April 2015

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Child & Family Resources

CONNECTING SANTA CRUZ COUNTY

Celebrating Children’s Day 18

EARTHfest Patagonia

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Arizona’s 2015 Poetry Out Loud State Champion

The Face of Border Eco

CONTENT

Be a part of our "Border Eco community Facebook Campaign."

Border Eco invites the public to help us grow our Facebook Fanclub by posting a picture of themselves on their Facebook account and ours. Make sure to have your friends and family like your picture and our Facebook page. Each month we will feature a picture of an individual who helps us generate the most likes on our Facebook page.

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MCHC/ Free Prenatal Classes Offered Locally

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4-H Healthy Living Ambassadors

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People that “Echo”

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Child & Family Resources

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Birth To Five Partners

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Nogales Rotary Club honors students from Santa Cruz County

We will feature your picture, a brief interview on our magazine and Facebook page.

This will help us build our fan base, while at the same time help put you on the spotlight.

Remember likes have to be directly your photo and our page in order for your picture to be selected.

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What’s Happening

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Arizona’s 2015 Poetry Out Loud State Champion

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Las Trancas

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EARTHfest Patagonia

Editor: Adriana Romero Student Intern Reporter: Nailea Leon Student Intern Reporter: Cindy Marisol Gallegos Magazine Graphic Designer Consultant: Ana Moriset

Border Eco Magazine recently moved.

Information is correct at press time.

Check www.bordereco.com for updates.

Our office is located on : 1071 N. Grand Ave. Ste. #122, Nogales, Arizona 85621 (520) 461-4880 Email: contact@bordereco.com Please send us information on any upcoming events, meetings, or programs to share with our readers. w w w. b o r d e r e c o . c o m

Border Eco, LLC © 2014 copyright all rights reserved.

Reproduction in whole or in part without the permission of Border Eco Magazine is prohibited. Any material produced is the property of Border Eco. Any material published is not necessarily the opinion of Border Eco and will not be held responsible. Border Eco Magazine accepts material from advertisers, clients, readers and various sources which are not necessarily the opinion of Border Eco Magazine in print or on Border Eco websites and will not be held responsible.

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Free Prenatal Classes Offered Locally Pregnant women and their partners have a free resource here in Santa Cruz County to help keep themselves and their babies healthy.

Prenatal Classes are provided by Mariposa Community Health Center in partnership with Carondelet Holy Cross Hospital and Child and Family Resources. All expectant parents are invited to attend.

A course of four Prenatal Classes is offered on a monthly basis.

Sessions are designed to answer questions about the third trimester of pregnancy including labor and delivery. Classes also focus on natural pain management, breastfeeding, newborn care and soothing techniques for newborns. Mariposa’s Maternal and Child Health program began offering the Prenatal Classes 3 years ago. Last year, the classes served 67 participants.

The curriculum helps expectant parents feel more confident about common questions and concerns.

When is the best time to call my doctor? How I will recognize “real” labor contractions? How can the partner be supportive in the labor and delivery process?

tor, is in charge of teaching the classes. Anabelle said “I am honored to work with expectant parents during this miraculous time and pleased to be able to offer this service locally, so they don’t have to travel to Tucson.”

The next session begins March 19th. The free classes are each Thursday for four weeks from 5:30pm to 7:00 pm, at the Mariposa Family Learning Center in the Alamo Plaza shopping center on Grand Avenue. Included in the third class is a group tour of Carondelet Holy Cross Hospital.

For questions, or to enroll, call 520-375-6050.

Chelsea Santacruz attended the Prenatal Classes in 2014 while she was pregnant with her first child. She said, “The classes were really helpful for me as a first time mom. They taught me about labor and helped me manage my pain.”

She highly recommends the classes, “Because you can talk with a professional woman.” Her favorite part was the breastfeeding class, “because the techniques I learned really work!”

Anabelle Unanue, Mariposa’s Maternal and Child Health Educa-

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Anabelle Unanue demonstrating relaxation techniques

Couples engaged in prenatal classes

4-H Healthy Living Ambassadors The 4-H Healthy Living Ambassadors is an after school 4-H club that meets at both, Nogales High School and Elgin Elementary. The youth that are currently participating in this club are working hard to educate their communities to adapt a healthier lifestyle. The teens attended six hours of nutrition and healthy living training through the University of Arizona Cooperative Extension Santa Cruz County. They are currently collaborating with other audiences such as schools, teen groups, and community events to educate others about healthier living options through educational lessons and food demonstrations.

The 4-H Healthy Ambassador Program began recruiting and training teens in December of 2014. Since then the University of Arizona Cooperative Extension Santa Cruz County 4-H program has trained a total of 85 teens to become 4-H Healthy Living Ambassadors through lecture and visits to the Tucson Village Farm.

The program started from a collaboration between the cooperative extension county offices and the National 4-H Council based out of Chevy Chase, Maryland. National 4-H Council secured healthy living grants through United Healthcare and Wal-Mart, who financially support these programs across Arizona, including Santa Cruz County. These collaborations have built strong networks of community outreach across the state. The local 4-H Healthy Living Ambassadors help educate community members about living an active lifestyle and the benefits of eating healthier.

The program currently serves teens in our community. It is open for everyone in our community that is interested in participating. “Our teens can be found advocating at local events such as parent teacher conferences and community outreach events,” said Vanessa

Hanlan, Instructional Specialist.

The program is built to serve all ages. “As of today, our Healthy Living Ambassadors have served over 900 community members through their participation at local events such as the NHS Parent Teacher Conferences and the First Things First Celebrates Children event,” said Ms. Hanlan.

4-H Healthy Living Ambassadors

The program offers the opportunity to learn fun, hands-on nutrition lessons that are simple. Our ambassadors learn how to prepare healthy food and gain valuable leadership skills. The youth are instigators of change toward more healthy habits throughout their communities! Currently, our ambassadors are offering peer trainings for local youth in our community as well as speaking out at local events.

Currently the program is funded through the National 4-H Council grants and the University of Arizona Cooperative Extension from the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences.

United Health Care and Wal-Mart are the current financial supporters of the program, which is funneled through the National 4-H Council grants program. Community members can participate in the program by attending or requesting presentations or food demonstrations from our 4-H Healthy Living Ambassadors.

Currently, two staff members from the University of Arizona Cooperative Extension Santa Cruz County and one AmeriCorps volunteer working with 4-H Healthy Living Ambassadors.

Another integral part of the team are volunteer teachers from local schools and the trained 4-H healthy living w w w. b o r d e r e c o . c o m

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ambassadors that participate at each event or presentation.

This program allows youth to become leaders in our community and receive proper training to become a part of the 4-H Healthy Living Ambassadors Program. The University of Arizona Cooperative Extension Santa Cruz County 4-H program also provides various enrichment activities that allow youth to see programming outside of Santa Cruz County.

Additionally, the youth are in control of their programming and become responsible for the activities they are overseeing. With these opportunities they can create awareness and educate others on the importance of healthier living along with the nutritional benefits.

“This program gives them the unique opportunity for young people to become peer educators and mentors for the younger generations that look up to them as role models,” said Ms. Hanlan. For more information about this program please contact us at: U of A Cooperative Extension (520) 281-2994 ext. 101 Vanessa Hanlan, Instructional Specialist, vhanlan@email.arizona. edu or Amanda Zamudio, Assistant in Extension 4-H/Youth Development, azamudio@email.arizona.edu

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People That “Echo” Margarita EliasHelping Families in Santa Cruz County For this month’s editorial our choice for the April Magazine on People That Echo in our community is Margarita Elias.

Margarita Elias works in a private, community-based non-profit agency as the director of Healthy Families Arizona at Child & Family Resources, Inc. Healthy Families Arizona is a program that serves families facing challenges, teaching parents how to be the most adequate parents they can be despite challenges they may be facing. She has been working in the social services field for 23 years, including mental health and prevention services. Mrs. Elias is truly passionate about working with families, and helping individuals become self-sufficient.

Margarita Elias was born and raised in Nogales Arizona. She is a proud graduate of Nogales High School in 1987. Mrs. Elias graduated from the University of Arizona in 1991 with a Bachelor of Science in Family Studies, and a Minor in Sociology. She also graduated from Arizona State University in 2005 with a Masters in Social Work. “This is exactly how I envisioned my career would be. I love what I do and I have the most dedicated, and compassionate staff that helps make my job easier” said Mrs. Elias. She is currently working towards obtaining her Independent License to become a certified, licensed Social Worker (LCSW) through the Arizona Board of Behavioral Health. Her education has provided her with knowledge and opportunities to be able to support others facing #6 Pg.

hardships and gain a deeper understanding of social problems we face on a daily basis. Mrs. Elias served as a council member on the First Things First Regional Council from 2008-2010.

She has also been a member of the National Association of Social Workers professional organization.

Mrs. Elias role is to oversee the Healthy Families Arizona program. This program is a voluntary home visitation program that serves pregnant women and families of newborns. The program was established in Arizona 1991 by the Arizona Department of Child Safety. It is a prevention program designed and dedicated to supporting families in their journey to be the best parents they can be. The program provides help to expectant and new parents get their children off to a healthy start.

Program services are designed to strengthen families during the critical first years of a child’s life - the time when early brain development occurs. Through its efforts to support and educate families, the program has shown to reduce incidences of child abuse and neglect, provide stability for families facing life challenges.

The mission of Healthy Families Arizona is to enhance parent-child relationships, optimize child health and development, build on family strengths and prevent child abuse and neglect. Child & Family Resources, Inc. works

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Margarita Elias dedicated to helping families

towards building resilient children.

On April 21, 2015, Child & Family Resources, Inc. will be hosting an event called Champions for Children & Families Luncheon, which is hosted every year during Child Abuse Prevention Month, Child & Family Resources honors local champions who have given their time, and talent to help build strong children, youth, and families.

Volunteers donate their time to help improve Santa Cruz County families lives.

Child & Family Resources, Inc Child & Family Resources, Inc is is a private, community-based, non-profit agency offering 31 programs throughout southern Arizona.

At least 92% of funding goes toward programs and services benefiting 34,000 families and children each year. The agency is headquartered in Tucson with satellite offices in Phoenix, Sierra Vista, Douglas, Safford, Bullhead City, Kingman, Apache Junction, Casa Grande, Yuma and Nogales. At Child & Family Resources, our mission is to work in homes and communities to help families succeed, coach child care teachers so children excel in school, and partner with teens to prevent pregnancy, school drop-out, drug use and suicide.

Castro is the Program Supervisor in the outreach and prevention Services and Rosa Maria Hernandez is the First Steps Site Team Leader.

The Arizona Early Intervention Program (AzEIP) provides in home assessment, evaluation, and ongoing services to families with children birth to three, who have developmental delays and/or disabilities.

The Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) Family child care providers are reimbursed for nutritious meals served to children in their care. DES Child Care Home Recruitment provides training, technical assistance, and professional development for people who want to There are 12 become certiemployees at fied child care Child & Family providers in a Resources, home setting Inc. Nogales for the Arizona site including, Department Margarita Elias of Economic supervisor for Security. The Healthy FamFirst Steps ilies Arizona is a program program, available to all Georgina mothers of newRomero-Parra, Paulina Valenzuela, Family born babies.

Family Assess- Support Specialist This program ment Worker, provides support and 5 employees who work as and information over the phone by Family Support Specialists with the a trained volunteer until the baby is Healthy Families Arizona Program; three months old. The Outreach and Maria Portillo, Paulina Valenzuela, Prevention Services is a program Roxanna Ramos, Grace Velez and designed to engage community Teresa Romero. In the D.E.S Home partners in working collaboratively to Recruitment/Study & Supervision/ enhancing services through preCACFP Gaby Heredia is a Childcare vention and outreach efforts in the Specialist, and Olivia Guevara is Southeastern region. the Administrative Support. VanesChild Care Resource & Referral sa Parada is an early intervention (CCR&R) is a free statewide prospecialist with the Arizona Early gram in Arizona that helps families Intervention Program (AzEIP), Yara w w w. b o r d e r e c o . c o m

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Child & Family Resources Staff: Margarita Elias, Georgina Romero-Parra, Maria Portillo, Paulina Valenzuela, Grace Velez, Teresa Romero, Olivia Guevara, Vanessa Parada, Yara Castro and Rosa Maria.

find high quality child care to fit their family’s unique needs. Parents can call and get a list of child care centers/providers best suited for them.. “CCR&R offers information on community trainings, resources for child care providers and support programs to child care providers.

The purpose of these programs and the organization is to build resilient children and families. Child & Family Resources, Inc understands how challenging being a parent is especially for parents who have children with developmental disabilities, are living in poverty, or are not able to provide basic necessities for their children.

On Tuesday April 21st the organization will host Champions for Children and Families to honor those who have build strong children youth and families. For more information you can contact our local office at: 520-282-9303 or log on to our website at www.ChildFamilyResources.org

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Birth To Five Partners On Tuesday, January 27, 2015 at 3:00 p.m. the Birth to Five Partners held their 2nd meeting at the Santa Cruz County Complex. The goal of the Birth to Five Partners is to create an opportunity for anyone who works directly with children ages birth to 5 and their families to come together on a regular basis as a way to share information and resources in order to create more collaboration and communication among service providers. They held their first meeting on May of 2014. It was hosted by the Santa Cruz County Superintendent of Schools’ Office.

The individuals who organized these meetings are: Francisco Padilla, Regional Director First Things First Santa Cruz Regional Partnership Council, Debbie Curley, Program Director, Family Resource Centers - UA Cooperative Extension Santa Cruz County, Joyce Latura, Maternal and Child Health Manager, Mariposa and Yara Castro, Program Supervisor, Community Outreach and Prevention Services, Child & Family Resources.

The purpose basically is to create an opportunity for anyone who works directly with children ages birth to 5 and their families to come together on a regular basis and share information and resources in order to create more collaboration and communication among Santa

Cruz County service providers.

The Birth to Five Partners will continue to conduct meetings.Their focus is moving forward with specific topics and themes for each meeting.

For example, their last two meetings have revolved around behavioral health services for children birth to five in Santa Cruz County. The goal at their last two meetings was to shed light on the behavioral health needs in Santa Cruz County. It was to provide information on resources for providers who work with children and families.

The Birth to Five Partners had representatives from 4 different behavioral health agencies present information on who they serve, how they operate, who is eligible, costs, insurance coverages, etc. They had a presentation by The Easter Seals Blake Foundation and Frank Bejerano from Mariposa Community Health Center on the types of services they provide locally for children and families in Santa Cruz County.

One of their biggest accomplishments is they have been able to bring community organizations together on a regular basis that work with this population.

Audience engaged in the discussion

Francisco Padilla and Frank Bejarano registering participants Debbie Curley one of the Birth to Five Partners

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According to Francisco Padilla, “It’s great to see that everyone wants to collaborate and work together because we all want to support these young children and their families as best as we can.”

The Birth to Five Partners would like to encourage organization who work directly with children ages birth to five and families to attend. The next meeting is scheduled for March 25th. The time and location are still to be determined but for more information about these meetings contact Francisco Padilla at: fpadilla@azftf.gov CIA, Pinal Hispanic Council and Corazon were in attendance

Nogales Rotary Club honors students from Santa Cruz County The Nogales Rotary Club honored students from different schools levels as “Students of the Quarter.” Students were honored from high school, middle school, and elementary school on Thursday March 12th.

The students were chosen by school officials, and in other cases by their fellow students. Students were selected for excelling in the classroom. Students were also selected for their willingness to be good citizens inside, and outside the school environment. The Nogales Rotary Club quarterly meetings to honor outstanding young people in the community are always well attended.

It gives Rotary Club members an opportunity to thank teachers for their hard work, as well as provide a venue to encourage young people to continue with their studies. Congratulations to all the selectees.

Middle School left to right Wade Carpenter Middle School – School rep.-Ms. Andrade Sacred Heart Catholic SchoolStudent-Anabelen Vasquez, School rep.-Ms. Colunga Mexicayotl – Student-Isabella Robles, School rep.-Ms. Raeber Lourdes Catholic School – School rep.-Ms. Tapia, Student-Daniela Gonzalez Desert Shadows Middle School – School rep.-Ms. Bell, Student-Jeovanni Aguirre High School left to right

Pierson Vocational HS – StudentRoberto Soto IV, School rep.-Ms. Neuman

AJ Mitchell Elementary – Student-Juan Abril, School rep.-Mr. Foncerrada

NHS – School rep.- Ms. Castillo, Student-Susan Diaz

Q3Elem 2 left to right Mary Welty Elementary – Student-Martin Andrade, School rep.-Ms. Ozuna Sacred Heart Catholic School – Student-Thomas Ceballos, School rep.-Ms. Cota

Lourdes Catholic School – Student-Eveke Calixtro, School rep.-Ms. Tapia Pinnacle Charter High School – School rep.-Mr. Brown, student Denisse Verduzco Ed Options Preparatory Academy – School rep.-Ms. Loustaunau, Student-Andres Lavander

Lourdes Catholic School – Student-Ines Galvez, School rep.-Ms.Tapia Mexicayotl – Student-Ashley Amabel Enriquez, School rep.-Ms. Raeber Sonshine Christian School – Student-Angelo Astengo, School rep.-Ms. Wood

Q3Elem 1 left to right Lincoln School – Student-Sibylla Serrano, School rep.-Ms. Simmons Coronado Elementary –Student-Jennifer Abril, School rep.-Ms. Niebla Challenger Elementary –Student-Ethan Zuniga, School rep.Ms. Gaytan Bracker Elementary – Student-Brianna Ayleen Lira, School rep.-Ms. Lopez w w w. b o r d e r e c o . c o m

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Mexicayolt Mexicayotl Academy has been serving the community for 17 years. The Arizona Department of Education evaluates existing charter schools after 15 years.

This is Mexicayotl’s 17th year in operation, and recently authorized to continue operating for another additional 20 years. Mexicayotl Academy has over 100 years experience in the the teaching field. “Mexicayolt has the capacity to serve up to 400 students but our goal is to remain small enough to be able to connect with students and families,” said Veronica Garcia.

After the state of Arizona passed legislation authorizing the establishment of charter schools in 1994, it became a window of opportunity for local educators to apply for authorization from the state to open a charter school. It allowed local educators to put into practice their own educational philosophy, and beliefs.

Capitalizing on the opportunity, Mexicayolt Academy applied for authorization to develop a charter school, that would offer the community another alternative to a public school education.

Mexicayotl Academy offers a high academic education, preparing students from kinder through 8th grade for higher education.

Mexicayotl Academy is not: · A school for “At Risk” students A school where only Spanish is

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spoken A private school “Mexicayolt Academy is a duallanguage choice. We are a public school reflecting the community we serves,” said Veronika Garcia.

Our experience has shown that students are capable of learning so much more. Therefore, our mission is to provide a quality education to students of Santa Cruz County. We encourage students to become critical thinkers in a world that presents constant change and opportunities.

Charter schools are not governed or limited by district boundaries.

Mexicayolt, as its own district, serves beyond the district of Nogales including Rio Rico, Patagonia and neighboring communities. We set a very high standard for our students and offer a rigorous curriculum.

We offer everything public schools are required to offer, but what makes our curriculum unique, is that we integrate intercultural studies as described in our mission statement.

We help students understand the full spectrum of interculturalism.

Mexicayotl Academy complies with all of the Arizona Department of Education requirements, standards, and assessments. In addition to being a green school, our commitment to intercultural education allows us to offer a successful research based dual language program. Mexicayotl

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Academy has an after school program that includes academic and enrichment classes.

As a public school, we get financial support from the Arizona Department of Education. Charter schools students receive a little over $1000 less per students than traditional public school districts.

Nonetheless, the quality of education Mexicayolt offers is not impacted by this financial inequity.

Additional sources of revenue are through grants, donations, especially AZ tax credits, and any fundraiser the school coordinates.

Mexicayolt Academy employs 14 highly qualified staff members of teachers and paraprofessionals.

“Currently we are working towards increasing our staff size with the projected increase of student enrollment for the upcoming school year. We are currently looking to hire 3 additional bilingual teachers, 2 at the elementary level and 1 middle school language arts teacher,” said Mrs. Garcia.

Mexicayotl is a choice for parents, and caregivers who are looking for: · An “A” school, one of the few in our community · The only public school research based dual-language program · Literacy and language arts goals are higher than the state requirements

elementary and middle school students · Green schoolenvironmental education · Leveled classes based on ability and maturity: i.e. a student in 3rd grade can take 4th grade math · Biliterate kindergarten graduates · Full day kindergarten program · Exit portfolio experiences comparable to senior projects · Bi-monthly classes at the University of Arizona for middle school students · The opportunity to earn Advanced Placement college credit before entering high school for middle school students · Leadership camps for middle school students · Environmental camps for

· Free after school program that offers tutoring for advancement and enrichment classes such as Folklorico, Tae Kwon Do, art, Aztec dance, etc. · Redefined parent inclusion · A safe and drug-free environment · New school building in 20152016 Mexicayolt will be moving to a new location this summer. They will be in the same complex where Cochise College and U of A South are currently located. It will be a new facility designed to maximize learning. “Our vision for the new

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campus our focus at the moment is to prepare the new site, so it includes a garden and exciting playground for our students and the proximity to Cochise College and U of A South allows us to explore new possibilities and educational experiences in our community. We are expanding our enrollment and encourage the community and parents of students to visit us and enroll their K-8 child now,” said Veronica Garcia. “Vengan a conocernos” The community can support Mexicayotl Academy by selecting Mexicayotl as the educational choice for their children, knowing this symbiotic choice is for a rigorous, relevant, dual-language education. We invite you to visit our school to witness our educational model firsthand.

You will then learn about all the educational programs and enrichment classes Mexicayotl offers in Santa Cruz County.

Any community business and/or organization who would like to support the development of this new site project, such as a safe and engaging playground and community garden/orchard can do, so by contacting the school directly at 520-287-6790. “One of the advantages of working with a small school is the ease in, which community relationships and results can be established,”said Mrs. Garcia.

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Happening Events April 2015

Book Talk & Signing: Juan Bautista de Anza: The King’s Governor in New Mexico by Carlos Herrera, Thursday, April 2, 2 pm-Tubac Presidio State Historic Park Most of us are familiar with Juan Bautista de Anza the famous leader who led a group from Tubac to found what is now the great city of San Francisco.

But what do we know about Anza’s skills as a colonial governor, military leader and politico? Do not miss Prof.

Herrera’s presentation of this first comprehensive biography of Anza and his historical importance to southern Arizona and northern Mexico. $7.50 includes admission to tour the Park.

Presentation: Marking the Divide: Photographs and Monuments along the U.S./Mexico Border, by Katherine Morrissey - Friday, April 3, 2 pm-Tubac Presidio State Historic Park How do we visualize the border? For over 100 years--from the 1890s International Boundary Commission photographs to tourist snapshots to re-photography projects--the U.S./Mexico borderline, and the monuments that mark it, has fascinated photographers.

In this illustrated talk, historian Katherine Morrissey, University of Arizona, explores this question as she shares border images taken over the long 20th century. Katherine G. Morrissey is Associate Professor of History at the University of Arizona where she teaches courses in western U.S., Arizona & the Southwest, U.S. cultural and environmental history. $7.50 includes admission to tour the Park.

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Presentation: Rediscover Nogales with Mary Darling – Thursday, April 9, 2 pmTubac Presidio State Historic Park You’re invited to a virtual tour and discovery of Nogales thanks to Google Earth. Nogales is a gem of a city with rich history, architecture and culture.

Mary will “drive” us to Las Lagunas de Anza, the Pimería Alta Museum, describe the Arizona Rangers showcased at the 1904 Courthouse, and much more. There is plenty to explore and discover in our friendly neighboring city to the south. Mary Darling is a resident of the downtown Crawford Street Historical Neighborhood & chair of the Tourism Partnerships. $7.50 includes admission to tour the Park.

Presentation: Camels in Arizona? by Jack Lasseter, Saturday, April 11, 2 pmTubac Presidio State Historic Park Are you kidding me? No, they were really here. This is the story of the introduction and use of camels in Arizona and why they are no longer here. Wine and hors d’oeuvres will be served. $15 per lecture. Please call for reservations, 520-398-2252. A portion of the proceeds will benefit the community effort to “Save the Presidio.”

Events of Interest: Child Abuse Awarness Walkathon, Saturday, April 11, 9 am-11:30 am-1843 State Drive, Nogales, Arizona The walk is to help promote child abuse awareness. It is sponsored by the Department of Child Safety, the Santa Cruz County Attorney’s Office, CASA, Child & Family Resources, CIA and Pinal Hispanic Council. The

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purpose of this walk is to help raise proceeds for children currently within the foster care system. If interested in participating or donating please contact Marie Montenegro at the Department of Child Safety at :MMontenegro-Ochoa@azdes.gov Tubac Historical Society Annual Picnic at Rock Coral Ranch, Sunday, April 12, 2 pm-5pm-Tubac The Tubac Historical Society’s Annual Picnic will be held on Sunday, April 12 from 2-5 pm at the historic Rock Corral Ranch in Tumacacori. This event will feature a catered BBQ sit down meal, refreshments, live entertainment, tours of the ranch house, and the ambiance of a classic Southern Arizona ranch.

Tickets will be sold at the Post Office before the event. No tickets will be sold on the day of the picnic. $35 for Tubac Historical Society members; $40 for non-members. Call 398-2020 for more information.

The 6th Annual EARTHfest Patagonia event, Saturday, April 18 with guided hikes, workshops, youth activities and other events. There will also be two special presentations the evenings of Thursday, April 16 and Friday, April 17.

The event is organized by a coalition of community organizations.

Living History: Medicine of the Spanish Colonial Period – Saturday, April 18, 11am-2pm-Tubac Presidio State Historic Park When the Spanish soldiers and their families settled Tubac in 1752, there was no doctor or surgeon among them. It was the responsibility of the women to treat their family’s physical complaints and wounds. Medicine

was basic and dependent on herbs and plants known for their healing properties. This living history program features a display of medicinal herbs and plants, and knowledgeable commentary by an herbalist who will tell visitors how these plants were used by “curanderas” (healers) to treat illness and injuries. $5 adult, $2 youth 7-13, children free.

Frontier Printing Press Demonstrations – Saturday, April 18, 11am-3 pm, Tuesday, April 28, 9 am-1pm, Thursday, April 30, 9 am-1 pm-Tubac Presidio State Historic Park Professional printer and teacher James Pagels demonstrates the Washington Hand Press used to print Arizona’s first newspaper in 1859 and answers questions about hand press printing, typesetting, and other aspects of this marvel of industrial engineering.

Included with park admission $5 adult, $2 youth 7-13, children free.

Book Talk & Signing: Albert Monreal Quihuis: Sofia and Pepe Adventure Series Children’s Books, Sunday, April 19, 2 pm-Tubac Presidio State Historic Park

56th Annual Arizona History Convention, Thursday-Sunday, April 23-26, Casino del Sol Resort and Conference Center, 5655 W. Valencia Road, Tucson The Arizona History Convention meets once a year to celebrate Arizona’s great history and people. This year’s topics range from the past and present of the Yaqui tribe, the Civil War in Arizona, J. Ross Browne, to Tucson pioneer women, and many more! Presidio director Shaw Kinsley is a presenter, speaking on “Saving the Tubac Presidio: I Had No Idea!” and will also give a guided tour of the Presidio to convention attendees, explaining the town of Tubac and the presidio’s importance in settling southern Arizona and the greater Southwest. The History Convention is open to all. For more information and to register go to: www.arizonahistory. org.

Living History: Foods of the Spanish Colonial Period – Saturday, April 25, 11am-2pm

and introduced foods enjoyed by the Spanish soldiers and civilians who lived in Tubac during the Spanish Colonial period (1752-1776). Featuring a special display of the bounty of foods from the Old World, New World and surrounding desert used by Tubac cooks, plus cooking demos with samples. $5 adult, $2 youth 7-13, children free.

Children’s Health Fair-Nogales Walmart-Thursday, April 30, 3pm-6pm The Children’s Health Fair will be held at the Nogales Walmart sidewalk. The health fair is in honor of World Children’s Day. The event is free. There will be lots of free goodies for children. The health fair will have information on nutrition, child care, games to stimulate learning for caregivers. Organizations interested in participating in this free event can contact Adriana Romero at: aromero@cenpatico.com

Volunteers dressed in period clothing describe the combination of native

This award winning author presents the story and model behind his delightful children’s adventure series. After writing his first children’s book to honor his parents and family traditions, Albert became passionate about writing books that not only to entertain but also enrich and inspire children to learn about their traditions, culture and history, and take pride in their Latino heritage. $7.50 fee includes admission to the Park. w w w. b o r d e r e c o . c o m

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Zaskia Villa of Nogales High School is Arizona’s 2015 Poetry Out Loud State Champion Zaskia Villa, a senior at Nogales High School in Nogales, Arizona, will represent Arizona at the 10th annual Poetry Out Loud National Finals competition in Washington, D.C., in April. Zaskia claimed the title of 2015 Arizona State Champion on Thursday, March 12, at the State Finals competition in Phoenix.

The Arizona Commission on the Arts partners with the National Endowment for the Arts and the Poetry Foundation, as well as regional and local organizations, to administer the Poetry Out Loud program in Arizona. The contest encourages youth to learn about great poetry through memorization and recitation and helps students master public speaking skills, build self-confidence, and learn about their literary heritage.

Poetry Out Loud uses a pyramid structure that begins at the classroom level. Winners advance to a school-wide competition, then to a regional and/or state competition, and ultimately to the National Finals. Over 11,000 Arizona students and 47 schools in communities throughout the state participated in Poetry Out Loud this year.

This year’s state finalists included students from Nogales to Window Rock: Southern Region · Zaskia Villa - Nogales High School, Nogales, AZ · Lena Blackmon - University High School, Tucson, AZ · Caitlin McCormick - The Gregory School, Tucson, AZ Central Region

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· Hunter Hazelton - Betty Fairfax High School, Laveen, AZ · Kyrah Berthiaume - McClintock High School, Tempe, AZ · Oluwatosin Babarinde - Brophy College Preparatory, Phoenix, AZ Northern Region · Adriana Hurtado - Tri-City College Prep, Prescott · Jessica Han - Coconino High School, Flagstaff · Courtney Hale - Saint Michael Indian School, St. Michaels, AZ “The students work hard to get to the finals,” said Robert C. Booker, Executive Director of the Arizona Commission on the Arts. “Watching such a diverse group of exceptional young people from around the state stand tall, recite, and display their understanding and love of poetry is truly remarkable and inspirational. These young people learn skills through this competition that will serve them for a lifetime.”

Each winner at the state level receives $200 and an all-expenses paid trip to Washington, DC, (with an adult chaperone) to compete at the National Finals. The state winner’s school receives a $500 stipend for the purchase of poetry books. One runner-up receives $100; his or her school receives $200 for

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Photos by Alonso Parra, Lamp Left Media

the purchase of poetry books.

This will be the first year the state finals event has been presented at the Herberger Theater Center in Downtown Phoenix. Phoenix poet and teaching artist Tomas Stanton will emcee the event. The event will also feature remarks by special guests Alberto Álvaro Ríos, Arizona’s Poet Laureate, and Eleanor Billington, Program Manager in the Literature & Arts Education Division of the National Endowment for the Arts.

Las Trankas Under New Ownership Las Trankas is a family owned Mexican restaurant. It opened its doors in 1996, with 3 previous owners.

Miguel and Cara Garcia the new owners of “Las Trancas.” The restaurant was purchased in January of this year. The new owners of Las Trancas are making a lot of improvements to help bring in local cliental. The restaurant still kept its same menu. According to Cara Garcia the business owner “they are in the process of redesigning the menus plus adding seafood to the menu, remodeling interior, and exterior of the restaurant.”

has plenty of competition in Rio Rico but has its specialties that many people may not be aware off. Las Trancas is adding new dishes to the menu. They also offer homemade tortillas, sauces and chorizo. Las Trancas offers catering services too. “We tend to go unnoticed because the restaurant is so hidden, but we are working on putting up signs and trying to bring in more people to the restaurant, said Mrs. Garcia.”

good or bad because it will help us grow and makes our successful,” said Mrs. Garcia. We have total of 15 employees that were working there when they purchased the business. Cara and Miguel Garcia both work at the restaurant. Miguel Garcia has the day shift and his wife the night shift. The business owners shop locally for their restaurant at Garettes and Villas to support local businesses in Santa

“We always welcome feedback

The restaurant was recently remodeled from the inside and outside. They have also extended the NH hours to make it more accessible for the clients. The restaurant

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Cruz County. “We are trying very hard to have a presence here, to make sure people know its owned by a local family,and we want our customers to know they are welcomed,’ said Mrs. Garcia. Our main customers are locals with a small percentage coming from Green Valley. Las Trancas grand opening was held at the end of month in March.

Las Trancas Restaurant hours: Monday & Tuesday from 7:00 a.m.- 4:00 p.m.

Wednesday & Thursday from 7:00 a.m.- 8:30 p.m.

Friday & Saturday from 7:00 a.m.9:00 p.m.

Sunday from 7:00 a.m.- 5:00 p.m.

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6th Annual EARTHfest Patagonia The 6th Annual EARTHfest Patagonia, AZ event will take place on Saturday, April 18 with guided hikes, workshops, youth activities and other events. There will also be two special presentations the evenings of Thursday, April 16 and Friday, April 17. The event is organized by a coalition of community organizations.

EARTHfest Patagonia is a trails day, earth day, arbor day celebration of our community’s biological diversity, cultural heritage and local resiliency. The 2015 theme is trees.

All the students in our community participate by creating artistic works that express an appreciation for our biological assets. There are guided nature walks by experts.

The local museum group offers guided local history walks. Various workshops offer information about our hiking trails, our biological wealth and history.

page “EARTHfest Patagonia AZ” or at www.PatagoniaAZ.com EARTHfest Patagonia is an opportunity to celebrate the beauty of our trails and the nature that surrounds us as well as to become informed about choices that can be made that will contribute to this resilient and thriving community. One by one we can make the changes that work for each individual and result in the benchmark of local resiliency being realized so that our resources (natural, human and financial) are used effectively and efficiently, we co-create a thriving community, we increase the aware-

This event is FUN and informative. Additional information is available at our Facebook

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ness of regenerative actions, we educate all members of the community with specific action steps, and we honor and respect each person’s choice.