Author: Sedona Best

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…