Retired Lineworker Becomes Glass Artist

By Stan Bindell, QCBN

Patty Lindsey’s Glass Goons is a unique business that provides glass art of frogs, lily ponds, plant stands and decorative art. She makes her creations by freezing and fusing them through kilns.

Lindsey, 72, worked for a phone company where she climbed telephone poles and did other work that was considered men’s work at the time. She admires artist Georgia O’Keefe because she did what she wanted to do no matter what people said about her. “She was her own woman,” said Lindsey. “I climbed polls and went up ladders so I was in the men’s world, but anybody can do this [glass art].

She says most women who work with glass art use the kiln method while most men who work with glass art use torches.

Lindsey graduated from California State University at Fullerton in 2003 and retired from the phone company the same year. She started Glass Goons with her business partner Julie Lewis in Pasadena. The two continue to work together: Lewis from Pasadena and Lindsey out of her home in Chino Valley.

Lindsey teaches her art methods to eager students in a two-day class at her studio at her home. Her classes are scheduled by appointment. She also hosts curious visitors such as children attending Boys and Girls Clubs and other locals.

“I like teaching and letting people see the process from beginning to end,” she said. “I want to keep the art going. It’s a dying art. Some are trying to sell their studios because it has become so expensive.”

She sells her glass art creations at the Prescott Farmers Market and The Pea Vine gift shop in Chino Valley. She also participates in the Prescott area artist tour each October. “Most of my sales are [the from] word of mouth.”

Lindsey is active in the community as she volunteers with the Chino Valley Chamber of Commerce and the Chino Morning Lions to support local charitable causes. She also donates some of her artwork for raffles to help non-profit organizations.

She and her husband, Barry, purchased the property in Chino Valley in the 1990s, but didn’t move here until after she retired in 2003. Barry, a retired executive, and Patty found the Dells while traveling and decided they wanted to move near the unique rock formations. When they take time off, they like to see the world. “I’m serious about kayaking and Barry is serious about fishing. Each year, we drive to Georgia and kayak a different river. The last trip we did 121 miles in seven days.” QCBN

For more information about Glass Goons classes and artwork, call 714-651-7648.

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Honoring Vietnam Veterans with Camp Verde Tribute

By V. Ronnie Tierney, QCBN

Emotional messages underscored by deep respect and a heart-stopping gun salute pierced the air at the Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans Cost of Freedom five-day tribute held at the Camp Verde Community Center Field in the Fort Verde State Historic Park.

“This has been so inspiring and makes me so proud to be an American,” said Camp Verde resident Sandra Allen. “Watching the parade as the American Veterans Traveling Tribute (AVTT) came into town was so emotional. There was a group of motorcycle escorts that rode along and people got out of their cars and put their hands over their hearts. Kids from the school nearby were on both sides of the road waving paper flags they made. It moved me to tears. I love the fact that we are coming together now 50 years later and honoring those who served.”

Hosted by Arizona State Parks and Trails, the Town of Camp Verde and the Yavapai-Apache Nation, the tribute featured the Traveling Vietnam Wall and Cost of Freedom Tribute to honor, respect and remember those who paid the ultimate sacrifice.

Components of the event included recognition and remembrance ceremonies, a flyover tribute, 13 folds of the American Flag demonstrations, United States Coast Guard Auxiliary Arizona Band, Verde Valley American Legion Riders (ALR), Benedictions from local churches and a full day of Native American Vietnam Veterans Recognitions Day that included singers and dancers.

A ceremony and lasting tribute of respect to departed comrade Conrad Ernest Lewis, the father of Yavapai-Apache Chairwoman Tanya Lewis, also took place.

The AVTT was on display throughout the event and included a room with computers set up to locate names on the wall. The facility was open 24 hours a day and guarded by Arizona Rangers and veterans.

Wreaths Across America, which coordinates wreath-laying ceremonies at Arlington National Cemetery each December, attended with a mobile display.

“I’m very honored to be here to honor the

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