Author: Tommy

Sedona News – The Sedona International Film Festival is proud to join theaters around the world to present “Paul McCartney and Wings: One Hand Clapping” showing Sept. 26-29 at the Mary D. Fisher and Alice Gill-Sheldon Theatres. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-wKgjmt2O8k Directed by David Litchfield, “Paul McCartney and Wings: One Hand Clapping” captured a moment when Paul McCartney and Wings had found and defined their signature sound. Filmed over four days at Abbey Road Studios in August 1974, the film provides an insight into the inner workings of the band as they work and play together in the studio. Including performances of tracks…

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Yavapai County News – With temperatures still warm, autumn and the November Election may seem far away, however election workers are busy creating, proofing, and printing 144 different ballot styles in preparation for the General Election on November 5th. In this year’s General Election, Yavapai County voters will be asked to consider contests on one of the longest ballots in history. With historic turnout expected and a two-page ballot for Yavapai County Voters, election officials are preparing for longer than normal lines on Election Day. It will take voters an average of 20 minutes in the booth to vote their…

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Sedona News – The city of Sedona and Yavapai County will host the free Household Hazardous Waste and Electronics Collection Event on Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, from 8 a.m. to noon, at the West Sedona Elementary School parking lot at 570 Posse Ground Rd. New to this year, participants may also bring medical waste and paper documents for shredding. This event is for residents of Sedona and unincorporated Yavapai County. Accepted waste Waste that will be accepted includes aerosol paints and spray products; antifreeze; batteries except for lead acid or any other vehicle battery; gasoline; household cleaners; kerosene; light bulbs; pesticides;…

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By Rabbi Alicia Magal The JCSVV offers services and classes which are life-affirming and soul enriching. All are listed on the synagogue website, jcsvv.org. Visitors are welcome to attend services after a security check. People who cannot attend or who live far away can access the service through zoom.  High Holy Days are coming! Consider reserving your place to bring in the Jewish New Year with community.  See the website for schedule. This is the month of Elul when we prepare for the High Holy Days by offering forgiveness and looking into our actions toward others.  It is a time of…

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Sedona News – The Sedona International Film Festival is proud to join theaters around the world to present the worldwide premiere of “Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story” on Saturday and Wednesday, Sept. 21 and 25 at the Alice Gill-Sheldon Theatre. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gX-B3HMlMfY The story of Christopher Reeve is an astonishing rise from unknown actor to iconic movie star, and his definitive portrayal of Clark Kent/Superman set the benchmark for the superhero cinematic universes that dominate cinema today. Reeve portrayed the Man of Steel in four “Superman” films and played dozens of other roles that displayed his talent and range as an…

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Verde Valley News – Rebecca Spiess knows something about the homelessness crisis. The former Yavapai College Honors student also knows something about the art of writing. The two combined to earn her a Pulitzer Prize nomination earlier this year for a series of editorials she co-wrote with a colleague at the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. Rebecca and Brandon McGinley were named Pulitzer finalists for their “ambitious, investigative editorials that examine a collapse in services for the homeless in Pittsburgh, and the city’s failure to account for millions of dollars meant to offer relief.” So reads the Pulitzer website description of the seven-part…

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Sedona News – With the recent completion of the Pedestrian Crossing at Oak Creek Project under State Route (SR) 179, the city welcomes the public to now enjoy the new amenity and also attend the ribbon cutting for the project on Sept. 17, 2024 at 10 am. The project consisted of constructing a 10-to-12-foot wide concrete shared-use pathway under the existing SR 179 Oak Creek bridge with the intent of providing an alternative means for pedestrians and cyclists to cross SR 179 without impeding vehicle traffic and making Sedona a more walkable and bikeable community. The pathway connects to the…

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Sedona News – The Northern Arizona Blues Alliance (NAZBA) is proud to partner with the Mary D. Fisher Theatre, presenting the “Ladies Sing the Blues”, on Sept. 20, starting 7 p.m., featuring three outstanding Blues singers, all with very accomplished Blues backgrounds. Opening the show is soulful songstress, singer-songwriter, and soloist, Jacqui Foreman. She favors the classics and covers many well-known artists like Bonnie Raitt, Nina Simone, Janis Joplin, Otis Redding, Tracy Chapman, Jewel, Sheryl Crow, Leon Bridges and Amy Winehouse, all with a taste of Blues interpretation. Her original songs are as eclectic in style as her choices in cover…

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By Steve Segner We are thrilled to announce that Hotel El Portal Sedona has been honored with the prestigious Michelin Key award, making it one of the select few key holders in Sedona. This honor reflects our dedication to exceptional hospitality and memorable guest experiences This accolade is a testament to our commitment to providing exceptional hospitality and a memorable experience for our guests. Guest Score & Reviews: Hotel El Portal Sedona has achieved an impressive score of 19.8 out of 20 from six verified stays. This score reflects our dedication to maintaining the highest standards of quality and service,…

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Sedona News – The Sedona International Film Festival is proud to present the encore of “Tokyo Cowboy” showing Sept. 20-26 at the Alice Gill-Sheldon and Mary D. Fisher Theatres. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r_l11juia6E “Tokyo Cowboy” was one of the top award-winning films at the recent Sedona International Film Festival, garnering the Directors’ Choice for Best Feature Film — Drama and high ratings from festival attendees. A Japanese businessman goes on an unwitting journey of self-discovery when he takes a company trip from Tokyo to a Montana cattle ranch in “Tokyo Cowboy”. Brash businessman Hideki arrives in Montana having convinced his Tokyo bosses he…

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Verde Valley News – Dogs and cats play indelible roles in the lifestyle and spirit of the Verde Valley community, and Yavapai College has an ongoing commitment to their welfare. On Wednesday, Yavapai College’s Verde Campus Dean Dr. Irina Del Genio proudly presented the Verde Valley Humane Society with $2,000 raised from their August 8 Wine & Wags event. The proceeds were generated by Yavapai College’s first annual Wine & Wags fundraiser, and perhaps the only wine-tasting event pairing fine vintages with adorable animals. Wine & Wags invites humans and canines to the Mabery Pavilion, where bi-peds can enjoy a…

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Arizona News – What should the Arizona Legislature do to improve groundwater management in rural Arizona? Should legislators take action to protect the Verde River, the only surviving living river in Arizona? Candidates for Legislative District 1 (LD1) will be discussing these water-related questions and more during a virtual forum conducted by the Citizens Water Advocacy Group (CWAG). Forum participants will be candidates for the State Senate, Mark Finchem (R) and Mike Fogel (D), and candidates for the State House, Selina Bliss (R- incumbent), Jay Ruby (D), and Marcia Smith (D). Incumbent Quang Nguyễn (R) is unable to participate due…

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Sedona News – The city of Sedona Sustainability Department and event partners APS, Unisource Gas and the Arizona Department of Economic Security will host a free home energy and efficiency workshop on Thursday, Sept. 26, 2024, at the Sedona Public Library, located at 3250 White Bear Rd. The workshop will focus on how to conserve energy and lower utility costs, in addition to partner agencies sharing information on their home energy assistance programs for those who qualify. The Sustainability Department will also present on the Home Energy Retrofit program. This program, in partnership with Cozy Home, LLC, is currently accepting…

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Sedona News – The Sedona International Film Festival is proud to present “Jay Johnson: The Two and Only!” on stage at the Mary D. Fisher Theatre. There will be two performances on Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 21 and 22. https://vimeo.com/100246554 “Jay Johnson: The Two and Only!” is an outrageous live performance featuring the original cast of Broadway’s Tony Award-winning show. This is the true story of an artist finding his voice then throwing it. It is the journey of ventriloquism from the occult secret of seances and witchcraft, to radio/television and Broadway. Jay Johnson (artist/ventriloquist/actor) known most for his role…

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By Dr. William D. Noonan In rebuttal to a recent letter entitled “Truth or Lies,” let me start where Steve Segner left off — Don’t be misled by scare tactics. The core lie of Mr. Segner’s argument about the Cultural Park is that the “The city’s intention in purchasing this land was clear: to address the critical need for rental housing in our community.” It is absolutely false to suggest that residents knew what the City Council’s intention was at the time.  On November 22, 2022, the City of Sedona acquired over 41 acres in the Cultural Park for $20M…

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