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Rules of Thumb<br>

With Christmas a little more than two weeks away, it’s difficult to pinpoint an issue, business or individual within this community that deserves a “thumbs down.” That is why this “Rules of Thumb” is positive. The Christmas spirit is alive and well in Williams.

If you haven’t taken the opportunity to drive throughout the neighborhoods in Williams and the business community, you need to set aside time to do so. Many residents have taken advantage of the $10 credit offered by the city of Williams electric utility. To obtain the credit, individuals were required to display a minimum of 100 lights on their residences from Dec. 1-31.

Most participants went above and beyond the 100-light requirement, lighting up entire neighborhoods with their light displays. These individuals clearly did not create these displays just to receive a $10 credit. The displays reflect a true love and appreciation of the holidays.

The Salvation Army of Williams began their Christmas bell ringing campaign this past weekend. When you visit National Bank, Safeway and Stockmen’s Bank, volunteers ringing bells seeking your monetary donations will greet you. All funds collected remain in Williams to help those in need.

You do not have to attend any formal training to become a bell ringer. All that is required is warm clothing, cheerfulness, an hour of your time and a smile. Many shifts remain available and volunteers are still needed. Contact Carol DeLander at 635-4426, Lindie Rodgers at 635-1314 or Carol Steffens at 635-4419 to donate your time to this worthy cause.

The Williams Lions Club is once again collecting toys for their annual Toys for Tots drive. Club members are soliciting the names and ages of children 12 years old and younger who would benefit from the delivery of toys to brighten their Christmas. For more than 25 years, the toy drive has been sponsored by the Lions Club.

The toy drive provides toys for children who would otherwise have a bleak Christmas. Christmas trees located at National Bank, Stockmen’s Bank and the Williams Ranger District office at Camp Clover have cards listing children who need a Christmas gift.

Anyone who wants to purchase a toy can take a card from a tree. Gifts are to be wrapped and returned to the business where they selected the card by Dec. 17. Monetary donations or unwrapped gifts can be given to any Williams Lions Club member.

For more information, contact Lion Edie Phillips at 635-4784.

Staff members of the Williams-Forest Service Visitor’s Center, the Williams-Grand Canyon Chamber of Commerce and the Chamber Ambassadors are all probably breathing sighs of relief after successfully organizing and executing another Mountain Village Holiday extravaganza. The weekend kicked-off with Christmas caroling down Route 66 led by Karen Ingroum. Monument Park lit up when the switch was thrown at 6 p.m. during the official tree-lighting ceremony.

On Saturday, shoppers had the opportunity to visit more than 25 vendors at the craft fair while children got into the holiday spirit through Santa Land. Later, spectators lined Route 66 in downtown Williams where they enjoyed the annual Parade of Lights. This year, parade-goers were treated to more than 20 lighted parade entries.

Saturday ended with the first-ever Mountain Village Holiday Costume Ball at Pinyon’s Restaurant. The costume ball was co-sponsored by the Chamber of Commerce and the Renaissance in the Pines. A wide variety of costumes were seen throughout the evening and the entertainment was spectacular. The renaissance-style meal featuring a turkey leg was devoured by all.

Hats off to all who guaranteed the events were a success.

The Williams Unified School District is displaying the holiday spirit in many ways. On Friday, classes from the Williams Elementary School decorated trees in Williams businesses. The fifth and sixth grade band students were scheduled to perform last night. Be sure to see next week’s News for photos of the students as they spread joy through their music.

Eat enchiladas tomorrow before the seventh and eighth grades and Williams High School bands perform. An enchilada dinner accompanied by beans, rice and a beverage will be available for $5 per person from 5-6:30 p.m. in the Williams Elementary-Middle School cafeteria. Enjoy the bands as they perform at 7 p.m. in the auditorium.

Musical performances will be presented to the community by WES students next week. The third grade and pre-school performance will begin at 6:30 p.m. Dec. 16. On Dec. 18, the fourth grade classes will perform at 6 p.m., second grade will follow at 7 p.m. and first grade will perform at 7:30 p.m. All performances will be held in the WEMS auditorium.

The Williams Kiwanis Club is hosting their first-ever holiday dinner that will benefit families in need this holiday season. Dinner will be served from 12-2 p.m. on Sunday at Doc Holliday’s Steakhouse.

The dinner is by invitation only. The event will include a special visit from Santa Claus. Santa will toss out gifts for those in attendance at 2 p.m. If you would like to assist in any way, contact any Kiwanis member.

If you haven’t purchased your tickets for the Grand Canyon Railway’s Polar Express, chances are you won’t be able to enjoy the seasonal ride. More than 23,000 tickets have been sold and tickets are hard to come by. The ride to the North Pole is enjoyed by children of all ages. One family has even placed a classified ad in the News seeking tickets.

The GCR begins selling tickets for the Polar Express in the summer months. Mark your calendars for July 2004 if you plan to ride next December. Call 1-800-THE-TRAIN for reservations or more information.

In the meantime, remember the reason for the season. Give thanks for what you have and try not to dwell on what you don’t have. Smile as you give your time, talents and donations. The return on your investment — large or small — is priceless. Happy holidays!


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