These are my classmates who just graduated from the Cottonwood Police Citizens' Academy this past Thursday evening. This class was really interesting and educational. Many thanks to Chief Jody Fanning, Sgt. Gareth Braxton, and ALL of the officers who taught the class. We learned so much...crisis negotiations, online investigations, officer requirements and the selection process, communications and 911, patrol procedures, accident investigations, DUI and motor program, use of force, criminal investigations, and so much more!

Here is a You Tube video showing our lesson about Tasers.

Taser, Taser, Taser!

Photo: Mayors' March a Mile for Meals Event

The Verde Valley Senior Center, at Sixth and Cherry streets in Cottonwood, is a life-line for hundreds of frail, elderly residents in our local community, many of whom are veterans. The center served approximately 57,000 hot, nutritious lunches to our local senior citizens in 2010. Hundreds of seniors residing in the Verde Valley received meals and other social services through the Verde Valley Senior Center. Each year, more and more seniors rely on these services. The Meals on Wheels program for home bound seniors and the community dining at the center ensure that at least one good, hot nutritious meal is provided daily and also gives seniors an opportunity to socialize and interact with other people.

 

Loneliness, helplessness and boredom are leading problems among the elderly. When delivering to a home-bound elderly individual, well-trained volunteers are also able to recognize and report unacceptable living conditions, safety or health issues, or the possibility of abuse and neglect of a vulnerable adult. Approximately 73 percent of the Verde Valley Senior Center's clients receive home-delivered meals, and at least 70 percent of those are unable to pay for their meal. 

 

While the Senior Center receives some state and federal funding, it does not begin to keep pace with the demand or come close to covering the costs incurred. The Verde Valley Senior Center invites donors to partner with them and sponsor a senior. A contribution of $1500 would provide meals for one senior for one year. A $750 donation would cover a senior's meals for six months, and $375 would help provide nutritious meals for a senior for three months.

 

Donors should check with their accountants about taking advantage of the donation as a tax deduction as the Verde Valley Senior Center is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) charitable corporation. Make check payable to Verde Valley Senior Center and mail to Sponsor a Senior Program, P.O. Box 681, Cottonwood, Arizona 86326.

 

Help STAMP OUT HUNGER among our elderly citizens!