Memorial Day 2010

Ann Baca, the sister of Isidro Baca, who was killed in Vietnam, lays a wreath at the foot of the monument at Isidro Baca Park.

Photo by Vanessa Quinones

Memorial Day 2010

Memorial Day 2010

The DAV color guard executed three rifle volleys Monday. From left: Frank Torres, Tom Delahanty, Vidal Moya, David Zamora and Leonard Clapes.

Photo by Nicky Romero

Memorial Day 2010

New Store Opens In Quemado

By Debbie Leschner
For the Mountain Mail

QUEMADO -- Owners Tommy and Joy Padilla have opened the doors to Rito Quemado on Friday, May 28, 2010.
Quemado's new convenience store and gas station is located off Highway 60 in the middle of town. The project has been in the making for over three years with it ups and downs.
The Padillas had help from their sons Jared and Kriston Padilla who own and operate A-3 Demolition in Queen Creek, Ariz.

“It was Jared and Kriston who got the site cleaned up and ready,” Tommy said.
Their daughter Dr. Stephanie Padilla, an OBGYN with Lovelace Women Center in Albuquerque came down and assisted when she was able. When asked why a convenience store, both Joy and Tommy agreed it was “something needed in town and we felt it would do good.”
Why the name Rito Quemado?
The Padilla family goes back a ways in Quemado history. Tommy was born and raised in the area. Steve and Placy Padilla are Tommy's parents and still very active in the community. The store name blends some old and some new. The original Indian settlement site was at the base of Rito Hill about four miles east of the current Quemado and back to the north. El Rito means little river or creek. According to Tommy, this is where an area was cleared “burned” of brush so that animals could be easily hunted for food.
Paul Templeton, a very familiar face in Quemado, will manage the store with about four other employees.
“I am very excited and hope everyone comes to see us,” Paul said of the opening.
”We are planning a special grand opening on the 4th of July,” Tommy said.
The gas station/store carries a full selection of fuels, convenience foods, fresh produce, dairy and everyday staples. You will now be able to purchase lottery tickets and scratchers in Quemado.
The store will be open seven days a week from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. The gas pumps will be available 24 hours a day. The store phone number is 575 773-4664.

New Store Opens In Quemado

Grizz Project To Present Benefit Concert

Mountain Mail Reports

The Grizz Project of Magdalena Aiding Animals, Inc. is presenting a benefit concert by folk singer Mac Johnson, Saturday, June 19, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., at Bear Mountain Coffee House in Magdalena.
Mac Johnson first began playing the guitar at age 11. His grandfather, who played on the Grand Ole Opry in the 1930’s, helped Mac pick out his first guitar and taught him to chord, pick and sing. Since then, Mac has been playing folk, cowboy and country music, as well as performing in staged productions and Country Gospel programs in various cities in Nevada.
Cash donations accepted in lieu of a concert cover charge will benefit The Grizz Project, a non-profit, charitable organization dedicated to relieving suffering and furthering the humane treatment of animals, most specifically, dogs, cats and horses, living in and around the Village of Magdalena.
Bear Mountain Coffee House and Art Gallery is located at 902 West First Street (Highway 60) in Magdalena.

Grizz Project To Present Benefit Concert

Memorial Day Had Something For Just About Everybody

Luna News
By Kay Mindar

Memorial Day is unofficially the beginning of the summer and tourist season and here in Luna we saw many in and around town that were enjoying the beautiful weather.
There was something for everyone here and in surrounding areas with craft and rummage sales, vintage car shows, motorcycle riders and bicycle groups. Extended families and friends enjoyed the sunshine and scenery. The Luna cemetery benefited by the many visitors who came to town to decorate the graves of servicemen and ancestors.

A memorial service was held Monday for Merle Reynolds. Family and friends gathered at the Luna Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints to pay their respects. Merle was the son of Harry and “Lottie” Reynolds.

The tourist months bring many visitors from Eastern Europe to Luna to take pictures. Why? Apparently our own Luna Service Station is world famous and they just have to get a photo of the sign and building. In searching we could not find a specific reference on travel sites, although at Gilascapes.com you will see wonderful pictures in Linda Aragon’s Guide to Southwest New Mexico.

Big changes are being made for the Luna Park in their new location at the Community Center. At 9 a.m. the next two Saturdays are being set aside as community work days to set up equipment and prepare the grounds. There will also be a 50/50 raffle held to boost the Park’s funds so watch for upcoming ticket sales.

This year’s Independence Day celebration will be held Saturday July 3 at the community center and new park.

In preparation for this summer festivities, many thanks go out to LaVor and Myrna Nikolaus for their service in mowing the grass and weeds around the old church.

Many in Luna have noticed a change in their cell phone reception in the past week; some nearly jumping out of their skin when their pockets start singing ringtones and others are enjoying a long awaited signal where before there was only dead air space. We have to admit there are some of us who liked being able to say we were out of area and had to turn ourselves off from 24/7 calls and text messages. The specific information on the tower is still vague. If you are experiencing difficulties in programming your cell phone you are encouraged to call your wireless provider for help.

Mark your calendars for the second annual Preparedness Fair 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, June 12, at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints Stake Center across the street from Basha’s in Eagar, Arizona. Everyone is invited and encouraged to attend. There will be over 50 booths with a wealth of information, hands on demos and mini classes. Also a U. of A. extension office representative will be on hand to test the gauges on pressure cookers for accuracy.

It is never too late to start; Project Noah flyers are still available by sending a legal envelope with double postage to P.O. Box 42 Luna, NM 87824.

Quote of the week:
“You might as well fall flat on your face as you lean over too far backward."
~James Thurber

Memorial Day Had Something For Just About Everybody

All Dogs, Including Sylvia, Just Gotta Bark

Sylvia
By Anne Sullivan

“Now, Sylvia,” I said yesterday as we took our morning walk to gather pine cones and branches for the coming winter’s fires. Winter was sure to start with a snowstorm right after Labor Day and Boy Scouts aren’t the only ones who believe in being prepared. “What on earth were you barking about all night long? I barely got an hour’s sleep.”
“Surely you exaggerate,” she said. “However, since you ask, I really can’t remember exactly what it was all about. I’m very tired. You have no idea how exhausting it is to bark for hours. Not every one could do it. I do know it was something important, something very suspicious, something vital to our survival. Probably something big was about to attack us.”
“I see,” I said through gritted teeth. “I guess I owe you a vote of thanks for saving us.”
“It was nothing, boss,” she said with undue cheer. “I’d do it for you anytime.”
We trudged on through the ponderosas as I slipped the pine cones Sylvia brought to me into a garbage bag.
“How many dogs write poetry?” Sylvia asked out of the blue.
“I don’t know. Surely some,” I replied. “There are more dogs than you could shake a stick at writing books these days.”
“Hmm,” muttered Sylvia who was surprisingly silent the rest of our walk.
When we were back home Sylvia asked for pen and paper. When delivered, she disappeared into her house on the porch for quite some time.
An hour or thereabouts passed before Sylvia entered the world again, the paper clutched in her teeth. She deposited this in my lap saying only “Here.”
And this is what she wrote:

Hark,
I’ve gotta bark.
What a lark.
Bark, bark.

Why,
You wonder why
I’ve gotta bark.
It’s a lark.
Bark, bark.

Why
I’ve gotta bark
Nobody knows.
It’s a dog thing.
Bark, bark.

Night,
All night long
I’ve gotta bark
As soon as it’s dark
Bark, bark.

Stop,
I’ll never stop
Until I drop.
It’s a real lark.
Bark, bark.

Morning,
I don’t gotta bark.
I’ve made my mark.
What a lark.
Bark, bark.

All Dogs, Including Sylvia, Just Gotta Bark

Quemado News: Rodeo Scheduled For Saturday; Senior Center Activities

Quemado News
By Debbie Leschner

The Quemado Rodeo is scheduled for Saturday, June 5 at the Heritage Arena in Quemado. The events are Mutton Busting for children 6 years and younger, Calf roping ages 7 to 9 years, Pee Wee Bull Riding ages 10 to 12, Jr. Bull Riding ages 13 to 15, Sr. Bull Riding ages 16 to 19. The action starts at 12:30 p.m. The arena is located one mile north of J and Y gas station near the Quemado gun range.

At the Quemado Senior Center, activities for the week include pool practice on Tuesday, June 8 with quilting and bingo on Thursday. Need a special gift for someone? All seniors are welcome. Call the center at 773-4820 before 9 a.m. to make your lunch reservations.

Quemado Schools will hold a basketball camp and skills workshop June 7 through June 11. Summer school will be held during the month of June. Call the school office for more information on these activities.

The Rural Book Mobile will be here on Tuesday, June 8 by the Quemado post office at 3:45 p.m., Other stops include the Datil post office at 1 p.m., the Pie Town post office at 2:30 p.m and the Alamo Cherry housing at 10:30 a.m.

Frozen Fruit Orders are now being taken for Summer delivery. This is an opportunity to order freshly frozen fruit from a farm the Bithell Farms in Boring Oregon. Various types of berries, cherries, peaches, apples, apricots and red rhubarb are available. You may get an order form from Janene Prudler at 575 773-4739. Order forms are due by June 27.

The Datil Food Pantry second annual fundraising auction will be on June 12 in the Datil school and Presbyterian Church parking lots. It will start around 10 a.m. and run throughout the day. For information, please call Nancy Wettach at 505-240-1271.

Note: Know of anything going on or a special event in a family or school, please let me know. Good news can't be shared if it is unknown. Call 773-4119 or email at mmquemado@hotmail.com

Quemado News: Rodeo Scheduled For Saturday; Senior Center Activities

Fisher Prescribed Fire To Cover 7,000 Acres

The Cibola National Forest, Magdalena Ranger District implemented the Fisher prescribed burn Wednesday, June 2. The Fisher prescribed burn area covers approximately 7,000 acres and is about 35 miles southwest of Magdalena, in the San Mateo Mountains. Smoke can be expected for several days and will probably be visible from US Highway 60 west of Magdalena. Fire personnel will patrol for as long as necessary after ignition to ensure public safety.
Prescribed burns are designed to remove hazardous fuels from the landscape in order to reduce the intensity of a future Wildland wildfire and help restore forest and watershed health and wildlife habitat by utilizing fire in a managed environment.
During the prescribed burn additional fire vehicles will be in the area. Motorists are urged to use caution if driving in this area as visibility might be poor due to smoke.
For more information, contact the Magdalena Ranger District at 575-854-2281.

Fisher Prescribed Fire To Cover 7,000 Acres

For The Love Of Dance

By Gary Jaramillo
Publisher, Mountain Mail

Some time ago Julie Cottom suffered a stroke that debilitated her and left the future unsure for the beloved local famed dance instructor and native Socorroan. The news of Julie’s stroke was a shock for all in Socorro and really hit home for many Socorroans because people were saying, “not Julie, she’s done so much for Socorro children.”
No one has ever found the answer as to why awful things happen to our most beloved, but Julie never let it get her down and continued the Cottom School of Dance, and with help from former students the school has continued on quite well.
After her mother moved away from Socorro, Julie continued to build the dance school into a permanent and important part of Socorro. Many young ladies and boys have learned specialty dancing from Julie throughout the years and all of them owe her a debt of gratitude because they didn’t only learn about dancing, but they learned etiquette, manners, respect and love for other people. Julie has also been teaching for the Socorro Consolidated Schools for some time as well.
Julie walked into the Mountain Mail this week to order an ad for her annual Dance recital this weekend, and I haven’t seen a more vibrant and hopeful beautiful young lady like Julie in sometime. She hasn’t let the stroke slow her down and plans to begin teaching full dance classes and high school english classes again very soon.
Too often we hear about medical setbacks that completely slow ones life to a crawl, but not in Julie’s case. I haven’t seen anyone so happy and ready to take on the world as my friend Julie.
If this stroke stuff thought it was going to win, it was dead wrong. Julie has it on the run and is on her way to a completely positive recovery, physically and psychologically . She’s always been one of Socorro toughest and devoted business women, and now she’s proving it with flying colors.
When she left the office, I felt good about life and the possibilities ahead. It’s obvious that Julie is now teaching something called “life lessons and how to live through the roughest of challenges with a smile.” Julie said, it’s just life and you just have to keep living it every day and never stop being positive about every part of it.
I have no doubt that Julie will be back to 100 percent in the very near future and will be continuing on with her love for dance, children and life. Now if that isn’t good news that should get everyone moving and thinking more positively about their current troubles, then I don’t know what is?
The Mountain Mail crew wishes Julie the absolute best in her recovery and the wonderful things she plans to continue with very soon. The coolest thing is that all of us will reap the benefits of her wonderful attitude and outlook on the challenges she has had to face. If all of us just give a tiny amount of the will that Julie has shown, we’ll all be just fine in the long run.
This good news is brought to you by the words: hope, hard work, love, family, friends, faith and spirit!

For The Love Of Dance

Wild Turkey Federation Banquet Set For June 12 In Socorro

Mountain Mail reports

The San Agustin Chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation is holding its Fifth Annual Hunting Heritage Banquet Sunday, June 12, at Rancher’s Steakhouse.
Kevin Carson, one of the organizers, said the evening will feature games, raffles, auctions, and prizes.
“This year’s banquet will have some excellent framed art works, sculptures, jewelry, camping and hunting gear, seven guns, and hunts,” Carson said. “Most of all, lots of fun and a delicious meal.”
Door prizes will be given out through the evening.
Proceeds from the verbal and silent auctions, various raffles, and other games will go toward the conservation of the wild turkey and other wildlife and their habitats, he said.
In a press release, Chapter Chair Carlos Madril said the Hunting Heritage banquets are the means by which the National Wild Turkey Federation and its volunteers raise money for its various programs.
As a result of last year’s banquet habitat projects were implemented on lands administered by the U.S. Forest Service-Magdalena Ranger District and the BLM Field Office. Other projects included the Annual JAKES Event (Juniors Acquiring Knowledge, Ethics and Sportsmanship); Conservation scholarships; Turkey Hunters Care Program; and helping to fund the Socorro County 4-H chapter.
The festivities begin at 5:30 p.m., with dinner being served at 7 p.m.
The cost is $40 per person, or $60 per couple. Existing members pay only $15

Wild Turkey Federation Banquet Set For June 12 In Socorro