News

KEVIN ADAMS RECOGNIZED FOR EXCELLENCE IN COMMUNITY SERVICE

Keep Sedona Beautiful (KSB) has honored Kevin Adams, VVCC Treasurer, and the Sedona Red Rock Trail Fund with an Award of Excellence for Environmental Stewardship. The mission of KSB, a Sedona nonprofit, is “To protect and sustain the scenic beauty and natural environment of Sedona and the Verde Valley”.  

Each year, KSB identifies organizations, businesses and individuals who have made significant contributions to the community. The various categories include Dark Sky Lighting, Landscaping, Cultural Heritage, Community Service, Environmental Stewardship, Education, and Sustainability. 

KSB received a nomination of Kevin and a nomination for the Sedona Red Rock Trail Fund. They each lauded the incredible work accomplished to maintain and expand our trails, the ‘quiet work’ that makes our trails so spectacular. 

KSB will be holding an Awards of Excellence ceremony on Wednesday April 19 from 4-6 p.m. The event will take place at the KSB EcoHub, 360 Brewer Rd in Sedona. Beverages and hors d'oeuvres will be served, and there will be no admission fee. Doors will open at 3:30 p.m.  

At the event KSB will recognize the accomplishments of the awardees. KSB will announce all awardees in news releases to the local media and on its web site prior to the ceremony.

In January, Robb from Flagline Trails LLC fired up the mini-excavator and has been cutting in this year’s work on the Copper Chief Trail completing almost 2.4 miles of new trail cut to the old road bed. Considering much of this new trail was cut through solid rock, adds to the story. Robb was followed by Youth Conservation Corps members from Conservation Legacy performing the finishing work. The Corps members will be continuing on turning the old road bed into new trail. All told, over 3 miles of the Copper Chief Trail will be completed this year with this 10 mile trail planned to be completed – connecting Phase 2 of the Blowout Wash to the Mingus Mountain Black Canyon Trail in 2024. 

Hello VVCC Members,

The City of Sedona on Nov 22^nd  approved the purchase of the 43 acre Cultural Center property in West Sedona. Many cyclists are familiar with this area as the Girdner Trailhead starts from there and leads to six trails that comprise much of the Western Gateway trail system.

The VVCC Board voted to support this initiative and I spoke before the City Council on 11/22 to this effect. As I mentioned in my comments to the Council this plan makes sense because “...it offers the potential for an expanded vision that allows for a community-focused and multiuse approach to the development of the property... Green spaces, public commons, and multiple outdoor recreation activity and venue opportunities, along with safe biking access via bike lanes, sidewalks and multiuse paths should be part of this community focus...”

The Cities of Cottonwood and Clarkdale and the Town of Camp Verde also have consistently promoted a community perspective that supports outdoor recreation and works to preserve the unique natural environment of the Verde Valley. The VVCC vision of “Developing a world class bicycling environment in the greater Verde Valley” does not take place in a vacuum. Rather, our advocacy efforts for  healthy, safe and fun cycling must work in concert and in context with the Verde Valley communities. The Cultural Center property is a great opportunity for such synergy to take place.

Dan Blaettler

The annual Arizona Out-of-School Time Awards of Excellence recognizes innovative out-of-school time programs and staff members for their exemplary work in providing and promoting quality youth development programs for Arizona’s children. Wheel Fun received this prestigious award yesterday at the Arizona Center for After School Excellence’s 30^th Annual School’s Out, Make It Count Conference at the Phoenix Convention Center. Included with the award was a Commendation signed by Arizona Governor Doug Ducey and $500.00.

This youth program was originally founded by then VVCC Director, Rich Leever in early 2018 and was run by the VVCC until it was spun off to Wheel Fun in January 2020.

Volunteers are needed on 12/11/22 to assemble bikes and do fittings for kids for Toys for Tots in Sedona.

VVCC members have partnered with Toys for Tots for the last 6 years.

The event is held at the West Sedona Elementary School at 570 Posse Ground Road, Sedona 85336. Donuts and refreshments are provided.

9:30 - 11:30 AM--tightening and adjustments --4-5 volunteers needed

We need individuals with their own tools to do bike assembly and/or tightening bolts (if you have a bike tire pump please bring it). If you can come at 9 AM, you can help move the bikes from storage to the gym. Most bikes will come pre-assembled from Walmart, but they will need final safety checks to make sure all parts fit and are tight. There may be a few bikes that come in a box and need more assembly.

Noon to 3 PM --Safety adjustments/check 1 volunteer needed

We need at least a person that can stay until the end of the program to custom fit the bikes to the height of the kids. This involves making sure seats, handlebars, brakes are all correct for each child. Parents will bring their kids at assigned times to pick up and get fitted for their new Christmas bike.

Contact Rich Leever at rlleever@gmail.com by 11/18 if you want to volunteer and how you can help.