Author: Tommy Acosta

Points to ponder by Melvyn R. Copen Sedona, AZ (May 22, 2011) – Every now and then, issues arise which I believe are important, but which can be dealt with in substantially less than a full column. When I accumulate a few, “points to ponder” is the result. Gas Prices: My last article, entitled “Congress does it again,” dealt with the window dressing that has been applied to “address” the subject of Executive compensation – and the fact that the American Public lets it happen. Here’s another. Near-record breaking prices at the gas pumps and general consumer unhappiness has forced…

T-Shirts Tell Sedona History Sedona, AZ (May 22, 2011) – The Sedona Heritage Museum will present a new changing exhibit for the summer months with a light-hearted theme. “T-shirts: Messages of Sedona” features t-shirts from the Museum’s own Collection. Of interest are t-shirts illustrating the art of a Sedona artist, the protest of a bridge at Red Rock Crossing, a souvenir from the Harmonic Convergence in Sedona in 1987 and a variety of t-shirts from Sedona based special events and festivals. This exhibit will be on display through mid-September. The Museum is seeking donations of t-shirts from Sedona events…

Councilor Mike Ward Speaks Regarding SR 89A Route Transfer Sedona, AZ (May 20, 2011) – On Friday, May 20, 2011, Sedona City Councilor Mike Ward attended the State Transportation Board meeting in Flagstaff. At their regular City Council meeting on Tuesday, May 10, Council approved that he attend to request that ADOT delay any actions with respect to SR 89A until the conclusion of the City’s November 8, 2011 referendum election. In addition, Council approved that his presentation be focused on the important right of the citizens to vote. At the Board meeting, Councilor Ward stated, “We are requesting that…

Kelly Parlin Receives Award Sedona, AZ (May 20, 2011) – On Wednesday, May 18, 2011, the City of Sedona Employee of Year award was presented to Kelly Parlin as part of the employee recognition event held at City Hall. Kelly began her career with the City of Sedona in August 2004 as the Wastewater Plant Chemist, and in April 2010 she was promoted to Chief Plant Operator. Kelly was cited for her positive attitude and jumping into any job without complaint. She is a leader in developing safe operating procedures at the treatment plant. Kelly’s hard work and willingness to…

City of Sedona Fills One Planning & Zoning Commission Seat Sedona, AZ (May 20, 2011) – At their May 10, 2011 meeting, Sedona City Council appointed Scott Jablow to serve on the Planning and Zoning Commission. The Planning and Zoning Commission plays a critical role in the City’s planning process as they serve as City Council’s advisor on land use planning topics. The Commission is also involved in important community issues and considers goals and policies for directing and managing future development. Duties include reviewing, evaluating and making recommendations to the Council on Community Plan and Land Development Code amendments,…

Community Building Open Discussion At The Library Sedona, AZ (May 20, 2011) – Sedona Public Library invites everyone to attend an open community discussion on Friday, May 27 from 6 to 8pm regarding the work and goals of the Verde Food Council. This presentation will be conducted by Verde Food Council Exec. Director Debra Emmanuelle and it will be simultaneously translated into Spanish by Latino Services librarian Marcela Saldivia. The main points of this discussion involve sustainability, food gardens, and community building in the Verde Valley. Born and raised in Maine, Debra Emmanuelle came to Sedona in 2008 with…

Let’s Go Camping Flagstaff, AZ (May 20, 2011) – Campfire and smoking restrictions will be lifted on the Coconino National Forest beginning Friday at 8 a.m. Recent rains along with higher humidity and increased fuel moistures have lowered fire danger on the forest, thus decreasing the risk of major wildfires. “It’s everyone’s responsibility to practice fire safety and prevent human-caused fires. Although campfires and smoking will be allowed throughout the forest, people should never leave a campfire unattended. Campers should make sure they pack a shovel and about five to six gallons of water to extinguish their campfire completely before…

CITIZENS STEERING COMMITTEE FOR SEDONA COMMUNITY PLAN UPDATE Notice is hereby given that the City of Sedona Citizens Steering Committee for the Sedona Community Plan Update will meet on Tuesday, May 24, 2011 at 3:00 p.m. in the Vultee Conference Room located at Sedona City Hall, 106 Roadrunner Drive, Sedona, Arizona. NOTE: Times noted on the agenda are approximations only and may vary.

Japanese Samurai Movie for Charity, May 28 Sedona, AZ (May 20, 2011) – Sedona Heart Japan Campaign’s Japan Movie Night presents the acclaimed “Love and Honor” (Bushi no Ichibun, literally Warrior’s Honor), the story of a samurai facing life with a handicap, May 28, Saturday, 6:30 p.m., Sedona Mago Healing Center, 340 Jordan Road, Uptown Sedona. Shinnojo, a low-level samurai, lives with his pretty, dutiful and loyal wife, Kayo. He has realized that his position as a food taster for a feudal lord is boring and pointless. He considers opening a kendo school for boys from all castles, where he…

Sedona Heritage Museum Participates in Blue Star Museum Program Sedona, AZ (May 20, 2011) – The Sedona Heritage Museum is proud to announce that it will once again participate in the Blue Star Museums program that offers free admission to museums for all active duty military personnel and their families from Memorial Day, May 30, through Labor Day, September 5, 2011. This free admission program is available to active military members and their immediate family members.

Margaret Starbird Keynote at Mary Magdala Celebration Sedona, AZ (May 19, 2011) – Margaret Starbird, internationally renowned author and Magdalene scholar, will be the keynote speaker at the 8th annual Mary Magdala Celebration sponsored by the Celebrating Women Witnesses Ministry of Sedona on Saturday, July 23, 9:00AM to 3:30PM at the Sedona Creative Life Center, 333 Schnebly Hill Rd, Sedona. The theme this year is, “In the Footsteps of Mary Magdalene: Women Living Her Message.” The program will also include women speakers from the community, music, dance, meditation and reflection sharing. Starbird, a pioneer in Magdalene research, is the author…

Visit Old Town Cottonwood Memorial Day Old Town Cottonwood, AZ (May 19, 2011) – How can one describe or capture the magical ‘ambiance’ of Jerome, Clarkdale and Cottonwood? Is it the history, still present in the historic buildings, mining remnants and colorful stories? Is it the beautiful landscapes, vistas, and mountains? Is it the areas local ‘renaissance’ driven by the bourgeoning wine industry and Old Town’s revival? Come find out for yourself this Memorial Day Weekend, with a visit to the area, and Old Town, Cottonwood, one of Arizona’s treasures.

For Sale: Two vehicles and other Miscellaneous equipment Sedona, AZ (may 17, 2011) – One of the Sedona City Council’s top priorities is financial sustainability. As part of the city’s goal for financial sustainability, staff continually evaluates its fleet of vehicles to ensure appropriate fleet size, vehicle use, and efficiency. As a result, the City is auctioning two vehicles and other miscellaneous equipment through publicsurplus.com over the next 35 days with a staggered release date. If you are interested in viewing the vehicles or other items, go to www.publicsurplus.com and search “Agency” for City of Sedona. Check back often to…

Local Questers Join Palatki Questers in Grant Quest Sedona, AZ (May 17, 2011) – The Palatki Questers and Sedona Questers chapters recently partnered to get an Arizona Questers grant for building preservation work at the Sedona Heritage Museum. In addition to the “Preservation & Restoration” grant from the state organization, the two local chapters contributed matching funds. Specifically, the grant and other funds went toward the installation of historically accurate gutters on the Jordan Fruit Packing Shed and re-siding portions of the historic Jordan Tractor Shed. The gutters will protect the foundation and siding for the future and the replacement…

Sedona Community Plan Update Sedona, AZ (May 17, 2011) – This week, two identical inspirational events will be held to discuss Imagine Sedona – 2020 & Beyond, the Sedona Community Plan Update. Please encourage your friends and neighbors to attend and participate! When: Thursday, May 19 at 7:00 p.m. or Saturday, May 21 at 10:00 a.m. Where: Sedona Creative Life Center 333 Schnebly Hill Road For More Information: Mike Raber, Senior Planner at Mraber@sedonaaz.gov or 204-7106 Kathy Levin, Associate Planner at Klevin@sedonaaz.gov or 203-5035 Website: www.sedonaaz.gov/planUpdate