Welcome To Valencia County: 2012-13 Official Visitors Guide

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VALENCIA COUNTY
News-Bulletin
Belen, New Mexico

Reaching for the Stars!
Community Landmark
505-864-8221 www.belen-nm.gov
Mayor, Rudy Jaramillo Councilors, Wayne Gallegos, Mary Aragon, Jerah Cordova, David Carter
History
City of Beln
Memorial
Events
City Manager, Lucy Baca
Greater Beln Chamber of Commerce & Visitors Center 712 Dalies Ave. Beln, NM 87002 505-864-8091 www.belenchamber.org
Photos by Lenore G. Pea
Welcome to Belen, the Hub City of New Mexico.

WORKING TOWARD A STRONGER COMMUNITY.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Valencia County Is A Beautiful Place To Be ......................... 6 Calender of Events ............................................................. 8 Our History, Our Heritage ................................................ 10 What We Say, What We Mean ......................................... 14 Belen Art League A Passion For Art ............................... 16 Historic Harvey House ..................................................... 18 Tom Art Gallery A Building With Spirit ........................ 20 Through The Flower An Artful Expression ..................... 22 Moving into Valencia County ............................................ 23 Los Lunas Museum of Heritage and Arts ........................... 24 Los Lunas Where The Lunas Live .................................. 26 Belen A Hub Of Historic Happenings ............................. 28 Bosque Farms A Country Condition ............................... 30 Peralta Los Placeres ...................................................... 32 Valencia County Breathtaking Vistas ............................. 34 Isleta Pueblo Melding Past and Present .......................... 36 Quality Education in Los Lunas Schools ........................... 38 Striving For Excellence At Belen Schools .......................... 40 SODA Offers More Than Education .................................. 42 University Of New Mexico-Valencia Campus .................... 44 Making A Day Trip From Valencia County ....................... 46 Economic Development In Valencia County ..................... 48 A Place To Ride And Relax .............................................. 50 Isleta Pueblos St. Augustine Catholic Church ................... 52 Fresh Food At Los Lunas Farmers Market ......................... 54 Belen Farmers Market Offers Local Freshness ................... 56 Tom Hills Sacred Tradition ............................................ 58 Riding Rough Stock In Valencia County ............................ 60 Going To The Greens In Valencia County ......................... 62 Our Culture, Our Community Matanza ............................. 64 Transportation In Valencia County ................................... 66
This is the 17th edition of the
Welcome to
VISITORS GUIDE
It is a publication of the Valencia County News-Bulletin. The News-Bulletin is a publication of Number Nine Media, Inc. See the News-Bulletins website at www.news-bulletin.com. Contact us by email at vcnb@news-bulletin.com. Mailing address: P.O. Box 25, Belen, N.M., 87002. Telephone number: (505) 864-4472 The Valencia County News-Bulletin is published semi-weekly on Wednesdays and Saturdays. Subscription rates are, in Valencia County, two years, $70; one year, $42; six months, $28; Elsewhere: two years, $84; one year, $51; six months, $38 Web-only subscription: one year, $24
On the cover:
Designed by Mario Lara

As flowers are starting to bloom and the trees are filling up with leaves in Valencia County, spring is a beautiful time of year in Valencia County.The horse community in the county is especially grateful for the newly grown grasses.
Welcome to Valencia County 2012-13
VALENCIA COUNTY
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Valencia County Is A Beautiful Place To Be

ick a month any month. Life is good here in Valencia County. Its fun to vacation or live here. But we must warn you: If you visit once, youll 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 beautiful 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, starting with a haze of green that at first seems almost imaginary. They bud out fast. With daffodils and irises blooming alongside the foundations of many homes and the gentle clear sunshine, spring is a beautiful time to be here. March winds are intense in most parts of the country, but in New Mexico they can be fierce, blowing dust in huge fronts across the state. Some might not think March is the best month to vacation here, but others will be awestruck by the power and majesty of it all. Even if youre from the Windy City. Summer is a wonderful time to be in Valencia County. The alfalfa fields are in full blossom and the cattle and horses are kicking up their heels in the pastures. Redwing blackbirds sing from the meadows. Summer days are long enough to give you time to wander around just looking. The days themselves are hot, but the nights are refreshingly cool, making sleep a pleasant experience by just cracking a window. July and August are the areas rainiest season, but most often that means a shower in the afternoon that clears by evening. Even rain is delightful here because the
air is so dry, you can actually smell the water, a sweet perfume that tops any flower weve ever come across. Autumn is the queen of seasons in Valencia County. The skies turn a deep royal blue that can be seen nowhere else. Youve heard artists from Georgia OKeeffe on down exclaiming about the quality of light here; chances are they were talking about autumn. The cottonwoods that make up the river bosque forest in Spanish turn a bright yellow that stands out against that special azure sky in a way you just wont believe. Huge Vs of sandhill cranes and other wintering birds wing through the sky, heading south heading here! Its the culmination of the chile harvest, and youll see ristras of red chiles hung from the rafters of the houses. And youll smell the wonderful aroma of green chile being roasted all up and down the valley. Heaven! Temperatures are pleasant, theres little chance of rain and each day is more perfect than the last.
Bring plenty of film and youll still have to buy more. (An insiders tip: Nothing is more beautiful than New Mexico in October. Nothing.) Winter is the time when the snowbirds from Minnesota and Illinois arrive. They find the winters pleasant sometimes you can still go out without a coat on Thanksgiving and there is absolutely no snow shoveling. Yes, it does snow, but thats only a matter of an inch or two and it clears off by afternoon. Because snow occurs only two or three times most years, the entire population is in a holiday mood. The smell of pion fires perfumes the air as people gather around their kiva fireplaces. If youre lucky enough to come at Christmas, youre in for a treat. New Mexico has the most awe-inspiring Yuletide celebrations youre ever likely to witness, with luminarias made from paper bags lining the walls and rooftops. Come any time. Bienvenidos welcome. Nuestra casa es su casa our house is your house.
VALENCIA COUNTY
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eople in Valencia County enjoy having a party and theres plenty to do every year, no matter what your interests.
A Greater Belen Chamber of Commerce Educators Luncheon will be held at 11:30 a.m. on Thursday, Aug. 2, at The second annual San Clemente Day the Tierra del Sol Country Club in Belen. will be held from 1 to 4 p.m. on Saturday, The luncheon celebrates the new hires for May 5, at 430 West N.M. 6, west of Los Belen Consolidated Schools, Calvary Lunas. There will be free barbecue, live Academy and St. Marys Catholic School. music, a presentation on the rangeland res The Bosque Farms Community Fair toration project, childrens horse rides and will be held Friday through Sunday, Aug. various demonstrations. 3-5, at the Bosque Farms Rodeo The Tim Lardner Memorial Scholarship Association Arena. There will be food, Golf Tournament, hosted by the Greater games, a parade, a greased-pole climb Belen Chamber of Commerce, will be held competition, toad racing, indoor exhibits, a on Friday, May 18, at Tierra del Sol rolling-pin throwing contest, a car show Country Club in Rio Communities. and vendors. A National Night Out will be hosted by the Los Lunas and Belen police departments and the Valencia County Sheriffs Office on Tuesday, Aug. 7. The events will The Belen American Cancer Society include free barbecues, childrens events Relay for Life will be held on Friday and and a chance to meet and talk with local Saturday, June 1-2, at the Belen High law enforcement. School baseball fields. The Valencia County Community Expo The 15th annual Summerfest will be will be held Sunday, Aug. 5, through held on Friday and Saturday, June 8-9. Sunday, Aug. 12, in Los Lunas. Activities will include a car show, back Our Lady of Belen Fiestas, celebrating yard barbecue cook-off, carnival, outdoor the 217th annual fiestas, will be held movie and live bands at Heritage Park on Friday through Sunday, Aug. 17-19. There Lambros Loop in Los Lunas. will be a parade down Main Street on The Los Lunas American Cancer Saturday, ending at Our Lady of Belen Society Relay for Life will be held on Friday and Saturday, June 29-30, at the Los Catholic Church, followed by entertainment, a carnival, food and dancing under Lunas High School baseball fields. The Belen All American Independence the tent at the church. The 79th annual Valencia County Fair Day and Music Fest will be held all day on will be held from Saturday, Aug. 18, to Saturday, June 30. The event will feature arts, crafts, vendor booths and fireworks at Sunday, Aug. 26, at the Valencia County Fairgrounds. dusk, at the Heart of Belen Plaza on the The Valencia County Fair Parade will corner of Becker and Dalies Avenue. be held on Saturday, Aug. 25 down Main Street in Belen, ending at the fairgrounds.
Calendar Of Events
works display at dusk.
August
May
Tuesday, Sept. 11. The annual Honoring the Elders of Valencia County luncheon will be held at noon on Friday, Sept. 21, at the Center for Ageless Living. The free luncheon is for county elders over the age of 85, and special recognition is given to the Valencia County Senior Olympians. Call 505-8658813 for reservations. The Rio Abajo Becker Street Festival will be held on Saturday, Sept. 29, in Belen. The event this year will include a new childrens carnival, arm wrestling tournament, a tough-man contest, balloon glow, six live bands, green chile cook-off, car show, poker bike run, blacksmithing contest, food, crafts and community vendors all day long.
June
October
The Valencia County Cooperative Extension Office will hold its annual Fall Fest on Saturday, Oct. 20, at the New Mexico State University Science Center in Los Lunas. The event includes a huge pumpkin patch, pumpkin decorating, hay rides, horse rides, milk cow demonstrations, games, activities and much more. The seventh annual Capt. Tamara Long-Archuleta Memorial Open Karate Championships will be held on Saturday, Oct. 20, at Belen High School gymnasium. The city of Belen will be hosting a fall festival on Saturday, Oct. 27, at Anna Becker Park in Belen. There will be fun and activities for children. A Halloween haunted house will be held from 5 to 8 p.m., Wednesday, Oct. 31, at the Daniel Fernandez Youth Center in Los Lunas.
July
November
The Belen annual Christmas Festival will be held Saturday, Nov. 24. Arts and crafts, food, Snow Queen contest, light display, the Miracle on Main Street Electric
The annual Fourth of July parade down Main Street to N.M. 314 will be held at 9 a.m., Wednesday, July 4, in Los Lunas. There will be entertainment beginning at 4 p.m. at Daniel Fernandez Park and a fire-
September
The annual 9/11 Memorial Ceremony is held at the 9/11 Memorial Park on Church and Main streets in Belen on
Continued on page 9
VALENCIA COUNTY
News-Bulletin
Light Parade and a hot air balloon glow will be held. All the events will take place in the Heart of Belen. The annual Art Along the Railway event will consist of displays in art galleries throughout Valencia County.
Continued from page 8
January
The 20th annual Dr. Martin Luther King Candlelight Vigil will be held on Monday, Jan. 21, at Anna Becker Park in Belen. The 13th annual Valencia County Hispano Chamber of Commerce Matanza will be held on Saturday, Jan. 26, at the Valencia County Sheriffs Posse Grounds in Belen. The day-long event includes a matanza competition, tortilla, biscochitos and red chile contest, childrens activities, an art center and live bands throughout the day.
2013
March
The 29th annual St. Patricks Day Balloon Rallye will be held on Friday through Sunday, March 15-17, at Eagle Park in Belen. The annual rally features dozens of hot air balloons taking off at dawn to fly the county skies. The annual Good Friday pilgrimage to Tom Hill will be held on Friday, March 29. The traditional walk begins at sunrise and continues throughout the day to the three crosses placed on the sacred hill by the late Edwin Berry. The Los Lunas Police Department will hold its 9th annual Cops for Kids Fun Run/Walk beginning at the Los Lunas High School football stadium. The exact date is yet to be determined.
December
The traditional folk play sung in Spanish, La Gran Pastorela de Belen, will be performed at the Harvey House Museum in Belen and throughout the county multiple times during the season. The Los Lunas Christmas Electric Light Parade will be held at 6:30 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 1, down Main Street. The Valencia County Cooperative Extension Office will hold its annual forage workshop for hay growers on Friday, Dec. 7, at the University of New MexicoValencia Campus. The annual Santa in the Park will be held at 6 p.m, Saturday, Dec. 8, at Daniel Fernandez Park in Los Lunas.
February
The 37th annual Casper Baca Rough Stock Rodeo Series will be held at the Valencia County Fairgrounds every weekend in February and the first weekend in March in Belen.
April
Both the city of Belen and the village of Los Lunas will sponsor Easter egg hunts for area children. The events usually happen at local parks.
Officers Board Members

- President
Andy Gomez
orking together for the good of all!
Martin Callahan
- President-Elect - Treasurer
Claire Cieremans Rita Garcia

- Secretary
Patty Roberts Dave Carlberg Ralph L. Mims Carey Salaz Tim Marlin Michael Ogas Fred Carabajal
751 Juan Perea Rd. (Transportation Center 2nd Floor) Los Lunas, NM 505-352-3596 www.loslunasnm.gov/chamber
Our History, Our Heritage

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 illness. As the state and county prospered with the coming of the railroad, municipalities grew not only financially but by population. Local historian and UNM-VC professor 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 Oate, colonized and established the Kingdom of New Mexico. This is the period when recorded history starts.
17th Century
1598-1680: First Colonial Period. During this time the missions were first established in the Rio Abajo, including Isleta in 1929. 1680: The Pueblos revolted to expel the Spanish from New Mexico. There were about 2,500 Spaniards in the colony and about 400 were killed by the Pueblo Indian rebels, which included some from Isleta. 1692: Don Diego de Vargas came to New Mexico on a reconnaissance expedition seeking to reconquer the area from the Pueblo Indians.
A History Lesson
Valencia County is part of the Rio Abajo, an area of the Middle Rio Grande Valley of New Mexico that stretches from the Espaola Valley in the North to Sabinal in the South. The Spaniards settled this area as early as 1598 after the first colony was founded by Gov. Juan de Oate in the Indian village of Ohke on the upper East Bank of the Rio Grande. 1716: One of the first private land grants given was the San Clemente (in Los Lentes). Los Lentes is older than the village of Los Lunas as a community settlement.
18th Century
1710: The mission at Isleta was rebuilt and renamed.
Shortly after that the Luna family made claim to the grant and took possession of it. 1739: The town of Tom was settled when grants were given to Juan Varela and other families by Gov. Gaspar Dominguez de Mendoza. Nicolas Duran y Chavez, said to be the founder of Los Chavez, was given a grant from Mendoza for land in the area. 1740: The town of Belen was settled when the governor granted the area to Capt. Diego de Torres and 32 other families. The Belen settlers came mostly from the Albuquerque area. Belen was referred to by numerous names including Belem, Bethel and Nuestra Senora de Belen.
Continued on page 12
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Late 1700s to early 1800s: Smallpox epidemics in the county cursed thousands of people. It was said that millions of Indians nationwide were wiped out by the epidemic, more than in battles. Half of the Indian population was gone by the end of the 19th century because of small pox.
19th Century
1821: New Mexico becomes part of Mexico after Mexican residents rebelled against the mother country, Spain. 1823: The Casa Colorada Grant was given to Jose Maria Perea and others by Gov. Bartolome Baca. 1846: US/Mexican War; United States troops invaded Mexico and took it over. Troops were sent into New Mexico, including Valencia County. New Mexico then became a territory of the United States. 1852: The county of Valencia was established. Valencia County stretched from the New Mexico-Texas border to the New Mexico-Arizona border. 1862: Civil War and Confederate invasion into New Mexico. Troops came into Valencia County and sought loans and supplies from local merchants. Troops went through the county going north and were defeated in a major battle at Glorieta Pass. On their way back, the troops were once again defeated at the last battle of the civil war in New Mexico, in Peralta. 1876: The county seat was moved from Tom to Los Lunas. 1880: The railroad was built and ran tracks north and south through New Mexico, including through Los Lunas and Belen. The railroad needed land to lay tracks and when crews got to Los Lunas they were blocked by a hacienda owned by the Luna family. The railroad made a deal with the family that if they sold their land, the railroad would build the family a new home. The new home is now known as the Luna Mansion.
1898: Most famous train robbery in Belen done by Bronco Bill Walters and his sidekick, Kid Johnson. The two are said to have tied their horses miles down from the train depot in Belen and walked north to catch the train. Walters and Johnson forced the conductor to stop the train where they had left their horses and blew up the safe where the money was kept.
20th Century
1903: First bank opened in Belen, and soon after the first bank robbery was committed. 1907: The railroad built the Belen cutoff, linking Amarillo and Belen. 1912: New Mexico became the 48th state in the union. 1918: Belen was incorporated as a village. Belens first mayor was Bernard Jacobson. 1918: Towards the end of the year, the worst flu epidemic in the states history hit New Mexico. During the two months of the epidemic thousands of people died. Its said people would contract the flu in the morning and by that same night they would be dead. Almost every family in the county was affected by the epidemic, and the bells in the churches were constantly ringing. 1928: The village of Los Lunas was incorporated with Antonio Archuleta serving as its first mayor. Late 20s-1938: Route 66 passed through Los Lunas. 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. 1935: The U.S. government offered 42 tracts of land in Bosque Farms in a relocation settlement lottery. The plots ranged from 40 to 80 acres each. A lot of the houses are still in existence. 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 established 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 Satellite Center. 1981: Valencia County was almost split in half in between the east and west when a new county, Cibola, was created by the Legislature. The population of Valencia County remained at 32,000. 1986: The college satellite center in Valencia County was accepted as a formal branch of UNM. 1986: A new UNM-VC campus in Tom was built in response to need.
21st Century
2007: Voters in Peralta elected to incorporate the newest municipality in Valencia County by a 682 to 250 vote. A few months after the incorporation was passed, Edward Archuleta was elected the first mayor of Peralta. Michael Leon Otero, Joseph K. Romero, Nancy (Pug Burge) Kinchen and Christian Garcia were elected to the council while Louis A. Burkhard was elected Peraltas first municipal judge. 2008: Construction of a new Valencia County Courthouse, located at Morris Road and N.M. 314, was completed. The new state-of-the-art 55,000-square-foot, three-story building cost taxpayers a total of $12 million. 2009: Los Lunas Mayor Louis Huning retired after serving 27 years in office. Huning, who was first elected mayor in 1982, was not the first in his family to serve in public office. His grandfather, Fred B. Huning Sr., served as mayor for 16 years from 1936 to 1952 the longest until his grandson.
12
VALENCIA COUNTY
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WELCOME TO VALENCIA COUNTY!
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What We Say, What We Mean

ere are some basic Spanish terms that might come in handy when youre talking to folks in Valencia County: Acequias: Irrigation ditches. Biscochitos: A traditional sugar cookie baked with anise, most often served at Christmas time. If you dont think New Mexicans take food seriously, then remember that the State Legislature debated the words spelling for hours when making it the official state cookie. Bosque: Forest. Its most often used to describe the cottonwood stand along the Rio Grande. (Pronounced: bos-kay.) Bueno: Good. Cerro: Hill. We have Cerro Tom, Tom Hill, Cerro de Los Lunas, and the community called El Cerro. Cerveza: Beer. Chicharones: Southerners called them chitlins. Theyre cooked fresh at a matanza. Chile: This is the correct Spanish spelling of the states official fruit. Chili comes from Texas or out of a can con carne. El Camino Real: The royal road that stretched from deep inside Mexico all the way to Santa Fe through the heart of Valencia County. It was the main route along which trade was moved in colonial days. El Rio Abajo: The lower river, the area surrounding the Rio Grande down to the Las Cruces area. Feliz Navidad: Merry Christmas! Fiesta: A party; more commonly used to designate the days-long celebrations held by Catholic churches in New Mexico to mark their saint days. Frijoles: Pinto beans, the states official vegetable. La Llarona: The Weeping Woman. A classic Southwestern and Mexican ghost story about a woman who murdered her ning irrigation water. Luminarias: A Christmas decoration children. Shes also called the Ditch Ladron: A mountain to the southwest. created by placing a candle in sand at the Witch and is used to frighten children and The word means thief and it reportedly make them stay away from the fast-runwas a hiding place for bandits. Continued on page 15
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VALENCIA COUNTY
News-Bulletin
bottom of a small paper bag. Theyre set along sidewalks and the roofs of houses. In northern New Mexico, theyre called farolitos; luminarias there are small bonfires. Its all very confusing. Just go with the flow and enjoy. Manzanos: The mountains at the eastern edge of the county, named for the apples whose rosy color they glow with at some times of the day. Matanza: A barbecue at which a pig or goat is butchered and prepared outside. Very good eating. Mesa: The flat-topped hills seen throughout the Southwest. A perfect example can be seen at the western edge of Belen. Mijito or mijita: The shortened version of Mi hijito (little son) or Mi hijita (little daughter); usually used fondly by a parent when addressing or talking about their child. No ms: No more! Pion: Pine nut; often sold by the pound along roads by vendors who picked the new crop themselves. Plural is piones. Sopaipillas: A sort of puffy fried bread served with meals, often eaten with honey. Stuffed sopaipillas are topped with lots of goodies, such as beans, meat, lettuce, tomatoes and cheese and served with chile sauce. Vamans: Lets go! Viejitos: Little old ladies and gentlemen. The old folks, thought of endearingly.
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Belen Art League A Passion For Art

Becker Avenue, it continues to be Belens little secret. This hidden gem contains some of the countys finest artistic work created by local artists and that stand out from within the Heart of Belen with its turquoise window trimming and front door. The Belen Art League Gallery and Gifts, a non-profit organization, is where local artists come together from an artistically rich area to share, to learn and to teach, said the organizations president Cher Holz. The leagues goal is to educate and support future artists in the community by promoting the arts in the Hub City. This organization opened its doors in 1956 and grew to contain about 130 members. League artists first met in each others homes and at the Belen Public Library before receiving their permanent home at 509 E. Becker Avenue. City officials donated the former senior center to the league in 2003. The league expanded to the former RSVP offices next door in 2010. The gallery contains five rooms, which display and sell members art work year round, one art gallery classroom and a garden in the buildings far end. Artists run the full gamet, Holz said, which includes photographers, acrylic painters, oil painters, sculptures, jewelry makers, clay artists, fiber artists and woodcarvers. Were extensive and thats what surprises me how large we are, and were fortunate that there are all skill levels, Holz said. Through classes, workshops and monthly Open Art Night, artists can learn from each others work, pick up new techniques, ask for advice and receive encouragement. The league also provides exposure to other art forms that members may have never thought about branching into, Holz said. A lot of times, we get into what we
lthough it stands along historic
THE BELEN ART LEAGUE Gallery and Gifts is a place where local artists can expand their
creativity, and where visitors can see some of the best art in the county.
do and we wont try other things. Try it. You dont know where its gong to take you, she said. It may just be the next biggest passion of your life. Member Tom Curley said it made him want to paint more. You hear people say, I cant draw a straight line, and you tell them, Come down here an try. If you dont try it, you wont know, and youll probably find out that youre better than you think, Curley said. The gallery houses an extensive art
library of more than 500 art books, ranging from how tos to fine art, available for members to borrow. Art work is exhibited throughout two annual art shows, includng the Fall Art Show and Spring Art Show, where contestants receive ribbons. Judges for the shows, held at the historic Harvey House Museum, are experts in their own craft, including landscape artist Leo Nuefeld, University of New Mexico-Valencia
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Historic Harvey House Museum

ll Abooooooaaaaard! That might have been the call that echoed for years toward the Harvey House, a railroad hotel and restaurant in Belen that was part of a nationwide 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 employees as a reading room and boarding house for railroad employees through 1972. Its still located along a working railyard, 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, historical books, cookbooks and other items is part of the fun. The famous Harvey Girls, known for impeccable manners and hotel and restaurant service, lived upstairs at the Belen stop and served as waitresses in the restaurant on the first floor. The 1946 Judy Garland film, The Harvey Girls, is based on a woman running into a group of such girls on a train trip, and the film is set in New Mexico. The artifacts now in the building are from both the Harvey House and railroadboarding eras, but not all of those are directly tied to either. In fact, the museum has far more historical items in stock than can be displayed due to limited funding and personnel resources. The Harvey House Museum now has original dishes from the original Fred Harvey dining cars.
THE HARVEY HOUSE MUSEUM is one of Valencia Countys most treasured attraction. The
historic building was erected in 1910, one of the last of its kind to be built.
It is the hope of docents and others involved that young people will take an interest in continuing the Harvey House Museum projects. The museum, operated by the Valencia County Historical Society, expanded its hours last summer to include two hours on Sundays. The Belen Model Railroad Club, which shares the building, can currently only be accessed through a separate entrance, but
the hope is to have the building one day become one continuous museum. The railroad club currently has two rooms filled with running model trains and accompanying landscape, and a third large room in which a scale model of the Belen rail yards is currently up and running. The club continues to expand the tracks and trains will travel through a wall and
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Campus art director Michael Ceshchiat and Los Lunas photographer B.G. Burr. On top of the annual art shows, the league holds annual miniature and photography shows in the gallery, and a photo contest for community members of the best New Mexican photograph. Besides aiding in league members abilities, the non-profit organization provides community service. Each summer, the league holds a two-week long Summer Kids Art Camp, where students from the ages of 7 to 12 are taught various art forms. The league also offers a $500 scholarship for one Belen High School senior who is concentrating on a visual art discipline. Funds for the scholarship are raised through an annual Valentines Tea, where the gallery is transformed into a tea house with homemade pastries and participants dress up. And the league isnt done there. Holz said they are in the process of spreading their wings, and adding new events and venues for their artists to showcase their one-of-a-kind work. The gallery is open from noon to 4 p.m., Wednesday through Sunday. For information about the Belen Art League Gallery, call 861-0217.
into another room that will eventually be handicap accessible. Today, the main museum mostly uses only the front half of the first floor, which used to be the main dining room. The front area, known in the Harvey days as the lunchroom, now serves as a rotating exhibit area used by the historical society for a different show each month. The Harvey House Museum is located at 104 N. First St. in downtown Belen, less than two blocks south of Reinken Avenue, and a short walk from the New Mexico Rail Runner Express commuter station. The city of Belen owns the building and the land, and allows the historical society and the model railroad club to operate it. The 2012 calendar features the Belen Model Railroad Club Spring Show in April and the Belen Art League Annual Spring Show in May. In the month of June, the museum will be celebrating New Mexicos Centennial by displaying a special exhibit from the Los Lunas Heritage Museum. In October, the railroad club will host its fall show, and in December, the Harvey House will become home to the La Gran Pastorela and the Festival of Trees. Theres no charge to tour either side, but donations are appreciated. The museum and model railroad exhibit are both open from 12:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. from Tuesday to Saturday, and from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday. The museum can be reached at 505861-0581.
Tom Art Gallery A Building With Spirit

estled in the quiet community of Tom, in the heart of Valencia County, is a treasure that collectors and art aficionados alike target in their visit. According to Jan Pacifico, one of the original partners, Tom Art Gallery has a specific draw for people who are looking for a special item or just want to experience an eclectic collection of varied mediums and styles of artist expression. Operating now as a co-operative effort of some 50 artists, the gallery features art of many mediums, including paintings, pottery, jewelry and just about every kind of hand-crafted items imaginable. Member artists are involved by working the store or giving financial support. Consignments are a small part of the art displayed at the gallery. The business model allows for prices to be maintained at a low level, sometimes half what a Santa Fe or New York gallery might charge. It leaves room for all kinds of people to participate. Those who cant afford a lot can work, and those who want to participate financially can, said Pacifico of the business model. Pacifico noted that she used to have a gallery in New York and the quality of work here is as good as it was there. It is the same for Santa Fe, she said. A lot of us in the gallery have shown our work in Santa Fe, Taos or Albuquerque and even a lot of different places other than New Mexico. The quality that we have here is really equivalent to Santa Fe. One of the artist partners, Layne Lawne, serves as the gallerys curator. She said that the small shop offers a wide variety of art that holds a Southwestern and Native American charm. I dont think there is just one thing that is unique here, Lawne said. I think a lot of the pieces are unique. It is just the different artists way of showing our culture. People come back for the same type of
TOM ART GALLERY is an artist co-op with several shows throughout the year. The building has been a house, a grocery store, a bar and a restaurant
thing over and over. The location is as unique as the art found inside. The building at the corner of N.M. 47 and Patricio Road had been in the Aragon family for generations. During its life it had been a grocery story with the familys living quarters in the back, the Tom Beer Hall and finally the restaurant. Part of the charm is just where the gallery is, Lawne said. We are right near a historic church in the middle of a small agricultural community. It is right along historic Tom Hill.
People come out here and they just cant believe that there is this little gallery that has so much in it. Tom Art Gallery holds demonstration days from time to time, which allow for visitors to participate in making their own creations. People can take a piece and participate in the firing, Pacifico said. We let people work on the wheel and try it. People can do all kinds of things, like polish the pottery.
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Everyone can do something and then get to take it home, said Pacifico. An example of one of the demo days is the annual Soup-er Bowl Sunday. Bowls of different textures are there for the client to design and make. They then get to go through the soup line, and at the end of the lunch, they take their creation home with them. Part of the gallerys appeal is that the artists actually operate and work at the gallery. Pacifico said people might come in and find Lawne sitting, making jewelry, while she is in the back doing pottery. Other artists might be weaving or spinning. There is always something going on, Pacifico said. That is a fun thing to see. With the unique combination of reasonable prices, artists on scene and the historic location, Tom Art Gallery makes an enjoyable visit for residents and out-of-town guests alike. Even in the worst part of this economic downturn, we continue to have our best years, she said. Part of the success is that we count our success for the artists not particularly for the business. What we try to do is promote the artists, so that at the end of the year we are pretty much a break-even business. We are out of the way, so we try and keep our prices down, so that local people can buy the local art, Lawne said. It really does pay off.
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Through The Flower An Artful Expression

ith the New Mexico Rail Runner Express in full operation, opportunities for travelers and commuters are a little easier and more interesting if they choose to experience a train ride from Santa Fe to Belen. One of the many interesting experiences on this route is the Womens Cultural Corridor, a concept created by Through the Flower, located in Belen, that depicts the works of New Mexico artists, such as Judy Chicago, Georgia OKeeffe, Maria Martinez and Agnes Martin. Through the Flower is a non-profit art and educational organization founded in 1978 that celebrates the achievements of women through art. It offers visitors a chance to view art, publications, films, DVDs and videos about Judy Chicago, as well as the many volunteers who helped make her visions a reality, by appointment only. Once based out of the home of Chicago and her husband, photographer Donald Woodman, in the old Belen Hotel, Through the Flowers building is one of the landmarks along the Womens Cultural Corridor. Chicagos goal of helping counter the erasure of womens achievements throughout history is being realized, and she is a respected artist whose work defines womens rights to freedom of expression. One of Chicagos most well known pieces is The Dinner Party, which tells the story of 1,038 women artists and scholars who, until recently, were not included in the history books. The Dinner Party was permanently housed at the Brooklyn Museum in New York last year, as part of the Elizabeth Sackler Center for Feminist Art. Now that The Dinner Party is on permanent display, Through the Flower launched The Dinner Party Curriculum Project, allowing students the opportunity to study about the untold history of womens contributions. Through the Flower lead the develop-
THROUGH THE FLOWER, a non-profit art and educational organization foundation, was
founded by artist Judy Chicago and her husband, photographer Donald Woodman.
ment of the project and the art curriculum, based on The Dinner Party, until they partnered with Penn State and Kutztown University to manage the free, online curriculum for art teachers. After the projects launch, they were inundated with so many requests for the curriculum that the organizations one employee couldnt keep up with the demand, said Woodman, Through the Flowers executive director. With this success, the organization decided to focus its attention on where they have the most impact and turned the gallery into an art educational resource center. Even though we were getting train loads of people for exhibitions from Santa Fe, the reach we have with the Internet material is so much more significant,
Woodman said. By distributing materials online, invaluable educational resources can reach a larger audience, said Ginger Mercer, Through the Flowers administrative director, adding the organization recently received an order from Jerusalem. The Internet has made (the material) have a much better impact, so we can sit here in Belen and impact the world, Woodman said. The research library for Chicagos internationally known art, The Dinner Party, was donated to the University of New Mexico-Valencia Campus library, which the organization continues to contribute to. This was a resource we had that giving
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Moving into Valencia County

Electricity: Public Service Co. of New Mexico (PNM); customer service: 888-342-5766; no Valencia County office locations; nearest office: 414 Silver Ave. SW, Albuquerque; office hours: 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday-Friday. Natural gas: New Mexico Gas Co.; customer service: 888-6642726; 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday-Friday, or customerservice@ nmgco.com; emergencies: 697-3335; Los Lunas office, 2431 Main St. SE in Los Lunas; hours 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday-Thursday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Fridays. Telephone service: CenturyLink; new service: 800-475-7526; billing and general customer service: 800-491-0118; tech support/24hour repair: 877-348-9007. Water: Belen City Hall, 100 S. Main, 864-8221; Los Lunas Village Hall, 660 Main St. SW, 839-3841; Bosque Farms Village Hall, 1455 W. Bosque Loop, 869-2357; Rio Communities, Meadow Lake, Pasitos del Cielo, Las Maravillas, Cypress Gardens: New Mexico Water Service, 401 Horner, Rio Communities, 864-2218. Cable TV: Comcast: 330 Main St. NW, Los Lunas, 344-0690. (All phone numbers are area code 505, unless otherwise noted)
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it to a university institution would make it more widely available, Woodman said. Through the Flower offers other programs that give an inside look into the world of art. Chicagos work has also been included in the H.W. Jansons History of Art textbook, which is one of the most well-known art history books in the United States. Imelda Sisneros, of La Mirada Enterprises LLC, wrote that Chicagos work has created such an impact in the world of feminist art. She is an icon, and we are truly missing the boat if we dont show proper support and pride for having Ms. Chicago in our local community, Sisneros wrote. In addition to her art pieces, Chicago is also an author whose books have been published in domestic and foreign editions, bringing her art and her philosophy to thousands of people worldwide. She is an educator as well and spends time at universities, working with students, faculty and local artists to create projects. Chicago released two books: a biography Becoming Judy Chicago by Gail Levin, and an updated book, The Dinner Party. The Womens Cultural Corridor includes sites that are important to the development of womens art starting at the Millicent Rogers Museum in Taos, in Abiquiu, Santa Fe, Albuquerque, Tom and Through the Flower in Belen. For information on Judy Chicago and Through the Flower, visit www.throughtheflower.org.
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Los Lunas Museum of Heritage and Arts

t may be small in size, but what it lacks in square feet it greatly makes up for with an abundance of knowledge in local art, heritage and culture. The Los Lunas Museum of Heritage and Arts, at 251 Main St. in Los Lunas, is a unique blend of art, history, local heritage, culture and research. It is unlike any other museum in Valencia County in its showcase and demonstration of work and exhibits. The staff is striving to make the museum a repository and archive of the heritage of Valencia County in conjunction with the artistic component. The museum, which opened in March 2008, takes a very special interest in preserving the rich history of New Mexico and Valencia County with a genealogy center and access to records and recordings of oral histories from community members. Some museums display only a permanent collection. The Los LunasMuseum of Heritage and Arts rotates exhibits a few times a year. Since its opening, the museum has had several exhibits, including the Luna-Otero Dynasty and Civil War in New Mexico, the work of Maria Rodriguez Pope, Men and Women of Valor, Saints and Sacred Places and Through the Eyes of a Cowboy. All of the exhibitions have a link to what is going on in Valencia County and the wider world. The tag line habia una vez, meaning once upon a time in Spanish, encompasses what the museum is all about. The museum is like an interactive, growing, living organism that has a different story to tell with each new exhibition. For young children, the museum has a special story telling time program at 10:30 a.m. every Wednesday. A story is read by staff or visiting artists, and afterward the children participate in a craft hour designed around the storys theme, said Museum Specialist Andrea Chavez.
THE LOS LUNAS MUSEUM of Heritage and Arts is a venue where our history is showcased
as well as where artists exhibit their work.
Story telling time for pre-school children at the museum is much more than just reading a book to them, said Cynthia Shetter, director of the Los Lunas Library. It helps build a foundation for their education. This program draws them in to photography, painting, and history, and exposes them to some cultural aspects of the community at an early age. It builds their listening and reading skills, and their social skills communicating with other children. The Los Lunas Museum of Heritage and Arts is open from noon to 5 p.m., TuesdayFriday; and from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday. For information, call 352-7720.
Upcoming exhibits include: Mary Fogarty: The Power of Art in Faces, Places and Inner Spaces, April 7-28. Craig Varjabedian: My Camera in New Mexico: Photographs, May 12-July 26. Armando D. de Aguero: Drawing with Light-Photography, August-October. George Sichler: Good Morning New Mexico, paintings from different vantage points of all 33 counties in New Mexico, December 7-31. A November show has not been schedule as of this printing.
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Frances restaurant
Mexican & aMerican Food
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864-0217
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515 Main St. SE Los Lunas 865-7082 Betty Jean Villa
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Los Lunas Where The Lunas Live

Los Lunas
Government: Mayor Robert Vialpando; Councilors Charles Griego, Richard Lovato, Amanda M. Perea and Gerard Saiz Clerk/Administrator: Peter Fernandez Municipal Judge: Jeff Aragon Police Chief: Roy Melnick Fire Chief: Lito Chavez os Lunas is the fastest growing city in the state, yet it retains its rural character and offers residents a slower pace. With a population of 14,835 residents, the village of Los Lunas is a unique combination of city and solitude. It is buffered from Albuquerques urban sprawl on the north by the Isleta Indian Reservation, but has plenty of room to grow on the west side of Interstate 25. To the south of the village lay small, bucolic towns. Residents can venture about 20 minutes north to New Mexicos largest city 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. Many residents take advantage of commuting by train to work or to play in the cities to the north, on the Rail Runner Express located on N.M. 314 and Courthouse Road. 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 losing its small-town charm or friendly neighborhood values. The people are great, said Peter Fernandez, village administrator and lifelong resident of Los Lunas. It is a well managed community, where people take a very special interest in making the community better. Every action the governmental entity takes is with the idea of bettering the community as a whole.
THE VILLAGE OF LOS LUNAS was named one of the fastest growing cities in the nation.
The village was named after the prominent Luna family.
Los Lunas, which translates to where the Lunas live, was named after the prominent and politically influential Luna family. 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 register. 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 experienced, when will it become a city? My philosophy has always been, we like the name of village because it has a conno-
tation of a caring community and a community as a whole, Fernandez said. The village of Los Lunas, the county seat of Valencia County, lies primarily on either side of the Rio Grande. The land was originally part of the San Clemente Grant, granted to Don Felix Candelaria in 1716. Historically, this area had been a farming community, but since the 1960s, the village has become a growing business center. Los Lunas has annexed land on the east side of the Rio Grande, but most of the growth has been in the western direction. Interstate 25 passes along the west side of the village and provides excellent north and south access to the state. The Los Lunas area began growing rapidly in the 1980s with the expansion of the
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Albuquerque metropolitan area. The 1990 Census found that about half of the Los Lunas labor force worked in the Albuquerque area. Company of New Mexico Natural Gas: New Mexico Gas Company Telephone: CenturyLink Transportation Air: A general aviation airport, Mid Valley Airpark Intercity bus: Rio Metro, 505352-3595 Train, Freight: Burlington Northern Santa Fe, N.M. Rail Runner Express Services Police: Village of Los Lunas Fire: Village of Los Lunas Parks: The village of Los Lunas maintains several parks, one with a baseball field and picnic facilities, one with soccer fields and skate park.
Demographics
Population: 14,835 (estimated 2010 U.S. Census) Population trends, 1960 to 2000, (U.S. Bureau of Census) 1960: 1,186 1970: 773 1980: 5,525 1990: 6,013 2000: 10,034 2010: 14,385 Utilities Water: Village of Los Lunas Source of water: Ground water Sewer: Village of Los Lunas Solid Waste: Village of Los Lunas Electric: Public Service
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Belen A Hub Of Historic Happenings

Belen
Government: Mayor Rudy Jaramillo, Councilors Mary Aragon, David J. Carter, Jerah Cordova and Wayne Gallegos City Manger: Mary Lucy Baca Municipal Judge: Kathy Savilla Police Chief: Dan Robb Fire Chief: Manny Garcia 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 using the Spanish word for Bethlehem, and today still holds tight to traditions from hundreds of years ago. The small community of about 40 families first worked the land, but by the 19th century, the ever-growing community expanded into sheepherding. First known as Nuesta Seora de Belen (Our Lady of Bethlehem), Belen continues to celebrate its bond to the Christ childs birthplace and the deeply religious traditions that the city was based on. As part of its devotion, the city annually presents Los Pastores the shepherds 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 implementing 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, about 160 trains a day pass through the city since the addition of a double track
THE CITY OF BELEN was originally named Nuestra Seora de Belen, Our Lady of Bethlehem. It was nicknamed the Hub City because it was the hub of the old Santa Fe Railway.
through Abo Canyon that was part of a BNSF track expansion of a five-mile stretch through the area. 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 stands as it was, filled with Harvey Girl and railroad memorabilia that tells the story of days gone by. Becker Avenue, named after the legend-
ary John Becker, who arrived in Belen during the second half of the 19th century, runs through the Heart of Belen, and its renovation is near completion. The avenue has a quiet charm to it where pedestrians can stroll. Diagonal parking, that signature of the old days, makes it easy to get in and out. The old town feel that Belen exuberates has caught the attention of movie makers and has been captured in a number of mov-
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ies and television series, including The Last Stand, a modern-day Western, starring former California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger. Other films and television series filmed in the Hub City include In Plain Sight, As Cool As I Am, Swing Vote, Living Hell, West Texas Childrens Story and Gas-s-s-s. A large arch, with an iron nativity scene in front of it, is the gateway to this quaint part of town. Summer and fall festivals are held beneath the pavilion, with the streets closed off for the community to celebrate, dance and enjoy live entertainment. Further down Becker Avenue, residents and visitors alike can visit the Belen Art League Gallery, which is filled with creations by local artists. Further down the street, world-renowned artist Judy Chicago has renovated the old Belen Hotel as her home and studio. Across the street is her non-profit Through the Flower educational facility. While the traditions and small town feel
remain, the progressive works of the city council and chamber of commerce are moving the city forward and readying it for the expected growth thats coming. A newly annexed 6,000 acres west of the citys borders could double the size of Belen over the next 15 years and bring more industry, stores and restaurants to the community. With the Manzano Mountain wilderness lying to the east of Belen, hiking and picnicking is a stones throw away.
Source of Water: Groundwater Sewer: City of Belen Solid Waste: City of Belen Electric: Public Service Co. of New Mexico Natural Gas: New Mexico Gas Co. Telephone: CenturyLink Transportation Air: A general aviation airport Intercity bus: TNM&O Train, Freight: Burlington Northern Santa Fe; New Mexico Rail Runner Express, a commuter train with multiple daily runs from Belen to Albuquerque and Santa Fe, with bus connections at train stations. Services Police: City of Belen Fire: City of Belen Parks: The city of Belen maintains parks, athletic fields, recreation facilities and a senior citizens center
Demographics
Population: 7,269 (2010 U.S. Census) Population trends, 1960 to 2010 (U.S. Bureau of Census) 1960: 5,031 1970: 4,823 1980: 5,617 1990: 6,547 2000: 6,901 2010: 7,269 Utilities Water: City of Belen
Belen Rio Communities Los Lunas Mountainair Albuquerque
Bosque Farms A Country Condition

Bosque Farms
Government: Mayor Robert Knowlton, Councilors Wayne Ake, William Kennedy, Russell Walkup and Dolly Wallace Clerk/Administrator: Gayle Jones Municipal Judge: R. Lar Thomas Police Chief: Greg Jones Fire Chief: Spencer Wood he village of Bosque Farms is the northernmost 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 that is now Bosque Farms were the sedentary 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 administered through the federal government. The drains, canals and levees were constructed to improve soils and irrigation for agriculture 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 wasnt until the 1960s that developers began to subdivide the land in Bosque Farms into lots of one acre or less. Residents were able to enjoy a rural atmosphere 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 formed. Night after night, the residents patrolled the roads and ditches looking for suspicious activity.
THE VILLAGE OF BOSQUE FARMS is nestled on the east bank of the Rio Grande. The village is a well-known dairy, farming and horse community.
From the citizens patrol evolved the idea that Bosque Farms really needed its own police officers and was in need of becoming its own town. Instead of counting on the county for all its support, residents started circulating petitions calling for a special election to become an incorporated village. Residents realized that the advantages of that, of course, were that they would get the gross receipts from the businesses along N.M. 47 to purchase their own police cars instead of depending on others. Another issue for incorporation was zoning. People were starting to come to Valencia County in droves from the city. The zoning, or the lack of it, in Valencia County wasnt good, and people who owned land in Bosque Farms didnt want it
to look like that, said former Mayor Sharon Eastman. We thought if we incorporated and had proper zoning, we could protect our property values and guide development. The village of Bosque Farms was finally incorporated on Saturday, June 1, 1974. The incorporation was ratified by 75 percent of the voters in a special election. Of the 632 accepted ballots, 475 were in favor of incorporation and 157 were against it. An unexpectedly high 86 percent of the 752 eligible voters living in the village turned out to vote in the single-issue election. Two months later, Bosque Farms had its election and selected its first mayor, council and municipal judge.
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Population: 3,904 (2010 U.S. Census) Population trends, 1970 to 2010 (U.S. Bureau of Census) 1970: 1,699 1980: 3,353 1990: 3,791 2000: 3,931 2010: 3,904 Utilities Water: Village of Bosque Farms Source of Water: Ground water Sewer: Village of Bosque Farms Solid Waste: Waste Management Inc. Electric: Public Service Co. of New Mexico Natural Gas: New Mexico Gas Co. Telephone: CenturyLink Services Police: Village of Bosque Farms Fire: Bosque Farms Volunteer Fire Department Parks: The village of Bosque Farms maintains a park, baseball fields, tennis courts and a community/senior center. There is also a privately-owned rodeo arena.
Demographics
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Peralta
Government: Mayor Bryan Olguin, Councilors Tracy Aragon, Leon Otero, Joseph Romero and Lorenzo Moya Interim Clerk: Dick Wayne Municipal Judge: David Young Police Chief: Bosque Farms Chief Greg Jones Fire Chief: John Dear
years. The town was named for Andres and Manuel de Peralta sometime before 1680, says Mayor Bryan Olguin. Its much older than that, but that is the first records they had, Olguin said. He said El Camino Real runs through the area. According to historian Robert Julyan, the town is also named for Pedro de Peralta, a native of Valladolid in New Spain, who was among those returning to New Mexico after the reconquest in 1692. His descendants still live in the area. Locally, the community has been known as Los Placeres, the placers, for reasons unknown. All of Peralta was basically the Lo de Padilla land grant, Olguin said. Many of the heirs of the Spanish land grant owners still live here. Julyan wrote that in 1862, Confederate and Union troops battled near the town. A battle with similar characteristics is featured in the Sergio Leone film The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly. It ended in a Union victory and the Confederate army retreated through Los Lunas. The confederates basically got spanked here and driven back to Texas, Olguin said.
eralta was only incorporated as a town in 2007, but its history stretches back hundreds of
THE TOWN OF PERALTA, mostly a farming community, was incorporated in 2007. The
largely agricultural community still boasts its small-town charm and lush green fields.
In 1863, Col. Kit Carson mobilized his forces in Peralta prior to the campaign against the Navajos, according to Julyan. Olguin said the first post office was established in 1861. Julyan writes that in 1865, the post offices name was changed to Los Pinos, the pines, or perhaps a family name, but in 1866 it reverted to Peralta. He said the town of Peralta is the site of an early Methodist church, and the Catholic church in the town, Our Lady of Guadalupe, is more than 150 years old. It recently went through a major renovation. The town is full of historical buildings.
Olguin said the town was largely agricultural, the major industry being sheep shearing. There are still some farmers around here, he said. N.M. 47 has been expanded from a dirt road to a two-lane highway and then to the four-lane highway it is now.
Demographics
Population: 3,660 (2010 Census)
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Population trends, 1990 to 2010 (U.S. Bureau of Census) 1990: 3.182* 2000: 3,750* 2010: 3,660 *Population for Peralta Census Designated Place, prior to formal incorporation. Utilities Water: Well water Source of Water: Groundwater Sewer: Septic Electric: Public Service Co. of New Mexico Natural Gas: New Mexico Gas Co. Telephone: CenturyLink Transportation Air: Albuquerque International Airport is 20 minutes away Services Police: Village of Bosque Farms Fire: Peralta Volunteer Fire Department Area Total: 4.4 square miles.
Capturing the flavor of Los Lunas

Small community. Big possibilities. Rich past. Bright future. Deep roots. Growing opportunities.
Village of Los Lunas Main Street & Don Pasqual 505 839-3840
Mayor
Be part of our family.
Right place. Right pace.

Robert Vialpando
Village Administrator
Peter Fernandez
Councilors
www.loslunasnm.gov
Charles Griego Richard Lovato Amanda Perea Gerard Saiz
A community that works. Living. Working. Caring. Sharing.
Valencia County Breathtaking Vistas

Valencia County
Government: County Commission: Chairman Donald Holiday, Vice Chairwoman Georgia Otero-Kirkham, Mary Andersen, Lawrence Romero and Ron Gentry County Manager: Bruce Swingle County Clerk: Sally Perea County Assessor: Viola Garcia-Vallljos County Treasurer: Dorothy Lovato County Sheriff: Louis Burkhard District Attorney: Lemuel Martinez Probate Judge: Jaime Baca District Court Judges: William Sanchez and Violet Otero Magistrates: John Buddy Sanchez, Danny Hawkes and Tina Gallegos
alencia County is part of the Rio Abajo, an area of the Middle Rio Grande Valley of New Mexico that stretches from the Espaola Valley in northern New Mexico, to Sabinal in the south. The Spaniards settled this area as early as 1598 after the first colony was founded by Gov. Juan De Oate in the Native American village of Ohke on the upper East Bank of the Rio Grande. The Espaola Valley was called the Ro Arriba (the Upper River) while the area just below La Bajada Hill was called the Ro Abajo (the Lower River) valley. New settlements were always found near Indian Pueblos. The Pueblo Indians were friendly and insisted that the new colonists build their homes near the Rio Grande. The river had a lot to offer to both the Natives and the colonists in the way of sustenance to both man and beasts. The county comprises 1,458 square miles in central New Mexico, bordering on Socorro County directly to the south, Cibola County to the west, Bernalillo
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County to the north and Torrance County to the east. The county seat is in the village of Los Lunas, 20 miles south of the states largest city, Albuquerque. The quality of life in the county can be characterized by a strong sense of community that is enhanced by a rural lifestyle. Residents of the area have identified peace and quiet, friendliness of the people, and terrific weather as benefits that has made this rural setting a wonderful place to visit and live.
(U.S. Bureau of Census) 1960: 15,146 1970: 20,451 1980: 30,769 1990: 45,235 2000: 66,152 2010: 76,569 *Valencia County was split in 1981 to form two counties, Valencia and Cibola. Populations for 1960 to 1980 are computed from census data only for the Los Lunas and Belen Census Divisions. Services: The Conejo Waste Transfer Station, 1100 Manzano Expressway, is open 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. every day. Its closed at times of high wind. Valencia County Animal Shelter, 1209, N.M. 314, in Los Lunas; 9 a.m. to 5 p.m, Tuesday through Saturday; 505-8662479. Community centers: Casa Colorada, Don Jose y Dolores Cordova Cultural Center in Jarales, El Cerro Community Center and Meadow Lake Community Center. Senior Centers: Belen Senior Center, Fred Luna Senior Center, Meadow Lake Senior Center and Del Rio Senior Center
Demographics
Population: 76,569 (2010 Census) Employment: Valencia County, traditionally an agricultural area, has become increasingly diversified. Residents still cherish a quality of life thats both country and cool access to big-city amenities but rural in character. A steady influx of new residents from Albuquerque in search of pleasant alternatives to city living spurred population growth of 16 percent between 2000 and 2010 in the county, and fairly rapid growth is expected to continue in the future. Valencia County has been a magnet for industries needing room to expand. The attractions are low-cost industrial sites, easy transportation access, available workforce, affordable housing and a positive business climate. Population trends, 1960 to 2010*
Valencia County s
Largest Employers
Moving forward... Proud to be one of
Isleta Pueblo Melding Past and Present

s one of the oldest communities 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

In 2010, the Isleta tribal government signed a contract with the world famous Hard Rock organization to manage its facilities, now known collectively as the Hard Rock Casino and Resort. It is located just south of Interstate 25, about 15 minutes from the Albuquerque International Sunport. As part of the resort, the Hard Rock Hotel and Convention Center offers everything a guest could ask for breathtaking rooms with top-of-the-line amenities, convenient on-site services and shops. The business traveler will find a state-ofthe art convention center, business services 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 linens, 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 Hard Rock Hotel and Convention Center offers luxurious accommodations and all the amenities. With over 30,000 square feet of meeting facilities and seven individual meeting rooms configurable to accommodate groups of any size, the resort offers services, such as catering, event management, transportation and technology management for your next important event.
300,000 square-foot Hard Rock Casino, offering slots, table games, bingo and poker. Adjacent to the casino is a state-ofthe-art showroom, featuring national acts throughout the year. If you are looking for a more intimate gaming space, the Palace West Casino is worth checking out. Open daily from 8 a.m.-midnight, the non-smoking facility features your favorite slot and video games with a self-serve drink and snack station. The Palace West Casino is only minutes away from the Hard Rock Casino and Resort at the intersection of N.M. 314 and N.M. 45. Both casinos honor the free Isleta Rewards Card.
Gaming
Right next door to the luxury hotel, Vegas-style gaming can be found at the
Nine, and Mesa Nine. For the youngsters and family fun, just north of the casino is an arcade and amusement center featuring bowling and a wide variety of arcade games. Then, just down the road, find one of the most beautiful oasis in the Southwest at Isleta Lakes and RV Park. It has 50 fullservice RV sites equipped with all the necessities, plus Direct TV, high speed wireless Internet, shower and laundry facilities and a full-service coinvent store. Each site has a private grill, picnic table and grassy area. Be sure to grab your SPF-15 and your tackle box though, because the lakes near by are stocked with fish year round, including channel catfish in the spring and summer, and rainbow trout in the fall and Golf, Lakes and RV Park winter. Across the highway from the resort is More conveniences include a fish cleanIsleta Eagle, one of the Southwests preing station, restroom facilities at both miere, award-winning golf destinations, lakes, 44 shelters, a volleyball court and a featuring a beautifully manicured 27-hole convenience store where you can pick up course with three 9-hole tracts designed around and named after their primary topo- groceries, drinks, baits, tackle, fishing graphic feature The Lakes Nine, Arroyo accessories and fishing licenses and permits.
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VALENCIA COUNTY
News-Bulletin
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Quality Education In Los Lunas Schools

Administration
Superintendent: Bernard R. Saiz Board of Education: Charles Tabet, president; Shaun Gibson, vice president; Robert Archuletta, secretary; members Christopher Marthinez and Kelly Chavez Administration building: 119 Luna Ave., Los Lunas, 87031, 505-865-9636 Website: www.llschools.net rom pre-kinder all the way through upperclassman, the Los Lunas School District is consistently providing students with quality education, 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 high school. This year, the Jostens Renaissance program has been established in every school in the district. It is the only national program created to recognize and reward the academic achievements of students from elementary school through college. The goals are to increase student performance and teacher enthusiasm and enhance school community participation. The old and the new mix together with Bosque Farms Elementary as one of the districts oldest schools, built in 1936, and Sundance Elementary, the newest school, completed in January 2009. Bosque Farms Elementary is a Blue Ribbon school, and was recently renovated. An adobe style two-story building was added, all buildings were upgraded for new technology and a new playground installed. The intermixing of tradition and innovation is visible not only in the school buildings architecture but, most importantly, inside the classroom. This year, Los Lunas High School will undergo renovation, in a two-phase con-
struction plan beginning after graduation. The new school will be designed around the concept of Smaller Learning Communities and reflect state-of-the-art technology. The high school was also the recipient of a solar energy grant of $600,000, and installed a 50 kW photovoltaic solar power system. Students monitor the system to evaluate daily energy production, giving them hands-on technical experience using math, engineering and the computerized monitoring software. It was the schools Project Lead the Way pre-engineering students who brainstormed the initial architectural design and optimal location site for the new solar energy system, and were also instrumental in winning the grant for the school. Project 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 perform and academic expectations remain the same. The districts newest high school is Valencia High School, home of the Jaguars. The schools mission is to break away from the traditional high school to form a student-centered learning community. The school is designed around the concept of Smaller Learning Communities, which focuses on meeting individual needs, beginning with a freshman academy. All of the high schools are equipped with computerized E2020 courses and offer dual-enrollment classes so students can
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News-Bulletin

advance at their own speed. Between curriculum, innovative programs and a rich history, Los Lunas students are reaping the benefits of a multidimensional school district that prepares them for tomorrow, while instilling a sense of community.
Students 545
Elementary Schools
Phone: 865-6223 Principal: Samial Morerod Staff: 62, Certified 34 Students: 525
Principal: Monica Arguello Staff: 48, Certified 25 Students: 290
Daniel Fernandez Elementary

32 Sun Valley Road Los Lunas, N.M., 87031 Phone: 865-1044 Principal: Penny Whorten Staff: 55, Certified 30 Students: 400
Los Lunas Elementary

800 Coronado Road Los Lunas, N.M., 87031 Phone: 865-9313 Principal: Valerie Otero Staff: 78, Certified 33 Students: 533
Tom Elementary
46 Chacon Road Tome, N.M., 87066 Phone: 865-1102 Principal: Felipe Armijo Staff: 74, Certified 47 Students: 544
High Schools
Los Lunas High School

1776 Emilio Lopez Road Los Lunas, N.M., 87031 Phone: 865-4646 Principal: Dan Padilla Staff: 124, Certified 81 Students: 1,269
Desert View Elementary

49 Camino La Canada Los Lunas, N.M., 87031 Phone: 866-2488 Principal: Diedra Martinez Staff: 70, Certified 38 Students: 499
Sundance Elementary School

3701 Sundance Street, SW Los Lunas, N.M., 87031 Phone: 866-0185 Principal: Mildred Chavez Staff: 42, Certified 24 Students: 536
Valencia Elementary
111 Monica Road Los Lunas, N.M., 87031 Phone: 865-3017 Principal: Julie Crum Staff: 61, Certified 40 Students: 386
Valencia High School

310 Bonita Vista Blvd. Los Lunas, N.M., 87031 Phone: 565-8755 Principal: Andrew Saiz Staff: 106, Certified 58 Students: 933
Family School
32 Sun Valley Road Los Lunas, N.M., 87031 Phone: 865-1044 Principal Penny Whorten Students: 35
Raymond Gabaldon Elementary

454 Coronado Los Lunas, N.M., 87031 Phone: 866-0456 Principal: Barbara Carrillo Staff: 41, Certified 20 Students: 335
Peralta Elementary
3645 N.M. 47 Peralta, N.M., 87042 Phone: 869-2679
Century High School

320 Bonita Vista Blvd. Los Lunas, N.M., 87031 Phone: 866-2153 Principal: Wilson Holland Staff: 11, Certified 7 Students: 100
Ann Parish Elementary

112 Meadow Lake Road Los Lunas, N.M., 87031 Phone: 865-7364 Principal: Elena Trodden Staff: 69, Certified 40 Students: 507
Middle Schools
Los Lunas Middle School
220 Luna Ave. Los Lunas, N.M., 87031 Phone: 865-7273 Principal: Victoria Baca Staff: 73, Certified 45 Students: 754
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1390 W. Bosque Loop Bosque Farms, N.M., 87066 Phone: 869-2646 Principal: Cindy Philips Staff: 62, Certified 34 Students: 427
864-7434, 864-0891 Fax

Mon-Fri 8:30-6:30 Saturday 8:30-3:00 Se Habla Espaol
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Valencia Middle School

Middle School 22 Marlink Road Los Lunas, N.M., 87031 Phone: 865-1750 Principal: Ron Hendrix Staff: 51, Certified 33
Katherine Gallegos Elementary

236 Don Pasqual Road Los Lunas, N.M., 87031
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Striving For Excellence At Belen Schools

Administration
Superintendent: Ron Marquez Board of Education: Sam Chavez, president; members Adrian Pino, Dolores Lola Quintana, Lorraine Espinosa and Larry Lindberg Administration building: 520 N. Main St., Belen, 87002; 505-966-1000 Website: www.belen.schoolfusion.us he Belen Consolidated School District is destined to continue the path toward academic success with its driven students and innovative programs. About 4,450 students attend Belens seven elementary schools, one middle school, one high school and an alternative school in a district that wants to excel. The Belen district uses programs, such as the Career Academy, as a benchmark 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 medical technician training. The academy has career pathways in agriculture, digital media, health technology, family and consumer science, business and culinary arts. There are many courses in the program that have dual credit with the University of New Mexico-Valencia Campus and Central New Mexico Community College in Albuquerque. The district, the 16th largest in the state, has about 735 employees and 30 administrators and has implemented programs from bilingual education to computer-aided drafting. Voters recently approved a $23.75 million bond issue that will bring additional classroom space and a new indoor commu-
nity pool to Belen High School and a new building for Belens Family School. The majority of the bond money will go to new buildings for a district that needs additional wings at several of its sites because of expanding class sizes and a need to improve older structures. Projects, such as Infinity High School and the football and baseball field houses, have kept Belen up to par with the other school districts in the state. The district also recently completed a state-of-the-art tennis complex with eight courts. Belen Schools also puts a premium on
technology. The district has installed microwave towers at each of its schools to improve bandwidth speeds for students and teachers to effortlessly stream the Internet. In 2010, solar panels were installed at the high schools career academy as part of a statewide $4.5 million grant. The 50-kilowatt solar photovoltaic system will help offset energy costs and provide students with learning opportunities.
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High Schools
Gil Sanchez Elementary

362 Jarales Road Jarales, N.M., 87023 Phone: 966-1900 Principal: Isela Jquez Students: 304
Belen High School

1619 West Delgado Ave. Belen, N.M., 87002 Phone: 966-1300 Principal: Christopher Hotchkiss Students: 1,152
Bryan R. Olguin
Mayor
Preserving the Past for Future Generations
H.T. Jaramillo Community School

900 Esperanza Dr. Belen, N.M., 87002 Phone: 966-2000 Interim Principal: Carla Martinez Students: 450
Infinity High School

221 S. Fourth St. Belen, N.M., 87002 Phone: 966-1520 Principal: Buddy Dillow Students: 80
La Merced Elementary
301 Alame Loop Rio Communities, N.M., 87002 Phone: 966-2100 Principal: Manuel J. Lucero Students: 578
Councilors
Middle School
Belen Middle School
314 South Fourth St. Belen, N.M., 87002 Phone: 966-1600 Principal: Sheila Armijo Students: 607
La Promesa Elementary
898 N.M. 304 Las Nutrias, N.M., 87062 Phone: 966-2400 Principal: Joanne Silva Students: 246
Joseph Romero Leon Otero Tracy Aragon Lorenzo (Sonny) Moya
Elementary Schools
Central Elementary
600 Picard Ave. Belen, N.M., 87002 Phone: 966-1200 Principal: Cynthia Swanson Students: 285
Judge
David Young
Rio Grande Elementary

15 East Side School Road Belen, N.M., 87002 Phone: 966-2200 Principal: Barbara C. Thoms Students: 280
Fire Chief
John Dear
Clerk
Dick Wayne
Dennis Chavez Elementary

19670 N.M. 314 Los Chavez, N.M., 87002 Phone: 966-1800 Principal: Rita Martinez Students: 385
Family School
376 Rio Communities Blvd. Belen, N.M., 87002 Phone: 864-0728 Principal: Buddy Dillow Students: 83
To help students acquire the knowledge, skills and character to become productive adults, deal effectively with change, and have a positive impact on their community.
District Mission Statement
Bienvenidos a la Plaza de Peralta

90-A Molina Rd Peralta 869-2050
SODA Offers More Than Education

Administration
Principal: Michael Ogas Governing council: Kenneth Griego, president; Dorothy Y. Griego, secretary; members, Gene Carabajal, Richard Aragons, Theresa A. Ogas, founder, and Kathy Chavez,co-founder Administration office: 1800 Main St. NE, Los Lunas, 87031; 505-861-7632 Website: www.sodacharter.org he only charter school in Valencia County, the School of Dreams Academy offers an alternative to the traditional education format by specializing in digital arts and offering a smaller school community. SODA is a state-funded, accredited charter school, and earned additional accreditation this year from the nationally and internationally recognized AdvancED accreditation system. This accomplishment gives the schools education credits national and international recognition. The accreditation team took an in-depth look at the schools verifiable statistics on student progress, how results are documented, how resources are allocated and what the schools vision and goals are. The school received the top ratings of, at or above operational level in four areas, and operational in three categories. The process helped the school establish a foundational structure they can build on that will guide its continued growth for years to come. Its quality assurance, said Lorena Herrera, the bilingual educator. And its a continuing process of improvement. Its never done. The school 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 current facility at 1800 Main St. SE, on the east bank of the Rio Grande in Los Lunas. The school began with grades seven through nine, then added a grade level each year. Next year, 12th grade will be added. Currently, the school has more than 21,000 square feet, and a 360 student capacity. Weve grown 167 percent this last year, said Principal Mike Ogas. SODA has more than 300 students, and the governing council has begun the process for plans to expand the school, building on at the existing location or at a new location. Still, with its small environment, students at SODA are known intimately, and it gives a safety and security you dont get in the large schools.
In digital arts, students are currently filming and producing commercials for local businesses, such as the historic Luna Mansion and Back to Basics herb store. That business owners can use the videos for television or website advertising. We have some of the best technology available, Ogas said. People dont realize, but once they get in here, they begin to understand. The school has a wide assortment of digital arts software, a sound-proof music recording room, virtual desktop servers and a state-of-the-art wooden dance floor. The dance students were invited to perform for state legislators at the capital in January, and they have performed at a number of events locally and in the major cities within the state. The school has online E2020 computer
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classes complimented by the availability of the teacher in every class. There are four core areas of curriculum: math, social studies, science and language arts, that are taught online. Students wear headphones to listen to instruction, and if they dont understand a concept being taught, they can replay the sequence. Teachers are available during every class. The schools robotics program has been instrumental in exciting students about math and science. Weve been recognized nationally and internationally for our science and robotics program, Ogas said. Theyre actually branching out. Theyre doing Science Olympiad and other science programs. The students have competed and won many trophies, plaques and ribbons for their outstanding work in BEST Robotics, Botball, First Robotics, Advanced Robotics, and are preparing for the Unmanned Aerial Vehicle drone competition. The robotics students have attracted scientists from Sandia Lab who visit the school and mentor students, Ogas said. The school encourages students to go at their own pace. Some students will graduate early because the school offers the opportunity for concurrent college enrollment. There is a community service component to the school, and students have developed their own programs working with senior citizens in assisted living facilities. There is also community service with an environmental focus. It has involved hands-on ecology education in an outdoor setting, and environmental clean up.
Michael S. Sanchez
LAW OFFICE
Michael S. Sanchez Cindy Mercer Joshua Sanchez General Practice Criminal Defense Personal Injury Domestic Relations 505 Main Street SW, Los Lunas
865-0688
BELEN CONSOLIDATED SCHOOLS

What We Offer: Highly Competitive salaries Excellent benefits Great small town values Family-friendly workplace Professional development training
District Mission Statement
To help students acquire the knowledge, skills and character to become productive adults, deal effectively with change, and have a positive impact on their community.
What We Do: Provide outstanding instructional leadership Encourage excellence in athletics Offer a save learning environment Foster academic, social & emotional growth What We Have: Outstanding academic programs State-of-the-art technology Extra-curricular activities Alternative schools 9th Grade Academy & Career Academy Teacher Resource Center
For more information, call (505) 966-1000 or visit us at www.belen.schoolfusion.us
University Of New Mexico-Valencia Campus

Administration
Executive director: Dr. Alice Letteney Advisory board: Paul Luna, chairman; Belinda Martinez, secretary; Eloisa Tabet, Corrine Sedillo and Russell Griego Location: 280 La Entrada Road, Los Lunas N.M., 87031. The University of New Mexico-Valencia Campus is located in Tom, halfway between Belen and Los Lunas, the two main population centers of Valencia County. The campus occupies 150 acres of rural land overlooking the Rio Grande Valley, the Manzano Mountains and Tom Hill. Contact information: 505-925-8500; website: www.unm.edu/~unmvc hawk glides effortlessly on an updraft and a gentle wind rustles the leaves of nearby cotton-
woods. As the sun traces across the sky, wide open vistas and mountain views are glimpsed between buildings. There is a hush, then, like the fountain in the center of campus, students spring forth from academic buildings across the University of New Mexico-Valencia Campus, hurrying on their way to their next learning experience. This year marked the 30th anniversary of the UNM branch campus nestled in Tom. But the home of higher education in Valencia County actually started two years before that, in August 1978, as a satellite center for UNM. The University of New Mexico began serving the educational needs of the county when the Eastern Valencia County Satellite Center opened its doors at the Valley Community Center in Rio Communities. A total of $93,000 in seed money was raised to help open the facility. A formal proposal to establish the branch was accepted by UNM in March 1981. Classes began in August of that year.
Technical certificates and associate degrees could now be completed locally for the first time in Valencia Countys history. Continued growth in enrollment and program offerings soon created a need for additional space and new facilities. A new campus at the present 150-acre site was built in response to this need.
The four-building campus, consisting of an administration building, two classroom halls and a cafeteria-student center, opened its doors in the summer of 1986. The campus currently utilizes just under 26 acres, so there is plenty of room for expansion.
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e Isl
ta Busine
s
s
Omero Suarez assumed the duties of campus director in 1981. The leadership was passed down to Ralph Sigala and current UNM-VC Executive Director Alice Letteney, with several interim directors in between. During the years, additional classrooms and space for services have been added, including a library and learning resource center in 1994, student-community center, wellness center and bookstore in 2000 and health science building in 2004. The health science building consists of a cadaver lab, science labs, classrooms and offices. In the fall of 2005, the new Vocational/Career Technical Center was built, containing classrooms, computer labs, and the TRiO program offices, computer lab and conference rooms. The Health Sciences building also houses UNM-VCs new nursing program. In 2009, the school received a $1.38 million Department of Labor grant to establish the two-year associates degree program. The vision of the program is to develops professional nurses with abilities to promote, restore and maintain health for individuals, families and groups within our rural community. Each course is designed to prepare students for state or national certification. This spring, UNM-VC will graduate its first cohort from its associates degree nursing program. The community college has grown to a current enrollment of nearly 2,500 students with an array of courses and programs. Dr. Alice Letteney, the campuss executive director for 16 years, said when the campus opened in 1981, UNM-VC had a head count of 320 students. This fall, it boasted a head county of 2,493. There were 152 full-time equivalent students the first year and now its at 1,510. Thats an increase of 779 percent in head count and 993 percent in FTEs, Letteney said. In her years as executive director of the campus, Letteney said many programs have been implemented that have furthered educational opportunities. Letteney said interest in STEM science, technology, engineering and math programs have exploded. We have nearly 60 students in digital media arts and a new grant for a game design program, she said. These programs feed into UNMs programs. By going into DMA, students can enter fields in business and medicine, as well as the film industry. Letteney said learning at UNM-VC is personal to every student who is enrolled at the branch campus. When you couple that with faculty and staff who are helpful and friendly, then you have a learning atmosphere where dreams can start, she said. We have story after story on this campus of students who started their dreams here. When you come to UNM-Valencia Campus, you become a member of our college family, she said.
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Making A Day Trip From Valencia County
THE ABO RUINS, located west of Socorro and accessible from U.S. 60, are said to have been built in the 16th century. The picturesque
ruins are less than an hours drive from Valencia County.
alencia County is a perfect central starting point for wonderful day trips that can give the visitor a view of the Land of Enchantment. Traveling south first, Socorro, home of one of the nations top engineering schools, New Mexico Tech, is about 40 miles south of Belen off of Interstate 25. Its also home of a reasonably priced 18-hole golf course with each hole offering unique challenges. West of Socorro is the Very Large Array, a collection of radio telescopes, and southeast is Trinity Site, home of the first atomic bomb explosion. Each site has an open house with guided tours in April and October that coin-
cide with one another. Twenty miles southeast of Socorro is the famous Bosque del Apache Wildlife Refuge, winter home of flocks of birds, including sandhill cranes, eagles, geese and ducks. West of Socorro and accessible from U.S. 60 are ruins from 16th century Spanish communities at Ab, Quarai and Gran Quivira. Around the corner from Mountainair, off N.M. 55, are camping grounds and hiking trails in the Manzano Mountains. Back on Interstate 25, between Belen and Albuquerque is Isleta Pueblo, an Native American community dating to the 1300s. The pueblo now houses the Hard
Rock Hotel and Casino. For golfers, the tribe offers a 27-hole golf course. Just 29 miles north of Belen is New Mexicos largest city, Albuquerque, established in 1706 by the Duke of Albuquerque. The citys heritage is celebrated in its Old Town, which possesses an array of restaurants and shops. Albuquerque is the home of the internationally famous Anderson-Abruzzo Albuquerque International Balloon Museum, and is also the site of the International Balloon Fiesta every
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October. The Downs at Albuquerque, located on the New Mexico State Fairgrounds, offers simulcast racing daily and has live horse racing from Aug. 10 to Nov. 4. Visitors can frequent Petroglyph National Monument, New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science, Albuquerque Biological Park, and Sandia Peak Tramway, the worlds longest aerial tramway. West of Albuquerque, about 65 miles on I-40, is Acoma Pueblo, otherwise known as Sky City, one of the oldest continuously inhabited communities in North America. Ancestral homes sit atop a 370-foot mesa, which can be viewed through guided tours. Highlights include the huge San Esteban del Rey Mission, which dates to 1640, and artisans selling their distinctive pottery. Off the mesa is the Sky City Casino. No visit would be complete without a visit to Santa Fe, the nations oldest continuously occupied capital, which was
established by Spain in 1610. A fun way to travel to Santa Fe is on the Rail Runner Express commuter train, which can be boarded in depots in Belen, Los Lunas, Isleta and 11 other stations along the way. The Rail Runners final northern stop is within easy walking distance to the historic downtown Plaza, home of the historic Palace of the Governors. The New Mexico History Museum, the Santuario de Guadalupe, the Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi, the Georgia OKeefe Museum, and Museum Hill, location of four museums featuring Native American art, Spanish colonial art, and folk art, are among the numerous of points of interest that are easily accessible. Art galleries and fine dining establishments abound among the architectural splendor that invented the Santa Fe style. Without a doubt, Valencia County is in easy reach of many of the states historical, natural and man-made wonders that make New Mexico so unique.
Other Destinations
Elephant Butte Lake State Park: Encompassing the largest and most popular lake in New Mexico, Elephant Butte Lake State park provides camping boating, water skiing, swimming, fishing, hiking and bird watching. Elephant Butte Lake State Park headquarters are five miles north of Truth of Consequences, via Interstate 25, Exit 83. Rio Grande Zoo: The Rio Grande Zoo, 903 10th St. SW, in Albuquerque, has more than 200 species of animals on exhibit. The zoo also features music concerts and annual events. Its educational exhibits offer information about wildlife conservation efforts while showing animals in naturalistic habitats. El Camino Real International Heritage Center: The El Camino International Heritage Center, located south of Socorro at Exit 115, is one of the states monuments to present the history and cultural significance of the 1600-1800s Spanish emigrant trail, El Camino Real de Tierra Adentro the Royal Road to the Interior Lands.
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Economic Development In Valencia County

Lunas Municipal Building, 660 Main St. NW, Los Lunas, 87031 The village is working on a retail man100 S. Main St., Belen, N.M., 87002; agement strategy plan. It also works on 505-864-8221 industrial prospects. The program can help The Greater Belen Economic with anyone looking for a place to start a Development Corporation is a private, non- business or a satellite site for its main profit membership organization whose headquarters. mission is to increase economic opportuniLos Lunas has one industrial park, Los ty by generating more employment and to Morros, that sits on 500 acres with good increase the tax base and tax revenues in access to Interstate 25. A Walmart the greater Belen area. Distribution Center and several other busiThe EDC is supported by its members, a nesses are located on the site. The village coalition of business, government, educarecently annexed 1,000 acres west of Los tion, environment, trade and industry social Morros for marketing to industrial prosorganizations and chambers of commerce. pects. With large growth in population in recent Bosque Farms Economic years, Los Lunas offers many small shopping centers with easy access from Main Development Team Street and N.M. 314. It offers a developEmail: BFEconDev@bosquefarms.us ment process manual with information Mailing Address: Economic about subdivision and sign ordinances, Development Committee, Bosque Farms business licenses, water and sewer services Village Offices, P.O. Box 660, Peralta, and other necessary facts. N.M. 87042; 505-869-2357 It contains contact numbers for environThe village governing body created the mental regulators and other agencies necBosque Farms Economic Development essary for business. The village is also Team to foster business development and actively encouraging and developing a supto work with companies considering reloport structure for home-based businesses. cating to Bosque Farms. The core of the team is the Economic Valencia County Development Committee, which includes professionals with an array of specialties Chamber of Commerce and interests in the economic development 751 Juan Perea Rd., Los Lunas, N.M., arena. 87031; 505-352-3596 Committee members have economic The goal of the Valencia County development training and are active in ecoChamber of Commerce is to improve the nomic development at the state level, economic environment of Valencia County, including working with the New Mexico thereby benefiting all established businessEconomic Development Department, the es and encouraging the development of New Mexico Partnership, the Small Business Development Center, and region- new business. The chamber provides networking and al economic development organizations. educational opportunities with general membership luncheons, monthly newsletLos Lunas Community ters, and other social events. Development Program Board of Directors: Andy Gomez, president; Martin Callahan, president-elect; Christina Ainsworth, Community Claire Cieremans, treasurer, Rita Garcia, Development Director, 352-7659, ainsecretary; members, Tim Marlin, Michael sworthc@loslunasnm.gov; Ralph Mims, Ogas, Fred Carabajal, Patty Roberts, Dave Economic Development Manager, 839-5654, mimsr@loslunasnm.gov; Los Carlberg, Ralph Mims and Carey Salaz.
Greater Belen Economic Development Corporation
Greater Belen Chamber of Commerce

712 Dalies Ave., Belen, N.M. 87002; 505-864-8091, 505-864-7461 (fax); Web site: www.belenchamber.com Formed more than 50 years ago, the chambers aim is to improve quality of life and build a strong community. Companies and individuals often become members of the chamber to demonstrate a commitment to the local economy and to develop their business and community contacts. The Belen Chamber also is the location of the City of Belens Vistors Center, which is run by the Belen chamber staff. The visitor center offers information on area sights and activities, lodging and restaurants. Board of Directors: Teressa Witthoff, president; Jennifer Hise, first vice president; Anna Duran, second vice president; Terri Young, treasurer; David Renteria, past president; members, Louisa Baca, Carmie Carrejo, Kelly Fajardo, Carl Gallegos, Tom Greer, Dave Puddu, Aaron Silva, Ronnie Torres, Michael Vallejos, Luz Chavez, Wayne Abraham, Mary Aragon, Cynthia Swanson; Rhona Espinoza, executive director.
Valencia County Hispano Chamber of Commerce

P.O. Box 539, Belen, N.M. 87002; 505702-9468 The Valencia County Hispano Chamber of Commerce promotes business and community cohesiveness. It annually hosts the countys single largest event, a matanza (traditional New Mexican pig roast) that draws thousands of people from throughout the nation. The chamber also holds a 9/11 Memorial Lunch every year, serving a mid-day meal to law enforcement and fire department personnel. Board of Directors: Yvonne Sanchez, president; Fernando Sisneros, vice-presi-
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Church Directory
...a place to grow, to serve and to get connected with Jesus!
6:30
09 Los Chavez Park Rd Belen 865-7701 864-6774
St. Matthews Episcopal Church

Mission Statement:
We are called to come together to love, pray and worship, always growing in faith and raising future generations to know the love of God. Spreading the word of God, through his son, Jesus Christ and in the power of the Holy Spirit. Holy Eucharist: Sun. 8:00 a.m. & 10:30 a.m. Wed. 10:30 a.m. Fri. 5:30 p.m. All are welcome at St. Matthews 400 Huning Ranch Loop West - Los Lunas (Just north of Sundance Elementary)
9:00am Fellowship 9:30am Bible Study 10:30am Morning Worship 6:00pm Evening Worship Wednesday - 7am Midweek Prayer Service, 6:30pm Youth Group
866-1324
75 Manzano Expressway Belen 864-6095

www.belenumc.org
First United Methodist Church

A church with Gods heart... in the heart of Belen
401 Becker ST in Belen Sunday School: 9:15 a.m. Sunday Morning Worship: 10:30 a.m. Wednesday: 6:30 p.m. Re: generation Youth: Wednesdays at 6:30 p.m. www.fbcbelen.org Visit us on Facebook
A place to belong Pastor Jay A. Armstrong

5pm youth Group Children Church 9am Contemporary Worship 11:10am Traditional Worship 10:10am Adult Sunday School
A Place To Ride And Relax

f youre standing with your back to a railing at a Valencia County ranch, someone might stick his nose over your shoulder to see what youre up to. That someone might not be a human, but one of thousands of horses that are either housed, bred or brought to Valencia County. Between ranches, rodeos, team ropings and all the properties large enough for stables, horses are a huge part of the countys culture. Some of the earliest paintings and photographs involving the countys settlements feature working animals, mainly horses, though theyre mostly used for recreation today. I grew up out in the village of Manzano, and there, the land is so rugged, said longtime Los Lunas resident Dominic Kittredge. Here, the valley is flat, and there are plenty of places to ride. Some county families have had horses on the same land for many generations, and the animal is simply a part of its background. If kitchens were bigger, horses would be invited in to join the family at the dinner table, they are so much a part of the household. The past few generations, especially those moving out from Albuquerque, often end up in Valencia County apartments or houses with little or no yard. But much of the county is subdivided into lots big enough for horses, some specifically designed for equine purposes. Bosque Farms not only has its own rodeo association and arena, but the entire grid of the village is centered around lots big enough for farming and ranching. The Valencia County Fairgrounds in Belen, located next to the Sheriffs Posse Cafe, has two arenas that are used for rodeos and team ropings almost yearround. Many residents and businesses, espe-
THE BOSQUE FARMS Rodeo Association Arena is one of many places where people enjoy
riding, roping and other equestrian activities. Valencia County is a haven for those who love to ride on rural roads and ditchbanks.
cially in places, such as Los Chavez, have arenas on site. That means on a summer night, one could find a horse-related event or competition going on every few blocks throughout the county. Ditch banks, trails and country roads make the county an ideal place for horse lovers. Its always what has led to equinerelated businesses, such as veterinarians and feed stores. Ashley Holliday Bossard lives in Los Lunas now, but she grew up not only with horses at her familys Bosque Farms
home, but she also competed at a high level in horse-showing events. She even competed in a world championship showing once. My dad told me that if I wanted to have a horse, I had to take care of it, so it taught me a lot of responsibility, said Bossard. Mackie Saavedra, whose family lives in the Jarales area, is not exactly a casual, once-in-a-while horseback rider. She com-
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peted in high school rodeo competitions, where she tore a knee ligament as a senior, but recovered, and later joined the rodeo team at Eastern New Mexico University in Portales. I know when Im having a bad day, it is always nice to saddle up and go for a ride, said Saavedra. It is a major stress reliever for me here at school. I loved growing up in the country that has horses and animals all around and being able to saddle my horses and ride down the ditch, and see the beautiful country side and amazing sunsets and scenery. For Kittredge and his family, sports such as softball and soccer take precedence, so horseback riding is a more of a leisure activity for him and his children. Theres a real bond that can be made between a person and a horse, said Kittredge. They know your feelings. If youre angry, theyll ride angry. Bossard said shes met show competitors who lived in urban areas and had to drive miles to practice, but her rodeo arena was merely steps away. Saavedra said having horses in her life is something she cant picture being without. I love everything about them, she said. They are a huge part of my life. Who knows where I would be without them? Bossard said riding along Valencia Countys trails is a source of serenity. It makes you feel so good about yourself to get out and ride, she said. Having a horse is like having another friend.
re you a woman owned business and looking for an opportunity to network with other women in Business? Join us... we meet every Tuesday at 7:30am in Los Lunas. 866-9014.
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BWVC helps to support various organizations within Valencia County. We actively work to make this a better place to live!
Senior Needs: Prepare baskets of clothing and supplies going out to senior citizens in dire need. Student Needs: From our donations, BWVC purchases uniforms and school supplies. VC Animal Shelter: BWVC was able to donate enough money to build another kennel at the Shelter. VC Domestic Violence Shelter: We donated 12 sets of new dishes to the VC Domestic Violence Shelter as well as quarterly financial support for their outreach program. Trash Pickup: BWVC adopted a section of Hwy 263 and actively works to keep it clear of litter and debris.
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To find out more about BWVC and our members please go to: www.BWVC.biz 866-9014
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Isleta Pueblos St. Augustine Catholic Church

Pueblo. In August 2011, after years of planning and restoration, parishioners, tribal and community leaders and Archbishop Michael J. Sheehan celebrated with a Blessing Mass at St. Augustine Catholic Church, with more than 1,000 people in attendance. As hundreds packed the historic church, many more sat outside underneath two large tents watching and celebrating the 2 1/2 hour Blessing Mass on four big-screen televisions. The 399-year-old church stands tall among the pueblo-style homes in Isleta a testament to their unfaltering faith and centuries-old culture. Made of adobe bricks in 1613, the church is said to be one of the oldest in the country. The Blessing Mass was more than a celebration of faith, it was a salute to those who made the restoration a reality. All the people of Isleta are rightly proud of this beautiful church dedicated to St. Augustine, Sheehan said during his homily. When you think of the history of this place my goodness, how powerful. St. Augustine, first known as St. Anthonys in 1613, was nearly destroyed during the Pueblo Revolt in 1690. Twelve years later, De Vargas discovered the ruins, and the church was rebuilt in 1716, renamed St. Augustine. We are very lucky this church withstood the test of time, albeit with some major and minor repairs along the way, said Isleta Gov. Frank Lujan. Imagine if you will, the first Mass that was held in this church in 1613. It makes you wonder, doesnt it? What was discovered during the reconstruction and removing the original plaster and the flooring, Isleta Pueblo
or nearly 400 years, the Catholic faith has been one of many centerpieces in Isleta
ST. AUGUSTINE CATHOLIC CHURCH in Isleta Pueblo underwent a massive restoration,
which was completed last year. The historic 400 year old church is one of the oldest in the country.
members began to understand what peo- and a small coffin, which many believe is that of Padre Padilla. The tale of the ple may have gone through who built padres coffin buried under the altar the church. Lujan said workers found many artiContinued on page 53 facts, including paintings in the walls
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includes its annual resurrection. The reconstruction of St. Augustine began with the planning eight years ago. Lujan said the parish initially thought they could restore the historic church with volunteers. With no money, the volunteers began making adobe after adobe after adobe. Some of the volunteers included teens with the Youth Development Workshop, Youth Development Inc. and Century High School. The work didnt get very far as the parishioners began to find out how difficult the job was going to be. We were lucky a few years ago when funding became available and the church qualified as a cultural resource project, Lujan said. With the tribal councils approval, the funds were allocated and approved. Father George Pavamkott, the pastor of St. Augustine, said he is very proud of the parish and the hard work of everyone involved in the restoration project.
When Pavamkott arrived two years ago in Isleta as St. Augustines new pastor, the restoration work was already underway. He said he realized immediately the pride the community had in its church. When you looked at the skeleton of the building, I could see tears in your eyes, he said. It was so much a part of your life. All of you loved the church and all of you were proud of it. I want to thank God for giving us this beautiful place to worship him. Sheehan said when he first came to New Mexico, he was inspired by the powerful relationship between the Native American culture and the Catholic Church. He said he hopes the restoration of St. Augustine also restores the faith of the people. My hope is that the faith will indeed not be just a building, he said. A building is important, but even more is that it has to be in our hearts. We are the church, we who are the people. The building is one thing, but the real
church is the people, the people of Isleta. I hope you pass onto the younger generation a love and respect, not only for your Isleta traditions, but a great love and respect for the Catholic faith, the archbishop said. Jesus came for all peoples, not just for the Spanish, not just for the Italians. Its not a white mans religion. The teachings of Jesus is for all cultures, all colors of skin, all languages, all parts of the world Jesus came for everyone. Gov. Lujan said while the church is rebuilt, the parishs spirit has also been restored. There is something about the human spirit that wades through trying times and rakes through the ashes of despair, then makes the decision to rebuild, Lujan said. Faith is reconstruction after ruin. I believe it takes more faith to rebuild for a second time than to build the first time. It means a chance to rebuild our faith and provide guidance to future generations to come.
Fresh Food At Los Lunas Farmers Market

ne of summers special treats is the availability of fresh, locally grown produce, eggs and honey. Los Lunas residents have the opportunity to fortify their dinner tables from the local Farmers Market in Heritage Park on Tuesdays, where they can buy tasty fruits, vegetables and other delectables, while investing in their local community. Our market is consistently trying to support and promote good, fresh locally grown produce, said George Torres, manager of the Los Lunas Farmers Market. This is the fifth year since the market was established, and Torres expects it to continue to grow. Each year, it keeps growing, he said. We encourage people to eat fresh and local produce, its not full of pesticides. We dont like pesticides, and we try to stay away from it. Torres and his wife, Loretta, a board member of the Los Lunas Farmers Market, dont use any pesticides in their garden. Lorettas specialty are her roses sold by the plant, and her spring vegetables. She sells a variety of other plants as well. Local gardeners and farmers are encouraged to come sell their surplus vegetables at the market. Some of the foods you can expect to find at the market as the season progresses start with cool season peas while they last, lettuce, beets, green beans, cucumbers, lemon cucumbers, jalapeos, yellow hots, bell peppers, Indian melons, Crenshaw melons, yellow pear, cherry, grape and other varieties of tomatoes, onions, corn, chiles, Swiss chard, a large variety of squash, herbs, flowers, food and other plants, local honey and fresh farm eggs. Daniel Espalin, of Bees Honey, said a few daily grains of local bee pollen can alleviate allergies. He sells pollen and a variety of raw honey in jars and plastic bear dispensers. Margaret Costanza, of Costanza Apple Orchard in Belen, also sells pollen and honey, along with apples. Another farmer, James Gutierrez, was born in Belen, lives and farms in Bosque Farms, and grows his chiles in Lemitar, he said. Swiss chard is like spinach, Gutierrez said. Its good in salads or cooked with red chile sprinkled on it. Peralta grower Sharon Strzechowski, with her son, Mark, grow garden vegetables, and usually sell a variety of fruit including peaches, pears, apples, plums and grapes. Mercedes Torres and son, Albert, of Gorospe Farms, sell blue corn, snow peas, radishes, oriental string beans, gourds and sodas. They grow a variety of squashes, tomatoes, chiles, melons and loofahs. Theyre edible early on, said Mercedes. They taste like cucumber. She sells the mature loofahs as well, and the same is true for some of the gourds; theyre edible early in their growth cycle, and decorative when they mature. At the market, you can also find fresh salsa sold by the jar. Dale
and Diane Tindell, of Salsa y Salsa from Estancia, sell queso, too. There are some vendors who sell crafts and jewelry, and some farmers sell a mixture of goods. The goal of the market is to maintain and preserve local food sources, said Loretta Torres. All of the food sold must be grown in New Mexico, Our locally grown is within the parameters of Valencia County, Bernalillo County, Santa Fe County, Socorro County, its generally within this area, said George Torres. We are local farmers that grow local produce. We do not promote or sell, to our knowledge, any GMO products, which are definitely a no, no.
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We do not use dangerous chemicals, because we feed our family these same fruits and vegetables, and we certainly dont want them to get sick from it, she said. We dont irradiate, we dont do any of that stuff that is done by people who are selling their products across the borders, across the seas, or shipping it to us. Were local, and we promote local. If a customer has any trouble with the quality of produce sold at the market, Torres wants to know. He said if a customer finds a defect in their purchase to bring it back, and they will get their money back. He prides himself on the quality of the local food sold at their market. Vendors can pull up their truck, set up their tables and canopies in about a 10-foot-wide space for a charge of $8 per day. The funds are put in a bank account, and they help pay for the advertising that we provide for the farmers who use our market, Torres said. We do several types of advertising as inexpensively as we can. Every once in awhile, we do a little bit of promotion, a give-away promotion like $10 worth of free produce, and thats also where the funds go. The market opens the first week of June at Heritage Park, by the Wellness Center on Lambrose Loop, every Tuesday from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturday at the Bosque Farms Community Center from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. To register for a space at the Los Lunas Farmers Market, call George Torres, at 307-1891, and for additional operations hours and locations call Loretta Torres at 307-1857.
Brad Francis Automotive: Proud To Be A Part of Valencia County!

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Belen Farmers Market Offers Local Freshness

uying fresh and buying local isnt anything new for Rosella Moya and her husband, Phil. The appeal of home-grown fruits and vegetables from the Belen Farmers Market has kept the Adelino couple coming back for more year after year. The freshness of the vegetables is why I come here, said Rosella Moya. I like home-grown instead of the store bought because you dont know how long its been there or where it came from. These are local and theyre very fresh, she said while holding several yellow squashes she purchased from the J Star Bar Farms stand at the Belen Farmers Market. The Moyas attend the farmers market every summer and fall at Anna Becker Park, not only to purchase the freshest fruits and vegetables for their table at home, but also to support local farmers. We want to support them, she said. I get my chile here every year. Thats what I like to buy. Everything here is so good and fresh. Camas Barkemeyer and her husband, Jason, sold Rosella and Phil their vegetables, but its been Jasons father, Jake, the owner of J Star Bar Farms in Tom, who started the family tradition. He has been farming for the past 30 years, and the family has been participating in the Belen Farmers Market every week since its beginning about 11 years ago. I just want people to eat fresh-grown, pesticide-free food, Camas said. I never grew up with it, and I enjoy it now and I think its great to share it with everyone else. J Star Bar Farms is about 1 1/2 acres and grows about 1,200 tomato plants, 25 different varieties, all different types of melons, cucumbers and squash. One of their customers favorites is okra, along with artichokes, asparagus, lettuce and spinach. We have peaches sometimes, weather permitting, and apples and cherries,
Camas said. The weather this year did affect our peaches and our apples and we had to wait a little bit to get things in the ground because it was so the cold. Along with selling their food at the Belen Farmers Market, which is open every summer and fall, the Barkemeyers participate in the Los Lunas Farmers Market and two in Albuquerque. Camas said while she enjoys selling fresh fruit and vegetables to her customers, she also enjoys being able to talk with them every week. She says its the customers and other vendors at the farmers market that makes it worthwhile.
We have the same people come and we know them by name, she said. I really enjoy selling, I really enjoy seeing the people over and over again, and I enjoy meeting new people. Everybody is so nice and friendly and all the vendors know each other. Jenniffer Singleterry, a vendor and the manager of the Belen Farmers Market, has been heading up the farmers market for about six years. One of the major benefits for local farmers to sell at the Belen market is location. They dont have to travel far, so its less
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expensive on gas, she said. But they can get their stuff to the market fresh the fresher it is, the higher nutrient value it has. If you pick it that morning and sell it that same day, Its going to last in your refrigerator longer than if you go to the grocery store and its traveled 1,700 miles. The benefit for the costumer (to go to the farmers market) is theyre supporting local farmers and theyre getting fresh food, Singleterry said. (Local food) is also picked when its ripe, unlike the other stuff where they pick it when its still green and it ripens in transport and it still doesnt taste good. We want our customers to get the best our local farmers have to offer. One of those customers, Sarah Chavez of Belen, said she enjoys what she finds at the farmers market, and although she doesnt make it to Anna Becker Park every week, she knows when she does go shell get what she wants fresh vegetables. You cant go wrong with the farmers market, Chavez said. Everything is fresh, everything is affordable and everyone is so friendly. We probably have the best farmers in the state, and I hope that everyone would come. With two growing children at home, Chavez said she cant find vegetables any fresher or healthier anywhere else. She said when she is able to make a purchase, its a treat for her and her family. Its so good, she said. You cant get anything better. The Belen Farmers Market is open, beginning in June, from 4 to 7 p.m. every Friday until the end of October.
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riscilla Romero wasnt planning on walking up the rocky and steep hillside of Tom Hill on Good Friday in April. She was running around doing errands like any other day when she saw people walking to Tom Hill from Albuquerques South Valley. At first, she picked up a case of bottled water to hand out to those making the annual trek up the sacred hill. Then she thought maybe she could give car rides to exhausted pilgrims. But as she passed by others walking to the base of the hill, she was convinced she needed to make the one mile walk to the top herself. I saw people walking old people, young people and children and I felt that meant for me that I needed to come and pray for all of the families here today, said Romero, of Albuuqerque. Theres not enough prayer out there. Thousands of people pour into Tom to make the annual Good Friday pilgrimage to the top of the hill, which is adorned with three large crosses depicting Mount Calvary. Once atop the hill, the faithful kneel down before the crosses, recited prayers, lit candles for sick family members or in memory of those who passed away and left behind rosaries and mementos at the base of each of the crosses. Some were search for uplifting, while others search for a miracle. Irma Montez, of Belen, and five of her family members made the hike up the hill for Montezs sister, who was diagnosed with breast cancer last year. Montez, dressed from head to toe in pink, said her sister, who had a double mastectomy, received her last round of radiation and was scheduled for a CT scan to see if the treatments worked the following day. I prayed for her all the way up, and when I got to the cross, I started crying for her because I lost my other sister to breast
THOUSANDS OF FAITHFUL hike up Tom Hill every year on Good Friday. The annual pil-
grimage began in 1947 when the late Edwin Berry and others erected three crosses, which depict Mount Calvary.
cancer, Montez said. So we made the special trip (to Tom Hill). But for others, hiking up the rocky hillside is a family tradition passed down from generation to generation something locals are trying to keep alive. For Marie Sanchez, of Los Lunas, walking up Tom Hill on Good Friday is a tradition shes been carrying on with her family for more than 25 years. She said the tradition started when her great-great grandfather helped place the three crosses on top Tom Hill in 1947 with the late Edwin Berry. It brings me peace, Sanchez said. Sanchez makes the four-hour trek from Our Lady of Belen Catholic Church to the hill every year, and is something she hopes to pass on to her daughter. Arturo Aragon, of Los Lunas, brought his 2-year-old son with him on the annual
pilgrimage for his first time this year to join in the family tradition. Three generations of Aragons family stood near the crosses in April, including his father and son. Even though its a Good Friday tradition, the Aragon family was praying for a sick sister-in-law this year. The family made wooden crosses for her, which they carried around their necks and left on top of the hill. The journey up the hill can create a sense of community, such as it does for Lauren Pope, of Belen, or can be part of a spiritual movement. Kimberly Byers, of Albuquerque, said its symbolic to set time aside to think about the Lord and pray. Its nice to take time out and pray and have that quiet time with the Lord, Byers said.
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dent; Arie Gallegos, past president; Toby Jaramillo, president-elect; Shireen McDonald, secretary; Georgia OteroKirkham, treasurer; members, Ron Tabet, Ronni Goforth, Yvonne Tabet, Dana Sanders, Jamie Diaz, Mike Mendoza, Noe Lara, Edward Archuleta and Ron Marquez.
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Pueblo of Isleta. The IBC oversees the pueblos corporate operations, which includes two convenience stores that were located on the north end of the pueblo, and the Comanche Ranch, which is located in Valencia and Socorro counties. Board of Directors: Harold J. Culberson, chairman; James E. Fitting; vice chairman; members Fayla Kovacs, Nathan A. Lucero and Michael Paquin
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Riding Rough Stock In Valencia County
ts quiet at the rodeo arena. The cheering crowds have gone home, the cowboys are back to their daily grind and the bulls are finishing up the last of the morning hay. Casper Baca comes striding over from the pens that hold his stock between 45 and 50 bulls and some 60 head of horses. This year marked the 36th annual Baca Rough Stock Rodeo series. Baca estimated that close to 25 of those years have been held in Belen at the Valencia County Sheriffs Posse Arena. The series runs every weekend in February and the first weekend in March. But Baca wasnt always the owner of his own line of stock. He started out as a cowboy, riding bulls for 15 years before going out under his own name with the rough stock in 1986. Those early years of riding and traveling to different parts of the country helped
Baca in his business as a stock provider. I saw what riders wanted, what they liked and didnt like, he said. They dont like a hard ride, something they just have no chance on. They like a good bucker and spinner. They also want to be treated right. Some contractors out there, they treat the cowboys like crud. I swore I would never do that. Baca says he never regretted the switch from bullrider to stock provider. For one thing, for the 55 year old, raising stock is simply a more stable way to make a living. Ive made my living in the rodeo business for many years, he said. As a rider, you have to be very good to earn a living. Not a lot of guys are that good. Even though he isnt riding the bulls, Baca is still a recognized name in the rodeo community because of his quality, performing stock.
His best known bull is probably High Rise. The bull went to the Professional Bull Riders championships seven times, a record that still stands as far as Baca knows. High Rise retired and died several years ago, but his lineage still lives on through his son, Coyote. I got him (Coyote) from a really good friend. He swore he would give me a bull out of High Rise. He always calls me coyote, so thats what we named the bull, Baca said. So, just what makes a good bucking animal? Baca says they have to be consistent. And theres no way to tell if they will be a good bucker until, well until you see them buck. You cant tell just by looking or watching them. You have to buck them, he said.
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And they might buck good once, but that doesnt mean theyre going to keep bucking. You have to have consistent bucking stock. Once you have the stock, you need the cowboys. Over the years, with the economy in decline, Baca said he has seen the numbers go down. The economy got its claws into us, same as everyone, he said. Weve had to make adjustments and well just keep on trucking, keep the cowboys satisfied and happy. Things are tough, but well survive. They will survive because it seems like there are always cowboys willing to ride. When asked why they do it, Baca pauses to think. Well theyre crazy, most of them, he laughed. But then he turns serious, as he speaks from experience of the challenge of staying on top of an irritated, two-ton animal for eight seconds. When you ride a good bull, you get an adrenaline high you cant explain, he said. Some want to be bull riders, some do it for show so their girlfriends can see them ride a bull. But all aspects of it make a rodeo. If those drugstore cowboys werent there, wed maybe not have enough riders. Baca said what the series is all about is giving the new guys a place to learn to ride and the old hands somewhere to come back to for a tune up.
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Going To The Greens In Valencia County
igh and deep, the tee shot sails down the fairway, bouncing a couple of times before settling. Whether at Tierra Del Sol Golf Club in Rio Communities, Isleta Eagle Golf Course at Isleta Pueblo or an Albuquerque course, the sights and sounds of golf have long been a part of the recreation scene for Valencia County residents and visitors. Golf has been a part of the economy, sports landscape and everyday routines of thousands of county residents for many years. Several high school champions, golf pros and lifelong players honed their game at Tierra Del Sol and/or other nearby courses. The values that golf teaches are really important, said Larry Garley, who
coached the Belen High School golf teams for 30 years before retiring in 2011. It teaches honesty, integrity and courtesy. It can be fun, or it can be serious competition. Much of the Rio Communities area is built around the Tierra Del Sol course, which was built more than 40 years ago. In fact, houses line many of the fairways. A nine-hole executive course is now closed, leaving only the original 18-hole course. The course changed its name from country club to golf club in 2006 to make it more community-friendly. The club has gone through its struggles as the economy has brought challenges to small, privately owned courses. A partner-
ship that includes four members of the Edeal family bought the course in 2006 at a cost of $2.125 million, and it is now owned by Scott Edeal and two local partners. The course has some varied challenges, including what is probably its signature hole, No. 7. It is only a Par-3, but a water hazard must be conquered to hit the green. Some Belen High School state champions and All-Americans honed their skills at Tierra Del Sol, including Doug Seery, Ben Darwin, brothers Christian and Jason Pea, Louise Hagstrand, Laura Spengeman and Taylar Jaramillo. Using the course as their practice facility,
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the BHS boys team won four team state titles and the girls won another in the 1980s. The course pros are brothers Clinton and Craig Tabet. The course has several regular golf leagues in the warmer months, including one for couples and one that generates scholarship money each year for Belen High School student athletes. There is also a swimming pool, full bar and three banquet-type rooms. The newly revamped Cafe Del Sol has a full breakfast menu, and its open from 7 a.m. to 11 a.m., Monday through Saturday, and 7 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Sunday. The Hard Rock Casino and ResortAlbuquerque, formerly known as Isleta Casino and Resort, set up shop in the mid1980s, with the golf course across the street opening in 1996. The course is set up as three nine-hole loops Mesa, Lakes and Arroyo that create a variety of challenges for golfers. The Mesa-Lakes chain forms the
courses main 18-hole arrangement used for tournaments. Events range from Sun Country section pro and amateur events to high school tournaments. The course has hosted national-level college competitions, high school events and high-profile pro-am tournaments. Its within view of northbound drivers on Interstate 25, undoubtedly drawing in a few golfers, and is only about 15 minutes from either Los Lunas or downtown Albuquerque. The signature hole might be Lakes No. 8, an uphill Par-5 that showcases some of the area terrain. The course actually helps the ecosystem, said Ciolek, who was the Sun Country PGA Golf Professional of the Year. We have plant life thats free of city development or other risks, and in the summer, well see things like bunny rabbits out there eating the grass at night. It helps the habitat to have a course here. The course is part of an Isleta Pueblo complex that includes a campground and an amphitheater. Across the street is the
recently renamed Hard Rock Casino and Resort-Albuquerque, which includes a showroom, eating venues, a $100 million hotel and convention center, and the Isleta Fun Connection game arcade. The Hard Rock brand draws people to the hotel and the resort, said Ciolek. And some of those people play golf. Some of them like to fish and use the campground, so our course benefits from and adds to the tourism. Located nearby are the Isleta Lakes and campground area. Tierra Del Sol can be reached at 505864-1000. The number to the Isleta facility is 505848-1900. Other nearby public courses include the New Mexico Tech Golf Course in Socorro and the University of New Mexico Championship Course in south Albuquerque. The Duke City also has four 18-hole public courses.
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Our Culture, Our Community Matanza
wirls of smoke rising over the Sheriffs Posse Arena in Belen can be seen from Interstate 25 during the 12th annual Valencia County Hispano Chamber of Commerce Matanza. The great New Mexican traditional pork fest was attended by an estimated 17,000 visitors in March, the greatest number of visitors ever. The chamber purchased 47 hogs, each weighing about 275 pounds and totaling about 12,375 pounds of USDA meat. All of the pork was consumed, along with 1,700 dozen tortillas and 250 gallons of red chile. Simmering pork and chile punctuated the mild morning air as the visitors poured in, and by 11 a.m. the matanza cooking teams were running out of meat and had to get more. It was by far the biggest ever, said Yvonne Sanchez, VCHCC president. Ive
been involved with this for 12 years, and it was the biggest by far. Preserving culture is what matanza is all about, and it is celebrated every year as a special time for family, friends and guests. It serves to cement relationships and pass the cultural tradition down to younger generations. The matanza is a rural mid-winter traditional hog slaughter from earliest times in the states Hispanic history. Many of the cooking teams at the annual matanza are extended families with deep roots in the county. Take Ray Baca, and his team sponsored by Bacas Trenching and Excavating and Sunset Foods. Its a big family affair, said his sister, Gina Vallegos, as she flutters behind the cooking fires. One of their teams specialties is deep fried pork fingers, similar to breaded steak fingers, she said.
Large flat grills with rows and rows of steaming homemade tortillas draw visitors, who cant help following the wonderful aroma. Were the only team ever to make fresh tortillas at the matanzas, said Monique Valenzuela, of the Los Lunas ROC team. We make 400 tortillas a year. Tender pork chunks simmering in deep russet red chile can be found at every cooking booth, as well as sizzling chicharrones, fried potatoes, pork ribs and calabacitas, a dish of juicy pork with zucchini, green chile and corn. Another dish is Fideo, a vermicelli pasta dish like a Spanish spaghetti, said Connie Lueras, who has helped her husband, Dennis, cook at the matanza for the past 12 years. He does all the work, she said, credit-
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ing him for the fabulous food. I just help. Daniel Lucero, on the Bibo Bar & Grill team, said he is dedicated to keeping the tradition alive. Its something we dont want to lose, said fellow cook Kenneth Jojola. People were 40 deep in line for food at every booth during peak times. It is a good environment to spend time with family and friends, said Hilary Infante about her first experience of matanza. And the food is very good. This years music line up included rancherita bands, Los Garrapatas and Los Alegres de Belen, as well as Mariachis Tradicional, with guest singers Mayela Alejandra and Romano Enrique. The rancherita-style bands play faster songs, more foxtrot style, said Pete Rael, the matanza music organizer. They play songs that are more local in nature, rather than the international songs done by the great mariachi bands of Mexico and the southwestern United States.
Childrens activities included face painting, pony rides, jumpers, and Home Depot set up a wood workshop where children made bird houses, race cars, helicopters and flag stands. Adair Chavira, 7, made a flag stand he proudly displays. This was the second year he and his mother, Yesenia, attended the annual affair. The music is really good, she said. And even though its kind of windy, it turned out to be a good day. This is the worlds largest matanza, said Dean Chavez, of the KG Construction and D&G Construction team. Who else does this? Last year, the matanza drew 13,000 people, but this year was the largest of matanzas, said Herman Garcia, on the Los Lunas Parks and Recreation team. I try to get the kids involved to keep the tradition going, he said. I love doing it for the smiles on their faces when they put the tender chile meat in their mouths. Garcia and his fellow chef, Steven Otero, were filmed cooking matanza pork
in November for the show, Bizarre Foods America, on the Travel Channel. It will air in the first week of July, Garcia said. Bizarre Foods America celebrates outof-the-ordinary cuisine with culinary arts explorer Andrew Zimmern. The number one thing people love is chicharrones, slow-cooked for tenderness, said Garcia. Thats what people want. There were a total of 70 vendors at this years matanza, selling local art, jewelry, and commercial goods. Theres no doubt that the pre-event publicity drove more visitors to this years matanza, Sanchez said. This year is also New Mexicos 100th birthday, and the matanza is an important cultural tradition in the state, so I think people came out to celebrate that as well. The Valencia County Hispano Chamber of Commerce Matanza is listed as an official event on the states centennial website, and is traditionally held on the last weekend in January. The proceeds are used to fund scholarships for local students.
Transportation In Valencia County
north as Santa Fe. The commuter train carried its 2 millionth rider earlier this year. Belen is a longtime major hub in the The Belen station is located at Reinken BNSF Railroad system. While its mainly a Avenue and Wisconsin Street. fueling facility, Belen serves as the operatThe Los Lunas station is located at 751 ing division headquarters for the railroad in Juan Perea Road, next to the Los Lunas New Mexico and Arizona. Transportation Center and adjacent to N.M. More than 100 trains run through Belen 314. each day in an occupation that employs There are 11 other stations along the about 1,500 people statewide. route to Santa Fe, most with commuter bus Amtrak passenger service is available in connections, and the train offers free WiFi. Albuquerque. Details at www.nmrailrunner.com.
Trains
N.M. Rail Runner

The New Mexico Rail Runner Express commuter train was introduced in 2006 and has recently expanded its service as far
Belen Alexander Municipal Airport

The Belen Alexander Municipal Airport,
FAA Indentifier E80, is on the mesa west of Belen, about 30 miles from Albuquerque and two miles from Interstate 25. In addition to the current runway, a new one-mile crosswind runway is planned within the next few years, and the project will be in the design phase within the next year. The airport is home to more than 50 aircraft, a skydive club, a propeller overhaul facility, aerial photographer and other small aviation businesses. The pilot lounge in the office was renovated last year and a new privately-owned hangar was added this year. Fixed-base operator is Alexander Aero, 505-864-4500. Full-service fuel and repair
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services, hangars and tie-downs available. Airport manager, 505-864-4302.
Mid-Valley Airpark
Mid-Valley Airpark, FAA Indentifier E98, is a resident-owned airport located about three miles south of Los Lunas. The 4,340-foot asphalt runway is open to the public. There is no fixed-base operator, but there is a full-time manager. The airpark offers self-service fuel, some repair services, and a few tie-downs. No transportation available from airport. Details are available at www.airnav.com. For information, call 505-610-3776.
the village of Los Lunas. Route 206, a fixed route in Belen, takes passengers from the Belen Rail Runner station to stops along Reinken Ave. 10th St., Ross Ave., 11th St., West Aragon, Mesa Road and Camino del Llano. A Dial-A-Ride program is also available in Los Lunas and Belen each weekday. The service is a curb-to-curb transportation services available to anyone traveling in Belen or Los Lunas for $1 each way. Rides must be reserved 24 hours in advance. To make reservations, call 505352-3595.
Express, Federal Express and United Parcel Service. General aviation services also available.
Freeways
Belen has three convenient freeway entrances onto Interstate 25, the major north-south route in the state. An easy 30 miles north to Interstate 40, the major eastwest roadway in New Mexico. The northern exit leads to N.M. 314 and Main Street, going past the citys Walmart Supercenter and Valencia County Fairgrounds. The middle exit leads motorists onto historic Camino del Llano past Belen Meadows Health Care and Rehabilitation Center and onto Main Street. The southern exit leads motorists directly onto Main Street and to the businesses on the citys south side. There is one Los Lunas exit, onto Main Street in the village. There are two exits to Isleta Pueblo, one on the west side of the Rio Grande and the other east of the river.
Albuquerque Sunport
Albuquerques international airport is an easy connection to get anywhere around the world. About 20 miles north of Valencia County just off Interstate 25. Served by eight carriers: American, U.S. Airways, Continental, Delta, Frontier, Great Lakes, New Mexico, Southwest and United. Freight service is provided by DHL
Rio Metro
The Rio Metro Regional Transit District is a regional transit district that provides economical transportation alternatives for the residents of the Albuquerque Metro Area, which includes the city of Belen and
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Welcome To Valencia County: 2012-13 Official Visitors Guide

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Welcome To Valencia County: 2012-13 Official Visitors Guide

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Welcome to

Valencia Countys premier guide for newcomers & visitors

Belen, New Mexico

City Manager, Lucy Baca

Photos by Lenore G. Pea

Welcome to Belen, the Hub City of New Mexico.

Becker Street Festival

Communities are like families

713462_04687 7.25x9 4c.indd 1

This is the 17th edition of the

Designed by Mario Lara

Welcome to Valencia County 2012-13

Daring to dream. Preparing for success.

You deserve to know more...

Valencia County Is A Beautiful Place To Be

Welcome to Valencia County 2012-13

Follow the signs...

CENTURY 21: The Gold Standard.

Welcome to Valencia County 2012-13

Continued from page 8

Officers Board Members

orking together for the good of all!

Claire Cieremans Rita Garcia

Our History, Our Heritage

Welcome to Valencia County 2012-13

FOUR SEASONS HOME PRODUCTS

Albuquerque showroom 5504

Call today for a FREE In-home consultation 248-2467

Continued from page 10

Welcome to Valencia County 2012-13

WELCOME TO VALENCIA COUNTY!

Design Print Signs Photo gifts Apparel

785 Main St Los Lunas, NM 505-916-5073

What We Say, What We Mean

Welcome to Valencia County 2012-13

Continued from page 14

The Jerky Store and Gift Shop

New Mexicos Finest Beef Jerky

All Natural No MSG No Sugar All Protein

335 Bosque Farms Blvd Bosque Farms, NM 87068 869-6650

Tax and financial solutions

Bosque Farms Office 795 Bosque Farms Blvd 505-869-9181

Belen Office 600 C West Reinken 505-864-6166

Los Lunas Office 1400 Main Street Suite G 505-865-2944

Belen Art League A Passion For Art

lthough it stands along historic

Welcome to Valencia County 2012-13

Welcome visitors and newcomers to

Serving Valencia county since 1910

LOS LUNAS, NM (505) 865-7477

Historic Harvey House Museum

Welcome to Valencia County 2012-13

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Tom Art Gallery A Building With Spirit

Welcome to Valencia County 2012-13

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Through The Flower An Artful Expression

Welcome to Valencia County 2012-13

Moving into Valencia County

Michelin offers safe, fuel-efcient, long-lasting tires

Come to your locally owned and operated tire center today!

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