New Years Eve

The Salt Mine Cellar is a family-friendly establishment located on Finnie Flat Road in Camp Verde (between Basha's and Circle K on the curve) that will be hosting an Open Mike New Year's Eve celebration! Music will begin around 8:00pm!

Snow on Mingus Mountain

The clouds have finally cleared enough that we can see Mingus Mountain from our house in Rimrock. It is coated with the white stuff! Though it means the weather has gotten colder - a bit tough on us desert dwellers! - it sure is pretty! And it is a reminder to appreciate what we have when we have it and not worry about what has been or what is to become. Sitting on the floor coloring with my daughter yesterday really gave me a sense of presence and appreciation. It is so important for us to just be where we are in any given moment. Hope looking at the snow-capped mountains will remind you to do the same...

Special Guest at Sing, Say, & Sign - Sedona

Don't forget that the last Sing, Say, & Sign class of 2008 will take place at the Sedona Public Library on Thursday, December 18 at 10:30am. We will learn some special signs for the Holidays AND have some very special guests! At the end of the program, Santa and Mrs. Claus have promised to stop by and visit with us! There will be treats for the kids and the chance to talk to Santa about your Christmas wishes! See you there!

Mrs. Claus at Camp Verde Library

Mrs. Santa Claus will be at the Camp Verde Community Library on Wed. 12/17 at 10am for a children's program! (For you moms, this is the same performer that does Mother Goose in the Spring - she's a lot of fun!)

Is it snowing yet?

Hope everyone is enjoying the weather - winter is definitely here! Is it snowing yet where you live? How 'bout y'all up in Jerome? I can't even see the top of Mingus Mountain from my house today! Just in case you're looking for something to do to get through the wet days - don't forget to read 10 Things To Do With Your Kids On A Rainy Day for some great ideas. Make some hot cocoa and relax! If you have any snow - take a picture and send it to me! It hardly ever snows in Rimrock!

Camp Verde Holiday Celebration

Don't forget the Camp Verde Holiday Celebration this Saturday, December 13. Have breakfast with Santa from 8 to 11 a.m. at the Community Center (the Old High School). Santa will stay until noon to visit with all the kids. There is a Craft Fair from 9am until 9pm with lots of homemade crafts and baked goods - great for gift-giving or for yourself! At 6pm the Parade of Lights will take place down Main Street followed by caroling, cookies, and hot cocoa at the Gazebo. Hope to see you there!

Sign Language Classes At Sedona Library

Don't forget, the Sing, Say, and Sign program will be presented at the Sedona Public Library on Thursdays, December 11 and December 18 at 10:30am. Come and join us for signing fun!

La Leche League Resumes Meetings

The La Leche League of the Verde Valley will resume meeting on Wednesday, December 10, at the Boys and Girls Club in Old Town Cottonwood. For more information visit the LLL of Northern Arizona.

Holidays in the Verde Valley

Theres are lots of exciting things going on in the Verde Valley for the Holidays - here's a list of some of them. If you know of any others, especially for holidays other than Christmas, please leave them in the comments to share or send me an email with the details!

Dec. 5
Clarkdale Parks & Recreation is hosting a Family Movie Night at the Clarkdale-Jerome School. This month's movie will be in the school library. Please follow the signs posted throughout campus. Admission is free. Doors open at 6 p.m. and show time is 6:30 p.m.

This month's showing is sure to bring out the child in all and get you excited about Santa's arrival. Superstar comedian Tim Allen shines in this magical, larger-than-life hit comedy that is destined to become a holiday classic. Rooftop clatter leads to merry adventure after Santa falls down on the job and Charlie convinces his dad to try on the red suit!

This movie is rated PG. It is up to parental discretion as to determine what is appropriate for young children. Titles scheduled are subject to change. Remember to bring your own blankets or chairs. Concessions are available to purchase. The Town of Clarkdale is not responsible for minors left unattended.

For more information or movies scheduled please visit: http://www.clarkdale.az.us/ or call the Movie Line at (928) 639-2492.

Dec. 6
Verde Valley Fire District will be at Cottonwood Safeway from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., collecting non-perishable food, hygiene products, new toys or cash donations to help local people in need, through Christmas Caring. They will also accept donations through Dec. 19 at Station 31 on Godard Road in Cottonwood, or at Station 32 in Cornville.

Dec. 6
Holiday Fest 2008 - "All About Kids"- A Christmas Party at Rollins Park in Lake Montezuma Village Square. 9am - 11am is the Tree-light wrapping, come help decorate the park trees. 1:30pm - 4pm are activities and games for children. At 3pm, Santa arrives on a Fire Truck and will be available for pictures and wish-making! 5pm - 6pm is a pot luck dinner at the Beaver Creek Adult Center - please bring a dish to share.

A free V.I.N. Etching Event will be at the Lake Montezuma Village Square from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Courtesy of the Yavapai County Sheriff's Office and the Beaver Creek Community Action Team, the vehicle identification number of your car or truck will be etched on each window. This is an effective visual theft deterrent that takes only a few minutes of your time. Afterward, enjoy the community's Holiday Fest on the Square.

Dec. 6
Celebrate "Home for the Holidays Customer Appreciation Day" at the Good Buy Shoppe sponsored by the directors and officers of the Verde Valley Humane Society. The store will be open 10 a.m.-2 p.m. and pet and children pictures with Santa noon-2 p.m. The Good Buy Shoppe is located on the corner of Sixth Street and 89A in the Clemenceau Plaza. In addition to Santa and pictures, there will be storewide specials, refreshments, raffles, and door prizes.
This is an annual event of the Verde Valley Humane Society and a great way to start the holiday season. Call (928) 928-649-3233.

Dec. 6
Gardens for Humanity will host a Christmas art boutique, Holiday Treasure Chest from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Look for the red and green balloons on Jacks Canyon Road in the Village of Oak Creek. The public will have an opportunity to shop directly from 35 local artists for hand crafted gifts, jewelry, sculptures, ceramics, wreaths, fiberworks, mosaics, tiles, pottery, bake goods and much more, all for under $300. Hot mulled cider will be served and shoppers are encouraged to bring a can of food or dried veggies, fruit or past to be donated to the Sedona Food Bank. For more info call Diane Dearmore at (928) 592-0255.

Dec. 6
The 54th annual Cottonwood Christmas Parade starts at 11 a.m.
Reviving the theme of last year's rained-out event, the topic is 'Season of Giving' and the grand marshals are 40-year residents Diane and Harold Lovett. Please bring canned goods for collection during the parade.

The parade starts at the Verde Valley Fairgrounds, 12th & Cherry St., proceeds down Cherry to Main Street and down Main through Old Town to the jail.
For information, contact the Cottonwood Chamber of Commerce at (928) 634-7593.

Dec. 6
Share the holiday spirit with Santa Claus and Clarkdale Parks and Recreation as they celebrate the holiday season from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Children of all ages can visit with Santa and have their photo taken with the guest of honor, drink hot chocolate with cookies, and create an ornament to hang on the Town's tree. There is no cost for this very special event, it is provided by the Town of Clarkdale as a wonderful holiday tradition for our children (and parents) to enjoy. All activities will be in the Men's Lounge located in the Clark Memorial Clubhouse, 19 N. Ninth St. For more information call Parks and Recreation at (928) 639-2490.

Dec. 7
The Cottonwood Community Band will be having their annual winter concert this Sunday at 3 p.m. This year's concert will be at the Dr. Daniel Bright School, 1500 Monte Tesoro Drive, Cottonwood. The location is new this year due to the fact that Mingus Union High School auditorium is closed due to renovation construction. There is no charge for the concert. It is free, but the band will accept donations.

The band is under the directorship of Julie Smith. The band has about 30 members representing the communities of Sedona, Cottonwood, Camp Verde and Cornville. The band will be playing Christmas and holiday songs including Sleigh Ride, Hark, the Herald Angels Sing, and variations of Jingle Bells. Two students from Daniel Bright School will join the band and sing Away in a Manger and Little Town of Bethlehem.

Dec. 11
Donate to a good cause, find out what your neighbors have been up to and enjoy a holiday potluck when you join the members of El Valle Artists Association at their annual holiday bash/December meeting. They meet in the Art Building, Verde Valley Fairgrounds in Cottonwood at 12:30 p.m. They are collecting art materials of all kinds to be donated to the Boys and Girls Club of Cottonwood.

El Valle is an eclectic group of amateur to professional grade artists who work in many media, which gives an extra 'oomph' to our show-and-tell since they never quite know who or what will show up. Members and non-members alike are welcome to bring a dish, a donation, and maybe a sample of artwork to share if you dare. For more information call (928) 649-3725.

Dec. 13
Get ready for Camp Verde Parks & Recreations annual Christmas Craft Bazaar, Breakfast with Santa and Parade of Lights. Have breakfast with Santa from 8 to 11 a.m. Santa will be here until noon to visit with all the kids. The Craft Bazaar will be open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. and will feature homemade crafts and baked goods. The Bazaar and Breakfast all takes place at the Community Center.

The Parade of Lights will take place on Main Street at 6 p.m. Following the parade gather at the Gazebo for caroling, cookies and hot chocolate or stop in the gym for your last-minute shopping at the bazaar or visit with Santa. For more information call Parks & Recreation at (928) 567-0535.

Dec. 20
The Verde Valley American Legion Auxiliary Unit 25 will host the annual Children's Christmas Party from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the American Legion located at 480 Calvary Way, Cottonwood.
Local children up to age 14 are invited to participate. Parents must register the children prior to Dec. 17 and can do so by calling 634-3004 daily 10 a.m.-10 p.m. to provide the child's name, gender, age and suggested gift. Along with Santa Claus and a gift, the children will also frost Christmas cookies and play games.

For more information call Camile Severson at (928) 634-3004 or call B.J. Ranoles at 202-0320