Author: Sedona Best

Ciao Bella! The flavors of Italy have arrived in Cottonwood, Arizona with BV’s Italian Kitchen.  It’s time for foodies to savor authentic Italian cuisine seasoned with amore. Enjoy all your favorites like – spaghetti and meatballs, eggplant parmesan, chicken marsala, pasta primavera, and salmon worthy of any “Nonna’s” (grandmother’s) approval! Locals and visitors alike rave about the mouthwatering, authentic dishes. The rustic Tuscan interior transports you straight to an Italian vineyard or seaside village. They’ll be delighted and tantalized by the new dining experience Cohen has crafted at BV’s Italian Kitchen. BV’s Italian Kitchen sauces and pastas are made fresh daily,…

The 31st Annual Sedona International Film Festival will take place February 22-March 2, 2025 in Sedona, Arizona. And the 32nd Annual Festival will take place February 21-March 1, 2026. The nine-day festival features more than 150 films, including features, documentaries, shorts and animation. Filmmakers and audiences from around the world have heralded Sedona’s festival as one of their favorites. The festival workshop series brings Academy Award winning industry professionals to Sedona to teach, inspire and share their knowledge with the next generation of filmmakers. Students get a once-in-a-lifetime chance to work shoulder-to-shoulder with the industry’s finest. • For more information, please call the festival office at (928)…

The best way to see and learn about Sedona – Affordable, Fun, Inspiring! Red Rock Magic Trolley offers 55 and 85-minute guided tours for all ages, in comfort. We also provide specialized tours for group events – weddings, corporate parties, wine tours & pub crawls, etc. Boynton Canyon Tour includes the Secret Mountain Wilderness with its famous Rock Formations, The Chapel of the Holy Cross Tour gives you time at this #1 popular destination, and the Bell Rock Tour gives you a glimpse of some of the vortex sites here in Sedona.   • RedRockMagicTrolley.com  • 928-821-6706  • 252 N. SR89A in…

Location: Sedona and Verde Valley, Arizona Join Our Team: Seize the opportunity to thrive in Arizona’s digital world with our esteemed digital magazine, alongside three engaging websites and a notable print publication. We are on the lookout for a dedicated Sales Expert, ready to dive into digital advertising on a commission-only basis. This role offers the flexibility to work according to your own schedule, making it ideal for those deeply connected to the Sedona and Verde Valley communities and eager to excel in the digital space. Key Responsibilities: – Craft and execute innovative sales strategies across our digital…

Sedona is a picturesque paradise that may seem out of reach for the budget-conscious traveler. Yet, with some savvy planning and local know-how, experiencing the magic of Sedona without breaking the bank is entirely possible. Here’s how you can stretch your dollars further in this desert jewel. Affordable Stays: Opt for vacation rentals, consider towns nearby, and hunt for online deals. Economical Eats: Cook meals, choose budget-friendly eateries, and look out for happy hours. Free Fun: Embrace no-cost activities like hiking and exploring nature’s wonders. Discount Deals: Secure discounts for attractions and transport, and consider the Sedona Pass. Smart Transport:…

Sedona’s Appeal: Ideal for families, offering diverse activities suitable for all ages. Hiking Highlights: Choose from West Fork, Fay Canyon, Soldier Pass, Bell Rock, and Boynton Canyon trails. Biking Adventures: Airport Loop, Bell Rock Pathway, Red Rock State Park, and Verde River Greenway await cyclists. Unique Attractions: Slide Rock State Park, Sedona Arts Center, Tlaquepaque Arts and Shopping Village, Sedona Heritage Museum, Chapel of the Holy Cross offer cultural and adventurous experiences. Travel Tips: Essential advice on clothing, weather, hydration, safety, and environmental respect. Sedona promises a fulfilling family vacation with its scenic beauty and kid-friendly activities. Sedona, Arizona, is…

Sedona in Winter: What to Do and See Key Points Enchanting Scenery: Winter reveals a serene, snow-dusted Sedona. Outdoor Activities: Prime time for hiking and biking with cooler temperatures. Cultural Experiences: Shopping and dining are paired with unique winter events. Winter Events: Engaging festivals and community events that embrace the season. Travel Tips: Key advice for a comfortable and safe winter visit. Nestled amidst striking red rock formations, Sedona transforms into a winter wonderland with a distinctive Southwestern charm. The cooler months invite a peaceful ambiance, perfect for exploring the outdoors and enjoying the cultural vibrancy of the town. Let’s…

A Guide to the Best Places to Tie the Knot in Red Rock Country Key Points Stunning Locations: Sedona offers a breathtaking backdrop of red rocks for weddings. Venue Variety: Options range from luxury resorts to intimate chapels. Planning Considerations: Size, budget, and style are key in venue selection. Top Picks: Includes L’Auberge de Sedona, Amara Resort, and more. Local Insight: Tips to ensure your Sedona wedding is as perfect as the scenery. Must-Visit: Personal venue visits are recommended for final decisions. Sedona’s enchanting red rock formations and crystal-clear skies make it an idyllic setting for couples looking to exchange…

Experience the joy of the holidays aboard the Sedona Magical Christmas Journey. Embark on a whimsical round-trip on the Verde Canyon Railroad to meet Santa Claus. Enjoy festive decorations, delightful elves, and Christmas characters during the journey. Create unforgettable holiday memories for families and young children in Sedona. The Enchantment of the Sedona Magical Christmas Journey The holiday season in Sedona brings a special event that captures the hearts of families and the imaginations of children—the Sedona Magical Christmas Journey. This enchanting train ride aboard the decorated Verde Canyon Railroad is the highlight of Sedona holiday events. As the train…

Discover the magic of independent cinema at the Sedona International Film Festival (SIFF). Spanning nine days in February or March, SIFF showcases a diverse range of films and cinematic experiences. Participate in enlightening workshops, engaging panels, and network with industry professionals. Soak in the natural and cultural richness of Sedona alongside your film festival journey. The Sedona International Film Festival: A Confluence of Art and Beauty Each year, the charming city of Sedona is transformed into a cinephile’s paradise as it hosts the Sedona International Film Festival. This prestigious event is not just a festival; it’s a celebration of independent…

Sedona Bars: Toasting Under the Stars In the heart of Arizona’s red rock country, Sedona’s nightlife scene shimmers as brightly as the starlit sky above. Whether you’re ending a day of adventures or starting your evening with a zest, the town offers a splendid array of bars where the spirits are as high as the surrounding peaks. Variety of Venues: Sedona’s nightlife offers diverse bars and clubs. Local Favorites: Mooney’s Irish Pub, Lacuna Kava Bar, and 89Agave are top picks. Live Music Spots: Enjoy tunes at Mooney’s, The Coffee Pot, and Sound Bites Grill. Dance the Night Away: Hit the…

Sedona’s dining landscape is as colorful and varied as its famed red rock formations. With an array of restaurants that cater to every preference and occasion, Sedona is a true foodie’s delight. From the upscale, elegant eateries to the cozy, family-friendly joints, there’s a spot for every diner to enjoy the flavors of this desert haven. Key Points: Sedona’s culinary scene is diverse, catering to all tastes and budgets. Fine dining establishments offer modern Southwestern to Latin-inspired cuisine. Casual dining options range from Mexican favorites to all-American breakfasts. Family-friendly restaurants provide a relaxed atmosphere for all ages. Vegetarian and vegan…

Sedona, Arizona, is a destination that captures the imagination with its red rock vistas, vibrant arts community, and opportunities for adventure. Whether you’re seeking a serene retreat or an outdoor escapade, finding the right place to stay is crucial. Sedona’s lodging landscape is as varied as its canyons and mesas, offering everything from cozy Airbnbs to opulent resorts. In this guide, we’ll explore the best places to stay in Sedona for every type of traveler. Key Points: Sedona offers diverse lodging from budget hotels to luxury resorts. Choose based on budget, interests, and travel style. Hotels and resorts provide convenience…

Key Points Sedona’s landscape offers a unique kayaking and paddleboarding experience with its red rock vistas and wildlife. Verde River, Oak Creek Canyon, and Red Rock State Park reservoir are prime spots for water activities. Equipment rentals and lessons are readily available from local Sedona businesses. Safety is paramount: always check weather conditions, stay hydrated, and wear a life jacket. Sedona, Arizona, is a treasure trove of outdoor activities, and among the most exhilarating are Sedona kayaking and Sedona paddleboarding. This region’s iconic red rock formations, crystal-clear waters, and diverse wildlife create an idyllic backdrop for water enthusiasts. Whether you’re…

We are the ONLY tour company providing exclusive Hummer Tours in Sedona’s stunning back road country.  Create memories of a lifetime with extreme 4×4 adventure on regular or private tours with experienced tour guides! Visit our Cafe & Gift Shop next door, featuring hand crafted beer and fine wine, LavAzza Italian coffee, Espresso, Cappuccino, Ice Cream, Gelato, Smoothies, chocolate truffles and unique gifts. • SedonaJeepTours.com   • 928-282-6656   • 2900 W State Route 89a location. At the 2900 location we have free parking.  Discover Sedona’s majestic scenery with the thrill of a Jeep tour, an experience that not only showcases the raw beauty…

For families exploring Sedona, the array of hiking trails caters to all ages and abilities, promising an outdoor adventure filled with stunning vistas and moments of connection with nature. Check out these top family-friendly hikes that offer both easy and moderate trails suitable for young explorers to more seasoned trailblazers. Easy Hikes for the Family Bell Rock Pathway Length: 1.5-mile loop Features: Paved trail, wheelchair accessible, panoramic views of Bell Rock & Courthouse Butte Why It’s Great for Families: The Bell Rock Pathway is a gem for families. Not only is it a gentle path perfect for small legs, but…

Sedona, renowned for its vibrant art scene, spiritual retreats, and stunning geological wonders, might seem out of reach for the thrifty traveler. However, with some insider knowledge and strategic planning, it’s possible to soak in all the splendors of Sedona without emptying your pockets. Travel Timing: Winter or summer, Sedona’s beauty shines, often at a lower cost. Smart Stays: Local motels or vacation rentals offer comfort without the high price tag. Meal Planning: A rental with a kitchen or picnic in the park can mean big savings. Free Adventures: Explore Sedona’s natural splendor and cultural spots at no cost. Savvy…

Key Points Sedona’s Highlights: Discover Sedona’s red rock vistas, spiritual vortexes, and artistic communities. Morning Magic: Start with a scenic drive and a viewpoint visit for breathtaking perspectives. Afternoon Adventure: Engage in a vortex hike and savor local culinary delights. Evening Exploration: Conclude with shopping and dining in a unique village, capped by a mesmerizing sunset. Sedona’s magnetic charm is not lost on the day-tripper; even with limited time, a Sedona one-day itinerary can be filled with awe-inspiring activities and serene moments. The key is to prioritize and flow with the natural rhythm of this Arizona jewel. Morning: The Awakening…

Key Points Sedona offers a range of hiking trails for all skills, from leisurely walks to challenging climbs. Popular trails in Sedona include: Easy: Fay Canyon Trail, Bell Rock Pathway, Airport Loop Trail Moderate: Cathedral Rock Trail, Devil’s Bridge Trail, Boynton Canyon Trail Difficult: Sugarloaf Mountain Trail, Brins Mesa Trail, Bear Mountain Trail Choosing a trail depends on your experience, fitness level, and the season. Always pack ample water, sunscreen, and snacks, and wear the right clothing and shoes. Sedona, with its breathtaking red rock formations and high desert landscapes, is a paradise for hiking enthusiasts. There’s a trail for…

Key Points Sedona’s vortexes are thought to be swirling energy centers with healing properties. The four primary vortex sites are Airport Mesa, Cathedral Rock, Bell Rock, and Boynton Canyon. Each vortex presents a unique energy and sensations. Many believe these vortexes can aid in physical and emotional healing and encourage spiritual growth. Sedona is known for its stunning red rock formations, but it’s also famed for something a bit more mystical – its vortexes. These swirling centers of energy, located at various points around the town, are believed by many to have healing and transformative properties. Whether you’re a spiritual…

Sedona, often referred to as the Red Rock City, is a masterpiece of nature’s artistry situated in Arizona. Renowned for its striking red rock formations, it captivates visitors with its natural beauty and serves as a haven for adventure and spiritual seekers. Its unique charm lies in the blend of outdoor activities, cultural experiences, and personal growth opportunities, making it a magnet for tourists worldwide. Whether you are hiking through breathtaking landscapes or participating in a local art class, Sedona offers a wealth of experiences that enrich the mind and spirit. Vibrant City: A vibrant city in Arizona, celebrated for…

Rarely do homes arise where financial sensibility harmoniously blends with modern comforts and a serene environment. Yet, this perfect mix is found on Boulder Lane in Cottonwood, Arizona. Newly constructed in 2023, these homes envelop you in an astounding 1,350 square feet of comfort, style, and practicality, all for an impressively modest sum. Key Features: Owned Land: Unlike the common trend, the land here belongs unequivocally to you, enhancing your asset’s value and granting you complete sovereignty. Be the First: Built in 2022 and installed in 2023, seize the opportunity to be the inaugural resident in these modern homes. Stunning…

Perched at the top of the most exclusive and secluded communities in Sedona, Seven Canyons, this home is graced with all the bells and whistles one can expect in a community of luxury homes.   Surrounded by hundreds of miles of National Forest, the home perfectly harmonizes with Sedona’s natural spirit. For those unfamiliar, Seven Canyons is a one-of-a-kind oasis retreat where golf, social activities, and a luxury residential community create an ambiance and quality living experience you will find nowhere else. The views of the surrounding panorama and red rock cliffs from the house are absolutely jaw-dropping. Watch mother…

Many people have heard of the magical vortexes of Sedona, Arizona but few know the history, the science, and the true power of these spinning twirls of healing and transformational energy. Theories abound on the nature of these vortexes and how they actually create the energy that so many have experienced and recounted. Yet, no single theory exists as to how and why these natural vortices work and exist. But now, thanks to the Hillside Harmony Information Center in Sedona, the public has an opportunity to learn from experts of the true nature and beauty of these Red Rock Country…

As the summer sun beats down on the stunning landscapes of Sedona, Arizona, finding ways to stay cool and comfortable becomes essential. Known for its breathtaking red rock formations and spiritual energy, Sedona offers a variety of activities and destinations that will help you beat the heat and make the most of your summer getaway. Let’s  explore all the ways to stay cool in Sedona, from natural escapes to indoor retreats, providing contact information and addresses for each activity. We will also mention additional resources for further information on staying cool. Let’s dive in! Water Adventures: When the temperatures rise, there’s…

Are you looking to experience the enchantment of Sedona, Arizona without breaking the bank? You’re in luck! This captivating desert town offers a plethora of budget-friendly options for singles, couples, and families alike. From picturesque hikes to serene spiritual retreats and delightful culinary experiences, here’s a guide to the best places to play, stay, eat, relax, pamper, explore, find spiritual fulfillment, and enjoy entertainment in Sedona, all while keeping your wallet happy. PLAY  Sedona is renowned for its breathtaking natural beauty and outdoor adventures. For an affordable and memorable experience, head to Red Rock State Park. With its stunning red…

In the heart of Arizona lies a mystical land that has long captivated the souls of seekers and spiritual adventurers alike. Welcome to Sedona, a place where the earthly and the divine converge, and where spiritual growth thrives amidst the breathtaking beauty of nature’s masterpiece. With its majestic red rock formations, serene canyons, and awe-inspiring vortexes, Sedona has earned its reputation as a haven for those on a quest for higher consciousness and self-discovery. The Magnetic Appeal of Sedona What is it about Sedona that draws so many spiritual individuals, teachers, guides, and artists to its embrace? The answer lies…

As the sun rises over the majestic red rocks, Sedona awakens to reveal its captivating beauty. Nestled amidst the stunning landscapes of Arizona, Sedona beckons travelers from far and wide with its unparalleled charm. Whether you seek thrilling adventures, spiritual enlightenment, or serene relaxation, this desert town has it all. Join me on a journey through the enchanting allure of Sedona, where every moment is infused with magic. Adventure Awaits Sedona is a playground for adventurers of all types. From exhilarating hikes to heart-pumping mountain biking trails, there is no shortage of outdoor escapades. Lace up your boots and embark…

STARGAZING TIPS: The best time to go stargazing is the days before, during and soon after each new Moon, when there is no Moon in the sky. During these times, there is no bright Moon to wash out the light from fainter stars. Check with stargazing apps to find your best times. ACCULMATE YOUR EYES TO THE DARK Prepare for an adventure like no other! Grab your comfiest blanket and illuminate the night with a trusty flashlight or better yet a red LED flashlight  or military grade binoculars. Oh, and those pesky critters? Show ’em who’s boss with a dose of insect repellent.…

Sedona, Arizona is known for its stunning natural beauty, with red rock formations and desert landscapes that attract visitors from all over the world. However, the town is also home to a vibrant food scene, with a variety of restaurants that offer everything from traditional American cuisine to international flavors. Seven is a lucky number sand here are seven restaurants one can consider themselves lucky to dine in: Mariposa Latin Inspired Grill Mariposa Latin Inspired Grill offers stunning views of Sedona’s red rock formations and a menu that combines Latin American flavors with local ingredients. This restaurant is known for…

Come and visit us at our Tasting Room & Bistro in Old Town Cottonwood. We have put together a wonderful French Cuisine-inspired menu that pairs perfectly with our wines. Let us be your guides through the Arizona terroir and show you why we keep it “Da Vine.” • 705 N Main Street Suite A, Cottonwood AZ 86326 • (928) 634-6710 davinesvineyard.com

Sedona is a celebration of nature and culture, quiet wisdom and adventure. It fosters an intimate connection – to oneself and to each Other — through meaningful experiences that enrich lives and renew spirits. CAuberge de Selona is at the cen- ter of it all. Inspired by this wondrous place and its power to create change. When you journey here, the possibilities are endless. • 301 L’Auberge Ln. AZ 86336 (800) 905-5745 • lauberge.com

If you’re looking for the perfect location with stunning red views, this is the place! Located in Uptown Sedona. Arroyo Roble offers a variety of room types, most with magnificent red rock views, Some rooms come with a fireplace and a whirl- pool tub; all come standard with a refrigerator and microwave. The most luxurious units are their fully furnished 2 bedroom. 2 1/2 bath. 1,300 sq. ft. villas. nestled on the banks of Oak Creek. Relax in the evening in the indoor/ outdoor pools. spa, sauna and steam room. AE/MC/V. Disc, AARP – AAA Discount. • 400 N SR.…

Discover Ambiente: A Landscape Hotel, an adults-only retreat seamlessly nestled among Sedona’s iconic red rocks. Our 40 elevated Atriums, crafted with bronzed glass and metal, offer a unique blend of modern design and 360-degree panoramic views, creating a luxurious escape unlike any other. Savor unforgettable flavors at Forty1, our signature farm-to-table restaurant, where each dish celebrates the art of culinary excellence. Relax and rejuvenate at Velvet Spa, renowned for its transformative treatments and distinctive scent experiences inspired by Sedona’s natural beauty. Designed for those seeking serenity, romance, and unparalleled connection to nature, Ambiente is a place where every detail elevates your journey. From…

Whether you fly in or drive in we have everything you need to enjoy all the beauty of Sedona from one central location. From up on top of our Mesa come enjoy our views of the local famous formations, local restaurants, and a luxury hotel for your convenience. We have hiking, mountain biking and even our own vortex, as well as great hospitality from our ground crew so you know you and your aircraft will be well taken care of! Visit us at 235 Air Terminal Drive, Sedona, AZ 86336.   Call (928) 282-1046 to speak to a flight concierge  https://sedonaairport.org

The Hudson invites you to enjoy lunch and dinner daily, offering chef-driven food, craft cocktails, fine wines, and a warm, welcoming family atmosphere. Led by Owner and Executive Chef Jeff Storcz, alongside his wife Patti, The Hudson blends sophisticated comfort food with genuine hospitality, with a serene red rock backdrop. The menu features a carefully curated selection of hearty yet approachable dishes, from fresh chopped salads and juicy burgers to expertly prepared fish, chicken, ribs and steak. Housed in an industrial- chick space, the Hudson boasts an open dining room, a central bar, and the best view in Sedona. Chef…

Discover the lively atmosphere at Javelina Cantina in Sedona! Enjoy delicious Mexican cuisine, including tacos, fajitas, and fresh salads, with vegan, gluten-free, and vegetarian options available. Sip on our margarita flights or your favorite cerveza while taking in stunning views from our dog-friendly patio—perfect for groups! Join us daily from 11 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. at 671 S.R. 179 in the Hillside Shopping Center. Call 928-282-1313 or visit JavelinaCantina.com for more info. Come taste the fiesta! JavelinaCantina.com

By Marissa Murphy For years I have heard of the famous Sedona vortexes and I finally had the opportunity to visit one. It was an experience I will forever remember. I didn’t know what to expect. This was to be my first opportunity to actually experience one, close-up and personal. We drove up to the top of the Airport Mesa with our tour guide and a few friends, where they say one of the most powerful vortexes of all in Sedona exists. We parked the car, and we began to walk around a path encircling the Sedona Airport Mesa. We…

SEDONA STATE PARKS 1. DEAD HORSE STATE PARKAzStateParks.com/Dead-Horse2. FORT VERDE HISTORIC PARKAzStateParks.com/Fort-Verde3. JEROME HISTORIC PARKAzStateParks.com/Jerome4. RED ROCK STATE PARKAzStateParks.com/Red-Rock5 .SLIDE ROCK STATE PARKAzStateParks.com/Slide-Rock NATIONAL MONUMENTS 1. GRAND CANYON NATIONAL PARKwww.nps.gov/grca2. MONTEZUMA CASTLE NMwww.nps.gov/moca3. MONTEZUMA WELL NMwww.nps.gov/moca4. SUNSET CRATER NMwww.nps.gov/sucr5. TUZIGOOT NMwww.nps.gov/tuzi6. WALNUT CANYON NMwww.nps.gov/waca7. WUPATKI NMwww.nps.gov/wupa SEDONA CITY PARKS BIKE SKILLS PARKJORDAN HISTORICAL PARKPOSSE GROUNDS PARKSEDONA DOG PARKSUNSET PARK

The Sedona landscape invites endless discovery. And The Wilde has its own special way of opening your eyes. Feel it as you relax poolside or by our fire pits in the Grove gardens, where the night sky opens before you. Absorb the feeling as you admire the majesty of Thunder Mountain from the Rangeview Rooftop patio, or experience it at The Wilde Haven Spa, as you unwind after an exhilarating day on the trails. Our spirit comes through in the special details throughout the property, but above all, in our local perspective. Every day, we continue to explore and find…

Our Center is a four-story cliff house nestled above Oak Creek at the entrance to Oak Creek Canyon. Enjoy the magnificent Sedona/Oak Creek setting from the creek side whirlpool, wood sunning/treatment decks and cozy treatment rooms overlooking a fifty-foot waterfall cascading down into beautiful Oak Creek. Your treatment will be individualized to meet your particular needs in a caring and respectful manner by highly trained therapists. Treatments are very effective in treating headaches, fibromyalgia, reducing pain, improving women’s health and so much more. People are referred from all over the world to us when traditional therapy, medication or surgery has…

Welcome to a world of beauty and relaxation! Enjoy our new private retreat with outdoor gardens, a hot tub and fountains. We offer a unique menu of Desert Nature Body Treatments and Native American Inspired Spa Rituals, restorative facials and a full nail and waxing service. Sedona’s New Day Spa is a perfect place for hosting celebrations! In our Spa we use organic, wild-crafted and indigenous products to honor this land we live in and uphold the pure essence of nature. Experience exceptional quality and the best value you can find in Sedona. We offer Signature Treatments such as: Turquoise Sage Mountain Arnica, Prickly Pear Pomegranate, Cedarwood Citrus Wild Chaparral, Essence Aromatherapy…

Sassoon Haircutter, European Trained Goldwell Colorist, Highlight Specialist. Quality Personalized Service – Goldwell Haircare retail products. • 703 S. Main St., Suite 3, Cottonwood, AZ. 86326 • 928-639-1146 

NAMTI SPA – Where the Locals Go Pamper yourself at NAMTI Spa, voted Best Massage Therapy by Sedona Red Rock News. Locally owned and operated since 2000, NAMTI offers a variety of services to ensure a relaxing, beautifying and healing experience. All treatments are performed by licensed professional therapists trained in a variety of styles and techniques.   Scheduling same-day appointments and groups are NAMTI’s specialty.  SERVICES: MASSAGE — Choose from: Swedish, deep tissue, reflexology, craniosacral, myofascial, lymphatic, hot stone, aromatherapy, prenatal, couples massage and more. ACUPUNCTURE, Tuina, & Chinese herbology deepen relaxation and healing when used with massage. MEDI-SPA & FACIAL treatments are…

Not all CBD oils are created equal.  Gone Green CBD is a full-spectrum hemp oil with a wide range of cannabinoids that create the “entourage effect” for maximum results. Don’t get fooled by imitators. Many oils label the amount of hemp oil but not the number of Cannabinoids, the true measure of potency. We source our hemp oil domestically and press the oil from the full plant, including the flower. We use only the purest, pesticide-free ingredients. Every batch is tested and sent to third-party laboratories to ensure quality and potency. Get the “real deal “Gone Green CBD as seen on…

Get ready for some unforgettable times on our river trips. You will glide past towering Cottonwood and willow trees, float through inviting canyons and listen to nature’s song that only a river in the desert can create. Verde Adventures has something for everyone. Our tours are great for group activities, team building, and family adventures. Check out our entertaining and exciting tours like the Water to Wine Tour, Inflatable Kayak Adventure, Tubing Madness, and more by calling 877.673.3661. or visit VerdeAdventure.com.

Enjoy an instant variety of the best Sedona Experiences and get quality discounts, perks, deals and exclusive benefits with your free membership. Sign up at SedonaXperience.com for instant savings on Sedona’s favorite companies before you book anywhere. Your loyalty benefits come from a network that includes the best of Sedona’s red rock companies including: Rainbow Adventures, Out of Africa, Sedona Creative Life Center, Red Rock Jeep Company, Wild Western Horseback Adventures, Verde Adventure Tours, Alcantara Winery,  Sedonya Conscious Living Center and Vacation Rentals, Steakhouse89 & Sedona’s Magic Trolley. Sign up now for free and get instant savings at SedonaXperience.com 

We are the ONLY tour company providing exclusive Hummer Tours in Sedona’s stunning back road country.  Create memories of a lifetime with extreme 4×4 adventure on regular or private tours with experienced tour guides! Visit our Cafe & Gift Shop next door, featuring hand crafted beer and fine wine, LavAzza Italian coffee, Espresso, Cappuccino, Ice Cream, Gelato, Smoothies, chocolate truffles and unique gifts. • SedonaJeepTours.com  • 928-282-6656  • Located in Sinagua Plaza, Uptown Sedona. Free parking in back! 320 N. SR 89A, Sedona, AZ 86336

The 29th Annual Festival will take place February 18-26, 2023 in Sedona, Arizona. And the 30th Annual Festival will take place February 24-March 3, 2024. The nine-day festival features more than 140 films, including features, documentaries, shorts and animation. Filmmakers and audiences from around the world have heralded Sedona’s festival as one of their favorites. The festival workshop series brings Academy Award winning industry professionals to Sedona to teach, inspire and share their knowledge with the next generation of filmmakers. Students get a once-in-a-lifetime chance to work shoulder-to-shoulder with the industry’s finest • For more information, please call the festival office at (928) 282-1177…

Experience true western hospitality! Our Tour Guides are characters all their own, providing informative, fun and friendly insight about the history and folklore of Sedona’s legendary Red Rock country. Our Exclusive Soldier’s Pass Jeep Tour is the most serene and beautiful, with rarely any other commercial or public jeeps on site. This exciting and adventurous trail was traveled by General Crook in 1871, and includes the famous Seven Apache Pools and Devil’s Kitchen Sinkhole. We accommodate groups, big or small – corporate events, weddings, and parties! Our jeeps have heated seats to enjoy awesome year-round scenery. • RedRockJeep.com  • 928-282-6667 …

Sedona’s premier helicopter tour company was voted one of the best helicopter tour operators by Newsweek, USA Today, and Trip Advisor! See the beauty of the Sedona or Prescott area from a truly awe-inspiring perspective! Our world-class team also offers custom charter flights such as to Phoenix, Grand Canyon or Antelope Canyon. A variety of sized aircraft are used for their tours, and they can accommodate larger groups all the way down to private flights for couples. Visit us at 1200 Airport Rd., Sedona, AZ 86336. Call (928) 351-1000 to reserve your flight or book online at www.guidanceair.com. Sedona’s premier helicopter tour operator is rated…

“…Not your everyday, roller coaster jeep tour company!” We are the only Sedona tour company to have permits for all of the famous Vortex sites in Sedona! Learn the facts, feelings and fallacies of Sedona’s vortex power spots, the reasons behind the sacred site phenomena occurring here and around the world. Our Tour Guides are highly specialized with that extra touch of knowledge, friendly connection and a sense of humor to lighten up the journey. • EarthWisdomJeepTours.com  928-282-0254   2900 W State Route 89a location. At the 2900 location we have free parking.

Alcantara is a family-owned, local business that began in 2004. Winemaker, Ron Brumley states “the rocky limestone, clay and loam soil and sunny climate in the Verde Valley is very similar to the wine making regions of France and Italy and after twenty years of experimentation the results are everything we hoped for and then some.” Alcantara Vineyards has over 20,000 vines and offers 17 different varietals set amid the confluence of the Verde River and Oak Creek. While you sip wine on the vineyard lawn and enjoy our peaceful surroundings, which include vineyards, wedding chapel a grass picnic area,…

Extreme 4X4 fun in Sedona’s beautiful landscape! We are the oldest, family-owned jeep tour company in Arizona. Founder, Bob Bradshaw began providing Sedona tours on horseback in 1949, while he worked as stuntman, location scout and stand-in actor for Hollywood western films. He also supplied horses and wagons, and helped build the movie sets. Bob’s son, John Bradshaw continues the family traditions of partnership, adventure, and extreme outdoor fun for the whole family at A Day in the West. Knowledgeable tour guides entertain you with fascinating movie history and pioneer lore. • ADayintheWest.com • 928-282-4320   • 2900 W State Route…

A resort style property with unbeatable views of Sedona’s red rocks. Heated outdoor pool and hot tub. Three restaurants within walking distance. 1200 W. S.R. 89A • 800-292- 6344 or 928-282-3072 • Skyrocksedona.com

Idyllic island above Sedona, minutes from all attractions featuring six acres of landscaped seclusion. Kitchenettes available, heated pool, Jacuzzi, walking paths and view in all directions. Best sunsets in Arizona. • 800-916-4339 or 928-282-6400 • 1105 Airport Rd. Sedona AZ 86336 • skyranchlodge.com

Set off State Route 89A, this family-owned adobe-style hotel is a 9-minute drive from the Sedona Airport and 4 miles from Seven Canyons Golf Course.
Warmly decorated rooms and suites have flat-screen TVs, DVD players, microwaves, minifridges and free Wi-Fi. Suites include living rooms and fireplaces; some have private patios and/or whirlpool tubs.
Freebies include a breakfast buffet, loaner DVDs and use of toys for the outdoor pool. A fitness room has a treadmill, strength-training equipment and an elliptical machine. There’s a private park-like area with a dog area, a charcoal BBQ, a horseshoes pit and a fire pit surrounded by patio…

Nestled amid the stunning red rock formations of Boynton Canyon, Enchantment Resort offers an immersive experience in Sedona’s natural beauty. This luxurious retreat harmonizes with its surroundings, providing guests with breathtaking views and a deep connection to the landscape. The resort features world-class amenities, including the renowned Mii amo spa, offering rejuvenating treatments inspired by Native American traditions. Guests can indulge in gourmet dining, explore scenic hiking trails, or partake in wellness programs designed to enhance mind, body, and spirit. With elegantly appointed accommodations and personalized service, Enchantment Resort is the perfect destination for those seeking tranquility, adventure, and a…

The Arabella Sedona is centrally located in the heart of Sedona just steps from the world-famous Tlaquepaque Arts & Shopping Village & the Hillside Shops. Both locations are filled with dining, art gallery & shopping experiences. Your stay at The Arabella offers complimentary breakfast, complimentary WiFi, 2-swimming pools, 2-hot tubs, a bike spa, on-site dog park, sculpture gardens, complimentary cruiser bikes to get you around Sedona, and views as far as the eye can see. The Arabella is a Hummingbird Sanctuary and is conveniently placed at the base of many local hiking and biking trails. Come and Experience Nature & Discover…

Mercer’s Kitchen.com is actually the catering side of the company.  Mercer’s Kitchen.com caters to affordable, chef driven menus as well as higher-end, custom menus for the more discriminating clientele.  If you are looking for a Sedona wedding venue or a corporate retreat with amazing red-rock views, please inquire at mercerskitchen.com.  We offer several event venues for every budget.  For gatherings up to 150 guests, let Chef Mercer show you what his restaurants can do. From the stunning Creek side views of the Red Rocks to the spectacular sunsets at Mesa Grill. Checkout one of Chef Mercer’s Sedona restaurants at mercerskitchen.com. MercersKitchen.com…

“Brews & Views That Are Out of This World!’ – Proudly serving Starbucks coffee with the best views in town; The View Coffee Café serves Breakfast and Lunch with quick service and healthy choices in mind. The café features Chameleon Nitro Cold Brew as well as power smoothies. You will enjoy locally sourced, fresh baked muffins & pastries; quick healthy bites and hot breakfast on the go or dine in. You may order online or call ahead. Friendly baristas provide customer service with a smile! • Open 7 days a week they offer one of Sedona’s best outdoor patios with red…

Rascal, one of Chef Mercer Mohr and partner Mithat Evigren’s latest whimsical, neo-diner concepts is winning sweeping accolades, creating a “Modern Diner Experience” for those who enjoy innovative dining. Located at the new boutique Wilde Resort & Spa in West Sedona, the Rascal menu takes foodies on an epicurean adventure from mischievous to magnificent. Playful “adult boozy shakes & smoothies” add a grownup version of the old-fashioned treat. Be sure to check out the featured c section and all-day breakfast until 4 p.m. The Mercer Team has created their own American and French oak wood-toasted, barrel-aged Bourbon called Shine. Wine…

Pump House Station offers an urban eclectic indoor setting with patios shaded by giant Sycamore Trees creating a peaceful dining experience. We invite you to join us for Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner. Our menu and daily specials focus on fresh, organic, sustainable foods whenever possible. Our passion and commitment in supporting American Farms and
local Artisans help us to insure great flavors, textures and presentations. Stimulate your palate and delight your senses in our casual eatery offering fine dining techniques and quality ingredients. We are now hosting Private Events & Special Occasions. Book yours today. Open Daily @ 7 a.m. for Breakfast and Lunch…

Judi’s Restaurant has been a local favorite for more than 35 years. We are proud to offer the finest quality of ingredients and selections on our Continental menu from Angus Steaks, Burgers and Prime Rib to Baby Back Ribs (half and full racks), Chicken, Pasta, and fresh Seafood.  Judi’s offers fresh-made soup and salads with homemade dressings. We even bake our own breads, buns and dinner rolls. When it comes to desert -Look Out- all of it is homemade including the ice creams. YUM! Thirsty? We offer a wide variety of wines, local beers and a full bar. Award winning desserts and…

At Steakhouse 89 we focus on bringing you the freshest, most local, and seasonal cooking possible. We work with local farmers, purveyors, and producers to bring you what’s fresh and what’s in season. We only serve responsibly raised meats, bake all of our bread from scratch every day in the restaurant and feature an extensive beer, wine and cocktail menu. The Steakhouse 89 team has worked to merge the finest fare to bring you the best Backyard Gourmet Cuisine with sterling service. Steakhouse 89 has a casual yet elegant environment and an approachable menu resulting in an incredible steakhouse. We can also accommodate…

This delightful restaurant offers a contemporary, culinary journey with a hint of old-world romance. René features fresh organic and locally sourced ingredients, as well as the best specialty imports from Spain, Italy, Morocco and France. It is the only Sedona restaurant that has been awarded the DiRoNa Achievement of Distinction in Dining, symbolizing excellence in every aspect of the dining experience. Upon entering René you will feel transported to a simpler time where you can relax and not feel rushed. Your senses will be aroused by the calm trickling water from the fountains in the courtyard as you dine Nestled in the heart of the Tlaquepaque…

Picturesque, modern restaurant with incredible sunset views, serving Chef driven organic menus. Open for breakfast, lunch, dinner & Sunday brunch. Mesa Grill features local organic produce and creative Southwest fare.  Bring your furry friend to the Mesa’s Pet Friendly Patio and try the Chef’s Doggie Menu. Mesa Grill Sedona is open from 7am to 9 pm daily. The menu is inexpensive to moderately priced, and offers healthy salads, burgers, sandwiches and fresh seafood.  Happy Hour is from 4PM to 5:30 PM daily. Watch the planes take off while enjoying a Mimosa Flight and original dishes created by Chef Mercer Mohr.…

Nestled in the splendor of Tlaquepaque Village, El Rincon features the finest “Arizona Style Mexican Cuisine” and No. 1-rated margaritas. El Rincon founded in 1976 is the originator of “Arizona Style Mexican Cuisine,” a blending of traditional Mexican food with Navajo influences. Specialties include: hand-rolled Chimichangas, Navajo Pizzas and Fruit Chimichangas for dessert. Dine inside or on the patio under giant sycamores. Open for lunch and dinner daily. Creekside entrance Tlaquepaque , 336 S.R. 179, Sedona. MX, L/D/VEG, CAS, MC/V, $$ • 928-282-4648. • Elrinconrestaurant.com

A Sedona tradition since 1993, the family-owned restaurant and bar at the crossroads of Uptown Sedona features scratch ‘High Desert Cuisine’ showcasing the best of the Southwest. Award-winning angus steaks, wild game, fresh seafood, and house specialties including rattlesnake and cactus, are prepared within original wood walls adorned with authentic western memorabilia and a robust collection of prominent cowboy art. The Cowboy Club is Arizona destination dining at its finest and an experience that will have you returning time and again. 241 North Hwy 89A, Sedona, AZ 86336 • 928.282.4200 • info@cowboyclub.com Cowboyclub.com    Yelp

Karen’s Bakeshop offers Gluten/Dairy/Processed Sugar Free cookies, donuts, brownies, cupcakes, breads, mixes, chocolates and more! They all taste delicious, but you feel great after eating them because of the high quality, healthy ingredients. Savory options: soup, sandwiches made on our fresh baked bread/buns, organic veggie quiche, veggie pizza, toasted sourdough bagels offered daily. Drinks like coffee/tea/matcha/hot cocoa and locally made kombucha are all to be found here. Entertainment and local products are part of the bakeshop and Sedona Healthy Kitchen which is a commissary kitchen for local entrepreneurs to use to create their one-of-a kind products to sell at stores…

Szechuan Restaurant is the home of Sedona, Arizona’s favorite Szechuan food and sushi. Enjoy authentic Chinese and Japanese food.  We also provide carry out orders and catering for parties. We are open Sun-Thurs 11 a.m. to 9:00p.m. • Fri-Sat 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. We deliver from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. • 1350 S.R. 89A The Olde Market Place next to Whole Foods 928-282-9288 • szechuansedona.net

Glistening copper tanks accent the Old-World style oak bar at Sedona’s own brewpub, nestled among the shops of the Tlaquepaque Arts & Crafts Village. The opulent oak wood and polished stone dining area has a classy charm, and the award-winning lagers and ales that flow from those copper tanks have the substance to match the elegant yet casual interior style. They are the perfect complement for Angus Beef charbroiled burgers as well as signature pizzas prepared in the Grill’s oak fired oven. Though landlocked, guests return time after time for the phenomenal fish and chips and the Red Rock Ribs…

Comfort food with great views and breakfast until 2PM daily; a local’s favorite since 2008. Located in the Creekside Plaza, just north of Tlaquepaque (at the intersection of 89A and SR 179). Creekside American Bistro is an eclectic, family restaurant with friendly staff and one of the most beautiful Red Rock Views in Sedona.  Seasonal menus are the creation of Chef Mercer Mohr, Sedona’s only certified Executive Chef and San Francisco “Chef of the year” award winner. Chef Mohr prides himself on using the freshest, top quality ingredients in his rustic cuisine. Creekside’s award-winning Happy Hour serves up creative sharing…

Since the 1920s, this grand old 7,000-square-foot restored church has been an historic gathering place of Old Cottonwood. We added some new spaces like a beer garden for a casual drink with friends, a taproom for sampling our signature brews, spacious outdoor patios on two-levels and an upscale dining room with a full bar, with Jerome’s Chef Bobby D’s legendary wood-fired cuisine called New American Range.  We offer impeccably grilled premium meats, house-ground steak burgers or unique share plates to pair with our brews for a laid-back meal out on the patio. You can taste our recent range of beers—from a crisp…

Picture yourself dining on a fine five-star Italian meal, in a classy atmosphere, listening to great music and enjoying your drink while thoughtful servers make sure you have everything you need for a perfect night out. Bella Vita Ristorante makes it happen and visitors and locals keep coming back for more. Serving the finest authentic Italian cuisine in Northern Arizona, Bella Vita Ristorante is considered one of the best dining experiences in Sedona, providing live music every week during the summer months featuring some of Sedona’s top musicians and performers, with special concerts on Memorial Day Weekend, 4th of July…

The Sedona International Film Festival is proud to present the Northern Arizona premiere of “Last Film Show” showing Aug. 5-10 at the Alice Gill-Sheldon Theatre. The future belongs to storytellers. Samay, a 9-year-old boy living with his family in a remote village in India discovers films for the first time and is absolutely mesmerized in the enchanting new film that celebrates the power of cinema “Last Film Show”. Against his father’s wishes, he returns to the cinema day after day to watch more films, and even befriends the projectionist, who, in exchange for his lunch box, lets him watch movies…

Coconino National Forest Supervisor Laura Jo West is officially retiring Saturday after 33 years of serving in the Forest Service, taking care of public land, and serving people. Her lengthy career began in northeast Utah in 1989 on the Ashley NF and over the years took her to places such as the Prescott NF in mid-Arizona, Colville NF in northeast Washington, and many temporary detail assignments to regional offices, the Washington D.C. office, and many other national forests and districts. West became Coconino National Forest Supervisor on July 26, 2015, and served just over 7 years, leading the Forest toward…

By Rabbi Alicia Magal Shalom and greetings from the Rabbi, Board of Directors, and congregation of the Jewish Community of Sedona and the Verde Valley. All the services, classes, and programs are listed on the synagogue website. Come join us either in person or online. See jcsvv.org for instructions to register for in-person services or online links. Visitors are welcome to attend services. On Friday, August 5, a Friday evening Erev Shabbat service, led by Rabbi Alicia Magal, begins at 5:30 pm both in person and on Zoom, and livestreamed for members and their invitees. Congregants participate by lighting candles,…

By Amaya Gayle Gregory We will never find tranquility, peace, lasting happiness within duality, except for the moments or two when the illusion of equanimity is part of the unfolding expression. It, like all things in separation, is fleeting, appearing like a little child, waving her hand, a big broad smile lighting up her face, whispering follow me, catch me if you can. Maybe that’s why this feels like a pre-school planet. When peace arrives, we associate what we were doing at the time, the thought we were thinking, the practice we were undertaking, the person we were with, and…

The Sedona International Film Festival is proud to present the Northern Arizona premiere of the thrilling comedy “I Love My Dad” showing Aug. 5-11 at the Mary D. Fisher Theatre. Inspired by writer, director and star James Morosini’s true life experience, “I Love My Dad” follows Chuck (Patton Oswalt), a hopelessly estranged father who desperately wants to reconnect with his troubled son, Franklin (Morosini). Blocked on social media and concerned for his son’s life, Chuck impersonates a waitress online and starts checking in with Franklin. But things begin to spiral when Franklin falls for this imaginary girl (Claudia Sulewski) and…

… our friends with wings display a wonderful beauty when they are perched and waiting for a reason to fly, but the true beauty occurs when they leave the perch and enter flight. They have complete control over each flight feather as well as their ability to shape the airfoil of their wings. Each flight feather is controlled to provide maximum control over flight, take off and landing … sudden alterations in flight path when in pursuit of prey. In the top photo we have an adult Bald Eagle on his way to a quiet bay in search of food…

The Sedona International Film Festival is proud to present the “Festival Flashback” encore return of “Finding Your Feet” showing Aug. 5-11 at the Alice Gill-Sheldon Theatre. “Finding Your Feet” features an award-winning all-star cast, including Imelda Staunton, Timothy Spall, Celia Imrie, David Hayman, John Sessions and Joanna Lumley. Sometimes you need a push in the right direction. When ‘Lady’ Sandra Abbott (Academy Award nominee Imelda Staunton) discovers that her husband of forty years (John Sessions) is having an affair with her best friend (Josie Lawrence) she seeks refuge in London with her estranged, older sister Bif (Celia Imrie). The two…

VVS Executive Director Jessye Johnson, Twice Nice Community Enterprise Director Barry Maketansky, Emergency Shelter Director Jenny Underwood, and donor Sally Van Zwol unpack the 12th annual gift of back-to-school supplies for client families of the Verde Valley Sanctuary. What a delight when Sally arrives with her vehicle filled to the brim with 100 new backpacks and 100 sets of school supplies! These backpacks are for boys and girls in kindergarten through high school. Sally came representing her teammate and twin sister, Sandy. Everyone is smiling! Sally Van Zwol and Sandy Van Zwol-Anderson, both retired teachers residing in Phoenix, bargain shop…

After a pandemic-era break of over 2 years, the Sedona Renegades are back in the saddle! The local artist group is pleased to announce its Summer 2022 Art Exhibit at the Sedona Arts Center. Running from July 31 through August 28, 2022, this show features some of the area’s most gifted and skilled artists displaying a remarkable variety of works. The public is cordially invited to hang out with the artists at a First Friday Artists Reception, August 5 from 5:00 PM to 7:30 PM. And every sale from the show will benefit the Verde Valley Caregivers Coalition, an award-winning…

… fish spotted … dive initiated and control over body, wings, tail, talons and all flight feathers all sequenced so that in the brief second or two it takes to complete the dive from about forty feet high on a branch in the tree he is diving next to, our Osprey will have rotated out of his head first dive and entered the water talons first directly over the fish he targeted. His wingspan is about five feet and you can see how he is controlling his descent with quick manipulations of body and wings. Talk about a precise targeting…

The Sedona International Film Festival is proud to present the Northern Arizona premiere of the award-winning and inspiring documentary “Hallelujah: Leonard Cohen, A Journey, A Song” showing Aug. 5-11 at the Mary D. Fisher Theatre. “Hallelujah: Leonard Cohen, A Journey, A Song” is a definitive exploration of singer-songwriter Leonard Cohen as seen through the prism of his internationally renowned hymn, “Hallelujah.” This feature-length documentary weaves together three creative strands: The songwriter and his times; the song’s dramatic journey from record label reject to chart-topping hit; and moving testimonies from major recording artists for whom “Hallelujah” has become a personal touchstone.…

Local musician Christy Fisher will walk the red carpet on August 6, 2022 at the Sandy Springs Convention Center in Atlanta, GA for the International Singer-Songwriters Association (ISSA) awards ceremony. Fisher is a finalist for two awards to be presented at the ceremony: Female Album of the Year for her 2021 release Mixed Signals and Female Single of the Year for “I Don’t Want To Love You (But I Do).” Fisher has lived in Jerome since 1990. She began her musical journey as a teen with piano lessons. “I wasn’t interested in playing Beethoven as much as I was in…

By Amaya Gayle Gregory The expression and its origination — no that’s not right. There is no origination, cause or source. It simply Is, expression expressing, life life-ing, the inherent nature of the design. Even design goes too far, but alas, words collide and make ‘not two’ into a string of somethings. They just can’t help themselves. The Human and The Divine — both intentionally in caps — are not two. Dividing them up into pieces — let alone assigning them meanings like good and bad, is the cause of all our heartbreak, our senses of loss, the idea that…

… as expected, it was a very fine day with much accomplished and many friends added to the joy. Tomorrow, provided it comes, will be a delight as well and looking forward to a day of rain … that could lead to listening to Max’s advice 🙂 Naw, I’ll find an excuse! The shot above captures Quinn. a dark morph Ferruginous Hawk as he cruises low above the high desert in search of a rabbit, squirrel or other source of food. Unlike Red Tails and other soaring hawks and falcons the Ferruginous, Harris’s and other raptors cruise low over fields…

Sedona International Film Festival presents the Great Art on Screen series with “Venice: Infinitely Avant-Garde”. The event will show in Sedona on Tuesday, Aug. 2 at 4 p.m. at the festival’s Mary D. Fisher Theatre. Great Art on Screen is a series of documentaries featuring an in-depth look at the most extraordinary and groundbreaking art masters of their time. A tour of the magical city, “Venice: Infinitely Avant-Garde” showcases masterpieces by Tiepolo, Canaletto, Rosalba Carriera and the intellectuals who fell in love with Venice: from Canova to Goethe, Lord Byron to Walter Scott, down to the great Hollywood stars drawn…

… early morning and early evening are wonderful times to out on the deck … hot coffee in the morning and iced in the evening … fresh roasted and as always the beans are from my friends at Burman Coffee. Whilst so enjoying the delicious brew I get visits from the critters with whom I share the neighborhood and friends who are on their morning or evening walks.Above is a portrait of Lo IV who is the current resident bobcat and although she doesn’t know the name I have given her, she enjoys time in and about our yard ……

As the daughter of two medical doctors, Debbie Cutler was raised to believe that the cure for any health problems could be found in Western medicine. Imagine her dismay when as an adult, she struggled with one serious health challenge after another—challenges for which medicine could not find a cure. Researching on her own, she explored alternative health and restored her health step-by-step. Leaving behind a lucrative—but stress-filled—career in corporate event planning, she studied various healing modalities and discovered she could guide others back to vibrant health. Now, she brings her wealth of knowledge and experience to open Sacred Vortex…

The Sedona Heritage Museum presents Michael Peach in a special performance of his original cowboy poetry and story-telling in “Greatest Hits of a Cowboy Poet!”, on Sat., August 6, at 1:30 p.m. Poet and historical researcher, Peach will present this special performance of his most requested poems and stories, including favorites from past shows: Little Foot Fritz (an outlaw’s carefully laid plans go awry), Captain John Hance (a tall tale from the Grand Canyon), One Time in Ten (Doc Dumas and Joe Lay miss out on a free calf), Keep a Close Watch on Your Heart (time runs out on…

The Sedona International Film Festival is proud to present the Northern Arizona premiere of the powerful and award-winning documentary “From Where They Stood” showing July 30-Aug. 4 at the Alice Gill-Sheldon and Mary D. Fisher Theatres. “From Where They Stood” premiered to rave reviews at the Berlin International Film Festival and won the Best Documentary Award at the 2021 Jerusalem Film Festival. It is not widely known that a handful of prisoners in WWII camps risked their lives to take clandestine photographs and document the hell the Nazis were hiding from the world. “From Where They Stood” is their story.…

By Rabbi Alicia MagalShalom and greetings from the Rabbi, Board of Directors, and congregation of the Jewish Community of Sedona and the Verde Valley.All the services, classes, and programs are listed on the synagogue website.Come join us either in person or online. See jcsvv.org for instructions to register for in-person services or online links. Visitors are welcome to attend services. On Friday, July 29, a Friday evening Erev Shabbat service, led by Joe Berger, VP of the Religious Affairs Committee, begins at 5:30 pm both in person and on Zoom, and livestreamed for members and their invitees. Congregants participate by…

By Amaya Gayle GregorySometimes it seems like we haven’t come far from the schoolyard days of calling each other names. Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me. If only that were true. Sure, we sucked it in, tried not to cry in front of everyone, and moved along, a little less whole, a little less accepting of ourselves and others, willing to put one more brick in the wall between us and our goodness. The story of our life took a turn away from innocence, alien to our preciously inherent and unlimited potential and…

… daily all life forms are in motion in search of food, shelter and what pleasure they may derive from life … mostly our non human friends are in search of food and daily they endeavor to fulfill that necessity moving from place to place in search of! In the photo above we have a Snowy Egret coming in for a landing in shallow water looking for small fish … I like the way he has his feet overlapping each other; it is almost as though he is a bit tentative in deciding whether or not this is the place…

The Sedona International Film Festival is proud to present the Northern Arizona premiere of the extraordinary and breathtaking documentary “Fire of Love” showing July 29-Aug. 4 at the Mary D. Fisher Theatre. From National Geographic Documentary Films comes the extraordinary love story of intrepid French scientists Katia and Maurice Krafft, who died just as explosively as they lived — capturing the most spectacular imagery ever recorded of their greatest passion: volcanoes. Katia and Maurice Krafft loved two things — each other and volcanoes. For two decades, the daring French volcanologist couple roamed the planet, chasing eruptions and documenting their discoveries.…

The Sedona International Film Festival is proud to present the Northern Arizona premiere of “Apples” showing July 29-Aug. 4 at the Alice Gill-Sheldon Theatre. From executive producer Cate Blanchett comes “Apples”. The film was Greece’s official submission to the Academy Award for Best International Feature Film and was a hit at prestigious film festivals around the world, including Venice, Toronto, Telluride, AFI Fest, Mill Valley and more. Critics are raving about the film. How selective is our memory? Amidst a worldwide pandemic that causes sudden amnesia, middle-aged Aris (Aris Servetalis) finds himself enrolled in a recovery program designed to help…

… no life form on this planet can survive without an adequate source of food. Thanks to our evolution and division of labor we are able to rely on others to produce our food freeing us up to engage in other activities which others need … given the freedom to do so all is well. In the photo above a bee is collecting pollen from a flower to bring back to the hive and whilst doing so he pollinates the flower and performs a service to ensure the continuation of the flower. In the image below a Red Tail Hawk…

The Sedona International Film Festival is proud to present the Northern Arizona premiere of the delightful French comedy “The Test” showing July 29-Aug. 3 at the Mary D. Fisher Theatre. The Castillons seem to be the perfect family. That is until Annie, the mother, finds a positive pregnancy test in the bathroom. Is it Juliette’s, her son’s girlfriend? Poupi’s, her teenage daughter? Another woman in her husband’s life? Does her other son actually have girlfriends? Whatever the answer, this is not good news. The family’s harmony is hilariously interrupted. “With a sharp eye, spirited dialogue and situation comedy, the director…

The Sedona International Film Festival is proud to present the Sedona premiere of “Mr. Malcolm’s List” showing July 29-Aug. 4 at the Alice Gill-Sheldon Theatre. Seeking truly love. Conditionally. In 19th-century England, a wealthy, young lady named Julia Thistlewaite engages in courtship with Mr. Malcolm, a mysterious, wealthy suitor, unaware that he has a list of qualities required of a future wife in the delightfully charming romantic comedy/drama “Mr. Malcolm’s List”. When she fails to meet an item on this list of requirements for a bride, Julia is jilted by London’s most eligible bachelor. Feeling humiliated and determined to exact…

Last month was just the beginning. Rowe Fine Art Gallery’s two-part summer show, A Feast for Your Eyes, kicked off with an evening dedicated to the gallery’s painters in July. The fun continues in August when the sculptors and jewelers step up to the plate. Enjoy the latest works from Shirley Eichten Albrecht, Liam Herbert, Jennifer Inge, Kim Kori, Alvin Marshall, Erik Petersen, Joel Petersen, Ken Rowe and Joshua Tobey. The show opens at 4 p.m. on Friday, August 5, and runs through the month. Shirley Eichten Albrecht is excited to debut Regalia, a tall-body gourd that rests on a…

Food pantries are generally not associated with high-quality food. A traditional food pantry receives the excess, unwanted, or nearly-expired food that is unsellable through main-stream channels. However, local food assistance provider Manzanita Outreach is bringing locally produced, farm-fresh produce, meat and dairy products to its Food Sharing events.“Food assistance is a much bigger part of our community than most people realize. Manzanita Outreach alone has served nearly 20% of the residents of the Verde Valley since the start of 2021,” says Manzanita Outreach Executive Director Ben Burke, “If we want to increase the overall health of our community, one of…

By Amaya Gayle GregoryIt’s a slippery slope, a muddy slide, being present to the body’s sensations, the events unfolding before us, our emotional triggers while remaining fully present to the simple aware beauty of our beingness. It is easy to get drawn in, sucked down into ego’s story about what is going on. Perhaps that’s why most set up house in one or the other — the manifested world or the spiritual. Both, at the same time, seems unfathomable, feels profoundly irrational. Good lord! Is it even possible? It’s not only easy to be engulfed in the story, it’s nearly…

… I shoot a lot and for purposes of this nightly missive I usually select images from the days shooting or something close in proximity to the day. The the shots of yesterday are eventually forgotten as ever newer images are shot and added to the portfolio and eventually they become hidden buried by the thousands of shots I take every month.I was cruising through some older folders tonight and came on a number of shoots I did a few years ago in Northern Wisconsin. Above is a shot of a white tail deer that was standing next to a…

The National Theatre of London continues its new season with its acclaimed new production of “Prima Facie” showing in Sedona on Sunday, July 24 at 4 p.m. The Sedona International Film Festival hosts the big screen premiere at its Mary D. Fisher Theatre. Jodie Comer makes her West End debut in the UK premiere of Suzie Miller’s award-winning play “Prima Facie”. Tessa (Comer) is a young, brilliant barrister. She has worked her way up from working class origins to be at the top of her game; defending; cross examining and winning. An unexpected event forces her to confront the lines…

While there are no evacuation orders currently, representatives from the Sedona Fire District, Coconino County Sherriff’s Office, Yavapai County Sherriff’s Office, the Sedona Police Department, and city management proactively reviewed a preliminary evacuation map for Sedona’s city limits in light of the recent fire activity with the Committee Fire currently located along the Mogollon Rim east of Sedona. The preliminary evacuation map identifies geographic zones and outlines how neighborhoods may be evacuated in the event an evacuation is needed. This work also helps the incident management team quantify the time and resources necessary to conduct such an evacuation.“This press release…

The Sedona International Film Festival is proud to present the Northern Arizona premiere of “My Donkey, My Lover & I” showing July 23-27 at the Mary D. Fisher and Alice Gill-Sheldon Theatres. In Caroline Vignal’s irresistible French comedic road movie “My Donkey, My Lover & I”, Laure Calamy (in a Best Actress César Award-winning performance) is the delightfully zany Antoinette — a heartbroken school teacher who impulsively goes on a six-day hike to follow her lover. Antoinette is looking forward to her long planned summer holidays with her secret lover Vladimir, the father of one of her pupils. When learning…

Join us on Thursday, July 28th from 5:00-6:30 pm in Camp Verde Community Library’s Fireside Room for our next free Music in the Stacks Special Concert Series featuring the band Creekside Music in the Stacks Special Concert Series is a showcase of local and national musicians who entertain regularly in Northern Arizona. There will be one band or solo artist that plays for the duration of the concert with a different artist playing each month, on the 4th Thursday of the month. This month’s concert features Creekside. Classic rock merged with country music and rhythm and blues, you get a…

On July 12, Friends of The Sedona Library made a $20,000 gift to Sedona Public Library to support the new Courtyard. The Friends’ gift names the seating area around the fireplace in the new Courtyard due to open in August. “The Friends’ Fire Circle” will provide a lovely space for presentations, gatherings, and meetings, and when the weather is chilly, the fire will keep visitors warm. The Friends’ Fire Circle also exemplifies the enduring relationship between the Library and the Friends. Sedona Public Library is grateful for this tried-and-true friendship.Donna Hawk, Friends of the Sedona Library Treasurer agrees. “Our two…

… A couple shots of the kids tonight … above is a photo of a juvenile Bald Eagle taking off and exerting enormous power in his wing beats as he enters flight and below we have a shot of a juvenile Black Hawk as he flies along the shore of the trout farm looking for an easy meal. The Bald Eagles do not get their iconic white head and tail feathers until they are around five years old … Black Hawks reach full size in months and maturity in about a year to a year and a half. Very far…

The Sedona International Film Festival is proud to present the Northern Arizona premiere of “Alone Together” showing July 22-28 at the Mary D. Fisher Theatre. “Alone Together” is written and directed by Katie Holmes who also stars in the film along with Jim Sturgess and Derek Luke. Going upstate for a short romantic getaway to escape the pandemic in New York City, food critic June’s (Katie Holmes) plans go wrong from the start when she arrives at her AirBnb only to find that it’s been double booked by recently single Charlie (Jim Sturgess). When her boyfriend (Derek Luke) decides to…

The Sedona International Film Festival is proud to present the Northern Arizona premiere of “Peaceful” showing July 22-28 at the Alice Gill-Sheldon Theatre. “Peaceful” — by award-winning filmmaker Emmanuelle Bercot — premiered to rave reviews at the Cannes Film Festival. It stars Catherine Deneuve, Benoit Magimel (who won the Cesar Award for Best Actor for this role), Cécile de France and Gabriel Sara. A son in denial of a serious illness. A mother facing the unbearable. And between them a doctor and a nurse fighting to do their job and help them find acceptance. The four of them have one…

The Sedona Unitarian Universalist Fellowship invites local residents to participate in a free informal workshop on “Spirituality and Justice: Walking the Unitarian Universalist Path,” at the Sedona Public Library (in the Quiet Room) on Wednesday, July 27, from 3:00 – 4:30 p.m. Unitarian Universalists embrace a theology of engagement. They draw inspiration and wisdom from interacting with each other and the world around them. By doing so, they witness both the beauty and brokenness of our larger community and environment. They savor the beauty and help to heal the brokenness.UUs view spirituality as awareness of infinite connectedness. Therefore, seeking justice…

The Sedona International Film Festival is proud to present the encore of the award-winning and acclaimed new film “The Phantom of the Open” showing July 22-28 at the Mary D. Fisher Theatre. “The Phantom of the Open” stars Academy Award-winner Mark Rylance, Academy Award-nominee Sally Hawkins and BAFTA Award-winner Rhys Ifans. Follow your dreams, wherever they take you. “The Phantom of the Open” tells the heartwarming true story of Maurice Flitcroft (Mark Rylance), a dreamer and unrelenting optimist. Things have never been easy for the working-class family man, but along the way he’s tried his hand at everything from writing…

The Sedona International Film Festival is proud to present the Northern Arizona premiere of “The Forgiven” showing July 22-28 at the Alice Gill-Sheldon Theatre. “The Forgiven” stars Academy Award-winner Jessica Chastain and Academy Award-nominee Ralph Fiennes. Everything must be faced. Speeding through the Moroccan desert to attend an old friend’s lavish weekend party, wealthy Londoners David and Jo Henninger (Ralph Fiennes and Jessica Chastain) are involved in a tragic accident with a local teenage boy. Arriving late at the grand villa with the debauched party raging, the couple attempts to cover up the incident with the collusion of the local…

The Sedona International Film Festival is proud to present the summer encore of the Met Opera’s “The Merry Widow” (from the 2014/2015 season) on Saturday, July 16 at 1 p.m. at the Mary D. Fisher Theatre. Soprano Renée Fleming lights up the Met stage as Hanna Glawari, the wealthy widowed heroines in Lehár’s popular operetta, set in Paris and seen in a glittering production directed and choreographed by Susan Stroman. Baritone Nathan Gunn is Danilo, Hanna’s former flame, who is supposed to woo and marry her in order to keep her fortune in their home country of Pontevedro. Soprano Kelli…

By Amaya Gayle GregoryWhat if we threw it all out — all the beliefs, every last one and started from scratch? It’s nigh impossible to tell truth from fiction, little white lies from the darker variety. Truth is a rare commodity and those who can discern the truth from the lie even rarer. It seems everyone has their own truth. How can it be truth if there are infinite versions of it?The world seems designed to hide the truth, to prevent us from looking for it, let alone finding it. Bombarded with everyone’s expert opinion, it’s often far preferrable to…

The Sedona International Film Festival is proud to present the Northern Arizona premiere of the award-winning documentary “Living Wine” showing July 16-21 at the Alice Gill-Sheldon Theatre. “Living Wine” follows the journeys of natural winemakers in Northern California, during the largest wildfire season on record. Equal parts farmer, winemaker, and artist, they stay true to their ideals of creating exceptional wines made through innovative sustainable and regenerative farming and without chemical additives. Eschewing the industrial agricultural practices of the corporate wine industry, our winemakers are healing the very environment they are surviving — a changing climate marked by rising temperatures,…

The Coconino National Forest is evaluating a proposal that would remove more than 1,600 dead and dying trees located along Highway 89 in the recent Pipeline and Tunnel fire burn areas. The proposal would grant the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) the use of heavy equipment to cut and remove the trees located alongside Highway 89. These dead or dying trees are hazardous because they’re located within falling distance of the roadway. Highway 89 north of Flagstaff sees an average of 8,000 vehicles per day, and topography of the area leads to high wind speeds capable of exacerbating the issue.…

The city of Sedona’s Parks and Recreation Department will host the Challenger British Soccer Camp again for a second week this summer, this time from July 25, 2022 to July 29, 2022 at Posse Grounds Park. The Youth Soccer Camp’s TinyTykes program for kids ages 2 – 4 will be held from 8 – 8:45 a.m. and costs $90 for the week. Children ages 5 – 14 have the option of a half-day camp from 9 a.m. – noon for $145 for the week, or a full day camp from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. for $200 for the week.…

Shalom and greetings from the Rabbi, Board of Directors, and congregation of the Jewish Community of Sedona and the Verde Valley.All the services, classes, and programs are listed on the synagogue website.Come join us either in person or online. See jcsvv.org for instructions to register for in-person services or online links. Visitors are welcome to attend services. On Friday, July 22, a Friday evening Erev Shabbat service, led by Joe Berger, VP of the Religious Affairs Committee, begins at 5:30 pm both in person and on Zoom, and livestreamed for members and their invitees. Congregants participate by lighting candles, doing…

… and the new is a Greenhead Mallard in flight that looks just like the one that passed Corky and me on a flight back from the Grand Canyon on day when we were just kind of lollygagging our way back home to Sedona at 10,000′ … we were flying at about 50 to 60 knots and this greenhead passed us on the right side about 15 feet off the wingtip. Creatures that fly and machines that we fly in always rank high on my list of amazing things. Below is an early fall shot of the western ridgeline of…

The Sedona International Film Festival is proud to present the Northern Arizona premiere of “Both Sides of the Blade” showing July 15-21 at the Mary D. Fisher Theatre. Winter in Paris. From acclaimed writer-director Claire Denis comes “Both Sides of the Blade” — the tale of a passionate love triangle. Jean (Vincent Lindon) and Sara (Juliette Binoche) have been living together for 10 years. When they first met, Sara was living with François (Grégoire Colin), Jean’s best friend and an admirer from back when he played pro rugby. Jean and Sara love each other. One day, Sara sees François in…

… and shooting the red rocks of Sedona has been a passion … more hundreds of hours shooting them from every direction in every possible variant of weather and close up and backed off. The shot above was taken from S of Woods Canyon and E of SR 179, looking generally to the N. The canyon running along the lower part of the photo is Woods Canyon and on the very left side of the image a little up from the bottom is the Red Rock Ranger Station just to the right of SR 179 which runs on a diagonal…

The Sedona International Film Festival is proud to present the Northern Arizona premiere of “The Royal” showing July 15-21 at the Alice Gill-Sheldon Theatre. “The Royal” is based on the powerful and inspiring true story of Willie Mays Aikens. The promising career of Kansas City Royals slugger Willie Mays Aikens quickly turns disastrous because of drug addiction. Sentenced to prison, Aikens seeks redemption with his estranged family, friends and ultimately with himself. Faith and family helped baseball legend Aikens survive his historically unjust incarceration, but he quickly finds upon his release that faith and family — and addiction and fame…

By Amaya Gayle GregoryEverything is real. Nothing is real. What the heck does that mean anyway? I’ve written those words before with what seemed deep understanding … and thought them appropriate. I may have been off track, short-sighted, oh call it what it is – wrong. 😉 Those two sentences insinuate separation into the storyline, albeit quite slyly, and may be the best way to point to something important, but I question that now. There’s gotta be a better way. I just haven’t found it yet. Everything is real assumes an everything. Nothing is real assumes a nothing … an…

… I have never tired of shooting the San Francisco Volcanic field from every direction and in all conditions and all seasons, hundreds of hours in the air shooting them … I love it up there and it tells the tale of millions of years in a single photograph. In this photo I am about level with the eastern most ridgeline of Kendrick Peak at an altitude of 10,179 feet; the peak of Kendrick is the pyramid formation left of center and it is 10,425 feet. Coming down the right side of Kendrick and about 20 miles to the west…

The Sedona International Film Festival is proud to present the Northern Arizona premiere of “Official Competition” showing July 15-20 at the Mary D. Fisher Theatre. Penélope Cruz and Antonio Banderas star as two egomaniacs commissioned by a billionaire to make a movie together in “Official Competition” — a sharp comedy skewering wealth, art, and pride. When a billionaire entrepreneur impulsively decides to create an iconic movie, he demands the best. Renowned filmmaker Lola Cuevas (Penélope Cruz) is recruited to mastermind this ambitious endeavor. Completing the all-star team are two actors with enormous talent but even bigger egos: Hollywood heartthrob Félix…

… SW of Sedona there is a place called The Gap and that is the space between Black Mountain on the south and Casner Mountain on the north. Through this gap you have a physical and visual entry into Sycamore Canyon. The gap is located about halfway up Sycamore Canyon and you are looking at some of the most beautiful formations in the canyon through the gap. Above and about 30 or so miles behind Sycamore Canyon is Bill Williams Mountain on the horizon. Bill Williams Mountain was the first volcanic eruption in what is now known as the San…

The Sedona International Film Festival is proud to present the Northern Arizona premiere of the award-winning historical drama “Benediction” showing July 15-21 at the Alice Gill-Sheldon Theatre. Legendary 20th Century English poet Siegfried Sassoon’s life-long quest for personal salvation, through his experiences with family, war, his writing, and destructive relationships, goes unresolved; never realizing it can only come from within. Written and directed by acclaimed filmmaker Terence Davies, “Benediction” explores the turbulent life of WWI poet Siegfried Sassoon (Jack Lowden). The writer and soldier was a complex man who survived the horrors of fighting in the First World War and…

Music in the Stacks returns on Thursday, July 14th at 5:30 pm in Camp Verde Community Library’s Fireside Room. Music in the Stacks is a showcase of local and national musicians who entertain regularly in Northern Arizona. There are 3-5 different performers during the show, with a rotating variety each month. July’s concert features Eric Douglas, Reno McCormick, and Gioia. Eric Douglas is an Arizona singer/songwriter who combines contemporary folk, classic rock, and Texas country to tell stories of people finding their place in the world…for better or worse. Eric paints an American landscape, with songs from the Southwestern desert,…

The Sedona International Film Festival is proud to present the Northern Arizona one-day-only premiere of “Big Wave Guardians: First Responders of the Sea” on Thursday, July 14 at 4 and 7 p.m. at the Mary D. Fisher Theatre. “Big Wave Guardians” highlights dramatic stories of Hawaii’s big wave guardians — some of the world’s best athletes, first responders and surfers, who risk their lives in the world’s most dangerous waves while deploying innovative water safety techniques previously unimagined.Hawaii’s North Shore is the world’s most dangerous 7-mile stretch of beach. Massive swells, life-and-death rescues, and “the best job in the world”…

By Amaya Gayle GregoryI can be awake and actively involved in the manifestation. Yes, it is all unfolding in perfection, not because it’s right but because it must. Life mirrors the inner state. As above — so below. As within — so without. As long as collectively we run on fear, as long as we are enamored with the darkness — even when we see it as light — we will create from distortion and pain will be inflicted. Harm will occur. It is perfect; it couldn’t be any other way. Life unfolds as it must. Experiencing the pain and…

Sedona International Film Festival presents the Great Art on Screen series with the encore of “Botticelli: Florence and the Medici”. The event will show in Sedona on Tuesday, July 12, at 4 p.m. at the festival’s Mary D. Fisher Theatre. Great Art on Screen is a series of documentaries featuring an in-depth look at the most extraordinary and groundbreaking art masters of their time. Florence in the era of the powerhouse Italian statesman, politician and patron Lorenzo de’ Medici, was the heart of Renaissance art and culture. One artist, above all others, was able to evoke the lights and shadows…

From October 13-16, 2022, fifteen professional artists will take their studios outdoors, painting at scenic locations around the Prescott area as part of the 3rd Annual Prescott Plein Air Art Festival. Presented by the Highlands Center for Natural History and the City of Prescott, in partnership with the Prescott National Forest and Touchmark at the Ranch, this special event will showcase Prescott’s natural, historical, and architectural beauty. There will also be pre-festival workshops with a pre-exhibit and sale at Yavapai College Gallery, artist demos, and a post-exhibit and sale at Mountain Artists Guild in Prescott. Referencing the French expression for…

By Rabbi Alicia MagalShalom and greetings from the Rabbi, Board of Directors, and congregation of the Jewish Community of Sedona and the Verde Valley.All the services, classes, and programs are listed on the synagogue website.Come join us either in person or online. See jcsvv.org for instructions to register for in-person services or online links. Visitors are welcome to attend services. On Friday, July 15, a Friday evening Erev Shabbat service, led by Joe Berger, VP of the Religious Affairs Committee, begins at 5:30 pm both in person and on Zoom, and livestreamed for members and their invitees. Congregants participate by…

Camp Verde Community Children’s Library invites community members to an after-hours reception and viewing of the community art mural the children have worked on this summer. Join us Tuesday, July 19 between 6:30p and 8:30p to see the fabulous underwater ocean scene. Meet local artist, Mary Rush, who got us started by painting the background that inspired the children to create sea creatures to add to it throughout the summer. We are building up to the finished project which must be seen after sundown under black lights to get the full effect.”The children have had a blast creating ocean art…

… I took this shot of the Coopers Hawk dining on a lizard in a tree near dark tonight from the deck … the normal diet for Coopers Hawks is other birds, but the population of birds around here is down so a change in diet and mostly they have been eating lizards and things this year. He is also mantling over his kill to conceal it from other birds … not much for sharing a hard earned meal. The Western Grebe below was cruising the waters of Lake Pleasant yesterday along with a number of others looking for small…

The Sedona International Film Festival is proud to present the Northern Arizona premiere of the award-winning documentary “Dreaming Walls: Inside the Chelsea Hotel” showing July 11-14 at the Alice Gill-Sheldon Theatre. From executive producers Martin Scorsese and Lori Cheatle comes “Dreaming Walls: Inside the Chelsea Hotel”. The legendary Chelsea Hotel, an icon of 1960s counterculture and a haven for famous artists and intellectuals including Patti Smith, Janis Joplin and the superstars of Warhol’s Factory, is under renovation. Soon it will reopen to the public as one of New York’s most fashionable luxury hotels. Dozens of long-term residents, most in their…

A portion of the Coconino National Forest surrounding Sycamore Creek will temporarily close at 6 a.m. Saturday due to an increased risk of flash flooding.The closure area includes Parsons Trailhead, Parsons Trail north (including Parson’s Spring), and the confluence of Sycamore Creek and the Verde River. The purpose of the temporary area closure is to protect the public from increased risk of flash flood events during the monsoon season due to the post-fire debris that has accumulated in Sycamore Creek due to the Rafael Fire. The Rafael Fire burned through the Sycamore Creek drainage in June 2021, leaving large amounts…

Arts Academy of Sedona presents Friday Night at the Theater on July 15, 7 to 8:30 p.m. at Arts Academy of Sedona in The Collective Sedona located at 7000 SR-179, Suite C-100 in the Village of Oak Creek. This cabaret-style event will feature music, dance, recitation and drama from a variety of local artists. Entertainment slated for this month includes Musicians, Linda Damita and Nathan Trujillo, Bob Grogan, Shaeri Richards, The Village Troubadours: Jashan and Chantal, Gary Ever, Dancers, Cassie Mavis, Poets and Performers, Melinda, McElroy, Gary Scott, Matt Egan, Craig Schneider, Michael Steel and Camilla Ross. If you’d like…

There is a McDonald’s location in Arizona that has gone viral for being different from every other McDonald’s location in the world. Can you guess what’s different without scrolling down? If not, take a peek and be as surprised as we are!On the inside of Sedona’s McDonald’s, everything looks right on target, pairing up visually with all of the other McDonald’s you’ve perhaps visited over the years. Tile floors, customer ordering counter up front, tables, self-serve soda machines, and so on…But the outside of this McDonald’s has one glaring difference that separates it from all the other McDonald’s anywhere and…

… so the hope was to come home with some shots that were better than those taken before today … all in all it was pretty good and I got a few I like a lot and here are two of them. The shot above is of an egret just leaving his perch from some branches of a mostly submerged tree in the lake … the photo is exactly as shot and no cropping other than to reduce size from the original size of 8192 pixels x 5464 pixels to 1200 pixels x 800 pixels. That doesn’t happen a lot…

The Sedona International Film Festival is proud to present the Northern Arizona premiere of “Fourth of July” showing July 8-13 at the Mary D. Fisher Theatre. A recovering alcoholic and jazz pianist in NYC confronts his acerbic family during their annual Fourth of July vacation in “Fourth of July” — a new comedy directed by Louis C.K. Jeff, a recovering alcoholic, is a jazz pianist living in New York City with his loving wife, Beth. He often finds himself rifled with anxiety, which he manages with the help of his therapist (Louis C.K.) and AA sponsor, Bill. Having been sober…

Starting Wednesday, August 3 at 3:00-4:00p Lynn Sweitzer will present in-person or virtually a series of four hands-on classes on how to do online banking successfully and safely. The class, part of the Community Connect: Digital Access at Home project, will meet weekly through August 24 on Wednesday in the Key Lime Room at Camp Verde Community Library or at the same time via Zoom.Ready, Set, Bank is an online and in-person, blended learning program designed to help seniors learn about online and mobile banking. Technology is rapidly changing the financial industry and more consumer banking services are shifting online.…

… A short one tonight as it is on the road early in the morning to see if we can do better than the shots we have taken on previous trips to the lake or elsewhere … always room for improvement, better poses, lighting and so many other variables in shooting wildlife. Still I know I can do better, but in the interim, these are pretty cool shots. The Bald Eagle is just lifting off from the top of the cliff, legs are extended, one foot is off and the other just about to leave also … the wings are…

The Sedona International Film Festival is proud to present the Northern Arizona encore of the award-winning historical drama “De Gaulle” showing July 8-14 at the Alice Gill-Sheldon Theatre. Based on a true story, “De Gaulle” premiered at the recent Sedona International Film Festival where it was one of the highest rated audience choice films in the narrative lineup. Audience members and critics have been raving about the film. Soldier. Patriot. Legend. May 1940. France is facing a disastrous military situation against the German army. Charles de Gaulle, newly appointed General, joins the Government in Paris while Yvonne, his wife, and…

Grant applications are being accepted now by the Coconino Resource Advisory Committee (RAC) for projects that can be funded under the authority of the Secure Rural Schools and Communities Self-Determination Act. The primary location for projects must be on federal lands within Coconino County, which includes the Coconino and Kaibab National Forests, and small sections of the Prescott and Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests. However, projects can also be on non-federal lands within Coconino County where it is clearly demonstrated that the project benefits resources on the national forests.The Act authorizes grants to federal agencies, State and local governments, private and non-profit…

By Amaya Gayle GregoryTo be as you are. That’s the entire thrust of spiritual practices … not to become someone else, to shift your resonance, to ascend, to be better than, to rise higher, to overcome the pain.Every practice, religious or spiritual, every practice of what seems non-religious, every path and technique, meditation intensive or business retreat … every single one has just one reason for being … to break down, break through all your coping mechanisms, all the ways you squirm and wiggle out of your experience, to clearly show you the overlays of belief that make your life…

… a very Happy Fourth of July to you as we celebrate the beginning of the greatest nation that the world has ever known. We are so fortunate to live in this land where above all else we celebrate the freedom to be who we are and to do so without the intervention of the state. Our history has known great division, but in the end we always end up in a better place … the pendulum swings, but never to far in any direction. My grand parents chose well the nation that they adapted and became a part of…

The Sedona International Film Festival is proud to present the Northern Arizona premiere of “Brian and Charles” showing July 8-13 at the Mary D. Fisher Theatre. Brian is a lonely inventor who lives in a remote valley in North Wales. On the surface, this loneliness doesn’t appear to bother him, and he spends most of his reclusive life in his dilapidated workshop constructing bizarre objects nobody wants. Then one day, Brian builds a robot. Made out of an old washing machine and a battered mannequin head, the 7ft tall machine is a peculiar construction resembling a creaky old man. After…

The Sedona International Film Festival is proud to present the Northern Arizona encore of the award-winning historical drama “Betrayed” showing July 8-13 at the Alice Gill-Sheldon Theatre. “Betrayed” premiered at the recent Sedona International Film Festival where it received the festival’s prestigious Audience Choice Award for Best International Feature Film. Audience members and critics have been raving about the film. During World War II, millions of Jews from all over Europe are deported and killed in German concentration camps. When the German troops invade Norway, the Norwegian Jews feel safe and protected. But as the war escalates in Europe, the…

Please join us in honoring fallen Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office Sgt. Richard Lopez at a (flameless) candlelight vigil Sunday, July 3, 2022, on the North side of the Prescott Courthouse at 8pm. Sgt. Lopez was shot and killed in the line of duty Tuesday, June 28, 2022, while responding to a call in the Cordes Lakes area. We ask that you bring a flameless or battery-operated candle to avoid the use of open flames. You are also welcome to download a digital candle from the app or play store on your cellular device.

The city of Sedona seeks one applicant for a seat on the Public Safety Personnel Retirement System (PSPRS) Local Board as one member’s term approaches expiration.The PSPRS Local Board administers the pension system for the Sedona Police Department and follows the rules of the PSPRS system and Arizona Revised Statutes. Additionally, the board makes decisions for Sedona police officers on issues such as membership in the system and approving retirements and service purchase requests.Meetings are scheduled as needed and are required at least twice a year by state statute; those interested must live within city limits. Board members are volunteers…

By Rabbi Alicia MagalShalom and greetings from the Rabbi, Board of Directors, and congregation of the Jewish Community of Sedona and the Verde Valley.All the services, classes, and programs are listed on the synagogue website.Come join us either in person or online. See jcsvv.org for instructions to register for in-person services or online links. Visitors are welcome to attend services. On Friday, July 8, a Friday evening Erev Shabbat service, led by Joe Berger, VP of the Religious Affairs Committee and other congregants, begins at 5:30 pm both in person and on Zoom, and livestreamed for members and their invitees.…

… another nice day and this evening I found myself waffling on every thought for images for the missive tonight … so I began doodling and playing with different images from different times and places to see if I could make a composite work again this evening. Ended up with the image caption, Leap Of Faith with One going for it as she prepares to make the leap, she still has a full nine lives left , so that if she screws up there is still a future for her. We don’t do so well.Below a more traditional photo of…

The Sedona International Film Festival is proud to join theatres around the world to present the award-winning mountain bike film “Accomplice” showing on day only: Thursday, July 7 at the Mary D. Fisher Theatre. There will be two shows at 4 and 7 p.m. It’s a moment time-stamped in our brains. Maybe it was a birthday gift. Or perhaps you saved paycheck after paycheck to finally purchase one. However you met your first bicycle, it was the pedal strokes that came afterward that hooked you onto something intangible. Adventure. Connection. Freedom. From the producers of “UnReal” and the director of…

In response to the June 28th tragic death of Sergeant Richard Lopez, the Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office is coordinating a community support campaign to raise money for the Lopez family during this excruciating time.If you would like to donate, you can send checks, money orders/cashier’s checks or bring cash to the Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office. All checks must be made out to YCSO Employee Fund with, “Benevolence Fund: Richard Lopez” written on the memo line.These funds can be mailed or brought to: The Sheriff’s Office, Attention Kelly Fraher, 255 East Gurley Street, Prescott, AZ 86301.

… it would have been such a nice landing … sorry Geoffrey, really sorry. The Ospreys have been getting such good food at the Rainbow Trout Farm up canyon that they have grown beyond all reasonable expectations and are now leaving their home in the canyon seeking larger prey … This super Osprey came down canyon and about the same time this V tail Bonanza piloted by a friend was on final and preparing to settle on the runway … with a laser focus our genetically superior Osprey saw him and swept in for the kill … not sure what…

The Sedona International Film Festival presents Ballet in Cinema on Sunday, July 3 when it hosts the big screen premiere of “Swan Lake” – a new production from The Royal Ballet in London. There will be one show at 3:00 p.m. at the festival’s Mary D. Fisher Theatre. The Royal Ballet’s version of this classic love story mixes spectacle, mystery and passion. This beloved fairytale represents the battle between good and evil, and the attempt of love to conquer all. The magic of the lakes, forests and palaces is brought to life with glittering designs by John Macfarlane and a…

The city opened new July and August appointments for Straight Talk with Karen, a program in which once a month, residents can come to City Hall and sit down with City Manager Karen Osburn to discuss any topic of their choice. The goal of this popular program is to facilitate an opportunity for residents to meet with Osburn on any question, concern, issue or general topic they would like to talk about. The July and August format will feature an open forum, so that up to four residents can sit down together with Osburn, hear each other’s questions and have…

Due to significant precipitation received across the Coconino National Forest, fire restrictions and certain area closures will be lifted starting at noon on June 28. The Walnut Canyon and Pumphouse Wash area closures will be lifted, and most of the forest will have no fire restrictions other than those which are in place permanently every year. Fire-related area closures will remain in effect around the perimeters of the Pipeline and Haywire fires but have been reduced in size. Another fire-related closure still in effect is that of the Fossil Creek area due to last year’s Backbone Fire. The decision to…

The Rotary Club of Sedona Village hosted their end of year breakfast and included a service project for those in need on Tuesday, June 28. This annual event is held in June and marks the completion of the president’s term and the handing over of duties to the next in line.Heather Hermen served as club president from July 2021-June 2022 and was recognized for the term she served and handed over the duties to incoming president, Carolyn Martin. Others were recognized for their dedication and commitment to Rotary, the community, and service above self.The highlight of the event included a…

By Amaya Gayle GregoryWe’ve been nice. We’ve kept our mouths shut and denied our intuition. After all, it’s doesn’t feel spiritual to call out hurt people even when they are hurting other people. We’ve waited for our friends and family to change, for their hearts to expand. We’ve stood by and watched as harm piles upon harm. We’ve said things like, “Everyone is entitled to their opinion.” and “I can only change myself.” We’ve bypassed the harm and overlooked the damage and continued to work on ourselves, on our shadows, on opening our hearts even further, thinking that more love…

… at the meeting of a small group of photographers I was at last night, one of the members showed a photogrraph of the Little Colorado River taken from in the river that I had never seen before … it was beautiful and I bought it. With permission from the photographer I will share a small size image and his contact information with you in case you are looking for a terrific shot too. Going to have the print displayed with one of my aerial shots of the Confluence and the Little Colorado river. So I went through a lot…

On Saturday, July 2, Anthony Mazzella’s “Legends of Guitar” concert will be rocking the Mary Fisher Theatre in Sedona. Anthony has added new songs to his repertoire so be sure to come hear his latest interpretations of guitar classics. “Legends of Guitar” is a tribute show to famous guitar players and their music. The show features world renowned guitar virtuoso Anthony Mazzella who plays it all live. Legendary guitarists whose music is featured in the show are Jimi Hendrix, Eric Clapton, Carlos Santana, Jimi Page (Led Zeppelin), The Edge (U2), Pete Townsend (The Who), David Gilmour (Pink Floyd), George Harrison…

Join the city for the 4th of July celebration Wet Fest, on Monday, July 4, 2022, from noon – 4 p.m. at the Sedona Community Pool.Come celebrate at Sedona’s best pool party, with music by DJ Douglas, food by Old Crow and plenty of water fun to help you beat the heat! The pool will open at noon for free recreation swim and just outside the pool gate attendees will be able to enjoy giant water slides, food trucks, free face painting and a photo booth. Although this event is free of charge, some vendors may charge for their services.…

… I was talking with a friend this afternoon and asked for a suggestion for a photo for tonight … the response was for something warm and fuzzy … what better image than a Golden puppy chewing on my feet? Perfect! This is a shot of one of Fran’s puppies years ago and I had gotten into the baby pen with them to get nice close up shots of the little fur balls. Several of them were chewing on my toes much of the time I was in the pen with them … all of were happy and a little…

The Sedona International Film Festival is proud to present the Northern Arizona premiere of “Attack on Finland” showing July 1-6 at the Mary D. Fisher Theatre. “Attack on Finland” is based on the International Best-Selling novel. Finland’s Independence Day celebration on December 6 is crudely interrupted by an attack on the Presidential Palace. A set of distinguished guests are taken as hostages. Security service officer Max Tanner (Jasper Pääkkönen) is set as the negotiator of the hostage crisis and soon it is clear that the main target behind the terrorist attack is a plan to destabilize the security of Europe.…

By Amaya Gayle GregoryThe way your world looks on the outside does not, cannot define how spiritual you are, cannot demonstrate your level of understanding or the degree to which enlightenment has seeped into your very being, It doesn’t matter what the outside looks like. It is only a false factor, a concocted check box for those still residing in judgment, who believe that enlightenment looks a certain way, who have yet to see the truth of who they are and project their missing links onto the world.It doesn’t matter if you work a 9 to 5 job, if you…

The Sedona International Film Festival is proud to present the Northern Arizona premiere of “Dakota” showing July 1-6 at the Alice Gill-Sheldon Theatre. Single Mom and recently widowed Kate Sanders (Abbie Cornish) lives on her family’s farm in Georgia with her daughter Alex (Lola Sultan). Life on the farm is a challenge and things have only gotten more complicated when retired combat dog, Dakota, arrives on their doorstep delivered by Sergeant CJ Malcolm (Tim Rozon). CJ is fulling a promise made to his friend and fellow Afghanistan veteran Marine Clay Sanders (Kate’s late husband and Alex’s father) to bring Dakota…

Forest Service Burned Area Emergency Response (BAER) specialists recently completed their field data evaluation to produce the Soil Burn Severity (SBS) map for the Pipeline Fire, which delineate unburned, low, moderate, and high SBS categories. The BAER team assessing the Pipeline Fire determined that approximately 1,310 acres (1%) of the fire is unburned, approximately 15,004 acres (56%) have low soil burn severity, approximately 9,141 acres (34%) sustained a moderate SBS and approximately 1,315 acres (5%) were identified as having high SBS.The SBS map product is an estimate of fire effects to soils, not fire effects to vegetation. SBS characterizes fire…

By Rabbi Alicia MagalShalom and greetings from the Rabbi, Board of Directors, and congregation of the Jewish Community of Sedona and the Verde Valley.All the services, classes, and programs are listed on the synagogue website.Come join us either in person or online. See jcsvv.org for instructions to register for in-person services or online links. Visitors are welcome to attend services. On Friday, July 1, a Friday evening Erev Shabbat service, led by Rabbi Alicia Magal, begins at 5:30 pm both in person and on Zoom, and livestreamed for members and their invitees. Congregants participate by lighting candles, doing a reading,…

Throughout Life There Are The Silly and the Troublemakers … what an incredible day it was ..;. on the lake before 6AM and a full morning of shooting wildlife before getting off the lake around 9:30AM … it was getting very warm, but then again, it is Phoenix in the summer. Home, errands to run in Sedona, a bowl of chili at Mesa Grill, fifty bucks worth of Haagen Daz ice cream at Clark’s on the way home and a quiet evening.One and I spent much time on the deck enjoying the cooling breeze after the sun went behind House…

The Sedona International Film Festival is proud to present the Northern Arizona premiere of “Lost Illusions” showing July 1-7 at the Mary D. Fisher Theatre. “Lost Illusions” is the winner of seven César Awards, including Best Film, Best Adapted Screenplay, Best Supporting Actor, Best Male Newcomer, Best Cinematography, Best Costume and Best Set Design. Aspiring poet Lucien de Rubempré joins a cynical team of journalists in 19th century Paris and discovers that the written word can be an instrument of both beauty and deceit in this sumptuous adaptation of Honoré de Balzac’s, “Lost Illusions”. Lucien de Rubempré (Benjamin Voisin) is…

A Forest Service Burned Area Emergency Response (BAER) team has started surveying the fire-affected areas located within the Pipeline Fire perimeter. BAER team assessments are rapid evaluations of post-fire conditions of the burned landscape. These assessments determine the level of risk from potential flooding and debris flow, and calculate how these risks will affect both human safety and the natural and cultural resources in the area. The team, led by Forest Service Soil Scientist Eric Schroder, began conducting field surveys yesterday. In addition to field surveys, BAER teams use science-based models to rapidly evaluate and assess the burned area. BAER…

… laid out before you in all its grandeur are the red rocks of Sedona … a morning shoot from over Jacks Canyon looking to the west north west and encompassing nearly every important red rock feature in the area. On the right the slopes up to Lees Mountain and Munds Mountain – just above them the mittens and above them the San Francisco Peaks on the horizon. Moving left foreground you have Courthouse Rock, Bell Rock and on the other side of SR 179 you have castle rock. Above and to the right a bit is Cathedral Rock ……

The Sedona International Film Festival is proud to present the Sedona premiere of “Eiffel” showing July 1-7 at the Alice Gill-Sheldon Theatre. Inspired by love, he created a masterpiece. After completing the Statue of Liberty, celebrated engineer Gustave Eiffel is on top of the world. Now, the French government is pressuring him to design something spectacular for the 1889 Paris World Fair. Eiffel’s design plans suddenly change when he crosses paths with a mysterious woman from his past. Their long lost, forbidden passion inspires him to change the Paris skyline forever. “Ambitious, handsomely appointed and unapologetically old-fashioned.” — Screen Daily…

By Amaya Gayle GregoryWhat if it doesn’t get any better than this? What if This is It, this is all, in all its itness, its thisness, its thusness. If you knew that for certain, all the way down to the tips of your sweet little toes what would change? Could you settle down, settle into your precious life?Isn’t the search — for understanding and meaning, the desire for something bigger, something better, the magnetic pull towards a greater degree of happiness, the crux of riches’ appeal, the seat of anxiety about not getting, finding, arriving — the nub of trouble?…

… after I finished running the ridge and passed Agassiz Peak which is where I am headed in the photo above, I continued on and headed back to Sedona … there was not a lot of lift nor was there much sink on the way home … kinda buoyant. I crossed over the edge of the plateau in the general neighborhood of the Mittens … it is always a very good feeling to have the ground fall away from you and what can be a slim margin in making it home makes it a no brainer with the extra couple…

The Sedona International Film Festival is proud to join theatres around the world to present the premiere of the new mountain bike film “Esperanto” showing on day only: Thursday, June 30 at the Mary D. Fisher Theatre. There will be two shows at 4 and 7 p.m. Teton Gravity Research’s latest action-packed mountain bike film, “Esperanto” mixes the rock stars of the sport with a cast of unknown and up-and-coming heroes. The film explores how we share our dreams through a universal two-wheeled language no matter what our native tongue may be. The sacred ritual of the ride might sound…

The Verde Valley Humane Society (VVHS) announces the appointment of. Brenda Redel as its Executive Director. Board President Alice Klies stated, “I am pleased to welcome Brenda Redel on behalf of the board, staff, and volunteers of the Verde Valley Humane Society.As Executive Director for the Sedona Community Center, Brenda secured grant funding and provided support for the Pet Project—a non-profit program assisting with pet food delivery and veterinarian services for pets of home-bound elders. More recently, as the Director of Organizational Development at Rainbow Acres she oversaw the animal science and equestrian programs for adults with developmental disabilities.Brenda says,…

… flying at or below the elevation of the mountains you are shooting gives a good perspective that you do not get from above them. In the photo above you are looking at the backside of Wilson Mountain (7122′) in Sedona and the remnants of the volcanic cone that was instrumental in forming the mountain along with earthquake faulting and erosion. This photo was taken over Oak Creek Canyon looking to the west and from a about 100′ above (7244′) the mountain and shows about 60% of the cone … faulting cut the other portion of the cone off, moved…

The Sedona International Film Festival is proud to present the Northern Arizona premiere of the One Ocean Film Tour showing June 25-30 at the Alice Gill-Sheldon Theatre and Mary D. Fisher Theatre. Curated by Adventure Entertainment — the world’s leading provider of premium adventure films — the One Ocean Film Tour is currently screening across the United States, Canada, South America, Australia, New Zealand and other parts of the world. Join us for action, adventure and conservation stories from the high seas! One Ocean Film Tour lineup includes: Five Summer StoriesHeralded as the finest surf movie ever made, “Five Summer…

By Amaya Gayle GregoryWhat if I was real, if I had always been real, if I knew nothing other than being real? What if I was always able to be just as I am without question? Can you imagine what such a life would be like? I grew up in self-protective mode, not from the beginning but by 5 or 6 I had learned to guard my feelings, to hide my thoughts, to keep my mouth shut on some of the vulnerable, risky things … like telling the boy I liked him, or questioning the teacher, or letting the person…

The Sedona International Film Festival is proud to present the Northern Arizona premiere of “Bitterbrush” showing June 24-29 at the Mary D. Fisher Theatre. Emelie Mahdavian’s sweeping documentary “Bitterbrush” follows Hollyn Patterson and Colie Moline, range riders who are spending their last summer herding cattle in remote Idaho. Totally off the grid with only their dogs as companions, Hollyn and Colie brave inclement weather and perilous work conditions while pondering their futures. A portrait of friendship, life transitions, and the work of two skilled young women in the isolated and beautiful landscape of the American West, “Bitterbrush” is an intimate…

Coconino and Kaibab national forests will temporarily close certain areas to public access beginning Friday and Saturday due to fire danger and for public safety, while all other parts of the national forests outside of the closure areas remain in Stage 2 fire restrictions. On the Kaibab National Forest, the area of Bill Williams Mountain will be closed beginning Friday, June 17 at 8 a.m. Specifically, public access will be prohibited on all National Forest System lands, roads, and trails within the closure area, generally located between County Road (CR) 73, Old Route 66 in the City of Williams, Forest…

Yavapai County families and seniors who are a part of the Verde Valley Caregivers Coalition (VVCC) now have the ability to request financial support for lifesaving and quality of life veterinary care for their animal companions thanks to a $15,000 grant from the Arizona Community Foundation of Yavapai County.Jennifer Brehler, Humane Society of Sedona (HSS) Executive Director stated, “Our goal in proposing this partnership with VVCC was to help ensure that families, and especially older adults living in Yavapai County would be supported during times of crisis with their pets, and not have to forgo medical treatment for their pet.…

Two hundred and fifty-four law enforcement officers, including the city of Sedona’s very own Deputy Chief Stephanie Foley, graduated on June 9, 2022 from the FBI National Academy in Quantico, Va. The 282nd session consisted of men and women from 47 states and included members of law enforcement agencies from 26 countries, four military organizations and nine federal civilian organizations. Internationally known for its academic excellence, the National Academy offers 10-weeks of advanced communications, leadership and fitness training. Participants must have proven records as professionals within their agency to attend. On average, these officers have 21 years of law enforcement…

Bring your appetite for beauty to Rowe Fine Art Gallery in July, when the gallery hosts A Feast for Your Eyes, part one of a two-part show. Beginning Friday, July 1, at 4 p.m., head for the iconic gallery under Tlaquepaque Arts & Shopping Village’s bell tower to partake in paintings by artists Julie T. Chapman, Dane Chinnock, Kim Diment, Jen Farnsworth, Lynn Heil, Gary Jenkins, John Rasberry and Amy Ringholz. The show spotlights these painters through July. It continues in August when the sculptors and jewelers will step into the limelight. Julie T. Chapman’s latest mixed-media painting, Unknowable #2,…

What if you could see dozens of caves in just one day of hiking? That dream can be your reality in the Sedona area, which boasts countless trails that feature jaw-dropping caves. Some are in plain sight, while others hide in wait to be discovered. Even better, many of the trails have more than one cave, so your adventures need know no bounds. What are you waiting for? Check out these epic cave hikes in Arizona. Read more→

By Rabbi Alicia MagalShalom and greetings from the Rabbi, Board of Directors, and congregation of the Jewish Community of Sedona and the Verde Valley.All the services, classes, and programs are listed on the synagogue website.Come join us either in person or online. See jcsvv.org for instructions to register for in-person services or online links. Visitors are welcome to attend services. On Friday, June 17, a Friday evening Erev Shabbat service, led by Rabbi Alicia Magal, begins at 5:30 pm both in person and on Zoom, and livestreamed for members and their invitees. Congregants participate by lighting candles, doing a reading,…

… much of today was spent in the company of friends and good conversation … a good question was posed … “how and when did we meet?” I honestly did not know, the real important event is that we did meet and a new friendship began. Life is like that and as we live people enter our lives and leave … celebrate the entry and continuation and savor the richness that others bring into our lives … it lingers even after they are gone. Whilst on the deck this evening, friends walked by and I asked them what they would…

The Sedona International Film Festival is proud to present the Northern Arizona premiere of the award-winning documentary “Who We Are: A Chronicle of Racism in America” showing June 24-30 at the Alice Gill-Sheldon Theatre. Jeffery Robinson had one of the best educations in America. He went to Marquette University and Harvard Law School and has been a trial lawyer for over 40 years — as a public defender, in private practice, at the ACLU, and now at The Who We Are Project. In 2011, Robinson began raising his then 13-year-old nephew and, as a Black man raising a Black son,…

The Coconino National Forest is seeking public input on proposed fee implementation at six specific high-use recreation sites to provide consistent maintenance and keep these sites and trails at a level of quality visitors have come to expect. Numerous day-use sites, overnight camping sites, and other recreation sites are managed without user fees across Coconino National Forest. The following day-use sites would be added to the current Red Rock Pass Fee Program, and the Interagency America the Beautiful Passes will also be honored at these sites. The public comment period begins today. To ensure that your comments are considered, please…

By Monica SpencerI don’t know about you, but this warm spring weather really makes me want to get out of the office and hit the road. If you’re feeling the same way, here are a few places that are sure to inspire your next adventure. Read more→

An exciting Time Capsule project is underway in honor of the Sedona Historical Society’s 40th anniversary. The Society is inviting residents to submit stories or objects that they feel would be meaningful to residents 40 years from now when the capsule is opened. “Ask yourself, what would help future citizens better understand Sedona of today, 40 years from now”, said committee chair Kathy Levin, “and then send us your idea!” To submit a story or object, complete the form on the homepage of the Society’s website SedonaMuseum.org. You may also drop off your completed form or object at the Sedona…

… ’twas a glorious day to be on the lake today and wildlife was everywhere. The shot above is of an Egret that was perched on a branch in the water … reflections from the water make an incredible display on the lower side of his wings and water trails from his foot as he ascends into flight. Below a Turkey Vulture patiently waits for meal to appear for him … perhaps a fish left behind by another predator? Discovered an island being used as a rookery for Great Blue Herons; they and their nests were everywhere. The lake is…

The Sedona International Film Festival is proud to present the Northern Arizona premiere of “Wildmen” showing June 24-29 at the Mary D. Fisher Theatre. In a desperate attempt to cure his midlife crisis, Martin has fled his family to live high up in the Norwegian mountains — hunting and gathering like his ancestors did thousands of years ago. Armed only with a bow and an ensemble of animal skins, Martin sets off into the forest in a misguided attempt to overcome his midlife crisis. A chance meeting with a fugitive named Musa leads to an adventurous trip through the fjords…

The Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) would like to remind drivers of trucks over 30 feet not to enter the switchbacks on State Route (SR) 89A in Oak Creek Canyon during its current construction project. Construction is taking place near Pumphouse Wash Bridge in the switchback section of Oak Creek Canyon as part of the SR 89A Oak Creek Canyon Improvements. Because of this, there are 8-foot width and 30-foot length restrictions in the work zone.Any vehicle traveling north or south along SR 89A that exceeds the width and length restrictions will not be permitted to continue through the work…

One last time, “The Art Camp for Kids”, Camp Bear Wallow, will open its doors for the summer with fun art projects like balloon art, bird houses, Lego sculptures, fiber clay sculptures, paint brush making and more! The camp will open July 4th at West Sedona School and is accepting ages 6-11; from 10am to 1pm, Monday thru Friday. The mission of this camp is to inspire and encourage children to explore, create and invent using artist’s tools and the artist’s eye in the hopes of developing a joyful well rounded creative young adult. The goals of the camp are…

… or any other time of day for that matter, but there is something special about the mornings as all of life is preparing to live another day on this remarkable little planet we call home … and we get to choose what kind of day we will have and how we react to what others say and do. Mornings have been special since I was a little kid and joined my dad, brothers and friends in the sloughs and river bottoms before dawn, drinking coffee and sharing stories as we awaited the sun and legal hours to begin the…

The Sedona International Film Festival is proud to present the Northern Arizona premiere of “A Cowgirl’s Song” showing June 24-29 at the Alice Gill-Sheldon Theatre. An inspiring family film, “A Cowgirl’s Song” stars Cheryl Ladd, Savannah Lee May and Darci Lynne. Family is instrumental. Two teen sisters, Hailey and Brooke, go to live with their grandmother (Cheryl Ladd) when their father is arrested for a crime he didn’t commit. Their grandma used to be a country music star but she retired after the death of their grandfather in a car accident. Hailey wants to be a country singer like her…

By Amaya Gayle GregoryYou see change coming — a sea change — transcendence, a new earth, a better place to raise your family, a you who fits sweetly into the picture. What if there is no pending apocalypse, no rapture escape route, no heaven to find, no hell to escape, no afterlife at all? Maybe, humanity isn’t ascending to a higher state, and the idea that all this pain is worth it because of where it is taking us is just another story. What if thinking you’re on top of it, the genius at the front of the wave, that…

… closing out another day on the deck and enjoying feeling the temperatures plummet after the sun goes down behind House Mountain, strong breezes have a cooling effect and One and I enjoy an hour or so on the deck during the transition from day to night. A time to reflect on the day, remember pleasant moments, visit with friends walking by and always looking for wildlife with or without wings. Not so much out tonight, but I took this bunny’s portrait as he was dining on the beautiful green grass that the golf course provides him … and One…

Join the Sedona International Film Festival in a special Grand Opening Celebration of its Alice Gill-Sheldon Theatre — the festival’s new 43-seat, state-of-the-art cinema — on Sunday, June 19 at 3:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.The Alice Gill-Sheldon Theatre joins the festival’s Mary D. Fisher Theatre, which has become the “Cultural Heart of Sedona” since its opening 10 years ago. The support from the community, festival members and patrons and sponsors, have given the organization the opportunity to create a second, smaller theatre which will create greater flexibility for additional independent film and live entertainment options.The new venue — adjacent to…

Firefighting resources are responding to a wildfire located 6 miles north of Flagstaff and producing a noticeable plume of smoke. The Pipeline Fire was reported at 10:15 a.m. by a fire lookout and is currently several acres, but active on all sides and growing. Resources on scene in one Hotshot crew, with another en route, one dozer, one water tender, three patrol units, and six engines. Four air tankers and one Type 3 helicopter has been ordered. Smoke will be visible from Flagstaft, and the wind is sweeping the smoke through Schultz Pass toward Doney Park. Recreationists in the area…

The Sedona International Film Festival is proud to officially open its new theatre — the Alice Gill-Sheldon Theatre — with the encore of “The Duke” showing June 20-22. “The Duke” stars Academy Award-winners Helen Mirren and Jim Broadbent, along with Fionn Whitehead, Anna Maxwell Martin and Matthew Goode. In 1961, Kempton Bunton, a 60-year old taxi driver, stole Goya’s portrait of the Duke of Wellington from the National Gallery in London. It was the first (and remains the only) theft in the Gallery’s history. Kempton sent ransom notes saying that he would return the painting on condition that the government…

Shalom and greetings from the Rabbi, Board of Directors, and congregation of the Jewish Community of Sedona and the Verde Valley.All the services, classes, and programs are listed on the synagogue website.Come join us either in person or online. See jcsvv.org for instructions to register for in-person services or online links.On Friday, June 17, a Friday evening service, led by Rabbi Alicia Magal, begins at 5:30 pm both in person and on Zoom, and livestreamed for members and their invitees. Congregants participate by lighting candles, doing a reading, or having an Aliyah for the Torah service. Verses from the Torah…

By Amaya Gayle GregoryWhat if we aren’t matter at all but a projection, a holy fractal graphic hologram, projected through held crystalline beliefs. Some we come in with — life karma. Some are collective. Some are deeply hidden, entombed within the psyche … and some are hiding in plain sight, out in the open, sitting on the landscape of our lives like sparkling diamonds just waiting to be plucked up … each one a prism that reflects and projects reality.Many get a piece of this. You see it in the words and programs of the positive thinking proponents. Unfortunately, you…

… actually it is beyond warm and time to retreat to cooler days and remember how good it felt to have that extra layer of clothing on. What better place to chill out than up at the San Francisco Peaks when they are draped in blankets of snow. The shot above was taken from the Chalet area in Snow Bowl with Humphreys Peak on the far left and Agassiz Peak on the right … The shot below I took just before I tucked into the mountain and flew the ridge from left to right. My position in this shot was…

The Sedona International Film Festival is proud to join cinemas around the globe for a worldwide theatrical premiere of “George Michael Freedom Uncut” showing Wednesday, June 22 at 4 and 7 p.m. at the Mary D. Fisher Theatre. “George Michael Freedom Uncut” focuses on the formative period in the late Grammy Award winner’s life and career, leading up to and following the making of his acclaimed, best-selling album “Listen Without Prejudice Vol. 1” and his subsequent, infamous High Court battle with his record label that followed, while also becoming poignantly personal about the death of his first love, Anselmo Feleppa. Filmed…

On Sunday June 26th at 6 pm at the Emerson Theater stage inside the Sedona Arts Academy at The Collective in the Village of Oak Creek, a group of exceptionally talented performers will present “Tales of a Travelling Troubadour.” With song, dance, and story this show will explore incidents in the life of Gary Scott, a firsthand glimpse at an era, its songs, ideas, history, and attitude.Like Forrest Gump, Gary Scott was often at the right place at the right time to be at the center of dynamic change near the end of a turbulent century. He grew up on…

Any user of Apple products- iPhone, iPad, Mac- is invited to attend the June 2022 Zoom meeting of the Oak Creek Apples Macintosh User Group (OCAMUG, or OCA, for short). Alan Gore will facilitate a general question-and-answer session. He often covers recent and upcoming trends, as well as bugs and fixes. There is no charge to participate. OCA will continue its monthly virtual/online meetings on the 3rd Saturday of June, Saturday, June 18, 2022, beginning at 10:00 AM at the following online address: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82469305990 Meeting ID: 824 6930 5990 If you want to attend the meeting by phone, please follow…

… it has happened again, and despite all of her promises, One and her evil twin sister have hijacked yet another military aircraft … I haven’t heard from her since she took off from Sedona airport and suspect she is on another extended junket and likely terrorizing bobcats and other creatures … at least it does not appear that there is any armament installed on the plane. Likely she will be back in time for breakfast. The photo of the egret below is one in a thousand or so shots … full frame and no cropping other than to reduce…

The Sedona International Film Festival is proud to present the Northern Arizona premiere of “18½” showing June 17-21 at the Mary D. Fisher Theatre. “18½” is an award-winning thriller/comedy by director Dan Mirvish that has played in more than 20 film festivals around the world. The film stars Willa Fitzgerald, John Magaro, Vondie Curtis Hall, Catherine Curtin, Richard Kind, John Cryer and Bruce Campbell. In January 1974, a White House transcriber finds the only copy of the infamous 18½-minute gap in Nixon’s Watergate tapes but her attempts to leak it to the press run afoul of nefarious forces. The Watergate…

CH’ÍHOOTSOOÍ, DINÉTAH, WINDOW ROCK, NAVAJO NATION – In a breakout session titled “Native Women Lead: Women Innovating in Business and Beyond” held during the 2022 Reservation Economic Summit (RES), Tsé Bii’ Ndzisgai Community Center (TBNCC) Director Shandiin Herrera said she developed leadership skills by showing up for her community during the pandemic. At the time, Herrera was a Hometown Fellow with Lead for America and was working with the Navajo Nation Oljato Chapter Government. “Right then, the pandemic started and I saw anxiety and frustration throughout my community,” she said. “I had to think outside the box to figure out…

If you watched PBS in the 1980s or 1990s, chances are you’ve seen Gary Jenkins, frequently with his wife, Kathwren, by his side, demonstrate how to paint realistic florals. Gary was the second artist, after landscape painter Bill Alexander, to appear on PBS channels nationwide. The show, Jenkins Art Studio, led to a series of instructional books and videos and even a signature line of art supplies and a television series in Europe in the early 2000s. “Oil painting and sharing my passion for art with everyone around the world is a dream come true,” says Gary. In 2012, after…

By Amaya Gayle GregoryOh the holy human, ordinarily divine conundrum, the paradox of paradoxes! Minds want it neat and clean, one or the other. Look around. Is there anything in this wonderful crazy messy distressing world that’s neat and clean? Isn’t it all one great big paradox? We love it and we hate it – we want desperately to stay around and we are so ready to move on – all at the same time. We’re one hot mess. We want relief from the schizophrenic ping pong game we’re living and we are tired of feeling out of sorts, off…

… thirteen million years ago, House Mountain began forming as a volcano began erupting. The lava flows had a very low viscosity, so rather than build a typical cinder cone, the lava flowed out over a very large are forming what is known as a shield volcano … only a thousand or so feet high, but spread out over a large area. At the time of the eruptions, the volcano was part of the Colorado Plateau and thus the lava flow went south, east and west. In the photo above, the green area in the foreground is the top of…

The Sedona International Film Festival is proud to present the Northern Arizona premiere of “The Book Keepers” showing June 17-21 at the Mary D. Fisher Theatre. “The Book Keepers” — winner of the Audience Award and Jury Award at the Austin Film Festival — follows the uplifting journey of a husband who keeps his wife’s dream alive by becoming the spokesperson for her book after her death. Carol Wall’s debut memoir – about cancer, friendship, and cultivating an open heart – was a breakout success. But joy turned to tragedy when the breast cancer she wrote about returned, and she…

Coconino National Forest visitors hoping to tour Palatki Heritage Site will need to book in advance using Recreation.gov beginning Tuesday, June 7. A non-refundable $1 reservation fee will apply while booking. In addition to a reservation, visitors must also present either an America the Beautiful Interagency Pass or a Red Rock Pass. Passes can be purchased in advance through Recreation.gov or on-site. “This move will enhance visitor convenience and addresses numerous frustrations our visitors have had while making reservations,” Heritage Site manager Bruce Carlson said. Those who are unable to access Recreation.gov may make a reservation by calling 877-444-6777. Reservations…

With wildfire season upon us, YCSO wants to remind residents of the danger that a dragging chain from your vehicle can cause a fire and ask that you be aware of anything that may ignite a spark from your vehicle. Around 4:15 Saturday morning June 4, 2022, YCSO dispatch received a call from Department of Public Safety (DPS) to report a fire east of Hwy 89 near mile marker (MM) 354. It should be noted that a similar fire was found just an hour prior at MM 340 and was extinguished by responding deputies and doused by fire personnel. When…

Emerson Theater Collaborative presents Friday Night at the Theater on June 17, 7 to 8:30 p.m. at Arts Academy of Sedona in The Collective Sedona located at 7000 SR-179, Suite C-100 in the Village of Oak Creek. This cabaret-style event will feature music, dance, recitation and drama from a variety of local artists. Entertainment slated for this month includes Musicians, Bob Grogan, Shaeri Richards , The Village Troubadours: Jashan and Chantal, Gary Every and Zoot Suite Zebras, Dancers, Cheryl Good and Cassie Mavis, Poets and Performers: Linda Damita, Melinda, McElroy, Gary Scott, Matt Egan, Craig Schneider, Michael Steel and Camilla…

Join us on Thursday, June 23rd from 5:00-6:30 pm in Camp Verde Community Library’s Fireside Room for our next free Music in the Stacks Special Concert Series featuring Copper Canyon Band. Music in the Stacks Special Concert Series is a showcase of local and national musicians who entertain regularly in Northern Arizona. There will be one band or solo artist that plays for the duration of the concert with a different artist playing each month, on the last Thursday of the month. This month’s concert features Copper Canyon Band who plays authentic bluegrass, country and Americana music. Reno McCormick sings…

The city of Sedona’s Park and Recreation Department will offer two top quality sports camps for kids during the month of June: the Challenger International Soccer Camp and JQ Basketball Camp.Both camps are great for all kids, from first time players to experienced players, looking to take their soccer and basketball skills to the next level. The Challenger International Soccer Camp is returning to Sedona again this summer from June 20, 2022 – June 24, 2022. Camp is open to kids 2 – 14 years old. Register online at www.challengersports.com and view the schedule based on your child’s experience and…

By Rabbi Alicia MagalShalom and greetings from the Rabbi, Board of Directors, and congregation of the Jewish Community of Sedona and the Verde Valley.All the services, classes, and programs are listed on the synagogue website.Come join us either in person or online. See jcsvv.org for instructions to register for in-person services or online links.On Friday, June 10, a Friday evening service, led by Rabbi Alicia Magal, begins at 5:30 pm both in person and on Zoom, and livestreamed for members and their invitees. Congregants participate by lighting candles, doing a reading, or having an Aliyah for the Torah service. Verses…

… this missive will be long on photos and short on words. These are six shots of more than fifty shots in one sequence of the feeding frenzy we got to witness last Wednesday. In the top shot we see the heron zeroing in on a target in the water and in the second he is making his commitment to go for it, is flaring and preparing to stall out and drop into the water … in the next shot he has entered the water and is spearing the fish that he targeted. The fourth shot shows him rising out…

UPDATEFirefighters stop forward progress of Watermelon Fire off I-17 just north of Sedona exitFirefighters have stopped forward progress of the Watermelon Fire near milepost 303 and are working toward containment of what is now a 25-30 acre wildfire.North and southbound traffic on I-17 near the wildfire has been stopped, and motorists planning to use I-17 in that area should check https://az511.gov regularly for updates on the status of the interstate.This will be the final update on the Watermelon Fire unless new and significant information develops.###(June 5, 2022) – Firefighters are responding to a wildfire 4 miles north of Sedona exit…

Sedona Area Veteran and Community Outreach (SAVCO) on March 29, 2022 and in conjunction with the Sedona Elks Lodge #2291, conducted a ceremony honoring 22 Sedona area Vietnam War Veterans. In recognition of this ceremony the Honorable Llyod Austin, Secretary of Defense, recognized SAVCO as a Commemorative Partner and for their “willingness to assist and support a grateful nation in thanking and honoring our Vietnam War Veterans, their families, and those that served with, or in support of, the Armed Forces.” For more information on SAVCO please visit savco.org

By Amaya Gayle GregoryAnything that can be experienced is part of the dream, a dream in the mind of God. Anything. States of bliss, immense grief, fits of burning anger, naked despondency, all of it is the dream. Ideas of awakening from the dream are part of the dream. Dimensional travel, astral planes, depths of hell are all dreamland, experiences experienced through the lens of awareness, not your awareness, but awareness itself. A teacher once told me that there are two queues, one in front of a door from which there is no return. The ticket holder who steps through…

The Sedona International Film Festival is proud to present the Northern Arizona one-day-only premiere of “The Race to Alaska” on Thursday, June 16 at 4 and 7 p.m. at the Mary D. Fisher Theatre. “The Race to Alaska” is an award-winning documentary following the visceral experience of racers as they compete in one of the most difficult endurance challenges in the world. Described as “the Iditarod, on a boat, with a chance of drowning or being eaten by a grizzly bear,” it’s amazing anyone enters at all. There are no motors and no support – and nobody finishes without a…

The Sedona Shuttle’s Summer Service Schedule will go into effect on Thursday, June 9, 2022 with daily hours shifting to shuttles running one hour earlier, from 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Thursday through Sunday, to accommodate the longer, warmer summer days. In addition, new service will be introduced from the Posse Grounds Park and Ride to the Mescal Trailhead. This will provide access to a variety of new trails including Mescal and a shorter route to Devil’s Bridge.Beginning June 9, 2022, this new route will round out the current Sedona Shuttle’s offerings to provide free park and ride shuttle service…

Red Earth Theatre brings live theatre to the Patio de las Campanas at Tlaquepaque on Thursday, June 16th at 7pm with an evening of seven short plays by seven different playwrights from Sedona to New York to LA read by 10 actors in barely an hour. The readers include recently graduated high school students as well as long-time Red Earth favorites with a 6 decade+ age spread between them! Three Northern Arizona playwrights are included in this line up. The evening opens with Sedona resident Mary Heyborne’s play Selma and Louise Visit The Manor. Previously presented online this live performance…

Sedona International Film Festival presents the Great Art on Screen series with “Pompeii: Sin City”. The event will show in Sedona on Tuesday, June 14 at 4 p.m. at the festival’s Mary D. Fisher Theatre. Great Art on Screen is a series of documentaries featuring an in-depth look at the most extraordinary and groundbreaking art masters of their time. “Pompeii: Sin City” explores Pompeii, a city cloaked in mystery which has been depicted through images and words by the great artists and writers who experienced and imagined it over the course of history: from Pliny the Younger to Picasso, from…

From May 19 through June 21, 2022, the ‘Tis Art Center and Gallery in historic downtown Prescott will present “Journeys in Spirit 2022”: Traditional and Contemporary Native Art. Produced in partnership with the Museum of Indigenous People, with additional support from the City of Prescott and the Prescott Area Arts and Humanities Council, this fascinating exhibit will showcase the artwork, culture and stories of a diverse group of Native artists. Attendees will have a chance to meet the artists during Prescott’s 4th Friday Art Walk, on May 27 from 5-7 p.m. From the rock paintings and carvings of early ancestors…

… we had the boat in the water before 6AM this morning (actually yesterday), and did a quick scouting tour of Castle Creek Bay and got a few nice shots before heading over to the NE side of the lake … we had no idea what was waiting for us! We were heading north in the bay and spotted a very large raft of Cormorants that were busy feeding on a school of fish near the surface of the lake. Within minutes they were joined by dozens of Great Blue Herons and dozens more Egrets who were all circling, swooping…

The National Theatre of London continues its new season with its acclaimed new production of “Henry V” showing in Sedona on Sunday, June 12 at 3 p.m. The Sedona International Film Festival hosts the big screen premiere at its Mary D. Fisher Theatre. Kit Harington (Game of Thrones) plays the title role in Shakespeare’s thrilling study of nationalism, war and the psychology of power. Fresh to the throne, King Henry V launches England into a bloody war with France. When his campaign encounters resistance, this inexperienced new ruler must prove he is fit to guide a country into war. Captured…

Join Unify Sedona on Sunday, June 26 at the Sedona Performing Arts Center to hear experts share a range of perspectives on book banning and address questions from the audience. Speakers will include Gregg Leslie from the First Amendment Clinic at the Sandra Day O’Connor School of Law; Mary Corcoran, Programming Librarian for Flagstaff City-Coconino County Public Libraries; Rabbi Alicia Magal from the Jewish Community Center of Sedona/Verde Valley; and Afsana Nawrozi, a local student who endured the banning of reading and education as a young student in war-torn Afghanistan. Admission is free and all are welcome. Doors open at…

The Sedona Historical Society will celebrate National Day of the Cowboy with a vintage western film made in Sedona, ‘Johnny Guitar’, on Saturday, July 23 at the Mary D. Fisher Theatre. The afternoon of cinematic excellence and Sedona movie history will begin when doors open at 2:45 p.m. At 3:00 a panel will take the stage to share background and stories about the making of the film in Sedona. Then, ‘Johnny Guitar”, a 1954 western film set in Sedona and featuring Joan Crawford, Sterling Hayden, Mercedes McCambridge and Ernest Borgnine will play. Originally panned by critics, this film has achieved…

Teens are invited to celebrate the end of the school year and the beginning of summer on Monday, June 13, from 1:00pm to 5:00pm in Camp Verde Community Library’s Teen Library. Why a Monday? Because there’s no school! Teens can take part in board gaming, mini-videogaming tournaments, and more, and refuel with a slice of pizza. Camp Verde Community Library is located just off of Montezuma Castle Highway at 130 Black Bridge Road, Camp Verde AZ. For more information about this or any other library program, visit the library’s website at www.cvlibrary.org or call 554-8391.

… in every state, whether solid, liquid or vapor, water is what makes everything work … and it also provides the makings of great adventures, whether at sea or in the air, sailing, soaring or any other sport … and it provides the essentials for all of life.I took the shot above of a buddy that I was flying cross country with and it was a great soaring day … below the Pacific ocean bringing huge rollers into the shore at Pigeon Point in northern California. An amazing planet and we get to live here! Wowzer! Top Gun Maverick was…

The Sedona International Film Festival is proud to present the Sedona premiere of “Montana Story” showing June 10-15 at the Mary D. Fisher Theatre. Two estranged siblings reluctantly return to their family home in “Montana Story”, the latest delicately observed drama from directors Scott McGehee and David Siegel. Set in the vast, big-sky landscape of Montana’s Paradise Valley, flanked by epic mountain ranges, the film is another singular, soulful exploration from two of the most thoughtful voices in American independent cinema over the last three decades. Twentysomethings Erin (Haley Lu Richardson) and Cal (Owen Teague) share the same father but…

Over the Memorial Day weekend May 27-May 30, 2022, a team of 5 Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office Deputies performed a special DUI Enforcement detail. Over the 3-day period Deputies conducted 30 traffic stops resulting in: 2 sober Designated Driver’s Contacted (We love seeing these!), 2 Drug Recognition Evaluations conducted by certified DRE (Drug recognition expert), 2 misdemeanor DUI Drug Arrests, 1 Seatbelt Citation, 1 Criminal Speed citation (20mph over posted speed limit or 85mph), 7 Civil Speed citations, and 5 additional civil citations not involving speed. Specific operations like this made possible using Enforcement Grants provided by Governor’s Office of…

The Eclectics are excited to be performing a free concert at Camp Verde Community Library’s Fireside Room on Thursday, June 16th from 5:00 to 6:30 p.m. Long-time residents of Northern Arizona, The Eclectics include one native Arizonan, and others originally hailing from Montana, Michigan, and Canada. With musical roots as varied as their backgrounds, they enjoy bringing harmony-driven vocals to covers and original songs – from folk and rock, to country and blues. Band members are Bob Chadwick (Guitar, Vocals, Harmonies), Paul Gazda (Guitar, Vocals, Harmonies), Cathy Gazda (Percussion, Vocals, Harmonies), and Lincoln Thomasson (Bass Guitar). Camp Verde Community Library…

Art has always been part of Nancy Hudson’s life and there are not many mediums she has tried and not mastered. With pottery as her latest endeavor, Nancy won the “Artist of the Month” award for her hand-built ceramic piece at the May El Valle Art Association (EVAA) meeting. Over the years, Nancy has been passionate about fiber arts including weaving, spinning and dying and then she moved on to photography. From there, her photographs became paintings in pastels, acrylics, cold wax, collage and even mono printing. She honed her skills through classes, workshops and painting trips to Spain and…

The city of Sedona’s Parks and Recreation Department invites all who are interested to register for the wood-bat adult recreational softball league before June 3, 2022. Both men and women are welcome to participate. While teams can be coed, the league will follow the Amateur Softball Association (ASA) Men’s Adult Softball League rules and regulations. Players must be 16 years of age or older. The team registration fee is $350 with no player’s fees. Games will be played on Thursday evenings beginning in mid-June at Posse Grounds Park through the month of August. Managers/coaches can register and pay for their…

… friends who have been coming to northern Arizona for a very long time fell in love with the area and named their daughter, Sedona. Sedona is a city to be sure, but the city took the name Sedona from a real person, Sedona Schnebly who along with her husband were early settlers of the area. I spent yesterday with my friends and Sedona said she would like a special photo of One tonight as a composite. So here it is, One commandeered an Osprey up at the Sedona Rainbow Trout Farm and made off with the fresh catch of…

The Sedona International Film Festival is proud to present the Northern Arizona encore of the acclaimed new drama “Margrete: Queen of the North” showing April June 10-15 at the Mary D. Fisher Theatre. Based on a true story, “Margrete: Queen of the North” premiered at the recent Sedona International Film Festival where it was one of the highest rated audience choice films in the narrative lineup. Audience members and critics have been raving about the film. The year is 1402. Queen Margrete is ruling Sweden, Norway and Denmark through her adopted son, Erik. But a conspiracy is in the making…

The Sedona Community Pool opened on Saturday, May 28, 2022 for a full summer of lap swimming, water aerobics, swim lessons, recreational swim and more. Additionally, registration for youth swim lessons will open on June 1, 2022 online with classes beginning the week of Monday, June 13, 2022. “It was so great to see all the smiling faces on our opening weekend and we look forward to providing great programming this summer for our residents,” said Josh Frewin, city of Sedona recreation and aquatics supervisor. Please visit www.sedonaaz.gov/pool for updated information, the schedule, class registration and more.

Music in the Stacks returns on Thursday, June 9th at 5:30 pm in Camp Verde Community Library’s Fireside Room. Music in the Stacks is a showcase of local and national musicians who entertain regularly in Northern Arizona. There are 3-5 different performers during the show, with a rotating variety each month. June’s concert features the following talented local musicians: Jo Berger, Ryan Biter, and Ron McClain. Singer-songwriter Jo Berger grew up in Colorado with a strong love for the land. Learning guitar and flute, she loved the old-time music of the West and the folk music of the 60s. She…

… today we remember the more than 1,200,000 people who have died in the service of our country since its founding. We remember their sacrifice and pray that someday such sacrifice will not be necessary … there is hope, because we are human and capable of incredible acts of goodness .. but then there is the flip side of the equation too. All we can do is to bring kindness and understanding with us in our daily lives and perhaps … perhaps those who lead the nations of the world will acknowledge that their duties are to honor their citizens…

By Amaya Gayle GregoryHappiness is where we start. It’s at the heart of us. It is what we are before we layer on all the trappings of hope for an acceptable outcome, expectation that the outcome won’t be acceptable, and resistance to what has come before, to what is, and what will be. Resistance is always to what is, even though it seems locked into patterns of past or future. It’s expended energy right now, right here in reaction to a thought that shares the moment with us or more accurately stated – an awareness of thought known by an…

Sound Bites Grill in Sedona celebrates its tenth-year anniversary this weekend jazzing it up with Groove Jazz masters JJ Sansaverino and Will Donato. Will Donato will be performing with Steve Oliver on Friday, June 3, 7 to 9 P.M., and JJ Sansaverino on Saturday, June 4, from 7 to 9 P.M. What better way to celebrate Sound Bites’ decade of providing some of the best music in Northern Arizona other than with a jazz extravaganza? A high energy Groove Jazz audience engaging show is what these three jazz musicians inspire for aficionados, and they are ready to put on a…

The Sedona International Film Festival is proud to present the Northern Arizona premiere of the award-winning documentary “Jazz Fest: A New Orleans Story” showing June 4-9 at the Mary D. Fisher Theatre. “Jazz Fest: A New Orleans Story” weaves together live performances and interviews from the 50th anniversary of The New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, the signature annual music and cultural event of the city with hundreds of thousands of attendees each year. The N.O. ‘Jazz Fest’ celebrates the music, food, people, arts & crafts, and culture of all of Louisiana since 1970, and is an essential showcase of…

By Amaya Gayle GregoryWe pack up their lunch, make sure they have their gym clothes and books, and bundle them into the car or out to the bus stop, take a deep breath and begin our day. School’s kind of a free period for parenting, or at least for a lot of parents.Do kids think about yesterday’s school shooting as they are being methodically herded out the door? Yesterday’s? There’s always a yesterday’s school shooting it seems.Do parents?We seem to forget pretty quickly, moving onto the next one, and then the next until we simply can’t notice anymore. It’s not…

The Wall That Heals, a three-quarter scale replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial along with a mobile Education Center, is coming to Payson, AZ, on August 25-28, 2022 at the south general purpose field at Rumsey Park, 400 N. McLane Rd., and will be open 24 hours a day, closing Sunday at 2 pm ,and is free to the public. The Wall That Heals honors the more than three million Americans who served in the U.S. Armed forces in the Vietnam War and it bears the names of the 58,281 men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice in Vietnam.“We…

By Amaya Gayle Gregory”As you know, I follow the war every day. I’m not going numb… and will do everything I can to stop it. This is not just Ukrainian PR. I’ve seen pics from all over the country of Ukrainian soldiers protecting animals.” Sky Otter. For lifetimes, we have survived by going numb … and in our numbness nothing changed. If anything, the diconnect continued to build, to worsen. Today’s world is hard to experience, devastatingly hard. Friends and families are torn apart, taking sides, hating each other — the fallout of partisanship reminds me of stories about the…

The Sedona International Film Festival is proud to present the Northern Arizona premiere of “The Score” showing June 4-9 at the Mary D. Fisher Theatre. From the producers of “Yesterday”, “The Score” boldly combines real time heist-thriller suspense with offbeat romance and a killer soundtrack; starring and featuring the music of Johnny Flynn, alongside Noami Ackie and Will Poulter. Every great plan need orchestration. One false note can ruin the perfect score. Two small time crooks, Mike (Flynn) and Troy (Poulter), are on a mission – the ‘score’ – that they both expect will transform their circumstances. At a roadside…

By Rabbi Alicia MagalShalom and greetings from the Rabbi, Board of Directors, and congregation of the Jewish Community of Sedona and the Verde Valley.All the services, classes, and programs are listed on the synagogue website.Come join us either in person or online. See jcsvv.org for instructions to register for in-person services or online links.On Friday, June 3, a Friday evening service, led by Rabbi Alicia Magal, begins at 5:30 pm both in person and on Zoom, and livestreamed for members and their invitees. Congregants participate by lighting candles, doing a reading, or having an Aliyah for the Torah service. Verses…

… a small sample of the life that is lived daily at Lake Pleasant and for that matter, near water throughout Arizona and the rest of the world. While some of us engage in acts of silliness and lose our minds to those useful, but wasteful digital things we call smart phones, life goes on all around us and it is not dependent on the latest email, sms message or twitter post … life is lived in the real world where it counts! We were on the water by 6AM this morning and almost immediately we were engaged with wildlife…

The Mary D. Fisher Theatre is honored to be the home for the Met Live Opera programs for the 2021-2022 season, presented by the Sedona International Film Festival. The season will conclude with Brett Dean’s “Hamlet” on Saturday, June 4. There will be one show at 10 a.m. — a live simulcast as it is happening at the Met! Plan to come early as John Steinbrunner will lead a pre-opera talk one hour before the production. When Australian composer Brett Dean’s “Hamlet” had its world premiere at the Glyndebourne Festival in 2017, The Guardian declared, “New opera doesn’t often get…

In consultation and coordination with the U.S. Forest Service, Yavapai County, and other fire agencies, Verde Valley Fire District will be entering into Stage II fire restrictions beginning 8:00 a.m. on Thursday, May 26, 2022.Stage II fire restrictions prohibit all solid fueled open fires, fire pits and campfires. Fireworks and other pyrotechnic displays are prohibited, unless permitted by the Fire Inspector. Also prohibited is the outdoor use of equipment that generates sparks or open flames; including, but not limited to: Welding equipment, grinders, and chainsaws. Commercial operators may apply for a hot work permit. During the period of fire restrictions…

…on my flight back from Falcon Field on May 20th 2014 I saw the initial smoke columns rising from Oak Creek Canyon from what was named the Slide Fire and I documented the fire nearly every day that it was burning and a number of photo journalists up to get photos on several occasion. It was a nasty fire and the USFS did an amazing job on it. On numerous occasions during the fire, Sedona and environs had all but disappeared in the smoke.This was the beginning to a summer that saw Sedona, the plateau and surrounding areas buried in…

Many respected theater critics consider the 1959 Broadway musical Gypsy to be the greatest American musical of the 20th century. Loosely based on the life of burlesque queen Gypsy Rose Lee and her relationship with a domineering stage mother, the original production featured the iconic Ethel Merman as “Mama Rose.” The character of Rose’s younger daughter “Dainty June” was played by then 21-year-old Lane Bradbury, a debutante from Atlanta, GA with just one previous Broadway credit on her resume. Sixty-three years after Bradbury opened in Gypsy—singing songs composed by Jule Styne with lyrics by Stephen Sondheim—“Dainty June” is coming to…

The theme for this year’s Summer Reading Program (SRP) is Oceans of Possibilities. The Children’s Library has put together 6 weeks of activities designed to encourage summer reading and help children keep learning through hands-on, informal STEM activities that promote creativity and discovery. The season kicks off on Thursday, June 2 at 10:00a in the Library’s 1st-floor Terracotta Room with a memorable, fun-filled presentation by Jan Sandwich as Mother Goose. Using the theme, Oceans of Possibilities, she will interact with the children through stories, songs, magic, and more. Children ages 0-12 are invited to participate in age-appropriate activities starting June…

By Amaya Gayle GregoryThe external appearance of life cannot demonstrate awakening. Life appears in all its shapes and sizes, forms and fascinations. It does its dance, sings its song, appears as all appearances: disasters and blessings, joy and sorrow, illness and health, poverty and wealth, regardless of one’s understanding.The thinking mind, the compare and contrast mechanism, says if I awaken my world will be repaired. I will have enough. I will be okay. The holy grail of finally-getting-it will heal all things in my life and at long last I will be able to relax and enjoy, have and appreciate.Wouldn’t…

… and these photos are a sample of what I experienced on the lake today … think the sounds of nature, birds singing songs, donkeys braying, water lapping the sides of the boat, light winds moving the foliage and bringing fresh scents from everywhere … life in all its wonder. Enjoy the photos and imagine yourself alone in nature seeing and experiencing these sights yourself … find a way to do it in real time and you will be changed forever. Have a beautiful day … keep breathing … be kind. Cheers, Ted Go afield and dream and forget;and you…

Due to warmer weather conditions, increased fire danger, and for public safety, Coconino National Forest will implement Stage 2 fire restrictions beginning 8 a.m. Thursday, May 26. The forest has been under Stage 1 fire restrictions since May 5, which prohibit campfires across the forest and limits them to developed recreations sites only. However, with warmer and windy weather, as well as key criteria being met, stricter fire restrictions will be implemented across the entire national forest–including developed recreation sites. Stage 2 fire restrictions prohibit the following:Building, maintaining, or using a fire, campfire, or stove fire, including charcoal, coal, and…

The Sedona Heritage Museum presents Michael Peach in a performance of his original show “Fool Me Twice!” on Saturday, June 4 at 1:30 p.m.Poet and historical researcher, Peach’s program is inspired by his investigations into Sedona and Arizona history. Sedona audiences have grown to love his style of blending original ‘cowboy’ poetry, tall tales, and historical humor as he exposes local mythology and takes a tongue-in-cheek look at quirky incidents from the past using jokes, storytelling, and first person narrative. As is customary with Mike’s shows, this one incorporates the spirit of the Old West with selections like this:“When dudes…

Camp Verde Community Library invites organizations, clubs, businesses, families, individuals, etc. looking for a community service project to participate in a new volunteer program at the library. Join volunteers from the library and volunteers from the University of AZ Yavapai County Extension Master Gardeners on Saturday, June 11 at 8:00a for a planting day to kick off the library’s new Adopt-a-Plot program. The idea of the Adopt-a-Plot program is to offer distinct plots around the library building to organizations, clubs, individuals, families, etc. to plant, maintain, and beautify. Inspired by the Adopt-a-Highway program, Adopt-a-Plot encourages community engagement and collective ownership…

Celebrating their 50th anniversary all year, this month’s Verde Village Property Owner Association (VVPOA) fundraising dinner event on Friday, June 24 features a one-hour hula show performed by the Cottonwood-based Hālau Hula Nāpuaokaleiʻilima under the direction of Kumu Hula Kēhau Chrisman. Enjoy a Hawaiian dinner menu (or a vegan menu choice is available) at 5PM and entertainment beginning at 6PM. All monthly dinners are open to the public. The Verde Village Property Owner Association (VVPOA) organized back in the 1970’s as a “Property Owners Association”, which is different from a HOA (Home Owners Association), as membership is completely voluntary and…

… there are hits and misses and tales from centuries and eons ago that revolve around the one that got away and the one that didn’t. Being human we have those days when we have opportunities that get away and days when they don’t and this common thread runs through all of life and life forms. In the shot above it looks like the Great Blue Heron has his dinner firmly under control as he lifts him out of the water, but the trout had other days … he preferred having dinner himself rather than being dinner … in the…

Recently, students of Deb Sanders’ 5th Grade class at West SedonaSchool suggested an important criterion for the selection of Sedona’sSister City….a dark skies commitment.The two fifth grade classes recently completed a STEM Communityproject on Sedona’s light pollution. Their final project, after studyingabout the importance of maintaining Sedona’s Dark Skies designation,was to create prototypes of code acceptable outdoor light fixtures. Onhearing about Sedona’s search for a sister city, the students invitedDon Groves, Sister Cities Board member, to hear their recommendationof a dark skies criterion.“ I really enjoyed the 5th grade representatives and their detailed slidepresentation of why our Sister City should…

By Amaya Gayle GregoryHave you glimpsed the truth of you, or at least as much of the truth as a being in form can glimpse? Are you attempting to stabilize in that grace? Does knowing you aren’t what you thought, cause a bit of a conundrum? Do you wonder, who acts? Are you confused about standing up, speaking out, when that would seemingly mean you stand against your own self? If God — or sub any word you like — is doing it all, is all, doesn’t that mean it’s all in hand, that you are relieved of duty?Big questions,…

Straight from the Broadway stage, Arts Alliance and Disney Theatrical Productions are thrilled to bring the encore of the Tony Award-winning musical “Newsies” to Sedona on Saturday, May 28 at 4 p.m. The Sedona International Film Festival hosts the big screen encore at its Mary D. Fisher Theatre. It is the perfect way to celebrate Memorial Day Weekend with a joyous celebration of song and dance! This encore performance marks the 10-year anniversary celebration of the Mary D. Fisher Theatre. All tickets are only $10 each in honor of this special 10-year anniversary milestone. Filmed live on stage at the…

The V-Bar-V Heritage Site, located on the Coconino National Forest’s Red Rock Ranger District, has re-opened following several months of construction work and site improvements. The heritage site now includes an American Disabilities Act-accessible viewing platform, a new security fence and a seating area. “We are excited to improve the accessibility and security of the petroglyph panel in a way that honors this sacred place and is respectful of the American Indian Tribes who still use and protect these areas today,” said District Ranger Amy Tinderholt. “We hope that the public will visit the site to learn about past and…

You can have a direct impact on how visitors treat the land. Visitors to Sedona often need help on how to best enjoy their stay while also preserving the beauty and tranquility of Red Rock Country. One of their most valuable resources is the Red Rock District Visitor Center (VC), located on Hwy 179 just south of the Village of Oak Creek. Friends of the Forest volunteers help staff the VC, providing information like how to avoid the most crowded trails, the importance of “Leave No Trace” and where to camp legally on National Forest land. Weekend and weekday shifts…

The city of Sedona invites the public to attend its next artist reception to view the “Fur & Fiber” exhibit on Thursday, June 2, 2022, from 4 to 6 p.m. in the City Council chambers and Vultee Conference Room at City Hall. This exhibit celebrates the work of digital painter Robert Albrecht and fiber artist Shirley Eichten Albrecht. Special music guest will be critically acclaimed artist, William Eaton, New Age guitarist and luthier.Albrecht spent many years as a professional photographer in the commercial and fashion industry. He always had a passion for creating the beautiful, the creative and the memorable…

Enjoy great shopping and dining at the Red Rose Art Show and Stagecoach Country Roadhouse. This event is sponsored by the Wild Thyme Restaurant Group, the newest restaurant to West Sedona known as the Stagecoach Country Roadhouse located at 1405 West Highway 89A. Beautiful patio dining on the lower and upper-level patios with red rock views. Totally remodeled with a western theme, private dining for special events, live music, and mechanical bull riding. The newest entertainment hub with a separate bar area featuring large screen televisions, live entertainment, karaoke and much more along with a relaxed separate dining area. Enjoy…

Shalom and greetings from the Rabbi, Board of Directors, and congregation of the Jewish Community of Sedona and the Verde Valley.All the services, classes, and programs are listed on the synagogue website.Come join us either in person or online. See jcsvv.org for instructions to register for in-person services or for online zoom links.On Friday, May 27, a Friday evening service, led by Rabbi Alicia Magal, begins at 5:30 pm both in person and on Zoom, and livestreamed for members and their invitees. Congregants participate by lighting candles, offering a reading, or having the honor of an Aliyah for the Torah…

… dreaming of castles and flight and it can all come true if you want it to and put in the effort to make it happen. Sometimes the real experiences can be recalled and you can close your eyes and re-live the moment. In the photo above we have a Great Blue Heron just taking to flight from the shallow waters near a small sand spit in Lake Pleasant … or any body of water you choose to see him and below we have the hoodoo section of Sycamore Canyon. The hoodoos are located in the upper reaches of the…

The Sedona International Film Festival is proud to present the Northern Arizona encore of the “Memphis” the musical on Friday, May 27 at 7 p.m. at the Mary D. Fisher Theatre. This encore performance marks the 10-year anniversary celebration of the Mary D. Fisher Theatre. All tickets are only $10 each in honor of this special 10-year anniversary milestone. Winner of four Tony Awards including Best Musical and a Primetime Emmy Award, “Memphis” lit the stage of Broadway’s legendary Shubert Theatre for nearly 1,200 performances. “Memphis” takes place in the smoky halls and underground clubs of the segregated 50’s, where…

The city of Sedona encourages those interested to come pick up free COVID-19 rapid tests at the Police Department lobby at 102 Roadrunner Dr. on a first come, first served basis.Received from the Arizona Department of Health Services, and with help from Coconino County, the tests are accompanied by a self-test letter with additional information from the county on what to do with results, isolation and quarantine guidance, and instructions. Residents in both Yavapai and Coconino counties may help themselves to these free tests. The city asks that people only take the tests they need so that there are enough…

In recent years, thanks in large part to Sedona’s housing boom and increased demand for art, the experts at Rowe Fine Art Gallery have noticed art lovers getting creative when it comes to placing their treasures inside their home – or, in some instances, outside of it. We’re talking about art in gardens, courtyards, driveways and landscapes. It’s Time to Think Outside the Home, Rowe Gallery’s June show, opens Friday, June 3, from 4 to 7 p.m., with an emphasis on bronze sculptures in the great outdoors. The show runs through the month. Homeowners are surprised when they hear how…

Love quilting? Got questions? Members of the Red Rock Quilters will be the featured guests for Monday at the Museum on Monday, May 23, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Perhaps bring a small project to work on and enjoy the fellowship of quilting by getting your questions answered or just talking about the joy of quilting. They welcome all levels of quilters, fabric lovers, guests and traveling quilters. There is no charge for this demonstration. “Mondays at the Museum” is a workshop/ demonstration held every Monday; please call for a current schedule. The Museum is always looking for participants…

… the dramatic comes first although it is out of sequence … in the shot below, our Osprey friend is leaving his perch above the pond and has targeted the trout that will provide his nourishment for the evening. Left behind on the branch is a Turkey Vulture who is waiting for leftovers; they let others kill and provide them with their food. Like modern man they rely on others to kill and prepare their food … not surprisingly they are also the most intelligent of the raptors. In the shot above, the Osprey has been successful and acquired his…

The Sedona International Film Festival is proud to present the Northern Arizona encore of the lavish musical “42nd Street” from London’s West End for one day only on Friday, May 27 at 4 p.m. at the Mary D. Fisher Theatre. This encore performance marks the 10-year anniversary celebration of the Mary D. Fisher Theatre. All tickets are only $10 each in honor of this special 10-year anniversary milestone. One of Broadway’s most classic and beloved tales, “42nd Street”, comes cinema screens in the largest-ever production of the breathtaking musical. The musical, set in 1933, tells the story of Peggy Sawyer,…

The picturesque, natural setting of Ponderosa pines is the site for Much Ado About Nothing, one of Shakespeare’s most frequently performed comedies. Now Laark Productions moves things to a new continent and a new era. On Friday and Saturday, June 17 & 18, and 24 & 25, Shakespeare in the Pines will take place outdoors, under the stars in the Kiwanis Amphitheater. Tickets are $45.00 and include 2 drink tickets and are available by calling 928-776-9550 or online at highlandscenter.org/shakespeare-in-the-pines/ An optional pre-order gourmet “40s Summer Picnic” basket is available for $10, provided by El Gato Azul. A gluten-free meal…

Health First Foundation Northern Arizona recently awarded more than $400,000 in grants and scholarships to improve health and well-being in the region. As part of its annual Northern Arizona Community Health Grant cycle, the foundation awarded grants to four nonprofits for initiatives demonstrating a positive and sustainable impact on community health in the region. Grants of up to $100,000 each went to: Red Feather Development Group for clean water access and hygiene solutions in Hopi and Navajo homes lacking running water. Water and hygiene resources are proven, cost-effective ways to reduce disease. North Country HealthCare for team-based care in a…

… it was a delightful day … long lunch with a friend and then shooting along Oak Creek to close the day out. Friends who live on the creek have this very old and very neat Sycamore tree that has a branch that broke off many years ago and where it broke off there is a very distinct fave that glows in the afternoon sun … further downstream another friend has property on the creek and we went down there to see if I could get some shots of a huge Sycamore tree on his property … didn’t turn out…

The Sedona International Film Festival is proud to present the Northern Arizona premiere of “Firebird” showing May 20-26 at the Mary D. Fisher Theatre. Based on a true story during the Cold War, “Firebird” is a passionate love story set against the backdrop of an Air Force Base in occupied Estonia during late 1970’s Communist rule. Sergey (Tom Prior), a soulful, young soldier who dreams of becoming an actor in Moscow, is counting the days until his military service ends. His life turned upside down when he locks eyes with Roman (Oleg Zagorodnii), a sexy, enigmatic ace fighter pilot newly…

On Monday, May 16, the Chinle Chapter Government hosted an appreciation luncheon to recognize the Phase I and Phase II relief efforts of the Navajo & Hopi Families COVID-19 Relief Fund.“Chinle Chapter wanted to say thank you and show our appreciation to the staff from Navajo & Hopi Families COVID-19 Relief Fund,” said Chinle Chapter President Rosanna Jumbo-Fitch. “We’re very appreciative of the staff who participated in helping our community and surrounding chapters.”During the Relief Fund’s Phase I and Phase II relief efforts, the Chinle Chapter Government stepped forward as a critical partner to assist relief efforts by mobilizing volunteers…

The city of Sedona’s Public Works Department will begin construction on shade structures and playground improvements at Posse Grounds Park, on May 31, 2022, in conjunction with Play it Safe Playgrounds Inc., Precision Construction LLC and Flex Ground Inc. As such, the playground area will be closed for approximately 120 days as new features are installed including slides, swings, climbing boards, a catwalk, rope ladders, a cyclone spinner, rubberized flexground, and shade structures over the new playground and bleachers along the adjacent field.The new Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) playground design will be inclusive by nature inviting children of all…

The Coconino National Forest has reduced the size of the closure area for the Tunnel Fire to allow for increased access and recreation in areas that access Lockett Meadow and the inner basin via Forest Road 552. A Burned Area Emergency Response (BAER) team has completed its assessment of the Tunnel Fire areas, and the Flagstaff Ranger District has determined it is safe to reduce the size of the closure in that area. Information about the BAER results can be found on the Tunnel Fire BAER Inciweb page, including the Soil Burn Severity Map. At this time, the closure is…

… Willow Lake in Prescott is one of several lakes in the area and features a nice wooded area which is fully in the water and another part of the lake is in the granite dells. Above is a photo of a beautiful rock formation with bushes and lichen … a wee bit of artwork on it and voila a beautiful abstract piece of art. Below is a shot I took whilst slowly going through the wooded area looking for wildlife and enthralled by the natural beauty and the amazing Arizona blue sky. They only allow electric motors on the…

Sedona International Film Festival presents the Exhibition on Screen series with “Pissarro: Father of Impressionism”. The event will show in Sedona on Tuesday, May 24 at 4 p.m. at the festival’s Mary D. Fisher Theatre. Born in the West Indies, Camille Pissarro found his passion in paint as a young man in Paris, and by the age of 43 had corralled a group of enthusiastic artists into a new collective. Their first show was scorned by the critics, but the group had acquired a new name: the Impressionists. For the next 40 years Pissarro was the driving force behind what…

By Amaya Gayle GregoryI don’t think I will be successful relaying my thoughts this time. I barely can see them myself … and I need to write them down for me, not for anyone else. It’s one of the ways this I am makes sense of insights, one of the ways they are integrated within.Where to start? I don’t even know where to start. Gosh, isn’t that fun.Do you look in the mirror and like what you see? Perhaps you have quit looking in the mirror and just walk on by. I have a rather large mirror on the bathroom…

The Sedona International Film Festival is proud to present the Northern Arizona one-day-only premiere of “Hello, Bookstore” on Monday, May 23 at 4 and 7 p.m. at the Mary D. Fisher Theatre. In the shadow of the pandemic, a small town rallies to protect a beloved local bookstore. A landmark in Lenox, Massachusetts, The Bookstore is a magical, beatnik gem thanks to its owner Matt Tannenbaum, whose passion for stories runs deep. This intimate portrait of The Bookstore and the family at its heart offers a journey through good times, hard times, and the stories hidden on the shelves. Thomas…

Kris Neri, award winning author and former owner of The Well Red Coyote bookstore in Sedona, returns to the Verde Valley to present a free workshop for writers, aspiring writers, and readers on Thursday, May 19 at 4:00 pm, at Studio B (Old Town Center for the Arts) in Cottonwood.Neri will share the techniques necessary to capture a vivid sense of place, for fiction, nonfiction and memoir writers. She will discuss how including a strong sense of place enriches your writing. In addition, Neri will explain the way to transform a static background into an active part of your narration,…

Join us on Thursday, May 26th from 5:00-6:30 pm in Camp Verde Community Library’s Fireside Room for our next free Music in the Stacks Special Concert Series featuring Jo B. & Walton Trio. Music in the Stacks Special Concert Series is a showcase of local and national musicians who entertain regularly in Northern Arizona. There will be one band or solo artist that plays for the duration of the concert with a different artist playing each month, on the last Thursday of the month. This month’s concert is performed by Jo B. & Walton Trio featuring singer-songwriter Jo Berger on…

Shalom and greetings from the Rabbi, Board of Directors, and congregation of the Jewish Community of Sedona and the Verde Valley.All the services, classes, and programs are listed on the synagogue website.Come join us either in person or online. See jcsvv.org for instructions to register for in-person services or for online zoom links.On Friday, May 20, a Friday evening service, led by Rabbi Alicia Magal, begins at 5:30 pm both in person and on Zoom, and livestreamed for members and their invitees. Congregants participate by lighting candles, offering a reading, or having the honor of an Aliyah for the Torah…

Hālau Hula Nāpuaokaleiʻilima, now in its 18th year, announces Kumu Hula (master teacher) Kēhau Chrisman 2022 class schedule in Beginner Hula, Hawaiian ʻUkulele, and Hawaiian (ʻŌlelo) language. This creates an unique opportunity to be immersed in the culture of Hawaiʻi. Kumu Kehau Chrisman started studying hula in 1983 until she began seriously training in 1993 to become a kumu hula under the direction of Kumu Bill Correa on Hawaiʻi Island. This was achieved in 2000 to reach the highest rank of Hula Master (comparable to a PhD in Hula) following rigorous protocols taught by well-known and respected Hawaiian hula masters.…

The Old Town Center for the Arts is pleased to announce the Annual Bob Dylan Birthday Concert, on Saturday, May 21, from 7:00 to 10:00 pm, at the Old Town Center for the Arts in Cottonwood. For fourteen years, from 2006 through 2019, this annual celebration of the musical legacy of Bob Dylan, resumes again this year, and is performed by some of the best musicians in the Sedona/Verde Valley area, This event has been one of the most popular music events at OTCA and all of northern Arizona.Bob Dylan, an American singer-songwriter, author, visual artist, Grammy winner, Academy Award…

… when flying over the San Francisco volcanic field you get an appreciation of how earth has been sculpted over millions of years and in the photograph above you are looking back about six million years in time.The first volcanoes in the field began around what is now Williams, Arizona and just to the right of the San Francisco Peaks on the left you can see Bill Williams Mountain far back, which is approximately 3.8 million years old … just to the right of it is Sitgreaves Mountain and to the right of it is Kendrick Peak which is about…

The Mary D. Fisher Theatre is honored to be the home for the Met Live Opera programs for the 2021-2022 season, presented by the Sedona International Film Festival. The season will continue with Gaetano Donizetti’s “Lucia Di Lammermoor” on Saturday, May 21. There will be one show at 10 a.m. — a live simulcast as it is happening at the Met! Plan to come early as John Steinbrunner will lead a pre-opera talk one hour before the production. Soprano Nadine Sierra takes on one of the repertory’s most formidable and storied roles, the haunted heroine of Donizetti’s “Lucia di Lammermoor”,…

The Old Town Center for the Arts is pleased to announce the Blues Dawg Reunion Concert on Friday, May 20, at 7:00, at the Old Town Center for the Arts in Cottonwood. This concert is sponsored by Best Western Cottonwood Inn and Lee Worthen, and kicks off Saturday’s separate Bob Dylan concert, at OTCA.Joe Neri, former Sedona/Verde Valley musician and concert producer, who now lives in Silver City, New Mexico, is returning to the Old Town Center for the Arts for a special reunion concert by his rockin’ blues band, Blues Dawg.Neri founded Blues Dawg in Los Angeles in 1998…

In partnership with the National Forest Foundation, Coconino National Forest is excited to announce the signing of a decision memo that designates specific areas for dispersed camping and day-use sites in west Sedona that will preserve and protect the entire area from overuse and negative impacts. Signed by Red Rock District Ranger Amy Tinderholt, the West Sedona Designated Dispersed Camping and Day-use Areas Decision Memo allows for the first phase of construction to begin immediately. The first part of implementation will begin with construction and installation of information kiosks, signage, and boulder placement to block off user-created roads and campsites,…

The Sedona Heritage Museum will join with the Sedona chapter of the DAR (Daughters of the American Revolution) to honor veterans and military on Armed Forces Day with a ‘walk of flags’ at the Museum.The flag display will be in place on May 21st, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Museum. The Oak Creek Chapter National Society of the DAR will be providing and installing the flags. All veterans, active military and families are invited to come and take photos with the outdoor colorful display.The Sedona Heritage Museum is located at 735 Jordan Road in Jordan Historical Park…

… a lot of the photos in my portfolio have been shot around home … in the yard and around it … sitting on the deck whilst keeping an eye on my little predator who has a penchant for attacking predators much larger than herself.May is always the month for our Spuria Innovator iris’s to bloom … a very tall plant and beautiful beyond imagination. A friend planted them for Corky, early summer in 2013 and she loved them. Since she was on hospice, we all knew that she would never see them bloom, but having seen them in our…

The Sedona International Film Festival is proud to present the Northern Arizona premiere of “Anais in Love” showing May 20-25 at the Mary D. Fisher Theatre. “Anais in Love” — a buoyant French comedy from director Charline Bourgeois-Tacquet — follows spirited and romantic thirtysomething Anaïs (Anaïs Demoustier) in her manic search for stability. Behind on her rent, contemplating breaking up with her boyfriend, and struggling to complete her thesis, Anaïs searches for inspiration while hurtling through lovers with abandon. When her affair with an older book publisher Daniel (Denis Podalydès) leads to her falling for his live-in partner Emilie (Valeria…

On May 08, 2022, at approximately 12:43pm YCSO deputies responded to a call on the Granite Mountain Trailhead in Prescott from two people who reported that an unidentified driver endangered their lives and injured their horse.The two victims reported that three male riders ended their ride and headed back to their truck and horse trailer. While the men were at their truck and trailer, one of them shouted at the two victims, protesting they “could have parked in a better location to allow for others to park.” According to the victims, both sets of trucks and trailers were parked on…

Emerson Theater Collaborative presents Friday Night at the Theater on May 22, 7 to 8 p.m. at Arts Academy of Sedona in The Collective Sedona located at 7000 SR-179, Suite C-100 in the Village of Oak Creek. This cabaret-style event will feature music, dance, recitation and drama from a variety of local artists. Entertainment slated for this month includes Musicians, The Village Troubadours: Jashan and Chantal, Dancers, Cheryl Good and Cassie Mavis, Bob Grogan and Cindy Cole, Gary Every and Zoot Suite Zebras, Linda Damita, and Nathan Trujillo, Gary Scott, Shaeri Richards, Matt Egan, Craig Schneider, Rebecca Ricky and Camilla…

On Saturday and Sunday June 4th and 5th the thirteenth annual Flagstaff Hullabaloo presented by Snow Mountain River returns to Wheeler Park in downtown Flagstaff, AZ. Hullabaloo is a community festival and a celebration of summertime. Hullabaloo has been voted “Best Annual Event or Festival” ten times by Arizona Daily Sun and Flagstaff Live readers. Flagstaff Hullabaloo has raised over $130,000 for local non-profits since 2010. This year Hullabaloo will raise funds for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Flagstaff, Boys & Girls Club of Flagstaff and Flagstaff Family Food Center.The Hullabaloo will kick off with the Flagstaff Athletic Club Bike…

The 100 Women Who Care Sedona-Verde Valley Chapter hosted their first in-person Giving Circle for members on Monday, May 2 at The Elks Club in Sedona. Members had the opportunity to hear from four past recipients: Verde Valley Caregivers, Manzanita Outreach, Big Brother & Big Sisters, and the Verde Valley Sanctuary and learn how their donations impacted the mission of the organization. The three nonprofit finalists were Healthy World Sedona represented by Bev Bow; Healing Consciousness Foundation represented by Beth DuPree, MD; and Sedona-Oak Creek Educational Foundation represented by Jeannette Bill. Each presented their mission and reasons they should be…

… I stopped by the Rainbow Trout Farm in Oak Creek Canyon on my way home from Williams to say hi to friends and perhaps get a shot at some Osprey’s as they went for trout dinner from the buffet which is set out for them.An Osprey soon appeared and for more than fifteen minutes he was attempting to lock onto a trout in the pond but was having a lot of trouble and pass after pass, hover after hover resulted in zero dives for a fish. The air was very windy and turbulent and on top of that the…

The Sedona Heritage Museum will be one of more than 2,000 museums across America to offer free admission to active duty military personnel and their families this summer, including National Guard and Reserve, beginning May 21, 2022 – Armed Forces Day. The offer will run through Labor Day, September 5, 2022. This year the Museum will kick-off their participation in the program with a flag display on May 21st, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. The flags will be posted to create a beautiful photo opportunity for anyone to take advantage of. The Oak Creek Chapter National Society of the…

The city of Sedona invites applicants to participate in a community food scraps compost pilot program. The pilot program will be available to 50 households in Sedona. Participating households will be able to drop off food scraps at Posse Grounds Park during open park hours. The drop-off location is located by the tennis courts at the current Sedona Recycles drop-off location. It is fenced off to prevent javelina and other animals from accessing the site.Vegetable scraps, bread, grains, tea bags and coffee grounds will be accepted, while meat, bones, bioplastics and yard waste will not be accepted. All food scraps…

By Amaya Gayle Gregory The writing that comes through me is puzzling at times. If feels like it is all over the board — definitely not a linear progression. Would be so much cleaner if it was . I used to watch the ones who claimed to have found it and observing their calm presence, wanted to cross that finish line too. Now I realize there isn’t a finish line at all. Such ideas are sleight of hand, wants and wishes crafting something out of nothing, creating concepts of finished and unfinished and making them appear as possibilities … like…

… time rummaging through older folders tonight and after working the top photo of a Western Bluebird up, I saw another shot of a Western Bluebird that I liked a lot too, so we have two of them tonight.The shot at the top is kind of neat as it shows our bluebird friend puching through the space between two forks of a branch with feet assisting and wings being compressed and folded back. The shot below is simply a beautiful bird, perched and allowing his beauty to be shared with you tonight. Also the well known fact that the birds…

The Sedona International Film Festival is proud to present the Northern Arizona one-day-only premiere of “The Automat” on Thursday, May 19 at 4 and 7 p.m. at the Mary D. Fisher Theatre. Once upon a nickel, before fast food, one American restaurant empire was unstoppable. Experience the untold story of “The Automat,” a documentary film directed by Lisa Hurwitz and starring Mel Brooks and featuring Carl Reiner, Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Elliott Gould, Colin Powell and Howard Schultz. “The Automat” recounts the lost history of the iconic restaurant chain Horn & Hardart, which served affordable-priced quality food to millions of New…

Yavapai County Recorder, Leslie Hoffman would like to announce that new Voter ID Cards have been mailed to all Yavapai County registered voters.New ID Cards are being sent due to Congressional and Legislative boundary changes required by the Arizona Independent Redistricting Commission.Please discard any previously mailed Voter ID Cards.Should you have any questions or concerns regarding your new Voter ID Card, please contact Yavapai County Voter Registration at 928-771-3248 or by e-mail at web.voter.registration@yavapaiaz.gov.The Yavapai County Recorder’s Office is now on Facebook and Twitter. Please follow us at: facebook.com/ycrecorderelect and twitter.com/yavapairecorder

Music in the Stacks returns on Thursday, May 12th at 5:30 pm in Camp Verde Community Library’s Fireside Room. Music in the Stacks is a showcase of local and national musicians who entertain regularly in Northern Arizona. There are 3-5 different performers during the show, with a rotating variety each month. May’s concert features the following talented local musicians: Gary Simpkins, Christy Fisher, Mike McReynolds, Tony Cook, and Matt Fabritz. Gary Simpkins has been around the folk/rock, singer/songwriter scene since the ’60’s, cutting his teeth on the Open Mic scene in his college days in New Haven. He’s played gigs…

The National Park Service is pleased to announce the availability of the Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) for the Wupatki National Monument Backcountry Management Plan/Environmental Assessment (plan/EA). The plan/EA and FONSI are available for viewing online at the monument’s Planning, Environment & Public Comment page: (https://parkplanning.nps.gov/WUPA_BMP-EA); https://parkplanning.nps.gov/WUPA_BMP_FONSI). The FONSI, signed by the NPS regional director for Interior Regions 6, 7, and 8 on April 25, 2022, describes the selected action and explains why the plan will have no significant effects on the natural, cultural, or human environment. Therefore, an environmental impact statement will not be prepared. The FONSI is…

Sedona’s SAVCO organization (Sedona Area Veteran & Community Outreach) will conduct the first full Memorial Day service in three years Monday May 30th, 0900-1000 at the Sedona Military Park which is located within the Jack Jameson Memorial Sculpture Park, 25 Northview Rd Sedona AZ. Members of the Civil Air Patrol Verde Valley Composite Squadron 205 and the Sedona Police Explores Post #7100 program will participate as well.John Currivan, a Navy pilot and JAG Officer is this year’s guest speaker. Bugler Captain Dean Cathcart from the Civil Air Patrol will be on hand as well as local singing sensations Samantha Noelle…

Sedona International Film Festival presents the Great Art on Screen series with “Tutankhamun: The Last Exhibition”. The event will show in Sedona on Tuesday, May 17 at 4 p.m. at the festival’s Mary D. Fisher Theatre. Great Art on Screen is a series of documentaries featuring an in-depth look at the most extraordinary and groundbreaking art masters of their time. To mark the centenary of the discovery of Tutankhamun’s tomb, “Tutankhamun: The Last Exhibition” offers audiences an extraordinary opportunity to meet the Pharaoh, with exclusive coverage of how 150 of his treasures were moved to become part of the biggest…

This Mother’s Day Weekend enjoy great shopping and dining at the Red Rose Art Show and Stagecoach Country Roadhouse. This event is sponsored by the Wild Thyme Restaurant Group the newest restaurant to West Sedona known as the Stagecoach Country Roadhouse located at 1405 West Highway 89A. Beautiful patio dining on the lower and upper-level patios with red rock views. Totally remolded with a western theme private dining for special events, live music, and mechanical bull riding. The newest entertainment hub with a separate bar area featuring large screen televisions, live entertainment, karaoke and much more along with a relaxed…

By Rabbi Alicia MagalShalom and greetings from the Rabbi, Board of Directors, and congregation of the Jewish Community of Sedona and the Verde Valley.All the services, classes, and programs are listed on the synagogue website.Come join us either in person or online. See jcsvv.org for instructions to register for in-person services.On Friday, May 13, a Friday evening service, led by Rabbi Alicia Magal, begins at 5:30 pm both in person and on Zoom, and livestreamed for members and their invitees. Congregants participate by lighting candles, doing a reading, or having an Aliyah for the Torah service. Verses from the Torah…

… being the most intelligent of the raptors it is only natural for the Turkey Vulture to conduct classes from a lectern over the shores of Lake Pleasant … I rather rudely interrupted to take a few pictures of him before moving on. Later that morning I was drifting down a very narrow bay and a rush of motion caught my eye and there climbing up on a rock near shore was this Chuckwalla lizard who did not appreciate my presence interrupting his nap in the sun. The Chuckwalla lizard is about a foot and a half long and is…

Celebrate the spirit, songs and stories of Neil Diamond when world-renowned singer, songwriter and entertainer William Florian brings his live show and concert “The Neil Diamond Story” to Sedona. Florian is a former member of the famous 1960’s group The New Christy Minstrels. There will be one performance on Sunday, May 15 at 7 p.m. at the Mary D. Fisher Theatre, presented by the Sedona International Film Festival. William weaves stories, songs, and humor from Neil Diamond’s early acoustic years honoring the life and achievements of this legendary minstrel. You will find yourself singing along as William performs Diamond’s most…

Yavapai County Elections Director, Lynn Constabile would like to announce the locations that have been approved by the Board of Supervisors to be Vote Centers in the August 2, 2022 Primary Election and November 8, 2022 General Election. Registered voters in Yavapai County may go to any of these locations to vote in-person on Election Day, from 6 AM to 7 PM. Voters may also drop-off early ballots at these locations on Election Day.Camp Verde Area • Camp Verde Community Gym, 51 E Hollamon St, Camp VerdeChino Valley Area • Grace Baptist Church, 2010 S Highway 89, Chino Valley •…

Hollace Davids and Judith Fogarty were just beginning their lives in 1969 when they attended the Woodstock Music Festival. These two fascinating women will share their Woodstock memories of peace, love and music at The Sedona Women (“TSW”) program meeting on May 11, 2022.The famous Woodstock Music Festival was held August 15-18, 1969 on a dairy farm in Bethel, N.Y. The country was embroiled in the Vietnam war as well as the civil rights movement culminating in great national unrest. Woodstock became a symbol of that movement. Despite the traffic, rain, mud and logistical challenges, young people came from far…

… early this morning I headed down to Lake Pleasant to spend a quiet day on the lake and as always to search for life and photograph what I found. It was a busy morning and lots of life. In these three photographs all of the subjects are reaching for the sky … leaping and stretching their wings to begin the first of many powerful beats; first to attain flight and then to maintain it and go somewhere.The feet of the Great Blue Heron above are just about to leave the water and both eagle shots show the talons just…

The Sedona International Film Festival is proud to present the Northern Arizona premiere of the awe-inspiring documentary “The Sanctity of Space” showing May 13-18 at the Mary D. Fisher Theatre. Climbers/filmmakers Renan Ozturk and Freddie Wilkinson retrace the steps of pioneering mountaineer and aerial photographer Bradford Washburn. Inspired by Washburn’s iconic images of Alaska, Ozturk and Wilkinson attempt the unprecedented traverse of the Mooses Tooth massif. Brad Washburn was the greatest aerial mountain photographer of all time. Hanging out the open door of an airplane, he flew above unmapped mountain ranges — capturing iconic images with which he could make…

The 2022 fire season has begun early in Northern Arizona, as the Crooks Fire near Prescott and the Tunnel Fire near Flagstaff have unfortunately shown.On Thursday May 26 from 10:00 – 11:30 the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) will host a community conversation to discuss how the Verde Valley can best prepare for fire season. The session will take place in Room 34 at Yavapai College, 4215 Arts Village Drive in West Sedona. The session is free and open to the public.During this panel discussion, attendees will learn about the current threat of wildland fire in the Verde Valley, how…

The Verde Valley Sanctuary Board of Directors is pleased to announce that Jessye Johnson has taken the helm as the organization’s Executive Director. Jessye has a rich history of serving children, families, and survivors of domestic and sexual violence as a seasoned nonprofit leader with deep roots in Arizona. Jessye has over two decades of experience within the violence against women movement, with the last ten (10) years as an executive leader for local and statewide nonprofit organizations. Throughout her career she has assisted in the passage of critical legislation to help survivors of domestic and sexual violence, acquired and…

Approximately 5 miles of Mt Elden Road will be closed today till July 1 for construction associated with reducing sediment flooding from the Museum Fire and in order to keep the public safe during heavy construction activities.This temporary closure prohibits motorized vehicles, pedestrians, and cyclists from using the Elden Lookout Road (Forest Road 557) and Trail #153 (Rocky Ridge Trail) in the closed portions identified in the order and map. Those exempt from this temporary closure include participants with the Cocodona 250 Race, which was coordinated and planned well before this closure order was developed. Safety personnel will be placed…

By Amaya Gayle GregoryThe simplest lesson of all, perhaps the most important too … why is it so hard to learn? What has to transpire in order for the simplest lesson to actually sink in, all the way in, so far in that there is no in, no out left? I love sci-fi, especially sci-fi with a deeper meaning and most of the sci-fi is replete with meaning if you aren’t just there for the action scenes. I watched Dr. Strange again last night. There’s so much about that film that resonates, that reaches a deep place within. I’d heard…

… slipping into the wild and experiencing the wildlife in their natural habitat is life changing and will always keep you coming back … and when you are away from it for a while, gazing at photos of it will satisfy, until once again you can return to the real life. The Bald Eagle is crossing a quiet bay as he searches for food and a Great Blue Heron is on his way to another location on the lake where the fish will be more plentiful than it was here. Another beautiful day and a great deal learned, but still…

The Sedona International Film Festival is proud to present the charming new drama “Haute Couture” showing May 13-18 at the Mary D. Fisher Theatre. “Haute Couture” is a charming drama that takes viewers inside the House of Dior for a fascinating look at the world of high fashion, told through the stories of two women: Esther (legendary French icon Nathalie Baye) and Jade (rising star Lyna Khoudri). Esther is at the end of her career as Head Seamstress at Dior Avenue Montaigne workshop. One day, she gets her handbag stolen in the metro by a 20 years old girl, Jade.…

Health First Foundation Northern Arizona is among the first organizations nationwide to be recognized as a Healthy People 2030 Champion by the Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Health First Foundation is part of a growing network of public and private organizations partnering with ODPHP to improve health and well-being at local, state and tribal levels. As a Healthy People 2030 Champion, Health First has demonstrated a commitment to helping achieve the Healthy People 2030 vision of a society where all people can reach their full potential for health…

The Rotary Club of Sedona Village held the 3rd annual Grocery Grab shopping spree on Saturday, April 23 at Clark’s Market.The Rotary Club of Sedona Village members sold tickets to friends, neighbors, and supporters for one month leading up to the shopping spree. The winner was chosen at the annual plant & seed sale held in the community garden on Saturday, April 16. The winner of the shopping spree this year was the Verde Valley Sanctuary. Shoppers representing the Verde Valley Sanctuary were able to choose items to treat the many children they are serving through their program. With 5…

Effective Thursday, May 5 the following agencies will implement campfire and smoking restrictions:Coconino, Kaibab [Williams and Tusayan Ranger Districts], Prescott, Tonto and Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests;Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Phoenix and Colorado River Districts;Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management as it relates to state trust lands in Coconino County south of the Grand Canyon, Mohave, La Paz, Yavapai, Yuma, Maricopa, Gila, Graham, Greenlee, Apache and Navajo counties. Beginning May 5, 2022, and until rescinded, the following are prohibited: Building, maintaining, attending or using a fire, campfire, charcoal, coal or wood stove fire, except within a developed recreation site, or…

El Valle Artist Association Artist of the Month for April is Cathy Demko, for her original oil painting of a white bird. When Cathy Demko discovered her talent for painting, she knew it was what she was meant to do. Multitalented, she paints in every medium and has shown in galleries from Carmel, California to the Florida Everglades and in various professional publications including Western Art and Architecture and Phoenix Home and Garden, and Naples Magazine. Her art has been a 40 year adventure and Cathy claims “Every day is a new beginning, my motivation for painting comes to me…

… the other day friends walked by home, walking a beautiful little lady named Misha … they are taking care of their sons dog for a few weeks and what a beautiful creature she is. I took more than a hundred shots of her against various backdrops including a few when they first arrived as is captured below by Peter as I was taking the first shots. One is perched on top of the barbecue with bored disinterest on full display … not sure what breed Misha is, but those blue eyes are absolutely amazing. Lots of work organizing and…

From May 19 through June 21, 2022, the ‘Tis Art Center and Gallery in historic downtown Prescott will present “Journeys in Spirit 2022”: Traditional and Contemporary Native Art. Produced in partnership with the Museum of Indigenous People, with additional support from the City of Prescott and the Prescott Area Arts and Humanities Council, this fascinating exhibit will showcase the artwork, culture and stories of a diverse group of Native artists. Attendees will have a chance to meet the artists during Prescott’s 4th Friday Art Walk, on May 27 from 5-7 p.m. From the rock paintings and carvings of early ancestors…

The Sedona Historical Society is hosting a free open house so the entire community can participate in celebration of their 40th anniversary of “Saving History & Making History”. Set for Saturday, May 14 from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., the free event will have old-time fun, food, entertainment and activities for everyone.This will be a day for locals and visitors to experience the Society’s Sedona Heritage Museum and have some hands-on experiences. A full schedule of these activities begins at 11 a.m. with a brief ceremony of recognition of Society past presidents and introduction of pioneer members. Sedona’s mayor, Sandy…

A Forest Service Burned Area Emergency Response (BAER) team began surveying the fire-affected areas within the Tunnel Fire perimeter this past Saturday.BAER team assessments are rapid evaluations of post-fire conditions of the burned landscape. These assessments determine the level of risk from potential flooding and debris flow, and calculate how these risks will affect both human safety and the natural and cultural resources in the area. The Tunnel Fire BAER team, led by Forest Service Hydrologist Brendan Waterman, will conduct field surveys, and use science-based models to rapidly evaluate and assess the burned area. BAER is an emergency program for…

Red Earth Theatre brings live theatre to the Patio de las Campanas at Tlaquepaque on Wednesday, May 18th at 7pm with an evening of 10-minute plays by five different playwrights from all over the country. Swimming with Giants by Liz Kerlin is read by Michael Gallagher and Abigail Heydorn with Zayne Hirsch. A Chihuahua is desperate to be useful at the beach. Liz is an artist and non-profit administrator working in Kansas City, MO. This 10-minute play piece was originally featured in the Women on Stage playwrighting festival in 2019. Prescott author Melanie Ewbank wrote Old School which is read…

By Amaya Gayle GregoryIt’s a story you tell yourself, you know the one that you are broken. It isn’t true. It couldn’t be true for you are the whole enchilada. Love that — the idea of the cosmos (within without around and through) as infinite layers of tortillas, dripping with melting cheeses, polka dotted with ripe olives and smothered in yummy red sauce and dollops of guacamole. It as good a story as any, at least as good as the idea that we could be broken, that we are works in progress, that something needs to change and then we’ll…

The Sedona International Film Festival is proud to join cinemas around the globe for a worldwide theatrical fan event “ABBA: The Movie” showing Thursday and Saturday, May 12 and 14 at the Mary D. Fisher Theatre. Have the time of your life when “ABBA: The Movie” dances back into movie theaters for a special two-day fan event celebrating 50 years since the Swedish pop sensation was formed and 45 years since the film’s original release. Captured by director Lasse Hallström during their mega-successful tour of Australia, the newly remastered film will take you on a flashback journey to the 1970s…

Beginning 8 a.m. Thursday, May 5, Stage 1 fire and smoking restrictions will be in effect on the entirety of the Coconino National Forest in addition to the Williams and Tusayan Districts (aka “South Zone”) of the Kaibab National Forest.The City of Flagstaff will enter Stage 1 fire restrictions at that time as well.Under Forest Service Stage 1 restrictions, fires, campfires, charcoal, coal and wood stoves are prohibited, except within a developed recreation site. Smoking is also prohibited, except within an enclosed vehicle, building or a developed recreation site. Fireworks are always prohibited on all national forest and state lands.Using…

The Sedona Heritage Museum is hosting the next in its Living History speaker series on Thursday May 12 at 10:00 a.m. at the Museum when Joanne Vancore will present “The Harvey Girls”. The Harvey Girls were pioneers of the West who broke barriers as the country’s first national corp of independent women, working in the 1800s – 1900s, before women were readily accepted or expected in a work environment. These ‘young women of good moral character’ were hand-picked to work at Fred Harvey’s rail station diners, mostly in uninhabited areas of the vast and mostly uninhabited American west. They helped…

In the past 2 weeks, Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office and Partners Against Narcotics Trafficking (PANT) K-9 units conducted three traffic stops on Interstate 17 which resulted in the confiscation of a combined total of: 45lbs (180,000) fentanyl pills, 66lbs of methamphetamine, and 1 illegal firearm. Four arrests were made, and the streets of Yavapai County became a little safer.

The Sedona International Film Festival is proud to join cinemas around the globe for a worldwide theatrical premiere of “THIS MUCH I KNOW TO BE TRUE” showing Wednesday, May 11 at 4 and 7 p.m. at the Mary D. Fisher Theatre. Shot on location in London & Brighton, Andrew Dominik’s new feature documentary “THIS MUCH I KNOW TO BE TRUE” captures Nick Cave and Warren Ellis’ exceptional creative relationship as they bring to life the songs from their last two studio albums, Ghosteen (Nick Cave & the Bad Seeds) and Carnage (Nick Cave & Warren Ellis). In this document of…

The lower Verde River affected by the 2021 Backbone Fire has reopened to recreationists while other nearby areas – including Childs Camping area and Fossil Creek – remain closed. The Childs Dispersed Camping area will remain closed to river entry and exit, day use and camping. Visitors are, however, welcome to float the river past Childs. River users should plan to take out at Gap Creek or be prepared to go more than 40 river miles further to Sheep Bridge or Horseshoe Reservoir. The Fossil Creek corridor will remain closed due to potential post-fire hazards, including snags (dead trees), flash…

Join Keep Sedona Beautiful on Wednesday, May 11, at 5:00 p.m. for its monthly Preserving the Wonder™ Speaker Series. This event will be held live at 360 Brewer Road in Sedona, and doors open at 4:30. It will not be simulcast on ZOOM. Please visit the KSB website, www.keepsedonabeautiful.org for details.Janeen Trevillyan, Sedona Heritage Museum President and Historian, and Keep Sedona Beautiful President Craig Swanson will speak about how KSB and the City of Sedona have evolved over the past half century.Fifty years ago, in 1972, Keep Sedona Beautiful was founded in a Sedona living room by people who were…

Shalom and greetings from the Rabbi, Board of Directors, and congregation of the Jewish Community of Sedona and the Verde Valley.All the services, classes, and programs are listed on the synagogue website.Come join us either in person or online. See jcsvv.org for instructions to register for in-person services. On Friday, May 6, a Friday evening service, led by Rabbi Alicia Magal, begins at 5:30 pm both in person and on Zoom, and livestreamed for members and their invitees. Congregants participate by lighting candles, doing a reading, or having an Aliyah for the Torah service. Verses from Kedoshim (Leviticus19:1 – 20:27)…

… daily we walk trails, paths and streets and seldom give any notice to the tiny worlds that we pass by. Is there beauty around us? You bet, it is everywhere if you look for it … and the tiny little plants, flowers and bushes are the easiest of all to walk by because they do not have the striking appearance of say a large rose or other bloom. I went out early this morning to shoot some wildflowers down at Red Rock Crossing … we hiked the same trail as a couple of years ago after I sold my…

The Mary D. Fisher Theatre is honored to be the home for the Met Live Opera programs for the 2021-2022 season, presented by the Sedona International Film Festival. The season will continue with Giacomo Puccini’s “Turandot” on Saturday, May 7. There will be one show at 10 a.m. — a live simulcast as it is happening at the Met! Plan to come early as Deborah Raymond will lead a pre-opera talk one hour before the production. Ukrainian soprano Liudmyla Monastyrska plays Puccini’s icy princess. Tenor Yonghoon Lee is the bold prince determined to win Turandot’s love, alongside soprano Ermonela Jaho…

If you have a piece of wood and a wood carving knife, come to Monday at the Museum at Sedona Heritage Museum on May 9, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and join the Verde Valley Woodcarvers. Hundreds of people have tried their hand at carving with this group since its founding in 1997 by Norm Knight. The group consists of carvers ranging from beginners to master carvers. Come by with your own equipment or just come to watch these artisans do relief carving, chip carving, and bark carving. There is no fee for this demonstration. This is an outdoor…

The city of Sedona and their contractor, Paul R. Peterson Construction, Inc., proudly announce the completion of the Posse Grounds Parking & Soldiers Pass Road Shared-Use Path Project. The project included the construction of a new parking lot at Posse Grounds Park that added 38 spaces of additional parking for park and trail users. In addition, an approximately one-mile-long shared-use pathway that runs from the new parking lot and along Soldiers Pass Road was constructed to offer locals and visitors alike safe walking and biking access along the road corridor and to nearby trails. After in-depth discussions with the Shadow…

On April 20, Keep Sedona Beautiful (KSB) presented its Annual Awards of Excellence. Having begun shortly after the organization’s incorporation in 1972, this was the 51st consecutive year that KSB has recognized businesses and individuals in the Verde Valley whose activities have contributed significantly to our communities. Layla’s Bakery-Café was presented an Award of Excellence for Sustainability by KSB Executive Vice-President Carla Williams. She noted that the bakery minimizes waste in several ways: their streamlined menu results in much less food waste, some leftover pastries become bread pudding and the remaining extra pastries are donated to staff working at the…

By Amaya Gayle GregoryYou know what you are afraid of, don’t you? You may not have seen it consciously but deep inside you know. It’s the reason your diaphragm tightens, leaving a band around your chest, your heart aches seemingly without reason and your mind bends towards escape. On some level, you know where this is going, and you can’t imagine going there. Naked vulnerability is unthinkable. Going there consciously, eyes wide open, heart exposed and still beating, is ludicrous, impossible. It is the antithesis of how you’ve lived life to this moment. Why, it would mean … letting all…

… noodling through some old photos this evening and came4 on these two … above is one of the most well fed Bobcats that I can remember seeing and he is resting next to a fresh mound of dirt that a vole had just created that morning. Sleepiness would disappear as soon as he sensed the voles presence and he would score a fresh meal and the golf course would need to eliminate one less pest. Below is a photo a friend took as Corky and I were coming in for a landing at Sampley Field in Aguila. Turf Soaring…

The Sedona International Film Festival is proud to present the Northern Arizona premiere of the award-winning and critically-acclaimed film “Lunana: A Yak in the Classroom” showing May 6-10 at the Mary D. Fisher Theatre. “Lunana: A Yak in the Classroom” was nominated for the Academy Award for Best International Feature Film at the recent Oscars. “Lunana: A Yak in the Classroom” is a simple story with a big heart — and a reminder of film’s ability to communicate universal truths across international borders. A disillusioned schoolteacher is transferred to the most remote school in the world, cut off from modern…

Please come out and support Hope House of Sedona at a Walkathon on Saturday, May 7th, from 9-11am at the Sedona Red Rock High School track. Hope House of Sedona is a 501(c)(3) providing transitional/bridge housing, support services and meals for homeless families with children. The Walkathon is sponsored by high school students from the Sedona Red Rock Interact and Key Clubs. The Key Club is the high school branch of Kiwanis International and Interact is the service club for young people of Rotary International. Both clubs encourage leadership and involvement in their community. We thank these students who care.…

Interest in becoming Sedona’s Sister City is intense. “AlthoughSedona’s Sister City Association is only three months old, we arealready reviewing six potential Sister City partners” noted Chuck Marr,Chair. To date interest in “twinning” with Sedona has been receivedfrom cities in Ireland, Columbia, Mexico and South Korea.A sister city relationship is a multi-faceted, long-term partnershipbetween two communities in two countries. There currently are 1,800such alliances in 140 countries. Most often, the communities have a lotin common, although they are geographically distant.“Each potential Sister City partner will be fully vetted against criteriareviewed by the Sedona City Council last February, Marr said. But…

Emerson Theater Collaborative presents True Nature of All Being by Lisa Giordano, May 6 and 7 at 7 p.m. and May 8 at 2 p.m. at the Arts Academy of Sedona in the Village of Oak Creek. This show is produced by Camilla Ross and directed by Ashley Adelman. During 1970, in Minamata ‐ a small fishing village in Japan, a fisherman, Teru Moriya is struggling to make ends meet and to care of his family; especially his young, severely disabled daughter. The livelihood of all the fishermen in the village is at stake since many people are falling ill,…

… after spending most of the day working on photos that I either took from the air or of birds in flight it seems that whatever way you look at it, anything that flies is beautiful and photos of them show the majesty of flight. I got a call early this morning requesting that I give a presentation to the Sedona Camera Club this evening as the planned speaker had just had close contact with someone infected with Covid … it was a fabulous day putting a program together and then presenting it tonight! Fun! I never tire of photographing…

The Sedona International Film Festival is proud to present the Northern Arizona encore of the award-winning feature film “Peace By Chocolate” showing May 6-12 at the Mary D. Fisher Theatre. “Peace By Chocolate” premiered at the recent Sedona International Film Festival where it received the festival’s Directors’ Choice Best Feature Drama award. Audience members and critics have been raving about the film, and it has captured dozens of Best of Festival Awards from around the world. Starting over is bittersweet. After the bombing of his family’s chocolate factory, Tareq Hadhad, a charming young Syrian refugee, struggles to settle into small-town…

The Verde Valley Humane Society (VVHS) announces that with the departure of Verde Valley Humane Society Executive Director Tacy Pastor, the Board of Directors has asked Rebecca Poling to take over as Interim Executive Director. Rebecca lives in the Verde Valley, has a wide background in animal welfare, and has been a consultant for the Board since 2018. Board President Alice Klies says, “We are pleased to welcome Rebecca to the VVHS as our Interim Executive Director while they begin the search for a permanent Director.”“I am thrilled to have the opportunity to join an organization doing such amazing work…

The Coconino National Forest will open its headquarters building and ranger stations to the public on Monday (May 2), which is the same day it will also begin selling firewood permits for the 2022 season. Purchases can be made over the phone or in-person using check or credit card at the Forest Supervisor’s Office and Flagstaff Ranger Station between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m., Monday through Friday, and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Red Rock Ranger Station on weekdays (except Wednesdays from noon to 3 p.m.) Forest Supervisor’s Office, 928-527-3600, 1824 S. Thompson St, Flagstaff, AZ 86001Flagstaff Ranger…

The Arizona Community Foundation (ACF) announced today that the process for accepting applications for candidates interested in the President and CEO position has opened. The ACF Board of Directors selected Carlson Beck—a national executive search firm focused on philanthropy and nonprofit leadership recruiting—to lead the search and facilitate the selection for the foundation’s next CEO. “The board is dedicated to finding a strong leader to take over the President and CEO role at the foundation,” said Leezie Kim, Vice Chair of the ACF Board and leader of the ACF CEO Search subcommittee. “ACF has never been in a stronger position…

The Sedona Heritage Museum will hold a Rummage & Treasures Sale on Saturday, May 7 from 9:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. at the Museum. Proceeds will benefit the Museum’s programs. The sale will include many rummage sale type items plus antiques, art, furniture, home decor and tools. Special items already donated include antiques and vintage items, 1890s chocolate pot set, oak table, bar stools, cherry dining hutch, mid-cent mod end tables, and other furniture and lamps, jewelry, collectibles, smoker, original art from subjects of Native American to animals, small kitchen appliances, garden bench and planters, and much more. Some items are new…

By Amaya Gayle GregoryI am going to die. If not today, next week, next month, in a few years. Time speeds by and I have no time to give to things that do not bring me joy anymore, nor time to give to things that don’t magnetically pull me into them. Life’s flow is good enough. I don’t need to swim upstream or create a fork in the creek. Life as it is, is good. So I write. I take long walks with Sophia. I watch sci-fi and glean the kernels of wisdom that fall out. I cook amazing meals.…

… on my walk this evening I met a flirtatious young lady and I think she kinda gave me that look … or maybe it was a look that said “you are out of your league” … probably the latter. I would have given her a flower, but I didn’t see this flower until after our encounter. It was a beautiful little bloom all by itself along the side of the road. It was a terrific weekend with attendance at the Verde Valley Birding and Nature Festival, the presentation went well even though we had some technical issues. Visits with…

The Sedona Parks and Recreation Department welcomes applications for the annual inscriptions at the Sedona Military Service Park to highlight veterans who have honorably served their country.Veterans and families of veterans residing in Sedona who wish to have names of loved ones who have served, inscribed on the granite walls must apply by May 9, 2022. Inscriptions will be engraved onto the granite walls of the park for the annual Memorial Day Ceremony on May 30, 2022.Applications can be downloaded online at: http://www.sedonaaz.gov/home/showdocument?id=18560, and submitted to the city’s Parks and Recreation Department office at 221 Brewer Road or emailed to…

Is safe yield attainable?Achieving the long-term balance between groundwater withdrawal and replenishment, or safe yield, by 2025 has been a central talking point in Quad City water management since 1980 when the Arizona Groundwater Management Act first established that goal for the Prescott Management Area (PrAMA). But with no regulatory penalties for not meeting safe yield, action to do so has been minimal, and aquifer overdraft has increased. Dr. Peter Kroopnick, retired hydrologist and head of the Science Committee for the Citizens Water Advocacy Group (CWAG), will talk about the water outlook for the Quad Cities in the decades to…

By Rose Boerner, NAMI Yavapai Our next Mental Health Monday program will take place via Zoom on April 25th, 10:00 to 11:30 AM, and will focus on what to do after a mental health crisis. Join us for this informational meeting during which our speaker Dawn McReynolds will discuss what happens after the emergency of a mental health crisis is over, how will you know if another crisis is headed your way, and what steps you can take to prevent a situation from escalating into a crisis. Dawn McReynolds is originally from Detroit, Michigan, where she transitioned from working for…

Guest artist Cicely Parnas will perform Edward Elgar’s Cello Concerto with the Verde Valley Sinfonietta, under the direction of Music Director Kevin Kozacek, on Sunday, May 8, at 2:30 PM, in the Sedona Performing Arts Center. The program includes Mozart’s Overture to the Magic Flute, K. 620, Gioachino Rossini’s William Tell Overture – Finale, Johann Wilhelm Hertel’s Concerto in Eb Major for Oboe and Trumpet, and Franz Joseph Haydn’s Symphony No. 45 in F# Minor “Farewell.” Praised for her “velvety sound, articulate passagework, and keen imagination” (The New York Times), American cellist Cicely Parnas leads a dynamic career as an…

The Sedona International Film Festival — in partnership with Plan B to Save Wolves and Wolf Dogs — will host a night of films about wolves on Thursday, May 5, 2022. The films are by director Jean-Michel Bertrand and the event will screen two of his breath-taking documentaries, “Valley of the Wolves” and “Wolf Walk,” about his observation of wolves in France. “Valley of the Wolves” will show at 4 p.m., and “Wolf Walk” will screen at 7 p.m. at the festival’s Mary D. Fisher Theatre. VALLEY OF THE WOLVESIn “Valley of the Wolves”, Jean-Michel Bertrand observes wolves in the…

By Rabbi Alicia MagalShalom and greetings from the Rabbi, Board of Directors, and congregation of the Jewish Community of Sedona and the Verde Valley.All the services, classes, and programs are listed on the synagogue website.Come join us either in person or online. See jcsvv.org for instructions to register for in-person services. On Friday, April 29, a Friday evening service, led by Rabbi Alicia Magal, begins at 5:30 pm both in person and on Zoom, and livestreamed for members and their invitees. Congregants participate by lighting candles, doing a reading, or having an Aliyah for the Torah service. Holocaust Remembrance Day,…

How much anger is stuffed inside? Every time someone hurt me and I didn’t know how to respond … when I didn’t say something and held my tongue while my insides were slashed open … when I let the hurt pass, forcing a laugh at a friend’s joke — a friend’s not a stranger’s or an enemy’s. It wasn’t funny, it hurt, oh how it stung, but I didn’t have the courage to step forward, to step out and honor myself … all those times when my precious open heart was wounded and snapped closed, building another layer onto my…

From Bach to the Beatles and barn-burners to ballads, audiences delight when world-renowned fingerstyle guitarist Richard Smith returns with his solo concert to Sedona by popular demand. There will be one show on Sunday, May 1 at 7 p.m. at the Mary D. Fisher Theatre, presented by the Sedona International Film Festival. Having witnessed one of his live performances, fellow musicians and music lovers alike sing hymns of praise about Richard Smith. With fretboard fireworks and lyrical endeavors, he will melt your heartstrings, make your toes tap and your jaws hang open. Richard’s ever-growing repertoire comprises a wide variety of…

Old Town Center for the Arts is pleased to announce Ken Koshio & Kenzoo appearing at OTCA in a special evening concert on Saturday, April 30th at 7:00 PM. This special event is sponsored by Mount Hope Foods.Ken Koshio is a world class Japanese Taiko drummer. Taiko is a Japanese style of percussion, which combines music, movement and spirit. Ken pushes the boundaries of Taiko through various collaborations, creating a totally authentic and unique style of music and Taiko performance art. Joining Ken for this special evening of world music is Kenzoo, which includes: John Paul Mendes, Taiko drummer; Dashimesh,…

Red Rose Inspiration For Animals is a local 501c3 nonprofit that supports animal welfare and has been promoting Art Shows in West Sedona since 2009. These are the only art shows throughout the Verde Valley that proceeds benefit a non-profit for animal welfare. The Red Rose shows generate revenue for the various long term existing animal related programs such as spay and neuter of homeless feral felines specifically in Camp Verde, along with low-cost spay and neuter services of felines and canines belonging to pet owners on a fixed income and needing financial assistance. Animals that continue to reproduce are…

The Sedona Heritage Museum is again offering a performance of “Throwback Thursday”, on Thursday, May 5, at 3:30 p.m. at the Museum.Visitors will enjoy a glimpse of parts of the Museum through encounters with costumed reenactors. These impersonators will breathe life into several Sedona area pioneers and share a bit of that person’s life story and adventures in the Sedona of 70-120 years ago. Guests will rotate through the Museum buildings, delighting in parts of a “day-in-the life” of our early settlers and community-builders, and getting a peek at some of the hopes, dreams, and hardships in Arizona’s rustic Red…

The city opened new May and June appointments for Straight Talk with Karen, a program in which once a month, residents can come to City Hall and sit down with City Manager Karen Osburn to discuss any topic of their choice.The goal of the program is to facilitate an opportunity for residents to meet with Osburn on any question, concern, issue or general topic they would like to talk about. The May and June format will feature an open forum, so that up to four residents can sit down together with Osburn, hear each other’s questions and have a dialogue.The…

… we’re into the weekend, at least for me, and what a glorious week it has been. Avail yourself of the opportunity this weekend to head out into nature for a concert. Redwing Blackbirds and other song birds are waiting to give you a free concert and Rudy Ducks will be showing off their tight formation takeoffs as they barrel down the watery runway. Enjoy the day. smile and be kind … we all can benefit from it!With Joy!TedEverything is still, and the soft night air is cool.The sky seems very near. and the stars lie over theheavens like fields…

The Sedona International Film Festival is proud to present the Northern Arizona premiere of the award-winning documentary “Viva Maestro!” showing April 29-May 4 at the Mary D. Fisher Theatre. Superstar conductor Gustavo Dudamel faces the test of a lifetime when social unrest in his Venezuelan homeland challenges his conviction that music has the power to unite, in award-winning writer/director Ted Braun’s emotional affirmation of the resilience of art in a time of political crisis. Dudamel has set the music world afire with his electric and original interpretations of the greatest symphonic works. While leading orchestras around the world, his passion,…

As part of the Sedona in Motion (SIM) program, the city of Sedona and their contractor, Fann Contracting, Inc., will begin construction of the Forest Road Connection Project the week of April 25, 2022. The project includes the construction of a new two-lane roadway that will connect the current terminus of Forest Road to a new intersection on State Route 89A, just west of the “Y” roundabouts. Additional work includes the installation of new concrete curb and gutter, retaining walls, a shared-use path, drainage infrastructure, landscape improvements and the extension of sewer infrastructure. Once complete, this project will allow motorists…

The academic year’s top students in their respective fields of study were celebrated during an Evening of Recognition ceremony at the Yavapai College Verde Valley campus April 19.Along with accolades from YC leadership, faculty and staff, the top students received awards and gifts and were treated to a reception and photographic memories with friends and family.In her congratulatory remarks at the student success celebration, YC Vice President of Academic Affairs Dr. Diane Ryan applauded the top students for “excelling in college and in life.” She encouraged them to continue to thrive by practicing principles of happiness that “must precede success.…

The Sedona Historical Society invites everyone to travel back in time to meet some of Sedona’s earliest pioneers at a cemetery walk at Sedona’s oldest cemetery on April 29 and 30. The Schuerman Red Rock Cemetery on the Upper Red Rock Loop Road will be the site of this cemetery walk, introducing attendees to some of the brave souls who experienced triumph and tragedy while carving out a life in Red Rock country.“Voices from the Grave-Spring Spirits Rising” is an open-air cemetery tour with re-enactments by professional actors where original pioneers are interred. This cemetery dates from 1893 and was…

… with hundreds more photos to go through from yesterday, I came across these two shots this evening and they serve to remind me how much I love spending time on the lake and observing life play out in this little part of the world … a wide range of species call this place home and together they live out their mission and purpose in life. The photo above is of a Great Blue Heron standing in the water on a small point jutting out into the lake and rustling his feathers a bit. The water was quiet and he…

The Sedona International Film Festival is proud to present the Northern Arizona encore of the rousing and acclaimed new film “Aline” showing April 29-May 4 at the Mary D. Fisher Theatre. “Aline” premiered at the recent Sedona International Film Festival where it was one of the highest rated audience choice films in the narrative lineup. Audience members and critics have been raving about the film. The youngest of a hardworking French-Canadian couple’s 14 children is propelled to global music superstardom in “Aline” — a fictional musical dramedy freely inspired by the life of Celine Dion. For Aline Dieu, nothing in…

Love quilting? Got questions? Members of the Red Rock Quilters will be the featured guests for Monday at the Museum on Monday, May 02, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Perhaps bring a small project to work on and enjoy the fellowship of quilting by getting your questions answered or just talking about the joy of quilting. They welcome all levels of quilters, fabric lovers, guests and traveling quilters. There is no charge for this demonstration. “Mondays at the Museum” is a workshop/ demonstration held every Monday; please call for a current schedule. The Museum is always looking for participants…

By Gale LothropAfter 3 1/2 years of planning and work, a ribbon cutting was held at Hope House of Sedona on Tuesday, April 12, 2022. In attendance were city leaders, builder John Bassous of Tierra Verde Builders, Hope House of Sedona board members, and members of local community and faith groups. An open house followed for supporters and friends of Hope House. Hope House of Sedona is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Our mission is to provide transitional/bridge housing, food, and support services for homeless families and their children . The newly constructed house consists of 4 bedrooms and 3 baths.…

… and today was one of those days … we were on Lake Pleasant about 7A and off in search of … and during the five plus hours we spent on the lake many species presented them selves to us and the shooting was incredible. A Red Wing Blackbird spent time and played with us for a while too not to mention the Snowy Egrets, Great Egrets, Great Blue Herons, Bald Eagles and so many more …The shot above is a juvenile Bald Eagle just after he left a perch on a tree trunk that rose above the water and…

The newly-refurbished and expanded Mescal Day Use Trailhead is open to the public following months of construction.The improvements, which began in January, include a new parking lot, a shuttle stop, improved restroom facilities, two new picnic areas and a scenic vista point.The Mescal Day Use Trailhead area provides access to several popular trails on the Red Rock Ranger District: Mescal, Chuckwagon, Long Canyon, Devil’s Bridge and to Red Rock Secret Mountain Wilderness. The new parking lot provides through-route parking for at least 40 vehicles, including two oversize spots and an accessible parking spot.The lot also includes a designated stop for…

… many photographs stand on their own and no explanation is necessary and these are examples of that … who doesn’t conjure up their own emotions and feelings about cloud flying and exploring the canyons and peaks of them? And who does not find themselves able to recline and watch and listen to the beauty of water fountains as they obliterate all cares of the day. Both of these experiences cleanse the soul and refresh the spirit. A joyful weekend now behind … the celebration of Easter and the continuation of Passover. Find yourself in peace and enjoy each day…

The Democrats of the Red Rocks (DORR) Breakfast at Home will host “Meet Your Statewide Candidates” with Arizona Corporation Commission candidates Sandra Kennedy and Lauren Kuby on Thursday, April 21 at 10:00 am. The zoom link is available on the DORR website https://democratsoftheredrocks.org/.Sandra Kennedy was first elected to the Arizona Corporation Commission in 2008 on a platform of promoting solar energy. In her first term at the Commission, she worked with the Republican majority led by Kris Mayes to advance Solar Energy and Energy Efficiency. A fierce consumer advocate, Kennedy started her public service career when she was elected to…

By Amaya Gayle GregoryMind control is interesting. We flip out when we think another, let alone our government, is trying to control our minds and yet … you know me, there’s always an and yet … don’t see how our minds are controlled by the beliefs and thoughts, programming and wild stories we stuff them with. Talk about mind control! Wowser.It’s all mind.Seen to be controlled or not, realized to be unnecessary or not, held onto tightly or relaxed into like a toasty hot tub on a Winter’s day, all that we know,. all that we can know, is mind.…

The Sedona International Film Festival is proud to present the Northern Arizona premiere of “Unplugging” showing April 23-28 at the Mary D. Fisher Theatre. “Unplugging” is an outrageous new romantic comedy starring Eva Longoria and Matt Walsh. After the death of a friend, Dan (Walsh) is inspired to whisk his wife Jeanine (Longoria) away to a remote town for a “digital detox”. Think a rustic getaway with no cell service, internet or social media is a romantic way to repair your marriage and sex life? Think again. Meet Dan and Jeanine Dewerson. The only spark in Dan and Jeanine’s bedroom…

In celebration of National Poetry Month, Walnut Canyon National Monument will host poetry workshops on Saturday, April 23rd and on Sunday, April 24th from 9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Facilitated by poet Jodie Hollander, these free workshops will allow participants to create an original poem inspired by their connection to public lands. Reservations are limited and are accepted on a first come, first served basis. Each workshop is limited to 15 participants. Email Ryan Carpenter at ryan_p_carpenter@nps.gov, or call (928) 526-3367 to reserve your spot today. Jodie Hollander is the author of a full-length collection of poetry entitled My Dark…

The Sedona Heritage Museum will hold a Rummage & Treasures Sale on Saturday, May 7 at the Museum. They are seeking quality donations, including rummage sale items that still have good life in them and can be reused by others; also antiques, art, furniture, home decor and tools. Anything broken should not be dropped off; and no clothing, please. Anyone who would like to donate to the sale can bring their items directly to the Museum at 735 Jordan Rd. in Uptown between 11:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. It is requested that all drop-offs be made during business hours. Tax…

Shalom and greetings from the Rabbi, Board of Directors, and congregation of the Jewish Community of Sedona and the Verde Valley.All the services, classes, and programs are listed on the synagogue website.Come join us either in person or online. See jcsvv.org for instructions to register for in-person services. On Friday, April 22, a Friday evening service, led by Rabbi Alicia Magal, begins at 5:30 pm both in person and on Zoom, and livestreamed for members and their invitees. Congregants participate by lighting candles, doing a reading, or having an Aliyah for the Torah service. This week there will be a…

…sifting through photos tonight I came on a series of images that have always evoked a sense of forever while minimizing thoughts relating to human activities and participation in them … there are times when it is important to be alone and sense the unlimited universe we occupy such an infinitesimal part of … to be humbled by the extent and timelessness of creation and how short a period our visit here is. Flying above the cloud layers cuts you off from ties to earth; mountains poking through and above the clouds seem like intruders in the peace of being…

The Sedona International Film Festival is proud to present the Northern Arizona premiere of acclaimed new drama “Mothering Sunday” showing April 23-28 at the Mary D. Fisher Theatre. “Mothering Sunday” features an award-winning cast, including Academy Award-winners Colin Firth and Olivia Colman, along with Odessa Young and Josh O’Connor. The film was a hit at prestigious film festivals around the world, including Toronto, Cannes, Chicago and London. On a warm spring day in 1924, house maid and foundling Jane Fairchild (Odessa Young) finds herself alone on Mother’s Day. Her employers, Mr. and Mrs. Niven (Colin Firth and Olivia Colman), are…

The Arizona Department of Transportation is advising drivers, area residents and businesses that work is beginning on the SR 89A Oak Creek Canyon Improvements on Monday, April 18. The improvements, which will be constructed at various times through the end of 2023, include rockfall mitigation, erosion control and a bridge rehabilitation along portions of the roadway between Flagstaff and Sedona.Drivers should be prepared to slow down, stop and use caution around construction personnel and equipment while the following around-the-clock restrictions are in place seven days a week:Portions of SR 89A will be reduced to one lane only of alternating north-…

Yee Ha’ólníi Doo announces expansion of economic development programming and support through Innovation Hubs on Navajo Nation. With support from the W.K. Kellogg Foundation, these Hubs will advance entrepreneurship, promote greater food security, and strengthen cultural and linguistic transmission for Navajo communities.According to Yee Ha’ólníi Doo Executive Director Ethel Branch, these Innovation Hubs will close disproportionate equity gaps in communities by fostering local changemakers and problem solvers and rebuilding stronger, autonomous local economies and food systems.“These Hubs will reinvigorate local economies by giving flight to the rich, natural social and small business entrepreneurship and talent that already exists in our…

MATFORCE, a primary prevention coalition focused on stopping youth drug use before it starts, has partnered again this year with local law enforcement agencies to host medication takeback events throughout Yavapai County. Since 2008 almost 38,000 pounds of medication have been collected and properly disposed of through Dump the Drugs events and drop box locations throughout Yavapai County. That’s about 2-1/2-times as heavy as a Tyrannosaurus Rex.Takeback events are a convenient way for community members to dispose of expired or unwanted medications. The events will be held on Saturday, April 30, 2022, from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm at seven…

Volunteering has been part of Camp Verde from the very beginning and is alive and well in the town today. From Volunteers in Policing and the Community Library to the volunteer group, the “Old Guys” who work on special projects around town, and all those who help make Parks and Recreation events successful, our town continues to thrive due to volunteerism today. National Volunteer Week gives us the perfect opportunity to recognize and thank volunteers who lend their time, talent, and heart in so many ways to the Town of Camp Verde. With this in mind, Mayor, Dee Jenkins proclaimed…

… I feel like I am basking in luxury as I revisit photos that are already uploaded to our online gallery and I am able to take the time to go through them and rework where necessary. The tulips from Filoli Gardens in Woodside, California are an example. I spent about two hours taking it from the original raw file to a new and well finished work of art … it is now in the online store gallery check it out. The photo below is from a flight to the SF Peaks just after a snow storm … Snow Bowl…

The Sedona International Film Festival is proud to join cinemas around the globe for a worldwide Earth Day theatrical premiere of “The Revolution Generation” showing Friday, April 22 at 4 and 7 p.m. at the Mary D. Fisher Theatre. “The Revolution Generation” is an exploration of the world-changing activism and potential of the largest youth generation in history. The film shows examples of young leaders working to revolutionize systems that have failed their generation. It paints a powerful and hopeful picture of how today’s youth can solve global political and environmental crises. The number of Millennials in the United States…

Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office Sgt. Michael Lewis and Department of Public Safety Trooper Thomas Humphrey instructed 13 Law Enforcement Officer students from across the United States at a Drug Recognition Expert course hosted by the Department of Public Safety in Prescott Valley from March 31 to April 20, 2022. The three-week class attracted instructors and students from law enforcement agencies all over the state of Arizona, and as far as Alaska. Arizona is known for its high standards for instruction and certification standards, which is why instructors and students come from far and wide to teach and learn here. Under…

The Sedona Heritage Museum is hosting local author Roger Naylor for a talk and book-signing of his latest award winning book Arizona’s Scenic Roads and Hikes on Tuesday April 26 at 10 a.m. In this latest book, travel writer Roger Naylor coaxes readers outdoors with an array of wonders. Arizona’s Scenic Roads and Hikes points the way toward the very best the state has to offer. Travel from sun-kissed deserts to the summits of snow-capped mountains, from the cosmic abyss of the Grand Canyon to the red rocks of Sedona and the haunting hoodoos of the Chiricahua Mountains. Visit ancient…

There can be no better place anywhere in the country to celebrate Cinco De Mayo than Tlaquepaque Arts & Shopping Village, an authentic Mexican Village reproduction located in the heart of Sedona, Arizona.This fun-loving, cultural celebration will held Saturday, May 7, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.Cinco De Mayo celebrates the Mexican victory over French occupiers on May 5, 1862 in a village called “Pueblo de Los Angeles” (town of the angels), a small town in east-central Mexico. While it is a relatively minor holiday in Mexico, in the United States, Cinco de Mayo has evolved into a commemoration of…

… when we were kids, we frequently would lie back on the grass and spend time looking up at the clouds … seeing what forms we could see in them and wondering what lie above them … I have never stopped looking up and with some frequency turn my lens up to capture this beautiful and transitory beauty. The clouds in the image above have an incredible amount of detail in it and reminds me of something very lacy and fancy … the photo below seems like some kind of airborne ship with a smoke stack puffing out clouds ……

The Cottonwood Community Band, under the direction of Jeff Bowell, is pleased to announce their spring concert to be held on Sunday, May 1, at 3:00 PM at the Phillip England Center for the Performing Arts in Camp Verde. The concert is presented free of charge.For a community band in a rather small community, we have been blessed with a remarkable wealth of talent and this concert will feature original compositions from three members of the band, among other selections. The band’s elder statesman, Paul Rosenfeld, who is now 90 and still active in the band composed a march titled…

The city of Sedona seeks a few dedicated individuals to serve as volunteer park rangers. The Sedona Volunteer Park Rangers choose their own workdays, performing a variety of tasks including providing a uniformed presence in Uptown answering visitor questions, performing park patrols, occasionally doing light trail maintenance, assisting the Parks and Recreation Department with community events and assisting hikers using the new Sedona Shuttle.The city’s ranger program has been serving the community and its visitors for over 16 years. When fully staffed, they performed a seven-day-a-week, year-around operation. During the COVID-19 pandemic, over half of the volunteers chose to leave…

Emerson Theater Collaborative presents Friday Night at the Theater on April 22, 7 to 8 p.m. at Arts Academy of Sedona in The Collective Sedona located at 7000 SR-179, Suite C-100 in the Village of Oak Creek. This cabaret-style event will feature music, dance, recitation and drama from a variety of local artists. Entertainment slated for this month includes Bob Grogan and Cindy Cole, Gary Every and Zoot Suite Zebras, Joan Westmoreland, Shaeri Richards, Matt Egan, Craig Schneider, Rebecca Ricky and Camilla Ross. If you’d like to enjoy some local eats during the performances, order dinner from Rotten Johnny’s https://www.rottenjohnnys.com…

By Rabbi Alicia MagalShalom and greetings from the Rabbi, Board of Directors, and congregation of the Jewish Community of Sedona and the Verde Valley.All the services, classes, and programs are listed on the synagogue website.Come join us either in person or online. See jcsvv.org for instructions to register for in-person services. On Friday, April 15, there will not be a regular Friday evening service as it is the Eve of Passover. Instead, Rabbi Magal will lead a Seder on Zoom from her home, beginning at 5:30 pm for about one hour. Then everyone watching will turn off their computers or…

… look beyond the cities at the countryside, the oceans, mountains and the starlit sky at night. Think of family and friends whose presence in our lives enriches every moment of our lives.The photo above was taken one night when I was returning from California and coming up US 60 from I-17 and in the town of Salome … a faint silver line shows where the railroad track runs and like the darkness closing in, the rails were silent … sometime, someday the rails will tremble beneath a passing train slipping through the softness of dark. Below is a shot…

The struggle to preserve and enhance voting rights and the battle against voter suppression are among the major political conversations facing America today. Few recent films have explored these epic issues better than the 2020 documentary “All-In: The Fight for Democracy”, which chronicles the 2018 race for governor in Georgia, where the Democrat Stacey Abrams (who would have been the first African-American woman elected governor in the U.S.) lost by a thin margin to Brian Kemp, who as the Republican Secretary of State was overseeing the election. The film explores how Kemp orchestrated tactics to suppress minority voting rights, which…

Red Earth Theatre brings a new play, written and directed by Kate Hawkes, telling the story of perhaps the most famous mothers’ love – Demeter for her daughter Persephone. Playing at the Studio/Black Box Theatre at Sedona Red Rock High School this 90 minute show gives you a new look at an old and very relevant myth. This full production of the reading last year at Tlaquepaque, builds in that first rendition, with a new character (Charon, the corpse-like boatman) and an additional scene with Cassandra and Zeus. Hawkes buried herself in the Greek pantheon of Gods and Goddesses, myth,…

By Charlene RothAs the place where families spend most of their time, home has the ability to shape health and wellbeing. Does your home promote a healthy lifestyle, or is it harboring invisible pollutants that make you sick? Is anyone in your family experiencing symptoms that may indicate an unhealthy environment? If so, use these tips from Sedona.biz to assess your home and make it a healthier place to live.Improve Indoor Air QualityPoor indoor air quality is behind many sick building symptoms. Poor air quality comes from things we use inside our home as well as what we track in…

On April 06, 2022 a YCSO Deputy responded to a call in Cornville for the report of a Javelina inside a passenger vehicle. When the Deputy arrived at the scene, there was a Subaru Station Wagon containing a wild Javelina stuck inside. After speaking with neighbors and the owner, it was learned the hatch back was left open during the night and the Javelina jumped inside attempting to eat a bag of Cheeto’s. His entrance shook the rear hatch closed which locked the hungry little fella inside. His attempt to exit the vehicle proved to be more cumbersome than entering.…

Professional photographer Derek Sturman will present at the meeting of the Sedona Camera Club starting at 6 p.m. on Monday, April 25, 2022, at the Sedona Creative Life Center, 333 Schnebly Hill Road, Sedona. Doors open at 5:30. Focusing on the four elements that really define an image – Subject, Composition, Color and Texture – Derek will explain how these elements really make or break your images. From start to finish, his presentation will appeal to beginner through advanced photographers, though some Photoshop know-how will be helpful! Derek is a landscape and astro landscape photographer located in the western United…

The Fossil Creek recreation area will remain closed for the foreseeable future as the area continues to recover from the impact of the 2021 Backbone Fire and in order to protect the public from dangerous hazards and possible flash flooding. Hydrologists and other experts have spent the past week monitoring vegetation regrowth, measuring soil burn severity and surveying streams for debris dams, and they will continue with assessments throughout the season. The information collected from these assessments will inform Coconino NF staff as to what post-fire hazards remain in the area and help determine if the closure order can safely…

Join us for a unique evening on Friday, April 15th when Max Ribner and 1st Language take the stage at the Old Town Center for the Arts in Cottonwood. Adding to the evening’s event will be aerial dance artist and vocalist Taylor Marie performing on silks and hoops.“Max and group played here about a month ago, they are extraordinary musicians with a great message, and everyone thoroughly enjoyed their music,” co-Director William Eaton remarked. “Everyone was asking us to bring them back. We learned that their touring schedule routed them back to our area and we’re very pleased to put…

Arts and crafts lovers rejoice with the return of the Oak Creek Arts and Craft Show on April 15-17, 2022, at Sedona Vista Village, 6657 State Route 179, Sedona, AZ 86351. The shows are very popular with both the locals and visitors. In fact, they have added another location just to showcase all of the artists. Shopping is at its finest with paintings, photography, pottery, jewelry and Native American art. There are gourmet food booths and live entertainment, too. Admission is free. Show time is 9am-5pm, all in an open air venue nestled amidst the red rocks of Sedona.Support small…

Coconino National Forest personnel are currently in the process of reopening many forest roads across the forest since warmer weather and wind have dried out and hardened surfaces, making the roads suitable for motorized travel. Even though many forest roads across each district will be open by this weekend, there are still some that will be closed due to wet and muddy conditions that can be the cause of people getting stuck and cause damage to the roads. Drivers can expect to encounter snow and lingering moisture in some areas. In the Flagstaff Ranger District, the Ashurst Lake road (Forest…

… most of life is lived with the simple day to day things filling the hours of the day … taking a drink or going for a run (and flight) and we can enjoy moments like that whether accomplished by us or vicariousy whilst observing others … snow shoveling is something I prefer to watch others do. The egret above is getting a drink from the lake to help wash down a meal that he had just consumed; no idea what it was, but it was long, skinny and had a feathered tail … love those water droplets trailing off…

Renowned entertainer, Aspen Hall of Famer and former owner of the Crystal Palace Restaurant in Aspen, Colorado, Mead Metcalf — “The Music Man” — is performing his evening of song and satire one night only: Monday, April 18 at 7 p.m. at the Mary D. Fisher Theatre in West Sedona — in celebration of his 90th birthday! For five decades, the Crystal Palace was known for cutting-edge political and social satire. Metcalf is planning on bringing a little of that and a whole lot of music to this very special show in Sedona. Metcalf’s show will feature his trademark political…

The Arizona Community Foundation of Sedona is pleased to announce three new members of its local Board of Advisors. New members include Jill Iurato, Dr. Bruce Peek, and Richard P. Zahner Lieutenant General US Army (Retired).Jennifer Perry, Regional Director of the organization, states, “Each individual brings professional and community service expertise to the leadership team of ACF of Sedona. We are excited to continue building our community impact with the help of this talented group of community members.”JILL IURATO, CRPS®, MBA is a Financial Advisor with Edward Jones. Prior to becoming a financial advisor, she spent 25 years in Information…

Music in the Stacks returns on Thursday, April 14th at 5:30 pm in Camp Verde Community Library’s Fireside Room. Music in the Stacks is a showcase of local and national musicians who entertain regularly in Northern Arizona. There are 3-5 different performers during the show, with a rotating variety each month. April’s concert features the following talented local musicians: Ed Cooper, Tim Young, and Gioia. Ed Cooper performs great solo acoustic rock & roll all around the Verde Valley and Northern Arizona. Originally hailing from New York where he performed and recorded several albums, Tim Young moved to Arizona in…

Join Keep Sedona Beautiful on Wednesday, April 13, at 5:00 p.m. for its monthly Preserving the Wonder™ Speaker Series. This event will be held both live at 360 Brewer Road in Sedona and virtually via Zoom. Please visit the KSB website, www.keepsedonabeautiful.org for details. Dr. Nancy Steele, Executive Director of Friends of the Verde River will speak about water issues in the Verde Valley. A recent study published in Nature Climate Change reported that the current drought in the southwest was the driest 22-year period since 800 CE. For the Verde, stream gag data shows summertime flows have declined significantly…

Any user of Apple products- iPhone, iPad, Mac- is invited to attend the April 2022 Zoom meeting of the Oak Creek Apples Macintosh User Group (OCAMUG, or OCA, for short). Alan Gore will facilitate a general question-and-answer session. He often covers recent and upcoming trends, as well as bugs and fixes. There is no charge to participate. OCA will continue its monthly virtual/online meetings on the 3rd Saturday of April, Saturday, April 16, 2022, beginning at 10:00 AM at the following online address: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86134474777 Meeting ID: 861 3447 4777 If you want to attend the meeting by phone, please follow…

Emerson Theater Collaborative Present Underneath the Lintel, April 15 and 16, 7 p.m. Underneath the Lintel is The DaVinci Code meets the dewy decimal system. In this gripping ghost story, an eccentric librarian discovers a weather-beaten book in a return bin — 113 years overdue. Sparked by a message left in its margins, he embarks on a magical quest that takes him around the world and 2,000 years into the past. With astonishing twists and turns, Underneath the Lintel draws us into an unforgettable odyssey. The show features Craig Schneider as the librarian. Tickets are $35 – $45 for regular…

… five hours on the lake produced some of the most beautiful shooting I have had in a while … above is a Great Egret that flew right at us from the end of a small bay on the NE part of the lake and below a diminutive Horned Grebe in breeding plumage just as he rose out of the water to enter flight. If you click on the photo to see the full size image you can see the sheet of water rising up against his breast as he leaves the water. Hundreds more very nice shots and difficult…

The Sedona International Film Festival is proud to present the Sedona premiere of acclaimed new drama “The Outfit” showing April 15-20 at the Mary D. Fisher Theatre. From the Academy Award-winning writer of “The Imitation Game” (Graham Moore) comes “The Outfit” a gripping and masterful thriller in which an expert tailor (Academy Award-winner Mark Rylance) must outwit a dangerous group of mobsters in order to survive a fateful night. Leonard (Rylance), a master English tailor who’s ended up in Chicago, operates a corner tailor shop with his assistant (Zoey Deutch) where he makes beautiful clothes for the only people around…

Camp Verde Community Library received a Libraries Launching School Readiness grant from the Arizona State Library, Archives and Public Records, a division of the Secretary of State. The grant was used to purchase 50 media-enhanced Wonderbooks from Playaway©. Wonderbooks are high-quality print books with a ready-to-play audiobook inside. All the titles can be viewed in the online catalog and are now available for checkout at Camp Verde Community Library. We invite the children and the parents and guardians of Camp Verde to visit Camp Verde Community Library to explore Playaway© Wonderbooks. For additional information, contact Letty Ancira at (928) 554-8397…

The Sedona International Film Festival is proud to partner with Benefactors of Red Rock State Park to present a very special free event “Only One Earth” on Wednesday, April 13 at the Mary D. Fisher Theatre at 7 p.m. Calling all parents, educators, students and anyone who loves our state parks! Participate in an evening of fun, films, facts and a discussion on Environmental Education with Red Rock State Park Rangers. The event will kick off with a short film of the park’s history, from prehistoric times through to the current day. It includes the geological process that resulted in…

WARNING!!! Gift cards are a popular and convenient gift for all occasions. They’re also a tool that scammers use to steal money from people.Scammers have been targeting Yavapai County residents by asking them to pay a fake fine or probation bill with gift cards. They may also use a compromised email account to send emails requesting gift card purchases for friends, family, or co-workers.YCSO would like to remind the public that gift cards are for gifts, not for paying fines. YCSO will never ask anyone to make a payment with a gift card.If you or someone you know is being…

Emerson Theater Collaborative presents Underneath the Lintel, written by Glen Berger, on April 15 and 16 at 7 p.m. at Arts Academy of Sedona in the Village of Oak Creek. Underneath the Lintel is The DaVinci Code meets the dewy decimal system. In this gripping ghost story, an eccentric librarian discovers a weather-beaten book in a return bin — 113 years overdue. Sparked by a message left in its margins, he embarks on a magical quest that takes him around the world and 2,000 years into the past. With astonishing twists and turns, Underneath the Lintel draws us into an…

Feeling life isn’t what you think it is. It’s not all that bad. You fear it. Everything you do is done for the purpose of avoiding having to feel life. Yes. Your life, this life, exactly as it is with all the things you don’t want and all the things you do and can’t seem to get. Because you are intent on changing the flow, you set yourself up to quite naturally believe that feeling your life as it is, will destroy you, that it will submerge you in the depths of all that’s wrong and hold you under. It…

… it has been a very good day, as is affirmed by the fact that I am still breathing and getting this missive and two new photos out … however no particular thoughts, topic or direction came to me tonight so it shall be a little of this and a little of that. There are days like that and it is just nice to be be here. Perhaps it has something to do with my diet of the past couple of days … yesterday my friend from Boston brought over two cherry turnovers and two cinabons and that with copious…

The Sedona International Film Festival is proud to present the Northern Arizona encore of the award-winning historical comedy/drama “Delicious” showing April 15-20 at the Mary D. Fisher Theatre. “Delicious” premiered at the recent Sedona International Film Festival where it received the festival’s highest honor “Best of Fest” Award, as well as the Directors’ Choice Award for Best International Feature Film. Audience members and critics have been raving about the film. Writer/director Éric Besnard’s mouth-watering new historical comedy indelibly pairs Grégory Gadebois and Isabelle Carré as a gifted chef and his unlikely protégé, who must find the resolve to free themselves…

The Sedona Historical Society has announced that a limited number of ticket holders will travel back in time to meet some of Sedona’s earliest pioneers at a cemetery walk at Sedona’s oldest cemetery on April 29 and 30. The Schuerman Red Rock Cemetery on the Upper Red Rock Loop Road will be the site of this cemetery walk, introducing attendees to some of the brave souls who experienced triumph and tragedy while carving out a life in Red Rock country.“Voices from the Grave-Spring Spirits Rising” is an open-air cemetery tour with re-enactments by professional actors where original pioneers are interred.…

Yavapai County Community Health Services is partnering with libraries, churches, and community centers to offer free NARCAN trainings in April and May. Yavapai residents can choose from several dates and times to take the class and get two free doses of NARCAN.The classes provide an overview of how to recognize an opioid overdose, respond to an opioid emergency and administer lifesaving NARCAN, also known as naloxone. NARCAN is a safe, FDA approved medication that temporarily restores breathing during an overdose from fentanyl, heroin, or other opioids.This training is ideal for those who have loved ones who use or have used…

…Saturday, Roberto arrived early to refinish our front door and he brought a new bundle of joy with him … only three weeks into life on planet Earth, Lelto a Border Collie was absolutely exuberant as he engaged in new experiences never before known to him and which will be with him going forward. One kinda turned her back on him and went and took a nap … I continued playtime with this little bundle of joy. Remember when everything was fresh and new? Time to re-visit those moments and live them anew. A sparrow was perched on top of…

The Sedona International Film Festival is proud to present the Northern Arizona encore of the acclaimed new drama “The Last Bus” showing April 8-14 at the Mary D. Fisher Theatre. “The Last Bus” — starring Timothy Spall — premiered at the recent Sedona International Film Festival where it was one of the highest rated audience choice films in the narrative lineup. Audience members and critics have been raving about the film. Life is a journey and “The Last Bus” takes our old soldier, 90-year-old Tom Harper (Timothy Spall) on an epic trip from his home of fifty years — a…

On Tuesday, April 12, 2022, from 5 to 7 p.m. at 221 Brewer Rd. in the new Parks and Recreation Department location, the city of Sedona will host a community meeting for the design of the Ranger/Brewer Intersection Improvements Project. There will be a brief presentation at the start of this meeting, with an open house format to follow to provide information regarding project limits, anticipated schedule, Ranger/Brewer intersection upgrades, Ranger Road extension details and how to stay informed.The goal of the project is to improve congestion and increase safety by providing additional connectivity to State Route 89A. Improvements include…

By Kathy HoweI’m going to start out with some legislative issues first and then get to some incredibly important decisions that will affect real estate in Arizona.HB 2612Allows a real estate licensee to accept employment and compensation from an employer other than the employing broker under certain circumstances. Headed to the Governor for a signature.HB2747Defines “wholesale” buyers and sellers. Lack of disclosure will allow for contract cancellation and earnest monies returned to a buyer if seller fails to disclose their status as a wholesale seller. If a buyer does not disclose to the seller that they are a “wholesale” buyer,…

It’s not about becoming … anything. It’s not even about freedom, truth or peace. For me, anyway, it was always about giving up the fight, letting go of the need to be anything but what I am, even though I didn’t know it at the time. That’s the only thing that is ever wanted in the hope for peace, the drive to find the truth, the search for love – the Grand Becoming Plan. Becoming can never offer freedom — the freedom to be what we are without exception, without need of betterment, without desire for outside approval, without our…

The Sedona International Film Festival is proud to partner with Benefactors of Red Rock State Park to present a very special free event “Only One Earth” on Wednesday, April 13 at the Mary D. Fisher Theatre at 7 p.m. Calling all parents, educators, students and anyone who loves our state parks! Join us for an evening of fun, films, facts and a discussion on Environmental Education with Red Rock State Park Rangers. The event will kick off with a short film of the park’s history, from prehistoric times through to the current day. It includes the geological process that resulted…

Keep Sedona Beautiful (KSB) honors businesses, organizations and individuals who have helped to fulfill their mission to protect and enhance the scenic beauty and natural environment of Sedona and the Verde Valley. KSB invites the public to attend this year’s awards presentation which will be held on Wednesday April 20 from 4:00 – 6:00 p.m. The ceremony will take place in KSB’s historic Pushmataha Center located at 360 Brewer Road in Sedona. Food and beverages will be served, and there will be no admission fee. Doors will open at 3:30 p.m. Since seating is limited, reservations are required.At the April…

The National Theatre of London kicks off a new season with its acclaimed new production of “The Book of Dust — La Belle Sauvage” showing in Sedona on Sunday, April 10 at 3 p.m. The Sedona International Film Festival hosts the big screen premiere at its Mary D. Fisher Theatre. This gripping adaptation revisits Philip Pullman’s fantastical world in which waters are rising and storms are brewing. Two young people, with everything at stake, find themselves at the center of a terrifying manhunt. In their care is a tiny child called Lyra Belacqua, and in that child lies the fate…

Join the city for a Celebration of Spring, on Saturday, April 16, 2022, from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. at Posse Grounds Park.This fun, family-friendly event will be held on the multi-use field with rides and vendors galore. Included will be carnival rides, a petting zoo and live entertainment. The egg hunts begin at 10 a.m. for children 12 and younger, and hunts will be divided into four age groups. Some 20,000 eggs are waiting to be found! Local businesses will be on site with interactive displays and the Easter bunny will be on hand for pictures.Please keep your canine…

In early February, the Sedona City Council and the Big Park Regional Coordinating Council gave Sedona’s volunteer Sister Cities Association (the SSCA) the green light to go ahead with arranging such a relationship between our community and a counterpart abroad.A sister city relationship is a multi-faceted, long-term partnership between two communities in two countries. There currently are 1,800 such alliances in 140 countries. Most often, the communities have a lot in common, although they are geographically distant.Recently, the SSCA had its organizational meeting and selected nine community members for its Board of Directors: Chuck Marr, Sara Crosby-Hartman, Winifred Muench and…

This week, Camp Verde Community Library (CVCL) encourages all community members to visit their library in person or online to explore and access services and programs. CVCL offers a wide array of programs, classes and resources that are available in person or from the comfort of home, includinginformal STEM learning at the library or with take-home STEM Kitsinteractive Immersive Reality Books, WonderBooks and VOX Books for kidsmonthly Music in the Stacks in-person concerts or streamed on FacebookVirtual programs like, Sew-Along with Allyn – Where Happiness is HomemadeOverDrive downloadable audiobooks, ebooks, and magazinesthousands of films to stream for free from Kanopy93,000…

I am the doer; there is no doer. What the heck? Does anyone actually factually know? One way says we have no free will. There is no you to have a will, free or otherwise. The other sees clear evidence of choice. If that’s not free will, what is it? I’ve been in both camps, never quite able to stay put, and find it quite engaging still. Neither version is untrue. Damn. When we are blessed – for it is nothing but grace — to let everything go, every idea, every concept, every hold card we’ve ever held, This shows…

Yavapai College and the Regional Economic Development Center are partnering with other community organizations to sponsor the Verde Valley Job Fair at the Cottonwood Recreation Center (150 S. 6th St.) on Wednesday, Apr. 6 from 3:30 to 6 p.m. Attendees can learn the latest information about careers; apply for part-time, full-time, temporary, and seasonal jobs; and meet with representatives from business, healthcare, and non-profit organizations. There are currently more than 50 businesses that will be providing information about themselves as employers. Veterans, individuals 55 and older, and job seekers with disabilities may take advantage of early admission at 3 p.m.…

… a forever asked question and there are those among us who daily are seeking answers as to what is out there, where are we, what is all this we are living in. I like reading Brian Greene, a leading theoretical physicist; click on his name to learn more about him. He writes in such a manner that I feel I understand what he is talking about … until I put the book down, but still I have learned much from his writings and it is utterly fascinating. I took the shot above from Snowbowl Parking lot on the west…

The Sedona International Film Festival is proud to present the Northern Arizona premiere of the acclaimed new comedy/drama “The Rose Maker” showing April 8-14 at the Mary D. Fisher Theatre. Gifted and eccentric horticulturalist Eve Vernet (Catherine Frot) honors her father’s legacy by continuing the family business, breeding exquisite roses that compete in showcases all over France. But her stubbornly artisanal approach struggles to compete with the mass market production from her corporate rivals. Facing imminent bankruptcy, Eve’s trusted assistant Vera (Olivia Côte,) makes a last-ditch effort to turn things around by secretly hiring three new employees from a prison…

It’s not often that Cottonwood has the privilege of hosting Internationally known performers and a World Premier Concert, yet April brings just that. Check out the notable group of solo performers below, who under the guidance of world-renowned Harp Guitarist William Eaton, will collaborate on the World Premier Concert of the Wisdom Tree Ensemble. Later in the month, World Class Japanese Taiko Drummers will take the stage in honor of World Peace. All this will happen in April at the Old Town Center for the Arts. Wisdom Tree EnsembleWorld PremierSaturday, April 23, 7:00 PMThe Wisdom Tree Ensemble will make its…

On March 24, 2022, the city of Sedona launched the first phase of the Transit Implementation Plan. The new transit system, the Sedona Shuttle, began operation with routes to four of the area’s most popular trailheads: Cathedral Rock, Soldier Pass, Dry Creek and Little Horse.Beginning service in the midst of the busy spring break season, ridership was high from the first bus out of the lot at 8 a.m. on Thursday morning. In the first four days of service, the system logged over 8,500 boardings, as thousands of hikers discovered the free, easy and eco-friendly way to explore some of…

El Valle Artist Association Artist of the Month for March is Rosemary Nelson for her work “Cactus Crossroads”. An original oil painting.Originally from the San Francisco Bay Area and coming from an artistic backgroundRosemary was exposed to art at an early age.Her father was a commercial artist and watercolorist. With both her parent’sencouragement, Rosemary developed a love of painting. As a family, they frequently visitedmuseums in San Francisco to see the permanent and major exhibitions. The Impressionists made a lasting “impression” on her. Rosemary began her career in high school drawing and selling pastel portraits of musicians.From there she went…

… working on sky photos all day can wreak havoc on your mind and you begin to see things that perhaps are not there. I’ve always enjoyed kicking back and looking at the clouds go by and at sunset there are few things more beautiful than an outrageous sky to close the day and the promise of another in not that many hours. One night I landed just after sunset and was putting the plane away and the sky was a riot of color! Not until I began working on the photo today did I notice that One had come…

French-Algerian acoustic guitar virtuoso, vocalist and composer Pierre Bensusan has taken his unique sound to all corners of the globe. And now, after 3,000 concerts around the world, he is making a Sedona stop on his world tour Saturday, April 9 at 7 p.m. at the Mary D. Fisher Theatre, presented by the Sedona International Film Festival. Winner of the Independent Music Award for his triple live album “Encore”, voted Best World Music Guitarist by Guitar Player Magazine reader’s Poll, winner of the Rose d’Or at the Montreux Festival for his debut album, Pierre is recognized as one of the…

In the month of April, Verde Valley Sanctuary (VVS) recognizes National Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM). We take this moment to reflect on the strength and resilience of survivors and victims, the perseverance of advocates, and the dedication of the professionals in many fields who support those who experience sexual violence. The term “sexual assault” is an umbrella term that includes all of the following: Rape; Molestation; Unwanted sexual contact of any other form; Sexual harassment; Incest; Child sexual abuse; Sexual violence, even with an intimate partner; Sexual exploitation; Human trafficking; Voyeurism.Sexual violence causes life-changing trauma for far too many…

Yavapai County Sheriff’s Backcountry Search and Rescue team conducted its annual Swiftwater rescue course over the weekend. Nine members of the team completed the three-day course in the Colorado River offered by the Arizona Center for Fire Service in Excellence. Training is comprised of multiple swimming techniques, personal protective equipment, boating skills and maneuvers, in water patient management, vast rescue skills including the use of throw bags, tethered strong swimmer, V lowers, Y lowers, box cinches, Mather loops, and so much more. “We like to undertake this course every year for our members so that we are always prepared for…

What is the Gila Adjudication and why could its rulings regarding water rights in the Gila River System, which includes the Verde River, have the potential to impact both well users and municipal water users in a significant way? Clyde Halstead, a water law attorney, will review the history of the Gila Adjudication, discuss major rulings that will affect water users in the Verde River Basin and explain how citizens can participate in the Adjudication to protect their water rights at a Zoom webinar presented by the Citizens Water Advocacy Group (CWAG) on Saturday, April 16, from 10am – noon.…

… a very quiet day today … coffee with friends, a return of my Starlink kit and grocery shopping plus time making One feel like she is the focal center of our little universe (which she is), an early dinner and a couple of movies.Still exploring forgotten photos in folders I have not looked at in years and finding a lot of images I had forgotten about … like the mesquite tree pods above and the milkweed pod below. Like flowers, weeds and seeds can make for a beautiful image and are a part of this beautiful place we call…

Sedona International Film Festival presents the Exhibition on Screen series with the encore of “Easter in Art”. The event will show in Sedona on Tuesday, April 5 at 4 p.m. at the festival’s Mary D. Fisher Theatre. “Easter in Art” is a stunning film on one of the most significant events in history – the death and resurrection of Jesus. Displaying some of the greatest artworks ever produced and shot on location in galleries around the world, “Easter in Art” highlights artists such as Caravaggio, Leonardo, Raphael, El Greco and Dalí. The story of Christ’s death and resurrection has dominated…

Arizona Cardinals players and alumni, team mascot Big Red and Cardinals Cheerleaders are continuing the team’s “Cardinals Caravan” this week with visits to Sedona on Thursday (March 31) and Flagstaff on Friday (April 1). The “Cardinals Caravan” is visiting cities across Arizona to engage with fans, participate in community activities and visit local radio affiliates from the Cardinals radio network. On Thursday, former Cardinals defensive lineman Michael Bankston will join Big Red and Cardinals Cheerleaders in Sedona for a community event at St. Vincent de Paul (180 Soldier Pass Road) from 9:00-11:00 a.m. followed by a fan meet & greet…

The Golden Plate Awards program recognizes establishments that strive for excellence in food safety standards and is awarded by the Yavapai County Community Health Services in cooperation with the Yavapai County Food Safety Industry Council and the University of Arizona.With a monthly average of 50,000 meals or 550,000 meals served every year, YCSO Detention services (YCSODS) staff have shown superior commitment and dedication to the agency. Even though the past two years were heavily disrupted by staffing shortages, consistent menu changes due to supply issues, quarantines, delays in equipment repair, as well as the uncertainty and fear that the COVID19…

By Amaya Gayle GregoryThe world seems pretty damn real. It’s near impossible to be in the middle of the chaos and remain open to the possibilities of lived grace, of love, of heaven right here on Earth and yet, that is what we are asked to do if anything but what is currently made manifest is to be realized. I used to call it disbelieving appearances. Now I see that something much more profound than mental mastery is required. We can’t just disbelieve. We must truly deeply absolutely, not on the periphery, but all the way in, permeating penetrating the…

… the shows went very well and today was a day to focus on relaxing and enjoying the day … a huge thank you to everyone who turned out for the shows … it was fun having so many of you there. I spent time this evening looking through a folder with a lot of flowers and settled in on the one with lilies and came up with these two. The upper lily is a peace lily and that sure seems like a pretty good idea to me, so here it is … the lower bloom is also a lily,…

The Sedona International Film Festival is proud to present the Northern Arizona premiere of the acclaimed new documentary “The Torch” showing April 2-7 at the Mary D. Fisher Theatre. At 85, Chicago legend Buddy Guy remains the standard bearer for the blues — an icon determined to see the art form live on long after he’s gone. Enter young guitar phenom Quinn Sullivan, who has been mentored by Guy since he was a kid. This stirring documentary — amplified by electrifying musical performances — charts the guidance Guy himself received from the likes of Muddy Waters and Howlin’ Wolf while…

Friends of the Verde River is pleased to announce Free Family Day during the Verde Valley Birding and Nature Festival. Free Family Day is on Saturday, April 23 from 9:00am-1:00pm at Dead Horse Ranch State Park. Join birding enthusiasts and nature lovers between the lagoons at Dead Horse Ranch State Park for a free day of family fun in nature. There will be activities and exhibits for the whole family to enjoy! “On Free Family Day, you will learn about the river’s birds, bugs, fish, and habitats, so your children will leave inspired and ready to become future river protectors”,…

Once again, a lucky individual will have the opportunity to grab all the groceries he/she can in a five-minute dash through Clark’s Market in the Village.Tickets for the 2022 Grocery Grab raffle, sponsored by the Rotary Club of Sedona Village, are now available at Clark’s Market or on the Club website sedonavillagerotary.org. Tickets are $10 each or 3 for $25. In addition to the grand prize five-minute shopping spree at Clark’s Market, six more Clark’s gift card prizes, two each for $100, $75, and $50 will be drawn on April 16, at the Club’s Community Garden Plant & Seed Sale.…

By Amaya Gayle GregoryTo be here now, to simply be, is as ordinary as the ever-changing sky, the pregnant earth. In what seems a paradox, knowingly being this – which is nothing at all, and the entirety – surpasses subsumes re-envisions the Seven Wonders of the World. Everything, everyone is nothing but here now, for there is nothing outside of awareness, outside of here now, at least nothing knowable. What we call now, what we call here, is awareness filtering through the prism of mind. Here now is not a linear moment in dimensional space as most think. It is…

The Sedona International Film Festival is proud to present “Here Today” showing April 2-7 at the Mary D. Fisher Theatre. Actor and comedian Billy Crystal stars in and directs “Here Today”, alongside the outrageous Tiffany Haddish. You never know who’s going to change your life. “Here Today” follows veteran comedy writer Charlie Burnz (Crystal), who is going through a tough time in his life. He meets New York singer Emma Payge (Haddish) and they form an unlikely yet hilarious and touching friendship. Emma unexpectedly wins a lunch with the comedy legend, but their relationship gets off to an extremely rocky…

In response to the deepening Ukrainian refugee crisis, The Rotary Foundation Trustees have prioritized contributions made to its Disaster Response Fund until April 30, 2022, to support disaster response grants for Rotary districts affected by these events. These expedited disaster response grants can be used to supply water, food, medicine, shelter, and clothing. Rotary Clubs of Sedona, Sedona Village, Sedona Red Rocks, and Verde Valley contributed a total of $9,100 to the response fund. Club members are also making individual contributions and supporting other charities helping Ukrainian refugees.“Our hearts are breaking to watch what’s happening to Ukraine and its people.…

The Verde Valley Fire District is seeking application to fill a vacant Fire Board seat. The position became available when Board Member Matthew Kaempfe moved out of state. Applications for this Board seat are available at the Verde Valley Fire District Administrative Offices located at 2700 E Godard Rd in Cottonwood. Applications are also available on the District’s website. Applications must be submitted to the District’s Administrative Offices by 4:00 pm on April 20, 2022. Interviews will be held during a Special Board Meeting on May 23rd, 2022, beginning at 5:00 pm.The possible selection of a candidate will follow the…

Spring has sprung in Northern Arizona and the Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office is reminding residents to be safe while hiking. On March 22, YCSO Deputies along with The Verde Search and Rescue (SAR) Team, had a busy night in Sedona. At approximately 6pm the first call in what turned out to be a string of disoriented adventurers, came in to YCSO dispatch from a hiker gone off course on Doe Mountain. That hiker was able to find his way back to his vehicle while deputies were still in route. However, the responding Deputy was not off the hook yet.While still…

By Charlene RothBeing strapped for cash can make it a bit challenging when it comes to business start-ups. Fortunately, though, there are ways to streamline the process and boost your chances. Today, Sedona.biz shares some tips, tricks, and resources to help you get established.Budget, Budget, BudgetWhen you’re short on cash, having a realistic budget in place is essential to success.Write a business plan to help you create an operational strategy that includes identifying startup costs.Apply for a small business grant or loan.Seek out angel investors to support your company’s potential for growth.Build Your NetworkYour business has a better chance for…

Shalom and greetings from the Rabbi, Board of Directors, and congregation of the Jewish Community of Sedona and the Verde Valley.All the services, classes, and programs are listed on the synagogue website.Come join us either in person or online. See jcsvv.org for instructions to register for in-person services. On Friday, April 1, Rabbi Magal will lead a service to welcome in Shabbat with candle lighting, songs, prayers, and a Torah reading from the portion of the week, Tazria ( Leviticus 12:1 – 13:59) dealing with sickness and health, and with what was considered ritually pure or impure. the Kohanim -…

The Sedona International Film Festival is proud to present the Northern Arizona encore of the lavish Tony Award-winning musical “Kinky Boots” from London’s West End on Friday, April 1 at 7 p.m. at the Mary D. Fisher Theatre. This encore performance marks the 10-year anniversary of the Mary D. Fisher Theatre. All tickets are only $10 each in honor of this special 10-year anniversary celebration. With songs by Grammy and Tony-winning pop icon Cyndi Lauper, direction and choreography by Jerry Mitchell and book by Broadway legend Harvey Fierstein, this dazzling, fabulously sassy and uplifting award-winning musical celebrates a joyous story…

Camp Verde Community Library now has 8 Dell Latitude 3500 laptops paired with Verizon Wi-Fi Hot Spots, 10 CTL Chromebooks with Verizon cellular service, and 25 HP Wi-Fi only Chromebooks to checkout and use at home. The laptop/hotspot combos and Chromebooks are available at the PC Helpdesk to patrons 18 years and older check out for 3 weeks at a time. They are perfect for schoolwork, doing research, having fun online, accessing eBooks and audiobooks from the online library catalog, staying connected with friends and family, and more. The equipment is perfect for students who have signed up for classes…

On March 19, 2022 at approximately 10:30 pm, Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office Deputies arrested Cordes Lakes resident Michael Basso for six counts of aggravated assault, six counts of endangerment, disorderly conduct, reckless discharge of a firearm, discharging a firearm at a residential structure and criminal damage.Around 10 pm Basso’s neighbor made a call to 911 reporting a male subject was shooting at her residence where she and her three children were home. YCSO dispatch advised her to take her children to a safe location away from the house. Deputies responded quickly to the scene and discovered the subject in his…

Forever Wild, an award-winning documentary about how the citizens of Telluride, Colo., united to save the open land surrounding their town from a billionaire developer, will be seen by a national audience when the film airs on PBS stations in nearly 90 of the nation’s top 100 markets throughout the month of April. In Arizona, Forever Wild will air on PBS8 (KAET-TV) in Phoenix on Saturday, April 23 at 6 p.m. and in Tucson on KUAT on Sunday, April 17 at 3 p.m. The film from executive producer Ron Melmon, a filmmaker since the late 1960s, and director Bryan Reinhart,…

Love quilting? Got questions? Members of the Red Rock Quilters will be the featured guests for Monday at the Museum on Monday, April 4th, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Perhaps bring a small project to work on and enjoy the fellowship of quilting by getting your questions answered or just talking about the joy of quilting. They welcome all levels of quilters, fabric lovers, guests and traveling quilters. There is no charge for this demonstration. This is an outdoor event. “Mondays at the Museum” is a workshop/ demonstration held every Monday; please call for a current schedule. The Museum…

… Leroy is already anticipating the round of applause he will be getting this weekend as he spreads his wings in a large thank you for your appreciation of him … or perhaps he is conducting an orchestra? In any event Leroy and Michele will be opening the first five minutes of the program at the Mary Fisher Theater Friday evening and Saturday afternoon. Leroy is a Harris’s Hawk and is an incredible hunter (when he wants to be) and Michele will give you a great insight into the world of hawks and falconry. Below is a shot of a…

Broadway returns to Sedona on Friday, April 1 when the Sedona International Film Festival celebrates the 10-year anniversary of its Mary D. Fisher Theatre by hosting the big screen encore of Stephen Sondheim’s Tony Award-winning musical revival “Company”. The production features the New York Philharmonic Orchestra and an all-star cast. There will be one show at 4:00 p.m. All tickets are only $10 each in honor of this special 10-year anniversary celebration. “We are honored to bring back the musical event that we presented when we opened the theatre ten years ago, and now in memory of the late Stephen…

Health First Foundation has earned the Platinum Seal of Transparency from Candid (GuideStar) and a 90 “give with confidence” score from Charity Navigator, two places donors and grant-makers look for trusted charity assessments. “Health First values integrity, impact, excellence, and accountability. These outside evaluations underline our commitment to those values,” said president and CEO Sandra Kowalski. “We are dedicated to ensuring that Health First donors and partners have confidence in us and our work to improve health and well-being in northern Arizona.” The Platinum Seal is the highest level of recognition offered by Candid. It shows that Health First Foundation…

Up-and-coming winemakers will be celebrated on Saturday, April 23, 2022 when the Emerging Winemakers Competition & Symposium returns for its fourth year at Yavapai College’s Verde Valley campus in Clarkdale, Arizona. The event will run from 9:30 a.m. – 3:15 p.m. MST (PDT) and will be held both in person at the College as well as streamed live online.Organized by the Grand Crew, a Yavapai College Viticulture and Enology student/alumni organization, the event will feature educational seminars during the Symposium, an awards ceremony and a roundtable discussion with the competition’s seven judges.“We’re looking forward to being both in-person and online…

“Painting with Purpose” is a fun and engaging social outing that combines spirits, good food, fun, and art. It’s a unique form of entertainment and camaraderie that ultimately aids a local nonprofit organization and promotes a transformation of strangers to co-creators. We are all just one act away from connecting for a good cause that benefits us all.On Saturday, April 16th, at Fojol restaurant (Fojol.com) in Old Town Cottonwood, a live painting will be conducted by Nate Hansen and a “mystery” artist. It will be done on a large canvas. The painting will be created over an extended time that…

The Sedona Heritage Museum is again offering a performance of “Throwback Thursday”, on Thursday, April 7, at 3:30 p.m. at the Museum. Visitors will enjoy a glimpse of parts of the Museum through encounters with costumed reenactors. These impersonators will breathe life into several Sedona area pioneers and share a bit of that person’s life story and adventures in the Sedona of 70-120 years ago. Guests will rotate through the Museum buildings, delighting in parts of a “day-in-the life” of our early settlers and community-builders, and getting a peek at some of the hopes, dreams, and hardships in Arizona’s rustic…

… there were many days when I would get out to the airport early, takeoff and head up to the plateau to get my aerial shots and then head back to Sedona, land and head back up there to get shots of the same areas, but from the ground. The photos tonight are from one of those days in early October. The aspens were in near peak color and the clouds were absolutely amazing … a little cloudier in the morning, but lifted and more blue sky in the afternoon. The shot above was taken from the southwest of the…

Sedona International Film Festival presents the Great Art on Screen series with “Napoleon: In the Name of Art”. The event will show in Sedona on Tuesday, March 29, at 4 and 7 p.m. at the festival’s Mary D. Fisher Theatre. Great Art on Screen is a series of documentaries featuring an in-depth look at the most extraordinary and groundbreaking art masters of their time. Marking the 200th anniversary of Napoleon’s death, the “Napoleon: In the Name of Art” explores the complex relationship between Napoleon, culture and art. Host Jeremy Irons brings audiences on a tour from Milan to Paris for…

Arts Academy of Sedona (formerly Sedona Arts Academy) proudly announces the formal adoption of its new name, which reflects the organization’s continuing dedication to the arts. “We decided to change the name to help prevent confusion with other entities, and place the emphasis on our mission,” says Camilla Ross, Executive Director and Board Chair of the Arts Academy of Sedona. “The Arts Academy of Sedona is a true reflection of what the arts can do for a community. Providing a place for people to gather for the arts is what makes our community rich in culture.” Arts Academy of Sedona…

The most relevant art often reflects the time in which it was created, and Rowe Fine Art Gallery’s esteemed sculptors spent the winter producing–or, in one case, trying to produce–artwork that responds to the state of the world and their state of mind. Of course, art collectors also attest that their most cherished pieces can transport and make them think of brighter times. Rowe Fine Art Gallery invites everyone to 3D: Escape to a Different Dimension on Friday, April 1, from 4 to 7 p.m. where you’ll find art that invites you to reflect, art that gives you hope and…

Starting next week, the city of Sedona will begin construction of a new, 10-foot wide, shared-use pathway that will run along the north side of Chapel Road, from State Route 179 to Fox Road. This new pathway will allow pedestrians and bicyclists to travel safely and will be separated from traffic by a rock-lined ditch or curb. Construction activities will also include the replacement of disturbed driveway entrances and drainage improvements along the project corridor. Following this project, parking will no longer be allowed on the north side of Chapel Road on a permanent basis. To accommodate this change, a…

… so it was one of those really neat, but entirely weird days … lots of work done … Verizon Home Wireless device arrived today and I got it set up, but it will not function until Thursday morning when Suddenlink ports the home phone number over to Verizon. I could let it stay hooked up with Suddenlink until then, but the thought of not recieving spam and donation request calls for a few days was more than I could resist, so I disconnected the line and will wait to use it until then … blessed silence! The Starlink Kit…

The Sedona International Film Festival is proud to join cinemas around the globe for a worldwide theatrical premiere of “Anything Goes The Musical” showing March 27 and 30 at the Mary D. Fisher Theatre. Don’t miss “Anything Goes”, ‘the show of the year’ (The Telegraph) and a ‘fizzing tonic for our times’ (The Guardian) when it sails into cinemas nationwide. Filmed live at the Barbican in London, this major new 5-star production of the classic musical comedy features an all-star cast led by renowned Broadway royalty Sutton Foster reprising her Tony Award-winning performance as Reno Sweeney, alongside three-time Olivier Award…

Clean up and reduce your wildfire risk by disposing of yard waste during the new annual Curbside Yard Waste Collection this April and part of May. Creating a defensible space within 30 feet of your home can greatly reduce the risk of a wildfire. Tall, dry grasses provide a path for fire, so by removing dry grasses, leaves, excess vegetation and pine needles from your roof and gutters, you reduce fire risk. Prune tree limbs so the lowest limb is between six to 10 feet from the ground. The event is also an opportunity to remove debris in drainage areas…

On Friday, April 8, 2022, CHSM proudly presents Jim Gemmill’s fascinating recollections of the Big Hole Mining Company at 10:00 am at the Clark Memorial Clubhouse. Mr. Gemmill’s father, Dick, and grandfather, Mark, were partners in the mining company from 1954 until 1974. As a teenager, Mr. Gemmill learned the business hands on as a summer laborer during the 1960s. His discussion will be enhanced with photos and artifacts.As is true for most of the material that can be accessed at clarkdalemuseum.org, this program is available at no charge. The only exception is the 2021 Virtual Home Tour, for which…

The Sedona Heritage Museum presents Michael Peach in a performance of his original show “Fool Me Twice!” on Saturday, April 2 at 1:30 p.m.Poet and historical researcher, Peach’s program is inspired by his investigations into Sedona and Arizona history. Sedona audiences have grown to love his style of blending original ‘cowboy’ poetry, tall tales, and historical humor as he exposes local mythology and takes a tongue-in-cheek look at quirky incidents from the past using jokes, storytelling, and first person narrative. As is customary with Mike’s shows, this one incorporates the spirit of the Old West with selections like this:“When dudes…

… days immersed in nature on and and around lakes imprints some very wonderful memories in the mind and recalling them places me right back on the lake and all the beautiful sights and creatures that were encountered. I have spent days pouring through folders filled with photographs and each one brought back great memories … one folder filled with images from a day on Lake Mary was no exception. It was a day when the shoreline was blanketed with yellow flowers, the water was calm and the flowers were reflected in the water and in the photo below a…

On Saturday, March 26, Anthony Mazzella’s “Legends of Guitar” concert will be rocking the Mary Fisher Theatre in Sedona. Anthony has added new songs to his repertoire so be sure to come hear his latest interpretations of guitar classics. “Legends of Guitar” is a tribute show to famous guitar players and their music. The show features world renowned guitar virtuoso Anthony Mazzella who plays it all live. Legendary guitarists whose music is featured in the show are Jimi Hendrix, Eric Clapton, Carlos Santana, Jimi Page (Led Zeppelin), The Edge (U2), Pete Townsend (The Who), David Gilmour (Pink Floyd), George Harrison…

By Rose Boerner, NAMI YavapaiOur next Mental Health Monday program will take place via Zoom on March 28th, 10:00 to 11:30 AM, and will focus on police responses when a mental health crisis occurs. If you have ever been afraid to call the police during a mental health crisis, the program will explain:What to do when you have to call 9-1-1 and what to expect. Behavioral Health Training for Officers in Arizona.Understanding cop culture.What is CIT Training and how can it help your family.Amanda Stamps, Vice President Arizona Crisis Intervention Team Association, Retired Mesa Police Department — Amanda recently retired…

Join Yavapai County Community Health Services in Camp Verde Community Library’s Terracotta Room at 12:30 pm on Tuesday, April 19th for the first in a series of 8 weekly Tai Chi classes. Tai chi is an ancient Chinese tradition that, today, is practiced as a graceful form of exercise. It involves a series of movements performed in a slow, focused manner and accompanied by deep breathing. Tai chi is low impact and puts minimal stress on muscles and joints, making it generally safe for all ages and fitness levels. In fact, because tai chi is a low-impact exercise, it may…

By Amaya Gayle GregoryWords are interesting, an attempt to nail down that which could never be pinned in place, like a photograph, an experience caught in amber, a freeze frame stolen from the ever-moving motion picture show. Hilarious it seems, at least through the lens here. Giggles roll through like clouds on a summer day accompanied by a gentle shaking of the head, a wow, what a hoot, and ever deepening gratitude for this fascinating world of wonder. I love words. It would be a much poorer world without them, but the senses are the real juice: the intoxicating visual…

The Sedona International Film Festival is proud to present the Northern Arizona encore of the acclaimed new drama “I’ll Find You” showing March 25-31 at the Mary D. Fisher Theatre. “I’ll Find You” premiered at the recent Sedona International Film Festival where it was one of the highest rated audience choice films in the narrative lineup. Audience members and critics have been raving about the film. Inspired by stories of Polish musicians from the 30-40’s, “I’ll Find You” is an uncommon love story: romantic, but with the love of music which draws the characters together. A young couple — Robert,…

Candelen is pleased to announce their upcoming virtual event, Talking to Kids About Tough Sh*t, starting at 6:00pm MST (Arizona Time) on Tuesday, March 29, through Facebook Live.This event will include raw, open dialogue about navigating conversations with children to address difficult topics such as divorce, death of a loved one or pet, school shootings, sex, suicide, war, illness, natural disasters, COVID-19, bullying, and more. Participants will hear honest, real-life reflections from a diverse panel of parents to dissect what was addressed well in their conversations, what could have been addressed better, and how both adult and child walked away…

Join us on Thursday, March 31st from 5:30-7:00 pm in Camp Verde Community Library’s Fireside Room for our next free Music in the Stacks Special Concert Series featuring Marty & Lil. Music in the Stacks Special Concert Series is a showcase of local and national musicians who entertain regularly in Northern Arizona. There will be one band or solo artist that plays for the duration of the concert with a different artist playing each month, on the last Thursday of the month Camp Verde Community Library is located just off of Montezuma Castle Highway at 130 Black Bridge Road, Camp…

If you’re itching to get your hands dirty, save Saturday, March 26, 2022 for the Clarkdale Historical Society and Museum Plant Sale. Starting at 8:00 AM, the parking lot in front of the Clark Memorial Clubhouse (19 North Ninth, Clarkdale) will be transformed into a gardener’s paradise featuring locally-grown perennials, annuals, herbs, vegetables, succulents, cactus, trees, shrubs and house plants. Free seeds will be distributed while they last.Master Gardeners from Yavapai and Coconino Counties will be on hand to answer questions and to offer advice on how to establish these ready-to-grow plants in your garden. Volunteers will be available to…

Members of the Verde Valley Weavers and Spinners Guild will have their spinning wheels humming for “Monday at the Museum” at the Sedona Heritage Museum on March 28, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. The spinners’ guild was formed over 35 years ago by Mary Pendleton of the Pendleton Weaving studio in Sedona along with a few weavers in the Verde Valley. The guild continues today with some 40 to 50 members actively pursuing Fiber Arts such as weaving, spinning, basket-making, dyeing and knitting. They would be happy to share their art with you, and to answer any questions you…

… it always a joy to see young donkey foals romp around and then a quick return to mom for a snuggle and I love you, before heading out for some more playful activities. Donkeys have a life span of between 40 and 50 years, have excellent memories and domesticated donkeys have been used in agriculture for thousands of years. There are hundreds of wild donkeys in the Lake Pleasant area and we frequently see them from the lake as we cruise the shores. Typically we cover 25 + miles of shoreline when we go down there and as a…

The Sedona International Film Festival presents “An Evening with Ted: Exploring Central and Northern Arizona”. There will be two shows: Friday, March 25 at 7 p.m. and Saturday, March 26 at 4 p.m. at the festival’s Mary D. Fisher Theatre. Join Ted as he guides you through the wonders and beauty of Sedona, the Colorado Plateau and Northern/Central Arizona from a perspective that few have ever seen … the beauty of the red rocks as seen from above and through the clouds, volcanoes and mountains, canyons and rivers … and on the ground his beautiful and unique wildlife photography of…

A Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office Detective was notified over the weekend by the online bond service used by the Yavapai County Jail that a stolen credit card was used to pay for the $15,000 bond of Kelsey Scott. The bond service informed detectives that additional attempts were made by the same individual to use stolen credit cards to bond out another inmate, Ashley Trancygier, who is in custody on previous drug charges.Approximately 20 attempts were made to bond Trancygier out using 13 stolen credit cards. The detective immediately began contacting some of the credit card theft victims who reported their…

Sedona musical artists Mychal and Theresa are giving a free concert at Posse Grounds Pavilion on Thursday, March 24, from 4:00 – 6:00 pm. Mychal and Theresa have coordinated with Unicef to host a fundraiser to benefit the people of Ukraine. This fundraiser information will be shared with concert goers, and can also be found on their website at mychalandtheresa.comMychal and Theresa Lotz are performing and recording artists who moved from Southern California to Sedona in 2017, and are the former Music Directors of St. John Vianney Church in Sedona. They own a home in Sedona, and are full time…

Starting March 24, 2022, Sedona residents and visitors will have an easier way to get to some of the area’s most popular trailheads. The new Sedona Shuttle will offer free park-and-ride shuttle service to Cathedral Rock, Dry Creek, Little Horse and Soldier Pass trailheads.The trailhead shuttles will pick-up from two park-and-ride lots. Both parking and the shuttle ride are free. A Red Rock Parking Pass is not required at the trailhead. In addition:Trailhead shuttles serving Cathedral Rock and Little Horse trailheads will pick up from the North SR 179 park-and-ride lot located at 1294 SR 179. Service to Soldier Pass…

… and what eyes they are! The photo above is of a double crested Cormorant on takeoff with the explosion of water flying all around him … and then there are those remarkable turquoise eyes which adds to the beauty of this voracious consumer of small fish. Below is a shot of a Coopers Hawk that I got this evening whilst on the deck with One. It is a delight to have them back and time for me to get the bird feeder out to attract more food for them; I do enjoy the songbirds that a feeder provides and…

Brian Chartrand, who has thrilled crowds everywhere from Phoenix’s Crescent Ballroom to Carnegie Hall, blends his soulful original work with a repertoire ranging from James Taylor to Radiohead. For this special evening, Brian will be joined by world-class musicians Todd Chuba, Lamar Gaines, and Mario Mendivil. Brian Chartrand Quartet will perform at the Old Town Center for the Arts, Saturday, March 26, at 7:00 PM. Brian Chartrand is a singer/songwriter based in Phoenix, AZ. He is a co-founder of The Sweet Remains along with Rich Price and Greg Naughton, writer of “Live from Laurel Canyon: Songs and Stories of American…

Organizations serving LGBTQ residents in communities across Arizona are invited to apply for grant funding through the Kellenberger + Tollefson Center for LGBTQ Philanthropy at the Arizona Community Foundation. The grant application will be available online at azfoundation.org/grants beginning on Monday, March 21 at 9:00 a.m. with final applications due no later than Monday, April 18 at 4:00 p.m.Through a competitive grant cycle, the Kellenberger + Tollefson Center will award funding to nonprofits, schools, municipalities, government agencies, tribal entities, houses of worship (for non-sectarian programs), and other organizations operating with a charitable purpose or with a nonprofit fiscal agent. Organizations…

This week Verde Valley Habitat for Humanity celebrated the valuable contributions of AmeriCorps members and AmeriCorps Seniors volunteers who pledged to “get things done” for our nation as part of the annual AmeriCorps Week. The weeklong celebration also honors the contributions and support of thousands of local organizations that make AmeriCorps programs possible. In Arizona, approximately 6,800 AmeriCorps members serve each year. “We are proud to be part of AmeriCorps and grateful for the AmeriCorps members and volunteers who are getting things done for Arizona.” AmeriCorps members have made a significant impact on Arizona’s ability to meet so many local…

This week you may have received a letter from the city of Sedona inviting you to take a survey about updating Sedona’s Community Plan. This is an essential first step for public input on the city’s general land use plan, which is updated every 10 years. If you have not yet received the letter, please check your mailbox in the coming days. Residents are asked to take the time to fill out the survey no later than April 4, 2022.The survey focuses on two basic questions: How important are the community values and vision from the 2013 plan? What are…

… first we have a Great Egret go airborne off the side of a very steep slope above the shore and glide out over the water of the lake seeking somewhere where we are not … thanks to some nice back lighting we have very fine detail in the wings and a sharp brilliant eye. In the lower shot we have been airborne for some time and are catching most of the Sedona metro area. In the foreground is the loop area and Oak Creek is within the emerald green trees snaking its way to the south. around the western…

The Mary D. Fisher Theatre is honored to be the home for the Met Live Opera programs for the 2021-2022 season, presented by the Sedona International Film Festival. The season will continue with Giuseppe Verdi’s “Don Carlos” on Saturday, March 26. There will be one show at 9 a.m. — a live simulcast as it is happening at the Met! Plan to come early as Russell Fox will lead a pre-opera talk one hour before the production. For the first time in company history, the Met presents the original five-act French version of Verdi’s epic opera of doomed love among…

The 18th annual Native American Indian Disability Summit, under the theme “Gathering Native Voices to Build Strength Through Unity,” is Friday, April 1 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Desert Willow Conference Center, 4340 E. Cotton Center Blvd. in Phoenix. A virtual online component is available. The event is fragrance free to accommodate those with allergies, breathing conditions or multiple chemical sensitivities. There is no cost to attend the Summit, but registration is required. To register, visit www.ability360.org/american-indian-disability-summit. The Summit officially begins with opening ceremonies at 8:30 a.m. featuring the presentation of colors by the honor guard from…

Coconino National Forest officials have implemented restrictions on climbing and other activities on a portion of the cliff face of an area known as the Peaks Crag in order to protect nesting peregrine falcons. Similar restrictions have been in effect over the last several years allowing the nesting peregrine falcon pair to successfully fledge one to three young each season, while still affording recreational climbing opportunities in the vicinity. The current Forest Order allows access from Forest Road 522 (Freidlein Prairie Road) to the climbing area north of the peregrines’ nest site. The Forest Service, with the help of volunteers,…

By Amaya Gayle GregoryEveryone has their own gig. We are unique individualized experiencing vessels. Sometimes what another sees as truth fits us like a nice pair of stretchy jeans. Sometimes, it’s loose and baggy, or too tight to squeeze into. Fortunately, there are racks and racks of jeans, different brands, sizes to fit everyone, and quirky designs and a magic mushroom show of colors. There’s even a no-pants rack. Isn’t that cool! This Big Universe creates something for us all. These days many seem to be riding the rail of one – one right way, one way to see it,…

… the northern migration is in full swing at Lake Pleasant is filled with birds and in a back water bay of the lake we jumped these mergansers and they had no option but to fly directly at us to get out of the narrow bay … and I got this shot as they flew at us. It reminds me a lot of the hunting we used to do as kids down in the Minnesota River bottoms. Saturday we headed down to Watson Lake near Prescott and was amazed at the amount of water in the lake … it is…

On Saturday, March 19 – Sunday, March 20, 2022, the Verde Valley Wine Consortium and the Town of Camp Verde will be co-hosting the 21st Annual Camp Verde Pecan & Wine Festival in Camp Verde, Arizona, sponsored by Yavapai College and their Southwest Wine Center, SRP and Larry Green Chevrolet. Celebrating two of the areas prime tourism draws – wine and pecans – the festival, which is FREE to all, will feature 13 Arizona wineries along with a variety of pecans for pairing, a very competitive Pecan Pie contest, a Budweiser Beer Garden, food trucks, 70+ local artisans, AND two…

On March 12, 2022 the Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office, Cottonwood Police Department, Arizona State Land Department, U.S. Forest Service and Partners Against Narcotics Trafficking participated in a joint operation to address ongoing problems with squatters littering and using State Trust and Forest Service land as a residence. A valid recreational permit allows up to two weeks of recreational camping in a 12-month period. Using the land as a residence is not permitted. Numerous subjects were contacted today and warned that they were not allowed to abuse State Trust or Forest Service land. The participating law enforcement officers were able to…

The upper portion of Cathedral Rock Trail will temporarily close to the public for construction starting March 16. The closure will remain in place through April 30, but could lift earlier if construction work ends sooner. The Forest Service Red Rock Trail Crew will be reconstructing rock walls and check steps during the closure. A Forest Closure Order has been put in place due to the inability to safely reroute hikers around the work area, which includes the trail itself and the 200 feet of land on either side. During construction, there is a possibility of large rocks rolling downhill…

Professional photographer Mike Olbinski will present at the meeting of the Sedona Camera Club starting at 6 p.m. on Monday, March 28, 2022, at the Sedona Creative Life Center, 333 Schnebly Hill Road, Sedona. Doors open at 5:30.With Covid testing now indicating safe levels locally, the Club has modified their position regarding safety measures. The Sedona Camera Club will now hold our monthly member meetings using the standards recommended by CDC’s latest updates. The Club asks attendees to be fully vaccinated. Wearing masks are at the attendees’ discretion. Mike Olbinski is an Emmy-winning photographer and filmmaker based in Phoenix, Arizona.…

By Amaya Gayle GregoryA dear friend, speaking to a beloved with little time left to live, asked about her illness. She didn’t want to share the disease’s name, to give it any more power in the universe, so my friend, being a good friend, wanting to give her the opportunity to share as she could, asked about her symptoms. I don’t think I will ever forget her response. It touched me deeply. ‘Dying is the only symptom.’Yesterday I was talking with a friend. She asked about my health in a natural segue from talking about hers. She’s been making the…

The Arizona Department of Transportation will host a virtual public meeting from 6 – 7 p.m. Wednesday, March 23, to provide information on upcoming improvements that will be made to State Route 89A in Oak Creek Canyon between Sedona and Flagstaff. The improvements include rockfall mitigation, drainage and sediment control, and a bridge rehabilitation. How to participate in the meeting: Join online: azdot.gov/SR89A Password: ADOT2022 Join by phone: 1.408.418.9388 Meeting Number (access code: 24844956572) Password: ADOT2022 During the public meeting, ADOT representatives will provide an overview of the project, followed by an opportunity for the public to ask questions online…

The Sedona Chamber of Commerce & Tourism Bureau presented a check for $102,000 to the Sedona Red Rock Trail Fund today, marking the first phase of the five-year Trail Keepers 2.0 program, a business and chamber funding program that supports US Forest Service maintenance of Red Rock Country trails. The donation ceremony took place at the Uptown Visitor Information Center located at 331 Forest Road. Trail Keepers 2.0 is the follow-on to the highly successful Trail Keepers program, which concluded in February 2021 after raising $370,000 in five years. Trail Keepers 2.0 will also run for five years. Each of…

For the third year the city of Sedona is joining forces with Washington D.C.’s National Museum of Women in the Arts to celebrate women artists during Women’s History Month. Since most people have a difficult time calling to mind at least five female artists, NMWA has issued the #5womenartists challenge via social media throughout the month of March. The campaign’s goal is to highlight gender imbalances in the art world nationally and internationally. By highlighting five women artists in each community, awareness of women in the arts will be increased. “We are thrilled to once again be highlighting a few…

Join us for a unique evening on Saturday, March 19th when Max Ribner and 1st Language take the stage at the Old Town Center for the Arts in Cottonwood. A ‘concert style’ format will begin at 7:00 PM. After a short intermission, the floor will be cleared for dance, beginning at 8:30 PM. Patrons purchasing a ‘concert’ ticket have the option of staying for the dance. At a reduced ticket price, attendees can attend just the dance portion of the evening. This concert and dance evening is sponsored by ChocolaTree Organic Oasis of Sedona.What are the common threads that bridge…

Join Northern Arizona University Professor and Chair of Anthropology Dr. Kelley Hays-Gilpin on Sunday, March 20 at 1 p.m. at the Mary D. Fisher Theatre in Sedona. Come enjoy a special presentation entitled “A Colorful Century of Women in Southwestern Archaeology” — in celebration of Women’s History Month and Archaeology Month. This program is presented by the Verde Valley Chapter of the Arizona Archaeological Society. Tickets are $15 to benefit the VVCAAS Scholarship Program. “A Colorful Century of Women in Southwestern Archaeology” will focus on Ann Axtell Morris. One hundred years ago, Ann Axtell graduated from Smith College and set…

The Sedona Historical Society will host a tasting event of the first bottling of Red Rock Zinfandel since 1917 on Friday, March 25 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Sedona Heritage Museum. This tasting is in partnership with Page Springs Cellars and winemaker Eric Glomski.The evening will include the tasting, appetizers, other PSC wines, an auction, and special guests. An introduction to the wine and the story behind the preservation of 100+ year-old legacy vines and the rebuilding of a legacy vineyard will be presented by the winemaker, Eric Glomski. After more than a century, the Sedona area’s…

The Sedona Police Department’s investigation into a child abuse and neglect of special needs individuals continues following the arrest of a Sedona man on Thursday, March 10, 2022. A joint investigation was conducted with the Arizona Department of Child (DCS) Safety and the Arizona Department of Developmental Disabilities (DDD). Probable cause was established that care providers, Bruce and Sherrian Bloomquist, of Sedona, were neglectful for the care of a 16-year-old female with special needs within their home. The child abuse allegations are based upon the identification of the couple’s failure to provide for the medical and nutritional needs of the…

… I spent some time scrounging through portfolios that I have not looked at in a long time today and found several images which caught my eye. The fine art image above is a photo of a feather from a white pigeon that had been blown by the wind and caught on a small branch sticking up out of the ground … last flight for the pigeon that hosted the feather and the Coopers Hawk that brought him down, dined and had the sustenance to continue his life. I was talking with a friend tonight and after we hung up,…

The Sedona International Film Festival is proud to present the Northern Arizona premiere of the Oscar-nominated film “The Worst Person in the World” showing March 18-24 at the Mary D. Fisher Theatre. “The Worst Person in the World” is nominated for two Academy Awards, including Best International Feature Film and Best Original Screenplay. Sedona audiences get to see the film prior to the Oscar telecast later in March. Director Joachim Trier returns with another modern twist on a classically constructed character portrait of contemporary life in Oslo. Chronicling four years in the life of Julie, “The Worst Person in the…

… in 1971 Joe Raposo wrote Sing for Sesame Street as its signature song and in 1973 the song gained wide popularity when it was performed and recorded by the Carpenters … it is a happy song and worth a listen or three. Click on the word sing to take you to a YouTube video with them performing the song. In the spirit of singing, joy and all good things on our little planet, it is good to listen to the heartfelt songs of creatures we share the planet with … two of them are included … the Gambel’s Quail…

The Sedona International Film Festival is proud to present the Northern Arizona premiere of the acclaimed new drama “The Desperate Hour” showing March 18-24 at the Mary D. Fisher Theatre. Academy Award-nominee Naomi Watts stars in this gripping new drama ripped from today’s headlines. Unfolding in real time, “The Desperate Hour” is a riveting and pulse-pounding thriller from award-winning director Phillip Noyce. Recently widowed mother Amy Carr (Naomi Watts) is doing her best to restore normalcy to the lives of her young daughter and teenage son in their small town. As she’s on a jog in the woods, she finds…

Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office announces that it has been nominated for a 2022 RISE award for the Agency category. This unique awards program is designed to recognize a department for making great strides in building up their community.Community members, friends and family may each vote once per day until March 18, 2022, by clicking on the link below. The top 10 finalists with the most votes in each category will then be reviewed by a panel of judges. Winners will receive $7,500 for the police foundation, police nonprofit or community program.To vote click here: Viewing RISE Agency 2022 – Rise…

Camp Verde Community is celebrating the valuable contributions of AmeriCorps members and AmeriCorps Seniors volunteers who pledged to “get things done” for our nation as part of the annual AmeriCorps Week, March 13-19, 2022. The weeklong celebration honors the contributions and support of thousands of local organizations, like Camp Verde Community Library, that make AmeriCorps programs possible. AmeriCorps members are making a significant impact on Arizona’s ability to meet many local needs. In Arizona, approximately 6,800 AmeriCorps members serve each year. “We are proud to be part of the AmeriCorps program and grateful for our AmeriCorps member, Nicole Metz-Andrews who…

The Sedona Heritage Museum has announced the opening of their newest temporary exhibit, a tribute to Keep Sedona Beautiful (KSB) and the organization’s first 50 years of community service.The exhibit focuses on some of the people, programs and awards that KSB has been involved in over the decades. Displays share major milestones and achievements as the grassroots organization has shined a light on local and regional issues like land conservation, protecting dark skies and water quality, and working for good community planning. Advocacy has been a core function of the group and their members, not only on these issues, but…

Applications are now being accepted for the Sedona Workforce Housing Assistance Program. Qualified homebuyers may receive up to $25,000 toward a down payment on a first home in the Verde Valley. Through a partnership with Housing Solutions of Northern Arizona, the city of Sedona is providing funds to help make homeownership an option for households that do not have sufficient cash to purchase a home but are otherwise mortgage eligible based on credit and income.The city’s housing study, prepared for the city of Sedona in November 2020 by Elliott D. Pollack & Company, identified an affordable housing gap of approximately…

… This Great Egret seems to be re-imagining himself as he fluffs out his feathers … perhaps a new way of presenting himself to others … in any event it was a delightful sight to behold. I took the photo below from a place south of Beaverhead Flats Road looking pretty much to the north. Beaverhead Flats Road runs along the bottom of the image on the right side and joins SR179 which travels to the left into the Village and then Sedona. The large greenish area which takes up much of the image is part of House Mountain which…

The Sedona International Film Festival presents Ballet in Cinema on Sunday, March 13 when it hosts the big screen premiere of “Romeo and Juliet” – a new production from The Royal Ballet in London. There will be one show at 3:00 p.m. at the festival’s Mary D. Fisher Theatre. Shakespeare’s star-crossed lovers experience passion and tragedy in this 20th-century ballet masterpiece. “Romeo and Juliet” has become a great modern ballet classic of the ballet repertory since its creation by Royal Ballet Director Kenneth MacMillan and its premiere in 1965. In this special screening, the doomed lovers attempt to find their…

Film nominated for two Academy Award premieres at Fisher Theatre The Sedona International Film Festival is proud to present the Northern Arizona premiere of the Oscar-nominated film “The Worst Person in the World” showing March 18-24 at the Mary D. Fisher Theatre. “The Worst Person in the World” is nominated for two Academy Awards, including Best International Feature Film and Best Original Screenplay. Sedona audiences get to see the film prior to the Oscar telecast later in March. Director Joachim Trier returns with another modern twist on a classically constructed character portrait of contemporary life in Oslo. Chronicling four years…

Over the course of the COVID-19 pandemic, we have seen a substantial rise in the incidence of domestic violence in the Verde Valley. Social distancing and other efforts to slow the spread of COVID-19 over the last year have escalated the risk of violence for survivors through more time spent at home, increased levels of household stress, and compromised access to advocacy and direct support systems.Verde Valley Sanctuary (VVS) has been tracking occurrences of family violence since before the COVID-19 pandemic began. In our surrounding communities, domestic violence incidents increased as high as 138% with an increase in the severity…

On March 24, 2022, the city of Sedona will launch the first phase of its transit implementation plan. The new transit system, the Sedona Shuttle, will begin with service to several of the area’s most popular trailheads, including Cathedral Rock, Soldier Pass, Dry Creek, and Little Horse.In early 2020, the city of Sedona adopted the Sedona Area Transit Implementation Plan (which can be viewed at www.SedonaShuttle.com). The plan contemplates a network of public transit services within Sedona, the Village of Oak Creek, and Oak Creek Canyon. Since that time, the city of Sedona has been working to implement this first…

The Arizona Community Foundation (ACF) and the Arizona Commission on the Arts announced today a renewed joint effort to support Arizona artists, including additional funding from the Newton and Betty Rosenzweig Fund for the Arts, an endowment held at ACF. This public-philanthropic partnership strategically pairs the Arizona Community Foundation’s resources and collaborative practices with the Arts Commission’s statewide reach and artist-services infrastructure to serve a common goal: to invest in artists, supporting the work they do as innovators and creative contributors to Arizona’s future. “We are thrilled to renew our collaboration with the Arizona Commission on the Arts, made possible…

Fiesta Bowl Charities, along with Salt River Project (SRP) and KABOOM!, unveiled a new, 2,000 square-foot playground at Camp Verde Elementary School. The space was built by volunteers across the organizations and the Camp Verde School District and is the 11th playground built across the state by Fiesta Bowl Charities and KABOOM!In November, children from Camp Verde Elementary School were asked to share drawings of what their dream playground would look like. Fiesta Bowl Charities, SRP and KABOOM! came together to make those dreams a reality, taking the children’s visions and incorporating them into the design.On Friday, February 25, more…

… some winter days when I would head up to the Colorado Plateau, everything would have a strange appearance and an ethereal quality to the earthscape below me … almost anything was possible and all I needed was a palette of colors, brushes and filters to complete the fantasia that I saw in my minds eye. These two photos are examples of what is possible from the same lighting conditions when you free yourself from convention and alter the world to accommodate your imagination. In the top photo you have a view from roughly near the top of the switchbacks…

The Mary D. Fisher Theatre is honored to be the home for the Met Live Opera programs for the 2021-2022 season, presented by the Sedona International Film Festival. The season will continue with Richard Strauss’s “Ariadne auf Naxos” on Saturday, March 12. There will be one show at 11 a.m. — a live simulcast as it is happening at the Met! Plan to come early as Deborah Raymond will lead a pre-opera talk one hour before the production. Soprano Lise Davidsen makes her Live in HD debut in one of her signature roles, the mythological Greek heroine of Strauss’s enchanting…

Join Keep Sedona Beautiful on Wednesday, March 16, at 5:00 p.m. for its monthly Preserving the Wonder™ Speaker Series. This event will be held both live at 360 Brewer Road in Sedona and virtual via Zoom. The Zoom link is: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85340602087?pwd=Vi9nMzBuL1pWQTlabHlHZGc2cENWZz09OHV use in Sedona and the Verde Valley has increased exponentially over the past decade, bringing with it a host of challenges: disruption of neighborhoods, damage to National Forest land, frequent accidents and clouds of dust endangering residents and killing vegetation.While most OHV users drive responsibly, a portion of those who rent OHVs and who bring their own vehicles to…

The Dead would like to have some words with you. And so, begins a cemetery walk at Sedona’s oldest cemetery on April 29 and 30, the Schuerman Red Rock Cemetery on the Upper Red Rock Loop Road.The Sedona Historical Society has announced that a limited number of ticket holders will travel back in time to meet some of Sedona’s earliest pioneers. These brave souls experienced triumph and tragedy while carving out a life in Red Rock country. “Voices from the Grave-Spring Spirits Rising” is an open-air cemetery tour with re-enactments by professional actors where original pioneers are interred. The show…

By Amaya Gayle GregoryHow much anger do you hold deep inside, stuffed into your cells, hidden beyond the reach of mind, shielded from your heart? How much anger seethes within? And, how much effort does it take to keep it sealed, safe from the light of day, secure from the need to feel it? Maybe it’s not inside you at all. Unlikely, but possible. Maybe it’s your heart that you built a crystalline palace around to protect it from the anger trying to get in, the anger out there in the world … perhaps it’s both. Either way it feels…

It seems trite, to sit here in my comfortable home and send thoughts and prayers to those hunkering down, sitting on the cold concrete floors of the Ukrainian subway tonight. To think of parents holding tightly to their children, doing their best to shield the little ones from the bloody trauma of war simply shatters my heart. Nothing I could do feels adequate. Everything seems like it is worlds away from actually meaning anything. I walk into my kitchen to fix my dinner and my world is the same. Nothing has changed. I have food in my refrigerator. Electricity is…

I saw a meme today. It said, “When you transcend duality and no longer see life as good and evil.” Beneath the words was the picture of a blissed out fella. I no longer believe in duality as a state, let alone a standalone state. I don’t even experience a dual presence 95% of the time. When I do, it doesn’t stick around long. I’ve seen through its allure, its temptations, its promises. I know that I, as awareness, am and I, as a material cut-out, am not, not real at all. The experiences of this life and karma make…

The Sedona International Film Festival is proud to present the Northern Arizona premieres of the 2022 Oscar Nominated Documentary Shorts March 11-17 at the Mary D. Fisher Theatre. Now an annual film festival tradition, Sedona audiences will be able to see all of the short films nominated for Academy Awards before the Oscar telecast on March 27. A perennial hit with audiences around the country (and now the world), don’t miss this year’s selection of shorts. The Oscar-Nominated Documentary Shorts Program will include: • The Queen of Basketball (USA): She is one of the greatest living women’s basketball players. 3…

Join us on Main Street in Historic Downtown Clarkdale Saturday March 12th for our 11th Annual Car Show. Show starts at 9am featuring cars, trucks and motorcycles. There will be beer, food and a live remote broadcast with Yavapai Broadcasting. The weather will be perfect for a stroll along Main Street for another fun event in Clarkdale! For more information on the event, to volunteer or to register your vehicle please visit www.clarkdalecarshow.com Registration is limited to the first 150 vehicles.

Yavapai County Elections Director, Lynn Constabile, would like to announce the beginning of the candidate nomination filing period for the August 2, 2022 Primary Election. County candidates may turn in their nomination papers and petitions between March 5th and April 4th during regular county business hours at the Elections Office, 1015 Fair St., Room 228, Prescott, AZ 86305. Please note, filings cannot be accepted at Yavapai County’s Cottonwood Annex building.Filers who choose to mail their paperwork must allow sufficient time for a possible delay in mail delivery. Only nominating papers received by 5:00 p.m. April 4th will be accepted, regardless…

By Rabbi Alicia MagalShalom and greetings from the Rabbi, Board of Directors, and congregation of the Jewish Community of Sedona and the Verde Valley.All the services, classes, and programs are listed on the synagogue website.Come join us either in person or online. See jcsvv.org for instructions to register for in-person services.On Friday, March 11, Rabbi Magal will lead a service to welcome in Shabbat with candle lighting, songs, prayers, and a Torah reading from the portion of the week, Vayikra, the beginning of the Book of Leviticus(1:1 – 5:26), telling of the offerings given by the Children of Israel in…

… I was on a walk after I got back from the lake yesterday and a neighbor was looking in his yard for his cat (Jazz) who decided to go hunting in the front yard which is filled with shrubbery … within minutes we spotter the little rascal in the shadows under some bushes searching for a meal … the coyote had inspired him! Also at the lake yesterday was this Great Blue Heron flaring and coming in for a landing … shadows of his feet are on the mud bank, as he is perhaps a tenth of a second…

Sedona International Film Festival presents the Exhibition on Screen series with the encore of “Frida Kahlo”. The event will show in Sedona on Tuesday, March 15 at 4 p.m. at the festival’s Mary D. Fisher Theatre. Who was Frida Kahlo? Everyone knows her, but who was the woman behind the bright colors, the big brows, and the floral crowns? Take a journey through the life of a true icon, discover her art, and uncover the truth behind her often turbulent life. Making use of the latest technology to deliver previously unimaginable quality, we take an in-depth look at key works…

The Rotary Club of Sedona Village will open the Community Garden with a Plant & Seed Sale Saturday, April 16 from 9:00am-2:00pm.Visitors are encouraged to plan their spring garden plantings around this event. Arizona Milkweeds for Monarchs and the Verde Valley School Garden team will be on hand selling plants and seeds. Shop from a variety of fruit and vegetable plants as well as native milkweeds grown from seed in the Village of Oak Creek.The Rotary Club of Sedona Village will be on hand with information about the club, garden beds available for adoption and ready to be planted in…

The Sedona Heritage Museum will host an exclusive show and sale of handmade jewelry by Sedona artist Rebecca (Becky) Diehl Anderson on Thursday, March 10 at the Museum, from 4-6 p.m.Becky was a respected artist, both a painter and maker of exotic woven and beaded jewelry, who showed her work in Sedona galleries. She passed away in December 2021 and the remaining pieces of her distinctive jewelry artistry have been donated to the Museum. To honor Becky, the Museum will host this opportunity for a lucky few to secure one of the last pieces of her work. This is a…

An autopsy confirmed the identity of the body, found Feb. 26, 2022, in the Verde River near the Tunlii Crossing, as that of Valentin Rodriguez, the suspect wanted in the Feb. 9 shooting of Yavapai-Apache Police Sgt. Preston Brogdon.The official Medical Examiner reports are still pending, and the FBI is continuing its investigation.No further details are available at this time.

As the State Route (SR) 179 Sewer Main Replacement Project: Phase 2 nears completion, the city of Sedona and their contractor, Standard Construction Company, will continue conducting night work and road closures over the next week as crews work to finish repairing additional sewer main that was discovered to be damaged as well as repair concrete that was damaged during sewer repair. For the week of March 7, 2022, the contractor will continue night work to perform operations that cannot be completed during the day without major traffic implications. Specifically, work will occur on the nights of Sunday, March 6,…

… on the way back from Lake Pleasant today, a friend and I were discussing an appropriate caption for the photos I was lucky enough to get today … this unnamed friend (Guy) suggested the caption “Carpe Diem” and it sounded crazy enough that I thought it was a terrific idea. So here are three of about 600 hundreds shots of a coyote who was hunting food down at the lake today including his score of a very large carp. The coyote dined very well today and it is the first time I have ever gotten shots like this. Just…

Andreas Kapsalis, one of the finest fingerstyle ‘tap technique’ guitar players in the country, will perform at Old Town Center for the Arts on Saturday, March 12th at 7:00 PM. An international touring artist, Kapsalis delights his audience with deft arrangements of popular songs and his own originals.Kapsalis’ original music draws from diverse musical styles, including ethnic folk traditions, flamenco, Americana, blues, rock and roll, and heavy metal. But throughout, what really stands out is his unique style of playing – using both hands on the fret board in a style reminiscent of a pianist.His unique style came about thru…

The Sedona International Film Festival is proud to present the Northern Arizona premieres of the 2022 Oscar Nominated Animated Shorts March 11-17 at the Mary D. Fisher Theatre. Now an annual film festival tradition, Sedona audiences will be able to see all of the short films nominated for Academy Awards before the Oscar telecast on March 27. A perennial hit with audiences around the country (and now the world), don’t miss this year’s selection of shorts. The Oscar-Nominated Animated Shorts Program will include: • Affairs of the Art (UK/Canada): With “Affairs of the Art”, director Joanna Quinn and producer/screenwriter Les…

Celebrate Women’s History Month at Arts Academy of Sedona, featuring an all-female lineup, Saturday, Mar. 12 at 7 p.m. Headliner Danielle “Diva” Williams will be joined by comedians Stephanie Morris, and Leigh Cummings.“Diva” Danielle Williams, “the comedy Diva,” has been embraced by audiences through her unique take on life, relationships, her love of wigs and being “Divafied.” Danielle has performed throughout the Southwest as a corporate comedian and at comedy clubs such as Stir Crazy Comedy Club, Tempe Improv, Stand Up Live, The Comedy Spot, CB Live and Rick Bronson’s House of Comedy.Danielle’s stage presence, comic timing and enthusiastic energy…

If you have a piece of wood and a wood carving knife, come to Monday at the Museum at Sedona Heritage Museum on Monday, March 14, 2022, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and join the Verde Valley Woodcarvers. Hundreds of people have tried their hand at carving with this group since its founding in 1997 by Norm Knight. The group consists of carvers ranging from beginners to master carvers. Come by with your own equipment or just come to watch these artisans do relief carving, chip carving, and bark carving. There is no fee for this demonstration. This is…