The PRT Newsletter for the Week of March 26, 2025
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Photo of the Week
Above: Blue skies over the grasslands of the Appleton-Whittell Research Ranch of the National Audubon Society, as photographed by Research Ranch director Steven Prager. Audubon Southwest Executive Director Jonathan Hayes will discuss conserving Southwestern grasslands at the Research Ranch’s monthly potluck dinner on Friday, April 4. For more details, scroll down to the ‘Upcoming Events’ section below.
News
Patagonia Solicits Bids for Fire and Emergency Medical Services
The Town of Patagonia has taken steps that could end its longstanding relationship with the 100-year-old Patagonia Volunteer Fire and Rescue (PVFR).
On February 21, the Town sent a two-page Request for Proposal (RFP), due March 31, to Sonoita-Elgin Fire District, Rio Rico Fire District and PVFR, announcing that the Town “is currently seeking proposals to provide fire and emergency medical services for the town for its fiscal year beginning July 1, 2025, and ending June 30, 2026.”
This is the first time in recent history that the Town has formally looked to an agency other than PVFR to perform these services. PVFR currently has a $65,000 one-year contract with the Town that began July 1, 2024 and expires June 30.
The Town’s February 21 RFP notes in its opening section that the successful applicant “will have a strong Board of Directors that provides capable business management oversight and visionary guidance for the Agency’s current and future operations. … The successful Agency’s Fire Chief will be selected by the Board of Directors and the Board and Chief together will select the other principal operating officers… The Chief will be a professional firefighter holding certifications in CPR and Certified Emergency Management with at least 7 years’ experience leading firefighting and emergency medical service operations.“
On Monday, Sonoita-Elgin Fire District’s Board of Directors voted unanimously to respond to the RFP, and SEFD’s detailed 52-page proposal was received by the Town of Patagonia later that day.
PVFR intends to submit a proposal, but PVFR’s leadership structure and personnel do not currently meet the baseline prerequisites the Town’s RFP is demanding. PVFR’s fire chief is traditionally selected by the department’s membership, not its Board of Directors, and PVFR Acting Fire Chief Zay Hartigan does not have the emergency management certifications the Town wants to see a Fire Chief hold.
At this time, the Town has not received a proposal from the Rio Rico Fire District.
This is a developing story. We will have further reporting soon.
PARA Mission Coordinator Harold Thomas Resigns
By PRT Staff Reporters
Harold Thomas, Mission Coordinator for the Patagonia Area Resources Alliance nonprofit, has resigned after less than two months in the position.
In PARA’s monthly newsletter published today, PARA Board Chair Carolyn Shafer wrote:
Last month, PARA was delighted to announce that Harold Thomas had joined the team as Mission Coordinator. Unfortunately, Harold has tendered his resignation and asked us to share this message with PARA’s supporters: “How lovely to temporarily serve as the Mission Coordinator for PARA and to meet so many Patagonia and Nogales supporters committed to thriving biodiversity, to the mountains, the forests, and the water needed for life and our future, and those ensuring any mining impacts will be held to account. I will continue to support PARA as a volunteer. PARA remains steadfast and ready to take action.”
In an interview with the PRT’s Sondra Porter two weeks ago, prior to his resignation, Thomas described himself as a realist, highlighting his optimism in engaging with South32 regarding impacts of its Hermosa mining project.
“To be in this line of work, you kind of have to be optimistic,” he said. “I don’t want to go into this thinking that South32 doesn’t want to get this right. You know, if you look at their history globally, it’s not great. I’d say that they need a win, too. Why not ensure that this is something good? They have to live with us. Why not ensure on their end that this is something that won’t haunt them?”
Patagonia Library Director Resigns
By PRT Staff Reporters
Patagonia Public Library director Shawnie Kennedy abruptly resigned on Monday without giving any notice to the Town. She had held the position for a little more than two months.
“We have talked to the Library Advisory Board,” Patagonia Town Manager Ron Robinson told the PRT. “Chairperson Linda Shore will be the acting library director. This will not be a full time position [for her] because we have a good staff here.”
The Town will begin a search for a new director. “The Town is really most interested in hiring a local person,” Robinson said. The Town will consider anyone for the position with a bachelor’s degree, not necessarily in library science.
In unrelated news, the library will be initiating new hours on April 1. It will be closed on Mondays, but open with extended hours Tuesdays through Saturdays from 8:30am-5pm. “We will be closed on Mondays because we don’t have enough traffic on Mondays to justify the staffing,” Robinson said.
Long Agenda for March 26 Patagonia Town Council Meeting
By PRT Staff Reporters
The Town of Patagonia will hold a regular Town Council meeting Wednesday, March 26 at 6pm in Town Hall Council Chambers at 310 McKeown Avenue. The meeting can also be attended via Zoom. The meeting I.D. is 957-511-4862 and the password is 338501.
There are 25 items on the agenda for this meeting, which includes a public hearing. Items on the agenda include:
- Acting Fire Chief Zay Hartigan of Patagonia Volunteer Fire and Rescue (PVFR) will make a presentation to the Council “on PVFR’s desire to burn out parts of the current firebreak around town in various locations.” This will be followed by discussion and possible action by the Council on the proposal.
- Discussion and possible action “to allow Tucson Street Rods Club use Quiroga Lane and along south side of Naugle Avenue for a 20-car show on Sunday, March 30, 2025 from 9am to 1pm.”
Click here for more detailed information on the meeting, including the full agenda.
Two Pianists and a Five-Pedal Piano
Above: Concert pianists Mari Tomizuka (left) of Tucson and Christina Wilhelm of Patagonia listen as their March 20 duet performance on a 1909 Wing & Son Piano at the Bowman-Stradling History Center is introduced.
Tomizuka and Wilhelm played duets that were typical of the period in which the Wing & Son Piano was being manufactured. The piano was a favorite instrument in silent film houses, as its five-pedal system replicates a variety of instruments—mandolin, guitar, zither, harp and banjo.
Tomizuka is artist-in-residence at the Santa Cruz Foundation for the Performing Arts, where Wilhelm serves as President and Executive Director. The piano is on permanent loan to the history center from Gail Getzwiller. — Carrie White
A Grackle Answers the Call
Above: “A male Great-tailed grackle responds to an auditory imitation of its call that I made as I stood below it near Patagonia Lake. The Grackle’s complex courtship song, highly reflective plumage and select body postures collectively lure in the females for mating during this time of the year!” — Vince Pinto
Obituary
Michael Robert Snyder, 1944-2025
School News and Youth Events
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!
From Appleton-Whittell Research Ranch of the National Audubon Society:
Friday April 4, 5:00-7:00 p.m.: Conserving Southwestern Grasslands
Presented by: Jonathan Hayes (Audubon Southwest)Grassland birds are declining faster than any other group of birds in North America. In the Southwest our grasslands play an outsized role in supporting continental bird populations by providing crucial overwintering habitat. During this presentation, Audubon Southwest Executive Director, Jonathan Hayes, will discuss the challenges grassland birds face and what we can do in the Southwest to support them.
Event will begin at 5pm with the potluck dinner beginning at about 5:30pm (we’ll announce when it’s time to eat!). The presentation will immediately follow the meal. Come join us, invite a friend, and bring a dish to share. We also have a collection bin for food items to donate to the Santa Cruz food bank! RSVP required – sign up here.
Recurring Events
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
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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