March 28, 2013

Pastime

Cleanup

Track

Harrison Ford and Chadwick Boseman talk about baseball and life

Area hazardous waste site, Eagle Picher, to get attention after 2007 listing

Area teams earn good rankings at T or C weekend meet

INSIDE

NEWS • PAGE 5

SPORTS • PAGE 10

El Defensor Chieftain

© 2013, El Defensor Chieftain

Vol. 147 • No. 24

NEWS l ine

SEC meeting tonight

A special meeting of the Socorro Electric Co-op begins tonight at 5 p.m. before the regular meeting beginning at 5:30.

SOCORRO, NEW MEXICO • MARCH 28, 2013

Magdalena schools face $300,000 budget shortfall

Falling enrollment, PED error make job cuts likely

and Gail Armstrong and honoring departing members Marva Brunson and Barbara Gordon was dampened by bad news about the budget at Monday night’s Magdalena Municipal School board meeting.

Falling enrollment, the 5 percent sequestration reduction in federal monies, and a New Mexico Public Education Dept. spreadsheet error mean the district has to find a way to cut about $300,000 out of next year’s budget, Superintendent

Karen Bailey-Bowman El Defensor Chieftain Reporter

kbowman@dchieftain.com

Magdalena The celebration welcoming newly elected board members Nancy Jaramillo

Mike Chambers told the board.

The district won’t know exactly how much money it will have next year until PED examines the district’s budget after it is submitted April 18. A public hearing about the budget is scheduled for April 9 at 6 p.m. in the fine arts building.

No matter what the final numbers are, budget cuts are looming. Since 80 percent of the budget is dedicated to salaries, Chambers said, the district will have to find ways to reduce staff-

FISHING DERBY TIME

Easter egg scramble

Open house for arts

Socorro County Arts open house features art demonstrations, live music and other festivities at Alamo Gallery and Gifts. For more information contact Socorro County Arts at 835-2787 or go to www.socorrocountyarts.com.

El Defensor Chieftain Reporter

llondon@dchieftain.com

Community Easter sunrise service brings several local pastors together with an ecumenical service at 6:30 a.m. at the New Mexico Tech duck pond, With parking behind Macey Center.

The service is followed by a community pancake breakfast at St. Paul’s United Methodist Church at 1000 Goad at 7:30 a.m. For information, contact the Rev. Reuben Thomas at 505554-7834.

Auditions

Elva K. Osterreich/El Defensor Chieftain

FIRE DANGER

By Laura London El Defensor Chieftain Reporter

Socorro Representatives from area schools, state agencies, HeadStart, the state Legislature and more gathered March 21 to kick off the First 2,000 Days campaign during a luncheon at the Bodega.

Tara Jaramillo, CEO of Positive Outcomes and its adjunct company

Alberta House, began by thanking everyone for attending their “it pays to invest in children” luncheon. Alberta House, she explained, is an early intervention program that provides parent support, training and evaluation for children who may have needs in speech, occupational and physical therapy. The services are free to everyone in the county for children birth to 3 years old, she said.

Jaramillo said Positive Outcomes has signed up as a corporate sponsor

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of the First 2,000 Days campaign, and she invited other local companies to do likewise.

Jaramillo explained the First 2,000 Days is a campaign focused on the first 2,000 days of life, which is about the length of time from birth to the first day of kindergarten. The campaign’s goal is threefold: to educate the community about early childhood services available, to identify gaps in n See Childhood, Page 6

Socorro A Socorro man was arraigned in 7th Judicial District Court on Monday for nine charges stemming from his Feb. 1 arrest on suspicion of drug dealing.

District Judge Edmund Kase III read the charges against Raymond Jaramillo in court: trafficking methamphetamine, a second-degree felony; possession of cocaine, a fourth-degree felony; possession of methamphetamine, a fourth degree felony; possession of heroin, a fourth-degree felony; possession of less than an ounce of marijuana, a petty misdemeanor; contributing to the delinquency of a minor, a fourth-degree felony; two third-degree felonies, tampering with evidence and attempting to tamper with evidence; and possession of a marijuana pipe, a misdemeanor.

Mateo Page, prosecuting attorney, said the charges could net Jaramillo up to 20 and a half years in prison if he is convicted.

Jaramillo, who pleaded not guilty, is scheduled for a jury trial in July on the charges.

Jaramillo’s attorney, Albert Costales, asked if the judge could possibly return the $1,000 bond money put up by the defendant’s mother.

Jaramillo is currently living with his mother in Socorro, Costales said.

“My mom spent her money to help me,” Jaramillo told the judge. “I just n See Charges, Page 6

School board looks at next year’s calendar, testing

By Elva K. Österreich

WEATHER

Ian Doff, left, and Dustin Armijo, above, do their best to catch some fish during the Socorro Community Fishing Clinic and Derby held March 23 at Escondida Lake. Despite high wind conditions, 213 boys and girls ages 3 to 17 participated in the event. Winning in the boys category were Raymond Puentes, 13.5-inch trout; Shayton Atwood, 13.5-inch; Kolt Henderson, 13.25-inch; and Nico Morales with a 13-inch fish. In the girls category the winners were Unique Chavez, 14.5inch; Dominique Baca, 14-inch; Trishten Chavez, 13.25-inch; and Bianca Monte with a 13.25-inch fish.

Program focuses on early childhood llondon@dchieftain.com

Registration has begun for the Socorro Running Series beginning at 7:30 a.m. April 6, at the plaza in Socorro. Register at www.newmexicosportsonline. com by April 4.

n See Shortfall, Page 3

By Laura London

Sunrise service

City of Socorro Running Series

ing. Reduction in force will be a reality, he said.

“We’re going to have to make some tough decisions about personnel,” he said. “We are going to be losing teachers at the elementary school, and reducing mid-school and high school teaching staff by one to two people.”

Chambers handed out the district

Man faces nine drug charges

Easter egg hunt with the city of Socorro begins at 9:30 a.m. at Sedillo Park. The event is for children from 2 to 12 years of age only. For more information contact the Socorro Youth Department at 838-3934.

Auditions for Socorro Community Theater’s staged reading of Shakespeare’s “Much Ado About Nothing” are April 2 and 3, in the upstairs conference room of the Socorro Public Libary. Contact Warren at 418-7753 for more information. Performances will be April 19-21 at the former Episcopal church on Fischer Street.

50 cents

El Defensor Chieftain Editor

eosterreich@dchieftain.com

Monday’s meeting of the Socorro Consolidated Schools board kicked off with the swearing in of the newly elected board members, Pauline Jaramillo and James Chavez. Both board members were reelected to their seats in February.

During a re-organization of officers, board members were re-elected to their positions: Ann Shiells as president, Kimberly Gonzales as vice president and Dawn Weaver as secretary.

Superintendent Randall Earwood then talked about a revision of the school system’s medication disbursement policy which the board will be asked to vote on in the next meeting. He said the new policy

is in line with recommended policies.

He also presented a school calendar for the 2013-2014 school year which had been recommended by a calendar committee and voted on by personnel from all the schools.

Associate superintendent Janice Argabright said two calendars were presented to SCS staff and they made sure everybody got a vote. The vote was 239 to 25 for the recommended version of the calendar the board will be voting on next meeting.

She said with the new calendar, school will begin later but, because a couple of breaks were eliminated, school will still end in May. Argabright also said it has n See Next Page 6

Elva K. Osterreich/El Defensor Chieftain

Judge Demund Kase III swears in two recently re-elected school board members, Pauline Jaramillo and James Chavez during Monday’s Socorro Consolodated Schools board meeting.

El Defensor Chieftain

2 • MARCH 28, 2013

CALENDAR OF EVENTS UPCOMING SPECIAL EVENTS

SENIOR CENTER

Easter egg hunt with the city of Socorro begins at 9:30 a.m. at Sedillo Park. The event is for children from 2 to 12 years of age only. For more information contact the Socorro Youth Department at 838-3934.

Information not available at El Defensor Chieftain press time.

Socorro County Arts open house features art demonstrations, live music and other festivities at Alamo Gallery and Gifts. For more information contact Socorro County Arts at 835-2787 or go to www. socorrocountyarts.com.

SCHOOL LUNCH

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Socorro County Weather

Information not available at El Defensor Chieftain press Hand-decorated wooden eggs workshop is from 1 to 3 p.m. at Alamo time.

Gallery and Gifts. For more information contact the gallery at 835-2787.

Community Easter sunrise service brings several local pastors together with an ecumenical service at 6:30 a.m. at the New Mexico Tech duck pond, with parking behind Macey Center. The service is followed by a community pancake breakfast at St. Paul’s United Methodist Church at 1000 Goad at 7:30 a.m. For information, contact the Rev. Reuben Thomas at 505-554-7834.

Auditions for Socorro Community Theater’s staged reading of Shakespeare’s “Much Ado About Nothing” are April 2 and 3, in the upstairs conference room of the Socorro Public Libary. Contact Warren at 418-7753 for more information. Performances will be April 19-21 at the former Episcopal church on Fisher Avenue.

Street Beat: High energy, kinetic urban rhythm and dance with recycled percussion is part of the Performing Arts Series at the Macey Center at New Mexico Tech, and begins at 7 p.m. April 5.

A spaghetti dinner will be held at San Antonio Elementary School on April 5 from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m. to help the Gonzales family, who lost their home and belongings in a fire Feb. 9.

City of Socorro Running Series: Registration has begun for the Socorro Running Series beginning at 7:30 a.m. April 6 at the plaza in Socorro. Register at www.newmexicosportsonline.com by April 4.

Merchant Mixer on April 6, brings together numerous vendors with household goods, candles, healthcare products and arts and crafts from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Knights of Columbus Hall. Tables are still available. Call Theresa Mishoe at 418-0334 for more information.

Kitchen Creations, diabetes cooking school, begins April 12 at Socorro General Hospital’s community based programs office, 308 California St. Call the Socorro County Extension Office at 835-0610 to sign up.

Bill Weiss Wine Tasting party is 5 to 7 p.m. April 12 at Bodega Burger and a Rotary Club fundraiser for college scholarships. Tickets are $25 and can be purchased from Rotary members or at the door.

Exploring the night sky for beginners at Bosque del Apache is at 7 p.m. on April 13 at the refuge visitor’s center. Astronomers will lead hands-on activities to help visitors of all ages identify spring constellations, distinguish planets from stars, and observe galaxies beyond the Milky Way. Visitors will make a star chart and play Astro Jeopardy. Reservations are required. The evening event is limited to 30 participants ages 8 and older. Call 835-1828 to register.

LIVE MUSIC Open Mic is every Friday at 7 p.m. at Sofia’s Kitchen; 835-0022.

Live music every Saturday at 6 p.m. and Sunday at 11 a.m. at Sofia’s Kitchen; 835-0022.

FOSTER OR ADOPT A NEW MEXICO YOUTH Name: Samantha Age: 6 Samantha is a sweet, loving, funny, active child who enjoys being hugged and cuddled. This young girl is eager to learn and likes school where she is in kindergarten.

She participates in an IEP and needs support to help her through transitions. Samantha enjoys coloring, IPad games, listening to music, Cinderella, cooking, riding her bike, jumping and puzzles. She also enjoys art activities and wants to play soccer and basketball. Samantha participates in weekly therapy where she is learning to ask for what she needs and expressing herself in a positive way.

Name: Makayla Age: 7 Makayla is a smart, artistic, outgoing young girl. She is a hard worker and does well academically in school where she is in the first grade. She does need help with transitions in school and needs support to interact positively with peers. Makayla enjoys drawing, bead work and cooking.

She also likes Justin Bieber and Princesses. Some of her favorite foods are spaghetti, tacos, mac & cheese and hot

Samantha and Makayla dogs. Makayla attends weekly therapy where she is learning about boundaries and how to interact in a positive way.

These girls would benefit from a two parent family with extensive training and understanding of the needs of children in foster care. Samantha and Makayla will do best in a home where they are the only children or the youngest children in the home. The family must be able to provide structure and supervision and be willing to participate in an extended transition plan to get the girls into their forever home.

For more information about adopting or fostering through the New Mexico Children, Youth and Families Department visit www.CYFD.org or call 1-800432-2075.

Total rainfall for 2013 through March 27 is 0.00 inches.

Courtesy of Dr. Kenneth Minschwaner.

Thanks to the following for the 2013 SOCORRO COMMUNITY FISHING DERBY

SOCORRO STUMPER Many thanks all the wonderful people, businesses, organizations and government officials that made the Community Youth Fishing Derby a great success:

Blue Door/Pizza Rio the pizzaria in Bosque at 6 p.m. is hosting live music Fridays and Saturdays at 1006 Highway 116 Bosque between Belen and Bernardo on Route 116.

Blue Monday is at the Buckhorn Tavern April 1.

Open Mic is every Monday at 7:30 p.m. at the Old Town Bistro; 838-3976.

COMMUNITY Bingo is 7 p.m. Wednesday at the DAV Hall, 200 N. Fifth St.; 835-0843.

El Camino Real International Heritage Center, Exit 115 off Interstate 25, has free admission for New Mexico seniors 60 and older on Wednesdays. Sundays all New Mexico residents are admitted free. For more information, call 854-3600 or visit www.elcaminoreal.org.

business service & directory ARBORIST

City of Socorro, County of Socorro, Disabled American VeteransChapter #24- (Vidal Moya, Michael Mann, David Beatty, McGuire Mike, Frankie Torres, Jim Needy, Mike Schirra, Manny Guerrero), Socorro Valley Bass Club (Walter Robinson and Ron Gilworth), Socorro General Hospital, Fraternal Order of Eagles Aerie 4017 and Auxiliary, Harold’s Southwestern Gifts (Marti and Harold Baca), Rosie and Don Tripp, Ernest and Ernestine Silva, Socorro County Republican Party, Lencho and Della Vega and grandchildren (Jillian and Michael Vega, Jacob, Joshua, and Sarah Walsh), Blue Collar Construction, Pautzke Bait Company, Maurice Sporting Goods-Joe Vallejos, Tiny Teeth Children’s Dentistry (Stephen and Michael Cito and Darlene), Betty Houston, Capitol Bar’s Toy Run, Susan and Leroy Bieber, Escondida Grill (Shirley & Gary Fullingham), County Commissioner Pauline Jaramillo, Socorro Masonic Lodge #9 AF and AM, Aerojet, NM Bass Chapter Federation, Walmart, an anonymous friend, Scott’s Auto Parts (Lori and Frank Romero), Joe Guy, Lori Tadano, Jeanette and Tony Brito, Gilbert Avalos, New Mexico Department of Game and Fish, El Defensor Chieftain, Socorro Electric Cooperative, Socorro County Sherriff Department, Barbara’s Dream Kitchen, Tafoya Tire ShopRamona and Richard Tafoya, Jodie, Sara and Shannon Owen of SO Hunts. com, New Mexico Health Department, City of Socorro Fire Department, and the Socorro County Chamber of Commerce.

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Gallery open house offers egg painting workshop Karen Bailey-Bowman El Defensor Chieftain Reporter

kbowman@dchieftain.com

Socorro The Socorro County Arts Council and Alamo Gallery Annual Spring Open House will feature a hands-on art workshop, live music, country dance lessons, vintage vinyl music and pizza.

The event starts and ends with alternative rock by local band Audio Frenzy.

“They’re really creative,” event organizer Joy Miler said. “All Tech students. I’m not sure I can identify the genre — some rock and roll feel, some jazz feel. It’s just unique music.”

Local artist Georgia Raymond will conduct a hands-on Easter egg painting workshop. Participants can paint designs on wooden eggs using acrylic paint and other media, such as colored sand.

Visitors can take a break to learn some new dance steps from instructor Don Anderson. People can try country western line dancing at 1 p.m. and swing dancing at 3 p.m.

In between times, Miler said she will spin some old

Leigh Ann Vradenburg sculpts a clay duck during the Adult Arts Party at the Bodega Burger Co. on March 23. The party, a fundraiser for the Community Arts Party held every February in Finley Gym, grossed about $6,000 and drew between 100 and 200 people.

records on a turntable just for fun.

“We’ll play some old vinyl records,” she said.

“We’ll have a variety of records, some old 78 rpm big band music, and maybe some 45 rpm rock and roll dance music. We’ll have a little fun with them.”

Pizza bites, cinnamon rolls and soft drinks will be served to a small to moderate crowd.

“It’s usually a small crowd,” she said. “Forty people at the most.”

Every year, she and her husband Leon Miler choose a different theme for the open house. Last year, they held it on St. Patrick’s Day and featured Irish music and dancing. Whatever the theme, she’s hoping to attract new people to the gallery.

“We’re hopeful for more people,” she said. “It’s to get more people in the gallery and have fun. We want people to see the art and to do it. Part of our mission is to support all the arts. That’s why we’re doing music and dancing, too.”

Miler said she also hopes people decide to purchase some locally made art while they are at the open house.

Alamo Gallery is located next to Socorro Springs Brewpub at 1008 California St.

ARTS PARTY CELEBRATION

Laura London/El Defensor Chieftain

MARCH 28, 2013 • 3

‘Street Beat’ comes to Macey Center

By Valerie Kimble

For El Defensor Chieftain

Socorro “Street Beat,” billed as an explosion of urban rhythm and dance, and featuring modern “street” choreography, is bringing its rollicking, high-energy show to New Mexico Tech’s Macey Center at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, April 5.

The Performing Arts Series event coincides with the New Mexico Science and Engineering Fair, the semi-annual opening of Trinity Site to the public, and tours of the Jansky Very Large Array, all happening on Saturday, April 6. “‘Street Beat’ will certainly appeal to the young Science Fair exhibitors and their parents, but the show will delight anyone who enjoys the experience of a live theatrical event,” said PAS Director Ronna Kalish.

The performers use junk, household items and found objects for drums and percussion, and combine those rhythms with an infectious blend of African, Cuban, Latin, West African and jazz concepts to create a show that is as thrilling to watch as it is to hear.

To learn about the philosophy behind “Street Beat,” PAS talked to the group’s founder and musical director, Ben Hansen, who was born in Copenhagen, Denmark, and moved to Los Angeles in 2002.

“Dancing and drumming are surely the most ancient art forms of homosapiens, and they are absolutely wedded together, two sides of the same thing,” said Hansen. “The beat of the heart, running across the savannah, this is the primal expression of what it is to be alive for humans.”

Anyone who has ever watched a toddler bang away on pots and pans can appreciate Hansen’s story.

“I’ve been pounding on things almost since I came out of the womb,” Hansen said. “Family legend has it that I banged my head on a dresser as a baby, and instead of crying, I laughed and did it again,” he said.

“Another story about me is that I used to love thunderstorms, the louder, the better, Hansen continued. “I’d squeal with delight and yell back at the sky. But Danes aren’t generally known for being boisterous and loud.

“So, after disturbing the peace and taxing my neighbors’ patience for 24 years, I came to America, land of joyful noise,” he said.

For the performers, the audience is a key component of the experience, in feeding off each other’s energy.

“People go to the theater to be transformed, to feel renewed and connect on the deepest level with what it means to be a human being,” Hansen said.

“We take our drumming cues from cultures worldwide and mix them all into a gumbo of our own,” Hansen said. “I believe art should inform, but it also ought to taste good. One critic described us as ‘an urbanized journey through percussion,’ which sounds about right, but we’re also a tribal journey through the urban age.”

And right for any age.

The PAS last year was one of 153 not-for-profit organizations nationwide to receive a National Endowment for the Arts Challenge America Fast-Track grant to support the Street Beat performance – the only one scheduled in New Mexico this year.

As part of the grant, and with additional support from the city of Socorro, the troupe will lead educational workshops, lecture-demonstrations and performances at schools in Magdalena, Alamo-Navajo and Socorro.

Tickets are $20 for adults, $18 for senior citizens 65 and over, and $10 for youths 17 and under. Special discounted prices for Science Fair visitors are $18, $16 and $8 respectively.

They can be purchased at the N.M. Tech Cashier’s Office (second floor of Fidel Center), Brownbilt Shoes and Western Wear, Burrito Tyme Drive-up or at the door.

Shortfall: Sequestering, PED mistake, cause problems for area school

Continued from Page 1

policy about reducing professional staff to the board. The first step is to not replace professional and classified staff who retire or resign. If natural attrition is not sufficient, a variety of factors are used to determine which staff are let go. The top priority is to maintain required programs and class offerings.

After that, a variety of considerations, including qualifications, are used to determine which teachers are terminated. The last consideration, made only if all else is equal, is length of service with the district.

Staffing is not the only area that will be cut.

In order to fund the popular National Dance Institute program for upper elementary stu-

dents, Chambers said he had to eliminate two other popular activities: Spring Fling and the Easter egg hunt.

The district may have to reduce its bus route and release one driver, he said. The late activity bus to the Alamo reservation will be kept, although when the student count is low, the district may use its Suburban instead of a school bus to save fuel costs.

The numbers tell the story.

The district has lost $578,000 in revenue from the state because of declining enrollment. Over the past four years, the student count has dropped by 98 students. Federal and state program funding has been slashed to the tune of $1,553,000.

Magdalena has also been

The City of Socorro will hold a regularly scheduled meeting on Monday, April 1, 2013 at 6:00 p.m. in the City Council Chambers, 111 School of Mines Rd.

AGENDA 1. Roll Call 2. Pledge of Allegiance 3. Approval of April 1, 2013 City Council Agenda 4. Consideration of Minutes a. March 18, 2013 5. Public Forum 6. Second Reading of Ordinances – Public Hearing & Consideration of Approval a. Ordinance No. 13-03-04 – Land Sale – A-1 Quality Redi-Mix Inc. 7. Discussion & Deliberation a. Request to Deed Unusable City Property (Approx. 200 sq. ft.) of 998-1000-1002 Rocky Road b. Police Oversight Commission – Proposed Changes c. In-House Budget Resolutions 101 and 102 8. Committee Reports 9. New Business 10. Old Business 11. Executive Session (NMSA 1978 10-15-1) a. Personnel Matters b. Legal Matters c. Reporting Out of Executive Session 12. Mayor’s Report a. Reporting on Personnel Changes b. Business Registrations c. Announcement - Next City Council Meeting Date & Time - Monday, April 15, 2013 at 6 p.m.

13. Adjournment

www.socorronm.gov

cut out of $42,000 this year because of an error made in a PED spreadsheet, Chambers said. New Mexico school districts receive equalization funds to help pay the increased costs of educating special needs students. Chambers noticed that Magdalena’s share had declined inexplicably. After analyzing the spreadsheet, he found that Lovington had received the equalization share that should have gone to Magdalena.

“Lovington got our num-

bers,” he said. “We got their numbers. Everyone from Las Vegas down on the spreadsheet had errors.”

Chambers estimates the total loss to Magdalena over the past three years to be about $100,000. He has contacted PED, who acknowledged the problem, but hasn’t received any word about how the error will be rectified. Until then, Magdalena has to do without.

The next school board meeting is scheduled for April 23 at 6 p.m. in the school library.

Pancake Breakfast at 7 a.m.

Magdalena First Baptist Church Kelly Road, Magdalena, NM www.fbcmagdalena.com

viewpoints El Defensor Chieftain

4 • MARCH 28, 2013

Gnats come in many varieties

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Off the Easel

I want to discuss some small gnats that are frequently found in homes or businesses. Most pest control companies won’t control flying insects, but they should let you know if they are present so you can take care of them if they are found in your home or business. The following four groups of flies are very common in New Mexico. If you have a food service facility, you don’t want them around and you probably don’t want them in your home.

Fruit flies (Drosophilidae) Fruit flies are usually found in the kitchen where they feed and breed on food spilled in out of the way places such as behind or under appliances or similar areas.

These small flies have distinctive red eyes, which you can see with a hand lens. They are tan or brown in Richard “Bugman” color and about oneFagerlund eighth-inch long. They are also known as pomace flies and vinegar flies. They can be serious pests when found in food handling establishments as they breed in and feed on fruits, vegetables and any moist, decaying organic material. They have been known to cause intestinal problems and diarrhea when fruit containing their larvae are eaten. They will also breed in discarded fruit juice and soft drink cans and in unsecured bottles of wine. They are also very prolific as the female can lay about 500 eggs that will hatch and reach adulthood in as little as eight days. In your home you can control fruit flies by totally eliminating all breeding material. They are attracted to acetic acid (vinegar), so put some drops on duct tape or glue boards. Or you can just fill a small paper cup with vinegar and the flies will dive in.

Ask The Bugman

Hump-backed flies (Phoridae) Phorids are small flies, about an one-eighth-inch long and tan to dark brown in color. They have a distinct hump-backed shape thorax, hence their common name. They do not have red eyes as fruit flies do. When these flies are disturbed, they will run along the surface they are on rather than fly away.

These flies breed in any moist organic material including dirty mops, garbage, decaying fruits and vegetables and dead animal matter. They are also known as coffin flies because of their presence where dead bodies are found, including inside of coffins. There are over 220 species of phorid flies in the United States. You have to eliminate the food source and breeding areas in order to control them in your home or business.

Moth flies (Psychodidae) Moth flies are small flies with hairy wings that resemble small moths. They are also called filter flies and drain flies. They are usually found in the bathroom. They will breed in the gunk buildup in drains and will often be found in the tub, on shower curtains or on the wall. They are poor fliers and seem to just hop around. The larvae live in gelatinous material in sink and floor drain traps, in sewer treatment plants and in septic tanks. They will also breed in damp crawl spaces under a house. If you have a commercial building, you can put duct tape sticky side down on drains to see which ones they are breeding in. You need to keep your drains clean to control these flies as they have a very short life cycle. They can go from egg to adult in a little over a week in some areas.

Fungus gnats (Sciaridae) Fungus gnats are very small flies with long legs and long antennae and distinctly patterned wings. They are dark brown or black in color. They are generally found in over-watered house plants where the larvae feed on fungus in the potting soil and moist organic material. The best way to control them is to let the plants dry out almost to the point of wilting before re-watering. That will kill the larvae in the soil. Then put an inch of aquarium gravel on the soil to prevent female fungus gnats from laying any more eggs in the potting soil.

You can also place a yellow sticky trap on a stick in the soil to catch the adult gnats.

Editor’s Note: The opinions expressed on the Viewpoints page(s) are not necessarily those of El Defensor Chieftain.

El Defensor Chieftain David B. Puddu Publisher

200 Winkler St., Socorro, NM 87801 Telephone: (575) 835-0520 • Fax: (575) 835-1837 Email: editorial@dchieftain.com On the Web at: www.dchieftain.com Reprint of this masthead prohibited.

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 Laura London. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Reporter Karen Bailey-Bowman . . . . . . . . . . . . Reporter Desiree Herndon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Advertising Joe Nendza . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Advertising Trish Aragon. . . . . . . . Administrative Assistant Paul Ulibarri Jr. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Distribution El Defensor Chieftain (ISSN 0011-7633) is published weekly by Number Nine Media, Inc. at 200 Winkler St. SW, Socorro, NM 87801.

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Letters to the Editor Transgressions by co-op raise ethics questions Editor: I had a chat with SEC Trustee Charlie Wagner just after he was booted from the executive session at the special co-op meeting with the board’s lawyers on March 18.

Forcing Trustee Wagner to leave the room during executive sessions is based on the co-op attorney’s mendacious accusation that he had breached confidentiality by recording executive sessions. In addition, as punishment for taking recordednotes, which is perfectly legal under the law, Wagner wasn’t reimbursed for recent expenses which has nothing to do with any recordings he may have made anyway.

According to the court decision from Judge Parsons’ Nov. 13, 2012 — Plaintiff’s Motion for Partial Summary Judgment as to Count VI — the court granted Wagner’s motion for protection and ordered the return of the recordings of the sessions with a sanction that the plaintiffs could not use the attorney-client privileged information, which was, at any rate, a very small amount of the overall recordings used by the lawyers obtained during the discovery process.

The lawyers could use the rest of the information on the recordings related to the termination of the former employees. The action of the board is totally unreasonable, arbitrary and in retaliation for reform measures passed in 2010 and 2012. Note also, that if the recordings were illegal in the first place, as the board claims, they would not be admissible in court as evidence.

The other thing the court recognized and indicated in the Hearing on Partial Merits, is that the board members were liable in the cases involving the termination of the former employees because they refused to abide by the Open Meetings Act during all the meetings since the bylaw went into effect in April 2010. Even after Judge Mitchell’s order in May 2011, Louis Aguilar

as board secretary, continued to disobey the judge’s order to the detriment of the cooperative. Anybody who pointed out the violations of the by-laws and OMA was ridiculed mocked and shouted down, mostly

by Trustee Wolberg, who is cheered on by the majority of the board.

There is no incentive to behave ethically or to comply with the law. Meanwhile the board’s various attorneys are financially benefiting by encouraging misbehavior.

Legal fees are closely held secret, but they will be exposed soon.

These serious transgressions not only of the law, but of ethical behavior by the majority of the board and their attorney is coming to a head. In the case of the botched termination of the previous company executives the payout could be extraordinary. Not only that, but the two executives are technically still on payroll. And never forget, the army of lawyers hired by the board, will clean up in the process. Easy Money. And it’s your money.

The latest updates on legal matters and other issues concerning the SEC can be found at www.informedcynic.com.

James Cherry Socorro

Thanks to those supporting Grizz Project Editor: The Alamo “Child Fair” was a wonderful success for The GRIZZ Project and I want to thank everyone who stepped up to help. Thank you everyone who sent crayons/colored pencils/sharpeners. Please pass this “thank you” on to others who helped out.

One of the purposes of GRIZZ as a non-profit animal help organization is to go outside our neighborhoods and educate children to “be kind to animals” and each

other. Please help the animals by encouraging people to contribute time, talent and money to the non-profit so GRIZZ can keep on doing this needed work.

At our table in Alamo, Jennifer Kent and I gave away doggie treats (thank you Charo!), and over 100 “be kind to animals” coloring books, crayons and colored pencils. Additionally, we were able to give out brochures and posters to adults willing to post these items in a variety of areas around Alamo. You can see examples of the posters below. Thanks to Greg at the post office and Sarita/Susan for donating other fun coloring books and children’s books which also filled the children’s “goodie” bags!

Right now GRIZZ is in need of monetary donations in anticipation for “puppy season.”

In the year 2012, Ed and I helped take care of about 90 puppies. We ensured they received needed vet care, medication, immunizations, food, socialization and transportation to Moriarty and onto better futures. I thank Pam Ingate for her tireless, selfless transportation work. Our combined effort to get puppies out of Magdalena and to places where the puppies will be spayed and neutered is a big reason why there is less dog over-population and suffering in the village of Magdalena. In the year 2012, GRIZZ paid for almost $9,000 in veterinarian bills, helping as many animals as possible get spayed and neutered, as well as, helping animals get emergency care curtailing suffering. Thank you Cynthia Welton for keeping detailed records, which are public records and which pass the IRS test!

GRIZZ needs: Money, money and money; foster homes; people willing to put up posters and distribute brochures regarding animal care issues; puppy chow; someone willing to secure fencing in an effort to get dogs off chains; someone willing to organize fundraisers; more crayons, colored pencil with sharpeners. Call 575418-8647 to help or for more information.

Magdalena

Marguerite Sweeney The GRIZZ Project Magdalena

Plains designated a ‘most endangered place’ The Plains of San Agustin have been designated a “Most Endangered Place” by the New Mexico Heritage Preservation Alliance, a statewide, private, nonprofit historic preservation organization. As an honorific listing, it does not create additional responsibilities or rewards for an individual or organizations interested in or involved with the resource in question.

The list was designed to bring attention to historic, cultural and natural resources (such as the state’s water supply) that are endangered in some way and to encourage concerned individuals and organizations to develop methods for protecting those resources. Since 1999, the alliance has annually requested nominations to its Most Endangered Places list. Their annual meeting is April 11-13 at Eastern New Mexico University in Portales. For more information, see www.nmheritage.org.

The Plains of San Agustin is a grassland west of Socorro and Magdalena, the remnant of a Pleistocene lake that disappeared at the end of the last ice age. It supports ranches large and small, as well as abundant wildlife. It is still possible to find original homestead houses and fences, as well as artifacts from Paleo Indian culture.

The West of old is alive and well here, but the new West is also much in evidence as exemplified by the presence of the Very Large Array. This facility represents a new frontier, the frontier of science and knowl-

Guest Column

By Irene Pittman

edge. What is good from the past resides side by side with what is good for the present and the future.

In 2007 an application to mine water by a New York-based corporation threatened the plains basin. The application asked permission of the Office of the State Engineer to pump 54,000 acre-feet of water each year from the underground aquifer through a pipeline to the Rio Grande near Socorro (a distance of about 60 miles) and thence to points north.

The water underlying the Plains is largely fossil water that cannot be replaced.

The basin supplies underground flows of unknown magnitude southeasterly to the Rio Grande and southwesterly to the Gila River system. According to Frank Titus, who, with Dan Blodgett, wrote “Hydrogeology of the San Agustin Plains, New Mexico,” the basin is in a steady state, with 100,000 acre-feet of water per year both entering and leaving the basin.

The ultimate consequences of the pro-

posed pumping are not clear. In addition to disrupting already existing underground flows to the Rio Grande and to the Gila River systems, the drying up of nearby wells would occur early on. Eventually such extreme pumping would lead to ground subsidence with no recovery from that disaster.

More than 1,000 formal protests were registered by the residents of the Plains and surrounding mountainous areas.

The protestants, represented principally

by Bruce Frederick of the New Mexico Environmental Law Center, have won the first two rounds in court. The Office of the State Engineer dismissed the application in March 2012 on the grounds that it lacked adequate specificity. The applicant appealed the decision to the 7th District Court, but in November 2012 Judge Matthew Reynolds again denied the application. That decision has been appealed to the New Mexico Court of Appeals.

Award of the MEP designation raises public awareness of the threat, and encourages support for the preservation of the Agustin Plains environment. For more information on the Agustin Plains water issue, contact Carol Pittman, 575-772-5866, or at pittray@gilanet.com.

El Defensor Chieftain

www.dchieftain.com

MARCH 28, 2013 • 5

Toxic Eagle Picher cleanup to get rolling

By Laura London El Defensor Chieftain Reporter

llondon@dchieftain.com

Socorro The Eagle Picher site is getting cleaned up, and Mayor Ravi Bhasker updated the council on the matter during his report to the Socorro City Council at the council’s regular meeting March 18.

The Eagle Picher Carefree Battery Superfund Site is about two miles north of Socorro.

According to the Environmental Protection Agency website, Eagle Picher manufactured printed circuit boards there from 1964 to 1976, and during that time discharged industrial waste and domestic sewage into unlined lagoons on the property.

In 1980, the company leased the property from the city and manufactured lead-acid batteries, again discharging industrial waste into unlined lagoons until 1989, when the city installed a septic tank.

In 2007, the EPA listed the property as a Superfund site in its National Priorities List. The EPA website explains Congress established the Superfund program in 1980 to find, investigate and clean up the worst hazardous waste sites nationwide. Once a site is listed in the NPL, the EPA establishes and implements appropriate cleanup plans. The process can take many years before a site is cleaned up.

Bhasker said the EPA is now

doing a preliminary feasibility study of the site. During a recent conference call, he said an EPA representative from Dallas asked what the city plans to do with the site once it is cleaned up.

Bhasker told the representative he didn’t know, and that he didn’t think anyone wanted to be on the site. The EPA representative said he would send some suggestions, and the mayor told the EPA he would discuss it with the council.

Bhasker explained the level of cleanup at the site may depend on what the site will be used for next. He said the least they should do is tear down the building on the site, which is likely contaminated. It probably contains asbestos and lead, he said, and he strongly suggested to the EPA that it be demolished.

The EPA representative suggested using the site for soccer fields, but Bhasker said nobody in town would want to play soccer at that site. He said it definitely won’t be for residential development. Any suggestions the council may have regarding another use for the site will be forwarded to the EPA, Bhasker said.

Councilor Donald Monette said people have asked him about using the site for such activities as launching hot air balloons. Bhasker said the site is strictly “off-limits” until it is cleaned up, but a hot air balloon launch area may be a suggestion to forward to the EPA for the

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site’s future use.

“The (public’s) memory will kind of wane, over a period of time, as to what that place was,” Bhasker said. “But my memory is not going to wane. We’ve had too much trouble with it ... and that’s what I told the EPA.” In other business, the council heard from: • Salome, who submitted changes proposed to improve the appeals process of the city’s Police Oversight Commission.

He said the process as it stands now is hard to adjudicate. His plan was to submit the proposed changes to the council at the March 18 meeting, and perhaps the board could take action at its next meeting.

• Fire Chief Joe Gonzales, who mentioned the Socorro Fire Department put up new signs at its stations as required by the State Fire Marshal. He said the department will also buy a new ambulance this year, which is estimated to cost $160,000. He said they may change to a gasoline engine model as there are issues with diesel.

• Michael Lucero, landfill and sanitation department director, who said the department is close to using its new cell for refuse collection. He said once the state Environment Department gets consultant Marvin McGee’s report and gives its approval, the department will start dumping refuse into the new cell.

• Paula Mertz, Socorro Public Library director, who mentioned

Make your pet connection at the Socorro Animal Shelter on U.S. Highway 1 behind the UPS building, from Tuesday to Saturday, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 2 to 5 p.m. Also, find the shelter on Facebook, check out Petfinder.com or call the shelter staff at 838-3103.

During the week of March 10 - 16 the shelter’s intake was 23 animals.

There were no animals euthanized and three were adopted.

the Friends of the Library spring book sale starts 9 a.m. April 6 on the New Mexico Tech campus, and volunteers are needed to haul books and clean up. Those interested in volunteering can call the library at 835-1114 for more information.

• Jennifer Gonzales, tourism director, who mentioned the city’s Easter Egg Hunt for children ages 2-12 starts at 9:30 a.m.

March 30 at Sedillo Park. For more information on the hunt, call Cindy Rivera at 835-3934.

She said the Socorro Adventures Run is April 6, and runners can register at www.newmexicosportsonline.com.

• Pauline Taylor, wastewater superintendent, who said a motor went out at the wastewater plant and another is being sent to replace it. She said the plant is running fine on two basins right now.

• Mike Czosnek, building inspector and zoning officer, who said the Federal Emergency Management Agency has yet to do certification on the city’s levy project. FEMA has questions and needs a more current inspection of the levies. Czosnek said he has spoken to the city’s consultant, Weston Solutions, and they’ve begun preparing a response for FEMA. He added the building department issued

a permit for a new house this month — the first in 36 months.

• Jay Santillanes, utilities division director, who said the street department is working on dirt roads around town and hauling dirt for the soccer field. He said in the gas department, he’s drawing up plans to upgrade valves on the main line to improve gas pressure. The city will bid out the project, probably advertising by the end of the week. Bhasker explained the city’s gas lines are low on capacity during some of the coldest times of year. The mayor said it is expensive to add a gas line, but the city can increase pressure by upgrading valves.

• Finance director Mable Gonzales, who said the city got a notice to proceed on its water meter loan. She said work started that day to replace about 2,000 transmitters for radio read and 400 meters that are too old to upgrade.

• Bhasker, who mentioned the city is working on getting a van to take people to their dialysis treatments. He also said Alamo is interested in having another shuttle, but the city needs to examine costs.

The City Council also: • Approved an ordinance — for publication only — to sell land in the city’s industrial park

to Blue Collar Construction. City Clerk Pat Salome stressed the ordinance was being approved for first reading only, and the sale will not proceed until the city goes through the public process. After publication for first reading, the city must hold a public hearing on the matter.

The city will then republish the ordinance, and the public has 45 days after that to offer additional input or protest before the sale can proceed.

• Awarded a construction contract for Cuba Road area drainage and Highlands detention pond expansion to CMC Construction Inc. According to a memo from Dennis Engineering included with the city’s agenda packet, bids were solicited to allow the city to award the base bid schedule with one of two additive alternatives — either articulated concrete block erosion protection, or Portland cement concrete erosion protection. CMC Construction was the lowest bidder for either alternative, at $265,692.19 and $269,251.16 respectively.

• Approved a purchase agreement with Wagner Equipment for a motor grader. The sales agreement in the city’s agenda packet states the total after tax balance to buy the motor grader is $200,750.

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El Defensor Chieftain

6 • MARCH 28, 2013

www.dchieftain.com

Rodeo arena, soccer fields big in Socorro’s future

By Laura London

El Defensor Chieftain Reporter

llondon@dchieftain.com

Socorro The Socorro City Council tended to the city’s venues for rodeos and soccer during the council’s regular meeting March 18.

The council approved sending a loan application to the New Mexico Finance Authority for funding to build the city’s rodeo arena, as well as a budget increase for the rodeo arena and soccer fields.

Mayor Ravi Bhasker said the NMFA loan application is a big step in the

rodeo arena project.

Mable Gonzales, city finance director, said the resolution allows the city’s loan application to be presented March 22 to the NMFA committee for approval.

Bhasker said the city can borrow up to $1.4 million to build the rodeo facility, but hoped it won’t take that much.

He said the city is committing payments of $80,000 per year that will come from lodgers’ tax revenue. He said the city is confident it can make the payment without using gross receipts tax revenue since it has pared back lodgers’ tax funds from some other projects.

For instance, the city cut the budget for SocorroFest from $14,000 to $4,000.

“And I think we had a pretty good SocorroFest,” Bhasker said. “So we’re trying to be more critical on what monies we’re giving out.”

Bhasker said the lodgers’ tax brings about $320,000 per year to the city, and it has been pretty stable even in the bad economy. He said the city plans to encourage even more events when the rodeo facility is finished.

Gonzales said the other item, the budget increase for the rodeo arena and soccer fields, will create a new department — the rodeo arena/soccer fields

department, which will be part of the parks department. She said the city needed to buy a mower with a trailer for the soccer fields, so staff decided to start the department to track all of the expenditures needed for the rodeo arena and soccer fields.

The budget resolution states the city is requesting authorization for the budget increase from the Local Government Division of the Department of Finance and Administration and the state Attorney General’s Office.

Lloyd Martinez, city parks department, said staff plans to reseed and fertilize the soccer fields over the next

few weeks. He added they are looking for someone to laser level some fields.

After fields are seeded, Martinez said staff will work on the parking lot and lighting.

Martinez said they also need to put in utilities, and Dennis Engineering is working on a plan to run the sewer line.

He said the city will have to rent equipment to trench the sewer line because they can’t do it with the city’s backhoe.

Martinez said there is enough room for three soccer fields for 8- to 10-yearolds, plus four more full-size fields for older children. He remarked youth activities bring a lot of people to town.

Childhood: Educating parents

Charges: Suspect caught in deal

the services and to advocate for funding to fill those gaps.

Jaramillo said only about 47 percent of local children who qualify for early childhood services in Socorro County actually access the services. She said children who have early childhood education with a strong parenting program are 72 percent more likely to graduate college and enter the workforce.

“Investing in children undeniably makes moral sense, but it makes good economic sense,” Jaramillo said.

Jaramillo said Kathleen Ocampo, co-director of the early intervention program at Alberta House, proposed an idea based on an Illinois project called An Ounce of Prevention; the idea evolved into the First 2,000 Days campaign.

Ocampo said during the critical first 2,000 days of life, babies should be playing, exploring and having books read to them. This time, when the brain is growing and developing faster than any other time of life, should be filled with meaningful activities so babies can develop to a greater potential. Ocampo said economists, business leaders and researchers agree that high-quality early childhood services are among the smartest investments the public can make.

Ocampo thanked everyone for coming, including staff from area schools; HeadStart; and the state Children, Youth and Families Department, as well as District 28 Sen. Howie Morales, who also spoke to the luncheon crowd.

Morales said he appreciates the importance of early childhood education as he is an educator by trade. He said programs like the First 2,000 Days excite him, and he would like to see the program move forward.

Morales said the media often discusses things like social promotion, or promoting a child to the next grade level even though the child is not performing to that level. But discussions focused on

want to help my mom get her money back.”

Judge Kase said the Magistrate Court release order called for random urinalysis tests to ensure the defendant’s abstinence from drugs. Kase said if the release order is modified to include “zero tolerance” for positive results in a U/A test, he would approve release of the bond money to Jaramillo’s mother. He added Jaramillo’s mother has agreed to report any violations of the defendant’s conditions of release. The state then asked the judge to order a U/A test that day.

“That sounds reasonable,” Kase said. “If the U/A is clean today, we can return the money.”

Continued from Page 1

standardized test results miss important factors contributing to a child’s lack of success, he said, like poverty levels, the child’s home environment and medical issues.

“We’re missing the boat, and so these are discussions we’ve got to have ... being able to change the culture, or turn the curve, is really what we need to do,” Morales said.

Morales noted 46 percent of the state’s budget goes to K-12 public education, but early childhood education accounts for only 1 percent of the budget.

However, during the 2013 legislative session, he said the state committed $22 million specifically for early childhood education.

“That’s a huge change — nowhere near where we need to be,” Morales said. “But $22 million that (wasn’t) there in the past, and I believe that we’re going to continue to move in that way.”

He expressed hopes that every community will be able to develop a program like Socorro’s First 2,000 Days. He added he would like Ocampo and Jaramillo to come to Santa Fe and talk about the campaign to the Legislature’s interim committees.

“I would be happy to be your champion at the legislative level to ensure that we are meeting the needs of the students,” Morales said.

Morales said New Mexico ranks 49th in poverty in the U.S., but it’s right around the median — about 30th — in education.

“Statistically, we should be right at 49 because poverty and education are linked so closely together,” Morales said. “But that shows me that our educational professionals throughout the state are doing the impossible, they’re defying the odds.”

Morales invited the group to imagine how far the state could move forward in educational achievement if the poverty level could be brought down.

Morales’ parting thought

Planning & Zoning Commission Regular Meeting April 11, 2013 at 5:30 p.m.

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touched on something he hears often from teachers: Parents don’t care. He argued that if a tragedy happens and a child dies — whether the child is an honor student or an underachiever — the parents will cry the same tears of grief.

“Parents care,” Morales said.

“The key is to be able to ... educate them on how to move things forward for their own children.”

Nancy Jaramillo, director of the Alberta House preschool, said the next step will be to organize a group and set up committees. She explained the program will serve as a clearinghouse where everyone can find out what all the agencies in the county have available.

“And when somebody goes into your office and says, ‘I need diapers,’ you will know who to call to access that need for your clients,” Jaramillo said. “If somebody goes into your office and needs anything, hopefully we will have brainstormed and decided where that service can be, and so that’s what we’re envisioning.

“I myself want to get a book into the hand of every baby born in Socorro County, and teach those parents how to read to their children. That’s my goal.

I’m sure each and every one of you are coming up with your own ideas of what you want to see happen.”

Jaramillo said by joining the First 2,000 Days, stakeholders can brainstorm their ideas and use all the information of what every group in the county has to offer.

“And we can get all these kiddos off the ground running,” Jaramillo said.

For more information on participating in the First 2,000 Days campaign, call Alberta House Early Intervention at 838-0800.

Continued from Page 1

Jaramillo was arrested Feb. 1 when a Socorro Police Department officer on patrol witnessed him allegedly conducting a drug deal in his truck, which was parked near a residence where police have suspected drug activity. A juvenile was allegedly in the truck’s cab with Jaramillo, according to the criminal complaint filed in Magistrate Court.

The criminal complaint reports police allegedly found a clear plastic container with bindles of drugs inside, as well as a pill bottle with more drug bindles, in Jaramillo’s truck. A marijuana pipe was also allegedly found on the truck’s dashboard.

Next: Testing schools reward kids

Continued from Page 1

not yet been determined if there will be early release days or how many of them there will be.

Jaramillo said she has heard parents say there are too many days off and half days in the current calendar.

In the principals’ reports, the principals talked mostly about the current SBA testing happening in their schools. The schools are making an effort to make testing a positive experience and are offering incentives to the students along those lines.

The high school will be taking students who are there for the tests and have a good attitude to an Isotopes game in Albuquerque.

At Sarracino Middle School, principal Manual Molina said a lot of time has been spent to see that students and teachers are ready for the tests. A pep rally was held Monday and there are daily drawings and rewards for students with perfect test attendance. They will be giving away iPods and e-readers, he said.

Susan Comiskey, principal at Zimmerly Elementary School, said students who have no discipline problems and go every day for the testing will be rewarded

with a trip to the zoo. Anna Addis, principal at Parkview Elementary School where only the third-graders are testing,

said all the third graders will be going to an Isotopes game on April 23 as a reward.

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MARCH 28, 2013 • 9

6:30 sunrise service slated

City egg hunt: New format, same fun Easter Bunny to make appearance

Pancake breakfast follows, Easter Brass to provide music

Karen Bailey-Bowman El Defensor Chieftain Reporter

Karen Bailey-Bowman

kbowman@dchieftain.com

Socorro City of Socorro Youth Center director Cindy Rivera and her staff have filled 9,000 plastic Easter eggs with treats in anticipation of this Saturday’s Easter egg hunt at the Sedillo Park baseball diamonds.

Children ages 2 to 12, and their parents, should plan to be at the park no later than 9:15 a.m., Rivera said. The hunt begins promptly at 9:30 a.m.

The Easter Bunny will be on hand to pose with children if parents want to snap a photograph, Rivera said.

This year, some children will pick up lucky eggs entitling them to different prizes, she said. No one knows which eggs are the lucky ones, not even the youth center staff. Children will have to wait until the end of Saturday’s hunt for an announcement identifying the lucky eggs.

Unlike years past, there will be no hidden tickets, so Rivera said children should not stop to open the plastic eggs.

Previously, some eggs contained tickets children could trade in for Easter baskets filled with candy. Last year, they gave away 100 Easter baskets, but Rivera said she wanted to try something different this year. This year, all eggs contain a small candy treat, but having a lucky egg will entitle the child to a separate

El Defensor Chieftain Reporter

kbowman@dchieftain.com

Socorro Socorro is invited to participate in an ecumenical Easter service Sunday starting at 6:30 a.m. on the Tech golf course at the duck pond behind the playground at Macey Center. Parking is at the north Macey Center lot.

The service is non-denominational, and features the Easter brass ensemble, Dr. Eileen Comstock directing. Officiants from San Miguel Catholic Church, Epiphany Episcopal Church, Socorro First Baptist Church and St. Paul’s Methodist Church will lead a short service after the concert.

Immediately following the service, everyone is invited to a pancake breakfast hosted by St. Paul’s Methodist Church at the corner of Neel and Leroy streets (the southeast corner of the Tech campus).

St. Paul’s parishioner Dan Kloss will be in charge of the breakfast, as he has been for the past 35 years.

He expects anywhere from 30-75 people to feast on eggs, sausage, pancakes, juice and coffee from 7:30 to 9 a.m.

Don’t worry about the food running out, because Kloss says he can handle any crowd.

“It’s sort of hard, but I’ve learned how to do it,” he said.

Although there is no charge for the breakfast, donations will be accepted.

File photo

Children run out into the field looking for colored eggs at the Sedillo Park 2012 Easter Egg Hunt. special prize: a stuffed toy, one or more city pool passes, a coupon for a free drink at the pool concession, or a bag filled with chocolates made by Debra Chavez, owner of Favor-it Things.

“Debra donated $100 worth of chocolates to match the city’s ($100 cash) contribution,” Rivera said.

Children will be divided into three groups according to age and assigned to different baseball diamonds, Rivera said. Only parents of the youngest children will be allowed on the

Special Holy Week church services El Defensor Chieftain Report Socorro Several churches will have special services during Holy Week. For more information, contact the churches directly.

Epiphany Episcopal Church 908 Leroy Place Socorro, NM 87801 (Across from Tech library) Pastor: Woody Peabody (575) 835-1818

field, and children the only ones permitted to pick up eggs from the grass.

“Children, not parents, are supposed to be gathering eggs,” Rivera said.

The Easter egg hunt is a popular Socorro tradition.

“Last year we had at least 1,000 kids,” Rivera said.

Even though she has put on the event for “at least 10 years,” Rivera doesn’t mind the effort.

“I love it,” she said. “Anything you do with the kids is great.”

• Potluck supper in the evening at 6 p.m., followed by a commemoration of the Last Supper at the church. The choir will sing an anthem.

There will be two solos and a chorus from Faure’s Requiem.

• Good Friday liturgy and the Seven Last Words of Jesus at noon. Stations of the Cross at 5:30 p.m.

• Holy Saturday Great Vigil of Easter at 8 p.m. This ancient service begins with the lighting of the New Fire and the Paschal Candle, symbolizing the Light of Christ, and will end with a celebration of the first Eucharist of Easter.

First Baptist Church Socorro Corner of Spring and California streets Socorro Pastor: Bob Farmer Church: (575) 835- 0041

• Good Friday service 7 to 8 p.m.

Lord at 3 p.m. with veneration of the cross, followed by a silent procession from the church to the plaza and back.

• Saturday Easter Vigil Mass starting at 8:30 p.m.

First Presbyterian Church 304 McCutcheon Ave. Socorro Pastors: Laura Niles Finch and Jeff Finch (575) 835-9042 • Maunday Thursday worship service 7 p.m.

Old San Miguel Mission 403 El Camino Real N.W. Socorro, N.M. Pastor: Father Andy Pavlak (575) 835-1620 • Holy Thursday Mass of the Lord’s Supper with washing of the feet at 7 p.m.

• Good Friday Reading of the Passion of the

St. Paul’s United Methodist Church 1000 Goad (At the southeast corner of Tech) Socorro Pastor: Rev. Reuben Thomas Church (575) 686-0096 Cell phone: (505) 554-7834 • Maundy Thursday service on March 28, at 6 p.m. in the sanctuary.

• Good Friday service on March 29, at 12 noon in the sanctuary.

Church Directory Socorro ServiceS Old San Miguel Mission 403 El Camino Real NW, Socorro, NM 87801 Voice: 575-835-2891 • Fax: 575-835-1620 Website: www.sdc.org/smiguel • E-Mail: smiguel@sdc.org Pastor: Father Andy Pavlak San Miguel Church Mass Schedule: Saturday: 5:00 p.m. Mass of Anticipation (Fulfills Sunday Obligation) Sunday: 8:00 a.m. (Bi-lingual), 10:00 a.m.

Monday, Wednesday, Friday: 9:00 a.m.

Tuesday: 5:30 p.m.; Thursday: 5:30 p.m. (Communion Service) Mission Saturdays: 7:00 p.m. Mass of Anticipation (Fulfills Sunday Obligation) 1st San Lorenzo, Polvadera • 2nd San Antonio, Mission at Luis Lopez 3rd La Sagrada Familia, Lemitar • 4th San Jose, Luis Lopez • 5th San Antonio, Alamillo St. Mary Magdalene - Magdalena: Sunday - 12:30 p.m.

St. Patrick Newman Center: 7:00 p.m.

1st Monday of the month (When Tech is in session)

Socorro Unitarian Universalists A branch of First Unitarian of Albuquerque Episcopal Church Parish Hall • 908 Leroy Place Sunday Services: 4:00 p.m.

Children welcome!

For more information call 838-7113 or email redorgrn@gmail.com

The Episcopal church of the Epiphany 908 Leroy Place • 835-1818 • Rev. Woody Peabody, Vicar Where all are welcome!

Maundy Thursday – Holy Eucharist 7pm Good Friday- 7 Last Words 12pm Stations of the Cross 5:30 pm Saturday Great Vigil of Easter 8 pm Easter Celebration 10 am

SOCORRO BAPTIST TEMPLE Hope Lutheran Church 908 Leroy Place (Across from the NM Tech Library) http://trak.to/hope Divine Service: 8:00 a.m.

St. Pauls United Methodist Church 1000 Goad Rd. (Southeast corner of NM Tech Campus) 575-686-0096 • Pastor Reuben Thomas Communion ~ First and third Sundays Worship Service ~ 10 a.m. Sunday Prayer Shawl Ministry ~ 5:30 p.m.Wednesday Bible Study ~ 6:30 p.m. Wednesday

Calvary Chapel Worship, Fellowship, Bible Study Pastor Frank Rodriguez • 802 Mitchell Ave. • 575-312-9276 Sunday Service ~ 10 a.m. • Wednesday Service ~ 7 p.m.

Family Christian Center "Bringing God & People Together" Sunday 9:30 am Breakfast with Family • 10:30 am Worship Celebration Nursery (ages birth-3) • ElectriKids (ages 4-11) Wednesday 7:00 pm Family Night Nursery (ages birth-3) • Voltage Kids Club (ages 4-11) Ready Student Ministries (ages 12-18) • Adult Interactive Bible Study Call or visit website for more information about activities for Men, Women, Single Adults and Connect College Ministries (575) 835-0185 • www.fccsocorro.org 1016 Fowler / Highway 60 & Fowler, Socorro, NM

Independent Baptist Church Pastor David McDaniel • 1301 South Fairgrounds Rd MBU # 2 • 835-3306 Sunday School: 10 a.m. • Sunday Worship Service: 11 a.m. and 6 p.m.

Midweek Bible Study: Thursday 6 p.m.

First Baptist Church of Socorro We are a Southern Baptist Church 203 Spring Street • Pastor Charles Farmer Jr. • 575-835-0041 Morning Worship: 8:30 a.m. & 11:00 a.m.

Sunday School: 9:45 a.m. • Awana: Wednesday, 6:00 p.m.

Evening Worship: Saturday, 6:00 p.m.

The church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints El Camino Real, across from Sedillo Park • 575-835-0570 Sacrament Meeting: 9 a.m. • Sunday School: 10:20 to 11:00 a.m.

Priesthood/Relief Society/Young Men’s/Young Women’s/Primary: All meet 11:10 to noon. All Welcome!

The House Next to Days Inn • 105 Neal Avenue, Socorro, NM 87801 • 575-835-4357 Sr. Chaplin Jerry or Sr. Chaplain Michelle Monday: 10 a.m. Book of John-Kids Welcome 12 p.m. Women's Healing • 6 p.m. Book of John Tuesday: 12 p.m. Addiction Class Wed.: 10 a.m. Marriage/Family Class-Kids Welcome • 12 p.m. Marriage/Family Class Thursday: 12 p.m. Bible Overview Friday: 6 p.m. Addiction Class Kids Outreach ages 4-11 1st & 3rd Friday Monthly Youth Group Outreach ages 12-17 2nd & 4th Friday Monthly 1st Sunday of Month Women's Luncheon 3 p.m.

2nd Sunday of Month Men's Dinner 3 p.m. • Biblical Counseling available by Appt.

Weekend live service available, call for service times

First Presbyterian Church 304 McCutcheon Avenue, Socorro, NM 87801 • PO Box 1155 • 575-835-0942 1stpresbyterian@qwestoffice.net • http://1stpresbyterian.qwestoffice.net Rev. Laura Niles Finch • Rev. Jeffrey Finch Worship service & Sunday school 9:00 am childcare provided Communion is the first Sunday of the month Presbyterian Women 9:30 am is the first Friday of the month Men's Group 10:00am is the first Saturday of the month Bible Study Wednesday 6:00 pm Bible Study Thursday 10 am

Socorro Church of Christ 1001 El Camino Real • 575-835-2272 • www.socorrochurchofchrist.org Bible Study: 10 a.m. Sunday Worship Service: 11 a.m. Sunday Bible Study: 7 p.m. Wednesday The church that Jesus built (Matt 16:18)

Datil ServiceS Datil Baptist Church Datil • 575-772-5577 • Pastor Harold Jenkerson - 575-772-5156 All Ages Sunday School: 10:00 a.m.

Worship: 11:00 a.m.

Ladies Bible Study: Wednesday ~ 10:00 a.m.

MagDalena ServiceS Magdalena Comm. Church Main St. at 4th, P.O. Box 265 Magdalena, NM • 575-854-2364 Rev. Laura Niles Finch • Rev. Jeffrey Finch Sunday Worship Service: 11:30 a.m.

Communion is the first Sunday of the month Circle Meeting: 9:30 a.m. first Tuesday of the month Choir practice: 2:00 p.m. Wednesday Village Quilters: 9:30 a.m. Second and Fourth Wednesday of the month Round Up Dinner at Noon, fifth Sunday of the month Adult Bible Study: 2:30 p.m. Wednesday

Magdalena 1st Baptist Church 575-854-2389 • Kelly Road, Magdalena, NM 87801 • Pastor Paul Holt Sunday School: 10:00 a.m.

Sunday Service: 11:00 a.m.

Wednesday Bible Study: 7:00 p.m. www.fbcmagdalena.com

Family Christian Center 306 S. Main, Magdalena 575-835-0185 • www.fccsocorro.org "Bring God & People Together" Worship celebration: Saturday, 5:30 p.m.

Nursery ElectriKid (ages 4-11) Ready Student Ministries (ages 12-18)

sports Area track team show off at T or C El Defensor Chieftain

10 • MARCH 28, 2013

www.dchieftain.com

By Polo C’ de Baca For El Defensor Chieftain

Truth or Consequences On Saturday Hot Springs High School hosted the Fifth Annual Mike Tooley Relays in Tiger Stadium. Despite heavy winds and blowing dust that affected performance times and javelin distances, the athletes dealt with the adversities of the day and completed the well-run and well-attended event with youthful heartiness.

Participating schools included Cobre, Socorro, Alamo, Magdalena, Mountainair, Carrizozo, Hatch, Silver, Tularosa, Lordsburg and Hot Springs. Socorro coaches Diana Jameson and Lee Cody directed their athletes as did coach Corine Madril for the Magdalena group.

Socorro senior Adam Paz made his coaches proud when he qualified for state competition in three events. He cleared 5 feet 10 inches in the high jump, and he traveled a distance of 20 feet 6.5 inches in the long jump. He flew 44 feet 3 inches in the triple jump, which is a school record, and leads the state in all classes.

Outstanding in distance runs was senior Sierra Cahall from Socorro who won the 1600-meter run so far ahead of any competition that he nearly lapped the last runner at the finish line and behind no runners could be seen trailing him.

The results stated below are taken from the Runner Card website and, in error, they did not have Cahall listed in the results of the 1600 run, consequently, the time for his finish was not available at publication time.

The men’s overall team scores after 19 events had Silver at the top with 123.5 points. Socorro was listed third with 59 points and Alamo, which entered only a distance runner, was listed 10th with one point.

The women’s overall team scores after 19 events had Silver winning the meet with 80.5 points. The Magdalena team was listed fourth with 43 points. Socorro was seventh on the list with 34 points and Alamo was 11th with 10 points.

In the girls triple jump, sophomore Abby Bullock of Magdalena placed first with a jump of 33 feet, 2 inches.

Also of Magdalena, freshman Jaydin Stephens placed third. Winning the long jump was Socorro senior Adam Paz with a 20- foot 6.5 inch jump.

Teammates senior Dylan Gallegos placed fourth and sophomore Colton Wheeler placed sixth.

For the girls long jump, junior Kadie Kiene of Magdalena placed first, jumping 14 feet, 5 inches. Socorro eighth-grader Danisha Thornton placed fourth. Eighth-grader Catherin Wellborn

of Socorro placed ninth. Magdalena freshman Heather Rodriguez placed 15th.

Socorro senior Adam Paz won the boys triple jump with a distance of 44 feet, 3 inches. His team mate, eighth grader Gabriel Franco, placed 11th.

Ultavius Nash of Carrizozo cleared 6 feet to win the boys high jump event. Socorro senior Adam Paz placed second with a jump of 5 feet 10 inches. Socorro eighth-grader Gabriel Franco finished ninth.

In the girls high jump Socorro sophomore JeriAna Contreras won the event clearing 5 feet.

Team mates junior Janae Matai placed seventh and freshman Daniel Rivera placed ninth.

Sarai Clendenin of Hot Springs won the girls pole vault clearing 8 feet 6 inches. Eighth grader Julie Aster of Socorro placed second with a vault of 8 feet.

Dakota Bencomo of Silver won the boys javelin event with a distance of 144 feet, 5 inches. Socorro senior Damien Baca placed fifth with a distance of 113, feet 7 inches and team mates Justin Sarate placed sixth and Sam Boykin placed ninth.

Brandon Molina of Silver won the boys shot put with a distance of 47 feet. Isaac Beltran of Socorro placed fifth with a distance of 41 feet 6 inches.

In the girls shot put the winning distance was of 31 feet, 11.5 inches won by Sarah Mars of Tularosa. Socorro freshman Danisha Thornton finished sixth with a distance of 29 feet 6 inches.

In the boys discus event the winning throw of 137 feet, 2 inches was by Brandon Molina of Silver. Justin Sarate of Socorro placed fourth with a distance of 116 feet, 2 inches. In the girls discus Sarah Mars of Tularosa won the event with throw of 104 feet, 6.5 inches. Socorro sophomore Bryn Botko placed ninth with a distance of 75 feet, 11 inches.

In the 100-meter dash Socorro eighth grader Danisha Thornton’s time was 13.46 and Gabbie Apachito of Magdalena placed eighth with a time of 13.74. The winning time was 12.79 made by Natasha Macon of Cobre.

In the girls 400-meter dash, Mountainair’s Tern Kayser’s winning time was 1:08.38. Sophomore Raven Taylor of Socorro placed seventh with a time of 1:20.26.

Socorro senior Sierra Cahall placed third in the boys 800-meter run with a time of 215.97 and won the 1,600 run. Daniel Soliz of Cobre was listed as winning the race with a time of 2:07.79 but that was in error. On that list Socorro boys freshman Manuel Licano finished fourth with a time of 5:39.28. Freshman Adonnis Lozano’s 11th place time was 6:09.17 and freshman Asher Guengerich

By Polo C ‘de Baca/For El Defensor Chieftain

JeriAna Contraras qualifies for state with a jump of 5 feet. finished 13th with a time of 6:33.32.

In the Boy’s 3200-Meter Run, Mathew Lisk of Mountainair won with a time of 11:25.82.

Freshman Seamus Parker of Socorro placed seventh with a time of 12:25.37, and Alamo’s sophomore Owen Apache finished eighth with a time of 12:28.42.

In the Girl’s 100 Meter Hurdles Selina Munoz of Lordsburg won with a time of 16.72. Freshman Jaydin Stephens of Magdalena finished third with a time of 19.27, and sophomore JeriAna Contreras of Socorro placed fourth with a time of 19.27.

Junior Tristen Dunlap of Magdalena placed sixth with a time of 20.03.

In the boys 110-meter hurdles the winning time was 14.06 by Andrew Little of Silver. Sophomore Jessie Fielder of Socorro placed seventh with a time of 20.11.

In the boys 300-meter hurdles Andrew Little of Silver won the race with a time of 42.37. Jessie Fielder of Socorro placed seventh with a time of 53.09 In the girls 300-meter hurdles JeriAna

Contreras of Socorro finished first with a time of 54.34. Magdalena’s Jaydin Stephens placed third with a time of 58.13, and her teammates junior Ashley Tafoya placed fourth with a time of 58.39, and Tristen Dunlap placed fifth with a time of 58.39.

Socorro freshman Camryn Sager’s time was 1:05.83, and Socorro freshman Avzia Guerro’s time was 1:10.79.

The girls 4 X 100 was won by Tularosa with a time of 53.32. Socorro’s team placed fifth with a time of 55.75.

Socorro placed third in the girls 4 X 200 with a time of 2:07.03. Silver won with a time of 2:03.20.

Silver won the boys 4 X 400 with a time of 3:47.77. Socorro’s time was 3:59.03 and placed third.

Cobre won the boys sprint medley relay with a time of 4:06.13, and Socorro placed fourth with a time of 4:24.81.

Cobre wins Monday The Lady Warriors place

By Tanya Pike

For El Defensor Chieftain

Monday’s game against Cobre was doomed from the beginning as starting pitcher Savannah Padilla hurt her arm and was out of the game. However, Hope Moses took her secondary position and replaced Padilla on the mound.

Moses struggled as she did her best to deliver to the plate, and she kept Cobre thinking about their swing selection.

“We have players that can adapt to other positions when necessary, and Hope is one of those players,” coach Belinda Sandoval said.

On the other hand, the Cobre pitcher had an impressive fast arm that often frustrated the Lady Warriors, as Cobre was ahead 6-0 by the third inning.

“The Cobre pitcher was good,” Sandoval said. “You can’t take that away from her.”

In addition, defensive errors continued to thwart Socorro’s defense. Cobre added two more points to their lead, but then Nancy Silva made a couple of great grabs at center field to get her team another chance at bat.

Base on balls put Aracely Alderete on the first base bag. Jasmin Williams connected down the first base line and was safe on first, and Alderete advanced to second. Natalie Paz hit the pitch down second for a double, advanced Williams to third and brought in Alderete.

Paz’s hit put the Warriors on the scoreboard 11-1 in favor of Cobre. But, Paz found herself in a pickle and was tagged for the third out. Maria Alderete also found herself in a pickle, but made it back to first base safe. Ashley Pyke connected over third base, but a home run by Cobre sealed their victory 18-1 at the bottom of the fifth inning.

“We need to keep coming together as a team and minimize our fundamental and mental errors,” Sandoval said. “Once we grasp that, we will be contenders.”

For spring break softball highlights visit our website at www.dchieftain.com

First Baptist Church 203 Spring Street, Socorro, NM

second at Grants Invitational

By Tanya Pike For El Defensor Chieftain

The Lady Warriors softball team placed second out of 10 teams at the Grants Invitational last weekend.

The Lady Warriors were to play Miramaya High School, but they withdrew from the tournament. Instead, Socorro played the Grants JV team. The bats worked for the whole team that day as Hope Moses had two triples, and Savannah Padilla got on base with two singles.

“The girls were a hitting powerhouse,” coach Belinda Sandoval said.

Sandoval also reported that everyone had playing time as “we had base hits, executed our bunt plays and stole bases.”

Padilla also struck out four players. Grants battled back with only three solid hitters, but the Lady Warriors defense kept them to two innings. Socorro easily beat Grants JV, 28-4, as the mercy rule was inflicted.

Next in bracket play for the Lady Warriors was Wingate.

Maria Alderete started Socorro off with a triple that infected the rest of the lineup as the Lady Warriors proceeded to pound the ball at Wingate on her lead.

“Socorro almost went through the lineup hit after hit,” Sandoval said.

Ashley Pyke was 5-for-5 for the day with two doubles, one triple. Pyke also stole a few bases on bunts. Natalie Paz went 3-for-5 with two solid hits down short and also added an RBI to her stats.

Nancy Silva scored the only Socorro home run on a bunt play that capitalized on Wingate’s errors.

PUBLIC NOTICE

Good Friday Service

There will be a meeting of the City of Socorro Police Oversight Commission on Tuesday, April 2, 2013 at 5:30 p.m. in the City Hall Council Chambers (111 School of Mines Road). The public is invited to attend.

March 29, 2013 at 7 p.m.

A copy of the agenda is available at City Hall.

Easter Sunday Worship Services

For more information, please contact Pat Salome, City Clerk, at 575-835-0240.

We welcome you

March 31, 2013 at 8:30 a.m. and 11 a.m.

Sat., April 13 * 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Sun., April 14 * 8 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Garcia Opera House California Street, Socorro NM Admission: Adults: $5/person, includes both days Children under 12, free with parent For further information: 518-8579 Jerry Lopeman Dealer Tables: $40 each

“The girls continued to consistently stop them with their tough defense,” Sandoval said.

The Lady Warriors created their lead in the first three innings. Wingate came back strong in the third inning as they scored six runs when a Wingate player hit a grand slam and knocked four runs in. The final score was 28-4 for the Warriors, once again winning by the mercy rule.

The win put Socorro in the championship against Rehoboth Christian.

The Lady Warriors’ last battle was against Rehoboth Christian School for the Grants Invitational Championship.

Rehoboth Christian had a tight defense that challenged Socorro throughout the game, but specifically in the first two innings. By the end of the second inning Rehoboth led Socorro, 11-0, that included a grand slam.

“We made some key mental and fundamental errors that Rehoboth took advantage of,” Sandoval said.

Things started to look up in the third inning as Savannah Padilla struck out two players with her team backing her up with a solid double play as Rehoboth Christian only scored once. In the bottom of the fourth inning Padilla struck out two more, but their opponent scored six more runs and snagged the game and championship with a score of 21-2.

“It was a weekend of bad cold weather due to the winds that really took a toll on us by the end of the day,” Sandoval said. “But we did play some good softball.”

Faith Padilla hit a triple, Pyke hit some doubles and stole two bases, and Faith Moses added a single and an RBI. Pyke and Padilla made all-tourney.