RAINBOW ACRES BLOG

Put it on your calendars!  On February 10, 2010, Rainbow Acres is having a chili cook-off and root beer float fundraiser for the people affected by the earthquake in Haiti.

Arizona is known for its sunny skies and balmy temperatures, but winter, on occasion, has been known to make an appearance.  Rainbow Acres is located in Camp Verde, which is in the mountains north of Phoenix (in the Verde Valley).  On average, it is colder in Camp Verde, but snow is still a rarity.

This is why Verde Valley residents, including the Ranchers and employees of Rainbow Acres, were shocked to awaken to snow this morning (see photo above)!  Heavy rain, deep snow and high winds have been felt across the state, closing roads and canceling flights.  At Rainbow, the weather meant no Thursday morning crews in an effort to keep the Ranchers inside and safe.

On one hand, we pray for the safety Arizona residents while this weather passes through.  On the other, we take joy in the opportunity to experience just a little bit of winter in this typically warm, dry climate.  Many Ranchers come to Rainbow from cities and states that experience snow often, and while few complain about the typically easy winters, the occasional snow at Rainbow Acres brings with it just a bit of needed nostalgia.

*UPDATE – While the winter weather was at time a bit treacherous, God provided through the storm.  Because of the rain and snow that moved through, the Arizona high desert is ahead of its moisture average for the first time in several years.  According to Rainbow employees, this likely means a lush spring, full of beautiful foliage, is likely to follow.

Because our Ranch is so big and our Ranchers so busy I had to devise a way to set my eyes on every Rancher at least monthly.  I decided to do a monthly “Weigh Day” at my office in the Rainbow Acres Health & Wellness Center. It is a very popular day and the Ranchers look forward to the date on their calendars.  In fact, it is the party of the month!  They line up during their morning break and wait anxiously for their turn to be called into the office and placed on the scale.  All the while, they get to enjoy the company of their fellow Ranchers as they wait for their turn.

Many of our Ranchers love to write.  They love to write letters to loved ones, poems, stories and even sports commentary!  Brent is one Rainbow’s most prolific Ranchers, and he offers the following report and commentary on upcoming Special Olympics events.

In Special Olympics news…

Brent will be leaving Rainbow Acres for 2 days to report for the 2010 Special Olympic National Summer Games training camp.  It will take place on Saturday, January 30th in Scottsdale.  He will be playing on the 2010 Arizona Special Olympics National Bocce team in both the two-man and four-man bocce events.

There are also games being played this summer in Lincoln, Nebraska!  There will be 14 different sports events where one athlete or one team will win the gold medal.  It is where pride and glory is in every athlete.  One athlete and one team will go all the way and win for their state!  Many will come home state heroes!  One athlete will win the athlete of the year award!  It is where special athletes from across the United States will come!   It is the 2010 Special Olympic National Summer Games!!

At Rainbow Acres, we are motivated and inspired everyday by our Ranchers. We strive to recognize them individually for their accomplishments and the spirit they bring to the Ranch.

The Rancher of the month for December was Angelina!
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Angelina’s birthday is on April 1. She is originally from El Salvador, but came to Rainbow from Prescott Valley.

Angelina’s smile lights up a room, and she is a friendly, sociable person. She enjoys latch hook crafts, board games and video games. When she sits back for television programs, her favorite shows are “I Love Lucy”, “America’s Funniest Home Videos” and “Little House on the Prairie.” Her preferred movies are musicals and animated features.

She has participated in Special Olympics in the past, and has continued her involvement at Rainbow. Angelina enjoys singing in the Rainbow Acres Rancher Choir.

Angelina is proud of being well behaved, and she finds inspiration from a verse in Matthew that says “Let the little children come unto me.”
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We appreciate Angelina’s contribution to the Ranch, and we look forward to sharing more Rancher stories with you!