Acordándose del Pasado, Extenderse al Futuro
Remembering the Past, Reaching for the Future

AMIGOS PROGRAM
Risley Middle School
Pueblo, Colorado

Includes:

© Copyright, El Escritorio, 1995

Authors: AMIGOS Program Students & Faculty Advisors
Publishing Editor, Charlene Garcia Simms, El Escritorio
Graphics and Book Design, Eduard Terrones Simms, El Escritorio

El Escritorio
P. O. Box 3357
Pueblo, Colorado 81005
(719) 564-5913

Note: Many of the articles in this' book were written after interviewing many elders in the community. Some of the information given was in Spanish. Often when translating literally from Spanish to English the meaning is lost. Therefore, many of the translations from Spanish to English were not verbatim but concentrated on translating the meaning more clearly.

Table of Contents

Introduction

Acknowledgments

History and Legends
Mexican History or Legend, People Can Make a Difference

Customs and Traditions
Pinatas, Quinceaneras, Lazo, La Entreaga

Dichos, Creericias, and Recipes
The East Side of the mid 30 's and later

Occupations of the Past
Searchingfor a better life Lucy Bustamante Roldan, Mike Baca, Manuel Gutierrez, & University Park Nursing Home Residents

Conclusion

Illustrations and Photos

Eternal Love by Gabe
Tenochtitlan by Gabe
Manuel Gutierrez courtesy of El Escritorio

Photos of students, classes and those interviewed by Carmen Arteaga

Introduction
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Risley Middle School is indeed fortunate to have the opportunity to provide a Learn and Serve American Grant for our students. The idea presented itself when I was reading a poem by an anonymous author that states:

Who Am I

I am my heritage
I am my values, and
I am who I have the courage to be

Where Do I Fit

I fit wherever
I have the capability and conviction to fit.

As a result of this reading, Risley applied for and received an $8,000 grant to retrieve stories of the past in exchange for services to our community by our students. Our students learned how to interview, write, edit and publish stories. We were also provided excellent inservices by university professors and experts in genealogy and storytelling.

Our community is rich in culture, heritage and history and this is our contribution to preserving the past.

“El que quiere, puede! — He/she that wants to CAN!”

Dr. LeeRoy Martinez, Principal,
Risley Middle School, Pueblo, Colorado

Acknowledgments
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Muchisimas gracias, our deep-felt thanks, to all who contributed in the making of this book. It was a thoroughly enlightening and enjoyable experience.  Colorado Dept. of Education, Learn and Serve Colorado, Elaine Andrus, Director; Pueblo Youth Services Bureau, Molly Melendez, Director; University Park Nursing Home, Pueblo, Colorado; Belmont Lodge Nursing Home, Pueblo, Colorado

Trainers: Juan Espinoza, Deborah Espinoza, Charlene Garcia Simms, Dr. David Sandoval, Dr. Luis Torres

Risley Faculty Advisors: Carmen Arteaga, Chairperson; Mike Horton, Cindy Loia, Dan Luja n, Dr. LeeRoy Martinez, Paul Munoz, Terri Pacheco, Pam Salas

Most Importantly: Los Ancianos Queridos (Beloved Elders) and Aspiring Writers (Risley Students)

Dedication

This book is dedicated to all women and mothers in particular. As we all know, culture is passed down and preserved by those who raise the children.

We would like to make special mention of Priscilla Stephanie Ann Coca, who died this year on the first day of spring, March 20, 1995. Priscilla, along with her family, was very involved in promoting and preserving the Chicano culture. She was very proud of her history and culture and did much to share her passion and enthusiasm with Pueblo and the entire Colorado community.

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