WELCOME TO THE ROTARY CLUB OF SEDONA
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Working Hard for Working Families

Dave Young, Interim Sedona Rotary Club President presents David Potter with a children's book donated in his honor to the Sedona Community Library 
Local resident David Potter's young life was impacted profoundly when he was infected by the Poli virus at just 3 years old. In 1955 the UK experienced a significant outbreak of Polio and David Potter's neighborhood, on the outskirts of London, wasn't spared.  Mr. Potter shared his inspiring journey as a Polio survivor with the members of the Sedona Rotary Club. David considers himself one of the lucky ones. "I was in Hospital for a month with a week of it in the intensive care unit, paralyzed." he told the group. "I was very lucky that eventually, only one muscle in my left leg was permanently paralyzed." He went on to share stories about encounters he's had with other survivors and the families of some who weren't able to overcome the terrible devastation of the insidious disease. During that time it wasn't uncommon for patients to be relegated to an Iron Lung machine, a negative pressure chamber used to assist in stimulating breathing. Often patients required the assistance of the device for many months and in some cases years. A recent report from NPR highlighted the life of one young polio victim who was still being treated with an Iron Lung 68 years after her original diagnosis. The Polio vaccine interestingly was created in 1955, the same year David contracted the illness. The vaccine is considered one of the seminal medical achievements of the twentieth century and owes much of its success to the efforts of Rotary International and it's affiliated clubs across the globe who have championed efforts to eradicate Polio. Today the only known cases of wild polio virus infections are limited to war torn Afghanistan and Pakistan. How ever as David shared with his audience, if vaccination efforts were discontinued today, it's estimated that within ten years there could be as many as 200,000 children afflicted.
Links
NARJ Exec Director headlines Sedona Rotary Club Meeting
     Jeremy Hawkes the Executive Director of Northern Arizona Restorative Justice (NARJ), joined the Sedona Rotary meeting on August 26th 2025, to share details about the origin and on-going mission as the first and only community-based program in the Verde Valley offering high-impact intervention for juvenile first offenders, parents and victims using "best practice" restorative justice methods.
     Jeremy shared details of his own experiences with the Judicial System and how those interactions motivated him to seek an alternative solution and a more restorative approach dealing with conflict.
     The NARJ seeks to provide disruption to what has become known as the School-to-Prison pipeline which refers to the high statistical likelihood that youth who lack quality education are far more likely to engage in criminal activities. The program promotes a No Blame-No Shame approach to mediating between perpetrators, victims and families focused on accountability as opposed to the traditional and more punitive approaches.
     Interestingly Jeremy shared that some of the elements of this unique program are modeled after ancient and long-standing practices put in place by Indigenous communities. Many tribal cultures deploy non-punitive approaches to conflict resolutions which include encircling the impacted parties and through displays of love and compassion seek to establish both accountability and forgiveness.  
    Additionally, Jeremy shared some startling statistics that support the need for the NARJ program such as the fact that Yavapai County has the highest incidence of youth arrests in the State of Arizona and that the total number of incarcerated individuals in Arizona has doubled over the past 20 years.
    
NARJ.ORG
The Sedona Rotary donated the children's book
The Helping Sweater, by Rachel Mas, in honor of
NARJ's contributions to our community.
Jeremy Hawkes (NARJ) with Tracie McConnell SRC
CONTACT US
 
Rotary Club of Sedona
P. O. Box 2170
Sedona AZ 86339
info@sedonarotary.org
(928) 301-7765
MEETING INFORMATION
 
  • 2nd & 4th Tuesdays at noon
  • Sedona Public Library Community Room, 3250 White Bear Road, Sedona
  • See calendar for additional information
From left, Lynette Prouty (VVIL Board Chair), Janet Sandoval (VVIL Program Director, Linda Allen (VVIL Board Member)
Verde Valley Imagination Library Updates Sedona Rotary Members
 
At the August 12th Rotary meeting, club members and guests were treated to an update from the Verde Valley Imagination Library (VVIL) program the Rotary Club started back in 2012!  
 
VVIL board members Linda Allen (Sedona Rotary), Lynette Prouty (Verde Valley Rotary), and Janet Sandoval, (VVIL Program Director), described Dolly Parton's book program that annually serves 2300 Sedona and Verde Valley children ages 2 month to their 5th birthday.
 
Once the parent enrolls their child, their preschoolers receive a free book every month mailed directory to the child at their home.  As the local affiliate, the VVIL orders and pays for the books each month and partners with area libraries on children's events that raise awareness about the importance of reading to young children starting in infancy.
 
The VVIL's  next biannual Fundraiser will be Casino Night and Auction on Saturday, April 18th, 2026 at The  Barn at UVX Rustic Ranch in Cottonwood. 
2025 Rotary Scholarship Award Recipients Named
 
Left to right: Rotarian Jamiss Sebert; Sharadevi Abrahamson Wolvekamp-Colorado State; Abel Luna-NAU; Katrina Lee-NAU; Alana Schrader-NAU; Emily Frey-U of Penn: Rotarian Holli Ploog
 
The Sedona Rotarians where pleased again this year to honor five of our outstanding High School Graduating Seniors. Each of the college bound grad's received  $1,000 from the Rotary Club of Sedona's Charitable Fund. 
 
Local Humane Society Presents to Sedona Rotary 
 
At the May 13th meeting, Rotarians learned that the Humane Society of Sedona is much more than an animal rescue service!! Caring for pet owners, pet adopters and the animals are all part of its mission. What is best for the animal is always foremost. They help pet owners keep their pets when they don’t think they can, or they help them find new owners, bypassing a stay at the Center. Support for the new owner assures that the adoption is successful. Kids and Kritters Summer Camp teaches animal care and behavior to kids. Last week, they hosted Red Rock JR High’s Interact Club Members. As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, they depend entirely on volunteer and community support.
Click here to Volunteer Today!
Sedona Sister Cities Board Members Deliver a Program Update 
During the regular Sedona Rotary meeting on March 25th attendees we're treated to a visit from the President of the Sedona Village Rotary Club (and former member of our club), Chuck Marr, as well as Dave Palmisano who delivered a really interesting presentation about the Sedona Sister Cities Association. 
 
They are both board members of SSCA.  Chuck is the Chair and Dave joined the board almost immediately after re-settling here from Ft. Worth where he previously held a leadership position in their Sister City initiative. 
 
They told us about the efforts to make Canmore (Banff), Canada and Jaslo, Poland two sister cities to Sedona. The two cities have been identified as potential sister-cities because of their similarity to Sedona….small communities, artistic, geographically beautiful, tourist destinations, etc. Delegations have been exchanged which included Rotary members Dick Weisbaum and Jamiss Sebert! 
 
Sedona Sister Cities Click Here for Information
West Sedona Elementary School Extended Day Program Fund Raiser!
 
The Rotary Club of Sedona's fund raising goal is $105
,000 by August 2025 supporting a dedicated Program Director to organize academic enrichment beyond the school day. The Rotary Club needs your help to establish and sustain this valuable program for our local students. 
 
The West Sedona elementary school extended day program delivers both before and after school programs that enrich the learning and development opportunities for up to 80 K-5 students and benefits the parents and their employers who are a vital part of the community.
 
ROTARY AND ACF HELP WEST SEDONA SCHOOL'S EXTENDED DAY
 
The Rotary Club of Sedona has launched its most ambitious fundraising campaign in its history to raise $105,000 to sustain and enhance West Sedona School's Wildcat Extended Day Program.  The Club's theme that guides its philanthropy and service is "Working Hard for Working Parents," and this program hits the mark.
 
In its fourth year, the program now serves up to 80 K-5 students and their parents by providing a safe, supervised, free, on-site location where children can attend clubs and play with their friends before and after the typical school day. Fewer young children are home alone and exposed to social media. Parents' workdays rarely end at the end of the school day.
 
To improve academic achievement, the school would like to hire a Community Education Director for out-of-school time to oversee tutoring, reteaching, enrichment programs, clubs and break camps. The Director will collaborate with school staff, families and community partners and volunteers. This is a high level, coordinating position that will help children, parents, and the academic standing of the school.
 
The Club's Charitable Fund received a generous grant of $25,000 from the Arizona Community Foundation to kick-off the Campaign.  The newest Regional Philanthropic Advisor for ACF-Sedona, Chelsea Burk-Lielich presented the check at the Club's March 4th kick-off. Each community donation will be doubled up to $25,000 thanks to the generosity of several club members. Every dollar counts!
 
Donation may be given online at sedonarotary.org or by mail with a check payable to the Rotary Club of Sedona Charitable Fund with "Wildcat Extended Day Program" on the memo line. Mail to PO Box 2170, Sedona, AZ 86339
 
Basil & Mimi Maher Received Make-a-Difference Award
The Rotary Club of Sedona recently presented local philanthropists Basil and Mimi Maher with the club’s Make-A-Difference Award.
A $1,000 donation was made to the Scorpion Booster Club in recognition of their contributions in supporting local working families through their on going efforts to provide affordable housing. 
Red Rock News Article
Need some good news?
Check out this interview with David Byrne on the Rotary.Org podcast about his nonprofit online magazine Reasons to be Cheerful ,"Where all news is good news".
Rotary Voices
Our guest speaker for Tuesday's meeting was, Brian Bergner, Development and Communications Director for the Verde Valley Sanctuary.  He shared the vital work they are doing to provide a safe haven for survivors of abuse and violence. Brian highlighted the importance of their pet-friendly environment, which allows survivors to bring their pets, making the sanctuary a safe place for many more people.  It is shame that the VVS is necessary, but we are grateful that it exists to serve those who need a safe refuge while they get back on their feet.
Angela Lopez, the Rotary Membership Officer for the western 1/3 of the US (i.e. our “Zone”) and a wonderful friend made the trip up from the valley to speak to us about membership.  Lots of good information….the most important of which was being intentional about membership and her message that we need to keep in mind that every members of the club impacts membership.  We all create an environment (good or bad) which will influence 1) the likelihood that a prospective member will join the club and 2) the likelihood of them staying in Rotary.  I believe it is so important to develop a milieu of friendship and reinforcement of all the best that Rotary is.  Let’s work on this together!

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Together we see a world where people unite and take action to create lasting change -- across the globe, in our communities and in ourselves.
Club Executives & Directors
President
Dave Young
Vice President
Ray Harris
Immediate Past President
David Simmer
Secretary
Jean Barton
Treasurer
Gary Karademos
Membership
Roy Grimm
Public Image
Dave Thomas
Youth Service
Jamiss Sebert
Community Service
Lena Gamble
SOME OF THE CAUSES
THE ROTARY CLUB OF SEDONA 
SUPPORTS
VV Imagination Library
Navajo Water Project
Hope House of Sedona
Sedona Int'l City of Peace
Jr. High Interact
RYLA- Youth Leadership
Wildcat Extended Day Prog.
Adopt-A-Family
Manzanita Outreach
Sedona Food Bank
College Scholarships
Vocational Training
Microcredit Lending
Veracruz MX Libraries
Other Humanitarian Concerns
NORTHERN
& CENTRAL ARIZONA ROTARY LEADERSHIP
District Governor 2024-2025
Michelle Holcomb (Fountain Hills)
District Governor 2025-2026
Jim Schmidt
(Mesa West)
 
West Sedona Elementary School Extended Day Program Fund Raiser!
Making A Difference
 
The Rotary Club of Sedona's fund raising goal is $105,000 by August 2025 supporting a dedicated Program Director to organize academic enrichment beyond the school day. The Rotary Club needs your help to establish and sustain this valuable program for our local students. 
 
The West Sedona elementary school extended day program delivers both before and after school programs that enrich the learning and development opportunities for up to 80 K-5 students and benefits the parents and their employers who are a vital part of the community.
 logo
Click Here to Donate Now and help us reach our goal!
Renown Local Pop Artist Presents for the Sedona Rotary Club
The Sedona Rotary Club was honored to host local pop artist and graphic designer Robert Holton, pictured with club President David Simmer.
 
During Mr. Holton's presentation he explained his Drizzle Paint technique used in the creation of many of his pieces. Additionally, he spoke candidly with the attendees about his on-going struggle with Multiple Sclerosis and how it’s affected both his lifestyle and artistic process.
 
Robert’s inspirational story included sharing a long list of high-profile corporate clients and “A” list celebrities he's been commissioned to create pieces for. He displayed several of his selected paintings to the delight of the club members. Many of his pieces include artistic reimagining’s of familiar Corporate Logo’s.
 
His art is said to be reminiscent of both the pop art of Andy Warhol and the abstract impressionist style of Jackson Pollack. Robert lives and works from his home studio in Sedona Shadows.
Click Here! To see and learn more about Robert Holton’s art.
Music, News, Sports, Traffic & Weather and More.
Help us to End Polio Once and for All

Rotary Links

 
Please Support Our Corporate Sponsors
Adobe Dental Designs of Sedona
AZ Camp Sunrise & Sidekicks
Big O Tires
Bill Ralston Construction
Blackmarr Furniture
El Portal
Goldenstein Art at L'Auberge
Greer Mortuary
The Melting Point
Mexidona
Rincon Del Tlaquepaque
Russ Lyon Sotheby's
Sedona Chiropractic
Sedona Dental Arts
Sedona Lawyers, PLLC
Sedona Paint Store
Dr. Neil Singer
Stormaster
Tlaquepaque
University of Sedona

Imagination Library

Free Books for Kids Under 5!
Now available throughout the Verde Valley. Enroll your child HERE 
 
 
 
For Donors: It costs just $30 to provide books for one child for a year!  Your support is life-changing!
 
 
             
 
ROTARY INTERNATIONAL'S AREAS OF FOCUS
 
  • Clean Water & Sanitation
  • Economic& Community Development
  • Mothers and Children
  • Disease Prevention & Control
  • Literacy
  • Environmental Sustainability
  • Peace & World Understanding
ROTARY INTERNATIONAL 
LEADERSHIP
Rotary International General Secretary, John Hewko