By Les Conklin
Season’s greetings and thank you. Your support is important and appreciated. Welcome to the December Update issue of A Peek at the Peak (The Peak).
“Rainbow over Brown’s Mountain” by Laurel Strohmeyer
For 40 years, you’ve supported the Greater Pinnacle Peak Association (GPPA) in an increasing number of ways. You’ve helped by reading The Peak, by becoming GPPA members, volunteering for Scenic Drive roadside cleanups, contributing articles. photographs, advertisements, advertorials, and reader comments. You’ve supported fund-raisers and made donations. Read More
Your support has helped create a better community. GPPA has been actively engaged in the conservation of the natural environment and the enrichment of quality of life in north Scottsdale since 1977. Engagement began with the annexation of the Pinnacle Peak area into the city and the development of water conservation plans. It has continued through 2016 with the implementation of Bond 2000 on Scottsdale Road that involved under-grounding of utility lines and poles, re-vegetation of roadsides, etc. Decade after decade, GPPA has supported local nonprofits in their conservation, preservation, and community enrichment efforts. Read More
This issue’s cover photo, “Rainbow over Brown’s Mountain,” was taken by Scottsdale resident Laurel Strohmeyer. Laurel sent the photo to The Peak with the following message. “I was doing a volunteer photography shoot for the McDowell Sonoran Conservancy the other day when they were doing a Mountain Bike Safety and Handling class. Well, the class was outdoors and during the talk we had some thunder followed by a wonderful rainbow. Thought you might want to use it in the magazine. ” Laurel was right.
Strohmeyer’s photograph captured a rainbow and a magical moment. Christmas morning is always a magical time for kids of all ages. Don’t miss Rick Smith’s “A Christmas Story.” Rick is a published author, former magazine editor, and frequent Peak contributor. In Rick’s article a grandfather uses his writing skills and an empty refrigerator box to create a magical moment for his grandchildren.
Winner, Local People Category: “Man and his Horse by Kay Suchomel
Rick is a past winner of The Peak‘s Write Stuff contest. During November and December, The Peak is recognizing the winners of this year’s Summer Fun Write Stuff Contest and Tony Nelssen Photography Contest. In this issue, we are publishing “Vanishing Breed.” This poem about the plight of wild horses is the winner of the 2015 Summer Fun Write Stuff Contest in the What’s Worth Preserving Category. The photograph, “A Man and His Horse,” by Kay Suchomel was the winner of the photograph contest in the Local People Category. In this issue, The Peak is also publishing the fourth and final collection of photographs that were entered in this year’s photography contest but did not win in their categories. For a complete list of winners and links to contest-related articles and photographs, read “Everybody won! Peak Summer Fun Contest Gifts for Your Holidays.”
New Series of Articles Begins
Family Gathering by Laurel Strohmeyer
What would you do if you were hiking alone in remote area and came upon a large, dark, obviously upset wild stallion protecting his family? What Laurel Strohmeyer did will surprise you. It took courage and her action ultimately resulted “Arizona Wild Beauty,” a wonderful series of articles and videos about the family of wild horses. You’ll find the first article of the series, “Arizona Wild Beauty: First Encounter,” in this issue. You can look forward to learning more about these wild horses in 2017.
Also in this issue, you’ll find interesting community newsletters and event listings. Also, veteran blogger and Peak contributor, Marilyn Burnett, has contributed her latest health tip “Short & Sweet.” It’s just right for the holidays.
Once again, thank you. We hope this issue of The Peak adds a bit of magic to your holiday season.
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