Kids and parents listen in rapt attention as actor and local resident Conor O’Farrell reads Christmas stories during the Idyllwild Library’s annual Christmas party on Monday, Dec. 19.

David JeromeCorrespondent On Friday, Nov. 19, Idyllwild School faculty and students welcomed noted educator and activist Erin Gruwell to their classrooms. Gruwell is the founder of The Freedom Writers Foundation and the author of several books, the first of which became the inspiration for a major Hollywood film starring Hilary Swank. The book, “The Freedom…

Gathering donations to aid needy families is a sporting affair at the Community Presbyterian Church. On Super Bowl Sunday, members of the congregation vote for their favorite team by placing a donated item in either team’s barrel at the entrance to the church. Coordinating the worthy effort is Ned Roberts, left and Pastor Dick Olson, right. Every year the Church holds its donation Super Bowl, the bin receiving the most items is the team that wins Super Bowl. This year the Giants’ bin had 137 items donated and the Patriots had 82 items. By noon Super Bowl Sunday, all the items were given to the Idyllwild Help Center.