VVCC Executive Director and Rotarian Kent Ellsworth discussed how the organization is preparing for the next 25 years of service to older adults throughout the Verde Valley. VVCC currently serves 2,200 seniors and averages 10-15 new neighbors every week. Kent said 53 new neighbors were eligible for services this past August alone. "We live in an aging in place community," he said. "This is the home and community of choice for many older adults." VVCC's success was recognized this past summer when it was named the top volunteer transportation program in the nation and received a new Toyota Sienna Mobility van, enabling transportation of adults in wheel chairs. Kent said it takes a whole community to help those in need. He thanked the club's Community Services Committee for cleaning the yard of a neighbor last year and providing funds this year for a motel stay for a neighbor's hospital appointment in Phoenix. "Individual support for the work we do is crucial," Kent said. He invited club members to please attend VVCC's 25th Anniversary Gala to be held Nov. 16 at the Enchantment. The event includes a wine and appetizer reception, silent and live auctions, elegant dinner, music and dancing. To purchase tickets go to http://www.vvcaregivers.org/25th-gala.html
Dollar General presents check to Verde Valley Imagination Library
Dollar General District Manager Rhonnie Tilton (far left) presented a $5,000 check to the Verde Valley Imagination Library during the Oct. 17 Rotary Club of Sedona meeting. Rhonnie said literacy and reading is a passion of Dollar General. The founder J. L. Turner started with a third grade education. She said their foundation, established in 1993, has raised $143 million and has helped more than 9 million kids. She said much of the funds for the gift today have come from the Verde Valley stores in Clarkdale, Cottonwood, Camp Verde, and Rimrock. Also pictured are members of the Verde Valley Imagination Board (L-R) Lynda Brown, Holli Ploog, Kenyon Taylor, Ken Dzugan and Jennette Bill. The board thanked Rhonnie and Dollar General for their generous gift.
Club recognizes Rotary Honor Student Brittany Medel
The club recognized a second Rotary Honor Student, Brittany Medel, a senior at Red Rock High School. Brittany was introduced by teacher Teresa Lamparter as an incredible, excellent student who always has a smile on her face. "I'm excited to see what the future holds for you," Teresa said. Brittany has lived in Sedona her whole life and says sports have played a huge part. Last year she was invited to attend RYLA. "RYLA was such an amazing experience," she said. "It taught me to be more confident in myself, how to be a better leader, and to speak up." Brittany will receive a $1,000 scholarship to the college of her choice. She plans to attend a community college first and then transfer to a university. She thanked Rotary for the scholarship and leadership opportunities.
West Sedona Elementary student first club Ambassador
Isaac Montes De Oca Garcia receives the first Student Ambassador recognition from the Rotary Club of Sedona. Isaac was introduced by his 6th grade history teacher Shalimar Rodgers (2nd left) who said he is kind to adults and students. Last year Isaac was vice president of the Student Council where he demonstrated leadership on campus. "He helps other students and is a good team member," Rodgers said. Also celebrating Isaac's recognition is West Sedona School Principal Scott Keller, who said he's known Isaac since he was in kindergarten. He adds Isaac is a great team leader and supports all students. Also in the photograph is Isaac's mom Rosa (3rd left) and President Elect Holli Ploog (2nd right) and Past President Jennette Bill (far right).
Save the date for Human Trafficking fundraiser
Enjoy wine and appetizers and support the efforts of the Coalition Against Human Trafficking. The event will be held 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. on Nov. 4 at the home of Mike and Christine Schroeder. Cost is $50 per person. Proceeds of the event will help continue to create awareness about the growing problem of human trafficking in northern Arizona. To attend please send your check to Holli Ploog at 139 Bristlecone Pines Rd, Sedona, AZ 86336. Please make check payable to: Coalition Against Human Trafficking--Northern AZ.
Judges needed for RRHS Senior Exhibition Projects
Seniors at Sedona Red Rock High School are required to complete a senior exhibition project. One of the components is to present the project to a panel of judges. This is where you can help! As a judge, you will be given a holistic scoring rubric to judge the project and give feedback. Dates/times: November 14 and 15; 5 p.m. and 6:15 p.m. each night. Total time: approximately 1 hour per presentation (includes orientation (or will be emailed to you), presentation, questions/answers, debriefing). If interested, contact Karyl Goldsmith at goldsmith@sedonak12.org and indicate which date and time you would be available. Interesting! Fun! Great way to get involved! See our future leaders in action!
Sedona Schools to hold Kindness Assemblies
You're invited to attend one of the Think Kindness Assemblies happening next week at various local schools. We are paying $400 of the $750 fee for the assemblies at SRRHS and Junior High and the Sedona Charter School, but you may attend any of the locations. West Sedona School and Big Park School are co-sponsored by the local ThinkKindness organization. Each assembly has the same speaker, Gary Xavier, a very dynamic young man. Here are the dates/times/locations. Be sure to check in at the office for a visitor pass.
Nov. 1 - 1:30pm: Big Park School
Nov. 2 - 2:pm: SRRHS and Junior High
Nov. 2 - 9am: West Sedona School
Nov. 3 - 8:45am: Sedona Charter School
5th Tuesday Social Event at Accord Hospice
Join us at for our ever-popular 5th Tuesday event to be held at 5 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 2, at Accord Hospice of Sedona. There will be fun...there will be food and as always, there will be the exceptional company of your fellow Rotarians! Accord Hospice of Sedona is located at 1350 Highway 89A, Suite 24 in the Whole Foods Complex.
Dates to Remember
Oct 26-30--US/Mexico Friendship Conference in Scottsdale.
Oct. 30--Community Supper at St. Andrews.
Nov. 2--5th Tuesday Social Event, 5 p.m. at Accord Hospice, Sedona.
Nov. 4--Rotary Foundation Dinner.
Nov. 4--Human Trafficking event, 4:30 to 6:30 p.m.
Nov. 14--Community Service Committee Meeting, 8 a.m., T Carl's at Poco Diablo.
Nov. 14-15--SRRHS Exhibition Judging.
Only Six Bashas' Cards available--another way to support your club
Dick Youngberg reports he has six Bashas' Community cards left. The cards function as debit cards. You load them with money and use them to make all your Bashas' purchases. When you use your card the club gets six percent of the value of your transactions. Cards are pre-loaded with $20, so that is your price to purchase. The club receives about $1,000 each year from this program. Please let family members and others know this is another way they can support our efforts. Come on new members, get your Bashas' card and support your club. It really is free money! Contact Dick at ryoungberg5@gmail.com or 928-282-3800.
Shop on AmazonSmile and support club
Shop on Amazon and get a portion of your purchase donated to the Rotary Club Charitable Fund. Simply go to https://smile.amazon.com/ to sign up and/or select Rotary Club of Sedona and start shopping!
Editor: Linda M. Clark
Contributors: Lynda Brown, Damian Bruno, Miki Dzugan, and John Terhune.
Dollar General District Manager Rhonnie Tilton (far left) presented a $5,000 check to the Verde Valley Imagination Library during the Oct. 17 Rotary Club of Sedona meeting. Rhonnie said literacy and reading is a passion of Dollar General. The founder J. L. Turner started with a third grade education. She said their foundation, established in 1993, has raised $143 million and has helped more than 9 million kids. She said much of the funds for the gift today have come from the Verde Valley stores in Clarkdale, Cottonwood, Camp Verde, and Rimrock. Also pictured are members of the Verde Valley Imagination Board (L-R) Lynda Brown, Holli Ploog, Kenyon Taylor, Ken Dzugan and Jennette Bill. The board thanked Rhonnie and Dollar General for their generous gift.
The club recognized a second Rotary Honor Student, Brittany Medel, a senior at Red Rock High School. Brittany was introduced by teacher Teresa Lamparter as an incredible, excellent student who always has a smile on her face. "I'm excited to see what the future holds for you," Teresa said. Brittany has lived in Sedona her whole life and says sports have played a huge part. Last year she was invited to attend RYLA. "RYLA was such an amazing experience," she said. "It taught me to be more confident in myself, how to be a better leader, and to speak up." Brittany will receive a $1,000 scholarship to the college of her choice. She plans to attend a community college first and then transfer to a university. She thanked Rotary for the scholarship and leadership opportunities.
Isaac Montes De Oca Garcia receives the first Student Ambassador recognition from the Rotary Club of Sedona. Isaac was introduced by his 6th grade history teacher Shalimar Rodgers (2nd left) who said he is kind to adults and students. Last year Isaac was vice president of the Student Council where he demonstrated leadership on campus. "He helps other students and is a good team member," Rodgers said. Also celebrating Isaac's recognition is West Sedona School Principal Scott Keller, who said he's known Isaac since he was in kindergarten. He adds Isaac is a great team leader and supports all students. Also in the photograph is Isaac's mom Rosa (3rd left) and President Elect Holli Ploog (2nd right) and Past President Jennette Bill (far right).
