Big Brothers Big Sisters: the importance of having someone in your corner

The challenges of a new school year are harder on some students.  Lonely youngsters with a rough home life need support.  But they don’t always know how or where to get it.

That’s where Big Brothers, Big Sisters enters the picture.  For more than a century this non-profit has created one-to-one mentoring relationships designed to understand and empower.

The Big Brothers, Big Sisters branch in McKinley County, at 100 E. Aztec Ave., is such a place; where young people can find compassion and a listening ear.

 

ABOUT THE PROGRAM

Sarah Piano, of Gallup, has served as regional director of Big Brothers...

The Ninth Annual Business Expo put on by the Gallup McKinley County Chamber of Commerce was a four-hour event that attracted between 500 and 600 people Aug. 24.

Bill Lee, the CEO of the the Gallup-McKinley County Chamber of Commerce, says more than 25 businesses participated this year and the turnout increased from the traditional numbers of 300 to 350 people. Asked what he attributes the larger headcount to, Lee says, “It takes time to finally get goin.’ People are beginning to recognize that there’s something happening with the Chamber in August that’s a good event.”

He also underscores the entertainment, including the Gallup Martial Arts Academy and high school...

Secret to keeping their marriage alive

At this year’s Gallup Summer Nightly Indian Dances there’s a couple who brings their own flute, musical group, dances and songs, and offers the audience a taste of two tribes. Meet Norman and Ramona Roach.

Norman is Lakota Sioux and Ramona is Diné. They each perform songs and dances that originate from their native tribes. Both are educators and both have performed at the nightly dances for years.  Norman and Ramona have been married for 38 years. Together they have performed at countless shows.

Norman Roach has been dancing all his life starting out in Cortez, Colo. He performed traditional pow wow dances and the hoop dance. But...

WINDOW ROCK, Ariz. - Aurelius “Aury” Yazzie was officially signed by Navajo Arts and Crafts Enterprise to serve as brand ambassador on Aug. 1.

Aury can usually be spotted at area running events wearing his turquoise “Peacock 33” T-shirt, pushing his body to the limit in runs with the president, ultrarunners and outdoor enthusiasts.

For the past two years, the 12-year-old running phenom from Teec Nos Pos, Ariz. has been running in races under the guidance of Tom Riggenbach, executive director of Navajo Youth Empowerment Services.

On Aug. 17, Aury completed the 6 Hours of Asaayi Endurance Run. The event was part of the Navajo Parks Race Series. He completed nine laps around...