By Amber Knox
Saturday, June 14, starting at 2 p.m., the 300 block of Main Street in Portales will be closed to traffic and open to families as The Well hosts its monthly block party. There is no entry fee for attendees, and vendors are still being accepted.
Residents may remember 311 Main Street as The Stargazer; it was then purchased and renovated, becoming the venue known as 311. Just over a year ago, the owners of 311 sold the property to Lindsay Keller, and it is now The Well.
“The Well is a bar & venue where the community can gather, share, and enjoy each other’s company. We sell New Mexico-made products (beer, wine, spirits, sodas, etc.) and will soon be opening up our kitchen to serve local favorites and seasonal local dishes. We collaborate with many local entrepreneurs to host various events and workshops for the community, alongside providing bar services for events held at the Williams Livestock Ranch & Five Heart Farms,” Keller said, describing the venue.
The Well is more than a venue, though. If you have found yourself on one of the community social media pages for Portales, you have most likely found those who complain about our community. They complain there is nothing to do or about the lack of progress. A recent post asked for people to comment on why they would ever choose to live here. The prompt wasn’t seeking favorable insights about the place many of us do choose to call home. No place is perfect, but for those who work to make our community better, the negativity spread online can be draining. But entertainment, progress, and positivity don’t just happen. It takes people to make a community what it is, whether it be the negative or the positive.
Lindsay Keller is one of the few who doesn’t just complain or expect someone else to make things better. She is one of our own who has stepped up to make a change.
When asked why she decided to purchase the venue that has become The Well, Keller explained, “I opened The Well to try and establish/grow a feeling of community within the area. I want it to be a comfortable place for all walks of life to find relaxation, enjoy a good conversation, laugh amongst each other, and share special moments. A place where artists feel comfortable and welcome to showcase their work. I hope that The Well does become one or many of these things for everyone that comes through the door. I hope we continue to grow on many different paths so we can cater to all areas of interest within the community.”
The second Saturday of each month, The Well holds a block party in collaboration with DJ-Foulmouth-J, Let’s Get Wiard Party Rentals, Horizon Cannabis, and many local vendors. “It is a family-friendly event with bounce houses, food trucks, local music, and amazing products from local vendors,” Keller said.
Other upcoming events include Books, Bites, and Bright Lights on June 19. This event will showcase local authors and the NY Times best-selling author Darynda Jones. Then, on June 21, the first Beer, Bourbon, & Blues event will take place, and the first Heritage Days Rib Cook-off is scheduled for July 19.
If you would like to support The Well’s ambition, positive thinking, and community involvement, stop by 311 Main Street in Portales on Fridays between 5 p.m. and midnight or Saturdays between 4 p.m. and midnight. For more information on The Well, visit their social media pages on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/enjoy.good.company/ and Facebook https://www.facebook.com/thewellnm
If you aren’t aware of those in the community who are proactive and are being the change they want to see, we at The Roosevelt Review are searching them out in an effort to highlight their work. Negativity can be like a virus, and these types of people are the remedy. Check out our website to find articles about RCEC broaching the water issue, a science teacher launching esports in a rural school, or Mike Davidson and Gary Watkins establishing the Portales Beautification Project. Let’s encourage one another through example and not let the negativity of a few drown out the voices of everyone who loves their home.
