Author: Tommy

Verde Valley News – Eight lucky Sedonians recently enjoyed a special seven course Spanish tapas dinner, paired with six Spanish wine varietals. The dinner, at the home of Oak Creek Villagers David Gill and Elizabeth Loos, resulted from auction bids benefitting the Verde Valley Sanctuary (VVS). The tapas plates included a traditional nibbling plate with both Marcona and Valencia almonds, Manchego and Petit Basque cheeses, Marinated Olives and Bacon-wrapped Dates. Additional tapas plates, served in the order listed, included Cold Melon Soup with Prosciutto, Lemon Garlic Shrimp with Lemon Raviolis, Beef with Dried Cherry Relish on Crostini, Artichoke Hearts and Tomatoes, Smoked Chicken and…

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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 security check. People who cannot attend or who live far away can access the service through zoom. Several classes, holidays, and special events are coming up in April.  Check the website and plan to join us! Erev Shabbat services begin on Friday evening, April 19 beginning at 5:30 pm in person and on Zoom led by Rabbi Alicia Magal.   Rabbi Magal will chant from this week’s Torah portion,  Metzora (Leviticus 14:1…

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Sedona News – The Sedona International Film Festival is proud to present the Northern Arizona premiere of “Hard Miles” showing April 19-24 at the Mary D. Fisher and Alice Gill-Sheldon Theatres. Matthew Modine, Sean Astin and Cynthia Kaye McWilliams star in the powerful uplifting journey “Hard Miles”. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VxwcSaXXAZE A strong-willed social worker at a youth facility assembles an unlikely cycling team of juvenile convicts and takes them on a transformative 1000-mile bike ride. “Hard Miles” tells the uplifting true story of the bicycling team at Rite of Passage’s RidgeView Academy, a medium-security correctional school in Colorado. The film follows beleaguered…

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Verde Valley News – From the dawn of human history, that red dot in the night sky has fascinated humankind. Celebrated by cultures in Asia, Europe and the Americas as the God of Warfare, reputed home of suspicious canals and little green men, Mars is an enduring source of science, mythology and wonder. Yavapai College’s Verde Campus OLLI program invites everyone to a free Munch ‘n Learn that explores the celestial neighbor that has captured human imaginations for centuries. “A Guided Tour of Mars” lifts off Thursday, April 18, from 12:30 to 1:45 p.m., in room M-137 of YC’s Verde…

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Sedona News – The Village Rotary is pleased to announce its annual Rotary Community Garden Plant Sale & Open House, taking place on May 4th from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm at the Community Garden, accessible in the Village of Oak Creek via Verde Valley School Road. Led by Robert Wright, the Garden Committee ,with cooperation from AZ Milkweeds for Monarchs, plans a great open house. Now in its fourth year, the Rotary Community Garden continues to thrive under the stewardship of Village Rotarians. With 24 garden beds, 17 leased to local gardeners and 7 tended by Rotarians, the garden…

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Verde Valley News – During the month of April, Verde Valley Sanctuary (VVS) recognizes National Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM). We take this moment to reflect on the strength and resilience of survivors and victims, the perseverance of advocates, and the dedication of the professionals in many fields who support those who experience sexual violence. The term “sexual assault” is an umbrella term that includes all of the following: Rape; Molestation; Unwanted sexual contact of any other form; Sexual harassment; Incest; Child sexual abuse; Sexual violence, even with an intimate partner; Sexual exploitation; Human trafficking; Voyeurism. Sexual violence causes life-changing…

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Sedona News – The city of Sedona invites 501(c) organizations to apply for city grants. Applications are due by noon on Apr. 25, 2024, with awards finalized in July 2024 by City Council. Grant applications are available for programs, activities, or events developed by 501(c) organizations that provide a public service or benefit and are consistent with the city’s funding priorities. Individual grant amounts have typically ranged from $2,000 to $20,000. For this year’s grant cycle, the funding has increased from $200,000 to $350,000 with a minimum of 40% to be allocated to the arts, 40% to be allocated to…

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… it was a good day for Avocets in breeding plumage and also for Egrets in full breeding plumage at the lake … always look forward to getting shots of the Avocets every Spring and this Spring produced some very beautiful birds on small islands just above the water … the curved bill is so that they can get under rocks and such to obtain their food. The Egret below is in full breeding plumage too and joins the one talon club (well maybe there are two touching.) Not sure how anyone could ever slaughter these beautiful birds just to…

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Sedona News – The Sedona International Film Festival is proud to present the Sedona premiere of “Wicked Little Letters” showing April 19-25 at the Alice Gill-Sheldon Theatre. “Wicked Little Letters” features an all-star cast including Olivia Colman, Jessie Buckley, Anjana Vasan, Gemma Jones, Eileen Atkins and Timothy Spall. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SeTeCWbF8KY A 1920s English seaside town bears witness to a farcical and occasionally sinister scandal in this riotous mystery comedy. Based on a stranger than fiction true story, “Wicked Little Letters” follows two neighbors: deeply conservative local Edith Swan (Olivia Colman) and rowdy Irish migrant Rose Gooding (Jessie Buckley). When Edith and…

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Sedona News – Have you ever wondered if the Bible’s tale of Noah is true? The evidence is overwhelming that it is true. In Dr. Robert E. Farrell’s enlightening presentation, we delve into the fascinating world of ancient flood narratives, bridging science, history, and mythology. Dr Farrell presents at Sedona MUFON on Sunday, May 26 at 3:00 p.m. at The Global Center for Christ Consciousness, Sedona, AZ. 86336. Key Points of Exploration: Sir Leonard Wooley’s Revelation: Dr. Farrell dissects Sir Leonard Wooley’s groundbreaking discovery, which dispelled any lingering doubts about the existence of a momentous deluge akin to the one…

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Camp Verde News – Artists from Camp Verde will showcase a variety of works in a debut exhibit opening April 15 at Camp Verde Community Library. All are members of the new Camp Verde Artists Group, coordinated by founder Mary Rush. “I am honored and happy to coordinate this exhibit at the library for the newly formed Camp Verde Artists Group. We were only one month old when I scheduled the exhibition with the library. Now, at almost four months, we have gone through various stages of growth. We are becoming a solidified advocate for our art and the extended…

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Verde Valley News – MATFORCE, a primary prevention organization focused on stopping youth drug use before it starts, has partnered again this year with local law enforcement agencies to host medication takeback events throughout Yavapai County. Since 2008 over 43,500 pounds of medication have been collected and properly disposed of through Dump the Drugs events and drop box locations throughout Yavapai County. Takeback events are a convenient way for community members to dispose of expired or unwanted medications. The events will be held on Saturday, April 27, 2024, from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm at the following locations: Prescott Valley…

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Sedona News – The Sedona Police Department Cadets placed in two competition events thus far in 2024! On January 13 and 14, 2024, the Sedona Police Department (SPD) Cadets travelled to the Chandler Tactical Competition to compete with 51 other teams in events including Narcotics lab raid, high risk vehicle stops, crisis negotiations, terrorist takeover, bike rodeo, pistol shoot, and sniper challenge. There were also several walk-up events, which included wilderness marksman, ax throwing, vertical assault, obstacle course and VIRTA shoot. The Cadet team walked away with first place in the wilderness marksman event. On March 9, 2024, Cadets attended…

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By Dr. William Noonan, Sedona Resident Save The Cultural Park Committee Today we turned in over 1000 signatures, well over the 597 minimum needed for a referendum to let the residents decide if a homeless car park should be allowed at Cultural Park. We are very confident that after the city and county finish their verification process, we will have more than enough valid signatures to qualify for the November Ballot. We are grateful for the amazing and passionate residents of Sedona who are united on this issue and signed our referendum petition. This is a remarkable achievement considering this…

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Sedona News – The Sedona International Film Festival is proud to join theaters around the world to present the global premiere of “The Hopeful” showing April 17 and 18 at the Mary D. Fisher Theatre. William Miller’s faith is in ruins. After miraculously surviving a fierce battle in the War of 1812, Miller questions why God spared him. His search for wisdom leads to an astonishing prophecy — the world is going to end. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9nopg-zixbc “The Hopeful” unfolds as a story of a man burdened with the knowledge of Christ’s return. Miller’s message resonates with some — even as it…

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