Taos Living Treasures program marks silver anniversary

Founded in 1987 by the late Ted Egri and a committee of volunteers, the Taos Living Treasures program didn’t happen for several years due to a lack of sponsorship. It’s back this year — the 25th anniversary — to honor Taos’ elders Dec. 11 at 2 p.m. The public is invited to the event to be held at the Taos High School auxiliary gym.

The committee dedicates this year’s event in honor of Holly White, who served as co-chairman of the Taos Living Treasures for 10 years. White disappeared last spring and is still listed as a missing person.

Chairman Luzita Trujillo, a 2015 Taos Living Treasure, heads a committee consisting of Jan Enright, Carmen Lieurance, Sheryl Romero and Jackie Vincent. Former co-chairs Tyna Quintana and this author serve as consultants/advisers for this year’s festivities.

Four individuals were nominated and selected. This year’s honorees are Mary Isaacs, Richard Mermejo, Effie Romero and Herman Torres.

Taos and Picuris Pueblos selected their own honorees and Taos County community members sent letters of nomination followed with selection by a panel of judges who chose honorees for the other two slots. The judges are Manuel Barela Jr., Jerry Cardenas, Paul Figueroa, Maria Isabel (Chavi) Peterson and Guadalupe Tafoya.

Each honoree selected a speaker and entertainment for the ceremony. Various restaurants provide food for the reception. As a special silver anniversary tribute, former Taos Living Treasures will receive a corsage/boutonnière in appreciation for their volunteerism to the community, the main criteria for selection to this group.

Mary Isaacs

Since childhood, teaching was always the dream and plan in Mary Isaac’s life. “I’d play school with the neighbors and family,” she said. “I was always the teacher.”

Isaacs, a retired teacher, attended school at the Institute of American Indian Arts in Santa Fe. She started her career in education as an assistant at Taos Pueblo Day School. Isaacs worked with Rose Cordova as an aide in kindergarten for many years, and credited her mentor for the encouragement to continue her education and become a teacher.

Cordova also taught Isaacs much about the field of teaching. “She wanted me to take over her class when she retired. I did,” Isaac’s said. Cordova received the Taos Living Treasure honor in 1997 at the Taos Center for the Arts. At the time, little did both mentor and mentee know that Isaacs, too, would achieve the same distinction.

Isaacs also enjoyed serving as an educational assistant to Janet Conty and Ray Serna in the Taos Pueblo Day School physical education program. Isaacs attended higher education courses at Fort Lewis College, New Mexico Highlands University and UNM-Taos.

She was involved with the Taos Pueblo Day School for many years and happily accepted the position at the school because, until the ninth grade, Isaacs attended Taos Pueblo Day School. Besides working with kindergarten and PE students, she taught fourth grade. She lists special teacher friends as Leroy Martinez, and fourth grade teacher Roman Cisneros. The honoree plans to volunteer in the fourth grade class in the future, just as she did previously.

Culture remains very important to Isaacs. As such, she taught Tiwa to grades K-3 at Taos Pueblo Day School. In this setting, various classes visited her classroom for the lessons. She volunteered to talk about culture, food, Christmas traditions and other events. Isaacs sponsored field trips to other pueblos so the youngsters could meet with other youth who share their experiences and to expand their base of knowledge. Isaacs’ philosophy on teaching centers on the idea that the most important subjects for students include reading, math, culture and language.

Following retirement, Isaacs remained at home enjoying herself. After two years of not holding a job, she became bored and decided to return to work, but she planned to seek “something different.” She discovered an opening at Taos Mountain Casino. “I applied and got the job. It was in housekeeping, very different from teaching. One of my favorite things to do is to clean. I love to keep my house spic and span,” she said. She has filled the Taos Mountain Casino job for two years.

Besides cleaning at home, Isaacs enjoys other spare time activities. “I believe in cultural participation. I do lots of cooking — pies, cookies and bread — for feasts. The baking is joyful because many of us get together to complete the meal,” she said. Isaacs also likes to sew, especially mantas. Completing crossword puzzles and visiting relatives also occupy some of her time. On her days off, the casino employees go to casinos outside of Taos because she cannot play at Taos Mountain Casino, as per employment regulations. “I’m always doing something, whether at home, at the casino or on the go,” she said.

Isaacs likes to travel. Some of the locations she visited include Oklahoma, Minnesota, California and Alberta, Canada.

One of the most important roles in Isaac’s life is that of family membership. “I have a very small family,” she said. Her late parents are Marie L. Martinez and Cesario Martinez. The third of four children, Isaacs named the siblings with whom she was raised: Paul Matt Martinez of Montana; Irene Mirabal, residing in Taos; and “baby brother” Dale Martinez. Melinda Gomez, Isaacs’ daughter, raises her grandchild Lillian Cordova. Isaacs loved her son-in-law, the late Randy Cordova “who was like a son to me.” Two nieces and a nephew delight their aunt. The group includes Haley Mirabal, Jerome Martinez and goddaughter/niece Jordan Mirabal, nephew Clarence Mirabal Jr. and his wife Linda.

Isaacs concluded her interview with the following sentiment: “It is an honor that I was selected for this award. I’d like to thank the governor of Taos Pueblo for selecting me. I never thought that anything like this would happen to me.”

Richard Mermejo

Richard Mermejo is no stranger to the Taos Living Treasures program. In 1993, he provided entertainment for honoree and tribal member Frances Martinez. On Oct. 26, 1997, marks the date when his sister Margaret Archuleta received her honors at the Taos Community Auditorium. In 2000, Mermejo served as the speaker for his brother Jess at Bataan Hall. He also attended many Living Treasures ceremonies during his terms as tribal official and governor.

However, when asked about his own selection as a Taos Living Treasure, he grinned and said, “I’m not really old enough. Really, the Living Treasures should be in their 80s or 90s. I consider myself still young — at least mentally.

Mermejo, born during the year of the completion of the Manhattan Project, has accomplished much during his years of action. Born at Picuris Pueblo, he attended school in Peñasco and finished his secondary education at the former Albuquerque Indian School. He attended a technical school in Chicago where he studied small engine repair and body/fender work.

After completing his schooling, Mermejo sought a job in Albuquerque, but working in his field of study required the purchase of $2,800 worth of tools. Instead, he joined an apprenticeship program of the Brotherhood of Carpenters. As part of his work assignment, Mermejo and his crew built structures in the Tramway and West Mesa areas of Albuquerque. The community of Rio Rancho didn’t exist then, and Montgomery Boulevard existed as a dirt road. He worked in this capacity for 15 years. Other work sites included Denver, Wynn, (Pennsylvania) and Riverside, California. He returned to Picuris Pueblo because of his father’s illness. From then on, this year’s honoree began volunteer service to assist his native pueblo.

Mermejo served as president of the Picuris Pueblo Restoration League and helped restore the mission at the pueblo. In the 1970s, he helped with fundraising for a cultural exchange in which the Picuris youth visited Japan. His volunteer work for the Peñasco School spring festival included organizing cultural dances, sometimes the Basket Dance and on occasion the Matachines. For the Christmas holiday, Mermejo holds the role as head musician for the Matachines. He plays the violin for cultural events as well as his own entertainment. He plays at receptions for baptisms, confirmations and weddings, too.

The honoree helps White Buffalo as president of the organization that manages a hotel in Santa Fe. He likes to travel, and as part of the effort to promote the hotel and a tour company, Mermejo visits abroad. He participated in Ancient Storytellers and visited England, France and Germany on the promotional tour. He transports a dance group of five members to perform at the hotel during the summer.

He restored a 400 year-old kiva at Picuris this past summer. As president of Three Eagles, a federal charter for economic development, the honoree helps oversee the operation of the Smoke Shop at Picuris Pueblo. He is also the chairman of the utility board, the group that works with the sewer, electric and waste at the pueblo. Mermejo also volunteers to guide tour groups that visit Picuris.

In the latter part of the 1980s, Mermejo became involved in tribal politics. He served in various council positions and filled the governorship role four times. “In the mid-1960s, during the hippie rebellion, I helped organize a softball team,” Mermejo said. “For over 45 years, Picuris Pueblo and the hippies have played during an annual event. We consider it a wonderful get-together. Two years ago, a documentary was made,” he said.

The busy man doesn’t have much free time, but he makes certain to reserve some to participate in his favorite activities. Mermejo doesn’t own a television, but he reads, walks and hikes. He enjoys riding in the mountains on his ATV and the outdoors-man enjoys fishing and hunting. Woodwork remains important. He also creates picture frames for the work he owns by Picuris artists.

“I love native foods, but with the concern over diabetes, I try to watch myself,” he said. When asked the nature of these native foods he likes, Mermejo quickly answered, “beans, chile, potatoes, chicos, posole, tortillas and biscochitos.”

The old adage, “When you want something done, ask a busy person,” greatly applies to Mermejo and his many activities. His full, complete schedule and volunteer accomplishments benefit many people, most of all the Pueblo of Picuris.

Effie Romero

Effie Romero was amazed at her selection as a Taos Living Treasure. During her interview, she said, “I can’t get over the fact that I was chosen for doing everyday things that I love — things that I find necessary.”

Romero, a Talpa resident, was born in Caddo Gap, Arkansas, and moved to the area when her father, Ben (Fay) Carter, accepted employment with the Pot Creek Logging Co. The family lived in one of three logging camps located across the road from Southern Methodist University (Fort Burgwin). Romero and her siblings attended school in Pot Creek, Talpa and Taos from first to eighth grade. In later school years, her educational sites included Taos Junior High and Taos High School. During these years, little did she know that her future included work through the schools — taking youngsters to and from their places of education.

A very vivid school memory occurred during high school in 1959. Then, she met Joseph “Red” Romero, who drove her school bus in the employment of school contractor Sam Martinez. The couple married the following year. In later years, the couple would own their own mode of school transportation. The marriage produced two children. The late David Romero Sr. passed away in 2008 as the result of a vehicle accident. Her daughter, Annette “Netta” (Angelo Sr.) Vigil, works as a Taos Municipal Schools’ bus operator and educational assistant for the special education program. The family also consists of five grandchildren (two boys and three girls) and five great grandsons. Romero and her husband await the arrival of their first great granddaughter in February 2017.

The couple raised their children in the Taos community. During an interview for a “Know Your Neighbor” column in The Taos News, Romero said, “My future plans are to be the best mom and grandmother I can be and give back to the community.”

When the Pot Creek lumber business closed in 1966, the Carter family returned to Arkansas, but the already-married woman and her husband were raising a family in the Taos area, and opted to remain here. Years later, Romero and “Red” purchased a 1908 former boarding house, two stories high, in her hometown of Caddo Gap, Arkansas. There, they enjoy vacations, visit with family members and sponsor reunions.

Romero attended El Rito Beauty College where she earned an esthetician/nail tech license. Her interest in the beauty business expanded to district director for Jafra Cosmetic Direct Sales for over 20 years. As part of this endeavor, she visited over 20 states. Romero also worked as a waitress at Kachina Lodge under the ownership of Ed Lineberry. Then, she worked at the Van Vechten/Lineberry Taos Art Museum and at Flora Gonzales’ Mode O Day clothing store. However, her volunteer work far outweighed any other involvement.

In 2000, she became involved with the Talpa Community Center through an arts and crafts fair. Romero loved the site of the school she attended in a WPA building. Members of the center elected her as a board member. In 2005, Romero received the appointment as the Talpa Community Center director. Romero credits the center’s success to the working board and the volunteers that contribute greatly to the growth and operation of the many activities. Not content to take credit herself, Romero said, “We can’t do all of this without their help.”

The center’s public library offers full services. The library services are free with the exception of the copier. Computer services include free WiFi, six computers for adult use and five computers for children.

Romero loves to sew. Three days a week, she meets with other ladies to sew, talk and eat. She is part of the Taos High Country Quilt and Needlecraft Guild group that grew from five founders to 40 members. Twenty one guild members are part of the Fabric Creations exhibit at Taos Town Hall through Jan. 13. The center owns a long-arm quilting machine. A fabric store on the premises offers donated fabric for sale at reasonable prices. All proceeds help finance the center’s bills.

The Talpa Community Center also manages and operates an artists’ cooperative on Taos Plaza. The arts and crafts store, in its fourth year, sponsors 25 Taos County artists. Talpa Community Center offers space for community meetings and gatherings.

“I feel the Talpa Community Center has been a real benefit to the community,” Romero said.

Romero has received many honors. The Taos News named her an Unsung Hero and Las Pistoleras Instituto Cultural de Arte honored her for her role in education during Women’s History Month. Her name appears as a nominee in the index of the book “Remarkable Women of Taos.”

“I strive to leave good memories for my family because when this life on earth is over, that’s all you leave,” Romero said.

Herman Torres

“Elated” and “honored” was Herman Torres’ reaction when selected as an honoree. “It’s very gratifying to be recognized for what I do and what I’ve done,” he said.

Torres, a retired post office employee and Army Reserve major, spends much of his time restoring the San Juan Nepomuceno morada (place to worship) in Valdez. The Arroyo Hondo Arriba Land Grant Association acquired the ancient building and grounds about a year ago. The new Living Treasure describes the scene as “so desecrated,” with empty cans, broken glass, graffiti and Satanic symbols. He said the building was in total disrepair. Volunteers set about helping Torres with the work. The clean-up process included complete re-plastering. “I reconstructed the fireplaces, half of which still existed in one instance,” he said. “We raised the bancos (seats), so they’re 10 inches high. This included adding two more tiers of adobes, thereby making the bancos the size of a chair for the Cuarto de los Santos,” he said.

It stands to reason that a building created between 1820 and 1830 requires care and preservation. Therefore, Sandra Ford financed the propanel needed to complete the new roof. Restoration required the replacement of some vigas. Phillip Valencia and his crew completed the enjarre (plastering) at no charge. Repair of a 10-inch crack in the wall, and moving heavy stone, was also involved. Some repairs led to replacement of the original foundation.

To this portion of the project, Torres relates a clear and strong dream: “My compadre Ralph Garcia, a participant in many of our projects, told me, ‘Es como tiempo’ or ‘It’s about time’ to complete the foundation. I felt compelled to take an adobe from the morada and place it on his grave.”

Ramon Fernandez Jr. donated the altar and that began the process of preparing for worship. Much of Torres’ work and talent involves the altar screen. On the upper right panel, Torres created a scene of Nuestra Señora de Soledad (Our Lady of Solitude) with a cushion, crown of thorns and three nails at her feet. Just beneath that panel, he depicted San Antonio with a rose bush and a bread basket. He selected San Francisco because of his status as the patron of Hermanos, and San Antonio in honor of the original name of the village of Valdez.

Besides labor, indoor plastering comprises a future labor of love. While no official deadline exists for the project’s completion, Torres said, “I’d like it done by May 16th because it’s the feast of San Juan Nepomucemo. The moradas play a large role as a gathering place during Holy Week. When the work ends, I’m not sure what I’ll do because this place has become my second home.”

In addition to this project, the honoree enjoys creating art. His work includes drawing, painting and carving. For drawing and painting, he uses charcoal and acrylics. Torres prefers sugar pine for carving because “the soft grain doesn’t let me mess up.” Torres credits the late Stan Aiello, the late Josephine Cόrdova and the late Father Benedicto Cuesta for their encouragement. His largest carving, Christ in the Sepulcher, registers six feet tall. Other work includes Mary at the Foot of the Cross, St. Jude, Our Lady of Mount Carmel and Christ at the Garden of Gethsemane.

He used other woods for a second carving of the Last supper in sycamore and San Miguel and San Rafael in cedar. He completed one of his most memorable carvings, a 42-inch tall image of the Blessed Mother, to fulfill a commitment. “When I was in Vietnam, I was wounded. At home, I experienced nightmares. I made a promise to create a carving and I hadn’t done so. On a pilgrimage to shrines in Spain, Lourdes and Fatima, I asked for help. On the last night in Portugal, I prayed for a sign. The aroma of roses was unmistakable. As I slept on the plane back home, I dreamed of Mary with her right hand extended, holding a rosary. Upon my return, I made the head, and four years later, torso, arms and hands. Eventually, I completed the piece,” Torres said. His work is not for sale, although he will on occasion provide a gift for a friend or relative.

The guitar, violin, accordion, harmonica and plucking on the harp bring out Torres’ musical abilities. In addition, he writes Spanish poetry that reflects his Vietnam experiences. “This helped me cope,” he said. Since 1985, he started writing El Ultima Dios, a book about when the forefathers left their mother country, never to see their families again.

Torres is the second of four children born to Ezequiel and Sophia Pineda. His family of origin consists of siblings Michael (Dolores Martinez) Torres, Nancy (Larry) Trujillo and Moises Leroy (Rosario) Torres.

His three children and five grandchildren are Francisco (Emily) Torres, who raise their children Mariah, Selena and Luis; Miguel Antonio (Reyna) Torres and their sons Ramon and Armando; and daughter Maria Teresa Torres. Torres also enjoys visiting with many nephews and nieces.

Regarding family ties, Torres has worked on his family’s genealogy since 1985. He doesn’t mind sharing and he doesn’t charge for his services. So far, he’s traced 15 generations of the Torres family. “I’ve come up against a brick wall when I researched Cristobal de Torres. Many families claim this individual, and I have no proof he’s our ancestor. I need proof to claim him in our family line,” Torres said.

Tradition, preservation, volunteerism and a sense of faith — these are some of the reasons Torres received the nomination and selection for the 2016 Taos Living Treasures program.