The PRT Newsletter for the Week of April 9, 2025
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Photo of the Week
A particularly stylish customer ponders the beverage options at Patagonia Lumber Co. last weekend. Photo by Linda Jade Fong
News
Tonight’s Patagonia Council meeting to include discussion regarding Fire/Emergency Services RFP, ‘Overland Outpost’ event
The Town of Patagonia will hold a regular Town Council meeting tonight (Wednesday, April 9) at 6pm in Town Hall Council Chambers at 310 McKeown Avenue. The meeting, which is open to the public, can also be attended via Zoom: meeting I.D. is 957-511-4862, password is 338501.
Items on the agenda include:
- Discussion and possible action to schedule a council workshop to review the Request for Proposal (RFP) for fire and emergency services the Town sent out to local fire departments.
- Discussion and possible to action to adopt the tentative budget for fiscal year 2025-6 and scheduling a public hearing for final adoption of said budget.
- Discussion and possible action to allow Andy Myers to host the “Overland Outpost” in Sections B & C in the Town Park and rent the 5 acres on Harshaw Ave. for camping from Nov. 7 through Nov. 9.
Click here for more information on the meeting, including the complete agenda.
Tucson Bird Alliance sets wildfire mitigation public discussions for April 14-20 in Patagonia
The Tucson Bird Alliance (formerly Tucson Audubon) is hosting a series of public discussions in Patagonia to discuss strategies to help mitigate the danger of wildfires. The first public meeting to introduce the program will be held at 6pm on Monday, April 14 at Cady Hall.
Interested parties are encouraged to sign up for one of the six discussion groups that are tentatively scheduled for April 15-April 20 at various venues in Patagonia.
Click here to see the flyer for more information on the program.
Attention Little Leaguers: Play ball!
Santa Cruz Little League players and coaches pose for a league photo on Opening Day. Contributed photo 
Teams start the season with the Little League pledge and National Anthem. Photo by Dave Porter 
Little League T ball players get ready to take the field. Photo by Dave Porter 
Coach Kate Peake cheers on Anderson Porter as he rounds third base for a grand slam homerun in their opening game. Photo by Dave Porter
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By Sondra Porter
The Santa Cruz Little League officially kicked off its 2025 season Saturday at the Sonoita Fairgrounds with opening ceremonies, team pictures, a couple of home runs, and—you guessed it—hotdogs.
This year the league broke all enrollment records, boasting 72 kids signing up for the season. Seven teams will be competing at varying ages and skill levels ranging from T Ball to Coach-Pitch to the Minors and Majors.
Parents, family, spectators, coaches and players filled the ball park for the ceremonies. League President Aaron Thomas acknowledged the remarkable backing from locals and local establishments for the league. “We are excited that our communities support us amazingly well,” he said. “We’re very thankful for it.”
This year new equipment including bats, balls and 15 helmets were purchased along with a new T Ball stand.
Thomas is excited about the season and new opportunities for the players.
“Both the Minors and Majors are playing their games in conjunction with the Benson Little League or San Pedro Little League so we have some home games and some away games,” he said. “We’ve also got some games at the Patagonia Schools. We got an agreement with the (Patagonia) superintendent so we’re going to utilize all their facilities this year, which we haven’t done in the last few years.”
Closing ceremonies will be held May 22 at the Sonoita Fairgrounds.
Lobos notch first tennis victories
Coach David Clovesko-Wharton gathers the Lobos for some final instructions prior to their match with Duncan. Photo by Dave Lumia 
The Lobos line up for introductions prior to Monday’s match with Duncan (from left): Louis Reyes, Alex Ruskowitz, Skylar Sanchez, Jaxon Yslava, Isela Cervantes, Meghan Aguilar. Photo by Dave Lumia 
Junior Jaxon Yslava follows through on a serve against Duncan. Photo by Dave Lumia 
Senior Meghan Aguilar makes a backhand return against Duncan. Photo by Dave Lumia 
Sophomore Isela Cervantes returns serve in the Lobos’ match with Duncan. Photo by Dave Lumia 
Junior Skylar Sanchez protects the net as Jaxon Yslava serves. Photo by Dave Lumia
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By Dave Lumia
As the calendar turned to April, the Patagonia High School tennis teams each picked up their first victories of the season.
The Patagonia boys team recorded a 4-2 victory over St. Augustine on Tuesday, April 1. The Lobos won three of four singles matches and split a pair of doubles matches. Junior Jaxon Yslava defeated St. Augustine’s Edgar Reyes 6-4, 6-2 at No. 1 singles and teamed up with sophomore Luis Reyes for an 8-1 victory in doubles. Junior Syklar Sanchez and sophomore Alex Ruskowitz also earned singles victories for Patagonia, each battling back from losing the first set and prevailing in a third-set tie-breaker.
The Patagonia girls got their first victory on Thursday, April 3, by a 2-1 score over St. David. The Lobos scored both of their points in singles: sophomore Isela Cervantes over Addison Merrill by scores of 6-7, 6-3, 11-9 at No. 1 and senior Meghan Aguilar by scores of 6-3, 6-2 over Addison Frye at No. 2.
While victories have been scarce, Clovesko-Wharton has been pleased with the Lobos’
progress and commitment.
“All the Lobos tennis players exemplify sportsmanship and honor on and off the courts,” he said. “They are a unique group of individual personalities who understand the importance of team philosophy and strategy. Their hard work at practice has elevated their groundstrokes so they can rally and play competitively. They are always willing to listen, observe and learn every day.”
The Lobos have three matches remaining, all on the road.
Gala showcases artists of Patagonia’s past and present
A nostalgic memorial to past artists who lived in Patagonia, with artwork lent from private collections in a softly lit, shrine-like setting which touched both old and new town residents. Photo by Linda Jade Fong 
Director Cassina Farley gives a welcome speech. Photo by Dave Porter 
Photo by Linda Jade Fong 
Photo by Linda Jade Fong 
Photo by Dave Porter 
Local residents confer on which student artwork to purchase. Photo by Linda Jade Fong 
Sunset browsing at the outdoor gallery portion of the Art Gala. Photo by Linda Jade Fong 
Photo by Dave Porter 
Local residents confer on which student artwork to purchase. Photo by Linda Jade Fong 
Photo by Dave Porter 
Photo by Dave Porter
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By Sondra Porter with Linda Jade Fong
The Patagonia arts scene is alive and well and has been for some time as evidenced at the Art Gala hosted by the Patagonia Creative Arts Association (PCAA) last Saturday.
The evening marked a time to celebrate young school-age artists, showcase current local artists of all sorts and honor the vibrant Patagonia art community of earlier eras. Scores of creations on display included paintings, sculptures, jewelry and edible delights.
PCAA Director Cassina Farley outlined the historic significance of art in the community.
“When the mines pulled out of here in the late ’60s, early ’70s, this town kind of sat here, and I think folks wondered what the future of Patagonia would be like,” she said. “And then a few artists moved into town, and with those artists, a little economy started to grow. I like to think Patagonia was saved by the art community, and it brought us to a point when we could stand on our own and bring some other industries in. This show is a celebration of that history that kind of kept Patagonia alive.”
Numerous patrons were drawn to the particularly moving display set up in memory of various talented individuals who are no longer with us. A longtime resident remarked, “I am sad to think of all these people I knew who are gone now, but it is amazing to remember them in this way and honor their talents.”
Founded in 1999, the Arts Association has a long history of creating partnerships to advance arts in the community. From the beginning, programming has encompassed all ages, with a primary focus on the children of the area.
Farley highlighted the importance of art to Patagonia.
“Art has sustained us,” she said. “Art is an antidote to misinformation. Art is a cure. I am pleased to be helping people to help train the future artists of our community and teach them how to see things with a little more beauty… There is a lot of beauty in this world and in this town, and this show represents that.”
Noontime delights from the Patagonia Tapestry Trio
By Linda Jade Fong
The Patagonia Tapestry Trio members—flutists Anne Quirin (left) and Pat McNamara and pianist Christina Wilhelm—presented a centuries-spanning music program last Friday that included a Telemann sonata from the 1700s and a 2000 medley of Appalachian airs. The concert was part of the the Santa Cruz Foundation for the Performing Arts’ free “Magical Midday Minis” series, which invites folks to take a break at noon to enjoy a half-hour taste of local musical talent at the Benderly-Kendall Opera House in Patagonia. The next event will showcase the Patagonia Minstrels on April 22. For more information, go to scfpapresents.org
Do you know a great tree?
With our April issue (published last week), the PRT has launched “Great Trees of Eastern Santa Cruz County,” a new series celebrating our area’s natural splendor and heritage.
In the first entry in the series, local naturalist and longtime PRT columnist Vince Pinto talks about his favorite local tree: a sprawling Mexican Blue Oak, probably at least 150 years old, which he has named ‘Panthera.’ Click here to read Vince’s article.
We are interested in publishing contributions from our readers in future installments of “Great Trees of Eastern Santa Cruz County.” Do you know a great tree? Share it with us!
Tell us what makes this specific tree so special to you: maybe it’s the tree’s size, shape or age; or its leaf color; or the animals and insects who inhabit it; or the special events or family traditions associated with it; or perhaps something more personal or sentimental. Whatever it is, share it with us. It can be any tree on public or private property in Eastern Santa Cruz County. (You don’t have to disclose the tree’s exact location unless you want to.)
Please submit photos (or artwork!) and text (prose, verse, etc. of any length) about your favorite tree to Assistant Editor Jay Babcock at prtadast@gmail.com
Mountain lion family at play in new trail camera video
Jason Miller, the Vail-based independent wildlife videographer, has posted an astonishing 5-minute collection of film clips compiled from a single camera pointed at the entrance of a lions’ den located somewhere in southeastern Arizona. Turn up the volume, and have a look and listen:
For more of Jason’s wildlife videos, follow him at his YouTube channel and on Instagram.
School News and Youth Events
High school seniors: It’s time to apply for Rotary Club college tuition scholarships
From Mountain Empire Rotary Club:
Mountain Empire Rotary Club (MER) is offering local graduating seniors a chance to receive up to $2,000 that can be used toward college tuition. Two scholarships are available.
“These scholarships are intended to recognize graduating seniors who have demonstrated an interest in continuing to develop their own leadership skills and making a difference in their community,” said Mountain Empire Rotary President Annelies Dompe. “The funds can be used to help cover tuition costs whether the students will be attending a technical school, community college or four-year university.”
The application can be obtained by contacting Mary Faley at mufaley@outlook.com. All completed applications must be returned no later than Friday, May 2, 2025. Each recipient can receive $1,000/year for two years.
Eligible students must be graduating from high school, accepted by and plan to attend an accredited post-secondary institution or vocational program, and reside in one of the following ZIP codes: 85611, 85621, 85624, 85637
Who made honor roll?
For the Patagonia Elementary 2024-5 Third Quarter Honor Roll, click here.
For the PUHS 2024-5 Third Quarter Honor Roll, click here.
Upcoming Events
To share information about an upcoming event in this newsletter, please submit a poster/flyer in JPEG or PNG format. Email your submission to prtadast@gmail.com by Monday, 5pm. Remember to submit your event at least one week before the event date. Thank you!
Recurring Events
Saturday, April 12 8:30-10:30am: Monthly Free Food Distribution at East Santa Cruz County Community Food Bank
Come to the Food Bank (772 Harshaw Avenue, Patagonia 85624) to pick up your SPECIAL EASTER Holiday Supplemental Food Distribution. We will have frozen hams and specialty Medjool Dates. First come, First serve while they last!
AA: Alcoholics Anonymous:
- Sonoita Bible Church – Tuesdays at 7pm, 3174 N. Doors open at 6:30. Highway 83, Sonoita. Zoom option: 601-758-3907.
- Patagonia Methodist Community Church – Thursdays at 6:30pm. 387 McKeown Ave., Patagonia. Contact Dave at 207-249-8302.
Overeaters Anonymous: to find a meeting go to oasouthernaz.org. Contact Adrienne H. for more info 520-404-3490.
The Patagonia Senior Center has received a grant from Delta Dental of Phoenix to help seniors with dental expenses. Vouchers are provided for up to $350 to participating dentists. If interested, please call the Senior Center at (520) 394-2494.
Click here to consult the PRT’s ‘Community Calendar’ for additional events and meetings.
Employment Opportunities
To list an employment opportunity, please contact Nisa Talavera at prtads@gmail.com or 740-206-9594.
We are a mustang and a mule who need your help for approximately 1 hr./day to feed, water & pick up manure. Mon.-Thurs. $25. day. Sonoita 520-975-9920
Family Health Care Amigos/Purple Elephant, a certified charity, seeks a dependable part-time furniture mover for approximately ten hours a month at $20 per hour. Please call 520.256.7213 to set up an interview.
Santa Rita Abbey has a new part time job opening in its altar bread bakery. Position is Monday through Friday mornings assisting with the manufacturing of Communion Hosts. Contact Sister Pam for further details. 520-455-0481 (no text messaging) or cistercianab@gmail.com.
Farmers Markets
Patagonia Farmers and Crafts Market – Thursdays 10am-12pm by Red Mountain Foods.
Sonoita Farmers Market – Saturday Mornings 9am-12pm at the Sonoita Post Office parking lot (NW corner of Hwy 82/83)
Sierra Vista Farmers Market – Thursday 10am-2pm at Veteran’s Memorial Park.
Nogales “Little” Mercado – Fridays 4-7pm 163 Morley Ave, Nogales.
Church Events and Schedules
Holy Week & Easter services at Santa Rita Abbey in Sonoita
Sunday, April 13 – Palm Sunday Mass – 8:00 a.m.
Thursday, April 17 – Evening Mass of the Lord’s Supper – 5:15 p.m
Friday, April 18 – Solemn Afternoon Liturgy – 3:00 p.m.
Sunday, April 20 – Easter Vigil – 3:30 a.m.; Easter Day Mass – 8:00 a.m.
All are welcome! For more information contact Santa Rita Abbey at 520-455-5595 or sracommty@gmail.com.
Santa Rita Abbey: 14200 E Fish Canyon Rd, Sonoita AZ 85637-6545
St. Therese Parish in Patagonia
Patagonia United Methodist Church
Click here to consult the PRT’s ‘Community Calendar’ for additional events and meetings.
Our Advertisers
For information on advertising in the PRT’s print edition, weekly newsletter, website or a custom package, please contact Nisa Talavera at prtads@gmail.com or 740-206-9594.
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