Because of you, Supporting Community has raised $44,695.00 to assist with COVID-19 relief. 100% of our funding has gone directly to the 13 recipients we have supported to date but there is so much more we can all do to help our Tribal neighbors and northern New Mexico communities.
We'd like to introduce our newest Supporting Community partners/recipients!
Pueblo of Nambe
The Supporting Community Grant is helping Tewa Roots Society and the Pueblo of Nambe to connect water and sewer lines for the implementation of an experiential education youth-build project called Resilience and Empowerment through Sustainability (RES). The facility will be utilized to support life-saving clinical services, as well as doubling as a COVID-19 related support center.
Ancestral Lands
Ancestral Lands, a program of Conservation Legacy, engages Native American youth and young adults in paid conservation, recreation, and natural and cultural resource protection projects across the Southwest. Funding from Cornerstones’ Supporting Community has allowed the organization to issue face coverings and KN-95 face masks to their participants.
Zuni Emergency Food Pantry
Elders and those who lack transportation and financial support from the Zuni community have been the hardest hit by the pandemic. Funding from Supporting Community supports the efforts of several moms, who have created a mobile pantry that provides non-perishable foods, personal cleansing items, and cleaning supplies for those who cannot leave their homes.
Pueblo of Acoma
The Supporting Community grant provided the Pueblo of Acoma with sanitizer, gloves, and 3-ply masks to continue safeguarding against and preventing the COVID-19 virus. The grant also included a donation of meat, a staple that has been not readily available to the community.
Noted Dendrochronologist, Thomas Windes, taking core samples of historic wood at the Rael Ranch House to help date the structure and possible changes made to it over time. This is part of our research for the Historical Structures Report being prepared by Cornerstones for the BLM, who owns the property located in La Cienega, NM. Issac Logsdon, Cornerstones Project Manager, is the primary researcher working on this project.
Thomas Windes taking samples and the Rael Ranch House
The Solar Initiative
Cornerstones' Solar Initiative has granted funds to the Energy Sovereignty Institute (ESI) for an exciting new project. An existing grantee organization, ESI is a partnership between the Sustainable Native Communities Collaborative and the Microgrid Systems Laboratory. Its mission is to promote the benefits of decentralized energy systems and technologies for Native American communities.
Funds from the Solar Initiative will support the creation of videos about energy sovereignty and NM solar projects and will include several Cornerstones-funded projects. ESI is working with acclaimed writer/producer Thom Eberhardt of Sky City productions to create the videos, which will be a component of the ESI clearinghouse website.
Supporting Community
$44,645.00 Raised to Date!
YouthWorks is an innovative organization offering a continuum of services designed to reconnect “at-risk” and disadvantaged youth with our community through education, employment training, and job placement. Cornerstones' Supporting Community Fund is pleased to grant YouthWorks funding for the purchase of food for the Golondrinas Program in La Cienega during this extraordinary time of COVID-19.
A YouthWorks worker transporting food at Las Golondrinas.
The SUPPORTING COMMUNITY FUND
has raised
$42,775.00!
Cornerstones and our Partners thank you for your generous contributions!
Please keep them coming!
Cornerstones’ Supporting Community Fund is sending money to communities in need thanks to your generosity. We are so grateful for the donations you have made that are providing necessities to our neighbors hard hit by the COVID-19 pandemic.
We are excited to update you on these Supporting Community recipients.
OUR LADY OF GUADALUPE, VILLANUEVA
This parish community is made up of members who live in the village of Villanueva and those who live in the surrounding five missions of Our Lady of Guadalupe. Cornerstones' Supporting Community Fund provided a grant for food packages delivered to the homes of seniors when possible via family or neighbors.
MCKINLEY MUTUAL AID, GALLUP
McKinley Mutual Aid was created specifically to provide assistance to the vulnerable in the Gallup area during COVID 19.
MMA is based on the strong, pre-existing network developed through McKinley Community Health Alliance, an intertribal, interfaith, and interracial group of volunteers, allowing them to quickly organize and establish a relatively immediate supply chain, production, and dissemination. Cornerstones’ Supporting Community has funded the compilation of boxes and/or distribution of food, water, PPE, and other supplies.
ST. GERTRUDE THE GREAT, MORA
St. Gertrude the Great is a Catholic Church located in Mora, NM. The funds granted by Supporting Community will help provide utilities payment assistance to the poor in the parish and sixteen missions served by the church.
THE PUEBLO OF PICURIS
On March 20, 2020, the Pueblo of Picuris Tribal Council passed a resolution declaring a State of Emergency in Response to COVID-19 and all roads except one were closed to the public. Supporting Community allocated funds for the purchase of thermometers for use at the entrance Guard Station and other pueblo locations in support of the response effort.
CASA MILAGRO, SANTA FE
Casa Milagro is a safe, trusting, and nurturing community for adults recovering from homelessness and debilitating mental illness. Funds from Supporting Community helped build a “safe-room” for guests recovering from COVID-19.
MORA INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT, MORA
The Mora Independent School District is in the Mora Valley in the northeastern area of New Mexico. The school nutrition service distributes meals to children 18 years and younger during the summer. These meals are “grab & go” style. Cornerstones' Supporting Community Fund provided a grant for purchase of the to-go compartment trays, bags and other containers needed to pack the meals. The main goal is to reach as many children as possible and making sure that they have something to eat daily.
BARRIOS UNIDOS, CHIMAYO
Barrios Unidos, Chimayo, supports individuals struggling with addiction and families shattered through addiction. The program re-engages the community through the spirit of Querencia (Love of Peace). Supporting Community donated funds to assist grandparents raising grandchildren by providing them with necessities (food, plants, supplies for children’s activities) they could not access easily during COVID 19.”
RIBERA COMMUNITY CULTURAL CENTER, RIBERA
The Cultural Center is a re-purposed school building, originally built in the late 1800’s, restored in 2014. It now serves as a gathering place for approximately 5000 residents in Ribera and the surrounding rural area. The Center is the venue for a wide range of classes and celebrations. Supporting Community assisted with the payment of utility bills.
THE PUEBLO OF ZUNI
Major Market Inc. (MMI) is a Native American business owned by the Tsabetsaye family in Zuni Pueblo, NM. As such, it was able to procure bulk food and sanitary items wholesale for the Pueblo of Zuni’s COVID-19 emergency response to the pandemic. Supporting Community Fund provided a one-time grant for this.
Please consider donating to SUPPORTING COMMUNITY to help communities during these challanging times. https://www.cstones.org/donate
We selected our name carefully. Each word takes on new significance in the time of COVID-19. Although some of our projects in the field are postponed due to the virus, Cornerstones is writing to let you know we remain dedicated to our slogan,
“Partnering with Communities for a Sustainable Heritage”.
What do partners do in time of crisis? They pull together.
Cornerstones wants to ensure we are offering support to our partners, whose very existence may be challenged by COVID 19. We have created the “Supporting Community” fund to meet the basic needs of the Pueblos and northern New Mexico villages with whom we work. Funds will be directed to food, water, PPE, and other needs as our partners struggle to survive in this challenging climate.
The money raised by “Supporting Community” will go directly to the partner or agency best suited to buy and distribute the needed supplies. There may be instances where a check will be written directly to our partner, as that is the expedient way to meet their requirements.
We have raised $20,000 currently and are intent on building on that base to offer maximum support. We have already donated funds, primarily for food, to the communities of Chimayo and Mora, as well as the Pueblo of Zuni.
If you wish to donate, please write your check to Cornerstones Community Partnerships, put “Supporting Community” in the memo section, and send to PO Box 2341, Santa Fe, NM 87504. If you donate on our website, http://www.cstones.org/donate, please specify “Supporting Community” in the additional Information section.
Cornerstones also welcomes your continued support for our operational expenses!!
Wishing you good health and thanking you for being our partner!
Meet Dr. Kathryn Morsea, a Navajo palliative care physician working on the front-lines of the COVID 19 pandemic in Gallup, New Mexico. Kathy serves on the Board of Gallup Solar, participated as a Gallup Solar Team Member installing solar power for her own home, and has acted as a resource for funding opportunities for Supporting Community. She is an outstanding example of service to community!
Thank you, Kathy!
The Fun of Making Adobe Bricks and the Reopening of an Historic Acequia
Thousands of years ago, peoples of the southwest used native soil and water to build earthen structures. Adobe, introduced to New Mexico in colonial times, became ubiquitous throughout the region. Since 2010 Cornerstones has organized volunteers to make traditional adobes in the Spring for community preservation projects.
Acequias, the communal system of irrigating farmland introduced by Spanish settlers, were a response to the scarcity of water in arid New Mexico. Today hundreds of acequia systems continue to support traditional agricultural practices.
Video clips by Barb Odell.
The Fun of Making Adobe Bricks
The 302nd Opening of the Rael Acequia
All of us at Cornerstones saddened by the news of the high rate of Coronavirus cases in the Navajo nation. Our hearts go out to our tribal neighbors in all parts of New Mexico and others battling the virus. We urge everyone to stay safe and conform to the governor's shelter in place guidelines.
To learn more about Cornerstones Community Partnerships or to donate, please click on the this link:http://www.cstones.org/donate
Introducing Our New Project Manager, Randy Skeirik
With nearly 35 years of experience in the field of historic preservation, Randy Skeirik is a licensed architect with a master’s degree in architecture and a Certificate in Historic Preservation from the University of Virginia. He has dedicated his career to the preservation of historic structures throughout the United States Randy has extensive experience in the interpretation and application of the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties through his work with two State Historic Preservation Offices (SHPOs) and nonprofit preservation organizations For the last fifteen years of his career he served as an Historical Architect with the Vanishing Treasures Program of the National Park Service where he gained considerable experience with traditional earthen architecture. Randy is currently leading the Lake Valley (near Hillsboro, NM) Preservation projects. Training workshops include restoring a miner’s adobe home, roofing, bat remediation and window and door restoration. In a very rural and isolated area, Randy has been working safely by himself with intermittent help from the BLM site volunteer. Lake Valley was a very important silver mining town in the late 19th century that went bust overnight and is now an interpreted and often visited ghost town managed by the Bureau of Lands Management.
Top Images: Museum Protection, Lake Valley Schoolhouse
Bottom Images: Lake Valley Schoolhouse Attic, Randy Skeirik
A New Alexandra Ward Fellowship Awardee, Issac Logsdon
Issac began with Cornerstones as a volunteer in the fall of 2018 after receiving his degree in Ceramics and Art History from the Kansas City Art Institute. He came back to New Mexico to reconnect with his mestizo heritage and the adobe traditions his ancestors had practiced for generations. His first experience with adobe was a five-week stint in Death Valley National Park, learning from Kurt Gardella while restoring a 1930s perimeter wall built by the Civilian Conservation Corps. Since Death Valley, he has been able to work at Pecos National Historic Park, Fort Bowie National Historic Site, Casa Grande Ruins National Monument, various projects on BLM land, and in our community here in northern New Mexico. Hands-on historic preservation of earthen buildings has brought together his deep interests in clay, architecture, history, and reconnecting with his heritage. Issac has been selected due to his enthusiasm for the work of Cornerstones and his desire to learn and improve his skills in traditional building technology and community outreach in New Mexico. He is currently field leader for the Rael Ranch Project and is currently cleaning its 1721 acequia. Cornerstones is delighted to announce him as the 2020 Alexandra Ward Fellow.
Alexandra Ward Fellow, Issac Logsdon, cleaning the Rael Acequia at the Rael Ranch, New Mexico
Cornerstones applauds all our essential workers as they continue to provide for others. Please follow the government mandated social distancing guidlines and stay safe and in good spirits.
Casa Grande is believed to have been constructed around 1350 by ancestral Hohokam people. Built entirely of puddled earth, it is a remarkable multi story great house that has survived into the 21st century, representing the only one of its kind remaining in North America. It has been sheltered since 1899 but for hundreds of years stood exposed to the elements yet retained much of its integrity. In 1892 President Harrison established Casa Grande Ruins as a prehistoric and cultural reserve. Between 1937 and 1940, the Civilian Conservation Corps constructed several adobe buildings to support park operations. All these structures are in use today and are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. From February 10 through March 7, Cornerstones’ Alexandra Ward Fellow, Angela Francis, led a team of interns and volunteers in training workshops reconstructing a section of a CCC adobe wall at the Monument. Adobe making, wall building, and repair and plastering were part of the curriculum.
Top row: Isaac Logsdon and Cindy Calbimonte Perez, Cindy repairing a wall
Bottom row: Finished wall, Allison Arnold and Dominic Henry, park preservationist.
Solar Round Table
Cornerstones and Remy’s Good Day Fund sponsored a one-day Solar Round Table at the Drury Plaza Hotel on February 14, 2020. The goal of the meeting was to introduce our Solar grantees to one another and create a synergistic environment where experiences would be shared, and new ideas developed. There were 34 individuals at the Round Table, representing 16 organizations, 11 of which have received funding from Cornerstones. Several non-funded entities and individuals also participated in the day’s program, to explore future collaborative possibilities with Cornerstones and current grantees and to get an update on the status of the Solar Initiative. Attendees enthusiastically agreed that the Round Table served as a basis for continuing solar talks and the creation of a Solar Congress.
Photo by Barb Odell.
Women’s History Month
March is Women’s History Month and Cornerstones salutes the vital role women have played in the history of the United States!
We recently received a message from a New Mexico pueblo woman, in which she shared her early memories of re-plastering the pueblo church, including women’s vital role in the process. Because of our deep involvement in adobe preservation, we thought it would be fitting to share this memory with you in recognition and in honor of women.
“Back in early 80s we were still re-plastering the church as a community, yearly, before our feast on August 15th. We thought it was fun as young adults and when we were children. What was scary was the long ladders we stood on to send the mud up to the person who was plastering or hanging down as far as we could from the top to plaster. The woman did all the plastering. Now days the man could do some of the plastering and we could probably use scaffolding which would give us more area to plaster at one time. Anyway, some quick history. Many of us still plaster our hornos by hand and use rocks to build them. One trade that we are slowly losing, plastering and building with adobes and rocks.”
Cornerstones' volunteer, Cindy Calbimonte Perez, demonstrates the mudding technique.
Workshops, Projects and Events Updates
Cornerstones, like so many other organizations, will be updating scheduled workshops, projects and events due to the Coronavirus pandemic. Updates will be posted on our website, https://www.cstones.org/workshops so please feel free to check periodically. Also, you are welcome to call or email us at any time with questions at 505-982-9521 or kkuranz@cstones.org.
We urge everyone to follow government guidelines on how to protect ourselves and loved ones. Stay safe.
The Keys Ranch is the chief example of early settlement in the Joshua Tree National Park area. Named after Bill Keys, it is a representation of the resourcefulness of early settlers. The ranch is a substantial complex of small frame buildings built between 1910 and Key’s death in 1969 and include an adobe barn, a schoolhouse, a tack shed, machine shed, cemetery and a variety of houses and cabins. In order to make a living in the desert, Keys pursued both ranching and mining. Mining equipment at the ranch includes an arrastra and a stamp mill for ore processing.
Cornerstones was invited by the park to partner in putting on a series of preservation maintenance workshops at the Keys Ranch in order to reverse deterioration of various structures. The program began in September 2016 with a project assessment. The first workshop occurred in February 2017. Volunteers from the area have been very active in these workshops.
Nichols Holmes and Geena Mason-Bjornstad(nps), led a preservation workshop at Keys Ranch from February 3 through February 8, 2020. Helping them were volunteers, Cheryl and Jim Kubow, Steve Bardwell, Ann Garry, and Melisa and Peter Spurr. Kyle Hanson and Nathan McConnell are interns working with Cornerstones.
Two structures on the historic ranch, the Guest House and the School House were the focus of the workshop.
Keys Ranch, Joshua Tree National Park
Left to right: Nicholas Holmes, Cheryl Kubow, Genna Mason-Bjornstad, Kyle Hanson, Steve Bardwell, Ann Garry, Dave Garry, Nathan McConnell, Melissa Spurr, Peter Spurr and Jim Kubow.
Our New Board Member, Todd Sickles
We are pleased to introduce our new board member, Todd Sickles, who joined Cornerstones’ Board of Directors in January 2020. Todd has spent most of his professional career in IT and business consulting having worked with clients both domestically and abroad in the areas of business transformation and large program delivery. He is currently CEO of Tsymmetry, a Washington, DC based IT consulting firm specializing in classified solutions for select Federal Government agencies. He has served on the board of Brainfood and managed 4 American Red Cross shelters during the Katrina disaster recovery effort. He and his wife Cathy have been coming to New Mexico for the past 15 years, own a home here and are in the process of relocating to Santa Fe later this year. They are both active in non-profit work and look forward to making tangible contributions to our local community.
We welcome Todd and Cathy to Santa Fe and know he will bring a vitality and unique perspective to Cornerstones.
We love our Sponsors, In-Kind Sponsors, Donors and Volunteers! Because of your generosity, we continue to work in partnership with communities to restore historic structures, preserve cultural landscapes, encourage traditional building practices and conserve natural resources. You make our hearts sing!
THANK YOU!
Sponsors
In-Kind Sponsors
Above Sea Level Adrian Wall
Autumn Buckridge Barb Odell
Bow and Arrow Brewery Carol and Tom Olmstead
Chef/Owner Matt Yohalem, Il Piatto
Corn Pollen Consulting, LLC
Drury Plaza Hotel Santa Fe
Executive Chef Ray Naranjo, Angel Fire Resort
Eldorado Living Magazine
Greg Sherrow, Anna Age Eight Institute
Hue-Chan Karels, Chef/Owner Open Kitchen
Hutton Broadcasting Jean and Robert Bowley
KSFR La Montanita Co-op Food Market
Leadership Institute Local Flavor Magazine
Robert Rodriguez, Paper Tiger
Positive Energy Solar Robert Tenorio
Shamrock Foods Santa Fe Party Rentals
Violet Crown Cinema Vivac Winery
Recently our own Jake Barrow was interviewed by Spencer Beckwith of KUNM radio. Spencer does a segment on the arts twice monthly, which airs during the Saturday NPR Weekend Edition program. After reading about Cornerstones, he became fascinated by the preservation work we do and contacted us about a doing a radio interview that would highlight one of our projects. The interview will be aired this Saturday, January 25th at 8:35 on KUNM (89.9 FM).
Jake will be talking about our work at the historic Plaza del Cerro in Chimayo in partnership with the Chimayo Cultural Preservation Association. Topics include ongoing restoration at the Casita Martina and the Casita Desiderio y Pablita Ortega as well as a discussion of the history of the Plaza, its architecture and its importance in the cultural landscape of northern New Mexico.
Top photo is an aerial view of the Plaza del Cerro, Chimayo, New Mexico.
Lower left is the Casita Martina, Plaza del Cerro
Lower right is the Casita Desiderio y Pablito Ortega, Plaza del Cerro
Preservation of the Historic Ghost Town of Providence, Mojave Desert
March 3-20, 2020
Volunteers are needed for the 2nd stone masonry repair workshop sponsored by the Mojave National Preserve and Cornerstones Community Partnerships. A one, two or three weeklong training experience is planned for continuing the repair and stabilization of stonework ruins in Providence, using natural materials and traditional tools and methods. All stabilization work will comply with the Secretary of Interior’s Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties. The workshops will be led by Alan Ash, who has 40 years’ experience working on historic structures, including 75 on the National register.
There is no charge for attendance and participants will be entitled to reimbursement of living expenses on site. Consideration will be given to assistance for gas expenses getting to and from the site. The training is suitable for those in the trade who want to hone their skills or for the beginner. Lifting stone is not required. Join Alan in a unique and beautiful remote location and be prepared to camp out or stay in Needles, CA. (over an hour away from the site.) A 4x4 with preferably high clearance is needed to navigate the rough back road to the site. Carpooling will be encouraged and organized if possible.
Contact Karen Kuranz at Cornerstones for information 505-982-9521 or kkuranz@cstones
Left photo - Repairing a Stone Wall at Providence Ghost Town
Right photo - Alan Ash, Master Stonemason
2019 was a banner year for Cornerstones Community Partnerships…in large measure because of you!
Thank you for standing by our side offering counsel, your willing hands and donations that allowed us to achieve our lofty goals!
May we all continue to prize and preserve our unique New Mexico heritage!
Two 2019 Training Workshops Underway
Fort Davis National Historic Site, Texas
Alan Ash, Master Stonemason, presenting stone construction technique to a school group, using potatoes.
“Thanks to Cornerstones and Alan Ash for this experience. Alan is a fantastic teacher. I have learned so much from him in a short time. He is patient and unwavering in his instruction. I am honored to have the opportunity to have studied under his guidance. I came here to learn about Fort Davis and the preservation techniques used to repair stone walls, but I will be taking away MUCH more. I have learned about Lime mortar and a multitude of environmentally friendly building techniques, as well as preservation and stabilization of the ruins at Ft. Davis. I have learned much about the geology of the area and have been able to immerse myself in the culture here. The locals have gone out of their way to make me feel at home. It has truly been one of the greatest experiences in my life. I look forward to more! Thank you thank you thank you!!!”
Timothy D. Reese- volunteer
Casa Grande Ruins National Monument, Arizona
Angela Francis recently assumed the leadership of the workshop from Kurt Gardella when he and his wife, Connie, returned to Germany in December. The training is focused on reconstruction of a section of “CCC” adobe wall at the Monument. Adobe making, wall building, and repair and plastering have been the focus.
Angela Francis, Cindy Calbimont, and Issac Logsdon repairing Adobe walls at Casa Grande
Cornerstones thanks all volunteers on both of these projects for their help. We are grateful for your partnership. A very Happy New Year to all!
Two New Restoration Projects Aided by Dr. Susan Buck, Renowned Conservator
Susan Buck, Ph.D., Art Conservation Research, spent a day recently with Cornerstones’ Director, Jake Barrow and interns, Issac Logsdon and Georgina Solano, testing floor, wall and wood samples in order to fulfill the necessary requirements to move forward on both restoration projects, described below. Dr. Buck teaches at the Winterthur Museum in Delaware and maintains a professional office at Williamsburg VA. She is a conservator in private practice, specializing in the analysis and conservation of painted surfaces on wooden objects and architectural materials.
Casita Desiderio y Pablita Ortega
Cornerstones Community Partnerships has received a grant from the 2018 Save America's Treasures program through the Historic Preservation Fund, as administered by the National Park Service, Department of the Interior for restoration of the Casita Desiderio y Pablita Ortega in the historic Plaza del Cerro in Chimayo, New Mexico. This and the other adobe structures there represent an early 18th century enclosed defensive plaza that is largely intact and the last of its kind with authenticity to be found in North America. Work planned includes research, archeology, documentation, drawings and specifications and the adaptive reconstruction of the Casita. All work will conform to the Secretary of Interior’s Standards and Guidelines for Historic Preservation and Archeology. Cornerstones has been working with the Chimayo Cultural Preservation Association for several years to assist and participate in bringing life back into this very significant place. A study of the samples of surface plaster and wash of the Casita Desiderio y Pablita Ortega was partially funded by the Cynthia Woods Mitchell Grant. The study will inform the larger Save America's Treasures grant to restore and adapt the house for modern use.
The House at Rael Ranch
Rael Ranch dates to the early 18th century and likely earlier. It has been in the same family since settlement and was an important place along the Camino Rael. The adobe ranch house is a vernacular adobe that sits along the Santa Fe river just before the river enters the La Bajada canyon. It is approximately 35 acres and was acquired by the BLM a few years ago. The BLM designated the Ranch and adjoining lands as an “Area of Critical Environmental Concern” (ACEC). ACEC’s are intended to protect important riparian corridors, threatened and endangered species, habitats, cultural and archeological resources and unique landscapes that the BLM assesses need special management attention.
Samples were taken judiciously from locations within the Rael Ranch house to help advance research into the Historic Structures Report that Cornerstones is preparing for the BLM to assist long term management and preservation of the structure. Samples will document changes and indicate sequences of finishes and architectural changes made to the house over time.
Fiesta del Sol was a Resounding Success – Thanks to You!
Cornerstones’ first-ever fundraiser to benefit The Solar Initiative on October 25 went off without a hitch! As a matter of fact, most of our guests described the evening as “perfect”! And we couldn’t have done it with out your generosity. From helping in the kitchen, setting tables, decorating the event space, taking photos, and cleaning up to donating auction items, obtaining sponsors, providing free PR, discounting and donating food, beverages and expertise and artistry at the highest levels.
THANK YOU for helping Cornerstones extend its horizons by telling the story of the importance of solar energy.
Maureen Vosburgh, Cornerstones Director of Development, Hon. Regis Pecos, Leadership Institute, Jake Barrow, Director Cornerstones, Lynn Trujillo, Sec. NM Department of Indian Affairs, Julia Wall, Pueblo/Anishinaabe, Tiana Suazo, Taos/Jemez Pueblos, Carnell Chosa,Attach Your Heart Foundation and Cornerstones Board Member and Wilson Mason, Cornerstones Board President.
Angela Frances, mud-plastering the exterior of San Agustin Church
San Agustin Los Valles de San Agustin, NM.
Mud-plastering got underway on San Agustin church on Wednesday, September 3rd. Project lead, Don Sena, worked up a good design mix. The community provided the dirt for plaster from a local source. The team set scaffolding on the façade and began work. Severe deterioration required two coats on the stone and mud walls. Angela Frances, Stephen Calles (Alexandra Ward Fellowship interns) and intern Isaac Logsdon joined Don on the job. Peter Bergent, of the Philmont Boy Scout Ranch, joined the team for 4 days to learn about adobe plastering including materials, methods, tools and quantities and techniques of mud plastering. He also picked up skills for making adobes and wall construction. A close bond was formed between Peter and the team. Volunteers Rebecca Montoya, Jeff Hargis and Margaret Gorman helped one day. Rebecca has provided many hours in planning the project which was funded by New Mexico Profundo with a grant from the Thaw Family Trust. Many thanks to Peter, Rebecca, Margaret, Jeff and New Mexico Profundo. Work is expected to extend into the week of Sept. 16.
Stephen Calles mixing, Isaac Logsdon mudding, Interns and a volunteer
Join us for Cornerstones' Solar Fundraiser, Fiesta del Sol Fundraiser at the Santa Fe Farmer's Market Pavilion, October 25, 2019. For details and tickets visit: http://www.cstones.org/events
Adobera expert, Angela Francis, restores a traditional earthen floor
Mud Floor Workshop
Sponsored by Cornerstones Community Partnerships
Learn and participate in the restoration of a traditional earthen floor.
The Casita Martina within the historic Plaza del Cerro in Chimayo, New Mexico is undergoing restoration. A three-day workshop is planned during October 22 - 24, 2019 to complete the earthen floor. This workshop is occurring just prior to the Earth USA Conference being held in Santa Fe on Oct. 24-26, 2019 and is being planned as a “hands on” exercise for conference participants as well as other interested parties. Space is limited so reserve soon. A post conference tour includes this site.
The Workshop fee is $150 for all three days. Hours planned are 9-3:30 daily.
Adobera expert, Angela Francis, will lead the workshop for Cornerstones.
Plaza del Cerro is the only remaining completely enclosed fortified plaza left in New Mexico and likely the only one of its kind in the United States. These plazas, dating from the 18th century, were built entirely of earth and used defensively against Native American resistance to settlement by the Spaniards. Approximately 80% of the plaza remains intact.
Contact Cornerstones Community Partnerships for further information at 505-982-8251.
Feast Day at Santa Teresita Church
Santa Teresita Church, October 5, 2019 at 3:00 p.m. Tickets: $25
Featuring Music by El Trio Latino and a Talk/Tour of the Interior of the Church Restoration by Mayordoma Rebecca Montoya. This Nuevo Mexico Profundo event supports ongoing maintenance of the church. Music by El Trio. Burritos, tamales, snacks, water and soft drinks provided. A talk/tour will start at 4:00 p.m. All are welcome to attend Catholic mass at 5:30 and to participate in the procession afterward. Directions will be provided for the most-direct routes and for a scenic route past other historic churches and through spectacular landscapes in fall colors.
Santa Teresita Church, north of Mora on Route 434, Mile 8.3
Santuario de Chimayo
The Altura Ensemble
Santuario de Chimayo, October 19, 2019 at 4:00 p.m. Tickets: $35
Take a drive through fall colors to hear this versatile sextet perform interrelating classical, contemporary, pop, jazz, and folk compositions. The unique program was designed by Santa Fe Symphony and ProMusica musicians Kimberly Fredenburgh and Kevin Vigneau, and includes Ennio Morricone’s “Gabriel's Oboe” from The Mission, traditional and pilgrimage songs, and an amazing arrangement of Freddie Mercury’s “Bohemian Rhapsody.” This Nuevo Mexico Profundo event benefits the historic churches in Córdova, Truchas, and Las Trampas.
NUEVO MEXICO PROFUNDO is a multi-organization collaboration to benefit New Mexico historic churches. Cornerstones Community Partnerships is pleased to be one of the collaborating organizations.
A note to our Cornerstones’ friends who have recently received our 2018 Annual Report- We have just discovered that some names were omitted from the listing of Donors. Each and every one of you is vital to the success of Cornerstones mission. Please accept our deepest apology and know that we are in the process of correcting this error!
Cornerstones is happy to share news about three upcoming events with our readers.
San Agustin Mission
Remudding Workshop at the San Agustin Mission
Volunteers Needed!
The 5-day mud-plastering project at San Agustin Mission in the village of San Agustin will begin on September 3, 2019. Volunteers are welcome. The workshop is being supported by a grant from the Thaw Trust, which was applied for by Nuevo Mexico Profundo. (www.nuevo-méxico-profundo.com) Please call Cornerstones (505-982-9521) for information regarding this opportunity.
San Agustín is the northernmost of what were once a string of village churches in the Gallinas River Valley, some of which have deteriorated beyond repair. The church was first a fortress in the early 1800's and converted to a church in the 1830's and has recently fallen into disrepair. It is built of local sandstone with adobe mortar and plastered with adobe mud. The church has been closed for a period of years and without intervention will deteriorate rapidly. Cornerstones, in partnership with the community and Nuevo Mexico Profundo, plans to remediate a bat infestation and mud-plaster the mission.
San Agustin is 8 miles from Romeroville on C24. in San Miguel County.
San Rafael Church
Concert at Historic Church in La Cueva, Mora County
Lone Piñon, a leading band in New Mexican traditional music, will be performing at San Rafael mission church in La Cueva at 7:30 pm on August 17, 2019. The concert is sponsored by Nuevo Mexico Profundo and the proceeds support the maintenance and restoration of San Rafael.
The event is a unique opportunity to experience authentic northern New Mexican culture in a historic setting. The program includes opening prayers in song (alabados) offered by Hermanos de la Fraternidad Piadosa de Nuestro Padre Jesús Nazareno, a brief introduction on the recent history of San Rafael by Frank Graziano, the Lone Piñon Trio performance, and an encore during which Mora musicians Alex Montoya, Nazario Montoya, and Jeannie Mondragon accompany the band.
Information and tickets:contact: fgraz@nuevo-mexico-profundo.com
NUEVO MEXICO PROFUNDO is a collaboration of the Historic Santa Fe Foundation, New Mexico Office of the State Historian, New Mexico State Historic Preservation Officer, Cornerstones Community Partnerships, New Mexico Heritage Preservation Alliance, Spanish Colonial Arts Society, and participating parishes, mayordomos, and communities. The program is staffed by volunteers and raises funds for the preservation of New Mexico’s historic churches.
Cornerstones' Solar Initiative
Fall Fundraiser Logo designed by Robert Tenorio, Kewa Pueblo
Save the Date
On October 25, 2019, Cornerstones’ Solar Initiative will host the
Fiesta del Sol Benefit Dinner Featuring 2 Cuisines by 2 New Mexico Chefs, Using 3 Common, Local Ingredients, to Create 1 Unique Dining Experience
Benefit helps fund 21st century solar power projects to preserve ancient cultures on Pueblo lands and northern New Mexico villages.
Cornerstones Community Partnerships lost a very special friend and colleague, Alexandra Ward, after a brief illness in 2018. Over a 20-year period, Alexandra was an important and integral part of Cornerstones’ community. Her talent and dedication allowed her to assume a wide range of roles in the organization. She championed our mission to preserve the unique heritage of New Mexico through its historic churches, buildings and communities. To honor her memory, we have established the Alexandra Ward Community Fellowship.
Cornerstones is pleased to announce that Angela Francis and Stephen Calles, pictured below, have been chosen as recipients.The fellowship supports the candidates to advance their skills in traditional building technologies, gain leadership experience, become involved in community and achieve personal professional goals. The fellows will take on projects that can fulfill these criteria and meet their individual benchmarks within a two-year period. The two candidates will serve under the mentorship of the Director and present their accomplishments when milestones have been achieved. Stephen is educated in and skilled in architectural design and woodworking. Angela has 8 years of experience learning the art of plastering using natural materials. She has also led various earthen construction projects. Both share a passion for the work and a desire to broaden their skills.
The Solar Initiative
The Pueblo of Cochiti
The Solar Initiative, in partnership with New Energy Economy, has provided funding for a second project, the solarization of the Keres Children’s Learning Center of the Pueblo of Cochiti. Children of the Pueblo receive 50% of their instruction in their native language (Keres) and 50% in English. By teaching the language, the Pueblo is passing on its history, values, beliefs and a worldview. Incorporated in the second program are two scholarships for Pueblo members to learn and train in solar installation.
The Pueblo of Nambe
A grant was made in partnership with Jemez Mountains Electric Cooperative to install PV-on-a-Pole at two homes on the Pueblo, serviced and selected by the Coop .Cost savings and the opportunity to promote the benefits of solar energy on the Pueblo were the incentives for the project.
Zuni Veterinary Clinic
Funds were awarded to solarize the newly constructed, self-sustainable Zuni Veterinary Clinic.This will be a year-round fully functional clinic to take care of and reduce the number of stray animals and eliminate diseases through vaccines.This Earthship will drastically reduce utility bills, provide natural heating, cooling, water and electricity and act as a showcase for off-the-grid buildings. The grant was made in partnership with Biotecture Planet Earth, Inc.
Robbie Kelly and Santiago Vigil at San Rafael Church in La Cueva
Mud plastering at San Rafael was completed on Friday July 12. Robbie Kelly and Santiago Vigil (pictured) were on hand throughout with many other volunteers participating. Members of the Grants office of the Catholic Foundation joined us for a great day of mudding on July 21. A special thank you to Florence Gurule, Gwen Moore, Gina Pacheco (and her daughter) for the delicious food they provided for the workers on this project. Thanks to Joe Gurule for getting the material for us and mowing around the church. Hats off to Don for leading an excellent workshop ending with a beautiful job well done. On Saturday July 20 the window repair project will start. Stephen Calles will lead the training with Robbie and Santiago learning that side of preservation maintenance. The ongoing work schedule will be set on July 20. Please check our website (www.cstones.org) or contact Cornerstones (505-982-8521) if you are interested in helping.
Volunteers at San Rafael Church, La Cueva
Volunteers making adobe bricks at the Greer Garson stable in Pecos National Historical Park.
Our project to restore a portion of Greer Garson’s stable at Pecos National Historical Park through our partnership with the Park Service mobilized on June 7. Our schedule is 2 days a week, Thursdays and Fridays. Volunteers who made bricks in Santa Fe during National Historic Preservation (May 2019) followed some of those bricks to the Pecos job and have joined the effort. Once the foundation work is completed, we will start rebuilding the deteriorated adobe walls. The work project days at Pecos will continue until the work is completed. Volunteers are welcome. Please check our website (www.cstones.org) or contact Cornerstones (505-982-8521) if you are interested in helping.
Stable at the Greer Garson Ranch in Pecos National Historical Park
Robbie and Santiago at Santo Niño de Atocha, Buena Vista
Cornerstones’ summer work projects have begun! Don Sena, Cornerstones Project Manager, along with Cornerstones interns Robbie Kelly and Santiago Vigil, completed the scheduled work on the Santo Niño de Atocha Church, Buena Vista, NM. Preservation maintenance work accomplished consisted of opening up an exterior crack to evaluate the structure, applying mud plaster to the crack and wall repairs to interior surfaces. Cornerstones Director, Jake Barrow met with Mayordoma Veronica Serna to discuss windows and long-term church restoration goals. Thank you, Don, Robbie, Santiago, Jake and Veronica!
Don, Robbie and Santiago head to San Rafael in La Cueva (Mora valley) next for a major exterior re-plastering workshop. Mayordoma Gwen Moore is gathering together all materials needed for the job. Staff from the Catholic Foundation will join the effort on June 21. Volunteer opportunities are available here and at the Forked Lightening Ranch Stable Workshop in Pecos described below.
San Rafael Church, La Cueva
Forked Lightening Ranch Stable, Pecos
Volunteer Opportunities - June 2019
San Rafael Church in La Cueva – 9AM until 3PM on Fridays and Saturdays, mud-plastering.
Pecos National Historical Park at the Forked Lightening Ranch Stable - 9AM until 3PM Thursdays and Fridays, brick making and adobe wall building.
If you are interested in volunteering for one or both projects, please call Jake Barrow, Director, Cornerstones for specifics as soon as possible. Our phone number is 505-982-9521. All are welcome and no experience is necessary!
Heritage and Evolution- Earthen Architecture in New Mexico and Beyond
Preservationist,Professor Francisco Uvina Contreras, will present his lecture - “Heritage and Evolution- Earthen Architecture in New Mexico and Beyond”, including images, on May 22 at 5PM at San Miguel Chapel. The lecture will focus on the development of earthen architecture in the Americas, and how adobe became the material of choice during the colonization. A brief description of the use of adobe in Peru, Mexico and the Southwest United States will be presented with a focus on the evolution of the technology to its present use, and application, as well as its transformation, and modern additives detrimental to its traditional use. Suggested donation, $10.00.
Francisco Uviña Contreras is the Director for the Historic Preservation and Regionalism Graduate Certificate Program at the School of Architecture and Planning at the University of New Mexico. He received his Master of Architecture and a master’s Certificate in Preservation and Regionalism in 2009 from the University of New Mexico, graduating with distinction. Francisco was an Architectural/Technical Manager at Cornerstones from 1994 to 2008, working in communities throughout New Mexico, the Southwest and northern Mexico. He is the co-author and illustrator of Cornerstones’ Adobe Conservation, A Preservation Handbook.
Copies of the book will be available for purchase at the event.
The lecture is sponsored by Cornerstones Community Partnerships and coincides with Historic Preservation Month and the Adobe Brick-Making events at the Chapel.
This event has been organized with the cooperation of St. Michael’s High School and the De la Salle Christian Brothers, owners and custodians of San Miguel Chapel since 1881.
For additional information, please contact Karen Kuranz at kkuranz@cstones.org or call 505-982-9521.
Adobe Brick-Making Event
On Saturday, May 4, Cornerstones’ staff and volunteers gathered at the Drury Plaza Hotel, east end of Cathedral Park, to make adobe bricks for future preservation projects. Folks from many areas as well as local Santa Feans got their hands muddy and enjoyed getting to know one another. The event continues at the Drury Plaza on May 11 and at San Miguel Chapel on May 18 and 25 from 9:30am until 1pm. All are welcome and no experience is necessary. For more information contact kkuranz@cstones.org or call 505-982-9521.
Rael Acequia Restoration
The Wellesley Village Church Youth Group from Wellesley, MA. volunteered on several Cornerstones’ projects in April 2019. They returned to Santa Fe for their 7th volunteer experience! Below are pictures of the group cleaning the Rael acequia and a comment from partiantes, Carol Cooper and Keir Carreccio, about their hard work.
“Many thanks, Jake, for your leadership on the ditch cleaning project. The ‘kids’ and their leaders are great people and incredible workers. And they are part of history…the 301st year of the Alonzo Rael el Canon’s acequia. He would be so happy!”
Please consider volunteering your time or donating to help support our goal of preserving historic structures, encouraging traditional building practices and affirming cultural values.http://www.cstones.org. Thank you!
