Author: Tommy

Sedona AZ (March 24, 2020) – With more people cleaning surfaces to prevent the spread of COVID-19, the city of Sedona Wastewater Department urges residents to avoid flushing anything other than toilet paper down the toilet. Items such as wipes (even those labeled flushable), paper towels, napkins or cloths can clog sewer pipes and cause backups and spills. These items do not break down in water like toilet paper is designed to do. Backups can potentially occur, creating another public health issue in addition to COVID-19. Anything other than toilet paper should be discarded in the trash.

Clarkdale AZ (March 24, 2020) – For the health and safety of students, faculty, staff and the college community, Yavapai College has announced that all classes and services will only be offered online for rest of the spring semester.Many of the College’s classes have already transitioned to a fully online environment and will continue to operate in that capacity. For those classes that still have a face-to-face component (i.e. labs, career & technical, activities), options are available. Students need to contact their instructors to determine the option that works best for them.“This is a decision that is being made in the…

Sedona Community Food Bank is now a Certified Sustainable Business at the Innovator/Silver level from the Sustainability AllianceSedona AZ (March 24, 2020) – Sedona Community Food Bank distributes food to an average of 165 families per week, some of whom are homeless. The lean operation is run by two part-time staff members, including the director, Cathleen Healy-Baiza, and 128 volunteers.  While the program was started nearly 40 years ago by the Seventh Day Adventist Church, it became its own 501(c)(3) in the 1980’s to provide enhanced services.

By Ted Grussing… Thursday afternoon, One and I went out the front door as she loves to explore the street side of the yard. Her chair in the office overlooks the front and she observes the daily comings and goings of other critters, birds and such as well as delivery people and guests. Seems logical to thus spend time out there and that is likely the developing new norm for her. While she was exploring the area behind the mailbox, a wet and hungry bobcat came across the street and started a hunt for a rabbit he saw duck into…

By Darcy HitchcockCo-Founder, Sustainability AllianceSedona AZ (March 23, 2020) – Ready to get your mind off the virus? Do something positive. In recognition of 50th anniversary of Earth Day, why not join your neighbors reversing the climate crisis. Try out two food-related personal behaviors that have a big positive impact on the climate: eating less (or no) animal products and composting. A simple calculator will show you how much of a difference you can make if you commit for a day, week or month. Take the Pledge.  

Phoenix AZ (March 23, 2020) – Attorney General Mark Brnovich and Senator Kyrsten Sinema are teaming up to remind Arizona seniors to be on the lookout for new COVID-19 related scams. Both offices have reported an increase in communications from concerned Arizonans. Fake miracle cures and events, shopping thieves, door-to-door sanitization services, robocalls, official-looking phishing emails, and government impostor scams are all on the rise as the unethical try to gain access to the financials of Arizona seniors. Con artists frequently take advantage of headlines and are currently exploiting the anxieties of vulnerable seniors over COVID-19. “This is a vulnerable time for many…

Phoenix AZ (March 23, 2020) – The Arizona Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Division reminds customers that all MVD office visits require an appointment. Only services that have to be done in person are available. This does not apply to Authorized Third Party providers.To reduce the number of people who may require office visits, Gov. Doug Ducey last week issued an Executive Order extending the driver license expiration date by six months for anyone whose license expires between March 1 and Sept. 1.

Phoenix AZ (March 23, 2020) – An Alliance of Arizona Nonprofits survey of nonprofit organizations statewide showed that nearly 90% of the 364 respondents have been or expect to be significantly impacted by the spread of COVID-19 or coronavirus with the total loss of reported revenue at $29,946,350 as of March 20.Of those organizations impacted, more than 83% reported decreased revenue from canceled events with nearly 60% expressing concern for budgetary implications related to strains on the national economy.Additionally, 54% indicated a disruption of services to clients and communities.

Camp Verde AZ (March 23, 2020) – Monday, March 23 as of 5:00p Camp Verde Community Library will close to the public. The decision was made to close in compliance with the implications of Governor Ducey’s directive on Friday to close restaurants, bars, gyms and movie theaters to the public in counties with confirmed COVID-19 cases. Yavapai Community Health Services reported 3 confirmed cases of the virus on Sunday, March 22.

By Tommy AcostaSedona AZ (March 23, 2020) – It’s not about getting it. It’s about surviving it.Face it. Sooner or later there will be contact. Some of us won’t feel a thing. Some of us will just get sick and some of us will die. That’s the Tao of a pandemic.Assuming there is no hiding from the virus, surviving it is the next best option.Me? The first thing I did when I heard the shocking news was disconnect the emotional impact of the fearful thoughts that came, like “I’m Going To Die,” “I’m Going to starve” and “I have no…

By Dr. Marta Adelsman Life Coach in Communication and Consciousness(March 22, 2020)This illness sweeping the world — what is it here to teach us? How does CoVID-19 enlighten us about ourselves? What is its deeper meaning for humanity? Look at how quickly it has brought us to our knees! With lightning speed, it has isolated us from one another, struck panic in the hearts of many, disrupted our economy and our medical community. The virus plays no favorites and honors none of our mind-imposed boundaries. It has no regard for the social, physical, emotional, ethnic, religious and political walls we,…

Take precautions and practice social distancing to protect you and your familyPhoenix AZ (March 22, 2020) – The Arizona Department of Health Services (ADHS) and Maricopa County Department of Public Health (MCDPH) have confirmed the second death due to COVID-19 in Arizona. The individual was a male in his 70s with underlying health conditions. MCDPH is in the process of notifying close contacts of this person and will be asking them to monitor for symptoms.To date, there have been 152 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Arizona. COVID-19 is a serious disease that can be fatal in anyone, especially our elderly population…

Sedona AZ (March 22, 2020) – To help both community members and businesses find critical resources during these uncertain times, the city of Sedona compiled the following lists:For people looking for community resources like food, shelter and economic relief, view this list.For businesses looking for resources and assistance including loans and employee needs, view this list. The city recognizes that the effects of COVID-19 are far-reaching, which is why these lists were compiled. They will be updated frequently to help people find the most current information.

Phoenix AZ (March 22, 2020) – Arizona State Parks and Trails will be closing all historic parks and gift shops in response to updated guidelines from the Arizona Department of Health Services and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).“We are using an abundance of caution while still working to serve the public with open spaces and outdoor activities they can safely enjoy,” said Executive Director Bob Broscheid. “Our recreational parks and trails remain open and we are taking the necessary precautions to keep our park guests, volunteers and staff safe during these unprecedented times.”

By Tommy AcostaSedona AZ (March 21,2020) — Some things really piss me off!Like this big brouhaha on whether a tried-and-true anti-malaria drug from the 40s called Hydroxychloroquine could be repurposed to stop the COVID-19 pandemic.What the heck is wrong with everyone? It’s like we are all standing around with empty hoses in our hands watching the house burn down because the water to douse it has not been tested.For heavens sake!