Learn How to Make El Paso a Safer Place to Live

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Don't Be Conned

Here's a message from Officer Henry Slack:

Greetings,

If it’s too good to be true, most likely it is. If it’s too sad to be true, it usually is.

Folks be weary of con-artists. They prey on our human instincts to be good and try to help our fellow man. Most recently in the area of Manhattan Heights (Memorial Park area) a group of con-artists attempted to separate good people from their money. Here is the con: your door bell rings and a well-groomed, polite young man is at your door. He tells you that his grandmother has locked her self out, and neither her or him have cash to pay for a locksmith. He mentions some of your neighbors' last names (probably through mail rummaging), and how they gave him a few dollars, and that he is ten dollars short. (Some good people gave into his con and gave him some money!)

Things to do:

• Tell the person that you belong to a Neighborhood Association/Watch and that you WILL call police, to further assist him/them.

• Take notes, jot down a good description - head to toe.

• See where he/they go next. Is a vehicle being used? Get a description of that vehicle.

• Tell them you don’t trust anyone ask to see an ID.

Start a Neighborhood Watch!

Not to do:

• Open your door.

• Give them your information.

• Give them your hard earned money.

• Give them a ride.

• Provide any other information about yourself or neighbor.

There are many cons out there. All prey on our basic instinct to help.

Stay safe.

Officer H. Slack #2106, CPO

314 S. Leon

915-838-8013

Also, there have been reports about people coming to the door in the wee hours of the morning: 1 a.m., 2 a.m. Don't open the door. Call the police.

Fighting Itzcuintlis and the El Paso Muesum of Archaeology

It's easy to see how the greatest neighborhood association can get a big fat head especially after their triumph at this year's Park Olympics. But a little humility is good for the soul and the Fighting Chihuahuas should take note. In an effort to help keep things in perspective, consider where the Chihuahua comes from. Behold the Esquintle (Itzcuintli in Nahuatl):

Display at the El Paso Museum of Archaeology. Click image to enlarge.

As the sign says, although the Itzcuintli is the ancestor of the Chihuahua, it is now the term for "unruly, rude children". Something to keep in mind. Apparently "it" is on the Aztec calendar as well.

The picture above is from a display at the El Paso Museum of Archaeology - a great place for young and old and for all of us to discover more about our roots as El Pasoans and, indeed, children of the Chihuahuan Desert.

This Saturday, August 27 at 2:00, you and your friends and family can learn more about the Manso, Suma, Piro and Tigua Indians. Here is the press release:

Miguel Pedraza, Tribal Governor at Ysleta del Sur Mission, c. 1971, photo courtesy of Nicholas P. Houser

Zip Tour of the exhibit

Settlement Legacy: Native Americans of the Pass of the North

August 27, 2011, 2:00 pm, Free Admission

Please join Curator of Education Marilyn Guida for a brief free Zip Tour of the exhibit, Settlement Legacy: Native Americans of the Pass of the North at 2:00 pm on Saturday, August 27, 2011 at the El Paso Museum of Archaeology. This tour introduces the exhibit to the public through a casual conversation during which those attending may ask questions and share their knowledge.

The exhibit tells the dramatic story of the foundation of today’s El Paso-Ciudad Juárez region which originates with the Manso, Suma, Piro, and Tigua Indians who, over four centuries ago, founded the missions and pueblos that evolved into our sister cities.

The exhibit was created by Guest Curator Nicholas P. Houser, who has conducted historical research for the Tigua Indians, created exhibits for museums and cultural centers, and has worked with over 36 Native American communities in the American Southwest and Latin America.

Information: 915-755-4332; guidamr@elpasotexas.gov; www.elpasotexas.gov/arch_museum/

The museum is closed on Mondays but open from Tuesday through Saturday from 9 until 5 and on Sundays from Noon until 5. (Perfect trip after doing Scenic Sunday.) You can find directions, here.

Fighting Chihuahuas Get the Gold!

Paco Dominguez slam dunks another point for the Fighting Chihuahuas.

The Fighting Chihuahuas of the Newman Park Neighborhood Association took the "gold" trophy at the Second Annual Park Olympics. Competing against four other neighborhood associations (Manhattan Heights, Kern Place, Mission Hills and Rim Road) the Chihuahuas swept all of the volleyball and tug-of-war contests and did well in enough of the other contests to be certified the victors by an unbiased group of judges from the University of Texas at El Paso. The final point tally was Newman Park-24, Mission Hills-19 and Kern Place-14.

When asked why Newman Park easily won the day, tug-of-war captain and volleyball sensation, Paco Dominguez, responded: "We won because we were the better nourished team. After all, we have Papaburgers, Kiki's and the House of Pizza."

Robert Taylor, Becky Friesenhahn, Jim Tolbert

At the end of the contest, Becky Friesenhahn, the head of the Olympics Committee, presented the trophy to Jim Tolbert, President of the Newman Park Neighborhood Association. Tolbert along with NPNA Treasurer, Robert Taylor, then presented Becky with gifts thanking her for her dedicated work as Vice-President of the Association for 4 years and tireless organizer of many of the organization's other events including the Park Olympics.

Radio La Chusma

The very popular Radio La Chusma closed out the day with their great style of music as people from all five Associations enjoyed grilled hamburgers and hot dogs provided by Representative Susie Byrd's office.

Commenting on the success of the event, Becky Friesenhahn said: "Once again, Newman rocked the house!!!"

A Message from El Presidente about Tomorrow's Park Olympics

Greetings Newmanistas,

Tomorrow we will host the 2^nd Annual Park Olympics. Four other neighborhood associations will join us: Manhattan Heights, Kern Place, Rim Road and Mission Hills. There will be plenty of games for all ages – some competitive and some not – but all for fun. I hope all of you can come out and have a great time beginning at 4 p.m. at our beautiful Newman Park. Many of you will want to participate in the games and many of you will want to just enjoy being with your neighbors and cheering those who do compete – again just for fun. We aren’t out to prove anything and we want everyone from all the different associations to have a good time. Around 7 our Association will serve grilled hamburgers and hot dogs. People from different neighborhoods will bring side dishes. There will be plenty of soda pop and water.

Remember to get your Fighting Chihuahua T-Shirt whether you are a team player or team supporter.

As there will be many people enjoying our park and probably more will join us when the very popular Radio La Chusma begins to play at 7:30, expect that there will be more cars parked along our streets. Know that El Paso’s finest plan some extra patrols just to keep an eye on things for us. When you come to the park, please be sure your homes are secure and turn on your porch lights. Love your neighbor – be your neighbor’s keeper as well.

Keep in mind that there are a few simple park rules for our safety. No glass containers of any kind and no alcoholic beverages. Dogs should be on a leash – even Chihuahuas. Always (not just tomorrow) pick-up your dog’s droppings. There are bags for that at the park or you can bring your own. (I have a friend who recycles plastic grocery bags for this very purpose.) Frankly, the park tomorrow may not be the best place anyway for an animal because there will be so much going on. There aren’t too many people who smoke any more. Keep in mind that many people (especially ex-smokers) are very sensitive to cigar and cigarette smoke.

Finally, please help us keep a clean park. There are trash bins and there will be large yard waste bags to accommodate all of our trash. Please pick-up after yourself and your children and help gather any litter.

I’m excited. I’ve been looking forward to this event for a year. Please join me in thanking Becky Friesenhahn especially. She has been the Chief Organizer of this event. Also take time to greet and thank members of the other Associations who also worked very hard to make tomorrow a success and fun for all.

Sincerely,

Jim H. Tolbert

President

Newman Park Neighborhood Association

915-525-7364

jimhtolbert@elp.rr.com
www.newmanpark.blogspot.com

Get Your Newman Park T-Shirt Now

With the Park Olympics coming up this Saturday, NPNA Fighting Chihuahua T-Shirts will be available to buy for the Olympics and for any other occasion to show your neighborhood pride. Here's what this year's shirts look like:

Click on image to enlarge.

The shirts come in a variety of sizes - both adult and youth. They either have the full logo/picture on the front or the smaller chest emblem. You can also buy a shirt with "79930" on the back. Specify full front or chest emblem and whether you want the zip code on the back. Sizes now available: youth medium and large; adult large and x-large. There are also adult small and medium with full front only and a choice of the zip code on back or not.

T-shirts are just $10 each.

Order by email or on the day of the Park Olympics.

Recycling in El Paso

The Environmental Services Department recently released a press release on recycling phone books and other paper products and information about the curbside recycling program.

Here is the press release about recycling phone books:

Phone Book Recycling in El Paso

Here is more information about the curbside recycling program:

Curb Side Recycling Program Background

Also check out Terri Bennett's Do Your Part: Stumped on a Recycling Solution? about everything from recycling copy toner to old clothes and batteries.

Explore the Music of the Americas with Ceiba this Saturday

Ceiba performing at the El Paso Museum of Archaeology, 2010

The El Paso Museum of Archaeology Presents

Exploring the Music of the Americas

A Family Workshop by the musical group Ceiba

Saturday, August 13, 2011, 2:00 to 4:00 pm, Free Admission

4301 Transmountain Road

Families with children age six years and up are invited to participate in a creative, interactive exploration of live music and art inspired by ancient and modern Latin America from México to the Andes led by the El Paso musical group Ceiba.

Adults and children will listen and respond to live music and create together, speaking and writing in small groups and making art in response to the music they hear.

Ceiba musicians perform on a variety of instruments from indigenous cultures of Latin America. Information: Marilyn Guida, 915-755-4332, guidamr@elpasotexas.gov

Second Annual Park Olympics August 20th

Click on image to enlarge.

Get Ready for the Park Olympics

Get ready for the Second Annual Park Olympics! This year your Newman Park Neighborhood Association is sponsoring the Olympics at Newman Park on August 20^th beginning at 4 p.m.

Four other neighborhood associations will futilely take on the Fighting Chihuahuas of Newman Park. They are: Manhattan Heights, Rim Road, Mission Hills and Kern Place Neighborhood Associations.

There will be games for everyone. Points will be awarded to 1st, 2^nd and 3^rd place winners. The Neighborhood Association with the most points accumulated at the end of the evening will take home the traveling trophy. Games for points will include Volleyball, Tug-of-War, 3-Legged Race and a Sack Race for adults; and Tug-of-War, 3-Legged Race, Balloon Shave Cream, Sack Race and an Obstacle Course for children. There will also be plenty of games and activities just for fun including chalk art, hula hoop, piñata, Washa and Pétanque.

Plan now to participate or cheer your Fighting Chihuahuas to certain victory.

Hamburgers and hot dogs will be served at 7 p.m. Then, at 7:30 p.m., Radio La Chusma.

So make plans now. Mark your calendars. Put a big note up on the refrigerator door. Tag the Chihuahua.

In case you missed it, Newman Park surrealist sculptor, Ho Baron, was featured in an El Paso Times story about him and a lesser known artist, Hal Marcus, and their outdoor art. Really now. Can anyone even begin to compete with Ho’s yard art?

Finally, congratulations to Newmanista Willie Kucera who recently celebrated his 106^th birthday. Willie is the oldest member of the Military Order of the World Wars nationwide. The Fort Bliss Monitor Online published this story when Willie turned 105.

Vaya con Dios!

¡Hola Vecinos!© is an emailed newsletter for the people and businesses in the Newman Park neighborhood of El Paso, their friends and other interested persons. It is written and published by Jim Tolbert who takes sole responsibility for the content of the letter. To subscribe or unsubscribe, just reply to this letter or email jimhtolbert@elp.rr.com.

Please visit www.newmanpark.blogspot.com and www.elpasonaturally.blogspot.com.

The mission of the Newman Park Neighborhood Association is to improve the quality of life in the Newman Park neighborhood through care and attention to the park and surrounding areas, and to build a community network of care, watchfulness and concern for each other and our beautiful desert environment.

This is Volume 5 and Number 25 published on August 5, 2011