The holiday rush has finally come to an end and a new year is upon us. With it brings it a new lineup of fun activities at Talking Rock. Kick 2012 off right by joining us for the first two events of the year: the Racquet Sports Mixer and The "Warrior". Both events afford participants to see familiar faces and get to know new folks in the community.

January 22nd – Racquet Sports Mixer
Meet on the tennis courts at 10 a.m. for some tennis and pickle ball. All ability levels are welcomed and no equipment is required to participate. If you are planning to attend please RSVP by email to Fitness Director, Pam Mitchell at pmitchell@talkingrockclub.com.

January 28th – The “Warrior” Member / Member Four Ball
Find a partner and brave the elements for an 18-Hole “back to par,” net better ball, event called “The Warrior”. Teams will receive full handicap taking the better of their two net scores --- with one catch. Handicap shots can only be used to get the better ball score “back to par”. All birdies must be gross (without handicap) to count for the team score. Men’s, Women’s and Couples’ Divisions will be flighted by handicap depending on the number of entries.

Following golf, players will meet in the Windmill Room for appetizers and scoring. Cost of the event is $20 per player for Homestead members and $40 for Arizonan and Ranch members and includes golf, prizes and appetizers. We must have a minimum of twelve teams to hold the event. To sign-up contact the Golf Shop or e-mail head Professional Dave Buettner at dbuettner@talkingrockclub.com.

Been to multiple fun-filled events at Talking Rock or haven’t joined us for an event yet? We hope to see you at these first events of the New Year. Here’s to 2012!

The following is an excerpt from a recent blog post by Laurel Bailey, a resident here at Talking Rock. In vivid detail, Laurel explains what it's like to live, grow and play in the place we call home.


There are moments when we feel so grateful for where and how we live that all we can say is, “We are so spoiled”. I hear this same statement fairly often, blurted from my own mouth and uttered spontaneously by friends. What is it about life here at Talking Rock Ranch in Prescott, Arizona that makes us feel this way?


As I’m having my coffee this morning, I’m watching the sunrise turn the mountains pink. Late this afternoon, we’ll see the late afternoon light bathe everything in a golden glow. The deep green of junipers pops against the backdrop of rosy granite rocks and grassy vegetation. Distant peaks look blue and purple. Sunsets paint the canvas of the sky with fiery shades of orange and crimson. We can’t help being entranced by the constantly-changing display of color and form.


Read the full post on Laurel's personal blog.

In late November several Talking Rock residents participated in the Susan G. Komen 3-Day Walk for the Cure in San Diego.  The event hosted approximately 3,400 walkers and raised well over $9 million to fund breast cancer research and awareness efforts.  Walkers had to endure some rain, but it wasn't enough to dampen their spirits.  

Boise & Don Taylor, Patti Price and Byron & Whitney Lynn all participated in the Walk among other friends and family members.  Here is a personal note from Boise Taylor: 

"We would like to thank all the TR residents who so graciously supported our fundraising efforts.  The money raised, combined with personal friends and family, totaled a whopping $25,126.46"

Over the past three years, Boise and others have raised over $50,000 to support Susan G. Komen for the Cure®.  The residents and staff are so proud of their efforts and honored to be counted among their neighbors and friends.  For more information about Susan G. Komen for the Cure® and to learn how to donate, please visit komen.org.

Ready or not, December is here and the holidays are soon to follow. Fortunately for us here at Talking Rock, winter brings one of our favorite seasons as it ushers in beautiful snow, friendly faces and plenty of cheer at our annual holiday events. Though most of our members have had these marked on their calendars since January, we couldn't help but remind everyone of what's coming up in this very exciting time of year:

10th Anniversary TR Holiday Dinner – Thursday, Dec. 15 at 5:00 pm

We invite our members and their families to join us for the first of many "10th Anniversary" events that will be taking place in 2012. Food & Beverage Director Ryan Davis and Executive Chef Richard Saldivar are looking forward to an evening of great food, libations and spirit as we get together to celebrate another holiday season in Prescott. The evening will begin with hors d’ oeuvres and a no-host cocktail hour. Dinner service will follow at 6 p.m. with a three-course plated meal featuring holiday favorites like Bison Tenderloin and Wild King Salmon. During the event we will also be hosting a complimentary wine tasting and offering big discounts for holiday wine purchases.

As is tradition we ask all couples to bring one, wrapped gift (of $20 or less in value) for the gift exchange game that will follow dinner. Seating in the Ranch House is limited so make your reservations soon by e-mailing reservations@talkingrockclub.com or by contacting Ryan Davis.

TR's Annual New Year's Bash – Saturday, Dec. 31 at 6:30 pm

Join us as we raise a glass and toast to another great year here at Talking Rock. Ring in 2012 with a fantastic evening that includes a seven-course, sit down dinner prepared by Chef Richard and the culinary team that will amaze you and your guests.

After dinner we are bringing back the very popular David Mills Jazz Band as we dance in the hopes and dreams of a fantastic New Year. Please contact Ryan to reserve your table or send us an e-mail at reservations@talkingrockclub.com.

We hope you'll join us for these fabulous festivities as we can't wait to celebrate the wonderful year it's been and bring in the next with our Talking Rock family and friends. Here's to yet another happy holiday season!

Talking Rock’s very name is symbolic of its deep ties to the land on which it lies and to the rich history of which it is a part. Dating back to 620 A.D., the region’s indigenous tribes left traces of their culture on the rocks of Inscription Canyon. Today, we are able to learn about the tribes’ culture and way of life from the nearly 1,300 petroglyphs that are their legacy. The protection of these cultural landmarks is due in great part to the tradition of preservation that was inspired by Learah Cooper and her husband, Jack Morgan.

In 1934, the Cooper-Morgans purchased the land that is now Talking Rock from Learah’s father. Though much has changed since the time when cattle and sheep roamed what was then known as Cooper Ranch, the couple’s loyalty to the Native American culture and their commitment to protecting the land has survived for generations. It was in this spirit that Inscription Canyon was conveyed to the Yavapai Prescott Indian Tribe in 2001, and that 1,000 of the 3,600 acres of Talking Rock have been kept untouched by development.

Talking Rock's preservation efforts were recognized in 2002 when it received a Heritage Preservation Award for its outstanding achievement in maintaining Arizona’s prehistoric and historic resources. Since then, it has continued to work towards sustaining the land by adopting a “smaller and smarter” building philosophy. Talking Rock will introduce the New American Dream in June 2012. The exclusive collection of new homes will combine the Western aesthetic of the community’s current homes with sustainable energy-efficient materials. These new homes will reduce costs and energy usage, and decrease the impact on the environment, while blending seamlessly with the surrounding community.

Talking Rock has indeed continued to remain loyal to the land, just as the Cooper-Morgans would have wanted. In fact, the same pristine landscape, winding meadows and majestic stands of trees that were once part of Cooper Ranch can still be enjoyed today, along with the modern amenities of a dynamic and growing community. As Talking Rock continues to develop with all the luxuries and diversions of high country living, the vibrant history of its past and the beauty of its land will continue to flourish as a part of its future.

To make Talking Rock and its modern-luxury living a part of your future, visit talkingrockranch.com.