Friends, neighbors and family members release balloons with special messages to Ed Schwebel at a private celebration of his life last Saturday evening. Ed, a 63-year-old resident of Mesa del Caballo, died suddenly in a tragic accident.
Friday, May 21, 2010
Friends, family gather to celebrate Ed Schwebel
Friends, neighbors and family members release balloons with special messages to Ed Schwebel at a private celebration of his life last Saturday evening. Ed, a 63-year-old resident of Mesa del Caballo, died suddenly in a tragic accident.
Not easy being brown, except for chocolate
Unless you’re a white person with a real dark tan. And even then you’re in danger of being mistaken for a Mexican after dark.
Arizona’s brand new immigration law, which critics say will lead to racial profiling, has caused a nationwide furor. Police are now required to stop anyone they suspect might be here illegally and demand they prove otherwise. If you look Mexican and forget your wallet, critics say, you’ll go to jail.
Famous people like Al Sharpton and Danny Glover are coming here to lead protests. Television talk show hosts are having a field day. Even the Suns and Diamondbacks have joined in the fray.
As an innocent bystander, I say maybe it’s time to step back, take a deep breath, and try to look at the whole mess from a fresh perspective.
Let me say right up front that I understand some of the fears that led our state to this very uncomfortable place. How illegal immigrants are taking jobs from legitimate citizens. How they’re utilizing medical and other services that we end up subsidizing. How porous borders lead to criminal acts, up to and including an increased risk of terrorism. How we Arizonans, because of our geographic proximity to Mexico, have suffered more than most from all of the above.
But I also understand the human side. Call me a bleeding heart liberal, but I have to wonder if God really meant for us to create these artificial boundaries that can keep an entire people mired in poverty. Don’t cross this line, even to feed your family, seems a little harsh.
Personally, I don’t have a problem with Mexicans. In fact, I can’t remember a negative encounter.
Of course, coming from Michigan my experience is limited. Before I moved to Arizona 30 years ago, I was only aware of one Mexican family – and they, as you might imagine, stayed pretty much to themselves.
Back then there were no Mexican restaurants in Michigan. Not even a Taco Bell. I had never heard of Cinco de Mayo. And Felice Navidad could have been Greek for all we knew.
If there was any evidence of Mexico in Michigan back then, it was pretty much limited to those statues of a guy wearing a big sombrero taking a siesta, his plaster donkey waiting patiently by his side.
The Consort, on the other hand, has spent a lot of time in Mexico, especially Rocky Point, and she absolutely loves the Mexican people. Innocent enough. And I suspect your experiences are similar.
So how have we Arizonans managed to again become the brunt of bad jokes and angry protests? Recalling the brouhaha over our state’s reluctance to observe Martin Luther King’s birthday, the question, I guess, is why do we Arizonans keep putting ourselves in this place?
Is there something about our desert psyche that makes us gluttons for ridicule? Have we been out in the sun too long? Is it our fiercely independent, maverick nature that results in a John Wayne/Clint Eastwood mentality.
Or are our governors and legislators more interested in getting re-elected than anything else? If that’s the case, they best be careful. We the people of Arizona are fairly divided, although polls do indicate a slight majority in favor of the new bill.
I don’t know about you, but I’m not sure it makes me more likely to vote for these clowns. I kind of feel like I’m being taken along on a ride I really didn’t ask for.
A part of me believes we’re being miscast as villains. Not too long ago, Arizona was the only state whose top three elected officials were women. I can remember my brother in San Francisco expressing his amazement.
Of course, Arizona has always tilted to the right, but less so all the time. And most of us would agree that Mexican culture has infinitely enriched life in Arizona. The music. The food. The color.
The one big exception is the luminarias that Arizonans put out at Christmas time (although The Consort suspects they might have originated in New Mexico). All I can say is if God wanted us to put candles in paper bags, he wouldn’t have named them lunch bags.
They are the lawn fashion equivalent of those plastic pink flamingos your Aunt Hazel has lining the driveway to her park model in Florida. (Disclaimer: The Consort disagrees with me about luminarias – and plastic pink flamingos.)
Anyway, the Christian thing to do is to think of others instead of ourselves. I wouldn’t want to be a Mexican in Arizona these days – even a legal one. As I said, it’s not easy being brown.
Therefore I propose we show our solidarity for things brown in an apolitical way – by eating more chocolate.
And actually that could help alleviate some of feelings of persecution associated with being an Arizona resident these days. Because, according to a University of California study (leave it to those hedonistic Californians to study chocolate), adults who are severely depressed devour an average of 12 one-ounce servings of chocolate a month – the equivalent of about 75 Hershey’s Kisses or 4.7 of those big chocolate Easter bunnies – the hollow kind.
Did all that chocolate help their depression? Not really, according to the study. But if you’re looking for an excuse to indulge, we think you can make the case.
Just be careful not to get it on your face and hands – and then go out on the street after dark.
Connection picking up readers, momentum
EDITORIAL
By Matt Brabb
Connection Editor
So how are we doing so far?
It’s been three months since the Mogollon Connection debuted in Lower Rim Country. No doubt many of you are surprised to hear that we’ve been in the Payson, Star Valley, Pine, Strawberry, Christopher Creek, Young, and Tonto Basin locales for that long. You would also be surprised at how tough it is to get the word out when our paper is relegated to the bottom of the news stand, generally just below last week’s copy of Baseball Weekly.
As recently as a few weeks ago, former Payson Mayor Bob Edwards had not yet seen a copy of the paper, despite the fact that he has contributed to it twice.
But we believe we have turned the corner. The word is out, and these days, if you haven’t picked up your copy of the Mogollon Connection by the weekend, it will be tough to find.
It’s a tricky business running a small community newspaper. The decisions about what to leave in and what to leave out are not easily made. There are always many more stories to tell than our limited space allows, to this point at least.
I think we’re on the right track though.
Our competition in this market has certainly taken notice. Their recent features on, among others, solar energy and local Rim Country music talent Candyce, bear witness to the fact that they have indeed taken to reading our paper.
Still, we are proud that our papers are moving off the racks with ever increasing speed. Letters to the editor are coming in, and in my (albeit subjective) opinion, we have reported in a succinct, objective manner on almost everything locally that has really needed to be reported on in the last three months.
I would have liked to have been able provide more information about the potential of an ASU satellite campus coming to Payson, but ASU officials have been somewhat tight-lipped on the subject. The last response I received from a representative from ASU about where negotiations currently stand was:
“The situation has remained unchanged for some time. There is nothing new to report.”
Not exactly a wealth of information with which to write a story about.
My publisher promises we can have four more pages if just a few more advertisers come on board. That would be ideal; I would love to cover the local sports scene and be able to include all of our columnists every week.
One thing I’ve noticed during this, my first stint as the editor of a newspaper, is how differently various people perceive the editorial slant of the Mogollon Connection. I’ve already been accused of being “bought and paid for” by a certain faction within the community. That was news to me. To this point, I can assure you, gentle reader, that the only checks I’ve received have been from this paper’s publisher.
But it is difficult. Despite appearances, there are very real divides within the political landscape of both Payson and Star Valley.
The water issue plays a major role of course. The direction that the various agencies that control water rights in Rim Country take truly does matter. Despite claims to the contrary, Rim Country residents will always need to be conscious of how they manage this most precious of resources.
Many of us take water for granted. We turn on the tap, and there it is, a seemingly endless supply. But for developers, town leaders, and business people, it is an extremely important matter. It is a very real limiting factor for growth. A great many people will profit, or fail to profit, depending on how much water eventually is made available to Rim Country.
I have also received some criticism regarding the fact that our letters to the editor have been too one sided from week to week. In the Connection’s defense, I can only say that to date we have printed every letter we have received. If you disagree with what you are reading, please write to us and express an alternative viewpoint. All comments regarding both local and national topics, when articulated within the bounds of good taste, are welcome. Please share your thoughts with us by writing to matthew@mogollonconnection.com.
We are, in every sense of the word a local, community-based paper. We will live and die by the support the community gives us. There is no large corporation in the background to back us up if times get tough.
Many people have expressed to me, as well as to the staff at the Mogollon Connection, that they are happy to have a second newspaper covering events in Rim Country. We hope so. And we hope to be able to do this for as long as the community will have us.
By Matt Brabb
Connection Editor
So how are we doing so far?
It’s been three months since the Mogollon Connection debuted in Lower Rim Country. No doubt many of you are surprised to hear that we’ve been in the Payson, Star Valley, Pine, Strawberry, Christopher Creek, Young, and Tonto Basin locales for that long. You would also be surprised at how tough it is to get the word out when our paper is relegated to the bottom of the news stand, generally just below last week’s copy of Baseball Weekly.
As recently as a few weeks ago, former Payson Mayor Bob Edwards had not yet seen a copy of the paper, despite the fact that he has contributed to it twice.
But we believe we have turned the corner. The word is out, and these days, if you haven’t picked up your copy of the Mogollon Connection by the weekend, it will be tough to find.
It’s a tricky business running a small community newspaper. The decisions about what to leave in and what to leave out are not easily made. There are always many more stories to tell than our limited space allows, to this point at least.
I think we’re on the right track though.
Our competition in this market has certainly taken notice. Their recent features on, among others, solar energy and local Rim Country music talent Candyce, bear witness to the fact that they have indeed taken to reading our paper.
Still, we are proud that our papers are moving off the racks with ever increasing speed. Letters to the editor are coming in, and in my (albeit subjective) opinion, we have reported in a succinct, objective manner on almost everything locally that has really needed to be reported on in the last three months.
I would have liked to have been able provide more information about the potential of an ASU satellite campus coming to Payson, but ASU officials have been somewhat tight-lipped on the subject. The last response I received from a representative from ASU about where negotiations currently stand was:
“The situation has remained unchanged for some time. There is nothing new to report.”
Not exactly a wealth of information with which to write a story about.
My publisher promises we can have four more pages if just a few more advertisers come on board. That would be ideal; I would love to cover the local sports scene and be able to include all of our columnists every week.
One thing I’ve noticed during this, my first stint as the editor of a newspaper, is how differently various people perceive the editorial slant of the Mogollon Connection. I’ve already been accused of being “bought and paid for” by a certain faction within the community. That was news to me. To this point, I can assure you, gentle reader, that the only checks I’ve received have been from this paper’s publisher.
But it is difficult. Despite appearances, there are very real divides within the political landscape of both Payson and Star Valley.
The water issue plays a major role of course. The direction that the various agencies that control water rights in Rim Country take truly does matter. Despite claims to the contrary, Rim Country residents will always need to be conscious of how they manage this most precious of resources.
Many of us take water for granted. We turn on the tap, and there it is, a seemingly endless supply. But for developers, town leaders, and business people, it is an extremely important matter. It is a very real limiting factor for growth. A great many people will profit, or fail to profit, depending on how much water eventually is made available to Rim Country.
I have also received some criticism regarding the fact that our letters to the editor have been too one sided from week to week. In the Connection’s defense, I can only say that to date we have printed every letter we have received. If you disagree with what you are reading, please write to us and express an alternative viewpoint. All comments regarding both local and national topics, when articulated within the bounds of good taste, are welcome. Please share your thoughts with us by writing to matthew@mogollonconnection.com.
We are, in every sense of the word a local, community-based paper. We will live and die by the support the community gives us. There is no large corporation in the background to back us up if times get tough.
Many people have expressed to me, as well as to the staff at the Mogollon Connection, that they are happy to have a second newspaper covering events in Rim Country. We hope so. And we hope to be able to do this for as long as the community will have us.
Thursday, May 20, 2010
RIM COUNTRY COMMUNITY BRIEFS
(Compiled by the staff of the Mogollon Connection)
Friday, May 21
· “Fundamentals of Weight Loss & Good Health” presented by organic chemist Dee McCaffrey, all day at the East West Exchange Bookstore/Event Center at 100 N. Tonto Street, Suite 102. McCaffrey discovered a link between certain processed foods and obesity when she was in college. She has maintained a 100-pound weight loss for over 17 years and now teaches others how to cook, buy, and eat healthy foods through group classes and individual nutritional counseling. For more information, contact Lisa Semrau at 468-2435.
· “Famous Fish Fry” at the American Legion Tonto Rim Post #69 every Friday from noon to 8 p.m., 709 E. Highway 260. Karaoke from 6 to 10 p.m. Public welcome.
· Beginning Genealogy Class every third Friday of the month from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Genealogy Library, 302 E. Bonita Street. The class is packed full of concepts, techniques and ideas which will get you started on your way to fulfilling a lifetime of tracing your family tree. Pre-registration and payment of fee is required. $5 for members and $25 for nonmembers. Evening classes can be conducted by appointment. For more information, contact Peggy Gray, 474-5015.
Saturday, May 22
· Third Annual Waterwise seminar from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Gila Community College, 201 N. Mud Springs Road, Room 301. Guest speakers include Chris Jones from UA, Dr. Jim Riley from UA, and Marty deMasai from Payson. Xeriscape principles will be discussed at the free educational seminar. Charlie’s brats and Scoops ice cream will be served for a nominal fee. Raffle tickets for a wooden porch swing made by the Payson High School woodworking class under the direction of Richard Alvarez will be available.
· Plan-D Workshop is an all day event at the East West Exchange Bookstore/Event Center, 100 N. Tonto Street, Suite 102. Presenter Dee McCaffrey will provide a comprehensive plan that has helped countless people lose weight and gain health. Registration fee is $125 per person. For more information, contact Lisa Semrau, 468-2435.
· Northern Gila County Historical Society Annual Banquet will be held from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Chaparral Pines Golf Club. The event will commemorate the Dude Fire firefighters. Tickets are $35 and may be purchased at the Northern Gila County Museum. There will be raffles and door prizes.
· Childbirth Class – Family Birthing Center will hold class from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Cost is $15 per couple (patient and couch) and lunch is included. To sign up, call the OB Department, 472-1226.
Sunday, May 23
Monday, May 24
· Grief Support Group every first and third Monday of the month from 3 to 4:30 p.m. at the Hospice House, 511 S. Mud Springs Road. The free drop-in group sessions are for those who have experienced the death of a loved one. For more information, contact Jean Ramsey, 472-6340.
Tuesday, May 25
· Wildlife Rescue seminar presented by Wonders of the Wild and the Humane Society of Central Arizona at 2 p.m. at the Payson Public Library. If you are interested in becoming a wildlife volunteer, attend this special seminar to: find out if you have what it takes to rehabilitate injured or orphaned animals; learn how to immediately care for something that’s been left on your doorstep and how to contact a local rehabilitator; hear about volunteer opportunities at the shelter and with an experienced wildlife rescue rehabilitator. Diane Reid, the shelter’s Capital Campaign Chairwoman will be sharing plans for the Humane Society’s new building project. Mitzi Brabb, a state licensed wildlife rehabber with more than fifteen years of experience will present a slide show about wildlife care and give hands-on pointers with live animals. For more information, call Mitzi, 478-4803.
· Rim Country Toastmasters meet every Tuesday at 5:30 p.m. at the Mogollon Health Alliance Auxiliary building next to the Almost New Shop at 304 E. Aero Drive. Networking at 5:30 p.m. The 60-minute meeting begins at 5:45 p.m. Find or refine your voice with us. Learn to persuade and inspire your audience, organize your speech, use vocal variety and overcome fear at the podium. For more information, contact, (928) 478-8820 or RimcountryTM@gmail.com.
Wednesday, May 26
· Pre-school Story Time, every Wednesday at 10:15 a.m. in the Pine Public Library.
· Puppet Story Time, every Wednesday at 10:30 a.m. in the Payson Public Library.
Thursday, May 27
· Tikes & Toddlers Story Time every Thursday at 10 a.m. in the Payson Public Library Meeting Room.
· “Dinner Specials” every Thursday from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Greater Payson Moose Lodge #258, 225903 E. Highway 260 in Star Valley. Specials include fried and baked fish, breaded shrimp or chicken along with vegetables, dinner salad, bread and choice of potato. $7 per person. Members and guests welcome.
Upcoming Events
· Hellsgate Fire Department Auxiliary “Fireflies” breakfast and rummage sale will be held from 7:30 to 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, May 29 at Fire Station #22 in Tonto Village, 151 Mathew Lane, one mile down Control Road from Highway 260. Serving sausage, biscuits and gravy, scrambled eggs, juice and coffee. Adults, $5 and children 10 years and under, $3. Chorizo burros, $2.
· Chamber Mixer on Thursday, May 27 from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at 904 N. Beeline Highway. Featuring ‘From Head to Toe Essentials.’ Adult refreshments, Kiwanis brats, art show, tours of new salon space, raffles and 50/50 drawing. Cost is $3 for chamber members; $5 for all others. Proceeds to benefit the Kiwanis Scholarship fund. RSVP to the chamber, 474-4515.
· Payson Farmer’s Market opens on Saturday, May 29 from 8 a.m. to noon in front of the Sawmill Theatre, 816 S. Beeline Highway. Arizona grown produce and artisan foods of all kinds. You can also meet an herbalist, get a back and shoulder massage or relax with friends and listen to live music while you enjoy a cup of coffee and fresh baked treats. For more information, contact Lorian Roethlein at (928) 468-0961 or www.PaysonFarmersMarket.info.
· Pine Strawberry Arts & Crafts Show will be held on Saturday, May 29 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday, May 30 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Pine Community Center in Pine. Free admission. For more information, contact Gail Jones, (928) 978-0469.
· Mountain High Days Arts & Crafts will be held on Saturday, May 29 and Sunday, May 30 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Monday, May 31 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Gila County Court House on the corner of the Beeline Highway and Frontier Street. There will be arts, crafts, merchandise, music and food. Free admission. For more information, contact Dean W. Schlosser, (928) 595-4397.
· Fourth Annual Memorial Weekend Poker Run and Flag Service sponsored by the Vietnam/Legacy Vets Mountain Chapter will be held on Sunday, May 30 and Monday, May 31. The 14-stop Poker Run will have four sign-in locations from 10 to 11:30 a.m. on Sunday at Jake’s Corner, Creekside Restaurant in Christopher Creek, Chalet Bar in Strawberry and Buffalo Bar & Grill in Payson. The last stop will be at the Spur Bar in Star Valley by 6 p.m. There will be raffle items, a 50/50 drawing, food, vendors and music by the John Scott Band. The Flag Service will begin at 8 a.m. on Monday at the Mazatzal Hotel & Casino. There will be a ride at 10 a.m. to the War Memorial at Green Valley Park with a police escort. After flag services to honor and remember fallen soldiers, riders will meet at the Spur Bar in Star Valley for food, vendors and live music by Halos and Horns. For more information, contact Girth at (928) 600-5950 or girthlvmc@yahoo.com.
Friday, May 21
· “Fundamentals of Weight Loss & Good Health” presented by organic chemist Dee McCaffrey, all day at the East West Exchange Bookstore/Event Center at 100 N. Tonto Street, Suite 102. McCaffrey discovered a link between certain processed foods and obesity when she was in college. She has maintained a 100-pound weight loss for over 17 years and now teaches others how to cook, buy, and eat healthy foods through group classes and individual nutritional counseling. For more information, contact Lisa Semrau at 468-2435.
· “Famous Fish Fry” at the American Legion Tonto Rim Post #69 every Friday from noon to 8 p.m., 709 E. Highway 260. Karaoke from 6 to 10 p.m. Public welcome.
· Beginning Genealogy Class every third Friday of the month from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Genealogy Library, 302 E. Bonita Street. The class is packed full of concepts, techniques and ideas which will get you started on your way to fulfilling a lifetime of tracing your family tree. Pre-registration and payment of fee is required. $5 for members and $25 for nonmembers. Evening classes can be conducted by appointment. For more information, contact Peggy Gray, 474-5015.
Saturday, May 22
· Third Annual Waterwise seminar from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Gila Community College, 201 N. Mud Springs Road, Room 301. Guest speakers include Chris Jones from UA, Dr. Jim Riley from UA, and Marty deMasai from Payson. Xeriscape principles will be discussed at the free educational seminar. Charlie’s brats and Scoops ice cream will be served for a nominal fee. Raffle tickets for a wooden porch swing made by the Payson High School woodworking class under the direction of Richard Alvarez will be available.
· Plan-D Workshop is an all day event at the East West Exchange Bookstore/Event Center, 100 N. Tonto Street, Suite 102. Presenter Dee McCaffrey will provide a comprehensive plan that has helped countless people lose weight and gain health. Registration fee is $125 per person. For more information, contact Lisa Semrau, 468-2435.
· Northern Gila County Historical Society Annual Banquet will be held from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Chaparral Pines Golf Club. The event will commemorate the Dude Fire firefighters. Tickets are $35 and may be purchased at the Northern Gila County Museum. There will be raffles and door prizes.
· Childbirth Class – Family Birthing Center will hold class from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Cost is $15 per couple (patient and couch) and lunch is included. To sign up, call the OB Department, 472-1226.
Sunday, May 23
Monday, May 24
· Grief Support Group every first and third Monday of the month from 3 to 4:30 p.m. at the Hospice House, 511 S. Mud Springs Road. The free drop-in group sessions are for those who have experienced the death of a loved one. For more information, contact Jean Ramsey, 472-6340.
Tuesday, May 25
· Wildlife Rescue seminar presented by Wonders of the Wild and the Humane Society of Central Arizona at 2 p.m. at the Payson Public Library. If you are interested in becoming a wildlife volunteer, attend this special seminar to: find out if you have what it takes to rehabilitate injured or orphaned animals; learn how to immediately care for something that’s been left on your doorstep and how to contact a local rehabilitator; hear about volunteer opportunities at the shelter and with an experienced wildlife rescue rehabilitator. Diane Reid, the shelter’s Capital Campaign Chairwoman will be sharing plans for the Humane Society’s new building project. Mitzi Brabb, a state licensed wildlife rehabber with more than fifteen years of experience will present a slide show about wildlife care and give hands-on pointers with live animals. For more information, call Mitzi, 478-4803.
· Rim Country Toastmasters meet every Tuesday at 5:30 p.m. at the Mogollon Health Alliance Auxiliary building next to the Almost New Shop at 304 E. Aero Drive. Networking at 5:30 p.m. The 60-minute meeting begins at 5:45 p.m. Find or refine your voice with us. Learn to persuade and inspire your audience, organize your speech, use vocal variety and overcome fear at the podium. For more information, contact, (928) 478-8820 or RimcountryTM@gmail.com.
Wednesday, May 26
· Pre-school Story Time, every Wednesday at 10:15 a.m. in the Pine Public Library.
· Puppet Story Time, every Wednesday at 10:30 a.m. in the Payson Public Library.
Thursday, May 27
· Tikes & Toddlers Story Time every Thursday at 10 a.m. in the Payson Public Library Meeting Room.
· “Dinner Specials” every Thursday from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Greater Payson Moose Lodge #258, 225903 E. Highway 260 in Star Valley. Specials include fried and baked fish, breaded shrimp or chicken along with vegetables, dinner salad, bread and choice of potato. $7 per person. Members and guests welcome.
Upcoming Events
· Hellsgate Fire Department Auxiliary “Fireflies” breakfast and rummage sale will be held from 7:30 to 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, May 29 at Fire Station #22 in Tonto Village, 151 Mathew Lane, one mile down Control Road from Highway 260. Serving sausage, biscuits and gravy, scrambled eggs, juice and coffee. Adults, $5 and children 10 years and under, $3. Chorizo burros, $2.
· Chamber Mixer on Thursday, May 27 from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at 904 N. Beeline Highway. Featuring ‘From Head to Toe Essentials.’ Adult refreshments, Kiwanis brats, art show, tours of new salon space, raffles and 50/50 drawing. Cost is $3 for chamber members; $5 for all others. Proceeds to benefit the Kiwanis Scholarship fund. RSVP to the chamber, 474-4515.
· Payson Farmer’s Market opens on Saturday, May 29 from 8 a.m. to noon in front of the Sawmill Theatre, 816 S. Beeline Highway. Arizona grown produce and artisan foods of all kinds. You can also meet an herbalist, get a back and shoulder massage or relax with friends and listen to live music while you enjoy a cup of coffee and fresh baked treats. For more information, contact Lorian Roethlein at (928) 468-0961 or www.PaysonFarmersMarket.info.
· Pine Strawberry Arts & Crafts Show will be held on Saturday, May 29 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday, May 30 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Pine Community Center in Pine. Free admission. For more information, contact Gail Jones, (928) 978-0469.
· Mountain High Days Arts & Crafts will be held on Saturday, May 29 and Sunday, May 30 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Monday, May 31 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Gila County Court House on the corner of the Beeline Highway and Frontier Street. There will be arts, crafts, merchandise, music and food. Free admission. For more information, contact Dean W. Schlosser, (928) 595-4397.
· Fourth Annual Memorial Weekend Poker Run and Flag Service sponsored by the Vietnam/Legacy Vets Mountain Chapter will be held on Sunday, May 30 and Monday, May 31. The 14-stop Poker Run will have four sign-in locations from 10 to 11:30 a.m. on Sunday at Jake’s Corner, Creekside Restaurant in Christopher Creek, Chalet Bar in Strawberry and Buffalo Bar & Grill in Payson. The last stop will be at the Spur Bar in Star Valley by 6 p.m. There will be raffle items, a 50/50 drawing, food, vendors and music by the John Scott Band. The Flag Service will begin at 8 a.m. on Monday at the Mazatzal Hotel & Casino. There will be a ride at 10 a.m. to the War Memorial at Green Valley Park with a police escort. After flag services to honor and remember fallen soldiers, riders will meet at the Spur Bar in Star Valley for food, vendors and live music by Halos and Horns. For more information, contact Girth at (928) 600-5950 or girthlvmc@yahoo.com.
Blasting continues on 260 east of Star Valley
Road closure Monday and Wednesday at noon
PAYSON – The Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) will close a two-mile segment of Arizona State Route 260 15 miles east of Payson at noon on Monday, May 24 and Wednesday, May 26.
The roadway will be closed for 45 minutes to provide a safe work zone for crews as they conduct blasting operations on a project to widen the highway. Eastbound traffic will be stopped at approximately milepost 265 and westbound traffic will be stopped at approximately milepost 267.
Blasting will continue two or three days per week for the next several months as ADOT works to transform the two-lane roadway to a four-lane divided highway from Little Green Valley to Thompson Draw.
Drivers can expect delays of up to 45 minutes and should allow extra time to reach their destinations. Speed limits are reduced and a width restriction of 10 feet is in place. Message boards, temporary barricades, and signage will guide motorists through the work zone.
ADOT advises drivers to slow down, be alert for workers and heavy equipment, and anticipate delays as construction continues until fall 2011.
Information regarding the project is available on the toll-free project hotline at 1-877-521-1118. Weekly construction e-updates are available at prescottdistrictupdates@azdot.gov.
While ADOT strives to inform the public about planned roadway restrictions, during any construction project there is a possibility that unscheduled closures or restrictions may occur. Drivers are advised to visit ADOT’s Travel Information Site at www.az511.gov or call 5-1-1 for the most current information about restrictions statewide.
PAYSON – The Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) will close a two-mile segment of Arizona State Route 260 15 miles east of Payson at noon on Monday, May 24 and Wednesday, May 26.
The roadway will be closed for 45 minutes to provide a safe work zone for crews as they conduct blasting operations on a project to widen the highway. Eastbound traffic will be stopped at approximately milepost 265 and westbound traffic will be stopped at approximately milepost 267.
Blasting will continue two or three days per week for the next several months as ADOT works to transform the two-lane roadway to a four-lane divided highway from Little Green Valley to Thompson Draw.
Drivers can expect delays of up to 45 minutes and should allow extra time to reach their destinations. Speed limits are reduced and a width restriction of 10 feet is in place. Message boards, temporary barricades, and signage will guide motorists through the work zone.
ADOT advises drivers to slow down, be alert for workers and heavy equipment, and anticipate delays as construction continues until fall 2011.
Information regarding the project is available on the toll-free project hotline at 1-877-521-1118. Weekly construction e-updates are available at prescottdistrictupdates@azdot.gov.
While ADOT strives to inform the public about planned roadway restrictions, during any construction project there is a possibility that unscheduled closures or restrictions may occur. Drivers are advised to visit ADOT’s Travel Information Site at www.az511.gov or call 5-1-1 for the most current information about restrictions statewide.
Mesa del slips to Stage 3, ACC hearing inconclusive
Yes Virginia, we are still in a severe drought
Lest anyone think the wet winter will increase this summer's water supply, Mesa Del Caballo was placed on Stage 3 water use restrictions Thursday, May 20.
In a related development, the results of a hearing before the Arizona Corporation Commission on Tuesday were inconclusive. Water provider Brooke Utilities and the Mesa del Caballo Water Committee were proposing an interim surcharge for water hauling and a revised curtailment tariff.
With those changes on hold at least until June, the existing definitions and resrictions are in effect, to wit:
Stage 3 Definition:
Stage 3 exists when Company's storage level or well production is less than 70 percent but at least 60 percent of capacity for at least 24 hours.
Stage 3 Mandatory Conservation Requirements:
Under Stage 3, Payson Water is required to inform you a mandatory restriction to employ water conservation measures and reduce daily consumption is in effect. Failure to comply will result in disconnection of water service and enforcement fines.
The following uses of water shall be prohibited:
Irrigation of outdoor lawns, trees, shrubs, or any plant life is prohibited
Washing of any vehicle is prohibited
The use of water for dust control or any outdoor cleaning uses is prohibited
The use of drip or misting systems of any kind is prohibited
The filling of any swimming pool, spas, fountains or ornamentals pools is prohibited
The use of construction water is prohibited
Restaurant patrons shall be served water only upon request
Any other water intensive activity is prohibited
The company may not operate standpipe service, install new service lines or meters connections under stage 3 conditions.
Applicable Enforcement Fines
Once notice of mandatory conservation has been provided, the failure of a customer to comply within one (1) business day or two (2) calendar days of receipt of such notice will result in an immediate disconnection of water service pursuant to Arizona Administrative Code R14-2-410(B)(1)(d). The reconnection fee for violation of a Stage 3 curtailment notice shall be:
1st offense: $150.00
2nd offense: $300.00
3rd offense: $600.00
A suggestion. Mesa del is typically the canary in the coal mine. If restrictions are in place in Mesa del, they are sure to follow elsewhere this summer. Be proactive and conserve water.
Lest anyone think the wet winter will increase this summer's water supply, Mesa Del Caballo was placed on Stage 3 water use restrictions Thursday, May 20.
In a related development, the results of a hearing before the Arizona Corporation Commission on Tuesday were inconclusive. Water provider Brooke Utilities and the Mesa del Caballo Water Committee were proposing an interim surcharge for water hauling and a revised curtailment tariff.
With those changes on hold at least until June, the existing definitions and resrictions are in effect, to wit:
Stage 3 Definition:
Stage 3 exists when Company's storage level or well production is less than 70 percent but at least 60 percent of capacity for at least 24 hours.
Stage 3 Mandatory Conservation Requirements:
Under Stage 3, Payson Water is required to inform you a mandatory restriction to employ water conservation measures and reduce daily consumption is in effect. Failure to comply will result in disconnection of water service and enforcement fines.
The following uses of water shall be prohibited:
Irrigation of outdoor lawns, trees, shrubs, or any plant life is prohibited
Washing of any vehicle is prohibited
The use of water for dust control or any outdoor cleaning uses is prohibited
The use of drip or misting systems of any kind is prohibited
The filling of any swimming pool, spas, fountains or ornamentals pools is prohibited
The use of construction water is prohibited
Restaurant patrons shall be served water only upon request
Any other water intensive activity is prohibited
The company may not operate standpipe service, install new service lines or meters connections under stage 3 conditions.
Applicable Enforcement Fines
Once notice of mandatory conservation has been provided, the failure of a customer to comply within one (1) business day or two (2) calendar days of receipt of such notice will result in an immediate disconnection of water service pursuant to Arizona Administrative Code R14-2-410(B)(1)(d). The reconnection fee for violation of a Stage 3 curtailment notice shall be:
1st offense: $150.00
2nd offense: $300.00
3rd offense: $600.00
A suggestion. Mesa del is typically the canary in the coal mine. If restrictions are in place in Mesa del, they are sure to follow elsewhere this summer. Be proactive and conserve water.
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
Rising local music talent films video at Rye Bar
Top: Candyce with producer Tyle Perrin. Bottom: Rye Bar owners Frank and Ede with Candyce.
By Mitzi Brabb
Gazette/Connection Correspondent
By now most Rim Country residents are familiar with the name Candyce, the young rising country music star who hails from Payson. She made her debut in a Nashville recording studio last year, and starred in her first music video last weekend.
Dreams for the down-home girl became a reality last year when a Nashville producer chose Candyce out of 3,000 competitors who submitted demos, all hoping to become the next big thing on the country music scene. Soon Candyce was headed for Tennessee to record her first album, “Kicking up Dust.”
Already making a name for herself with her unique vocal style, Candyce was featured in Country Weekly Magazine last fall as one of the nation’s “up and coming” artists.
“What a thrill to be in my favorite magazine with all my idols!” she exclaimed.
Last weekend the 23-year-old starlet shared part of her dream with other Rim Country residents as she wrapped up her first music video in a local environment.
The project came about when a record label in Los Angeles contacted Candyce with praise for her album, and wanted to see a music video. Everything suddenly fell into place when Tyle Perrin, a producer from Creative Suite 17, flew in from Tulsa, Okla. to begin filming.
Shot in sequence with one of Candyce’s more popular songs, "Somewhere in Between," the first scene took place in a small church in Pine on Friday. By Saturday, the production team had moved to a local ranch, and Sunday they wrapped up at the Rye Bar and Grill.
Although the entire video was filmed in three days, the cast and crew put in long hours. Candyce called the endeavor both hard work, and play. Postproduction, however, will likely include some 80 hours of editing back at the Tulsa studio, with the video set for release in June or July. It will be featured on youtube, a popular internet site, but Perrin hopes to get it in rotation on the Country Music Television network.
Those who participated in the making of the production, including family, friends, fans, and local residents, felt that the unique nature of the video is sure to make it a success.
“When thinking about doing a breakout video, I wanted to do something that described who I am as a person; "Somewhere in Between" was the perfect choice because it really depicts my character,” she explained.
“I’m neither a Barbie Doll nor a redneck.”
“Somewhere in Between” is a fun, upbeat song that Candyce feels can be empowering for women who are caught between two places, or two roles in their lives.
“The song describes how a lot of women feel. Several of my fans have told me that they can really relate to this song,” she said.
Without wanting to give too much away, Candyce described the opening of the video as a scene in which she rides up on a beautiful, white Arabian mare and stops to help a man fix his truck. In other scenes she appears in church or painting her nails on horseback.
The real Candyce also has fun being both a girlie-girl and a young adventurer, who is not afraid to raise a little hell, but can be classy and laid-back as well.
“I can have fun kicking up dust on my ATV, but I clean up real nice,” she says.
And just as her song suggests, she can sip fine wine in a little black dress or be comfortable in jeans and a jersey watching football on Sunday afternoon.
Candyce said she felt fortunate to have had the opportunity to work with Perrin, who let her play a major part in the creative direction the video took.
“It was just such an incredible experience,” she beamed, as she described how her video depicted the various elements of being cute, fun and classy.
“And to realize the detail that goes into making a music video. I have a whole new appreciation for everything that goes into it and of how great of a job everyone did.”
The Rye Bar was the first place that Candyce sang professionally, so it was an obvious choice to film at least part of her first video there. She is appreciative of the start, and the continued support that Frank and Ede, who own the Rye Bar, have given her. She plans to host a video premiere at the Rye Bar when it is released.
Humble to the core, Candyce is grateful to everyone who helped make the production a success, including her mother, photographer Jeannie Herford, and her right-hand man, Ryan Leslie, who attended to all her needs during filming.
She said that she is thrilled to have found a new band that is just the right fit for her vision, goals, and style. With the success of her album, she is jumping in with the band and working on their image, and songs for upcoming shows. Part of the plan is to appear at local and valley scenes, as well as larger venues to promote the video. She also hopes to one day participate in Country Thunder, a festival that features a number of national country western artists every April in Florence, Ariz.
“I want people leaving my shows saying ‘that was amazing,’” Candyce said.
“The thing that is great about coming from a small town is that everyone roots for you. It’s a good feeling to know that you have that support.”
Candyce is hoping that Rim Country residents will continue to support her. One way of doing that will be to watch her video on youtube, and rate it highly, after it premieres this summer.
For more information on how to do that visit her website at www.candycemusic.com or www.myspace.com-candycecountrymusic.
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