April 2019

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SCVUSD35 Hosts STEAM and Wellness Night

CONNECTING SOUTHERN ARIZONA

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Read Across America

Child Abuse Prevention Month Awareness

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Southern Arizona Autism Association Joins Forces

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One Stop Insurance Needs

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World Down Syndrome Proclamation

Border Eco Updates CONTENT We want to thank our readers and customers for their continued support. Your support helps us report on the great people, events, and organizations who make a difference in our community.

Our goal is to help connect Santa Cruz County. Santa Cruz County is a unique bordertown rich in culture, and traditions.

We are here to support our community.

Please send us any information on any upcoming community events, meetings, and conferences.

Don’t forget to follow us on Facebook for the latest events, people, and organizations who make a difference in Santa Cruz County.

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SCVUSD35 Hosts STEAM and Wellness Night

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2019 Read Across America/Read on Santa Cruz County Week

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Southern Arizona Autism Association Joins Forces

11 Giving Children a Voice!

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One Stop Insurance

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Mayor’s Corner

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World Down Syndrome Proclamation

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SCVUSD35 Hosts STEAM and Wellness Night

Over 800 individuals attended the recent SCV35 Family STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Mathematics) and Wellness Night at Calabasas K8 School. The event is a spinoff and expansion of previous years’ successful “Science Night at Calabasas” hosted by Calabasas Science teacher Oscar Villasenor.

This year, Villasenor, SCVUSD curriculum representatives and the Event Planning Committee combined efforts to double the number of guest presenters from Southern Arizona and expand topics beyond science to include technology, engineering, art, mathematics, and health and wellness. Over 80 presenting organizations participated.

The goal was “to provide students of all ages and their families with opportunities to support the development of a healthy mind and body through engaging interdisciplinary activities, informative and interactive presentations, and collaborative experiences.”

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The evening kicked-off with the RRHS JROTC color guard and the national anthem sung by Special Guest Gabriel Brown. Brown demonstrated his skills as a paramotor pilot by flying around the venue, landing and talking about powered flight and grit. Brown, a professional entertainer, singer/songwriter, voice actor and Youtuber (known as Black Gryph0n) is also a US Navy veteran, impressionist and STEAM enthusiast. He played a major role in various events throughout the evening including a Q & A panel session.

The five main venues offered guests a variety of learning opportunities in STEAM topics.

Guests could: · peruse museum-style tables and view demonstrations such as Mariposa Community Health’s human lungs in “The Exhibit Hall,” · participate in activities such as the University of Arizona’s Math Roadshow in “The STEAM Sandbox,” · look through the Sonora Astronomical Society telescopes in “The Great Outdoors,” · make bristlebots or disassemble a computer in the “Maker & Taker [apart] Palooza,” or · travel to far off places using the green screen room in “Media Mania & Careers in STEAM.” w w w.bordereco.com

The "Healthy Food Truck Land" area offered a variety of healthy food choices for purchase.

Organizers estimated the number of people in attendance to be 800, which included both presenters and guests.

“The event brought out people from Rio Rico and surrounding communities,” said co-organizer and Technology Integration Specialist Jennifer Prusak.

“It was very apparent that everyone had fun doing, creating or learning about things they had never attempted before.”

“We were very pleased with the outcomes of this event,” said co-organizer and Curriculum Coordinator Marcy Miller. “We were thankful for an amazing turnout of exhibitors and attendees.

We saw many families enjoying time together, and with the help of passionate enthusiasts such as Gabriel Brown, we were able to provide people of all ages with inspiring experiences and a vision for STEAM and wellness.”

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2019 Read Across America Read on Santa Cruz County Week

Once again, the Santa Cruz County School Superintendent’s Office and School Superintendent Alfredo I. Velásquez, celebrated, along with 35 Private Schools, Charter Schools and Public Elementary Schools within our county, National Read across America/Read on Santa Cruz County Week from February 28th to March 8th.

With the coordination of Ms. Patricia BarrazaPreciado (Santa Cruz County School Superintendent’s Office,) they had over 108 volunteers from all across Santa Cruz County, read to each and every classroom in our educational community.

The main goal of this event is to encourage our children to read and to love reading at an early age. It’s one of the most important things we can do as parents and as a community. It sets the foundation for a lifetime of success.

The Santa Cruz County School Superintendent’s Office, would like to thank each and every one who volunteered a couple of hours of their busy day to participate in this wonderful event.

The children of Santa Cruz County, THANK YOU as well.

A VERY SPECIAL THANKS TO THE FOLLOWING VOLUNTEERS and SPONSORS Ms. Lee Ann Richards (McDonald’s sponsor) Mr. James Quinet (McDonald’s sponsor)

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Santa Cruz County Mr. George Silva (SCC Attorney’s Office) Ms. Liz Gutfahr (SCC Treasurer) Ms. Suzie Sainz (SCC Recorder) Ms. Sonia Jones (SCC Human Resources) Mr. Juan Pablo Guzman (SCC Clerk of Courts) Captain Ruben Fuentes Lieutenant Gerry Castillo Lieutenant Raoul Rodriguez Commander Santiago Gonzalez Ms. Maria Martinez (SCC Finance Department) Ms. Sonia Jones (SCC Human Resources) Mr. Mauricio Chavez (SCC Finance Department) Mr. Chris Young (SCC School Superintendent’s) Ms. Maya Donnelly (SCC School Superintendent’s) Ms. Terri Sprigg (SCC School Superintendent’s) Mr. Adrian Chamberlain (SCC School Superintendent’s) Mr. Sergio Delgado (SCC School Superintendent’s) Ms. Melissa Corella (SCC School Superintendent’s) Mr. Henry Holguin (SCC Superintendent’s) Mr. Rene Grijalva (SCC Superintendent’s) Ms. Clair Danielson (SCC Superintendent’s) Ms. Alma Feria (SCC Superintendent’s) Mr. Sergio Delgado (SCC Superintendent’s) Ms. Georgina Parra (SCC Superintendent’s) Ms. Patricia Barraza-Preciado (SCC Superintendent’s) Ms. Chris Bachelier (U of A Cooperative Extension) Ms. Sandra Davila (SCC School Superintendent’s) Ms. Cristina Pereda (SCC Treasurers) Ms. Liz Tolano (SCC Board of Supervisors) Mr. Juan Balderas (SCC IT Department) Mr. Luis Gonzales (SCC Recorder) City of Nogales Dr. Marcelino Varona Ms. Danitza Lopez Ms. Michelle Zuniga Mr. Jose Preciado Mr. Robert Rojas Mr. Esteban Michelle

Nogales Rotary Club Mr. Abelardo Duran Mr. Paul Hathway

U.S. Border Patrol Agents Agents Alan Regalado Lenny Queria James St-Louis Asael Blanco David Ruiz Daniel Zuniga Frank Novotny

Nogales Woman’s Club Ms. Marta Valenzuela Ms. Renee Guevarra Ms. Esther Morales Ms. Barbara Hyde Ms. Linda Larriva Ms. Patty Molina Ms. Cecilia Kory Ms. Renee Neuman

Santa Cruz Barr Association Mr. Luis Parra Mr. Greg Solares Ms. Lilian Ortega Mr. Michael Massy Ms. Kim Hunley Mr. Enrique Gonzales Jr. Ms. Vanessa Cartwright Mr. Joe Rueda Santa Cruz Valley Unified School District Mr. David Verdugo (Superintendent) Mr. Steve Schadler (Assistant Superintendent) Ms. Susan Faubion (Board Member) Mr. Dominic Armijo Members of the NHS Interact Club Nogales Unified School District Fernando Parra (Superintendent) Angel Canto (Assistant Superintendent) Ms. Mayra Zuniga (Human Resources) Ms. Kathy Scott (Grants Director) Ms. Julie Ulrich (Retired educator) Patagonia Unified School District Ms. Aisha Sander (Board Member) Ms. Kathy Pasierb (Board Member) Ms. Nancy McCoy (Board Member) Santa Cruz County Provisional Community College District Dr. Stella Perez (Chief Executive Director) Ms. Leticia Cuevas Ms. Christie Monreal Ms. Georgina Talavera Members of the Community Rio Rico Firefighters Tubac Firefighters Mr. Francisco Padilla (First Things First) Ms. Jennifer Argyros Ms. Claudia Herrera (Nogales Head Start) Ms. Hilary Felix Ms. Kim Corsaro Ms. Nisa Talavera

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Southern Arizona Autism Association Joins Forces The Southern Arizona Autism Association joined forces with a new non profit under Wild and Free Ranch to bring a social and life skills program for children pre K- 12th grade .

This is the first inclusive and adaptive program focused on team building , building self esteem and working on fine motor skills.

Each participant has an opportunity to be paired with a child with special needs to understand each other's strengths and weaknesses and build healthy relationships. They learn about the animals and attend self awareness workshops using the animals on the property as tools.

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At the start of each workshop, participants line up in a circle to offer a safe space to introduce themselves.

Children of all ages are encouraged to build their self confidence in introducing themselves and talking about the things they like.

After introductions, and instructions are provided with goals for the day. The workshops vary depending on age groups and size of class. For example, children will have the opportunity to participate in building trust, work in teams, and work with billy goats painting muscle structures.

No two classes are the same.

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Positive behavior reinforcements along with ABA techniques are used to engage children in these workshops. Caregivers are also welcomed to attend and participate .

This is a program based on building parent child relationships.

Everyone that attends is asked to participate.

For more information please contact Michelle Jacquez, President of Southern Arizona Autism Association at (520)477-1227 info@soazaa.org www.soazaa.org

Santa Cruz County Attorney’s Office Giving Children a Voice!

The County Attorney’s Office works closely with local, state, and federal law enforcement partners on child abuse issues.

The office also works with local nonprofit and community organizations, schools, and other governmental agencies to reduce family violence and child abuse.

Child abuse cases are typically reported first to a law enforcement agency like the Nogales Police Department or Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Office.

Once the report is made and the investigation concludes, the matter is turned over to our office for review. The County Attorney then reviews the entire investigation.

If sufficient evidence exists, we then file criminal charges against the suspect or suspects.

On occasion, our office asks the law enforcement agency for additional follow up investigation before filing criminal charges. County Attorney Detectives also conduct follow up investigations when needed. Once formal charges are filed, the case is processed through the court criminal justice system.

All County Attorney staff contribute to the prosecution of child abuse cases. Child abuse can come in many different ways and can result in misdemeanor and/or felony charges.

“Our office has attorneys, legal assistants, victim advocates, and detectives who are all working on child abuse cases to ensure that individuals who commit these types of crimes are held accountable and justice is done for all involved. Our Victim Services Division also assist victims in obtaining compensation for certain losses, secure counseling for victims and their families, and provide advocacy throughout the criminal justice process,” said County Attorney George Silva.

The Santa Cruz County Attorney’s Office has sponsored in the past and participates in the Annual Child Abuse Awareness Walkathon.

April is child abuse awareness month.

According to the Arizona Department of Child Safety the number of child abuse reports continue to rise as 51,963 child abuse reports were filed between October 2014 and September 2015. w w w.bordereco.com

The report noted neglect as accounting for the majority of child abuse reports, those figures surpassed every other report type combined.

“Throughout the year, my office runs public service ads dealing with Domestic Violence, Teen Dating Violence, Sexual Assault, and the “You have the Power” campaign. These ads all encompass Child Abuse issues as well.

During the month of April, my office also runs ads specifically dealing with Child Abuse Awareness in both printed, on-line, and radio mediums. My office also participates in forums throughout the community and local schools that deal and relate to Child Abuse,” said County Attorney George Silva.

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Santa Cruz County has a One Stop Shop Insurance location to meet consumer needs.

Right Choice Insurance and Taxes offers a variety of insurance products those include: medical, car, home life, and final benefits insurance plans.

Right Choice Insurance specializes in Medicare Insurance Plans.

They help consumers understand their health benefits and find additional coverage to meet their healthcare needs.

Right Choice Insurance serves more than 700 members across Santa Cruz, Pima, Yuma, and Maricopa County.

Their main focus is to educate consumers on their Medicare benefits.

“For many, Medicare can be somewhat complicated. My role is to help consumers understand their Medicare Benefits.

There are so many different plans to choose from. We help consumers find the coverage they need, while also helping them save money,” said Cristobal Velasco.

Right Choice Insurance has been offering their products to consumers for over 5 years. They recently opened a location at 1071 N. Grand Avenue Suite 123 in Nogales, Arizona. The local office is owned and operated by Cristobal Velasco. Tax preparation services are managed by Renee Viviana Rojos with 23 years experience helping consumers with their tax preparation needs.

Cristobal Velasco was born and raised in Nogales, Arizona.

He graduated from Nogales High School in 1995. Shortly after graduating he enlisted in the military. He served in the United States Army from 2001-2009 as a field specialist artillery.

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Upon his discharge from the military he worked for the Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Office for 13 years.

Mr. Velasco holds an Associates in Criminal Justice from AIBT. He later completed a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Finance from the University of Phoenix.

Mr. Velasco has been happily married for over 3 years to Nohemy Velasco. They have an 18 month-old son Tyler. He has two other sons, Samuel 11 and a 16 year-old son Emilio from a previous marriage.

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Greetings to Everyone!

As Mayor of our beautiful and peaceful city, I continue to strive to work cooperatively with the City Council and everyone for the benefit of our community. I care about what happens and my door is always open. If you would like to make an appointment to see me, feel free to make an appointment with my executive assistant, Liza Montiel at 520.287.6571 or email at lmontiel@ nogalesaz.gov The Office of Mayor Garino continues to provide the community with updates on several ongoing projects and activities they were involved or are currently working on.

1. The Butterfly Art Contest was an event sponsored by the City of Nogales. has been a big success! On behalf of the City Council and myself, I would like to thank the following school districts for their participation; NUSD #1, Mexicayotl, Sacred Heart and Lourdes Academy. The 6th grade students submitted beautiful and creative butterflies made from recycled materials for display at Karam Park on March 20.

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2. Various Street Improvement Projects around the city have begun and will continue throughout the year.

The city employees are busy paving and cleaningup streets in an effort to make Nogales a safer and cleaner city.

3. Daniel Hernandez, Arizona House of Representative from District 2, visited city hall on February 15th to support our efforts in removing the concertina wire that has been placed from the ground up.

As mayor, I will continue to express my opposition to the concertina wire directly located in major residential and pedestrian areas which raises serious concerns about the safety protocol.

I would like to thank the City of Tucson, City of Bisbee and SEAGO for their gesture of solidarity and approving a Resolution. Lastly, thank you to Congressman Raul Grijalva for expressing his opposition to the concertina wire by authoring a letter to U.S. Secretary Nielson and Acting Secretary Shanahan.

4. The City Council Members, City Manager and City Department Officials attended an all-day retreat and orientation update on Strategic Planning Process.

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Daniel Hernandez, Arizona House of Representative from District 2, and Mayor Arturo Garino

World Down Syndrome Day Proclamation On March 21st, the Mayor of Nogales Arizona and the Santa Cruz County Down syndrome community hosted a special event honoring World Down Syndrome Day. Mayor Arturo Garino made the proclamation for World Down Syndrome Day, it is the first in the history of Santa Cruz County. The event was followed by a documentary on children with Down syndrome living in our community.

The proclamation raises awareness on the wellbeing and human rights for people with Down syndrome and disabilities in our community. “I am extremely grateful to Mayor Arturo Garino.

He has always been a strong supporter for our community. The proclamation helps to empower our community.

It makes our community a better, stronger, and united community. It inspires the community and our leaders to love and value our fellow citizens with disabilities. I want to also thank Bianca Parra Photography for her work on this documentary,� said Maria Scholnick.

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