Since I’ve never lived in a village, this statement, made by Hilary Clinton a while ago, never had much meaning for me until a now.
Truchas, New Mexico, a tiny village on the spine of a mountain north of Santa Fe, is the only village I can claim to know although I’ve never lived there.
This is because of my long-time connection with the Truchas Community Center, the Pre-K Program and Library that are the heart of this remote village, far from the hustle and bustle of Santa Fe.
The Center really is the heart of the place, offering all kinds of workshops and a feeling of warmth and belonging, largely due to the remarkable women who founded it in its present form in a modest building on the dirt main street.
One of these women, my dear friend Sharon, is now retiring after several decades and returning to Kansas to live with her sister.
Last Saturday night was a celebration of her birthday and her many years of service, as well as a goodbye party with all her friends. Wonderful food, the best kind of music—music that makes you dance—a huge old stove, and a crowd of local people who have known Sharon and the Center for years.
It is remarkable, now, to be part of a crowd that includes Spanish speakers and Anglos. This almost never happens in rigidly segregated Santa Fe.
And how lively, how warm, how hopeful and even joyful the celebration was! These are the people who will keep the Center going on a shoestring, always hoping for donations that too often go to the big well-known not for profits, and not to this emblem of hope in a little mountain town animated by the spirit of those who live there.
Congratulations to Sharon! Kansas is lucky to be getting you.
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Was surprised to hear you speak of rigid segregation in Santa Fe. Didn’t seem to fit my image of a place of such a mixture of people. I was only briefly there on a tour so didn’t get a real of sense of that. My tour was with Road Scholar and they had such a strong emphasis on the pride of the region’s history and culture. I guess there are hidden elements and undercurrents everywhere. I’m always grateful I live in a “village” which seems caring….but who knows.
Wow! This is really special. I loved your comment about Spanish speakers and Anglos all together. I come from a Cuban family and was hoping to have more contact with Spanish speakers, and have been disappointed at the segregation in Santa Fe.
Thank you so much for helping support the population of Truchas and for telling us about it.
Lydia