By Ameille Warner.
“To listen is to lean in softly with a willingness to be changed by what we hear.”
– Mark Nepo, poet & philosopher
In the heart of Colorado’s San Luis Valley (SLV), where rugged landscapes meet the rich tapestry of cultures, Chuck Sullivan, founder and executive director of The Wright, invited communities to step away from the noise of division and polarization and come together. The idea was to discuss shared values and contemplate the threads that weave SLV communities and individuals together as part of The Wright’s statewide “On the Road” initiative.
As detailed by the Colorado non-profit, The Wright, On the Road journeys into rural Colorado communities, meeting people where they are and experiencing first-hand the unique relationships we hold with our places. Our cherished landscapes and essential waterways. Our foundational industries, defining faiths, and tangled histories.”
For the past eight months, Sullivan has immersed himself in the unique geography of the SLV, connecting with its people and learning about their experiences. The culmination of these efforts took the form of three “Campfire Conversations,” held on consecutive Thursdays in November. These fireside gatherings aimed to weave together the threads that bind the people of the Valley, delving into topics ranging from agriculture to art, family histories to economic growth, and the challenges and opportunities for the youth.
Each event began with a social hour that provided an opportunity for participants to mingle, followed by three 30-minute moderated conversations on topics relevant to the SLV.
The first event unfolded on Nov. 2 at the San Luis Cultural-Heritage Center. Guests heard from Shirley Romero Otero, a dedicated public educator and land rights leader, Dana and Huberto Maestas, owners of the Jacales Art Gallery, Charlie Hawkins, who has a long history with the Cultural Center; Marcella Pacheco, a colcha embroidery artist; and Sergio Garcia of the Chicano Soul Food Project and People’s Market in San Luis.
The conversational journey continued on Nov. 9, within the historic walls of The Church Project in Monte Vista. The century-old First Baptist Church, recently acquired by Madeleine Ahlborn, is transforming into a hub for creative arts. Here, wildlife biologist Jenny Nehring and Valley rancher Charlie Burd discussed the intricate connections between long-running events like the Monte Vista Crane Festival and the Ski-Hi Stampede, shedding light on how these celebrations serve as bridges, connecting the past, present, and future of the San Luis Valley.
The second conversation, moderated by Patrick Ortiz of SLV Great Outdoors and Maddy Ahlborn, featured Margie Martinez-Diaz, a multi-generational farmer, and Peg Schall of the Monte Vista Historical Society. Both speakers shared their reflections on the profound sense of satisfaction derived from living in the San Luis Valley. Schall recounted her childhood memories, describing the Valley as “a very satisfactory place.” Martinez-Diaz echoed this sentiment, underscoring the importance of instilling values, particularly a sense of community, in the younger generation.
The final dialogue, steered by Ivette Atencia of the LOR Foundation, brought Monte Vista Councilman Victor Sigala and community member Pablo Zamarripa together to discuss the challenges of growing up in the SLV, the allure of the “outside world,” and the sense of duty to give back to their community. Sigala, reflecting on his unruly youth, expressed gratitude for the opportunity to contribute, stating, “I took a lot from this community, and now I am giving it back.”
The series concluded on Nov. 16 at the 4th Street Diner in Saguache. Tracy Ross of the Colorado Sun facilitated a discussion with Julie Sullivan, a founder of the Quivira Coalition’s New Agrarian Program, and co-owner-operator of San Juan Ranch along with her husband George Whitten. Sullivan, with her roots as a “liberal vegetarian” from San Diego, shared her story of meeting rancher and water conservationist Whitten, and her transformation to understanding the complexities of agriculture in the SLV. Her deep commitment to the land, animal welfare, and the pursuit of regenerative practices became apparent, reflecting the challenges faced by family-run ranches in the contemporary economic landscape.
Elicia Albeyta, a gifted 14-year-old artist, and Gary Wilfong, a 70-year-old retired builder who came to be an artist later in life, discussed the impact of family, heritage, and environment on their individual artistic styles. Wrapping up the evening, Aaron Miltenberger, president of the Boys & Girls Club of the SLV, spoke with Carla Quintana of Saguache, and Jason Medina, executive director of the Community Foundation of the SLV. The conversation underscored the key themes from the previous conversations, including the sense of belonging, regeneration, hope, and opportunity. Medina credited Miltenberger for a quote he often uses: “We’re all better when we’re all better.”
Community partners for these Campfire Conversations include the Town of San Luis, the City of Monte Vista, the City of Alamosa, LOR Foundation, Upper Rio Grande Economic Development, Boys & Girls Club of the SLV, SLV Great Outdoors, Community Foundation of the SLV, SLV Area Extension CSU, and ScSEED.
When asked about ScSEED’s partnership with The Wright for the Saguache event, ScSEED Board Chair Max Gibson commented, “We felt that The Wright’s Campfire Conversations aligned well with ScSEED’s goal of bringing community and organizational partners together to have meaningful conversations about our shared values and goals for the future.”
The power of listening, as advocated by Mark Nepo and enacted by Chuck Sullivan and his community partners, extends beyond the act itself. As our communities navigate challenges and celebrate triumphs together, listening reminds us of our connections to each other and to the places we call home.
Photos: Top: Chuck Sullivan talks with rancher and conservationist Julie Sullivan at the Saguache talk. Bottom: Ivette Atencia with Pablo Zamarripa and Victor Sigala at the Monte Vista talk. top photo by Madeline Ahlborn; bottom photo by Ameille Warner
Top: Chuck Sullivan discusses artwork with Elicia Albeyta and Gary Wilfong at the Saguache talk. Middle: Patrick Ortiz, with (L to R) Margie Martinez-Diaz, Maddy Ahlborn, and Peg Schall at the Monte Vista talk. Bottom: Marcella Pacheco and Charlie Hawkins at the San Luis talk. .
top and middle photos by Ameille Warner; bottom photo by The Wright.