Jan Hopke-Almer and Lisa Richardson This April, the Vista Mission Outreach Program will begin collecting funds to purchase school supplies and backpacks for students from our sister church in Agua Prieta, Mexico. This program has been a huge success over the past 20-plus years. We began by sponsoring 62 students, growing to our maximum of…
Pastor Mary Dotson, Vista United Methodist Church I’m writing this just three days after Ash Wednesday and already I am experiencing a refreshing sense of peace as we begin the Lenten season. This year I decided not to give up anything for lent. In many ways these days I am clinging on to hope, so…
David Zapatka While at dinner with friends following a sectional bridge tournament in Fountain Hills, a friend, Susan, described herself as a parsimonious person despite the new $2,000 purse she was showing us. Parsimonious—par·si·mo·ni·ous adjective 1. exhibiting or marked by parsimony; frugal to the point of stinginess 2. sparing, restrained Parsimony—par·si·mo·ny noun 1a. the quality…
Kathy Sinnott Rockin’ 4 Heroes is committed to generating awareness of the service and sacrifice of First Responders, Active Military, Veterans, and Gold Star Families. This nonprofit organization continues supporting our hero groups beyond hosting an annual free concert. We have a wonderful circle of ‘friends and family’ who gave, and continue to give, their…
Tim Malone Retirement often presents itself as a paradox: it is a time of newfound freedom and yet also a period fraught with uncertainty. It demands a unique kind of courage—the courage to redefine oneself, to seek new paths, and to embrace the essence of being in a way that sustains both purpose and joy.…
Linda J. Sentivanac In December I published my second novel, My Father’s Bride. It is available for purchase on Amazon in eBook and paperback formats. You can also contact me by email at [email protected] for direct purchase (I will have a limited number of paperback copies available at a reduced price). Here’s a brief overview of what to…