ARIZONIQUES

ARIZON

Something of an almanac, a sampler, a calendar, and a guide to places, events,

'CAUSE' BELLS

If the idea of acquiring an object of art and helping a worthy cause at the same time appeals to you, consider the bronze wind bells offered by architect Paolo Soleri's Cosanti Foundation. Each of the imaginative bells includes a symbol representing a cause-a bronze tree for the Plant a Tree movement, figures of children for Our Children Our Future, and so forth. The bells retail for about eighty-five dollars, part of which goes to the appropriate charitable organization: UNICEF, CARE, Friends of the River, Greenpeace, just to name a few. For more information, write to Rebecca Wood, Cosanti Foundation, 6433 Doubletree Rd., Scottsdale, AZ 85253; or telephone 948-6145.

WILDERNESS ETHICS

Visiting a wilderness area carries the responsibility of preserving the unspoiled character of the land. The best way to ensure this is to practice “no trace” hiking and camping:

Along with ample rewards, backcountry travel poses some potential hazards. Carry first aid equipment and know how to use it. Also, be realistic about your physical conditioning and outdoor skills. Several books that can help you develop these skills are listed on page 19.

ARIZONA'S GRAND DAM

On March 18, Theodore Roosevelt Dam turns seventy-five years old. The 280-foot-high, 723-foot-long masonry structure was under construction from 1905 to 1911. Exterior walls are native granite blocks as much as fourteen feet in length. The first multipurpose dam project undertaken by the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation, Roosevelt remains today the world's highest masonry dam. At peak output, its generators produce 36,000 kilowatts of electricity. Roosevelt Lake, the reservoir that formed behind the dam, is twenty-three miles long and has an eighty-eight-mile shoreline. It contains 1,381,580 acre-feet of water, enough to supply Phoenix and the Valley of the Sun for one year.

The Salt River Project-the public utility that owns the damand a number of Roosevelt-area organizations plan celebrations in Phoenix on March 18 and at Roosevelt Dam March 15 and 16. The events will include speeches, a barbecue, a fishing derby, and other activities. For information call 236-8333.

MESA BUSINESS BOOM

According to John Naisbitt, author of the best-selling books Megatrends and The Year Ahead: 1986, Mesa, Arizona, is one of the nation's ten best places to start a business. Why? Two things, he says: enthusiasm for the entrepreneurial spirit and practical support for small business through many forms of economic assistance. According to author Naisbitt, Mesa is quickly becoming an attractive center for conventions, tourism, technology, and retailing activity. The nine other top new-business places, listed alphabetically, are Ann Arbor; Atlanta; Connecticut; Indianapolis; Massachusetts; Minneapolis-St. Paul; San Antonio; San Diego; and Tampa.

IQUES CALENDAR

March 1 and 2, Phoenix. Heard Museum Guild Indian Fair presents demonstrations by Indian potters, ceremonial dancers, Indian foods, and more. Telephone 252-8840.

March 1 and 2, Tombstone. Tombstone Territorial Days. “The town too tough to die” celebrates its heritage with staged shoot-outs, Arizona Fire Hose Cart races, cake walks, and a Junior Miss pageant. Telephone 452-2211.

March 8, Phoenix. Phoenix Jaycees Rodeo of Rodeos parade and western hoedown, including stagecoach rides, barbecue, shoot-outs, gold panning, and more. The rodeo runs from March 12 through 16. Telephone 263-8671.

March 13 and 14, Tucson. Daughters of the Desert: Women Anthropologists in the Southwest, 1880-1980. Exhibit opens on the 13th and conference on the 14th covering the important work of women in Southwestern anthropology. The exhibit runs through September. Telephone 621-7338.

March 19 through 23, Phoenix. The Maricopa County Fair features animal exhibits; hog, steer, and lamb auctions; food concessions; midway rides, and more. Telephone 967-8714.

March 24 through 30, Peoria. The Virginia Slims of Arizona women's tennis tournament. Top women tennis pros gather for a week of fierce competition. Telephone 878-1588.

March 28 through April 1, Tempe. TAASP/WHIM (The Association for the Anthropological Study of Play/World Humor and Irony Membership) Humor Conference with nationally know humorists speaking on topics from political cartoons to erotic folk elements in the humor and play of adolescents. Telephone Don LF. Nilsen, 965-7592.

March 22 through April 13, Tucson. Tucson Festival. Fiestas, craft markets, parades, ethnic food, dance performances, and more happen every weekend as Tucson celebrates its rich cultural mix. Telephone 622-6911.

SUPERSTITION MOUNTAIN HISTORY

The Superstition Mountains east of Phoenix once harbored the prehistoric Hohokam as well as latter-day Pima and Apache Indians. Later, Spanish explorers and Mexican gold miners visited the austere mountain range and reported rumors of fabulous wealth. Then came Jacob Walz and his Lost Dutchman Mine, spawning legends that have intrigued millions the world over. Today the mountain's riches are its wilderness retreats, enjoyed by thousands every month. The Superstition Mountain Historical Society is dedicated to collecting and preserving the history and the legends of these mountains. The society publishes books and papers on related subjects, develops educational programs for the public, funds research, and is promoting construction of a museum to display materials related to the Superstitions.

Membership in the society starts at ten dollars. Dues are tax deductible and entitle you to a yearly journal, a quarterly newsletter, voting rights, invitations to special events, discounts on publications, and, when the museum is completed, the use of its library and archives. For more information, write the Superstition Mountain Historical Society, P.O. Box 1535, Apache Junction, AZ 85220.

WILDFLOWER HOTLINE

March through June are the months when - if rainfall has been adequate - the desert explodes with wildflowers and cactus blossoms. To find out what's blooming where in Arizona, call the Desert Botanical Garden's wildflower hotline, 941-1239. For a calendar of events and exhibits at the botanical garden, call 941-1225, or stop by at 1201 N. Galvin Parkway, Phoenix.

A HIKING CHECKLIST

Here are a few suggestions to help make your treks into Arizona's wilderness areas more enjoyable.

Water is always a critical concern, not only in the desert but also in many high elevation areas. Carry a map showing alternate water sources and bring water purification tablets. I recommend carrying at least two quart-size canteens in the side pockets of your backpack. If water exists along the trail, freeze-dried foods can provide gourmet eating.

The new lightweight Gore-Tex hiking boots are unbeatable. They are tougher than leather, breathe, and aren't easily damaged by water. Since many Arizona wilderness trails are paved with rocks, select heavy nonslip soles.

Day packs are great for short hikes. You can stuff them with sandwiches, cameras, extra socks-even a bottle of wine to go with the Brie. Latest models are made of iron-tough nylon that won't tear on catclaw or manzanita bushes.

Space Age nylon also is favored for large frame-type packs, which have greatly improved in recent years. Major outdoor gear manufacturers offer backpacks in size from 1700to 5500-cubicinch capacity. Don't pick one too large or you'll tend to overburden yourself. Several models feature detachable compartments and “fanny packs,” so you can vary capacity to suit your needs.

Small backpack stoves are available that are remarkably light (less than two pounds) and easy to use.

Emergency equipment should include first aid and snakebite kits, waterproof matches, nylon rope, and a signal mirror.Finally, use a walking stick. It'll prevent injury and make walking easier.