Welcome To Valencia County: 2010 Official Visitors Guide

Belen, New Mexico
Reaching for the Stars! Community

History
Memorial City of Belén
505-864-8221
www.belen-nm.gov
Mayor, Rudy Jaramillo
Councilors, Wayne Gallegos,
Mary Aragon, Jerah Cordova,
Lorenzo Carillo Events
Progress Interim City Manager, Lucy Baca
Greater Belén Chamber of

Commerce & Visitors Center
712 Dalies Ave.
Belén, NM 87002
505-864-8091
www.belenchamber.org
Photos by Lenore G. Peña
Greater Belen Economic

Development Corporation
Andrew DiCamillo
(505) 966-2745
www.belen.nm.gov/edc
Belen Main Street Partnership

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community of the spirit. And before you know it, everyone is participating.
Serving Valencia County from three locations:
Belen • 101 S. Main St. • 505-864-5742

Los Lunas • 1027 Main St. • 505-248-9572
Bosque Farms • 907 Bosque Farms Blvd. • 505-869-2316
wellsfargo.com
© 2010 Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. All rights reserved.
Member FDIC. (127842_15670)
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2010-11
valencia county, nm
Welcome! Table of Contents
A Wonderful Place To Be............................................................................ 6
Fun, Food and Fiestas................................................................................ 8 welcome
Doing Business in Valencia County........................................................... 14 This is the 15th edition of the
For the Love of History — Our Timeline................................................... 18 Welcome to Valencia County
Our Communities..................................................................................... 21 Visitor’s Guide.
It is a publication of the Valencia County
Agriculture — That’s What We Do........................................................... 22
News-Bulletin. The News-Bulletin is a publi-
Experimental Expertise............................................................................ 24 cation of Number Nine Media Group Inc.
A Family Event at the Farmers Markets.................................................... 26
Pecans are a Way of Life.......................................................................... 28 See the News-Bulletin’s web site at
www.news-bulletin.com.
Belen — The Hub City............................................................................. 30
Contact us by e-mail at
Beautiful Bosque Farms........................................................................... 32 vcnb@news-bulletin.com.
Los Lunas — A Village of History............................................................. 34 Mailing address
Peralta History Goes Back Centuries........................................................ 36 P.O. Box 25, Belen, N.M. 87002.
Telephone number
Valencia County — Rio Grande Riches..................................................... 38
(505) 864-4472.
Tomé Hill — A pilgrimage of Faith........................................................... 40
UNM-VC — Reaching for the Stars.......................................................... 42 The Valencia County News-Bulletin is
Our Communities..................................................................................... 43 published semi-weekly on
Wednesdays and Saturdays.
Los Lunas Schools — Preparing Students for the World.......................... 44
Subscription rates are, in Valencia County,
Belen Schools — A Path to Academic Success........................................ 46 two years, $60; one year, $36;
SODA — Dreaming of Success................................................................ 48 six months, $24; three months, $15.
Belen Art League Gallery — An Inspiration.............................................. 50 Elsewhere: two years, $72; one year, $44;
six months, $33; three months, $17.
Tomé Art Gallery — Painting and Pottery................................................. 52
Los Lunas Museum of Heritage and Arts.................................................. 54 On the cover:
Harvey House Museum — An Historic Exhibit.......................................... 56
Through the Flower with Judy Chicago.................................................... 58
Doodle Bug — Chugging Out of the Past................................................. 60
Moving In................................................................................................. 61
Rodeo — A Southwest Experience........................................................... 62
Isleta Pueblo — Old and New Come Together.......................................... 64
The Luna Mansion — Fine Dining and History......................................... 66
Belen Model Railroad Club — A Cozy Group of Friends............................ 68
Transportation in Valencia County............................................................ 69
Ham Radio — Another Way to Communicate........................................... 70
Matanza — All You Can Eat..................................................................... 72 Designed by Mario Lara
On the cover are photographs of
Valencia Flour Mill — A Family Business................................................. 74
special events, people and sights that can be
Summerfest — Yesterday on Wheels...................................................... 76 seen throughout Valencia County.
Valencia County Through the Lens........................................................... 78
valencia county news-bulletin welcome to valencia county 5
2010-11
valencia county, nm
A Wonderful Place to Be
P
ick a month — any month. Life is
good here in Valencia County. It’s
fun to vacation or live here. But
we must warn you: If you visit once, you’ll
want to live here forever.
Many out-of-staters are surprised to
learn that central New Mexico enjoys the
same four seasons that other parts of the
nation do. And they are particularly beauti-
ful here.
Start with spring — and it can occur
anytime from February to the first of
April. The myriad of fruit trees in blossom
are the first hints that the new season is
beginning.
The Rio Grande Valley cuts a green
swath through Valencia County, situated
between the Manzano Mountains and the
dry plain leading toward them in the east
and the intriguing uprise of the mesa to
the west.
The trees blossom quickly here, start-
ing with a haze of green that at first seems
almost imaginary. They bud out fast. With
daffodils and irises blooming alongside the the air is so dry, you can actually smell Bring plenty of film — and you’ll still
foundations of many homes and the gentle the water, a sweet perfume that tops any have to buy more. (An insider’s tip: Nothing
clear sunshine, spring is a beautiful time flower we’ve ever come across. is more beautiful than New Mexico in
to be here. Autumn is the queen of seasons in October. Nothing.)
March winds are intense in most parts Valencia County. The skies turn a deep Winter is the time when the snowbirds
of the country, but in New Mexico they royal blue that can be seen nowhere from Minnesota and Illinois arrive. They
can be fierce, blowing dust in huge fronts else. You’ve heard artists from Georgia find the winters pleasant — sometimes
across the state. Some might not think O’Keeffe on down exclaiming about the you can still go out without a coat on
March is the best month to vacation here, quality of light here; chances are they were Thanksgiving — and there is absolutely no
but others will be awestruck by the power talking about autumn. snow shoveling.
and majesty of it all. Even if you’re from The cottonwoods that make up the Yes, it does snow, but that’s only a
the Windy City. river bosque — forest in Spanish — turn matter of an inch or two and it clears off
Summer is a wonderful time to be in a bright yellow that stands out against that by afternoon. Because snow occurs only
Valencia County. The alfalfa fields are in special azure sky in a way you just won’t two or three times most years, the entire
full blossom and the cattle and horses are believe. Huge V’s of sandhill cranes and population is in a holiday mood. The smell
kicking up their heels in the pastures. Red- other wintering birds wing through the of piñon fires perfumes the air as people
wing blackbirds sing from the meadows. sky, heading south — heading here! gather around their kiva fireplaces.
Summer days are long enough to give It’s the culmination of the chile harvest, If you’re lucky enough to come at
you time to wander around just looking. and you’ll see ristras of red chiles hung Christmas, you’re in for a treat. New
The days themselves are hot but the nights from the rafters of the houses. And you’ll Mexico has the most awe-inspiring
are refreshingly cool, making sleep a pleas- smell the wonderful aroma of green chile Yuletide celebrations you’re ever likely to
ant experience by just cracking a window. being roasted all up and down the valley. witness, with luminarias made from paper
July and August are the area’s rainiest Heaven! bags lining the walls and rooftops.
season, but most often that means a shower Temperatures are pleasant, there’s little Come any time. Bienvenidos — wel-
in the afternoon that clears by evening. chance of rain and each day is more perfect come. Nuestra casa es su casa — our house
Even rain is delightful here — because than the last. is your house.
6 welcome to valencia county valencia county news-bulletin
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2010-11
valencia county, nm
Fun, Food and Fiestas
P
eople in Valencia County enjoy
having a party — and there’s
plenty to do every year, no matter
what your interests.
January
• Dr. Martin Luther King Candlelight
Vigil, Anna Becker Park in Belen.
• Valencia County Hispano Chamber
of Commerce Matanza, a day long event
with a pig roasting contest, horseshoe
pitching contest, tortilla rolling contest,
red chile cook-off and children’s activities
at the Valencia County Fair Grounds in
Belen.
February
• Casper Baca Rough Stock Rodeo
Series at the Valencia County Fairgrounds
in Belen.
March
• Loyal American Tour and NMRA
Rodeo at the Sheriff’s Posse Grounds in
Belen.
• St. Patrick’s Day Balloon Rallye, on
the weekend closest to St. Patrick’s Day, at
Eagle Park, in Belen. tainment and refreshments at Eagle Park Plaza on the corner of Becker and Dalies
in Belen. Avenue.
April All American Independence Day and
• Annual Easter Egg Hunt for chil- May Music Fest, arts, crafts, vendor booths,
dren 1 -5 years old at the Carson Drive balloon bounce, contests and fireworks at
• Hub City Music Fest, New Mexico
Neighborhood Park in Los Lunas; and for style music at the Heart of Belen Plaza on dusk, at the Heart of Belen Plaza on the
children 6-11 years old at Daniel Fernandez the corner of Becker and Dalies Avenue. corner of Becker and Dalies Avenue.
Park in Los Lunas. • Art Along the Railway. Displays at
• Annual Easter Egg Hunt for children art galleries in Valencia County. July
ages 1-3 years old at Eagle Park in Belen. • Fourth of July parade down
Another Easter egg hunt is scheduled on Main Street to N.M. 314 in Los Lunas.
the Saturday prior to Easter for children June Entertainment and fireworks display at
4-12 years old at Eagle Park. • Twelfth Anniversary American dusk at Daniel Fernandez Park in Los
• Belen Chamber Golf Tournament, Cancer Society Relay for Life, June 4-5, at Lunas
April 23, at Tierra del Sol in Rio Belen High School. • Oldies Night on Main Street Music
Communities. • Summerfest, June 11-12, car show, Fest with local vendors at the Heart of
• El Dia de Los Ninos (Day of the outdoor movie and art show a Heritage Belen Plaza on the corner of Becker and
Child), youth organizers share their infor- Park on Lambros Loop in Los Lunas. Dalies Avenue.
mation, giveaways, free kites, games enter- • Hub City Music Fest, June 12,
Karaoke sing off, at the Heart of Belen Continued on page 9

Continued from page 8
• Third annual Sturgis Bound
Motorcycle Rally at the Valencia County
Fair Grounds in Belen.
• American Cancer Society Relay for
Life, July 23-24, at Los Lunas High School
Baseball fields.
August
• Bosque Farms Community Fair,
Aug. 6-8, at the Bosque Farms Rodeo
Association Arena, food, games, parade,
greased-pole climb competition, toad rac-
ing contest, indoor exhibits, rolling-pin
throwing contest, car show and vendors.
• Our Lady of Belen Fiestas, Aug.
13-15, celebrating the 216th annual fies-
tas, parade, entertainment, carnival, food,
dancing under the tent at Our Lady of
Belen Catholic Church.
• Valencia County Fair, Aug. 21-28, at
the Valencia County Fair Grounds.
Valencia County Community Expo,
Aug. 14-21, in Los Lunas.
• Valencia County Sheriff’s Posse
Rodeo, Aug. 20-22, at the Valencia County
Continued on page 10
We have money to lend.

Ask about a loan today.
505.864.3301
Sheriff’s Posse Grounds.
September
• Fun Day Geocashing event in Belen
at the Willie Chavez Park. Event will
begin at 10 a.m.
• Southwestern National Tomahawk
and Knife Competitions, in Belen.
Demonstrations and competition throwing
knives and tomahawks. Cash and prizes
for professional, amateur, and youth divi-
sions. Pre-1840’s dress required.
• Rio Abajo Days, Sept. 26-28, in
Belen celebrating farming and ranching
heritage, bareback broncs, saddle broncs
and bull riding, barrel racing, family and
stick horse rodeo, arts and crafts show,
petting zoo, dance, arm wrestling contest
and music all weekend.
October
• Fall Festival, Oct. 9, at Anna Becker
Park in Belen. Music, food, entertainment,
games and hayrides.
• Captain Tamara Long-Archuleta
Memorial Open Karate Championships,
Oct. 16, at Belen High School gymnasium.
• Halloween Festival, Oct. 30, fun
and activities for children at the Belen
Recreation Center.
• Haunted House, Oct. 30, at 660 Main
Street at the Village Administration Office
in Los Lunas.
November
• Annual Christmas Festival, Nov.
27, arts and crafts, food, Snow Queen
contest, light display at Anna Becker Park
in Belen, Miracle on Main Street Electric
Light Parade.
December
• La Gran Pastorela de Belen, Dec.
4-5, traditional folk play sung in Spanish
at Harvey House in Belen at 6 p.m.
• Los Lunas Christmas Electric Light
Parade on Dec. 4.
• Annual Children’s Christmas Party
on Dec. 13 in at Belen Recreation Center.
• Annual Children’s Christmas Party
on Dec. 12 at Daniel Fernandez Park in
Los Lunas.

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• Fitness center
• Outdoor pool
• Free continental breakfast
• Meeting/banquet facilities
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Belen, NM • 864-4536 BELEN, NM 87002
Renee Gallegos Agency

Office: 505-869-9000
Cell: 505-980-9603
rgallegos@farmersagent.com
www.farmersagent.com/rgallegos
1100 C Bosque Farms Blvd. Renee Gallegos
Bosque Farms, NM 87068 Insurance Agent/Owner
2010-11
valencia county, nm
Doing Business in Valencia County
Greater Belen Economic
Development Corp.
100 South Main Street, Belen, N.M.
87002, (505) 864-8221
The Greater Belen Economic
Development Corporation is a private,
nonprofit membership organization whose
mission is to increase economic opportu-
nity by generating more employment and
to increase the tax base and tax revenues
in the greater Belen area.
Belen EDC works to retain and recruit
economic-based jobs in southern Valencia
County by fostering the economic assets
of the region through its flexible busi-
ness development system that helps current
businesses thrive while attracting inno-
vative new companies to Belen and the
surrounding area. Belen EDC also works
to capitalize and market the assets of the
region by taking a leadership role in advo-
cating economic development tools and
communicating the activities and impor-
tance of the work of the EDC.
The EDC is supported by its members,
a coalition of business, government, edu-
cation, environment, trade and industry
social organizations and chambers of com-
merce.
Bosque Farms Economic

Development Team
Chairman, Economic Development
Committee
Councilor Bob Knowlton
bob@bobthecouncilor.com
Economic Development email:
BFEconDev@bosquefarms.us
Mailing Address:
Economic Development Committee
Bosque Farms Village Offices ing to Bosque Farms. The core of the team including working with the New Mexico
Phone: 505-869-2357 is the Economic Development Committee, Economic Development Department,
P.O. Box 660 which includes professionals with an array the New Mexico Partnership, the Small
Peralta, N.M. 87042 of specialties and interests in the economic Business Development Center, and region-
The Village governing body created development arena. al economic development organizations.
the Bosque Farms Economic Development Committee members have economic The Bosque Farms Business Retention
Team to foster business development and to development training and are active in
work with companies considering relocat- economic development at the state level, Continued on page 15

Continued from page 14 one looking for a place to start a business Chamber of Commerce is to improve
or a satellite site for its main headquarters. the economic environment of Valencia
and Expansion Program is a community- Los Lunas has one industrial park, County, thereby benefiting all established
based economic development strategy Los Morros, that sits on 500 acres with businesses and encouraging the devel-
with a focus on nurturing and support- good access to Interstate 25. Currently, a opment of new business. The chamber
ing businesses already in the community. Walmart Distribution Center and several provides networking and educational
The goal of the program is to sustain the other businesses are located on the site. opportunities with general membership
viability of the local business community, The village recently annexed 1,000 acres luncheons, monthly newsletters, and other
improve the competitiveness of local busi- west of Los Morros for marketing to social events.
nesses by identifying and addressing their industrial prospects. Summerfest is a two-day event that
needs and concerns, and actively pursuing With large growth in population in has been hosted by the Valencia County
business development opportunities. recent years, Los Lunas offers many small Chamber of Commerce for 14 years. It is a
The committee’s activities include shopping centers with easy access from family fun-filled weekend with one of the
“shop local” marketing programs, new- Main Street and N.M. 314. It offers a most impressive car shows in the state of
business outreach, educational programs development process manual with infor- New Mexico.
on available incentives and tax credit mation about subdivision and sign ordi- There will be a barbecue cook-off and
opportunities, and beautification pro- nances, business licenses, water and sewer outdoor movie. The event is held June
grams to upgrade the business district. services and other necessary facts. It con- 11-12, 2010. A portion of the proceeds will
tains contact numbers for environmental go toward the “Cops & Kids” program.
Los Lunas Community regulators and other agencies necessary
Development Program for business 2009-2010 Board of Directors
Christina Ainsworth, Community Bruce Prater, president; Peter
Development Director, 352-7659 Fernandez, past president; Andy Gomez,
Los Lunas Municipal Building, 660 treasurer/president-elect; and mem-
Main St. NW, Los Lunas 87031 Valencia County bers Fred Carabajal, Rita Garcia, Patty
The village is working on a retail man- Roberts, Maria Elena Jaramillo, Ann
Chamber of Commerce Mary MacLeod, Dan Padilla and Marty
agement strategy plan. It also has a con- 3447 Lambros, Los Lunas, N.M., 87031
tract with Jim Covell to work on industrial Callahan.
505-352-3596
prospects. The program can help with any- The goal of the Valencia County Continued on page 16
ROOM, WITH A VIEW.

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Greater Belen
Chamber of Commerce
712 Dalies Ave., Belen, N.M. 87002,
(505) 864-8091, fax: 505-864-7461
Web site: www.belenchamber.com
Formed more than 50 years ago, the
chamber’s aim is to improve quality of life
and build a strong community. Companies
and individuals often become members
of the chamber to demonstrate a commit-
ment to the local economy and to develop
their business and community contacts.
The Belen Chamber also is the loca-
tion of the City of Belen’s Vistor Center,
which is run by the Belen chamber staff.
The visitor center offers information on
area sights and activities, lodging and
restaurants.
The two major fund raising events are
the Eagle Pride Golf Tournament the third
Friday in April and the annual Rio Abajo
Days, a three-day event the last weekend
in September.
2009-2010 Board of Directors

Terri Young, president; David Renteria,
first vice president; Teressa Witthoff-
Second, vice president; Rick Gallegos,
treasurer; Michael Vallejos, past presi-
dent; members Vicky Baldonado, David
Blacher, Anna Duran, Rhona Espinoza,
Tom Greer, Jennifer Hisen and Aaron
Silval; ex-officio members or representa-
tives Cyndi Ankiewicz, UNM-VC, Rudy
Jaramillo, City of Belen, David Medina,
Valencia County commissioner; honorary
board members Robert Auge, Luz Chavez
and Tim Lardner.
Valencia County Hispano

Chamber of Commerce
Jarod Colbert, president
P.O. Box 539, Belen, N.M., 87002; tele-
phone (505) 702-9468
The chamber promotes business and
community cohesiveness. It annually
hosts the county’s single largest event, a
matanza (traditional New Mexican pig Lunch every year, serving a mid-day meal president; Georgia Otero-Kirkham,
roast) that draws thousands of people from to law enforcement and fire department treasurer; Ruth Kelly, secretary; Martin
throughout the nation. Proceeds from the personnel. Sisneros, past-president; directors Maria
day-long January event go to fund schol- Marez, Shireen McDonald, Toby M.
arships for local students and other chari- 2009-2010 Board of Directors Jaramillo, Dana Sanders, Pedro Rael, Ron
table activities. Jarod Colbert, president; Arie Gallegos, Tabet, Yvonne Tabet, Jaime Diaz and
The chamber also holds a 9/11 Memorial president-elect; Yvonne Sanchez, vice Ronni Goforth.

Sandhill cranes are typically seen in Valencia County on their migration route to the Bosque Del Apache, where the world’s largest con-
centration of the majestic and ancient birds forms seas of blue along the Rio Grande. The Bosque Del Apache Wildlife Refuge is in Socorro
County, about 45 miles south of Belen.
Tax and financial solutions

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■ Convenient evening and weekend hours
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505-869-9181 505-864-6166 505-865-2944
2010-11
valencia county, nm
For the Love of History — Our Timeline
T
he history of Valencia County
spans centuries, several wars,
epidemics and the lives of our
ancestors and family memories. Many of
the events that riddled our past have made
Valencia County what it is today.
From the days of colonization – to the
era of the Indian revolts – up to the land
grants of various communities in the area,
New Mexico and Valencia County have
seen its share of wars, settlements and ill-
ness.
As the state and county prospered with
the coming of the railroad, municipalities
grew not only financially but by popula-
tion.
Historian Richard Melzer provided
much of the information for this history
timeline.
16th Century
1540-1542: Francisco Vasquez de
Coronado led the first exploration into the
region. He and his troops only stayed for
two years.
1598: Conqueror Don Juan de Onate,
who colonized and established the
“Kingdom of New Mexico.” This is the
period when recorded history starts.
1739: The town of Tome was settled
17th Century Valencia County History when grants were given to Juan Varela and
1598-1680: First Colonial Period. other families by Gov. Gaspar Dominguez
During this time the missions were first Valencia County is part of the Rio Abajo, an de Mendoza.
established in the Rio Abajo, including area of the Middle Rio Grande Valley of New Nicolas Duran y Chavez, said to be the
Isleta in 1929. Mexico that stretches from the Espanola founder of Los Chavez, was given a grant
1680: The Pueblos revolted to expel of Valley in the North to Sabinal in the South. from Mendoza for land in the area.
Spanish from New Mexico. There were The Spaniards settled this area as early as 1740: The town of Belen was settled
about 2,500 Spaniards in the colony and 1598 after the first colony was founded by when the governor granted the area to
about 400 were killed by the Pueblo Indian Gov. Juan De Onate in the Indian village Capt. Diego de Torres and 32 other fami-
rebels, which included some from Isleta. of Ohke on the upper East Bank of the Rio lies. The Belen settlers came mostly from
1692: Don Diego de Vargas came to the Albuquerque area. Belen was referred
Grande.
New Mexico on a reconnaissance expedi- to by numerous names including Belem,
tion seeking to reconquer the area from the Bethel and Nuestra Senora de Belen.
Pueblo Indians. 1716: One of the first private land Late 1700s to early 1800s: Small pox
grants given was the San Clemente (in Los epidemics in the county cursed thousands
18th Century Lentes). Los Lentes is older than the Town of people. It was said that millions of
1710: The mission at Isleta was rebuilt of Los Lunas as a community settlement. Indians were wiped out by the epidemic,
and renamed. Shortly after that the Luna family made
claim to the grant and took possession of it. Continued on page 19

Continued from page 18 Valencia County and sought loans and to catch the train. Walters and Johnson
supplies from local merchants. Troops forced the conductor to stop the train
more than in battles. Half of the Indian went through the county going north and where they had left their horses and blew
population was gone by the end of the 19th were defeated in a major battle at Glorieta up the safe where the money was kept.
century because of small pox. Pass. On their way back, the troops were
once again defeated at the last battle of the 20th Century
19th Century civil war in New Mexico, in Peralta. 1903: First bank opened in Belen and
1821: New Mexico becomes part of soon after the first bank robbery was
Mexico after Mexican residents rebelled 1876: The county seat was moved from committed.
against the mother country, Spain. Tome to Los Lunas.
1907: The railroad built the Belen cut-
1823: The Casa Colorada Grant was 1880: The railroad was built and ran off, linking Amarillo and Belen.
given to Jose Maria Perea and others by tracks north and south through New
Gov. Bartolome Baca. Mexico, including through Los Lunas and 1912: New Mexico became the 48th
Belen. state in the union.
1846: US/ Mexican War; United States The railroad needed land to lay their
troops invaded Mexico and took it over. tracks and when they got to Los Lunas 1918: Belen was incorporated as a vil-
Troops were sent into New Mexico, they were blocked off by a hacienda lage. Belen’s first mayor was Bernard
including Valencia County. New Mexico owned by the Luna family. The railroad Jacobson.
then became a territory of the United made a deal with the family that if they
States. sold their land to the railroad they would 1918: Towards the end of the year the
build the family a new home. The new worst flu epidemic in the state’s history
1852: The county of Valencia was home is now known as the Luna Mansion. hit New Mexico. During the two months
established. Valencia County stretched of the epidemic thousands of people died.
from the New Mexico-Texas border to the 1898: Most famous train robbery in It’s said people would contract the flu in
New Mexico-Arizona border. Belen done by Bronco Bill Walters and his the morning and by that same night they
side kick Kid Johnson. The two are said would be dead.
1862: Civil War and Confederate inva- to have tied their horses miles down from Almost every family in the county
sion into New Mexico. Troops came into the train depot in Belen and walked north
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were affected by the epidemic, and the
bells in the churches were constantly ring-
ing.
1928: The village of Los Lunas was

incorporated with Antonio Archuleta
serving as its first mayor.
Late ’20’s – ’38: Route 66 passed

through Los Lunas.
1935: The U.S. government offered 42

tracts of land in Bosque Farms in a reloca-
tion settlement lottery. The plots ranged
from 40 to 80 acres each. A lot of the
houses are still in existence.
1929: The Los Lunas Hospital and

Training School was constructed. The
center provided care for mentally and
physically handicapped residents on 126
acres of land.
1941-45: WWII
Post war period: There was tremendous
growth in the population, and with the war
people were leaving to California seeking
jobs in the defense area. A lot of people
were moving to San Diego and Barstow,
Calif.
1960s: Rio Communities was estab-

lished and remains unincorporated. The
population in the late 60s equaled or
exceeded Bosque Farms and Los Lunas.
1974: Bosque Farms was incorporated

and its first mayor was Robert Fisher.
1978: The University of New Mexico

began serving Valencia County residents
with the new Eastern Valencia County Tome was built in response to need. County courthouse, located at Morris
Satellite Center. Road and N.M. 314, was completed. The
2007: Voters in Peralta elected to new state-of-the-art 55,000-square-foot,
1981: Valencia County was almost split incorporate the newest municipality in three-story building cost taxpayers a total
in half in between the east and west when Valencia County by a 682 to 250 vote. A of $12 million.
a new county, Cibola, was created by the few months after the incorporation was
Legislature. The population of Valencia passed, Edward Archuleta was elected the 2009: Los Lunas Mayor Louis Huning
County remained at 32,000. first mayor of Peralta. Michael Leon Otero retired after serving 27 years in office.
Joseph K. Romero, Nancy (Pug Burge) Huning, who was first elected mayor in
1986: The college satellite center in Kinchen and Christian Garcia were elect- 1982, was not the first in his family to
Valencia County was accepted as a formal ed to the council while Louis A. Burkhard serve in public office.
branch of UNM. was elected Peralta’s first municipal judge. His grandfather, Fred B. Huning Sr.,
served as mayor for 16 years from 1936
1986: A new UNM-VC campus in 2008: Construction of a new Valencia to 1952— the longest until his grandson.
Our Communities
Bosque: (Valencia; settlement;
on NM 304, seven miles south of
Belen; 1934-present.) This small,
inhabited agricultural community
was named for its location in the
bosque of the Rio Grande. Its
first residents were genizaros,
Hispanicezed, detribalized Indians.
In 1750, the Bacas, Montaños,
Abeytas, Pinos, Cháveses, and
Azmoras began farming here.
Casa Colorada: (Valencia; settle-
ment; on the east bank of the Rio
Grande, on N,N, 304, six miles
southeast of Belen). Spanish, “red
house.” During the 18th century,
the stage line between Albuquer-
que and Socorro ran east of the
river, following the route of the
Camino Real, and Casa Colorada
was a stage stop on the line.
El Cerro: (Valencia; in the Rio
Grande Valley, 3 miles northeast
of Tomé). This large volcanic
formation, rising abruptly from
surrounding Rio Grande floodplain,
is a natural lookout and reference
point; petroglyphs are evidence
of early Indian presence here.
Following the Spanish conquest,
Tomé Domínguez de Mendoza
built his hacienda near here,
and the hill once was commonly
referred to as El Cerro de Tomé
Dominguez. Today it sometimes is
called simply Tomé Hill.
Los Chavez: (Valencia; settle-
ment; on N.M. 314, four miles
north of Belen). In 1738, Don
Nicolás Durán y Chávez applied
to the Spanish crown for a land
grant in the area now known as
Los Chavez, saying in his petition
that he was a descendant of the
original Chávez family and son of
Fernando Durán y Chávez, who
was a captain with de Vargas
during the reconquest in 1692. A
year later, his request was granted.
This inhabited community still
bears his family’s name.
2010-11
valencia county, nm
Agriculture — That’s What We Do
V
alencia County is agriculturally
diverse with farms that raise
cattle, dairy, sheep, hogs, hors-
es, goats, chickens, emu, and crops includ-
ing forages, chile, wheat, peanuts, corn
silage, wine grapes, berries, apples, honey,
market and kitchen garden produce.
New Mexico State University Extension
Agriculture Agent Kyle V. Tator said of
the 900 farms in the area, 90 percent are
less than 50 acres.
A farm is defined as making at least
$1,000 in agricultural production annu-
ally, Tator said.
The county receives an annual rainfall
of 9.93 inches, and is ranked eighth in the
state for hay production, with alfalfa as
the top crop.
The county has 14,400 acres in hay
production with a yield of 4.10 tons per
acre.
There are 28,000 head of cattle with
9,000 in beef cattle.
Blue grama is the state grass, and the
flower is the yucca flower.
Valencia County is at an elevation of
4,840 feet, and has a last spring freeze
on May 3, and first fall freeze on Oct. 13,
according to New Mexico 2008 agricultur-
al statistics compiled by the Department
of Agriculture.
Alternative crops that are being
researched in the county include pears, There are more than 28,000 head of cattle in Valencia County, with 9,000 in beef cattle.
plums, cherries, raspberries, blackberries,
strawberries, table grapes and jujube fruit ter is important to amending the soil for the most adaptive plants to develop the
(Chinese date). farming or gardening. We live in a des- type of gardens they hope to achieve.
The first commercial pecan production ert, and water is a premium, so it is also Locally grown produce is sold begin-
in the county was initiated about three important to select plants that are adaptive ning in June at the Belen Farmers Market
years ago with a full harvest expected in to this area.” every Friday from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. at
four years. Pecan trees require seven years Adding organic matter such as com- Anna Becker Park.
of growth and maturation before a prime post, mulch, green manure or aged animal The Los Lunas Farmers Market is held
yield can be expected. manure helps build the soil, leach out salts every Tuesday from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the
“The soil here is basic with a pH and hold moisture. River Park.
(potentiometric hydrogen ion concentra- Green manure is living plants that are The Los Lunas office of the NMSU
tion) greater than seven, and tends to tilled into the soil before the plants come Cooperative Extension Service offer assis-
increase salinity and sodicity,” said Tator. in seed. Animal manure must be aged tance and educational programs to anyone
“A lot of the river bottom soil is heavy before adding it to the soil, and drip irriga- in the county.
clay. On the mesas, it’s a more sandy soil tion conserves water. For information, call Kyle Tator at 565-
type, but either way, adding organic mat- The extension office has a Master 3002 or visit the Web site at www.valenci-
Gardeners program to help residents find aextension.nmsu.edu.

The New Mexico State University Agricultural Center is in Los Lunas. They partner with area farmers to give educational talks on pest
management, water use and other agricultural concerns.
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2010-11
valencia county, nm
Experimental Expertise
N
ew Mexico State University’s
Agricultural Center south of
Los Lunas is a pretty big place
where a lot is done not only for the research,
but also for farmers in Valencia County.
“We do a lot of work here,” said Tom
Place, head supervisor of the center, as he
pulled up to a pair of fields being worked
by Dr. Ron Walser.
Walser is at the center working on
“micro-irrigation,” several techniques
meant to help farmers in urban areas who
have very small acreage.
“We have a lot of different types of fruit
growing here to see which ones will make
a difference in the area as far as ability to
produce high income on small acreage,”
he said, pointing to a batch of sunflowers,
then to a grove of fruit trees.
“This type growing here like drip irri-
gation,” he said, pointing to the flowers.
“The trees are on sprinklers. We’re trying
to use water conservation and efficient
systems.”
Walser is one of half a dozen or so
researchers at the center running experi-
ments on behalf of NMSU’s College of
Agriculture and Home Economics.
The university runs other Agricultural
Centers on campus and in Artesia, Clovis,
Tucumcari, Farmington and Mora, as a The annual Field Day at the New Mexico State University Agricultural Center south of Los
cattle feed lot in Clayton and ranches in Lunas brings out the community for a fun-filled, educational event.
Jornado and Corona.
Place said the 200-acre Los Lunas cen-
ter stands apart from the others because Valley from Cochiti Pueblo to south Another experiment at the center
of the school’s partnership with the U.S. of Socorro, is to support researchers at involves using green beans to study plant
Department of Agriculture’s National NMSU. diseases.
Resources Conservation Service. “Basically, we support the researchers Dr. Dave Dresen, the director of the
“We are unique here because the NRCS on campus,” he said. “We do a lot of vari- NRCS’s Plant Materials Center, said the
is here operating the Plant Material Center ety trial testing, 4-H variety trials — that center is one of 278 in the country and rep-
there on the farm with us,” said Place. would be the corn. We do grain variety resents a southwest region including New
“They share office and farm space equally. trial tests, grape variety trial tests, alfalfa Mexico, most of northern Arizona, south-
It’s kind of a cooperative effort here.” trials.” eastern Utah and southwestern Colorado.
Both organizations have occupied the Place said seed companies pay a fee to “They were all started during the Dust
Los Lunas center since 1957, when they enter specific varieties they want tested at Bowl era of 1930 when they had terrible
both moved from pueblo land north of the center. soil erosion problems in the high plains,”
Albuquerque to Los Lunas. “We grow them and gather the data and he said. “At that point, looking at any plant
Place said the main mission of the cen- submit a report,” he said. “We work with that could help control soil erosion, wheth-
ter, which covers the Middle Rio Grande the Wine Society of New Mexico — we’ve er it was wind-blown dust from fields or
got a demo vineyard here as well.” Continued on page 25

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stream erosion, helped. We studied grasses, also trees and shrubs statement analysis
to help stabilize arroyos.”
Dresen said the center’s mission is to develop plant materials.
“What that means is looking at native species for solving par-
ticular conservation problems, stabilizing streams and reclaiming PAYMENT PROCESSING SERVICES
range land,” he said. fast, secure and reliable solutions
One example Dressen cites is the “little blue stem,” a common
plant used for grazing in eastern New Mexico.
“Fifteen years ago, we brought in seed from 100 different
populations in New Mexico, Oklahoma, Texas and Colorado and
grew individual plants and set in evaluation plots and let it grow Personal Account Representatives
for a long time,” he said, explaining that these experiments are
driven by the state’s dairy industry, which recently surpassed the
livestock industry in size and activity. In-House Merchant Accounting Support
“We’re looking for qualities such as its use as a forage food —
how good a feed it is for cattle — the fiber protein in the plant, Merchant Cash Advance Program
how vigorous is the plant, does it come back quickly?
“That’s the process we go through.” Wireless Terminals
Place said the Ag Center has become “more of an experiment
station” for the university in recent years.
“Instead of support, we’re just like the rest of the experiment Pay @ Table
stations around the state,” he said. “(Most of the experiments are)
about yield production per acre because, in reality, more and more Online Reporting and Data Solutions
acres are being lost to development. So we’re always trying to
produce more with fewer inputs on land that we have.”
Place said the Field Day is a good place for the general public
to see what is done at the center.
Among the presentations of interest are a Master Gardener’s
Plant Clinic by Dr. Curtis Smith, presentations on small veg-
etable pest management by Dr. Jon Boren and production of wine
grapes by NMSU viticulturist Bernhard Maier.
Dr. Paul Gutierrez, the associate dean and director of the
Cooperative Extension Service and vice provost for Outreach
Services for NMSU, will be on hand.
“We’ll have riding tours touring the farm and making certain
stops,” Place said. “We’ll have people talking about specific proj-
ects and some walking tours.” jwitt@wittmerchant.com
For more information on Field Day or the Agricultural Center,
call (505) 865-4684.
2010-11
valencia county, nm
A Family Event at the Farmers Markets
O
n a typical weekday afternoon,
Anna Becker Park in Belen
is fairly quiet, aside from the
sounds of the occasional pickup game of
basketball or children on the playground.
But come 5 p.m. Friday afternoon, the
Belen Grower’s Market is in full swing
and the park is transformed into a maze
of bustling crowds, delicious smells and
tables, truck beds and baskets filled with
fresh produce.
The Belen Grower’s Market, which is
sponsored by the New Mexico Department
of Agriculture, is still growing. The market
runs from the first Friday after the 4th of
July until October.
Mary Lou Chavez, the former manager
of the market and who wrote grants apply-
ing for Department of Agriculture funds to
start the market, said she never expected
the market to be as successful as it has
been.
The rules of the market are written by
vendors, who gather each year in March to
discuss changes for the upcoming season.
The vendors have used this power to make
the market more accessible to women who
come to redeem food coupons from the
Women, Infants and Children program. Tuesday an odd day to have a Farmers
One result is that the only bakery allowed Los Lunas Farmers Market
Bringing the sweetest honey around, Market, but operators said that they didn’t
to sell at the market has WIC credentials, want Los Lunas’ market to interfere with
according to Chavez. vegetables of every color plus warm-from-
the-oven baked goods, the Los Lunas others in the area.
“We do it because there was no place The permanent location of the Farmers
for the WIC recipients to redeem their cou- Farmers Market brings color and flavor to
the community. Market at River Park has plenty of shade
pons,” Chavez said. “The Belen Grower’s and is visible from Main Street, possibly
Market was the third highest in the state Opening day of the Los Lunas Farmers
Market is in mid-June at River Park on the attracting people on their way home from
last year for WIC redemption.” work.
Vendor Louella Costanza of Costanza south side of Main Street at the river. It
operates each Tuesday. There is also live music at the park
Orchards said she thinks the homegrown, during the market. The market is always
festive atmosphere of the market brings The selection of fresh local foods is
diverse, but it’s important to remember that looking for vendors. The cost for selling at
customers back. the Farmers Market for 16 weeks is $128,
“Just being able to get something fresh not everything is in season.
July sees the first wave of warm-season or vendors can purchase a single-day space
is wonderful,” she said. “We’re in such an for $8.
artificial world now, and when they come production, as well as some of the tail end
of cool-season crops. In addition to fruits Interested vendors can download an
here, they get to meet their growers and application from www.valenciaextension.
they get to see their neighbors and find out and vegetables, ornamental flowers, plants,
honey, and arts and crafts are available. nmsu.edu, and click on Valencia County
who is growing what in the community, Area Farmers Market on the left side of
and it’s a lot of fun.” The majority of vendors are from
Valencia County with a few from the page. Questions can be directed to
Albuquerque. Some people might find 565-3002.

St. Matthew’s
Episcopal Church
Mission Statement:
We are called to come together to love, pray
and worship, always growing in faith. Spread-
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Holy Eucharist: Sun. 8:00 a.m. & 10:30 a.m.

Wed. 10:30 a.m. Fri. 5:30 p.m.
Located on the
N.M. State Los Lunas Campus
1000 Main St.
866-1324
Christian
Fellowship
Sunday Service
10:00 am
Wednesday 09 Los Chavez Park Lp • Belen
7:00 pm
865-7701 • 864-6774
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628 Los Lentes N.E.

Los Lunas
505-865-9851 9:00am Fellowship • 9:30am Bible Study
10:30am Morning Worship • 6:30pm Evening Worship
Wednesday - 7am Midweek Prayer Service
2010-11
valencia county, nm
Pecans are a Way of Life
M
ike Mechenbier is a tall, rangy
man who walks like his knees
have seen better days. When
the subject of his hundreds of acres of
pecan trees south of Belen is brought up,
he is a bit hesitant to speak.
He and his wife, Kathy, don’t like to
revisit the last several years — the battles
over water rights, court dates and appoint-
ments with state officials.
Now, with 300 acres under trees and
another 100 coming soon, Mechenbier is
looking to the future of his property and
the valley as a whole. The couple has lived
in Valencia County 25 years, and raised
four daughters here.
They have 900 acres total south of
Belen, the site of the pecan farm that they
are hoping will someday be the gateway to
Belen and the county for people traveling
north up I-25.
The couple also has a ranch west of
Belen, two cattle feed lots and a pig farm
in the valley. Mike was born and raised in
the South Valley of Albuquerque. As their ranching operations grew, five, Mike says, they can begin light com-
“I grew up on a small farm there,” Mike said the choice had to be made to mercial harvesting.
Mechenbier said. “I’ve always been either buy additional forage or provide “Next year, we can beat the trees with
involved in agriculture. My family has their own, so they expanded the farming a PVC pipe to harvest, and the year after
farmed and ranched in the Estancia Valley.” operations. that we should be able to use machines,” he
After saying she was born and raised in “You know, we have never bought said. “Right now we have enough to make
Albuquerque, Kathy hesitates. an improved piece of property,” he said. about two pies.”
“Well, we had a garden in the back yard “Everything we have bought was fixed and And just to make sure they live up to
and a guinea pig,” she laughs. improved.” the conjecture that they are “nuts,” the
When the couple moved here, they The property where the pecan groves sit Mechenbiers have included nearly 100
came with nearly 400 show pigs. That part was no exception, they say. pistachio trees on a small plot adjacent to
of their operations has diminished over the “It was nothing but a dumping ground. the pecans.
years, but Kathy still takes care of them. There were appliances in every color you When looking to his future in agricul-
In addition to the pigs, the Mechenbiers could imagine,” Mike says pointing out ture, Mike says he realized he had to be
have grown green chile, ranched and over fields of young trees. “They uncov- innovative if he was going to continue.
grown alfalfa in the county. In 1992, Mike ered several working meth labs, and I “We really saw the water demands of
saw a request for proposals from General believe they even found a body out here.” continued urbanization. We could continue
Mills looking for what amounted to “gar- It was a job getting the 15,000 pecan growing alfalfa, just like we have been for
bage men” to take away extra and unused trees started. Beginning as nothing more the past 25 years, and be getting the same
products. than saplings barely a foot tall, after plant- price we did 25 years ago,” he said. “We
“I saw this as a good opportunity to ing each one was girdled, the bark stripped have to change to survive. I’m not saying
finish off my own cattle,” Mike said. “That and then grafted and coaxed into the these pecans are going to be the savior of
same year I got the contract with the prison desired shape. Each one done by hand. the valley, but if we don’t start thinking
to supply beef. So between those two, the The oldest trees are about three-and- outside the box, we’re going to lose agri-
operation expanded.” a-half years old. Somewhere around year culture.”

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2010-11
valencia county, nm
Belen — The Hub City
N
estled on the western bank of
the Rio Grande, the city of
Belen is rich in history and
culture, and although progressing, the city
strives to maintain its charm and celebrate
the traditions on which it was established.
Founded in 1740 by Don Diego Torres
and Antonio Salazar, the quiet community
was named Belen, Spanish for Bethlehem,
and today still holds tight to traditions from
hundreds of years ago.
The small community of approximately
40 families first worked the land, but by
the 19th century, the ever growing com-
munity expanded into sheepherding.
First known as Nuesta Señora de Belen
(Our Lady of Bethlehem), Belen continues
to celebrate its bond to the Christchild’s
birthplace and the deeply religious tra-
ditions that the city was based on and
annually presents “Los Pastores” – the
shepherds – that is a Christmas pageant in
folk song whose origins are lost to the ages.
Belen was incorporated in 1918 and
passed the first village ordinance on July
1, 1919. That was the foundation for imple-
menting fire and police protection as well
as official government positions and taxes.
Belen officially became a town in 1940 and
a city in 1966.
Located near the center of the state,
Belen was nicknamed the Hub City, partly
because it was the hub of the old Santa
Fe Railway system that arrived in 1880.
Today, more than 110 trains a day pass
through the city, and an expected 160
trains a day will soon grace the rails once
the third line of the BNSF rail system is
built.
With the increase in activity on the
railroad, a Harvey House was opened in
1910, and for 29 years, it was bustling with
business from railroaders. Although it was
reopened for a short time during World
War II, today the Harvey House Museum endary John Becker who arrived in Belen can stroll. Diagonal parking, that signature
stands as it was, filled with Harvey Girl during the second half of the 19th century, of the old days, makes it easy to get in and
and railroad memorabilia that tells the runs through the heart of Belen, and its out.
story of days gone by. renovation is near completion. The avenue A large arch, with an iron nativity scene
Becker Avenue, named after the leg- has a quiet charm to it where pedestrians

in front of it, is the gateway to this quaint Government welcome
part of town. Summer and fall festivals Mayor: Rudy Jaramillo 1970: 4,823
are held beneath the pavilion, with the Council: Wayne Gallegos, Jarah Cordova, 1980: 5,617
streets closed off for the community to Mary Aragon and Lorenzo Carrillo 1990: 6,547
celebrate, dance and enjoy live entertain- Acting City Manager: Mary Lucy Baca 2000: 6,901
ment.
Police chief: Mike Chavez Utilities
Further down Becker Avenue, resi-
dents and visitors alike can visit the Belen Fire Chief: Manny Garcia Water: City of Belen
Art League Gallery, which is filled with Municipal Judge: Kathy Savilla Source of Water: Ground water
creations of local artists. Further down the Demographics Sewer: City of Belen
street, world-renown artist Judy Chicago Solid Waste: City of Belen
has renovated the old Belen Hotel as her Population: 7,325 (estimated 2008)
Electric: Public Service Company of New
home and studio. Across the street is her Employment: About 2,800 persons are
Mexico
non-profit Through the Flower gallery. employed in Belen, 25 percent of which are
While the traditions and small town Natural Gas: New Mexico Gas Company
in management, professional and related oc-
feel remain, the progressive works of the Telephone: Qwest
cupations, according to the latest census data.
city council and chamber of commerce Sales and office occupations make up 24 per- Transportation
are moving the city forward and readying cent of Belen’s workforce while jobs in service Air: A general aviation airport
it for the expected growth that’s coming. Intercity bus: TNM&O
fall in at a 19 percent clip, the data says.
A newly annexed 6,000 acres west of Train, Freight: Burlington Northern Santa Fe
the city’s borders could double the size The major employers in Belen include: Belen
of Belen over the next 15 years and bring Consolidated Schools, Walmart Supercenter, Services
more industry, stores and restaurants to Ambercare Health Services and the BNSF Police: City of Belen
the community. Railroad. Fire: City of Belen
With the Manzano Mountain Population trends, 1960 to 2000 Parks: The City of Belen maintains parks,
Wilderness lying to the east of Belen, (U.S. Bureau of Census) athletic fields, recreation facilities and a senior
hiking and picnicking is a stone’s throw 1960: 5,031 citizen’s center
away.
2010-11
valencia county, nm
Beautiful Bosque Farms
B
osque Farms is the northern-
most municipality in Valencia
County. Nestled on the east bank
of the Rio Grande, Bosque Farms is a well
known dairy and farming community.
The first known inhabitants of the area
which is now Bosque Farms were the sed-
entary Tiwa Indians who lived in small
pueblos along the Rio Grande from Taos
Pueblo to Mexico. Following a period of
Spanish exploration and settlement, the
Bosque Farms area later became part of a
land grant.
The Depression years saw much of
the grant land repossessed and adminis-
tered through the federal government. The
drains, canals and levees were constructed
to improve soils and irrigation for agri-
culture and also to help prevent flooding
from the river. This land was divided into
44 farms ranging in size from 40 to 80
acres each by the federal government and
farmers were moved onto the land.
It wasn’t until the 1960s that devel-
opers began to subdivide the land in
Bosque Farms into lots of one acre or less.
Residents were able to enjoy a rural atmo-
sphere and keep horses and other livestock
on their property.
In the early ’70s, several residents
began to complain about the lack of law
enforcement in the village. As a response
to their dilemma, a citizens’ patrol was ers. Another issue for incorporation was finally incorporated on Saturday, June 1,
formed. Night after night, the residents zoning. 1974. The incorporation was ratified by
patrolled the roads and ditches looking for “People were starting to come to 75 percent of the voters in a special elec-
suspicious activity. Valencia County in droves from the city. tion. Of the 632 accepted ballots, 475 were
From the citizens’ patrol evolved the The zoning, or the lack of it, in Valencia in favor of incorporation and 157 were
idea that Bosque Farms really needed County wasn’t good and people who against it.
its own police officers and was in need owned land in Bosque Farms didn’t want An unexpectedly high 86 percent of
of becoming its own town. Instead of it to look like that,” said former Mayor the 752 eligible voters living in the village
counting on the county for all its support, Sharon Eastman. “We thought if we incor- turned out to vote in the single-issue elec-
residents started circulating petitions call- porated and had proper zoning, we could tion. Two months later, Bosque Farms had
ing for a special election to become an protect our property values and guide its election and selected its first mayor,
incorporated village. development.” council and municipal judge.
Residents realized that the advantages Although Eastman said she wasn’t a Bob Fisher was elected mayor, win-
of that, of course, were that they would key figure in developing the incorpora- ning 35 percent of the total 648 votes cast.
get the gross receipts from the businesses tion effort, she did take petitions around Charles Roberts, Ronald Koch, Robert
along N.M. 47 to purchase their own Bosque Farms asking for support and Baughman and Thomas Hunter were
police cars instead of depending on oth- went to numerous planning meetings. elected to the council, and Kirk Gilcrease
The Village of Bosque Farms was was voted in as municipal judge.
Government welcome
Mayor: Wayne Ake
Council: William Kennedy, Robert Knowlton, Russell Walkup and Dolly
Wallace
Clerk/Administrator: Gayle Jones
Police chief: Joe Stidham
Fire Chief: Spencer Wood
Municipal Judge: Robert Knoblough
Demographics
Population trends Company
(U.S. Bureau of Census) Telephone: Qwest
1970: 1,699 Transportation
1980: 3,353 Air: Albuquerque International
1990: 3,791 Airport is 15 minutes away
2000: 3,931
Services
Utilities Police: Village of Bosque Farms
Water: Village of Bosque Farms Fire: Bosque Farms Volunteer Fire
Source of Water: Ground water Department
Sewer: Village of Bosque Farms Parks: The Village of Bosque
Solid Waste: Waste Manage- Farms maintains a park, baseball
ment fields, tennis courts, and a com-
Electric: Public Service Company munity and senior center. There
of New Mexico is also a privately-owned rodeo
Natural Gas: New Mexico Gas arena.
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2010-11
valencia county, nm
Los Lunas — A Village of History
If Los Angeles or New York City is a
Red Bull — high energy and a jolt to your
system — then Los Lunas is a glass of
sweet honey tea on a hot summer’s day:
refreshing, satisfying and sweet.
Located just 20 miles south of
Albuquerque with a population of 13,000,
Los Lunas is a unique combination of city
and solitude.
Residents can venture about a half hour
north to the largest city in New Mexico
to enjoy the many shops, restaurants and
businesses Albuquerque offers or continue
driving for another hour to Santa Fe, the
state capital and a city rich in culture and
art.
What began as a small rural farming
and ranching community has blossomed
into an area that has taken in rapid growth
in population and business without los-
ing its small-town charm or neighborhood
friendly values.
“The people are great,” said Peter
Fernandez, village administrator and life-
time resident of Los Lunas. “It is a well
managed community where people take a
very special interest in making the com-
munity better. Every action the govern-
mental entity takes is with the idea of bet-
tering the community as a whole.”
Los Lunas, which translates to “where
the Lunas live,” was named after the prom-
inent and politically influential Luna fam-
ily. The first Luna to set foot in Valencia
County was Domingo de Luna from Spain
in 1692.
The beautiful and historical Luna
Mansion, built in 1880, still stands today
and is listed on the New Mexico Historical
roster.
The Luna Mansion is architecturally
unique because it is designed in a southern
colonial style typically unseen in New
Mexico. However, its basic construction
material is adobe, a traditional material
used for making houses in the state.
“People always come up and ask me,
‘with all the growth that the village has “My philosophy has always been: we like notation of a caring community and a com-
experienced, when will it become a city?’ the name of village because it has a con- munity as a whole,” Fernandez said.

Government 1960: 1,186
1970: 773
welcome
Mayor: Robert Vialpando
Council: Cecilia “CC” Castillo, Charles Griego,
1980: 5,525 History
1990: 6,013
Gerard Saiz and Richard Lovato The Village of Los Lunas, the county seat of
2000: 10,034
Clerk/Administrator: Peter Fernandez Valencia County, lies primarily on the west
Police chief: Roy Melnick Utilities bank of the Rio Grande, 30 minutes south of
Fire Chief: Lito Chavez Water: Village of Los Lunas downtown Albuquerque.
Municipal Judge: Jeff Aragon Source of Water: Ground water The land was originally part of the San Clem-
Sewer: Village of Los Lunas ente Grant, granted to Don Felix Candelaria in
Demographics Solid Waste: Village of Los Lunas 1716.
Population: 10,034 (estimated 2000) Electric: Public Service Company of New Historically, this area had been a farming com-
Employment: There are about 5,000 Mexico munity, but since the 1960s, the village has
persons employed in Los Lunas. About 30 Natural Gas: New Mexico Gas Company become a growing business center. Los Lunas
percent of the jobs are in the government Telephone: Qwest has annexed land on the east side of the Rio
sector. Nearly 25 percent of the local jobs are Transportation Grande, but most of the growth has been in the
in the retail sector. Services account for slightly Air: A general aviation airport western direction.
less than 20 percent of the employment. In Intercity bus: TNM&O The village is bound to the north by the Isleta
addition, just south of Los Lunas are two New Train, Freight: Burlington Northern Santa Fe Indian Reservation. Interstate 25 passes along
Mexico Correction Department facilities that the west side of the village and provides excel-
Services
provides an additional 400 to 450 jobs. lent access to the Albuquerque area.
Police: Village of Los Lunas
Major employers are Los Lunas School The Los Lunas area began growing rapidly in
Fire: Village of Los Lunas
District, Walmart Distribution Center, Valencia the 1970s with the expansion of the Albuquer-
Parks: The Village of Los Lunas maintains
County and the Village of Los Lunas que metropolitan area. The 1990 Census found
several parks, one with a baseball field and
Population trends, 1960 to 2000 that about half of the Los Lunas labor force
picnic facilities, one with soccer fields and
(U.S. Bureau of Census) worked in the Albuquerque area.
skate park
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2010-11
valencia county, nm
Peralta History Goes Back Centuries
P
eralta incorporated as a town in Padilla land grant,” Olguin said. “Many of to Los Pinos, “the pines,” or perhaps a
2007, but it’s history stretches the heirs of the Spanish land grant owners family name, but in 1866 it reverted to
back hundreds of years. still live here.” Peralta.
The town was named for Andres and Julyan wrote that in 1862, Confederate He said Peralta is the site of an early
Manuel de Peralta sometime before 1680, and Union troops battled near the town. Methodist church, and the Catholic church
says Mayor Brian Olguin, . A battle with similar characteristics is in the town, Our Lady of Guadalupe, is
“It’s much older than that, but that is the featured in the Sergio Leone film “The well over 150-years old. It recently went
first records they had,” Olguin said. Good, the Bad, and the Ugly,” according to through a major renovation.
He said El Camino Real runs through Wikipedia. It ended in a Union victory and The town is full of historical buildings.
the area. the Confederate army retreated through Olguin said the town was largely agri-
According to historian Robert Julyan, Los Lunas. cultural, the major industry being sheep
the town is also named for Pedro de “The confederates basically got spanked shearing.
Peralta, a native of Valladolid in New here and driven back to Texas,” Olguin “There are still some farmers around
Spain, who was among those returning to said. here,” he said.
New Mexico after the reconquest in 1692. In 1863, Col. Kit Carson mobilized his N.M. 47 has been expanded from a dirt
His descendants still live in the area. forces in Peralta prior to the campaign road to a two-lane highway and then to the
Locally, the community has been against the Navajos, according to Julyan. four-lane highway it is now.
known as Los Placeres, “the placers,” for Olguin said the first post office was In 2007, the town incorporated. It has
reasons unknown. established in 1861. Julyan writes that in been through four city councils and two
“All of Peralta was basically the Lo de 1865, the post office’s name was changed mayors.

Government
Mayor: Brian Olguin
welcome
Council: Christian Garcia, Leon Otero, Joseph Romero and Pug Burge
Clerk: Arturo Saiz
Now LeasiNg!
Affordable Housing
Police chief: Joe Stidham
Fire Chief: John Dear
Municipal Judge: David Young
1, 2 & 3 Bedroom Units
Demographics Starting at $550.00/mo
Population trends Electric: Public Service Company
(U.S. Bureau of Census) of New Mexico
Male: 1,750 Natural Gas: New Mexico Gas
Female: 1,914 Company
Median Age: 36.4 Telephone: Qwest
Under 5: 246
18 and over: 2,665
65 and over: 411 Transportation
Air: Albuquerque International
Average household size: 2.85
Average family size: 3.19
Total housing units: 1,413
Airport is 20 minutes away
Services
La ViLLa BeLeN apartmeNts
Police: Village of Bosque Farms
1020 W. Aragon Road
Fire: Peralta Volunteer Fire Belen, New Mexico 87002
Utilities Department Call (505) 864-3669 • (505) 350-0943
Water: Well water
Source of Water: Ground water Area (505) 480-7311 (Se Habla Espanol)
Sewer: Septic Total: 4.4 square miles www.lavillabelen.com
2010-11
valencia county, nm
Valencia County — Rio Grande Riches
V
alencia County is part of the Rio River) valley. County to the north and Torrance County
Abajo, an area of the Middle Rio New settlements were always found to the east.
Grande Valley of New Mexico near Indian Pueblos. The Pueblo Indians The county seat is in the Village of Los
that stretches from the Espanola Valley in were friendly and insisted that the new Lunas, 20 miles south of the state’s largest
the North to Sabinal in the South. colonists build their homes near the Rio city, Albuquerque.
The Spaniards settled this area as early Grande. The quality of life in the county can be
as 1598 after the first colony was founded The river had a lot to offer both the characterized by a strong sense of com-
by Gov. Juan De Onate in the Indian vil- Natives and the Colonists in the way of munity that is enhanced by a rural lifestyle.
lage of Ohke on the upper East Bank of sustenance to both man and beasts. Residents of the area have identified
the Rio Grande. The Espanola Valley was The county comprises 1,458 square peace and quiet, friendliness of the people,
called the “Río Arriba” (the Upper River) miles in central New Mexico, bordering and terrific weather as benefits that has
while the area just below “La Bajada Hill” on Socorro County directly to the south, made this rural setting a wonderful place
was called the “Río Abajo” (the Lower Cibola County to the west, Bernalillo to visit and live.

Government welcome
County Commission: Pedro Manager: Eric Zamora
Rael, Georgia-Otero Kirkham, Sheriff: Rene Rivera
David Medina, Ron Gentry and County Clerk: Sally Perea
Donald Holiday Assessor: Viola Garcia-Vallejos
Treasurer: Dorothy Lovato
Demographics
Population: 66,152 (2000) transportation access, available
Employment: Valencia County, work force, affordable housing and
traditionally an agricultural area, has a positive business climate.
become increasingly diversified. Population trends, 1960 to
Residents still cherish a quality of 2000
life that’s both country and cool – (U.S. Bureau of Census)
access to big-city amenities but 1960: 15,146
rural in character. A steady influx of 1970: 20,451
new residents from Albuquerque in 1980: 30,769
search of pleasant alternatives to city 1990: 45,235
living has spurred population growth 2000: 66,152
of 12 percent between 2000 and
2006 in the county, and fairly rapid Valencia County was split into two
growth is expected to continue in counties in 1981. Populations for
the future. Valencia County has 1960 to 1980 are computed from
been a magnet for industries need- Census data for the Los Lunas and
ing room to expand. The attractions Belen Census Divisions.
are low-cost industrial sites, easy
33
2010-11
valencia county, nm
Tomé Hill — A Pilgrimage of Faith
T
he pilgrimage began long before
the sun rose, while wisps of fog
still floated over the river valley.
Hues of rose and periwinkle hung in the air
before the sun burst over rain clouds cling-
ing to the Manzano Mountains and casting
a long shadow over the green fields.
At this hour, all sounds seem soft, the
cows in the pasture, birds singing to the
morning light and the successive clicks
of camera shutters from photographers
searching for their signature shot of Good
Friday on Tomé Hill.
The people arrive slowly, up the gradual
incline on the west trail. They kneel before
three crosses, a lit prayer candle and a vase
of red roses, all left from the night before.
Jane Rael is one of the first to arrive,
slipping the white beads of her rosary
between her gloved fingers.
“This is the first year that I have walked
up alone. I had a friend who needed the
time with her son, and we were supposed
to come together, but I knew they needed
to be alone, so I came alone this year. I
have never done that before. I waited until
the sun was coming up,” she said.
Rael said the solitude gave her time to
find stillness and sacred time in her mind.
Rael says she is finished with today’s
obligations as she walks back down,
before sunlight slips half-way up the hill.
She passes clusters of people murmuring
in Spanish, grandmothers with walking with his father in 1959, when Edwin Berry been leaning on a wooden walking stick
sticks and their families in tow and a man would play his drum and look towards the sits to eat an apple and watch people pray.
starting from the bottom, crawling on his heavens. Berry was the man who reiniti- “I walk up here four times a week,
hands and knees. ated the pilgrimage. but today it feels more holy,” she said.
Ralph and Delia Castillo circle the “I must have been about 8-years old. I “My husband and I moved to Tomé from
crosses and look to the north where Olga remember walking all the way up,” he said. Albuquerque three years ago to get away
and Lawrence Sandoval have their little As the pair wind their way down, dis- from the busy city. I started coming up
chapel open to the public — not just on cussing how blessed by rain the county here and I’ll stay for an hour or two, just
holy days, but every day. has been, Dolores Sanchez of Albuquerque sit. Today is special, though, to see all these
“They have a little guest book there, and completes her first walk, a yellow paper- people huffing and puffing their way up. I
you can follow this trail down, right past back prayerbook in hand. am just so thankful to the Lord for bring-
the white fence on their property and into “I will be 71 in June. I have been want- ing me to this small piece of paradise.”
the chapel. It is beautiful, really something. ing to do this for years and years, but I fig- Near Atencio, Kenneth Aragon is
They always let people come in, they never ured I better do it this year. It’s wonderful. chatting with his granddaughter, Davery
lock it,” said Ralph Castillo. It’s really a blessing,” she said. “I did the Monica. She comes with her grandfather
He said his first trip to the hill was stations of the cross on the way up.”
To the west, Shirley Atencio, who has Continued on page 41

each year, but this year she made the climb herself. She tells Celebrating Our 60th Year!
people who ask that her name is Selena.
“It’s a phase she’s going through,” Aragon said. “She carried a
candle in the memory of my brother who passed away, so she had
some extra weight to carry with her, too.”
Aragon has been climbing Tomé Hill for many years and says
he views the climb as a way to unite his family.
“One of my sons told me to bring some water for the roses, so
that was his way of saying he’d been here already. Sometimes,
schedules get in the way, but my whole family comes up here The Best in New Mexican Food
every year,” he said. “It’s a tradition, so that my grandchildren,
when they drive down these roads and see the hill, they can say ‘I
remember walking up with Grandpa.’ It is sentimental, I guess.”
Aragon watches as his youngest granddaughter is carried up
the hill by another of his sons. The older man says that, next year,
he hopes to take her on her first pilgrimage.
A man plays his guitar and sings in Spanish with his wife
and anyone else who wants to join in. Cars line the streets and
pilgrims continue to make a path for the hill, some carrying signs,
others bearing crosses. Police officers direct traffic and help the
walkers make their way. 864-4811
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110 Main St. on Historic Route 66, Los Lunas
505-865-7333 www.lunamansion.com www.teofilos.com
2010-11
valencia county, nm
UNM-VC — Reaching for the Stars
T
he University of New Mexico
began serving the educational
needs of Valencia County in
August 1978 with the establishment of the
UNM-Eastern Valencia County Satellite
Center.
The creation of this Satellite Center
ended nearly two decades of work by
members of the Los Lunas and Belen
School districts to provide a stable source
of post-secondary education and voca-
tional training in Valencia County. A total
of $93,000 in seed money was raised to
help open the facility.
In 1979, the state Legislative Finance
Committee indicated that expanding sat-
ellite centers, such as the one in Belen,
should be established as branch campuses
to be supported by an ongoing mill levy
as well as with student tuition and general
fund appropriations.
The local community indicated its
continued support by voting overwhelm-
ingly in favor of creating a branch cam-
pus. Additional assistance came from
the Board of Educational Finance, the
New Mexico Legislature, and the Eastern
Valencia County Higher Education
Committee, Inc.
As a result, a formal proposal to estab-
lish the branch was accepted by UNM levels providing a Child Daycare Center,
in March 1981. Classes began in August
of that year. Technical certificates and welcome
UNM-Valencia Campus
The University of New Mexico-Valencia
UNM Valencia’s Community Education
Program, and the Small Business
Associate degrees could now be com- Development Center. Adjacent to it stands
pleted locally for the first time in Valencia Campus is located in Tome, New Mexico, a larger bookstore, and the brand-new,
County history. halfway between Belen and Los Lunas, the modern Physical Fitness Center.
Continued growth in enrollment and two main population centers of Valencia By fall of 2004, two more buildings
program offerings soon created a pressing County. The campus occupies 150 acres of had been renovated, and a brand new
need for additional space and new facili- rural land overlooking the Rio Grande Valley, Health Sciences building, had been built.
ties. A new campus in Tomé was built in the Manzano Mountains and Tomé Hill. This building is on the southwest side
response to this need, opening its doors in of campus and consists of a cadaver lab,
the summer of 1986. science labs, classrooms and offices.
A library and learning resource center arose, enhancing the picturesque scenery In the Fall of 2005 came our new
were added in 1994. The campus under- of UNM Valencia’s landscape. Vocational/Career Technical Center. It
went extensive renovation in the Spring During the Fall of 2000, UNM Valencia consists of classrooms, computer labs,
of 1995 and again in 2000. These reno- held the grand opening ceremony for the and the TRiO program offices, computer
vations provided additional classrooms, brand new Student Community Center. lab and conference rooms. This building
more office space and a larger cafeteria. The Student Community Center consists is located south of the Health Sciences
During this time two more buildings of two new buildings. One contains two building.

Our Communities welcome
Jarales: (Valencia; settlement; on the west
sizable Tiwa village closely allied with Isleta Pueblo, Belen and Jarales). Tiny inhabited farming com-
bank of the Rio Grande, 3 miles south east of just to the north, and many residents of this community, said to have briefly gone by the name of
Belen, on N.M. 109; 1900-present). The most munity still have close ties with Isleta. The pueblo’s Pilar, for reasons unknown.
plausible explanation for this community’s name name has been recorded as Piquiratengo, which San Clemente: (Valencia; settlement; near Los
is that it refers to the willow thickets along the the Spaniards later renamed San Clemente, prob- Lunas). The name of this 18th-century rancho
Rio Grande just to the east, especially as the ably for a mission here. The community’s present honors St. Clement I, Bishop of Rome and Pope
village also has been called Jaralosa. But at least name comes from one Matías el Ente of Isleta in A.D. 92-101. The San Clemente Grant was
some old-timers say the name comes from a marrying a woman from this village and then raising granted to Don Felix Candelaria in 1716.
family here named Jarales, and Los Jarales, a family here, the name Los Lentes meaning “the Tomé: Valencia; settlement; on N.M. 47,
reported as a variant name, would support this. It Lente folks,” just as Los Lunas means “the Lunas.” five miles northeast of Belen; 1888-present).
was called simply Ranchos when Fray Francisco Los Lentes was annexed to the village of Los Around 1650, the aged Thomé Domínguez
Dominguez visited here in 1776. The com- Lunas in the 1970s. arrived in the state with his grown family and
munity of Jarales Station was located one mile Meadow Lake: (Valencia; settlement; east of settled in the Sandia jurisdiction here; his sons
southwest of Jarales. Los Lunas, just south of the Isleta Indian Res- later said he was 96 when he died in 1656.
La Costancia: (Valencia; settlement; on the ervation, near the west foothills of the Manzano One of their three sons was Thomé Dominguez
east side of the Rio Grande, on N.M. 47, Mountains). In 1966 developer D.W. Falls de Mendoza, and around 1661 he established
three miles south of Adelino). Manuel A. Otero purchased 814 acres from Don Pope and began a hacienda near the volcanic hill latter called
operated a gristmill at the site of this inhabited planning a community. Using new and existing El Cerro de Tome. Mendoza, who was Gov.
community and is said to have named the place wells, he created a small lake, and in 1967 the Otermín’s maese de campo, lost everything in
La Constancia because the mill was running first residents arrived, David and Eleanor Ross, the Pueblo Revolt and did not return with the
constantly. at the village named for the lake. By 1981, 109 1692 reconquest — he departed for Spain
Los Lentes: (Valencia; settlement; west of the families were living at Meadow Lake, and the instead — but his name persisted when settlers
Rio Grande, between Isleta and Los Lunas). When community has continued to grow since. took possession of the land grant made by Gov.
Coronado visited here in 1540-41, he found a Pueblitos: (Valencia; settlement; between Mendoza in 1739.
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2010-11
valencia county, nm
Los Lunas Schools — Preparing Students for the World
F
rom pre-kinder all the way
through upperclassman, the Los
Lunas School District is consis-
tently providing students with quality edu-
cation, an enthusiasm for knowledge and a
drive to succeed.
The district is comprised of roughly
8,600 students in 17 schools, including 11
elementary schools, two middle schools,
two high schools and one alternative
school.
The old and the new mix together with
Bosque Farms Elementary as one of the
district’s oldest schools, built in 1936, and
Sundance Elementary, Los Lunas’ newest
school, completed in January 2009.
The intermixing of tradition and inno-
vation is visible not only in the school
buildings’ architecture but, most impor-
tantly, inside the classroom.
Los Lunas High School is just an exam-
ple of innovation with its recent implemen-
tation of Project Lead the Way. Lead the
Way is a four-year sequence of courses that
introduces students to the scope, rigor and
discipline of engineering prior to entering
college. Courses offered include digital
electronics and aerospace engineering.
Regardless of which elementary, middle
or high school any given student attends,
the curriculum standard to which they per-
form and academic expectations remain
the same. welcome
Los Lunas Schools
Superintendent: Bernard R. Saiz
Valencia High School
310 Bonita Vista Blvd.
The district’s newest high school is Los Lunas, N.M., 87031
School board president: Maria M. Marez Phone: 565-8755
Valencia High, home of the Jaguars. The
school’s mission is to break away from the Vice president: Christopher D. Martinez Principal: Mario Zuniga
traditional high school to form a student- Members: Ed Hernandez and Dan Gross Staff: 118, Certified 76
centered learning community. Los Lunas Schools Administration Of- Students: 997
Valencia High School is designed fice: 119 Luna Ave., Los Lunas, 87031;
around the concept of Smaller Learning (505) 865-9636 Century High School
Communities, which focuses on meeting 320 Bonita Vista Blvd.
individual needs, beginning with a fresh- Los Lunas, N.M., 87031
man academy. High Schools: Phone: 866-2153
Between curriculum, innovative pro- Los Lunas High School Principal: Wilson Holland
grams and a rich history, Los Lunas stu- 1776 Emilio Lopez Rd. Staff: 11, Certified 8
dents are reaping the benefits of a multi- Los Lunas, N.M., 87031 Students: 70
dimensional school district that prepares Phone: 865-4646
them for tomorrow while instilling a sense Principal: Dan Padilla
of community. Staff: 143, Certified 94
Students: 1288 Continued on page 45

Continued from page 44 Phone: 869-2646 Tome Elementary
Desert View Elementary Principal: Ron Hendricks 46 Chacon Road
Middle Schools 49 Camino La Canada Staff: 62, Certified 34 Tome, N.M., 87066
Los Lunas Middle School Los Lunas, N.M., 87031 Students: 427 Phone: 865-1102
220 Luna Ave. Phone: 866-2488 Principal: Felipe Armijo
Los Lunas, N.M., 87031 Principal: Diedra Martinez Katherine Gallegos Staff: 74, Certified 47
Phone: 865-7273 Staff: 70, Certified 38 Elementary Students: 544
Principal: Julie Smith Students: 499 236 Don Pasqual Road
Staff: 77 Certified 54 Los Lunas, N.M., 87031 Valencia Elementary
Students: 727 Raymond Gabaldon Phone: 865-6223 111 Monica Road
Manzano Vista Elementary Principal: Samial Morerod Los Lunas, N.M., 87031
Middle School 454 Coronado Staff: 62, Certified 34 Phone: 865-3017
22 Marlink Road Los Lunas, N.M., 87031 Students: 525 Principal: Julie Crum
Los Lunas, N.M. 87031 Phone: 866-0456 Staff: 61, Certified 40
Phone: 865-1750 Principal: Sonia Lawson Los Lunas Elementary Students: 386
Principal: Michelle Staff: 46, Certified 32 800 Coronado Road
Osowski Students: 332 Los Lunas, N.M., 87031
Staff: 68, Certified 51 Phone: 865-9313
Charter School
Students 644 School of Dreams
Ann Parish Elementary Principal: Valerie Otero Academy (SODA)
112 Meadow Lake Staff: 78, Certified 33 1800 Main St. NE, Suite
Elementary Schools Los Lunas, N.M., 87031 Students: 533 250
Daniel Fernandez Phone: 865-7364 Los Lunas, N.M., 87031
Elementary Principal: Peralta Elementary Phone: 866-7632, 866-
32 Sun Valley Rd. Staff: 69, Certified 40 3645 N.M. 47 SODA
Los Lunas, N.M., 87031 Students: 507 Peralta, N.M., 87042 Principal: Juliette Castillo
Phone: 865-1044 Phone: 869-2679 Staff: 20 Certified: 10
Principal: Angela Griego Bosque Farms Elementary Principal: Dawn Apodaca Students: 120
Staff: 55, Certified 30 1390 W. Bosque Loop Staff: 48, Certified 25
Students: 400 Bosque Farms, N.M., 87066 Students: 290
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2010-11
valencia county, nm
Belen Schools — A Path to Academic Success
T
he Belen Consolidated School
District is destined to continue
the path toward academic suc-
cess with its driven students and innovative
programs.
About 4,150 students attend Belen’s
seven elementary schools, one middle
school, one high school and alternative
school in a district that wants to excel past
its competition.
The Belen district uses programs like
the career academy and academic decath-
lon as benchmarks to encourage students
to be the best they can be.
Belen High School has made several
additions to its career academy, including
a pre-engineering program and a health-
technology-based program. The academy
includes nursing and emergency medi-
cal technician training. The academy has
career pathways in agriculture, digital
media, health technology, family and con-
sumer science, business and culinary arts.
Currently, there are 19 courses in
the program that have dual credit with
the University of New Mexico-Valencia
Campus and Central New Mexico
Community College in Albuquerque.
Last year, the Academic Decathlon
team won the state competition and went
on to compete for the national title, while High Schools
last year’s team took home second place
at state. welcome
Belen Consolidated Schools
Superintendent: Dr. Patricia Rael
Belen High School
1619 Delgado
The district, the 16th largest in the state, Belen, N.M., 87002
has more than 700 employees and about School Board President: Jamie Goldberg Phone: 966-1300
30 administrators and has implemented School Board Members: Sam Chavez, Principal Jim Danner
programs from bilingual education to com- Julian Luna, Adrian Pino, Dolores Lola Students: 1,270
puter-aided drafting. Quintana
Projects such as Infinity High School Belen Schools Administration Office: Infinity High School
and the football and baseball field houses 520, N. Main St., Belen, 87002; (505) 221 S. Fourth St.
have kept Belen up to par with the other 966-1000 Belen, N.M., 87002
school districts in the state. The district is Phone: 861-3720
also completing a state-of-the-art tennis Principal: Beverly Turley
complex with eight courts about 1,000 new computers also will be Students: 73
Technology is also at a premium in the installed at Belen’s campuses.
Belen Consolidated School District. The high school’s Student Based Health
The district has installed microwave Center provides health care and counseling Middle School
towers at each of its schools to improve services to students with the services of a Belen Middle School
bandwidth speeds for students and teachers full-time nurse practitioner. 314 South Fourth St,
to effortlessly stream the internet. By fall, Continued on page 47

Continued from page 46 Phone: 966-1900
Principal: Jennifer Brown
Belen, N.M., 87002 Students: 350 s
Phone: 966-1600
Principal: Buddy Dillow H.T. Jaramillo
Students: 700 Community School
900 Esperanza Drive
Elementary schools Belen, N.M., 87002
Phone: 966-2000
Central Elementary Principal: Julie Benavidez
School Students: 454 students
600 Picard Ave,
Belen, N.M., 87002 La Merced
Phone: 966-1200 Elementary School
Principal: Cheri Embres 301 Alame Loop
Students: 280 Rio Communities, N.M.,
87002
Dennis Chavez Phone: 966-2100
Elementary School Principal: Armando Reyes
19670 N.M. 314 Students: 552
Los Chavez, N.M., 87002
Phone: 966-1800 La Promesa
Principal: Joann Carter Elementary School
Students: 430 898 N.M. 304
Las Nutrias, N.M., 87062
Gil Sanchez Phone: 966-2400 Rio Grande Elementary Principal: Dolores
Elementary School Principal: Diane Vallejos 15 East Side School Road Gabaldon
362 Jarales Road Students: 294 Belen, N.M., 87002 Students: 280
Jarales, N.M., 87023 Phone: 966-2200
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2010-11
valencia county, nm
SODA — Dreaming of Success
A
s the only charter school in
Valencia County, School of
Dreams Academy opened its
doors in August 2009, starting the school
year at the University of New Mexico-
Valencia Campus while waiting for the
completion of its school building.
A few months later, the charter school
moved into its new building at 1800 Main
St. SE, in Los Lunas. Recently, the govern-
ing board decided to expand the school
with renovations to be completed in the
near future
SODA is a state-funded charter school.
The school began with grades seven
through nine. Next year, they’ll add 10th
grade, the following year 11th grade and
then 12th grade.
With it’s small environment, students at
SODA are known intimately, and it gives
a safety and security you don’t get in the
large schools.
The students say they like the new
building and enjoy the benefits of the
smaller classes.
“The school is creative and new. There’s
more equality among students in the
smaller classrooms,” says Student Council
President Kailee Bryant.
She also likes the freedom to go at her
own pace and learn in her own style.
Kaleb Brown, a seventh-grade student,
says he enjoys the Education 2020 online
classroom. online accessibility of their children’s per-
“I like the E-2020 computer learning
program,” Brown said. welcome
School of Dreams Academy
Governing council: Kenneth Griego,
formance.
“I like that I can monitor what my son is
There are four core areas of curriculum: doing,” said parent Sabrina Brown. “I can
math, social studies, science and language principal; Teresa A. Ogas, vice principal; log on from home and see what he’s doing.
arts, that are taught online. Students wear Dorothy Y. Griego, secretary; members Homework can’t get lost, either.”
headphones to listen to instruction, keep- Janice F. Leach; Michael S. Ogas, founder; Roy Goforth, the father of eighth-grader
ing the classroom quiet for concentration. Kathy Chavez, co-founder Roy Jr., said, “Parents can get online and
If students don’t understand a concept SODA Administration Office: 1800 go to their kid’s site to see their work,
being taught, they can replay the sequence. Main St. NE, Los Lunas, 87031; (505) how they’re doing in their grades. And
Teachers are available during every class. the smaller classes make for more one-on-
866-7632
“The online content is more compre- one with the kids. It’s more like a family.
hensive and thorough,” said Jennifer Noble, Everybody knows everybody.”
who teaches science to seventh-, eighth- moving toward a technology future, why Scheduling revolves around the E-2020
and ninth-graders. “They’re learning how not start the kids on computer?” core-curriculum computer-based classes,
to take ownership of their education. We’re Tests, quizzes and homework are all
online. Parents especially appreciate the Continued on page 49

Continued from page 48 School of Dreams Academy
with electives every other period, and two Administration and Staff
40-minute electives at the end of the day.
There are six electives including choir,
welcome
SODA Pledge Principal: Juliette Castillo
Gerri Bennet, Business Manager
book club, running club, open lab in any
As a student at the School
Frances Conroy, Counselor
E-2020 course, math and reading tutorials, of Dreams Academy and as a Patricia Holm, Program Administrator
and a new digital-art program. global citizen, I promise I will Carol Shadron, Nurse
“If the students master this (E-2020) Mary Ann Silva, Security
program, they will be well prepared for a strive to act with honesty and
technological future,” says Noble. integrity. Faculty
Since the school encourages students to
go at their own pace, some students will
I will strive to create sus- Robyn Darling-Greenly, Language
tainable prosperity worldwide. Arts and Social Studies
graduate early, others will have concurrent
Juana Hernandez, Special Education
college enrollment. I will respect the rights and Jenny Noble, Science
“It actually gives you college skills, and
dignity of all people. Martin Romero, Math and Spanish
I want to go to college. I think you can
Margaret Vanderheyden, Arts
graduate early if you can,” says seventh- I will oppose all forms of
grader Kyle Wheeler.
There is a community service compo- corruption and exploitation. Officers of the School of
nent to the school, with an environmental And I will take responsibility Dreams Academy Parent-
focus. It involves a lot of environmental for my actions.
clean up, learning ecology and offers out- Teacher Council
door learning. As I hold true these prin-
Application for accreditation has been Kerra Howe, President
ciples, it is my hope that I may Dawn Keesling, Vice-President
submitted.
The first year is really a self-assess- enjoy an honorable reputation Becky Sanchez, Secretary
ment, and next year, the charter school and peace of conscience. Janell Thomas, Treasurer
will have an actual visit by an accredita-
tion team.
Moving forward...
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2010-11
valencia county, nm
Belen Art League Gallery — An Inspiration
A
museum for Valencia County
and Belen’s historic involvement
as one of the main stops on the
El Camino Real is the inspiration for the
expansion of the Belen Art League Gallery
and Gift shop at 509 Becker St.
El Camino Real is the trail that American
Indians, traders and Spanish colonizers rou-
tinely traversed from Mexico City through
New Mexico to Santa Fe in the early his-
tory of the state. El Camino Real de Tierra
Adentro (Spanish for “The Royal Road of
the Interior Land”) came through Valencia
County, jumping from one side of the Rio
Grande river to the other for commerce in
Belen, Jarales, Tomé, Veguita, Las Nutrias,
Casa Colorada and Los Chavez. All these
were little villages, said Belen resident and
historian Ken Gibson.
“We want to tell the story of how
it affected this part of the valley,” said
Gibson, who has worked with the Harvey
House since 1994 on a variety of exhibits.
“Belen is one of the oldest towns in the
state.”
The Camino Real exhibit will include
wagon wheels, buggy wheels, maps, old
pictures of Valencia County residents, and
stories from and about the local people dur-
ing the heyday of the trail. the Camino Real exhibit until a roof leak gift cards, photography, oils, water colors,
“Ken had been working to find space damaged some photos, and Gibson had to acrylic paintings and prints dazzle the
for the Camino Real Museum for some remove the artifacts from the old building. senses. And what’s even better, most of it
time,” said Cecilia Aragon, treasurer of the Thanks to Torres and the City Council is for sale and can grace your home décor
art league. “And we wanted to expand the the building is being remodeled, said Sally or person.
art gallery for a summer art camp for local Nittler, president of the gallery’s board of The Belen Art League was founded in
students.” directors. 1956, and the gallery on Becker Avenue
Collaboration between the two entities “We were running out of room (at the art first opened its doors in 2003.
was struck. gallery). Membership was growing, and (so Membership in the Belen Art League
“It’s all volunteer work down there,” was) interest in our art classes,” Nittler said. is an annual $25 per person, or $40 for
said Gibson. “We have a lot of big ideas.” City employees did all the remodeling couples. Membership is for Valencia
“We have the people to do the work, and work to connect the two buildings, which County resident artists and art support-
Ken has the ideas,” Aragon said. the gallery leases from the city. ers. Membership includes gallery space
At an ice cream social in the garden of A colorful array of landscapes, people, to showcase or sell your art and a place
the gallery last summer, Aragon, Gibson animals, ranch scenes and modern paint- to meet and learn from fellow artists, said
and then-Mayor Ronnie Torres discussed ings treats your visual appetite as you enter Aragon.
a gallery expansion to house the Camino the Belen Art League Gallery and Gift Volunteers open the gallery from noon
Real Museum. shop. to 4 p.m. Wednesdays through Sundays.
The gallery was enlarged by joining the A maze of rooms containing pottery, Annual art shows are held in the spring and
building next to it, which used to house sculptures, weaving, rugs, jewelry, folk art, fall. For more information call the gallery
gourd art, fiber art and clothing, tin art, at 861-0217.

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2010-11
valencia county, nm
Tomé Art Gallery — Painting and Pottery
J
an Pacifico’s dream of having an art sure how old the original part of this build- artist cooperative gallery out of the space.
gallery in Tome has evolved from a ing is.” “The whole idea is to have a place that
four-partner proposition into an art- Made from terrone adobe bricks, which is viable as long as we can pay our bills,”
ist cooperative. were cut from the calishe clay of the area, Pacifico said of the coop.
“I had been thinking about opening the building is part of the uniqueness of The coop members share in the every-
a studio when one day while having a the gallery. day running of the gallery by working at
hamburger at Joe and Josey Aragon’s café “This building has spirit,” Pacifico said. the gallery, serving on committees and
I asked them if they would sell the build- “I love old buildings. They respond when helping maintain the facility. Many people
ing,” Pacifico recalls of the beginning of you treat time with loving care and appre- think the group is only potters. This is not
Tome Gallery. “They thought about it and ciate what they have given to the commu- true. There are 40 artists displaying their
decided it was time to retire.” nity through the years. My house, up the work in the gallery, each with an exclusive
The building at the corner of N.M. 47 road, was a stagecoach stop at one time.” for their style and medium.
and Patricio Road had been in the Aragon It is appropriate that Pacifico loves the “All of our artists are juried by the
family for generations. During its life it adobe buildings for she is a potter. Her first member managers before displaying,” said
had been a grocery story with the family’s venture in the buildings was Tome Clay, Patricia Gallegos, one of the member man-
living quarters in the back, the Tome Beer which was opened in 1996. But after two agers.
Hall and finally the restaurant. years the partnership went out of business. “Many of our artists are also shown
“Recently while remodeling a part of The building housed a coffee shop and in galleries in Santa Fe, Albuquerque’s
the building we found August 1928 carved gallery owned by Toni Edwards briefly Old Town or Corrales. But, because our
in the cement,” Pacifico said. “We’re not before Pacifico decided in 2000 to make an Continued on page 53
overhead is less, we are able to give
our patrons the quality work at a lower
price,” said Pacifico.
Many people who finally stop at the
gallery are amazed at the items they find,
from pottery that ranges from raku to
crystalline, and functional or not, to fiber
weaving, traditional Hispanic straw art,
punch tin, baskets, stained glass, water
colors, crosses, photographs, to sterling
silver jewelry, fused glass, bead work, to
even bottle cap jewelry.
“Many people tell us they bring out-of-
town guests here because of the diversity
of work at a good value,” said Gallegos.
Each month the gallery features either
an artist or a group of artists with a
show. During Easter week, Santeros of
the Rio Abajo have their religious art-
work on display. And Tome Gallery has
sponsored a gallery and studio tour each
December. studios, workshops and art classes are “We are encouraging every art-related
“The growth of the art scene in spring up all over our county.” location to have its own event during the
Valencia County over the past few years This year the members of the art week that will be linked together through
has been a most welcome phenomenon,” scene are coming together for a week of advertisement,” Pacifico said. “We hope
said Pacifico. “Galleries, art organiza- activities entitled “Gifts from the Heart.” the community will get involved and
tions, framing and art supply shops, The event will be the first full week of discover the wonderful artists we have
antique and collectibles stores, private December. living in Valencia County.”
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2010-11
valencia county, nm
Los Lunas Museum of Heritage and Arts
I
t may be small in size, but what it
lacks in square feet it greatly makes
up for with an abundance of knowl-
edge in local art, heritage and culture.
The Museum of Heritage and Arts, at
251 Main St. in Los Lunas, is a unique
blend of art, history, local heritage and
culture and research.
It is unlike any other museum in
Valencia County in its showcase and dem-
onstration of work and exhibits.
“We are striving to make the museum
a repository and archive of the heritage of
Valencia County in conjunction with the
artistic component,” said former museum
historian Patty Guggino.
The museum, which opened in March
2008, takes a very special interest in pre-
serving the rich history of New Mexico
and Valencia County with a genealogy
center and access to records and record-
ings of oral histories from community
members.
“We try to collect oral histories from
the elders of the area. The people whose
sense of heritage and sense of place would
go back the furthest,” Guggino said, add-
ing that anyone who would like their
story documented and recorded is always
welcome and encouraged to come to the
museum. tions to make up all the fabric,” Guggino War in New Mexico: emphasized the con-
Some museums display only a perma- said. nection of the Lunas’ and the Oteros’ polit-
nent collection. The Museum of Heritage Guggino said that the tagline “habia ical presence in N.M. and their importance
and Arts rotates exhibits a few times a una vez,” meaning “once upon a time” in in the Constitutional Convention.
year. Spanish, encompasses what the museum is Maria Rodriguez Pope: Art from a
Since their opening, the museum has all about. She said that the museum is like woman’s archeological perspective.
had several exhibits, including the Luna- an interactive, growing, living organism Men and Women of Valor: Recognized
Otero Dynasty and Civil War in New that has a different story to tell with each contributions and military service of vet-
Mexico, the work of Maria Rodriguez new exhibition. erans from the Civil War to current day.
Pope, Men and Women of Valor, Saints “It kind of encapsulates the mystique of Saints and Sacred Places: featured local
and Sacred Places and Through the Eyes the very tale which is a growing and evolv- santeros who worked in a variety of medi-
of a Cowboy. ing story. As times and conditions change, ums. Highlighted sacred places for people
All of the exhibitions have a link to so do we, and we want to capture it all and of the community.
what is going on in Valencia County and bring it into today and tomorrow,” she said. Through the Eyes of a Cowboy: Current
the wider world. The Museum of Heritage and Arts is exhibit. Featuring the ranching heritage in
“It’s really an interwoven tapestry of open Tuesday-Friday 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. and N.M. through one of the best western art-
past, present and future events as evi- Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The number is ists of the state.
denced through material, culture, artistic (505) 352-7720 Seeds of Change: 500 years of
endeavors, personal histories and recollec- Below is the list of past exhibitions: Encounter and Exchange, a Smithsonian
The Luna-Otero Dynasty and Civil traveling exhibit.

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2010-11
valencia county, nm
Harvey House Museum — An Historic Exhibit
A
ll Abooooooaaaaard!
That might have been the
call that echoed for years toward
the Harvey House, a railroad hotel and res-
taurant in Belen that was part of a nation-
wide chain.
Fred Harvey, owner and builder of the
restaurants, entered a partnership with
the railroads in 1878 to construct dining
houses and lunch stands along railways
throughout the western U.S.
In 1910, the Harvey House in Belen
was built, one of the last of the houses to
be constructed. Fred Harvey had already
passed away, and the business was being
run by a second generation of Harveys.
The Belen house stayed in operation
until 1939. It was briefly re-opened to
serve traveling soldiers during World War
II, and the house served railroad employ-
ees as a reading room and boarding house
for railroad employees through 1972.
It’s still located along a working rail-
yard, one of the busiest in the BNSF line,
and the sounds of freight trains chugging
past add to the ambience. A large gift shop
with plenty of railroad memorabilia, his-
torical books, cookbooks and other items
is part of the fun.
The famous Harvey Girls, known for
impeccable manners and hotel and restau- The museum, operated by the Valencia the lunchroom, now serves as a rotating
rant service, lived upstairs at the Belen stop County Historical Society, expanded its exhibit area used by the historical society
and served as waitresses in the restaurant hours last summer to include two hours on for a different show each month.
on the first floor. Sundays. The Harvey House is located at 104 N.
The 1946 Judy Garland film “The The Belen Model Railroad Club, which First Street in downtown Belen, less than
Harvey Girls” is based on a woman run- shares the building, can currently only be two blocks south of Reinken Avenue, and
ning into a group of such girls on a train accessed through a separate entrance, but a short walk from the New Mexico Rail
trip, and the film is set in New Mexico. the hope is to have the building one day Runner Express commuter station.
The artifacts in the building now are become one continuous museum. The City of Belen owns the building
from both the Harvey House and railroad- The railroad club currently has two and the land, and allows the historical
boarding eras, but not all of those are rooms filled with running trains and society and the model railroad club to
directly tied to either. In fact, the museum accompanying landscape, and a third large operate it.
has far more historical items in stock than room is where a scale model of the Belen The museum and model railroad exhibit
can be displayed due to limited funding railyards is being constructed. That project are both open from 12:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
and personnel resources. is to be completed within the next year or from Tuesday to Saturday and from 1 p.m.
It is the hope of docents and others so. to 3 p.m. on Sunday. The museum can be
involved that young people will take an Today, the main museum mostly uses reached at (505) 861-0581.
interest in continuing the Harvey House only the front half of the first floor, which There’s no charge to tour either side, but
projects. used to be the main dining room. The donations are appreciated.
front area, known in the Harvey days as

SHOP, DINE
& LIVE IN
VALENCIA
Lots of
COUNTY
Restaurants • Shops • Entertainment
to choose from including
The Museum of Heritage and Arts • 352-7720
(under the Water Tower)
Main Street & Luna Avenue
15 Parks
Village of Los Lunas Valencia County
Main Street & Don Pasqual
Chamber of Commerce
505-839-3840
3445 Lambros Loop
505-352-3596
www.loslunasnm.gov www.loslunasnm.gov/chamber
Mayor
Robert Vialpando
Councilors
Cecilia Castillo
Charles Griego
Richard Lovato
Gerard Saiz
Discover Route 66
2010-11
valencia county, nm
Through the Flower with Judy Chicago
W
ith the New Mexico Rail
Runner Express in full opera-
tion, opportunities for travel-
ers and commuters will be a little easier
and more interesting if they choose to
experience a train ride from Belen to Santa
Fe.
While the first stages of the commuter
train are complete, running from Belen to
Santa Fe, eventually it will make its way to
Taos, a Northern New Mexico pueblo.
One of the many interesting experi-
ences on this route is the Women’s Cultural
Corridor, a concept created by Through
the Flower that depicts the works of artists
such as Judy Chicago, Georgia O’Keefe,
Maria Martinez and Agnes Martin.
Through the Flower is a non-profit
art and educational organization that was
founded in 1978 and celebrates the achieve-
ments of women through art. It offers
visitors a look into art, publications, films,
DVD’s and videos about Judy Chicago, as
well as the many volunteers who helped
make her visions a reality.
Once based out of the home of Chicago
and her husband, photographer Donald
Woodman, in the old Belen Hotel, Through
the Flower’s new building is one of the can be seen.” current and future women in the world.
landmarks along the Women’s Cultural Rodee went on to say that seeing the “This is something we always wanted to
Corridor. piece literally gave her goose bumps. do – go into education,” Rodee explained.
In addition to displaying the works of “So many people had a strong emotional Furthermore, Chicago’s work has been
Chicago, Through the Flower also offers a response to the piece.” included in the H.W. Janson’s “History of
series of programs that give the communi- Now that The Dinner Party will be on Art” textbook, which is one of the most
ties an inside look into the world of art. permanent display, Through the Flower is well-known art history book in the United
One of Chicago’s most well known launching The Dinner Party Curriculum States.
pieces is “The Dinner Party,” which tells Project that will allow students the oppor- Imelda Sisneros, of La Mirada
the story of 1,038 women artists and schol- tunity to study about the untold history Enterprises LLC, wrote that Chicago’s
ars who, until recently, were not included of women’s contributions. Through the work has created such an impact in the
in the history books. Flower will lead the development of the world of feminist art. “She is an icon, and
The Dinner Party was permanently project and the art curriculum will be we are truly missing the boat if we don’t
housed at the Brooklyn Museum in New based on The Dinner Party. show proper support and pride for having
York on March 23, as part of the Elizabeth The project will give them the chance to Ms. Chicago in our local community.”
Sackler Center for Feminist Art. expand education across the country, giv- In addition to her art pieces, Chicago
“Everyone was happy it (The Dinner ing both teachers and students invaluable is also an author whose books have been
Party) was permanently housed,” said educational resources. Through the Flower published in domestic and foreign editions,
Executive Director of Through the Flower will be providing materials that will help bringing her art and her philosophy to
Susannah Rodee. “We’re pleased it finally students learn about what women have thousands of people worldwide. She is an
has its place in art history and Judy’s vision accomplished, as well as educate them on

educator as well and spends time at uni- welcome
Valencia County Galleries
versities, working with students, faculty
and local artists to create projects. Harvey House Museum 505-352-7720
Chicago just released two new books: 104 N. First St., Belen, N.M. Tuesday - Friday
a biography – “Becoming Judy Chicago” 505-861-0581 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.
by Gail Levin, and an updated book, “The Monday-Saturday Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Dinner Party.”
“This is the definitive book on The
12:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Dinner Party,” Rodee said. Tome Gallery
Chicago’s goal of helping counter the Belen Art League Gallery 2930 N.M. 47, Los Lunas
erasure of women’s achievements through-
out history is being realized, and she is
509 Becker Ave., PO Box 432 505-565-0556
a respected artist whose work defines Belen, N.M., 87002 Tuesday through Sunday
women’s rights to freedom of expression. 505-861-0217 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The Women’s Cultural Corridor
includes sites that are important to the
development of women’s art starting at Casa de Abo Through the Flower
the Millicent Rogers Museum in Taos 620 E. River Rd., Belen, N.M. 107 Becker Ave., Belen, N.M.
and including sites in Abiquiu, Santa Fe, 505-861-5940 505-864-4080
Albuquerque, Tomé and Through the Tuesday-Saturday Monday through Thursday
Flower in Belen. Chicago said she hopes
Through the Flower’s presence and plans 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
for future expansion will have the added
benefit of helping to put Belen on the map Los Lunas Museum of UNM Valencia Art Gallery
in the world of art. Heritage and Arts 280 La Entrada, Los Lunas
For more information on Judy Chicago 251 Main St., Los Lunas
and Through the Flower, visit www. 505-925-8702
throughtheflower.org on the Internet.
600 Dalies Avenue • Belen, NM 87002
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2010-11
valencia county, nm
Doodle Bug — Chugging Out of the Past
T
he historic commuter train fond-
ly known as the “Doodlebug”
made its way back to Belen from
Albuquerque to take up permanent resi-
dence a few blocks from the Harvey House
Museum.
Although a little work will need to
be done to refurbish the train, legislative
appropriations were awarded to move and
help restore the icon so well remembered
by residents in Belen.
Some of the work would have to be
done by professionals to remove lead paint
and asbestos from the train car before
locals can work on preserving it.
Only parts of the Doodlebug have come
back to New Mexico — the engine and the
mail car, but not the passenger car that so
many local residents recall fondly.
With stops in Los Lunas and Isleta, pas-
sengers throughout the county were able to
utilize this mode of transportation to get to
larger cities as early as 1934.
Before coming back to New Mexico,
the Doodlebug — also known as La
Marranita or “little pig” — was stored in
the California State Railroad Museum in
Sacramento.
After being in service since the 1930s,
the Doodlebug was officially retired in
1968. Because other modes of transpor-
tation, such as cars, were becoming the
choice, train ticket sales declined and the the Doodlebug to Albuquerque for many City to Emporia, Kan., as well as between
cost of operating the passenger train rose, reasons such as to shop, dine out, attend Albuquerque and Belen, Melzer wrote.
making it unable to compete. events, for doctor visits or to attend school While they may have varied some in
What was so different about the at the University of New Mexico, to name style and color, their function was the
Doodlebug compared to other passenger a few. same — connecting communities. Many
trains was its size. Belen Mayor Rudy Jaramillo remem- families of railroaders got to ride the
Dr. Richard Melzer, a history professor bers being allowed to catch the train as a Doodlebug at free or reduced costs, mak-
at the University of New Mexico-Valencia young boy to go to the Duke City to see a ing it an easy way to get to the big city at a
Campus, the vice president of the Valencia movie and eat out with his friends. time when many Belenites didn’t make the
County Historical Society and the current When the Doodlebug was in its prime, trip very often.
president of the Historical Society of New the trip from Belen to Albuquerque took Although the Doodlebug will never be
Mexico, wrote about the history of the approximately 45 minutes and the train seen running the rails, New Mexicans who
Doodlebug for the News-Bulletin in early was scheduled for four round trips daily. remember the good old days and visitors
2004, saying the train measured 70 feet in At one time, there were about 48 alike will soon get the chance to relive a
length, contained 22 seats and could carry Doodlebugs in service in various locations piece of rail car history.
as many as 44 passengers. in the United States. These small com- Everybody has a story about the
Melzer said residents remember riding muter trains ran from Clovis to Carlsbad, Doodlebug – like it was their own personal
Amarillo to Lubbock, Texas, and Kansas train.

welcome
Moving In
All phone numbers are area code 505, unless otherwise shown
Put on your hiking boots, grab your binoculars,
and enjoy nature at the
Electricity Telephone service i tf eld Wildlife Conservation A

PNM: Qwest Wh rea
Customer Service: (888) New service: (800) 475-7526.
342-5766, no Valencia County Billing and general customer
office locations. service: (800) 491-0118. Tech
Nearest office: 414 Silver Ave. support/24-hour repair: (877)
SW, Albuquerque 348-9007.
Office Hours: Monday-Friday,
8 a.m. To 5 p.m.
Water
Belen: City Hall, 100 S. Main, • Watch the birds, over 160 species identified
Natural gas 864-8221. • Keep an eye open for coyotes, raccoons, skunks,
New Mexico Gas Company Los Lunas: 660 Main St. SW, prairie dogs, frogs, turtles, and other wildlife
Customer Service: (888) 839-3841. • Identify native wildflowers, shrubs, and trees
NM-GAS-CO (888-664-2726), Rio Communities, Meadow • Volunteer indoors or outdoors
Monday-Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 6 Lake, Pasitos del Cielo, • Bring the kids
p.m., or customerservice(at) Las Maravillas, Cypress • Bring the camera
nmgco.com. Gardens: New Mexico Water • Leave no footprints
Los Lunas office: 2431 Main Service, 401 Horner, Rio Com-
St. SE, near First Community Valencia Soil and Water Conservation District and
munities, 864-2118.
Bank in Albertson’s shopping Friends of the Whitfield Wildlife Conservation Area
center, hours Monday-Thurs- Cable TV welcome you
day, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Comcast: 344-0690, 330 2424 Highway 47, Belen, NM
Fridays 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Main St. NW, Los Lunas. Contact 505-864-8914 for hours
www.whitfieldwildlife.org
2010-11
valencia county, nm
Rodeo — A Southwest Experience
R
odeo is the official state sport of
Wyoming and Texas. A strong
case could be made for rodeo
being the state sport of New Mexico as
well, as cowgirls and cowboys all through
Valencia County, and throughout the state,
maintain a craft that dates back hundreds
of years.
Cattle ranching has deep roots in the
Southwest, especially in Valencia County,
and though many of today’s rodeo athletes
don’t make a living herding livestock, it
still takes a special kind of individual to
have the grit and persistence to excel at
rodeo events.
Including team roping, barrel racing and
mutton busting, the county has dozens of
regular and special events each year. They
range in size from informal gatherings on
private land to large statewide events, but
the competitive nature of Valencia County
can always be found in an arena.
The Valencia County Fairgrounds has
a two-arena complex in Belen where the
County Fair is held each year, and the Rio
Abajo Days celebration in the early fall.
Competitive rodeos are held at these
events and throughout the year, ranging
from high school and youth events to team
roping competitions. The two arenas are
part of a complex that includes pavilions, “Rodeo associations in the Southwest types of 4-H and dressage and competitive
the Sheriff’s Posse Hall, a 4-H building might have a lot of members, but not ones animal shows.
and a large grandstand alongside the main with a lot of discretionary income,” said There are also numerous facilities
arena. Babcock. “This isn’t high-end Long Island throughout the county that have rodeo
The Bosque Farms Rodeo Association, polo here. There are some dressage compe- arenas. Many of these spots are great ven-
a non-profit organization that formed in titions, and rodeo can cost a lot, but these ues for small local competitions such as
the mid-1960s, is one of the larger family- are working people who do the sport here.” team roping events. These gatherings bond
oriented rodeo organizations in the county, The facility defrays costs through vig- neighbors and help local athletes hone their
and it operates an arena in the Village of orous support from local businesses and rodeo tactics, and many Valencia County
Bosque Farms. individuals, and through renting out the residents have as high a skill level as oth-
The all-volunteer association helps wel- arena and the adjacent Cowboy Hall facil- ers with far more involvement in the sport.
come several annual and regular events ity for events. Some of the youth who competed local-
to the arena, and many residents of the The Bosque Farms arena hosts weekly ly in rodeo have gone on to qualify for, and
equine-friendly community practice regu- barrel racing and frequently hosts state- compete, in state and national competi-
larly at the facility before heading off to wide competitions for youth and adults. tions. A few have even earned rodeo schol-
state and national competitions. The arena and Cowboy Hall are also arships to colleges such as New Mexico
Rick Babcock, chairman of the BFRA, host to non-rodeo events that include the State University, helping put the county on
said money is definitely a factor in how Bosque Farms Community Fair, one of the the map in the rodeo community in a high-
rodeo participants make choices. oldest in the nation of its type, and to other visibility way.

2010-11
valencia county, nm
Isleta Pueblo — Old and New Come Together
A
s one of the oldest communi-
ties in Valencia County, Isleta
Pueblo has made the transition
into the 21st century while still protecting
and nurturing its traditions. Originally
established around the 1300s, the name
Isleta comes from the Spanish language
and means “Little Island.”
Hotel and Convention Center

Whether you are here for business or
pleasure, the Isleta Hotel and Convention
Center offers everything a guest could ask
for—breathtaking rooms with top-of-the-
line amenities, convenient onsite services
and shops.
The business traveler will find a state-
of-the art convention center, business ser-
vices center and in-room wireless Internet
access. The professional staff will help
ensure that your stay runs smoothly and
professionally.
Each guest room contains luxury lin-
ens, a large flat-screen television, an iPod
docking station, alarm clock and wireless
Internet access.
From a corporate board meeting to
a dream wedding, the Isleta Hotel and
Convention Center offers luxurious accom-
modations and all the amenities.
With over 30,000 square feet of superb The Palace West Casino is only minutesbeauty treatments, from hair to nails to
meetings facilities and seven individual away from Isleta Casino and Resort at thepermanent cosmetics and waxing.
meeting rooms configurable to accommo- Y intersection of Old Coors and Isleta Rd. The Spa also features luxurious treat-
date groups of any size, the resort offers Both casinos honor the free Isleta ment rooms, an outdoor therapeutic hot
services such as catering, event manage- Rewards Card so you can earn valuable tub, private cabanas, amenity-filled locker
ment, transportation and technology man- rewards based on slot and table games play,
rooms and a juice bar and is open 9 a.m.-
agement for your next important event. such as cash back, complimentary rooms, 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 10
show tickets and invitations to promotions
a.m.- 6 p.m. on Sunday.
and special events. After all that relaxation, feel free to
Gaming visit one of the resort’s many restaurants.
Right next door to the luxury hotel, From prime rib and lobster at the TIWA
Vegas-style gaming can be found at Isleta’s Relax and enjoy
300,000 square-foot plus casino offering The resort offers much more than just Steakhouse to a green chile cheeseburger
slots, table games, bingo and poker. the thrill of gaming. The Spa at Isleta at the Chili Ristra Deli, Isleta has some-
If you are looking for a more intimate offers luxurious hydration-based treat- thing for all appetites.
gaming space, the Palace West Casino ments that include rejuvenating facials,
is worth checking out. Open daily from energizing body treatments and soothing St. Augustine Church
8 a.m.-12 p.m. the non-smoking facility massages that employ both classic and Under the original name of St. Anthony,
features your favorite slot and video games modern techniques.
with a self-serve drink and snack station. You can also receive a wide range of Continued on page 65

this church was established in 1613. It is one of the oldest mission
churches in the United States. In 1692, De Vargas found its ruins
except for the nave of the church, 12 years after the Pueblo Indian
Revolt. The walls are original, upon which the church was rebuilt
in 1716 and renamed St. Augustine.
One of the oldest Spanish missions in New Mexico, St.
Augustine is located in the center of the town and fronting upon
a large public plaza. The church itself is of adobe, 110 feet by 25
feet in the inside, with walls four feet in thickness.
St. Augustine is open daily, and the people of Isleta are still
active in their community, holding regular worship services and
parish events.
Fun features
There are two gorgeous year-round lakes that are stocked with
fish — channel catfish in the spring and summer, and rainbow
trout in the fall and winter.
More conveniences include a fish cleaning station, restroom
facilities at both lakes, 44 shelters, a volleyball court and a con-
venience store where you can pick up groceries, drinks, baits,
tackle, fishing accessories and fishing licenses and permits.
Isleta Eagle is one of the Southwest’s premiere, award-win-
ning golf destinations, featuring a beautifully manicured 27-hole
course with three 9-hole tracts designed around and named after
their primary topographic feature — The Lakes Nine, Arroyo
Nine, and Mesa Nine.
2010-11
valencia county, nm
The Luna Mansion — Fine Dining and History
I
t’s an hour before opening at the
Luna Mansion, and it is a hive of
activity upstairs and down. Servers
in crisp white shirts and neat black ties and
bow ties make the final preparations before
the restaurant opens for business.
The slightly annoying whine of a mod-
ern vacuum cleaner is sharply at odds with
the period decor of the house. Plaster walls
rise from hardwood floors, crystal chan-
deliers are lit with flickering faux candles,
velvet upholstered divans offer a comfort-
able spot to recline and drink in the view of
the cottonwoods that surround the historic
building.
As the clock ticks down to the arrival
of the first customer, the staff seems to get
more relaxed with just a hint of excitement.
There is little if any tension, and the atmo-
sphere is drama free. The house seems to
take a slight breath in and then flings itself
open, welcoming in the community like a
long-lost family member.
And that is just what the Torres family
hoped for. “This really is for the communi-
ty,” Johnnah Torres said. In January, 2009,
the Torres family made the decision to
purchase the historic home cum restaurant
and restore it to its former glory.
Owned by Earl Whittemore for 32
years, the Southern style home of the
Otero-Luna family was a premier steak
house in its day as well as the site of the
penning of the New Mexico Constitution.
Just a month after Whittemore
announced the property was for sale,
Hortencia and Pete Teofilo Torres, along
with daughters Johnnah Torres and Joell
Torres and son Peter Japhen Torres, pur-
chased the mansion.
After six months of intense work, the
Luna Mansion quietly opened for business crawl space under the house working on a complete redo on the kitchen.
in July 2009, with a top to bottom, inside the duct work.” As work progressed on the infrastruc-
and out restoration and rehabilitation. While under there, Pete said he found ture of the approximately 10,000-square-
Between January and July, the family duct work that wasn’t attached to anything foot house, the family also worked on the
took on the big details of renovating the anymore and registers full of dirt. interior. The wall coverings were com-
house. With the duct work back in place, a pletely redone, as well as the curtains, rugs
“We basically started with the roof,” brand new heating system and refrigerated and tile.
Hortencia said. “Pete spent two days in the air unit was installed.
And there was new plumbing work and Continued on page 67

Continued from page 66 Hortencia said. “We took all the hardware Now it, along with a portrait of
off and stripped it back to the original Josephita, holds a place of pride at the top
Local painter Ronnie Baker and his wood.” of the stairs, welcoming guests into the
crew spent 12 weeks in the house redoing Much of the work accomplished was appropriately named Spirit Lounge. The
just about every room. done with the help of family and close second floor bar features two small din-
“He hand-painted the stripes in the friends, she said. ing rooms, filled with comfortably stuffed
entry hall,” Pete says, pointing to subtle And some of the decisions had to be chairs and sofas as well as an array of
tone-on-tone work that looks machine put to a vote. If there was dissension in the small dining tables.
precise. ranks, the five would take a vote. Another thing the family has kept “in
Many meetings were held, picking out “If you lost, it was over. Then you had house” are their employees. The 35 to 40
wallpaper patterns and paint colors to to start politicking for the next time,” Pete people working in the restaurant are all
special order, Johnnah said. And one at said. county locals.
a time, every upholstered antique in the Featured throughout the home are “We didn’t do any advertising in the
house was redone by Veguita upholstery framed pictures of the Otero and Luna Albuquerque Journal,” Johnnah said. “We
expert Floyd Chavez. families and their prestigious visitors, have people from Belen, Los Lunas, even
“He knew what to do,” Hortencia said. including Theodore Roosevelt himself. as far away as Bosque working with us.”
“He has done them over and over during The Valentino room, named for the red Included in that group is head chef
the years.” marble fireplace that was part of Rudolph Thomas Shook. With 14 years in the busi-
In the intimate space next to the swing- Valentino’s estate, features large paintings ness, Shook says he is doing what he loves
ing doors that lead into the inner sanc- done by Josephita Manderfield-Otero, the to do and puts his heart into the profession.
tum of the kitchen is the Alvarado bar, matriarch of one of Los Lunas’ founding The Luna Mansion, located at 110
named so because the bar stools were families. Main Street in Los Lunas, is open from 5
rescued from the old Alvarado Hotel in And at the top of the gently curving to 9 p.m., Tuesday through Sunday. The
Albuquerque. staircase that leads to the second floor is Spirit Lounge is open from 3:30 to 9:30
The tangy scent of freshly sliced lem- Pepe’s rocker. Said to still carry the spirit p.m.
ons bites the nose as guests approach the of Josephita and rock from time to time, Parties of eight or more are asked to
bar, which is backed by an enormous ice the rocker spent the last several years out call and make reservations. For informa-
box that was once in the Casa Colorada of the mansion at the request of the prior tion, or to make a reservation, call 865-
store. tenants. 7333 or go to www.lunamansion.com.
“It’s actually a working piece,”
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2010-11
valencia county, nm
Belen Model Railroad Club — A Cozy Group of Friends
T
he Belen rail yard is alive with
sounds — the chuff of engines
slowing, the bray of the horns
and the clash of box cars. Directly next
door to the hustle and bustle of the freight
trains is the Harvey House Museum, a
building that is used to the sounds of the
trains both inside and out.
As the thunder of a freight train heading
north fades, a quieter clickety-clack drifts
out out the museum’s open windows.
Sprawled over 20 feet by 39 feet in
the main display space of the former rail-
road boarding house is the Belen Model
Railroad Club’s annual fall exhibit. There
is a roundhouse, sidings with boxcars of
coal, spare parts, fueling tanks and enough
teeny, tiny people to populate a village.
The exhibit features modules from most of
the 28 members of the club. They connect
to form a continuous loop around the room
as freight trains and the Rail Runner sweep
past farm houses, hotels and hayrides.
The club, which began in 1995, was
given a permanent room in the museum said the best way to begin is to get a full in the club is the camaraderie with other
in 1998 to display and run their trains, sheet of plywood. members.
said member Gary Oudkirk. Since then, “Then go to Trains West or Wig-Wag “I have met so many people here I’ve
the museum provided a second room to Trains in Albuquerque, and buy a book become good friends with,” he said. “I
expand the layout. on getting started on HO scale trains,” he wouldn’t know five people if I hadn’t
The trains in the exhibit, and the ones said. Locally, model train items can be joined.”
most of the club members prefer, are HO purchased at the bicycle shop at the Mid Rich Smith joined the club last spring
scale. Model trains come in O, which is the Valley Air Park. after retiring and moving to Belen from
largest, HO (or half of O) and N scale, the There are also books on track layouts. Michigan.
smallest. Oudkirk recommends starting with a circle “My wife said I needed a retirement
Oudkirk became interested in model and adding complexities like switching, hobby,” he said. “We were traveling to
trains in 1968 while living in Reno, Nev., sidings and buildings later. Texas and going through Oklahoma we
when his roommate’s father gave him a set “If you have a 7- or 8-year old who saw the mile-long trains.”
of N-scale trains. is just in love with trains, start out with With his interest piqued once again,
“I went down to the local hobby shop some track planning books,” Oudkirk said. Smith decided to give model trains another
and got to talking to the guys there,” he “They will help you figure out what to buy try.
said. “They talked me into doing HO, since and how to set up.” But the biggest reason to take up the
it was more prevalent.” Things have changed since Oudkirk got hobby, according to Jim Mustakas, is for
He has been in Belen for five years, and his first trains. the fun of it.
this month will mark his fifth anniversary “They just keep making them better,” “Everybody has a talent — electrical,
with the club. In addition to the models, he said. “Better motors and better electri- track layout, scenery. This all comes from
he said the members make all their own cal. The first electric trains you had to plug imagination,” he said. “You will never see
backgrounds. into the wall and wire in the tracks.” the same thing.”
For anyone interested in putting togeth- Now tracks come pre-wired and ready Anyone interested in the club can call
er a model train set of their own, Oudkirk to snap together. president George Winters at 379-7243 or
Oudkirk said the best part of being secretary Jim McKelvey at 881-9795.

2010-11
valencia county, nm
Transportation in Valencia County
Belen Alexander Municipal United. Trains
Freight service is provided by DHL Belen is a longtime major hub in the
Airport Express, Federal Express and the United BNSF Railroad system. While it’s mainly
The Alexander Municipal Airport is Parcel Service.
located on the mesa west of Belen, about a fueling facility, Belen serves as the oper-
30 miles from Albuquerque and two miles ating division headquarters for the railroad
from Interstate 25. Freeways in New Mexico and Arizona.
A new one-mile long crosswind run- Belen has three convenient freeway About 100 trains run through Belen
way is planned within the next few years, entrances onto Interstate 25, the major each day in an occupation that employs
and the project will be in the design phase north-south route in the state. An easy 30 about 1,500 people statewide.
within the next year. miles north to Interstate 40, the major east-
The airport is home to over 50 aircraft, west roadway in New Mexico. Rail Runner
a skydive club, a propeller overhaul facil- The northern exit leads to N.M. 314 The New Mexico Rail Runner Express
ity, aerial photographer and other small and Main Street, going past the city’s was introduced in 2006 and has recently
aviation businesses. Walmart Supercenter and Valencia County expanded its service as far north as Santa
Fairgrounds. Fe.
The middle exit leads motorists onto The commuter train recently reached
The Albuquerque Sunport historic Camino del Llano past Belen its 2,000,000 rider earlier this year.
Albuquerque’s international airport Meadows Health Care and Rehabilitation
is an easy connection to get anywhere The Belen station is located at Reinken
Center and onto Main Street. Avenue and Wisconsin Street. The Los
around the world. The southern exit leads motorists
Served by eight carriers: American, Lunas station is located at 751 Juan Perea
directly onto Main Street and to the busi- Road, next to the Los Lunas Transportation
U.S. Airways, Continental, Delta, Frontier, nesses on the city’s south side.
Great Lakes, New Mexico, Southwest and Center.
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2010-11
valencia county, nm
Ham Radio — Another Way to Communicate
A
t age 17, Phil Shaw of Tierra
Grande already has a sprawling
network of contacts around the
world.
Shaw isn’t your typical teenager. He’s
one of many amateur radio operators, also
known as hams, who participated in the
National Field Day for Amateur Radio in
June.
As a member of the Valencia County
Amateur Radio Association, Shaw, and
dozens of other people, participated in the
annual event at Willie Chavez State Park
in Belen. Amateur radio stations are set up
on the last Saturday in June by operators
across the world to test their general emer-
gency preparedness skills.
Operators spend 24 hours, from
Saturday noon to Sunday noon, making
contacts and honing their skills in operat-
ing an emergency station.
Shaw, who was recently named Young
Ham of the Year by the American Radio
Relay League, became a member of the
local organization when he was only 13.
been a member of VCARA for 20 years. said. “We, the amateur radio operators,
He was nominated by two members
He said he had always been interested, use a different criteria to add up countries
of the local group who recognized his
but it was his daughter, Ginger Eldridge than the United Nations. We have more
dedication to the field and his willingness
(KC5MTI), who pushed him to finally get countries, and according to our criteria,
to help others learn what amateur radio is
involved. they may be just a little island out in the
all about.
Clark and Eldridge are not the only ham Pacific.”
Shaw said he has been promoting the
radio operators in the family. Eldridge’s In all, Ridley has contacted 335 coun-
hobby at several events during the year,
son, 9-year-old Justin (W8JME), has also tries around the world. He is still waiting,
including the Kids Roundup.
become involved in the hobby and spent very patiently, for that elusive radio opera-
“I’ll help set up stations, which are open
the night with his grandfather at the field tor in Mount Athos, a monastery in the
for kids to drop in and make contacts, and
day over the weekend. middle of Rome.
give them information about ham radio,”
There are more than 70,000 ham radio “There’s only one ham radio operator
he said.
operators in the United States and about there and his name is Monk Apollo, and
Shaw became interested in amateur
5,600 in New Mexico. he’s very contrary and sometimes he’ll get
radio thanks to his mother, who saw an
While many amateur radio operators on the air and sometimes he won’t,” Ridley
article in the newspaper about a workshop
work on practicing their emergency skills, said. “I’m inclined to call him ‘The mad
given by the Valencia County Amateur
others use ham radio as purely entertain- monk of Mount Athos,’ because he’s so
Radio Association.
ment. Paul Ridley of Pueblitos has been an elusive.”
“Ralph Clark (a VCARA member)
operator for 33 years and a member of the Ridley said he’s been trying to contact
helped me out a lot, and gave me a lot of
VCARA for about 14. Monk Apollo for about two years, but with
opportunities to improve my own experi-
For Ridley, ham radio is a way to make the time difference, it’s a bit difficult.
ence and help others,” he said.
contacts around the world. To date, Ridley “It’s just a lot of fun,” Ridley said. “I’m
Shaw said the furthest he’s been able to
has contacted nearly every country in the hoping that none of these guys get him
make contact was in northern Japan.
world — all except one. before I do. It would ruin the whole thing
Clark, whose call sign is NM54C, has
“It’s taken me about 22 years,” Ridley for a career guy like me.”

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2010-11
valencia county, nm
Hispano Matanza — All You Can Eat
A
smoky aroma consumed the air
and a steady cracking sound of
cooking meat could be heard
all around as Valencia County residents
kicked off the 2009 Valencia County
Hispano Chamber of Commerce Matanza
at the Valencia County Fairgrounds.
The event, in its 10th year, drew about
8,000 people.
About 25 teams strutted their stuff and
competed for the best matanza dishes in
contests that included serving up chichar-
rones, carne adovada and liver plates to
garner the attention of judges.
One team, the Valencia County
Consulting Group, came up with a cheer
to egg their competitors on as the squad
cooked fan favorites such as carne ado-
vada and green chile stew.
“We came up with ‘Two, four, six,
eight, whose pig do you appreciate,’” said
Maria Marez, whose son, Paul, came up
with the idea of green chile stew for the
contest. “The chant makes the team better
and better as the day goes on.”
The competition extended beyond rally
cries, and some judges said they were
impressed with what landed on their table
in the matanza’s five contests. One judge
said contestants went so far as to decorate
the Styrofoam plates to stand out from the
other teams.
“It’s really interesting,” said matanza
judge Leonard Perea of Tomé. “One team
put teriyaki sauce to spice up their liver
dish.”
Another judge, Shirley Gallegos, sam-
pled tortillas and biscochitos, and said
presentation always should take a back
seat to good, traditional taste. She said she
pays attention to texture, and tastes every
item at least three times before making a
decision.
“Some people try and pretty up their
plates,” Gallegos said. “But taste is always grounds in the early morning hours to ready to go.”
No. 1.” make the fixings for the Rio Grande Gabaldon, an Albuquerque resident,
But taste isn’t something that happens Financial team. said he built a special grill to tote from
accidently. “I have been cooking since 5 a.m.,” matanza to matanza throughout the year,
Prem Gabaldon arrived at the fair- Gabaldon said. “I had the fire going and

and said friends and neighbors always
ask when his next matanza is going to
take place.
“I don’t know how many pounds of
potatoes I have cooked,” Gabaldon said.
“I cook all that stuff before I get the meat.
I don’t get a rest.”
But most that attended this matanza
appreciated the efforts of Gabaldon and
others who cooked for the length of the
day.
Victor Zapien, 22, of Albuquerque,
said the event was his first, but probably
wouldn’t be his last because of the food
and the friendly atmosphere.
“It’s good,” Zapien said. “You pay one
price and you can eat all day.”
Vince Martinez agreed with Zapien.
Martinez said he tried the carnitas and
beans early on, and planned to try much
more as the event wound down.
“I came here to try it out,” Martinez
said. “My brother, Mike, told me about
it. We are making our rounds.”
But for most, this matanza repre- share laughs and old stories about one of the people running around here. But I
sented a tradition in Valencia County another. have been doing this since I was a young
and New Mexico. Matanzas are a time “It’s a chance to see family and kid. My father and grandfather did it.
for family3-18-10:Layout
Half-page and friends to1 get together
3/19/10 9:19and
AM friends,”
Page 1 Gabaldon said. “I know most Now, I am doing it. It’s part of my roots.”
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499 Emilio Lopez Road 377 Emilio Lopez Road

Los Lunas, NM 87031 Los Lunas, NM 87031
866-3100 866-3000
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2010-11
valencia county, nm
Valencia Flour Mill — A Family Business
F
or 90 years, three generations of
the Cordova family have operated
a flour mill in Jarales.
Jose D. Cordova, rancher and owner
of the Jarales Trading Post, built the flour
mill in 1914 when he realized his neighbors
needed a closer place to take their wheat to
be ground into flour.
Prior to the mill being built, farmers
had to take their wheat to Belen, Socorro
or even all the way to Albuquerque.
Arturo Cordova, son of Jose and Josefita
Lopez Cordova, took over operation of the
mill in 1933 after it was rebuilt after a fire.
He ran the mill until 1980.
Arturo ground wheat and produced
flour under the Royal Crust Flour label
until the 1970s.
After his death in 1983, the mill stood
idle until his son, Jose D. Cordova II,
returned to Jarales and restored the build-
ing and opened Valencia Flour Mill.
A lot of families in the Middle Rio
Grande Valley remember bringing their
wheat to the mill. Most remember coming
with their fathers when they were children.
Jose D. Cordova II, son of Arturo and
Viviana Sanchez Cordova, brought the mill
back to life in 1988. Cordova and his wife, ball-bearing drive shafts rather than a gear holds, the Cordovas have worked to create
Kathy, are among the few micro-millers in system. a niche market.
New Mexico. When Cordova was restoring the equip- “We have developed a sopapilla mix
When Jose worked in the mill as a ment, he realized that it was strictly an that is as healthy as possible by reducing
young man, he never imagined he would American invention and still better than the salt by using a light salt, and by using
continue the family business. some modern equipment that relied on a high-quality monounsaturated oil,” said
But after earning a degree in mill- gears. Kathy of the mix that an area medical
ing technology from Kansas State “Just reading the 20th Century Mill doctor, who has a diabetic child, helped
University and working for 3M Products catalogue is a stroll through history. The develop. “We use sunflower oil that is 80
in Minnesota, Cordova returned to restore catalogue is a piece of art with its illustra-
percent monounsaturated compared to 62
the mill to modern food manufacturing tions and descriptions,” said Kathy, who
license standards. percent in canola oil.”
has a journalism degree.
“We became interested in old mills Cordova runs the mill himself with the Valencia Flour Mill sells its sopapilla
while living in Minnesota,” he said. “Mills help of high school students in packaging mix retail at the mill, and to restaurants
are a dying business. At the turn of the cen- the product. They process 50,000 pounds across the state.
tury, every little town had a mill. Today, of wheat each year. The wheat comes from “We repackaged our wholesale bags
there are only about 200 across the nation.” the Clovis area and from the Navajo farm- to 25-pound size when we learned the
It took the Cordovas a year-and-a-half ing operation in the Four Corners area. women in the kitchens had trouble lifting
to restore the original equipment for opera- But since the Valencia Flour Mill can the 50-pound bags,” Cordova said.
tion. The 20th Century Mill equipment is not compete with Gold Medal Mills that For more information about the mix,
unique because it is driven by belts turning produces the flour used in most house- the Cordovas may be reached at 864-0305.

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New Mexican Frances’
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Belen, NM 87002 908 S. Main Street
864-0217 Belen, New Mexico
Carry Out Available Phone: 864-0425
Mon-Fri 7am-3pm Open 7 days a week
Sat-Sun 7am-1pm Tuesday-Saturday
6am-6pm
orlando & rita Sunday & Monday 6am-2pm
gonzales
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865-7333
www.lunamansion.com 1700 Bosque Farms Blvd. • Bosque Farms, NM • 869-9038
2010-11
valencia county, nm
Summerfest — Yesterday on Wheels
I
t was a field of dreams — classic
red-and-white 1957 Chevy dreams,
amazing purple glow-neon-in-the-
sunlight dreams. There were dreams of
Camaros lost and found, of T-bird convert-
ibles with their porthole side windows, of a
shiny red 1930 Cadillac with a rumble seat
and a valise that serves as a trunk.
You can hear the talk. Dad had a car
like this and always regretted trading it in.
This muscle car was the same model as
someone’s first vehicle.
The folks whose dreams had come
true were ensconced in lawn chairs, big
umbrellas holding off the sun. They came
with chiller cups and plans to buy roasted
ears of corn and a burger come noon, if
they could wait that long.
The annual Summerfest had brought
together two types of dreamers — those
who looked longingly and those whose
fantasies had come true.
Abie Sanchez of Rio Rancho was look-
ing at his dream — a ‘96 Z28 Chevy with
a satin red finish that will someday be
handed down, a legacy on wheels, to his
son, Jonathan, 9.
He’s owned the car for three years
because “Z28s run deep in my family. My
dad and, I think, his dad, owned them, and
I will give this one to my son.”
Down the way a bit, Marvin Wilson of was “a decent car but pretty rough when I
Albuquerque feels the same way about his
1971 X28 Camaro, a car he’s owned for welcome
Summerfest
What: Cars. cars, cars — classic auto-
started messing with it.”
He’d seen the color before and starting
mixing paints and came up with exactly
five years. It sparkles.
“My wife says I keep the car cleaner mobiles, Model T Fords, hot rods — you what he wanted.
than I keep me,” he says. name it, if it’s on wheels. He’s always liked T-birds. When he
“It’s name is The Beast. When I bought When: June 12-13, 2010 was a kid in the ‘60s his father worked
the car, my daughter said, ‘Dad, that car’s Where: Los Lunas Sports Plex, N.M. 314 for a Ford dealership and brought home
a sexy beast,’ and it’s been The Beast ever and Morris Road literature and sales brochures that Harvey
since.” would study.
Alan Skinner and his daughter Brittany, So this car has “kind of fulfilled a child-
13, attended Summerfest with other mem- No one passes by Lil’ John Harvey’s hood dream,” he said. He also owns a ‘58
bers of the Land of Enchantment GTO 1963 Thunderbird. No one. The color is Corvette, a ‘36 Ford, a ‘55 Crown Victoria
Club. called kandy royal amethyst, but it says and a ‘57 Lincoln.
His vehicle, a 2006 cyclone gray Pontiac glowing neon purple in the very nicest Quite a few T-birds showed up for the
GTO, is historic. “It’s the newest one out way. 2009 event. Bill Verant, who has attended
and the last to be made,” he said. Pontiacs Harvey, a Los Lunas resident who owns this show every year, brought his ‘55 and
are no more. Lil John’s Kustom Studio, said the vehicle ‘56 models. His 1956 Ford Mainline two-

door sedan has only 31,000 miles on it and
comes with a classic story.
“It was owned by a little old lady — she
wasn’t from Pasadena — and stayed in a
garage for most of its life. She passed 10
years ago, and the car went to her niece
who sold it to me,” Verant says. The
Berkshire green vehicle, because it is an
unrestored original, is considered a “true
survivor.”
Don Pacheco of Bosque Farms knows
about dreams, too. The cancer he’s been
fighting has been eased by his love of the
1957 matador red Chevy BelAir that he’s
driven for five or six years.
“My dad has known this car since he
was a young boy,” his daughter,Leah, said.
“He remembered it, and he went back to
Colorado and asked if it had been sold.”
The 1957 is the classic, the vehicle most
people think about when they talk about
old cars.
Wife Dolores says Don will “pull out
a dust rag and say ‘I found a spot over
here,’” but that she knows he just loves to
polish it.
After all, it’s his dream, sitting there in
mint condition in steel and glass.
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2010-11
valencia county, nm
Valencia County Through the Lens

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Welcome To Valencia County: 2010 Official Visitors Guide

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Belen, New Mexico

Reaching for the Stars! Community

Greater Belén Chamber of

Greater Belen Economic

Belen Main Street Partnership

Where there’s spirit,

Serving Valencia County from three locations:

Belen • 101 S. Main St. • 505-864-5742

127842_15670 7.25x9 4c 1 3/15/10 7:14 AM

Backed by specialized training and

CENTURY 21: The Gold Standard.

8 welcome to valencia county valencia county news-bulletin

We have money to lend.

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Alterations & Repairs Inn of the Phoenix

Hub Furniture & Carpet Co. Fax • Business Cards • Letterhead

Renee Gallegos Agency

Bosque Farms Economic

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ROOM, WITH A VIEW.

THE BLUFFS AT EL CERRO - LOCATED IN HUNING RANCH • 1 ACRE VIEW LOTS

52 one-acre premium lots • Choose your builder • No build-out time limits

2009-2010 Board of Directors

Valencia County Hispano

16 welcome to valencia county valencia county news-bulletin

Tax and financial solutions

■ Experienced, trained tax professionals

■ Convenient evening and weekend hours

Bosque Farms Office Belen Office Los Lunas Office

18 welcome to valencia county valencia county news-bulletin

LAND FOR SALE

Bill Campbell III, CCIM Gaylord T. Campbell

1928: The village of Los Lunas was

Late ’20’s – ’38: Route 66 passed

1935: The U.S. government offered 42

1929: The Los Lunas Hospital and

1960s: Rio Communities was estab-

1974: Bosque Farms was incorporated

1978: The University of New Mexico

22 welcome to valencia county valencia county news-bulletin

24 welcome to valencia county valencia county news-bulletin

WE ARE LOCAL EXPERTS

If your card processing fees were 20%-50%

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Holy Eucharist: Sun. 8:00 a.m. & 10:30 a.m.

628 Los Lentes N.E.

28 welcome to valencia county valencia county news-bulletin

Organize Your Life Debi Spicher

30 welcome to valencia county valencia county news-bulletin

Acupuncture AssociAtes of AmericA

34 welcome to valencia county valencia county news-bulletin

Financial Network Tomé Art Gallery

Art & Fine Craft

36 welcome to valencia county valencia county news-bulletin

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Trails End Hacienda

864-6722 “Adobe Gate,”

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• Huge Selection of Granite

(505) 873.9593 • 463.2659

46 welcome to valencia county valencia county news-bulletin