Travel Channel Show Featuring Family Tree May 4

Leslie Broadhead and daughter, Bobby Shaw, near a reported paranormal hot spot inside The Family Tree Restaurant.  The two are among those featured in an upcoming episode of The Dead Files.

A local restaurant will soon have its hour on TV. Family Tree owner, Leslie Broadhead was contacted last week by the creators of The Dead Files, whose crews filmed inside the restaurant and within the Santaquin community in mid-December. According to Broadhead, the episode featuring her restaurant will air on Friday, May 4, on the Travel Channel.

The Dead Files' premise is one which follows the trail of retired New York City homicide detective, Steve DiSchiavi, and psychic medium, Amy Allan, as they pursue the paranormal in well known haunts. The Family Tree, which sits at 77 West Main in Santaquin, has been the center of such reports even prior to its opening in the early 1980s. The restaurant occupies buildings that functioned for numerous businesses over time. And has been occupied by ghosts, according to local accounts.

Anticipation looms over conclusions made by the show's medium, according to Broadhead. “I'm just getting getting excited,” she explained. “I want to see how it comes together.”

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Jeff Pace Looks Forward To Football Down Under this Summer

PHS senior center Jeff Pace enjoyed his football experience at Payson High School and is currently working to fulfill an opportunity to represent Utah Football on the National Western Conference Team competing at the 2012 Down Under Bowl hosted on the Gold Coast of Australia.

PHS Head Football Coach Jeremy Chapman, who nominated Jeff for the event, says, “I think it is a fantastic opportunity for Jeff, one that he has worked hard for and deserves.  He will represent the Payson High community well, and gain experiences that he will take with him for the rest of his life.  I’m proud of Jeff.”

Jeff looks forward to playing football in Australia as part of the Down Under Sports experience, and it will add to the excitement he has already felt in being a vital part of the Payson Lion Football program on the offensive line.  As a 150-pound center he often faced much larger linemen on opposing teams, and the classic rivalry encounter with Salem Hills this past fall will always stay with him.  He looks forward to attending Snow College as a starting point in his post-high school educational career.

Jeff is seeking sponsors for his chance to represent PHS, Utah, and the U.S. in Australia.

Payson Chamber Plans Easter Egg Hunt

Advertise in The Payson Chronicle.  Email Michael Olson at thepaysonchronicle@msn.com for details.

For a taste of The Payson Chronicle, check out our new website at www.paysonchronicle.com.

American Leadership Academy Wins Moab Invitational

Pictured: Front (L-R) Kyle VanWinkle, Lincoln Henderson, Gatlan Hone, Hudson Chapple, Neil Davis, Kalin Johnson,; Back Row (L-R) Danny Pawelek COACH, Ryan Landes, Travid Morril, Austin Hallet, Oaks Morley, Wyatt Chapman, Sage Anderson, Carter Henderson, Jake Atwood, Stuart Henry (asst. Coach).

ALA attended the Moab invitational last weekend. Friday's game was 12-2 in favor of ALA over the Rangely Panthers of Colorado. The winning pitcher was Austin Hallet. The first game Saturday ALA was in the hole early 4-0 against the Millard Eagles. ALA got serious after a Millard player slide hard into 3rd and spiked the 3rd baseman. ALA wound up scoring 5 runs in the 6th to come out ahead at 7-6. A home run by Kyle VanWinkle proved to be the go ahead run that put ALA on top. Extra base hits by Gatlin Hone helped seal the victory. Winning pitcher was Kyle VanWinkle. To finish the day ALA played the Grand Red Devils of Moab. ALA jumped to a quick lead on a 1st inning 3-run home run by Kyle VanWinkle. Grand fought back in the later innings to go ahead 4-3. With darkness setting in ALA needed a run to tie. A collision at home plate as Ryan Landes attempted to score was initially ruled an out until the umpire noticed the baseball in the catcher's mitt--lying on the grand--no longer on the catcher's hand. ALA went on to score 2 more runs to win 6-5. Winning pitcher was Gatlin Hone. ALA is now 3-1 with a tough loss to South Summit last week 8-7. The head coach Danny Pawelek was asked what accounts for this turnaround from last year and he credits the victory due to the hard work and extra reps the pitchers got through last year.

Political Discourse to Arise This Week at Local Caucuses

Utah Democratic caucuses kick off on Tuesday, March 13, starting at 7 PM, at meeting places throughout the state. Voters may log onto http://utahdemocrats.org/caucus-location-information/ for their local caucus meeting details.

Republican caucuses are scheduled for Thursday, March 15, at 7 PM. Registered voters, regardless of party affiliation, may access direct details on where they might participate by logging onto http://utgop.org/splash/index.asp, and running a search based on both name and birth date.

The Constitution Party will also host caucuses throughout Utah on March 15, each meeting starting at 7:00 PM. All Salem, Payson, Elk Ridge, and Woodland Hills precincts plan to gather at 119 West Salem Canal Road; as this residence is in an unincorporated area of Utah County, please call 801-423-2324 if additional directions are required. All Goshen, Genola, Santaquin, and Juab County precincts will meet at 79 South Center in Goshen. For additional location details, log onto http://www.cputah.us/caucus.html#Utah.

A Constitution Party convention will follow later this week, March 17, at the Peteetneet Museum and Cultural Arts Center in Payson.  The convention starts it 7 PM.

Fifteen-Year-Old Payson Market Named Business of the Month

Surrounded by Chamber representatives are the friendliest crew in town. Photographed in the center, banner before them, they include: (front, left-right) Mike Tippets (plaque in hand), manager; Sabrina Kay, floral department; Christy Sanderson, general merchandise; Jana Shaw, bakery; Bernie Parra, meat department; Marilyn Taylor, assistant front manager; (immediately behind, left-right) Garrett Fowden, produce manager; Hal Measom, pharmacist; Holly Hewell, front end; Jake Ore, front end supervisor; Stacie Timothy, bakery.

Chamber of Commerce President Eric Buchanan (left) gives Payson Market Manager Mike Tippets a plaque and a handshake, making official store's role as March 2012's Business of the Month.  

Payson Market decked the aisles in celebration last week, its checkout counters trimmed with balloons. All set the mood for what was in store March 6. And what was in store was the honor of Business of the Month, with the Payson Chamber of Commerce on site to pass onto the staff a banner and plaque in recognition.

Payson Market has been a popular part of the commerce scene since the full-service grocery store opened in December 1996. Locally owned and operated, it is well known for providing quality goods to the public within a friendly atmosphere.

“We are owned locally, bank locally, and buy locally,” notes the Payson Market staff. “We hope to see you all at Payson Market soon, your friendliest store in town. We pride ourselves on our quality and customer service. If you need anything, just ask for Mike or Marilyn.”

They add, “Thank you, Payson, for fifteen great years. We look forward to many more.”

Spring Fashion Show Promises More Than Mere Insight into What is In This Season

J Jeans & Things owner, Jamie Rolfe, with her mom, Chris Olson, co-owner of Olson's Garden Shoppe. The Payson business will serve as the setting for the second semi-annual Spring Fashion Show hosted by Rolfe.

J Jeans & Things promises put people in the mood for clothes in mode on Saturday. The local boutique will host its Spring Fashion Show, March 10, at Olson's Garden Shoppe, with local models taking the catwalk in the latest styles to have arrived in Payson.

The show begins at 2 PM, but the in-store sales continue throughout the afternoon. Sales on merchandise will run as soon as the doors open at 10 AM until closing time at 6 PM. Door prizes and drawings will run throughout the day, and free gifts rendered with purchases.

J Jeans & Things owner, Jamie Rolfe's eye for style is in persistent pursuit. She stays in sync with the shifting trends, traveling to fashion expos throughout Utah and beyond. “I find what I like,” she said.

And what it is she likes appeals to her customers. The boutique has expanded its reach from its central Payson location, operating inside Olson's Garden Shoppe at 1190 West 400 North, to sales at Signs & Wonders in Spanish Fork and Shaybee in Springville. Aside from scouting out stylish attires at expos, which include What Women Want exposition, she participates in these events as a vendor. A new web page, currently under construction and reaching completion, will soon make purchasing the products of her keen clothing sense all the more accessible.

Rolfe's upcoming Spring Fashion Show is the second semi-annual event she has hosted. The first, held last fall, prior to the Christmas shopping season, was so successful, says Rolfe, she felt confident that a second show would not fail. Much like her fall show, Rolfe has enlisted local models to stroll down the catwalk in the clothes she will be selling through J Jeans & Things.

Rolfe is the daughter of Olson's Garden Shoppe owners, Brad and Chris Olson. She and her husband had been residing in Arizona until two years ago. Their decision to move back to Utah led to Rolfe's transition into boutique ownership, seizing a chance at sharing some space in the popular Payson business.

Rolfe's initial foray revolved around chic, decorative jeans; thus Jamie named the business J Jeans & Things. The stylish boutique has expanded from just jeans to tops, cardigans, bows- virtually any piece of attire that would complement virtually any size, 0-21. To highlight the diversity of age and sizes she accommodates at her boutique, Jamie has invited girls and women from most every domain to model in the Spring Fashion Show.

She is now including a new line of little girls clothes, with such brands as Down East Girl. Her spring show will introduce some items from the new line, with models assigned accordingly. Jamie's three-year-old daughter, Lilly, will be among the youngest models.

Lilly will be joined on the catwalk with local models, Maddie Meuter, Mckinely Roundy, Aleia Roundy, Elexa Roundy, Hayley Hayward, Taja Throckmorton, Cecily Yates, Kaydee Clair, Cori Krukiewicz, Kaela Evans, Shanae Sainsbury, Savannah Phelps, Iris Intarkomalyasut, Victoria Thomas, Bria Stewart, Callie Coburn, Marli Jo Coburn, Clair Coburn, Kodi Price, Lacie Tipton, Vanessa Peterson, Aspen Balzly, Camri Jensen, Karli Jensen, Jenn Mobbs and daughters, Danika John, Samantha Ford, Courtney Behrmann, Bobbi Jo Barker, Kennedee Barker, Amber Bailey, Jane Eyre, Kaylee Adams, Summer Christensen, Angie Harris, Addison Harris, Ashton Welker, Lola Welker, Lilly Rolfe, Halle Tischner, Nevaeh Peterson, and Kalee Reed.

The model who garners the greatest public support during Saturday's Spring Fashion Show will receive a free pair of jeans, according to Rolfe. She encourages folks to come out and support their favorite participant while taking part in a fashionable afternoon at J Jeans & Things.  

Payson Family Welcomes Third Leap Day Baby

The Estes family, all together in their Payson home (left-right): Xavier, Louise holding baby Jade, David with both Remington and Seeley, and “Xander.”

Louise Estes with baby Jade (left) and proud grandma, Yvonne Gronberg (right).

Leap Day came this year with not only an additional day in February. For a Payson family, it brought the addition of its newest member, a baby girl, Jade Luane, born at 7:16 AM on February 29 to Louise and David Estes.

Baby Jade's arrival brought also a remarkable status. She was the third Leap Day baby for the family, a rarity in recent recorded history for any family worldwide.

According to proud grandma, Yvonne Gronberg, who, along with grandpa, William, lives next door to the family, she was told that the chances of a mother giving birth in three consecutive leap years is one in a billion. Possibly the only reported birth sequence is shared with a Norwegian family, she said.

Louise, a Payson native, and David, originally from Kenisaw, Georgia, met while they were students at Brigham Young University. Both having served LDS missions in Japan, they each were drawn to joining the campus Japanese language club. Before long, they were drawn to each other.

The couple were married in 2003. The arrival of their first baby—and Leap Day baby, Xavier Ian, was born on February 29, 2004. Their second child, a boy they named Alexander (“Xander”) William, was born two years later, July 10, 2006, avoiding any possibility of a February 29 date altogether. But as the following leap year arrived, their third son, Remington Emanuel would share Xavier's birthday. A fourth son, Seeley Marvin, too, was born on the 29^th day of a month, however, his birth date arrived in December of 2010.

Weighing eight pounds and fifteen ounces, baby Jade became the Estes family's third Leap Day baby, arriving a day that occurs but once every four years. According to mom, Louise, her birth date was a planned effort made by the couple. Her pregnancy was extended five days over the due date to ensure she would share a unique birth with two of her older siblings.

The day leading up to the delivery was spent in a flurry of birthday parties for Xavier and Remington. It's a celebration that, next year, will include a third celebrator: 2012 Leap Day baby, Jade. The only thing missing will be a precise date.

Dad, David, with three of the five Estes children (left-right): 2008 Leap Day baby, Remington; "Xander"; and  the couple's first Leap Day baby, Xavier, born on February 29, 2004.

Proud Sponsor of Peteetneet Quilt Show

The Payson Chronicle is a proud sponsor of the annual Peteetneet Quilt Show. As organizers prepare for the upcoming season, be on the lookout for stories on this fine local tradition.

Jim Griffin Running for Utah State House District 67 Seat

Former Payson City Councilman and local educator, Jim Griffin said that he is excited to announce that he is running for the open seat in the Utah House of Representatives in District 67. This seat is currently held by Representative Patrick Painter.

Griffin has a B.S. degree in Political Science from Utah State University and a Masters Degree in Secondary Education. He has been an educator for thirty years in the Nebo School District, teaching American Government and Politics, U.S. Studies, psychology, and coaching boys sports. According to Griffin, he understands the importance of education and has seen its value and benefits for our youth, their families, and our communities.

He served for eight years on the Payson City Council, four of them as Mayor Pro Tem. He understands how city government works and would be an advocate for all of the current cities in this new district.

Jim and his wife, Ronda, have lived in Payson for thirty years. They have four children and nine grandchildren.

Forty Years with Payson City Garners Blair Andreason Honor

Four decades with Payson City has garnered a Parks and Cemetery employee a Forty-Year Service Award. Blair Andreason was recognized for his work during a recent city council meeting.

Blair began his career with Payson City on January 13, 1972, as a Parks and Cemetery Assistant Superintendent. He also served as Assistant Building Inspector during his first five years with Payson, under the direction of Dean Elmer.  

In a very short time, Blair became an integral and important employee for Payson City.  In January of 1979, he was appointed as the superintendent of the Parks and Cemetery department, a position he filled until 2002 . He worked with the Irrigation Department during the floods of 1983-84, assisting with the damage and recovery of this historical experience in Payson.

Blair is also a faithful and long-standing member of the Payson City Volunteer Fire Fighter Association. His career with the Fire Department began in 1977. In 1983, Blair superintended the building of the large new addition to the local fire station, a facility that is still in service.

The Parks and Cemetery department also started the Payson Men’s Softball Association, playing against the LDS Ward Teams. This began Payson’s Recreation Program.

Blair is always willing to use his personal time to assist others, notes Payson City administration. Blair has served on most of the department and community boards in leadership roles having to do with celebrations for Payson City.  And he was integral in the building and development of the Peteetneet Memorial Gardens.

Blair was awarded the Ted Bates Employee of the Year Award in 1989 for continuing services to the community.

Mayor Rick Moore and city council members, as well as the staff of Payson City, extend their congratulations to Blair on reaching his forty-year anniversary, and thank him, his wife JoLene, and their family for their dedication to the community.

Santaquin Library to Host Book Launch

Santaquin City Library will host a book launch for author Rachelle J. Christensen's novel, Caller ID, on Tuesday, March 13.

Two other local authors, Mandi Slack and Rudy Trevino, will join the event with their newest books, reports Santaquin Library director, Lyn Oryall. “Mandi wrote Secrets and Rudy has a book of poetry just being published,” according to Oryall.

The book launch will run from 4-6 PM in the library.  The Santaquin City Library is located at 10 West 100 South in Santaquin.