Stories
Close to home — weekend in Phoenix
consider the greater Phoenix area? It’s the fifth largest city in the United States and this time of year usually provides temperatures in the middle 70s. I would suggest planning at least a three-day visit in order to really experience some of the many interesting places and events in the area. It’s really an easy city to get around in; all you need is a map or GPS system to ease your way.
Beauty of Batik
Marilyn Salomon takes art form to new levels
Marilyn Salomon’s face glows with joy. In her hands she holds an iron and a piece of newsprint paper, and beneath these two mundane objects lies the mystery of batik artwork, images created with wax and dyes on cloth. “This is one of the most exciting parts. You never know exactly what will come out. It’s an emotional high,” she said. Salomon has worked on this piece for the past couple of months. A black rim of fabric frames three panels, each showing a different Native American scene. She used at least 15 colors of dyes to capture the details of the figures depicted in her piece.
Advent — Hope in the Coming One
When writing his letter to the 12 tribes, Hebrew Christians, scattered all over, James, a servant of God gives hope to a people whose faith was being tested through various trials. James was concerned about them yielding to fleshly responses such as: impatience, bitterness, materialism, disunity, but most importantly spiritual apathy. Because James was a church leader, obviously he felt responsible to encourage them in their faith.
On my bookshelf
With Christmas coming, I thought it might be a nice time to go through some of the books that I keep readily at hand. Perhaps you have someone in the family who loves history and are looking for some ideas. Here’s a sampling of what’s on my shelf. The basic books There are some basic history books on this area that I think everyone should have on their shelf and that I certainly have on mine. They are: “Rim Country History,” published in 1984 by the Northern Gila County Historical Society — A great overview of the area with a lot of individual family histories. The committee of historians behind this book did a great job utilizing what they had and there is a lot of great information in here. A must-have if you love area history.
Gout vs. Pseudogout: What’s the difference?
I have faux gout. At least that’s what I’ve been told I have. It’s in my left foot. I understand it’s not caused by uric acid but by calcium. Can you tell me more about it and what can be done for it?
Host a holly, jolly party
If you’re in the mood to host a holiday party but think you don’t have the time — or the budget — think again. “You don’t need to spend a lot of money to throw a fabulous and memorable event. Keep it simple and special. You and your guests will enjoy it even more,” say Dawn Sandomeno and Elizabeth Mascali, founders of www.partybluprintsblog.com and authors of “Plan to Party” (Yorkshire Publishing 2010). Here are some tips that will help you throw a stylish, low-stress party that will make your guests merry without spending a bundle.
Getaway around Rim Country
The 7th annual Rim Country Chamber “Light the Rim” house lighting contest, co-sponsored by Chapman Auto Center and the Payson Roundup newspaper, is now accepting applications. The chamber, Chapman Auto Center or the Roundup must receive entries by noon, Friday, Dec. 9. The theme, “Light the Rim,” combines community spirit and individual creativity by Rim Country residents. There is no charge to enter the contest. The goal is to get as many homes lighted and entered to show off a brightly lighted Rim Country as possible. Judging will take place on the evenings of Tuesday, Dec. 13 and Wednesday, Dec. 14. The lights must be lit from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. on those evenings.
Advent and holiday services announced
The congregation of Mount Cross Lutheran Church invites members of the community to join in its Advent services at 6 p.m., Wednesday, Dec. 7 and Dec. 14. There will be a soup supper at 5 p.m., with a small donation requested for the food, followed by the Advent service. The soup suppers are held in the log building, with the services taking place in the sanctuary.
Good 2 Go
Optimist, Rotary and Kiwanis club members, the director of the Payson Senior Center, school district personnel, other non-profit representatives and interested individuals are working on a community effort to provide Christmas gifts for the area’s displaced and disadvantaged youth.
