Journey-April2026

City of Gallup Behavioral Health

Upcoming E vents :

Behavioral Health Wellness Summit : April 22

2nd Annual Tribal Behavioral Health Providers

Association Conference (Alcohol Prevention Track, Tribal Harm Reduction and Youth Track ): June 2026

OFPL Behavioral Health Book Club Strong Ground: April 28 at 6:00 pm & May 9 at 2:00 pm.

Social Determinants of Health Training TBD

Stress Reduction Clinics (Arts Crawl & OFPL)

INFORMATION WILL BE POSTED ON THE CITY OF GALLUP FACEBOOK

Grow Our Own Program

The GOO Advanced is split into trimesters: legal, trauma, and mental health. Each participant attends monthly case staffing, in-person program site visits, oneon-ones with a clinical supervisor, a career plan, an educational plan, 10 hours of community service, and behavioral health continuing education. GOO Advance participants have degrees and experience and can be licensed through our program within the year

The GOO Basic Month includes monthly educational sessions with a group activity. GOO participants are new to the field or exploring getting into the field. Thank you to our partners: Gallup Indian Medical, Gallup CYFD Investigation team, Octavia Fellin Public Library, Municipal Court, McKinley County DWI Program, Gallup Police Department, Gallup Fire Department, NCI, and Metro Dispatch.

Warming Center

The w arming shelter was a partnership between the City of Gallup, Gallup Community Health, Gallup Express, Gallup Community Pantry, the Housing Justice Team, and the Alcohol Task Force. The project was funded by the Department of Workforce Solutions Housing. The program provided 2,971 intakes with 636 unique individuals. 64% of the population was from McKinley County, with the majority of individuals aged 25- 45. There were 16 families with 18 adults. We had 182 calls for service with intoxicated person s and disorderly subjects.

Monthly/Quarterly events:

Quarterly Case Management Meeting

Narcan Training: Last Tuesday of the month at 12:00 pm at OFPL Main Library.

Outreach with Gallup Police Department & Community Partners

Behavioral Health Training

Monthly Training & Events email update.

Annual events or Resources:

Annual Point In Time Count

Online Resource Directory

Community Coat & Clothing Drive

Annual Community Feeding Resource cards (shelter, Naloxone, Naltrexone)

This division of the City of Gallup was established in 2017. Thank you to our funders and partners, without whom we would not be able to provide services. If you have any questions, please contact Debra L. Martinez, Behavioral Health Manager, at dmartinez@gallupnm.gov.

Thoughts From The West End

CHUCK NORRIS

We have had an uncharacteristically warm winter... an uncharacteristically dry and just generally strange winter. And now it is already over 80 degrees. Reflecting on this odd shift, I think I figured out why the weather has been so strange. Chuck Norris. Now, hear me out...the universe knew it was about to gain possibly one of the most profound angels in heaven. Therefore, the entire cosmic balance has been thrown off. If you’re not familiar with the pop culture of Chuck Norris, you’re probably thinking I am an insane person. Here is a very brief history: Chuck Norris gained fame in the 1970s for his impressive martial arts skills. He played alongside the main legend, Bruce Lee. Norris’s film roles, such as Missing in Action and The Delta Force, enhanced his image as America’s “tough guy”. We must also not forget that he was the spokesman for the iconic Total Gym and the memorable commercials that he starred in. My dad was definitely a buyer, and to this day, he still has one. Even calls my four-month-old’s play gym a “total gym.” Anyway, by the 90s, Walker, Texas Ranger, solidified his status as an American cowboy stoic hero. His “unshakable beard and signature roundhouse kicks” almost cartoonized his image.

Apparently, what kicked off Norris’s “lore” (if you will) was Conan O’Brien on The Late Show in 2004. O’Brien started a recurring segment where he would pull a “Walker, Texas Ranger Lever” to play completely absurd, out-ofcontext clips from Norris’s show. This is where, once the internet took off, it got its ammunition to fuel the plethora of Chuck Norris lore, “so serious-it’s funny” style memes.

The rise of Norris’s internet legend continued in early 2005, when a teenager named Ian Spector created a website for

“Vin Diesel Facts.” When that faded, he polled the internet for a new subject; Chuck Norris won by a landslide.

These weren’t “jokes” in the traditional sense, but “facts” that described Norris as a deitylike being with physics-defying powers.

• The Classics: *

“Chuck Norris doesn’t do pushups; he pushes the Earth down.”

“There is no theory of evolution, just a list of creatures Chuck Norris allows to live.”

“Chuck Norris’s tears cure cancer. Too bad he has never cried. Ever.” So, tying things back to my opening thoughts, perhaps the universe decided it must hold as much moisture as possible, because once Chuck Norris is gone, many fans will flood the earth with tears of sorrow. If you think about it, it is quite impressive how he managed to stay “relevant” across multiple generations. He made it into songs, such as “The Ultimate Showdown” by Lemon Demon (I recommend you look up this hilarious song & video *caution slightly graphic), TV, commercials, movies, memes, and more. Great grandpa knows who he is, and so does your 12-year-old. In closing, I hope we get some moisture now that the cosmos has one of the most profound iconic angels in their possession. Thank you, Chuck Norris, for delivering decades of inspiration, comedy, and fitness.

(March 22, 2026). Chuck Norris

Played Too Good a Bad Guy to Stay One. The Atlantic. https://www. theatlantic.com/culture/2026/03/chucknorris-appreciation/686494/?utm_ source=apple_news

(March 22, 2026). Chuck Norris

Played Too Good a Bad Guy to Stay One. The Atlantic. https://www. theatlantic.com/culture/2026/03/chucknorris-appreciation/686494/?utm_ source=apple_news (1993). Walker, Texas Ranger. CBS. https://www.cbs.com/shows/walkertexas-ranger/ (2024). Chuck Norris Facts. Know Your Meme. https://knowyourmeme.com/ memes/chuck-norris-facts

April Class Schedule

Saturday, April 11 - 9am - 4pm $45

Marjeans Velour Blouse

Instructor: Marjean Benally • Level: Intermediate

Saturday, April 18 - 9am - 1pm $22

Paper Piecing Block of the Month

Instructor: Laura Anderson • Level: Intermediate

In this class the students that have participated in the last 6 months will add the sashing and borders to the blocks they have finished.

Saturday, April 25 - 9am - 4pm $45

Marjeans Velour Blouse

Instructor: Marjean Benally • Level; Intermediate

GSM Class Policy: Payment in full AT TIME OF SIGNING UP for class. Classes that don’t have the minimum students signed up will be canceled a week before the scheduled class. Please come to class fully prepared with sewing machine and ready to sew. Supply list are provided at the time of payment. There are NO REFUNDS unless class does not meet the minimum required students.

104 W. Coal Avenue • 505-722-9414 www.gallupservicemart.com Mon-Sat • 9am to 5pm

When you finish these puzzles, bring them to our office at 210 E. Aztec Ave, оr take a pic with your phone and email it to gallupjourney@gmail.com. Don’t forget to include your name.

sudoku

March Master Finishers

N.T.N.

Jaye Smith

Beverly Abeita

R Morris

Richard L.

DK & Footies

Lois Becenti

Braums G.

E. Pieras

W.G. Curley

Jamie Atcitty-Begay

Steph J.

Mitch

Thomas Gomez

Jeanita “Nina” Thomas

A. David

Maureen Bia

Doma

Lucy Hoskie

Seven

Former Mayor Louis Bonaguidi Mayor Marc DePauli FOR

Q How long have you lived in Gallup?

A All my life. My dad started City Electric in 1924. I took it over in 1971 when he passed away, and now my son, Tony, is running it. We just found out from the Chamber of Commerce that it is the third-oldest business here in Gallup—102 years in business, all with the same family. The first one is Rico’s; they started in 1900, and Rollie Mortuary started in 1922.

Q What is one of your favorite things about Gallup?

A The people. I’ve lived here my whole life, my kids have raised their kids here, it’s a good place to live. It’s multicultural. We have a good quality of life, it’s not too hot in the summers, and we don’t have that terrible humidity. Even on hot days, all you have to do is find a shady spot and you’ll be alright.

Q What made you decide to run for Mayor of Gallup?

A I was on the City Council for about 12 years in the late 80’s. I left and got out of politics in 2003, and I really thought I’d be out of politics at that time, but things changed drastically after my wife passed away. I was encouraged to run, so I did, and I won. (with a laugh).

Q What were some of the biggest challenges you faced as Mayor?

A That’s right when COVID hit. In fact, I got sworn in on the first day. On the second day, when I walked into the office at 8 o’clock in the morning, I received a phone call from the Governor congratulating me. Then she said, “By the way, there are 60 state police officers and the National Guard coming down,” and the city

Questions

By Jennifer Bates

was locked down for 12 days. That was my second day as Mayor.

Q What is one of the challenges Gallup faces?

A Gallup has taken quite a few hits over the years, with places closing and moving, being bought out, but right now, the closing of the Gallup Independent bothers me. It would be good if we could figure out a way to keep a local newspaper like that. Otherwise, people don’t know what’s going on.

Q What do you consider your greatest accomplishments while you were Mayor?

A We were able to secure a new building for the Gallup Police Department. When I was on the City Council back in 2002, 2003, we started talking about that. It was so bad that the jail doors wouldn’t lock, and look how long it took. The cost to build it also increased dramatically, but now it is all done! And now they are finishing up the new Senior Center on the North side. We were also constantly mired in the Navajo-Gallup pipeline.

There were many obstacles, but we traveled and lobbied in Washington, and right after I left office, they got the money to finish the project. It is the largest project the Bureau of Reclamation has done since the Hoover Dam.

Q Why was your term extended for 2 years?

A The state offered to change our election to coincide with their election, which was good because it saved us money from running our own election. When that referendum was approved, it also gave the City Councilors an additional 2 years on their terms.

Q How long have you lived in Gallup?

A I was born in Gallup and lived there until I was 18 years old. I went to college and returned to Gallup with my wife, Kristy, in 1993. We’ve been here ever since. We came back because I wanted to work in the community as a Civil Engineer and a Land Surveyor.

Q What do you want to accomplish while you are Mayor?

Q What is one of your favorite things about Gallup

A I love hunting, fishing, hiking, and activities that we can have fun outside.

Q What made you decide to run for Mayor of Gallup?

A I decided to run for mayor to give back to the community in which I grew up. About two years ago, I experienced things in the city that I knew I could improve on, including securing a water supply, drilling water wells, fixing the wastewater plant for reuse water, crime prevention, and providing opportunities for our youth. I also saw the technology changing and the increased need for cybersecurity. There was a need for someone who is technology-savvy.

Q What is one of the challenges of being the Mayor, so far?

A One of the biggest challenges is making sure that people who work for City Hall know that I’m behind them. I have learned to give employees the support and confidence to perform in their positions.

A Making sure that we have a secure water supply is the highest priority. Next is the wastewater plant and reuse, so that we’re not relying on the drinking water supply for the golf course and industrial uses. I want to stop crime by making sure that our Police and the Sheriff have the resources by fully supporting them. Also, we need a District Attorney who will prosecute criminals. This will give our police officers and sheriff deputies the assurance that their work will be appreciated and rewarded.

Q What is the status of the current projects you are working on?

A We are working on economic development projects, including plans for the trade ports, and expanding the City’s airport. Next is the revision of our building code and procedures to promote residential, commercial, and industrial development. Fair utility billing and collections are in the works. I am also working on creating a film commission to attract the motion picture industry to the area.

Q Is there anything you would like to add?

A I’m here for the citizens of Gallup. I work 8 hours a day, making sure that we get things done. My door is always open; whoever has something to say, I will listen. I am always ready for solutions.

104th GallupInter-Tribal Indian Ceremonial

J uly 31 – A ugust 9, 2026

Gallup Inter-Tribal Indian Ceremonial will be accepting bids for the above referenced event. Bids must be received no later than April 30, 2026 at 5:00 pm. Bids received after this date will not be accepted and will be returned unopened to the sender.

The 104th Gallup Inter-Tribal Indian Ceremonial dates are July 31 – August 09, 2026. Key components of this event include:

u Admission and Parking services for the following hours:

August 1, 2026 – 6am to 10pm

August 5, 2026 – 3pm to 10pm

August 6, 2026 – 7am to 9pm

August 7, 2026 – 6am to 10pm

August 8, 2026 – 6am to 10pm

August 9, 2026 – 8am to 4pm

u Main Concession at Red Rock Park from August 1-9, 2026 following hours:

August 1, 2026 - 8am to 9pm

August 5, 2026 – 6pm to 9pm

August 6, 2026 – 9am to 9pm

August 7, 2026 – 12pm to 9pm

August 8, 2026 – 12pm to 9pm

August 9, 2026 – 11am to 5pm

u Uniformed Armed and Unarmed Security Services at the Exhibit Hall, Opening Night Controllers Office, Parking and Admission, as well as Roving Patrol estimated 600 combined hours from July 31, 2026 to August 9, 2026.

u Publisher of the Gallup Inter-Tribal Indian Ceremonial Magazine for the 104th event. The magazine will be 72 pages -15,000 copies.

If you are interested in submitting a bid, it should be mailed or delivered to the name and address listed below in a sealed envelope labeled as follows:

Gallup Inter-Tribal Indian Ceremonial ATTN: Sealed Bid

206 W. Coal Avenue, Gallup, NM 87301 **No electronic delivered bids will be accepted

Bids must be prepared and submitted using the bid form provided on the website: gallupceremonial. com/request for bids or pick up at our office. Bid must be typed or printed and signed in ink. All bids received by the deadline shall be reviewed by members of the board. All bids must be reasonable. Gallup Inter-Tribal Indian Ceremonial will select the vendor to perform the services required and the contract will be executed between Gallup Inter-Tribal Ceremonial and the winning bidder.

Upon selection of the winning bidder. Gallup Inter-Tribal Indian Ceremonial will send a bid award notice to the bidder.

OF THE MONTH

Antonio Reyna

By Brenden Rich

Who Is Antonio Reyna?

Born in 1974, Antonio Reyna grew up on Gallup’s north side, just blocks from St. Francis and F&R Market, where the town’s eclectic mix of shops, restaurants, and families shaped his early life. A mariachi virtuoso, Antonio has turned that heritage into a career that blends performance, production, and ranch stewardship. He runs a production company that stages the Mariachi Spectacular—now in its 35th year—and coordinates events across New Mexico, from Albuquerque’s Civic Plaza to Santa Barbara’s festival. His partnership with his husband, Joe, is a cornerstone of both their personal and professional lives; together they manage everything from sound engineering to catering, turning each show into a community celebration.

Beyond the stage, Antonio lives

on a 120acre ranch in Estancia, NM, where he raises thirty Black Angus cattle. The daily rhythm of fencing, water maintenance, and feeding keeps him grounded, while his family—his father, brotherinlaw, and Joe—provide handson support. This blend of rural life and artistic passion makes Antonio a living bridge between Gallup’s storied past and its vibrant present. He is celebrated in local media, including The Gallup Journey, and shares his story on his website at https://antonioreyna. com/antonio-reyna.

The Changing Winds of Gallup

“Family events are not as prominent as before… Parades for every celebration that everybody attended… those types of events don’t happen as much and have disappeared.”

Antonio Reyna’s recollections paint a vivid picture of Gallup’s evolution over the past three decades. In the 1980s-90s, the town buzzed with a thriving mall, Route 66 storefronts, and bustling coalstreet eateries that drew neighbors together. Parades seemingly ran through every street corner, and

community events—like the Ford Canyon Park Easter egg hunt—were staples of local life. By contrast, today those largescale celebrations have largely faded. Route 66 has become a quieter stretch, and though Coal Street restaurants are fewer, small businesses still manage & thrive, and the town’s diverse mix remains intact. Growing up on Gallup’s north side, Antonio witnessed these shifts firsthand. He notes that while the communal rhythm has dimmed, the spirit of togetherness can be rekindled if residents remember where they came from and support one another. His call to action is simple: preserve what makes Gallup unique and keep the community spirit alive.

We’re not losing music— we’re missing the stage

“Need to provide them the space to do that. OpenMic night kind of deal… Offer showcasing opportunities and resources to tape and record.”

Antonio reminds us that Gallup’s musical heartbeat is still strong; it just needs a new rhythm of support and space. He never raises an issue without

offering a concrete fix: openmic nights in local cafés, community contests with prize money from nearby businesses, and free or lowcost recording booths in town. By turning everyday venues into creative hubs, he believes artists can practice, perform, and grow together. His optimism is contagious—he sees every setback as an opportunity to build stronger networks. He urges residents to volunteer, sponsor, and attend shows, reinforcing that a thriving music scene thrives on collective effort. In short, Antonio’s message is clear: Gallup’s music isn’t dying; it just needs the community’s willingness to give it room to breathe.

We as a community are urged to invest in cultural infrastructure that nurtures talent and keeps Gallup’s traditions vibrant, and the cost of that investment often is simply our time, attention and appreciation.

Advice for the Aspiring

“Find your niche. Stick to it and do it really well… Continue learning and be a student of your craft.”

1- Specialize: Whether it’s an instrument, production, or songwriting, master one area before branching out.

2- Keep learning: Stay curious; every performance is a lesson.

3- Be fearless

4 - Network with integrity: His “NO JERK POLICY” reminds artists that success comes from good people and genuine connections.

5- If you do it well and stay a student of the craft, it opens the doors and you have to walk through them. If the door opens, walk through it. Worst case? Turn around, walk out, and try the next door.

The Power Duo: Antonio & Joe

How They Met

“Met in Albuquerque through coworkers … started communicating and 23 years later here we are.”

Joe, a souschef turned event producer, complements Antonio’s musical vision. Antonio and Joe met in Albuquerque when their managers were friends; a casual conversation over happy hour sparked a partnership that has lasted 23 years. Antonio, a seasoned mariachi vocalist and producer, writes scripts and directs the stage, while Joe brings his culinary background

By Lifetouch Studios 1985 school picture

into event production—handling sound engineering, backstage logistics, and running the foodtruck/trailer operations. Together they manage all aspects of their production company: creative vision, business management, catering, and technical execution. Their complementary skills have earned them the reputation of a “Power Duo,” consistently delivering highquality shows that showcase local talent across New Mexico. Their collaboration has produced landmark events such as the 35thanniversary Mariachi Spectacular at Albuquerque’s Civic Plaza, where they blend musical artistry with logistical precision.

Life on the Ranch

Antonio’s ranch in Estancia, NM, is more than a backdrop for his music; it is a living laboratory of rhythm and resilience. The 120acre property hosts thirty Black Angus cattle that roam freely across rolling pastures, their daily routine mirroring the cadence of Antonio’s performances: early mornings, steady work, and a pace that keeps him grounded. Each day begins with a walk around the perimeter to inspect fences—often replacing old, barbed wire or relaying posts—to ensure the animals have safe boundaries. Water troughs are checked and refilled; any leaks in the irrigation system are patched promptly. The rhythm of feeding— morning, midday, and evening—creates a predictable structure that Antonio finds calming, a counterpoint to the unpredictability of touring.

The family’s involvement is palpable, Antonio’s fatherinlaw brings decades of ranching wisdom, while his brotherinlaw

assists with corral repairs and livestock health checks. Together they form a support network that keeps operations running smoothly. Neighbors often stop by to share stories over Joe’s food or to help with chores during busy seasons. Antonio cherishes his community and neighbors, and the ranch is a gathering place where people can connect, share meals, and celebrate. The simplicity of ranch life—sunrise over pastures, the hum of tractors, the scent of hay— provides a therapeutic backdrop that fuels his creativity. It reminds him that success is not just about accolades but about sustaining relationships, honoring heritage & family, and maintaining balance between work and rest.

Antonio’s ranch in Estancia, NM, offers a stark contrast to the city’s hustle: “It’s therapeutic… The priority is making sure everyone is fed and safe.”

Looking Ahead

Antonio’s next chapter is all about fresh sounds, bigger stages, and quiet horizons. Contrasting entire album recordings Antonio shifts to carefully tailored singles. The Mariachi Spectacular will celebrate its 35th anniversary this fall, with backtoback shows at Albuquerque’s Civic Plaza and Sandia Casino, followed by a dazzling performance at Santa Barbara’s Mariachi Festival. While the spotlight remains bright on stage, Antonio is also planting roots for his future: a peaceful life on his Estancia ranch, surrounded by family, cattle, and community. Together with Joe he’ll continue to nurture local talent, turning every event into a celebration.

Final Thoughts

Antonio Reyna is more than a musician; he’s a custodian of Gallup’s heritage. His blend of artistry, entrepreneurship, and rural stewardship offers a blueprint for how local talent can thrive while honoring community roots.

You can come see Antonio for his 30th Anniversary Celebration at the El Morro Theatre on April 26th. Tickets are available at Holdmyticket.com or at the Flower Basket.

For more like Antonio’s journey and other local stories, check out The Gallup Journey Magazine

{{References}} https://antonioreyna. com/antonio-reyna

Community Walk for Life

By Charles Horace

Despite strong gusts of wind blowing from the west, folded signs tipping over, and balloons flying into the sky, such inconveniences were irrelevant to the momentum building at the Navajo Nation Fairgrounds in Window Rock, Arizona.

On March 1, 2026, the first-ever March for Life event within the Navajo Nation was organized and orchestrated by Buddy Joe and the St. Michaels Indian School Advancement Team.

As preparations got underway, the crowd began to grow. Tents were set up, a stage took shape, and excitement filled the air. Once everything was in place, there were plenty of activities for people to enjoy and opportunities to mingle. There was a sign-making station, a registration booth, graphic T-shirts for sale, a lemonade truck, live worship music by August Remedy, a time of prayer, and a speech from Bishop James S. Wall of the Diocese of Gallup. There was a great deal of movement from a good-sized crowd ready to march and bring awareness to the value of life.

During my observation of the event, I took time to speak with a few individuals. One of them was Carl Adams, the St. Michaels Indian School athletic director, who was in charge of the T-shirt press booth. He has been designing t-shirts for school functions and athletic events for about two years. At the lemonade truck, I spoke with Ronda Hosteen. Their business, Shí Main Squeeze, is owned by her son, Myka Hosteen. The business began in Thoreau, New Mexico, and has been in operation since 2024. They aim to provide delicious lemonade while also raising awareness about autism, as Myka himself has been diagnosed with autism. During the walk, I also spoke with a Gallup local, Phil Martinez—a man originally from California but with roots in Gallup. It was a pleasure to hear his life story and share in the experience of a human rights cause. Many great individuals were present, all sharing the same passion for human life.

About a week prior to the event, I had the opportunity to speak with Buddy Joe during a podcast interview with Across Nations Radio Station in Tse Bonito, New Mexico. One of the key

takeaways from that conversation was his passion for the cause. He stated, “This event is important to me because I believe that [human life] is the human rights issue of today. We need to have respect for those who are the most vulnerable.” When asked what he hopes people will gain from the event, he said he hopes it will create awareness and open dialogue on the issue of life. Buddy also expressed his desire for the event to serve as a catalyst for change in both the hearts and minds of people. Overall, the turnout was great. Throughout the event, a phrase from Buddy stayed with me. I would like to share those words: “God created all people, and each person is created with dignity. We should respect all people, regardless of the stage of life they are in—from the unborn child in the womb to the elderly. The sacredness and the gift of life are for all people.” And so, with that said, may we continue to respect and cherish all life.

"I Was Just Doing My Job"

Vietnam Medal of Honor Recipient

Fred William Zabitosky

By Kenneth Riege

USAF

Veteran

1985 - 1993

So many times, I have heard Medal of Honor recipients say, “I was just doing my job” when describing their MOH actions. It would be reasonable to say that they were very good at their jobs, whether it be flying planes, running

riverboats, or conducting longrange “recon” patrols.

Fred William Zabitosky was born on 27 Oct 1942 in Trenton, NJ, and joined the Army in 1959. By 19 Feb 1968, he was serving as a staff sergeant with the 5th Special Forces Group in Vietnam.

Zabitosky (aka “Zab”) was considered one of the best at his job as a Green Beret. He served four tours in Southeast Asia in the US Army’s Special Forces; by the time he was done, not many knew how to operate a long-range patrol better than Zab.

On 19 Feb 1968, during Zab’s third tour, his team was tasked with monitoring the Ho Chi Minh Trail, which often required crossing into Laos and Cambodia (I have a little note on that later).

When his team stumbled into a large enemy complex, all hell quickly broke loose.

I won’t go into details on this battle, but I would like to include his MOH Citation:

MEDAL OF HONOR CITATION:

For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty. Sfc. Zabitosky, U.S. Army, distinguished himself while serving as an assistant team leader of a nine-man Special Forces long-range reconnaissance patrol. Sfc. Zabitosky's patrol was operating deep within enemy controlled territory in Laos when they were attacked by a numerically superior North Vietnamese Army unit. Sfc. Zabitosky rallied his team members, deployed them into defensive positions, and, exposing himself to concentrated enemy automatic weapons fire, directed their return fire. Realizing the gravity of the situation, Sfc. Zabitosky ordered his patrol to move to a landing zone for helicopter extraction while he covered their withdrawal with rifle fire and grenades. Rejoining the patrol under increasing enemy pressure, he positioned each man in a tight perimeter defense and continually moved from man to man, encouraging them and controlling their defensive fire. Mainly due to his example, the outnumbered patrol maintained its precarious position until the arrival of tactical air support and a helicopter extraction team. As the rescue

helicopters arrived, the determined North Vietnamese pressed their attack. Sfc. Zabitosky repeatedly exposed himself to their fire to adjust suppressive helicopter-gunship fire around the landing zone. After boarding one of the rescue helicopters, he positioned himself in the door delivering fire on the enemy as the ship took off. The helicopter was engulfed in a hail of bullets and Sfc. Zabitosky was thrown from the craft as it spun out of control and crashed. Recovering consciousness, he ignored his extremely painful injuries and moved to the flaming wreckage. Heedless of the danger of exploding ordnance and fuel, he pulled the severely wounded pilot from the searing blaze and made repeated attempts to rescue his patrol members but was driven back by the intense heat. Despite his serious burns and crushed ribs, he carried and dragged the unconscious pilot through a curtain of enemy fire to within 10 feet of a hovering rescue helicopter before collapsing. Sfc. Zabitosky's extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the U.S. Army.

Army Staff Sgt. Joe Ronnie Hooper, left, wears his Medal of Honor beside two other recipients, Army Sgt. 1st Class Fred Zabitosky and Army Spec. Clarence Sasser, as they accept the award from President Richard Nixon at the White House, 7 Mar 1969.

Fred William Zabitosky remained in the Army for nearly another decade, retiring as a Master Sergeant in 1977. He continued working with the military as a counselor for the Department of Veterans Affairs and, in February 1982, made one last trip to Vietnam to investigate the possible existence of American POWS and MIAs.

Zab died on 8 Jan 1996 at the age of 53. He had undergone surgery to treat a brain tumor. His final resting place is Lumbee Memorial Park in Lumberton, NC. There is also a street named in his honor near Fort Bragg, which is home to the 82nd Airborne Division.

I have enjoyed reading and researching MOH recipients from the book War Heroes by Kent DeLong. I believe in my last story I mentioned that Hershey gave me this book. This is how I came about the story of this great warrior and hero, Fred William “Zab” Zabitosky.

Zab passed away before the MOH quote came out, so I don’t have a direct quote from him, but the following is from Mr. DeLong’s book:

“There is no such thing as patriotism in a combat situation. You don’t think about medals, promotions, or even the flag. You don’t think about why you are there or even your family. You think strictly about the people you are with, and what you can do for each other. You’d be willing to give your life for your fellow soldier – because of your love for him, but also because of your own self-respect.

“I’ve thought about what would have happened if I didn’t go back into that burning helicopter. I still had something left in me, and I wasn’t dead yet. Someday I would have had to face the question of whether I did everything I could. Now I can say I did, and that feels pretty good.”

Yes, sir, I would say that you did your duty, and I, for one, am thankful for the freedom you have helped provide for my family and me.

Earlier, I made a comment about Cambodia. We were at my grandmother’s house. (I was blessed to have been raised by her,

and I do believe in a previous life she was a Marine Corps Drill Sergeant. However, it was her “tough love” that made me the person I am today.) My Uncle Roger (my father’s brother) and his family came to visit. Not sure how the conversation turned to Vietnam, but my uncle started talking about the Vietnam War and being in Cambodia.

I interrupted and said, “What are you talking about, we weren’t in Cambodia.”

He looked at me and kind of chuckled and said, “You go right ahead and believe what those schoolbooks tell you, I know where I was at because I was there.”

He never said what he did in the war (and I never asked), but maybe he knew Zab. I might have to do some research on that.

While this would usually be the end of my story, I wanted to give a shoutout to a very special and amazing Gallupian – my son Eric-Paul Riege, or as he is known in the art world, “Eric-Paul.”

Eric-Paul was born on 14 Feb 1994 here in Gallup and was an amazing kid and student. As my wife, Retha, and I say, he (along with his older brother, Daniel) made parenting easy. Eric-Paul graduated from the University of New Mexico in 2017 and hit the ground running with his art career. I remember, as we attended some of his early art shows, thinking about how much he would “up his game” at each event. The springboard to his amazing career was when he was part of the 2018 Site Santa Fe Biennial. This show (along with Eric-Paul’s amazing talent) has taken him to a place many strive for, but few achieve.

In one of his earlier shows at the Institute of Contemporary Art in Miami, a very special artist being photographed by Ocean Drive Magazine wanted to wear some of Eric-Paul’s art for the photo shoot. The artist’s name is Benito Antonio Martinez Ocasio, but we all know him as “Bad Bunny.”

Here are a couple pictures of that photo shoot.

We have been blessed to have traveled with Eric-Paul to many of his shows, to places we would never have had the opportunity to visit otherwise. I have written about many of those trips, and this coming month we will be making another great family trip to Seattle to see Eric-Paul’s newest (and to date) biggest show of his career. This show has been labeled as one of the Top 14 Art Exhibits to be seen around the world.

I’ve been the car no one kept long. Driven rough, doors slammed, left running while they walked away. Too fast for some, too different for others. Always too much to handle, but never enough to stay for.

But then you got in. No rush. No judgment. Just hands on the wheel like you knew this wasn’t just some ride. Like you knew I had stories in my engine and cracks in my frame, and you still wanted to drive me

And maybe you can’t keep me yet. Maybe there’s still miles ahead But you’re not ashamed of me You’re not hiding me.

And for the first time… I don’t feel broken. I just feel driven….by something real.

C OLORAD O

•Durango: 187 Bodo Drive 970-247-1854

•Cortez: 101 North Broadway 970-565-6547

N EW MEXIC O

•Gallup: 606 E. Highway 66 505-722-3845

•Milan: 305 Airport Road 505-287-9454

SEASON OPENER SEASON OPENER

GALLUP ARTS CRAWL

Saturday, April 11, 7 - 9 PM

On Coal Avenue in Historic Downtown Gallup

ART123 Gallery Show Opening

In Color: All New Work by BE Sargent

ArtsCrawl

Family Craft in Event Center: Egg Carton Mushrooms

Make whimsical and charming (yes, whimsical and charming!) and environmentally friendly mushrooms.

Z-ART Museum-Gallery on Coal Avenue

Authentic Zuni Art Works

OFPL PlaySpace at ArtsCrawl

Saturday, April 11, 7 - 9 PM

El Morro Event Center, 210 South 2nd St.

Join OFPL’s PlaySpace at ArtsCrawl for family fun and get creative! Build with our Big Blue Blocks and Dino Bones, designed to inspire children to create new environments. Enjoy classic games like chess, checkers, dominoes, cornhole, and ring toss, or try something different like badminton and shuffleboard! Draw with chalk and make giant bubbles. #OFPLatArtsCrawl #OFPLCreates #OFPLPlays.

Call (505) 863-1291 for more information.

MakerSpace at ArtsCrawl FABERGÉ EGGS

April 11th, 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM

El Morro Event Center, 210 South 2nd St.

Join OFPL’s MakerSpace at ArtsCrawl! Discover your inner maker with OFPL’s MakerSpace at this month’s ArtsCrawl! Stop by to explore creative crafting and take home a one-ofa-kind treasure. This month, we are creating custom decorated Fabergé Eggs — bedazzle and bejewel a metallic egg into your own dazzling masterpiece. Whether you’re a seasoned maker or brand new to crafting, this is the perfect opportunity to get inspired and make something amazing. All materials are provided. Don’t miss out! #OFPLatArtsCrawl#OFPLCreates. Call (505) 863-1291 for more information.

Faceless Band

DylanVargas BLACK BELT BAND

Dozens of Art and Craft Vendors

Food Trucks

Gallup Business Improvement District www.gogallup.com/events Arts Crawl information Text or call: 505-413-6359

Gardening in Clay Soil

As I talk with gardeners in the Grants and Gallup area, I come across those that lament the soil they have to deal with, CLAY. This clay is used in making clay pots. When wet it becomes a gummy, gooey mass that sucks off your boots and puddles in low areas before drying out and reverting to a rockhard brick. Plants have a hard time dealing with the large cracks in the soil that occur as the soil dries out. Too much water fills the air pockets and plants die from lack of oxygen. There are things that can be done to the soil.

First, we need to examine what makes soil. What is this brown stuff we call soil? We take it for granted as we walk on it. Magically it produces the food we eat, flowers of magnificent beauty, and the canopy of trees that provide shade.

Soil is a combination of:

• Sand is a large particle that can be seen with the naked eye. When wet, it falls apart.

• Silt is smaller than sand and hold water better. When wet, it holds it shape and is often compared to the mixture of butter and flour. Its grain is a size in between sand and clay.

• Clay is the smallest particle and cannot be seen with the naked eye. When wet, it holds it shape and is sticky.

• Organic matter is the decaying of roots, leaves, and stems of plants. It is also decay of bugs, animals, and their manure. Where

there is more moisture, this decomposes to enrich the soil. Organic matter is also the living portion of soil. Healthy soil is teaming with life: bacteria, fungi, and macroorganisms.

• The best soils contain a balance of all of the above. The plants have a good substance to support growth and it provides nutrients, water, and air that plants need to grow.

The solution to a garden with clay soil is to add organic matter. You have a wide range of products to choose from and the trick to find something that works for your situation.

• Any compost, home-made or purchased is a great amendment because it has already broken down and can be added to the soil and be planted immediately.

• Wood chips, straw, dry leaves, and hay are often used but need time to break down before planting a garden. Best if composted a year first.

• Spoiled or fresh alfalfa hay or hay cut in the green stage can be mulched one year then plowed into the soil the next year.

• Pine needles acidify the soil, but they break down very slowly and are better used as mulch.

• Grass clippings make a good mulch but they tend to mat and can sometimes smell when not well mixed in compost or soil. They do make a good weed barrier when matted.

• Know where your grass and hay originate! Make sure no herbicides to control weeds have

been applied.

• Planting a cover crop over part of your garden for a season is another inexpensive way to improve the soil.

Soil Amendments to avoid or use cautiously.

• Wood ashes raise the pH of the soil and add salts. In New Mexico our soils already have a high pH and extra salts make it harder for plants to grow.

• Sand when added to clay creates a cement-like compound.

• Peat moss is non-renewable and is difficult to wet once dry.

• Gypsum is sold to loosen clay soils but compost is a better and cheaper choice.

• Fresh manure has excessive salts. It is best applied after the growing season is done. Water it in and allow it to overwinter before using.

Adding compost to clay soils provide the layer of particles needed to allow water and air to be accessed by plant roots and to grow. Unfortunately, soil reverts back to its prominent structure and by the next year and the soil is hard and gooey again. Having a compost pile near your garden to replenish the soil for vegetables gardens, flowers, and bushes is an important element to your garden when you are dealing with clay soil.

Another option is to use pots and raised gardens for everything but large trees. Wood or metal structures are filled with good gardening soil for vegetables and flowers. Soil dries out faster in a container so plants need more frequent watering than those planted in the ground. A drip system can be set up to reduce the need for hand watering. This is a more expensive set up than amending the soil, but other than small adding of nutrients, it you don’t have to deal with clay soil yearly.

The next few articles will be on gardening systems developed for dry areas of the world that are challenges to gardening: Hugelkultur, Keyhole, and Permaculture.

Edith Iwan is a Cibola-McKinley County Master Gardener who lives and works in Thoreau. As a Master Gardener she assists the County Cooperative Extension Service in providing accurate, research-based gardening information to county residents. If you have any gardening questions, please call the NMSU Cibola County Extension at 505-2879266 or NMSU McKinley County Extension at 505-863-3432

It's about the DOGS!*

Dog and Cat Boarding

Indoor/Outdoor Kennels

Fully fenced exercise area to potty and play!

Dog Grooming

Private Training w/ Dan Visit us at

G S

Crownpoint High School Students Highlight Leadership and Positive Choices

Two students from Crownpoint High School are being recognized for their leadership, involvement, and commitment to making positive choices both inside and outside the classroom.

Junior Jessica Juan, a student in the School of Health Pathway, stays actively involved in several organizations, including HOSA, MESA, TSA, and the National Honor Society. She also serves as a student ambassador and recently presented at the Round House in Santa Fe.

Juan credits her leadership growth to her commitment to the R.A.R.E. Eagle mindset, which encourages students to be respectful, accountable, responsible, and empathetic.

“I was able to become a leader for my peers. I’ve also become accountable for my teachers,” Juan said. Through her many activities and a busy school schedule, she continues to stay focused on her goals and future opportunities.

as a member of the football and basketball teams. In addition, he serves as a student ambassador.

As a student-athlete balancing practices, games, and academic coursework, Ortega has developed leadership skills and a strong sense of responsibility. He believes that making positive choices supports his active lifestyle and future goals. With strong support from his family and a dedication to his education, Ortega continues to work toward a bright future.

Sophomore Jacob Ortega is part of the School of Engineering Pathway and is actively involved in athletics

Both students have also made a commitment to stay ABOVE THE INFLUENCE of drugs and alcohol, choosing instead to focus on their education, activities, and future goals. By prioritizing healthy choices and positive influences, they continue to lead by example for their peers.

Programs that encourage students to make healthy and responsible decisions play an important role in helping young people develop leadership skills and confidence. Through their involvement in academics, athletics, and student leadership opportunities, students like Juan and Ortega demonstrate how commitment, responsibility, and strong values can open doors for future success.

ART123 Gallery Show Opening:

Incolor by Be • Sat., April 11, 7- 9pm

Obsessed by color, Be tries again to make it behave. See all new work by one of your favorite local artists! Incolor is on view through May 2.

Watercolor Workshop:

Water Textures and Effects

Sat., April 18, 1-3pm • ART123 Gallery

Paint scenes of streams and seashells using unexpected materials. Open to all skill levels. $30/person. All materials included. Advanced registration required: www.galluparts.org/watercolor

Felt Hat Painting Workshop

Sat., April 25, 1-4pm • ART123 Gallery

Custom design and paint a felt hat with expert instruction from Maria Hall. $60/ person, western-style felt hat included. $80/person, bring your own hat (all other materials included). Advanced registration required: galluparts.square.site

OTHER EVENTS

April 3rd, Friday

Sportspower INT’L PRO Challenge

With an inspirational half-time program featuring Basketball Showmen, Bruce Crevier & Wesley Fluellen. Doors open at 5pm. Bee Holdzil Fighting Scouts Events Center, Fort Defiance, AZ

Friday Night Rides - Cars & Coffee6pm-9pm, 306 S 2nd St Gallup, NM

April 11th, Saturday Gallup Arts Crawl 7pm-9pm Coal Avenue in Historic Downtown Gallup

April 25th, Saturday

Community Resource Fair

Sponsored by McKinley Soil & Water Conservation District, 9am-4pm Calling all gardeners, farmers, rancher, homesteaders or landowners (professional or amateur) Information booths, helpful advice, and presentations 410 Bataan Veterans St., Gallup NM

Public New Deal Art Tour Sat., April 25, 1:30 - 2:30pm

Hear the story of Gallup and McKinley County’s impressive collection 1930/40s art! Meet on the northside of the historic McKinley County Courthouse. New Deal Art Tours are free and open to the public, no registration required. www.gallupnewdealart.org/public-tours

Paint & Sip: Spring Meadow Wed., April 29, 6 - 9pm

Have a creative night out! $40/person, all materials -- and mocktail! -- included. Advanced registration required: www. galluparts.org/paint-sip

Upcoming Events

I want a copy of God's message of strenth, hope and love. (Psalms and Proverbs). I understand there is no charge. IT IS FREE!

NAME:

ADDRESS:

CITY:

STATE: ZIP: PLEASE WRITE CLEARLY

Allow A Few Weeks For Delivery Mail to: PO BOX 2025 Gallup, NM 87305

Calling all Gardeners, Farmers, Ranchers, Homesteaders or Landowners (Professional or Amateur):

April 25, 2026 | 9:00 AM–4:00 PM

Gallup Community Service Center

410 Bataan Veterans St., Gallup NM

Sponsored by:

McKinley Soil & Water Conservation District

Information Booths, Helpful Advice, and Presentations from:

NMSU/McKinley County Cooperative Extension

NM State Forestry

Natural Resource Conservation Service

Farm Service Agency

NM Department of Agriculture

NM Farm & Livestock Bureau

NM Fish & Wildlife

Navajo Pride (NAPI) Agriculture Science Center

Gallup Beautification

Rep. Rebecca Dow from NMACD Forest Steward Guild

Taos County - Virtual Fencing Presentations on Screw Worm & Drought Management

Special Thanks to Representative D. Wonda Johnson for her support of MSWCD

HoldMyTicket.com

We READ, We TALK Book Club –Strong Ground

Explore Identity, History, and Resilience Through Literature

The We READ, We TALK Book Club, in partnership with the City of Gallup Behavioral Health Department, invites you to read and discuss Strong Ground: The Lessons of Daring Leadership, the Tenacity of Paradox, and the Wisdom of the Human Spirit by Brené Brown–In a time when uncertainty runs deep and bluster, hubris, and even cruelty are increasingly framed as acceptable leadership, Brown delivers practical, actionable insights that illuminate the mindsets and skill sets essential to reclaiming focus and driving growth through connection, discipline, and accountability.

Discussion Dates & Details:

First Discussion: April 28, 6 - 8 PM

Second Discussion: May 9, 2 - 4 PM

Location: Main Library & via Zoom Register now at https://ofpl.online/ Attend one of the discussions in person or via Zoom to keep the book at no cost!

Lit Happens Teen Book Club – We Could Be Magic

The Lit Happens Teen Book Club invites teens to sign up for our next book club pick during the month of March. Step into the whimsical world of We Could Be Magic, a new graphic novel by Marissa Meyer. Tabitha Laurie has always dreamed of being a princess at Sommerland theme park, but when she’s assigned to a nacho stand instead, she realizes she doesn't fit the park's narrow "royal" mold.Enjoy this sparkly summer romance about body positivity, finding your own magic, and defining your own happily ever after.

Discussion Dates & Details:

First Discussion: April 25, 4 - 5 PM

Second Discussion: May 8, 6 - 7 PM

Location: Children & Youth Library How to Participate: Register now at https://ofpl.online/

Library Closure Notice

April 3rd for Spring Holiday

All library locations will be closed. Visit ofpl.online for ebooks, streaming media, and virtual programs.

Regular library hours will resume on Saturday, April 4, 2026. Call (505) 863-1291 for more information

SPORTS Beat

BY AMANDA SPRUELL

Girls Varsity Patriot Softball:

4/3 vs. Aztec @ 6 pm

4/7 vs. Kirtland Central @ 6 pm

4/10 @ Aztec @ 6 pm

4/14 @ Bloomfield @ 6 pm

4/17 vs. Shiprock @ 6 pm

4/21 @ Kirtland Central @ 6 pm

4/24 vs. Gallup Bengals @ 6 pm

4/28 @ Shiprock 6 pm

Boys Varsity Patriot Baseball:

4/2 @ Aztec 6 pm

4/4 vs Chinle @ 12 pm

4/7 @ Kirtland Central 4 pm

4/9 @ Aztec @ 6 pm

4/11 vs Rehoboth Christian @ 11 am

4/14 vs Bloomfield @ 6 pm

4/16 @ Shiprock 3 pm & 6 pm

4/21 vs Kirtland cen @ 6 pm

4/23 @ Gallup @ 4 pm

4/28 vs Shiprock @ 6 pm

Gallup Bengals

Girls Varsity Bengal Softball:

4/3 @ Kirtland Central 6pm

4/7 @ Bloomfield 6 pm

4/10 vs Kirtland Central @ 6 pm

4/14 @ Shiprock 5 pm

4/17 @ Aztec 6 pm

4/21 vs Bloomfield @ 6 pm

4/24 @ MIyamura 6 pm

4/28 vs Aztec @ 6 pm

Boys Varsity Bengal Baseball:

4/2 vs Kirtland Central 4 pm

4/9 @ Kirtland Central 4 pm

4/14 vs Shiprock 4 pm

4/16 vs Aztec 4 pm & 6 pm

4/21 vs Bloomfield @ 4 pm

4/23 vs Miyamura @ 4 pm

4/28 @ Aztec 4 pm

Rehoboth Christian Lynx

Girls Lynx Softball:

4/2 @ Navajo prep 4 pm

4/4 vs Loving 2 pm & 4 pm

4/7 @ MVCS 3 pm & 4:30 pm

4/9 @ Newcomb 3 pm & 5 pm

4/13 vs Jemez Valley @ 2 pm 4 pm

4/16 @ Northwest 3 pm & 5 pm

4/17 @ Ganado 4 pm

4/21 vs Laguna Acoma 4 pm & 6 pm

Boys Lynx Baseball:

4/2 vs Navajo Prep 3 pm & 5 pm

4/4 @ Shiprock 12 pm & 2 pm

4/11 @ Miyamura 11am

4/21 vs OGCA (TBA)

4/25 @ Hozho Academy 11 am & 1 pm

Zuni Thunderbirds

Girls Varsity Thunderbird Softball:

4/6 @ Laguna Acoma 3 pm

4/9 vs Shiprock @ 10 am

4/14 @ Tohatchi 4 pm & 6 pm

4/21 vs Thoreau 4 pm & 6 pm

4/28 vs Newcomb 4 pm & 6 pm

4/30 @ Navajo Pre 3 pm & 5 pm

Boys Varsity Thunderbird Baseball:

4/9 @ Tohatchi 4 pm & 6 pm

4/11 @ Magdalena 1 pm

4/16 vs Thoreau 4 pm & 6 pm

4/22 vs Wingate 6 pm

4/30 @ Navajo Prep 3 pm & 5 pm

Tohatchi Cougars

Girls Varsity Cougar Softball:

4/7 @ Thoreau 3 pm & 5 pm

4/8 vs Laguna Acoma 3 pm & 5 pm

4/18 vs Chinle @ 12 pm

4/21 vs Navajo Prep 4 pm & 6 pm

4/30 @ Newcomb 3 pm & 5 pm

Boys Varsity Cougar Baseball:

4/9 vs Zuni 4 pm & 6 pm

4/14 vs Northwest 3 pm & 5 pm

4/16 vs Navajo Prep 4 pm & 6 pm

4/18 @ Window Rock 10 am

4/23 @ Wingate 3 pm & 5 pm

4/27 @ Thoreau 3 pm & 5 pm

Hozho Academy Wolves

Girls Varsity Wolves Softball:

4/9 vs Santa Rosa @ 2:30 pm

4/10 vs (TBA)

4/11 vs (TBA)

4/16 @ Laguna Acoma 3 pm & 6 pm

4/18 vs Captain 12 pm & 2 pm

4/23 vs Rehoboth Christian 3 pm & 5 pm

4/25 vs Hope Christian @ 11 am & 1 pm

4/28 vs Northwest @ 3 pm & 5 pm

4/30 @ Navajo Pine 3 pm & 5 pm

Boys Varsity Wolves Baseball

4/2 vs Estancia @ 3 pm

4/4 @ Kirtland Central 11 am

4/7 vs Laguna Acoma @ 3 pm & 5 pm

4/9 @ Tournament opp. (TBA)

4/10 vs Tournament opp. (TBA)

4/11 vs Tournament opp. (TBA)

4/14 @ Navajo Pine 3 pm

4/18 vs Jemez Valley 11 am & 1 pm

New Mexico Lobos

UNM Men’s Basketball Mountain West Tournament (11) San Jose State Spartans (9-24) 77 (3) New Mexico Lobos (23-9) 93 (2) San Diego State Aztecs (22-10) 64 (3) New Mexico Lobos (23-10) 62

Sam Houston State Bearkats (22-12) 83 (1) New Mexico Lobos (24-10) 107

UNM Woman’s Softball:

4/2 & 4/3 @ Boise St. 6 pm 4/4 @ Boise St. 2 pm

UNM Men's Baseball: 4/2 & 4/3 @ UNLV 7 pm 4/4 @ UNLV 1 pm

New Mexico State Aggies

Women's Aggie Softball

4/2 & 4/3 @ Jacksonville St @ 5 pm

4/10 & 4/11 vs UTEP @ 6 pm on ESPN+ 4/17 @ Middle Tennessee 5 pm

New Mexico United Soccer

4/4 vs Orange County SC @ 8 pm

4/11 vs Phoenix Rising FC @ 8

People Reading

Finding time to read your favorite local magazine is always a joy when traveling. Whether you’re sitting in a cozy cafe in a quaint neighborhood or visiting the Basilica of San Francisco in La Paz, Bolivia, The Gallup Journey has a way of bringing you back home to your hometown. Thank you Charles Horace for sharing your adventures with us!

Sheila Nelson shared Seven Magic Mountains, Sloan, Nevada. She also visited Neptune Virginia Beach 31st street (below). Thank you Sheila!

Reader Photos

It was situated along the EL CAPITAN MOTEL for several decades by

Camille’s Teacher of the Month

Students, family, friends, and coworkers are invited to nominate their most influential teacher at Camille’s Cafe. Who may be anyone you consider a “teacher” in your life, such as a preacher, music or dance instructor, or anyone who has taught you something valuable.

We proudly announce that Leah Kayonnie, an English teacher at Miyamura High School, has been awarded Teacher of the Month!

By Jennifer Bates

Leah Kayonnie, an English teacher at Miyamura High School, never thought she would be a teacher, until what she described as “falling in love and having that passion, it’s the students. Getting a chance to interact with them on a daily basis, getting to know them, getting them out of their bubbles is one of the most treasured things that I have as a teacher.”

“Ms. Kayonnie is a very warm, welcoming teacher while being very supportive in what you do. She is always there for you if you need someone to talk to.,” said Hayden Littlefish, one of Ms. Kayonnie’s English students who nominated her for Camille’s Teacher of the Month.

Ms. Kayonnie mentored at the Boys and Girls Club in Gallup, then worked with high-risk youth at the National Indian Youth Leadership Project. After serving as a long-term substitute teacher at JFK and realizing her interest in teaching, she began working in Tohatchi, at her former school.

Now she is at Miyamura High School, and loves it. In between classes, she always has groups of students come up to her to ask how she is doing. She also tries to do daily check-ins with them. It takes a lot of energy, but she loves it, and it’s definitely worth it. One of the best parts of her job is that when she’s having difficulty with a student, she can work one-onone with them. She faces the obstacle headon before it gets bigger or out of control. If a

student is having a bad day, she’ll take them to the side and ask if they are doing okay and if there is anything she can help with. It really helps them feel relieved to have someone there to see and understand what they are going through. “Creating that positive and safe environment is always the best thing I can do.”

“I am an observer, I like to observe behavior and atmosphere before I try to jump in. Before trying to get a student to understand a skill, I do my best to know their background, their history, then I use that in my examples, and how it applies to them.” She wants the things they learn in English class not just to be about passing the class, but also about how they

will apply to their lives. There will inevitably come times when they will have to read, understand, write, and apply what they learned, no matter where their lives take them."

When asked how AI has affected her classes, she stated that the school has a no-phone policy. She has them do most of their work on paper and with a pen. She said it’s pretty easy to tell when an assignment comes in that was done solely with AI because that’s just not the way that student talks. She agrees with using AI as a resource to look up things you don’t understand or to generate ideas, but not to completely depend on it for the whole assignment.

Her inspiration comes from her students. Even if she’s having a bad day, they can see that and figure out a way to make her laugh or make her day better. “I treasure them, and they all have a special

place in my heart; they will always be a part of my life.”

Her students keep in touch with her after high school, often asking for recommendation letters. She always tries to be there for them, and she’s happy and proud of them for their various accomplishments.

Ms. Kayonnie is very grateful for the nomination and being awarded teacher of the month; she never thought she would receive anything like this. She just wants to always be there for her students as a guide and to help them in any way she can. She’s glad her students are comfortable with her; that’s one thing she didn’t experience in high school, so she makes a point of giving her students the benefit of the doubt. She gives them a chance to regain her trust if they make a mistake, and wants to give them confidence that they can stand on their own two feet. “To see them gain confidence, that’s a really beautiful thing.”

Congratulations, Ms. Kayonnie, your goals as a teacher are an exact match with what your students are saying about you!

CONTACT

(Sly) Paquin

COLLEGE SIGNING

Lauryn Keedah: The Next Chapter The Foundations

• Hometown: Gallup, NM (Born in Las Cruces)

• High School: Rehoboth Christian High School

• Sport: Soccer (Playing since age 6)

• The Goal: Starting at Gateway Community College to develop as a soccer player and scholar. The Vision

Lauryn is a Navajo student-athlete driven by a dual passion: elite competition and animal science. By choosing the junior college route, she is strategically positioning herself to “play right away” while tackling her core academics. In five years, she envisions herself playing at a high-level university program while finishing her degree in Veterinary Science

The “Why”

“I want to represent my community as a Navajo female athlete at the next level and become the first veterinarian in my family. I want to set the example for those coming after me.”

The Support System

Her success is built on a foundation of discipline and mentorship, specifically under the guidance of Coach Tyler StrangeOwl and Coach Xavier Chavez, whose daily training sessions over the last three years have sharpened her skills and fueled her determination.

Congratulations Miss Keedah!

Please feel free to submit your senior’s story to gallupjourney@gmail.com

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Since 1978, families and businesses have come to us for tire sales and guidance.

Over the years we’ve expanded our inventory to provide the best tire brands to our customers.

Keep your tires healthy with tire rotation and balancing, or talk with us about brake repair, suspension repair, and wheel alignment services.

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Financing is available.

By Richard Reyes

The University of New Mexico-Gallup will host the 2026 Statewide Diversity Summit on April 17-18, creating a safe space for students, educators and community members to share their experiences and learn from one another.

The Statewide Diversity Summit is a free, public event that aims to initiate conversations on how New Mexico’s higher education institutions can better support the growing diversity of student populations.

“The summit reflects the institution’s commitment to valuing diversity as a core value,” UNM-Gallup Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Director L.D. Lovett said. “As an institution of higher education, we recognize diversity as one of our values and the understanding, acceptance, and respect for everyone, regardless of ethnicity, culture, or national origin. This year's Summit epitomizes who we are as an institution and how we recognize the freedom and rights of our students, professors, staff, and community.”

Lovett is one of the lead organizers for the event alongside Dr. Aretha Matt, an associate

UNM-Gallup to host Diversity Summit in April

Event will create safe space for conversations on subjects of academic freedom, immigration, LGBTQ+ issues, and more

professor for UNM-Gallup, and Tara Ashley, a student assistant with the DEI program who is pursuing an associate degree in human services at UNM-Gallup.

The theme for the summit is “Náásgóó: Creating a Future of Solidarity and Liberation in N.M. Higher Education.” Matt explained that náásgóó is a Navajo word that means “moving forward.”

“We are saying we want to move forward together in solidarity — that we don’t have to be divisive,” she said. “We can move forward in a positive way.”

Sharing lived experiences

Breakout sessions during the summit will feature panel presentations and roundtable discussions led by academicians, community members, and political leaders on topics related to academic freedom, immigration, leadership, impacts of funding cuts, LGBTQ+ issues, facts vs. misinformation, library censorship, First Amendment rights, and experiences of international faculty and students.

Approximately 24 presentations

have been confirmed for the event. Some of the confirmed presentations include:

• “The State of Immigrant Rights in New Mexico” presented by Emma O’Sullivan of ACLU of New Mexico and Jessica Martinez, of New Mexico Immigrant Law Center.

• “Preserving Our Voice: The Critical Role of Navajo Language Retention and Revitalization” presented by UNM-Gallup instructors Joe Kee and Carolene Whitman.

• “Strengthening Culturally Responsive Education Through Local Partnerships” presented by a panel featuring GallupMcKinley County Schools interim Superintendent Jvanna Hanks II and four members of the board: Priscilla Benally, Kevin Mitchell, Val Wangler, and Georgianna Desiderio.

The conference offers the opportunity for the community to engage in conversations, listen to expert speakers, and participate in events designed to promote diversity, equality, and inclusion.

Keynote speakers

The two-day summit will begin

at 8 a.m. both days at the branch campus. Breakfast and lunch will also be provided.

Four keynote speakers have been confirmed for the event:

• Deputy Cabinet Secretary Dr. Patricia Trujillo, of the New Mexico Higher Education Department.

• Dr. Assata Zerai, vice president of the UNM Division for Change and Empowerment and professor of sociology.

• Deb Haaland, 54th U.S. secretary of the interior.

• Dr. Eric Romero, professor of Native American/Hispano Cultural Studies for New Mexico Highlands University.

UNM-Gallup Chancellor Dr. Sabrina Ezzell and Dean of Instruction John Zimmerman are also scheduled to participate and deliver welcoming remarks during the summit.

A full agenda with details about each presentation and all the speakers is available on the UNM-Gallup website at goto. unm.edu/gds26.

For more information, please contact:

• L.D. Lovett: llovett@unm.edu or 505-863-7540 505.863.7542, Public Relations 705 Gurley Ave., Gurley Hall 1210 | Gallup, NM 87301 gallup.unm.edu/news

• Dr. Aretha Matt: matta@unm. edu or 505-863-7566

• Tara Ashley, ashley01@unm. edu.

For more information about UNM-Gallup, please visit gallup. unm.edu.

L.D. Lovett

Leadership and Higher Education Director of Diversity, Cultural Understanding, Inclusive Excellence, and Respect Lecturer III Past President, New Mexico Adult Education Association

(505)863-7540 Phone • (505)863-7657 Fax llovett@unm.edu

My work experience includes over 25 years at the Community College, the University, the school district, and the City of Reno. I was honored to be named Professor Emeritus at NSHE TMCC. I believe in the dignity of all individuals. Diversity is a Fact; Equity is a choice. Inclusion is an Action; Belonging is an outcome (Arthur Chan). During my years of employment in higher education, I have served as a Counselor, Instructor, Director of Counseling, Director of Financial Aid, Director of Affirmative Action, Director of Multicultural Diversification, and an Assistant Dean of Diversity and Division Chair of Business and Applied Technology, Workforce, and ABE. I have developed, promoted, and hosted cultural programs, as well as 3 diversity summits and 2 workforce summits, diversity workshops, and diversity conferences for college campuses and the local business community.

My administrative experience demonstrates positive, effective interaction with the College administration, faculty, staff, students, and the local community. From 1990 to 2004, I was responsible for campus diversity; prior to 1990, TMCC had no diversity programs or services. I was responsible for administratively conducting focus groups, diversity audits, establishing five- and ten-year goals, and monitoring the results. The TMCC diversity web page, which I established, is still in operation today. TMCC achieved positive diversity progress under my direction.

I developed and implemented the first mentoring program at TMCC for faculty, staff, and students of color for the college. I also developed the first comprehensive scholarship program designed to recruit and retain firsttime, first-generation students (Access to Success). I am particularly proud of the program’s 90% retention rate. The Diversity Initiative developed at TMCC has driven cultural change, resulting in a positive campus climate that supports faculty, staff, and students.

One of my greatest accomplishments has been working with the faculty in diversifying the curriculum. This was a collaborative effort that resulted in the approval of diversity initiatives as a general education requirement for the institution’s associate degree. The faculty senate approved the diversity requirement during the fall. I also have experience working with EEOC and OCCP, serving as a liaison to the local community and providing training on up-to-date policies and compliance issues. I am certified in mediation and conflict resolution and have assisted agencies in resolving workplace grievances. As assistant dean of diversity, I was responsible for the college’s campus-wide diversity initiatives.

I developed a partnership to network with the local Nevada Hispanic Services organization, the Asian Pacific Islander Community organization, the local chapter of the NAACP, the Intertribal Council, the Reno/ Sparks Indian Colony, the Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG), SPECTRUM, and many local business and grassroots organizations. I am also the founder and chair of the Northern Nevada Diversity Networking Council, composed of members from the local business community. This outreach strengthened college relations with the local community and served as a resource to diversify the faculty and staff. I have experience working with EEOC and OCCP, serving as a liaison to the local community and providing training on up-to-date policies and compliance issues. I am certified in mediation and conflict resolution and have assisted agencies in resolving workplace grievances. As assistant dean of diversity, I was responsible for the college’s campus-wide diversity initiatives. I have worked in higher education for over 25 years and have served as chair of the Civil Service Commission of Reno and as a member of the diversity action committee. I have an M. Ed. and Ed. S. in Administration and Leadership in Higher Education. The Mayor of Reno, Nevada, and the City Council Members presented A Proclamation of Honor, LD Lovett, Proclaiming “LD Lovett Day” on December 12, 2012, for his 13th year of service as Chair of the Reno Civil Service Commission, Service to the City of Reno, for Higher Education, Diversity, and Community Services.

“I believe in the philosophy that knowledge, understanding, and attitude drive behavior. To become a more inclusive and civil society, one must start with awareness and understanding, and skill building, thus the need for diverse training, civility, and self-governance.”

OF THE MONTH Kim Esparza

By Cherille Williams

For Kim Esparza, art has never been just a hobby—it’s been a lifelong way of seeing, learning, teaching, and ultimately healing. From early childhood art classes to a 30-year career in education, and now into a vibrant “second act” filled with painting, workshops, pop-up markets, and community-building, Kim’s creative life is rooted in resilience and curiosity. Her work doesn’t stay in one lane; it travels freely across mediums, materials, and messages—always asking what else is possible.

“I loved art my whole entire life,” Kim says simply, describing a passion that began early. She started taking art classes in third grade, carried that interest into college, then—like many people—set it aside as life filled up with responsibilities. After college, she returned home, married, and kept art “on the side.” Even when she wasn’t making work in a formal studio practice, art was never far away.

During her years in the classroom, Kim’s creativity found a daily outlet. “I would do a lot of art things in my classroom,” she explains. “If there was a problem, I would draw it out for the kids.”

That instinct—to translate ideas into images— became part of her teaching identity and a bridge for students who needed alternative ways to understand and engage.

In 2019, Kim retired the same year she lost her husband. That moment reshaped everything. “I knew that I needed to go back into my art to help me through that grieving process,” she says. Art became more than expression—it became structure, survival, and a way forward. Over time, what began as personal healing developed into a deeper goal: to use her art to support others navigating grief and hardship.

Kim taught for 30 years in Gallup-McKinley County Schools. Her degree is in Special Education, and across her career, she taught both special education and general education. When preschool was introduced, she found her place. “That’s really where I found my love,” she says. “I enjoyed those little ones. They were a lot of fun.”

Looking back, Kim reflects on how the teaching profession has changed. “When I started off, we taught, and it was a lot of fun because I could see the growth,” she says. “Now it’s just not the same.” After being out for seven years, she doesn’t imagine returning to the classroom—not because the work wasn’t meaningful, but because the system has shifted.

Still, what she learned as an educator continues to shape her creative practice and the way she shares it with others.

Kim describes herself as a visual learner, and she saw firsthand how visualization supports comprehension—especially for students with disabilities. “Through art I learn a lot—drawing things out, writing things down,” she says. When reading books with students, she would sketch characters and scenes to help them grasp the story. “They understood it a whole lot more.”

In many ways, her approach echoed what people now commonly call art therapy—using imagery and making as a pathway into understanding, processing, and communication. “Yes,” she agrees. “I think those connect.”

Kim’s creative growth has been fueled by returning to school—not for a degree, but for joy. “I’m back in school just to have fun,” she says. With a master’s degree already behind her, she wasn’t interested in declaring a new major. Instead, she found what she needed: mentorship, challenge, and space to evolve.

She currently takes classes with Dana Aldis at UNM, where she’s encouraged to develop personal projects rather than mirror standard assignments. “Through her, my painting has really developed,” Kim says. Dana’s teaching style—collaborative, generous, and exploratory—has made a lasting

impact. “I’m constantly learning,” Kim explains. “She’ll say, ‘Have you thought about doing this?’… and it opens up a whole new direction.”

Kim also credits Virginia Primozic—known for textural work—with expanding her material world. Suggestions like mulberry paper became creative doorways. “A brand new world opened up for me,” she says, and those textures now appear across her paintings and journals.

Kim’s practice is intentionally expansive. She works in acrylics and watercolor, experiments with oil pastels, and avoids oil paint for one practical reason: “They don’t dry,” she says with a laugh. “Acrylics dry really fast, which is nice.”

But the real signature of her work is the way she collects and incorporates unexpected materials: mulberry paper, yarn, magazine imagery, acrylic markers, and ephemera. Her mind is always assembling possibilities. Even a meal out can become inspiration: “You know how they have the silverware in those little bags? I almost collected them all from my friends so I could make a journal.”

Her creative process is immersive and meditative. “It’s very therapeutic,” she says. “I turn on my Audible books, and I just go to a different place when I work.”

When asked about her favorite work, Kim doesn’t hesitate: “The lady braiding her hair.”

The painting began with an image she found online: an older woman turned slightly to the left, braiding her long gray hair. Kim was drawn to the story held in the woman’s hands—the quiet authority and lived experience they suggested. “Her hands talked so much of her wisdom and knowledge,” Kim says. “Braiding that hair told you how long she’s lived and experienced life.”

The painting also became a technical turning point. The movement of hair demanded confident brushwork and sustained attention; the braid was “difficult,” and the hands—ironically— seemed easy at first. Only later did Kim learn that many artists consider hands among the hardest elements to paint. With Dana’s guidance on highlights and depth, Kim pushed through.

The finished piece wasn’t just a successful painting—it was proof of growth. It took her beyond abstraction into a more representational challenge, and she came out stronger on the other side.

Kim’s creativity extends beyond her own studio. Through the local library, she teaches junk journaling and journal-making workshops— transforming everyday materials into meaningful personal artifacts.

Her classes have included lunch bag journals, decorated with ephemera, and sessions focused on creating pockets and inserts. She’s also

scheduled an accordion journal class, continuing to build momentum and interest.

The library has embraced the program so fully that they now maintain a dedicated junk journaling supply area for the community— labeled accordingly—with glue, scissors, markers, papers, and books for covers. Kim supplements those supplies with her own materials, and a regular group of friends meets to create together.

Attendance continues to grow. One recent class drew 17 participants, and another was so full it had to move to a larger space. What’s forming is more than a workshop series—it’s a creative community. Kim’s long-term dream is to build a full junk journal club that meets monthly, where people can share ideas, swap materials, and create together.

“I enjoy those a lot,” she says. “It’s so much fun.”

Kim’s work has also found a home in exhibitions and markets, including pop-ups at ART123 and the Bethany craft show. She’s preparing for an extended Route 66 pop-up market event running June through August—an opportunity that requires a different kind of planning.

“Pop-up markets are a lot harder,” she says. “You have to have enough inventory.” Unlike a gallery show where one to three pieces may be sufficient, markets demand volume and variety. After one holiday pop-up, a customer gave her direct feedback: she needed more of certain items—fast. Kim listened, and now she’s building a steady inventory of small paintings, texture works, and jewelry pieces (including combs, which she’s been specifically asked to make).

For Kim, selling work is still personal. “As an artist, you put so much of you into a piece,” she says. When someone buys it, it feels like confirmation that they understand what she’s communicating— that “a little bit of me will be going home with them.”

Kim finds inspiration everywhere: Pinterest, Instagram, other artists’ work, landscape while traveling, and even manhole covers—objects she photographs and later paints. She’s especially energized by seeing other artists do something surprising. At one show, she admired a neighbor’s pastels so much that she went out and bought pastels the next day to explore the medium herself.

son enjoys marker and pencil. Her late husband came from a deeply artistic lineage, including a grandfather known for sign work that shaped much of Gallup’s visual landscape—neon signs and recognizable local icons. That family history, Kim says, was encouraging, and it built a home environment where creativity was valued.

Her openness extends to how she handles failure. Not every piece works, and she’s candid about that. Sometimes she scratches a piece back, tears it apart, sets it aside, repurposes it, or paints over it completely. “That’s part of art,” she says. The key is not attaching shame to the attempt.

She connects this back to teaching: if a student didn’t understand one method, she’d reflect and try another. Art works the same way—constant adjustment, constant learning.

Art runs through Kim’s family in multiple directions. Her children are artists too—her daughter works in weaving and wood burning; her

Kim also notes how different her husband’s style was from her own. He excelled at character art and cartoons, while Kim identifies as more abstract. That contrast, rather than limiting her, helped her recognize her own voice—and eventually pushed her to step outside her comfort zone with representational work like “the lady braiding her hair.”

Kim’s art often carries purpose. Whether she’s referencing women’s history through quilt-inspired pieces or addressing themes like ageism, her work uses images to say what words sometimes can’t.

“The best way to talk loudly without talking

loudly is through your art,” she says.

This commitment to meaning-making is part of why her presence in exhibitions matters. She may describe herself as “a visitor” in the art community, but her trajectory suggests otherwise. She is building a consistent body of work, showing up in community spaces, and developing the confidence to speak about her process and intention—something she admits she used to dread.

“I know who I am a lot more than I did two years ago,” she says. “I know what my artwork is about—the story behind my artwork.”

If she could speak to her younger self, Kim’s message is direct: “You’re gonna do it…just keep going.”

To emerging artists, she offers the same encouragement: keep making, keep exploring, and don’t let other people’s opinions define your vision. She remembers being criticized—“That doesn’t look like a tree”—and the confusion of realizing that someone else’s expectations can derail your confidence if you let them.

“Even though it’s not what someone else sees, it is your artwork,” she says. “Don’t give up on yourself.”

When Kim speaks about what keeps her going, it comes back to gratitude and survival: “My life—getting up every day, breathing, having fun and enjoying where I am.” After a profound loss, she had to rebuild her identity and purpose. Art became one of the clearest paths back to living.

She believes strongly that life does not end with age. “You’ve got to continually reinvent yourself,” she says. That philosophy fuels everything she does—from taking classes to teaching workshops to preparing new work for markets to planning future projects, like gardening with newly purchased raised beds.

And she plans to keep going as long as she can.

In the end, Kim Esparza’s story is not only about making art—it’s about making a life. One project at a time, one class at a time, one brave, imperfect attempt after another, she continues to build a creative practice that holds memory, community, and forward motion all at once.

Follow Kim Esparza at: Instagram: blackdogdesigns7

Gallup’s Economic Outlook: A Conversation with Bruce Armstrong and Jeff Kiely

The community of Gallup has faced many periods of transition, marked by the closure of several longstanding businesses and the retirement of local leaders. While these changes have sparked concern regarding the city's economic future, local advocates point to a cycle of renewal, noting that as some businesses close, others emerge to take their place.

The Gallup Greater Economic Development Corporation (GGEDC) is currently working to shift this landscape from one of "hanging on" to one of growth. Their focus is on making McKinley County a competitive business environment and promoting the region's assets on a national scale.

Defining Economic Development

According to the U.S. Economic Development Administration, economic development creates the conditions for growth by expanding the capacity of individuals and firms to innovate, lower costs, and trade services.

Gallup possesses several strategic assets that support this mission:

• Logistics: Direct access to I-40, major railroads, and a regional airport.

• Resources: Abundant minerals and natural gas reserves.

• Lifestyle: World-class outdoor recreation, including mountain biking and hiking, paired with a lack of metropolitan traffic congestion.

Gallup’s history as a trading hub predates the railroad and Route 66, and the GGEDC aims to modernize this legacy.

The Role of the GGEDC

The work of the GGEDC is centered on community benefit. For example, when a new industrial facility opens, it creates a "multiplier effect":

1. Job Creation: The need for accountants, technicians, and drivers.

2. Increased Spending: Higher-wage jobs lead to more local spending.

3. Business Attraction: A stronger economy attracts further retail and service investment.

The 17th Annual Economic Roundtable

On February 6, 2026, GGEDC hosted the 17th annual Economic Roundtable. The event brought together local, state, and national leaders to coincide with the state legislative session. According to Economic Development Manager Bruce Armstrong and consultant Jeff Kiely, this session was particularly significant due to the high level of engagement regarding project financing and the recent passage of House Bill 19, The Trade Ports Development Act, carried by Representative Patricia Lundstrom.

Understanding the TradePort

House Bill 19 (the Trade Ports Development Act) facilitates the creation of "TradePorts"—multimodal systems designed to manage cargo efficiently and enhance supply chain resiliency.

Key Definitions:

• TradePort District: A specific geographic area approved for grants or loans to support trade infrastructure.

• TradePort Project: The construction of buildings or infrastructure that supports the redistribution of goods.

The Gallup-McKinley TradePort is moving from the conceptual phase into active implementation. Tommy Haws, Board President of GGEDC and Senior VicePresident of Pinnacle Bank, noted that the roundtable gathered the necessary experts to move these plans toward financial fruition.

The Legislative and Financial Framework

The development of these districts is powered by three primary legislative actions:

• HB 19 (Trade Ports Development Act): Authorizes districts and Public-Private Partnership (P3) mechanisms.

• SB 169 (Strategic Economic Development Site Readiness Act): Prepares specific land sites for industrial use.

• SB 270 (Utility Pre-deployment Initiative): Funds infrastructure (utilities) before a tenant is signed, reducing risk for private investors.

To fund these large-scale projects, leadership utilizes a "Capital Stacking" strategy:

Funding Type

Source

Public Grants NMDOT, Water

requirements:

• Revenue Modeling: Defining how the project will generate fees or taxes to repay loans.

• Governance: The formalization of a Board to act as a single legal entity for negotiations.

• Energy Integration: Using microgrids and renewable energy to attract modern industrial tenants, such as data centers.

Purpose

Initial planning and Trust Board non-recoverable infrastructure.

Debt/Loans NM Finance Authority

Long-term financing for sustainable utilities.

Incentives Industrial Revenue Bonds Tax abatements to attract private companies.

Private Capital P3 Agreements

Moving Toward "Next Level" Status

For the Gallup-McKinley TradePort Authority to move into tFor the GallupMcKinley TradePort Authority to move into the construction phase, experts at the roundtable identified several critical

Accelerating delivery and managing operational risk.

While the planning phase has been extensive, the window for competitive funding is narrow. The recent formation of a formal GallupMcKinley TradePort Authority comprised of a 5-member board with representation from the City of Gallup, McKinley County and Gallup Land

Partners is intended to signal to global investors that Gallup is prepared for development.

"Economic development is a long game," stated Tommy Haws. "But it's time for us to get something across the finish line from all the foundational work we've been doing."

Another promising detail to note is that Gallup Land Partners, LLC (GLP), is working cohesively with GGEDC to secure the future of the GallupMcKinley TradePort. GLP also focuses on developing, growing and creating economic opportunities in the area. Martin O’Malley, the General Manager of Gallup Land Partners, LLC, stated that while GLP has many focuses, the TradePort is their primary focus at this time. Why it is promising to have their involvement? They have had successes such as the Gallup Energy Logistics Park (GELP), LLC, a subsidiary of Gallup Land Partners. GELP is a 2,500acre rail-served industrial park with a 365-acre parcel certified by the BNSF’s stringent Site Certification Program.

Mr. Armstrong and Mr. Kiely share the same sentiment as Mr. Haws, the folks at GGEDC have been working for years and they’re “finally seeing a light at the end of the tunnel.” Stay tuned.

Greater Gallup Economic Development Corporation. (n.d.). Home. https://gallupedc.com/ Gallup Land Partners. (n.d.). Our team. https:// galluplandpartners.com/our-team/ New Mexico Legislature. (2025). House Bill 19: Trade Ports Development Act, 2025 Reg. Sess. https://www.nmlegis.gov/ Sessions/25%20Regular/bills/house/HB0019.html

Greater Gallup Economic Development Corporation. (2026, February 6). What's in the financial toolbox for building our economy? Roundtable report for the GGEDC's 2026 Economic Roundtable. La Fonda on the Plaza, Santa Fe, NM.

Eye

EvErything is going on salE!

Annual Youth Art Show

By Cherille Williams & Scott L. Williams

For over 12 years, ART123 Gallery has hosted an annual artist event showcasing the creative talents of local students from McKinley County and neighboring areas. The Annual Youth Art Show brings together participating schools and K-12 students’ artwork in a space where friends, family, and community members can come together to show appreciation, support, and encouragement for the next generation’s creative pursuits and future endeavors.

Rose Eason, Executive Director of gallupARTS, stated that starting back in 2014, the art show was one of the first projects gallupARTS collaborated with the then Artist Cooperative that managed ART123 Gallery, to put together a youth art show in the month of March to celebrate what is also known as National Youth Art Month. National Youth Art Month originally began in 1961 as Children’s Art Month, a project created by the Art & Creative Materials Institute (ACMI), until 1969, when it was expanded to include secondary school students and officially renamed Youth Art Month. The art show has since become a passion project for the gallery and Eason, who have carried it on to this day. For gallupARTS, the main goal of the show is to uplift the talent of youth artists while also acknowledging the community’s future. To also empower and inspire the talented group of young creatives through an official gallery show alongside other professionals in the field, fostering a sense of belonging and pride in their

work.

To accomplish this endeavor, ART123 holds an open call on social media starting as early as January, inviting interested K-12 teachers to submit class/ student work, or individual students to submit their work through a letter of interest with other required information sent to the gallery assistant. Afterward, participating parties are given time to collect their finished pieces for the final show, using their given spaces. Each teacher can create their own unique display to showcase their students’ pieces. Artwork is for sale only if the young artist wishes to sell their work.

Everything came together thanks to a group of dedicated and passionate teachers from

several schools. For the event, we got to talk to a couple of them in person and get their insights about the show.

For dedicated art teacher Amy Porter, this year’s show was about more than hanging artwork; it was about giving students a chance to be seen and heard.

“I wanted to offer the kids the opportunity to showcase their work,” she said. “They were really excited when I told them about it.”

Although the school has participated in the show for five years, this was Amy’s first time involved. She believes in the crucial role of art in education.

“It’s so important,” she explained. “It helps students express themselves and can act

as a relief from their studies.” This year, her students explored Jean-Michel Basquiat and neo-expressionism, using symbolism to develop their artistic voices. “They had a lot of fun expounding on the symbols we discussed.”

As an artist herself, Amy values sharing work with the world and wants her students to have the same experience.

“It’s vital for artists that people see our work, share it, and start conversations.”

For this teacher, art is never just about the finished piece. It is about expression, connection, and the powerful conversations that follow.

At Miyamura High School, art teacher Rachel emphasizes that creating art goes beyond

technique—it’s about learning and personal expression. During this year’s student art showcase, she discussed why art education is crucial and what inspired her to feature student work publicly for the first time.

After four years at Miyamura, Rachel wanted her students’ talents to be recognized. She believes art provides a unique opportunity for students to learn from mistakes and fosters a mindset crucial for success in academics and life. “Art is personal. It’s about expressing what you want to express,” she explained.

Rachel highlighted how art can boost confidence, especially for students who struggle in traditional classrooms. She encourages a low-pressure environment around submitting work, focusing on the learning process rather than the final product. “When you create, and you’re good at it, it inspires others,” she said, motivating her students to share their creations with the world.

For one dedicated art teacher Collestipher D. Chatto, showcasing student work at the Gallup art show is about much more than display—it’s about giving young artists a voice. This is his first time bringing student artwork to the exhibition, with the goal of providing exposure outside the Raymond Alvo Reservation.

“Just to give my students some exposure… to show off their talents and creativity,” he explains, as many haven’t shown their work beyond the local area. Collestipher has been transforming the curriculum by encouraging students to explore three-dimensional art and use unconventional materials, pushing them beyond textbook exercises and two-dimensional drawing. For him, the essence of art is expression: “Another way of lending them a voice.”

This Gallup show is just the beginning; he aims to showcase student work in larger venues in Albuquerque and Santa Fe.

“They’re all very excited,” he says with a smile. His support could be the spark that changes everything for these young artists.

For a Gallup art teacher

Sheyda Ardalan-Clarke, showcasing her students’ work is a mission. In her fourth year of participating in the student art show, she actively seeks opportunities to display their

creativity. “I try to expose my students’ work as much as I can,” she said, entering their pieces into shows without hesitation.

Having taught art in Connecticut before relocating, she emphasizes that art education is about cultivating creative thinkers, not just producing future artists. “Art is a way of thinking,” she explains, noting it engages the brain differently than subjects like math or reading.

Her selection process for the art show is simple: she chooses

students who consistently show up and put in genuine effort, looking for originality and creativity in their work. “I focus on those who are dedicated and bring unique ideas,” she states. It’s a straightforward approach from a teacher dedicated to ensuring her students’ creativity is seen.

The collective works of 350+ student artists is available for viewing at ART123 Gallery from March 14th - April 4th, Tuesday - Friday, 2:00 pm - 6:00 pm, and Saturday, 12:00 pm - 6:00 pm.

The Journey is partnering with Gallup Community Health to answer health-related questions from our community.

To propose a question, please email info@ gallupcommunityhealth.org. While this column provides general answers, everyone is different, so the best way to seek medical advice is to ask your healthcare provider.

Dentistry at Gallup Community Health

Dr. Adrian Sandoval, DDS

Hello, my name is Dr. Adrian Sandoval, and I am honored to serve our community and the surrounding region as Gallup Community Health’s dentist. Last summer I joined the team at Gallup Community Health (GCH) to get a dental program off the ground. Having a dentistry practice at GCH has been part of its vision and strategic plan from the beginning, helping fulfill its mission of providing accessible and excellent health care for all, regardless of ability to pay. And dental health an essential component to one’s overall health and well-being.

Since this was a new service for GCH, we started from nothing and began designing and then renovating existing clinic space to accommodate the new practice. I am grateful for the vision and support of Executive Director, Dr. Valory Wangler, the GCH Board and staff as well as Murphy Builders construction team who all helped move the project forward. Not that it was without its bumps and frustrations, but then that is expected when embarking on a project of this size. After months of construction and installing state-of-the-art dental equipment, we now have two dental hygiene chairs, two procedure chairs, a lab, and a dental x-ray room. It has been an amazing process to see it all come together.

Before we could officially begin seeing patients, we also had to hire and train staff members. We now have a wonderful dental team made up of Frances Bravo, our dental hygienist and Rachel Martinez and Shana Claw as our two dental assistants.

Our team is dedicated to delivering

high quality, patient centered dental care with a strong focus on oral health and preventative services. We believe that preventative care is essential to maintaining a healthy smile and supporting overall wellbeing. We are ready and excited to partner with you and your families in achieving lifelong oral health.

Our dental services include:

Preventative Care: Routine cleanings, comprehensive exams, digital x-rays, fluoride treatments, and patient education.

Oral Health Maintenance: Gum evaluations and periodontal care focused on long-term oral wellness. Restorative Dentistry: Fillings, crowns, bridges, dentures, and implant restoration designed to restore comfort and function.

Emergency Dental Care: Prompt support and evaluation of unexpected dental concerns whenever possible.

We are both excited and honored to make these services available and to help you on the road to long-lasting oral health. We look forward to serving you by providing compassionate and reliable dental care and supporting healthier smiles throughout our community.

Our hours are Mondays – Fridays, 8am – 5pm. To make an appointment, call 505-397-5172. Our friendly staff is ready to assist you with any questions you may have or to schedule an appointment.

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KID'S CORNER

M & M’s!

M&M joke of the day: Why did the blonde get fired from the M&M factory?

Because she threw away all the W’s

Did you know…..

• M&M’s were invented and first produced in 1941 during World War II, and sold exclusively to the U.S. Military, and were not sold to the public until 1947.

• The idea was inspired by British soldiers eating chocolate pellets with a hard shell during the Spanish Civil War.

• They were specifically designed to allow soldiers to carry chocolate in warm weather without it melting.

• Chocolate was rationed during the war (google the details!)

• The M&M’s store in Las

Vegas, Nevada has a “chocolate wall” with 22 different colors of M&Ms. It has a personalized M&M printer, and you can order your M&M’s with your name, a message, or a Las Vegas icon!

• The M&M’s store in London is the world’s largest candy store with 4 stories of nothing but M&M’s and M&M’s merchandise!

• 400 million M&M’s are made every single DAY in the United States

• Since the Reagan administration, custom boxes of M&M’s with the Presidential Seal and the President’s signature have been given as gifts to White House visitors.

KIDS! YOU CAN SHARE YOUR WORK IN THE JOURNEY!

Cut on the dotted line and send your artwork to: 210 E. Aztec Gallup, NM 87301

Email: gallupjourney @gmail.com Call 505-488-2291 with any questions! WE LOVE TO SEE YOUR TALENT! (NO AWARDS)

ANSWERS TO LAST MONTH'S CROSSWORD

Occupation is essential.

Virginia Woolf

Since everything is in our heads, we had better not lose them.

Coco Chanel

Know thyself? If I knew myself, I’d run away. Goethe

It is not depravity that afflicts the human race so much as a general lack of intelligence.

Agnes Repplier

There are few sorrows, however poignant, in which a good income is of no avail.

L.P. Smith

You can tell the ideals of a nation by its advertisements.

Norman Douglas

By Amanda Spruell

Navajo Sovereignty Day

April 27, 2026

NO SCHOOL

Today we remember the journey, honor the strength of our people, and celebrate the sovereignty that endures.

With pride, we recognize the living legacy of the Navajo Nation.