‘FOR OUR CITY’ LAUNCHES LOOKING GOOD COTTONWOOD CITYWIDE NEIGHBORHOOD CLEANUP CAMPAIGN

Distressed neighborhoods may soon take on a new look, thanks to Looking Good Cottonwood, a new neighborhood revitalization and For Our City Cottonwood initiative. For Our City Cottonwood is a recently formed group of faith based and nonprofit volunteers who desire to make a positive difference in the community. The initiative provides a framework to bring together the talents and creative energies of diverse civic and volunteer groups including faith and nonprofit organizations committed to transforming neighborhoods into neighborhoods of opportunity.

For Our City Cottonwood plans a citywide cleanup on Saturday, April 14 from 8 a.m. until noon. Volunteers will comb Cottonwood and Verde Village Streets picking up litter to spruce up the city. In Cottonwood, volunteers will meet at Evangel Worship Center, 1380 East Mingus Ave., at 8 a.m. for coffee and donuts. The city of Cottonwood will furnish garbage bags for volunteers who will spread out into assigned districts throughout the city. Margaret Paddock, president of the Verde Village Property Owners’ Association, will be asking Verde Village volunteers to work in Units 1 and 3. At noon, volunteers will take their garbage bags to Evangel Worship Center where two dump trucks donated by Brent Deal will be available to haul them to the Cottonwood Transfer Station. Evangel Worship Center will furnish lunch to the volunteers.

Cottonwood Mayor Diane Joens asks, “Will you be caught cleaning up your yard?” Cottonwood Youth Advisory Commission members, Mingus Union High School Student Council members and MUHS Interact Club members will be looking to catch community residents cleaning up their yards. They will be handing out free meal tickets to some of Cottonwood’s favorite restaurants.

Cottonwood businesses and residents are encouraged to clean up their properties to make the entire city sparkle. For Our City Cottonwood’s motto is, “Bringing the community together through volunteerism.” Their first project is to engage and promote strong vibrant neighborhoods through the Looking Good Cottonwood program.

Residents and businesses will be encouraged to take pride in community by getting out and raking and mowing their lawns, planting flowers and enthusiastically cleaning up their yards. Volunteers will help others who are not able. A clean and beautiful city promotes the health of residents and neighborhoods, encourages thriving economic development and enhances tourism.

The city of Cottonwood will provide free dumping to city of Cottonwood residents from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. The dumpsters will be located behind the CAT bus facilities. Follow the signs from 89A turning onto West Mingus Ave. toward the Cottonwood Airport. Pass the airport and turn at the next right on Happy Jack, just before the Fire Training Center. Follow the road to the dumpsters. No commercial loads, liquids, tires or cement can be accepted. City of Cottonwood residents may dispose household trash and yard trimmings.

In Verde Village, businesses and residents are also encouraged to clean up their properties in this collaborative Cottonwood-Verde Village cleanup. Yavapai County Supervisor Chip Davis will furnish dumpsters for Verde Village residents at the Club House on 4855 East Broken Saddle Drive from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on April 14. No yard waste will be accepted, but Verde Village residents can take their slash and yard waste to the Camp Verde transfer station. The transfer station is seven miles east of I-17 on Hwy. 260. Take General Crook Trail to Hwy 260 going toward Payson. Hours are 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

A separate household hazardous waste event will be held Saturday, April 14. Yavapai County is sponsoring a free household hazardous waste recycling event from 8 a.m. until noon. Verde Valley residents are encouraged to recycle paints, auto batteries and other batteries, motor oil and fluids, aerosol cans, pesticides, fluorescent lights, acids, household cleaners and lawn and garden products. Please limit loads to 15 gallons or 125 pounds. Residents with questions about the household hazardous waste event may call Yavapai County Public Works at 928-639-8100 extension 3183.

Residents of both Cottonwood and Verde Village—as well as all Verde Valley residents—may participate in the Yavapai County Board of Supervisors 2012 Free slash drop off program at the Camp Verde transfer station. Now through June 1, 2012, the free slash drop off program will assist residents in developing necessary defensible space around their homes and other structures that could fuel fires. Supervisor Chip Davis says, “Keeping fuels managed is absolutely necessary to help avoid uncontrolled fires that can become extremely damaging.” He encourages residents to take advantage of the free slash drop-off program and clean up around their properties. Only the following items will be accepted: brush, branches, grass and leaves and yard trimmings. All slash must be removed from plastic bags. The county cannot accept lumber, stumps, roots, cactus, metal or garbage. For additional information about the slash program, call 928-639-8100, extension 3183.

Part of the neighborhood cleanup plan is to assist elderly people who are unable to do their own yard work or clean up their properties. For Our City Cottonwood volunteers want to help. Volunteers are being recruited now. Experience in the building trades is a plus, but not a requirement. There is a particular need for team leaders who can help supervise and train teams of volunteers.  If you would like to help beautify Cottonwood, clean up or work on home repair, please call Mayor Diane Joens at 634-4112 or email her at mayor@dianejoens.com.  Eligible elderly households who need assistance may call 634-4254, extension 54175 and leave a message.  A For Our City Cottonwood volunteer will return calls as soon as possible.

 “Neighborhoods are the fabric of a community—the threads that tie both geographic and social systems together,” says Mayor Joens. Mayor Joens believes that strengthening and promoting existing neighborhoods can stabilize the housing stock and contribute towards community ties. These ties produce a stronger community that can effectively react to problems such as crime, litter or deterioration. Dealing with these threats in a proactive and tenacious manner can ensure the vitality and property values of a community. Focusing on neighborhoods protects the health, safety and welfare of the people who live within the community. Communities want to address deterioration issues before they become a widespread problem within the community.

For Our City Cottonwood Coordinator Mike Worden asks, “What would Cottonwood look like if hundreds of volunteers worked together, contributing thousands of hours collectively to serve our city? Think of how we could address problems, alleviate suffering and transform our community! Together we will work with public servants, community, business, nonprofit and faith leaders in all areas of society—facilitating relationships and effecting positive change.” Other ideas For Our City Cottonwood has discussed include a teacher appreciation week, homeless program unification, a youth cultural activity center, volunteer fair, and other community projects.

Businesses or residents with questions may email Mayor Joens at mayor@dianejoens.com or check the Web site www.dianejoens.com for .pdf files of the images below.

Stewards of Public Lands and Cottonwood Youth Advisory Commission Clean Forest

Stewards of Public Lands and the Cottonwood Youth Advisory Commission joined forces to clean up the unofficial shooting range in the Prescott National Forest near Cottonwood. Two trailer loads were hauled to the Cottonwood Transfer Station using Yavapai County Supervisor Chip Davis's voucher grant program. Commissioners participating, from left, were Jordan Westover, Shaylor Dowling, Lacy O'Connell, Mackenzie Mabery, Josh Nance, Brooke Lindsey, Emma Schraner, Parker Kleck, Charles Novak and Robert Valentine. Mayor Diane Joens, co-chair of the Stewards, joined the group. Also present were Stewards Jim Sweitzer, Dave and Judy Miller, and Jess Tyler. The Cottonwood Youth Advisory Commission provides a united voice for youth and is a driven, motivated group, whose motto is Dream Big. They want to make sure their  generation has the opportunity to enjoy wide-open spaces.

Stewards of Public Lands and the Cottonwood Youth Advisory Commission joined forces on Saturday to clean up the shooting range in the Prescott National Forest west of Cottonwood. Stewards clean up illegal dumping on public lands to keep them enjoyable and accessible for the public. The Stewards maintain and monitor areas to keep them clean and support public education to reduce further dumping and littering. Stewards encourage and assist law enforcement to deter littering and dumping on public lands.

By cleaning up the lands, the landscape is restored to its former beauty and encourages enjoyable and safe recreational opportunities. Residents are more likely to enjoy clean forest lands for hiking, running, bird watching, bicycling, hunting and sightseeing. During the cleanup, Commissioner Emma Schraner observed, “We are making a small dent that has a huge impact.”

Signing in and getting ready for the safety talk given by Dave Miller.

There are a lot of bullet shells to pick up.

The Stewards and commissioners gathered up two trailer loads of trash and bullet shells from the shooting area. Dave and Judy Miller of Cornville provided the trailer. Jim Sweitzer of Camp Verde and Stewards co-chairs Jess Tyler and Diane Joens of Cottonwood also assisted.

Dave Miller hauled two trailer loads to the Cottonwood Transfer Station where Stewards can dump

 for free through a grant from Yavapai County Supervisor Chip Davis.

According to the National Parks Web site, aluminum cans and tabs tossed on forest lands can last 80 to 100 years; even oranges and banana peels can last up to two years. Cigarette butts can last one to five years, and plastic six-pack holders last 100 years. Plastic bags will be there for 10 to 20 years; plastic bottles indefinitely. It’s estimated that a carelessly tossed glass container will be there for a million years if nobody bothers to pick it up and dispose of it correctly.

Mayor Joens says, “The Cottonwood Youth Advisory Commission provides a united voice for youth and is a driven, motivated group. We really appreciated their help at our cleanup.” The Youth Commissioners encourage everyone to keep forest lands clean.

Commissioner Brooke Lindsey stated “I can’t believe people just leave trash out here. I want to make sure our generation has the opportunity to enjoy wide-open space.”

On the shooting range, Stewards and Forest Service officials request users to, “Pack it in, pack it out.” Catherine Sampson, Assistant Operations Manager for the Coconino National Forest, advises shooters to place a blanket on the ground, stand in the middle of it while shooting, and all shells will fall on the blanket and can be gathered at once. She also advises that shooters should bring their own wood or cardboard targets and take them home with them. Sampson says, “Do not bring household trash to target practice such as bottles, cans, televisions or old furniture.”

Other rules, Sampson says, include making sure to shoot toward a hill. She says shooters need to know where their bullets go. She also says there is to be no shooting within 150 yards of a residence, building, campsite, developed recreation site or occupied area. Shooting is not allowed across or on a Forest development road or an adjacent body or water, or in any manner or place where any person or property is exposed to injury or damage as a result of such discharge, or into or within any cave.

Sampson says shooting in the National Forest is otherwise permitted, but littering is not permitted. Shooters are responsible for their targets and shells. She also admonishes, “Do not shoot glass, it is impossible to remove.”

Joens feels that the tenacity and work of the Stewards is paying off. “When we first cleaned this area eight years ago, community volunteers, the City of Cottonwood, Town of Clarkdale, and Forest Service hauled out three large dumpsters of illegally dumped trash, shooting targets, and bullet shells. Today, the lands surrounding our communities are much cleaner. We want to thank the public for their help.”

“In the old days,” Joens remembers, “We had huge monthly forest cleanups with dozens of volunteers. We pulled a 40 yard dumpster of illegally dumped trash out of the forest nearly every month for five years. Now, thanks to the public’s assistance in keeping the lands clean, we are able to keep up with small group cleanups. Yavapai County Supervisor Chip Davis has provided a voucher grant program so that volunteers can go out and cleanup the forest when they see a small dump site. Then, they can use Supervisor Davis’s voucher program to dump with no charge to them personally.”

The Stewards’ goal is to clean up illegal dumping on public lands

 to keep them enjoyable and accessible for the public.

Anyone wishing to learn more information about the Stewards of Public Lands or the Cottonwood Youth Advisory Commission can access their Web sites at www.verdestewards.org or http://www.cottonwoodaz.gov/bcyouth.php.  

My friend Janet Kelly wins Business Person of the Year Award

Verde Valley Pride Awards

Chamber President & CEO Lana Tolleson,

Janet Kelly and Verde Independent Publisher Pam Miller

I am so grateful for my friend, Janet Kelly, who won the Business Person of the Year Verde Valley Pride Award on March 8, 2012. This Business Person of the Year Award was open to any Verde Valley business person, owner, manager or employee who dedicated his or her spare time to benefit our community while maintaining a rigorous standard of work excellence.

Since 2008, Janet has been a Banking Center Manager for the Cottonwood Branch of National Bank of Arizona. She is a bank Vice President. Her job includes overseeing all aspects of a large, profitable Banking Center. Janet’s day-to-day duties include operations, lending, creative marketing, community development, business development, property management, reporting, networking, and compliance. At National Bank of Arizona in Cottonwood, Janet provides human resource and leadership development for a successful team of 12. She’s been instrumental in developing and implementing successful campaign strategies, bringing multiple businesses to do business with the Banking Center.

Prior to serving at National Bank of Arizona, Janet was a Real Estate Broker. For five years, 2002 to 2007, she worked at Coldwell Banker Mabery, and became an Associate Broker in 2006. She was recognized for being a top 20 agent out of 600. She received the Diamond Club Award from Coldwell Banker Mabery. In 2000, she obtained her Series 6 Securities License with Bank of America.

In September, 2006, Janet was instrumental in obtaining a charter of Verde Valley’s The Compassionate Friends. This is a support group for parents and siblings who have lost children. She is currently the Chapter Leader.

In 2008 Janet graduated from Verde Valley Leadership, Class III. Class III was the first class to do a legacy project by organizing, fundraising, and constructing a gazebo and tether balls at the Cottonwood Boys and Girls Club. Legacy is now a program requirement and has become part of the curriculum for each graduating class.

She has been a board member from 2009 through 2011, serving as President of VVL which inspires individuals into action. As president, she has been able to network and gain exposure to a variety of individuals and organizations from the public and private sectors of our community and state. Janet says, “It is a highly rewarding experience that encompasses increased knowledge, confidence, public speaking skills, and all-around joy in knowing that what you are giving to others, is guiding them to grow and self-discover.”

Current VVL CLASS VI member, Bobbie Gooslin, says of Janet, “As I nervously walked into the room for my interview with the Verde Valley Leadership board members, I immediately felt at ease with the woman in charge. It was my big moment to impress with first impressions. I could not help myself—I was sizing up the woman in charge. I felt she possessed qualities that I desired for myself—a sunshine smile, calmness, compassion, zest for life, laugh, with a touch of sorrow that said, "I have weathered much, so therefore I understand." These were just a few qualities from her spirit that spoke to me. My first impression was correct and my LEADER has inspired me to this day. I call her my leader because I take pride in her for taking time to listen and give feedback. Janet always gives encouragement, is positive and diplomatic—with such grace. Janet Kelly is the leader that I am so proud to say is in charge of the VVL family and mentoring my class. Someday I hope to possess some of the qualities that naturally shine through her genuine, strong spirit that shines for all to see.”

Regional Sales Manager for National Bank of Arizona, Debra Carbone, says of Janet, “I want to personally recognize Janet for the impact she has made in the community through her role with Verde Valley Leadership and other organizations she serves. A few years ago Janet had the opportunity to participate as a class member for Verde Valley Leadership and this became a life changing event for Janet. The decision to participate with VVL was not taken lightly as her first responsibility is to her team and the role she serves at National Bank of Arizona as the Branch Manager for our Cottonwood office. One thing Janet knew for sure is she wanted to give back to the community and participating with VVL was going to be a good partnership. I commend Janet for her ability to manage both her responsibilities to NB|AZ and her responsibilities to VVL as current President with outstanding results on both fronts. Janet has proven herself to be a leader not only in our organization but in the community she serves and loves.”

Friends Janet Kelly and Diane Joens

Why I submitted Janet for the Verde Valley Pride Award: My experience and observation has been that Janet’s leadership, dedication, intelligence, kindness and commitment to community—all wrapped up in one individual—is extremely difficult to find. It is obvious that Janet is a very hard worker and applies herself diligently to anything she sets out to accomplish. I can speak highly of Janet’s character. She is dependable. When she says she’ll do something, she keeps her word. Janet shows personal concern for others. Life’s challenges have instilled an ability to empathize with those who experience loss. She is enthusiastic, giving each task her best effort. She is creative, always looking for new perspectives. In my dealings with Janet, she has always conducted herself with honesty, accountability and integrity. She has donated countless hours to her community’s betterment as President of Verde Valley Leadership and Chapter Leader for The Compassionate Friends. She is also a member of the Professional Women’s Group and received their “Making a Difference Award” in 2010.

Janet is adept at positive relationship building and I believe that she elevates National Bank of Arizona to the very top of public perception as one of the best banks in our community. Not only does she do a magnificent job at the bank, but she also spends countless hours in dedicated service for the betterment of the community. Besides work and community service, Janet enjoys spending time with her husband of 35 years, Rick Kelly, her sons, and grandson. Someday, she would like to open a Verde Valley butterfly garden (park) in memory of her daughter, Jennifer.

                                                                                                                                             --Diane Joens

Read the article in the Verde Independent:
http://verdenews.com/main.asp?SectionID=74&subsectionID=1409&articleID=46674