Thank You, KOC
Dear Editor, As a lifelong member of St. Teresa Parish in Grants, I want to express my appreciation to the local chapter of the Knights of Columbus for their tireless efforts in supporting St. Teresa Parish.
They built our columbarium, converted a shipping container into a lovely “casita” for raffling. They do many fundraising events such as Bingos, Fish Frys, and other special events at their venue. They prepare the meals for our Fiestas.
They host the Posadas at Christmas time. They provide their time and labor for repairs and maintenance at the church.
A special thanks to Chris Madrid Sr. and Jo Varela, who have worked tirelessly for many years. The wives of the Knights for helping them prepare the meals.
Thank you all. Sincerely, Bernadette Denomme
Community Enrichment
Dear Editor What’s happening with the Bright Green Corporation’s greenhouse and large empty building next to Coyote Del Malpais golf course — in (Cibola County) Grants, New Mexico ?
The greenhouse and the large building have the potential to transform into a thriving community garden, co-op bakery, and local market; including, an open-space for farm to table festivals.
With this in mind, the purpose extends beyond simply growing produce, or baking fresh New Mexican specialties. The aim is to also establish collaborative spaces for education, sustainable agriculture, and community enrichment.
Furthermore, this plan envisions a multi-faceted approach, incorporating the greenhouse into a broader community initiative. This includes a large cooperative community garden, allowing residents to grow their own vegetables, fruits, herbs, and flowers. In addition, educational programs are a core component, with potential partnerships with Future Farmers of America (FFA) and the community, to provide hands-on learning experiences. A community educational program would introduce people to gardening, cooking, and healthy nutrition - fostering an understanding of local ecology and healthy food choices.
Additionally, the existing building adjacent to the greenhouse could be repurposed into a commercial kitchen, enabling the production of thoughtfully sourced healthy meals - alongside cooking classes and workshops.
Another key point - integration of a Coop network providing distribution and support for local food producers while strengthening the local food system. The overarching mission is to improve community health through accessible fresh produce, and nutrition education. At the same, buying and selling locally, stimulates the local economy.
Without doubt, this venture represents a significant opportunity to collectively revitalize this particular area of Cibola County; create a sustainable, community-driven food resource, foster social connection and local economic diversification.
Natalie Candelaria