RIM COUNTRY COMMUNITY BRIEFS

Saturday, October 2

Democratic Women of Rim Country benefit fundraiser for the GCC Scholarship Fund will be held from 7 a.m. to noon in the Presbyterian Church parking lot at 800 W. Main Street.  There will be a raffle and many treasures and baked goods for sale.

EAA Young Eagles free airplane rides from 7:30 to 11:30 a.m. at the Payson Airport. The Experimental Aircraft Association Chapter # 810 will offer free introductory airplane flights to all teens and kids ages 8 to 17 years old. Special guest Jeff Skiles, First Officer on the “Miracle on the Hudson" who helped to safely land the US Airways plane on the Hudson River, NY will be available to greet all the youngsters and their parents. First come, first to fly. Must bring signed permission slip or have a parent or legal guardian present to sign permission slip. For more information, visit the Web site: www.paysonairport.com/events.htm or contact pilot Marie at (928) 978- 5139.

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 two 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. For more information, call Lorian at 468-0961 or visit the Web site: http://www.paysonfarmersmarket.info/.

“Greatstrides—taking steps to cure cystic fibrosis” walk around the lake to benefit the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation at Green Valley Park. 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 http://www.cff.org/.

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/.

Western Heritage Festival and Zane Grey Classic Vintage Baseball Game 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.

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.

PAYC First Annual Fall Concert, “The Elements,” Arizona’s premier rock cover band from 6 to 8 p.m. at Green Valley Park. Free admission. The Elements will be playing hits by U2, Green Day, Black Eyed Peas, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Kings of Leon, Coldplay, Maroon 5, Foo Fighters, All-American Rejects, Weezer, Jimmy Eat World plus hits from the 80s and 90s and select classics.

Sunday, October 3

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.

Daniel Narducci, classic American baritone, will perform 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.

Monday, October 4

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, October 5

Payson Institute of Learning Lecture Series at the Central Arizona Board of Realtors, 600 E. Highway 260 Suite 12 from 4 to 5 p.m. Guest speaker: January Jones, “Whine Time—the top ten things people whine about.” Season ticket: $64; session ticket: $10. 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.

The Arizona Clean Elections Commission's Debate for Legislative District 5 candidates will be held at 6 p.m. at the Best Western Payson Inn, 801 N. Beeline Highway.  The debate is open to the public.

Wednesday, October 6

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.

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, October 7

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

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 8

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.

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.
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WEEKEND EVENTS

13th Annual Zane Grey Days Craft Fair & Bazaar on Saturday, Oct. 2 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday, Oct. 3 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Gila County Courthouse grounds on Frontier Street and Highway 87. Artisans and crafters from Arizona, Colorado, Utah, Montana, Nevada,
California and New Mexico will converge on Payson to promote and sell their fine handcrafted works of art, as well as will be here with a wide variety of interesting items including paintings, jewelry, clothing, knickknacks, chain saw art demonstrations, wrought iron home decorations, a petting zoo for the kids, farmers market--with a variety of native, ethnic, and American foods will be on hand. If it’s handcrafted, it will be there! Merchants and craft vendors seeking spaces should contact Dean Schlosser at (928) 595-4397.

Hon-Dah Gun & Knife Show on Saturday, Oct. 2 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday, Oct. 3 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Hon-Dah Resort, junction of Highway 260 and Highway 73 in Pinetop. Admission: $6. Vendors from several western states will be in attendance to buy, sell and trade. New, used and antique firearms, knives and related western memorabilia will be available to see, touch and buy. Also on hand will be ammunition, books, coins and a variety of shooting, hunting, and outdoor accessories and gear. The public may bring firearms and related items to sell, trade or have appraised. All applicable local, state and federal laws will be observed. For additional information, visit the Web site: www. firingpin.com or call (928) 485-0437.

Upcoming Events

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.

Thunder Mountain Ride on Friday, Oct. 8 through Sunday, Oct. 10. Hosted by the Town of Payson to benefit the American Legion, Gracie Lee Haught Children's Memorial Fund and the Mogollon Health Alliance. Event includes bands, games, contests, stunt shows, vendors, day rides, and food and beverages. For more information and to register, visit the Web site: www.thunder-mountain-ride.com.

Writing Workshop on Saturday, Oct. 9 from 1 to 3 p.m. at the East West Exchange, 100 N. Tonto Street. Learn how to sell your fiction book, find an agent and work with editors. Author Kevin Hearne, Arizona urban fantasy author from the Valley, will reveal how he found his niche in fiction writing and the path that led to a three-book deal with a top publisher.  Sponsored by Arizona Press Women. Early-bird rate of $12 for reservations made by Monday, Oct. 4th; $15 afterwards and $5 student fee. Reservations required. For more information, contact: 472-7132 or e-mail: cobrown@q.com.

Annual Dog Day in the Park at the Payson Dog Park on Saturday, Oct. 16 from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sponsored by Paws in the Park, the group that built the Payson Dog Park ten years ago. Watch your dogs race, let them do tricks, dress them up in fancy outfits, let them flirt and play with other dogs. Meet other dog owners. Notice that the small and large dog parks are fenced separately. There will be vendors with hot dogs, soft drinks, “PAWS” t-shirts, sweatshirts, hats, coffee mugs and many other items.

Out of the Darkness Community Walk on Saturday, Oct. 16 at Green Valley Park. Check-in at 9 a.m.; walk begins at 10 a.m. The walk benefits the "Suicide Awareness Program" for Payson.
To make a donation or form a team, visit the Web site: www.outofthedark.org. For more information, contact Lauree Moffett at (928) 951-5649.

October Festival at the Community Presbyterian Church, 800 W. Main Street, will be held on Saturday, Oct. 17 from 2 to 7 p.m. The festival is open to all Payson residents at 2 p.m., immediately followed by a blessing of small pets given by Reverend Charles Proudfoot. From 2 to 4 p.m., there will be children’s activities, music by the Old Time Music Makers, a bake-off featuring cakes and pies, and a chili cook-off. The chili cook-off will be limited to eight participants, so those interested in the fun-filled event should call the church office, 474-2059 for entry forms and more information.

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.

14th Annual Chili Supper sponsored by PAWS to Benefit the Humane Society of Central Arizona on Tuesday, Nov. 9 at the Elks Lodge on Airport Road from 4 to 7 p.m. The PAWS in the Park organization built and helps to maintain the Off-Leash Dog Park. Cost is $7 for adults; $4 for children 12 and under. Enjoy an incredible meal of chili, macaroni and cheese, salad, rolls and homemade cupcakes. Tickets are available at the Humane Society Shelter, 812 S. McLane Road; Humane Society Thrift Store, 404 W. Main Street; the Payson Regional Chamber of Commerce, 100 W. Main Street; Payson Public Library, 328 N. McLane Road; and at the door. For more information, call the shelter at 474-5590; PAWS in the Park member, Donna Rokoff , 472-1542; or Humane Society volunteer, Betty Raveling at 468-7132.

More Rim Country Briefs

Kiwanis "All Inclusive Cancun Vacation Package Raffle Ticket Sale" through Tuesday, Oct. 5. Includes eight days and seven nights at a resort ocean view suite. All food and drinks included for two adults. Two tickets to Wet & Wild Park with all food and drinks included; and two tickets to an off-resort tour (Island of the Women, Mayan Ruins, two twenty-minute massages and two pedicures.) Transportation to and from excursions included. Second prize, $300 cash and third prize, $100 cash. $50 per ticket. Only 200 tickets will be sold. Tickets available at the Rim Country Chamber of Commerce. Sponsored by the Zane Gray Kiwanis Club. Drawing will be held at Famous Sam’s on Wednesday, Oct. 6 at 6 p.m.