2010 Holiday Event Guide

Inside . . .• Parade, ‘Historic 66 in Lights’• ‘Sing Along MainStreet’• VFW coat drive• IPAC seeking coats and food• Christian Unity - ‘Night of Nativity’• El Morro’s ‘Solstice Surprise’• Crafters for the season• Advertisements, Shop Cibola County....AND MORE

SatURDAY, Dec. 4th AT 6 p.m.

Holiday LLiigghhttss Paradeand Winter FestivalWinter Festival

DETAILSDETAILS INSIDE!INSIDE!

Happy Holidays

Cibola CountyCibola County

Happy Holidays

Inside . . .• Parade, ‘Historic 66 in Lights’• ‘Sing Along MainStreet’• VFW coat drive• IPAC seeking coats and food• Christian Unity - ‘Night of Nativity’• El Morro’s ‘Solstice Surprise’• Crafters for the season• Advertisements, Shop Cibola County....AND MORE

2 Holiday Event Guide

HISTORIC in LIGHTSLIGHTS HolidayHoliday

LLIIgghhtt ParadeParadeandand Winter FestivalWinter Festival

* Bring the kids to meet Santa! y Hot cocoa and cookies! u Holiday cheer!

Donate a canned good or some spare change at Continental Divide

Electric Co-op’s parade tableand register to win

a Nintendo Wii!

Pennies for Pantries!

This project is made possible by Grants Mainstreet, the City of Grants and the community. For information on how to participate call (505) 285-3573.

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Holiday Day Event Guide 3

GRANTS – The theme this year is

“Historic 66 in Lights.” Randy

Hoffman, the city’s MainStreet Project

manager, summarized plans for the

seasonal celebration and noted it

includes the Holiday Light Parade, a

Winter Festival plus an outdoor deco-

rating competition for area businesses.

“This event heralds the start of the hol-

iday season for area residents,”

according to Hoffman.

PARADEScheduled for Dec. 4, the parade

begins at 6 p. m. at the intersection of

Nimitz Drive and E. Santa Fe Avenue.

There are no entry fees. Completed

applications are due at the MainStreet

office no later than Nov. 26. Each par-

ticipant will be assigned a number.

The only restriction: Santa Claus can-

not ride on the float.

A three-member panel will judge

parade entries. The winning entry

receives $125, with $75 for second

place and $50 for third.

In 2009 there were 27 parade entries

but the previous year only five floats

participated. MainStreet is anticipat-

ing more people will take part this

year. The project manager noted the

office has received a stream of

inquiries in the past few weeks.

WINTER FESTIVALThe Winter Festival, at the Fire and

Ice Park, begins as the parade ends.

Activities include the lighting of the

city’s Christmas tree. Mayor Joe

Murrietta and Santa will perform the

honors and the tree will remain on dis-

play until after Christmas Day.

Toys for Tots gifts will be distrib-

uted and children can have their pic-

tures taken with the jolly old elf.

The newly formed “Sing Along

Main Street” holiday Choir will per-

form in the park before and after the

parade. The group has invited resi-

dents of all ages to join in the caroling.


The Bluewater Panthers float in the2009 Grants MainStreet Light Parade.

BEACON / COURTESY

‘Historic 66 in Lights’MainStreet

Winter Festival

and

Light Parade

Dec. 4

Festival tidits• The Holiday Light Parade isscheduled for Dec. 4, Saturday, andbegins at 6 p. m.• “Historic 66 in Lights” is the 2010theme for the annual parade.• Parade entry form deadline isMonday, Nov. 26.• Entry forms are available at theGrants! MainStreet Project office,located at 523 W. Santa Fe Ave. Formore information call 285-3573.• Sing Along Main Street, the holi-day choir, invites community mem-bers of all ages to join. The groupwill be take part in the parade inaddition to caroling, before andafter the parade, at the Fire and IcePark. For additional information callIna at 285-3573 or John at 287-0398.• Businesses are encouraged toenter the outdoor decorating com-petition. For more information call285-3573.• 2010 limited edition holiday orna-ments are available at theMainStreet office. Call 285-3573.

By Rosanne BoyettBeacon Staff Writer

Holiday Event Guide 5

Throughout the evening numerous vendorbooths will offer a variety of merchandise to shop-pers along with a selection of goodies for nibbling.Everyone is invited to share in the seasonal hospi-tality, which includes sipping hot chocolate andsampling cookies.

DECORATING

COMPETITION

Businesses are encouraged to decorate theirstorefronts Last year Lillian Vigil, Farmers’Insurance, was the winner of the outdoor decorat-ing competition. The business received a $500prize along with “bragging rights” that includeddisplaying the winner’s trophy.

MainStreet is urging shops and restaurants toremain open until 9 p.m. for their customers’ con-venience.

Every year the annual celebration attracts morecommunity members. The MainStreet staffacknowledged that the city’s support has helpedthe event to grow. The project manager urged res-idents to “make this one of the biggest and bestholiday events ever.

GRANTS – No auditions are required; the only prerequisite isthe desire to sing. This holiday season offers area residents thechance to join a newly formed community choral group.

Ten people took part in the first rehearsal but after several addi-tional sessions, the choir has continued to gain new voices. On arecent evening more than 20 community members practiced underthe leadership of Rev. Tim Garrison, choir director. People of allages, male and female, joined in the singing.

The group decided on a name, Sing Along Main Street, and haveexpanded their goals. On Dec. 4 carolers will perform in down-town Grants at the Fire and Ice Park. Originally the plan was tostroll around while singing carols during the Winter Festival. Butas members’ enthusiasm has blossomed, they have decided toenter a float in the annual parade. Taking part in the processionalmeans that SAMS’s members can entertain those along the route,which includes the portion of historic Route 66 between NimitzDrive and Silver Avenue Another change is the addition of a parkperformance, at 5 p. m. before the parade begins at 6 p. m.

John Martinez, MainStreet Project’s promotion committee chair,said the choral group now has traditional songbooks to carry whilethey perform. He encouraged carolers to wear seasonal attire dur-ing that Saturday’s events and suggested colorful scarves, knittedhats and mittens.

Ina Hoffman, MainStreet board secretary, and Martinez were all

BEACON / COURTESY

Santa, Mrs. Santa and their helpers are expectedonce again at the yearly holiday parade. Santa andMrs. Santa will have a gift for every child at Fireand Ice Park following the parade.

CONT’D ON PAGE 6

By Rosanne Boyett

Beacon Staff Writer

SINGING ALONGSINGING ALONG

MAIN STREETMAIN STREET

Community members lift their voices in song


Sunday - Saturday 6am to 9pm

287-2157

1415 W. Highway 66

Milan, NM

smiles as they talked

about the festival’s latest

addition, the community

choir. Martinez explained

the concept and said, “We

are looking for anyone

interested in joining the

group. The choir will be

singing Christmas carols

such as “Silent Night” and

“Away in a Manger” plus

seasonal favorites like

“I’ll Be Home For

Christmas,” “Winter

Wonderland” and many

others during the Winter

Festival.” Everyone

attending the evening’s

events is encouraged to

join SAMS in singing hol-

iday tunes.

Hoffman commented that

all community members are

welcome to participate in

the choir. She said that the

students in Grants’ High

School’s music department

have been invited to take

part in the festivities.

The idea is the brain-

child of several area resi-

dents and Grants’

MainStreet Project is

spearheading the under-

taking. The concept is an

offshoot of the annual

holiday parade and

Winter Festival, which

are jointly sponsored by

the City of Grants and

MainStreet.

The choir’s weekly

meetings are held at 7 p.

m. at the Lighthouse

Christian Center on

Tuesday evenings. The

LCC parishioners provide

the evening’s refresh-

ments.

For more information

on the community choir

contact the MainStreet

Project office at 285-3573.

CONT’D FROM PAGE 5

BEACON / CHAVEZ!Tis the season and area residents are enthusiastically getting

ready for the holidays. The community choir"s rehearsal ses-

sions are part of those preparations. Members of Sing Along

Main Street, a newly formed choral group, are practicing carols

and traditional favorites such as “I"ll Be Home for Christmas.”

The Rev. Tim Garrison, choir director, is leading the group.

From left, clockwise, are Ina Hoffman, John Martinez, Randy

Hoffman, Rev. Tim Garrison, Joyce Martin, June Lucero, Angie

Lamb, Sherlleen Yazzie, Helen Garrison and Karen Roundy.


CIBOLA COUNTY - The

Veteran's of Foreign Wars Pam

Wood's Memorial Coat Drive con-

tinues another record year.

According to VFW 3221 Post

Commander Fred Grey, the organ-

ization has collected approximate-

ly $8,000 for its annual coat drive.

"We'll distribute nearly 400 coats

when it all said and done," said

Grey.

The VFW partners with the

Grants/Cibola County School

District in distributing the coats to

area needy children. "We contact

all the schools and we don't dis-

criminate," Grey said.

The VFW holds several

fundraising events a year such as

the annual summer Pam Woods

Memorial Bike Run in order to

fund the coat drive. "All the

money is in," Grey said, "we just

need to finish buying the coats and

get them to the kids."

Gene Spidle, the post’s senior

vice commander, said they are

currently giving 193 jackets and

have money for about 100 more.

In addition to the new coats, the

VFW has already gathered and

given away 100 used ones.

“For the size of community we

are and the giving, no community

in New Mexico comes close,” said

Spidle. “Albuquerque does more

than us but they’re also a much

bigger community. Its amazing

how many coats this VFW distrib-

utes,” Spidle added.

This is the eighth year the VFW

has put on the coat drive. “It all

started at the bar,” said Spidle.

“We wanted to help some kids in

town who had no coats. One guy

said he’d throw in $20, I matched

him and the next guy matched

him. Next thing you know some

guys were doubling their first

contribution. That’s how it all

started and here we are today dis-

tributing hundreds of coats.”

VFW coat drive continuesBy Donald JaramilloBeacon Publisher/Managing Editor

BEACON / JARAMILLO

Veteran!s of Foreign Wars 3221 Senior Vice Commander Gene Spidle and Barbara Jones,director of the Ladies Auxiliary, stand in front of many coats ready to be picked up by localschools for needy children. This year the VFW will distribute nearly 400 coats, new andused for children of all ages.


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• Toys for Tots, donation boxes throughout town

For donation information call Raymond

at 287-9201 or 287-0771

• Good Samaritan Center Food drive

Canned goods or non-perishable food items

840 Lobo Canyon Rd.

Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

• 4-H Christmas tree sale

Weekends, Nov. 27-Dec. 19

$10 per tree, any size

Nimitz Drive and Santa Fe Avenue

Trees available during the week at Diamond G

• Sock and glove drive

Grants Police and Fire Departments.

For more information call Christy at 290-5697

• Blood drive

Saturday, Dec. 4, 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Future Foundations Family Center

285-3542, ext. 119

• ARC of Cibola County

Walnut Grove Mercantile fudge

Order through Nov. 30, delivery on Dec. 17

Roberta, 287-0104

Donna, 290-1518

Loraine, 290-1578

• Roberta’s Place, Inc.

Festival of Wreaths and Dinner

Friday, Dec. 3., $10

Wreaths for decorating, $20

287-7200.

• Smith’s Food and Drug

Donations for Grants Community Pantry

Through Dec. 25

• Indian Parent Advisory Committee

Coat drive

Through Dec. 8

401 N. Second Ave

— Holiday benefits —

M-F 5 am to 6 pmSat. 7 am to 5 pm • Sun. 9 am to 4 pm

113 N. Gold Avenue, Grants, NM 87020(505) 287-9447

519 W. Santa Fe Ave.505-285-3446

Monday thru Friday11 am to 8 pm

Sat. & Sun.

Season’s

Greetings

Holiday Event Gude 9

— Holiday trees are ready —

Christmas tree permits will beavailable at Cibola National Forestoffices through Dec. 24. The cost is$10 per permit and each household islimited to one permit. Up to nineadditional permits can be purchasedfor family or friends.

For tree cutting on the CibolaNational Forest, permits can be pur-chased at the Mount Taylor RangerDistrict, 1800 Lobo Canyon Rd. Formore information call 287-8833. Theoffice is open Monday through Fridayfrom 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and closed forlunch from noon to 1 p.m.

The Fort Wingate office is open onSaturdays only from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.For more information call 1-505-488-5441.

Special Events• 200 hot Thanksgiving dinners

The Way, Truth and Life Ministries

11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

• Turkey Trot Fun RunThanksgiving

Walkers at 8:30 a.m., runners at 8:45 a.m.

Future Foundations Family Center, $15

• Annual Native American Arts and Crafts FairFriday-Sunday, Nov. 26-28

Sky City Cultural Center

Acoma

• Annual Festival of Wreaths and DinnerRoberta’s Place, Inc.

Dec. Friday, 3, 6 p.m., $10

• Arts and Crafts FairFriday-Saturday, Dec 3-4, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Future Foundations Family Center

• Holiday Light Parade and Winter Festival,“Historic 66 in Lights”Saturday, Dec. 4, 6 p. m.

Fire and Ice Park, Grants

• Pueblo of Laguna Christmas Arts and Crafts FairDec. Saturday, 11, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

K’awaika Center, Laguna

• Night of NativitySaturday, Dec. 11, 6-8 p.m.

Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints

• The Christmas PuzzleDec. 12, 7 p.m.

Free

Potter’s House

• ARC Christmas partyFriday, Dec. 17, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Music by “Bad Habits”

Knights of Columbus

• “Klinkenschnell,” children’s Christmas musicalSunday, Dec. 19, 11 a.m.

Mount Taylor Baptist Church

Old School GalleryHighway 53, mile marker 46

1-505-783-4710

• Holiday Craft SaleSaturday, Nov. 27

1:30-4 p.m., free

• Open Mic NightSaturday, Dec. 11, 7 p.m.

$5

• Solstice SurpriseSunday, Dec. 18, 7 p.m.

$5

Special WorshipFirst Baptist Church, 224 Mountain Rd.

• Sunday, Dec. 5: 10:45 a.m., Communion Service

• Sunday, Dec. 12, 10:45 a.m., “An Evening in

December” annual Christmas cantata

• Friday, Dec. 24, 6 p.m., Christmas Eve Service


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— Holiday happenings —


CIBOLA COUNTY – “My officehas had an overwhelming request forwinter coats. Unfortunately, we cannotprovide them with our state or federalfunding,” said Indian EducationDirector Gloria Hale. “The fundingdoes not allow for personal clothing.”

According to Hale, there are manychildren in all the area schools who donot have a coat.

The Indian Parent AdvisoryCommittee recently decided to helpput a coat on many of these children.“I was sharing with the committee ofhow many calls my office was gettingfor coats and a committee membersimply said ‘let’s do a coat drive.’”

IPAC seeking coats and foodBy Donald JaramilloBeacon Publisher/Managing Editor

CONT’D ON PAGE 12

BEACON / TESHIMAGloria Hale, right, and assistant Sharon Keryte have gathered lots of food and a

couple of jackets for their drives in the holiday spirit. To make your coat dona-

tion contact [email protected].


Insurance Agency

[email protected]

• Auto • Home • Life • Business

823 E. Roosevelt Ave.

Grants 285-3675

Thanks for your Business

The goal is to find 20 coats, new orused, for each school. There are sevenschools in the district, therefore thefinal goal is 140 coats. “We need allsizes - youth small, medium and large,male and female,” said Hale.

The schools’ counselors are respon-sible for identifying the children whoneed coats.

Coats can be dropped off at theIndian Education Office at 401 N.Second St. in Grants.

“Thank you notes for tax purposeswill be mailed following the drive,”Hale said. “If you are purchasing acoat for the cause we are also askingfor the amount of cost so we caninclude that in the thank you note.”

Coats are being collected throughDec. 8 and will be distributed to theschools shortly after the deadline.

“The committee just wants to help,”said Hale.

The holiday drive does not stop

there. IPAC is also is holding a foodbasket drive through Monday, Nov.22 at 5 p.m., for Tuesday delivery.“The goal here is to create one foodbasket for each school. Again, schoolcounselors will be key as they areresponsible for identifying one needyfamily. We are getting food donatedby parents, staff and businesses,” saidHale.

“We will collect through 5 p.m.Monday and will make the basketsthat evening and morning of the nextday for distribution on Tuesday after-noon. Each basket will include a $25gift certificate from John BrooksSupermarket, formerly known asMilan Supermarket.”

For more information on the coatand food drive, call Hale at 285-2605or 285-2769.

About IPACThe Indian Parent Advisory com-

mittee averages 60 to 80 paarents at

their monthly meetings. Meetingsare held in different locationsthrough out the county. For exam-ple, in November their meeting washeld at Cubero Elementary. On Jan.12 it will be at Mesa ViewElementary in Grants and on Feb. 9it will be at the Navajo BacaChapter House in Prewitt. All meet-ings start at 6 p.m.

IPAC is federally funded. The com-mittee consists of six co-chairs - a rep-resentative from the Pueblos of Acomaand Laguna and the Navajo Nation,students representative from GrantsHigh School and Laguna-Acoma Highschool and a teacher representativefrom the school district.

“When we meet,” said Hale, “repre-sentatives usually bring their wholefamily. We really have a good time.”

Hale said the committee’s mainpurpose is to support the school dis-trict in achieving Adequate YearlyProgress and after school programs.



GRANTS – The nativity scene rep-

resents one of Christianity’s most

revered occasions, the birth of Christ.

Ina Hoffman and Norma Meech are

spearheading a countywide event

that will display dozens of treasured

nativity scenes. If the congregation’s

dreams are fulfilled, The Church of

Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints’

activity rooms will overflow with

myriad pieces of artwork symbolic of

the sacred event.

The evening is planned to be an

inter-denominational exhibit and

offers people a chance to admire the

variety of religious figures. Hoffman

described the event and said, “We

thought it would bring the communi-

ty together to share in the spirit of the

birth of Christ.” The goal is to cele-

brate Christ’s birth with something

more than just colored lights and

gifts, according to Hoffman.

Last year there were more than 35

pieces displayed at the first Night of

Nativity celebration. Hoffman

recalled the earlier display and said,

‘N‘Night of ight of NNativity’ativity’

By Rosanne BoyettBeacon Staff Writer

SPECIAL HOLIDAY EVENTCELEBRATES CHRISTIAN UNITY

CONT’D ON PAGE 14


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A short history of theChristmas nativity scene

The nativity scene, a crèche or crib, is a depictionof the birth of Jesus as described in the NewTestament gospels of Matthew and Luke. The termtypically includes two-dimensional depictions usingfilm, painting, printmaking and other media. Many churches and some municipalities createthree-dimensional “living nativity scenes” thatincorporate live animals and people as part of thetableau. Figures symbolize the infant Jesus, hismother Mary and her husband, Joseph. In somenativity cribs there are other Biblical charactersrepresenting shepherds, the Magi and angels. Thefigures are usually displayed in a stable, cave orother structure.Saint Francis of Assisi is credited with creating thefirst nativity scene in 1223 A.D. and the scene'spopularity has inspired communities throughoutChristendom to create elaborate static exhibits orcrèches made from a variety of materials such aswood, wax and ivory with figurines garbed in richfabrics.Distinctive nativity scenes and traditions havebeen created around the world and are displayedduring the Christmas season in homes, churchesand area businesses.

“They were all very different.

Some were made of wood and

some were ceramic. A number

were souvenirs that people had

purchased on their travels to

other countries.” Organizers

are anticipating even more

nativity scenes this year and

future plans include hosting

the event at a different church

each year.

The annual holiday display

is open to any individual, fam-

ily, organization or church

congregation that wishes to

share their Christmas diora-

mas or crèches with the public.

Community members are

invited to view the religious

works of art from 6-8 p. m. on

Saturday, Dec. 11.

Refreshments will be served

and there is no fee for partici-

pating in this celebration of

the holidays.

A nativity scene depicts the

birth of Jesus Christ. In the

United Kingdom it is called a

manger scene and in France

the term “crèche” is used. All

three phrases refer to artwork

depicting the birth or birth-

place of Jesus, either sculpted

or incorporating cutout

objects in a realistic setting.

The scenes vary in size from

miniature through life-size

and a variety of materials are

used.

Those wishing to share their

crèches with the community

can bring their displays to the

Church of Jesus Christ of

Latter Day Saints, 1010

Bonadad Ave. in Grants. For

more information call 285-

3573 or 287-8682.



287-4432 (800) 660-9935

Season’s GreetingsSeason’s Greetings

Insurance Agency

Mesa Floor

Coverings, Inc.

729 E. High St.


The winter solstice, occurring

each year on Dec. 21 or 22,

marks the reversal of the length-

ened nights and begins the grad-

ual journey back to more day-

light hours. The interpretation of

this event varies throughout the

world, culture to culture, but

most cultures have attached some

sort of significance to the passing

of the solstice, celebrating it

through community gatherings

and festivities.

Gathering for fun, fellowship

and laughter is a tradition all

around the world. Known as

‘craic’ in Irish culture, fun, enter-

tainment and enjoyable conver-

sation is the foundation for cele-

bratory events of all occasions.

One universal element of many

of these celebrations is dance,

which is said to unite people

through, non-verbal communica-

tion. Ceili (pronounced kay-lee)

is the customary Irish festive

dance and throughout history

ceili dances were enjoyed at

house parties and community

gatherings.

‘Solstice Surprise’‘Solstice Surprise’OUT OF THE WAY HOLIDAY HAPPENING

On this eve of winter long

we join in poetry and song

walking on the crunching snow

starlight shows us where to go.

Or we could stay home tonight

by the firelight

who cares that the night is long.

On this winter’s eve so clear

the light of friendship brings us here

gathered in to dance and drum

knowing that the light will come.

We are here tonight

by the firelight

sitting close and keeping warm.

Solstice Song,

Winter’s Eve by anonymous EMAAC Artist

By Sophia TripodiBeacon Staff Writer


[email protected]

On Dec. 18, the El Morro

Area Arts Council will host

a solstice celebration at the

Old School Gallery. The

Fourth Annual Solstice

Surprise will feature a vari-

ety of entertainment,

including holiday music,

poetry, storytelling, drum-

ming, hors d’oeuvres, fruit

cake, and, of course, ceili

dancing.

These traditional coun-

try folk dances, suitable

for all ages, are meant to

involve the entire commu-

nity—no partner or experi-

ence is necessary to partic-

ipate. They have a follow-

the-leader pattern, a caller

announcing the steps that

allow new dancers to pick

up the basic steps (threes,

sevens, jig and ceili

swing) as the dancing pro-

gresses.

Picture yourself in a fes-

tively lit community hall,

the sound of music and the

voices of friends and neigh-

bors (and don’t forget the

permeating aroma of deli-

cious holiday treats) sur-

rounding you as you dance,

laugh and feel the move-

ment of age old fun pasting

through you. EMAAC and

the Old School Gallery

invite you to come be a part

of this magical event cele-

brating family, friends and

community that will warm

your heart during the holi-

day season.

Holiday events

Holiday Craft SaleSaturday, Nov. 271:30-4 p.m., FreeThis annual crafts sale feature arts and crafts from finelocal artists as well as delicious homemade holidaygoodies. Booth spaces are available.For more information call 1-505-783-4710Open Mic NightSaturday, Dec. 117 p.m., $5Solstice SurpriseSaturday, Dec. 187 p.m., $5Old School Gallery is located on Highway 53 at milemarker 46, one mile east of El Morro NationalMonument. For more information visit www.oldschool-gallery.org or call 1-505-783-4710.

Jack Carter-North, left, displays hisChristmas tree decorations at theHoliday Crafts Fair.BEACON / TESHIMA


Serving the community since 1947

Toll Free: (877) 285-6611

(505) 285-4405 Fax: (505) 287-2260

• 824 West Santa Fe Ave.• 1015 Roosevelt Ave.

Happy Holidays

GRANTS – The table grinder sent

screeching, explosive sparks into the

dimly lit shop. The hammer was clank-

ing, thinning the white steel. This is his

medium. This is his art.

The longtime resident of Grants uses

his dad’s shop or just about wherever

he can find some metal working tools

to get started on a new project.

“One day I was in the shop and I saw

a file laying on the floor,” recalled Jay

Venable. “I saw a knife in it. I ground

Crafters for the SeasonCrafters for the SeasonWHITE HOT STEEL TRANSFORMED INTO ART

Grants crafter Jay Venablecreating gift items.

BEACON / TESHIMA

By Mark TeshimaBeacon Staff Writer


!!"#$%&'

it out into a knife. After that I gotaddicted.”

But Venable’s start with metal waswhen he was lad of about ten yearsold. His dad had young Jay fabricat-ing.

“If I needed a tool I’d make it,” saidVenable. “I couldn’t afford a scraperfor a razor blade so I made one. Itworked just as good.”

His dad said he was glad kept up theart.

There are two ways to make a blade,Venable explained. One is where themajority of his work comes from,stock removal. The other is his passionin blades, forging.

Venable has made knives as large asa 15-inch Bowie knife with his refinedstock removal techniques. While hissteel is made to be used and keep itscutting edge, it took a while for him tofigure out some trade secrets.

“The first knives I made were terri-ble,” laughed Venable. “I tell people to

give them back or throw them awayand I’ll get them new ones.”

His technique was refined readingup at libraries, flipping through maga-zines and watching videos on“youtube.”

The bladesmith said the shapes haveremained the same but now he doesn’trush the process and can add a lotmore detail. The most elaborate knifehe has customized was an antler-han-dled blade. Turquoise inlay spelled outthe new owners’ name.

He has witnessed his blades put tothe test in the field. A generation ofhunters have skinned elk and werepleasantly surprised how long theedge held.

Average kitchen cutlery is about 25degrees on the edge. Venable’s areabout 21 degrees in comparison.

He now heats the blade to temperfor hardness.

“Too soft and it won’t keep theedge,” said Venable. “Too hard and

it’ll break if you drop it.”As far as forging, it takes a lot of

hard work.“If I could forge all day I would,”

mentioned Venable as he displayed arailroad spike morphed into a blade.“Can you imagine making somethinglike this? I would love to do it the waythey did it back then. It may not bebeautiful, but it’s what people hadback then.”

The steel has to be heated until it’s aglowing white and banged out to befolded.

“You can put 500 folds into steel ifyou want,” said Venable. “The bladebecomes tougher than the handle.”

Whether he spends a day or threeweeks on a blade the end result hasalways been a piece of art.

To contact Venable about a customknife send an email [email protected] or catch himat one of the many bazaars and artsand crafts sales this holiday season.


Mayor Joe Murrietta Councilmen:

Martin Hicks, Ronald Ortiz, Walter Jaramillo, Fred Rodarte

287-7927600 W. Santa Fe Ave.

Wed. Thurs. Fri.-Sat.

Call for Details

Dec. 10 TDec. 17-18 Dec. 31

— Holiday recipes —

BEACON / COURTESY

Pumpkin Treats to Bake and ShareIt!s time once again to start baking some holiday cheer toshare with friends and neighbors. These recipes make plen-ty of sweet treats to go around — and they!re so good youjust may want to keep some for yourself.Make the holidays special by giving something fresh, home-made and from the heart. For more recipes you can bakeand share, visit VeryBestBaking.com.

Pumpkin Cranberry Bread Makes two, 9 x 5-inch loavesPrep: 10 minutes, Baking: 1 hour

3 cups all-purpose flour 1 tablespoon plus 2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice 2 teaspoons baking soda 1 1/2 teaspoons salt 3 cups granulated sugar 1 can (15 ounces) pumpkin 4 large eggs 1 cup vegetable oil 1/2 cup orange juice or water 1 cup sweetened dried, fresh or frozen cranberries

PREHEAT oven to 350°F. Grease and flour two 9 x 5-inch loaf pans. COMBINE flour, pumpkin pie spice, baking soda and salt in large bowl.Combine sugar, pumpkin, eggs, oil and juice in large mixer bowl; beatuntil just blended. Add pumpkin mixture to flour mixture; stir just untilmoistened. Fold in cranberries. Spoon batter into prepared loaf pans.BAKE for 60 to 65 minutes or until wooden pick inserted in centercomes out clean. Cool in pans on wire racks for 10 minutes; remove towire racks to cool completely. For three 8 x 4-inch loaf pans: Prepare as above. Bake for 55 to 60 minutes. For five or six 5 x 3-inch mini loaf pans: Prepare as above. Bake for 50 to 55 minutes.


225 El Morro Road 287-8861

Sale starts

Friday,

November 26

WHILE

QUANTITIES LAST

See store for more special offers

BLACK

FRIDAY

Specials

NO RAIN CHECKS

Scene-Stealing Holiday StuffingWhile turkey is in the spotlight at most holiday meals, the prize for bestsupporting dish definitely goes to stuffing. According to the team at Campbell’s Kitchen, who create and testrecipes year-round, there are numerous combinations of flavors appro-priate for a great stuffing recipe. Dress your table and your taste budswith a roasted vegetable and cornbread stuffing, which is made easywith a Pepperidge Farm Herb Seasoned stuffing base, fresh butternutsquash, sweet onions, ground cumin and chopped cilantro. The secretingredient is Swanson chicken broth, which adds layers of flavor andkeeps stuffing from drying out.

For more scene-stealing stuffing recipes visitwww.GreatStuffingDebate.com. To find great holiday menu ideas andcooking tips visit www.campbellskitchen.com/swansonbroth. Roasted Vegetable & Cornbread StuffingPrep: 30 minutesRoast: 30 minutesBake: 30 minutes

Makes: 16 servings (about 3/4 cup each) 1 butternut squash, peeled, seeded and diced (about 6 cups) 2 medium sweet onions, chopped (about 2 cups)4 cloves garlic, coarsely chopped2 teaspoons ground cumin2 tablespoons olive oil1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro leaves2 stalks celery, diced (about 1 cup)3 cups chicken broth

(Regular, Natural Goodness or Certified Organic)1 package (14 ounces) cornbread stuffing1 package (about 4 ounces) chorizo

sausage, chopped (optional)1. Heat the oven to 400°F. Place the squash, onions and garlic into alarge bowl. Add the cumin and oil and toss to coat. Spoon the squashmixture onto 2 rimmed baking sheets.2. Roast for 30 minutes or until the squash mixture is lightly browned,stirring occasionally.3. Reduce the oven temperature to 350°F. Stir the squash mixture,cilantro, celery and broth in a large bowl. Add the stuffing and mix light-ly. Stir in the sausage, if desired. Spoon the stuffing mixture into agreased 3 1/2-quart casserole. Cover the casserole.4. Bake for 30 minutes or until the stuffing mixture is hot.


Come bring the family out to eat

before the light parade

Maple Rib Roast 6 to 8 servings 5 pound rib roast, bone-in

Salt and pepper to taste1 cup maple syrup1/3 cup Dijon mustard2 tablespoons fresh rosemary,

finely chopped2 tablespoons fresh thyme,

finely chopped2 tablespoons freshly ground

black pepperReady-made bordelaise sauceRosemary sprig for garnish

Preheat oven to 400°F. Place roast, with bones side up,in roasting pan. Using a knife, make incisions in the fat.Season entire surface with salt and pepper. Cover endsof bones with aluminum foil. In bowl, combine maple syrup and mustard, and basteroast with mixture. In another bowl, combine herbs andpepper, then season entire roast. Roast for 30 minutes. Reduce temperature to 300°F and cook for another 2hours until the meat is done, but still rare (around 135°F).Wrap roast in aluminum foil and let sit for 10 minutesprior to carving. Garnish with rosemary. Serve with bor-delaise sauce and maple caramelized vegetables.

BEACON / COURTESY

A Merry Maple Holiday MenuThe holidays are a time to celebrate the warmth of friendship, the love

of family and the joy of the season. And when it comes to the holiday

meal, you want a menu to match the mood and make everyone feel at

home.

Pure Canadian maple syrup is a versatile, all natural ingredient that

adds complexity and depth to your holiday recipes. The flavorful, yet

subtle sweetness in maple syrup brings out the best in savory dishes.

A sweet substitute - It is simple to substitute white sugar for an equal

quantity of maple syrup in any recipe. For each cup of syrup, reduce the

quantity of liquid ingredients in the recipe (water, milk or juice) by about

a quarter of a cup.


1016 Roosevelt Ave, • Grants, NM 87020

24 Holiday Event Guide 2009

Documents

2010 Holiday Event Guide