Friday, December 31, 2010
Accident On California Street
Transition to Morning sky Nearly Done
January Skies
By Jon Spargo
New MexicoTech Astronomy Club
For the past few months we’ve seen a slow transition of planets from the evening sky into the morning sky. With the exception of Jupiter, this transition is nearly complete. Jupiter is still found in the evening sky high in the south-southwest. Uranus is still hovering nearby, barely a half of a degree north of Jupiter. This will be the last opportunity to see these planets so close together until 2038. Binoculars or a small telescope should offer excellent views of both planets.
During the month, Saturn transits the midnight hour. At the beginning of the month it rises at 12:30 a.m. but by month’s end you will see it rise at 10:30 p.m. Saturn’s magnificent rings have opened to a tilt of 10 degrees, which is the best since 2007.
Dazzling Venus, at magnitude -4.5, will rise as much as 3.75 hours before the sun and climb to almost 20 degrees above the horizon before sunrise. Mercury reaches its greatest elongation on the 9th rising, about one and one half hours before the Sun. At magnitude 0 it should be easy to spot below and to the left of Venus during the first two weeks of the month.
The moon will be new on Tuesday, Jan. 4, first quarter on Jan. 12, full on Jan. 19, and last quarter on the Jan. 26. On Saturday, Jan. 1, the waning crescent moon can be found, about one hour before sunrise, in the southeast halfway between Venus and Mercury in the early morning sky about one hour before sunrise.
On Jan. 8 and 9, the crescent moon will be keeping company with Jupiter in the west. On Jan. 25 at about 1 a.m., look for the waning moon just below and to the right of the ringed planet Saturn. In the early morning hours from Jan. 28 to 30, the waning crescent moon will be found parading past Antares and Venus.
For you orbital mechanics, the Earth will reach perihelion on Monday, Jan. 3. This marks its closest approach to the sun at about 91.4 million miles.
Clear Skies!
By Jon Spargo
New MexicoTech Astronomy Club
For the past few months we’ve seen a slow transition of planets from the evening sky into the morning sky. With the exception of Jupiter, this transition is nearly complete. Jupiter is still found in the evening sky high in the south-southwest. Uranus is still hovering nearby, barely a half of a degree north of Jupiter. This will be the last opportunity to see these planets so close together until 2038. Binoculars or a small telescope should offer excellent views of both planets.
During the month, Saturn transits the midnight hour. At the beginning of the month it rises at 12:30 a.m. but by month’s end you will see it rise at 10:30 p.m. Saturn’s magnificent rings have opened to a tilt of 10 degrees, which is the best since 2007.
Dazzling Venus, at magnitude -4.5, will rise as much as 3.75 hours before the sun and climb to almost 20 degrees above the horizon before sunrise. Mercury reaches its greatest elongation on the 9th rising, about one and one half hours before the Sun. At magnitude 0 it should be easy to spot below and to the left of Venus during the first two weeks of the month.
The moon will be new on Tuesday, Jan. 4, first quarter on Jan. 12, full on Jan. 19, and last quarter on the Jan. 26. On Saturday, Jan. 1, the waning crescent moon can be found, about one hour before sunrise, in the southeast halfway between Venus and Mercury in the early morning sky about one hour before sunrise.
On Jan. 8 and 9, the crescent moon will be keeping company with Jupiter in the west. On Jan. 25 at about 1 a.m., look for the waning moon just below and to the right of the ringed planet Saturn. In the early morning hours from Jan. 28 to 30, the waning crescent moon will be found parading past Antares and Venus.
For you orbital mechanics, the Earth will reach perihelion on Monday, Jan. 3. This marks its closest approach to the sun at about 91.4 million miles.
Clear Skies!
Socorro Police, Chief Honored for DWI Reduction
By John LarsonThe Socorro Police Department and Chief George Van Winkle were honored this week by Gov. Bill Richardson and the state’s DWI Czar, Rachel O’Connor, for their increased efforts to reduce drunk driving in New Mexico in 2010.
Van Winkle received the Governor’s Superblitz Performance Award at city hall Wednesday. The police department was also awarded $10,000 to go toward DWI related equipment.
“We will probably use the money to buy cameras for four of our units,” Van Winkle said.
The department will also receive funding to attend the next national Lifesaver’s conference, a national highway safety meeting, in Phoenix.
According to O’Connor, since 2003 New Mexico has seen a 35 percent reduction in alcohol-related fatalities. The state had 221 alcohol-related fatalities in 2002. There have been 131 alcohol-related fatalities in the state to date in 2010.
Decisions were based on an independent review of all agencies participating in Superblitz activities. Awards were given to the top performers for large, medium and small agencies whose activities contributed to the reduction in alcohol-related fatalities.
Others receiving the award were Chief Faron Segotta of the New Mexico State Police and Chief Ernest Mendoza of the Eddy County Sheriff’s Department.
“We have all worked very hard to keep drunk drivers off our streets, and we are proud of the work of these law enforcement agencies,” Richardson said in a press release. “Their efforts have been crucial in the success of our statewide efforts in reducing DWI in New Mexico.”
OBITUARY: David E. Griego
David E. Griego, 61, passed away on Saturday, December 25, 2010 in Socorro surrounded by his loving family.
He was born June 20, 1949 to Elfego Griego and Caroline Cuellar.
He is survived by his loving wife of 38 years, Cathy Griego of Socorro; his devoted children, David Griego and wife, Barbara also of Socorro; and Elaine Montoya and husband Michael, of Bernalillo, NM; four grandchildren, Joshua; Madison; Jalen; and Tiara; his brothers, Paul Cases and wife, Frances; Rick Griego and wife, Julie; Elfego Griego Jr.; Levi Griego; Sam Griego; Anthony Griego; and Elmer Griego; his sisters, Ida Ortega; and Geraldine Rael; his aunt; and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his beloved parents and his brother, Carlos Griego.
David was a life long resident of Socorro. He was a self-employed carpenter and a devoted member of San Miguel Catholic Church.
A Rosary was recited on Thursday, December 30, 2010 at 9:30 a.m. at San Miguel Catholic Church. A Mass of Resurrection will follow at 10:00 am with Deacon Mike Ybarra as Celebrant. Interment will take place in the San Miguel Catholic Cemetery.
Pallbearers are Daryl Cases, Rick Griego Jr., Joshua Griego, JC Griego, Miguel Griego, Robert Olguin, Tony Derryberry, and Jolinda Cuellar. Honorary Pallbearers are Salo Griego, Mick Chavez, and Robert Chavez.
Services have been entrusted to: Daniels Family Funeral Services, 309 Garfield, Socorro, NM 87801 575-835-1530.
He was born June 20, 1949 to Elfego Griego and Caroline Cuellar.
He is survived by his loving wife of 38 years, Cathy Griego of Socorro; his devoted children, David Griego and wife, Barbara also of Socorro; and Elaine Montoya and husband Michael, of Bernalillo, NM; four grandchildren, Joshua; Madison; Jalen; and Tiara; his brothers, Paul Cases and wife, Frances; Rick Griego and wife, Julie; Elfego Griego Jr.; Levi Griego; Sam Griego; Anthony Griego; and Elmer Griego; his sisters, Ida Ortega; and Geraldine Rael; his aunt; and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his beloved parents and his brother, Carlos Griego.
David was a life long resident of Socorro. He was a self-employed carpenter and a devoted member of San Miguel Catholic Church.
A Rosary was recited on Thursday, December 30, 2010 at 9:30 a.m. at San Miguel Catholic Church. A Mass of Resurrection will follow at 10:00 am with Deacon Mike Ybarra as Celebrant. Interment will take place in the San Miguel Catholic Cemetery.
Pallbearers are Daryl Cases, Rick Griego Jr., Joshua Griego, JC Griego, Miguel Griego, Robert Olguin, Tony Derryberry, and Jolinda Cuellar. Honorary Pallbearers are Salo Griego, Mick Chavez, and Robert Chavez.
Services have been entrusted to: Daniels Family Funeral Services, 309 Garfield, Socorro, NM 87801 575-835-1530.
OBITUARY: Anastacio S. Sedillo
Anastacio S. Sedillo, 85, passed away Thursday, December 23, 2010 in Socorro.
Anastacio was born on February 5, 1925 to Fillamon and Elisearia (Sais) Sedillo in Socorro.
He is survived by his sons, Dennis Sedillo; Paul Sedillo; and Herman Sedillo; his daughter, Viola Edwards; his half brother, Junior Eatman; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Anastacio was a lifelong resident of Socorro and a member of San Miguel Catholic Church.
He was preceded in death by his parents and his son, Michael. A Military Memorial service and internment will be held on Friday, January 7, 2010 at 11:00 am in the Santa Fe National Cemetery, Santa Fe.
Those who wish to send condolences may do so at www.danielsfuneral.com. Services have been entrusted to: Daniels Family Funeral Services, 309 Garfield, Socorro, NM 87801 575-835-1530.
Anastacio was born on February 5, 1925 to Fillamon and Elisearia (Sais) Sedillo in Socorro.
He is survived by his sons, Dennis Sedillo; Paul Sedillo; and Herman Sedillo; his daughter, Viola Edwards; his half brother, Junior Eatman; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Anastacio was a lifelong resident of Socorro and a member of San Miguel Catholic Church.
He was preceded in death by his parents and his son, Michael. A Military Memorial service and internment will be held on Friday, January 7, 2010 at 11:00 am in the Santa Fe National Cemetery, Santa Fe.
Those who wish to send condolences may do so at www.danielsfuneral.com. Services have been entrusted to: Daniels Family Funeral Services, 309 Garfield, Socorro, NM 87801 575-835-1530.
OPINION: The Government is Just Plain Embarrassing
Magdalena Potluck
By Margaret Wiltshire
We are not victims. We are the US in USA. We have never been perfect but we have always been worthwhile. Shock and Awe isn’t just a military experience. No matter what your politics are or have been, chances are our government has embarrassed you sometime in the past few years.
We let things slip by in Washington for decades so we are responsible, as well. We’ve been enjoying the kinds of comfort that are just not good for you, or anyone.
While 9/11 First Responders waited almost a decade for a real thank you, our government began two wars killing many more of US. Even in 2010 our government had such little respect for those who represent the best of US that they held their health care hostage right up to the holidays.
There are some miserable souls in this world. Their goal is to make someone else miserable. It’s a lack of power they feel and have to deny to others. They are bullies. Bullies can be found anywhere from playgrounds to government offices and everywhere in between.
Unfortunately there is often – not always, but often – a real trickle down effect. Yes, and one that works. Abusers create abusers and one street gang creates another. Tit for tat.
I guess we showed Saddam Hussein who can commit war crimes and who can’t; who can use weapons of mass destruction and who can’t. The Nuremberg War Crime Trials once got our full support, and so did our manufacturing. Times change, bullies don’t.
We are not the first people to have a government go sour on them. We can survive.
We knew in the beginning that a government would not represent individuals individually. What we demanded was that they respect us individually.
Later, we agreed to pay taxes for state and federal services. We hire these people to service us. Now they’ve got a better offer from multinationals. I am not going to wander through this maze. I just want to suggest that honing our survival skills might be a good idea.
First, decide and commit to survival. Second, become aware of your surroundings and situation. Do that without lying to yourself or getting overly emotional. This is not the time for wishing or feeling, it is a time to be objective. The ego is not a great help here. This is true in battle, it’s true in a VA hospital and in a cancer ward. It’s true at the kitchen table with the bills in front of you. It’s true in a job hunt. Wishing, hoping, begging, and self-deceit will work against you. Know what your problem is and know what you are. These are tools.
Be curious. Situations may be similar but never forget they are always unique. Be fully aware of the now, this situation, this moment. Knowledge or intel is a tool.
Be flexible. Consider all possibilities. Surviving often means forgetting about rules. Holding on to patterns, habits, traditions and personal values and bias may bury you. Be willing to break some rules, even or especially if you wrote them.
Surviving is not about the ego. Keep the ego for R and R or at least ‘til you get to a safe place and you can say, “Did I just survive that.” (That’s not a question, that’s an assertion.)
Look at your take on a situation, up, down and sideways, as if you were evaluating someone else’s idea. This is where being partisan can do you in.
If you can’t look at courses of action from every angle it can be worse than tunnel vision. The other person might have a good idea, if you can’t see it, you lose.
When in doubt, trust your gut. Einstein said, “The only valuable thing is intuition.” It’s because your mind and body want you to survive and all you have to do is ask, and listen. Don’t wait for a traumatic event, practice, practice, practice. It’s like fry bread, you’ve got to get a feel for it. If your gut is tough and tight, you are not there yet.
Here’s to your Health
You are what you eat. If you are eating, you are alive and need to keep moving. Your health is your real social class, as in, you are as good as you feel. Sometimes we need help but help works better if we help ourselves as well.
Good for you food is not boring. White flour and white sugar are boring. I know I’m suppose to say that about white rice too, but just can’t bring myself to say it. I love white rice; I’m not eating it anymore (not very often).
Seriously, if you haven’t found a way to eat your vegetables, keep looking. We now have access to recipes from all around the world. Explore. The truth remains that most veggies are best pretty much as is. Some need a little cooking.
We nurturing adults are weird with our offspring. When they are at an age when they believe everything we say (2 to 5), we teach them to not like vegetables and to prefer junk food. Like, if you eat your vegetables, you can have soda, dessert, whatever later. We don’t count the wisecracks we make about vegetables. Like, I’m President now; I don’t have to eat broccoli.
I experimented with my daughters. I was excited when I put vegetables on the table. When I offered dessert, soda, I said nothing.
My first born just turned 41 and never wanted – or would accept – a birthday cake and still won’t drink soda. This complicated sleepovers.
There are well over a hundred foods, herbs and spices that are good for you. Many are believed to be life extenders and to fight disease.
Tomatoes are full of lycopene, an antioxidant that mops up free radicals. Cooking actually concentrates the nutrient. Tomatoes are believed to reduce the risk of lung, colon, breast, cervic and mouth cancers. According to the Journal of the National Cancer Institute, men who ate 10 servings of tomato-based foods weekly slashed their risk of prostate cancer by 45 percent.
Check out the website www.cancure.org/cancer_fighting_foods.htm. It has a wonderful article titled “Cancer Fighting Foods/Spices”. Avocados, chile peppers and jalapeños are listed. This is the website of The Cancer Cure Foundation. Its extensive list of foods and descriptions will be familiar to many of you, but I’ll bet you’ll find a few surprises, too.
Many like to be macho about foods that are good for you and laugh them off. My baby brother (he’s 60) has been one. His idea of eating at a golden age has been to eat as often as possible at the golden arches. He’s been having small heart attacks in the last few years; a few days before Christmas he had another. When he got to the VA hospital they discovered that he also has leukemia. Now he has a two against one battle on his hands. Good food is nothing to laugh off.
In my family, four people have battled cancer in the last few generations. Two were smokers. All four avoided vegetables and would decline a cup of tea.
Love is a verb; Happiness is a choice
You can’t buy them, inherit them, own and possess them. That only leads to flirtations. You can’t expect them. You can’t match up with them like matching clothes. You can only do them and that’s a trip.
If you think you are giving out a lot of love and not getting any and your miserable, then you are working on bad intelligence (about the situation). Love and happiness are important to our survival. It’s not treason to be objective about ourselves and our others.
Happiness and love are wonderful motivators. The best part is they are always available. Having a sexual partner may not be always available. Having someone to share responsibilities and income may not always be available. Love and happiness, they are always available.
“Find somebody to love”, that’s how a song went and it is not that hard. Love is an ability, an action. It’s a matter of use it or lose it.
If you are available, perhaps lonely, don’t go without. We have a universe and planet full of things to love. Open your eyes; be in the now, this moment. Not only are you pretty neat but you are surrounded by neat people, plants and animals. Develop a relationship with good foods, good ideas and this good earth, and don’t forget music.
People say, “I see other people are so happy and it makes me so sad and lonely.” Drop the jealousy. Jealous people are into power, not love.
See happiness and be delighted. See sadness and be concerned. See a respectful caring love and be moved. Be there. Choose to join this universal group. You’ll be delighted at how much company you’ll find just waiting for you.
Disclaimer: I’m not a professional on any of this. I often think of myself as a slow learner and even slower practitioner. Everything I write is OK’d by me on a gut level. I have learned to love my intuition.
New Year Promise: I saw this tag at the end of an e-mail: Don’t dream it, do it. I’ve decided that’s my “byline” for this coming year.
Yes! Magdalena’s Recycling! Contact Laurie Ware at 575-854-2529, or e-mail moocowblues@gotsky.com for the details. A tip of my hat to Laurie and friends, who have worked so hard to make this happen.
Know a way to get problems solved? Write me at wshireoldadobe@yahoo.com.
By Margaret Wiltshire
We are not victims. We are the US in USA. We have never been perfect but we have always been worthwhile. Shock and Awe isn’t just a military experience. No matter what your politics are or have been, chances are our government has embarrassed you sometime in the past few years.
We let things slip by in Washington for decades so we are responsible, as well. We’ve been enjoying the kinds of comfort that are just not good for you, or anyone.
While 9/11 First Responders waited almost a decade for a real thank you, our government began two wars killing many more of US. Even in 2010 our government had such little respect for those who represent the best of US that they held their health care hostage right up to the holidays.
There are some miserable souls in this world. Their goal is to make someone else miserable. It’s a lack of power they feel and have to deny to others. They are bullies. Bullies can be found anywhere from playgrounds to government offices and everywhere in between.
Unfortunately there is often – not always, but often – a real trickle down effect. Yes, and one that works. Abusers create abusers and one street gang creates another. Tit for tat.
I guess we showed Saddam Hussein who can commit war crimes and who can’t; who can use weapons of mass destruction and who can’t. The Nuremberg War Crime Trials once got our full support, and so did our manufacturing. Times change, bullies don’t.
We are not the first people to have a government go sour on them. We can survive.
We knew in the beginning that a government would not represent individuals individually. What we demanded was that they respect us individually.
Later, we agreed to pay taxes for state and federal services. We hire these people to service us. Now they’ve got a better offer from multinationals. I am not going to wander through this maze. I just want to suggest that honing our survival skills might be a good idea.
First, decide and commit to survival. Second, become aware of your surroundings and situation. Do that without lying to yourself or getting overly emotional. This is not the time for wishing or feeling, it is a time to be objective. The ego is not a great help here. This is true in battle, it’s true in a VA hospital and in a cancer ward. It’s true at the kitchen table with the bills in front of you. It’s true in a job hunt. Wishing, hoping, begging, and self-deceit will work against you. Know what your problem is and know what you are. These are tools.
Be curious. Situations may be similar but never forget they are always unique. Be fully aware of the now, this situation, this moment. Knowledge or intel is a tool.
Be flexible. Consider all possibilities. Surviving often means forgetting about rules. Holding on to patterns, habits, traditions and personal values and bias may bury you. Be willing to break some rules, even or especially if you wrote them.
Surviving is not about the ego. Keep the ego for R and R or at least ‘til you get to a safe place and you can say, “Did I just survive that.” (That’s not a question, that’s an assertion.)
Look at your take on a situation, up, down and sideways, as if you were evaluating someone else’s idea. This is where being partisan can do you in.
If you can’t look at courses of action from every angle it can be worse than tunnel vision. The other person might have a good idea, if you can’t see it, you lose.
When in doubt, trust your gut. Einstein said, “The only valuable thing is intuition.” It’s because your mind and body want you to survive and all you have to do is ask, and listen. Don’t wait for a traumatic event, practice, practice, practice. It’s like fry bread, you’ve got to get a feel for it. If your gut is tough and tight, you are not there yet.
Here’s to your Health
You are what you eat. If you are eating, you are alive and need to keep moving. Your health is your real social class, as in, you are as good as you feel. Sometimes we need help but help works better if we help ourselves as well.
Good for you food is not boring. White flour and white sugar are boring. I know I’m suppose to say that about white rice too, but just can’t bring myself to say it. I love white rice; I’m not eating it anymore (not very often).
Seriously, if you haven’t found a way to eat your vegetables, keep looking. We now have access to recipes from all around the world. Explore. The truth remains that most veggies are best pretty much as is. Some need a little cooking.
We nurturing adults are weird with our offspring. When they are at an age when they believe everything we say (2 to 5), we teach them to not like vegetables and to prefer junk food. Like, if you eat your vegetables, you can have soda, dessert, whatever later. We don’t count the wisecracks we make about vegetables. Like, I’m President now; I don’t have to eat broccoli.
I experimented with my daughters. I was excited when I put vegetables on the table. When I offered dessert, soda, I said nothing.
My first born just turned 41 and never wanted – or would accept – a birthday cake and still won’t drink soda. This complicated sleepovers.
There are well over a hundred foods, herbs and spices that are good for you. Many are believed to be life extenders and to fight disease.
Tomatoes are full of lycopene, an antioxidant that mops up free radicals. Cooking actually concentrates the nutrient. Tomatoes are believed to reduce the risk of lung, colon, breast, cervic and mouth cancers. According to the Journal of the National Cancer Institute, men who ate 10 servings of tomato-based foods weekly slashed their risk of prostate cancer by 45 percent.
Check out the website www.cancure.org/cancer_fighting_foods.htm. It has a wonderful article titled “Cancer Fighting Foods/Spices”. Avocados, chile peppers and jalapeños are listed. This is the website of The Cancer Cure Foundation. Its extensive list of foods and descriptions will be familiar to many of you, but I’ll bet you’ll find a few surprises, too.
Many like to be macho about foods that are good for you and laugh them off. My baby brother (he’s 60) has been one. His idea of eating at a golden age has been to eat as often as possible at the golden arches. He’s been having small heart attacks in the last few years; a few days before Christmas he had another. When he got to the VA hospital they discovered that he also has leukemia. Now he has a two against one battle on his hands. Good food is nothing to laugh off.
In my family, four people have battled cancer in the last few generations. Two were smokers. All four avoided vegetables and would decline a cup of tea.
Love is a verb; Happiness is a choice
You can’t buy them, inherit them, own and possess them. That only leads to flirtations. You can’t expect them. You can’t match up with them like matching clothes. You can only do them and that’s a trip.
If you think you are giving out a lot of love and not getting any and your miserable, then you are working on bad intelligence (about the situation). Love and happiness are important to our survival. It’s not treason to be objective about ourselves and our others.
Happiness and love are wonderful motivators. The best part is they are always available. Having a sexual partner may not be always available. Having someone to share responsibilities and income may not always be available. Love and happiness, they are always available.
“Find somebody to love”, that’s how a song went and it is not that hard. Love is an ability, an action. It’s a matter of use it or lose it.
If you are available, perhaps lonely, don’t go without. We have a universe and planet full of things to love. Open your eyes; be in the now, this moment. Not only are you pretty neat but you are surrounded by neat people, plants and animals. Develop a relationship with good foods, good ideas and this good earth, and don’t forget music.
People say, “I see other people are so happy and it makes me so sad and lonely.” Drop the jealousy. Jealous people are into power, not love.
See happiness and be delighted. See sadness and be concerned. See a respectful caring love and be moved. Be there. Choose to join this universal group. You’ll be delighted at how much company you’ll find just waiting for you.
Disclaimer: I’m not a professional on any of this. I often think of myself as a slow learner and even slower practitioner. Everything I write is OK’d by me on a gut level. I have learned to love my intuition.
New Year Promise: I saw this tag at the end of an e-mail: Don’t dream it, do it. I’ve decided that’s my “byline” for this coming year.
Yes! Magdalena’s Recycling! Contact Laurie Ware at 575-854-2529, or e-mail moocowblues@gotsky.com for the details. A tip of my hat to Laurie and friends, who have worked so hard to make this happen.
Know a way to get problems solved? Write me at wshireoldadobe@yahoo.com.
SGH Honored for Provided Care
By Patrick Jason Rodriguez
The area’s only full service hospital has once again been honored for maintaining a high level of care.
For the third consecutive quarter, Socorro General Hospital received the Brilliant Torch Award from the New Mexico Medical Review Association, an independent nonprofit health care consulting firm based in Albuquerque. This most recent recognition covers data between the third quarter of 2009 and the first quarter of 2010.
The award, which was given to SGH in November, is earned by health care institutions achieving between 76 and 100 percent approval on surveys completed by patients regarding experiences in relation to core measures. Core measures, data pertaining to quality care as defined by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, include communication between medical staff and patients, pain management, room cleanliness and aftercare.
“We’re very proud of have been recognized for these achievements,” said Bo Beames, Socorro General Hospital administrator, “but more importantly it reflects the quality of care that is provided all of the patients at Socorro General Hospital.”
Veronica Pound, director of nursing at SGH, says that the hospital’s leadership team established the expectation of meeting the core measure requirements at the beginning.
“Providers were given data showing that specific interventions would decrease morbidity and mortality,” she said. “Staff then collaborated with providers to adapt the order sets to fit our patient population and practice.”
The NMMRA gives technical and professional advice to hospitals in New Mexico in maintaining the improvement of their core measures. The consulting firm began giving out accolades based on core measures in December 2009, mostly in an effort to recognize performances made by the state’s hospitals in improving patient care.
SGH is one two hospitals in New Mexico that received the Brilliant Torch Award for a third successive time last month, the other being Española Hospital.
“Hospitals across the country have made significant improvements in the evidence-based practices that support good patient care,” said Carlene Brown, NMMRA’s director of patient safety.
SGH is part Presbyterian Healthcare Services, which is based in Albquerque.
The area’s only full service hospital has once again been honored for maintaining a high level of care.
For the third consecutive quarter, Socorro General Hospital received the Brilliant Torch Award from the New Mexico Medical Review Association, an independent nonprofit health care consulting firm based in Albuquerque. This most recent recognition covers data between the third quarter of 2009 and the first quarter of 2010.
The award, which was given to SGH in November, is earned by health care institutions achieving between 76 and 100 percent approval on surveys completed by patients regarding experiences in relation to core measures. Core measures, data pertaining to quality care as defined by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, include communication between medical staff and patients, pain management, room cleanliness and aftercare.
“We’re very proud of have been recognized for these achievements,” said Bo Beames, Socorro General Hospital administrator, “but more importantly it reflects the quality of care that is provided all of the patients at Socorro General Hospital.”
Veronica Pound, director of nursing at SGH, says that the hospital’s leadership team established the expectation of meeting the core measure requirements at the beginning.
“Providers were given data showing that specific interventions would decrease morbidity and mortality,” she said. “Staff then collaborated with providers to adapt the order sets to fit our patient population and practice.”
The NMMRA gives technical and professional advice to hospitals in New Mexico in maintaining the improvement of their core measures. The consulting firm began giving out accolades based on core measures in December 2009, mostly in an effort to recognize performances made by the state’s hospitals in improving patient care.
SGH is one two hospitals in New Mexico that received the Brilliant Torch Award for a third successive time last month, the other being Española Hospital.
“Hospitals across the country have made significant improvements in the evidence-based practices that support good patient care,” said Carlene Brown, NMMRA’s director of patient safety.
SGH is part Presbyterian Healthcare Services, which is based in Albquerque.
Socorro County Sheriff's Blotter
Information for the following items was provided by the Socorro County Sheriff’s Department.
Nov. 7
A complainant on Avenida Ladera in Socorro reported at 1 p.m. that he is being harassed by the suspect. He stated that they are divorcing and she is trying to make problems for him at his work and with co-workers. She has sent emails, filed false reports, stalking and gossip. He stated that she has been to his home with police on separate occasions. She was told not to return to the home unless with legal advisor.
An Albuquerque woman reported at 3:55 p.m. that she was driving her ATV on the dirt road to Riley from Bernardo and lost control of the vehicle and fell off. She suffered a bump to the head, and was treated and released by EMTs. No action taken. The victim did not want a crash report.
Nov. 8
A complainant in Socorro reported at 11:30 a.m. that a rock had been thrown through the driver side door window of the car his wife drives. No suspects at time of report.
Nov. 9
An officer assisted a city police detective and a caseworker from CYFD with a home visit in Lemitar at 1:15 p.m. During the course of investigation a controlled substance was located. The female suspect was placed under arrest and transported to the detention center.
Nov. 14
A woman from Cincinnati was driving westbound on Highway 60 in Veguita at 11:45 a.m. at the intersection with Highway 304. At the same time another vehicle southbound on Highway 304 passed through the stop sign and was struck by the westbound car. The westbound driver swerved in an attempt to avoid the crash but could not. The driver of the southbound car was cited due to her being at fault for the crash.
Nov. 15
A Socorro woman reported at 1 p.m. that she and the suspect had a child custody hearing at district court. She said that as they were leaving the suspect came up behind her and made comments to her. There is an order of protection in effect and he is not supposed to have any contact with her, verbal or physical.
Nov. 26
An officer pulled over a vehicle at 10:15 p.m. for a traffic violation on Interstate 25 at mile marker 155. A check with NCIC showed that the driver’s vehicle had to be equipped with an interlock system, and the vehicle he was driving did not. He was placed under arrest and transported to the detention center.
Nov. 27
An officer pulled over a vehicle at 10:30 p.m. for a traffic violation on Fairgrounds Road, and found that the driver did not have a driver’s license. There was no insurance or registration on the vehicle. The driver was cited and the vehicle was released to his spouse.
Nov. 30
An Albuquerque woman visiting in Veguita reported at 12:22 p.m. that her sister kicked and slammed her head into the door. The officer could find no physical evidence of battery. Their mother stated that there was no physical interaction between them as stated by the victim. The victim was asked to leave the residence by the sister and mother. Incident possibly turned into a civil matter due to victim wanting to change power of attorney from the sister to her.
A city police car was attempting to stop another vehicle on Center Street at 4:50 p.m. when the vehicle would not pull over. The officer pulled up in front of the suspect in order to make the vehicle stop. The suspect driver continued and rear ended the police car. The driver was placed under arrest and transported to the detention center.
Dec. 1
An officer pulled over a vehicle at 7:30 p.m. for a traffic violation on Highway 380 at mile marker 9. The driver, from Jarales, New Mex., did not have a driver’s license and the vehicle was not covered by insurance. She was cited and the vehicle was towed.
Dec. 2
An officer was dispatched at 11 a.m. to district court to take the suspect into custody and escort her to the detention center. She was booked and incarcerated.
An officer was dispatched at 7 p.m. to the truck stop in Lemitar on a DWI alert call. The vehicle was located and was pulled over for a traffic violation. The officer detected an odor of an alcoholic beverage emitting from the driver’s person. He admitted to consuming alcoholic beverages and was given, and failed, field sobriety tests. He was then transported to Socorro for a breath test - which he refused – and then locked up in jail.
Dec. 4
A deputy met with Border Patrol officers who had pulled over a vehicle at 1:10 a.m. It was learned that the suspect was driving on a suspended or revoked license with an arrest clause. A check confirmed the arrest status, and he was placed under arrest and transported to the detention center.
An officer ran a check on a suspect in Veguita at 6 p.m. and learned that he had an outstanding warrant for his arrest. He was arrested and transported to the detention center.
Dec. 9
A complainant from Middle Rio Grande Conservancy reported at 3 p.m. that someone shot out the windows of a backhoe and a grader parked on Farm-Market Road. A small caliber weapon was used. Tire tracks were located and photographed.
Nov. 7
A complainant on Avenida Ladera in Socorro reported at 1 p.m. that he is being harassed by the suspect. He stated that they are divorcing and she is trying to make problems for him at his work and with co-workers. She has sent emails, filed false reports, stalking and gossip. He stated that she has been to his home with police on separate occasions. She was told not to return to the home unless with legal advisor.
An Albuquerque woman reported at 3:55 p.m. that she was driving her ATV on the dirt road to Riley from Bernardo and lost control of the vehicle and fell off. She suffered a bump to the head, and was treated and released by EMTs. No action taken. The victim did not want a crash report.
Nov. 8
A complainant in Socorro reported at 11:30 a.m. that a rock had been thrown through the driver side door window of the car his wife drives. No suspects at time of report.
Nov. 9
An officer assisted a city police detective and a caseworker from CYFD with a home visit in Lemitar at 1:15 p.m. During the course of investigation a controlled substance was located. The female suspect was placed under arrest and transported to the detention center.
Nov. 14
A woman from Cincinnati was driving westbound on Highway 60 in Veguita at 11:45 a.m. at the intersection with Highway 304. At the same time another vehicle southbound on Highway 304 passed through the stop sign and was struck by the westbound car. The westbound driver swerved in an attempt to avoid the crash but could not. The driver of the southbound car was cited due to her being at fault for the crash.
Nov. 15
A Socorro woman reported at 1 p.m. that she and the suspect had a child custody hearing at district court. She said that as they were leaving the suspect came up behind her and made comments to her. There is an order of protection in effect and he is not supposed to have any contact with her, verbal or physical.
Nov. 26
An officer pulled over a vehicle at 10:15 p.m. for a traffic violation on Interstate 25 at mile marker 155. A check with NCIC showed that the driver’s vehicle had to be equipped with an interlock system, and the vehicle he was driving did not. He was placed under arrest and transported to the detention center.
Nov. 27
An officer pulled over a vehicle at 10:30 p.m. for a traffic violation on Fairgrounds Road, and found that the driver did not have a driver’s license. There was no insurance or registration on the vehicle. The driver was cited and the vehicle was released to his spouse.
Nov. 30
An Albuquerque woman visiting in Veguita reported at 12:22 p.m. that her sister kicked and slammed her head into the door. The officer could find no physical evidence of battery. Their mother stated that there was no physical interaction between them as stated by the victim. The victim was asked to leave the residence by the sister and mother. Incident possibly turned into a civil matter due to victim wanting to change power of attorney from the sister to her.
A city police car was attempting to stop another vehicle on Center Street at 4:50 p.m. when the vehicle would not pull over. The officer pulled up in front of the suspect in order to make the vehicle stop. The suspect driver continued and rear ended the police car. The driver was placed under arrest and transported to the detention center.
Dec. 1
An officer pulled over a vehicle at 7:30 p.m. for a traffic violation on Highway 380 at mile marker 9. The driver, from Jarales, New Mex., did not have a driver’s license and the vehicle was not covered by insurance. She was cited and the vehicle was towed.
Dec. 2
An officer was dispatched at 11 a.m. to district court to take the suspect into custody and escort her to the detention center. She was booked and incarcerated.
An officer was dispatched at 7 p.m. to the truck stop in Lemitar on a DWI alert call. The vehicle was located and was pulled over for a traffic violation. The officer detected an odor of an alcoholic beverage emitting from the driver’s person. He admitted to consuming alcoholic beverages and was given, and failed, field sobriety tests. He was then transported to Socorro for a breath test - which he refused – and then locked up in jail.
Dec. 4
A deputy met with Border Patrol officers who had pulled over a vehicle at 1:10 a.m. It was learned that the suspect was driving on a suspended or revoked license with an arrest clause. A check confirmed the arrest status, and he was placed under arrest and transported to the detention center.
An officer ran a check on a suspect in Veguita at 6 p.m. and learned that he had an outstanding warrant for his arrest. He was arrested and transported to the detention center.
Dec. 9
A complainant from Middle Rio Grande Conservancy reported at 3 p.m. that someone shot out the windows of a backhoe and a grader parked on Farm-Market Road. A small caliber weapon was used. Tire tracks were located and photographed.
Tech Professor Runs Toward First-Place Finish
By Dave Wheelock
For the Mountain Mail
Rick Aster of Socorro placed first in his age division and seventh overall of 57 finishers in the 50-kilometer Rodeo Beach Trail Ultramarathon in the Golden Gate National Recreation Area near San Francisco on Dec. 18.
The 51-year-old professor of geophysics at New Mexico Tech covered 31 miles of trail near the Golden Gate Bridge with a time of 4:56.21, beating the next fastest finisher by more than 30 minutes. A winning time of 3:56:27 was run by 34-year-old Pieter Vermeesch of London.
The race took place in rainy and misty conditions that Aster reported as perfect for running a long race, with only one section of bad mud. The run had a vertical elevation gain and loss of approximately 6,000 feet.
Aster, who is chair of Tech’s Earth and Environmental Science Department, was in San Francisco for the annual conference of the American Geophysical Union.
Aster said he “really felt the difference in elevation running near sea level after training in Socorro and the Magdalena Mountains.” The elevation of Socorro is approximately 4,600 feet, and local runners can train at elevations of up to 10,700 feet on South Baldy.
Aster and his wife, Jan Tarr, are avid runners of trails and road races around New Mexico and beyond, and Tarr recently organized a community 5-kilometer running series in Socorro.
The couple competed in the Boston Marathon in April and has been running races together for the past five years. They have also competed in marathons and ultramarathons in Utah, Colorado, Arizona, and Oregon.
Aster noted that Socorro, with its highly varied elevations, trails, and terrain and great weather, is “perfect for trail running and training.” Tarr and Aster typically run 40 to 50 miles per week when training for races.
For the past several years, Aster, who is also president of the Seismological Society of America, has made close to a dozen field trips to Antarctica to conduct research of that continent’s geology, glaciology, and volcanology. These visits can extend for several weeks.
How does Aster manage to keep up his fitness?
“I run on the 10,000 foot runway,” he said.
For the Mountain Mail
 |
| Aster nears the summit of Pike's Peak last August. Photo courtesy of Jan Aster. |
The 51-year-old professor of geophysics at New Mexico Tech covered 31 miles of trail near the Golden Gate Bridge with a time of 4:56.21, beating the next fastest finisher by more than 30 minutes. A winning time of 3:56:27 was run by 34-year-old Pieter Vermeesch of London.
The race took place in rainy and misty conditions that Aster reported as perfect for running a long race, with only one section of bad mud. The run had a vertical elevation gain and loss of approximately 6,000 feet.
Aster, who is chair of Tech’s Earth and Environmental Science Department, was in San Francisco for the annual conference of the American Geophysical Union.
Aster said he “really felt the difference in elevation running near sea level after training in Socorro and the Magdalena Mountains.” The elevation of Socorro is approximately 4,600 feet, and local runners can train at elevations of up to 10,700 feet on South Baldy.
Aster and his wife, Jan Tarr, are avid runners of trails and road races around New Mexico and beyond, and Tarr recently organized a community 5-kilometer running series in Socorro.
The couple competed in the Boston Marathon in April and has been running races together for the past five years. They have also competed in marathons and ultramarathons in Utah, Colorado, Arizona, and Oregon.
Aster noted that Socorro, with its highly varied elevations, trails, and terrain and great weather, is “perfect for trail running and training.” Tarr and Aster typically run 40 to 50 miles per week when training for races.
For the past several years, Aster, who is also president of the Seismological Society of America, has made close to a dozen field trips to Antarctica to conduct research of that continent’s geology, glaciology, and volcanology. These visits can extend for several weeks.
How does Aster manage to keep up his fitness?
“I run on the 10,000 foot runway,” he said.
Former NFL Star has Ties to Socorro and Reserve
By Gary Jaramillo
I had the unique opportunity to visit with Don Woods (former NFL great) at our local Supermart Store. He was in town raising money for kids at risk and his Ray of Hope Foundation, and also to visit his wife’s family, who live here in Socorro and are originally from Reserve. He is married to Margaret Montano and was excited to be able to spend time with his in-laws while raising money for the nonprofit foundation he and his wife began in order to promote values in post secondary areas of education.
Their foundation helps raise money for those kids who need funding assistance to attend college. Woods’ wife Margaret is a social worker and Woods teaches at risk kids in Albuquerque for charter schools.
Before teaching, Woods played football at Highlands University in Las Vegas his first three years of college and finished up at the University of New Mexico. His talents got him drafted into the National Football League by the New York Jets in 1974 and then traded to the Green Bay Packers, where he missed the final cut, and was finally picked up by the San Diego Chargers, where he played for one of his past UNM football coaches, Rudy Feldman, who had a pretty good idea about just how talented Woods was on the field of play.
Woods took advantage of an injury that placed the Chargers starting running back on the bench and really took charge and impressed the team’s coaches and ownership in the end. His almost 1,200-yard season ranked him a close second in the league that year behind Otis Armstrong of the Denver Broncos and just ahead of the great Buffalo Bills runner O.J. Simpson. He also garnered Rookie of the Year honors that season.
Woods finished up his NFL Career with the San Francisco ‘49ers in 1980, and resumed his educational goals in order to get his master’s degree and his interest and love for helping others realize their educational and life dreams have been moving ahead at full steam, like the way he used to run in the NFL. He hasn’t let anything slow him down when it comes to helping his kids in school. Woods has been teaching for more than 20 years in the Albuquerque schools and charter schools as well.
Each year, Woods hosts an annual golf tournament that raises money for kids who want to attend college and he has great plans to build a Ray of Hope Charter School in the south valley of Albuquerque within the next couple of years. His new school would help at-risk students, from kindergarten to 12th grade, and would also provide flexibility which would help special needs students as well.
“We don’t want to let any of our kids fall through the cracks ever again,” said Woods.
He smiles every time he talks about his kids and the possibilities that will come with his new school in Albuquerque. Football was a very special part of his life, but the kids that he cares about and love so much are just as special and fill his and Margaret’s hearts with pure joy and contentment.
It was a pleasure to meet a great former professional athlete and even greater man with a big heart and love for educating those less fortunate. It’s nice to know that he didn’t just sit back and rest on his laurels, but decided long ago that his life has only begun after he left the playing field so many years ago.
Congratulations to Woods for caring so much about our children, and congratulations to the kids who will succeed because he made a choice to make a difference in so many other people’s lives. It’s also pretty neat to have a gentleman of his caliber dropping in for a family visit from time to time here in Socorro. We wish him and his extended Montano family from here in Socorro and Reserve the very best always.
I had the unique opportunity to visit with Don Woods (former NFL great) at our local Supermart Store. He was in town raising money for kids at risk and his Ray of Hope Foundation, and also to visit his wife’s family, who live here in Socorro and are originally from Reserve. He is married to Margaret Montano and was excited to be able to spend time with his in-laws while raising money for the nonprofit foundation he and his wife began in order to promote values in post secondary areas of education.
Before teaching, Woods played football at Highlands University in Las Vegas his first three years of college and finished up at the University of New Mexico. His talents got him drafted into the National Football League by the New York Jets in 1974 and then traded to the Green Bay Packers, where he missed the final cut, and was finally picked up by the San Diego Chargers, where he played for one of his past UNM football coaches, Rudy Feldman, who had a pretty good idea about just how talented Woods was on the field of play.
Woods took advantage of an injury that placed the Chargers starting running back on the bench and really took charge and impressed the team’s coaches and ownership in the end. His almost 1,200-yard season ranked him a close second in the league that year behind Otis Armstrong of the Denver Broncos and just ahead of the great Buffalo Bills runner O.J. Simpson. He also garnered Rookie of the Year honors that season.
Woods finished up his NFL Career with the San Francisco ‘49ers in 1980, and resumed his educational goals in order to get his master’s degree and his interest and love for helping others realize their educational and life dreams have been moving ahead at full steam, like the way he used to run in the NFL. He hasn’t let anything slow him down when it comes to helping his kids in school. Woods has been teaching for more than 20 years in the Albuquerque schools and charter schools as well.
Each year, Woods hosts an annual golf tournament that raises money for kids who want to attend college and he has great plans to build a Ray of Hope Charter School in the south valley of Albuquerque within the next couple of years. His new school would help at-risk students, from kindergarten to 12th grade, and would also provide flexibility which would help special needs students as well.
“We don’t want to let any of our kids fall through the cracks ever again,” said Woods.
He smiles every time he talks about his kids and the possibilities that will come with his new school in Albuquerque. Football was a very special part of his life, but the kids that he cares about and love so much are just as special and fill his and Margaret’s hearts with pure joy and contentment.
It was a pleasure to meet a great former professional athlete and even greater man with a big heart and love for educating those less fortunate. It’s nice to know that he didn’t just sit back and rest on his laurels, but decided long ago that his life has only begun after he left the playing field so many years ago.
Congratulations to Woods for caring so much about our children, and congratulations to the kids who will succeed because he made a choice to make a difference in so many other people’s lives. It’s also pretty neat to have a gentleman of his caliber dropping in for a family visit from time to time here in Socorro. We wish him and his extended Montano family from here in Socorro and Reserve the very best always.
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