Growing up in the Mississippi Delta, young Ezekiel Andrew watched “The Lion King” over and over again on his family’s VHS player, singing along with Simba, “I Just Can’t Wait to Be King.” Today, some 20 years later, his gratitude and his range run as deep as “Ol’ Man River,” proving what can happen when you dare to dream “The Impossible Dream.” Andrew is now firmly planted on Broadway, a cast member in “The Lion King” since 2021, and yes, king. “Sometimes I get to play Mufasa!” he shared with … [Read more...] about Mufasa, Maria and the Phantom of the Opera Bring Sedona Broadway Buffs to their Feet
Business
Sheri Morris Captures Camp Verde’s Beauty on Canvas
Impressionist artist Sheri Morris has always loved painting the landscape of Camp Verde. So, after retiring eight years ago, she and her husband, Ed, moved to the city nicknamed “The Center of it All,” because of its middle-of-the-state location. “It’s such a wonderful place to live and paint,” said Morris, who found her dream home on a knoll with picturesque views. “I love the Verde River, the surrounding mountains, old buildings and the Native American ruins here.” Drawing and painting is … [Read more...] about Sheri Morris Captures Camp Verde’s Beauty on Canvas
Verde Valley Business Boot Camps Teach Principles of Sustainability
Thirty-week-old Rhode Island Red Chicks will be making a short trip in mid-April from a supplier in Tucson to the U.S. Post Office in Cottonwood. These top egg producers will be traveling in a little cardboard box with holes in it and enough nutrients to feed them on their journey. When the chicks arrive, a postal worker will call Marcus and Jill Thompson, managers of ECO Farm, a nonprofit model of sustainable and regenerative farming on East Highway 89A in Cottonwood. The Thompsons said they … [Read more...] about Verde Valley Business Boot Camps Teach Principles of Sustainability
Prescott Earth Day to Celebrate Connectivity, Sustainability
Prescott’s annual Earth Day celebration returns Saturday, April 19, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., featuring 43 booths along Cortez Street between Union and Goodwin streets, adjacent to Courthouse Plaza. This year’s theme, “Connectivity: All of Us Working Together,” highlights the collective effort toward sustainability and environmental awareness. The Greater Prescott Outdoors Fund organizes the event, which runs alongside the Wildfire Expo, hosted by the Prescott Area Wildland Urban Interface … [Read more...] about Prescott Earth Day to Celebrate Connectivity, Sustainability
High-Tech Avian Detection System Becomes Golden Eagle Conservation Tool
Babbitt Ranches and its nonprofit research arm, Landsward Foundation, have long considered the golden eagle a sensitive species and have been monitoring the SP Crater area in particular for decades as an important golden eagle territory. In collaboration with the Arizona Game and Fish Department, they have been focused on protecting the eagles from human disturbances during the critical breeding and nesting period occurring now, from January through May. Meanwhile, Babbitt Ranches began … [Read more...] about High-Tech Avian Detection System Becomes Golden Eagle Conservation Tool
Brave Hearts Event to Honor Veterans, First Responders, Showcasing the Healing Power of Horses
A new event celebrating the service of veterans and first responders while highlighting the life-changing work of therapeutic riding is set to debut in Chino Valley this summer. Hosted by Horses with Heart, a local nonprofit therapeutic riding center, the inaugural Brave Hearts horse show and open house will take place Sunday, June 22, at the organization’s facility, 2705 S. Highway 89. The day-long gathering, free for all ages, includes a special horse event for veterans and first responders, … [Read more...] about Brave Hearts Event to Honor Veterans, First Responders, Showcasing the Healing Power of Horses
Shipping Day on Babbitt Ranches: A Scene Out of the Old West
Arizona’s Western traditions ride on in the high country of Babbitt Ranches. A quiet outpost known as Tin House Camp roars to life each year on Shipping Day as cowboys on horseback round up hundreds of healthy, free-range heifers and steers that they’ve worked all year to raise. Ranch Manager Clay Rodgers calls it “Super Bowl for the Cowboy World.” Watch now on Zonie Living at Star Worldwide Networks … [Read more...] about Shipping Day on Babbitt Ranches: A Scene Out of the Old West
Camp Verde’s Signature Festival Poured on the Local Flavor
Hosted by the Verde Valley Wine Consortium, the 24th annual Camp Verde Pecan and Wine Festival March 15 and 16 featured tastings from 15 wineries. “Both days were fantastic,” said Alcantara Vineyards Event Coordinator Annie LeBeouf. “The turnout was great.” “It was wonderful to see friends, neighbors and visitors all enjoying what makes Camp Verde so special – good food, great wine and even better company. We’re grateful to everyone who helped make it such a fun and memorable weekend,” said … [Read more...] about Camp Verde’s Signature Festival Poured on the Local Flavor
Governor Proclaims Tuesday Health Workforce Wellness Day
The Solution to Arizona’s At-Risk Healthcare System is Prioritizing Worker Well-Being If you could make yourself invisible and float in and observe the daily rhythm inside a hospital, nursing facility, county public health office, or outpatient clinic, you would be struck by the intelligence, skill, dedication, and relentless commitment of Arizona’s healthcare workforce. These professionals work tirelessly to prevent disease, treat injuries, and meet the physical, mental, and long-term health … [Read more...] about Governor Proclaims Tuesday Health Workforce Wellness Day
Crafting Change: Amish Furniture Store Funds Safe Haven for Trafficked Children
When Greg and Kris Venhaus built their retirement home after moving to Prescott Valley six years ago, their search for the perfect furniture turned into a retirement business and a passion for helping trafficked children. “We were looking for a specific style and size of furniture,” Kris said. “My hairdresser said I should check out the Amish store. I was a little dumbfounded because I wasn’t familiar with Amish furniture. I thought it was something that maybe my grandmother would have had. … [Read more...] about Crafting Change: Amish Furniture Store Funds Safe Haven for Trafficked Children