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Sewing Class Date: Second Friday of Every Month Next Class Friday, Nov. 13 Time: 4 -6 p.m. FREE Location: Cerro VFW

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Photo by Dee Dee Mead First sewing class at Cerro VFW in October

Crafting And Community At Cerro VFW Post 9516

A new monthly sewing class is underway at the Cerro VFW Post, bringing community members together for an afternoon of crafting and conversation. Officially known as the Charles Cisneros VFW Post 9516, the hall has long served as a gathering hub for local service members and northern Taos County families.


Funding from a LOR Foundation grant made the class possible by purchasing three new sewing machines, cutting tools, and fabric. Those supplies join a donated machine and two brought in by the instructors, fully equipping the space for beginners of all ages, though children must be accompanied by an adult.


Sisters Maria Ortega and Henrietta Martinez lead the monthly workshops. Henrietta lives in Cerro, and Maria lives nearby in Costilla. When asked who is the better quilter between the two, Maria laughed and mentioned her sister. Maria noted that after stepping away from sewing for a while, she is glad to be back into it. Her advice for anyone considering the class is simple and encouraging: “Just come out and try it, you might find out that you like it.”


The first gathering drew three participants who learned sewing basics, including how to thread a machine, wind a bobbin, sew a straight stitch, and cut materials. As attendees build confidence, instruction will progress to more detailed projects using the grant-funded supplies.


Organizers have kept the atmosphere casual and fun. For people who want to drop in, the room offers snacks, drinks, puzzles, and board games. The main idea behind the class is getting people out of the house to spend time together. “People say there’s never anything to do. Now they have the option of coming to the class,” says Maria.


The launch follows a difficult period for Cerro, which spent a month and a half without running water. With the water back, activity at the post is picking up.


Maria Ortega serves as Commander of the Cerro VFW, leading alongside Quartermaster Dee Dee Mead, Senior Vice Commander Chris Williams, and Junior Vice Commander Kenny Gallegos. The officers are working on renovations in the building’s old cantina portion with the goal of creating a community hangout space. “We would love to host more veterans at Cerro VFW. Feel free to join us,” Maria said.


All machines, fabric, tools, snacks, and drinks are provided free of charge. The next class is scheduled for Nov. 13 at 4 p.m.

  • Experience working with the USDA Forest Service and extensive knowledge of the northern region, while maintaining and fostering strong community relationships remain a big priority.