development Center, has undergone a thorough renovation.

Chamber Director Bill Lee said the renovations took place both inside and outside the Southwest-style building at 106 West Historic Route 66. He acknowledged that the repairs were long overdue, but were put off in anticipation of constructing a brand new building.

Lee stated that for a number of years the chamber, which has more than 300 members, has had a separate account designed to serve as a matching fund for proposed grant monies. The chamber had hoped to build a new building, which would also house the City’s Economic Development Department and the Convention and Visitor’s Bureau. That plan, which received City approval, would have used a $580,000 state appropriation to construct a modern facility that was

above: Interior shot of the main Visitor’s entrance of the Gallup Chamber. New paint, fixtures, and lightening sure brightens up the room.

right: The exterior of the refurbished Gallup-McKinley County Chamber of Commerce.

Chamber Building Gets a Face-lift

Written by Martin Link | Photography courtesy of Gallup Chamber


to provide a number of related services. However, that appropriation fell victim to the state’s claw-back rule, which eliminated all non-essential expenditures in order to balance the budget.

Consequently, the new building was out of reach so the chamber’s board of directors decided to concentrate their efforts and resources to up-grading the present facility. “I am extremely proud that every board member came forth and gave their full support to this project,” Lee said.

Blue Sky Builders, a chamber member who won the bid at $79,000, undertook the renovation project. Minor repairs were done to the exterior, including new stucco, windows and doors, new landscaping, and a cement extension of the front entrance area. Inside work included a new heating and cooling system, freshly painted walls, an improved lighting system, new carpets and tile floors. The stage area, which had been walled off and used as storage for many years, has now been reopened.

In the early 1990’s, when Barbara Stanley was the chamber’s executive director, the meeting area was designated as the “Navajo Code Talker meeting room.” Martin Link and James Hughes constructed five display cases, and with the help of Al Smith, William Kien and several other Code Talkers, designed a series of exhibits detailing the history of this unique group of Navajo Marines in World War II. As a part of this renovation project three of these display cases have also been cleaned and refurbished.

above: Chamber Director Bill Lee at the recent Fireball Ball Run event held in Gallup.

Navajo Spirit Southwestern Wear815 W Coal Ave • Gallup NM 87301

505 722-6837 • 800-377-6837www.NavajoSpirit.com

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loCalFlavor

Kids on the MoveEditorial and Photography by Tom Hartsock

Sumit Patel Sumit Patel chose a different path for his high school years. The 17-year old enrolled at Mid College High

School for his sophomore year. He will graduate in May with 39 credit hours for high school (only 29 are necessary) and 63 college credits under his belt. His 3.86 GPA shows that he is carrying that load well and he participates actively in MESA (an organization for students that excel in Math, Engineering and Science) at Gallup High and plans to play tennis for the high school in the spring. His favorite subjects are, of course, Math and Science.

The Mid College High School is a charter school that cooperates with UNM-Gallup to provide high school age students with a more mature, and firmer, direction for their goals. The school has no extra-curric-ular activities itself, but works with Gallup-McKinley County Schools to provide those for the students.

Sumit (pronounced Su-meet) wants to attend UNM in the BA/MD program and become a Pediatri-cian. He has been shadowing Doctor Michelle MacLaren for the last three years in her practice in early preparation for his future.

He has lived in Gallup for six years, was born in Connecticut, and is an only child. His parents moved here for business and family reasons after migrating from India.

Sumit transferred from Miyamura High after his freshman year to get college credits and to better prepare himself for the future. He likes the idea of a small school like the Mid College, which is more like an extended family to him.

Caitlin Bush Gallup native Caitlin Bush, born here just over 17 years ago, was recently named as Miss High School New Mexico,

based on an essay and resume’ as well as a community service record that put others to shame.Her pictures speak silently, but with force, of her physical attractiveness. Her quest for the title of Miss High School

America is more than just luck or favor of genetics.A junior at Gallup High, Caitlin is currently active as a dancer with the Bengal Girls Dance Team and the vice president

of the National Honor Society. She maintains a 4.0 GPA and has cheered, danced and done gymnastics since the fourth grade and a performer in musical theater since the third grade. She sang the national anthem twice recently, once at the 5K Run/Walk before running the course, and then on September 26 when the Fireball Run made a stop over in Gallup.

Caitlin has participated in pageants since 2006, winning a title in Kentucky, but she likes helping others, serving at the Community Pantry when able, helping at elementary schools on Young Authors’ Day, and keeping busy in her first loves: Theater, Drama, Dance and Singing.

In October, Caitlin was selected as an Ambassador for the National Society of High School Scholars, promoting the organization in school as both strive for excellence.

“I would like to enter an art (she works with acrylics) or a singing contest,” Caitlin said, expanding her list of possibilities even more. Just like a winner!


Panthers Capture Championship There are three kinds of people in this world, at least according to head coach David

Schmaltz and his State Champion Gallup Catholic baseball players. There are “doers,” “lookers” and those that say, “What happened?” The Panther boys proved that they are the “doers” last May as they ignored an early post-season top ranking in single A baseball, turning that minor accolade into a reality that can never be taken away.

“That blue trophy at the end of the year is what these kids play for,” said Schmaltz. “None of these games were a walk-through, regardless of the ending scores.”

It was the first State Baseball Championship for any Gallup high school team since 1954.The championship game was not as close as the first two, but the Panthers did not let up

as they took a 10-1 win in the final game of the year.“We played at three really nice parks,” said Schmaltz. “Rio Rancho and Cleveland both

have very nice fields, but Isotopes Park is just the icing. Someone said that Bishop Wall and Father Keller were both there for the game and we had a good, loud crowd that gave us support too.”

And one final word from coach Schmaltz, “I want these boys I coach to understand that in life, just like baseball, hard work will pay off ! This was a special group that accomplished thie feat, and all contributed, from the five seniors down to the two eighth-graders.”

The State Champion Baseball Team for 2010, Gallup Catholic, poses for a final group picture after the Spring Sports Awards Banquet.

Bottom row, from left: Gary Archuleta, Peter Torrez, Gage Etcitty, Henry Joe, John Paul Herrera, David Tibbs.

Back row, from left: T.J. Lopez, James Farrell, coach Matt Lovato, Ryan Nichols, coach Juan Delgado, Taylor Jones, head coach David Schmaltz, Vladimir Joe, coach Richard Rangel, Xander Parker, coach Andrew Christensen, A.J. Noriega.

Happy Holidays©

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FOR MORE INFORMATION

AND A FREE VISITOR GUIDE:

Gallup Visitor and Information Center,

Located in the Gallup-McKiinley County

Chamber of Commerce Building

103 West Historic Route 66Gallup, NM 87301

800-242-4282505-722-2228

www.gallupnm.org

Look for the NEW

Official Visitor

Guide in January

2011


Former Gallup resident, John Michael Sandoval with his gear gettingprepared to film PAULA ABDUL’ New Dance Show. John is the son of

former City Councilwoman Rosemarie (Shorty) Sandoval and Frank Sandoval.

Talk of the Town

Convention and Visitor’s Bureau Director Debbie Garcia enjoys the efforts of her office, the City, Gallup Chamber and the entire community

in hosting this event.

City Councilmen out in full force for the event.

L to R - Allan Landavazo,

Jay Azua, Mike Enfield

and Bryan Wall.

Mayor Harry Mendoza takes in the festivities

with the first Fire Ball Run in Gallup.

Gloria Boatwright Neiman and her niece Beth Katz (center) wait for the Thursday night Ceremonial Parade with others from their reunion group. L to R - Kyle, Gail,

Craig and Jack Boatwright. Ten year old Jack, the youngest of the group had never been out of Southern California until Ceremonial weekend in Gallup. A Great Adventure!


September 11, 2010

A Ceremony was held by the Gallup Fire Department in honor of their fallen firemen and all first responders who lost their lives ten years ago at Ground Zero. Both Officers and Linemen

participated in the moving ceremony.

2nd Annual Law Enforcement Appreciation DayThe event was held on September 15, 2010 and was hosted by Ellis Tanner Trading Co. and their staff. Those being honored included

the Gallup City Police, McKinley County Sheriffs Department, NM State Police, (assigned to this area) and the Gallup Fire Department. After a great lunch and a few speeches, Lori Height from Ellis Tanner

Trading Co., awarded Dewayne Holder, a plaque for Office of the Year. A great time was had by all and everyone is

looking forward to next year.

We Have It AllThe Arts

Cultural EventsHistorical Tales

The Business ClimateCulinary DelightsPolitical Updates

Gallup YouthEastern AZ/

Western NM Tourism

Regional DistributionsSubscriptions Available

Great as Gifts for Family & Friends

505-820-6798505-501-1128

[email protected]

GallupLiving


loCalBusiness

A few more taps and the images of your recent chest x-ray now appear on the display. Drawing on the image, your provider explains how it reflects improvement in your condition but notes that your medication needs to be adjusted. After confirming which pharmacy you use, the prescription is sent directly to them and your order will be waiting for you when you arrive. Your provider would also like you to visit a specialist to address another minor issue. A few more taps on the tablet computer and your appointment is set. Your provider also prints off an easy to read instruction sheet for you to follow at home and you are all set to go.

Does this sound like a scene from a science fiction movie? Actually, this scenario is beginning to play out in medical practices across the U.S. and is the direction RMCHCS is going with health information technology. This technology is to help improve access to medical services and quality of care.

Leading the electronic charge into this new generation of healthcare service delivery is RMCHCS’ Chief Information Officer, Brett Mello. Mello joined RMCHCS after nearly a decade at Bronson Healthcare Group in Kalamazoo, Michigan. Bronson, a multi-hospital system serving a nine county region, was awarded the prestigious Malcolm Baldridge national quality award in 2005 –the third hospital to ever receive this recognition for excellence. Mello has over twenty years experience leading information technology across a diverse array of industries, from multinational Fortune 500 companies to start ups. Characterized as an innovator and technology strategist, his business ideas have resulted in extraordinary results on quality, growth and operational performance.

RMCHCS is very pleased to welcome Brett Mello to their team.

Imagine a visit to your provider. The receptionist greets you warmly and confirms your appointment. All your information is quickly accessible from the computer screen and any signatures needed are captured from an electronic pad and a plastic stylus on the counter top. Payments can be made with a swipe of your debit or credit card. After a very short wait, you are ushered into the exam room. Within seconds, your provider arrives with a thin electronic tablet and sits down to discuss your health concerns.

During your talk, you ask about the results of your recent lab tests. With a few taps on the tablet, your provider brings up the results and together you review the easy to read information displayed on the screen. If you want a copy of the report, it can be printed out right there.

Brett Mello, Chief Information Officer

RMCHCS Welcomes Health Information Strategist

Written and Photography by Ena M. Burmeister


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