The Village Rotary Club celebrated its first anniversary during the club's meeting on Sept. 28. Members wore hats and enjoyed anniversary cake. Rotary Club of Sedona President Dave Young congratulated members for the club's growth and success. The club will hold its first fundraiser Oct. 6 and 7 to benefit Big Park School (see details below). Also during the meeting, Sean Fagan from Verde Valley School introduced exchange students, Kate (from Russia) and Edward (from New Jersey) and spoke about the history of the School. The students shared why they chose Verde Valley as their school experience. In addition to their school work, they have jobs on campus and are encouraged to do volunteer work.
Rotarian Jan Groves presents a plaque to the newest Village Club Student Ambassador Emilia Arizmendi. Her family attended the meeting to see Emilia honored, as well as Emilia’s teacher, on hand to praise her efforts, and Big Park School Principal Deborah Jones. Congratulations Emilia!
Human Library event spreads understanding
Reena Kaur Khalsa was one of 34 "human" books who participated in the Sept. 21 Human Library Event to celebrate International Day of Peace. The event was sponsored by Sedona International City of Peace, Rotary Club of Sedona, and Sedona Public Library. With roots in India and Pakistan, and traditions involving turbans and facial hair, practicing Sikhs are often mistaken for Muslims in Western cultures, Reena said. “We are very open, welcoming, peace-loving people,” she adds.
To see more of her story and others go to http://www.redrocknews.com/news/88888901-human-interest/65960-human-books-aim-to-open-minds The human books shared their stories of being marginalized, categorized, or stigmatized for their differences with open dialogue with attendees. Exit surveys of attendees and “books” indicate a very positive experience and nearly all would like to attend the event again. Thanks to all club members who volunteered and participated.
Clubs get ready for Tee Up Fore Team Big Park events
Tee Up Fore Big Park School activities start with Sip & Savor on Friday, Oct. 6, at the Vista Room in the Collective, and includes live and silent auctions. MC Jennette Bill and Auctioneer Kris Kazian will auction off great trips, dinners and other experiences. Saturday, Oct. 7 is family day, with BBQ, putting contests for kids and adults, car shows and the helicopter ball drop. Volunteers are still needed (please respond to club email). To make reservations, purchase balls for the ball drop, and more information go to http://www.teambigpark.com/
Dates to Remember
Sept. 25--Charitable Fund Board meeting, 4:30 p.m. at Starbucks.
Oct. 6--Tee Up for Team Big Park, Village Rotary Live and Silent Auction Party.
Oct. 7--Ball Drop, Putting Contests, Food & Fun.
Oct. 10--Community Service meeting, 8 a.m. at T Carl's at Poco Diablo.
Oct 26-30--US/Mexico Friendship Conference in Scottsdale.
Oct. 30--Community Supper at St. Andrews.
Oct. 31--5th Tuesday Social Event. Location TBA.
Bashas' Cards available--another way to support your club
Please remember to use your Bashas' card. See Dick Youngberg for a replacement or new card. Your card is worth $20.00 when you buy it and you can increase its value before using it. Each month the value of your purchases are added to other purchases made by club members and supporters and six percent of the total amount is forwarded to the club's Endowment Fund. 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.
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.
Rotarian Jan Groves presents a plaque to the newest Village Club Student Ambassador Emilia Arizmendi. Her family attended the meeting to see Emilia honored, as well as Emilia’s teacher, on hand to praise her efforts, and Big Park School Principal Deborah Jones. Congratulations Emilia!
Tee Up Fore Big Park School activities start with Sip & Savor on Friday, Oct. 6, at the Vista Room in the Collective, and includes live and silent auctions. MC Jennette Bill and Auctioneer Kris Kazian will auction off great trips, dinners and other experiences. Saturday, Oct. 7 is family day, with BBQ, putting contests for kids and adults, car shows and the helicopter ball drop. Volunteers are still needed (please respond to club email). To make reservations, purchase balls for the ball drop, and more information go to 
