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The Coconino Rural Environment Corps (CREC) is currently recruiting for their summer Youth Conservation Corps (YCC) in the communities of Flagstaff, Sedona and Williams. YCC is a conservation and service corps program offered through a unique partnership between local Forest Service Districts and CREC for all 16-18 year old teens who want to make a difference in their world. Groups of 6 to 8 teen work with YCC Mentors. Service projects may include trail construction and maintenance, fence construction, invasive species removal, park maintenance, community landscaping and more. The position pays a living stipend of $270 per week. Participants who are 17 or 18 years old are eligible to become AmeriCorps members and earn college scholarships of $1,000 upon successful completion of their YCC term. No experience necessary—only the desire to work hard and learn about the environment. Applications may be requested by email or phone. Positions are limited and fill before summer. CREC/Community Services, 2625 N. King Street, Flagstaff, AZ 86004. 928-522-7981 FAX 928-522-7965. Email to: mmrazek@coconino.az.gov.

Claire Charna Kern, of Brooklyn, New York, passed away peacefully on Mon., April 2, in Franklin, Tennessee. Charna, her given middle name which she legally took on as her last and later embraced as her “first” name, was an inspiration to many and advisor to countless others. As a single mother, she graduated from Norfolk State University with her Bachelors in Social Work, and from Virginia Commonwealth University with honors MSW. She was a university professor, caseworker, and advocate for many. Charna was an avid nature lover which led her into hiking, rock collecting, bird-watching and virtually any opportunity to be outside. She was a poet & writer and lover of the arts including the theatre, a wide variety of music, poetry readings & storytelling and a variety of visual arts she her self having enjoyed charcoal & chalk sketching, ceramics and weavings. She is missed by relatives and friends.

Tickets for the 12th Annual Festival of Lights Wine and Beer Tasting Festival on Sat., June 2, are available online at FOLAZ.org. Tickets are $40 in advance and $50 at the door. This event has become Ahwatukee’s premiere adult social event of the year. Over 1,000 people are expected to attend this annual fundraiser at The Foothills Golf Course Clubhouse. The event also includes a Silent Auction of over 100 items benefiting the Festival of Lights and the Melonhead Foundation.

Afghanistan, The “Other” War—Dr. Neal Mangham, Chief of Party of the Higher Education Project of Afghanistan and former President of Prescott College will give a presentation on the challenges that higher education faces in this war torn country on at 7pm on Fri, May 11, at the Crossroads Center of Prescott College. A reception for Dr. Mangam follows the presentation. The event is free of charge and open to all. For info contact Gail Mangam at 771-2554.

Here is our May Second Tuesday story ... one of the BIGGEST films yet ... the HIT of Sundance ... “Waitress”. The screening is on May 8. The Sundance series continues on May 15th with “Puccini for Beginners” and May 22nd with “Crazy Love”. Showtime will be 7 p.m. at Harkins Theatres. For more info, contact: Sedona International Film Festival & Workshop (928) 282-1177 or SedonaFilmFestival.com.

The fifth annual Sedona Visual Artists Coalition Open Studios Tour will take place May 4, 5 and 6. The event will launch its 2007 exhibit with a free public Preview Reception at the Radisson Poco Diablo Resort 1752 S. Hwy 179, Sedona, Arizona), Fri., May 4, 5 - 7:30pm.

The 7th annual Zaki Gordon Institute Shorts Film Festival is a great weekend of celebrations and films in Sedona, May 25-27, 2007. From the Opening Gala to the closing Zaki Awards Ceremony, there’s something exciting for everyone. The popular student film festival is entertaining, informative, and inspiring! Reservations required for Premiere Pass, $60 includes the Opening Gala on Friday evening, May 25th and two days of screenings. Screening passes can be purchased at the door $7/day pass, $12/two day pass. For details visit www.zgi.yc.edu or call (928) 649-4288.

Chamber Music Sedona will present its first Bluegrass Residency and Festival May 5 and 6, 2007 featuring Richard Greene and the Brothers Barton featuring bassist Jim Whitney. Sat, May 5 from noon to 5pm Greene and colleagues, along with The Burnett Family Bluegrass will hold a workshop in Flagstaff at the Coconino Center for the Arts. Admission is $20/person. The format of the program is below. Sunday’s Festival from 1-6pm, and preceded by a Bluegrass Brunch at Joey Bistro from 11am-12:30pm including an unplugged performance by Greene, features The Burnett’s, Greene, The Oak Creek Boys, and Stephanie Bettman & The Boys. For info contact: ChamberMusicSedona.org or call 928.204.2415.

Environmental justice activist Dr. Beverly Wright, Ph.D. will deliver the keynote address, “Race, Place, and the Environment After Katrina” for the Prescott College Master of Arts Colloquium on Sat., May 5, 5:30 to 7pm in the Crossroads Center Community Room, and a offer workshop Sun., May 6, 10:30am to 12:20pm. Open to public. For info contact Frank Cardamone at (928)-350-3218.