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WINTER 2014 | MAJESTIC LIVING | 5


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Cover photoMajestic living welcomes story ideas and comments from readers.E-mail story ideas and comments to [email protected].

Celebrating the lifestyle, Communityand Culture of the Four Corners

MAGAZINE

publisher Don Vaughan

editor Cindy Cowan Thiele

designer Suzanne Thurman

writers Dorothy Nobis, Margaret Cheasebro,

Vicky Ramakka, Gail Vanik

photographers

Josh Bishop, Whitney Howle

sales staff

Shelly Acosta, Clint Alexander

Aimee Velasquez

For advertising information

Call 505.516.1230

by Vicky ramakka

Vol. 7, No. 1 2014 by Majestic Media. Majestic Living is a quarterly publication. Material herein may not be reprintedwithout expressed written consent of thepublisher. If you receive a copy that is torn or damaged call 505.516.1230.

Follow us on @MajesticMediaUSmajesticmediaUSA

contributorsMarGarEt ChEasEbro has been a freelancewriter for over 30 years. her articles have appeared in many magazines across the country.she was a correspondent for the albuquerqueJournal and worked for several local newspapers. she has four published books ofchildrens puppet scripts. a former elementaryschool counselor, she is a reiki Master and practices several alternative healing techniques.she enjoys playing table tennis.

ViCky raMakka is retired from san Juan Collegewhere she directed programs and taught teachereducation courses. Vicky and her husband residenorth of aztec, where she does free-lance technical writing. Vicky says she meets the mostfascinating people in the Four Corners area, andfinds them always willing to share their expertiseduring interviews. she enjoys photographing theflora and fauna that reside in her backyard whichshe considers any place within a mile walk. she ison the board of Directors of the aztec Museumand volunteers with the citizens steering committee to raise funds for a new animal shelter.

Josh bishoP is a graduate of san Juan College with an associate degree in DigitalMedia arts and Design. he currently worksat Majestic Media as a video producer and photographer.

WhitNEy hoWlE was born and raised in Farmington and is proud to call san Juan Countyhome. the richness of the landscape and the diverse people, culture and traditions are a photographers dream. Whitney has his ba in Visual Communication from Collins College intempe, ariz. he is a co-owner of howle Designand Photographya family owned studio offering graphic design, photography, market research and consulting.

Gail VaNik holds a ba in English and a Master's in international relations but was sidetracked from thosecareer choices when she moved to the Four Corners region 16 years ago from lancaster, Pa. she and herhusband, Vic, own Four seasons Greenhouse and Nursery in Dolores, but writing remains an interest anda passion. she has been a contributing writer for the telluride Watch, the Cortez Journal, and boomersand beyond, covering topics ranging from gardeningadvice to feature articles. Gail is also a regular contributor to industry specific publications such astoday's Garden Center Magazine and lawn and Gardenretailer, where she writes about topics such as inventory management and point of sale systems.

Dorothy Nobis has been a writer and editor formore than 25 years. she authored a travel guide,the insiders Guide to the Four Corners, published by Globe Pequot Press, and has been a frequent contributor to New Mexico Magazine .


winterfeatures:

They sat side by side, close together, on

the sofa in this comfortable home. They

shared stories and memories, often fin-

ished each others sentences and read

each others thoughts.

By Dorothy Nobis

True Partners10

On a snowy day in the middle of January, a little girl bites into a

vine-ripened tomato. Juice dribbling down her chin, she tells her

mom, These are better than candy!

By Gail Vanik

The Vaniks are taking it personally16

The lure of foreign

countries on his mind

and with the desire to

see new places, meet

new people and explore

the world, Shaun

Connolly decided to

make his dream of

overseas travel come

true.

By Dorothy Nobis

Traveling

the World34City of Farmington

Municipal Judge

Bill Liese is folksy,

laid back, and

comfortable with

himself. That may be

why hes been so

successful at

improving the

operation, accessibility and effectiveness of the

municipal court.

By Margaret Cheasebro

A chance at a better future42

Durangos winter wonders24Small town Colorado Christmas28Holiday events32HAPPENINGS

HolidayFOUR CORNERS


The art form, Zentangles, intrigues

16-year-old Ashley Parker. Shes so

good at it that she won the national

poster contest, Lights on Afterschool,

with the technique.


Zentangles intrigue48

Explorers and traders following the Old Spanish Trail during the early

1800s would have passed through Largo Canyon on their way from

Santa Fe to Los Angeles.

By Vicky Ramakka

Gentling wild horses54

With seven children and another one on the

way, things are never dull in the Brandy and

Matthew James household.

By Dorothy Nobis

Living, loving

and laughing in bulk60

In a quiet voice, quivering with emotion, Jinx Boli talked about

losing six of her best friends. Im one of those people who

feel like animals are people with little hairy disguises.

By Dorothy Nobis

Its hard to say goodbye66

When Brian Astwood looks

at the Parachuting Magazine

to which hes subscribed since

1973, he relives the thrill of

sky diving. He participated in

the sprot from 1969-1979 in

Australia, Austria, Canada and

the United States.


Ballet in the sky72

They sat side by side, close together,

on the sofa in their comfortable home.

They shared stories and memories, often

finished each others sentences and read

each others thoughts. They giggled at

private jokes and there were subtle,

affectionate pats on the leg.

Tonya Farrow and Scott Eckstein just

about didnt date, let alone get married.

While they knew each other Scott was

on the Bloomfield High School Wrestling

Team and Tonya was an Aztec High

School cheerleader their lives crossed

paths, but never connected until after

high school.

After graduating from high school,

Tonya went to Las Cruces to attend New

Mexico State University. Scott, two years

older, had completed his training at the

police academy in Santa Fe and was a

law enforcement officer with the Bloom-

field Police Department. One summer,

when Tonya was home from college, the

two met up at a local restaurant.

I recognized her and I struck up a

conversation, Scott remembered.

I gave him my phone number and I

wanted him to call me, Tonya said.

Scott called and left messages, but

Tonya never got them. Tonya decided

there was one way to find out what Scott

was doing she drove above the speed

limit, but even that ploy didn't work.

Story by Dorothy Nobis | Photos by Whitney Howle

true partners

Scott and Tonyas life path paved with trust, love and friendship

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We both thought we had blown each other

off, Tonya said. I called the office and left

him a message. It was then that she discov-

ered Scott had been transferred to the detec-

tive unit. Scott received that message and they

had their first date just before Thanksgiving.

By Christmas, we knew we were meant for

each other, Scott said, and we wanted to get

married.

Tonya was in nursing school at NMSU and

transferred to San Juan College to complete

her degree. Nursing wasnt her first career

choice, however. I majored in Crop and Soil

Sciences, and I worked at the BHP Billiton

Mine (west of Farmington) in the summer, she

said. But when my sister was in an automobile

accident and in the hospital, I sat with her so

the nurses wouldnt restrain her because of

her head injury, and Id talk to the nurses at

night.

In spite of her other desire to be a diesel

mechanic (I had junk cars I worked on all the

time, she explained), God knew thats (nurs-

ing) what I needed to do.

Tonya was 22 and Scott was 24 when they

got married on August 11, 1990. Weve been

married now for 24 years, Scott said, adding

with a grin and its taken us that long to get

to know each other.

The couple said they argued more as a

young couple. We were both learning how

not to be single and where our place in the

marriage was, Scott said. The longer youre

married, the stuff that bothered you at the

first of the marriage goes away. You become

dependent on each other. I need her (Tonya)

to get by. We really truly have a partnership.

As time goes on, weve become more of a

couple and less as individuals.

Shes very thoughtful, Scott said of his

wife, patting her knee. Every night on her

way home, she calls to see if I need anything.

Tonyas my best friend. Shes very thoughtful,

shes sweet and she really does her best to

take care of me and the family.

And, he added with a loving glance at his

wife, she does a good job with it.

Scotts my partner and hes so depend-

able, Tonya said. I know what to expect

from him. Hes caring and hes a God loving

man. I know he loves God and thats one of

the things that attracted me to him and it was

a prerequisite.

And he was hot and good looking and

godly as a bonus, she added with a laugh.

The couple attributes their solid marriage

not just to good, but to great, communication.

They discuss everything, they bounce ideas off

each other and they share their professional

worlds with each other.

And these days, they have a lot to talk

about. In 1994, Scott was still working for the

Bloomfield Police Department. We got these

new cars and they were Tauruses, he said. I

asked the police chief how come we got them

and he said they were what the (Bloomfield

City) Council decided on. So I decided, at

some point, to run for City Council so we

could get some good cars.

WINTER2014| MAJESTIC LIVING |13


In 1995, Scott left the Bloomfield Police

Department and began working for the San

Juan County Sheriffs Office. In 2004, he

asked then Sheriff Bob Melton if he could run

for the Bloomfield City Council, and when

told he could, he did run and was elected.

In 2006, the Bloomfield mayor decided

not to seek re-election and Scott decided that

would be his next political move. He ran and

was elected.

In 2008, Scott, now retired from the Sher-

iffs office, was asked by the then Chair of the

San Juan County Republican Party, Rod Mon-

toya, to run for the San Juan County Commis-

sion. I had the desire to continue serving the

public and I was retired, so I had the time to

devote to it (the County Commission) he said.

He was elected and is in his second term as a

commissioner.

For almost six years, Scott served as Bloom-

fields mayor and as a County Commissioner.

There was just one time that I had to abstain

from a vote when the Commission voted on

Bloomfield annexing county land, he said,

adding that Bloomfield and county residents in

his district often comment on his ability to be

fair and do whats best for the city and the

county.

I vote my conscience, and I cant be bullied

(into voting one way or another), he said

proudly. There are pressures and there are is-

sues. And Im not afraid to stand alone (in a

vote). It can be stressful doing what I believe in

and doing the right thing.

But it isnt just Scott whos been pulled into

the political arena. As his wife and his part-

ner Tonya is also involved. I never dreamed

this would be my fate, Tonya said. When I

married Scott those many years ago, I had no

idea the path our lives would take.

Tonya has worked for San Juan Regional

Medical Center for 23 years and loves her ca-

reer. And while she is busy, she enjoys the re-

sponsibilities that come with being a

mayor/commissioners wife.

Scott has gotten me into a lot of stuff,

Tonya said with a huge grin at her husband.

Ive gotten in on (the) Get Pinked (campaign)

and Im an ambassador for Get Pinked. I be-

lieve in it and theyll have a hard time ever get-

ting rid of me!

In addition to the Get Pinked campaign,

Tonya is always by her husbands side at as

many events as she can. They attend functions

(some of them are after Tonyas nursing shift,

when she goes to the restroom dressed as a

nurse and comes out in party clothes) and this

year, worked with the city staff and volunteers

to host Bloomfields Family Fourth celebration.

Scott hedges when asked what hell do when

his second term as County Commissioner ends

in 2017. Being mayor and a County Commis-

sioner has opened doors for him, Scott said,

and if an opportunity presents itself to seek

Weve been married now for 24 years, and its taken us that

long to get to know each other. Scott Eckstein

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another elected position, he would likely take

advantage of it. However, he is quick to say,

he would never attempt to unseat an incum-

bent who has done a good job. Thats selfish

and self-serving, he said.

For Tonya, its all about what makes her

partner and husband happy. Although, she ad-

mitted, it would be nice to actually use that

big motorhome that sits by the garage, and the

pool they havent used much but hopefully,

some day we will.

First came love, then marriage, then the

baby carriage (three times) and then, in the

midst of it all, a political career that has em-

braced them both. They continue to seek the

best for the citizens of Bloomfield and the cit-

izens of San Juan County.

Politics isnt a job, Scott said. Its a

lifestyle. Its not a 9 to 5 job, and thats what

Im here for. And with his wife, his partner

and his best friend by his side, theyll be

here together.

On a snowy day in the middle of January,

a little girl bites into a vine-ripened tomato.

Juice dribbling down her chin, she tells her

mom, These are better than candy! A few

feet away, someone is sampling home-baked

goods. In another corner, a couple is buying

the fresh greens for their dinner. And its all

in your backyard at the newest offering on

the local food scene the Winter Farmers

Market at Four Seasons Greenhouse and

Nursery in Dolores.

For many people, the initiative to get in-

volved in the local food movement comes

from a personal experience. For Four Sea-

sons Greenhouse and Nursery, the journey

into producing top quality, healthy, nutri-

tious food has not only been a personal

one, but its become a passion. It began in

the fall of 2011.

Vic Vanik, owner of Four Seasons, went

for a routine checkup, and during the

course of that exam the doctor ordered

routine blood work. When the results came

back, it was discovered that his cholesterol

was way above 200 much higher than it

should have been. The immediate response

was to prescribe statins for him. Vic and his

wife Gail talked about it, called the doctor

back and said, Wed like to try a different

direction. Wed like to try to control this


Story and photos by Gail Vanik

Routine checkup paves the way for Winter Farmers Market

The Vaniks

are Taking

iT personally

through diet. The doctor agreed, based on

the fact that he leads an active, physical

lifestyle, but she warned him not to expect

much more than a 10 percent drop in the num-

bers. She said that it was probably hereditary

and most of the time thats the best you can

expect from diet alone, but agreed that it

couldnt hurt to try for a while. They agreed

that he would return for a checkup in six

months.

Vic went on a diet and Gail shares that As

someone who has never had to watch his

weight or who has never had any other health

concerns, it wasnt a fun time at our house. In

fact, it got so bad that my folks at Four Sea-

sons asked if they could just be laid off for the

winter until he got through it. I told them,

Sorry, but no. If I have to suffer, so do you!

She continued, We added lots of greens to

our general diet. He gave up coffee, soft

drinks, ice cream, chips all of the things he

shouldnt have been eating anyway. Air popped

popcorn, herbal tea, lean meat, and nuts be-

came the staples in our house. With our son

off to college, it was easy simply not to bring

home the things that would be a temptation.

She added, Although I am not a nutritionist, I

was gestationally diabetic when I was pregnant

and was able to control that through diet, so I

had some sense of what we needed to do.

Four Seasons had been growing baby sun-

flower greens for several years and they

ramped up that program and started playing

with growing lettuce, spinach, tomatoes and a

few other things in the greenhouse. Gail laughs,

I have to tell you, as much as he hated the

diet, he loved eating vine-ripened tomatoes in

the dead of winter! Vic laughed, The prob-

lem came when we were trying all of this

people would come in to buy a poinsettia and

show great interest in the produce and want to

buy that as well. I told them, No, you cant

have that thats my dinner!

When he went back to the doctor in Febru-

ary for his follow-up blood work, his LDL cho-

lesterol had dropped to an amazing 91. The

doctor called and said shed never seen any-

thing like it and no medication was indicated at

this time. But the Vaniks thought they might be

on to something. With an increased interest in

having a good, safe, local food supply, and

with many people beginning to have health

concerns, they thought it might be time to ex-

pand their business model.

Vic has been a grower since 1972 and Gail

says shes rarely seen him as excited about a

greenhouse project as he has been about this

one. Last fall, Vic retrofitted many of their

back growing greenhouses in order to grow

more produce. The project took off and most

of the nearly one acre that is under glass is full

of produce this year. Several are now 18 | MAJESTIC LIVING | WINTER 2014


completely full of lettuce. Another holds other

leafy cold crops. There are about 275 tomatoes

planted. Spinach is ready for harvest, as are

kale, Swiss chard, micro greens, and arugula.

They have cucumbers, peppers, beet greens,

broccoli, cabbage, and many other fresh, healthy

offerings. If things continue as they have, I be-

lieve well be maxed out on space by next year,

Vic said.

In addition to their own customers, Four Sea-

sons supplies restaurants, local organic grocery

stores, and four school districts, including Du-

rango, with fresh produce to help to encourage

children to eat healthier from a younger age.

LiveWell Montezuma was instrumental in putting

the pieces of that together by connecting them

with the school districts. Vic says, Its a labor of

love, but its also a great feeling knowing that we

can help in feeding our community. You can call

ahead any day and well have it ready for you, or

just show up. If what you want isnt in the fridge,

you can go along while we pick. You cant get it

any fresher than that!

Perhaps the most exciting thing to come out

of the Vaniks venture into produce was the cre-

ation of a Winter Farmers Market. The original

concept came from a friend of theirs who owns a

garden center in New Hampshire and, with the

addition of their own produce, it seemed to be

the right time and a perfect fit. On Saturday

mornings, from November through mid-March,

the Winter Farmers Market at Four Seasons is a

busy, bustling place. Its now in its third year.

The first year we tried it and we got the local

producers and vendors involved at an early stage.

At first we werent sure it was going to take off.

At the first meeting, we only had one person

show up! Vic laughs. For the first meeting this

year, we already had all of the spots filled and

now have a waiting list for January when we can

open up more space once the Christmas shop


has been taken down. He continued, Saturday

mornings get chaotic in a crazy, fun way. Many

people come for breakfast, relax and read the

paper in the warmth of the garden center, do

their weekly produce shopping, then stay for

lunch.

Producers throughout the area come together

each week to sell their fresh produce, eggs, meat,

home-baked goods, crafts and more. Some of the

faces are favorites from the summer market, but

others are new. Cecelia Berto sells her locally

raised fresh USDA pork. Mitch and Joyce Periman

have coffee and baked goods. Mary Beth Gentry,

from Eagle Tree Farms, has fresh produce and

eggs. W Lazy D Bison Company sells bison meat.

Gerri Goodall from Bountiful Ridge Farm brings

produce and baked goods. Sweet Water Gypsies

bring their wood stove and make wood fired piz-

zas to order. Dragonfly Farms has fresh produce,

tea and honey. Suzan Clifford makes savory soups,

chili and breads. Gail Darling brings herbal prod-

ucts. Each market offers a variety of items with

virtually something for anyone looking for fresh,

local produce, meats and craft items.


Vic says, We are so excited about

the Winter Market. For many of our

vendors, it was a way to help support

themselves and their families through

the winter, while offering quality

local products to the area. We really

did end up with the perfect storm.

For the Vaniks, the Winter Market

and produce expansion isnt just an-

other garden center offering. In-

stead, its the story of a personal

journey. Gail cautions, Im not sug-

gesting in any way that what we did

would work for you that would be

up to you and your doctor to de-

cide. But if youre facing some of the

same issues we have, a radical change

in diet helped us. It certainly isnt

going to hurt, and to be able to get

the freshest local food in the dead

of a Colorado winter, well, thats

something pretty special.

HAPPENINGSHolidayFOUR CORNERS

From the unique colors to the time-honored traditions, Christmas in the Southwest is special culturally and spiritually.

With a blend of Native American spirituality, Hispanic tradition, Cowboy tradition, snow sports and desert fun, Christmastime oers luminarias/farilitos, red or green chilies, tamales, live nativity scenes and other unique food, colors, traditions and activities that you wont nd anywhere across the U.S.

In the following pages weve given you a guide to all the sights and sounds our area has to oer.

FROM ALL OF US AT MAJESTIC MEDIA


Durangos

winter wondersA blanket of fresh powder cloaks the rugged mountains in

Southwestern Colorado for Durangos magical winter season! In addition to skiing and winter sports, our charming Coloradomountain town boasts a vibrant arts scene, relaxing natural hotsprings, five craft breweries, scrumptious locally inspired cuisines,unique winter festivals, and more all set in a quintessential Old West mountain town. With over a Dozen Vacations in One Destination, start planning your Colorado winter vacation at www.durango.org.


Durango Mountain ResortWhether you choose to ski, snowboard,

snowshoe, tube, sleigh or simply relax, Du-

rango Mountain Resort (DMR) has it all. Re-

cently named Top 3 Livable Ski Towns and

Best Ski Value in North America for two

years in a row, DMR knows how to create

fun-filled winter adventures. With 88 trails

across 1,360 skiable acres, the mountain of-

fers prime skiing and snowboarding for begin-

ners and advanced alike. New this year: The

Burton Riglet Park, a terrain-based learning

center in the base area, allows the youngest

snowboarders, ages 3 through 6, to experi-

ence sliding on the snow. Lodging and lift

value packages offer deep savings. From fam-

ily-friendly events to beer tastings, DMR hosts

entertaining festivities throughout the season.

Steampunk SnowdownJanuary 28- February 1Now in its 37th year, Snowdown is a long-

time Durango tradition that brings locals and

visitors together for a winter celebration

guaranteed to chase away the winter blues.

Parades, competitions, adults-only and chil-

dren-friendly events combine to create a zany

weeklong winter festival.

Winter wonders aboard the Durango

& Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad

www.durangotrain.com

From Nov. 2014 Jan. 2015, take a ride

on the Polar Express. Based on the award-

winning book by Chris Van Allsburg, this win-

ter ride is a magical journey for everyone on

board. Sip hot cocoa while theatrical staff

read the Polar Express, keep your eye open

for The North Pole, reindeer and Santa Claus!

Experience the wonder of the wilderness

in winter on the Cascade Canyon Train.

Enjoy brunch, live music and desserts on

the New Years Train, Romance on the Rails

on the Valentines Day Train, or practice your

photography skills on breathtaking snow-

capped wilderness aboard the Winter Photog-

raphers Train.


Winter watersUnder snowy or sunshine skies, relax in a

natural geothermal mineral bath at Trimble

Spa & Natural Hot Springs. Take a hike along

the Animas River Trail or try fly-fishing in the

crisp waters of the Animas River. If you prefer

to take it indoors, visit the Durango Rec

Centers indoor water park and pools.

Let the dogs be your guideWhisk through winter on a dog-powered

exploration of the snowy peaks of Southwest

Colorado. Durango Dog Ranch and Durango

Mountain Resort offer dog sledding adven-

tures and events all winter long. If youre up

for it, you will get a chance to drive the sled!

Sprinkle your winter holiday with historyWhether your visit is a week, a night, an

evening or a tour, be sure to visit the beauti-

ful and historic lodgings in downtown Du-

rango. The Strater Hotel, built in 1887, is

decorated with period decor, beautiful hand-

crafted woodwork, and the largest collection

of American Victorian walnut antiques. It re-

cently received the prestigious Historic Ho-

tels of America Legendary Family Historic

Hoteliers of the Year Award. The Rochester

Hotel and Leland House, built in 1927 and

1892 respectively, have been renovated by a

mother and son team. The dcor boasts origi-

nal antiques and woodwork, as well as West-

ern-movie themed rooms. The General

Palmer, built in 1898, blends the comforts of

modern living with Victorian charm in the

heart of the historic downtown.

Arts in winterTake in Durangos vibrant art scene during

the holidays and winter season with the

monthly First Thursday Art Walk, live perform-

ances at the Strater Theatre and Community

Concert Hall at Fort Lewis College, live music

at restaurants and local theater at the Du-

rango Arts Center. The Durango Film cele-

brates a decade of independent film festivals

in March of 2015.

A hidden jewel in the arts and cultural

world, Durango boasts over a dozen galleries

that carry treasures from American Indians,

Contemporary Western and Southwestern

works of museum-quality art represented with

sculptures, pottery, baskets, fine art photog-

raphy and home furnishings.

Holiday festivities 2014 Local artisans gather every year for the an-

nual Noel Night a downtown evening of

local delights, unique shopping, refreshments,

free gift-wrapping, carolers, music and more.

Mesa Verde decorates with luminarias for

their Holiday Open House. For a complete

list of Durangos holiday events please visit

our event calendar.

Durango Area Tourism OfficeThe Durango Area Tourism Office is a not-

for-profit organization operating with the mis-

sion to promote Durango and La Plata

Countys multitude of tourism attractions,

events and services. For more information, visit

www.durango.org or call 970.247.3500.

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A short drive away from the Farmington area

is a place where Christmas magic abounds.

From music to mesas to picturesque mountain

towns, if you are looking for jolly holiday

events, you may not have to look any further

than your own backyard this season. Mon-

tezuma County is full of the spirit of the sea-

son!

Tucked away into the Four Corners region,

the towns of Cortez, Dolores, and Mancos

offer something for everyone throughout the

months of November and December.

Dolores Shops LocalReminiscent of the mountain towns that

helped build the state of Colorado, the charm-

ing town of Dolores will remind you of the

true meaning of the word local. Their Shop

Local promotion kicks the season off Nov. 29

and runs through Dec. 20. The Community

Center hosts the Christmas Bazaar from 10

a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 6, where

youll find all kinds of gifts and goodies for

your holiday giving. If fine arts are more your

small town

Colorado ChristmasThe Southwestern holiday style of Dolores, Mancos and Cortez

Story by Gail Vanik | Courtesy photos


style, wander over to the Dolores River Brew-

ery. They hold a Fine Arts and Crafts Show on

the same days and during the same times.

On Saturday, Dec. 12, at 5:30 p.m. at the

Galloping Goose Museum on Railroad Avenue,

Santa will light the lights for their Yule Log

Bonfire, and pass out cocoa, cookies and

candy for the children. The lights will be up on

the south side of the mountains surrounding

the town and they are a festive and spectacular

sight when viewed from Dolores. More infor-

mation on the events in the Dolores area can

be found on the Chamber of Commerce web-

site at www.doloreschamber.com or by calling

970.882.4018.

Mancos has Christmas for CowboysIf you have never been to Mancos, be pre-

pared to find a small town full of all the charm

of yesteryear. If Christmas for cowboys is what

you are seeking, then Mancos is the right place

to find it. The Mancos Olde Fashioned Christ-

mas celebration begins on Friday, Dec. 5,

starting with the 6th Annual Christmas on the

Trail and 4th Annual Night of the Cowboy

western gear show and sale at the Goodnight

Gallery from 5 to 7 p.m. The Rockin W Chuck

Wagon sets up in front of the gallery offering

homemade chili, sopapillas and coffee. Inside

youll find the work of Nathaniels a western

hatmaker Ann Schwarting western contem-

porary jewelry, and Steve Williams of Cowboy

Forge. A custom spur maker, leather worker,

and saddle maker join the artists on display.

This event is entertaining, free, and open to

the public. Its the Goodnight Gallerys way of

thanking everyone for their support throughout

the year.

At 6 p.m. join the locals for the Rudolph

Run a two-mile fun run around downtown.

Its open to all ages. Costumes are encouraged

for this fun-filled event, and its a great way to

work off the chili and sopapillas!

Add in a Christmas Cookie Contest at the

Columbine Bar at 6:30 p.m. and an old-fash-

ioned tree lighting, complete with a visit from

Santa, at Pioneer Park at 7 p.m. Following the

tree lighting, finish with a holiday movie at the

Community Center, complete with treats, and

youve got the perfect recipe for a fun-filled

holiday evening.

If Christmas music is what the holidays mean

to you, enjoy the Mancos Valley Chorus at

3:30 p.m. Dec. 7 and 13, and again at 7 p.m.


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on Dec. 12 at the Mancos Valley United

Methodist Church. This group has been singing

together for a number of years and has be-

come a holiday fixture in the community. They

also will lift their voices in the spirit of the sea-

son in Cortez at the Cortez United Methodist

Church at 7 p.m. on Dec. 9. Additional infor-

mation on the holiday events in Mancos can be

found on the Chambers website at www.man-

coscolorado.com or by calling 970.533.7725.

Cortez decorates Main Street and lights up Mesa Verde

Not to be outdone, Cortez holds a host of

events in the weeks leading up to the holidays.

The Parade of Lights is the epitome of small

town holiday charm. Imagine Main Street in any

small town during the holiday season. The store

windows are gaily decorated. Decorations hang

from the street lights. Theres a chill in the air.

Then imagine the street completely dark except

for the floats coming down the middle of the

street, and youll have a good idea of what the

Parade of Lights is like. Sponsored by the

Board of Realtors, a new theme is chosen each

year and many of the businesses, civic groups,

churches and youth groups in town participate.

Prizes are given, so its a fun-filled and festive

competition as each tries to outdo the other in

their interpretation of that years theme. Each

year is a delightful surprise as the floats are

funny, religious, bright and bold, and some-

times outrageous. Some carry bands who lend

their music to this festive celebration of the

season. Some arent even floats, as horses, fire

trucks, motorcycles and other modes of trans-

portation even reindeer have been known

to journey down Main Street during the Pa-

rade. This years Parade of Lights will be held

on Saturday, Dec. 6, down Main Street in

Cortez and the theme this year is Rockin

Around the Christmas Tree. The Parade kicks

off at 6 p.m., but a word to the wise get

there long before that. People come early just

to save the best spaces.

If all of this doesnt put you in the mood

for the holiday season, there are two other

events which have become holiday traditions in

the area and arent to be missed. The first is

the Luminaria Holiday Open House at Mesa

Verde National Park. Held this year on


Thursday, Dec. 4, the staff at the park hosts this

yearly event from 4 to 9 p.m. All are invited to

visit during the celebration which features spe-

cial tours, musical entertainment and refresh-

ments. However, the big draw is the luminaria

display which lights up the pathways in the Park

and Spruce Tree House. Serene is perhaps the

best word to describe glowing luminarias in the

winter air. The Chapin Mesa Archaeological Mu-

seum remains open until 9 p.m. and there is mu-

sical entertainment in the auditorium there

throughout the evening. The Museum bookstore

is open and admittance is free. Dress warmly

and bring a flashlight if you plan to walk the

paths. No Park admission fee is charged after 4

p.m. and more information can be obtained by

calling the park at 970.529.4465.

If you dont care to drive the road up to

the Park, there is an additional opportunity to

enjoy the Southwestern luminaria tradition in

the area. Luminaria Night at Four Seasons

Greenhouse and Nursery, located halfway be-

tween Cortez and Dolores, is the most magical

night of the year. Beginning at 5 p.m. on Dec.

13, enjoy over 1,000 luminarias, live musical

entertainment by local community groups rang-

ing from childrens choirs to the Four Corners

Community Band, Santa, and refreshments. This

annual evening is a popular attraction among

many in the region and is free as a thank-you

to all.

Cortez, Dolores, and Mancos offer a number

of wonderful hotels, bed and breakfasts, and

motels in case the drive home after a days fes-

tivities seems a little daunting, or if the weather

doesnt cooperate. There is also a wide range of

wonderful restaurants offering everything from

steak to sushi.

Whether its a Cowboy Christmas or the

grace and quiet beauty of luminarias, theres

something for everyone in the Southwestern

style in the Four Corners this holiday season.

Enjoy the beauty found right in your own back-

yard and the local, friendly fun that comes from

these small towns and the holiday mountain tra-

ditions surrounding them.

HOLIDAY EVENTS


DECEMBER 3 - 6

FESTIVAL OF TREES

Holiday entertainment presented by Presbyte-rian Medical Services. Come enjoy special eventsincluding Teddy Bear Tea, Storytelling, Fashionsat the Festival luncheon, family night and muchmore, all at the Farmington Civic Center. Explorea winter wonderland amid an indoor forest of art-fully decorated Christmas trees.

Information: 505.599.1148

DECEMBER 4

FARMINGTON CHRISTMAS PARADE

This annual lighted Christmas parade starts at5:45 p.m. Parade route runs through HistoricDowntown Farmington along Main Street. For pa-rade applications and theme, call the FarmingtonChamber of Commerce.


DECEMBER 5

RIVERGLO

Looking for holiday cheer? Bundle up yourfamily or invite that special someone for an unfor-gettable evening along the Animas River! Take inthe beauty of hundreds of luminarias lighting thetrails along the Animas River. Stop along the trailto enjoy carolers, musical performances, bonfires,a live nativity and, of course, Santa! This annualFarmington event takes place along the trails ofBerg Park, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

DECEMBER 6

SAN JUAN COLLEGE LUMINARIAS

Take part in a beautiful New Mexico traditionand walk or drive through one of the largest lumi-

naria displays in northwest New Mexico. Enjoythe luminarias, holiday music, carolers, hotchocolate, a star gaze and live nativity. Display il-luminates the campus of San Juan College withthousands of candlelit paper sacks. San JuanCollege is located at 4601 College Blvd., Farm-ington. Red Apple Transit provides bus servicethrough the display; call for details.


DECEMBER 6

SALMON RUINS HOLIDAY ARTS & CRAFTS FAIR

Salmon Ruins brings together artisans fromthroughout the Four Corners to display and selltheir wares at McGee Park off Hwy. 64, betweenFarmington and Bloomfield, N.M.


DECEMBER 6

HOLIDAY FAMILY CRAFT WORKSHOP

The holidays are coming! Bring yourself oryour whole family to the Farmington RecreationCenter, 1101 Fairgrounds Road, and spend themorning from 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. creating funand simple Christmas holiday cards, decorations,and gifts! Refreshments will be served and spe-cial door prizes will be given. Register no laterthan Thursday, December 5. Cost is $5.


DECEMBER 8

BLOOMFIELD CHRISTMAS PARADE

Bloomfield, hosts the 7th annual lighted Christ-mas parade beginning at 6:30 p.m. Route startsat the Bloomfield High School.

Information: 505.632.0880 OR www.bloom-fieldchamber.info

DECEMBER 8 JANUARY 2, 2015

BLOOMFIELD CELEBRATION OF LIGHTS

Lighted Christmas displays create a wonderfulwinter wonderland at Salmon Park in Bloomfield,N.M., 501 N. 5th Street. The official lighting of thedisplays will be immediately after the BloomfieldChristmas parade.

Information: 505.632.0880 or www.bloomfield-chamber.info

DECEMBER 11

EVENING OF LIGHTS

AT AZTEC RUINS NATIONAL MONUMENT

Wander through 2,000 luminarias lighting thehistoric Aztec Ruins National Park Visitor Centerdistrict from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. The Friends of AztecRuins will serve cookies and hot cocoa. Thebookstore will stay open late and offer a 15 per-cent discount for holiday shopping. This event isfree.

505.334.6174 or www.nps.gov/azru

DECEMBER 12

HOLIDAY ART WALK

Come walk through Historic Downtown Farm-ington, from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., and celebrate theseason with art receptions and open houses atmany downtown locations. A wide variety of artfrom regional artists will be showcased through-out many of the downtown shops, galleries andrestaurants. Art Walk maps will be available atparticipating locations. The Art Walk is coordi-nated by the Farmington Downtown Associationand sponsored by Parks, Recreation, and CulturalAffairs.


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DECEMBER 13

CHRISTMAS ARTS & CRAFTS

Enjoy shopping for unique and handmade

arts and crafts at the Farmington Indian Center.

The sale is open to all vendors and buyers

alike. This is an opportunity to meet with

friends, find a little creative inspiration and wrap

up holiday shopping or in most cases, get

started!


DECEMBER 16

BLOOMFIELD SANTA IN THE PARK

From 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Salmon Park in

Bloomfield, N.M., visit with Santa Claus and re-

ceive a free picture with Santa and his elves.

Refreshments will take the chill off and lumi-

naria to light the way round out this holiday

event. Information: 505.632.0880

DECEMBER 20

REINDEER ROMP

Join us for a little holiday cheer and partici-

pate in the 5K Reindeer Romp or the 2-mile

North Pole Stroll! Held at Orchard Plaza in His-

toric Downtown Farmington from 4 p.m. to 6

p.m., this is a family friendly event with chil-

drens winter carnival games, live holiday

music, hot chocolate, hot apple cider, holiday

cookies, and a chance to see Santa!


DECEMBER 21

WINTER SOLSTICE

The Farmington Public Library has hosted

the annual Winter Solstice Celebration for the

Four Corners area since 2003, making use of

the librarys architectural features which include

solstice markers that were carefully calibrated

and carved into the sandstone floor. Informa-

tion: 505.599.1270 or www.infoway.org

DECEMBER 23

LIVE NAVAJO NATIVITY

This annual live nativity uses traditional

Navajo clothing and live animals. The Nativity

scene is presented entirely by children at the

Four Corners Home for Children, 2103 W. Main

St., in Farmington, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Information: 505.325.0255, 888.325.0255 or

www.navajoministries.org


The lure of foreign countries on his mind,

and with the desire to see new places, meet

new people and explore the world, Shaun

Connolly decided to make his dream of over-

seas travel come true.

Connolly wanted to begin his travels before

he graduated from Michigan State College, but

his father offered a suggestion he couldnt turn

down. He said if Id wait until I graduated,

hed buy my plane ticket, Connolly said. Con-

nolly also took advantage of a yearlong work

visa that would allow him to work in New

Zealand. His dads gift of a flight to New

Zealand, where Connolly planned to begin his

adventure, was changed, however, when he de-

cided first to spend some time in the Cook Is-

lands and Fiji.

With just $700 in his pocket, this adventure

wasnt going to include first class hotels or ex-

pensive meals. What it would provide, however,

was the beginning of the trip of a lifetime.

I worked on a sugar cane plantation in Fiji,

Connolly said. I was traveling on a shoestring

and I didnt have a lot of financial resources,

so I needed to work. I worked for room and

board for a month, and then went to the Cook

Islands.

TRAVELINGTHE

WORLDStory by Dorothy Nobis | Photos by Josh Bishop and Courtesy photos

The hardest part of the journey is the first step out the door


In the Cook Islands, Connolly discov-

ered white sands, crystal clear water and

a peace that comes from being in a re-

mote area. With winter in New Zealand

ending, Connolly continued his journey

and discovered Russell, New Zealand, in

the Bay of Islands, where a couple was

building a resort.

The resort was to be a very high-

end boutique resort, Connolly ex-

plained, and the couple needed

people to help build it from the ground

up.

Hired as a bartender, Connolly

quickly moved into the position of man-

ager for the resorts wine cellar, the

third largest in New Zealand. But it was-

nt just the opportunity to be part of an

amazing project that captured Con-

nollys interest. It was a pretty brunette

who was the general manager of the re-

sorts restaurant.

Kereth Ellison, a graduate of Auck-

land University in New Zealand, was

also interested in travel. She had just

returned from spending several years

in London and was part of the young

group who was working for the Ka-

makura Resort in its early stages.

The couple who owned the resort

took a liking to Connolly and Ellison,

Kereth said, because, They saw us as

a young version of themselves.

Minus the extreme wealth (the

older couple had), Connolly chimed

in with a laugh.

It didnt take Connolly long to

move beyond his bartending duties.

We saved our pennies and we went to Australia,Southeast Asia, India

and Europe. Kereth Connolly

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He took over the financials of the $25,000

a night resort, while Ellison continued managing

the restaurant. The friendship between the two

grew and they decided it was time to continue

Connollys journey together.

Determined to make it around the world,

we headed west, Ellison said. We saved our

pennies and we went to Australia, Southeast

Asia, India and Europe.

June 14, 2002, found the couple in Viet-

nam. Shaun proposed to me on a beach in

Vietnam on Flag Day, Ellison said.

With the adventure and the year ending,

the couple decided to go home to Detroit for

their wedding. The couples wedding registry

was a bit unusual, they both said with smiles.

We came back to the states with nothing,

Shaun said. We had a lot of paper products

on our registry.

Connolly went to work for HSBC bank, but

he and Ellison grew weary of the cold weather

in Michigan. We decided we wanted to live in

the Southwest, Shaun said. When the reces-

sion hit in 2006, we knew we needed to get

away from the economic slide and the

weather.

Shaun monitored the openings HSBC posted


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and when a position opened in Farmington,

N.M., we didnt want to miss an opportunity

to go to our target region.

In 2009, the financial crisis hit and HSBC

laid off 12,000 people in one day. I wanted

to go out on my own, Shaun explained. We

loved Farmington and we loved the opportu-

nity to start a business of our own.

Connolly Financial was formed in that same

year, and the Connolly family had grown by

two sons, Jameson, now 9, Griffin, now 7.

We thought about moving back to New

Zealand, Shaun said. But we love the quality

of life in New Mexico. We love the weather, we

love to hike, camp, fish and golf. We love the

variety of different things to do here and all

the things we can do in three hours the

changes of topography, geography and

weather.

Connolly Financial has been successful and

the couple has never regretted their decision

to move to Farmington and stay. Keeping their

sons in touch with their grandparents in New

Zealand is a priority, however.

The hardest thing (about traveling) is to walk

out the front door.Theres never been a shortage of excuses of why not to travel.

Shaun Connolly


We went back to New Zealand last sum-

mer, Kereth said. The kids and I stayed all

summer and Shaun came for two weeks. My

family loves it when were there.

We want our kids to know the wonderful

quality of life in New Zealand, Shaun added.

Its wonderful for them to travel internation-

ally at a young age, and we want them to iden-

tify with both cultures and countries.

Living in their dream location of Farmington,

the Connollys still get bitten by the travel bug.

All the time, Shaun said with a laugh, about

the lure of traveling.

Because of the people they met and the

things they saw and did, the Connollys encour-

age everyone who dreams of seeing the world

to make that dream come true.

We wouldnt change it (the travel) for the

world, Shaun said. We traveled as far as we

could and its part of what we are. The oppor-

tunity to travel through an undeveloped world

was very endearing for us. We want our kids to

know that as well.

The memories they have of the places they

traveled are extensive. We saw Cambodia by

motorcycle, we crossed the Strait of Malacca

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SHOPDOWNTOWN

by boat to Sumatra, and we visited Varanasi, the

most sacred place in the Hindu faith, which is on

the River Ganges, Shaun said.

There were minor instances that left less than

great memories, however. We were lucky,

Kereth said of their travels. We ran into some

difficult situations, but youll find trouble, and

trouble can find you, anywhere.

The hardest thing (about traveling) is to walk

out the front door, Shaun said. Theres never

been a shortage of excuses of why not to travel.

For us, there was a golden moment of opportu-

nity in life after we graduated from college, and

we took it.

Dont treat life as a great sprint, Shaun

added. Create a lifestyle (for yourself) that pro-

vides a foundation of passion that lasts through-

out your lifetime.

While their youthful journey took them to

places most people just dream about, Kereth and

Shaun Connolly are thankful that their journey

together brought them home to Farmington.

Were so happy to live here, Shaun said,

while Kereth nodded her head in agreement.

And while we hope to travel and see new places

throughout our lives, no matter where we go,

well always come home to Farmington.

City of Farmington Municipal Judge Bill

Liese is folksy, laid back, and comfortable

with himself. That may be why hes been so

successful at improving the operation,

accessibility and effectiveness of the munici-

pal court.

Judge Liese is probably one of the most

capable, knowledgeable municipal judges in

New Mexico, said part-time Municipal Judge

and former Farmington Mayor Bill Standley.

Hes very apt on knowledge of state law and

city ordinances. He has such integrity, and he

knows the nuances of the judicial system. He

takes the job seriously. He wants to make

sure that when he sits on the bench, the

decisions he makes follow the law and serve

the individual and the community well.

Tough but fairAfter Liese was elected municipal judge in

1994 on a platform of being tough but fair,

he oversaw the creation of the Farmington

Municipal Probation System, which creates

incentives for people to improve their lives. In

2000, he started the Minor Substance Abuse

Prevention Program (MSAPP) aimed at helping

people ages 18-20 not get their first DWI. In

July 2013 he began working with Totah Behav-

ioral Health and the Farmington Police De-

partment to target chronic substance abusers

who live on the streets. Their efforts are part

of the Joint Intervention Program that

provides help for the chronically addicted.

After he was reelected in March 2014, he

and his court staff made plans to become a

paperless court and improve communication

among the Farmington Police Department,

the court, attorneys and people who appear

in court.

Liese has the skills to help people work

together and make changes. I didnt realize I

had that ability, but I guess I do, he said.


Story by Margaret Cheasebro | Photos by Whitney Howle

Bill Liese enjoys helping peoplemake positive changes in their lives

better future

A chAnce at a

Grew up on small farmThose skills were honed early on the small

farm where he grew up outside of Ignacio, Colo.

His family raised sheep, goats, chickens, rabbits,

geese, ducks, and a few head of cattle. They also

grew hay, oats, barley, and vegetables, and culti-

vated an orchard.

Most of what we raised was for our own con-

sumption, he said. We seldom had to go to the

grocery store for anything. If we had a problem,

we had to solve it with the resources we had.

Born the second of four boys, Liese and his

older brother often hunted and fished to supple-

ment the familys diet. His mother was a home-

maker, and his father owned an auto mechanic

shop in Ignacio.

Enlisted in NavyAfter graduating from Ignacio High School in

1965, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy to avoid being

drafted. He went to aviation technician school in

Jacksonville, Fla. Assigned to the Fleet Air Recon-

naissance squadron (VQ1), he was sent to Atsugi,

Japan, to repair airplane electronics. He rotated

between there and home bases in the Philippines

and Danang, Vietnam. When he left the Navy in

1968, he wanted to settle in Durango, work part

time, and attend Fort Lewis College, but he

couldnt find work. So he applied at several

places in Farmington, including the Farmington

Police Department.

Lo and behold, less than two weeks later I

was a police officer, he said. I hadnt consid-

ered a law enforcement career until I saw the job

opening.

Became patrol officerHe began as a patrol officer in 1968. When

he retired in 1989, he was deputy chief. It

wasnt in the back of my mind when I got hired

that someday I would be the number two guy

in the police department, he said.

His starting salary was $450 a month, so he

took a second job to support his wife and two

children. He worked part time as a yard hand

and delivery person for Construction Supply and

attended San Juan College, then the San Juan

Branch of New Mexico State University, to earn

an associate degree in police science.

He credits the police department with sharp-

ening his people skills. We had to manage the

police department through tough economic

times, he said. In this community, its either

boom or bust. Being an administrator in the po-

lice department during the bust times, you had

to find creative ways to get the job done with

fewer resources. You did that by team building,

by convincing your team that youve got to

buckle down and do more with less. You also

have to network within the community to get

their support to leverage your Council and your

state government to get the resources you need.

Thought about being a judgeHe became good friends with Calvin Shields,

who retired as chief of police. They often talked

about someday becoming judges.

Time and time again we saw judges being

elected who, during their campaign time, would

promise to be tough on crime, especially on

DWIs, said Liese. But when they got elected, it

was business as usual.

When he retired from the police department,

then Governor Garrey Carruthers appointed

Liese as magistrate judge because Ellen Holloway

retired with two years remaining in her term.

After he unsuccessfully ran for the office in

1990, he became a regional drug enforcement

coordinator for San Juan, McKinley and Cibola

counties. During that time he was appointed as

alternate municipal judge.

He enjoyed it so much that when Municipal

Judge Johnnie Byrd didnt run again, he sought

the office and won in 1994. Hes been municipal

judge ever since.

Helps DWI offendersWhen the San Juan County DWI Facility

opened at 1006 Municipal Drive in 1994, Liese

saw an opportunity to help DWI offenders im-

prove their lives.

When it first opened, it was just a treatment

facility, Liese explained. I wrangled with the

city to have DWI offenders who were convicted

of DWI housed at the Farmington jail and walked

over to the facility to get treatment during the

day. That eventually led to dormitory space44 | MAJESTIC LIVING | WINTER 2014

being allocated at the facility for male prisoners.

Later, the DWI facility expanded to include

dormitory space for both men and women, and

the program has expanded to cover other sub-

stance abuse issues. The facility has a high success

rate with less than 12 percent of its graduates get-

ting another DWI.

Starts probation programTo help the municipal court be more success-

ful, Liese thought it needed a probation

program, which it didnt have when he was

elected. Instead, it operated with fines or jail

time, neither of which were very successful at re-

ducing crime.

To be more effective, he thought there also

needed to be accountability in the form of pro-

bation at the municipal court level. So Liese

began working within the court system to obtain

grants, the city of Farmingtons cooperation, and

some extra money to establish the Farmington

Municipal Probation System.

We started out with DWIs, he said. Now we

do any number of serious misdemeanors such as

DWI, child abuse or neglect, and repeat shop lift-

ing, all of them misdemeanor crimes with a signifi-

cant impact on the community.

The three-pronged approach of punishment,

education and probation worked. We were ex-

periencing an extremely low recidivism rate with

DWIs compared to national figures, Liese said.

Nationally, theres about a 40 percent recidivism

rate, and we were experiencing less than 10 per-

cent after we started the probation program. Now

were at about 12 percent, which is still way bet-

ter than the national average.

Helps young people succeedThat made him wonder what else the court

could do to help people choose a better

lifestyle. Someone in the probation department

suggested helping people not get that first DWI

charge. So he and his staff brainstormed. They

identified their target group as people ages 18

through 20 who already have a substance abuse

conviction such as shop lifting alcohol or possess-

ing marijuana or paraphernalia. Research showed

that people in that age range whove already

committed a substance abuse crime have a 78

percent chance of earning a DWI conviction by

the time theyre 25.

In 2000 they developed MSAPP modeled

after the Drug Court program. People in the 18

through 20 age group who appeared in court

with a first-time substance abuse conviction would

go into the program. Theyd spend six months in

training, and if they successfully finished it and

stayed clean, their conviction would be wiped

from their record.

High success rateThe program has a high success rate. Only

about 20 percent of the people who successfully

complete the program will go on to get a DWI,

Liese said. Its a one-of-a-kind program. We cre-

ated it out of the blue, and it continues to be

successful. Time and time again, youngsters who

go through the program come back and thank us

for sending them to it. They realize its a good

thing we did for them.

Rob Mitchell, Deputy Director of Juvenile Jus-

tice Services for the state of New Mexico, has

known Liese for many years. Judge Liese is one

of the most conscientious, community focused

judges I have ever known, Mitchell said. He re-

ally wants people to get well.

Focuses on street inebriatesThough the court was having good success with

the 18 through 20 age group, they werent so

successful with inebriates who lived on the streets

instead of going home, where family members

were tired or scared of their drunken behavior. In

an attempt to reach street inebriates, the munici-

pal court began working with Totah Behavioral

Health (TBH), part of Presbyterian Medical Serv-

ices, and the Farmington Police Department

through the Joint Intervention Program (JIP). To-

gether, they target chronic substance abusers who

live on the street. San Juan Regional Medical Cen-

ter is JIPs fiscal agent, and the city of Farmington

and San Juan County both help to fund it.

People convicted of a substance abuse go

through Totah Behavioral Health, and while

theyre in that program theyre also on probation

with us, Liese said. Between the two of us,

were trying to modify their behavior. But with

the chronically addicted its going to take a long


time, if ever, to change that behavior.

The court staff and TBH hope to start a similar

project with the Navajo Nation through the De-

partment of Behavioral Health in Shiprock.

The hope is that eventually the money that it

costs to fund the program will be offset by sav-

ings from emergency room visits and jail time,

Liese said. He also hopes the state legislature will

someday approve a liquor excise tax that would

go directly to TBH.

Creating paperless courtAfter Liese was reelected this March, he and

his staff made plans to create a paperless court.

Were working with the police department so all

the citations and other documents are submitted

to the court electronically, he said.

When a person is issued a ticket on the street,

they will get a paper similar to a grocery store re-

ceipt. On it will be all the information they need,

including when to appear in court. Attorneys also

will submit their reports electronically to the

court, and people will have access to information

thats for public view.

I hope in a year well have the start of the in-

formation flow going, and in the next three years

well have it completed, Liese said. Were creat-

ing a new animal. Were doing it to make the

court more accessible.

Loves mountain JeepingOver the years, Liese has enjoyed mentoring

ten new municipal judges. Hes also an avid out-

doorsman.

I love the mountains. I love backpacking,

fishing and hunting, he said. But my greatest

love is Jeeping. Ive had a Jeep for close to 40

years. I enjoy the back roads of Colorado to the

point that some people have jumped out of my

Jeep because they swear I cant do what I think I

can. I havent lost one yet.

He looks forward to his next three-and-a-half

years as municipal judge. He feels good when

people make positive changes in their lives.

Every time you have somebody in court, you

hope this is the one youre going to have an im-

pact on, he said. When they make good

changes in their lives, that makes my job reward-

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The art form, Zentangles, intrigues

16-year-old Ashley Parker. Shes so good at it

that she won the national poster contest,

Lights on Afterschool, with the technique.

Zentangles is similar to doodling, but more

intricate. It requires a specified series of steps

to complete. Its structured, repetitive, elegant

patterns help to increase focus and creativity

and promote relaxation.

A high school junior, Ashley is

homeschooled by her

mother,

Susan Parker, but she takes art lessons from

retired interior designer, Barbara Uttz of

Aztec, who teaches art to several homeschool-

ers. Ashley has far exceeded what I can do

with Zentangles, Barbara said.

Homeschooled since first gradeAshley first learned about the Lights on

Afterschool contest from her mother, who has

homeschooled her since Ashley was in first

grade. Ashleys dad is Kevin Parker, pastor of

the First Baptist Church in Aztec.

One of the nice things about homeschool

is I can choose curriculums that work well with

her creativity, Susan said. Ashley has always

wanted to be an artist.

Ashley is one of four siblings, and Susan has

homeschooled them all. Anna is a high school

senior, Sarah attends college, and Stephen is a

civil engineer.

No obstacle can stop Ashley Parkers passion for drawing

Story by Margaret Cheasebro | Photos by Josh Bishop


To help Ashley plan for her future, Susan sug-

gested she enter art contests. She needed to

learn the process to move her art forward and

make a living with it if she was truly

interested in pursuing it, Susan explained.

Library helps Ashley find contestShe looked for a contest that Ashley could

enter. With help from Farmington Public

Library staff she found Lights on Afterschool.

We looked at a bunch of other contests, and

they hadnt matched with what I like to do,

Ashley said. I dont do a lot of

watercolors, and there are lots of watercolor

contests. The Lights on Afterschool contest

wanted you to use bright colors and things like

pens, markers and crayons instead of

pastels and watercolors. I pretty much use all

Sharpies. This contest really matched with what I

do, so I decided to go for it.

We laugh, because in her purse she carried a

lot of Sharpies, Susan said. Ashley grinned as

she displayed a tan cloth bag bulging with

Sharpies.

She keeps a book of her art filled with

bright, cheerful, elaborate designs. Her work is

intricate, detailed and colorful.

Spends time at libraryWhen Farmington Public Library personnel en-

couraged her to enter the Lights on Afterschool

contest, Ashley felt even more motivated. She

spends a lot of time at the library, partly be-

cause shes involved with Blended Zine, a maga-

zine written, drawn and produced by teenagers

with help from the Farmington Library, and pub-

lished by local philanthropic organizations.

The library staff really wanted to have a win-

ner from New Mexico, Susan noted.

Part of the Afterschool Alliance program,

Lights on Afterschool celebrates afterschool pro-

grams and their important role in the lives of

children, families and communities. In this area,

its based at the Farmington Public

Library, where Youth Services Coordinator Flo

Trujillo encourages teens to enter national con-

tests. Ashley is the first teen to win the

national Lights on Afterschool contest from this

area.

Shes lights on BroadwayI think winning that is the ultimate, Flo said.

This is something Ive been chasing for awhile.

When I saw Ashleys artwork, I could see the

marquee. Shes lights on Broadway to me right

now. Shes the ultimate.

To Flo, Ashleys entry appeared unique, and

contest judges were seeking a different look.

When they realized it was a teen who drew it,

they wanted to go that way, Flo said. Its very

modern. They saw something in her art.

During the New Mexico AfterSchool

Alliance conference Oct. 24 and 25 in

Albuquerque, Ashley was recognized as the

poster contests national winner.

Didnt think she would winI really didnt think I was going to win, she

said, so I forgot about the contest. After awhile

I started looking for the date that they notify

you if you win. I looked through the contest

rules, and they said, Please do not use neon

markers. I was like, oh, no, this is bad, because I

used almost neon markers.

While she waited to hear the results, a prob-

lem flared up with her eyes that she thought had

been resolved. Three-and-a-half years earlier,

Ashley lost a large amount of vision in her left

eye. After consulting with many doctors, the fam-

ily discovered she had an autoimmune issue in

which her body is attacking her retina and possi-

bly her optic nerve.

She was stable all that time until last fall,

Susan explained. Doctors tried steroid treat-

ments, and one injection helped for a short

time. A second injection followed but caused

complications. Now, Ashley has glaucoma in her

left eye.

Finally, doctors, who have tried valiantly to

help Ashley, gave her two chemotherapy treat-

ments to suppress her immune system so it would

stop attacking her eye. When doctors learn the

chemotherapy results, they will create a

treatment plan for Ashley.

Learns she won while in hospitalThe family was at the University of New

Mexico Hospital in Albuquerque this July where

Ashley was about to get her first chemotherapy

treatment when her dads cell phone rang. It

was Anna. Someone from the Farmington

Library wanted to contact Ashley and her

parents, and she wondered what number to

give them.

My mom and I got very excited because we

knew it was going to be about the contest,

Ashley said. My dad was like, Maybe its not.

You shouldnt jump to conclusions too fast.

A few minutes later, Kevins phone rang, and

library personnel told him Ashley had won the

national contest.

They had it on speaker phone, so all of the

people in the hospital admissions office were

congratulating me, Ashley said. I have a mini

fan club there.

Two weeks later when they returned to

Albuquerque for the second chemotherapy

treatment, the hospital admissions staff

recognized her. We walked into the office,

Ashley recalled, and they said, Theres the

art winner!

Eye challenges dont stop herThough Ashleys eye condition makes it hard

for her to see 3-D movie effects, it hasnt kept


22

22

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her from learning to drive. Nor has it affected her

artwork, which still features intricate drawings that

havent lost any of their detail.

I can do really tiny stuff, Ashley said. Ive

always liked the look of things being smaller. I com-

pensate with my right eye. Ive always loved draw-

ing, so I just keep drawing.

She draws most of her work in black and white

and then adds color.

She used to sit in the car with her drawings on

the way to Albuquerque, Susan said.

Shed be quiet back there. By the time wed get

to Albuquerque, shed have her picture

finished, or be ready to put color in it.

Blended Zine production teamAshley continues to pursue her art full force.

Shes taking a sketching class at San Juan College,

and this fall she became a member of the Blended

Zine production team.

We design the layout for the magazine, the

cover and how the pieces are put together

inside, Ashley said. Theres poems and art work.

Then we sift through all the submissions and

select the art work and poems and put it all

together.

Ashley knows what its like to submit work to the

magazine. She entered some art a year or two ago,

but it wasnt selected. She decided to submit four

pieces for the May 2014 issue, and two were pub-

lished in the magazine. One was selected as the

Teens Choice Award and is on display in Lieutenant

Governor John Sanchezs office in Santa Fe.

Blended Zine features county youthThe first Blended Zine magazine was first pub-

lished in January 2008, and its been published

twice a year ever since. Its goal is to be an artistic

outlet to enlighten, enrich and change lives by pro-

viding innovative, optimistic, and constructive influ-

ences for adolescents, according to the Blended

Zine website. Its name was inspired by the diversity

of San Juan County cultures and the many talented

people here.

Blended Zine developed its own format and con-

tent. Its a full-color magazine that accepts original

submissions only from people ages 13 to 19 who

live in San Juan County. Its production staff is made

up of teenagers from area high schools and San Juan

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College. Its funded by local and state organ-

izations.

Learning the technological and computer

side of art will be very helpful, Ashley said

of her work with Blended Zine. If I decide

to go into some sort of digital media degree,

the experience will help me understand how

it all works.

Organizes her time wellIn addition to Blended Zine, Ashley plays

the flute in the San Juan College Community

Band. She learned to organize her time well

through her homeschool experience.

I give them a weekly schedule, Susan ex-

plained, but I dont micromanage it. If you

dont do your literature today, then you have

two days of literature to do tomorrow. By

the end of the week you need to be where

you need to be. That works for everything

except math. Everybody does math every day

because its too easy to let that slide.

The planning model has worked well, and

Stephen credits it with his college success. When

some college students floundered because theyd

never learned to manage their time, Stephen

thrived.

Dedicated to her passionDespite her success, Ashley remains hum-

ble and dedicated to her passion.

Ashley is dynamic, Flo said. She is

strong. I know she has a little bit of a hand-

icap with her eyesight, but that inspires me

so much more. I think it should inspire our

teens more. It shouldnt stop you if you

have a passion.

Ashley isnt sure what she will do once

she graduates from high school, but she and

her family are checking out colleges. She

loves working with children, and shes open

to considering a career that will combine

art and kids.

Id love to see her be an art teacher,

said Barbara. Shes a very gentle, loving

girl. I think she can go quite a ways with it.

Her family supports Ashley in whatever

she wants to do. Ashley is an awesome,

amazing girl, said her mother. She is very

positive. You see it in her art. Its happy and

joyful.

Explorers and traders following the Old Spanish Trail during

the early 1800s would have passed through Largo Canyon on

their way from Santa Fe to Los Angeles. Todays travelers on

Highway 550 between Bernalillo and Farmington bypass the

Largo Canyon road that begins at Counselor Trading Post

and comes out north of Blanco on Highway 64.

Now only a few ranchers and oil and gas field hands are likely

to be driving the bumpy County Road 4450. And when they

see the zebra A ZEBRA!?! no doubt they shake their heads

and wonder if they are hallucinating. But not to worry, theyve

just reached Mustang Camp.

Sargent Spotticus is the most photographed zebra in the

Four Corners, says Mustang Camp owner and head trainer

Patricia Irick. Spot, as she calls him, lives with assorted mustangs

under the care of Patricia and John Irick. The Iricks established

Mustang Camp in 2009 to gentle wild horses with the aim

of increasing successful wild horse adoptions and promoting

modern training methods.

Mustang Camp, as proclaimed on their brochure, is located

in the middle of nowhere. Approaching from the north, it is

26 miles from a paved highway; from the south its 24 miles.

It once functioned as Largo School serving families that lived

in the oil and gas camps scattered around remote areas during

the early boom years in the San Juan Basin.

The school operated from the mid-1950s until it closed in

Patricia and John Irick train mustangs for adoption

Story and photos by Vicky Ramakka

Patricia Irick rewarding Sargent Spotticus.


GentlinGwild horses

Mustang showing freeze mark.


1983. The defunct gym, classroom buildings and

dorm area gained new life when the Iricks pur-

chased the property in 1998.

The old school became a Southwest style re-

treat center. When Patricia got involved with mus-

tang training, they added stalls, pens, corrals and

hay sheds. Now they contract with the U.S. Forest

Service and Bureau of Land Management to gen-

tle and train wild horses rounded up on federal

lands managed by the Carson National Forest and

BLM Farmington Resource Area.

Mustang Camp works through the Mustang

Heritage Foundations Trainer Incentive Program

to gentle horses to the stage that they are halter

broken. Based in Georgetown, Texas, the Mus-

tang Heritage Foundation helps promote the Bu-

reau of Land Managements National Wild Horse

and Burro Program to increase the number of

successful adoptions. The BLMs Adopt-A-Horse

or Burro Program was initiated in 1973 and

allows qualified people to take ownership of wild

horses and burros. To qualify, potential owners

need to certify they have adequate space and fa-

cilities to keep a horse and pay the $125 adop-

tion fee. They must properly care for and

maintain the horse for one year before receiving

final ownership.

The day I visited Mustang Camp, I walked

among the 21 current residents. Contrary to

images of wild horses, panicking and kicking up

dust, being rounded up by helicopters and cow-

boys, these mustangs barely noticed my presence.

This pleases Patricia, as one of her main objec-

tives in gentling her charges is that they come to-

ward a potential owner, not run away. Each one

sported a freeze mark along the left side of the

neck, the permanent, painless way that BLM uses

to identify each horse. The mark contains a code

for the state where the animal was captured, its

year of birth and its registration number.

Most of these horses will be on their way to

new homes within two or three months of arriv-

ing at Mustang Camp. We try to have the horses

trained in 45 days, Patricia says. But its vari-

able. Since we take whole herd gathers, we have

everything from the foals to the elderly animals.

The young horses are easier to train, up to age 4.

The older ones are a lot more challenging.

We train until they get adopted, she says.

The training is that you can touch them all over,

can lift up their feet back feet are hardest

can lead and tie them and put them in a horse

trailer. This foundation allows the person

adopting the horse to continue training it to ride,

pack or just be an amiable family companion.

Daily training sessions are about 15 minutes

long. You can go longer, Patricia says, but

you get a lot farther if every day they really look

forward to the next training session, because

thats when we get to play a game, get out the

Cassandra Mohr with Sundance.

Animas Credit Union membership is open to anyone living or working in San Juan County.

(505) 326-7701www.AnimasCU.com

Three convenient locations to serve you!

2101 E. 20th Street & 3850 E. Main Street Farmington405 W. Broadway Inside Farmers Market Bloomfield

Yes! Same rate for purchases, cash advances, and balance transfers. Theres a grace period on purchases. There are gift and travel bonus points. Its the best VISA card around.

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Majestic Living Winter 2014