Happy New Year, Friends! Eliseo Torres, known to everyone as “Cheo,” has been fascinated by the folk traditions and folkways of Mexico and of his Mexican American roots. Both of his parents were versed in aspects of herbal lore and healing, and as he matured he learned from them a love and respect for the history and folk knowledge of the ancient art of curanderismo, or Mexican folk healing. “Cheo” received three degrees from Texas A&M University-Kingsville. He is currently the vice president for student affairs and a member of the faculty of the College of Education at the University of New Mexico, where he teaches three classes on traditional medicine and regularly lectures and gives presentations on the history and lore of curanderismo. His presentation will cover the revival of traditional medicine in the Southwest and Mexico through a brief discussion of its history from Mayan to Aztec to modern curanderos(as)/healers. In addition, some of the common rituals will be addressed, including: energetic cleansings (limpias), magical fright (susto), intestinal blockage (empacho) and a brief demonstration on laugh therapy (risa terapia). He has had four books published on his life and research in traditional medicine emphasizing medicinal plant and rituals. Published literature will be available for review and purchase if desired. Please bring a friend(s). This is sure to be an incredible presentation! Please make your reservations no later than Tuesday, January 8, 2019, by calling or texting Berta Wagstaff at 710-4448 or emailing her at vets4vets@aol.com. PLACE: Ramada Midtown (formerly Hotel Eleganté ) ADDRESS: 2020 Menaul Blvd. NE DATE: Saturday, January 12, 2019 TIME: 11:30 am COST: $15.00 per person (Checks, made out to FFNM, are preferred) NOTE: The Club must pay the hotel for all reservations. If you make a reservation and do not attend, you will be billed $15.00 for each reservation. Berta Wagstaff Membership Development Chair