PHOENIX (June 2, 2010) – Tonto National Forest officials announced today that the forest is joining with other agencies included under the Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act (FLREA) in hosting two “no fee” weekends in addition to the already scheduled no-fee days on National Public Lands Day and Veteran’s Day later in the year.
The first no fee weekend, June 5 and 6, will be in honor of National Trails Day, the American Hiking Society’s awareness program encouraging trail enthusiasts and volunteers to explore America’s extensive trail network.
“There are nearly 900 miles of trails on the Tonto National Forest and during this celebration fees for day-use sites operated by the Forest Service are waived,” said Delvin Lopez, Public Service Group Leader. “This year’s trail theme is ‘Find Your Happy Place’ so come out and visit the Tonto National Forest.”
Three additional no-fee events are scheduled in 2010:
August 14 & 15, 2010 – Saturday & Sunday
September 25, 2010 – Saturday, National Public Lands Day
November 11, 2010 – Thursday, Veteran’s Day
During all other times, the Tonto Pass is required at more than 50 recreation sites including Salt and Verde river locations, boat launch ramps, swimming areas, and campgrounds.
A list of Tonto Pass vendor locations is available at the Tonto National Forest Web site, www.fs.fed.us/r3/tonto , or call the Tonto National Forest at 602-225-5200.
Thursday, June 3, 2010
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
THE BEAR IS BACK...
AND BEARS DON'T LIE
Pick up your free copy of this week's Connection at the Rim Country's finer retail establishments, including The Beverage Place, Bashas', Safeway and Wal-Mart.
In this issue:
o Nature's misfits: the other elk season
o Local legend Charlie Henderson moves on
o Gary Coon says Payson water deal should be rejected
o Todd's Books -- a dream come true
o Todd's Books -- a dream come true
o Why is your GCC tuition money being hidden?
o New "Fly Away," "Rimshots" and "Around the Rim" columns
Thanks for supporting truthful, honest journalism.
Time to register your children for kindergarten
Payson Unified School District encourages parents whose children will be five years old before Sept. 1, 2010, to register them for kindergarten as soon as possible. Registration for free half-day morning or afternoon kindergarten takes place at all three district elementary schools.
Families may also apply for tuition-based all-day kindergarten, Kinder Plus. Currently, there are two full sections of all-day kindergarten, but if there are 20 applications for another section, the district will add it. Go to www.pusd.k12.az.us for Kinder Plus application information.
Documents required for registration in Payson Schools include immunization record, birth certificate and proof of residence with a current utility bill or rental agreement.
For more information on kindergarten, new student or other registration, call the Payson Schools District Office at 474-2070.
Families may also apply for tuition-based all-day kindergarten, Kinder Plus. Currently, there are two full sections of all-day kindergarten, but if there are 20 applications for another section, the district will add it. Go to www.pusd.k12.az.us for Kinder Plus application information.
Documents required for registration in Payson Schools include immunization record, birth certificate and proof of residence with a current utility bill or rental agreement.
For more information on kindergarten, new student or other registration, call the Payson Schools District Office at 474-2070.
'Grave mistake' if Star Valley accepts water deal
By Gary Coon
Star Valley Town Councilor
When an issue as significant as our water problem surfaces there is a tendency to innocently or deliberately distort facts. Before any practical decisions can be made, facts must be separated from fiction.
There are several misconceptions that should be clarified before any decisions are made between Payson and Star Valley resolving the so called “water wars.” Here are some of the more prominent misunderstandings:
Myth: “If Star Valley purchases the wells offered by Payson, it will solve their problem of being a water purveyor and acquiring rights to Blue Ridge water.”
Fact: The truth is that purchasing these wells would have no affect on Star Valley becoming a water purveyor. The two wells located between Mayfield Canyon Road and Sky Run RV Resort are landlocked. Through a Court order, no pipeline can be constructed to allow access to those wells across private land to Arizona Highway 260. That is the reason Payson never activated those wells into their water system and, of course, the reason why they would be delighted to sell those wells for $100,000. For the same reason, Star Valley could not access those wells. Star Valley already owns a well that could provide water to satisfy qualifications as a water purveyor.
Myth: “Star Valley's worst fear that Payson might someday pump the Tower Well at full capacity was put to rest when Payson agreed to limit pumping to 830 acre/feet/year.”
Fact: The Tower Well has a rated “maximum” pumping capacity of 530 gallons per minute which happens to be equivalent to the 830 ac/ft/yr they are willing to “limit” pumping. To reach the so called “limited pumping” of 830 ac/ft,the Tower Well would have to pump 24 hours/day for 365 days/year with no down time. Even though this would be impossible, Payson could conceivably pump the Tower Well without ever shutting it off and still remain within their “limited pumping”range. Star Valley's “worst fear” would still exist. The only real difference is once Star Valley signs such an agreement, they are telling the world it's ok for Payson to pump the Tower Well at full capacity regardless of the consequences.
Myth: Pumping the Tower Well will not impact shallow wells in Star Valley because it is pumping water from a different, deeper source.
Fact: This is strictly political jargon proven to be untrue by reputable hydrology studies. The Bureau of Reclamation (MRWRMS) has found similar water chemistry in shallow and deep water in Star Valley indicating a “blend” of local recharge with deeper regional water from the Rim. The Tower Well was constructed with a perforated casing to allow well production from different ground levels including shallow water down to water pumped from deeper in the aquifer. Payson Hydrologist Mike Ploughe said it best when he was quoted in the April 7, 2006 edition of the Roundup: “Shallower parts of the aquifer intermix with deeper systems”. Or his answer to former Payson Councilor Dick Reese's question of whether water at two levels of the (Star Valley) aquifer were the same. Plough's answer was, ”Yeah, it's really the same water” (Roundup May 3,2005). It is important to note that of the 2,681 ac./ft./yr. that Payson claims as
safe yield,1,760 ac./ft./yr. comes from the Star Valley watershed.
Myth: “Payson will no longer need the Tower Well except for backup after Blue Ridge becomes available because 3,000 ac.ft./yr. will provide enough water for the anticipated 38,000 buildout.”
Fact: Based on Payson's own projections, they will not have near enough water to supply a population of 38,000 without the Tower Well. Under the best possible scenario with no drought, no downtime for Blue Ridge maintenance, and water consumption remaining at 100 gal/day/resident, several hundred acre feet of water would still be needed from the Tower Well annually. 38,000 only takes into account residential population without proportional increase in commercial use.
These are a few examples of the myths that have circulated around our community for a long time until people are starting to believe them. With all the commotion and fuss over the proposal submitted by the Payson Water Department and Town Council, it would be easy to get caught up in all the hoopla and consider the so-called “water wars” over. Wouldn't that be great!
But if we sort through the propaganda and spin and look at the whole picture,the proposal offered to Star Valley doesn't look quite so appealing. In fact, Star Valley would be be making a grave mistake accepting the proposal as offered.
Tuesday, June 1, 2010
Mailing tells Medicare recipients of new benefits
Medicare beneficiaries will soon receive important information in the mail about the immediate benefits they may see from the enactment of the Affordable Care Act.
The mailing from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), which will be available in both English and Spanish, outlines key provisions of the Affordable Care Act that are important for people with Medicare as well as members of their families.
Medicare mails the Medicare & You handbook to all beneficiary households every fall to provide people with Medicare the most up to date information about changes in Medicare. These annual mailings have from time to time been supplemented with additional mailings that inform beneficiaries about major changes in the law that significantly affect Medicare.
“It’s important that our Medicare beneficiaries get facts about this important new law timely so they can learn what stays the same and what will change and improve in terms of their benefits,” said Marilyn Tavenner, acting CMS administrator. “As a trusted resource for beneficiaries and their families, we believe that this information will help to inform them about the Affordable Care Act and remind them to be on the alert for any scams asking for personal information. CMS has learned from implementing previous major pieces of health reform legislation like Medicare Part D that unfortunately new opportunities for Medicare beneficiaries also bring new opportunities for scam artists to try and defraud seniors.”
“The new law not only strengthens Medicare, but also ensures the guaranteed benefits that beneficiaries have come to rely upon don’t change,” said Tavenner. “CMS is viewed by beneficiaries as the official and trusted source of information, so it is critical that we reach out quickly to ensure beneficiaries understand their Medicare coverage and how it will improve.”
The first benefit that several million Medicare beneficiaries will receive as a result of the passage of the new law is a one-time check for $250, if they enter the Part D donut hole and are not eligible for Medicare Extra Help. The donut hole is the period in the prescription drug benefit in which the beneficiary pays 100 percent of the cost of their drugs until they hit the catastrophic coverage.
“The $250 check that some beneficiaries will soon see in the mail following the brochure for all Medicare beneficiaries is the first step towards the closing of the coverage gap,” said Tavenner. “Next year, all beneficiaries who enter the gap will get a 50 percent discount for covered brand name Part D drugs, and by 2020 will no longer have a gap in coverage.”
In addition to the rebate check, the new mailing to beneficiaries outlines other benefits available under the Affordable Care Act. Beginning next year, the Affordable Care Act ensures that Medicare beneficiaries will get preventive care services like colorectal cancer screening and mammograms without cost-sharing, in addition to an annual “wellness visit.” The law also includes new tools to help fight fraud by helping Medicare crack down on criminals who are seeking to scam seniors and steal taxpayer dollars.
Because Medicare is a trusted resource for beneficiaries and their family members, the mailing encourages them to log on to www.medicare.gov or call 1-800-MEDICARE to get their questions about Medicare or the Affordable Care Act answered.
A copy of the brochure that’s being mailed to beneficiaries, “Medicare and the New Health Law – What It Means for You,” can be found under the “What’s New” section at www.medicare.gov.
The mailing from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), which will be available in both English and Spanish, outlines key provisions of the Affordable Care Act that are important for people with Medicare as well as members of their families.
Medicare mails the Medicare & You handbook to all beneficiary households every fall to provide people with Medicare the most up to date information about changes in Medicare. These annual mailings have from time to time been supplemented with additional mailings that inform beneficiaries about major changes in the law that significantly affect Medicare.
“It’s important that our Medicare beneficiaries get facts about this important new law timely so they can learn what stays the same and what will change and improve in terms of their benefits,” said Marilyn Tavenner, acting CMS administrator. “As a trusted resource for beneficiaries and their families, we believe that this information will help to inform them about the Affordable Care Act and remind them to be on the alert for any scams asking for personal information. CMS has learned from implementing previous major pieces of health reform legislation like Medicare Part D that unfortunately new opportunities for Medicare beneficiaries also bring new opportunities for scam artists to try and defraud seniors.”
“The new law not only strengthens Medicare, but also ensures the guaranteed benefits that beneficiaries have come to rely upon don’t change,” said Tavenner. “CMS is viewed by beneficiaries as the official and trusted source of information, so it is critical that we reach out quickly to ensure beneficiaries understand their Medicare coverage and how it will improve.”
The first benefit that several million Medicare beneficiaries will receive as a result of the passage of the new law is a one-time check for $250, if they enter the Part D donut hole and are not eligible for Medicare Extra Help. The donut hole is the period in the prescription drug benefit in which the beneficiary pays 100 percent of the cost of their drugs until they hit the catastrophic coverage.
“The $250 check that some beneficiaries will soon see in the mail following the brochure for all Medicare beneficiaries is the first step towards the closing of the coverage gap,” said Tavenner. “Next year, all beneficiaries who enter the gap will get a 50 percent discount for covered brand name Part D drugs, and by 2020 will no longer have a gap in coverage.”
In addition to the rebate check, the new mailing to beneficiaries outlines other benefits available under the Affordable Care Act. Beginning next year, the Affordable Care Act ensures that Medicare beneficiaries will get preventive care services like colorectal cancer screening and mammograms without cost-sharing, in addition to an annual “wellness visit.” The law also includes new tools to help fight fraud by helping Medicare crack down on criminals who are seeking to scam seniors and steal taxpayer dollars.
Because Medicare is a trusted resource for beneficiaries and their family members, the mailing encourages them to log on to www.medicare.gov or call 1-800-MEDICARE to get their questions about Medicare or the Affordable Care Act answered.
A copy of the brochure that’s being mailed to beneficiaries, “Medicare and the New Health Law – What It Means for You,” can be found under the “What’s New” section at www.medicare.gov.
Medical marijuana qualifies for November ballot
"Registered voters in Arizona will have the opportunity this November to provide qualified patients access to medical marijuana to alleviate their suffering," said Andrew Myers, campaign manager for AMMPP. "Now that we've qualified for the ballot, we need to educate voters about why this initiative is so important for some of Arizona's most vulnerable citizens."
Upon its passage by Arizona voters, medical marijuana will be regulated by the Arizona Department of Health Services and will permit qualifying patients or their caregivers to legally purchase marijuana from tightly regulated clinics—as they would any other medicine—so they need not purchase it from the criminal market. It will protect seriously ill patients from arrest and prosecution for the simple act of taking their doctor-recommended medicine. Qualifying conditions include HIV/AIDS, cancer, multiple sclerosis, neuropathy, Parkinson’s disease, and other serious illnesses.
"This day means a lot to me personally," said Heather Torgerson, a brain cancer survivor and advocate for patients who use medical marijuana. "When this passes in November, I will no longer have to worry about being arrested and prosecuted for purchasing or possessing medical marijuana. I will have affordable, safe and legal access to a medicine that helps keep me alive, and for that I am grateful.”
Seriously ill patients such as Heather, are one step closer to having access to a potentially life-saving therapy and the much needed relief they deserve and need. Thousands of patients are already using marijuana with their doctors’ recommendation, risking arrest and prosecution; this law will protect them.
For more information, visit www.StopArrestingPatients.org.
Former Main St. manager Karen Greenspoon dies
Former Town of Payson Main Street manager Karen Greenspoon died recently.
According to her friend Cathy Boone, the current Town of Payson GVRA/Main Street Project Manager, "Karen had the true passion for the Main Street concept and fought hard to create awareness."
Boone reports that less than a year ago Karen was diagnosed with ALS.
The funeral will be at All Saints Lutheran Church, 15649 N. 7th Street in Phoenix at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, June 2. You may send cards and messages to her daughter:
Kim Waldon
18026 N. 45th Ave
Glendale, AZ 85308
The family requests donations to Hospice of the Valley in lieu of flowers.
According to her friend Cathy Boone, the current Town of Payson GVRA/Main Street Project Manager, "Karen had the true passion for the Main Street concept and fought hard to create awareness."
Boone reports that less than a year ago Karen was diagnosed with ALS.
The funeral will be at All Saints Lutheran Church, 15649 N. 7th Street in Phoenix at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, June 2. You may send cards and messages to her daughter:
Kim Waldon
18026 N. 45th Ave
Glendale, AZ 85308
The family requests donations to Hospice of the Valley in lieu of flowers.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
