Stay Cool with Our July Newsletter

The Rewards for Giving: Scott's Ride with Miller

Hello! My name is Scott Buffon. I'm a new hire at Verde Valley Caregivers Coalition, assisting with our fundraising and communications. So you'll likely be hearing more from me in the future!

My first Wednesday working with Verde Valley Caregivers Coalition started by meeting one of our paid drivers, a man named Miller Bizardi.

My meeting with Miller was likely similar to many of our VVCC Neighbor introductions to him. He stood near his silver, wheelchair-accessible van wearing shorts and a blue VVCC polo shirt. He kindly shook my hand and introduced himself.

He told me about our route for the day, saying we would be driving all over the Cottonwood area taking people to their various appointments. As I would soon learn, VVCC’s seemingly small act of giving people a free ride to their appointments has a huge impact on Verde Valley elders.

And it was the people we met along the way, much like Miller, who had a huge impact on my first week at VVCC.

“They’re not just a client. They’re not just a number. They’re not just a name. No, they’re a neighbor,” Miller said. “They’re our neighbors. We’re here to serve them and take care of them.”

I couldn't include everything from my ride with Miller in our email. Click the button below to learn more about Miller and VVCC Neighbors on our website.

Canine culture stars at our next social outing

Join other Neighbors at our Social Outing on “Canine Culture” this month at the Sedona Public Library!

You will learn about the fascinating lives and culture of man’s best friend by digging into the world of dog training, skills, and health. Afterward, we will have lunch at Wildflower Café.

Our Neighbors who attended previous social outings cannot stop raving about our events! Come feel what the fun is all about from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Friday, July 26 at the Sedona Public Library’s Green Room. We ask you bring money for lunch, but the event is FREE.

If you need help attending the event, contact us at heatherkurowski@vvcaregivers.org or call (928) 204-1238 ex. 8117. To read the event summary on the library's website, click the button below.

VVCC Neighbor protected community

with flowers, wastewater and SWAT training

Joanne Johnson poses in her dream home in her dream community in the Village of Oak Creek.

Joanne Johnson celebrates the country where she lived the life of her dreams — the United States of America.

Meet Joanne Johnson who, at 96 years old, remains remarkably sharp as the Chair of the Planning and Transportation committee in her large homeowner’s association.

Joanne’s journey began in Akron, Ohio, where she aimed to pursue a career in medicine at Western Reserve University, only to be redirected towards becoming a med tech due to gender barriers of the time. While studying there, she met and married her husband, Herk, a student at Case Western Reserve University.

Joanne and Herk raised a son and a daughter, and while Herk pursued his engineering career, Joanne became a dedicated homemaker. Herk’s love for golf eventually led them to explore various golf courses in Arizona.

Upon discovering Sedona, Joanne invested her inheritance in local real estate.

I couldn't include everything from this chat with Joanne in our email. Click the button below to learn more about her impact posted on our website.

Meet creative Neighbors at Sedona Arts Center

That's right, it's another social event! This time it's hosted by our friends at the Sedona Arts Center.

Meet other Neighbors at the Creative Aging Sampler Class where folk will tap into their creativity at this multi-day event through storytelling, collage, watercolor, water-soluble oils and more.

The class runs every Monday from August 12 to September 23, 2024 (excluding Labor Day, Sept. 2.) Participants will pay the class fee of $30, and Sedona Arts Center has financial assistance available here. Caregivers are welcome and no prior artistic experience will be needed.

To register, click here or call Sedona Arts Center office at (928) 282-3809

If you need help getting to the class, email us at heatherkurowski@vvcaregivers.org or call (928) 204-1238 ex. 8117.

Volunteer on your schedule!

More volunteers are needed to shop with or for neighbors and also handy person volunteers who can make minor home repairs.

With all of our volunteer opportunities, people are encouraged to volunteer on their schedule. We like to make volunteering easy and convenient, so we always personalize volunteer's schedule to their needs.

After delivering groceries or making a quick fix, our Neighbors are quick to show their thanks. Volunteer with us once and we promise you'll be ready to do it again. That's why we have more than regular 100 volunteers across our system of services.

So we're asking, will join us on our Mission to support older adults? Sign up to volunteer or spread the word with your friends and family.

AZ Charitable Tax Credits have increased

Donors can increase their charitable tax credit donations for 2024

Arizona's Charitable Tax Credit law has increased maximum credits to Qualifying Charitable Organizations even more for 2024.

For 2024, maximum tax credits are $587 for single, married filing separate or head of household; and $1,173 married filing jointly.

To make a tax credit donation click the button below. Your donation will help older adults in need in our community for years to come.