Index

INDEX

A Word from the Editor…Saint Valentine’s Day,

Commonly known as Valentine’s Day, or the Feast of Saint Valentine, this special day is observed on February 14 each year. The most popular martyrol-ogy associated with Saint Valentine was that he was imprisoned for performing weddings for soldiers who were forbidden to marry and for ministering to Christians, who were persecuted under the Ro-man Empire; during his imprisonment, he is said to have healed the daughter of his jailer Asterius. Legend states that before his execution he wrote “from your Valentine” as a farewell to her.

Around Trinidad wishes everyone a Happy Valen-tine’s Day and reminds you to take time to express your love in non-traditional and inexpensive ways. The five love languages in no particular order are: Words of Affirmation - Express gratitude and ap-preciation for what they do, give compliments and encouragement.

Quality Time - take notice of their preferred activi-ties, go hiking, play games, giving your attention is what’s important.

Acts of Service - Clean the house, prepare a meal, help with laundry, yard work and other chores, it’s especially appreciated when it’s unexpected.

Physical Touch - simple, warm, loving gestures. Hold hands, give a back rub, foot massage.

Gifts - Homemade gifts are the most tangible, visual reminders of love but very specific. A just for you because I know what you like gift speaks volumes. Choose your gifts carefully.

But the most priceless gift of all is giving of your-self, just being there for your loved one and show-ing your devotion is the best gift of all!

E.R.A. McCarthey

Our Mission…Around Trinidad is focused on bringing the com-munity together and building relationships with the people, the businesses, organizations, govern-ment, educational institutions and the community as a whole. Our focus is to provide local informa-tion so our residents can rediscover their home-town and visitors can see it SHINE!

About US…Everything AroundUS and Merged Media, the parent companies of Around Trinidad, can help with internet strategies such as customized website design, traffic, search engine optimization, articles, banners, links, and web site validation. We also offer traditional marketing services such as branding, product design, print media, audio and video. Our companies offer more opportunities for local businesses by promoting events and social activities in the community.

We take the world around us and bring it to you! Everything AroundUS pushes social networking to the next level by using our platform to pro-mote businesses with giveaways, social activities and exciting events! Our team merges the virtual elements of social networking with traditional promotions to give businesses the ultimate market-ing experience. Everything AroundUS brings the community together and builds value for local businesses and services by helping people access everything the area has to offer. We use the power of one communication platform to highlight the fun and excitement around us. AROUND TRINIDAD CREDITS

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF/OWNERE.R.A. McCartheyART & DESIGN DIRECTOR/OWNERJay MartinezEXECUTIVE MANAGING EDITORMarty HackettFEATURES DIRECTORDavid J. Santistevan Jr.

Around Trinidad has been funded by Merged Me-dia 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.

Index About Us

Pg.1 Around Trinidad Trinidad Wrestling

Pg.2 Cover Story A Grand Slam for Trinidad

Pg.3 Paw News Help a Homeless Pet this Year

Pg.4 Style and Beauty Exchanging Ideas For and About Women

Pg.6 The College Spot TSJC Big Bang Club Ends Semester with a BIG BANG

Pg.7 Sports Working Against the Clock

Pg.8 Horoscopes

Pg.10 Hall of Fame Resurrecting the City of Champions

Pg.13 Delicious Dishes

Pg.14 Healthy Living Drive Smart

Pg.15 Over The Pass Cowboy Kickin’

Pg.17 Business Spotlight Big City Look with a Hometown Feel

Pg.18 New Views BFFs Make Bling and Get Paid

Pg.19 Art and Music Art from the Heart

Pg.20 Education Hoehne Promotes Technological Literacy

Pg.20 Family Time Dr. Brain Presents Martian Information!

Pg.22 Government Living a Life of Legalese

Pg.23 Trinidad Treasures A Legacy of Kindness

ON THE COVER

Mayor Bernadette Baca-Gonzales, Jay and Emily Cimino pose with “The Babe,” the last car owned by Babe Ruth and owners Lonnie and Marilyn Shew. The 1948 Yankee blue Lincoln Continental will soon be located in “La Puerta de Colorado” car museum which the Cimino’s have proposed. See related stories inside.

By Kellie Armijo

Wrestling season began and nine boys started practicing individually, boys who the year before were part of an organized team. No coach, no facility, just the love of the sport. Being a parent of a wrestler, you come to understand the emotions that are involved, the training, and the sweat and tears your child puts in just to have that hand raised at the end of three minutes. So with a mat, garage and donations from local businesses, Trini-dad Wrestling was born.

Trinidad Wrestling is little different than your organized wrestling club. Here the parents are the coaches who work with their children and are responsible for their child at wrestling meets. These boys participate in Pikes Peak Wrestling Tourna-ments in the Pueblo and Colorado Springs areas where they have all placed. They will be participat-ing in a State Tournament in Castle Rock on March 2nd, where they will compete against some of the

best wrestlers in southern Colorado. Every parent has wrestling experience and coaching knowledge to help with training and critique.

Of course none of this would be possible without the help of the community so we wish to thank:Redwing Electric Inc., NV Designs, E.R.A. Mc-Carthey and Jay Martinez of Around Trinidad, Blazer Electric, Wendy Mileta, Lock Tight LLC, M&M Towing, Topar Welding, First National Bank, Century Savings and Loan, C & S Outdoors, Vicki Armijo with Avon, Trinidad Beer and Wine Depot, Lee’s Bar BQ, JM Tire, and Donielle and Domonique Quintana

Best of luck to Trinidad youth wrestlers Jacob and Dylan Armijo coached by Tony Armijo; Cody Lucero and Brenden Montoya coached by Buck Montoya; Alberto and Bill Felthager coached by Brett Armijo; Isaiah Bowman coached by Pete Bowman; Lawrence Bowman coached by Lawrence Bowman; Logan Romero coached by Gil Romero

Trinidad Wrestling

Photo courtesy Kellie Armijo. Pictured in Photo: Bill Felthager, Dylan Armijo, Cody Lucero, Jacob Armijo, Logan Romero, Berto Felthager, Isaiah Bowman, Lawrence Bowman, not pictured Brenden Montoya

A Grand Slam for TrinidadBy Marty Hackett

“The big news for Trinidad is this will be my new home. My owners, Lonnie and Marilyn Shelton of Pampa, Texas, have made this their second home and together we hope to help out this neat little community with so many really good-hearted people!”

“Lonnie and I also have a greater mission. Ever since Lonnie got me out of the museums and made me come alive again to continue the works that my owner, the late, great Babe Ruth began, we made a pact that everyone would know who the Babe re-ally was. Lonnie made this decision when we were traveling, me in my trailer with the clear walls (so I can see where we’re going). We had stopped for the day and a gentleman approached to admire me, asking questions about me. Lonnie proceeded to tell him my story and mention that the great thing about me was not that I was a classic car, but that I was given to Babe Ruth in 1948 by the Ford Mo-tor Company to help represent the Little League Baseball teams of America. You would think that everyone knew who “The Sultan of Swat” was, but this man didn’t even know what team he played for and wasn’t quite sure that he was even a baseball player!”

“The Babe,” as the shiny Yankee Blue Lincoln Continental is affectionately known continued his story: “The year was 1948-WOW!” 64 years ago, the “Big War” was over and Ford Motor Company was all about focusing on “Any Town, USA.” They were sponsoring over 3,600 little League baseball teams across the country. Who better to represent baseball for Ford than George Herman Ruth, better known to the world as “Babe Ruth.” The “Sultan of Swat” had retired from baseball professionally, but would have baseball flowing through his veins until the day he died!”

“Ford had utilized the popularity of the iconic Babe Ruth and contracted him to represent them in the promotion of America’s #1 sport. Here is where I come into the picture! The good folks at Ford gave me to Babe Ruth as a gift! They were say-ing thanks to Babe for encouraging the young boys of America to get involved with Little League!”

“In 1948, Babe Ruth logged over 40,000 miles shar-ing his love and passion for the sport with young boys across the country. 1948 also saw Babe’s life come to an end when he succumbed to cancer after a long hard fought battle. After his death, I was sold and put in museums across the country. Then Lonnie and Marilyn came into my life and have been taking me to Major League, Minor League and college ballparks, car shows and other events to help raise money for kids that are dealing with major health battles. Now some of these kids are getting the care they need regardless if their family has the money to pay for the healthcare or not!

The funds have gone to the Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children in Dallas and the Texas and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis, Tennessee.”

“I want everyone to know who Babe really was,” explains Lonnie. “Not just the icon of baseball, but the REAL man, the man who had a heart as big as Texas for children, for mankind!” Lonnie relates a story about the time at batters camp when Babe Ruth was up to bat and the ball he sent flying struck a little boy’s dog and injured it. “Babe ran over, picked up the dog and rushed him to the nearest hospital begging that someone help him. They told him they didn’t provide care for ani-mals!” Lonnie said that eventually a doctor stepped up and saved the dog. “That is the kind of man he was, the passion he had, and we want to carry on that passion.”

“Who would have thought that 64 years after Babe left this world I would continue the work he focused on during his last years of life. “For love of the game,” this legacy began but I will continue it “for love of the children,” his other passion. This Grand Slam is for you Babe! May the world NEVER forget.”

Visit the website at http://thebabescar.com for more information.

BE HEARDAround Trinidad was created to feature the people, places, and events of Trinidad and the surround-ing 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,” “Busi-ness 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.

Help a Homeless Pet This YearSpecial Contribution by Noah’s Ark Animal Welfare Association Board of Directors

During the cold weather season we tend to reflect on our blessings in life and what we have. It’s also the time of year that most people decide they want to give back to those who have less. Like many of you, the cute four-legged creatures tend to win our hearts over and so giving or supporting animal shelters seems only natural. If your resolution this year is to give back to the animals and the shelter, here are a few ideas that will help improve the life of a homeless pet;

Volunteer: Come down anytime the shelter is open to walk the dogs, play with the cats or help otherwise. People of all ages are welcome, in fact we encourage children to come down. It teaches children the value of giving back and becomes a great family event! Sponsorship: You don’t have to sponsor an event or activity to help the shelter, you could be a kennel sponsor! By sponsoring a kennel you’re able to give a warm bed to a homeless animal in a safe and caring way. If you’d prefer to sponsor something else, consider being the sponsor for a spay or neuter surgery. Why not promote the solution for overpopulation. This will not only help that animal, but the com-munity as well! Donations: Did you know it costs approxi-mately $100 to house a homeless animal? Between feeding and care, any medical treat-ments and the staffing, housing an animal costs money, therefore every donation counts tremendously to keep that care going. Foster A Pet: For many of us, the thought of spending time at the shelter or finding the ex-tra money to donate is tough. However, if you have a space in your home and heart, fostering a pet might be the ideal way to give back. You can offer your home to a homeless pet for up to 2 weeks, all supplies will be provided by the shelter, and all we ask is you give that animal a safe and caring home.

Support: There are so many ways that you can support Noah’s Ark when we are out in the community. Between selling 2013 calendars as a fundraiser, selling pet items at the local “Novel Destinations Book Store,” hosting adoption fairs at Big R every other month, supporting local eateries with our monthly “Night Out for Noah’s” program and offering

low-cost spay and neuter clinics, there is a variety of ways to show the community your support for the shelter and our homeless pets.

During this cold season, if you find yourself wanting to do something more for your family, community and self, consider giving back. You will find that animals are the most selfless creatures who ask for nothing more than a little food and attention, yet give more than they have back in love and loyalty. Noah’s Ark welcomes you anytime, so come on down and find out how you can give back this year. To find out more about these opportunities, you can also call us at 719-680-2385.

ABOUT NOAH’S ARK ANIMAL WELFARE ASSOCIATION

Founded in 2001, Noah’s Ark Animal Welfare Association is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organiza-tion with a mission to enhance the care and living conditions of domestic animals within the city of Trinidad and Las Animas county. The shelter provides direct care for more than 1,000 animals annually. For more information about Noah’s Ark visit us on the web at www.noahsarktrinidad.org or contact Kim Riddle, Noah’s Ark Executive Director or Jenna Waldschmidt, Marketing Committee. Noah’s Ark Animal Welfare Association is located at 224 North Chestnut Street in Trinidad, CO 81082.

Paw News

Exchanging Ideas For and About WomenBy Dave J. Santistevan Jr.

Attention All Ladies!!! Women’s Exchange set for March 23, 2013. About eight years ago, three local women, Karen Malone, Kathy Topping and Ruth Highland were pondering ideas of a how to give back to the com-munity and out emerged the simple thought of starting a women’s group.

“We wanted it to be a fun, eventful, entertaining and educational day of getting together and learn-ing,” Malone explained. “So we combined all our ideas and came up with the notion of The Women’s Exchange. We gathered speakers from our cache of bright, fun and interesting women and decided that we wanted to keep everything local, including the money. “We present many topics that women can relate to like yoga, how to take care of an elderly family member, or how to cook a great meal everyday on a tight budget,” Malone added. “We try to have our keynote speakers tie into our theme for that year.”

Ruth moved away and has since passed on, but Malone and Topping have kept the Women’s Ex-change moving forward, with eight ladies now in the group handling things and several more joining since last year. This year’s committee includes Sara Bolson, Sally Van Lanen, Terry Barros, Michelle Roberts, Kathy Topping, Christina Duran and Malone, who meet once a month. Local sponsors

have included State Farm/ Laura DeBella, Duran Oil, Mariposa Rehabilitation, Dennis Malone, JM Tire, Trinidad Inn Nursing Home and others.

Local speakers have included Laura DeBella, Lori Hoffman, Janna Tranter, past Trinidad Mayor Jennie Garduno and last year, Allison England of TSJC. Beneficiaries of the money raised over the years has varied, and has included the Trinidad High School W.A.I.T. Program, Advocates Against Domestic Assault, the Women, Infants and Chil-dren Program at the Las Animas County Health Department, the local Soup Kitchen, the Harry Sayre Senior Center and more! Two grateful and deserving women have been the beneficiaries of scholarships to TSJC to help continue their educa-tion and a third will be awarded this year. The Women’s Exchange has raised over $34,000 which has helped women’s organizations and individuals locally, with about $6,000 being donated annually and every dime staying in the community. The next event scheduled for the Women’s Ex-change is scheduled for March 23, 2013 in the caf-eteria of Trinidad State Jr. College from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. This year the event will start two hours later than usual and will not offer breakfast, but a “high tea” instead. Key Note Speaker is Dr. Michaele Sparaco and Guest Speakers will be Dr. Andrea Doeden, Dr. Amy Wilson, Sophie (Toots) Leone and Kimber Begano. Beneficiaries will be the TSJC “WE” Scholarship Fund & Mt. Carmel Women’s Wellness Program.

“We maxed out the room last year, with 120 women attending the event, so this year we moved the 2013 event down the hall at TSJC and are already expecting about 150,” Malone added with a smile. “With no breakfast this year we have a plated luncheon because we feel that it is very important that women be catered to and treated special for one day.”

The event will have a High Tea at 2 p.m. and the committee is now looking for teapots and teacups for their silent auction bid.

“We always flow with ideas and we always have a fashion show!” said Malone excitedly. “This year our fashion show will be with aprons which will be graciously sewn by the Segundo Senior Center women, who are paying it forward, once being the beneficiaries of funds raised through WE. “This all goes with our theme of Tea!” Last year Malone said the Corner Shop did a GREAT job with the outfits for the fashion show. The Women’s Exchange invites the entire commu-nity of women to attend this year’s event, including business leaders, teachers, elected officials, working class women and others from all walks of life in the Trinidad and Las Animas County Area. “We are very proud of the fact that every dime we have raised has stayed local, but we need to get the word out about us! There are still people who say that they have not heard of the Women’s Exchange!”

So, ladies, this is your time to shine. Contact any of the committee members to purchase your tickets now to attend the women’s event of the year!

Style and Beauty

New Steps Taken by the Purgatoire Watershed Partnership

The Purgatoire Watershed Partnership (PWP) is making strides in its effort to becoming an established watershed group. The group is comprised of stakeholders with diverse interests who have come together to form a cooperative partnership to work towards the conservation, protection and enhancement of their water resources. “Bringing together people, policies, priorities and resources through a watershed approach blends science and regulatory responsibilities with social and economic considerations,” stated Levi Montoya the District Conservationist at the Trinidad Natural Resources Conservation

Service (NRCS) Field Office. Watershed plan-ning is often too complex to be tackled by one interest group alone, and by weaving together partnerships the process can be strengthened with an end result of new ideas and resources that work to increase public understanding and communities committed to finding solutions. For more information read the full press release in the community news section of www.aroundtrinidad.com or Contact: Board Chair JD McElhaney at jdmcelh@gmail.com

pg 04

By Lysia Vasquez Eight members of the Big Bang Club at Trinidad State Junior College descended on Denver for two days near the end of last semester to celebrate science. The overnight trip allowed students to ex-plore dinosaur tracks, natural history, and modern science, all while trying out new foods and enjoy-ing the sights in Colorado’s capital. Upon arrival in Denver, club members experienced Cajun cuisine at Lucile’s Creole Café before get-ting a unique behind-the-scenes tour of specimen storage and labs at the Denver Botanical Gardens from Melissa Islam, Ph.D., Associate Director of Research and Head Curator. Allowed to explore the garden’s separate areas at their leisure, club members viewed a variety of exotic and everyday plants in a beautiful setting. The timing of the trip provided club members the opportunity to experience Denver’s Parade of Lights after a light dinner at Good Times. Despite the crowds, the club members found a perfect spot from which to view the lights, holiday music, danc-ers, and floats. The following morning the club members, faculty sponsor Debra Krumm, and faculty member Na-than Cahoone attended the Pompeii exhibit at the Denver Museum of Nature and Science. Members experienced history they had only read about in books – the exhibits were enlightening and inspir-ing at the same time. After viewing the special

exhibit, club members had some time to explore the rest of the museum. The club braved Thai food on the way home, and followed that with a visit to Dinosaur Ridge, west of Denver in Morrison, Colorado, a site where many dinosaur fossils have been found. Club members ended the weekend trip observ-ing fossilized dinosaur tracks, probably made by Iguanodon-like dinosaurs. This initial trip of the Big Bang Club was a great experience and a success for club members. Mem-bership in the club is open to all TSJC students with an interest in science. Members participate in club fundraisers, volunteer work, and, of course, science-themed activities. New members are always welcome. Contact Debra Krumm at Trinidad State Junior College for more information at (719) 846-5677 or Debra.Krumm@trinidadstate.edu.

www.TrinidadState.edu

TSJC Big Bang Club Ends Semester with a BIG BANG

pg 06

Trinidad, Colo. – This tax season,

Trinidad State Junior College is partnering with the Denver-based Piton Foundation to provide free tax preparation assistance to low- to moderate-income families through the Tax Help Colorado program. Beginning January 26, IRS-trained TSJC students will prepare and e-file tax returns free of charge for individuals with household incomes of less than $50,000 a year.

Tax Help Colorado has a presence on 16 college campuses and operates 27 free tax sites state-wide. More than 30 percent of Colorado families are eligible to participate in the program, which was created to help alleviate the financial burden of tax preparation on lower-income households.

Many of these families are also eligible for tax benefits such as the Earned Income Tax Credit and Child Tax Credit, and the preparers at TSJC’s site specialize in ensuring that taxpayers receive the refunds they deserve. In 2012, Tax Help Colorado helped nearly 7,000 taxpayers receive $13.2 million in refunds.

The service, which is quick and confidential, will be offered on Saturdays from January 26 to February 28, 2013 between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. in Room 305 of the Berg Building on the TSJC Trinidad Campus at 600 Prospect Street.

People who are getting their taxes prepared at TSJC should bring the following documents:

• All W-2, 1099s and other income-related documents.

• Proof of mortgage interest, property taxes, daycare payments, college education expenses, charitable contributions, and all other tax-deductible expenses.

• Social Security cards for all family members and a photo I.D.

• A copy of last year’s tax returns, if available.• Bank account number and routing number

to direct deposit the refund. With direct deposit, refunds are received in 7 to 10 days.

A list of all the Tax Help Colorado sites, as well as locations of other free tax assistance sites in Colorado, is available by dialing 2-1-1 (it’s a free call), visiting www.piton.org/eitc, or finding Tax Help Colorado on Facebook at www.facebook.com/taxhelpcolorado.

Trinidad State Junior College is the oldest com-munity college in Colorado with campuses in Trinidad and Alamosa.

The College SPOT

By Marty Hackett

The National Finals Rodeo isn’t just another rodeo but a nerve wracking test of skills where you are pitted up against the best in your event and the best stock in the business. Experienced and hard-ened cowboys ride into Las Vegas and enter the Thomas and Mack Arena with great expectations and determination to finish at the top!

The Howard Sumpter family from eastern Las Animas County in Branson watched nephew and cousin Wade Sumpter of Fowler compete this year in the NFR Las Vegas 2012 steer wrestling event with pride, following Wade’s 10 days of action. When all was said and done, they saw Wade rack up a third-place finish on the final night with a 3.7 clocking, (the world record is 2.4) which left him ninth in the aggregate average of the National Finals Rodeo. Wade is now ranked fourth in the 2012 world standings with $139,955 in earnings.

He has placed in countless rodeos, large and small along the way; the Calgary Stampede, PRCA World Standings, Wrangler National Finals, Rodeo Houston, and other events in places like Reno Nevada, Cody, Wyoming and across the nation in the rodeo circuit.

Steer wrestling, or bulldogging as it is known, is the fastest event in rodeo. It’s all about speed, strength, technique, timing and precision. It all weighs into the factor when you are attempting to wrestle a steer that generally weighs more than twice as much as the cowboy attempting to throw it.

Raised on a ranch in a small community, Wade spent any spare time he had riding horseback, working the area ranches, shooting coyotes and learning steer wrestling techniques. While in high school he was a standout athlete attaining the title of 1A Football Player of the Year twice and still today, he ranks third in points scored by a high school football player in the state of Colorado, third in touchdowns scored and fifth in yards rushing. Wade continued football as a University of Northern Colorado Bear but his heart was still in steer wrestling. He has been heard saying, “I wanted to rodeo more than I did anything” and while still in high school, he won the Colorado High School Rodeo steer wrestling title twice but also said he would have regrets if he didn’t play football. He played both offense and defense and finished up his college football career as an outside linebacker.

When he’s trucking around the little town of Fowler, Colorado no one suspects that he’s cashed in checks worth nearly $250,000. His beat up single cab Ford truck serves its purpose, pulling the rusted, homemade half top trailer that rattles along behind carrying, his four-legged steer wrestling partner. Wade, now 31, is married to Linsay Sumpter of the Cotton Rosser rodeo family. Linsay also has rodeo running through her veins and is a College National Finals Rodeo qualifier from 2003-2005 and is currently the Otero Junior College Rattlers Rodeo Coach.

Wade’s parents Rich and Cindy have both served in the school system in Fowler and have a ranch-ing heritage. His father was quoted as saying, ““I coached him in high school basketball for four years and he not only performed well for me, he went on to other venues, like football, and showed that he’s a tremendous athlete not only physically, but mentally. He’s always been able to perform well under pressure. I think his steer wrestling compli-mented his football and kept him healthy and the weight-room strength he got in football helped him in the arena. We’re real proud of him.”

“With all the talented guys here, you have to be ag-gressive. You can’t back off once. You have to go for first place on every run,” said Wade. “Everybody’s got a shot and you’ve always got a shot here. They give away so much money, and you never know what’s going to happen. You can come from a long way behind and win lots of money,” he said.

Wade Sumpter just made his fifth trip to the NFR and his career best finish in the PRCA steer wres-tling world standings was sixth in 2007.

At this writing, on Jan. 23, Wade was competing at the 107th National Western Stock Show Rodeo in Denver and was currently in first place of the Second round leaders with 3.9 seconds. Around Trinidad wishes Wade the best of luck in all his future attempts at reaching that 2.4 World Record breaking time in bringing the steer down!

Dec 14, 2012 - Steer Wrestler Wade Sumpter com-petes at the 2012 Wrangler NFR. Photo courtesy of PRCA, photo credit Greg Westfall

Steer Wrestling photo from The Pueblo Chieftain credit Bryan Kellsen

Working Against the Clock

Sports

Weekly Horoscopes AriesNo matter how much stress you experience this week, your emotional needs will be met. Surely you will hear ideas and opinions with which you will not agree, but you are intrigued. Your reaction speed can create a disagree-ment or dispute but a little sense of humor will relieve the stress of the moment. You may have to dynamically change your plans but do some research before you do and use the results of previous activities. Strictly follow instructions and check your work often or you will find yourself creating difficulties for yourself. You’ll need a lot of patience with yourself to overcome this.

TaurusYou have a willingness to get involved in any job that could increase your popularity. Suddenly you will find yourself at the center of public attention, which is un-usual for you. The timing is important, so try to always maintain a good appearance and dress appropriately. Do not rely solely on luck but seek help from old friends and influential personalities so you don’t encounter serious difficulties. Lighten the mood and inject a sense of fun in difficult encounters. Rely on your intuition when deciding personal issues and use compelling arguments in your daily work.

GeminiYour mood is optimistic, but it is a double-edged sword. You will have new ideas but do not rush to share them until you conduct an analysis of existing resources. Then share them with your most trusted associates and get their ideas. Don’t try to do too much at once or you may find yourself at a dead end from which there is no way out and it will be at the expense of your comfort and leisure. Be cautious when speaking with those in charge and don’t always share all your ideas or conversations you’ve had with others. Keeping confidences will not discredit you.

CancerDo not complicate things unnecessarily. This week is geared towards more simple and clear solutions. You’ll have enough, even more than enough information so sort through it all carefully and keep only what you need and discuss it with only those who need to know. You may have problems with technical or communication equip-ment. Do not try to solve them yourself but refer them to the specialists. No sense having to deal with a dramatic failure when you try to do it yourself. If you sign finan-cial contracts check the conditions carefully. Refrain from long journeys. The most important condition for success is not to fall into negativity.

LeoYour attempts to do everything your own way disregard-ing other’s ideas and opinions will lead you to encounter disapproval from others. Even the best intentions can be perceived as hostility. You will appear annoying and others will be openly irritated which will create uncomfortable positions. The key to the mystery is in your hands-stay calm, do not go into long explanations and be careful of your verbal reactions. “Storm-tossed vipers” might get away. Try not to be contradicting and agree to compromise to find the best solutions. Directing all energies towards constructive goals will achieve much more and much faster.

VirgoAlmost all the time this week you will be engaged in various public or collective activities. Some of them will be very interesting meetings or event and could serve to create new contacts and new employment opportunities. It may seem strange, but despite the obvious opportunity for new employment you will also have time to analyze your achievements and consider future plans. Good mood will accompany you at every turn, and this will af-fect your personal charm. Financial success and proceeds will go hand in hand. It is not impossible to deal with a difficult legal case, but the result may not justify your expectations.

LibraYour mental equilibrium is fragile this week but you can easily keep it stabilized. You will not encounter large problems but you will face a series of small and terribly annoying obstacles. You may experience a sense of pes-simism, lack of appetite and a feeling of helplessness. It makes no sense! Eat normally, discuss problems with a close friend or loved one. They may suggest solutions, en-courage you and help you to clarify details that seem un-necessary or unreasonable. And that’s something. At least one trouble you can save yourself are those little commut-ing delays caused by congestion or transportation. Just allow enough time for travel, especially for important meetings. When the little problems are solved you will have more time to deal with the important issues.

ScorpioThe results of your work this week are directly related to the chain of command. If you are in a managerial posi-tion, problems can come from improperly understood or perceived wrong information by your subordinates. If you are one of many at the top, be careful that conflict-ing orders are not given or that one of your employees is not expected to do something with little or inaccurate information. Both are equally harmful and you should be happy if the errors do not cause financial losses, but intense dialogues. No matter whose fault it is, address the issue immediately to suffer minimal damage. You can trust your intuition only in personal relationships. For everything else, rely on logic and common sense.

SagittariusUnusual calm and optimism will fill you up early in the week. It feels nice, but do not put too much on it because it is deceptive. It is important to feel good, but more important is to keep a sharpness of mind. Occurring events may initially seem insignificant, but are not. It will become clear what quantitative accumulations cause qualitative changes. Positive results of your work may not seem much, but thanks to them you will get some qualitative changes in everyday life and enjoy them for a long time. During this week you will have an opportunity to smooth out some misunderstandings with your loved one and you should act on it.

CapricornIdeas that come to mind and the steps you take during the week might be contrary to the traditions, beliefs, or views of those with whom you associate. Do not be surprised if even those whose kindness you are absolutely sure of look up in amazement and disbelief. But do not give up the job. Arm yourself with patience, strong argu-ments and hard facts, which will give you confidence. Know travel options rather than deal with unsuspecting problems. This will save you some small, but nerve-wracking trouble. You may receive some unpleasant news or information. The best solution is to accept it philosophically and to refrain from any conclusions and recommendations. Problems will solve themselves with-out your intervention.

AquariusOne of your best qualities is your observation and this week you should use it actively. Just watch and listen. You are extremely discerning and now even the “crumbs” of information will be able to help you build a whole new concept in personal appearances. Very small gestures will tell you whom you can trust, who will help and who will deliberately try to mislead you and bring you down. This will also clarify some previous situations that so far have no conclusive answers. Decide whom to accept help from and who to get rid of forever, but without contempt. You will be able to make good on old promises or recompense those you have forgotten. Not that it will recover the losses of the past, but at least it will provide “open door” for the future.

PiscesThe week could start with some tension related to minor incidents such as lost keys or documents. Shake it off early or the stress could continue. Try to keep your composure and interact normally with others. Listen to your coworkers carefully and consider their answers as it is not uncommon for others to manipulate you and use you for their own purposes. If you do not realize this early it will cause uncomfortable situations. You will have very original ideas but do not share or discuss them at this tie. Check the information that you’re going to use in your work and compare it with several sources. This will prevent serious errors which could badly affect your reputation.

Get Your Daily Horoscope at www.AroundTrinidad.com

Resurrecting the City of ChampionsBy Marty Hackett

Recognized as a leader in the automobile industry as Colorado Dealer of the Year, nominated as a Dealer of Distinction by the Colorado Automobile Dealers Association for the 2013 Time Dealer of the Year Award and recipient of a humanitarian award by the American Red Cross for his as-sistance during the recent Waldo Canyon Fire, Jay Cimino was also labeled a “saint” by Mayor Bernadette Baca Gonzales for his recent vision to construct a complex “La Puerta de Colorado” that will put Trinidad on the map as a destination.

Cimino has also created 10 “Fantasy Playgrounds,” two athletic fields, a teen center and a skate park, helped raise funds for the Marian House Soup Kitchen, established a scholarship fund, and built the Mt. Carmel Health, Wellness and Community Center in the former Catholic Church he attended here in Trinidad. Introduced as an “all around good guy,” the announcement that Cimino has envisioned a new complex to spur the economy of Trinidad may have more local residents petitioning the Pope to make him a saint.

“I learned to strike out,” Jay Cimino said of his business sense, but likened the phrase to times spent at the ballpark behind his house in Trinidad where he played baseball as a youth. “I struck out a lot,” he chuckled. But Cimino’s hope is that this newest venture will be the renaissance of Trinidad. “A new beginning!”

The development project for Trinidad and South-ern Colorado will be located at the warehouse area and old train depot on the east side of I-25 off Commercial Street and will include 11 acres of redevelopment. The impressive complex will house a car museum featuring 80 extremely rare muscle cars and Babe Ruth’s Yankee Blue 1948 Lincoln Continental; the Goose Gossage Baseball Training Center; an 80 room hotel, restaurant and gift shop, a 3-studio movie theatre with 60-seat capacity in each; a micro-brewery; an Event Center that will play host to a variety of happenings such as home and garden shows, auto, boat and RV shows, art shows, gun shows, fishing clinics on the Purgatoire River and live entertainment along with other cultural and recreational activities.

Cimino’s vision for “La Puerta de Colorado” which means “Gateway to Colorado” is for it to represent a new industry that will bring new tourist busi-ness to Trinidad. Cimino stated, “As people travel northbound on Interstate 25 and over Raton Pass into Colorado, the first impression of our state is Trinidad. Annually, 2.5 million people drive through Trinidad. As a destination, Trinidad can draw in 10% of the tourists and add an additional $125 million per year to the local economy in services.”

Phase 1 of La Puerta de Colorado will begin in the fall of 2013 with Art Klein Construction at the helm of the project. Phase one focuses on 11 acres of redevelopment in the lower downtown area east of Interstate 25 near the entrance ramp where Duran Oil Company’s offices and the old train depot are located. The first phase will include the hotel with 22 rooms which will eventually increase to 80 rooms in Phase 2. Bruce Barr of Art Klein

Construction announced that there will be an outdoor plaza that will “infuse the city with events” as a multi-use property.

“We will make it, with your support!” Cimino stressed. “I want the citizens of this community to take ownership. This will be one complex for the community to have fun!”

“When I grew up, Trinidad was called the City of Champions. I think it can be the City of Champi-ons again!”

Hall of FAMETrinidad

pg 10

Make something with a delicious combination of flavors and an impressive look for your loved ones this Valen-tine’s Day. The traditional color of red for the holiday is added to everyone’s favorite brownie texture and cheese-cake flavor. It’s a win-win recipe!

Red Velvet Cheesecake Brownies

By Marty Hackett

½ c. butter2 oz. dark chocolate, coarsely chopped1 c. sugar2 lge. eggs1 tsp. vanilla extract1 ½ tsp. red food coloring2/3 c. flour¼ tsp. salt

Preheat oven to 350F. Line a square baking pan with foil and lightly grease or spray with cooking spray. In a small glass bowl, melt butter and chocolate together. Stir with fork until smooth and set aside to cool. In a large bowl, mix sugar, eggs, vanilla and food coloring. Add chocolate mixture and stir until smooth. Batter should be red, but if not to your liking ad an additional ½ tsp food coloring. Add flour and salt and stir until combined and no streaks of dry ingredients remain.

Prepare cheesecake mixture:

8 oz. cream cheese at room temp. 1/3 c. sugar1 lrg egg½ tsp vanilla extract

In a medium bowl, beat all ingredients until smooth. Drop by spoonfuls onto prepared brownie batter and gently swirl two batters together with a butter knife. Bake 35-40 minutes until set. A knife inserted into the mixture should come out clean and edges should be lightly brown.

Yield 16 large or 24 small brownies. For a special holiday feel, cut brownies with a heart shaped, deep cookie cutter. Left over pieces can be served in sundae cups topped with cherries and whipping cream!

DELICIOUS DISHES

HEALTHY LIVING Drive SmartEncouraging Motorists to Prepare for Winter

The DRIVE SMART Las Animas County Clicks Coalition would like to remind our county residents to be prepared for our tricky winter driving.

“This time of year, winter weather can strike at any time, which means we all need to get our emergency kits and vehicles ready for winter travel,” said CDOT Executive Director Don Hunt. “Early preparation will help ensure the safety of those traveling Colorado highways during inclement weather.”

The first step in preparing for winter is ensuring that you have an emergency kit in your vehicle in case you are stranded.

If you find yourself stranded, stay in your vehicle, turn on your flashers, call for help and wait until it arrives. Your emergency kit should include the following:

• flares/reflectors to signal for help and warn other motorists

• sturdy scraper/snow brush/snow shovel to clear snow

• battery or crank-powered radio to listen to emergency broadcasts

• flashlight with extra batteries or crank-powered flashlight

• survival blanket or sleeping bag• chemical hand warmers• extra set of clothes, including coat, hat, mit-

tens, boots, etc.• water for each person and pet in your car

• food items containing protein such as nuts and energy bars

• canned fruit and a portable can opener• first aid kit and essential medications• tire chains and tow strap• non-clumping kitty litter/sand for traction• jumper cables• extra cloth or paper towels for cleanup if

necessary• the all-important deck of cards or board

game for entertainment.

In addition to the emergency kit, be sure to check your vehicle now and before any road trip to make sure it is in safe operating condition. Check the windshield wiper fluid, heater/defroster, wiper blades, antifreeze, lights, fuel system and a full tank of gas, ignition, exhaust sys-tem, tire tread, battery and brakes.

It is also important for motorists to keep speeds down during inclement weather and give snow plows room to do their job. They are also encouraged to plan ahead when traveling by calling 511 or visiting www.cotrip.orgreal-time road information. Weather awareness information and updates are also posted by the Office of Emergency Management atwww.COEmergency.com and on Twitter at COEmergency using the #COwx hashtag.

OVER The PassCowboy Kickin’ By Marty Hackett

Folks in the northern New Mexico area are polish-ing up their boots in preparation for the 2013 Raton Chamber of Commerce Cowboy Ball at the NRA Whittington Center’s Coors Building. The annual event is a fundraiser for the chamber offer-ing food, entertainment, dancing, a silent auction, the annual quilt raffle and door prizes.

The fun begins on Saturday, February 9 with happy hour starting at 5 p.m. The Chuck Wagon style meal begins at 6 p.m. and the music begins at 5 p.m. with “Take 3”. This great local band features Kara Verdin, Drey Solano, Daniel Flores and Hector Verdin. “Vehicle” will carry the entertain-ment into the night beginning at 8 p.m. This year’s feature band includes 7 vocalists and a 5-piece rhythm section. They are a full-fledged entertain-ment group that provides great music to dance to or just sit and enjoy. “Come On and Take a Ride” with Vehicle, urges the Chamber, “You’ll be glad you did!”

The 2013 Cowboy Ball Quilt was donated this year by Chester & Friends. The quilt is an homage to the cowboy and the ever-dependable ranch truck, usually a classic that has been used to haul feed, go to town for supplies and visit neighbors. It features western and southwestern fabric from Thread Bear quilt shop in Las Vegas, New Mexico and expert long-arm quilting by Sandy Fox in Trinidad, Colo-rado. The 108” of backing material and batting was donated by LaurLee, LLC. You can see this fantas-tic work of art on display in the MCMC lobby. The winning ticket will be drawn at the Cowboy Ball.

For tickets and information contact the chamber at (575) 445-3689 or visit www.raton.info.

BUSINESS SPOTLIGHTBig City Look with a Hometown FeelBy David J. Santistevan, Jr.

Families come together and take on a big project creating Brix Sports Bar and Grill.

A conversation that took place over five years ago between two friends has become a reality with the opening of their new restaurant scheduled some-time in the next 30 days. The newly renovated Brix Sports Bar, restaurant, reception hall and event center will open at 231 E. Main Street in the heart of downtown Trinidad, by owners Jamie Salazar, Clayton Marquez, Joey Salazar and Dana Marquez.The historic building, which is over 22,000 sq. ft. was built around 1914 with the rear portion added in 1916. The lower level was structured as a bomb shelter, the main floor was home to an antiques and furniture store and the second floor had eight apartments known as the MaryAnn Apartments. The building consists of four levels, constructed of old combed brick, with two layers of brick making up the sides of the building.

“I remember coming down here as a kid and work-ing with my grandpa Mauldo Bueno who got our family involved with the building around 1968,” Clayton reminisced with a smile. “Grandpa bought the building for $75,000, he paid it off within 10-years and it’s been in the family since.” The family owners wanted to keep the historic value of the building as much as they could. Joey who also owns a Denver-based construction company, Elite Restoration Inc. and Clayton came together right before Mauldo Bueno passed away to start brainstorming on how and what the build-ing was telling them, “The building was talking to us, telling us it wanted to be more.” Clayton said. Joey added, “I know we’re doing the right thing with the building and we wanted to bring some-thing unique to Downtown Trinidad with a down-town Denver feel.” The name of the new business was tossed around by all four, who thought long and hard about it, then came up with “Brix.” Jamie said smiling at Joey, “We wanted to keep the historic value and of course brick is what the building is made of. We think the name is pretty cool and will add to Trinidad’s rich history.”

“My dad and grandfather both have homes made of Trinidad bricks,” Joey proudly added, “and, a lot of the streets downtown are made from brick, so I

think the name fits the area. The building named itself.” The business will be a family-oriented place. Some-where to watch all major sporting events, hold birthday parties, weddings, anniversaries and will have a meeting area for all the Trinidad organiza-tions and businesses. “We want Brix to be a place where the family can come enjoy a good meal and feel safe,” Clayton added, “We also want to bring in comedians, cover bands, a video DJ and karaoke to enhance the night life in the downtown area for everyone of all ages. The entrance to Brix will be illuminated by a unique L.E.D. lighting structure color coordinated for holidays and events. Sections will include a Sports Bar atmosphere and a VIP section with bottle service “just like in the big city but with Trinidad’s energy and feel.” Sports fans will have access to six big plasma screens with stadium sound quality and a one of kind 12 beer TAP system which will keep the beer at 32 degrees. “No other place in Southern Colo-rado has this kind of system and nowhere else will you be able to get Guinness on tap!” The kitchen is on the top floor and customers will be treated to a state of the art room where they can enjoy great food, entertainment and dancing. The events room will hold an estimated 220-250 people. “The room will be air-conditioned and heated so everyone at each event will be comfort-able and enjoy themselves,” Jamie added. “We have a private bar and our kitchen will cater to each events’ special menus. The events room has a unique view of the Trinidad sign and Simpson’s rest which highlights Trinidad’s beauty.

For more information call 719-422-8273e-mail Joey@brixsportsbar.com Jamie@brixsportsbar.com Clayton@brixsportsbar.com Or Visit www.brixsportsbar.com

NEW VIEWSBFFs Make Bling and Get Paid By Marty Hackett

What began as a way to stay occupied at a sleepover during Christmas break has grown into a small business for two young girls who attend school at Fisher’s Peak Elementary. Jamilee Just and Sydney Coberly broke out Jamilee’s craft sup-plies and began making little necklaces, earrings and bracelets for fun. Since then, the nine and ten-year-old, respectively, have developed a Face-book page, ordered business cards and are now displaying their craft at a downtown Trinidad shop, Maggie and Moz at 113 N. Commercial.

“It’s real awesome,” said Jamilee about their little business as her “partner” Sydney added, “We’re really happy!”

About a year ago, Jamilee and her mother Tara visited Curly’s Bead Emporium, a beading supply shop in Trinidad, where owner Camilla Campbell instructed Jamilee how to crimp, helped her select beads and wire then instructed her on other bead-ing techniques.

“She’s a really nice lady and she showed me all kinds of neat stuff,” Jamilee said of her beading instructor. “It’s a lot of fun to look at all the beads!”

Selling a few of their creations to friends and fam-ily, the two girls decided to “expand” and talked their “sweat shop” employees who are also in charge of advertising and marketing, mothers Tara and Heather, into ordering them business cards, creating a Facebook page and allowing Sydney’s little sister Brooklyn to join the business as the “smiley face and receipt person.” They proudly

showed their record books which included a busi-ness plan, inventory, price lists and sales sheets. The girls split the profits so half is used to buy more supplies and the other half is split between the two for personal use.

The two young entrepreneurs explained that they have since expanded their inventory and have dis-continued making rings, and proudly announced that after only one month in business, they have sold 14 sets of jewelry and had their first sale as a result of their Facebook page, syd&jamersjewels.

“We can personalize our bracelets and necklaces with colors and charms and we have added three-strand bracelets, necklaces, anklets and key chains.” The girls are thinking about adventuring into mak-ing “macelets” for guys.

Jamilee and Sydney now have investors who do-nated funds to grow the business and also donated old jewelry for the girls to take apart and use for new designs.

So what does the future hold for the two jewelry makers?

“We’re going to keep our current employees,” Jamilee and Sydney laughed as they looked at their moms and added that the “smiley face girl will be there someday” as she learns the trade.

In the meantime, moms Tara and Heather, who still had to figure how the rest of their day would be spent, (whether shuffling between Girl Scouts, music and dance lessons, work and chores at home), gathered their children to begin the next task. However, with little more on their minds than their business venture, the girls’ eyes twinkled like the sparkling crystals in their necklaces as they excitedly announced, “Today, we get to spend our money and get new beads!”

Art from the HeartBy Marty Hackett

Every woman should have the opportunity to spend some alone time doing something fun with other lady friends and being able to meet and make new acquaintances. Several local ladies were doing just that last week and were surprised that they were not only being intro-duced to classic gift items but a business op-portunity as well. The group who met at Karen Malone’s office, Mariposa Rehabilitation, were seen having a fantastic time looking at the unique products they could design to enhance their own home décor and to give as gifts.

The Rendi Home Décor & Gifts they were able to personalize at the recent party had the girls wondering, “How can something so delight-fully fun as hosting a party be rewarding at the same time?” They soon found out!

Independent Stylist, Judi Pollard explained, “In October of 2010, I was looking for ways to make extra money. However, I was un-able to find a job that I could work around my fulltime job and I didn’t want to sacrifice any more of my time with family. Then I was introduced to RENDI. I loved the products. When I found out that the beautiful picture frames, signs and tags could be customized by me and have my pictures downloaded for free, I was hooked. I was also impressed that their products were made with earth friendly materials. The more I learned about Rendi, the more I was convinced that I wanted to become a Rendi Independent Stylist and signed up right away. Now I have a business that I can schedule around my life, not my life around my job and I am enjoying every minute! I have had the opportunity to meet new people that I would probably never have met, coach my team members on building their businesses and introduce my customers to a new way to celebrate their one wonderful life.”

Rendi, which means “you make” in Italian, is an offshoot of a country grown business begun by Annie and Mark Danielson over 20 years ago. Danielson Designs was a “cottage painting program” that employed many local women in the home décor business and eventually grew to become a huge success worldwide. The val-ues and the mission of the company were such that the women employed would be allowed to work around a schedule where their family remained at the center as the first priority.

Annie Danielson maintained those values when she established Rendi, now giving thou-sands of women a way to balance their career as Rendi Hostesses and Independent Stylists. Women across the nation are offered the op-portunity to own their own business, selling

a product that is made right here in Trinidad! The Rendi products are one-of-a-kind, earth friendly, of high quality and craftsmanship and the sales of the product support charity! WOW!

So you’re still wondering-What is Rendi? Rendi is a collection of photo frames, plaques, vignettes and signs that you design in a style that speaks about your personality! The rich colors, textures and patterns available to de-sign your piece of art is unending. The varied, themed collections allow you to match the style of your home, whether it be urban rustic, pure cottage, tasteful traditional or modern. Shoppers are offered selections to design personalized items for their students, parents, grandparents, the entire family, friends, some-thing that honors the family name or memo-rializes special moments and special people. Many of the ladies were surprised that they could now tastefully display favorite sayings or mottos dear to their hearts!

All of Rendi’s custom décor, every Rendi personalized picture frame and every decora-tive sign is made from 100% reclaimed wood, provided by U.S. suppliers in North America. No forests harmed and no tree illegally cut. Every Rendi frame and sign is created with water-based finishes that are safe enough to eat from yet strong enough to resist fading and cracking. Good water is also essential for healthy living and strong communities, which is why Rendi supports Charity: Water, an or-ganization that brings clean drinking water to communities throughout Africa and Asia.All of Rendi’s custom décor is created right here in Trinidad, creating jobs in the com-munity!

Rendi’s roots run deep and its heart beats with a long-held desire to CARE about people. “Supporting American jobs. Protecting the environment. Crafting products of unique design. Telling your story. Creating opportu-nities for women to make a better living and a better life. For Rendi, it’s the heart of the matter.”

See for yourself what Rendi is all about. Visit www.rendistyle.com for the answers to all your questions.

Art and Music

EDUCATIONHoehne Promotes Technological Literacy

Information Courtesy of Hoehne SchoolEdited by David J. Santistevan Jr.

The Hoehne School received grant funding to develop a Community Technology Learning and Resource Center. The Community Technology Learning and Resource Center is the third Hoehne School program that has received funding from the Bar NI Ranch Community Fund. Hoehne Princi-pal, Jenifer Hufman, received a grant of $2,000 at a luncheon held in December at the Bar NI Ranch. The Hoehne School Community Technology & Resource Center, housed within the school library/media center, will offer technological instruction by trained staff for students and community mem-bers. The Hoehne School goal is to be a “Center of Educational Excellence.” Ms. Hufman proudly notes that the Hoehne community has offered their unwavering support to the school and the school wants to give back and assist the community in acquiring new skills through the Community Technology Learning & Resource Center. The Bar NI Ranch Community Fund congratulates the Hoehne School as they launch this worthy program.

Photo courtesy of Bar NI Community FundTom and Linda Perry represent the Bar NI Ranch Community Fund and Jenifer Hufman, center, is Principal of Hoehne School.

Tips for Teaching Technology

By E.R.A. McCarthey

1. Don’t touch the mouse or keyboard. When you are teaching someone to use a computer they need to “USE” it. If you do all the keyboard entry and control the mouse most likely they will forget everything you show them. Make them perform all keyboard entries and mouse actions themselves. It will take longer but save you from showing them again and again. We need to do something in order to truly learn it.

2. Don’t let your student depend on the tools.Software and technological devices make life easier but don’t depend on them. To use something effectively you need to understand the rules behind it. Microsoft Word won’t catch every grammatical and spelling error… Brightness/Contrast, Levels, Curves and Variations are all filters that will change the contrast of an image in Adobe Photoshop but

each one produces a unique effect especially in regards to color and/or require different actions to work effectively… Google can find the answer to anything but the answers on the first page are usually provided by whoever paid them the most… Technology is amazing but doesn’t educate anyone who lets the tools do all the thinking for them.

3. Teach the willing first. If you are trying to educate a group about utilizing technology and many of them seem annoyed, or even worse, afraid… try to pick out the individuals that appear interested and willing. Once you have your protégés sporting newfangled knowledge it will often encourage others to jump into the digital age.

Family TimeDr. Brain Presents Martian Information!By Marty Hackett

It might sound like something out of a 1950’s sci-fi thriller, but when you tell your children that “Dr. Brain” will be doing a presentation on Martian environment, you just might get them interested! Especially when you tell them on the second night of the program they can “design their own life forms” based on what they’ve learned!

CU in the Community will be presenting two family oriented programs featuring our mysterious neighbor… Mars. Dr. David Brain is the Assistant Professor of Astrophysical and Planetary Sciences at the Laboratory for Atmospheric and Space

Physics at the University of Colorado in Boulder. Dr. Brain will be explaining just how similar Mars really is to our own planet Earth. It has mountains, volcanoes, canyons, polar caps, sand dunes, and dust devils. Mars is an incredibly inhospitable place today, with a thin, cold atmosphere inca-pable of supporting liquid water at the surface for extended periods; but was the Martian surface environment always so harsh? We see ancient riverbeds, dried up lakes, and minerals that require liquid water to form. Dr. Brain will describe what Mars is like today, what we think it was like long ago, and why the Martian atmosphere changed. He will also describe the next mission to Mars!

Don’t miss it. Wednesday, February 13 beginning at 7 p.m. in the Massari Theater at TSJC. Tickets may be purchased at the door or in advance at the Trinidad Community Foundation, 134 W. Main St. Ste. 24 between 12 p.m. and 4 p.m. All ticket sales

will benefit a local organization.

Here is the really fun part! The second related program is free and open to the public, but space is limited and advance registration is required. On Thursday, Feb. 14 beginning at 4:30 p.m. in the Pioneer Room at TSJC, Tom Mason, also from the Laboratory at UC Boulder, will provide information on Mars and its potential to host life. “Searching for Life (and Love) on Mars” will be a fictionalized account of Martian life from popular science-fiction excerpts. You will be encouraged to design your own life forms with provided materials based on your understanding of conditions on Mars. The program is geared towards children 3rd-8th grade but the content is suitable for all ages!

To reserve your spot, email tom.mason@lasp.colo-rado.edu by Feb. 8 with the number of expected attendees.

pg 20

Friday, February 1 - Trinidad Area Arts Council invites you to stop by the Gallery Main at 130 E. Main St. in Trinidad and view all the fantastic art featured in “Intensity” featuring local artist Rag-gio!. The opening reception is Friday, Feb. 1 open to members from 5-6 p.m. and to the public from 6-7 p.m. The show will continue until Feb. 23.

Saturday, February 9 - Raton Chamber of Com-merce presents the 2013 Cowboy Ball at the NRA Whittington Center Coors Building from 5 p.m. – Midnight. Must be 21 or older to attend. Tickets available at Solano’s Boot & Western Wear in Raton or at the Raton Chamber office. For more info, call 575-445-3689 or visit www.raton.info

Friday, February 15, 7 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 16th 7 p.m. and Sunday 17th 2 p.m. Matinee - The South-ern Colorado Repertory Theatre presents “You Know I Can’t Hear You When the Water’s Run-ning” by Robert Anderson and performed by the SCRT Resident Theatre Company. Performances will be presented at the Famous Performing Arts Center 131 W. Main St. For tickets, visit the SCRT Box Office M-F 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. or online at www.scrtheatre.com Appropriate for adults.

Saturday, February 16 - Celebrate Valentine’s Day Country Style at the Mt. Carmel Commu-nity Center. Dinner & Dance, Music by DJ Mike Dardanes, Cost is $30.00/person. For tickets call 719-680-1689 Mike, 719-859-1008 Kim, or stop by the Primero Bread Café at Mt. Carmel.

Saturday, February 23 – The Second Annual Perfect Day at Mt. Carmel Health, Wellness & Community Center. Visit dozens of Vendors with everything necessary for a successful wedding, Quincenera, Sweet 16, birthday, Anniversary or other celebration. Event begins at noon and continues until 4 p.m. free admission. For Vendor information, call 719-845-4821.

Things to DoLiving a Life of Legalese By David J. Santisteven Jr. Born and raised in an area west of Denver called Bear Valley, Leslie Scott Downs grew up know-ing he wanted to practice law. Losing his father Harmon J. Downs when he was only 12-years-old, his family moved to Morrison, Colorado near the famous Red Rocks Amphitheater. He attended Bear Creek High School in Evergreen, Colorado graduating high school in 1979. He attended Fort Lewis College as an under-graduate student in 1982, then enrolled in Denver University Law School. “I didn’t do much as a kid growing up,” Downs added. “Before law school I took a couple of years off, then I graduated from DU Law School in 1988 and I was licensed to practice law the same year. In College he was part of the student senate and he earned his Political Science Degree with a minor in English Literature earning a place on the Dean’s List. “I knew I wanted to be a lawyer, so I attended Para-legal School to get my Paralegal Certificate in 1983. It was tough for me financially to go to law school,” Downs recalled. “I had to work so I could go to school. I worked in the legal field while in school.”

Losing his mother Maryann in 2004 and then his sister Lori Engle, Les only has his sister Melanie Rosa in left in the family. Melanie is a Methodist Minister in Lakewood, Colorado, where she also serves as the District Superintendent for the Rocky Mt. Ministers Conference.

“I know it is very hard to imagine, but I was a troubled child growing up,” Downs smiled and said jokingly. “I didn’t play sports but I loved to watch it. Being that Downs has lived in Colorado nearly all his life, it leaves one to wonder why he is an avid Oakland Raiders fan. “I really did not engage in anything but weekend football with my friends. I was kind of a wild child, I was into Rock ‘n Roll and of course girls. It was a miracle that I did not get into any trouble as a kid.”

Downs first job was with the Law Office of Steve Newell as an associate doing criminal defense. At that point he was trying to work for the Public De-fender’s office but they were not hiring at the time. Then in 1989 he was hired by the Colorado State Public Defenders Office in the La Junta regional office.

Dave Vela called Les Downs and said, “the good news is you have a job with the Colorado Public Defenders Office. The bad news is it is in La Junta.” For the next 11 years he practiced in La Junta, Brighton, Golden, Federated States of Micronesia and Montrose before coming to Trinidad and serv-ing in the Public Defender’s office in 2000 being eventually named the head of the Trinidad office. “I worked in the Trinidad office for 10 years and

logged 18 years in the state Public Defenders Office,” Downs explained. He loved working for people who otherwise did not have a voice or wouldn’t have been able to participate in the legal system. “I just loved giving them the best represen-tation I could in the Public Defender’s Office. We liked to say that it was the best representation that money can’t buy!” adding, “We felt like everyone was against us. Even our own clients thought we were part of the system. It was at times a thankless job, but I loved it!”

Ready for a change, but wanting to stay in the little town that he had come to love, Downs went into private practice/partnership in 2007 with Attor-neys Nancy Lake and the late Glen Davis. Soon, he struck out on his own, opening his own office where he practices bankruptcy, family law and criminal defense. “I went on my own because it was time and if I can help it, I want to only have to answer to me.” In fall of 2012 Downs got a phone call from the then Trinidad Interim City Manager Ralph Gagliardi about coming in and helping the city’s attorney’s office on an interim basis. “At first I said no, but after some serious thought about it, I said to myself ‘I think I could serve the city moving forward,’” Downs added. “I have really enjoyed it so far. I didn’t want the full-time position but again as time went on I wanted to stay so that’s why I ap-plied and thankfully was accepted to the perma-nent city attorney position.”

Downs says that it has been a little challenging with much to learn about municipal law and deal-ing with contracts, utilities, budgets, labor laws, negotiations and everything else that comes along with being the city attorney.

“My goals as the city attorney are to represent citi-zens, workers, the city and the council to the best of my ability and to help them bring the city back together and progressively move forward,” Downs said. “I want to help the council give residents low utility rates, get us out of ARPA, finish the North Lake Dam Project and work side by side with the new city manager. I want to be a part of winning the public relations battle and winning back the public trust after the last year and half. We are working really hard to bring the community back together.”

Photo by Around Trinidad

Government________

Believe...Bible Baptist Church 1102 Stonewall AveTrinidad, Colo. 845-0827

Fisher’s Peak Community Church10377 Santa Fe TrailTrinidad, Colo. 846-6018Holy Trinity Catholic Church719-846-3369

First Christian Church200 S. Walnut StreetTrinidad, Colo. 846-3843

Church of Christ1000 Nevada Ave. Trinidad, Colo. 846-2919

All Nation’s Fellowship131 W. Main St.Trinidad, Colo. 846-9100

Jehovah’s Wintnesses Trinidad Congregation1713 Goodale Ave. Trinidad, Colo. 846-3119

Zion’s Lutheran Church613 Prosect Trinidad, Colo. 846-7785

First United Methodist Church216 Broom St. Trinidad, Colo. 846-6824

Church of the Nazarene733 Stonewall Ave. Trinidad, Colo. 845-0383

Faith Christian Fellowship2608 Santa Fe. Trail Trinidad, Colo. 846-9673

The Lord’s Chapel Hwy 12 ¼ mile west of Segundo846-8506

First Pentecostal Church10375 Santa Fe. TrailTrinidad, Colo. 846-846-2987

United Presbyterian Church801 San PedroTrinidad, Colo. 846-6513

Seventh Day Adventist Church 1605 Aiello St. Trinidad, Colo. 846-0244

A Legacy of Kindness

By Bertha Sandoval

Gerald and JoAnn Maes possess a special gift, a sincere gift of kindness which is shared with everyone they meet. Born in Trinidad to the union of Gilbert & Marcella Maes, Gerald inherited the distinctive characteristics of his parents for hard work, determination and success. His father was well known within the political circle having served the community as County Treasurer for twenty-two years as well as owning and operating several small businesses and an avid golfer. Mom tended the family home taking care of Gerald and his sister, Marilyn Jo Breedlove.

As an athlete in parochial school, Gerald was a member of the first team to win a State Parochial football championship in 1952. Following gradu-ation from Holy Trinity in 1953, he went on to attend Trinidad State Junior College where he became the athletic manager of “the Dream Team” for two years and received an AA Degree in busi-ness and liberal arts. To further his education, Ger-ald enrolled in Adams State College and attained a BA Degree in 1957 in sociology and history.

In 1957, he began a fourteen year employment as a Social Worker for the Department of Social Services, then accepted a job as Deputy Adminis-trator with the Model City Program, a division of the City Demonstration Agency, a position he held for eleven years. Gerald joined the local Colorado National Guard Unit in 1955, served 21 years, retiring in 1988. Under the late President John F. Kennedy in 1962, his unit was activated during the Berlin Crisis.

JoAnn was born in El Moro, into the home of James and Rose (Colletti) Buccola. Her father as a youngster was raised on a farm in the El Moro area, and went into the coal mine at age four-teen. Her mother worked in the lunch program at Lincoln High School and cared for JoAnn and three sisters (Betty Blasi, Mary Ida Oliver, and Rose Lillian Ehresman, now deceased.)

JoAnn graduated from Lincoln High School in 1951 and resumed higher learning at Central Busi-ness School in Denver. JoAnn was employed by both the former Trinidad National Bank and the First National Bank as a teller, retiring in 1991.

Gerald and JoAnn joined in marriage in 1957 and celebrated 55 glorious years on Jun 1, 2012. They are the proud parents of daughters Audrey Serazio and Valerie Maes, and son Wesley Maes who passed away in 1988 at the age of 16 as a result of an automobile accident. Their life is filled with the joy of their grandsons Nathan and Shawn Maes.

Mr. and Mrs. Maes are enthusiastic, cherished and highly admired members of the Sayre Senior Cen-ter, participating in all activities. They are members of the Catholic Community with JoAnn having

received a 50-year pin for her continuous member-ship in the Catholic Daughters. She enjoys reading and walking and is a member of the Altar Society.Gerald is a member of the Knights of Columbus and now has a lifetime membership in local Coun-cil #1072. He has been a member of St. Vincent DePaul Society for many years, and served as chairman of the local Salvation Army chapter for one year. He has been riding a mountain bike since 1971 and keeps busy with woodworking and vari-ous projects in the family home.

Truly, the legacy of Gerald and JoAnn Maes is the profound depth of their kindred spirits and their noble dignity.

Photo courtesy Sayre Senior Center

FAITHGod, my Father, may I love You in all things and above all things. May I reach the joy which You have prepared for me in Heaven. Nothing is good that is against Your Will, and all that is good comes from Your Hand. Place in my heart a desire to please You and fill my mind with thoughts of Your Love, so that I may grow in Your Wisdom and enjoy Your Peace.

TRINIDAD TREASURES

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