October 2013 Serving the Mountain Empire Communities of Canelo, Elgin, Patagonia and Sonoita Vol

OCTOBER 2013 SERVING THE MOUNTAIN EMPIRE COMMUNITIES OF CANELO, ELGIN, PATAGONIA AND SONOITA VOL. 3, ISSUE 10

Photo by Walter Andrew Photo by Walter PhotoAndrew Walter by A portrait of Dave Martin, by A fairgoer displays her seventh grader Gianna Martin country pride A Long Saving 4-H Town Vote A Man Of Trail of The Paton Gallery On SSVEC Many Deception Legacy Renewal Talents

Photo by Donna Reibslager

Judging summer’s bounty

A Long Trail of Deception By Ann Katzenbach As earlier reported in the me- with La Semilla, a community grants and finances. In Novem- dia, Jeffrey Cooper of Patagonia stewardship organization that ber 2011, staff from ACF began admitted that he was guilty of fel- was working with the Three coming to Patagonia to ques- ony theft in connection with funds Canyons development. tion Cooper about the youth belonging to the Mountain Empire According to library board center. In January and February Trails Association (META). On Sep- minutes, The Friends of the Li- of 2012, ACF staff reassured tember 23, he was sentenced to brary provided $3,000-$5,000 the Patagonia chapter that they two years of probation and four to clean up the deficit that Coo- thought Cooper was carrying weekends in the Adult Correctional per left. His bookkeeping was out the stated mission of the Facility. in disarray and no one can say Community Coalition and that Nearly everyone who knows just how much money was un- a report was forthcoming. Jeffrey Cooper describes him as a accounted for. The library Meanwhile the Mountain “charming” man. Well-liked, envi- board’s minutes indicate that Empire Trails Association ronmentally active, community nothing would be done about (META), because it had no non- minded, Cooper was a popular the sloppy accounting. Cooper profit status, had put itself un- member of the Patagonia commu- was granted "amnesty." der the umbrella of the Com- nity for years. In 2005 The Community munity Coalition. Cooper was The news that he had been Coalition of Eastern Santa Cruz one of META’s founding mem- prosecuted for stealing $4,625 County was incorporated by bers. The Trails organization from the Mountain Empire Trails Cooper and several other area turned its funds over to him, Association came as shock to residents. Cooper was elected believing that the Community many, but not to everyone. PRT has vice president. Their stated pur- Coalition was still a viable or- learned that over the last seven pose was to “promote and fa- ganization. cilitate healthy intergenera- On February 24, 2012 Coo- tional and community building per, under pressure to account activities. ..” At some point in for some bounced checks, pro- the succeeding years, the for- vided the Trails Committee malities normally required of with checks from the Coalition corporate directors and officers totaling $4625. The bank told appear to have been aban- META there were insufficient doned, leaving the Coalition's funds to clear these checks. It administration solely in Coo- appeared there was no money per’s hands. in the Coalition account. In 2006 Cooper, on behalf META’s $4,625 was gone, along of the Coalition, applied to the with the balance of the $10,000 Patagonia Regional Community grant money for the Youth Cen- Foundation (PRCF) for a grant ter. It wasn’t until these discov- to start a youth center, and was eries that action was taken. awarded $10,000. During this META reported their missing dr time Cooper became a PRCF funds to the police. board member. There is no evi- They also reported the loss years, Jeffrey Cooper took financial dence that he did anything with to the ACF, who quickly sent a advantage of other community in- this money until 2010, when he representative to Patagonia. At stitutions as well, in one case as reported that $2,000 was used the ensuing board meeting, ACF much as $10,000 is unaccounted to set up a gathering place for told the PRCF board that their for. young people known as “The legal department would deal In 2002 when Cooper was laid Den.” with the loss of $10,000. They off by the Nature Conservancy In September of 2011, Coo- were urged to talk about their (staff say it was for funding rea- per told the PRCF board that he feelings in the meeting, but sons) he was hired as Patagonia's was working to put together an were made to swear to tell no librarian. Staff members report that agreement with the schools. one else. during his time at the library, Coo- The board wanted a deadline In the intervening months, per was rarely there, and that re- for a full report, otherwise the ACF's legal arm did nothing. sponsibilities that he claimed to remaining $8,000 would have When the Patagonia Regional have attended to were, in fact, left to be returned. After he was Times asked about it, the ACF undone. (Boxes of inner-library told, this Cooper’s attendance at first denied that they knew loan books were discovered that at PRCF board meetings became anything about the problem had never been returned.) He was very sporadic. and then explained that the deemed a failure by those who In Arizona, most commu- cost of legal action would be worked with him and in 2005 was nity foundations report to the more than the $10,000 that was about to be fired for mismanage- Arizona Community Founda- missing. As it turns out, justice ment of operations and funds tion (ACF) in Phoenix, run by does not have to cost a lot of 2 when he resigned to take a position paid professionals who oversee money. (continued on page 17) Some Applause, Please

By PRT Staff

We often take the operation of have done an excellent job of keep- our town government for granted. ing the peace, seeing that the traffic With little money and limited staff, laws on Route 82 are enforced and we need to be reminded of what it avoiding controversy. Kudos to Mar- takes to make a small town such as shall Patterson and his deputies. ours function. For instance: The Town Manager - Dave Teel The Patagonia Town Council - It has brought his extensive experience is easy to forget that not many years to this small town and has done a ago the Patagonia Town Council was fantastic job of working with and ad- deadlocked and could not even agree vising the council so that the town October 16 Deadline on who should be mayor. The cur- runs smoothly. The position of the rent council in our opinion is the town Manager is not a beauty con- for Saving the hardest working, most cooperative test, and it is one where you are and effective town council we’ve had bound to step on some toes and up- Paton's Legacy in the last ten years and deserves the set some people. Dave’s capability By Ann Katzenbach full appreciation of the townspeople. and patience have made a major dif- Among other things, they have hired ference in our town government. Ku- an extremely capable town manager, dos to Dave Teel. Marion and Wally Paton zona birder has been es- have taken on the huge job of revis- Assistant Town Clerk - Every- have both passed away, but corted into the Paton back- ing the town code, and established one knows that if Isabel Van Ness their legacy of welcoming bird yard to spend an hour or Saturday morning work sessions. decided to retire or leave the town it enthusiasts to their backyard two enthralled by the action Their decisions may not always coin- would be a catastrophe. She is the has informally continued for a at 10 hummingbird feeders, cide with your views, but we are a fount of all knowledge when it comes number of years now while the the constantly changing town of differing views and that is to to all those tiny details that make our family looked for a way to pro- visitors to the feeders at the be expected. Kudos to Mayor Ike town function. And, she willingly tect the property as a birding far end, or the quiet skulk- Isakson and the other council mem- shares them with all of us when we mecca. ers on the perimeter or at bers. need them. If your water usage ap- The good news is that the the water feature. If you've The Town Marshall - Do you pears to indicate a leak, you get a call American Bird Conservancy been there and gotten one remember when the conflicts related from her. If you want to know about (ABC) has contracted with the or more life birds, please to the marshal’s office took up a a rule or regulation, she’s there to Paton heirs to purchase the acknowledge the joy you good part of each Council meeting? help you. She HATES to be in the property. With combined con- experienced with a dona- Good riddance to the old contentious limelight, manages to avoid the po- tributions from ABC, Tucson tion.” Marshal’s office. Joe Patterson and litical potholes and continues to be Aububon and Victor Emanuel For Patagonia, this sale his deputies, especially Ron Davis, the longest serving member of the Nature Tours, $120,000 was is significant. More than town staff. Kudos to Isabel. initially raised towards the pur- 7,000 people visited Pa- chase price. These organiza- ton's last year. Their contri- tions, looking towards the fu- bution to the local economy ture, are hoping to raise is not easy to assess, but it $300,000 to pay for the prop- is significant. These people erty and start an endowment to buy food, clothing, gas, and keep the property maintained. art. They eat in restaurants. Birders from around the world They pay for lodging in have come forward with contri- town or out at Patagonia butions and the balance needed Lake. Without Paton's Bird- as of September 17 was ers Haven, birders from $50,000. The deadline for this around the world would not purchase agreement is October be coming here in such 15, 2013. numbers. It's rather miracu- Once purchased by the lous to think that two gen- American Bird Conservancy, erous and simple people ownership will be transfered to could leave such a legacy to Tucson Audubon to run Paton's a small town. Birders Haven for the birding If you would like to community in perpetuity. help make this purchase Birders who are familiar possible, go to "http:// with Patons have been encour- www.abcbirds.org/paton. aging one another to donate. You can also look at the im- Here’s a quote from a comment pressive number of people posted by a birder named Edge who have already do- Artwork from the County Fair, made by the 2nd Grade students Wade: “Many a first-time Ari- nated to the effort. 3 at Patagonia Elgin Elementary School Carina Dimerling, Miss 4-H 2013

County Fair Counts Ember Hubbell Its Successes Ellie Jordan According to Marion Vendituoli, co-chair of this year's Santa Cruz Fair, 4,100 people came through the gate the weekend of September 20-22. Many of those people were students from the county who were given the day off from school and bussed to the fair on Friday morning. There they found a special program designed just for them. There were perform- ances, art projects, games, and a chance to learn about seed planting. County Superinten- dent Alfredo Velasquez provided buses and worked with the fair committee to involve all the county schools. A talent show produced by Suzanne Clasen was a huge hit on Saturday night. It brought out a wide range of ages (from 3 years to 80 plus). Allyson Lloyd took first prize with a dis- play of acro dancing. The 4-H auction brought in a record- breaking, $152,.000. The top steer went for a whopping $10,000. As always, 4-H was the heart of the fair, with youngsters showing off their animals and handiwork and keeping the livestock part of the fair clean and friendly. "Everyone pulled together," says Venditouli, who didn't want to start thanking people because the list was so long. She added that everyone who participated in the fair got a free pass, and the point of the event is not about money. "The point," she said, "is to have a big community party!" Hurrah to those who Photos by Walter Andrew Shyanne Pruett worked so hard to put this party on. 4 4 Noah Moore A Cover Up And Its Consequences EDITORIAL COMMENTARY BY Walter Andrew

One of the distressing as- couped, and took no other action. fidentiality agreements of all those at the pects of the Jeffrey Cooper af- A police report dated March 19, PRCF board meeting, took control and told fair is the fact that a second 2013 notes that “PRCF had the PRCF board they should leave it to the and larger theft of funds by Mr. money problems in that the ACF to handle things. I can understand a Cooper, namely of all or a large $10,000 grant from ACF seemed local volunteer board panicking and cover- part of a Patagonia Regional to have disappeared.” It also ing up a loss, but for paid professionals of a Community Foundation (PRCF) notes that “the ACF is not inter- statewide charitable organization to advise a grant of $10,000, was intention- ested in pursuing the matter le- local board to take this action was shameful. ally concealed from public view. gally.” In short, the ACF decided Especially when ACF senior staff later (see related article on page 2). that it was better to avoid the sought to transfer the blame to our local Although it is cause for embar- negative publicity and take the PRCF volunteers. rassment, the reality is that all loss of $7200 in locally donated The cover-up had a number of conse- organizations, charitable or not, funds. quences. First, Jeffrey Cooper was sentenced at least $7,200 of funds are subject to the threat of When the Patagonia Regional more leniently than he would have been had was stolen by Cooper. theft, but these organizations Times (PRT) heard rumors of the ACF prosecuted this theft and the judge Hence, the ACF could still must be candid about their other thefts by Cooper, it at- been aware of the amount of multiple felo- proceed to file a criminal losses, including thefts, even if tempted to discuss the rumor nies. Second, Cooper made restitution for complaint against Cooper, it affects their image. with PRCF members and was told the funds stolen from Mountain Empire seek to recoup the funds, Ethically, charitable or- they could not comment. After Trails Association (META) and it is possible and send a message to the ganizations need to be trans- emailing the current Chairman of that restitution might have also been or- community that while parent and deal with their do- PRCF to ask if PRCF had lost any dered in the case of the PRCF funds. Third, their advice to the prior nor communities with integrity. funds to a Jeffrey Cooper theft, and most damaging, is the harm that ACF’s local board was extremely Cover-ups damage an organiza- we were contacted by Megan advice has done to our local PRCF, an impor- poor, they want to restore tion’s reputation and create an Brownell of ACF, who set up a tant and worthy local community organiza- the reputation of ACF in atmosphere of distrust, which call to PRT, together with Steven tion. There is sufficient evidence in the pos- our Mountain Empire most often does more harm G. Seleznow, President & CEO of session of the marshal’s office to prove that communities. than initially admitting un- AFC. Ms. Brownell is ACF’s Busi- pleasant facts. Unfortunately, in ness Development & Brand Offi- this case, Arizona Community cer. In this telephone conversa- Foundation (ACF) personnel tion and a subsequent one the elected to direct PRCF not to same afternoon with Ms. Brownell talk about the theft. alone, the ACF provided PRT with On the advice and direc- an oral outline of what occurred. tion of their parent, ACF, the Browning stated that the ACF de- PRCF decided at their March ferred to local affiliates on deci- 13 , 2012 meeting not to publi- sions. When asked for an oppor- cize the loss or seek to recoup tunity to look at the PRCF board the remaining funds from their minutes, the ACF declined to $10,000 grant to Jeffrey Coo- make them available. The reason per’s Community Coalition. He for this appears to be obvious, had told PRCF in January, 2012 since the PRCF minutes assert that $7,200 remained of those that the decision not to proceed monies. At the March meeting, against Cooper came from the Jackie Alling from the ACF Arizona Community Foundation. swore the members of the PRCF The minutes show that the ACF to secrecy and then told them came to Patagonia, required con- that the legal department of the ACF would deal with the problem. ACF did nothing in this regard; they did not contact the Marshal’s office, they apparently did no research into how the funds might be re- 5 Its Time For the

Did you know that The Pata- Navajo indian fry bread and tacos, gonia Fall Festival is known Greek foods, Texas Twister fruit throughout the state as one of drinks, vegetarian offerings, and Arizona’s best small town cele- gourmet sandwiches. brations? With 125 exhibitors and This year’s entertainment in- non-stop entertainment, the Fall cludes the country western duo, Festival is well-attended by local Partners. They’ll be on stage Friday town folk as well as by all the serenading the crowd with waltzes, visitors who descend on Patago- two-steps, country cha-chas, line nia for the three day event. This dances and much more. Next year marks the 25 th year for the comes Ft Huachuca’s 62 nd Army PhotoWalter by Andrew event – which has gained a repu- band and the Brass Quartet, bring- tation as one of the best events ing the sounds of Dixieland. Satur- the band seasons its global mix from the festival will benefit the in Southern Arizona .for quality day kicks off with our own Aztec with fiddles, steel drum, penny Patagonia Park Preservation Fund arts and crafts, great entertain- Blue, followed by Nancy McLallion whistles, and a variety of shak- and will be used to help maintain ment, and fantastic food and Danny Krieger. Danny is one of ers, rattles and percussive odds and preserve the Patagonia Town Whether you take advantage the Southwest's most respected and ends. Next on stage is the Park’s facilities shade trees and of all the unique arts and crafts guitarists and Nancy is a well- Bluegrass band, The Mule Boys. landscaping. Festival Coordinator to do a little early holiday gift known singer songwriter formerly The festival wraps up with Kazz Workizer states, “The Town shopping, or just enjoy wander- with The Mollys. They play Ameri- Scott & Becky Reyes, Jim Park is the heart and soul of Pata- ing through the park and people- cana music with Celtic influences. Harrelson, Mike Montoya and gonia. It’s the site for Tai Chi ex- watching, there’s a lot to see and The rest of the day the park will Anji Kate in the Latin Power- ercise, picnics, Fourth of July fes- do...and eat. More than a dozen resonate with the sounds of blues, house band, Conjunto Royal. tivities, birthday parties for peo- food service booths will be offer- folk, and some rock by Grams and This amazing group is a must ple and pets, leisurely strolls, and ing favorites, such as Zuni and Krieger, Members of the Arizona see for any lover of authentic reunions of all kinds. It needs to Blues Hall of Fame, to latin dance music-bossa nova, be protected and preserved.” leave you dancing, sing- trova, foclorico, tango, cumbia, Once again, McKeown Ave- ing, and smiling. and more. nue will be closed to traffic. So On Sunday, Gazebo action This year’s Silent Auction after you stroll through all that begins with Acoustic Star- will offer nearly 100 works con- the Festival offers, check out the seed Band. Utilizing tributed by participating arts enterprising local vendors that acoustic guitars, mando- and crafts vendors. The reve- set up on McKeown, for even lin, accordion, and drums, nues from the auction, and more treasures.

6 Town to Vote on SSVEC Renewal By Meg Gilbert and Carolyn Shafer

The Town of Patagonia will place to pay our bills in town. If approved at the September 11, much to connect to their system. hold an election on Tuesday, No- times get tight a utility might close 2013 regular council meeting. vember 5, to approve or reject an office in a small community. HOW CAN I LOWER MY ELEC- the granting of a franchise to Sul- The new 25-year franchise WHAT HAPPENS IF IT IS TRIC BILL? pher Springs Valley Electric Coop- agreement allows greater flexibility VOTED DOWN? SSVEC is le- There are many ways to reduce erative(SSVEC), to maintain and for the town to respond to rapidly gally required to continue to your energy consumption to operate an electric energy trans- changing market conditions in alter- supply electricity; however, op- lower your electric bill. Talk to mission and distribution system native energy, by giving the town the erating without a legal agree- SSVEC about an energy audit. within the corporate limits of the ability to renegotiate every 5 years. ment could expose the Town to They will come to your house for town of Patagonia. The old franchise agreement expensive litigation with re- free and make suggestions on SSVEC is currently providing had a 2% franchise fee, the same as spect to any disputes on items how to use less electricity. Patagonia’s electric power, the new proposal, but the fee was that are covered by the agree- You can also install solar through a contract which is due offset by the Transaction Privilege ment. panels or other renewable energy to expire. The new contract, if Tax (TPT) so SSVEC paid the Town 3% sources on your property and approved by the voters, would TPT instead of the franchise fee. The CAN WE GET OUR ELECTRIC- create your own energy. provide for continued service new proposal eliminates the offset ITY FROM SOMEONE ELSE? If you have additional ques- through SSVEC, with some provision, so SSVEC will pay the No, the Town would need an- tions, contact Meg Gilbert at 604- amendment to the old contract. Town the franchise fee of 2% and 3% other contract with a different 0063 or Carolyn Shafer at 394- Following are some ques- TPT. The fee and the TPT are based electricity supplier. Unisource 0252. tions and answers about this pro- on the electricity sold in Patagonia. is close but it would cost too posed contract: WILL MY RATES GO UP? WHAT IS THIS FRANCHISE Your electric utility rates AGREEMENT? are approved by the Ari- It is a legally binding agreement zona Corporation Com- between Sulphur Springs Valley mission and SSVEC must Electric Company and The Town apply to that organization of Patagonia describing the terms for any rate increases. under which SSVEC can provide SSVEC has just applied for electricity in this town. a rate increase. That pend- ing increase has nothing WHAT ARE WE VOTING FOR? to do with the new fran- A yes vote would allow SSVEC to chise agreement with the continue to have its poles and Town of Patagonia. electric lines traverse the town’s rights of way and supply electric- CAN I PROPOSE ity to the community. It would CHANGES BY COMING also define the rules for how TO A COUNCIL MEETING SSVEC would interact with the AND SPEAKING? town. No, the language in this document has been ap- WHY ARE WE VOTING ON THIS? proved by the SSVEC State law requires the voters to Board of Directors and the approve plans for electric service. Patagonia Town Council (after review by Town le- HAVE WE HAD A FRANCHISE gal counsel) and has been AGREEMENT BEFORE? submitted to the official Yes, the Town and SSVEC have ballot preparers. been operating under the current franchise agreement for 25 years. WHY DIDN’T I HEAR The current agreement expires ABOUT THIS BEFORE? this fall so we need a new one. The Patagonia Town Council has been discuss- HOW IS THIS FRANCHISE ing the franchise agree- AGREEMENT DIFFERENT FROM ment for many months as THE CURRENT AGREEMENT? negotiations with SSVEC Much of the language is similar. were happening. It was The new agreement adds a few last discussed by the guarantees that weren’t in the old council September 4, version, such as language that 2013, with public com- 7 ensures we will always have a ment allowed, and it was To contribute your opinion or commentary to PRT, send it in Word format to [email protected]. PRT reserves the right to edit all submittals for language, length and content.

The shadows in the hollows were gan to feel that we would survive, smoky black, the white cattle pro- the whole building began to viding contrast. shake. Our bed moved, the dishes As this light faded, the globed rattled, and the golden outdoor lights along the auberge’s paths lights went out. The little bunga- lighted up, bringing a host of big low seemed impossibly fragile. golden moths like some fallout “It’s just a tremor,” Lee reasoned, from the sunset. hopefully. Unconvinced, I waited Then our supper arrived, big for Mt Pelee to erupt and carry us bowls of fish soup, salad, cheese, into oblivion. bread and a bottle of wine. The We woke at the first signs of waiter said he would collect the light. Outside the green grass and dishes in the morning and disap- ferns seemed not to know of the peared into the gloom, wishing us a tempest or the tremors. As the “bonne nuit.” sun climbed out of the sea, 2, 500 As darkness overcame us, we feet below, the clouds lifted, re- crawled between the damp sheets, vealing a blue sky. Cattle grazed Within moments there was wind peacefully in the distant pastures howling through the louvered win- At breakfast I asked our A Night to dows. Torrents of rain pounded the pleasant waiter, who seemed to steel roof, the noise so loud it be on perpetual duty, if the storm nearly drowned out the claps of in the night was a normal occur- Remember thunder. This cataclysm continued rence. He smiled. His poetic re- for a long time. We huddled in our sponse in French translates easily chilly bed, sure that we would be into English: “Nothing is ordi- By Anne Katzenbach swept down the mountain. Then, as nary when you have a volcano in the storm diminished and we be- the basement.”

I love most Mont Pelee, an active but sleepy weather. It’s always good to be volcano. reminded of the power of the With nothing planned, we natural world and remember spent a few days in the capital city, again that we are not really in rented a car, and made our way to control. Many years ago, on the the steep narrow road that led up island of Martinique, my hus- to the volcano--which had last band and I found ourselves at erupted in 1902, wiping out the an unforgettable crossroad of city of St. Pierre and its 30,000 in- natural phenomena. A good habitants. The lone survivor was a monsoon storm comes close, thief imprisoned in the town’s dun- but the earth doesn’t move here geon. in Arozona. L’Auberge de la Montagne Pe- In 1989, we sold our small lee was in the clouds, surrounded hotel on the island of Carriacou by thick grasses, ferns and lichen- to an English couple. It was No- covered guava trees. Brahma cattle vember. Suddenly we had no wandered through the misty land- responsibilities and some scape. The lone employee told us money in the bank. we were the only visitors, and We quickly discarded the could have any of the five bunga- idea of going back to the U.S.-- lows. The dining room was closed, and decided instead to see what but he would bring us a light sup- life was like on a big Caribbean per before dark. island. So we headed for Mar- Almost as soon as we were in- tinique, where the mix of side our little shelter, it started to French and African cultures rain, so we hauled out books and seemed a perfect antidote to read, hoping for a break in the hotel-keeping on a 25 square weather. As dusk approached and mile island that had once be- the rain stopped, the room began longed to England. to glow. We went outside. The sun On the plane, a French cou- was hidden in the clouds far below, ple recommended that we visit but its golden light was diffused all an inn on the slopes of across the moist, green landscape. 8 OPINION & COMMENT •OPINION & COMMENT •OPINION & COMMENT

LIFE AMONG THE HUMANS sider cats and dogs. dogs and don- "manly" guts? (These people wor- keys. donkeys and elephants, ship beef and beer.) And which Suunis and Shiites, rednecks and group has the slender guys with "rich retirees," as “the gas man” sandals, shorts, and maybe likes to call us more-recent arrivals beards? (They like their algae

The Minefield to Patagonia. green or blue and are excited by Until recently, this town has tofu.) By Martin Levowitz been a ranching /mining town. At QUESTION 2: Which faction public meetings, hereabouts, Mis- loves the mountains and is wor- Here's an old morrow morning on your way ters Bowdon, Montoy, et al., like to ried about squirrels, owls and Sufi teaching- to work or coffee? That's mention how long they and their whales? And which group loves story: Walking home late at night right, Watson: Nada ! families have lived here. the mountains since they used to through the quiet streets of his vil- One cynical formula, (Suggesting, I suppose, that their hunt there with their dads and lage, a man is startled by a loud these days, defines environ- opinions should carry more weight still hunt there today? noise. Turning the corner, he sees a mentalists as "Those who al- than those of us more recent immi- QUESTION 3: Which clan dog and a donkey, fighting. "Friends, ready own their cabins in the grants.) It's easy to see how they moved here from Wisconsin to Friends" he implores, rushing between woods and now oppose fur- might feel that way. Normal ani- enjoy their golden years in peace- them, "Surely there's some better way ther development." A much mals, human or otherwise, feel vio- ful hikes on quiet mountain to settle your differences." Whereupon older folk-saying declares: "A lated when someone new invades trails? And which group grew up the dog bites and the donkey kicks full man cannot understand a the region which, till recently, was here and need a decent-paying him. hungry one." comfortably theirs . Consider Pales- job or will be forced to move Obviously, we all need copper. There are certain long- tine. away despite that this has been Each of those huge wind-turbines standing rift-lines which are So, let's agree that 50 years is their home? emblematic of "green energy" con- so deeply established that any longer than five years. The moun- It angers me and makes me tains more than a ton of copper. minor disturbance or passing tains, however, are not much im- sad to hear about ivory poachers Hmm. If some clever thief steals all disagreement tends to re- pressed either way, since they've in Africa or about Brazilian farm- of the copper out of your car this ignite the twin flames of mis- been here for several million years. ers burning down immense tracts evening, guess what will happen trust and resentment. Visit The question, then, in this dispute, of virgin forest. Do these dudes when you turn the ignition key to- Ireland, for instance, or con- might be: "Which group has the just not give a damn or are they mountains' best interests at heart?" unaware what harm they wreak? Does that question sound silly to Yet, who am I to judge these you? guys? (Some middle-class, twit in When you go to town or Forest a land far away who has rarely Service meetings hereabouts, you known hardship or need.) People don't have to be Claude Levi- who work and have families to Strauss to notice broad differences feed will do all that they can to between those who root for mining survive. Yep, whatever it takes. here and those who strongly don't. So, if you want to piss them off Steering clear of inflammatory lan- and reassure them, once again , guage like "class warfare, " let's re- that you have come here from the fer instead to "perceptible lifestyle moon and don't know squat differences." Generalizations are about reality, complain to them both useful and dangerous, of about an owl or minnow in the course. But, please relax and take woods whose happiness their this little quiz. jobs may compromise. To them it QUESTION 1 : Which team has sounds as if you'd rather see the stocky guys with burly shoul- their children starve. ders, thicker necks, work-boots and

9 OPINION & COMMENT •OPINION & COMMENT •OPINION & COMMENT

Knowledge is Power Letter to

By Walter Andrew the Editor

There seem to are newer residents. Many of sion, we all need to ada- Patagonia town government be two pre- the older families believe that mantly pursue the answers to and management should re- dominant the newer residents cannot questions that can lead us to frain from involvement in is- views when it appreciate the hardships of informed choice. We need to sues outside of town limits, comes to a chronic unemployment. look at credible sources to which are overreaching its renewal of mining in the Patagonia They argue that mining cre- determine the type and num- boundaries, jurisdictions and area. One view is that Patagonia has ated this town, and has pro- ber of jobs that will be avail- authority. always been a mining town and that vided jobs to many previous able to local residents during the less affluent population desper- generations. The newer resi- the construction and opera- — Will Stack, Patagonia ately needs jobs-- which they believe dents see that perspective as tion of these mines. We need the new mining operations will pro- one that would sacrifice this to know what would be the vide. The other view is that tourism area’s tourism and, the ability financial cost to our economy has taken the place of mining as the of its environment to support were we to lose tourism. And sustaining industry in the Patagonia future generations—for the we all need to know what ef- area, and mining will bring an end to sake of a few unskilled jobs. fect each mine (or group of tourism, will provide few long term How can these two mines) would actually have on jobs for local residents, and will dev- groups begin to listen to each the quality of our air, and the astate our environment. other’s position, and to di- quality and quantity of our There are a substantial number rectly address the issues water. Only by better inform- of residents in this community who raised in a thoughtful man- ing ourselves can each of us are pro-mine, but are reluctant to ner? We can succeed in secur- to decide whether the pro- express themselves publically. By ing the future of Patagonia posed tradeoffs make sense the same token, there are many older and our surrounding area for our community as a residents who fear the environmental only if we can stand together. whole. Knowledge is power. degradation that mining activity Rather than perpetuating divi- would have, but for various reasons have limited their public com- ments. Acknowl- edging the legiti- Farewell to Betty Myers macy of each other’s position Betty Myers, one of Patagonia’s may be the only most prolific volunteers, has logical starting sold her house and is moving to point toward a Ashland, Oregon. Her services more civil dis- to the charitable and non-profit course and intel- organizations in the Patagonia ligent discussion area are innumerable and in- of the issues. clude her years of service for Although the Senior Citizens, PRCF, these opposing CHOP, PRT and The tennis views are not Fundraiser. Kelly Fleming says delineated ac- “Betty has been an impor- cording to tant asset to the community strictly socio- and treasured friend, unfail- economic lines, ingly good-natured and a terror many of those in on the tennis court.” She will be favor of mining sorely missed by all those who are from families had the good fortune to know who have lived her. Here at the PRT, we are here all their sorry to see her go, but wish lives, while her well in her new and very those in the fore- fortunate community. There front of the envi- will be a going away party for ronmental Betty at the Community Center 10 opposition on October 19. Photo by Walter Andrew

OPINION & COMMENT •OPINION & COMMENT •OPINION & COMMENT

Too Much Goin’ On by Cassina Farley

for two 5k runs. This sim- of giving my ailing dog This was my “aha” ply means I have given up some pain pills when my moment. I am way too my daily dose of peanut phone rang- newspaper distracted. I have way too M&M’s. (For now) business. As I chit-chatted many things going on. I If I’m not fund-raising away, pills in my hand, really do need to make a for the radio station, I’m something happened and change. When Zach came at some sort of meeting at I just tossed the pills in home from work I told I took a handful of dog least once a week. Some- my mouth and swallowed. him what I had done ex- pills the other day- but only times I find myself run- Right away I froze, realiz- pecting him to say some- because I was distracted. How ning to back to back meeting what I had done. I still thing about my constant could this happen? Simple. I ings all on the same day. finished my conversation, state of distraction. He am a volunteer-a- holic. I am It’s tricky, but somehow it hung up and panic set in. simply said ”You’re too on the board of the PRT, the always works out. The worst part was I had used to taking pills.” Well Community Garden, KPUP I often have dreams to be at yet another meet- if that’s the case I can cut and the Creative Arts Associa- where I am running. I ing and I didn’t want to go down on the flax oil. I tion. I work two jobs, some- guess I’m saving time by all hopped up on dog can always count on Zach times three if you count the running in my sleep. I’m pills. I did the only logical to ignore the big picture, family farm. I write for the in too deep. That being thing I could do. I won’t which in the long run paper (if you haven’t noticed) said, I couldn’t imagine go into details but it in- suits me just fine. Who and if that isn’t enough. I giving any of it up. volved me in the bath- else is going to sell the make wedding cakes on the So back to the dog room and a pretty strong beer, wine, T-shirts and side. I am also “in training” pills. I was in the middle gag reflex. eggplants in this town?

11 A Man of Many Talents By Ann Katzenbach

Many Patagonians know preserve the land, advance four times. At this year’s fair, he Dean Fish as the flamboyant research in environmental was honored for his long service. auctioneer who gets called on science and agriculture, en- He received a big inscribed from time to time to lend his courage safe, healthy, active buckle, the perfect gift for a well- skills for a charitable auction. living, and share the impor- dressed cowboy who also teaches He is smart and funny and tance and privilege of learn- from time to time at the Univer- seems to know everyone. ing with the leaders of tomor- sity of Arizona and can sell a pie But farmers and ranchers row, our children. The foun- for over a hundred dollars. in the county know Fish as a dation owns Los Lagunas, a Auctioneering is a sideline go-to person who can help wetland between Nogales and for Fish. He says he fell into it them solve problems, espe- Rio Rico that is a popular when a friend asked him to head cially when it comes to cattle. place for recreation and na- up an auction. “He figured I was- From 1998 until recently, he ture study. Its mission is to n’t afraid to make a fool of my- held the job of county exten- get kids involved in the out of self and I thought it would be sion agent for Cochise, Pima, doors. fun.” His friend was right--Fish Pinal and Santa Cruz coun- In addition to these jobs, has a natural talent for the com- ties, the person who brings Fish owns the Anchor F Cattle plicated, fast-paced business. university know-how to the Company, does livestock con- With everything else that he is farmer. Fish holds a PhD in sulting, with reproduction involved in, he would like to find animal science, but his exper- and nutrition as two areas of time to go to auctioneer school to tise is based largely on experi- specialization, and still volun- become licensed. He says the ence. He was a 4-H child who teers at the county fair as the charity work is a lot fun, but he raised a steer every year and sale manager for the 4-H live- has his eye fixed on--you guessed once even a pig. The money stock auction and as “beef it--auctioning livestock. It’s a pro- he made selling his beef leader”--which means he fession that requires not just helped put him through col- counsels youngsters, who, lightning speed of mouth and lege and imprinted him with a just like the young Dean Fish, eye, but knowing how to urge life-long passion for the 4-H want to raise a steer as their people on, when to keep going programs. 4-H project. He is passionate and when to stop. A sense of hu- He is now ranch manager about 4-H, says it teaches mor doesn’t hurt, either. at the Santa Fe Ranch, taking kids critical skills, like public The fair, of course, is sorry over for his father, who has speaking, hard work, respect, to see Dean Fish move onto other retired. He also works for the dedication and caring. Need- ventures, but it seems quite likely Paula and Cabot Sedgwick less to say, his own children that he will always be around to Family Foundation. The Sedg- are 4-H-ers. help farmers, kids and charities. wicks bought the Santa Fe Over the years he has He is a great model for those 4-H Ranch in 1956. They have been an integral part of the qualities he mentioned: public passed away, and their son, fair, sitting on the board for 9 speaking, hard work, respect, Tony,12 heads up the the foun- years, holding the presidency dedication and caring. dation, whose mission is to twice, and chairing the fair Photos by Walter Andrew

Above and at left: Dean Fish demonstrates his skills as he steadily ratchets up the bid at the Community Garden’s Annual Pie Auction.

Making a The Patagonia Museum will meet on Saturday, October 12, in the Patagonia Library. Historian Mike Anderson will be the guest speaker. His Miracle topic will be "Posses and Politics: Law Enforcement of Southern Arizona in the 1800's". Prior to the meeting, a walking tour of historic Patagonia sites will commence at 9 AM in Tom Cummings, a lifelong member front of the railroad depot, 310 McKeown Ave. The tour will be completed before the start of of the Santa Cruz ranching community, the meeting. Another tour will be conducted on Sunday at the same time and location. The is waiting for a much needed liver trans- Patagonia Museum will host a workday at the Lochiel Schoolhouse on Saturday October 26 plant. Tom's liver disease was discovered from 9AM to 1PM. Please bring water, lunch, gloves and tools if available. Up-to-date informa- during a routine checkup and subse- tion is available on our web site: www.thepatagoniamuseum.org. For more information contact quent treatment, which was not success- German Quiroga at 343-5641 or Ralph Schmitt at 394-2732. ful, left Tom with the need for a medical miracle of a liver transplant. On Sunday, October 27 at the county fairgrounds, you can help make this possible. Let's Make a Miracle is an event They’re that will include a barbeque dinner, a Help with Senior live auction, a boutique shop, a quilt raf- fle, a silent auction, music and fun. The Dental and B-a-a-a-c-k! activities will begin at noon and go into By Elizabeth Zinn the evening. Friends and family of Tom, who Vision Costs Many of you have remarked on the have formed a group which they call resurgence of drones (correctly Miracle Workers, are putting on this Oc- The Senior Citizens of Patagonia, through a called Unmanned Aircraft Systems, tober event. The family is also working grant from Patagonia Regional Foundation, is or UAS) above us in recent weeks. with the non-profit organization Hel- offering help with dental and vision costs. For more information about these pHOPELive, which is dedicated to helping Who is eligible? Anyone over 65, has an noisy machines, refer to our Nov. raise funds for transplant and catastro- income of less then $21,576.00 (single) or 2012 article, “About Those phic injury patients. The funds raised $27,195 (married,) and has no vision or dental DRONES,” in the PRT online ar- will all go to the surgery costs and medi- insurance. If you are 65 or older and on Arizona chives: http:// cation costs for Tom. Health Care Containment System, you are auto- www.thepatagoniaregionaltimes. HelpHOPELive holds a four-star rat- matically eligible. com/2012/11/about-those- ing with Charity Navigator . Donations See Erika at the senior center between the drones.html. Questions about the are tax deductible. hours of 10 am to 2 pm Monday through Friday UAS flying out of Ft. Huachuca can For more information See Hel- for more details and an application. be directed to the Ft. Huachuca Of- pHOPELive.org, click on find a patient box Each eligible applicant can receive up to fice of Public Affairs, Angie Mon- and enter Tom Cummings. Being part of $200.00 to use for vision costs, and up to cur, at 520-533-1850, or an- a miracle is rewarding and fun. Call $500.00 for dental. You can get both. The center [email protected] Joyce Rosenbach at 520 642 8399 or will also provide a ride to your medical appoint- More information about aircraft Janice Johnson 520 287 7882 to be part ments. noise can be found at http:// of this miracle. www.noisequest.psu.edu/ 13 thinkably cruel actions were justi- had to have been Cochise was fied in his own mind. understandable – but as it would To his credit, Mort takes no turn out, mistaken. However, sides. He goes to great lengths to events were set into motion when present each viewpoint with Cochise was accused, his family equal weight and detail. And be- kidnapped and held hostage, and cause we are aware from the out- a series of escalating attacks set that the many strands of the from both sides shattered the narrative are building toward an fragile peace in the area and led explosive finale, the book reads to decades of slaughter. like a thriller, with mounting ten- Locals will appreciate de- sion as the incompatible ways of scriptions of many places famil- the white and the Apaches are iar to us, such as Fort Buchanan, presented in juxtaposition. Draw- now a part of the Crown C Ranch. ing from first-hand accounts and And all readers will come away secondary materials, Mort de- enriched by a deeper understand- scribes the kidnapping of Felix ing of the mindset of the Ward, the son of a local farmer Apaches, so often presented as living near Sonoita, by Indians - two-dimensional villains in the no doubt Apaches. The convic- tragedy that unfolded after the The Wrath of Cochise: The Bascom Affair tion of the boy’s father that it kidnapping of Felix Ward. and the Origins of the Apache Wars By Terry Mort Pegasus Books, 2013 303 pages

The Apache warriors Geronimo and Cochise have become icons in the American psyche, representing the brutal retaliations of native people driven off their ancestral lands by the encroachment of white settlers. None was more feared than Cochise, who ranged across southern Arizona and into Mexico, robbing, raiding, kidnapping and slaughtering many whites and Mexicans, including women and children. His legend was formed during the 25-year frontier war between the Chiricahua Apaches and the US Army, during which thousands of innocents lost their lives and the Chiricahua way of life was forever extinguished. Local author Terry Mort (who won widespread praise for his earlier book, The Hemingway Patrols) has written an account of the events lead- ing up to the incident that ignited the Apache wars. His book master- fully describes the three main groups of players in the drama – the white settlers and the Army charged with their protection; the Mexicans living on both sides of the border, caught up in political and economic difficulties of their own; and the Apache civilization, made of a complex set of tribes with customs, beliefs, and culture so foreign to the white new comers. The reader’s perspective is often like a bird’s eye, shifting from one side to the other, examining the various circumstances that caused each faction to behave in the way it did. We are shown the training of a typi- cal Army officer, Lt. George Bascom, beginning at West Point and then traveling to the very edge of the Western frontier where daily existence was fraught with illness, hardship and mosquitoes, and the rigorous West Point training often proved irrelevant. We look into the harsh lives of the settlers trying to eke out a living and merely survive amidst drought and constant danger. And, most important, we are given a me- ticulously researched understanding of how an Apache warrior such as Cochise was raised and trained, what his beliefs were, why his un- 14 NEW COUNTRY CONNECTION PHONE BOOK NOTICES Sonoita Proofreaders Needed

The new Country Connection phone book is in the works and is at the stage where proofreaders are needed. They would like to have some from Sonoita. Much of the information was taken from the last edition (at right) and is probably out of date. Having some readers from Sonoita would help the editors to get a more accurate book. If you are willing, please call Ann Caston at 604-2544 or email her at maripo @theriver.com Is your info up to date for the new Country Connection? If you never sent in your information when the form arrived months ago or if you have changed your info or it is different from the last book, please send your corrections to Ann. If you'd like to have a dedication in the newest Country Connection, time is running short. Send dedications, acknowledgements and remem- brances to Lars at [email protected] or drop them off at the visitors center.

By: Molly McCormick

My muddy hands smell like ture and the desired amount of thanks in part to the organic soil for a chat, and as always, you the sea. I have been potting native water retention and drainage. mix of goat poop, last year’s can connect with us on face- plants all morning at Deep Dirt Mixing soil has the familiarity jeans, and life from the sea. book, online at www. Border- Farm Institute in Patagonia. The of an ancient craft, like kneading Also, Borderlands will be landsRestoration.org and at the organic potting mix contains com- dough. I delight in the physical selling native plants at the Pata- ReSOURCE eastern Santa Cruz post, forest materials, peat moss, exertion as I lift shovels of the soil gonia Fall Festival on Saturday county website. perlite, vermiculite, kelp or sea- and work towards a thorough mix. Oct 12. Please stop by our table weed and crab shell. The diversity I want to give each plant root an in this mix creates a tiny ecosys- opportunity to touch the vast net- tem in the soil that is resilient, not work of diversity I am creating. I reliant on expensive inputs like add a little water; a dry mix would synthetic fertilizers, and is health- shock the plant roots. When I’m ier to work with for folks like me satisfied, I carefully remove the who like to play in the mud. native plants from their 4-inch The soil is dark, musky, and pots and place them in their new looks good enough to eat. The larger 1-gallon homes, pressing on compost is created from goat ma- the soil to rid air pockets, but not nure, straw, old cotton clothing, too much as to compact the soil. A vegetable scraps, various plant sort of motherly love emerges dur- materials from around the farm, ing this activity; I am filled with and an inoculant of 52 strands of gratitude that this is my job. beneficial organisms. All of these These plants will eventually items were layered in a kind of be used in restoration projects, compost lasagna, covered, kept like the site at The Nature Conser- moist, and baked for months. The vancy that was recently planted by forest product comes from the Borderlands Restoration and local Ponderosa forests of Northern Ari- Patagonia Union High School stu- zona. The kelp and crab provide dents. We came together to con- trace minerals and nutrients. In- nect to the landscape by increas- gredients like peat moss, vermicu- ing the diversity and thus resil- 15 lite, and perlite give the soil tex- iency of the plant population, By Patra Kelly and Binx Selby

Kim and Cindy Holt, missing cartilage in one lower altitude. Since they for- campfire, they met someone who nearly known for their entertaining stories knee. They walked ten miles got to bring the book they did cross that line. about their adventurous horseback a day--and one day seven- were studying on edible A man came running into their camp rides, began a new journey on Sep- teen miles. Cindy now has plants, they needed to rely on yelling that he was dying. Nearly naked, tember 5. They walked their horses more flexibility in her knee what they could remember. he had taken off all his clothing except for on the Winter Road to get accus- than when she started. They On the fourth day at a higher shorts and tennis shoes. They described tomed to the altitude. Then they both carried packs of about elevation, they ate dandeli- him as overweight, soaking wet and pan- rode the Arizona Trail in northern 20 pounds. ons, plantains, a few small icked. They learned that he was a survival Arizona. Their destination was For the first three rose hips and grasshoppers instructor, but apparently doing all the Patagonia, but the journey was in- wrong things. He had left his pack behind, terrupted after ten days when they had no more drinking water, and lost his were stopped at Grand Canyon GPS. Fortunately, a rancher who was pass- where the trail had been washed ing by on a nearby road was able to give out by rains and was too dangerous him a ride. for horses. They are now taking a Cindy and Kim are enthusiastic respite before returning to their about returning to complete their journey. stopping point to continue their Though they have frequently encountered journey. obstacles in their rides, they are never dis- When they set out, their goal couraged. For them, it’s not the accom- was to survive as the Apaches did, plishment or outcome that matters, but or as closely as possible. They the experience and the enjoyment of the marvel that they feel better now adventure. than when they left. Although they Binx’s Postscript to the Trip were unable to hunt rabbits since Both Kim and Cindy lost weight, al- they were traveling through a wild- most a pound a day. This process of life preserve, Kim and Cindy lived weight loss provided them with over 2000 Photo by Walter Andrew for seven days on grasshoppers calories per day, along with 400 calories and edible plants. They discovered days they followed a transi- sauteed in olive oil--about ten from the olive oil, wild plants and grass- that grasshoppers sauteed in olive tion diet of summer sau- a day, which they said were hoppers. The 2400 calories were about oil and the available edible plants sage and avocados, the only delicious. right for their level of exertion. A striking at varied elevations did more than foods they brought with It rained for three days. thing is their observation about how much just keep them going. them besides apples for the “We couldn’t make a fire one better they felt after their journey. An arte- Before Cindy left, she could horses. They added prickly day, and we were soaking wet. rial stiffness measurement on both Kim barely walk three miles as she is pear cactus (nopales) at this It seemed like fall already and and Cindy showed that they are in very we were shaking and felt cold, healthy condition, and both have arteries but we never crossed the line 20-25 years younger than their actual ages. of going into hypothermia,” Based upon Kim and Cindy’s ex- Cindy recounted. But one eve- periment, we are trying to convince the ning as they sat near their Gathering Grounds to add sautéed grasshoppers over greens to their lunch menu.

16 A Trail of Deception , cont. from page 2

The police investigated META’s com- to a misdemeanor would dilute the plaint and laid out a case against gravity of this crime. This theft was Cooper that resulted in his convic- not only a serious crime it was a grave Who’s tion. The cost of this conviction was betrayal of trust and friendship to- built into the criminal justice depart- ward myself and many in the Patago- ment's budget. It cost META nothing nia community. This crime was not a Really but the heartache of knowing that a one time occurrence. There has been a member of the community whom pattern of deceit and misappropria- they trusted had stolen from them. tion of monies for years. Jeffrey took Calling? In anticipation of Cooper's sen- money that community non-profits tencing hearing, META member Betsy worked extremely hard to raise. Jef- McGee wrote to Deputy County At- frey must accept responsibility for the torney Tom O’Sullivan, "I strongly severity of his actions and experience feel that reducing the felony charge appropriate consequences." By Ed Schaefer

“Hello, I am calling from Microsoft regarding some problems we’ve detected with your computer. There are a number of viruses, worms and malware which have infected your system. We need to access your computer Docents to remove the infected files.” Or… Needed “I am contacting you because you use the Windows operating system, and we have detected some serious errors on your computer. If you will allow us to access Journey Stories, a Mu- your computer, we can show you the errors which need seum on Main Street project to be removed.” of the Smithsonian Institu- Sounds serious, and who wouldn’t want to remove tion and the Arizona Hu- such nasty beasties from their computer? Problem is, manities Council, is de- the caller is not an employee of Microsoft, and is not signed to connect us able to detect any security threat to your system. Mi- through stories with those crosoft does not track your computer use, nor do they who came before and whose make ‘ courtesy calls’ to let you know when there is a curiosity and hunger for a security threat to your system. better life have led us to If you allow these individuals access your com- where we are today—as in- puter, they might show you a list of infected files, or dividuals, as Americans. errors on your system, which need removal. The next When Patagonia hosts step in the ‘scam’ is to ask for your credit card infor- this travelling exhibit from mation in order for them to install a program to re- January 4, through February move any threats to your computer. Sometimes it is a 16, 2014, Cady Hall will be flat-fee, other times it will be a monthly charge for on- transformed into our own going services. little branch of the Smith- In the best case scenario, these so-called profes- sonian and The Patagonia sionals will install some piece of innocuous software Library will need docents on your system which really does not work but will not with an interest in history do any harm. to enliven the experience In the most malicious cases, if you refuse to pay for visitors. You are invited for any services because you have realized this may be to come on board for what a scam, the files on your computer can be destroyed will surely be one of the by these criminals. No kidding, this kind of thing has year’s most excellent adven- happened, and if you do not have a good backup of tures! the files on your computer, there will be no getting For project information them back. Documents, gone. Photos, gone. Emails and go to : www.museumonmain contacts, gone. street.org/journeystories . Malicious phone calls are on the rise, with end us- For information on becom- ers caught off-guard by the official tone of the caller. ing a docent, email Paisley In most cases, the individuals will identify themselves McGuire at paisleymcguire as calling from Microsoft, or Windows. If you are on @yahoo.com, or call PK the receiving end of one of these phone calls, hang up McMahon, at 394-0101. immediately; do not give the caller any personal infor- There will be docent ori- mation; do not allow the caller to access your com- entation on Monday, No- Lou Padilla and son Levi won the team roping puter remotely. vember 4, at 7 PM at the event at the Sonoita Rodeo on September 1, Ed Schaefer is the proprietor of Better Bytes, a com- library. for the third year in a row puter consulting service. He may be contacted at 17 455-9269, or at [email protected]. The Grasshopper The Glory Bird He stands rigid in his armor plate.

by Rob vanZandt Unblinking eyes of Hundreds of angular facets Stare out at the wide world, three hundred and sixty de- grees. He lifts his right front leg What the heck is a glory Maybe this bird of the Pacific And draws his right antenna through bird? If you are fortunate to find Ocean will stick around. A lot of peo- the unusual, out-of-place bird, lost ple have come great distances to see it The curved cleft on his foot and blown by storm or just one in this new setting, and the park is get- To clean thousands of microscopic hairs with a screw loose in its wee ting extra revenue as a result. Some That smell rain and grass and fire. brain, then you will get up to 15 people who come here are making the Then the left side. minutes of fame as a hotshot boobie a prize on their list. Some He raises his head birder, and thus, the glory! might consider it silly to make a list of

A glory bird, the blue-footed birds seen in the USA, when one could He stands tall on his six legs boobie, normally found near salt see this bird over open water in the Sea Antennae move to the forward position water, was recently spotted at of Cortez (Gulf of California), Mexico, As if to say, ready. Patagonia Lake State Park, and, as or as far south as Guererro on the Pa- No one knows his intentions of August 21, was still there, cific Coast. I mentally put it on my USA As he steps among the dead leaves feeding off the lake’s fish. The list, even though I’ve seen this bird in Over stone mountains blue-footed booby is a marvel to Mexico. So, I too am guilty of silly lists. watch feed. He rises to a height, I remember one Freeport, Texas Between tall grasses. and then dives head first, sub- Christmas Bird Count I found a glory The sun shines merging completely and literally bird. I had to get up in front of 130 And his step is confident. flying under water to catch its individuals at He reaches a patch of bare ground and stops. prey, much like a brown pelican. the count- One long back leg stretches out and up As a pelagic bird, it is only at down dinner, Then both back legs engage in a slow cycling movement breeding time that boobies come and the bird- to shore. Pelagic means they are ing guru that As the tips of his antennae touch the soil. quite at home out on the open sea started the What has he noticed? flying and diving for fish or sitting annual count, Suddenly both back legs vibrate comfortably on the ocean’s sur- V i c t o r Making rows of tiny pegs face. This one has no chance of Emanuel, and Scrape against the hard front edges of his wings breeding; it is in the park alone. tell why the And his song pierces the still-fresh air One reason birds wind up in bird I saw places they have never been be- out-of-range He celebrates life and calls for love. fore is because of habit loss. in the dead of — Liz Bernays Global warming may have an ef- winter, a bird fect, although the research is on- that should going. Giant corporate farming have been in taking place in northern Mexico South Amer- The Subject Is has destroyed a lot of natural ica, was in- habitat and is the reason for the deed a rose- increase in local sightings of si- breasted naloa wrens, ruddy ground doves, grosbeak. I Blue-footed yellow grosbeaks, rose-throated think I rat- Booby becards, violet-crowned humming- tled off all Are you unemployed, under-employed, or looking birds, and many others glory bird information for other employment opportunities? Come to a pres- species. This includes gray hawk, defining this bird except one key diag- entation by Santa Cruz County One Stop Career Cen- whose numbers have increased nostic feature. When asked by the ter at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, October 10 at Cady dramatically over the last decade guru Emanuel, “Aren’t you forgetting Hall in Patagonia. You’ll receive information about in southeast Arizona. something?” I was lost and nervous programs and services available to Santa Cruz County All of these birds could be and couldn’t think to what he could be residents that provide tools and resources to maxi- considered glory birds, especially alluding. I stood there dumbfounded, mize earning potential. There is no charge to attend if you find one before others do. If until he finally asked, “What color was the presentation. you report a glory bird, get ready the breast?” I had left out this obvious SCC One Stop is a single point of entry to ser- for scrutiny from the rare bird feature because it was, well, so obvi- vices and programs that prepare individuals for em- folks comparable to the Spanish ous. It was with relief that I joined the ployment, and these programs are funded by the US Inquisition. You had better be laughter of 130 people. Indeed, I had Department of Labor through the Workforce Invest- correct in your observation and seen a rose-breasted grosbeak, and ment Act. identification, or you’ll not get the that was my small slice (about 5 min- For more information, contact Carolyn Shafer at glory, but your name could be utes) of glory. 394-0252. 18 mudd, instead.

Strike Up

the Band! By Ann Katzenbach

Jason Schreiber grew up in Milwaukee, Wiscon- sin and attended Northern Illinois University in DeKalb, but after getting a Master’s degree in Music, he felt he’d like to teach in a small town. Thus, after a few stops along the way, Patagonia is now his home, and he teaches every student in the system from pre-school through twelfth grade. He likes the blend of people, art, and environmental consciousness here. The negative aspect of a small town, at least from the point of view of a music teacher, is that the high school band is very small. Schreiber would like to have a band that can hold its own at Photo by Walter Andrew football games, so he is inviting the community to Jason Schreiber join in. His goal is not only to build a bigger these fascinating instruments. His band, but also to show master’s degree was focused on young people that music their sound and their history. He is a lifelong endeavor and says if there are people interested pleasure. If older people in adding steel components to the in the area join with stu- high school band, and people who dents, they will serve as are willing to carry the drums role models as well as down to the football field, then he adding expertise and will put them together with his power to the music. more traditional band members In addition to older, and it should be a lot of fun. more experienced grown- However, time is short and ups, Schreiber invites practice is critical. If you are inter- home-schoolers and Mon- ested, come and rehearse on Tues- tessori students to come days. Bring your own instrument or along to band practice use the school’s. The Lobos have which is held on Tuesdays two home games in October, on the from 3:30-5:20PM in the 11th and 18th. Schreiber would school’s music room. love to have a big band sound to What makes this a help cheer them on. really unique opportunity Beyond that, he hopes that his is that the school has a idea of a “community band” will set of steel drums and carry on to basketball and beyond. steel drums are simple Who knows what possibilities lie instruments. You don’t ahead for this new musical group? have to know much to Remember - band practice is learn to beat out a rhythm from 3:30 - 5:20PM on Tuesdays. If and lay on a melody. you have questions, call Schreiber Schreiber knows all about at the high school - 394-3000. 19 choosing to mingle with their own tolian Shepherd, a big Turkish guard dog, kind. Not so with these two! They has helped keep the cheetahs away. Obser- met and bonded and stay together as vations led to a trial uniting baby cheetahs much as possible. in captivity, very skittish and untrusting Bella became ill at one point and by nature, with Anatolian puppies. The Tarra waited below the window of calm temperament of these dogs enables the room where he was recuperating, the cheetahs to feel safe and thus less pining for her friend. When the two stressed with humans who need to work were finally reunited, Tarra caressed with them. Who’d have thought? Bella with her trunk and trumpeted, One of the most spectacular instances stamping her feet. of all is of a baby Hippo named Owen, sole Bella rolled on the ground, wig- survivor of his herd following the 2004 gling his whole body in excitement, tsunami that hit Kenya. When the hippo Hasn’t technology ryone’s efforts to cheer and was rescued and taken to a sanctuary in opened up so many areas encourage her. Then one Mombasa, he immediately approached a of interest all around the day, a stray hound wan- 30-year-old Aldabra tortoise named Mzee world? dered into the facility and and crouched down behind him. By morn- Every day I receive he and the orangutan being, the two were grazing together, and amazing stories via e-mail came instant friends. The they have developed their own language of from fellow animal lovers, orangutan regained her de- communication, both making noises that so I decided to share sire to live and these two are not recognized by anyone as what some of these with you. have become inseparable. these creatures normally sound like. With A category that never They play together, swim these noises, body language and touch, the ceases to amaze me is the together and eat and sleep two happily live together, meandering and observation of inter- together!! munching on grass to their hearts content. species friendships. Another fascinating tongue and tail wagging simultane- I feel so moved every time I read One of my favorites is relationship is one between ously. Tarra even raised one enor- about or watch a video capturing the mi- the story about an or- a female elephant named mous foot and gently rubbed her raculous behaviors of survival and com- phaned orangutan who Tarra and a male Labrador friend’s tummy! mitment between some of the most arrived at an animal reha- named Bella. Stray dogs are In Africa, where farmers nor- unlikely combinations of animals one bilitation facility so de- common at this haven, but mally kill cheetahs who come to prey could possibly imagine. pressed and listless she usually the dogs ignore the on their livestock during drought All creatures great and small…indeed! would not eat despite eve- elephants and vice versa, season, the introduction of the Ana-

CHURCH SERVICES

Our Lady of the Angels Catholic Church 12 Encinos Rd., Sonoita 394-2954 Sunday Mass: 8 a.m.

Patagonia Community/United Methodist Church 387 McKeown Ave., Patagonia 394-2274 Sunday Service: 10 a.m.

St. Andrews Episcopal Church Casa Blanca Chapel of Sonoita Justice of the Peace Courtroom Second & Fourth Saturdays - 10AM

St. Therese of Lisieux Catholic Church 222 Third Ave., Patagonia 394-2954 Sunday Mass: 10:30 a.m.

Sonoita Bible Church 3174 N. Highway 83, Sonoita 455-5779 Sunday Service: 10:30 a.m.

Sonoita Hills Community Church 52 Elgin Rd., Sonoita 455-5172 20 Sunday Service: 10 a.m.

21 meetings events special interests

AA Meeting - The Patagonia Com. Ctr., Sun. Fall Festival --- October 11 - 13; 125 art & Equine Training for Professionals --- Octo- at 8AM; Sonoita Bible Church, Tues. 7:30PM; craft vendors, food trucks, music all day, in ber 25 - 27; Trish Broers provides workshop Pat. Methodist Church, Fri. 7:30PM Patagonia at the park. [see page 7 for more for practitioners of equine therapies at Bor- detail]. derland Ctr., Sonoita. $425. Call Ann Alden AlAlAl-Al ---AnonAnon Meeting - Wednesdays at 6PM, at 820-5757, or go to www.trishbroersma. Sonoita Hills Comm. Church. 52 Elgin Rd., com. for more information. just off Hwy 83; Info: 237-8091 Guided Hikes --- see page 23 for details. CHOP (Community Homes of Patagonia, Inc.) Board Meeting 3rd Monday of the month at ArtMakers --- After-school art at Patagonia 6 PM in the Patagonia Town Council Room Creative Arts Assn.; Begins Oct. 8. Tues. 3:30 Chambers. Info: Tod Bowden 394-9051 - 5 PM. Ages 5-12. Suggested donation. Call Faye at 394-9369 for more info. Overeaters Anonymous Meetings - Pata- gonia United Methodist Church, Tuesdays Yoga with Chip & Laura; Tuesdays- 5:30- and Thursdays at 6:30PM. Info: 404-3490 7PM, Sept. 24 - Dec. 10. $15/drop-in, $50/5 classes; call 604-0830 for more info.

Patagonia Town Council Meetings, Dustbowl Revival - Friday, October 18, at Wednesday, Mar. 13th & 27th at 7PM 7:00PM; old school bluegrass, gospel, jug- .Zumba Fitness with Edda - Elgin Commu- band, swamp blues and the hot swing of the nity Club (next to the Village of Elgin Win- Rotary Club Meeting, Thursdays at 6 PM at 1930’s in a concert to be held outdoors at the ery), Fridays, 9-10AM. Prepay $7.50/class, the Keif Joshua Winery in Sonoita. Tubac Plaza Main Stage, 29 Tubac Plaza in Walk-ins $10.00. Call 520-236-2451 Tubac. Suggested donation: Age 18 & up - San Rafael 44----HH Community Club Meet- $18; Age 12-17 - $15; Age 4-11 - $4; Age 3 & Play Bridge --- Patagonia Comm. Center, ing, second Monday of every month at the under – FREE. Proceeds benefit teen & young Mondays & Thursdays at 1PM Patagonia Community Church, Thurber Hall adult rehabilitation programs and Avalon at 5:30 PM. Contact Tami 455-5561. Gardens Internships. For more information BINGO - St. Theresa Parish Hall, Patagonia, call (520) 398-2542 or visit http://Global 1st & 3rd Mondays at 6PM; 455-5681 ChangeMultiMedia.org. DBR will also be per- forming at the Sea of Glass Center for the Arts Crossroads Quilters - Sonoita Fire Dept., th community services in Tucson on Saturday, October 19 .) 2nd & 4th Mondays at 9AM; Donna Lee 455- 9340

Lunch for Seniors Mon - Fri at the Commu- nity Ctr. Tuesday is Pie Day! Try the Thurs- Open Tennis - PUHS, Tues. & Thurs. at 4:30 day Special! oct. PM, Sat. at 8:30AM, except during school matches. contact Tod Bowden 394-2973

Sr. Citizens of Patagonia Van Service - Medical transportation available Mon.—Fri. Bikram Yoga - Patagonia; for information for seniors & disabled to Sierra Vista, Tuc- call 520-604-7283 son, Green Valley & Nogales. By appoint- ment only. 394-2494 Sonoita Tergar Meditation Practice Group --- Sessions held 1st & 3rd Mondays of Patagonia Food Bank, 3rd & Smelter; halloween the month at a private home. Free. Informa- 2nd Wednesday of the month, 9-11AM tion: Jonelle 455-9222, [email protected]

Patagonia Methodist Church Thrift Send your Sonoita Plant Parenthood Gardening Club --- Share info on all kinds of gardening. Shop, Fridays 10AM-2PM, Sat. 10AM-Noon. event information to For meeting info or newsletter contact clare- [email protected]. [email protected]. Angel Wings Thrift & Gift Shop Our Lady of the Angels Mission Catholic Church, 12 Include time, date location, Patagonia Lake Activities --- see page 23 Los Encinos Rd, Sonoita. Open Thurs-Sat. for details 10AM to 2PM. Donations accepted during and contact info. business hours. Info: 455-5262 Next deadline: Sept. 20 Used Books - Patagonia Library; good selec- 22 tion at great prices. Monday - Friday, 10 AM -5 PM, Saturday, 10 AM-2 PM classifieds Senior Scam Prevention Tuesday, Oct. 29, 9 to 11AM at the Patagonia Commu- nity Center, 100 Quiroga Lane. Learn about resources to keep you and your assets safe from staff of the Attorney General’s Office. Presentations by representatives of AARP and the County Sheriff’s Office. RSVP to adales- [email protected] or 800 call 352-8404 X65342. 2BR/1BA apt; A/C, full kitchen, SONOITA - Apt. for rent; 1BD/1BTH. laundry hookups, covered carport; Fully furnished, all util’s., incl. ca- Kino Springs Village; $450/mo + ble & wifi. Pets OK. Full kitchen & Patagonia Lake Activities deposit; (520) 287-8649 laundry rm. $650/mo. 455-9286 The Visitor Center at Patagonia Lake State Park will open for the season on Friday, October 18. Hours are 8:30 until 4 PM. Come for information about hiking, LARGE ARTIST'S APARTMENT in REMODELED 2BR/2BA apartment birding, the lake and the area. Displays of animals, town; Walk to everything. $800 /MO near Kino Springs golf course; A/C, plants and geology. Children's corner. Junior Rangers + utils, Private Patio, Courtyard, full kitchen, laundry hookups, ce- on weekends. Sign up for Saturday and Sunday pontoon boat rides: Must See. David 520.303.1475, ramic tile floors, carport; $575/mo Avian tours 8:45 and 10:00; Lake Discovery tours 11:15; 520.604.2829 + deposit (520)287-8649 Twilight tours (time varies). Reservations for boat tours required. Call 520-287-2791 after Oct 15th. Cost $5 per person per tour. Visitor Center closed on Tuesdays and PATAGONIA - 1 BD. large cottage 1, 2 & 3 BD. Home rentals in Wednesdays. Friday bird walks will begin Nov 1. for rent. Includes W /D, Direct TV, Sonoita/Patagonia area. $525 - 1k water and sewer. Lg. private yard, per month. Contact Kathy @ October Guided Hikes liv. rm. & kitchen, 2 lg. closets. Sonoita Realty Matt Killeen, manager of Nature Conservancy Patago- Furnished. Phone 520-394-2080. (520) 455-5381 nia-Sonoita Preserve will guide two hikes near Patago- nia. No reservations required. Bring water, a snack and watch the weather for appropriate clothing. No dogs HOUSING RENTAL ADS ARE FREE W/ 25 wds max please. For more information call 520-455-5016.

MISC. CLASSIFIEDS ARE $.20 per word Oct. 12, Sat., 9 AM - Geoffrey Platts Trail . Enjoy a wide variety of native grasses in the rolling foothills and [email protected] drainages at the base of the Santa Rita Mountains north of Patagonia. Moderate difficulty consisting of up and downs for 3 miles. Go north on Fourth Avenue (Patagonia) to Blue Haven Road, turn left. Look for trail signs on right side (0.5 mile before Visitor Center). MISC. Parking is limited.

Oct. 19, Sat., 5:30PM - Nash Parcel Trail. Walk in STORAGE - need more space for your antiques, car, family treasures? moonlight to the Patagonia Cemetery through Nature Monthly rental - 5x10,10x10,10x20; Call Jack at (520) 455-9333; SONOITA Conservancy property. Trail starts near the of west/ SELF STORAGE south end of Mckeown Street in Patagonia where it in- tersects Hwy 82. Park across the street at picnic table. Easy walk, about 1 mile round trip. Bring flashlight, water, and a sense of adventure.

Your Post Office Garden Needs You For many years, the Pimeria Alta Garden Club spent one day a month on maintenance of the Post Office garden and grounds. In December of 2012, the Garden Club disbanded, and since then the number of members who have volun- teered to continue the job of maintaining and watering has slowly dwindled, to the point that no one is taking on this task. If you are interested in helping to keep our post office grounds looking good by volunteering one day a month to water, weed and prune the surrounding area, please see Jackie in the post office. 23