The Camp Verde Community Library, in conjunction with the Camp Verde Chamber of Commerce, hosted the Camp Verde United Community Symposium to bring community organizations together on Tuesday, March 21, at which a variety of community organizations and nonprofits shared their missions and accomplishments.
The Camp Verde Marshal’s Office showcased its narcotic detection dog Gunner, a 2-year-old golden retriever. The dog has so far prompted the seizure of over 1,500 fentanyl pills and a significant amount of methamphetamine. He is used primarily for vehicle searches and is trained to detect methamphetamine, cocaine, heroin and fentanyl. Gunner and the CVMO handler performed a search demonstration that involved the dog detecting an object scented with the fake odor of fentanyl.
The Camp Verde Community Library shared information about the e-resources that are available with a library card and encouraged residents to get a library card if they don’t already have one. The library can provide tech help, tech classes and physical spaces as well. The library offers entertainment, too, with their monthly Music in the Stacks concert series.
The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute of Sedona-Verde Valley, a non-credit program affiliated with Yavapai College, shared its spring 2023 curriculum. The member-driven and volunteer-led program was established to improve the quality of life for those age 50 and up and assist them with continuing their education. They are offering a wide range of courses this spring, including Amazing World of Reptiles, Architecture of Food and UFOs and Us.
Bread of Life Missions, which brings hot food to the hungry free of charge and donates 30,000 to 40,000 pounds of food every week, shared their new and current model, client choice, which allows their clients to pick out their own food similarly to how they would shop at a grocery store.
Fort Verde will feature three major reenactments this year, including the History of the Soldier program on April 1 and 2, which will present a military timeline of U.S. history from the Revolutionary War to the present. The Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans Day will take place on Wednesday, March 29.
The Verde Valley Sanctuary provides support and services for survivors of domestic and sexual abuse and violence. VVS staff shared the success story of their client Judy, who fled Florida with her two children after being left for dead by her abusive husband. Within three months of being taken in by the sanctuary, Judy had her own apartment in Camp Verde. VVS also runs three thriftiques in the Verde Valley to support their program.
Verde Valley Caregivers provide supportive services to help people live independently in their own homes for as long as possible. They believe that transportation is key to staying connected and providing that service, as well as access to health care and forms of social engagement. Their most recent venture has been pet assistance, bringing food to and taking care of elderly residents’ animals.
Charlie German, Camp Verde’s former mayor, discussed the Salvation Army’s bell ringing program, joking that the employees at Bashas’ would pay him not to ring the bell. The money raised goes back into the Camp Verde community, helping residents pay for rent, utilities, emergency housing and other needs. They raised over $22,000 last year.
Other community organizations that presented included Hope Women’s Center, the Friends of the Verde River, the Nashwa Farms Senior Horse Program, Tiny Paws Rescue, Northern Arizona Hospice and the Small Business Development Center.
