The Northern Arizona Homebirth Meetup

This article is a guest post from Maryn Leister - the next meeting of this group is this Sun, 3/2 - see below for more details...

The Northern Arizona Homebirth Meetup

What is it?

The Northern AZ Homebirth meetup is a group that was created to support and educate the families in our area about birthing at home. It is not only a social outlet for families that have experienced homebirth, but more importantly a place where expectant mamas and partners can come to ask questions when choosing and planning a homebirth.
Finding other women and families that support birthing at home is crucial when planning a homebirth! Let's see how big of a support system we can create for parents choosing homebirth here in the Verde Valley!

Topics to be covered in the next few months include:

-Waterbirth
-Homeopathy and Herbs in Pregnancy and Birth
-Transport
-Natural Choices in Pregnancy and Birth
-Breastfeeding and Postpartum
-Having Siblings at the Birth

How often does the group meet?

The group meets once a month on the FIRST SUNDAY of the month at 2 pm. Partners and kids are welcome. Meetings are currently being held at Maryn's home in Cornville.

When is the next meeting?

The next meeting is Sunday, March 1st at 2 pm. The topic will be "Why Choose Homebirth?".

To RSVP for the meetup, or to get more information about the meetup, visit:
http://homebirth.meetup.com/301/

Storytime Playgroup

The Monday Storytime Playgroup will continue on a short hiatus while we get through the cold and unpredictable winter weather! Stay-tuned to see when we will resume weekly gatherings.

The idea behind the storytime group is to help develop early literacy in our children, foster a love for reading, and have some fun! Each week a theme and story are chosen and children are encouraged to get excited about reading by dressing in costumes and bringing theme-related toys and favorite books. If you would like to sign up to "host" storytime, please post a comment here and you will be contacted when the group resumes meetings so that you can pick your week. As "host", you (and your child!) will choose the theme and story to share that week. It's a great way for everyone to learn about children's books that otherwise may not be familiar and to get your child involved in the planning process and excited about reading!

After the story, everyone is invited to bring lunch and, if possible, a healthy snack to share with the group. The kids play and the grown-ups get to interact with one another! All in all, it's a lot of fun - and educational too!! Hope you'll join us in the weeks to come!!

Is it snowing yet?

Hope everyone is enjoying the weather - winter is definitely here! Is it snowing yet where you live? How 'bout y'all up in Jerome? I can't even see the top of Mingus Mountain from my house today! Just in case you're looking for something to do to get through the wet days - don't forget to read 10 Things To Do With Your Kids On A Rainy Day for some great ideas. Make some hot cocoa and relax! If you have any snow - take a picture and send it to me! It hardly ever snows in Rimrock!

La Leche League Resumes Meetings

The La Leche League of the Verde Valley will resume meeting on Wednesday, December 10, at the Boys and Girls Club in Old Town Cottonwood. For more information visit the LLL of Northern Arizona.

Holidays in the Verde Valley

Theres are lots of exciting things going on in the Verde Valley for the Holidays - here's a list of some of them. If you know of any others, especially for holidays other than Christmas, please leave them in the comments to share or send me an email with the details!

Dec. 5
Clarkdale Parks & Recreation is hosting a Family Movie Night at the Clarkdale-Jerome School. This month's movie will be in the school library. Please follow the signs posted throughout campus. Admission is free. Doors open at 6 p.m. and show time is 6:30 p.m.

This month's showing is sure to bring out the child in all and get you excited about Santa's arrival. Superstar comedian Tim Allen shines in this magical, larger-than-life hit comedy that is destined to become a holiday classic. Rooftop clatter leads to merry adventure after Santa falls down on the job and Charlie convinces his dad to try on the red suit!

This movie is rated PG. It is up to parental discretion as to determine what is appropriate for young children. Titles scheduled are subject to change. Remember to bring your own blankets or chairs. Concessions are available to purchase. The Town of Clarkdale is not responsible for minors left unattended.

For more information or movies scheduled please visit: http://www.clarkdale.az.us/ or call the Movie Line at (928) 639-2492.

Dec. 6
Verde Valley Fire District will be at Cottonwood Safeway from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., collecting non-perishable food, hygiene products, new toys or cash donations to help local people in need, through Christmas Caring. They will also accept donations through Dec. 19 at Station 31 on Godard Road in Cottonwood, or at Station 32 in Cornville.

Dec. 6
Holiday Fest 2008 - "All About Kids"- A Christmas Party at Rollins Park in Lake Montezuma Village Square. 9am - 11am is the Tree-light wrapping, come help decorate the park trees. 1:30pm - 4pm are activities and games for children. At 3pm, Santa arrives on a Fire Truck and will be available for pictures and wish-making! 5pm - 6pm is a pot luck dinner at the Beaver Creek Adult Center - please bring a dish to share.

A free V.I.N. Etching Event will be at the Lake Montezuma Village Square from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Courtesy of the Yavapai County Sheriff's Office and the Beaver Creek Community Action Team, the vehicle identification number of your car or truck will be etched on each window. This is an effective visual theft deterrent that takes only a few minutes of your time. Afterward, enjoy the community's Holiday Fest on the Square.

Dec. 6
Celebrate "Home for the Holidays Customer Appreciation Day" at the Good Buy Shoppe sponsored by the directors and officers of the Verde Valley Humane Society. The store will be open 10 a.m.-2 p.m. and pet and children pictures with Santa noon-2 p.m. The Good Buy Shoppe is located on the corner of Sixth Street and 89A in the Clemenceau Plaza. In addition to Santa and pictures, there will be storewide specials, refreshments, raffles, and door prizes.
This is an annual event of the Verde Valley Humane Society and a great way to start the holiday season. Call (928) 928-649-3233.

Dec. 6
Gardens for Humanity will host a Christmas art boutique, Holiday Treasure Chest from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Look for the red and green balloons on Jacks Canyon Road in the Village of Oak Creek. The public will have an opportunity to shop directly from 35 local artists for hand crafted gifts, jewelry, sculptures, ceramics, wreaths, fiberworks, mosaics, tiles, pottery, bake goods and much more, all for under $300. Hot mulled cider will be served and shoppers are encouraged to bring a can of food or dried veggies, fruit or past to be donated to the Sedona Food Bank. For more info call Diane Dearmore at (928) 592-0255.

Dec. 6
The 54th annual Cottonwood Christmas Parade starts at 11 a.m.
Reviving the theme of last year's rained-out event, the topic is 'Season of Giving' and the grand marshals are 40-year residents Diane and Harold Lovett. Please bring canned goods for collection during the parade.

The parade starts at the Verde Valley Fairgrounds, 12th & Cherry St., proceeds down Cherry to Main Street and down Main through Old Town to the jail.
For information, contact the Cottonwood Chamber of Commerce at (928) 634-7593.

Dec. 6
Share the holiday spirit with Santa Claus and Clarkdale Parks and Recreation as they celebrate the holiday season from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Children of all ages can visit with Santa and have their photo taken with the guest of honor, drink hot chocolate with cookies, and create an ornament to hang on the Town's tree. There is no cost for this very special event, it is provided by the Town of Clarkdale as a wonderful holiday tradition for our children (and parents) to enjoy. All activities will be in the Men's Lounge located in the Clark Memorial Clubhouse, 19 N. Ninth St. For more information call Parks and Recreation at (928) 639-2490.

Dec. 7
The Cottonwood Community Band will be having their annual winter concert this Sunday at 3 p.m. This year's concert will be at the Dr. Daniel Bright School, 1500 Monte Tesoro Drive, Cottonwood. The location is new this year due to the fact that Mingus Union High School auditorium is closed due to renovation construction. There is no charge for the concert. It is free, but the band will accept donations.

The band is under the directorship of Julie Smith. The band has about 30 members representing the communities of Sedona, Cottonwood, Camp Verde and Cornville. The band will be playing Christmas and holiday songs including Sleigh Ride, Hark, the Herald Angels Sing, and variations of Jingle Bells. Two students from Daniel Bright School will join the band and sing Away in a Manger and Little Town of Bethlehem.

Dec. 11
Donate to a good cause, find out what your neighbors have been up to and enjoy a holiday potluck when you join the members of El Valle Artists Association at their annual holiday bash/December meeting. They meet in the Art Building, Verde Valley Fairgrounds in Cottonwood at 12:30 p.m. They are collecting art materials of all kinds to be donated to the Boys and Girls Club of Cottonwood.

El Valle is an eclectic group of amateur to professional grade artists who work in many media, which gives an extra 'oomph' to our show-and-tell since they never quite know who or what will show up. Members and non-members alike are welcome to bring a dish, a donation, and maybe a sample of artwork to share if you dare. For more information call (928) 649-3725.

Dec. 13
Get ready for Camp Verde Parks & Recreations annual Christmas Craft Bazaar, Breakfast with Santa and Parade of Lights. Have breakfast with Santa from 8 to 11 a.m. Santa will be here until noon to visit with all the kids. The Craft Bazaar will be open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. and will feature homemade crafts and baked goods. The Bazaar and Breakfast all takes place at the Community Center.

The Parade of Lights will take place on Main Street at 6 p.m. Following the parade gather at the Gazebo for caroling, cookies and hot chocolate or stop in the gym for your last-minute shopping at the bazaar or visit with Santa. For more information call Parks & Recreation at (928) 567-0535.

Dec. 20
The Verde Valley American Legion Auxiliary Unit 25 will host the annual Children's Christmas Party from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the American Legion located at 480 Calvary Way, Cottonwood.
Local children up to age 14 are invited to participate. Parents must register the children prior to Dec. 17 and can do so by calling 634-3004 daily 10 a.m.-10 p.m. to provide the child's name, gender, age and suggested gift. Along with Santa Claus and a gift, the children will also frost Christmas cookies and play games.

For more information call Camile Severson at (928) 634-3004 or call B.J. Ranoles at 202-0320

Welcome!

Welcome to the new location for the Verde Valley Families event calendar! I have moved it to this blog space so that we could add more interaction and information on local family-friendly events. I also hope to share some valuable resources, tips, and stories with you and your family.

Please feel free to leave your comments and suggestions. If you know of an event that others might be interested in that is not on the calendar, please let me know! I am hoping that this blog will help us to create a greater sense of community in the Verde Valley. We are so spread out here and sometimes don't get to interact face to face often enough. Let's use this space to stay connected!