Yarnell residents have announced their recovery efforts are underway. Groundbreaking happened this weekend with a celebration at the Yarnell Hill Fire Department Saturday afternoon.
Roy and Stacy Pizzirusso are rebuilding their site-built, single-family Glen Ilah home following this summer’s devastating fire.
“I want it to be completely positive,” Stacy says. “Yarnell rebuilding bigger and better.”
Chuck Tidey, chair of the Yarnell Hill Recovery Group, planned to say a few words, followed by comments from Roy and Stacy. Following the ceremonial groundbreaking, local singer/songwriter, Denise Roggio’s performed the song she wrote, “Yarnell Rising.”
All of the residents of Glen Ilah, Yarnell and Peeples Valley were invited, as well as the Yavapai County officials who have been on the ground since the fire.
Michael Manone of MJ Manone, LLC, the couple’s general contractor, participated, along with many area residents.
Manone first came to Yarnell as a volunteer with the Church of Joy in Glendale. He currently has two permits in process.
The Pizzirussos will be rebuilding the home they lost, with some minor modifications.
“We had a really cool house and we’d like to have it back,” Stacy says.
Frances Lechner, spokeswoman for the Yarnell Hill Recovery Group, says: “We are so proud and so happy that in less than three months, our first groundbreaking is taking place. It will be a shot in the arm and an inspiration to the whole community.”
You can find Stacy’s full story on the “Our Stories” page of the website, www.YarnellHillRecoveryGroup.org.
About Yarnell Hill Recovery Group
Exiled from their homes and divided by the closure of Highway 89, a group of 20 Yarnell and Peeples Valley residents conferred in person and by phone about how to rebuild their fire-ravaged community.
Out of that conversation, the all-volunteer Yarnell Hill Recovery Group was formed with a steering committee made up of five key leaders representing organizations that have long provided services to residents: the Yarnell-Peeples Valley Chamber of Commerce, the Yarnell Community Center, the Yarnell Community Presbyterian Church, the Fire Department and Weaver Mountains – People Who Care.
Under the direction of the steering committee, a dozen volunteer sub-committees have been formed to provide resources for everything from emergency housing and financial assistance to clean up and rebuilding. The group’s website, www.YarnellHillRecoveryGroup.org provides a single place for residents to get news about recovery efforts and connect with services.
The group was recently recognized by Arizona and Yavapai County as the official recovery group for the Yarnell Hill Fire.
The Yarnell Community Presbyterian Church, acting as the Yarnell Hill Recovery Group’s fiscal agent, has set up an account for the Yarnell Hill Recovery Group though the National Bank of Arizona, account #76 0000 2730, Routing #122105320. There is a Pay Pal button for donations at www.YarnellHillRecoveryGroup.org. Checks payable to Yarnell Hill Recovery Group can be sent to Yarnell Hill Recovery Group, P.O. Box 1086, Yarnell, 85362. Donations are tax-deductible.
