Making cotton candy



Above, Nate Natonabah, left, and Samantha Lee spin cotton candy for kids at the youth rally in Fort Defiance, Ariz., by the Office of Diné Youth. Below, Kindra Nasfotie, 9, enjoys the whipped cream pie eating contest at the rally. Kids also participated in three-on-three basketball, races and games of all kinds.

Photos by Jerry W. Kelley

 

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Navajo United Way gave agencies $1.1M in aid

Jim Maniaci
Diné Bureau

WINDOW ROCK — Reservation non-profit organizations received more than $1.1 million worth of donated products and merchandise from the Navajo United Way, working in conjunction with the Gifts in Kind organization.

Now in its 20th year, the Navajo Way also gave $209,398 to 46 different agencies helping more than 85,000 people during 2000.

Merchandise includes computers, software, office supplies, toys, sports equipment and clothing.

"One of our participants is the Battered Family Services of Gallup," said Program Allocations Assistant Victoria Chischilly. Other off-reservation communities served include Albuquerque and Phoenix.

"Other programs receive merchandise they can use for their clients from clothing stores. All of the programs appreciate receiving the additional items. A real difference can be seen in the work a counselor does with a client when they have a teddy bear or decent clothes to provide someone," she added.

Executive Director Angela Johnson-Conner said, "We've seen the emphasis of communities' concerns change over the years.
Quality of life is very important and therefore programs which help families and individuals improve their quality of life are in high demand."

She concluded, "There is also a high demand for programs and services which improve communication and non-violence in the home and those that help people deal with recovery. Also, organizations meeting the ever-changing needs of our youth;
those providing recreation, skills-learning and a safe place for young people to go are increasing in number. These are the types of agencies that Navajo Way, Inc., funds."

Navajo Way grants went to 18 non-profit organizations and ranged from $5,000 to $18,000. Of the total, more than $174,000 went to the 18 groups. Another $20,000-plus went on a reimbursement basis to three agencies from the combined federal
agencies drive, in addition to more than $14,000 that donors specified be given to particular agencies.

The 18 agencies and what they do are:

Ama Doo Alchini Bighan, a counseling and safe shelter for women and children suffering from domestic violence

Arizona Cactus Pine Girls Scouts

Boys and Girls Club of Shiprock

Day at a Time Club, outpatient counseling for recovering alcoholics and substance abusers

Eastern McKinley Counseling Services, outpatient counseling and prevention education for alcohol and substance abusers

First Nations Health Sources, emergency assistance for Navajos undergoing medical treatments in Albuquerque

Home for Women and Children, 30-day shelter for women and children suffering from domestic violence

Native Americans for Community Action, emergency assistance to Navajos stranded in Flagstaff

Native American Community Health Center, dental services and emergency assistance to Navajo in Phoenix without Indian
Health Service being available

Navajo Nation Aids Network

Navajo United Methodist's New Beginnings, transitional shelter for Navajo women and children

Parents Anonymous, group and individual counseling to prevent child abuse and neglect

Path of Renewal, assisting alcoholics and their families to achieve sobriety and a healthy family life

St. Michaels' Association for Special Education, providing coordinated services for the developmentally disabled and their
families

The Gathering Place, literacy programs, showcasing local artists, and women's health programs in native language, culture and
reality

Tohdennashai Shelter Home, shelter for women and children suffering from domestic violence, with counseling and referrals to outreach services

University of New Mexico Indian Children's Project, teaching parenting skills for preschoolers with developmental delays
Youth Empowerment Services, Kayenta area recreation, culture and enrichment for youth.

Board President Marshall Plummer said, "It is very important to those of us on the board that we reflect the wishes of the contributors we represent by our service." He added the group tries to focus on the future while respecting the past.

In addition to Plummer, the board includes Vice President Betty Linkin Foster of the Public Service Company of New Mexico,
Secretary Shirley Stoner of the Chinle IHS staff, Treasurer Ron Maldonado of the Navajo Nation Historic Preservation
Department; Beverly Crawford of the Chinle Bureau of Indian Affairs School; William A. Johnson of the Navajo Nation
Justice Department; Regina Lane of the Navajo Generating Station; and Polly Nez, retired federal employee.

Directors serve an initial three-year term and can serve up to three more years. The board selects replacements as needed.

Each year's work begins with the concentrated fund-raising drive from September through November. Applications from
organizations are accepted from October through January, with the board determining the grants by March.

Fundraising is divided into the solicitation of donations for the various organizations and a corporate solicitation to pay the
operating costs of about $175,000 a year. Individual donors can make either a general pledge or specify if they want their
contribution to go to a particular group.

The most frequently used method of fulfilling the pledges is by a payroll deduction plan.

"We have fund drives every year with four different types of government employees, within two different states, with
employees of six private energy development corporations, the banking industry on the reservation, tribally owned enterprises
and with three different school systems. It can be difficult to persuade people to contribute, because sometimes people may not
have the resources at the time they are asked to contribute," Campaign Assistant Margie Tsosie said.

Johnson-Conner said, "It is right and good to have charity in your heart and by your actions. Isn't that what we are taught
when we are small? Isn't that a part of the Navajo Way? Besides, this is the first and only Native American-governed and
operated United Way in the country. There are many different people who should take pride in this fact. And, it does happen
every year, quietly and consistently. People are helping those in need through the organizations and special projects that are
funded. At the end of the day, there is a lot to feel good about."

Navajo United Way is located on the second floor of the St. Michaels Professional Plaza, behind the U.S. Post Office. The
telephone number is (520) 871-6661. The mailing address is P.O. Box 309, Window Rock, Ariz. 86515. The e-mail address
is navajowy@cia-g.com.

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Grand jury cases involve liquor, drugs

Tom Purdom
Staff Writer

GRANTS — If it were not for alcohol and drug cases, along with a few burglaries, the Cibola County grand jury would have little to do. So it came as no surprise when jurors last week handed up several indictments for crimes involving drugs and alcohol.

Erick Grey was apparently driving drunk April 1 when Grants Police stopped the 48-year-old Church Rock man. The problem was, Grey allegedly didn't give his correct name to the police, who, when they found out exactly who he was, also found out that he was reportedly driving while his license was suspended or revoked.

Grand jurors charged Grey with driving while intoxicated, driving while his license was suspended or revoked and concealing his identity. All of the charges are misdemeanors.

In other matters the grand jury:

Indicted Bruce Ed Lehman, 40, of El Paso, Tex., with possession of a controlled substance (methamphetamine), a fourth-degree felony, and use or possession of drug paraphernalia, a misdemeanor, stemming from a case which began March 15,
when he was stopped by the New Mexico State Police. If convicted and sentenced and fined the maximum, Lehman faces two
years behind bars and/or fines up to $5,000.

Indicted Emerson Sloan, 28, of Bluewater, with driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, driving while his license is
suspended or revoked and concealing his identity on Feb. 17. All of the charges are misdemeanors.

Indicted Gilbert Chacon, 25, of Milan, with distribution of a controlled substance (possession with intent to distribute), a
second-degree felony, and tampering with evidence, a fourth-degree felony.

Milan Police found Chacon on May 7 with what was believed to be cocaine on him. Chacon allegedly tried to hide a bottle of
cocaine, so he was charged with tampering as well. Chacon faces up to seven and one-half years in prison and/or fines up to
$10,000.

Indicted Edison Johnson, 42, of Teec Nos Pos, Ariz, with driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, driving while his license was suspended or revoked, failure to carry proof of financial responsibility and failure to show evidence of registration.
Charges stem from an April 1 stop by Milan Police. All of the charges are misdemeanors.

Indicted Felipe Valenzuela, 40, of Milan with battery upon a peace officer, assault on a peace officer and disorderly conduct.
The battery charge is a fourth-degree felony and the other two charges are misdemeanors. Valenzuela faces up to two and one-half years in prison and/or fines up to $5,000.

Indicted Dominic Kose, 21, of Grants with contributing to the delinquency of a minor. Grants Police investigated the alleged incident which reportedly involved a 15-year-old girl. The charge is a fourth-degree felony meaning Kose faces up to 18 months in prison and/or a fine up to $5,000.

Indicted Kimberly Ann Wilcox 22, of Santa Maria, Calif., on a charge of receiving/transferring a stolen vehicle. She was stopped May 8, by the Cibola County Sheriff's Department and was driving a vehicle which had been reported stolen. Wilcox faces up to 18 months in prison and/or a fine up to $5,000 for the fourth-degree felony.

Indicted Frederico Galindo, 25, of Grants, on a count of robbery which allegedly took place Aug. 6, 2000, when he took a 1994 Chevrolet Cavalier from a woman while using the threat of force or violence. The crime is a third-degree felony, which means Galindo could spend up to three years in prison and/or a fine up to $5,000.

In other court matters:

Thirteenth Judicial District Judge Camille Olguin sentenced Clara James, 41, of Bluewater, to a suspended sentence and
ordered her to be placed on supervised probation for three years for fraudulent use of a credit card and conspiracy, both
felonies.

Judge Kenneth Brown sentenced Jacob Lopez, 18, of Grants, to a conditional discharge, a three-year deferred sentence and
three years of probation for aggravated battery on a household member with great bodily harm in a case that happened Sept. 7,
2000.

Olguin sentenced Nelson Phillips, 29, to 366 days behind bars for fourth-offense felony driving while under the influence of
intoxicating liquor or drugs, resisting, evading or obstructing an officer, a misdemeanor and driving while his license was
suspended or revoked, a misdemeanor. The crimes happened Jan. 16, 2000.

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Family comes first for winner

Santiago Ramos
Staff Sports Writer

GREASEWOOD SPRINGS, Ariz. — Despite having to juggling a hectic rodeo schedule driving to his own professional rodeos along to his children's high school rodeos, former four-time world champion John Boyd Jr. always makes time for the Keith Boyd Memorial Rodeo that's held each year in his backyard.

Boyd, of Lower Greasewood, Ariz. picked up his sixth all-around title Sunday afternoon at the 20th Annual Boyd Memorial Rodeo that's held each year in memory of his late uncle. Boyd, who has three calf roping world titles, won the calf roping event and also teammed up with Terry Doka to place fourth in the team roping to pocket winnings totalling $724.

Boyd admitted that he's had to scale back on his rodeo schedule this past season with the added task of having to drive his 18-year-old son, John Boyd III, a senior at Ganado High, to his high school rodeos competing in the team roping and calf roping in the New Mexico High School Rodeo Association.

"I'm hauling my son (to the high school rodeos) this year," said the 43-year-old Boyd who competed at the National High School Rodeo Finals in 1976 in the saddle bronc. "It takes up a lot of time. But it's fun going and watching future champions.
But it's also hard. I expect my kids to be winners. I finally told them to have fun at the rodeos and have a cool head. This is probably only my fourth Indian rodeo this year and I've been to only four PRCA rodeos as well."

John Boyd III, is the second oldest of four Boyd's children. Kelly, 23, had no interest until she turned 18 to compete in rodeos while Brittany, 12, is the lone child that doesn't compete in rodeos. Lance, 10, is also competing in junior rodeos.

Boyd posted the lone sub-10-second run to claim the calf roping with a winning time of 9.82 that paid $497.10. Roderick Tso placed second with a 10.74 ($414.25) with Mike K. Etsitty third with a 10.98 ($331.40). Darryl Boyd was fourth with an 11.07 ($248.55) with former world champion Dennis Begay rounding out the top five with an 11.33 ($165.70).

Boyd teammed up with Terry Doka for a fourth in the team roping with a 6.74 ($454.80 for the team). The team of Victor and Derrick Begay claimed first with a fast 5.61 that paid $909 for the team. The team of Brent Joel and Ricky Kee took second
with a 6.10 ($758) with the team of Garrett Etsitty and Matt Yazzie third with a 6.37 ($606.40). The team of Boyd and Doka
was fourth, followed by the team of Nate Blackrock and Rudy Yazzie fifth with a 6.80 ($303.20). With points only, were the
team of Nelson Long and Shawn Shirley (6.82), the team of Roderick and Reginald Tso (6.99), the team of Phil Bigthumb and
Ted Jensen (7.76), the team of Art and former world champion Reggie Sells (7.85) and the team of Sheridan and Willie Jodie
(8.54).

Hector Zonnie won the bull riding with a solid score of 79 that was worth $567.60. Hardy Yazzie took runnerup honors with a
76 ($473) with former two-time world champion Julius Y. Begay third with a 73 ($378.40). Harry Smith Jr. was fourth with a
71 ($283.80) while Daniel Etsitty was fifth with a 69 ($189.20).

Donald Murphy claimed the steer wrestling as he dropped his steer down in a fast 3.87 seconds. Murphy went to the pay
window and received $581.78. Tyrone Tsosie placed second with a 4.67 ($484.75) with Mike Murphy third with a 4.82
($387.80). Victor Martinez was fourth with a 5.00 ($290.85) with Garrison Begay fifth with a 5.29 ($193.90). With points
only were Harold Manuelito 6.79, Hollis Jodie 7.12, Reggrenell Guy 7.51, Allson Gorman 9.53 and Lyman Succo 14.32.

Roqui Lee was the top barrel racer as she covered the clover leaf pattern in 17.465 that paid $380.80. Pablita Cohoe, who is
back from a six-year layoff, looked in fine form as she placed second with a 17.473 that paid $285.60. Jeri Charley was third
with a 17.479 ($190.40) with Clarita Jim fourth with a 17.602 ($95.20). With points only were Odessa Yazzie 17.738, Sheila
Sells 17.816, Lynelle Lee 17.881, April Pablo 18,069, Janelle Manygoats 18.866 and Emmy Lou Daswood 18.941.

Janine Tree won the breakaway roping over tough competition, beating Pablo and Manygoats for first place. Tree posted a
3.39 second run for first place and $493.60. Pablo took second with a 3.98 ($370.20) and Manygoats was third with a 3.99
($246.80). Mary Ruth Goy finished fourth with a 4.16 ($123.40). With no points were Vida Benally 4.69, Norma Doka 4.71,
Claudia Mora 4.85 and Charley 6.61.

Alonzo Yazzie topped the saddle bronc competition with a winning ride of $405.50. Erickson Littleben took second with a 65
($243.30) with Gilbert Benally third with a 64 ($162.20). With points only was Benson Kee with a 63.

Ernest Bitsui and Ace Roan tied for first in the bareback with 72 scores. Each received $264.50. With points only were
Mencia Jesus (61) and Wilfred K. Yazzie (58).

The NNRCA-sanctioned rodeos will be the Boyd's Southern Stampede Friday and Saturday at 7 p.m. at the Boyd's Arena in
Vanderwagon and the 32nd Annual Oak Canyon Memorial Day Rodeo Saturday and Sunday at 1 p.m.

For more information contact CES Vicky Pablo at (505) 786-4924.

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CEO shares tips for success

Tara Drolma
Staff Writer

GRANTS — When it comes to customer service, there is no such thing as an outlandish request.

In fact, Jim Garcia's favorite response is: "The answer is yes. What was the question?"

Garcia is president and CEO of HospiTotally, a four-year-old Albuquerque management-consulting company that also
manages the El Pinto Restaurant in the North Valley.

Garcia gave tips on how to improve customer service at a recent Grants/Cibola Chamber of Commerce meeting...

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Hanson team captures title

Michael Peretti
Staff Sports Writer

GALLUP — The 17th Annual Paul Hanson Memorial Golf Tournament ended with none other than the Hanson family on top.

Brian Hanson, a relative of the late superintendent who the tournament was named after, was on the team the Sooners (or Laters!) who ended up taking first place in the tournament with a net score of 60.

Also on the team was Russell Bevelhymer, Denver Davidson and Roger Morris. The Sooners (or Laters!) traveled from Phoenix to compete in the tournament.

The team Pride Electric made up of Larry Smith, Dennis Satermo, Chuck McKinney and Lyle Adair took first place in the net scoring with a net score of 59, shooting a 67 gross score. Following the Pride Electric team was Indian Capitol made up of Charles Mataya, Angelo DiPaolo, Kerri Allgood and Randy Slaughter with a 61 net score, a 63 gross score. Taking third was the Albuquerque Hack Attack made up of Ramon Vigil, Pete Montoya, Pete J. Montoya and Jack Sena with a 61 gross, 63 net score...

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Deaths

Mary T. Minerich

PINEHAVEN — Services for Mary Minerich, 79, will be held at 2 p.m., Tuesday, May 22 at Rollie Mortaury-Palm Chapel. Pastor Gene Turk will officiate. Burial will follow at Sunset Memorial Park.

Minerich died May 17 in Farmington. She was born Dec. 12, 1921 in Gallup.

Minerich was a member of the Tree Farmers of America, the McKinley County Soil Conservation and the SMPJ Lodge.

Survivors include her daughters, Mary Blackford and Jeannie Hansen both of Farmington; five grandchildren; five great grandchildren and two great-great grandchildren.

Minerich was preceded in death by her husband, John Minerich Jr., parents, John and Mary Tomac; sister, Frances Matajcich, Emma Moorhead and Ann Tomac; and brother, Sonny Tomac.

Pallbearers will be Wayne Basgal, Vaughn Dennerlein, Larry Johnson, Randy Moorhead, Bill Slack and Shawn Voge.

Rollie Mortuary is in charge of arrangements.

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