Category Archives: Non-Profit

Andy McDaniel preaches last sermon at FBC

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FBC-141109-02WILLIAMS – A comedian of old once remarked that he observed that when a minister gets ordained, he suddenly acquires a Southern-accent. The Southern-accent of Pastor Andy McDaniel, who grew up in South Carolina, as is his walk with the Lord, is genuine. This week was the last sermon by Pastor McDaniel at the First Baptist Church in Williams.

Pastor Andy, as his congregation calls him, relates that he was not always a practicing Christian. For 25-years Andy McDaniel spent his time in the longest, scripted reality series on television. Professional wrestling.

Pastor Andy gives one last alter call.

Pastor Andy gives one last alter call.

While he pursued a wresting career, he also worked as a Sheriff’s Deputy in Berkley County, Georgia. He also did a stint as the Police Chief of Coward, South Carolina. He quipped that it could be interesting when he went to police events and was introduced as the “Coward Police Chief.”

Pastor Andy was led to the Lord by “The Million Dollar Man,” Ted DiBiase. DiBiase is also a retired wrestler and ordained minister. He attended Covington Theological Seminary in Fort Oglethorpe, Georgia where he received his doctoral degree.

Pastor Andy, wife Melissa and their twin children came to Williams in May of 2011. Last year he ran a short “wrestling ministry” for local kids to attract them to learn about the Lord and a few wrestling holds. The wrestling ministry was to wrap-up with an actual professionally faked wrestling match. It was cancelled because of bad weather.

The family is returning to the pastor’s roots of South Carolina. The family is moving Seneca, South Carolina where he will pastor Bounty Baptist Church.

Pastor Andy thanks congregation after sermon.

Pastor Andy thanks congregation after sermon.


Of his time in Williams, he said, “It’s been a great journey. We’ve really enjoyed our time here. We are looking forward to what the Lord has in store for us, and for Williams after we leave. We hope we’ve left our footprint here and we’re excited about what the days ahead hold.”

Williams prepares for Mountain Village Holiday

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640-141029-18WILLIAMS – The trees are starting to look bare as the beautiful fall colors are starting to give way to the coming winter. The long range forecast shows a possibility of snow on Sunday. The city is stringing lights. The Pumpkin Patch train ended and the Grand Canyon Railway Haunted Train has given way to Christmas lights in preparation for Mountain Village Holiday. The annual Mountain Village Holiday begins Thanksgiving weekend and runs through the new year.

The Grand Canyon Railway is also preparing the Polar Express which starts November 7 and runs through the new year.

The City of Williams has sent applications for the annual lighting contest and they may also be picked up at the City Hall on First Street.

300-MVH-1Mountain Village Holiday kicks off with the annual lighting of the Christmas tree on Second Street and a Parade of Lights. During this period the Young Life camp hosts a Thanksgiving dinner and the Kiwanis Club hosts a community dinner.

There is still plenty of Halloween, of course. The scarecrows still adorn Route 66. Bearizona ends their Howly Growly Owly Festival tomorrow. Their new cave display of small creatures of the west—such as mice, scorpions and Ringtail Cats—will remain.

The First Baptist and Family Harvest Churches, across from Safeway on Grant, will hold safe activities for the kids.

Of course trick-or-treating of the houses and businesses on Route 66 will still be available.

Just after Halloween, the weather forecast shows a chance of rain on Saturday with a low of 37. Sunday there is a 30% chance of snow with accumulations of less than a half-inch. A high of 47 is possible during the day dropping to 23-degrees overnight. Fair weather returns Monday with highs around 50-degrees during the day dropping to the mid-20s at night.

View the skies Friday Night

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WILLIAMS – The long range forecast shows mostly clear for the Friday night. So the star gazing sponsored by the Coconino County Astronomical Society should be good. The viewing will be held at the field on Route 66 across from Rod’s Steak House from 7 to 9 pm. Everyone is welcome to bring their own telescope or use their equipment for the viewing. You can even bring binoculars and the Society will show you how you can use them for some good viewing.

Rotary Western Auction today

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rotary-04WILLIAMS – The Rotary Club Western Auction is today at Miss Kitty’s Cowboy Steakhouse at 642 E Rte 66 in Williams. The doors will open at 5 p.m. The food line will open at 6 p.m. The food is catered by the Arizona Highways award winning Grand Canyon Coffee and Cafe. You still might be able to find tickets for the cash prize drawing to be held at the annual event. The event benefits students in Williams.

Blessing of animals this weekend in Williams

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st-francisWILLIAMS – Pastor Marc McDonald of St. John’s Episcopal-Lutheran Church in Williams will bless animals in honor of St. Francis of Assisi this Saturday, October 25 in the courtyard of Wild West Junction. The event begins at 11 a.m. and is free to all. If pets cannot attend, participants are encouraged to bring a photograph of your pets to the blessing.

The event is sponsored by St. John’s Episcopal-Lutheran Church, SAVE Meant-to-Resuce, Many Tails Pet Grooming and the Wild West Junction at 321 E Route 66 in Williams.

Northern Arizona Authors’ Association meets this weekend

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Northern Arizona Authors Association at Bookman's in Flagstaff, Arizona.

Northern Arizona Authors Association at Bookman’s in Flagstaff, Arizona.

WILLIAMS – The next Northern AZ Authors’ Association meeting will be held this Saturday, October 25, at the Wild West Junction in Williams. It will begin and 10:00 AM and last until noon. Bring writing to share.
 
 
 
 

Williams Rotary Club Western Auction only days away.

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rotary-04WILLIAMS – The Williams Rotary Club Western auction is this Saturday, October 25. At the event they will be drawing for a cash prize of up to $5,000. Only 1000 tickets will be sold for this drawing and we are not sure how many are left. Tickets are $20 each and benefits scholarships for Williams High School students. You can purchase tickets from any Rotary Club member.

Camp Civitan Afghan raffle

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afghan-raffleWILLIAMS – Camp Civitan Thrift store is holding a raffle for a beautiful Afghan blanket created by Pam Hendrickson. Tickets are only $2 each or 3 for $5. The proceeds benefit Camp Civitan and their activities to help people with special needs. Tickets for the drawing may be purchased at the Thrift Store, 129 W. Route 66 in downtown Williams. The drawing will be held sometime just before Christmas.

Kiwanis holds 1st Pajama Drive

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300px-kiovalWILLIAMS – The Kiwanis Club of Williams is working with local businesses and the Scholastic Pajama Drive to collect pajamas for local kids.

With winter coming on, the Kiwanis Club hopes to collect warm pajamas for toddlers through size 16. You can also make monetary contributions to the effort.

All-State Insurance on 1st street is the “Bedtime Sponsor.” National Bank on Route 66 is the “Sweet Dreams” sponsor. The Williams-Grand Canyon Chamber of Commerce in the Visitor Center on Railroad Avenue is the “All Tucked In” sponsor and Mountain Ranch Resort at Beacon Hill is the “Sleep Tight” sponsor.

You can donate pajamas or monetary contributions at any one of the businesses. In addition, the Scholastic Pajama Drive will donate a new book for every pair of pajamas collected.

Williams dresses up for Halloween

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tarantulaWILLIAMS – It must be October in Williams. The trees are turning and the turantulas are out and running about. Williams residents and businesses are dressing up for the Halloween. You also have the chance to win a fall basket through the Williams Chamber of Commerce.

On the weekends you have the chance to ride Pumpkin Patch Train. The train runs Saturday and Sunday at 11am, 1 & 3pm. The cost is only $20 per adult and $15 for children.

Bearizona Photo

Bearizona Photo

The other big event is the Bearizona Howly Growly Owly fall festival. The event is included in the price of admission. Do not get so wrapped up in the event, however, that you forget to drive through the park to see the animals.

Of course if you want to do something a little less scary, the weather is still great for a Marvelous Marv Grand Canyon Tour.

A really scary decoration.

A really scary decoration.

On Halloween the First Baptist Church and Family Harvest Church are hosting family friendly, safe events. Both churches are located across the street from Safeway along Grant street.

The Tainted Angel LLC will host a Zombie Prom at the Sultana Theater to benefit SAVE Meant to Rescue. The $10 per person event will include a brain eating contest, Cash Bar, photo booth, 80’s theme dance, contest and prizes and more.

The Williams Chamber of Commerce is currently running a scarecrow contest as part of their Alpine Harvest Festival. Several of the businesses have put up scarecrows and you could win a fall gift basket simply by judging the entries.

You can obtain a form from the Williams Visitor Center or any of the participating businesses. Judge a minimum of nine of the scarecrows and rate them each from 1 to 5. Make sure you obtain a sticker from the participating business. Drop off your entry at the Williams Visitor Center by October 29 in order to win the gift basket. You need not be present to win.

Grand Canyon Coffee and Cafe "El Muerto." Don't forget to try the pumpkin pancakes and latte during October.

Grand Canyon Coffee and Cafe “El Muerto.” Don’t forget to try the pumpkin pancakes and latte during October.

Participating businesses are Bearizona Wildlife Park, Camp Civitan Thrift Store, Grand Canyon Coffee and Cafe, National Bank of Arizona, Pizza Factory, Old Glory Gifts, the Williams Depot, Pine Country Restaurant, Williams Veterinary Clinic, The Station 66 Italian Bistro, Elephant Rocks Golf Course, Williams Wear, The Gallery in Williams, Sultana Theater and Boutique 66.

"Night Rider" at Camp Civitan Thrift Store. The thrift store benefits Camp Civitan for special needs people.

“Night Rider” at Camp Civitan Thrift Store. The thrift store benefits Camp Civitan for special needs people.

"The Scared Crow" sits beside the GMO Corn crow at Williams Wear in the mall.

“The Scared Crow” sits beside the GMO Corn crow at Williams Wear in the mall.

Old Glory Gifts has "The Mother Road & the Kicks." Old Glory Gifts sells only American made products.

Old Glory Gifts has “The Mother Road & the Kicks.” Old Glory Gifts sells only American made products.

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