Author: Tommy

By Ted Grussing… some sights lend themselves to evoking a sense of peace and rest and this is one of those. I took the shot in December of, 2014 ENE of Flagstaff and looking to the ENE across a large portion of the San Francisco Volcanic Field. The field includes about 600 volcanoes ranging from six million years old to less than a thousand years old; the most recent cone formed is Sunset Crater and it is a beautiful place with wondrous lava flows, gnarled trees, cinder fields and a sense of history. On this day, this area of the…

By Rachel Murdoch, Parks & Recreation ManagerSedona AZ (March 10, 2016) – “Spring is nature’s way of saying, ‘Let’s party!’ ” is a quote by actor and comedian Robin Williams. This spring, get to know or become reacquainted with the offerings of your community parks. Stroll through a botanical garden, relax in the shade of a cottonwood tree, or splash through a sprinkler. The Sedona Parks and Recreation Department provides a variety of options to enjoy the beauty, amenities and events of our parks.

Camp Verde AZ (March 10, 2016) – Fire managers plan to burn slash piles today located approximately nine miles east of McGuireville, near Cedar Flat.The Cedar Flat Wildlife and Watershed Enhancement Project will burn approximately 700 acres in the Cedar Flat area near Forest Road 214. Smoke is expected to rise about 1,000 feet and move south as it dissipates. Smoke will be visible to those in surrounding communities such as Camp Verde, McGuireville and motorists along Interstate 17 traveling near the area. Areas such as Verde Valley may experience light smoke impacts.

By Ted Grussing… this is what happens when you binge watch House of Cards during an election year; season four is also occurring in 2016 and they’re having an election too … another shot of the very cool trees in the Sunset Crater area going astral and beseeching the powers that be to spare us all from the two political machines that run our country.

Cottonwood AZ (March 9, 2016) – The Los Angeles based New West Guitar Group comes to Old Town on Saturday, March 19th  for a special concert at Old Town Center for the Arts at 7:00 pm.  Featuring Perry Smith (NYC), John Storie (LA) and Will Brahm (LA), the New West Guitar Group has been making their mark as a fresh, cutting edge guitar ensemble.  Performing popular covers and original music, the New West Guitar Group combines the acoustic and electric guitar to create their signature sound.  The group tours throughout the United States giving concerts and Master classes.

Cottonwood AZ (March 9, 2016) – The governing boards of Clarkdale Fire District and Verde Valley Fire District unanimously adopted resolutions at their February regular meetings declaring that a consolidation of the two districts should be considered. The resolutions further declare that hearings will be held to obtain public comment.

Cottonwood AZ (March 9, 2016) – Put that spring back in your step at this month’s Cottonwood contra dance, Saturday, March 19th. Michael Barraclough will call the dances to the tunes of the Phoenix-based Elastic Band, with Rhonda Hotop on fiddle, Gayla Golusin on piano and accordion, and Dave Wildermuth playing guitar and electric bass.The pre-dance lesson begins at 6:30PM, with dancing from 7:00 until 10:00. If you can walk, you can contra—no experience or partner is needed.  Wear comfortable shoes and clothing and bring a snack donation if possible.  Cottonwood Civic Center is at 805 N. Main Street, Old Town…

Sedona AZ (March 9, 2016) – This is much more than an egg hunt; it’s a Celebration of Spring. Join city of Sedona Parks and Recreation on Saturday, March 26 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. for a fun, family-friendly event held at Posse Grounds Park, 525 Posse Ground Road. Those in the community that enjoy spring and the outdoors are invited.

Sedona AZ (March 9, 2016) – The Sedona Posse Grounds Hub is hosting a unique workshop for young people ages 14-22, this Thursday March 17th, 2016.  The workshop,  entitled “Bridging Cultures with Empathy: Working As One Across Boundaries” is led by RENEW co-founder and executive director Adam Rubin, a Red Rock High School graduate and former Key Club President.

Sedona Lit is a series by Dr. Elizabeth Oakes, an award winning poet and former Shakespeare professor. A Sedonian of three years, she will highlight the literature, written or performed, of Sedona, past and present.By Elizabeth Oakes(March 8, 2016)In this column, the second one in a series of poems about Sedona, Christine Swanberg and Shaeri Richards express the essence of Sedona in two forms – the sonnet, that began in England, and the haiku, which began in Japan. Both arose in approximately the same time: the sixteenth century. What is ancient is new again; what is foreign is local.

By Ted Grussing… given the opportunity to continue their daily hunt for food in nature or take advantage of free food without the work most creatures will opt for the free stuff and so it was with these gulls out on Seventeen Mile Drive at Pebble Beach last week. I was busy shooting the waves and I heard a raucous sound, looked over my shoulder and there was a feeding frenzy as some tourists were supplying a banquet for the birds. The upside? I got some cool shots and they got an excellent meal … the downside? Likely none as…

Sedona AZ (March 8, 2016) – Renowned Arizona photographer Colleen Miniuk-Sperry will go “Crazy About Composition” with area photographers at the 6 p.m. Monday, March 28th, meeting of the Sedona Camera Club at the United Methodist Church, 110 Indian Cliffs Rd., in Sedona.  The meeting will include two presentations by Miniuk-Sperry and a club meeting.Join professional outdoor photographer Colleen Miniuk-Sperry for her insightful and educational presentation as she reviews not only the predominant composition rules, but also how we can leverage the reasons for such rules to help elicit specific responses from our viewers based on human perceptions.  Hear how…

Grand Canyon AZ (March 8, 2016) – The National Park Service (NPS) is seeking public comment on proposed changes to the scope of the Bison Management Plan at Grand Canyon National Park. The focus of the planning effort will shift from development of a long-term management plan for North Rim bison to initial herd reduction. Proposed National Park Service actions that will be analyzed in the Environmental Assessment include:

Sedona AZ (March 8, 2016) – Building Bridges Event Series will be hosting a Student Art Exhibition and Teen Discussion Panel, this Tuesday March 15th , starting at 5pm.  The event will take place at Sedona Posse Grounds Hub,  525 Posse Grounds Road in Sedona.   The exhibit will feature both visual and performance work from students attending schools in the Verde Valley.  The theme, “What does it mean to be a living bridge?” is part of the greater Building Bridges Art exhibit going on at the Hub throughout the month of March.  Building Bridges events series is a month-long event series running March…

Sedona Film Festival hosts big-screen debut of new art series at Mary D. Fisher theatreSedona AZ (March 8, 2016) – Sedona International Film Festival is proud to be the official host of the new “Art & Architecture in Cinema” series, joining hundreds of theatres around the globe for this special exhibition on screen. The program will feature seven different titles and bring the world’s greatest works of art, and their environs, to the big screen. Cinema guests can now enjoy unprecedented high definition access into the lives of renowned artists, their art and the fabulous museums and galleries that are…