Good News
Dear editor, I have always enjoyed good news! In the midst of everyday tragedy, sorrow and sadness, it gives my heart hope to see so many positive things happening in our community!
In April, the City of Grants had a Spring cleanup. At that time I reported about the many leaders and individuals that came out to show their pride in the City of Grants. We have a new store opening soon and there is interest from other businesses in coming to Grants! I just received a report from Waste Management that the roll-offs that Grants placed around the City made it possible for 27.9 tons of trash to be taken from our City and discarded properly at the transfer station!
I am very proud of the community service workers that have been going to selected areas and cleaning up all the trash and junk! I have been impressed with the work the residents have done to clean up their weeds, trash and rubbish throughout the City! As we have had a wet winter we can expect to see weeds popping out all over. I would encourage everyone to keep their weeds and grass cut down to the curb and to keep your yards raked up and looking beautiful. If you have a neighbor that is in need of help, please lend a hand. By helping those who are elderly and alone, sick and afflicted, we drink from the milk of human kindness and are forever blessed.
Robert S. Windhorst, Code Enforcement Officer, City of Grants
Mountain of many names
Dear editor, Each year in the springtime the Double Six Gallery has a show featuring the Mountain; it’s worth visiting to have a look at the several views and interpretations of it on display now.
When was it named Mt Taylor? This, the latest name, was attached in 1849 after the US-Mexican war when Zachary Taylor was president. But before then, in perhaps the 1600s when Nueva Mexico was a Spanish territory, it was called Cebolleta, meaning in English, Little Onion. Just like an onion’s layers, these two names are only two layers deep in time. Another layer back, maybe around the 1500s, the Navajo called it Tsoodzil, which means Turquoise Mountain. Before even then, Laguna people, here by 1300, named it Tsibina, meaning “place that always was”. Farther back Zuni and Acoma people, at about 1100, named it respectively, Dewankwin Kyaba:chu Yalanne. (in the East, snow-capped mountain) and Kaweshtima (I can’t find a literal translation – anyone?)
All the indigenous tribes hold this place sacred and have ceremonies to honor it together with legends that express its power. I may have only approximated the times and name meanings, but for sure, all the earlier names are much more significant than the current one. Native pueblos have vigas made from its forests that are at least 300 years old. It’s water nourishes us. To see from its height the vast country spread out is to be dizzy, elated, and humbled. To have it in sight from miles away is a huge comfort.
To live here at its base is a great privilege. None of us may say “It’s MY mountain”, but all of us here can say we belong to it. What does naming it do? I think maybe it laughs at us for trying to contain it in one language that way. What do you think?
Do visit the Double Six Gallery to enjoy images of this beloved mountain. 2 – 5 pm, Tue through Saturday.
Joan Sheski
Honoring a Community Champion
Dear editor, Our community lost a very good citizen recently. Manuel Vasquez and his wife, Ruth, have lived in the Grants area for 40 years. Manny owned M&R Appliances and we became friends 12 years ago when we moved here from Arizona. I have never seen anyone take appliances apart with the speed Manny had! The first time I called him, he told he would be there in 15 minutes...and he was! He kept that old washing machine running for 10 years!
Manny served on different boards and was elected to the Grants City Council and did a great job! Manny looked for opportunities to serve other constantly. I became aware of an elderly couple that had a bad water leak in their house. Because they couldn't afford a plumber to fix it, they would turn the water on and off at the turn off valve. I mentioned it to Manny and wondered what we could do to help them. Three hours later I got a call from the couple, thanking me for sending Manny to fix the broken pipe. He bought the parts and made the repairs and charged them nothing. There were many such instances that I was made aware of over the years. Especially his exemplary care for the love of his life, Ruth.
I have taken this loss hard. While he was in Texas, I should have made more of an effort to find out how he was doing. I do believe that one day when my Spirit passes through the veil, Manny will be there to show me around. I will try very hard to follow Manny's example and help others with a big smile. Life is eternal and doesn't end here.
Robert S. Windhorst, Milan, New Mexico