Do you remember all those teen movies from years ago with the stereotyped characters? There were always a few loudmouth "losers" who criticized everything and generally caused trouble. Often they ganged up to bully, mock, and harass the good kids. Their style was more bravado than bravery, and more bluster than brains. These movie bad guys never followed the rules and generally interfered with the kids who were working toward some goal. In their constant quest for attention, they threatened and on occasion even attacked one of the good kids.

For too many years, Carefree government was like those old teen movies with constant drama and conflict. Fortunately, for a year or so, we've had less political and personal fighting. The current Council has demonstrated a more mature, cooperative, hard-working spirit. But, just very recently, there's been a bit of that snarky attitude from a few members of the public. It's old, it smells, and it needs to stop.

Ann

 

John Traynor needs treatment for schizoid behavior. And bravo Lyn Hitchon for the patient take-down.

A.W.

 

 

They don't give up do they- or are they just stupid?

Fred in Carefree

 

 

 

Very well said!

Melanie

(Lyn's note: Melanie is referring to the rerun of last May's Carefree Truth about small pets and the local wildlife.)

 

 

 

And even though your yard may be walled in, venomous snakes can get in through drainage holes and even from climbing trees and dropping in! Snake training teaches your dog to be averted from the smell of a rattlesnake, instead of curious. Most dogs get bitten on the face when they go to sniff the snake. It's just 2 short classes and invaluable to both dog and human (you learn when your dog smells a snake, so you can stay away too). Your local vet can recommend a place for snake training.

Jakki Brooks

 

 

 

Good reminder for everyone. I sent this along to our friends that are moving here from Spokane. They have 2 small dogs. Thanks Lyn.

Jan Ferrell

At what weight is a dog safe to be outside alone?

(Lyn's note: I asked my friend who is an expert and here is her answer.

Boy, that's a judgement call. I would say surely under 20 lbs. needs someone right by them when they're out. Over 30 might be OK not watched, but mtn. lions and snakes take down large dogs all of the time. I guess it depends on the yard, the dog - of course there's safety in numbers so the more you have the better the odds. And the bigger the better.

Jakki Brooks

 

All of the walls are only 5' high by law. EVERYTHING can jump them. In fact bob cats & cougars can do things like double flips for Olympic style points. But the point I want to make is that the part about being close to them if they are outside may be wrong. The time Marianne was out with Chico she had him on a leash and that bob cat was still using cover to try to sneak up on him even though she was right there and he is a damn big 22lb tom cat. I think they will take some chances if hungry enough and the attack will be so quick that you can't do anything about it fast enough to save the pet. It may not be able to drag the pet off but it will still be dead.

Joe Arkeat
(Lyn's note: This is why it is bad to feed the wildlife. It does make them less afraid of humans. Not good for them or for us. The fact that Marianne had Chico on a leash did save their cat, as she was able to quickly remove him from harm's way. I heard about the incident at the time. The only sure way to be safe is to have the little ones, canine or feline, on a leash.)

 

I agree with you. Don't encourage these wild animals to our area by feeding them as they are not pets as cute as some may appear, as they could turn on you like a dime. Don't just not feed them, but keep a stack of rocks and let them know they are not wanted. Throw the rocks at them but try to only scare them, not hit them and hurt them. Recently I saw a big beautiful Buck with an arrow stuck in his left rear leg. You could tell he was limping and in pain. Who ever did that should spend some time in "Joe's" tent city.
Thanks Lyn.
Your friend, Blaine F. Keith

 

Thank you for a reminder!

Jackie Cetrone

 

 

Thanks so much. It is so scary-love desert-but not the wild animals. Your news letters are GREAT.

HUGS

LORAINE SIMONS

 

 

Even though short I was still happy to hear from you. It may be several weeks before I can walk very well or stand at the council meetings but I sure miss and love them all and happy to be living in such a well organized and well run city. That shows great leadership on the part of the people in this beautiful city.

Love all of you.

Blaine F. Keith

 

Hi Lyn,

For your newsletter:

DFT Gecko Teatro Youth Theater presents

Disney Beauty & the Beast, Jr.

May 18-27 at Cactus Shadows Fine Arts Center

May 18, 19, 25, 26, 7:30 p.m.

May 20, 27, 2 p.m.

The brainy and Beautiful Belle yearns to escape her provincial life...and her brute of a suitor, Gaston. However, Belle gets more adventure than she wanted when she becomes a captive in the Beast's enchanted castle! Dancing flatware, menacing wolves, and singing furniture fill the stage with thrills in this beloved fairy tale about very different people finding strength in one another and learning how to love. This energetic performance features 45 young actors ages 8-18! DFT Gecko Teatro’s performance of Seussical, Jr. last spring won six National Youth Arts Awards and was nominated for 19 ariZoni Awards including Best Overall Production, Musical. For tickets visit http://www.desertfoothillstheater.com or call 480-488-1981.

Brunch with Belle

Join us before the matinee performances on May 20 and May 27 for Brunch with Belle. Meet Belle and other characters from the production as you enjoy a traditional English Tea complete with finger sandwiches, tea, soft drinks and dessert hosted by the English Rose Tea Room, and served in the theater lobby. Tickets are $10 per person!

For tickets visit http://www.desertfoothillstheater.com or call 480-488-1981.

--Meribeth Reeves