The Socorro Warriors baseball team will play as a No. 7 seed in the 2010 NM State Baseball Championship Tournament and will host Ruidoso on Friday, May 7 starting at 4 p.m.
Coach Alan Edmonson said, “Ruidoso is a very good ball club. They're definitely better than a ten spot. They've had some kids missing for various reasons, so there's a good possibility that they win their district. I feel like in terms of athleticism and baseball players they're definitely one of the one of the better four or five teams in the state. We will definitely will have our hands full come Friday night.”
Socorro ended the regular season in second place in District 3-3A. Ruidoso (13-10, 10-6) finished in third place in District 4-3A.
If Socorro wins, it will travel to Rio Rancho to play in a quarterfinal game on Wednesday, May 13 at 2 p.m. They will play the winner of No. 15 Robertson vs. No. 2 Bloomfield.
Socorro (14-11, 7-2) completed its regular season with a doubleheader sweep of the Hot Springs Tigers on April 30 and a five-game winning streak.
The Warriors won the games 9-4 and 12-5.
Edmonson said, “I am pleased to come out with two wins. We've won six out of the last seven games. We're playing much better baseball than we were at the middle of the season. Going into playoffs, this is the time you want to be playing your best baseball.”
Six Warrior seniors also played their last regular season home games. They were Kenneth DeCosta, Jonathan Dibartolomeo, Brandon Garcia, Irving Gomez, Justus Jaramillo, and Charles Savedra.
In the first game, Hot Springs (7-11, 1-8) took its only lead of the game 1-0 in the first inning. After giving up this one run on a cold and windy day, starting pitcher Michael Chavez warmed up and allowed only three more runs the rest of the game.
Socorro quickly got back the lead in their part of the first. Chavez doubled to right-center field. Jaramillo singled to right field to bring in Chavez and tie the game. Jaramillo later scored on a steal and on a throwing error to third base to take the lead.
The Warriors added a run in the second for a 3-1 lead. Hot Springs came back and tied the game with two runs in the third.
Socorro took the lead back in the fifth on a double to left-center field by Freddy Martinez who brought in two runs. Decosta singled to center field to score Martinez and give Socorro a 6-3 lead.
In the second game, Hot Springs again took an early 1-0 lead in the first inning. The Warriors scored two of their own on an RBI single by starting pitcher Charlie Savedra. Jaramillo ran home on a throwing error to center field.
Ibrahim Maiga added a run in the second for a 3-1 lead. Hot Springs tied the game in the third.
Socorro took the lead for the final time in the third with Jaramillo scoring on a passed ball. Zack Binger hit a double to right-center for the other RBI of the inning and a 5-3 lead.
Socorro's big inning was in the fifth where they scored five more runs. Savedra pitched a full six innings for the win. Martinez came in for relief duties in the seventh.
“I'm pleased with everyone's performance today,” said Edmonson. “We hit the ball pretty good. My pitchers threw well---Michael and Charlie. My catcher Justin Padilla was outstanding. He's just improved as the season has gone on. Every week we've noticed he's got a little bit better.”
Friday, May 7, 2010
Warriors Go To State Tourney
Thursday, May 6, 2010
515th Comes Home
After being deployed to Iraq over 10 months ago, the New Mexico National Guard 515th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion returned home Wednesday, May 5. The two bus loads of soldiers, on their way to the battalion’s New Mexico headquarters in Belen, passed through Socorro with a police escort down California Street at about 3:30 p.m. Vietnam veterans on motorcycles also joined the procession. Dozens of well wishers lining the street waved to the returning troops and held signs of gratitude for their service. The battalion left for Iraq on June 22, 2009. The 515th includes Socorroans Ernest Archuleta, Donnie Braught, David Buczala, Pedro Guerrero, Manuel Lopez, Gilbert Murillo, Patrick Murillo and Chris Van Winkle. An official Welcome Home event was held later Wednesday afternoon at the Calvary Church in Belen.
Socorro Students Injured In Rollover
Four Socorro High students and Future Farmers of America instructor Bryan Mitchell were injured in a car accident Tuesday morning just outside of Tucumcari on Interstate 40.
The crash occurred at 6:45 a.m. on Interstate 40 near Mile Marker 330, outside of Tucumcari, State Police Capt. Jimmy Glascock told the Quay County Sun.
According to Glascock, Mitchell, 48, was eastbound when the 2005 Ford Excursion he was driving traveled into the median. Glascock said Mitchell overcorrected and the vehicle rolled, coming to rest in the eastbound lanes. Mitchell received a citation for careless driving. The newspaper reported he told officers he swerved to avoid hitting a coyote in the road. The five were on their way to Oklahoma City to take part in a FFA national competition. The Socorro team was going to compete in the pasture and range category.
Socorro Schools Superitendent Cheryl Wilson did not have many details, but said “all the kids and teacher are safe with minor injuries. I am just thrilled everybody is OK.”
Wilson said she heard about the accident after receiving a phone call at 7:30 a.m. and the five returned to Socorro Tuesday night.
Picture: This is the photo of the vehicle taken by a cell phone at the scene. Courtesy photo
Attorney: SEC Trustees Can Live By Old Rules
SOCORRO – Passing resolutions and making bylaw changes are one thing.
But implementing them is a totally different animal.
Just ask the Socorro Electric Cooperative Board of Trustees.
“You can vote in all the resolutions you want,” trustee Donald Wolberg said at the regularly scheduled meeting April 28. “But there is always the problem of implementation.”
Attorney Dennis Francish believes the trustees can live by the old rules until their terms run out.
Francish said that since the trustees were elected under an old set of rules, they apply until the end of the term. That means Francish is counseling the trustees to ignore the $10,000 spending limit and go about as business as usual.
Trustees Milton Ulibarri and Leroy Anaya asked what rules they were living by since they had made plans to make trips for cooperative business.
Anaya was traveling to Washington this week for a National Rural Electric Cooperative Association legislative session and Ulibarri was planning a June trip to Ruidoso as a NRECA delegate at the state convention.
Francish told the board that they were “grandfathered” in under the old rules when they were elected.
Trustee Prescilla Mauldin asked “what about the $10,000 limit? Isn’t that the wishes of the members?
Francish used such legal terms as “course of conduct” and "implied consent." He said those legal arguments could exclude the trustees from the new bylaw and that they should be compensated at the same rate as when they started.
Since the board still had a 1967 resolution on the books which allowed trustees to receive insurance benefits, Francish said there was no violation of the trustees exceeding the new limit.
“If you pay more than $10,000, you are not violating anything,” Francish said.
In fact, the attorney went on to say that the members anything,” Francish said.
In fact, the attorney went on to say that the members made a mistake when they voted to change the bylaw regarding trustee spending. He said the money spent is part of doing company business.
“What do you want to do?” Francish asked. “Do you want to stop doing company business? You can’t stop doing business. You will hurt the company.”
The attorney did say, though, if the members insisted on the trustees living by the new rules, it likely would end up in court.
"There's no easy answer and that's where the courts come in and answer the question,” Francish said.
In other business:
• The board passed resolutions and signed all the necessary paperwork that allows the SEC to get a $24 million loan from the USDA Rural Development Association.
• Bustamante said there would be time set aside at the May meeting for members to address the board.
• Francish requested a resolution that was passed by the board that stated the SEC was aware that the attorney also represented another co-op (the Continental Divide). The attorney said if there was ever a conflict of interest, he would recuse himself.
• Co-op general manager Polo Pineda said a number of customers have come into the office and asked if rates are going to come down because of the recent propositions that were passed by the members in April. Pineda said that is quite the contrary and he will be asking for a rate increase in the coming months.
• The board approved a $300 donation to a Belen youth football team.
Tripp To Sponsor Legislation
State Representative Don Tripp announced last week that he will introduce legislation to change the state statute that prevents mail-in ballots for the Electric Co-Ops district meetings.
“The district meetings are where the Co-op trustees are elected and there are many folks, particularly in the outlying districts, that just can’t get to the meetings to vote in person. Now that the membership has voted to amend the co-op by-laws to allow mail-in voting and that the Trustees have accepted the changes it is my job as your State Representative to propose the legislation needed at the state level.”
Tripp went on to say that, “The co-op manager Polo Pineda brought it up to the PRC Commissioner at his last town meeting but there has been nothing proposed at the legislative level, so I will carry it forward. Everyone should have the opportunity to have their voice heard in our elections and particularly in co-op districts one and five that can only be made practical by allowing mail-in voting. We allow it in our governmental elections so it just makes sense to allow it in the co-op elections also.
“I commend the co-op members on their willingness to get involved in the voting process and the Trustees and management of the Co-Op for their cooperation. It is my hope that the necessary legislative changes will take place at the next session, empowering all the members in the management of their co-op.”
Last Chapter: Fite Recalls Life On The Homestead
The following is the 5th and final part of an Oral History interview with homesteader Evelyn Fite. The interview was conducted by Bureau of Land Management Archaeologist Brenda Wilkinson in 2009.
Evelyn: 
“The wind would blow, oohhh. We had a screened – two adobe rooms, and Mr. Fernandez built it. He was an old Spaniard, and he worked in the coal mines, and he saved his money and he homesteaded that place. And he bought a cow, and then he’d save his money and he had a partner, Mr. Olguin. So they went partners and bought a little piece of land there, and they accumulated some cattle. And he was a fine old gentleman, and Dean and I used to go see him. Spoke Castilian Spanish, had blue eyes. And he was such a gentleman, and he lived in those two adobe rooms and, well, we’d have to go by there with cattle when we’d bring ‘em to town and finally he wanted to sell out. So Dean could buy him out, but he couldn’t get his partner. He had to buy his partner out too. And I think he wanted twenty five hundred dollars.
Now that doesn’t seem like much now, but back then land wasn’t worth a lot of money, and see, mostly it’s BLM land, all you’re buying is that little piece of patented land that they’re on.
So Dean went to Albuquerque and got some - two thousand, five hundred dollars in five dollar bills and one dollar bills - a whole bag full of bills. And I figured, at that time he went up there and he bought a car. And he sent me home in that car and he was following me and I had that bag of money and I was so worried about it. I’d had to learn to drive when I went to the ranch, I hadn’t driven a car.
Anyhow, he took that little bag of money and he went down to this little adobe house on the river there at San Antonio and this old couple lived there. And, well they weren’t old, but they’d - you know - worked hard all their life. And he had that money out on the floor, and they finally agreed they’d take that. He took that money, built the bar down here. It was off-limits to the CCC boys because they had - they had women in the back and everything. He made more money on that bar than we ever made on that ranch. Trust me. Every time we’d drive by there Dean said ‘look at that.’
You know where the railroad track is? It was just across the track on the right. Yeah, I think they called it the 85. Not many people went in there, it was a little rowdy. Then later on it got so’s it was OK.
But they wouldn’t let the CCC boys go there. Anyhow, they had 300 boys from Brooklyn and put ‘em in that CCC camp. And they had never been off of pavement in their life. And they’d talk ‘dese’ and ‘dem’ and ‘doze’ and they were terrified. They just knew there were snakes gonna get ‘em and coyotes were gonna get ‘em. They were an absolute delight, ‘cause they were totally different than anybody I’d ever been around. But they had instructors. They were our friends. They had an educational advisor, Mr. Bulger was his name. He’d try to teach ‘em how to type. CCC camps were wonderful. Saved so many boys lives, taught ‘em how to use their hands, and, a whole different world to them. And taught ‘em how to write, and how to, you know, kind of like army life. And they learned to type, and they had three square meals a day.
And they’d send $22 home to their families, which saved their families’ lives. I’m talkin’ ‘bout $22. Doesn’t seem like much now - people go down and sit in a restaurant now and spend $22 without battin’ an eyelash, but that was a lot of money then. And it would BUY something.
Anyhow, they had hired men who badly needed jobs, to take care of these guys. To cook for ‘em and teach ‘em and take ‘em out in the field to teach ‘em how to work. So they had a whole crew hired, like Obama would imagine he’d like to do now you know, but we don’t have that same kind of situation. And they’d stay, how long was it, two years? I’ve forgotten, but there were CCC camps all over the country. Oh, they built sidewalks and had a fountain, and they had a recreation room, and they had a pool hall. Three hundred of ‘em. And Mr. Bulger, he educated ‘em. He was telling me the story, he was teaching ‘em about you didn’t steal and you know, some moral things in life.”
Government Programs Evelyn:
“Well, to old timers and people that were raised in open country, they resented all that. But I’ve always recognized what land management means to this country, ‘cause they were ruining it. They - just destroyin’ it. That area where we bought that ranch had been sheeped out and stuff, and I lived there. It was 50 years before that sand hill got enough grass, bushes on it and brush - 50 years - to make a showing. ‘Cause that used to be a really bare sand hill. But gradually over the years, with land management….It’s a fragile country. You cannot do that. I’m a land management fan. Some of it I think was kind of poorly handled, but it still was the right idea. Generally speaking it was a fine idea.”
Evelyn: “Before that time, any time a calf or a cow got an open wound or something, the flies would lay eggs in there and there’d be worms in there, screw worms. Yeah, so you couldn’t brand or dehorn. You branded early, or you waited until after it frosted, because if you didn’t , well then they’d get screw worms. And on that river they could get screw worms, if they’d get scratched you know, and get a bloody place, and you had to ride all the time you know and watch for it. ‘Cause it would kill cattle. They’d just eat the - see in the Civil War they used screw worms to clean out wounds. They’d have these flies to lay eggs on these wounds and they’d clean all the dead flesh out of it and they’d take the flies out and that wound would heal.
But if you have it on an animal and they run out of dead flesh they keep on eating. So they developed this sterile fly program, which was WONDERFUL. See, you had screw worms all the way in Florida, all the way through the south, and Texas, and all the way to South America, and Mexico. Lost lots of cattle to screw worms. Couldn’t have Hereford cattle at all. ‘Cause they were too fragile. And they started dropping those sterile flies, pretty soon we had no more screw worms. Oh, it was a wonderful program. And uh, particularly for people who live in the south. And on that river, deer would get ‘em and, anything that had a bloody spot would get screw worms and it would kill it.
It took a few years. And every time after that, gradually, if you’d find an animal with screw worms, they’d give you a little bottle with an address on it, and you’d mail it in, and the location, and they’d come drop a few more of those sterile flies. And I haven’t heard of screw worms in a long time.
And SCS - we built dirt tanks, and did erosion work, and Dean bought a Caterpillar and helped some people, get rid of the cedar trees, you know. I didn’t care for that program (chaining).”
Picture: Evelyn: “That looks like Dean. He’s showing off. He always acted silly when you were trying to take a picture. That was a long time ago. I look pretty young there.” Photo courtesy of Evelyn Fite
State Looks To Replace Illegal Cesspools
The Environmental Dept. will administer the program by recruiting and screening indigent households, issuing price agreements with licensed construction contractors, and by permitting, overseeing and inspecting the construction work.
“Improper septic systems create public health hazards by polluting water supply wells and by allowing sewage to pond on the ground’s surface,” said Environment Secretary and Natural Resource Trustee Ron Curry in a press release. “This project will make a dent in the number of improper septic systems that threaten the health of our citizens. The project will also provide work to the construction contractors who will be selected through a competitive bidding process.”
The project area also includes Sandoval and Valencia Counties.
Applicants who are within 150 percent of the 2009 Poverty Guidelines established by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services will qualify as indigent and will be eligible for assistance. Eligible applicants will be provided with assistance on a first-come, first-serve basis until depletion of the funds. Application forms for this project can be found on the NMED website at: http://www.nmenv.state. nm.us/fod/LiquidWaste/documents/MRGB.Indigent.Program.pdf.
Sheriff's Blotter
Mar. 15
A vehicle was southbound on Interstate 25 at mile marker 183 when the driver dozed off at 11:50 a.m. The vehicle exited the roadway and into the median. He overcorrected and exited the roadway off the west shoulder and rolled over. There was extensive damage to the vehicle.
Mar. 16
A Socorro woman reported at 8:30 a.m. that her vehicle had been hit, damaging the rear bumper and left side. The driver of the unknown vehicle had failed to report striking her car. No suspects on the hit-and-run.
A Mountainair woman reported at 5 p.m. that unknown suspects had caused damage to the gate and lock on her property. The lock had been cut and the gate was bent when they attempted to enter the property. No suspects at time of report.
A man on Lopezville Road reported at 6:23 p.m. that an unknown suspect entered his residence and took audio/visual equipment and food from therein. The front door to his residence had been pried open.
A man in Veguita reported at 10 p.m. that damage had been done to his camper trailer. Two windows had been broken out, one with a brick and another with a blunt object. Blood was located outside one window indicating the suspect possibly attempted to open the window. He believes he knows the identity of the suspect.
Mar. 18
A Socorro man reported at 1 p.m. that he was driving north on Hope Farm Road behind another vehicle. He stated the driver of the other vehicle pulled over and gave him a signal to pass. When he attempted to pass the other vehicle came back into his lane and he struck it. His vehicle had damage to the right front fender. The officer did not meet with the suspect driver or see the suspect’s vehicle.
Mar. 21
A Las Cruces woman was northbound on Interstate 25 at mile marker 136 when her vehicle exited the roadway and rolled over at 4 p.m. She stated she did not know why she lost control of her car and remembers nothing of the crash. The vehicle was towed from the scene and no enforcement action was taken.
An Escondida man reported at 5 p.m. that vicious dogs have chased him and other bikers in the area. He stated that the suspect’s dog chased him, almost causing him to fall from his bike. The officer observed the dog chase after vehicles and other bicyclists. The dog’s owner was issued an animal control citation.
Mar. 22
An officer learned at 6:40 p.m. that a woman with warrants for her arrest was at an address in Lemitar. She was arrested and taken to the Socorro County Detention Center.
A Veguita woman reported at 9 p.m. that someone had possibly stolen her cell phone. She said she lost the phone a couple of days prior and then noticed a charge on her phone bill after she found it missing. No suspects at time of report.
Mar. 27
A complainant in Veguita reported at noon that unknown suspects entered a storage unit on Campos Road and took seven breaker boxes, copper wire, and attempted to take a water tank. Entry was made by prying the front door open. He said he is taking care of the unit for the owner in Missouri.
Mar. 29
A San Antonio man reported at 10 a.m. that another man damaged a corner post marking his property. The corner post was two railroad ties with a board connecting them. The middle board had been knocked off by the suspect when he was moving dirt in the area. He agreed to repair the damage.
Sheriff's Blotter
Mar. 15
A vehicle was southbound on Interstate 25 at mile marker 183 when the driver dozed off at 11:50 a.m. The vehicle exited the roadway and into the median. He overcorrected and exited the roadway off the west shoulder and rolled over. There was extensive damage to the vehicle.
Mar. 16
A Socorro woman reported at 8:30 a.m. that her vehicle had been hit, damaging the rear bumper and left side. The driver of the unknown vehicle had failed to report striking her car. No suspects on the hit-and-run.
A Mountainair woman reported at 5 p.m. that unknown suspects had caused damage to the gate and lock on her property. The lock had been cut and the gate was bent when they attempted to enter the property. No suspects at time of report.
A man on Lopezville Road reported at 6:23 p.m. that an unknown suspect entered his residence and took audio/visual equipment and food from therein. The front door to his residence had been pried open.
A man in Veguita reported at 10 p.m. that damage had been done to his camper trailer. Two windows had been broken out, one with a brick and another with a blunt object. Blood was located outside one window indicating the suspect possibly attempted to open the window. He believes he knows the identity of the suspect.
Mar. 18
A Socorro man reported at 1 p.m. that he was driving north on Hope Farm Road behind another vehicle. He stated the driver of the other vehicle pulled over and gave him a signal to pass. When he attempted to pass the other vehicle came back into his lane and he struck it. His vehicle had damage to the right front fender. The officer did not meet with the suspect driver or see the suspect’s vehicle.
Mar. 21
A Las Cruces woman was northbound on Interstate 25 at mile marker 136 when her vehicle exited the roadway and rolled over at 4 p.m. She stated she did not know why she lost control of her car and remembers nothing of the crash. The vehicle was towed from the scene and no enforcement action was taken.
An Escondida man reported at 5 p.m. that vicious dogs have chased him and other bikers in the area. He stated that the suspect’s dog chased him, almost causing him to fall from his bike. The officer observed the dog chase after vehicles and other bicyclists. The dog’s owner was issued an animal control citation.
Mar. 22
An officer learned at 6:40 p.m. that a woman with warrants for her arrest was at an address in Lemitar. She was arrested and taken to the Socorro County Detention Center.
A Veguita woman reported at 9 p.m. that someone had possibly stolen her cell phone. She said she lost the phone a couple of days prior and then noticed a charge on her phone bill after she found it missing. No suspects at time of report.
Mar. 27
A complainant in Veguita reported at noon that unknown suspects entered a storage unit on Campos Road and took seven breaker boxes, copper wire, and attempted to take a water tank. Entry was made by prying the front door open. He said he is taking care of the unit for the owner in Missouri.
Mar. 29
A San Antonio man reported at 10 a.m. that another man damaged a corner post marking his property. The corner post was two railroad ties with a board connecting them. The middle board had been knocked off by the suspect when he was moving dirt in the area. He agreed to repair the damage.
Socorro To Receive Infrastructure Funding
Socorro will receive a $1.5 million grant and a $515,000 loan from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Economic Development Agency. The funds will be used to extend distribution lines and lift stations.
“This investment in Socorro will benefit residents who are not yet served by the city’s water and wastewater infrastructure. It is a tremendous investment in the people – and the future – of Socorro,” Bingaman said.
The grant will not have to be repaid; the loan will be repaid over 40 years at an interest rate of 2.5 percent.
Last year, the USDA made a similar investment in Socorro’s water/wastewater infrastructure when it awarded the city a $1.08 million grant and a $132,000 loan. Bingaman was in Socorro in February to celebrate that announcement. Socorro was also awarded a $75,000 grant this year from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.
“Infrastructure projects like this have long-lasting, important benefits right here at home in New Mexico,” Teague said. “By expanding utility access and resources, the city of Socorro will be better able to service area residents while creating much needed jobs in the community.”
USDA Rural Development’s mission is to increase economic opportunity and improve the quality of life for rural residents. Rural Development fosters growth in homeownership, finances business development and supports the creation of critical community and technology infrastructure.
LULAC Director Posthumously Honored
Helen Gonzales was born and raised in Socorro, attended Mt. Carmel Catholic School for eight years and graduated from Socorro High School. For many years, she was actively involved with LULAC. She served as president of the Las Cruces council and as a board member of SER-Jobs For Progress, Inc., while also attending New Mexico State University and raising a family.
Gonzales became the Deputy State Director, and then was elected and served two terms as state director. While state director, Helen enjoyed the challenges of the position and worked tirelessly to ensure that the office was run in an efficient, honest and professional manner. She obtained funding from various state and national corporations to fund the office, publish the NM LULAC magazine, set up numerous job fairs, career seminars etc.
She served on the National board of directors of LULAC National Education Service Center and traveled throughout the United States and frequently to Washington, D.C., to meet with national LULAC leaders on issues affecting minorities, many times at her own expense.
Helen Gonzales died in November, 2002. Her husband, Ernest Gonzales, accepted the award on behalf of his late wife.
EDITORIAL: There Are Many Stories That Hit Too Close To Home
We spend a lot of time talking about what is going wrong around here. It is refreshing to hear some really good news.
The 515th New Mexico National Guard Combat Batallion returned home from a ten month deployment Wednesday to a hero’s welcome as it passed through Socorro with a police escort and people lining the streets.
The people who served deserve our utmost respect and it’s great to see that everybody made it home safely.
Another story that could have had tragic consequences was the car accident involving the four Socorro High students and instructor, who were heading to Oklahoma City for a Future Farmers of America competition early Tuesday morning.
Thank goodness they escaped with only minor injuries and all are back safely in Socorro.
We all have a lot to be thankful for.
Fighting Cancer
Sunday is Mother’s Day and that’s a tough one for me personally.
I lost my mom 10 years ago to cancer.
I smiled to myself, though, when I found out how well the Socorro’s Relay For Life did in raising money for cancer research.
I made a call to Marj Austin, the publicity director for Socorro’s Relay For Life, and she said $32,000 has been raised and money still is coming in.
Austin, who said the goal was to raise $25,000 for the event, said 19 teams competed and 50 survivors took part, braving the cold and windy elements. And there were 400 luminarias.
“It was just a wonderful event,” she said.
Thanks go out to the Austins (George and Marj) and the other Relay For Life organizers.
And one of these days, I hope, a cure will be found.
Thank You Note
The Mountain Mail recently received this thank you note from Socorro High School:
Thanks to all of the sponsors who donated to the Dave Mathieu Memorial Track Meet.
Hometown Mountain Mail Newspaper, Monette Ford, Diamondback Restaurant, First State Bank, Road Runner Travel Center, Gambles, Sofia’s Restaurant, Dennis Baca, Smith’s Food & Drug, Don & Rosie Tripp, Harold’s Gifts, Rainbow Baking, Councilor Ernest Pargas, New Mexico Tech, Bhasker Medical Clinic, Holiday Inn, Mayor’s Drug Task Force, Best Western.
Thanks,
Coaches, Parents and Athletes
Headed To Court
And finally, there is the Socorro Electric Cooperative.
The attorney says the trustees can keep doing business as usual and the members, who voted to make bylaw changes, want those new resolutions implemented right now.
The impasse was inevitable.
It sure looks like all of this will be decided in a courtroom.
Correction
The name of the funeral home in Socorro was changed by owner David Hall to Steadman-Hall Funeral Home in 1990.
OPINION: Propaganda, Ego: Neurotic Love
By Margaret Wiltshire
Ego and it’s love affair with propaganda may be the human race’s biggest problem.
Our egos are useful in manipulating our social world for our benefit and survival. Our egos compete for us with other egos. While some spiritual people learn to live ego-less, the rest of us struggle along looking for contentment.
Propaganda is all about sales - the selling of ideas. Some egos selling ideas to other egos. The purpose is to manipulate an action or inaction that will serve the needs of the ego selling the propaganda. Successful propaganda promises anything from comfort to power and all you have to do is believe. The propagandist always hoping you won’t look for the hidden price tag.
Adolf Hitler said, “All propaganda has to be popular and has to accommodate itself to the comprehension of the least intelligent of those whom it seeks to reach.”
Racism is a great example. You and your people are better people than this other group or better than all other groups. This piece of propaganda holds great appeal for insecure and lazy egos. The price tag is enormous since it isn’t true and puts the racist at great disadvantage. Hitler’s “super” race did not fare as well as those who didn’t buy this propaganda. Reality aside, bigotry remains enormously popular.
Recently world-renowned astrophysicist Stephen Hawking made a stir world wide with comments suggesting we would be wise not to seek intelligent life from other worlds. He even made the suggestion that we have not found intelligent life yet here on earth.
In other words we could be biting off more than we can chew. Certainly that wouldn’t be the first time but intelligent aliens could make it our last time.
Don’t we want the right to destroy ourselves before intelligence from another world gets here?
Another popular piece of propaganda is that the greediest egos in the world will take care of us if we believe they will. It’s called “trickle down economics” and it is suppose to work something like mother’s milk. How it really works is more like the oil spill in the gulf.
Actually, we do have some intelligent life on this planet, we just refuse to listen to it.
“It is often said that the public is most insulting to a good man when the people are puffed up with prosperity and pride. But it also happens that misfortune makes people so sensitive that they are easily offended by any strong and honest opinions. Anyone who finds fault is presumed to be malicious. Free speech is construed as contempt, and even the wisest words irritate unless they are offered with great tact. Just as sore eyes cannot stand light, and prefer darkness, so it is with the body politic in times of trouble and humiliation.” So wrote Plutarch for the ancient Greeks as their “world” started to crumble.
Sometimes we just can’t “handle” the truth. Right now the United States is torn politically because we can’t admit that every individual needs a helpful society and that every society needs helpful individuals. No bird flies without both a right and left wing. The war between the “right” and the “left” is a distraction leaving us for example, treading water in a massive oil spill.
Fossil fuels are better then clean, green and renewable energy, well, cheaper anyway. The price tag on this propaganda may make the survival of our species very difficult.
My fantasy: our love affair with propaganda might amuse intelligent beings from other worlds. We might be a “reality” show on one of their channels. A “show” destined for cancellation.
Good fences make good neighbors. Another great piece of propaganda. Are people crossing borders a problem or are borders the problem?
Big Business loves borders. You have your customers bordered one place and your slaves bordered elsewhere. If they moved freely together they might want liveable wages and good products. They might even tell Big Business to take a flying leap out of that corner office.
Humans have the means for good water, air, food, health care, housing, and education, everywhere on the planet. We could allow the rest of nature to live as well. It wouldn’t cost you everything. It would not decrease your personal value. That’s a reality, not propaganda.
WriteWshireoldadobe@ yahoo.com.
Margaret’s views do not necessarily represent those of the Mountain Mail.
LETTER: Does Co-op Need Even Five Trustees?
The one word that I know that best describes Attorney Dennis Francish and his SEC clients is ARROGANCE. At this point one must ask if SEC even needs five trustees. Do we really need representatives bouncing about at near $45,000.00 per year per head to tell a professional competent power manager how to operate a small thirty eight employee power network? Not really..
The SEC’s Board and their attorney Francish paint the SEC as some kind of mysterious high technology industry in need of much top end administrative training. In truth, the only ones who need training are the “hands on people” who do the work”.
Ergo, having fairly established that we owner members do not need to pay a group of trustees buckets of money to supervise our electrical power supply needs, it is time to petition our District Court for relief. And, who knows a competent audit might result in recovery of some previously expended funds.
LETTER: New Law Keeps Arizona Safer
Whenever I read or hear about some Bozo who does something heinous or just stupid and there is a military connection, my first thought is, “Don’t let it be my service!”
Intellectually, I know that a Bozo is a Bozo is a Bozo, and he isn’t created by the military. However, for the tens of millions of us who served with pride, we feel let down or even tainted, especially if we shared the same boot camp.
I believe that the same thought process holds true for law enforcement officers. One bad cop will destroy years of good relations in a trice. Law enforcement has long been an honorable career; and the vast majority of police officers are dedicated, hard-working individuals.
So, I read with some amusement that a small segment or our populace is hysterically anticipating that police in Arizona will start harassing Hispanics simply because Arizona has a new law. If harassment were the goal, enough laws already exist to allow for that!!
The law merely gives law enforcement a tool to help keep Arizona safer.
I have no doubt that there are a couple of Arizona peace officers who will do something stupid or unprofessional either by design or lack of training. Although they will garner a huge amount of publicity, their actions will not be indicative of the rest of their brothers-in-arms. They will be Bozos, pure and simple.
Recently, the Associated Press ran a story indicating that illegal aliens were starting to leave Arizona because of the new law. Where do you think they will go??
Perhaps it is time for New Mexico to consider a similar law!!
That’s my nickel.
LETTER: Relay For Life A Success
The 2010 Relay For Life was held on Friday, April 30th, and Saturday, May 1st. Three hundred and sixty six participants braved the difficult weather of New Mexico spring this year to enjoy themselves for sixteen hours at Clarke Field in Socorro. More than forty cancer survivors, many of whom were not on the nineteen teams, were honored, both with applause and with a free meal Friday evening. Caregivers, who many times are forgotten, were also honored.
The Organizing Committee of Clara Apodaca, Marj Austin, April Barber, Carol Dotson, Nancy Dotson, Candy Lindquist, Raquel Mull, Bill Stone, and Trish Woods, and their subcommittee members, many of whom had been planning the event since last August, directed a fun-filled time in spite of the wind and cold weather.
Teams came from many businesses, schools, churches, and New Mexico Tech and raised funds to support the research, education, advocacy and service efforts of the American Cancer Society. Sponsors, whose names you will see on the 2010 Relay T-shirts, and donors contributed nearly another $6,000. As of May 1st, they all raised $31,697 this year to add to the approximately $300,000 raised in the previous 13-year history of the Relay For Life in Socorro County.
We thank the community and all those who contributed to making this year’s Relay a success and hope that we all can look forward to the day when having cancer is no worse than having a bad cold. That day will come, with your help.
George S. Austin
2010 Event Chair Relay For Life of Socorro County
OPINION: Irish Poet May Have Been Right On
By Jack Fairweather
“And what rough beast, its hour come round at last, slouches toward Bethlehem to be born?” Those words conclude a poem written in 1919 by Irish poet and essayist William Butler Yeats.
In that same work, which has been interpreted and re-interpreted many times through the years since it’s publication in 1921, Yeats also wrote, “things fall apart, the center cannot hold”.
Many interpreters thought Yeats was concerned with the manner in which modern technology would change the world, for better and worse; war, anarchy vs. more things available to more people. “The ceremony of innocence is drowned; the best lack all conviction, while the worst are full of passionate intensity”, he wrote.
Yeats was not, and never claimed to be a prophet but, in a way, he was . This poem is titled, “the Second Coming”. He never said, in so many words, the Second Coming of what. You can decide for yourself, it is widely available.
World wars, a great nation that has set itself the task of being the world’s policeman constantly at war since it gained independence, modern scientific and technological breakthroughs that are all but unbelievable that serve only to enrich the powerful and enslave, physically and economically, more and more of the worlds powerless, giant banks and corporations stealing from the people at will and then gazing blankly at the few in the center, ie: Goldman-Sachs representatives before Congress, who object. Like, “You don’t understand, Senator, why I/we deserve the very best while they have plenty of the left-overs.”
It is not known what Yeats had in mind when he wrote of the rough beast, arising in the desert after centuries of sleep, but it has been slouching implacably forward for a long, long time, dragging atrocities and the murder of innocents/innocence with it.
In country after country, those innocents speak out against injustice and are tortured and killed.
Usually, in March (I’m late this year) I write of the murder of Archbishop Oscar Romero of El Salvador who spoke out forcefully against the government forces, backed by the U.S., who were killing thousands in that country. Daily he called upon the military, and the rebels seeking more freedom and food for the people, to lay down their arms.
He was assassinated, shot, March 24, 1980 as he completed Mass. No one has ever been charged with his murder, although the Salvadoran and American governments are in possession of evidence pointing to U.S. trained members of the Salvadoran military. The murder of Archbishop Romero was one of the most blatant of the crimes committed by men who have been trained by the world’s policeman. Another was the slaughter of six Jesuits, their housekeeper and her daughter, in 1989. Members of the Atlcatl Battalion, trained by the U.S., admitted their part in the slayings.
The Salvadoran atrocities are just a miniscule drop in the flood of what Yeats called “the blood dimmed tide loosed…” on the world…..as innocence is drowned.
And so it goes.
Yeats wrote, “A vast image out of Spiritus Mundi (world conciousness) troubles my sight; somewhere in the sands of the desert a shape with lion body and the head of a man, a gaze blank and pitiless as the sun, is moving its slow thighs……” It is slouching toward Bethlehem. Was “Bethlehem” the poet’s way of referring to the rest of the world?
We don’t know, of course. But history has shown us a “rough beast” indeed.
Mining Permit Issued For Socorro
A mining company has been given the green light to initiate an exploratory project in Socorro County to extract beryllium.
A permit has been issued to BE Resources, Inc. by the Mining and Minerals Division of the New Mexico Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department to allow the company to conduct exploration activities for bertrandite on privately-owned lands 12 miles north of Monticello in Socorro County.
Bertrandite and beryl are the two main sources of beryllium, a lightweight metal with high thermal conductivity.
According to Virginia McLemore, geologist at New Mexico Tech, beryllium is used in the defense, aerospace, automotive electronics (modules for engine control computers, motors), medical, and telecommunications industries, in the cooling systems for nuclear reactors, and as a shield in nuclear reactors.
The company owns the rights to mineral leases and mining claims covering about 33,000 acres in Socorro and Sierra counties - known as the New Mexico Beryllium Project.
The company acquired the majority of its property -- consisting of a lease from private landowners, three state leases, and unpatented mining claims -- from Great Western Exploration LLC in 2007.
“This has been one of the most detailed exploration permit reviews conducted, despite the small scope,” said Bill Brancard, Acting Director of the Mining and Minerals Division in a press release. “The Mining and Minerals Division conducted a lengthy public hearing, received and reviewed comments from more than a thousand citizens, and consulted with a number of federal and state agencies and tribal governments in the review of the application. The division considered potential impacts to wetlands, ground water, cultural resources and special status wildlife species in preparing the permit.”
The permit will allow BE Resources to drill up to five bore holes, each five to ten inches in diameter, and up to 1,000 feet in total depth.
Warriors Primed For State Tourney
The Socorro boys golf team won the 2010 District 3A High School Tournament on Monday, May 3 at New Mexico Tech. The team is primed and ready for next week's 1A-3A State High School Tournament, which will be played at Tech May 10-11.
District Coach of the Year Russ Moore said, “The Socorro boys did very well today. We're proud of them.”
Besides placing first place in the tourney, Socorro received other numerous awards. Freshmen Willie Schaffer was tourney medalist by shooting a 76 for the day. He was also awarded as the All-District First Team number one golfer.
“I was happy about it,” Schaffer said. I felt that I hit the ball decent. I made a good amount of putts. Everything just kind of went my way. I missed a few putts at the end, but overall I'm glad I played alright. Hopefully, next week we can play good as a team. I know we can all step it up. If we just each play two or three strokes better, we definitely will contend with the better teams in the state.”
Ryan Romero posted an 80 for the second place spot. He received the second place award on the All-District First Team.
Joe Carilli shot an 82 and made the All-District First Team in third place. Randall Romero shot an 84 and made sixth place on the All-District Team. Nathan Vega posted an 89.
The Warriors posted a team total of 322 to win the tourney. Mesilla Valley finished in second place with a 336. Ruidoso shot a 368 for third.
Moore said, “ I'm especially proud of Willie Schaffer. He was our district champion. He played well all year. His body of work this year has been tremendous. He's a freshmen that is playing as good as I can possibly imagine. He's breaking 80 in the last five tournaments. Nobody even close to him today, except Ryan Romero.”
“I'm also proud of Joe Carilli and Randall Romero. Randall has come a long way over the course of the season. I'm really proud of the team as a whole. They have done very well.”
“For the state tournament, we’ve got to do some improving. Lovington, St. Michael's, and Hope Christian are three quality teams. Probably the toughest competition that I've seen in 3A in several years. I like to include our team in that group as well. We really need to improve our team total by about 10 to 15 shots to be competitive. I know that each of our players is capable of doing it. I have high hopes for this team and it also helps to be on your home course.”
Lady Warriors Hold On To Win
SOCORRO – 
The scores got posted. Socorro girls golf coach Margaret Stanley did some good quick math. And then she breathed a huge sigh of relief.
The Lady Warriors won their sixth straight district title, winning by nine strokes over Hot Springs at New Mexico Tech Monday.
Socorro will now spend the week getting ready for the state tournament, which will be Monday and Tuesday of next week. The Lady Warriors have won the past three state championships.
“My number five player (Mirjana Gacanich) hit the ball well and scored well and pulled through,” Stanley said. “My number one player, Kristen Cline, I am very proud of her, winning medalist here and Shania did a good job at No. 2. Brittani (Webb), I know is disappointed in her round, but she will bounce back.
“The girls felt the pressure of district competition. This is the first time they have been tested. They put pressure on themselves and they fought through it.”
It was a good experience for the Lady Warriors, Stanley said, because next week, the pressure will be even greater.
Cline won medalist and district player of the year honors after shooting an 80 to win by five shots over teammate Berger. Webb shot a 94 and Gacanich contributed a 101. Teresa Chavez had a 119 to round out the scoring.
As a team, Socorro shot a 362 and Hot Springs was the closest competition with a 371.
Asked what team she fears the most next week, Stanley said, “T or C.”
Hot Springs was led by Erin Whitehead with an 86. Casandra Ford shot a 93, Karah Tooley added a 95 and Sara Whitehead had a 97 for Hot Springs.
“There will be eight teams competing and 48 girls individually,” Stanley said. “We have a pretty strong field.”
In the meantime, the Lady Warriors will fine tune their games for the state tournament.
“Each of the girls have to work on things and we have to work on particular holes that gave us trouble today,” Stanley said. “The girls had problems on the fifth hole and the 16th hole. You need a good solid tee shot on both and then you have to maneuver your way around the water. The girls had their problems with that.
“All the girls have been working hard and coming out here by themselves and working on their games. I think all five will be ready for next week.”
Socorro Boys Win Track Title
The Socorro High School boys track and field team placed first overall in the District meet in Truth or Consequences on Saturday, May 1. Eighteen members of the team qualified to participate in the 2010 New Mexico State Track and Field Championships in Albuquerque at the UNM Track Stadium on May 7-8.
Coach Lee Cody said, “On state, we're just going to go out there and compete and see what happens. I don't really have expectations of winning or losing. We're just going to go out there and compete with the person in front of us, behind us, next to us and see what happens at the end of the day.
“I think we're actually starting to develop something as a program here. I think we're going to get track to be pretty important here in Socorro within the next couple of years hopefully.”
The 2010 state qualifiers and their events are: James Thorton (4x100, 4x200, 100m, 200m, long jump, triple jump), Avery Ngo (4x100, 4x200, 100m, long jump), Jorge Rivas (4x100, 4x200, 100m, 200m), C.J. Barela (4x100, 4x400, medley), Owen Azevedo (800m, medley), Chuck Findlay (400m, 4x4), Dylan Gallegos (4x200, 4x400), John Woods (110h, 300h), Tim Abeyta (3200m), Sam Hale (shot), David Robinson (discus), Adrian Miranda (medley), Sean Ernst (4x4), Moazz Soliman (high jump), Zach Esquivel (110h), Jared Marquez (4x100), Zeb Esquivel (Medley), and Kendal Pyke (pole vault).
District Champs were: 4x100: C.J. Barela, Avery Ngo, Jorge Rivas, James Thorton; 4x200: Jorge Rivas, Avery Ngo, Dylan Gallegos, James Thorton; 100: Avery Ngo; 200: James Thorton; 40 hurdles: John Woods; 300 hurdles: John Woods, 800m: Owen Azevedo, triple jump: James Thorton; and the discus: David Robinson.
The team scored a total of 186 points, with Thorton contributing 24 of the points. Cobre finished in second place with 110 points. T or C had 80 points for third place. Hatch got fourth place with 70 points.
Socorro Girls Romp To Track Crown
The Socorro girls track and field team won the District 3A Track Meet at T or C on Friday, April 30. Fifteen Lady Warriors qualified for the 2010 State Track & Field Championships in Albuquerque at the UNM Track Stadium on May 7-8.
Socorro finished with 218 points and well ahead of Cobre's 105. Hot Springs had 59.5 points and Hatch had 27.5 points.
Coach Dianna Jameson said, “We won by over 100 points to get the district championship. That tells you all of it by itself.”
“The girls have done really good this year. They have qualified for every single event, except for the throws. In the long jump, we have several that have qualified and high jump also. So in the running and jumping events, they have done a really great job.”
“For state, I hope they get plenty of rest, they eat a lot of pasta, and do their best.”
The 2010 state qualifiers are - 100m: Angelina Stanzione, Kierra Schauer, Winter Fong; 200m: Jayden Jones, Dezirae Armijo, Tamara Chavez, Leah Guengerich; 400m: Zoe Howell, Dezirae Armijo, Victoria Lopez; 800m & 1600m: Amanda Saenz; 3200m: Dayna Guerro; 100m hurdles: Nicole Engler, JeriAna Contreras; 300m hurdles: Nicole Engler, JeriAna Contreras; long jump: Angelina Stanzione, Tamara Chavez, Dezirae Armijo; triple jump: Nicole Engler, Angelina Stanzione; high jump: JeriAna Contreras, DeriAna Contreras, Nicole Engler; pole vault: Mileva Gacanich, discus: Mariah Anaya, Michelle Mora, shot put: Michelle Rivera, Michelle Mora, javelin: Michelle Rivera and Mileva Gacanich.
Dozal, Beaudry Honored At New Mexico Tech
With over 100 in attendance, outstanding members of all 14 NMT sport clubs were recognized. The keynote, an interesting and often amusing look into New Mexico Tech sports history, was delivered by New Mexico Tech Vice President for Research and Economic Development Dr. Van Romero.
Other attractions included a contest on the adjacent putting green hosted by the Golf Club, and an action-packed slide show of sport club activities.
Dozal is president and plays goalie for the women's Minerette soccer club while Beaudry is head captain of the New Mexico Tech Pygmies Rugby Club. Both are working toward degrees in mechanical engineering.
The NMT Sport Club program serves a diverse range of interests, as reflected in additional awards presented to members of 14 clubs.
Honorees were recognized by their peers for contributions ranging from Outstanding Cricketer to Tech Tonic Rally Award (women's and men's Volleyball clubs) to Iron Shooter (Shooting Sports club). Tech's Climbing club gave out a plaque for Best Flapper, a climbing term descriptive of flesh wounds occasionally suffered on the vertical field of play.
Lady Warriors Softball Team Plays The Waiting Game
The Socorro softball team will play the waiting game this week, but continue to practice as usual. The team is waiting to hear on Sunday if they are invited to play in the NM State AAA Tournament that will be held on May 14-15 at Las Cruces. Only the top 16 teams from around the state will be invited.
Socorro (11-13, 3-6) finished their regular season with two road wins on Friday, April 30 against the Hot Springs Lady Tigers (0-19, 0-9). The first game was won by the score of 15-1 in five innings. They won the second game 21-2 in four innings.
In the first game, Socorro scored one run in the first, third, and fifth innings. They had a big seven run inning in the second, topped off by a Maureen Trujillo homer to right field. Socorro added five runs in the fourth for a shortened 10-run rule victory.
Trujillo got the win with three strikeouts and only three hits allowed. The only Hot Springs' run allowed was in the fourth inning on an error.
Brittany McDaniel went three for three at the plate followed by Trujillo's three for four. Vanessa Jojola added two singles.
The second game was over by the end of the first inning. The Lady Warriors scored 11 runs thanks in part to nine walks and two hit batters. They also scored one run in the second and posted nine more runs in the fourth for a short 15-run rule lopsided win.
Trujillo was again the winning pitcher, with six strikeouts and only two hits allowed. Socorro defense allowed one run each in the first and third innings, both unearned.
Courtney Edmister went two for three, with a triple and a single. Chantilly Gallegos hit two for three, with a single and a double. Amber Bennett helped with a two for two day, with a single and a double. Trujillo had two hits in her three at bats. Kristen Gonzales contributed two singles.
Pygmies Struggle In Challenge
The New Mexico Tech Rugby Club stumbled to a third-place finish in the Fifth Sometimes Annual Socorro Challenge Tens Tournament on April 24.
The Pygmies could manage only one win from four matches in the four team, ten-a-side competition. (A traditional rugby union team is comprised of 15 players.) A total of nine matches were held throughout the day, with University of New Mexico capping a spotless 5-0 record with a 49-24 triumph over New Mexico State University in the final.
The opening match saw the hometown team give the Lobos their stiffest challenge of the day. Although Tech could not manage a point, the speedy UNM side was limited to their lowest total of the day with 12.
New Mexico Tech then returned in hopes of their first win against the Brujos, but were disappointed when former Pygmy Tory Tadano, a Socorro native, scored a second-half try that saw his Albuquerque team squeak past by a 15-10 score.
NRCS Funding Available
The Natural Resources Conservation Service of New Mexico is offering new funding opportunities to New Mexico tribal governments, farmers and ranchers through the Wildlife Habitat Incentive Program (WHIP).
Any new applications for WHIP funding must be received by NRCS office at 103 Neel St. no later than close of business on Friday, May 7. These applications will be considered for funding in Fiscal Year 2010.
WHIP offers opportunities to landowners to improve and protect wildlife habitat on private agricultural and Tribal lands. The NRCS works with the landowner to develop a wildlife habitat development plan.
Projects in New Mexico have improved habitat on private land for elk, turkey, bear, shorebirds, Lesser Prairie Chicken, desert bighorn sheep, and other species including the endangered Southwestern Willow Flycatchers. The projects have emphasized the development of water supplies for wildlife, establishment of permanent flood plains, and fencing cattle out of creeks and ponds. For more information, visit the NRCS New Mexico website at http://www.nm.nrcs.usda.gov/programs/whip.html, or contact District Conservationist Michael Shivers at 835-1710.
Migratory Bird Day Set For Saturday At Bosque Del Apache
Local bird watchers are invited to Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Reserve Saturday, May 8, for International Migratory Bird Day. It’s part of a hemisphere-wide celebration in which visitors can take part in a pair of events.
First, a guided bird walk will begin at 8 a.m. in the vicinity of the visitor center, followed by a two hour birding tour of the refuge from 2 - 4 p.m. by bus. Each event is limited to 24 participants, who will receive a 20 x 30 inch full-color poster featuring the official 2010 IMBD theme art. The 2010 theme is The Power of Partnerships in Bird Con-servation.
The poster commemorates the 20th anniversary of the founding of Partners in Flight, a public/private conservation partnership, with portraits of 20 bird species whose recovery has been fostered by such partnerships.
Bosque del Apache played a key role as a partner in early recovery efforts in one of these featured species - the Whooping Crane - whose numbers have increased from a population of only 15 in the 1940s to nearly 400 today. Experience gained in a cross-fostering program begun at Bosque in 1975, and an experimental ultra-light aircraft-led migration to Bosque in 1997 contributed to the success of Whooping Crane
reintroduction flights between Wisconsin and Florida which succeeded the programs at Bosque del Apache. The refuge no longer has a Whooping Crane population.
Visitors unable to obtain reservations for the formal activities still may find this one of the most rewarding times for viewing colorful shorebirds and songbirds which stop over on the refuge during their migration to northern breeding habitat, according to Chief of Visitor Services Shawn Gillette.
The seasonal road and the boardwalk off the Wildlife Tour Route, or the Marsh and Rio Viejo hiking trails, are prime viewing areas for these seasonal avian visitors, Gillette said. Call 835-1828 for details and reservations.
4H Rabies Clinic, Bake Sale A Success
By Kaye Mindar
The annual 4-H rabies clinic and bake sale were a great success even with a few glitches of the food bank truck arriving at the Community Center a week early.
This was the last Luna food bank truck until further notice. If you are a family in need there are other monthly delivery sources available in Arizona and New Mexico.
The Luna Playground and Park was officially moved this past Saturday. Thanks to many who came out and worked volunteering time and equipment. There is still need for set up and a few more items moved to the community center grounds, contact Ann Marie Nicolds if you can help. The Luna Fire and Ambulance has need to expand their buildings and parking area and the community center site is much better suited for community and family functions.
Patti Swapp started the rodeo season out right by winning yet another saddle in the Arizona State National Barrel Horse Association finals held at the San Carlos casino recently. Patti won the 4D saddle on her horse, Miss Priss.
The Luna transfer station will see a new friendly face as we say goodbye to Charles Moyers, who has been the dump attendant the past few months. Our new attendant will be Eugene Snyder. The transfer station hours are Tuesday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturday 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
In Luna, we do not have much of a growing season and only a few are successful in gardening. The fact is, any effort you put into your home preparedness is important. If a greenhouse is not in your budget, have you tried flower pot gardening? Having fresh tomatoes most of the year is a real treat if you have the space. Something to research and plan for is edible landscaping; and I don’t mean for the elk. Decorate paths with usable foliage, herbs and cold weather plants. There are many articles from simple to elaborate that will make spring, summer and fall in your yard not only more beautiful but yummy.
Do you really know where the physical traits come from in your family? Looking at family stories and digging deeper into records may surprise you. As I helped a niece with a school project it was like reading a family record for the first time as I found that my paternal greatgreat-grandfather was over 6 feet tall with red hair. We knew the “tall” gene was probably there, but we always assumed the red hair was from the British Isles on our maternal side. New family history software has places for physical characteristics; and don’t forget photographs. Don’t bypass this. Take time and research all that you can, you never know how many generations later this information will be cherished and even prove useful.
Quote of the week
"My dog is worried about the economy because Alpo is up to 99 cents a can. That's almost $7 in dog money."
~ Joe Weinstein
Two Quemado Men Extradited To Wyoming
The two Quemado men arrested in connection with an Amber Alert four weeks ago have been extradited to Wyoming and are currently awaiting arraignment in Campbell County Circuit Court in Gillette.
The two men - Barry E. Calhoun, 69, and his son Jesse E. Calhoun, 22 – have each been charged with “interference with custody,” a felony punishable by up to five years in prison and a $10,000 fine.
Other charges are expected to be filed in connection with the disappearance Apr. 9 of a 14 year-old girl from Gillette, according to Gillette police Sgt. Chuck Deaton.
An Amber Alert was released Apr. 9, and the teenager was found later that day at a hotel in Trinidad, Colo., with Jesse Calhoun. Calhoun was arrested and the girl was returned to her parents.
Barry Calhoun was arrested in Quemado and was held in the jail at the Catron County Sheriff’s Dept. until his extradition to Wyoming,
The Calhouns requested a continuance on their arraignment.
Blowing Up Books
Those occasional booms coming from the area of ‘M’ Mountain are routine testing of high explosives at the Energetic Materials Research Testing Center (EMRTC), but Friday, May 14, it will be the sound of books and other school related objects being blown sky high.
According to a New Mexico Tech press release, members of the Class of 2010 are invited to blow up their school mementos; items of their college years that they would rather forget about – schoolbooks, alarm clocks, tests and papers, and maybe a photo of their “favorite” professor – which will then be detonated.
EMRTC staff will chronicle the proceedings in video and photos.
The first 200 graduates will be bused up ‘M’ Mountain to an EMRTC test site. There, students will toss their soon-to-be-destroyed items into a pit. From the overlook site, students and guests will watch their least-favorite items be blown up by high explosives.
The “Blow Up Your Books” event is sponsored by the office of Research and Economic Development, the Energetic Materials Research and Testing Center and Vice President Dr. Van Romero, Class of 1977.
Sylvia’s Ill Wind Headed Straight For Gordo The Cat
By Anne Sullivan
“I notice you’re not so cheerful about the gorgeous weather today,” I said to Sylvia when she came inside the house to eat breakfast.
“It’s bracing, I have to admit,” she said between bites of Iams. “However, I’m beginning to be concerned about May.”
“What about May?” I asked.
“It’s coming in like a lion. Will it go out like a lamb, the way it’s supposed to do?”
“That’s March you’re thinking about,” I looked up from my newspaper to say.
“That’s what I mean. Nothing is the way it should be. Things are getting out of control. You’re all bundled up. I’m not shedding. Snow is smacking me in the face when I go outside. The world is not as it should be. The only thing halfway normal is the wind, and that’s ever so much stronger than it should be. The TV said is was 99 miles per hour on Sandia Crest the other night.”
“That’s so. But you don’t realize how lucky we were,” said Little Mary Me. “We must be grateful that the electricity stayed on and we could watch TV.”
“I’m not so sure it’s all that lucky to be able to watch TV on a Thursday night,” Sylvia said, “I noticed you surfing through all the channels several times last night.”
“Thursday television is pretty dim for me,” I admitted. “I just look forward to Friday night when I can watch ‘The Medium’ and sometimes ‘Supernanny.’ I really like her. She knows how to deal with children. I wish there was a Supernanny for dogs. I know I let you run all over me.”
“That’s only because it’s apparent that I know what I’m doing,” Sylvia said with a grin of satisfaction.
“Are you insinuating that I don’t?” I glared at her.
She swiftly changed the subject. “Wow, will you listen to that wind. I’d better go out and see about Gordo. He’s so little he might get blown away.”
Letting Sylvia out involved more than opening the door, which was swiftly yanked from my hand. The porch looked like a tornado had blown through. Dog and cat beds and bowls had made their way down to the East end where they jostled with kindling and logs, tables and, oddly enough, the vacuum cleaner. (It’s got to live somewhere.)
“When I was a child I used to live on East End Avenue in Manhattan where I loved to watch the tugboats hauling strings of barges,” I reminisced out of nowhere to Sylvia, who wasn’t listening at all since she was racing about searching for Gordo, who was not to be seen.
“I can’t find Gordo,” she shouted at me as she ran by. “He’s disappeared!”
“Sylvia,” I yelled. “Stop! Gordo’s fine. He’s under White Truck.”
Sylvia screeched to a halt and returned panting to me.
“Sylvia, Gordo will take care of himself. Nonetheless I commend you for caring about him.”
“It isn’t that. I just don’t want anything to happen to him.”
“That’s very sweet and considerate of you.”
“You bet it is. I really need Gordo.”
“Good heavens,” I said in disbelief. “Whatever for?”
“For the Photo Shoot.”
“What photo shoot?”
“For the Reality Show. When Gordo gets blown away by the wind, I’ve got to have pictures. No one will believe it otherwise and besides it’s wonderful publicity. Think if it, a flying cat. I’ll be the manager of a flying cat. How cool can that be?”
“I didn’t think you wanted to be a manager,” I said in surprise. “I thought you wanted to be the subject of a Reality Show.”
“Oh, I do, but being manager will put me in a good position to make important contacts. Also to be considered is the fact that managers are important.”
“That’s true. Managers of Reality Shows are the ones who go to jail if anything goes wrong.”
“Oh,” said Sylvia. “Well, back to the old drawing board.”
Quemado News: Breakfast And Bookmobile
By Debbie Leschner
An All You can Eat Pancake Breakfast will be held at the Senior Center on Saturday, May 15 from 8 to 11 a.m. Breakfast includes pancakes, sausage, home fries, eggs and a drink all for $6.
The Rural Book Mobile will be here on Tuesday, May 11 by the Quemado post office at 3:45 p.m., Datil at 1:00 p.m. and Pie Town at 2:30 p.m.
The Quemado Schools held its Declamation Day. In grades 7-9. The overall winner was Sam Farr. Also placing were Amanda Sirman, Nicole Martin, and Kate Eberle. In grades 10-12, the overall winner was Andy Rawl. Also placing were Dana Farr, Marissa Garcia, and Garret Williams.
Quemado took second place in the Robo Rave competition, winning $300 cash. Congratulations to Judith Flores, Mark Kopeman, Janessa Larrabe, Caleb Ramer and teacher Mrs. Larisch.
Quemado's State Track Qualifiers: Dana Farr, 3200m; Amanda Sirman, 300m hurdles; Shyann Vance 100m hurdles and 300m hurdles; J.J. Roberts; 110m Hurdles, 300m hurdles and Pole Vault; Steven Pohl, Pole Vault; and Cory Bruton 800m run. They will compete at the State Track Meet in Albuquerque on May 5 -6.
The school blood drive goal was 32 units and 43 were collected! One unit saves 3 lives, so 120 lives were saved.
Quemado Senior Center Activities for the week: Pool practice on Tuesday, quilting and bingo on Thursday. . Lunch menu for the week: Monday – chicken and noodles, Tuesday – swiss steak, Wednesday – chicken adovada, Thursday – philly steak sandwich and Friday – liver and onions. All seniors are welcome. Call the center at 773-4820 before 9 a.m. to make reservations.
Quemado Commodities will be Saturday, May 15 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Community Center. For more information call Dorothy Kalberg at 773-4582.
New Mexico Tech
The proposal to change the ‘M’ atop Socorro Peak is officially off the table.
Vice President of Research Dr. Van Romero said he was overwhelmed with the response from students to keep the ‘M.’
Students started a Facebook page devoted to preserving the ‘M’ and more than 500 people joined. Dozens of students also sent e-mails protesting the proposal.
“I’m tickled to see that Tech students are engaged in preserving our traditions,” Romero said. “Students made their feelings very clear that they feel that the ‘M’ is an important symbol. My position is that the ‘M’ has served us well for 100 years and we should keep it.”
A two-time Tech graduate, Romero’s office is in charge of maintaining the ‘M’ and organizing the annual “Paint the ‘M’” event during 49’ers. He said he was further impressed with the tone of the students’ comments; the protests were collegial, professional and well-stated.
In the course of dialog, students offered several constructive suggestions for enhancing the image. Those suggestions include adding an ‘N’ and a ‘T’, modernizing the lighting system and improving access.
Romero said he’d like to keep the dialog going among students to gauge the interest and potential improvements. He is organizing a work day to improve the road to the top of the mountain and the parking area and to develop a safer footpath from the parking area to the ‘M.’
“Thanks to the response of students, we’ll have enough volunteers to improve access to the mountain,” Romero said. “Stay tuned on how you can help.”
Shaddock Trial Moved To Oct. 18
SOCORRO - The trial for Mark William Shaddock, charged with 13 felonies relating to behavior with a female student at the Alamo Navajo Reservation high school, has been moved back to October 18.
Shaddock was arrested on July 28, 2009, by State Police agents on three counts of criminal sexual penetration, three counts of kidnapping, two counts of criminal sexual contact, four counts of child abuse and one count of aggravated stalking.
Shaddock had been a behavior coach at Alamo’s school when allegations of criminal sexual penetration, criminal sexual contact and other related crimes involving the 15 year-old girl emerged. The crimes occurred over a period of months starting in the spring, 2009.
Deputy District Attorney Stacey Ward told the Mountain Mail the continuance was due to defense attorney Lee Deschamps needing more time to prepare for the case.
“The judge [Matt Reynolds] spent a lengthy amount of time explaining to him the realities of criminal representation,” Ward said. “Shaddock decided to keep Lee Deschamps as his attorney, and he understood that in keeping Lee, he needed more time to go to trial.”
Student Artwork At Chamber Of Commerce
Students of Cottonwood Valley Charter School provide the artwork for the Socorro Chamber of Commerce for the month of May. Charter School art teacher Iva O’Connor said students from Kindergarten through eighth grade contributed to the show, using watercolor, clay, acrylic, crayon, and pastel. “At Cottonwood Valley, art is integrated into most all other subjects,” O’Connor said. Several of the students gathered at the Chamber office on the plaza to show off their creations. Pictured (from left): back row, Maggie Kerkmans, Donald Guerro, John-Paul Alvarez, and Lee Lewis; middle row, Hasan el Shawaihdi, Jobe Hawkinson, Elijah Molina, and Micky Wilkenson; front row, Dionne Molina, Greg Brothers, and Catalina Petrie.
From Superintendent Cheryl Wilson's Desk
Every year when the legislative session is over, the Public Education Department sets the amount of money that each school district gets. The Socorro Consolidated Schools engages in an annual process of reviewing the budget from the previous year, working with administrators and Board members to determine needs, and then establishing the budget before the budget is due to be finalized on June 20. Public Board meetings in April and May provide direction to the Board and administration about how to balance the budget and what to include. In addition to those meetings this year there is also a Budget Advisory Committee that reviews the details of the budgets, asks questions, and provides directions to be considered.
It is our intent that the budget reflects what our students need and our community wants. If you have thoughts, ideas, or interest, please communicate with your school principal, a Board member, or with me. You are also invited to attend the Board meetings at 5:30 on May 11 and May 25 to share your ideas and hear what is being discussed.
Contact us with your ideas and suggestions.
EDITORIAL: Here’s One Last Lesson For The Kids
And so another school year has passed and all of the great families and schools from small towns and villages in our neck of the woods turn out another wonderful group of fresh, young vibrant young men and women with all of the new wonders of the world at their fingertips.
So much to do, so very much to digest and build in their lives with this world of ours moving at breakneck speed. Seems the world is much smaller now and people are being touched by others thousands of miles away in an instant.
There was a time when we were happy that our kids made friends with the kids across the street, and now they have friends in other countries. Although some of us from an earlier time never had the money or wherewithal to even think about seeing all of the other countries in world, we now sit in our living rooms with our grandchildren and navigate trips by way of computer and live camera tours anywhere in the world. Who would of thunk it?
Just a short 40 years ago, everyone in our small towns and villages would want to visit with anyone who had actually gone to Disneyland in California. That was big in those days. It was likened to world travel for just about everyone around these parts because that kind of (way out there) travel just didn’t happen around here very often. Heck, that was nearly 750 miles away. Sheesh! People would say, better take plenty of water and crackers. You’ll be driving for days, when in fact, Mickey and Minnie were only a 10 hour drive by car - not covered wagon.
Man, talk about living inside the box. We only opened the door and tested the “outside the box” theory with our big toe once every 3 or so years. Back then, parents would always say “get out there and see that big old beautiful world” but we don’t want you to go further than Las Cruces or Santa Fe.” “Very dangerous out there ya know”. But I digress.
The kids today know more about the world and have already seen it from the classroom and there little iboxy telecommunicating square talky texting spacey finger pushing screen thingies that they carry in their pockets, than I ever will. Spock had nothing on today’s children. In fact, Captain Kirk, Spock and the rest of the gang on the Enterprise are passé in our new universe.
There are so many moms’ and dads’ dreams and wishes that have gone by the wayside so the children of today can actually live those dreams and wishes that have influenced all of the wonderful kids from our area. All we can ask is that they use what they have learned in the classroom, and put all of the principles, morals and especially good old everyday common horse sense taught through experience by parents, grandparents and other role models, to good use when they finally are standing on their own two feet “outside the box”.
All of us here at the Mountain Mail hope and pray that every graduate from every school in our little corner of the world becomes what they want to be, and live happy wonderful love filled lives, and make a difference to this world in a way - all their own. We salute the parents, single and married, the grandparents, uncles, aunts
and big brothers and sisters who had the courage and love to stand by this year’s graduates throughout their school years and growing years. Absolutely nothing comes close to what a child can learn from someone who is willing to give from the heart and mind.
Now, you kids that are still in school –
CLEAN YOUR ROOM, BRUSH YOUR TEETH, WASH YOUR BEHINDS, DON’T TALK BACK, SMILE INSTEAD OF THOSE GOOFY LOOKING MEAN LOOKS, TELL YOUR FAMILY MEMBERS THAT YOU LOVE THEM EVERY DAY AND MAKE A TRUE EFFORT TO TREAT OTHERS OF EVERY AGE, GENDER, COLOR AND ETHNICITY THE WAY YOU WANT TO BE TREATED, SAY PLEASE AND THANK YOU, STAND FOR THOSE WHO CAN’T, KEEP A POSITIVE ATTITUDE AND DON’T BE IN SUCH A HURRY TO GROW UP AND GET OUT OF SCHOOL! WHEW!
Enjoy every minute of every day with your friends, study hard and thank your teachers for dedicating their lives to making yours even better than theirs. Have a wonderful summer vacation and then get back to the books and continue working hard in every aspect of your lives. The big payoff comes when you wake up tomorrow and you’re 50 years old and everything you wanted and dreamed of has been realized. It all flies by in a flash kids – be courageous and live, love and be happy every minute of every day. We live in America and that in itself is just plain old - sick!
McElvains Love Their Horses
LEMITAR -- It’s located on Highway 408 just outside of Lemitar, 350 acres of irrigated pasture, hay fields and riding trails along the Rio Grande . It’s a horse lover’s dream.
Rancho Corazon, owned by Guy and Sharon McElvain, is a world-class horse facility right here in Socorro County.
The McElvains have big dreams when it comes to their horses. They travel the country, going from locale to locale on the show jumping circuit. Recently, they just got back from a six-week visit to Thermal, Calif. Later this year, they will travel to Chicago, Parker, Colo., and back to California to compete in scenic Del Mar and at the prestigious Oaks in San Juan Capistrano.
“We are on the road most of the year,” Guy said. “Thermal was a good experience. We have some new horses and the competition was difficult.”
On average, they spend 32 weeks out of the year on the show jumping circuit. They have been doing this for the past 10 years, competing with the top professionals in their sport.
The sport is not for the faint of heart. It takes a lot of time, money, effort and even some luck to succeed.
It’s never easy. And when tragedy strikes, it makes it even more difficult.
The McElvains and their Grand Prix rider/trainer John McConnell had just returned from Tulsa, Okla., and were getting ready to compete in Del Mar in April 2009.
On April 28, McConnell and his brother Bill loaded up eight horses in the trailer and began the long drive to California. Down Interstate 25, they traveled and when they got to Hatch, they took the state road to Deming where they would pick up Interstate 10 and head out to California.
The trailer never made it. Somewhere on that state road around 2 a.m., the axels got really hot and the rear tires of the trailer caught on fire. John was able to open the forward compartment and get four of the horses out. The flames, though, made it impossible for further rescues. They got the back door open, hoping the horses would jump out. Three of them did not have a chance. One of the horses did jump out, but he had to be put down because of his burns.
Lost in the fire were Grand Prix horses Carolina , Air Force and Candilagos. Carolina and John had won the $25,000 Tulsa Classic Grand Prix on April 26.
“It’s very tragic,” Guy said. “They actually are still investigating it. They still don’t know why the axel got so hot. They are going to be hard to replace.”
The McConnells and the McElvains were understandably devastated but they also knew in the back of their minds that they had to press on to pursue their dreams.
They bought some more horses that they believe have Grand Prix potential. And one of their first big tests was the six-week stint in Thermal last month.
“It was a good experience. We got some good placings. It’s been tough because the horses we lost were just getting competitive at the International Level,” Guy said. “It takes a lot of training to get horses to the International Grand Prix level. Everything has to go right.”
The McElvains have the right trainer to get the job done.
John McConnell knows what it takes to get to the Grand Prix. In 1986, his first year as a professional, John had won 19 ribbons in Grand Prix competitions and was qualified for the American Grand Prix (AGA) Championships. In 1987, John showed on the East Coast and was in the top 10 AGA horses and rider point standings. He qualified for the World Cup in Paris and finished seventh. Additionally from 1997-2000, John was a top 10 contender in the Mass Cup Finals. To date, McConnell has won 30 Grand Prixs and his horses and students have competed and had success at all levels.
Guy and Sharon’s daughter, Chenoa, recently graduated at the top of her class from Kaplan College Preparatory School (KCPS). It is a private, online high school specializing in college preparatory education for students in grades 6-12. In 2009, Chenoa deferred college for a year to pursue her equestrian goals and she will attend a university in the fall of 2010.
At 18, Chenoa has already been a competitive rider for 12 years. She rode in her first Grand Prix at the age of 13. She qualified for the NAYJRC (North American Young & Junior Rider Championships) for the first time in 2006 and competed in NAYRC for Zone 8 for four consecutive years placing in the top 14 in the nation for three of those years.
Chenoa said she has been contacted to appear in a reality show called “Perfect Ladies.” She didn’t know if it was going to be on either MTV or Bravo. Chenoa has competed internationally in Mexico, Canada and Germany. Chenoa has many high placings in Grand Prix and High Junior/Amateur Owner Classes and Classics in shows across the United States.
Chenoa’s parents, Guy and Sharon, bought and built Rancho Corazon, which happens to be right next to Rancho La Querencia, which was owned by Guy’s mother Betty.
“La Querencia” means “Favorite Place." And one can see why.
Betty bought the property 25 years ago and her specialty was breeding Holsteiners. Betty and her clients also showed in classical dressage and hunter jumper competitions. Two years ago, the two properties became one and now all of the McElvains are involved in the breeding operation as well as the other several aspects of the horse business.
“Once we breed the horse to the time the foal hits the ground, it costs about $7,500,” Guy said. “From there, it costs about $3,500 per horse per year. And so by the time, they are four or five years old, you already have $40,000 to $50,000 in the horse. And even then, you are never sure what you have. So if you get a good one that is balanced, sound and talented, that’s what makes them so valuable.”
In addition to their own horses, the McElvains have several clients from Santa Fe to Las Cruces, who board at the facility. And most of the clients have their horses in full training as well.
There also is a place for retired sporthorses and they spend their days munching on grass in one of their irrigated fields.
“We have about 100 horses on the farm,” said Guy, who serves as president and CEO of McElvain Oil & Gas Properties, in Denver .
Guy, who has been around the sport all his life, began sport horse jumping in 1995 and is an amateur competitor. He began riding in Grand Prix competition in 2001.
Guy co-founded the Caza Ladron foxhunt club in 2000 and co-founded the Grand Prix de Santa Fe in 2004. The Grand Prix de Santa Fe is the premier show jumping event in the state, but there will not be one this year.
The event’s board of directors canceled the 2010 event due to the loss of its title sponsor and venue host, Las Campanas which is located Santa Fe .
In the meantime, the McElvains will hit the road and work on pursuing the ultimate dream. “It’s everybody’s goal to reach the Olympics,” McElvain said. “It’s our ambition. It’s been Chenoa’s goal. We just have to keep working at it.”
Pictures: (top) Sharon McElvain and daughter Chenoa take a ride on their property. (bottom) Betty McElvain talks business with son Guy McElvain at their 600-acre horse facility in Lemitar. Photos by John Severance
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