Desert Exposure April 2012
Desert Exposure April 2012
FREE
APRIL 2012
www.desertexposure.com
www.SmithRealEstate.com
NEWLY LISTED All brick Silver Heights home on Juniper St. 3 BR, 2 BA, large lot and lots of extra storage/workshop area. Nice FP in living room. Just re-painted and priced to sell at $139,500. Call Becky Smith ext 11
NICE CORNER LOCATION + roomy open floorplan make this an affordable and pleasant home choice. Southern exposure on the backside, with great sundeck and garden areas. Plenty of room to build a garage or workshop. $139,000 #28781 Call Becky Smith ext 11
DOWNTOWN CORNER Great location and hidden charms come with this vintage downtown commercial building. The ornate brick faade and pressed tin ceilings are still there hiding beneath the modernizations of the 60s awaiting the renovators touch. Long-term tenant good investment property. Priced to sell at $120,000 #28980 Call Becky Smith ext 11
COMMERCIAL OFFICE OR RETAIL BUILDING Great location on Broadway next to Silver City Museum. Nearly 3000 sq. ft., plus extra office/storage/workspace across the back courtyard-parking area. This building has numerous possibilities, and is ready for your business. Will also consider lease. $249,000. #28766 See it soon! Call Becky Smith ext 11
ONE-OF-A-KIND HOME & LOCATION! Adobe/brick/ stucco home right next door to WNMU Campus on wooded lot with beautiful landscaping, 2 guest or rental homes with the possibility for a 3rd. Family & living room fireplaces, formal dining, appliances, study/library, master bedroom fireplace, dressing room. French door. Private patio for entertaining, 3-car garage + double carport. $425,000 #26040 Call Becky Smith ext 11
AUTHENTIC ADOBE HOME on 338 acres in the Mimbres Valley. Secluded and private end of the road location. Set up for horses and cattle. Large living room, eat in kitchen and lots and lots of room! Tile and brick floors throughout. This is a must see property! $975,000 #28960 Call Nancy Kavanagh ext 17
DESERT EXPOSURE
APRIL 2012
Mirrors
Area rugs as low as $79.95!
as low as
$29.95!
HOME FURNITURE
APPLIANCES & CARPETING
207 South Bullard Street Family owned and operated in Historic Downtown Silver City Since 1937
OPEN: MON- FRI 9 AM - 6 PM SAT 10 AM - 5 PM
In-Store Financing with approval
APRIL 2012
www.desertexposure.com
DESERT EXPOSURE
APRIL 2012
Contents
6 Editors Notebook Freeloaders for Fiscal Austerity
Biting Uncle Sams hand as it feeds you. Plus: Downtown Silver City needs a crime crackdown. By David A. Fryxell Palomas and beyond. By Marjorie Lilly
8 Letters
Our readers write.
10 Desert Diary
Engineers, retirees, crime gone wrong and more reader tales.
45 Humans & Nature 7 Billion: The View from Southwest New Mexico
The consequences of overpopulation can be felt even in our sparsely populated area. By Torie Grass
Silver City: Ilene Wignall (575) 313-0002, [email protected] Las Cruces/Mesilla: Kristi Dunn (575) 956-7552, [email protected] Deming: Marjorie Lilly (575) 544-3559, [email protected]
Advertising Sales
Senior Writer
Jeff Berg
Web Designer
David Cortner
Columnists
Henry Lightcap, Larry Lightner, Marjorie Lilly, Vivian Savitt, Bert Stevens, Scott Thomson P.O. Box 191 Silver City, NM 88062 (575) 538-4374 fax (575) 534-4134 www.desertexposure.com
Desert Exposure is published monthly and distributed free of charge at establishments throughout Southwestern New Mexico. Vol. XVI, number 4, April 2012. Mail subscriptions are $18 for 6 issues, $35 for 12 issues. Single copies by mail $4. All contents copyright 2012 Continental Divide Publishing LLC. All rights reserved. No portion of this publication may be reproduced without written permission. All rights to material by outside contributors revert to the author. Views expressed in articles, advertisements, graphics and/or photos appearing in Desert Exposure do not necessarily reflect the views of the editors or advertisers. Desert Exposure is not responsible for unsolicited submissions of articles or artwork. Submissions by mail must include a self-addressed stamped envelope for reply or return. It will be assumed that all submissions, including e-mail letters, are intended for publication. All submissions, including letters to the editor, may be edited for length, style and content.
Springhas arrived!
Lighting~Home Accents~Gifts
575-388-1226
APRIL 2012
www.desertexposure.com
Cissy McAndrew
Associate & EcoBroker
414 N. Bullard
Silver City, NM 88061
575-536-9722 [email protected]
I will check prior year returns at NO CHARGE
Onegenerationbuildsthestreet onwhichthenextwillwalk.
f you live in Mississippi, besides having our sympathy, you can enjoy living a paradox: According to the Tax Foundation, in 2005 (the most recent year for which complete statistics are available), Mississippians received $2.02 in federal money of all sorts for every dollar they paid in taxes. Talk about a great return on your investment! The paradox comes in, however, when you compare Mississippis wallowing in federal largesse with its voters attitudes towards big government and federal spending: According to a Gallup survey, Mississippi ranks as the most conservativevoting state in the nation. This irony was recently pointed out by Incidental Economist blogger Aaron Carroll of Indiana University. But Mississippi is hardly alone in being, as New York Times columnist Paul Krugman put it, a bunch of moochers against welfare: Combined, the top-10 most conservative states received 21.2% of their income in government transfers, while the 10 most liberal states averaged only 17.1%. In case youre wondering who narrowly beat out Mississippi in scoring the most federal bang for the buck, of course you already can guess the answer: New Mexico, with $2.03 coming in for every outgoing tax dollar to Uncle Sam. But at least were consistent (a harsher observer might even say less hypocritical), ranking in the middle at number 23 on the conservative-liberal scale. Moreover, New Mexico went for Obama and is represented in Congress by four Democrats and only one Republican, our own Rep. Steve Pearce. (The next time Pearce rants against government spending, however, he might want to check his constituents pocketbooks. Pipe down, Steve, were making out like bandits here!) After New Mexico, though, the states most hooked on what GOP presidential candidate Rick Santorum called the narcotic of dependency also tend to vote for those most vocal about putting America on a 12-step program. The rest of the top10 states on the government teat, with only a few exceptions, reads like a whos who of red states: Mississippi, Alaska, Louisiana, West Virginia, North Dakota, Alabama, South Dakota, Kentucky and Virginia. Except for number-10 Virginia, all went for Sen. John McCain in 2008 in what was otherwise a heavily blue election. Its not just this one statistical snapshot that portrays states biting the hand that feeds them. Research by Dartmouth political science professor Dean P. Lacy has similarly shown that support for anti-government GOP candidates has grown since 1980 in states where the federal government
spends more than it collects. The greater the dependence on everything from crop subsidies and housing assistance to Medicaid, according to the New York Times, the greater the tilt toward Republicans: Conversely, states that pay more in taxes than they receive in benefits tend to support Democratic candidates. And Professor Lacy found that the pattern could not be explained by demographics or social issues.
CREAT IV
D SIGN ESIGN
ILE
NT RC A
R O D U C TI O
Par Z ne ty
ecent research by Cornell University political scientist Suzanne Mettler, author of the new book, The Submerged State: How Invisible Government Policies Undermine American Democracy, suggests a more charitable explanation than hypocrisy or ignorance for why folks dependent on government programs keep voting as if they werent. (You could even argue that these red-staters are voting against their own best interests.) Based on a survey of 1,400 Americans, Mettler concluded that many beneficiaries of New Deal and Great Society programs are confused about Uncle Sams role in their economic lives. According to Mettler, 44% of Social Security recipients, 43% of people getting unemployment benefits and 40% of those on Medicare say they have not used a government program. (That memorable Keep the Governments Hands Off My Medicare protest inevitably springs to mind.) Overall, until Mettlers survey starts rattling off a litany of 21 popular government benefits ranging from Medicaid to tax breaks, only 43% of all those surveyed say theyd ever used a government social program. By the time theyve heard the whole list, though, 96% fess up. Now, you might complain that certain programs, such as Social Security and Medicare, arent really government benefitsyou pay into them with every paycheck, after all. But most people will collect far more from Social Security and Medicare than they ever contribute (hence those programs long-term funding worries). And those programs, like unemployment insurance and Medicaid, are legacies respectively of the New Deal and Great Society that politicians on the right vow to dismantle or reform into nonexistence. Wisconsin Rep. Paul Ryan, the House GOP budget chairman whose proposed fix for Medicare would turn it into a voucher program, characterizes the struggle against the programs red-state voters ironically depend upon as pitting makers against takers. In a speech at the American Enterprise Institute, Ryan warned that the takers are winning: The tipping point represents two dangers. First, long-term economic decline as the number of makers diminishes [and] the number of takers grows. Second, gradual moral-politLLC ical decline as dependency Petsitting and passivity weaken the naFree Consultation Insured Bonded tions character. Theres some truth to that LLC argument, and certainly the MEMBER nations politicians need to address the long-term balance www.frumpyfox.com Silver City, NM sheet of federal benefit programs. But its no small irony that those cheering Ryan the Wishes everyone a loudest are in fact the takers. Happy Easter on Perhaps before Ryan and his Sunday, April 8 colleagues like Steve Pearce dismantle the social safety Easter celebration party decorations. net, they need to take a hard Table covers, plates, napkins and more. look at whos really taking Balloons for all occasions. Piatas and all your and whos making. birthday supplies for young and old... In our corner of Pearces Second District, for example, 316 E. 14th St. 534-0098 in Silver City federal programs including Mon-Fri 9:30-5 Sat 10-3 (Behind Daylight Donuts)
Frumpy Fox
Frumpy Fox 575-313-0690
SA
LES
DESERT EXPOSURE
Medicare, Social Security, Medicaid, veterans benBut such a visible traffic-enforcement presence efits, income support and unemployment benefits does make it hard to understand why local police total far more than the national average of 17.6% of cant do more to deter crime in downtown Silver income. According to a county-by-county calcula- City. We realize that the Silver City Police Departtion by the Times, as of 2009 Grant County received ment employs only 24 uniformed officers and five $10,520 per capita in federal benefits, totaling more plain-clothes officers, and that its struggled in efthan a third of all income (34.28%). Every county forts to hire two additional officers. Whether the in our part of the state gets more problem is lack of manpower or than the national average from the allocation of the available Contact us! Uncle Sam, ranging from 24.57% resources, though, something PO Box 191 in Doa Ana to 31.4% in Hidalgo, needs to be done to protect the Silver City, NM 88062 34.79% in Catron and 36.17% in heart of Silver City. telephone 538-4374 Luna County. Last month as we delivered fax 534-4134 At least all those counties bundles of Desert Exposures up email: except Catron voted blue in and down Bullard and [email protected] the 2008 presidential election. way, we heard about a rash of [email protected] Its ironic, though, that Catron recent crimes against downtown [email protected] Countyrenowned for its anmerchants. One location was acti-government rhetoricgets tually burglarized twice. In just more than a third of its per capita income from the first two months of 2012, downtown saw six Uncle Sam. burglaries or larcenies, plus two vehicle break-ins The rest of us can take some comfort in the and a half-dozen instances of graffiti or property fact that, unlike Mississippi, we know how impor- damage. Apparently thats not a sharp increase tant that New Deal and Great Society legacy is to from past monthsbut its still too much. our lives. Maybe our representative in Congress, Downtown merchants complain that the police though, should stop throwing in with those trying could be doing more. Theyd like better communito undermine it. cationmost hear about crimes only from other merchantsand an increase in foot patrols. The police recently stepped up to help a volunteer group, Silver City Against Tags (an offshoot of the Silver City Neighborhood Alliance we covered in October 2011), tackle the spread of graffiti. SCAT and local businesses quickly painted over Downtown Silver City needs a nearly two-dozen downtown graffiti tags. But community volunteers can only do so crackdown on crime. much. Downtown needs a similar concerted eft may be just our perception, having never pre- fort to crack down on crime. That demands an inviously lived in a town this small, but Silver City creased police presenceeven if that means takhas always struck us as having more police and ing some officers out of their cars and sacrificing sheriffs officers on traffic patrol than anyplace some traffic-ticket revenue. k else weve ever driven. Some days we count as many as five or six law-enforcement vehicles on David A. Fryxell is editor and pubthe street just on the five-mile drive to the post oflisher of Desert Exposure. fice and back. Not that were complainingthere
APRIL 2012
Javalina, Sunrise Espresso, Three Dogs, and the Mustang Deli will be using customized SASS sleeves on their to-go cups during April 15 minutes of silence for victims of crime, April 27, 6:00pm, Gough Park
A Cup of Awareness
Pinos Altos, NM
APRIL 2012
www.desertexposure.com
MEMORABILIA
T-shirts @ Hats @ Race Jerseys @ Cowbells
Get em while theyre hot!
Letters
575-388-3222
STUNNING VIEWS
Lots above Bear Canyon Lake. Forest borders. Hiking and shing. $8,000 - $10,000 per acre
"ASK THE EXPERT" LA PALOMA REAL ESTATE
TIM DONOVAN
any thanks for the piece on Rio Bravo and the effects of time (Spoiler Alert, Continental Divide, April). I first saw the movie at the Gila in 1959 in company with the characters usually named Rollo and J.F. in my comic articles, and we were thrilled. At the time and before Clint Eastwood, I think they shot off more rounds of ammunition in that flick than in any movie we had previously seen, which probably explains our enthusiasm. And that was the first time, too, that any of us had seen Angie Dickinson, and given the fact that we were seniors in high school, I have to imagine that little remains to be said. Alas, after several decades and after John Wayne played virtually the same character multiple times, the movie did not age well. In 1958, by pure accident, the Western High School band happened to be in Tucson on a band trip, and we were taken out to Old Tucson while the movie was being filmed, something that the band director failed to mention. So we were merely walking around, taking in the sights around 3 p.m. when a black limousine came around a corner and began to move slowly past my particular group of five or six students. I have never forgotten that moment because the daughter of the college librarian, a very lively and intelligent girl, but a high school girl nevertheless, peered into the backseat, uttered a groan of disgust, screwed up her face and said: Who is that filthy slob in the DEAN MARTIN!! and virtually threw herself toward the car, which, fortunately for Dean Martin, breezed right by. Only later, when we all saw the movie, did it dawn on us that we had been in Old Tucson at the time Rio Bravo was being made and seen Dean returning to his hotel still costumed in the garb he had worn for dipping his hand into the spittoons. Thanks again for a fine essay. Phillip Parotti Silver City ell, pilgrim, I reckon Ill respond to the panning of Rio Bravo. The column misses the point a littlemore target practice might be in order, pardner. Rio Bravos greatness is not its screenplay or acting; central to its success is its characters. It celebrates the Code of the West and doing the right thing. In the climax, Dean Martin puts down the bottle and picks up a badge to saddle up with some sidekicks to come to the aid of John Wayne. Out of a sense of loyalty, justice and duty, these heroes take on the bad guys head-on, thereby saving the day and helping save the West. As in Rio Bravo, the courage to stand up for what is right is a value that is not dated or out of style. What makes the movie a true classic is the true grit it portrays. Bravo for Rio Bravo. Paul Hoylen, Jr. Deming
and sold at the same old US price. A huge increase in the profits, but since they are accumulated in the offshore outfit, they are tax free. This process was repeated until the whole industry is decimated. The final step is to buy enough Congressmen to assure that this is legal and untaxed. If it were taxed, the funds might be used for unemployment pay or retraining the laid-off workers. That, of course, would be immoral, so instead the laid-off workers get hired at a part-time minimum wage job at the convenience store. And thus we get the jobs created by these geniuses. Charles Clements Las Cruces
Tourism Thoughts
just read your editorial on tourism promotion for New Mexico (April). I cant believe people still think you need a passport to visit the state, and that some confuse Albuquerque and Acapulco. Thats very sad. Anyhow, if the state tourism department does anything, its doubtful that Silver City, Las Cruces or anything south of I-40 will get much attention. Especially if the budget is only $2 million. I actually wonder how well advertising campaigns even work. It seems they might do well in something like Sunset magazine, but most of those readers are sophisticated enough to know about New Mexico without needing an ad to stimulate their interest. I cant name a single person who went anywhere based on an ad. I know I never have. On the other hand, I have purposely sought out places profiled in newspapers and magazines. This, to me, is where Silver City has a huge advantage. Silver City has much to offer that is unique and charming. We take every out-of-town guest there to visit and none has walked away disappointed. Im sure there are parallels for other activities and ventures in and around Silver City for what comes to my mind, but where I see a huge advantage in terms of publicity is the Silver City art market (granted, its less abundant and interesting than what it was four or five years ago, but there is still a lot of creativity underway). There are many talented artists in Silver City who would garner publicity and photos if they would do a little marketing. A popular magazine for collectors, gallery owners and artists is Southwest Art. Another one is Western Art Collector. I read these magazines religiously and the artists/art community of Silver City is rarelyif evercovered. As you highlight in the editorial, what is more Southwest than Silver City? It isnt that the art in Silver City isnt worthy of coverage in these publications; rather, I question the extent to which the artists actually pitch themselves to these and similar publications. As an avid collector, I know several artists who are doing quite well, independent of what we hear about the economy. While quality is certainly a part of this, the thing that sets many of them apart from artists who are struggling is their ability to market themselves, often with little or no cost. Im not talking full-page ads in expensive magazines. Rather, Im told that Facebook, news releases, quick notes to magazine editors, etc. command a lot of attention, which often generates buzz and sales. If Silver City waits for ad dollars to stimulate tourism, it will be a long, slow process. If the townspeople can find a way of taking matters into their own hands, however, I believe there is a lot of potential. Good luck! Christopher Alexander Las Cruces and Rio Rancho k Let us hear from you! Write Desert Exposure Letters, PO Box 191, Silver City, NM 88062, fax 534-4134 or email letters@desertexposure. com. Letters are subject to editing for style and length (maximum 500 words, please), and must be in response to content that has appeared in our pages. Deadline for the next issue is the 18th of the month.
The Marketplace
Furniture Household Items Antiques Tools Imports
We buy LIKE-NEW:
ESTATE LIQUIDATION
The Marketplace
Call about
388-2897
Moneyballs Losers
our Moneyball editorial (April) scratched the surface. Your experience was in publishing, which gave you other places to go, because you still had an industry intact. There are whole industries that were victimized and the victims had no industry left and therefore had to start all over again. The way it worked was the investor milked all the cash out of each acquisition to repay the investment loan, and then sent the jobs to China. This drops the cost of the product to a fraction of the US cost. They then buy their product from the Chinese factory via an offshore money-laundering outfit. The Chinese factory sells it to an outfit based in, say, Singapore. It then resells it to the US company at a much higher price and it is imported
DESERT EXPOSURE
APRIL 2012
SAVE $
100
$999 OR MORE
www.thefurnituregalleryinc.com
DE
10
APRIL 2012
www.desertexposure.com
league and see if theres anything she can do for them. Finally the engineer said, Why cant they play at night? Engineers or attorneys, blondes or bald guys, your jokes are welcome at [email protected].
Desert Diary
abled veteran, is blind and confined to a wheelchair and is unable to support his wife and six children? The stricken United Way rep begins to stammer an apology, but is cut off again: Thirdly, did your research also show you that my sisters husband died in a dreadful car accident, leaving her penniless with a mortgage and three children, one of whom is disabled and another who has learning disabilities requiring an array of private tutors? The humiliated United Way rep, completely beaten, says, Im so sorry, I had no idea. And the lawyer says, So if I didnt give any money to them, what the heck makes you think Id give any to you?
osing the battle of the sexes Turning from the world of work to the gender wars, The Santa Claran shares this: Walking into the bar, Mike said to Charlie the bartender, Pour me a stiff onejust had another fight with the little woman. Oh yeah? said Charlie, and how did this one end? When it was over, Mike replied, she came to me on her hands and knees. Really? said Charlie. Now thats a switch! What did she say? She said, Come out from under the bed, you little chicken! oure only as old as you feel New contributor Farmor, the Swedish Grandma passes along this Q&A with the title, They Ask Why l Like Retirement!: Q. How many days in a week? A. Six Saturdays, one Sunday. Q. When is a retirees bedtime? A. Three hours after he falls asleep on the couch. Q. How many retirees does it take to change a light bulb? A. Only one, but it might take all day. Q. Whats the biggest gripe of retirees? A. There is not enough time to get everything done. Q. Why dont retirees mind being called seniors? A. The term comes with a 10% discount. Q. Among retirees, what is considered formal attire? A. Tied shoes. Q. Why do retirees count pennies? A. They are the only ones who have the time. Q. What is the common term for someone who enjoys work and refuses to retire? A. NUTS! Q. Why are retirees so slow to clean out the basement, attic or garage? A. They know that as soon as they do, one of their adult kids will want to store stuff there. Q. What do retirees call a long lunch? A. Normal. Q. What is the best way to describe retirement? A. The never-ending coffee break. Q. Whats the biggest advantage of going back to school as a retiree? A. If you cut classes, no one calls your parents. Q. Why does a retiree often say he doesnt miss work, but misses the people he used to work with? A. He is too polite to tell the whole truth. Q. What do you do all week? A. Monday through Friday, NOTHING. Saturday and Sunday, I rest. While were on the subject of aging, heres a slightly less upbeat take from GeraldH:
ngineer this Then we have the engineers, subject of a bit of humor a couple of issues back. That brought this impassioned defense from Megapod: Engineers are indeed different from regular folks. They are rational, for one thing, and cleareyed about the world around them. For example, when a regular person might say, Where theres smoke, theres fire, an engineer would note. Where theres smoke, theres incomplete combustion. Or, instead of seeing a glass half-empty or half-full, an engineer would conclude that there was twice as much glass as needed for storing the available liquid. Got you curious now? Heres another salvo from the Packrat Out Back, who submitted our original engineer joke: A priest, a doctor and an engineer were waiting one morning for a particularly slow group of golfers. The engineer fumed, Whats with those guys? We must have been waiting for 15 minutes! The doctor chimed in, I dont know, but Ive never seen such inept golf! The priest said, Here comes the greens-keeper. Lets have a word with him. He said, Hello, George. Whats wrong with that group ahead of us? Theyre rather slow, arent they? The greens-keeper replied, Oh, yes. Thats a group of blind firemen. They lost their sight saving our clubhouse from a fire last year, so we always let them play for free anytime! The group fell silent for a moment. Then the priest said, Thats so sad. I think I will say a special prayer for them tonight. The doctor said, Good idea. Im going to contact my ophthalmologist col-
by J.A. Jance
Second Chance discussion, book sales, signings Silver City Public Library Sat. April 21, 10:30am
J.A. Jance is the New York Times bestselling author of the Ali Reynolds series, the J.P. Beaumont series, the Joanna Brady series, and four interrelated southwestern thrillers featuring the Walker family. She has over 21 million books now in print and continues to enjoy tremendous popularity.
2nd Floor, Global Resource Center 12th and Kentucky Streets Silver City, New Mexico
WILL O ce
DESERT EXPOSURE
Just before the funeral services, the undertaker came up to the very elderly widow and asked, How old was your husband? He was 98, she replied. Two years older than me. So youre 96, the undertaker commented. She responded, Hardly worth going home, is it? ladder up against the roof, then Im going to go up there and knock the bear off the roof with this baseball bat. When the bear falls off, the pit bull is trained to grab his testicles and not let go. The bear will then be subdued enough for me to put him in the cage in the back of the van. He hands the shotgun to the homeowner. Whats the shotgun for? asks the homeowner. If the bear knocks me off the roof, shoot the dog. Then theres this one, also involving bears and firearms, from Judge Hazard A. Guess: What is the smallest caliber gun you can trust to protect yourself? The best answer: My personal favorite defense gun has always been a Beretta Jetfire in .22 short. I have carried it for many years including while hiking. I never leave without it. Of course the first rule when hiking in the wilderness is to use the Buddy System. This means you NEVER hike alone; you bring a friend, companion or even an in-law because if something happens there is someone to go get help. I remember one time while hiking with my brother-in-law in northern Alberta, out of nowhere came this huge brown bear charging us and was she mad. We must have been near one of her cubs. Anyway, if I had not had my little Jetfire I would not be here today. Just one shot to my brother-inlaws kneecap and I was able to escape by just walking at a brisk pace. Thats one of the best pistols in my collection....
APRIL 2012
11
rime doesnt pay We welcome back Toni in the Vets Office, who shares this supposedly true tale of crime gone wrong: When southern Florida resident Nathan Radlichs house was burglarized recently, thieves ignored his wide-screen plasma TV, his VCR, and even left his Rolex watch. What they did take, however, was a generic white cardboard box filled with a grayish-white powder. (Thats the way the police report described it.) A spokesman for the Fort Lauderdale police said that it looked similar to high-grade cocaine and theyd probably thought theyd hit the big time. Later, Nathan stood in front of numerous TV cameras and pleaded with the burglars: Please return the cremated remains of my sister, Gertrude. She died three years ago. The next morning, the bullet-riddled corpse of a local drug dealer known as Hoochie Pevens was found on Nathans doorstep. The cardboard box was there, too; about half of Gertrudes ashes remained. Taped to the box was this note which said: Hoochie sold us the bogus blow, so we wasted Hoochie. Sorry we snorted your sister. No hard feelings. Have a nice day. ids say the darnedest things Ah, the wisdom of the young. Take this lesson sent our way by GeeRichard: Whenever salesman Jim Smith comes home from a road trip he brings his little daughter a surprise. On this trip, when he arrives home, he gives the girl a box of animal crackers. A few minutes later, he finds the child sitting at the kitchen table with animal crackers all spread out. As he enters the room, he sees her reach into the box, pull out a tiger and say, Okay. She reaches in the box again, pulls out an elephant, and says, Okay. Next, she pulls out a kangaroo and again says, Okay. Dad stops her and asks, Sweetheart, are you looking for a special animal? Yes, Daddy, she replies, Im looking for the seal. Whats so special about the seal? Dad asks. See? she says, pointing to the box. It says not to eat if the seal is broken. rive, he said We couldnt resist double-dipping from The Santa Claran this month when we read this one: The National Highway Safety Administration recently divulged they had covertly funded a project with US automakers for the past five years, whereby the automakers were installing black-box voice recorders in four-wheel-drive pickup trucks and SUVs in an effort to determine, in fatal accidents, the circumstances in the last 15 seconds before the crash. They were surprised to find in 38 out of 50 states the recorded last words of drivers in 61.2 % of fatal crashes were, Oh, crap! (or words to that effect). Only the states of North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Kentucky, Arkansas, Alabama, Georgia, Mississippi, Louisiana, southern Missouri and Texas were different, where 89.3 % of the final words were, Hold my beer, Im gonna try somethin.
he greatest show on earth OK, so finally we do have a joke involving a blonde, but this one from Ned Ludd is not exactly the usual variety. A circus owner runs an ad for a lion tamer and two young people show up. One is a good-looking guy in his mid-20s and the other is a gorgeous blonde about the same age. The circus owner tells them, Im not going to sugar-coat it. This is one ferocious lion. He ate my last tamer, so you both better be good or youre history. Heres your equipmenta chair, a whip and a gun. Who wants to try out first? The gorgeous girl says, Ill go first. She walks past the chair, the whip and the gun and steps right into the lions cage. The lion starts to snarl and pant and begins to charge her, so she throws open her coat, revealing her beautiful naked body. The lion stops dead in his tracks, sheepishly crawls up to her and starts licking her ankles. He continues to lick her calves, kisses them, and then rests his head at her feet. The circus owners mouth is on the floor. He remarks, Ive never seen a display like that in my life. He then turns to the young man and asks, Can you top that? No problem, replies the young man. Just get that lion out of the way. k Send your favorite anecdotes, jokes, puns and tall tales to Desert Diary, PO Box 191, Silver City, NM 88062, fax (575) 534-4134 or email diary@desertexposure. com. The best submission each month gets a brandnew Desert Exposure mouse pad, scientifically proven to take the strain out GIVE AWAYS of emailing LE FAMILY jokes to DesUN FOR WHO TS F ert Diary. MEN
Lic. #55718
o bears sit in the woods? Next, two yarns about, of all things, bears. Growl along with us as we share this one from Fred in the Garage: A man wakes up one morning in Montana to find a bear on his roof. So he looks in the Yellow Pages and, sure enough, theres an ad for Bear Removers. He calls the number, and the bear remover says hell be over quickly. The bear remover arrives, and gets out of his van. Hes got a ladder, a baseball bat, a shotgun and a mean old pit bull. What are you going to do? the homeowner asks. The bear remover replies, Im going to put this
We carry a full line of vegetables, herbs, perennial and annual owers, rosebushes, fruit and shade trees, grapes and raspberries. Look for us Saturdays at the Silver City Farmers Market 2906 Mountain View Rd.
9-5 Tues-Fri | 9-1 Sat 2 / miles south of HWY 180E on Mountain View Road
575-313-1507
12
APRIL 2012
www.desertexposure.com
Trail Dust
Susana The chatter about New Mex- intergalactic entertainment destination, Playico Gov. Susana Martinez as a possible boy editorial director Jimmy Jellinek said in a GOP vice-presidential pickrising after statement. This heaven-in-the-heavens will exthe partys most prominent Hispanic, Florida Sen. ceed starry-eyed travelers wildest dreams, and Marco Rubio, ruled himself out of contentionis guests will truly experience a party thats out of being heard from some highly disparate places. this world. The Playboy Club plans include a zero-gravity In Beaumont, Texas, Martinez has a fan in Thomas Taschinger, opinions editor dance club, a casino featuring human roulette, a of The Beaumont Enterprise zero-gravity bungee-jumping facility, a restaurant newspaper. Taschinger recently for fine dining, and an orbital pleasure dome. Perhaps not coincidentally, Virgin Galactic wrote of Martinez: Not only could she help appeal to female founder Richard Branson recently succeeded in voters, shes widely regarded as wresting back control of the triple-x domain vera rising star in GOP politics. She sion of his own nameRichardBranson.xxx. Such also could help Mitt [Romney] .xxx domains are meant as designations for X-ratcarry the Rocky Mountain states ed content online. that used to be in the GOPs back pocket but are becoming toss-ups. ye-bye, bipartisanship Retiring New I know what youre thinking: The last RepubMexico Sen. Jeff Bingaman is taking some lican presidential candidate picked a little-known parting shots that surprised the Politico webfemale governor, and she turned out to be a flake. site as well as some of his colleagues. The political Dont worry. Martinez is a serous person who can website reported on how the typically mild-manstand up to the scrutiny. nered chairman of the Senate Energy and Natural More on the rising star front comes from Da- Resources Committee let fly at the ARPA-E Envid Issacharoff, a 16-year-old high school student ergy Innovation Summit at what he sees as the living in Jerusalem, who for some reason is a blog- decline in civility when it comes to energy policy. ger for the Huffington Post (as youll see, its not for Bingaman told summit attendees, Because the young Israelis way with words). Issacharoff of the heightened level of partisanship in energy recently opined: There are few Republicans that over the last five years, weve seen an unraveling can be named rising starts for their colossal rise. of what, up until recently, was a fairly strong biThey are Marco Rubio, a Cubanpartisan consensus on energy American representing Florida, a policy. Energy laws passed on battleground state in the Unites a bipartisan basis over the past States Senate, and Nikki Haley, seven years are now under an Indian-American woman who sustained attack, he said, addis the governor of South Caroing, The bipartisan consensus lina, Chris Cristie, the tough, outon energy project financing has spoken governor of New Jersey, evaporated. Susana Martinez, the Latina govBingaman cited how efforts ernor of New Mexico, Bob Mcto extend production tax credits Donell, the governor of Virginia, for wind power projects during another battleground state, and the recent payroll tax cut extenKristi Noem, the young, goodsion negotiations were declared looking Representative from not open for discussion by South Dakota, whose already House leadership. landed herself a key leadership Bingaman: Not going to take it Nonetheless, Bingaman introrole in the republican majority. anymore. duced a new bill designed to foAll those politicians above, were cus discussion on a simple and elected in the 2009-2010 election cycle, and they all effective clean-energy standard. can run for president for their background, gender, Sen. Chris Coons (D-Del.) told Politico he unor importance of state that they govern or repre- derstood where Bingaman was coming frombut sent. that he was also a bit taken aback by the New MexMartinez perhaps gets extra points because icans statements. Coons commented, Frankly, it the Huffington Post blogger correctly spelled her was hard, at the end of his remarks, not to hear tricky first name, which puts her one-up on New a certain heaviness in his heart as he recounted Jersey Gov. Chris Christie and Virginia Gov. Bob the very real progress that was made on bipartiMcDonnell. san energy-efficiency standards, on lighting innoEndorsements from Beaumont, Texas, and a vation, on financing vehicles, only to run into the blogger too young buzz saw of partisanship between the chambers to vote dont ex- and between the parties. actly equal a trip to Tampa yet. But ome on down! Next months national the New Mexico Libertarian Party convention in Las Vegas governor might will determine whether former New Mexico want to bone up, Gov. Gary Johnson will be the partys standardjust in case, by bearer this fall. In the run-up to the convention, watching HBOs Game Change, about Sarah Palins 2008 veep adventure.
Who and whats been making news from New Mexico this past month, as measured by mentions in Google News (news.google. com), which tracks 4,500 worldwide news sources (trends noted are vs. last months total hits; * indicates new to the list). Number in parenthesis indicates last months Top 10 rank. Gov. Martinez hairstylist flap, of all things, helps keep her on top in a slow news period. Meanwhile, we start tracking news mentions of New Mexicos mostly under-the-radar US Senate race, which could prove crucial to control of that half of Congress. 1. (1) Gov. Susana Martinez522 hits () 2. (2) New Mexico drought392 hits () 3. (7) Virgin Galactic296 hits () 4. (9) New Mexico wildfires213 hits () 5. (4) Sen. Jeff Bingaman204 hits () 6. (-) New Mexico Senate race181 hits* 7. (6) Ex-Gov. Gary Johnson + president148 hits () 8. (-) Sen. Tom Udall77 hits () 9. (3) Ex-Gov. Bill Richardson70 hits () 10. (8) New Mexico + Border Patrol61 hits () Johnson who aborted his run for the GOP presidential nomination to try as a Libertarian insteadhas been making the rounds of state Libertarian gatherings. The Atlanta Journal-Constitutions Political Insider columnist, Jim Galloway, caught up with Johnson en route to the Georgia state convention in Athens. The alwaysOn Gary Johnsons veep list: controversial Jennifer Aniston, Drew Carey? Johnson, best known for his stance favoring marijuana legalization, weighed in on the recent controversy over contraception. It occurs to me that contraception ultimately leads to less abortion, Johnson said. You cant have it both ways. You cant have no contraception and no abortion, in my estimation. I would think that those that are pro-life would kind of embrace that notion. But they dont. The newspaper also commented on how, should Johnson win the Libertarian nomination, his next goal would be to gain a spot in the three presidential debates scheduled for this fall: To win a podium place, Johnson would have to have his name placed on statewide ballots from coast to coasta task well within the capacity of the Libertarian movement. And he would have to place 15% or better in reputable national surveys. That seems like a high bar, but Johnson claimed some polls are already showing him at 9% in trial heats against President Obama and GOP frontrunner Mitt Romney. If he gets the nomination, Johnson would also have to pick a running mateand here hes voiced some equally surprising ideas. He recently teased the New York Daily News by floating the name of actress Jennifer Aniston. Johnson said, Its a fine line between ginning up attention, and getting someone who can hang in the vice presidential debate that goes along with the presidential debates. A slightly more serious celebrity veep possibility, Johnson said, is Drew Carey, the comedian and host of TVs The Price Is Right. The former New Mexico governor explained, Hes a Libertarian. I think hes capable of articulating the ideas. Celebrity-watchers might also note that Carey has recently dropped a lot of weightperhaps to
Playboy and Spaceport America: A match made in orbit? (Image: Thomas Tenery/Playboy Enterprises)
aunch pad Could octogenarian Hugh Hefner and a bevy of his favorite bunnies one day be lifting off from Spaceport America? The March issue of Playboy magazine floats the idea of a Playboy Club in space, a heaven-in-the-heavens featuring a private orbital pleasure dome. The imagined club was dreamed up in conjunction with the space tourism company Virgin Galactic, which plans to start shooting tourists into suborbital space at New Mexicos spaceport. As Virgin Galactic gets closer to becoming the worlds first commercial space line, Playboy is eagerly pondering the creation of the ultimate
DESERT EXPOSURE
get in fighting trim for the campaign? The American people have never been offered a candidate who is a fiscal conservative and social liberal. If you voted for the Republican because you favored spending and tax cuts you also had to swallow a ban on abortion and opposition to gay marriage. If you voted for the Democrat because you were pro-choice, you also had to support fiscal policies that would bankrupt us. Stone, who also writes a blog, The StoneZone, worked for the Reagan campaign and co-founded the National Conservative Political Action ComPolitical consultant and blogger mittee (NCPAC). His blog Roger Stone: Switching sides to boasts, In 2000 Stone is credsupport ex-New Mexico Gov. Gary Johnson. (And no, this isnt ited with the hardball tactics the white-haired guy from Mad which resulted in closing down the Miami-Dade presidential Men. Really.) recount. Stone is credited in
APRIL 2012
HBOs recent movie, Recount 2000, with fomenting the so-called Brooks Brothers Riot in which a Republican mob swarmed the recount demanding a shutdown while thousands of Cuban-Americans marched outside the courthouse demanding the same thing. Stone has also chronicled mens fashion for the New York Times and the Daily Caller. His annual Ten Best and Worst Dressed list has been featured on the Huffington Post and the New York Daily News since 2009. k
13
trange bedfellows Meanwhile, Johnson has picked up the support of political consultant Roger Stone, another regular contributor to the Huffington Post. In a recent online column, Stone wrote: I have long considered myself a Libertarian Republican. I have written extensively about gay marriage as an issue of constitutionally required equality, the expensive and fruitless folly of the War on Drugs, abortion rights, and individual liberty. On Feb. 13, 2012, I formally left the GOP to become a member of the Libertarian Party. I intend to support former New Mexico Gov. Gary Johnson as the Libertarian candidate for president.
Open 9 - 5 Mon - Fri Ph (575) 388-1967 Fax (575) 388-1623 Since 1991
DE
217 N. Bullard
D AT U R A
T H E R A P E U T I C D AY S PA
877-534-9118
Facials Body Treatments Spa Manicures & Pedicures Reflexology Aromatherapy Body Sugaring Waxing
703 N. Bullard
abeador2.com
388-8973
313-5890
315 N. Texas
ARTS
ada Yada Yarn Y
614 N. Bullard | 388-3350 Daily 11-5
Breakfast
538-2284 538-5324
9-5 M-F 8:30-3 SAT
703 N. Bullard
534-4636
116 N. Bullard|534-4269
M-Sat 9-5
veri on wireless
Authorized Retailer
601 N. Bullard
388-2897
Mon-Sat 10-5 Sun 11-4
Alotta Gelato
534-4995
exposure
104 W. Broadway 313-2595
open 7 days week
14
APRIL 2012
www.desertexposure.com
Readers help resolve the mystery of what became of Geronimos captive, Jimmy Santiago McKinn.
Santiagos Saga
C.S. Flys famous photograph shows Santiago McKinn front and center, at home with his Apache captors.
egular readers, especially of Jerry Eagans popular Hiking Apacheria series, will recall several mentions of the saga of Jimmy Santiago McKinn, Southwest New Mexicos most famous Indian captive. As Eagan recounted in our November 2006 issue: On Sept. 11, 1885, a boy named Jimmy Santiago McKinn, who lived with his family in the lower Mimbres Valley, was abducted by Chiricahua Apaches led by Geronimo. His older brother Martin was killed. Accounts of Jimmys age vary, but he was only about 11 or 12. Taking young captives was common practice in those days, and not only for the Apache; Mexicans were still taking captives as slaves or servants. For the Apache the practice was more about warrior replacement, with the boys raised as new warriors, the girls as maidens. What stands apart about the saga of Jimmy McKinn, however, is that not only was he later rescued by General George Crook, but that he didnt want to be rescued. Jimmy/Santiago had been fully Indianized, according to Fletcher Lummis, a reporter for the Los Angeles Times who accompanied Crooks troops: When told that he was to be taken back to his father and mother, Santiago began boo-hooing with great vigor. He said in Apachefor the little rascal has already become quite fluent in that languagethat he didnt want to go backhe wanted to always stay with the Indians. McKinns story became well-known among Old West history buffs, and he was even photographed in full Apache garb by C.S. Fly, who visually chronicled Geronimos surrender negotiations. Whats less well-known, however, is the answer to a question posed in our 2006 article (available on our website at www.desertexposure. com/200611/200611_apacheria_mckinn_captive. html): What happened to Jimmy McKinn after he disappeared from the view of the US Cavalry, headed back to a white civilization he no longer wanted any part of? Eagan chronicled much of the rest of McKinns story, tracing the former Apache captive to Phoenix, where McKinn and wife Victoria raised a family. But our story noted one lingering mystery: No death record can readily be found for Jim McKinn himself. ow the mystery of the final fate of Geronimos Mimbres captive has been solved, thanks to a reader and distant relative who spotted our original article online. Recently, An-
nette Brown Duplechain, who lives in Houston, wrote us: Your article on the abduction and release of Santiago McKinn is well written and extensive. I am a first cousin (twice removed) of Santiago McKinn. I am related to him by his mother, Lucaria Abeyta. Your article states that you could not locate a death certificate for Santiago and that you believed he died in the 1950s. I have located the death certificate for Santiago McKinn and it is attached for your review. Santiago died in December of 1941 in Phoenix, Arizona. As you will note, the attached death certificate shows his parents names and his wifes name as verification that this is Santiago McKinn who was captured by Geronimo. The death certificate records that Santiago McKinn died of cardiovascular disease at 8 p.m. on Dec. 10, 1941more than 56 years after his capture by Geronimo. He was buried on Dec. 13 at St. Francis Cemetery in Phoenix. The names of his parents, John McKinn and Lucadia Abeyba (spelling of names was a bit more haphazard back when), wife Bictoria Villaneuba and son Peter all align with whats known about Jimmy/Santiago. Various birthdates (another thing our ancestors were less careful about) have been given for him, including on his 1918 draft registration (March 15, 1872), but the date here of March 31, 1875, is plausible. That would have made him not yet 10 when the Apaches captured him.
Above: Santiago McKinns grave marker at St. Francis Cemetery in Phoenix. (findagrave.com) Below: His 1941 death certificate. tion, strong will, and his true fight and strength continue to live in ALL of us, let me tell you. My mother, Pete Sr.s second to the youngest daughter, has shared these stories, photos and many other accounts with my brothers and I since we were kids. We thought they were fables, actually, until our teenage years when we read them for
emarkably, only a few days after the email with McKinns death certificate attached hit our inbox, we heard from another of his relatives whod read our story. Bernadette R. Diaz emailed from Phoenix with the news that her uncle, Pete McKinn II, had passed away there. Her uncle, she informed us, was the son of the Pete McKinn Sr. who had signed his father Santiagos death certificate in 1941, and who had died himself in 1986. Diaz added, Santiagos youngest son Pete had 10 children, eight of those who lived until adulthood, and all eight now have children and grandchildren, and some even great-grandchildren. Diaz, one of those granddaughters, also wrote about her great-grandfather Santiagos story: All of us pass on this story and historical event to our children that sadly happened many years ago, and keep his memory alive still within our families, believe it or not. Its amazing how his story, his many physical and behavioral traits, his determina-
ourselves in historical trackings. We responded by sending her a copy of the death certificate wed recently received, as well as contact information for her distant cousin in Houston. The address given on the death certificate, 937 E. Monroe in Phoenix, turns out to be the house Diaz mother grew up in. Apparently Santiago and Victoria were living with my grandfather Pete and his family, she wrote in a followup email. St. Francis Cemetery is the same cemetery where my grandfather Pete, his sister Josefina McKinn Brown, and many other McKinn relatives are buried as well, and this is also where we will lay down my uncle to rest. (We were subsequently able to locate an image of Santiagos headstone there online at findagrave.com.) She added, I am actually trying to put together a family tree of history for my three-year-old son, so that he has all of this information once he becomes a man himself later in life. Were glad to have helped record the saga of that boys great-great-grandfather, and to now be able to write the final chapter in the history of Jimmy Santiago McKinn. k
APRIL 2012
15
Hacienda Realty
1628 Silver Heights Blvd. Silver City, NM 88061 575-388-1921 www.haciendarealtysc.com
ADOPT-A-PET
The High Desert Humane Society 3050 Cougar Way, Silver City, NM
575-538-9261 Hours: Tuesday-Friday 8:30-5:30 Saturday 8:30-5
Fletch
4-5 mos, Male, Pointer-X
Freckles
Adult, Male, Coon Hound
Toto
2 yrs, Male, Terrier-X
Rusty
1 yr, Neutered Male, Redbone Hound
Rocco
8 mos, Male, Rottweiler/Hound-X
Pudge
8 mos, Male, Heeler-X
Fancy
18 mos., Female, Siamese
Bobbi
6 mos, Female, Manx Well named!
Licorice
8 mos, Female, Tuxedo DSH
Jelly Bean
6 mos, Male, DSH
Eggster
Adult, Male, Red Tabby
Check out what we have in stock! Open Wed. - Fri. - Sat. 10 am - 2 pm Thurs. 11am - 2 pm
Call for more info Jerry 654-3002, Mary 538-2626, or Lyla 534-8705.
ts a ! I P SNA
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED!
16
APRIL 2012
www.desertexposure.com
Fear Controls
Daycare Special
The place to go in Silver City for your cats and dogs boarding, grooming, dietary and training needs.
575-388-4101 1-888-388-4101
www.misamigospetcare.com
A Better Chimney
Serving Southwest NM and Southeastern Arizona
We are the only AUTHORIZED DEALER for pellet stoves in the area
Not All Stoves are Created Equal, Stoves Sales Service GB98 Lic. # 033328 Choose Wisely! 1800 US Hwy 180 E., Silver City 575-534-2657 DE
www.abetterchimneynm.com
ts amazing what fear can do to a person, or people, or to a society or even a given group of persons. The problem is, there are many special-interest groups out there that try to control you and me using fear. There is a tried-and-true saying that I learned many years ago in the field of marketing a product. It says that if you tell someone something over and over and over, no matter how ludicrous or ridiculous it may be, they will come to believe it. That also applies to the concept of instilling fear in someone: If you put the idea of fear into them and keep reinforcing it time and again, they will come to believe and accept what you say is to be feared. As you know by now, I work in a gun store. Many hikers come in looking for a handgun to buy for the reason that they have been told that they should be afraid of bears and they need a gun to protect themselves. Most have never owned a gun of any sort before. While bear attack might be a possibility in a remote instance, it is not a given when out in the woods. The exception might be a mama bear in the spring that has youngsters, but even then the possibility of attack is quite low. I know firsthand because Im out in the woods virtually every spring for days on end hunting turkeys, and while I have come quite close to bears, none has attacked me. I well remember the first bear that I ever came upon; it was springtime in Pennsylvania and I was on a bike. I came into a clearing on a two-track and there stood a large bear not 30 yards away. It had its back to me and was standing tall on its hind legs and feeding on a bush. I stood there for several minutes both thrilled and scared to death at his presence, when it turned and saw me for the first time. Ill never forget the look on its face: Its eyes got big as saucers, then it turned and ran straight away like a huge bowling ball knocking over anything in its path! Since then Ive had many close encounters with Brer Bruin and for the most part, their reaction is always the same: run, run, run! I say for the most part, because there was one exception. A somewhat smaller bear of around 200 pounds was turning over rocks looking for dinner when I came upon him at a very close range of 30 yards or so. We both stared at each other, and Ill never forget those small, hard, beady eyes as they peered back at me. He didnt move for what seemed like an eternity. After a while, he finally just turned and ignored me, going back to turning rocks over. But I still remember those eyes seeming to say, Im not in the least bit afraid of you! I do carry a gun on my person because of that bear and other isolated incidencesnot out of fear but out of being prepared for anything. People who think they need a gun for bear medicine out of fear, because someone else told them thats the case, need first to learn gun safety and know-how and develop confidence in their ability to use a firearm in a panic situation. For the most part, I think these novices would be better served with a can of powerful, bear-strength pepper spray! ear is beginning to be seen in another way in our society and it began to surface in late February: The guns and ammo distributors are predicting that guns and ammunition and reloading components for ammo will soon be in short supply and will stay that way for the coming year or more.
The reason? Both men and woman gun buyers are afraid of Obama being re-elected! They have begun to panic-buy guns and ammo. Already we at the store are having trouble buying certain semiautomatic rifles and almost any kind of a handgun. There is already a shortage. (Thats not to say that many of these buyers have much confidence in a moderate Romney not doing the same to them if he were to be elected.) I am not saying their fears are justified in thinking that Obama will do something; I am saying that their perspective is that he will do something. That is what panic buying is all about. They cannot base their attitude on recent history, because Obama hasnt done much in the way of gun control. But they fear that as a lame-duck president he will use executive powers to bring about gun control. Certain politicians and news stations and lobbyist groups have promoted and instilled that fear into the public, because they know that fear controls the masses! Of course, they arent the only ones doing this. On the other side of the aisle are news stations and politicians and special-interest groups promoting the idea that if all the citizens are armed, then there will be mass violence and killings of the innocent. FBI statistics clearly show that is not the case, that just the opposite is true, but people have been fed the propaganda so long that it is believed, too. Fear controls! s an aside, I just watched a new reality show and I was incredulous. It is about the growing movement by the public to build underground bunkers for fear that a cataclysm is soon coming. These folks are stocking them full with food and water for three to six months. Many of these bunkers are as big as my house and have all the furnishings. Why? Because many believe that we as a country are on the verge of anarchy. And while there may be a whole lot of truth in this theory, what good will being afraid do? Six months later, when these bunkerers emerge, will anything be any better? I seriously doubt it. I hearken back to 1999. Remember when the fearmongers were telling us that the world economy would collapse in 2000? I bought into it, too. People were panic-buying then, storing up food, water and generators. Hmmmm, I wonder what happened to all of those things? I wonder who it was that started all of that fearmongering? I do prepare for the unexpected, especially in the outdoors. I have drawn my gun more than once for protection, but I dont believe the boogie man/ critter is around every bush. I refuse to allow fear to rule me; if I did, I wouldnt go anywhere or do much of anything. A fearful what-if attitude is surely not a good quality for a person to have. That will only keep you indoors and hiding under the bed. As for myself, I prefer to follow the adage given in the Good Book in Matthew, chapter 6, where Christ admonishes us to not worry about tomorrow, but to trust God to supply and care for me. You may scoff at me if you like, but I will put all of my eggs in that one basket. After all, the Almighty has done a pretty good job of it for these 67 years! And if a rogue critter does happen my way? Well, Ill probably just, as a last resort, pull my old hogleg and give him some lead medicine to cure his errant ways! Keep the sun forever at your back, the wind forever in your face, and may The Forever God bless you, too! k When not rambling outdoors, Larry Lightner lives in Silver City.
D. O. G. S.
Mary Bourn
Professional groomer since 1986
575-533-6176 866-989-DOGS
DESERT EXPOSURE
APRIL 2012
17
Cost-saving ideas for the times that try a horse owners soul (and wallet).
The Marketplace
Downtown in The Hub 601 N. Bullard, Unit D
hese are trying times for horse owners. I dont think a single day goes by where I dont hear a comment about the cost of feed, the 60%-plus increase in the cost of hay since last summer, the price of gas for our trucks, and the increases for every little item in your tack room. Whatever your budget was for your horse passion, it has probably been blown out of the water. Sadly, there are so many forces that influence the cost of owning a horse that I dont think well ever see things roll back to where they were even a year ago. Between the long-range forecast for the climate here in the Southwesthot, dry and getting worse on both frontsand some basic Economics 101supply and demandthe upward price pressure on the basics for good horse care will continue. Hay growers will keep fighting the weather and water challenges, and be tempted by more lucrative subsidies for other crops, so will have little incentive to lower prices. If you have managed to find some growers with better prices in moister areas of the country, as many around here have, demand and fuel costs will put upward price pressure on their products as well. And, no matter where you sit on the political scale, gas prices are being driven by international factors and growing demand elsewhere. Cheap gas is a thing of the past. Unfortunately, no one has designed a hybrid that will tow your horse trailer! Another, more subtle factor is influencing the horse world as well. There was a time when it was relatively easy to downsize your herd if you needed to adjust your budget. Horses were almost a liquid asset, as there was consistent demand from potential buyers. Todays reality is much different. A large part of the horse business over the past 20 years or so has been driven by the Baby Boom generationan enormous population with the resources, time and energy to indulge themselves, their children, or their childhood fantasies of owning a horse and riding the range. This demand led to an explosion of breeding, equipment design and manufacturing, the increased value of ranch properties, sales of machinery, and everything else associated with horses. But guess what? The boomers are getting into their 60s and beyond. Riding might not be as comfortable as it was even a few years ago as knees, hips and backs start to hurt. The daily work of owning and maintaining horses and a horse property for fun gets a little harder. Retirement funds, pensions and property values have all taken hits, so the cost of your hobby takes a greater proportion of your income every month. When it takes $100 or more to fill up your truck to haul the ponies somewhere, you find you ride a little less. Then you realize if youre 65 and riding a 10-year-old horse, the horse will probably live longer than you willhow do you prepare for that? The fact that there are estimated to be 200,000 or more unwanted horses out there, most for financial reasons, is proof we have hit a painful intersection of an aging population, falling demand for horses and a changing economy. I talked with a couple the other day who fit this profile exactly. Retired, moved here, bought a nice property, set it up for horses, bought a couple of sensible horses given their experience. This was a lifelong dream. Now their comment is, We had no idea it would be this expensive, require this much work and time, and at the end of the day leave so little time and energy to actually ride the horses. The condo on the golf course with an ATV that doesnt eat and need constant attention sounds pretty good now! Were all in this together, and I believe that most horse owners want to do right by their animals and will do almost anything to keep them as part of their families. Given that, here are a few thoughts on ways to cut or control budgets for the major expenses of feed, gas and vets: Feed by weight and not volume. A horse should get about 2% of his body weight in forage per day. Thats 20 pounds for a 1,000-pound horse. Most people feed their horses by volume, a leaf or two twice per day. But how much does a leaf
weigh? Ive had them vary by two to three pounds, so feeding by volumea leafcould be too much or too little for the health of the horse. To save a lot on waste and feed at healthy levels, set up a simple scale and weigh out the desired daily ration. I have a hanging fish scale in my barn (digital from WalMart, very cheap) with a laundry bucket and rope, and weigh the hay for each horse. I get almost an extra feed per day out of each bale and very little waste taking this step, and I know each horse is getting the correct amount. Consider a slow feeder. A lot of articles have been written recently about slow feedersfrom the very elaborate to the make-it-yourself style. The concept is simple: slow the rate of eating and keep the hay confined, for less waste and a horse that is chewing for a longer period, a more natural way to eat. On the waste alone, I know people who have cut their hay usage by 25% using slow feeders. Feed for what you actually do with your horse. Any good vet or horse nutritionist will tell you that the average recreational horsemeaning a horse ridden two to three times per week, two to three hours per ride and mostly at the walk should get 100% of its nutrition from forage. A horse used in this way needs no grain, sweet feeds or concentrates, as its expending no more energy than a horse just walking in a pasture. If this fits your riding profile, then you should be able to save by cutting back on or eliminating extra feed. Obviously, this equation changes for more active horses, but if you want to cut something, cut the grains and concentrates but not the forage. The forage is essential for good health; the grains arent. Feed for what youre going to do, not for what youve done. If you know youll be taking a longer ride on the weekend, increase the feed a day or two before. You dont need to do it after the ride as well. Consider adding some beet pulp. It provides almost as much energy as oats but provides more fiber and it digests like hay, all good things for a horse. A good ratio to use is one pound of beet pulp (dry weight before hydration) equals two pounds of hay. Although it would be safe to replace up to 40% of a horses daily hay with beet pulp, most people simply add a pound or two to the diet. At roughly $20 for a 50-pound bag, beet pulp can replace your grains and stretch each bale of hay a bit. Learn to do things with your horse other than ride. I find that as gas gets more expensive, people ride less because of the cost of hauling. The horse just sits around, loses conditioning, then gets ridden too hard for the level of conditioning and gets hurt. Now you have a vet expense. There are a million things you can do with your horse without riding or leaving your property, and you still need to find time to keep your horse fit. This doesnt mean aimlessly running the horse around in a round pen, but learning to do some fun things that you both enjoy. Dont let dollars stand in the way of playing with your horse, even if you cant haul off for a trail ride. Regular, moderate and varied exercise is good for us and for our horses, and there is no better way to control emergency or injury calls to the vet. Things are tight for all of us these days, but that doesnt mean you cant enjoy your horses and still keep them healthy and happy while trying to manage the cost. A little creativity, a little knowledge and some careful resource management go a long way with horses, and will help keep them an important part of your lifeand, just as important, not add to that enormous number of unwanted horses. k Scott Thomson lives in Silver City and teaches natural horsemanship. He can be reached with comments or questions at hsthomson@msn. com or (575) 3881830.
Huge store Tons of stuff New/used items Great prices 388-2897 Open: Mon - Sat 10-5, Sun 11-4
Mimbres, NM
575-358-2109
We are now taking orders for our large deciduous trees. The trees are in 24 and 28 baskets and are wholesale to the public.
in Silver City and Las Cruces call Walt at 575-590-0519 in Deming call Mike at 575-358-2109
Pick-up in Virden or Delivery available NMDA Nursery License No. 7139
18
APRIL 2012
www.desertexposure.com
Arts Exposure
The latest area art happenings.
Arts Scene
eedboat Gallery is now featuring oils by Jean Bohlender, our January 2008 cover artist, and jewelry by Larry McLellan of Quail Ridge Studio. New extended gallery hours are 11 a.m. to 6-ish. 214 W. Yankie St., 534-1136, seedboatgallery.com. Ginny Wolf Studio and Gallery is featuring batik T-shirts by Sheilah Grebe. 108 W. Yankie St., 313-5709, www.ginnywolf.wordpress.com. Ravens Nest Boutique is spotlighting pottery by Lucinda, a North Carolina potter. 106 W. Yankie St. JW Art Gallery in Hurley will have a reception April 15, 2-5 p.m., for Poems2, a handmade, limited-edition book of poetry by Sharon Barr, Larry Godfrey, Tom McCoy, Sandy McKinney, Bonnie Maldonado and Elise Stuart. The free reception will feature music by Variations of Three. 99 Cortez Ave., 537-0300. Copper Quail Gallery will commemorate Earth Day with Earth-Fest: Art That Celebrates Our Earth, April 20-May 22. Featured artists are Phoebe Lawrence, Martin Apley, John Wachholz, Mark and Jane Bowen, Michael Boyle, Jan Fell, Gerald Gordon, Becky Kerr, Allen Sanders and Susan Rice. 211A N. Texas at Yankie St., 388-2646. Kate Brown Pottery & Tile will have a oneday intensive tile-making class on April 21, $95 includes materials. The studios annual Mothers May Day sale will be May 5-6, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Mimbres, 536-9935, [email protected], www. katebrownpottery.com. The Hearst Church Gallery in Pinos Altos opens for the season on Friday, April 27, with the Grant County Art Guilds annual Members Only Show. A reception, starting at 5 p.m., will feature music by Brandon Perrault. The fine-art judge for this show is local artist Jan Fell; crafts and threedimensional art will be judged by Wendy Rudick. The Hearst Church Gallery will be open this year from April 27 through Oct. 7 with hours of 10 a.m.5 p.m. on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
he Tombaugh Gallery presents works by Marie Siegrist and Penny Simpson in A Brush with Color for April. The exhibit, running April 1-27, will feature a variety of works by these Las Cruces painters, primarily in watercolor but also in acrylics. An opening reception will be held April 1, 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m. Unitarian Universalist Church, 2000 S. Solano Dr., 522-7281. Works by Margaret Bernstein, Aunt Meggies April Dream, will be on view at the Mesquite Gallery April 5-28, with a reception on Saturday, April 14, 4-6 p.m. Bernsteins works incorporate color and form in watercolor and oil, moving paint around the picture plane with joy and tor-
A Brush with Color at the Tombaugh Gallery features works by Marie Siegrist (top) and Penny Simpson (above).
by
Sheilah Grebe
Warren Newcombe
Batik T-shirts
ment. 340 N. Mesquite St., 640-3502, www.mesquiteartgallery.com. The Mesilla Valley Fine Arts Gallery this month features works by Jan Kosnick and Sally Quillin. Kosnick designs and creates pictures with glass, various minerals, foils and grout making. Painter Quillin Spiritual arts and gifts from around the world has been working on colorful abstracts, combining bright Springsalecontinueson color with textures created selectitemsthroughApril14th! using a variety of modeling pastes and found objects. "Whatistogivelightmustendureburning." 2470-A Calle de Guadalupe, -VictorFrankl 522-2933. 505 N. Bullard Silver City, NM MVS Studios will be feaOpen Thurs., Fri. and Sat. 10am to 4pm. 575-535-2634 turing work by Amy Rankin DE on Friday, April 6, during the April Downtown Ramble from 5-7 p.m. The gallery will th th also host a poetry reading on Thursday, April 26, at 6 p.m., with readings by Terry Hertzler, Joanne Townsend, Frank Varela and Ellen Young. 535 N. Main, 524-3636, mvsstudios.com. The Las Cruces Arts Aswww.victoriachick.com Cow Trail Art Studio 119 Cow Trail, Arenas Valley, NM sociation will have a grand
Antique and Collectible 19 and 20 Century Original Prints and Drawings American artists and artists of New Mexico
Noon - 3 M,Thurs, Fri, Sat.
DESERT EXPOSURE
www.unsettledgallery.com. Nopalitos Galeria will feature a photo exhibition this month of Daniel M. Reade and David Wood, two California Column soldiers who were given the task of delivering Billy the Kid to Pat Garrett and who established a life in the town of Las Cruces. A talk will be given by Dean Reade, the great-grandson of Daniel M. Reade, and David Wood, the great-great-great-grandson of David Wood, on April 15 at 3 p.m. 326 S. Mesquite. If our story about Las Cruces artist Bob Diven (Jackrabbit of All Trades, May 2011) got you curious about one of his many Among the featured artists at the new Mountain Gallery, through artistic mediumssidewalk June, is Deborah Morris. chalk artmark your calendar for Saturday, April 28, 7 a.m.-4 p.m. Thats the date of AvenueArt New Mexiopening for the Mountain Gallery and Stuco, a one-day community dios Collective Artists on street art event created Friday, April 6, from 5-7 by Diven and the Downp.m. This group of 18 arttown Las Cruces Partnerists will be showing their ship. The canvas will be work through June. 138 W. the newly reopened Main Mountain St. Street in downtown Las Rokoko Gallery Cruces. Juried artists will opens a new show, Gods, compete for cash prizes Goddesses, Gurus and and awards, while speGremlins, exploring faith cial guest artists will creand fantasy, April 13 from ate showcase paintings 6-9 p.m. 1785 Avenida de to demonstrate the range Mercado, 405-8877, www. A show of works by Margaret Bernstein, of contemporary street rokokoart.com. Aunt Meggies April Dream, will be on painting. Main Street will Native Spirit, works view at the Mesquite Gallery. remain closed to vehicle by Mary Beagle, will be traffic through Sunday featured at the Unsettled Gallery and Studio, with an artists reception evening to allow people to enjoy the Avenue of Art. on Saturday, April 14, 4-6 p.m. The exhibit continARTS SCENE continued on next page ues through May 5. 950 N. Mesquite St., 635-2285,
APRIL 2012
614 n. bullard silver city, nm 575-388-3350
19
EARTH-FEST
Theatre Group New Mexico in partnership with Western New Mexico University Expressive Arts presents:
April 27 and 28 at 7:00pm April 29th at 2:00pm Fine Arts Center Theatre at WNMU Tickets: Adults $10.00 Children 12 and under $5.00. WNMU Students free w/ID
Alice in Wonderland JR. is presented through special arrangement with and all authrized performance materials are supplied by Music Theatre International, 421 West 54th Street, New York, NY 10019. Script, music, and all other material (c)2006 Disney Enterprises, Inc. Alice in Wonderland JR. and Disney's Alice in Wonderland JR. are trademarks of Disney Enterprises, Inc.
20
APRIL 2012
www.desertexposure.com
Lois Du y Art
rtist, photographer and gallery owner Mel Stone took this issues cover picture with an iPhone 4s, then manipulated it with free iPhone apps. He calls the results, which he exhibited at his Mesquite Gallery in Las Cruces in February, iPhon-e-graphy. At the time, Stone commented, A lady from New York visited my gallery the other day and told me iPhone art is very big right now in New York. After the show is over, I may upgrade to paid versions of these apps, but for the time being I like to brag about them being free. This plunge into digital artwork is only the latest twist in a colorful career that began with earning a BA in chemistry at St. Olaf College in Minnesota. Stone then switched fieldsnot for the last timeand earned an MA in economics and mathematics and, then, a PhD in economics. He taught at the university level for several years. The TV news bug bit me and until my retirement I was a TV news reporter/photographer (one-man band), Stone says. I believe 40 years of photographing TV news helped hone my eye. But the cold up north was too much to take. As he neared retirement, he joined an art co-op in Fargo, ND, and soon became one of its top sellers. For several years, Id thought about moving to Las Cruces. With the art co-op experience I decided to find a place I could live in and have a few ARTS SCENE continued
rooms as an art gallery. Thats what I have at 340 N. Mesquite St. Besides his own photography, Stones Mesquite Gallery displays and sells everything from paintings to woodcut prints. Some of these I bought from Midwestern artists for my gallery, but I also invite select local artists to exhibit in my gallery. This month the gallery is featuring local artist Margaret Bernstein (see Arts Scene). Hours are 11 a.m.-5 p.m., Thursday-Saturday. 640-3502, www.mesquiteartgallery.com, www.melstonephotography. com. k Above left: Stone in his TV news days. Above: Another view of the church on this issues cover. Left: Scene from Miami, Ariz.
525-1955, www.downtownlascruces.net.
and fiber art by Marge Myers and Kathy Reed. Hours are Wednesday-Sunday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Hwy. 152, 895-5116, www.perchacreektraders.com. k All phone numbers are area code 575 except as noted. Send gallery news to: [email protected].
H
Stop in and see us!
Sierra County
Art
Lois Duffy
Hours: Friday & Saturday 10 am to 4 pm 211C N. Texas, Silver City, NM (575) 313-9631 www.loisduffy.com [email protected]
of Dance
Offering classes in ballet, pointe, tap, jazz, musical theatre, ballroom & hip hop Classes available for ages 2 to adult.
illsboros Percha Creek Traders will feature New Work for Spring beginning April 1, spotlighting new members David Farrell and Martye Allen and new works by many other members. Farrell, a Hillsboro artist, was a student of Henry Hensche, who from 1932 to 1984 ran one of the premiere schools for outdoor painting in Provincetown, Mass. He paints local scenes on site, returning at the same time each day until the painting is finished. Allen creates Southwestern pottery. The Traders has also completely re-organized its seven-room space in Hillsboro, featuring new work from member artists, including hand-forged ironwork by Hopper Shannon, ceramics by Kathy Lovell, stained glass by Arlene Lynch, paintings in oil by Lyn Orona and in pastel by Melody Sears, photography by Matilde Holzwarth, silver jewelry by William Lindenau, beadwork and pottery by Jane Turner, wood creations by Gene Washburn,
Studio II Dancewear
Can fill all of your dancewear needs and other quality dancewear & dance items
538-5865 or 534-4324
[email protected]
2020 Cottage San Rd. CAPEZIO LEOS SANSHA Silver City, NM 88061
Above: New Work for Spring at Percha Creek Traders features work by new member David Farrell. Right: The Mesilla Valley Fine Arts Gallery this month spotlights works by Jan Kosnick.
DESERT EXPOSURE
APRIL 2012
21
Arts Exposure
A Hands-On Project
VICTORIA CHICK
Contemporary Figurative Art 19th and 20th Century Original Prints by American and New Mexican Artists
he Mimbres Region Arts Councils Youth Mural Program, which has created more than two-dozen murals in the Silver City area, is planning its most ambitious undertaking yet at a location special to the communitys young people. On April 21, students from area schools will lend a handboth artistically and literallyto a Many Hands Mural at Penny Park. Designated Comcast Cares Day, its also Rebuild Penny Park Day, as the park contractor will be on hand to direct volunteers in bringing the fire-damaged park back to life. With a little help from area artists, students start their hands art. The town is building a mucomplete the project, possibly at a summer camp ral wall that will feature the hands of every school student in the county in June. The classroom from each school district with thats our goal anyway, says Faye McCalmont, MRAC executive director. It will truly be a the largest turnout on the big day will win a pizza party compliments of Gila Regional Medical Cenhands-on mural! Silver City artist and gallery owner Diana Ingalls ter. And everyone who participates can enjoy free Leyba, who coordinates the Youth Mural Program, hot dogs and sodas for lunch on April 21 at Penny will be working with students in several schools Park. Project hours will be 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., with a in advance to complete several hundred hands mural introduction at 1 p.m. MRACs Youth Mural Program, with involvethat will be installed on April 21. McCalmont adds, At the park that day, hundreds more hands will be ment from a whos who of local artists, has creatformed and glazed in preparation for installation ed murals at locations ranging from Yankie Street at a later time, along with other mural elements to and the Silver City Food Co-Op downtown to the Bayard Union Hall and the Glenwood Library. Subjects have included the history of Chihuahua Hill, the Gila River, tribal and Hispanic heritage, recycling, World War II heroes, and the 1950 strike at the Empire Zinc Mine, immortalized in the film Salt of the Earth. (See Solidarity in Paint, June 2005.) The program is supported by New Mexico Arts, the National Endowment for the Arts and local sponsors. To download a brochure and map of all the mural sites, visit www.mimbresarts.org/ ym_home.html. Penny Park, 1305 N. Grant, was so named because local children collected pennies and donated them to the park, known as the towns Community-Built Park. The 15,000-square-foot playground opened in April 1999. The facilities at the park were damaged by fire in April 2009 and again in July 2011. This is going to be a great community collaboration, McCalmont says of the April 21 event, and will hopefully give everyone a buy-in to the rebuilding of the park. For more information, contact the arts council at (575) 538-2505 or see www.mimbresarts.org. k
DE
NEW HOURS Mon., Thurs., Fri., Sat. noon until 3 p.m. 119 Cow Trail in Arenas Valley www.victoriachick.com
We carry the finest in art supplies as well as art for the discriminating collector
LEYBA&INGALLS
ARTS
Jude Wasechek
at the crossroads of Yankie & Texas Streets in Historic Downtown Silver City
ART DISTRICT
Tundar Gallery 110 W. Yankie 597-0011 The Copper Quail 211A N. Texas 388-2646
Yankie/Texas
575-539-2403 [email protected]
HC 61, Box 435, Glenwood, NM 88039
M-Sat 7a to 6p Sun 7a to 4p
Molly Ramolla Gallery & Framing 303 & 307 N. Texas 538-5538 or 654-0334 www.ramollaart.com
DE
DE
(575) 388-5725
www.LeybaIngallsARTS.com
22
APRIL 2012
www.desertexposure.com
Arts Exposure
Gallery Guide
Ann SimonSen Studio-GAllery, 104 W. Yankie St., 654-5727. Art + ConverSAtion, 614 N. Bullard, 388-3350. Mon.-Sat. 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Sundays 12 a.m.-6 p.m. Gallery and gathering space. www.artandconversation.com. ArteSAnoS, 211-B N. Texas St., 519-0804. Mon.-Sat. 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Sun. 12-6 p.m. [A]SP.Ae, 110 W. 7th St., 538-3333, aspace.studiogallery@ gmail.com. Azurite GAllery, 110 W. Broadway, 538-9048, Wed.-Sat. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. www.azuritegallery.com. Blue dome GAllery, 60 Bear Mountain Ranch Road (Bear Mountain Lodge, 2251 Cottage San Road), 534-8671. Mon.-Sat. 11 a.m.-5 p.m., Sun. 11 a.m.3 p.m. www.bluedomegallery.com. ClAyful HAndS, 622 N. California, 534-0180. By appointment. Phoebe Lawrence. ClAymoon Studio, 13 Jade Dr., 313-6959. Marcia Smith. By appointment. Common tHreAd, 107 W. Broadway, 538-5733. Mon., Thurs, Fri. and Sat. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Retail and gallery space for fiber arts. www.fiberartscollective.org. CoPPer QuAil GAllery, 211-A Texas St., corner of Yankie and Texas, 388-2646. Tue.-Sun. 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Fine arts and crafts. Cow trAil Art Studio, 119 Cow Trail in Arenas Valley. Mon., Thurs.Sat., 12-3 p.m. www.victoriachick. com. CreAtionS & AdornmentS, 108 N. Bullard, 534-4269. Mon.-Sat. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Work by Diane Reid. drAGonfly Studio, 508 W 6th St., 388-8646. By appointment. feneStrAS PAneS in tHe GlASS, 102 W. Kelly St., 534-2087. By appointment. frAnCiS mCCrAy GAllery, 1000 College Ave., WNMU, 538-6517. GAllery 400, Gila House, 400 N. Arizona, 313-7015. Tues.-Sat.,
Silver City
1-6 p.m. www.gilahouse.com. Ginny wolf Studio & GAllery, 108 W. Yankie St., 313-5709, ginnywolf.wordpress.com. Howell deSiGn & GAllery, 200 W. Market St., 388.2993. www. anthonyhowell.com. Jeff KuHnS Pottery, 3029 Pinos Altos Road, 534-9389. By appointment. KAren CArr Studio, 117 W Market St., 388-4505. By appointment. leyBA & inGAllS ArtS, 315 N. Bullard St., 388-5725. Mon.-Sat. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Contemporary art ranging from realism to abstraction in a variety of media featuring artists Crystal Foreman Brown, Romaine Begay, Christana Brown, Susan Brinkley, Gordee Headlee, Diana Ingalls Leyba, Dayna Griego, Constance Knuppel, Mary Alice Murphy, Phillip Parotti, Betsey Resnick, Teri Matelson, Joe Theiman, Zoe Wolfe, Melanie Zipin. www.LeybaIngallsARTS.com, LeybaIngallsART@ zianet.com. loiS delonG Studio, 2309 Paul Place, 388-4759. By appointment. loiS duffy, 211C N. Texas, 534-0822. Fri.-Sat. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. The studio and gallery of Lois Duffy presents a unique and thought-provoking view of the world through the eyes of an artist. Imaginative portraits, surreal places and realistic scenes of life. Original paintings, cards and prints. www.loisduffy.com, loisduffy@ signalpeak.net. mAryS fine Art, 414 E. 21st St., 956-7315. Mary A. Gravelle. mimBreS reGion ArtS CounCil GAllery, Wells Fargo Bank Bldg., 1201 N. Pope St. www.mimbresarts. org. molly rAmollA GAllery & frAminG, 307 N. Texas, 538-5538. www. ramollaart.com. ol weSt GAllery & merCAntile, 104 W. Broadway, 388-1811/3132595. Daily 11 a.m.-6 p.m. SeedBoAt Center for tHe ArtS, 214 W. Yankie St., 534-1136. Mon.Sat. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. info@seedboatgal-
lery.com. Silver SPirit GAllery, 215 W. Broadway, 388-2079. StonewAlKer Studio, 105 Country Road, 534-0530. By appointment. Barbara Jorgen Nance. Studio BeHind tHe mountAin, 23 Wagon Wheel Lane, 388-3277. By appointment. www.jimpalmerbronze. com. tHe StudioSPACe, 109 N. Bullard St., 534-9291. www.jessgorell.com. Studio uPStAirS, 109 N. Bullard St., 574-2493. By appointment. SuSAn SzAJer Studio, Sanctuary Road, 313-7197 By appointment. tAtiAnA mAriA GAllery, 305 & 307 N. Bullard St., 388-4426. toP HAt Art, 115 N. Bayard. tundAr GAllery & Studio, 110 Yankie, 597-0011. 21 lAtiGo trAil, 388-4557. Works by Barbara Harrison and others. twin SiSterS CyClinG, 303 N. Bullard St., 538-3388. Mini-gallery. Tues.-Sat., 9 a.m.-6 p.m. two SPirit GAllery, 313 N. Bullard, Suite B, 534-4563. Mon.-Sat. 11 a.m.-4 p.m. wild weSt weAvinG, 211-D N. Texas, 313-1032, www.hosanaeilert. com. Mon.-Thurs. 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Fri.Sat. 9 a.m.-6 p.m. yAnKie St. ArtiSt StudioS, 103 W. Yankie St., 313-1032. By appointment. zoeS GAllery, 305 N. Cooper St., 538-8983. By appointment. moonStruCK Art Studio, 501 Covellite Dr., 956-5346, 654-5316. By appointment. Sun dAwG Studio, 501 Malachite Ave., 388-3551. By appointment. HeArSt CHurCH GAllery, Gold St., 538-9761/538-8216. Opens April 27. Fri., Sat., Sun. and holidays, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. CHAmomile ConneCtion, 3918
Tyrone
Pinos Altos
Mimbres
FRAMING
SALE!
FRAMING
L L C
SALE!
We will frame 1100 S. Main in Pueblo any item 95 at Idaho Cruces, NMPlaza $ Las starting at: NO QUANTITY 526-2808
39
March 1-April 30
RESTRICTIONS
Special selection of metal and wood frames Includes regular glass, dry mounting, and assembly Matting and other glass options available at regular price Its definitely worth the trip to Las Cruces.
Not Valid with Other Specials or Work in Progress Expires April 30, 2012
DESERT EXPOSURE
Highway 35N, 536-9845. Lynnae McConaha. By appointment. KAte Brown Pottery And tile, HC 15 Box 1335, San Lorenzo, 5369935, [email protected], www. katebrownpottery.com. By appointment. nArrie toole, Estudio de La Montura, 313-2565, www.narrietoole.com. Contemporary western oils, gicles and art prints. By appointment. reeSe-Benton ArtS, 3811 Hwy. 35, 536-9487. By appointment. KAtHryn Allen ClAy Studio, 601 Erie St., 537-3332. By appointment. t. Ali Studio, 421 E. Elm St., 5373470. By appointment. lA GAritA, 13 Humboldt, 5376624. By appointment. Jw Art GAllery, Old Hurley Store, 99 Cortez Ave., 537-0300. Weds.-Fri. 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Sat.-Sun. 10 a.m.-5 p.m., www.jwartgallery.com. cado, 405-8877. AleGre GAllery, 920 N Alameda Blvd., 523-0685. Blue GAte GAllery, 311 Old Downtown Mall, 523-2950. Tue.-Fri. 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Sat. 9 a.m.-noon. CHArleS inC., 1885 W Boutz Rd, 523-1888, Mon.-Fri. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Cottonwood GAllery, 275 N. Downtown Mall (Southwest Environmental Center), 522-5552. Mon.-Fri. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Cruz noPAl, 1175 W. Picacho, 635-7899. Thurs.-Sat.10 a.m.-6 p.m. or by appointment. [email protected], www.ouidatouchon.com. Cutter GAllery, 2640 El Paseo,541-0658. Tues.-Fri. 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Sat. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. GriGGS & reymond, 504 W. Griggs Ave., 524-8450, Tue.-Sat. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. JuStuS wriGHt GAleriA, 266 W. Court Ave., 526-6101, [email protected]. J.t. mACrorie Studio, 639 S. San Pedro, 524-1006. lAS CruCeS muSeum of Art, 491 N. Main St., 541-2137. Tues.-Fri. 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m., Sat. 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. lundeen inn of tHe ArtS, 618 S. Alameda Blvd., 526-3326. Daily 8 a.m.-6 p.m. mAin Street GAllery, 311 N. Downtown Mall, 647-0508. Tues.-Fri. 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Sat. 9:30 a.m.-1 p.m. meSQuite Art GAllery, 340 N. Mesquite St., 640-3502. Thurs.-Sat. 11 a.m.-5 p.m. mountAin GAllery And StudioS, 138 W. Mountain St. Thurs.-Sun., 10 a.m.-4 p.m. m. PHilliPS fine Art GAllery, 221 N. Main St., 525-1367. mvS StudioS, 535 N. Main, Stull Bldg., 635-5015, www.mvsstudios. com. new dimenSion Art worKS, 615 E. Pion, 373-0043. new mexiCo Art, 121 Wyatt Dr., Suite 1, 525-8292/649-4876. Weds. 1-6 p.m., Thurs.-Sat. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. nmSu Art GAllery, Williams Hall, University Ave. east of Solano, 646-2545. Tues.-Sun. noPAlitoS GAleriA, 326 S. Mesquite. Fri.-Sun., 8 a.m.-8:30 p.m. Quillin Studio And GAllery, behind Downtown COAS Books, 3121064. Mon.-Thurs., Sat.
APRIL 2012
Las Cruces
Studio 309, 309 E. Organ Ave., 649-3781. By appointment. Studio 909, 909 Raleigh Road, 541-8648. By appointment. tierrA montAnA GAllery, 535 N. Main St., 635-2891. Tues.-Sat., 11 a.m.-5 p.m. tomBAuGH GAllery, Unitarian Universalist Church, 2000 S. Solano, 522-7281. Weds.-Fri. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. or by appointment. unSettled GAllery & Studio, 905 N. Mesquite, 635-2285. virGiniA mAriA romero Studio, 4636 Maxim Court, 644-0214. By appointment. [email protected] , www.virginiamariaromero.com. lA meSA StAtion GAllery, 16205 S. Hwy. 28, 233-3037. Fri.-Sat. 11 a.m.-5 p.m., Sun. 1-4 pm. Art on tHe weStern edGe, at Windwalker Guest Ranch B&B, Hwy. 11 north, mile marker 7, 640-4747. Art SPACe GAllery, 601 S. Silver, 546-0673. Mon., Fri. 12-6 p.m., Sat. 10 a.m.-5 p.m., donni@chris-donni. com. deminG ArtS Center, 100 S. Gold St., 546-3663. Tues.-Sat. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. KinGS Korner, 103 E. Ash, 5464441. Gold Street GAllery, 112-116 S. Gold St., 546-8200. room witH A view, 108 E. Pine St., 546-5777. CHiriCAHuA GAllery, 5 Pine St., 557-2225. BArBArA mASSenGill GAllery, 894-9511/895-3377, Fri.-Sun. 10:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. PerCHA CreeK trAderS, 895-5116, Weds.-Sun. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. monte CriSto, Wall St., 7430190. Daily 10 a.m.-4 p.m. k SuBmit GAllery informAtion to Desert Exposure, PO Box 191, Silver City, NM 88062, fax 534-4134, email [email protected].
23
Bayard
Hanover Hurley
La Mesa
Columbus
Deming
AnnieS on tHe Corner, Hwy. 180 and Adair, Luna, 547-2502. CASitAS de GilA, 50 Casita Flats Road, Gila, 535-4455. Sat.-Sun. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. or by appointment. [email protected], www.galleryatthecasitas.com. runninG HorSe GAllery, Hwy. 180, Pleasanton, 539-2403. Fri.-Sun. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. or by appointment. [email protected]. willow GAllery, Hwy. 15, Gila Hot Springs, 536-3021. By appointment. elKin Studio, Oate Plaza, 6352025, www.elkinjewelers.com. GAleri Azul, Old Mesilla Plaza, 523-8783. Mon.-Sat. 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Sun. 11 a.m.-6 p.m. GAleriA on tHe PlAzA, 2310 Calle de Principal, 526-9771. Daily 10 am.-6 p.m. GAlerA tePn, 2220 Calle de Parian, 523-3988. Thurs.-Sun., 11 a.m.-5 p.m. meSillA vAlley fine ArtS GAllery, 2470 Calle de Guadalupe, 5222933. Mon.-Sat. 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m., Sun. 12-5:30 p.m. roKoKo, 1785 Avenida de Mer-
Rodeo
Mesilla
Hillsboro
Chloride
Artist Yankie Street Studios: Available Now! Studio Spaces Bright, heated artist spaces for rent. Secure, upstairs artist studios,
with easy downtown access. Utilities included.
Not for overnight use.
Ped
ista! 20 l a
NANCY FISCHER
Holistic Coaching and Hypnotherapy, LLC
Discovering and healing lifes challenges.
Learn powerful steps to change sadness and disappointment into compassion and acceptance Learn how to change unhealthy patterns of behavior Learn to accept and sustain abundance Transform destructive or unfulfilling relationships Learn how to liberate yourself from unhealthy habits Find and heal self-sabotaging behavior
Everyone is Invited! is fundraiser for e Bike Works, your nonpro t community bike shop, is $5 per person, $10 per family, great food included. Come dressed in a costume! Registration is at the event. Preregistration is available at Gila Hike & Bike until Friday, 4/27 for $4/person or $8/family. e rst 20 to register get in free.
For more information, call the shop and talk to Dave or Josh (575) 388-1444.
12
Discover a holistic approach to self-acceptance and empowerment through self-discovery, coaching and hypnosis.
575.534.9173 | [email protected]
24
APRIL 2012
www.desertexposure.com
When not running the Ump 88 bar and restaurant in Las Cruces, Doug Eddings serves up decisions as a Major League Baseball umpire.
Eddings says that his class had 200 students, and that he was second runner up in the graduation process, meaning that only two other grads better excelled in the skill of umpiring after the five and a half-week course. fter he graduated in 1989, Eddings went to work in the Arizona Fall League, a shortseason instructional league based in the Phoenix area. There, the various MLB teams have co-op teams of up-and-coming minor league players play for a few more weeks after the regular season wraps up. Somebodys got to call those games. From there, Eddings spent about 10 years working minor league games in the Florida State, Eastern, Texas, International and Pacific Coast Leagues, covering the spectrum from lowest to highest minor league baseball assignments. He also spent time in Central America, where he worked some winter ball in the Dominican and Venezuelan Leagues in the mid-1990s. Finally, in 1998, Eddings made it to the Show, working first in the American League and then, starting in 2000, both leagues.
Calling Em as He Sees Em
I
Las Crucen Doug Eddings on the job as a Major League Baseball umpire.
uestion: What has two legs, two good eyes (sometimes subject to debate by the unknowing who are usually 50 or so yards away), has been around, nonstop, since 1876, usually exists only in North America, has only one gender, and numbers only 68 in total? Give up? Major League Baseball umpires. Since William McLean of Philadelphia umpired a National League game between Boston and Philadelphia on April 22, 1876, umpires have been the bane and existence of baseball players, managers and fans. And one of them, Doug Eddings, was born, raised and continues to live (when not on the road), in Las Cruces. Even though Eddings was a player when he was younger, he says he knew that playing baseball wasnt what he really wanted to do. He proved that after graduating from Mayfield High School and attending NMSU for about two years. I lived baseball, played all the time, Eddings relates at an interview at the smartly appointed bar and restaurant, Ump 88, that he co-owns in Las Cruces. My parents were involved in Little League, and one day the umps didnt show up for one of the younger kids games, and they told me that I was going to fill in. That was all it took, plus the almost insignificant fact that a few days later Eddings was surprised to receive $30 or $40 for his umpiring stint. His career path was set. Despite the occasional outraged fan, umpiring is certainly a lot safer than his second career choicethat of a Secret Service agent. I would read The Sporting News, and see the ads for the umpire schools and at 15 or 16, I knew that was what I really wanted to do, Eddings says. I graduated high school early, went to NMSU for a while and at 19, enrolled in the Wendelstedt Umpiring School in Florida. That school is one of only three Major League Baseball (MLB)-approved umpiring schools in the country. Training there can lead to a job that pays a lot less than what MLB players get, as MLB umpires salary range extends from $84,000-$300,000 annually.
ts a semi-frantic time for Eddings when we visit, since hes leaving for spring training in Arizona in just two days. I love what I do, but the travel can get to you after a while, he says. Im pretty excited now, but after about 10 spring games, Ill be ready to go for the regular season, and it continues like a roller coaster. In the off season, Ill be anxious to get back to work in spring training. MLB umpires do get a couple of perks, including free lifetime passes to any MLB games after they retire and six passes for games for any family or friends who happen to be in the city where the umpire crew is working. And in case you didnt think they were being watched by someone other than you, about 55% of all MLB games are monitored by an umpire supervisor (there are seven). All through their careers, the umpires are evaluated, with factors such as their pitch evaluation system, missed calls, ejections and demeanor being taken into consideration. Each crew is made up of four umpires and they stay together throughout the entire season. Two members of the crew are picked by the crew chief, and the other two are assigned by the mpiring crews will work both the NationMLB office, which now handles the umpires, via al and American Leagues throughout the the commissioners office. It used to be that the regular season. Those chosen to work the American and National League presidents ran the All Star Game are picked at random, and Eddings show, but now it is all overseen by the commis- was selected to work on the 2004 game, which sioners office. And the pay is a lot better than it was played in Houston. He has also worked the was in 1878, when the 2005 American League National League beChampion Series began to require that the tween the Chicago home team for each White Sox and the thengame pay umpires $5 Los Angeles Angels, per game. American League DiviOnce again this year, sion Series in 2000 and Eddings will work in 2002, and the 2006 Jatandem with crew chief pan All-Star Series. Dana DeMuth, who A highlight of Edstarts his 28th season dings career came on of calling balls, strikes, A screenshot from television coverage of a game Oct. 6, 2001, when he outs and tossing man- in which Eddings got an earful from the manager. was the home plate umagers and players. pire for Cal Ripken Jr.s There are 17 crews, and 15 of them will be last game. Ripken, who played an amazing 2,632 working at one time, Eddings explains. And straight games as an infielder for the Baltimore were always on the road, not like the players who Orioles (his streak was broken when he voluntariwill play at least 81 games at home [MLB seasons ly took himself out of the lineup for the last Orioles last for 162 regular season games], so its really home game of 1998), was also a favorite player of tough. Im single, but Id guess that 95% of the Eddings. other umpires are married and most have kids as Ripken was hard on new umps, Eddings says, well. but after he knew you a bit, he was good to you. But Eddings brings up another perk of his job He didnt like it when you called a strike on him, namely that he gets several weeks of vacation dur- either. ing the baseball season as well. Its tough to imagLongevity-wise, though, Ripken doesnt hold ine that Im doing what I really want to do and even a candle to former MLB umpires Bill Klem, who get vacation time while doing it, he says. worked 5,368 games from 1905-41, or Bruce
n the off season, for the last three years, Eddings has returned to Las Cruces to work at Ump 88, which was named by his business partner. We have night and day personalities, Eddings says with a smile. And running a restaurant is a lot harder than umpiring, he adds quite seriously. The building was built in 2008 by the original owner, Patrick Hanlon, when the Picacho Hills Drive bar and eatery was called Brigids Cross. Hanlon wanted to emulate a real Irish pub and grill, and imported all of the wood from Ireland to do so. The original bill of fare reflected traditional Irish pub fare, but after about 18 months, Hanlon put the place up for sale. Ironically, or maybe not, the restaurant is in the same neighborhood where Eddings lives, and the original owner was a neighbor. A deal was struck, and any spare time that Eddings once had for his other interests, such as playing golf or riding his Harley, was quickly sapped away by the day-to-day operation of Ump 88. The new name of the pub/grill comes from Eddings uniform number that he wears. My partner suggested it, the umpire says. I never even thought of it. Eddings introduces me to his manager, a friendly young woman who is one of his best employees. Beyond her and a few other faithful and valued helpers, however, finding and keeping good help is an issue for the owners of Ump 88a problem that Eddings attributes to a different work ethic nowadays. Although presently single, Eddings shares his home with his 84-year-old father, who comes to Ump 88 every day to do some light prep work in the restaurant, and maybe to offer bits of paternal advice. The place has a full bar and a varied menu that is a nice blend of Irish pub food and sports bar-type grub. The restaurant is dotted with sports memorabilia from Eddings career and from meeting other non-baseball sports personalities, and has a lively but not overwhelming energy to it.
DESERT EXPOSURE
Froemming, who was on the field for 5,159 games, until he retired in 2007. A favorite manager whom Eddings had dealings with was Bobby Cox, who managed the Atlanta Braves team two different times, from 1978-81 and again from 1990 through 2010. Cox always looked like he was upset, Eddings recalls. He was tough to work with but hed not hold a grudge. Hed see you after a game and say, Have a nice evening, as he left the park. Eddings also has affection for several stadiums, including Bostons Fenway Park, Wrigley Field and the old Yankee Stadium. I also like Pittsburgh [PNC Park] and Seattle [Safeco Field]. I also prefer working outside, he adds.
APRIL 2012
25
Dandelion Wish
We handle Estate and Moving Sales.
DE
mpiring, of course, has always been a critical part of the game, and umps, as Rodney Dangerfield would say, dont get no respect. But thats just part of the game. Often overlooked, since players have egos and salaries big enough for 10 people, umpiring has an interesting history to it. According to mlb.com, umpires were given jurisprudence to fine players for illegal acts in 1879, a power not revoked until 1950. In 1882, an umpire got the boot himself, when it was found that he was in collusion with gamblers. The 1910 season saw the first manager in the World Series getting tossed out by the umpire. It was not until 1966 that MLB umpiring was integrated, when Emmett Ashford became the first African-American umpire; Armando Rodriguez became the first Hispanic ump in 1974. So far, a woman has not umpired a regular MLB game, although two women, Pam Postema and Ria Cortesio, have done MLB spring training games in the past. Both probably encountered sexism in their attempts to become MLB umpires: Postema sued MLB and won an out-of-court settlement. Cortesio, who was released in 2007 from the Southern League, had even spent time as an umpiring instructor. But women have had little to say on the field over the years, and the last woman to work a game in a non-independent league setting was Shannon Kook, who spent two years in the
A controversial call during Game Two of the 2005 American League Championship Series between the Chicago White Sox and the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim earned Eddings the ire of fans. Pioneer League, a short-season single-A league set up for new draftees each summer.
ith spring training coming to or having ended as you read this, and the regular season opening April 4, Eddings is on the road somewhere, staying at still another hotel, ignoring the catcalls and cusswords, and doing what he wants to do and doing it well. Some umps will be experiencing the big time for the first time in 2012, since some will be promoted from AAA leagues, and others will be on call to fill in for vacations and emergencies. When asked about boundarieshow far can a player, coach or manager go before he gets the heave-ho?Eddings casually answers that they cant get personal. As long as they arent saying anything personal to me, they can pretty much do what they want, he says. After 24 years, I dont take most if personally, and I love what I do. After all, its baseball. It is what it is. k For more info and directions to Ump 88 in Las Cruces, check out ump88grill.com. Jeff Berg calls Las Cruces home plate.
703 N. Bullard Silv Ci NM 538-2284 538-5324 9-5 M-F 9-4 SAT N Bullard, Sil City, B lla Silver Bullard, la
CANIDAE PINNACLE AVO DIETS 365 Avenida de Mesilla, Las Cruces (575) 527-9265 www.betterlifepetfoods.net
26
APRIL 2012
www.desertexposure.com
Proud 4-Hers in the Morris family. (Photo by Kim Morris) adds with a grin, One time Bullseye burped right in moms face. Hunter adds, Annabelle will even lick your face. Kim says that Betsy has been known to herd the chickens back to their pens. She adds, when she says night night, all three cattle will head for the barn. So the young cattle are adding new experiences all around for this rural family. unter says that he likes to play basketball and spend time with the cows. He sports a shiny belt buckle, and a healed broken arm, from riding a bull calf at the fair. The cows and chickens on the farm are part of his chores. Dylan says he likes to ride horses, when hes not taking care of the bunnies and dogs. Auston has a tool box and says he likes to build stuff, when hes not tending the chickens. He carefully holds out a chicken and much larger goose egg for inspection. They are self entertaining, their mom says with a laugh. An energetic woman, she has a licensed kitchen for baked and canned goods. She plans to start a farmers market at the highway this
The Morris family of Cliff (L-R): Duane, Dylan, Kim, Auston, Hunter. (Photo by Susie Eickhoff)
he Morris farm sits a short drive off Highway 180 in the Cliff area. A neat red house with white trim is tucked amidst barns, corrals, rabbit hutches, chicken pens, gardens, fruit trees and a friendship bridge to the widowed neighbors house. A little bear statue out front holds a sign that says, Welcome. Thats an understatement. Duane and Kim Morris and their three blueeyed, blond-haired sonsHunter, age 10, Dylan, 8, and Auston, 5are all ready to greet you with handshakes and smiles if you happen down their driveway. But four days before Thanksgiving last year, smiles were hard to come by. The boys had been busy raising their 4-H projects, Nigerian dwarf goats (dairy goats), ducks, geese, chickens and bunnies, when a mountain lion, teaching her young cubs to hunt, discovered a lesson, and a meal, in the Morris goat pen and nearby chicken pen. The boys not only lost some of their 4-H projects, but revenue they earned from selling goats. Duane and Kim were philosophicalwhen you live in the country, they understood that things like this can happen. But for the young boys, it was a blow. Through friends of the family, Jon and Susie Eickhoff of Silver City heard of their plight. They
his farm-raised family has a flat-screen TV in their living room, but the boys prefer to be outdoors, building forts, searching for unusual rocks and tending animals. They troop out to show their company the newest additions to the farm, Annabelle, Betsy and Bullseye. As they approach the The Morris boys feed their new Criollo cattle. (Photo by Kim Morris) corral with buckets of feed, the three young cattle run to greet them. Criollo cattle, known to be gentle, accept hugs like family dogs before diving into the feed. We bucket feed them, Dylan explains, then
show season animals are mingling with other animals at fairs or other central locations for weighing. Therefore, Its Showtime every time your animal leaves home there is a risk of exposure and often an animal may return with a cough or fever. or many 4-H and FFA youth and their animals, its showFollow a preventive program of administering vaccinatime. Now is the time of year when many young adults tions to avoid respiratory diseases. Become educated as are showing off livestock such as cattle, sheep, swine and goats at fairs and competitions all over the country. (Locally, to what viruses and bacteria may cause respiratory problems and talk with your veterinarian, says Faries. the Cliff-Gila-Grant County 4-H Fair is not until Sept. 26-30, The types of vaccines administered for each species at the fairgrounds near the Cliff schools.) Dr. Floron Faries, vary, so become familiar with what is needed for your professor and extension veterinarian, Texas AgriLife Extension Service, Texas A&M System, has some advice for youth animal. Be sure to read the label and know what vaccines must be repeated. to help ensure their livestock show season is a big hit. I find a common mistake is that the owner does not Plans begin about a year before the livestock show, says Faries. In fact, the health program begins before you realize the shots need to be repeated because he or she didnt look at the label, says Faries. even get the animal. Unless otherwise directed by your veterinarian, always Faries recommends purchasing healthy animals from follow label instructions to help ensure that the vaccination places that have good management practices. is most effective. The noninfectious vaccines, which are As you travel and look for show livestock, ask the seller to immunize prior to purchase, allowing enough time unable to multiply in the body, usually require two injections, Faries says. The second injection is given three to six for the immunity to become established, Faries adds. If weeks after the first. vaccinations cannot be administered at the sellers place, The key to a healthy animal is starting early with begin vaccinations on day of arrival. Do not wait. The day the show animal arrives home, perform a visual disease prevention and not waiting until you arrive at the show to begin treatment, says Faries. Practicing exam and repeat the exam several times throughout the good health management such as close observations season. and proper vaccinations will help your chances in any Watch the animal every day and observe its behavcompetition. ior and attitude, Faries stresses. Watch for healthy and unhealthy signs. He adds, The most common medical problems seen in Pet Talk is a service of the College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University. Stories can be show livestock are respiratory diseases or lung diseases. viewed on the Web at vetmed.tamu.edu/pet-talk. Suggestions They can be viral, bacterial, or both. for topics may be directed to [email protected]. Respiratory diseases are common, because during the Pet Talk Angela Clendenin
DESERT EXPOSURE
summer, selling her homemade goods and crafts. Dad Duane points out that this will be a new avenue for the boys. Not that the boys havent already learned the art of entrepreneurship. They have learned that they can get tips if they carry bags for people at the market. And Auston has offered to trade the neighbor some of mommys canned goods for some of his Alaska-caught salmon. Kim is never without ideas, from pumpkin painting to marketing her great-grandmothers 100-year-old recipe for beet berry jam. Duane, a big man who looks like there is nothing he cant handle, works at the Morenci Mine in Arizona weekdays, and weekends on the
APRIL 2012
27
featuring Coit Shannon Curry Simon Sotelo Michele Parlee Karen Rossman Josh Stretch
Inside Thunder Creek Quilt Company
www.abeador2.com
Views!! 2.5 acre horse property. Rural, yet close to town. MLS 27833. Call Paul.
Incredible views from these Gila lots. Choose 7 or 10ac or both! MLS 27703 & 27695. Call Lucy.
Pride of ownership shows! Newer 3b/2ba with open oorplan. Move-in ready! MLS 28554. Call Dan.
Breathtaking views from this 6 Country living with city utilities acre parcel. Dirt work done, nearby. Great price on this 3.5 ac parcel on the outskirts of ready for your custom home. Bayard. MLS 28921. Call Helene. MLS 28955. Call Paul.
Green built Southwest style home on 10 ac w/ incredible views. $319,000. MLS 28820. Call Lucy.
Priced to sell! Home on great lot in Bayard! Amazing views. MLS 28509. Call Helene.
Paul Ciano, QB
[email protected] 575-313-5919
Borders National Forest! 4.5 acres near Lake Roberts. MLS 28446. Call Larry.
Choose your lot, or buy all 3 of these city lots. MLS 28651. Call Cassie
Beautiful southwest style on over 1acre with workshop. MLS 28253. Call Gary
Privacy & seclusion w/ beautiful pond! Large SIP's panel home - choose your acreage! MLS 28799. Call Dan.
28
APRIL 2012
www.desertexposure.com
ners inquest the next day. The outlaws temporarily were lost in the lonesome Bootheel, before slipping across the jurisdictional line into southeastern Arizona Territorys Texas Canyona nesting spot for nefariously inclined cowboys and outlaws about 120 miles south of Steins.
The Steins holdup, only 15 years before New Mexicos statehood, dramatically showed that not everybody hereabouts was ready to settle down.
Editors note: As New Mexico celebrates its 100th birthday in 2012, we continue to present glimpses of the Land of Enchantments colorful past. This month we feature an excerpt from Desert Desperadoes: The Banditti of Southwestern New Mexico, by award-winning Western author Bob Alexander. Published in 2006 by our Gila Books imprint, Alexanders rollicking yet scrupulously researched account of our areas outlaws vividly depicted just why they called it the Wild West. We revisit Desert Desperadoes (you can read a previous excerpt in our October 2006 issue) in this centennial year as a reminder of how wild New Mexico remained even near the turn of the century that would usher in statehood. Here, Alexander recounts an episode in the lawless career of Tom Ketchum (often mistakenly called Black Jack) that brought the Texas outlaw and his brother to our still wild-and-woolly corner of the Old West.
hough it wasnt their first stab at outlawry, 34-year-old Tom Ketchum and his brother Sam, nine years his senior, rode their boneweary horses to the neighborhood of Steins Pass during the afternoon of Dec. 9, 1897. The hell-bent Texas brothers were accompanied by another set of dubiously disposed fellow Texans, Will Carver, Dave Atkins and a really neophyte bandit, Edwin Ed Cullen, sometimes called by his comically acquired nickname, Shootem-up-Dick. Outside the little railroad stop and out of anyones prying eyesight, Tom Ketchum called a board meeting for his little gang; robbing a train was on the agenda. Finalizing the individual roles to be played in the plot, the hijackers went to work. About sundown, Dave Atkins and Ed Cullen eased into town approximately two hours ahead of the scheduled Southern Pacifics Number 20, which, if on time, would arrive at 8:35 p.m. Sam Ketchum, adopting an unassuming posture, ambled in shortly after his wily compadres, likewise and according to design, ahead of the trains arrival. Outlaws Tom Ketchum and Will Carver were not idle, and a couple of miles from the railroad stop, had dragged dead brush into two bonfire piles, one on each side of the track. Then, they returned to Steins and began to implement their business model for a highhanded crime. Sam Ketchum, Ed Cullen and Dave Atkins, rudely displaying their Colts six-shooters, pried open the closed post offices till, and hijacked the station agent, Charley St. John. Their take for big-time crooks was pitiable: two bucks from the mail drawer, and slightly under $10 from frightened St. Johns petty-cash box. Meanwhile, Tom Ketchum and Will Carver were industriously cutting the telegraph wires, then returning to their improvised beacons of brush and brambles. Everything, thus far, was falling into place according to the game plan. There was, though, a catch! Unbeknownst to the diligently working highwaymen, railroad detectives were anticipating a robbery somewhere along the line, and had for some time been acting accordingly. Lawmen were scouring the area on horseback, and shotgun-wielding guards were
posse quietly paused at the entrance of Texas Canyon, checked loads in their Colts sixriding the rails. The train bearing down on Steins shooters and Winchesters, then cautiously that particular evening was carrying, in addition to advanced toward the ranch of an unsavory characregular express messenger Charles J. Adair, two ter, John Cush, aka John Vinadge. Riding in single special armed sentinels, C.H. Jennings and the son file up the defile were Jeff Milton and George Adolof Wells, Fargo and Companys proficient investi- phus Scarborough, both deputy US marshals, the gator John N. Thacker, Eugene, who was making first posted at Tucson, the latter at Deming; Wells, his maiden voyage as a dedicated double-barreled Fargo and Companys special agent John Thackfightin man. er; Cochise County Sheriff Scott White; Samuel As expected, the train slowed and then stopped F. Sam Webb, collector of customs at Nogales; at Steins. The conductor and brakeman were near-legendary New Mexico Territory lawman quickly grabbed by the three scowling robbers, Cipriano Baca; and no doubt about eight or 10 othand ordered under deaths penalty to maintain si- ers not now known. Reportedly, Tom Ketchum and lence. Then the trio jumped into the locomotives his boys watched from a secreted vantage point as cab and made acquaintance with engineer Tom the lawmen proceeded toward Cushs ranch headNorth, who with six-shooters jammed into his quarters, a bushwhacking site so perfect that they quivering and nauseous belly, was instructed to could have killed two or three of the posse with continue down the tracks until between two fires, one shot if necessary. then immediately stop. Which he did. The second The plucky lawmen surrounded Cushs ranch stop was not on the schedule, a fact right fast no- headquarters, and soon latched onto three hardticed by those in the express car, who up until that looking cowboys hanging out there, although the time had been enjoyably and nonchalantly eating owner was absent. Quickly, Leonard Alverson, Bill their supper-time sandwiches. Spitting out the sa- Warderman and Walter Hovey, aka Walter Hofflami, the inside boys grabbed their shotguns, extin- man or Huffman aka Fatty Ryan, were disarmed. guished the coal-oil lamp, opened the heavy sliding Suspiciously attracting considerable notice was door and in the darkness made ready to meet the Hoveys physical condition; he was suffering with outside boyswith a thunderous surprise. a nastyand freshbullet wound in the leg. AddWhen he had stopped the locomotive as curtly ing to mistrust was the fact that a discarded pair ordered, but unknown to the of old overalls had been found on crooks in command, Tom North the traila hole in the right leg, discreetly set the engines airon the same side as the festering brakes, thus completely immobiwound disabling Hovey. lizing the train. Unable to uncouTwo more nomadic cowboys, ple the express car as planned, flabbergasted no doubt, rode the badguys had but one profitinto Cushs hidden ranch only to able course left: move on down be greeted by the business end to the express car and make enof six-shooters, rifles and shottry. Therein was exposed the leak guns. It was not a good day for in their plan. The bonfires cast a Thomas S. Tom Capehart and brilliant light outside, dangerousHenry Marshallespecially after ly exposing the outlaws, while some posse member deduced darkness in the express car conthat maybe that fancy T.K. on cealed the positions of the heavthe hankie at the Steins crime ily armed defenders. scene stood for Tom Kepert. With six-shooters and WinSounded pretty damn good to chesters the robbers peppered them! All five of the bewildered shots into the car, and were stri- Sam Ketchum. (Courtesy The cowboys were told to consider dently answered with earsplit- Palomino Photo Collection.) themselves under arrest. Walter ting blasts and wickedly cascadHovey pitches in with his vering buckshot. For a half-hour sion: the gunbattle fiercely raged, until finally cold hard They [posse] made camp until the next day reality sank in. The fortified trainmen suffered not then informed us that they were taking us in for a bothersome scratch, and every one of the per- the Steins Pass train robbery, which up until then turbed robbers, in one body part or the other, had none of us had heard about. After confiscating all been perforated by a least one pellet. Perhaps this of the firearms and ammunition at the ranch, the is about the time badman Tom Ketchum whipped posse would walk one of us at a time down the out his handkerchief to wipe sweat or blood away canyon to hold a court of inquiry. They would yell from his brow; whats not conjecture is that law- and fire their six-shooters at our heads, vilifying men later found the hankie, bearing trimly embroi- and insulting us. They struck Tom Capehart in the dered initials T.K. face and over the head with a gun and jabbed him Unknown to the wounded bandits, the train- in the stomach with a cocked .45 Colt. There was mens shotgun shells were running low. The tena- never any doubt but that for one member of the cious guards knew once that well ran dry, their last posse, Ciprana [Cipriano] Baca, we would have choice was but dismal: Fork over loot or die. Per- lost our lives then and there. If any of these men haps both. These were mean men. Then Miss Lady are murdered I will kill the officer who fired the Luck stepped in, opportunely for the booty protec- shot, he declared. Being unable to walk I had not tors, inopportunely for overwrought Shootem- been taken out for questioning. The bullet at Silver up-Dick. Wildly fishing for more Winchester car- Creek had been through the right leg. But I didnt tridges from his belt, Ed Cullen leaned way, way escape the grilling and was particularly questioned too far forward, exposing his face and head. A about my leg wound. steely-eyed shotgun man earned himself a brandAt first the handcuffed cowboys were taken to new nickname, Shotem-up-Jennings. Tenderfoot Tucson, but later moved to Silver City, the proper train robber Ed Cullen reeled backwards, an un- jurisdictional venue. Theres little doubt now, but sympathetic collection of buckshot weighted in his it was more hazy then: These guys werent the forehead, mumbling as he fell, Boys, Im dead. He Steins Station train robbers. At the time and at wasnt wrong! Silver City, though, there werent any misgivings. Unable to dislodge the gritty guards, the Ket- Hovey continued: chum boys, Dave Atkins and Will Carver jumped Upon our arrival there on November [Decemon horses stolen in southeastern Arizona Territory ber] 17 [1897] we were greeted by a large crowd. Of and hightailed it. Eventually posses were notified course I could never blame them for their curiosand rushed to the scene, finding Shootem-up- ity at the cowboy strangers they accepted as train Dicks brain matter oozing onto the railway ties. robbers. He was shot in the train holdup, one was The lifeless form was first moved west to San Si- heard to say. And another declared they will probmon, but then back east to Lordsburg for a coro- ably hang him too. Too bad and he is only a kid.
DESERT EXPOSURE
this purpose. The only ray of light came through the steel-barred door. The heat was intense yet the pieces of filthy blanket lying on the floor were damp to the touch. For breakfast we would have frijoles and tortillas Left to right: Walter Hovey, Bill Warderman [Watterman] and Leonard Alverson. and sometimes Although innocent of the Steins Station train robbery, this trio was found not guilty later in the day at Silver City, but later convicted on ancillary federal charges in Doa Ana County we would have and imprisoned. Later they were pardoned. (Courtesy Robert K. DeArment.) tortillas and frijoles. The sheriff who was also the manger of this torture chamber, Later John Cush was run down and arrested. He, too, was hauled off to the Grant County Jail at Silver was none other than the notorious Pat Garrett. During the second trial, according to defendant City. At the calaboose the prisoners were guarded around the clock by two extra guards, both carry- Hovey, they had not the ghost of a fair chance ing sawed-off shotguns; thered be no repeat of the largely because of Sheriff Pat Garretts influence earlier time when the murderous Gage train robbers over the Spanish-speaking jurymen, who could had gained their liberty at lawmens expense and not speak or understand the English language, and most could neither read nor write. All three deembarrassment. There was no jailbreak. fendants, Walter Hovey (as Huffman), Leonard t chilly Silver City on Feb. 19, 1898, the Alverson and Bill Warderman (as Watterman), six incarcerated and innocent cowboys were convicted and under 10-year sentences transAlverson, Warderman, Hovey, Marshall, ferred to the territorial penitentiary at Santa Fe, arCapehart and Cushwere criminally indicted by riving on Sept. 28, 1898, to serve out their time as New Mexicos Third Judicial District Courts grand federal convicts. Somewhere, running and hiding jury for conspiracy to rob a train and other related and laying low, Tom Ketchum smiled. charges stemming from the caper at Steins. None could come up with the requisite $10,000 bail he smirk was soon wiped from this face. bond; all remained in jail. As Jeffrey Burton later Tired of his insolence and meanness, the rest chronicled, They were all thieves and smugglers, of his hard gang, his brother Sam included, but none had participated in the holdup of the post shunned Tom and opted to operate on their own office, station or train. On the other hand, they had hook. The remaining Ketchum gangs undoing bebeen sheltering the Ketchum Gang and had known gan with a horrendous rainy-day shoot-out at Turabout the gangs plans. The whole mess would key Creek Canyon in northeastern New Mexico Terhave to be sorted out at trial, which began almost ritory. Will Carver, William Ellsworth Elzy Lay and immediately after return of the indictments. Sam Ketchumthe latter two seriously wounded Just what Silver Citys jurymen knew or did not made a semi-successful getaway, leaving dead and know about the defendants reputations is moot. In dying possemen behind them. Forced to abandon their wisdom they did know that US District Attor- the gravely wounded Sam Ketchum, Carver and Lay ney W.B. Childers hadnt made his case, in spite of kept riding. Luckless Sam Ketchum got picked up the fact that several of the justifiably uneasy defen- and put in prison at Santa Fe, but died on July 24, dants were identified by eyewitnesses subpoenaed 1899, after blood-poisoning set in. from Steins. James S. Fielder, a fire-breathing, cigarOutlaw Tom Ketchum, now gangless, would sufchompin, six-shooter-carryin defense lawyer, ar- fer gunshot wounds after trying to single-handedly gued his case well. The jury was out but long enough rob a Colorado and Southern train near Folsom in to smoke a cigarette, the verdictnot guilty. northeastern New Mexico Territory. He wound up Judge Frank W. Parker was outraged. He ad- suffering on a canvas cot at the prisons infirmary. monished the jury, hollering that it was the worst From there, prior to his legally mandated execudisgrace in a courtroom that he had ever person- tion, Tom Ketchum sent two messages. The first, a ally witnessed, and furthermore hed never hold a written communication, clearly absolved Alverson, session of his court at Silver City again. Hovey and Warderman of taking any part whatsoDistrict Attorney Childers was wholly bowled ever in the Steins Station robbery, declaring that over! But not beaten! There were, of course, dou- they were all as innocent of the crime as an unble-jeopardy protections against retrying the ec- born baby, naming the actual guilty partieshimstatic defendants for robbing the Southern Pacif- self not excluded. The second communiqu was ics train. There was not, however, any prohibition not written but orally utteredallegedlymade about making them answer for the federal case of for the hearing benefit of Frank Harrington, the pilfering from the post office at Steins. A spit in energetic Colorado and Southern train conductor Silver Citys eye would be just fine, too! The case who had coolly shotgunned him to smithereens, could just as easily be heard in Doa Ana County essentially causing Toms capture: Bury me face at Las Cruces. down in the coffin so that goddamned Harrington After sustaining the motion for a change of can kiss my ass! venue, it was ordered that the dejected prisoners Tom Ketchum ultimately made his mark on hisbe shackled and removed to Las Cruces for a not- tory as much for the way he died as for the wrongs so-speedy trial. The conviction-minded prosecutor of his misspent life, literally losing his head during Childers dropped what he thought were the weak- the plummet from the scaffolds trapdoor at Clayest cases, criminal charges against Cush, Capehart ton, New Mexico Territory. The hangmans rope and Marshall. For Childers purposes, Las Cruces, was imprecisely measured, his slippery lubricated having a more friendly climate for prosecuting An- noose too narrow, like an assassins garrote. At glo outlaws, was much more to his liking. the sudden stopafter too long a dropTom KetOne of the Steins defendants was vocal about chum was beheaded. k the tight jam he was in, innocent as he was. Defendant Walter Hovey affords his viewpoint on living conditions that he, Leonard Alverson and Bill Desert Desperadoes: The Banditti of Southwestern New Mexico by Bob Alexander and his Warderman endured, and an unlikely candidate for previous Gila Books publication, Six-Guns and extending the prosecutor a helping hand: Single-Jacks: A History of Silver City and SouthThe prosecutor had the case transferred to Las western New Mexico are available at retail Cruces where we were held for months in a huge locations including the Silver City Museum, OKeefes Bookstore and Holiday Inn Express adobe dungeon with but one door and no windows. in Silver City, Mesilla Book Center and the Among all the known vermin and filth were the Log Cabin Curio Shop in Pinos Altos. Or order bedbugs, lice and mosquitoesnever for a moment directly for $21.95 each plus $3 shipping and were we permitted to forget our terrible misery in handling from Gila Books, PO Box 191, Silver sweet quiet rest. We could not wash our hands and City, NM 88062. face unless we used our cup of drinking water for
APRIL 2012
29
Associate Broker Office: 575-388-1921 ext. 23 Cell: 575-574-2041 Toll Free: 800-368-5632 Fax: 575-388-2480 email: [email protected]
BARBARA DUFFY
Steve Potts
Custom Furniture and Cabinets Refinishing Trim and Moldings Select Hardwoods Dealer
[email protected] Bayard, New Mexico
by
575-537-2057
Editing&WritingServices
Resumes, letters, manuscripts, reports, press releases, etc.
30
APRIL 2012
www.desertexposure.com
A Sotol Story
B
Fabin Gil uncovering sotol pias in Madera, Chihuahua. (Photos by Tom Barry)
Below: Celso Jacquez and Emma Jacquez in Janos. Below right: Rattlesnake in jar of sotol for medicinal uses.
or John Grady Cole, the first taste of Mexico after crossing the border illegally was a generous draught of sotol. The US and Mexican borderlands were different thenno border wall, no Predator drones flying overhead, and no drug war raging. Today, the cattle fences that obstructed Gradys joy in open range riding are the least of the obstructions in the borderlands. Multiple checkpoints, manned by heavily armed soldiers and drug agents often wearing black ski masks, now make traveling through the borderlands something akin to making your way through an occupied zone. For too many years, the combination of the border security buildup on the US side and the barrage of reports about horrific drug war violence on the other side bred fear and reluctance. Recently, the violence that has for years wracked the northern reaches of Chihuahua and Sonora has diminished, and you can also find some reassurance in that there have been no reports that noncitizens are being targeted. My eagerness to return to the deserts, grasslands and mountains of the Mexican borderlands has been rising over the past year or two. The border security buildup and the unending drug wars have trapped us in our country. Unlike Grady in Cormac McCarthys All the Pretty Horses (or Matt Damon in the film adaptation of the great novel), I didnt cross on horseback when I began traveling into Mexicos borderlands a few months ago. But there was something like the same sense of adventure of traveling into unknown parts. In early January, after driving south from Palomas on a new highway, I turned southwest toward Ascensin and then, after a couple of interviews, headed to Janosan Apache settlement dating back to the 17th century and later a colonial military outpost. Janos, which sits on the banks of the now-dry Ro Casas Grandes, is the gateway to the Paquim or Casas Grandes ruins that lie about an hour south. Janos is situated almost directly south of the southeast corner of New Mexicos Bootheel. (Google Map it!) At sundown I arrived at Rancho La Guadalupana on the eastern outskirts of Janos. Celso Jacquez offered me a copa of sotoland I relaxed into the spirit and enchantment of Chihuahua. I didnt go to Janos to drink sotol, but rather to
Or you could start the story in Madera with Don Refugio Prez Marquezor Don Cuco, as he was affectionately and respectfully known by family and friends in the Sierra Madre. As legend goes, ut concerns about crossborder water deple- Don Cuco learned the art of sotol selection, firetion and dust pollution fell away that night pit cooking, fermentation and distilling at least in as I was treated to a glass of reposado so- part from the Tarahumaras who also lived in the tolwhose alluring aroma seemed to capture the mountains around Madera in west-central Chihuahua. His rugged profile appears on the bottles of essence of the desert after a long-awaited rain. In McCarthys novel, an amused Mexican girl the Don Cuco brand, which include blanco, suave, served Grady and his buddy Lacey Rawlins mugs reposado, aejo and crema varieties of sotol. Don Cuco insisted on the high quality of his of a strong homebrew that is still a favorite drink in mountain towns and the rancherias of Chihuahua, sotol, making certain that the distilled sotol had northern Durango and Coahuilathe only areas the exactly right aroma and necklace of bubbles of Mexico where the sotol plant grows. Pleasantly (collar de perlas) when shaken and poured. Don plastered, the two young cowboys let their cares Cuco was the grandfather of Celso, whose entire drift away as they began their troubled romance family is involved in the campaign to introduce this spirit of the desert into the US market. It is a with Mexico. I, however, was treated by Celso and his son Ja- product of Las Generacinesthe slogan of this cobo to an enticing liquor that poured from a bottle family of five generations of sotoleros. Yet the story of sotol goes much deeper into this of Don Cuco Sotol into a crystal bar glass. It is truly more of a spirit, like cognac, explained Jacobo, de- history of culture than the mid-1800s. Throughout scribing the reposado sotol I started appreciatively Chihuahua you will find abandoned and still-used sipping. Its a sotol that is picked, cooked, ferment- stone-lined fire pits, where the sotol pias are bured, distilled, aged and bottled by the Jacquez family, ied and then cooked over two weeks until dripping and succulent with their rich desert sugar. Cookwhich owns the Don Cuco Sotol brand. Even before I took my first sip, I knew that work ing and fermenting sotol is part of the Raramuri/ was over for the day. First the rich aroma, faintly Tarahumara tradition, but you can also find this smoky but also with a tantalizing allure of the des- same type of firepits in the ruins at Paquim and in ert after a long-awaited rain. Do you know the other settlements of their precolonial civilization, song Viva Chihuahua? asked Celso. I did, but which emerged around 200 AD and began flourishhadnt until then understood the reference to so- ing around 1200. Sotol is also part of Mexicos revolutionary tol in the verse he began singing: Tierra que sabe tradition. Pancho Villa a cario, Tierra que and his army of rebels huele a sotol. (Chihuadrank sotol both as hua, Land that tastes an intoxicant and as a like love, Land that has tonic. No different than the aroma of sotol.) most varieties of liquor, Since that first drink, sotol has long been apI have been, as it were, preciated for its medicion the sotol road in Chinal purposes in Chihuahuahua, captivated not huawhether to dull only by the quality of pain or to purportedly the spirit but also purcure an array of malasuing sotols still largely dies. You may know of untold storyone that I the gusano found in the am finding out has deep roots in our crossbor- Celso Jacquez at the Don Cuco Sotol distillery in bottom of the bottles of mescaltraditional der history and shared Janos. drink of southern Mexnatural world. icoand some of us (men) may have even gulped here are an abundance of possible starting down the mescal-soaked worm in a hopeful atpoints for the story. You could start with the tempt to boost virility. In Chihuahua, folklore has it that drinking sotol sotol plant itself. Its name comes from tzotlllin in Ntuatl, is formally labeled a Dasylirion, is that has aged in a bottle containing a rattlesnake often called sereque in Chihuahua, and is known can cure just about anything that ails you, includas the desert spoon on this side of the border. ing cancer. Telling the story of sotol requires sortIts thin serrated leaves circle in rosette style the ing through layers of myths and folktalesthe rufleshy core or pia, which after 7-15 years produc- ral legends of the Sierra Madre. Part of the allure of the sotol story is its history es a magnificent shaft or quiote, artfully designed as the traditional home-brewed liquor of peasant to spread its seeds and pollen. revolutionaries, the mysterious and enduring Raramuri people, and the Spanish-speaking mountain men (and women) of the Sierra Madre. When proudly displaying his sotol-soaked snakes, Melquides Alvarez, a sotolero in Nuevo Casas Grandes, explained that the rattlesnake sotol cure came not from Raramuri tradition, as is commonly believed. Rather, it had a Chinese origin, not a Mexican curandero one. As the story goes, in the early 1920s Sonoran judiciales forcibly rounded up Chinese immigrants and then left them to their fate in the Chihuahua Desert.
DESERT EXPOSURE
plant itself), and fermented and distilled with care and the wisdom of generations. Sotol, as I have experienced, is a family story. Truth be told, I dont know much about liquor, let alone the finest of spirits. By no means a connoisseur. A lover of liquor, yes, but an expert? Certainly not. My appreciation of this special family and the enchantment of the land and people of Chihuahua have undoubtedly contributed to my enthusiasm about the quality, cultural import, and potential of Don Cuco Sotol. But I am not alone. Don Cuco has been winning gold prizes Melquides Alvarez takes a rattlesnake from a bottle of sotol. across the nation. In Albuquerque, I sat down to lunch with The new Chinese members of the Casas Grandes community soon began mixing rattlesnakes and Mike Morales at the citys new tequila bar, Zacatecas Tacos. Morales, a self-styled tequila journalsotol for miraculous cures. The tradition of sotol is not limited to the south- ist, sponsors an annual tequila-tasting contest and ern reaches of the Chihuahua Desert. Sotol grows consults nationally for liquor distributors and desabundantly in west Texas, southern New Mexico, tination bars. So, with my own expertise in quesand southwestern Arizona at elevations between tion, I will quote someone who is nationally recog2,600 and 7,900 feetbut only in rocky, well- nized as an expert in Mexican spirits. I fell in love with this familys spirit as soon as drained terrain. In times when our nations are so badly divided and when our understanding of each I inhaled it! Morales told me. To me, Don Cuco other is rapidly eroding, its reassuring to know Sotol carries the best of all worlds. It opens up that the architecturally elegant and drought-proof bloomsso much that it demands to be treated like a fine wine. It has the smokiness of some of the best sotol knows no borders. mezcals, but the flavor is simultaneously reminisut the story of sotol the spirit cannot be told cent of the best tequilas and then, not at all. As a former salesman and closer observer of without also telling the story of border conthe liquor industry, Motrol, prohibitions rales knows well that and smugglingand the story and image the visionary plans of behind the product are the Jacquez family to critical to good marketrevive the crossborder ing. What makes the marketing of sotol. BeDon Cuco Sotol so unfore Prohibition (1919usual is not only that 33), drinking sotol was the story is so appealnot uncommon in West ing, but also that it is so Texas. Yet soon after the truein marked conProhibition laws started trast to most of the lies limiting American acof the liquor industry. cess to booze, Mexican There is no mistaksotol producers began exporting unprecedented quantities of all varieties ing that Don Cuco Sotol is producedhandcraftand qualities of sotol to meet the illegal demand in ed, micro-distilledand lovingly brought into the market by the Jacquez family, Morales told me. the US market. Fortunately, I am still on the sotol road. Many As soon as the US mafia, together with what are now a couple of elite families of Jurez, be- more stories to hear and tell. Many more copas to gan opening up their own production facilities drink. k for cheap whiskey and brandy, however, the sotol industry went into rapid decline. The Mexican sotolerosburdened with an arduous process of har- You can buy a bottle of Don Cuco Sotol at the Pink Store in Palomas or buy it at many online outvesting wild sotol and a long production process lets. And if you are ready for fun and adventure, couldnt compete with the cheap grain liquor being if you feel that it is time to reconnect the US and churned out in Jurez. The new liquor magnates, Mexico borderlands, visit the Don Cuco distillery together with their associates in government, also in Janos and then continue on to Casas Grandes began cracking down on the sotolerosspreading and Paquim. You may also want to visit the Don Cuco Sotol website (www.doncucosotol.com) and the new narrative that sotol was not the drink of watch the great video about sotol. the gente de razn (nonindigenous) but only of the Tom Barry, senior policy analyst at the Center poor and uncouth. for International Policy in Washington, DC, This narrative that sotol is nothing more than is author of many books, including The Great Divide, Zapatas Revenge and, most recently, rotgut, a rstico drink of sandal-clad peasants, has Border Wars, published last year by MIT Press. over the last century nearly killed the tradition of (See the November 2011 Desert Exposure.) sotol in Chihuahua. There, like elsewhere in MexBarry, who lives in Pinos Altos, has been writico, cheap tequila and Tecate Lite have come to ing on border issues and US-Mexico relations dominate the alcohol market. since the late 1970s. He blogs at borderlinesblog.blogspot.com. ow, however, the Jacquez family is telling a new story about the plant drink that smells like love and the desert to tequila aficionados. Influential mixologists (bartenders who aim to serve the best-quality liquors and mixed drinks) say there is the potential to create a niche market for sotolperhaps even sparking a boom in sotol demand, mirroring the tequila boom and the current rise of mescal. The Don Cuco Sotol story is one of family pride in producing over five generations the highest quality of 100% sotol that is wildharvested, unadulterated (even by water that doesnt come from the Sotol plants. Their thin serrated leaves circle a fleshy core.
APRIL 2012
31
Mothers Rings
Design a customized family treasure with the birthstone of each member of your family. Simply print your order form and bring it to Conners Fine Jewelers.
Start thinking: Moms, Dads & Grads e perfect gi for Spring.
DE
401 N. Bullard St. | P.O. Box 999 538-2012 388-2025 Silver City, New Mexico 88062
10,000 Catalog DVDs $ 9.95 Each! 2,000 Overstock DVDs starting at $3.95! 8,000 VHS 95 Each! Quality Guaranteed Video Stop Albertsons Shopping Center 538-5644
Video Stop
32
APRIL 2012
www.desertexposure.com
shallow hole was blasted in the bedrock. I marvel at this as I count 12 members of the Reid family who are buried here. The first to inhabit this ground is Simpson Percy Reid (1892) and the most recent is Don R. Reid (2008). Alphabetically there are 108 marked graves, from little 5-year-old Eddie Armer (1905) to 56-year-old Henrietta Reid Wilton (1938). I inhale the pungency of the junipers and gaze at the mountains rising up behind their tombstones. The rain has stopped and gray streamers of cloud weave their way through the valleys and canyons like some elaborate ribbon dance. andering the serpentine paths among the graves, my husband and I gradually become separated, out of reach of each others voice for a time. We come back together where the paths cross. We stop in gratitude at the graves of two veterans of the world warsthe first that should have ended all others and the second a generation later. Farther on is the resting place of Frank Kennett (1906), a veteran of both the Mexican and Civil Wars. Irish James McNally (1904), Medal of Honor recipient, Civil War veteran and miner, is the owner of a well-maintained tombstone chronicling a fascinating life. The words etched into his memorial pay appropriate tribute to a brave New Mexico pioneer. I walk and consider the hard lives of the people who ranched and mined, gardened and raised children, loved and got drunk sometimes and yelled and cried and died. Many were like Toppy Johnson, Kingstons meat supplier and sometime desperado. In true western fashion, McKenna attests, Toppy Johnson may have been a cattle rustler, but he was always ready to do a good turn for a fellow that was down and out. Johnsons body is not buried here, but echoes of his life boom through the draws and canyons.
History in Headstones
I wonder about women like those from the red light district who volunteered to nurse the 1882 smallpox victims back to health. Not a single patient died after the women took over from the town drunks.
he Kingston Cemetery crouches comfortably in the foothills of the Black Range, graceful in its spareness. Most of the tombstones are being reclaimed, weathered by wind, rain, sandstorms and the soft aging of decades that blur the features, crumble the granite to fine gravel under the trees in this harsh garden. The people of these mountains find beauty in the light, the granite and the clean smell of the juniper that has slowly grown here for lifetimes. A different kind of beauty lies here in the cemetery, scored by the names of men and women and so many young ones who never reached those milestones. The etched memorials marking their brief lives are fascinating. Mamie West (1889) and Charlie Clay (1884) are just two of the children who died young yet witnessed the wild days of this now-hushed mining town. When miner Jack Sheddon made a rich silver strike in 1882, the town of Kingston sprang
The etched memorials marking their brief lives are fascinating. Mamie West (1889) and Charlie Clay (1884) are just two of the children who died young yet witnessed the wild days of this now-hushed mining town.
n boom and bust alike, the citizens of Kingston were no strangers to the practicalities of life and death. The district was a favorite target of Victorios Mescalero Apaches as well as outlaws who specialized in running off horses and cattle from the southern New Mexico counties and selling them in Mexico, according to Tularosa by C.L. Sonnichsen. Kingston had no graveyard, writes James McKenna in his 1936 chronicle of the region, Black Range Tales. After the smallpox epidemic of 1882 during the towns early days, it was concluded to bury the dead in the grove of junipers where the pest tent stood. Here the roots of the trees had softened the rocky ground a little. A
Elect
General Election November 6 27 YEARS OF Experience as an Attorney, 16 YEARS as your Deputy District Attorney prosecuting crimes with Tenacity, Integrity and Community Commitment. As your Deputy District Attorney serving Grant, Luna and Hidalgo counties, I have prosecuted over 1,000 cases, including murder, rape, and child abuse, DWI, Juvenile Delinquency, Property and White Collar Crimes. IN 2007 I WAS NAMED NEW MEXICO PROSECUTOR OF THE YEAR. [email protected] | website: estevez4da.com
Mike Cu Treasurer Paid for and printed by candidate
VOTE 2012
Primary, June 5
Our Vision: All children in Grant County will arrive at the steps of Kindergarten ready and able to succeed.
DESERT EXPOSURE
There is one more tombstone I havent looked at yet. I have purposely saved it for last, circling around it, wondering but delaying the knowing. It is a ladys. At its base is a glass canning jar with a piece of wide-ruled notebook paper folded up inside. Neither the note or the glass has started to yellow. The white granite tombstone reads, Wedgwood. I spend the drive home wondering about her and watching the shadowed mountains in the rearview mirror. k
APRIL 2012
33
eeking out the far corners of the cemetery, I look for the stories of those on the fringes. Curiously, I find no markers out there, no headstones, no rock rings defining a resting place, no ornamental fence or even a beaten and weathered wood cross. I wonder about women like those from the red light district who volunteered to nurse the 1882 smallpox victims back to health. Not a single patient died after the women took over from the town drunks. McKenna says not one of the unofficial nurses died from the pox, either. Perhaps this western town was more tolerant of its citizens in their final resting places. Or perhaps they are just forgotten by all but the mountains standing watch in the evening light. McKenna, who worked on the Iron King Mine in 1883, made a return trip to Kingston late in life and stopped to call on Jim Drummond and his wife, who have lived in this section since the early eighties. Jim is in his eighty-seventh year, and his wife told me he still likes to have his picture taken. Jim Drummond (1937) is buried here in the cemetery, resting near Old Kentuck Mountain. On the final page of his book, McKenna says, On our way home we stopped to take some pictures of the cemetery where many old friends lie in their rocky graves, surrounded by weather-beaten wooden palings, and watched over by pions and junipers.
Karen Ray is a nearly lifelong resident of Las Cruces, who grew up here, attended NMSU, then returned 17 years ago to finish raising her family. She earned a degree in journalism from the University of Wisconsin.
FINISH-PRO
Dont Replace, Resurface! From Old to Bold
AL BROWNING
Owner and Technician Locally owned and operated
Tubs, Bathroom Sinks, Countertop Resurfacing Also custom tile and interior painting
34
APRIL 2012
www.desertexposure.com
I
One of the fabled ravens at the Tower of London, photographed by the author about 20 years ago. (Photos by Jay W. Sharp)
Distinguishing Features
n New Mexico, we have two species of ravens the common raven (Corvus corax) and the Chihuahuan raven (Corvus cryptoleucus)and we have one species of crow, the American crow (Corvus brachyrhynchos). All three birds, relatively large, have iridescent black plumage, black legs and feet, and black bills. The differences between them become most apparent when they are compared side by side. The typical adult common raven, the largest of the three, measures about two feet from the tip of its bill to the tip of its tail; the adult Chihuahuan raven, a little over a foot and a half; and the adult American crow, almost a foot and a half. The ravens have somewhat lankier bodies than the crow; they have heavier, slightly hooked upper bills, more developed throat hackles and wedge-shaped tails. The Chihuahuan raven has neck feathers with white bases, which sometimes may be seen if it fluffs its feathers or a wind lifts its feathers. The crow has a smaller bill, smoother throat hackles and a more rounded-off tail; it also has proportionally broader wings.
or some strange reason, ravens and crows have long played a prominent role across the landscape of the human imagination. Its hard to understand why. Unlike the bald eagle, which soars elegantly above our heads, ravens and crows often fly acrobatically, much like many teenagers driving the family car. Unlike the American goldfinch, the Bullocks oriole or the vermilion flycatcher, which sport exciting splashy colors and patterns, ravens and crows come in one basic colorsolid ebony morbidly black. Unlike the mockingbird or the curve-billed thrasher, which perform a wide repertoire of cheerful songs, ravens and crows usually just offer variations on a single coarse note: caw, caw, caw, caw. Unlike, say, the white-winged dove or the Gambels quail, which feed primly on seeds and fruit, ravens and crows often feed greedily on carrion left beside a roadway or on food scraps scavenged from human trash. In spite of their loopy flight, gloomy color, raspy voices and gross feeding habits, ravens and crows often star in folk tales, old beliefs and literature. For centuries, notes Samantha Fleming in White Dragon, ravens and crows have had a special place in the mythology of various cultures. For one instance, Puebloan peoples, as Charles F. Lummis records in his Pueblo Indian Folk-Stories, tell the story of crows dancing and singing, Alas, Mama! You are shaking, you are shaking! while they trick an ancient enemy, the coyote, into ending the life of his own mama. The English long believed that if the fabled ravens of the Tower of London should depart, the Crown will fall and Britain with it. Although the English now sniff that they are above such a silly superstition, in addition to the wild population at the Tower, they have kept a captive cadre of ravens since the 17th century. Just in case. American poet Edgar Allen Poe, mourning for his lost love, spoke of a ravena grim, ungainly, ghastly, gaunt, and ominous bird of yorethat flew into his chambers, lit on a pallid bust, and cast its bleak shadow on the floor. Given the symbolism of the raven, Poe gave up hope that he would somehow ever recover his soul. Nevermore, he said mournfully and famously. Another poet, whose name, nationality, state and city Ive sworn to keep secret, penned the following: There was an old crow that so constantly squabbled His friends all thought that he should be throttled.
According to Boarman and Heinrich, the common raven engages in aerobatics, perhaps to declare dominance or impress a mate. In mid-flight, it may make a half roll or a full roll or even, occasionally, two rolls. It has even been observed flying upside-down for more than half a mile. Given a transitory food supply and significant competition, Boarman and Heinrich note, an experienced common raven may carry meat several miles to a location where it will cache and hide its booty. In selected areas within their range, Chihuahuan ravens may gather in flocks numbering as many as 50,000 birds during the winter. Where food is exceptionally abundant for instance, in some places in the southern plainsAmerican crows may gather in roosts of more than 2 million birds, according to Verbeek and Caffrey. City-bred American crows, according to National Geographic News, may scatter hard-shelled nuts on a street, waiting for automobiles to run over them and crack them, allowing access to the nut meat: They do this at traffic light crossings, waiting patiently with human pedestrians for a red light before retrieving their prize. The crows may also kill prey or crack open nuts by dropping them from a height onto a hard surface, say Verbeek and Caffrey. The birds may use roosts year after year. At one site in the northeast, they have roosted at the same site for more than a century.
he common raven, according to W. I. Boarman and B. Heinrich in Birds of North America Online, is geographically and ecologically one of the most widespread naturally occurring birds in the world. It is distributed throughout major portions of North America, Europe, Asia and North Africa, and in all terrestrial biomes except tropical rain forests. The Chihuahuan raven, ac- Another of the fabled ravens at the Tower of London. cording to the eBird website, ranges across most of northern mob, in large numbers, a would-be predator to Mexico up through southern and eastern New Mex- protect the flock or nestlings or fledglings. ico, southwestern Arizona, western Texas, western The young birds may play games such as tugOklahoma, southwestern Kansas and eastern Colo- of-war and king-of-the-hill. Apparently just for rado. fun, they may drop and catch objects in midflight The American crow, according to N.A. Verbeek or snitch and cache shiny and inedible objects in and C. Caffrey in Birds of North America Online, secret places. (Many years ago, my grandmothers occurs across most of the United States (excepting pet American crow stole her car keys, which she the desert regions), from the Pacific to the Atlan- found days later in the gutter of her house.) tic, and across the southern half of Canada. The birds may attack intruders of the same Within New Mexico, says Stan Tekiela in his species, with fights sometimes becoming vicious, Birds of New Mexico Field Guide, the common even deadly. A common raven may yank the tail of raven occurs throughout the state, typically prefer- a predator, perhaps just for the fun of watching it ring the higher, contoured elevations with scattered react. The bird has been known to peck at the tail woodlands and human structures. The Chihuahuan of a dog, and if gets away with that, it will peck at raven holds residence primarily in the southern and the nose of the pooch. eastern parts of the state, favoring the lower grassOpportunistic and omnivorous, the ravens and and shrublands and cityscapes (especially the local crows feed primarily on the most abundant food landfills). The American crow has made its home source available at the season and place. This could in the more northern part of the state, where it fre- include a broad range of insects, arachnids (e.g. spiquents open, broken habitats with scattered trees as ders, scorpions), reptiles, small birds, small mamwell as open fields and cityscapes. mals, pilfered eggs, grains and fruits as well as carrion and human refuse. They have been known to peck at the eyes and noses of newborn calves and Behavior and Feeding ighly gregarious, adaptable and resourceful, the ravens and the crow typically roost and feed in scattered flocks, sometimes numbering hundreds or thousands. Typically, they migrate only short distances with a change of seasons or variability of food sources. They may welcome newcomers to a flock, leading them to food A pair of Chihuahuan ravens in the parking lot at Young Park in Las windfalls. They may attack, or Cruces.
DESERT EXPOSURE
may preen each others head feathers and gently clasp each others bills. The ravens may engage in acrobatic flight, showing off, trying to impress a prospective partner. The male and female may spread their wings and tails and fluff their feathers. In the common ravens version of a lovers serenade, the two partners make gurgling, choking and knocking sounds. After mating, a pair turns to homemaking, which often becomes a family affair, with two or three helpersoften progeny from A pair of Chihuahuan ravens at the side of an icy puddle in a shopthe previous seasons hatch ping center parking lot. contributing to the raising of the young. lambs, taking advantage of these softer tissues. Typically, the birds build their nest on a solid The birds may team up to attack prey, trail large predators to scavenge leftovers, search highways platform such as the fork of a tree, the cross arms to find roadkills, or follow farm machinery to catch of a power pole or, sometimes, in the case of the flushed rodents. In one instance, write Boarman common raven, on a ledge or crack in a cliff face. and Heinrich, two common ravens jumped a cat It appears that the male hauls most of the conthat had just captured a mouse. One of the ravens struction material to the nest site, and the female attacked the cat, causing it to drop its prey. The builds the nest, which she will make sturdy beother raven snatched up the mouse and flew away. cause she may use it again in coming years. First, Crows, say Verbeek and Caffrey, pluck ticks while she braids small branches and twigs and somewalking over the bodies of feral hogs and domestic times even bone or wire into a rough bowl shape cattle. When times are lean and competition high, spanning a foot and a half to several feet in diameter. Then, she lines her nest with whatever softer the birds may cache food for later consumption. Throughout the year, the bird spends substan- materials may be availablegrasses, shredded tial time resting, preening, sunning and just plain bark, leaves, moss, animal fur, sheep wool, mud loafing. It may bathe in shallow waters, sprinklers and maybe even rags or paper. The Chihuahuan and even fluffy snows, preening extensively after raven female, according to J.C. Bednarz and R. J. its bath. It may post itself near an ant bed, allow- Raitt in Birds of North America Online, molds a ing the insects to crawl through its feathers, leav- deep cup with her breast by pushing, prodding, ing a blanket of formic acida natural pesticide and pounding movements. The lined cup may that eliminates parasites. After some moments, span a foot in diameter and measure a few inches the bird shakes and picks the ants off, casting the in depth. Within a few days after she finishes her nest, the insects aside. female lays five or six generally oval-shaped greenish-colored eggs over a period of several days. This Breeding and Life Cycle n the spring, when breeding season arrives, ra- will likely be her only brood of the year. While ven and crow pairs mate and bond for the year RAVENS AND CROWS continued on next page and perhaps for life. During courtship, the birds
APRIL 2012
35
575-388-8858
MAGGIE KNOX
Licensed Massage Therapist
Time-Out Massage
526 Hwy 180 West Silver City, NM
575-534-9702
Deep Therapeutic Massage Swedish and Neuromuscular Therapy
Gift Certificates Available
NM Lic# 4096
CITIZEN RACES!
Starts and Finishes in front of Silver City Food Co-op
Ages or Group
17 and up 10 to 16 7 to 9 5&6 3&4
Member FDIC
Saturday and Sunday Races are $10 each date for 17 and up; $5 for each date for Ages 13-16; ages 12 and under race FREE. Registration Forms are available at 1st New Mexico Bank of Silver City or Gila Hike & Bike before May 5, 2012. The Registration Table will be set up May 5, on 6th St. from 10:30 am -12:00 pm. You may register for Sundays race at the start line.
Camp Thunderbird to Pinos Altos, 32.5 miles Camp Thunderbird to Pinos Altos, 32.5 miles
36
APRIL 2012
RAVENS AND CROWS continued
www.desertexposure.com
Auto Glass, Windshield Repair Commercial & Residential Glass and Mirrors Replacement Windows 1824 S. Columbus Rd. Deming, NM
Shop: 575-546-6551 Emergency: 575-494-5195 FAX: 575-546-3154 [email protected]
Tharps Flowers
Serving Deming & Luna County Since 1955
Fresh & Silk Arrangements Plants Corsages Weddings 1205 Columbus Road, Deming 575-546-9501
happy pets
the female takes the primary responsibility of incubating her eggs, the male guards the nest from predators, feeds the female on her nest, and may even incubate the eggs for brief periods. After about three weeks, the eggs begin to hatch, probably in the sequence in which they were laid, over a period of a few days. New hatchlings are born blind and helpless, covered with a slight down. While the female carries most respon- A winter flock of American crows (along with a few sandhill cranes sibility for brooding the new- and other birds) in a field near the Bosque del Apache. born, the male and any helpers fetch foodtypically insects, grains, carrion and Still, in some parts of ravens and crows food scrapsfor the female and the new arrivals. range, according to Boarman and Heinrich, the Sometimes, the male and the helpers dip the food birds have been all but eradicated because they in water to make it softer and easier for the nest- have been considered pests. In some instances, lings to swallow. reintroduction programs have even been impleWithin a couple of weeks, the young have mented in response. The birdsespecially their opened their eyes and begun sprouting feathers, eggs, nestlings and fledglingscan also fall to a looking, suggested one author, much like min- number of predators such as coyotes, raccoons, iature gargoyles. Within four or five weeks, they hawks, owls and snakes. have feathered fully and become active, moving around the nest, stretching their wings. Soon, they Intelligence begin short flights, but they remain near the nest avens and crows, naturalists believe, belong for several more days as they perfect their skills. at the top of any ranking of the most intelOver several weeks, as they develop the ability to ligent birds. Relative to their size, they have take care of themselves, they stay in the vicinity of the largest brains of any of the birds. the nest, still begging their parents and the helpers A study in 2004, notes James Owen, reporting for food. After for National a couple of Geographic months, they News, sugmay leave to gests their join a flock, cognitive but some may abilities are a return the folmatch for prilowing year mates such as to serve their chimpanzees turn as helpers and gorillas. in raising their Accordparents next ing to the NAbrood. TURE webThe raven site, ravens or crow reachachieve mases sexual matery and posturity at about sess maniputhree years of A Chihuahuan raven cawing from the top of a light pole at Young lative powers age. With good Park in Las Cruces. (All photos by Jay W. Sharp) over other luck, the bird creatures in may live in the wild for four to six years, according their domain, often letting others do work for to the Critter Control website, but in one instance, them. For example, ravens will call wolves and a banded wild crow reportedly lived for 29 years. coyotes to prospective meals so they can expose the carcass and make the meat accessible to the birds. In addition, ravens will show their Lifes Perils he International Union for Conservation true scavenger colors by waiting for other birds of Nature and Natural Resources rates the with specialized foraging skills to make a catch survival of all three of these species to be and then cunningly seize the defeated prey for of Least Concern. The IUCN points out that the themselves. The American crow, Verbeek and Caffrey three all occupy an extremely large range; their populations range from very large to extremely say, has been known to manufacture and use large; and generally, their population trends vary toolsa capability once attributed only to man and other primates. For instance, one wild crow from stable to increasing. modified a piece of wood by pecking at it and then used it to probe a hole in a fence post. Hypnotherapy Training Classes Perhaps the birds intelligence explains why humans Past Life Regression Weight Release are so fascinated by them I AM Worthy Program+++ despite ravens and crows loopy flight, gloomy color, raspy voices and gross feedMadonna Kettler, PhD(c) ing habits.k
Hypnotherapy++
575-534-1291 [email protected]
Phone and Skype sessions available Relationship Center of New Mexico 1060 South Main St., Las Cruces, NM 88005 www.StrengthenYourRelationship.com DE
(575) 915-2601
Jay W. Sharp is a Las Cruces author who is a regular contributor to DesertUSA, an Internet magazine, and who is the author of Texas Unexplained, now available as an e-book from Amazon or iTunes. To read all his guides to wildlife of the Southwest, see www.desertexposure.com/wildlife.
DE
DESERT EXPOSURE
APRIL 2012
37
Daily Specials
*Reviewed in Desert Exposure
Soft Statistics
located inside
ard statistics about violence in Palomas have been more elusive then usual this past year. All over Mexico, in fact, the numbers are contested, reinterpreted and revised perpetually. Three or four years ago a man named Martin Avila was Palomas ministerio publico (attorney generals representative). He had a very large ledger book on his desk that hed open up to verbally count out the murder cases hed recorded in his neat handwriting. Avila openly admitted that his list didnt include all murders because people are afraid! A lot of people are scared of reprisals if they report murders of family members. Palomas next ministerio publico, Cesar Castaneda, told me, for some reason, that I needed to call the department in Juarez called Comunicacion Social to get Palomas murder statistics. This is an expensive long-distance call with a long wait. When I dialed up this number, I was passed from one person to another four times and was then informed I should speak to Arturo Sandoval, the spokesman for the office. Sandoval in turn told me to check the attorney generals website and then scroll down to a small square in the bottom right-hand corner that says Statistics. But homicide statistics for Palomas were nowhere to be found on this site. (Over a year ago when I called Comunicacion Social, I got a courteous man who read me the statistics for Palomas.) Last month I called the ministerio publico in Palomas, and it turned out there was a new representative named Sixto Jesus Aguirre. At first he asked me to call Juarez, but then said he could after all get Palomas statistics for me. I heard a rustling of papers, and then he returned to the phone and told me there had been nine homicides in Palomas in 2011. I then asked him to give me a month-by-month account, so I could compare the first half of the year to the last. He read off each month slowly, and this time it turned out, surprisingly, that there was a total of 15 murders. It looks as if this official is not much of a mathematician. If its so hard to get reliable statistics for Palomas, its not surprising that there might be problems in getting accurate statistics for Mexico as a whole. There are so many issues involved. The one most often mentioned is the high level of disappearances not included in the official tallies. There may also be people reported in the press as wounded by gunfire that later die with no notice in the press. Then theres the fear factor mentioned by Avila, which prevents some homicides from being accounted for. Aguirre reported nine killings between January and June and then six between July and December. This is more than Id heard about from anyone else, who mostly say theres almost none. But its also less than any time in the past four years. With some reservations, Id say that its time for tourists to venture back into Palomas and do their shopping and dentistry and oculist work. Theres little violence going on and Palomenses are in a lighter mood.
eted upward last yearTorreon (88) and Chihuahua City (83). This is true even though the number of killings in Juarez has plunged from 3,622 in 2010 to 2,086 last year. But from most reports, residents still dont feel much of a change. Gustavo de la Rosa, a human rights ombudsman in Juarez, argues that you need to compare current Juarez statistics with those of 1993-2006, instead of those of 2007, the year before the press noticed the exploding violence. Using his statistics as a base, he claims that in 2010, the year when the murder rate peaked, the number was 15 times more than the average rate a decade before. Last year was 14 times the averagenot very different.
T T
C LL
hihuahua State, with 2,086 killings last year, still had by far the highest number of homicides among all Mexican states. Guerrero (where Acapulco is) had only 1,533. Number three was Tamaulipas, which registered 1,153 homicides. In July last year the attorney generals office for Chihuahua estimated that in Juarez and Chihuahua City combined there were a staggering 14,000 armed cartel members in the state. This figure may be softened somewhat by realizing that in all the state there were probably fewer than 30,000 armed narcos, or just 1% of the total current population in Chihuahua of 3 million. I read this estimate not long after I finished reading Revolution in the Family, Shirley Christians account of the 1979 Nicaraguan Revolution. She claims the number of Sandinista guerrilla soldiers was only a minuscule 3,000, when the country had roughly the same population as Chihuahua does now. Last month I talked with three people who had lived in both Chihuahua City and Juarez during the past four years. They all thought the number of innocent people, including victims of crossfire and extortion, was somewhat less in Chihuahua than in Juarez, although still extreme. Two guessed the percentage in Chihuahua was 40% and the other said 25%-30%. Mexican President Felipe Caldern is still claiming that 90% of the killings in Mexico are between drug cartel members. One of these people asked me a pithy and thoughtful question about Calderons drug war. Will things be better afterward? he said. Apart from all the killings and economic hardship, the cartels probably wont be uprooted in a lifetime. The men I talked to were tired of the war. They werent particularly politicized.
Deming, NM
575-546-4109
Corner Florida & Columbus Hwy. PO Box 191, Deming NM 88031 (575) 546-3922
he violence rate in Juarez and in much of the rest of the country is still high. The number of killings each year in all Mexico, which consensus puts at more than 50,000, is still increasing. In the hot competition to be murder capitol of Borderlines columnist Marjorie Lilly lives in Deming. the world, Juarez now runs neck-and-neck with San Pedro Sula in Honduras, according to a Juarez organization called the Citizen Council for Public Security and Penal Justice. Despite a large decline in numbers, Juarez is still substantially above any other city in Mexico in terms of both numbers and rate of killAccountant and Tax Preparer ings. The cities with the high(520) 591-0012 est homicide rate per 100,000 are Juarez (148), Acapulco [email protected] Prepare sus (128)where violence rock618 W. Cedar St., Deming, NM 88030 impuestos facilmente
he car parts factory still hasnt reopened in Palomas, contrary to my premature reporting in December. People in town are still struggling with interminable hunger, especially since theres no work in the fields until sometime in May. When the factory opens, it will employ only people with at least a ninth-grade education who are 40 years old or less. Donations to food projects will always be welcome. Readers can find places to give at the Desert Exposure website (www.desertexposure. com/palomas/index.php). k
TCCA
Three Chips Clean Air
Certified, Licensed & Insured FREE ESTIMATES
Deming (575) 546-2251 Las Cruces (575) 649-3967 Mobile Ph. (575) 544-1127 [email protected]
38
APRIL 2012
www.desertexposure.com
(times MDT) April 3, 8 a.m.Venus 0.5 degrees south of Pleiades star cluster April 6, 1:19 p.m.Full Moon April 13, 4:50 a.m.Last Quarter Moon April 15, 6 a.m.Mars stationary April 15, 12 p.m.Saturn at opposition April 18, 11 a.m.Mercury farthest west of Sun (27 degrees) April 21, 1:18 a.m.New Moon April 21, 11 p.m.Lyrid meteor shower peaks April 29, 3:57 a.m.First Quarter Moon April 30, 2 a.m.Venus greatest brightness this apparition ancient gas disc, why is the Earth tilted over 23 degrees from that plane? The answer is the Moon. Some 4.5 billion years ago, a Mars-sized object struck a glancing blow on the primitive Earth. This knocked material off the Earth that eventually formed the Moon, and, in the process, tilted the Earths axis to its current angle.
tic Eclip
lmost overhead on April evenings is the constellation Cancer, the Crab. Made up of relatively faint fourth-magnitude stars, this constellation is not easy to find in an urban sky. In mythology, Cancer is most often associated with the giant crab that attacked Hercules as a distraction while he was battling the Lernaean Hydra. The story says that Hercules kicked the crab so hard that it flew up into the sky and became a constellation. Even after this distraction, Hercules was still able to slay the Hydra, which also ended up in the sky. Despite not being very prominent in the sky, Cancer is one of the 12 signs of the Zodiac from astrology. These constellations (astronomer-speak) or houses (astrologer-speak) all have an invisible line in the sky called the ecliptic passing through them. Astrologers use the location of the visible planets in the sky to divine a persons future. Since the visible planets all stay near the ecliptic, they almost always can be found in one of the 12 Zodiacal constellations. The ecliptic circles the sky like just like the celestial equator does, but it is tilted relative to the celestial equator by 23 degrees and 26 minutes. This puts the ecliptic far above the equator in the Gemini-Taurus border area and far below the equator in Sagittarius. Since Cancer is next to Gemini, the ecliptic is still well north of the celestial equator as it passes through the Crab. One object that always stays right on the ecliptic is the Sun. So when the Sun is in the GeminiTaurus area, the Sun is far north of the equator, putting it high in our sky. This gives us the long,
Facing south and looking almost overhead youll see a group of faint fourth-magnitude stars that make up the constellation of Cancer, the Crab. This constellation has the projection of the Earths orbit passing through it, the invisible line called the ecliptic, here shown as a dashed line from lower left to upper right. Also plotted is the northernmost point on the ecliptic, where the Sun is located on June 21. This is the June solstice that marks the beginning of summer. hot days of summer in June and July. When the Sun is in Sagittarius, it is well below the celestial equator and we have the short, cold days of winter in December and January. You may wonder why, of all the objects in our Solar System, only the Sun stays exactly on the ecliptic. If you think of the Earth riding around on the outside edge of the wheel of a toy gyroscope, the Sun is at the center of the gyroscope where the axis of rotation meets the spokes of the wheel. When they are spinning, gyroscopes will stand upright on their own, always keeping the edge of the wheel in the same plane. Projecting this into the sky, as we on Earth ride around with the edge of the wheel (orbit), we can look down toward the Sun and we will be looking down a spoke of the wheel along the plane of the wheel (ecliptic). The Sun must therefore be on the ecliptic, since it is the projection of the plane of the Earths orbit and the gyroscope wheel. If we could stand on the Sun, we would always see the Earth on the ecliptic as well, since they must both be in the same plane. To have either a solar or lunar eclipse, the Earth, Moon and Sun must line up. Since the Earth and the Sun are always on the ecliptic, it is only the Moon that needs to be on the ecliptic and in front of the Earth or behind it to make an eclipse. The name ecliptic comes from the word eclipse, because the Moon must be very near the ecliptic for an eclipse to occur. The ecliptic is tilted up from the equator, because the Earths axis is tilted from the plane of Earths orbit. The ecliptic is a roughly in the same plane as the original dust and gas disc that eventually formed our Solar System. Because the planets all formed out of this same disc, they all orbit in roughly the same plane, so they always stay close to the ecliptic. By now you are probably asking yourself: If the Sun, Earth and planets are all in the plane of that
upiter makes its swan dive into the evening twilight this month. At the beginning of the month, the King of the Gods is about 24 degrees up in the western sky as it gets dark. By the end of the month, it will be lost in the bright evening sky after sunset. Jupiter is moving slowly eastward in Aries this month. At midmonth, Jupiters disc is just 33.2 seconds-of-arc across and it has faded to magnitude -2.0. Jupiter sets around 9:15 p.m. The Goddess of Love still graces our evening sky, shining at magnitude -4.5. During the month, Venus will race eastward almost all the way across the constellation Taurus. At midmonth, Venus disc is 38% illuminated and becoming more of a crescent. Venus disc is 30.0 seconds-of-arc across and the planet sets around 11:15 p.m. Venus will be at its brightest for this apparition on April 30. Mars is just past opposition this month. It starts the month moving westward in Leo, but on April 15, it stops and turns back eastward, staying in Leo all month. The God of Wars disc is 11.2 secondsof-arc across and it is magnitude -0.4 at midmonth. Mars is 50 degrees up in the east as it gets dark and it sets around 4:30 a.m. The Ringed Planet has its turn at opposition this month, the same day that Mars is stationary, April 15. Saturn will be visible all night. Saturns disc is 19.0 seconds-of-arc across, with the Rings tipped down 13.7 degrees showing their northern face and spanning 43.1 seconds-of-arc. Saturn is moving westward in Virgo, not far from the firstmagnitude star Spica. The Messenger of the Gods is the only planet in Aprils eastern morning sky. It reaches its farthest distance from the Sun on April 18, when it will be 27 degrees west of the Sun. At that time, Mercurys disc will be 46% illuminated, becoming fuller, and 7.9 seconds-of-arc across. It will be magnitude +0.4 as it rises at around 5:30 a.m. Mercury will be visible only for the last three weeks of the month. Mercury starts the month moving westward in Pisces, but it soon turns around, heading eastward, clips the corner of Cetus and then back into Pisces where it ends the month. The April Lyrid meteor shower occurs at the dark of the Moon this year, making 2012 a good year to view this shower. The showers radiant is in Lyra and the best observing time will be in the late morning hours while it is still dark. You will probably see about only 15 meteors an hour, but it can still be fun. This shower is the oldest recorded meteor shower, having been observed since 687 BC, according to Chinese records. The meteors are particles from periodic comet Thatcher C/1861. So stretch out under the stars with warm clothes and blankets for the celestial show and keep watching the sky! k An amateur astronomer for more than 40 years, Bert Stevens is co-director of Desert Moon Observatory in Las Cruces.
M. Phillips Fine Arts, 221 N. Main St., Las Cruces, NM (575) 525-1367. For more information log on to:
DESERT EXPOSURE
APRIL 2012
39
Born to Run
ut none of these runs come close to local biking activities, especially the Tour of the Gila, advertised as New Mexicos premier road race, which every year draws some of international cyclings biggest names. This years 26th Annual SRAM Tour of the Gila will be held May 2-6. There are also other biking competitions during the year, such as the Signal Peak Challenge. McIntosh says he is also a biker, like numerous other local runners. Theres a core of biking pros, semi-pros and ex-pros that ride around here, so the level is pretty high for a little 10,000-person town. Annie Crawford, owner of the Twin Sisters Cycling & Fitness shop at 303 N. Bullard St. in downtown Silver City, says professional cyclists often come here to train, with some buying homes in the area. Silver City has become known over the years for its cycling, she adds, giving the local biking trails 10 out of 10 points, and the road biking eight points when compared with other cycling destinations in the US. The town is also on two major intercontinental bike routes, one that goes from the west coast to the east, with the other running north and south. These increase our exposure among amateur cyclists, Crawford says. These two US tours are the Southern Tier Bicycle Route, which goes for 3,058 miles from San Diego to St. Augustine, Fla., and the Great Divide Mountain Bike Route, 2,500 miles from Roosville, Mont., to Antelope Wells, NM. The Adventure Cycling Association operates both tours. Cindy Neely, an RN whom McIntosh describes as a tough, experienced runner, biker and triathlete (see Going the Distance, March 2007), says the local biking community is also Long-distance runner Tony Russ, left, and Jim McIntosh, in the tam o nourished by Silver City Cycling shanter, who heads the Silver City Adventure Trails running group, on the web at Google Groups, study a map before the groups annual St. Patricks Day run. (Photo where approximately 200 memby Harry Williamson) bers post rides that other bikers
eing a runner for much of my adult life, and a Silver City resident for three years, Ive sometimes wondered why this is such an active biking community, but not as much a running one. After all, mountain trails, single track or double track or old logging roads suitable for biking are also ideal for running, hiking, walking or any other form of bipedalism. And, as is widely known, this place abounds in killer trails. There are runners, of course, some quite proficient and even renowned, including one referred to as running royalty. Each May more than 100 runners gather for the events of the Fort Bayard Wilderness Run, and shortly after Halloween there are the slightly smaller All Souls races. Then there is SCAT (Silver City Adventure Trails), organized by Jim McIntosh, a science and literature teacher at Aldo Leopold High School, which has an informal, no-entrance-fee trail run on most months during the year. For example, last month McIntosh led the Third Annual San Patricio Trail Run on St. Patricks Day. Fifteen runners went eight miles on a minimally marked, out-and-back route in the Little Walnut Trail System. No race T-shirts, no course marshals, no fees. Afterward, participants feasted on free corned beef and cabbage that had cooked all night on McIntoshs home stove. I set a goal of getting us together once a month.
We like to run with people, and I think you have to build a running community little by little, McIntosh says. Like most everything in Silver City, its going to be homemade and youve got to want it. People sometimes kind of patch it together here.
might like to join, or discuss other biking issues. For example, recent postings included a discussion of trail abuse, along with information on a Tuesday late morning ride for those who can play hooky or are retired. Neely says that for her running is a more solitary endeavor, time where I can think and clear my head, while biking, especially on the road, is often more social, enjoyed in small groups. Andy Lande, a geologist with Freeport McMoRan Cooper & Gold and a hardcore runner and SCAT member, says this is not a running community because its not widely promoted as one. That is okay with me, he adds. Running is a more personal sport.
Jim McIntosh, center, who heads the Silver City Adventure Trails running group, gives directions before the St Patricks Day trail run. (Photo by Harry Williamson)
cIntosh says Silver City has a small but good group of runners of all levels. We have a few of the high school cross-country runners join us every so often, and we have a couple of hotshots who show up. Most of us are older, many in our 50s, he says. McIntosh has high praise for the trail running in this area. Asked to rank Grant County in terms of climate, altitude, terrain and the variety and number of trails easily reachable, he gives it a 10 in all categories. When I came here, I just started running on trails. I love trails so it was a perfect fit for me, he says. I just cant get over the beauty of the place, and thats as much of an attraction as anything. His favorite trails list is packed. Besides the San Vicente Creeks trails and those at Boston Hill, he is especially fond of the Gomez Peak Trails, part of the Little Walnut system, that ultimately connect with the Continental Divide Trail. He adds that the whole Fort Bayard system of trails is wonderful, referring to it as CD (Continental Divide) South, relative to the town of Silver City. We go running in the Burros, and run up Jacks Peak, and run up Signal Peak in the Gila, he says. Its all great. When McIntosh arrived in Grant County in 2006 and didnt find much of a running scene, he realized he had choicesto do without running (impossible), just run noncompetitively (boring), to
40
APRIL 2012
BODY, MIND & SPIRIT continued travel a long way to races (environmentally irresponsible), or to organize a few runs on his own. He chose the latter. To me, a race is not more fun just because its bigger. I have no intent to be in charge of a marathon with 10,000 people, or even 1,000 runners, McIntosh says. What I love is a small, regional race that is low cost, one with very few frills. For races where a fee is charged to enter, he usually goes about finding local sponsors, and then designs a T-shirt, putting the sponsors images on the shirts. For prizes for the top runners he buys downtown gift certificates so people are supporting local stores. McIntosh also strives to keep fees very low, with any proceeds going to local schools and charities. Even a $10 fee is a big stretch for the kids from my high school to sign up for the race, he says. You are not going to have a $100 or even a $65 entrance fee for a race around here. Thats ridiculous. McIntosh this year is president of the Grant County Striders, which conducts the annual Ft. Bayard Wilderness Run. The other board members are Tom Barry, vice president; Kyle Rice, secretary; and Bob Schiowitz, treasure. Bob and Sue (Schiowitz) have been very faithful about keeping the Ft. Bayard races going all these years. When Bob asked me to step in for this year, I couldnt refuse, McIntosh says. The 41st Wilderness Run, consisting of an eightmile run and 5K run/walk, will be held this May 26. The Fourth Annual All Souls Trail Race is scheduled for Nov. 3, on the San Vicente Creek trail and in the Boston Hill area. I dont think Ill get many takers to run it with me, McIntosh adds, but Im trying to set up a local marathon course, not to create a great big marathon, but just a fun, local, 90%-trail marathon. Id love to see it finish on Bullard Street. He says that in all these races his main goal is to get people out on the trails. If people run on the trails they take some ownership. If thats their place to run (or walk) theyll keep it clean and do a little bit of trail repair. Some of this areas other top runners include Tony Russ, 27, who in early March completed the 2012 Copper Canyon Run in the Land of the Tarahumara Indians, made famous in Christopher McDougalls book, Born to Run. Another is Lande, the Freeport McMoRan geologist, who just last year ran six marathons along with a half-marathon, part of the approximately 2,700 miles he logged. He says the most difficult marathon he did was Run the Caldera, in the mountains just west of Los Alamos: In one sixmile stretch, you gain 3,500 feet of elevation. Earlier this year Lande finished second in the Sierra Vista Trail Marathon near Las Cruces, commenting that, As far as pounding on the feet, the rocky trail was brutal.
www.desertexposure.com
Celebrating 10 Years!
Facials Body Treatments Spa Manicures & Pedicures Reflexology Aromatherapy Body Sugaring Waxing
Available in Silver City exclusively at Datura Personal Attention from 108 E. Broadway
Cheri Crane
575-534-0033
Wearing their finisher metals, members of the running Lande family of Silver City rest after the Arizona Distance Classic half-marathon in Oro Valley. From the left are Lynn Lande, Anna Lande and Andy Lande. (Photo by Tim Eastep) On April 21, he plans to run the New MexicoTexas Challenge Centennial Marathon from Lovington to Hobbs, which for him will complete all of the marathons currently offered in the state.
DE
Closed through April 30 due to broken arm and ribs. Well reopen May 1.
Silver City: T & Th 9-5 - 575-519-2724 Mimbres: M & F by appt. - 3960 Hwy 35575-536-3004
309 E. COLLEGE AVENUE SILVER CITY, NEW MEXICO www.redhathealing.com
Did you know that there are nearly 200 volunteers that help distribute food in Grant County through our food pantry, mobile food pantries and commodities?
575-388-2988
915 Santa Rita Street Silver City, NM 88061
DE
CORNER
cIntosh, however, reserves his highest praise, running royalty, for Kyle Skaggs, who in 2008 did what many observers thought impossiblefinish Colorados Hardrock 100, considered to be the toughest ultra-marathon in America, in less than 24 hours. At age 23, Skaggs ran it in 23 hours and 23 minutes, setting a new course record by three hours and beating the second-place finisher by more than six hours. The 100-mile race takes runners from Silverton to Telluride to Ouray to Lake City and back to Silverton, which on mountain roads is a tough, challenging daytrip even in a vehicle. People said it could never be done, McIntosh says. It was like the four-minute mile of long-distance running finally being broken. I dont know if there is a superlative I can use for this, said race director and founder Dale Garland afterwards. This is one of the great athletic barriers that we thought would never be broken. After that race, Skaggs was at the top of the long-distance running world. The best of the best, called the modest wunderkind of mountain ultrarunning, in a news article. But then, after a brief career that included 25 ultra-marathons and several other wins, including the Wasatch 100 in Utah, and a course record for the Grand Canyon double-cross crossing, Skaggs stopped running competitively. He returned to his familys land south of Glenwood where he was raised, to start the 12-acre organic JoAnne Galbraith, Doctor of Oriental Medicine Frisco Farm (see Southwest 204A W. Market Street Gardener, October 2011). Now in his third growing seaSilver City, NM 575-654-0788 son, he sells his vegetables Now also in Las Cruces! through a 30-plus member Call for schedule and location. CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) and to the FarmAcupuncture/Chinese Herbs |NAET Allergy Elimination ers Market and Food Co-op in Mei Zen Cosmetic Acupuncture|Pain Management Silver City and to wholesale vendors across New Mexico. While not exactly a Grant County guy, living just over the line in Catron County, he did attend high school in Cliff, where his mother Katy still teaches. He graduated from Evergreen State College in Olympia, Wash., with a focus in ecology; there he ran crosscountry and got his first taste of distance running.
This is one of the great athletic barriers that we thought would never be broken.
VOLUNTEER
DE
DESERT EXPOSURE
In a recent interview at his farm, with his team the qualification standards, longevity and organizaof Belgian draft horses standing nearby, Skaggs tion. It is a great marathon to run because the specsays he lived three summers in Silverton, Colo., tator involvement is the best I have seen, he says. before his race, doing seasonal ecology work and If you put your name on your shirt, the spectators will cheer you by name the whole way. running sections of the Hardrock 100 trail. In other words, putting the Boston Marathon on I wasnt surprised I did as well as I did in the race, he says. The trail was a big physical chal- a bucket list makes itat least in the eyes of a runlenge to keep going, but I knew the course in and nerthe mother of all bucket lists. I was fortunate enough to qualify for and run out, for sure. I was well prepared mentally and Boston myself in 2006 at age 65. As Lande says, the physically. He and his brother Eric, also a long distance run- crowds of people stacking the sides of the racener, are mentioned in Born to Run, and he knows course are almost small-town in their yelling and most of the people discussed. He hasnt read the encouragement. In later stages people would hold book but understands from others comments that up blackboards showing the current score of that it isnt entirely accurate, with some half-truths to days Red Sox baseball game. But it was the 1,800 female students of Wellesmake a better story. For example, the book states that he and Eric, ley College who really got my attention. About referred to as the Fabulous Flying Skaggs Broth- mid-race you could hear these reverberating shrill ers, hitchhiked to the Grand Canyon race. That shrieks blocks away. And then there they were, one of the most-talked-about sights in marathon isnt true, Skaggs says. We drove. He says he still enjoys and misses running, and running, and they were all beautiful. They leaned when he has time will still take off and run in the up against the barricades in front of their school, side-by-side for about the length of two football nearby mountains. When I look at friends of mine who are profes- fields, all yelling, hands outstretched, some holdsional runners and have been doing that for years, ing signs that said, Kiss me! You dont forget that. thats not what I want to be like, he says. Its a wonderful endeavor and I love it, but its very selfcentered just to do it full-time. What have you proo why do all of these runners run, both in duced for the world? Theres more to life than just Boston and in much lesser numbers in Silver running around. City? Skaggs has no desire to get back into competiI recall training for a marathon in Kingwood, tive running. Once I get the farm more under con- Texas, near Houston in the early morning dark in trol, Ill probably spend a heavy rain with cars more time recreationsplashing by, slowing ally running, he says. to a crawl, lights on Even when I was comhigh as they passed us, peting, a huge percent of as we were running 18 the enjoyment was just miles in twos or threes going out and running in the heavier water the mountains. That is near the curb. incredibly enjoyable. I wonder what they Asked why Silver think, my running City is not a larger runpartner asked. They ning community, he must think were totally says that for some reainsane. son some places just But, on aching legs, get picked as running water dripping down spots, such as Boulder, my face, I wouldnt Colo., and Flagstaff have chosen to be anyAriz. where else. By the time A lot of places of the marathon in midIve lived are runningJanuary I could outrun centric. Oregon and men 30 years younger. Washington are huge Insane. running states, and any McIntosh believes major city there is going its deep within human to have a huge running nature to be a runner. community, he says. If you look at the huKyle Skaggs, ultra-marathon record holder, stands But Id rather run here man body build before with his two Belgian draft horses, Bess and Kate, than in Oregon, at least it meet up with corn at his organic vegetable farm near Glenwood. where I was in Oregon. dogs and Coca-Cola, (Photo by Harry Williamson) Theres better mountain were built for running running here, big climbs and hunting. and lots of nice open dirt to run on. Bernd Heinrich, zoologist and runner, in his Although Skaggs has never run a road marathon, book, Why We Run, agrees. He writes that for milhe has a great respect for the elite athletes who do. lions of years our ultimate form of locomotion was People think running 100 miles is going to be the running, adding that we are, deep down, still runtoughest thing to do, and it is really physically and ners, whether or not we declare it by our actions: mentally challenging. But I look at the elite road Since running has been a constant in our lives marathoners as the topnotch running athletesa throughout evolutionary history, it may now be real legitimate breed of athlete, he says. The only required as a supplement for evolutionary health, reason I succeeded is that its a somewhat fringe analogous to vitamins, which provide chemicals sport that just requires a lot of stubbornness. that our bodies have not evolved to produce because they have always been present in the food of s most runners know, April is Boston Mara- our normal diet, he writes. We need to take exercise, and vitamins, when thon month, the cream of the cream of road marathons. On April 16, 20,000 fast and for- our normal lifestyles are at odds with the ancestral tunate people will run the 26.2 miles of the 116th conditions that shaped us, Heinrich adds. Boston Marathon. It is the third oldest consecutiveBODY, MIND & SPIRIT continued on next page ly held sporting event in the United States, behind only Michelle Diaz, M.D. Victor A. Nwachuku, M.D. the Westminster Dog Show Obstetrics and Gynecology Obstetrics and Gynecology and the Kentucky Derby. Its the only major marathon in Gail Stamler, C.N.M. the world where you have to qualify by running faster than others in your age group just 1618 E. Pine St. to get in. Silver City, NM 88061 Andy Lande, who ran BosPhone (575) 388-1561 ton in 2009 and again last year, Fax (575) 388-9952 says it is the premier marawww.cassiehealthcenter.com thon in the USA because of
APRIL 2012
41
Is Now Open!
on Yankie Street between Bullard & Texas demonstrations refreshments group forms
575-388-2098
Fri, April 69 am to 11 am, $20 + tax April 149 am to 4 pm, $150 + tax
FORGIVENESS,
REIKI I AND II
(575) 531-0124
SINCE
1970
Counseling Services
DE
42
APRIL 2012
BODY, MIND & SPIRIT continued In life, Heinrich says, You dont get anywhere by magic, but only by putting in the required number of steps, one at a time, and in the correct sequence. You cant run the last lap of a mile until youve run the first three. There is a truth, a beauty, and a symmetry in this that is inviolate. Every step counts. Each is an act of beauty. Incidentally, I personally think Heinrichs Why We Run is one of the two best books on running, the other being a novel, Once A Runner, by John L. Parker Jr. Andfor equal time if nothing elsemy favorite Once A Runner quote: What did he eat? Did he believe in isometrics? Ice and heat? How about aerobics, est, ESP, STP? What did he have to say about yoga, yogurt, Yogi Berra. What was his pulse rate, his blood pressure, his time for the 100-yard dash? What was the secret, they all wanted to know in a thousand different ways the secret? And not one of them was prepared, truly prepared to believe that it had not so much to do with chemicals and zippy mental tricks as it did with that most unprofound and sometimes heart-rending process of removing, molecule by molecule, the very tough soles of his running shoes. On the emotional, mental side, writer and runner Joyce Carol Oates, in her book The Faith of a Writer, says, On days when I cant run, I dont feel myself and whoever the self is I do feel, I dont like nearly so much as the other. And the writing remains snarled in endless revisions.
www.desertexposure.com
YOU
The author runs in the 2006 Boston Marathon, which he remembers as one of the high points of his life. ing my back. After 28 years he took a disability retirement, moving to Silver City for good in 1984. He has been married twice, and has three grown children and a granddaughter. I fell in love with this country, with the people and the town. It was different back then, but its character hasnt changed, he says. He got into the habit of running as part of an exercise program to pass an annual physical exam so he could keep jumping smoke. He has run numerous marathons, plus a 50-miler some 30 years ago, but now usually does 5-, 10- or 15-mile runs, depending on the time he has available and the weather. Because of an artificial hip, nerve damage in his feet and bad ankles due to the jumping, plus some problems with vertigo, he has to run on asphalt, unable to navigate the uneven terrain of a trail or even parkland. Fox Field (the Silver City High School track) would be ideal for me, and I would be less noticeable, but it gets so boring after three hours of running around the same telephone pole, he says. He gets some criticism for being on the highway, the occasional honk or yell, even though he is either on the side or in the bike lane, where he has every right to be. A vehicle cannot come in that space if its occupied, and it doesnt matter if Im a runner or a biker, he says. I have to follow the same rules a vehicle does, red lights and all the rest. So I have to be very vigilant. Some people also object to his lack of attire. After 35 years of running I know what Im doing, Davis says. The body is a perfect air-conditioning machine if you respect it. Even in the winter I need to exchange the two or three degrees of heat Im generating by running. He adds that he also gets a lot of attaboys and thumbs up. He used to run nine-and-a-half-minute miles. Nowadays, its more like 22 minutes. But he will never, ever stop. Im fully aware Im prolonging my physical plant by doing this, but what is going on in my head is much more important, Davis says. Im enhancing my life by meditation alone, just that one aspect, which is breathing and staying in the moment. Hell, Im meditating for three hours out there. k For more information on running in Grant County or on Silver City Adventure Trails (SCAT) contact Jim McIntosh at [email protected]. If interested in buying vegetables from Kyle Skaggs Frisco Farm, call (575) 539-2169. Harry Williamson lives and runs in Grant County after moving here three years ago. He has reported and edited for newspapers in New York, Oklahoma, Colorado and Texas. Feel free to contact him at (575) 534-9321 or at [email protected] with comments or story ideas.
Unitarian Universalism is a liberal religion born of the Jewish and Christian traditions. We are a diverse group of religious independents who keep our minds open to the religious questions people have struggled with in all times and places.
Join with us on Sundays, 3835 North Swan, at 10:00 a.m. Light refreshments and conversation available after the services P.O. Box 4034, SC, NM 88062, For more information call 575-538-0101
Christian Science
The evidence of mans immortality will become more apparent as material beliefs are given up and the immortal facts of being are admitted.
Mary Baker Eddy (Discoverer and Founder of Christian Science) For information about our group in Silver City, please call: 534-4158 or 388-1638
ne of the best answers as to why a runner runs comes from a 75-year-old Silver City man: I run from pain. I go where it doesnt hurt. When I dont run I hurt, he says. I run because I cant not. I also breathe oxygen and I drink water. Theyre all about in the same category. His name is Jeff Davis and drivers downtown and on Hwy. 180 going east have probably seen him running in his own particular fashion. He is the one whos nearly nude, gray shorts and running shoes, no socks, and never a shirt or hat in either summer or winter. His eyes are downcast, looking at the road. His gait is more a shuffling amble than a run. In one hand he carries a water bottle in hotter weather, the other arm angled out a bit, as if searching for a cane or a walker. Davis was a smoke jumper for 22 years, who starting in 1958 headed teams of jumpers in this area for nine fire seasons from his home base in Montana. Over the years he suffered numerous injuries from the jumping, breaking, as he says, at least one bone in every part of my body, includ-
Were Open
"No matter who you are or where you are on life's journey, You are welcome here."
Join us for Sunday Worship at 10 am 19-A Racetrack Road Silver City 538-9311 www.valleyucc.org
Making his way down a Silver City road is Jeff Davis, who at age 75 runs almost every day, often going 15 miles. (Photo by Harry Williamson)
DESERT EXPOSURE
APRIL 2012
43
Bugs, Be Gone!
Mindfulness!
D A
ear EarthTalk: I cant seem to find any natural bug repellents that really work, so I end up using the harsh, chemical varieties. Are there any really effective bug repellants that arent chemically based, or other strategies we can use to keep bugs at bay? While the industry standard insect repellents rely on the insecticide DEET (N,N-Diethyl-meta-toluamide) to keep bugs at bay, many environmental and public health advocates worry that regular long-term exposure to even small amounts of the chemical can negatively affect the human nervous system. The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) reports that, in studies, DEET has been There are several companies now selling natural shown to be of low acute toxicity, although it insect repellents, many of which use essential oils can irritate the eyes, mouth and skin. The EPA as their active ingredients. (Photo: iStockPhoto) concluded after a comprehensive 1998 assessment that DEET does not present a health risk as Repellent Use & Safety, www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvlong as consumers follow label directions and take bid/westnile/qa/insect_repellent.htm; EarthEasy, proper precautions. And since nothing works quite www.eartheasy.com; American Academy of Pedias well as DEET in deterring disease-carrying ticks atrics, www.aap.org; WebMD, www.webmd.com. and mosquitoes, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) is relatively bullish on its use in order to reear EarthTalk: There are many areas duce incidences of Lyme disease, encephalitis and around the US where disease clusters other insect-borne diseases. have occurred, whereby unusually large Regardless, many consumers would prefer nat- numbers of people have gotten sick, usually beural alternatives, and there are several companies cause of proximity to a polluter. What if anything already selling DEET-free insect repellents, many is being done to remedy the situation? of which use essential oils as their active ingredients. WebMD reports that soy-based repellent The Natural Resources Defense Council formulas (such as Bite Blocker for Kids) are the (NRDC) defines a disease cluster as an unmost effective substitutes for DEET, usually lastusually large number of people sickened by ing for 90 minutes, which is longer than some low- a disease in a certain place and time. The orgaconcentration DEET formulas. Some other leading nization, along with the National Disease Clusters alternative repellents include All Terrains Herbal Alliance (NDCA), reported in March 2011 that it Armor, Quantum Healths Buzz Away Extreme, La- had identified 42 disease clusters throughout 13 US kon Herbals Bygone Bugz, and California Babys states: Texas, California, Michigan, North Carolina, Natural Bug Blend Repellent. Pennsylvania, Florida, Ohio, Delaware, Louisiana, WebMD adds that, despite popular opinion, Montana, Tennessee, Missouri and Arkansas, all products containing citronella are not the best chosen for analysis, states the report, based on non-chemical choice, as their effectiveness typi- the occurrence of known clusters in the state, geocally wanes within an hour. Likewise, peppermint graphic diversity, or community concerns about a oil and some other plant-based oils are also ef- disease cluster in their area. fective as insect repellents. Even venerable Avon State and local health departments respond to Skin-So-Soft bath oil, long thought to deter pests some 1,000 inquiries per year about suspected disas well as DEET, keeps mosquitoes away only for ease clusters, though less than 15% turn out to be up to a half-hour. statistically significant. Epidemiologists explain Beyond repellents, there are many other ways that true cancer clusters typically involve one type to keep pests away. For one, avoid floral fragranc- of disease only, a rare type of cancer, or an illness es from perfume, deodorant or other sources that not usually found in a specific age group. can attract mosquitoes and other bugs. The EarthA classic example of a disease cluster is in Easy website recommends eliminating standing Anniston, Ala., where residents experienced canwater around your home to keep mosquito breed- cerous, non-cancerous, thyroid and neurodeveling at bay. Bird baths, wading pools and pet water opment effects that they believe were caused by bowls should be changed at least twice a week; releases of various chemicals, including PCBs. The also make sure your gutters are draining properly. culprit: a nearby Monsanto-owned chemical makAlso, since mosquitoes are attracted by carbon di- er, according to NDCA. And, indeed, a 2003 study oxide released from campfires and barbeque grills, in and around Anniston by the federal Agency for EarthEasy recommends throwing sage or rose- Toxic Substances and Disease Registry did find mary on the coals to repel the mosquitoes. that one in five locals had elevated PCB levels in If all else fails and DEET is your only option, their blood. use it sparingly. The American Academy of PediClusters are controversial in part because atrics recommends using repellents with no more our scientific criteria for proving that exposure than a 30% concentration of DEET for kids over A caused disease B are extremely difficult to two months old (and no repellent for younger meet, says Donna Jackson Nakazawa, author of babies). Keep in mind that formulas with lower The Autoimmune Epidemic. People move, or concentrations of DEET may work just as well as die, or their disease is never properly diagnosed. others but not for as long. A 10% DEET concen- How can we prove, with all these variables, that a tration, for instance, should work for up to two BODY, MIND & SPIRIT continued on next page hours outside. Applying DEET-based bug spray to your clothing instead of skin can help minimize any negative effects of exposure. Also, MA, LMFT Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist* kids and grown-ups alike should wash off any DEETIssues of Relationship with: based repellents when they Self, Others, Your Body, Work, are out of the woods, so to Change, Food, Aging, Health, Love, speak. Money and Art. CONTACTS: EPA DEET Individuals, couples, families & groups Fact Sheet, www.epa.gov/ 808 W. 8th St. Silver City, NM (575) 538-4380 opp00001/factsheets/chemiNow accepting Blue Cross Insurance cals/deet.htm; CDC Insect *Licensed in NM (#0108841) and in MA (#1150) Se Habla Espaol
Monday-Friday 7:00-7:30 am Tuesday & Thursday 6:00 pm Saturday 9:00 am Friday 5:30-6:30 pm Every other Monday 6:00 pm
575-388-8874
D A
Southwest Counseling
204 A West Market Street Silver City, NM 88061
A Licensed Independent & Clinical Social Worker
Meets the Third Wednesday of Every Month @ 6:30 p.m. Same Time and Place Gila Regional Medical Center Conference Room (1313 E. 32nd St.) Facilitators: Dave Schwantes and Walt Hanson
For more information, call the Grant County Community Health Council at (575) 388-1198 ext. 10
DE
Bina Breitner
44
APRIL 2012
BODY, MIND & SPIRIT continued toxic exposure in an area caused a group of people to fall ill with a specific set of diseases? Nakazawa is hardly skeptical about the existence of disease clusters. She is part of a growing chorus of voices calling on the government to not only remediate existing sites but to also prevent disease clusters in the first place by developing more stringent standards regarding chemical usage and disposal. European environmental policy uses the precautionary principlean approach to public health that underscores preventing harm to human health before it happens, Nakazawa reports. In 2007 the European Union implemented legislation that forces companies to develop safety data on 30,000 chemicals over a decade, and places responsibility on the chemical industry to demonstrate the safety of their products. America lags far behind, without any precautionary guidelines regarding chemical use, adds Nakazawa.
www.desertexposure.com
NRDC says there is a need for better documentation and investigation of disease clusters to identify and address possible causes. Armed with better data, advocates for more stringent controls on chemicals could have a better chance of convincing Congress to reform the antiquated Toxic Substances Control Act of 1975 and bring more recent knowledge about chemical exposures to bear in setting safer standards. CONTACT: NRDC report, www.nrdc.org/ health/diseaseclusters/files/diseaseclusters_issuepaper.pdf. k EarthTalk is written and edited by Roddy Scheer and Doug Moss and is a registered trademark of EThe Environmental Magazine (www.emagazine.com). Send questions to: [email protected]. Subscribe: www. emagazine.com/subscribe. Free trial issue: www.emagazine.com/trial.
PSYCHOLOGICAL SERVICES
Licensed Psychologist 28 years
Counseling, Psychotherapy Insurance, Medicaid & Medicare Provider 300 W. Yankie St. | P.O. Box 2036 Silver City, NM 88062
DE
575-534-4084
BOARD CERTIFIED PULMONARY BOARD CERTIFIED CRITICAL CARE BOARD CERTIFIED INTERNAL MEDICINE BOARD CERTIFIED SLEEP MEDICINE
2584 N. SILVER ST., BLDG. B SILVER CITY, NM 88061 (575) 388-0184 (575) 388-0186 Fax
Al-Anon HeAlinG GrouP4 p.m. Gila Regional Medical Center Conference Room. Art, 313-9400. ArCHAeoloGy SoCietyFirst Sun. of every month, field trip. 536-3092, [email protected]. BeAd SoCiety1 p.m. Alotta Gelato 388-1362. BinGo1st and 2d Sun. Doors open 12:30 p.m., games start 1:35 p.m. Benefits Salvation Army and Post 18 charities. American Legion Post 18, 409 W. College Ave. 534- 0780 Gentle yoGA5:30-7 p.m. A Daily Practice, 104 N. Texas, 3882425. HoliStiC PreSentAtionS11 a.m. PeaceMeal Coop Deli. 534-9703 PrAyer And Study in tHe eAStern ortHodox trAditionSunset. Theotokos Retreat Center, 5202 Hwy. 152, Santa Clara. 537-4839, theotokos@ zianet.com. reStorAtive yoGA4-5:30 p.m. A Daily Practice, 104 N. Texas, 3882425. A CourSe in mirACleS6:30 p.m., 600 N. Hudson. Information, 534-9172 or 534-1869. AArP CHAPter #1496Third Monday. 12:30 p.m. Senior Center, 205 W. Victoria. Contact Marcia Fisch, 388-1298 AArP widowed PerSonSSecond Mondays. 11 a.m. Glad Tidings Church. Contact Donna, 538-9344. Al-Anon12:05 p.m. First Presbyterian Church, 1915 Swan, Silver City. Contact Valerie, 313-2561. Art ClASS-9-10:45 a.m. Silver City Senior Citizen Center. Beginners to advanced. Contact Jean 519-2977. KundAlini yoGANoon. A Daily Practice, 104 N. Texas St. PinG PonG5:30-7 p.m. Grant County Convention Center. Beginners 7-8 p.m. Silver City SQuAreSDancing 7-9 p.m. Presbyterian Church, 1915 N. Swan St. Kay, 388-4227, or Linda, 534-4523. AlCoHoliCS AnonymouSMens group, 7 a.m. Unitarian Fellowship Hall. 3845 N. Swan. Jerry, 534-4866. BAyArd HiStoriC mine tour 2nd Tuesday. Meet at Bayard City Hall, 800 Central Ave., by 9:30 a.m. $5 fee covers two-hour bus tour of historic mines plus literature and map; call 537-3327 for reservation. Belly dAnCe witH zoe5:30-6:50 p.m. A Daily Practice, 104 N. Texas St. 654-4910. ComPASSionAte friendS4th Tuesday. 6:30 p.m. Support for those whove lost a child. Episcopal Church, Parish Hall, 7th and Texas St. Charlene Mitchell, 313-7362. fiGure/model drAwinG4-6 p.m. Contact Sam, 388-5583. GilA writerS6:30 p.m. Gila Regional Medical Center Conference Room, 1313 E. 32nd St. Trish Heck, [email protected], 538-4072 . interBody yoGA5:30-6:30 p.m., 315 N. Bullard, 2d fl. 519-8948.
Sundays
Wednesdays
HiStoriC mininG diStriCt & tourmeetinGSecond Thurs. 10 a.m. Bayard Community Center, 290 Hurley Ave., Bayard. 537-3327. KundAlini yoGA5:30 p.m. A Daily Practice, 104 N. Texas, 3882425. mountAin dulCimer JAm6:15 p.m., Public Library. ProGreSSive PilAteS5:30-6:30 p.m., 315 N. Bullard, 2d fl. 5198948. toPS5 p.m. 1st Presbyterian Church, 1915 Swan, 538-9447. vino y vinyASA (wine And yoGA)6:30 p.m. La Esperanza Vineyard and Winery, off Hwy. 61, turn on Royal John Mine Road, then left on DeLaO Road. (206) 940-1502, www. laesperanzavineyardandwinery.com. vinyASA yoGA5:30-6:30 p.m., 315 N. Bullard, 2d fl. 519-8948. yoGA ClASSFree class taught by Colleen Stinar. 1-2 p.m. Episcopal Church fellowship hall, 7th and Texas. KundAlini yoGANoon. A Daily Practice, 104 N. Texas St. overeAterS AnonymouS6 p.m. Gila Regional Medical Center conference room. 313-9400. Silver City womAnS CluB2d Fri., 10 a.m. 411 Silver Heights Blvd. 538-9326. tAiz2d Friday. Service of prayer, songs, scripture readings and quiet contemplation. 6:30 p.m. Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd, 538-2015. woodCArvinG CluB2d and 4th Fridays except holidays. 1 p.m. Senior Center. 313-1518. youtH SPACe5:30-10 p.m. Loud music, video games, chill out. Satellite/ Wellness Coalition. AlCoHoliCS AnonymouS BeGinnerS6 p.m. Lions Club, 8th & Bullard (entrance at Big Ditch behind Dominos). Newcomers and seasoned members welcome. BeGinninG SAlSA7-8 p.m. Javalinas. Instructor Gail Willow, 388-3332. douBle feAture BloCKBuSter meGA Hit movie niGHt5:30-11 pm. Satellite/Wellness Coalition. eveninG PrAyer in tHe eAStern ortHodox trAdition5 p.m. Theotokos Retreat Center, 5202 Hwy. 152, Santa Clara. 537-4839, theotokos@ zianet.com. KidS BiKe ride10 a.m., Bikeworks, 815 E. 10th St. Dave Baker, 590-2166. nArCotiCS AnonymouS6 p.m. New 180 Club, 1661 Hwy. 180 E. SAdHAnA morninG PrAyer, meditAtion, yoGALast Sat. 5-7 a.m. A Daily Practice, 104 N. Texas, 388-2425. SPinninG GrouP1st Sat., 1-3 p.m. Yada Yada Yarn, 614 N. Bullard, 388-3350. vinyASA flow yoGA10 a.m. All levels. A Daily Practice, 104 N. Texas, 388-2425. k
Fridays
Mondays
Saturdays
Urology
Tuesdays
Thursdays
Luna de Cobre
erapy Center
575-590-2202
DESERT EXPOSURE
APRIL 2012
45
his past fall, the earths human population reached 7 billion. The United Nations projects that by 2050 the earths population will reach between 8 and 11 billion. Living in southwest New Mexico, overpopulation and its consequences for the planet seem like someone elses distant problem. We live in small communities surrounded by thousands of acres of open space and beautiful public lands, clean air and the Gila, the last freeflowing river in New Mexico. For many of us, these are the very reasons we live here, far from cities and their associated problems. According to the US Census Bureau, New Mexico is the sixth most sparsely populated state in the nation. Grant County has a population density of 7.8 persons per square mile, Doa Ana 46 persons per square mile, Luna 8.4, Catron 0.5 and Hidalgo 1.7 persons per square mile. Our two largest cities are a long drive away, which can be an irritation for those seeking big shopping malls, international airports and medical specialists. Despite our apparent remoteness, we are completely interconnected with the world. Events, government policies and attitudes in Europe, Africa, South America and Asia impact us all in innumerable ways. For example, the recent debt crisis in Greece has created serious worries for the European Union and the stability of the euro. Subsequently, this has heightened concerns for the US financial market, which affects job creation, borrowing and lending rates in the US, potentially taxes and the age at which you can afford to retire. Environmental events can also be felt globally: A volcano erupting in Southeast Asia can affect the climate in North America and therefore impact food production, food prices and what you can afford for dinner tonight. Human population growth, even on the other side of the world, has far-reaching effects on our well-being in Southwest New Mexico, our society and personal lives. An ever-expanding population with limited world resources is a recipe for increased human suffering and resource wars that impact all of us. Our 7 billion neighbors all need food, clothing, a home and clean water. If their economic situation improves, so does their consumption of resources. Like most of us in the US, they then want more cars, refrigerators and flat-screen TVs. This requires increased resource extraction, be it copper, water or oil. If nations dont have the needed resources, history demonstrates, they will buy them from someone else, if they can, or start a war to take it from someone else. As food, water and energy resources are strained by an ever-expanding global population, conflict, civil war and environmental degradation increase. In response, the number of political and environmental refugees increases, whether they are fleeing civil war in the Sudan or the heat and sandstorms in Phoenix.
PILATES
DANCING STONES STUDIO
109 N. Bullard Silver City
Call to book your Private Session Free 20 minute introductory session for first time studio clients
Increase Bone Density Maintain a Healthy Spine Improve Balance & Flexibility State-of-the-art Stott Equipment Posture and Stride Analysis and Retraining
Street crowds in Dhaka, Bangladesh. (Photo by Ahron de Leeuw) make its decision for water usage based on input from four counties, passing on that decision to the Secretary of the Interior. Globally, the water consumption rate doubles every 20 years. But Southwest New Mexico is projected to have adequate water for many years under moderate growth. But that, of course, depends on maintaining good water quality, free from industrial or agricultural pollution. Southwest New Mexico gets its water from the Gila and Mimbres Basins. Currently, approximately 64% of this water is corporate owned, primarily by mining interests. Mining is the major economic driver in Southwest New Mexico. It provides jobs and an important tax base. You cant eat copper, however, and resource extraction must be done responsibly, in order to protect our groundwater from contamination. Strong legal safeguards and watchdog organizations are crucial to holding all corporations accountable. History has shown that mining corporations, motivated by profit, will not take steps to protect natural resources unless forced to do so. Throughout New Mexico, including the Southwest corner, there are many instances of historical and current contamination of groundwater from resource extraction. Poverty, food and water shortages and deforestation are all intensified by the addition of nearly 80 million people a year to the worlds population, as estimated by the Population Instititute. Deforestation includes the removal of trees and native vegetation that results in soil erosion and destabilization. Even back in 1902, deforestation and overgrazing helped create the conditions for a huge flood that washed away downtown Main Street in Silver City, now know as the Big Ditch. esides the environmental impacts of overpopulation, the personal and practical consequences of overpopulation for women, children, families and society are enormous. According to estimates by the Guttmacher Institute, 215 million women in the developing world want to delay or end childbearing but have no access to contraception. Half of the pregnancies in the OVERPOPULATION continued on next page
DE
575-534-1261 [email protected]
CAROL L. WATSON-BRAND
Fully Certified Pilates Instructor, Physicalmind Institute, New York, NY & Phoenix, AZ
Licensed Professional Clinical Mental Health Counselor Individual and Family Counseling
DE
One-fourth of all the children under 18 in New Mexico were living in poverty as of 2009.
ater wars have been common in the western US since the early days of European settlers. Conflicts increase as population grows, groundwater is depleted and the climate changes. Water scarcity is now a huge source of conflict between states in the eastern and southern US as well as the Southwest. In Southwest New Mexico, planning and discussion continues regarding the Arizona Water Settlements Act of 2004 (AWSAsee our February 2010 and September 2011 issues). AWSA will eventually determine the use of 14,000 acre feet per year of water for Southwest New Mexico that was authorized by the Colorado River Act of 1968. By the end of 2014, the Interstate Stream Commission will
Home
46
OVERPOPULATION continued
APRIL 2012
www.desertexposure.com
fewest years of education have the most unintended pregnancies. The unintended pregnancy rate for poor women in the US in 2006 was more than five times the rate for women in the highest income level, according to a Guttmacher report. Providing health care in rural areas like ours costs more money due to the distance providers must travel between clinics as well as the distance clients must travel to access care. Both Garrison and McCosh live in Grant County but commute six to eight A poor neighborhood in Cairo. (Photo by David Evers) hours a week to provide services in a three-county area. opments are driven by profit alone, with little conOver the last several years the Public Health De- cern for the long-term consequences to the quality partment has not refilled vacant nurse and nurse of our lives and destruction to the environment and practitioner positions in rural Southwest New the depletion of non-renewable resources. If used Mexico due to lack of state and federal funding. It wisely, technology can assist us in solving some of has also moved some nurse positions long held in the worlds problemsbut personal responsibility, Luna and Hidalgo Counties to Las Cruces, leaving compassion, respect and common sense are prerural areas even more underserved. requisites to all our local and global solutions.
US each year are unintended. In 2006, 24,000 New Mexican women had an unintended pregnancy. Unwanted pregnancies take a heavy toll on mothers, children, families and society. Spacing and planning pregnancies and early access to prenatal care decreases a womans risk for pregnancy and birth-related medical complications. It also protects an infant from the many physical and developmental complications of prematurity and illness related to poor maternal health. Many of these health complications for mother and baby can last a lifetime and carry high financial, emotional and psychological costs. Pregnant women, especially teens, often interrupt or end their education, which frequently results Earth Day in Silver City in increased famEarth Day will be celebrated in Silver City on ily poverty and Saturday, April 21. The annual event will be held stress. in Gough Park this year from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. and In New Mexiwill feature information booths, plant sales, food co, 31% of womand entertainment. Admission is free. en lack health April 21 is also the date for the annual Earth insurance and Day e-Waste electronic waste collection and many live at or recycling drive, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., in the parking below the federlot south of Gough Park (enter on 11th St.). All al poverty level. electronics and other recycling items will be acFortunately, pubcepted. Voluntary donation $5 per TV or monitor. licly supported For information on both events, call 519reproductive 8987. health services are available at public health clinics and community health centers in many communities. Most of these clinics are funded by public insurance programs such as Title X of the Public Health Service Act (1970), with pregnancy-related care through Medicaid and the Childrens Health Insurance Program (CHIP). Unfortunately, funding for these programs has declined by 30% since the mid 1990s. Susan Garrison, a Certified Nurse Practitioner, and Shauna McCosh, a Certified Family Nurse Practitioner and Certified Nurse Midwife, have both practiced in Southwest New Mexico for many years. Garrison provides comprehensive reproductive health care in Grant and Hidalgo Counties, as well as prenatal care in Luna County through the state Public Health Department. McCosh provides comprehensive reproductive health care, prenatal and post-partum care, as well as delivering babies in Grant and Hidalgo Counties through Hidalgo Medical Services. According to both health professionals, the women they serve often face tremendous challenges and obstacles including lack of health insurance, lack of education, dysfunctional families and poverty. Many of these women live in economically depressed communities with few employment options or role models of success. Family violence and drug abuse are common. Sadly for all of us, this is the population in Southwest New Mexico that is having lots of babies and starting parenthood as teens. In 2005 there were 6,770 pregnancies among New Mexico teens aged 15 to 19, according to the Guttmacher Institute. The cycle of unintended teen pregnancy, high fertility, poverty and dependence on social programs is heartbreaking, say Garrison and McCosh. Similarly, across the US, women with the
DE
Meet Lisa.
s for the current controversy over mandating that health insurers cover contraceptives, both Garrison and McCosh agree that insurers must be required to cover reproductive health care, including birth control. Such coverage is far more cost effective, they point out, than paying for births from unintended pregnancies. The cost to New Mexico taxpayers of all publicly funded state births from unintended pregnancies in 2006 was $47.1 million. According to the Guttmacher Institute, without public insurance programs, unintended pregnancy and abortions in the US would be one-third higher. These programs have saved taxpayers $3.4 billion in 2008, amounting to $3.74 saved for every $1 spent providing reproductive care. We as a society do a poor job of taking care of the children we currently have. Many social problems, such as poverty, lack of education, domestic violence and gender inequality, are exacerbated by rapid population growth. In New Mexico Region 5 (Catron, Doa Ana, Grant, Hidalgo and Luna counties), there were 2,859 Protective Service reports of child abuse or neglect in 2010. There were 1,776 children in foster care at the end of 2010 and 1,086 children with adoption as a permanent goal. Onefourth of all the children under 18 in New Mexico were living in poverty in 2009, according to the Annie E. Casey Foundations Kids Count 2011. The US Department of Education reports the high school drop-out rate in New Mexio for 2007 was 41%, compared to 26% nationwide. Clearly, we are not meeting many of the basic needs of our children. Some would argue that technology and expertise will solve all our problems. Contraceptive technology certainly has given us imA Revolution in Health-Based Fat Loss proved tools We have it all: and options, accountability food journaling allowing us clean, healthy eating to limit family size, space prescribed exercise pregnancies education support aordability and improve RESULTS maternal and - No Dieting - No Supplements child health. - No Pills - No Starvation Te c h n o l o g y has also cre2012 is your year ated many problems, to transform your health! however, such more information: as polluted air, www.genesistransformation.com water and soil. Sign up for our free newsletter! Many technoShe lost 125 lbs. logical devel575-430-2420 More results pictures on our website!
Over the last several years the Public Health Department has not refilled vacant nurse and nurse practitioner positions in rural Southwest New Mexico due to lack of state and federal funding.
he enormity of the challenges we face in this country and the world, many of which are human caused, leaves me feeling overwhelmed and immobilized at times. I love children, am a mother of an adult son and have worked much of my 35-year professional career with children and young families. But if we are the cause of many of our problems, then we can also be the source of the solutions. Sex and sexuality are a normal part of being human. Consensual sex between adults is not criminal activity. Birth control and the improved maternal and child health that results from its use have been around, in one form or another, for thousands of years. The desire to regulate fertility and thereby have some control over and improve ones life and the future of our children is nearly universal. Access to voluntary reproductive choice is a reasonable human right and directly related to our life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. Humans can better meet the physical, emotional and psychological needs of our children if we have fewer of them. In the past, more children meant more free labor. Shifting to smaller families now brings economic benefits. Access to and voluntary, correct use of birth control drastically reduces the number of abortions. Solutions to our local, national and global problems will require wise individual, societal, economic and governmental decisions while keeping our eye on the long-term consequences of our actions. Individually and collectively, we have a responsibility to better support, educate, protect and encourage our children and young families. They are all our children, whether we gave birth to them or not. Solutions demand correct and ageappropriate family-life education for our children. Solutions require respectful dialogue and compromise by all sides of the issue, not defined by rigid political or religious ideology. Solutions to the overpopulation problem already exist. Political, financial and personal support for local, national and international familyplanning programs and reproductive health care have already proven to be extremely cost-effective and successful in saving womens lives, improving the health of families and pulling families out of poverty. Those of us beyond our child-bearing years have a special opportunity, based on our experiences and resources, to encourage younger people to wisely plan their futures, complete their education and limit family size. We as a society also must make sure they have the tools to do so. Overpopulation is a global issue that impacts all of us whether the communities in which we reside are crowded or not. We are all interconnected. We are faced with many serious, global problems that demand our attention. None of them will be solved, however, without population stabilization. k
DESERT EXPOSURE
APRIL 2012
47
Haute Hobo
Second-hand clothing stores are the secret to turning heads and making the ladies sigh in adoration.
n my quest to stay up-to-date, I agreed to go to the clothes-selling place to preview this springs fashions. I think the first store we went to specialized in stripper clothes, as it was primarily stocked for women with low self-esteem. The store had a mens sectionthere was a sign that said sobut it looked like they were storing more womens clothes in that area, or else they were ca-
tering only to French men. Our second stop was equally puzzling. Did you know they sell shirts inside of other shirts, except its really just one shirt? I guess its for the man whos unclear on how to put on two shirts all by himself. There was also a rack of button-down shirts, which are a good choice for funerals, weddings or court appearances, except they had those little epaulettes on the shoulders, which might given somebody the mistaken impression that the wearer is a colonel in the Honduran army, which is apt to get you assassinated. There were various shirts with screen-printed electric guitars, flowers and stenciled letters that looked like the printer wasnt aligned correctly. I passed up those choices, too. In the end, I found a solid-colored polo shirt that I think will come in handy the next time I need to ask the bank for money. Its pretty high up on the classy scale. This isnt to imply that Im not above admitting to infrequent lapses in style judgment. I have ashamedly culled my drawers of some outstanding articles of clothing, many of which were older than my teenage children. My Frankie Say Relax T-shirt is long gone, as are all my denim shorts. My Members Only jacket is no longer admitted anywhere, and I really dont have the gravitas to pull off a linen sports coat since Miami Vice went off the air. Ironically, by surrendering these chestnuts, I found a new source for designer clothing. Second-hand clothing stores are the secret to turning heads and making the ladies sigh in adoration. I have discovered some of the most amazing things: A hand-painted camp shirt with a hula dancer on it for $3. A red T-shirt with the word SECURITY printed on it for $2 (that babys my backstage pass for all the best concerts). A tweed sport coat with leather patches on the elbows, just like an Englishman would wear to Parliament or a fox hunt, for only $8. I may have the fashion sense of a brain-damaged gibbon, but I can get an entire new spring wardrobe for under $40. Hobo chic is in! Its important to dress for success, but its also important not to crimp your style or face the shame of old photos with you wearing ridiculous of-themoment fashion. Trust me, Lady Gaga is going to hate old photos of herself in 10 years. Meanwhile, Ill still be contemplating whether its time to retire my corduroy pants, and raising the bar for the most sophisticated hobos. k Henry Lightcap lives in style in Las Cruces.
NEW LISTING
All new interior, large lot, 3 BR, lots of light MLS 28864, only $89,900!
Lot in Silver Acres, .77 ac., mt. views. MLS 27391, $16,900
Temporary Rental
Five Months, beginning May 15
Will rent May 15 to October 15, 2012, our fully furnished architect-designed artists home on 10 acres abutting National Forest, elevation 7,000 ft., 7 miles from Silver City. Views to the south into Mexico. Two bedrooms plus ofce/guest room, two lofts, 2 baths, large open living area, open patio, covered porch, carport. Perfect for a couple or small family who are eeing the heat of the lowlands for the summer, or someone trying out the area for a retirement situation, new job, looking to buy a house. Rent is $1,000 per month plus utilities. Pets considered. Pictures available.
SALE PENDING
Beautiful setting in the mountains with spectacular views. 19.34 acre parcel. Well and electric in! MLS 25861, $94,500
2 BD, 2 Bath plus studio and deck with mountain views, MLS 28896, $115,000. Close to downtown, new windows, MLS 25841. Only $89,900.
Colleen Stinar
[email protected]
(575) 574-5451
311 N. Bullard
(in the Silco Theater)
48
APRIL 2012
www.desertexposure.com
Mimbres Farms
Hardware
F
Serving New Mexico Since 1993
Grow fresh herbs, greens, vegetables & flowers all year long!
800-753-4617 AHLgrows.com
ubilation! Spring is officially here and my desire to garden is recklessly insuppressible. Quick, someone give me the right-hand equivalent of Hannibal Lecters no-cannibalism mask or I wont make it until frosts over day. If you are feeling the same urges, subdue them! Read a new gardening book (like Concrete Garden Projects, mentioned later) to keep you away from the good earth a while longer. Take your garden plan to a nursery to find that perfect site-specific plant or tree. How exciting that this year two Silver City nurseries have enlarged their spaces and added more merchandiseand a new one opens April 17. That addition to the growing scene is Country Girls Nursery at 2906 Mountain View Road, which features two large greenhouses for growing vegetables and ornamentals. Owner Kendra Wolf, 41, who was an ardent Future Farmer of America (FFA) in high school, grew up on a farm near Cliff, in close proximity to her grandparents ranch. So the country-girl moniker is bona fideWolf was raised cultivating a vegetable garden and fruit orchard. Kendra Wolf holds a blooming rosemary, one of Back then, Wolf recalls, I was more interest- many herbs she grows along with vegetables and ed in eating from the garden than working in it. flowers at the new Country Girls Nursery. (Photo Times have changed. After success with her by Vivian Savitt) hobby greenhouse, and the encouragement of friends, husband and relatives to grow a business, plants. Fruit treesranging from cherry to pear Wolf did the math and decided to forge ahead. are now available along with a full line of BotaniWielding a larger spade now, her goal is to create a cal Interest seeds, including heirloom and organic well-rounded nursery. varieties. Wolf makes her own Dunn says that the soil and does not use garden centers extepesticides. rior space is now fully Last year at the Silver utilized to accommoCity Farmers Market, date staple plants for Wolf says that she sold landscape contractors. 750 plants, including toWe still carry a great matoes, chile peppers, selection of winterherbs and some flowers. hardy Vietnamese pots Then and now, she is and fountains, she assisted by her 15-yearadds, as well as plants old daughter, Sarah, chosen specifically for the other country girl. this climate, including Together they plan to species that are deer continue stocking their resistant and drought booth at the Market as tolerant such as those well as running the new from Mountain States nursery. growers. Expect to find rose Open Monday-Saturbushes, shade plus day 7 a.m.-7 p.m., Sunapple and peach trees, day 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. raspberries and table (575) 534-0782. grapes among other items to be available A rusted-out 1936 Chevy pickup serves as Kendra 2,000-squareat the nursery location, Wolfs nursery sign. (Photo by Vivian Savitt) foot expansion open Tuesday-Friday 9 into a warea.m.-5 p.m., Saturday 9 a.m.-1 p.m. (575) 313-1507. house space at Silver Heights Nursery, 1950 Hwy. 180 E., enables owners Regina and Steve Vinrom the Ace Hardware Garden Center, son to supply customers with many often-request3025 Hwy. 180 E., supervisor Kristi Dunn ed items, including shade cloth and landscaper(formerly of Dunns Nursery) reports that a grade weed barrier. We also have redwood trellises, rain barrels, 10% discount is offered on any purchase of five benches and much more in the new space, says Regina. Our rustic wine barrels from Oregon still retain the scent of Pinot Noir! she laughs. This year we have pottery in all shapes and colors from Malaysia, China, Italy and Mexicoas well as locally made garden art. If you subscribe to the nurserys informative blog (www. silverheightsnursery.blogspot. com) this month, you could win a $25 gift certificate or a Fox Farm (the fertilizer folks) gift bag. Customers who already subscribe are eligible automatically. Open Tuesday-Saturday, 9 An array of brightly colored garden and patio items completes the a.m.-5 p.m. (575) 956-3159. new space at Silver Heights Nursery. (Photo by Vivian Savitt)
DESERT EXPOSURE
house (April 2011), opens for the season on April 12 with an array of locally grown bedding plants, a shade room and a wide selection of native and drought-tolerant plants. Its at 2290 Hwy. 60, two miles from where Hwy. 152 and Hwy. 61 meet. Open Thursday-Sunday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Heirloom fruit trees are now part of the mix at Lone MounLovely and sturdy plant holdersas unusual as the object you find for a moldare small, utilitarian garden art that can be formed from tain Natives in Arenas Valley (June 2008). Owners Mark concrete. (Photo by Camilla Arvidsson, courtesy Timber Press) Cantrell and Tricia Hurley continue to offer seeds, wildflowers, cacti, shrubs and trees naturally suited to the area. See them at the Saturday Silver City Farmers Market and at Gough Park on Earth Day, or make an appointment for a visit. (575) 538-4345.
APRIL 2012
Besides purchasing concrete and collecting molds, the only other materials you may need during the construction process are a large bucket or tub for mixing the concrete; a trowel or large spatula; cooking oil to prevent the concrete from sticking to the mold; protective gloves; and plastic sheeting for keeping larger projects moist during the drying process. If motivated, buy spray paint and stencils, find pottery shards and mirrored glass to imbue your personal concrete creation with style. Most of the projects are easy and inexpensive. Concrete is durable and weathers beautifully. As the authors emphasize, its an excellent foil for greenery and water. If you are game, let me know how it goes and whether stirring concrete summons images of ancient Romans planning an aqueduct. By all means send me photographs of your completed project. k Southwest Gardener columnist Vivian Savitt gardens at Ditch Cottage in Silver City.
49
A stepping stone with lots of traditional garden character becomes a DIY project in the book Concrete Garden Projects. (Photo by Camilla Arvidsson, courtesy Timber Press)
Open Tuesday-Saturday 9-5 Subscribe to our blog www.silverheightsnursery.blogspot.com in April and automatically be entered for a chance to win a $25 gi certi cate or a Fox Farm gi bag
1950 Hwy 180 E. (behind Aunt Judy's Attic) Silver City, NM 575.956.3159
est 1995
esides these new and expanded operations, Silver City area gardeners have several other choices to exercise their green thumbs. The garden center at JDs Feed and Supply, 402 Silver Heights Blvd., will feature flowers, vegetables and herbs similar to last year, as well as Ferry-Morse seeds. Sue, who heads the garden operation, says that deliveries will also continue twice a month. Open Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. (575) 538-2187. If this is the year that you are determined to create a pond in your garden, Peaceful Ponds, 121 Kirkland Road, can provide both aquatic plants and fishplus lend expertise and pond maintenance products to your project. Contact owners Kelly or Paul Osuna at (575) 574-5544. And dont forget two other gardening meccas previously written about in this space. Mimbres Farms, the areas largest certified organic green-
Cacti, Shrubs, Trees, Wildflowers & Seeds for all landscape needs
575-538-4345 [email protected] Now Offering Heirloom Fruit Trees for Spring 2012 Limited Supply, Email LMN for Details
By appointment or visit us at the Silver City Farmers Market or at Earth Day.
Thank You!
A Success!
50
APRIL 2012
www.desertexposure.com
Grand Opening
Sunrise Espresso II 1212 East 32nd St. (Leslie @ 32nd St.)
Come on in or use our convenient drive-through. Enjoy freshly baked treats and free WiFi. If you have the time, we offer a relaxing comfortable location for informal meetings of getting together with friends.
At Sunrise Espresso we specialize in high quality espresso drinks
Red or Green
Southwest New Mexico best restaurant guide. s
designed to please the most discriminating tastes. The menu includes lattes, cappuccinos, mochas, and one of the best black cups of coffee you will find anywhere. All our drinks can be made hot, frozen (blended), or over ice, and most drinks can be made sugar free. Non-coffee drinks include Chai lattes, Italian cream sodas, and assorted teas.
ed or Green? is Desert Exposures guide to dining in southwest New Mexico. The listings herea sampling of our complete and recently completely updated guide online at www.desertexposure.cominclude some of our favorites and restaurants weve recently reviewed. We emphasize non-national-chain restaurants with sit-down, table service . With each listing, we include a brief categorization of the type of cuisine plus what meals are served: B=Breakfast; L=Lunch; D=Dinner. Unless otherwise noted, restaurants are open seven days a week. Call for exact hours, which change frequently. All phone numbers are area code 575 except as specified. We also note with a star (*) restaurants where you can pick up copies of Desert Exposure.
GRANT COUNTY Silver City
If weve recently reviewed a restaurant, youll find a brief capsule of our review and a notation of which issue it originally appeared in. Stories from all back issues of Desert Exposure from January 2005 on are available on our Web site. Though every effort has been made to make these listings complete and up-to-date, errors and omissions are inevitable and restaurants may make changes after this issue goes to press. Thats why we urge you to help us make Red or Green? even better. Drop a note to Red or Green? c/o Desert Exposure, PO Box 191, Silver City, NM 88062, fax 534-4134, or email [email protected]. Remember, these print listings represent only highlights. You can always find the complete, updated Red or Green? guide online at www.desertexposure.com. Bon apptit!
lA CoCinA reStAurAnt, 201 W. College Ave., 388-8687. Mexican: L D. lA fAmiliA, 503 N. Hudson St., 388-4600. Mexican: Tues.-Sun. B L D.* lA mexiCAnA, Hwy. 180E and Memory Lane, 534-0142. Mexican and American: B L. lionS den, 208 W. Yankie, 6540353. Coffeeshop. mArGoS BAKery CAf, 300 S. Bullard St., 597-0012. Made-fromscratch traditional and specialty breads, pastries and other baked goods, savory and fruit empanadas, quiches. (November 2011) Bakery: Wed.-Sat. B L.* mASA y mAS tortilleriA, Suite C-The Hub Plaza, (505) 670-8775. Tortillas, tacos, chimichangas, burritos, enchiladas, menudo, tamales and more. Mexican: Mon.-Sat. B L.* mi CASitA, 2340 Bosworth Dr., 538-5533. New Mexican cuisine: Mon.-Thurs. L, Fri. L D. nAnCyS Silver CAf, 514 N. Bullard St., 388-3480. Mexican: Mon.-Sat. B L D. off tHe HooK, 1700 Mountain View Road, 534-1100. Country-style Southern cooking: B L D.* tHe PArlor At diAneS, 510 N. Bullard St., 538-8722. Beer and wine bar, sandwiches, light bites: Tues.-Sun. afternoons. PeACe meAl deli, The Hub, 6th and Bullard, 388-0106. The unique and healthful food is tasty, and the only such of its kind around for miles maybe even galaxies. (February 2007) Vegetarian: Mon.-Sat. L.* Pretty Sweet emPorium, 312 N. Bullard St., 388-8600. Dessert, ice cream: Mon.-Sat.* QS SoutHern BiStro, 101 E. College Ave., 534-4401. Qs Southern Bistro has found its niche and honed its elevated pub menu to excellence to serve its fun-loving, casual dining crowd. (October 2010) American, steaks, barbecue: Mon.-Sat. L D. red BArn, 708 Silver Heights Blvd., 538-5666. From the friendly staff to the down-home foodsteaks, of course, plus chicken, seafood, burgers, sandwiches and a sampling of superb Mexican fareyou might be settling in for lunch or dinner at an especially large ranch house. (October 2009) Steakhouse: L D.* SHeveK & Co., 602 N. Bullard St., 534-9168. Shevek & Co. will take your taste buds on a culinary tour from Spain to Greece, with delicious destinations all along the Mediterranean in-between. The sheer ambition of the offerings is astonishing. (March 2009) Mediterranean: D, brunch on selected weekends.* Silver BowlinG Center CAf, 2020 Memory Lane, 538-3612. American, Mexican, hamburgers: L D.* SilverAdo HeAltH food SHoP, 303 E. 13th St., 534-9404. Sandwiches, burritos, salads, smoothies: Mon.-Fri. L. SunriSe eSPreSSo, 1530 N. Hudson, 388-2027. Coffeeshop: Mon.-Sat. B L, early D. SunriSe eSPreSSo, 1212 E. 32nd St., 534-9565. Coffeeshop, bakery: Mon.-Fri. B L, early D, Sat. B L only.*
ALOTTA GELATO
It's hard to write this, but we feel we owe you an explanation. A few months ago, we noticed a change in our 'cream' flavors: some of them were developing a stringy, stretchy texture. (The fruit flavors were unaffected.) We tried a number of things to see if we could remedy the situation, without success. We notified the manufacturer of the base mixes we use and informed them of the problem; they have now resolved it, and the texture is much improvedsmooth and silky, as it should be. (We've even noticed some improvement to the flavors as a result of fixing this issue, which is an unexpected benefit.) The long and short of it is this: if you noticed the difference and didn't like it, we strongly suggest that you come by and try us againyou'll be glad you did. For those of you who stuck by us while we straightened this out: thanks for bearing with us. As a token of our appreciation for you, our valued customer, bring this ad for 25 off any size gelato for each member of your party.
Visit us online at: www.alottagelato.com
Alotta Gelato - 619 N. Bullard St., in Downtown Silver City -575-534-4995 Viva New Mexico Restaurant Program encouraging diners to select more health conscious meals when eating out.
- Silver City Adobe Springs Caf Billys BBQ Dianes Restaurant Grinder Mill Isaacs Grill Kountry Kitchen Peace Meal Cooperative Sheveks & Co. Silverado e Jalisco Cafe e Red Barn Vickis Eatery Wranglers Bar & Grill -BayardLittle Nishas M and A Bayard Caf -HurleyGateway Grill -MimbresBryans BBQ Elks Xing Caf -LordsburgEl Charro Fidencios Ramonas Caf -RodeoRodeo Caf
Sponsored by:
Look for the red heart menu items your guide to diabetes and heart friendly selections.
AdoBe SPrinGS CAf, 1617 Silver Heights Blvd., 538-3665. Under new ownership and refocusing on what has made it a longtime Silver City favorite: excellent breakfasts and lunches. (April 2011) Breakfast items, burgers, sandwiches: Mon.-Thur. B L, Sat. & Sun. B L D.* AlottA GelAto, 619 N. Bullard St., 534-4995. Gelato, desserts and hot drinks: All day.* ASiAn Buffet, 1740 Hwy. 180E, 388-0777. A boundless buffet that would satisfy the Mongol hordes. (April 2010) Chinese, Thai, Malaysian, sushi: L D. BillyS BBQ And wood-fired PizzA, Hwy 180E, 388-1367. A freewheeling mixture of barbequed ribs and brisket, freshly made pasta, Cajun catfish, seared Ahi tuna, authentic Greek gyros, and pizzas baked in a wood-fired oven and featuring a wide range of innovative toppings. (November 2010) Barbecue, pizza, gyros, pasta: Tues.-Fri. D. Sat.-Sun. L D. Italian nights Weds., Sat.* BryAnS Pit BArBeCue, Mimbres Valley Self Storage and RV Park, (660) 247-3151 or (660) 247-3160. Authentic Southern-style barbecue.. Brisket, pork ribs, chicken and sausage dinners, pulled pork and chopped brisket sandwiches. (August 2010). Now also BBQ tenderloin and smoked turkey. Barbecue: L D. CAf oSo Azul At BeAr mountAin lodGe, 60 Bear Mountain Ranch Road, 538-2538. Bear Mountain Lodge blends food, art and natural beauty into a memorable experience that pleases all the senses. The menu changes daily, with entres that are always imaginative and tastycomfort food in a form that most of our mothers would never have thought of producing. (March 2011) Weekend brunch, weekday L by reservation only.* CAf un mundo, 700 N. Bullard, 956-8752. The sandwiches,[made with] special home-made rolls, along with the long list of salads that now appear on the cafs menu, are as creative as the buildings dcor. And, of course, theres always a tasty soupof-the-day available. The menu describes the soups as Flavour-Driven Concoctions and the description fits everything else on the menu, as well. (January 2012) Vegetarian and vegan dishes available. Mon.-Fri. L.* CHineSe PAlACe, 1010 Highway 180E, 538-9300. Chinese: Mon.-Fri. L D. CourtyArd CAf, Gila Regional Medical Center, 538-4094. American: B L, with special brunch Sundays.* CuriouS KumQuAt, 111 E. College Ave., 534-0337. A hotspot of modern culinary innovation. Lunch features soups, salads and sandwiches. Dinners are elaborate, imaginative, exotic five-course culinary creations. Entres always include vegetarian and vegan options plus others determined by what local ranchers have available. (July 2010) Contemporary: Mon. L, Tues.-Sat. L D.*
deliGHtful Blend, 3030 N. Pinos Altos Road, 388-2404. Coffeeshop. deli-SSH, 801 N. Hudson St., 3882737. Sandwiches, wraps, Italian: Mon.-Sat. L early D. diAneS reStAurAnt, 510 N. Bullard St., 538-8722. As they serve Dianes fresh, inventive dishes, the staff will make you subtly aware you are indeed enjoying a big-city-caliber dining experiencewithout the least bit of snootiness to detract from the fact that you are, nonetheless, in small-town New Mexico. (Sept. 2007) Homemade American, Euro and Pacific Rim: Tues.-Sat. L D, Sun. D only, weekend brunch, catering. diAneS BAKery & deli, The Hub, Suite A, Bullard St., 534-9229. Topnotch pastries in the morning, deli lunch ordinner. . . Dianes new Deli has it allto go! (Sept. 2007) Artisan breads, sandwiches, deli, baked goods: B L D.* don fidenCioS, 901 N. Hudson St., 597-3663. Mexican: B L D. don JuAnS BurritoS, 418 Silver Heights Blvd., 538-5440. Mexican: B L. drifter PAnCAKe HouSe, 711 Silver Heights Blvd., 538-2916. Breakfast, American: B L, breakfast served throughout.* eAt your HeArt out, 800 W. Market, 313-9005. Take-away dinners: Tues.-Thurs. 4:30-6 p.m.* Gil-A BeAnS, 1304 N. Bennett St. Coffeeshop.* Golden StAr, 1602 Silver Heights Blvd., 388-2323. If you sometimes long for the guilty pleasures of the Chinese food served at a mall food courtthink Panda Expressor just want your wontons without waiting, theres good news. Normal appetites will find the three-item combo tough to finish, so plan on leftovers whether youre eating in or taking out. All of its plenty tasty, and you can enjoy it just like in the food court. (February 2007) Chinese: L D. GrAndmAS CAf, 900 Silver Heights Blvd., 388-2627. American, Mexican: B L.* Grinder mill, 403 W. College Ave., 538-3366. Mexican: B L D.* iSAACS Grill, Bullard and Broadway, 388-4090. Situated in the historic and massively renovated Isaac Cohen Building. Though one certainly can linger over a serious dinner here, or enjoy microbrews and appetizers for hours, its great for a quick bite, too. (November 2006) American, burgers, sandwiches: Fri.Sun. L D, Sun. brunch, Mon.-Wed. D only.* JAliSCo CAf, 100 S. Bullard St., 388-2060. The Mexican restaurant where you take out-of-town guests. Jaliscos massive menu goes well beyond the traditional combination plates, though it has those, too. (December 2007) Mexican: Mon.-Sat. L D. JAvA tHe Hut, 611-A N. Bullard St., 534-4103. Espresso and coffeeshop: Mon.-Sat.* JAvAlinA Coffee HouSe, 201 N. Bullard St., 388-1350. Coffeehouse.* Kountry KitCHen, 1505 N. Hudson St., 388-4512. Mexican: Mon.Sat. B L early D, Sun. B only.*
DESERT EXPOSURE
terryS oriGinAl BArBeQue, Hwy. 180 and Ranch Club Road. Barbeque to go: L D. 3 doGS CoffeeHouSe, 503 N. Bullard St. Coffeeshop. viCKiS eAtery, 315 N. Texas, 388-5430. Serving hearty breakfasts, sandwiches both cold and grilled, wraps and salads that satisfy in a homey yet sophisticated way. Dont miss the German potato salad. (Dec. 2009) American: Mon.-Sat. B L. Sun. B.* wrAnGlerS BAr & Grill, 2005 Hwy. 180E, 538-4387. Steak, burgers, appetizers, salads: L D.* yAnKie CreeK Coffee HouSe, 112 W. Yankie St. Coffeeshop, coffee, home-made pastries and ice cream, fresh fruit smoothies.* A.i.r. roAStinG HouSe And CAf, 208 Central Ave., 537-3967. Coffeehouse.* fidenCioS tACo SHoP, 1108 Tom Foy Blvd. Mexican: B L D. little niSHAS, 1101 Tom Foy Blvd., 537-3526. Mexican: Wed.-Sun. B L D. loS ComPAS, 1203 Tom Foy Blvd. 654-4109. Sonoran-style Mexican, hot dogs, portas, menudo: L D. m & A BAyArd CAf, 1101 N. Central Ave., 537-2251. A down-toearth, friendly, unpretentious place kind of a cross between a Mexican cantina and a 1950s home-style diner, serving tasty, no-frills Mexican and American food at reasonable prices. (October 2011) Mexican and American: Mon.-Fri. B L D. SPAniSH CAf, 106 Central Ave., 537-2640. Mexican, tamales and menudo (takeout only): B. SuGAr SHACK, 1102 Tom Foy Blvd., 537-0500. Mexican: Sun.-Fri. B L. PArKeyS, 8414 Hwy. 180W, 5354000. Coffeeshop: Mon.-Sat. GAtewAy Grill, 2705 Hwy. 180E, 537-5001. From Friday Steak Night to everyday American and Mexican food, worth hitting Hwy. 180 for. (December 2011) American and Mexican: Sun.-Thur. B L, Fri.-Sat. B L D.* SPirit CAnyon lodGe & CAf, 684 Hwy. 35, 536-9459. For the German sampler, caf customers can choose two meat options from a revolving selection that may include on any given day three or four of the following: bratwurst, roast pork, schnitzel (a thin breaded and fried pork chop), sauerbraten (marinated roast of beef), stuffed cabbage leaves, or roladen (rolled beef with a sausage and onion filling). (July 2011) German specialties, American lunch and dinner entres: Saturday midday D. elK x-inG CAf, 3668 Hwy 35, (352) 212-0448. American, burgers, meatloaf: Thurs.-Sun. B L. mimBreS vAlley CAf, 2964 Hwy. 35, 536-2857. You wont go home hungry from the Mimbres Valley Caf, an oasis of down-home good food in a friendly atmosphere. The menu is simple and hearty, a blend of American and Mexican. (Jan. 2009) Mexican, American, burgers: Mon.-Tues. B L, Wed.-Sun. B L D, with Japanese tempura Wed. D. BuCKHorn SAloon And oPerA HouSe, Main Street, 538-9911. The Buck, as most locals affectionately call it, has a history of satisfying at the dinner plate with its long-favored menu including generous slabs of meat, hearty green chile stew with kick and honest pours at the full bar. (December 2010) Steakhouse, pasta, burgers: Mon.-Sat. D.
APRIL 2012
Pinos Altos
sandwiches: B L early D. CArilloS CAf, 330 S. Church, 523-9913. Mexican, American: Mon.Sat. L D. CAttlemenS SteAKHouSe, 2375 Bataan Memorial Hwy., 382-9051. Steakhouse: D. CHA CHiS reStAurAnt, 2460 S. Locust St #A, 522-7322. Mexican: B L D. CHiCAGo SoutHweSt, 3691 E. Lohman, 521-8888. Gourmet hot dogs and smoothies: Mon.-Sat. L D. CHilitoS, 2405 S. Valley Dr., 5264184. Mexican: Mon.-Sat. B L D. CHilitoS, 3850 Foothills Rd. Ste. 10, 532-0141. Mexican: B L D. CHinA exPreSS, 2443 N. Main St., 525-9411. Chinese, Vietnamese: L D. CHineSe KitCHen, 2801 Missouri #29, 521-3802. Chinese: L D. CiroS mexiCAn reStAurAnt, 160 W. Picacho Ave., 541-0341. Mexican: B L D. dAyS HAmBurGerS, Water & Las Cruces St., 523-8665. Burgers: Mon.Sat. L D. de lA veGAS PeCAn Grill & Brewery, 500 S. Telshor Blvd., 521-1099. The restaurant uses local produce whenever possible, including the pecan wood pellets used in the smoking and grilling. A lot of the foods and drinks are infused with pecans, and also with green chiles from Hatch, processed on site. They even serve green chile vodka and green chile beer. (February 2010) Pecan-smoked meats, sandwiches, steaks, seafood, craft beers: L D. deliCiAS del mAr, 1401 El Paseo, 524-2396. Mexican, seafood: B L D. dGS univerSity deli, 1305 E. University Ave., 522-8409. Deli: B L D.* diCKS CAf, 2305 S. Valley Dr., 524-1360. Mexican, burgers: Sun. B L, Mon.-Sat. B L D. dionS PizzA, 3950 E. Lohman, 521-3434. Pizza: L D. douBle eAGle, 2355 Calle De Guadalupe, 523-6700. All the steaks are aged on the premises in the restaurants own dedicated beef aging room An array of award-winning margaritas and deliciously decadent desserts. (March 2012) Southwestern, steaks, seafood: L D, Sun. champagne brunch buffet. duBlin Street PuB, 1745 E. University Ave., 522-0932. Irish, American: L D. eddieS BAr & Grill, 901 Avenida de Mesilla, 524-8603. Pub food, American, Southwestern: B L D. el Comedor, 2190 Avenida de Mesilla, 524-7002. Mexican: B L D. el PAtron CAf, 1103 S. Solano Dr. Mexican: Tues.-Thur., Sun. B L, Fri.Sat. B L early D. el SomBrero PAtio CAf, 363 S. Espina St., 524-9911. Mexican: L D. el tiBuron, 504 E. Amador, 6474233. Mexican, seafood, steak: L D. emiliAS, 2290 Calle de Parian, 652-3007. Burgers, Mexican, soup, sandwiches, pastry, juices, smoothies: L D. emPire Buffet, 510 S. Telshor Blvd., 522-2333. Asian: L D. enriQueS, 830 W. Picacho, 6470240. Mexican: B L D. fArleyS, 3499 Foothills Rd., 522-0466. Pizza, burgers, American,
51
Call for locations in the Mimbres and Silver City! Call for onsite barbeque!
Meat Available by the pound CUSTOM ORDERS WELCOME!
Bayard
Cliff
Hurley
Lake Roberts
Mimbres
ABrAHAmS BAnK tower reStAurAnt, 500 S. Main St. #434, 5235911. American: Mon.-Fri. B L. AndeleS doG HouSe, 2184 Avenida de Mesilla, 526-1271. Mexican plus hot dogs, burgers, quesadillas: B L D. Andele reStAurAnte, 1950 Calle del Norte, 526-9631. Mexican: Mon. B L, Tues.-Sun. B L D. AntonioS reStAurAnt & PizzeriA, 5195 Bataan Memorial West, 373-0222. Pizza, Italian, Mexican: Tues.-Sun. L D. AQuA reef, 900-B S. Telshor, 522-7333. Las Cruces smashing, elegant sushi restaurant is more than dinnerits a dining adventure. Though Aqua Reef bills itself as serving Euro-Asian cuisine, the menu feels (delightfully!) hard-core Asian, excelling in the fresh and raw. (April 2008) Asian, sushi: D. BAAn tHAi KitCHen, 1605 S. Solano Dr., 521-2630. Thai: Tues.-Sat. L D, Sun. L. tHe BeAn, 2011 Avenida de Mesilla, 523-0560. Coffeehouse. Blue AGAve CAf, 1765 S. Main St. (inside Best Western Mission Inn), 524-8591. Southwestern: B. Blue moon, 13060 N. Valley Dr., 647-9524. Bar, burgers: Sat.-Sun. L D. BoBA CAf, 1900 S. Espina, Ste. 8, 647-5900. The signature Bubble Tea is just the beginning of an inventive eating experience. The menuwith a long list of soups, salads, sandwiches, appetizers, wraps and other stuff is the same for lunch and dinner, although Tuesday through Thursday nights Boba lays on special Caribbean fare and Friday nights are Asianthemed, with sushi. (June 2009) Sandwiches, salads, casual fare, espresso: Mon.-Sat. L D.* BrAvoS CAf, 3205 S. Main St., 526-8604. Mexican: Tues.-Sun. B L. BreAK An eGG, 201 S. Solano Dr., 647-3000. Dedicated to owner Janice Williams love of movies and theater, movie posters and stills dot the walls. The menu uses groan-inducing but fun movie-related puns, such as The Ommies, for the nice selection of omelets. Lunch offers a full range of sandwiches, salads, burgers and a few wraps. Portions are done rightjust enough to fill the gap without emptying your wallet. (Sept. 2008) Breakfasts, burgers, salads, sandwiches: B L. BurGer nooK, 1204 E. Madrid Ave., 523-9806. Burgers: Tues.-Sat. L D. BurritoS viCtoriA, 1295 El Paseo Road, 541-5534. Burritos: B L D. CAf AGoGo, 1120 Commerce Dr., Suite A, 636-4580. Asian, American, sandwich, salad, rice bowl: Mon.-Sat. L D. CAf de meSillA en lA PlAzA, 2051 Calle de Santiago, 652-3019. Coffeehouse, deli, pastries, soups,
BRYAN SMITH
BBQ Master
52
APRIL 2012
www.desertexposure.com
lisa and Curtis Jackson discovered Deming when they were on vacation in 2008. We were RV-ing, headed toward South Carolina, says Elisa. We stopped here to rest and never left. There was something about the atmosphere and the people that we loved. Elisa and Curtis started a pie business soon after they arrived. We were doing great, she says. I went from business to businessthe employees were the ones that bought our pies. We had a customer base of over 800. They called me the Pie Lady of Deming. For a while they sold pies at Elisa and Curtis Jackson flank cook Joseph Jaramillo outside their Elisas Peppers Supermarket in town. House of Pies and Restaurant in Deming. (Photo by Marjorie Lilly) In early February this year, the Jacksons started their own eating establishmentElisas House of Pies and ut this place is not all pies. The entre part Restaurant, featuring pies and southern cooking. of the menu is lengthy. Youll find fish (cornIts a change of pace among the large array of exmeal dusted), skillet-fried chicken, ribeye cellent Mexican restaurants and others in Deming. steak, meat loaf (Elisas secret recipe), stuffed The restaurant is in a little brick building just bell peppers, croquets (best with Louisiana hot north of the Wells Fargo Bank, off the parking lot. sauce, advises Elisa), stuffed cabbage, and a BBQ The atmosphere inside is what youd call cozy, Beef Rib Dinner (smoked with Curtis special with red-and-white checked tablecloths and ex- sauce). posed brick walls. Curtis sauce manages to be very tangy and very The quality was recognized so quickly that spicy at the same time. It has to be the best for KRWG (both FM and TV) is making one of its small- miles around. town visits to Elisas on Wednesday, April 4, from 9 Side orders include fried cabbage, collard a.m. to 11 a.m. greens, mac and cheese, and red beans and rice, among others. There is a homey taste in all these ies are the headliners of the restaurant. Elisa dishes that is very rich in flavor. Each entre comes with magnanimous ex(pronounced Ee-LEE-sa) says they make 35 flavors and can throw together any of them trasthree of the sides plus a choice of a biscuit, cornbread (I can testify this is soft and sweet), upon request. Ive been cooking since I was eight years old, hot-water cornbread, or jalapeo cornbread. All says Elisa of her childhood in San Diego. I was the entrees are $8.95, except for the BBQ Beef Rib Dinbaker in the family. I started learning to take mixes ner, which is $10.95. As for sandwiches, the restaurant offers BBQ and mix them. Id watch my grandmother, mom shredded beef (again with Curtis sauce), BBQ and aunties. I have a super-big extended family. I have always cooked for others, she says. I beef hotlinks, and hamburgers. These cost bewould have block parties all at my own expenses. tween $5.50 and $7.25. I ask Elisa how she makes the fried cabbage, Ive fed homeless people. Ive even gotten involved with Friends of Palomas, donating pies in Palomas. thinking I could make it at home, and she clams up I sink my teeth into one slice of her Strawberry completely. She never breathes a word about the Bottom Cheesecake, and its as silky as whipped ingredients of anything. Theyre secrets zealously creamlike biting into a cloud in heaven. It was guarded. made from scratch, Elisa tells me. I buy one slice for $2.75, but the House of Pies lisas has a charming backyard with a also sells whole pies. The cream pies go for $11 wrought-iron fence and pomegranate trees. and the regular ones are $8, plus tax. We will be having meals outdoors once the All pies are freshly made, home-made, says Eli- winds die, says Elisa. sa, and are prepared with no preservatives. The resFree wi-fi is offered with the purchase of a bevtaurant can even make sugar-free pies upon request. erage. Some of the flavors are Carmel Pecan, Coconut Parking is a little tricky. You can either park on Crme, Old Fashioned Coconut, Apple, Cherry, Key the streets bordering the Wells Fargo parking lot, Lime, Lemon Meringue, Peach, Shoo-fly Pie (like or you can go around the block to Silver Street and molasses pie), Strawberry Cream Cheese Mousse, enter a parking lot to the right of the old State EnPeanut Butter Ice Cream, and Millionaire. gineers Office at 216 Silver. The Millionaire Pie has coconut, pineapple and The restaurant is at 208 1/2 South Silver Alley pecans folded into cream cheese and whipped and is open Monday-Friday, 10 a.m.-7 p.m., and cream. Its considered gourmet, says Elisa. Saturday, 10:30 a.m.-7:30 p.m., closed Sunday. Call A lot of the recipes weve made up, she adds. I (575) 494-4639 for more information. k also have good friends who have given me recipes. Its obvious Elisa makes all the flavors with Marjorie Lilly writes the Borderlines column. care. Even her apple pie has a special filling, she claims.
Reach 35,000 hungry readers, in print and online, every month in Red or Green?!
Red or Green
Southwest New Mexico best restaurant guide. s
DESERT EXPOSURE
DINING GUIDE continued
Mexican: L D. fidenCioS, 800 S. Telshor, 5325624. Mexican: B L D. forK in tHe roAd, 202 N. Motel Blvd., 527-7400. Buffet: B L D 24 hrs. foxS PizzA den, 1340 E. Lohman Ave., 521-3697. Pizza: L D. GAme BAr & Grill, 2605 S. Espina, 524-GAME. Sports bar and grill: L D. Go BurGer drive-in, 1008 E. Lohman, 524-9251. Burgers, Mexican: Mon.-Fri. B L. Golden StAr CHineSe fASt food, 1420 El Paseo, 523-2828. Chinese: L D. Good luCK CAf, 1507 S. Solano, 521-3867. Mexican, seafood: B L early D. GrAndyS Country CooKinG, 1345 El Paseo Rd., 526-4803. American: B L D. GuACAmoleS BAr And Grill, 3995 W. Picacho Ave., 525-9115. Burgers, pizza, salads, sandwiches, Hawaiian appetizers: L D. HieBertS fine foodS, 525 E. Madrid Ave. #7, 524-0451. Mexican, American: B L D. HiGH deSert BrewinG ComPAny, 1201 W. Hadley Ave., 525-6752. Brew pub: L D.* Hotel enCAnto, 705 S. Telshor, 532-4277. Southwestern, Continental: B L D.* internAtionAl deliGHtS, 1245 El Paseo Rd., 647-5956. Greek and International: B L D. JAPAneSe KitCHen, 141 Roadrunner Parkway, 521-3555. Japanese: L D. J.C. tortAS, 1196 W. Picacho Ave., 647-1408. Mexican: L D. JeSSeS KAnSAS City BBQ, 230 S. Church, 522-3662. Barbecue: Mon., Tue., Thurs-Sat. L D. JireHS, 1445 W. Picacho. Mexican, American: B L early D. JoSe murPHyS, 1201 E. Amador (inside Ten Pin Alleys), 541-4064. Mexican, American: L D. JoSePHinAS old GAte CAf, 2261 Calle de Guadalupe, 525-2620. A delicious change of pace. There are a variety of classic deli sandwiches to choose from, all served on freshly baked bread, as well as the soup of the day in a cup or bowl, and salads. (October 2008) Pastries, soups, salads, sandwiches: Mon.-Thur. L, Fri.-Sun. B L. KAtAnA tePPAnyAKi Grill, 1001 E. University Ave., 522-0526. Japanese: Mon.-Fri. L D, Sat. D. KevA JuiCe, 1001 E. University, 522-4133. Smoothies, frozen yogurt: B L D. KivA PAtio CAf, 600 E. Amador Ave., 527-8206. Mexican, Southwestern, American: B L D. lA CoCinA, 204 E. Conway Ave., 524-3909. Mexican: Mon.-Sat. B L. lA iGuAnA, 139 N. Main St., 5238550. An interesting combination of styles, with elements of coffeehouse, deli and fine dining imaginatively woven together. (February 2011) Sandwiches, soups, salads, coffee bar: Wed.-Sat. L D, Sat.-Sun. also brunch.* lA mexiCAnA tortilleriA, 1300 N. Solano Dr, 541-9617. Mexican: L D. lA nuevA CASitA CAf, 195 N. Mesquite, 523-5434. Mexican and American: B L. lA PoStA reStAurAnt de meSillA, 2410 Calle De San Albino, 524-3524. A restaurant with history hard-wired into the fiber of its being. Through building, menu and ownership, its roots extend all the way back to the 1840s. (September 2011) Mexican , steakhouse: L D, Sat.-Sun. and holidays also B. lAS trAnCAS, 1008 S. Solano Dr., 524-1430. Mexican, steaks, burgers, fried chicken: L D, Sat.-Sun. also B. lemonGrASS, 2540 El Paseo Rd., 523-8778. Thai: Tues.-Fri. L D, Sat.Mon. D. le rendez-vouS CAf, 2701 W. Picacho Ave. #1, 527-0098. French pastry, deli, sandwiches: Mon.-Sat. B L. lorenzoS, 1750 Calle de Mercade, 525-3170. Italian, pizza: L D. lorenzoS PAn Am, 1753 E. University Ave., 521-3505. Homey, classic Italian fare. Also features ravioli dishes, in half and full portions, served with salad and a basket of warm, fresh bread. Save room for dessert. (July 2008) Italian, pizza: L D. loS ComPAS CAf, 6335 Bataan Memorial W., 382-2025. Mexican: B L D. loS ComPAS CAf, 603 S. Nevarez St., 523-1778. Mexican: B L D. loS ComPAS, 1120 Commerce Dr., 521-6228. Mexican: B L D.* loS mAriACHiS, 750 N. Motel Blvd., 523-7058. Mexican: B L D. meSillA vAlley KitCHen, 2001 E. Lohman Ave. #103, 523-9311. American, Mexican: B L.* meSon de meSillA, 1803 Avenida de Mesilla, 652-4953. Steaks, barbecue, seafood, sandwiches, salads, pasta: L D. metroPolitAn deli, 1001 University Ave., 522-3354. Sandwiches: L D. miGuelS, 1140 E. Amador Ave., 647-4262. Mexican: B L D. mi PueBlito, 1355 E. Idaho Ave., 524-3009. Mexican: Mon.-Fri. B L D, Sat.-Sun. B L. milAGro Coffee y eSPreSSo, 1733 E. University Ave., 532-1042. Coffeehouse: B L D.* mix PACifiC rim CuiSine And mix exPreSS, 1001 E. University Ave. #D4, 532-2042. For a true taste of Tokyo, a classic curry, a Vietnamese tidbit or big bite of Australiaall served up with the sophistication of San Franciscohead to Mix Pacific Rim Cuisine for an international dining experience that satisfies. (March 2008) Asian, Pacific: Mon.-Sat. L D. moonGAte CAf, 9395 Bataan Memorial, 382-5744. Coffeeshop, Mexican, American: B L. my BrotHerS PlACe, 334 S. Main St., 523-7681. Mexican: Mon.-Sat. L D. nellieS CAf, 1226 W. Hadley Ave., 524-9982. Mexican: Tues.-Sat. B L. noPAlito reStAurAnt, 2605 Missouri Ave., 522-0440. Mexican: L D. noPAlito reStAurAnt, 310 S. Mesquite St., 524-0003. Mexican: Sun.-Tues., Thurs.-Sat. L D.* old town reStAurAnt, 1155 S. Valley Dr., 523-4586. Mexican, American: B L.* ono Grindz, 300 N. Downtown Mall, 541-7492. Expect Ono Grindz authentic Hawaiian fare to thrill your taste buds in an atmosphere that charms all your other senses. (Feb. 2008) Hawaiian: B L D. orientAl PAlACe, 225 E. Idaho, 526-4864. Chinese: L D. PAiSAno CAf, 1740 Calle de Mercado, 524-0211. Mexican: B L D.*
53
Wed.-Fri. 8-4 ~ Sat 9-3 300 South Bullard St., Silver City, NM 575-597-0012
Beg Made from Scratch in Apri ning Sum l Pastries Cakes mer 1 hou We Baked Goods & More 10am d.-Fri. rs: Special Orders Welcome Sat 9-4:30pm am3pm
MargosBakeryCaf
Tortillas~Menudo~Tamales~Barbacoa
Cira & Manuel Lozoya
The HUB Plaza ~ 106 N. Bullard, Suite C Silver City, New Mexico ~ 505-670-8775
EASTER MENU
r Heart ou
t t Ou Ou
Eat
575-313-9005
CATERING
DESSERT
Call ahead to reserve your dinner or just stop by the kitchen to pick up your dinner on the way home. 575-313-9005 800 W. Market Silver City, NM 88061 [email protected] CATERINGONMARKET.COM
DE
54
APRIL 2012
www.desertexposure.com
Frumpy Fox
Petsitting
LLC
fter more than 18 years as a Grant County institution, A.I.R. Coffee will be closing its doors on April 30. Louis Baum, who has owned the coffee roaster and coffeehouse in Bayard for the past six years, will hold a closing sale of equipment, furniture, artwork and more on April 20-22, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. each day. After six months of trying to sell the business or find a partner, Baum says the economy dictates that it close. Originally a key part of downtown Silver Citys Yankie Street revitalization, A.I.R.sort for artist in residencewas founded by Jacqueline Shaw, an escapee from the corporate rat race in coffee-crazed Seattle. It opened its doors on Halloween 1993 in the partitioned-off six front feet of Shaws place on Yankie Street. The coffee bar moved down the street to 112 W. Yankie St. two and a half years later. In our story on A.I.R.s 10th anniversary in October 2003, we recorded some of what it meant to the town: Still, something was happening in Silver Cityand Shaws espresso machine was at the center of it. Newsweek ran a story on cappuccino vs. cowboys, the new war for the Old West, which opened and closed with A.I.R. Coffee, where the reporter had set up headquarters. Sen. Jeff Bingaman stopped into the coffeehouse one day. He couldnt believe his old cowtown had a serious espresso bar, Shaw says. He menDINING GUIDE continued
PAnCAKe Alley diner, 2146 W. Picacho Ave., 647-4836. American: B L, early D. PArKerS BBQ, 850 E. Madrid Ave., 541-5712. Barbecue carryout: L, early D. PASSion ultrA lounGe, 201 E. University Ave. (inside Ramada Palms), 523-7399. Steaks, burgers, salmon: L D. PePeS, 1405 W. Picacho, 5410277. Mexican: B L D. PePPerS CAf on tHe PlAzA (in tHe douBle eAGle reStAurAnt), 2355 Calle De Guadalupe, 523-6700. Creative handling of traditional Southwestern dishes. [plus] such non-Mexican entres as Salmon Crepes and Beer Braised Beef Carbonnade. (March 2012). Southwestern: L D. PHo SAiGon, 1160 El Paseo Road, 652-4326. Vietnamese: L D. Pit StoP CAf, 361 S. Motel Blvd., 527-1993. Mexican, American, steak: Mon.-Sat. B L D. PlAyerS Grill, 3000 Champions Dr. (NMSU golf course clubhouse), 646-2457. American: B L D. PullAroS itAliAn reStAurAnt, 901 W. Picacho Ave., 523-6801. Italian: L D. rAnCHwAy BArBeQue, 604 N. Valley Dr., 523-7361. Barbecue, Mexican: Mon.-Fri. B L D, Sat. D. rASCoS BBQ, 5580 Bataan Memorial E. (inside Shortys gas station). Barbecued brisket, pulled pork, smoked sausage, ribs. red BriCK PizzA, 2808 N. Telshor Blvd., 521-7300. Pizzas, sandwiches, salads: L D. roBertoS mexiCAn food, 908 E. Amador Ave., 523-1851. Mexican: B L D.* roSieS CAf de meSillA, 420 Avenida de Mesilla, 526-1256. Breakfast, Mexican, burgers: Sat.-Thurs. B L, Fri. B L D. SAenz GorditAS, 1700 N. Solano Dr., 527-4212. Mexican: Mon.-Sat. L D. SAntoriniS, 1001 E. University Ave., 521-9270. An eclectic blend of Greek and Mediterranean dishes gyros with different meats, such as lamb or chicken, hummus with pita, Greek saladsplus sampler plates and less-familiar items such as keftedes and pork shawarma. Vegetarian options are numerous. (July 2010) Greek, Mediterranean: Mon.-Sat. L D. SArAS PlACe, 1750 N. Solano Dr., 523-2278. Mexican: B L. SBS lAte-niGHt lunCHBox, 120 S. Water St.. New American, vegetarian, vegan, wraps: L D. tHe SHed, 810 S. Valley Dr., 5252636. American, pizza, Mexican, desserts: Wed.-Sun. B L.* Si itAliAn BiStro, 523 E. Idaho, 523-1572. Wood-fired pizzas are the star of the show, along with plenty of authentic pasta dishes. (February 2006) Italian: Mon.-Sat. L D. SimPly toASted CAf, 1702 El Paseo Road, 526-1920. Sandwiches,
Table Talk
tioned it to a reporter at the Washington Post, which ran another story, which in turn got picked up across the country on the wire services. The New York Times wrote up Silver City, with a big photo of A.I.R. Coffee. Shaw sold the locally beloved coffeehouse in 2005 and it briefly operated as Dos Baristas before being sold again and rechristened Yankie Creek Coffee House, which continues in business at its long-time downtown location. But Shaw retained the roastery in Bayard, which shed started in 2001, and the A.I.R. name. Baum bought the Bayard operation and the A.I.R. name in 2006, adding a coffeehouse to the wholesale coffee business. 208 Central Ave., 537-3967. The folks at Bear Mountain Lodge want you to spend Easter with them. The lodges Caf Oso Azul is planning a special Easter menu, April 8, by reservation only. Entres will include crab cakes, lemon-pepper-roasted ham, chicken in a white-wine mustard sauce and white vegetarian lasagna. 60 Bear Mountain Road, Silver City, 5382538, www.bearmountainlodge.com. Shevek & Co. in downtown Silver City is now pouring something called scrumpy, which turns out to be a British term for artisanal hard ciders. You can get a sample, along with wines and beers new on the menu, for $5 for five tastings on First Friday, April 6. 602 N. Bullard St., 534-9168, silver-eats.com. k
zeffiro new yorK PizzeriA, 101 E. University Ave., 525-6770. Pizza: L D. erneStoS mexiCAn food, 200 Anthony Dr., 882-3641. Mexican: B L. lA CoCinitA, 908 W. Main Dr., 589-1468. Mexican: L. el BAyo SteAK HouSe, 417 Chaparral Dr., 824-4749. Steakhouse: Tues.-Sun. B L D. tortilleriA SuSy, 661 Paloma Blanca Dr., 824-9377. Mexican: Mon.-Sat. B L D, Sun. B L. BiG miKeS CAf, Thorpe Road. Mexican, breakfasts, burgers: B L D. tHAi deliGHt, 16151 Hwy. 70E, 373-3000. Thai, steaks, sandwiches: L D. Country CuPBoArd, 827 Fort Selden Rd., 527-4732. American: B L D. Billy CrewS, 1200 Country Club Road, 589-2071. Steak, seafood: L D.
Y A
call 575-538-0850
The Marketplace
Downtown in The Hub 601 N. Bullard, Unit D
Huge store Tons of stuff New/used items Great prices 388-2897 Open: Mon - Sat 10-5, Sun 11-4
soups, salads: B L. Si Seor, 1551 E. Amador Ave., 527-0817. Mexican: L D.* SmoKy diCKS BBQ, 2265 S. Main St., 541-5947. Barbecue: L D. SPAniSH KitCHen, 2960 N. Main St., 526-4275. Mexican: Mon.-Sat. B L D. SPirit windS Coffee BAr, 2260 S. Locust St., 521-1222. Sandwiches, coffee, bakery: B L D.* St. ClAir winery & BiStro, 1720 Avenida de Mesilla, 524-0390. Home for the tasting room for the wide variety of wines produced by the Deming-based New Mexico Wineries. You can combine your sipping with feasting from an innovative menu that ranges from steaks to panini sandwiches. (July 2007) Wine tasting, bistro: L D. SunSet Grill, 1274 Golf Club Road (Sonoma Ranch Golf Course clubhouse), 521-1826. American, Southwest, steak, burgers, seafood, pasta: B L D. teriyAKi Bowl, 2300 N. Main St., 524-2055. Japanese: Mon.-Sat. L D. teriyAKi CHiCKen HouSe, 805 El Paseo Rd., 541-1696. Japanese: Mon.-Fri. L D. tHAi deliGHt de meSillA, 2184 Avenida de Mesilla, 525-1900. For the adventurous, there are traditional Thai curries, soups and appetizers to choose from, all of which can be ordered in the degree of heat that suits you. The restaurant is clean, comfortable, casual in a classy sort of way, and totally unpretentious. (January 2011) Thai, salads, sandwiches, seafood, steaks, German: L D.* tiffAnyS PizzA & GreeK AmeriCAn CuiSine, 755 S. Telshor Blvd #G1, 532-5002. Greek as the Parthenon, the only pure outpost of Greek food for 200 miles. When the food arrives, its in portions that would satisfy a Greco-Roman wrestler. (February 2005) Pizza, Greek, deli: Tues.-Sat. B L D.* umP 88 Grill, 1338 Picacho Hills Dr., 647-1455. An authentic taste of the Emerald Isle in a delightfully authentic pub atmosphere. (December 2008) Irish pub: L D. vAlley Grill, 1970 N. Valley, 525-9000. American: B L D, Friday fish fry. vintAGe wineS, 2461 Calle de Principal, 523-WINE. The atmosphere is casual and relaxed, the handful of tables situated snugly as in a real French bistro to encourage conversation. Kick off the evening with wine and tapas inside, or wrap up the night out on the charming, cozy patio with a dessert wine or port. (June 2008) Wine and cigar bar, tapas: L D. woK-n-world, 5192 E. Boutz, 526-0010. Chinese: Mon.-Sat. L D. zeffiro PizzeriA nAPoletAnA, 136 N. Water St., 525-6757. Owner Gary Ebert and his very attentive and efficient staff serve up gourmet-style pizza on hand-tossed crusts. (August 2009) Pizza, pasta, also sandwiches at adjoining Popular Artisan Bakery: Mon.-Sat. L D.
Anthony
Chapparal
Radium Springs
Santa Teresa
AdoBe deli, 3970 Lewis Flats Road SE, 546-0361. The lunch menu features traditional deli-style sandwiches... The dinner menu is much grander, though some sandwiches are available then, too. Dinner options include filet mignon, flat iron steak, T-bone, ribeye, New York strip, Porterhouse, barbequed pork ribs, Duck LOrange, Alaska King Crab legs, broiled salmon steak, shrimp scampi, pork chops, osso buco, beef kabobs. (March 2010) Bar, deli, steaks: L D.* BAlBoA motel & reStAurAnt, 708 W. Pine St., 546-6473. Mexican, American: Sun.-Fri. L D. BelSHore reStAurAnt, 1030 E. Pine St., 546-6289. Mexican, American: Tues.-Sun. B L. CAmPoS reStAurAnt, 105 S. Silver, 546-0095. Owner Albert Campos prides himself on the authentic Mexican and southwestern food he cooks up, inspired by his home in the Mexican state of Zacatecassuch as the fantastic BBQ Beef Brisket Sandwich, a family recipe. But the restaurant has much more than Mexican fare. (June 2007) Mexican, American, Southwestern: L D.* CAnoS reStAurAnt, 1200 W. Pine St., 546-3181. Mexican: Mon.-Sat. L D. CHinA reStAurAnt, 110 E. Pine St., 546-4146. Chinese: L D. el CAmino reAl, 900 W. Pine St., 546-7421. Mexican, American: B L D. eliSAS HouSe of PieS And reStAurAnt, 208 1/2 S. Silver Alley, 494-4639. The southern-style fare is a savory prelude to 35 flavors of pie. (April 2012) American, barbecue, sandwiches, pies: Mon.-Sat. L D. el mirAdor, 510 E. Pine St., 544-
DESERT EXPOSURE
7340. Mexican: Mon.-Sat. B L D. Golden Sun StAr, 500 E. Cedar St., 544-0689. Chinese: L D. GrAnd motor inn & lounGe, 1721 E. Pine, 546-2632. Mexican, steak, seafood: B L D. irmAS, 123 S. Silver Ave., 5444580. Mexican, American, seafood: B L D. lA fondA, 601 E. Pine St., 5460465. Roomy, bright and airy, La Fonda is no mere taco joint. The extensive menu features all the Mexican favorites at bargain prices, plus a wide range of Anglo fare and a breakfast thats worth the drive to Deming. Famous for its fajitas: Choose chicken, beef or both, fajitas for two, or try the unusual stuffed fajita potato or seemingly contradictory fajita burrito. (September 2009) Mexican: B L D.* lAS CAzuelAS, 108 N. Platinum Ave. (inside El Rey meat market), 5448432. This gem of a restaurant turns out perfectly cooked steaks and seafood, as well as a full line of Mexican fare. (June 2011) Steaks, seafood, Mexican: Tues.-Sat. L D.* mAnoloS CAf, 120 N. Granite St., 546-0405. The menu offers breakfast, lunch and dinner choices, and its difficult to convey the immense range of food options available. In every section of the menu, theres a mixture of American-style comfort food items and Southwest-style Mexican dishes which no doubt qualify as Hispanic comfort food. Theres nothing particularly fancy about the food, but its fresh and tasty. And the prices are reasonable. (February 2012) Mexican, American: Mon.-Sat. B L D, Sun. B L. mimBreS vAlley BrewinG Co., 200 S. Gold, 544-BREW. Craft beer, burgers, wings, paninis: Tues.-Fri. D, Sat.-Sun. L D. PAlmAS itAliAn Grill, 110 S. Silver, 544-3100. Even if you think you dont like Italian food, you might want to try this family-run enterprise, with Harold and Palma Richmond at the helm. In addition to the name, Palma brings to the restaurant her Sicilian heritage and recipes that came to the United States with her grandmother. Harold brings training in classic Continental cuisine, along with his familys New England food traditions. (Sept. 2010) Italian: L D. Sat. prime rib, Sun. buffet.* PAtio CAf, 1521 Columbus Road, 546-5990. The famed burgers are ground fresh daily from 85% lean beefa half-pound apiece before cookingand formed for each order. You can adorn your burger in any of a dozen different combinations of cheese, bacon, chiles, pico de gallo, sauted onions, barbecue sauce, fresh mushrooms, even ham. (February 2006) Burgers, American: Mon.-Sat. L D.* Prime riB Grill (inSide HolidAy inn), I-10 exit 85, 546-2661. Steak, seafood, Mexican: B D. rAnCHerS Grill, 316 E. Cedar St., 546-8883. Steakhouse, burgers: L D.* Si Seor, 200 E. Pine St., 5463938. Mexican: Mon.-Sat. B L D, Sun. B L. SunriSe KitCHen, 1409 S. Columbus Road, 544-7795: American, Mexican, steaks: Mon.-Thur. B L, Fri. B L D. tACoS mirASol, 323 E. Pine St., 544-0646. Mexican: Mon., Wed.-Sat. B L D, Tues. B L. APACHe HomelAndS reStAurAnt, I-10. Burgers, ribs, casino-style food: B L D.* PAtio CAf, 23 Broadway, 5312495. Burgers, American: B L.* food: Mon.-Sat. B L. rodeo tAvern, 557-2229. Shrimp, fried chicken, steaks, burgers, seafood: Weds.-Sat. D.
APRIL 2012
SAloon, Quemado Lake, 773-4672. Steakhouse: D (Dec.-April: closed Mon.-Tues.)
55
AdoBe CAf, Hwy. 12 & Hwy. 180, 533-6146. Deli, American, Mon. pizza, Sunday BBQ ribs: Sun.-Mon. B L D, Wed.-Fri. B L. BlACK Gold, 98 Main St., 5336538. Coffeehouse, pastries. CArmenS, 101 Main St., 5336990. Mexican, American: B L D. ellAS CAf, 533-6111. American: B L D. unCle BillS BAr, 230 N. Main St., 533-6369. Pizza: Mon.-Sat. L D. AlmA Grill, Hwy. 180, 539-2233. Breakfast, sandwiches, burgers, Mexican: Sun.-Weds., Fri.-Sat. B L. Blue front BAr And CAf, Hwy. 180, 539-2561. Plentiful appetizer platters, perfectly done and tender ribeye, weekend special barbecue dishes smoky sweet and ample. (Nov. 2007) Mexican, American, weekend barbecue, Friday catfish fry: L D. Golden GirlS CAf, Hwy. 180, 539-2457. Dig into an honest taste of the local scene and a down-home breakfast youll surely wish your mama had made. The specials listed up on the whiteboard all come with biscuits and gravy, and the ample menu has all the usual suspectsomelets, pancakes, French toast and, of course, breakfast burritosclueing you into the rib-sticking satisfaction ahead. (Nov. 2007) Breakfast: B. mArioS PizzA, Hwy. 180, 5392316. This unpretentious eatery serves up better pizza than youll find in many a big city. But a recent visit to the tiny, scenic mountain town will forever be remembered as the time I had, absolutely, the best calzone of my life. (Nov. 2008) Italian: Mon.-Tues., Fri.-Sat. D. PurPle onion CAf, Mogollon, 539-2710. Seasonal, quirky and way off the beaten path serves eclectic fare and famous pie. (August 2011) Breakfast, burgers, veggie melts, pita pockets, pies: Fri.-Sun., Mon. holidays, May-Oct.: B L. SnuffyS SteAKHouSe And
BArBer SHoP CAf, Main St., 895-5283. American, Mediterranean, sandwiches: Thurs.-Sat. L. HillSBoro GenerAl Store & CAf, 100 Main St., 895-5306. American and Southwestern: Sun.-Wed., Fri.Sat. B L. lynn nuSomS KitCHen, Main St., 896-5602. Soups, paninis, burritos, tacos, pies: Wed.-Sun. B L, early D. noteRestaurant hours and meals served vary by day of the week and change frequently; call ahead to make sure. Key to abbreviations: B=Breakfast; L=Lunch; D=Dinner.*=Find copies of Desert Exposure here. Send updates, additions and corrections to: updates@ red-or-green.com. k
Glenwood
Akela
Columbus
Paul Ciano
el CHArro reStAurAnt, 209 S. P Blvd., 542-3400. Mexican: B L D. fidenCioS, 604 E. Motel Dr., 5428989. Mexican: B L early D. KrAnBerryS fAmily reStAurAnt, 1405 Main St., 542-9400. Mexican, American: B L D. mAmA roSAS PizzA, 1312 Main St., 542-8400. Pizza, subs, calzones, salads, chicken wings, cheeseburgers, shrimp baskets: L D. rAmonAS CAf, 904 E. Motel Dr., 542-3030. Mexican, American: Tues.Fri. B L D, Sun. B mid-day D. PAntHer trACKS CAf, Hwy. 338, 548-2444. Burgers, Mexican, American: Mon.-Fri. B L D rodeo Store And CAf. 195 Hwy. 80, 557-2295. Coffeeshop
www.paulsilvercity.com
Animas
Rodeo
4
Navigate to the issue of Desert Exposure using Safari on your iPad, either by clicking the link on our website or by searching Scribd.com. Youll see a warning that This document isnt currently optimized for iPad. Not to worry! Click the blue Download PDF button in the middle of the screen.
Voil! Desert Exposure is now on the virtual shelves of your iPads free book-reading app. Click Collections to switch between your Books collection and the PDFs where Desert Exposure resides.
Now heres the trick: Tap anywhere on the page and a bar will appear temporarily at the top, right below the Safari menuTap the cover icon in iBooks bar. Youll see two buttons at the to open the issue. Note the right of this bar. Select Open in thumbnails of all the pages at the iBooks. bottom, which you can use to quickly jump to a page.
2 3
56
APRIL 2012
www.desertexposure.com
CineMatinee
April 7 April 14 April 21
April Shows
Astronaut Farmer (2006, 104 minutes, rated PG, made in NM!) Ulzanas Raid (1972, 103 minutes, rated R) Joffrey: Mavericks of American Dance (2012, 87 minutes, not rated) with special guest, Rochelle Ziede Booth, former Joffrey dancer. The Mission (1986, 125 minutes, rated PG)
PA L M S U N D AY S U N D AY
APRIL
Hillsboro
Linda Carr. 1-5 p.m. Mountain View Market, 1300 El Paseo, 523-0436.
April 28
Crime And PuniSHment in new mexiCo: not for tHe fAint of HeArtBrown bag talk by Ardene Rickman. 12 p.m. Silver City Museum, 312 W. Broadway, 538-5921, www. silvercitymuseum.org.
T H U R S D AY
APRIL FILMS
Las Cruces/Mesilla
The 2012 Oscar Nominated Short Films (2012, 150 min., subtitled as needed) King of Devils Island (2011, 120 min., in Norwegian, w/ English subtitles) Chico and Rita (2011, 94 min., in English and Spanish, w/ subtitles as needed)
50S SoCiAl eveninGEvery other Tuesday. Enjoy an evening of conversation in an artful and relaxing environment with friends and future friends of similar age. 7-9 p.m. Caf de Mesilla, 2051 Calle de Santiago, 652-3019, 520-2954. CS truCKinC.S. Truckin opened shows for Ritchie Blackmores Rainbow (Deep Purple), REO Speedwagon, Quicksilver Messenger Service, Brian Auger and The Buddy Miles Band (Jimi Hendrix). Fast forward to 2011 and we discover that The Truck has re-emerged. 6:30-7:30 p.m. Free. Rio Grande Theatre, 211 N. Downtown Mall, 523-6403, www.riograndetheatre.com. doA AnA CAmerA CluBPhotoshop selection tool by Ron Woolfe. 7 p.m. Southwest Environmental Center, 275 N. Downtown Mall, 532-1919, dacameraclub.org. trAP, neuter And return And winter ferAl CAt CAreTaught by nationally recognized expert on feral cat care Joe Miele. 6-7:30 p.m. Free. Mountain View Market, 1300 El Paseo, 523-0436.
T U E S D AY
BeiJinG GuitAr duoMeng Su and Yameng Want. Winner of the Solomon H. Snyder Award. 8 p.m. $15, $10 NMSU students. Pan Am Center, 646-1420, panam.nmsu.edu. BiG BAnd dAnCe CluBCDs. 7-10 p.m. $7. Court Youth Center, 402 W. Court St., 526-6504. BourBon leGendHigh Desert Brewing, 1201 W. Hadley, 525-6752. PSyCHiC reAdinGS And enerGetiC HeAlinGSReiki master and Reverend Dawn Cheney. 12-2 p.m. Mountain View Market, 1300 El Paseo, 5230436. Store tourLearn how to shop savvy while meeting your every dietary need. 5-6 p.m. Free. Mountain View Market, 1300 El Paseo, 523-0436. nmSu GoSPel CHoir eASter SHow7-9 p.m. Rio Grande Theatre, 211 N. Downtown Mall, 523-6403, www.riograndetheatre.com. F R I D AY G O O D F R I D AY
ridAyS owntown
Las Cruces/Mesilla
shops and galleries. [ Relax in the cozy library. [ Delicious full breakfast served daily.
www.InnonBroadwayweb.com
684 HWY 35 Lake Roberts Offering German Specialties and a full menu
See our menu at www.spiritcanyon.com
mArtyn PeArSonBuckhorn Saloon, Pinos Altos, 538-9911, buckhornsaloonandoperahouse.com. CAndidAteS forumOffice of District Attorney. 6 p.m. Grant County Administration Building. Journey of tHe univerSeMovie and discussion. The Emanating Brilliance of Stars with Todd Duncan. Birth of the Solar System with Craig Kochel. St. Marys, 1809 Alabama St., 590-5561. Self mAStery BooK CluBWith Siddeeq Shabazz. 7:45-8:45 p.m. Free. Mountain View Market, 1300 El Paseo, 523-0436. tArot reAdinGSpiritual psychic
W E D N E S D AY
Las Cruces/Mesilla
Deming
575-536-9459
Open Saturday 11:30am-4pm
Groups by reservation at other times. HANDICAPPED ACCESSIBLE DE
First street dance of the season with The Roadrunners. 6-9 p.m. Downtown Silver City, SilverCityMainStreet.com. Get muGGed downtownPurchase a limited-edition Silver City Museum Society mug and fill it at one of the participating restaurants. $12. Silver City Museum, 312 W. Broadway, 538-5921, www.silvercitymuseum.org. Good GriefLee Gruber, Patty Reed, Diana Ingalls Leyba. The fourth of five presentations in the Women Speaking Series 2012. 2-5 p.m. Silver City Museum Annex, 302 W. Broadway, 538-5921, www.silvercitymuseum.org. ruSSell ClePPerBuckhorn Saloon, Pinos Altos, 538-9911, buckhornsaloonandoperahouse.com. SPrinG CrAftS And Poetry ACtivitieS for CHildrenCome to the museum and make a pinwheel. The museum will also have magnetic haiku
EXPLORE!
Gila Cli Dwellings National Monument Catwalk National Recreation Trail City of Rocks State Park
Fri, Apr 20
Wed, Apr 25 Progressive Voters Alliance of Grant County monthly meeting. 7 pm. PVA-GC is a non-partisan group designed to serve as a clearinghouse, point of contact and carrying agent for advocates of social and economic justice, political equality, and environmental stewardship issues.
www.silvercitytourism.org | 575-538-5555
DESERT EXPOSURE
Learn more about butterflies in the garden. 2 p.m. $7.50, free to members. Enchanted Gardens, 270 Avenida de Mesilla, 524-1886, gardens@zianet. com, nmenchantedgardens.com. Beyond tHe mytHACTion Programs for Animals presents a screening of this documentary about dog breeds commonly pit Bayou Seco gets a send-off for their European Tour referred to those bulls and on April 7 at the Buckhorn. who love these breeds. Proceeds benefit Second poetry available, so bring your imagiChance Dogs Fund. 7-9 p.m. $10. Rio nation! 4-7 p.m. Silver City Museum, Grande Theatre, 211 N. Downtown 312 W. Broadway, 538-5921, www. Mall, 523-6403, www.riograndethesilvercitymuseum.org. atre.com. Swnm AuduBon meetinGBirdBird tourPlease bring binocuing hotspots of central New Mexico. lars, water, sunscreen and wear hiking Judy Liddell, freelance writer and birdshoes. 7:30 a.m. $5 per vehicle. ing blogger. 7 p.m. WNMU Harlan Mesilla Valley Bosque State Park, 5000 Hall, 534-1115. Calle de Norte, 523-4398. vAn ClotHierVan Clothier talks rAnGer-led nAture HiKe3 p.m. about the history of water in the area. $5 per vehicle. Mesilla Valley Bosque 7:30-9:30 p.m. Yankie Creek Coffee State Park, 5000 Calle de Norte, House, 112 W. Yankie St. 523-4398. Las Cruces/Mesilla ruSSell ClePPerHigh Desert 2012 oSCAr nominAted SHort Brewing, 1201 W. Hadley, 525-6752. filmSThrough April 12. This years tHe AStronAut fArmerMade finalists for the Oscar for best aniin New Mexico. The title astronaut, mated and best live action short films played by Billy Bob Thornton, is a will be presented in this program. Varifarmernamed Charlie Farmer. Charous languages, subtitled as needed. lie was once a bona fide NASA man, Nightly 7:30 p.m., Sun. 2:30 and but he left the space program to save 7:30 p.m. $7 regular, $5 seniors and the family farm. Now his freelance students, MVFS members. Fountain goal is to circle the earth in a rocket Theatre, 2469 Calle de Guadalupe, of his own construction and hes built 524-8287, mesillavalleyfilm.org. a DIY rocket in his barn. Wife Audie Amy rAnKinArtists reception. (Virginia Madsen) stands by her man 5-7 p.m. MVS Studios, 535 N. Main, even though Charlie walks a thin line 524-3636. between aspiration and insanity, and downtown rAmBleDo the Main the three Farmer kids love their daddy Street Downtown Ramble through even though he eats dinner in his galleries, shops, businesses and silver orbit-wear. CineMatinee. 1:30 restaurants. Enjoy art openings, exp.m. $4, $1 MVFS members. Fountain hibits, music, entertainment, open mic Theatre, 2469 Calle de Guadalupe, opportunities, shopping, refreshments 524-8287, mesillavalleyfilm.org. and more. Downtown Mall. Deming HowlinG Coyote CoffeeHouSe mAinStreet trASH And treAAnd oPen miC7-9 p.m. Free. Rio SureSGarage sale extraordinaire. Grande Theatre, 211 N. Downtown 8 a.m. Morgan Hall, 109 E. Pine, Mall, 523-6403, www.riograndethe545-2436. atre.com. SmoKn oldieS CAr SHowSwap J. CArloS weStArtist Reception. meet. 1980 and older cars. 10 a.m.-4 5-7 p.m. Free. Rio Grande Theatre, p.m. $7 for dinner. Courthouse Park, 211 N. Downtown Mall, 523-6403, 700 S. Silver. www.riograndetheatre.com. rAnGer led nAture HiKe3 p.m. Glenwood Free, $5 per vehicle. Mesilla Valley fun Kite flyinG PiCniCPlenty Bosque State Park, 5000 Calle de of space without fences to celebrate Norte, 523-4398. the spring winds. Walk a labyrinth, tailgate. 12 p.m. Whitewater Mesa S A T U R D AY Labyrinths, Route 159, 539-2868, PA S S O v E R wmlabryinths.com.
APRIL 2012
57
Journey of tHe univerSe Movie and discussion. Lifes Emergence with Terry Deacon and Ursula Goodenough. Learning, Living and Dying with Terry Deacon. St. Marys, 1809 Alabama St., 590-5561. Peter & miCHelleBuckhorn Saloon, Pinos Altos, 538-9911, buckhornsaloonandoperahouse.com.
11
W E D N E S D AY
film lAS CruCeSMonthly forum for filmmakers, digital media artists, students and interested members of the community. Trailers for locally made films will be screened, alongside short films by student filmmakers, followed by Q&A sessions with the filmmakers. 7-9 p.m. Free. Rio Grande Theatre, 211 N. Downtown Mall, 523-6403, www.riograndetheatre.com. Self mAStery BooK CluBWith Siddeeq Shabazz. 7:45-8:45 p.m. Free. Mountain View Market, 1300 El Paseo, 523-0436.
Las Cruces/Mesilla
attaching segments of rock, folk, and soul to her biting critiques and affectionate moments. Mimbres Region Arts Council. 7:30 p.m. $25 reserved, $20 non-reserved. Buckhorn Saloon, Pinos Altos, 538-9911, www.mimbresarts. org. QuinoASee April 10. 12-1 p.m. Free. Food Co-Op Community Room, 520 N. Bullard St, 388-2343. rollinG StoneS Gem And minerAl SoCiety meetinGPotluck. Wendy Shaul will show slides of an unforgettable raft trip down the Colorado River through the Grand Canyon. 6:45 p.m. Senior Center, Victoria St., 534-1393. vAneSSA lively duoBuckhorn Saloon, Pinos Altos, 538-9911, buckhornsaloonandoperahouse.com. BiG BAnd dAnCe CluBHigh Society Orchestra. 7-10 p.m. $9, $7 members. Court Youth Center, 402 W. Court St., 526-6504. CHAutAuQuA: meet PHotoGrAPHer lAurA GilPinDeborah Blanche will perform as famed photographer Laura Gilpin. She packed her equipment in on horseback to photograph the source of the Rio Grande, did studio portraits for society matrons, directed pilots to fly low over Shiprock to capture the light and shadows from every possible angle. 7 p.m. $2. Farm & Ranch Heritage Museum, 4100 Dripping Springs Road, 522-4100, www.nmfarmandranchmuseum.org. Connie GAyHlHealth coach presents strategies and foods that heal and maintain vibrant energy for women. 6:30-7:30 p.m. Free. Mountain View Market, 1300 El Paseo, 523-0436. dAnCerS unlimitedAlso April 13. In a show entitled As Seen On TV: The Following Program Has Been Rated DU, members of Dancers Unlimited perform routines featuring various styles of dance, including ballet, tap, jazz, hip hop, modern, lyrical, contemporary and swing. 7-9 p.m. $8, $6 students and seniors. Rio Grande Theatre, 211 N. Downtown Mall, 5236403, www.riograndetheatre.com. dAvid vidAlHigh Desert Brewing, 1201 W. Hadley, 525-6752. Good time SinGerSAlso April 15. Tribute to veterans and 1940s music. Community chorus. 7 p.m. $5. St. Pauls Methodist Church, 225 W. Griggs Ave., 405-7133.
T H U R S D AY
Thu 4/5 Sat 4/7 Thu 4/12 Sat 4/14 Thu 4/19 Sat 4/21 Thu 4/26 Sat 4/28
Bourbon Legend Russell Clepper (Whidbey Island, WA) David Vidal (Los Angeles) Dan Lambert (El Paso) Lillis Urban Pee Wee Moore (Austin) Montana Skies (Atlanta) The Deming Fusiliers
Las Cruces/Mesilla
County 7SilverSCity/Grant forSaloon, B Send-off the Europe Tour. 7:30 p.m. Buckhorn
Ayou eCo
Pinos Altos, 538-9911, buckhornsaloonandoperahouse.com. moCCASinSA staged play reading of the ninth play in Victoria Testers 15-act New Mexico Ghost Play Cycle. Mature audiences. 2 p.m. Free. Silver City Museum Annex, 302 W. Broadway, 538-5921, www.silvercitymuseum.org. roAdrunner Gel Print CHildrenS CrAft ClASSThe class will give children an opportunity to learn about the New Mexico state bird while using their hands to make a unique craft. 10 a.m.-12 p.m. $5 per class. Silver City Museum, 312 W. Broadway, 538-5921, www.silvercitymuseum.org. Silver City Art mArKetSaturdays. Local handmade arts and crafts. 9 a.m.-2 p.m. 703 N. Bullard, [email protected]. Swnm AuduBon BirdinG triP Pitchfork Ranch, looking for migrants and resident birds along a stretch of riparian habitat at the southern end of the Burros, on a ranch being restored to pre-farming habitat. It will involve off-trail walking, with two to three miles including possible stream crossings; dress appropriately. 7:30 a.m. WNMU Fine Arts Center Theatre. 388-4210.
trinity Site oPen HouSeLocation of the first atomic bomb test. White Sands Missile Range, Stallion Gate off Hwy. 380, 678-1134, wsmr.army.mil. S U N D AY EASTER
ed Ature
White Sands
Directly behind Wendys 1103 Superior Street US Hwy 180 East Silver City, NM 88061
Bosque State Park, 5000 Calle de Norte, 523-4398. voz vAQueroSEaster Concert. Singing men of Las Cruces. Grab your coffee thermos, folding chair, dress warmly and come out and enjoy this colorful mens chorus. 7 a.m. Free. Young Park. 522-1934.
1-800-HOLIDAY www.hiexpress.com
575-538-2525
viCe
and Ellie Mae Cleveland. 11 a.m. $10 includes lunch. Glad Tidings Church, 538-9344. T U E S D AY
M O N D AY
County 10Silver City/Grant12. AnpoliQ Also April introduction to the history, culture,
uinoA
AnnuAl SPrinGfeStEgg hunt, free childrens activities (giant Legos, chalk board area), Springfest mural for kids to paint, beading area, jumping balloons, and Easter Bunny photos for a small charge. Live music throughout the day. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Free. Young Park, 1905 E. Nevada Ave. AttrACtinG ButterflieS to tHe GArdenCreate a habitat that is beneficial and inviting to butterflies.
Las Cruces/Mesilla
tics, nutrition and taste of this valuable grain. Talk by Samaya Jones. 12-1 p.m. Free. Food Co-Op Community Room, 520 N. Bullard St, 388-2343. wild weSt wellneSS dAy HeAltH fAir1-5 p.m. Graham Gym, WNMU, 832-722-3724.
rJ vAndyGriffThe Cowboy Aint Dead Yet. RJ Vandygriff appeared with Chuck Norris on the show, Walker: Texas Ranger. A cowboy celebration for the whole family. Benefits GRMC Foundation. 7:30 p.m. $15, $7 children under 11. WNMU Fine Arts Center Theatre. Kevin PAKuliSBuckhorn Saloon, Pinos Altos, 538-9911, buckhornsaloonandoperahouse.com. GilA nAtive PlAnt SoCietyMeeting and program. Russell Kleinman will give a talk on the Mosses of the Gila. 7 p.m. Free. WNMU Harlan Hall, Room 100, WNMU. CreAte A lAByrintH GArdenJane Grider will lead a workshop on creating a labyrinth in your garden. 2 p.m. $7.50, free to members. Enchanted Gardens, 270 Avenida de Mesilla, 524-1886, [email protected], nmenchantedgardens.com. dAnCerS unlimitedSee April
13
F R I D AY
Las Cruces/Mesilla
HeAltH ConSCiouS SinGleSThese gatherings are open to all but geared towards area singles looking to take responsibility for their own health: physical, emotional and spiritual. 6-7 p.m. Mountain View Market, 1300 El Paseo, 523-0436.
Las Cruces/Mesilla
58
APRIL 2012
www.desertexposure.com
April 20, at 5:30 p.m. it brings bestselling mystery author J.A. Jance Squirm Burpee Circus back to town. The author of mysteries set in the Southwest (and Seattle) will talk on Tales from the Writing Life at the WNMU Global Resource Center, and also sign books and chat with readers on April 21 at 10:30 p.m. at the Silver City Public Library. (Read our interview with Jance, From Bisbee to the Bestseller List, in the March 2007 issue at www.desertexposure.com/200703/200703_ ja_jance.php.) Also April 20 and 21, for Sexual Assault Awareness Month, the Buckhorn Opera House will present A Memory, a Monologue, a Rant, and a Prayer, a collection of monologues by Eve Ensler and Mollie Doyle. The next weekend, April 27, observe 15 minutes of silence for victims of such crimes at Gough Park at 6 p.m. On a decidedly lighter note, April 21 also brings the Handsome Little Devils in Squirm Burpee Circus, part of the Mimbres Region Arts Councils Performance Series at the WNMU Fine Arts Center Theatre. The Denverbased troupe of Mike Huling, Dave Clay, Cole Schneider and Jason Knaufall veterans of the stagepromises an exhilarating, fantastical adventure featuring classic vaudeville comedy, high-skill circus acts and a plot rooted in American melodrama. Fun for all ages but especially kids can be found April 27-29 in the Theatre Group New Mexico production of Disneys Alice in Wonderland Jr. Audiences will go through the rabbit hole at WNMUs Fine Arts Center Theatre at 7 p.m. on Friday and Saturday and at a 2 p.m. Sunday matinee. Bicyclists who cant wait for next months Tour of the Gila can warm up and help a good cause on April 28 at Pedalista 2012 in Silver Citys Gough Park. The family-fun celebration of the bike is a fundraiser for The Bike Works, the nonprofit community bike shop. Making way for May flowers, the month wraps up with the folk-roots-Americana music of Round Mountain, performing the evening of April 28 at the Buckhorn Opera House as part of the second annual New Mexico Music Series. Santa Fe-based brothers Char and Robby Rothschild, a two-man singing folk orchestra, describe their style as Americana meets the neighbors. k
THE TO DO
LIST
Wed.-Fri. 8-4 ~ Sat 9-3 300 South Bullard St., Silver City, NM 575-597-0012
Beg Made from Scratch in Apri ning Sum l Pastries Cakes mer 1 hou We Baked Goods & More 10am d.-Fri. rs: Special Orders Welcome Sat 9-4:30pm am3pm
MargosBakeryCaf
ppropriately for April, famous for its showers (even if hereabouts its mostly just wind), the cant-miss events of the month kick off with a talk and Q&A by local rainwater harvesting expert Van Clothier. If our story on Clothier back in July 2011 Van Clothier (Letting the Water Do the Work) piqued your curiosity, heres your chance to learn moreApril 6, 7:30-9:30 p.m., at the Yankie Creek Coffee House in downtown Silver City. Another treat for Desert Exposure readers gets served up the next day, April 7, at the Silver City Museum Annex: Moccasins, the latest staged play reading in the New Mexico Ghost Play Cycle by frequent contributor Victoria Tester. (Youll recall her Voice of a Ranchwoman and Going to Palomas series in our pages, both still available in full at our website.) Music takes center stage on April 12, when the Mimbres Region Arts Council brings Michelle Shocked and her 2012 Roadworks Tour: Roccupy! to the Buckhorn Michelle Shocked. Opera House in Pinos Altos. Shocked, who describes herself as the most sophisticated hillbilly youll ever meet, has carved out a 20-plus-year career that has seen critical acclaim at every juncture. In the early 1990s, she famously escaped major-label indentured servitude, and has continued to release critically acclaimed albums on her Mighty Sound label. Says one critic, She tackles a wide variety of styles, attaching segments of rock, folk and soul to her biting critiques and affectionate moments. The next day, April R.J. Vandygriff 13, you can discover your inner cowboy while helping a good cause: The Gila Regional Medical Center is sponsoring The Cowboy Aint Dead Yet!, starring R.J. Vandygriff. His show is not about country music or rock n roll cowboysits about the crackling of campfires, the smell of horses and cattle and warm summer nights on a trail drive listening to old cowboys tell talessome tall and some not so tall. You may remember Vandygriff from his appearances with Chuck Norris on the TV show Walker, Texas Ranger. On April 20, its the Western Institute for Lifelong Learnings turn to take you back to class, in partnership with WNMU. This years OneDay University at the Global Resource Center features three talks by WNMU faculty: Curtis Hays on Crime Causation or Why Do Those @#$#! Do It!; Alexandra Neves on Where Im From: Developing Intercultural Competence Through Students Poetry; and Manda Clare Jost on From Sanskrit Talks to Tarantula Hawks: The Power of Evolutionary Trees. Reserve your spot in the class by emailing mcarthur@wnmu. edu or calling 538-6320. And WILL is just warming up. That same day,
Round Mountain
DESERT EXPOSURE
EVENTS continued
12. 7-9 p.m. $8, $6 students and seniors. Rio Grande Theatre, 211 N. Downtown Mall, 523-6403, www. riograndetheatre.com. GodS, GoddeSSeS, GuruS And GremlinSCollection of work exploring faith and fantasy. Opening reception. 6-9 p.m. Rokoko Gallery, 1785 Avenida de Mercado, 405-8877, www.rokokart.com. KinG of devilS iSlAndThrough April 19. A brooding, evocative Norwegian juvie-hell drama set in 1915, Marius Holsts movie lands us in secluded, wintery Bastoy Island, home to the near-medieval school for maladjusted boys, just as a new, unbreakable young felon (Benjamin Helstad) is admitted, much to the concern of the principal (Stellan Skarsgard). In Norwegian, with English subtitles. Nightly 7:30 p.m., Sun. 2:30 and 7:30 p.m. $7 regular, $5 seniors and students, MVFS members. Fountain Theatre, 2469 Calle de Guadalupe, 524-8287, mesillavalleyfilm.org. rAnGer-led nAture HiKe3 p.m. $5 per vehicle. Mesilla Valley Bosque State Park, 5000 Calle de Norte, 523-4398. project. Join the New Mexico Wilderness Alliance and New Mexico Environment Department in the heart of the Gila (near the hot springs and cliff dwellings) to help restore habitat along the West Fork of the Gila River. $20, $10 NMWild Members. nmwild.org, [email protected].
APRIL 2012
59
Mondays Open Mic Night @ 7pm Wed 4Martyn Pearson Fri 6Russell Clepper Americana - Washington Sat 7Bayou Seco Trio Wed 11Peter & Michele Thurs 12Vanessa Lively Duo Songwriter - Austin Fri 13Kevin Pakulis Folk Rock - Tucson Sat 14Wally Lawder & the Raptured Coyotes
April 2012
Bookstore. HiStoriC fort BAyArd tourMeet at the Commanding Officers Quarters. Come see the 100-year-old buildings and relive some of the history of this important military fort and hospital. 9:30 a.m. Fort Bayard National Historic Landmark, 956-3294, fortbayard.org. Silver City Art mArKetSaturdays. Local handmade arts and crafts. 9 a.m.-2 p.m. 703 N. Bullard, [email protected]. Silver City AStronomiCAl SoCietyThe Kepler spacecraft is imaging some 100,000 stars, looking for Earthlike planets in these systems. Well look at some of the data from this spacecraft and the implications. Well also define life as we know it on Earth, its limiting conditions and possible locations of life elsewhere in our solar system. Then, well look at the data on extra-solar planets and examine what its saying about the possibility of life on them. Finally, well discuss the possibility of intelligent life in the Universe. Telescope giveaway. 1 p.m. Isaacs, 200 N. Bullard St. silvercityofstars@ gmail.com. wnmu SoftBAll vS. ColorAdo SCHool of mine12 p.m. WNMU, wnmumustangs.com. SPrinG BoutiQueAlso April 15. Handmade crafts and gifts, food, decor, knife sharpening and more. Over 50 vendors. Business & Conference Center, Hwy. 180E, 519-2795. wAlly lAwder And tHe rAPtured CoyoteSBuckhorn Saloon, Pinos Altos, 538-9911, buckhornsaloonandoperahouse.com. wnmu womenS tenniS vS. ColorAdo meSA univerSity WNMU, wnmumustangs.com. StArS-n-PArKSVenus and Jupiter in the west; Mars high in the east, six weeks after opposition; Saturn rises in the east by program start. The spring sky is well presented. 8:50 p.m. $5 per vehicle. City of Rocks State Park, astro-npo.org. AlAn JACKSon in ConCert7:30 p.m. $34-$61.50. Pan Am Center, 646-1420, panam.nmsu.edu.
S A T U R D AY
A handmade, limitededition book of poetry by Sharon Barr, Larry Godfrey, Tom McCoy, Alan Jackson performs April 14 at the Pan Sandy McKinney, Bonnie Maldonado and Elise Am Center in Las Cruces. Stuart. The free reception will feature music AnnuAl fASHion forby Variations of Three. 2-5 p.m. JW wArd1912-2012. Fashion show Art Gallery, 99 Cortez Ave., Hurley, presented by GFWC Progress Club. 537-0300. Luncheon. 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Hotel wnmu SoftBAll vS. ColorAdo Encanto, 522-5474. SCHool of mineS11 a.m. WNMU, AnnuAl memBer PArtyCelwnmumustangs.com. ebrate another year with the Co-op SPrinG BoutiQueSee April Expo, dinner from local restaurants, 14. Business & Conference Center, and locally brewed beer. 5-9 p.m. Free Hwy180E, 519-2795. for Mountain View Market members. GreenWorks, Downtown Mall, 523Las Cruces/Mesilla 0436. 2012 SymPHony SPrinG tour Aunt meGGieS APril dreAmReVarious locations. Call for time and ception for exhibit April 5-28. Works admission. 646-3709. by Margaret Bernstein. Watercolor Good time SinGerSSee April and oil. 4-6 p.m. Mesquite Art Gal12. 2 p.m. $5. St. Pauls Methodist lery, 340 N. Mesquite St., 640-3502, Church, 225 W. Griggs Ave., 405mesquiteartgallery.com. 7133. Bird tour7:30 a.m. $5 per vemetriC Century BiCyCle ride hicle. Mesilla Valley Bosque State Park, Chose from either a full metric century 5000 Calle de Norte, 523-4398. (62 miles) or a half metric century (31 dAn lAmBertHigh Desert Brewmiles). Begin at NMSU tennis courts ing, 1201 W. Hadley, 525-6752. and loop around Las Cruces. Free meSillA vAlley iriS SHowMeT-shirt to first 50 who register. 8 a.m. silla Valley Iris Society. 38th annual $30-$35. NMSU Tennis Court. show. 1-6 p.m. Mesilla Valley Mall, rAnGer led nAture HiKe3 p.m. 700 S. Telshor, 652-7550. $5 per vehicle. Mesilla Valley Bosque nAtive SPiritMary Beagle. ArtState Park, 5000 Calle de Norte, ists reception. 4-6 p.m. Unsettled Gal523-4398. lery, 905 N. Mesquite St., 635-2285, Deming unsettledgallery.com. ArtS CounCil reCePtionDemrAnGer-led nAture HiKe3 p.m. ing History through art. 1-3 p.m. Arts $5 per vehicle. Mesilla Valley Bosque Center, 100 S. Gold, 546-3663. State Park, 5000 Calle de Norte, friendS of roCKHoundCelebrat523-4398. ing statehood. 1 p.m. Rockhound State SnAKeS AliveNaturalist Richard Park, www.FriendsofRockhound.org. Quick will answer all of your questions tHe JAmmerSDance and socialabout snakes of New Mexico. Learn ize. 2-4 p.m. Free. Morgan Hall, 109 what to do if you encounter a venomE. Pine. ous snake in the desert. He will have a few of these critters to show you. 10 T U E S D AY a.m. $5 per vehicle. Mesilla Valley T A x D AY Bosque State Park, 5000 Calle de Las Cruces / Mesilla Norte, 523-4398. doA AnA CAmerA CluBNew ulzAnAS rAidIn this 1972 film, camera technology by Paul Schranz. 7 Burt Lancaster plays McIntosh, a scout p.m. Southwest Environmental Center, for the Army in late 1880s Arizona. He is assigned to help a party of troop- 275 N. Downtown Mall, 532-1919, dacameraclub.org. ers find a band of renegade Apaches eveninG witH A doCtor6-7 p.m. led by a warrior named Ulzana. Free. Mountain View Market, 1300 El McIntosh accompanies a young lieuPaseo, 523-0436. tenant, played by Bruce Davison, who verde ACAdemy of is ordered to bring Ulzana in, dead dAnCe6:30-7:30 p.m. Free. Rio or alive. Preferably dead. Directed by Grande Theatre, 211 N. Downtown Robert Aldrich. CineMatinee. 1:30 Mall, 523-6403, www.riograndethep.m. $4, $1 MVFS members. Fountain atre.com. Theatre, 2469 Calle de Guadalupe, 524-8287, mesillavalleyfilm.org. W E D N E S D AY
S U N D AY
Wed 18Uncontrolled Substances (AKA: Barb & Joe) Fri 20The Roadrunners Sat 21The Stoke Wed 25Jeff Crosby & the Refugees Americana - Idaho Fri 27Don Conconoscenti Singer Songwriter-Taos Sat 28TBA
17
BiG Jim AdAm And JoHn StilwAGen2 p.m. Morgan Hall, 109 E. Pine. deSert Alive! And nAtive PlAnt SAle8 a.m. Rockhound State Park, 9880 Stirrup Riad. HeArt BAr rAnCH volunteer ServiCe ProJeCtThrough April 15. Heart Bar Ranch volunteer service
Deming
Las Cruces/Mesilla
psychic Rosalie Heart presents an interactive demonstration on how to access your intuitive knowing and shares passages from her book about love, creativity and embodied spirituality. 6:30 p.m. Free. 1st Church of Harmony, 7th
60
EVENTS continued
and Arizona St. 519-4509, director@ agavespiritretreats.com. CAndidAteS forumDistrict 38 State Representative. 6 p.m. Grant County Administration Building. HAndS-on GreenHouSe worKSHoPLearn how to build a hoop greenhouse in one day. Bring food, water, cordless drill (if you have one) and appropriate clothing. 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m. Free. Behind San Lorenzo Elementary School, (202) 361-4071. unControlled SuBStAnCeSBuckhorn Saloon, Pinos Altos, 538-9911, buckhornsaloonandoperahouse.com. BArBArA HinnenKAmP: SAintS of tHe dAy11 large, colorful mixedmedia collages that feature the Mexican people and their connection to nature and the cycles of the earth. Hinnenkamp, an artist from Cochiti Lake in northern New Mexico, uses discarded calendars and magazines to create her collages. Opening reception. 6-8 p.m. Free. Farm & Ranch Heritage Museum, 4100 Dripping Springs Road, 522-4100, www. nmfarmandranchmuseum.org. Self mAStery BooK CluBWith Siddeeq Shabazz. 7:45-8:45 p.m. Free. Mountain View Market, 1300 El Paseo, 523-0436. tArot reAdinGLinda Carr 1-5 p.m. Mountain View Market, 1300 El Paseo, 523-0436.
APRIL 2012
offer their wisdom and insights concerning crime, poetry and evolution. 9:30 a.m.-3 p.m. Free, rsvp required. WNMU Fine Arts Center Theatre. 5386342, will-learning.com. PAin mAnAGementTalk by Dr. John A. Flores. Learn about managing acute or chronic pain. 1-2 p.m. Free. Gila Regional Medical Center Conference Room, 1313 E. 32nd St., 575-4934, www.grmc.org. tHe roAdrunnerSBuckhorn Saloon, Pinos Altos, 538-9911, buckhornsaloonandoperahouse.com. J.A. JAnCeWestern Institute for Lifelong Learning (WILL) hosts J.A. Jances presentation of Mystery Writer: Tales from the Writing Life. Jance is the bestselling author of the Ali Reynolds, J.P. Beaumont and Joanna Brady series plus four southwestern thrillers featuring the Walker Family. 5 p.m. book signing, 5:30 p.m. talk. WNMU Global Resource Center, 5386835, will-learning.com. life in tHe fAt lAneSee April 19. Through April 21. 8 p.m. $6, $3 students. Black Box Theatre, 430 N. Downtown Mall, 523-1223, www. no-strings.org. rAnGer-led nAture HiKe3 p.m. $5 per vehicle. Mesilla Valley Bosque State Park, 5000 Calle de Norte, 523-4398. SHout! tHe mod muSiCAl Through May 6. Taking you back to the music, the fashion and the freedom of the 1960s! This revue tracks five groovy gals as they come of age during those liberating days that made England swing. By Phillip George, Daid Lowenstein and Peter Charles Morris. 7:30 p.m. NMSU Hershel Zohn Theatre, 3014 McFie Circle, 6464515, theatre.nmsu.edu.
www.desertexposure.com
Las Cruces/Mesilla
School. 3 p.m. $6, $3 students. Black Box Theatre, 430 N. Downtown Mall, 523-1223, www.no-strings.org. lilliS urBAnHigh Desert Brewing, 1201 W. Hadley, 525-6752. PSyCHiC reAdinGS And enerGetiC HeAlinGSReiki master and Reverend Dawn Cheney. 12-2 p.m. Mountain View Market, 1300 El Paseo, 5230436. Store tourLearn how to shop savvy while meeting your every dietary need. 5-6 p.m. Free. Mountain View Market, 1300 El Paseo, 523-0436.
T H U R S D AY
A memory, A monoloGue, A rAnt And A PrAyerAlso April 21. Writings to End Violence Against Women and Girls is a collection of monologues by world renowned authors and playwrights, and is edited by Eve Ensler. Sexual Assault Awareness Month. 7 p.m. $10. Buckhorn Saloon, Pinos Altos, 538-9911, buckhornsaloonandoperahouse.com. ClAiminG your SoulS mAGnifiCenCeThrough April 22. Rosie Heart leads a weekend retreat for women only. Advance registration required. 6 p.m. Agave Spirit Retreats, Pinos Altos, 519-4509, [email protected]. GASlAndKick-off film for Earth Day, this documentary film by Josh Fox explores the natural gas drilling technique called fracking. 7 p.m. $5 donation. Silco Theater, 311 N Bullard, 538-8078. one dAy univerSityWestern Institute for Lifelong Learning (WILL) and Western New Mexico University (WNMU) let you go back to the classroom for a day with no tests and no tuition. Three outstanding professors
20
F R I D AY
A memory, A monoloGue, A rAnt And A PrAyerSee April 20. 7 p.m. $10. Buckhorn Saloon, Pinos Las Cruces/Mesilla Altos, 538-9911, buckhornsaloonanAdventure ArtS CollABorAtion doperahouse.com NMSU Outdoor Recs Adventure Arts eArtH dAyInformation booths, Series concludes with an evening highplant sales, food and entertainment. lighting local musicians, film, dance 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Free. Gough Park. and poetry inspired by the natural 519-8987. world. 7-9 p.m. $8-$10. Rio Grande eArtH dAy e-wASteAnnual Theatre, 211 N. Downtown Mall, 523Earth Day electronic waste collection 6403, www.riograndetheatre.com. and recycling drive. All electronics BiG BAnd dAnCe CluBCDs. and other recycling items accepted. Western dance. Western attire encour10 a.m.-2 p.m. Voluntary donation $5 aged. 7-10 p.m. $7. Court Youth per TV or monitor. Parking lot south Center, 402 W. Court St., 526-6504. of Gough Park (enter on 11th St.). CHiCo And ritAThrough April 26. 519-8987. From pre-revolutionary Havana to New mAny HAndS murAlSee story York and Hollywood in the fifties, Paris in Arts Exposure section. 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Penny Park, 538-2505, mimbresart.org. rollinG StoneS Gem And minerAl SoCiety field triPCall for information, 388-2010. J.A. JAnCe Booksigning and Q&A with mystery author. 10:30 a.m. Public Library, 515 W. College Ave, 538-3672. Silver City Art mArKet Saturdays. Local handmade arts and crafts. 9 a.m.Dance with the Big Band Dance Club in Las Cru2 p.m. 703 N. Bulces April 5, 12, 20 and 26. lard, [email protected]. SQuirm BurPee CirCuSA fantastiin the sixties and modern-day Las Vegas, cal adventure featuring classic vauderetro, hand-drawn animation tells the ville comedy, high-skill circus acts and tormented love story of a beautiful singer a plot rooted in American melodrama. and talented piano player narrated in Mimbres Region Arts Council. 7:30 the form of a tragic bolero (with Bebo p.m. $20, $15 members, $5 students. Vald tickling the ivories). The film opens WNMU Fine Arts Center Theatre. 538in Havana circa 1948. Chico the piano 2505,, www.mimbresarts.org. player and Rita the sensual Cuban tHe StoKeBuckhorn Saloon, chanteuse meet, fight and fall in love. Pinos Altos, 538-9911, buckhornsaThey take their act to the top in Havana, loonandoperahouse.com. and then pride, misunderstanding and tile-mAKinG intenSiveClass with fate separate them. Spanning 60 years, Kate Brown. $95 includes materials. we follow them from Havana to New Kate Brown Pottery & Tile, Mimbres, York and Hollywood, Paris and back to 536-9935, [email protected], modern-day Havana and Las Vegas. In katebrownpottery.com. English and Spanish, with subtitles as needed. Nightly 7:30 p.m., Sun. 2:30 Las Cruces/Mesilla and 7:30 p.m. $7 regular, $5 seniors doA AnA GeneAloGiCAl SoCiety and students, MVFS members. Fountain ConferenCeDavid A. Fryxell, foundTheatre, 2469 Calle de Guadalupe, er of Family Tree Magazine and editor 524-8287, mesillavalleyfilm.org. of Desert Exposure, and Jane Buck
21
S A T U R D AY
The Fountain Theatre in Las Cruces screens the animated Chico and Rita April 20-26.
of Family Tree DNA. 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. $50. First Presbyterian Church, 200 E. Boutz Rd., dacgs2012@gmail. com, dagenealogy.blogspot.com. Bird tourBring binoculars, water, sunscreen and wear hiking shoes. 7:30 a.m. $5 per vehicle. Mesilla Valley Bosque State Park, 5000 Calle de Norte, 523-4398. Bri BAGwell video releASeLas Cruces native and country musician Bri Bagwell swings through her hometown on the Banned Music Tour. 7-8 p.m. Rio Grande Theatre, 211 N. Downtown Mall, 523-6403, www. riograndetheatre.com. Co-oP roCKSConcert and art show. 6-11 p.m. Free. GreenWorks, Downtown Mall, 523-0436. HumminGBirdS And orioleSJoin Kristie Lane from Wild Birds Unlimited and learn how you can create a wildlife refuge for these nectar feeders in your own backyard. Learn the types of hummingbirds and orioles found in this area. 10 a.m. $5 per vehicle. Mesilla Valley Bosque State Park, 5000 Calle de Norte, 523-4398. Joffrey: mAveriCKS of AmeriCAn dAnCeWith special guest, Rochelle Zide-Booth, former Joffrey dancer. A look at the first truly American dance company. Narrated by Mandy Patinkin and directed by Bob Hercules. The film weaves a wealth of rare archival footage and photographs along with interviews featuring former and current Joffrey star dancers, showing the full history of the company from its founding to the present. It describes how the Joffrey repeatedly resurrected itself after devastating financial and artistic setbacks and introduced cutting-edge choreographers such as Twyla Tharp, Laura Dean and Margo Sappington to larger audiences. CineMatinee. 1:30 p.m. $4, $1 MVFS members. Fountain Theatre, 2469 Calle de Guadalupe, 524-8287, mesillavalleyfilm.org. life in tHe fAt lAneSee April 19. 8 p.m. $6, $3 students. Black Box Theatre, 430 N. Downtown Mall, 5231223, www.no-strings.org. low-mAintenAnCe PerenniAl BedSA careful selection of perennials can create a colorful, long-blooming garden bed or border. A good selection can also be easy to maintain and use low water. 2 p.m. $7.50, free to members. Enchanted Gardens, 270 Avenida de Mesilla, 524-1886, [email protected], nmenchantedgardens.com. Pee wee mooreHigh Desert Brewing, 1201 W. Hadley, 525-6752. rAnGer-led nAture HiKe3 p.m. $5 per vehicle. Mesilla Valley Bosque State Park, 5000 Calle de Norte, 523-4398. SHout! tHe mod muSiCAlSee April 20. Through May 6. 7:30 p.m. NMSU Hershel Zohn Theatre, 3014 McFie Circle, 646-4515, theatre.nmsu. edu. veGetABle And HerB SAle9 a.m.-4 p.m. Farm & Ranch Heritage Museum, 4100 Dripping Springs Road, 522-4100, www.nmfarmandranchmuseum.org. CentenniAl SPeAKerSheriff Raymond Cobos: Child Soldier in Villas Army. 9-11 a.m. Morgan Hall, 109 E. Pine. S U N D AY E A R T H D AY oldieS But GoodieSClassics from the 1950s and 1960s. 2:30 p.m. $10. Black Box Theatre, 430 N. Downtown Mall, 523-1223, www. no-strings.org. PoulenC trioOboist Vladimir Lande, bassoonist Bryan Young and pianist Irina Kaplan. The Poulenc Trio, now in its eighth season, is the most active touring piano/wind chamber music ensemble in the world. 3-5 p.m. $20. Rio Grande Theatre, 211 N. Downtown Mall, 523-6403, www. riograndetheatre.com. rAnGer-led nAture HiKe3 p.m. $5 per vehicle. Mesilla Valley Bosque State Park, 5000 Calle de Norte, 523-4398. SHout! tHe mod muSiCAlSee April 20. Through May 6. 2 p.m. NMSU Hershel Zohn Theatre, 3014 McFie Circle, 646-4515, theatre.nmsu. edu. veGetABle And HerB SAle12-4 p.m. Farm & Ranch Heritage Museum, 4100 Dripping Springs Road, 5224100, www.nmfarmandranchmuseum. org. tHe JAmmerS2-4 p.m. Free. Morgan Hall, 109 E. Pine.
Las Cruces/Mesilla
Deming
HeAltH ConSCiouS SinGleS These gatherings are open to all but geared towards area singles looking to take responsibility for their own health: physical, emotional and spiritual. 6-7 p.m. Mountain View Market, 1300 El Paseo, 523-0436.
24
T U E S D AY
538-9911, buckhornsaloonandoperahouse.com. ProGreSSive voterS AlliAnCe of GrAnt County7 p.m. Silco Theater, 311 N. Bullard St., 534-9005, www. silcotheater.com. CAndidAteS forumCounty Clerk and County Treasurer. 6 p.m. Grant County Administration Building. Self mAStery BooK CluBWith Siddeeq Shabazz. 7:45-8:45 p.m. Free. Mountain View Market, 1300 El Paseo, 523-0436.
W E D N E S D AY
Las Cruces/Mesilla
Adobe Techniques
L L C
will AnnuAl memBerSHiP meetinG.5:30 p.m. WNMU Global Resource Center, 538-6835, willlearning.com.
26
T H U R S D AY
1 INCH QUARTZITE
3 INCH QUARTZITE
Specializing in large concrete pours using power screed and slab pumping, as well as:
Block Laying Flagstone Installation Slabs and Basement Masonry Grouting Shotcrete (wet gunning) Slope Stabilization Vault and Crypt Construction Concrete Lining Foundation Work Swimming Pool Decks and Patios Cellular Foam Concrete Concrete Pilings Column Work Pressure Grouting and Mud Jacking
Deming
BiG BAnd dAnCe CluBHigh Society Orchestra. 7-10 p.m. $9, $7 members. Court Youth Center, 402 W. Court St., 526-6504. montAnA SKieSHigh Desert Brewing, 1201 W. Hadley, 525-6752. Poetry reAdinGTerry Hertzler, Joanne Townsend, Frank Varela and Ellen Young. 6 p.m. MVS Studios, 535 N. Main, 524-3636.
Las Cruces/Mesilla
F R I D AY
QUARTZITE BOULDERS
3010 N Pinos Altos Rd. Silver City, NM (575) 538-5248 (575) 574-5956 www.adobetechniques.com
License #367590 Adobe Techniques, LLC Licensed, Bonded, and Insured
by Manda Clair Jost. 2-3 p.m. Silver City Museum Annex, 302 W. Broadway, 538-5921, www.silvercitymuseum.org. SPAGHetti dinnerBenefit for the Eastern Star. 11 a.m.-2 p.m. $8. Masonic Hall, 11 Ridge Road.
adaptation for younger audiences and the whole family. Theatre Group New Mexico. 7 p.m. $10, $5 students. WNMU Fine Arts Center Theatre. don ConConoSCentiBuckhorn Saloon, Pinos Altos, 538-9911, buckhornsaloonandoperahouse.com. GrAnt County Art GuildS AnnuAl memBer SHowBrandon Perrault performs. 5 p.m. Hearst Church Gallery, Pinos Altos. Silent voiCeS for viCtimS15 minutes of silence for victims of crime.
DESERT EXPOSURE
APRIL 2012
61
April 20. 2 p.m. NMSU Hershel Zohn Theatre, 3014 McFie Circle, 6464515, theatre.nmsu.edu. tHe JAmmerSCome dance, socialize, and enjoy. 2-4 p.m. Free. Morgan Hall, 109 E. Pine.
M O N D AY
MAY
The Good Time Singers perform a tribute to veterans and 1940s music on April 12 and 15.
6 p.m. Gough Park. GArBo: tHe SPyThrough May 3. The account of an extraordinary Spanish double agent during WWII who helped change the course of history. The former manager of a chicken farm, Juan Pujol was in hiding during much of the Spanish Civil War, which gave the Catalan a distaste for fascism. In 1940, he offered his services to the British as a spy against the Nazis but was rejected. Instead, he set himself up as a German agent, operating out of Lisbon but pretending to the Nazis that he was based in London. On his fifth try, the Brits accepted him. The peak of his career came in 1944, when he succeeded in diverting German defense forces to Calais while the Allied landings were taking place in Normandy, thus averting considerable bloodshed. Historian Nigel West tells how, 30-odd years later, he tracked down Garboso called by his Brit employers because he was the best actor in the world. Nightly 7:30 p.m., Sun. 2:30 and 7:30 p.m. $7 regular, $5 seniors and students, MVFS members. Fountain Theatre, 2469 Calle de Guadalupe, 524-8287, mesillavalleyfilm.org. rAnGer-led nAture HiKe3 p.m. $5 per vehicle. Mesilla Valley Bosque State Park, 5000 Calle de Norte, 523-4398. SHout! tHe mod muSiCAlSee April 20. Through May 6. 7:30 p.m. NMSU Hershel Zohn Theatre, 3014 McFie Circle, 646-4515, theatre.nmsu. edu. BACH B minor mASSAlso April 28. This mass by Bach is considered by many one of the finest choral works ever composed. NMSU Choirs under the direction of Dr. Jerry Ann Alt will be accompanied by La Catrina Quartet, NMSUs Artists-in-Residence, augmented by other instrumentalists from NMSUs music department. 7:30 p.m. $15, $20, and $5 for students at Pan Am Center Ticket office. NMSU Atkinson Recital Hall, 646-1270, 646-2067.
Las Cruces/Mesilla
p.m. $10, $5 students. WNMU Fine Arts Center Theatre. HiStoriC fort BAyArd tourMeet at the Commanding Officers Quarters. 9:30 a.m. Fort Bayard National Historic Landmark, 956-3294, fortbayard.org. PedAliStA!A family fun celebration of the bicycle. A park full of activities including cooperative bike games, obstacle courses, food, and a raffle of two bicycles plus lots of other prizes. Fundraiser for The Bikeworks. 10 a.m.2 p.m. $10 per family, $5 per person. Gough Park, 388-1444. rotAry CluB GAlA And CHArity AuCtion4:30-8:30 p.m. $20. Business & Conference Center, Hwy. 180E, 388-3521. round mountAinSecond annual New Mexico Music Series. 7 p.m. Buckhorn Saloon, Pinos Altos, 538-9911, buckhornsaloonandoperahouse.com Silver City Art mArKetSaturdays. Local handmade arts and crafts. 9 a.m.-2 p.m. 703 N. Bullard, [email protected]. BACH B minor mASSSee April 27. 3 p.m. $15, $20, and $5 for students at Pan Am Center Ticket office. NMSU Atkinson Recital Hall, 646-1270, 646-2067. CHAlK Art ComPetitionParticipants will use chalk to paint on the newly reopened Main Street in Downtown Las Cruces. An all-day event, three featured artists, kids area, cash prizes, juried event. 7 a.m.- 4 p.m. Free. Downtown Mall, 525-1955. fArm volunteer dAy1-3 p.m. Mountain View Market Farm, 5230436, [email protected]. internAtionAl dAy of dAnCeThe Seventh Annual Day of Dance celebrates the International Day of Dance initiated in 1982 by the International Dance Council, under the auspices of UNESCO. The event presents culturally diverse dance forms found in the Las
S A T U R D AY
Cruces area, including ballet folklorico, belly dancing, Peruvian dance, line dancing, Native American dance, ballroom dance and more. 10 a.m.-12 p.m. Free. Rio Grande Theatre, 211 N. Downtown Mall, 523-6403, www. riograndetheatre.com. Joe HAyeSAward-winning childrens book author reads. 10:30 a.m. Thomas Branigan Memorial Library, 200 E. Picacho Ave., 528-4000, library.las-cruces.org. PASSPort to nAtureLearn how to make traditional Girl Scout camping crafts, take guided hikes with experts, learn how to letterbox, archery for older girls, live critters, and more. Current and interested Girl Scouts, grades K-12, and families are welcome. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. $5 per vehicle. Mesilla Valley Bosque State Park, 5000 Calle de Norte, 523-4398. rAnGer-led nAture HiKe3 p.m. $5 per vehicle. Mesilla Valley Bosque State Park, 5000 Calle de Norte, 523-4398. SHout! tHe mod muSiCAlSee April 20. Through May 6. 7:30 p.m. NMSU Hershel Zohn Theatre, 3014 McFie Circle, 646-4515, theatre.nmsu. edu. StorytellinG worKSHoPWith award-winning childrens book author Joe Hayes. Participants in this lecture/ demonstration/participation session will increase their awareness of the power of storytelling and build greater confidence in their own skill as tellers. 2 p.m. Thomas Branigan Memorial Library, 200 E. Picacho Ave., 5284000, library.las-cruces.org. deminG fuSilierSHigh Desert Brewing, 1201 W. Hadley, 525-6752. tHe miSSionThe year is 1750 and the Catholic Churchs power is waning. In South America, territories belonging to Spain, which does not allow trafficking in slaves, are being ceded to Portugal, which does. Caught in the middle are the sanctuaries established by the Jesuits for converting and sheltering the local Guarani Indians. Father Gabriel (Jeremy Irons) is the head Jesuit at a mission built high atop a plateau in the jungle. Rodrigo Mendoza (Robert De Niro) is an ex-slave trader who becomes a Jesuit in his search for redemption for killing his brother. Cardinal Altamirano is the Popes representative in South America, sent to the country ostensibly to determine whether Gabriels mission should remain a place of sanctuary for the Guarani. In reality, he is present to rubber-stamp the decision for the Jesuits to withdraw from the area. CineMatinee. 1:30 p.m. $4, $1 MVFS members. Fountain Theatre, 2469 Calle de Guadalupe, 524-8287, mesillavalleyfilm.org. CeleBrAtion of life CAnCer wAlKHonoring 10-plus years survivors. 8 a.m.-12 p.m. Pit Park, 546-4780. oPen rAnGe2 p.m. $10, $8 members. Morgan Hall, 109 E. Pine. Jeff SCroGGinS And freSH HorSeSConcert as part of the Spit and Whittle Clubs centennial celebration of Kingston. 7 p.m. $8, $5 youth and seniors. Hillsboro Community Center, kingstonNM.com.
doA AnA CAmerA CluBPhotoshop, color and levels. With Ron Wolfe. 7 p.m. Southwest Environmental Center, 275 N. Downtown Mall, 532-1919, dacameraclub.org. KelCee Covert Senior reCitAl6:30 p.m. Free. Rio Grande Theatre, 211 N. Downtown Mall, 5236403, www.riograndetheatre.com. 7tH AnnuAl CACtuS CArnivAl9 a.m.-2 p.m. Pancho Villa State Park.
live music, dancing, games, food, drinks, art and crafts. Old Mesilla Plaza, 524-3262 ext. 116, mesillanm.org rAnGer-led nAture HiKePlease bring binoculars, water, sunscreen and wear hiking shoes. 3 p.m. $5 per vehicle. Mesilla Valley Bosque State Park, 5000 Calle de Norte, 523-4398. SHout! tHe mod muSiCAlSee April 20. Through May 6. 7:30 p.m. NMSU Hershel Zohn Theatre, 3014 McFie Circle, 646-4515, theatre.nmsu. edu. luiS nAvArroArtist reception. 5-7 p.m. Free. Rio Grande Theatre, 211 N. Downtown Mall, 523-6403, www.riograndetheatre.com. CinCo de mAyo8 a.m. Luna County Courthouse, 546-2674.
Deming
film lAS CruCeSMonthly forum. 7-9 p.m. Free. Rio Grande Theatre, 211 N. Downtown Mall, 523-6403, www.riograndetheatre.com.
W E D N E S D AY
Deming
T H U R S D AY
Columbus
premier bicycle racing event. www. TouroftheGila.com. CAndidAteS forumDistrict Judge-6th District-Division 2. 6 p.m. Grant County Administration Building.
W E D N E S D AY
26tH SrAm tour of tHe GilAThrough May 6. The areas premier bicycle racing event. www. TouroftheGila.com. GreenwAyS Guided Bird HiKe Ecology walk along San Vicente Creek led by Dave Menzie. 12 p.m. CinCo de mAyo fieStASee May 5. Old Mesilla Plaza, 524-3262 ext 116, mesilla-nm.org meSillA vAlley CHorAle Sentimental Journey. 3-5 p.m. $10. Rio Grande Theatre, 211 N. Downtown Mall, 523-6403, www. riograndetheatre.com. rAnGer-led nAture HiKe3 p.m. $5 per vehicle. Mesilla Valley Bosque State Park, 5000 Calle de Norte, 523-4398. SHout! tHe mod muSiCAlSee
S U N D AY
cal. 7-9 p.m. Rio Grande Theatre, 211 N. Downtown Mall, 523-6403, www. riograndetheatre.com. k
Las Cruces/Mesilla
26tH SrAm tour of tHe GilAThrough May 6. The areas premier bicycle racing event. www. TouroftheGila.com.
3 4
T H U R S D AY
Send events info by the 20th of the month to: events@desertexposure. com, fax 5344134, PO Box 191, Silver City, NM 88062 or NEWsubmit your event online at www.desertexposure.com/submitevents. BEFORE YOU GO: Note that events listings are subject to change and to human error! Please confirm all dates, times and locations.
26tH SrAm tour of tHe GilAThrough May 6. The areas premier bicycle racing event. www. TouroftheGila.com. firSt fridAyS downtownTour of the Gila Expo Kick-Off. Street dance and special activities. 6-9 p.m. Downtown Silver City, SilverCityMainStreet. com. willS refleCtionS of An ArtiStWestern Institute of Lifelong Learning (WILL) hosts Judy Muller, ABC and CBS correspondent, and Dutch Salmon, local author/conservationist, as they team up to celebrate small towns and love of nature. Following their presentation, they will be joined by WNMUs writer in residence, J.J. Wilson, who will act as moderator for a panel discussion dealing with their lives as artists. 5 p.m. WNMU Global Resource Center, 538-6835, willlearning.com. HowlinG Coyote CoffeeHouSe And oPen miC7-9 p.m. Free. Rio Grande Theatre, 211 N. Downtown Mall, 523-6403, www.riograndetheatre.com. rAnGer-led nAture HiKe3 p.m. $5 per vehicle. Mesilla Valley Bosque State Park, 5000 Calle de Norte, 523-4398. SHout! tHe mod muSiCAlSee April 20. Through May 6. 7:30 p.m. NMSU Hershel Zohn Theatre, 3014 McFie Circle, 646-4515, theatre. nmsu.edu. S A T U R D AY C I N C O D E M AY O
our of tHe xPo ilA
F R I D AY
Las Cruces/Mesilla
Southwestern Jewelry and supplies Mineral specimens Unique gifts Free Mineral Museum Rock Hounding supplies and books
1805 Little Walnut Rd. Silver City, NM 88061 575.538.9001 [email protected]
Deming
Hillsboro
Las Cruces/Mesilla
S U N D AY
rAnGer-led nAture HiKe3 p.m. $5 per vehicle. Mesilla Valley Bosque State Park, 5000 Calle de Norte, 523-4398. SHout! tHe mod muSiCAlSee April 20. Through May 6. 2 p.m. NMSU Hershel Zohn Theatre, 3014 McFie Circle, 646-4515, theatre.nmsu. edu. SundAy GrowerS mArKet10 a.m.-2 p.m. Mountain View Market, 1300 El Paseo, 523-0436. tHe JAmmerSDance, socialize. 2-4 p.m. Free. Morgan Hall, 109 E. Pine.
Las Cruces/Mesilla
kid zone, bike races, beer garden, booths, food, live music all day. Bullard St. between Morning Star and Western Stationers. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. www.TouroftheGila.com. 26tH SrAm tour of tHe GilA Through May 6. The areas premier bicycle racing event. Community races downtown. www.TouroftheGila.com. GreenwAyS Guided Bird HiKe Bird walk along San Vicente Creek led by Brian Dolton. 7:30 a.m. Free. HiStoriC fort BAyArd tour Meet at the Commanding Officers Quarters. 9:30 a.m. Fort Bayard National Historic Landmark, 956-3294, fortbayard.org. Silver City Art mArKetSaturdays. Local handmade arts and crafts. 9 a.m.-2 p.m. 703 N. Bullard, [email protected]. 17tH AnnuAl lAS CruCeS tour of GArdenSSix gardens. The annual garden tour is presented by Mesilla Valley Garden Club and Desert Daubers Garden Club of Las Cruces. 9 a.m.-4 p.m. $7, free 12 and under. Purchase tickets at Enchanted Gardens. CinCo de mAyo fieStAAlso May 6. The event commemorates the victory of Mexican soldiers over the French army at the Battle of Puebla in 1862. The fiesta features mariachis, folklorico dancers, flamenco dancers,
Las Cruces/Mesilla
Deming
62
APRIL 2012
www.desertexposure.com
Mister Clean
A robot that does the Swiffering for you! Now thats man cleaning, 21st-century style!
any of you are probably engaged in spring cleaning this month, sweeping your house free of winters accumulation of dust and grime to make room for the warm-weather months dust and grime. Given our areas spring winds, youre no doubt tempted to simply open the front door plus a few strategically selected windows on the back side of your house and let the dirt blow out, along with small pets and kitchen appliances you probably dont need anymore anyway. (The appliances, I mean, not the petsplease hold those angry letters, ASPCA.) But before you adopt such extreme measures, permit me to introduce you to a kinder, gentler alternativeat least one thats kinder and gentler to you. These two little words will change how you think about household chores: Man cleaning. No, I dont mean cleaning the man in your life, though heaven knows some of us could use it. Nor am I so sexist as to suggest that women, too, cannot engage in man cleaning. The gender affiliation here is purely attributable to the fact that some men and, fellas, I emphasize the word someare a teensy bit more lackadaisical about cleaning. Thus it has been since caveman times, when the man of the cave thought it was perfectly fine just to toss the mastodon bones in the back, where no one would see them, or perhaps to conceal them under a handy sabertooth-skin rug. (If not for such thinking, I might add, todays archeologists would know far less about peoples of ancient times. All those arrowheads and other clues found heaped about our predecessors dwellings? The women of the house wanted to pick those up!) But man cleaning is not mere messiness. Rather, certain males of the species realize that, once a decade or so, our dwellings need a bit of sprucing up. Especially if we share an abode with a female, the accumulation of beer cans, rotting mammoth corpses, pizza boxes and skulls of our vanquished foes must occasionally be dealt with. While were at it, men figure we might as well squirt some Pledge in the general direction of any dust buildup thick enough to write ones name in. he point is, however, that men approach this chore with practicality first in mind. For example, if no one is ever going to see a household object or surface, and no deadly pathogen can be proven by the Centers for Disease Control to be growing there, why bother to clean it? We have more important priorities to devote our time to, like finding the Higgs boson and fine-tuning our fantasy baseball teams. Over the many years of our marriage, I like to think that my wifewho once turned up her nose at my style of man cleaning in favor of, well, cleaninghas slowly come around to my way of thinking. Either that, or Ive simply eroded her
standards. Oh, now and then shell go on what I call a cleaning binge, scrubbing the toilets and washing the floors, even vacuuming (disturbing dust that, I point out, was perfectly happy deep within our carpets, not bothering anyone). But if someones coming over who might not look too closely, she sometimes makes do with man cleaning. I like to make the point, moreover, than periodic man cleaning, inadequate though it may be, is better than more thorough but more rare real cleaning. I like to make this point, but over those many years of marital bliss Ive learned to keep my mouth shut about it. Hence the bliss.
hoever and whatever gender does it, man cleaning starts with the obvious. If you can see dust or stains, zap them with some sort of liquid and follow up with a quick wipe. Men are big on cleaning liquids, smartly letting Pledge or 409 or Windex do the heavy work while we check out the scores on our iPhones. Dont be shy about applying this stuffreally douse it, stopping just short of actual puddle formation. When it comes to wiping, paper towels are your friend. What good does it do to simply transfer the gunk to something else, like a dust rag, that youre still going to have to get clean? Wipe and throw it away. Im pretty sure paper towels are biodegradable (or at least they are until they get loaded up with the deadly chemicals in cleaning sprays, not to mention whatever bacterialaden gunk you wipe up), so the Earth is happy about this arrangement, too. When you tackle floors, however, if you ever do, you dont want to be down there on your hands and knees scrubbing with paper towels. Who do you think you are, anyway, Cinderella? Thats when you pull out the Swiffer. The Swiffer is like a paper towel for the floor, sort of an oversized Wet Wipe attached to a stick like a broom or mop. (Dont worry, its not an actual broom or mopwe havent gone over to the Dark Side here.) It is Godsor at least Procter & Gamblesgift to man cleaning. In our household, in fact, the Swiffer has become a verb, as in, Im going to Swiffer the floor in the den. (If any Procter & Gamble trademark attorneys are reading this, please edit the previous sentence to: Im going to Swiffer-brand cleaning product-ize the floor in the den.) The beauty of Swiffering, like using paper towels, is that when youre done and a thick layer of disgusting grayish grime, cat hair and insect feces has been captured by the Swiffer wipe, into the trash it goes! The stick part goes back on its hook in the laundry room for another month or two or four, and you can go back to finding that pesky Higgs boson. Surely, this is also better for Mother Earth than contaminating a bucket of precious water by mopping. Future generations will thank us, even as the chemical-laden Swiffer wipes pile up around their ears.
If you have the sort of dinner guests who move your furniture around, looking for dirt, you need to change your friends, not your cleaning technique.
nce youre armed with powerful chemicals, paper towels and a Swiffer, the true secret to man cleaning is selectivity. Heres the rule: If you cant see the dirt, nobody else can, either! That inch-thick layer of dust on and around your desk? By all means, Pledge the living daylights out of it. But the dust, if any (whos gonna look?), under your computer keyboard, printer and fax machine? Fehgetaboutit, as man cleaners in New York would say. Sure, Swiffer (insert disclaimer and trademark symbol here) the floor around your favorite easy chair. But why in the world should you move the chair to clean under it? First of all, how could dirt even get under there? If your Swiffer cant reach it, how can grime? Even if gunk does somehow sneak into the hidden recesses under your chair, whos going to see it? If you have the sort of dinner guests who move your furniture around, looking for dirt, you need to change your friends, not your cleaning technique. Kitchens demand a more rigorous approach, since after all you are eating the food prepared there. (A 100% takeout diet would be true to the spirit of man cleaning, but might not be kind to your cardiovascular system.) Here you want to deploy a real blitzkrieg of cleaning chemicals, figuring that kitchen surfaces can take it better than, say, your wifes precious walnut armoire that her greatgrandmother carried on her back from Norway. (Who knew oven cleaner could do that to wood?) I even clean the stovetop, despite the logic that the high temperatures there are bound to kill any lurking pathogens. Spare no effort to stop salmonella, I always say. Bathrooms are more of a judgment call. You want to clean the mirror, of course, so you can see when youre shaving and dont nick yourself. Before the towels go in the laundry (which for heavens sakes get your wife to tacklearent you doing enough?), wipe the bathroom counters and sink with them. Scrubbing Bubbles is a good choice for chemical blitzkrieg in the bathroomlet those little bubbles do the work instead of you! I think the Swiffer is just fine for the bathroom floors, too, but certain women who dont appreciate how hard it is to hit the toilet when youre standing up have been known to disagree. As for cleaning the toilet itself, frankly, that seems like a waste of time. Youre just going to dirty it upin the most gross and disgusting waysa few minutes later, anyway. Whats the point? The toilet is the perfect place to draw the line with man cleaningbecause eventually somebody wont be able to stand it anymore, and your house will finally get a real cleaning. Who knows? Maybe shell find the Higgs boson while shes at it. k When not down on his hands and knees, scrubbing, David A. Fryxell edits Desert Exposure.
Manzanita Ridge
theres no place like it
Come on down and pick out something special for your home
DE
You deserve it, dont you? I think you do. Trust me, I know whats best for you.
DESERT EXPOSURE
APRIL 2012
63
Cellular Connection
Forget The Rest... Now We're Twice The Best
veri on wireless
Authorized Retailer
816 N. Hudson
Corner of College & Hudson in Silver City, NM
Open: Mon-Fri 9-5:30
Hwy. 180 E
575-574-2293
Open: Mon-Fri 9-5:30 Sat 9-4
DE
575-534-4636
Se hable Espaol!
64
APRIL 2012
www.desertexposure.com
ce for 2011
Own a income-generating turn key Renovated 3bd/1ba home in business in beautifull Lake Roberts. Lordsburg. Over $21k in recent MLS 28978 $109,900 MLS 28929 $99,000 MLS 28898 $359,000 This business/residence totally repairs by licensed contractor. New Quaint hideaway in town - ideal for roof, interior/exterior paint, new vinyl an artist. The property consists of the Set in a private canyon & bordering Cozy log cabin in the tall pines with remodel and newly furnished. There panoramic views. Large deck for are a total of seven rooms, four have & laminate flooring, new kitchen main house, a studio, possible guest national forest is this multi-story log relaxing and entertaining. Lower cabin in excellent condition. kitchenettes. Another separate cabin countertops, new dishwasher, quarter and a storage building. The level with laundry room, storage and has a full kitchen and two rooms. Ponderosa pines, wrap-around remodeled bathroom. Mandatory home has a good size kitchen with carport. Community water and well. Currently the office is also a Waiting Period Days 1-7: Offers will an eating area, a large living room, a covered deck, horse set-up, two wells, water rights & all on 8.4 acres. Fishing nearby at Lake Roberts. residence. Room enough for 6 not be reviewed. Days 8-12: Offers bedroom with a office/closet Lots of character & just off the paved Endless recreation oppurtunities additional units. Lake Roberts is 1/2 ONLY from NSP buyers, Municipaliaddition and another room that with Gila National Forest boundary mile away and is surrounded by the ties, Non-profit organizations and could be any room your imagination road. Ride or hike directly into the adjacent to the property. Gila National Forest. Owner-occupants will be reviewed. wishes. The property is wood fenced forest from your property! Days 13+: We will consider offers for privacy. Large trees provide cool from all buyers. shade in the summer. There is a zen area and patio space.
2011 prudential financial, inc. And its related entities. An independently owned and operated broker member of prudential real estate affiliates, inc., a prudential financial company. Prudential, the prudential logo and the rock symbol are service marks of prudential financial, inc. And its related entities, registered in many jurisdictions worldwide. Used under license. Equal housing opportunity.
www.ygreatlakes.com
Great Connections to Great Destinations