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Saturday, September 25, 2010

RIM COUNTRY COMMUNITY BRIEFS

Courtesy photo
Relive those "thrilling days of yesteryear" at the Western Heritage Festival, coming to Green Valley Park on Saturday, Oct. 2.  Details below.

Saturday, September 25

Payson Farmers Market is open every Saturday from 8 a.m. to noon at 816 S. Beeline Highway, behind Chili’s Restaurant and in front of the Sawmill Theater. Only three weeks left! Shop for local, fresh picked produce and artisan foods and get your fresh roasted chilies, too.  Relax in the shade, enjoy a snack or meal and listen to live local music, or better yet, bring your musical instrument or voice and join the Jam Session with Roger Williams. For more information, call Lorian at 468-0961 or visit the Web site: http://www.paysonfarmersmarket.info/.

PATS Hike, Round Valley East Section at 8:30 a.m. at the South Phoenix Trail Access (about one mile east of Highway 87 on the south side of Phoenix Street. Turn right on S. Gibson Court; trail access is to the left). The moderate to strenuous hike is 4.5 miles long. It features fantastic views of Payson, the Granite Dells and the Mogollon Rim. For more information, contact Parks & Recreation at 474-5242, ext. 7 or visit the Web site: http://www.paysonrimcountry.com/.

Llama Treks in Strawberry from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Hosted by Fossil Creek Llamas and Payson Parks & Recreation. Cost is $70 per adult and $50 per child (includes a half-day hike and lunch).
You will be accompanied by a llama buddy who will carry your lunch and gear. For more information or to register, call 474-5242, ext. 7 or visit the Web site: http://www.paysonrimcountry.com/.

40th Anniversary Old Time Fiddler's Contest—AZ State Championship on Saturday, Sept. 25 and Sunday, Sept. 26 at the Payson Event Center. Gates open on Saturday at 8:30 a.m.; opening ceremony at 9:30 a.m. Competition begins at 10 a.m. Jam concert at 6 p.m. Gates open on Sunday at 8:30 a.m.; gospel program from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. Competition begins at 11 a.m. Tickets are $5 for adults; free for children ages 10 and under. The event is slated to contain lots of family-oriented fun and entertainment, so please make plans to join us and kick back under the tent for some great fiddling fun!

Third Annual Fall Festival, "Fall Apple Festival" on Saturday, Sept. 25 and Sunday, Sept. 26 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Pine Community Center in Pine. Sponsored by the Pine Strawberry Business Community (PSBC). Proceeds to benefit the Humane Society. Free admission. Features a chili cook-off on Saturday. $3 to taste. The two day fair includes food, vendors and music along with local antique and gift shops to browse. There will be storytelling, antique tractors, a greased
pole climb and pie throwing for the kids. Come enjoy apple and berry pies, apple treats, flats of apples. For more information, e-mail: infofallfestival@psbcaz.com or visit the Web site: http://www.psbcaz.com/.

Drug Enforcement Administration Drug Take-Back Day from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Gila County Sheriff’s Office Mobile Command Center parked at the east side of the Payson Wal-mart parking lot. Turn in unused, expired, unwanted or potentially harmful medication for safe disposal. Free and anonymous service. For more information, visit the DEA Web site at: http://www.dea.gov/.

Annual October Fest at Rimside Grill from noon to 9:30 p.m., 3270 N. Hwy. 87 in Pine. Live entertainment by Powder & Lead from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. DJ and games from noon to 5 p.m. Volleyball and stein holding contests. Jagermeister specials. German beers on tap. Authentic German food. Raffle prizes (portion of proceeds to be donated to Pine Strawberry Elementary School). Admission: $1. For more information, visit the Web site: http://www.rimsidegrill.com/.

The Gila County Republicans and the Rim Country Republican Club will hold their Headquarters Grand Opening Celebration from 1 to 3 p.m. at 434 S. Beeline Highway, Suite C (to the west and behind ERA Realty).  Join us to meet candidates, pick up literature and enjoy yummy treats.
Pioneers BBQ and Dance at 2 p.m. at the Tonto Apache Gym. Tickets are $5 each. All proceeds to benefit local children’s charities.

The Starlighters perform at Tiny's Restaurant, 600 E. Highway 260 every Saturday night from 5:30 to 8:30 pm. The music is from the "American Songbook" with a selection of tunes typically from Broadway musicals written by Cole Porter, Rodgers & Hart, George Gershwin, Jerome Kern and others along with more recent Bossanova tunes from Antonio Carlos Jobim/Luiz Bonfa and other Latin songwriters.

Sunday, September 26

Payson Center for Spiritual Awareness Sunday Celebration at 11 a.m., 107 W. Wade Lane, Suite 2. Guest speaker will be

Jam Sessions with Junction 87 at the Buffalo Bar & Grill, 311 S. Beeline Highway, every Sunday from 5 to 9 p.m.

Monday, September 27


Grief Support Group every first and third Monday of the month from 3 to 4:30 p.m. at the Hospice House, 511 S. Mud Springs Road. The free drop-in group sessions are for those who have experienced the death of a loved one. For more information, contact Jean Ramsey, 472-6340.

The Rim Country Republican Club will meet at Tiny's Restaurant, 600 E. Highway 260.  Dinner and socialize at 5 p.m.; presentations begin 6 p.m.  Guest speakers will be: Andy Tobin, AZ State House Majority Whip, State Senate candidate Sylvia Allen and AZ House candidate Brenda Barton. The candidates will discuss the propositions on the November ballot.

Payson Raconteurs writers group meets each Monday at 6 p.m. at a local restaurant. The association of local writers makes it possible for writers to read their work for critique. For further information, contact 474-0753.

The newly formed Payson Chapter of Amnesty International will hold its regular meeting every third Monday of the month from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at the East West Book Exchange, 100 N. Tonto Street. Amnesty International investigates and exposes abuses, educates and mobilizes the public and works to protect people wherever justice, freedom, truth and dignity are denied. Join us as we define our local chapter and plan upcoming events to support human rights locally and globally. For more information, e-mail: PaysonAmnesty@gmail.com or call Penny Navis-Schmidt at 474-2391.

Tuesday, September 28

Payson Institute of Learning Lecture Series from 4 to 5 p.m. at Central Arizona Board of Realtors, 600 E. Highway 260, Suite 12. Presentation by Roxanne Boryczki on “Travel Smart.” Tips on spending less and getting more for your travel dollar. Destinations will also be discussed.  $64 for season ticket or $10 for session ticket. Tickets may be purchased at the Rim Country Regional Chamber of Commerce, 100 W. Main. Street. For more information, call 474-4515.

Rim Country Toastmasters meets every Tuesday at 5:30 p.m. at the Mogollon Health Alliance Auxiliary building next to the Almost New Shop at 304 E. Aero Drive. Networking at 5:30 p.m. The 60-minute meeting begins at 5:45 p.m. Find or refine your voice with us. Learn to persuade and inspire your audience, organize your speech, use vocal variety and overcome fear at the podium. For more information contact, (928) 478-8820 or RimcountryTM@gmail.com.

Wednesday, September 29

United Blood Drive on Wednesday, Sept. 29 from 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Town of Payson parking lot, 303 N. Beeline Highway. For more information, contact Tomi Huddlestun at 474-5242.

Pre-school Story Time, every Wednesday at 10:15 a.m. in the Pine Public Library.

Puppet Story Time, every Wednesday at 10:30 a.m. in the Payson Public Library.

Senior Center Luau Luncheon from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., 514 W. Main Street. Advance reservations are requested for lunch. Sweet and sour chicken, Hawaiian salad, carrots, brown rice and pineapple surprise. Beverage included. Entertainment, games and karaoke by BIG BOB. $3; open to public. For more information, call 474-4876.

Kickin’ Cancer Support Group meets every first Wednesday of the month at noon at the Payson United Methodist Church, 414 N. Easy Street. Bring brown bag lunch.

Awana will meet every Wednesday night from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Ponderosa Baptist Church. The nationwide program for community children ages three through sixth grade includes Bible stories, memory verses and games. Contact Shirley Dye, 468-1131 or the church office, 474-9279 for more information and registration.

A Course in Miracles discussion group at 6:30 p.m. at the Payson Center for Spiritual Awareness, 107 W. Wade Lane, Suite 2. Based on the Course in Miracles book and facilitated by Wes Ruth. For more information, visit the Web site: www.paysoncenterforspiritualawareness.com.

Thursday, September 30

Tikes & Toddlers Story Time every Thursday at 10 a.m. in the Payson Public Library Meeting Room.

Chamber Business Buzz - "How May We Health You?" on Thursday, Sept. 30 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Tiny's Family Restaurant, 600 E. Highway 260. Discussion of Health Care Reform and how it affects you and your business. Speakers will include: Tom Russell of Tom Russell & Associates and Bo Larsen from the Payson Regional Medical Center. No host luncheon. Door prizes and raffles. Admission is $3 per Chamber member and $5 for community members.

Family Time at the Isabelle Hunt Memorial Library in Pine every Thursday from 4 to 7 p.m. Activities include games, stories, puppets and art. For more information, call the library, 476-3678.

Crafty Kidz at the Payson Public Library Children’s Room every Thursday from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. A craft center for kids to create, experiment and have fun. Activities include coloring, painting, stamping, magnets, cooking, clay sculpting, jewelry and papier mache. Open to kids of all ages. Parents must accompany children 5 years of age and under. For more information, contact Harryette, 474-9260.

Dinner Specials every Thursday from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Greater Payson Moose Lodge #258, 225903 E. Highway 260 in Star Valley. Specials include fried and baked fish, breaded shrimp or chicken along with vegetables, dinner salad, bread and choice of potato. $7 per person. Members and guests welcome.

Magic Show and Dinner every Thursday night from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at MoJoe’s Café on Main Street featuring the Miracle of Magic with Joe Miracle. Sit back and be entertained with table magic and magnificent stage illusions. Reservations recommended. Please call 478-8828.
Payson Tea Party Sons and Daughters of Liberty regular meeting at Tiny’s Restaurant, 600 E. Highway 260 from 6 to 7:30 p.m.

Friday, October 1


Free Art Classes every Friday from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. at the Payson Senior Center, 514 W. Main Street. Instructor, Helen Tennent. For more information or to enroll, call 474-3996 or 474-4876.

“Famous Fish Fry” at the American Legion Tonto Rim Post #69 every Friday from noon to 8 p.m., 709 E. Highway 260. Karaoke from 6 to 10 p.m. Public welcome.

Beginning Genealogy Class every third Friday of the month from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Genealogy Library, 302 E. Bonita Street. The class is packed full of concepts, techniques and ideas which will get you started on your way to fulfilling a lifetime of tracing your family tree. Pre-registration and payment of fee is required. $5 for members and $25 for nonmembers. Evening classes can be conducted by appointment. For more information, contact Peggy Gray, 474-5015.

First Friday on Main Street Block Party, 5-8 p.m.

Dinner Theater at MoJoe's Café on Main Street every Friday night (except First Friday) from 6 to 7 p.m. Back by popular request is Katherine Kelly, Jim West and the gang. (G rated fun!) Reservations required, 478-8828.

Upcoming Events

“Greatstrides—taking steps to cure cystic fibrosis” walk around the lake to benefit the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation at Green Valley Park on Saturday, Oct. 2. Check-in at 8:30 a.m. Walk begins at 9 a.m. For more information, contact Lori Nelson at (602) 224-0068 or register at www.cff.org.

Western Heritage Festival and Zane Grey Classic Vintage Baseball Game on Saturday, Oct. 2 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Green Valley Park. Apache craft and western theme demonstrations, Zane Grey Twirlers, children’s activities, music by Bryan Higgens, Southern Comfort and Bill Camp, artists, authors and a raffle. Zane Grey Classic from 1 to 3 p.m.—the Payson Cougars vs. Stars & Stripes, ATVBBL. Food and drink, free event. Sponsored by the Northern Gila County Historical Society, Inc. and the Arizona Territories Vintage Baseball League.

Daniel Narducci, classic American baritone, will perform on Sunday, Oct. 3 at 7 p.m. at the Payson High School Auditorium. Presented by the Tonto Community Concert Association. Narducci is a multi-faceted artist whose talents have been captured through live stage presentations, recordings, documentaries and television. Since his professional debut with the Cincinnati Pops Orchestra under the direction of Erich Kunzel, Narducci has appeared with many of the world’s most prestigious orchestras, including the Cleveland Orchestra, Philadelphia Orchestra, Boston Pops, Naples Philharmonic, Chicago Symphony, Rochester Philharmonic, Baltimore Symphony, Toronto Symphony, Houston Symphony and the Detroit Symphony. He has appeared regularly as a guest artist at many popular summer music venues throughout North America, including the Wolf Trap, Ravinia, Blossom, Saratoga and Bravo! Vail Valley Music Festivals. Basic subscription for adult tickets: $80 per person or $30 per performance if available at the door. For subscriptions or other information, call 474-6115 or 478-4363 or visit the Web site: www.tccarim.org.

Fall Blood Drive at Best Western Payson Inn, 801 N. Beeline Highway, will be held on Wednesday, Oct. 6 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the meeting room. United Blood Services needs 700 donations each day to support Arizona hospitals. Blood for hospital patients can only come from volunteer (non-paid donors). Thirty eight percent of the population is eligible to give blood but in Arizona, only three percent donate. If you cannot donate, please help us get the word out regarding this life-saving mission. If you would like to volunteer and assist with the blood drive or donate blood, please contact April Denny at 474-3241. To sign up for an appointment on-line, visit the Web site: www.bloodhero.com and bring up the sponsor code, bestwesternpayson. All donors are entered to win a pair of Suite Tickets to a Phoenix Suns Game. Bring a photo ID, drink plenty of water and eat a light healthy meal before you arrive to donate blood.

Candlelight Vigil for the Time Out Shelter will be held on Thursday, Oct. 7 at 5:45 p.m. at the United Methodist Church, 414 N. Easy Street. For more information, visit the Time Out Thrift Shop, 500 E. Beeline Highway or call the shop, 474-3989.

235th Anniversary Celebration of the U.S. Marine Corps will be held at the Mazatzal Hotel & Casino on Saturday, Nov. 6. Social hour begins at 5 p.m. and dinner at 6 p.m. Guest speaker at 7 p.m. will be former Marine and official Arizona State Historian Marshall Trimble. Raffle and after-dinner listening and dance music to begin at 8 p.m. $35 per dinner. Attendees may select from two entrees: prime rib of beef or chicken Oscar. RSVP required. This event is sponsored by the Rim Country detachment of the Marine Corps league, “Payson Marines!” For additional information and/or to make reservations, call Marine Lee Bumbalow at 468-1095 or Colonel Bill Sahno at 472-6617.

Rim Country Briefs

40th Anniversary Old Time Fiddler's Contest—AZ State Championship on Saturday, Sept. 25 and Sunday, Sept. 26 at the Payson Event Center. Gates open on Saturday at 8:30 a.m.; opening ceremony at 9:30 a.m. Competition begins at 10 a.m. Jam concert at 6 p.m. Gates open on Sunday at 8:30 a.m.; gospel program from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. Competition begins at 11 a.m. Tickets are $5 for adults; free for children ages 10 and under. The event is slated to contain lots of family-oriented fun and entertainment, so please make plans to join us and kick back under the tent for some great fiddling fun!

Third Annual Fall Festival, "Fall Apple Festival" on Saturday, Sept. 25 and Sunday, Sept. 26 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Pine Community Center in Pine. Sponsored by the Pine Strawberry Business Community (PSBC). Proceeds to benefit the Humane Society. Free admission. Features a chili cook-off on Saturday. $3 to taste. The two day fair includes food, vendors and music along with local antique and gift shops to browse. There will be storytelling, antique tractors, a greased
pole climb and pie throwing for the kids. Come enjoy apple and berry pies, apple treats, flats of apples. For more information, e-mail: infofallfestival@psbcaz.com or visit the Web site: http://www.psbcaz.com/.

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