Bbs overall excellence march 7

BIG BEND NOW

www.bigbendnow.com Vol. 79 No. 47 Marchnew 7, bbs 2013 flag.indd

News Notes

Daylight Saving Time returns on Sunday

Marfa, Presidio County, Texas

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FAR WEST TEXAS – Elections, sort of, are set for city and school board races in the Big Bend area.

While Saturday, May 11 is election day, only Presidio has a full slate of candidates for school board and city council.

The city of Marfa and Marfa ISD attracted only the incumbents, so those political subdivisions in the coming weeks will likely cancel their elections, as will Alpine ISD. Only one of three races for the Alpine City Council will be contested, and the deadline is Monday for a oneyear unexpired term on the Marfa school board.

Here’s how the elections shape up: Marfa City Council The mayor’s post and two full-term council positions are in play. Mayor Dan Dunlap filed for re-election and is unopposed.

Incumbent council members David Fannin and Josie Simpson filed for re-election and are unopposed.

No one has filed for an unexpired post, open following the death last year of Corina Brijalba. Council

members will discuss with their attorney at the next city meeting what their options are for filling that seat.

School Board Incumbent trustees Tina Lujan, Mark Cash, and Robert Halpern all filed for re-election with no challengers.

A one-year unexpired term on the school board is open following the recent resignation of Teresa Villarreal Ontiveros. The filing deadline for that post is Monday, March 11.

Alpine City Council Terms are expiring for Ward 1 council member Angie Bermudez, Ward 3 council member Carlos Lujan, and Ward 5 council member Diana Asgeirsson.

Bermudez doesn’t have a challenger, Lujan isn’t seeking re-election, and candidates for Ward 3 are Dian Raun and Jim “Fitz” Fitzgerald.

Asgeirsson, who has been re-elected multiple times, is term-limited and can’t seek re-election this cycle. Michael Castelli is the only Ward 5 candidate.

(Continued on page 3)

MARFA – The Marfa Lites Team of Elia and Arthur Spragg, Gina Rivera, Letty Hernandez, and Shawn and Laura Brugette invite the public to a Multiple Sclerosis fundraiser on Friday.

Ty Mitchell’s Lost Horse Saloon hosts the event, a fish and beef taco sale for lunch from 11am -2pm and dinner from 5-8:30pm. Get three tacos for an $8 donation and help in the fight against MS.

Farmstand Marfa opens on Saturday MARFA - Farmstand Marfa will open its 7th season at 9:30pm Saturday under the shade structure next to the railroad tracks on the corner of North Highland Avenue and El Paso Street.

It’s a big neighborhood get-together of the community and visitors eager to sample the unique offerings of the Big Bend in a friendly, social atmosphere.

Each Saturday, rain, wind or shine under the big top, the vendors (Continued on page 3) La Frontera Publications Inc.

A Big Bend Community Action Agency Trax van with its new paint job.

Try Trax Day highlights public transportation in Far West Texas FAR WEST TEXAS – There’s a brand new look to Big Bend Community Action Agency public transportation vehicles and a brand new toll-free telephone number.

And on Thursday, March 28, many area residents may ride for free in their towns during Try Trax Day. You may receive at your home a door hanger qualifying you for a free ride during Try Trax Day. While Try Trax Day will only offer the free rides locally, this demand-response service makes it easier and less costly to get anywhere in Far West Texas and beyond.

If you need to see your doctor in El Paso, the Permian Basin, or Fort Stockton, try Trax. Need to do some out-of-town shopping? Try trax.

Transportation offices are conveniently located in Marfa, Presidio, Alpine and Van Horn, and local transportation is available Monday through Friday from 8am to 5pm.

So hop a ride on our eye-catching vehicles.

During the next few days, we will be distributing door hangers in your city. The hangers will include our toll-free number so that you will have it handy for future reference. Some of the door hangers will include this message: Call 1-855-TRY TRAX for a free ride anywhere in your city on Thursday, March 28.

You must have a “free ride” door hanger in order to receive the free ride, and it can only be used for a ride on that day. The “free ride” statement, however, won’t be included on all door hangers.

For this special event, please call us no later than noon Tuesday, March 26 to assure your ride reservation.

Even if you don’t receive a “free ride” door hanger, call us to reserve a ride. The cost of a one-way ride within your city is just $1 per one-way trip and as part of our way of saying “thanks for your support,” we will be giving all of our passengers a small gift on Try Trax Day. To schedule a ride for our service, please call us 24 to 48 hours in advance. If a driver and vehicle are available, we may even be able to accommodate you on a same-day call. You may continue to call your local office number or you may call our new toll-free number, 1-855-TRY-TRAX (855879-8729).

We look forward to seeing you on Thursday, March 28, and throughout the years to come.

MS fundraiser Friday at the Lost Horse

PRESIDIO COUINTY - Texas Parks and the Big Bend Astronomers will co-host a public star party for all ages at Big Bend Ranch State Park on Saturday, March 9.

We’ll first attempt to observe Comet PanSTARRS in the twilight sky, followed by telescopic and binocular observations of Jupiter and its moons, star clusters, nebulas, galaxies, and more. We’ll also be pointing out, explaining, and observing the zodiacal light, easily visible to the unaided eye from a dark-sky location like BBRSP. Dress warmly!

Participants will gather at the Sauceda Headquarters at 6:45 pm.

Sauceda is located in the interior of BBRSP about 1.5 hours drive over a dirt/gravel road from Presidio. The park entry fee for 13 years and over is $5 per person.

Information: 432-358-4444.

$1

Area city, school elections draw few candidates except in Presidio

Daylight Saving Time 2013 begins at 2am Sunday to give us more daylight to enjoy our fabulous spring and summer weather and more time to fire up the barbecue and grill the perfect ribeye, brisket, shrimp, and vegetables.

Alas, we lose an hour of sleep.

We’ll go back to Central Standard Time on Sunday, November 3.

Star party at ranch park on Saturday

1/19/2010 1:38:00 PM

(staff photo by ALBERTO TOMAS HALPERN, above; photo courtesy of TYLER and LENA SPURGIN, right.

John Klusek says his final goodbye to his wife Barbara at Merced Cemetery on Friday, in top photo.

Tyler Spurgin discovered deplorable conditions where Klusek kept stray dogs, in right photo.

Animal cruelty case has human side

By ALBERTO TOMAS HALPERN MARFA – By now, many Marfa and area residents are familiar with events that took place the past two weeks at a Sal Si Puedes mobile home. More than 20 dogs were found to be living in the house in abysmal conditions. They’re now being called the ‘Marfa 24.’

This is a story not just about animals, but also of people and community, a story in which there are no winners, but lessons learned.

Two weeks ago, Tyler Spurgin was asked by John Klusek, the mobile home renter, to feed and water his dogs while Klusek was out of town. Spurgin agreed after some initial hesitance. He was surprised, to say the least, at what he witnessed.

“The first thing that hit me was the smell,” Spurgin said. “I was shocked as soon as I walked in there.”

Spurgin said that the dogs’ food and water were old and filthy and that “there was waste everywhere. It looked like it had never been cleaned up.”

According to Spurgin, some dogs were segregated from the main living room and barricaded in bedrooms.

“It seemed like they were emotionally maladjusted,”

he said of the animals’ behavior.

“I was really, really shook up that night,” Spurgin said. The next morning he went to the Presidio County Sheriff’s Office to file a report with the authorities.

Spurgin said he was directed to continue feeding and watering the dogs. By the time he returned to the mobile one dog had died.

Throughout the days-long event, Spugin said three dogs died. He added that corpses of six dogs were found near a shed on the property, as well as the corpses of six dogs underneath the home.

Spurgin’s wife, Lena, took part in raising awareness of the animals’ condition and finding care and new homes for them.

In addition to calling the sheriff’s department, Lena sent emails with photos of the dogs and their living conditions to various area news outlets, PETA, the SPCA, the Animal Legal Defense Fund, and animal rescue organizations.

“We had talked before about having to take these matters into our own hands,” Lena said.

(Continued on page 2)

MARFA – Three fundraising events have been organized this weekend to help Grand Companions with financial burden from the cost of the 24 dogs rescued from last week’s animal case.

The benefits will start with a bake sale at 8am Saturday in front of Pueblo Market. Breakfast burritos, brownies, and cupcakes will be available. Mrs. Allison Scott will undoubtedly have something awesome at the sale.

Planet Marfa will host a benefit from noon-5pm on Sunday. BBQ, raffles, and a photo booth will be on site,

as well as fun activities for kids.

A concert at Padre’s Marfa will be held starting at 8pm Monday with The Grapejelly Jacobs 3, Sex Scratch, LBS, and other acts to be announced.

All proceeds from the events will go Grand Companions.

Additionally, Grand Companions is seeking donations to help care for the animals. Donations can be made at their website at www.grandcompanions.org, or by calling 432.426.3724.

Grand Companions fundraising events set

(photo by and courtesy of TERRY NORMAN) Marfa ISD has placed portable toilets at Coffield Park for the remaining five home games of the Marfa Lady Shorthorns softball season. New restrooms and a concession stand are part of the city’s park plans.

City endorses parks and recreation projects

By ALBERTO TOMAS HALPERN MARFA – City council members voted last Thursday to endorse three projects proposed by the Parks and Recreation board to make improvements at Coffield Park.

In a move that would made Leslie Knope proud, the Parks and Recreation Development Corporation is making plans to remove and replace restrooms and the concession building at Coffield Park. In addition, they aim to build an outdoor volleyball court and make renovations to the Marfa Activity Center (MAC) building.

“That’s the idea to make a little more sense and use what we have,” parks board member and city councilman David Beebe said.

“We want to turn (Coffield Park) into a sports park. It all makes sense.

And it allows us to have a recreational zone in town,” Beebe said. The park, for years, has had two baseball/softball diamonds, and the parks board (Continued on page 2)

page 2, The Big Bend Sentinel, Marfa, Texas, March 7, 2013

Big Bend country

Parks & rec projects (Continued from page 1)

The Marfa & Presidio County Museum reopened its thrift store last week, and on hand, from left, were store manager Christa Brothers and volunteers Teresa Edmonds and Richard Williams, in left photo. This historic photo of St. Mary’s Catholic Church, right, is from the museum’s archives. Some of the museum’s photos will be printed for sale at the store as a fundraiser.

Marfa dog case (Continued from page 1) Spurgin said that understanding that the mobile home was outside of the Marfa city limit and that local government can take some time to act, “It wasn’t happening fast enough,” he said of aid for the animals.

“No animal should be asked to live in the conditions that these animals were in,” he added.

Shortly after Midland/Odessa TV stations ran news stories, the animals’ rescue efforts began.

“It should be noted that I got on the phone with Grand Companions and they agreed they would take the dogs once they could be seized.

They had a place from day one,” Lena said of the Fort Davis private non-profit humane society.

With a coordinated effort on the part of the Spurgins, the City of Marfa, the Presidio County Sheriff’s Office and Grand Companions, the dogs have been removed from the Sal Si Puedes residence and most are being treated and housed at the Fort Davis humane society.

City Manager Jim Mustard said that since the location where the dogs were found is outside the city limits, the city has acted in a voluntary effort.

“The mayor has been involved as a concerned individual. The city has allowed the parties involved to temporarily replace the dogs in town.

We also let our sheriff use the animal control vehicle. It’s not in our jurisdiction, we’re just trying to cooperate with the sheriff and Grand Companions.”

Mayor Dan Dunlap seconded Mustard. “I found that I was most useful in facilitating the communication between the sheriff and Grand Companions. Mostly what I did was keep the line of communication open,” he said.

Dunlap said that the city’s animal control officer, George Gonzales, was out of town during the events that took place and will remain out of town on personal business until the end of the month. He did say that it is not the city’s responsibility or in its jurisdiction to handle such situations outside the city limits, only in the case of some sort of public health disaster.

“He’s primarily responsible for inside the city limits. If a rabies outbreak occurred, he would get involved county-wide,” Dunlap said.

As to changing the city’s policy to allow animal control services to be extended to the Sal Si Puedes neighborhood, as other city utility services are, Dunlap said, “No, we’re not looking into that, mostly because I don’t think they want us to. They let their dogs run loose over there. It’s the sheriff’s job to handle that and he’s done that.”

He said that Sal Si Puedes residents are content with not having to abide by all of the city’s rules and ordinances. “Unless the Sal Si Puedes community decides they want to keep all their dogs on their property, then we’re not looking to come out and tell them what to do.”

Dunlap applauded the “helpful and responsive” efforts of Grand Companions for taking in the animals. “I think it’s great to have them as an asset to call upon.”

Presidio County Commissioner James “Jim” White III, who represents the Sal Si Puedes neighborhood in his district, said he only knew what he had seen on TV of the situation, but that he would discuss domestic animal policy with fellow county commissioners.

“We’ll try to keep this from happening again. If it’s something that needs to be addressed we certainly

will,” White said.

While all this was going on, Klusek was in an Odessa hospital at the bedside of his wife who had gone for cancer treatment.

His wife, Barbara Marie Miles Klusek, passed away last week. The two had been married since 1989.

They had met in Lumberton, New Jersey.

Presidio County Justice of the Peace Cinderella Guevara issued two warrants for seizure of the animals during the ordeal. An arrest warrant was also issued for Klusek who is accused of cruelty to animals, a class A misdemeanor. Klusek has a court hearing on Monday, March 18 for the charge.

Klusek, who, “unfortunately yes,” describes himself as underemployed and indigent, was given donations in Odessa to pay for a casket for his wife by Acres West Funeral Home, and a family member helped rent a U-Haul truck to transport her body to Marfa.

He said his wife’s wish was to be buried in Marfa. During a somber and improvised funeral, Barbara was laid to rest at Merced Cemetery on Friday with the help of a few volunteers.

Presidio County Judge Paul Hunt, using pauper funeral county funds, paid for the grave space at Merced. A county employee on a backhoe dug the grave as Klusek and some volunteers waited for the burial.

Speaking of the events that occurred, Klusek admitted, “I had too many dogs obviously. I started out with only one dog I took off the street one winter a few years back.

Then a couple people dropped off dogs, they brought food then after a few months they stopped.”

Some dogs Klusek took in impregnated others. From there the dogs simply multiplied to a point where he lost control. He did manage to pay for vaccines for some, and had other spayed and neutered.

“I knew I had to get rid of them,” he said. “It was too many for anyone, especially in my circumstances.”

Klusek says he is not cruel to animals; rather he is an animal lover.

“They ate food before me. If I didn’t have much money, I was making sure they were fed first. I was lucky if I ate twice a day.”

He added that the only conditions that were bad was that a few dogs were aggressive and had to be separated, otherwise the bigger dogs would kill the smaller ones.

“As Barbara’s health declined, admittedly, I wasn’t able to keep up with cleaning up the place and taking care of her at the same time. I tried to find somebody to help me.”

Klusek alleges that property was destroyed and personal belongings were taken from the house he was renting, including wedding rings.

Much of the conversation of the events played out on Facebook. The Spurgins were hailed as local heroes.

Klusek was vilified at first. People posting on Facebook, in some cases, diagnosed Klusek as suffering from mental health illnesses and labeled him a dog hoarder.

As to those comments, Klusek said, “If compassion means you’re mentally ill, then what kind of world is it? I don’t think compassion means you are mentally ill. I did not try to hoard animals. I tried to facilitate moving them on somewhere else. It was never meant to be permanent.”

He said that for months, he had tried to give a few dogs to Grand Companions and that every time he had been told that they didn’t have the space. He questioned why Grand

Companions now has the space to care for more than 20 animals.

Grand Companions Executive Director Laura Langham said of Klusek’s question that her organization has to, “Balance all local communities with owner requests that we are inundated with. It’s a balancing act.” She said she was not aware that more than 20 dogs were waiting to come to her facility.

She is looking at a hard cost of about $300 per dog for medical treatment plus the cost of rehabilitation, programming, and work hours.

Langham said that this is a national problem, not just a local one and she sympathizes with animal control officers across the area and country.

“The problem that I have and is my hot button issue is just citizens across the nation don’t understand what animal control officers do,” she said. “This nation does not support them and I find it appalling.

The pet overpopulation problem is society’s problem and we have to work together to solve it and there’s no easy answer. It’s such an emotional problem.”

Langham said that despite the conditions the dogs were in, there are no bad guys. “There’s no evil bad thing out there. It’s that we’re not joining together to help (Klusek).”

The Spurgins, too, sought to keep the public from vilifying Klusek.

“Absolutely not. That was the furthest thing from my mind,” Lena said of criticizing Klusek.

Spurgin said phone calls and emails to news organizations and Facebook posts were done because he simply “felt helpless” and needed guidance.

Reflecting on what had occurred and the comments made toward him, Klusek said, “People are quick to judge without knowing the facts.

People who are rash to judge me I would suggest they take their time to know all the facts before they judge me and make those statements.”

He said he learned a lot from his late wife, about forgiveness.

“Even though she was assaulted, called names, racially derogatory statements because she was black, she never became bitter,” Klusek said. “She taught me to forgive and not take all the negative things that are thrown at us personally in this world and leave it to God. She always looked for the best in people.

She was always looking for the good.”

Klusek said he forgives those who have rushed to judgment about him. “I have to forgive and I feel sorry for those who are like that,” he said of people speaking ill of him.

“They chose not to think deep, to accept what they hear and not look further and that’s sad. Because I think that’s also a mental condition. That’s a hoard mentality. It’s the same mentality that they had with witch-hunts, just because they spoke differently and thought differently. That’s also a mental condition, but a group mental condition.”

Klusek had a message for the public: “Try to think more deeply before you rush to decisions instead of just accepting what you hear.”

On Wednesday, Grand Companions updated their Facebook friends: “Good news on the Marfa 24 update. Twenty of the dogs have settled in and are showing much less stress and more sociability. One is still at the vet clinic and three are still eluding us. As these friends progress, housing will become more challenging.”

Klusek and Grand Campanions workers rounded up the other three dogs late Wednesday morning.

and city recently built an outdoor basketball court. A sand volleyball court, Beebe said, would be adjacent to the basketball court and would be very inexpensive to put in place and maintain.

The parks board also has plans to make renovations to the MAC building, including replacing the existing stage for a modular one that can be used at other locations for city events.

“The old floor was damaged and dangerous,” said Beebe, who, along with fellow board members, hopes to see the MAC building used more often for sporting and community events.

“We have this asset,” he said of the building. “There’s every reason to keep it functional. It’s pretty much all we have other than the USO building, which is looking better and better.”

Beebe said the floor in the MAC building would be cleaned, polished and striped for regulation basketball games.

As for the replacing the restrooms and concession stand at the park, “That’s going to take the longest and be most expensive,” Beebe admitted.

The city and parks board is looking into prefabricated buildings that are handicap accessible.

The existing structures are beyond their life, Beebe said. In addition, a new sewer line will have to be placed as the existing one has collapsed.

“It’s going to be expensive and probably going to take most of our (Parks and Recreation) budget for a while.”

The Parks and Recreation budget varies from year to year and is funded solely by retail sales tax revenues.

Beebe said that in years past, revenue has ranged between $40,000 and $50,000 range, but that last year’s sales tax proceeds were close to $100,000. “Things are better,” he said.

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The Big Bend Sentinel, Marfa, Texas, March 7, 2013, page 3

La Frontera

Area elections

Journalist fatally shot in Ojinaga late Sunday

An Agence France-Presse wire story OJINAGA – A journalist who ran an online publication in Ojinaga, Chihuahua, Mexico has been fatally shot, according to a posting Monday on the website, which said the man’s body was riddled with at least 18 bullets.

The killing late Sunday, March 3, has led to a decision to shut down the publication, which covered general news in Ojinaga.

“Jaime Guadalupe Gonzalez Dominguez, 38, was shot at least 18 times,” the website wrote.

“This very likely is the last news reported by this site,” the posting read, adding: “This attack on journalism is a real shame.”

Authorities said Gonzalez Dominguez came Jaime Guadalupe under fire from several gunmen in broad daylight Gonzalez Dominguez on a street in Ojinga.

Officials said the gunmen made away with a camera the he was carrying at the time of the shooting. A female companion with Gonzalez Dominguez was not injured.

Attacks against journalists in Mexico have increased dramatically over the past several years, particularly in states plagued by organized crime and drug trafficking.

Lujan seeks to recall Rangra

By ALBERTO TOMAS HALPERN ALPINE – Outgoing Ward 3 councilman Carlos Lujan is seeking to have Mayor Avinash Rangra recalled from his elected position.

Lujan announced during a tense city council meeting last week that he planned to do so.

“I’m going to recall the mayor,” Lujan said this week. “He’s somebody with no ethics.” Lujan says that Rangra uses his office to seek his personal ambitions and disregards people’s privacy, a reference to an agenda item in last week’s meeting in which Rangra sought to remove councilwoman Diana Asgeirsson from her seat for not living in her ward. It came to light that Asgeirsson was staying with a friend outside of her ward while she dealt with a personal matter.

City attorney John Armstrong opined that she was not in violation of residency requirements.

Lujan, whose term expires soon and is not seeking re-election, said he will wait until he vacates his seat to pursue the recall.

“I don’t feel appropriate doing this while sitting on the council,” Lujan said, “I look forward to start planning on how to deal with this when I’m out of office.”

He said he is currently working with a group of concerned Alpine citizens to recall the mayor.

Lujan explained his reason for seeking such a redress.

“We need a mayor to handle the meetings the appropriate way. A mayor who runs meetings, not control them, and that’s what he does.”

Lujan also cited Rangra’s indictment years ago for violating the Texas Open Meetings Act as a reason to recall him. All charges against Rangra were ultimately dropped in that case.

“The point I want to make is the way Mr. Rangra is acting right now is he is still not stopping his bad habits,” said Lujan.

Speaking from Austin in between meetings with state officials, Rangra addressed the recall: “It’s up to the poeeple. They elected me by a majority. Anybody has the right to say what they want and do what they want. There’s no control over anyone from anybody else. I’ll keep doing what I’m doing, which is to be fair and I’ll keep the city moving forward.”

(Continued from page 1)

(staff photo by DIANA AGUIRRE ARMENDARIZ) Workers this week install the sign for the new BEALLS store in Presidio.

AgriLife agent: join water-saving effort

PRESIDIO COUNTY – Saving millions of gallons of water annually is the goal of the new “40-Gallon Challenge” program and one Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service official in arid Presidio County feels citizens here are up to the challenge.

“If anyone knows the value of water learned mostly through living with a lack of it, we do,” said Presidio County AgriLife extension agent Jesse Lea Schneider. “Our county’s annual rainfall is just short of 11 inches, so by necessity, we know a thing or two about water conservation just by living here. That’s why learning even more through this program is a perfect fit for us.”

The 40 Gallon Challenge is a national voluntary program that calls on residents and businesses to drop their average water use by 40 gallons a day, according to Dr. Diane Boellstorff, the AgriLife Extension water resources specialist in College Station who serves as the program’s Texas representative.

Boellstorff says the challenge allows Texans to compete with citizens from other states who are taking the challenge to not only save water, but also dollars on their water bills.

Schneider urges all area residents to sign up online at http:// www.40gallonchallenge.org/.

“The site is very easy to navigate, and changes constantly as new users sign up,” Schneider said. “You can hover over the map of any county in the state to see how many residents have pledged to save water and how much water they are saving. This whole challenge is a total win-win program. The state wins through a major accumulative savings of precious water and the citizens win not only through helping to ensure a constant supply of water through stepped up water conservation efforts, but also monetarily through lowered monthly water bills.”

Other less subtle benefits include healthier landscapes resulting from less frequent, but more effective irrigations and the use of adapted ornamentals that need far less watering and pampering than many of the species now used around the home that are dying from our heat and drought.”

Information: Schneider, 432-729-4746 or email jlschneider@ag.tamu. edu.

School Board The Alpine Daily Planet reports that incumbent trustees Justin Cross filed for re-election to single member district 5 and Paul Loeffler filed for re-election in single member district 7. Neither drew an opponent, so it’s likely the school board will cancel the election.

Presidio Mayor The candidates are appointed incumbent Mayor Obed Escontrias, Esperanza Carrasco and John Ferguson, the high school counselor and a former mayor and council member. Escontrias runs a trucking company, and Carrasco listed her occupation as office manager.

City Council Two full-term council positions are on the ballot, one that had been held by Escontrias before he was appointed mayor and one held by council member Butch Acosta, who isn’t seeking re-election.

Candidates are John Edward Schaefer, eighth-grade principal; Grace Allie Perot, Transforming Texas grant associate; Ahmed Baeza Benavidez, teacher; Jesus Jose Chavez Garcia, no listing under occupation; Mario Vargas, commercial customs broker and retired US Customs officer; Armando Saez-Albo, teacher; and Cruz Madrid, business owner.

School Board Four full-term trustee posts are on the ballot, those of board president Carlos E. Nieto, vice president Carmen Elguezabal, secretary Abelardo Franco, and trustee Marco Baeza.

Nieto, Elguezabal, and Franco all have filed for re-election; Baeza didn’t.

Also on the ballot will be Velva I. Saenz, Kasey Taylor, Ronald A. Galliete, Helio Franco, Teodoro Escontrias, and Alfred P. Muñiz.

The top four vote getters take office.

Farmstand Marfa (Continued from page 1)

bring a diverse and unusual array of locally produced goods that could include homemade foods, local produce, handmade goods and community tables to support their missions.

Although the offerings vary from week to week, you can almost always sample a savory breakfast burrito, take home a loaf of organic bread, and grab a bunch of spicy arugula or a jar of the freshest salsa around. Dependent on the season, local produce from the backyard gardens to ranch orchards will show off the spectacular results of clean air and lots sunshine.

If you would like to receive the weekly email announcement of the upcoming farmstand goods or have questions about becoming a vendor at Farmstand Marfa, you may contact Malinda Beeman at (432) 729-3987 or email farmstandmarfamanager@gmail.com.

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page 4, The Big Bend Sentinel, Marfa, Texas, March 7, 2013

opinions

Letters to the editor

Sounding off U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX) made the following statement regarding the passing of Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez: “This week, President Hugo Chavez went to meet his Maker. His legacy will not soon be forgotten.

Chavez’s death has left the people of Venezuela with the world’s 2nd highest misery index, 4th highest murder rate, and a 22% inflation rate. His record is a prime example of how socialist policies degrade freedom, stifle innovation, and hurt those least off in society. Regimes like those under Chavez are a stark reminder of how much we have to be thankful for here in America, where our Constitution guarantees our liberty and ensures freedom to pursue opportunity, no matter one’s background, race, or status.

Our prayers are with the people of Venezuela. We can only hope that the results of Chavez’s tragic record will spur Venezuela to fight for a brighter, freer future.”

Editor: Shame, shame, shame, the Alpine City Council has it all over Chicago and Illinois politics.

The Alpine City Council does not serve their constituents, but serves only their own egos and needs.

Beth Collins Alpine

•••••

Editor: In the midst of overheated words being played out in our city’s papers, I would like to make some brief observations.

The special meeting on February 19 was called by Carlos Lujan, Diana Asgeirsson, and Mike Davidson, with the full knowledge of the aforementioned council members that City Manager Chuy Garcia was not available to attend due to prior commitments. Furthermore, it was called on the pretext of ‘evidence’ in an alleged “Preliminary Report” of an audit currently being conducted by Shaw Skinner.

Very early on into the meeting a motion was put forward to adjourn, it was seconded, and the meeting was duly adjourned. It was adjourned for one of the most basic of our society’s principles: Due Process, or rather, a blatant absence of due process at the meeting.

Carlos Lujan and his friends were determined to publicly eviscerate and fire the City Manager at that meeting. The City Manager was not present to defend himself against any accusations.

Think about your own life for a moment. If your job was going to be terminated, would you not have the right to see the evidence upon which any decisions were going to be made and exercise your right to defend yourself against said information?

That’s a basic right we are all guaranteed: to face our accuser. Whether or not Chuy and/or other city employees deserve to be fired is a question that can only be addressed once the auditor’s Official City Audit is completed and turned into the city. And that’s the crux of the matter.

Mr. Skinner has stated that not only is he nowhere near completing his audit of the city, but he has not written any ‘preliminary reports’ on anything. There is NO preliminary report.

The premise upon which the whole ‘special meeting’ was called for was based upon nothing, as illusionary and baseless as McCarthy’s Red List.

Which brings me to Mr. Lujan. How can a City Council member, elected to act in the best interests of his constituents and, by extent, the interests of the entire city, behave so irresponsibly, calling for a meeting without any evidence whatsoever, against an employee who wasn’t there to answer for himself?

I read that Mr. Lujan was involved in unions back in California. I wonder what kind he was a part of?

And this odd action is just another in what is developing to be a series of actions that run roughshod over the rights of our fellow citizens.

Soon after Mr. Lujan was elected, one of the first things he did was lead a campaign to strip our fellow citizens of a basic right and accepted community practice of allowing those who desire and, more importantly, follow the regulations and requirements of the city, to have horses on their property within the city limits. This is an established practice that has gone back, in many cases, for generations in Alpine - and really, isn’t this apart of that ‘authentic Western, rural living’ everyone’s clamoring for these days? His actions ridiculed and demonized those citizens who lawfully were exercising their native rights.

A union man who apparently has regard for neither our due process rights nor for the rights and community accepted practices of our city, is not a crusader for reform but merely continuing his rough shod contempt for our city, for us, and our legal rights.

As the mayor has said repeatedly, if a crime has been committed by any city employee, he will support council actions to terminate and legally prosecute them to the fullest extent allowed by law, as well as any and all actions necessary to make the city financially whole.

But, there is a right way and there is a wrong way to do things. Our basic principles must be upheld, first and foremost, so that when judgment is finally rendered, the taxpayers of Alpine will be safeguarded from any costly legal expenses and the citizens of Alpine will know that those in the wrong are rightfully punished.

Mr. Lujan’s way of casting aspersions without evidence or disregarding individual legal rights is not only the height of personal irresponsibility but, detrimental to all the citizens of Alpine.

Sincerely, Amit Rangra Alpine

•••••

Editor: I would first like to thank Lonn Taylor for his delightful article last week about Ballroom’s Drive-In and the history of drive-in’s in West Texas. I appreciate Taylor’s, “Field of Dreams” metaphor, as this is a sentiment many of the project team shares.

Expanding on his article, I would like to take the opportunity to comment on the expenses related to the project and give further detail, as the Drive-In is hardly just a screen, but rather an umbrella term for a public outdoor amphitheater for music, film and performance and a multistage park improvement plan for Vizcaino Park. The project includes a new handicap accessible restroom facility with 12 stalls, to be shared

by the entire park, and a new playground with new play equipment, soft surfaces and shade. We will build additional picnic areas with three RV hook-ups for food trailers, adjacent to both the baseball field and the theater space. All parking will be re-organized and roadways will be re-surfaced to eliminate the extreme amount of dust created by vehicles during events. All walkways will meet Texas state handicap accessible standards. There will be a new landscape and irrigation plan for the entire park with only Chihuahuan desert native planting, grasses and trees. The irrigation system will cover all areas of the park, including the baseball field. Lighting will meet Dark-Sky standards in compliance with McDonald Observatory. All park signage will be in both English and Spanish.

The Drive-In project also includes a master plan for Vizcaino Park, which has come out of discussions with Presidio County and community members. The master plan looks at the entire park and identifies needed improvements for existing park structures, such as the baseball field bleachers and locates new recreational spaces such as a soccer field and possibly a skate park. Other organizations such as Big Bend Soccer Association and El Cosmico have expressed interest in participating in the development of these new spaces.

When you look at the entire scope of the project on a 21-acre site, the preliminary budgeted amount of $4.5 million, which includes both design, development and construction costs, adds up fast. Discovery Green in Houston, a 12-acre park, cost $125 million! Ballroom Marfa will directly raise the funding required for the project.

The Drive-In theater space is for all community organizations to use and program. While Ballroom Marfa will have programming that includes film screenings, concerts and operas, the facility will be available for local organizations to host movie screenings, high school graduations, music concerts, plays, etc. Vizcaino Park is in a breathtaking setting and was built by an incredible generation of community members. It is essential we continue to show this type of initiative and leadership and maintain the park as an active and beautiful place to visit.

Ballroom Marfa’s dream is that the Drive-In project will reinvigorate Vizcaino Park and bring the community together at a scale Marfa has not seen before. I invite everyone to visit the Drive-In project space and see the design drawings, models and in-process master plan for Vizcaino Park.

The space is located next door to Marfa Studio Arts at 106 San Antonio St. You can email me questions or comments at drivein@ballroommarfa. org. If you are interested in participating in planning meetings, please send me an email or call me at 432-729-3600.

Sincerely, Melissa McDonnell Director of External Affairs & Drive-In Project Manager Ballroom Marfa

•••••

Editor: Dear Marfa, John Klusek is a human being just like you, just like me. I implore you, please do not vent your rage on this individual. I am aware that this horrible discovery was made at the most tragic time in this man’s life. His companion of many years has sadly passed away after battling cancer.

Our hearts go out to him. It is true that these animals were being kept in deplorable conditions and many of them suffered a terrible death as a result. This does not, however, negate the fact that John lost his friend and his beloved pets all in the same day. In taking these dogs in he did not act out of malice, but out of love for these helpless creatures that he could not bear to see euthanized. At its core, animal hoarding is a disease whose first

symptom is usually good intentions. John simply did not have the means to properly care for the animals he loved so much. What could we, as a community, have done to help him? This is a question I have asked myself time and time again. I do know that there are many neighbors who have helped him purchase food. Others helped provide medical care for some of the dogs. These actions should be applauded. This is how we should treat our neighbors. No one could have imagined the conditions inside the house. As far as I am aware, my husband has been one of the only people allowed in the property.

On that note, I will now speak to the actions taken on our part. Let me begin by saying that we too did not act out of malice or with the intention of getting anyone “in trouble”. The conditions inside that trailer could not stand. We understand that legalities can take time. We understand that the authorities needed to take specific actions to ensure that the letter of the law was followed, which it was. For that I commend the Presidio County Sheriff’s Department, the city of Marfa, Dan Dunlap, the county and district attorneys, Grand Companions, and ROMP. The conditions on that property were deteriorating daily. Dogs were killing each other in competition for resources and space. If you did not see the conditions in which these dogs were living I can only tell you that they were beyond imagining. Every night that they were there we struggled, we cried, and we tried to make a plan. We reported the situation through all the proper channels. We know that our county has limited resources at best, especially in dealing with animal control. The decision to contact the media did not come lightly. We thought that if the people could see for themselves what was going on we might be able to get some muchneeded assistance from the West Texas community at large in addition to state and national organizations. To that end we were successful. Grand Companions has received donations from all across the country as a direct result of the news stories that were aired. We had no intention of embarrassing our town or officials. That is a side effect that Tyler and I deeply, deeply regret. We apologize for this from the bottom of our hearts, sincerely. We love our town and all the people and animals in it. We are a family, plain and simple.

Now, what can we do to prevent a tragedy like this from repeating itself? This is a question I have asked myself time and time again. Well, undo have some ideas. First and foremost we need to start having some real conversations about responsible pet ownership. We need to work closely with the city and county to come up with a plan that fits our resources and budgetary restrictions. On the ground level we need to talk to our friends and neighbors about spaying and neutering their pets. This is the first and simplest step we can take in eradicating the stray animal problem that plagues this community. I imagine a time when unwanted litters of puppies and kittens simply do not exist. This makes my heart happy.

In closing, I want to inform everyone that 24 dogs have been safely relocated to Grand Companions. They are receiving food, shelter, medical care, and rehabilitation. Soon they will go to loving foreverhomes. Among the dogs that were rescued was one days-old puppy that survived against all odds. That makes this effort worth it to me. If John is charged legally I would beg the justice system to provide him with mental healthcare instead of jail time or fines. Please open your hearts and minds.

Try to walk a mile in someone else’s shoes. Treat others the way you want to be treated. The old clichés and the golden rule still apply in 2013.

All the best, Lena Hill and Tyler Spurgin Marfa

Sequester is a manufactured monster in the nation’s capital

By Congressman PETE P. GALLEGO This thing we now call “the sequester” is a manufactured monster. Approximately two years ago, the 112th Congress passed extreme across-the-board cuts known as sequestration. This budget measure was designed to be so drastic that it was supposed to force a bipartisan compromise on reducing the deficit. All sides agree seem to agree that the cuts were never meant to happen.

As we now know, there was no compromise. Partisan gridlock got in the way of good public policy. On March 1, 2013, sequestration took effect. It threatens the future of Texas families and the economic prosperity of our state. According to the non-partisan Congressional Budget Office, sequestration would cut economic growth in 2013 by one-third. A report from the House Committee on Appropriations projected a loss of 2.14

million jobs, nearly half of which would come from small businesses.

A 2012 George Mason University study estimated that Texas could lose almost 160,000 jobs. Data compiled by the Pew Charitable Trusts shows that in the area of defense, Texas would be among the hardest hit.

Of particular importance to the 23rd Congressional District is the impact of the sequester on border security, trade, and commerce.

Efforts and numerous studies over the years have been made to reduce border wait times and increase border security. Many jobs in Texas – and much of our economy are inextricably linked to international trade. Trade with Mexico represents one of our biggest economic drivers and pumps billions to our economy.

Ironically, sequestration - a congressionally-mandat-

ed act - is now one of the biggest threats to border security and hindrance to our ongoing trade and commerce.

The 23rd Congressional District runs 800 miles of the Texas- Mexico border. It includes five Ports of Entry – in Eagle Pass, Del Rio, Presidio, Fabens, and Zaragoza-Ysleta in El Paso. Security at these vital ports would be affected - as would trade and commerce.

According to the White House, Border protection officials will be forced to slash $754 million from their budget. U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) will not be able to maintain current staffing levels of 21,775 Customs Officers and 21,370 Border Patrol Agents. In the near term, CBP may need to furlough CBP Officers and Border Patrol Agents between 12 and 14 days. CBP would have to reduce its work hours by the equivalent of over 5,000 border patrol agents and

the equivalent of over 2,750 CBP officers, as well as reduce overtime, beginning April 1.

It is not difficult to see the results of these actions.

It is a matter of simple math. Funding and staffing reductions would increase wait times at ports of entry, weaken security, and slow screening and entry for those traveling into the United States. Less security. Less reliable commerce.

Already, the long lines at our ports hinder economic development and harm our economy. The sequester could increase wait times at our busiest ports - up to five hours or more during peak times - bringing commerce to a virtual halt.

Our nation’s doorways must be secure. And, our trade and commerce along the border - on which many small and large businesses depend - must be allowed.

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The Big Bend Sentinel, Marfa, Texas, March 7, 2013, page 5

columnists

Sounding off

steve’s column

Congressman Pete Gallego (D-TX) voted this week with the majority in the U.S. House to reauthorize the Violence Against Women Act. Below are his remarks after the vote:

Farewell to wings, webbed feet and sales adventures

By STEVEN LANG

“...another piece of America’s lost.” – Ed Bruce, “The Last Cowboy Song” Vernon Ostrom’s obituary was concise, and it is assumed he died as quickly as he lived, presumably of a heart attack on February 18.

Nearly 25 years ago, I wrote a column about a day spent at Ostrom’s Hardware in Evansville, Minnesota. The day’s details required at least twice the space of Vern’s obituary, which summarized more than 78 years of living.

In obituary fashion, Vern was born in Evansville, graduated from high school there, graduated from Gustavus Adolphus College in St. Peter, Minnisota, and came home to run the family hardware store – started by his grandfather in 1905 – after his father’s death in 1954.

Vern sold the hardware store in the mid-1990s, started a clay shooting range, opened a shooting sports outlet, then operated a couple of other outdoor-related businesses. His passions were his hunting dogs, waterfowl hunting and numerous wildlife conservation enterprises.

In between, as is indicated in my following account, a day in my friend Vern’s life motored past at a frenetic pace.

Wings, webbed feet and sale-ing adventures (The Morris, MN Sun, Jan. 31, 1989) Salesmen aren’t born; need creates them.

Vern Ostrom, like me, was born a Swede. Unlike me, he was transformed into a salesman, partly out of necessity – as most of us are transformed into some occupation to earn a living – and partly because it’s what he likes to do.

Ostrom has sold conservation, wetlands creation, wetlands preservation, wetlands restoration, waterfowl production, and undoubtedly, pounds of raffle tickets to entice support in these projects for more years than half the world’s population is old.

Western Douglas County and eastern Grant is dotted with undertakings on behalf of ducks, geese and pheasants; ventures in which he has assumed major roles, both in starting and maintaining through his love of hunting and longstanding association with the Evansville Sportsman’s Club.

“Habitat is life” is the club motto, and the phrase looks impressive in red lettering on a blue or camouflage background of a cap. The caps are for sale, as is virtually everything else in Ostrom’s Hardware and Sports Center, with the possible exception of several dogs that have slept peacefully in aisles or under tables over the years.

The hardware-sporting goods-motorcycle-wildlife art-gun shop enterprise occupies many of Ostrom’s waking hours, and for customers, has long been an object of fascination. The unwritten motto, “if we haven’t got it, you don’t need it,” pervades the store’s crowded interior, lurking invisibly between the lacquered wall clocks and posters advertising the nearest mulligan stew supper.

One of novelist Dan Jenkins’ heroes, golfer Kenneth Puckett of “Dead Solid Perfect,” described commerce – and quite possibly, Ostrom’s – in this manner: “…All I know about what you call commerce is that some guys buy little ones, some sell big ones, some of it comes in on trains and the rest is hauled out in barges…”

And voluminous quantities of whatever “it” is wind up at Ostrom’s.

Every carton and box in the store and warehouse is incoming, outgoing, a barrier to hurdle over or squeeze between, or a complete mystery. Since mysteries aren’t solved until the end of the novel or the close of the movie, I’ll return to them later.

A smart aleck once suggested to a one-man band that if he tied a broom to his rear end he could not only entertain the crowd but sweep up after the dance as well. Similarly, if Ostrom’s added a gas pump and a bread rack, most of the area’s basic needs could be fulfilled in a single stop.

To describe the multi-faceted interior of Ostrom’s, imagine if you will the legendary Fibber McGee’s closet – with aisle space. Racks of clothing hang alongside gun cases and partially draped boxes and baskets of boots, hunting pants, gloves, sweat clothes, socks, stocking caps and even potholders advertising the exacting craftsmanship of a Brotherhood of some revered trade union.

Cartons of potholders?

“You might call them the bad news segment of the good news-bad news scenario of volume buying,” Ostrom explained. “If I want to retain my supplier of giant beach towels, I get saddled occasionally with some slower-movers. But, what the heck, I sell stoves and microwaves, too, and cooks always need something to take turkeys and hot dishes out of the ovens.”

An uninterrupted paragraph of conversation from Ostrom is equivalent to a televised Presidential address. Then, the phone rang and Vern was simultaneously besieged by three customers – one in guns, one in housewares and another in need of direction to maneuver from the washers and dryers to the television sets.

From a desktop command post, Ostrom asked a distributor calling long distance for a rush order on small-screen color TVs, cupped his hand over the receiver long enough to direct an employee to load up an appliance for a six-mile delivery, then spotted a long-time customer browsing, and asked: “Evelyn, do you want real good ones or a cheaper kind?”

“No, not real cheap,” she replied.

“O.K., I’ve got a couple of good ones over here,” he said, and pointed to another carton that supported several boxes of soap, candy bars and Lifesavers.

“Oh, yeah, how’s your supply of video cameras?” he asked his phone contact.

To relieve the stress of supply-side economics, Ostrom conducts frequent sales: Christmas sales, Easter sales, pre-season hunting and fishing sales, and the ever-popular (bratwurst and pop included) Sale of Sales, the Labor Day Tent Sale.

Between sales, an ever-present bargain table offers specials on crèches and crescent wrenches, candles and can openers, cookie trays and cook tents, knives, lanterns, toys, towels, the ever-present pot-holders, duffle bags, aprons, paint caps and other various and sometimes unusual headwear.

Next to the Michael Sieve deer or Terry Redlin waterfowl prints hang the Remington, Winchester or Browning armaments necessary to pursue the artists’ real-life subjects.

As I mentioned earlier, Ostrom’s also has an aura of mystery – on at least one occasion, the unwritten motto was extended. The merchant had it, but he didn’t know what it was.

During one of our Tent Sale visits, Marlene rummaged in a barrel of suspense and uncovered a bag of 20 wooden chopsticks, minus a price tag. As we built a steadily-rising pile of purchases near a cash register, Marlene captured Ostrom’s attention long enough to inquire: “Hey, Ostrom, how much for these?”

Vern stared at the chopsticks, then asked in turn, “What in the hell are they?”

“Chopsticks.”

“Ostrom looked quizzically at this unexpected commercial link with the Far East, then ventured: “Is a buck too much?”

•••••

Steve Lang once went to Ostrom’s to buy a box of shotgun shells and left $250 worth of stuff later. He’s the Sul Ross State University news and information director.

“Congress got something right today. I was proud to vote for the Violence Against Women Act – which was inexcusably stalled by the previous Congress. Since VAWA was passed in 1994, the U.S. has seen a 60% decline in domestic violence. Sexual and domestic violence is wrong. It should never be tolerated - nor should we tolerate the actions of those who use politics as a shield to protect abusers and thereby endanger the safety of our mothers, daughters, sons, or families.

VAWA is a law that we should continue to strengthen- not weaken.

Today’s vote is a step forward for our country.”

the rambling boy John Lapham Bullis, professional soldier and Indian fighter

By LONN TAYLOR

The name Bullis is liberally sprinkled over the landscape between the Big Bend and San Antonio. There is Bullis Gap Range, a chain of mountains fifty miles south of Marathon in Brewster County. At their southern end there is a ford on the Rio Grande called Bullis Crossing.

Over in Val Verde County west of Amistad Lake there is a little hill called Bullis Peak. There was once a station on the Southern Pacific Railroad called Bullis. The military road laid out in 1879 from the Devil’s River to Fort Davis was known as Bullis’s Road. Camp Bullis, a U.S. Army training camp, occupies 28,000 acres northwest of San Antonio. All of these features were named for John Lapham Bullis, a professional soldier who made his reputation as an Indian fighter while commanding the Seminole Negro Indian Scouts in West Texas between 1873 and 1881.

The Seminole Negro Indian Scouts were a small army unit – there were never more than about fifty of them – made up of the descendants of runaway African American slaves who had joined the Seminole Indians in Florida, accompanied them when they were deported to Indian Territory in 1832, and migrated to Mexico in the 1850s. A group had been recruited as U.S. Army scouts in 1870. When Bullis, a thirty-two year old second lieutenant who had first led black troops during the Civil War, was detached from his 24th Infantry Regiment and given command of them they were stationed at Fort Clark, near Brackettville.

The usual job of Indian scouts in the army was to guide regular troops on their campaigns into Indian country. Bullis turned the Seminole Negro scouts into an independent attack force, and in the eight years that he commanded them led them into 26 engagements against Apaches, Comanches, and Kickapoos without ever losing a man. In one famous fight, Bullis and three scouts attacked a group of 25 Comanches who were crossing a herd of stolen horses over the Pecos River. Bullis lost his horse, and his men risked death to rescue him. Bullis saw that all three scouts received the Congressional Medal of Honor for their valor. Years later one of his veterans, Joseph Phillips, said of Bullis, “He didn’t care how big a bunch they was, he went into ‘em every time . . . He didn’t stand back and say, ‘Go yonder’; he would say, “Come on boys, let’s go get ‘em!’”

Bullis did not let the international boundary stand in the way of going and getting ‘em. On one of his first forays with his scouts, in May 1873, he and his men accompanied Colonel Ranald Mackenzie and 360 men of the Fourth Cavalry on a raid across the Rio Grande and forty miles into Mexico to destroy a Kickapoo village at Remolino. The Remolino raid violated Mexican sovereignty and had diplomatic repercussions. Over the next eight years, Bullis led his scouts into Mexico six more times. He specialized in dawn raids on Indian villages harboring warriors that had raided ranches in Texas. He burned the villages, killed as many Indians as possible, and then high-tailed it back across the Rio Grande. Each incursion elicited protests from the Mexican government, even though a treaty permitted troops of both nations to pursue raiders across the border.

It may have been his propensity for crossing the border that gave Bullis’s military career its peculiar shape. For eight years, between the ages of 32 and 40, he was a hell-for-leather Indian fighter, earning the admiration of his superiors and indeed of all of the people of West Texas.

When he relinquished command of the Seminole Negro Indian Scouts in 1881 he was presented with an elaborately engraved gold-plated sword by the newspapers of western Texas and a silver-plated one by the people of Kinney County. The Texas Legislature passed a resolution honoring him. But instead of going on to greater exploits he settled into obscurity in a series of desk jobs, serving as Inspector of Rifle Practice for the Department of Kansas; Indian Agent in Santa Fe and on the San Carlos Reservation in Arizona; paymaster for the Department of Texas at Fort Sam Houston.

A clue to the peculiar path of Bullis’s career may lie in an interview that historian Frost Woodhull published in 1937. One of Bullis’s scouts, Charlie Daniels, speaking of Bullis’s last raid into Mexico, said, “Mexico claimed those Indians . . . There was an order came that Lieutenant Bullis either got to resign or go to his regiment, and that got Lieutenant Bullis out from here. He say he would not resign, that he would go to his regiment, and that got Lieutenant Bullis teetotally out from us.” Bullis was ordered to leave the scouts and rejoin his regiment, the 24th Infantry, in Camp Supply, Indian Territory, on July 23, 1881, two months after his final raid into Mexico. The order might have been prompted by diplomatic pressure from Mexico. Whatever happened, Bullis seems to have resigned himself to becoming an armchair soldier for the rest of his life.

In 1898 Bullis made one attempt to get back into the action. He petitioned the War Department to allow him to raise a regiment of African American troops in Texas and lead them to Cuba, arguing that they would be immune to the tropical diseases that were ravaging white soldiers there.

The War Department turned him down, and instead the army sent him to Havana as paymaster. He retired in 1905 as a paymaster in the Philippines, receiving the retirement rank of brigadier general.

There is no biography of John L. Bullis, and there should be. He was a complex and interesting man. In addition to being a fearless warrior, he was a shrewd investor in land who made a small fortune by selling right of way to the railroad. He was one of the original owners of the Shafter silver mine. He married into one of San Antonio’s oldest Hispanic families and brought his wife to live at army posts on the frontier. He loved the army in spite of his disappointments, and when he retired he built a mansion across the street from the Quadrangle at Fort Sam Houston.

Today it is a bread and breakfast. If you stay there you might dream of reckless dashes across the Rio Grande, or you might dream about a sleepy tropical paymaster’s office in Havana or Manila.

•••••

Lonn Taylor is a historian and writer who lives in Fort Davis. He can be reached at taylorw@fortdavis.net.

¡ask a mexican!

The guayabera and the Mexican waiter look

By GUSTAVO ARELLANO

Dear Readers: The Mexican is currently dealing with deportation issues but will return next week once he builds his 15-foot escalera to climb over that pesky 14-foot wall. In the meanwhile, here’s some oldiesbut-goodies to tide you by like yesterday’s menudo. Enjoy!

Dear Mexican: It seems that whenever Chicano professors want to show off their mexicanidad, they wear a guayabera. In fact, I saw a picture of you in the Los Angeles Times donning the shirt, along with Dickies pants and Converse All Stars. How trite and bourgeois! You go to a café or bar in any university town in Mexico, and the students will think you’re totally naco. I stopped wearing the guayabera when a friend said I looked like a waiter in a Mexican restaurant. Do certain clothes determine your Mexicanness?

Sexy Mexy Dear Wab: Abso-pinche-lutely. “The bigger the sombrero, the wabbier the man,” is a commandment all Mexicans learn from the Virgin of Guadalupe. But seriously, Mexican clothes correspond to social and economic status - sweaty T-shirt indicates laborer, calf-length skirt means a proper Mexican woman, and if a cobbler used the hide of an endangered reptile to fashion your cowboy boots, you’re probably a drug dealer or a Texan. The guayabera (a loose-fitting, pleated shirt common in the Mexican coastal state of Veracruz and other tropical regions of Latin America) also announces something about its owner: the güey is feeling hot and wants to look sharp. Why the hate, Sexy? Remember what Andy Warhol said: “Nothing is more bourgeois than to be afraid to look bourgeois.” Who cares if people mistake you for a waiter if you sport a guayabera? Just spit in their soup. And who cares if Mexican university students call me, you or any guayabera wearer a naco (Mexico City slang for bumpkin)? They can’t be that smart if they’re still in Mexico.

Dear Mexican: Why do Mexicans call people with curly hair chinos?

Most chinos I know have very straight, hard-to-curl hair.

China Confundida Dear Confused Chinita: The Mexican has discussed the word chino before, as in why Mexicans call all Asians chinos (same reason gabachos call all Latinos “Mexican”). Chino is one of the more fascinating

homographs (words with the same spelling but different meanings) in Spanish. Its Old World meaning specifically refers to a person of Chinese descent, but in his Dictionary of Latin American Racial and Ethnic Terminology, Rutgers linguist Thomas M. Stephens documents how chino assumed different connotations once the conquistadors pillaged the Americas—and none of those connotations was positive. Stephens’ book devotes an incredible seven pages to chino; some of its more peculiar Latin American definitions include “female servant,” “slave from Mozambique,” “concubine,” “young Indian female who served in a convent,” and, yes, “curly-haired.” Chino also was the category in the Spanish Empire’s Byzantine castas (caste) system designated for the offspring of parents with varying degrees of African and Amerindian blood. Stephens’ only sin is that he doesn’t explain why chino took on so many non-Chinese connotations, though he did write that china in Quechua signifies “female servant or animal,” while Nahuatl speakers used chinoa (“toasted”) to describe dark-skinned people. And he offers no insight into the chino-curly connection.

But it doesn’t take a Ph-pinche-D to identify the common threads in chino’s various meanings: African blood and servitude. Many blacks, of course, have naturally kinky hair, so at some point over the centuries, chino became an ethnicon (a term meant to comment on an ethnic group’s prominent cultural characteristic that become popular shorthand for said characteristic) for both “black person” and “curly.” Mexicans then went on to drop the black denotation and kept the curly connection. Such linguistic amnesia isn’t unprecedented in Mexican Spanish: marrano, which many Mexicans use to call someone a “pig” or “filthy,” comes from the Inquisition-era slur used against Jews who converted to Christianity.

All this wordplay is further proof that Mexico is a country with a racial problem that makes America seem like Sesame Street. The proper Spanish word for “curly,” by the way, is rizado.

•••••

Ask the Mexican at themexican@askamexican.net, be his fan on Facebook, follow him on Twitter @gustavoarellano or ask him a video question at youtube.com/askamexicano!

page 6, The Big Bend Sentinel, March 7, 2013

arts y mas

Jennifer Lane

(staff photos by JOHN DANIEL GARCIA) Wallace Shawn signs autographs last Wednesday after reading from his play, “The Fever.”

McArthur Fellow Deborah Eisenberg reads from her short story “Your Duck is My Duck” Friday.

Art, Tai Chi, and Chinese calligraphy at Building 98 MARFA - The mystical and meditative traditions of China will be explored through paintings, Tai Chi and calligraphy this weekend as “In Search of the Tao” opens at Building 98.

Artists from New Mexico and China, currently teaching at Angelo State University, will be presented at 6pm on Saturday, March 9, in their first Marfa exhibit. The paintings of Randy Hall and Ben Sum will be here, at 705 West Bonnie Street, through March 15.

This collection of new work was inspired largely by the artists’ experiences directing educational programs in China.

“It is important to me that the paintings, although logical in composition, reflect a quality of natural spontaneity,” Hall said.

“Given this, the series is titled Wu Wei, a term borrowed from Taoism that essentially means doing without effort or flowing with natural rhythm of life. The term both contrasts and complements the concept of ‘action painting’ associated with Abstract Expressionism and therefore suggests my ongoing and rather humble attempt to find a synthesis between my interests in both Eastern and Western Culture.”

Hall also said his hope for the

exhibition “is that viewers will contemplate and consider my images both for their formal aesthetic qualities and their possible deeper implications.”

In addition to bringing their art to Marfa, the artists are offering the gift of educational workshops, free to area residents and visitors.

Hall, a black sash level Sifu in Tai Chi, will teach Qigong/Tai Chi at 10am on Saturday at Building 98.

“For centuries people have practiced the movements of Tai Chi to promote health and longevity,” Hall said. “The soft, gentle, and dance-like movements of Tai Chi are similar to those found in

Hatha Yoga and are suitable for almost anyone.”

Participants should wear loosefitting clothes.

And from 2 to 4pm on Saturday, Ben Sum will teach a class in Chinese Calligraphy, with participants completing a finished piece during the workshop.

The exhibit and workshops are sponsored by the International Woman’s Foundation of Marfa, Texas. Saturday classes are offered free to the public, with donations accepted. Historic Building 98 is at 705 West Bonnie Street.

For information call 325-7257220.

Self-guided viewing of Donald Judd Random Acts of Art: Mixed works through March Media Flowers class in Odessa ODESSA - On Saturday, March 23 from 1:30-3:30pm, the Ellen Noël Art Museum will offer a Random Acts of Art class. In this adults-only class, Western Texas College Art Instructor Christina Garza, will teach techniques to create a fun and unusual mixed media flower painting. Mixed Media Flowers is inspired by the current exhibition Nature in Bloom: Floral Paintings by Local Collectors, on exhibit now through April 28, 2013. All supplies and materials, such as paint, fabric, printed papers, matte medium and embroidery floss, will be provided.

Enrollment is limited and ad-

vance registration is required. The class fee is $35. Registration must be made in person in the Museum administrative office Monday through Friday 9:30am – 4:30pm or by phone at 432-550-9696.

Need a unique gift? Gift certificates for this class are also available.

The Ellen Noël Art Museum is open Tuesday through Saturday, 10am to 5pm and Sunday, 2pm to 5:00pm. Admission is free. More information about the Museum and Random Acts of Art is available on the Museum’s Web site at: www. noelartmuseum.org or by calling the Museum at (432) 550-9696.

MARFA - Throughout the month of March, in addition to viewing the collection during docent-led tours, visitors to Chinati are now invited to experience Donald Judd’s concrete and aluminum works at their own pace.

Self-guided visits will be available during the following hours: Wednesday through Sunday from 9AM – 5PM, the 15 outdoor works in concrete will be accessible and from 2 – 4PM, the two former artillery sheds, housing Judd’s 100 works in mill aluminum, will be open.

The new open visits will afford visitors the freedom to spend time indoors and out, taking in the art,

architecture, and landscape in an independent, contemplative way.

Judd’s work, in particular, offers a richly rewarding experience with subtle, changing effects of light and shadow that unfold over time.

The museum hopes to offer regular opportunities for self-guided visits to other exhibition spaces in the future, while continuing to provide tours of the full, permanent collection.

Admission for self-guided viewing is $10 for adults, $5 for students. Museum members and area residents are admitted free of charge. For more information visit www.chinati.org.

Lane channels prehistoric Minoan art with “B.C.”

By JOHN DANIEL GARCIA MARFA - “B.C.,” a new body of work by Marfa-based artist Jennifer Lane will open with a reception this evening at 6pm in the Marfa Book Co.’s gallery.

The exhibition will showcase six large-scale inkjet prints of small automatic paintings made by Lane over the past six months along with smaller gauche and collage works more reminiscent of Lane’s past work.

“Is a bit of a departure from my other work,” said Lane, “It’s been a while since I worked on such a large scale.”

The paintings have also deviated from Lane’s use of overt erotic imagery, though she maintains an underlining sexual energy in the paintings, some of which are based on prehistoric Minoan mother-figure deities.

The Rorschach-like paintings, according to Lane, grew organically from the collage work, which was originally to be the basis for the largescale prints. She instead found a challenge in finding the balance of space, line, and patterns; as well as bringing

garden pottery, unique gifts, container gardens 20% of all garden pottery each monday in march

Family Art Day at the Ellen Noël Art Museum in Odessa ODESSA - The Ellen Noël Art Museum, in collaboration with the Ector County Library and the Billy Pilgrim Traveling Library, will host a free Family Art Day at the Museum on Thursday, March 14 from 2-4pm.

The Billy Pilgrim Traveling Library, from Houston, Texas, visits small and rural areas across Texas to work with local libraries promoting reading and library card registration. Staff from the Ector County Library will join the Traveling Library book mobile in the museum’s east side parking lot to register people for library cards or help check out books which can later be returned to the public library.

out the totem-like figures, such as serpents and mushrooms, in the autopainting process.

“I was trying to find the marriage of geometry and figuration,” explained Lane, “the technique is symmetrical to begin with, and you get a nice formal effect of the paint itself.

That was the challenge: striking the perfect balance between the pattern and the freeness and accidental stuff that happens with the paint.”

Lane, who has a Bachelor of Arts in Photography from the Rhode Island School of Design, looks forward to working on more mono-prints while utilizing different printing techniques. She also hopes to continue working with such a large scale, even expressing interest in going larger.

Though “B.C.” marks Lane’s first solo exhibition of works on paper, she has been widely exhibited for her film work in both solo and group shows.

She will also be traveling to rural Portugal this summer with her family to begin filming “…a portrait of ancient monolithic architecture” in the area.

“B.C.” is on exhibit until April 7.

Inside the Museum, in the RodFine wood flooring installed man Auditorium, will be hands-on with exacting craftmanship book art related activities and demonstrations for visitors of all ages.

Now serving West Texas. today for an NowFar serving Far Call West Texas.

Families, as well as adults, are welestimate. come. There will also be a Story Call today for a free estimate.

Time in the ArtHaus for pre-school age children accompanied by an 4416 North Mesa Street EL PASO • (915) 587 - 6005 adult. www.woodfloorsbybeto.com The event and all activities are free.

The Ellen Noël Art Museum is open Tuesday through Saturday, beto's wood floors.indd 1 4/25/2007 11:52:18 AM 10am to 5pm, and Sunday, 2pm to 5pm. Admission is free. For more information on this exhibition, visit the museum’s web The Chinati Foundation is a contemporary art museum founded by the artist site: www.noelartmuseum.org or Donald Judd. The collection includes work by twelve artists and focuses on call the Museum at (432) 550-9696. permanent, large-scale installations emphasizing the relationship between

110 w. murphy street alpine, texas 432-837-0914 mon, thurs - sat 9-6 sunday 10-2 closed tues and wed

Thank you, Nancy Davila

CHINATI

art, architecture, and the surrounding landscape.

Most of the collection is accessible by guided tour only, Wednesday through Sunday. Advance reservations are required to guarantee admission, available at www.chinati.org. Chinati offers FREE admission to residents of Brewster, Jeff Davis, and Presidio Counties.

TOURS, WEDNESDAY - SUNDAY Collection Tour, 10:00 AM Includes all works in the permanent collection: Judd, Kabakov, Long, Rabinowitch, Chamberlain, Flavin, Arnarsson, Wesley, Horn, Andre, Oldenburg & van Bruggen, as well as special exhibitions.

Selections Tour, 11:00 AM Selected exhibitions from the permanent collection: Judd, Flavin, Chamberlain, and special exhibitions.

M A R FA T E X A S 9pm Saturday

Santos Escarcega Benefit / with DJ Tencha 8pm Monday

GRAND COMPANIONS benefit featuring the Grapejelly Jacobs 3, Sex Scratch, LBS. and more TBA

SELF-GUIDED VIEWING, WEDNESDAY - SUNDAY Donald Judd’s 15 works in concrete, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Donald Judd’s 100 works in mill aluminum, 2:00 - 4:00 PM

UPCOMING SPECIAL EVENTS Free Spring Break Art Classes Hands-on, creative fun for students ages 5 - 13 Tuesday -- Friday, March 12 - 15, 2:30 -- 5:00 PM, ArtLab, Chinati Foundation

Seedling Workshop Plant and take home seedlings of your choice for your home garden. All materials provided.

Sunday, April 7, 2 - 4:00 PM, Chinati garden, FREE

Printmaking Exhibition and Reception Lino-cut, etching, and silkscreen works by printmaking workshop participants Wednesday, April 10, 5 - 7:00 PM, ArtLab, Chinati Foundation

Community Day Sunday, April 28, 1 - 5:00 PM: FREE gallery talks, art activities, barbeque dinner, mariachis 1 Cavalry Row Marfa Texas 79843 www.chinati.org 432 729 4362

Pu i g the Putting h FUN in Finding a Friend Coming up this month • Thursday, March 14, APE MACHINE • Saturday, March 15, Karaoke with RICK RUIZ • Sunday, March 17, KOBAN • Thursday, March 21, THE TWANG • Saturday, March 23, THE MOONDOGS • Friday, March 29, SHOTGUN PARTY • Saturday, March 30, EMILY BELL with The SIDESHOW TRAGEDY 209 w el paso st MARFA • 432.729.4425 • www.padresmarfa.com

Community

John Rayburn retires from Sul Ross

ALPINE - John Rayburn’s work experience ranges from oil rig platforms to underground mining to computer technology. His retirement plans are equally diverse.

“People have been asking me, ‘what are you going to do?’ I tell them I have a long-term goal of perfecting underwater BB stacking,” he laughed.

“That, and playing a little guitar.”

Rayburn, a network administrator for the Office of Information Technology at Sul Ross State University, retired on Thursday, February 28.

He began work at Sul Ross in September 1998, managing the newly installed campus-wide computer network, after a lengthy and much-varied career that began by picking watermelons in his hometown of Falfurrias.

Following high school graduation, Rayburn enrolled in college for a short time then joined the military, serving in Vietnam. He worked in the oilfields, at construction, worked in an Arizona copper mine 2,000 feet underground, then enrolled at Sul Ross.

Rayburn graduated from Sul

John Rayburn Ross in 1985 with a B.S. in Geology and a minor in Mathematics. As an undergrad, he also served as a tutor in Calculus, mentored by the late Dr. Gunther Moller.

“I really liked Dr. Moller,” he said. “I learned that despite the myth, math isn’t hard; it’s just hard work.”

Following graduation, Rayburn went to Colorado Springs, Colorado, where he worked as a research assistant in a private company for

Dr. David Mattison, who had been his faculty adviser at Sul Ross. Rayburn worked extensively with computers and carried his expertise back to Alpine, where he was employed

by Leo Offenstein at Smart Cash Register.

Rayburn also became a private computer consultant, and traveled the Big Bend area to serve customers. His Sul Ross employment followed.

“It has been a lot of fun,” he said. “The faculty and staff here are some of the best people I have ever worked with.

“We are here to help faculty teach students; to promote the educational process and help students get their degrees,” he said. “Anytime you are involved in the educational process, that’s an honorable profession, regardless of your job title. It has been a pleasure.”

Rayburn and his wife, Liz, who is director of Food Services for the Alpine Independent School District, have two sons.

John F. is the head of Information Technology for Village Farms and Patrick is a carpenter, cabinetmaker and field surveyor. Both live in Alpine.

RRC Chairman Smitherman: First Concealed Handgun License Course a success AUSTIN - Railroad Commission Chairman Barry Smitherman today announced that the Railroad Commission’s first Concealed Handgun License Course was successfully completed this past Saturday at the agency.

Due to the tremendous interest in this course, Smitherman said he will continue work to make available future concealed handgun license courses for all interested Railroad Commission employees.

“I commend our employees who participated in this course and who are now better educated on applicable firearm laws, safe handling of a firearm and situational awareness,”

Chairman Smitherman said. “The National Rifle Association provided the Commission with a top-notch instructor who did an excellent job training and educating us on the applicable laws of the State of Texas.”

“In these changing times, there is a growing need for self-protection from criminals who present threats to life and safety,” Ed Sanchez, President of Double Eagle Firearms Training and NRA Certified Concealed Handgun Instructor explained. “Because of this, many men and women are choosing to enroll in a Concealed Handgun License class and secure such a license. I applaud Chairman Smither-

man and the Railroad Commission for offering the course to agency employees.”

In 2011, Smitherman led an effort to change Railroad Commission policy to allow Commission employees to legally carry a concealed handgun on Commission property.

That policy follows the guidelines of Senator Glenn Hegar’s Senate Bill 321.

“I hope the CHL course we held serves as a model for other state agencies to follow. The Second Amendment is a precious right that we must fight to protect. That’s what we are doing at the Commission,” Smitherman said.

The Big Bend Sentinel, March 7, 2013, page 7

Trail Writers’ April retreat features historian Bill O’Neal workshops

FORT DAVIS, ALPINE - The current Texas State Historian Bill O’Neal will offer two workshop sessions for the Texas Mountain Trail Writers’ 22nd Annual Retreat April 12-14 in Fort Davis and Alpine.

The Writing Round-Up retreat begins Friday night with an opening reception, and workshop sessions Saturday and Sunday morning. The weekend is productive, fun, and reasonably priced.

O’Neal is the featured speaker for the retreat. Also headlining the event are Nina Amir, proposal consultant, author and editor, whose topics include blog-to-book, and Juan Perez who writes Haiku, horror, and science fiction.

O’Neal, appointed the Texas State Historian for 2012-2014 by Governor Rick Perry, has been called a meticulous researcher by the Western Historical Quarterly. He is the recipient of numerous awards for his work and is a member of the Western Writers of America. He was named the “Best

Living Non-Fiction Writer” in 2007 by True West magazine.

A writer of Southwestern and Texas history, O’Neal is a prolific writer in several varied fields. He has written over 40 books and more than 300 articles and book reviews on the American West, including gunfighters, lawmen, and ghost towns; country music, with emphasis on Texas artists; baseball, such as his study of the Texas League, and children’s books, including one on the First Thanksgiving held in Texas, all in his field of expertise.

Some of O’Neal’s varied topics include Texans in country music, Texans in other music fields such as Broadway, and Texas Rangers in film and television.

He serves on the board of the Texas Country Music Hall of Fame. He is also a radio personality in Carthage and has appeared on numerous television documentaries, such as the History Channel and the Discovery Channel.

For additional information and

a registration form, email or call Janith Vest Stephenson, retreat coordinator, janiths@sbcglobal.net, 432-837-2189 or Reba Cross Seals, president, rcrossseals@gmail.com, 432-837-2919.

Writers may learn more about the weekend’s events by going to the Texas Mountain Trail Writers website: www.texasmountaintrailwriters.org.

Ballroom Marfa and Tiger Mountain are pleased to announce that we have added a second Jeff Mangum performance on Sunday, March 31.

Doors for this later show will open at 10pm at the Crowley Theater in Marfa. Mangum is the singer and principal songwriter of the legendary

band Neutral Milk Hotel. Tickets for the 7:30pm Marfa show are sold out.

Tickets are $20, and are available from the Ballroom Marfa website and at the gallery starting at 12pm CST on Friday, February 22, 2013.

Please note: No photography and no recording permitted during the

show, including cell phones. $1 from each ticket goes to benefit Children of the Blue Sky. Special thanks to Jennifer Bell, Dan Chamberlin, the Crowley Theater, Rob Crowley, Tim Crowley, Marfa Recording Company and Jack McFadden.

Bill O’Neal

Tickets available for second Jeff Mangum performance

Sequester cancels passport day EL PASO - Due to the sequestration, the Department of State must cancel “Passport Day in the USA,” which had been scheduled for Saturday, March 9. The El Paso Passport Agency won’t be open to the public on March 9.

Passport Day in the USA is an annual event in which Department of State passport agencies and par-

ticipating non-Department passport application acceptance facilities nationwide open their doors for special Saturday services.

We regret that we cannot offer this service as planned. Please visit travel.state.gov or call the National Passport Information Center at 1-877-487-2778 (TDD/TTY: 1-888-874-7793) for more informa-

tion on how to apply at the El Paso Passport Agency.

Some non-Department of State passport application acceptance facilities such as post offices and clerks of court may be open on March 9. Please visit http://iafdb. travel.state.gov to find the hours of operation of a passport application acceptance facility in your area.

BRUNCH EVERY SATURDAY AND SUNDAY 9 TO 1

In Search of the Tao New Paintings by Ben Sum and Randy Hall

March 9 – 15, 2013

AT

COCHINEAL

OPENING RECEPTION Saturday, March 9, 6:00 pm ASSOCIATED WORKSHOPS Free to the public

Qigong / Tai Chi Workshop

by Sifu Randy Hall

Saturday, March 9, 10:00 am

Chinese Calligraphy Workshop

DINNER EVERY NIGHT 6 TO 10

by Ben Sum

Saturday, March 9, 2:00 - 4:00 pm Building 98

at Fort D.A. Russell 705 West Bonnie Street Marfa, TX 79843

AT

COCHINEAL

Presented by The International Woman's Foundation For information Please call Denise Morris at 325-725-7220

page 8, The Big Bend Sentinel, March 7, 2013

Community

CDRI Nature Center: celebrate spring in the desert

FORT DAVIS - What better way to enjoy spring in full form than to embrace the beauty of the Chihuahuan Desert by surrounding yourself in it at the Chihuahuan Desert Nature Center?

The Nature Center is your perfect opportunity to enjoy over three miles of trails that will lead you through grasslands, Modesta Canyon, Clayton’s Overlook with stunning panoramic views, and the gardens and greenhouse of CDRI with over 200 native cactus species!

Be sure and join us for our CacFrom left, Jesse Lea Schneider, Jasper Klein, and Brenda Klein.

Presidio County 4-H starts district contest season with win

ALPINE - On March 2, the District VI 4-H Range ID and Evaluation Contest was held at Sul Ross State University.

The contest consisted of 40 sample grasses in which contestants were required to identify and a range portion; studying plots for erosion, litter dams, poisonous plants and grazing considerations along with forage identification in the field.

Dr. Baron Rector provided the Grass ID portion and Dr. Alyson Mc Donald set up the range portion of the contest. Sul Ross State University served as hosts for the contest, under the direction of Dr. Bonnie Warnock and her crew.

The contestants were also treat-

ed to a tour of the Range Animal and Natural Resource Center from the Ag Ambassadors of Sul Ross State University.

Presidio County 4-H Member, Jasper Klein clinched a championship title in the Grass ID portion as well as the Range portion of the contest, therefore securing a spot as District VI Champion High Point Senior Individual.

This District Championship also secures his place to compete at the state level at the 4-H State Roundup at A&M College Station in June.

Jasper is coached by Brenda Klein and is under the guidance of County Extension Agent Jesse Lea Schneider.

Scanning electron microscope to expand Sul Ross research capacity ALPINE - Sul Ross State University’s new Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) is expected to enhance research capacity in the physical and natural sciences.

The microscope, along with lab upgrades exceeding $500,000 are provided through Adelante Tejas (Forward Texas): A Partnership to Improve STEM Education with San Antonio College. The project is 100 percent funded through a Department of Education award. The ultimate goal of Adelante Tejas is to increase enrollment, progress and graduation in the sciences.

The SEM produces images of a sample by bombarding it with a focused beam of electrons, creating a strikingly clear image at high resolution. It is also capable of analyzing the chemistry of very small samples or parts of samples. The SEM will be used by students and faculty for a broad array of basic education and research in the natural and physical sciences.

“A student attending a larger school probably wouldn’t get close to a SEM as an undergrad. That experience would be reserved for graduate and post-doctoral candidates and their supervising faculty,” said Dr. Kevin Urbanczyk, director of the Rio Grande Research Center.

“The bottom line is: Sul Ross will produce graduates with knowledge of analytical methods and specific, sought-after expertise, enabling them to be academically and professionally competitive candidates for future careers,” Urbanczyk said. It is estimated that more than 50 percent of Sul Ross students will have an opportunity to experience or work with the SEM

The SEM is also an important advance in improving science education for the region. It is generally recognized that to remain globally competitive the U.S. must increase graduation rates, particularly in the sciences and for traditionally underrepresented populations. Research has shown that engaging in undergraduate research increases retention and graduate school enrollment, particularly among underrepresented STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) majors.

Since a high percentage of Sul Ross enrollment comes from demographically diverse West Texas, improvements in laboratory infrastructure and increasing the quality of instrumentation used for instruction improves the context for student learning and success across the spectrum.

“In the past, it’s been problematic for students to visualize a structure of certain soil specimens because they are too small for a standard scientific microscope. Having the SEM is going to be a tremendous for our lab courses,” said Dr. Bonnie Warnock, chair of the Natural Resource Management program.

Leslie Hopper, Adelante Tejas project director said, “This ability to see the underlying structure or texture of common (or uncommon) item provides students with that ‘aha!’ moment that may lead to a career in science. We’re really looking forward to seeing our students have an opportunity to utilize the SEM for their research projects.”

For more information, contact Hopper, (432) 837-8648 or lhopper@sulross.edu.

Schwan’s fundraiser deadline Saturday ALPINE - The Big Bend Arts Council (BBAC) is now conducting a fundraiser through Schwan’s Home Delivery. Orders for this delivery on March 16 will benefit the BBAC. If you are interested in ordering, please go the Gallery On The Square, 115 West Holland Avenue for catalog and order sheet. Deadline for orders is March 9.

Please call Jan at 294-3050 if you have questions.

Muller leads UUBB service Sunday Christine Muller will lead the service at the Unitarian Universalists of the Big Bend (UUBB) this Sunday, March 10 at 11am.

Muller’s presentation is entitled “Laughter, God’s Holy Breath” by Ilona Forgeng of the UU in NC. The UUBB is a lay-led congregation located at 1308 N 5th Street, Alpine.

Religious Education classes for children are held the first & third Sundays each month. Visit www.uubb.org for more information.

Friends of Library meet March 12 ALPINE - Please join us at noon on Tuesday, March 12, 2013, in the AEP Foundation Multipurpose Room of the Alpine Public Library as we discuss ways in which the Friends of the Library might help the library fulfill its mission of connecting our diverse community with information resources to promote reading and lifelong learning.

Everyone is welcome.

tus Showcase March 11 through 16 for the opportunity to enjoy a daily guided hike through Modesta Canyon at 10am, a 30 minute talk, related to aspects of the Chihuahuan Desert flora and fauna at 2pm, and a guided tour of the Botanical Garden and Cactus and Succulent Greenhouse at 2:30pm.

2pm talk and demonstrations are as follows: Monday, March 11 – Color from the Desert Tuesday, March 12 – Cooking with Desert Plants

Wednesday, March 13 – Kids Program: Ethnobotany Thursday, March 14 – Repotting Cactus Friday, March 15 – Cactus Pollinators Saturday, March 16 – Desert Flight But wait that’s not all! The Nature Center will have a wonderful display of cacti available for purchase during the Cactus Showcase from March 11 through 16. After you enjoy the garden and greenhouse be sure to pick out the per-

St. James’ Alpine offers instructed Eucharist March 10 ALPINE - The Reverend Carolyn Metzler will celebrate an instructed Eucharist at 11am on Sunday, March 10 at St. James’ Episcopal Church in Alpine.

The Holy Eucharist is the service of Holy Communion at which the bread and wine are offered as the remembrance of the sacrifice of Christ for the world and people bring the offerings of their lives.

The service is a retelling of the story of God’s activity in human life. Events in Christian history and our present spiritual journeys come together in the service of the Eucharist. The instructed Eucharist is

Miller finishes basic combat training ALPINE - Army Pfc. James J. Miller III has graduated from basic combat training at Fort Jackson, Columbia, S.C. During the nine weeks of training, the soldier studied the Army mission, history, tradition and core values, physical fitness, and received instruction and practice in basic combat skills, military weapons, chemical warfare and bayonet training, drill and ceremony, marching, rifle marksmanship, armed and unarmed combat, map reading, field tactics, military courtesy, military justice system, basic first aid, foot marches, and field training exercises.

Miller is the son of James and Sylvia Miller of East Avenue East, Alpine.

He is a 2012 graduate of Alpine High School.

a service in which each part of the ritual is explained as it takes place.

“We’ll split the service into sections and talk about why we do what we do in the upcoming section and then do it. People are welcome to bring all their questions and puzzlements. They should be prepared to spend about an hour and a quarter,” said Metzler.

Those interested in learning about the whys and wherefores of this ancient service as it is celebrated in the Episcopal Church, or those who are just curious, are welcome.

The service will be followed by refreshments and a chance to talk further. St. James’ is located at Ave. A and North 6th St. in Alpine.

fect cactus to brighten your home or garden!

A list of available cactus for purchase can be found on the CDRI website at www.cdri.org.

For questions or more information on upcoming events and programs please contact the Nature Center at 432.364.2499, at education@cdri.org , or visit our website at www.cdri.org.

The Nature Center is open yearround, Monday-Saturday, 9 to 5; located four miles south of Fort Davis, on Highway 118.

Public speaking course offered at Alpine library ALPINE - “Public Speaking and Presentation Skills Made Easy, “ is a six-week course designed to provide the tools, encouragement and practice to give a person the courage and confidence to speak for any occasion.

Classes will run from March 20April 24 from 6-7pm in the multipurpose room at Alpine Public Library Topics covered will include: *Intro to public speaking,

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*Components of a Good Speech, *Using Non-Verbal Communication, *Tone, Inflection and Volume, *Using Visual Aids, *Speeches for Many Occasions, *Speaking games and activities, *Active Listening , *Skillful Evaluation, and much more.

All classes are free and open to the public. Refreshments will be served.

Please call, 837-2621, or visit the library to sign up.

The Prescription Shop Serving the Big Bend communities for more than 50 years

•Personal service by our caring & knowledgeable staff •Medicines, vitamins, healthcare products, gifts, & cards •Convenient drive-up window •Se habla español

Bob Fast, Pharmacist

909 East Holland Avenue, ALPINE Monday through Friday 8:30am-6pm, closed 12-1:15 Saturday 8:30am-noon

432.837.3498 or 1.800.499.0087 Teresa Juarez, agent

Call:

(432)729-3083

Presidio County Health Services, Inc. is proud to announce that

Dr. Adrian Billings regretfully announces the end of his practice with Cactus Health Services and the Pearce Clinic.

His last day to see patients at Cactus Health Services clinics will be April 11, 2013.

Dr. Adrian Billings will be joining our family on April 12, 2013

Medical records will be maintained by Cactus Health Services and may be transferred to a physician of your choice upon your written request.

Thank you for the opportunity and honor of taking care of you.

ACTION

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To schedule appointments call: Marfa Community Health Clinic 406 S. Summer St., Marfa, TX 79843 432.729.1800 or Presidio County Medical Clinic 501 E. O’Reilly, Presidio, TX 79845 432.229.3030

432-386-0275

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We service all brands Owner: Frank Daugherty

The Big Bend Sentinel, March 7, 2013, page 9

Regional Science Fair

9th grader Eva Guevara won second place in physics and astronomy, plus four additional awards. She is going to state competition.

Marfa students advance to state in science competition

All of the participants and sponsors of the Regional Science Fair Competition pose for a photo in front of the Gym Complex at UTPB, Odessa.

ODESSA, MARFA – Science projects by Marfa students Eva Guevara, Julio Baeza, Maria Quezada, and Jesse Garcia took top honors at the regional science fair in Odessa last week and will advance to the state science fair later this spring in San Antonio.

Guevara, a freshman, won second place in physics and astronomy.

She also won the following awards: Air Force Special Award, Senior Division Exxon Mobil Society of Engineering & Corrosion Award, Mathematics Award, and Astronomy & Meteorology Award.

(photos by LIANA SAWYER) Julio Baeza and Maria Quezada receive their awards. They are the MJSH 7th grade team going to state.

Baeza and Quezada, both seventh-graders, took first place as a team for their project.

Garcia, sixth-grader, took second place in engineering: materials and bioengineering.

He also received a special award from the Society of Corrosion and Engineering, which included a cash prize, an MP3 player, a trophy, and a calculator.

Jared Smith, a third-grader, took first place in chemistry, but alas, he doesn’t get to advance as only students in the intermediate and senior divisions advance.

Do your spring cleaning and come sell your items Only $10 per table for persons wanting to sell items Food – hamburgers – burritos – pastries Call 729-4694 or 729-4895 to reserve your table.

Proceeds to benefit Spring Queen candidate Clarissa Guevara

Marfa Lites Team

MES third grader Jared Smith took first place in chemistry.

Elia & Art Spragg, Gina Rivera, Letty Hernandez, Shawn and Laura Brugette

MES sixth grader Jesse Garcia is going to state. He took second place in engineering and received an additional award.

Big Bend Cowboy Church sets team roping ALPINE – The Big Bend Cowboy Church hosts a team roping on Saturday, March 9 at the Sul Ross State University SALE arena in Alpine.

Books open at 11:30am with a noon start. Entry fee is $40 per team.

Information: Stacey Roberts at stacbabe6620007@gmail.com.

Gem club meets March 14 ALPINE - The Chihuahuan Desert Gem & Mineral Club will meet at 5pm Thursday, March 14 at the Oriental Express restaurant, 3000 W. US 67/90 in Alpine.

The public is invited, and volunFront row from left, Orly Holguin, Jacy Holguin, Clarissa Guevara, Georgina Brugette, Huck Roch. Back row from left, Eliana Cataño, Michaela Serrano, Cesar Torres, and Brielle Gonzales.

Marfa 4-H’ers spread Easter cheer with colorful baskets

MARFA - Marfa 4-H members created colorful Easter baskets for those in need of cheer this year at their monthly club meeting on Monday, March 4.

The baskets will be delivered

by 4-H members around the Easter holiday and are filled with Easter goodies.

The next meeting of the Marfa 4-H Club will be Monday, April 8 at 5:30pm at the MISD Cafeteria.

Rick Ruiz Saturday y Grupo de la Paz 8 pm

Welcome Spring at Planet Marfa as doors reopen this weekend!

8pm Friday $5de cover Rick Ruiz y Grupo la Paz

Liz Parker’sSunday CDNoon release party Support Grand Companions Animal welfare with a BBQ brisket benefit

Saturday-NO Cover

Planet Marfa opens every Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 2 P.M. serving cold beer, wine & Aase’s famous nachos, other light food from the kitchen.

This season the Planet will add draft beer to the bar selections, plus an additional HD TV for watching sports and special screenings.

teers are welcome to help with the April Agate Festival.

Multiple Sclerosis 2nd Annual Fundraiser Join us on Friday, March 8 TACO Plate SALE – Fish or Beef $8 (3 Tacos) Lunch 11am - 2pm Dinner 5-8:30pm At the Lost Horse Saloon

30% off Sale (except consignment items) 11 am - 5 pm Thursday - Saturday

page 10, The Big Bend Sentinel, March 7, 2013

Education, sports

Shorthorns win Lajitas golf tournament

LAJITAS, MARFA – The Marfa varsity golf team of Nathan Alzenhaffer, Gavin Livingston, Trey Daugherty, Tim Flores, and Casey Walker are the 2013 champions of the Jack Probst Big Bend Invitational played Tuesday at Black Jack’s Crossing in Lajitas.

The low score of 400 sealed the Marfa victory with Alzenhaffer, the third place medalist, shooting an 87, followed by Livingston, 105; Daugherty, 109; Flores, 99; and Walker, 112.

(photos by TERRY NORMAN) Bree’Anna Daugherty tags a runner at second base. She led the team with three RBIs, a single and a triple.

Shorthorns run at Sanderson meet SANDERSON, MARFA – The 2013 Shorthorn varsity track and field team competed at the Sanderson Relays last week.

Complete results follow: Adrian Delgado, 3200 meter run, 14th, 14:56.50 time; 1600 meter run, 12th, 6:42.38.

Cesar Torres, 3200 meter run, 15th, 15:24.32; 1600 meter run, 13th, 6:43.41.

George Salgado, 800 meter run, 5th, 2:15.96; 1600 meter run, 6th, 5:14.61.

Eduardo Amaro, 800 meter run, 6th, 2:16.33.

Isaiah Martinez, 110 meter hur-

dles, 6th, 19.81; 300 meter hurdles, 4th, 49.05.

David Acosta, 110 meter hurdles, 3rd, 18.83; 300 meter hurdles, 6th, 51.92.

Relay results 4x200, Jomichael Salazar, Chris Ibarra, Eduardo Amaro, Tim Flores, 6th, 1:43.87.

4x400, Jomichael Salazar, Chris Ibarra, Eduardo Amaro, Tim Flores, 5th, 4:00.35.

Other competitors from Marfa were Ricardo Velazquez, shot put, discus, 100 meter dash; Kory Mutters, 100 meter dash, 200 meter dash; Andy Garcia, shot put, discus.

Sul Ross closed March 13-15 ALPINE - Sul Ross State University offices will be closed Wednesday-Friday, March 13-15 for spring break.

No classes will be held Mon-

day-Friday, March 11-15.

Classes will resume and offices will re-open at 8am Monday, March 18.

Boys Division: Alpine, 2nd: W. Torres, 117; J. Martinez, 83 (1st Medalist); R. Smith, 120; I. Barragan, 111; M. Chavez, 114.

Fort Davis, 3rd: C. Granado, 90; T. Whitsell, 111; Tr. Whitsell, 132; L. Hernandez, 105; G. Salcido, 123.

Terlingua Big Bend, 4th: A. Aranda, 85 (2nd Medalist); G. Garcia, 126; N. Hajek, 133; S. Trussell, 127; A. Villanueva, 140.

Valentine, 5th: D. Garnsey, 97; D. Koch, 137; R. Webb, 134; L. Garnsey, 122; E. Navarette, 129.

Girls Division Alpine, 1st: R. Skillern, 84, (First Medalist); T. Short – 124; F. Ferguson – 118; J. Savas – 118; A. Gonzales – 142.

Terlingua Big Bend, 2nd: Sh. Mendoza - 105 (2nd Medalist); E. Garcia – 111; Sa. Mendoza – 118; Y. Hernandez – 127; A. Valdez – 144.

Wink, 3rd: G. Ramos – 115; J. Eaton – 122; S. Stodghill – 119; M. Murrey – 140; A. Grey – 117.

Sierra Blanca, 4th: M. Sanchez - 110 (3rd Medalist); M. Moore – 152; R. Gomez – 121; M. Nunez – 128; S. Ramirez – 143.

Medalists Ft. Davis, K. Glidwell – 140; A. Sanchez – 162; J. Turner – 151.

Terlingua Big Bend: P. Garcia – 156; K. Galindo – 149.

Valentine: M. Borunda – 148; G. Tarango – 149.

Lady Horns handle Rio Grande Relays at Sanderson SANDERSON, MARFA - The Marfa varsity girls track team competed at the Rio Grande Relays at Sanderson this past weekend.

In the field events, Jayne Nuñez and Dakota Rancone competed in the discus. They both turned in personal bests.

In the running events, the 4x100m relay team of Samantha Salazar, Jayne Nuñez, Dakota Rancone, and Tristen Anderson placed 5th.

The same quartet in the 4x100m relay also competed in the 4x200m Relay.

Anderson also placed 6th in the 100 meter hurdles.

Other girls participating were Janessa Orozco and Rancone in the

100m dash. Nuñez and Salazar both ran the 200m dash as well.

We are looking forward to the Fighting Buck Invitational today in Alpine where we will be fielding a complete team as there are no conflicts with softball.

In junior high action, 400m dash, Fernanda Fabela, 6th, 1:21.4; and shot put, Shelby Martinez, 2nd, 28’4”.

There were only three junior high girls who attended the track meet. The rest of the team was busy with the science fair.

Shelby also competed in the discus, the 100m dash, and the 200m dash. Fernanda also competed in the 200m dash. Rebecca Ontiveros competed in the shot put and discus.

Yasmine Guevara safely steals second base. The Lady Horns lost a close game, 16-15, to Presidio Tuesday night.

Roman strong at Sanderson SANDERSON, MARFA – Team Shorthorn of the junior high school campus took part in the Sanderson Relays last week with Sal Roman pacing the team.

Complete results follow: Long Jump, Sal Roman, 3rd, 16’8.

Triple Jump, Sal Roman, 2nd, 32’10; John Serrano, 6th, 31’5.

110m Hurdles, Sal Roman, 4th, 20.6.

300m hurdles, Sal Roman, 3rd,

53.1.

4x400m relay, 2nd, 4:57.7, Jose Martinez, John Serrano, Steven Granado, Sal Roman.

Others competing were Jose in the long jump, 200m, and 400m; John in the LJ, 200m and 100m; Steven in the Shot Put, Discus, 100m and 200m; David Samaniego in the shot put and discus; and Aldo and Alan Alfaro in the 400m and 800m.

ALPINE - Representatives from Haliburton, Rio Grande Electric, the National Park Service and Midland Independent School District are among the agencies and businesses who will be present at the “Spring Fling” Career Fair Wednesday, March 20 at Sul Ross State University.

Sponsored by Career Services, the fair will be held in the Espino Conference Center, Morgan Uni-

versity Center, from 10am-3pm.

Representatives of business, agriculture, education, hospitality, non-profit, community service, criminal justice, park services and other fields will be present to recruit, answer questions, network and provide referral contacts. Registrants may call (432) 837-8178 to reserve space at the fair.

For more information, contact Career Services, (432) 837-8178.

SRSU Career Fair March 20

Business & services guide XL Building Services

Aetna BCBS Davis Vision Eyemed Medicare Superior Vision VSP

4i’s Optical

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JUSTON MARTIN, Owner refrigeration • sheet metal fabrication • installation & service 807 N. 8th, Alpine • 432.837.1886 - 432.294.1153 • Lic.# TACLB22433C 7mfabrication@sbcglobal.net • www.7mfabrication.com

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Iris V. Korus, D.D.S. General Dentistry

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Alan Vana

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West Texas Eye Care Dr. Hulon Pass - Optometrist Dr. Joshua Pass - Optometrist

605 N. Main • Ft. Stockton, TX

432-336-3662

Mon - Fri 8:30-5:30 Saturdays by appointment only

Moonlight Gemstones

lapidary, fine silversmithing rocks, minerals, fossils

Paul Graybeal, owner Ben Toro, associate 1001 W. San Antonio St. PO Box 1220 Marfa TX 79843

432.729.4526

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Need a ride to a medical appointment, shopping, or visit family members out of town? Need a ride to and from your work site, or to Sul Ross State University?

Public and Medical Transportation

Provided by Big Bend Community Action Offices to call: Marfa 432-729-1992 Alpine 432-837-9139 Presidio 432-229-4917 Van Horn 432-283-1159

Travel destinations:

Marfa, Fort Davis, Alpine, Marathon, Terlingua, Lajitas, Study Butte, Big Bend National Park, Presidio, Pecos, Candelaria, Redford, Shafter, Valentine, Odessa, Fort Stockton, Midland, Van Horn, Sierra Blanca, Dell City, Fabens, Fort Hancock, El paso.

Train Without Pain!

mARFa Dog Training Kathie Compton, CDBC, CPDT 432.386.5504 www.texasdogtrainer.com Big Bend's certified professional trainer

Providing Free and Low-cost Spay/Neuter Programs For Pets in Presidio County For assistance call 432-363-4PET or visit our website www.rompmarfa.org

Weathers Electric Company Licensed & Insured TECL #22464

Residential, Commercial, Service Work New construction or remodel

Authorized dealer for KOHLER generators

Call 432-837-5313

P.O. Box 1080 Alpine, Texas 79831

Ballroom Marfa art & music

The Big Bend Sentinel, March 7, 2013, page 11

Kahil El’Zabar, Hamiet Bluiett

Noted jazz musicians perform Friday

Rashid Johnson with his artwork

Rashid Johnson exhibit opens Friday

MARFA - Ballroom Marfa is proud to announce the opening of New Growth, a solo exhibition of new work by Rashid Johnson on from 6-8pm Friday.

Johnson combines both personally and historically loaded material, such as shea butter and black soap with objects such as vinyl record covers and books in complex installations that confound the uniformity of collective identity and multicultural representation.

Beginning with the question, “What would happen if Sun Ra, George Washington Carver and Robert Smithson started a community together in the desert?”

New Growth’s playful scrutiny intertwines cosmology, escapism and irrigation in a re-contextualization of the lines between past, present and future in Marfa’s desert setting.

In keeping with Ballroom Marfa’s mission, New Growth will feature newly commissioned work, including a large-scale sculpture and video — both produced during the artist’s stay in Marfa, as well as paintings, works in wood and islands of sculptural installation.

To inaugurate New Growth,

Ballroom Marfa will host a weekend of festivities, including an opening on Friday from 6-8pm.

The reception also features a performance by multi-instrumentalist legend Kahil El’Zabar and saxophone master Hamiet Bluiett, whose musical style ranges from avant-garde to bee-bop.

Directly following the opening reception is a community dinner at the Capri. There will be an exhibition walk-through with Johnson on Saturday, March 9, at 11:30 am.

All events are free and open to the public.

MARFA - Percussionist Kahil El’Zabar and baritone saxophonist Hamiet Bluiett will perform at the opening reception of Rashid Johnson’s New Growth from 6-8pm Friday at Ballroom Marfa.

The most prominent baritone saxophonist of his generation, Bluiett combines a blunt, modestly inflected attack with a fleet, aggressive technique, and a uniform hugeness of sound that extends from his horn’s lowest reaches to far beyond what is usually its highest register.

In St. Louis in the 1960s, Bluiett co-founded the Black Artists’ Group (BAG), an artist collective not unlike Chicago’s AACM. And, in 1969, he moved to New York City to join the Charles Mingus Quintet and the Sam Rivers Large Ensemble. In 1976 he cofounded the World Saxophone Quartet (along with two other Black Artists’ Group members, Julius Hemphill and Oliver Lake), which soon became jazz music’s most renowned saxophone quartet. Over the years, Bluiett has also worked with Babatunde Olatunji, Abdullah Ibrahim, Stevie Wonder and Marvin Gaye.

Kahil El’Zabar is one of Chicago’s jazz treasures. He joined the Association for the Advancement of

Percussionist Kahil El’Zabar and saxophonist Hamiet Bluiett Creative Musicians (AACM) in the early 1970s, and became its chairman in 1975. He regularly records for Chicago’s Delmark Records and, during the 1970s, he formed the acclaimed ensembles Ritual Trio and the Ethnic Heritage Ensemble, both of which remain active today. El’Zabar has performed alongside a myriad of jazz greats such as Cannonball Adderley, Pharoah Sanders, Archie Shepp and Dizzy Gillespie, but also in the bands

of Stevie Wonder and Nina Simone.

For these two highly sensitive and energy-propelled modern music masters to come together, it represents a performance of historical significance. The stories they weave upon a landscape of rhythmic complexity and melodic sonority is a marvel.

Don’t miss these cats, you owe it to yourself to be completely transported on a spiritual journey of musical ecstasy!

Ballroom releases Eleanor Friedberger recording MARFA - When Eleanor Friedberger drove from Austin to the Big Bend for her weeklong Ballroom Marfa residency and recording session in March 2012, she was feeling “a little bit miserable.”

She won’t say why exactly, but her low spirits convinced her that if she was going to record a 7-inch here, it would include “I’ll Never Be Happy Again,” a heartbreaking song about the moment when sadness invades relationships, and how “after perfection it’s all downhill.”

After a rough landing in Marfa things took a turn for the better.

The 7-inch single she recorded in Marfa features a crew of Marfa players, Ross and Joe Cashiola,

Chris Hillen and Brian LeBarton.

Colt Miller accompanies Eleanor with banjo and pedal steel, adding the finishing touches to the session’s classic West Texas vibes.

The A-side “I’ll Never Be Happy Again” is a new song that fans might recognize from Eleanor’s live sets during tours supporting 2011’s Last Summer album.

It appears here as a sonorous country ballad, well suited to the lonely environs of the high desert grasslands.

For the B-side, Eleanor chose to cover Jimmie Dale Gilmore’s “Dallas,” a tribute to her father’s record collection.

“My dad only listened to classical music,” she remembers, but

ballroom marfa presents Rashid Johnson: New Growth March 8 – July 7, 2013 Opening Reception: Friday, March 8, 6 – 8 pm at Ballroom Marfa with a performance by Kahil El’ Zabar and Hamiet Bluiett Community Dinner: March 8, 8 pm at the Capri Exhibiton Walkthrough: March 9, 11:30 am at Ballroom Marfa All events are free and open to the public.

Office Hours: Mon–Fri 10a–6p, Gallery Hours: Wed–Sat 10a–6p, Sun 10a–3p 108 e San Antonio st, po box 1661 Marfa, Texas 79843 tel 432.729.3600 info@ballroommarfa.org, ballroommarfa.org New Growth has been made possible through the support of Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts, National Endowment for the Arts, the Brown Foundation, Inc. Houston, Texas Commission on the Arts, Foundation for Contemporary Arts, Meyer Levy Charitable Foundation and Hauser & Wirth Gallery, with generous contributions by Ballroom Marfa members.

Special thanks to Yoseff Ben-Yehuda, Ross Cashiola, Vicente Celis, Rob Crowley, Robert Davis, Hilary duPont, Michael Eason, Alex Ernst, Cuca Flores, Barbara Hill, Cristina Garcés Hoyos, Celia Hollander, David Hollander, Rod Lamborn, Brian Lewis, Jeff Matheis, Matt Panuska, Nancy Patterson, Samuel Lee Roberts, Francisco Rosas, Krista Steinhauer and Libby Tilley.

Eleanor Friedberger

after taking a Texas Tech job in Lubbock when she was 14, the Flatlanders showed up on his stereo.

“To get to record it in West Texas was special. I couldn’t think of a better place to do it.”

Friedberger’s new 7-inch, “I’ll Never Be Happy Again” b/w “Dallas,” is out now in a limited edition of 500 from Ballroom Marfa and its

website, https://ballroommarfa. org/item/124/. The A-side is also available as a download on iTunes.

page 12, The Big Bend Sentinel, March 7, 2013

Education, sports Sul Ross Children’s Theatre Tyree named interim SRSU coach ALPINE - John Tyree has been was quarterback A.J. Springer Project raises half ton of food named interim head football coach of Los Angeles, California, who

MARFA – More than 1,300 school children from the Region 18 area attended special matinees Feb. 28 and March 1 of the Sul Ross State University production of “Tom Sawyer and the Jackson’s Island Pirates” written and directed

by Gregory M. Schwab.

The matinees were part of the Sul Ross Children’s Theatre Project, begun in the Fall of 2006 and now finishing its fifth production.

The project was conceived to provide an opportunity for Region 18 school children to attend live theatre and participate in charitable giving.

Since its inception, more than 7,000 children have attended the

special school matinees, with the price of admission a canned food item. This year’s donations will go directly to the Food Pantry of Alpine.

Children and teachers from the following school districts attended the matinees and enjoyed the opportunity to give: Alpine, Big Bend National Park, Del Rio, Marfa, Kermit, Presidio, Terlingua, and Valentine.

Their donations raised over 1,000 pounds of canned and boxed food.

For more information regarding the Sul Ross Children’s Theatre Project, contact the Department of Fine Arts and Communication, (432) 837-8218 or email droman@ sulross.edu.

Chinati hosts free Spring Break activities for area students

(photo courtesy MARFA ELEMENTARY SCHOOL) Pictured with Mrs. Sawyer, MES principal, in front of Sul Ross Marshall Auditorium are the following 2nd grade students: Aubrey Aguilar, Charlize Martinez, Victoria Torres, Tatiana Bejarano, and Tony Saenz.

Marfa Elementary students visit the theatre at Sul Ross

MARFA - Marfa Elementary students have been looking forward to this day for several weeks. They gathered their food cans, wore their Shorthorn Purple and loaded the buses for their theater experience at Sul Ross State University’s Marshall Auditorium.

Upon arrival, students were seated front and center and treated to the just-over-an-hour performance of “Tom Sawyer and the Jackson’s

Island Pirates,” written and directed

by Gregory M. Schwab.

In preparation for this experience, many students read excerpts from The Adventures of Tom Sawyer by Mark Twain. Even our youngest readers in first grade were able to relate to the fence-painting scene in the theater production due to their class work. What a wonderful experience this has been for our students!

From left, Maria Vega, Nohely Ramirez, Jennifer Arzate, Mr. Benjie Rosaldo, Brandon Leos, Gisselle Lujan, and Kevin Pippen.

2013 You Be The Chemist Challenge MARFA - Six junior high students competed in the 2013 You Be The Chemist (YBTC) Local Challenge in San Antonio last Saturday, March 2.

The YBTC Challenge® is an interactive academic competition that engages grade 5-8 students in learning with their peers (and their community!) about important chemistry concepts, scientific discoveries, and laboratory safety.

In November, some selected junior high students took a qualifying exam with their science teacher and trainer Mr. Benjie Rosaldo. The top 6 qualifiers, Brandon Leos (1st place), Jennifer Arzate (2nd place), Nohely Ramirez (3rd place), Giselle

Stock show tag deadline April 15 MARFA - As the State Fair approaches, so does the deadline to order validation tags.

The 2013-2014 Texas 4-H Steer tag orders will be due by noon on Monday, April 15 at the Texas A&M Agrilife Extension Office.

The cost is $9 per tag and lamb and goats require separate validations tags. There will be no exeption to the deadline.

Tags ordered by the deadline are for major stock shows and reserving a tag to show only at county are free.

All checks should be written to the Marfa 4-H Club.

For more information, contact 4-H Coordinator Jesse Lea Schneider at (432) 729-4746 or by e-mail at jlschneider@ag.tamu.edu.

Lujan (4th place), Maria Vega (5th place) and Kevin Pippen (alternate), advanced and attended trainings during lunch and after school.

During the YBTC Local Challenge in San Antonio, the contestants were given 4 rounds with 10 questions in each round followed by the semi-final and final rounds. Unfortunately, our students got eliminated after round 4 of the competition.

The students that placed in the local challenge will advance to the YBTC State Challenge in Houston in April.

At the end of the competition, our students received their prizes by placing in the qualifying round held in our school.

MARFA - Students ages 5-13 are invited to Chinati during spring break for afternoons full of creative, hands-on fun with other students from across the tri-county area.

The program takes place Tuesday through Friday, March 12–15 from 2:30–5pm and all students are welcome! Classes are taught by Chinati education staff and local artists and include healthy food and physical activities each day.

Advance registration is appreciated to help the museum prepare for the classes, and is available on line at http://www.chinati.org/information/springart.php or by calling the museum at (432) 729 4362.

Students will be divided into sections and work with kids in their own age group. Younger students (ages 5–8) will explore School No. 6, a site-specific artwork by Ilya Kabakov located at Chinati.

Similar to a theatre set, the piece consists of an entire building that has been painted, furnished, and filled with objects in order to evoke a place from the artist’s memory and imagination.

Working together, students will transform the Chinati Artlab into their own large-scale artwork inspired by this piece by writing, drawing, making sculpture, and using found objects. Alexandra Annello, Jennie Lyn Hamilton, and Wendy Wright will teach the class.

Older students (ages 9–13) will work with a different local artist or craftsperson each day to learn new skills. On Tuesday, March 12, participants will make kites with designer Peter Stanley and spend the afternoon flying them on the Chinati grounds.

Wednesday’s class features a workshop with Malinda Beeman of Marfa Maid Dairy, with students learning to make their own cheese – everyone will get to take some home. Thursday, artist Alyce Santoro teaches students to make working, solar-powered ovens, with participants using the sun to bake homemade bread.

On Friday, kids can build catapults with designer David Branch and launch seed bombs (small,

hand-rolled balls made of soil, clay, and plant seeds) around the museum grounds.

Students are encouraged to wear sturdy, close-toed shoes and messfriendly clothes to classes. To learn more about the program please contact the museum at (432) 729 4362 or information@chinati.org.

at Sul Ross State University. Tyree, who has served in several capacities on the Lobo football staff in 200809 and 2011, will oversee the program until a new head coach/athletics director is hired.

“John brings a wealth of coaching experience, both at the high school and collegiate levels and is very familiar with the Sul Ross football program,” said President Ricardo Maestas. “Of equal importance is his extensive recruiting network that includes Texas, Oklahoma and Southern California. He has been instrumental in bringing a number of quality student-athletes to Sul Ross.”

One of Tyree’s principal recruits

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ranked high on the NCAA Division III passing and total offense statistical charts during the 2012 season.

A native of Lawton, Oklahoma, Tyree was a high school head football coach for 31 years in Oklahoma, California and Texas.

He posted a 207-155-3 overall record that included two state championships and a second-place finish. He has also served as an assistant coach at the collegiate level for seven years.

He received a B.S. in Education from Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, and a M.S. in Secondary Administration from Southwestern Oklahoma State University, Weatherford.

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The Big Bend Sentinel, March 7, 2013, page 13

Obituaries Acosta Marfa native Maria M. Acosta, 89, of Monahans passed away Sunday, March 3, 2013 in Odessa.

Memorial services are 2pm Saturday, March 16 at Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses, 5100 N. Lamesa Road, Midland with Victor Ramero officiating.

She was born February 15, 1924 in Marfa to Nestor and Amelia Mendoza. She was a homemaker.

Survivors include a son, Mario (Louisa) Acosta of Pflugerville; daughters Amelia (Reyes) Chavez of Midland, Elida (Tino) Ontiveroz of Monahans, Frances (David) Rodriguez of Irving, Elizabeth (Bobby Fuentes) Garcia of Odessa and Amalia (Manuel) Razo of Marfa; brother, Ramiro Morales of Carlsbad, New Mexico; 15 grandchildren, Richard Ontiveroz, Orlando Ontiveroz, Patty Ontiveroz, Glenn Rodriguez, Diana Morales, Ivonne Gonzales, Tina Rodriguez, Bobby Lujan, Ramon Lujan, Lyneta Mendoza, Audrey Lee Acosta, Austin Edward Acosta, Able Razo, Mandy Razo and Ruby Pallanez; also 28 great-grandchildren and five greatgreat-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents and her husband, Manuel Acosta.

Arrangements are by Harkey Funeral Home of Monahans.

Adams Former Jeff Davis County Judge Wanda Lou Adams of Fort Davis went home to be with her Lord and Savoir on Saturday, March 2, 2013.

She truly loved Texas and it was no coincidence that she went to her heavenly home on Texas Independence Day. Wanda was born to Smoky Joe Wood and Muriel Brown Wood on November 19, 1929 in Rocksprings, Texas.

She married Harvey Ralph Adams of La Pryor, Texas on November 11, 1947 in Rock Springs.

Wanda served as Jeff Davis County Judge from 1972-1978. She has served as past Matron of the Order of the Eastern Star chapter and was an active member of the Daughters of the Confederacy. She was a member of the Church in the Mountains in Fort Davis and actively worked with the GA’s at Paisano Baptist Encampment.

Survivors include two sons, Scott Adams and wife Janet of Fort Davis, and Frank Price Adams and wife Elaine of College Station; a daughter, Kaprece Bedell of Snyder; a sister-in-law, Mae Rolls of La Pryor; her grandchildren, Jody Adams and wife Sara of Fort Davis, Casey Adams and wife Jan of New Home, Amanda Redding and husband Mark of Victoria, Jesse Price Adams and wife Lindsay of Victoria, Lana Richardson and husband Sam of Abilene, Sam Adam Bedell and wife Eren of Snyder, Colter Bedell and wife Taren of Snyder; also six great-granddaughters, five great-grandsons, and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband, her parents, a brother, Billy Bert Brown of Rock Springs, and a son-in-law, Danny Bedell.

Family visitation was the evening of Tuesday, March 5 at the Geeslin Chapel in Alpine. Services were the morning of Wednesday, March 6, at the Church in the Mountains in Fort Davis, conducted by Jody Smith of Memphis, Texas and Skeet Boyd, with graveside music provided by John Davis. Pallbearers are her grandsons and Bart Medley of Fort Davis.

Wanda loved being a steward of the earth almost as much as she loved serving the Lord, and has asked that in her memory you plant a tree in a location of your choice.

Memorials may be made to the Church in the Mountains, PO Box 1438, Fort Davis, TX 79734 or Paisano Baptist Encampment, c/o Buddy Baldridge, 6725 Hwy 380, Snyder, TX 79549.

Alpine Memorial Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

at 1pm Thursday, March 14 at the United Methodist Church Fellowship Hall in Fort Davis.

She was born December 2, 1954, in Downey, California. A graduate of Junction City High School, Junction City, Oregon, she served three years in the U.S. Army. She had attended Sul Ross State University studying geology.

Survivors include her husband, Anthony Foster of Fort Davis; her children, Jason Anderson and his wife Jenn of Clemson, North Carolina, Linda Jo Anderson and her husband Jose of Austin, Benjamin Banton of Alpine, Sarah Harris and her husband Jesse of Alpine, and Tierney Foster of Fort Davis; stepchildren, Tony Foster and his wife Cristy of Amarillo, Decee Surratt and her husband Slade of Amarillo, Ian Foster of Lubbock; also five grandchildren and three step-grandchildren.

She had chosen cremation, which will be handled by Kaster-Maxon, Futrell Funeral Home of El Paso.

Garcia Timoteo Jaime “Chapo” Garcia, 99, of Balmorhea passed away Saturday, March 2, 2013 at Midland Memorial Hospital.

He was born in Balmorhea on February 14, 1914 to Seferino and Maria (Jaime) Garcia.

He was a lifetime f a r m er and r a n c h e r, “Chapo” Garcia but also worked for the Texas State Highway Department and drove a truck.

He was a member of Christ the King Catholic Church in Balmorhea.

He is survived by his children, including nine sons, Tommy Garcia and Joe Garcia, both of Balmorhea, Timothy Garcia of Fort Worth, Frankie Garcia of Monahans, Raymond Garcia of Odessa, Armando Garcia of Saragosa, Steven Garcia of Odessa, Robert Garcia of Midland, and Billy Garcia of Odessa; four daughters, Mary Baeza of Odessa, Monse “Cindy” Lara of Fort Davis, Beatrice Armendariz of Odessa, and Margie Garcia of Marfa; also numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Cinderella (Millan) Garcia, and three sons, Armando, Martin, and Andy Garcia.

Rosary, at Christ the King Catholic Church in Balmorhea was the evening of Monday, March 4. Mass of Christian burial at the church was the morning of Tuesday, March 5, officiated by Father Fabian Marquez. Burial was in Balmorhea Cemetery.

Acres West Funeral Chapel of Odessa was in charge of arrangements, and condolences may be sent to the family online at acreswestfuneral.com.

Miles Barbara Marie Miles, 67, of Marfa, passed away Tuesday, February 26, 2013 at Medical Center Hospital

Slack Richard C. “Dick” Slack, 98, of Pecos, passed away March 1, 2013 at his home in Pecos.

Viewing will be 9am-5pm Friday at the Pecos Funeral Home. Funeral service is 11am Saturday, March 9 at the First Presbyterian Church, 401 S. Plum St., Pecos with Randy Foster officiating. Burial will be in the Pioneer section of Mt. Evergreen Cemetery.

The founder of the First Presidio Bank and the dean of the Texas House of Representatives in the 1980s, Mr. Slack was born in Pecos on December 20, 1914 to Ruby Stephens and Henry Clay Slack Jr. He was the grandson of Henry Slack, one of the contestants in the world’s first rodeo in Pecos in 1883.

Slack’s parents moved to Presidio in the early 1920s and were longtime residents. His father, Clay Slack, became a prominent farmer and was the first mayor when Presidio was initially incorporated for a number of years in the 1940s Slack attended elementary school in Presidio then moved to Pecos and lived with his grandparents to attend high school. After graduating from Pecos High School in 1932, he attended Texas A&M where he earned a degree in petroleum engineering.

He returned to Pecos and worked as a roughneck until he purchased the Magnolia oil distributorship in Pecos.

Slack joined the Army in 1940.

He served with the Texas 36th Division shipping out to North Africa less than four months after the attack on Pearl Harbor. Slack fought in North Africa, Italy (Salerno, Cassino, Anzio, and Rome), France and Germany during World War II. As an Army captain commanding an artillery battery, her was awarded the Bronze Star for valor during an artillery exchange on the Anzio Beachhead near Villetri, Italy in 1944.

ROBINSON Cafeteria school menu today through next Wednesday, March 7 - 13, 2013

BREAKFAST Today Pancakes, Syrup, Cereal, Toast, Fruit, Slushy Friday Cinnamon Roll, Sausage, Fruit, Slushy Monday Tuesday Wednesday

Foster Davis Mountains Resort resident Linda Evelyn Foster died February 28, 2013 at Providence Memorial Hospital in El Paso. She was 58 and was diagnosed with cancer in March 2012.

A celebration of life service is

in Odessa after a brief battle with cancer.

She was born in North Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on January 23, 1946 to George Miles and Mary Katherine (Cockerell) Green.

Barbara married John Klusek in East Hampton, Connecticut on June 4, 1989.

Before she became a homemaker, she was a security guard for Barbara Miles Bank of Klusek America in Philadelphia, for the Showboat Casino in Atlantic City, New Jersey, and for a CVS warehouse in New Jersey.

She and her husband moved from the Blackfeet reservation in Montana to Presidio about 10 years ago and to Marfa about three years ago.

Barbara is survived by her husband, John Klusek of Marfa; two sons, Warren Miles and Paris Miles, both of Baltimore, Maryland; also two grandchildren, and a host of nieces and nephews.

A private graveside service was the morning of Friday, March 1, in Merced Cemetery in Marfa.

LUNCH Popcorn Chicken, Garden Salad, Apple Slices, Breadsticks, Baby Carrots

Fish Strips, Sweet Potato Fries, Coleslaw, Sliced Peaches

Spring Break!

Milk served with all meals. Juice served at breakfast. Menu subject to change.

menu courtesy of

serving Marfa since 1986 • 729.4375

Slack returned from Europe in 1945 and reverted to Army Reserve status. He joined the Texas National Guard in 1948. After more than 20 years of military service, Slack retired with the rank of colonel.

His political aspirations began when he was Richard Slack asked to run for Reeves County judge. He was elected in 1948 and served two terms. In 1952, he was elected state representative where he served 28 years. Slack was instrumental in the establishment of the University of Texas of the Permian Basin and the Texas Tech Health Sciences Center in Odessa.

As a legislator, he was a conservative, independent thinker with a wit and charm that broke down barriers.

During his freshman year in the House, Slack met Charlotte Tonroy, who was a third-year law student and legislative clerk. They married in August 1953.

Slack attended St. Mary’s School of Law and was admitted to the State Bar of Texas in 1956.

The Pecos Chamber of Commerce named him Citizen of the Year in 1968. He served on the Texas Ethics Commission in 1992 for 11 years, and chaired the panel for two years.

Slack enjoyed big game hunting and was always happy to tell his hunting stories. A good shot, he continued shooting skeet until a few months ago.

Slack is survived by wife, Charlotte; children, Anne Mackey and husband Doug of Odessa, Clay Slack and wife Ann of Austin, and Cynthia Shaw and husband Stan of Austin; grandchildren Sarah Faulkner Staley and husband Mark, Dugger Faulkner, Margaret, David and Sara Shaw, Trey and Robert Slack; and a great-granddaughter, Elizabeth Staley.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the West of the Pecos Museum, PO Box 1784, Pecos, TX 79772, or the charity of your choice.

Woolley Beatrice Gibson Woolley, who served as county and district clerk of Jeff Davis County from 1947 until 1980, died February 27, 2013 in Dallas, where she had lived her final years. She was 96.

Mrs. Woolley was born June 21, 1916, in Hamilton County, Texas, the only child of Audie Lee and Clora DeVolin Gibson. Mr. Gibson was a farmer and deputy sheriff, and Mrs. Gibson was a teacher. In 1932, when Beatrice was 16, her father was murdered by three men trying to rob the drugstore in Carlton, Texas, the tiny town where the Gibsons lived and worked.

A few months after her father’s death, Beatrice graduated from Carlton High School and enrolled in John Tarlton State College in Stephenville, a junior college that since has become a university. Two years later, she married and moved to her husband’s family farm in Comanche County.

She bore five children – Bryan, Linda, Dick, Mike and Sherry – in quick succession. But in 1945, after her husband’s brief military service, the marriage ended in divorce.

Two brothers of Mrs. Gibson – Emmitt and Edgar DeVolin of Marfa – encouraged Mrs. Gibson and Mrs. Woolley to bring the children westward for a new start. The Fort Davis school board hired Mrs. Gibson as an elementary school teacher, and

the family moved there in August 1945. She was a beloved teacher of the town’s children – including her five grandchildren -- until her retirement in the 1970s. She died in 1984 at age 91.

During her first year in Fort Davis, Mrs. Woolley took in sewing to help make ends meet. In 1946, when county and district clerk Roy Bloys decided to retire, she ran for the office and was elected. During her 33 years in office, she was opposed for re-election only twice, winning by large margins both times. She resigned in 1980 to devote more time to managing the Jeff Davis County Abstract and Title Co., which she had purchased several years earlier.

Mrs. Woolley was a very active member of the First Baptist Church of Fort Davis. During the years when she had one or more children in Fort Davis High School – from 1951 until 1962 – she served as a chaperone on many student trips, logging thousands of school bus miles.

She is survived by all her children, Dick Woolley of Cisco, Mike Woolley of Columbia, Missouri, Linda Shelton of Abilene, and Bryan Woolley and Sherry Bartlett of Dallas – and their spouses, as well as 13 grandchildren and 26 greatgrandchildren.

On March 4 she was buried beside her mother during a family graveside service at Hillcrest Cemetery in Fort Davis.

For Whom You Cared

The one for whom you cared, With such abiding love, Has found the wondrous shining path, Up to the home above. The home where joy forever dwells, Where loved ones but await, For us to share their happiness, Beyond the heavenly gate.

Thank you

The family of Lola Leos thanks the personnel at Chapa Memorial Funeral Home in Fort Stockton, the ladies who helped at the hall with lunch after the funeral, Mr. & Mrs. Ismael Vasquez for the Rosary service, Presidio County Sheriff’s Department, Father Rolando & St. Mary’s Church, Homeland Security. We thank all who sent flowers & food & who attended the services.

Thanks to Davita Center in Fort Stockton, all drivers who helped from Trax services for all her needs, Buns & Roses for your service. We thank all friends & Family who came from out of town, thanks to those who called. Thanks to Rick Ruiz for the music at the church & cemetery, thanks to Marfa Community Health Clinic and to the pall bearers, and to friends & relatives who traveled from afar.

May God bless you.

Alex Leos, Mike & Grace Bennett George Campbell III, Jaime & Deborah Lagos Eddie Leos Alex & Minerva Leos, Brandon, Lora, & Myra

page 14, The Big Bend Sentinel, March 7, 2013

PUBLIC NOTICES

PUBLIC NOTICES

PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE PRESIDIO COUNTY REINVESTMENT ZONE AND POSSIBLE TAX ABATEMENT AGREEMENT

Presidio County will hold a public hearing at 9:00am on March 12, 2013 at the Presidio County Courthouse, 300 N. Highland, Marfa, Texas, to receive public comment on the possible designation of a reinvestment zone, and possible economic development and tax abatement agreement with Element Power/Alpine Solar, LLC, for a proposed solar power facility planned near the Eastern edge of the County, just South of Highway 90.- A regularly scheduled meeting of the Presidio County Commissioners Court will follow the hearing where the Court may consider action on findings under Section 312 of the Texas Tax Code and consider action to designate a reinvestment zone for the proposed project. Citizens unable to attend this meeting may submit their views and comments in writing to the County Judge at the County Courthouse in Marfa.

Paul Hunt Presidio County Judge 432 729-4452 (voice) 432 7294453 (fax) presidiocounty@att.net 2/28,3/7

PUBLIC NOTICE Private Nonprofit Schools in the Marfa ISD, Marfa, TX area: No Child Left Behind (NCLB) Program Specific Assurances require that each school district provide services to eligible students attending private elementary and secondary schools in accordance with section 1120 (Participation of Children Enrolled in Private Schools), and timely, ongoing, and meaningful consultation with private school officials regarding such services. [P.L. 107-110, Section 1112(c)(1)(E)].

Your Private Nonprofit School may be eligible to receive educational services from certain NCLB Programs, such as the Title I, Part A program for Improving the Academic Achievement of the Disadvantaged; Title I, Part C Migrant Education program; Title II, Part A Teacher/ Principal Training, Recruiting, and Retention program; and/or Title III, Part A program English Language Acquisition program.

Please contact Marfa ISD Central Office for more details: Contact Person: Andrew Peters Phone: 432-729-4252 Fax: 432-729-4310 Email: apeters@marfaisd.com Mailing Address: PO Box T; Marfa, TX 79843 Planning is critical to the success of each NCLB program. In order to provide an appropriate level of planning for both the school district and the private school program(s), (Name of District) requests that the PNP indicate its interest in participating in the 2013-2014 program(s), no later than April 30, 2013. If a PNP declines services, or if no response is received by the above date, (Name of District) will redirect any funding set aside for services to a PNP back into the district’s NCLB program(s). If a PNP decides at a later date that it wishes to participate, the school district will work with the PNP to plan for the following school year. 1tb

SPECIAL NOTICE

PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD VACANCY A vacancy currently exists on the City of Marfa Parks and Recreation Development Corporation Board.

Persons interested in serving on the Corporation Board should submit their bio/resume to any current board member or to the front desk at City Hall. Board members must reside in the city limits, be willing to serve without pay and be willing to accept responsibilities beyond attending board meetings. Current board members are Mayor Dan Dunlap, council member Manuel Baeza, council member David Beebe, Ralph McKay, David Walker and Alex Leos.

3/7b

PUBLIC NOTICES United States Customs & Border Protection Big Bend Sector Marfa, Texas CBP/ICE Seized Property Postings Go Online Public notice of seized property pending forfeiture will no longer be published in the legal section of this publication.

Effective March 1, 2013, U.S. Customs & Border Protection (CBP) and Immigration & Customs Enforcement (ICE) will advertise notices of seizure and intent to forfeit on the Department of Justice website, www.forfeiture.gov which will become the primary method to notify the public that property was seized and is subject to forfeiture.

The Department of Homeland Security authorized this action in accordance with 19 CFR Part 162, as published in the January 29, 2013, Federal Register. Seized property listings will be posted on the website running in 30 consecutive day ad cycles.

Visit www.forfeiture.gov to learn more.

2/21>3-21b

Classifieds EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

Marfa Community Health Clinic is seeking a Medical Assistant/LVN for our Clinic: Current Texas License/Certification preferred; Bilingual English/Spanish preferred Job Posted until filled. Marfa Community Health Clinic is an EOE. 20-30% travel. Application can be picked up at: Presidio County Health Services, Inc. (Medical Assistant Position): 106 E. Texas St. and can be mailed to P.O. Box 267, Marfa, Texas 79843 Ph: 432-729-1812 or Faxed in to:Fax: 432-729-4023 Email: sarahv.pchs@gmail.

com

2/28-3/14

MAINTENANCE WORKERS Maintenance Workers needed to perform a variety of general maintenance repairs and services at our greenhouse located in Marfa. Experience requirements: basic carpentry, use of common hand and power tools, general electric and plumbing. Ability to read, write and understand verbal and written instructions. Village Farms offers a competitive salary and benefits package. Interested candidates should email or fax resume to (432)729-5010 aanderson@ villagefarms.com, applications are also available at Village Farms Security Station 3 Miles N. Hwy 17 Marfa, TX GREENHOUSE WORKERS Full-time & Part-time Positions Village Farms is recruiting individuals for crop work, harvesting and packing tomatoes. New hire rate now $10 / hour with an opportunity to earn up to $16 per hour based on productivity. We offer a competitive benefits package. Must be able to work in a fast-paced environment, stand for long periods and work Saturdays as needed. To pick up an application, please stop by our facilities located north of Marfa or south of FT. Davis on Hwy 17 or call 432-386-7488 for more information.

TRABAJADORES DE INVERNADERO Posiciones a Tiempo Completo y Tiempo Parcial Village Farms está contratando trabajadores para la cosecha y empaque de tomate. Nuevo sueldo inicial ahora es $10 por hora con una oportunidad de ganar hasta $16 por hora basado en productividad.

Ofrecemos un paquete de beneficios competitivo. Debe ser capaz de trabajar en un entorno de ritmo rápido, estar de pie durante largos periodos y trabajar los sábados si es necesario. Para obtener una solicitud, por favor pase por nuestras instalaciones localizadas al norte de Marfa o al sur de FT. Davis en la carretera 17 o llame al 432-3867488 para más información.

2/28-3/14

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

Mountain Trails Lodge in Fort Davis is hiring housekeepers and assistant cooks. Competitive pay, flexible hours and fun, fast-paced work environment. Call or e-mail to apply: 432.426.3481 or jenny@ mountaintrailslodge.com. tfn

Now Hiring WAITSTAFF

REAL ESTATE FOR SALE – House in Presidio, everything brand new-Saltillo floors throughout, ceilings, cedar vigas and beams, all windows, lime plaster and paint, all kitchen cabinets, cast iron sink, stainless-steel gas range and refrigerator, four-piece bathroom with talavera tile, wood burning stove, light fixtures, heating and air-conditioning, electric, washer and dryer, large walk-in closet...It is a two-to-three bedroom, one bath, adobe in the Utopia community. For info please call 325-338-2926. tfn

FOR SALE Barn Sale Fort Davis, Texas One day only in the Espy barn behind Murphy’s! Chuck box, Garland wood cook stove, Unique Globe oak file cabinet, granite ware, harvest tables, iron beds and so much more. Wear your old clothes and prowl!

Saturday, March 9th FOR SALE – 10-foot livestock trailer in good condition, double axle, electric brakes: $1,500. Call 432-426-3393. 1tp

HOUSEKEEPERS GENERAL LABORERS 432.229.3737 3/17-24

FOR RENT SOUTHWEST REALTY INVESTORS For Rent in Marfa 408 W 3rd Street 2 bedroom / 1 bathoom Rent: $650/mo + deposit Call 432-426-2118 3/7-14b

A-1 Homes Odessa

Marfa Villa Apartments

1901 Golf Course Rd is now leasing large 1 & 2 bedroom apts. Rent based on income.

Call today for more details

432-729-4490

SPECIAL NOTICE

Robert White Well Service

pumps• solar pumps / installation • windmills • sales & service MARFA 432 729 4797

license 50070LP

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

NOW HIRING! In MARFA

Great Pay! Great Benefits!

Store Manager Trainee

Looking for quality candidates with two years of retail/ food experience. High school diploma or equivalent required. Ability to work flexible hours.

Apply online at www.susser.com/careers Company offers a competitive salary and benefit package including medical, dental, vision and life coverage, 401(k) plan, tuition reimbursement, paid vacation, career opportunities and an employee referral program.

Drug-Free Workplace - EOE

PRAYER TO ST. JUDE Most holy apostle St. Jude, faithful servant and friend of Jesus, the church honors and invokes you universally as the patron of hopeless cases, of things almost despaired of, Pray for me, I am so helpless and alone.

Make use I implore you, of that particular privilege given to you to bring visible and speedy help where help is almost despaired. Come to my assistance in this great need that I may receive the consolation and help of heaven in all my necessities, tribulations, and suffering, particularly (here make your request) and that I may praise God with you and all the elect forever. I promise, O blessed St. Jude to be ever mindful of this great favor and to always honor you as my special and powerful patron and to gratefully encourage devotion to you. Amen.

RSH

Robert Louis Halpern Rosario Salgado Halpern Alberto Tomas Halpern Barbara Richerson Gary Oliver, Jim Bridges Lonn Taylor Miriam Halpern Cardona Sterry Butcher Jesu Salgado David Dominguez

new bbs flag.indd 1

All applications are approved to buy your new or used home. Call us today at 432.363.0881.

RBI35740

Casa usada urge venderla!

432.362.1577.

RBI35740 Travel trailers and used mobile homes, must sell now! Call and get yours today. 432.366.1124.

RBI35740

This is an equal Opportunity provider And employer

Moving sale!

Saturday, March 16 620 N. Summer Street, Marfa 10am – 4pm Half off after 1pm!

Mark your calendars!

For more information, call 432295-2233. 3/7,14p

In Alpine, Texas, location of the “Legendary Railroad Blues Bar” building, with all pool tables, refrigeration equipment, sound equipment, and all wall decorations and antiques; FOR SALE: $325,000.

CALL 432-294-0922 for information.

1tp

MOBILE HOMES

Professionally Managed

by Professional Property Management LLC.

GARAGE SALES

Business Opportunity

Get the employee discount today. Almost 2,000 square feet. Three bedroom, two bath, two living areas that must go! Only two left. Call 432.363.7100.

RBI35740

Casa usada a pagar a corto plazo! Todas las aplicaciones son aprovadas.

Llame hoy, 432.363.0881.

RBI35740

Editor & Publisher Chief Financial Officer Photography, reporting, website Production design, photography Political cartoonists Columnist Translations Knight Fellow, reporter emeritus Distribution Distribution

1/19/2010 1:38:00 PM

office: 110 N. Highland Avenue, Marfa, Texas address: Drawer P, Marfa, TX 79843 telephone: 432.729.4342 email: editor@bigbendsentinel.com • www.bigbendnow.com

The Big Bend Sentinel (ISSN 1076-1004 USPS 055-800) is published weekly, on Thursdays, 50 times a year by La Frontera Publications Inc., Drawer P, Marfa, TX 79843. Annual subscription rates are $42 in Presidio, Brewster & Jeff Davis counties, $44 in Texas, and $47 elsewhere in the United States. Special rates apply abroad. Periodicals class postage paid at Marfa, Texas 79843. Postmaster: Send address changes to Drawer P, Marfa, TX 79843.