Holiday Experience 2011

News-BulletinVALENCIA COUNTY

November 23, 2011

ExperienceHoliday

By Julia M. DenDingerNews-Bulletin Staff [email protected]

BelenIn its 39th season, La Gran Pastorela

de Belen will once again tell the age old story of the Devil attempting to stop los pastores, the shepherds, on their jour-ney to see the newborn baby Jesus — a miracle told to them in the countryside by the Archangel Michael.

With grandiose claims of ownership over the sun and the moon and the stars, the Devil tries to convince them that he can offer something better than the blessing of the newborn Christ child.

Ultimately, the angel defeats the devil and the shepherds arrive at the manger, bearing gifts and singing the Messiah’s praises.

As the play closes in on its fourth decade, director Filomena Baca said she is hoping to let the responsibility of the play fall to others soon.

“It’s time to turn it over. I think 40 years sounds like a good time to stop,” Baca said. “But we’ll see. I’m thank-ful we have enough dedicated people to carry it on, but we need more young people.”

Before the production was revived in 1972, Baca said the last pastorela per-formed in Valencia County was in 1929.

“My mother, uncle and aunt were in the performance,” she said. “They told how much fun it was, so I was interest-ed. My mother told me she performed with people from Las Nutrias and they would go from village to village.”

In the early 1970s, the Belen parish needed a fundraiser for a new church. Baca thought a pastorela would be the perfect function, but didn’t know where to start.

“A man in the choir, Prudence Sanchez, helped me get started. He was the first Devil,” she said. “He was very spiritual, but he could play bad so good.”

Then they needed a script. Baca

began asking around and finally found a man in Las Nutrias who had a hand-written script from the 1929 perfor-mance.

“My mother was related to the man’s brother-in-law,” she said. “I stayed up late, usually past midnight, for a week typing the script. It was old, water-marked, hard to read. I had to guess at some of the words.”

Her mother taught the performers the original songs from the 1929 produc-

tion. Baca says this is one thing that distinguishes the pastorela of Belen from others around the state.

“Ours are the songs that they taught to others,” she said.

What started out as a one-time fund-raiser has now become a Christmas tradition of almost four decades

“We do it to remind people of the spiritual aspect of the season, and it was part of our culture being lost,” Baca said. “After that first year, people called

and asked us to do it again. People are really hungering for it.”

Baca remembers when they first began performing the all-Spanish lan-guage play, the members of the audi-ence knew the lines and sang along.

All the songs in La Gran Pastorela de Belen are in Spanish except one, and all the dialogue is in Spanish, Baca said. And it’s the old Spanish, which makes

2 • Holiday Experience • Valencia County News-Bulletin • November 23, 2011

n See Pastorela, Page 3

La Gran Pastorela de Belen brings Biblical story to life

Julia M. Dendinger-News-Bulletin photo

GILA, played by Sheri Armijo, left, and Mary, portrayed by Brittany Molina, right, are two of many actors in the 39th season of La Gran Pastorela de Belen. The first performance will be held at 3 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 27, at Belen Meadows. A complete list of scheduled performances is on Page 5.

150 North Bosque LoopBosque Farms NM 87068

(505) 869-2133 Ranch (505) 385-6022 Cellcowboycamelids.com

COWBOYCAMELIDS ALPACA RANCH

We have many Alpacas to see, touch, feel and feed • Learn about Alpacas during our tours• Visit the gift shop where you find unique Alpaca fiber clothing • Collectibles and antiques

• Get your Christmas gifts here • Alpacas for sale, mentoring and boarding available• Tours for families, groups and organizations

Open Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays11:00 AM-4:00 PM, by appointment other times

memorizing the lines challenging, she said.

“It’s all in rhyme, too,” she said. But language isn’t a barrier for the

audience.“We used to perform in the gazebo in

Old Town,” she said. “The crowd didn’t understand Spanish but they would cheer the Angel and boo the Devil.”

The tradi-tion of the pastorela play was brought over by Spanish priests in the 11th century, Baca said.

“There was a lot of territory to cover and not enough priests. It kept faith going,” she said. “Just the idea that 400 years ago our ancestors were saying the same lines as us today, that’s kind of awesome. It’s part of our tradition.”

And tradition is something that not only performers value, but the fans of

the play as well. Baca says there is a woman in Belen who has been to every performance in Belen since the play started again, 39 years ago.

Dr. Enrique Madrid, a professor at the University of New Mexico, fol-lows the performance every year, going

from venue to venue, Baca said.

“One year, he took part in the play,” she said. “This was part of their life growing up. It was very

important to people here.“We try to keep the tradition alive as

part of our culture. It’s like when I go to church in Tomé and wonder if I’m kneeling in the same place as my great-great-grandfather did.”

There has been some preservation of the tradition, but it’s not the same as the living performance, Baca says.

November 23, 2011 • Valencia County News-Bulletin • Holiday Experience • 3

Pastorela: Tradition from Spainfrom PAGE 2

n See Pastorela, Page 4


THE DEVIL, portrayed by Joe Salazar, left, in La Gran Pastorela de Belen, tries to convince the shepherds he has more to offer than the blessings of the newborn baby Jesus.

“We try to keep the tradition alive as part of our culture...”

FILOMENA BACADirector

Offers good at this participating NAPA AUTO PARTS store:

INSERT STORE NAME, LOCATION, PHONE NUMBER & SALE-ENDING DATE HERE HOLIDAY 2011

Ad S

lick – 3 col. x 10” – B

ilingual

#3

3999116-Pc. Mechanic’s Tool KitEquipo de Herramientas para Mecánica de 116 PiezasBK 91713

While supplies last. Save $10

109932-Pc. Ratcheting Screwdriver SetConjunto de Desatornillador de Cubo de 32 PiezasBK 91718

WHILE SUPPLIES LAST!

Save 57%

4999Crescent® 128-Pc. SAE & Metric Mechanic’s Tool SetJuego de Herramientas para Mecánica con Unidades SAE/Métricas de 128 Piezas Crescent® #CTK128MP

SAE or Metric

29995-Pc. GearWrench Ratcheting Wrench SetJuego de Llaves de Trinquete GearWrench de 5 piezas(SAE) #85590(Metric) #85591

Less than HALF Price –

Save $50!

4999NAPA EVERCRAFT 3/8" Air RatchetRatchet NAPA EVERCRAFT de Aire de 3/8"#776-6108



Ad S

lick – 3 col. x 10” – B

ilingual

#3





Save 57%


SAE or Metric



Save $50!




Ad S

lick – 3 col. x 10” – B

ilingual

#3





Save 57%


SAE or Metric



Save $50!


HO

LID

AY R

ETA

IL P

RO

DU

CTS —

BIL

ING

UA

L

1

SAVE UP TO

$ 200

After Mail-In

Rebate

/Plug

Ahorre hasta $2.00 / Bujía

Después del Reembolso por Correo

As Low As

169/ Plug

ACDelco Spark PlugsBujias ACDelco#CR43TS Autolite Spark Plugs

Bujías Autolite• Save $2.00/Plug on XP spark plugs• Save $1.50/Plug on Double Platinum• Save $1.25/Plug on PlatinumSee store for limits and details.

16996-Pc. Pliers SetJuego de Alicates de 6 piezasBK 3561

While supplies last.

21992-in-1 36-LED Flashlight/WorklightLinterna Para Trabajo de 36 LED 2 en 1BK 6119


999Maxcraft® Lighted 3-in-1 Claw & Magnetic Pick-up ToolPinza Magnética con Luz 3 en 1 Maxcraft®

BK 60184

999Maxcraft® 6-LED Flashlight w/ Magnetic PickupLinterna de 6 LED con Adición Magnética Maxcraft ®

BK 60189

699Maxcraft® 27-LED Compact Multi-LightMulti-Luz Compacta de 27-LED Maxcraft ®

BK 60191

469Maxcraft® 2-in-1 LED Light & Laser PointerPuntero LED Laser y Linterna 2 en 1 Maxcraft ®

BK 60194

849Maxcraft® 3-Pc. Mini Locking Pliers SetConjunto de 3 Piezas de Mini Alicates con Mecanismo de Cierre Maxcraft ®

BK 60307

699Maxcraft® 8-Pc. Screwdriver SetConjunto de 8 Piezas de Destornillador Maxcraft ®

BK 60607

HO

LID

AY R

ETA

IL P

RO

DU

CTS —

BIL

ING

UA

L

2Save $11

Save 24%

699Maxcraft® Stubby 8 Oz. Claw HammerMartillo Grueso de 8 Oz Maxcraft ®

BK 60626

569Maxcraft® Stubby Quick-Fit Adjustable WrenchLlave Inglesa Gruesa de Fácil Ajuste Maxcraft ®

BK 60701

95542-Pc. 1/4" & 3/8" Dr. Socket SetJuego de Dados de 3/8" de 48 Pzas.(SAE & Metric) BK 91709


134975-Pc. 1/4", 3/8" & 1/2" Dr. Socket SetConjunto de 75 Piezas Dr. Socket de 1/4", 3/8" y 1/2"BK 91712While supplies last.




169936-Pc. Emergency Travel KitEquipo de Emergencia para Viajes de 36 Piezas#730-1746


Your Choice of Colors!

2499Saddle Blanket Seat CoversCubierta de Manta para Asiento de SillaBlack, brown, blue or wine.#730-3847, 48, 49, 50

2199Next Camo Bucket Seat CoverCubre Asiento Deportivo Next Camo#730-3876

Next Camo Bench Seat Cover

#730-3877 ............. 32.99

Save $10WHILE SUPPLIES LAST!

HO

LID

AY R

ETA

IL P

RO

DU

CTS —

BIL

ING

UA

L

2Save $11

Save 24%

699Maxcraft® Stubby 8 Oz. Claw HammerMartillo Grueso de 8 Oz Maxcraft ®

BK 60626

569Maxcraft® Stubby Quick-Fit Adjustable WrenchLlave Inglesa Gruesa de Fácil Ajuste Maxcraft ®

BK 60701

95542-Pc. 1/4" & 3/8" Dr. Socket SetJuego de Dados de 3/8" de 48 Pzas.(SAE & Metric) BK 91709


134975-Pc. 1/4", 3/8" & 1/2" Dr. Socket SetConjunto de 75 Piezas Dr. Socket de 1/4", 3/8" y 1/2"BK 91712While supplies last.






Your Choice of Colors!

2499Saddle Blanket Seat CoversCubierta de Manta para Asiento de SillaBlack, brown, blue or wine.#730-3847, 48, 49, 50

2199Next Camo Bucket Seat CoverCubre Asiento Deportivo Next Camo#730-3876

Next Camo Bench Seat Cover

#730-3877 ............. 32.99

Save $10WHILE SUPPLIES LAST!

HO

LID

AY R

ETA

IL P

RO

DU

CTS —

BIL

ING

UA

L

3Save 44%

Save 41%Save 32%

99¢10" Bear Claw Ice ScraperRaspador para Hielo de 10"#730-4046

Your Choice!

1599Mechanix Wear GlovesGuantes Protectores Mechanix WearChoose red, blue, black, yellow, camouflage, orange and stealth in sizes from small to XX-large.#763-1100 thru 1114; 763-1125, 26, 27; 763-1138 thru 1141; 763-1189 thru 1193

3399/Pair

Ironclad® Cold Condition GlovesGuantes para el Frío Ironclad® Cold ConditionChoose medium, large, X-large and XX-large sizes.#763-2222 thru 763-2225


4999NAPA EVERCRAFT Air Impact GunPistola NAPA EVERCRAFT de Impacto de Aire#776-6634

1999Fusion Power 80-Watt InverterInversor Eléctrico de 80W Fusion PowerConvenient inverter plugs directly into car’s 12-volt receptacle. Perfect for low-power electronics.#782-2234

(750-Watt Inverter) #782-2233 ......... 81.99

599Motor Trend All-Season Booster CablesCables de Arranque de Batería Motor Trend(8’, 10 gauge) #782-5288

(12’, 10 gauge) #782-5289 ........... 6.99

1499Each

Haynes and Chilton Repair ManualsManuales de Reparación Haynes y Chilton#799-3169

4999NAPA Racing Creeper Seat w/ DrawerBanqueta Móvil con Gaveta NAPA Racing#815-6241

19923 1/2" Snow Brush & ScraperCepillo de Nieve y Raspador de 23 1/2"#821-5223

Save 35%

Save 38%

BONUS!Buy BOTH Power Inverters

(#782-2233 and 782-2234)

and get a $19.99 Mail-in Rebate

BONUS!

Free Cold Condition Stocking

Cap with Purchase

Save up to

44%on over

250Repair Manuals!

HO

LID

AY R

ETA

IL P

RO

DU

CTS —

BIL

ING

UA

L

3Save 44%

Save 41%Save 32%

99¢10" Bear Claw Ice ScraperRaspador para Hielo de 10"#730-4046

Your Choice!

1599Mechanix Wear GlovesGuantes Protectores Mechanix WearChoose red, blue, black, yellow, camouflage, orange and stealth in sizes from small to XX-large.#763-1100 thru 1114; 763-1125, 26, 27; 763-1138 thru 1141; 763-1189 thru 1193

3399/Pair

Ironclad® Cold Condition GlovesGuantes para el Frío Ironclad® Cold ConditionChoose medium, large, X-large and XX-large sizes.#763-2222 thru 763-2225


4999NAPA EVERCRAFT Air Impact GunPistola NAPA EVERCRAFT de Impacto de Aire#776-6634

1999Fusion Power 80-Watt InverterInversor Eléctrico de 80W Fusion PowerConvenient inverter plugs directly into car’s 12-volt receptacle. Perfect for low-power electronics.#782-2234

(750-Watt Inverter) #782-2233 ......... 81.99

599Motor Trend All-Season Booster CablesCables de Arranque de Batería Motor Trend(8’, 10 gauge) #782-5288

(12’, 10 gauge) #782-5289 ........... 6.99

1499Each

Haynes and Chilton Repair ManualsManuales de Reparación Haynes y Chilton#799-3169

4999NAPA Racing Creeper Seat w/ DrawerBanqueta Móvil con Gaveta NAPA Racing#815-6241

19923 1/2" Snow Brush & ScraperCepillo de Nieve y Raspador de 23 1/2"#821-5223

Save 35%

Save 38%

BONUS!Buy BOTH Power Inverters

(#782-2233 and 782-2234)

and get a $19.99 Mail-in Rebate

BONUS!

Free Cold Condition Stocking

Cap with Purchase

Save up to

44%on over

250Repair Manuals!

HO

LID

AY R

ETA

IL P

RO

DU

CTS —

BIL

ING

UA

L

7349*

/Qt.

Castrol GTX Conventional Motor OilAceite Convencional para Motor Castrol GTX5W30, 10W30, 5W20, 10W40, 20W50, HD 30#082, 092, 107, 112, 122, 172

*General states pricing. Sale prices do not include applicable state/local taxes or recycling fees.

4899VISE-GRIP 3-Pc. GrooveLock Pliers KitJuego de 3 Pinzas de Expansión VISE-GRIP#2078711

Save $12

Save $21

Save $10 Save $6

2999150-Watt DC-to-AC Power InverterInversor de Poder de 150 Watts de DC a ACIncludes one 115-V AC outlet and one USB outlet. Easy to use -- fits in car cup holders.#PI1500X

79914" Chrome Lug WrenchCruceta de Cromo de 14" #35635

(20") #35630 ................. 10.99

As Low As

1399NAPA Brake PadsBalatas para Frenos de Disco NAPA#TS7178

2999Portable Hand Tool BoxCaja de Herramientas Portable#BK00119800

199912" Soft-Sided Tool Bag w/ 11 PocketsMaleta de Herramientas de 12" con 11 Bolsillos#TB00112011

1199VISE-GRIP 10" Straight Jaw GrooveLock PliersPinzas VISE-GRIP 10" GrooveLock#4935096

999VISE-GRIP 6" V-Jaw GrooveLock PliersPinza de 6" Vise Grip y Pinza V-Jaw GrooveLock#4935351

519WD-40 w/ Smart StrawAerosol WD-40 con Pitillo Inteligente (12 oz.) WD 10032

Save 24%

AFTER MAIL-INREBATE

SAVE ADDITIONAL

$500/case

Offers good through December 31, 2011

PARTS CENTER, INC.519 E. REINKEN AVEBELEN, NM 87002505-864-2246


Sunday, Nov. 27: 3 p.m., Belen Meadows, BelenTuesday, Nov. 29: 7 p.m., Holy Ghost Church, 927 Arizona St. SE,

AlbuquerqueSaturday, Dec. 3: 7 p.m., Harvey House Museum, BelenSunday, Dec. 4: 6 p.m., Our Lady of Belen Catholic Church, BelenSaturday, Dec. 10: 5:30 p.m., St. Anne’s Catholic Church, 1400 Arenal

Road, SW, AlbuquerqueSunday, Dec. 18: 1 p.m., Garcia Opera House, 110 Abeyta Ave. West,

Socorro

La Gran Pastorela de Belen 2011 Performance Schedule


RUDY ZAMORA, left, a deacon at Our Lady of Belen Catholic Church, plays the character, Bartolo, while Emilio Torres, right, portrays Bato, in La Gran Pastorela de Belen.

That first year the play reemerged, a committee at one of the Santa Fe muse-ums had a grant to study traditional cultural programs.

“The woman who was in charge of the grant was a young woman from Belen,” Baca said. “She told her mother she needed to find a project.”

To document the play, UNM-TV

filmed the performance in local fields and New Mexico Magazine sent a pho-tographer, who shot slides.

A copy of the tape and the slides, as well as a copy of the original script Baca and her group worked from in 1972, are housed at the University of New Mexico-Valencia Campus for future generations to study.

Pastorela: Original script at UNM-VCfrom PAGE 3

Huge selection of gifts, cards,

religious art & much more...

Convenient Prescription TranfersAll INSURANCES ACCEPTED

JOE'SPHARMACY

Open M-F 8:30am-6:30pm • Sat. 8:30am-3:00pm

869-3646

Get Your Flu Shots Here!


n See Mariachi, Page 6

Mariachi concert to bring holiday cheer for good cause

Submitted photo

MARIACHI TRADICIONAL will perform at the annual Mariachi Holiday Concert, which benefits the Los Lunas High School Band.

By Mike StearnSNews-Bulletin Staff [email protected]

Los LunasIt will be a different type of perfor-

mance this year when the sixth annual Mariachi Holiday Concert takes place at

the Los Lunas High School Auditorium.The first change will be the day of the

week the concert is held as it will begin at 7 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 10. The con-cert, which benefits the Los Lunas High School band, has traditionally been held on Friday.

Although the music is so traditional that the performing mariachi group is known as Mariachi Tradicional, concert organizer Pedro Rael explained that the concept behind the concerts is unique to any other performance in the way the artists tell a story with a theme instead of

just performing selected songs.“We get our money’s worth,” Rael said.

“These guys are extremely good. We always end with ‘Feliz Naviad.’ It sounds fantastic.”

Rael noted that the group is on stage throughout the two-hour concert, either

WE BUY VINTAGE CAMERA EQUIPMENT

3225 Central Ave NE • 505-255-1133

Paradise Gifts by Dixon Travel * Exclusive Distributor of Miche Purses in Valencia County

3657 Hwy 47, Peralta, NM 505-565-2673


Mariachi: Organizer says Rancharitas is theme for holiday concertfrom PAGE 5as the featured artist or to provide the instrumental accompaniment for solo and duet presentations.

“These guys are going to be up there the entire time,” said Rael of the main attraction.

Another change this year is that the mariachi band will not have a marimba. They will also feature a harp, an instru-ment not included in most mariachi bands. Rael is impressed by the quality of musicians in the group as they quick-ly adapt to key changes and the pace of the show, particularly this year.

The theme for this season will be Rancharitas music, a traditional New Mexican sound. Based on the fox trot beat, the music is more up-tempo than the variety of music from Mexico.

The idea came from Rael’s upbring-ing in the early 1950s.

“I love the mariachi music,” said Rael. “There were very few Anglo-Americans in the area. We would listen to the bands that play the fiestas. They play Rancharitas, which were in Spanish, but they were some of the same songs from the mariachi but as a fox trot. They would play slow songs fast.”

The duet of Ramon Y Lydia will per-form about a six-song set, concentrating on the Rancharitas style music. Arnoldo Arrieta will perform, as well as his

daughter, Mayela Alejandro. Both have been crowd favorites at past concerts.

Eight-year-old Kylie Tafoya will sing a solo, and Gabriella Villalobos and Jose Alfredo Carillo round out the main group of vocalists.

Romano Enrique will make a special appearance. He has appeared at the annual event before.

“He is a dynamite singer,” Rael said. “It got prohibitive to bring him over the ocean for just one show, but this year he happens to be here. We said, ‘Lets go.’”

Music such as “Hey Baby, Que Paso?” and a duet that is more sym-phonic than traditional is on the pro-gram. The show will end with a recog-nizable Christmas tune played in the mariachi style.

Ticket information can be obtained by calling 620-3428 or 865-6811. Tickets are available for $10 for upper row seating to $25 for the best seats in the house. Rael said that the $20 and $25 tickets were going fast and there was limited availability.

The concert benefits the Los Lunas High School Band program and was set up in the beginning to help the group because Rael’s two daughters were in the program.

The profits from the concert are the main fundraiser for the band throughout the year.

Submitted photo

ROMANO ENRIQUE, a crowd favorite, will be one of several performers at the annu-al Mariachi Holiday Concert at the LLHS auditorium.

Holidays are around the corner!!!

Need some extra cash?Come in and see us today!

●Title Loans●Installment Loans

●Auto InsuranceWe Also Buy GOLD!!!

3526 HWY 47 Peralta NM 87042( right next to Giant )

505-565-0643 or 1-866-597-FAST

By ABigAil R. ORtizNews-Bulletin Staff [email protected]

BelenAfter gobbling down slices of oven-

roasted turkey, brown gravy drizzled over warm garlic mashed potatoes and homemade pumpkin pie, enjoy the holiday season with the community at the 24th annual Miracle on Main Street Light Parade and Christmas Festival in Belen.

The festival, which begins at 2 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 26, will stretch from the Heart of Belen Plaza to Fifth Street along Becker Avenue.

This year, a portable ice rink and biscochito and pastelito baking contest is being added to the festival’s events.

The portable ice rink will be installed

in the Belen City Hall parking lot. Participants can skate for 30 minutes for $5, which includes the cost of rental ice skates. The rink will be open from 2 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 25, and Saturday, Nov. 26.

The scent of freshly-baked biscochitos, cookies flavored with anise and cin-namon; and pastelitos, small, flat-baked pies filled with fruit and topped with sugar, will waft out to festival attendees. The contest begins at 3:30 p.m., but con-testants should arrive at the festival by 2:30 p.m.

“Everybody always knows somebody who makes the best biscochitos,” said Brenda Gurule, recreation director for the city of Belen.

Gurule said she adds an activity to the yearly festival to promote the holiday season with local holiday events.

“We want to bring the community together to support the town and cel-ebrate locally. Residents are able to enjoy this with their families after Thanksgiving to kick off the holiday shopping season,” Gurule said.

For those looking for one-of-a-kind gifts for loved ones on the Christmas list, the festival will feature local craft vendors. Hot chocolate and food vendors will accompany Christmas music for those looking to warm up on a winter day.

Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus will make a surprise visit for photographs. Children can also take train rides along Becker Avenue and bounce around in jumping balloons while at the festival.

The dessert contest is followed by pre-sentations from S&A Dance Academy and Lori’s Boardwalk Gymnastics at 4 p.m., hot air balloons on Church and Main streets at 5 p.m., and marshmallow roasting by the Belen Fire Department on Becker Avenue and Sixth Street at 7 p.m.

The annual electric light parade, beginning at 6 p.m., will march from

the Belen Senior Center on South Main Street to Aragon Road.

The Snow Queen and Snow Princess will be announced at 3 p.m., and will lead the parade along its route. This year, the race is between seven Snow Queen contestants and four Snow Princess con-testants.

The parade’s grand marshal, chosen for her love of Christmas, is Martha Trujillo from Belen Memorial Garden Cemetery. Trujillo decorates the cemetery each year with holiday decor, Gurule said.

To enter a float into the parade, par-ticipants must incorporate lights on their float, pay a $10 entry fee and refrain from throwing goodies at bystanders.

To preregister, contact the Belen Community Center at 966-2700.


Miracle on Main Street

News-Bulletin file photo

THE ANNUAL ELECTRIC LIGHT PARADE in the city of Belen is one of the most well attended events in the county.

Ice skating rink and biscochito and pastelito baking contest new this year

“We want to bring the com-munity together...”

BRENDA GURULEParks and Rec Director

By DeBorah FoxNews-Bulletin Staff [email protected]

Los LunasGet into the community Christmas spirit

at the annual Los Lunas Christmas Light Parade.

The event is filled with sparkling lights and holiday cheer. It will begin at 6:30 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 3.

This year, there is a new route so the parade will be a little bit longer. It will start at the Visitor’s Center, 3447 Lambros Loop at the “Y,” on the east side of the village, and end at Don Pasqual by the vil-lage administration building.

The Los Lunas Police Department will lead the procession, which will close the street to through traffic for the duration of the festivities, which lasts about a couple of hours.

There is no charge to enter a float in the parade, but there is an application to fill out online at www.loslunasnm.gov or at the visitor center. You can also call 352-3584.

To be eligible for the cash prizes, reg-istration must be completed by 4 p.m., Friday, Dec. 2. Floats are expected to line up at the center, one hour before the parade begins.

“I’ve already had a lot of inquiries this year,” said Kathy Martinez, village recre-ation supervisor. “We always have a pretty big turn-out.”

There has been an average of 70 entries in the parade over the years, ranging from the high school marching bands, football teams and cheerleaders to dance groups, the VFW carrying the colors, the high schools’ JROTC marching band, Girls and Boys Scouts troops, Bosque Farms rodeo royalty, Sheriff’s Posse, Horse Riders of the Rio Grande, vintage car clubs, churches, the Valencia County Chamber of Commerce, village administration depart-ments and many others. Last year there were 83 entries.

“Everybody is welcome,” Martinez said.Each float will be announced as it pass-

es the judges’ table, which will be set up at the fire department at Main Street and Don Diego.

Local businesses generously donate the cash for the prizes that will be awarded for the best creativity and originality by cat-egory of float, such as best overall float, best horse group, best band, best youth group, best clown group and others.

“It all depends on the type of floats that enter,” said Martinez.

No Santa impersonators are allowed, however, the village Santa is the parade’s grand finale, who will ride at the end of the parade procession to wave to the chil-dren and spectators.

Both Mr. and Mrs. Claus will be hand-ing out free hot chocolate, candy and stockings the following Saturday, Dec. 10,

starting at 6 p.m. at the Daniel Fernandez Youth Center, 1103 N.M. 314.

Children will be able to get their picture taken with Santa. There is a $2 fee for pictures to cover the cost of the film and paper.

Christmas music will be playing, and the center will be decorated with a Christmas tree, an inflatable snowman and other decorations.

“It looks real pretty,” Martinez said. “It makes a nice background for the pictures.”

Patty Roberts and her mother, great nieces and nephews and even relatives from Albuquerque, have made the parade a family affair for the past 12 years.

“I love the parade, I wish there were more of them,” Roberts said. “It’s just good family fun. It brings out the spirit of family and community, and that’s what Los Lunas is all about, I believe.

“We’re growing, but we still have the small town feel,” she said. “I think that’s one of the best things about Los Lunas.”

She recommends, “just get the kids, bundle up and come enjoy.”

Street closings for the Christmas Light Parade will be at intersections on Main Street and include Appaloosa, N.M. 47, Lujan, Nancy, N.M. 263, Blue Bonnet, Mt. Laurel, Edeal, Carson, North and South Los Lentes, North and South Don Diego, North and South Luna, North and South N.M. 314, Sandoval, Calle De Las Familias, Sichler, and Don Pasqual. The roads will be closed promptly at 6:30 p.m. for about two hours.


Christmas in Los Lunas starts with parade and Santa

By Brent ruffnerNews-Bulletin Staff [email protected]

This holiday season, residents should expect to see local law enforcement out in force.

But local law enforcement aren’t always fighting crime and taking bad guys off the streets.

This time of year means emergency personnel are preparing to collect and distribute toys to area youth who are in need in each municipality and in the unincorporated areas of Valencia County.

All five police agencies are contribut-ing their part to the holiday season.

In Belen, officers say personal dona-tions from community members will count more in years past since money is tight for most families, especially during the holiday months.

Belen Police Detective Sgt. Joe Portio said the department normally relies on businesses such as Walmart and Dollar General to come up with the bulk of toy donations this time of year. But this year could be different.

“Our problem is that there are so many charities out there and actively seek-ing (donations) that we get less and less assistance,” Portio said.

“...We aren’t getting the donations that we used to from the major businesses. So we are really counting on some personal donations from the public. This year is probably worse than any other year that we have been doing it.”

Residents can make donations at the Belen Police Department, 607 Becker Avenue in Belen, during regular business hours.

Families in need can go to the depart-ment and fill out an application that includes showing identification and proof of residency.

In Belen, toys will be given to families on Friday, Dec. 16, at Belen City Hall. The deadline to apply for help is Friday, Dec. 9.

Local police departments are request-

ing new toys that are non-clothing items for those that wish to donate to the respective departments.

The Valencia County Sheriff’s Office is another agency that is involved in making the holidays a little better for area families.

The department plans to distribute 25


n See Police, Page 10

JulieRuthMarthaAnnaCamille

Come get a perfect holiday look at

A Perfect Look$10 Student Haircuts • 861-CUTS (2887)

Mention this ad get a free gift

Have a Happy and Safe Holiday Season

Area law enforcement taking time to make season special


SANTA CLAUS hands out toys every year to children during its Toys for Tots from Cops program. This year is no different. Families who wish to participate can pick up applications at the police sta-tion on Becker Avenue.

This Christmas Holiday...Make Belen Your ChristmasDestinationNovember 26, 201124th Annual Miracle on Main Street Light Parade and Christmas FestivalFestival: 2-9pm - Heart of Belen Plaza; Food, Crafts, Entertainment and Ice Stating RinkParade: 6pm, on Main St.For information please call 966-2700 • Free

December 3, 2011Los Pastorelas 7pm • Harvey House (1st and Becker) • Free

December 10, 2011Harvey House Christmas 10am - 3pm • Harvey House (1st and Becker)Crafts, Jellies, Art, Baked Goods, Gift Items, FoodPlus Festival of Trees - Over 25 theme decorated treesPlus Comic/Action figure room - Kids and adults will love this area

For Information on all events visit www.belen-nm.gov

Sponsored by:


Police: Winter Ball and bowlingfrom PAGE 9

food baskets for Thanksgiving and will hold a Toys for Tots from Cops event that helps children in need.

Linda Corriz-Barreras, of the Valencia County Sheriff’s Department, said she will get an early start on collecting toys by shopping on Black Friday, the busiest shopping day of the year.

She said residents who live in the county can fill out a form for assistance. The deadline to apply is Friday, Dec. 2. Those who want to donate can give gifts such as books, puzzles and board games.

“I would like to ask for donations so that we don’t see a child go without,” Corriz-Barreras said.

Bosque Farms Police Chief Greg Jones said staff from Peralta and Bosque Farms elementary schools will pick out donated toys for children in need at the schools.

The following businesses will be accepting donations on behalf of the police department: Lodi’s Beads, Mommy N Me Children’s Boutique, Dollar General and Peralta Faithworks Boutique in Peralta. Any extra toys are expected to be distributed to the Valencia Shelter for Victims of Domestic Violence.

Fable Hoesch, clerk for the Bosque Farms Police Department, said commu-

nity members are the ones that make the event possible.

“The community does the program. All we do is collect (toys) and distribute them.”

The Los Lunas Police Department will have two events: Cops and Kids Winter Ball on Friday, Dec. 2, and the Cops and Kids, a program that allows children to spend time with an officer and shop for toys for themselves.

The Cops and Kids Winter Ball will be held at Daniel Fernandez Park from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. and feature SpongeBob, Dora the Explorer and Tigger, along with children getting to meet and take a free picture with Santa Claus. Participants will be required to donate a canned or perishable food item at the door.

On Saturday, Dec. 17, elementary-aged students will be paired up with officers for a fun-filled day of bowling and pizza. Afterwards, about 40 stu-dents will be allowed to spend $50 to $100 on themselves at a local store.

“We want kids to able to trust their local law enforcement and feel comfort-able with them,” said Rhonda Sanchez, secretary to the Los Lunas police chief. “We know, as law enforcement and going into the community, that people

are in need. This just isn’t an economi-cal time that people are in need. People are in need all the time.”

For more information on The Cops and Kids Winter Ball or “Cops and Kids,” call the Los Lunas Police

Department at 839-3855.Portio said he hopes the respective

county departments can make a positive impact in the community.

“We are just trying to make a better Christmas for these kids.”


MR. AND MRS. CLAUS takes time out of their busy schedule last year to hand out goodies to children at Daniel Fernandez Park in Los Lunas.

TrailsRails

Trail Mix - A Taste of the Trail

&

Join us on Saturday Dec. 10th from 11am - 4pm

at the Thome Dominguez Community Center & Museum

2933 Hwy 47 in ToméInformation 505-859-0919

A great place to shop locally for the holidays.

Enjoy a sampling of fine art, fine food & historic places compliments of

The Valencia County Community Band is coming to town! No, it’s not Santa Claus, but have you ever heard Santa play a musical instrument?

The three Valencia County Community Bands will be playing their Christmas and Holiday concerts in December in northern Valencia County. The all-volun-teer bands — concert, dance and combo — are dedicated to bringing the joy of music to the communities of northern Valencia County. Each band has it’s own unique venue of music.

All three bands will be playing at the Belen Public Library from 12:30 to 3 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 3. They will also be performing at the Bosque Farms Community Center on Saturday, Dec. 10, along with several other musical groups.

The Combo Band will be playing a Holiday/Winter Solstice Party from 6 to 8 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 22, at the Center for Ageless Living on N.M. 47 in Los Lunas. All of these events are open to the public.

If you were ever in a school band, or any other band for that matter, and if you are interested in playing your musical instrument again, consider joining the VCCB concert band. Band members are more than happy to help you get your musical skills working again.

Many of the band members stopped

playing after high school for 20 years or more, and they were pleasantly surprised how fast their skills returned. The same

could happen for you.For information about band schedules

or about joining VCCB, contact band

conductor Joe Arvizu at 553-3371, or band president Desiree Jones at [email protected].


Submitted photo

THE VALENCIA COUNTY COMMUNITY BAND, in front, from left, are Joe Alefeld, Tonya Bush, Mike Chavez, Joanna Sanchez, Peggy Cox, Desiree Jones, Pete Scherer; and in back, from left, Tom Lobb, Charlie Wilson, Ed O’Toole, Joe Arvizu, Jeremy Callan, John Austin, Joel Jones. Not pictured is Shirley Scherer.

Celebrate the holidays with a little local music this season

VALENCIA3469 Hwy 47 • Los Lunas, New Mexico 87031

(505) 865-1515

30% OffAll Boots, Belts and

Gloves


n See Trees, Page 13

Custom framing limited edition prints

posters - giftsBoth framed and unframed

prints are on saleT-F 10-5 • Sat 10-12

213 S. Main St. • 864-6722

Framing & galleryTrails End

Festival of Trees celebrate holiday traditions at Harvey HouseBy UngelBah Daniel-DavilaNews-Bulletin Staff [email protected]

Belen“Christmas tree, oh Christmas tree,

you’re branches green delight us!” Filled with everything from vin-

tage hair rollers to stuffed animals to bumble bees, the Festival of Trees at the Harvey House Museum will not only delight, it might also inspire a new look for your own tree this holi-day season.

“I want people to have a different reason to come to the Harvey House,” said Ronnie Torres, the organizer of the Festival of Trees, which is now in its second year.

He said they had 30 trees last year, and this year he is anticipating 40, each one with a different theme, including, art, comic books, bumble bees, stuffed animals, and homages to Trembly’s Jewelry and Gil’s Bakery, to name a few.

Some of the trees, such as the Gil’s Bakery evergreen, are repeats of last year in theme, but will be completely different and redone for this year’s festive foliage.

“We want everything to look a little different from last year,” says Torres. “Every year, we want it to grow a little bit.”

Torres said that the trees give people a new reason to visit the museum during the holiday season. When children come to see the trees and enjoy the season spirit, they also get to see the historic memorabilia in the museum, which helps them learn about history without feeling like they are doing anything less than fun.

Torres and his volunteer group of decorators choose different themes for each Christmas tree and then deco-rate it to match, often using ordinary, recycled objects, such as old stuffed animals and comic books to bedazzle

bare branches.Trees are also created to go with the

themes of each room at the museum, such as the one in the Gil’s Bakery room. The tree is decorated with flowers and wedding decorations, and instead of a star on top, it displays the bride and groom center piece off a wedding cake.

Another tree that has been decorat-ed to match the room it will be shown in is the retro salon inspired tree, which is decked out with mid-century hair curlers, combs and other salon accessories one might have seen in a beauty shop in the 1950s and ’60s.

“It’s a great way to display your col-lections and give them a new life for the holidays,” said Torres, who said his love of the holiday led him to ini-tiate the event last year.

“I love Christmas and I know there are a lot of other people who do too,” he said, adding that he has different trees in every room of his own home this time of year, each one distinctive. “(The festival) gives you ideas how to change your trees at home.”

He says anyone can make creative Christmas trees of their own to liven up their Christmas decor with items they already have, especially if they find a way to use their collections.

“Everybody has a favorite some-thing,” he said. “Find a favorite thing that you like and do it that way.”

In a sense, the Festival of Trees is like a recycled art installation. Torres says he is always happy to take in ornaments and decorations people don’t want any more, as well as col-lections people have tired of.

He said that anyone who is pos-sessed by the yuletide spirit is wel-come to help and that he can usually work with their schedules. The main objective is just to have fun, to bring out that good cheer that is known to

Ungelbah Daniel-Davila-News-Bulletin photo

RONNIE TORRES, organizer of the Festival of Trees, stands by a decorated tree in the Gil’s Bakery room at the Harvey House Museum.

Full Service Meat MarketRed Pork Tamales • Chile RellenosCarne Adovada • Fresh Red ChileTaking Orders NOW for Prime Rib

Gift CertificatesEverything for Posole!Freezer orders available

ALL MADE HERE!• Green Chile Bratwursts• Regular Breakfast Sausage• Hot Breakfast Sausage• Chorizo • Hot & Sweet Italian Sausage• Green Chile Breakfast Sausage

EBT

Monday through Saturday • Open 6 Days a Week

Sam’s Butcher Block• 1470-A Bosque Farms Blvd.

Bosque Farms, NM 87068 • (505)869-3750


go along with the annual tradition of digging out ornaments from the year before, dusting them off and looking for that perfect bow that will show it off the best.

For the sake of ease, the trees are synthetic, and for the day of the Harvey House Christmas celebration, several are moved downstairs to the lobby area for convenient viewing.

The Harvey House Christmas party will be held from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 10. There will be crafts, jellies, art, baked goods, gift

items and more for sale, including small, decorated trees.

The party is free to attend and all of the proceeds from the sale of the min-iature Christmas trees will go to sup-plying more decorations for next year.

There will also be a comic/action figure room for the enjoyment of youth and adults alike. The halls will be decked, the trees will be radiant, and the Christmas cheer will be thick as attendants wander the museum, admiring the plethora of one-of-a-kind pines this holiday season.

Trees: Decked halls; fun for allfrom PAGE 12

THE SALON TREE, which is decorated in items such as hair curlers, combs, hair clips and perm rods, is on display in the salon room in the Harvey House Museum. This is just one of about 40 decorated trees that will be on display.

Ungelbah Daniel-Davila-News-Bulletin photos

THE BUMBLE BEE TREE is decked out in stuffed, yellow and black bees as well as sunflowers and lights.

Village of Los Lunas 660 Main Street NW/Don Pasqual & Main Street

Phone (505) 839-3840 FAX (505) 352-3280Robert Vialpando Mayor

CouncilorsCecilia CC Castillo Charles Griego

Richard Lovato Gerard Saiz

Santa Says —Your Tax Dollars Provide Services in Valencia County Communities

When YouShop Valencia CountyThis Holiday Seasonand All Year Round

By Jason W. BrooksNews-Bulletin Staff [email protected]

BelenA balloon rally in Belen is trying

to build a tradition by getting more Valencia County people involved.

The Miracle Balloon Rally and Glow, a pair of hot air balloon events, will accompany Belen’s Miracle on Main Street celebration Saturday, Nov. 26.

A mass ascension is set for about 7 a.m. at Eagle Park, and a balloon glow near the Wells Fargo building will be held at about 5:30 p.m.

The third-annual event, sort of a late fall counterpart to the St. Patrick’s Day Balloon Rallye, will have around 25 balloons at both the morning and evening events.

According to Grant Crawford of the Valencia County Flying and Retrieval Society, the same pilots generally can’t be kept around from the morn-ing events, so it won’t be the same group at the evening glow.

Crawford said plenty of county people can get involved in the events, especially the mass ascension. Chase crews and other volunteer help is needed in getting balloons off the ground and back to Earth safely.

“People don’t realize how much there is to ballooning,” said Crawford, who’s been flying for 32 years. “There’s a lot to do. But flying in the early morning keeps some folks away.

“If it were two hours later, everyone would do it, but we have to fly when the wind is the lightest and that’s at dawn.”

The third annual Miracle Balloon Rally won’t have an admission price for spectators, but donations of cash, non-perishable food or other items for the Valencia Shelter for Victims of Domestic Violence will be accepted.

Crawford said many people have been instrumental in getting the event up and running the past few years.

Former Belen mayor Ronnie Torres was supportive in the initial 2010 event, Crawford said. Current Belen Mayor Rudy Jaramillo took a balloon ride, he said, and that was all that was needed to make Jaramillo enthusiastic about supporting a rally and glow.

Belen Recreation Director Brenda Gurule has gone above and beyond in helping arrange things, Crawford said. He spent several minutes listing the main types of help she has provided for the mass ascension.

The St. Patrick’s Rallye relocated from Los Lunas in the spring of 2010 due in part to new cost assessments,

and the Miracle Ballon Rally is the fall companion on the ballooning schedule.

Crawford expects pilots from as far away as Farmington, Las Cruces, Amarillo and Tucson.

Crawford said he buys balloon fuel and covers travel fuel expenses for all pilots, and Jaramillo’s restaurant, Rutilio’s, feeds them. The pilots’ only expense is their time, and they love to fly anyway, he said.

One of the many popular balloons expected is the Smoky Bear balloon, to be brought in by Bill Chappell of Albuquerque.

“This part of the valley is really nice for ballooning,” he said. “Especially if the wind steers you away from the agricultural areas.”

He said Belen is an improvement for pilots over Los Lunas, which is nes-tled between the restricted airspaces of Isleta Pueblo and the Central New


n See Balloons, Page 15A

Balloon rally aimed at getting more residents involved


ABOUT 25 HOT AIR BALLOONS on the soccer field at Eagle Park are expected for each part of the Miracle Balloon Rally on Saturday, Nov. 26. There will be a 7 a.m. mass ascension and a balloon glow near the Wells Fargo building at about 5:30 p.m.

$100.74


25th AnniversAry

Hair innovations

Ronnie

Charles

Selena

Sabrina

Stella

Barbara

Kristen

ReinaAnita

Jean CandaceMargo Diana

Phyllishia

Open7 Days

864-4337403 S. Main St.

BelenComic Shop Upstairs

Haircuts $1000with couponGood thru December 2011

Sculptured Nails $2500

Gel Nails $2000

Hilights $4500 • Perms $10 OFFHair Extensions $20% OFF

Mexico Correctional Facility.Crawford said there isn’t really

a launch director for the events. However, many of the pilots, includ-ing Don Boyer of Belen, known as a “Balloonmeister,” are veterans of ballooning, seasoned in determining if weather conditions allow for safe flying.

“Each pilot can assess for them-selves if they’re comfortable with things being safe enough for a flight,” he said.

The glow requires lower wind speeds, he said. Any event in which balloons are tethered, anchored to the ground, cannot be done safely with anything more than the slightest breeze.

“With tethering, you have seven-story balloons near each other and power lines and everything else,” said Crawford. “You can’t have wind over about five miles per hour for that.”

Balloons: Flyingfrom PAGE 14


BALLOONS INFLATE on the soccer field at Eagle Park at a previous rally. The Miracle Balloon Rally is set for Saturday, Nov. 26, in Belen.

3rd Annual

Bosque Fiber Fest Fiber Arts Show & Sale

Saturday December 3

9:00am to 4:00pm Bosque Farms Community Center

"A Wooly Winter Wonderland" From Wooly Socks to Silky Scarves -

Unique Gifts for the Holidays

Watch Spinners, Weavers, Felters and other Fiber Artists as they Create Wooly Wonders!

Yarns, knits, beading, quilting, supplies, fleeces, natural products

Free Admission - make & takes, and more

See us at www.BosqueFiberFest.com!


GreaterBelen Chamberof Commerce

• Auto Dealers • Auto Repair & Service • Clothing • Florists • Art • Framing • Motels • Banks • Food • Coffee Shops • Carpet • Tile • Gift Shops • Candles • Health Products • Gyms • Financial • Insurance • Real Estate • Home Products • Farm Products • Pharmacies • Print Services • Spa & Salon Service

Shopping within Valencia County benefits

you in many ways. Local tax revenue supports our schools, roads, police

and fire departments.

It strengthens local jobs and businesses...

shop local first and help our community grow!

Documents

Holiday Experience 2011