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Photo Gallery of the Week
Mr. Science plays with foamy bubbles. Photo by Robert Gay 
Robin Baxter, in his street corner spot, the lone outpost left in both directions of brightly lit Hallowe’en decorated homes, waits for the evening to begin amid dwindling numbers lately of trick-and-treaters walking the neighborhoods. Lo and behold, a surge showed up this year with well over double the numbers of recent years! Photo by Linda Jade Fong 
A trio of iconic artists: Georgia O’Keefe, miniature Andy Warhol complete with sunglasses and Campbell Soup cans, and Van Gogh complete with bandaged, bloodied left ear. Photo by Linda Jade Fong 
Michelle Marie (right) made friendship bracelets to give out last year instead of candy at Trunk-or-Treat, and by popular demand did it again this year, making 150 of them! Aided by friend Jessica Cheney, they helped all ages from infants up pick out one of the colorful bracelets from the vast array. Other non-candy alternative giveaways included tiny flashlights offered by Jan Herron (in silver dress in background) and Gama Leyva. Photo by Linda Jade Fong 
Photo by Robert Gay 
Display at Mariposa Community Health Center. Photo by Robert Gay 
Posing with the Big Guy at Zach and Cassina’s. Photo by Robert Gay 
Monarch twins spread their wings. Photo by Robert Gay 
The Science Guy serves up foam to a youngster. Photo by Robert Gay 
A skull lurks in the vines at Queen of Cups. Photo by Robert Gay 
A cat’s skeleton does a stretch at Queen of Cups. Photo by Robert Gay 
A unicorn walks into a bar, where she’s served by Van Gogh. Photo by Robert Gay
Above: A gallery of scenes from Trunk or Treat and other Halloween fun around Patagonia last weekend. Photos by Linda Jade Fong and Robert Gay
News
SNAP benefits chaos met by local efforts
By Jay Babcock
Nonprofit food banks, churches, private citizens and at least one major local business are attempting to meet a surge in hunger in Eastern Santa Cruz County brought on by the sudden halt on Nov. 1 of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), the federal government’s anti-hunger initiative that serves over 850,000 low-income Arizonans.
Here is a round-up of organized efforts in our region offering free food to those in need that we are aware of at this time:
1. East Santa Cruz County Community Food Bank
Supplemental food bags are distributed the second Saturday of each month from 8:30 to 10:30am at its Patagonia, AZ location, 772 Harshaw Ave. Next distribution: this Saturday, Nov. 8.
Fresh vegetables are distributed every Monday from 10:30 to 11:30 AM at the Patagonia Senior Center, 100 Quiroga Lane, Patagonia. Those in need, as well as community members in general, are invited to pick up vegetables and, if possible, make a donation.
Emergency food is available by calling the food bank at: 520.302.4450.
2. Vera Earl Ranch Store
Do you usually receive SNAP benefits? Or know someone who does? Please know that Vera Earl wants to ensure no one goes hungry during this time. Anyone needing food assistance, with a valid SNAP card in-hand, can stop by the store [3282 AZ-82, Sonoita] once per week to receive up to 3 lbs of certain cuts of beef – NO QUESTIONS ASKED.”
3. The Vine Church Community Food Pantry
Also: Borderlands’ Produce on Wheels offers 70 lbs of rescued fresh produce for $15 on the third Saturday of every month at the Vine Church in Sonoita. The next event is Saturday, Nov. 15. For more information, scroll down to “Recurring Events.”
Please contact the PRT at prtadast@gmail.com if you have information on other organized anti-hunger efforts in our area.
A moving El Dia de Los Muertos (Day of the Dead) at the Patagonia Community Garden
Celebrating the blended cultures that bind us here near the Border has long been an aspiration of many Patagonians. This year the folks who manage the Patagonia Community Garden found a way to bring us all closer together: they made space in the garden to commemorate El Dia de los Muertos (the Day of the Dead), allowing community members to collectively remember loved ones, honor tradition, and share food and memories.
Around 35 locals came to the Garden on Sunday, November 2 for the official event. Several days earlier seven ladies had gathered there to construct an ofrenda (altar) in the garden’s gazebo. It was a labor of love. The colors and patterns were dramatic. Traditionally, ofrendas include items that are symbolic of the elements of water, wind, fire, and earth, and the creators of the Patagonia ofrenda stayed true to tradition. The display included bowls of water to call in thirsty souls. Candles and lights representing fire glowed on and around the structure to help guide the way for the spirits. Papel picado, tissue paper cut-outs that blow in the breeze, hung over the display to signify wind. And Pan de muerto (bread of the dead), representing earth, was placed on the altar along with other food favorites such as a frosted cinnamon roll. No ofrenda would be complete without the traditional marigolds, known as cempasúchil, which represent the sun and are said to guide the spirits of deceased to the living world with their vibrant colors and pungent scent. Some say they also symbolize the fragility of life.
On Sunday, photographs of departed loved ones—mothers, fathers, sons, daughters, neighbors, spouses—were placed on the ofrenda by those present. As people moved through the gazebo, individuals who had brought the photos often explained who was being remembered.
“That is my mother. Look at her smile.”
“These are my two sons who died within a year of each other.”
“This was my father, a veteran of the Korean War.”
“Here is my cousin. He died just outside town. He was a Viet Nam vet.”
“Oh, I remember her in town.”
“The sisters were born and raised in the San Rafael Valley right where the wall is being built now.”
“This man lived just down the alley from here.”
“She was 92 when she passed.”
Even pets were represented. A lady explained that she had lost her home and cat in the massive California fires a few years back. She had a picture of a cat and dog to memorialize all the animals, domestic and wild, that were lost in the fire. “People hunted for pets for a long time afterward,” she said. “It was heartbreaking. I want that to be remembered.”
Despite the sense of loss present with death, El Dia de los Muertos is a celebration, and, indeed, the fall feeling in the garden carried those overtones as attendees shared their food, much of which was Mexican-themed, along with their stories.
Patagonia Community Garden president Mary Sky Schoolcraft was pleased with the event.
“We will do this again next year,” she said, “and we hope even more people get involved. It is a way to honor community and cultures.”
Lobos come up short against Fort Thomas in state playoffs
By Dave Lumia
It was a season filled with memorable victories, joyful celebrations and the kind of success not experienced in these parts since 2015.
It ended, however, with tears, comforting hugs and heartfelt, consoling words between coach and players.
Perhaps the Patagonia High volleyball season was destined to conclude with a loss in the state playoffs, but it came sooner and more suddenly than the Lobos had hoped or expected.
Tenth-ranked Fort Thomas took advantage of its taller roster, superior depth, crisp passing and an unexpectedly poor serving game by Patagonia to knock off the seventh-ranked Lobos in four sets on Tuesday night before a packed house in the Lobos gym. Game scores were 25-22, 25-27, 20-25, 23-25.
That the Lobos, who finished with a 16-5 record, did not play up to their capabilities was what most disappointed coach Brenda Somoza.
“That’s the thing,” she said. “We didn’t play well. We missed too many serves. We didn’t hit well. You can’t get away with that when you’re playing a team like that.”
The Lobos left it all on the court, literally, with several players diving to the floor repeatedly on the match’s last point to keep the ball in play, but Fort Thomas was able to put away the victory with its superior game at the net.
“Their passing was really good, so they were able to execute their hitting well,” Somoza said.
Errant serving and unforced errors cost the Lobos from the start, allowing Fort Thomas to take a 22-18 lead in the first set, but a Monique Snell kill started to turn the tide.
Snell served a pair of aces, and two kills by Brianna Majalca put the Lobos up 24-22. They thought they had won the set on the next point, but because Fort Thomas had hit ball into the basketball backboard, officials ordered the point be replayed, thus delaying Patagonia’s celebration temporarily.
The second set was similar to the first, with Fort Thomas capitalizing on Patagonia errors to take a 17-9 lead. But the Lobos again rallied, with Snell supplying five kills to help even the score at 21. An ace by Amaya Somoza gave Patagonia a brief 25-24 lead, but the Apaches evened the match by scoring the next three points.
The Lobos never led by more than one point in the third set – the final time at 14-13, but Fort Thomas rallied for seven consecutive points and the Lobos never recovered.
The lead swung back and forth in the fourth set, with neither team able to pull ahead by more than three points. Somoza called timeout with Patagonia trailing 19-18, and the Lobos responded by taking five of the next six points – four of them on kills by Snell – to take a 23-20 lead. But another errant serve ended the rally, and Fort Thomas closed out the match with five consecutive points, leaving the Lobos to fight back tears as they hugged out their disappointment.
“It was amazing. We had a great season, and I’m so proud of these kids,” Somoza said.
Seniors Majalca and Emma Lewton will graduate after stellar four-year careers, but Somoza looks forward to building upon this season’s success. Amaya Somoza and Snell should provide a strong nucleus, along with continued development of younger players Charlotte Myers, Nicole Cabrera, Reyna Velasquez, Losiram Estrada and Viviana Pelayo.
“People don’t understand what we are up against here,” Somoza said. “I have 71 kids in my school, and anybody who wants to play gets to play and I get to build a team off of that. I don’t have a lot of experienced players that come back year after year after year, so for us to be able to grow this program into what it is and to have success last year and this year, I’m proud of that.
“It didn’t end how I wanted it to, or how they wanted it to, but at the end of the day when I look at the season overall, I’m very proud of them.”
A chat with Spirit World 100’s organizers about their recent sold-out cycling event—and what comes next
By Jay Babcock
Two weekends ago, over 450 people visited the Patagonia area to attend the sold-out 7th annual Spirit World 100, a three-night, three-day gravel bike event thrown by local organizers Heidi Rentz and Zander Ault.
Local cyclists were among the 250 registered riders who competed in the various Spirit World races through the San Rafael Valley, with two Patagonians performing particularly well: 13-year-old Benji Kyrz won the overall male category for the 30-mile race, and Erin O’Mara took 2nd place in the overall female category for the 100-mile distance.
Another local, Nick Beauregard of Patagonia, won the raffle for a brand new Pivot Cycles Vault Gravel Bike during the Arizona Trail benefit dinner held Thursday night at the Patagonia Lumber Company. The event raised just over $30,000 for the Arizona Trail’s Santa Rita Trail project, which will be put toward completing the remaining 10.7-mile section between Temporal Canyon and Kentucky Camp.
The PRT sat down with Rentz and Ault on the Tuesday following the big weekend to find out how they thought this year’s Spirit World went—and where they see it going down the road.
Click here to read our conversation.
Video: And the band struck up a spooky tune…
Obituary
Buford Hayes Pippin III, 1949-2025
Public Service Announcements
To submit an announcement, please email prtadast@gmail.com. Image files should be submitted in JPEG or PNG format.
School News and Youth Events
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Crossroads mountain bike team ends season on high note
From Crossroads Christian Academy:
After a four-race series which took place over the whole state of Arizona, the entire Crossroads Christian Academy Mountain Bike Team qualified for the Arizona Cycling Association (ACA) State Championship race last weekend on Fort Huachuca where the racers from the North and South conferences faced off.
Each racer showed perseverance and endurance, gave their all and had their best race to date. This team isn’t the biggest out there but they are full of heart, grit and determination!
Out of the nine racers, coached by Paul Maxwell, Cisco Baez and Rob Fleckenstein, three made the top five in their respective categories, with over 700 racers competing! Wyatt Robbs ended the season fourth in the state for sixth grade boys. Jenna Gamble ended her senior year season in second and Arena Mathews ended her first year fifth overall in the girls JV division.
The entire team’s efforts and dedication should be recognized as well, including Lauren Kalso, Tucker Robbs, Collin Lindsey, David Baez, Carson Kahla and Colton Robbs. We look forward to all they will accomplish next season.
All photos by Nick Robbs.
The Elgin School PTC will be holding a Bake Sale on Thursday, November 20 in front of National Bank-Sonoita from 9am-1pm. We are in need of baked good donations for this event and volunteers. Please sign up below by Tuesday, November 18.
Items can be dropped off to the office on Wednesday until 3:30pm or delivered to PTC members in front of the school on Thursday, November 20 at 7:30am.
Proceeds from this bake sale will be used to purchase new boys’ volleyball uniforms for Elgin School. Monetary donations are also appreciated. Please contact the PTC at elginptc@elgink12.com with any questions.
Sign up: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/4090544AAAB28A6FD0-60156512-2025
Upcoming Events
To list an event, please submit an image file 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!
Elgin School is seeking photos of local veterans for its Wall of Fame display at the annual Veterans Day Celebration on Monday, November 10. A color copy of the photo will be made and attached to a red, white, or blue star with the veteran’s name, service branch, and dates of service. Anyone wishing to contribute can drop off the photo and information to the Elgin School office or email the information to mpaul@elgink12.com. For more information, please call Melissa Paul at 455-5514, ext. 300.
Kyungsun Choi Trio – A Benderly Concert Event Sunday, Nov. 16 at 3pm
What do Beethoven and Brahms have in common? They both wrote a signature clarinet trio. Beethoven’s Clarinet Trio in Bb major Opus 11 is celebrated for its lyrical themes, and overall genial character while Brahms’ trio is known for its rich dark timbres and a deeply integrated conversation between the piano, clarinet and cello.
Don’t miss an inspired program performed by a trio of gifted musicians, Kyungsun Choi, Caroline Bell and Daniel Becker at the Benderly-Kendall Opera House at 344 Naugle Avenue in Patagonia. Tickets are $30 and are available online until noon on Sunday, Nov. 16. https://rebrand.ly/c80e93
You’re invited to a Community Thanksgiving Dinner!
The Vine Church, along with area churches, local businesses, and ministries, are coming together to host a FREE Community Thanksgiving Dinner—and you’re invited!
We know that some may not have a place to celebrate this special day. So let’s gather as friends, neighbors, and family to share gratitude, laughter, and a turkey-load of fun!
Location: Sonoita Fairgrounds
Time: 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Need a ride? Transportation is available upon request!
Bring your appetite, your family, and your thankful heart. Together, let’s celebrate the gift of gratitude as a loving community this Thanksgiving. For more information or to request a ride, please contact:
Pastor Tom Moffett
Call/Text: (480) 226-9779
thevineschurches@gmail.com
The annual “Christmas in Elgin” event will be held on Saturday, Dec. 6 from 10am-4pm and will have many arts and crafts. The event will be held at the Elgin Community Club, located at 475 Elgin Road in Elgin. Vendors may contact Rebecca Smith at 520-559-4835
Recurring Events
To list an event, please email prtadast@gmail.com. Image files should be submitted in JPEG or PNG format.
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED for this Sonoita Produce on Wheels (POWWOW)!
If you’d like to lend a hand, this is what you would be doing… Sorting and Packing fresh produce, and assisting participants as they go through our farmer’s market style line. The shifts are 6:30 – 9:30 AM AND/OR 8:30 – 11:30 AM. *Those who volunteer for a shift will receive a complimentary unit of produce.
If you’d like to give back to your community in this way, please call/text gardenia 602.292.1616 and let us know which dates and shifts you’re able to volunteer. Thank you all in advance! What we do, we do together! GM
The NEW Season begins SATURDAY, November 15th Sonoita Produce on Wheels & Local Market, at the VINE Church 8-11 AM
Borderlands POWWOW in Sonoita, AZ is always on the third Saturday of the month. At the same time, we have Local Marketside vendors. At our local market, you’ll find wonderful homemade goodies/coffee/breads/jams, and gift items. If you’d like to share your handcrafted or homemade local goods at the market, we’d love to have you. – please text/call gardenia at 602.292.1616 to reserve a No-Fee spot.
*At POWWOW it is a $15 contribution for 70 LBS of produce. No residential or income requirements.
If you’d like to join the Community Volunteer Team or become a Market Vendor, please text/call gardenia 602.292.1616.
AND if you know of any youth in the community who would like or need volunteer hours, we can provide documentation for those who would like to volunteer ;D
Follow @SonoitaAZCommunityMarket on FB & IG to see our Veggie Varieties Friday afternoon!
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.
Crossroads Quilters: Are you a textile artist (weaving, embroidery, knitting, crocheting, sewing, quilting)? The Crossroads Quilters invites all interested textile artists to our meetings. Bring a project to work on and enjoy a morning of information sharing and camaraderie. We meet the 1st and 3rd Monday of the month at 9am at the Sonoita Bible Church, 3174 N. Highway 83. For more information email: alisbunting@gmail.com
Overeaters Anonymous: The OA Sky Islands Recovery group meets every Wednesday 11am-12noon at the East Santa Cruz County (ESCC) Food Bank at 772 Harshaw Ave in the meeting room at the end of the driveway. For additional meeting info, 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 email prtadast@gmail.com. Image files should be submitted in JPEG or PNG format.
Pronghorn Pizza is now hiring kitchen workers. Email resume to chow@pronghorn.pizza
From Elgin School:
From Borderlands Restoration Network:
From Santa Cruz County:
Santa Cruz County is hiring! We’re seeking dedicated individuals to support our community in various departments, including public safety, community development, administration, and technology.
Competitive benefits
Explore current openings and apply today at: santacruzcountyaz.gov/Jobs
From City of Nogales/Santa Cruz County Library:
Homework Tutor (Sonoita Library)
Responsibilities: Receives supervision and direction from the Library Director or designee. Greets students and assesses each one for subject area and grade level; groups students in areas by grade level. Works one-on-one with students that have difficulty with subject at hand or with expressing themselves. Group students, no more than three to a group, if they are compatible and are working on similar projects. Alerts the Children Services Coordinator if they have a problem or need advice. While waiting for students, shelves books so they can show students where the materials are. Must have basic secondary knowledge of Math, English, and general Science courses. Skills in defining problems, establishing facts, and drawing valid conclusions.
Education, Certification and Requirements: Must be attending high school (junior or senior) and have good grades (A’s and B’s) OR have graduated high school and currently attending local college. Valid AZ Driver’s License.
Preferred Qualifications: Experience working with children. Knowledge of how to use computers. Familiarity of the way materials are stored in the library and willingness to learn the library system. English and Spanish language fluency.
Salary/Classification: Part-time position; FLSA non-exempt; $15.79 per hour
Close Date: Interested and qualified candidates are invited to apply by submitting a completed City of Nogales Employment Application and resume to the Human Resources Department. This position is Open Until Filled.
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.
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