Sedona News – The 31st Annual Sedona International Film Festival (SIFF) is thrilled to announce its 2025 lineup of Narrative Feature Films, showcasing an extraordinary array of storytelling from filmmakers across the globe. Set against the stunning red rock landscapes of Sedona, this year’s festival will take place from February 22 – March 2, 2025, bringing together cinephiles, industry professionals, and visionary filmmakers for an unforgettable celebration of independent cinema. “Our 2025 Narrative Features lineup reflects the power of storytelling to inspire, challenge, and connect audiences on a profound level,” said Patrick Schweiss, Executive Director of SIFF. “This year’s selection includes thought-provoking dramas, riveting thrillers,…
Author: Tommy
Arizona News – Northern Arizona Healthcare (NAH) and OneAZ Credit Union are thrilled to announce the 2024 Mason Award winners. This distinguished honor celebrates nurses and patient care technicians who have displayed excellence through their outstanding patient care. The awards include a Nurse of the Year, Tech of the Year and a Friend of Nursing awarded to a person who supports patient caregivers. A nurse and a tech are also recognized for upholding each of NAH’s five values. The recipients are from both Flagstaff Medical Center (FMC) and Verde Valley Medical Center (VVMC) in Cottonwood. OneAZ Credit Union is the…
Arizona News – The Arizona NonProfit Awards (ANPA) announces its official launch as a nonprofit organization dedicated to honoring and empowering nonprofits across the state. Inspired by a love for philanthropy and fueled by years of experience in corporate marketing, valley mom Elizabeth Santa Cruz founded ANPA to amplify the impact of nonprofits and celebrate their invaluable contributions to Arizona’s communities. “There are many fantastic awards programs throughout AZ, but nothing focused on the diverse and important work of our local nonprofit organizations,” said Santa Cruz. “Throughout my career, I’ve seen firsthand the incredible value that nonprofits bring to their…
Sed0na News – The Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA) recently joined more than two dozen Christian and Jewish religious denominations and associations in filing a lawsuit against the new federal policy that allows immigration raids and arrests at houses of worship. Throughout human history, houses of worship have been regarded as protected spaces for persons who entered them for sanctuary. For years, including during the 2016-2020 administration, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) restricted any immigration enforcement in or near places of worship. But on January 20th, a DHS memo rescinded that “sensitive locations” protection for houses of worship as well as for…
By Rabbi Alicia Magal The JCSVV offers soul-enriching services, programs, and classes, all listed on the synagogue website, jcsvv.org. Visitors are welcome to attend services after a security check. Those who cannot attend in person can access the service through zoom. A special Social Action Shabbat will be observed on Friday, February 21 at 5:30 pm, focused on volunteerism and appreciation for those in our extended community who assist others in need. Over 33 organizations have responded to send representatives who will be acknowledged during the service and afterwards during the reception where blessings over wine and challah are recited,…
By Bear Howard Chronicles of Bear Howard In times of crisis, a society’s true character is revealed through its willingness to protect and care for its most vulnerable members. During a February 11 Sedona City Council meeting, the council reviewed and ultimately approved a proposal to redirect $800,000 a state and federal grant to help residents connected to Sedona and the Verde Valley—through employment or other ties—secure housing in the surrounding area. This initiative will provide essential move-in cost support and small rent subsidies, offering much-needed relief in a high-cost housing market. The local chapter of Catholic Charities would manage…
Prescott News – Get ready for a night of country, swing, folk and blues from one of the best live entertainers in the business. The Jim & Linda Lee Performing Arts Center proudly invites you to the return of Lyle Lovett & His Acoustic Group, Saturday night, March 8, at 7 p.m. on Yavapai College’s Prescott Campus. Some performers defy easy categories. They move fluidly between musical styles in search of the best melody, the best lyrics or the most meaningful story to tell. Since his self-titled debut in 1986, Lyle Lovett has evolved into one of music’s most vibrant…
Sedona News – The three Questers chapters of the Verde Valley have partnered to host a presentation on the Arizona Merci Train on Friday, March 7, with a morning informational meeting and a lunch offering for those interested in learning more about THE QUESTERS and meeting local antique collectors and historic preservation enthusiasts. Those interested in learning more about THE QUESTERS and their purpose are invited from 10:00 a.m.-11:15 a.m. to meet members from Sedona, Palatki and Verde Valley Questers chapters and learn about what they are doing in the community. This will include info on historic preservation and restoration…
Sedona News – The city of Sedona invites 501(c) organizations to apply for city grants beginning today, Feb. 13, 2025. Applications are due by noon on Thursday, April 24, 2025, with awards finalized in July 2025 by Sedona’s 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 total funding available is $350,000 with a minimum of 40% to be allocated to the arts,…
By Tommy Acosta Sedona, AZ –Never have I been so happy to be so wrong. I was so sure that Big Pharma and Big Food would derail the confirmation of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as the Health and Human Services secretary. I would have bet my bippy that there would be enough Republican lawmakers under the influence of the pharmaceutical and food industries to prevent him from assuming that cabinet post. I guess the lawmakers were more afraid of Trump’s wrath than causing Big Pharma and company, unneeded stress. From the get-go, I’ve been in total agreement with Kennedy, even…
… time to relive winter flights over Northern Arizona … one of my favorite things to do! In the photo above I was over Beaver Head Flat Rd at about 7200′ msl and looking north over the intervening hills, across the Village of Oak Creek where I live … above and to the left a bit you can see Airport Mesa and West Sedona. On the horizon from the left is Kendrick Peak, The San Francisco Peaks and Mt. Elden! The lower photo is of the Snow Bowl area on the west side of the San Francisco Peaks; you can…
Sedona News – One of the most beloved television personalities of all time — Emmy Award-winning comedienne Vicki Lawrence — comes to the Sedona International Film Festival with her all-new, two-woman show: “Vicki Lawrence and Mama”. The performance will take place live at the Sedona Performing Arts Center on opening night, Saturday, Feb. 22 at 8 p.m. As part of the legendary cast of the Carol Burnett Show, Ms. Lawrence created her most endearing character to date — Thelma Harper or “Mama” — which later became the title character of the hilarious hit comedy series, Mama’s Family. Experience a sidesplitting…
Arizona News – Southbound Interstate 17 is scheduled to be closed near Loop 303 in north Phoenix this weekend for pavement and bridge improvements, according to the Arizona Department of Transportation. Drivers should allow extra travel time and consider adjusting travel schedules while the following closure is in place: Southbound I-17 closed between Loop 303 and Happy Valley Road from 10 p.m. Friday, Feb. 14, to 5 a.m. Monday, Feb. 17. Southbound I-17 on-ramps at SR 74/Carefree Highway and Dove Valley Road closed. Primary Detour: Southbound I-17 traffic will detour on westbound Loop 303 to southbound Lake Pleasant Parkway and…
Verde Valley News – Yavapai College has announced a series of Business Mixers, open to students, professionals, and the wider community, as part of its efforts to connect local businesses with budding entrepreneurs and future business leaders. These events are organized by the college’s School of Business, which continues to grow in popularity and impact, under the guidance of the Business Faculty Program Director, Dr. Megan Hanna. In a recent episode of the YC & You podcast (https://cast11.com/ycnu-0017-empowering-entrepreneurs-megan-hanna-on-yavapai-colleges-business-degree/), Hanna shared insights about the dynamic Bachelor of Science in Business program at Yavapai College and its ongoing initiatives to support students and the…
Yavapai County News – On February 7, 2025, a Yavapai County Jury found 68-year-old Prescott resident Jeffrey Joseph York guilty of Luring a Minor for Sexual Exploitation and two counts of Attempted Sexual Conduct with a Minor. York is a retired deputy from the Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department. Yavapai County Attorney Dennis McGrane thanked the jurors for their careful attention to the facts, and commended Deputy County Attorneys Jason Nunez and Ashley Sturtz for meticulously preparing and presenting the case. County Attorney McGrane also thanked the Prescott Police Department, Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office (YCSO), Partners Against Narcotics Trafficking (PANT), and…