Martin Link Celebration of Life

Above, the first page of Martin Link's memorial pamplet.

Yesterday, I attended a Celebration of Life gathering in Gallup for historian and writer Martin Link. 

The gathering was held at the social hall of the St. Francis Catholic Church. About 150 people attended. It included a catered lunch and drinks along with a Celtic band.  

Above, Greg Lucier, Steven Link and Bob Weeks. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Displays of pictures and awards given to Martin Link were on several tables. 

His burial was at a local Gallup cemetery in the Knights of Columbus section, thanks to a generous local. There were no available plots in the section but the owner of one provided it for Martin. 

Several people spoke, including Martin's younger brother Steven. 

Although I've only known Martin Link for six years, he will be missed.

Above, Steven Link telling stories of his brother Martin. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Martin Link, R.I.P.

Above, yours truly with Martin Link two years ago. Photo by Russell Azbill.

Only moments ago, I received sad news that local Gallup historian, author, activist, instructor Martin Link passed away last Thursday (December 5). 

I believe he was 90. 

According to the Gallup Sun Facebook page:

Unofficial local historian Martin Link reportedly passed away last night. He was an anthropology professor at the University of New Mexico-Gallup. Read this 2016 story about his book "New Mexico Kicks on Route 66." More information about his life and what he did for Gallup will run in next week's paper.

https://www.gallupsun.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=9431:local-historian-gets-his-kicks-on-route-66&catid=173:features&Itemid=622 

Above, Martin Link's book on Route 66 in New Mexico.

From the Gallup Veterans Helping Veterans Facebook group:

We are saddened to tell you of the passing of Martin Link. Please pray for his soul as he ascends to Heaven to sit at the side of the Lord. Gone with Martin is a plethora of knowledge and memories about Gallup and its people. His stories will be greatly missed. *Rest in Peace, Martin.

We had our monthly supper group dinners at his home in Gallup. We will try to hold a gathering before the end of the month.

A memorial service will be held on or about January 4. 

He was very knowledgeable on the history of New Mexico. He worked to get Fort Wingate a national monument status. He published a book, "New Mexico Kicks On Route 66". He autographed my copy at one of our dinners.

He will be missed.

Rex Museum Gutted By Gallup Librarian

Above the Rex Museum in Gallup. Photo by @newmexiconomad.

For months, I noticed that the Rex Museum in Gallup has been closed and wondered what's going on. 

Last evening, we had dinner at Martin Link's for Independence Day. While there, we had a discussion about the latest goings on in Gallup and the topic of the Rex Museum came up.

It seems that the head librarian had some photos she took of Gallup Inter-Tribal Indian Ceremonial she wanted to display and she asked the city government if she could display them at the Rex Museum. They granted permission.

Sounds harmless, right? Wrong. It turns out she gutted the museum of its historical displays so that she could display her pictures and put them into storage somewhere. 

After she was done displaying her photos, she didn't return the museum's displays. So they are in limbo somewhere.

It was my suggestion last night that if she doesn't put the displays back into the museum she should be demanded to do so (or forced to by lawsuit in court, if necessary) with a time deadline. 

I don't know her name and it wasn't mentioned.

Mowed The Yard

Above, after the mowing. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Since we had a bit of a break the monsoon rains (we've gotten a lot), I took the opportunity to mow Barking Spider Acre yesterday evening.

I usually mow in the morning, but since it was cloudy and cool, it was the perfect conditions to mow. The ground was a little soft, but not muddy. The brush was getting thick on the ground. It is very green in the area from all the monsoon rains we've been getting.

Above, the area in and around Jamestown is green from the monsoon rains. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

I did have a little problem while mowing the front along the road. The mower got stuck in the soft dirt near the drainage ditch that parallels the road. But I was able to pull it out with the Jeep in short order and I finished the mowing.

Once done, I relaxed over a bottle of Alien Amber Ale on the deck.

Above, it's Alien time.

We'll be celebrating Independence Day at Martin Link's on Thursday. His backyard is on a hilltop and we get great views of fireworks, even some from Window Rock, Arizona miles away.

July 4th Gathering

Above, yours truly and Martin Link last year. Photo by Russell Azbill.

Independence Day for me was a laid-back day for me.

I spent most of the day at home relaxing and listening to music and reading. Later, I headed for a little gathering at author/historian Martin Link's home in Gallup. 

As there was no planned fireworks displays in Gallup, we didn't have the gathering at Link's gazebo, but in the central patio of his home. It was ironic that the so-called "Most Patriotic Small Town In America" didn't have a city-sponsored fireworks program, one guest observed.

The discussion ranged from Gov. Lujan Grisham's lunatic EV and gasoline hike scheme, movies and Fort Wingate (no progress on that). 

All in all, it was a pleasant evening.

Supper Group Member Dies

Our monthly supper group gathering at the Gallup home of author and historian Martin Link will not be taking place this month.

I spoke with Martin a little while ago and found that he and I would probably be the only ones there. One member is sick with a cold. Another can't get out of her ranch due to muddy roads. Three dropped out. 

Above, John Rains.

Sadly, member John Rains passed away three weeks ago. The cause of his passing wasn't disclosed, except he called his doctor asking him to make a house call as he wasn't "feeling well". When the doctor arrived, he found John on the floor dead.

So, we'll have to wait for next month for the gathering.

Survey Being Conducted On Public Interest of Fort Wingate

Above, Fort Wingate base buildings. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Nearly three years ago, before the coronavirus pandemic started, plans for the Fort Wingate Army Depot and base buildings were proceeding. 

Planning ideas including making part of Fort Wingate a national historic site or monument and some portions would be turned over to the local tribes (Navajo and Zuni) after clean-up of munitions storage areas and bunkers. Author/historian Martin Link was active in the planning discussions.

Above, the entrance to the Army Depot munitions storage section. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

When the pandemic hit, things ground to a halt. Some of it was due to disinterest on the part of the governor of New Mexico after the pandemic eased.  

Now, it appears that things may be starting up again, but the powers-that-be want to see how much public interest there is for the reactivation of the FWDA Restoration Advisory Board first. They are conducting a survey to determine interest.

USACE-Albuquerque District - US Army has posted the following:

Albuquerque, New Mexico - The U.S. Army Fort Wingate Depot Activity is conducting a survey to determine if there is enough public interest to re-activate the FWDA Restoration Advisory Board. The RAB provides a public venue for citizens to provide input on the decisions that are made by the Army to clean up the installation and meet the permit requirements.

The New Mexico Environmental Department issued a permit to the Army in December 2005, defining the requirements necessary for the cleanup of environmental contamination, munitions, and explosives at Fort Wingate Depot Activity before property can be transferred to the Department of the Interior. The permit requires extensive consultation with the Pueblo of Zuni and the Navajo Nation, as the two tribes will ultimately receive any land the Army transfers to the Department of the Interior. However, federal law also requires the Army to involve other stakeholders from the surrounding communities in the cleanup process.

If re-activated, the RAB will include community members who reflect the diverse interests of the local community. RAB members will be asked to review and comment on plans and activities relating to the ongoing environmental studies and restoration activities at FWDA. Members will be expected to serve as a voluntary liaison between the community and the RAB and be available to meet with community members and/or groups. RAB meetings will be open to the public.

Fort Wingate is roughly ten miles from my home (as the crow flies). 

If you would like to see Fort Wingate become a national historic site or monument, please let your views known. Remember, this is where the famous Navajo Code Takers of World War II were trained.

To read more and participate in the survey, go here. 

Oh-oh!

Above, yours truly with Martin Link last January. Photo by Russell Azbill.

A few minutes ago, I received word that the Martin Link Gallup supper group member Bob Weeks is in the hospital with COVID.  I think he mentioned before that he was vaccinated. 

It was a good thing that I didn't attend Sunday's dinner at his home due to allergy issues, but there is a possibility that those who did may have contracted it. Hopefully not. I was with one attendee's husband today at Denny's. If she got exposed to it, then he may also be exposed to it through his wife. Again, hopefully not.

I don't think that I should be too concerned since I have been fully vaccinated, including two boosters (Pfizer). Generally, symptoms show up anywhere between 3 to 14 days from exposure (give or take). 

Roger, one of our gang in Jamestown, came down with it months ago and we didn't catch it from him. Hopefully, we'll have dodged a bullet again. Knock on wood!

We'll just have to wait and see.

Sick Day

Above, last month in Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park.

Today, I was supposed to be at our monthly supper group's dinner at author/historian Martin Link's today in Gallup. I had to cancel.

But I managed to wake up this morning congested with gunk in my chest and throat with a persistent cough.

I've stayed indoors all day today relaxing with only one trip to the Flying J to pick up some Nyquil and Dayquil. The Dayquil helped me a lot. I am not as congested as I was earlier. 

Hopefully, I will be recovered by tomorrow.  

Wind, Rain and Snow Showers

Above, yours truly with historian/author Martin Link. Photo by Russell Azbill.

It was windy last evening and all night. That's not the main weather news for Jamestown, New Mexico. 

We have a 70% chance of rain for much of today and this evening, which may turn into snow showers, the first snow of the season if it pans out.

According to the National Weather Service, it is 50° in Gallup with light rain right now. So far, I see no evidence of rain here.

Our monthly dinner at historian/author Martin Link's in Gallup is tonight. Hopefully, it won't be too rainy while we're there. 

The updated forecast for today:

Today

Scattered showers and thunderstorms before 9am, then showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm between 9am and 3pm, then scattered showers and thunderstorms after 3pm. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 52. Windy, with a southwest wind 20 to 30 mph, with gusts as high as 40 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.

Tonight

Scattered rain showers before 9pm, then snow showers likely. Some thunder is also possible. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 24. West wind 15 to 20 mph decreasing to 5 to 10 mph after midnight. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New snow accumulation of less than a half inch possible.

UPDATE: Tonight's dinner has been postponed to October 30 due to the weather. Some dinner group members live on the reservation and the rain makes some of their roads impassable.

Ronchetti Sign

Above, the Ronchettie for Governor sign in the front yard. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Last Sunday, it was "iffy" that I would be able to attend this month's dinner group gathering at historian Martin Link's. I was in Arizona over the weekend for the Lost Dutchman Chapter's clampout near Ash Fork in the Kaibab National Forest.

But since I got home around 11:00 in the morning, I was able to relax a bit, unpack and be able to attend the dinner that evening.

It was a good thing that I did as a fellow came by Martin's with some campaign signs. I got two Ronchetti signs and a couple of others. I put one of the Ronchett signs in the front yard and gave one to James, my next-door neighbor, who placed his in the corner of his yard that faces Whispering Cedar Road (excellent spot).

Home During The 4th

Above, in Six Mile Canyon yesterday. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

As things yesterday turned out, I ended up staying home. 

We got some rain yesterday afternoon. I don't know if it rained or not during the evening or during the night (I wouldn't be surprised if it did), but I didn't feel like venturing out. So I ended up enjoying the quiet neighborhood and went to bed at around 9:15. 

I must've fallen asleep right away because I didn't hear a thing, so I am assuming nobody around my area shot off fireworks. 

Last year was different. I was at Martin Link's and the view from his hilltop backyard were great for viewing fireworks all over Gallup. It was so clear last year that we were able to see fireworks from Window Rock, Arizona. Last night was decidedly cloudy. It was also warmer last year. It was jacket weather last night.

Still, I enjoyed my Independence Day as I drove the Jeep into Six Mile Canyon.  

Happy Independence Day!

 

Above, the opening ceremony at this year's Lions Club Rodeo. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Happy Independence Day!

After an afternoon and night of downpours (we need it), today we celebrate America's birthday. It might rain some more this afternoon and evening. 

I haven't decided decided yet what I am going to do. I could go to the Wild West Rodeo in Grants or to Martin Link's in Gallup this evening. We'll see.

Have a save and sane 4th of July!

Rain and Pecan Beer

Above, yesterday's rain. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Last evening, we had our monthly dinner at the home of Gallup historian/author Martin Link.

Along the way, there were scattered rain showers, which is what the region needs. It appears that this will continue through this week.

This definitely will save me money on my water bill since I had to water the yard before the monsoon rains started. The rains will take care of that. 

Above, Sierra Blanca's Pecan Beer. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

At the dinner, we tried out some Pecan Beer from New Mexico's Sierra Blanca Brewery (the same folks who brew Alien Amber Ale). Everyone liked it. It is an easy beer with not too strong a taste. The taste of the pecans were definitely there. Nice and smooth. This was my first time trying it. 

Since I am in charge of bringing beer to the monthly dinners, we'll be trying out different brews each month. The assembled liked that idea. Along with chile peppers, New Mexico seems to have plenty of beer brews to choose from.

According to the National Weather Service, today's forecast:

Overnight

Showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm. Cloudy, with a low around 54. South wind around 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New rainfall amounts of less than a tenth of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.

Monday

Showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm before noon, then scattered showers and thunderstorms after noon. Some of the storms could produce heavy rain. Cloudy, then gradually becoming mostly sunny, with a high near 75. South wind around 5 mph becoming east in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 70%. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.

Monday Night

Isolated showers and thunderstorms before 9pm. Partly cloudy, with a low around 54. Southeast wind around 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%.

Dinner Group: Moving Native American Dances A "Bad Idea"

Above, Ohkay Oelinge dancing at the County Courthouse Plaza. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Last evening, we had our monthly supper group dinner at Gallup historian/author Martin Link's home.

It was a good dinner consisting of tamales.

During the conversation at the dinner, it was the unanimous consensus of the group that moving the Native American dances to the Gallup Cultural Center from the County Courthouse Plaza was a bad idea.

The reasons cited are as follows:

• Small area not accommodating for large gatherings.
• Small "arena".
• Poor parking.
• Train noise.
• Poor seating.

Prior to when the dances were held at the Courthouse Plaza, they were held in an area now occupied by the Gallup Skateboard Park. They were moved to the Courthouse Plaza for much of the same reasons cited above. 

Above, the County Courthouse Plaza was ideal for audience participation. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

 

Another reason for the Courthouse Plaza venue: audience participation. Audience participation in the dances requires a large area, which the Courthouse Plaza was ideal for.

Everyone agreed the Courthouse Plaza location was the perfect venue for the dances.

Supper Group Gathering

Above, Martin Link getting dinner cooked. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

As we are nearing the end of the month, our monthly supper group met last evening at Gallup writer and historian Martin Link's home. On the menu was bouillabaisse, "a traditional Provençal fish stew originating in the port city of Marseille. The French and English form bouillabaisse comes from the Provençal Occitan word bolhabaissa, a compound that consists of the two verbs bolhir and abaissar." (source: Wikipedia)

Above, the dining area. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

It was an enjoyable evening with good food and conversation, much of it was about classic movies thanks to members Sandy and Bob. The night's Academy Awards was hardly mentioned as nobody even saw or heard (or really cared) of the top nominated films.

I usually carpool there with Greg and Marlo Lucier, but they were unable to attend and Russell Azbill had some health issues, so this was the first time in about three years that I drove myself. It was just as well as I had to stop at Albertson's to pick up some groceries. I got done fairly quick and was a little early at Martin Link's. I also had to get some gasoline and the price for it in Gallup was $3.978/gallon, seventeen cents cheaper than at the Flying J.

Above, the deck yesterday. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

As the day's temperature went over 70°, I spent much of the day on my deck relaxing and enjoying the view. We may get rain and snow showers tonight and tomorrow. 

10 Things You Would Never Think To See On Route 66

Above, Standin' On A Corner Park in Winslow, Arizona. Photo by Russell Azbill.

Did you know that about 85% of Historic Route 66 is still around to drive on? Yes, it is and one does have to know where it is located in different areas such as towns where rerouting and other changes, such as streets, frontage roads, had taken place over the years.

The Travel has posted an article ten things one would never think to see on Route 66. 

They begin it with:

Traveling is all about discoveries. It is all about discovering new things that someone has never thought about or seen before. By doing this, a person is able to appreciate how much diversity is there in the world. It also motivates someone to keep on traveling to discover more. As a result, travelers will always prefer to travel and visit strange places that will give them that thrill.

One of such places is route 66. So much has been said about route 66 but many people do not know the hidden things about this area until they visit and explore it. Here are 10 things one would never think to see on route 66.

Above, Standin' On A Corner Park in Winslow, Arizona
is a Route 66 Roadside Attraction. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

To read more, go here. 

While we're on the subject of Route 66, here is a book by Gallup historian Martin Link on Route 66 that is worth getting:

Above, yours truly with historian Martin Link. Photo by Russell Azbill.

Oryx Meatloaf Tonight

Above, yours truly with Martin Link. Photo by Russell Azbill.

This evening, we braved the cold outdoor temperatures to attend our monthly supper group dinner at Gallup author/historian Martin Link's home.

The main course tonight was oryx meatloaf. Not bad!

This is an oryx (antelope):

I got back home about 45 minutes ago.  

Navajo Tacos In Gallup

Above, last night's dinner plate. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

We brave souls left Jamestown last evening and headed to historian/writer Martin Link's Gallup residence for our monthly dinner gathering. It was cold out and thankfully we carpooled in a car with a good working heater.

Last night's menu was Navajo tacos along with beef and pork tamales and chili rellenoes. We were all seated near a warm crackling fire.

Martin's home was all decorated for Christmas and we all were caught up on what happening in the Gallup area.  

Usually, when I am dropped off at home after the dinners, I'll linger a bit to enjoy the view of the Milky Way. But it was at least 32° outside and I beelined it into the house. It was too cold out to enjoy the view.

A few photos of last night's dinner:

Above, the set-up upon our arrival. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, the inviting fire warmed things up. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, Martin's Christmas tree. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, Martin Link giving one of his informative talks. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Martin Link To Be On KYAT-FM Sunday Morning

Gallup historian (and host of our monthly dinner gatherings) Martin Link and the rest of the committee working to preserve Fort Wingate will be guests on "Impact" on KYAT-FM 94.5 to discuss the progress being made on their preservation efforts. The show starts at 6:00 AM.

Above, Martin Link. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Since I am an early riser, I should be able to listen to the program. Link told us last Sunday that progress has been made on their preservation efforts of Fort Wingate.

About KYAT-FM:

Today’s Navajo County is on 94.5 FM K-YA-T. This one of a kind station provides the best access to the predominant “buying demos” in this market. The audience is comprised of active consumers with both first-time big-ticket purchases and participation in entertainment activities. The format is full of energy and connects with its audience through Navajo language announcing 24-7. Navajo County blends currents, re-currents, and 70s and 80s country hits to create a mix that sizzles.