FLOA Community Newsletter Summer 2005 - Forest …€¦ · Mesa Ranger District. ... Selection of a...

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FLOA Community Newsletter Published by the Forest Lakes Owners Association Edited by Virgilee Scholl F O R E S T L A K E S As I sit at home in Forest Lakes reading the news about the Cave Creek Complex Fire about to join the Brown Fire to become one large fire, my thoughts step back three years to the news of the day. “The Rodeo and Chediski fires join to make the largest and most devas- tating fire in Arizona history” Mother Nature had Forest Lakes by the throat, then God stepped in and said no, not this time. I still get a squeamish feeling when I see all the burned forest on the drive to Show Low and south of Forest Lakes. While dismantling the July Picnic booths, I happened to look up to the northeast to see a large plume of smoke rising. The first report was a forest fire ½ mile north of Forest Lakes. “Here we go again.” My radio sounded again. The fire is nine miles away, not ½ mile and moving away. We all calmed. We will never forget that ex- perience of three years ago. We are NOT FIRE IMMUNE. As of this writing (early July) the forest in and around Forest Lakes is dry. The fire department fire patrols have been busy warning residents and visitors about the dangers of camp and slash fires. High winds have added to that danger. As I have said in previous articles, we must do our part to protect our community. Contact the fire department to see if it is ok to have campfires or slash burning. The community now has a location to dump your slash and pine needles. The “Green Waste Area” is less than ½ mile east of Forest Lakes. More information may be found on the FLOA website: floa.org. The Forest Service is doing their part to protect us. They are presently thinning the forest on all sides of Forest Lakes. Check out the map and information on our website. FLOA MEETINGS Our guest speaker in May was Kate Klein with the Black Mesa Ranger District. She explained the plans for the thinning project around For- est Lakes. As you approach Forest Lakes from the west, look to the north and notice the thinning being done. Our speakers in June were Pete Davis, our sheriff and fire chief Charlie McGee. Pete introduced Bill Walters, (continued on page 2) President’s Message by Frank Astemborski, President Summer 2005 Business Directory 8 Editor’s Message 16 EMS Report 15 Fire Auxiliary News 5 Fire Department News 14 Library News 10 Water Dept. News 3 Piecemakers 7 Chevelon Butte Report Card 4 July 4th Annual Picnic 12 Community Church 6 Coconino County Supervisor Report 4 Inside this issue: Visit www.floa.org A Very Busy “Free Dump Day” at the County Yard (Photo courtesy of Jan Walls)

Transcript of FLOA Community Newsletter Summer 2005 - Forest …€¦ · Mesa Ranger District. ... Selection of a...

FLOA Community Newsletter

Published by the Forest Lakes Owners Association

Edited by Virgilee Scholl

FOREST LAKES

As I sit at home in Forest Lakes reading the news about the Cave Creek Complex Fire about to join the Brown Fire to become one large fire, my thoughts step back three years to the news of the day. “The Rodeo and Chediski fires join to make the largest and most devas-tating fire in Arizona history” Mother Nature had Forest Lakes by the throat, then God stepped in and said no, not this time. I still get a squeamish feeling when I see all the burned forest on the drive to Show Low and south of Forest Lakes.

While dismantling the July Picnic booths, I happened to look up to the northeast to see a large plume of smoke rising. The first report was a forest fire ½ mile north of Forest Lakes. “Here we go again.” My radio sounded again. The fire is nine miles away, not ½ mile and moving away. We all calmed. We will never forget that ex-perience of three years ago. We are NOT FIRE IMMUNE.

As of this writing (early July) the forest in and around Forest Lakes is dry. The fire department fire patrols have been busy warning residents and visitors about the dangers of camp and slash fires. High winds have added to that danger. As I have said in previous articles, we must do our part to protect our community. Contact the fire department to see if it is ok to have campfires or slash burning.

The community now has a location to dump your slash and pine needles. The “Green Waste Area” is less than ½ mile east of Forest Lakes. More information may be found on the FLOA website: floa.org. The Forest Service is doing their part to protect us. They are presently thinning the forest on all sides of Forest Lakes. Check out the map and information on our website.

FLOA MEETINGS

Our guest speaker in May was Kate Klein with the Black Mesa Ranger District. She explained the plans for the thinning project around For-est Lakes. As you approach Forest Lakes from the west, look to the north and notice the thinning being done.

Our speakers in June were Pete Davis, our sheriff and fire chief Charlie McGee. Pete introduced Bill Walters,

(continued on page 2)

President’s Message by Frank Astemborski, President

Summer 2005

Business Directory 8

Editor’s Message 16

EMS Report 15

Fire Auxiliary News 5

Fire Department News 14

Library News 10

Water Dept. News 3

Piecemakers 7

Chevelon Butte Report Card 4

July 4th Annual Picnic 12

Community Church 6

Coconino County Supervisor Report 4

Inside this issue:

Visit

www.floa.org

A Very Busy “Free Dump Day” at the County Yard

(Photo courtesy of Jan Walls)

Page 2 FLOA Community Newsletter

a retired police officer who will be working with Pete in our area. Pete also said he will have extra help on the holiday weekends.

Fire Chief McGee shared information about community fire protection and the grant program available to resi-dents to help offset the cost of cleaning their property.

John Dobrinski, Coconino County Public Works Direc-tor, will be out speaker in July. He will talk about the road system in Forest Lakes and some plans on what the county will be working on this year in our area.

The August speaker will be Jim Driscoll. Jim is with Homeland Security. He will discuss how this program works and how Forest Lakes fits into that plan.

COMMUNITY FUND RAISERS

Our Memorial weekend breakfast was very successful. We served over 630 breakfasts along with a bake sale, rummage sale, Auxiliary T-shirt sale, and Quilters raffle with income over $6200. At this writing I am working on the picnic report. It is hard to single out special people because they all do work hard, but these peo-ple were super: Thanks to Bob Johnson, Mexican food was again part of the food fare. Scott Rogers donated twelve gallons of pancake syrup. Manuel Carbajal do-nated the equipment and supplies for the snow cones, cotton candy and helped set up the booth. Cliff Morris and Hal Bradshaw donated equipment, popcorn and worked the booth all day. The kids games are always a big hit. This year Peggy Gifford donated 198 stuffed toys as prizes and helped work the games all day. There was something for everyone's interest, good food, music, games, horseshoes and craft booths and more. We are looking forward to good food and a good time at our Labor Day Breakfast at the fire station on Saturday September 3rd.

DUST CONTROL

We are experimenting with an approved chemical-water mix for dust control to treat the busy roads in Forest Lakes. The roads were treated Memorial and Fourth of July weekends with mixed results. The roads will be treated again on Labor Day weekend.

We can all help keep down the dust by driving slower. We have tested driving under 20 miles per hour during dry times with little dust.

ANNUAL MEETING

The community Annual Meeting will be September 3rd., at 7:00 p.m. at the Library. All the entities in For-

President’s Message (Continued from page 1)

Nominees for the FLOA Board

We have three nominees for the FLOA Board. Be sure and vote at the annual meeting on September 3rd, 7 p.m. at the library.

MACK HUME

My name is Mack Hume. My wife Mary and I are full time residents of Forest Lakes at 28 South Mule Springs Trail. I am a native of Arizona, born and raised in the Tolleson area. I farmed for 50 years retiring in 2003. We resided in Dateland, Arizona (35 miles west of Gila Bend) for the last 28 years. I am a member of the For-est Lakes Volunteer Fire Department where I am a First Responder and Ambulance Driver. I was appointed to the board and have served as vice-president for the past several months.

KAREN FONCANNON

My name is Karen Foncannon. My husband Bob and I own a cabin on Trout Springs Road. We have two sons, 19 and 22 years old. I grew up in the San Francisco Bay Area. I worked in a hospital on weekdays and spent nine years working weekends on the National Ski Pa-trol at Sugar Bowl Ski Resort. I volunteer for the Ameri-can Red Cross teaching First Aid and working the First Aid booth at special events. Since moving to Arizona, I have volunteered at my kids schools, at the Arizona Humane Society and worked on the Crisis Response Team for the Tempe Police and Fire Departments. I also visited Chandler Hospital and the Child Crisis Nursery with my Therapy Dog.

WENDELL LOLLING

I have served on the Forest Lakes Owners’ Association Board for the past two years. I have been secretary for the past year and have enjoyed being on the board. I retired after 45 years working in the insurance busi-ness. I held the position of Claims Manager for Horace Mann Insurance Company. I also spent two years with the U.S. Army during the Korean Conflict. My wife Debbie and I are summer residents and have been for the past 20 years. Our cabin has been in the family (Painter) since the beginning of Forest Lakes. We have a home in Tempe, Arizona, and spend a large part of our winter in Cholla Bay, Mexico. I would enjoy serv-ing another term on the board.

est Lakes will present their annual reports. We will also be voting for three FLOA Board members.

SEE YOU THERE!

Visit us on the web: www.floa.org Page 3

In June the annual Customer Confidence Report was mailed to all customers along with the first quarter 2005-2006 billing.

Selection of a SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) Contractor has been made and the installation is in progress. This phase is due to complete by mid-August. SCADA is critical to the safe, reliable and efficient opera-tion of potable water systems. It is used for monitoring and controlling remote equipment and resources to provide greater efficiency in terms of a faster and more coordinated system control. It allows for lower operation costs and better use of human and financial resources as well. It allows the district the ability to be proactive rather that reac-tive.

As always water conservation is a top priority for the Water District and the Board of Directors. The extremely high water usage prompts us to bring this issue to the attention of our customers.

Following are well reads before and after the holiday:

Let’s all work together to conserve our valuable resource.

Reminder: Office Hours are 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM, Monday through Friday.

Forest Lakes Domestic Water Improvement District News by Jan Davis

06-24-05 561,900

06-25-05 745,100

06-26-05 679,800

06-27-05 638,300

06-28-05 600,700

06-29-05 723,000

06-30-05 870,800

07-01-05 647,300

07-02-05 538,200

07-03-05 391,000

07-04-05 757,500

07-05-05 848,600

07-06-05 753,200

07-07-05 731,800

07-08-05 854,600

07-09-05 906,300

07-10-05 769,700

Date

Usage in Gallons

FLDWID Gallons Delivered

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Dear residents:

I hope that you are having a great summer in Forest Lakes! I have gotten updates from various people and departments and understand things are rolling along well in Forest Lakes. I have recently received a tally from Solid Waste on the Community Clean-up. Forest Lakes either produced or discarded… depending on how one looks at it… 1120 cubic tons of waste on free clean-up day. There was so much trash brought in that Jim Loper had to schedule a second day. I hope that people are using this opportunity to come into confor-mance with our ordinances as well as reduce the fire danger.

Speaking of fire, we have just set aside money in the County’s budget for our portion of the administrator for the Community Wildfire Protection Plan for At Risk Communities of the Sitgreaves National Forest within Apache, Coconino and Navajo Counties, also called Sitgreaves Community Wildfire Protection Plan. I will refer to it by the acronym (SCWPP) so I do not have to write that again. As for the administrator, we have placed this into our Community Development Depart-ment budget in re-occurring increments to help insure that the action plan is implemented in coordination with the Fire Department and community. Also John Aber, one of our county planners, will also sit on the Advisory Board. Now that I have spoken to you in County vernacular, let me say this in simple conversa-tional terminology. We will help pay for an administra-tor for the fire plan. The administrator will be trying to help coordinate private timber industry while working with the communities and the Forest Service to help reduce the wildfire risk.

Our Public Works Director, John Dobrinski, brought to my attention that the community was concerned about noise created by the use of engine brakes by trucks on Highway 260. We looked into this two years ago and safety prevented us from initiating an ordinance. Also, where jurisdictions have decided to overlook this issue and implement an ordinance, the State highways were not subject to the ordinance. Resolution on State high-ways needs to be resolved at the State level.

I hope this information is helpful. Have a safe rest of the summer.

Respectfully,

Matt Ryan, County Supervisor, District 3

Coconino County Supervisor Report by Matt Ryan, County Supervisor, District 3

The school bell is ringing again. Summers seem to get shorter every year. We expect to have 20 students from the Forest Lakes portion of our District — with four high schoolers this year. Liberty Morehead will continue to be our primary bus driver.

The western area of our district, Blue Ridge, will be riding in style in our brand new, 84 passenger, Blue Bird bus. It arrived on time and is ready to roll with the cost of $92,000 paid by Forest Fees given to our dis-trict. We now have a contract to transport the Flagstaff students living in the Blue Ridge area. Flagstaff will share the costs with us. Both of our busses are now equipped with new digital video cameras.

It is amazing all the paperwork and records we have to keep. So, as our little office is overflowing with records, we have installed a new Tuff Shed behind the parking lot to store things. Space will also be available to store Library and community projects.

I know it is early to mention this....but... two of our board members will end their terms next year. We will need community members to fill those positions. The only qualifications are interest in the welfare of our kids and some community pride.

Chevelon Butte Report Card by Board President Jan Walls

THANK YOU from Carole Short You have never met my mother, but my Mother knew each and everyone of you from the Quilter Ladies to the Bunco Ladies to all of my friends and neighbors. Thank you for all the cards and letters of condolence and thank you, my Quilter Friends , for the beautiful tree we planted in her memory.

Visit us on the web: www.floa.org Page 5

Your Fire Auxiliary by Board President Jan Walls

Friday evening, July 22, the Fire Auxiliary, in the per-son of Jean Dunn, stepped into action to provide a "picnic in the forest" for our Fire fighters and support personnel while they fought the Forest Lakes Fire on the east perimeter of the community.

This is one of the responsibilities of the Auxiliary....to support our Fire Department in any way we can. A food closet is kept for emergencies and it is updated periodically with local facilities sought when needed.

We are still having good response on the sale of tee shirts and sweat shirts. More will be available at the Labor Day Breakfast. Remember the Rummage Sale also. Lucille Turley will be over-seer again. Take your rummage to her at 605 Wildcat Road before Au-gust 30th so she has time to sort and price it.

You have noticed the third storage shed behind the fire house. This will replace the old brown trailer and give more room and organized space for the Auxil-iary. As soon as we get ventilation and power there we will get moved in.

Everyone is welcome and encouraged to join the Auxiliary. Be a part of your community. Just $6.00 for yearly membership.

Bugle's Grazing and Guzzling Open 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Thursday thru Sunday

Specials: Friday Fish Saturday Hickory Smoked Prime Rib

Fine Food, Great Company Excellent Dining

535-6601

Visually Monitor Your Cabin From Anywhere In The World!!

Now there is available an inexpensive way to visu-ally monitor your cabin via the Internet from any-where in the world. The system is called AgCam and is manufactured in North Dakota. It's easy to install, easy to operate and easy to access from any com-puter on the web. Full color in daylight and mono-chrome at night using a built-in infrared system. It even operates in total darkness.

You can check out this outstanding and affordable product online at www.ag-cam.com or contact Chuck Warner Consulting, Inc., 1-928-920-4880 FAX: 928-726-9600. [email protected]. Chuck has been a Forest Lakes cabin owner for 24 years. Dealer inquiries welcomed.

Jan Walls - President. 535-6328

Gerry Jeardoe - Vice President. 535-4173

Lucille Turley - Secretary 535-3543

Jean Dunn - Treasurer 535-5344

Vi Hess - At Large 535-5413

Page 6 FLOA Community Newsletter

The Best Medicine (Laughter) Submitted by Sam Radobenko, Fire Dept. Chaplain

Ok, we all admit it, with our busy lives, we are bombarded with the daily stresses of life. If we admit it, we have a lot more stressful days than not. However, sometimes we just need a little silliness to help break up the day. Proverbs 17:22 say’s that “a merry heart does good like medicine”. So here’s your dose of humor for the day…… Follow the instructions and find your Forest Lakes New Name. It will only take a minute…don’t go all adult now!!!

First, Use The Third Letter of Your First Name To Determine Your New First Name.

a= poopsie b= lumpy c=buttercup d=gadget e=crusty f= greasy g= fluffy h= cheeseball i= chim-chim j= stinky k= flunky l=bootie m= pinky n= zippy o= goober p= doofus q= slimy r= loopy s= snotty t= tootie u= dorkey v= squeezit w= oprah x= skipper y= dinky z= zsa-zsa

Second, Use The Second Letter Of Your Last Name To Determine The First Half Of Your New Last Name.

a= apple b= toilet c= giggle d= burger e= girdle f= barf g= lizard h= waffle i= cootie j= monkey k= potty l= liver m= banana n= rhino o= bubble p= hamster q= toad r= gizzard s= pizza t= gerbil u= chicken v= pickle w= chuckle x= tofu y= gorilla z= stinker

Third, Use the Forth Letter Of Your Last Name To Determine The Second Half Of Your New Last Name.

a= head b= mouth c= face d= nose e= tush f= breath g= pants h= shorts i= lips j= honker k= butt l= brain m=tushie n= biscuits o= hiney p= chunks q= toes r= buns s= fanny t= sniffer u= sprinkles v= kisser w= squirt x= humperdinck y= brains z= juice

Thus, for example, if William Jefferson Clinton lived in Forest Lakes, his new name would be Bootie Liverbiscuits, and George W. Bush’s new name would be Goober Chickenshorts.

They say that children laugh on the average 146 times a day, while adults only 4 times a day. Call someone, intro-duce yourself, and put some laughter into your day!

Signed, Pinky Applehiney

Forest Lakes Community Church by Jane Cummins

The summer schedule for the church is as follows:

Adult Sunday School is at 8:45 a.m. Church from 10 to 11.

Wednesday the Adult Prayer Group is at 8:30 a.m. with the Adult Christian Study at 9:30.

These meetings are held in the library meeting room on Old Rim Road.

Thursday is the Women's Prayer Group at 10 a.m. at Marian Chambers' house.

For more information contact Bruce Cummins 928-535-3169 or 480-969-7735

Forest Lakes Community Church Vacation Bible School by Joyce Jennings

We had a wonderful week at our Polar Expedition. There were 77 children registered and we all had a grand time at the Friday night potluck and program. Thanks to all who attended and to those who helped all week.

Thanks also to Cheryl for putting up with us in her space.

Plan on joining us next year.

July 3 - 7. 2006. Ages 4 years through 6th grade. We also have a bible class for those who have been with us in the past and are in Junior High or High School. We love to have them as teachers aids during the rest of the morning.

Hope to see you all next year.

Forest Lakes Community Church

Page 7 Visit us on the web: www.floa.org

Rim Valley Mountain Properties Open at Bugle's

“We need your listings!”

FREE Bugle's gift certificate with listing

Please call us at 928-478-0101

Piecemakers by Editor

The Piecemakers Quilting Group have put together another beautiful quilt for their raffle. Tickets are still available for $1.00 each or 6 for $5.00 and will be sold at the Pancake Breakfast or contact any member of the Piecemakers before October 31st. The drawing will be November 1st.

Here It Is ! Tunnel of Fudge Cake by Andrea Saffles

1 ¾ cup butter, softened 2 cups powdered sugar 1 ¾ cups granulated sugar ¾ cup cocoa 6 eggs 2 cups chopped walnuts* 2 ¼ cups all purpose flour

GLAZE ¾ cup powdered sugar ¼ cup cocoa 1 ½ - 2 tbls. milk

Heat oven to 350 degrees F. Grease and flour pan. In large bowl, beat butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Gradu-ally add powdered sugar. Blend well. By hand, stir in remaining ingredients until well blended. Spoon batter into prepared pan: spread evenly. Bake at 350 F for 58-62 minutes. **Cool completely. In small bowl, combine glaze ingredients until well blended. Spoon over top of cake allowing some to run down sides. Store tightly covered. 16 servings.

Tips: * Nuts are essential for the success of the recipe. ** Since this cake has a soft tunnel of fudge, ordinary doneness test cannot be used. Accurate oven temperature and bake time are critical. High Altitude above 3500 feet: increase flour to 2 ¼ cups plus 3 tablespoons.

Page 8 FLOA Community Newsletter

Business To advertise in this newsletter, call

Virgilee at (928)-535-3361

928-535-6654

Lot 55 Trout Springs

Visit us on the web: www.floa.org Page 9

Directory

DEE WILSON, Assoc Broker REALTY EXECUTIVES

480-694-6633 877-271-1026 Toll FREE

Email: [email protected] I Make SUCCESS Happen...

Let Me Help YOU! Specializing in…

RESALE NEW VACATION SECOND RETIREMENT

Page 10 FLOA Community Newsletter

Boy howdy! Things are jumpin' faster than spit on a hot griddle here at the library this summer. Oh, wow. Did I just say "Boy howdy"? That really concerns me. I think I need to get off this mountain top more often. Of course, watching "The Andy Griffith Show" over and over again with my mom may have had an effect on me, too. Seems Opie is always saying "boy howdy" this and "boy howdy" that. My mom says it's her favorite show of all time but I think she has a thing for Barney. Let me start over. Summer events here at the library have been proceeding swimmingly. That's not much better, either. Well, you get the idea.

So far, we have had our "Garden Fair" where the kids came to plant flowers in our new garden and our an-nual "Crawdad Hunt" down at the pond. "Barbie Tea Party/G.I. Joe Mess Hall" and "Wrangler Day" are on the schedule, as well as my personal favorite, "Fun Day", complete with a pie eating contest---yum, water balloons and air bounce. I sure as heck hope they fi-nally let me have a turn in that air bounce this year. It looks like so much fun! Bouncing up and down, up and down. My mom has never let me have a turn with all the other kids though....I never have been able to un-derstand that silly rule about "no sharp objects allowed in the air bounce". I keep my pawnails trimmed.

So what's "Ew, Yuk!", aka "The Bucket" all about? Well, I'll tell you. Those of you out there with a propensity towards a weak stomach, please do not read on... or else go load up on your Rolaids. Ready?

It was just another beautiful summer Saturday morning at the Forest Lakes Library a couple of weeks ago. There were several people in the library so I was hang-ing out in there visiting with them. All of a sudden, the peaceful tranquility which had permeated the library was abruptly shattered when some quads came roaring into the parking lot. Whoever the four-wheeling revel-ers were, they started screaming and yelling about something right away. Well, once I saw who it was, I should have known it would be that Staloch bunch. GregDad, ChrisMom, and sons, Nicholas and Tyler.

From what I could surmise, they were out for their na-ture-quad ride that morning. Nicholas and Tyler like to look for snakes so they always bring a bucket with them to transport the unsuspecting reptiles back to their cabin. The boys keep their temporary pets for a while and then let them go. As luck would have it, the nature enthusiasts found a small garter snake and put it in their bucket. Mission accomplished. "Let's take it to

the library and show Cheryl!" all four exclaimed in uni-son. On their way to the library, fortune struck again. They found a frog, too. They put it in "The Bucket". With the snake. The snake smiled.

Shortly thereafter, the happy family arrived at the li-brary and looked in "The Bucket". Screaming and yell-ing commenced.

ChrisMom came running into the library like a bat out of h*** hollering back at GregDad, "Criminey, Greg-Dad, don't let the boys see the snake eating the frog!" "This is going to be interesting", I thought to myself as I watched the whole event unfold with gleeful anticipa-tion. Hysteria ran rampant in the library until GregDad and the boys nonchalantly moseyed in after the crazed woman. "For goodness sake, pipe down, ChrisMom", GregDad said, "it's just part of nature! Nicholas and Ty-ler need to see this stuff" ChrisMom's face took on a pallor complexion. I must say she turned a most lovely shade of chartreuse which, in turn, naturally enhanced her beguiling green eyes. However, when I saw those green eyes start to roll towards the back of her head, I thought for sure we'd have to call 911. But we didn't. She just high-tailed it to the ladies' room and that's the last I saw of her. I would bet a box of my favorite dog-gie biscuits that ChrisMom has never had the pleasure of watching one of those wretched "Fear Factor" eating contests.

Looking back, all I can say is, "For crying out loud, what the heck were you guys thinking??!!!" Duh. One ravenous, albeit it, deceivingly innocent looking snake. One poor, poor defenseless little frog. One bucket. Gulp. Adios froggie.

OEW, YUCK! aka "The Bucket" And Some Other Library News by Bailey

Tyler, Nicholas and the Bucket (Photo by Chris Staloch)

Page 11

I'll step down from my soapbox now.

Meanwhile, back at the ranch, everyone, minus Chris-Mom who was still in the loo, had to go outside to see the snake eat the frog. Choruses of "Ew, Yuk!" and "That is SO disgusting!" rang out from all present ex-cept, of course, from GregDad, Nicholas and Tyler. Cu-riosity got the better of me and I had to have a peek, too. That's where I went wrong. I could not believe my eyes. What I was witnessing was something far beyond my comprehension. You see, that vile snake had his jaws open wider than my mom's rear end (just kid-ding... snicker, snicker) and in an excruciatingly slow fashion was proceeding to devour the ill-fated amphib-ian Oh, agony, I can't go on! I can unequivocally tell you, however, that that poor frog's beautiful sum-mer Saturday morning was spoiled right then and there. I felt so bad for the little hopper because he/she (?) was unceremoniously reduced to nothing more than a lump in a snake.

The more I think about it, the more I thank the stars above that my food comes pre-packaged and is avail-able in ten, twenty, up to one hundred pound bags. I'd even eat the green beans I so detest for the rest of my life if sucking down frogs were my only option for nour-ishment! Knowing that I'm not at the bottom of the food chain brings me comfort, as well.

This story isn't over yet, though. The unspeakable then happened....but I'm going to speak about it anyway. ChrisMom wasn't the only one that day suffering from a tumultuous tummy. As I stared mesmerized by the sight of the snake and what was left of Kermit, my gag reflex started to kick in. The imminent possibility of ralphing in front of everyone was more than my ego could with-stand, however, so I took a couple of deep breaths and overcame the incomprehensible embarrassment that could have ensued. This whole miserable episode still gives me the willies, thanks to that Staloch bunch. I'll never forget it. Not to men-tion, I've been feeling a bit queasy ever since.

Burp.

Well, on that unpleasant note...until next time (that is if stomach ulcers don't do me in first),

Bailey

P.S. Oh, just plain misery. Will this nightmare ever cease? Just today another Tyler, the young Christen grandson, along with Mom and Grandma Christen,

Visit us on the web: www.floa.org

came into the library and asked for a book about garter snakes. Tyler had found one at Grandpa and Grandma's cabin that morning. "What do garter snakes eat?" Tyler asked innocently

Does anyone out there have a spare Rolaids?

Tyler Bebermiss

On June 7, 2005, the following people volunteered their time to help remove trash from our highway:

Helen Noyes, Irwin Noyes, Ben Froehlich, Mack Hume, Donald Detzler, Bill Taylor, Wendell Lolling, Deb Loll-ing and Lorel Krohn.

The next cleanup will be in September so be prepared to help out. The exact date will be posted at various sites in the community.

Highway Cleanup by Gene Jeardoe

(School File Photo )

Page 12 FLOA Community Newsletter

Gerry and Marge - Bake Sale Faithfuls

The Security Crew - Bill, Don and Pete

Happy July 4th Everyone !

July 4th Annual Picnic

Everyone at the picnic had a good time. The food was a huge success and the T-shirts were flying off the table and the Crafters had a steady line of buyers.

We are indebted to Perry Heilman, owner of the Forest Lakes Lodge, who graciously al-lowed us to use his area for our picnic.

Thank you Perry!

Visit us on the web: www.floa.org Page 13

July 4th Happiness

Mary and Deb - Get your condiments here

Paramedic Sally and EMT Kathy Ready to roll

Chief McGee and the New Fire Engine

Crafters Tent City

Connie and Helen serving great food

(Photos courtesy of Wendell Lolling)

Page 14 FLOA Community Newsletter

We have been very fortunate this year with few wildfires in our area. The closest fire to us has been the fire that was discovered on 02 July 2005, 8 miles northeast of the subdivision. Depending on with whom you talk, the final acre-age was between 230 and 400 acres. The fire was burning to the northeast from inception and crossed the high volt-age power line early on and with little or no difficulty. We have not been told that it is extinguished as of this writing.

We had two thunder storms in June both of which contained moisture. We actually have had no dry lightning this year at all. The monsoons are late although we have seen some clouds. We are still experiencing winds either in the mornings or afternoons and sometimes throughout the day. For those of you who are burning yard debris, remem-ber to watch the winds at your location. If it gets too windy, put your fire out. Don’t wait to be told. We may not be aware of your local conditions.

Sometimes we need to shut down burning including campfires and solid fuel bar-b-ques. We make announcements on the radio for those of you with scanners. We will open the no burning signs located around the subdivision and at both stores as soon as we can get to them. The other thing we do is to send fire patrols throughout the subdivision. The purpose of these patrols is to inform those residents who do not see or hear the other notifications. If you have a campfire and one of our patrols tells you that you need to extinguish it, please do so. You don’t have to explain why you have the fire. The patrol is there because you didn’t get the notification. These folks are your neighbors and have the same interest in fire safety as do you. When it comes to campfires, remember that they should be no larger than 3 feet across at the base and the flame lengths should be reasonable. The idea here is not to resemble a burnt offering to the Norse god of War.

We have been fortunate this year also due to the decrease of ATV accidents and injuries. The vehicle code may not require riders over 18 to wear head protection but it is a good idea. Every accident we respond to with a head, spine or leg injury involves a rider without a helmet. When I first moved here I only wore a baseball cap and glasses when ridding. I now wear a DOT certified helmet with a face shield when I ride ATV’s. Sometime last year while holding head traction on a helmetless rider awaiting a $30,000.00 helicopter ride to the valley, the thought struck me that my own insurance would not cover such a trip. Do as you wish just please ride safely!

There is a grant available for assisting with cleaning your lot to the Firewise Standards. These standards are found on the Firewise web-site run by the Forest Service. They are what they are and not necessarily what your neighbor or contrac-tor may want them to be. There is grant information includ-ing CD’s and workbooks available at the fire station. The Fuel Reduction Manager, Al Mager (535-5689) also has com-plete informational packages and contracts available to those eligible to participate in the program. The grant runs through 30 September 2007. Up to $1500.00 is available as a 50% match.

There is increased construction on the surrounding road-ways this year. Please drive with care and be patient. Re-member to arrive alive!

Fire Department News by Chief Charles McGee

LABOR DAY PANCAKE BREAKFAST

SATURDAY SEP 3, 2005 7:00 – 11:00 a.m.

AT THE FIRE STATION

PANCAKES, SAUSAGE JUICE AND COFFEE

$3.50 adults $2 children under 12

Extra sausage 50 cents Bake and rummage sale

If you have baked goods bring early!

If you have rummage to donate Contact Lucille Turley

605 Wildcat Road 535-3543

Don’t forget to change the

battery in your smoke detector at least once a year!

Visit us on the web: www.floa.org Page 15

I’ve had a lot of questions lately about the term “Rehab” and what it means. When we have a fire whether it is Wildland or Structure our ambulance and crew respond to the scene for Rehab. People have asked why does the ambulance respond to fires. Well there is a two-fold reason for these ac-tions. One is to take care of any injuries that might occur while they are fighting fires and the other is to rehab the firefighters after they have been on the fire for a time. It all has to do with all kinds of condi-tions, like weather, temperature and the kind of fire they are on. Of course some of it has to do with the condition a person is in and their age also. We take the firefighters and check them out, their blood pressure, O2 Sat’s to see if they need oxygen and give them fluids, water, Gatorade and food and basically give them a break and make sure that they are able to return and work on the fire. This is what happens when we do rehab on a fire scene. Firefighting uses up a lot of energy and calories and they do need to have fuel to get them through this process. They can burn up to 4500 plus calories in a day. I do know that the Forest Service on wildland fires try to see that their firefighters have at least 4700 calories provided in their meals that they serve each day. I hope this explanation helps you understand why the ambulance crew responds to fires, it’s not be-cause we like the smell of smoke, but we usually do come back smelling like it.

EMS Report by Sally Kennedy, CEP

When we live in an area of Ponderosa pines sur-rounded by National Forest the underlying fear is FIRE. Those of us here during the Rodeo/Chediski fire of 2002 can attest to that fear and remember the flames and plumes that threatened our community. But, how many of us have kept our property as clear of debris as we should? And how many of us look out to neighbor-ing property that has too many trees and too much de-bris on the ground? Those of you with computers can go to the website www.firewise.org and view many tips to protect your space from fire. The best roof material is metal and most of the roofs here in Forest Lakes are metal and come in several colors. Just visualize a fire coming to your property and think what you could do to create a safer zone. The trees could be trimmed 6 to 10 feet above the ground. Stand under your trees and look up for branches touching then look at your house and roof and make sure the trees don’t touch anywhere. Re-member the rain and snow can make the limbs hang much lower than normal. Keep the space around your home clear for 30 feet in all directions. Where do you stack your firewood? Fireplaces and wood stoves are so comforting in the winter, but if a fire sweeps through anything combustible can be a hazard. Be aware of what could happen. Yes, we love our trees, our shrubs and our community, but remember to be defensive against fire and create your safe space. We have too much to lose.

DEFENSIBLE SPACE

The “Forest Lakes Fire” in July Northeast of Forest Lakes

Lightning Strike July 22

Forest Lakes and Forest Service firefighters responded to a lightning caused fire on July 22. The fire was located northeast of Forest Lakes on Forest Service land and the fire totaled about 4 acres. We had 15 firefighters fighting that fire and they all needed "rehab" What is rehab? See Sally's article explaining the process. The auxiliary was called and a nice meal was provided to the firefighters.

This is a timely reminder to all residents to ensure defensible space around your property.

---Editor

(Photo courtesy of Jan Walls)

PRSRT STD U.S. Postage

PAID Overgaard, AZ

85933 Permit No. 9

Forest Lakes Owners Association

P.O. Box 1513, Forest Lakes, AZ 85931

Address Service Requested

How about all this rain? The trees love it and every-thing is so green. This is our monsoon season and we have lots of lightning and thunder. This creates light-ning strikes creating small fires, but we are patrolling our area to put them out quickly. We also depend on residents to alert us to any problems. Many of us have animals, especially dogs like I do, that are frightened by the storms. I have one dog who needs consoling and the other one paces, pants and is frantic. Some-times she has to take time out in her cage.

Summer is a time to clean our lots of pine needles, thin our trees and remove ladder fuel from the lower tree branches. Our recent fire behind Rim Resort area was an excellent example as the ladder fuel had been re-moved and the fire did not develop into plumes travel-ing the treetops. We are fortunate to have our Green Waste Disposal Site to store our needles and slash. Our residents have been very busy cleaning up their lots and they deserve a big thank you for helping to prevent fires.

Since school starts here on August 10th and at various times in our state, the children will be walking or riding

Editor’s Message by Virgilee Scholl

FLOA Community Newsletter Summer 2005

their bikes to school bus or school. They have responsi-bilities also to be careful watching for traffic and riding bikes on the right side of the road. But, sometimes they forget or are distracted. Please be aware and drive carefully.

Labor Day will soon be here and a busy Saturday for all of us on September 3rd. That is our Pancake Breakfast from 7 to ll a.m. We will have a rummage and bake sale and of course T-shirts for sale. That evening at 7 p.m. at the library is our annual meeting with speakers and election of officers.

Many of you will be leaving your summer homes, but for the full timers it is a time to enjoy our beautiful fall weather. I love the fall with its crisp breezes and turn-ing leaves. A time to get ready for the cold winter and snow. Our snow blowers and shovels have to be ready and of course bringing out the jackets, boots and other warm clothing. How many of you have seen our snow covered land in the bright moonlight or on a clear day with our incredible blue skies and trees covered with heavy snow bending the branches almost to the ground? This is a great place to live.