Richard Connolly, of Patagonia, has been working at the forge as a carriage smith and blacksmith, for 43 years, working mainly in Tucson and Patagonia, with a few years spent at the Grants Kohrs historic ranch in Montana. His work can be found in museums and in private collections around the country.
He invited the community to come see a basic demonstration to commemorate his last week at his studio on Smelter Ave on Sept. 29. Connolly intends to build a new shop at Deep Dirt Institute, where he hopes to teach his craft.
The Elgin Sonoita Cowbelles, aided by the Elgin School 8th graders and PUHS FFA students, organized games, reptile exhibits, and shared facts about ranching and the beef industry to 204 students from Elgin and Patagonia School at Ranch Rodeo Day, August 31.
Local rancher Tom Hardesty, the Sonoita Elgin Fire District, the Huachuac Area Herpetological Assn., Sonoita Rodeo Royalty, AZ Farm Bureau, AZ Milk Producers, Pro Rodeo Cowboys Assn., the U.S. Forest Service, Allflex, AZ Beef Council and the American Hereford Assn. all donated supplies and/or time to support this event.
MER Active in Community
The Mountain Empire Rotary Club (MER) has distributed 43 dictionaries/resource books to third grade classes at Patagonia Elementary, the Patagonia Montessori School and the Elgin School. Club members spent a half hour with each class, interacting with the kids and showing them all the amazing resources within the book.
The Club also donated dozens of hardcover books to the schools for the Birthday Books program. Students are given a beautiful book, compliments of The Mountain Empire Rotary Club, on their birthday.
The Club also honored Damian Castro, a junior at PUHS, as the Student of the Month. Castro, who was awarded $100, was selected by his science teacher, Allison Lemons. He was honored for his outstanding citizenship attributes.
The Mountain Empire Rotary Club emphasizes the value of leadership and activism in our community youth while providing opportunities to encourage them to grow and demonstrate leadership.
Covered picnic ramadas on the Fred Sang Memorial Rotary Park at the Sonoita Fairgrounds have recently been installed. There will be a Grand Opening Celebration for the park in the near future. Also on the schedule is the “Ride to End Polio” fundraiser bike ride from Sonoita to Patagonia, in conjunction with the El Tour De Tucson.
MER encourages anyone interested in engaging with local youth in a positive and encouraging manner, and in enhancing this community, to join the Club. Contact Susan Scott, Membership Director, 455-4713 for more information.
Visitor Ctr. Looking for Volunteers
The Regional Visitor Center in Patagonia is in need of new volunteers! Located on the corner of McKeown and Third Ave., the Visitor Center has received thousands of visitors since its opening in March of 2015. Visitors have come from all around Arizona, the nation, and even several different countries. Visitors stop in the center to learn more about area attractions, local businesses, or to get directions.
We are starting our new seasonal hours. We are open daily from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Volunteers typically volunteer for a weekly two-hour shift. Substitute positions are also available for those who might not be able to commit to a regular schedule. Volunteer responsibilities include welcoming guests and sharing information, maps, and brochures for our area. It requires very minimal training and volunteers don’t need any expertise – just a little enthusiasm for meeting new people and sharing our beautiful area with them.
For more information, please call Erin Botz at 520-281-8183. Whether you are new to town or an old-time resident, the Visitor Center welcomes you to join our team of dedicated volunteers!
Cowboy Festival Nov. 3
The Empire Ranch Cowboy Festival, formerly called the Roundup and Open House, is probably best known for its Western heritage demonstrations, arena and livestock exhibits, cowboy cooking, and Western entertainment. But the Festival also provides a wonderful opportunity to explore the ranching history of the Cienega and San Rafael valleys. Eighteen “Cowboy Conversation” presentations will feature speakers from the Empire Ranch family members and those who worked on the Empire Ranch; from the Western movie entertainment industry; and on the history of ranching in our neck of the woods.
Come on out on Saturday, November 3, to learn about the Mexican-American Ranching Families in the San Rafael Valley; The Total Wreck Mine; Vaqueros and the Influence of Spain & Mexico on the Ranching Culture in the North American West; Ranching in Eastern Santa Cruz County; Movies In and Around the Empire; and Photographic Archaeology of Empire Ranch Headquarters.
The complete list of speakers is posted on the Foundation’s website (www.empireranchfoundation.org). The Conversations start at 10:30 am and last about 45 minutes with time for questions. Here’s hoping you’ll join us!
Family Health Care Amigos received a $4000 grant from Legacy Foundation of Southeast Arizona to assist with their mission of providing durable medical equipment and adult incontinent supplies to residents of southeast Santa Cruz county during the next year. The Legacy Foundation joins The Patagonia Community Foundation in supporting this non-profit’s activities in our community. Visit their Lending Shed at 275 West McKeown in downtown Patagonia or call 520.603.7330 to ask questions about their services.
A team of junior cowboys attempts to milk a goat in the junior ranch rodeo contest at Sonoita’s Tribute to Ranching-Ranch Rodeo, held Sept. 8 at the Sonoita Fairgrounds. Other events included a working ranch horse competition, a chuckwagon cookoff and a homemade ice cream contest.
Empire Ranch Board Openings
Would you like to be involved and help Preserve an Arizona and American Legacy?
The Empire Ranch is looking for a few dedicated and enthusiastic additions to our Board of Directors. Consider serving on this volunteer board to share your skills and passion.
The Empire Ranch Foundation is a non-profit volunteer organization that was established in 1997. Acting in cooperation with the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), the purpose of the Foundation is to protect, restore and sustain the Empire Ranch historical buildings and landscape as an outstanding western heritage and education center.
Elections to the Board are held in November. Applications are currently being accepted.
Board members serve 3 year terms beginning in Jan 2019. Interested?
Please contact us at admin@empireranchfoundation.org.
