The Idyllwild Community Fund thanked outgoing President Marshall Smith (right) for his years of dedication, professionalism and humor in his service to the Advisory Committee from 2013 to 2016. Vice President Jim Nutter gives Smith a hug. Photo by Bill Sperling

 

Those attending the Dec. 2 Service of Solace at St. Hugh’s Episcopal Church write down a personal loss from the past year and toss the paper into the flaming bowl. Their loss would symbolically be transformed from darkness into the light of hope. This was the third-annual ecumenical service sponsored by the Mountain Communities Interfaith Alliance.
Photo by Barry Zander

 

Pamela Jordan (center), president of the Idyllwild Arts Foundation, receives a donation of $20,000 from Michael Slocum (left), president, and Terry Casella, treasurer, of the Associates of the Idyllwild Arts Foundation at the Associates’ annual Holiday Brunch on Saturday. The funds will be used for student scholarships. Photo by Tom Kluzak

 

Local Color, led by Anna Ancheta (right), sings seasonal songs at the Idyllwild Library last week. Photo by Peter Szabadi

 

On Thursday, Dec. 1, the Idyllwild Rotary Anns celebrated the holidays with a luncheon at the Creekstone Inn and proudly presented the Idyllwild HELP Center with Christmas gifts for two deserving families. From left, are Skye Zambians, HELP Center Client Services administrator, Colleen Meyer, HELP Center executive director, and Rotary Anns gift committee members Bonnie West, Christina Stewart and Pat Fleetham. Photo courtesy Susan Weisbart

 

There is a little commotion at a party in Sleepy Hollow, as recorded by Idyllwild Arts’ Heather Reba, who wrote the books, lyrics and music to “Welcome to Sleepy Hollow.” Bonnie Carpenter, chair of the Idyllwild Arts Theatre Department, directed the musical, which featured the considerable talent of student actors, singers and musicians. Photo by Tom Kluzak

 

Helle Brisson, author, lecturer and spiritual life coach, discussed her book, “Gently Touched by Angels” at the Idyllwild Library Saturday, Dec. 10. Photo by Amy Righetti

 

Enthusiastic carolers from Kathy Lewis’ Lil Critters preschool stopped by the Town Crier for a pre-Christmas serenade on Tuesday. They jingled, shook and sang.Photo by Marshall Smith

 

Local author Ken Luber signs a copy of his latest book, “The Sun Jumpers,” for fan Monique Zander. The signing event was at Café Aroma on Saturday. Photos by Peter Szabadi

 

Soroptimist International of Idyllwild inducted three new members at their holiday party Wednesday, Dec. 7, at Silver Pines Lodge. From left, President Theresa Teel, new members Jennifer Thorington, Julianna Faucher and Naomi Cohen, and Secretary Halie Wilson. Photo by Mary Morse

 

Actor and local resident Conor O’Farrell (inset) reads Christmas stories to local children during Storytime at the Idyllwild Library Monday, Dec. 12. Photo by Peter Szabadi

 

Actor and local resident Conor O’Farrell (inset) reads Christmas stories to local children during Storytime at the Idyllwild Library Monday, Dec. 12.
Photo by Peter Szabadi

 

Last week, the Idyllwild Middle School girls basketball team defeated the St. Hyacinth’s girls. Ready for a rebound are Peyton Prieffer (8), Liberty Lesley (5), Katelyn Sonnier (7) and Madison Collis (1). Photo by Amy Righetti

 

Idyllwild School’s Middle School Winter Dance was held Friday, Dec. 9. Photo by Amy Righetti

 

Last week, Idyllwild School honored students during its Winter Awards Assembly. Here, Principal Matt Kraemer (back row, left) is with third-grade teacher Mrs. Sally Salter (back row, right) with several members of her class who received awards. The students are (from left) Kyler Schlenz, Alice Essey, Charles Yoon, McKenna Lovett, Logan Wilderson, Hannah Grove and Abby White. Rocky the school mascot and avid fan of awards, joined Kraemer and Salter in the photograph.
Photo by Amy Righetti