Gallery: MUHS vs CVHS Boys Hoops 12/18

Photos by VVN/Jon Pelletier Highlights from the close game between Mingus Union High and Camp Verde High on December 18, 2009. Final Score: MUHS 52 - CVHS 55. Click here to request any of these images as prints for purchase Thursday, December 31, 2009 Read More

Gallery: Senior Center Christmas Dinner 2009

Photos by VVN/Jon Pelletier The Verde Valley Senior Center in Cottonwood welcomed guests to its annual Christmas Dinner on Wednesday afternoon. Angel Care Home Health, Hospice Compassus, ABRiO Family Services, C & S Custom Import and Domestic Performance & Repair and Verde Valley Community Hospice sponsored the approximately 350 dinners that were served or delivered on December 23rd. Gifts that were collected, wrapped and donated by Brenda Cosse and her helpers from Sedona were shared at the end of the event, while Third Graders from American Heritage Academy made Christmas cards for each place setting at the dinner. Senior Center Executive Director Elaine Bremner helped to distribute gifts with granddaughter's Emma and Allison. Sax Appeal and The Christmas Quintet provided live music at the event. Click here to request any of these images as prints for purchase Thursday, December 24, 2009 Read More

Gallery: Connections Ranch Christmas 2009.

Photos by VVN/Jon Pelletier Connections Ranch in Cornville hosted Christmas at the Ranch on Saturday afternoon. Connections Ranch is a non-profit organization that helps children and adults with disabilities through equine therapy. One of the many highlights of the event was a chance to ride one of the therapy horses around the arena. There was live music throughout the day, with a special presentation by the a cappella quartet Sedona Swing. Hayrides, photos with Santa, toys in the haystack and chicken bingo were other fun activities for guests to enjoy - and ultimately to help benefit the programs at the ranch. Click here to request any of these images as prints for purchase Tuesday, December 22, 2009 Read More

Gallery: Circle of Friends Holiday Concert 2009

Photos by VVN/Jon Pelletier It was a full house on Friday night at the Mingus Union High School Auditorium as Mount Hope Foods presented their annual Circle of Friends Holiday Concert. John Ziegler, with many past and present members of Major Lingo sharing the stage, entertained the audience with a mixture of folk and traditional Christmas music. The MUHS Chorus and Stage Band, with James Ball directing, turned in spirited performances that added to the holiday mood. Santa even made an appearance for a group sing along with all of the evening's performers, including some tuneful employees from Mount Hope Foods, for the grand finale. Click here to request any of these images as prints for purchase Sunday, December 20, 2009 Read More

Gallery: Senior Center Volunteer's Party 2009

Photos by VVN/Jon Pelletier The Cottonwood Senior Center hosted its annual holiday party to honor Senior Center Volunteers on Thursday evening. Each year volunteers at the Senior Center are recognized for their service with a special evening of food and spirits, not to mention prizes given out by director Elaine Bremner for a variety of volunteer accomplishments. Live Christmas music was provided by Hospice of the Pines Bereavement/Spiritual Counselor Adam Bissell. The evening ended on a high note of gift giving and a group sing-a-long of Silent Night. Click here to request any of these images as prints for purchase Sunday, December 20, 2009 Read More

Gallery: Mago Earth Park Dedication

Photos by VVN/Jon Pelletier A huge crowd poured into large white tents on Bill Gray Road at the new Mago Earth Park Wednesday morning. This was the day when 600 dignitaries and guests from around the world gathered to celebrate the new Mago Earth Park and landmark statue of "Mago Mother Earth." Click here to request any of these images as prints for purchase Wednesday, December 16, 2009 Read More

Gallery: Action Partnership Christmas Party 2009

Photos by VVN/Jon Pelletier Action Partnership for People with Special Needs held their annual Christmas party for kids with disabilities at American Heritage Academy on Thursday evening. 156 invites were sent to families from all over the Verde Valley. The party saw many groups coming together to support the kids and have a fun time in celebration of the holiday. On hand was the Verde Valley Fire Dept., ABRiO Family Services, the MUHS key Club and Challenged Adults Making Progress (Champs), among others. There were plenty of activities for every member of the family - from visiting Santa, eating pizza, playing games, listening to live holiday music, making cards or getting a temporary tattoo. Click here to request any of these images as prints for purchase Saturday, December 12, 2009 Read More

Gallery: Polar Express 2009

Photos by VVN/Jon Pelletier Santa returned to Jerome's Spook Hall on Friday night for the annual Polar Express Party sponsored by the Jerome Chamber of Commerce. Mrs. Claus read the Christmas classic to pajama wearing kids who enjoyed hot cocoa and chocolate cookies by Gisele's Bakery while listening to the story. The kids also had a chance to make Christmas decorations, and finally, to meet Mr. and Mrs. Santa Claus, who presented each child with a bell, as depicted in the Polar Express story. Click here to request any of these images as prints for purchase Wednesday, December 09, 2009 Read More

Gallery: Jerome Snow Storm 12.7.2009

Photos by VVN/Jon Pelletier It's official - winter has arrived in Jerome. On Monday night, icy-cold winds turned what had been rainfall by day into a concoction of sleet, and finally a few inches of snow, during the overnight hours. The slush that had first accumulated on the sidewalks and roadways quickly became an ice sheet under the freshly fallen snow, making it difficult for commuters coming up, or going down, the mountain on Route 89A. Click here to request any of these images as prints for purchase Wednesday, December 09, 2009 Read More

Gallery: Chocolate Lovers Walk 2009

Photos by VVN/Jon Pelletier This year's Chocolate Lovers' Walk was as popular as ever - well over 400 people participated in the annual event, now in its 16th year. As is tradition, many of the chocolate confections were handmade by the 40 participating businesses taking part in this year's walk along historic Route 89A in Cottonwood's downtown district. Presented by the Old Town Association of Cottonwood, the event began at the Civic Center with hot cocoa and music provided by local big bands. Trolley service was provided to the outer edges of the commercial district and back. Click here to request any of these images as prints for purchase Wednesday, December 09, 2009 Read More

Gallery: Made In Clarkdale 2009

Photos by VVN/Jon Pelletier Friday night saw the 23rd annual Made in Clarkdale exhibit open at the Clark Memorial Clubhouse. The artist's reception drew a large gathering of spectators who came to view the art, listen to the live Jazz band, watch Belly Dancing on stage and peruse the selection of used books on sale at the Library Book Sale being held in the Ladies' Lounge. Made in Clarkdale is seen as the cornerstone of Christmas festivities in the history-rich former mining town. Click here to request any of these images as prints for purchase Monday, December 07, 2009 Read More

Gallery: Cottonwood Christmas Parade 2009

Photos by VVN/Jon Pelletier Highlights from the 2009 Cottonwood Holiday Parade. Click here to request any of these images as prints for purchase Sunday, December 06, 2009 Read More

Gallery: Mingus girls basketball vs. Bradshaw Mt. 09

Action from Tuesday night's game between the Mingus Union varsity girls basketball team and the visiting Bradshaw Mountain Bears. Wednesday, December 02, 2009 Read More

Gallery: Mingus boys soccer vs. Independence 09

Action photos from Tuesday evening's varsity soccer game between Mingus Union and Independence. Mingus won, 2-1. Wednesday, December 02, 2009 Read More

Gallery: Dances of Universal Peace 11.28.09

Photos by VVN/Jon Pelletier Dances of Universal Peace brings together chants and mantras from world religions combined with simple circle dances to inspire peace and spiritual transcendence in a group setting. These dances are held regularly at the Old Town Center for the Arts in Cottonwood, usually on the last Saturday of the month, as well as in Sedona. The night was dedicated to Marianna Hartsong, who recently experienced the loss of her home to fire. Percussionist Lee Sagari, guitarists Kate McGovern, Thomas Winn, Annette Kearl and violist Marianna Hartsong provided the soundtrack for the meditative dances. Cathryn Swan and Deborah Heron joined McGovern and Hartsong as dance leaders. Click here to request any of these images as prints for purchase Tuesday, December 01, 2009 Read More

Gallery: Hans Olson at OTCA 11.28.09

Photos by VVN/Jon Pelletier Arizona Blues Hall of Fame inductee Hans Olson appeared to a full house at the Old Town Center for the Arts on the last Saturday night in November. Olson had the audience enraptured with his command of acoustic blues guitar, a powerful vocal style and well chosen projected images on the screen behind him that often referenced elements from the song's lyrics. Hans played an assortment of original and cover songs that included country, folk and blues genres. Click here to request any of these images as prints for purchase Tuesday, December 01, 2009 Read More

Gallery: Mingus Football vs. Santa Rita 09

Action photos from Friday night's 4A II State Semifinal game at North Canyon High School. The Mingus Union football team took on Santa Rita. Saturday, November 28, 2009 Read More

Gallery: HDYF Cottonwood Marauders

Action from the HDYF Cottonwood Marauders game at CMS on Saturday. Tuesday, November 24, 2009 Read More

Gallery: HDYF Cottonwood Cardinals

Action photos from the HDYF Cottonwood Cardinals' game on Saturday. Tuesday, November 24, 2009 Read More

HDYF: Cottonwood Colts vs. Prescott Outlaws

Action photos from Saturday's game between the Cottonwood Colts and the Prescott Outlaws Tuesday, November 24, 2009 Read More

Gallery: Oak Creek School Country Fair 2009

Photos by VVN/Jon Pelletier Oak Creek School in Cornville held its annual Old Tyme Country Fair on Saturday. Inside the gym, it was chock full of craft artists selling their wares - while the kitchen was open for pulled pork sandwiches and hot dogs. Outside, there was an abundance of games to participate in; a cakewalk, bobbing for donuts, pin the tail on the donkey (or even check out the real donkey at the petting zoo) were just a few of the activities on hand to enjoy. Kids seemed especially taken with the opportunity to dunk Oak Creek School principal Ben Russel in the water-filled dunk tank, a task that they succeeded in achieving many, many times. Click here to request any of these images as prints for purchase Tuesday, November 24, 2009 Read More

Gallery: Mingus Union HS vs Paradise Valley 11.20.09

Photos by VVN/Jon Pelletier No. 1 Mingus battled its toughest game of the season Friday night and edged the No. 9 Paradise Valley Trojans 19-14. The Marauder football team advances to the semifinal round of the 4A II State Playoffs with the big, 2nd round win at home and stays undefeated, 12-0 on the season. Click here to request any of these images as prints for purchase Saturday, November 21, 2009 Read More

Gallery: New Yavapai County Superior Court Building

Photos by VVN/Jon Pelletier The Yavapai County Superior Court Building, located in Camp Verde, had its official dedication at 10 am on Friday, November 20. The $11.8 million dollar facility took 16 months to build and contains 40,000 square feet of space. Approximately 100 guests turned out for the dedication and to take a fifty-minute tour of the new state-of-the-art courthouse. Click here to request any of these images as prints for purchase Friday, November 20, 2009 Read More

Gallery: Big Fat Mafia Wedding

Photos by VVN/Jon Pelletier The Verde Valley Senior Center celebrated its 30th Anniversary on Saturday with the flamboyant murder mystery My Big, Fat Mafia Wedding - presented by the Canyon Moon Theatre. The Senior Center was recast for the evening as the Sons of Italy Function Hall for the interactive play - where the guests were also suspects. The evening was a mix of humor, musical theater and, of course, suspense. The entertainment was accompanied by an amazing five-course meal, including Italian Wedding Cake, prepared by Chef Chris Smith of the Asylum in Jerome. Click here to request any of these images as prints for purchase Tuesday, November 17, 2009 Read More

Gallery: Walkin on Main 2009

Photos by VVN/Jon Pelletier It was a celebration of historic Highway 89A on Saturday as downtown Cottonwood was closed off and the street party known as Walkin' on Main took center stage. At the sight of the Old Cottonwood Jail, the Clarkdale Chamber of Commerce organized an interactive, environmental event called, "Be Successful, Be Green." Throughout the day children and adults were invited to participate in eco-play: including mural painting, educational riparian games, guided tours along the Cottonwood-Willow Riparian Jail Trail and displays by several eco-friendly vendors. Further up the street were classic cars to eye, booths full of art, crafts and jewelry and a popular wine tasting area where local vineyards offered their best vino to taste and purchase. Closing out the event on the main stage was blues legend Big Pete Pearson and his band; they brought a sophisticated vibe that had dancers on their feet, while others sat back and enjoyed the ride. Click here to request any of these images as prints for purchase Tuesday, November 17, 2009 Read More

Gallery: Verde River Invasive Plant Removal

Photos by VVN/Jon Pelletier Friends of the River Greenway and the National Park Service put out the call for volunteers to assemble on Saturday at the Tuzigoot River Access Point in Clarkdale to help remove invasive plants near the waters edge. Environmentally concerned citizens, armed with chainsaws, loppers, pruning saws and weed killer, spent the morning clearing the landscape of Tamarix and Tree of Heaven, also known as Tree of Paradise. Allowed to proliferate, these quick growing non-native plants will eventually replace the cottonwood, willow and mesquite trees while also producing toxins that inhibit the growth of other native plants. Because of the swift propagating nature of these plants, the eradication process is an ongoing concern that must be addressed on a consistent basis. Click here to request any of these images as prints for purchase Saturday, November 14, 2009 Read More

Gallery: Zeke Taylor BBQ 2009

Photos by VVN/Jon Pelletier The 18th annual Zeke Taylor BBQ, featuring slow-roasted mesquite smoked beef, was at the Clemenceau Museum in Cottonwood on Saturday afternoon. The popular event was started by the late Mr. Taylor and Don Godard to keep the Verde Valley's old west traditions alive, and as a benefit for the all-volunteer Clemenceau Heritage Museum. Traditional cowboy music filled the Clemenceau gym as members of the FFA program helped out by shredding the beef and serving guests. Click here to request any of these images as prints for purchase Saturday, November 14, 2009 Read More

Gallery: Mingus Football vs. Catalina 09

Action from Friday's Nights 4A II State Football Playoffs. The 1st round was held at Mingus Union High School. The No. 1 Marauders pounded the No. 16 Catalina Trojans, 48-0. Saturday, November 14, 2009 Read More

Gallery: Cornville Community Association Annual Potluck

Photos by VVN/Jon Pelletier Wednesday night was the Cornville Community Association's annual potluck dinner, organized this year by Community Pride Chairperson Lois Hook. Held at Oak Creek Elementary, approximately 65 people were in attendance to enjoy a smorgasbord of home-cooked foods, fine conversation, raffle prizes and entertainment by local musician Gregg Harris. Click here to request any of these images as prints for purchase Thursday, November 12, 2009 Read More

Gallery: Cottonwood Ranch Community Veteran's Day

Photos by VVN/Jon Pelletier On November 11, the Cottonwood Ranch Community celebrated Veteran's Day in what has become an annual event. Gathering at the Club House, the proceedings began with a flag raising ceremony presented by the Honor Guard from the Veterans of Foreign War, Post 7400. Veterans and their families, numbering 70 strong, were then treated to a luncheon with speaker and guest of honor, Retired Colonel Tom Lockhart. Colonel Lockhart is a highly decorated fighter pilot and recipient of the Silver Star who flew 225 combat missions during the Vietnam War. Click here to request any of these images as prints for purchase Thursday, November 12, 2009 Read More

Gallery: Nature: Public's Perspective

Photos submitted by you! These photos are not for sale! Tuesday, November 10, 2009 Read More

Gallery: Mingus Football vs. Mohave 09

Photos from Friday night's action between Mingus and Mohave for the Grand Canyon Region Championship. Saturday, November 07, 2009 Read More

Gallery: A Midsummer Night's Dream 09

Photos by VVN/Philip Wright The Mingus Union High School Thespian Troupe will present William Shakespeare's A Midsummer Night's Dream for five performances beginning Nov. 6 in the school's newly remodeled auditorium. Thursday, November 05, 2009 Read More

Gallery: Halloween 2009

Photos by VVN/Jon Pelletier Cottonwood, Clarkdale and Jerome all had special activities to usher in this year's Halloween for trick-or-treaters. Jerome had their first ever Parade Down Main Street, Clarkdale featured a costume contest in the park, and Cottonwood held their annual Trick or Treat on Main and Fall Carnival in Activity Park. Click here to request any of these images as prints for purchase Tuesday, November 03, 2009 Read More

Gallery: Crafty October

Photos by VVN/Jon Pelletier There were many art and craft related activities taking place in the month of October. This gallery contains highlights from craft fairs, Quilt Show, Chili Taste Off, Plein Air painters in Jerome and more. Click here to request any of these images as prints for purchase Saturday, October 31, 2009 Read More

Gallery: Day of the Dead Masquerade Ball 2009

Photos by VVN/Jon Pelletier Flower Power was alive and well at the Civic Center in Cottonwood on Friday night as local musical heroes Major Lingo captured the spirit of the late 1960's at their annual Day of the Dead Masquerade Ball. Celebrating the Woodstock Generation was the night's theme, and many came dressed and prepared to revel in that brief utopian moment in history. The party was all ages, with a contest for best costume in both kid and adult categories. Keeping with Day of the Dead tradition, there was an altar set up to remember and honor those who have recently departed from the physical plane. Click here to request any of these images as prints for purchase Saturday, October 31, 2009 Read More

Gallery: Haunted House 2009

Photos by VVN/Jon Pelletier There are haunted houses, and then there is the extremely haunted house set up by Peter's Net and the Immaculate Conception Youth Ministry at 421 Willard Street in Cottonwood that is designed to scare even the most fearless among us. Apparently, people love to be frightened, and the kids and adults who put on this annual haunted house whole-heartedly enjoy giving the people what they want. Running for three evenings, the maze of smoke filled diabolicalness attracted a large audience of thrill seekers, some returning to the line to repeat the experience of fear and mayhem several times; for others, once was clearly enough. Click here to request any of these images as prints for purchase Saturday, October 31, 2009 Read More

Gallery: WET 2009

Photos by VVN/Jon Pelletier For the second year in a row, 4th graders from all over the Verde Valley descended upon Dead Horse Ranch State Park to take part in WET, a science based program that teaches water conservation/resource management concepts to kids. 32 volunteer presenters and 40 volunteer support staff used props and games to teach 4 different water concepts: watershed activity, the water cycle, groundwater activity, and water conservation. The daylong event qualifies as a water science requirement for 4th grade. Click here to request any of these images as prints for purchase Tuesday, October 27, 2009 Read More

Gallery: Ah, Woodchute

Photos by VVN/Jon Pelletier There are spectacular views from both sides of Trail 102 on Woodchute Mountain. At 7,834 feet, Woodchute Mountain is the highest point in the Black Hills. Marks of this year's fire are clear but new growth has already taken hold. Click here to request any of these images as prints for purchase Sunday, October 25, 2009 Read More

Gallery: Mingus Homecoming 09

Photos from Mingus Union's Homecoming festivities Friday night at the Football Game. Click here to request any of these images as prints for purchase Saturday, October 24, 2009 Read More