Winter into Spring, Photo by Mario Manzo
Connecting People to Build a Stronger Community
The Abiquiu News is brought to you by Carol and Brian Bondy
Image Courtesy of Mario Manzo
See more of Mario's work
Image Courtesy of Mario Manzo
See more of Mario's work
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April 4, 2025
In Gratitude
We thank our friends at Café Sierra Negra for renewing their sponsorship.
Year four at Café Sierra Negra
Howdy Abiquiu Folks,
4 years later and still going strong. It’s been such an enriching, exhausting and joyful experience for me at the café. I started this business for several reasons, one-to just see if I can run my own place, two – provide an alternative to the other restaurant in town, and three – serve healthy, delicious food and receive wonderful accolades from the thousands of people that have graced our door.
Happily, I can report that I have accomplished all three. There have been pitfalls, and rocky periods, but over-all the café has proven to have a life of its own with many happy customers. I’ve been incredibly lucky to have a sustaining, fantastic staff that add to our positive customer experience.
My goal this year bordering on my 70th birthday, is to find a way to keep the café going into perpetuity with less of me. I am happy to take any suggestions on how to do this. Ideally a younger set who want to take what I’ve created and make it even better. I am happy to stay on a couple of days a week to bake and cook and train.
I have invested some money into equipment and would appreciate some compensation to cover those costs. Whatever I had raised on Gofundme, and received from grants will be donated to carry on.
We’re beefing up our staff for summer and if you would like to work part-time in the kitchen or on the floor, drop by. Any previous restaurant experience is a plus.
Our hours will stay as is, Tuesday through Thursday 11am- 7pm and Friday and Saturday 11:30am – 7:30pm.
If you are a farmer we’d love to buy your vegetables, herbs, greens, eggs and tomatoes. Bring me some samples!
-Melodie Milohan, Chef-Owner, Café Sierra Negra
Howdy Abiquiu Folks,
4 years later and still going strong. It’s been such an enriching, exhausting and joyful experience for me at the café. I started this business for several reasons, one-to just see if I can run my own place, two – provide an alternative to the other restaurant in town, and three – serve healthy, delicious food and receive wonderful accolades from the thousands of people that have graced our door.
Happily, I can report that I have accomplished all three. There have been pitfalls, and rocky periods, but over-all the café has proven to have a life of its own with many happy customers. I’ve been incredibly lucky to have a sustaining, fantastic staff that add to our positive customer experience.
My goal this year bordering on my 70th birthday, is to find a way to keep the café going into perpetuity with less of me. I am happy to take any suggestions on how to do this. Ideally a younger set who want to take what I’ve created and make it even better. I am happy to stay on a couple of days a week to bake and cook and train.
I have invested some money into equipment and would appreciate some compensation to cover those costs. Whatever I had raised on Gofundme, and received from grants will be donated to carry on.
We’re beefing up our staff for summer and if you would like to work part-time in the kitchen or on the floor, drop by. Any previous restaurant experience is a plus.
Our hours will stay as is, Tuesday through Thursday 11am- 7pm and Friday and Saturday 11:30am – 7:30pm.
If you are a farmer we’d love to buy your vegetables, herbs, greens, eggs and tomatoes. Bring me some samples!
-Melodie Milohan, Chef-Owner, Café Sierra Negra
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News and Features
National fire weather forecasters warn that most of New Mexico will face above-normal fire potential this month, and those conditions will worsen until at least until the monsoon season begins in July.
River Source is hiring for a 4-week paid internship opportunity in watershed management and ecological restoration. This position is open to 15-25 year old young adults.
The Swim Beach section of the Cerrito Recreation Area will be closed to vehicle traffic beginning April 1st, 2025, and is scheduled to continue through October 15th, 2025. This closure will affect the Swim Beach, Paddle Craft Launch area, and group shelters 4 and 5.
Silvopasture is the practice of incorporating trees and shrubs into animal grazing pasture. At Rio Nutrias, the goal is to provide pasture for animals between beneficial tree and shrub lines, create a food forest, and protect the soil from wind and heat. By stacking ecological functions the whole becomes larger than the sum of its parts.
In its third year, our program continues to strengthen New Mexico’s teacher workforce with local talent. NEW MEXICO - The Golden Apple Scholars Program in New Mexico, a nonprofit dedicated to preparing, supporting, and mentoring aspiring educators, is pleased to announce that applications for 2025 are now open.
Aspiring teachers have until April 8, 2025, to apply.
PEEC News:
Nature enthusiasts and bird lovers are invited to join local birders Mary Parsaca and Mary Orr for guided birding walks at the Los Luceros Historic Site, hosted by the Pajarito Environmental Education Center (PEEC). These walks will take place on Sundays: April 6, May 3, and June 1, 2025. Participants should meet at 7 a.m., at Los Luceros Historic Site, located at 253 Co Rd 41, Alcalde, NM 87511.
Official 'firewise' landscape recommendations are truly becoming something to take more urgent action on. From simply removing flammable debris piles and putting safe space between material hazards, to reorganizing relationships between home, landscape, and garden elements, sources everywhere emphasize that areas immediately surrounding building structures are a significant factor in losses to wildfire.
When I worked as a university professor in Isfahan, Iran, the thundering sound of canons startled me each morning at the beginning of Ramadan. Eventually, I got used to the daily signal that the fast had just begun, a new day had dawned, and it was time to stop eating and drinking until the evening when the fast would end.
I’m nearing forty. Reaching this age teaches a man a lot of things, among them that forty is not nearly as old as I always thought it was. I came by this delusion honestly. You see, my parents, when they were nearly forty, were significantly older than I am now. I can also think of one middle-school teacher in particular who skewed my perceptions. He had the visual texture of a neglected Red Wing boot.
Nothing like waiting until the last minute. Last week I renewed my driver’s license and got a Real ID. It was actually pretty painless. I brought in the required documents and even brought in a few extras following these requirements. New Mexico MVD is open by appointments avoiding the crowds and long wait times of the past. When completed you’ll be given a temporary license. Your actual license will be mailed to you.
New Mexico now allows residents to carry and use virtual driver’s licenses. But for now, they’re mostly just taking up memory on your phone. A digital version of your ID won’t let you swan through local airport security for weeks — or maybe even longer, and it’s unclear how many businesses will let you use it to prove you’re old enough to buy alcohol or cannabis.
Found in sunny, sandy, dry areas, waste ground
Seen blooming in April in Red Wash Canyon The Borage family are low growing, densely hairy plants and have flowers with five petals. Cryptanthas are distinguished by their tiny white clusters of flowers with a yellow center, the “eye”. They are commonly known as Cat’s Eyes.
I read something very interesting today and a lot fell into place because of it:
“Authoritarian Regimes can take everything from you in material terms—your house, your job, your ability to speak and move freely [these things are actually happening now]. They cannot take away who you truly are… and that is your power. But to protect and wield this power, you need to know yourself—right now, before their methods permeate, before you accept the obscene and unthinkable as normal…. We are heading into dark times, and you need to be your own light..."
Well, another very insidious phishing scam is making the rounds again.
This one won't show up in your Facebook Newsfeed or in an email. Instead, you'll receive it in an SMS text message, and if you fall for the bait it could end up costing you dearly. Previous News and Features
Hilda Maria Joy nee Unger, 89 passed away on March 5, 2025 in San Diego California.
Born on January 18, 1936, on the Southside of Chicago, Hilda was the daughter of Robert Unger and Maria (Mary) Unger nee Janisch who emigrated from Burgenland, Austria in the 1920s and raised their family and owned a grocery store in the Fuller Park neighborhood.
Colcheras de Abiquiú will meet Sunday, April 27, at the Abiquiu Library. This group is dedicated to learning and doing the Spanish Colonial embroidery art of COLCHA. All are welcome to attend and learn.
Community Café
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Click here for event details & application. Deadline to apply is May 2nd.
El Rito Artists
Just to let you know:
While the El Rito Art Association is changing its event plans this year, a group of artists is planning a studio tour. We are planning it for September 27,28 this fall. If you are interested in participating in the tour and helping out, please let us know and we'll keep you informed. You can contact Paul Roberts directly at pwroberts1949@gmail.com and otherwise, watch for developments on the association website: https://www.elritoartassociation.org/
Just to let you know:
While the El Rito Art Association is changing its event plans this year, a group of artists is planning a studio tour. We are planning it for September 27,28 this fall. If you are interested in participating in the tour and helping out, please let us know and we'll keep you informed. You can contact Paul Roberts directly at pwroberts1949@gmail.com and otherwise, watch for developments on the association website: https://www.elritoartassociation.org/
The Locals’ Picks Book List
Zach Hively
Casa Urraca Press has created a place for locals in our area to recommend books to each other, and a place to find book suggestions with a personal touch.
Zach Hively
Casa Urraca Press has created a place for locals in our area to recommend books to each other, and a place to find book suggestions with a personal touch.
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This week, Doug recommends One Big Damn Puzzler, by John Harding: "Imagine a remote island where the people have managed to maintain themselves despite some Western influence. One of them is even working on translating Hamlet into the local mix of languages. Then a well-meaning outsider comes in and everything turns upside down. This is a funny book and a good time, with some real heart and meaning behind it too."
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Have a book to recommend? Send it to Zach at casaurracaltd@gmail.com – title, author, and the reason you suggest it.
The full Locals’ Picks list is available to view here on Bookshop.
A purchase from Casa Urraca's link helps support independent bookstores.
Abiquiu’s Casa Urraca Press earns a commission from every shopping trip that starts with the above Bookshop link—you can shop the entire Bookshop site in addition to the locals' picks. Plus, a percentage of every book (at least 10%) goes straight to independent bookstores. This is an opportunity to support small businesses with the same convenience as large online retailers.
The full Locals’ Picks list is available to view here on Bookshop.
A purchase from Casa Urraca's link helps support independent bookstores.
Abiquiu’s Casa Urraca Press earns a commission from every shopping trip that starts with the above Bookshop link—you can shop the entire Bookshop site in addition to the locals' picks. Plus, a percentage of every book (at least 10%) goes straight to independent bookstores. This is an opportunity to support small businesses with the same convenience as large online retailers.
Abiquiu Book Club
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The Abiquiu Book Club will be reading Goodnight Irene by Luis Urrea, for the April meeting. The group will meet Tuesday, April 25, 5pm at Abiquiu Library.
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The group has compiled the list of books they plan to read for 2025. Check this out and mark your calendar if you wish to join in the discussions.
May - Whiskey Tender: A Memoir by Deborah Jackson Taffa, (5)
June - The Women, by Kristen Hannah (5)
July - Theo of Golden by Allen Levi (5)
August - The Music of Bees by Eileen Garvin (5)
September - Cher Ami and Major Whittlesey by Kathleen Rooney (4)
October - James: by Percival Everett (4)
November - All Fours by Miranda July (4)
December - Anthropology of Turquoise by Ellen Meloy (4)
January '26 - Eventide by Kent Haruf
The group meets the last Tuesday of each month at the Abiquiu Library. Books are recommended by the members. All are welcome to join. Please call Analinda 927-6220 if you have questions
May - Whiskey Tender: A Memoir by Deborah Jackson Taffa, (5)
June - The Women, by Kristen Hannah (5)
July - Theo of Golden by Allen Levi (5)
August - The Music of Bees by Eileen Garvin (5)
September - Cher Ami and Major Whittlesey by Kathleen Rooney (4)
October - James: by Percival Everett (4)
November - All Fours by Miranda July (4)
December - Anthropology of Turquoise by Ellen Meloy (4)
January '26 - Eventide by Kent Haruf
The group meets the last Tuesday of each month at the Abiquiu Library. Books are recommended by the members. All are welcome to join. Please call Analinda 927-6220 if you have questions
Read the April Cloverleaf Newsletter
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Lucinda Montaño Rio Arriba 4-H Agent HCR 77, Box 9 Abiquiu, NM 87510-9600 Office: (505)685-4523 Fax: (505)685-4624 Click To Read |
Events
Please remember, events will go in for a maximum of three Fridays before the event. Send text, word or publisher file and a separate image, please keep images below 1 mb and send to info@abiquiunews.com. Vertical PDFs or JPGs will be edited for space. Send by Wednesday Noon for inclusion in that Friday's News.
Viernes de Dorlores (Our Lady of Sorrows)
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Viernes de Dorlores (Our Lady of Sorrows) is a solemn remembrance of the sorrowful Blessed Virgin Mary on the Friday before Palm Sunday. The community of Abiquiu is invited to join these activities:
Friday, April 11, 2025 Mass 10am at St Thomas Chrch in Abiquiu Processions from Morada del Alto and Morada de Mique precede the Mass. Meal following the Mass. All are Welcome. 3pm Via Cruces at Morada del Alto. 7pm Rosary at Morada del Alto |
Announcements and Classes
Drawing From Nature: Bones and Blooms with Helen Byers at Ghost Ranch, May 4th-9th
At Ghost Ranch, Georgia O’Keeffe found inspiration in the desert around her. Flowers and animal bones were among her favorite subjects—often in combination. Here is your chance to explore how the same subjects inspire YOU. Refine your realistic drawing skills with a week in residence at historic Casa del Sol, amid the spectacular landscape where O’Keeffe lived and painted. We will draw desert bones and blooms from life. Instruction with daily demos will cover drawing techniques in charcoal (for the bones) and colored pencil with watercolor (for the flowers). Afternoons will offer free time to rest, explore the Ranch or sites nearby, or take a horseback ride or tour. Evenings will include guided nature walks, stargazing, and camaraderie around the courtyard fire. Space will be limited to 9. Some drawing experience required. Join us! Please call 505.685.4881 or 505.685.1019 to register for this workshop. Program details here.
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Ghost Ranch
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Join us in immersive workshops and spring break or plan to visit us this April for Photo Week which culminates in an keynote lecture from Annie Leibovitz
April 2-6
Bluegrass Camp with Finders-Youngberg Band
Bolo Ties: A Western Tradition with Brandon Ruppert
Soul Journal: Art, Poetry, Prayer and Prose with Rosemary Kaszans
Hiking the Harmonies with Connie B. Burkhart
April 4-6
Earth Body: Movement for All with Rulan Tangen
USA/Mexico Border - Faith Perspective with Rev. John M. Nelson
April 21
Wilderness First Aid with Laura Hand and isabel Chavez
April 21-25
Wilderness First Responder with Matthew Angus and Isabel Chavez
Photo Week
April 27 - May 4
Portrait Photography Amid Nature’s Beauty with David Rider
Photo Fundamentals with Sandy Kaplan
Cyanotypes: Photography with the Sun with Carol Schrader
Immersive Photography and Darkroom Workshop with Kent Bowser
Ghost Ranch Astronomy Experience with Wayne Hicks, Wayne Brasure and Philip Mahon
Annie Leibovitz: At Work*
*Annie Leibovitz is not available as a standalone workshop. You must register for a Photo Week workshop to attend this keynote lecture.
April 2-6
Bluegrass Camp with Finders-Youngberg Band
Bolo Ties: A Western Tradition with Brandon Ruppert
Soul Journal: Art, Poetry, Prayer and Prose with Rosemary Kaszans
Hiking the Harmonies with Connie B. Burkhart
April 4-6
Earth Body: Movement for All with Rulan Tangen
USA/Mexico Border - Faith Perspective with Rev. John M. Nelson
April 21
Wilderness First Aid with Laura Hand and isabel Chavez
April 21-25
Wilderness First Responder with Matthew Angus and Isabel Chavez
Photo Week
April 27 - May 4
Portrait Photography Amid Nature’s Beauty with David Rider
Photo Fundamentals with Sandy Kaplan
Cyanotypes: Photography with the Sun with Carol Schrader
Immersive Photography and Darkroom Workshop with Kent Bowser
Ghost Ranch Astronomy Experience with Wayne Hicks, Wayne Brasure and Philip Mahon
Annie Leibovitz: At Work*
*Annie Leibovitz is not available as a standalone workshop. You must register for a Photo Week workshop to attend this keynote lecture.
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Soulfire with Joy NEW Offerings! |
Soulfire was created as a sacred space to receive—whether that means rest, renewal, well-being, or simply a moment to reconnect with yourself. It is a place to explore movement, energy, and the deeper rhythms of life, all while being held in a field of presence and possibility.
See more of Joy's offerings here.
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Contact Joy for details or to reserve your spot at 802-855-3003 or joyousOM@gmail.com
Soulfire Studio is located at 247 NM 554 in Abiquiu
See more of Joy's offerings here.
✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨
Contact Joy for details or to reserve your spot at 802-855-3003 or joyousOM@gmail.com
Soulfire Studio is located at 247 NM 554 in Abiquiu
Become a Sponsor
or email us for more information on advertising in the Abiquiu News or click on Pay Now
or email us for more information on advertising in the Abiquiu News or click on Pay Now
Click on any of our sponsors below for more information.
Supporter
Bumblebee
Meet Bumblebee! This adorable 9lb, 3-year-old tortie point Siamese has had a tough start, arriving at the shelter with her feline friends in need of lots of medical care and love. But with time, patience, and some serious TLC, she’s blossoming into the sweet, curious girl she was always meant to be! Bumblebee is now ready to find a forever home where she can buzz her way into your heart. Will you welcome her into your hive? She’s available at the shelter to walk-in adopters Monday-Saturday 11am-4:30pm!
www.espanolahumane.org
505-753-8662
www.espanolahumane.org
505-753-8662
Koda
Koda isn’t here for the snacks—he’s here for the love. This 4-year-old speckled and striped 85lb mix with funny little ears and exotic eyes wears his heart on his paw: he literally gives treats the cold shoulder in favor of a smooch! He might start off a little shy, but the moment you scratch behind his ears, he melts like butter on a warm biscuit.
New situations make him a bit cautious, and we are still getting to know how he feels about other dogs, but one thing’s for sure—he’s ready to adore his forever human. We are open to walk-in adopters Monday-Saturday 11am-4:30pm; Koda goes home neutered, vaccinated, microchipped, and with six months of free heartworm prevention.
We are open to walk-in adopters Monday-Saturday 11am-4:30pm.
www.espanolahumane.org
505-753-8662
New situations make him a bit cautious, and we are still getting to know how he feels about other dogs, but one thing’s for sure—he’s ready to adore his forever human. We are open to walk-in adopters Monday-Saturday 11am-4:30pm; Koda goes home neutered, vaccinated, microchipped, and with six months of free heartworm prevention.
We are open to walk-in adopters Monday-Saturday 11am-4:30pm.
www.espanolahumane.org
505-753-8662
Puppy in search of a young family to play with and be a part of! Australian Cattle Dog, male, 11 weeks old, blue merle coloring. Call or Text
505-901-6208
505-901-6208
Looking for someone to take my dog on a short walk in Santa California 2-3 days a week. Fee negotiable. 505-603-0820
