Around Town
04/05/10
Clarifying the Issues I
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Read more!
04/04/10
Clarifying the Issues II
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Letter to Georgia House of Representatives
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03/20/10
Congress Goes National
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03/19/10
Tiny school district sues citizens who seek info
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03/18/10
Tiny school district sues citizens who seek info
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03/16/10
CESD's Complaint, GWI's Motion to Dismiss
Not only secretive, but irrelevant
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03/15/10
How ironic it is
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03/11/10
Congress, Ariz. school district sues taxpayers to stop questions
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12/13/08
Duane W. “Sarge” Seibert Memorial Service
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10/25/08
"Records Management" 2008.10.30
10/18/08
“Open Meeting Laws” 2008.10. 23
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10/11/08
“Meet the Candidates” and Guest Speakers 2008.10.16
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10/03/08
Transcript of School Board Candidates Forum 9-13-08
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09/18/08
The White Bicycle
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09/12/08
Meet School Board Candidate as Firehouse Tomorrow, September 13th
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08/23/08
Delores Williams Memorial Service
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Los Algodones: TLC Dental
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08/16/08
Why should we pray for China?
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05/23/08
Born on the 4th of July: 40 Long Years
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Annual Summer Reading Program
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04/12/08
What Everybody Needs on April 15th
03/29/08
The Resurrection Power of Easter Sunrise
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Trading Post Under New Management
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03/15/08
Easter Sunrise Service
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03/08/08
State Seal Removed from Website
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Unless Things Change
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02/28/08
Correction on Kristina Glover memorial service Friday
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02/07/08
CESD Meeting 1/28/08 Discussion
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02/04/08
CESD Meeting 1/28/08 Follow-up
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CESD Meeting 1/28/08 Further Information
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Open Meeting Law handout provided by Chris Thomas
DVD video recording of the discussion
CD voice recording of the discussion
Take-home copies may be made.
This same information has been sent to the Attorney General’s Office along with a letter asking for clarification.
01/12/08
John William's Christmas Card
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01/10/08
CESD Board "Accepts" AG's Consent Agreement
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01/05/08
Congress School District Violates Open Meeting Law
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01/01/08
Welcome to the Year of the Mouse!
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The Mouse is the first of the 12 animal signs in the Chinese sexagenary calender of 60 years.
12/15/07
Three Articles from Wickenburg Sun
11/17/07
Happy Thanksgiving in Advance
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11/10/07
How Safe is Your Community?
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11/03/07
Happy Birthday Rose Mary!
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10/28/07
Our Arizona Adventure
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FireStorm: A Review
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10/20/07
Open Meeting with Tim Carter & Liz Hill
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| Providing Services |
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10/09/07
Long-time Resident Counters Errors in Wickenburg Sun
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Old Congress Days 2007 Photo Highlights
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There was no way I could shoot all the entries in the Old Congress Days parade, the gymkhana or the mucking and drilling. Same for the dancing. So I opted for just a few shots that might capture the mood.
10/03/07
Introduction to MAC-RO Held at Congress Elementary
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09/29/07
Options in Education
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Open Meeting with Tim Carter October 11, 2007
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09/25/07
Frog Rock Café Update
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09/24/07
First Congress Community Forum
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09/21/07
Congress Elementary School Dress Code out of Control
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Thrown into a Firestorm
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09/07/07
Do Uniforms Make Schools Better?
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Clothing, Dress Codes & Uniforms Overview
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Polo Shirt Means "Polo Shirt"
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09/02/07
Fire Yes, Flames No
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Uniform Information Conflicting -- Controversy Continues
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More Problems with Congress Elementary's Dress Code
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Part of Watson Chapel School District Lawsuit Dismissed
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Update: It was a Prison
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08/29/07
Story's Story Gains Traction
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Board Member's Greatest Concern
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Students vs. Watson Chapel School District
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Problems with Congress Elementary's Dress Code
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08/24/07
Story Stringfellow to be given 156 day suspension?
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Office Referral -- Story Stringfellow
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Story wore a multi-colored polo shirt. The dress code states for boys: A solid color, collared polo shirt. The color shall be light blue, navy blue or maroon.
"They kicked us out of school"
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08/21/07
Everyone has a Voice
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It is sad to say that the public still has to make a comment Anonymously. It doesn't allow the children and the rest of the community to see who they are. If we ever hope to give our children a voice, we need to demonstrate that everyone has a voice. |
Double Take Leads to Timeline
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Standardized Dress Code?
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It was a regular school day but Friday is an early release day and they had an assembly which was done as a little play. While I was there I decided to shoot a few pictures of the children who were actually NOT in the standardized dress now required. |
It was a Prison
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It's unclear if schools in Arizona have to provide the kind of medical care LaRen's daughter needs. Some people say they do but there are so many ways around it in small districts especially if they have provisions for that in the policy manual. |
08/16/07
Global Changes & World Economics Shifting
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Did you know? Shift happens -- globalization in the Information Age |
I am Sending this as a Warning
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I am sending this as a warning.
Please discuss this with any elderly or gullible people you know. This happened on Wednesday to my friend, George. He is a long time friend and 90 years old. |
Open Letter to Members of the Congress School Board
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08/10/07
4 Students Suspended in Uniform Controversy
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08/09/07
Parents Try to Talk to Congress Elementary School Officials
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08/08/07
CBS News Sends Reporter and Cameraman to Congress
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Student Discipline
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08/07/07
Standard Dress Code, Uniforms, or What?
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08/06/07
Ironing out policies on school uniforms
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08/04/07
Dear Mrs. Wayas and School Board
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07/30/07
Health/Toxics: Children's Health
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Misunderstanding; No Misunderstanding
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A letter was sent by Mrs. Toni Wayas, Congress Elementary School, to Cyndi Regis and Barbara Langley to clarify any misunderstanding. Cyndi Regis, US Citizen/Parent, Congress, sent a reply to Mrs. Wayas saying there was no misunderstanding.
SR 89 Planning Meeting July 23, 2007
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07/21/07
First to go to uniforms in Yavapai County?
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DECLARATION OF PARENT OPT-OUT
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07/14/07
SR 89 Planning Study Wickenburg-Congress
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06/30/07
June 20th Public Meeting on School Uniforms
June 20th Public Meeting on School Uniforms
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Urban Legends: Internet Petitions
06/20/07
Congress Elementary School has an Excellent Principal
We as the staff of Congress Elementary School feel strongly about the negativity that has been circulated recently about our excellent school ...
06/16/07
June 13th Public Meeting on School Uniforms
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06/08/07
Red Flags for Congress Health Council (Continued)
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06/01/07
Thanks for all the hard work
My Husband and I want to thank Dave and others for all the hard work and long hours have devoted to this website and newsletter.
05/26/07
Wonderful Tofu Part 1: How is Tofu Made?
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Public Meetings on School Uniforms
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My Last Report on Anything Computerdom
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05/19/07
Red Flags for Congress Health Council
Red Flags flying for Congress Health Council
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Free Tofu Seminar Held at Library
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Cinco de Mayo Dinner Photos
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Aunt Betty's Garden Grand Opening Photos
Congress school year end activities planned
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05/12/07
Guess Your Age
School Now Planning on Including Parents
Block watch takes summer break
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05/05/07
Maxine Tomison: Intarsia Wood Art
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Uniforms for Congress Elementary?
Cinco de Mayo dinner planned for Friday
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Correction to "Health Fair a Huge Success"
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Correction to "CHC Seminar: Pulmonary Diseases"
04/28/07
CHC Seminar: Pulmonary Diseases
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Congress Health Council Organization
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Kindergarten clinic offered next week
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04/21/07
Carolina Trekkers to Stop in Congress
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Health Fair a Huge Success
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Blue Potato
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Health Fair at Congress Elementary
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04/15/07
Over a Hundred People Enjoyed Breakfast
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04/14/07
Congress Elementary hosts Health Fair next week
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04/07/07
Learn how to make tofu
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Re: State Route 89 Planning Study
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Congress celebrates Easter Sunday with breakfast
Easter is Sunday (April 8) and among the activities going on in Congress is the Fire Department Easter Breakfast. The 2007 summer reading program at the library will be called “Get a Clue.” Volunteers are needed to be readers, to solicit donations for prizes, and to coordinate activities. A number of individuals representing ADOT, Yavapai County, and DMJM Harris, a transportation company, each spoke briefly.
Incardona set for next ABC TV appearance
Miner, artist and businessman Pete Incardona of Sunrise Mine Enterprises is gearing up for his fifth appearance on the ABC television show “Extreme Makeover, Home Edition.”
03/31/07
M3 forms partnership with VT for Wickenburg Ranch
A new corporate team has been formed between M3 Companies of Prescott and Van Tuyl Companies (VT) of Phoenix for the restoration and operation of the historic Wickenburg Inn Dude Ranch near Wickenburg.
Stanton rich in gold, history, people
Arizona is abundant in historic gunfights, hangings and rich gold strikes, but no town has displayed such a versatile cast of players than the settlement of Stanton.
'Retired' gold miner, wife enjoy Stanton's history
The word “retire” is a relative term, and Jean and Willard Bass use the phrase loosely. While some seniors spend their days fishing, golfing or catching the latest football game, Willard searches for gold -- in the land surrounding the historic town of Stanton.
Transfer station to allow free green waste dumping
News from the Congress Transfer Station! Ted Thompson, who is the attendant there, was kind enough to be present at the Block Watch meeting on March 20 and to share with those present several items of interest.
Navy veteran satisfied lifelong wanderlust
North Ranch resident Susie Sterns has an inspiring motto: "Grab the goat bythe horns, try everything, and use the talent God has given you."
Here for the climate, Schneiders enjoy North Ranch
When North Ranch resident Ray Schneider was recently asked why he chose the Wickenburg area to call home, he answered without hesitation.“I’m here for the climate,” he said with a grin.
Her 'zest for living' keeps 90-year-old youthful
“My life has been flabbergasting -- it’s been a wonderful, wonderful life!” exclaimed North Ranch’s oldest resident, Jan Mahaffie-Allen.
Accomplished writer enjoys relaxed pace
Norma Scheall has no romantic ideas about the life of a writer. She was told she had the talent in the third grade and does not even remember any pivotal point in her life when she determined her course of crafting words.
British transplants enjoy art, mining in Stanton
Stanton, Ariz., is full of fascinating residents, and one couple who undeniably fall into the category are Helen and Laurence Pennell.
Mother, daughter enjoy life together at North Ranch
Kaye Huckelberry and her mother, Margaret Mullins are practically joined at the hip. “She came out to visit me for a few days in 1992, and she hasn’t left yet!” joked Margaret with a satisfied chu
03/24/07
Community Action Provides St. Patrick’s Day Dinner
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Congress celebrates St. Patrick's Day
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Health council has ambitious goals
Congress Health Council recently had its first work session involving members of the community of Congress.
Congress Elementary has family night this Thursday
Remember that the Congress Elementary School is having a family night Thursday (March 22) from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.
03/17/07
St. Patrick’s Day celebrated with dinner this Saturday
A reminder to all that the 11th Annual St. Patrick’s Day Corned Beef and Cabbage Dinner will be served at the Congress Fire Department on Saturday, March 17!
The business of the blog -- communication on the net
Businesses as well as individuals have discovered an inexpensive or even completely free way to regularly and effectively communicate with their clients, customers, employees, and other interested parties.
03/10/07
Gun Show successful fundraiser
The Block Watch folks report great success in their fundraising efforts at the Wickenburg Gun Show on the weekend of February 24 and 25.
03/03/07
Japanese cooking classes offered
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Another winer at hoop shoot
A second Congress girl did well at the hoop shoot in Wickenburg at the end of January.
02/24/07
Gun Show benefits Block Watch
The Gun Show is coming to the Community Center in Wickenburg this weekend (Feb. 24-25). Why does this deserve special mention in the Congress column? ...
02/17/07
Enough Sonic Booms
I live out by the Congress mine and I have had enough of those sonic booms!
5 Important things to Remember When Preparing Your Taxes
MAALOX - Don't forget the Maalox
Assistance for family appreciated
Steve Wolcott of the Family Dollar Store has expressed his deepest gratitude to those residents of Congress who have made donations ...
02/10/07
Art Lincoln, Wrought Iron Yard Art
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Gold Rush Days provide fun for everyone
It’s time for Gold Rush Days in Wickenburg this weekend! For those who have never been, it’s well worth the drive into town to enjoy the various activities and exhibits.
02/03/07
Followup: Fire Consumes Trailer/House
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Upside down locks
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Wrecked cars at Fire Station
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New Service Schedule at First Baptist Church
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Dog rules, animals discussed
This column will continue to summarize material presented by Deputy Richard Silva at the last Block Watch meeting.
Oregonian couple loves ‘sunny climate’ in Congress
Joel and Jane Hermsen’s home is easily spotted driving along the street of their Congress neighborhood -- a large, wooden bear looms over their six-foot block fence, holding a fish in its teeth.
01/27/07
Fire Consumes Trailer/House
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Congress seeing commercial/residential growth
In examining the growth of the Wickenburg area in 2006, one town in particular that has virtually boomed is Congress, about 15 miles northwest of Wickenburg.
Annexation effort continues
Following the 2006 annexation of 2,281 acres of property into the town’s corporate limits, the Town of Wickenburg continues to work on a number of additional annexation projects for 2007.
Pursuing passions help Raine 'Live well every day'
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Yavapai County explains dog ownership regulations
The information presented at the last Block Watch meeting by featured speaker Deputy Richard Silva was of sufficient import and general interest that this column and the next will summarize the topics discussed.
01/20/07
Best Headlines of 2006
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Bob Hancock, Taxidermist
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Rodeo champ's accomplishments make a long list
Those who frequent Congress' new convenient store "Smallmart" may have noticed a quiet, unassuming cowboy having breakfast. The cowboy is Shawn Davis, and by his modest demeanor one would never guess that the rodeo coach for the College of Southern Idaho is a three-time world-champion saddle bronc rider with a list of accomplishments that reads like a who's who of cowboys.
Lunch Wednesdays at Community Center
Here’s an idea: how about lunch out on Wednesdays in Congress for a very reasonable price? Sound good? Make a reservation and drop in at the Community Center at noon on any Wednesday during the “winter visitor” season.
01/13/07
More Boar
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Local food programs stay active
A focus on food this week - specifically a couple of food assistance programs in our community.
Robson's Mining World marks 15th anniversary
Robson’s Mining World will celebrate its 15th anniversary Saturday, Jan. 20 with events all day that also feature the Third Annual Truck and Car Show.
Incardona back on TV
Pete Incardona of Sunrise Mine Enterprises will be making an appearance on KPNX TV-12 next week to kick off the 17th Annual Celebration of Fine Art in Scottsdale.
01/06/07
Community Church Bible Feed
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Meals on Wheels available in Congress
Sandi Taylor wants everyone in Congress to be aware that Meals on Wheels is now available in the area. Mary Ann Paulic, Congress librarian, wants Congress kids to know that the crafts at the library program will be starting up again on Saturday, Jan. 6 at 10 a.m.
12/30/06
The year of the Boar
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Less litter, more gifts this season
Special thanks to the many volunteers from North Ranch who turned out early on a cold December morning to pick up the litter on their section of Highway 89. What a terrific turnout!
New business begins in Congress
Storage sheds have become popular as the desire for toys and tools have outpaced the space in our homes. Congress resident Daniel Hershberger started Diamond Buildings to meet that need in the local market.
12/23/06
Community Center Christmas Dinner
Congress Christmas Lights
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From Osaka to Congress
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Fire department wins Tinsel Award
Congratulations to the Congress Fire Department. Fire Chief Virgil Suitor and his fire department elves for winning ‘‘best of show,’’ the Tinsel Award, in the Wickenburg Parade of Lights on Friday (Dec. 8).
12/17/06
'Twas the week before Christmas ...
Congress woman wins lifetime supply of gasoline
Congress resident Ruth Meyers-Thompson was a winner in the Shell “Million Gallon Giveaway” sweepstakes recently.
Christmas bringing Santa's visit, senior's dinner, more
Don’t forget Santa’s arrival at the Community Center at 6:30 p.m. this Friday (Dec. 15), and the old-fashioned cookie exchange at the school from 6 to 8 the same evening. For those intending to enjoy the Seniors’ Christmas dinner at noon next Wednesday, reservations must be made by today (Wednesday, Dec. 13). Call 427-3760.
12/09/06
New Store Opens in Congress
The rapidly expanding commercial center of Congress is one retail store larger with the recent opening of the convenience store and gas station Small Mart Express.
Texaco opens in Congress
Congress is a busy spot this time of year what with the holiday season just ahead.
12/02/06
Texaco Station Opens
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Japanese Autumn Deepens
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Students get honors
Congress Elementary had their first trimester Honor Roll Assembly on Wednesday, Nov. 22. Here is the list of all the students ...
Bluewire takes over Cox Internet services
Bluewire LLC, a wireless broadband Internet service provider, today announced that it has acquired the wireless broadband Internet services of Cox Communications.
11/25/06
A Temple in the Drizzling Rain
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11/24/06
Mining gold or baking pies, Goodwin enjoys Arizona
"The first nugget I found was an ounce!"
11/18/06
Osaka Daily Life
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Map of Congress Updated
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As usual, copies are available at the Congress Water District Office.
'Carrot Lady' manages Meals on Wheels in Yarnell
Congress resident Sandi Taylor, also known as “The Carrot Lady” is the new project manager of Yarnell’s Meals on Wheels. Famous in the community as the inventor of the fried carrots that were formerly available at Arrowhead Steakhouse (now The Frog Rock Cafe), Sandi is taking on a new vocation.
Prescribed burn earlier this week
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The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) conducted a prescribed burn approximately 10 miles northeast of Congress on Monday and Tuesday (Nov. 13 and 14).
11/10/06
Volunteers appreciated
First, thanks go out to the 19 people who showed up to help install the walking track on Saturday (Oct. 28). Second, the Spooky Science night last Monday (Oct. 30) sponsored by the PTA was great fun for all.
11/04/06
Spooky Science Night Photos
Hard working Balcom 'won't even think of retiring'
Congress Fire District Secretary/Treasurer Darlene Balcom has a busy life, but retirement is the last thing on her mind. “As long as God keeps me going I won’t even think of retiring,” declared Darlene with a grin.
10/28/06
School Board: Sally Bell
I have over 35 years experience in education. I have held nearly every position from teacher to superintendent. I currently work as Reading Coach/Dean of Students in a neighboring school district.
School Board: Janet Ethington
[No information available]
School Board: Sergio E. Horcos
While I have never served on a School Board before, I believe my practical life experiences, including being Self Employed for over 15 years, has taught me many skills that would be very useful to the School Board.
School Board: Jim Thomson
Jim Thompson has served on the Congress School Board for 25+ years. He has served over the years in various ways. His strong leadership and willingness to go the extra mile demonstrate his interest in education.
A Little News from SBC Congress
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Gun Museum - And Owner - Hidden Treasures in Congress
When driving through Congress, a stop at The 01’ Congress Trading Post, located along Highway 89, can be well worth the time. Though the store is not open for business, owner Ed Gregory is usually there and will treat a visitor to a tour of his gun museum, share some of his philosophies and maybe a decorated bag of his “top-grade bull~*#&!~ (B.S.), complete with instructions on how to avoid it in life.
School Events Fill Calendar
By the time this appears in the paper, Congress Elementary will already be a few days into their fall fundraiser (started Monday, Oct 23). The big news is that the PTA won a grant from Lowe’s and PTO Today for a walking track for the school.
Weaver Mountain Estates launches Phase II in Congress
Rome and Roxie Glover recently announced the second phase of their Congress new home development Weaver Mountain Estates. This phase will have 28 available lots with four models and eight available elevations. The floor plans range from 1500 square feet to 2100 square feet and prices between $244,900 and $339,900.
10/27/06
Apache Seasons
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10/21/06
Congress school gets fencing
The Congress School board voted Wednesday (Oct. 11) to enclose the schoolyard because of the national increase in school violence.
Yavapai Meals on Wheels Looking for Volunteers
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10/14/06
Congress Ranches Zoning Meeting
According to flyers at the Water District office and on the bulletin board at the Congress Grocery there will be a meeting on at 7:00pm October 19, 2006 at the Community Center concerning zoning changes for Congress Ranches located on the south side of Route 71 across from Paso del Sol.
Contact person is Michael Smith 928-684-1411.
Congress Water District Meeting 10/10/2006
For your consideration, here is my report on the meeting. which includes preliminary planning information about Jim and Dixie Custer's RV park.
Old Congress Days -- Dance a Great Success!
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Old Congress Days -- Parade!
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Old Congress Days -- Arts & Crafts, Gymkana, Mucking & Drilling!
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10/06/06
Aunt Betty's Garden under new ownership
Judy and Jerry Stone moved to Peru, Indiana on 9/30/06. The new owners of Aunt Betty's Garden are the Valadez Family: mother, father, Victor, Edward and Cynthia.
Helping out at Aunt Betty's Garden
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Skunks misunderstood and maligned
Skunks are a very misunderstood and maligned creature. Many myths were created to justify killing this animal instead of risk getting sprayed. Once you know what their body language means and how to act around them, they are very easy to coexist with -- provided you keep your dogs inside from dusk to dawn.
What is the secret of a long life?
This is humorous, meaningful, and beautifully written. Michael Gartner has been editor of newspapers large and small and president of NBC News. In 1997, he won the Pulitzer Prize for editorial writing. I hope you'll take the two minutes to read it.
Many memories made during 50 years at Arrowhead
It was 1955 when Dan Jacobs journeyed as a young man to Congress, Ariz., with his family from Marengo, Iowa, to purchase a bar then known as The Arrowhead. This year the couple sold The Arrowhead Steakhouse, and they look back fondly on the memories made.
09/30/06
Old Congress Days are coming
In keeping with the heritage of Congress’ mining and ranching, the theme for this year is “Reclaiming the Heart of Congress.”
All in a day's work for busy Congress fire chief
The small town of Congress, Ariz., has quite the volunteer fire department. The man who keeps it running like a well-oiled machine is Fire Chief Virgil Suitor, who admits it's a full time job.
Art of Japanese cooking classes offered
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Headstanding beetle
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09/23/06
My Dear Friend, Javelina
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"Come quickly!", Dave cried out. Rushing into the kitchen, I found somebody peeping through the security door. Wow, I could see very closely this comical creature with a large head, long snout and chunky body.
Congress school board discusses new requirement affecting schools
School Superintendent Toni Wayas spoke to the Congress Elementary school board last Wednesday (Sept. 13) about the law conference she recently attended, explaining some of the new laws that have recently been adopted.
Congress candidate forum planned
The League of Women Voters will conduct an open forum to meet the candidates for the Congress school board at Congress Elementary School next Tuesday (Sept. 26) at 5:30 p.m.
09/15/06
Heavy rain fills my wash
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The small wash in front of my house is usually dry as a bone but last Saturday was different.
September last quiet month
I think this is the last “quiet” month before it officially becomes the “holiday season,” beginning with Halloween. But first, let’s get back to September.
09/08/06
Tarantula for a Pet?
I had a terrible image for tarantulas for a long time: they are deadly poisonous and ugly creatures. However, recently I found one lying dead in front of our house and looking very closely I became interested in these hairy spiders.
09/06/06
Your Vote Can Stop the Selling Off of Wickenburg
Wickenburg is for sale. Have you heard? Just propose a rezoning to pack as many homes as you can into a piece of property, whisper the right words to our elected officials, and they’ll give you the votes you need to cut Wickenburg into smaller and smaller pieces. Heck, they don’t even pay attention to the recommendations of the Planning and Zoning Commission anymore. Why should they? P & Z doesn’t have as much at stake as these folks do.
09/02/06
Civilizations -- Very Interesting and Scary
About the time our original 13 states adopted their new constitution, in 1787, Alexander Tyler, a Scottish history professor at the University of Edinburgh, had this to say about the fall of the Athenian Republic some 2,000 years prior. "A democracy is always temporary in nature; it simply cannot exist as a permanent form of government."
Family herb garden in Congress sells across the nation
When you drive off the beaten path of Congress’ main street and approach the green fertile fields of Taylor’s Herb Garden of Arizona, Inc., you may hear a voice in your head exclaiming: “You’re not in Congress anymore!”
08/26/06
Dramatic Thunderstorm
When Dave and I first moved here, one of the things which amazed us was the dramatic lightning and thunder. One night many bolts of lightning hit in a short time and made the sky suddenly bright. I became scared and screamed, “The lightning may strike the house. What to do? Where should we hide?”
08/17/06
Thurman clarifies, corrects Sun’s article on Congress
The July 26, article "Incorporation for Congress"? did not fully represent what I said at a public meeting in Congress on July 17.
Correction: The statement from last week’s article “Congress board dissolves, planning effort to continue”
Correction: The statement from last week’s article “Congress board dissolves, planning effort to continue” saying that refunds, letters of explanation, and membership cards will be sent in the Congress water bill is incorrect.
08/09/06
Congress Grocery changes hands, plans to keep store unchanged
Longtime Phoenix residents Emanuel Soso and Katrina Younan have purchased the Congress Grocery Store.
Her father insisted on beauty school - a good idea
By Patti Jares, Staff Writer
Wickenburg Sun, August 9, 2006
Happy customers pleased with their haircuts at the Congress Beauty Salon can thank Diana Jeans’ father. According to Diana, he is the one responsible.
“My father made me go to beauty school,” exclaimed Diana with a laugh. “It was his rule. After I graduated from high school, he told me I had to choose between Yavapai College or beauty school. Now I’m glad he did.”
As a young girl Diana had no desire to pursue a hair styling career.
Raised on a ranch on Burro Creek in Wikiup, she grew up accustomed to the ranching lifestyle. Her mother liked to dress her up like a lady, but Diana had other ideas.
“Mom wanted to dress me up to be a cute little girl, but I didn’t like it — I wanted to be outside gardening, or with my animals,” she admitted with a grin. “We did the whole ranching thing. Our vacations were gathering cattle,” she joked. “There was no time away from the ranch — you can’t tell the cows, ‘Okay, you’re in control tonight!”’
Diana started beauty school the September after her high school graduation and married her husband Mike the following January.
Mike was a miner at the Bagdad Mine, and when Diana graduated from beauty school she was hired at a salon in Bagdad. She has used her hair styling skills ever since.
In 1993 Diana opened the Congress Beauty Salon with two friends, Susie Harness and Judy Rogers. All three were residents of Bagdad.
“The joke was that you had to live in Bagdad to work here,” she mused. But along with the fun, Diana remembers how challenging it was in the beginning.
“It was very hard to start — it was kind of scary that first year,” admitted Diana, “and we didn’t do a lot of advertising, just word of mouth, but gradually we grew and grew and soon we were totally busy.
For the past five years Diana has owned the shop exclusively.
Nowadays there is a steady stream of customers throughout the winter and summer. Business slows down in the hotter months, but Diana appears to stay busy.
And according to her customers, she does a good job.
“Believe me, if she couldn’t cut my hair I wouldn’t come back,” noted customer Jackie Oliver as she explained how well Diana handled her sometimes-unruly hair.
“I do my best,” exclaimed Diana with a grin.
Diana resides in Wilhoit with her husband Mike, who retired from the mine after 30 years and now works for Laron, Inc. in Kingman.
They have two sons —- Cameron, who is a miner in Bagdad, and Bubba, a cowboy who works the Cross U Ranch north of Prescott.
Even though Diana enjoys her profession, she still prefers the outdoors - her gardening, and hunting and fishing with Mike.
And Diana enjoys working in Congress “because of the people.”
Diana’s salon caters to a mixture of regulars and walk-ins and does a lot of men’s cuts.
“I like Congress,” she admitted. “I don’t like the heat, but that’s okay — I’ll just have to suffer, I guess. But I do like the people. I enjoy talking and visiting — and there’s such a mixture — some that have lived here forever and others that come and go all the time. I guess that’s why I still do this — because of the people.”
Reprinted with permission of Wickenburg Sun.
Congress board dissolves, planning effort to continue
Wickenburg Sun, August 9, 2006
By Patti Jares, Staff Writer
Recent rumors and speculation were laid to rest last Thursday (August 3) when Greater Congress Community Plan Board President Judy Stone closed the books on the board account, dissolving the group and relinquishing her position.
Stone explained to the board and all present that pro-rated membership monies will be returned to the community in the Congress water bill, along with a bumper sticker and letter of explanation.
Stone then addressed two former members of the board, Julie Grasse and Jane Summers, who have splintered from the group and have continued to gather information on possible town incorporation.
‘You’ve done a great job and you have my support 100 percent,” stated Stone. ‘We’re still on the same page, and I believe you want what I want — what’s best for the community.”
Stone offered Summers all of the board’s research and the remaining ‘We The People” bumper stickers and license plates, valued at approximately $1,000.00. She also explained that she will put a note in the refund letter, letting everyone know that they can receive the license plate they are entitled to through Grasse.
“I think that is immensely fair,” stated Summers.
When Board Member Lynn Tulles asked Grasse and Summers if they were part of a new committee, Grasse replied, “No, we’re just two facilitators.”
According to Stone, she hopes her gesture will quell any remaining misunderstandings among former board members and the Congress community. She also stressed the fact that she will do anything she can to support the continued work by Grasse and Summers, who are intent on informing the public that incorporation seems to be in Congress’ best interest.
“In my opinion,” acknowledged Stone, "all of our research and knowledge shows incorporation is the best avenue to proceed with.”
Before the meeting ended, board member Ira Birdwell presented Stone with a certificate of appreciation from the board members, stating her “devotion and drive have been inspiring and amazing ... from those of us that have stuck with it - we admire you, we appreciate you, and we thank you from the bottom or our hearts for all you have done.
Stone and her husband Jerry will be closing Aunt Betty’s Garden and moving to Indiana, but will keep their property and return to spend winters in Congress.
Asked what she thought of her time on the board, Stone stated, “It was fun and really exciting — I enjoyed it thoroughly. There are so many good people in this town, and gathering information and working with them was so interesting. I’ll still be around during the winters to do whatever I can — this is our little town and I want what's best for the community.
Reprinted with permission of the Wickenburg Sun.
08/03/06
Picnic-in-the-Park
The 5th Annual National Night Out was held on Tuesday, August 1st, 2006 from 5pm to 9pm at Tenderfoot Hill Park.
Organized by the Congress Block Watch, it was sponsored by the Yavapai County Sheriff's Office, the Congress Fire Department, the Arizona Game and Fish Department and APS who provided the give aways for the young and young at heart. In addition to the organizations many members of the community pitched in and helped with the event.
As you can see from the following photos, there was good food and people enjoyed meeting their neighbors and having a go with the Firearms training trailer.
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07/28/06
Incorporation for Congress?
Wickenburg Sun, July 26, 2006
By Patti Jares, Staff Writer
Two public meetings held recently in Congress may have given residents the tools needed to define the future of their town, although the first meeting on Monday, July 17 did little more than fuel Congress' growing fear of a possible annexation by Wickenburg.
League of Arizona Cities and Towns Service Director Tom Belshe's quiet and direct professionalism on Wednesday (July 19) contrasted with that of Yavapai County Board of Supervisors Representative Tom Thurman at the first meeting.
Belshe, who was invited to Congress to explain the pros and cons of town incorporation, clearly stated at the beginning of the meeting he had no intentions of casting negative comments about Wickenburg.
“I work for those great cities and towns,” he said to a chuckling audience.
But Belshe remained on track, citing details that gave Congress residents something to think about.
“Whatever you decide to do, do carefully,” advised Belshe, explaining that towns rushing into incorporation without forethought usually fail.
Belshe explained the two methods of incorporation: petition without election, where two-thirds of the registered voters within the boundaries of the imposed corporation sign a petition in favor of incorporation. The next step of this method would be an order to incorporate by the Board of Supervisors, and a “stamp of approval” by the state government.
The second method is to fill a petition with at least 10 percent of voters' signatures, and then put it on the ballot. “The majority means incorporation,” said Belshe.
According to Belshe, the three largest expenses a newly incorporated town will face is a police department, road maintenance and liability insurance, explaining that county taxes will remain the same but the state will provide revenues to help with road and police department expenses.
He stressed the fact that sales taxes will increase - raised by the residents of the town to help with expenses.
“If you're considering incorporation and don't want to raise sales tax, it will be a problem,” said Belshe.
He also explained that if incorporated, the water district and fire department could remain intact, with the water district continuing to provide water to the community.
Belshe encouraged town leaders to talk to newly incorporated towns such as Mayor-Humboldt and Star Valley.
Belshe also spoke about annexation, telling the crowd it may be a good idea to consider being annexed, if residents can come to an agreement with Wickenburg and work out details that would be advantageous to Congress.
Thurman, who came to speak about annexation two days earlier, spoke a contradictory message and played the crowd.
Asking where Congress stands with the Town of Wickenburg, Thurman urged residents to sit down with Wickenburg's leadership and talk, but in another breath he declared with wide eyes and a smile: “I haven't heard this personally, but I hear people in Wickenburg think Congress people are low-lives and trailer trash.”
When asked by a resident whether Wickenburg would be sneaky enough to squeeze the annexation question in so nobody could understand it, Thurman responded, “Yes, but there are enough people in this town smart enough to catch it!”
When a resident told Thurman he had heard that the county was in favor of Wickenburg's annexation, Thurman replied, “You guys elected me - I'll bend over backwards to do what you want me to do - but I don't know about the other staff.”
Touching on the internal battling within the town leadership, Thurman did encourage the members of the Community Planning Board under President Judy Stone - former and present members - to come together to work for the common goal.
“If you cannot get along,” exclaimed Thurman, “you will never get it (the community plan) passed.”
Noting that the town has a precinct, Thurman urged Congress to place one of their residents on the Wickenburg council, and if financially feasible, incorporate immediately - within the next 10 months.
“As a third party,” stated Thurman, “I can tell that annexing into Wickenburg isn't a huge priority here - to say the least.”
Reprinted with permission of the Wickenburg Sun.
Wickenburg Town Planner addresses Congress concerns
Wickenburg Sun, July 26, 2006
By Patti Jares, Staff Writer
Congress residents had the unexpected opportunity to direct annexation questions to Wickenburg Town Planner Miles Johnson during a public meeting last Wednesday (July 19) at the Congress Community Center.
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It was during a question and answer session following a presentation by League of Arizona Cities And Towns Services Director Tom Belshe, when Johnson stood and addressed a question from the crowd. He was encouraged to take the platform and explain Wickenburg's annexation plan - dispelling myths and giving clarity to the issue.
Johnson utilized his sense of humor to quell tension and suspicion present in the room. “There's a lot of misinformation out there,” Johnson began. “It is true that I wanted Congress water, but that was satisfied when I walked through the door,” he announced with a chuckle, referring to the bottled water distributed to the crowd. The audience roared with laughter.
But in addition to humor, Johnson spoke openly about Wickenburg's desire to annex surrounding areas.
“You see us as ‘the big, bad wolf,' the same way we look at Surprise,” he acknowledged. But I see as a planner a community mirroring the values of Wickenburg - we both value open space.
“You don't have to be a genius to figure out that the population of Arizona is going to explode,” continued Johnson. “By 2030 Casa Grande and Phoenix will touch, and with 50 million people moving to the state (according to census data), they won't all live in Phoenix. See, if the town of Wickenburg does not expand its boundaries, it will lose control of the lifestyle it's grown accustomed to - there will be very high density to the town borders. If we don't act today, tomorrow will be too late. But there's no urgent need for Wickenburg to annex (Congress). ”
Johnson addressed a topic causing an increasing amount of anxiety for Congress residents: the fact that if Wickenburg annexes up to within six miles of Congress, then Congress will have to ask Wickenburg permission to incorporate.
Responding to Community Planning Board President Judy Stone's question of whether Wickenburg would give permission to Congress at that time, and could we get it in writing, Johnson responded, “I can't decide it, but I would be in support of that incorporation, and I'll make it known to my officials. The council will make the final judgment. And as far as getting it in writing,” he said jokingly, referring to The Wickenburg Sun, “I think I just did.”
However, when asked how long it would take for Wickenburg to annex Congress, Johnson's answer was somewhat vague.
“Annexation is a very funny beast,” stated Johnson. “It could be a month, or it could take years.”
In conclusion, Johnson stated honestly that Wickenburg has not even begun to pursue an annexation of Congress.
“The only constant in life is change,” mused Johnson. “We're trying to prepare, and I see you are too. I'll work with you however I can.”
Reprinted with permission of the Wickenburg Sun.
‘Newsmaster’ Dave McLane gathers and shares information
Wickenburg Sun, July 26, 2006
By Patti Jares, Staff Writer
Anyone visiting the office of the Congress Water District will probably notice three-ringed binders sifting on the front counter. Inside are meticulously prepared maps and all kinds of local information. And if you ask, you will receive a map of Congress -- the first small, accurate map of the town ever made. All of this information was gathered, developed and created free of charge by the “Newsmaster” himself, Congress resident Dave McLane.
Dave’s exhaustive knowledge of the computer, mixed with a desire to gather and share information, results in a real plus for Congress residents who like to stay abreast of day-to-day news topics.
In addition to his hard copy information at the water district and the Congress library, Dave offers The Community Information Center. An innovative and informative website (www.congress-arizona.com), Dave’s intention is to give Congress a sense of community via the Internet with local information and community updates, complete with the Newsmaster’s Report -- “making it up as we go along.”
With McLane’s knowledge and experience with computers, he could possibly be the CEO of a “household name” company, but he chose another path -- one that led him out of the country for 30 years.
Dave was born in Brooklyn, N.Y., and his career began when he was 4 years old.
“I was a child model, explained Dave with a grin. “I got my social security card when I was four, and when I show it to people and they see how long ago it was issued they ask, ‘How old ARE you?”’
The son of a newspaper photographer, he often helped his dad with photo projects, so by the time he was in high school, Dave had gleaned enough knowledge of the craft to earn money as a photographer.
After four years in the military, Dave earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from the University of California at Santa Barbara.
It was in the 1960s, during his college years that he became an expert in computers -- but not from classes he took at the university. This was before the computer era.
Looking for a job to help him through school, Dave was hired by System Development Corporation (SDC). Located in Santa Monica, it was “arguably, the world’s first software company.”
Working on military air defense systems through the RAND Corporation (who laid the framework for the internet), Dave was given a Secret Security Clearance.
He was intrigued by the 300-foot long, 100-foot wide computer that was made from vacuum tubes.
“They were like magic -- I thought it was the greatest fun I’d ever had in my life,” exclaimed Dave with a laugh. “It was a 100-foot, animal you could train to do tricks.
In a short time the company approached Dave and offered to send him to their “in-house” computer programming school. At that early time in the computer era, nobody in mainstream society had ever heard of a computer programmer.
After eight years with the company, Dave felt he needed a vacation.
“I’d been working since high school,” mused Dave. “I needed a break, but the break never ended.”
Leaving the country in 1970, Dave hitchhiked through Europe and Asia for 12 years, eventually settling in Japan.
In Japan, Dave taught a cutting-edge English course, using flash-cards and videos to enable the Japanese to interact in English -- a style unheard of by other teachers who taught mainly English word memorization.
When computers became available, Dave purchased six and started a provider called AEGIS, a program that enabled the common man to discover and, use the Internet.
‘There was no place in Japan to do public email,” acknowledged Dave. “I wrote the AEGIS program with no software. Then I bought another code so machines could have multiple telephone lines.”
Originally developed so Dave could keep in touch with the many friends he had met along his travels, AEGIS grew to 100 members. Anyone could use the Internet under his provider program of aegis.com.
Soon Dave was making award-winning videos through computer technology, including a film that won the Silver Award at the 19th Annual Tokyo Video Film Festival.
Through his work in Japan he met Sueko, and they were married.
The couple now lives in Congress after finding the town on a road trip. Dave continues to develop videos and his photography, and Sueko teaches cooking classes at the Wickenburg Community Center (and she is quite a cook).
Now that Dave is part of the Congress community, there is no telling what technological surprises the future may bring. One thing is clear, the Newsmaster wil continue to bridge the gap between computerized technology and the average uses--that is what he does and he does it well.
Reprinted with permission of the Wickenburg Sun.
Development could restrict Congress' incorporation plans
Wickenburg Sun, July 26, 2006
By Patti Jares,Staff Writer
Located five miles south of Congress, immediately north of Escapees North Ranch, the Antelope Creek development could prohibit future expansion of Congress’ southern boundaries.
“Ultimately Wickenburg will be annexing this land in the future, and we’re putting all our marketing efforts towards Wickenburg,” acknowledged Antelope Creek’s Owner/Developer John Luke. “Most customers will be looking at Wickenburg for services.”
With the development becoming a part of Wickenburg, Congress has to consider its boundaries if they do in fact want incorporation.
In addition, with the six-mile rule bringing Wickenburg within five miles of Congress, the town will either have to begin working with Wickenburg to develop a plan, or start the process of incorporation -- ensuring that Congress is what Tom Belshe of the League of Arizona Cities and Towns referred to as ‘The firstest with the mostest.”
Antelope Creek will be a 330-acre development totaling 94 lots, extending four miles north and south, and one-half mile east and west, immediately east of U.S. Highway 89.
Along with the developed lots, there will be over 82-acres of open space.
‘This land is not to be developed,” stated Luke. “It will have hiking paths, jogging trails and open, natural conditions.
Two-thirds of the lots will contain one and twoplus acre sites, with the remainder of the lots a minimum of three-quarters of an acre.
With the many choices facing the town of Congress, this is one more element to be thrown into a pot already brimming with tough decisions.
Reprinted with permission of the Wickenburg Sun.
New school year approaches
Wickenburg Sun, July 26, 2006
By Barbara Rejon, Sun Correspondent
Two weeks until school starts!
The school supply lists have been sent out as well as the first newsletter. Congress Elementary’s first day of school is Monday, August 7. The school will have new hours this year. School will now begin at 8:30 a.m. and end at 3:45 p.m. (Fridays until 1:00 p.m.)
This means a new schedule for the bus too (which was included with the school supply list and newsletter). Be sure to go over the new bus pick-up and drop-off times before school starts.
If you did not receive the new schedule (or newsletter), call the school at 427-9850. If driving children to school and/or picking them up, be aware that this year the school is implementing a new policy. The circular drive in front of the school will be for school buses only. Drivers will now need to enter the parking lot and pull up to the sidewalk area for dropping off and picking up. No parking or stopping at the sidewalk area!
If you need to exit your vehicle, park it in one of the parking spaces provided (so as not to cause a traffic jam) and walk your child to the sidewalk area or school door in the back. Do not let children cross the parking lot alone. If you have any questions regarding this new procedure, call the school.
The PTA will have pre-packaged school supplies available for purchase (for each grade level) on the first day of school, so if you aren’t able to make it to the store before school starts don’t worry. The packaged supplies will be sold for about the same price as it would be to go get them yourself (this is not a fundraiser, so there is no profit involved, just the convenience of having it done for you). The prices will be (approximately): kindergarten: $8, grades one and two: $14, grade three through eight: $20. If you have any questions regarding this service you can call PTA President Julie Grasse at 427-0474.
Open House will be on Tuesday Aug. 15, from 7 to 8 p.m., where you will be able to come and meet your student’s teacher, see the classroom and school, ask questions, get acquainted with other parents and perhaps join the PTA.
Reprinted with permission of the Wickenburg Sun.
07/22/06
Childhood mining adventure began lifelong fascination
Wickenburg Sun, July 19, 2006
By Patti Jares, Staff Writer
Arizona native Les Bender has been an integral part of Congress for many years, but a visit to his Weaver Mining District/VKO Real Estate office reveals his southern Arizona roots.
Hanging on a wall next to his desk is an old Arizona map, and down at the southern end of that map can be seen a site called Bighorn. It was at one time the name of his father’s vast, 600,000-acre ranch, named for the large number of bighorn sheep that roamed the area. The name was eventually changed to The Vekol Ranch (with the VKO brand), but the service station located in the center of their land kept the former name —Bighorn Station. Only the ruins remain today and can be seen along US Highway 8.
Les is currently general manager of the Congress Mine, and vice-chairman of the Weaver Mountain District. He has had a lifelong fascination with mining, ignited by an adventure when he was a boy of 12.
As the story goes, there was an old miner named Burns Wood who mined silver on the Papago Indian Reservation. He was a friend of the family, and Les was allowed to spend a summer with the prospector, living on the reservation and learning his life-long trade.
“We lived in a mining tunnel,” mused Les with a’ grin as he remembered the aged, bearded man. “Old Burns taught me a lot about mining — silver is different than gold — but we had a lot of fun, and he got me interested in it.”
After that summer Les continued to work his father’s ranch until it was sold in 1951 to a group of men that included the actor and rancher, John Wayne.
The Benders bought a small ranch in Skull Valley, and Les went to school his senior year in Prescott, graduating in 1953.
Joining the service, he spent four years on a submarine. ‘The old fleet-time subs, not like nowadays where they dive down for six months at a time,” he acknowledged with a grin.
But once discharged, his love of mining got the best of him.
“In 1959 1 bought a little dredge in Prescott and found my first course nugget — in Lynx Creek. It was one-third ounce and that set me off on gold mining,” explained Les matter-offactly. “I’ve been doing it ever since.”
Besides mining, Les opened VKO Realty in 1965 and enjoyed the diversity.
“It was a different job every day,” he mused, “going out and looking at a mine or a ranch —and every one was different.”
As much as he enjoyed real estate, after 20 years in the business Les was ready for another adventure.
“In 1985 me and my wife went to Florida,” he exclaimed. ‘Then we bought a 36-foot boat and lived on it for three years, sailing to the Bahamas. It was fun —- I read every novel there was; did a lot of fishing and went through all the islands and then to the Florida Keys and down through Louisiana, Mississippi to the tip of Texas and then Mexico. We sold the boat in Houston.”
Les returned to Congress where he continued in real estate and mining, running Weaver Mountain District since 1996 with Dan Jacobs as the current chairman. He has been general manager of Congress Mine since 1998.
Les admits his fondness for the people of Congress and the town, but sometimes he dreams about getting another boat.
“I love Congress and the people,” said Les. ‘They’re great —but I might go sailing again, down to Costa Rica — in a 46-foot boat this time. They have a lot of gold there.”
Les smiled as he sipped a cup of coffee. “And they have great coffee,” he added with a grin.
Reprinted with permission of the Wickenburg Sun.
Landmark remembered, repainted
Wickenburg Sun, July 21, 2006
By Tamara Thomas, Editor
Years ago, when Glenna Wilcox was a teenager, she spent several summers with relatives in the Date Creek area. One of the distinct memories of those visits was a huge rock near Congress painted to look like a skull.
Nearly 50 years later, she met and married Bob Wilcox and found herself returning to the Wickenburg area to live.
“One of the first things I wanted to do when I moved here was to try to find ‘The Skull,'” said Glenna. “I found it, but it wasn't easy as it was in dire need of a facelift.” She found Skull Rock six miles east on Date Creek Road near Congress. The paint had faded to shades of grey in the intervening years, and Glenna got an idea.
“When our grandchildren MacLane and Maggi Mattert, ages 9 and 10, came from California to visit us, I thought it might be fun for them to help Bob and me paint it,” she explained.
Wilcox spoke to David Ryan, of Ryan's Painting Inc., and he donated a five-gallon bucket of white paint. So the grandparents gathered paint, brushes, ladders, assorted refreshments and the grandkids and made the arduous journey up to the faded rock.
“We had to hike quite a distance to get to it, going through two barbed-wire fences and up and down a steep rocky grade over the railroad track.”
“Two seniors and a couple of kids” tackled quite a project. After two mornings of painting, they ran out of white paint but had managed to recover all the original paint of so many years ago.
Glenna smiled. “In the end, we all decided we had had a great time painting graffiti together.”
Years ago, when Glenna Wilcox was a teenager, she spent several summers with relatives in the Date Creek area. One of the distinct memories of those visits was a huge rock near Congress painted to look like a skull.
Nearly 50 years later, she met and married Bob Wilcox and found herself returning to the Wickenburg area to live.
“One of the first things I wanted to do when I moved here was to try to find ‘The Skull,'” said Glenna. “I found it, but it wasn't easy as it was in dire need of a facelift.” She found Skull Rock six miles east on Date Creek Road near Congress. The paint had faded to shades of grey in the intervening years, and Glenna got an idea.
“When our grandchildren MacLane and Maggi Mattert, ages 9 and 10, came from California to visit us, I thought it might be fun for them to help Bob and me paint it,” she explained.
Wilcox spoke to David Ryan, of Ryan's Painting Inc., and he donated a five-gallon bucket of white paint. So the grandparents gathered paint, brushes, ladders, assorted refreshments and the grandkids and made the arduous journey up to the faded rock.
“We had to hike quite a distance to get to it, going through two barbed-wire fences and up and down a steep rocky grade over the railroad track.”
“Two seniors and a couple of kids” tackled quite a project. After two mornings of painting, they ran out of white paint but had managed to recover all the original paint of so many years ago.
Glenna smiled. “In the end, we all decided we had had a great time painting graffiti together.”
Reprinted with permission of the Wickenburg Sun.
New hours, more technology for Congress
Wickenburg Sun, July 19, 2006
By Patti Jares, Staff Writer
The Congress school board discussed revised school hours at their regular board meeting on Wednesday, July 12, in the Congress Elementary School library.
For the 2006-07 school year, the gates at Congress Elementary will open at 8:15 a.m., 15 minutes later than last year. The new time will be the earliest parents will be able to drop their children off. Breakfast will be served from 8:15 to 8:30 am., with school beginning at 8:30 am. Parents can pick up their children at 3:45 p.m.
“I believe it will be a better routine,” acknowledged Congress School Superintendent Toni Wayas, “and the children will have plenty of time to eat. Last year some children played for 15 to 20 minutes before coming in to eat breakfast.
Another topic discussed by the board was technology.
“Basically, I want to increase our technology,” stated Board President Jim Thompson.
To accomplish this, more classrooms at the elementary school will receive smart boards (computerized, interactive white-boards).
This will bring the technology to a level that is only going to improve the education level of our school,” added Thompson.
Wayas informed the board that she had received AIMS scores.
“I can’t release the district’s scores, explained Wayas, “but generally, we are at a norm with the nation and in some cases better than the state. When I look at the individual scores, we have much to celebrate.”
The board unanimously approved a motion authorizing Deborah Neil as Student Activities Treasurer.
The board also read several pages of the district’s revised policy manuals, and approved the first reading, with a review of the second reading put on the next agenda.
The next school board meeting will be on Wednesday, August 9.
Reprinted with permission of the Wickenburg Sun.
07/14/06
Congress meetings planned next week
Wickenburg Sun, July 12, 2006
By Patti Jares, Staff Writer
Two meetings this month will equip Congress residents with facts on annexation and incorporation: one on Monday (July 17) at 6:30 p.m. with Yavapai County Board of Supervisors Representative Tom Thurman; and another on Wednesday, July 19 at 5:30 p.m. with Tom Belshe from League of Arizona Cities and Towns.
Both meetings will be held at the Congress Community Center.
The League of Arizona Cities and Towns was formed in 1937 when the Arizona Legislature was reluctant to allow city and town officials reasonable discretion in making decisions about their communities. Its mission is “home rule and local determination.”
Belshe will discuss the challenge of incorporation - including subjects of shared state revenues, tax increases and a town budget.
Thurman will speak and answer questions on the topic of annexation, referring to Wickenburg's General Plan.
“We're basically in fact-finding mode,” stated Community Plan Board President Judy Stone. “We want to find the pluses and minuses of annexation and incorporation.”
Congress residents are strongly encouraged to attend.
Reprinted with permission of the Wickenburg Sun.
Perez found Congress a ‘perfect spot’ for produce
Wickenburg Sun, July 12, 2006
By Patti Jares Staff Writer
How can a cantelope have a "full moon?" Asks John Perez.
The owner of John’s Produce Stand (along Highway 89 in Congress) will be more than happy to enlighten you, and offer you useful facts on fruits and vegetables --information he has spent a lifetime gathering.
"Produce runs in our family," exclaimed John with a grin. "We have been in this business for generations."
John began helping in the fields of his father’s California fruit and vegetable farm when he was 5 years old. A small time farmer trying to make ends meet, his father could not afford hired hands, relying instead on the help of his family.
John learned lessons from his dad that have carried him through life; more than knowledge of produce, he learned a great work ethic.
We had a big fruit stand in front of our farm," mused John. ‘Those baskets of fruit and vegetables had to be plump -- piled over the top. If not, we ‘got it.’ That’s the way it was."
He also learned a lot from his grandfather, who worked for a seed company.
By the time John was a young man he knew he wanted a career in produce. Until he retired in 1989, he was employed in the produce section of large grocery stores in California.
"When I worked in stores, in the back of my head I always knew I wanted to have a little fruit and vegetable stand somewhere," he acknowledged. ‘Then several years ago I came down highway 71 from California and there was flooding, so they detoured us through (Highway) 89. When I drove through Congress I saw the flea market that used to be by ‘The Trading Post," and thought it would be a perfect spot."
John has a modest but good selection of fruits, vegetables, nuts and miscellaneous items. His best selling year-round item is his tomatoes, which he emphasized should not be refrigerated once home.
"If they’re kept refrigerated they lose their taste," he explained.
Another big seller is his roasted green chilies, which are offered throughout the year. And to make peeling easier, he immediately puts the hot, roasted chilies in an airtight plastic container to help with the peeling process.
"I put them in something to hold the steam so the skin slips off easier," he said with a smile.
John receives most of his produce from Arizona and California, with his melons coming from Aguila. And when customers stop in to buy his produce, he’ll demonstrate how to choose the ripest and tastiest ones.
John enjoys his produce stand--mostly because he enjoys the time he spends with the people in the area.
"I like the people here. They’re very slow-paced -- not in a hurry. The best part of the whole thing is the customers," he said with a smile that began in his eyes and lit up his face. "I used to go sell at swap meets. They work you to death for three-to-four hours a day, and you see so many people but don’t get to meet anybody. Here, it’s personal."
Reprinted with permission of the Wickenburg Sun.
Library hosts author on Monday
Wickenburg Sun, July 12, 2006
By Barbara Langley
Sun Correspondent
The Congress Public Library will host Jim Arnosky Monday (July 17) at 2 p.m. at the Congress Community Center.
Arnosky is a well-known author of children’s books and is in great demand as a speaker. He is touring Arizona this July promoting his books and the summer reading programs being offered by the libraries.
Arnosky has a great love for nature and has written and illustrated more than 90 books, sharing that love with children. He has also received many awards including Outstanding Science book awards from the National Science Teachers Association and the Lifetime Contribution to Science Award by the American Association for the Advancement of Science in 2005.
Our library has several of his books on hand, and Mary Ann is able to order others that are available through the Yavapai County Library District.
His presentation should be enjoyable and informative for both children and adults.
"Concerned residents" Jane Summers, Julie Grasse, Carl Johnoff, Gordon Acri and Tom Cesarz have planned a meeting for Wednesday, July 19 at 5:30 p.m. at the Congress Community Center.
"Concerned residents" of Congress should plan on attending.
Then coming up in October, we have Congress Days!
In keeping with the heritage of Congress mining and ranching, the theme for this year’s Congress Days is "Reclaiming the Heart of Congress."
Congress Days was first established in 1976 by the Moralez family.
On Friday, Oct. 6, Congress Days kicks off with a concert and dancing under the stars to the live music of the Arizona Outlaws —featuring local Congress resident Jim Monnett.
On Saturday, Oct. 7, the Congress Days parade will take place — followed by a barbecue lunch, mucking and drilling, gymkhana, swap meet vendors, entertainment and raffle drawings for great prizes at the Community Center.
Congress Days is sponsored by the Congress Senior Center, Desert Village Real Estate and Weaver Mountain Estates.
Anyone interested in being a co-sponsor should call Lynn Tullos at 427-3969 or stop in at Desert Village Real Estate in downtown Congress, next to the Congress Grocery.
For more information about the parade or mining events and gymkhana activities, call Loretta Moralez at 427-9489 or email congressparadeo6@aol.com.
For information about the swap meet booths, call Jane Summers at 427-9438 or email congressdayso6@yahoo.com.
Any inquiries regarding any of the events may also be sent to PO. Box 158, Congress, AZ 85332.
Reprinted with permission of the Wickenburg Sun.
07/08/06
Fire Department July 4th Potluck Dinner
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The annual Congress Vounteer Fire Department’s potluck dinner was held at the fire station as usual with more than fifty people enjoying eating with their neighbors. | |
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Photo by Dave McLane
Congress Realtor is passionate about her community
Congress Realtor is passionate about her community
Wickenburg Sun, July 6, 2006
By Patti Jares, Staff Writer
Lynn Tullos has strong feelings about Congress — and she doesn’t mind sharing her views with anyone who asks.
“I’m a very vocal person,” she admitted with a laugh. “If anybody asks me what I think or want, I pretty much speak out.”
A resident of Congress for nine years, Lynn has seen the town grow — and believes this is just the beginning.
“I love growth,” she admitted. “Growth is good — if a town becomes stagnant it becomes a ghost town.”
To help ensure that Congress continues to grow in the pattern of the western town that it is, Lynn is getting involved.
She is the newest member of the Congress Community Planning Board, contributing her time and energy to helping plan the infrastructure of Congress.
“I’m excited about the community making choice for the kind of town it wants to be,” exclaimed Lynn. “I think a lot of very good people were here when I came here, and great people are moving in.
In addition, she and her daughter Kit Exum are working to develop a Chamber of Commerce for the town.
‘We’re investigating the nonprofit formation process,” explained Lynn. ‘We’re talking to area businesses and realtors that do business in the area so we can provide information for people moving into the area.”
Another project Lynn has developed is restoring Congress Days.
“My daughter and I were just missing having a fun, community event — I have a granddaughter and I want her to have a sense of community.”
Lynn contacted Loretta Morales and Jane Summers to help with the project. Congress Days was initially begun in the 1970s by the Morales family and Loretta is excited to be involved.
The event will begin with a concert and dance on Friday evening, October 6, with a parade, barbecue and swap meet during the weekend. The band Arizona Outlaws will be featured the evening of the dance. The Congress Senior Center is sponsoring the event, offering their facility all three days.
Lynn is contributing the money that will provide insurance for the affair, but is looking for sponsors to offset the cost.
With real estate experience that encompasses 29 years, Lynn is the designated broker for Exum Realty (located on Highway 71 in Congress), a company she owns with her daughter Kit, and Lynn is the owner of Desert Village Real Estate, LLC.
“I’ve sold houses to people from all walks of life,” stated Lynn. “I’ve sold to doctors, lawyers and other professionals that could be a great resource if they will step forward.”
Optimistic about the direction Congress is taking, Lynn believes the town has the ability to avoid mistakes made by neighboring towns.
“This is a healthy, active community,” acknowledged Lynn. “I love the western, rural atmosphere and the way of life. The Internet is a tremendous source of knowledge — Wickenburg didn’t have it when they were planning their town. There are land use plans for many areas Congress’ size — we can read them, evaluate and adapt them for ideas. It’s being done by the Community Planning Board.”
Lynn has another daughter, Michele Malernee, who resides in Rancho de los Caballeros with her husband Willum. She has two grandchildren, Cody and Laney.
Lynn laughed as she explained how she moved to Congress to semi-retire. She is busy, but happy.
“Congress has great people and I enjoy them all,” she concluded with a grin. “Even the ones I don’t agree with!”
Reprinted with permission of the Wickenburg Sun.
Congress plan still on track
Congress plan still on track
Wickenbug Sun, July 7, 2006
By Patti Jares, Staff Writer
In spite of internal friction resulting in three resignations, the Congress Community Planning Board is moving on.
“We're just moving forward,” acknowledged Board President Judy Stone. “I really appreciate all the help they (former board members) have done - they've done a lot of work. I have to give them credit for that.”
The remaining board, joined recently by Congress resident and businesswoman Lynn Tulles, met Thursday afternoon to discussed the priorities that will best serve the community.
“The main thing we need to be working on is analyzing the (Community Plan) questionnaires, and also getting information on incorporation,” said Stone. “Most of that is budget - can we afford it with all it takes to run a town.”
The most recent word from The League of Arizona Cities and Towns is encouraging, and a public meeting is being planned for July.
Yavapai County Board of Supervisors Representative Tom Thurman has invited Stone to attend a “round table meeting” with Yavapai County Planner Shakeeb Shariff, Arizona Department of Commerce Regional Representative Joan Bethell and major developers in Yavapai County, including Developer Rome Glover. The meeting will take place in Prescott Thursday afternoon (July 6), and will focus on community goals. Due to the time of the meeting, the Community Planning Board will not meet on that day.
Congress resident Judi Nevins attended the meeting with written questions brought to her by the community, touching on a variety of topics.
Stone and the board answered the questions, and are in the process of putting them in written form, to be published in the Wickenburg Sun.
The planning board is working to complete the Congress Community Plan.
“We still have a job to do,” stated Stone. “I'm very happy with our board - they're here because one - it's in their heart; they said they'd do it, and two - they want to serve the community where they live.
“The Community Planning Board, under the direction of Judy Stone, has done an excellent job of gathering information so the community members can make an informed decision,” acknowledged Bethell. “The Community Plan is a foundational building block that must be laid.”
Reprinted with permission of the Wickenburg Sun.
06/16/06
Local author publishes poetry
Local author publishes poetry
Wickenburg Sun June 14, 2006
PublishAmerica has announced the publication of "Softly Spoken" by Cinthia Faith Creel of Congress, Ariz.
This collection of spiritual and uplifting poems touches on the subjects of love, hate, faith, and doubt while painting a picture that is sometimes hopeful, sometimes bleak, of the battle of good and evil, darkness and light.
Creel was born on January 17, 1983 in Phoenix. When she was 5 years old her mother moved her and her two sisters to Wickenburg, where she grew up enjoying the old-fashioned, southwestern way of life. At 18, she joined the Marine Corps and was shipped off to Paris Island. Her training was cut short due to a lupus diagnosis. Now back in the Wickenburg area, Cinthia continues to follow her passion of writing and acting.
PublishAmerica is the home of 20,000 authors and pays its authors advances and royalties, makes its book avaialbe through all book stores, and never charges any fees for its services.
Reprinted with permission of Wickenburg Sun
[Note: According to an article in the Washington Post there's a lot of fine print you need to be aware of when having your book published by PublishAmerica.]
06/15/06
Sandi’s is now Frog Rock Grill
Sandi’s is now Frog Rock Grill
Wickenbug Sun June 14, 2006
A familiar Congress restaurant and bar has undergone a change of ownership. What was Sandi’s Arrowhead Steakhouse is now the Frog Rock Grill
Proprietors of the new restaurant are Don and Keri Snyder, and they are open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. The Frog Rock Grill is open this summer Tuesday through Thursday from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. and from 4 to 8 p.m.; Friday and Saturday from 7 am. to 9 p.m. and Sunday from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. They are closed Mondays.
The grill serves a variety of breakfast fare, burgers and sandwiches for lunch, and features nightly specials at dinnertime, including a variety of steaks. On Wednesdays, an 8-ounce “Flat Iron” steak is the featured item, with a fish special on Fridays.
Adjacent to the restaurant the Arrowhead Saloon owned and operated by Jim and Kim Bonde open 10 a.m. daily.
Reprinted with permission of Wickenburg Sun
06/10/06
Congress Elementary School promotes, honors students
Congress Elementary School ended the year with two celebrations -- the end-of-the-year Honors Assembly for all grades, and the Eighth Grade Promotion Luncheon and Ceremony.
Students were recognized for meeting the Accelerated Reading goals. Nearly 100 percent of the students in all grades met their reading goals.
Outstanding spellers were recognized, including the winner of the school spelling bee Rachel Flick, a fifth grade student. Rachel went on to compete at the county level.
Outstanding achievement in math was recognized. Eighth grade teacher Mrs. White wanted to recognize the accomplishment of her accelerated math students. Eighth grade students, Geoffrey Needham and Sarilda Grantham, completed the high school Algebra course and took finals at the high school.
Seventh grade students Michael Dalton, Eric Almazan, Jessie Osorlo, Tranell Howard, and Lily Lason took the high school placement test, which is given to all students going into Wickenburg High School. Although these students will not go to high school for another year, the test determines whether they can qualify to take the high school Algebra course as eighth graders. All five students qualified. In fact, the five Congress students scored in the top 5 percent of all students taking the test, which included students in Wickenburg, Nadaburg, Aguila, Yarnell and Congress.
Recognition for perfect attendance was given to 34 students. Cheyenne Lacey was recognized for having had perfect attendance since the opening of Congress Elementary School five years ago. Cheyenne received some luggage in recognition of her outstanding accomplishment.
Honor Roll and Principal’s Honor Roll recognition was given to 60 students. All students’ names on the Principal’s Honor Roll were placed in a drawing. Patience Langley’s name was drawn, and she received a portable TV.
The final recognition was given to students who had received “Cougar Pays” throughout the year as a tribute to their good citizenship. Names were drawn and various awards were given to celebrate good citizenship.
Eighth Grade Promotion was held on Thursday, May 25. A luncheon was served to the parents and promoting eighth grade students.
Following the luncheon, the promotion ceremony highlighted the 16 students’ achievements and individuality.
The promotion ceremony was conducted by Student Council President Sarilda Grantham. PTA President Mrs. Julie Grasse presented two savings bonds to Geoffrey Needham and Kylee Cosgrove for outstanding citizenship and academics. Jordan Hoisington and Valerie Juarez recited a poem, and Maryhelen Carrasco, Kylee Cosgrove, Jordan Hoisington, Valerie Juarez and Vanessa Martin sang “Anytime You Need a Friend.”
School Board President Jim Thompson presented the promotion certificates. Mrs. White then did a PowerPoint presentation of each student as a tribute to the eighth grade class of 2006.
Finally, the students and parents were surprised to hear from a former teacher, Mrs. Dawn Melarvie. Melarvie had taught the students in the fifth grade. She left Congress to teach at the American School in Warsaw, Poland.
The students who were promoted to high school are Enrique Aguilera, Eric Bowman, Maryhelen Carrasco, Kylee Elyse Cosgrove, Sarilda Grantham, Jordan Hoisington, Valerie Jeannelle Juarez, Yanessa Nicole Martin, Geoffrey R. Needham, Justin Pepper, Dillon Reynolds, J.W. Robinson, Forrest Zudell. During the assembly, all of the students were recognized for meeting their walking goal. The sixth through eighth grades walked 100 miles throughout the year. The miles were limed, and the Zudell brothers, Forrest and James, had the quickest miles (6.5 and 7.0 minute miles). The third through fifth grades walked between 60 and 70 miles. The kindergarten through second grades walked 50 miles. The students’ walking accomplishment had been celebrated a week earlier with a picnic/hiking field trip in Prescott.
Congress students with perfect attendance are as follows:
Kindergarten -- Tone Hoisington, Jesus Juarez; first grade -- Shawn Bacher, Kennedy Grasse, Kimberly Saucedo, Nancy Rivera; second grade --Daisy Rivera, Marcus Bland, Story Stringfeilow third grade - Paul Bacher, Ketria Hausner; fourth grade -- Cody Dunnington, Jose Juarez, Kaitlyn Bucklew, Justin Pritchard, Samantha Williams; fifth grade -- Beau Adams, Christian Juarez, Cheyenne Lacey, Conner Slunaker, Jordan I3usone, Rachael Flick; sixth grade --Alexa Cosgrove, Tomas Cordero, James Zudell, Shylee Courtney, Casie Carrasco; seventh grade --Jessie Osorio; Adam Pate, Eric Almazan, Omar Jaquez; eighth grade -- Kylee Cosgrove, Forrest Zudell, Maryhelen Carrasco.
Honor Roll recipients were the following:
Kindergarten -- Makayla Howard, Annalisa Raneri, Mandy Tucker, Jesus Juarez; first -- Ana Lopez; second -- Johnny Ramos, John Shelley, Anthony Murillo, Richard Williams, Shy Ann Schueck, Story Stringfellow, John Ashton Swope; third Ketria Hausner, Sergio Horcos; fifth --Makayla Kinsey, Antonio Ventura, Conner Slunaker; sixth -- Dustin Dalton, Alexa Cosgrove, Casie Carrasco, Autumn Juarez, Nicole Williams; seventh --Jessica Rivera, Charlie Ramos, Omar Jaquez, Bonnie Sweet, Casey Maas, Jessie Osorio; eighth -- Maryhelen Carrasco, Geoffrey Needham, Valerie Juarez, Vanessa Martin.
Principal’s Honor Roll awards were given to the following students:
Kindergarten Tone Hoisington, Alexia Martin, Dulce Briseno; first -- Tiffany Hopkins, Ricki Ray Taylor, Kimberly Saucedo, Alondra Vazquez, Isabel Fraiberg, Patience Langley, Nancy Rivera; second -- Daisy Rivera, Ryanne Mueller, Garrett Dalton, Giancarlo Horcos, Adrianna Pritchard, Emily Clem; third -- Jessica Miller, Elizabeth Miller; fourth --Madi Mueller; fifth -- Beau Adams, Starleigh Rhodes; sixth --Bessie Thomas; seventh -- David Cortez, Victoria Gray, Lily Lason; eighth -- Jordan Hoisington, Kylee Cosgrove.
Reprinted with permission of Wickenburg Sun
[Note: This was scanned -> text so there may be some errors. --Dave McLane]
Correction to "Happy in Congress ..."
The original title of the article in the Wickenburg Sun was
"Happy in Congress, Fisher serves on water, school boards" but I found out this week that Pat Fisher is NOT a member of the Water District Board. I've emailed Wickenburg Sun but haven't received a reply yet.
--Dave McLane
05/26/06
Happy in Congress, Fisher serves on water, school boards
Happy in Congress, Fisher serves on water, school boards
Wickenburg Sun May 24,2006
By Patti Jares
Staff Writer
Pat and Jim Fisher love Congress — in fact, according to Pat, Jim’s truck doesn’t even like crossing the railroad tracks out of town!
They found the town through Pat’s sister, who invited them out from Ohio every February for Wickenburg’s Gold Rush Days. It wasn’t long before the southwestern town grew on them.
"If you live in a place like Ohio," exclaimed Pat, "that February break is wonderful!"
The couple eventually relocated, selling the small music shop that had been Jim’s father’s.
Jim continues to repair musical instruments for Wickenburg schools and others across Phoenix. It is a skill that is not taught anymore.
"He’s excellent at it," said Pat proudly.
Once in Congress, the Fishers decided to get involved in the communiy.
For the last ten years she has been employed with the Congress Water Company and is proud of the improvements that have benefited the town.
Pat remembers back to 1995, when the company was almost bankrupt.
‘They sent letters in town askiing for donations to make the payroll," she said. "Now everything at the water district is paid for. We have wonderful water and conscientious employees — it’s not just a job, this is our community."
Pat credits Dennis Nagel, and George and Navis Carter for saving the water company.
According to Pat, they helped Congress receive $1.5 million in grants, with property owners repaying $587,000 with a one-time fee of $606.17 each;
"I don’t think people really understood exactly. what was happening," acknowledged Pat. "We received new lines, a new tank and a new well. If it wasn’t for that, this town would not have water. We’re very careful how we spend the money — we implemented a check and balance system."
The Water Board now has a special fund that will go towards drilling a well in the future. "We have $100,000 and we need $300,000 to dig a well. We don’t need it now, but when we have to drill a well, we can."
Jim is on the water board and has a No.2 water license, which allows him to be a volunteer water operator when needed.
Pat is also a member of the Congress school board.
When Pat’s great-niece began attending Congress Elementary School, Pat noticed the positive materials she brought home.
"Toni (Wayas, school superintendent) really cares for these kids. Whenever I came to school there were wonderful things to look at, and I wanted to be a part of it — and. I want to make sure it stays that way.
"I heard (Board President) Jim Thompson say that before he makes a decision, his first thought is ‘will it benefit the children of Congress?’ and I thought, that’s the kind of board I’d like to be on."
Pat hopes that she can make a difference at the school through policy-making.
"As the town grows there will be a lot of challenges," expressed Pat. "I hope I can make a difference. I want to reach the kids of Congress, and I don’t know if I can but I want to. I look at these children and there’s so much potential in them."
Pat is inspired by the bond her grandsons share and wants to somehow reach other children —somehow inspire them.
She tells the story of the time she was watching her small grandsons play the game of "Life." One was nearly bankrupt and the other decide to give him a generous load of his play-money. Pat told the boy, "That isn’t how the game is played," but the boy responded, "But grandma, he’s my brother."
"That’s what I want to share with all these children," said Pat with a smile.
Reprinted with permission of Wickenburg Sun.
05/20/06
Library offers variety
Library offers variety
Wickenburg Sun May 17, 2006
By Barbara Rejon
Sun Correspondent
What's going on in Congress this week?
The Library has its story hour on Thursday at 10 a.m. as well as its new computer/internet class at 11 a.m. If interested in the computer/internet class call the library to sign up because advanced sign up is required (and appreciated). The library’s phone number is 427-3945.
Also, on Thursday there’s a Congress Community Board Planners meeting at 3 p.m at Aunt Betty’s Garden.
Arts and crafts class for the kids is on Saturday (May 20), 10 a.m. at the library.
Don’t forget about Congress Days - to help out in any way contact Loretta Moralez at home 427-9489; Lynn Tullos at home 928-685-2721 or at work 427-3969; Kit Exum at home 427-0492 or at work 427-3969; and Jane Summers at home at 427-9438 or by email at congressdayso6@yahoo. com. They have their meetings the first Monday of each month at 6:30 p.m. at the Community Center - so the next one will be June 5.
Reprinted with permission of the Wickenburg Sun.
Pie Social May 13, 2006
A pie social fund raiser for the Congress Community Planning Board was held at the Community Center on Saturday, May 13th at 6:30 pm; a Happy Mother's Day event. Pies were displayed at the front of the hall, ice cream and drinks were available along the side wall, and tables were decorated with tablecloths and bows. The late afternoon light coming through the window cast a warm glow over the evening.
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| Some of the many pies on display |
Pie socials have a long history in the United States and have been held for at least a hundred years. They take various forms many times being combined with dialogues, recitations, speeches, songs, and skits. In almost all cases they are used to raise money for some pubic cause, sometimes by charging admission, but more often by auctioning off donations:
Ladies bake your prettiest pies,
Gents you won't believe your eyes!
Be sure you bring a bunch of money,
Since if you run short it won't be funny,
Your girl will be muttering slurs,
If you fail to purchase hers!
Besides raising money and socializing, there was of course sharing and eating ice cream and pie.
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| Left to right: Shirley & Carl Johnoff, Chuck Kilgariff, George Summers |
There were eleven choices in all: Carol Birdwell’s key lime pie; Cathy Goodwin's lemon meringue pie and toasted coconut cream pie; Jane Summer’s vanilla cream pie with strawberries; Judi Hill’s pineapple upside-down cake; Millie Patterson’s apple Bavarian cheese cake; Rusty Jackson’s two peanut-butter pies; Shirley Johnoff’s Granny Smith apple pie; plus a Dutch apple pie and a cherry pie contributed anonymously. The total amount collected was $120.00
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