The Taos News from Taos, New Mexico • 38

Vecinos The Tads News B18 Otras Voces Home from Iraq Chants of Old Luz introduce the Blessing Way ff I David Fernandez 4 It IT I Greg Kreller onald Gallegos takes a ride into Questa on the back of a fire truck along with retired Sgt. Francis Cordova as the community welcomes Gallegos back May .7 from his service in Iraq. Alaskans memorialize Taoseno's World War II island battle death other generously. "We ask you to bless us all, so that all your wonderful deeds may be told, and give proof of them in our lives. "May you, Lord of heaven and earth, who so graciously accompanies us on our earthly pilgrimage, continue to keep us, protect us, and never turn your face away from us." The prayer-chanting stopped.

Arturo moved forward, around the riyer bend, to get a look at the source of the words, which seemed yet to be fully, soundlessly present, like some invisible sound sculpture in the air, and came face to face with the speaker. It was "Old Luz," as the people of the valley referred to that mysterious and quaint personage who was known as a kind of "character" of the area, and from whom most everybody usually stayed away, a man who seemingly always wore the same clothes, somewhat raggedy, but always more or less clean; "Old Luz" with full, wildish hair and beard, considered to be basically harmless although yet there was something special, if not intimidating, about him, a certain powerful air. Arturo was so startied at having, suddenly come upon Luz that he slipped and fell, cutting the palms of his hands on stones that were there, and he looked up almost frightened. Arturo looked up at Luz, and suddenly all feeling of trepidation or fear vanished away. Luz laughed and said, "What an entrance! Well, here, let me help you up." Luz took Arturo's bleeding hands in his and drew him up, whispering something under his breath, and when Arturo was fully up he noticed the tingling pain was gone and he looked at his hands and there was now no blood and the cut palms were completely healed.

One morning late in the month of May the young man Arturo was walking along the banks of the main river of the valley, trying to make sense of the uncertainty and confusion which, engendered by ceaseless media and accounts of war and problems in the world and in his community, were bewildering him to no end. He heard a voice chanting around the bend ahead of him. He stopped to listen, and the clear, slightly moving air carried the following to his hearing: 4 "0 God, you have created us in love and given us the promise of our salvation in your mercy. "You have established the family of humankind and willed that it should become "a sign of your love for us all. "Shower your blessings on this family of man set on this world which you have given us.

"Enable all of us, joined by love, to support one another by their fervor of spirit and devotion to prayer as the best and highest way of living. "Make them responsive to the needs of others and witnesses in love in all they say and do. "We bless your name, 0 Lord, for your having given yourself also as part of this family of humankind. "We ask you, Lord, to protect and watch over this family of humankind so that in the strength of your grace its members may enjoy prosperity, possess the priceless gift of your peace, and as one family on this world, bear witness in this world to your glory. "Blessed are you, 0 God.

"From all races of the earth you have formed a family to be dedicated to you, eager to do what is right. "Your grace has moved the hearts of these, your children, your friends, to love you more deeply and each other, and to serve each Luz said, "You'll be all right, young man. But what were you doing, spying on me, or what?" Luz laughed again and said, "I'm joking. Seriously, I'm glad to see you. Let's sit here together, if you're not afraid." He chuckled.

Arturo did sit down on the grassy bank of the valley's river with Luz, and in fact he knew there was nothing to be afraid of from Luz. "Old Luz" was not really that "old," but it seemed Arturo could get no sense of either how young or how old Luz could really be. Arturo said, "I couldn't believe what I was hearing a while ago. What were you saying? It sounded very weird and strange to me, all this stuff about blessing and grace and the family of humankind. Don't you have any idea of what people are doing to each other out there? Don't you know, haven't you heard, about the war, about the corrupt politicians, about the savagery and the misery that's going on out there even at this very minute? Can't you see what's really important?" Luz looked at Arturo for a couple of minutes and then said, as if quoting: "Turning away from the Source of Love is every person who engages in cruel criticism, or who speaks the slightest untruth about another They are caught in the basic illusion that riches and power can fulfill the natural longing of the soul for its own True Source.

"Young man, let me tell you something you should know, about the Blessing Way." Continued next week. Although Martinez' advance helped others attacking to move forward, the success was only partial because the main Holtz-Chichagof Pass rose about 150 feet higher and was flanked by a narrow, snow-filled passage (defile). Tiers of trenches holding enemy soldiers blocked advance, but Martinez continued to lead his fellow soldiers up. Just below the rim, Martinez was mortally wounded by enemy fire from a final trench. Ultimately the pass was taken its capture described as an important beginning to an end of hostile resistance on the island.

was involved in a several day's long fight during World War II to drive enemy Japanese troops from a key defensive posi-. tion in the mountains between East Arm Holtz Bay and Chichagof Harbor. Troop positions were readjusted in late May for a trial coordinated attack by a reinforced battalion. Although initially successful, the attack hesitated. Information about the incident stated that Martinez, an automatic rifleman, began advancing into hostile fire, stopping to urge his comrades on.

In the process, Martinez eliminated resistance from part of the enemy. Staff report A U.S. Army shooting range in Alaska now car-' ries the name of a Taos soldier who was killed in action in an Alaskan mountain range. The Combined Arms Collective Training Facility in Fort Wainwright, Alaska, was recently named after Pvt. Joe Martinez of Taos.

Martinez was represented by his great-grand-niece, Dorothy Foster, and her two daughters at the dedication ceremony. He was assigned to Company 32nd Infantry, 7th Infantry Division. His citation explained that Martinez' company AN UN CI OS free. Call 505-758-3354 WEST RIM WATER ASSOCI ATION will meet from 1-4 p.m. Saturday, June 5, at Taos Junction pavilion in the Orilla Verde Recreation Area.

For agenda, call Rusty Rhoades, 505-758-6940. TAOS PUEBLO DRAFT FOR PUBLIC COMMENT available from May 24-June 4, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Taos Pueblo Housing Office at 1025 South Spider Rock Road. An important part of every annual review is the opportunity for members of the Tribal Community to review and comment on the report before it is submitted to the U.S.

Department of Housing and Urban Development for review. TAOS HIGH SCHOOL FLEA MARKET will be held from 8 a.m.-l p.m. Saturday (May 29) at the high school parking lot. Vendor spaces are $10 and $15. Buyer's fee is 50 cents.

Proceeds benefit student organizations. Call 505-751-8000 or 505-770-2339. VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL on the Asian theme "Far Out Far East Rickshaw Race to the Son," will be held from 9 a.m.-12 p.m. June 7-11 at First Baptist Church. Children in kindergarten through sixth grade are invited to participate.

The school includes crafts, snacks and family fun. Admission is ing with children, you can volunteer for a Talpa Community Center program in puppetry theater music. Call 505-751-1 102 or MEMORIAL DAY SILENT CANDLELIGHT VIGIL will be held at 7:30 p.m. Monday (May 31) at Taos Plaza. The vigil will be in memory of the casualties of war.

Bring a candle. The event is sponsored by the Taos and Santa Fe chapters of Veterans for Peace, Pax Christi, Peace Action, Clearlight Quaker Worship Group and the Native American Spiritual Center. Call 505-758-3638 or 505-758-0137. MUSEUM ASSOCIATION OFTAOS BENEF'J FYARD SALE is soliciting donation of used items in good condition for a sale June 5 at Martinez Hacienda. No clothes, please.

Donations will he-ar-a'ptcd at the I lacii-nda Iron; 9 a m. to 7 p.m. Friday. June t. receipt lor donated goods will be provided.

Booth space is available for $20. Call 27(1. SENIOR OLYMPICS FOR TAOS COUNTY sponsored by Ancianos Inc. will be held June 9-10. All residents aged 50 and over are eligible to compete in the various events, including swimming, track and field, pool, dancing, horseshoes and various recreational events, such as basketball free throw, frisbee toss, soccer kick accuracy and softball distance throw.

Call Mike Martinez or Martha Dick, 505-758-4091. STAKEOUT GRILL AND BAR RESTAURANT is donating proceeds from the sale of any wine sold by the bottle from June 1-5 to the Community Wellness Center's programs girltime, Peer Health Education and Puentes. TAOS BOYS AND GIRLS CLUB SUMMER PROGRAM 's holding registration for children ages 8-12 at the Taos Youth and family Center. Program sessions run from 7:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Monday through hursdav, June 7-July 29.

Cost is $40 a week. Call 505-758-4 160. 12TH ANNUAL MEMORIAL DAY ARTS FESTIVAL will be held from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday (May 29-30) and 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday, Memorial Day (May 31) at Kit Carson Park.

Approximately 75 local and visiting artists, entertainment and food will be featured. Admission is free. Call 505-758-1264 or 505-751-7570. -I- AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL HUMAN RIGHTS MARCH will be held at 12 p.m. Sunday (May 30), beginning at Kit Carson Park.

Amnesty International UNM-Taos Chapter is coordinating the march to stop U.S.-sanctioned torture. Marchers will walk from the park to Taos Plaza and on to the convention center in time for Amy Goodman's talk at Rio Grande Hall. Call Jenny Stanley, 505-751-3745. AMY GOODMAN of Democracy Now! will speak about her new book, "The Exception to the Rulers." at 1:30 p.m. Sunday (May 30) in the Taos Civic Center's Rio Grande Hall.

A small donation is requested for expenses. Sponsors are Peace Action, KRZA and Cultural Energy. Call 505-751-3634. BENEFIT DANCE to raise funds for the American Cancer Society Relay for Life will be held from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m.

Friday (May 28) at the El Taoseno I-ounge. Music is by The Young Guns. There will be door prizes and raffle drawing. Tickets are S8 single, $10 couple. CHILE LINE will not be in service on Monday (May 31) in observance of the Memorial W'c niiuft like i c.v'r.

cur sincere Day holiday. Transportation services will resume Tuesday (June 1). For more information, call 505-751-4459. CITIZENS FOR SAFE SHOOTING will hold an organizational meeting at 7 p.m. Wednesday (June 2) at the BLM-Taos Field Office on 226 Cruz Alta Road.

Call 505-758-8851 or 505-75 1-4726. CLASS OF 1974 will hold its 30-year class reunion July 16-18. Events include a social hour July 16, dinner and dance at Bataan Hall July 17 and picnic at Los Pinos July 18. Cost is $50 a person. RSVP by June 1 to the class reunion committee, 11C 78, Box 9915, Ranchos de Taos, N.M.

87557. Call 505-758-4935. CONSCIOUS PROSPERITY WORKSHOP by John Moore will be held from p.m. Thursday, June 3, at Unity of Taos, 69 Blueberry Hill Road. Admission is by love offering.

Learn the secret to simple and lasting personal wealth. Call 505-758-0717. HONEST INFORMATION, a free discussion group, will address racism at its next forums, from 5-7 p.m. today (May 27) and 1 1-1 p.m. Saturday (May 29) at Dream-Tree Project, 128 La Posta Road.

For information, callTamara or Cami at 505-758-9595. IF YOU ARE AGE 16-19, live in the Taos area and like work- thanks cj iijreeiiilicn to the lccj4e that ft Af iieccniij'aiiice hiring the recent less ef c-nr bele 'cc hi ether, brether-in-law', anc iincle. Ismael Martinez. Our sj'c- jh 'fj cial thanks te 'Either 'Ren tlenc. Oeacen Jerri; Quintana.

'CVwcoxj 'Kittrcltc. $cco CfHiicalu juntas, Cerceui. $aiuvc ie Lriste anc 'Ri'era-Jianlen 'luiieral -flei'ie enr heartjelt tiraiitinc te these that sent ('lowers, ooc. conditions. aic to e'enione that hcij'cc at the 'Tarish Coc 'bless 'You' Juan line Julia Conzales 'hinuli; Ricera-Hanlon Affordable Alternatives Cremation Monuments RIVERA-HANLON PRESENTS: Bill Piehl, 70, of Amarillo, Texas, died Wednesday.

May 19. 2004. He, was revered for his generosity, business sense, and leadership. Survivors include his wile Helen; Daughters Plug Piehl and Pult Niegos. son-in-law Phil Niegos: grandchildren Kendra, Katie, and Killon Quackenbush and Matthew and Sydney Niegos; sisters Mary Louise Ellis of Colorado City and Lois Sanders of Albuquerque NM.

Memorials may be sent to Bill Piehl Leadership Scholarship, WTAMU. Box 2473 College Station, TX 77843; or Bill Piehl Presidential Scholarship, WTAMU, Box 60766 Canyon, TX' 79106. ASK GOLDEN 'e the family of JoseTacmiomlencia to tfianlourfamikj, friends and neighBors for the (ove and support given during band of 51 years. Berpabe Struck, mother. Elena M.

Trujillo. children, Albert Struck (Doris). Frank Struck all of Ranchos de Taos. Orhnda Struck of Albuquerque, Bernadette Chavez (James) of Stanley. Marcella Miera (Jessie).

Bernabe Struck Jr. all of Ranchos de Taos and Robert Gatlm (Barbie) of Albuquerque. She is also survived by best triend and sister, Aurora Vigil (Edmundo). brothers, Eloy Trujillo (Irene) of Santa Fe, Meliton Trujillo Jr. (Louise).

Steve Trujillo (Diana). David Trujillo and Jacobo Trujillo all of Taos, grandchildren, Sofia. Elena. Patricia, Brandon. Cory and Kimberlee Struck, Bernadette Miera, Sara and John Chavez, Patricia, Natalie, Robin and Samantha Gatlin, great granddaughters.

Alicia Romero and Alexis Fkxes. Rosary was recited on May 23, 2004. Funeral mass was held on May 24, 2004. Both senices were held at San Francisco de Asis Catholic Church in Ranchos de Taos. Interment was held at San Francisco Cemetery.

Arrangements by Rivera-Hanlon Funeral Home. the illness and death oj our i Rev. Ten vwl What should I do when I feel overwhelmed? Remember to breathe. Taking a breath allows us the chance to refocus and become present. When overwhelmed, there is a tendency to take shallow breaths, making our body move into a panic state, adding more anxiety.

pdoved Husband, Jawer, How do I deal with the intense world grief? There is a lot of trauma in our world right now with modern media, it is very accessible. The best thing I can say is to remember you can only do your part and do that with integrity, with the faith that others will do the same. Dolores T. Struck, 71, of Ranchos de Taos passed away on May 21, 2004. She was born on October 06.

1932. She is preceded 'J i and Grandfather. 'Jor a( the prayers, money donations, food, aU those who came to visit, and to atftmo called. We are truly gratefuC May Qod'Bless you, Zrlinda, Michaet Cathy (Diana, Samantha Please contact Golden willow with yout questions about grief and toss at wiardnewmex.com, 776-2024 Of Rrvera-Hanlon at 758-3841 Golden willow Is a non-profit organization in Taos, New Mexico helping individuals heal emotionally as they process their personal grief issues. in death by her father, Melit6n M.

Trujillo, sister, Prescilla Trujillo and parents in law, Melitbn and Clorinda Struck. She is survived by her hus-.