Stories
At Sedona Red Rock High School's Awards Night, Rotary Club of Sedona presented six $1,000 college scholarships to Red Rock High School graduating seniors. The awardees were chosen based on their service to the community as part of Rotary’s High School Interact Club, academic achievement, and need. Club members Holli Ploog and Ray Harris had the pleasure of presenting the awards. |
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RC Sedona Takes on Water Poverty in AZIt’s water delivery day and Monica anxiously scans the Navajo Reservation horizon for the big white water truck. When she sees the vehicle in the distance carefully maneuvering around deep ruts in the dirt road to her home she hustles her two small children safely inside. Like many on the Navajo Nation, Monica has lived for years without running water or electricity. Today will be life-changing for her young family. Members of the Rotary Club of Sedona take up positions to monitor the delivery. The truck rolls up to the freshly installed underground cistern beside Monica’s tiny home. A 1200 gallon tank is the heart of the home water system and for the first time will provide Monica and her children with clean, hot and cold running water. The days of hauling hundreds of pounds of water from a regional well each week to provide for her family are behind her. |
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Club celebrates 65 yearsRYLA students help club celebrate 65 yearsTo help Rotary Club of Sedona celebrate 65 years, three Rotary Youth Leadership Awardees from Red Rock High School attended the club’s Valentine’s Day meeting: Alana Schrader, Cheyanne Matisko and Anisa Jaffe. Seven RRHS awardees attended RYLA held at Prescott’s Camp Pinerock in January. The students, sponsored by Sedona’s three Rotary Clubs, produced a presentation and told stories from their challenging, fun, and rewarding weekend. Asked what they learned - all three said "teamwork" number one, followed by: have fun, be in the moment, be brave, try new things, and set aside judgement. One girl hopes to be a Rotary Youth Exchange student next. Another is considering being a Junior Counselor at RYLA. A mom, sitting quietly in the back the room ended their presentation by thanking the Club for their sponsorships, saying, "I'm so glad my daughter was able to attend. She came home a different girl. It was life changing." |
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YC Skilled Trade CenterClub tours Yavapai College's Skilled Trade Center in ClarkdaleRotary Club of Sedona thanks fellow Rotarian Chuck Marr, the Arizona Community Foundation of Sedona, and Yavapai College for an incredibly informative Feb. 10 tour of its Skilled Trade Center in Clarkdale. The courses offered are hands-on training in state-of-the art workforce skills that make the Verde Valley and Sedona a wonderful place to live and work. They include residential construction, electrical, HVAC, plumbing, nursing, allied health, culinary arts, viticulture & enology, agriculture and high-tech CNC (Computer Numerical Control) machining. The tour introduced high school students, their parents, and scholarship providers to well-paying career opportunities right here in the Verde Valley. The Rotary Vocational Fund of Arizona offers scholarships of up to $2,000 designed to help cover tuition, books, and fees to complete the courses of study at Yavapai College's Certified Technical Education Center (CTEC). YC nursing students above give a patient care demo to a high school student. |
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Installation of President 2021-22Club installs new president and officers for 2021-22Rotary Club of Sedona installed Linda Clark yesterday as its new president for 2021-22. Rotary District 5495 Governor Bret McKeand presents her with Rotary's 2021-22 theme logo: Serve To Change Lives. Bret also bestowed to her the oath of office. The event was held in the home of Past District 5495 Governor David Simmer and his wife Isabel. The club also installed its officers and directors: President Elect, Jean Barton; Treasurer, Dave Young; Secretary, Holli Ploog; Immediate Past President, Al Barton. Directors are: Membership, Catherine Moore; Charitable Fund Treasurer, Ray Harris; Rotary Foundation, David Simmer; International Services, Dick Youngberg; Youth Services, Jamiss Sebert; Public Relations, Linda Clark, and Community Service, Dave Young. Sergeant at Arms are: Bill Minard and Dick Weisbaum. Also in attendance was District 5495 Assistant Governor Eric Young and his wife Michelle.
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Together We Can--AZ Gives CampaignTOGETHER WE CAN!Please support our AZ Gives Day campaign--Early giving now through April 5 Rotary Club of Sedona has been serving and uplifting members of the Sedona community through its Charitable Fund for over 60 years. As one of Rotary International's 35 thousand clubs, Rotary Club of Sedona also works globally to promote peace, fight disease, provide clean water, support education, and promote economic development. The club does this from a foundation of integrity through their fellowship of business, professional, and community leaders. We invite you to help support critical services our club provides, including: (1) Relieving Hunger--fighting food insecurity for low-income individuals in the Verde Valley; (2) Developing Youth--teaching high school students life-changing leadership skills and providing college and vocational scholarships so they can achieve their dreams; (3) Addressing Water Poverty in the U.S.--installing hot and cold running water systems for members of the Navajo Nation right here in Arizona; (4) Supporting Education--providing new, age appropriate books to preschoolers to set them up for success in life. We also support local organizations that help older adults retain in-home independence, protect victims of family violence, and promote peace and understanding. You can make your donation now at https://www.azgives.org/RotaryClubofSedona Together we can make our community and the world better! |
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Rotary Club of Sedona #1 for GivingDistrict 5495 Governor Elizabeth Mahoney announced Rotary Club of Sedona is number one in the district for annual giving per capita for 2019-20. She made the announcement during the club's virtual Holiday Social held Dec. 15. "You are such a giving club," Mahoney said. "I just wanted to stop by and say thank you for your generosity." The club, which averages about 30 members, raised just shy of $1,000 per person during the past year, through annual donations to Rotary Foundation, club fundraisers, and now leading phase 2 of Rotary's Navajo Water Project.
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Virtual Holiday PartyClub to hold Virtual Holiday Party on Dec. 15Rotary Club of Sedona will hold its annual Holiday Party for members and their spouses on Dec. 15 on Zoom, starting a 5 p.m. If you are not yet a member and are interested in learning more, you are welcome to join our Virtual Holiday Party. Participants are invited to wear their favorite ugly sweater or other holiday garb. Vino Di Sedona's owner Wes Schemmer will host a virtual wine tasting. Participants will pick up their FREE bottle of wine starting Tuesday, Dec. 8. To participate you must RSVP to Jean Barton at (612) 750-1745 or jeanbarton@icloud.com. We look forward to seeing you on Dec. 15. Cheers! For more information go to https://sedonarotary.org/events/calendar.
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Library That Dolly BuiltDon't miss "The Library That Dolly Built"The documentary will air Live on Facebook on Dec. 9 at 5p.m. AZ Time (7pm EST). After the documentary Dolly will join for a Q&A session and will debut her new song “Try” live. We invite you to join in celebrating this wonderful program. Go here to watch http://www.facebook.com/events/791609808054853. The Verde Valley Imagination Library (VVIL) is our local affiliate of Dolly Parton’s amazing book program whose goal is to inspire children to love to read. Approximately 2,000 Verde Valley 0 to 5 year olds are now enrolled! Each child receives the gift of an age-appropriate, high quality FREE book, labelled in their name, mailed directly to their home EVERY MONTH! Their library will total 60 books if the child is enrolled at birth! In conjunction with the release of the documentary, VVIL's fundraising campaign is running now through Dec 13. To donate see story and donate button in column to the right--100% of your donation will be used to send books locally. |
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Navajo Water Project AuctionTo preview items and for link to auction go to https://www.charityauctionstoday.com/auctions/Rotary-Navajo-Water-Project-12350
Rotary clubs of Sedona, Sedona Village, Flagstaff, and Verde Valley are collaborating to hold an online charitable auction of gift cards/certificates from local businesses to help them during this difficult time. Rotarians and friends of Rotary are invited to purchase gift cards/certificates from their favorite establishments and donate them to the Rotary auction. The beneficiary of the auction is Rotary’s Navajo Water Project (see story below). To donate to Rotary Club of Sedona, please send your purchased gift cards/certificates to David Simmer, 35 Altair Avenue, Sedona, AZ 86336 by Sept. 7. |
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2020 CCO Sponsors Still Donate2020 Chili Cook-Off sponsors help community during pandemicWhile Rotary Club of Sedona’s May 2 Great Sedona Chili Cook-Off was cancelled this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, CCO sponsors decided to donate anyway to help the community. Sponsorship Chair Holli Ploog, said the club raised about $10,000 or 50% of the sponsorship budget prior to the cancellation of the event. The club then wrote to sponsors requesting permission to retain their financial contribution to support local non-profits during the pandemic. At the same time, the Arizona Community Foundation (ACF) created the Sedona/Verde Valley COVID-19 Community Response Fund, matching dollar for dollar of donations received. “We agreed to contribute our entire sponsorship funding to ACF and were therefore able to leverage our $10,000 into $20,000,” said Holli. “The gift will support the Sedona Food Bank, the Verde Valley Caregivers, Manzanita Outreach and other worthwhile organizations on the front line of supplying food and necessities to local families in need.” The club also made an additional contribution in the way of grocery gift cards to patrons of St. Andrews dinners in lieu of providing our regular quarterly supper. The club deeply appreciates sponsors’ support of the Rotary Club of Sedona and in making a difference in their community: Bailor Insurance, Draxler Insurance, Her in Arizona LLC, Kincaid Financial Advisors, Northern Arizona Healthcare Foundation, Ralston Construction, Sedona Dental Arts, Sedona Real Inn, Sedona Smiles, Stormaster, Shrader & Martinez Construction, The Artist’s Kitchen Shop, and David and Isabel Simmer. |
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COVID-19 Mask & Gown ProjectClub and partners producing masks & gownsThe club’s Mask and Gown Project has produced over 307 Masks and 27 gowns. Because of the need, the club joined forces with Sedona Women, Independent Women, Red Rock Quilters and Sedona Kind. “Together, we have made thousands of masks and hundreds of gowns for the health care providers of the Verde Valley,” said Penny Blazej, the club’s project leader. “Not only are we making masks and gowns for Verde Valley Medical Center, we are also making them for Meals on Wheels and the Navajo Nation. Thanks to every Rotarian who is helping out in this most needed project.” Penny gives a big thanks to Rotarians who have helped: Wendy Knight, Marge and Dick Youngberg, Jean Barton, David Simmer and Jamiss Sebert. “This is really important and needed work Penny is leading and that many in the club are helping with,” said Club President Paul Tibbs. “She saw a need and took the initiative. Penny exemplifies the Rotary theme ‘People of Action.’” Penny's husband Tony Blazej models a gown, which takes 1.5 hours to make using old sheets. |
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Great Sedona Chili Cook-Off ComingThe Great Sedona Chili Cook-Off is Coming!The 10th Annual Great Sedona Chili Cook-Off is coming May 2, 11 to 5 p.m. The event is part of Tlaquepaque Arts and Shopping Village’s Cinco de Mayo Fiesta weekend and features top chefs from area restaurants showcasing their special chili recipes and competing for the Restaurant Chili Championship, the Restaurant Judges’ Award, and Peoples’ Choice Award. Community leaders also compete for the best chili which can get Hot Hot Hot! The event also features a silent auction, beer & wine garden, and kid’s activities. The silent auction features gift cards for area restaurants, lodging and spas, golfing, jewelry, artwork, and much more. Details coming soon. |
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Book Independence CorruptedJudge author's book "Independence Corrupted"Charles Benjamin Schudson, Judge Emeritus, told about his book "Independence Corrupted" during the club's Nov. 19 meeting. The book is about his judicial experiences as well as American constitutional history and evolving concepts of “independence” and “corruption.” His book has been nominated for the Chautauqua Prize, the ABA Silver Gavel Award, and the National Book Award. Schudson is a Wisconsin Reserve Judge Emeritus and served as a state and federal prosecutor, a trial and appellate judge, and as an adjunct professor of law at Marquette University and the University of Wisconsin. For many years, he served on the faculties of the National Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges and the National Judicial College. He has taught at countless judicial colleges and conferences throughout America, and in recent years, served as a Fulbright Fellow teaching at law schools abroad. He also co-authored On Trial / America’s Courts and Their Treatment of Sexually Abused Children (Beacon Press, 1989; 2d ed., 1991).
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Luna Sutton in SpainClub Exchange Student learning Spanish language and cultureRotary Exchange Student Luna Sutton (first left) has been in Spain for one month learning the language quickly and enjoying the food with new friends. "I love the people that I am meeting and the friends that I am making. The other exchange students in my district and I quickly became friends and have been able to share our experiences so far. I have also made friends at school who I try to spend time with as much as I can. They are helping me learn Spanish by talking with me and showing me different parts of the city." Luna traveled to Madrid for her Inbound Orientation with other exchange students. "It is so incredible to be able to interact with so many different people from different places in the same building. It's even more incredible to exchange culture which is what being an exchange student is all about." She thanks the club for this opportunity. "Thank you so much for your support in me becoming a Rotary Exchange Student. It is hard to believe I have only been here a month when I have already experienced so many astonishing things. I hope everything is well in Sedona and that everyone will experience something as well."
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Club Group ShotThe club exchanged flags during its Sept. 10 meeting, receiving beautiful flags from Rotary Exchange Student Louise Desquesness (4th left, front) from Soignies, Belgium, and from "Sunny" (2nd left, 2nd row) from the Burbank, Calif. club. Okay--everybody smile!
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Rotary Tewa ProjectTewa Project to provide holiday gifts to Hopi elders and childrenRotarian Randy Crewse (left) visited the club during its Aug 20 meeting. Randy is founder of the Tewa Project, established about 14 years ago, to provide essential items to Hopi elders such as food and personal items like hygiene supplies (tooth paste, soap, etc.). Randy leads a caravan each year to the reservation just before Christmas to deliver the gifts. Today it has expanded to cover not only the elders but also school-aged children. Each child receives a new warm coat each year as well as many other essential as well as fun items making the arrival of the caravan a highly anticipated yearly event. For information on how you can contribute or participate contact Randy at http://tewaholidayproject.com/, randycrewse@gmail.com or 284-7141. This year's delivery date is Dec. 14, 2019. Club President Paul Tibbs announced the book "Uni the Unicorn" will be donated to a local school on Randy's behalf. |
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Save the Date to experience human books“Human books” will share their unique stories about transforming adversity and overcoming self-victimization after being bullied and stereotyped for their religion, gender identity, sexual preferences, body modifications or other reasons. Join us on Sunday, Sept. 22, for the third annual Sedona Human Library™ Event, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Sedona Public Library. Attendees may select from over 25 human books for up to three 45-minute sessions. There is no cost to attend, but please register here as space is limited https://www.eventbrite.com/e/sedona-human-librarytm-2019-tickets-67802923369 The event is hosted by the Sedona International City of Peace, Rotary Club of Sedona and Sedona Public Library. The goal of the event is to dissolve prejudices with people one might normally avoid or dismiss to gain understanding and possibly develop new ways of relating. To learn more about this worldwide movement go to http://humanlibrary.org |
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ShelterBox Disaster ReliefShelterBox provides emergency shelters around the worldRotarian Sharee Sheets, spokesperson for ShelterBox USA, attended the club's July 16 meeting to present on disaster relief the organization is making around the globe. About 85 million people around the world have been displaced by natural disaster and conflict. Sharee said ShelterBox has helped 1.5 million people and is currently providing aid to flooding victims in Paraguay and Malawi in South Africa, victims in the ongoing conflict in Syria (pictured in photo), victims of violence in Lake Chad Basin, Somalia, and more. She said the organization is approaching its 20th anniversary and is nominated for a Nobel Peace Prize. ShelterBox is Rotary International's only project partner in disaster relief. The club's Foundation Director Dick Youngberg, said our club has contributed $7,300 toward shelter boxes. Sharee said Rotarians can also help by volunteering. For more information go to https://www.shelterboxusa.org/
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Over 60 people attended the club’s Jan. 10 meeting to hear how Mark Cary, a 55-year-old retired Marine and Border Patrol Officer, and his son Shane, helped displaced Ukrainians on the Ukrainian/Polish border. “I don’t feel like I can sit back and do nothing while people’s entire lives are being destroyed,” Cary said. Mark and Shane have been back and forth helping the people of Ukraine. “If (we) can help someone and have an impact, I believe that is a way to help heal the world.” |
David Simmer 2019-20 District 5495 Governor
David Simmer installed as 2019-20 District 5495 Governor
Navajo Water Project Update
Navajo Water Project brings water to New Mexico family
Sun Lakes Rotarians Gary Whiting (back-left) and John McKoy (back-right), co-chairs of the Navajo Water Project, provided a home installation and inspection on a Navajo Nation home in Thoreau, New Mexico. The home houses two adults and four children (ages 2, 5, 6, 12). The 12-year-old girl in photo is responsible for packing water every day in the two buckets from another home’s water barrels that are 150 yards away. Each bucket with water weighs 20 lbs. She carries both at the same time, summer and winter. The water is used for drinking and cooking. Bathing is done elsewhere. The installation included a 1,200-gallon cistern and french drain, solar on roof for running the water pump of the new system. The family will still need to use the outhouse located about 50 yards from the home and used by others in the clan. “This was a “hands-on” experience,” Gary said. “Each trip and installation make you appreciate inside running tap water and toilet.” International Services Director Dick Youngberg said our club supports the efforts of the Navajo Water Project through a the $2,500 donation from International Services Budget last fall. And please plan to attend David Simmer's induction as 2019-20 District 5495 Governor. The $40 per person cost to attend will be fully donated to bringing water and electricity to homes on the reservation surrounding Dilkon, Ariz.
District Governor Induction
Manzanita Outreach Receives Award
Manzanita Outreach receives Make A Difference Award
Inspiration for the Year
New club president announces inspiration for the year
Club Accomplishments for 2017-18
Dave Young reflects on club's many accomplishments
Kindness Rally in Sedona/Oak Creek Schools
Human Library a Great Success
Visit by AG Dawna Hawk
Visiting Assistant Governor Dawna Hawk spoke to the club. She explained Rotary International President Ian H.S. Riseley's goals for this year include the planting of trees. She announced District Governor Nancy Pelt's visit to the Sedona Clubs is scheduled for September 13 and she encouraged our club president to post and track goals and volunteer services on Rotary Central.
Healthcare in the Verde Valley
Thursday, July 13 in the Village
Tee Up Fore Team Big Park
Tee Up Fore Team Big Park
Being Mortal Screening and Discussion
Done In A Day
Cleaning up Red Rock Crossing
Imagination Library 5th Anniversary
First Rotary Sparks Event: Spring Wine Tasting
More News
Elote Tequila Tasting Event big success
Village Satellite Holds First Meeting
Sedona Meeting Location
Imagination Library Launch Parties
Become a Subscription Supporter
Now Children Can Receive Free Books In All Verde Valley Communities
This start-up funding has prompted the Rotary Club of the Verde Valley (in Clarkdale/Cottonwood) and the Rotary Club of Sedona Red Rocks to help register children for the program and develop a plan for future funding. Libraries in Clarkdale, Cottonwood and Camp Verde have teamed up with the Sedona and Beaver Creek Libraries as the primary locations for parents to register children. Northern Arizona Healthcare is helping to register all newborns in the Verde Valley. Women, Infants and Children (WIC) and Project Head Start (both federal programs focusing on the well-being and development of children under five years old) will expand their efforts to register children.
Club cleans up property of VVCC client
2016 Great Sedona Chili Cook-Off Results
The Judges Have Spoken
Timo Wood Oven Wine Bar located at Los Abrigados
The People Have Spoken
Mayors and Fire District Competitions
Come Raiin or Come Shine!
Wendy Edwards DUI & Law
Wendy Edwards explains DUI & the law
Simmers Recognized
Simmers recognized for help with the USA-Mexican Friendship Conference
End Polio Day - Oct. 24, 2015
Message from Club President, Tim ErnsterDave Simmer reminded me that today is World Polio Day. There is a big push on the Rotary (and WHO and CDC and other) websites to raise funds to finish the work that Rotary has been involved in for 30 incredible years. It was 30 years ago -- October 1985 -- that Rotary announced at the United Nations that they were taking on polio. Since then the WHO, CDC, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and governments around the world have joined Rotary to give children around the world a polio-free life. We have gone from 350,000 cases in over 150 countries down to 51 cases in just two countries in 2015. That is a 99.9% reduction in the number of new cases of polio. Rotary is making its final push to eradicate polio. Below are some links to websites that discuss this in more detail.The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation is matching Rotary contributions 2:1. Be a part of history. End Polio Now.Have a great weekend!Tim
Imagination Library Expands to Beaver Creek School District
Ron Larson and Rod Abbott
Ron Larson, Another Dear Friend Gone
In Honor of Roderic “Rod” Abbott
His memorial service is at The Church of the Red Rocks on May 9 at 1:00pm.
Fire Chiefs to compete for “Chili Chief 2015” Title
And the Winner Is . . .
Sandy does a little victory dance in front of the quilt, Celebrating Imagination, held by Club President David Simmer and Vice President Jennette Bill.
Weekly Meeting News 8-12-2014
The Slide Fire Story - A Tribute to Oak Creek Canyon
Now at the Sedona Library through June 15
On May 20, 2014, the largest fire in the history of the Coconino National Forest ignited in Sedona's Oak Creek Canyon, one of the most scenic places on earth. As flames spread through the forested hills, fire crews battled day and night for 16 days to contain the blaze and minimize the damage to the forest. The Slide Fire Story presents more than 100 hauntingly beautiful images, depicting the fire's dramatic race up the Canyon and the efforts of over 1,200 firefighters to halt its fury.
The Rotary Club of Sedona and Rotary Club of Sedona Red Rocks created this exhibit, which was originally displayed at the Sedona Art Center.
Quote of the Week - Who Said It?
Thought for the Week - Who Said It?
Security and Integrity of Your Data
Data on the server is protected by TCP/IP filtering, firewall and anti-virus software that protect against any unauthorized intrusion. Backups of data are made daily and stored off-site.
Integrated eBulletin for Easier Communication
Welcome to our new website!
Welcome to our Rotary Club!