To the Editor:

Though I’m not native to Selma,

fourteen years of residence has allowed me to discover “the good, the bad and the ugly.”

Today I want to talk about some of the “good” in our city.

We have jewels aplenty here;

the historic downtown, our fabulous library, the majestic river,

a knock-out city recreation program.

I often brag to family and friends about these treasures that we enjoy, and sometimes take for granted.

This year, I have added a new “jewel” to my list.

One of the city’s best-kept secrets is the City Ceramics Program.

I’ve no idea how long the program has been running: I only know that it has added a rewarding facet to my life.

To create a thing of lasting beauty is a joy.

For a mere $15 a year, I can choose from many reasonably-priced ceramic pieces.

Christmas themes, figurines and tableware are just some of the many choices available.

After the pieces are poured into a mold, I clean and ready them for painting.

Then the fun begins!

As I work on a piece, I choose the design, colors, and the glazes. The staff are ready with advice and instruction.

All paint, glaze and firings are included in the annual fee and the per-item cost.

Wow, what a deal! My daughters and I even won cash at the fair for some of our work!

I encourage those who love to create, come join us downtown.

We are a diverse group that crosses age, gender, and racial lines. We laugh, learn and create together and are ready to welcome YOU to this jewel of Selma.

Helen Glaze