El Paso Scene December 2009

DEC. www.epscene.com

DECEMBER 2009

Your monthly guide to community entertainment, recreation & culture

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On the cover: “My El Paso” by Lyuba Titovets 30x30 acrylic on canvas (private collection)

A Distant Neighbor Violence in Juárez has kept U.S. volunteers and mission groups at home, cutting off aid and support. — Page 31

INSIDE: Over 600 things to do and places to go during the Holidays!

THE EL PASO COMMUNITY FOUNDATION PRESENTS

Holiday Movies At The Plaza Saturday, December 5

Sunday, December 6

2:00 PM - Elf 7:45 PM - It’s A Wonderful Life

2:00 PM - A Christmas Story 6:30 PM – White Christmas

Tickets are $5 and can be purchased at the Plaza Theatre box office or at Ticketmaster locations or ticketmaster.com

plazaclassic.com Page 2

El Paso Scene

ale S n O w o N ets k c i T December 2009

free. Information: Alpine Visitor’s Center (432) 837-2326 or Children’s Advocacy Center, (432) 837-5515. The Christmas Parade of Lights begins around 6 p.m. Friday evening from the Civic Center, and travels east on Holland Ave. to Jackson Field. • The Christmas Tour of Historic Homes is Saturday, Dec. 12, featuring several of the city’s historic residences decorated for the holidays. Tour times to be announced: Nancy Hendryx, (432) 837-9520 or historicalpine.org. • The annual New Year’s Eve Ball benefiting the Family Crisis Center of the Big Bend is Thursday, Dec. 31, at the Alpine Civic Center.

may 20002009 December

El Paso Gem and Mineral Show — The

annual show is Dec. 4-6 at El Maida Auditorium, 6331 Alabama. Hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday. Admission: $3 ($2 for seniors, military; free for children 12 and younger with adult admission). The show features gems, minerals, fossils, beads, silver jewelry, tools and equipment, geode cutting, silent auction, demonstrations and door prizes, Information: Gem Center USA, 533-7153, 1-877-533-7153 or [email protected].

Mountain Country Christmas — The annual event is Friday and Saturday, Dec. 4-5, at the Alpine Civic Center, 801 W. Holland, in Alpine, Texas. The event includes an arts crafts fair, baked goods, organizational booths, holiday product vendors, entertainment. Admission is

Magoffin Holiday Open House — The annual holiday season event at the Magoffin Home State Historic Site, 1120 Magoffin, is 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 5-6. Enjoy the holiday decorations, refreshments, piñatas and other activities amid the authentic art and furnishings of this historic home. Music will be provided by local school choirs. Admission: $3 (free for children). Information: 533-5147 or 585-4344. San Jacinto Plaza Christmas Tree Lighting — The 74th annual “Christmas in Lights” continues the holiday tradition of the plaza’s spectacular Christmas tree and displays beginning at Saturday, Dec. 5, at San Jacinto Plaza downtown. The ceremony begins at 4:30 p.m. with live entertainment. The lighting of the 55-foot Christmas tree by Mayor John Cook and City Council members is at 5:55 p.m. followed by the 12th annual lighted Christmas parade at 6 p.m. Information: 5414331 or 544-5436. Groups and organizations wanting to participate in the parade can contact Sandy Rodriguez at 240-3310.

El Paso Community Foundation will feature holiday movies at The Plaza Theatre, including “Elf” at 2 p.m. and “It’s A Wonderful Life” at 7:45 p.m. Organist Jack Stewart will perform Christmas carols on the historic Plaza Organ preceding the evening movie at 7:15 p.m. Tickets: $5.

Oñate Trail Dog Fanciers Dog Shows — The association’s inaugural all-breed dog show is 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 5-6, at El Paso County Coliseum, open to the more than 150 breeds and varieties of dogs recognized by the American Kennel Club. Admission is free. Information: 626-9975, 2412641 or otdfa.org. The competition tests the dog’s form against the breed “Ideal Dog.” Also held is an AKC Rally and Obedience Trials. All competition is in show rings under judges. Points awarded and count toward the dog’s championship. Children 9 to 18 can compete with others their own age at various AKC events. Juniors competing in conformation events are judged on how they present their dogs.

‘Navidad on the Border’ — The annual homage to the community’s traditional Christmas customs is 3 to 5 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 9, at the Chamizal National Memorial theater. Presented by Que Bonita Familia and the El Paso Community College Senior Adult Program. Admission is free, but seating is limited. Complimentary tickets available through the Seniors Adult Program: 831-7801. The holiday musical and cultural exchange presented by seniors from El Paso and Juarez, features the Nativity, Our Lady of Guadalupe and Juan Diego, traditional songs and dances, plus Santa and Mrs. Claus and elves.

Please see Page 4

DECEMBER INDEX December Roundup Behind the Scene Scene Spotlight Program Notes Viva Juárez Dance Here’s the Ticket Sports Music Feature: A Distant Neighbor ElPasoFishnet Nature At the Museum SW Art Scene Gallery Talk Racking Up History Becoming Bicultural On Stage Stage Talk Keep on Bookin' History Lessons Film Scene Liner Notes January Preview

3-17, 29 6 6 18 19 20 21-23 24-26 27-28 31-34 35 36-37 38-40 41-45 46 47 48 49-50 50 51-52 53 54-55 56 57

Scene Users Guide 58 Advertiser Index 58 Subscription Form 58

THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT EL PASO Presents

The All-Singing, All-Dancing Holiday Extravaganza!

FINAL PRODUCTION! LAST CHANCE TO SEE!

THE FINAL PRODUCTION!

December 18-20, 2009 0DJRIÀQ$XGLWRULXP87(3&DPSXV

TICKET PRICES - ALL SEATS GENERAL ADMISSION Adults $20 ~ UTEP Fac/Staff/Group (20+) $15 UTEP Alumni Assoc Members $15 ~ Children (12 yrs old and under) $10 Non-UTEP Students $15 ~ UTEP Students $10 (One ticket per valid UTEP ID) Tickets available at the UTEP Ticket Center (747-5234) and at all Ticketmaster outlets. Charge tickets by phone by calling 747-5234 or 1-800-745-3000. Order tickets online at www.ticketmaster.com

For More Information Call 747-6060 December 2009

El Paso Scene

Page 3

December Roundup Cont’d from Page 3 St. Anthony’s Seminary Posada — The seminary, at Crescent and Hastings in Central El Paso, celebrates the traditional custom of the posada at about 6:30 p.m. nightly Dec. 1623, with rosary, songs by Los Franciscanos and procession, followed by the breaking of piñatas. The posada is conducted in Spanish. The seminary’s famous Nativity scene will be on display through Christmas Day. Information: 566-2261.

ancient African cultures will take place at 7 p.m. nightly, Dec. 26-Jan. 1, at the McCall Neighborhood Center, 3231 E. Wyoming. Information: 566-2407. Created by Dr. Maulana Karenga as a way to celebrate family, community and culture in the African-American community, Kwanzaa focuses on Nguzo Saba (The Seven Principles), that include Unity, Self-Determination, Collective Work and Responsibility, Cooperative Economics, Purpose, Creativity and Faith.

International Posada — The 18th annual

Mount Cristo Rey: Hike Through Time

International Posada is 6 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 17, at San Jacinto Plaza. The event includes the traditional re-creation of the Holy Couple’s search for shelter, along with a piñata, traditional holiday treats and choirs singing “villancicos” (Christmas carols). Groups from both El Paso and Juárez have been invited to perform. The annual posada is sponsored by the El Paso Central Business Association, the City of El Paso, the Mexican Consulate and others. Admission is free. Information: 533-2656.

Luminarias Festival/Posadas along the Mission Trail — The Mission Trail will glow with traditional Christmas luminarias Saturday, Dec. 19, for its 15th annual event. Around 30,000 luminarias will be lit at 6 p.m., lining Socorro Road from the Ysleta Mission past the Socorro Mission, then to the San Elizario Plaza. Admission is free. Information: 851-1682. or themissiontrail.net. The 8-mile route includes all three Mission Trail churches, the oldest continuously active churches in the United States. Some shops and restaurants along the trail will remain open after hours for open houses or shopping. Each community will host its own posada and holiday festivities beginning at dusk, and special activities will be held at the Tigua Cultural Center. In conjunction, the San Elizario Genealogy & Historical Society will host free events beginning at 5 p.m. at the Los Portales Museum, 1521 San Elizario Road. A live nativity pageant will be performed by local actors, and traditional food and refreshments will be available for a small donation. Information: epcounty.com/sanelizariomuseum.

Posada Navideña — La Mujer Obrera and Mercado Mayapán will host traditional Mexican festivities featuring posadas at 3 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 19-20, at the Festival Marketplace, 2101 Myrtle. The program includes pastorelas, which are theatrical acts based on good versus evil. Food and artisan goods for sale throughout the month. Admission is free. Information: 532-6200 or mujerobrera.org. North Pole at the Museum — International Museum of Art, 1211 Montana, will host its 3rd annual afternoon of holiday entertainment 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 20, featuring Christmas carols, storytelling, pictures with Santa and Mrs. Claus, entertainment, holiday treats such, coloring contest and more. Admission is free, nominal fee for photos with Santa, proceeds benefiting the museum. Information: 543-6747 or internationalmuseumofart.net. A coloring contest sheet for grades K-2 is available online or at the museum during regular hours 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday through Friday and 1 to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. All entries must be returned by Dec. 18. A new drawing contest for grades 3-5 is also planned. Children should create a drawing on the theme “Christmas Imagination.” Entries should be 9”x12” or 10”x13.” Page 4

Kwanzaa — Events honoring the values of

El Paso Scene

— A special Brut Sun Bowl Week hike with presentations on Mount Cristo Rey, local history and environment begins at noon Wednesday, Dec. 30, at Mount Cristo Rey, Sunland Park, N.M. Length: 5 miles round trip (2-3 hours). Cost: $5 ($2 for children) donation requested for the Mt. Cristo Restoration Committee. Information: 542-1422. No reservation is required. The hike is sponsored by the El Paso Convention and Visitors Bureau and El Paso Scene and. Hike leader is Randy Limbird, editor and publisher of El Paso Scene. Presenters include Bernie Sargent, Kevin Von Finger and Ruben Escandon. Security is provided. The 5-mile hike is easy to moderate, and is suitable for all ages. Meet at the large parking lot at the trailhead to Mt. Cristo Rey off McNutt Road (NM 273). Take the Racetrack exit off Paisano and cross the Rio Grande.

Brut Sun Bowl — The 75th annual football

classic begins at noon, Thursday, Dec. 31. The game features the Pac-10 Conference versus the Big 12 Conference, the Big East Conference or the University of Notre Dame. Teams will be announced Dec 6. Reserved seats: $20-$60; general admission: $15. Captain’s Club tickets: $650. Information: 5334416, 1-800-915-BOWL or sunbowl.org. (Ticketmaster) The game will be broadcast live on CBS for the 41st consecutive year. Pregame activities begin at 11:30 a.m. in the stadium, and the Sun Bowl Fun Zone activity area for children is open 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. outside of the stadium’s east concourse. Other Sun Bowl events: • The Rotary Club Kick Off Luncheon is 11:30 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 10, at Doubletree Hotel Downtown, 600 N. Mesa. • The 7th annual Sports World Sun Bowl 5K run and 1-mile fun walk is 9:30 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 19, at the Las Palmas LifeCare Center Back Parking Lot, 3333, N. Mesa. Entry fee: $20 in advance; $25 on race day ($15 for groups of 10 or more, military and Mexico residents. Information: Chris at Up and Running, 478-5663. (see separate listing) • Kiwanis Bowl Before the Bowl event is planned at Oasis Lanes, 1660 N. Zaragosa. Date to be announced. • Rotary Sun Bowl Football Team Luncheon is Wednesday, Dec. 30, at the El Paso Convention Center. Doors open at 11 a.m. The starting line-ups from both teams are introduced at 11:30 a.m. and the head coaches are highlighted as well. Tickets: $50; tables for eight $400 (eight guests or 6 guests and two football player from each team). Information: 533-4416, ext. 10 or 544-2582. • Price’s Give ‘Em Five Sun Bowl Cheer Camp is 1 to 4 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 30, at El Paso Convention Center. Information: 533-3311. • The 12th annual Sun Bowl Fan Fiesta is 4 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 30, at the El Paso

Please see Page 5 December 2009

December Roundup Cont’d from Page 4 Convention Center, with free activities and games for kids 6 and younger, face painting, balloon animals, magic acts, local bands, Battle of University Bands and Cheerleaders, food and drink for purchase, and a fireworks display.

Our Lady of Guadalupe Fiesta of Our Lady of Guadalupe — The

Plaza Theatre Performing Arts Centre | Abraham Chavez Theatre Judson F. Williams Convention Center | McKelligon Canyon Amphitheatre

Holiday Movies at the Plaza

Saturday, December 5 2 PM - Elf ~ 7:45 PM - It's a Wonderful Life Sunday, December 6 2 PM - A Christmas Story ~ 6:30 PM - White Christmas Plaza Theatre

A Holiday Afternoon with the El Paso Symphony Orchestra December 13 ~ 2 PM ~ Plaza Theatre

Dave Koz- A Smooth Jazz Christmas December 17 ~ 7 PM ~ Plaza Theatre

Moscow Ballet's Great Russian Nutcracker December 20 ~ 4 & 8 PM ~ Plaza Theatre

Tickets Make Great Gifts! Pink Floyd Laser Spectacular January 15 ~ 7:30 PM ~ Abraham Chavez Theatre Michael Jackson Laser Spectacular January 16 ~ 7:30 PM ~ Abraham Chavez Theatre Bill Maher January 28 ~ 8 PM ~ Plaza Theatre Nearly Neil & The Solitary Band January 31 ~ 2:30 PM ~ Abraham Chavez Theatre Riverdance: The Farewell Performances February 12 - 14 ~ Plaza Theatre El Paso Opera - Porgy & Bess March 12 & 13 ~ 7:30 PM ~ Abraham Chavez Theatre Tickets for events listed above may be purchased at any Ticketmaster outlet, ticketmaster.com by calling 800-745-3000 or at the Plaza Theatre Box Office. For More Information Visit: theplazatheatre.org or elpasocpac.com December 2009

13th annual three-day religious festival in Tortugas, N.M. is Thursday through Saturday, Dec. 10-12. The festival is the biggest event of the year in Tortugas, a small village near Mesilla Park that’s home to the Tortugas Indians. Events are centered at Our Lady of Guadalupe Church. Events begin Thursday evening with an allnight wake and Native American dancers. The annual a procession, rosary and vigil to the Tortugas “A” Mountain begins at 7 a.m. Friday followed by the bishop’s Mass on the mountain. A rosary is around 4 p.m. and at sundown, pilgrims will light luminarias along the mountain path. A fiesta Mass is 9 a.m. Saturday followed by Danzante Dances and a traditional free fiesta dinner sponsored by La Corporacion de Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe, the governing body of the tribe (which is related to the Tiguas). A procession around the village, rosary and reception in honor of the Corporacion’s mayordomos concludes the events Friday afternoon. To get there: Take Interstate 10 to Las Cruces, exit on University Avenue and go under the freeway; turn left at the stop sign and continue on Main, going through two signals. Turn left on Tortugas Drive and then turn right on Parroquia. Information: (575) 526-8171 or (575) 5220288.

Piro-Manso-Tiwa Indian Tribe of Guadalupe Pueblo — Events celebrating

the Virgin of Guadalupe are Dec. 10-12 at St. Genevieve’s Church and Parish Hall, 100 South Espina and 1025 E. Las Cruces Ave., in Las Cruces. Admission is free, and everyone is invited. Information: (575) 524-0623 or (575) 650-1945. A procession of the virgin is 6 to 7 p.m. Thursday and Friday from the hall to the church. Menudo will be served until midnight at the hall. A velorio (rosary) and dancing of Matachines de La Danza del Piro-Manso-Tiwa Indian Tribe will be held at the church until 2 a.m. A Mass for the Virgin de Guadalupe will be given at 7 p.m. Saturday, followed by dancing by the matachines (Los Danzantes) and PiroManso-Tiwa Tribe members until 5 p.m. The Virgin de Guadalupe is kept in the church until New Year’s Day, when she will be taken out at 2 p.m. in a procession accompanied by dancing and pageantry. She is then taken home until next December.

Our Lady of Guadalupe exhibition and mini-festival — An opening art reception and mini-festival is 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 11, at La Galeria de la Misíon de Senecú, the Ysleta Independent School District’s gallery at 8455 Alameda. Entertainment includes the Riverside High School Mariachis, El Paso Classical Guitar Quartet and matachines dancers, plus food, arts and crafts vendors. Admission is free. Information: 434-9711 or finearts.yisd.net. The 12th annual “Our Lady of Guadalupe” exhibition, featuring professional and student works that pay homage to a popular cultural El Paso Scene

icon in the El Paso border region, runs Dec. 11-Jan. 21.

Church programs ‘The Deliverer’ — The annual large-scale holiday pageant of music and drama celebrating the Christmas season is Dec. 11-13 and Dec. 18-20 at Cielo Vista Church, 3585 Lee Trevino. Showtimes are 7:30 p.m. Friday through Sunday, with 2:30 p.m. matinees Saturday and Sunday. Tickets: $5. All seats general admission. Available at the church ticket window. Information: 595-0288 or cielovista.org. The church’s Arts Ministry production celebrates the most treasured stories of the Bible and the events leading up to the miraculous birth of Jesus Christ with live action, singing, dancing and panoramic visuals.

A Coffeehouse Christmas — CrossPoint Church, 11995 Montwood, presents the its annual holiday gift to the community “A Quest for Christmas” Dec. 11-13, featuring vignettes of drama, dance and music presented in a coffeehouse atmosphere. Performances are at 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and at services at 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. Sunday. Coffee and homemade Christmas cookies will be served. Admission is free. Information: 857-7492.

‘Living Christmas Tree’ — The 45th annual Christmas concerts at First Baptist Church, 805 Montana, are 4:30 and 7:30 p.m. Saturday and 6 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 12-13, 805 Montana, featuring more than 125 participants performing familiar holiday songs, both old and new. Tickets: $3, available in the church office Monday through Friday on a first come, first served basis. Doors open one hour prior to each performance. The event usually sells out early. Free child care available for ages 4 and younger. Information: 533-1465 or fbcep.com. Since 1964, the Tree program features the Quintessential Brass, along with the children’s choir, Grace Notes ensemble, LCT Band, and the Christmas Chorus of students and adults. The program will include a variety of Christmas favorites as well as new selections from classical to gospel.

‘The Wonder of Christmas’ — Coronado Baptist Church, 501 Thunderbird, will host its annual Christmas Cantata performance at 6:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 12-13, featuring the church’s Christmas Choir, Children’s Choir and Orchestra. The cantata-style program combines music with drama. Nursery provided. A cookie fellowship follows Saturday’s performance. Admission is free. Information: 584-3912 or coronadobaptist.org.

Mariachi Christmas — Mariachi San Pablo will host an evening of music celebrating the birth of Christ at 6 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 12, at Sao Pablo Lutheran Church, 301 S. Schutz Dr. The group will perform a variety of Christmas songs in both English and Spanish. Presented by Ysleta Lutheran Mission. Admission: $3, space is limited. Tickets available at the door or in advance at 858-2588 or ylm.org. A menudo dinner fundraiser will also be held 6 to 9:30 p.m. Menudo plates: $5.

‘Handel’s Messiah’ — Western Hills United Methodist Church, 524 Thunderbird, hosts the holiday concert at 7 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 20. The Chancel Choir and soloists are joined by a guest orchestra in performing Part I of Handel’s masterpiece. Admission is free. Information: 584-2133 or westernhillsep.org.

Christmas Celebration — Abundant Living Faith Center, 1000 Valley Crest, will host its

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‘Honk!’ – El Paso Playhouse presents the family musical based on Hans Christian Andersen’s “The Ugly Duckling” through Dec. 19. Page 8. Posada Navideña — Mercado Mayapán will host traditional Mexican festivities featuring posadas Dec. 19-20 . Page 33. Scene Spotlight highlights events advertised in this issue. Support our advertisers by attending these events, and tell them you saw in the Scene!

Tango in the New Year — Paso del Norte Tango Club hosts a New Year’s Dance at Shundo Dance Studio Dec. 31 . Page 34. New Year’s Eve at The Forum — Asi Band headlines Dec. 31 at 3800 Mattox. Page 11.

Holiday Movies at The Plaza —El Paso Community Foundation hosts Christmas and winter-themed movies Dec. 5-6. Page 2.

LYNX Exhibits — Showing through Jan. 3: “The World of Giant Bugs.” Page 49.

‘Microscopias’ — The exhibition based on the research of Dr. Alvar Carillo-Gil runs through Jan. 10 at El Paso Museum of Art. Page 16.

Southern New Mexico

Hal Marcus Studio and Gallery — Showing through Jan. 29: “Paint the Town Red” group show. The 35th annual Happy Holidaze arts and and craft fair is Dec. 12. Page 59.

Inn of the Mountain Gods — The casino offers round-trip shuttle service from El Paso Tuesdays through Thursdays. Page 45. ‘TGIFF’ in Silver City — Several restaurants, shops and “Red Dot” galleries stay open late the first Friday of each month beginning Dec. 4. The annual Downtown Holiday Celebration is Dec. 12. Pages 37 and 39.

El Paso Convention and Performing Arts Center — Holiday Afternoon with the Symphony (Dec. 13), Dave Koz (Dec. 17), Great Russian Nutcracker (Dec. 20) and Bill Maher (Jan. 28) at The Plaza Theatre; Pink Floyd Laser Spectacular (Jan. 15), Michael Jackson Laser Spectacular (Jan. 15) and Nearly Neil & Solitary Band (Jan. 31) at Abraham Chavez Theatre. Page 19.

Trans-Siberian Orchestra — One of the country’s top touring holiday shows returns to the area for its 2009 Winter” Night Castle” Tour Dec. 9, at NMSU’s Pan American Center in Las Cruces. Page 7.

‘Navidad de Las Luminarias’— Bruce Nehring Consort’s annual holiday concerts are Dec. 4-6 at the Chapel at Loretto. Page 7.

Old-Fashioned Christmas — MainStreet Truth or Consequences presents the traditional holiday Dec. 11. Page 48.

Christmas Tour of Homes — El Paso Symphony’s fundraising tour of distinctive Upper Valley homes is Dec. 5-6. Page 44.

Los Artesanos Galeria — A “Meet the Artists Night” reception is Dec. 11, during the Mesilla gallery’s Grand Opening celebration. Page 25.

Bissell Art Studio — Artists Bill and Nanci Bissell will host a Christmas Art Show and Open House Dec. 4-6. Page 15. Desert Crossing Holiday Market — Ardovino’s Desert Crossing’s 5th annual market is Dec. 6, in the Sunset Hall. Page 50. Sunland Park Racetrack & Casino — The 2009-2010 live horse racing season runs Dec. 11-April 21. Page 19. Rubin Center — Showing through Dec. 12: “Snagged: Tom Leader Studio;” “Love Without Contact: Ruben Verdu” and “Celebrity: A Photographic Legacy from the Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts.” Page 41. The Bookery — A holiday open house and booksigning with Martin Bencomo is Dec. 12 at the book store inside the Mission Trail Trading Post in Socorro. Page 51. ‘The Wonder of Christmas’ — Coronado Baptist Church’s annual Christmas Cantata performance is Dec. 12-13. Page 47. Escamilla Art Studio and Gallery Open House —Impressionist Alberto Escamilla hosts his 3rd annual Christmas season open house and Studio Tour Dec. 12-13. Page 28. Executive Singles Gala — Executive Single’s 19th annual semi-formal Christmas Gala and Dance is Dec. 13. Page. 21. ‘A Christmas Carol’ — UTEP Department of Theatre and Dance offers its annual presentation of Dickens’ Christmas classic Dec. 13-20, at UTEP’s Wise Family Theatre. Page 32. ‘UTEP Holiday Spectacular’ – UTEP Dinner Theatre presents a “Version 3.0” of its new holiday tradition Dec. 18-20 at Magoffin Auditorium. Page 3. The Crossland Gallery — Through Dec. 19: Art Junction Studio Artists exhibit. Page 23. Page 6

T

his is the last of three trips down memory lane of my four years as a newspaper reporter. I’ve spent nearly 24 years since then as an editor, but life as an editor just doesn’t yield the same kind of interesting tales. In late 1984 I accepted a job as a state desk reporter at the Columbus (Ohio) Citizen-Journal. I was one of three reporters covering rural counties in central, southern and southeast Ohio. On an average day I usually worked the phones to gather enough information for two or three stories for the early editions that served the rural counties. But if the story was big enough, I would head out as far as Portsmouth to the south or Athens to the southeast. Several stories stand out in my memory. One was a trial involving allegations of child sex abuse by a day-care worker. The case was shaky at best, mainly because it seemed like the toddlers had been told what to say. Nevertheless, the courtroom was filled with angry parents who believed their children had been molested. After the jury issued a not guilty verdict, the judge blasted the prosecutor and social service workers for their poor handling of the investigation. As the courtroom emptied, one of the fathers rushed from his seat to attack the defendant. I grabbed my camera and captured the brief melee as bailiffs kept the man from getting beyond the front row. The defendant hurried away to an undisclosed location, which I was able to figure out based on some court documents in the clerk’s office. I talked my way into an exclusive interview with the defendant (a frail young man who had lost custody of his own kids during the case). Then I had to drive an hour to the office, arriving with 45 minutes left before deadline to file two front-page stories on the day’s events. Then there was the case of a local contractor whose business was going bankrupt because the state hadn’t paid him. He sent a foolish letter to state officials saying he knew how to undo some of the repairs he had made on state highway bridges. This resulted in highly sensation-

December 2009 El Paso Scene is published by Cristo Rey Communications as a monthly guide to entertainment, recreation and culture in the El Paso area. Copies are provided free at selected locations. Subscriptions are $10 a year, sent by 3rd class mail. Circulation: 40,000 copies.

Deadline for news for the January issue is Dec. 16 The January issue comes out Dec. 30

El Paso Scene P. O. Box 13615 El Paso, Texas 79913 PH: 542-1422 FAX: 542-4292 Office: 316 Arboles, El Paso TX 79932 E-mail: [email protected]

al TV coverage warning people that they might not be safe driving home, and also led to a warrant for the man’s arrest. I had talked to the contractor previously on the phone, and he asked me to help him surrender to the authorities — on condition that he be granted an audience with the state director of transportation. So he and I walked up to the state building together as we were met by state police and escorted to a conference room where he repeated his complaints before being taken to jail. The story fizzled, however, as the suspect was booked on a minor misdemeanor charge that later was reduced to disturbing the peace. The Citizen-Journal went out of business at the end of 1985, in a situation similar to the old El Paso Herald-Post. Both were smaller partners in joint operating agreements where the bigger newspaper eventually took over completely. The C-J chapter of my career lasted only about 15 months, but it turned out to be a helpful transition. I filled in for my boss occasionally, discovered I liked editing and made the move into management at my next job. I would occasionally do some reporting, but nothing as adventurous as those early years. *** The Scene is sponsoring two events this month: Christmas on the Pecos Dec. 12 (see our ad on Page 53) and our annual Hike Up Cristo Rey at noon Dec. 30 (Page 23). Please join us!

Randy Limbird Editor and Publisher (915) 542-1422

Albert Martinez Advertising & Circulation Director (915) 920-7244

Lisa Kay Tate Associate Editor (915) 542-1422 ext. 4

Editorial Associates: Noelle Lantka, Mónica Garza

Circulation Associates: Randy Friedman, Gil Garza Stephanie Friedman

Contributing Writers: Richard Campbell, Brian Chozick, Myrna Zanetell, Carol Viescas, Walter Schaefer, Bill Rakocy

Subscription Form is on Page 58

© 2009 Cristo Rey Communications El Paso Scene

Visit El Paso Scene Online at www.epscene.com sponsored by Phidev, Inc. December 2009

• El Dia de Los Reyes Magos — Epiphany is the traditional end of the Christmas season (Jan. 6), and a time of gift giving time. This day celebrates when the Wise Men “Los Reyos Magos” came bearing gifts for the Christ child. In some Latin cultures, the children leave their shoes on the doorstep the night of Jan. 5 for the gift-bearing wise men to leave presents in the next day. The day is also a time to remember gift giving, and making charitable contributions. Also part of this day are King’s cakes, a ring-shaped coffee cake type of dessert with a small toy baby baked into it. The person finding the baby in the piece is the one who will host the next party.

Navidad en la Frontera From the smell of sweet tamales and pinon firewood and the soft glow of luminarias, the festive posada processions, the border area does the holiday season like nowhere else. Here are some of the things help define El Paso del Norte’s traditional Christmas celebrations: • Luminarias — Luminaria is the most commonly used name for a homemade lantern made of a brown paper bag and candle. The simple glowing lights, also referred to as “farolitos” (little lanterns), are a common site on walkways, rooftops and curbsides throughout the Christmas season. • Posada — Spanish for “inn,” a posada is a processional reenacting Mary and Joseph’s search for shelter in Bethlehem. El Paso Community College Senior Adult Program presents its annual homDuring a posada, groups usually travel to age to the community’s traditional Christmas customs Wednesday, Dec. 9, at three sites (often private homes) and the Chamizal National Memorial theater. singing carols “villancicos” and praying. After being “turned away” at the first two are performed by different churches and Mexico. Noche Buena is a time for familocations, they find shelter at the third, cultural groups every year, and often ly get-togethers, and the celebration of where a celebration with food, music and combine drama, music and dance. the birth of Christ. Often a small gift or often a piñata awaits. These are done by treat is given to the children, and tradi• Our Lady of Guadalupe — The some churches nightly for nine evenings tional holiday foods such as tamales, reported appearance of a mestizo Virgin (novena) through Christmas Eve. empanadas, bizcochitos and capirotada Mary near Mexico City in 1531 is not (Mexican bread pudding) is served. The • Pastorela — The Shepherd’s Play or actually associated with Christmas, but evening ends with the attending of a “Los Pastores” is a religious folk drama her Feast Day of Dec. 12 often starts peaceful midnight mass, known as “La celebrating the time the shepherds find Christmas celebrations for many with Misa Del Gallo” (Rooster’s Mass). their way to the stable where the Christ parades, festivals, special masses and canThe Poinsettia, a native plant of Mexico, Child is born. These type of dramatic pre- dlelit processionals. if often called “Flor de la Noche Buena” sentations were used by Spanish settlers or Flower of the Holy Night. • La Noche Buena — “The Holy Night,” to introduce early Native American culis what Christmas Eve is referred to in tures to Christian Themes. These plays

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• Traditional foods — Most people are familiar with tamales, bizochitos (sugar cookies with anise seasoning) and empanadas (small fruit-filled pies). Here are a few more regional treats. • Posole — a hominy or corn-based stew in a pork or chicken broth base spiced with green or red chile. • Capirotada — Mexican bread pudding. The name means “a little bit of everything,” and it can include anything from brown sugar, raisins, chopped nuts and vanilla to shredded cheese. • Menudo – A stew made of tripe (stomach lining or cow), posole and other ingredients. Popular Christmas morning breakfast treat (and New Year’s). • Champurrado — Mexican hot chocolate. A rich, chocolate drink seasoned with cinnamon and beaten with a rotary beater (molinillo) until frothy.

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December Roundup Cont’d from Page 5 annual orchestral production and candlelight communion services celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ Dec. 20-24, in the center’s auditorium. The production includes musical comedy, dance, drama, candlelight communion and live Nativity scene. Performances are 7 p.m. Sunday through Wednesday, and 5 and 7:30 p.m. Thursday. Nursery and children’s classes provided. Admission is free. Information: 5328543 or alfc.com.

‘A Christmas Homecoming’ — The Music Ministry of First Presbyterian Church of El Paso will host a special Christmas presentation at 4 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 20, at First Presbyterian Church, 1320 Murchison, featuring the church’s Chancel Choir, Children’s Choir, Bell Choir and special guest soloists accompanied by a full orchestra and the Quintessential Brass. The concert includes selections from Handel’s “Messiah,” “Christmas Day” by Gustav Holst and Christmas favorites such as “Angels We Have Heard on High,” “O Holy Night,” “The First Nowell,” “Joy to the World” and “Silent Night.” Admission is free, but donations accepted. Information: 533-7551 or firstpres-ep.org. A Christmas Feast will follow the concert. Please RSVP: [email protected].

Let There Be Lights Luminarias by the Lake — Thousands of luminarias will line the walking paths at Keystone Heritage Park and El Paso Desert Botanical Gardens, 4200 Doniphan, 6 to 9 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Dec. 4-5, featuring musical entertainment and holiday refreshments for sale. Proceeds benefit the park. Admission: $4 ($3 seniors and military, $1 children 12 and younger). Information: 584-0563, [email protected] or keystonepark.org.

Navidad de La Fe Luminarias — La Fe Clinic will light up Scenic Drive with more than 4,000 luminarias for its 18th annual event 6 to 10 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 19. Admission is free, but sightseers are invited to donate canned and dry goods or cash, to benefit families served by La Fe. Scenic Drive will be open only to one-way traffic during the event, accessible from Richmond/Alabama streets in Central El Paso. Cars proceed slowly westward with lights off to view the luminarias and the city lights of El Paso and Juárez. Drivers will also get to view Santa and his elves and a live Nativity scene. Volunteers and sponsors are always needed. Information: 534-7979.

Cumberland Circle — Luminarias and Christmas lights adorn the circle each Christmas Eve in the central El Paso neighborhood. From I-10, take Trowbridge northwest to Pennsylvania Ave. Pennsylvania leads directly into the circle. Eastridge Christmas lights — The residents of the Eastside subdivision of Eastridge participates each year in an elaborate neighborhood-wide holiday lights display. Lights are usually lit around the first week of December, and run through the holiday season. The subdivision is off McRae Blvd; turn west on Eastridge.

Ascarate Park Winter Wonderland — The county park and lake is lit for the holidays through early January. Hours are 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Thursday and to 11 p.m. Friday through Sunday. Admission is $1 per vehicle. Information: 772-5605. Page 8

El Paso Scene

Christmas Light Tour of El Paso — The popular Christmas trolley tours offer a nightly circuit through El Paso’s best-loved seasonal sights, including San Jacinto Plaza, Ascarate Park and Eastridge among other areas. The enclosed, heated trolley leaves the Convention Center at 6 p.m. Tickets sell out quickly, reservations required: El Paso Juarez Trolley Co., 544-0062.

Southern New Mexico Ruidoso Festival of Lights — The mountain village of Ruidoso will host several Christmas and holiday events though the Christmas season, beginning with the annual Lighting of the Village at dusk Friday, Nov. 27, in midtown. Information: 1-888-71-LIGHTS (714-4448) or RuidosoFOL.org. Christmas in the Park is 6 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 3, at School House Park. Includes lighting of the Southwest’s largest Christmas tree, music and caroling, sleigh rides and visits with Santa. Admission is free. Lincoln County Community Theater presents the family holiday presentation “Christmas Story” Dec. 4-6, and 11-13 at Ruidoso School Performing Arts Center, 125 Warrior Drive. Showtimes are 7 p.m. Friday and 2 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Call for admission. The annual “Parade of Lights” is 5:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 5, in downtown Ruidoso (from Sudderth/Mechem to Pizza Hut), featuring floats packed with seasonal decorations and lights. Special events are planned all day at Wingfield Park in midtown including musicians, carolers, children’s rides and more. The Annual ENMU-Ruidoso Community Choir Concert is 4 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 6, at the Spencer Theater. A Gingerbread house competition is Nov. 30Dec. 4, at Inn of the Mountain Gods on the Mescalero Apache reservation. Information: 1877-277-5677. Ski Apache’s Torch Light Parade is 5 to 8 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 19, at Ski Apache Resort. Veteran skiers carry lighted torches while descending the mountain. Indian fry bread, hot snacks and drinks available for purchase. Indian drumming begins at 5 p.m. with parade down the mountain at 6 p.m. Admission is free, but spectators are encouraged to arrive early.

Walk through Bethlehem — Angus Church of the Nazarene in Ruidoso will host 45-minute interactive walks through a recreated village of Bethlehem 6 to 8 p.m. Friday and Sunday, and 2 p.m. Saturday (with reservations) Nov. 27-29 and Dec. 4-6. The guided event features a cast of more than 60 actors and live animals. Visitors can interact with tax collectors, Roman soldiers, innkeepers, merchants, dancers, strolling minstrels and more, and learn about the world in which Jesus was born. Wheelchair friendly path. Admission is free. Information: (575) 336-8032 or angusnaz.com. Christmas in Cloudcroft — The Sacramento Mountain community’s holiday season events include: • Santa Land Celebrations are 6:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 28 and Dec. 19, in Zenith Park behind the Chamber of Commerce. Santa and Mrs. Claus arrive with treat candy and cookies. Also features a bonfire, marshmallow roast, hot chocolate and cider, holiday music, Cloudcroft’s famous Snow Faeries and games. Information: (575) 682-2733. • The 27th annual Pet Parade is 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 5, on Burro Avenue. Information: Gloria, (575) 921-1122.

Please see Page 9 December 2009

December Roundup Cont’d from Page 8 • Santa and Mrs. Claus arrive at The Lodge Wednesday, Dec. 24, for a reading of the “Twas The night Before Christmas,” hot cider and cookies served in the Trestle Room. Santa will visit again Christmas morning, and a special holiday buffet will be served. Information: (575) 682-2733 (Chamber of Commerce) or 1-800395-6343 (The Lodge).

Silver City Lighted Christmas Parade — The 18th annual Silver City Lighted Christmas Parade begins at 7 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 28, on Main Street. The parade is sponsored by Silver City MainStreet Project. Information: (575) 534-1700. The parade begins at the Grant County Courthouse in historic downtown Silver City, travels east on Broadway Street and turns north onto Bullard Street. The parade includes motorized floats, wagons or carts, lighted cars and bicycles, walking and other entries.

Downtown Ramble — The City of Las Cruces hosts an evening of music and art 5 to 7 p.m. the first Friday of the month at the Las Cruces Downtown Mall. Information: (575) 523-2950.

NMSU Library Holiday Open House — The New Mexico State University Library hosts a holiday open house, “Celebrating Past, Present and Future,” 2 to 4 p.m. Friday, Dec. 4. Tours will be given of space refurbishments in both Zuhl and Branson libraries, starting in the Zuhl Library lobby. Refreshments served at the end of the tours. Admission is free. Information: Kristina Martinez, (575) 646-3642.

City of Las Cruces Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony — The annual ceremo-

To get there: Take Interstate 25 north from Las Cruces to the NM 152 exit at Caballo, and go west 17 miles.

‘Night of Lights (Noche de Luminarias)’ — Southern New Mexico’s largest luminaria display is 6 to 8:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 6, on the New Mexico State University Campus. Continuing a 24-year tradition, more than 5,000 luminarias will light up the International Mall and the path from the Pan American Center to the Corbett Center Student Union. Free holiday entertainment and activities at Corbett Center, including horsedrawn trolley rides and caroling. Information: (575) 646-3200 or nmsu.edu.

Mesilla Plaza Christmas Tree Lighting

— The community tree lighting is Friday, Dec. 11, in the plaza. Mesilla Mayor Michael Cadena will switch on the tree at 6 p.m. Christmas music by San Albino Church Choir continues until 6:30 p.m. Shops will be open late for holiday shopping that day, refreshments and some locations. The tree will be decorated with ornaments created by students from Mesilla Elementary School. Admission is free. Information: (575) 524-3262, ext. 116 Mesilla is southwest of Las Cruces. Take I-10 West to the Avenida de Mesilla exit. The plaza is off NM Highway 28 (Avenida de Mesilla) south of I-10. Luminarias and Christmas music will be featured on the Plaza 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Christmas Eve. The Mesilla Singers choir will lead in the singing of Christmas carols, and luminarias will be lit around dusk.

Old-Fashioned Christmas — MainStreet Truth or Consequences presents the traditional holiday event 6 to 9 p.m. Friday, Dec. 11. Festivities begin with the tree lighting 6 p.m. at Evelyn Renfro Park. Santa will visit at the Teen

Center (Daniels and McAdoo). Carolers and the Hot Springs High School will perform at Broadway and Main. Festival of Lights on Austin Street includes food, music and more. Downtown businesses stay open late for holiday shopping, offering specials and treats. Wagons rides offered. Fire pits along Broadway will provide opportunities to roast marshmallows and s’mores. Other area events Saturday, Dec. 12 include the TorC Art Hop and the Elephant Butte Luminaria Beachwalk.

Alamogordo Christmas Parade — The annual lighted parade begins around 5 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 12, down 10th Street. Hosted by the Alamogordo Chamber of Commerce, the parade includes colorful floats, banners, marching bands and a special visit from Santa Claus. Information: (575) 437-6120. Elephant Beachwalk and Floating Lights parade — Elephant Butte State Park’s 15th annual luminaria walk and parade benefiting Make-A-Wish Foundation is 5 to 10 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 12. The parade begins at 6:30 p.m. The event features more than 3,500 luminarias, a boat and RV parade, 25 host camp fires, Santa Claus, hayrides, caroling, and lots of hot chocolate, cider and posole for everyone. An awards ceremony and community Christmas party to follow at 9: p.m. at the Elephant Butte Inn. Cost: $5 per car. Information: (575) 740-1777.

Fort Selden Luminaria Tours — The 11th annual holiday event at Fort Selden State Monument is 5 to 9 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 12. The trails and ruins of the 19th-century fort will be lit by candles, and visitors will be treated to hot chocolate, cookies and more. Admission is

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ny is 6 to 8:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 4, at Albert N. Johnson Park, corner of Main and Picacho in Las Cruces. The city has 100,000 lights in the trees at Johnson Park. The celebration includes music, refreshments and a visit from Santa Claus. Information: (575) 541-2000. Also that evening is the 5th annual Trail of Lights Luminaria Walk 6 to 8:30 p.m. at the Las Cruces Downtown Mall and Railroad museum, featuring cocoa, cookies, carols, model trail displays and more. Information: (575) 541-2288.

Luminarias on The Plaza — The City of Socorro, N.M. will host its 6th annual arts crawl 5 to 8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 4, on the historic plaza and several surrounding shops in Socorro. The event features, live music artwork, food and beverages. Admission is free. Information: (575) 835-8927. ‘TGIFF’ in Silver City — Several of historic Downtown Silver City’s restaurants, shops and “Red Dot” galleries will stay open late the first Friday of each month beginning Dec. 4 as part of the monthly “Thank God It’s First Friday” shopping event. Information: 1-800-548-9378 or silvercitymainstreet.com. On Saturday, Dec. 12, participating Downtown businesses will host sidewalk sales and other Christmas events through the day during the annual Downtown Holiday Celebration.

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‘Christmas in the Foothills’— The historic Black Range town of Hillsboro, N.M. invites Christmas shoppers for a holiday studio walk 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 5. The celebration includes open houses at art galleries and historic homes as well as holiday activities, and arts and crafts shows. Admission is free. Information: (575) 895-5797. December 2009

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December Roundup Cont’d from Page 9 free during the evening. Information: (575) 526-8911. From Las Cruces, take I-25 North to Exit 19. The monument, which preserves the ruins of the 19th century fort, is open 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. Admission is $3 (age 16 and under free).

‘Champagne! Chocolate! Art!’ — Temple Beth-El, 3980 Sonoma Springs in Las Cruces, will host an evening featuring works of art in a variety of media created by Jewish artists from Las Cruces and beyond, 4 to 8 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 13. The show will be accompanied by a selection of chocolate goodies and champagne. Admission: $20. Information: (575) 524-3380 or tbelc.org.

Victorian Christmas Evening — The

25th annual event is 4 to 9 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 17, at the Silver City Museum, 312 W. Broadway in the historic H.B. Ailman House. The old-fashioned community celebration features traditional music, decorations, costumed characters, children’s stories, hot mulled cider, plum pudding and other holiday treats. Admission: $3. Children accompanied by adult free. Information: (575) 538-5921 or silvercitymuseum.org.

Luminarias and Christmas Carols on the Plaza — Old Mesilla, N.M., turns into a wonderland of music and light beginning at dusk Christmas Eve, Thursday, Dec. 24, at San Albino Church and the surrounding historic plaza. Around 6,000 luminarias will be set up by Los Leones del Mesilla and the Las Cruces High School band, in cooperation with Mesilla merchants. The Mesilla Singers will lead singing of Christmas carols from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Friends of the Mesilla Fire Department will hold a candlelight service for public safety and military personnel, their family and friends at 6 p.m. Mesilla is southwest of Las Cruces. Take I-10 West to the Avenida de Mesilla exit. The plaza is off NM Highway 28 (Avenida de Mesilla) south of I-10. Admission is free. Information: (575) 524-3262, ext. 116.

Christmas on the Pecos — One of America’s top holiday traditions, the boat tour along the Pecos River runs Nov. 28-Dec. 31, in Carlsbad, N.M. The 17th annual event showcases the winter wonderland of more than 100 festively decorated houses. Twelve to 15 tours are offered nightly 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. The tours depart from Pecos River Village, which includes a gallery full of Southwestern gifts and refreshments and holiday lights. The George Washington runs Friday and Saturday only. No tours offered Christmas Eve. Tickets: $12.50 ($7.50 age 2-11) Sunday through Thursday, $17.50 ($12.50 age 2-11) Friday and Saturday. Children under 3 years of age are free if sitting on lap. Half length tours are $7. Tickets should be purchased in advance; many dates are sold out. Information: (575) 628-0952 or christmasonthepecos.com. A Calico Christmas arts and crafts show is Friday and Saturday, Nov. 27-28, with a Holiday Stroll and Electric Light Parade is Saturday, Nov. 28. A Sail With Santa event is 7 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 6 and 13. Cost: $15 (reservations required). A special El Paso bus trip to the event is Saturday, Dec. 12, sponsored by El Paso Scene and Si El Paso Tours. Reservations: 541-1308.

Mesilla Mercado — Local farmers and merchants sell a variety of merchandise at Old Page 10

El Paso Scene

Mesilla Plaza, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Fridays (beginning Oct. 1) and noon to 4 p.m. Sundays. The mercado includes jewelry, wood working, paintings, photos, religious items and clothing. Produce is sold seasonally; summer months are the ideal time to take advantage of the fresh fruits and vegetables. Live music is also featured. Admission is free. Information: Nick Eckert, (575) 524-3262, ext. 104.

New Year’s Eve Forum Ballroom New Year’s Eve Dance — Asi Band is featured at the Dec. 31 dance, 8 p.m. to 1 a.m. at The Forum, 3800 Mattox. Cost is $30, which includes party favors, beer and set-ups and menudo at midnight. Information: 598-4229.

Sunland Park New Year’s Eve — El Paso favorite Rhapsody will headline the New Year’s Eve celebration in the Signature Showroom at Sunland Park Racetrack & Casino Thursday, Dec. 31. Dinner offered 7 to 9 p.m. with music and dancing 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. Tickets: $35 (includes dinner buffet, entertainment, favors and champagne toasting); $200 table for eight. Tickets available from the track’s Group Sales office or Club Fiesta. Information/reservations: (575) 874-5200. A free party featuring music by Ekiz and party favors is 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. in the Franklin Lounge. No reservations needed.

New Year’s Eve Ball — 8 p.m. Thursday,

Dec. 31, in the El Paso County Coliseum, 4100 Paisano. Tickets: $35 (Ticketmaster).

New Year’s Eve party at Inn of Mountain Gods — Inn of the Mountain Gods Resort and Casino in Mescalero, N.M. will host its New Year’s Eve Celebration beginning at 8:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 31, featuring live entertainment a New Year’s Eve buffet, and champagne toast at midnight. Tickets: $100. Reservations recommended, seating is limited. Information/reservations: (800) 5459011 or (575) 464-7090.

Bazaars and fairs Turkish Food and Craft Fair — Raindrop Foundation will host its food and craft fair 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 28, at Raindrop Turkish House in El Paso, 1445 Bessemer Dr. Suite E-D, featuring authentic Turkish hand crafts. Featured items include Turkish Calligraphy Turkish Art Ebru (paper marbling), glass painting, souvenirs and Turkish food. Admission is free. Information: 633-8853 or raindropturkevi.org/elpaso. St. Thomas Aquinas Christmas Craft Fair — St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Community Church, 10970 Bywood, will host a Christmas fair 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 29. Information: Donna Murray, 591-2752.

Mission Trail Harvest Market — The first ever market is 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 29, at Veteran’s Memorial Plaza, 1500 Main Street in San Elizario, with more than 75 vendors selling arts and crafts, fall harvest goods and food. Live entertainment featured in the park gazebo. San Elizario historian Ben Sanchez will lead guided tours of the historical district throughout the day. Admission is free. Information: 594-8424 or MissionTrailArtMarket.com. ‘It’s Beginning to Look A Lot Like Christmas’ Craft Fair — Pebble Hills Elementary School, 11145 Edgemere, hosts its 13th annual holiday arts and crafts fair Saturday, Dec. 5. Sponsored by the Pebble Hills PTO.

Please see Page 11 December 2009

The 74th annual “Christmas in Lights” continues the holiday tradition of San Jacinto Plaza’s spectacular Christmas tree and displays, beginning Saturday, Dec. 5. The ceremony begins at 4:30 p.m. with live entertainment. The lighting of the 55-foot Christmas tree by Mayor John Cook and City Council members is at 5:55 p.m. followed by the 12th annual lighted Christmas parade at 6 p.m. (Photo by Rick Tate)

December Roundup Cont’d from Page 10 Vendors are needed. Information: Donna, 4345613.

Clendenin PTA Christmas fair — Clendenin Elementary School, 2701 Harrison, will host its 9th annual Christmas Craft Fair 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 5. Admission is free. Information: Ruben Campos, 231-2640.

Barron craft fair — The Barron PTA will host its first arts and craft fair 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 5, at Barron Elementary, 11155 Whitey Ford, featuring handmade items. Admission is free. Information: 849-4220. Kohlberg Winter Bazaar — The Kohlberg PTA will host its holiday bazaar 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 5, Kohlberg Elementary School, 1445 Nardo Goodman, with holiday gifts from a variety of vendors, Santa’s workshop for kids, pictures with Santa, entertainment and more. Admission is free; nominal fee for Santa’s workshop, food and pictures. Information: Melissa Sullivan, 8730766.

Old Fashioned Holiday La Casa Bazaar — The annual holiday bazaar featuring regional vendors is 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 5-6, at Dickerson’s Auction Barn, 3900 Picacho, Las Cruces. The bazaar features varieties of holiday gifts, arts and crafts; along with homemade treats and a silent auction of one-of-a-kind decorative mailboxes and birdhouses made by local artisans. Proceeds benefit La Casa Inc. shelter for victims of domestic violence. Admission: $3. Information: (575) 526-2819. The Preview Party is 5 to 8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 4, with early shopping opportunities and light refreshments. Holiday entertaining tips by the Big Red Chef, Lynn Linde and music by The Tuba Four. Admission: $12.

Desert Crossing Holiday Market — Ardovino’s Desert Crossing Restaurant and Banquet Facility will host its 5th annual market Sunday, Dec. 6, in the Sunset Hall. Limited vendor space still available, goods must be proDecember 2009

duced locally. Information: (575) 589-0653.

UU Christmas Bazaar — Unitarian Universalist Community of El Paso, 4425 Byron St., will host its annual Christmas Bazaar 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 6 and 13. The bazaar features handmade arts and crafts, other gift items, a bake sale and a white elephant table. Admission is free. Information: 562-4001 or uuelpaso.org. Harlequin Happy Holidaze Open House — The Hal Marcus Gallery, 800 N. Mesa (top floor), hosts its 35th annual Happy Holidaze Open House arts and craft fair 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 12, with 15 booths selling homemade teddy bears to handcrafted jewelry, organic soaps and more. Also shop for prints, calendars, mugs, miniature art and the largest selection of local cards in El Paso. All-day entertainment includes live music, magic and belly-dancers. Admission is free. Information: 533-9090 or halmarcus.com.

Holiday Open House Bazaar — Patou Velvet’s 8th annual bazaar and gift sale is 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 12, at 518 Randolph Drive in Sunset Heights, featuring new and vintage collectibles and gifts, original art and reproductions by Maria Socorro Muñoz and Omar Muñoz, handmade jewelry designs by Linda Muñoz and more. Admission is free. Information: 313-9892.

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Hanks Arts and Crafts Fair — The Hanks Wrestling Booster Club’s 3rd annual fair is 5 to 9 p.m. Friday, Dec. 18, at Hanks High School, 2001 Lee Trevino, featuring area vendors and live entertainment. Information: Joe, 593-4088 or Mike, 591-1160.

Southern New Mexico St. Genevieve’s Holiday show — The parish’s 23rd annual antique and craft show and sale is 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 28-29, at St. Genevieve’s Parish Hall, 1025 E. Las Cruces Ave., Las Cruces. More than 40 dealers from four states. Free appraisals. Food sales. Admission: $1.50 (children 12 and under free).

Please see Page 12 El Paso Scene

Page 11

December Roundup Cont’d from Page 11 Information: (575) 526-8624 or (575) 5244203.

Christkindl Market — The Community Center on White Sands Missile Range will host a traditional German Christmas market 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 3, in building 460, featuring shop vendors from the surrounding area. Pictures with Santa available for purchase 1 to 3 p.m. Information: (575) 678-4134.

Las Cruces Museums holiday sale — The City of Las Cruces’s museums will host a fundraising holiday sale of Mata Ortiz pottery, carved Oaxacan wooden animals and Zapotec rugs 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Friday and 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 4-5, at the Las Cruces Museum of Art Gift Shop, 490 N. Water Street in the Las Cruces Downtown Mall. Many of the museums’ regular items will also be on sale. All purchases will benefit the Foundation for Las Cruces Museums. Information: (575) 571-5894 or flcm.blogspot.com. Mata Ortiz pottery from the village of Casas Grandes, Mexico has become highly collectible in the past decades. One of the village’s master potters, Jorge Quintano, will be present to discuss Mata Ortiz pottery techniques. Zapotec rugs are hand-woven in a variety of colors and designs and are crafted in sizes from table runners to large floor rugs and wall hangings. Las Cruces Farmers & Crafts Market — Arts, crafts, produce, baked goods and other food items are offered at the market in Las Cruces’ Downtown Mall, 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Wednesdays and Saturdays, featuring approximately 200 area vendors. Information: (575) 541-2288 or lascrucesfarmersmarket.org.

Something for everyone World AIDS Day — Events are planned 10

a.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 1, at Bassett Place Mall, hosted by various organizations and nonprofits. the event features informational booths, HIV tasting, Frontera Pride Film Festival, HIV Awareness Commemoration and Funding announcement at 7 p.m. and more. Admission is free. Information: 356-0325.

Latinitas — The non-profit group for the empowerment of Latina youth offers regular media-related workshops, exhibits, camps and more. Information: 219-8554, or latinitasmagazine.org. October events: • Alliance for Latinitas Volunteer Orientation — 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 1, at Latinitas Headquarters, 1359 Lomaland, Suite 502. Information session held first Tuesday of every month. • Latinitas Open House — 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 8, at Latinitas Headquarters. • Teen Latinitas Workshops — A photography workshop is 1 to 3 p.m. for girls in grades 4-8, and a writing workshop is 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. for girls in grades 8-12, Saturday, Dec. 12, at Judge Marquez Public Library, 610 N. Yarbrough. Admission is free.

Dynamic Women2Women networking luncheons — The Women’s Business Border Center of the El Paso Hispanic Chamber of Commerce hosts an informational series to provide small business owners with a forum to network, discuss business challenges, and celebrate successes at 11:30 a.m. the first Thursday of each month. Everyone is invited. Admission Page 12

El Paso Scene

is free, lunch is optional on one’s own. Information/RSVP: Renee Hernandez 566-4066, Ext. 31, or hispanicwomenscenter.com. The Dec. 3 meeting is at Butterfield Trail Golf Course, 1858 Cottonwoods Drive.

Nonprofit Enterprise Center — 1359 Lomaland. All workshops and classes at the center, unless otherwise listed. Registration required: 590-1333 or [email protected]. Web: nonprofitec.org. • The monthly Nonprofit Connection networking gathering is 7:30 to 8:30 a.m. Friday, Dec. 4, at El Paso Bridges Academy, 901 Arizona. A different nonprofit organization hosts the meeting every month with coffee and pastries. RSVP encouraged. • Grant Research workshop — 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 16, at UTEP Library Room 204. Learn how to look for funding from foundations nationally, using FC Funding Search and more. Admission is free.

‘Holidazzle’ — Abundant Living Faith Center’s popular annual women’s Christmas event is 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 5, at the Camino Real Hotel, 101 S. El Paso. The event includes a fashion show, a shopping fair and luncheon with guest speakers. Event often sells out; early ticket reservations encouraged. Tickets information: 532-8543 or alfc.com.

‘Together for Autism’ conference — The Region 19 ESC training is 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday and Friday, Dec 10-11, at Head Start ESC-Region 19, 11670 Chito Samaniego. The conference is for educators, therapists, administrators, parents and everyone who works with individuals with autism. Cost: $125 for both days (early registration encouraged, as conference sells out every year). No on-site registration accepted. Information: Katherine Wellborn-Chacon, 780-5350. Online registration at esc19.net (event #9222). Thursday’s keynote session is “The View From Here: My Life With Autism” with Taylor and David Crowe, and Friday’s keynote session is “Look Me in the Eye: My Life With Asperger’s” by John Elder Robison. El Paso Hispanic Chamber of Commerce — 2401 E. Missouri. The chamber will host several workshops and networking events in December. Events are at the chamber offices and are free, unless otherwise listed. Information: 566-4066 or ephcc.org. • Payday Friday Goes Live: Maximizing Efficiency for Business Owners — Guest speaker, Michael Graham will host the final “Payday Friday Goes Live” session of the year at 9 a.m. Friday, Dec. 11. Call for reservations. • Certification Seminar — A seminar on “Doing Business with the Federal Government” is 2 p.m. Friday, Dec. 11, hosted by the El Paso Minority Business Enterprise Center. • General Membership Mercado — The 2009 membership event is 2 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 15. Call for details. •”Let’s Start Your Business!” — 10 a.m. Friday, Dec. 18. Learn business developments, projections, lending opportunities, marketing strategies, networking opportunities and more. Cost: $10 for startup guide.

‘Maximizing Technology’ seminar — ElectroSystems Engineers Inc. (ESEI), will the seminar “Maximizing Technology: Recommended Best Practices for proactive and efficient IT¡” 7:30 to 9 a.m. Friday, Dec. 11, at Hilton Garden Inn, 111 W. University. Learn what emerging technologies can do for a business. Admission is free. Information/registration: 587-7902 or esei.com.

Please see Page 13 December 2009

December Roundup Cont’d from Page 12 Biomedical Conference — The Paso Del Norte Children’s Medical Center will host a conference on Autism Spectrum disorders and AD(H)D 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 12, at Region 19’s Education Service Center, 6611 Boeing. Information: Norma Perez, 544-8484.

Chamizal Bookings — The Chamizal National Memorial is accepting applications through Dec. 15 for use of its 500-seat Memorial Theatre for July through December 2010. Selection process begins June 1. Application forms may be obtained at the Memorial’s administrative building reception desk 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Mondays through Fridays, and the Visitor Center information desk 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays, or online at nps.gov/cham. Information: 532-7273. Applications received after deadline considered on a space available basis only.

Bridge leagues — Duplicate bridge events are hosted every day except Saturday, at Decker Bridge Center, Unit 159, 2216 East Yandell. Duplicate bridge events are hosted everyday except Thursday and Saturday. Admission: $5. Information: 544-6565 or elpasobridge.com. Managers: Peggy Craig, 5810371 or Steve Nordberg, 833-5915.

For a good cause

‘Experience Your America’ – Chamizal

Christmas for Chihuahuita Motorcycle Run — The 25th annual motorcycle and car

National Memorial, 800 S. San Marcial, will host a free monthly story time program for preschool children at 10 a.m. the third Thursday of the month through May in the Los Paisanos Gallery. Children can also participate in creative activities based on themes of friendship, peace, and diplomacy. Schools, day-cares, and families may participate. Space is limited, advance reservations strongly suggested. Information/reservations: Dora Martinez, 5327273, Ext. 128, or [email protected].

Boys and Girls Club wine tasting — Boys and Girls Club of El Paso hosts its 2nd annual holiday event 6 to 9 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 3, at El Paso Museum of Art, with wines, food, raffles and more. Dress is holiday attire. Tickets: $100 at the door. Available on-line at bgcelpaso.org. Information/tickets: 532-7410.

run and parade is Friday, Dec. 4, beginning at the Quick Stop Store, 7301 North Loop (at Hawkins). Decorated bikes and cars will be on display beginning at 10 a.m. followed by bike and car judging at 11:30 a.m. The parade begins promptly at noon, led by Mr. and Mrs. Santa and their elves on motorcycle. All motorcycle groups and individuals as well as cars are invited to participate. The parade goes to participating local schools

to pick up toys for the annual party to be held later in December. Participation is free, and riders are welcome to bring candy for the school kids. Prizes will be given for the best decorated motorcycles and cars, and food, drink and door prizes offered for participants following the event. Information: Mickie Subia, 533-1208.

Holiday Dinner Party — El Paso Museum of Art, One Arts Festival Plaza, downtown El Paso, will host a fundraising party benefiting membership funds at 8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 4, with live entertainment. Cost: $75 ($50 members. Non-member cost includes an annual single’s level membership. RSVP/payment by Dec. 2. Information/reservations: 532-1707, ext 66, or elpasoartmuseum.org.

EPSO ‘Christmas Tour of Homes’ — El Paso Symphony Orchestra will feature five Upper Valley El Paso homes decked out in holi-

Please see Page 14

International Adoption Workshop — Great Wall China and Children of All Nations Adoption Agency will host a workshop for those interested in adoption 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 17, at El Paso Public Library’s Dorris Van Doren Branch, 551 Redd. The workshop will highlight information about the international adoption process for the countries of China, Ethiopia, Mexico, The Philippines and Rwanda. Admission is free. Information: 5258892 or gwca.org. Third Thursday at EPMA — The monthly event, geared towards “YoCos” (Young Cosmopolitans), is 5:30 to 8 p.m. the third Thursday of the month at the El Paso Museum of Art. Ages 18 and older welcome. Cost: $10 ($7 museum members). RSVP requested. Entrance fee waived for those who join the museum at the event. Information: 532-1707, ext. 13. The Dec. 17 event is “Sub Zero” featuring music by deejay Esteban Carrasco, food, beverages, Holiday cheer and an appearance by Santa. Prizes for the best holiday-inspired outfits. ‘Pastry Queen’ book signing and dinner — A book signing reception and dinner for Rebecca Rather, author of “Pastry Queen Parties: Entertaining Friends and Family, Texas Style” is Friday and Saturday, Dec. 18-19, at Blue Javalina in Marfa, Texas featuring prix fixe menus, specialty cocktails and other recipes by Rather and friends featured in the new book. Information/reservations: (432) 729-1919.

Christmas Village display — Hundreds of figurines make up one of El Paso’s most elaborate holiday displays, “Winter Wonderland,” on exhibit 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays through Jan. 2, in the auditorium of the MacGuire Administration Building of the Lee and Beulah Moor Children’s Home, 1100 Cliff Dr. The exhibit, donated by Dorothea Purvis, consists of hundreds of festive figurines and continues to grow bigger every year. Admission is free, but donations are accepted. Information: 5448777. Mecca Lounge Monthly Wine Social — Ardovino’s Desert Crossing in Sunland Park hosts the social at 7 p.m. the last Wednesday of each month (no wine social in December). Sample a selection of fine wines and light hors d’oeuvres. Cost is $15. Information, reservations: (575) 589-0653 ext 3. December 2009

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December Roundup Cont’d from Page 13 day cheer during its first home tour fundraising event 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 5-6. All homes are within a 6 mile radius. Tickets: $25 for all five homes; $20 military discount $20 military; $10 ages 5-12. No strollers allowed in the homes. Tour of one home is $7. Poinsettias will be on sale for $10, and vendors will have items for sales at different homes. Information: 532-3776 or epso.org. Homes: • 4849 Villa Encanto, owned by Villa Encanto L.P. The Tuscan style home will be decorated in a “Tuscan Holiday” theme by Lori McCuaig. Vendor is James Love Jeweler • 4480 Honey Willow owned by Mary Jane and Wayne Windle. The Mexican Hacienda will be decorated in a “Feliz Navidad” theme by Lisa Elbjorn. Vendor is The Pink Store. • 3601 Appaloosa in Santa Teresa owned by David Martinez. The Egyptian inspired home will feature a “Reyes Magos” theme by Caroline Whitmore. • 812 Forest Willow owned by Rose & Ameen Ayoub. Rose Ayoub will decorate the home in a “Winter Wonderland” with traditional gold, sil-

ver and bronze. Vendor is Pizzazz. • 808 Cervantes. Theme is “Deck The Halls” by Deanna’s Designs, who will also be the featured vendor.

Highland Presbyterian Bayberry Luncheon — Highland Presbyterian Church’s annual luncheon and bazaar is 11:30 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 5, at the church at 9210 Dyer. Admission: $2.50; proceeds benefit the church’s mission outreach. Information/reservations: 751-7709.

‘For Pet’s Sake III’ — The benefit for Deming Animal Guardians is 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 12, at B&D Outback Framing, 2111 Columbus Road, Deming, featuring a silent auction of art, collectibles, gems and other items. All items will have a “Buy it Now” price listed and are subject to immediate sale. Admission is free; food dry dog and cat food donations welcome. Raffle tickets available for $1. Information: (575) 544-2209.

Black Tie Dance Party at the Buffalo – Mimbres Region Arts Council presents its 28th gala fundraiser “A Gilded Gala,” with gourmet hors d’oeuvres and dessert, dancing, and live blues/rock by Phoenix band the Jump Back Brothers at 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 19, at the Buffalo Dance Hall in Silver City, N.M. This

year’s Venetian Carnival theme celebrates the council’s 30th anniversary. Dress is formal attire; bring a mask. Tickets: $30. Advance tickets available at the Arts Council office in the Wells Fargo Bank building, Century 21Thompson Realty and Syzygy Tile Works in Silver City. Information: 1-888-758-7289 or mimbresarts.org.

Nova Luna charity event — Music Land El Paso and Nova Luna will host a charity musical outreach benefiting the Marines’ “Toys for Tots” 1 to 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 19, at 2270 Joe Battle Suite-J (parking lot), featuring live music from headlining bands such as the Apollo Mind and art from the UTEP Art Department. Information: 526-3959 or musiclandep.com.

Operation Santa Claus — For more than 52 years Op Santa has been collecting new and used toys and bikes for the needy children of the El Paso/Fort Bliss area. Toys and bicycles may be dropped off at the Fort Bliss Op Santa warehouse, Bldg. 1123, Monday through Friday or at any El Paso Fire Station, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. For a pickup, call 568-1010. Donations to “Operation Santa Claus” can be mailed to Op Santa, Inc. P.O. Box 16270, Fort Bliss, TX 79906. All funds are for parts and supplies and no funds are paid to any staff.

Information: 568-8904 or blissmwr.com.

El Paso Humane Society — Regular adoption hours are 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Sunday (closed last Sunday of each month), at 4991 Fred Wilson. All pets are spayed/neutered, microchipped, licensed and vaccinated. Adoption fees: $100 (additional $8 for pets four months age or older for city rabies certificate). Information: 532-6971 or hselpaso.org. Blanket Drive — El Paso Fire Department and Extreme Weather Task Force is collecting new blankets to very young, elderly and/infirmed in need through the winter months. The purpose is to helps prevent cold weather and carbon monoxide emergencies in the El Paso area. Recommendations for those in need of blankets are also being taken. Information/donations: Ray Resendez, 849-4005 or ci.el-paso.tx.us/weather_task_force/. Those in need of blankets may call 2-1-1 Texas for assistance. Blankets may be dropped off at all El Paso Fire Department stations and the El Paso County Sheriff’s offices throughout the cold weather months. The task force only accepts new blankets and monetary donations.

Holiday donations — Here’s a list of places in El Paso to consider for holiday donations for the needy. Call beforehand to find out what items are needed: • Rescue Mission of El Paso, 1949 W. Paisano Dr, El Paso TX 79922, 532-1941. • Goodwill Industries, 7015 Alameda, 7783371. • Project Bravo, 4838 Montana, 562-4100. • United Way of El Paso, 1918 Texas, 5332434. • Salvation Army El Paso, 4300 E. Paisano, 5449811. • Houchen Community Center, 609 S. Tays St, El Paso TX 79901, 533-6445. • El Paso Opportunity Center/Coalition for the Homeless, 1208 Myrtle, 577-0069. • West Texas Food Bank, 3727 Shell St., 5951060.

Kiwanis American flag campaign — Kiwanis Clubs of El Paso is working with other area non-profits to fly American flags in front of any business or home in the El Paso during Memorial Day, Flag Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Veterans Day and other national holidays. A 3’ x 5’ flag will be placed on a tenfoot pole in front of homes or businesses for annual donation to the cause of $25-$100. Corporate sponsorships available beginning at $1,000 (25 flags). Information: 833-2269. The Kiwanis’ goal is to make El Paso the nation’s “most patriotic city” by having flags in front of all area businesses and residences during patriotic holidays.

An Evening with the Stars – El Paso Chapter, The Links Inc. hosts its 3rd annual elegant evening of dinner, dancing and awards recognizing the commitment of individuals who have made a bright difference in our community at 6:30 p.m. Friday, Jan. 15, at the Wyndham Airport Hotel. Events also include a silent auction and raffle. All attending will receive a 2010 calendar of “Stars”. Tickets $50. Information: 598-9499, 593-5738 or 877-3647. The 2010 “Stars” are Mayme Avent, UTEP Head Coach Tony Barbee, Elora Brotherton, Commander Paul Cross, Dr. Maceo Daily, Cheryll Graves, Bishop Richard and 1st Lady Adele Johnson, Raymond Lundy Md., Nick

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El Paso Scene

December 2009

December Roundup Cont’d from Page 14 Miller, Suzanne “Sudy” Todd, Loralee Tucker, and El Paso County Sheriff Richard D. Wiles.

Fort Bliss Anyone entering Fort Bliss must obtain a gate pass. Driver’s license, car insurance and registration required.

Fort Bliss Tree Lighting ceremonies — The annual holiday tree lighting events are planned throughout the fort. Events include singing, refreshments and more. Admission is free, and the public is invited. Information: 5684505. • 6 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 1 — Main Post Chapel lighting, Building 315. • 5 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 6 — Guardian of Defenders Chapel, Building 1542. • 6 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 9 — USASMA Chapel, Building 11275.

‘Around the World’ Holiday Festival — Holiday traditions from around the world are showcased at 5 p.m. Friday, Dec. 4, at Fort Bliss’s Biggs Park. Enjoy traditional foods, crafts and games from the United States, Germany, Spain, Italy and Korea. Santa will also be available for pictures (bring a camera). Information: 588-8247. Christmas Open House — The Fort Bliss Officer, Civilian and Spouse Association will host an open house arts and crafts event 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 4-5, at A Little Bit of Bliss, 2011 Sheridan Road on Fort Bliss. Handcrafted items for sale, refreshments and door prizes offered. A portion of event profits go the FBOCSA’s scholarship and giving funds which benefit organizations throughout the Fort Bliss and El Paso community. Admission is free. Information: 562-7467 or fbocsa.com. Visitors may enter the Cassidy and Robert E. Lee gates for a Day Pass (need: proof of insurance, registration and valid driver’s license).

Army vs. Navy game broadcast — Pregame festivities begin at 10 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 12, at the Fort Bliss Centennial Pub and Patio, with complementary food and beverages during the game. Admission is free. Information: 744-8427. The Army-Navy Game (United States Military Academy’s Black Knights vs. the Midshipmen of the United States Naval Academy) is generally played on the last weekend of the college football regular season. Fort Bliss Christmas Brunch — Fort Bliss will host its traditional Christmas brunch 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 20, at the Centennial Banquet and Conference Center with a variety of lunch choices, and a visit from Santa Claus. Cost: $15.95 (half price for children 7-11, free for age 6 and younger). Reservations required. Information/reservations: 562-5969 or 744-9330. 2010 Soldier Show auditions — Soldiers interested in auditioning for the 2010 U.S. Army Soldier Show may do so by mailing audition packets through Dec. 31 to the U.S. Army Entertainment Division. Cast and crew members are needed for performance and technical positions. Information: armyentertainment.net, or [email protected]. Auditions are open to active duty, Army Reserve and National Guard soldiers with sufficient time in service remaining. Reserve and Guard Soldiers must be activated for the duration of the tour. Fort Bliss Sun Bowl Brunch — The annual Sun Bowl Brunch is 9 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 31, in at Fort Bliss’s Pace Hall. Cost: $11, $6 age 7-11, free for ages 6 and younger). Shuttle to the game follows brunch. Reservations required Information/reservations: 744-8427. Fort Bliss residents may purchase discounted Sun Bowl game tickets at ITR, Building 1734: 568-7506. Fort Bliss New Year’s — Fort Bliss will host the following New Year’s celebrations to

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December 2009

El Paso Scene

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El Paso Scene

December 2009

December Roundup

Club news

Cont’d from Page 15

American Association of University Women — The El Paso Branch of AAUW will

ring in 2010: • Fort Bliss New Year’s Eve Masquerade — The Centennial Club at Fort Bliss will host a New Year’s Eve masquerade party at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 31, featuring dinner, party favors, champagne and breakfast. Music by the Mike Caranda Orchestra. Dinner served at 8 p.m. Formal wear required; patrons should bring their own mask. Admission: $60 ($100 per couple). Reservations required: 744-8427. • The base’s Desert Strike Lanes will host New Year’s celebrations including a family-friendly party and adult party. Information: 568-6272. The Strike Lounge will offer snacks, beverages, bowling and entertainment for ages 18 and older 8 p.m. to 2 p.m. Admission: $12. All ages can participate in an “all-you-canbowl” celebration 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Admission: $10.

host its Christmas Party at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 1, at Lancer’s Club West, 6006 N. Mesa, 11th floor. Bring a wrapped shoe box filled with clothes or toys for children to support the Border Ministries’ Christmas Shoe Box Drive. Open to all women who are college graduates. Cost: $13 ($8 members). Reservations/information: 861-1223.

Woodworkers Club of El Paso — The

club’s monthly meeting is 7 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 1, at 3228 Sacramento (back of building). Bob Bonner will demonstrate a sled for cutting staves on the table saw and a jig for cutting rings on the lathe. Information: 584-5709. The club’s showroom at the meeting site features many handmade wooden items for sale. Hours are 8 a.m. to noon Tuesday through Saturday.

Germania Club — The Germania Club of El

pistol shooting competitions are held almost every weekend at the Fort Bliss Rod & Gun Club — visitors can watch for free, food available at the clubhouse snack bar. To get there: Take Railroad Drive to Deer; turn right. Information: 568-2983.

Paso’s monthly luncheon is 11:30 a.m. Friday, Dec. 4, at the German Community Center (Soldatenstube), Robert E. Lee Road, Building 5095, Fort Bliss. Newcomers always welcome. Information: 595-1108 or 755-5471. The annual Christmas party is 5 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 12, at the center. Reservations by Dec. 5: 595-1108 or 755-5471.

Old Fort Bliss — Building 5051, corner of

Westside Welcome Club — The group is

Fort Bliss Rod & Gun Club — Rifle and

Pershing and Pleasanton Roads, Fort Bliss. The Old West days of the “Soldiers of the Pass” are relived through replicas of the original adobe fort buildings and military artifacts, Magoffinsville Post 1854 to 1868. Admission: free. Hours: Daily 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Information: 568-3137.

December 2009

open to both newcomers and long-time residents. The club’s monthly free newcomers’ coffee is 10 a.m. Friday, Dec. 4, at 12 Double Eagle. Information: 588-9335 or 581-2314. The holiday luncheon is 11:30 a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 9, at El Paso Country Club, 5000 Country Club Place. Entertainment includes Coronado

High School Choir, the Jewish Academy Choir and the Christmas Singing Elf. Cost: $19. Reservations (by Dec. 4): (575) 589-4198 or 845-3379. Soldiers from Fort Bliss will arrive after the luncheon to pick up toys donated by club members of Operation Santa Claus. A holiday bazaar precedes the luncheon 10 to 11:30 a.m. The public is welcome.

Singles in the Son - The group develops friendships between Christian singles from 25 to 45 years old. All denominations are welcome and there are no costs for membership. Bible study starting soon. Information: Andy, 4711997 or [email protected]. Special Saturday events: • Dec. 5 — Dinner and Rhino Hockey • Dec. 12 – Christmas Party • Dec. 19 – Dinner and “A Christmas Carol” • Dec. 26 – Dinner and Movie.

Macintosh Users Group — The El Paso Macintosh Users Group is open to anyone interested in Apple Macintosh computers. The group’s monthly meeting and demonstration is 9:30 a.m. to noon the first Saturday of the month (Dec. 5) at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church basement, 1000 Montana (enter in alley). Admission is free for visitors and UTEP students. Information: 566-2201 or epmug.org.

El Paso Scale Model Society — The society will host its monthly meeting and winter contest at 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 6, in the St. Paul’s United Methodist Church Fellowship Hall, 7000 Edgemere. Formed in 1969, it is a chartered chapter of the International Plastic Model Society, U.S. Branch. Information: 5986957.

El Paso Writers’ League — The league’s

annual luncheon is noon Saturday, Dec. 12, at

El Paso Scene

the Lancer’s Club VIP Room, 6006 N. Mesa. The event features the winners of the league’s annual contest and the swearing-in of new officers. Admission: $20. Information: 886-3136 or elpasowritersleague.org. El Paso Writers’ League will celebrate its 75th anniversary in 2010.

Paso del Norte Quilt Guild — The guild’s monthly meeting is 9 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 12, at University Presbyterian Church, 224 N. Resler. This month’s meeting includes their holiday party. Anyone interested in quilting is welcome, no experience needed. Information: Sharon Geddes, 581-0432.

El Paso Quilters’ Association — The association will host a potluck dinner 6:30 to 9 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 17, at St. Andrew Presbyterian Church, 2155 Wedgewood. Anyone interested in quilting is invited to attend. Admission is free. Information: 7796785 or 851-3145. L’Alliance Française d’El Paso — The group promotes French culture and offers francophiles the opportunity to use the French language in a variety of activities. Information: 5851789, 845-6535 or afofelpaso.com. The Christmas dinner is 6 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 19, at Lancer’s Club, 6006 N Mesa. Reservations by Dec. 12: 833-8705 or 5982640. Registration is being taken for the spring 2010 French classes for adults and children; beginner to advanced. Classes begin the week of Jan 19, and run 12 weeks. Adult classes offered on both the East and West Wide, and children’s classes are on the West Side. Most teachers are French natives. Information: François, 875-1696

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NMSU Department of Music — Performances are at the NMSU Atkinson (Music Center) Recital Hall. Shows begin at 7:30 p.m., unless listed otherwise. Ticket information: (575) 646-2421 or nmsu.edu/~music/. • New Horizons Band — 3 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 29, and 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 12. • Honors Recital — Sunday, Dec. 6. • Mesilla Valley Concert Band — 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 13. Admission is free.

Las Cruces Symphony – The symphony, under the direction of Lonnie Klein, performs Dec. 5-6 at the NMSU’s Atkinson Recital Hall with guest artist Stefan Jackiw, violin. Selections include Mozart’s Overture to “Don Giovanni,” Sibelius’s Violin Concerto and Tchaikovsky’s Suite from “Sleeping Beauty.” Performances are 7:30 p.m. Saturday and 3 p.m. Sunday. Release tickets available on a limited basis; $35, $40 and $45. Information: (575) 646-3709 or lascrucessymphony.com. A luncheon with Maestro Klein is 11:30 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 3, at Ramada Palms Hotel Conference Center, featuring a preview of the performance’s music. Cost: $16. A Friday at the Symphony dress rehearsal is at

7:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 4. Tickets are $15 ($5 students with ID).

New Desert Harmony Singers — The choral group, directed by Dave Kinkaid, and Center for the Arts at NMSU present an evening of Christmas song 7 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 3, at NMSU’s Corbett Center ballrooms, in Las Cruces. Special guest performers are the Crimson Chord Company. Dessert, champagne and sparkling cider served. Santa will also make an appearance. Proceeds benefit the Center for the Arts. Time to be announced. Tickets: $25 ($300 table sponsorships); available at Pan American Ticket Office, through Ticketmaster or at Hubbard’s Music, 1108 Wyatt; Cutter Gallery, 2640 El Paseo; White’s Music Box, 200 S. Downtown Mall in Las Cruces. Information: (575) 646-2008 or newdesertharmonysingers.blogspot.com.

The show features traditional holiday songs including “Sleigh Ride,” “There’s No Place Like Home for the Holidays,” “Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas,” “Merry Christmas Darling,” “Santa Baby,” “O Holy Night”, “Sweet Little Jesus Boy,” “Silent Night,” “Breath of Heaven” and more.

‘Seasons Greetings’ – El Paso Wind Symphony presents a begins its 2009-2010 “It’s All About the Band” season with a holidaythemed performance at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 4 at UTEP’s Fox Fine Arts Recital Hall. Tickets: $12.50 ($7.50 students). Information: 7605599. The El Paso Wind Symphony, directed by Dr. Ron Hufstader, includes woodwind, brass and percussion.

‘Navidad de Las Luminarias’— The Chapel at Loretto Academy provides the elegant English cathedral setting for the Bruce Nehring Consort’s annual holiday concerts Dec. 4-6. The program of sacred Christmas music ranges from Renaissance to contemporary, including international carol and melodies with the Consort Singers, organist Lester Ackerman and the Quintessential Brass. Nehring conducts. The Chapel, 1400 Hardaway at Trowbridge, will be decorated with luminarias, poinsettias and white lights. Performances are 7:45 p.m. Friday, 2:30, 5 and 8 p.m. Saturday and 2:30, 5 and 8 p.m. and 2:30 and 5 p.m. Sunday. Tickets: $15 ($10 senior/military; $5 students). Discounts are available with advance purchase only. Information: 534-7664. ‘The Gift of Christmas’ choir concerts — The musical holiday celebrations, presented by the El Paso Choral Society, are Dec. 4-6 at Trinity-First United Methodist Church, 801 N. Mesa. The Young Ladies Choir and harpist Sage Po will perform with the Girls Choir and El Paso Brass at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 4. Tickets are $10 ($8 seniors and military, $5 students). The Young Ladies Choir will perform with the Prentice Loftin Singers and El Paso Brass at 7:30 p.m. Saturday and 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 5-6. Tickets are $15, $10 and $5. Information: 833-0263 or elpasoconservatory.org. The Young Ladies Choir recently was featured on NPR’s “From the Top” radio show, in a program taped in El Paso.

Franklin High Guitar Concert — The

annual winter concert is 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 4, at the Franklin High School Fine Arts Theater, 900 N. Resler. Led by instructor Stefan Schyga, one of El Paso’s best-known guitarists, Franklin guitar students will perform music by such artists as Al Di Meola, Paco De Lucia, Strunz & Farah, Stevie Ray Vaughn and more including classical, jazz, Flamenco and rock styles. Students will also perform original music they are composing for their 2010 Recording Project. Proceeds benefit the guitar program and its students. Admission: $5. Information: 832-6600 or franklinguitar.com.

‘Navidad de Las Luminarias’— The Chapel at Loretto Academy provides the elegant English cathedral setting for the Bruce Nehring Consort’s annual holiday concerts Dec. 4-6. The program of sacred Christmas music ranges from Renaissance to contemporary, including international carol and melodies Page 18

El Paso Scene

with the Consort Singers, organist Lester Ackerman and the Quintessential Brass. Nehring conducts. The Chapel, 1400 Hardaway at Trowbridge, will be decorated with luminarias, poinsettias and white lights. Performances are 7:45 p.m. Friday, 2:30, 5 and 8 p.m. Saturday and 2:30, 5 and 8 p.m. and 2:30 and 5 p.m. Sunday. Tickets: $15 ($10 senior/military; $5 students). Discounts are available with advance purchase only. Information: 534-7664.

‘Amazing Magical Musical Adventures’ — Las Cruces Friends of Chamber Music and No Strings Theatre Company present a monthly series of children’s programs at 2 p.m. selected Saturdays at the Black Box Theatre, 430 N. Downtown Mall, in Las Cruces. Material is aimed at audiences age 4-10, but all ages welcome. Admission: $5. Reservations recommended: (575) 523-1223 or no-strings.org. The Dec. 5 performance is “Ludwig van B’s Birthday Bash” celebrating the 239th birthday of Beethoven. The celebration features music, games, guest artists, birthday cake, party favors, and a visit with the man himself, played by Daniel Sandino-Malloy.

Coronado String-a-thon — The Coronado High School Orchestra’s annual fundraising event is 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 12, at the Lee Ross Capshaw Fine Arts Building Auditorium at Coronado High School (on Cloudview). The orchestra will perform a selection of holiday, classical and popular music continuously throughout the day. Guest performances include the Morehead Middle School Orchestra at 2 p.m. and the Lincoln Middle School Orchestra at 3 p.m. Admission is free, but donations are sought to benefit the orchestra. Information: 834-2460.

A Winter Holiday Spectacular — El Paso Youth Symphony Orchestra, led by Maestro Phillip Gabriel Garcia, performs its annual holiday concert at 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 12, at the La Fe Culture and Technology Center, 721 S. Ochoa. Call for admission price. Information: 820-2952, EPYSO.com.

‘A Holiday Afternoon Concert’ — El Paso Symphony Orchestra will perform a family concert of traditional holiday music at 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 13, at the Plaza Theatre. The orchestra will perform holiday favorites from all over the world. The El Paso Chorale Children’s Choir performs before the concert, and hot cocoa and cookies served during intermission. Tickets: $21.50 ($11.50 for seniors, military and students; $6.50 children under 12). Family packages available. Information: 532-3776 or 566-4066. The concert will be performed by the El Paso Symphony Orchestra under the direction of conductor and El Paso native, Andres Moran. Also performing are El Paso Chorale Young Ladies Choir and jazz diva Candice Reyes. Guest conductor is David Stevens, CEO of El Paso Electric Co. Proceeds from the event benefit El Paso Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Education Foundation and the Step Up and Aim High Partners to provide financial assistance to area students.

‘Gloria in D Major, R.589’ — Trinity-First United Methodist Church Sanctuary Choir and Orchestra presents its annual Christmas performance featuring the Antonio Vivaldi classic 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 20, in the church sanctuary, 801 N. Mesa, with soloists and a special guest appearance by the Quintessential Brass. A worship service performance is at 11 a.m. Admission is free. Information: 533-2674 or trinity-first.org. December 2009

All phone numbers listed are in Juaréz.

Cibeles Convention Center — Av. Tomás Fernández 8450, between Calle Portales and Antonio J. Bermudez, Zona Campestre. • A Las Vegas-style Casino Night is Thursday, Dec. 3, presenting homes in La Florida development. • New Year’s Eve dinner dance begins at 8 p.m. Dec. 31. Admission is 350 pesos (650 with dinner). Information: Cristina Alonso, 6880592/93/80 ext. 305.

Museo de INBA — Circuito Jose Reyes Estrada, Zona Pronaf, in Juarez. Open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday. Information: 616-7414. Admission is free. • A guitar concert by Maestro Miguel Alcazar is at 7 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 3. Alcarar is a concert musician from Buenos Aires, composer of the opera “La Mujer y su sombra” and author of “La Historia de la Guitarra.” Alcazar will perform works by Neusider, Handel, Sor and Torina. • Showing through December: Art exhibits by Cecilia Briones “La Catrina,” who presents her “Desde el Precipio” show; and Angel Parra, “Ecos del Silencio.”

Cafebreria S&L — Anillo envolvent Prona and Coyorcan (orange building across from Museo INBA). Information: 6116541 or cafebreria.wordpress.com. • 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 4: Book presentation by Hector Padilla. • 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 5: Jorge Lopez Lando presents his book and disc, “Lupus.” • 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 12: Roundtable discusson “Taller de Novela vs. Taller de Poesia, hosted by Jose Juna Aboytia. Hotel Ramada — (formerly the Plaza Juárez Holiday Inn) Av. Lincoln 722 Pronaf. Saxophonist Eugenio “Bid One” performs a dinner show at 8:30 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 8, to benefit Las Hormigas Comunidad en Desarollo, A.C. Tickets are 500 pesos. Information: 6273472 or 6169886. Cafebreria S&L — Anillo envolvent Prona and Coyorcan (orange building across from Museo INBA). Information: 6116541 or cafebreria.wordpress.com. • 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 4: Book presentation by Hector Padilla. • 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 5: Jorge Lopez Lando

presents his book and disc, “Lupus.” • 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 12: Roundtable discusson “Taller de Novela vs. Taller de Poesia, hosted by Jose Juna Aboytia.

Hotel Ramada — (formerly the Plaza Juárez Holiday Inn) Av. Lincoln 722 Pronaf. Saxophonist Eugenio “Bid One” performs a dinner show at 8:30 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 8, to benefit Las Hormigas Comunidad en Desarollo, A.C. Tickets are 500 pesos. Information: 6273472 or 6169886.

Centro Cultural Paso del Norte — Av. Henry Durant, Zona Pronaf, across from the Red Cross. Information: 1730300 or ccpn.com.mx. • The play “Un Amante a la Medida” is performed at 7 and 9:30 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 15, featuring William Levy, Fernando Carrillo, Alexis Ayala, Lorena Velazquez and Gina Romano. Tickets: 6134444. • A live broadcast of the New York Met’s performance of the opera, “Les Contes de Hoffman” by Offenbach is Saturday, Dec. 19. Tickets are 50, 100 and 150 pesos.

Impulsa fundraiser — To raise funds to benefit education Impulsa is selling hand-decorated Christmas bags for gifts. Price is 50 to 80 pesos per bag. Information: [email protected] or 6296247/48. Delivery available for large orders

Museo del Chamizal — Chamizal Park, Juárez (next to the Bridge of the Americas). The museum features an exhibit of preColumbian artifacts, as well as paintings and sculptures from well-known local and international artists. Hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. Admission is free except as listed. Information: 611-1048. Continuing through December: “El Silencio de mis Emociones,” an exhibit by abstract/romantic artist Lucy Escobedo.

‘Por Amor al Arte’ — The radio show, covering all aspects of the arts in Juárez, airs 3 to 5 p.m. Sundays on 860 AM. The show includes music, interviews, reviews of events, recommendations of books and movies, conducted by Lupe Fileta and Olga Liset Olivas. Information: 806Noticias.com.mx. — Juárez correspondent Walter Schaefer 2 022988 ([email protected])

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Ballet Folklórico Churuhui — The group performs dances from the different regions of Mexico at 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 3 p.m. Sunday Nov. 27-29, at the Chamizal National Memorial, 800 S. San Marcial. Admission: $5. Information: 588-5743.

Big Band Dance Club — The club hosts dances to live music 8 to 10 p.m. Thursdays at Las Cruces Country Club, 2700 N. Main, in Las Cruces. Styles include ballroom, swing, and Latin styles. No event Christmas Eve. Cost: $7 ($6 members) age 21 and older welcome. Dress code enforced. Information: (575) 5240500, (575) 523-4322, or bigbanddanceclub.org. • Dec. 3 and 17 — High Society Orchestra. • Dec. 10 — Bob Burns-Mike Caranda Combo. A holiday party is 8 to 10 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 26, featuring the High Society Orchestra. Semiformal attire; no dance lessons. Location and cost same as Thursday events.

Contra Dancing — The Southern New Mexico Music and Dance Society’s monthly contra dance is 7:30 to 10:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 4, at Mesilla Community Center, 2251 Calle de Santiago, Mesilla (2 blocks west of plaza). Newcomers always welcome; beginner lessons promptly at 7 p.m. No partners needed. Cost: $5 ($2 age 16 and younger). Information: (575) 993-4426. Caller is Tamara Lowenthal with music by Jamie Gans and Friends from Bloomington Ind., Cape Breton and New England.

Christmas Dance — USA Dance, Chapter 5017, will host a holiday dinner and dance 6 to 11 p.m. Friday, Dec. 4, at Lancer’s Club East, 3135 Trawood, featuring dinner buffet, dance lessons, entertainment and dancing. Dress is

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formal, singles welcome. Admission: $45 ($10 members); please purchase by Nov. 25. Tickets available at Shundo Dance Studio, 2719 N. Stanton (532-2043) or El Paso Ballroom Dance Academy, 7220 N. Mesa, (585-0090). Information: Louise Rice, 833-8496 or Yolanda Gonzalez, 539-1227.

Danzas Españolas — The dance troupe under the direction of Nina Gomez celebrates its 25th anniversary with the Flamenco cafe dinner show “Touch the Silver Lining” at 8 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 5, at La Tierra Cafe, 1731 Montana. Doors open at 6 p.m., dinner served at 7 p.m. Admission: $32. Seating limited; reservations required. Information: 533-8890.

‘Tis the Season’ — NMSU’s Dance Department’s holiday performance is 7 p.m. Saturday and 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 5-6, Oñate High School’s Performing Arts Center in Las Cruces. Ticket information: (575) 646-2070. Nutcracker Ballet — El Paso Conservatory of Dance’s El Paso Youth Ballet will present the full-length “Nutcracker” at 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Dec. 11-12, at the El Paso High School Auditorium, 800 E. Schuster, featuring the choreography of Erick Campos from the Compañia Nacional de Danza in Mexico City. Tickets: $10, available at the door or at Hitchkick, 6529 N. Mesa; Champion Studio, 12410 Montwood; Dance Designs, 927 Raynolds and CalTV Homestores’ four locations. Information: Marta Katz, 252-5601.

Winter dance recital — Imagine Dance Academy will host its 4th winter recital 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 12-13, at the Scottish Rite Temple, 301 W. Missouri, featuring dancers age 3 to adult performing ballet, hiphop, belly dancing, pre-ballet, Hawaiian, Tahitian and jazz. Admission: $5 in advance (at the studio, 11440 Montwood), $10 at the door. Information: 855-0014, 591-8394 or imaginedanceacademy.com. ‘The Nutcracker Ballet’ — The Las Cruces Chamber Ballet’s 26th annual production of Tchaikovsky’s Christmas classic featuring more than 70 dancers of all ages is 7 p.m. Thursday through Sunday, Dec. 17-20 at the NMSU Atkinson (Music Center) Music Recital Hall, corner of N. Horseshoe and Espina. Tickets are $18 and $20. (Ticketmaster). Information: Pan Am Center ticket office, (575) 646-1420 or Michelle’s Dance Academy, (575) 527-1893.

‘Mexico Lindo y Querido’ — Ballet Folklórico Quetzales, under the direction of Jaime Carrasco, celebrates its 20th anniversary at 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 18-20, at Chamizal National Memorial, 800 S. San Marcial, featuring colorful choreography with foundations in traditional Mexican folk dances in a tour of the myths, legends and artistic essence of Mexico. Live music by Grupo Mixteco. Tickets: $7 (free for ages 5 and younger); available at front desk one-half hour before show. Information: 383-6754, 307-

El Paso Scene

0617, 525-5919 or folkloricoquetzales.com. “Quetzales” refers to Indian dances performed in the villages south of Veracruz and in the mountain areas of Puebla and Hidalgo. The ballet company has traveled to Europe, North Africa and the Middle East to perform in various festivals.

The Ballet Centre — The Ballet Centre School of Classical Dance presents an evening of classical and contemporary ballet at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 19, at El Paso High School Auditorium, 800 E. Schuster. Admission is free. Information: 544-4348. The Ballet Centre School of Classical Dance is under the direction of ballet master David Alejandro Duran, who served as Children’s Ballet Master for Ballet El Paso as well as dance captain for Viva El Paso.

‘The Great Russian Nutcracker’ — The Moscow Ballet presents the 16th anniversary of this holiday classic at 4 and 8 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 20, at the Plaza Theatre. Tickets: $26, $36, $46, $66 and $86, plus service charge. VIP seating: $98.50. (Ticketmaster). Information: nutcracker.com. Featuring spectacular sets and beautifully costumed Russian dancers, Moscow Ballet’s Great Russian Nutcracker uses whimsical and imaginative storytelling blended with the richness of Russian classical dance. This year’s tour stars the ballet world’s Prima Ballerina, Cristina Terentieva and her partner Alexei. Terentieva is a Gold Medalist of the 2008 Varna International Ballet Competition where Vladimir Vasiliev of the Bolshoi bestowed upon her the highest honors. Also starring is the award winning couple Akzhol Mussakhanov and Ekaterina Bortykova.

December 2009

For event tickets sold through Ticketmaster, call 544-8444 or go to ticketmaster.com. The UTEP Ticket Center number is 747-5234. Pan Am Center Box Office is (575) 646-1420. Many clubs sell tickets through ticketbully.com.

Kiss — The legendary hard rock band performs its “Kiss Alive 35” North American Tour Wednesday, Dec. 2, at the Don Haskins Center, with special guests Buckcherry. Tickets: $19.50, $39.50, $80 and $130. (Ticketmaster). Kiss, known for their signature make-up and elaborate stage shows, releases their first new CD in 11 years, “Sonic Boom,” this month. Celebrating 35 years of rock, KISS will perform their greatest hits such as “Rock and Roll All Nite,” “I Was Made for Lovin’ You,” and “Detroit Rock City,” as well as new songs.

Teada Christmas Show – ASNMSU Cultural Series presents a special Celtic holiday show at 8 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 2 at the Rio Grande Theatre in the Las Cruces Downtown Mall. Teada’s family-friendly Irish Christmas in America show features beautifully song Irish ballads and holiday carols, lively fiddle tunes and thrilling Irish dancing. Tickets: $15 ($10 students). Ticket information: (575) 646-1420.

Kelly Clarkson — The first “American Idol” winner and country star performs at 6 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 3, at NMSU’s Pan American Center with special guests Eric Hutchinson and Parachute. Tickets: $39.50 and $55, plus service charge. (Ticketmaster). Since her 2002 debut on “American Idol,” Clarkson has released four albums to date including “Thankful,” the multi-platinum “Breakaway,” “My December” and her latest album, “All I Ever Wanted.” Her first four albums have sold more than 10.3 million copies in the United States. Eight of Clarkson’s singles became Top 10 hits on the Billboard Hot 100. Her single, “My Life Would Suck Without You,” advanced from No. 97 to No. 1 on the Hot 100 in its first week of release, breaking the record for the largest leap to the top position in chart history. Hutchinson’s debut CD, “Sounds Like This,” has sold more than 130,000 copies nationally and his headline shows have sold out in New York, Chicago, Boston, Philly, DC, Tampa, Nashville and Denver. His first single, “Rock & Roll” was No. 1 at Triple A radio and he was the only new artist to go No. 1 at that format in 2008.

Trans-Siberian Orchestra — One of the country’s top touring holiday shows returns to the area for its 2009 Winter” Night Castle” Tour at 4 and 8 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 9, at NMSU’s Pan American Center. Evening tickets: $44, $54 and $64, plus service charges. Matinee tickets $29.50-$64. (Ticketmaster). The group has sold more than 5 million albums. Their first holiday single “Christmas Eve (Sarajevo 12/24)” combined the timeless melodies of “God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen” and “Carol Of The Bells” with original music. Other albums include “The Lost Christmas Eve,” “Christmas Eve and Other Stories,” “The Christmas Attic” and the DVD “The Ghosts Of Christmas Eve.” Their non-holiday albums include “Beethoven’s Last Night” and the recently released 2-CD set “Night Castle” featuring the single “Nutrocker.”

Willie Nelson — The country legend per-

forms at 7 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 13, at Inn of the Mountain Gods Resort and Casino in December 2009

Mescalero, N.M. Tickets: $40-$150; available through Ticketmaster 544-8444 or ticketmaster.com. Information: 1-877-277-5677 or innofthemountaingods.com. Nelson has recorded more than 200 albums, appeared in several movies and has received the prestigious Kennedy Center honor for preeminent performing artists. He is also known for organizing Farm Aid, the annual concert that raises money and awareness for American family farmers.

The Devil Wears Prada/All That Remains — 8 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 13, at Club 101, 1148 Airway. Special guests Story of the Year and Haste the Day. Tickets: $21. Information: 544-2101 or club101.com.

Dave Koz ‘A Smooth Jazz Christmas’ — The Grammy-nominated saxophonist and El Paso favorite presents his 12th annual Christmas show at 7 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 17, at the Plaza Theatre, with guests Brenda Russell, Rick Braun, David Benoit and Peter White. Tickets: $45-$105, plus service charge. (Ticketmaster). Koz, a multi-million-selling solo recording artist, four-time Grammy nominees and composer, is considered one of the most expressive voices in contemporary music. His past El Paso appearances have sold out.

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‘UTEP Holiday Spectacular’ – UTEP Dinner Theatre presents a “Version 3.0” of its new holiday tradition Dec. 18-20 at Magoffin Auditorium. Showtimes are 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 2:30 p.m. Sunday. No meal served. Tickets: $20-$25; ($15-$20 UTEP faculty/staff, groups of 20 or more, non-UTEP students and children age 4-12; $10-$15 UTEP students (one ticket per valid UTEP ID). All seats reserved. Tickets information: 747-5234. Show information: 747-6060. The show features a retro trip down memory lane from the 1940s to today. Includes colorful costumes, beautiful sets and live music, singing and dancing to favorite tunes like “White Christmas,” “Jingle Bell Rock,” “Christmas, Baby Please Come Home” and more. ‘The Great Russian Nutcracker’ — The Moscow Ballet presents the 16th anniversary of this holiday classic at 4 and 8 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 20, at the Plaza Theatre. Tickets: $26, $36, $46, $66 and $86, plus service charge. VIP seating: $98.50. (Ticketmaster). Information: nutcracker.com. Featuring spectacular sets and beautifully costumed Russian dancers, Moscow Ballet’s Great Russian Nutcracker uses whimsical and imaginative storytelling blended with the richness of Russian classical dance. This year’s tour stars the ballet world’s Prima Ballerina, Cristina Terentieva and her partner Alexei. Terentieva is a Gold Medalist of the 2008 Varna International Ballet Competition where Vladimir Vasiliev of the Bolshoi bestowed upon her the highest honors. Also starring is the award winning couple Akzhol Mussakhanov and Ekaterina Bortykova.

Blake Shelton — The popular country musician performs at 8 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 14, at Inn of the Mountain Gods Resort and Casino in Mescalero, N.M. Tickets: $25-$75. (Ticketmaster). Information: 1-877-277-5677 or innofthemountaingods.com. Peter Mulvey – Mimbres Region Arts Council’s Folk Series presents the folk vocalist El Paso Scene

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Ticket Cont’d from Page 21 at 7:30 p.m. Jan 15, at the Silco Theatre, 311 Bullard in Silver City. Mulvey is known for the fullness of his vocals and guitar, and his most recent collection of songs, “Notes from Elsewhere,” has been praised by both critics and fellow songwriters. Tickets: $5-$20. Information: (575) 538-2505 or 1-888-7587289.

Rock Laser Spectaculars — The popular laser rock shows in 3-D/H-D format are 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Jan. 15-16, at Abraham Chavez Theatre. (Ticketmaster). Friday’s show features the music of Pink Floyd. Tickets: $19.50, $24.50 and $29.50, plus service charges. Saturday’s show features the music of Michael Jackson. Tickets: $24.50, $29.50 and $35, plus service charges.

Daniel Rodriguez – The “singing cop” per-

forms at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Jan. 22, at WNMU Fine Arts Center Theater. Presented by Grant County Community Concert Association. The former New York City police officer has experienced a meteoric rise to fame since his moving a capella performance of “God Bless America” after the wake of the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attack. Since then, he has been delivering heartfelt and beautiful performances for audiences nationwide. Doors open at 7 p.m. Tickets: $20 at the door. Information: (575) 538-5862.

‘American Carnage Tour’ — Heavy metal bands Slayer and Megadeth co-headline the thrash/metal tour at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 27, at El Paso County Coliseum, with special guest Testament. For their first U.S. tour together in nearly two decades, a limited amount of tickets will be offered at their “1991 Clash of the Titans Tour” price of $10. Regular ticket prices: $49.50-$59.50, plus service charge. (Ticketmaster). “Ultimate Fan” ticket packages available with premium seats and parking, pre-show party, Megadeth gift bag, meet and greet photo op and more. Details at iloveallaccess.com. Testament meet and greet ticket packages are $209.50. Both Megadeth and Slayer are supporting new albums: Megadeth’s 2009 album, “Endgame,” and Slayer’s “World Painted Blood.” Testament’s “The Formation of Damnation: Special Tour Edition,” will be released in February, 2010.

Bill Maher — The ‘politically incorrect’ comic performs Thursday, Jan. 28, at The Plaza Theatre. Tickets: $45.50-$75.50, plus service charge. sold through Ticketmaster. For the last 15 years, Maher has set the boundaries of where funny, political talk can go on American television. First on “Politically Incorrect,” and for the last seven years on HBO’s “Real Time,” Maher’s combination of unflinching honesty and big laughs have garnered him twenty-one Emmy nominations. In October of 2008, this same combination was on display in Maher’s swipe at organized religion, “Religulous,” directed by Larry Charles. The documentary has gone on to become the seventh highest grossing documentary ever. Nearly Neil and the Solitary Band — Showtime! El Paso presents a tribute to music legend Neil Diamond at 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 31, at the Abraham Chavez Theatre, featuring Diamond tribute artist Bobby Bruce on lead vocal and rhythm guitar. Bruce has spent the past 11 years rocking thousands of screaming Page 22

El Paso Scene

fans world wide with his tribute to one of pop music’s most successful singer/songwriters. He has also toured with both the Las Vegas-based “Legends of Rock” in the United States as well its Australian counterpart. Tickets are $25 general admission; no advance sales. Information: 544-2022 or ShowtimeElPaso.com.

‘Riverdance’– Broadway in El Paso presents the farewell tour of the Emerald Isle showcase Feb. 12-14, at the Plaza Theatre, for a special five-show run. Showtime is 8 p.m. Friday, 2 and 8 p.m. Saturday and 2 and 7 p.m. Sunday. Tickets: $35-$65 (Ticketmaster).

Tao the Martial Art of Drum — The taiko drum spectacular is 7:30 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 21, at UTEP’s Magoffin Auditorium. Tickets: $25-$32, plus service charges. (Ticketmaster).

John Kay and Steppenwolf — The classic

rock band at 8 p.m. Friday, April 16, at Inn of the Mountain Gods Resort and Casino in Mescalero, N.M. Tickets: $5-75. (Ticketmaster). Steppenwolf’s iconic rock hits include “Born to Be Wild,” “Magic Carpet Ride” and more. Tickets: $25-$100. (Ticketmaster) Information: 1-877-277-5677 or innofthemountaingods.com.

Venues & series Rio Grande Theatre — The renovated historic theater is at 211 Downtown Mall, Las Cruces. Information: (575) 523-6403, (575) 523-0807 or RioGrandeTheatre.com. “Every Other Tuesday” free live music events are 5:30 p.m., hosted by the Dona Ana Arts Council. Magic Carpet Storytime is 11:30 a.m. Saturdays, featuring a different storyteller or reader each week. Admission is free. • “Christmas Jams” — 7 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 1. An evening of Christmas music in the style of Trans-Siberian Orchestra or Mannheim Steamroller presented by Calvary Baptist Church’s Worship Arts Ministry. Doors open at 6:30pm. Tickets: $7 ($5 each for two or more). Information: (575) 522-7900. • Teada — ASNMSU present the Irish music group’s Christmas show at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 2. Doors open at 7 p.m. Tickets: $15 ($10 for students and seniors). Available through Ticketmaster. • “Our People, Our Faith ... Our Lady” — 6:30 to 9 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 3. The Branigan Cultural Center and the Las Cruces Public Information Office present a special screening of the film on Our Lady of Guadelupe. Tickets to be announced. • NMSU Campus and Gospel Choirs — 7:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 11. NMSU’s Concert Choir, Gospel Choir and Campus Choir, deliver messages of hope through music. Tickets to be announced. • “Love Is The Reason” — 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 13. The Mesilla Valley Chorale, directed by Nancy Ritchey, presents a diverse program including holiday music from classical to pops. Tickets: $10; proceeds benefit Community of Hope. Information: (575) 647-2560. • El Paso Brass — 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 16, presented by KRWG. El Paso Brass is one of the longest continually performing brass quintets in America. Doors open at 7 p.m. Call theatre for ticket prices. • Johnny Rawls — 8 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 19. Rawls is hailed as one of the premiere soul and blues artists active today. His latest album, “Ace Of Spades,” hit the stands in September and received a nomination for a Blues Music Award.

Please see Page 23 December 2009

Ticket Cont’d from Page 22 Doors open at 7:30 p.m. Tickets: $10. • “Bite Of The Apple” Cabaret — 7 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 27, the story of four young artists, friends and lovers beating the streets of New York City chasing their dreams on a funny and inspirational journey through the trials, tribulations and triumphs of seeking a professional music career in the Big Apple. Featuring rising stars performing works ranging from the virtuosic piano repertoire, opera, musical theater and pop. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Tickets: $12 and $15.

Chic’s Bar & Billiards — 9809 Montana. Showtime is 6 p.m. Information: 433-5340. • Alesana and From the First to Last — Wednesday, Dec. 2, with guests The Word Alive and Memphis May Fire. Tickets: $12 in advance, $15 day of show. • The Faceless, Dying Fetus, Vital Remains — Wednesday, Dec. 9. Alwo performing is Beneath the Massacre, Annotations of and Autopsy and Enfold Darkness. All ages show. Tickets: $15. • Throwdown and Bury Your Dead — Thursday, Dec. 10, with guests For Today, Abacabb and TWWK. Throwdown’s new album “Deathless” includes the single “This Continuum.” All ages show. Cost: $15. • Arsonists Get All the Girls and Oceano — Monday, Dec. 21, with Triumph Over Shipwreck, Odium of Divinity and more to be announced. Cost: $10 in advance.

Spencer Theater for Performing Arts — Airport Hwy 220 in Alto, N.M. (about 12 miles north of downtown Ruidoso). Free public guided tours are 10 a.m. Tuesdays and

Thursdays (except show dates). Information: (575) 336-4800, (888) 818-7872 or spencertheater.com. • Ronnie Kole Trio Christmas — 8 p.m. Dec. 4. Famed New Orleans jazz pianist Kole appears with this trio for a night of Kole-styled Christmas classics and jazz piano standards. Kole has received every conceivable award his adopted city has to offer, from a Lifetime Achievement Award to induction into the Louisiana Music Hall of Fame. Kole was just honored in March 2009 with the installation of a life-sized statue in the old French Quarter of New Orleans. Tickets: $46-$49. • ‘The Nutcracker’ — 2 and 7 p.m. Dec. 19. Ruidoso Dance Ensemble’s original adaptation of Tchaikovsky’s Christmas classic features gorgeous sets and costumes and outstanding student and professional dancers. Tickets: $28. • Flying J Wranglers Christmas Special — 8 p.m. Dec. 22. Western yodeling, vocals, fiddle and guitar make up a program of traditional favorites, spirituals and new and classic western/cowboy Christmas songs and homespun comedy. Tickets: $26-$29.

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Flickinger Center for Performing Arts — 1110 New York Ave. Alamogordo. All performances at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $10, $18 and $25. Information: (575) 437-2202 or flickingercenter.com. • Academy of Ballet presents “The Nutcracker Suite” — Friday and Saturday, Dec. 18-19. The area ballet troupe presents its yearly holiday performance. Admission: $10. • Trio Solisti — Friday, Jan. 8. The piano-violin-cello trio is famed for its passionate and adventurous performances. • Sourdough Slim — Friday, Jan. 29. This award-winning cowboy warbler presents an evening of music and comedy.

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El Paso Scene

Page 23

King of the Cage — 7 p.m. Saturday, Nov.

28, at Inn of the Mountain Gods Resort and Casino, Mescalero, N.M. (near Ruidoso). One of the largest mixed martial arts event series in the world, King of the Cage features intense, no-holds-barred fighting competitions. Tickets: $65-$100. Age 21 and older welcome. (Ticketmaster). Information: 1-877-277-5677 or innofthemountaingods.com.

El Paso Rhinos — El Paso’s Junior League ice hockey team home games are at the Sierra Providence Events Center, next to the Coliseum, 4100 E. Paisano. Regular games times are 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 5:30 p.m. Sunday. Ticket information: 479PUCK (7825) or elpasorhinos.com. Upcoming games: • Dec. 4-6 — San Antonio Diablos • Dec. 11-13 — Tulsa Rampage

Sunland Park Racetrack & Casino — The 2009-2010 live horse racing season runs Dec. 11-April 21. Race days are Tuesdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays (and Wednesday, Dec. 23 and Feb. 17. Races begin at 12:15 p.m. each race day. General admission is free to the track and casino. First post time is 12:25 p.m. Dec. 11. Turf Club seating is $5. Simulcast racing begins at 10 a.m. everyday. General admission and parking are free. Information: (575) 874-5200. To get there, take the Sunland Park exit from I-10, go south (left turn coming from Downtown) and follow the signs. December stakes races: • Saturday, Dec. 12 — Jess Burner Memorial Handicap. NM-bred 3-year-olds and up. 400 yards. • Saturday, Dec. 12 — KLAQ Handicap. 3year-olds and up. 5 and 1/2 furlongs. • Sunday, Dec. 13 — Johnie L. Jamison Stakes. NM-bred 3-year-olds and up. 6 and 1/2 furlongs. • Sunday, Dec. 13 — New Mexico State Racing Commission Handicap. NM-bred 3year-olds and up fillies and mares. 6 furlongs. • Saturday, Dec. 19 — Challenger Six Handicap. NM-bred 3-year-olds and up. 870 yards. • Sunday, Dec. 20 — Lou Wooten Handicap. NM-bred 3-year-olds and up fillies and mares. 400 yards. • Sunday, Dec. 20 — The Enchantress Stakes. NM-bred 2-year-old fillies. One mile. • Saturday, Dec. 26 — Red Hedeman Mile. NM-bred 2-year-olds. One mile. • Saturday, Dec. 26 — The Championship at Sunland Park. 3-year-olds and up. 400 yards. • Sunday, Dec. 27 — Sunland Park Winter Quarter Horse Derby. 3-year-olds. 400 yards. • Sunday, Dec. 27 — Bold Ego Handicap. 3year-old and up fillies and mares. 5 and 1/2 furlongs. • Sunday, Dec. 27 — Sunland Winter Quarter Horse Futurity. 2-year-olds. 400 yards. • Tuesday, Dec. 29 — Riley Allison Futurity. 2year-olds. 6 and 1/2 furlongs. • Saturday, Jan. 2 — The Shue Fly. NM-bred foals of 2007. N400 yards. • Sunday, Jan. 3 — Albert Dominguez Memorial Handicap. NM-bred 3-year-olds. 1 and 1/16 miles.

Senior All-Star Football Classic — The 18th annual high school all-star football game will be played at 1:05 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 19, at UTEP’s Sun Bowl stadium. Pre-game festivities begin at 12:35 p.m. featuring cheerleaders, band, flags, dance teams, choir, and JROTC cadets. The game features seniors from area public and private high schools throughout El Paso County. Proceeds benefit college scholarships for participants. Tickets: $6 in advance; $8 at the gate (free for ages 6 and younger). Information: 478-6904, 434-1001 or allstarfootballclassic.com.

College sports UTEP Football — The Miners’ final home

game of the season is 1 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 28 vs. Marshall at Sun Bowl Stadium. Tickets: $16$146 ($11-$47 ages 3-12). Information: 7475234, 544-8444 or utepathletics.com.

Don Haskins Sun Bowl Invitational — The 48th holiday classic tournament, now named for the Texas Western/UTEP coaching legend, is Dec. 28-29 at the Don Haskins Center, UTEP. The tournament is the nation’s oldest collegiate holiday basketball tournament. Monday’s games are Norfolk vs. UTEP at 7 p.m. and Air Force vs. Niagara at 9 p.m. The consolation game is at 5 p.m. Tuesday followed by the championship game at 7 p.m. Tickets for four-game, two-night package are $40 (rows 1-34); $20 (rows 35-39, Sections Y, Z and A and B, and UTEP students) Two-game, one-night package (on sale day of event only) are $22 (rows 1-34) and $12 (rows 35-39). Information: 533-4416 or 747-5234 (UTEP Ticket Center).

UTEP Men’s Basketball - Home games are at the Don Haskins Center. Game time is 7:05 p.m. Tickets: $9-$25. Information: 7475234 or utepathletics.com. • Tuesday, Dec. 1 — NMSU at Las Cruces • Saturday, Dec. 5 — Univ. of the Southwest • Sunday, Dec. 13 — NMSU • Saturday, Dec. 19 — Alcorn State (1 p.m.) Bank of the West Sun Bowl Invitational is Monday and Tuesday, Dec. 28-29. UTEP plays Norfolk State and Air Force plays Niagara Dec. 28. Finals and consolation games are Dec. 29.

UTEP Women’s Basketball — All home games are at the Don Haskins Center. Tickets: $7 ($3 youth). Information: 747-5234 or utepathletics.com. • Tuesday, Dec. 1 — Western New Mexico, 7:05 p.m. • Sunday, Dec. 13 — Texas Southern, 1:05 p.m. • Tuesday, Dec. 15 — NMSU at Las Cruces, 7:05 p.m. • Friday, Dec. 18 — Texas State, 7:05 p.m. • Sunday, Dec. 20 — Alcorn State, 2:05 p.m. • Monday, Dec. 28 — NMSU, 3 p.m.

NMSU Men’s Basketball — Home games are at the Pan American Center in Las Cruces. Game time is at 7 p.m., unless otherwise listed. Tickets: $7 general admission; $11-$57 reserved (Ticketmaster). Information: (575) 646-1447. • Tuesday, Dec. 1 — UTEP (The Aggies take on UTEP at UTEP Sunday, Dec. 13). • Monday, Dec. 21 — Alcorn State

Please see Page 25 Page 24

El Paso Scene

December 2009

Sports Cont’d from Page 24 • Wednesday, Dec. 23 — Texas Southern (Lou Henson Classic game) • Monday, Dec. 28 — Prairie View A&M • Saturday, Jan. 2 — Utah State. Time to be announced. • Monday, Jan. 4 — Nevada 9 p.m. (on ESPNU)

NMSU Women’s Basketball — Home games are 7 p.m. at the Pan Am Center in Las Cruces, unless otherwise listed. Tickets: $5$10. (Ticketmaster) Information: (575) 6461447. • Saturday, Nov. 28 — Michigan • Wednesday, Dec. 2 — New Mexico • Saturday, Dec. 12 — North Dakota State • Tuesday, Dec. 15 — UTEP • Tuesday, Dec. 22 — Alcorn State • Wednesday, Dec. 30 — New Mexico Highlands • Sunday, Jan. 3 — Kansas. 2 p.m.

Bicycling El Paso Bicycle Club – Club events are open to the public; helmets required. Unless listed otherwise, rides begin at River Run Plaza on Country Club Road. (Mesa becomes Country Club; go west past the Rio Grande; River Run is on the right.) Web: elpasobicycleclub.com. • 9 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 28 — Ride to Dos Lagos Country Club for cookies. Moderate pace. George Luttrell, 433-2019. • 9 a.m. Sunday, Nov. 29 — Beginner/Intermediate Group Will Train for Coffee Ride from the grocery store in La Mesa, stop at The Bean in Mesilla and continue for a 10-12 mile Mesilla Valley Loop before heading back to La Mesa. Moderate pace, 36-38 miles. Margaret O’Kelley, 588-3825. • 9 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 5 — Start and finish at Atom Cyclist, 1886 Joe Battle Blvd, Ste. 205. Hot beverages and Christmas goodies follow ride. Moderate pace, 25-30 miles. Patty Van Tine, 667-0202 or [email protected]. • 9 a.m. Sunday, Dec. 6 — Lower Valley Tour. Start from Cotton Eyed Joe’s Restaurant, 1 block south of Clint Exit off I-10 and wind through the farm communities of Clint, Fabens and San Eli. Moderate pace, 35 miles. Jim Weaver, 775-4757. A Lower Valley Tour for Beginner/Intermediate Group (BIG) Training riders leaves at the same time and place at a comfortable pace and distance. Margaret O’Kelley, 588-3825. • 9 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 12 — Leave from La Union Station Restaurant on Hwy 28 in La Union, take Hwy 28 to Afton Road, ride the mesa to the end of Afton Road and back for breakfast at La Union Station. Moderate pace, 45 miles. Bob Clark, 833-5831. • 9:30 a.m. Sunday, Dec. 13 — Ride Loop 375 from the Wal-Mart on Transmountain and Hwy 54 to Montana and back. Moderate pace, 30miles. Henry Payan, 355-6506. • 9 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 19 — Start in La Mesa and follow back roads to Mesilla. Stop at The Bean, return through pecan farms on Hwy 28. Moderate pace. Margaret O’Kelley, 588-3825. • 9 a.m. Sunday, Dec. 20 — Go to the Santa Teresa Border Crossing via Artcraft, and return via La Union. Moderate pace, about 30 miles. Sylvia Mejia, 740-9033. • 9:30 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 26 — Leisurely paced ride to socialize. Bring any visitors or family members who got new bikes for Christmas. The club will make arrangements for an upcoming beginning pace ride. Patty Van December 2009

Tine, 667-0202. • 9 a.m. Sunday, Dec. 27 — Meet at Franklin High School (Redd and Resler) to take the rollers to Anthony’s Gap and back via the valley. Riders may opt to do the Gap for additional miles. Moderate pace, 35-40 miles. Wyona Turner, 204-4835.

Atom Cyclist Bike Club — The club hosts weekly rides leaving promptly at 8 a.m. every Sunday from the Atom Cyclist Bike Shop, 1886 Joe Battle, Suite 205 (next to Super Target), for all riding levels. Intermediate/advanced group will ride 40-60 miles at a moderate to fast pace, and beginner/intermediate group will ride 20-30 miles at a slow to moderate pace. Information: Atom Cyclist, 225-0011. The monthly Woman’s Training Class is 7:30 to 11:30 a.m. Sunday, Dec. 6, at the shop, featuring lectures followed by a one or two hour rides. Road bikes recommended. RSVP by Dec. 4. Cost: $25 (includes breakfast). Information: Atom Cyclist, 225-0011 or Rebecca Reza, 4910977.

Los Artesanos Galeria

GRAND

OPENING

December 11, 2009 11am to 7pm with Artist’s Reception from 5pm to 7pm Come meet the local artist/owners of Mesilla’s newest Art Gallery The Old Tortilla Factory 1910 Calle de Parion Messilla, NM [email protected] or 575-526-1144 Opening day only: Bring this ad to receive a gift coupon for 10% off any purchases totaling $50 or more

FCA Team Endurance El Paso - Longdistance runners, cyclists and triathletes are invited to join the new Fellowship of Christian Athletes group. Both a ride and run are offered each weekend. Information: Christy, 307-8180, Chaplain Ruben Crespo (at Fort Bliss), 3096840 or http://sports.groups.yahoo.com/group/elpasoteamendurance. Check website for schedule changes and additions. • Training rides are 5:30 a.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays beginning at the gas station at Redd Road and Westwind. Tuesday morning rides are 30-minute “warm up” with 30-minute hill work and 30 minutes of moderate pace riding. Thursdays’ rides go to Outlet Shoppes of El Paso for interval training 6 to 6:45 a.m. and a moderate ride back. • Saturday Huddles are 7 a.m. to first and third Saturday of the month (Dec. 5 and 19), at Sunrise Baptist Church, 4225 Volcanic, beginning with a meeting on FCA studies and character. Group rides and runs begin at 8 a.m. A Christmas Party is Saturday, Dec. 5, during the regular Saturday Huddle time featuring a “white elephant” sock exchange.

El Paso Puzzler Mountain Bike Race — El Paso’s only endurance mountain bike race is 8 a.m. Sunday, Jan. 17, at Bowen Ranch. Hosted by the Border Mountain Bike Association. Registration (by Jan 1): $40. Information: 845-1097 or bmba.wordpress.com. The 3rd annual 50-mile single-track ride (35mile route also offered) with several climbs and descents. Food and prizes distributed during the event.

Recreational Sports Turkey Bowl Shootout VI — El Paso Flag Football’s annual 8-man indoor adult football event is Saturday and Sunday, Nov. 28-29, at various city parks. Double elimination format. Fee: $50. Information/locations: 227-9947 or elpasoflagfootball.com.

2010 Gridiron Classic — Registration is being held through Jan 8 for the City of Las Cruces’s 3rd Annual Gridiron Classic 4-on-4 Flag Football Tournament set for Saturday and Sunday, Jan. 30-31, at Provencio Soccer Fields (corner of Solano and Hadley). Registration is at Meerscheidt Recreation Center, 1600 E. Hadley. Open to the first 16 teams to register. All players must be 18 and over. The non-contact tournament has each team playing four to

Please see Page 26 El Paso Scene

Page 25

Sports Cont’d from Page 25 five games on Saturday, followed by a single elimination tournament on Sunday. All documentation is due prior to 5 pm. Jan. 9. Cost: $200 per team (six games guaranteed). Information: (575) 541-2551.

Greater El Paso Tennis Association — Information: 532-5524, [email protected] or gepta.usta.com. Advance registration at tournaments.usta.com. Call or visit website for other tennis programs. • Picacho Hills Country Club’s 2010 Battle of the Clubs team tournament is Jan. 30-31 at Picacho Hills Country Club, New Mexico State University in Las Cruces. A Captain’s meeting and buffet is Thursday, Jan. 28, at Picacho Hills Country Club, 6861 Via Campestre. Cost: $40 per player; $320 for eight-person team. Information: (575) 523-2556 or picachohillscc.com • The Bank of the West Sun Bowl Junior Open is Dec 9-13 at El Paso Tennis & Swim Club, 2510 N. St. Vrain. L6 tournament, and hosts all ages. Deadline is Dec. 6 (ID# 759403709). Cost: $20, plus TDM fee. Information: Ed Phinney, 532-4373 or [email protected].

Runs and walks Holiday Classic Fun Run/Walk — The

annual walk begins at 8 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 5, at the Family Recreation Center, 1100 Oregon, Alamogordo. Events include a 1 mile run/walk for ages 12 and under and a 5K and 10K for ages 13 and up. Information/registration packets: (575) 439-4159.

Snowman 5k — The 3.1 mile race begins at

9 a.m. Sunday, Dec. 6, at the NMSU track, Williams and Gregg on the NMSU campus, Las Cruces. Online registration (active.com) is $12, race-day entry is $15. Proceeds support scholarships for Las Cruces area high school runners wishing to compete at NMSU. Information: (575) 202-5877.

Polar Bear Triathlon — The annual 5K run, 40K bike and 400M swim begins at 9 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 12, at White Sands Missile Range’s Bell Gymnasium. Participants must be at security gate by 7 a.m. Registration: $45 for individuals; $65 for teams. Advance registration only, no on-site registration. Deadline is Nov. 28. Information: (575) 678-3374 (local call) or wsmrmwr.com (click on “Bell Gym”).

Jingle Bell Run — Up and Running, 3233 N. Mesa, will host its holiday 5K at 9 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 12, departing from the store (Rudolph Plaza). Proceeds benefit the El Paso High School Girls Track Team. Registration: $20 in advance, $25 Dec. 11-12. Packet pickup noon-6 p.m. Friday. Dec. or beginning 7:30 a.m. race day. Information: 478-5663 or raceadventuresunlimited.com. Sun Bowl 5K Run/Walk — The 7th annual

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5K race and 1-mile fun walk sponsored by Sports World is 9:30 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 19, in the back parking lot of Las Palmas LifeCare Center, 3333 N. Mesa. Registration: $20 in advance; $25 on race day. Information: Joe Daubach, 533-4416, ext. 17. Advance registration deadline is Dec. 14 by mail, Dec. 16 online at active.com or Dec. 18 in person at the Sun Bowl Office. Race day registration is 7 to 9:15 a.m. at the starting line.

Running clubs: • Run El Paso maintains information on local races at runelpaso.com. Information: Luis Zaragosa, 543-2017. El Paso Scene

• FCA Team Endurance El Paso. Long-distance runners, cyclists and triathletes are invited to join the Fellowship of Christian Athletes group. Both a ride and run are offered each week. Information: Christy, 307-8180 or fcaendurance.org. “Hash House” running clubs (participants must be 21 or older): • The Border Jumper Hash House Harriers (H3) meet at 7 p.m. Wednesdays and 6 p.m. Saturdays at various locations. Dues: $3 per run. First run is free. Information: bjhash.com. • The El Paso Hash House Harriers “Drinking Club with a Running Problem” meet at 4 p.m. Sunday afternoons for non-competitive runs. Follow a mystery trail of chalk and flower in a grown-up “hide and seek” game. Trails range from 2 to 5 miles, with a beer and snacks social event afterward. Cost: $4 per hash. First run is free; walkers welcome. Information: 345-5130. Weekly meet-up spots listed at elpasohash.com. • El Paso Triathlon Club — Information: Matt Emrich, 490-6874. Training session schedule, races and membership sign-up available on-line at elpasotriclub.com.

Winter sports Holiday Ice Skating — Special holiday hours offered for public skating from Thanksgiving to New Year’s holidays at the Sierra Providence Event Center next to the Coliseum, 4100 Paisano. All ages welcome. Admission: $8 (skate rental included). Discount tickets ($2 off) available at all 7-11 Fina Stores in El Paso and Pick-Quick Fina Stores in Las Cruces. Spectator admission is free. Information: 479-PUCK (7825), elpasoicemonitor.com or klaq.com. Late November hours are noon to 4 p.m. Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday, Nov. 25-26 and Nov. 29, and noon to 4 and 7 to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Nov. 27-28. December hours are noon to 4 p.m. and 7 to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Dec. 18-19, noon to 4 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 20 and Thursday, Dec. 24 and Dec. 31, and noon to 4 and 6 to 10 p.m. daily Dec. 21-30. Closed Christmas Day. Early January hours are noon to 4 p.m. and 6 to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Jan. 1-2, and noon to 4 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 3.

Triple M Snow Play — The snow tubing area is about five miles south of Cloudcroft — take Hwy 130 to Sunspot Hwy 6563. Season dependent on snow conditions. Hours/cost subject to change. Tubing hours are usually 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday (daily during holidays). Cost: $15 half day; $20 full day. Snowmobile tours and rentals available. Information/snow conditions: (800) 766-7529 (SNO-PLAY), (575) 682-2205 or triplemsnowplay.com.

Ski Apache — Ruidoso’s 750-acre ski and snowboarding area is open on or after Thanksgiving once sufficient snow is available. The 24-hour Ski Apache Snow Report number is (575) 257-9001. Information: (575) 336-4356 or skiapache.com. Lifts are open from 8:45 a.m. to 4 p.m., depending on weather conditions. All-day lift tickets are $51 ($43 age 1317; $32 12 and younger; free ages 70 and older.(Prices slightly higher on peak days). Military discounts available. Discounts available for multiple-day or half-day skiing

Ski Cloudcroft — The southernmost ski area in the U.S. opens in December (weather permitting) two miles east of Cloudcroft on U.S. 82. Information/snow conditions: (575) 682-2333 or skicloudcroft.net.Lift tickets: $35 full day; $28 half day. Ski, and snowboard rentals available. December 2009

Nayda’s Gems & Stones

form for a Motown 50th Anniversary Dance and Celebration at 7 p.m. Friday, Nov. 27, at Mission Valley Ballroom, 10600 North Loop. Also featured is a special tribute to Michael Jackson. Tickets: $17 in advance; $20 at the door. Advance tickets available at All That Music. Information: 471-0849. Table reservations: Richard, 238-7481.

Texas Music History Lecture Series — El Paso Museum of History, 510 N. Santa Fe. The series concludes 5:30 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 3 with Joe Nick Patoski, “Stevie Ray Vaughan: The Last of the Great Texas Bluesman.” Admission: $4 members, $8 nonmembers. Seating is limited. Anyone who buys a museum membership that night gets in free. RSVP: 351-3588. Meet and greet and snacks is 5:30 p.m. with lecture at 6 p.m., and after lecture discussion at 7 p.m. and A blues discussion follows at 7:30 p.m. at the Double Tree Inn, 600 N. El Paso Street. The lecture will explain how and why Vaughan became the legend he is today, leading a brief journey through the blues scenes in Dallas and Fort Worth in the 1960s and in Austin in the 1970s that informed Vaughan and an entire generation of players Patoski, a former staff writer for Texas Monthly magazine, has been writing about Texas and Texans for more than 35 years. In addition to biographies on Stevie Ray Vaughan, Selena, and Willie Nelson, he has written the text to several Texas nature books.

Zin Valle Free Music Sundays — Zin Valle vineyard, 7315 Hwy 28 in Canutillo (3/4 mile north of FM 259), hosts free live music 1 to 4 p.m. on select Sundays. Guests may bring a picnic, and enjoy wine tastings. Information: 877-4544 or zinvalle.com. Upcoming performers are James Springer (Dec. 6) and Dan Lambert Trio (Dec. 20).

El Paso Friends of Jazz — The society’s

Please see Page 28

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Classes Available

Sw i t c h Fl o p s • Mi l k So a p s

‘Christmas Jams’ — Calvary Baptist Church’s Worship Arts Ministry presents and upbeat evening of music in the style of TransSiberian Orchestra and Mannheim Steamroller at 7 p.m. Sunday and Monday, Nov. 29-30, at the Rio Grande Theatre, 211 Downtown Mall, Las Cruces. Tickets: $7 ($5 each for two or more).Information: (575) 523-6403, (575) 5230807 or RioGrandeTheatre.com.

Jazz Unlimited Big Band — The jazz band presents an afternoon of Big Band-era swing music at 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 6, at St. Mark’s United Methodist Church, 5005 Love Road, also featuring pop, jazz, Latin rhythms and favorite yuletide sounds. Admission is free, donations accepted. Information: 581-4444 or loveroad.org.

Scar ves • Jackets • Sweaters

Motown celebration — Phat Soul will per-

We offer the latest in Bali Silver • Semi-Precious Stones • Silver Findings

STAINED GLASS Folk Art wearables FLORALS & More

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Christmas party is 4 to 7 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 6, at the Wyndham El Paso Airport, 2027 Airway. Live music by Azucar. Guests and visitors welcome. Cost: $30 at the door (includes dinner). Cash or check only. Information: 592-1357 or elpasofriendsofjazz.org.

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entertainment is offered 5 to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday, Dec. 7-18, at San Jacinto Plaza in Downtown El Paso. The annual event includes various school and community choirs, local bands and ensembles performing Christmas and seasonal music. Sponsored by the City of El Paso Parks and Recreation Department. Admission is free. Information: 252-9031 or 240-3310. Schedule: • Dec. 7 — Rick Milliron • Dec. 8 — Amanda Huante • Dec. 9 — Memento Mori & Friends • Dec. 10 — Wildcat Praise Band • Dec. 11 — Kristen Moreno • Dec. 14 — St. Clements (Gel Band) • Dec. 15 — Primera Iglesia Bautista Mexicana • Dec.16 — Bowie Dance Ensemble • Dec. 17 — Central Business Association Posada • Dec.18 — Jacqueline Mata.

Applejack Band — The El Paso folk band performs at 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 12, at La Tierra Cafe, 1731 Montana. Doors open at 6 p.m. Cost: $30. The performance is sold out, but interested individuals may call Marjorie Foster at 592-5122 to check for cancellations. Bob Burns and Mike Caranda Orchestra — The big-band style orchestra led by Bob Burns will host its Afternoon Tea Dance 2 to 5 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 13, at the Elk’s Club 1211 E. Cliff (near El Paso High). The band has been presenting Sunday afternoon “Tea Dances” since 1984 and features all ballroom styles, including tango, waltz, jitterbug, swing, cha-cha, mambo, polka, rumba and more. Judy Day and Bob Burns are featured vocalists. Admission: $15 ($25 per couple). Information: 799-5684 or (575) 525-9333.

‘UTEP Holiday Spectacular’ – UTEP Dinner Theatre presents a “Version 3.0” of its new holiday tradition Dec. 18-20 at Magoffin Auditorium. Showtimes are 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 2:30 p.m. Sunday. No meal served. Tickets: $20-$25; ($15-$20 UTEP faculty/staff, groups of 20 or more, non-UTEP students and children age 4-12; $10-$15 UTEP students (one ticket per valid UTEP ID). All

seats reserved. Tickets information: 747-5234. Show information: 747-6060. The show features a retro trip down memory lane from the 1940s to today. Includes colorful costumes, beautiful sets and live music, singing and dancing to favorite tunes like “White Christmas,” “Jingle Bell Rock,” “Christmas, Baby Please Come Home” and more.

Howling Coyote — The open mic venue for musicians, poets, writers, storytellers and performance artists is 7 to 9:30 p.m. the first and third Friday of the month at First Christian Church, 1809 El Paseo, Las Cruces, across from Las Cruces High School. Performer signup is 6:30 p.m. with cut-off after 18 performers have signed up. Each performer has ten minutes on stage. Musicians are limited to two songs. Open jam session after last performance (optional). Coffee, soft drinks and snacks provided. Admission is free, but donations welcome. Information: howling-coyote.net, or Bob Burns, (575) 525-9333 or (915) 799-5684.

Sunland Park Racetrack & Casino — Live music is offered 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. Fridays and Saturdays and 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Sundays in the Franklins Lounge. No cover. No performance Christmas Day. Information: (575) 8745200. Disco with local DJs is 6:30 to 10 p.m. Sundays. Karaoke offered with Antonio B 8 p.m. to midnight every Wednesday and Thursday (except Dec. 31). Weekly winners receive gift bag with prizes. • Saturday, Nov. 28 – Little Mike & The Blue Kings • Sunday, Nov. 29 – Mariachi Real de Jalisco • Friday, Dec. 4 – Algo Nuevo • Saturday, Dec. 5 – Bosse • Sunday, Dec. 6 – Mariachi Los Toritos • Friday, Dec. 11 – Ekiz • Saturday, Dec. 12 – Dulce • Sunday, Dec. 13 – Mariachi Flores Mexicanas • Friday, Dec. 18 – Los Dukes • Saturday, Dec. 19 – Sonny Powell & The Night Dreamers • Sunday, Dec. 20 – Mariachi Alegre • Saturday, Dec. 26 – Rhapsody • Sunday, Dec. 27 – Mariachi Los Galleros. ‘Every Other Tuesday’ at the Rio Grande Theatre — Doña Ana Arts Council hosts a variety of musical performances 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. every other Tuesday at the historic Rio Grande Theatre, 211 Downtown Mall, Las Cruces. Admission is free. Information: (575) 523-6403 or riograndetheatre.com. · Dec. 1 – Mick Harris. · Dec. 15 – Trails West and New Horizons Symphony • Dec. 29 — To be announced.

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El Paso Scene

December 2009

December Roundup Cont’d from Page 17 or Maud, 585-1789. The club will host a photo exhibit by Félix Domecq, Françoise Chadaillac about Paris, Urban colors and daily life in France Dec. 7-30 at City Hall’s Community gallery space 2 Civic Center Plaza. Opening reception is 5 to 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 9. RSVP by Dec. 5: 8751696.

MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) — The support group for working and stay-athome mothers with pre-school aged children (age 5 and younger) meets 9 a.m. to noon the first and third Wednesday of the month at Cielo Vista Church, 3585 Lee Trevino, at Montana. The informal meeting is a chance for moms to get-together and network with other moms like themselves. Moms are encouraged to bring their children age 5 and younger. Information: 595-0288 or [email protected].

Amateur Radio Clubs — Two amateur/Ham radio clubs meet monthly in El Paso: • Sun City Amateur Radio Club (ARC) — Business meetings for this Ham Radio club are 7 p.m. the first Friday of the month, with “program nights” 7 p.m. the third Friday of the month at 3709 Wickham. Information: 5858132, k5wph.org or [email protected]. • El Paso Amateur Radio Club — Meetings are 8 p.m. the second and fourth Friday of the month at 2100 San Diego. Information: w5es.org or [email protected]. Individuals interested in earning a Ham Radio license may contact either club. Morse Code is no longer required for operators.

Sunland Park Racetrack & Casino — The copper-domed casino offers slot machines, and video-machine versions of poker, keno and other games. Hours are 9:30 a.m. to 1 a.m. Sunday through Thursday; 9:30 a.m. to 2 a.m. Friday and Saturday. Lounge is open, with live entertainment and dancing, until 2 a.m. weekends. Simulcast racing begins at 10 a.m. everyday. General admission and parking are free. Information: (575) 874-5200. To get there, take the Sunland Park exit from I-10, go south (left turn coming from Downtown) and follow the signs. Tigua Indian Cultural Center — 305 Yaya Road, at Socorro Road east of the Ysleta Mission. Hours are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday. The center features a museum on the Tigua tribe, including its relationship to the Tiwas of northern New Mexico. Admission is free. Information: 859-7700 or ysletadelsur.org. An Indian and Traders Market is 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Saturdays, Sept. 5, 12, 19 and 26. Southwestern arts and crafts, baked goods and

various special events. Native American Dances are performed 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. every weekend. Fresh Indian bread is on sale at the center, and family-operated gift shops, feature jewelry, pottery and other crafts.

hike is when volunteers are working on trail maintenance, usually 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sundays. For information on Saturday hiking times, call 252-9840.

Zin Valle Vineyards — 7315 Hwy 28 in

ranch in Fabens offers a children’s zoo, buffalo, longhorns, deer, rattlesnake pit, movie sets and the Fort Apache playground. It’s also home to the famous Cattleman’s Steakhouse. Information: (915) 544-3200 or cattlemanssteakhouse.com.

Canutillo (3/4 mile north of FM 259). Free tastings are noon to 5 p.m. Friday through Monday. Information: 877-4544 or zinvalle.com. Free Music Sundays are 1 to 4 p.m. on select Sundays. Guests may bring a picnic, and enjoy wine tastings. Upcoming performers are James Springer (Dec. 6) and Dan Lambert Trio (Dec. 20).

Mount Cristo Rey — The four-story-tall

La Viña Winery — New Mexico’s oldest

statue of Christ on the cross tops the mountain, 4,576 feet above sea level, in Sunland Park, N.M., near the junction of Mexico, Texas and New Mexico. Built in 1938-40 by sculptor Urbici Soler, the monument is accessible off McNutt Road (Highway 273) in Sunland Park — take the Racetrack exit off Paisano and cross the Rio Grande. Because of safety concerns, people are advised to hike only in groups. The best time to

winery is just across the state line from El Paso, at 4201 S. NM Highway 28, one mile north of Vinton Road. Information: (575) 882-7632 or lavinawinery.com. The tasting room and patio are open for sales and tasting of wines from 12 to 5 p.m. Thursday through Tuesday (closed Wednesdays). Tasting fee is $5. A daily tour is offered at 11:30 a.m. by appointment only; the $10 fee includes tasting.

Indian Cliffs Ranch — The working cattle

El Paso County 4H Horse Club — The club meets at 7 p.m. the second Monday of each month at Texas A&M Research Center, 1380 A&M Circle, for youth age 5 to 19. Although the club is called the horse club they participate in all aspects of the 4-H experience including (but not limited to) sewing, cooking, entomology, consumer decision making, public speaking, leadership, record keeping, photography and many animal based projects. Annual enrollment: $2. Information: 525-9858 or elp.tamu.edu/4h/.

International Coin Club — El Paso’s only coin club meets at 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. the first Monday of the month at Travelodge-La Hacienda, 6400 Montana. Meetings include educational presentations and an auction of materials submitted by members. Visitors always welcome, and admission free for firsttime visitors. Information: 533-6001 or 5263180.

Area attractions Wyler Aerial Tramway — Texas’ only publicly accessible mountain tramway gives passengers a view of 7,000 square miles, two countries and three states (Texas, New Mexico and Chihuahua) from Ranger Peak, elevation 5,632 feet. Cost is $7 for adults and $4 for children 12 years and under. Winter days and hours of operation are noon to 6 p.m. Mondays, Thursdays and Sundays, and noon to 8 p.m. Fridays, Saturdays and holidays. The tram is closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Information: 566-6622. Wyler Aerial Tramway State Park is managed by Texas Parks & Wildlife and is also part of Franklin Mountains State Park. To get there: Take Alabama to McKinley and turn toward the mountain. December 2009

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“El Paso” by Candy Mayer

MERRY CHRISTMAS & HAPPY NEW YEAR from El Paso Scene

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El Paso Scene

December 2009

A Distant Neighbor Rising violence deters volunteers from crossing the border to help the poor in Juárez Story by Randy Limbird

Shown above: JEM Ministries regularly distributes food and clothing to the needy in Juárez, and is building a community center. Volunteers, however, are harder to find. (Photos courtesy of JEM Ministries)

“Now it has been more than one year without visitors. It has affected us greatly that they’re not here,” said Maria Isabel, speaking in Spanish in a recent video interview done at Centro Santa Catalina in Juárez. Maria Isabel is co-president of Cooperative Las Mujeres de Esperanza y Fe and part of the leadership team of Centro Santa Catalina, a nonprofit ministry begun in the 1990s by two Catholic nuns. And like many such charities operating in Juárez, it was once a frequent host to visitors from the U.S. who came to learn about conditions in the impoverished colonias of the border city and to help lend a hand. Those visitors don’t come anymore, and feelings of abandonment are common among those whose survival depends on religious ministries and nonprofit organizations. The outbreak of drug-cartel violence in Juárez, now blamed for nearly 4,000 murders since January 2008, has deterred charity workers and mission groups from crossing the border. The swine-flu epidemic, which erupted in Mexico before coming to the U.S., and the economic downturn have also discouraged volunteers from making such trips. Other organizations, such as Project Puente and Annunciation House, sponsored “immersion trips” for border-study groups that would often spend one or more nights in Juárez to learn about the people and their living conditions. Most of those groups have stopped coming, or remain on this side of the border if they do come. In many cases, the reluctance of U.S. visitors to enter Juárez has had a direct impact on charitable support. Groups like Casas por Cristo regularly scheduled misDecember 2009

sion trips to build homes, schools and orphanages in Mexico. Many of them have quit working in Juárez entirely or have scaled back dramatically. Ysleta Lutheran Mission had 15 groups completely cancel their scheduled weeklong trips to build homes, work in medical clinics and help with children’s programs, said Steven Heimer, chief operating officer for YLM. The violence, which is rampant in much of northern Mexico, also impacts mission trips beyond Juárez. Leaders and parishioners from St. Pius X Catholic Church had regularly traveled to remote areas of Chihuahua to minister to the Tarahumara, said Jim Szostek, a deacon at the El Paso church for 31 years. But the threat of violence (made all the more real by the murder in 2008 of the nephew of Monsignor Arturo Banuelas) forced the church to cancel such trips. “We are fearful to go there,” Szostek said, “especially when they start killing women and children.” Szostek said that the loss is not just a matter of giving aid. “What they miss most is the personal contact,” he said of the indigenous people that St. Pius had reached out to in northern Mexico. “We want to assure them that they are our brothers and sisters. “Every morning, I think of my ‘kids’ over there. It’s hard to stay away.”

El Paso Scene spoke to a variety of organizations that have been involved in Juárez to find out more about the impact of cartel violence on their work across the border.

Casas por Cristo In 2007, Casas por Cristo was running full steam as a Christian ministry seeking to help the needy in Juárez. The El Paso–based organization built 405 homes across the border, with the assistance of nearly 8,000 volunteer workers from all over the United States and Canada. The next year seemed even more promising, and initially was on pace to surpass 2007’s record number of homes built. The rash of drug-cartel violence that began in early 2008, however, turned into an unchecked epidemic, resulting in many cancellations of mission groups. By the end of 2008, only 328 homes were built. These trend lines continued to plummet in 2009, said Casas Executive Director David Robertson. The number of volunteers dropped by more than half compared to 2007’s peak, and only about 185 homes are expected to be completed this year — and that includes 35 homes built in Cd. Acuña, across from Del Rio, Texas. The organization set up a second operations base in Del Rio because Acuña was ranked as the safest Mexican border city. Since the drug-cartel violence began, “upwards of 30 different ministries have stopped work in Juárez,” Robertson said, adding that other factors, such as the economic downturn and the swine flu, have contributed to fewer people going on mission trips. Robertson also noted that Casas por Cristo has not had one single incident of violence involving the roughly 10,000 volunteers that have participated in Juárez projects over the past two years. The organization does take detailed precautions, such as not driving in Juárez at

El Paso Scene

night, to minimize any risk. Part of the reason for Casas’ safety record, Robertson said, is that “the community knows our name.” The organization’s long-established reputation adds a level of protection, and Casas leaders are in touch with about 100 pastors across Juárez. If one area seems unsafe, the organization can shift its work to other locations. Although Casas por Cristo overall has not suffered as an organization — they now have 21 full-time staff members, including two in Juárez — the lack of volunteers definitely has slowed down their homebuilding efforts. And as Robertson pointed out, the need is greater than ever. Casas por Cristo has 500 people on its waiting list, he said. The rampant cartel violence has greatly added to the economic crisis in Juárez, Robertson noted, because of the loss of jobs in the tourist industry, loss of maquiladora jobs and reduced government funds to help the poor. Housing is a life-and-death matter in Juárez, Robertson added, with about 50 deaths a year blamed on lack of heat and about 2,500 hospitalized for hypothermia.

Youth With A Mission Like Casas por Cristo, Youth With A Mission El Paso-Juárez has seen a dramatic drop in youth groups coming to work on mission projects across the border. Typically, five high school groups would come for spring break, said YWAM El Paso-Juárez Director Mary Beth Maifeld. This year, only one came. All of the summer groups canceled.

Please see Page 32 Page 31

Neighbor Cont’d from Page 31 Maifeld called this year’s combination of cartel violence, swine flu and economic recession a “perfect storm” that drove U.S. mission trips away. Adult volunteers have been more resilient, she said, and several adult mission groups have come to work at YWAM’s children’s home and programs in Juárez, including two medical clinic teams. The children’s home in Juárez, with 33 residents, is an ongoing, 24/7 commitment of YWAM in the besieged city, she said. Even with less opportunity to work with U.S. youths on mission projects, there is no shortage of young people to reach out to. YWAM recently kicked off its youth program based at the Juárez facility, and 120 children showed up.

Ysleta Lutheran Mission Based in El Paso’s Lower Valley, Ysleta Lutheran Mission supports a network of mission churches in Juárez and the state of Chihuahua, which include a variety of services for the poor, ranging from medical clinics, food distribution and children’s programs. Led for the past 27 years by the Rev. Dr. Karl P. Heimer, YLM also has been significantly affected by the Juárez violence and various economic factors. The ministry, part of the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod, also has seen a substantial decrease in mission groups coming to work in Juárez. “We lost 15 servant events” this year, Heimer said, adding that the groups that did come had fewer volunteers than before. These “servant event” groups contributed to the overall revenues of the mission, which has also suffered the loss of grant and lease income this year. As a result, the mission is running in the red. A recent golf-tournament fundraiser was one response to filling the gap in finances. “We’re not going to stop what God wants us to do,” Heimer said. He noted that the need in Juárez is greater than ever. “Five hundred people came this year for medical help, up two times from last year,” he said. Another example is the food distributions, where 300 people may show up for groceries. The mission recently passed out 21 tons of potatoes trucked from Nebraska.” YLM also has taken over ministries that others cannot maintain because of the lack of volunteers willing to come over from the U.S. “We can’t say no,” Heimer commented. Despite the downturn in finances and volunteers, he said, YLM has no plans to cut back. “We’ve been at this a long time. We’ve trained partners. We have a family (across the border),” Heimer explained. YLM in fact has added new goals for serving Juárez through its Project Almanecer campaign, which included forming prayer teams and prayer services, launching bible studies, and distributing nearly a million dollars’ worth of food, clothing and other aid. Page 32

El Paso Scene

Casas por Cristo has taken thousand of young people to Juárez on mission projects, but many of these groups have canceled their mission trips since the cartel violence erupted. (Photo courtesy of Casas por Cristo)

JEM Ministries El Paso’s Ruiz family, which became nationally known earlier this year as the beneficiaries of an “Extreme Makeover” new house on ABC-TV, founded JEM Ministries in 1996 to support the needy in Juárez. Their goal is to build a community center with a kitchen that will feed up to 500 people, an orphanage that will house 100 children and an occupational training center. Their newfound fame (Maria Ruiz also was named as one of CNN’s Top Ten Heroes of 2008) has helped to increase donations, particularly clothing. But the violence in Juárez has also made it more difficult to find volunteers to cross the border, although Jesus and Maria Ruiz continue to do so several times a week, sometimes spending their weekends working in Colonia Tierra Nueva on the eastern outskirts of Juárez. For example, Maria Ruiz said, one mission project had arranged for 50 people to work with JEM Ministries last year, but only six people came. Fewer people visiting these impoverished neighborhoods means fewer people are likely to respond, she added. “If you go and see the need, you’re more likely to do something about it.” And with fewer people to do the work, she said, “everything drops off. It slows down the process.” JEM Ministries can use volunteers who can help with construction, and they have a particular need for heating and cooling work.

Casa de Libertad There are probably dozens of small charity operations throughout Juárez that have been similarly affected by the cartel violence and the resulting reluctance of U.S. volunteers to go there. Typically, such charitable support involved relationships between churches, service organizations and other organizations on the U.S. side and schools, orphanages, clinics and community centers serving the poor in Juárez. Many of the churches and other organizations say they no longer sponsor trips into Juárez. Yet there are many longtime volunteers who persist. For the past ten years, Al and Charlene Ward have traveled to Juárez from Alamogordo every week with a van full of food, clothing and supplies. The Wards do

Please see Page 33 December 2009

the foundation’s executive director. Donations may be earmarked for specific Juárez organizations. For more information, contact the foundation.

Neighbor Cont’d from Page 32 this as an extension of their work with Fountaingate Children’s Home in Alamogordo. Fountaingate supports Casa de Libertad, a Christian orphanage on the western side of Juárez, Mexico. The Wards lead the weekly trip to help orphans and other children abandoned or neglected by their parents. The crime news is of concern, said Charlene Ward, but more so for the orphanage director and the children, who have to live amid such violence. Fortunately, she said, they are able to bypass the urban part of Juárez and go through the Santa Teresa border crossing. “It’s easy to drop off the food and play with the kids,” she added.

FEMAP Foundation The FEMAP Foundation is a U.S. nonprofit that supports FEMAP (Federación Mexicana de Asociaciones Privadas) and SADEC (Salud y Desarrollo Comunitario de Cd. Juárez, or Health and Community Development of Cd. Juárez.). The foundation has raised several million dollars for border health projects, such as the construction of an addition for Hospital de la Familia in Cd. Juárez. The foundation was created in 1992 by El Paso’s Adair Margo to supplement the work begun nearly 20 years earlier by FEMAP founder Guadalupe De La Vega of Juárez. FEMAP Foundation Executive Director Anna Aleman said that most of the foundation’s funds come from corporate donations and grants, and about 10 percent come from individual gifts. Typical annual funding totals up to $500,000 a year. “We’ve seen a decline in grants, mainly due to the recession,” Aleman said, but added that local support has remained strong, with a recent FEMAP gala fundraiser selling out. The principal impact of the drug-cartel violence has been a virtual cessation of taking U.S. visitors into Juárez to visit foundation-supported facilities, Aleman said. “We used to do two or three (tours) a

December 2009

Centro Santa Catalina

FEMAP Foundations funds a variety of health programs in Juarez, including Hospital de la Familia. (Photos courtesy of FEMAP Foundation) month,” she said. “The last time I booked one was June or July 2008. One out of 13 people showed up.” Aleman noted, however, that those who have invested years of service in Juárez have not given up. For example, El Paso orthopedic surgeon Dr. Jacob Heydemann has manned a free clinic in Juárez for 22 years. As a U.S. nonprofit organization, the FEMAP Foundation is able to collect taxdeductible donations to support health and other needs across the border. That also means the foundation reviews the finances and services of any organization it supports. Individual donors can earmark their gifts for a particular project or organization supported by the foundation. Besides a variety of health programs, the FEMAP Foundation also funds community banks and micro-enterprise programs run by FEMAP-SADEC, which aims at building income among women by encouraging small entrepreneurial projects.

foundation’s resources go across the border. The assistance provided enables scholarships, safe houses for victims of domestic violence, and emergency supplies for women deported to Mexico. One impact of the violence in Juárez is that it makes it more difficult for board members and staff employees to make site visits in Juárez, “because we don’t know what to expect,” said Pat Graham-Casey,

Centro Santa Catalina, in Colonia Panfilo Natera on what was once the Juárez Municipal Garbage Dump, serves the poorest of the poor. Many of the colonia’s residents migrated from the central parts of Mexico, and those with maquiladora jobs may earn $5 a day or less, according to the center’s Web site. They live in cardboard shacks or simple cinderblock houses with no running water or sewer system. The center was started by two Adrian Dominican Sisters who spent four years establishing relationships and participating in a prayer group with women in the colonia. The center continues as a faith-based community that offers support, learning, economic development for women and educational assistance for children. Las Mujeres de Esperanza y Fe (Women of Hope and Faith) is an economic cooperative based at the center that makes and sells handmade goods. Sister Donna Kustusch, one of the center’s founders, still commutes from El Paso to Juárez despite the growing violence.

Please see Page 34

Frontera Women’s Foundation Frontera Women’s Foundation primarily directs funds and in-kind donations (clothing, personal hygiene supplies and other items) to organizations that help women and their families. About 30 percent of the

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Neighbor Cont’d from Page 33 “It’s a risk, but it’s not that great of a risk,” she said, while admitting that she had been carjacked earlier this year. “We have a moral obligation to stand with our neighbors and take the risk.” Kustusch was one of three presenters featured in a recent webcast sponsored by the Center for Action and Contemplation in Albuquerque. The webcast originated from the Cristo Rey Centro Luterano in El Paso, and also featured video testimonies by several women from Centro Santa Catalina.

Project Puente Since 1995, West Cosgrove, executive director of Project Puente in El Paso, has organized an average of one “Border Immersion Program” group a month to learn about border issues, an experience that usually included at least one night in a Juárez colonia. By mid 2008, the upsurge in violence in

Juárez led him to cancel the overnight stay, while still taking groups over to visit some of the colonias. By 2009, few groups were willing to visit Juárez at all. Even the alternative of visiting Palomas, Mexico, (across from Columbus, N.M.) seemed too risky for some groups. For Cosgrove, a former lay worker for the Maryknoll Catholic mission movement, the retreat from Juárez creates an agonizing crisis of conscience. “It’s simply not acceptable to stop going and say, ‘I’ll see you when the violence is over,’” Cosgrove said. One of the regular stops on Border Immersion visits was Biblioteca Infantil El Buen Pastor, a lending library/tutoring center run by Cristina Estrada in Colonia Anapra. The center not only helps children in school, but also provides scholarships to help the impoverished colonia families pay for school expenses (even primary school in Mexico can cost $250 per year for supplies and fees). Now the center receives few, if any, U.S. visitors. “You all have abandoned us,” Estrada told Cosgrove, a statement he described as “a dagger to the heart.”

Where to learn more The organizations discussed in this month’s feature story are just a few of the charities and nonprofit agencies involved in helping Juárez. Their addresses and other information are listed below. Here are some other suggestions for finding ways to help El Paso’s sister city: • Many churches in El Paso have ongoing relationships with Juárez ministries and charities. Check with the pastor, staff person or volunteers involved to find out about opportunities to donate money, supplies or volunteer services. Many local service organizations, such as Rotary, Sertoma, etc., also have continuing programs to help people in Juárez. • Charitable foundations such as FEMAP, El Paso Community Foundation, Paso del Norte Health Foundation and others support charities in Juárez, and tax-deductible gifts can be channeled through them. El Paso Community Foundation even has a “Spirit of Giving” catalogue that can be downloaded online at www.epcf.org. • One of the best overviews of the situation in Juárez and how people can show their support for the poor there is “¡Courage, Mexico …,” an initiative by the Center for Action and Contemplation in Albuquerque. Their Web site, www.cacradicalgrace.org/Juarez, offers news articles, links to other organizations, action plans and other resources to encourage solidarity with Juárez. • Centro para el Fortalecimiento Social A.C. in Juárez has a membership of more than 70 social-service organizations and charities. Go to www.cfosc.org.mx for more information (this Web site is all Spanish language). • Several Juárez charities provide English-language Web sites, including Nuestras Hijas de Regreso a Casa, A.C. (www.mujeresdejuarez.org) and Casa Amiga Centro de Crisis, A.C. (www.casa-amiga.org).

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Organizations listed in this article: Casas por Cristo P.O. Box 971070, El Paso, TX 79997 Physical address: 7201 North Loop, El Paso, Texas 79915 915-778-0046 www.casasporcristo.org Youth With A Mission El Paso-Juárez 4444 Edgar Park, El Paso, TX 79904 915-757-3387 www.ywamepj.org Ysleta Lutheran Mission 301 S. Schutz Dr., El Paso, TX 79907 915-858-2588 www.ylm.org JEM Ministries P.O. Box 17447, El Paso, TX 79917 Physical address: 813 Los Lagos Way, El Paso, TX 79907 915-593-7612 www.jemministriesep.org Fountaingate Children’s Home Inc. P.O. Box 643, Alamogordo, NM 88311 575-437-9375 www.fountaingatehome.org FEMAP Foundation 1400 Hardaway, Ste. 210, El Paso, TX 79903 915-544-4151 www.femap.org Frontera Women’s Foundation 501 N. Kansas, Ste 203, El Paso, TX 79901 915-532-1098 www.fronterawomensfoundation.org  Centro Santa Catalina 1207 Alabama St., El Paso, TX 79930 915-564-9003 www.womenofhope.homestead.com Project Puente 1009 N. Florence St., El Paso, TX 79902 915-351-9205 www.projectpuente.org

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El Paso Scene

December 2009

M

y first allowance was $1 a week, nearly 50 years ago. I recall that this princely amount was enough to go to the Saturday matinee movie, buy a bag of popcorn and get the latest Superman comic book, with plenty of change left over. One dime was reserved for my Sunday School offering envelope, which I recall was my parents’ idea. In fact, I even signed a church pledge card, and the church once sent me a note letting me know I was in arrears! Apparently I did not realize that my dime tithe was due even when we were out of town on vacation. I may have also kicked in a dime once a year for the March of Dimes campaign (that really is how it got its name). That pretty much formed my early views of giving: One should give to the church and occasionally make a donation to some charity. As an adult, and more importantly as someone trying to figure out how to follow what Jesus taught, how I give money becomes more complicated. Giving is more complicated now because everything we do with money is a matter of faith. We’re just as accountable for the money we spend on ourselves or how we invest it as we are for the money we give away. In fact, everything we say that we own is really just something we manage. The moment we start calling it our own is the moment we drift away from God. Giving is also more complicated because I no longer believe it’s enough just to hand over money to someone else and hope it is well spent. There’s a lot I could say about church giving, but I’ll save that for another day. Here are some basic truths about Christian giving in general. First of all, it’s not unspiritual to talk about money and possessions — Jesus addressed that topic about 15 percent of the time he’s quoted in the gospels. Secondly, Jesus did not expect us to be stupid about money. He praised the servants who wisely invested their master’s money, and condemned the one who mismanaged it (Matthew 25:14-30; Luke 19:12-28).

Third, Jesus made it clear that those who have should share with those who don’t. Recall the parable (Luke 16:1931) about the rich man who refused to give poor Lazarus the crumbs from his table. Living in El Paso, these lessons hit close to home. We are surrounded by need. Some of our neighborhoods rank as the poorest in the country. Even many of those needs are overshadowed by the needs in Juárez, whose cardboard-walled homes and sprawling colonias confront us as we drive along the Border Highway or I-10. Sadly, many of the organizations that have tried to make a difference among the poor in Juárez are now shorthanded because of volunteers’ reluctance to cross the border due the rampant cartel violence. In many cases, that means these organizations have fewer funds to work with as well. The people who have been served by these programs now feel abandoned because few, if any, volunteers visit from across the Rio Grande. Poverty in Juárez has never been worse, and it’s compounded by violence and an overall breakdown in civil order. That’s why the Scene devoted this month’s feature story to this situation, and is encouraging readers to consider making contributions to Juárez-related charities part of this season’s giving. Giving is one way that we can show the people of Juárez that we care about them and we are not unaware of their desperate troubles. Randy Limbird is editor and publisher of El Paso Scene. Comments? Send them to [email protected]

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Rio Bosque Wetlands Park — UTEP’s Center for Environmental Resource Management offers free guided walking tours and other activities at Rio Bosque Wetlands Park in El Paso’s Mission Valley. Tours last about two hours. Information: 747-8663 or riobosque.org. Upcoming events: • Bird Tour, 8 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 5. • Introductory Tour, 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 13. Meeting place is a bridge crossing Riverside Canal. Take Americas Ave. (Loop 375) to Pan American Drive, turn left and travel 1.5 miles.

Tree Hunt at Davis Mountain Preserve — The preserve near Fort Davis, Texas will be open for people to cut their own Christmas trees 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 5 and 12, hosted by the Nature Conservancy. Participants can select a tree along the Madera Creek watershed where Pinon Pine and Alligator Junipers are common. Bring handsaw, gloves and tie-down rope. Check in at the preserve’s McIvor Conservation Center before the hunt. No charge; membership in Nature Conservancy not required. Information: Crawford Marginot, (432) 426-2390. This annual holiday event helps The Nature Conservancy with its continuing efforts to conserve the Madera Creek watershed by reducing the competition among trees. The 32,000-acre preserve is on Hwy 118 about 24 miles northwest of Fort Davis.

El Paso/Trans-Pecos Audubon Society — The Society’s annual Holiday Party is 7 p.m. Monday, Dec. 14, at EPCC’s Rio Grande campus. Winners of the annual photo contest will be announced. Information: 526-7725 or transpecos-audubon.org. Each person is allowed one photo in each category: birds; wildlife other than birds; scenic shots; kids and pets and humorous photos. Email jpeg-formatted photos to [email protected], or call 751-0125 to arrange for pick-up of printed photos or slides.

Mesilla Valley Christmas Bird Count — The Mesilla Valley Audubon Society will host a program for its annual Christmas Bird Count at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 16, at The Village at Northrise, Hallmark Bldg, 2882 N Roadrunner Pkwy in Las Cruces. Society president David Griffin, Las Cruces Christmas Bird Count compiler, will explain the history and methods of the count, go through a collection of bird photos of likely species, organize CBC teams, dis-

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tribute maps, bird lists and prepare for the count. Admission is free. Information: (575) 382-2080 or mvaudubon.org. The 110th Count is Saturday, Dec. 19. Everyone is welcome to participate.

El Paso Zoo Adventure Programs — El Paso Zoo, 4001 E. Paisano, hosts a series of educational programs for various age groups from toddler to adult, ranging from environmental issues to animal encounters. Reservations required for most programs. Information: 532-8156, 521-1850. Online registration available at elpasozoo.org. Holiday Camp is 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday, Dec. 21, for ages 8-12 (includes holiday crafts and ornament-making), and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 27, for ages 13-16 (includes conservation projects and learning about the zoo’s animals). Cost to be announced. The program also offers several “on demand” group events that may be arranged with advance notice, including “Behind the Scenes Elephant Encounter,” “Asia Sleepover Adventure,” “Night Prowl” and “Super Deluxe Elephant Experience.” Call for details. El Paso Zoo — 4001 E. Paisano. Zoo summer entrance hours are 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily. Zoo admission is $10 for ages 13 to 61; $7.50 for ages 62 and older and active duty military (including spouse) with ID; $6 ages 3 to 12; and free for ages 2 and under. Zoo members admitted free. Closed Christmas and New Year’s Day. Information: 532-8156, 521-1850 or elpasozoo.org. Saturday and Sunday shows include Animal Encounter presentations at 11:15 a.m.; Sun Bear Enrichment talk at 12:30 p.m. and Take Action! events in the Paraje Learning Center at 1:30 and 3:30 p.m. Live educational shows and feedings are presented at the El Paso Electric Sea Lion Exhibit at 10:45 a.m. and 2:45 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Presentations are free; visitors are encouraged to find a seat early. Elephant training program demonstration is at noon. The zoo displays more than 700 animals. Several endangered cat species are featured at

the zoo, including Amur leopards and tigers as well as two aquariums featuring butterfly fish, hawk fish and eels.

Keystone Heritage Park and El Paso Desert Botanical Garden — 4200 Doniphan (across from Frontera). Hours are 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays year round. Admission: $2 ($1 children, seniors and military). Information: 584-0563, keystonepark.org or elpasobotanicalgardens.org. The park’s 2-acre Botanical Garden, funded by the Rotary Club of El Paso and the Junior League, features native plants, amphitheater, butterfly garden, wedding garden, children’s maze, and a new Butterfly House. Keystone Heritage Park has 189 species of migratory and local birds, and a 4,500-year-old archaeological site. The site is open for bird watching 7 to 10 a.m. Saturday and 2:30 to 5 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 26-27. Thousands of birds flock to the area to roost overnight. Bring binoculars. Admission is free.

Cut down your own Christmas tree — Permits are available for people to cut down their own Christmas tree in the Lincoln and Gila National Forests in New Mexico through Dec. 24. Limit is one tree — up to 10 feet in height — per household, and the permit includes a map of areas where cutting is allowed. Permits available to purchase for $5 per household; special permits available for trees over 10 feet. Forest officials advise people to check weather and road conditions before entering the forest. Tree-cutters should dress appropriately, take a vehicle suitable for the area and leave information at home where they are going. Maps of tree-cutting areas available at each ranger station. Mail-in permit applications are available in El Paso at the Chamber of Commerce, Chamizal National Memorial, and most southern New Mexico communities, and many other locations. Lincoln National Forest All offices open 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. week-

El Paso Scene

days. • Alamogordo (main office), 3463 Las Palomas, (575) 434-7200. • Cloudcroft, Hwy 82 and Curlew, (575) 6822551. • Ruidoso, 901 Mechem, (575) 257-4095. Gila National Forest All offices are open 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. weekdays. • Silver City, 3005 E. Camino del Bosque (behind Wal-Mart) (575) 538-2771. • Mimbres Ranger Station, NM Hwy 35, (575) 536-2250. • Black Range, 1804 Date St., Truth or Consequences, (575) 894-6677. Permits can also be obtained by mail; send $5 plus the name of the head of household.

El Paso Ridge Walkers — The hiking club offers hikes every weekend, choosing from two dozen hikes around the region, including hikes in the Franklin and Organ Mountains, Guadalupe Mountains, as well as flatter hikes along the Rio Grande and Stahmann’s Pecan Orchard. Day trips range from White Sands to Albuquerque. Hikes range from 6 to 10 miles. Information: Charlie Topp, 755-7789 or elpasoridgewalkers.com. Sierra Club hikes — The El Paso Regional Group of the Sierra Club offers field trips almost every weekend; open to non-members. Most outings have a limit of 12 persons. The club encourages donations of at least $2 or $3 per person per event to help with publicity and administrative expenses. Web: texas.sierraclub.org/elpaso/. The general meeting is at 7:30 p.m. on the last Wednesday of every month at the Centennial Museum, University and Wiggins, UTEP. For program or schedule changes, call 594-7342.

El Paso Astronomy Club — The club meets 7 to 9 p.m. the third Friday of every month at EPISD’s Gene Roddenberry Planetarium, 6531 Boeing. Meetings include guest speakers and workshops to aid beginners in the use of telescopes and identifying objects in the night sky. Everyone is welcome. Admission is free. Information: 779-4317 or elpasoastronomy.org.

Mesilla Valley Bosque Park — 5000 Calle del Norte in Mesilla. Guided Bird tours are 7:15 to 8:45 a.m. the first Saturday of every month,

December 2009

Nature Cont’d from Page 36 trail by 5 p.m. Visitor center is open 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Tours offered at noon. Early arrival requested (allow 20 to 30 minutes to hike to dwellings where tour begins).

Carlsbad Caverns National Park — The park is about 160 miles east of El Paso, off the Carlsbad Highway (U.S. 62-180). Information: (575) 785-2232 or nps.gov/cave. Hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily; tours available 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Last entry into cave via natural entrance is 2 p.m. with last entry into cave via elevator 3:30 p.m. Plan 3-1/2 hours for a walk-in tour and 1-1/2 hours for Big Room tour. Cost is $6 ($3 for ages 6-15 or seniors with discount card). The park’s audio self-guided tour is $3 extra (also available in Spanish). For an extra fee ($8 adults, $4 youth and seniors with card), visitors can go on a ranger-guided tour of the King’s Palace, Papoose Room, Queen’s Chamber and Green Lake Room; reservations are required. Guided tours also are available for Slaughter Canyon Cave, an undeveloped cave 23 miles from the main cavern. Call for reservations. Cost is $15 ($7.50 ages 6-15, seniors with card). The 1-1/4-mile tour lasts about 2-1/2 hours. Flashlight with fresh batteries required. Wear good walking shoes and bring water. Other special guided tours are available, including “Wild Cave Tours.” Guadalupe Mountains National Park — 110 miles east of El Paso on the way to Carlsbad, the 86,416-acre park includes the highest point in Texas: Guadalupe Peak, 8,749 feet. Entry fee: $5 for ages 16 and older, good for one week and all trails. Camping is $8 per site per night. Information: (915) 828-3251. The park’s headquarters, visitors’ center and museum are at Pine Springs, off of U.S. 62-180. Camping for tents and RVs, a nature trail, and ruins of the Butterfield Overland Mail Station are nearby. McKittrick Canyon Visitors’ Center is seven miles east of Pine Springs, and offers nature, canyon and geology trails. Winter hours are 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. On the north side of the park, accessible by a 110-mile drive around Carlsbad Caverns, is Dog Canyon Visitor Center and Campground. One of the best examples of a Permian Period fossil reef, the national park offers camping and more than 80 miles of trails. Hikes range from easy, wheelchair-accessible nature trails to moderate (level, but rocky) canyon hikes to strenuous mountain hikes.

• Rockhound State Park, five miles south of Deming on State Road 11 and then east on Rockhound Road (State Road 141) for nine miles. Day use hours: 7:30 a.m. to sunset. Information: (575) 546-6182 or (575) 7445998. A Holiday Lights event is 6 to 8 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 12, featuring more than 1,000 luminarias along the park trail. Visitors can enjoy coffee, hot cocoa, Mexican cookies, caroling and more. Admission is free.

Chihuahuan Desert Nature Park — The park, part of Asombro Institute for Science Education, is northeast of Las Cruces, off Jornada Road. Admission is free; donation box at trailhead. Park hours are 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. Information: (575) 524-3334 or asombro.org. To get there: Take I-25 in Las Cruces and head east on U.S. 70. Take the Mesa Grande Road exit (at Oñate High School). Make a Uturn under the highway to head west, and stay in the right lane. Turn right (north) on Jornada Road. Follow Jornada Road for 6.5 miles and turn left at the park sign. Follow the entrance road to the parking area and trailhead.

Living Desert Zoo and Gardens State Park — Carlsbad, N.M. Admission: $5 ($3

ters building includes exhibits on minerals, history, archaeology and other subjects.

ages 7-12; free for 6 and under). Hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily (last entry at 3:30 p.m.). Information: (575) 887-5516. To get there: Take U.S. 285 north of Carlsbad; follow signs to the park. A Holiday Bells handbells performance is 2 to 3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 5, in the Visitors Center. Holidays with the Animals is 1 to 3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 12, featuring holiday card-making and other activities. A collection of new books, toys or non-perishable food items for local charities will be taken. While most zoos feature exotic animals from faraway countries, Living Desert offers visitors an up-close look at the mammals, reptiles and birds that inhabit the Chihuahuan Desert. A large greenhouse devoted to succulents and cactus from around the world. The headquar-

Chihuahuan Desert Resource Institute — The CDRI center and botanical gardens are four miles south of Fort Davis on Hwy 118. Admission: $5 ($4 seniors 65 and older; free children 12 and younger, members). Information: (432) 364-2499 or cdri.org. Fort Davis & Balmorhea Christmas Bird Counts are Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 19-20. Pre-registration required. Cost: $5 per persons over age 18.

Alameda Park Zoo — Alameda Park, 1321 North White Sands Blvd. (U.S. 54/70), Alamogordo. Hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. Admission: $2.50 ($1.50 ages 3-11 and 60 and older; free for ages 2 and younger). Annual memberships available. Information: (575) 4394290.

Dripping Springs Natural Area — The recreational area is at the base of the Organ Mountains at the end of Dripping Springs Road (the eastern extension of University Avenue), about 10 miles east of Las Cruces. The area, run by the federal Bureau of Land Management in cooperation with the Nature Conservancy, includes the A.B. Cox Visitors’ Center, hiking trails, and La Cueva Picnic Area. The visitor center is open 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Access to the main trail to Dripping Springs is 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. The park closes at 5 p.m. Admission is $3 per vehicle. No pets allowed (except for assistance animals). Information: (575) 522-1219.

New Mexico State Parks — Day-use fee is $5 when visiting any state park. Camping fees: $8 for primitive site; $10 for developed site (electrical hookup $4 extra). All programs are free with park entrance, unless otherwise listed. Information: (575) 744-5998 or nmparks.com. • Mesilla Valley Bosque Park — 5000 Calle del Norte, Mesilla. Guided bird tours are 7:15 to 8:45 a.m. the first Saturday of every month, hosted by Mesilla Valley Audubon Society’s Nancy Stotz. Information: (575) 523-4398. • City of Rocks State Park, north of Deming off U.S. 180. Information: (575) 536-2800. A “Rattlesnake Myths” presentation is 3 to 4 p.m. every Saturday. • Oliver Lee State Park, Highway 54 south of Alamogordo at the Dog Canyon turnoff. Information: (575) 437-8284. A viewing of Jupiter, Mercury and the moon at sunset is 5:30 to 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 19, at the Group Shelter. December 2009

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Wiggins, UTEP. Changing exhibits are on the second floor, Lea and Discovery Galleries. Hours: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. Admission is free. Information: 7475565 or utep.edu/museum. Showing through Dec. 12: “Picturing Grassroots Development,” an exhibit in celebration of the Inter-American Foundation’s 40th Anniversary. The Foundation, an independent U.S. agency, has been working to promote selfhelp development in Latin America and the Caribbean since 1969. Its president is Ambassador Larry Palmer, who served 1989 to 1991 as assistant to UTEP president Dr. Diana Natalicio under the Pearson Fellow program. During that time Palmer worked to create exchange opportunities for UTEP students throughout Mexico. The exhibit photographs highlight IAF’s work throughout the hemisphere over the past four decades. Following its inauguration at UTEP the exhibit will travel to other venues in the Americas. An abridged version of the exhibit also will be shown at the Library of Congress. Showing through Jan. 15: “From Above: Images of a Storied Land,” aerial photography of desert sites in the U.S. southwest and northern Mexico. The exhibition, created by the Center for Desert Archaeology in collaboration with the Albuquerque Museum of Art and History, features 28 large-format aerial photographs by Adriel Heisey. Dr. William Doelle, President and CEO of the Center for Desert Archaeology, will lecture on “Archaeology with Altitude: How Research and Preservation in Southwestern Archaeology Benefit When Viewed ‘From Above’” at 3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 12. The demographic collapse of the southern Southwest occurred between 1300 and 1450 and has defied explanation. Doelle worked closely with photographer Heisey. The role of Heisey’s photography to promote both research and preservation will be discussed, as well as a preview of a new collaboration with Heisey, a re-photography of key images produced by Charles and Anne Lindbergh as they flew over the Southwest in July 1929. Admission is free.

El Paso Holocaust Museum and Study Center — 715 N. Oregon. Hours are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, 1 to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Closed Monday. Admission is free. Information: 351-0048 or elpasoholocaustmuseum.org. The El Paso museum depicts Jewish life in Europe before World War II, Hitler’s rise to power, the expulsion of Jews into ghettoes, life in concentration camps, prisoner resistance to the Nazis and liberation of the camps. Also featured is a local survivors exhibit. Docents available for guided tours.

El Paso Museum of Archaeology — 4301 Transmountain in Northeast El Paso (west of U.S. 54). Hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday, noon to 5 p.m. Sunday. Admission is free. Information: 755-4332. Showing through Feb. 14, 2010: “Rarámuri: The Foot Runners of the Sierra Madre,” photography by Diana Molina. The exhibit includes 25 ilfochrome color prints, as well as 25 Rarámuri hand-crafted artifacts. Molina captures the contemporary life of the Rarámuri of the Sierra Madre in the steep mountain terrain where they live lightly on the land in contrast to

El Paso Scene

the outside world that intrudes with roads and extraction of resources. For more than a decade she has documented the Sierra Madre and its people, and her photographs provide a view of their life from child rearing and sports to community social life, ceremonies, and indigenous as well as Christian beliefs. Molina, a native El Pasoan, has produced exhibits at The World Museum of Art in Rotterdam, the Art Museum of the Americas in Washington D.C., and The Houston Museum of Natural Science among other locations. Her focus is on depicting man and his environment, creating sociological portrayals that illustrate geographic as well as ideological borderlands. Molina will host the illustrated presentation “Rarámuri: The Foot Runners of the Sierra Madre” at 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 6. In a personal narrative complemented by photographs taken on her many journeys to the Sierra, Molina will recount some of her experiences, provide a contemporary portrayal of the exceptional Rarámuri culture and highlight the amazing expanse of the canyon environment. Reception and refreshments follow. A zip tour of the exhibit is 2 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 30. The museum tells the 12,000-year-old story of prehistoric human habitation in the region, with five dioramas and exhibits of tools, pottery, rock art and other materials. A nature trail takes visitors through 17 acres of Chihuahuan Desert with 200 varieties of desert plants. The trail also offers a local pithouse, pueblo ruin and an Apache brush hut. The park also has picnic tables and a gazebo.

El Paso Museum of Art — One Arts Festival Plaza, downtown El Paso. For exhibit information, see “Southwest Art Scene.” El Paso Museum of History — 510 N. Santa Fe. Hours (including gift shop) are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Wednesday, Friday and Saturday, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Thursday, noon to 5 p.m. Sunday. Closed Mondays. Admission is free, except as listed. Information: 351-3588 or elpasotexas.gov/history. Joe Nick Patoski presents “Stevie Ray Vaughan: The Last of the Great Texas Bluesman” as the final lecture of the museum’s Texas Music History Lecture Series 5 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 3. Admission: $4 members, $8 nonmembers. Seating is limited. Anyone who buys a museum membership that night gets in free. RSVP: 351-3588. The museum will honor Texas Western’s NCAA 1966 Basketball Champions and unveil its “Wall of Giants” at a “members only” reception 6 to 9 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 10, in anticipation of the “Awakening Our Giants and Celebrating Our Firsts,” showing through May 2010. UTEP Coach Don Haskins and the 1966 championship basketball team will be the first among many Giants recognized. Mary Haskins, players Togo Railey, Willie Cager and former Sports Information Director Eddie Mullens will be present. Anyone joining the museum by Dec. 1 will receive an invitation to the event. Membership forms can be downloaded at elpasotexas.gov/history. Now showing is “Casas Grandes, Casas Chicas: Cottage Industries of Paquimé and Mata Ortíz.” Casas Grandes is a archaeological site in Northern Mexico, and Mata Ortiz is a modern

Please see Page 39 December 2009

Museums Cont’d from Page 38 community in the same region. The exhibit includes more than 50 examples of prehistoric Casas Grandes pottery, modern attempts to copy this pottery, and the distinctive style developed in Mata Ortiz. Other cottage industries represented are stone work and jewelry. Photographs by Marc Thompson, recently retired director of El Paso Museum of Archaeology, are featured. A Mata Ortiz Hands on Pottery Workshop is 2 to 4 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 5, with Mayté Luján and potter Lorenzo Elías Peña. Learn how the potters of Mata Ortiz produce their pottery and then make one to take home. Cost: $10 ($5 museum members). Reservations required, space is limited. Showing Dec. 5-31: “Queens in the Sun: A Century of El Paso Winter Royalty.” The first Midwinter Carnival was held in 1901, the ancestor of today’s Sun Bowl. From the beginning, queens were associated with these celebrations. The exhibition displays queens’ gowns, souvenirs, photographs, scrapbooks, programs, and the Os-aple (“El Paso” spelled backwards) crown. Showing through Jan. 10 “El Paso Aviation,” presented in cooperation with El Paso International Airport.

Insights El Paso Science Museum — 505 N. Santa Fe. Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday and noon to 5 p.m. Sunday. Admission: $6 ($5 seniors, students and military; $4 ages 4-11). Information: 534-0000 or insightselpaso.org. Currently on exhibit: “Giant Worlds.” The National Science Foundation and NASA has provided major funding to the Space Science Institute for the traveling exhibition about Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune.

LYNX Exhibits — The exhibit space is at 300 W. San Antonio (just south of Convention Center). Hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday, Wednesday and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Thursday and Friday and noon to 6 p.m. Sunday. Closed Monday. Last admission is one hour before closing time. Tickets for “The World of Giant Bugs” are $10 for adults; $8 seniors, military and students with ID; and $6 ages 4 to 11. Children 3 and younger are free. Information: 533-4330 or lynxexhibits.com. A reptile and tortoise live display is 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 28, featuring a giant boa, tortoises and other reptiles. Free with regular admission. Visitors who bring an unwrapped toy benefiting the homeless children housed at YWCA’s Transitional Living Center receive $2 off admission. Visitors can meet with Santa 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 5, 12 and 19. Santa will be lounging among the giant robotic insects and have “buggy treats” for the visitors. Persons who bring a new, unwrapped toy or child’s jacket will receive $1 off regular admission. Showing through Jan. 3: “The World of Giant Bugs.” The exhibit of bigger-than-life insects includes interactive displays, hands-on activities, Bug Portrait Gallery and a live Insect Zoo. Among the displays in the exhibit are: • A praying mantis, 19 feet long, that demonstrates the threatening behavior that causes its prey to freeze; • A 13-foot-long locust spreading its wings; • A giant walking stick, over 21 feet long, displaying its protective camouflage; • Two rhinoceros beetles fighting, each 11 feet long; • A 15-foot caterpillar; and December 2009

• Three giant insect heads’ mouthpieces, operated with a push of a button and allowing visitors to see how they eat. Opening Jan. 30: 2010: “Extreme Deep: Mission to the Abyss,” featuring hands-on exhibits on the technology necessary for deepsea exploration. The exhibit also depicts the mysteries of the ocean’s greatest depths.

Magoffin Home State Historic Site — 1120 Magoffin. The adobe home, built around 1875 by Joseph Magoffin, is a prime example of territorial style architecture. The site explores the stories of the prominent El Paso pioneer family, with authentic art and furnishings that reflect the daily lives of that era. Hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday. Tours on the hour; last tour at 4 p.m. Cost: $3 (12 and under free). Group tours available with advance registration. Information: 533-5147 or visitmagoffinhome.org. The annual Holiday Open House is 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 5-6. Enjoy the holiday decorations, refreshments, piñatas and other activities amid the authentic art and furnishings of this historic home. Music will be provided by local school choirs. “Spirit Tours” are offered by Casa Magoffin Compañeros at 10 a.m. the second Saturday of every month. Cost: $5. Reservations required.

Museo Mayachen - Historical exhibits are displayed inside of Mercado Mayapan, 2101 Myrtle. Currently on exhibit: “Women Workers in the early years of the Textile Industry.” Hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday-Friday and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Information: 532-6205 or mercadomayapan.org.

National Border Patrol Museum and Memorial Library — 4315 Transmountain Drive. The museum, in Northeast El Paso just west of U.S. 54, features the history of the Border Patrol with uniforms, equipment, photographs, guns, motor vehicles, airplanes, boats and other items, including hands-on exhibits for kids. Hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. Closed Sunday, Monday and major holidays. Admission is free. Information: 7596060 or borderpatrolmuseum.com.

Railroad and Transportation Museum of El Paso — More than 100 years of El Paso

“TGIFF”in Silver City (Thank God It’s First Friday)

railroad history are on display at Union Depot Transit Terminal, 400 W. San Antonio, at Durango. Hours are 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday. Admission is free. Information: 422-3420 or elpasorails.com.

War Eagles Air Museum — 8012 Airport Road, Doña Ana County Airport, Santa Teresa. Hours: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday. Admission: $5; $4 senior citizens and military; free for children under 12. Information: (575) 589-2000 or war-eagles-airmuseum.com.

Las Cruces area Chamizal galleries - Chamizal National Memorial, 800 S. San Marcial. Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. Admission is free. Information: 532-7273 or nps.gov/cham. Showing through Dec. 19 in Los Paisanos Gallery: Carlos Vigueras Casasola’s photographic exhibition “Mexican Revolution 19102010: One Hundred years of Reality.” Casasola is a descendent of the Casasola dynasty that includes Agustin Victor Casasola, Gustavo Casasola Zapata, and Federico Casasola. The Casasola family tradition of

Please see Page 40 El Paso Scene

On the first Friday of each month starting Dec. 4th the Fine Restaurants, Unique Shops and the Famous Red Dot Galleries in Historic Downtown Silver City will be open late for your shopping convenience. Stay over night at downtown lodging. On Dec. 12th, the Downtown Annual Holiday Celebration will feature Sidewalk Sales and Special Christmas Events. JOIN THE HOLIDAY FUN! Less than 3 hours from El Paso. For info call Paid for by the www.silvercitymainstreet.com

Town of Silver City Lodger’s Tax

1-800-548-9378 Page 39

Museums Cont’d from Page 39 graphic media began with Agustin’s photographic agency (1912) that provided graphic information to newspapers in Mexico and other countries. His son Gustavo is credited with recording an extensive photographic history of Mexico’s turbulent era of the Mexican Revolution. Federico Casasola has preserved the family’s legacy through the founding of the Casasola Museum in Old Mesilla.

Las Cruces Museum of Natural History — Mesilla Valley Mall, Las Cruces (take Lohman exit east from I-25). Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays and Saturdays; 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Fridays; 1 to 5 p.m. Sundays. All events are free. Information: (575) 522-3120 or las-cruces.org. Showing through Jan. 10: “Let’s Get Active.” The Oregon Museum of Science and Industry’s newest small exhibit features hands-on interactives concerning fitness that appeal to children and their families. Text panels in English and Spanish. Sky Safari is 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 19, at La Llorona Park, W. Picacho at River Levee Rd.

Las Cruces Railroad Museum — The museum is in the Santa Fe train depot, 351 N. Mesilla, (at Las Cruces avenue west of the Downtown Mall). Hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday through Saturday. Admission is free; donations encouraged. Information: (575) 6474480 or museums.lascruces.org//rrmuseum.shtm. The 5th annual Old Fashioned Holiday Display is 5 to 9 p.m. Friday, Dec. 4. Visitors can view the model trains, holiday decorations, and complete a craft project. Light refreshments served. Santa arrives at 5 p.m. on a holiday-decorated Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railroad diesel engine, and will be available for photos on the observation deck until 8 p.m. Holiday music provided by Vista Vibrations Bell Choir at 5:15pm and Central Elementary School Choir at 6:15 p.m. Holiday lights at the museum will be lit nightly from Dec. 4-Jan. 3 in conjunction with the City of Las Cruces Winterfest activities. An ornament-making class for ages 7-12 is 1 to 3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 19. Children will make a picture frame ornament, complete with a photo of themselves, while they watch “The Polar Express” and enjoy a light snack. Class size is limited; registration is required. Cost: $5 per child. Information/RSVP: Joanne, 647-4480.

NM Farm & Ranch Heritage Museum — 4100 Dripping Springs, Las Cruces. Hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday, noon to 5 p.m. Sunday. Admission: $5 ($3 seniors 60 and older, $2 for children 5-17; free for age 4 and under). Information: (575) 522-4100 or nmfarmandranchmuseum.org. Stories of Christmas Past: A Living History Evening is 7 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 10, in the Museum’s theater with a series of living history performances that focus on New Mexico’s Christmas traditions. Admission: $2 suggested donation. Showing Dec. 3-Sept. 10, 2010: “Colcha: Embroidered Connections,” Colcha is an embroidery method traced back to the 1700s in New Mexico. Opening reception is 6 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 3. Refreshments offered. Showing through Dec. 6: “The Art of Cultivation,” agriculture and Mesilla Valley-themed works by members of the Border Artists. Showing through Jan. 18 in the Legacy Gallery: “Bracero Memories,” an exhibit about the temporary contract labor program Page 40

El Paso Scene

between the United States and Mexico initiated in 1942. The agricultural portion of the program continued until 1964. Showing through July 18, 2010: “Building for the Future: Rural Schoolhouses of New Mexico: 1880-1965.” Classes and workshops (pre-registration required): • Harvest Cooking Class is 2 to 4 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 1, with chef Carol Koenig. Cost: $35. • A Handcrafted Holiday workshop is for children 4 and older accompanied by a parent is 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 12. Cost: $25 for two family members, plus $5 each for additional family members. Craft materials provided. Participants need to bring a lunch.

White Sands Missile Range Museum and Missile Park — Exhibits feature the history of the Trinity Site (site of the first atomic bomb test), the V-2 rocket, ranchers on the range and missile optics. An outdoor Missile Park displays rockets and missiles tested on the range. Hours: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Closed on federal holidays. Free admission. To get there: take U.S. 54, and after the freeway ends, keep going north on Martin Luther King, which leads directly to the range. Or enter from the north off U.S. 70 east of Las Cruces. Visitors must provide a current license, car registration and proof of insurance. Information: (575) 678-8824 (local call) or wsmr-history.org.

Also Hubbard Museum of the American West — 841 U.S. Hwy 70 West, next to Ruidoso Downs (N.M.) Race Track. Hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. every day. Admission: $6 ($5 for seniors, military; $2 children 6-16; free for children 5 and younger). Information: (575) 3784142 or hubbardmuseum.org. Showing through December: 2009 Fall American Photography exhibit.

New Mexico Museum of Space History — The museum features the International Space Hall of Fame and the Tombaugh IMAX Dome Theater and Planetarium, and is located on the northeast side of Alamogordo off Indian Wells Blvd. Currently showing: “Space Frontiers,” a look at the heritage and future of space exploration in New Mexico. Space center hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission: $6 ($5 for seniors and military, $4 ages 4-12, children 3 and younger free). Information: (877) 333-6589, (575) 4372840 or nmspacemuseum.org. See “Film Scene” for IMAX schedule.

Sacramento Mountains Historical Museum — U.S. 82 across from the Chamber of Commerce in Cloudcroft, N.M. Hours: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Tuesday and Friday and Saturday; and 1 to 4 p.m. Sunday. Closed Wednesday and Thursday. Admission: $3 ($1 children). Information: (575) 682-2932 or [email protected].

Silver City Museum — 312 W. Broadway, Silver City. Hours are 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Admission: $3. Information: (575) 538-5921, 1-877-777-7947 (out of town), or silvercitymuseum.org.

Toy Train Depot — Alameda Park, 1991 N. White Sands Blvd., Alamogordo. Hours are noon to 4:40 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday. Admission: $4. Information: (575) 437-2855 or toytraindepot.homestead.com. The 1/5 scale train track offers rides around Alameda Park 12:30 to 4 p.m. Cost: $4. December 2009

Françoise Chadaillac, highlighting urban colors and daily life in France. Opening reception is 5 to 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 9. RSVP by Dec. 5: 875-1696.

Adair Margo Fine Art — Margo’s new gallery is at 215 Stanton, Suite 602 (in The Martin Building). Hours are 10 a.m. to noon and 1 to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, or by appointment. Information: 533-0048 or adairmargo.com. Showing through Dec. 31: New works by painter/printmaker Suzi Davidoff and sculptural jeweler Rachelle Thiewes. Davidoff and Thiewes just returned to El Paso from a twomonth artist fellowship in Finland. Davidoff will show monotypes (print made from a metal or glass plate on which a picture is painted in oil color, printing ink, or natural dyes) created at Flatbed Press in Austin. The prints reflect the artist’s ongoing exploration of light, structure and pattern in the natural environment. Thiewes will show new bracelets and earrings that explore rhythms, sound and light. Married to guitarist Dan Lambert, Thiewes has long had a strong interest in the structure, patterns and organic qualities of music. Her pieces are also influenced by the desert landscape of El Paso.

Adair Studio and Gallery — 5750 N. Mesa (at the Summit). Gallery hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Fridays. Clarissa Adair is a graduate of the Colorado Institute of Art in Denver. Information: 471-2271 or 587-8648. The studio’s student art show is 6 to 9 p.m. Friday, Dec. 4, featuring works by students from the gallery’s classes and instructor Clarissa Adair. Painting classes for children and adults, and drawing workshops offered (“Figure” and “Drawing with your Artist Brain”). Art and Framing Gallery — 6519-A N. Mesa (in the Palm Court). Information: 8335250. Art Junction of El Paso — The art service of El Paso Art Association is at 500 W. Paisano, Suite D upstairs (Downtown, at Durango). Hours are 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesday through Friday. Studio spaces are available to rent for artists, as well as a photo lab. Also featured are the Presidents Gallery for classes and the upstairs Lobby Gallery featuring artwork by the studio artists. Information: 534-7377 elpasoartassociation.com. Ballroom Marfa — 108 E. San Antonio Street in Marfa. Information: (432) 729-3700 or ballroommarfa.org. Showing through Dec. 13 in the gallery: “Two Face,” sculptures by Aaron Curry of San Antonio and Thomas Houseago of Leeds, England. The sculptures are monuments for the 21st century, with contemporary pop culture given gravitas by the presence of the historical avant-garde. ‘Beauty on the Border III’ — An opening reception is at 6:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 11, at The Percolator, 217 N. Stanton, for the photo exhibit by local fashion photographer Harry Assad. Assad and his Model Forms Agency have photographed over 1,000 models over the past 25 years. Information: 351-1016.

‘Desert Lights’ — The Alazan Artists, a

the Border Art Biennial 2010 to be held Nov. 14, 2010-Feb. 13-2011. Each museum will exhibit one of two artworks by every artist selected. All works included will be reproduced in the accompanying exhibition catalog. Information/applications: 532-1707 or callforentry.org. Jurors are Rita Gonzalez, Assistant Curator in the Department of Contemporary Art at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art and Itala Schmelz, Director at the Museo de Arte Carrillo Gil.

Candy Mayer Studio Open House — El Paso artist Candy Mayer will host her 4th annual open house at her home studio at 1317 Tierra Roja 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 5-6. Visitors can view recent works and works in progress, as well as photography by Mayer’s husband Charlie Mayer. Prints, cards, and holiday gifts will be for sale and refreshments available. New items include a calendar with El Paso images and new magnets and ceramic tiles. Information: 581-4971 or candymayer.com. To get there: Take I-10 to Redd Exit. Take Redd east to Resler, turn left at Franklin High School, right at Tierra Taos, then left at Tierra Roja.

Carmen Navar Art Studio — 6320 Falling Star. The studio gallery offers original artwork, prints, note cards and crosses. Artwork on commission; lay-a-way available. Hours by appointment. Information: 833-4635. Mixed media and drawing classes are 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Tuesdays and 2 to 4 p.m. the first and second Saturday of the month for ages 9 to adult.

Chamizal Call for Artists — The Chamizal National Memorial, 800 S. San Marcial, invites regional artists and arts organizations interested in displaying their work at any of the Memorial’s two gallery spaces for the 2010 calendar year. Proposals should be made to the attention of Michael Groomer, Chief of Interpretation, Education, and Arts, and may be submitted in person or by mail to

the park’s address. Deadline to submit proposals is Dec. 23. Information: Michael Groomer, 532-7273, ext. 124 or nps.gov/cham.

Chamizal galleries - Chamizal National Memorial, 800 S. San Marcial. Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. Admission is free. Information: 532-7273 or nps.gov/cham. Showing through Dec. 19 in Los Paisanos Gallery: Carlos Vigueras Casasola’s photographic exhibition “Mexican Revolution 1910-2010: One Hundred years of Reality.” Casasola is a descendent of the Casasola dynasty that includes Agustin Victor Casasola, Gustavo Casasola Zapata, and Federico Casasola. The Casasola family tradition of graphic media began with Agustin’s photographic agency (1912) that provided graphic information to newspapers in Mexico and other countries. His son Gustavo is credited with recording an extensive photographic history of Mexico’s turbulent era of the Mexican Revolution. Federico Casasola has preserved the family’s legacy through the founding of the Casasola Museum in Old Mesilla.

Chinati Foundation — Marfa, Texas. Created by artist Donald Judd, the Chinati Foundation houses one of the world’s largest collections of permanently installed contemporary art. The collection is open for guided tours throughout the year at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Thursday through Sunday. Admission is $10 ($5 for students, seniors). Information: (915) 7294362. Call ahead for group tours. The collection includes Dan Flavin’s untitled Marfa project, a monumental work in colored fluorescent light that occupies six buildings.

Community Exhibit Space — The city’s “People’s Gallery” is on the first floor of El Paso City Hall, Two Civic Center Plaza. Hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Information: MCAD, 541-4481 or elpasotexas.gov/mcad. Showing Dec. 7-30: Alliance Française d’El Paso host a photo exhibit by Félix Domecq and

new group of impressionistic oil painters, will host an exhibit, sale and reception for recent works 4 to 8 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 5, at Studio del Sol , 5024 Doniphan, Suite 14A (in Placita Santa Fe). Admission is free. Information: 5261367 or 584-4639. The group meets weekly to paint together, inspire each other and critique their paintings, and represent varied backgrounds, training, and education. Members include Beth Abbott, Phyllis Davis, Lucius de Angelo, Margaret Heath, Virginia Howell, Trish Lopez, Joan McElroy, Carol Napier, Yvonne Postelle, Lois Rayome, Anne Spier, Ilene Steele, Waynelle Strachan, Nina Walker and Sandy Young.

‘Early Women Artists’ call for artwork — The Hal Marcus Gallery seeks artwork by Early El Paso Women Artists through Jan. 8 for the Feb. 25-April 30 exhibit. The gallery seeks work by early El Paso women artists, including long-time artists who are still alive. All work submitted for consideration must be for sale. Information: 533-9090.

El Paso Museum of Art — One Arts Festival Plaza, downtown El Paso. Hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday, noon to 5 p.m. Sunday, and 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Thursday. Closed Mondays and holidays. Admission is free, except for the “Microscopias” exhibit ($5; free for museum members). Information: 532-1707 or elpasoartmuseum.org. A fundraising Holiday Dinner Party benefiting membership funds is 8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 4, with live entertainment. Cost: $75 ($50 members. Non-member cost includes single’s level membership. RSVP/payment by Dec. 2. Showing through Jan. 10: “Microscopias.” The exhibition investigates the relationships of abstract languages with specific forms found in microbiology and human anatomy as developed by Dr. Alvar Carillo-Gil at the Palacio de Bellas Artes in Mexico City in 1963. All artworks are from the Museo de Arte Carrillo-Gil ConacultaINBA collection. Artists are David Alfaro Siqueiros, Franz Kupka, Pierre Soulages, Sophie Tauber Arp, Nelly and Theo Van Doesburg,

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FALL 2009 // SNAGGED // Tom Leader Studio LOVE WITHOUT CONTACT // Ruben Verdu CELEBRITY: A PHOTOGRAPHIC LEGACY FROM THE ANDY WARHOL FOUNDATION // Andy Warhol

Bissell Art Studio — The teaching art studio, featuring classes in watercolor and drawing, is at 4601 Hondo Pass, Suite H (at Caby’s Garden Center). Art classes are 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, or by appointment. Information: 755-5260 or [email protected]. A Christmas Art Show & Open House is 5-7 p.m. Friday, 4-7 p.m. Saturday and 1-5 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 4-6.

Open through December 12, 2009 All exhibitions and lectures sponsored in part by Texas Commission on the Arts and National Endowment for the Arts

The University of Texas at El Paso http://rubincenter.utep.edu Phone: 915 747-6151

Border Art Biennial 2010 — El Paso Museum of Art and Museo de Arte de Ciudad Juarez are taking entries through Jan. 31 for December 2009

Tom Leader Studio, Snaggged, steel and cotton, 2009

El Paso Scene

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Art Scene Cont’d from Page 41 Jean Arp, Sonia Delaunay, Wolfgang Paalen, Zhao Wouki, Stanley Hayter and Gunther Gerzso. Showing Dec. 13-March 28: “Impressionism in Print,” an exhibition of 14 prints from the museum’s permanent collection including artists such as Edgar Degas and Pierre-Auguste Renoir. A major art movement of the mid to late 19th century, Impressionism developed in Paris as various painters endeavored to capture the changing effects of light on everyday subject matter. Museum curator Christian Gerstheimer will host a lecture on the exhibit at 1 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 13. Seating is limited and on a first come, first served basis. Public opening to follow. Admission is free. Showing through Jan. 10 — “Emilio Said: Unreal Cities,” featuring 22 formal abstractions created in different media, including painting, photography, blueprints and charts. These generate visual fields becoming a metropolis that in turn becomes its own abstraction. Said, born in Mexico City in 1970, has previously been an artist in residence in Vienna, Austria. Co-hosted by the Mexican Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Consulate General of Mexico in El Paso. Showing through Dec. 6 “Liz Cohen: the Builder and the Bikini Model.” The exhibition includes color photographs of Cohen posing as a bikini model with her low-rider, Trabant-amino that the artist built from an East German Trabant and a Chevrolet El Camino. Showing through March 2: “Recycle/Reuse: WWII Propaganda Prints.” The exhibit examines the vintage concept of recycling as depicted in World War II posters. The prints were created by artists during World War II spouted various messages intended to rally citizens for a number of causes. Citizens were often encouraged to ration their food and recycle items with raw materials such as rubber, aluminum, tin and steal that were used for war supplies. The museum has more than 700 propaganda prints from both WWI and WWII, given by Rose Nordwald and the El Paso Public Library in 1975. Showing through March 7: “La Virgen De Guadalupe,” featuring 14 retablos from EPMA’s permanent collection that explore the Virgin of Guadalupe as a major religious and cultural icon in Mexican and Mexican American culture.

In conjunction with the exhibit, a free screening of the Spanish-language documentary film “El Pueblo Mexicano que Camina (A Long Journey to Guadalupe)” is 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 12, in the auditorium. The film includes footage of pilgrimages throughout the 20th century. It was originally shot in 16mm and produced between July 1987 and February 1996. Author Jacqueline Orsini Dunnington will host a lecture on “Guadalupe: In Name and Image” at 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 13, in the auditorium. Dunnington is the author of “Viva Guadalupe! The Virgin in New Mexican Popular Art,” “Celebrating Guadalupe,” “Guadalupe Our Lady of New Mexican Art,” and “Tibetan Wheel of Existence,” some of which are currently for sale in the museum store. Admission is free, but space is limited. The Museum of Art Store will host two trunk shows and book signing 4 to 8 p.m. Friday and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 4-5. Trunk shows include the “OOTS!” Collection for babies and kids with Netherland-based designers Arian Roefs and Godfried Konings, and The Songsix Handbags collection with designer Heather Caster. In addition, El Paso photographer Mark Paulda will sign copies of his book “Celebrating El Paso.” A free “Artists on Art” talk with Brigitte von Ahn is 12:15 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 9. Von Ahn, an encaustic artist, was born in Luebeck, Germany, and has resided in the United States since 1990. She is a past-president of the El Paso Art Association and charter member of the Pastel Society of El Paso. Dr. Babette Bohn will speak on the painting “God the Father” at 6 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 10, in the auditorium as part of the 2009 New Perspectives: Hidden Masterpieces Visiting Scholar Lecture Series. The series considers topics related to the museum’s late Medieval, Renaissance, Baroque and Rococo art. Bohn is a professor at Texas Christian University, and a specialist in Italian art. Bohn will discuss Lodovico Carracci’s “God the Father” on view in the European Gallery. Admission is free, but space is limited and available on a first-come, first-serve basis. Third Thursdays at EPMA is 5:30 to 8 p.m. Dec. 17. Ages 18 and older welcome. Cost: $10 ($7 museum members). RSVP requested. December’s theme is “Sub Zero.” Details in “Roundup” listing. The museum’s permanent collections include the Kress Collection of European works from the 14th through the 18th centuries; the

American Collection of art of the 19th and 20th centuries; the Spanish Viceroyal Collection and Mexican Folk Retablos, art from the 17th through the 19th centuries; Works on Paper Collection from the 16th through the 20th centuries; Contemporary Collection, emphasizing Southwestern and Mexican artists; and the Tom Lea Gallery, featuring works by El Paso’s bestknown artists and other regional artists. Museum classes for children and adults offered year round. Call for details. Museum membership is $15 seniors, $25 individuals and $50 for families, and includes discounts at the Museum Store, free admission to all exhibitions and programs, and invitations to private member events. Information: 532-1707, ext. 66 for more information.

show’s title. An ARTalk is 7 to 9 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 14. Artists are Maria C. Appelzoller, Teresa Fernández, Pat Foss, Kelly Foss, Paul Hoylen Jr., Kathy Ivey, Gabriela Jimenez, Ju-Yi Fu, Robert Kaiser, Amy Leanse, Hal Marcus, Candy Mayer, Carmen Navar, Louie Pedregon, Fr. Vincent Petersen, Glenna Jo Price, Wendy Reyes, Krystyna Robbins, Mark Rojas, Francisco Romero, A. Stein, Rudy Vásquez, Connie Weaver, Diana Zampini and Karla Zanelli. The gallery is seeking works through Jan. 8 for its upcoming “Early El Paso Women Artists” exhibit featuring artists exhibiting in the area before 1970. The exhibit will hang Feb. 25April 30. All works must be for sale. Call gallery for details.

Encaustic International Gallery — 7100

Humanities conference call for art —

Westwind, Suite 120. The gallery is the studio of El Paso encaustic artist Brigitte von Ahn. Hours are 2 to 5 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday. Information/appointment: 833-0454, 581-4737 or brigittevonahn.com. Group sessions for encaustic painting are 2 to 5 p.m. Wednesdays and Thursdays. The gallery will host a Christmas Market and party 4 to 7 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 13, with a variety of locally made items. Also, wives of German military stationed in the El Paso-Fort Bliss area will sell home-made baked goods benefiting their Helping Hands charity supporting those in need in the El Paso/Juarez area. Each participating artist will also donate a portion of their earnings at the show to Helping Hands.Free “Feuerzangenbowle,” Germany’s traditional Christmas libation, a hot red wine punch, will be flamed live and served at the event.

Dr. Ronald Weber, Program Chair for conference of the Humanities Education and Research Association, invites artists to submit original art work through Jan. 10 in any of the following categories: Mixed Media, Painting, Pastel, Printmaking, Photography and Watercolor Painting to be featured on the cover of the program for the “Intersections: Mind, Body, Time, Space” conference March 11-13. The work will also serve as the cover design for the Spring 2012 issue of the academic journal, “Interdisciplinary Humanities.” Submit proposal to Weber at UTEP’s Program in Humanities, Liberal Arts Room 233. Information: 747-5835 or [email protected].

Escamilla Art Studio and Gallery Open House — Award-winning Impressionist Alberto Escamilla will host his 3rd annual Christmas season open house and Studio Tour 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 12-13, at his studio at 1457 Amstater Circle. The exhibit features new original oil paintings and the artist’s personal collection. A limited number of original hand painted ornaments available are available for purchase. Refreshments will be served. Information: 8577789, 474-1800 or albertoescamilla.com. The gallery is one block west of Joe Battle on Pellicano; turn north onto Bob Hope, then left on Amstater Circle.

Galleria 300 — 300 E. Main, Suite 810 in Downtown El Paso. Hours are 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday, or by appointment. Information: 525-9560. Currently featured: “Vos—A Retrospect,” works by UTEP art department members Alfonso Valenzuela, Mauricio Olague and Steve Salazar.

Hal Marcus Studio and Gallery — 800 N. Mesa, second floor (at Yandell). Hours are 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Friday. Information: 533-9090 or halmarcus.com. Photographer Mark Paulda will sign copies of his new book “Celebrating El Paso” and editor Marcia Hatfield Daudistel will sign her book “Literary El Paso” featuring work by 63 borderland authors 5 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 3. The 35th annual Happy Holidaze arts and craft fair is 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 12, with a Harlequin theme this year. Includes 15 area vendors, live music, magic and belly dancers. Showing through Jan. 29: “Paint the Town Red” group show, featuring works by 25 area artists. “Paint the town red” means to make merry, have some fun, go on a spree. Area artists paint unexpected interpretations of the Page 42

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International Museum of Art — 1211 Montana. The museum is operated by the International Association for the Visual Arts in the historic Turney Home. Hours are 1 to 5 p.m. Thursday through Sunday. Admission is free. Information: 543-6747 or internationalmuseumofart.net. Showing through Dec. 31: 2009 Sun Bowl Exhibit. The annual show is the museum’s largest annual exhibit. The Heritage Gallery (lower level) features “The Mexican Revolution Exhibition: 19101920” featuring murals by Bill Rakocy and Mario Parra depicting various events from the Mexican Revolution, a collection of rare, matted photographs, Pancho Villa’s death mask and a life-size figure of Villa.

La Galeria de la Misíon de Senecú — The Ysleta Independent School District’s gallery is at 8455 Alameda. Hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Admission is free. Gallery closed Dec.19-Jan. 3 for winter break. Information: 434-9700 or finearts.yisd.net. Showing Dec. 11-Jan.21: The 12th annual Our Lady of Guadalupe Exhibit and Competition,” featuring works of various media depicting Our Lady of Guadelupe. Opening reception and awards ceremony is 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 11. A free minifestival will be held with arts and crafts and food vendors. Entertainment by Riverside High School Mariachi Ensemble, El Paso Classical Guitar Quartet and Matachines dancers.

Main Street Gallery — 1456 Main in San Elizario, on the Mission Trail. Hours are 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday, noon to 3 p.m. Sunday. Information: 594-8424 or msgallery.net.

Maria NavarraPino and Friends open studio – Six area women artisans will host an open studio 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 5-6, at the studio of Maria NavarraPino, 116 W. Corpening in La Mesa, N.M. featuring weaving, pottery, jewelry, painted silk, handspun yarn and more. Admission is

Please see Page 43 December 2009

Art Scene Cont’d from Page 42 free. Information: (575) 233-2031 or josephscoatorginals.com. To get there: Take Hwy 28 north from El Paso, first left after Chope’s in La Mesa.

Maven Studio — 9828 Montana, Suite N. Hours are 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday. New artists are featured each month. Information: 633-8350 or [email protected]. Web: myspace.com/mavenstudio. The monthly Friday Night Gallery Reception is 6 to 9 p.m. Friday, Dec. 4.

Olvera Gallery Contemporary Art Space — 3350 Doniphan in the old Courchesne Schoolhouse (the Rexcel Building). The gallery features painting, prints, sculpture, photography, drawing, digital art and installation. Take Paisano Road to Racetrack Drive. Open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays. By appointment on weekends. Information: 346-1863 or rubenolvera.com. Showing in December: photographs by Soraya Mariscal. Opening reception is 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 5.

Prints Charming — 7040 N. Mesa Suite B, Colony Cove I. Prints Charming features prints and posters of all kinds, including works by area artists. Information: 833-1664.

Rakocy Art Studio — 4210 Emory Rd. Information: 584-9716 or [email protected]. Artist/historian Bill Rakocy has his Upper Valley studio and gallery open by appointment. Rakocy explored the Southwest in the late 1940s as an ex-GI and young artist, returned to stay in the 1970s and later became curator of education at the El Paso Museum of Art. An award-winning artist, Rakocy is also author of books on art, regional history and ghost towns.

Rio Bravo Watercolorists – The group’s Christmas party/luncheon is 11 a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 16, at Great American Steakhouse, 701 Mesa Hills. Beginning and advanced watercolorists and art lovers are invited. Bring an art-related gift for exchange. Reservations required: Jeannie Sigmon, 8429365.

Rubin Center — UTEP’s Stanlee and Gerald Rubin Center for the Visual Arts is next to Sun Bowl Stadium (off Dawson Drive). Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday; 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday and noon to 5 p.m. Saturday. Closed on Saturdays of home football games. Information: 747-6151, [email protected] or utep.edu/artsandculture. Fall 2009 exhibits showing through Dec. 12: • “Snagged: Tom Leader Studio.” The exhibit examines accumulation as a method of recording memory and experience. This is the latest in a series of large-scale site installations by Tom Leader Studio, a landscape architecture firm based in Berkeley, Calif. that creates sustainable landscapes and explores human impact on the environment. “Snagged” resulted from the collaboration of studio representatives and a team of Ohio State University students who visited El Paso this summer to research the natural and constructed landscapes of the Rio Grande Valley. • “Love Without Contact: Ruben Verdu.” Verdu’s Continuum series records uninterrupted movement. The artist stands perfectly still spraying a focused jet of liquid pigment as the canvas progresses past him, and his immobility negates the emotive, full-body strokes of the action painters of the 1950s and opens up the December 2009

possibilities for the painting process. This exhibition includes artwork from the mid-1990s to the present. • “Celebrity: A Photographic Legacy from the Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts.” The exhibit features several of the 154 Warhol photographs created between 1975 and 1986 that were acquired by Rubin Center as a gift from the Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts in honor of the foundation’s 20th anniversary.

Las Cruces/Mesilla

(in the Art Junction of El Paso). Hours are noon to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. Admission is free. Information: 351-2811. Continuing through December: “Art Junction Studio Artists.”

Branigan Cultural Center — Branigan Building, 501 N. Main, (Downtown Mall) Las Cruces. Hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday. Admission is free. Information: (575) 541-2154 or las-cruces.org/museums. Showing through Dec. 26 in the Main Gallery: “Images of Tortugas,” a photographic essay by Robert Kaiser of the pilgrimage up “A” Mountain. The village of Tortugas, located about three and a half miles outside of Las Cruces, was established in the early 1850s. The first inhabitants were made up of Manso Indians from the Guadalupe Mission in present day Juarez, Tiguas from Isleta del Sur, and Piro Indians from Senecú del Sur and Socorro del Sur. Since its founding, generations have observed the annual feast days of the Virgin of Guadalupe Dec. 10-12. A key activity of the event is the four-mile pilgrimage up Tortugas (or “A”) Mountain. Opening reception is 5 to 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 4. A special screening of the documentary “Our People, Our Faith … Our Lady” will be at 7 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 3, at the Rio Grande Theater. Tickets are free and available at City Hall, 200 N. Church Street. Showing through Dec. 18 in the Shannon Gallery is the traveling exhibit “Abraham Lincoln: Self-Made in America,” Branigan is one of 40 institutions nationwide to host the exhibit organized by the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum in Springfield, Ill. The exhibit, commemorating the 200th anniversary of Lincoln’s birth, spans his life from his childhood to his presidency and assassination. The reproduction artifacts on display are modeled from originals in the Presidential Library and Museum. Picaithley, former Chief Historian for the National Park Service, will give a lecture on Lincoln’s lasting influence at 1 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 5, in the Shannon Gallery. The Las Cruces Friends of Chamber Music will present some of Lincoln’s favorite pieces in a concert of period music 3 to 5 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 6. A panel discussion on Lincoln is 7 to 9 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 9.

‘The Unveiling II’ — Art Worx Productions

Cutter Gallery — 2640 El Paseo (at

Sun Bowl Art Exhibit 2009 — The annual show is on display through Dec. 31 at the International Museum of Art, 1211 Montana. Museum hours are 1 to 5 p.m. Thursday through Sunday. Admission is free. Information: 543-6747. The Sun Bowl Art Exhibit is the Southwest’s longest running art exhibit and brings artists from throughout the U.S. and beyond to El Paso every year. Sunland Art Gallery — The El Paso Art Association co-op gallery is in Sunland Park Mall, second level across from The Greenery, with 30 El Paso artists represented. Hours are 10 a.m. to 8.m. Monday through Saturday, noon to 6 p.m. Sunday. Information: 584-3117 or sunlandartgallery.com. Individuals or groups interested in having a show at the gallery in 2010 can call 833-0636 or 474-0053. The gallery’s Christmas Open House is Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 12-13, featuring Christmas decorations, special artwork for holiday gift giving and refreshments. Free gifts offered with qualified purchases. Artists will be demonstrating both days, including Candy Mayer, Corinne Abeyta-Spinnler, Connie Weaver and others. Carmen Navar will direct children’s activities both days including mixed media 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday and drawing noon to 1 p.m. Sunday. Information: Carmen, 833-4635.

The Crossland Gallery — 500 W. Paisano

presents the exhibit featuring new work by Alberto Escamilla, Candy Mayer, Krystyna Robbins, Mauricio Mora and Rich Martinez at 7 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 28, at 300 E. Main St, Ste. 810. Attendees are urged to wear a white tshirt for this concept show. Information: 4876545 or [email protected].

Titovets School of Art — The school will host its annual student exhibition and sale 4 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 17, at 5446 N. Mesa (near Sheldon’ Jewelers), featuring works by about 20 students of both Aleksander and Lyuba Titovets. Admission is free. Information: 581-6400 or 549-4639. The Titovets graduated with master of fine arts degrees in St. Petersburg, Russia and in 1992 immigrated to El Paso. They since have received numerous regional and national awards for their paintings.

UTEP Union Gallery — Second floor, UTEP Union East. Gallery hours are 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Friday. Information: 7475481 or utep.edu/events. Showing Dec. 3-Jan. 23: “Epilogue,” BFA exhibition featuring works by graduating seniors Alejandra M. Carrillo, James Jiron, Ariana Muñoz, and Luis Nieto. The show features a variety of techniques from printmaking to graphic design to metals/sculpture. Opening reception is 7 to 9 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 3.

University), Las Cruces. The newly re-opened gallery is in the restored Hadley House. Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Friday 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday. Information: (575) 541-0658. An opening reception is 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 5, for “Images of Our Lady of Guadalupe.” New Mexico Folk Art Coordinator and State Folklorist Claude Stephenson will host the one-hour presentation, “Dancing for the Virgin on Tortugas,” at 5 p.m. Friday, Dec. 11.

Show home, 4447 Organ Mesa Loop, Las Cruces. Half of all sales go directly towards the public radio station. Information: (575) 646KRWG (5794) or krwgfm.org. Small, less expensive works by the artists will be released during the final Saturday hours.

Las Cruces Museum of Art — 491 N. Main (Downtown Mall). Hours are 10 to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday and 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday. Information: (575) 541-2221, (575) 541-2137 or museums.las-cruces.org. Showing through Jan. 23: • “Three Decades of Inquiry,” a retrospective of work in multiple mediums by Albuquerque artist Margi Wier. Weir’s work is often sculptural, and has evolved over the years from abstract to figurative. • “Swarm,” works by Julia Barello, a local artist and NMSU associate professor. Barello works with discarded x-ray film that is dyed and intricately cut into shapes inspired by nature. • “Mirage,” the work of jewelry artist and UTEP professor Rachelle Thiewes. This collection is constructed of steel, silver, and automobile paint. Artists reception for all three exhibits is 5 to 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 4, during the Downtown Ramble. During the ramble, the museum will host a Studio Program Open House 5 to 6 p.m. as an opportunity to see the studio spaces, meet the instructors, view demonstrations, and pick up a copy of the winter class schedule with classes such as ceramics, weaving, drawing, painting, and digital photography with courses for children and adults. Registration for winter classes begins at 8 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 15. The Reading Art Book Club meets at 2:30 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 9, to discuss the nonfiction work “Jewels: A Secret History” by Victoria Finlay.

Los Artesanos Galeria — The gallery at 1910 Calle de Parian (the Old Tortilla Factory) in Mesilla, N.M. features works by gallery owners glass artist Greta Burger, gourd artist Latana Bernier, potter Rudy Lucero and painter on wood and leather, and sculptor of stone-andmetal pieces Ramon Escalante, as well as guest artists. Hours are 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday through Sunday. Information: (575) 526-1144 or [email protected]. A “Meet the Artists Night” reception is 5 to 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 11, during the gallery’s

Please see Page 44

Galeria Tepin — The Border Book Festival will host a grand opening and reception for its new gallery at 2220 Calle de Parian in Mesilla, N.M. 5 to 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 4. Information: (575) 523-3988. Showing is “Guadalupe/Lupe/Lupita: Vision and Revision: Images of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Transmutation / Transformation / Transcendence” featuring works by Santa Barraza, Daniel Zolinsky, Jean Buchanan, Venessa Ramos and Corina Gabaldón.

KRWG Holiday Art Benefit — The Border Artists will host its 3rd annual benefit art show and sale for KRWG-FM 5 to 8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 4, with a “Last Minute Saturday” sale 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 12, at John Curry Construction and Real Estate’s

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A S ymphony Of Chr istmas H omes A Holiday Tour of Five of the Upper Valley’s Finest!

Art Scene Cont’d from Page 43 Grand Opening celebration 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. that day. The four owners will be present, and Latana Bernier will demonstrate the pyroengraving aspect of her work.

Mesilla Valley Fine Arts Gallery — 2470-A Calle de Guadalupe in Mesilla, across from the Fountain Theatre. Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and noon to 5 p.m. Sunday. New works displayed every three months. Information: (575) 522-2933 or ftp.zianet.com/mvartgallery/home.shtml. December’s featured artists are Caryl Porter a renowned pastelist and graduate of NMSU, and Yvonne Postelle, a native Texan who works primarily in oils as a landscape painter. A traditional holiday reception is 2 to 4 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 12. Refreshments served. Milagro Coffee Y Espresso — 1733 E.

Tour five of El Paso’s distinctive upper valley homes decked in holiday cheer!

Mark Your Calendar Saturday, December 5, 2009 Sunday, December 6, 2009 $25 All Five Homes

10am - 6pm 1pm - 5pm

Military/Children Discounts

For ticket information call (915) 532-3776 No Strollers www.epso.org

University Ave. in Las Cruces. Hours are 6:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily. Information: (575) 5321042. Showing through Dec. 10: Mixed media paintings by Meg Freyermuth and Emma Henderson.

New Mexico Watercolor Society, Southern Chapter — The Society meets at 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 13, in the Arts and Crafts Room at Good Sam’s Retirement Home, 3011 Buena Vida Circle. After a brief business meeting is the annual holiday painting exchange. Bring a painting, hors d’oeuvres or other dish to share. The public is welcome; cover is $1 to help pay for beverages. Information: Beegee Brandhorst, (575) 541-7442.

Picacho Corridor Fall Studio Tour — Eight Picacho Avenue galleries and studios in Las Cruces will host their annual fall open house tour 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Nov. 28-29, with art talks, refreshments and more. Admission is free. Information: (575) 523-9760. Request a map from [email protected].

Preston Contemporary Art Center — 1755 Avenida de Mercado. Hours are 1 to 5 p.m. Wednesday through Friday, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday, or by appointment. Information: (575) 523-8713 or prestoncontemporaryart.com. Showing through Dec. 20: 2009 Fall Exhibit, featuring works by Cathy Breslaw (mixed media), Dellamarie Parrelli (painting) Pascal (wood sculpture)and Joshua Rose (painting).

Rio Grande Theatre Galleries — 211 Downtown Mall in Las Cruces. Hours are 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday, Wednesday and Friday, and 9 a.m. to noon Saturday. Information: (575) 523-6403. Showing Dec. 4-29: Works On Paper: Canyon Suite and Collages by Marjorie Moeser. Moeser is a Toronto artist based partly in New Mexico, partly in the South of France, whose paintings are primarily about time and change and how they impact the environment. Opening reception is 5 to 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 4, during the Downtown Ramble.

thetheatregallery — Black Box Theatre lobby, 430 N. Downtown Mall in Las Cruces. Open one hour prior to Black Box all performances, or by appointment. Information: (575) 523-1223. Currently showing are photographs by Nikka Ziemer. Wine and cheese reception is 5 to 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 4.

Tombaugh Gallery — First Unitarian Universalist Church of Las Cruces, 2000 S. Solano. Gallery hours are 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Information: (575) 522-7281, (575) 521-3917 or Page 44

El Paso Scene

uuchurchlc.org. Showing through Dec. 4: Las Cruces Arts Association annual Theme Exhibition “Our Best Work.” Showing Dec. 6-30: Works by the church’s members. Featured media includes oil, acrylic and watercolor painting, jewelry, quilting, mixed media, silk painting, etching and wood sculpture.Opening reception is noon to 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 6.

Also Art Hop — The Truth or Consequences Downtown Gallery District Association hosts the event 6 to 9 p.m. the second Saturday of each month (Dec. 12), featuring seven art galleries and other venues in the downtown gallery district. Various receptions, refreshments and musical entertainment will be featured during these monthly events. Information: (575) 894-0528, TorCart.com. Venues include The Living Room, Parisi, Main Street, M, Art Galore, Bradley Gallery and more.

‘Biennale Grande’ entries — Hubbard Museum of the American West, 841 Highway 70 West in Ruidoso Downs, N.M. seeks entries through Dec. 7 for its first ever “Biennale Grande” juried art show opening January 2010. The competition is open to all artists currently residing in New Mexico. Media include drawing, painting, printmaking, sculpture, ceramics, fiber art and mixed media. All works submitted must be original in design and concept and must have been completed within the past 5 years. Submission cost: $25 for each individual work. Cash awards totaling $2,800 will be distributed. Information/requirement details: David Mandel, (575) 378-4142 or hubbardmuseum.org.

Fall American Photography Exhibition — The 18th annual photography show runs

through Dec. 13 at the Hubbard Museum of the American West, 841 Highway 70, in Ruidoso Downs, N.M. Hosted by the Lincoln County Photographic Society. The juried show features photos pertaining to the American West through “People,” “The Natural World,” “The Built Environment” and “Ranching and Farming.” Museum hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily. Information: (575) 378-4142 or online at hubbardmuseum.org.

Main Street gallery — 108 Main, Truth or Consequences, N.M. Hours are 1 to 5 p.m. Thursday through Saturday. Information: (575) 740-2991 or MainStreet-TorC.com. Showing through Jan. 6 — Black Range Artists, Inc. Winter 2009-2010 exhibit. Now in its 47th year, the group includes members in El Paso, Deming, Las Cruces, Hatch, Silver City and Truth or Consequences.

MRAC Gallery — The Mimbres Region Arts Council Gallery is in Wells Fargo Bank Building, 1201 Pope in Silver City. Open during regular bank hours. Information: (575) 538-2505 or mimbresarts.org. Opening Friday, Dec. 11: Watercolors and Photography of John and Nancy Wachholz. Reception is 5 to 6:30 p.m.

Percha Creek Traders — NM 152 in downtown Hillsboro, N.M. (18 miles west of I25 at exit 63). Hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday. Information: (575) 895-5116 or perchacreektraders.com. Showing through Dec. 6 — “A Hillsboro Year: Pastel Paintings by Melody Sears,” depicting local scenes, moods and seasons through the medium of pastel, revealing the beauty of this historic mining town at the foot of the Gila National Forest December 2009

December 2009

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Arts International winner overcame severe arthritis

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ike many other talented artists, Julie Caffee-Cruz is a relative newcomer to the El Paso art scene. Born in Iowa but raised in the small southwest Kansas town of Elkhart, Caffee-Cruz seemed to know early in life that her destiny would involve art. “I have always loved to draw,” she confided. “Even in grade school, people would bring me a piece of paper and say, ‘Draw me a flower, or draw me a butterfly.’” She earned an associate of arts at the local community college, and transferred to what is now West Texas A&M University, where she received her BFA and also studied secondary education. “Being an artist was the direction I really wanted to go, so I never did get my teaching certificate,” she said. Caffee-Cruz went to work for an advertising agency, but soon found that she hated the pressure of producing creative work on demand. A year and a half later, she returned home to join forces with her sister, who owned a small floral shop. “I was blessed to have a space in her shop where I could paint and display my work. My sister’s customers enjoyed watching me paint while they were waiting for their orders, so I received a lot of public exposure as I was starting out.” She met her husband, Edward, a reservist in the Army. They married in 2001, and soon moved to Fort Carson, Colo. Even in this new location, she continued with her art by doing freelance commission work. Again courtesy of the military, CaffeeCruz and her husband in 2005 arrived in El Paso, where she joined both the El Paso Art Association and the Rio Bravo Watercolorists. Although she works in additional mediums, including watercolor and colored pencil, Caffee-Cruz said that she enjoys most working in black and white using a graphite pencil. “Although I do a variety subjects, many Western, people are my favorite. Elderly faces have the most character and kids have so much energy. Painting from life is always the most challenging.”

Former Art Association President Don Beene shared, “Drawing is my first love, so I noticed Julie’s work right away. Her compositions are often Western or military themes, another of my favorites, but I think her figurative work is some of her best. I recall seeing a portrait she did of a little girl. Although it was nearly photographic, just the turn of the mouth and a small smile seemed to add a spark of life that you would never see in a photo.” Caffee-Cruz suffers from a severe form of arthritis, which limits the use of her hands. She has recently undergone two surgeries on her shoulder, making it even more amazing that she is capable of producing such highly detailed work, especially the pencil drawings. She takes all her difficulties in stride, emphasizing that her husband, son and daughter have been especially supportive of her efforts. Winning the Best of Show Award and $3,000 prize at Arts International 2009 with her watercolor “Chiles Left Behind” was one of the highlights of her career. The piece’s simple composition of chile peppers remaining in the fields was also used to promote the recent “Living Under the Sun” exhibition at the Chamizal. Caffee-Cruz hopes to remain in El Paso until her children graduate from high school, so with any luck at all, we can look forward to at least another four years of beautiful art.

Escamilla update Congratulations to Alberto Escamilla, whose portrait of Sir Isaac Newton now hangs in the hallowed halls of the Santa Fe Institute, a prestigious international “think tank” in Santa Fe. The piece was commissioned by Pulitzer Prize–winner and former El Paso resident Cormac McCarthy. Escamilla is best-known for ethereal, impressionistic landscapes rather than portraiture, so it seems McCarthy’s choice of an artist was influenced by a friendship between the two that dates back to the early 1980s, when McCarthy was just

Alberto Escamilla, left, and Cormac McCarthy at unveiling of Escamilla’s portrait of Sir Isaac Newtn. completing work on his novel “All the Pretty Horses.” McCarthy first viewed Escamilla’s paintings at what was then the annual Sierra Medical Arts International Exhibition. “I had a couple of pieces in that show, and he fell in love with an image of a campesino. Since then, we have become fast friends, and through the years, he has purchased more than two dozen of my paintings.” McCarthy contacted Escamilla early in 2009, asking if he would be interested in doing a portrait commission. “Although I told him that I am primarily

a landscapist, he reminded me that I had painted a portrait of his grandfather about 12 years ago, which he really loved. In the beginning, I was dubious about accepting because I was still recovering from the first surgery on my hand, which had not worked out all that well. He simply told me to take my time.” Late this summer, Escamilla completed the 60” x 40” portrait of Newton holding his famous book “Principia Mathematica,” which was dedicated in late October. Even after a second surgery, Escamilla confided, he still experiences pain and numbness in his hand. “The doctor told me to accept this situation for now, so I have been going back to work again, primarily painting small 8-by10-inch canvases. However, I’m feeling more positive because I have been able to experiment with several large paintings. I just can’t work as fast as I used to. Because my style is wet into wet, it takes me several weeks to complete a painting I might have previously done in a few days. I guess I just have to learn patience,” he said good-naturedly. One of the most exciting new trends is his paintings with religious themes. “We attend St. Stevens Church, and two years ago, they asked me to donate something for the auction to raise money for their building fund. I decided to do an icon of the Blessed Virgin Mary because that wouldn’t have to be so realistic. Do you know it raised $8,000?” Six months later, he did an image of a Madonna and child, which sold immediately, and two recent cross paintings were auctioned for more than $3,000. “My wife and I have begun to wonder whether the Lord is trying to tell me something,” Escamilla said with a smile. Despite a heart attack nine years ago, two angioplasty treatments and now two hand surgeries, Escamilla continued to emphasize that he feels blessed by what he has done and what he is still able to do. “I just need to take my time, get my thoughts together and see where God leads me. I’m still pointing towards a major show, perhaps in the next year or so.”

Artspace El Paso “Artspace El Paso,” a fledgling concept at this juncture, seeks to create subsidized living/studio spaces in downtown El Paso for artists of all disciplines, including the visual arts, music, dance, filmmaking, etc. Putting out a survey to determine artist interest has been the first step in determining the feasibility of such a project. Katherine Brennand, a member of Artist Centers in the Downtown Core (AC/DC), a group of community volunteers working with Artspace America’s leading nonprofit real-estate developer, relates that, although not final, the results from the group’s recent survey are “very promising.” If the project is approved, building 30 to 60 housing units could run as much as $18 million. Even with Artspace providing up to 85 percent of the needed funds, a substantial balance would still require funding. Some of the needed funds might be obtainable in the form of grants for lowincome housing. Let’s hope this idea succeeds, as it could provide a much-needed dimension to downtown El Paso. Myrna Zanetell is a free-lance writer specializing in the visual arts.

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December 2009

On history, Racking Up History ghost towns, by Bill Rakocy copy and art

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rtists and writers should listen to their editors and curators more … (so agrees Bill Rakocy). In the case of the artist, the public is involved. If the artist paints only for himself — what aspect of communication has been attained? Little or none if the artist’s message is too weak, unworkable, personable or bombastic. Copy in art as pigment, line and form, and tone must share a moment of truth and believability also. I enjoy painting, sketching and exploring ghost towns — why? Because I know them to have been a vibrant slice of the Old West — an American West that is unlike any other place in the world. I’ve done many paintings, sketches and interviews of ghost-town aficionados in Mogollon, Hillsboro, Kingston, and other areas and states. I never seem to get my fill of what went on there, who, how and why. My art is an intermingling of what I have experienced and have learned about the times and history of a given place. Since art is a kind of expression, I hope to share what I felt, saw and learned.

Liz Byers on Rakocy The late Liz Byers, artist and writer, had this to say in working with me on my Kingston/Hillsboro book in 1983: “Author Rakocy is positively fascinated with life. He finds people from all walks of existence stimulating, and his empathy includes the derelict on the street. His excitement for living is contagious. On his return from a recent absence from the museum, one volunteer stated, ‘Say, I’m glad you’re back, Rak. It’s dull around here when you’re gone.’ He does indeed keep things moving along. “It’s a special affection he has for people as well as ghost towns, art and history that has led him to write ‘Ghosts of Kingston and Hillsboro.’ There were of course, the many trips he made to these towns to paint while gathering information for his book. Sometimes he took students along. It was great fun for them to sketch and paint the beautiful countryside and interesting buildings with teacher Rakocy. “And there were the residents who would urge to write an account of the area. Not much had been written. Bill is one of those enthusiasts who wants to share the past. “Take two turn-of-the-century rustic villages with gold rush fever and add the story of Sadie Orchard, an audacious girl who started several brothels, and you will have much to write about. Rakocy did much research delving deeply into library microfilm, old newspapers and searching out old-timers to be interviewed. It’s fascinating to read the turbulent accounts of rough, rowdy miners and their escapades.” December 2009

Bill Rakocy working on Kingston mural.

Kingston told in sketches As past museum curator for the El Paso Museum Art, and installer for the original Museum of History and Wilderness Park Museum, I was impressed by “Tales Told in Sketches: Kingston, New Mexico,” a 40-page booklet of sketches and text by Inez Barratt and Vene Smith, published in 1968. They shared a grand moment for readers in recounting facts and details and images of old Kingston. For example they told of the 1882 survey of the town site of Kingston. In August of 1882, A. Barnaby set up a tent and opened the first store there. Artist Barratt did a beautiful job in researching 20 or 30 important building sites and areas that were part and parcel to the development of the fascinating town. Her use of line, texture and tone — combined with realistic accounts of dozens of artifacts, buildings, stores, homes, and physical sketches of canyons and other details — captured the mood of Kingston’s history. The town was overrun with a bustling rush of miners, outlaws, lawyers, gamblers, bankers and shopkeepers selling everything from clothing, gunpowder, shovels, hardware and groceries. A dozen fortunes were made and lost in its 11 years of grandeur. My new 4’x8’ mural depicts the main street of Kingston — when it was a town bursting at its seams and hell-bent on being the largest city in New Mexico Territory (for only a few years). The U.S. government had discontinued its purchase of silver for monetary purposes, a decision that helped lead to Kingston’s demise. A new time, a new era is afoot with artists, writers and historians rediscovering its lost charm. The old Percha bank, established by Vincent Wallace in 1882, had been owned by the Vetter family for years. This building had been used for storage of mining equipment and later had been an exhibition place for the Black Range Artists Inc., and is now owned by Mark Nero, who has done much restoration work for the bank building and is installing a new museum complex.

*Cookie Fellowship following the December 13th Presentation

Bill Rakocy is an El Paso artist and historian. Information: 584-9716. El Paso Scene

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ne of the most popular Christmas stories for children, originally a poem, was written by Raymond McAlden in 1906. That’s more than a hundred years ago. So let us adults go back to the magic of childhood for a moment and enjoy this story of the chimes — abbreviated and simplified and given a slightly different setting while still, I hope, retaining the feeling of the original. This story moves beyond all cultures, beyond bicultural and multicultural to universal. In a long-ago time, in a far-away place, a beautiful church stood on a high hill that overlooked a great city. On sacred days like Christmas Eve, huge crowds climbed the hill, passed through the grand entrance and entered the glittering sanctuary. Many at the rear could hardly see the front of the church, with its marble altar, robed choir and great organ. Especially awesome were the hundreds of flickering candles that lit the church. Outside, atop a tall, gray, ivy-covered tower sat a set of famous chimes. Their rich, beautiful tones, people used to say, reminded them of angels singing. But those glorious chimes had been silent for many years. You see, the custom on Christmas Eve was for people to bring to the church their offerings to the Christ-child. Then, when the greatest and best offering had been placed on the altar, the thrilling sounds of the chimes would fill the church. Sadly, for many years the people had become less careful of their gifts, and no offering appeared that deserved the music of the chimes. Each Christmas Eve, rich people still crowded close to the altar, each one trying to give something better than what others brought, as long as it was something they did not want to keep for themselves. Despite splendid services and abundant offerings, the chimes were silent. Not too far from that city was a little village from which only the great church tower could be seen. A small boy who lived there, Pedro, and his little brother, José, had heard about the ancient chimes. One day, Pedro spoke to his little brother: “Little Brother, I’ve heard that the Christ-child himself used to come down to bless the service. What if we could see him?” The day before Christmas brought bitterly cold weather, with a few lonely snowflakes in the air and a hard, white crust on the ground. That afternoon, the two boys slipped out of their village hand in hand and walked over the frozen ground. Day turned to night. All at once, they could see the candle-lit church ahead of them. They had almost reached the entrance when they saw something in the snow near their path. They stopped to look. In the snow was an old, very poor woman who had fallen there, too sick and tired to find shelter, and she seemed asleep. Pedro knelt beside her and tried to awaken her. He rubbed some snow on her face, and then stood up and said, “Little Brother, you will have to go on

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Why the chimes rang Christmas Eve alone.” ”Alone?” cried the little one. “But you will miss the Christmas Eve festival!” “No,” replied Pedro. “This poor woman will freeze to death if nobody cares for her. Everyone has gone into the church by now, but you can go inside and bring somebody back with you to help her. And I will keep rubbing to keep her from freezing, and just maybe she can even eat the bun I have in my pocket. Now go, Little Brother, and see and hear everything twice, once for you and once for me. And if you have the chance to move up to the altar without anyone’s notice, take this little silver piece of mine and put it down for my offering. Do not forget where you have left me, and forgive me for not going with you.” Little José hurried to the church, blinking back his tears. Lonely Pedro did the same as he realized he would miss the music and splendor of Christmas Eve as he spent the time instead in the cold and snow. When the service ended, people surged forward to place their offerings on the altar. Some proudly placed sparkling jewels, others heavy baskets of gold. Musicians brought their instruments, an artist his canvass, a writer a favorite book. Even the king appeared and offered his royal, bejeweled crown as his offering to the Christ-child. The people thought to themselves, “Surely now we will hear the bells.” But only the cold wind sounded through the tower. Many doubted that the chimes had ever rung! Suddenly, after the choir’s closing anthem, the organist stopped playing. Everyone noticed the priest at the altar, his hand raised for silence. The people could feel the silence. Then, very softly, the sounds of the chimes came from the tower, sweeter than anything anyone had ever heard before. Everyone stared toward the altar. Those standing close saw Little José, who had crept quietly down the aisle, stand up and place Pedro’s little piece of silver on the altar. That’s why the chimes rang on that holy night. Richard Campbell lives in Albuquerque. His “Two Eagles in the Sun” is available at The Bookery, Barnes & Noble and twoeaglespress.com.

December 2009

‘Legend of the Poinsettia’ – Kids-N-Co. presents the original regional holiday play by Carol Viescas Nov. 28-Dec. 20 at Kids-N-Co. Performance Space. 1301 Texas. Additional performances planned in December at Chamizal National Monument. Performances are 7:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and 2:30 p.m. Sundays. Tickets: $5-$7 at the door. Information: 351-1455. Based on a traditional Mexican folk tale, the play shows how the tenacity and strength of one young girl can build bridges of understanding. Lupita faces the challenges of her life and, with the help of her friend, Espy, turns what seem to be hopeless situations into moments of hope and tolerance that result in more than one Christmas miracle. Additional performances are 7:30 p.m. Saturday and 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 12-13, at Chamizal National Memorial, 800 S. San Marcial.

New play readings — Seven students from NMSU’s Master of Fine Arts Creative Writing program, plus renowned novelist and short story writer Robert Boswell will present readings of one-act plays written in the graduate playwriting class taught by Tony- and Obie-winning playwright Mark Medoff at 7 p.m. Sunday through Tuesday, Nov. 29-Dec. 1. The readings are an opportunity for the theater-going community to hear some new voices and for the writers to hear their plays before a live audience and to solicit the audience for feedback. Medoff will moderate discussion of the plays following each session of readings. Tickets: $5 per evening; $10 for a three-day ticket. Reservations: (575) 523-1223.

‘Honk!’ – El Paso Playhouse, 2501 Montana,

presents the family musical through Dec. 19. Showtimes are 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday. Tickets: $10 ($8 seniors, $7 military/students). Information: 532-1317, elpasoplayhouse.com. Based on Hans Christian Andersen’s “The Ugly Duckling,” “Honk!” by Anthony Drewe and George Stiles tells the story of an oddlooking baby duck, Ugly, and his quest to find his mother. Directed by Kate Keyser. “Honk” won the Olivier (British theatre’s top award) in February 2000 for Best New Musical beating both The Lion King and Mamma Mia.

‘Life x 3’ — No Strings Theatre Company presents Yazmina Reza’s clever humorous play through Dec. 6, at Black Box Theatre, 430 N. Downtown Mall in Las Cruces. Directed by Ceil Herman. Showtime is 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 29 and Dec. 6, and 7 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 3. Tickets: $10 ($9 students and seniors over 65, $7 all seats Thursday). Reservations/information: (575) 523-1223 or no-strings.org. The story contrasts two couples’ inability to deal with trivial domestic mishaps with their ability to explore the outermost reaches of the universe.

‘Seussical’ – American Southwest Theatre Company presents the musical hit by Lynn Ahrens and Steve Flaherty based on the works of Dr. Seuss through Dec. 6, at the Hershel Zohn Theatre. Dr. Seuss’s characters come to life in these adventures with Horton the Elephant, Gertrude McFuzz, Cat in The Hat and more. Showtime is 7 p.m. Wednesday and December 2009

Thursday, 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday. Tickets: $15. Information: 1-800525-ASTC (2782). Seuss-inspired items will be for sale benefiting ASTC. In conjunction, ASTC will hold its annual Toys for Tots drive. Audience members are encouraged to bring a new, unwrapped toy with them to the show to help those in need.

‘A Christmas Pudding’ — The Christmas celebration created, compiled and adapted by David Birney and directed by Jan H. Wolfe is 8 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 2, at the Black Box Theatre, 430 N Downtown Mall in Las Cruces. The play is told in songs, stories, poems, and tales from some of the world’s greatest classical writers that evoke the real spirit of Christmas. Tickets: $10 ($9 students and seniors over 65). Reservations recommended: (575) 523-1223 or no-strings.org. ‘Big Bad Musical’ — The Bel Air High School Drama Department presents the “howling courtroom comedy” by Bill Francoeur and Alec Strum at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 3, at Bel Air Tartan Theatre, 731 N. Yarbrough. Directed by Rex Wiesenthal. General admission: $3. Information: 434-2051. Suitable for all audiences, “Big Bad Musical” puts the notorious Big Bad Wolf on trial in a class-action lawsuit by many familiar storybook characters like the Three Little Pigs and Red Riding Hood.

‘A Christmas Story’ — Lincoln County Community Theater and ENMU-Ruidoso presents its “Youth Onstage” workshop performance as part of Ruidoso’s Festival of Lights Dec. 4-13 at Ruidoso School Performing Arts Center, 125 Warrior Drive. Showtimes are 7 p.m. Friday and 2 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Admission: $8 ($6 students and seniors). Information: (575) 257-9507 or [email protected]. ‘Charlie and the Chocolate Factory’ — Las Cruces Community Theater, 313 Downtown Mall, presents the family play by Richard R. George based on the book by Roald Dahl Dec. 4-20. Five golden tickets are hidden under the wrappers of Mr. Willy Wonka’s delicious chocolate bars, and the five winning children are invited to an unprecedented tour of the infamous chocolate factory, including Charlie Bucket, a poor boy living within sight of the factory. Directed by Debbie Watkins and Susie Whelpley. Performances are 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and 2 p.m. Sundays. Gala opening night is Dec. 4. Tickets: $7-$8. Information: (575) 523-1200 or lcctnm.org.

‘Seussical Jr.’ — El Paso High School Theatre Department presents the musical celebrating the stories and rhymes of Dr. Seuss Dec.4-6 at El Paso High School Auditorium, 800 E. Schuster. Performances are 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 2 p.m. Sunday. Tickets: $7 (5 students and seniors). Information: 496-8300 or [email protected]. ‘Christmas Concert’— Alamogordo Music Theatre presents its 4th annual Christmas show at 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 5, at Coffee & More in the Tularosa Dry Goods Building, 308 Granado Street, in Tularosa, N.M. The AMT Star Chorus performs holiday music, with a

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Stage Cont’d from Page 49 special performance by Earl & the Dynamics. Bring a canned good for the local food bank. Tickets: $12.50. Reservations: (575) 585-4575. Information: (575) 491-5972 or zianet.com/amt.

‘Christmas Is...’ — The Woman’s Club of El Paso presents the holiday musical revue at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 5, at the Woman’s Club clubhouse, 1400 N. Mesa. Social hour is 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Tickets: $15 ($25 for two); available at the clubhouse. Reservation deadline is Dec. 2. Information: 532-6131. ‘A Child’s Christmas in Wales’ — No Strings Theatre presents its 6th annual dramatic reading of the Dylan Thomas holiday classic at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 8, at the Black Box Theatre, 430 N. Downtown Mall in Las Cruces, read by No Strings donors and volunteers. Tickets: $7. Reservations strongly recommended. Information: (575) 523-1223 or nostrings.org.

‘A Christmas Carol’ — The UTEP Department of Theatre and Dance offers its annual presentation of Charles Dickens’s Christmas classic Dec. 13-20, at UTEP’s Wise Family Theatre, 2nd floor of Fox Fine Arts Center, adapted for the stage by Chuck Gorden. Directed by Nicolas E. Castanon. Performances are 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Dec. 18-19, and 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 13 and 20. Special performances for school groups planned Dec. 14-18. Tickets: $12 ($10 nonUTEP students, UTEP faculty, staff and alumni, seniors, military, alumni and groups of 10 or more; $9 UTEP students). All seats general admission. Information: 747-5118 or theatre.utep.edu. ‘UTEP Holiday Spectacular’ – UTEP Dinner Theatre presents a “Version 3.0” of its new holiday tradition Dec. 18-20 at Magoffin Auditorium. Showtimes are 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 2:30 p.m. Sunday. No meal served. Tickets: $20-$25; ($15-$20 UTEP faculty/staff, groups of 20 or more, non-UTEP students and children age 4-12; $10-$15 UTEP students (one ticket per valid UTEP ID). All seats reserved. Tickets information: 747-5234. Show information: 747-6060.

El Paso Comic Strip — 1201 Airway. Shows are at 8 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday, 8:30 and 10:45 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 7:30 p.m. Sunday. Tickets: $6-$12. Information/reservations: 779-LAFF (5233) or laff2nite.com. • Nov. 27-Dec. 6 — The Sandman. “The World’s Number 1 Comedy Hypnotist” makes audience volunteers do all kinds of crazy things. Extreme adult shows are Sunday, Nov. 29 and Dec. 6. • Dec. 9-13 — Jimmy “JJ” Walker. The comedian took the country by storm in 1975 on the hit television show “Good Times” and was named Time Magazine’s “Comedian of the Decade.” He earned a Grammy for his bestselling comedy album “Dyn-o-mite”” and was the recipient of the first annual NAACP Image Award. Feature act is Todd Link. • Dec. 16-20 — Darren “The Rooster” Carter. Carter uses music snippets to add punctuation to his laser-like one-liners. Feature act is Toogie. • Dec. 26-27 — Russ Rivas.

Auditions Theater Inc. ‘School Tour’ auditions — El Paso’s professional educational theatre company, will hold auditions for their 2009-10 25th Anniversary School Tour to be presented in El Paso area elementary schools promptly at 10 a.m. Thursday and Friday, Dec. 17-18, at Studio Metropolis, 2308 N. Piedras. Male and female actors are needed. All actors must be available during the day, Monday through Friday, as the productions will tour schools during school hours January through early June 2010. All actors will be paid on a contract basis. Information: 821-0150.

ASTC spring auditions — The NMSU Department of Theatre Arts and the American Southwest Theatre Company will hold auditions for men and women age 18-60 for its Spring 2010 productions 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 16, in the Hershel Zohn Theatre in Las Cruces. Callbacks scheduled Sunday, Jan. 17. Information: Mike Wise (575) 646-5418. Signup is Dec. 7-Jan. 15 in the theatre lobby.

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hameless plug. I admit it. But if a person likes heartwarming holiday stories with a regional twist and lots of uplifting music, KIDS-N-CO.’s “The Legend of the Poinsettia” should be on the must-see list for the season. The play is based on the very short Mexican legend, which, like all legends, changes depending on who tells it. But the basic story is the same: A poor child can’t afford to take a gift to the Christ Child, and so takes the only thing he/she can find — a bunch of weeds. But because the gift is given with love, a miracle turns the weeds into a beautiful poinsettia. I have written children’s plays for more than ten years. Some have been original stories; many have been my own twisted look at familiar fairy tales. But I had always wanted to write a story specifically for Christmas. Then I remembered the Mexican folktale of the poinsettia. The trick was how to take a two-paragraph story and turn it into an act-long children’s play. Add conflict, a moral — and, my personal favorite, music. The heroine of this play, Lupita, is fatherless and extremely poor. She is made fun of by the richer children at her village church’s school because she cannot even afford a pair of shoes. Her nemesis is the mayor’s son, aptly named Angel, who, every chance he gets, brags about what he has, and who leads the teasing of Lupita. Of course, every hero or heroine has a sidekick. In this case, it is Lupita’s best friend, Espy, whose sharp tongue adds some humor to the tale. When Lupita’s talented and hard-working mother is injured in an accident, any hope of Lupita bringing an acceptable gift to the Christ Child at the church’s manger scene disappears. Thus, her gift becomes the only thing growing in her mother’s garden in winter — weeds. Interspersed through the tale is traditional music, both Hispanic and internaEl Paso Scene

tional. “Silent Night,” for example, which originated in Austria, is sung around the world. In Spain and Mexico, holiday songs have come to be known as villancicos. Some of those, too, are included, such as “Peces en el Rio” and “Campana Sobre Campana.” Songs are translated both ways, so verses are sung in both Spanish and English, as is some of the dialogue. Script and music only create part of the tale. The trick, as always, is to find a talented cast. In this case, two very talented young ladies speak and sing the parts of Lupita and Espy. Rebecca Filetti, a tiny 12-year-old student at St. Raphael’s School, captures the essence of Lupita. Eleven-year-old Eastwood Knolls student Andrea Mendoza plays her best buddy, Espy. Renato de Leon, known best for his role as Gollum in last year’s “Hobbit” at KIDS-N-CO., is the antagonist, Angel. Fifteen other talented young singers from 7 to 15, who create an amazing church choir any director would be envious of, and four equally talented adults join them. Throw in a gorgeous set by Technical Director Tito Arenal (which includes the “magic” of poinsettias appearing from a pile of weeds), and “Poinsettia” creates a holiday treat for the whole family. Carol Viescas is a veteran of community theater and teaches journalism at Bel Air High School.

December 2009

Barnes & Noble (West Side) — 705 Sunland Park. Hours are 9 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday. Information: 581-5353. • Jim Murphy will sign copies of “El Paso 18501950” at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 1. • Mark Paulda will sign copies of “Celebrating El Paso” at 6 p.m. Friday, Dec. 11. Children’s events • Kids-N-Co. will host a special Polar Express storytime at 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 5 (children can come in their pajamas). • Children’s storytimes are 11 a.m. Saturdays. Special storytimes include Paul Strelzin Dec. 19 and Kids-N-Co. Dec. 26.

Joel Osteen book signing — Osteen, pastor of Lakewood Church in Houston, one of the largest churches in the country, will sign his new book, “It’s Your Time” at 6 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 3, at Sam’s Club, 7970 N. Mesa.

‘Sights and writes of El Paso’ book signing — Photographer Mark Paulda will sign copies of his new book “Celebrating El Paso” and Marcia Hatfield Daudistel will sign copies of “Literary El Paso” 5 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 3, at Hal Marcus Studio & Gallery, 800 N. Mesa, Top Floor. Admission is free. Information: 533-9090 or halmarcus.com. “Celebrating El Paso” features images of El Paso from International award-winning photographer Paulda. With quotes from notable El Pasoans and the foreword by Mayor John Cook. “Literary El Paso” brings attention to the city’s

rich heritage of writers with a collection of historical essays, fiction, journalism, and poetry, from 63 of our borderland’s past, present and emerging writers. Features previously unpublished works, and Spanish/English bilingual selections.

“Celebrate Our Past, Present and Future’ — The Zuhl Library on the New Mexico State University will host free public 2 to 4 p.m. Friday, Dec. 4, beginning with tours of refurbished spaces at Zuhl and Branson libraries at 2:15 p.m., followed by holiday refreshments. The celebration will highlight historical materials in the Library’s Archives and Special Collections and the recent user-friendly space redesign. Information: Kristina Martinez, (575) 646-1508 or [email protected]. The event will also kick off the library’s “Two Million by 2012” Campaign, which aims to increase its collection to 2 million books by the end of 2012.

Saturday Scribes — West Texas Writing Project offers area youth in grades 3-6 an opportunity to explore multiple genres of reading and writing 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, Dec. 5, at UTEP’s Hudspeth Hall, Room 200. This month’s theme is Winter Writing Wonderland. Snacks provided. Admission: $20 per student. Information/registration: Hillary Hambric, 8553925 or [email protected] The bi-monthly Saturday Scribes workshop program is taught by master teachers.

workshops are 12:45 a.m. to 2:45 p.m. Saturdays at Memorial Park Public Library, 3200 Copper. Workshops are free; donations for the presenter are encouraged. Now in its 13th year, the group is open to all writers in a noncritique, non-caustic forum. Newcomers of all ages welcome. No workshop Dec. 26. Information: 328-5484 or [email protected]. Web: tumblewordsproject.com. • Dec. 5 – “Voices” with Jonathan Penton. Penton is the author of four poetry chapbooks, “Last Chap,” “Blood and Salsa and Painting Rust” and “Prosthetic Gods.” • Dec. 12 – “Writing for the Eye” with Yvonne Collins. Collins began keeping a journal in high school and did so for decades. In 2005 she returned to writing for personal pleasure. • Dec. 19 – “Writing for the Dark Time” with Donna J. Snyder. Snyder will present her annual writing workshop in honor of the winter solstice. She founded the Tumblewords Project in 1995. She has chapbooks forthcoming in 2010 as well as one this month. She is currently the story editor for “Unlikely Stories of the Third Kind,” an anthology of art, video, music and literature.

City of Night Book Club — Rio Grande Adelante hosts the book club and social gathering for LGBT community and friends at 7 p.m. the first Monday of the month (Dec. 7), to discuss “The Lost Symbol” by Dan Brown. Admission is free. Information/location: 3560325 or rgadelante.com.

Branigan Library book reviews — The Friends of Thomas Branigan Memorial Library will host a review of Alexander McCall Smith’s “The No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency” at 1:30 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 8, in the library’s Terrace Gallery, 200 E. Picacho. Refreshments served. Admission is free. Information: (575) 521-4845.

Reading Art Book Club — The book club of the Las Cruces Museum of Art, 491 N. Main St., will meet at 2:30 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 9, to discuss “Jewels: A Secret History” by Victoria Finlay, the author of “Color: A Natural History of the Palette.” The club meets the second Wednesday of the month. Information: (575) 541-2322, (575) 541-2137 or museums.las-cruces.org.

‘Desnudas en el Desierto’ submissions — Desnudas en el Desierto mussa (Mujeres Unidas Supporting Society through Art) is a group of women writers and artists that supports community education projects through the arts, seeks poetry and prose submissions in English and Spanish for its 2010 chapbook from women writers from the El Paso/Juarez area. Entries, due by Dec. 10, should be tasteful reflections regarding women’s sexuality, sensuality, sexual orientation, culture and sex, relationships and gender roles dealing with sexuality. Maximum of three submissions per writer will be considered. No submission charge. Information/submission guidelines: 619-5263 or

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Tumblewords Project — The writing

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GREAT SELECTION OF REGIONAL INTEREST & BILINGUAL CHILDREN’S BOOKS

HOLIDAY OPEN HOUSE AT THE BOOKERY SATURDAY, DEC. 12 Book Signing 2-4 pm: “Paloma Padilla” by Martin Bencomo December 2009

El Paso Scene

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Bookin’ Cont’d from Page 51 [email protected]. Proceeds benefit innovative sexual health workshops for youth in the El Paso community. Expected publication date is February 12, 2010. Writers keep all rights to their work.

Afterschool KidzLit — Boys & Girls Clubs of El Paso, 4625 Delta, hosts the reading enrichment program 5 to 6 p.m. Mondays and Wednesdays through Dec. 9 for youth in grades K-3. Information: Crystal Mireles, 5327410.

The Bookery — 10167 Socorro Road, Socorro. The Bookery, inside the Mission Trail Trading Post about a half-mile past the Socorro Mission, specializes in children’s books, storytelling puppets, teachers’ resources and regional interest books. Open 7 days a week, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Information: 859-6132 or 859-4066. A Holiday Open House is Saturday, Dec. 12. Martin Bencomo will sign his new book, “Paloma Padilla,” 2 to 4 p.m.

Barnes & Noble (East Side) — 9521 Viscount. Information: 590-1932. Eastside Sisters in Crime reading club meets at 7 p.m. the first Tuesday of the month. The 2010 reading list has been released. The first book of 2010 to be discussed (Jan 5) is “Eye of Jade” by Diane Wei Liang. Information/schedule: 629-7063 Children’s Story Hour, including activities with Miss Heather, and Pajama-rama storytime is 7 p.m. every Friday.

Barnes & Noble (Las Cruces) — 700 S. Telshor in Mesilla Valley Mall. Information: (575) 522-4499. Children’s storytimes are 10 a.m. Fridays.

‘Friends of Library’ cookbook — Friends of Branigan Library’s 2009 fundraising cookbook, “The Best of Friends,” is on display and sale at the library’s Books N More bookstore, 200 E. Picacho, Las Cruces. Eighty-three cooks from Las Cruces, El Paso, Arkansas, Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa and Michigan contributed 400 recipes for this collection, which includes a Southwestern Flavors section. Cost: $20; proceeds benefit library programs. Information: (575) 521-4845. Store hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday. Closed Dec 22-Jan. 1.

Literary Open Mic - Area poet and editor Wayne Crawford will host literary open-mic nights during the monthly Downtown Ramble 5:30 to 7 p.m. the first Friday of each month at The Rio Grande Theatre in the Las Cruces Downtown Mall. Everyone is invited. Information: (575) 541-8073 or [email protected].

NMSU Branson Library — Located on the NMSU campus. Library hours are noon to midnight Sunday, 7:30 a.m. to midnight Monday

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El Paso Scene

New on the Border Bookshelf ‘Literary El Paso’ (TCU Press, $29.50) edited by Marcia Hatfield Daudistel — Anyone who loves the border and loves words will love this anthology of more than 60 El Paso writers, spanning nearly a century. Some of them lived and wrote here, others passed through, but all of them shared the inspiration of this unique city at the crossroads of North America. The selected writers range from the famous and familiar, such as Tom Lea, Leon Metz, Abraham Verghese, Benjamin Alire Saenz, Denise Chavez and Pat Mora, to the relative obscure, such as Bernice Love Wiggins, an African-American poet who wrote here during the 1920s and 1930s but whose subsequent career is a mystery. Editor Daudistel was well-qualified to take on TCU Press’s El Paso installment in its literary cities series: She is a former associate director of Texas Western Press and has served literary appointments on local and state boards. Some of us who are familiar with El Paso writers will wonder at why some of our personal favorites were left out and question why others were selected in their place. Daudistel had a tough job settling on the sixty or so finalists, and some of her choices likely had more to do with offering a broad literary sampling of not just writers but also of subject matter that conveyed the border’s character. This book deserves a lengthy tenure on one’s bedside table or other favorite spot so that it can be explored again and again. At 570 pages and over 100 different selections, “Literary El Paso” provides a wellbalanced reading diet for 2010. — Randy Limbird

through Thursday, 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday and 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday. Information: Charles Stanford, (575) 646-6323 or [email protected]. Showing through December in the fourth floor Gallery are Historical Panoramic Photos from the Library’s Archives and Special Collections Rio Grande Historical Collections. A selection of a dozen panoramic photographs from the early to mid-20th century gives visitors the opportunity to enjoy views of past scenes and to learn more about the history of photography. The images displayed show a variety of scenes from landscapes to group portraits in a variety of widths. ‘Magic Carpet StoryTime’ — Doña Ana Arts Council hosts free storytelling events 11:30 a.m. to noon Saturdays at the Rio Grande Theatre in the Las Cruces Downtown Mall. Information: (575) 523-6403.

December 2009

WWII Museum on Wheels — The traveling exhibit will be featured 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 3, at the Tularosa Public Library, 515 Fresno, in Tularosa, N.M. The exhibit covers topics like what it was like for Germans in American POW camps during World War II, and what it like for Americans in German POW camps during WWII. Admission is free. Information: (575) 585-2711.

Concordia Ghost Tours — Concordia Heritage Association and Paso Del Norte Paranormal Society host a monthly ghost tour 7 to 9 p.m. the first Saturday of the month (Dec. 5) at historic Concordia Cemetery. Henry and Veronica Flores of the Paranormal Society conduct a walking tour of the cemetery’s haunted sites. Bring recording equipment, cameras, extra batteries, flashlight. Reservations required. Cost: $10 (ages 13 and older welcome). Reservations/information: 373-1513 or ghosts915.com. For December, bring two cans of food for the Salvation Army and be admitted for $5.

El Paso Corral of the Westerners — The monthly dinner program is at 6 p.m. Friday, Dec.11, in the Staff and Faculty Lounge, second floor, UTEP Student Union. Bob Miles will talk on “Henry Skillman and the Butterfield Stage.” Cost: $20. Dinner served at 6:30 p.m. Information or reservations (before 5 p.m. Dec. 9): Marilyn Gross, 755-7329. Fort Selden State Monument — The monument, in Radium Springs 13 miles north of Las Cruces, is open 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday through Monday (closed Tuesday). Admission is $3; (ages 16 and under free). Sunday admission for New Mexico residents is $1. Information: (575) 526-8911 or nmmonuments.org. The 11th annual Fort Selden Luminaria Tours are 5 to 9 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 12. The trails and ruins will be lit by candles, and visitors will be treated to hot chocolate, cookies and more. Admission is free during the evening. Information: (575) 526-8911. Fort Selden was a 19th-century adobe fort established to protect early settlers from Indian raids. The monument seeks to preserve the remaining ruins. From Las Cruces, take I-25 north to Exit 19. El Paso Museum of History — 510 N. Santa Fe. Regular hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday, noon to 5 p.m. Sunday. Closed Mondays. Admission is free. Information: 351-3588. For exhibit and special event information, see “At the Museum” listing. NMSU ‘2010 Historical Calendar’ — The NMSU Library has released its new 2010 Archives & Special Collections calendar, “NMSU Then and Now,” with historical photos of the NMSU campus along with photos of contemporary counterparts. Proceeds from sales benefit the Library’s Archives & Special Collections Department. Cost: $8; available at the Dean’s Office in Zuhl Library. Information: (575) 646-1508.

Old Fort Bliss — Building 5051, corner of Pershing and Pleasanton Roads, Fort Bliss. The Old West days of the “Soldiers of the Pass” are relived through replicas of the original adobe fort buildings and military artifacts, Magoffinsville Post 1854 to 1868. Admission: free. Hours: Daily 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Information: 568-3137.

December 2009

Volunteer Docent Training — El Paso Museum of History, 510 N. Santa Fe, host a free training course for new volunteer tour guides is 10 a.m. to noon Tuesdays, through Jan 5. Participants will become skilled at historical interpretation of museum exhibits and artifacts, and gain an understanding of a variety of subjects such as iron in Colonial New Spain, leatherwork and antique firearms. Information: Sue Taylor at 915-351-3588 or email at [email protected]. Chamizal National Memorial — 800 S. San Marcial. The National Park Service operates the memorial on land once claimed by Mexico as part of a decades-long dispute over the international boundary. A similar park in Juárez lies across the Rio Grande, whose shifting nature in earlier years triggered the dispute. The visitor center has an exhibit on the history of the Chamizal dispute, including a video presentation. Park grounds and picnic area open 5 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily; visitors center open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday; closed Sunday and Monday. Admission is free. Information: 532-7273. Free ranger guided tours and interpretive programs at are offered at 10 a.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays. Storytime with Georgia Askew is 10 a.m. the third Thursday of the month. Reservations required for both programs. Los Portales Museum and Visitor Center — 1521 San Elizario Road. The museum is operated by the San Elizario Genealogy and Historical Society, and is housed in an 1850s Territorial-style building across from the San Elizario church. It offers gifts, family trees, historical artifacts and the veterans’ room, as well as information on the “First Thanksgiving” and the Salt War of 1877. Hours are 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday, noon to 4 p.m. Sunday. Admission is free. Information: 851-1682.

Mission Trail — Three historic churches lie within eight miles of each other in El Paso County’s Mission Valley. • Mission Ysleta — Spanish and Tigua Indian refugees from northern New Mexico founded the community in the 1680s. The first mission was built in 1692 and rebuilt completely in both the 18th and 19th centuries. The current structure was built in 1851. It’s near Zaragoza and Alameda on the Tigua Reservation. Information: 851-9997 (El Paso Mission Trail Association). • Mission Socorro — The first adobe structure in Socorro was built in 1692, and like nearby Mission Ysleta, was destroyed by floods in later centuries. The current structure dates back to 1843, with additions completed in 1873. It’s off Socorro Road two miles southeast of Ysleta. • San Elizario Chapel — Established in 1789 as a Spanish presidio, or fort, to protect the Camino Real, San Elizario was the first county seat of El Paso. The church was built in 1877, replacing a church built about 25 years earlier. Technically, San Elizario Chapel is a presidio church, not a mission. It’s on the San Elizario plaza, off Socorro Road, 5.5 miles southeast of Socorro Mission. Nearby is the famous jail that Billy the Kid reportedly broke into to rescue a friend.

Shakespeare Ghost Town — A small pioneer settlement and mining town on the trail to California, Shakespeare, N.M., lives on thanks to a single family that has owned the townsite (2 1/2 miles from Lordsburg) since 1935. Information: (575) 542-9034.

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Chamizal National Memorial hosts a film at 7 p.m. the first Friday of the month in the theater. The series includes films about El Paso, both modern day and historical, as well as about the border with its colors, tastes, sights and sounds, and the Chicano experience. Admission is free. Information: 532-7273. The Dec. 4 screening is “A Day Without A Mexican,” a “mockumentary” about a California couple who wakes up without a single Latino left in the state. Filmed in English with Spanish subtitles Rated R.

tive and documentary, Latino and New Mexico. All foreign-language films should be subtitled. Accepted filmmakers will have their event entry fee waived. Submission information: 1877-345-6973 or wsiff.com. The film fest has drawn several prominent film industry guests including directors François Girard (“The Red Violin”), Arturo Ripstein, (“La Reina de la Noche”) and Mark Medoff (“Children of A Lesser God”), actors Ali Landry, Jamison Jones, Rick Shroeder and Wes Studi, as well as producers, screenwriters and more.

Film Salon — The Film Salon at Trinity First

Fountain Theatre — 2469 Calle de

Chamizal ‘First Friday’ Film Festival —

United Methodist Church, 801 N. Mesa (at Yandell), concludes its series of Orson Welles classics with “Touch of Evil,” at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 5, in Resler Hall. Admission is free. Nursery available with two-day advance reservation. Information: 533-2674 or filmsalon.org. “Touch of Evil” is Welles’ baroque border drama that is often cited as the terminus of Hollywood’s “film noir” cycle. The film straddles a lazy stretch of western border, with Welles playing a rotund and corrupt police captain increasingly at odds with a Mexican narcocop played by Charlton Heston. Janet Leigh plays Heston’s wife, Marlene Dietrich plays Welles’ old flame and owner of a Mexican brother and Mercedes McCambridge is a menacing leather-clad gang leader.

Holiday Movies at Plaza — The El Paso Community Foundation will host a weekend of Christmas and winter-themes movies at The Plaza’s main theatre Dec. 5-6, to complement the Holiday Lights Parade. Early arrival to Saturday shows strongly encouraged. Tickets: $5 per movie; available at the Plaza Box Office or through Ticketmaster. Information: 5334020 epcf.org. Saturday’s shows are “Elf” at 2 p.m. and “It’s A Wonderful Life” at 7:45 p.m. Organist Jack Stewart will perform Christmas carols at 7:15 p.m. Saturday prior to the 7:45 p.m. screening. Sunday’s shows are “A Christmas Story” at 2 p.m. and “White Christmas” at 6:30 p.m.

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Pax Christi Film Series — The series presents “Posada: A Night to Cross All Borders” at 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 13, at Diocesan Migrant and Refugee Services’ Mother Teresa Center, 2400 E. Yandell (between Piedras and Cotton). Hosted by Pax Christi El Paso and the Peace & Justice Ministry of the Catholic Diocese of El Paso. Admission is free, donations welcome. Information: 5320527 or 497-0384. The U.S. Border Patrol turns away 100,000 unaccompanied immigrant children every year. The film tells the story of three Central American teenagers.

Holocaust Museum Cinema Sundays— El Paso Holocaust Museum and Study Center, 715 Oregon, hosts free showings of Holocaust, genocide and racism-related films at 2 p.m. the last Sunday of the month. Admission is free, but seating is limited. Information: 351-0048 or elpasoholocaustmuseum.org.

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White Sands Film Festival entries — The 6th annual White Sands International Film Festival is taking feature length and short film entries for the event planned for April 17-18, 2010 in Las Cruces. Categories include narra-

El Paso Scene

Guadalupe, 1/2 block south of the plaza in Mesilla. The historic theater, operated by the Mesilla Valley Film Society, features films at 7:30 p.m. nightly, plus 2:30 p.m. Sunday. Foreign language films include subtitles. Admission: $7 ($6 seniors and students with ID; all seats for matinees; $5 society members and children); $5 on Wednesday. Closed Dec. 25 and 31. Information, schedule: (575) 5248287 or mesillavalleyfilm.org. • Nov. 27-Dec. 3 — “Coco Before Chanel.” The film tells the story of the woman who became Coco Chanel. Chanel grew up a poor, skinny orphan in a convent school, where she learned sewing as a trade. She idled in her early years as a cabaret singer, lived with one protective rich man while falling in love with another, and hewed to a life of unmarried independence that hid a tough, sad heart. Rated PG-13. • Dec. 4-10 — “Captain Abu Raed.” An elderly widower works as a janitor at the international airport in Amman, Jordan. He’s well read, philosophical, and given to moments of spontaneous whimsy, as when he finds the discarded hat of a jet pilot and wears it on the way home. The impoverished kids in his neighborhood assume he’s actually a pilot and treat him with such exaggerated respect that he decides to play along, Arabian Nights–style, with tales of his imagined travels. • Dec 11-17 — “The September Issue.” R.J. Cutler’s lusciously revealing fly-on-the-wall documentary portrait of Anna Wintour. Viewers observe the process by which Wintour and her army of editors, designers, photographers, models, and go-fers assemble Vogue’s massive September issue. Rated PG-13. • Dec. 18-23 — “Shall We Kiss?” A woman asks a stranger for directions. They have dinner together, wine is consumed, and the gentleman later leans in to give her a goodnight kiss. The lady demurs as such innocent displays of affection often lead to problems, and she has a lengthy anecdote to back up her assertion. Unrated. • Dec. 26-30 — “Rashomon.” The 1950 Japanese film by legendary director Akira Kurosawa. This classic film opens to two men — a priest and a woodcutter — sitting in the shelter of Kyoto’s Rashomon Gate. When a commoner runs in out of the rain and engages them in conversation, he learns that a samurai has been murdered and his wife raped and a local bandit is suspected. In telling the commoner what they know, the woodcutter and the priest will introduce flashbacks in which the bandit, the wife and the woodcutter say what they saw, or think they saw. MVFS members admitted free.

Please see Page 55 December 2009

Film Scene Cont’d from Page 54 ‘Our People, Our Faith...Our Lady’ — The Branigan Cultural Center and the Las Cruces Public Information Office present a special screening of the documentary on Our Lady of Guadelupe 6:30 to 9 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 3, at the Rio Grande Theatre, 211 Downtown Mall, Las Cruces. The film, directed by Adrian Guzmán, documents the Fiesta of Our Lady of Guadalupe, an annual event held in Tortugas, N.M. Free tickets available inside City Hall, 200 N. Church Street. Limit is four per person on a first-come, first-serve basis. Information: (575) 541-2200 or clctv.com.

CinéMatinee Film Series — Films with western, rural or New Mexico themes (as well as other special selections) are shown at 1:30 p.m. Saturdays at the Fountain Theatre, 2469 Calle de Guadalupe, 1/2 block south of the plaza in Mesilla. Admission: $4 ($1 for Mesilla Valley Film Society members), unless otherwise listed. Information: (575) 524-8287 (leave message) or mesillavalleyfilm.org. • Dec. 5 - “Shorts and Sweets,” Mesilla Valley Film Society’s final 20th anniversary celebration with a selection of short films, followed by desserts from Stephanie of Let Them Eat Cake. Cost: $7 ($6 seniors and students with ID, $5 for MVFS members). The program will run about 2 hours. Films include “Red Mesa” by Ilana Lapid (Made in NM); “The Delian Mode,” “Gandhi at the Bat,” “Coach Huizar” and one more to be announced. Cost: $7 ($6 seniors and students with ID, $5 for MVFS members). • Dec. 12 — “Christmas in the Clouds” (2001). Set primarily on a ski resort owned by a Native American tribe, the screwball comedy earned the Audience Award for Best Feature Film at the 2001 Austin Film Festival and was named Best Native-American Themed Film at the Santa Fe Film Festival that year. Rated PG. • Dec. 19 — “How About You?” (2007) Based on a story by Irish writer Maeve Binchy. Over a Christmas holiday, Ellie Harris, who works at a home for the aged run by her sister, is left alone to care for four residents who have nowhere to go. Though the oldsters are nasty and demanding, Ellie learns from them, and vice versa. Not rated. • Dec. 26 — “About a Boy” (2002). Will Freeman (Hugh Grant) is the quintessential bachelor who has built himself the perfect commitment-free life, aided by a music royalties from a Christmas song written by his father long ago. Rated PG-13.

New Mexico Museum of Space History — Alamogordo, N.M. The museum’s Tombaugh IMAX Dome Theater presents: • “Molecules to the Max” (noon, 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. daily beginning Nov. 1). The animated film takes the audience into the innermost workings of the cosmos through the adventures of an oxygen atom named Oxy and friends Hydro and Hydra. • “Sharks” (11 a.m., 1 p.m., 3 p.m. and 5 p.m. daily). Jean-Michel Cousteau presents a 3-D encounter with the “lions and tigers of the ocean.” Tickets: $6 ($5.50 for seniors and military; $4.50 ages 4-12). Ages 3 and under free for all shows. Information: (877) 333-6589 or (575) 437-2840 or nmspacemuseum.org.

Jay’s Film Forecast — Film historian Jay Duncan prepared this list of top monthly “Coming Attractions” for movie fans, listed by studio and release date. Release dates are subject to change.

December 2009

Dec. 4: • Armored (Screen Gems) — Columbus Short, Matt Dillon, Lawrence Fishburne. Directed by Nimrod Antal. • Brothers (Lionsgate) — Jake Gyllenhaal, Natalie Portman, Tobey Maguire. Directed by Jim Sheridan. • Everybody’s Fine (Miramax) — Robert De Niro, Kate Beckinsale, Sam Rockwell. Directed by Kirk Jones. • Serious Moonlight (Magnolia Home Entertainment) — Meg Ryan, Timothy Hutton, Kristen Bell. Directed by Cheryl Hines. • Up in the Air (Paramount) — George Clooney, Vera Farmiga, Anna Kendrick. Directed by Jason Reitman.

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Dec. 11: • Invictus (Warner Bros.) — Morgan Freeman, Scott Eastwood, Matt Damon. Directed by Clint Eastwood. • The Lovely Bones (DreamWorks SKG) — Rachel Weisz, Mark Wahlberg, Saoirse Ronan. Directed by Peter Jackson. • The Princess and the Frog (Walt Disney Studios) — Hand drawn Animation. Featuring the voices of Anika Noni Rose, Keth David, Oprah Winfrey. Directed by Ron Clements and John Musker. • A Single Man (Weinstein) — Colin Firth, Julianne Moore, Matthew Goode. Directed by Tom Ford. Dec. 18: • Avatar (20th Century Fox) — Live action and CG Animation in 3D. Sam Worthington, Sigourney Weaver, Michelle Rodriguez. Directed by James Cameron. • Did You Hear About the Morgans? (Columbia) — Hugh Grant, Sarah Jessica Parker, Sam Elliott. Directed by Marc Lawrence. • Nine (Weinstein) — Daniel Day-Lewis, Marion Cotillard, Penelope Cruz. Directed by Rob Marshall. • The Young Victoria (Apparition) — Emily Blunt, Rupert Friend, Paul Bettany. Directed by Jean-Marc Vallee.

FRE CO D E 1081E

El Paso (915) 541.8900 Alternative Locals (915) 541.8888

For F o r other o t h e r local l o c a l numbers n u m b e r s call call

www.MegaMates.com w w w. w M e g a M a t e s. s com

1-888-MegaMates 1 -888-MegaMates

Dec. 25: • Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Squeakquel (20th Century-Fox) — Live action and CG animation. Featuring voices of Justin Long, Drew Barrymore, Matthew Gray Gubler. Directed by Betty Thomas. • The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus (Sony Classics) — Christopher Plummer, Lily Cole, Heath Ledger (in his last performance). Directed by Terry Gilliam. • It’s Complicated (Universal) — Meryl Streep, Steve Martin, Alec Baldwin. Directed by Nancy Meyers. • Sherlock Holmes (Warner Bros.) — Robert Downey Jr., Rachel McAdams, Jude Law. Directed by Guy Ritchie. (Re-imagining of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s master criminologist).

DVD Releases

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Dec. 1 • Night at the Museum Battle of the Smithsonian / PG • Terminator Salvation / PG-13

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Dec. 8 • Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince / PG • Public Enemies / R Dec. 15 • G-force / PG • The Hangover / R • Inglourious Basterds / R • Taking Woodstock / R • The Other Man / R

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Page 55

Local: TSO in the Land of Enchantment, Dec. 9

Get Scene around town! The Scene comes out the last week of the month. Pick up your copy at these and other locations. Or subscribe by mail! See Page 58 for order form.

VILLAGE INN

WALGREENS

SAM’S CLUB

1500 Airway 7144 Gateway East 4757 Hondo Pass 2929 N. Mesa 5863 N. Mesa 7801 N. Mesa 2275 Trawood 1331 N. Zaragoza

890 N Resler Dr 5900 N Mesa St 8050 N Mesa 2800 N. Mesa 200 N Mesa 2879 Montana 5401 Montana 1100 Geronimo 8401 Gateway West 5150 Fairbanks 9428 Dyer 10780 Kenworthy 1210 Wedgewood 3355 N Yarbrough 1831 N. Lee Trevino 2950 George Dieter 11685 Montwood 12390 Edgemere 1607 N Zaragoza 800 N. Zaragosa 100 N. Americas 8045 N. Loop

7970 N. Mesa 7001 Gateway West 11360 Pellicano

In Las Cruces: 1205 El Paseo 455 S. Telshor

SUN HARVEST 6100 N. Mesa

DUNKIN’ DONUTS 700 Zaragosa • 1105 N. Yarbrough • 9114 Dyer

FURR’S FAMILY BUFFET Gateway West at Zaragoza 8528 Dyer • 119 N. Balboa

EP FITNESS 145 Paragon 11330 James Watt 12145 Montwood 981 N. Resler 1224 Wedgewood

DOMINO’S PIZZA ALL EL PASO LOCATIONS RIVIERA RESTAURANT

AVILA’S

6232 N. Mesa

ARDOVINO’S PIZZA 865 N. Resler at Redd 206 Cincinnati

THE MARKETPLACE 5034 Doniphan

MANDO’S 5420 Doniphan

THE BAGEL SHOP

5218 Doniphan

3400 N. Mesa 815 N. Resler

HELLO PIZZA

CASA JURADO

River Run Plaza

RANCHER’S GRILL 7597 N. Mesa 9530 Viscount (at I10)

ANDRE’S PIZZA

4772 Doniphan 226 Cincinnati

WING STOP 1757 George Dieter 2900 N. Mesa 9530 Viscount 865 Resler 9008 Dyer, 8825 N. Loop

JJ’S

3233 N. Mesa 7000 Westwind

5320 Doniphan

SUNSET BREWERY

7520 Remcon

LEO’S

4176 N. Mesa

VALENTINE BAKERY

HAL MARCUS GALLERY

ALL THAT MUSIC

800 N. Mesa

1506 Lee Trevino

Page 56

11930 Picasso

PETLAND 1331 George Dierter

BARNES & NOBLE 705 Sunland Park Dr. 9521 Viscount

EASTSIDE CAFE 11251 Rojas

VISTA MARKET 2231 Zaragosa CARNITAS QUERETARO 4001 N Mesa 1451 N Zaragoza 6516 N Mesa

YSLETA ISD 9600 Sims

EL PASO INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT UTEP LIBRARY EPCC CAMPUSES YMCA’s EP CONV. CENTER EP CITY HALL EL PASO LIBRARY TX TOURISM CENTER CTY COURTHOUSE

THE BOOKERY EL PASO ZOO

In Las Cruces COAS Mesilla Book Center

In Juárez Museo INBA • Museo Chamizal • Museo ExAduana • ICHICULT • Centro Cultural de la Ciudad • Academia Municipal • CEMA • Arte en el Parque • Biblioteca Arturo Tolentino • Centro Cultural Paso del Norte • Libreria Universitaria • Centro de Convenciones Cibeles

It doesn’t seem to matter when they hit the calendar — Trans-Siberian Orchestra always continues the holiday tradition. The show will venture to Las Cruces this time and give us a double dose of yuletide with two performances Dec. 9. The group will once again break into a few touring units, with each primarily performing selections from all three of their Christmas releases: “Christmas Eve and Other Stories,” “The Christmas Attic” and “Lost Christmas Eve.” This time they will include a handful of tracks from their new double disc, “Night Castle.” This isn’t a Christmas disc but fits right in with their catalogue. Trans-Siberian Orchestra features a revolving cast, with members of the band Savatage, as well as a 60-piece orchestra and choir. Paul O’Neill, a veteran hard-rock music producer, heads the entire group. The show will be a bountiful buffet for the ears and eyes. It is part rock concert, Broadway spectacular, narrated story, brilliant light show and pyrotechnical blitz, and a deluge of snowfall. All these elements combine to set the perfect scene. Trans-Siberian Orchestra, an orchestra like no other, performing Christmas music like no other.

National: Joe Perry, “Have Guitar, Will Travel,” Roman Records Inc. The phrase “solo album” is typically the first indication of a band’s demise. The source of the desire to go it alone can usually be traced back to the lead singer. This time guitarist Joe Perry of Aerosmith is the sheep that lost its flock. This is his second release in the new millennium, and much like with his ’80s outings, his day job seems to be in tremendous turmoil. The new album is titled “Have Guitar, Will Travel,” and there is good reason for that. This disc is all about his instrument, which is front and center on every track. It is a raw collection of solid rock tracks that have not been overworked or overpolished. There are a few rough edges with some grit and grime, but that is what really makes this a must-have. The entire CD feels loose and free, as if we have been invited into Joe’s studio. The album has the undeniable Aerosmith blood running through its veins and is reminiscent of those early days before the stadiums and the Diane Warren–penned Top 40 ballad schmaltz. “Have Guitar, Will Travel” will hopefully make a journey through the Southwest and maybe even the Sun City.

Pete Yorn & Scarlett Johansson, “Break Up,” ATCO Pete Yorn has always been an extremely ambitious songwriter. In 2006, he unveiled his “You & Me” acoustic series, basically 29 individual acoustic in-store music-shop performances recorded as he crossed the nation on tour that summer. He is now two-thirds of the way through his 12-month plan. “Break Up” is the second LP in his trilogy for the year. The nine-song collection is primarily a duets affair with a surprisingly good cohort in actress Scarlett Johansson. She released her own album, of Tom Waits covers, last year, but this new venture was actually recorded prior to that. The supporting role and singer-songwriter material seems to fit her better than her last effort. “Break Up” plays to all of Yorn’s strengths, from the low mute numbers with their whisper-like line sparring to the guitar-focused rock cuts, where intense vocals prevail throughout, to breezy summer tracks filled with lazy porchside riffs. When it comes to breakups, here’s hoping Pete Yorn and Scarlett Johansson are by all of our sides, making them less painful and more enjoyable.

El Paso Scene

Living Colour, “The Chair in the Doorway,” Megaforce It was nearly 20 years ago when these then boys were thrust upon the world’s spotlight by the Rolling Stones. The world’s greatest rock band even gave them the coveted opening slot on their 1989 “Steel Wheels” tour. It has been five very long years since this quartet last surfaced on the now-defunct Sanctuary records. Their output over a twodecade career has been spotty at best. Between breakups, solo projects, and lead vocalist Corey Glover bizarrely taking a spot as a VJ on VH-1, the band has not been the most dependable for consistent releases. Their latest is “The Chair in the Doorway,” and these guys, now averaging 46 years old, have delivered their hardest disc of their entire catalogue. It is an energetic, combustible monster with a loud, wailing guitar, a constant rattle of the percussion section, and enraged vocals. Its mood is reminiscent of 1993’s “Stain,” with dark themes, but it keeps the pedal pressed to the floor for all 12 tracks. This comeback has them kicking, screaming and demanding some overdue attention. I am not sure if it was a “Chair in the Doorway” or what the obstacle might have been, but they have kicked it over and are coming out of that doorway with full force.

Collectibles: Def Leppard, Deluxe Reissue Campaign, Mercury/UMG In the late ’70s, the “New Wave of British Heavy Metal” was the answer to the harder sounds heard early in the decade that were by then fading away. This sound was less about the blues influences and much more about the speed of the music. In those early years, Def Leppard led the pack with Iron Maiden, Saxon and Judas Priest, but they also did something very different. This was a band very much focused on melodies and updating the glam sound. In the early ’80s, they crossed over into Top 40 radio, and legions of hair-metal bands followed, with only a handful still around today. In honor of the band’s longevity and influence, UMG has rolled out the deluxe treatment for three of their seminal albums — “Pyromania,” “Hysteria” and “Adrenalize.” Each set has been remastered and expanded to double-disc collections. The bonus CDs range from a complete concert with a guest appearance by Brian May of Queen, to a heaping of rare Bsides, plus remixes, previously unreleased cuts, cover versions, demos, acoustic renditions and other live goodies. This is Def Leppard with all the trimmings — just in time for the holidays. Brian Chozick is the owner of Tumblin’ Dice Music. Drop him a line at [email protected]. E-mail your top 10 of 2009 to be eligible to win a free CD (randomly selected, limited quantity, while supplies last). Send to [email protected] and include your mailing address. December 2009

El Paso Chamber Music Festival — Jan.

‘Little Women’ – Kids-N-Co. presents the

6-31 at various venues. El Paso Pro-Musica’s 20th annual festival presents world-class chamber musicians in concerts recitals and other special. Information: 833-9400 or eppm.org.

classic Alcott tale Jan. 23-Feb. 14 at Kids-NCo. Performance Space. 1301 Texas. Performances are 7:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and 2:30 p.m. Sundays. Tickets: $5$7 at the door. Information: 351-1455.

january prEVIEW

UTEP Men’s Basketball - Home games are7:05 p.m. at the Don Haskins Center. Tickets: $9-$25. Information: 747-5234. • Wednesday, Jan. 6 — SMU • Saturday, Jan. 9 — BYU 7 p.m. • Saturday, Jan. 16 — Southern Miss • Wednesday, Jan. 27 — Tulane

Bill Maher — The ‘politically incorrect’

comic performs Thursday, Jan. 28, at The Plaza Theatre. Tickets: $45.50-$75.50, plus service charge.(Ticketmaster).

Night of Hope Ball — El Paso Diabetes Association will host its 2nd annual fundraising gala 6:30 p.m. to midnight, Saturday, Jan. 30, at Wyndham Hotel 2027 Airway, with dinner, music and entertainment. This year’s honored guest is Dr. Robert Christenson. Admission: $100 (includes dinner and dance). Information: 532-6280 or epdiabetes.org.

El Maida Shrine Circus — Jan. 7-10 at the El Paso County Coliseum, 4100 Paisano. Show times are 4:30 and 8 p.m. Thursday; 10 a.m. and 8 p.m. Friday, 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. Saturday and 11 a.m. 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. Sunday. Tickets: $12 ($10 kids; $14 box seats). Information: 562-1444.

UTEP Women’s Basketball — Home games at Don Haskins Center. Tickets: $7 ($3 youth). Information: 747-5234. • Friday, Jan. 8 — Rice, 7:05 p.m. • Sunday, Jan. 10 — Houston, 2:05 p.m. • Sunday, Jan. 24 — UCF, 2:05 p.m.

El Paso Rhinos — El Paso’s Junior League ice hockey team home games are at the Sierra Providence Events Center. Game times are 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 5:30 p.m. Sunday. Ticket information: 479-PUCK (7825) or elpasorhinos.com. • Jan. 8-10 — Boulder Bison • Jan. 29-31 — Tulsa Rampage

Belly Dance Extravaganza 2010 — Dance Alive presents an evening of swirling veils, flashing swords and exotic music at 7 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 23, at the Chamizal National Memorial, 800 S. San Marcial. Information: 5661742 or [email protected].

Provost Gun Show — 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Saturday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 23-24, at the El Maida Shrine Temple, 6331 Alabama. Admission: $5 ($4 active military and accompanying dependents; ages 12 and younger free). Information: 241-1761.

‘I’m Not Rappaport’ – El Paso Playhouse, 2501 Montana, present the hit Herb Gardner ‘dramedy’ Jan. 8-30. Showtimes are 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday. Ticket information: 532-1317, elpasoplayhouse.com. ‘National Monuments’ – El Paso Wind Symphony presents a musical celebration of national pride at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Jan. 15 at Fox Fine Arts Recital Hall. Tickets: $12.50 ($7.50 students). Information: 760-5599.

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Southern New Mexico ‘Bravo Broadway’ – Jan. 9-10 at NMSU’s Atkinson Recital Hall. The Las Cruces Symphony presents its 5th annual Pops performance at 7:30 p.m. Saturday and 3 p.m. Sunday. Guests Anne Runolfsson, Doug Labrecque and Debbie Gravitte will join the orchestra, celebrating Broadway classics.

Peter Mulvey – 7:30 p.m. Jan 15, at the Silco Theatre, 311 Bullard in Silver City. Part of the Mimbres Region Arts Council’s Folk Series. Tickets: $5-$20. Information: (575) 538-2505 or 1-888-758-7289. ‘One-Act Play Festival’ – Jan. 15-24. Las Cruces Community Theatre presents its annual celebration of short plays at 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and 2 p.m. Sundays. Tickets: $5. Information: (575) 523-1200 or lcctnm.org. ‘Godspell’ — Jan. 15-31 in the Black Box Theatre. Presented by No-Strings Theatre Company. Performances are 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 24 and 31, and 7 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 28. Tickets: $7-$10. Information: (575) 523-1223 or no-strings.org.

The Pine Leaf Boys – 8 p.m. Jan. 21 at NMSU’s Atkinson Music Recital Hall, as part of the ASNMSU Cultural Series. Cajun music with youthful exuberance. Tickets: $10-$12.50, (575) 646-1420. Daniel Rodriguez – 7:30 p.m. Jan. 22, at WNMU Fine Arts Center Theater. Tickets: $20 at the door. Information: (575) 538-5862. Moscow Festival Ballet’s ‘Cinderella’

— 8 p.m. Jan. 30 at the Spencer Theater for Performing Arts in Alto, N.M. Tickets: $56-$59. Information: (575) 336-4800, (888) 818-7872 or spencertheater.com.

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Monster Truck Spectacular — The monster truck show is 7:30 p.m. Friday, Jan. 15, at the El Paso County Coliseum, 4100 Paisano. Tickets: $20-$25 ($10-$20 children; $18 seniors, miliary students; $12.50 family fun pack; free for ages 2 and younger). (Ticketmaster).

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Nearly Neil and the Solitary Band — Showtime! El Paso presents a tribute to music legend Neil Diamond at 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 31, at the Abraham Chavez Theatre, featuring Bobby Bruce. Ticket information: 544-2022 or ShowtimeElPaso.com.

Tickets: $35- $50. Information: (575) 646-3709 or lascrucessymphony.com.

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LET’S GET PERSONAL ... TRAINING AT PTEP

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An Evening with the Stars – El Paso Chapter, The Links Inc. hosts its 3rd annual elegant evening of dinner, dancing and awards recognizing individuals who have made a difference in our community at 6:30 p.m. Friday, Jan. 15, at the Wyndham Airport Hotel. Events also include a silent auction and raffle. Tickets $50. Information: 598-9499, 593-5738 or 877-3647.

ANDREA

1071 Country Club Rd. Ste T 915.584.1018 FIDEL

ORLANDO

JOSIE

Rock Laser Spectaculars — The popular laser rock shows are 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Jan. 15-16, Abraham Chavez Theatre. (Ticketmaster). Friday’s show features the music of Pink Floyd. Tickets: $19.50, $24.50 and $29.50, plus service charges. Saturday’s show features the music of Michael Jackson. Tickets: $24.50, $29.50 and $35, plus service charges. El Paso Puzzler Mountain Bike Race — The 3rd annual endurance mountain bike race is 8 a.m. Sunday, Jan. 17, at Bowen Ranch. Registration (by Jan 1): $40. Information: 8451097 or bmba.wordpress.com. El Paso Symphony Orchestra – The Symphony presents an “All-Star Celebration” at 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Jan. 22-23,in the Plaza Theatre, featuring guest conductor Alexander Platt and guest cellist Zuill Bailey. Information: 532-3776 or epso.org. December 2009

El Paso Scene

Page 57

Advertiser Index

El Paso Scene USER’S GUIDE Publication Schedule & Monthly Deadlines El Paso Scene comes out on the Wednesday following the fourth Monday of the month. The deadline for news announcements usually is the the third Monday of the month, but for the January issue the deadline will be Dec. 16. The deadline for camera-ready advertising is Dec. 18. For ads that require design work, please submit requests by Dec. 11. See Page 30 for our 2010 calendar.

Submitting News El Paso Scene accepts news items by mail (P.O. Box 13615, El Paso TX 79913), email ([email protected]) and fax (542-4292). There is no charge for news announcements. All items will be edited for brevity and style. News items should include an event name, description, time, date, place, sponsoring organization, information phone number and admission prices, if any. Please include a contact name and phone number. A “fill in the blanks” online press release form is at www.epscene.com/pressrelease.html

Circulation & distribution El Paso Scene publishes 38,000 to 40,000 copies each month, distributed throughout El Paso and also Las Cruces, including area Village Inns, Walgreens, Hollywood Video, EP Fitness, Sun Harvest, Furr’s and many more locations. Page 58

Advertising information A full media kit on El Paso Scene advertising rates, sizes and specifications is at www.epscene.com/adrates.html. You may also request a media kit by calling us at 5421422, or call our advertising director, Albert Martinez, at 920-7244.

A & S Fun Tours 22 Alma Calderon 26 Maricela C. Andrade 36 Ann’s Est. & Mov’g Sales 24 Antonio Soegaard-Torres 20 Ardovino’s Desert Crossing 50 Ardovino’s Pizza 23 Around and About Tours 40 ATMAS Healing 48 Avance 24 BeadCounter 27 Beauty Solutions 25 Bissell Art Studio 15 Book Publishers of El Paso 51 The Book Rack 51 The Bookery 51 Bruce Nehring Consort 7 Bruce’s Air 54 Cattleman's 53 Cecila Burgos LPC 39 Certif’d Train’g with Danny 22 COAS 51 Collectibles 11 Coronado Baptist Church 47 Cosmetic Laser Center 12 Cosmetic & Hair Surgery 28,33 Counterpoint 15 Creations by Carolina 11,27 CrossPoint Church 21 The Crystal Store 9 Divine Energy 18 Domino’s 55 Edible Arrangements 30 El Paso Art Association 23 El Paso Conv & Perf Arts Ctr 5 El Paso Museum of Art 16 EP Museum of Art Store 48 El Paso Playhouse 8 El Paso Saddleblanket 10 El Paso Symphony 44 Elegant Consignments 27 EPCC Children’s college 8 EPCC Personal Enrichment 35 Escamilla Gallery 28

Etcetera Executive Singles Facial Spa by Susana The Forum Ballroom Fountain Theatre FuntastiCo Furrs Family Dining Geico Glass Goodies Glazed Honey Ham Hal Marcus Gallery Hardin Chiropractic HC Kiwanis Bingo Health Matters Hike Up Cristo Rey Inn of the Mountain Gods Inside Out Designs Inc. Int'l Quality Products Jazz El Paso Connection Kaffee Klatsch KTEP L’Alliance Française La Mujer Obrera La Tierra Café Los Artesanos Lynx Exhibits The Marketplace Martha Garcia Dr Gus Martinez Massage Kneads Me Mesa Street Antique Mesilla Book Center Metta Massage Mr Motorcycle Nayda’s Gems & Stones New Image Laser Cosm. New York Life Pat Olchefski-Winston Old Fashioned Xmas Marie Otero Parking Lot Stripping Paseo Christian Church Perkins Jewelry Supply Petland

9 21 22 11 54 15 54 25 27 37 59 9 36 24 23 45 9 52 53 11 52 21 33 40 25 49 27 21 35 37 34 51 35 44 27 57 22 28 48 26 59 23 26 47

PhiDev Inc 40 Phoenix Dawn 57 Physician’s Vein Care 60 Pilates El Paso 49 Pizazz 17 Plaza Theatre 2 Precision Prosthetics 24 Prestige Health Care 4 PTEP 57 Pure Romance 10 Bill Rakocy 38 Real Estate El Paso 38 Reidsan Dog Training 26 Rincon Magico 40 Dr Juan Antonio Rodriquez 24 Ronda Brown 36 Rubin Gallery 41 Ruidoso River Resort 29 Salon Saleh 15 Salon Saleh 38 San Francisco's Cosmetics 14 Shelter Valet 42 Shundo Dance Studio 34 Si El Paso Tours 53 Silver City MainStreet 37,39 Sonic 4 Substance 39 Sun. Pk Racetrack 19 SW Liposculpture 46 Telemates 55 Texas Satsang 43 Toni Marie Studio 34 Trans-Siberian Orchestra 7 Tulip’s Antiques 18 UTEP Athletics 58 UTEP Dinner Theatre 3 UTEP Theatre & Dance 32 Vanities 13 Village Inn 34 Walgreens 30 Western Traders 56 Wyler Aerial Tramway 54 Xicali 10

Be Seen in the Scene! El Paso Scene is El Paso’s premier advertising value. One ad brings you month-long exposure in 40,000 copies. El Paso Scene readers are the area’s most active market — on the go, looking for the best entertainment, shopping and dining.

Call Advertising Director Albert Martinez today! (915) 920-7244

Subscriptions

Ad reservations for each issue are due by the 10th of the month

Mail subscriptions to El Paso Scene are $10 a year, $18 for two years and $25 for three years. A subscription form is provided on this page. Subscriptions are sent via 3rd class mail. Copies sent outside El Paso and Doña Ana counties may be delayed.

Check our advertising rates at

www.epscene.com/adrates.html

SUBSCRIBE TO EL PASO SCENE

El Paso Scene Online The entire content of each issue is posted on our website, www.epscene.com. Besides monthly listings and columns, the entire issue may be downloaded in PDF format. The website contains a digest of events listed by week and annual calendar listings for each month’s scheduled events. The website also provides a press release form and a media kit on El Paso Scene advertising.

El Paso Scene Weekly A weekly digest of El Paso Scene events is available for free by email, and is also posted on our website. To request our free weekly email newsletter, go to www.epscene.com//newsletter.php

Why bother hunting down a copy of El Paso Scene when you can get it delivered by mail for only $10 year? Send check (payable to Cristo Rey Communications) with this coupon to:

El Paso Scene, P.O. Box 13615, El Paso, Texas 79913 ___ $10 for one year

___ $18 for two years

___ $25 for three years

NAME: ADDRESS: CITY, STATE, ZIP PHONE:

El Paso Scene

Subscriptions are sent by Third Class (Bulk) Mail. Delivery may be delayed. December 2009

December 2009

El Paso Scene

Page 59

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