This evening the Sedona Community Center is proud to be hosting an Evening with Alan Arkin. Long sold out, this event is an extraordinary opportunity to see a world reknowned artist discuss his life, his craft and share his wisdom and life lessons. If you already have a ticket, please remember that the doors will not open until 6:30. See you here!

On another front, we have a wonderful event this Sunday that still has tickets available. We are hosting an important fundraiser on behalf of Camp Soaring Eagle from 1:30 to 5:30 in our glorious backyard. Tickets are $15 per individual or $50 for a family of four. They will be available at the door.

Your ticket will allow you to enjoy an afternoon of sunning and swimming in our heated, saltwater pool, as well as all-you-can-eat barbeque prepared on our community grill. There will be crafts for the kids to enjoy in our Flynn Dining Hall. And yes, this is an air conditioned room for those that need a bit of a break from a late-summer Sedona day.

Currently there are over 350,000 children in the southwest living with fatal or life threatening diseases. Camp Soaring Eagle provides a special place where these children can forget about their illness and play like kids again in a medically safe environment.

When children with serious illnesses are with Camp Soaring Eagle they are different, they are no longer patients - they are simply kids. Camp Soaring Eagle serves children from Arizona, Nevada, New Mexico and Utah all completely free of charge to the campers and their families.

Laughter is the best medicine. Enjoy some laughter of your own this Sunday and know the proceeds of this benefit will send a needy, chronically ill child to camp where he or she can remember how to laugh as well. For more information call 284.9393 or visit www.campsoaringeagle.org.

Finally, I would like to promote a special Wellness Event we have scheduled for next Thursday. On August 26th, engage in an evening of Self-Care and Integrative Medical Care from 5:45 until 7:15 pm.

The hostess of the event is Beverly Coleman, MPH, L.Ac. Coleman, a wellness professional and longtime Sedona resident, is a trusted leader of wellness and self-care. She will help you better understand about the heart and circulation, and what can be done to prevent disruptions of heart functions.

Dr. Devin A. Mikles, MD, MD(H), FACP, is the guest speaker for the evening. Mikles is the founder and director of Choices Integrative Healthcare of Sedona. He will be discussing managing your risks for high blood pressure, heart and arterial disease.

The doctor is in. Dr. Mikles will not only facilitate the sharing of important information but will answer your questions as well.

To pre-register, email wellness@beverly coleman.com or call Coleman at 204.9233. Tickets purchased in advance cost $25. Registration at the door will cost $30. Heart healthy herbal tea and snacks will be available.

The Sedona Community Center has something for everyone. Hope to see you this week.

SCC’s social services include home-delivered Meals on Wheels delivered by a devoted fleet of volunteer drivers. This meal program also includes our unique Breakfast Club program at no cost. In addition to food, our volunteers deliver compassion and respect.

Our Community Lunch is served at the center Monday through Friday at noon. This program is made possible by our generous, award-winning kitchen staff and our civic-minded Restaurant Partners. Guests are greeted and served by volunteers. $3 for seniors, $6 for those under the age of 60.

Our Transportation program gives senior adults “door-to-door” service to the store, bank and doctor Monday through Friday between 9 and 2. They are also available to transport folks to and from our Community Lunch each day. Our professional drivers are the most kind and caring in the business.

Our Telecare program provides daily telephone calls to individuals in need of a wellness check seven days a week. This vital service is available free-of-charge to all Sedona-area residents and is provided by concerned volunteers.

For more information, to volunteer or to make reservations for our classes, events or social services, call 282-2834. We are located at the corner of Harmony Drive and Melody Lane in West Sedona.