Dr. Jean Barton was installed as Rotary Club of Sedona's President for 2022-23 during the Installation Ceremony held July 12 at Courtyard by Marriott. Inspired by Rotary International's 2022-23 theme, "Imagine Rotary," she asked club members to "Imagine Rotary in Sedona" and what its three clubs can do when they unite to make Sedona a better place for its children, youth, and its working families. Barton kicks off her term with the Great Sedona and Verde Valley Chili Cook-Off, being held for the first time in several years at a new date and location: Sunday, Oct. 2, 2022, 12 to 3:30 p.m. at Sedona Performing Arts Center. The fundraiser’s theme, “Working Hard for Working Families,” will benefit programs that help kids, their parents, our school and our workforce: West Sedona School’s Extended Day Program, Imagination Library, Hope House, and Rotary's Junior High Youth Leadership Programs, Barton said.
For the past six years the club has recognized organizations and individuals who have made a difference in their Sedona community. This year the Make A Difference award was presented to Superintendent and JH/SH Principal of Sedona-Oak Creek Unified School District, Dennis Dearden. Dearden was awarded because of his leadership in starting West Sedona School's Wildcat Extended Day Program benefitting students and their working parents. The award comes with $1,000 that he will give to the Sedona-Oak Creek Educational Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, he helped to start to fund innovative and supplemental programs that are outside the normal operation of the school district. The club also recognizes a club member who has gone above and beyond in his/her role, putting “Service Above Self.” The award this year was given to Dick Youngberg, chair of the club’s International Services Committee. Youngberg was chosen because of his leadership hosting and participating in annual Mexico/USA Friendship Conferences and the relationships he has forged with Rotary Clubs in Mexico. He’s been a dedicated club member for nearly 13 years.
Club supports Wildcats Extended Day Program
Rotary Club of Sedona, with funds matched by Health First Foundation of Northern Arizona donated $2,500 for a total of $5,000 to West Sedona School's free Wildcats Extended Day Program. The gift helps the club fulfill this year’s theme: Working Hard for Working Families. “Funding the school's extended day program benefits children’s health and meets the needs of parents working in Sedona, even if they can't find housing or afford to live in Sedona,” said retired pediatrician and Club President Jean Barton. "I couldn't have worked without the extended day program at our children's school. I could afford to pay, but my clinic's support staff really struggled. They worried about their kids' safety and tried to parent by phone while at work. Data shows that accidents, inappropriate Internet use and petty crime peaks in the unsupervised after school hours. Children's mental health improves when they have healthy recreational activities of their choosing. Knowing that their kids are happy and safe also reduces stress for working parents."
The Great Sedona and Verde Valley Chili Cook-Off is coming!
Please mark your calendars now for Sunday, Oct. 2, 12 to 3:30 p.m. to be held at Red Rock High School near the Sedona Performing Arts Center. You can expect tasting signature chili recipes from local restaurants and community competitors, a silent auction in the lobby of SPAC, beer and wine, music, and more. Event landing page ready soon. For sponsorship information contact David Simmer at dsimmer9@gmail.com and Cook-Off entry forms contact Jean Barton at jeancbarton@icloud.com.
You're Invited
You're invited to attend our July 26 program to meet two members of the Verde Search and Rescue team who will bring their dogs and describe the diverse search and rescue program (including use of drones) with a special emphasis on how dogs are utilized in their work. We anticipate three incredibly well-trained search and rescue dogs in attendance with their trainers. The program will begin shortly after 12 noon and anticipated to last about 45 minutes. People snacks will be provided.
Dates to Remember
July 26--Regular Meeting, Program: Hank & Rescue Dogs, 12 noon Sedona Public Library
Aug 2--Club Social, David & Isabel Simmer's Home, Flagstaff
Aug 9--Regular Club Meeting, Speaker: Former Mayor Rob Adams, 12 noon at Sedona Public Library
Aug 15--Club & Charitable Fund Board meetings, 4:30 p.m. on Zoom
Aug 23--Regular Club Meeting, Speaker: Kathy Louderback, 12 Noon Sedona Public Library
Sept 6--Club Social, Location TBA
Sept 13—Regular Club Meeting, Program TBA, 12 noon Sedona Public Library
Sept 19---Club & Charitable Fund Board meetings, 4:30 p.m. on Zoom
