Index Index Pg. 1 Pg. 2 Pg. 3 Pg. 4 Pg. 6 Pg. 7 Pg. 8 Pg. 9 Pg. 10 Pg. 13 Pg. 14 Pg. 15 Pg. 17 Pg. 19 Pg. 20 Pg. 21 Pg. 22
About Us Around Trinidad Protecting Our Water Howdy Visitors Ghost Towns of Las Animas County Things to Do Fresh Air Let’s Have a Picnic in the Park Hot Tips-Style & Beauty Get Ghoulishly Groovy on a Budget The College Spot The Smart Start Sports Trinidad Grad Helps on the Court Miner Golf Team Finishes in Top Five Weekly Horoscopes Hall of Fame Candy! Candy! Candy! Healthy Living Make Your Wife Happy. Eat Pumpkin. TSJC Athletic Schedule Delicious Dishes Business Spotlight No Tricks, Just Treats Arts & Music My Life is a River Paw News Animal Care at a New Level Believe New Views Halloween is for Candy & Costumes Education Miner Band Qualifies for State Government Meet Your Mayor Family Time Spooktacular Haunted Saloon and Carnival Trinidad Treasures Welcome Center Volunteer logs in 25 years
A Word from the Editor…
For the entire month of October, Around Trinidad magazine was published weekly on a trial basis, much to the surprise and delight of the community. However, our desire to deliver a quality product each and every time has become taxing and we are taking into consideration the suggestion of many of our community leaders and business owners to go to a bi-monthly publication even though the response has been tremendous! Try Before You Buy!
ment, educational institutions and the community as a whole. Our focus is to provide local information so our residents can rediscover their hometown and visitors can see it SHINE!
AROUND TRINIDAD CREDITS EDITOR-IN-CHIEF/OWNER E.R.A. McCarthey ART & DESIGN DIRECTOR/OWNER Jay Martinez EXECUTIVE MANAGING EDITOR Marty Hackett FEATURES DIRECTOR David J. Santistevan Jr.
Realizing that the state of the economy is severely impacting our local residents, businesses and organizations and since Around Trinidad is getting so much support, our owners Jay and E.R.A are giving you the opportunity to try a free issue before you subscribe.
Around Trinidad has been funded by Merged Media and Everything AroundUS. It was built by Jay Martinez, E.R.A. McCarthey, David J. Santistevan Jr., Marty Hackett and many lovely people in the Trinidad Community.
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Main St. Liquor Commercial St. Salon and Day Spa All Jr’s Country Stores locations The Corner Shop Café Vintage Treasures Romero’s Liquor
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Our Mission… Around Trinidad is focused on bringing the community together and building relationships with the people, the businesses, organizations, govern-
Around Trinidad is proud to present an exciting new feature added to all the other online services we offer our community. Now visitors to the website have an option to create free announcements for engagements, weddings, births, graduations, business/organization events, create memorials, post obituaries for loved ones or announce an important occasion. Include photos, a personal message and best of all – it’s free. Share your news with our community. It’s easy and takes only few minutes. How to create an announcement: Visit www.AroundTrinidad.com. Click on Announcements/Create an announcement: Enter title: for example New Baby, It’s a girl, Happy B-day. On name – person’s name, choose category of announcement – New baby, Birthday, Anniversary, etc, post your message. If you would like to post an image – you can now add one from your computer – click submit and you are done! Because of Around Trinidad security and privacy policies all announcements are subject to administrator approval. Note - Registered users of the Around Trinidad website can post comments on displayed announcements but the comments are also subject to administrator approval.
INDEX
Protecting our Water Beginning in November of last year, a group of stakeholders from the Purgatorie watershed met to discuss the potential of creating a watershed plan that would help identify and prioritize natural resource management issues important to the communities in the watershed and a watershed group to work towards meeting these ends. The Purgatoire Watershed Partners, a coalition of citizens and organizations, has been working cooperatively from different points of interest to accomplish mutually benefiting projects for the Purgatoire watershed area. The development of this group was an effort to build community consensus and cooperative partnerships where diverse interests have come together to work towards the conservation, protection and enhancement of our water resources. From the initial meetings, it has become clear that protecting water rights is of utmost importance and would most likely be a major priority, however, other issues identified include improved water quantity and water quality, water
education, forest health, gas development, coal mining, invasive species, aesthetic and recreational values, land development, agriculture, aquatic and wildlife habitats and stream and riparian restoration which all play a role in the enhancement of the watershed. Bringing together people, policies, priorities and resources through a watershed approach blends science and regulatory responsibilities with social and economic considerations. A watershed plan is not only a roadmap for improvements in the watershed but also facilitates leveraging of state and federal funding for future watershed improvements. In addition, watershed planning is often too complex for one interest group or organization to tackle alone. Weaving partners into the process can strengthen the end result by bringing in new ideas and resources and by increasing public understanding and community commitment to solutions.
The watershed approach includes stakeholder involvement and management actions supported by sound science and appropriate technology. The process works by using a series of defined steps to characterize existing conditions, identify and prioritize problems, define management objectives, develop protection or remediation strategies, and implement and adapt selected actions as necessary. The outcomes of this process are documented in the watershed plan and provide guidance for local communities to move forward. Several meetings over the past months have gathered together individuals, groups, and organizations to move forward with the vital components of establishing the coalition in a formal manner and applying for grants to help fund the processes. The group was awarded a Cooperative Management Watershed Program Grant and is currently working on hiring a coordinator. Recent presentations at the monthly meetings have included water science professors from Colorado University, SeEtta Moss from the Arkansas Basin Roundtable and Jacob Bornstein from the Colorado Water Conservation Board about a presentation on the Roundtable, Jeff Montoya, the Water Commissioner from the State of Colorado Division of Water Resources who presented information about the Purgatoire Watershed, Jeris Danielson of the Purgatoire Water Conservancy District, Steve Witte the Division Engineer from Division 2, and Eve McDonald from the Attorney General’s Office, who all discussed the Kansas Compact and its effect on our Purgatoire River water! The group encourages community stakeholders to join in engaging in this community effort to protect our most valuable resource- our water. For additional information, contact Levi Montoya at the USDA/NRCS ‘ office 719-846-3681 or Jeff Crane, Executive Director of the Colorado Watershed Assembly at jeffcrane@coloradowater.org; By Marty Hackett
Howdy Ghost Towns of Las Animas County
THINGS Visitors TO DO
By Marty Hackett Many of the “ghost” towns of southern Colorado were former coal mining camps, which once supported the Colorado Fuel and Iron Company, where high quality steel was made. Berwind, Delagua, Ludlow, Morley, Primero, Segundo, Tabasco and Tercio and other mining camps employed the majority of the men in Las Animas County and consisted of an ethnic mix that included immigrants from Germany, Italy, Russia, Japan, Ireland, England, Poland, Greece, Hispanics and African Americans. It is said that as many as 27 different languages were spoken in the camps. The coal fields stretched for miles through the canyons north, south, and west of Trinidad and the mining families lived in small, 4 room homes that dotted the landscape in the canyons throughout the county. Boys as young as 8 years old followed their fathers to work and took jobs separating the rock from the coal, and opening and closing the mine doors as the coal was brought out of the mine on mine cars hauled by mules, and then to the “tipple” where the coal was emptied out. But their great aspirations were to become “mule drivers,” where they could be paid as much as $2.95 an hour for their ten hours of work driving the “mule trains.” Day after day, miners crept into the “black hole” where their lives were endangered and the work was backbreaking. They lived with the constant fear of cave-ins, floods, fires and explosions. And when it came time to receive their wage, the miners were “paid” only in scrip. The only way to buy supplies and food was from the Company Stores
so their meager wages went right back to the Company who also owned the company housing. One of the oldest mining camps, the Berwind Coal Camp was established in 1888 and was named for the then president of CF & I, Edward J. Berwind. Berwind Coal Camp was shut down in 1928, when the demand for coal dropped to the point that the mine was no longer profitable. The Berwind, Vallorso, Tollerburg, and Tabasco, and Greenville mines were all part of the Bear Canon Coal Company who touted the best “Red Ash Coal.” According to information from America’s Byways website, a number of mines were opened by the Colorado Fuel and Iron Company (CF&I) in the early 1900s. “The names of these mining and coking camps, named in the order they were built were Primero, Segundo, Tercio, Cuatro, Quinto, and Sexto (Spanish for first, second, third, fourth, fifth, and sixth). Also operating were mines at Sopris, Cornell, and Valdez, to name a few. Of all the mines, Primero and the Frederick Mine at Valdez were the major producers. The Cuatro Mine operated for only four years, but an explosion that took the lives of 19 miners may have hastened its closure. Among the residents at Valdez was one Mr. Chrysler. They say that he built his first automobile in a little shop at Valdez. The mining town of Segundo was built in the early l900s. At that time, Segundo was the largest coal processing plant west of Chicago, having 800 coking ovens. In 1901, the Colorado & Wyoming Railway reached Segundo, and located its operating headquarters there. A five-stall roundhouse was built, and every day trains from Segundo went west to Tercio and east to Trinidad.
“At about one o’clock a terrible explosion occurred in a new mine opening made by the Rocky Mountain Coal and Iron Company at Tercio. The headquarters of the company in this city were immediately notified of the explosion but no detail were obtained up to two o’clock. It was intimated however that it is quite probable that at least twenty men had lost their lives. All but three or four of the men missing were coal diggers who were working in the mine at the time. The other missing men are company employees in charge of the miners. This opening was made about a year ago and extends into the hill for a distance of about two thousand feet.” The Chronicle - OCTOBER 28, 1904. Take a tour of the ghost towns of southern Colorado along Interstate 25 and Colorado Highway of Legends Highway 12. For more information, visit http://byways.org/explore/byways/2287 Morley Photo courtesy of Cindy Shew
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Enjoy a Horse Show and speed events – Fisher’s Peak Horse Assn. show begins at 9 a.m. on Sat Oct 27 at the Las Animas County Fairgrounds 719-680-0828 Fresh Baked Goods Anyone? – On Oct. 26 at MSRH lobby, the hospital auxiliary will host their annual Bake Sale. Take an evening stroll through the “heart” of historic Trinidad and enjoy chilling tales of ghastly ghosts, mysterious murders, shaky showdowns, and Old-West characters running wild in the streets. Departures Corazon Gallery 149 E. Main St. Oct. Fridays 8:30 p.m. and Saturdays 6 p.m. Info and tickets 719-680-4721 Enjoy Halloween Family Fun at Hidden Treasure of the Trinidad Ghoul Miner Part II –Halloween Haunted Saloon & Carnival: Friday, Oct. 26th 6-9 pm Haunted Saloon (Parental discretion advised for children under 12) at 1810 N. Linden (Former Empty Pocket Saloon) Saturday, Oct. 27th 11 a.m.- 4 p.m. Halloween Carnival at 1810 Linden1810 N. Linden Saturday, Oct. 27th 6-9 p.m. Haunted Saloon (Parental discretion advised for children under 12) at 1810 N. Linden (Former Empty Pocket Saloon) Halloween Day Events on October 31: Ist National Bank Safe Trick or Treat & Costume Contest Downtown – October 31, 3-5 p.m. at participating merchants displaying flyer. Hysterical Historical V: Trick or Treat at the Trinidad History Museum. 312 E. Main St. 3-5 p.m. Ghost Stories Pajama Party for Kids at AR Mitchell Museum - adults welcome 6:30 p.m. Trinidad History Museum presents Hysterical Historical Harvest Trail in the Baca-Bloom Heritage Gardens Nov 1-3 from 10 a.m. -0 4 p.m. Enter gates on Chestnut and Walnut St. For more info, call 719-846-7217 Dia de los Muertos - (Day of the Dead) On Nov. 2 from 5:30-8 p.m. for Girl Scouts only K-12 (to register online at www.girlscoutsofcolorado.org. ) Games, food, crafts, entertainment, and time for family remembrance. For more info 719-469-8171 Join Hometown Holidays as they present the annual Victorian Christmas, this year at Mt. Carmel Health and Wellness Center 911 Robinson Ave. on Nov. 3 from 11 a.m.- 3 p.m. Get a head start on Christmas shopping as you visit craft vendors while enjoying entertainment that is sure to please. For info call 719-680-9878 or 303-5703976 Plan now to attend the Trinidad & Las Animas County Chamber of Commerce Business EXPO at the Bell Block on Nov. 14 from 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. Great time for business networking and the community to see what new services and products your area merchants and organizations have to offer. For info contact the chamber at 719-846-9285.
pg 02
FRESH AIR
Let’s Have a Picnic in the Park! By Marty Hackett Many of our newest generation of families have somehow lost touch with some of the traditional ways to have fun together as families in the out of doors. I want to take this opportunity to remind you how fun can be inexpensive, engaging, and healthy. Trinidad has four great parks (and numerous smaller neighborhood parks) where you can spend the day taking in some fresh air. Historic Kit Carson Park has a Victorian bandshell, bike paths, and a cast bronze statue of Kit Carson (an opportunity for you to tell your children the story of this historic legend), Central Park has a pond which is stocked with trout for the 14-and-under set and a playground; the Las Animas County Fairgrounds/Round-Up Park also has playground equipment, and a covered picnic area; and Cimino Park, the newest of our outdoor recreation areas, also has playground equipment, a bocce ball court, and covered picnic areas. All of these elements shout out, “Let’s have a picnic!” The weather is cool and time spent out of doors is coming to a halt with winter fast approaching. So, mom, pack up some peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, a jug of Kool-Aid, and let’s head to the park.
BE HEARD Around Trinidad was created to feature the people, places, and events of Trinidad and the surrounding areas. Be Heard is our section to feature stories and announcements sent to us. In this section you can announce births, engagements, marriages, loss of loved ones, family reunions, anything YOU feel is important. You can email your news to info@ aroundtrinidad.com or mail it to 1513 Arizona Ave, Trinidad CO 81082. Include photos if you like. If you have ideas for our “Hall of Fame,” “Business Spotlight,” or any other section send those to us as well. Please login to our website and use the free platform; we created for you. Thank you for making Around Trinidad a positive and exciting highlight of our community.
While some kids may be fine having fun on the slides, swings, monkey bars and other playground equipment, others may get bored easily and want to do other activities. With all the space available at the park, kids have plenty of room to run around and be merry. You can have them engage in any of the following games to ensure they have plenty of fun at the park. Kids can play traditional tag, or to make regular tag more challenging, have the “it” player keep one hand on the spot on his body where he was tagged while running after the others (making it more difficult for “it” to run). Or try frozen tag, where whenever the seeker tags someone, have that person freeze in place in whatever position she is in at the time. The frozen player only becomes mobile by having another player crawl through her legs. When every player is frozen, the game concludes. Yet another version is turning tag into a team effort by playing chain tag. Have the seeker join hands with everyone he tags, forming a chain of seekers in pursuit of other players. At some point, you will have a large group of kids all holding hands and chasing just one or two others. The game ends once the last player is tagged. You can also try kickball, dodgeball, tug-o’war, sack races- the list is endless, but the bottom line is that you have spent time with your family and enjoyed the Fresh Air in a very economical way!
HOT STIPS tyle Get Ghoulishly Groovy… On a Budget Halloween Costume Tips By E.R.A. McCarthey
1.
Have a BIG family and a small budget? Be Legos.
You will need a cardboard box and 8 Styrofoam cups for each Lego. Cut 2 inches off the Styrofoam cups and then glue them to the front of the box. Cut arm holes on each side of the box. Cut 8 holes in the back of the box; make sure the holes align with the cups on the other side of the box. Spray paint the entire creation with a bright color like red, blue, yellow or green. If you make the Legos carefully you can even make sure they fit together. You can also use cottage cheese containers in the place of Styrofoam cups. With a few dollars and a little creativity your family will transform into a lineup of Legos.
2.
y t u a e and B Get Zombified.
Becoming a zombie is easy, just play video games for 18 hours straight while eating candy and drinking soda…Just kidding. You can actually create awesome zombie makeup using a few simple household items. You will need paper towels, cotton swabs, baby powder, ketchup, and chocolate syrup. WARNING! You will smell terrible, but it adds to the authenticity. Dust baby powder over all visible skin. Mix the ketchup with 1/3 chocolate syrup until it looks like thick coagulated blood. Soak the paper towels in the mixture. Tear small strips from the now goopy paper towels and apply them to your neck, face, or arms in circles so they form holes. Use the Q-tips to dab the blood mixture into the holes. Add more blood mixture all over so you look very gory and well-bitten. In just minutes you will be Zombified. If you think you’re too smelly just spray on a little perfume or cologne when you’re finished.
3.
Mummy May I... Be Cool!
Becoming a mummy is easier than you might think. Just tear two old white sheets into 2 inch
720.722.2204
1513 Arizona Ave Trinidad, Colorado 81082 www.MergedMediaMarketing.com strips. Wrap yourself up completely leaving only your eyes exposed. You can combine this costume with the zombie makeup and have gory little tidbits on your arms and face uncovered for a scarier effect. You can really add to the costume and use a bowl of green gelatin to paint slime all over your bandages. Just make sure to carry an old towel or blanket around to sit on. You don’t want to ruin any furniture or car upholstery.
4.
Our Scariest Suggestion. Dirty Laundry.
Put on some old sweats then pin other articles of old clothing to you. Keep adding socks, t-shirts, underwear, etc. until you are completely covered. You can even make a hat out of a sock or bra. You can make yourself seem truly dirty by dusting the ensemble with cocoa powder, found in most stores baking aisle. You will terrify every mother around. Again make sure to take an old towel or sheet with you so you don’t leave a mess anywhere.
The Smart Start
www.TrinidadState.edu
Smart Students ‘Start Here! Go Anywhere!’ With Guaranteed Transfer
Students also choose to attend TSJC because it offers small class sizes, individualized attention, and support from the instructors and staff, where you will be known by a name, not a number sitting in the back of a vast classroom with hundreds of fellow students.
By Kathleen Donnelly
Some students just didn’t do their best in high school, and don’t have the transcripts or the test scores to compete for admission in a four-year university. Completing an associate degree at TSJC is a great way to re-focus and realize your goals.
Choosing a college is the first of many important decisions you will make about your education and training beyond high school. It requires self-reflection as well as ideas and suggestions from teachers, counselors and family members. You need to take into account how much of a time and money investment you plan to make in your education, and start thinking in earnest about what kind of a career you hope to have in the future. In high school, the four-year colleges and schools with the big names are what everyone talks about. It is exciting to think about “going off to college.” After you investigate the requirements and costs and become more pragmatic and serious as graduation draws nearer, it’s no surprise that many students choose to attend a two-year college like Trinidad State Junior College. Students who choose to earn a two-year associate of arts or associate of sciences use TSJC as a launching point towards earning their bachelor’s degree. It’s a smart way to focus on completing the first two years of core courses that can transfer to a four-year institution, while saving a great deal of money. According to the College Board, the average cost of tuition and fees at a two-year school is just over one-third of the cost for a year at a four-year public institution.
TSJC Transfer Coordinator, Kate Carlisle says that while you are just beginning your first years of college, you need to carefully plan the years ahead as well. TSJC and the other public colleges and universities in Colorado have worked to eliminate the guesswork in transferring your credits and offer guaranteed transfer as follows: Any student who earns an A.A. or A.S. degree at Trinidad State Junior College, including completing the required state guaranteed general education courses with a grade of C or better in all courses, will transfer with junior standing to any arts and sciences degree program offered by a Colorado public fouryear college. Careful transfer planning will ensure that students take the correct classes, potentially saving both time and money. “Really, I encourage students to make their first appointment to see me by the end of their first (freshman) semester,” Carlisle said.
including business; early childhood; elementary education; engineering and nursing. Other benefits of planning ahead include first consideration for financial aid and awareness of potential scholarships and the deadlines for applying. Carrie Gongaware, TSJC Academic Coach, also assists students interested in transferring. She helps with just about anything a student needs, including comparing degree plans between different colleges, making preliminary contact with advisors and counselors, walking them through getting their transcripts, looking for information about scholarships. “Each student is unique and each college is different. I try to help our students explore more than one option, and match them,” she said. The college years are such a wonderful time of life, with unlimited possibilities and the infinite world of ideas and knowledge opening up. The faculty and staff at Trinidad State Junior College have the greatest jobs in the world, walking alongside our students each year as they grow, mature, learn, and then leave us to do magnificent things!
The College SPOT
Carlisle will help students determine which additional credits, beyond the statewide guaranteed transfer classes, will transfer to the school they wish to attend. There are also a variety of statewide articulation agreements for various programs,
pg 06
Sports Trinidad Graduate Earns Degrees While Teaching Others On The Court By David J. Santistevan Jr.
the captain of the volleyball team and co-captain of the Lady Miner basketball team. “So far, the most rewarding part of being on the LCC Coaching staff is helping the players, getting to know them, and the sense of accomplishment helping them grow as players and as individuals,” Claflin added. “The toughest part is being away on the overnight trips from my family. I have a young daughter, Lilly, and in a relationship with my boyfriend, Shawn Lopez. The road trips are rough but we are managing.” Claflin and Lamar are improving with each match this fall as they prepare for the Region IX volleyball tournament coming up in early November at McCook Community College in Nebraska. “She has been a huge asset to our program,” Webber complimented. “We really need her and she has been a blessing. She works hard and really relates to the players,” he added. Claflin is the daughter of Kim and Clint Chavez, and has a brother Mark and sister Kaylee Ann all of whom reside in Trinidad.
Miner Golf Team Finishes in Top Five at State as Coach Vecchio Retires
Photo courtesy of Lamar Community College 2008 Trinidad High School graduate and volleyball standout Brianna Claflin, has found a home at Lamar Community College, earning a degree, working on another, playing for the Running’ Lopes, and now she is continuing her dreams as the Assistant Volleyball coach at Lamar CC. “I started helping out in July with some of the camps here at Lamar CC,” Claflin explained adding that she played for the Runnin’ Lopes volleyball team in 2008 and 2009. Earning her Associates of Science, Entry Level at LCC, she is now studying for her Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice through the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs (UCCS).
By Dave J. Santistevan Jr. The Big Blue and White Trinidad High School Miner Golf team battled four-time Class 3A defending champions Kent Denver along with stacked private school teams at Pinehurst Golf Course earlier this month and came away with a team score of 484 behind Kent Denver (445), Holy Family (472), Estes Park (477), Alexander Dawson (482). 60 players from 15 Class 3A/2A /1A schools battled the course.
state level. My four years have been a lot of fun, I will always remember this time and my teammates,” Young added. “I want to thank Coach Vecchio for all of his support, and everything he has done for me and all my Miner teammates. Thank you to our great community for supporting us and to our family and friends.” Both Freshman Dante Duran and Sophomore Sam Sisneros finished strong, showing that the Miner Golf tradition will continue for years to come. In 2012, Trinidad won the Tri-Peaks League and the Class 3A Southern Regional team titles for the fourth year in a row and also qualified all four team members individually for the third year in a row. “It was a difficult course. I am so proud of their efforts,” Coach Vecchio said proudly. “This has been a fun ride over the last few years. Blake and Carlos were two great seniors and our younger kids learned what it’s like to play at a very high level. Blake and Carlos will be playing college golf somewhere next season.” Carlos Sisneros has offers from Otero Jr. College and Trinidad State Jr. College, where TSJC once again qualified for nationals winning the Region IX crown in 2012. Young wants to play at the University of Texas (El Paso) and is still looking at all of his options. “All of our kids have worked hard, and have given full dedication and effort over the years. I want to thank them so much for making my job as coach easy. In 42-years in coaching and teaching, I have seen it all and I am proud to have taken this journey as a Miner,” Vecchio said. “I want to thank everyone I have worked with in the classroom, administration, everyone at School District #1. I want to thank all of students and players from the beginning until now for making my job fun. Finally I want to thank the parents, community and most important my family for all of their support.”
Coach Mike Vecchio will be sent off into the sun set after coaching his team to a fifth place finish at the 2012 Colorado State Golf Championships. This was their fourth straight top five finish. “Coach Vecchio is one of the greatest guys I have ever known. He is a really good coach; we couldn’t have accomplished what we did without him!” Miner senior Carlos Sisneros said. “We have had a great run, a great season. We never gave up, so we hope we kept with the great Miner Golf Tradition.” The team has paved the way for the future of the Miner Golf program.”
“I came to Lamar because I like the atmosphere here. After I stopped playing this last summer, I helped Coach Chris Webber, and then found out he needed an assistant,” Claflin said. “I went from helping out to being named his assistant in August and it’s been great!”
Blake Young finished fifth individually with a two day score of 153, 13 strokes behind the eventual state champions Ben Moore of Denver Kent (140), Ethan Freeman, Denver Kent (143), Jack Cummings, Faith Christian (152), and Brian Coleman, Estes Park (152).
Claflin lettered in volleyball, basketball and track while at Trinidad High School, was named AllConference in volleyball her senior year, and was
“That course was tough, but we have fun and that’s important. Denver Kent always has a lot of great players and there are a lot of good players at the
Miner Golf Team with Coach Vecchio. Photo courtesy of Sam Sisneros L to R Coach Mike Vecchio, Carlos Sisneros, Blake Young, Sam Sisneros and Dante Duran
Weekly Horoscopes Aries
Take advantage of every opportunity to expand your contacts. This week you will conclude successful deals and negotiations and possibly sign beneficial agreements. Monitor the situation, the rules may change and this will help to facilitate your business aspirations. Your personal broadcast will be noticeable and impressive; you will definitely arouse the interest of members of the opposite sex.
Taurus
The weather outside may be cold, but your feelings and emotions will be too hot. During this week you will be able to sort out problems and overcome conflicts that torment you. At last you will try to find understanding and harmony in relationships. This will positively affect your mood, and you just need to add a pinch of inspiration and enthusiasm.
Gemini
There is no reason for concern - this week you will accomplish even your wildest imaginations. You will have interesting offers not only for work, but also dealing with leisure. The stars promise a dynamic week filled with many emotions. Representatives of your sign can be quite talkative and almost every day you will interact with different people. You’ll get a lot of praise at work; this will affect your self-esteem and mood.
Cancer
Focus on your personal relationships. There is a lot to do in this regard. First, try to improve your appearance, then think about past mistakes, even though you don’t want to admit to yourself that the manifestations of pouting, resentment and self-centeredness are part of you. Turn your back on your conservatism and try something new and unknown. You will find that it’s not bad.
Leo
Do not waste another minute with inactivity. Not everything is promising or profitable, but it should not keep you from doing it and enjoying the activity. Use the energy and inspiration you feel from the stars this week. Your progress is locked. The more your wishes are related to delighting someone else, the easier they will be to implement. You’ll have no shortage of romance during the week.
Virgo
Time is a pragmatic phenomenon. If you do not realize that each possibility can be used only at the time of its occurrence then you will continue wasting golden opportunities. Be a little more daring in your actions. Not everything that looks unknown and incomprehensible has a great deal of risk, and
your habit to ask yourself a lot of questions that you can’t answer this week can be disastrous.
Libra
Spread your time more wisely. Poor organization and poor judgment of personal capabilities are factors that can give you the trouble this week. This trouble will be more related to family and personal relationships rather than professional situations. Keep in mind that unforeseen events will happen almost every day and you need to react quickly and unemotionally. Rely on your personal charm, collaborators and courage.
Scorpio
The universe increases your energy potential and this week everything will happen exactly the way you want. Remember those grand plans for one reason or another you have been forced to abandon. Now you can go back to them - whatever obstacles you had at that point are already in the past. Purchases you have been considering are not only attractive but also affordable.
Sagittarius
If until now you lacked incentive to encourage you to change something in your life, then this week love will become just such an incentive. Everyday something unexpected will happen to you and you just want to watch - Fate gives you signs. Solve them and enjoy them. Your relationships with others will be very calm and straightforward.
Capricorn
pg 08
You have countless ideas, but if you have not thought through the details then do not rush to implement them. Find time to decide what is worth being done and what is not. During the week you will have many professional duties. Do not look for help. The more work you finish independently the less errors you will need to fix later
Aquarius
. The position of the planets suggests that you will have fewer failures this week than what you endured in previous days. Activities that you didn’t have the resources to accomplish will now find fertile ground for implementation, which will positively affect your bank account. Try to distinguish professional from personal desires and allocate your time optimally. You can meet an interesting person of the opposite sex on a business trip. Do not attempt to turn the relationship into a new affair.
Pisces
Now is the time to show what you can do. Consider the situation around you and if you need to adjust your plans, do it quickly. For some activities you will have to use your connections, others will require money. However, uses both resources sparingly. In most cases success will be on your side, but that should not fool you or alter your view of reality. Remember, falls from a height hurt the worst.
Trinidad Hall of FAME
Candy! Candy! Candy! First National Bank’s Safe Trick-or-Treat
By E.R.A. McCarthey
Wednesday Oct. 31st 2012 3:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. Trick-or-Treating at Downtown Businesses and “Hysterical Historical” at The Trinidad History Museum 5:00 p.m. Costume Contest Results at The First National Bank 6:30 p.m. Scary Stories at The A.R. Mitchell Museum For the last ten years The First National Bank has been sponsoring the Safe Trick-or-Treat in downtown Trinidad. The event will take place Wednesday, October 31st from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. They inherited the event from the Trinidad – Las Animas County Chamber of Commerce. The idea behind the Safe Trick-or-Treat is to facilitate a location where our children can enjoy Halloween in a safe environment. The streets are closed and supporting businesses supply the candy. The Trinidad History Museum and the A.R. Mitchell Museum, along with many local businesses, go all out for the kids.
The A.R. Mitchell Museum at 150 E. Main Street will host a “Ghost Stories Pajama Party,” for the kids at 6:30 p.m. but adults can wear their jammies and enjoy the spooky tales as well. The Trinidad History Museum Bookstore at 312 E. Main Street will host “Hysterical Historical” once again during the afternoon on Halloween. Wonderful and Wacky characters will be waiting to greet trick-ortreaters that venture their way over to the Museum. Participating businesses will be voting for their favorite costumes for The First National Bank’s Costume Contest in Trinidad. Each participating merchant is given 10 “Voting Tokens” to handout to the children they feel have the best costumes when they come for treats at the establishment. Trick-or-treaters are invited to visit The First National Bank at 5:00 p.m. for a tally of the “votes.” The top three costume contest winners will receive a prize. Watch for the winners photographs on the Around Trinidad website. Other Cool Stuff to Know About The First National Bank
The First National Bank was established in 1875, one year before Colorado became a state. They are a very important part of our community and sponsor numerous activities. In July they have a back-to-school supply drive. This year they raised $3,600.00 for school supplies for Raton and surrounding areas and $4,200.00 for Trinidad and surrounding areas. In November The First National Bank’s Wal-Mart branch sponsors a Thanksgiving food drive and distributes the food to families in need with the help of the Las Animas County Department of Social Services. Right around
Thanksgiving The First National Bank puts up a Christmas tree and has our local seniors write letters to Santa asking for gifts around $25.00 in cost. Then they distribute the gifts to the seniors. Last year they gave out 228 gifts. For the last 23 years The First National Bank has put out a free quarterly newsletter to Colfax County in New Mexico and Las Animas and Huerfano counties in Colorado. They also put out a yearly historic calendar; this is their 27th and features WWII veterans. They also sponsor a “Saving with Mandy and Randy” program hosted at local schools that teaches grade school children how to save and a high school “How to do your banking,” program that shows the older children how to budget, manage a checkbook, and how to apply for and use credit. They allow non-profit agencies to use the electronic billboard in front of the Trinidad location to promote events. Last year they supported the first Annual “Hidden Treasure of the Trinidad Zombie Miner,” sponsored by the Trinidad-Las Animas County Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and Merged Media. This year they are supporting the event once again which has been moved from downtown to Linden Street and will include a haunted house.
Chris Huffman, The First National Bank Vice President and Marketing Officer, is always available to help the community. Even though she juggles numerous tasks, she will always make time for anyone wanting to do something good for Trinidad.
HEALTHY LIVING Make Your Wife Happy.
EAT PUMPKIN!
By E.R.A. McCarthey What makes pumpkin good for your health? Pumpkin flesh contains many important trace elements - potassium, calcium, magnesium and phosphorus. It also has B vitamins. But pumpkin is particularly rich in provitamin A - beta-carotene. This compound is a natural shield for the body against the harmful effects of the environment; it protects cancer cells from degeneration. Furthermore, pumpkin flesh is rich in pectin-fibers that gently clear the gastrointestinal tract. But not only the pumpkin flesh is valuable. It was found that the seeds are the most useful part of the pumpkin. Experts explain that pumpkin can stabilize blood pressure and increase blood flow to the organs with blood. This is very important in regards to male performance and a satisfactory sex life.
Heart problems Pumpkin is a real panacea for our biological “pump.” It has a strong diuretic effect and saturates the body with potassium. If you have hypertension or edema is recommended to eat at least 200 grams of pumpkin a day, regardless of its method of preparation. Kidney Pumpkin juice is very beneficial for the health of the urinary system. It is recommended for diseases of the kidneys and bladder: cystitis, pyelonephritis, kidney stones. Diabetes Strengthen blood vessels using a mixture of pumpkin and freshly squeezed orange juice. The recommended ratio is 1:1, but it can be changed according to personal taste. Morning Sickness Pumpkin seeds are an excellent remedy for morning sickness in pregnant women. Heavy legs People who are on their feet a lot during the day
Under what conditions do you use pumpkin? Weight Loss Pumpkin is a great tool for weight loss because it is low calorie. But unlike beans, cabbage, radishes and other “rough” species of flora in the yard, it acts gently on the gastrointestinal tract. Pumpkins can be eaten in large amounts without the risk of gastritis and bloating.
TSJC
Athletics This Week
Baseball 10/27 Lamar Trinidad, CO 1 p.m. 11/1-3 Region IX Tournament McCook, NE TBA Men’s Soccer 10/23-27 Region IX Tourney TBD TBA Women’s Soccer 10/23-27 Region IX Tourney TBD TBA Volleyball 10/27 Lamar Trinidad, CO 1 p.m. 11/1-3 Region IX Tournament McCook, NE TBA
Admission to Home Games Adults: $4.00 Students: $3.00 Children under 12: FREE
FREE to the following: TSJC students with ID; TSJC faculty and staff; parents of TSJC athletes; and booster club members.
can get rid of the pain in their legs with compresses made out of pumpkin. How to choose a pumpkin: • Mature pumpkin is very thick, fleshy, and heavy, without cracks or soft parts. Its color is bright. • Unbaked pumpkin is tasteless and can be fibrous. When buying note the variety. • Traditional bright orange pumpkins are not very sweet, but they have more beta-carotene. They are suitable for many dishes. Experienced chefs often combined pumpkin with vegetables and grains. • Pink fruit or honey melon squash are sweet and delicious when baked. How to preserve pumpkin: Pumpkins remain in wonderful condition several months at a constant temperature in a dry place. If the area allows, they can be placed on the floor in the kitchen. However, the optimum temperature for storage is around 15 degrees. Cut pumpkin lasts 3 days in the refrigerator. The optimal way to save pumpkin is to clean the pumpkin, cut or grate it and then store it in the freezer.
DELICIOUS DISHES Did you read that little tip on our Healthy Living Feature page on how good pumpkin is for you? Try these recipes for better health and other benefits!!
Pumpkin Soup 1 2/3 pounds sweet pumpkin, peeled, seeded and cubed 2 carrots, coarsely chopped 2 onions, cut in wedges 2 ½ T vegetable oil 1 lge. potato 1 qt. water 3 cubes chicken bouillon, crumbled 1 c. heavy cream 1 2/4 T. ground nutmeg Salt to taste 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
Preheat oven to 425 degrees F Place pumpkin, carrots and onions in a baking dish or roasting pan. Drizzle with vegetable oil. Bake in preheated oven 40 minutes, until soft but not blackened. In a large pot over medium heat, bring water and bouillon to a boil. Cook potato in simmering water until soft, about 20 minutes. Combine potato and water with roasted vegetables and puree in a blender or food processor. Return to pot over low heat, and stir in cream, nutmeg, pepper and salt. Heat gently; serve. Pauline Sandoval
Pumpkin-Pecan Tassies 15 oz. pkg, rolled refrigerated unbaked piecrust ¾ c. canned pumpkin ¼ c. sugar 1 tsp. pumpkin pie spice 1/8 tsp. salt 1 egg, lightly beaten ¼ c. half & half 1/3 c. chopped pecans 1 T. packed brown sugar 1 T. butter, melted Maple syrup (optional) Let piecrusts stand according to directions. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Unroll piecrusts. Using a 2 ½ inch cookie cutter, cut 12 rounds. Gently ease into 24 muffin cups. Set aside. For filling, mix together pumpkin, sugar, spice and salt. Add egg and stir until combined. Add half and half gradually and stir. For pecan topping, stir together pecans, brown sugar and melted butter. Spoon 2 tsps. filling into each cup. Top with 1 tsp. pecan topping. Bake 35 mins. Remove tassies and cool completely on wire rack. If desired, drizzle with maple syrup before serving. Bernie Veltri
BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT No Tricks, Just TREATS Phil Long Toyota By E.R.A. McCarthey Phil Long Toyota of Trinidad is more than just a dealership; they are a part of our community. They sell cool new Toyotas (personally I adore the Tacoma with all the add-ons), used cars of numerous makes and models (right now they have some gorgeous classic cars for sale), and they will service
ANY vehicle, regardless of make or model. The sales and service people are always friendly and will help you find the vehicle that is just right for your lifestyle.
Phil Long Toyota always has incentives, discounts, or promotions available at their location and on their website. When you are perusing the website you can use the advanced search tool to find your perfect car or chat live with one of the sales people. Even at 2am a sales person is available through live chat on www.phillongtoyota.com. Now that’s customer service! Phil Long Toyota supports local charities, events and community organizations. Employees of Phil Long Toyota have volunteered to help the Trinidad-Las Animas County Hispanic Chamber of Commerce present the “Spooktacular Haunted
Saloon and Carnival.” Jamie Passarelli, the general manager for both Phil Long Toyota here in Trinidad and Phil Long Ford in Raton, has a great sense of humor and loves to help out with anything that promotes Trinidad and benefits our community. He is also a great resource if you require help explaining to your spouse that you NEED a new Toyota.
Phil Long Toyota 719.422.4347
3019 Toupal Drive Trinidad, CO 81082
www.phillongtoyota.com
Leone pit #2 off of Hwy 160 Walsenburg Pit Hwy 69 Cty Rd. 611
Art and Music My Life is a River “May what I do flow from me like a river, no forcing and no holding back… By Marty Hackett
Rainer Maria Rilke
A prophetic statement made by his great grandmother; an invitation by a friend to stop in a little town with the promise that he would love it there; and curiosity itself can all be attributed to Trinidad’s fortune of now being the home of the gallery that Don Brewer Wakpa has always hoped for. The façade at the Elm Street Gallery at 225 Elm projects that “Taos flair” that he believes was needed to round out the art home he was searching for. Wakpa has for years traveled by Trinidad on his way to and from Vail, Aspen and Leadville and south to and from Taos and Santa Fe. “I just never stopped here,” he said with a shrug of his shoulders. “But now that I’m here, I think this place is a little gem-a magical little town! I like the weather, and the small town atmosphere.” Raised on the Pine Ridge and Cheyenne River Indian Reservations, Don Brewer Wakpa likens his life to a “river,” which Wakpa means in the Lakota tongue. An iron worker by trade, and painter by choice or perhaps fate, his winding river has landed him on the banks of the Purgatoire where he feels he is now centrally located and has found the ideal location to hang and create his Native American artwork. Brought up to be proud of his heritage, Don took on his great-grandmother’s family name of Wakpa to assign to his artwork, with the promise that if he used the name in a good way, he would be helped by the spirits. Having decided that he would dedicate his life to art, Wakpa speaks through his work, hoping to evoke reactions and feelings in his viewers. “Basil and his Cross,” the near lifelike sized painting that graces the entryway into the new gallery tells the story of his parents and their generation of peoples. “The cross, tulips, flowers and halo are all symbols of how they endured the change from the traditions on the reservation where they were raised, to living a life of Christianity.” Wakpa considers himself “a progressive contemporary painter; “I try to capture the pride and spirituality of my people, blending traditional with contemporary.” The spirits have indeed found favor with Wakpa’s art as three separate pieces have been selected to promote the Annual United Tribes International powwows, in 1986, 1991 and again in 2007.
Currently working on a commissioned “quadrapic,” four separate pieces of artwork with the same theme, Wakpa is also working on remodeling and restoring his first gallery and studio. The building, owned by fellow artist Wayne Pritchard, will soon house not only Wakpa’s and Pritchard’s artwork but that of Misu’s artwork as well, and will eventually feature other local and regional artists on a rotating basis. A small windowed “shed” in the back garden space of the building will someday also be renovated to house the pottery studio where Don Brewer Wakpa will extend his artwork to include sculpture.
“We are doing our best to move art forward here. Trinidad is looking for an identity and we hope it will be arts. It’s very possible and very exciting!” Calling the surrounding Las Animas County wilderness, “an enriching environment, very inspiring!” another love of his will take him into the hills, mountains and plains which surround Trinidad. With newfound friend, City Planner Louis Fineberg, the two share and enjoy the adventurous hobby of hiking and mountain climbing. Welcome, Don Brewer Wakpa, to our community! We wish you the very best and we invite the community to stop and visit with this very cordial, easy going, and talented young addition to our art world in Trinidad!
Animal Care at a New Level Courtesy Noah’s Ark Animal Shelter The field of chiropractic health care has many varied applications from adjusting the spine and skeletal areas of the human body to those of the animals. In the last thirty years, the field of chiropractic has become more popular in the treatment of our four-legged friends. Dr. Lawrence Low is one such local chiropractor whose practice now also includes the application of chiropractic to aide in animals’ spine and skeletal problems and injuries. He states that our fourlegged friend moves in many ways from jumping to rolling, running, trotting etc. and they experience the same spinal and skeletal problems and pains that humans do. The pet supply and animal medicine industry is a perfect example of man’s attempt to ease the pain that our pets experience. If you walk down and aisle of a pet store you’ll see many over the counter remedies for pain specifically designed for animals, such as joint and arthritis medication for inflammation. Unfortunately, animals cannot verbally communicate their needs to tell us what exactly is in
pain. We, as humans, try to diagnose the pain by noticing their body movements, their attitude and expressions; but often times that does not work. The field of animal chiropractic is very specialized and Dr. Low is a local chiropractic doctor that does specialize in this field. When he began practicing in 1982 he would often be asked if he tended to animals. The demand for this kind of treatment kept increasing and 2002 he took his first course in animals chiropractic. Since then he not only treats dogs and cats, but also cows, horses, donkeys and more. In 2009 the State of Colorado passed a statue requiring that a chiropractor working with animals must take 200+ hours of training in the field to be certified. The results of chiropractic adjustments on animals have the same effect as it does humans. It helps restore flexibility, movement and restore the quality of life the animal is use to. However, it is always recommended to first consult your veterinarian if you feel your pet is injured or ill to get proper diagnoses. Recently Dr. Low met with the board of directors for Noah’s Ark Animal Welfare Association to demonstrate the procedures and discuss the benefits. As pet owners and animal lovers, people need to remember to tend to their pets not only through their basic needs, but in health as well. “The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated” Mohandas Gandi.
Paw News
Believe... NEW Bible Baptist Church 1102 Stonewall Ave Trinidad, Colo. 845-0827
Fisher’s Peak Community Church 10377 Santa Fe Trail Trinidad, Colo. 846-6018 Holy Trinity Catholic Church 719-846-3369 First Christian Church 200 S. Walnut Street Trinidad, Colo. 846-3843 Church of Christ 1000 Nevada Ave. Trinidad, Colo. 846-2919 All Nation’s Fellowship 131 W. Main St. Trinidad, Colo. 846-9100 Jehovah’s Wintnesses Trinidad Congregation 1713 Goodale Ave. Trinidad, Colo. 846-3119 Zion’s Lutheran Church 613 Prosect Trinidad, Colo. 846-7785 First United Methodist Church 216 Broom St. Trinidad, Colo. 846-6824 Church of the Nazarene 733 Stonewall Ave. Trinidad, Colo. 845-0383 Faith Christian Fellowship 2608 Santa Fe. Trail Trinidad, Colo. 846-9673 The Lord’s Chapel Hwy 12 ¼ mile west of Segundo 846-8506 First Pentecostal Church 10375 Santa Fe. Trail Trinidad, Colo. 846-846-2987 United Presbyterian Church 801 San Pedro Trinidad, Colo. 846-6513 Seventh Day Adventist Church 1605 Aiello St. Trinidad, Colo. 846-0244
FAITH God didn’t promise days without pain, laughter without sorrow, or sun without rain, but He did promise strength for the day, comfort for the tears, and light for the way. If God brings you to it, He will bring you through it.
mom made me wear it and the backpack was sooooo heavy!
VIEWS Halloween is for Candy & Costumes
Around Trinidad asked several youngsters in the community questions regarding Halloween and here’s what we came up with! What will you be for Halloween and why? KylieRae Duran(8) – A Smurfette because it’s my favorite ‘cuz they’re crazy! What was your worst costume ever? Summer Michaels (14) – Dora the Explorer! My
EDUCATION Miner Band Qualifies For State Field Marching Championships As New Band Director Prepares For New Challenges By David J. Santistevan Jr. Colorado Springs-----The Mighty Miner Marching Band under first year headman Charles Shober headed into the 2012 Colorado Band Masters Southern Regional State Qualifying Marching Festival on Oct. 17 at Academy District Stadium in Colorado Springs with a great new vibe heading into the future. Trinidad qualified with a score of 44.80 The Miner Band competed against traditional field marching powerhouse Monte Vista and other qualifiers La Junta, Wasson, Pueblo East, Harrison, Canon City, Pueblo County and Woodland Park. “I am really proud of the students. They worked hard for this, but there is still work to be done,” said Shober.
McKenna Cole (15) – A bumble bee! I felt so childish, but my mom made me get it! How do you think Halloween started? Katie Cole (10)- Somebody used to dress up and scare people “cuz they were mean! Samantha (7) I think that’s when they started making Halloween stuff and Anna (9) agreed saying, I think somebody wanted to make costumes! Alyssa Cordova (7) – I think that’s when they invented candy! What is your favorite Halloween treat? Christian Garza (9) I definitely have to go with Kit Kats! them saying WOW! “Band Students need to be physically and mentally ready and committed to what your program is,” he added. “We have set very high goals and we want to perform at a very high level. We have now reached one of our main goals, to qualify for the State Marching competition in Pueblo.” The theme for this year’s Miner Band field show is “A Night at the Movies.” The Big Blue Mighty Miner Band performed the theme from the Pink Panther, theme from Indiana Jones and the John Williams Medley. From the beginning Shober’s desire is to have his students prepared and he has succeeded. Good luck to the Miner Band as they compete at the 2012 Class 1A/2A/3A CBA State Marching Band Championships on Oct. 29 in Pueblo at the CSU-Pueblo campus starting at 8 a.m.
The Miner Band has 38 students led by Senior Drum Major Kayleen Peretto-Ortega and Junior Drum Major Nicholas Ruybalid. Shober accepted the band director job right out of college, graduating from Northern Colorado in Greeley with a degree in music. He believes that band students have to have the people watching
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Joe Richards 719.680.8060
Meet Your Mayor By Mike Garrett Trinidad’s newly elected mayor Bernadette BacaGonzalez has a vision. What she would like to see five years down the road for her birth city is economic growth by leaps and bounds accomplished by its citizens working in perfect alignment. This would fulfill her dream of making Trinidad a beacon of light for all its residents and outsiders to clearly see. As the Trinidad & Las Animas County Chamber of Commerce’s monthly luncheon speaker Oct. 17, Baca-Gonzalez said, “I think Trinidad needs to identify niche markets to attract people to the city who could conduct their business anywhere, whether its downtown Chicago, Four Corners or elsewhere,” she said. Her vision is to attract small, family-run businesses who want to come to Trinidad because of its climate and business opportunities. “The only way we can do that is to take a hard look at our zoning ordinances,” she said. “I think they are shooting us in the foot because how many people can come to Trinidad and get a three or four-story building and bring it up to code in one fell swoop.” While safety concerns are still important, Baca-Gonzalez said the city has to offer incentives and cut through all the bureaucratic red tape to attract a favorable business clientele. “You can use contractural agreements to phase in what needs to be done so you don’t bankrupt an individual who is trying to come to Trinidad to begin a business,” adding that she doesn’t want the city to miss any more business opportunities due to lack of creativity and economic diversity between its agricultural assets and mining and natural gas reservoir. She used the example of a downtown boutique meat market or any other unique business created “by thinking outside the box that allows individuals to attempt to express their own creativity.” Baca-Gonzalez said that creativity means not trying to duplicate other cities like Santa Fe but to create its own innovative niche markets “that Trinidad is positioned to provide. Five years down the road I would like to see significant improvements in communication and cooperation between the city and
county, all of our governmental entities, TSJC and all of our private, non-profit organizations. If we’re not working together we’re not going to be able to achieve any lasting, sustained growth.”
Baca-Gonzales proposed ideas that would resurrect the annual Trinidaddio Blues Fest in late August, and the annual Santa Fe Trail Festival in June, which did less than stellar business this year. “I think the best thing the city and county or anybody who is interested in bringing back the Bluesfest can do is talk to former sponsors and say look, how can we help you and your mission revitalize this once great festival,” she said. “If you put a bunch of good people together and allow them the opportunity to become creative thinkers and respect their input in all circumstances, you’re going to be able to develop a plan that will get all of us where we need to go. She stressed that all Trinidad City Council members look forward to interacting with any community member to give them a voice to express their concerns and questions “and allow us to try and live up to our commitment to help each of you and develop more businesses in Trinidad.” Her primary chamber luncheon talk focused on accentuating the city’s positives and cleaning up many of the negative conflicts that have beset the community over the last decade, securing the most appropriate and best qualified city manager and her feelings that city government has to be totally transparent to the people it serves under a council that is ethically and morally above reproach with no secret agendas. “City government must continue to offer its employees ongoing training to meet changes with the times and become a role model for any governmental entity”, she said. “We always need to respect our citizens and each other.” If passion and enthusiasm for her job is any indication, that same passion and enthusiasm she used to win so many court cases in her 30 year-law career in Texas is any indication, Baca-Gonzalez looks like she is well prepared to put the city of Trinidad back on the road map to prosperity.
Family Time Spooktacular Haunted Saloon and Carnival Last year the Trinidad-Las Animas County Hispanic Chamber of Commerce along with Merged Media and M&M Repair and Towing hosted the “Hidden Treasure of the Trinidad Ghoul Miner,” carnival and treasure hunt downtown. The event was a success. 30 local businesses sponsored the event and around 500 children took part in the day’s festivities. This year the event has moved to 1810 N. Linden Avenue and will include two days of activities. The fun starts off on Friday night with a “Haunted Saloon” from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. and will happen again on Saturday night at the same time. During the day on Saturday a family carnival will be held at 1810 N. Linden Avenue from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The carnival will offer a costume contest, prize raffle, and many fun games and activities. If you would like to be a vendor at the carnival or help out with the haunted saloon please contact Around Trinidad at 719-422-3301 or E.R.A. McCarthey at 720-722-2204. You can also email us at : info.aroundtrinidad@gmail.com
135 East Main Street, Suite #1, Trinidad, CO 81082 - 720.244.8083
TRINIDAD TREASURES
Welcome Center Volunteer Logs in 25 Years of Service By Mike Garrett
Segundo native Faye Caligaris loves her volunteer job at Trinidad’s Colorado Welcome Center so much that she just won’t give it up after 25 years on the job. As Faye says, where else in Trinidad could she work such great hours (usually the late Sunday morning, early afternoon shift) where she can meet such interesting people stopping in Trinidad from all over the world and tell them what a great state Colorado is while encouraging them to also explore some of this historical city and picturesque Las Animas County. Starting during the summer of 1987, not quite a year after the Welcome Center opened in June 1987, Faye said she wasn’t sure just what she was getting into or that she was properly prepared for her new job. “A lady friend of mine had joined the staff and she kept telling me I should become a volunteer too,” said Faye. “I said, ‘no! I’m not good with people, I don’t know how to give directions and just didn’t think I could do it.’” But she decided to try and see if she could still help Trinidad visitors find their way around the state through all the center’s helpful brochures, maps and guides. What Faye, now 85, already possessed was the gift of gab. She knew how to talk to people and keep a conversation headed in the right direction. As a Colorado native, she at least knew more about her home state than the vast majority of the Welcome Center visitors, most of them from Texas and the Midwest. The first year has turned into 25 years of just enjoying nearly all of the people who have walked through the Welcome Center’s two doors. As any Welcome Center volunteer will tell you, Trinidad visitors come from all walks of life from nearly every country in the world. They are usually in a good frame of mind since they’re happy to be on vacation away from their daily stresses and more mundane surroundings. They have already heard of Colorado’s beautiful mountains and lakes, breathtaking vistas and for the most part, friendly people. So Faye has been only too happy to learn where the visitors are coming from, where they would like to go and what to expect when they get there. “Contrary to what she says, she is very good with people and that’s part of the reason people enjoy talking with her,” said her 20-year Welcome Center partner Joe Tarabino, including the last 15 years working the Sunday shift together. “We work a fun shift because she can bring out the naturalness in people. Nobody is officious or showing off here. They just naturally respond to her because she is so much fun to talk to.” Although visitors come in representing nearly all nationalities around the world, usually speaking
English with a pronounced dialect, the language of travel is universal. All they have to know is how to read a map and Faye and other volunteers will tell them either the quickest or most picturesque way to get there by following all the map codes found on the Welcome Center’s west wall. Faye acknowledges that even after 25 years on the job, she can’t always answer every question that a visitor might ask her.
“If I don’t know the answer, I’ll point them to Joe.” Or she will give them a destination telephone number where they can get the information directly from the source or look it up on the internet, “But we go back to where there weren’t any computers to look it up,” said Tarabino. “So we had to look through all the books we have here.” Faye added that in her 25 years on the job, greeting people and giving them useful information hasn’t changed but the technology of locating destination places has naturally progressed substantially when the press of a couple of internet buttons can take anyone anywhere in the world to find what they’re looking for. Many younger visitors have already looked up their travel itinerary on the internet and already know all the basics. Caligaris, Tarabino and other volunteers simply confirm or corroborate their expectations or give them an appropriate brochure with additional information. “It’s the older people who usually have more questions,” said Tarabino. “A lot of people just drop in because they like the town of Trinidad,” added Faye. “We’re seeing more families coming in and we’ve now got (educational) maps for the kids,” said Faye. Retirees in the 50 to 70 age group who have lots of time and the finances to travel wherever they desire continue to be the backbone of Trinidad visitors looking for someplace they haven’t seen before or to return to a favorite Colorado hot spot. Faye feels blessed to have lived her whole life in Colorado save for 1945 when she spent a year and a half living in
pg 22 Los Angeles. In those days she said LA was a lot more enjoyable place to live and work sans all the congestion and crime the metro area now offers. “I enjoyed taking the bus into downtown for a movie or shopping in those days. I wouldn’t do that now, I would rather stay here.” If visitors want to experience what seeing a movie would have been like 50-60 years ago, Faye says she always recommends the Fox Theater. For a city the size of Trinidad, she noted it’s surprising how many fun activities can be found in the Trinidad area, from boating and camping at Trinidad Lake State Park to the Southern Colorado Repertory Theatre, as well as lots of unique fine dining experiences. “She also likes to get people on the Highway of Legends,” (State Highway 12 from Trinidad to LaVeta) added Tarabino. “She also likes to tell people all about our old coal mining camps since she grew up in Morley and Segundo. She really comes alive when you start talking about that.” “I went to school in Morley and remember the old company store,” said Faye. “Then I went to the Catholic school and became an angel.” She noted that despite her advanced age, “I have no thoughts of retirement and will keep going as long as I have my good health,” adding her grandmother lived to be 103 through three marriages. “Even if I were to pass tomorrow,” I’ve had a good life.” Faye just asked that she be interviewed again in a few more years to see how well she has progressed! As Tarabino put it, “I don’t think any other shift at the Welcome Center gets along as the three of us do (including relative shift newcomer John Laudel. We are such different personalities with such different experiences. We all complement eachother. We all just have fun together.” That’s why I just keep coming back,” added Faye.