By Joy Getha
I had the honor and privilege to conduct some fiber arts presentations and hands-on workshops in Elida, Nov 11 – 13, 2024. The art teacher, Julia Woodruff, worked with the staff to establish a schedule that allowed me to teach EVERY STUDENT, K-12, a little about sheep wool and how we use it. Nearly every student spun some wool yarn, using a drop spindle.
On the 11th, we had several “large group” presentations in the main gym. I set up two tables, one table of finished goods I’d made (hats, sweaters, socks, gloves, scarves) and one table of the process of turning raw wool into a finished item. The art teacher, Julie Woodruff, introduced me. Then I talked a little about myself, the fact I was a student at Elida (1966 – 1971), and about serving in the US Air Force. (It was Veteran’s Day, and I was wearing a Woman Veteran T-shirt.) Then I talked about the process of turning dirty sheep wool into something nice to wear. This included demonstrating carding wool and spinning it on drop spindles and a spinning wheel.
On the 12th and 13th, one full class at a time came to the gym lobby for some hands-on fun. All of the students except Kindergarten tried spinning wool on a drop spindle. The Kindergartners got to handle the spindles and the ball winder, and then touched and felt different kinds of fiber. The older students also got to try carding wool. We had a lot of fun. A few of the younger kids hugged me to thank me for my visit.
On the 13th, the school had a send-off of heroic proportions for their girls volleyball team. They were heading to the State Championship tournament. The entire student body lined the sidewalk in front of the school building, and the entire team paraded past the students, getting hi-fives and hugs. I was teary-eyed.
Every morning, the students enjoy a healthy breakfast and a sort of “pep” session. I didn’t attend those, but I heard a lot of cheering coming from the cafeteria. Later in the day, I heard cheering and happy screams from the auxiliary gym. Coach Chenault was getting “his” kids fired up about something!
Lunchtime is another time of love and joy. Beth Fair had obtained a grant for two salad bars, where staff and students can select fresh produce and other yummy, healthy food items. The main course and side dishes are served in the cafeteria line by Beth and her team. I also got to partake of their lunches. “Seconds” are usually available. “Seconds” on pizza day are very popular.
The love and joy at Elida’s public school is palpable. In the classroom, in the lunch room, gym and hallways, you can feel it. These kids and the school staff adore and respect each other. It was beautiful to witness, and I hope to go back soon.
About me:
Name: Joy Getha
Current Place of Residence: White Rock NM (Los Alamos County)
Current Career: Fiber Artist and Instructor
Job Title: Retired Software Engineer (Retired from Los Alamos National Laboratory)
Education: BS and MS in Software Engineering. AAS degrees in Management Information Systems and Instructor of Technology from Community College of the Air Force.
Family: Husband of 31 years Johnny (retired IT engineer). Stepson Michael, Major in the Air National Guard in Washington DC. Son Greg is an Engineer at Los Alamos National Lab. Currently have one “tuxedo” cat named Chloe.
Involvement in the livestock industry: Connoisseur of fine fleeces, both sheep and alpaca. Started spinning in 2000, started teaching in 2005. Love to visit alpaca farms. Have helped with shearing day, and have demonstrated spinning at many farm “open house” days. Have judged handspun yarn and handspinning fleeces at the Heart of NM Fiber and Art Gathering since 2022. Teach fiber arts classes at Espanola Valley Fiber Arts Center and Close-Knit Yarn Cooperative in Los Alamos.
General Information: Raised in New Mexico and Texas. Served as a computer programmer in the US Air Force, 1981 – 1996. Retired from Los Alamos National Lab in 2023. Love to travel, read sci-fi and history books. Dabble in dyeing, supplying hand-dyed fiber and yarn to Close-Knit Yarn Cooperative in Los Alamos. Favorite thing to do is teach fiber arts: spinning, processing fleece, dyeing, knitting, crocheting. I volunteer with Lemonade Living in Los Alamos to teach fiber arts in summer day camps. Member of La Vista Church of the Nazarene in White Rock, where I love to help put on Christmas and other Bible story plays. Member of Las Tejadores fiber art guild in Santa Fe.
Awards & Recognition (Fiber related): Won the spinning competition at Estes Park Wool Market several years ago (2015?), in the “Professional” division, for some fully hand-processed-from-fleece white 2-ply yarn. Had a yarn sample published in Spin-Off! several years ago. Won several blue ribbons and Reserve Grand Champion for handspun yarn at the Elbert County (Colorado) Fair in 2003.
