Red Rock District Ranger Heather Provencio

Keep Sedona Beautiful’s monthly Speaker Series will begin with wine and hors d’oeuvres at 5:30 pm on Wednesday, June 16, 2010 and feature Heather Provencio, Red Rock District Ranger of the Coconino National Forest.  At 5:45 the program will begin, and Provencio’s talk will focus on the state of the Coconino National Forest, highlighting how it relates to the current national emphasis on climate change as directed by President Obama and the Secretary of Agriculture.

Heather was born and raised in southern Illinois and grew up in a Forest Service family.  She moved to Arizona in 1982 to attend Northern Arizona University and pursue a Bachelor’s degree in archaeology and anthropology.  In 1998, she attended NAU again and received her Master’s degree in Anthropology.  Her Master’s work focused on volunteerism in archaeology, and her first job with the Forest Service was in 1985 as a firefighter on the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest in northern Arizona.  Later, on that same Forest, she went on to become a trail crew foreman, work in human resources, was a recreation planner and an archaeologist.  Prior to coming to the Red Rock District, Heather worked as District archaeologist and tribal liaison for the Peaks and Mormon Lake Ranger Districts of the Coconino National Forest in Flagstaff.  She has served as the District Ranger for the Red Rock Ranger District of the Coconino National Forest since 2006 and is temporarily detailed into the Deputy Forest Supervisor position on the Coconino National Forest in Flagstaff, Arizona.

The Speaker Series takes place at Keep Sedona Beautiful headquarters, the historic Pushmataha Center, 360 Brewer Road in Sedona.  Held the third Wednesday of each month from October to June, the award-winning series presents an interesting diversity of programs relevant to our region.  Non-members are asked to make a $3 donation.  Keep Sedona Beautiful is a nonprofit organization dedicated to “Preserving the Wonder” of Sedona for future generations.  For more information on Keep Sedona Beautiful, call 282-4938 or go to www.keepsedonabeautiful.org.

See the latest in solar energy systems for the home. Discover how you can qualify for free or subsidized home energy audits and weatherization that can help you stay cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter while saving you money. Learn about ground-source heating and cooling, the most efficient systems you can have. Take a look at great energy efficient windows and heat-shedding window treatments. Find out about all the tax credits and utility rebates – it’s still a great time to upgrade your home for more savings on your energy bills.

It’s all FREE thanks to a grant from the Sedona Community Foundation and funding from APS.

For further information contact John F. Neville, LEED-AP, President, Sustainable Arizona, 928.282.2690 or 928.300.2437; www.SustainableArizona.org; jneville@sustainablearizona.org

Coconino Forest Supervisor Earl Stewart

Balancing use with management issues, working with others, and partnering with communities, is the vision for new Coconino Forest Supervisor Earl Stewart. Please join Keep Sedona Beautiful on May 19 for the May Preserving the Wonder™ Speaker Series.

From Montana to Arizona, Forest Supervisor Stewart has worked with the U. S. Forest Service for 19 years. In his new position, he will focus his intention on continuing to build resiliency in the forest, to be responsive to all organizations within the district on an individual basis, and building synergy amongst all peoples and agencies. “I’m very excited to be here and look forward to working with everyone on the Coconino and the stakeholders who partner with us”, Stewart said.

His career began as a biologist with Oklahoma’s Department of Wildlife Conservation. His early assignments with the U S Forest Service include wildlife biologist in the Ouachita National Forest; wildlife biologist, zone fire management officer, military liaison and fish biologist in the Kasatchie National Forest; endangered and sensitive species program manager, range program manager, forest wildlife biologist in the National Forests in Alabama; deputy district ranger, and district ranger of the Talladega National Forest; legislative fellow for Interior Appropriations in the House of Representatives and Washington office; and deputy forest supervisor in the Nez Perce National Forest.

The KSB Preserving the Wonder™ Speaker Series takes place at the Keep Sedona Beautiful headquarters, the historic Pushmataha Center, 360 Brewer Rd. in Sedona. Held the third Wednesday of each month from October to June, the award-winning series presents an interesting diversity of programs relevant to our region. Keep Sedona Beautiful is a nonprofit organization dedicated to Preserving the Wonder of Sedona for future generations. For more information on Keep Sedona Beautiful, call 282-4938 or go to www.KeepSedonaBeautiful.org

Non-members are asked to make a $3.00 donation to Keep Sedona Beautiful.

Wildflower Bread Company believes in community and supports Sedona’s non-profits. To enjoy a special night dedicated to Keep Sedona Beautiful, all you have to do is bring the flyer (one per check), eat dinner at Wildflower Bread Company and Keep Sedona Beautiful will receives 15% of all sales.

Special note: Tips are appreciated … KSB volunteers will be on duty “running food” and serving tables. Tip your favorite server well and help keep Sedona beautiful.

Present this flyer at the time of your purchase, and Wildflower will donate 15% of the sales to Keep Sedona Beautiful!

Lyn and Ken Mikell

Back by Popular demand, and about the most perfect entertainers to come down the lane for St. Patty’s Day Singin’ and Celebratin’, are Lyn and Ken Mikell! Music historians of the old west, they’ll perform at the Keep Sedona Beautiful Monthly Speaker Series event on Wednesday, March 17th (St. Patty’s Day, of course!) from 5:30 till 7:00 pm.

The Mikells play a wide range of traditional music, with particular attention to the Celtic roots of cowboy music. Using a wide range of musical instruments, Ken and Lyn animate and illuminate the music and poetry that followed the trail west.

From old time trail songs to the golden era of the radio and silver screen cowboy, Ken’s rich vocals and Lyn’s beautiful harp put a new twist on old time favorites. They have an extensive knowledge of the history of Western music and enjoy sharing it with audiences.

Residents of the Verde Valley since 1975, they performed at the first Arizona cowboy poetry gathering in Prescott in 1987. Since then they have been featured at gatherings all over the West. The music of the Old World found a new home at the hearths and campfires of the Old West. Ken and Lyn are proud to be a part of that continuing tradition, and have been making music together for over thirty years.

So, may the luck of the Irish be smilin’ upon ye, as you enjoy the evening, beginning at 5:30 with a warm Irish welcome to the public.  At 5:45 the program will begin. The Mikells will answer questions at the end of the evening which concludes at 7pm. Guests are $3, KSB members are free.

The Speaker Series takes place at the Keep Sedona Beautiful headquarters, the historic Pushmataha Center, 360 Brewer Rd. in Sedona. Held the third Wednesday of each month from October to June, the award-winning series presents an interesting diversity of programs relevant to our region. Keep Sedona Beautiful is a nonprofit organization dedicated to “Preserving the Wonder” of Sedona for future generations. For more information on Keep Sedona Beautiful, call 282-4938 or go to www.keepsedonabeautiful.org.

The 2010 workshop features two keynote addresses, “Organic Vegetable Gardening” by Cynthia Lee Cartier and “Turn your Desert Dust to Black Gold” by Merle & Michele Herrick.

Admission also includes your choice of two of the seven workshops:

1. Feather Jones:  The Power of Wild Desert Plants
2. Ross Hawkins:  Hummingbirds, the Servants of Plants
3. Tom DeGomez:  Pests in the Garden
4. Stephen DeVol:  Up Close and Digital in the Garden
5. Eric Moore:  Creating a Backyard Habitat
6. Jean Searle:  Get to Know the Natives
7. Chris Anderson: Rainwater Harvesting

Plus free plants, silent auction, raffle and lunch included!

Tickets are $15.00 for Keep Sedona Beautiful members, and $25.00 for non-members.  Program details and advance signup are available on the Keep Sedona Beautiful website.

Master of Ceremonies, Former Senator Tom O’Halleran and other invited guests will speak on how preserving the West’s special places for economic as well as environmental reasons is essential. As we all know, tourism is the economic driver in the Greater Sedona/Verde Valley area, and our product is our remarkable and accessible environment.  Our jobs and businesses depend on it…and we purchased homes here for these reasons. We ALL have a stake in maintaining our red rock forests, clean air and quality of life.

You are invited to attend the Keep Sedona Beautiful 38^th Annual Awards of Excellence for 2009. The Awards of Excellence luncheon will be held on Sunday, February 14, at Los Abrigados Resort and Spa from 11:30 am to 1:30 pm. Check-in will begin at 11:00 am. Popular Sedona entertainers Tom and Shondra will emcee the luncheon.  Tickets are $35 per person for Keep Sedona Beautiful members or $40 for non-members.  You can reserve a table for 10 for $325.  Call 282-4938 for reservations and information, or visit the KSB website at www.keepsedonabeautiful.org.

Each year since 1972 Keep Sedona Beautiful, a non-for profit organization dedicated to preserving the wonder of Sedona, has recognized individuals, businesses and organizations in the Greater Sedona area for architectural designs, landscaping, lighting, signage, conservation, and outstanding community service which contribute in a significant way to “Keeping Sedona Beautiful.”

This year, the following individuals, businesses, and organizations will be honored: the Oak Creek Canyon Task Force, Ciera Crawley, Rita Livingston, Jim Eaton, Beatrice Welles, Barbara Litrell, the Jordan Road Project, the Sedona Volunteer Park Rangers, the West Sedona Elementary School and the Big Park Community School.

The winner of the 3^rd Annual Keep Sedona Beautiful “Capture the Wonder” Photo Contest will also be recognized at the awards luncheon.

Article: Wandering the West, by Larry Warren

When: Wednesday, February 17th, 5:00-7:00 p.m.
Where: The Hilton Sedona Resort and Spa, off SR 179 in the Village of Oak Creek
What: A terrific evening of inspiration, music, fun and energy, light snacks and a cash bar.

Grape Expectations Revealed at KSB Speakers Series

What’s going on out there in our Verde Valley backyard? If you’ve driven the pretty, winding Page Springs Road lately, you’ve got the idea…we’ve got a real wine country in our paradise…and it’s serious.

It’s so serious that Yavapai College has now launched a Viticulture and Enology program, is planting a 40 acre vineyard and building a greenhouse and science lab at the Clarkdale campus, all of which will serve the local wine industry. But that’s not all. They’re doing it right, using the latest in energy efficient and sustainable technology, solar power, a reclaimed water system and dry land farming. And this is only the beginning of what is hoped to become a major economic force in the entire Verde Valley.

Keep Sedona Beautiful’s “Preserving the Wonder” Speakers Series will offer an inside look at the burgeoning wine industry in red rock country on Wednesday, November 18, 2009 at the historic Pushmataha Center, 360 Brewer Road in Sedona. A welcome reception for the public will be held at 5 p.m. with the opportunity to taste our local wine, and the program will follow at 5:30, concluding by 7 p.m.

A panel of three experts will discuss all aspects of the business: Tom Schumacher, Executive Dean of Yavapai College, is also the current President of the Cottonwood Economic Development Council (CEDC), serves as Secretary for the Verde Valley Regional Economic Organization (VVREO) and is a founding member of the Verde Valley Wine Consortium representing the education committee.

Eric Glomski, is co-owner and Director of Winegrowing at Arizona Stronghold Cellars and Page Springs Cellars, a winery which has grown into an operation that produces about 60,000 bottles of wine per year. He is a consultant to wineries as a noted expert in the field of organic farming and a proponent of doing things properly. Prior to starting these two wineries and planting their associated vineyards, Eric worked in the California wine industry for several years – most notably in the Santa Cruz Mountains at David Bruce Winery.

Paula T. Woolsey is a certified fine wine specialist, wine distributor, restaurateur, hotelier, teacher and farmer. She is a member of the Society of Wine Educators and the Master Court of Sommeliers, former owner of the Asylum Restaurant in Jerome, and former Beverage Manager at L’Auberge de Sedona, Cellar Master at Enchantment Resort, and Educational Chair of the Verde Valley Wine Consortium, among many other accomplishments.

The panel will be moderated by Tom Pitts, the founding Chairman of the Verde Valley Wine Consortium. He has been a wine enthusiast and follower of wine trends throughout the world for many years and has provided market research and marketing consultation for wineries, wine importers, distributors, and retailers. He also serves as the President and Chairman of the Board of the Jerome Chamber of Commerce, as a Director of the Verde Valley Regional Economic Organization, as a principal in the Sedona Verde Valley Tourism Council and is the owner and operator of Belgian Jennie’s Bordello Bistro & Pizzeria in Jerome.

A serious, but enthusiastic bunch these speakers are, as they share the challenges AND their big visions for great potential growth and economic impact for our new Verde Valley wine country…and why they believe it really can happen, and indeed, already is.

The Keep Sedona Beautiful Speakers Series programs are presented the third Wednesday of each month from September through June. Featuring a wide variety of topics related to the “wonder” of our region, this popular series dates back to the early KSB organization with a mission to engage, inform and inspire the community. Donations are appreciated, members are free.