DECEMBER 2014 SERVING THE MOUNTAIN EMPIRE COMMUNITIES OF CANELO, ELGIN, PATAGONIA AND SONOITA VOL. 4, ISSUE 11

By Ann Katzenbach

Sometimes numbers was in Patagonia on No- speak louder than words. vember 9 at a PARA Pete Dronkers and the event to talk about his Patagonia Area Resource research, which in- Alliance (PARA) have re- cluded hydrologic and cently published a report geologic studies, a care- about the potential im- ful reading of Wildcat pact of an open pit mine Silver documents, a in the Patagonia Moun- study of local ground- tains, and some of the water and wells, historic numbers used in refer- data on mining in the ence to the mine's pro- area and its resulting posed activities are stag- effects on the environ- gering. ment, and comparisons Dronkers is a member with similar mines in of Earthworks, a nonprofit the west. He has done organization that works modeling to determine with communities that are how much water and dealing with mineral and energy (diesel and elec- energy development. He tric) would be required (continued on page 2) Photo of red-tailed hawk in flight by Jim Johnson (more on page 2)

Park Pie Riding PUHS Gets Idea The Performs Full Takes Dalton A Court Off Highway Classic Report Projects Consequences of Hermosa Mine, cont. from page 1

The entire area depicted as “open pit” in the photo above would become a pit and much later, a lake. It is 4,000 feet across, the length of over 13 football fields, or slightly less than a mile . It would be slightly bigger than the Copper Queen Mine in Bisbee, and deeper by 600 feet.

to dig the proposed mine and how abandoned pit will become a dumped millions of tons of con- long its effects would be felt in lake containing billions of gal- taminated sediment into water- the region. lons of water. The pit will draw sheds. Two hydrologists and a re- water from the surrounding ·Mitigation costs for acid mine search geologist reviewed aquifers. The resulting lake will drainage contamination from large, Dronkers’ research and have veri- evaporate rapidly and will be modern mines can cost hundreds fied his information and conclu- replaced by groundwater at a of millions of dollars and are often sions insofar as possible. Hydrol- rate comparable to when the paid for by taxpayers rather than ogy is not a perfect science, and mine was operating. This will mining companies. some of Dronker’s conclusions are go on and on until there is not ·Mining industry experts suggest based on strong suppositions groundwater to fill the lake. that electricity consumption for about drainage in the area, but if ·Hermosa proposes to use a mines like Hermosa average be- you read the entire report, his con- method of watering its tailings tween 30 and 50 kilowatt-hours clusions are very hard to refute. dump that would use 25 per- per ton. To put this in perspective, Following are the results of cent more water than a dry the mine could consume as much some of the numbers Dronkers stack operation because it will electricity as 16,640 single-family put together for this report. All save the company money. homes or one-fifth of the energy the sources for these conclusions ·Wildcat Silver’s Prefeasibil- currently generated by Sulphur are carefully noted in the report. ity Study contains only one sen- Springs Valley Electric. The Hermosa Mine would move tence on the topic of water sup- ·Transportation of ore from the 1,679 times more rock than the ply. The projected financial re- mine would consume approxi- largest of the historic mines in the turn on investment is given mately 9.3 million gallons of fuel a area. nearly 100 pages. year. ·The Hermosa open pit mine ·Water treatment costs to ·Sulphur Springs uses coal to would consume between 670 mil- mitigate the effects of a mine make electricity. Every megawatt lion and 1.2 billion gallons of wa- continue indefinitely. At the hour of coal-generated electricity ter. That figure is 53 times more Red Dog Mine in Alaska, that consumes 510 gallons of water. water than the town of Patagonia cost is roughly $10 million per · consumes annually and is equal to year. Putting all these energy num- the amount of water consumed ·In the past year alone, three bers together, the Hermosa opera- annually by 4,600 Arizonans. large tailings impoundments in tion would generate as much as 2 ·When the mine is closed, the North America have failed and (continued on page 3) 591 million pounds of greenhouse gas emissions each year. That’s about the equivalent of 71,000 automobiles. Dronkers’ report is not just about numbers, but I cite them to give a sense of the range and complexity of the whole project as it has taken shape over time. People who favor mining here point to more modern methods of mitigation, and Wildcat Silver insists that its open pit mine is not part of Patagonia’s watershed. For those who were comforted by these assertions, this report makes it clear that there is no way to prevent most of the environ- mental harm that mines cause—here or anywhere. It is also quite clear from this report that Patagonia’s water comes from rain, groundwater, and aquifers in the same mountains that would be the site of Wildcat's opera- Above, from left, Pete Dronker, Ron Pulliam, and Annie McGreevy, at the gathering hosted by tions. Patagonia Area Regional Association (PARA) on November 9 in Patagonia. At the event, Pete And finally—two more numbers Drinker answered questions about his recently published report on the environmental im- that might interest Wildcat investors. pact of Wildcat Silver’s proposed Hermosa Mine (see front page article.) At his presentation in Patagonia, Dronkers pointed out that it takes one ton of ore to produce one ounce of silver. Considering the tremendous A Question of Space costs associated mining that ore, it is hard to understand the value of the outcome, when one ounce of silver is This fall the town of Patagonia received an unexpected request. A couple went to the town hall currently selling for about $16. and asked if they could bury their mother in the town cemetery. They said they had explored all the cemeteries in the region and thought Patagonia’s was the perfect place. Apparently, the woman had been a bird lover, and they also loved the view from the hilltop. The couple was told there was no room and was sent off to find another resting place. Then questions arose as to just how much room there is and how many reservations there are and who is buried where. Figuring all this out will cost some money, which is not in the budget at this point. The town council plans to take up the matter in the near future. Meanwhile, if you’ve been hoping to be buried in the Patagonia cemetery, you might need a contingency plan.

Jim Johnson took this amazing photograph of a red-tailed hawk at his property in Sonoita. He calls it a lucky shot, but it takes skill to capture such a sharp image of a big bird in flight. Avian experts identified it as an immature bird because of its light eye color and faint red markings. Photo by Ann Katzenbach

(continued on page 3) The Patagonia Cemetery; the gravestone shown at bottom right is dated 1899 3 source of water. The property is the home of a fully installed water system New Ownership and New Role For that was designed to serve 200 home sites. Given the maximum of 40 home sites now planned, there will be consid- erable excess capacity for future on or off site uses. Wildlife Corridors has six major in- By Lynn Davison vestors who have raised approximately 50% of the purchase price. The balance Patagonians have are key to conserving the bio the advisory group will represent a will be held in the form of a third party watched the adventures and diversity of our region…places broad spectrum of people and in- loan to be paid off primarily by the sale misadventures of Three like Three Canyons. terests in our community. Not sur- of home sites and/or development Canyons since 2005. The The Three Canyons property prisingly, many are already weigh- rights. The company is looking for original development went sits smack in the middle of two ing in with ideas for equestrian other investors who share their vision under in 2008 and the prop- sections of the Coronado Na- trails, hiking trails, hunting oppor- and support their business model. That erty is currently held by the tional Forest. This strip of pri- tunities, grazing and more. The model includes a commitment to rein- National Bank of Arizona. vate land has been identified by owners suggest they are open to all vesting 80% of any profit generated by The late breaking news is Northern Arizona University ideas that can be compatible with Three Canyons to a corridor protection that a newly formed com- professor of Biology, Paul Beier, the primary goal of preserving the fund that will assure the wildlife corri- pany, Wildlife Corridors as one of the most critical corri- wildlife corridor. They also appear dor is well managed in perpetuity. LLC, purchased the prop- dors (shown as area highlighted erty in a deal that is due to in white map) in Arizona for close in early December. wildlife movement between hot- The new owners will have spots of biodiversity. As you = developed properties 1250 acres of land, includ- can see from the map, the ing a critical corridor for northern portion of the Three wildlife movement among Canyons property is the only the Santa Rita, Huachuca, land left within the critical cor- and Patagonia Mountains. ridor free of development and So who is Wildlife Corri- capable of promoting move- dors and why are they so ment of wildlife between the committed to this property? Santa Rita and Huachuca moun- I recently spent an hour in tain ranges. Protection of that Ron Pulliam’s study, listen- wildlife passage in perpetuity is ing to the story. Like any the primary reason for the pur- card carrying former pro- chase. fessor, he began by describ- The 1250 acres purchased ing his concern about the by Wildlife Corridors, part of a W trends in the landscape in larger tract of land originally I southeastern Arizona over designed to have 189 homes. L DL the past 40 years and his will be split into three sections IF vision for preserving and with different uses. The major- E restoring one of the most ity, 916 northernmost acres, CO bio-diverse regions in the will be set aside as a wildlife RR US. Pulliam is one of the corridor. A residential area, 1250 acres ID founders of Borderlands most of which is not owned by OR Restoration, one of the two Wildlife Corridors, is already purchased organizations that formed divided into 40 home sites, 16 Wildlife Corridors to own of which were already pur- and manage Three Canyons. chased prior to the sale. A The other parent organiza- buffer zone of approximately tion is Bio R, a non- profit 100 acres, between the wildlife focused on habitat recon- corridor and the residential struction to support wildlife area, will be used for a combi- and based in California and nation of recreational and agri- Australia. According to cultural uses. For example, Bor- Pulliam, Borderlands is derlands will place several committed to protect and green houses in the buffer zone restore a “working land- to support native plant propa- scape” that supports people gation for restoration projects. Photo of Roncourtesy Pulliam and wildlife to successfully The new owners plan to es- to be interested in making Three The new owners will hold a public coexist. One part of the Bor- tablish a community advisory Canyons a community asset that meeting later this month to present derlands strategy is to di- group to help determine spe- promotes the local economy, pro- their vision for Three Canyons to the rectly protect the few cific uses within the prop- vides recreational opportunities for community. Stay tuned for more de- 4 very special places that erty. Pulliam says they intend local residents, and is a potential tails.

4 All Torn Up

Two blocks of Third Avenue were closed down the week before Thanksgiving so that work crews could tun- nel under Route 82. This work is part of Patagonia's on-going water system upgrade that has been post- poned twice now. Those in charge, esti- mate that the project should be wrapped up in April. Photo by Ann Katzenbach

Yasmin Plants Her Tree

When Yasmin Quiroga was eight years old she told Cornelia O'Connor, chair of the Tree and Park Committee, "I want to plant an oak tree.” Now, at the age of 13 , she helped Cliff Hirsch plant a Mexican Blue Oak in the town park. Yasmin said, "I'm going to show this

Photo by ShadrickMichelle tree to my children. I’ve always been interested in oaks." This tree was the last of the 13 new trees that are now planted in the park. Funds for this project were provided by the Ur- ban and Community For- estry Financial Assistance Program administered in cooperation between the Arizona State Forestry Division – Urban & Com- munity Forestry Program and the USDA Forest Ser- vice. 5 Full Court Basketball At Robertson Park

Becomes A Reality By Ann Katzenbach

tributors to this effort are youth in Patagonia. The the Patagonia Regional Busi- Youth Center is a good ness Association, which is start in that direction covering the cost of most of and having a sports alter- the cement for the ex- native, such as a good panded court; Jim Rowley basketball court that can of Elgin Electric, who do- be used day and night, nated new lights and will will add to the choices The expanded basketball court at install them; and High Spir- the young will have. The the Patagonia playground will start its Flutes, which is picking time to pay attention to construction in December if all goes up the balance of the costs, the young people in this according to plan Patrick Hatfield, including a new backboard. town is way overdue. who has spearheaded the idea, is Odell Borg of High Spir- Making these efforts will pleased that individuals and organi- its says, “We feel that it is help to provide positive zations have chipped in enough to important to provide alter- choices when it is time make this happen. The main con- native activities for the for play.”

Happy 88th, Ann!

Photos by Walter Andrew

Photo by Donna Reibslager Ann Caston celebrated her birthday at a 6 gathering with friends on November 20 Dog Kennels

Breaking Ground By Ann Katzenbach

This month two events are for the have worked hard to raise money and dogs. Patagonia Animal Lovers (PALS) get the project this far along. They has raised enough money to begin its hope to finish the kennels in 2015. new dog kennel and is having a cere- Everyone is invited to this commu- mony at 11 a.m. on Saturday, December nity event. If you’d like to make a do- 7, to break ground for the building. Ap- nation, PALS is selling bricks with the proval to build in the flood plain has donor’s name for $50. A check can be come from the town, and the permitting made out to the Town of Patagonia and process with the county will soon be un- sent to P.O. Box 767, Patagonia AZ derway. The planned kennels will be lo- 85624, with a designation of “PALS.” cated at the west end of the Patagonia All donations are tax deductible. Treatment Plant. Look for signs. The second PALS event is a fund- The PALS dog kennel committee: raiser on December 13 at 516 Harshaw Charlie Montoy, Sue Bergier, Diane Isak- Ave. from 6 to 8 p.m. “Christmas Won- son, Toni Patterson, Tami Young, derland,” held at the Youngs’ home, Brianna Young, Hannah Young, and was a big success last year. It’s an op- Sandy Young, along with Fred Sang, portunity for the whole family to enjoy Brent Bowden, and architect Michael Bas- the wonders of Christmas. inger, are among the volunteers who

Lawsuit Questions Forest

Service Decision By Ann Katzenbach

The Sunnyside mineral ex- in the Patagonia Mountains— aside for these owls in the ploration drilling project in the considered by naturalists to Alum Gulch area. One of Alum Gulch area of the Patago- be one of the most biologi- Sunnyside’s drilling project nia Mountains was given the go- cally diverse areas in Arizona. sites is just one-tenth of a ahead by the U.S. Forest Service The extensive drilling and mile from their nesting back in September. In response construction would run all sites. to this decision, the Patagonia day and night for months on In addition, Patagonia’s Area Resource Alliance and De- end and could go on for three municipal watershed proba- fenders of Wildlife have asked a years. bly will be compromised by federal court to hold the USFS Since major mining halted this drilling, which will re- and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife in these mountains more than quire 12,500 gallons of wa- Service accountable for their a half century ago, many spe- ter per day. approval, saying that it violates cies of wildlife have thrived Despite these concerns, environmental laws and poses a there. Some—such as the jag- the Sunnyside Project was potential threat to endangered uar, ocelot, lesser long-nosed approved. The lawsuit is species and the safety of drink- bat, Mexican spotted owl, and seeking to require the USFS ing water for local residents. western yellow-billed and FWS to adhere to their Regal Resources, the Cana- cuckoo—are imperiled. Of own regulations, by ac- dian-based company that over- particular concern is the knowledging the environ- sees the Sunnyside project, pro- Mexican spotted owl. A feder- mental impacts of the Sun- poses to drill multiple explora- ally designated Protected Ac- nyside proposal. tory holes up to 6,500 feet deep tivity Center has been set 7 then we added chile colorado. But, wanting more variety, we have also started to make A Tasty Idea chicken and vegetarian ver- sions of Thai curry.” By Donna Reibslager Realizing that they needed more vegetarian options, the There’s a new pie in town—you may frey “have a little bit of food Cobbs created a mushroom have seen it at the Gathering Grounds, addiction” and that, while bourguignon with wild rice or at the County Fair last August. Jes- traveling in Australia, they and goat cheese. Jessica notes sica and Geoffrey Cobb are making and fell in love with that coun- that “This one instantly be- selling “hand pies”—filled with meat, try’s pie shops. Unlike Brit- came a hit with our small but vegetables, or fruit—and their venture ish pasties, which are made growing fan base. Classic is catching on. from a single piece of chicken pot pie has also been Jessica explains that she and Geof- dough folded over to create a big hit. Another of our occa- a pocket for the filling, Aus- sional specials is Carolina sie pies are mini versions of pulled pork BBQ.” All the pies traditional pies, with savory are made from scratch, with fillings. “It was love at first minimal ingredients, and can sight,” Jessica says. be frozen and easily reheated Their Patagonia Pies are for a quick supper. 4½ inches in diameter and Currently, Jessica and weigh about half a pound. Geoffrey are selling their pies They make a hearty meal at area farmers markets. The for one or can be shared by pies are also on the menu at two. Jessica says, “We have the Gathering Grounds, where tried to take the idea of the they are served with a side Jessica at the Santa Cruz County Fair traditional meat pie and salad. They now have a Face- give it an American—and in book page and hope to reach some cases a distinctly out to small stores in the area tact them at 520 841-1166 or Patago- southwestern—twist. Chile soon. If you would like to [email protected] . They deliver verde was our first creation, place an order, you can con- weekly.

8 Club Theater Performance The Dutch Roots Of

Santa Claus By Inge Meyer

The American Santa Claus came to New York with Dutch settlers about 500 years ago. Saint Nicolas, or Sinterklaas in Dutch, was a saintly bishop of Spain, known for gift giving. In the Netherlands this saint’s day is celebrated on December 5, and it’s a big holi- day for small children as well as a great party for adults. In the Netherlands preparations for St. Nicolas Day begin in November. The mythical bishop arrives by boat, supposedly from Spain. He is dressed in full re- galia and rides a white horse. He is accompanied by a black servant, Peter (Zwarte Piet). Traditionally, this character is a Dutch adolescent wearing black paint. The pair comes early because they need to ride all the rooftops of the houses where children live. They leave something for every child who has sung a song and left a carrot for the horse. It is a fun time because Zwarte Piet also visits houses, leaving whole rooms strewn with candy. The Patagonia Creative Arts Center Club Theater Program performed On December 5, when he has collected all the chil- “Rumplestiltskin’s Daughter” on November 3. The young thespians spent eight dren's wishes, Sinterklass makes his last visit before weeks building sets, and creating costumes. There were 19 children involved, ages returning to Spain. There are presents and sweets for 9 to 16, including home schoolers from Elgin, students from the Montessori children, and the grownups have fun exchanging School, and students from Patagonia Public School. The play was co-directed by funny gifts accompanied by poems. Very little work Anita Clovesko-Wharton and Laura Wenzel. gets done because everyone is thinking up poems. Even the weatherman has to give his report in rhyme. This year, the traditional event has been disrupted by a group of troublemakers who say that Zwarte Piet is a racist concept. All the ones I have known were male or female teenagers painted black. So this year when Saint Nicolas arrived in the city of Gouda, 60 people were arrested for protesting racism and spoil- ing the lovely party for a lot of children. The prime minister declared, rightfully, that Sinterklaas is a cen- turies-old tradition and that it should stay as it has always been. And why not? In the national anthem of the Neth- erlands we swear that we will always honor the king of Spain, regardless of the fact that it took 80 years of war before the Spaniards were driven out in 1680. Judging ancient tradition by today’s standards of po- litical correctness borders on the ridiculous.

9 To contribute your opinion or commentary to PRT, PRT reserves the right to edit all submittals send it in Word format to [email protected] For language, length, and content

or feeling the angst that comes along with needing to measure up to some standard Wake Me When It’s Over of celebration? This year I’m giving the

next generation of children in By Ann Katzenbach my family the information that their gifts are going to I am a bit of a guy with the reindeer and time to time, but my best memories of De- children in the third world in Grinch when the workshop at the North cember 25 are of being in Vermont with the form of mosquito nets it comes to Pole were confirmed. friends, forgetting everything but the and bicycles. I hope they’re Christmas. As I grew up and moved pleasure of skiing down a snowy moun- old enough to appreciate this I’m sure part of that is because I to Boston, I almost always tainside. kind of sharing, but if not, it haven’t had children and now, at went home for Christmas. So I wonder about this holiday—which comforts me to think that gift my age, that means no grandchil- My father had a succession seems to be more about stuff and stress giving can reach beyond fam- dren. Really, isn’t it children that of wives, each thinking that than spirit. The buildup is long and relent- ily and friends. make Christmas special? Espe- it was her duty to decorate less, the aftermath often a case of “is that And, yes, here at home, I cially early on, when Santa is the the house, provide appro- all there is?” or “thank God that’s over.” will hang some lights to great provider. Throughout my priate gifts, and entertain. I And, God does get into this somewhere— brighten the dark nights, and childhood, I loved Christmas. I felt obliged to go along with lest we forget, it’s Jesus’s birthday, but I will prepare Christmas din- can remember counting the the program but would al- what would Jesus make of this celebra- ner. I will even give a few tan- weeks and days. There were the ways escape to help my sis- tion? Would he sanction all the hype? gible gifts. “T’is the season,” rituals of finding just the right ter, who had two kids. She Would he like listening to singing chip- after all. tree and the trip to Wanamakers and her husband both munks or seeing lavish displays of lights Merry Christmas. Department Store in Philadelphia, worked full time, so Christ- where the Christmas decorations mas, as it so often is for created an amazing world of working families, was a snow and costumes, music and scramble to buy and wrap pageantry. Santa Claus was there gifts, find a Christmas tree, on the second floor, with his red, maybe take the kids to see fur-trimmed suit and white Santa. Christmas Eve was an beard, taking note of hundreds of event, and Christmas dinner children’s wishes. I asked for a was an event. Which family pair of dungarees, and then, came when? There always there they were there on Christ- seemed to be some tension. mas morning. Wouldn’t it be nice I recall one Christmas if all our wishes were so pleas- morning seeing two boys antly and directly fulfilled? I rip through their presents guess growing up is realizing that like two little cyclones. They that’s not always going to hap- hadn’t taken time to even pen. look at their new posses- I suppose we can all remember sions, and they sat on the the Christmas when the Santa littered floor in the living myth dissolved. For me it in- room and asked,“Is that all volved a red wagon that I spied there is?” through the keyhole in the locked Finally, I realized that I door of the room that held my didn’t have to spend Christ- mother’s Christmas preparations. mas with my family and When it appeared on Christmas started going skiing instead. morning as a gift from Santa, Of course, a sense of obliga- 10 my suspicions regarding the tion took me back from OPINION & COMMENT •OPINION & COMMENT •OPINION & COMMENT

to empathize with both the un- ergy. LIFE AMONG THE HUMANS witting siren who, like Garbo, They were both pawns in a simply yearns for privacy, and deep, ancient game—something the handsome young schmo in older and larger than they— the grip of his lust. Jake, who without which they—or we— Well Bred grew up on a ranch and had would not exist. Is anyone a seen this game played many victim here? And if so, aren't By Martin Levowitz times in his life, said, “The there two? Are we all not perps, mare's almost ready, and soon victims, and products of the Years ago, I But as his unwanted attentions her behavior will change. When mating game? worked on a increase, the mare's irritation the chemistry's right, she'll At last, having finished his remote cattle does, too. He tries his best to abruptly stop fending him off . time-honored task, the stallion ranch near Sasabe, Arizona. One Sun- nuzzle her, to test her scent, to She'll raise her tail and stand dismounted and strolled to the day afternoon, after a couple of drinks, lick her haunch. She whirls to for it .” Those were the words side of the ring, just below my boss/friend, Jake; his girlfriend, face him and bites a chunk out of he used. My buddy knew where we sat. Then he rolled on Gayle; and I walked out to the corral. his face; lots of bright blood whereof he spoke. A couple of his back with his legs in the air. One of their mares was in heat and was streams down. He backs away, minutes more and she did just (His version of an end-zone due to be bred. A young stud from an- surprised and hurt. And yet, as he'd foretold, no longer in- celebration, I suppose, though other ranch had been brought in. We mere moments later, he is stalk- sulting her suitor or driving quite undignified.) He drew a walked to the paddock and sat on the ing her again. Once again he is him off. The stallion by now deep breath, sighed, and lit fence . bitten and kicked. She isn't was confused, rattled, bleeding, himself a cigarette. The mare, The mare has been bred once be- merely being coy; the kicks are and bruised. At first he was quite stolid now, just looked on fore, but this is the stallion's first time. deadly serious, designed to break quite tentative, expecting to be disapprovingly, reminding him The paddock is an oval, maybe 40 feet a leg or rib. The sound produced hurt again. It took him a while that he really ought to quit, for across. An ample space, it suits the when her shod hooves connect at to realize that something had the kids' sake, if not for his mare just fine. She is placidly snuffling full force with his gut makes us changed—that he might actu- own. He looked at her indiffer- around in the dust hoping for an over- three humans wince. ally have his way with her. Al- ently, then stood up, shook the looked shred of alfalfa or oat. The This courtship drama—if we though, till then, he didn't fine dust from his coat, and young male is jumpy, provoked by the can call it that—goes on for an- really know what “his way” was, walked away. pheromone scent his consort sends other half hour or so, till the sun he did his job with ardent en- forth. While she seems to have zero has gone down and the full moon interest in him, the stallion is clearly is up. It’s getting cold. For the obsessed with the mare and keeps pes- three of us perched on the fence, tering her. The first few times he walks slightly drunk, the whole scene toward her she merely moves away. has a primal poignancy. You have

11 my opinion, this was better than a diploma. Could everything that Within Normal Range I had been doing actually be working? There are so many peo- By Cassina Farley ple to thank. I smiled all the way to the car and celebrated with a whole box of Fig Newtons. Bring My ongoing Thanksgiving be damned. longed to read: Within Normal on Thanksgiving; Christmas and self-proclaimed Christmas keep your Range. What? I questioned the New Year I’ll take your cookie struggle with candy away. I was going to nurse about this all the way plates and leftovers. I will, for weight loss has be good. I was going to take to the exam room, and then I once in my life, enjoy the holi- come to an end. I control. The machine questioned the doctor. I have days without being worried about am once and for all off the bandwagon of beeped and spit out what never been normal about any- my “bottom line.” Who knew that diets, weight control, and self-loathing. I looked like a receipt, and thing. How could I be Within this year my resolution would be didn’t actually loathe myself all that much, the nurse whisked it away. Normal Range? We talked per- to give myself more credit? Let’s but you get the point. By chance, at a rou- Having stripped off every centages and what a BMI hope the credit lasts until the tine doctor’s visit, I stepped on the body nonessential piece of cloth- (body mass index) was and next doctor’s visit. fat calculator, and it set me free. As I held ing I owned (remember it how mine was—I’ll say it Happy Hanukkah, Merry onto the handles, expecting the worst, the weighs at least 5 pounds), I again: Within Normal Range. I Christmas, and Happy New Year little machine calculated, and the terror in got dressed again and asked for a copy of this im- Patagonia. my heart grew. I made a promise that from waited for the bad news. portant document, and I Thanks for reading. that day forward I would do better. And there were the words I stuffed it into my purse. In

It took about six months for “See how lovely I am.” In the evening she them to disappear. Except for comes to sit on a tree bough or on a fence to Gringo Guinea “Miss Gringo Guinea.” She sing and squawk, hoping for food. I call back By Geraldine Boling sleeps in our woodshed or in a to her and she comes running for her seed. tall, fat juniper. Of course, she If you walk up Gringo Road or on the hills One morning some time ago the is lonely —she spends a good or down the dry creek bed you might just whole neighborhood awakened to the deal of time with quail under see Gringo Guinea. most horrifying din of the singing (if and around a big twig pile. We you could call it that) and squawking throw out seed for her, and she of 11 guinea hens who were marauding begs everywhere, to everyone, for around our neighborhood. They com- more. People ask, “ Whose weird menced to eat every insect they could bird is that? She poops all over find. The guineas belonged to my porch.” She poops on mine, neighbors who had mistakenly thought too. Why does she poop on peoples’ porches? I that they could let the hens out and thought about this for several weeks. Was she look- that they would return as chickens do. ing at the people inside the glass doors or at our No way! The hens were now forever dogs as she paraded back and forth? I finally real- free! Free to roam and pillage all man- ized that she was looking at her own reflection, ner of insects. Free to die at the paws probably thinking it was another guinea. of coyotes, bobcats, and house cats. She has lasted about two years, all alone except Not to mention dogs and guns. for her quail friends. I watched a hawk chase her into a thicket; she survived, minus some feathers. Now it is fall; many ravens have returned to pass the winter. They chase her and take her food, but they will move up the road soon. She is funny looking, going all around the neighborhood with her beautiful, checked, black and white feathers. She takes dust baths —fluffing, expanding, and shaking her feathers as if saying

12 Warming Up The On The Difference Between A Pigeon And A Dove:

by Jiling Lin Pigeons Cold Season Face down Peck the ground Here are two of herbal actions. Here’s one of my Doves who forgot we could fly. my favorite favorite recipes, developed by my cold season friend and fellow herbalist Lauren drinks to help Stauber. This blend includes relax- Chains of fear… warm you from ing and uplifting rose, decadent Blankets of chains the inside out: fire cider from the and sensual cacao, and antiinflam- We pull them close northeastern Appalachians and chai matory turmeric, for an antioxi- And close our eyes… tea from India. Each drink has a basic dant, circulatory stimulating, diges- set of ingredients, but, as with any tive, and delicious chai blend. In- Afraid of the dark good recipe, they gain character as gredient amounts are given propor- you experiment with and personalize tionally. Still clutching them. We reach… Fire cider was given its name be- Cacao Turmeric Rose Chai cause of its spicy contents, usually rose petals 1 part Fingers blind and visions numbed infused in apple cider vinegar. Sim- cacao nibs 1 part We fall across velvet ropes ply fill a glass jar with equal parts of cinnamon 1 part Price of salvation: cost of admission chopped garlic, ginger, onions, horse- ginger 1/2-1 part to taste And who do I make the check out to?? radish, and cayenne or hot peppers. licorice 1/2-1 part to taste You can then add whatever herbs cardamon pod, crushed 1/8 part And from the plush, stainresistant, Dupont red carpet, we follow you may wish to infuse, such as bit- clove 1/8 part (I was so grateful Jesus wrote in red— ters (e.g., burdock or dandelion root) black pepper 1/8 part It did make him easier to follow.) or berries (e.g., jujube dates or man- nutmeg (optional) zanita berries). Just make sure that turmeric powder, add 1/4-1/2 it’s mostly the base ingredients, so tsp. per tbsp. of herbs We wave that it’s still spicy hot. Then, pack it We rant and rave all down with a fork and cover with Simmer 1 table- We philosophize raw apple cider vinegar, with an extra spoon of herbs And proselytize inch of vinegar above the herbs. You plus the turmeric On what it is “to be” can also add raw honey for an antim- in 1 cup of liquid. I like 1 2 water, 1 icrobial, nutritive, and sweet boost. Wagers placed Let the mix- 2 fatty milk. Dairy ture sit for two or nondairy milk In offering plates weeks, strain, w o r k s Read between the lines then rebottle. fine, but And fill the space with conviction. Drink a shot this tea glass full every needs Pigeons day as a gen- s o m e Face down FIRE eral circulatory fat to Peck the ground stimulant, di- be most Doves who forgot we could fly. gestive stimu- effective. CIDER lant, and cold- With less fatty milks, such as rice season im- or almond, add a dollop of coconut — Sarah Hines mune tonic. oil or ghee. Simmer on a low flame You can also for 10-20 minutes, covered. Strain integrate fire and sweeten with honey if desired. cider into For stronger preparations, feel free foods, such as salad dressing. to add more herbs per cup. The Taking the train all over India, I whole blend can also be ground up became accustomed to the sound of and used as a concentrated pow- the chai vendor screaming, “Chai-ya, dered chai. Enjoy staying warm Chai-ya, Chai-ya!” in most towns I through the cold season! passed through. The basic ingredi- (You can purchase herbs directly ents of chai include cinnamon, car- from the Tucson Herb Shop or damon, ginger, clove, and black pep- online from Mountain Rose Herbs per. All of these plants are energeti- (www.mountainroseherbs.com). I cally warming or circulatory stimu- have some freshly gathered and lants, and digestive stimulants, too. I dried rose petals for sale, as well.) like to mix other herbs into my chai Email Jiling at LinJil- blends, depending on my desired [email protected].. 13 Registration Opens For The Nogales Bike Classic Ed’s

The Nogales Bicycle Classic, track field at Nogales High School Bytes planned for March 1, is now open for from 8-10 a.m. registration. The event offers partici- Road and mountain bikes are wel- pants various self-paced rides de- come to participate. Awards will be signed for leisurely fun, as well as given to first, second and third place rides that offer the physical chal- for the 33, 53 and 114-mile rides, By Ed Schaefer lenge demanded by serious cyclists. male and female. All proceeds from this event will “Early Bird Registration” is now in support Circles of Peace, a 501C3 progress at www.nogalesbicycleclassic. non-profit agency. Circles of Peace org until March 1, 2015. Registration Are You In A Fog About The Cloud? serves Santa Cruz County residents fees are $65 for all rides. After March by providing restorative justice pro- 1, all rides are $75 through March There have been numerous recent references to the grams to combat domestic violence, 27. All riders must pre-register online “Cloud,” including its prominent role in one of this sum- prevent teen substance abuse, and prior to the event. There is no “day of mer’s movies, but does anyone really know what the support those released pretrial event” registration. Cloud is and what it does? through the Therapeutic Pretrial Jus- The Holiday Inn Express located at Fear not, as we attempt to give you a layman’s crash tice Program. Circles of Peace is com- 850 West Shell Road is the official course in all things cloud. mitted to advancing a holistic and sponsoring hotel and is located next For years, most computer users have backed up their culturally sensitive community-based door to the event. The host hotel of- data to physical CDs, DVDs, flash approach to mending families in fers special discounted rates to guests drives, or external hard drives. Santa Cruz County. riding in the Nogales Bicycle Classic. All of these methods keep your There will be a 114-mile ride, a 53- Call 520 281-2005 or email lacan- data in your possession and, mile ride, and a 33-mile ride. A [email protected]. If your organi- hopefully, in a secure location, on “Fund Ride” for children ages 12 zation would like to sponsor this or off site. years and younger will be held on the event, please contact: http:// Now, backing up to the inter- www.circlesofpeace.us. net, aka the Cloud, is a whole dif- ferent world. Instead of your backed-up data staying on your computer, or in your possession, the data is sent to a backup service on the internet. These web services are touted to be secure and are a convenient way for many end users to back up their data. Convenience, unfortu- nately, comes at a price. Once your data is loaded onto the Cloud, it is no longer in your personal possession. Instead, your data is actually residing on a stranger’s computer, and there is no iron-clad guarantee that it will remain protected from probing entities. This is an especially risky practice for professionals dealing with confidential customer data, such as accountants, doctors, or lawyers. Just look at recent stories regarding nude photos of celebrities, sent from their iPhones to be stored on Ap- ple’s iCloud. Some of these photos had been deleted by the victims, thinking the images would be forever gone; however, the photos were still accessible because they had never been deleted from the iCloud. Apple claims their security is adequate, but the reality provides a much different story. Computer users access the internet through the “front door,” and what many may not understand is that there are “back doors” on every website that are accessible to hackers, government entities, and others. There are very few totally secure websites, so the danger of your data being hacked is a real possibility. Bottom line is, if you have data that is sensitive in na- ture and that you believe should remain private, do not store it in the Cloud. Ed Schaefer is is the owner of Better Bytes, a computer 14 consulting service. www.better-bytes.com. He can be con- tacted at (520) 455-9269. Dear Reader, This year, the Patagonia Regional Times celebrated five years of publica- tion. After much debate we decided to move into the world of color printing, and we are pleased with the results. Many readers have agreed. We hope you are one of them. In the past year, PRT has reported on mining issues, recycling, taxes, education, art, new businesses, water use, Community Pride Day, SCFPA’s new Concert Haul, the new Youth Center, speeding tickets, and roaming dogs. We now have a section dedicated to Sonoita/Elgin news, thanks to reporter John Fielding, and we have established a project with PUHS journalism stu- dents, giving them a section written by themselves. Our content continues to grow—putting us now at 32 pages (as compared with our early 12-page issues). Feedback from our readers suggests that PRT has become an important community resource. As this year concludes, we must also face the loss of Walter Andrew, our publisher and founder, who recently resigned because of serious health problems. His absence leaves a big hole in our ranks. Walter’s enthusiasm, considerable skills, vision, and te- nacity have kept us buoyed up through thick and thin. We miss him. As we contemplate the changes that this year has brought, our board of directors remains very positive about the future of PRT. The generous donations we have received have allowed us to grow and improve. As many of you know, those donations, together with ad- vertising revenue, are what allows us to cover our costs.

Your financial support is critical to our continued success, and once a year we ask you to show your support for our efforts. Please take a few minutes to assess for yourself how much this community gains from a free monthly i publication that gives its readers local news and features, a forum for opinion and commentary, and a showcase for local art—without pages of ad inserts. Your contributions let us know that we are making a difference to this commu- i nity. The PRT board of directors offers our sincere thanks to U all who have donated to PRT.

With Our Sincere Thanks, Enclosed is my contribution of $______PRT Board of Directors Katie Ballard in support of the Patagonia Regional Times Susan Belt Lynn Davison Please mail your check, payable to The Patagonia Regional Times, to: Cassina Farley P.O, Box 1073, Patagonia, AZ 85624 Ann Katzenbach

Donna Reibslager All donations are tax-deductible

15

PCUMC CHOIR ANGEL TREE HOLIDAY BREAKFAST PRESENTATION St. Therese of Lisieux Catholic Church Sonoita Fire Station, on Hwy. 83 at "The Promise of a King" at 3p.m. has an Angel Tree, with children’s gift the crossroads in Sonoita, will host on Dec. 21 in the church sanctu- wishes. You can sign up to buy a gift a breakfast on Saturday, ary. An organ prelude by Yvette or register to sponsor a child. December 13, from 8 Rehurek will begin at 2:45. Light Contact Estella Padilla to 10 a.m. Tickets are $8 refreshments will be served in at (520) 604-2247 Thurber Hall following the cantata. MAGIC OF HOLIDAY CONCERT CHRISTMAS SONOITA BY The Patagonia The Santa Cruz Singers will host their annual Woman Club’s an- holiday party. They will sing excerpts from STARLIGHT their holiday concert, traditional Christmas Sonoita vendors will be nual bazaar and Carols, and other holiday songs. Refresh- open late (8 p.m. or Christmas tree sale, ments will be served. Wednesday, De- later) on Friday, Decem- at Cady Hall, No- ber 5 for holiday shop- vember 28 - 30, 10 cember 15, at 6:30 p.m. in the Patagonia ping, with a campfire, a.m. to 4 .m. Santa Community Center. prize drawings, and a stops to visit chil- visit from Santa, who will dren, Nov. 30, noon light the Sonoita to 2 p.m. PATAGONIA Christmas tree in a HOLIDAY ceremony at 5:30 p.m. ARTWALK Local artists will exhibit at shops COAT DRIVE and other businesses throughout CHRISTMAS CANTATA town. November 28 & 29, 11 a.m. A community Christmas The Sonoita Merchants Association is collecting new and used coats to 4 p.m. complimentary refresh- Celebration combining choirs ments and strolling musicians from 8 local churches will per- for families in need, through De- form on December 14 at 3 cember 5. Coats should be p.m. at the Elgin School Gym. brought to a participating shop: The choirs will be preceded by Cowgirl Flair, Skye Island Olives & a Carol Sing and live nativity at Grapes, Sweet Ride, Desert Leg- 2:15, and will be followed by a acy, Sage Clinic, Buffalo Gals, children’s luminaria and re- High Noon Feed, Angel Wings Thrift freshments. For more info, call & Gift, Stagecoach Bags, The Bul- 455-5172. letin. Call Susan at 455-4762 for more info.

16 MUSICAL PERFORMANCE “Aladdin”, by Elgin School students, presented by CHRISTMAS IN ELGIN Missoula Montana ChIl- Fine Arts and Crafts Holiday Saturday, dren’s Theater Touring on Dec. 21 in the church sanctu- December 6 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Group. December 13 at the historic Elgin Community Club, An organ prelude by Yvette DECK THE HALLS 6 p.m. at Elgin School Light 475 Elgin Road. Over 30 vendors, Gym. Donations to Elgin Hops and Vines will host a bake sale, raffle drawings, music, and School Canned Food holiday market on Satur- a roaring fire in our fireplace. drive are day, November 29; Christ- Chili and corn bread will be available appreciated. mas music, cookie paint- for lunch. Call Ginny at (520) 455- ings, and local vendors. 4641 for more information. 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. at 3450 Hwy. 82 in Sonoita. $20 entrance or $15 if you A PROCESSION bring a toy for OF THE VIRGIN Casa de los Niños. OF GUADALUPE Will be held from December 4 - December 11, beginning at 4:30 p.m. MESSIAH at Richardson Park. COMMUNITY SING With the Santa Cruz DUST OFF YOUR Singers at Saint Andrew’s Epis- DANCING SHOES! HOLIDAY GIFT WRAPPING SERVICE copal Church on Country The Senior Citizens of Youth at the Patagonia Youth Center are Club Drive in Nogales on Sun- Patagonia is having a offering holiday gift wrapping at the Center during day, December 12 at 4 p.m. 25th Anniversary Party ArtWalk (November 28 & 29), and on the following The Singers will also sing to thank the community dates: Wednesday, 12/10, from 5 - 8 p.m., Satur- Christmas Carols from differ- for their support. day, 12/13 from 3 - 6 p.m., and Thursday, 12/18 ent periods in history. There will be music (live DJ), from 5 - 7 p.m. , at the Center, anniversary cake, 277 McKeown Avenue, behind and fun for all! Ovens of Patagonia. Saturday, Dec. 6 ~ at 6 p.m. of wrapping paper, tissue, tape in the Center DONATIONS and ribbon would be much appreciated and can be dropped off at the Youth Center before November 28.

17 By John Fielding Honoring Our Vets Sonoita’s New Eatery

The new Vineyard Café of count. Local beer and wines are Sonoita features unpretentious” offered. breakfasts, such as build-it- The new dining establish- yourself omelettes, and lunches ment is owned and operated by made with salad produce pro- local residents Jon Bollin and vided by local growers and the Jennifer Azevado. Azevado restaurant's own greenhouse. A brings 25 years of fine dining canopy of old olive trees pro- experience to the job. Both vides shade and intimacy to the partners are graduates of Buena outside dining patio. High School in Sierra Vista. The Café’s lunch menu in- The Vineyard Café is open cludes burgers, burritos, salads, Thursday to Monday, serving and sandwiches—with a “grab breakfast from 6 to 11 a.m. and and go” deli case near the door lunch from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. It for patrons who need to eat is located at 3252 Hwy. 82, at and run. Border Patrol, military, the Sonoita crossroads. Retired Major General Moisio (left) and General Wess Chambers and police will be given a dis-

Some 450 people gathered at says. the Elgin School on November 7 Local veteran Wess Chambers to celebrate Veterans Day. School introduced the featured speaker, Superintendent Christopher Bonn retired Maj. Gen. Patrick J. Moisio. served as host for the program, General Moisio spent 35 years in which the Fort Huachuca 62 nd the Air Force and National Guard. Army Band opened with a selec- His career included service in the tion of patriotic music, followed Pentagon and at Davis-Monthan by the Posting of Colors by a Se- Air Force Base. General Moisio lect Honor Guard, also from the praised the work of the 22 mil- Fort. The entire student body of lion vets now living in the U.S. He Elgin Elementary School attended noted that the day we celebrate the celebration and sang patriotic as Veterans Day was originally songs under the direction of Di- Armistice Day—established in rector Gerald Brown. 1918 after World War I—and was American Legion Post 113 pre- renamed in 1954. No matter what sented its annual awards to local we call it, said the General, veter- children who won competitions ans deserve to be honored, wher- in patriotic posters and essays. ever they are. Elgin School students Addie The Veterans Day Committee Tomlinson, McKenzie Beyer, thanked the Arizona Borderland Cienna Beyer, and Kaydee Zerbel Democrats, Southern Arizona Re- all received awards for their post- publicans, and Sulphur Springs ers, and Brianna Young, Kaelyn Valley Electric Cooperative for Kueneman, Hannah Alexander, their generous support of Wyatt Patterson, and Ryan Ander- Sonoita’s 18 th annual celebration son won awards for patriotic es- to honor our veterans. Jon Bollin and Jennifer Azevado.

18 This Dentist Makes House Calls

Does your dentist make house that can be prevented by good calls? Gary Biggerstaff does, and he dental hygiene. This dentist comes here from South Carolina says owners must not neglect every year to do so. Gary is a certi- the teeth of young horses or fied dental practitioner who visits they will see more dental prob- Sonoita to clean and examine the lems when the animals grow teeth of horses belonging to local older. ranchers and riders. Gary first examines a horse’s Many years ago Gary realized teeth (see photo). After that he that most animal vets did not know inserts a long-handled metal enough about the health of horses’ file and begins grinding and teeth. They were too rough on the scrubbing the teeth to file down animals and were to anxious to the sharp points that develop tranquilize them first. Gary went to on the top of the teeth over horse dental school in Nebraska time. When a horse chews with and learned that there was an eas- sharp teeth it can suffer deep ier way. He points out that horses cuts in its lips and mouth, re- can have the same dental problems sulting in poor diet and in- as their owners. There is a possibil- fected gums. ity of TMJ pain when a horse’s up- After treating more than 55 per and lower jaw overlap so that local horses, Gary moves on to the animal cannot chew its feed do the same in some other properly. Like humans, horses can state. But he leaves behind him develop an abscessed tooth that a better understanding of good might have to be removed. Cavities horse dental care that all his Gary Biggerstaff uses a long metal file to scrub his patients’ teeth are another problem for horses clients appreciate. Charlie “Crash” Porter Tells His Story

I recently had the oppor- Standing on the deck was rier. The runway was 880 tunity to talk with Sonoita the Landing Signal Officer. He feet long. He was going 100 resident Charlie “Crash” Por- told the airborne pilots, miles an hour. Charlie hit the ter and asked him how he “Anyone with less than 30 barrier fence, and it flew up got his nickname. This is minutes of gas left please re- over the nose of the Corsair. what he told me. port in.” The light on Char- The propeller tangled in the Charlie grew up wanting lie‘s gas gauge was flashing barrier, and the plane was to fly. At 17, during World red, so he was told to cut in thrown on its back. The War II, he signed up for the line and land. Charlie banked cockpit crashed against the Navy Air Corps. After com- his plane, looking out his can- deck, and Charlie was pleting naval flight training, opy on a blue sky and a calm trapped inside and upside as a qualified dive bomber sea. With a 30 mph wind down. pilot, he was sent to the Na- blowing down the deck to A hundred sailors rushed val Air Station at Quonset help him land, everything out and actually picked up Point in Rhode Island and looked perfect. the Corsair, while others in assigned to the carrier USS But as he started to de- the group pulled Charlie Philippine Sea, which was scend, he realized that he was from the wreck. He says, patrolling in the Mediterra- too high and coming in too “Somebody pulled my arms, nean Sea. One day Charlie fast. There were 11 steel ca- and someone else pulled my was on patrol in his Corsair, bles stretched across the deck legs, and out I came in one a single-seat fighter plane for the plane’s tail hook to piece instead of two.” Charlie used as a bomber. There grab onto to stop him. If they walked away from the land- were 80 planes in the air didn’t work, behind them was ing with injuries to his shins from the carrier. When it was a steel fence. Called the bar- and a split helmet. (Pilots in time for them to return to rier, it was the last thing on those days wore leather hats, the carrier they all lined up deck to stop the plane before not hard flight helmets.) prepared a special dinner and had the chef and awaited their turn—the it crashed into a group of Charlie recounts that Navy bake a cake. Charlie’s was a 1000 th landing. fighters were instructed to parked planes at the end of pilots called the Corsair air- Having a sense of humor, the chef brought out land first, then the torpedo the carrier. plane “an Ensign Eliminator.” a pineapple upside down cake. And that is bombers, and finally Charlie Charlie missed all the ca- For every 1000 th landing how Charlie Porter got the nickname 19 and his fellow pilots. bles. Nothing left but the bar- on this carrier the flight crew “Crash .” plant—Aristilochia watsonii peratures. Interestingly, the sum- (Southwestern pipevine)—can pos- mer and winter forms of the dainty sess leaves year-round. The bright sulphur can vary considerably in orange-red caterpillars hide in plain appearance. Summer butterflies sight, advertising their distasteful- show a pale yellow hindwing, ness to lurking predators such as whereas in winter it’s a dusky birds. Touch one and you may be green. Perhaps darker winter forms dabbed with a foul-smelling chemical absorb more heat. They also fly from two tentacle-like organs behind closer to the ground in winter. the larva ʼs head—the osmeterium. As The town of Nogales is a good with the better-known coevolution of place for December butterflies. Ap- monarch butterflies and toxic milk- parently, the combination of warm By Vince Pinto weeds, the chemicals of the pipevine hills and flowering rosemary plants are sequestered within the flesh of form a bit of a refugium for such One palpable joy of being a moths. Generally speaking, the caterpillar and later the butterfly species as southern dogface, pipe- naturalist in southeastern Ari- moth diversity may be around itself. If that were not enough to de- vine swallowtail, cloudless sulphur, zona is that our winters are so 15 times that of butterflies in ter a predator, the pipevine swallow- and eufala skipper. A short trip to eclectic. The variability in De- any one area. So, since about tail also flies erratically enough to Tucson and its warmer climes may cember invertebrate activity 334 butterflies have been re- minimize attacks. If a predator does well net you additional species. here generally trumps that of corded in Arizona, a rough esti- attack, then it may aim at the butter- Don ʼt overlook Patagonia itself, many other places in North mate of our moth fauna is fly’s fake posterior heads or tails. as warmer days may host a few America. The presence of any about 5,010 species! Noel Look at enough adults of this species butterflies. While you ʼre afoot seek- number of ectothermic species McFarland in the Huachucas and you ʼll certainly see individuals ing lepidopterans, keep an eye in what often can be a rather has documented 950 species of that survived bird predation at- peeled for gray bird grasshoppers, frigid month owes much to our moths on his place alone— tempts by losing their tails instead of tip-up beetles, spine-waisted ants, nearly subtropical latitudes, as more than all of the butterfly their true heads. desert encrusting termites, and well as warmer nooks in the species in North America! Joining the pipevine swallowtails others that defy our normal im- landscape. Add enough mois- Unless you spend a lot of time are dainty sulphurs, among our pressions of winter. ture and rather balmy tempera- outside after sunset, however, smallest butterflies. Most adults are Happy hunting! Vincent Pinto tures, and our December diver- moths may elude you. approximately the size of my thumb- and his wife, Claudia, run Raven’s sity is decidedly decent! Not so a handful of butterfly nail. Given that the caterpillars of Way Wild Journeys. They offer local During December, the lower species that may be active in this species consume plants in the tours dedicated to the preservation elevations of the Sky Islands December. Pipevine swallow- aster family, it is no great surprise to of the incredible biodiversity in the can play host to a number of tails will show up at any time of see them in December when this Sky Islands. lepidopterans—butterflies and year, as their larval food group of plants thrives in cooler tem-

20 U i i Animal Submitted by the Mowry Tracking Team Tales If these tracks remind you of your days watching Ses ame Street, your intuitions By Cate Drown are good. The tracks have While travelling through Arizona, Utah, Colorado and the classic bird 3 long toes. New Mexico on a ten-day motorcycle trip three summers They also have a back toe ago, taking in some of our indigenous American history, we that may register as no checked into a motel just south of Moab more than a claw. They are in the late afternoon. sizable, at 3 ¾ to 5 inches As we got settled in to our room, my long by 4 – 5 ½ inches friend called me over to the window overlooking a field at the back of the wide. The stride is 8 to 14 building. There we saw a magical prairie inches. Now it's just a mat dog colony. I was delighted as a little kid, ter of figuring who it is. watching the babies run and frolic, turn- Giant eagle? Desert os ing somersaults and racing off to one trich? Canadian goose that hole then popping up out of another! shed its webs for the sum This was far better than anything one could find on TV. mer? Drug runner with spe Naturally, this experience inspired me to cial shoes? research these playful little fellows. Prairie dogs are robust little rodents, the most social of the squirrel family. They have developed these social skills to en- able them to live in large communities since there is some safety in numbers. Their habitat covers the whole southwest of the U..S. plus parts of northern Mexico which is also home to many of their predators. These include: hawks, eagles, owls, ra- vens, badgers, bobcats, weasels, ferrets, snakes and hu- mans, some of which hunt them right inside their own bur- rows, which are called “towns.” In the past, one colony is known to have been home to over a million dogs. Today their population has been diminished by 98% due to preda- tors and disease. There are a few protected colonies now, thank goodness. These many perils have caused the prairie dog to de- velop a very complex language. This allows them to not only warn the others of danger, but to specify which preda- tor and even its exact features. Their little towns include long tunnels with many exits and different rooms, including bathrooms, nurseries and food stores which are always being tended to and cleaned. A typical family group usually consists of one male, four to five females and their offspring. The females often nurse each others’ babies. As the young ones mature, they move on and set up their own town, not far from their original town, to allow room for the newest youngsters to grow up. I grew up in the northeast, where we had groundhogs, which are larger than the prairie dog and more solitary. They also live in burrows, but have single family burrows as opposed to towns and colonies. Seeing this group in the wild firsthand was a unique and treasured experience for me. I am happy that some are being protected so the spe- cies does not become extinct. Cate Drown, certified Sumerel Therapy technician, spe- cializing in equines, can be contacted at [email protected] 21 Growing Native Plants for Ecosystem Health

By Molly McCormick

Native plants home resilient, better able to pots, managing pests, and daily watershed! Greenhouse volunteer play impor- resist fire, flood, disease, climate watering. Tuesdays are from 8:30 a.m. to tant ecologi- change, human impact, and The BR greenhouse has been noon. Contact Francesca at af- cal roles in other environmental distur- growing! Last year we propa- [email protected] or phone her the health of bances. gated 10,000 plants for use in at (760) 996-0893. Seed cleaning our Sonoita Creek watershed. Native Plant diversity is an impor- restoration projects and plant at the seed lab is from 9 a.m. to grasses provide food for species such tant factor in ecosystem health. sales. We are looking to double noon on Mondays. Be a part of a as the rare Baird’s sparrow, as it Borderlands Restoration (BR) has our production in 2015. Over science project studying forage overwinters in the grasslands. Milk- a native plant propagation cen- the past year, we added weekly for Baird’s sparrows at the seed weeds are essential for monarch and ter, dedicated to producing more volunteer days, a shade struc- lab. Learn to identify seeds from queen butterfly caterpillars; these native plants for our watershed. ture to house “adolescent” 1 to 5 pm on the following Tues- butterflies won’t lay eggs on any The center is currently funded plants, a new employee, and a days: December 2, December 16, other plants. The seeds of our oak through a grant with the Bureau contract with the National Park December 30, and January 13. trees provide food for many crea- of Land Management, restora- Service, and we collected more Contact Caleb to RSVP: tures, including the black bear. tion projects, and plant sales. than 300 accessions of seeds. [email protected] or (860) The orange trumpet flowers of the Caleb Weaver heads a team of Last winter, the BR greenhouse 237-0381. desert honeysuckle are an important volunteers who collect and clean grew thousands of milkweeds Stop by the Borderlands Trad- food source for the 12 or so species the seeds of native plants for for monarchs. The project with ing Post on Third & McKeown for of hummingbirds that spend time in use in the nursery. Kate Tirion Southwest Monarch Study in- locally produced native plants, our watershed. Sacaton, vine mes- produces native plant seed at cluded 11 different species of crafts, and herbal products. quite, and other grasses hold soils her Deep Dirt Farm Institute. milkweeds. We will continue to Hours are Monday, Wednesday, together when storm water threatens Greenhouse manager Francesca grow milkweed and currently and Thursday 10-1; Friday and to wash everything downstream. All Claverie; staff members Anita have five species growing for Saturday 10-3. Thanks for sup- of these roles have been strength- Clovesco-Wharton and Andrea next year. The nursery is propa- porting local business! ened by thousands of years of inter- Stanley; and various volunteers gating approximately 75 total Molly McCormick is the Resto- action with critters and natural proc- grow plants by mixing soil, sow- species of native plants; that’s a ration Project Manager/Outreach esses. This evolutionary mutualism ing seeds, preparing cuttings, lot of diversity! Specialist for Borderlands Restora- helps make the ecosystem of our transplanting seedlings to larger Come help create a resilient tion.

A T Patagonia Museum U i i Plans Bus Tour Submitted by the Mowry Tracking Team Well, if this is a guy you're after, his name is Tom and he might want to pay close attention to the holiday menu. Wild turkeys like areas with to Mexico hardwood trees combined with some open grassland. They are more prone to stroll than fly, seldom By Herman Quiroga staying airborne for more than a quarter of a mile. The male The Patagonia Museum is currently planning a fundraising and female look very different, bus tour to Banamichi, Sonora. The tour will begin on Friday, with the tom being twice the February 27, and will return on Sunday, March 1. More details size of his hen friends, and not will be available as soon as all the terms are finalized. particularly exceptional at 25 On Friday, December 5, at 4 p.m., volunteers will gather for pounds. Where the hen has the a Highway Cleanup. The Museum volunteers do cleanups every usual bird stylings, the tom has gone more punk; some have a bluish head 90 days. and nonessential red adornments that can change color with their mood. A monthly Lochiel Schoolhouse workday is planned, to be- Turkeys have a wide variety of lessthanmusical vocalizations. The clas gin at 9 a.m. on Saturday, December 6. The Museum will hold its Annual Meeting on Saturday, January sic gobble can sometimes carry for a mile. Toms are notorious lady's men 17, at 10:30 am. and go a bit over the top with their courtship, spreading their tail feathers, For information about these events, or the regularly sched- dragging their wings, drumming, booming, spitting whatever works. The uled meetings please visit www.thepatagoniamuseum.org . males often court with their brothers in tow, presenting an even more 22 spectacular display.

From the Friends of the Library:

This year, the Friends of the Library used your donations to help sponsor events dur- ing The Smithsonian’s Journey Stories, in- cluding a presentation by author Phil Caputo, who entertained us with stories from his latest book “The Longest Road”, about traveling and camping from Key West to the northern edge of Alaska. Most recently, local author Richard Collins spoke about Anastasia Lucero was one of sev- what he experienced as he retraced the trav- eral students who helped out at els of Father Kino, from his book, “Riding the book sale during Fall Festival Behind the Padre”. Our latest project is Little Free Libraries, a world wide effort to put books in the hands of readers. The little libraries will be scattered around the area to encourage folks to "take a book and leave a book." Funds raised by this project will be used to expand and re- Patagonia Library now has a Seed Lending Library, to promote a lo- vamp the library’s book sale space and to cal food supply and sustainable help pay for the library's operating expenses. agriculture. Friends provides funds to purchase books, Voices for Young Authors program periodicals and other material as well and allows children to write and illus- pays for the cost of keeping computers, copiers trate their own books Volunteers are and other technology running and up to the mainstay date. Did you know that the library offers an of the library

Early Childhood Literacy Program? Or that 15 you can download Ebooks or take practice exams through the Library website online? What programs, presentations or services would YOU like to see the Friends provide? Your input—and your support—help make Patagonia Library a unique and vital ser- vice in our community. Use the form included here, or visit our website at www.patagoniapubliclibrary.org Carolyn McIntosh, our longest ac- to make a contribution. You can also email tive volunteer, has been with the us at [email protected] Patagonia Library for 15 years. She We can not thank our supporters enough has served on both the Library and Friends of the Library Boards. for their time, effort and financial contribu- tions. We appreciate all you do. Patagonia, AZ 85624 Patagonia, I would like to support the Friends of the Patagonia the of the toFriends support like I would $______. of contribution is my Library. Attached NAME______me contact Please volunteering. in I am interested information. more with PHONE______EMAIL______4 Box P.O. Library, the Patagonia of Friends 23 By Donna Reibslager

fact that when we look through a viewfinder, our eye searches for what is AN EYE FOR DETAIL visually meaningful and isolates it from the over- An exhibit of photo- they converse. In the photo at right, whelming amount of vis- graphs by Michael the overhead view guides our eye ual stimulus that sur- Schwartz, a Patagonia to the lush display of produce be- rounds it, allowing us to resident for 15 years, was ing transported. And in the photo see it more clearly. on display at the Gather- at top left, the view from above Schwartz undoubtedly ing Grounds in November. puts the viewer more intimately employs the same skill for Many of the 50-some im- into the scene. . culling meaningful detail ages were taken during Schwartz says that he has al- from a mass image in his his travels to other parts ways been drawn to photography, day job at Tenagra Obser- of the world, including which, he adds, “helps me see.” vatory, where he works as France, Vietnam, Thai- Perhaps his comment relates to the an astronomer. land, Israel, and Africa. Schwartz says he is grate- ful to have had the oppor- tunity to do a lot of travel- ing. Whatever the location, the photos on display fo- cused more on interesting details than on traditional “travel poster” scenes. Each was labeled with a short comment about the subject or how the photo came about. The photo shown below left is nota- ble not only for its artful composition but also for the gestures and facial expressions revealed in the figures of the men as

24 frozen Arctic landscape. The oilfields and the pipeline, which we had traveled for 500 miles, are the lifeblood of RIDING THE DALTON HIGHWAY the Alaskan economy. The Dalton Highway, built to allow construction of the pipeline, changed everything for those Alaskans who live north of Fairbanks. It’s the only north- south road for 800 miles. It brought better access to sup- plies, but also a lot more peo- ple. The road now brings tro- phy hunters from the lower 48. Jack Reakoff told us the story of sport hunters killing the female caribou who lead Photos by Lynn Davison the herds during migration. These matriarchs are the only ones who know the migration By Lynn Davison family, the Redingtons, who are Native Alaskan village of Anuktuvuk routes and are always spared Sometimes you just have to well known for breeding sled Pass. The flight was stunning and the by Alaskans who depend on take a flyer. This summer, Judy dogs, organizing the first Iditarod destination equally remarkable. We their annual return for food and I signed on for an REI trip race, and successfully summiting spent an evening with two commu- and clothing. from Fairbanks to Deadhorse, Mt. McKinley with a sled dog nity members who shared stories of And that story demon- 500 miles on the Dalton Highway team. All these accomplishments their life in the Arctic village that had strates the best of our trip. It in the Alaskan Arctic. We violated were nothing compared with rais- become the permanent home of their was not the food, or the scen- a long-held belief—don’t take a ing a family where the tempera- formerly nomadic Eskimo tribe. Our ery, or the beautiful colors of tour; that’s what other, less ad- tures in the winter average 40 return flight was after midnight, and the tundra, or the amazing venturous people do. Our risk below zero, the dark surrounds the sun had not yet set. sightings of bear, moose, cari- was rewarded; it was a great ad- you 20 hours a day, and you have Our last night in the mountains bou, musk ox, Dall sheep, and venture from beginning to end. only three neighbors within a was graced with a spectacular moon- snowy owls, or the camarade- Picture a group of nine 60- 100-mile radius. After the inspi- rise and a saxophone concert by rie of our group, or the skill somethings jammed into a van rational Redingtons, it was an guide Jeff. The beauty of that night and humor of our guides, al- with two guides, a basil plant afternoon canoe paddle down a had an even greater impact when though these were all great. It named Hazel, and supplies for a lovely slough, another great meal, compared with our final night stay in was gaining an understanding 10-day camping adventure. We and a visit to the best hot springs Deadhorse, the home of the Prudhoe of what it means to live in nine adventurers had our cam- I have ever encountered. Bay workforce. Imagine several thou- one of the harshest, most un- eras, sleeping bags, bug nets, rain After the first couple of days, sand people living in converted cargo forgiving, and most beautiful coats, and Scotch. (One person the trip settled into a familiar containers parked in the dark and places on the planet. also brought a case of Diet Pepsi!) pattern. We drove the Dalton The two guides had our tents, Highway north, hiked on the tun- food, bear spray, and knowledge dra, told tall tales over a nightly of where we were going and what campfire, all primed by fine food, we might find along the way. drink, and company. We camped Following a 150-mile drive, at Marion Creek near Coldfoot interrupted by a beautiful hike and at Galbraith Lakes just be- through mushroom-dotted tun- yond Atigun Pass, did the limbo dra, we arrived at Manley Hot in celebration of crossing the Arc- springs. The place was muddy tic Circle, spent one night in a and buggy. We set up camp for man camp in Deadhorse, toured the first time, explored the local the drilling rigs at Prudhoe Bay, terrain, and with some trepida- and put our fingers and toes in tion awaited dinner. Bonanza!!! the Arctic Ocean. We had the first of nine abso- Along the way we visited Jack lutely incredible dinners cooked Reakoff, a third-generation Alas- in a Dutch oven over an open fire kan who fished, trapped, and by Steve, our chef de cuisine for grew wonderful vegetables in the trip. He was, in addition to Wiseman, Alaska, the northern- being a wilderness guide and a most garden in the U.S. As if sub- concert cellist, a professional sistence living were not enough, chef, certified by the American Jack is also an advisor to the Uni- Culinary Institute. This night’s versity of Alaska on plants and repast featured a fabulous fresh animals of the tundra. Another halibut stew. After an equally ex- detour off the Dalton Highway cellent breakfast we traveled to was a flight from Coldfoot The tour group enjoys a sax solo on the tundra 25 the home of a famous mushing through the Brooks Range to the

25 The tour group enjoys a sax solo on the tundra Contributed by Patagonia High School Journalism Class

Different Angles The AGUILA of The NBA Tour By Hector Lopez By Alexis Montenez .The week- derful experience that made end before everyone who went aware of At the high rub it in peoples' face about the Halloween, what to expect when applying school everyone everyone has an new dynasty of the Clippers. Bas- a select few seniors and juniors for college and what it was opinion on how the NBA season will ketball is one season Gabi is ready across Santa Cruz County at- like to attend one. The pro- go and why they’re so excited for the for, and it’s one season she always tended the AGUILA Youth Lead- gram also informed the stu- start up. Here's a sampling of com- gets excited for. ership Tour. Amongst the many dents about scholarships. Sa- ments. Graduating senior Jorge Marti- students that attended the tour, vannah said of the tour, “It Freshman, Chris Miranda, com- nez, also loves the game of basket- were two of our local Patagonia was a great opportunity for mented, with no hesitation whatso- ball. His favorite team is the students. Savannah Foster, the students. I know that it will ever, that his favorite team would be Golden State Warriors. Seeing the school’s student council presi- widen my views on colleges in the Miami Heat! Chris enjoys says college students improve their dent and yours truly. The tour general.” that team trades from the off-season skills in the NBA is Jorge’s favorite allowed the students, number- Speaking for myself, I make it like a new start every year. part to watch. ing around 40 in total, to visit found the tour was a delight- It’s also very exciting watching the Head Coach of the PUHS boys and explore eight different col- ful experience. Being able to college students come in to play with basketball team, Kenny Hayes, also leges from Arizona too Texas. tour and see college life that the NBA. has a favorite team the San Anto- AGUILA Youth Leadership students go through every Sophomore Ralphie Padilla's fa- nio, Spurs, but he is more excited Institute was first formed in day and all of the classes that vorite team is the Boston Celtics. Ral- about college basketball, Coach Arizona in 2004 and since then the different universities of- phie is ready to watch all the new Hayes says, “college students play has assisted 800 students in fer was an experience that I talent coming in from the draft. “I harder, and the NBA is just lazy.” enrolling in 78 different col- won't soon forget. It widened love all-star break,” said Padilla. He Watching college is just a better leges across the nation. The ul- my outlook about colleges in likes the dunking competition, but feeling, seeing all the effort put timate goal for AGUILA, and for general and motivated me to the best is seeing NBA’s best players into every game. Coach Hayes is those who both work and vol- pursue my dream career. I compete against each other. ready to watch Michigan State play unteer for the program is to see now plan on taking the ACT Gabi Bueras, our current sports this season. However, Mrs. Journee success, academic excellence, and SAT and applying for journalist, prefers the Los Angeles Hayes says, “I can’t wait to see the and overall achievement in each scholarships over the course Clippers. Bueras knows they will win Phoenix Suns, or anyone, really participant. the year. the championship this year. She ex- dominate the Spurs!” The AGUILA tour was a won- plained to me that she is ready to

Photo by Hector Lopez

26 Juniors, Seniors, and returning alumni bust a move at the Halloween Carnival The PUHS Theater Department presented The Nutcracker Suite on November 14 in the high school multipurpose room. A beautiful mix of dances that the students created themselves, with the help of director Augusta Lucas, wove together the tale of a young girl named Clara and her journey into a magical kingdom filled with sweets! The cast in- cluded Alia Gutierrez, as Clara; Daniel Schrimpf as the Nut- cracker Prince and Savannah Fos- ter, who played both Clara’s mother and the Snow Queen. Mrs. Elvia Gallaher and her kindergar- ten class performed as Mother Ginger and her six tiny Polichi- Photo by Hector Lopez nelles.

A Ghoulish Basketball Preview Good Time By Guadalupe Bueras The PUHS boys will be Kenny Hayes better defense.” The girl’s By Chris Ortega girls and who has coached basket- basketball team made it boys bas- ball for eight years. Luke to the second round in This year the junior and ketball has Bentley will be his assis- the state tournament last senior class held a Hallow- just tipped tant. Coach Ralph Padilla year, but this season een Carnival on October off with their first practice on who has coached for more Coach Padilla says, “I’m 31 in the school’s multi- Monday. The boy’s basketball than 19 years will work expecting to go to state purpose room. The carni- teams have a wide range of 17 with the girls' team as- again this year and win- val included a haunted players and the girls have ten. sisted by Coach Stephanie ning it.” house, multiple games like The boy’s team is looking cer- Padilla. When asked how The first game will be bean bag toss, toilet toss, tain to have a JV and varsity the season will be, Coach on Tuesday, December 2 team. The girl’s team might not Hayes said, “I never go at home against the St. basketball shot, ring toss have a junior varsity, but is fill- into the season with ex- David Tigers. So come and more. There was a ing up a varsity team for sure. pectations, but I do want and support these two haunted house on the stage and was said to be This year’s coach for the us to work hard and have teams. one of the “scariest haunted houses ever!” by several young guests. There was also space for face painting, a guessing box, a cupcake walk, and a hula-hoop competition. The seniors/ juniors also sold concessions. Chess Practice There were about 50 kids all dressed in costumes. The juniors and seniors held a cos- tume contest with winners in three age Continues groups. About 50 kids were there. They played all the different games, and from what I saw, By Chris Whitcoes the bag toss and Nerf shoot were the most popular. The haunted house turned out to be a big succes. It featured most of the helping a G i l b e r t making the state chess to anyone during lunch. juniors and seniors popping out and scaring Melanson, finals. This might be team mem- kids. coach of the PUHS Chess Team, At the start of the bers or beginners. The play- The guessing box was popular. Kids had to tells his players, "Avoid the season, the team trav- ers can eat lunch and call put their hands in and guess what they were crowd. Do your own thinking eled all across southern "checkmate" at the same touching, You could see that "yuck" look on independently. Be the chess Arizona, finally playing time. Chess is not only fun, their faces. The choices were guts, monster player, not the chess piece." at home on October 4. it is a good thing to do dur- blood, skin, fingers, and eyes. This year's chess team: Illiana Now, even with the sea- ing lunch, and some of Amaya Somoza won the best costume for Castro, Garrett Fish, Danny son behind them, many these beginners will end up age 0 to 5, David Cabrerra and Natalie Cooper Schrimpf,, Kelsey Norton, and players are working on on next year's team. won for age 6-11 and Jose Perez and Dawn Calvin Whitcoe took this advise improving their games. Novack won the teen division. to heart and just barely missed Chess practice is open 27 meetings events special interests

The Patagonia Museum --- Regular meet- December 4: Exhibit by Lee Katzenbach Herbal Medicine Classes - at the Bor- ings w/topics including local history; high- Opens at the Gathering Grounds with a recep- derlands Retail Space. 1st Saturday of each way cleanups every 90 days, & monthly tion from 5 - 7 p.m. month, 1-3 PM. Opening celebration Nov. workdays at Lochiel Schoolhouse. For more 1. Call Jiling (626) 344-9140. info, visit www.thepatagoniamuseum.org December 6: Dance at The Senior Center

- The Sr. Ctr. Will celebrate 25 years with mu- Adult Art Classes --- at the Patagonia Art AA - The Patagonia Com. Ctr., Sun., 8 a.m.; sic by a DJ, beginning at 6 p.m.; No fee for ad- Center., Thursdays, 2 - 4 p.m.; Figure Sonoita Bible Church, Tues., 7:30 p.m.; Pat. mission Drawing: first Thursdays of the month. Methodist Church, Fri., 7:30 p.m. (see holiday events on page 16 and 17) 394-9369.

AlAlAl-Al ---AnonAnon - Wednesdays at 6 p.m., Sonoita Art Makers --- After school art classes, ages Hills Comm. Church. 52 Elgin Rd., just off community services 5-12; Tuesdays, 3:30-5 p.m. $3- 5 sug- Hwy 83; Info: 237-8091 gested donation. Call Cassina @ 394-9369 for info. Lunch for Seniors --- Fresh-cooked meals, Mon. CHOP (Community Homes of Patagonia, Inc.) - Fri. at the Community Center. Tuesday is Pie Adult handhand----buildingbuilding ceramics classes Board Meeting 3rd Monday of the month at Day! Try the Thursday Special! Wednesdays, 4-6 p.m. $65 for 4 classes. 6 p.m. in the Patagonia Town Council Room --- Call Martha Kelly @ 604-0300 Chambers. Sr. Citizens of Patagonia Van Service -

Medical transportation available Mon. - Fri. for Overeaters Anonymous Meetings - Pata- seniors & disabled to Sierra Vista, Tucson, Bikram Yoga - Patagonia; call 520-604- gonia United Methodist Church, Tuesdays Green Valley & Nogales. By appt. only. 394- 7283. and Thursdays at 6:30 p.m. Info: 404-3490 2494

Play Bridge --- Patagonia Community Cen- Patagonia Town Council ,,, 2nd and 4th Patagonia Food Bank, Community Center; ter, Mondays & Thursdays at 1 p.m. Wednesday of the month at 7 p.m. 2nd Wednesday of the month, 9-11 a.m.

Rotary Club , 1st Thursdays, 7 a.m. at Pata- Patagonia Lake State Park Patagonia Methodist Church Thrift Shop, Bird Walks Mondays and Fridays at 9: a.m. gonia H.S.; All others at Kief Joshua winery, Fri. 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Sat. 10 a.m. - noon. 6 p.m. For info: (520) 907-5829 Free after admission to Park. Meet at east end of Campground.

Angel Wings Thrift & Gift Shop Our Lady of , 2nd San Rafael Community 44----HH Club the Angels Mission Catholic Church, 12 Los En- Avian Boat Tours of Patagonia Lake on Sat- Monday at the Patagonia Methodist Church, cinos Rd, Sonoita. Thurs-Sat. 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. urdays and Sundays at 9 and 10:15 a.m. Thurber Hall at 5:30 p.m. Contact Tami Info: 455-5262 455-5561. Lake Discovery Tours at 11:30 AM.

Bingo - St. Theresa Parish Hall, Patagonia, HELP US GET THE WORD OUT ABOUT Twilight Tours on Saturday evenings. Res- 1st & 3rd Mondays at 6 p.m. 455-5681 ervations Required. Call Visitor Center YOUR MEETING, CLASS, OR EVENT 520-287-2791 to reserve and to find out Crossroads Quilters - Sonoita Fire Dept., Send your info to time of departure for Twilight Tour. Cost: 2nd & 4th Mondays at 9 a.m.; call Polly [email protected] $5 per person per tour. Lightner at (520) 732-0453. NEXT DEADLINE : JAN. 202020 The Visitor Center hours are 8:30 – 4 p.m. Open Tennis - PUHS, Tues. & Thurs. at 5 Thursdays-Monday; the Visitor Center is closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays. p.m., Sat. at 8 a.m., except during school

matches. Contact Tod Bowden at 394-2973 Junior Ranger Activities on Saturdays at 2:

p.m. at the Visitor Center. Sonoita Tergar Meditation Practice Group --- 1st & 3rd Mondays at a private First Day Hike: Join our volunteers & home. Free. Jonelle 455-9222. staff .for a Petroglyph Site Hike across the lake (some rock-scrambling re- Sonoita Plant Parenthood Gardening quired). Wear sturdy shoes; bring water, and perhaps a walking stick. Call to reg- Club --- contact [email protected]. DEC. 6 ister at 520.287.2791. Thursday, January 29 1 at 9:00 am meet at Visitor Center

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PAPAGO SPRINGS COTTAGE LAKE PATAGONIA HILLTOP HOME $194,500, 1,361sf 2Be/1.75Ba contemporary w/ $275,500, Near the Lake + extraordinary 360 high ceilings, in the lushly wooded Sonoita foot- views. 2,056sf custom quality home on 4.13ac hills. Enjoy unobstructed Mt. Wrightson views & w/2Be/3Ba/2 Living areas, formal Dining. 30x10’ dazzling sunsets from the covered porch + sur- screened AZ Rm is a huge bonus. Detached RV & rounding Oak grassland & nearby Natl Forest ~ boat storage; walled garden, fenced grounds w/ ideal for adventuring. TAR/MLS#21122918 elec gate. A fabulous value! TAR/MLS#21406410

VINTAGE PATATONIA TERRITORIAL HORSE PROPERTY W/FABULOUS RIDEOUT $320,000, beautifully reconceived & restored $199,500, North of Sonoita, surrounded by Las 1,100sf 2Be/1.5Ba w/dazzling details, charm & Cienegas Natl Conservation Area & Historic Em- quality t/o. Separate (new) 533sf Studio/WkShop + pire Ranch. Gorgeous views! Beautifully main- a small bonus bldg & 2-car carport, on 1/4ac in the tained 1,456sf home w/3Be/2Ba split-plan; GrtRm heart of town; city water/sewer + 2 Wells. A must- w/Living-Dining-Kitchen; high ceilings t/o. Excel- see, turn-key opportunity. TAR/MLS#21426811 lent horse facilities. TAR/MLS#21404767

PRISTINE PAPAGO SPRINGS REGIONAL RAMMED EARTH TERRITORIAL $269,500, 1,731sf split-plan Santa Fe $539,000, 2 handsome homes in a 3 acre, richly w/3Be/2Ba/2G w/high ceilings, Viga beams & wooded Papago Springs setting. 2,247sf Main corner Kiva FP. Ceiling fans & skylights; tile floors House w/3Be/3Ba/Office + 1,515sf Guest House in living areas. New appliances & ADT system; w/1+Be/2Ba/Living & Family Rooms & o/s Garage. convenient circular drive; fully fenced + outdoor Soaring ceilings; wonderful quality t/o; excellent storage & new plantings. TAR/MLS#21332942 family home. TAR/MLS#21429361

29 3 So. AZ Paddlers Club Gathers For The Sake of The Lake

Every fall for 16 years—and again in the spring—The Southern Arizona Paddlers Club working in partnership with the park service circumnavigates Lake Patagonia's shoreline in its “For the Sake of the Lake” shore clean up. This activity has proven a boon to the park service over the years because the kay- aks can maneuver about in small spaces and get to shoreline that larger boats can't ac- cess. Also, this group of boaters serves as an extension to the park's staff, already carry- ing a full work load. Royce Davenport, long time member of the group, and organizer of the event, stated that of the club's many activities, the Patago- nia cleanup which takes place twice a year is the most popular among its members. Dav- enport has seen a real change for the good as the trash load lightens each year. The group welcomes new members. If you would like to know more about this group and their activities go to their via their Face Book site: Southern Arizona Pad- dlers Club https://www.facebook.com/ SoAzPaddlersClub

30 Photo courtesy of So AZ Paddlers Club HOUSING RENTALS CLASSIFIED ADS FOR HOUSING RENTAL & HELP WANTED UP TO A MAX OF 3 LINES / 25 WORDS ARE GRACE GARDENS / PATAGONIA - Boarding rooms, FREE $400/mo. Daily or wkly . Beautiful home on 10 acres Privacy & view! [email protected], (480) 215-1907 [email protected]

SONOITA HOME FOR RENT - 2 BD/2BTH. All appli- ances, W & D, front & back yards. Walk to Sonoita crossroads. $900/mo. 520-400-2949. Thank you SUNNY PRIVATE 1 BD/ 1 BTH VACATION RENTAL to all our right in town. Kitchenette, priv. entrance. Seasonal Spcls. Claire:520.303.1475, or CasitaEncanta.com advertisers! HELP WANTED CHURCH SERVICES Are you a certified caregiver or CNA? Patagonia Patagonia Community/ St. Therese of Lisieux Assisted Care is now accepting applications for United Methodist Church Catholic Church employment. Please call 520-604-8179. 387 McKeown Ave., Patagonia 222 Third Ave., Patagonia 394-2274 394-2954 Sunday Service: 10 a.m. Sunday Mass: 10:30 a.m.

St. Andrews Episcopal Church Sonoita Bible Church Casa Blanca Chapel of Sonoita 3174 N. Highway 83, Sonoita MISC. Justice of the Peace Courtroom 455-5779 2nd & 4th Saturdays; 10 a.m. Sunday Service: 10:30 a.m.

Sonoita Hills Our Lady of the Angels STORAGE - need more space for your antiques, car, Community Church Catholic Church 52 Elgin Rd., Sonoita 12 Los Encinos Rd., Sonoita family treasures? Monthly4re rental - 5x10,10x10, 455-5172 394-2954; 10x20; call Ginny 520-455-9333 or 455-4641. Sunday Service: 10 a.m. Sunday Mass: 8 a.m. SONOITA SELF STORAGE

From The PRT Board 2014 31