Arizona author Paul G. Schreiber recounts his experiences growing up in Nazi Germany in his new book "American by Choice"

by Carl Jackson

Sedona, AZ - August 18, 2008 - Perched on a hilltop in remote Cornville, Arizona, overlooking the Verde River, sits a beautiful Santa Fe style home designed by Paul G. Schreiber.

Officially retired from joint business ownership, Paul and his Danish born wife Bodil, live a quiet, yet busy life.

Bodil spends her days painting, gardening and cooking gourmet, while Paul writes, designs homes and takes four-wheel camping and fishing trips into the Southwest's wilderness areas. Paul has traveled the Baja Peninsula all his life, and visits there regularly with life-long pangero and ranchero friends and their families.

Paul's is a former international hotel executive, hotel project manager, and restaurant owner.

But in his new book, American by Choice, the story he tells is of his youth; a time of historical significance and important lessons.

Paul G. Schreiber was born in Berlin Germany in 1934, the son of Major General Walter P. Schreiber M.D., who was appointed Chief Medical Officer of Fortress Berlin in 1944 by Wehrmacht Supreme Command. Imprisoned in Moscow's Lubyanka after the surrender, General Schreiber testified before the Nuremburg War Crimes Tribunal in 1947.

Paul G. Schreiber, author of "American by Choice" at his home in Cornville, Arizona.

In his book, Paul writes as an eyewitness to many of the world-shaking events that characterized the first half of the 20th century as he travels through a war ravaged Europe. His extraordinary adventures include a first person account of the fall of Berlin to the Russian Army, the beginning of the Cold War at a place that becomes famous as "Checkpoint Charlie," facing starvation on the streets of Stalin's Berlin, outwitting the Soviet NKVD as a young boy in a daring rescue (brokered by the CIA and elements within the Catholic church) of his father from Soviet captivity. He leaves home to live a young man's romantic adventure as a Gaucho herder on Argentina's Pampas and Patagonia in the 1950s - experiences that serve to strengthen his long-held plans of immigration to the United States in 1954.

Woven throughout American by Choice are subtly telling comparisons between the totalitarian methods of political manipulation that characterized Paul's experiences under Nazi, Soviet, and Argentinean dictatorships, and the methods that increasingly characterize our own political life - including attacks on gun ownership, civil rights, family structure, faith based education, and political correctness.

Most significantly, American by Choice is the story of a young boy's conversion from a state controlled totalitarian mindset to one that embraces the constitutional principles of free choice and self-determination, a conversion initiated by the subtle counters provided by his family and eight British prisoners of war whom he befriended as a child. His story culminates in a life-long celebration of America that began in 1945 with the entry into Berlin of the U.S. Army's Second Armored Division, Hell on Wheels, to whose soldiers he dedicates this book.

Something readers will want to know: What did his high ranking father know and when did he know it, referring, of course, to the Holocaust, but also to Germany's weapons of mass destruction? You'll have to read the book to find out that answer.

Says Paul, "It wasn't until recently that I chose to read the transcripts of my father's testimony at the Nuremberg Trials. I knew I was going to write this book some day, and my purpose was to write it as I remembered that hard time, not as it might have been influenced by post-war 20/20 hindsight."

When asked why he wrote the book, Paul gave a startling answer, "There are several reasons, but one in particular conferred the main impetus: Immigrants both, my wife and I have together won in the American arena of life, but finally only after significant losses along the way. Only in our country is it still possible to achieve by sheer determination. No other country in the world enjoys a governmental system like ours coupled to a free market. We are constrained, and at the same time freed by a handful of ingeniously conceived founding documents. Alas, it is also clear to anyone willing to open their eyes that an ever-growing number of opportunistic politicians, judges, the media, and academics are changing the American political dialogue to an ideologically socialist challenge to our constitutional principles. These advocates of "Change" tout the economically failing socialist governments of Western Europe. By sidelining American principle, this kind of liberal activism increasingly endangers the liberties conveyed to us in our constitution by directly threatening our natural economy, and consequently, our defense posture. Freedom is the acceptance of responsibility-socialist welfare states represent dependence. When I was growing up, the country of my birth pursued precisely such a path to "Change"; the word was Richtung! Instead of following established constitutional paths, Germans began to look to their political parties for quick redress of perceived disparities. In direct consequence power shifted from State and National government to the parties and a struggle for perpetual dominance became one of winner take all. I wrote my story as eyewitness and survivor of the human disaster to which it led, and to share that experience with my fellow Americans!"

For those interested in a first hand account of one of the most important historical periods in our history, but even more importantly, how the United States still offers unique opportunity to any young person willing to work hard, American by Choice is a must-read.

To learn more, visit www.paulgschreiber.com.

Jerome Photographer Michael Thompson captured this image of some Jerome friends preparing for a night out in their 1932 Studebaker.

Copper Town Ball to Light up Jerome on Sept 13

Jerome, AZ - July 28, 2008 - September 13th is sure to be one memorable night in Jerome as The Jerome Historical Society and the Jerome Chamber of Commerce host the first formal ball in recent history.

This black-tie affair will take you on a journey back in time to the era of big bands, speakeasies and underground gambling. Period dress is welcome.

A silent auction, along with hors d'oeuvres provided by Jerome's many fine restaurants, and a cash bar, will ensure a festive evening.

Ticket prices of $100 per couple, or $65 single entitles you to receive play money to be used in the casino and for the silent auction, a coupon for a keepsake photo to be taken at the event, and raffle tickets for the grand prize drawing, a weekend package at the Ritz-Carlton in Phoenix.

Seating is limited so reserve a table for a group of 6 or 8. The party will be at Lawrence Memorial Hall from 8:00PM to 1:00AM. To purchase tickets, contact the Jerome Historical Society at (928) 634-1066.

The Society has preserved the rich history of Jerome since 1953. Jerome Historical Society has restored and manages historic buildings in this mountain town and operates the Jerome Mine Museum and Shop, with fascinating displays and a variety of gifts. The Society sponsors events annually, including the widely popular Ghost Walk and Copper Town Ball. At the Ball, the Historical Society will honor Jerome residents past and present for their contributions to the town.

Premier Jerome artist Mark Hemleben will be creating a special canvas, which will be on display prior to the Ball in the window of Spook Hall and then be auctioned as a special grand prize at the end of the evening. This is the only item the entire night that will require real cash to purchase tickets to win. All other items will be bought with the 'funny money.' $1.4 million has been created for the event. That is not all.

The businesses of Jerome, including the wonderful galleries, have donated a treasure trove of amazing items to make this auction a real crowd pleaser. Along with the ticket to the ball, each guest will be given a raffle ticket for a chance to win a weekend at the Ritz-Carlton in Phoenix and the odds are pretty good. Only 250 tickets are available to the Copper Town Ball.

Big band Sentimental Journey will perform throughout the evening in a room decorated to transport lucky guests back to the 1920's with lighting and design by Hollywood expert and Jerome resident Jack Rappaport. Jay Kinsella, mastermind of the event, has all the details in the works. Period flowers, red carpet and velvet drapes, gift bags filled with 'funny money' for gambling as well as some surprises, search beams, mirror balls, antique cars, and more will create a really unique night on the town in Jerome.

Fans of Jerome from all over Arizona and beyond are reserving rooms for the weekend and making plans for a magical night in this extraordinary town. Call The Jerome Historical Society for more information and to reserve tickets @ (928) 634-1066 or visit www.jeromehistoricalsociety.org.

Donna Chesler's comment on the environment titled "Last Chance" will be on display on July 5th at Gallery 527.

The nightly news of staggering inhumanity prompts her to paint the story of the day. From massive tragedy in Darfur to small stories of violence and inequality in South America, her comments on canvas are detailed paintings that show the viewer her interpretation of complex problems. The  artist is quite eloquent in her discussion about issues and she offers a unique perspective through her contemplative paintings on many themes.

The added bonus to this work is the fact that discussion is necessary to fully understand the content of the beautiful work. Libby MacKinney's interpretations reflect her concerns of prejudice, environmental destruction and at the other end of the spectrum, the positive force of strong women and the theory of natural selection. Her message is quite positive.

"Art can immediately evoke emotion and create action for a better world without the scars of confrontation and the loss of life." These "bare bones" paintings bring home this concept. The skeletal forms she uses are a brilliant vehicle for her message.

Acoustic guitar musician Blaine Long will be performing at Gallery 527 from 5:00-8:00PM on July 5th. Come for the usual great party along with spirited conversation about the world around us. For more information contact Donna @(928) 649-2277.