Library branches show warm hands mean warm hearts

The season of giving is in full swing as the Octavia Fellin Public Library continues its annual Mitten Tree donation program throughout the month of December.

The program, inspired by a children’s book of the same name, accepts hat and mitten donations at both library locations — the main branch, 115 W. Hill Ave., and the children’s branch, 200 Aztec Ave.

“We love doing it and we don’t mind doing it because we know it’s for a good cause,” Octavia Fellin Technology Trainer Markos Chavez said.

And a good cause it is indeed as donated items are distributed to those in need by Battered Family Services, Inc., an organization...

County teachers honored as ‘exemplary’ among state educators

More than 30 teachers were recognized at the Gallup-McKinley County Schools Board of Education regular meeting Dec. 17.

The teachers, who received plaques at the meeting, were rated “exemplary” by the New Mexico teacher evaluation system.

Priscilla Manuelito, Dist. 3 board member, said it was impressive that over 30 teachers were recognized that night.

“[It is] just awesome that we have a lot of great teachers who are going above and beyond,” she said after the meeting.

At the meeting, several teachers were also recognized by the McKinley Education Foundation, a nonprofit group formed in 2006 to support...

Highlights from the fall commencement ceremony

Photos by Cayla Nimmo

USMC Corporal Jack raises funds for Toys for Tots

Meet United States Marine Corps Corporal Jack, better known as Travelin’ Jack, the mascot of the Delta Company of the USMC Reserves in Albuquerque. He’s an 85-pound purebred Olde English Bulldogge, and the adorable face who helps Toys for Tots, a local charity program that collects and distributes new, unwrapped toys during the holidays to children throughout McKinley County.

Travelin’ Jack left his mark, so to speak, Dec. 8 at the Comfort Suites, 3940 E. Hwy 66 in Gallup, when he lent a paw to promote Toys for Tots.

This was Jack’s second year at the Gallup event, where he helped raise funds by inspiring folks to donate...