Thank You, Lucy

Former Magdalena Librarian Lucy Pino was honored at a potluck Saturday afternoon on the library’s deck. Pino was given a basket of thank you notes from about 35 attendees, and a certificate of appreciation by Library Board President Donald Wiltshire (right).

Photo by John Larson

Thank You, Lucy

Groundbreaking For Family Center

Mountain Mail reports
SOCORRO – Groundbreaking for the Macey Family Children’s Center was held Wednesday, Oct. 27 on the south lawn of Macey Center.
University President Dan Lopez said the groundbreaking was the culmination of four years work and fundraising by Louise Chamberlin, Ann Sullivan and particularly Bill and Cheryl Macey who donated 70 percent of money needed.
“Working together they made miracles happen.” he said.
In his remarks at the groundbreaking, Bill Macey credited his wife, Cheryl, and several Tech staff members, including Chamberlin and former vice president Dr. Ricardo Maestas, for mounting the fund-raising drive and sharing his vision for a new center.
Macey said he’s especially proud of the fact that all the construction funds were raised from private sources, including corporations, former students, former parents, faculty members and local residents individuals – and that no tax dollars will be used.
According to Lopez, the new $1.5 million center will be purpose-built as a children’s educational center, serving pre-school youngsters age 2 to 5.
“The welfare of faculty and staff’s young children is of great importance to the university, as well as the young children,” Lopez said. “This facility will enhance early childhood development and help make the children well-prepared students to continue their education, including perhaps at New Mexico Tech.
He said the new facility will offer more flexibility for children, staff and parents, boasting 6,000 square-feet of indoor space and 9,142 square-feet of outside area which will increase its capacity from 32 to 48 children. “There will be much more room for play and also room for parents ad staff to meet,” Lopez said.
There are plans to raze old center to make room for a new student dormitory, he said.

Picture: About a dozen children assisted local dignitaries in groundbreaking ceremonies for the new Macey Family Children’s Center. Pictured in the background, from left: Cheryl Macey, Rep. Don Tripp, Tech President Dan Lopez, and Ann Sullivan. Picture courtesy of New Mexico Tech

Groundbreaking For Family Center

New “Warrior Grill” Opens

By John Larson

SOCORRO – After two months cleaning and renovating the building at the corner of California and Otero, Carlos and Salina Lopez amd Stephen Rosas opened the doors to their new restaurant, the Warrior Grill, Wednesday.
“We think of it more as kind of an old-fashioned diner, because that was the concept we had in the beginning,” Carlos said. “Actually we started out with an idea for a place that had ice cream and shakes. Something we’ve been talking about for a long time, what we wanted to have for people. That developed into a diner look and a menu that tries to cover the basics.
“We wanted a place the kids could come to, and of course the older crowd who graduated from Socorro High, or have kids or grandkids that play sports.”
Carlos said his cousin, Rosas, has had several years experience in the restaurant business and took part in the planning.
“He was very helpful in helping us in what we wanted to do, and we are grateful to have his experience in getting it going,” Carlos said.

The Lopez’s spent the last two months cleaning the kitchen and renovating the dining area. Socorro High School memorabilia and photographs decorate the walls.
“We took our time to make sure everything was exactly what we wanted and what was needed in the renovation,” Carlos said. “My parents Raymond and Gracie Rosas, and my brother Jon Rosas and his wife Tita put in a lot of work. It’s really a family affair.”
The Warrior Grill’s menu includes hamburgers, chili dogs, fried chicken, sandwiches, enchiladas and Frito pie, among other items.
“People like our Slam Dunk Dog,” Salina said. “It’s a big hot dog with red or green chile, wrapped in tortilla and deep fried.”
Since the Lopez’s first idea was ice cream, the Warrior Grill serves Dreyers hard ice cream desert items and milk shakes.
Carlos said all ingredients are fresh and locally purchased. “It’s important for us to buy locally, and keep the money in Socorro.”
The restaurant is open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m., which means they serve breakfast also, offering traditional items such as eggs and bacon, pancakes, biscuits and gravy and, of course, breakfast burritos and huevos rancheros.
“Fresh food and a friendly atmosphere,” he said. “That’s what we are going for.”
The Warrior Grill is located at 400 California Street, across Otero from John Brooks Supermart.

Pictured (from left): Carlos and Salina Lopez, and Stephen Rosas.

Photo by John Larson

New “Warrior Grill” Opens

Chamber November Art Exhibit

Leigh Ann Vradenburg, Executive Director of Friends of the Bosque del Apache NWR, hangs photographs taken by fourth and fifth graders at San Antonio Elementary School for the Chamber of Commerce’s November art exhibit. The photographs are the result of a project by Vradenburg to produce the book ‘Through The Eyes Of Children,’ now on sale at the refuge’s visitor’s center Nature Store for $12.95. The students’ teacher is Cynthia Romero, who facilitated the numerous trips to various sites at the refuge.

Photo by John Larson

Chamber November Art Exhibit

Apachito Faces Theft, Fraud, Forgery Charges

By John Larson

George Apachito has won re-election as Alamo’s Navajo Nation Council delegate, by defeating Tóhajiilee’s Lawrence R. Platero (993-840) in Tuesday’s election.
Apachito, former Alamo Chapter president and Alamo School Board president, will represent not only Alamo, but also Tóhajiilee and Ramah, since the Navajo Nation’s delegate number was reduced by referendum earlier this year from 88 to 24 members.
His victory comes on the heels of an announcement by Attorney General Louis Denetsosie that Apachito is facing criminal charges for his alleged misuse of discretionary funds. Apachito is not alone in the charges, however. A total of 76 additional council delegates are also charged for similar offenses. The charges come after several months of investigations.
According to a copyrighted article in the Navajo Times, on Wednesday, Oct. 24, the Window Rock District Court released copies of the 77 criminal complaints filed by Navajo Nation Special Prosecutor Alan Balaran against the delegates and President-elect Ben Shelly.
The Navajo Times story by reporter Marley Shebala said the release came four days after an announcement by Denetsosie that an unspecified number of people are facing criminal charges for their alleged misuse of discretionary funds.
Those named include Apachito, who is charged with conspiracy, fraud, forgery and theft involving $10,100 in discretionary funds.
Amounts reported among the 77 charged range from a few hundred dollars to over $279,000.
The 88 member council has regularly voted to award itself with the discretionary funds, the Navajo Times reported.
The investigation began in 2009 when the tribal council directed Denetsosie to name a special prosecutor to investigate the ethics of Navajo Nation President Joe Shirley. That investigation led the attorney general to start questioning the discretionary spending of the council members.

Apachito Faces Theft, Fraud, Forgery Charges

Co-Op Employees Get Up To $50 In Billing Credits

By Rebecca Rose

A written policy in the Socorro Electric Cooperative’s personnel manual shows that employees receive a $48.60 monthly credit towards their personal electricity bills. Policy #201, on page 12 of the manual states that:
“All Cooperative employees, other than probationary, will receive a credit against their monthly residential billing of electric power up to an amount of $48.60 retail, but in no case to exceed the actual amount of the total monthly billing for residential power.  Credit will not be allowed to be carried over for month to month if the actual bill does not meet or exceed this amount.”
Mountain Mail spoke with managers at several New Mexico electric cooperatives to find out if they also offered discounts on electric bills for employees.  None of the Co-ops contacted, including the Central Valley Electric, Kit Carson and Columbus Electric have a policy allowing employees to take reductions on their bills as part of their employment packages. 
Co-op interim Manager Richard Lopez confirmed that SEC’s policy for employee rate reductions is currently still in effect.  “It has been an employee benefit for more than 30 years.  Socorro Electric, in lieu of wages, has historically provided better employee benefits.”
With 38 employees, the amount adds up to $22,161.60 annually in total billing credits.  Unlike by-laws, policies are not voted on by coop members.  The policy manual can only be approved or amended by the Board.

Co-Op Employees Get Up To $50 In Billing Credits

OBITUARY: Charlie Padilla

Charlie Padilla, 90, passed away Wednesday, October 27, 2010 in Belen, NM. Charlie is survived by his loving wife of 14 years, Lora Padilla of Socorro, NM; his daughter, Patricia Sanchez and husband, Andrew of Socorro; his sons, Ricky Padilla and wife, Sally of Wyoming; Roger Padilla and wife, Irene of Albuquerque, NM; his step children, Walter Robinson and wife, Laverne of Socorro; Arthur Rice Jr. of Socorro; Peter Rice and wife, Shelley of Socorro; and Debby Shak and husband, Peter of California; several grandchildren; great grandchildren; and his brothers, Iris Padilla and wife, Ruby of Albuquerque; and Johnny Padilla and wife, Flora of Albuquerque.
Charlie was a lifelong resident of Socorro and a retired Postmaster after over 30 years of service.
He was a member of San Miguel Catholic Church and a Veteran of WWII, serving with the US Army.
Charlie was an avid golfer, loved playing cards, and enjoyed dancing and socializing with friends and neighbors. He enjoyed being with his family at family gatherings.
Charlie was preceded in death by his first wife, Katherine (Abdalla) Padilla in 1992; two sons, Albert Padilla; and Kenny Padilla; and one sister Lottie Baros. A Memorial Rosary will be recited on Friday, November 5, 2010 at 8:30 am at the San Miguel Catholic Church followed by a Memorial Mass of Resurrection with Father Andy Pavlak as Celebrant. Burial will take place in the Lemitar Cemetery, Lemitar, NM. Those who wish to send condolences may do so at www.danielsfuneral.com. Services will be taken care of by Daniels Family Funeral Services 309 Garfield  Socorro, NM  87801 (575) 835-1530.

OBITUARY: Charlie Padilla

OBITUARY: Jimmy R. Pino

Jimmy R. Pino, 78, passed away on Wednesday, October 27, 2010 in Belen, NM. Jimmy is survived by his loving wife of 58 years, Arabella Pino of Socorro; his sons, Samuel Pino; Lorenzo Lucas Pino; Orlando Pino and wife, Linda; and Richard J. Pino and wife, Carmen; his daughter, Marina “Elena” Lopez and companion, Arthur Heron; 12 grandchildren; 14 great grandchildren; 2 great great grandchildren; his sister, Christina McAlexander; his brothers, Vincent C. Pino and wife, Fiedlina; and Joe L. Pino; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, in-laws, and friends.
He was a lifelong resident of Socorro.
Jimmy was preceded in death by  his great granddaughter, Faith Pino; two  brothers, Jackie Pino and Stanley Pino; and one sister, Eloisa Baca.
A Visitation will be held at Daniels Family Funeral Services on Tuesday, November 2, 2010 from 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm.  A Rosary will be recited on Wednesday, November 3, 2010 at 8:30 am at San Miguel Catholic Church followed by a Mass of Resurrection at 9:00 am with Father Andy Pavlak as Celebrant. Burial will take place in the San Miguel Catholic Cemetery. Pallbearers are Christopher Lopez, Tony Pino, Lorenzo R. Pino, Orlando M. Pino, Richard J. Pino Jr., and Andrew G. Pino.
Honorary pallbearers are Ryan H. Lopez, Tommy L. Pino, Derek O. Pino, Ryan D. Lopez Jr., Joshua M. Lopez, and Arthur F. Heron. Those who wish to send condolences may do so at www.danielsfuneral.com. Services will be performed by Daniels Family Funeral Services 309 Garfield Socorro, NM  87801 (575) 835-1530

OBITUARY: Jimmy R. Pino

OBITUARY: Isidro M. "Mackey" Lopez

Isidro M. (“Macky”) Lopez, 65, passed away Saturday, October 30, 2010 in Socorro, NM. He was born on March 30, 1945 in Socorro, NM to Isidro and Julia (Lucero) Lopez Jr. Isidro is survived by his previous wife and friend, Maria Lopez of Socorro; his sons, Julian Lopez and wife, Gina, of Socorro; and Chris Lopez and fiance’, Keri James and her sons, Tristen and Trevor, all of Magdalena, NM; his granddaughter, Stephanie Lopez of Socorro; and many aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends.
He was a lifelong resident of Magdalena.
Isidro was preceded in death by his parents. A Memorial Communion Service will be held Friday, November 5, 2010 at St. Mary Magdalene Catholic Church in Magdalena, NM at 11:00 am.  Those who wish to send condolences may do so at www.danielsfuneral.com. Services will be handled by Daniels Family Funeral Services 309 Garfield Socorro, NM  87801 (575) 835-1530

OBITUARY: Isidro M. "Mackey" Lopez

OBITUARY: Robert Wayne Gilbreath

Robert Wayne Gilbreath, 68, passed away Saturday, October 30, 2010 at home in Socorro, NM. Robert was born on July 16, 1942 in Dallas, Tx. to Albert W. and Karon (Coats) Gilbreath. He is survived by his loving wife of 43 years, Carol A. (Aiken) Gilbreath of Socorro; His daughter, Cheri Forbes and husband Ray, of Polvedera, NM; his sons, Robert Gilbreath and wife, Melisa of Socorro; John Gilbreath and wife, Rebecca of Juarez, Mexico; and Albert Gilbreath and wife Julie of Garland, Tx.; ten grandchildren; one great grandchild; his uncle, Walter Gilbreath of Flower Mound, Tx.; his in-laws, Marie and Willard Wood; Aaron and Judy Abbott; Michael and Dee Aiken; and his cousins, Steven and Theresa Gilbreath; Trudy Davis; and Ron Gilbreath.
After moving from Apache Creek, NM, Robert was a Socorro resident since 1995. He was a Veteran of the Vietnam era serving with the US Navy. Following the service he went on to obtain his Theological degree and became the Vice President of World Mission Society serving the needs of the hearing impaired around the world since 1983. He also served with the Texas Law Enforcement Community and helped co-author several sign language books.
Robert enjoyed fishing and hunting. He loved his grandchildren. Roberts’s favorite song was Zions Hill.
A Memorial Graveside Service will be held Saturday, November 6, 2010 at 11:00 am in the Socorro Cemetery with Pastor John Gilbreath and Pastor John Boggs.  Those who wish to send condolences may do so atwww.danielsfuneral.com. Services will be taken care of by Daniels Family Funeral Services 309 Garfield Socorro, NM  87801 (575) 835-1530.

OBITUARY: Robert Wayne Gilbreath