Cleanup in Topaz Ranch Estates is success

Last Saturday's cleanup in Topaz Ranch Estates was very successful. People were showing up at the collection site to get rid of unwanted items at the very second the collection area opened.

n "I probably should have rented three more dumpsters," said Ole Chavez, who was spearheading the project for the day. Volunteers were walking up and down the roads with huge plastic bags picking up roadside trash. Bob Arden came to the collection site with his Chase Bob Cat and assisted Jim O'Dell who was operating the TRE Water Co. backhoe to place large items, couches, washers, dryers and other miscellaneous refuse in the dumpsters. All in all, it was a wonderful community project.

n Starting at 2 p.m., the Topaz Ranch Estates Volunteer Fire Department fundraising barbecue was getting underway with more people attending the event than the year before. It was a gathering place for politicians running for office in the county. The Motifs, who donated their time to the event, were great as always, the food, New York steaks donated by Topaz Lodge and Casino, were mouth-wateringly tender and juicy and the camaraderie of the community attending the event all made for a fun day. With the event being held at the Topaz Ranch Estates Community Park building this year instead of the fire station, it was also "kid-friendly" and the volunteers provided games and entertainment for the children including a huge piñata filled with candy. When it finally was smacked enough times to release the contents, the melee that followed could only be described as nothing more than controlled chaos.

n On another note, Med Direct, the urgent care center that just opened its doors at the end of March in Holbrook Junction under the guidance of Dr. William O'Shaughnessy, has closed its doors due to lack of business. The building erected to house not only the urgent care, but also the sheriff's sub-station and the library kiosk will remain open for the sub-station and library.

n Topaz Lake Volunteer Fire Department members have put together a team for the Relay for Life happening Aug. 26-27. They are doing the event in honor of Linda Fields, wife of assistant volunteer Fire Chief Chuck Fields, who is undergoing intensive cancer treatment. The volunteers are looking for pledges and donations for the two day relay to raise money cancer research and awareness for those whose lives have been touched by this devastating disease. Contact Fire Chief Dave Thomas 266-3377 for more information or to donate to the fundraiser.

n Don't forget about the petition being circulated in several locations in TRE requesting the need for turn lanes or other safety precautions along Highway 208 between Pearl Road and the last turn onto Topaz Ranch Road. If you haven't already signed it, please make a point to do so. The petitions are located at Nevada Trading Company/Topaz Joe's, Reflections II and the TRE Water Co. You do not need to live in TRE to sign the sheets. Anyone who travels that stretch of Highway 208 are encouraged to sign.

Until next week, keep on keepin' on.

n Jonni Hill can be reached through The Record-Courier at jhill@recordcourier.com or by calling 782-5121, ext. 213, or after hours at JHILL47@aol.com