Faces of Rim Country 2006

For months, the staff of the Payson Roundup has been working on a large-scale portrait project we titled "Faces of Rim Country." In this gallery, we offer an uninterpreted look at Payson and the surrounding towns. There is little writing to accompany this project -- only photos and the briefest of descriptions of the people in the photos. The rest is left to the viewer.

Betty Steiber
Betty Steiber thinks Payson is a friendly town, and she has worked to extend that friendship as a volunteer with the Chamber of Commerce for eighteen years. "I started in the old building right here on this lot," Steiber said. "I am just an ordinary person. I go home and take care of my dog, Fluffy. I live a quiet life. I like to be in the shadows, not in the lime light." View photo »
Casey Ellsworth
"Casey is a worrier," said Juanita Sizemore, mother of 12-year-old Casey Ellsworth. "He worries about everything, but he is a good kid." Sizemore, a single mother, sold their home at Jake's Corner, 30 miles from town, to move Casey to a place where he could have more friends and activities. "Sometimes I do worry," Casey said. "I worry about my dog. He is an older dog and he is blind. He is having convulsions, and we might have to put him down." Recently, Casey faced an even bigger concern when his 29-year-old brother suffered a stroke and was hospitalized. "I am really worried about my brother because he is a big part of my life." View photo »
Alyce Hicks and Tom Montoya
Alyce Hicks and Tom Montoya have been living together for 27 years. They're not married, and that's the way they like it. "Married people fight all the time about money, but we don't have any," Hicks said. Looking at Montoya with a wry smile, Hicks adds, "He is a lady's man and I love it. I love being around a man who loves women." Montoya is a retired truck driver who hauled groceries to training posts on the reservations for both the Navajo and Hopi nations. "I like living in Payson. I like the weather, and the people are very friendly. All my neighbors are very nice. I feel fortunate." View photo »
Marcy Rogers
Pictured with Jessica, left, and Baisia, two of the Payson Community Kids. "I tell people I'm the single mother of 50," Rogers said. The founder of the Payson Community Kids program, which provides activities, clothing and school supplies for area children, said for fun she enjoys hanging out with the kids in the program and visiting family and friends out of town. Her hobbies include gardening and reading. View photo »
Ed "Hollywood" Holyoak
Walk into the smoke-filled Sidewinders bar in Pine on any given Sunday, and there among dusty, welder boots and black-leather vests covered with patches, among the military tattoos and light beer, you'll find Hollywood and Vine, his wife of four years. Ed "Hollywood" Holyoak has been riding motorcycles since he was 9 years old when he got a 125cc bike and learned the dirt roads of the Southern California 40-acre avocado grove of his youth. Hollywood and Vine gather every Sunday with dozens of other bikers from the local chapters of the Modified Motorcycle Association (MMA) and American Brotherhood Aimed Toward Education (ABATE). It's all part of the group's commitment to community service. Hollywood promotes biker safety and driver awareness, and though he doesn't wear a helmet, he believes that decision should be left to the individual. "I believe in motorcycle rights," Hollywood said. "One of the reasons I live in Arizona is so I can carry a firearm, because I have my rights, my right to bear arms. That doesn't have to do much with motorcycle rides, but they go hand in hand." View photo »
Don Wolfe
With a six-shooter strapped to an authentic western leather holster, Don Wolfe emerges from the restored Zane Grey cabin replica to greet visitors at Green Valley Park. "I like everything about the old west," said the 77-year-old volunteer member of the Zane Grey Cabin Foundation. "Especially the code of the west - that the males looked out for and protected the women and the children. It's too bad it's not that way nowadays." View photo »
Kathy Nelson
Rim Country residents might sooner recognize Kathy Nelson's voice before placing her face. Both her voice and friendly smile have welcomed hungry customers to Payson's Taco Bell drive-thru window for more than eight years. "A lot of times people say they like it when I am at the window," Nelson said. "I get to know my customers. I have regular customers who come in all the time. It's a hard job - I really don't think people know that. But I like meeting people, and most of them are very nice." Nelson has lived in Payson 10 years, and enjoys going to the movies when she has time off from work. View photo »
Troy Williams
Troy Williams, 24, performs the often-thankless job of gathering and returning shopping carts at the busiest shopping outlet in Payson, the Wal-Mart Supercenter. "It's an all day thing," said Williams as he pushed carts in the rain during a summer monsoon storm. "I get a lot of exercise and people sometimes ask what I think about when I work. I usually try to just keep pushing the carts and think about where I might find more carts. When I am not at work working, I am at home working. I take care of the animals at the house for my family - the horses, the dogs and the cat. I also like to play video games." View photo »
Carlie Chlarson
As she smiles into the breeze, the wind lifts five-year-old Carlie Chlarson's hair after her first day of kindergarten at Julia Randall Elementary. Carlie is one of 2,900 students enrolled in the Payson School District this year. "My first day of school was fun because I got to learn and make new friends," Carlie said. "And my teacher is very, very, nice." Carlie tells her mom that when she grows up she wants to be a nurse, just like her father. View photo »
Michael Stern
Forty-five-year-old Michael Stern is a familiar face in Rim Country. Like many area residents, Stern often juggles several jobs to provide for his family. He has worked at numerous local businesses including two grocery stores, taught in the Payson schools, and served up countless cups of coffee at Starbucks and Circle K. "When you make commitments to your family, you stand by those commitments. That basically means I do what I have to do no matter what - responsibility comes first," he said. "The bills have to be paid." To sum up how he feels about living in Payson, Stern said, "Stranded in paradise has never been so fun." View photo »
Ali Tenney
Eight-year-old Ali Tenney is an amazing reader and has read all six Harry Potter books at least once. She is a sixth-generation Hunt, one of the founding families of Pine-Strawberry. The Hunts settled the Strawberry Valley and parts of Pine in the 1880s. Like many Mormon pioneer families, the Hunts were headed to California. After stopping in Snowflake to visit relatives, they resumed their trek and discovered the beautiful Pine-Strawberry area. The family has occupied the same homestead for more than 100 years. "Ali is a wonderful, well-rounded child," said her mother, Kadi. "She's smart, fun, beautiful and happy - all the things you want your child to be." Dressed in a traditional pioneer bonnet, Ali recently participated in the annual Pioneer Day celebration at Payson's Rumsey Park. View photo »
Stacy Lopatesky
With an occasional glance at the sidewalk in front of her, Stacy Lopatesky reads from a book as she walks along the lakeside at Payson's Green Valley Park. Stacy's father died Feb. 22, 2006. Just 54 days later, on April 17, she lost her mother. Like Stacy, both parents were long-time Payson residents. In her search to find the meaning of life and to cope with her loss, the 33-year-old began walking and reading at the park. "It gives me time to search within," Lopatesky said. "Instead of looking for somebody else to find answers, you need to educate yourself. Truth is not something that's disguised, but you need to take time to look for it." Photo by Richard Haddad View photo »
Dennis Pirch
During a 28-year coaching career, Dennis Pirch led the Longhorns to 10 state championships, 23 regional titles, 100-plus tournament championships and a top-20 national ranking. In compiling a dual meet record of 378 and 44, he was a 20-time region coach of the year winner, 10-time 3A state coach of the year and was twice selected All-Arizona Coach of the Year. In 1997, he was chosen Region 8 and National Coach of the Year by the National Wrestling Coaches Association. Four years later, USA Wrestling Magazine tapped him Arizona Man of the Year. Today, Pirch is co-owner of The Tackle Box in Tonto Basin and an outdoors writer for the Payson Roundup. He ends most every column with "Go out and enjoy God's creation." View photo »
Sue Wilson
A volunteer at the Payson Public Library, Wilson helps shelve books in the bookstore. She is also on the board of the Library Friends and has been with them for at least 15 years. She volunteers as a cashier for the Time Out Shelter Thrift Store and is a deacon for the Community Presbyterian Church. In her role as deacon she prepares the communion, she is also on the church's member care committee and is helping with the fund-raiser for the Northern Gila County Historical Museum. She and her husband raised their grandchildren in Payson and in recent years have provided a home for foreign exchange students. She loves to read - consuming three or four books a week. View photo »
Teddy Tomerlin
Teddy Tomerlin, 33, has worked in the streets department for the Town of Payson for 12 years. "I was raised here on a ranch, and I went to high school here," Tomerlin said. "I want my kids to grow up here. Payson is a good place to live, grow up and work. I like my job and I like the guys I work with. I like being involved in making Payson look good." View photo »
Ashley James
Sophomore Ashley James is not much older than the 14-year-old gelding she has been caring for and training the past eight months. "Sprocket is not a 'whatever' kind of horse, he's very spirited," James said. Sprocket is a cross between an Arabian and a Quarter Horse and his original name was "Gus." "That name did not fit his personality," she said. James saved her own money, $2,400, earned working at the Pine Ice Company, to purchase Sprocket. He is her first horse and she admits owning a horse takes more work than she imagined, at least three to four hours a day. Rope-broke when she bought him, Sprocket is being trained to compete in barrel races and pole bending. Later, the two will learn goat tying, and breakaway calf roping. James is part of 4-H and Future Farmers of America. She plans to compete with Sprocket on the high school rodeo circuit. View photo »
Eric Randau
Assistant Boy Scout Master, Eric Randau, of Payson Troop 354 likes what scouting has to offer young men. "In scouts you do things for real, not life in a video game," Randau explains. "The boys learn skills, yes, but they also develop character and maturity. And, of course, they have fun." Randau, like most adult volunteers who provide the leadership for the Zane Grey District program, started scouting as a child and enjoys helping other young men discover adventure in the Boy Scouts of America. View photo »
Alan Hallman
About six years ago, Dr. Alan Hallman helped the efforts of the Payson Humane Society by donating $5,000 worth of spay/neuters for adopted animals. Three years later, his generosity again surfaced when he donated the $500 he won at a Payson High School football game back to the football program. He won the money after successfully toeing a field goal in a half-time contest. "I came here with $20 and left with nothing," he said. "That's about what I expected to spend." When not running his busy veterinary clinic, Hallman is an acclaimed hunter who travels the world in search of big game animals. View photo »
Carol Foster
The newest employee at the Butcher Hook Store in Tonto Basin, has two dogs, a Springer Spaniel and Border Collie, and loves music. She participates in karaoke whenever she can, which is Thursday through Saturday nights at the Butcher Hook Bar. She also enjoys reading and said the best thing about the area is being away from the big city, the traffic and hectic lifestyle. View photo »
Curtis Jackson
Curtis Jackson is a familiar face to anyone who frequents the Butcher Hook in Tonto Basin, he's been employed there 19 and a half years or, "Too dang long," he said. Jackson has a love of tongue twisters and the trade he learned over 30 years ago - auctioneer. "It's better than most, not as good some, but it's finer than frog hair split three ways on a very dang sunny day," he said. An auctioneering instructor once told him to get high on life, not drugs, so that is what Jackson said he does. "Without a sense of humor life is dull," Jackson said. "I have a good time and try to make people happy. I hate to see anyone down and out." View photo »
Barbara Gustafson
Standing at the base of the firefighter memorial in front of the museum at Green Valley Park, Barbara Gustafson rubs her hand on the foot of the statue. "We have a tradition about this statue," she explains. "If you rub his left foot, a firefighter somewhere, someplace feels thanked." The museum volunteer has lived in Payson for 18 years and witnessed the devastation of the 1990 Dude fire that took the lives of six firefighters. The statue bears the names of these firefighters and others who lost their lives protecting Rim Country's forests. "I think it is important to remember their service." View photo »
Cynthia and Brianna Espinoza
Walking out of the Sawmill Theatre on a cool afternoon, the Espinoza sisters share a bond of sisterhood along with their feelings about their new home. Originally a Phoenix family, the Espinozas now live in Payson. "I like living here much better because it's not as hot as in Phoenix," said 12-year-old Cynthia. "When we moved here, I got to meet lots of new people and make more friends." "We love to go to the river," said 10-year-old Brianna. "We swim, jump off the rocks, swing and climb." The Espinozas represent a growing number of young families moving north to Rim Country not only to escape the heat, but also in search of a place where children can feel safe and be a part of the community. View photo »
Gordon "Gordy" Ellis
Gordon "Gordy" Ellis moved to the Rim County two years ago from San Diego to be near his family. He retired from the U.S. Navy as a chief petty officer on the USS Valley Forge, a guided missile cruiser, after "25 years, six months and five days, but nobody was counting after the 25 years," he said. Ellis, a registered nurse before he entered the service, was trained by the Navy as a physician's assistant and ran the medical department on the ship. The health of 350 crew members was in his hands. When his son-in-law's dad told him the Payson Senior Center was looking for help, Ellis applied and was hired as the afternoon bus driver. "The seniors call me 'the baby' because I am 58," he said. Officially, he now serves as the center's full-time volunteer coordinator, but he wears many hats. He assists the director. If he isn't coordinating seniors' transportation, he's driving them in the bus himself. "I'm happy," Ellis said. "I don't miss (the Navy) yet - I am too busy here." View photo »
Tim Edgar
Tim Edgar, 41, faces a lot of obstacles on the road in his job. As a Waste Management truck driver, his days start early, and he performs a job many people may take for granted. "It's a service to the community - not one that people always appreciate - but it's a good service that is needed," Edgar said. "It keeps you busy and on your toes. You have to be alert and safe. There are often people dodging you who don't like to be behind big trucks. That can be scary." Edgar rides his bike to work, 16 miles round-trip from Star Valley, three times a week. "I like to be out in the woods and mountains. That is one reason I moved here." View photo »
Rachel Duell
The first faces you might see on a visit to the emergency room at Payson Regional Medical Center are likely to be emergency room registration clerks, Rachel Duell and Dawn Tatum. Duell, left, moved to Payson from Seattle five years ago. "The first time I came through Payson, it was night time," Duell said. "I remember seeing older couples outside walking together. It seems they felt safe. That's what drew me here. That's what I wanted." Tatum, a Gisela resident, has lived in Rim Country for twenty years and has seen many changes. "I know it's not as small as it used to be, but it's still small enough and I love it. I would never want to go back to the Valley and live in a big city again." View photo »
Wally and Wally Davis
Until the early 1970s, the Tonto Apaches were considered "squatters" on their own land - a designation forever altered by three men and a woman who became the founding fathers of the tribe and reservation. One of those men, Wally Davis, Sr., left, is proud to have been a part of the progress his son, Wally Davis, Jr., right, and other tribal members now enjoy. "When we donate to the surrounding areas, it's kind of like a payback to the ranchers and the pioneers that stood behind us when we were nothing," said Wally, Jr. "I am especially proud of my dad. He is the greatest, because he is there for us when we need him through the rough times." View photo »
Betty Calderon and her children, Ximena and Mariana Lopez
Betty Calderon waits on a quiet Rim Country street holding her 10-month-old baby, Ximena, and looking for the school bus that will pick up her 5-year-old daughter, Mariana. The Calderon-Lopez family is from Veracruz, Mexico. Speaking through an interpreter, she talks about how life can sometimes be hard for her family in Payson, but she enjoys living here and serving her family as a mother. "I love everything about being a mother - to watch over my children, to dress them, to be sure they have proper meals and to make sure that they are safe. It isn't always easy." View photo »
Thank you for viewing this community photo exhibit presented by the Payson Roundup. These photos were showcased on August 4, 2006 at a reception held in the Payson Public Library. The event doubled as a fundraiser for the library expansion project. View photo »