Monthly Archives: November 2013

Marine Corps officials: 4 Marines killed in training accident at Camp Pendleton in California

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SAN DIEGO – Four Marines were killed Wednesday in a training accident at Camp Pendleton in Southern California, base officials said.

The accident happened at 11 a.m. during a range maintenance operation at the San Diego County coastal base. Officials were investigating the cause and provided no further details on the training or the accident.

The identities of the dead were being withheld pending notification of relatives.

“We offer our heartfelt prayers and condolences to the families of the Marines lost today in this tragic accident,” said Brig. Gen. John W. Bullard, commanding general of Marine Corps Installations West at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton. “Our first priority is to provide the families with the support they need during this difficult time.”

More at FOX News

Toddler given flu shot left severely brain damaged and unable to walk or talk

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November 11, 2013

Lachlan Neylan suffered severe brain damage, including seizures and swelling of the brain, known as encephalopathy, after a General Practioner in Australia accidentally administered an adult version of the CSL Fluvax shot in March last year. The version of the vaccine that he was given is currently banned for children under five in Australia.

Stacey and Adrian Neylan, Lachlan’s parents, said that the child’s temperature soared and he began having fits within seven hours after given Fluvax. Lachlan’s father told The Australian that the boy’s doctors thought that their son would not make it through the weekend after the boy collapsed and started having seizures. He also said that before being given the vaccine, their son had been a toddler who walked and talked, but after receiving the vaccine he regressed to being a three month old who could not sit, walk, or use his arms.

Read more at The Examiner

Hundreds Attend Lonely Veteran’s Funeral After Sad Obit Goes Viral

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ku-bigpicWorld War II vet Harold Jellicoe “Coe” Percival passed away peacefully in his sleep last month at the age of 99. According to his obituary, Harold had “no close family who can attend his funeral.”

Enter: The Internet.

After a scan of the former RAF Bomber Command ground crew member obituary appeared online last week, many took special note of the sentence asking for “any service personnel who can” to kindly attend his funeral, which was scheduled for this morning at 11 AM Blackpool time.

A call to action soon coalesced as the obit made its way around Twitter, Facebook, and Reddit.

“If you’re in the area give him the send off he deserves,” asked Sgt. Rick Clement, an Afghanistan War vet who was wounded in the line of duty. “This guy needs and deserves your help.”

More at Gawker

‘Thanksgivukkah’: The Thanksgiving and Chanukah hybrid.

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We are being taught of the virtues of hybrid cars over fossil fuel vehicles. This year there will be an unusual holiday hybrid as Chanukah, commonly called Hanukkah, will be celebrated starting on Thanksgiving. The celebration will begin, this year, sunset on Wednesday, November 27, 2013, and ends in the evening of Thursday, December 5.

The fact that Thanksgiving and Chanukah fall on the same day is so rare that it won’t happen again for another 77,000 years.

This combination gave Stephen Colbert the opportunity to attack Christians, Jews (but not as bad), and America on his Colbert Report.

Most people have not taken the time to find out what Hanukkah is, exactly. Most Americans only know of the holiday because of its usual proximity to Christmas. The holiday is not considered that high on the Jewish calendar and is not of religious significance.

The Jewish Virtual Library Chanukah is a celebration of the Jewish people, led by the Maccabbees, over the Greeks. After their victory over the Greeks, the people went to rededicate the temple, but there was only enough oil to burn in the temple menorah for one day. The miracle is that the menorah burned for eight-days. The Festival of Lights celebrates the miracle of the oil, not the victory of war.

It is tradition to give presents each of the eight-days of items that are useful to the receiver, such as clothing, food and the like.

Interestingly the book of the Maccabbees is removed from the King James Bible while being retained in the Apocrypha used by the Catholics. The Catholics apparently did not add the Apocrypha until the Council of Trent (1546 AD). This is probably because of the descendants of the Maccabbees. The descendants are known in the New Testament as the Herods of the time of Jesus. There are arguments against the Apocrypha being considered inspired by God as is the Holy Bible.

Thanksgiving is supposed to be a celebration of thanks to God. Children today are only taught to think of turkey and pumpkin pie. Rarely are the Pilgrims mentioned and the Mayflower Compact is strictly forbidden teaching in schools.

Just as Chanukah is not about the victory, Thanksgiving is not about getting stuffed and watching football. It is about giving thanks to God for all that one has received through the year. Far from being closed for the holidays, churches should be open and having worship services.

Fun at St. John’s Cultural Festival.

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WILLIAMS—The Cultural Festival and Crafts show held at the St. John’s Episcopal Church in Williams attracted local crafts makers from around the area. The event also featured a performance by the Williams Folklorico Dancers and a piñata smashing.

Williams Folklorico Dancers

Williams Folklorico Dancers

Various people show up to sell their locally made crafts.

Various people show up to sell their locally made crafts.

Parents and kids from the Williams High School provided nachos to support a safe party atmosphere for graduation night. You might see their donation box in various businesses so you can still donate for their graduation party.

Youth from the Williams High School sell food to support their safe school party.

Youth from the Williams High School sell food to support their safe school party.

Robyn Dolan of Mrs. D’s Homestead in Ash Fork displayed homemade soaps and skin balms. She said she is going on the road for sometime, but people can still order her merchandise through her web site within the United States. She is working on international orders.

Rising Hy displays samples of their products locally made in Flagstaff.

Rising Hy displays samples of their products locally made in Flagstaff.

Mike Konefal started making hot sauce when his attempts at making beer were less successful. A friend gave him a hot sauce making kit when he was a business student at Northern Arizona University. After much experimentation, he developed hot sauces with flavor as opposed to just spicy and hot. This eventually led to the Rising Hy brand of hot sauce [Facebook/Twitter]

He also merged with the Tortilla Lady brand, another local business in Flagstaff, and sells tortillas to various businesses in Flagstaff.

As the video below explains, he has recently decided to go national with the Rising Hy hot sauces. The Rising Hy products are available for purchase in Flagstaff and other cities across Arizona or through their web site. You can even purchase in Williams at the Canyon Motel on Rodeo Road.

Kenny’s Story- The Formerly Paralyzed Doberman

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Kenny-website-1
In April of 2013, Two Hands Four Paws founder Leslie Gallagher received a call from Doberman Rescue regarding a paralyzed Doberman named Kenny. Kenny had suffered a traumatic event to his neck, possibly due to a kennel gate being dropped on him. He was rendered paralyzed in all four legs, completely unable to move. Due to the potential costs of a proper diagnosis and restorative surgery, euthanasia was proposed. Lisa contacted Leslie for advice. Leslie subsequently offered to take Ken in and try to work her magic one more time. The odds were not in her favor.

The staff at Two Hands Four Paws worked diligently for a month to get some functionality back into Ken’s legs. They were met with minimal success. Kenny had to be carried everywhere, he was unable to urinate on his own, and he was in terrible pain. At the end of the first month he developed cancerous tumors that needed to be removed. While recovering from surgery Kenny developed pneumonia which landed him back in the hospital. It was a low point. After spending several days under the watchful eyes of hospital staff, Kenny recovered and came home.

Read more and see more videos at Two Hands Four Paws

Williams dresses up for Mountain Village Holiday

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Grand Canyon Railway spiffed up for the Polar Express.

Grand Canyon Railway spiffed up for the Polar Express.

20131105 005WILLIAMS—The City of Williams and the Grand Canyon Railway are dressed up for the Mountain Village Holiday. This is the time when the City and local businesses dress up in lights for the Polar Express which starts its run today. Bearizona Wildlife drive-through park will also be open through the Mountain Village Holiday which ends early January.

The Zipline will also be running, weather permitting.

This event really kicks off after Thanksgiving. The annual Parade of Lights and lighting of the City Christmas Tree on historic route 66 takes place on the 30th starting at 6:30. A Fine Art Show, live entertainment, hot chocolate and other holiday activities, including shopping for unique gifts, are added to the venue.

Western Outfitters is offering denim stockings by Wrangler for the holidays.

Western Outfitters is offering denim stockings by Wrangler for the holidays.

Come early to shop at the 10th annual SAVE-Meant to Rescue Craft Show which benefits animal rescue efforts in Williams and the surrounding area. Their show starts at 10 am and runs until 5 pm. The show will be at the World Famous Sultana Theatre and you can contact Nadine for more information at 928-897-8710.

Bearizona will be hosting its annual Wild Wonderland event for annual pass holders only. This event will be held on the 30th from 4 to 6 pm in Fort Bearizona. Santa Claus will be making a special appearance at the event. Of course you will be able to stroll through the animal exhibits, as well. A reservation is not required, but they request an RSVP with the number of people attending by November 22nd. You can RSVP to Jocelyn(at)bearizona.com or by calling 928-635-2289.

There is a lighting contest which encourages residents to decorate their homes. So plan a tour of the City as homes and more businesses decorate for the holiday.

You can find more information at the Williams Visitor Center on Railroad Avenue across the street from Circle-K.
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Cultural Festival at St John’s Church tomorrow

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st-john-cultural-festWILLIAMS—A Cultural Festival will be held from 11 am to 3 pm tomorrow at the St. John’s Episcopal Lutheran Church in Walker Hall. St. John’s is located at 202 W. Grant Avenue in Williams.

The event includes crafts and Mexican food for sale and a presentation by the Williams Folklorico Dancers.

Saint John’s Episcopal-Lutheran Church

Williams opens Santa Fe dam for crossing

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santa-fe-open-01WILLIAMS—Last month the City of Williams passed an ordinance removing the prohibition of fishing off of the dam and crossing to get to the other side.

Previously one was required to use the road just north of the dam to get to the trail on the other side. The problem with the road is it is difficult to pass for elderly or people with other difficulties.

The ordinance stated that the City of Williams acknowledged the “…recreational value of the Santa Fe Dam and its use as a means of access to other recreational activities.” They declared that the prohibition upon traversing upon the dam to be detrimental to the interest of the City. They might have also noted that the prohibition was largely ignored.

The signs have recently been changed to include a warning about traversing the dam. If you take your kids fishing, you should not allow small children to sit on the edge of the dam facing the water. You should also note that there is no fence or barrier on the other side. People with small children should not fish off of the dam but use the shoreline on either side.

santa-fe-20130313 002

It should also be noted that during the spring thaw, water flows over the dam swiftly and can cause the dam to be slippery.

What the City of Williams DID NOT approve of was littering and illegal dumping of trash which has been a problem at the Santa Fe dam. Trash and plastic water and glass beer bottles can be found. Some of these dropped by hikers. Fishing line, some including hooks, and used bait containers are left along the shoreline. Even used electronic can be found dumped over the side of the dam and left laying about.

City ordinance does NOT allow this.

City ordinance does NOT allow this.

Illegal dumping activity can be reported to the Williams Police Department by dialing (928) 635-4461. If you have a cell phone, it would help to snap a picture of the vehicle and license plate if you can do it without endangering yourself or those with you.