Retail Roots
On Her Way
Boxing
Main street merchants cater to customers for 150 years or more
A retirement party for 44-year food service icon to be held Saturday
Desert Duke Out comes to Sarracino Middle School gymnasium
INSIDE
NEWS • PAGE 3
SPORTS • PAGE 7
El Defensor Chieftain
© 2012, El Defensor Chieftain
Vol. 146 • No. 95
SOCORRO, NEW MEXICO • MIDWEEK EDITION • NOVEMBER 28, 2012
50 cents
SOCORRO ALOFT
NEWS l ine
Luminarias on the Plaza The ninth annual Luminarias on the Plaza Art Stroll will take place Dec. 1 at the old town plaza from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Businesses will display artwork from various artists. Refreshments will be available and there will be live music. A hay ride will tour the Christmas lights and the Socorro High School band will play in the gazebo.
Elva K. Österreich/El Defensor Chieftain
After a four-year hiatus, the Socorro Balloon Rally returned Nov. 24 with skydivers, fans and plenty of hot air. See Page 8 for more photos.
Puppy sale bogus
Giving Tree The Giving Tree program tags can be picked up at the San Miguel Church office Monday through Thursday from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Fridays from 8:30 a.m. to noon. The tags have names and descriptions of needy families in the community to provide holiday gifts for. Call Valerie Moore at 835-2026 or Margaret Middleton at 8354641 for more information.
Alamo woman scammed ordering Yorkie terrior
Toys from Cops to Tots The Socorro Police Department is collecting monetary donations, new toys and food to disperse to local children and families. Donations can be made at the Socorro Police Department Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., given to a police officer or dropped off in boxes set in businesses around the community. Call 835-1883 for gift pick-up.
Bodega Burger wine shop opens Ribbon cutting for the new wine shop at Bodega Burger will be on Nov. 30 at 5:30 p.m. The new wine shop will expand the restaurant’s wine and beer offerings. Following the ribbon cutting, there will be samples of this year’s Beaujolais nouveau, a red wine made from Gamay grapes and produced in the Beaujolais region of France. Stasia and Mariam will also perform with a dinner, followed by dancing to a D.J. in the lounge after the restaurant closes.
FIRE DANGER
By Laura London
El Defensor Chieftain Reporter
llondon@dchieftain.com Francie Durand/For El Defensor Chieftain
The Salvation Army bell ringers and traditional red kettle make an early appearance on Black Friday at Walmart. Anesha Gonzales, right, of Luis Lopez, is the first donor of the morning. At left is volunteer Sue Conklin. All local donations are funneled to Socorro’s Puerto Seguro — Safe Harbor shelter serving local needy and homeless families and individuals.
Bell ringers back Volunteers around town collecting for Puerto Seguro-Safe Harbor Karen Bailey-Bowman El Defensor Chieftain Reporter
kbaileybowman@dchieftain.com
Socorro Puerto Seguro-Safe Harbor’s annual Christmas fundraising campaign started a few weeks earlier this year than the usual Dec. 15 kickoff day in hopes of capturing some Black Friday magic. The local homeless shelter partners with The Salvation Army every Christmas season with local volunteers ringing bells to encourage shoppers to drop some cash into the red kettle, said Puerto
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n See Ringers, Page 5
Lemitar man pulls gun on officials By Laura London
WEATHER
Seguro-Safe Harbor treasurer Bill Bottorf. Bottorf has been the mastermind behind the bell ringing campaign for the past three years, teaming up this year with fellow volunteer Francie Durand. Bottorf said the shelter’s board of directors were searching for ways to encourage donations and thought the iconic red kettles and bell ringers would be a great idea. The Salvation Army approved of Puerto Seguro’s efforts to help the homeless and needy, and the rest, as they say, is history. “We formed a partnership with The Salvation Army,” he said. “The bell ringing is a great source for donations here.” The Salvation Army provides the red kettles and bells and acts as the fiscal agent for the shelter’s Christmas donation campaign. “Everything we collect must be given to The
El Defensor Chieftain Reporter
llondon@dchieftain.com
One Lemitar man is facing charges for bringing a pistol to a water fight, according to Socorro County Magistrate Court records. Richard Cordova is charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and negligent use of a deadly weapon following an Oct. 7 incident with a couple of workers from the Middle Rio Grande Conservancy District. New Mexico State Police Lt. Jason Green said NMSP arrested Cordova on those charges, plus a previous warrant. According to court records, NMSP was dispatched to Nature Lane in
Lemitar about 6:59 p.m. Oct. 7 in reference to a fight among three men, one of whom was armed with a handgun. The officer met with the two conservancy district employees, who said they went to meet Cordova at his property where he was irrigating. The men told the officer Cordova was irate on the phone, which is why they went to speak with him in person, according to court documents. While they were talking with Cordova on the ditch bank, he allegedly became angry, pulled out a handgun and put it to one man’s chest a couple of times. The other man got close to Cordova, overpowered him and took the gun away. n See Gun, Page 5
An Alamo woman was taken for nearly $1,000 recently when she tried to order a Yorkie terrier over the Internet. Socorro County Sheriff’s Department blotters report the woman tried from Oct. 22 to Nov. 9 to get the terrier, sending MoneyGrams to Africa. The suspects kept emailing the victim, telling her to send more money, but she never got the dog. “People trust people,” Priscilliano Vaiza, SCSD chief deputy, said during an interview Monday. “They trust what people tell them.” Vaiza said the woman saw the dog advertised online for $200. He noted the first shady detail is such a low dollar figure for a pedigreed dog, which can cost thousands. He said when she contacted the person, the man told her to wire him $200. Another man emailed the Alamo woman saying they needed another $250 for immunizations for the dog. Next they needed $300 for taxes. “When they ask for more, that’s a red flag,” Vaiza said. Vaiza said the woman sent them those amounts, but never received the dog. Finally she received another message stating she would have to send $1,000 or the men would contact an animal protection agency and report her. “So she came to us,” Vaiza said. Vaiza said when MoneyGram was contacted, the company reported the money wired had n See Puppy, Page 5
REBUILDING BETHLEHEM
Courtesy photo
Volunteers raise structures at the corner of California and Spring streets to recreate the birthplace of Christ. On Dec. 2 from 5 to 8 p.m. visitors will be able to drive or walk through the recreated town raised by First Baptist Church, Socorro. The town will feature live animals, actors in period costume and elaborate scenery.
El Defensor Chieftain
2 • NOVEMBER 28, 2012
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CALENDAR OF EVENTS UPCOMING SPECIAL EVENTS
Hammel Museum Open House is 9 a.m. to noon the first Saturday San Miguel Parish is sponsoring The Giving Tree for the needy. of each month at 600 N. Sixth St. Admission is free. For more inforGift tags can be picked up from the giving tree after all masses in the mation call Kay at 835-1721 or Bob at 835-5325. San Miguel Parish Hall. Tags can also be picked up at the church office First Saturday Tours of the Very Large Array are the first Monday through Thursday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Fridays 8:30 Saturday of each month at 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. Tours are free a.m. to noon. Contact Valerie Moore at 835-2026 for more information. with no reservation required. For more information call Judy Stanley, Socorro Community Theater will host auditions for the play VLA education officer, at 835-7243. “You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown” on Nov. 28 at M Mountain Guided Night Sky Star Gazing is the first Saturday of each month Coffeehouse at 6 p.m. Parts are available for three to four men and beginning at dark at Etscorn Observatory on the campus of New two to three women. Technical crew and instrumental musicians are Mexico Tech. It is free with no reservation required. For more inforneeded as well. Pick up audition packets at the coffeehouse. For more mation call Judy Stanley, VLA education officer, at 835-7243. information contact Eileen at 418-7752 or hornmomma@me.com. Recycle mixed paper, paperboard and cardboard from 8:30 to Ribbon cutting for the new wine shop at Bodega Burger will be on 11:30 a.m. on the third Saturday of each month at the Plaza. For more Nov. 30 at 5:30 p.m. The new wine shop will expand the restaurant’s information call the Chamber of Commerce at 835-0424. wine and beer offerings. Following the ribbon cutting, there will be samples of this year’s Beaujolais nouveau, a red wine made from LIVE MUSIC Gamay grapes and produced in the Beaujolais region of France. Stasia and Mariam will also perform with a dinner, followed by Open Mic is every Monday at 7:30 p.m. at the Old Town Bistro; 838-3976. dancing to a D.J. in the lounge after the restaurant closes. Ninth Annual Luminarias on the Plaza Art Stroll will take place Doug Figgs & Mariam with Jim Jones will perform at 7:30 p.m. on on Dec. 1 at the Old Town Plaza from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Businesses Dec. 1 at the Old Town Bistro; 838-3976. will display artwork from various artists. Refreshments and music Blue Monday at the Buckhorn Tavern will take place on Dec. 3; 835-4423. will also be apart of the event. A hay ride will tour the Christmas Bill Hearne Trio, will perform at 7 p.m. on Dec. 7 at the Old Town lights and the Socorro High School Band will play at the gazebo. Bistro; 838-3976. Christmas Electric Light Parade on California Street Dec. 1 is at Scott Helmer, will perform at 6 p.m. on Dec. 10 at the Old Town 6 p.m. To enter a float in the parade call 835-8927. Bistro; 838-3976. City of Socorro Youth Center Choir performs at the plaza Dec. 1 Open Mic is every Friday at 7 p.m. at Sofia’s Kitchen; 835-0022. at 6:45 p.m. Contact 835-8927 for more information.
Socorro County Weather
Santa will visit the Plaza to listen to Christmas wishes 7 p.m. Dec. Live music/karaoke/pool tournaments are held monthly at the 1. Contact 835-8927 for more information. Golden Spur Saloon in Magdalena. Call 854-2554 for the schedule. Christmas Tree Lighting at the Plaza Dec. 1 will take place at 7:15 Blue Door/Pizza Rio The Pizzaria in Bosque hosts live music Fridays p.m. Contact 835-8927 for more information. and Saturdays at 6 p.m. 1006 Highway 116 Bosque, between Belen. Author Jim Wolf will be signing his novel “Wall of Smoke” on Dec. 1 SUPPORT at the Chamber of Commerce from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Copies of the book Addictions Support Group meets Tuesdays at 7 p.m. at First Baptist can be bought at Alamo Gallery and Gifts and Amazon.com for $15. Church, Quemado. Includes AA; 773-4594. Live Christmas nativity tour of Bethlehem will be on Dec. 2 at the First Baptist Church on the corner of California and Spring streets Addiction Class is held Tuesdays and Thursdays at 10 a.m. and Fridays at 6 p.m. at The House, 105 Neal Ave., Socorro; 835-4357 from 5 to 8:30 p.m. Call 835-0041 for more information. A new open narcotics anonymous meeting starts Dec. 4 at 7 p.m. and Al-Anon meets Tuesdays at 7 p.m. at Presbyterian Church, Magdalena; will be held every Tuesday at the DWI and Community Alternatives Sundays, 7:30 p.m., Epiphany Episcopal Church, Socorro. The new building at 106 Center Socorro. Call 838-2208 for more information. meeting is every Friday at 2:30 p.m. at Puerto Seguro. Call 1 (888) 425-2666 or (505) 266-1900 for more information, or visit www.alMariachi Christmas will be on Dec. 7 at 7:30 p.m. Mariachi music anon.alateen.org. and ballet Folklorico curated by Norberta Fresquez will take place at Alcoholics Anonymous meets in Alamo Mondays at 6 p.m. at the the Macey Center. Call (575) 835-5688 for tickets. Alamo Community Center; Magdalena, Thursday and Saturday at 7 The annual American Association of University Women Christmas p.m. at the Presbyterian Church; Socorro, noon on Monday, Wednesday Home Tour is Dec. 9 from 2 to 5 p.m. Tickets are available at the homes and Friday, Thursdays at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays (closed meeting) at 7:30 or at Brownbuilt Shoes and Western Wear at 111 Manzanares Avenue. p.m. at Epiphany Episcopal Church. Saturdays AA meets at 9 a.m. at The $10 donation benefits the scholarship fund. Contact Kay Krehbiel Puerto Seguro in Socorro. For AA information call 835-9785. at 835-0759 or email her at kkrehbiel1@mac.com for more information. Open narcotics anonymous meeting starting Dec. 4 at 7 p.m. every La Pastorela, will be on Dec. 9., it is an abridged version of the cen- Tuesday at the DWI and Community Alternatives building at 106 turies old Spanish version of the Christmas story which is performed Center Socorro. Call 838-2208 for more information. by children at the First Baptist Church located at 203 Spring Street at 2 p.m. Contact Sherry at 838-2111 for more information. Group bereavement support is available to anyone who needs help because of the loss of a loved one at Good Grief; 838-4098. Pastores de Belen will be Dec. 9. The full version of the centuries old Spanish version of the Christmas story will be performed by Marriage class is Mondays at 2 p.m. at The House, 105 Neal Ave., adults at the historic Garcia Opera House located at on the corner of Socorro; 835-4357. California and Abeyta streets at 6 p.m. Contact Sherry at 838-2111 Parenting Class is Tuesdays at 2 p.m. at The House, 105 Neal Ave., for more information. Socorro; 835-4357. The last day to sign up for the GED course is Dec. 7, it starts Dec. 15. Contact Theresa Alonzo to sign up at (505) 249-8532 or 835-4768. Struggling with Addiction is Fridays at 7 p.m. at Calvary Chapel; 838-9535.
COMMUNITY Bingo is 7 p.m. Wednesday at the DAV Hall, 200 N. Fifth St.; 835-0843.
Socorro Farmers Market is Saturdays at the south side of the Finley Gym complex from 9 to 11 a.m. The market features fresh produce and more. For more information call 312-1730. Story Hour and Craft Time is 10:30 a.m. Wednesdays and Thursdays at the Socorro Public Library; 835-1114.
No information was available by Chieftain deadline
The shelter is on N.M. 1, behind the UPS building. Hours are Tuesday through Saturday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. (closed for lunch); closed Sunday and Monday. Call 575-838-3103 for information or visit www.socorroanimalshelter.com. Please remember to check the animal shelter first when your pet is missing. The shelter has animals from San Antonio, Magdalena, Polvadera and the surrounding areas.
Got news? Do you have a news tip for us? Or an item of community interest?
We want it!
Call it in at 835-0520; drop it off at 200 Winkler St.; or e-mail it to news@dchieftain.com.
THE SOCORRO STUMPER
SUDOKU
Puerto Seguro Safe Harbor is open 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Monday, Wednesday and Friday to serve the homeless and in need. For more information call Duane at 835-2895.
ADOPT-A-PET
Weight Watchers meets Thursdays at 5:30 p.m. at Epiphany Episcopal Church on Leroy Street. The first meeting is free. For more information call Roslynn, 418-8804.
Send calendar submissions to calendar@dchieftain.com. Deadlines El Camino Real International Heritage Center, Exit 115 off are Monday and Thursday at noon. Interstate 25, has free admission for New Mexico seniors 60 and over on Wednesdays. Sundays all New Mexico residents are admitFOR THE RECORD ted free. For more information, call 854-3600 or visit www.elcaminoreal.org. El Defensor Chieftain will print corrections and clarify facts. Call 835-0520 to report inaccuracies or incomplete information. Items are available for free distribution Fridays from 8:30 a.m. to In recent issues, the Bernardo Volunteer Fire Department was noon at The House, Socorro, 105 Neal Ave.; 835-4357. credited with finding the burning car and dead body of murder victim ICAN Cooking is from 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesdays and 1 to 3 p.m. Adrian Burns near U.S. 60 and state Highway 304 on Nov. 12. Thursdays at 198 Neel Ave.; 835-0610. In fact, the Veguita Volunteer Fire Department responded to the Midwest CAP Food Pantry is open Wednesdays, 9 to 11 a.m. and 1 burning car and found the body. to 4 p.m., at 904 Spring St. Senior Helpings are the first Wednesday of every month. Call Florie or Virginia at 835-0899 for information. Peace Vigil is 4:30 p.m. Friday on the Plaza. Call 835-2517 for more information.
Total rainfall for 2012 through Nov. 27 is 5.96 inches. Courtesy of Dr. Kenneth Minschwaner.
This mind-bending puzzle will have you hooked from the moment you square off, so sharpen your pencil and put your sudoku savvy to the test! Here’s How it Works: Sudoku puzzles are formatted as a 9x9 grid, broken down into nine 3x3 boxes. To solve a sudoku, the numbers 1 through 9 must fill each row, column and box. Each number can appear only once in each row, column and box. You can figure out the order in which the numbers will appear by using the numeric clues already provided in the boxes. The more numbers you name, the easier it gets to solve the puzzle!
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NOVEMBER 28, 2012 • 3
El Camino employee Schools to bring $5 million never had a bad day bond to voters in February By Lindsey Padilla
By Lindsey Padilla
El Defensor Chieftain Reporter
El Defensor Chieftain Reporter
lpadilla@dchieftain.com
lpadilla@dchieftain.com
Socorro Known for making the best margaritas in town at El Camino Restaurant, Dora Lucero is retiring after 44 years of serving customers. Lucero, 66, has decided it is time to travel and be with family, she said. Lucero was a bartender and waitress and worked seven days a week. She never called in sick, and her vacation days were used to see her family in Colorado. She said every day working at the restaurant was a new day and she enjoyed meeting new people. Lucero had regular customers at 5 p.m. and knew all her customers’ families. Lindsey Padilla/El Defensor Chieftain “I never had a bad day,” Dora Lucero retired from Lucero said. “If you have a bad El Camino Restaurant after 44 years. day, keep it at home.” Lucero liked working at El Camino Restaurant because she met people from all over the United States — from California to New York, Florida and Alaska, she said. The thing she liked the least was workers not showing up. She would have to pick up shifts and sometimes work doubles. Lucero worked at Vagabond Chinese food restaurant, and when Vagabond shut down to remodel in 1968, she applied at El Camino and never went back. At El Camino, Lucero made the best margaritas in town and earned the title of best bartender in 2002. Lucero also worked at Socorro schools for 25 years starting in the position of ticket lady, moving up in the kitchen in charge of the salad bar at Sarracino Middle School, and ended her school career at Socorro High School as the kitchen supervisor. Lucero also worked at the Days Inn Golden Manor in the mornings. Lucero has a daughter, Doreen Baca; son-in-law, Abie Baca; two grandsons, Abie III and Nathaniel; and one great-granddaughter, Audrey Baca. “I made them (customers) feel comfortable and feel at home, they come from all over,”Lucero said. “I hug everybody, and I make people smile who are in a bad mood. I make them see it is a new day.” In 1965 Lucero came to Socorro from Springer. What she likes most about Socorro is the climate. A retirement party for Lucero will be held at El Camino Real Restaurant on Dec. 1 from 5 to 11 p.m. the whole community is invited and everyone is encouraged to come. She said there will be music, food and cake. Lucero is still strong, full of energy and healthy and will miss everybody, but it was time to go, she said. “Thank you for everyone who has been my friend, co-worker and my boss,” Lucero said. “I wish them all the best.”
Socorro At the school board meeting Monday night, the five-year plan for San Antonio School was approved. According to Superintendent Randall Earwood, the plan for San Antonio has been discussed for several months. A district committee convened for a five-year master facility plan for the district, and the district is going for a $5 million dollar bond in February, he said. If the bond passes, $1.6 million will be dedicated towards a new school for San Antonio. The bond needs to pass in February in order for all priorities for San Antonio School to be accomplished in the next four years, he said. To build a new school, it will cost between $4 million and $5 million dollars. President of the school board Ann Shiells said she would like to use $60,000 of the money for the playground at Parkview Elementary School ADA accessible. During the public forum, grandparent Fred Hollis said he supports the five-year plan and wants to keep the school as new. He said the children at San Antonio have a lot of compassion. Even though San Antonio is a small
school, it is in a great community and he wants Socorro’s support. “We would like to support the five-year plan and we would like to keep the school in San Antonio,” Hollis said. The plan was approved by the school board as was the $60,000 to be used for the playground at Parkview. “Educationally, I think about the children with small school instruction,” Shiells said. “They will be overlooked in the Socorro schools. If we build a safe learning environment, it’s a win-win situation. If you strengthen communities, you strengthen partnership.” Socorro High School teacher Lillian Trujillo, who is also on a state-wide committee, gave a presentation about Partnership for Assessment of Readiness for College and Careers (PARCC). PARCC will replace the Standards Based Aseessment Test, Earwood said. New Mexico is one of 46 states to adopt PARCC, and all schools will have the test in all grade levels, she said. Colleges will be able to use PARCC as a placement test, she said. According to PARCC’s website, the test will build a pathway to college and career readiness by the end of high school, mark students’ progress toward this goal from third grade up, and provide teachers with timely information to inform instruction and provide student support. The test will be ready for states to use by the 2014-2015 school year.
WARRIOR PICK UP
Fall Arts Festival adds hands-on workshops By Thomas Guengerich For El Defensor Chieftain
Socorro The Community Education Department is hosting its annual fall Arts Festival on Dec. 1, with a smattering of new offerings. In addition to the traditional offering of student artwork that was produced during this semester, the event is offers a variety of art workshops for $5, demonstrations, food, music and massages. The art sale, as always, includes a wide range of beautiful gift items made by students that are priced well below market value. This is a great opportunity to pick up a gorgeous ceramics piece, painting or fused glass work. The $5 workshops allow participants to create their own masterpieces in an hour, including ceramic painting, glass ornament making, bead work and painting. In the “Paint Your Own Ceramic” workshop, participants can select from professional bisque pieces, glaze it with a personalized design and fire the work. The finished pieces will be ready for pick-up after three days.
The “Fused Glass Ornament” workshop allows people to create stunning glass ornaments that can hang in a window or on a tree. The bead workshop has an array of high-quality beads that can be crafted into earrings, a bracelet or a necklace, with guidance from an experienced beader. Last, a painting master will be available to help students create a charming small ready-to-hang canvas. Several food vendors will be on hand, as well as performing musicians and a battle demonstration from the knights in shining armor representing the New Mexico Tech chapter of the Society of Creative Anachronism, known as the College of St. Golias. Visitors can also soothe their stress with a session with students from the massage class. Massage students will offer clothed Swedish massage for a donation to help fund the new Massage Club. The Fall 2012 Arts Festival will be from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Dec. 1. Thomas Guengerich is the New Mexico Tech public information officer.
Submitted photos
On Nov. 17 Socorro High School students, staff and parents jumped in to clean up the community during the Warrior pick-up. Participants collected trash on California Street all morning, then enjoyed a thank you hamburger and hot dog fry held at SHS. Participating in the event were: Chanel Mata, Chantel Mata, Adrianna Griego, Alondra Gomez, Evelyn Gomez, Rhiannon Salazar, Amanda Padilla, Deanna Blair, Giovanna Rosas, Sergio Leyva, Anisha Vargas, Beatriz Nava, Christina Marquez, Mia Salome, Allen Hernandez, Marinarae Rosales (seventh grader at Sarracino Middle School), Alex McPherson, Jordan Chavez, principal Jennifer Molina, Charlene Savedra, vice principal Charlie Savedra, Anton Salome, Rolinda Rosales, Marty Ray Rosales and Janelle Partridge. The Warrior Pick-up is a way for students and staff to give back to the community for all the donations the school and students receive during the year.
viewpoints El Defensor Chieftain
4 • NOVEMBER 28, 2012
Mayan doomsday a cliff away
It’s all to hit us at once: the fiscal cliff and the Mayan doomsday. What else could they throw at us — Donald Trump showing up at the party as Santa Claus? One in 10 people actually believes that the world will come to an end on Dec. 21, as the Mayans, they say, predicted. The only thing is, the Mayans didn’t. As for the so-called fiscal cliff, it doesn’t happen until the end of the year when the Bush tax cuts expire and monster budget cuts automatically kick in. It was legislators themselves who set out these markers, so Tom Kozeny let them get off their duffs and manage the bluff. As far back as 12,000 years ago, North American natives had a cliff event, called a buffalo jump, in which they drove herds of plains bison over a cliff as part of their hunt. Blackfeet Indians called the jumps “pishkun,” which they staged as late as 1500 A.D. So our cliff is nothing new — just a different brand of pitiable pishkun. As for the Mayan prophecy, the December date is just the beginning of a new time cycle — not what we later concocted — to fill out our fantasies. What the Mayans do believe is there will be big changes on the personal, family and community level, so that there is harmony and balance between mankind and nature. They are optimistic. The “fiscal cliff” is said to be a myth, concocted by Republicans to pressure Democrats to extend the Bush tax cuts for the wealthy and accept painful cuts to Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid. They invented the cliff — now they can un-invent it. If we want to believe in a doomsday cliff, global warming would be a better candidate. Although the United States has refused to sign on to even the weakest of climate change conventions, human activity has been shown to cause the melting of the Arctic ice, the collapse of fish stocks and rapid rates of extinction within all classes of life forms. That’s all from “human activity.” Who says we humans are lazy? Two years ago, the Pentagon stated that changes in the global climate are increasing the frequency and the intensity of radical weather events, and that the effects may destabilize governments; spark mass migrations, famine and pandemics; and prompt military conflict in many areas of the world. In fact, short of drastic and rapid action, life forms, including our own, are in peril of extinction. Maybe cliff is the right word after all — that’s if we’re even around in time to fall off of it. Also rivaling the fiscal one as the moment’s steepest cliff is the high-tech, covert version of war that’s taken hold over the past decade, fought by robots, tens of thousands of elite, special operation troops and warrior corporations. We have some 7,000 drones conducting hundreds of air strikes and causing thousands of casualties. Names of victims are assigned arbitrarily, without any judicial oversight, largely beyond international law. With robots fighting our wars, soon we humans won’t have to think about all the horror and havoc we’re causing. We’ll be off the cliff but not even miffed. Recently, the U.S. secretly conducted the first cyberwar in history against Iran, raising the possibility of this new weapon of mass destruction being turned against our own nation. Instead of terrorists launching planes at two symbolic buildings, cyber criminals, terrorists or foreign states could launch viruses into major financial networks and then target the nation’s power grids, electricity, public transportation and water supply. People would roam the streets, foraging for food, and life as we know it is gone. The Mayan prophecy was innocent enough, and the financial cliff seems unlikely. Rather, it’s climate and war that are rushing us straight to the pishkun plunge, with every sign that it’s going to occur. We don’t seem to care. Our children had best get ready.
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Off the Easel
Socorro On My Mind
Editor’s Note: The opinions expressed on the Viewpoints page(s) are not necessarily those of El Defensor Chieftain.
El Defensor Chieftain T.H. Lang President
David B. Puddu
Vice President/ Chief Operating Officer
200 Winkler St., Socorro, nM 87801 Telephone: 575-835-0520 • Fax: 575-835-1837 E-mail: editorial@dchieftain.com On the Web at: www.dchieftain.com Reprint of this masthead prohibited.
Letters to the Editor Wheelock wonders about response Dear Editor: Considering the role opinion columns play in stimulating public discussion and debate, I ordinarily do not respond to criticism of my opinion column, “The Pencil Warrior.” However, in his letter to the editor of Nov. 21, Chris Sichler makes suggestions I find antithetical to an enlightened and democratic society. Addressing his remarks directly to the editor, Mr. Sichler suggests that “apparently through the commentary you have been publishing, it has been a goal of your paper to alienate as many people in the community as possible. With your Nov. 14 publication of Mr. Wheelock’s column ‘Were 2012
elections irrelevant’ you have succeeded.” Had Mr. Sichler addressed his criticism to my opinions, that would constitute healthy disagreement of the type democracy embraces. But in suggesting your newspaper should not air views that offend his personal sensibilities Mr. Sichler goes over the line in favor of censorship. While he doesn’t specify what part of my column offends him, I can only guess, based on his continued scolding of the editor: “Maybe you assumed that Mr. Wheelock’s intellect would speak so far above most of our heads that we just wouldn’t notice, or perhaps maybe (sic) people like myself who worship God just wouldn’t take our nose out of the Bible long enough to read Mr. Wheelock’s article.” Was it my mention of “the intrusion of religion into government” among my list of issues glossed over during the recent
election campaigns that so arouses his ire? If so, I would advise readers to bone up on the consequences of a state religion such as Sharia Law. Or perhaps by ridiculing my alleged “intellect” Mr. Sichler is echoing the rejection of empirical thought that sadly seems on the upswing across our land. I don’t know that this is the case but I would certainly find this attitude alarming coming from a public official. Whatever faults or limitations the Defensor Chieftain may have, we would all do well to remember its crucial role as a public institution of democracy, open and responsible to all of Socorro’s citizens. Dave Wheelock Socorro
Society needs plumbers too The American Civil Liberties Union in New Mexico is trying to change existing state law that requires, mandates, obliges, commands, dictates and directs parents or guardians to send their charges to school every day of the school year. Students who don’t attend school put their parents or guardians at risk of a fine, a jail sentence or both. The ACLU believes that it is unfair that teenage parents only have 10 days excused absence a semester from school to take their babies to doctor’s appointments and such. They want to change the law to allow these kids to receive 14 days excused absence a semester. My first question is: Why would we not just exempt these immature grown-ups from the entire truancy law? I mean, should your local school district be able to dictate when a parent takes his child to the doctor? I do believe that a high school diploma or a college degree is an appropriate goal. However, I am not convinced that every student enrolled in our public schools needs to be kept there, especially under the force of law. Our society has need of plumbers, but plumbers don’t need to quote Keats or Yeats. We need auto mechanics, but mechanics don’t need to discuss String
Gene’s Nickle Gene Brown
Theory. We need heavy-equipment operators, but heavy-equipment operators don’t need to apply the Socratic Method. I am sure that by the time a student is 15 years old, parents, grand-parents and even teachers know whether matriculation to a university is probable or not. So, why not let these kids apprentice somewhere so they can learn a trade and become a productive member of society. Which leads to my second question: Who actually benefits from such a stringent truancy law? It is pretty obvious that students are not benefiting from attending school. According to the Washington Post: The (SAT) average reading score for the 2012 graduating class was 496, down one point from the previous year and 34 points
since 1972. Parents or guardians, under the threat of legal penalties and increased property taxes, are not beneficiaries, unless you cynically consider school attendance the same as day care. Does the school district benefit? Well, the law ensures that the district will have returning customers; it just doesn’t ensure that those customers will receive an adequate product. When the “poor overwhelmed” school district has all of these students, they of course need ever increasing amounts of money. Do teachers unions benefit? You bet they do! By mandating school attendance, you ensure that the largest number of teachers is needed. Teachers equate to dues payers, and that means more money to the union. I think this move by the ACLU points out how foolish governments or bureaucracies can be when they run amok. The ACLU also points out the foolishness of liberal thought: A parent taking his child to the doctor’s office for the 11th time resulting in a grandparent having to face a magistrate judge is egregious. However, it is ok to do so on the 15th time. That’s my nickle.
Member of the National Newspaper Association, Newspaper Association of America, Inland Press Association and the New Mexico Press Association Departments Elva K. Österreich. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Editor Melissa Montoya . . . . . . . . . Business Manager Rebecca Apodaca . . . . . . Production Manager Jonathan Miller . . . . . . . . . . . Sports Reporter Lindsey Padilla . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Reporter Karen Bailey-Bowman . . . . . . . . . . . Reporter Laura London . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Reporter Desiree Herndon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Advertising Trish Aragon . . . . . . . Administrative Assistant Paul Ulibarri Jr. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Distribution El Defensor Chieftain (ISSN 0011-7633) is published semi-weekly by Number Nine Media, Inc. at 200 Winkler St. SW, Socorro, NM 87801. Periodicals postage rate paid at Socorro, NM 87801-9998. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: El Defensor Chieftain at 200 Winkler Street, Socorro, NM 87801-9998. Subscription rates in Socorro and Catron Counties: 2 years, $46; 1 year, $28; 6 months, $16; 3 months, $12. Elsewhere: 2 years, $60; 1 year, $38; 6 months, $22; 3 months, $16.
All advertising copy and artwork, news stories and photographs appearing in El Defensor Chieftain are copyrighted and may not be reproduced or reprinted without permission of the publisher or editor. Management reserves the right to reject advertising or news copy considered objectionable. Liability for any error in advertising is limited to the value of the actual space in which the error occurs and will be satisfied by correction in the next issue. Errors of fact or erroneous reflection upon the character, standing or reputation of any individual, firm or corporation appearing in this newspaper will be corrected upon being brought to the attention of the publisher or editor.
December skies We lead off this month with the Geminid meteor shower. This year the new moon will not hinder meteor watching as the peak of the shower will occur on the night of Dec. 13-14. This year the shower is predicted to produce about 120 meteors per hour (two per minute). Look to the east in the direction of the bright star Castor in Gemini. This should appear to be the radiant (origin point) for the shower. Bundle up as this should be one of the best showers this year. Actually you may see quite a few Geminids for a couple of days before and after the peak. Jupiter reaches opposition on Dec. 2. Rising at sunset, it will be visible all night long. This will be one of Jupiter’s closest oppositions in many years and it will shine at a very bright apparent magnitude of -2.8. Late night and early morning will place the giant planet high in the sky and ideal for viewing in small telescopes. Saturn rises around 4 a.m. at the beginning of the month and its westward trek will have it rising by 2:30 a.m. at the end
Guest Column Jon Spargo
of the month. The beautiful rings are once again opening to our view and are tilted 19 degrees from edge-on throughout the month. Mercury will have one of its best apparitions for mid-northern latitudes beginning on the first and lasting through the end of the month. Looking east, about an hour before sunrise, Mercury and Venus will keep close company for the first half of the month separated by only 6.3 degrees on the 6th.
Venus begins the month only five degrees from Saturn but the separation grows as Saturn climbs higher in the early morning sky and Venus begins it decent toward the horizon. At magnitude -3.9, Venus easily outshines everything in the pre-dawn sky. The moon will be last quarter on the 6th, new on the 13th, first quarter on the 19th, and full on the 28th. Looking to the southeast about an hour before sunrise on Dec. 9 through 11, the waning crescent moon will pass the bright star Spica in Virgo on the 9th, followed by the ringed planet Saturn on the 10th and finally just below and to the right of dazzling Venus on the 11th. Looking east on Christmas night, about an hour after sunset, the nearly full moon will be just one degree from the giant planet Jupiter and above the bright star Aldebaran in the constellation Taurus. In the northern hemisphere winter officially begins at 4:12 a.m. MST on Dec. 21. Clear Skies!
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Naming our forts Among the two dozen military forts established in New Mexico during the 19th century, a handful of them were named for soldiers who gave their lives in defense of the territory. The earliest to do so was Capt. John Burgwin of Missouri. He fell mortally wounded while leading the assault on the Taos Pueblo church, which had been fortified by rebels in the Taos uprising of January 1847. Seven years later, Fort Burgwin was built 10 miles south of Taos for the purpose of protecting the countryside from raiding Utes and Jicarilla Apaches. Three officers who died heroically in the Civil War battle of Valverde on Feb. 21, 1862, were honored when their names were given to forts in the region. Capt. Alexander McRae, in charge of an artillery battery in the Union line, was slain while defending his cannons as Confederate attackers overran the position. A year later, Fort McRae was located east of the Rio Grande, downriver from the Valverde battlefield. The other two officers who lost their lives at Valverde were Capt. George N. Bascom and Capt. Benjamin Wingate. The Army established Fort Bascom eight miles north of Tucumcari
to discourage raids by Comanches and Kiowas, while Fort Wingate in far western New Mexico served as a staging point for a large scale campaign in 1863 to defeat the Navajos. That latter effort, as it turned out, resulted in Marc Simmons the loss of another officer, whose name wound up on a New Mexico fort, Maj. Joseph Cummings. The manner of his death forms a curious story. After long periods of Navajo attacks on Spanish, then Mexican and finally American populations along the Rio Grande and elsewhere, Gen. James H. Carleton, supreme military commander of New Mexico, mustered a large military force, placed it under Col. Kit Carson and sent it into the heart of Navajo country. Carson’s orders were to defeat the tribe and then send it into captivity on a new reservation astride the middle Pecos River. Departing from Fort Wingate, the campaign troops pushed deep into the Navajo domain. On Aug. 19, 1863, Col. Carson addressed a
New Mexico Scrapbook
letter to Gen. Carleton in Santa Fe. In it, he wrote: “It is my melancholy duty to announce the death of Major Cummings, who was killed yesterday by a concealed Indian.” Kit explained he had divided his command to make a wide sweep over the ground surrounding Canyon Bonito. He had led one company to the right of the canyon and dispatched another to the left. Maj. Cummings remained in charge of the main body of troops near the mouth of the canyon. Inexplicably, contrary to orders, he left his men and, accompanied by a single unarmed civilian known only as Betts, the major rode at a fast clip four miles into Canyon Bonito. There he was felled by a single bullet fired from ambush and fell to the ground. Betts recovered the officer’s loose horse and his pistols, then retreated to report the news. Capt. Eben Everett, who was keeping a diary of the campaign, wrote that a party was sent to recover the body.
Puppy: Police recommend people check first Continued from Page 1 already been paid out so it was too late for the woman to get her money back. Vaiza strongly recommended checking with the Better Business Bureau before sending any money to a company one hasn’t heard of before. He said people can look online to find information about companies, and there are many sources to consult. “Or if they don’t want to do that, they can contact us,” Vaiza said. “We’ll do some work on finding out if it’s legit.” Vaiza said one time someone reported a possible scam and gave the company’s street address to the sheriff’s office. He said they looked the address up on Google Earth and found it was an empty lot, not a business
at all. Vaiza told another story about an elderly lady who got a call from a man last year who claimed to be her grandson. The man said he was in a car wreck in Mexico and that he needed money. “And he told her, ‘Don’t tell Mom,’” Vaiza said. “‘She doesn’t know I’m in Mexico. It will make her worry.’” Vaiza said that woman wired money twice — $5,000 and $7,000. She finally talked to her other daughter and found out her real grandson was in Farmington the whole time and perfectly safe. Vaiza said the sheriff’s department worked with Immigration and Customs Enforcement and they knew where the
money was picked up. The suspect even presented identification featuring the grandson’s name, which was different from the grandmother’s name, at the Western Union office. Vaiza noted some scammers really do their homework on their victims; people need to double check all information all the time when they’re considering sending money. “If you feel you’re being scammed, give us a call,” Vaiza said. “Or city police or state police, any law enforcement agency.” Vaiza said for every person who reports a scam, there are many more victims who don’t come forward because they are too embarrassed they got taken. He encouraged everyone to report fraud no matter what.
Ringers: Partnering with American Red Cross Continued from Page 1 Salvation Army and deposited in their bank account, and then we submit receipts which they reimburse for the full amount. “Last year’s bell ringing brought in over $2,500,” he said. “It’s a vital event for Puerto Seguro. This is a really big deal. We don’t get many donations this big.” Normally, the bell ringing campaign starts Dec. 15, but the Salvation Army recommended trying Black Friday, traditionally a big day for their donations nationally. Bottorf hasn’t counted the money yet, but he is pleased with the results. “The cash bag is pretty heavy,” he said. Durand came up with the idea to have bell ringers out at Smith’s and Walmart this coming Saturday and Sunday as well. “Dec. 1 is a payday, and we hope it will also be a big donation day,” he said. “We will have bell ringers at Smith’s in the morning, and Walmart in the afternoon,” he said, adding that the hours reflect the volunteers’ need to stay warm in the sunshine. “It’s hard to ask people to stand in the shade,” he said. Then the campaign will take a break, resuming Dec. 15 and continuing every day through Christmas
Eve, depending on the number of volunteers Bottorf can enlist. “We need volunteers,” he said. “The shifts are one to two hours long during normal shopping hours, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.” Bottorf will have kettles at the city post office and all three supermarkets in town. On Dec. 17, the Socorro Community Orchestra has volunteered to serenade shoppers at Walmart during the afternoon, barring inclement weather. “The orchestra is going to split up into duets and trios, so you will hear a variety of music if you stick around,” he said. “People are encouraged to throw in a dollar every 15 minutes!” Puerto Seguro-Safe Harbor is the official name for Socorro’s shelter for the homeless and needy. The shelter is located next to the railroad tracks on California Street on the south end of town. The shelter is open Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Bottorf said everyone who shows up will be served a free meal. Free showers and laundry services are also available at the shelter, as well as a clothing bank. Needy homeless people will be outfitted with warm sleeping bags, tents and hiking boots. The homeless are not the only Puerto Seguro clients. Local
families facing hardship visit the shelter for meals and help finding ways to pay overdue bills. The shelter provides limited emergency funds, but is not in a position to support people or find them jobs. “At Puerto Seguro, we counsel people about services that are available to help low income people with their rent and utilities,” Bottorf said. “We try to refer them to people who want to hire someone for temporary jobs, like chopping and stacking wood or cleaning yards, but we are not an employment agency. “We are in a crisis mode right now,” he said. “The Coop has an arrangement if your electric bill is up to date currently, they will put a freeze on your account, and
they won’t shut off your power until March. We have had a lot of people trying to pay off their electric bills.” All of these efforts depend on funds generated by the Christmas bell ringing campaign, and Bottorf is hoping to enlist an army of volunteer bell ringers. “I will be contacting all the service groups to get volunteers to help with the bell ringing, starting Dec. 15,” he said. Volunteers can pick their times, days, and their locations — Smith’s, Supermart, Walmart or the city post office on the plaza. Chairs will be provided. For more information, call Bottorf at 838-4553 or Durand at 575-418-0492.
“Major Cummings,” he added, “was beloved by fellow officers and his many friends. He had $4,200 on his person at the time. His death was the result of rashness, in rushing into a dangerous place, an act he had been repeatedly warned against.” These circumstances seem mysterious in the extreme, the more so when we note that in his official report Carson stated that actually $5,301 had been found on the major’s body. Since no formal military inquiry was ever conducted, questions surrounding the episode remain unanswered. At the request of family members, Cummings’ corpse was sent to Santa Fe for burial in the Masonic and Odd Fellows Cemetery with full military honors. Oddly, Maj. Joseph Cummings was the only member of Carson’s command to be killed. That may help to explain why two months later a new fort established in southwestern New Mexico (east of Deming) was named Fort Cummings in honor of his memory. The adobe-walled installation with an impressive sally port has today melted away, leaving only faint traces of its existence.
Gun: Man arrested Continued from Page 1 The NMSP officer smelled an alcoholic beverage as he was speaking to Cordova, according to court documents. Cordova allegedly told the officer he had two beers before coming to check his water. He also told the officer he knew he was not supposed to be drinking since it was a violation of his probation. The officer advised Cordova’s probation officer of the matter, according to court records. When the officer provided Cordova’s information to dispatch, he learned Cordova had a warrant for his arrest. The warrant is for attempting to falsely obtain services and receiving/disposing of stolen property.
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Thursday, November 29, 2012 Tree preview and family night 6 to 8 p.m. Raffles FREE ENTRY – DONATIONS WELCOME
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Come help us raise money to renovate the facility and have a great time celebrating the holiday season.
575-835-0520 www.dchieftain.com
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El Defensor Chieftain El Defensor Chieftain
6www.dchieftain.com • NOVEMBER 28, 2012
www.dchieftain.com November 28, 2012 - 1
0030 Lost & Found
1155 Estate Sales
1600 Apartments Furnished
1640 Houses, Unfurnished
3070 Trailers
LOST SIAMESE CAT $$ REWARD $$ Light & dark brown fur, large friendly male w/blue eyes. "Davis", lost near Sofia’s Kitchen, Nov. 2, collar gone but has chip. Tell Your Friends! Call or text 575-517-7980 or 505-9188978. THANK YOU!
UNIQUE Estate Sale: 616 Miller, Thurs., Fri., & Sat., 10-3. Glassware, collectables & more. 505-507-1134 or 505259-6684 for details or visit atouchofclassestatesalesands ervices.com
1 bedroom apartment. $235 month, $150 deposit. Call 8380096
4 bedroom, 1 & 1/2 bath house. $750 per month, $750 deposit. No pets. 575-5179018.
FOR Sale: 2004 WW Horse Trailer. Goose neck, 16’ x 16’, separator. 575-835-4381
ADOBE. 2bdrm,1ba., WD, DW. $600 per mo. Tenant pays gas & electric. 1yr. lease. Call 8358944.
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0050 Services
9-4, Fri., & Sat.; 2293 Hwy 1, Luis Lopez; .9mi. S. of bridge; refrigerator, dining set, twin beds, other furnishings.
ATTENTION DIABETICS with Medicare. Get a FREE talking meter and diabetic testing supplies at NO COST, plus FREE home delivery! Best of all, this meter eliminates painful finger pricking! Call 866-406-2158 ATTENTION SLEEP APNEA SUFFERERS with Medicare. Get FREE CPAP Replacement Supplies at NO COST, plus FREE home delivery! Best of all, prevent red skin sores and bacterial infection! Call 866938-5101 DIRECTV for $29.99/mo for 24 months. Over 140 channels. FREE HD-DVR Upgrade! FREE NFL Sunday Ticket w/CHOICE Package! Call TODAY for details 888-719-9465
1160 Garage Sales/Flea Mkt
1190 Merchandise-Misc.
1605 Apartments Unfurn. 1BDRM apt. in Lemitar. Washer/Dryer. $450mo. + dep. All utilities included. Call (505)660-3748. 1 bedroom apartment on Mt. Carmel Ave. available with utilities. Call 838-0167. NOW renting 1 & 2 bedroom apartments. Call 575-418-1919
DUTYMAN 750 adjustable security officer belt w/5 additional holders. $75. 505-450-7351 EZ Sport Recumbent Bicycle Long Wheel base 20" front, 26" rear. $275. Call Catharine at 838-1110 or email hermosa@sdc.org WOOD burning potbelly stove. $75. 505-450-7351.
3BDRM, 1bath house for rent: $575mo. $575dep. 418-0999.
0075 Employment
0075 Employment
1620 2-3-4 Plexes for rent 2BDRM apt. for rent/sale: radiant heat, W/D h-ups, enclosed backyard w/storage. Call 505463-6860
1640 Houses, Unfurnished
P/T wait staff with experience needed. Apply in person at Roadrunner Travel Center.
doublewide, 4BDRM, 2ba. large master suite & living area, large fenced yard. Tenant pays utilities. $600mo. $600c/s. 418-1139
GMAC MORTGAGE, LLC, Plaintiff,
BEAUTIFUL, clean 2bdrm, 1ba. trailer, Sm. fenced yard. Pet restrictions. Washer hk-up with clothesline. $425 mo. $425 dep. 575-835-2396
MOBILE home for rent: 2bdrm, 2ba., wood heater. $430 month, water pd. Polvadera Heights. 575-517-7451.
2205 Lots, Acreage-Res. STEAL MY 20 ACRES near Ruidoso, $29,900. Municipal water, maintained roads and electric. Won’t last at this price! Call NMRS 866-906-2857
MEDICAL Alert for Seniors 24/7 monitoring. FREE Equipment. FREE Shipping. Nationwide Service. $29.95/Month CALL Medical Guardian Today 888-416-2099
ADVERTISE YOUR DRIVER JOBS in 33 New Mexico newspapers for only $100. Your 25word classified ad will reach more than 288,000 readers. Call this newspaper to place your ad or log onto www.nmpress.org for more information.
No. D-728-CV-2011-00028
Roomate wanted. Home location: 411 Hilltop, near the Shell Station. Inquire at 575-4181396.
GET FREE OF CREDIT CARD DEBT NOW! Cut payments by up to half. Stop creditors from calling. 877-639-3441
0075 Employment
2BDRM, 1ba. $300mo. $200 dep. No dogs. 575-517-0994
1675 Rentals to Share
DISH Network. Starting at $19.99/month PLUS 30 Premium Movie Channels FREE for 3 Months! SAVE! & Ask About SAME DAY Installation! CALL 877-867-1441
PROFLOWERS. Send Flowers for Every Occasion! Anniversary, Birthday, Just Because. Starting at just $19.99. Go to www.proflowers.com/save to receive an extra 20 percent off any order over $29.99 or Call 1-877-837-1671
1650 Mobile Homes for rent
1605 Apartments Unfurn.
REPORTER El Defensor Chieftain is seeking a reporter to join our award-winning newspaper staff. The preferred candidate will possess a journalism degree and a minimum of two years practical experience. Fluency in latest computer applications a plus. The job requires maintaining a municipal beat and covering stories as assigned. Excellent benefits including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, 401K, vacation and sick leave are offered. A pre-employment drug screen is required. El Defensor Chieftain is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Send a cover letter, resume and writing samples to: Elva K. Österreich, Editor, El Defensor Chieftain, 200 Winkler St., Socorro, NM 87801 or e-mail eosterreich@dchieftain.com.
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Advertising Representative El Defensor Chieftain is seeking an advertising representative to join our award-winning newspaper staff. Previous sales experience preferred but will train candidate who possesses qualities of a successful salesperson. Must be team oriented, dependable and have good people skills. Excellent benefits including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, 401K, vacation and sick leave are offered. A pre-employment drug screen is required. El Defensor Chieftain is an Equal Opportunit Employer. Send a cover letter and resumé to: Rita Garcia, Advertising Manager, Valencia County News-Bulletin, P.O. Box 25, Belen, NM 87002 or e-mail rgarcia@news-bulletin.com.
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STATE OF NEW MEXICO COUNTY OF CATRON SEVENTH JUDICIAL DISTRICT
vs. KATHY A. WHITE; JESSE L. WHITE; and HOMESTEAD LANDOWNERS’ ASSOCIATION, INC., Defendants. NOTICE OF SALE NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that on December 18, 2012, at the hour of 2:00 p.m., the undersigned Special Master will, at the Main entrance to the Catron County District Court, 100 Main Street, Reserve, New Mexico, sell all the right, title and interest of the abovenamed Defendants in and to the hereinafter described real estate to the highest bidder for cash. The property to be sold is located at 96 Pioneer Drive, Datil, and is situate in Catron County, New Mexico, and is particularly described as follows: LOT 96, PHASE ONE, THE HOMESTEAD SUBDIVISION, PER MAP RECORDED IN SLIDE B-018 OF MAPS, IN THE OFFICE OF THE COUNTY RECORDER OF CATRON COUNTY, NEW MEXICO; including, but not limited to, the manufactured home permanently attached thereto, title to which has been deactivated in the records of the Motor Vehicle Department of the State of New Mexico. THE FOREGOING SALE will be made to satisfy a judgment rendered by the above Court in the above entitled and numbered cause on October 15, 2012, being an action to foreclose a mortgage on the above described property. The Plaintiff’s Judgment, which includes interest and costs, is $106,950.18 and the same bears interest at 7.500% per annum from July 20, 2012, to the date of sale. The amount of such interest to the date of sale will be $3,340.36. The Plaintiff and/or its assignees has the right to bid at such sale and submit its bid verbally or in writing. The Plaintiff may apply all or any part of its judgment to the purchase price in lieu of cash. The sale may be postponed and rescheduled at the discretion of the Special Master. NOTICE IS FURTHER GIVEN that the real property and improvements concerned with herein will be sold subject to any and all patent reservations, easements, all recorded and unrecorded liens not foreclosed herein, and all recorded and unrecorded special assessments
Legals
p and taxes that may be due. Plaintiff and its attorneys disclaim all responsibility for, and the purchaser at the sale takes the property subject to, the valuation of the property by the County Assessor as real or personal property, affixture of any mobile or manufactured home to the land, deactivation of title to a mobile or manufactured home on the property, if any, environmental contamination on the property, if any, and zoning violations concerning the property, if any. NOTICE IS FURTHER GIVEN that the purchaser at such sale shall take title to the above described real property subject to a one month right of redemption. Electronically filed /s/ W. Scott Brand W. Scott Brand, Special Master 7430 Washington St. NE, Ste. 102 Albuquerque, NM 87109 (505) 433-4576 Published on November 21, 28 and December 05 and 12, 2012 STATE OF NEW MEXICO COUNTY OF SOCORRO SEVENTH JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT D-725-CV-2012-00052 UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, acting through RURAL HOUSING SERVICE, Plaintiff, v. JACK R. HEINSOHN, et. al., Defendants. NOTICE OF PENDENCY OF SUIT TO: Defendants Jack R. Heinsohn, Michael Martinez and Gloria Martinez: NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the above-named Plaintiff filed a Complaint for Foreclosure in the above Court on May 21, 2012, against the above-named Defendant(s). The general object of the Complaint is to foreclose a lien of Plaintiff against certain real property located in Socorro County, New Mexico, commonly known as Star Route 1, Box 45 (aka 314 County Road 90, Lemitar, New Mexico, 87801, and more particularly described as follows: A TRACT OF LAND IN THE SW1/4NW1/4 OF SEC. 13, T. 2 S., R. 1 W., NMPM, SOUTH OF LEMITAR, SOCORRO COUNTY, NEW MEXICO, BEING IN THE WEST PART OF TR. 41 OF MRGCD MAP 156, ALSO BEING PART OF SHC 5996, BOUNDED ON THE EAST BY THE WEST ROW LINE OF A PROPOSED STREET, BOUNDED IN THE SOUTH BY LAND OF MARY ANN HIGNIGHT, BOUNDED ON THE WEST BY LAND OF RAUL AND LINDA SILVA, BOUNDED ON THE NORTH BY THE SOUTH ROW LINE OF A PROPOSED STREET, AND
Legals
, BOUND MORE PARTICULARLY DESCRIDED AS FOLLOWS, TO-WIT: BEGINNING AT COR, 1, THE SOUTHWEST CORNER, WHENCE THE QUARTER SECTION CORNER COMMON TO SECTIONS 13 AND 14, T. 2 S., R. 1 W., NMPM BEARS S. 39°28’45" W., A DISTANCE OF 593.70 FEET; ALSO WHENCE THE BRASS CAP MONUMENT MARKING THE SOUTHWEST CORNER OF SHC 5996 BEARS S. 15°42’57" W., A DISTANCE OF 236.25 FEET; THENCE, N. 24°12’45" W., 127.55 FT. TO COR. 2, THE NW CORNER, A POINT ON THE SOUTH ROW LINE A PROPOSED STREET; THENCE, S. 86°09’00" E., 172.29 FT. ALONG THE SOUTH ROW LINE OF A PROPOSED STREET TO COR. 3, THE NE CORNER, A POINT ON THE NE CORNER, A POINT ON THE WEST ROW LINE OF A PROPOSED STREET; THENCE, S. 22°47’00"E., 132.26 FT. ALONG THE WEST ROW LINE OF A PROPOSED STREET TO COR. 4, THE SE CORNER; THENCE, S. 88°00’00" W., 170.91 FT. TO COR. 1, THE PLACE OF BEGINNING. and to foreclose the interests of the above named Defendant(s) and any other parties bound by the notice of lis pendens in the Property, all as more specifically stated in the Complaint filed in this cause of action. FURTHER, the above-named Defendants Jack R. Heinsohn, Michael Martinez and Gloria Martinez are hereby notified that they have until thirty (30) days from date of completion of publication of this Notice in which to file an answer or other pleading responsive to the Complaint and should said Defendant(s) choose not to file an answer or other responsive pleading to the Complaint on or before thirty (30) days from date of completion of publication of this Notice, judgment or other appropriate relief may be rendered against the abovenamed Defendant(s). Richard M. Leverick of the law firm of Leverick and Musselman, L.L.C., whose address and phone number is 5120 San Francisco Rd. NE, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87109, (505) 858-3303 is the attorney for the Plaintiff. WITNESS the hand of the Seventh Judicial District Court Clerk of the State of New Mexico, and the seal of the Socorro Judicial District Court of Socorro County, this 20th day of November, 2012. VIRGINIA VIVIAN CLERK OF THE COURT By: Virginia Vivian Published on November 28 and December 05 and 12, 2012
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NOVEMBER 28, 2012 • 7
Boot Camp Boxing coming up El Defensor Chieftain Report On Dec. 1, Russell Moses and Boot Camp Boxing will host the Desert Duke Out at Sarracino Middle School gymnasium. The boxing event will feature 20 bouts, and all proceeds will go toward helping send local youth boxers to the State Silver Gloves Tournament taking place Dec. 7, 8 and 9. General admission is $10 for adults, $5 for children/students, and children under age 5 are free.
VIP seating will be available for $20 and a table with five seats is available for $100. Scheduled to fight are Felix Rodarte in the 80-pound division, Estephan Fransica in the 63-pound division and Andrew Sylva at 90 pounds. Doors will open at 2 p.m. and the first bell is scheduled for 3 p.m. Event T-shirts will be available to purchase for $5 and mini boxing glove key chains will be sold for $3.
El Defensor Chieftain file photo
Led by Boot Camp Boxing coach Russell Moses Jr., participants warm up during a May practice session at the Boot Camp Boxing Gym at 105 Francisco de Avondo St.
El Defensor Chieftain file photo
Boot Camp Boxing coach Russell Moses Jr. instructs one of his students on the heavy bag during a practice session in May.
Obituaries
ROMERO – Ofelia P. “Sally” Romero, 89, passed away peacefully Saturday, Nov. 24, 2012, surrounded by her loving family. She was born in Los Angeles on Aug. 19, 1923, to Meregildo and Ysabel (Juarez Corona) Parra. She was preceded in death by her parents, one brother, two sisters, her beloved daughter Jennie, and her friend and father of her children, Benito Romero. Sally was a lifelong resident of San Antonio. She
was a very talented and artistic woman. She enjoyed drawing, crocheting and sewing. Sally loved to dance. Above all, Sally was a very devoted mother and grandmother. She adored and loved her family to the fullest. She often taught her children and grandchildren how to make tortillas — she loved it. Sally is survived by her daughters, Esther R. Myers and husband, Faustino, Frances Smith, and Toni Holcomb and husband, Grant; her son Phil Romero and wife, Bonnie; eleven loving grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; one greatgreat-grandchild; and many other loving family members. A holy rosary will be recited Wednesday, Nov. 28, 2012, at 8:30 a.m. at the San Miguel Catholic Church followed by a Mass of Resurrection, which will be celebrated at 9 a.m. with Father Andrew Pavlak as
celebrant. Interment will take place in the San Antonito Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Zach Esquivel, Robert Smith, Joe Padilla, Benito Romero, Sefie Esquivel and Josh Gonzales. To view information or leave a condolence, please visit www.danielsfuneral.com. Sally’s care has been entrusted to: Daniels Family Funeral Services 309 Garfield St. Socorro, NM 87801 GALLAHER – Mary Katherine Gallaher, 75, passed away peacefully Monday, Nov. 19, 2012, surrounded by her loving family. She was born in Albuquerque on April 24, 1937, to Charles Otis and Mary A. (Foard) Breece. She was preceded in death by her parents; her brothers David Kenneth Breece and Charles Otis Breece Jr.; and
her sister Jane McDougal. Mary K. and her family resided most of their life in Datil and in Magdalena. She was a very outgoing and talented wife and mother. She built the family’s 5,000 square-foot adobe home and remodeled almost every home they had. Mary K. was a real estate broker and a devoted ranch wife. There was not anything she couldn’t do. Mary K. was fluent in both reading and speaking Spanish. She was the first recipient of the NMAA
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Sportsmanship Parent of the Year award. Mary K. loved to cook, hunt, sew, paint, and work with stained glass and wood. She enjoyed collecting vintage spurs and was known as the “spur lady.” Most of all she loved dancing with her husband, Dale. Mary is survived by her devoted husband of 57 years, Roy Dale Gallaher; her children Bill Gallaher, Gail Armstrong and husband, Dale, Lynn Major and husband, Randell, and Dan Gallaher; her grandchildren, who affectionately knew her as “Grammie,” Kelly, Kayla, K.C., Kameron, Lane, Sarah Kate, Matt and Danielle; her great-grandchildren J.D. Kersey, Abby Kersey, Kanyon Kern and Braydon Armstrong; and many other loving family members. A funeral service was held on Saturday, Nov. 24, 2012, at 11 a.m. at the Montosa
Campground — Church of The Living Water with the Rev. John Sirman. Interment followed in the Montosa Campground Cemetery. Pallbearers were Bill Gallaher, Dan Gallaher, Dale Armstrong, Randell Major, K.C. Armstrong and Lane Major. Honorary pallbearers were Matt Major, Kelly Kern, Kayla Kersey, Kameron Armstrong, Sarah Kate Gallaher, Danielle Gallaher, Eric Kern, Cody Kersey, Amanda Armstrong and Fran Ganadonegro.To view information or leave a condolence, please visit www.danielsfuneral. com. Mary K.’s care has been entrusted to: Daniels Family Funeral Services 309 Garfield St. Socorro, NM 87801 575-835-1530
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SOCORRO 8 • NOVEMBER 28, 2012
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on the rise
Balloon rally returns
Balloon rally organizer Mike Shrum, center, talks with some of the skydivers as they walk to the balloon they will be jumping from. Several skydivers jumped from several different balloons during the Saturday event.
A family endeavor puts Beth Talbert and grandson Anthony Trillanes to work holding lines as Trillanes Flying Garden is filled Nov. 24 for the Socorro Balloon Rally, which began at Tripp’s Field. Originally planned for take off at the new Socorro Recreation Complex, wind conditions sent balloonists across town to the field on El Camino Real.
Photos by Elva K. Österreich/El Defensor Chieftain
Trillanes Flying Garden hot air balloon fills for its journey over Socorro on Nov. 24.
Elisa and Mark Trillanes fly their balloon, Trillanes Flying Garden, over Socorro during the Nov. 24 balloon rally. Elisa serves as pilot coordinator for the Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta.
Mark Trillanes is assisted by Dennis Grider as they squeeze the air out of Trillanes’ balloon after it lands in preparation for packing it up.
Blew By You, piloted by Charity Blanchard, comes down in a desert area south of Socorro after a smooth flight over the city Nov. 24.