April 2017 by Border Eco

“Successful Women”

CONNECTING SOUTHERN ARIZONA

Strengthening Families

Child Abuse Awareness Month

DCS-Serving Santa Cruz

People that “Echo” Marie Montenegro-Ochoa

Art in The Park at Tumacácori

Border Eco Updates CONTENT Border Eco Magazine

Our goal is to continue reporting on the great people, organizations, and services in our community. We want to change public’s perception of our border town. Border Eco is focused on the positive people, organizations, and services within our community that makes our bordertown unique. Santa Cruz County is a beautiful community with lots of history and cultural background. We are grateful for the continued support. We want to thank our customers for their support. Our mission is to change public perception of our border town. “It is never too late to bring in change, that you want to see around you. Let this year be the forefront for introducing new ideas and new concepts to make the world a better and safer place for all of us.”

SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT Border Eco Magazine now offers TV advertisement. Contact us for rates and channels to help promote your business in Santa Cruz County. Our office is located on : 1071 N. Grand Ave. Ste. #122, Nogales, Arizona 85621 (520) 461-4880 Email: contact@bordereco.com

Please send us information on any upcoming events, meetings, or programs to share with our readers.

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Successful Women

Tax Time Guide: Get an Automatic Six More Months to File

Family Sleepovers 2017

Tumacácori and Spain: Moors and Christians, Olives and Wine

Strengthening Families Program

DCS-Serving Santa Cruz County

People who “Echo”Marie Montenegro-Ochoa

Art in the Park Call for Entries at Tumacácori

Happening Events-April

Editor: Adriana Romero Student Intern Reporter: Jesus Atondo Student Intern Reporter: Esmeralda Neris Magazine Graphic Designer Consultant: Adriana Romero Sales Representative: Tony Montanez Information is correct at press time. Check www.bordereco.com for updates. Border Eco, LLC © 2017 copyright all rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without the permission of Border Eco Magazine is prohibited. Any material produced is the property of Border Eco. Any material published is not necessarily the opinion of Border Eco and will not be held responsible. Border Eco Magazine accepts material from advertisers, clients, readers and various sources which are not necessarily the opinion of Border Eco Magazine in print or on Border Eco websites and will not be held responsible. |

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“Successful Women” The General Consulate of Mexico in Nogales, Arizona held its 2nd series panel of "Successful Women," on Monday, March 6th at the bicentennial hall in celebration of International Women's Day. The guest panel was composed of three successful community leaders: Marie MontenegroOchoa (DCS supervisor), Claudia Mariz Oroz (business woman), and Mercedes Castro (Our House Shelter case manager). The first panel was held during Labor Rights Week last September. The guest panel shared with those in attendance their stories of success. Success to this panel did not come easy.

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All three of these panel guest speakers have struggled through severe illnesses or are survivors of domestic violence. These women have faced throughout their lives many personal barriers but have managed to overcome those obstacles through perseverance. The purpose of sharing their stories with the public is to help inspire and motivate others who are currently struggling through similar circumstances. The General Consulate of Mexico holds these panels during Women’s International Week. For more information about these panels please contact: Francisco Benjamín Elorza Velázquez, Departamento de Protección/Administración at 135 West Cardwell St. Nogales Arizona, 85621 Tel. (520) 28725-21 Ext. 407.

Border Eco | April 2017

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Tax Time Guide: Get an Automatic Six More Months to File; Free File Now Available for Extensions The Internal Revenue Service reminded taxpayers that if they are unable to file their tax returns by this year’s April 18 deadline there is an easy, online option to get more time to complete their return. The advice for those who cannot complete their tax return by April 18: Do not panic. Taxpayers who need more time to complete their return can request an automatic six-month extension. An extension allows for extra time to gather, prepare and file paperwork with the IRS, however, it does not extend the time to pay any tax due. The fastest and easiest way to get an extension is through Free File on IRS.gov. Taxpayers can electronically request an extension on Form 4868. This service is free for everyone, regardless of income. Filing this form gives taxpayers until Oct. 16 to file their tax return. To get the extension, taxpayers must estimate their tax liability on this form and should pay any amount due. Other fast, free and easy ways to get an extension include using IRS Direct Pay, the Electronic Federal Tax Payment System or by paying with a credit or debit card. There is no need to file a separate Form 4868 extension request when making an electronic payment and indicating it is for an extension. The IRS will automatically count it as an extension. Direct Pay is available online and on the IRS2Go app. It’s free, does not require pre-registration and gives instant confirmation when taxpayers submit a payment. It also provides the option of scheduling a payment up to 30 days in advance. Taxpayers using a credit or debit card can pay online, by phone or with the IRS2Go app. The card processor charges a fee, but the IRS does not charge any fees for this service. Besides Free File and electronic payments, taxpayers can request an extension through a paid tax preparer, by using tax-preparation software or by mailing in a paper Form 4868. Tax forms can be downloaded from IRS.gov/ forms. The IRS reminds taxpayers that a request for an extension provides extra time to file a tax return, but not extra time to pay any taxes owed. Payments are still due by the original deadline. Taxpayers should file even if they can’t pay the full amount. By filing either a regular return or requesting an extension by the April 18 filing deadline, they will avoid the late-filing penalty, which can be 10 times as costly as the penalty for not paying. Taxpayers who pay as much as they can by the due date reduce the overall amount subject to penalty and interest charges. The interest rate is currently four percent per year, compounded daily. The late-filing penalty is generally five percent per month and the late-payment penalty is normally 0.5 percent per month. The IRS will work with taxpayers who cannot pay the full amount of tax they owe. Other options to pay, such as getting a loan or paying by credit card may help resolve a tax debt. Most people can set up an installment agreement with the IRS using the Online Payment Agreement tool on IRS.gov. When the President makes a disaster area declaration, the IRS can postpone certain taxpayer deadlines for residents and businesses in the affected area. Taxpayers who are victims of a natural disaster may apply for automatic filing and payment relief. Taxpayers outside the covered disaster area but whose tax records required for filing or payment are located in a covered disaster area may also be eligible for this tax relief. Taxpayers who have been affected by recent severe weather should check Around the Nation on IRS.gov for disaster tax relief for their state. Other taxpayers who get more time to file without having to ask for extensions include: · U.S. citizens and resident aliens who live and work outside of the United States and Puerto Rico get an automatic two-month extension to file their tax returns. They have until June 15 to file. However, tax payments are still due April 18.

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Family Sleepovers Spring 2017 The year is 1917 and a group of “ranger recruits” gather in Tumacácori’s picnic area to receive instruction. The agenda includes checking on reports of a cow loose in the mission grounds, locating and documenting archeological artifacts, conducting a night patrol by candle light, and consuming the all-important evening meal. The evening winds down with live music and campfire treats before the recruits curl up on their bedrolls to spend the night under the stars or sheltered by adobe ruins. Tumacácori once again offered its popular Family Sleepover program, this year including a living history twist. “Camping out with family is a beloved tradition in national parks,” says Superintendent Bob Love, “We were excited to offer visitors the chance not just to camp here at Tumacácori, but to experience this place the way travelers and early park rangers did.”

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Border Eco | April 2017

Two sleepovers were offered this spring, one on Saturday, March 18th and the second on Saturday, April 1st. The immersive Family Sleepover experience

included period costuming, equipment, and storytelling. Participants sign on to protect the ruined mission church overnight, just like rangers of the nascent National Park Service 100 years ago.

Unlike their historic predecessors, however, these campers departed by 8:30 a.m. having left no evidence of their overnight stay. Registration was based on first-come, first-served and accessible via www.recreation. gov. A $20 charge applied to each adult participation ($10 for children under the age of 16) and included entrance to the park, dinner, breakfast, and all activities. To learn more about this unique opportunities, call 520-377-5060 or visit www.nps. gov/tuma.

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Tumacácori and Spain: Moors and Christians, Olives and Wine Visitors to Tumacácori National Historical Park will be able to learn more about the Spanish contributions to what we consider to be “southwest culture.” On April 4th at 4:00 p.m., two speakers from the Arizona-Sonoran Desert Museum presented a talk, “Spain: Moors and Christians, Olives and Wine” inside the historic Tumacácori mission church. Learn how many of the foods, farming practices, culture, language, religion, architecture, and artisanal trades, which today are associated with the Southwest, have origins from across the Atlantic. Furthermore, many of these are derived from Arabic and Roman practices. The speakers will be Jesús Garcia, founding researcher for Tumacácori’s “Kino Heritage Fruit Trees Project,” and Sonya Norman, the Public Programs Coordinator at the Arizona-Sonoran Desert Museum. Both speakers are long-time museum employees and will be leaders on a September 2017 trip to Spain exploring this same topic. Admission to the park is $5.00 per adult, free for federal pass holders and children under age 16. There is no additional charge for the program. For more information, please call Tumacácori National Historical Park at 520-3775060. w w w.bordereco.com

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“Strengthening Families Program” On February 23rd, 2017, the Strengthening Families Program held its second cohort graduation. The Strengthening Families Program, also known as SFP, is funded through a grant given through the Governor’s Office of Youth, Faith and Family. This 14 week program takes 10 families through sessions intended to strengthen the family unit through learning communication skills, coping skills and over all healthy family skills. The graduation was attended by all of the families in the cohort, the Circles of Peace board members and the Rio Rico High School Parent Liaison, Yolanda Felix.

The event was organized by the SFP coordinators, Sonia Sanchez and Tere Romero, program facilitators Mari Maldonado and Sonia Ramirez and Circles of Peace director, Blanca Acosta. For more information on how to enroll in an upcoming Cohort or about the program, call 520-281-0579 or contact Circles of Peace.

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“DCS-Serving Santa Cruz” The DCS office is dedicated to keeping families together. They work with parents, caregivers, and family relatives by providing support and education to help them learn to be better caregivers. The DCS office along with other local organizations in Santa Cruz County for years, have hosted the Annual Child Abuse Awareness Walkathon. This year will be the 7th year hosting this event. The event will be held on Saturday, April 1, 2017 at the Pierson Vocational High School at 451 N. Arroyo Blvd., Nogales AZ from 9:00 a.m.- 11:30 a.m. “Proceeds from this event go directly to help foster children and youth within the system of care with clothes and personal care items,” said Marie Montenegro-Ochoa program supervisor for the local DCS in Santa Cruz County.

The Department of Child Safety formerly known as a Child Protective Services currently serves children and families in Santa Cruz County. The office is located at the Department of Economic Security in Nogales, Arizona on the top floor. The DCS for years have assisted children, youth and families in Santa Cruz County. The role of DCS is to protect children and youth in Arizona. When a report is made to the state of a suspected child abuse or neglect case it is sent to local offices. The local office is responsible for investigating the case and ensuring the safety of the child or youth. Children and youth removed from their homes are often placed with family members or foster parents until their parents meet court requirements. Their main objective of the Department of Child Safety is protect the wellbeing of children and youth in the county, so they have an opportunity to thrive in a safe loving home where their needs are being met.

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The main sponsors for this event are the Santa Cruz County Attorney’s Office, CASA of Santa Cruz County, Child and Family Resources, and Mariposa Community Health Center. For more information on the walkathon or to participate please contact the local Department of Child Safety at (520) 3775900. If you would like to make a donation a Walmart gift cards are welcome to help support the emergency needs of local foster children.

People that “Echo” -Marie Montenegro Ochoa This month of April Border Eco introduces Marie Montenegro-Ochoa Department of Child Safety Program Supervisor. She is a Nogales native who graduated from the Nogales High School in 1986. Ms. MontenegroOchoa completed an associate's degree at Pima Community College and then completing a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice at Northern Arizona University. She has been working for the Department of Child Safety for over 18 years in September. She has witnessed throughout the years the many changes the state has made within the Department of Child Safety. “The system has improved the way they work with families, their main goal has always been to keep families together. They work at a local level to help children, youth, and families find the support and resources they need,” said Ms. Montenegro-Ochoa.

Ms. Montenegro early in her career knew the type of work she wanted to be involved with. She first started working as an instructional aide with special education at the Santa Cruz Unified School District. While working as an instructional aide, she had an opportunity to work directly with a caseworker from child protective services. Ms. Montenegro-Ochoa at that time knew this was a career she wanted to explore. When an opening with child protective services became available she immediately applied for it and was offered the position of case manager. Throughout the years she has learned about the importance of helping parents become better parents as it has long-lasting effects on the development of children and youth. This is reflected in her persistence to ensure the local DCS office works closely with children, youth and families to provide the best quality of care.

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“I have gained a lot of skills and knowledge working in this field, it has helped me personally as a mother, grandmother, and community member,” said Ms. Montenegro-Ochoa. Marie Montenegro-Ochoa work within the community has become extremely noticeable. She has become a beacon of change. She has always worked hard to help protect children, youth and families in our community. One of her main accomplishments in Santa Cruz County is having started the Annual Child Abuse Walkathon, which helps to provide child abuse awareness. “I am extremely grateful to my staff for their continued support. They work hard everyday to ensure we provide the best quality of care. I am also grateful to the many local organizations we work with to help ensure our children and youth are safe and thriving,” said Ms. Montenegro-Ochoa.

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Art in the Park Call for Entries at Tumacácori Over the course of National Park Week, from April 14 through April 23, 2017, Tumacácori will celebrate artistic expression of all kinds with an exhibition on display in the breezeway of its historic visitor center. “Art and national parks have always had a close relationship,” says Superintendent Bob Love, “A celebration of art in all its many forms is a fantastic way to celebrate National Park Week and invite visitors to connect with their park.” The exhibition will feature Tumacácori-related pieces submitted in the preceding weeks by artists of all ages. All media and subjects are welcome. The deadline for submissions is March 31. Submission guidelines are available at www.nps.gov/tuma. Selections will be made by a panel from Tumacácori National Historical Park and the Tubac Center of the Arts. One piece will win the honor of being featured on Tumacácori's Park Specific Annual Pass for the year 2018. Entrance to the park will be free during the opening weekend, April 15 and 16, as well as the closing weekend, April 22 and 23. For more information about this and other events at Tumacácori during National Park Week, visit www.nps.gov/ tuma or call 520-377-5060.

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Spanish Version Durante el curso de la Semana De Parques Nacionales, de abril 14 a abril 23 del 2017, Tumacácori celebrara la expresión artística de todos tipos con una exhibición en el histórico centro de visitantes. “El arte y los parques nacionales siempre han tenido y relación cercana,” dice el superintendente Bob Love. “Una celebración del arte en todas sus formas es una manera fantástica de celebrar la Semana de Parques Nacionales y a invitar a los visitantes que se unan a su parque.” La exhibición titulara piezas relacionadas a Tumacácori subiditas en semanas anteriores por artistas de todas edades. Todo medio de arte y sujeto serán bienvenidos. La fecha final para someter obras de arte será el 31 de marzo.

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Un guía para sumisiones es disponible en www.nps.gov/ tuma. Sumisiones para la exhibición serán seleccionadas por un comité del Parque Nacional Histórico de Tumacácori y por el Centro de las Artes de Tubac. Una pieza ganara el honor de ser titulada en el Pase Anual del parque de Tumacácori para el año 2018. Entrada al parque será gratuita durante el 15 y 16 de abril y el 22 y 23 de abril. Para más información tocante este u otros eventos en Tumacácori durante la Semana de Parques Nacionales, por favor visite www.nps.gov/tuma o llame 520-377-5060.

Happening Events-April Presentation: Spain: Moors and Christians, Olives and Wine: Tracing the Cultural and Agricultural Roots of the American Southwest, Tuesday, April 4, 2 pm In the Southwest we use the adjective "Spanish" frequently and loosely. Indeed, many elements of our culture originate in Spain. But the 16th -18th century Christian Spain that colonized the Americas was the sum total of its previous occupants - Arabs, Jews, Visigoths and Romans. Sonya Norman is the Public Programs Coordinator for the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, Jesús García is the founder of the Kino Heritage Fruit Trees Project. They will discuss agricultural practices on both sides of the Atlantic, Father Kino’s fruit tree legacy, and aspects of language, religion, architecture and crafts that have crossed the Atlantic and become rooted in the Southwest. $10 fee includes admission to tour the Presidio Park. Make your reservation today, 520-398-2252 or info@TubacPresidio.org. Living History: Blacksmithing in Tubac – Thursday, April 6, 9 am Blacksmithing has a long and important place in the history in Tubac, from Spanish times, to the great mining boom, to the simple hard work of making latches for the 1885 schoolhouse. Visit our blacksmith as he creates all those wonderful tools for daily life, from nails, to latches, to spoons and forks. Includes all day admission to tour the Presidio. $5 adult, $2 youth, children free. Frontier Printing Press Demonstrations – Thursdays, April 6 and April 13, 11 am – 2 pm A knowledgeable volunteer demonstrates the Washington Hand Press used to print Arizona’s first newspaper in 1859 and answers questions about hand press printing, type setting, and other aspects of this marvel of industrial engineering. You will get to set type and print small samples to take with you. Included with park admission: $5 adult, $2 youth 7-13, children free. Walking Tour of Old Tubac – Saturday, April 8, 10 am – Noon Come explore colorful Old Tubac that even some of the locals don’t know about! Guided by Connie Stevens, you’ll discover fascinating facts about the town’s early adobe buildings and learn about Arizona’s first European settlement. Topics from early Native American inhabitants, Spanish explorers, American pioneers, Apache attacks, kidnappings, and other exciting episodes are discussed. Meet at the Park’s Visitor Center. Allow 2 hours for the tour and wear walking shoes, sunscreen and a hat. $10 fee includes admission to tour the Presidio Park. Tour limited to 20; reservations requested, 520-398-2252 or info@TubacPresidio.org. Hell Bent for Resurrection: A Hike through Tubac’s Many Layers, Wednesday, April 12, 10 am - Noon Join us for a new program of history hikes to take advantage of the great outdoors and our amazingly rich cultural heritage. Join our docent for an insightful walk on the Anza Trail starting at the original Plaza de Armas from which the expedition to Alta California departed. The hike will follow along a short portion of the Rio de Tubac (as it then was!) while discussing the native peoples and later arrivals who lived in the area. Wear sturdy walking shoes, sunscreen, and bring water. $10 fee includes all day admission to the Park. The 1 and 1/4 mile hike begins from the Tubac Presidio visitors center at 10 am, rain or shine. Hike limited to 15 people. Call (520) 398-2252 to reserve your place today. Museum Tour: Spanish Tubac – A Curator’s Look at the Presidio that Transformed the Santa Cruz Valley, Tuesday, April 18, 11 am - Noon Join us for a guided tour where you’ll explore Spanish Tubac and take a closer look at several museum artifacts and discuss their impact on history. Allow 1 hour for the tour. $10 fee includes all day admission to tour the Presidio Park. Tour limited to 12; reservations requested, 520-398-2252 or info@TubacPresidio.org

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