Positive, Sustainable, & Actionable Information about People & Communities in Santa Fe, New Mexico

September-October 2010Publishing Since July 4, 2009

Santa Fe, New Mexico

Features

Liberty is the most valuable premise for our country’s founding. There are many tenets from which the Found-ers drew to create our governing document, The Consti-tution, boldly and eloquently put forth 223 years ago on September 17, 1787.

Since then, each succeeding generation has dealt with many seemingly grave issues of their time, yet when viewed through the prism of history these issues pale in perspective. This publication is not focused on topical issues and emotions which drive us apart, but rather this periodical will highlight and cheer the many amazing, positive, productive, and sustainable activities thriving in our country and our communities.

We believe that our country is not only built upon the effective foundation of checks and balances, but that we also still hold the power, as citizens and as consumers, to create the positive changes necessary to see the American Dream thrive.

Small businesses can and will PROSPER - they generate half of the gross domestic product in the private-sector. They are an integral part of local economic development and a thread for communities to keep their “dollars” cir-culating amongst those upon whom they depend.

We must actively THINK and LIVE according to our roles as citizens – we have to hold our elected officials accountable and praise those in our communities that are standing up for our freedoms.

Sustainable FOOD systems are critical to our economic viability, and we stand for farmers, ranchers, and produc-ers who provide us with the agricultural means necessary to live. We understand the crucial nature of a sustainable food supply, one that can be achieved by local producers using value-chains that enhance the economic develop-ment of the people and cities in which they operate.Our RESOURCES as a nation are critical to our new en-ergy economy and to the health and wellness of our chil-dren and grandchildren. Our energy, land, air, and water hold economic promise for us, however we must also be cognizant of these resources’ means, and effectively plan for many generations to come.

We understand that the ARTS and CULTURE of our communities give students and people the creative outlets necessary to express themselves in an intellectually stimulating environment.

We must ACT - we must actively participate in our com-munities and engage both our system of governance as

well as the economic ecosystem in which we live. We act by spending our money, by writing our representatives, and by voting.And we must focus much time and attention on our NEXT generation, those that will be our future industry leaders, scientists, farmers, and soldiers. Our youth and our students are crucial to our future and we must be will-ing to support them and help pave the road to prosperity. Honoring our elders sets an example for the next genera-tion—we show all generations have value to contribute ensuring a legacy of wisdom and grace will safeguard our civil and productive society.

The Good American Post is about Freedom, and our con-tent, as you will see to your right, is just about that. We are coming to a community near you, to serve you with Local and National content focused on Freedom, on Sus-tainability, and on all of the good news that we have at our finger-tips to take each and every ounce of our energy and move in a positive direction of change – change that WE make – change that comes from us, as Americans.

What This Is AboutTisha Casida

Sustainability and Energy Efficiency Drives Santa Fe Builder

From humble beginnings in the 1960s, the Insulated Concrete Form (ICF) was invented to allow for construc-tion of concrete walls that could withstand the extremes of northern United States and Canadian weather, where winters are long and extremely cold.

The product is now manufactured by dozens of small- to mid-sized companies and has undergone generations of advancements. This building system has grown in

popularity recently because of the high energy efficiency, hurricane force wind and fire resistance of these concrete structures.

One of the leaders in the ICF industry, Reward Wall Sys-tems, has been at the forefront for more than a decade. Reward Wall Systems has been instrumental in develop-ing better forms that are user friendly.

ICF usage has sky-rocketed in the last ten years and has spawned a cottage industry of sorts, supplying everything from insulated window and door bucks to scaffolding/bracing systems designed to increase ease of installation and drastically reduce the time required to complete the project, while improving energy efficiency and cutting construction costs.

Continued - Santa Fe Edition, Page 3

Green Builder Ballew Construction - Pages 1&3Navajo Artist Al Bahe - Page 3Museum Feature - Page 3

Good ameriCan PosT sTaff rePorTs

Like My Father Warriorsby Artist: Al Bahe, Navajo, American

Quote on painting:

“ I was born upon the prairie,

where the wind blew free and

there was nothing to break the

light of the sun. I was born where

there were no enclosures and

everything drew a free breath...

I l ive l ike my fathers before me

and l ike them I l ive happily.”

Parra-Wa-Samen, Ten Bears, Comanche

“Do good to your friends to keep them, to your enemies to win them.” - Benjamin Franklin

Navajo Artist Al Bahe Story see SF Page 3

Gurhan

On the Plaza, Santa Fe 505.983.9241 or 800.648.7358

Open Daily 9:30 AM to 6 PM

61 Old Santa Fe TrailSanta Fe, NM 87501

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Free Markets. New Media www.GoodAmericanPost.com Twitter: @thegoodpost

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Al Bahe is a talented painter of Navajo tradition. His unassum-ing presence is punctuated by flashes of inspiration that let you know he has defined his artistic direction. His art and his life are inseparable.

His Native American roots, and his experiences growing up in Northern Arizona with his eight siblings all contribute to who he is. Al and his family settled in Shonto, Arizona where he studied at the Indian School and stood out among his peers.

Following his service in the Marines, Al’s talent prompted tribal elders to award him a scholarship while he attended the Art Insti-tute in Santa Fe. His style was already mature, but credentials do help a career. Studies at Northern Arizona University prepared Al even further.

Today Al has returned to his roots and paints eight to ten hours a day in his studio in Shonto, Arizona. In 2002 his work won Best of Division and Judges’ Choice Award at the prestigious Heard Museum Annual Native American Art Show and Sale.

He is a content human being, alone with the land, his fam-ily, and his art. His trademark Navajo Yeii figures, often wrapped in blankets, continue to be his first artistic love and his most consistent theme. There is a story behind wrapping the Yeii. Tribal elders consider showing the world exact images of the traditional dress and body paint somewhat sacrilegious.

Therefore, the use of the blanket covering sensitive details made the work more palatable to the elders.

Continued from Page 1One of the local companies proving to be a leader in the promotion and construction of the Reward Wall System is the Ballew family in Santa Fe, New Mexico. With over 30 years of experience in concrete construction, John Ballew, Ballew Construction Co., Inc., has 13 years of experience in residential and commercial projects in which Reward Wall Systems have been used.

The most recent and largest project to date is the Santa Fe Community College Trades and Advanced Technologies building (see photo). This is a LEED project seeking gold certification, designed by Lloyd & Associates and built by Flintco West. John Ballew states, “I am excited to see so many architects, builders and home owners realizing the many benefits of ICF construction. The energy efficiency, available four-hour fire rating and the two hundred year life expectancy of the structure reduce insurance premiums and drastically cut utility costs.”

John’s entire family is involved in making the business a success. His wife Melba and his two sons are actively involved in various areas of construction. Melba is gifted in interior design and administration. Jonathon, their oldest son, has a growing and successful business since

2006, when he purchased the excavation side of the fam-ily business. Dustin, their younger son, recently hired as a firefighter with the Santa Fe Fire Department, spends much of his spare time away from the station pursuing his love of construction, building concrete counter tops and assisting with overflow projects that typically occur in a growing business.

LEED - Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design - is a rating system for buildings, equivalent to a gas mileage rating for cars. Under LEED, buildings accumu-late points for things such as saving energy, having ac-cessible mass transit, and mitigating storm water runoff. Once the points are tallied, the building earns a LEED rating. The higher the tally, the more sustainable the building. www.everblueenergy.com/what-is-leed).

Sustainability and Energy Efficiency Drives Santa Fe Builder, Continued

Al Bahe

“The energy efficiency, available four-hour fire rating and the two hundred

year life expectancy of the structure reduce insurance premiums and

drastically cut utility costs.”

The Santa Fe Church of Christ The Santa Fe Church of Christ exists to share the love of Jesus Christ,

to grow in maturity in Him and to serve God by serving others. Welcome! ¡Bienvenidos!

Located at 1205 Galisteo Street, at the corner of Galisteo Street and Cordova Road, we meet Sunday mornings at 9:30 a.m. for Bible classes for all ages

with worship service following at 10:30 a.m. Our worship services are held in both English and Spanish.

We also share a meal on Wednesday evenings at 5:30 p.m. with Bible classes following at 6:30 p.m. Spanish speakers have an opportunity to

learn English on Wednesday evenings at 5:30 p.m. For more information call 505-983-8636 or email info@santafechurchofchrist.org.

Phone 505-471-1287 Fax 505-474-43903-A Bisbee Lane, Santa Fe, NM 87508 email: ballewinc06@aol.com

Jonathan Ballew, Owner Bonded & Insured GB98/MS03 NM Lic. #94678

Driveways - Rock Hammers - House PadsTrenches - Septic Systems - Road Grading

Exhibit - Sole Mates: Cowboy Boots and Art Images of western life. Historic art, paintings to postcards, advertising art, sculpture, video and cowboy boots. The influences and changing

aspects that represent the freedom of Western culture of America. Wear your cowboy boots to this exhibit!

Exhibit Ends - Oct 24, 2010 New Mexico Museum of Art – On the Plaza 107 West Palace Avenue, Santa Fe, New Mexico

Call for details 505-476-5041 or visit: www.nmartmuseum.org

Exhibit - Wild at Heart: Ernest Thompson Seton The story of the world famous conservationist, author, artist,

lecturer and co-founder of the Boy Scouts of America. Ernest Thomp-son Seton’s influence on America’s conservation movement was largely

forgotten until now.

Exhibit ends May 8, 2011New Mexico History Museum -

Next to the Palace of the Governors on the Plaza113 Lincoln Avenue, Santa Fe, New Mexico

Call for details 505-476-5200 or visit: www.nmhistorymuseum.org

Recommend Museum Exhibits This MonthEach month we check out the museums for exhibits we like. See if you agree! Go visit Santa Fe’s great museums and bring your friends and family!

Enjoy the traditional and artistically excellent work of Al Bahe at the Art Exchange Gallery, 618 B Canyon Road. 505-982-6329

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Commercial & Residential

Santa Fe Community College, latest building under construction

Phone 505-474-4383 3-A Bisbee Lane, Santa Fe, NM 87508

email: ballewconstruction@yahoo.com

Build Green with Insulating Concrete Forms