‘There’s nothing to do in Grants!’ I’ve heard this often over the years but then I see the fishing and bird watching in the park, the skateboard park, forest picnics and wood gathering, the swimming pool, the bowling center, the music groups, the art gallery and library, seasonal hunting, the 4H bow and arrow competition and county fair, as well as ball games in our parks. This is in addition to the activities in the schools, churches and senior center, and the many walking trails. If all of these are not enough, maybe I should also check with the Grants Recreation Department.

The department is housed in the Future Foundations building by Mesa View School and led by Joaquin Jiron, the Director. It’s a friendly place with staff eager to help. Mr. Jiron was happily willing to take the time to describe his program, even though he works long hours with a heavy schedule and only five full time employees. To our community’s credit, there are about 40 seasonal part-time high school employees and additional volunteer coaches. Joaquin coordinates the scheduling of about 40 teams [youth sports from 5-17 yrs. and adults from 18 years to whatever]. From Sept. to Nov., it’s football and volleyball, December to March basketball and May to July baseball and softball.

There’s more! The open gym is Tues.-Friday 8am to 2 pm, the Fitness Room with tension equipment and a stationary bike is available for adults 21yrs. and older, for $25/year. A party room for about 70 costs $150 for 4 hours. An after-school program [M-Fri. 2:455:30] costs $40 for Aug-Dec or Jan-May and has a variety of arts and crafts, cooking, gardening, homework, special guests, a talent show, etc. There’s More!!They help other agencies with fund raising through their monthly fun runs. They do a blood drive three times a year, which is one of the most productive in the State. Their Arts and Crafts fair fills the 70 vendor spots within a few hours. They also have a table at the Farmers Market each year. No wonder they were named the Department of the Year by the City of Grants.

I could see Joaquin really loves sports. He started coaching right after Grants High School in 2003 and has spent the last nine years with the Recreation Department. He still watches games for the fun of it and enjoys families or work groups just playing ball, laughing and enjoying life. His focus is on others. ‘I have a great staff and a great supportive community’. He asks the shy ones to ‘come try it, you’ll like it’. His advice to the community- ‘stay positive’, be supportive of each other’. To contact this program: 505-285-3542 and recreation@ grantsnm.gov.

Today’s lesson: We live with heroes. Joan Klonowski