Author: Tommy

By Dr. Marta Adelsman Life Coach in Communication and Consciousness(June 17, 2020)Recently, I talked with a woman – I’ll call her Nancy — who told me she and her husband, “Jim,” had an interaction about their differing views on pandemic do’s and don’ts.  He doesn’t believe in wearing masks.  She wants to maintain peace with neighbors by making sure they wear them when walking in the neighborhood.  Then there’s my husband and me.  When the pandemic lock-down first started, we had differing opinions about the degree to which we should close the borders of our house.  Conversations about these issues…

Random sequencing means more flexibility Phoenix AZ (June 17, 2020) – If you’re used to seeing Arizona license plates issued with sequential letters and numbers, those days are slipping away. The ADOT Motor Vehicle Division now issues plates with random sequencing. The change vastly increases the number and type of plates that can be distributed.“We’ve had some questions about these new plates because it is a big change and it looks so different from what people are used to,” MVD Stakeholder Relations Manager Jennifer Bowser Richards said.

By Ted Grussing… and just before sunset on silent wings high above the San Francisco Peaks the perfect light illuminates the peaks and casts their shadow out across the painted desert to the horizon more than a hundred miles out from the peaks. Humphreys Peak is on the left, Agassiz on the right and Snow Bowl just left of Agassiz. The view very few will ever see, yet it is there nightly.

Phoenix AZ (June 16, 2020) – Much-needed rain brings out desert wildlife in Arizona. Animals may wander in search of mates, moisture and, if necessary, to escape flooding.Desert tortoises are one of several amazing species that can be encountered during Arizona’s monsoon. The Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD) urges the public to follow these important guidelines when coming across a desert tortoise: 

Reminder to Be Safe. Be Clean. Be Ready.By Jon Trautwein, Fire ChiefSedona Fire DistrictSedona AZ (June 16, 2020) – As the State opens and we move back toward normal, the Sedona Fire District would like to encourage everyone to follow the guidance provided by the CDC, the Governor, and the Arizona Department of Health Services.The Sedona Chamber of Commerce & Tourism Bureau has initiated an excellent campaign and would like to encourage Sedona to be Safe, Clean and Ready. As a reminder, here are the recommended safety guidelines:

License expiration dates between March-September extended six monthsPhoenix AZ (June 16, 2020) – Throughout this public health situation, Arizona Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Division offices have remained open with one caveat: Appointments are required.  Appointments are available for customers who need to get their driver license for the first time as well as first-time vehicle registrations. Most other services are available online through secure, personal accounts at azmvdnow.gov or through ServiceArizona.com.

Junipine Resort is now a Certified Sustainable Business at the Conservationist/Bronze level from the Sustainability Alliance.Sedona AZ (June 16, 2020) – Sarah Estrada is a great example of how one person can make a difference. She was initially hired by Junipine Resort in Oak Creek Canyon as a landscaper. But she was determined to apply her knowledge of sustainability which she picked up at college. She’s made such headway with management in her two years at Junipine, they’ve recently hired someone to help her with forest debris clean-up so Estrada can place more focus on implementing sustainable landscape practices. She’s…

Sedona AZ (June 16, 2020) – Looking to get outdoors and enjoy the sunshine in a safe environment? Look no further: come to the Sedona Community Pool for one of the various programs offered this summer.   The pool opened on June 8, 2020 for adult lap swim and aqua fitness classes. On Monday, June 13, 2020, the city is expanding offerings to include recreation swimming throughout the week and StarBabies/StarTots on Saturdays.

By Ted Grussing… and the focus this week will be just that … things and creatures with wings. This is a shot I took of a cormorant perched on a rock in Watkins Lake and drying his wings out. Cormorants do not have protective oils on their feathers so after being in the water they will get up on a rock, and hold their wings out to dry them. Love the brilliant turquoise eye too. Although most migratory birds have returned to their habitat up north, there are always some waterfowl that hang around the lake all year and beginning…

New dust detection system installed in time for monsoon seasonPhoenix AZ (June 15, 2020) – The official start of monsoon season is here and Arizonans know what to expect in the coming months: occasional dust storms and torrential rain.As the Arizona Department of Transportation marks Monsoon Awareness Week (June 14-20) with reminders to “Pull Aside, Stay Alive” when drivers encounter blowing dust, ADOT is also providing information about the first-of-its-kind dust detection system on a stretch of Interstate 10 between Phoenix and Tucson.

Feel-good music film starring Tracee Ellis Ross and Dakota Johnson at Fisher TheatreSedona AZ (June 13, 2020) – The Sedona International Film Festival is proud to present the Northern Arizona premiere of the feel-good comedy music film of the summer “The High Note” showing June 19-25 at the Mary D. Fisher Theatre.“The High Note” stars Tracee Ellis Ross, Dakota Johnson, Kelvin Harrison, Jr. and Ice Cube.Set in the dazzling and glamorous world of the L.A. music scene comes the story of Grace Davis, a superstar whose talent, and ego, have reached unbelievable heights.

By Darcy Hitchcock Co-Founder, Sustainability AllianceMembers of the Sustainability Alliance are participating in the creation of Sedona’s Climate Action Plan. The plan should help the region understand and prepare for our emerging risks as well as lessen our impacts on the climate. The City wants to hear from you. Please fill out a survey or sign up for a virtual open house. how climate change will likely affect us in the Climate Profile for the Verde Valley.

Clive Owen and Tim Roth star in new drama based on a true story at Fisher TheatreSedona AZ (June 12, 2020) – The Sedona International Film Festival is proud to present the Northern Arizona premiere of the critically-acclaimed new film “The Song of Names” showing June 19-25 at the Mary D. Fisher Theatre.“The Song of Names” stars Clive Owen, Tim Roth, Saul Rubinek and Catherine McCormack. The film premiered to rave reviews at the recent Sedona International Film Festival and is making a return by popular demand.Martin Simmonds (Tim Roth) has been haunted throughout his life by the mysterious disappearance…

By Andrea Lhotka, Adult Services LibrarianSedona AZ (June 12, 2020) – Thanks to a new feature from OverDrive, Sedona Library patrons are now able to browse and check out ebooks and downloadable audiobooks from Arizona libraries as far flung as Tempe, Buckeye, and Yuma. As you skim this expanded collection, you’ll see fresh and unfamiliar digital titles. If you see a title listed on a partnering library’s OverDrive site, it’s available to check out.Libraries across the state can now offer their available (not checked out or on hold) digital titles to patrons from other parts of the state through a reciprocal lending agreement. Sedona Public Library…

By Ted Grussing… after a busy day cleaning up details on different projects, One and I headed out to the deck for some late afternoon relaxation on the deck which by then was well into shadow and cooling down. I grabbed the Canon 5D MK IV with the 70-200mm lens on it since the f/2.8 lens would enable me to keep the ISO down to a reasonable number. For a day, I decided to forego the awesomeness of the 1DX MK III and the hope was a few good shots of One and some crows flying close in … didn’t…