Payson Roundup

Back to the Future…

Tonto Basin ranch owners demonstrate that draft horses and traditional methods of farming can restore the environment

By Michele Nelson

February 3, 2012

If the land under the care of Bill and Lori Brown loses fertility, everything on their ranch in Tonto Basin suffers. So their draft horse clinic aims to resurrect the art of farming with horses, a sustainable method of farming. The Browns have a history of environmentalism. They were honored in 2008 by the Society for Range Management as a result of their work in redeveloping springs and maintaining 15,000 acres of land. The couple has worked on their family’s H-4 Ranch since the 1960s. Despite the many years of use, the ranch radiates vitality. Animals have a healthy coat and the land grows lush alfalfa for the stock. In 2006, they decided to purchase draft horses as a hobby, but now recognize how horses link to sustainable farming. “Connecting with the land is critical,” said Lori.

Tours for 2012

By Ken Brooks

February 1, 2012

Several tour operators have prepared wonderful itineraries for travel to North America as well as Europe for this spring, summer and fall. We’ll discuss a few here. Tauck Tours is one of the most respected operators in the U.S. and they have put together some highlights of various areas of the U.S. and Canada that I will mention.

Sciatica: Big nerve can be big problem

Dr. Donohue

February 1, 2012

I am a 78-year-old woman, and five months ago I came down with sciatica in my left leg underneath the buttock. It’s very painful. I’d like to know if there is something that can be done.

The diabetes epidemic – making a change

Christy VanderMolen

January 31, 2012

The Payson Care Center recently sponsored a diabetes lecture presented by its onsite physician Dr. Terry Rousseau. More than 70 people showed up to learn how to manage or reverse diabetes. But that’s not all, even more people called to attend. Because of the overwhelming response a second lecture has been scheduled for 10 a.m., Monday, March 5 at Payson Care Center. Please Christy VanderMolen at (928) 951-2305 for reservations. Diabetes is a debilitating illness that affects more than 23 million people in the United States — especially older adults. But why are we experiencing this epidemic? It really boils down to the eating habits that our nation has adopted. The days of farming and growing our own fresh vegetables and fruits are gone, and the fast foods, boxed and prepared meals have become the norm for many. But are they really a convenience when they lead to diabetes, kidney failure, blindness, heart disease and amputations?

Surviving your worst nightmare

150-foot fall into canyon leads to months of surgeries, therapy

By Alexis Bechman

January 27, 2012

With his pelvis shattered, his body paralyzed, his pain nearly unbearable, Mike McEntire watched the helicopter make one final pass before flying off, leaving him alone in impending darkness. He knew somehow he must survive the night. But in his darkest hours, his fate rested on his will to live and the skill of rescuers, risking everything to reach him — for as he lay at the bottom of the canyon, he was not alone. Rescuers and friends would put their lives at risk, climbing down waterfalls, rappelling over shear cliffs and hiking through pitch darkness to reach him and offer some comfort until morning came. In the 18 hours McEntire waited for help, the comfort that someone was coming helped him hold on. While McEntire, a retired Payson dentist, never wanted to come so close to death for a little adventure, he still believes that a life lived to the fullest means risk, whatever the consequence.

Adopt or rescue your next pet, don’t buy or breed

Chandra Cushman

January 27, 2012

In last week’s article, I discussed the importance of spaying and neutering. We are all aware of the millions of animals euthanized each year due to pet overpopulation, and unfortunately there are not enough homes for the vast amount of animals in shelters across the country. So, I’ve found another way you can help reduce these euthanasia numbers…ADOPT OR RESCUE! Too many times I’ve heard people say they just want to breed their dog one time because “she’s just so cute,” or because “he’s the best dog I’ve ever had.” Though that may be the case, there are still millions of animals looking to find their forever home. You’d be surprised at the types of cats and dogs that make their way into shelters and rescues each year. So you want a purebred? Not a problem. There are purebreds that end up in shelters, including ours, as well as rescue groups who focus on primarily one breed.

A Taste of Rim Country returns on March 3

By Teresa McQuerrey

January 27, 2012

The always popular Payson Public Library benefit, A Taste of Rim Country, is planned for 5 p.m., Saturday, March 3. Up to 12 stations arranged around the library in Rumsey Park will feature some of the area’s best chefs showing off great taste treats. Guests will also have an opportunity to enjoy wine or sparkling cider with the food samples.

Remembering a beloved supporter

Chandra Cushman

January 20, 2012

On Dec. 15, 2011 the Humane Society of Central Arizona lost a beloved friend and supporter — Mr. Thomas Tainsh. Tom served on the Payson Humane Society Board of Directors for many years as president and vice president. He and his wife, Velma, spearheaded the Spay and Neuter program and also the Save Our Shelter plan by calling for matching funds. The people of Payson responded generously and saved the shelter. The amount of love and support Tom had for the humane society and its lost, abandoned and unwanted pets is remarkable. We have been truly blessed to have such a strong, dedicated man and of course his wife, Velma, be a huge part of something we all believe in. He will be missed, but never forgotten. So here’s to you, Mr. and Mrs. Tainsh; thank you, from the bottom of our hearts for everything.

Fun: Gettin’ lost searching for the Dutchman

Driving the Apache Trail and hiking Lost Dutchman State Park

By Michele Nelson

January 20, 2012

The car sat empty in the parking lot of the Lost Dutchman State Park in the famed Superstitions. “Where are they?” I asked my daughter Brooke, with a twinge of panic at the thought of my parents wandering bewildered among the volcanic spires and violent legends of the Superstitions. “Maybe they got lost,” she shrugged. I sighed. Served us right, this played into the whole day’s theme. My parents, daughters and I had heard of the legend of the Lost Dutchman and his gold mine. We decided to go on a day trip from Payson down the Apache Trail, through Tortilla Flats, to end the day with a hike through the jagged, saguaro-dominated landscape. We wanted to learn about the Lost Dutchman since he is an Arizona legend. The area we traveled covered the old stomping grounds of Jacob Waltz, a German adventurer who sparked a century-long search for gold in the Superstitions.

Dynamic dinner duo: smart and simple

Family Features

January 18, 2012

After a long day, preparing a healthy and delicious meal doesn’t always come naturally. Busy schedules and unlimited recipe options can make cooking nutritious “from scratch” meals seem like a daunting task. Bonnie Taub-Dix, MA, RD, CDN, author of “Read It Before You Eat It,” director and owner of BTD Nutrition Consultants and former spokesperson for the American Dietetic Association, believes that cooking with simple and quality ingredients is critical to keeping your health in check. “Learning to prepare a few quick and healthy meals will help you eat better and motivate you to continue to stay on track,” says Taub-Dix. To help you prepare smart, quick and simple meals your family will enjoy, Taub-Dix offers these tips: • Use what you like — pick a few meals that you enjoy eating out and learn to make them at home using fresh vegetables, lean meats and reasonable portions.

Happenings at the Senior Center

January 17, 2012

Since our humble beginnings at Nan Pyle’s Girl Scout Camp in the ’70s, our organization has been serving seniors in the Rim Country area. Today, we have our own facility that was formerly a skating rink, a bowling alley and the Post Office. We have a large dining room, commercial kitchen, meeting room, a multipurpose room upstairs and a Thrift Store. What do we do? We are here to help seniors of the Rim Country live a more active, healthy life with a variety of programs to meet their needs. Our three primary programs are the Meals On Wheels program, the Dial-A-Ride program and lunch at the Center. Our volunteers and employees do so much more than the task at hand. They genuinely care for our seniors. They become their friends, they visit in the hospital, assist people in a variety of ways outside work, make special gifts for our clients, and give comfort for those who need it.

New Year off to a bumpy start

By Carol Zebb

January 17, 2012

Have you ever celebrated New Year’s Eve in a hospital emergency room? I have. Let me tell you, it is a lot more fun singing “Auld Lang Syne” in your own living room, with a few good friends, over a bottle of champagne. However, given the way I was feeling, I was glad to be where I was. It began the Thursday before New Year’s with a mild discomfort in my right side, front and back, which over the next couple days became more  painful. By Saturday morning I could hardly get out of bed. Len took me to the ER where they did numerous tests, including a CT scan, and put me on pain medication. By noon, no cause was diagnosed and the pain subsided, so I was sent home. No sooner did I get there than the pain reoccurred, worse than any I have ever had.

Shelter has many pets in need of homes

January 13, 2012

There are dozens of wonderful dogs and cats in need of homes at the Humane Society of Central Arizona animal shelter, located at 812 S. McLane Road, just south of Main Street. Hours are 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. — 7 days a week. For more information, call (928) 474-5590 or visit www.humanesocietycentralaz.org.

Gala for a good cause - Black & White Ball is Jan. 21

It’s all black and white, fabulous and fun

By Teresa McQuerrey

January 13, 2012

Love the costumes on Masterpiece’s Downton Abbey? Have a zoot suit or flapper dress in your dream wardrobe that you are just dying to wear? Need to pull out that fabulous formal wear for some air? Or do you still have some styling garb from the height of the counter culture era of Haight-Ashbury. If it’s black and white, then you have the perfect place to wear it for a night on the town — the Annual Black & White Ball sponsored by the Mogollon Health Alliance (MHA). The theme this year is “San Francisco 1906 to 2012.”

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