Category Archives: News & Notes

A Busy 3rd Weekend

By | |
Leave a comment

Hi, Friends!

This week, November 20th, is a Third Friday, and you all know what that means! It’s Birthday Bash time at the Yarnell Family Diner. Included in the festivities is Trivia for Fun, Free Desserts for the November Birthday babies, BYOB, entertainment by – you guessed it – yours truly. Let’s have fun! It all starts at 5pm and the birthday celebration begins at 6pm.
See who gets a free Birthday dessert in November.

And check this out! A Roper Party @ Wickenburg Elk’s 2160

Enjoy the rest of your week and get prepped for Thanksgiving celebrations next week.

See you soon!
Denise

 

Veterans Day, Yarnell Pinup Calendars & More

By | |
Leave a comment

Hi, Friends!

I’m sending this out with warm gratitude to our Veterans. Tomorrow, November 11th, is Veteran’s Day. Make sure you take the time to thank one for their service to our country, helping to defend the freedoms we enjoy every day.

The Yarnell Car Show and Cruise to benefit the Fire District & Auxiliary was a wonderful time on Saturday. I haven’t even had a chance to check all the awesome Facebook pictures posted, but I can tell you it was a success! We’ll be doing it again in April 2016. Make sure you visit Augie’s Restaurant in Prescott, or Rock Springs Café in Black Canyon City to support our GOLD event sponsor – Augie Perry. He sponsors the Yarnell Fire District Memorial Run also.

Here’s the scoop of events for now:

1.  Friday, November 13th – Yarnell Family Diner – Entertainment by Walt Eckes, “Strings Attached” from 5pm-8pm.
Also, Friday, November 13th – Wickenburg Elks Lodge – Dinner and Entertainment by yours truly.

ALSO, Friday, November 13th – Here’s a message from our favorite Weaver Mountain Care Resources’ Fundraising Beauty, Kathleen Stowe:

“The 2016 CALENDARS OF STRONG, RESILIENT WOMEN OF YARNELL have arrived!  There will be a CALENDAR SIGNING PARTY this Friday (11-13) and next Friday (11-20) at the Yarnell Diner from 5pm to 8pm.  The Calendars are $30 each, and are a fundraiser for the WEAVER MOUNTAINS CARE RESOURCES’ FUTURE END OF LIFE RESIDENCE AND ESSENTIAL TRANSPORTATION FOR OUR COMMUNITIES.  Please come out and get your copy (or copies!) for your Christmas list! Calendars will also be available at local businesses that allow us to place them for sale.”

Now, I happen to be Miss December on the 2016 Calendar – quite an honor to be considered a Strong Resilient Woman of Yarnell! So you better at least let me have the opportunity to sign your calendar. If you attend the 13th signing, I will be in Wickenburg. So bring it back on the 20th!

2. The Yarnell Community Presbyterian Church has had a delivery of sand for Sandbags. They need the help of the community to shovel and fill bags. There are two days: tomorrow, November 11th and Friday November 13th – both at 11am, with pizza & drinks afterwards to replenish your energy supply. Sign Up sheets are posted at the church notice board. The goal is fill 100 bags for the community.

3. Saturday, November 14th is the Harley Davidson sponsored Turkey Run & Food Drive for the Yarnell Food Bank. Cycles should arrive at approximately 1pm. Greet them at the Food Bank and show your appreciation!

4. Monday, November 16th at 1:30pm – B-Wear Chic Fashion Show at the North Ranch Activities Center, hosted by the Congressional Red Hats. Open to the public. Trunk Sale too! Darn it, I have to work…..I have a habit of splurging at trunk sales. Guess it’s better for my budget that I have to work?

5. Wednesday, November 18th at 5:30pm is the Yarnell Chamber of Commerce Meeting, Yarnell Community Center. This is election night. Come cast your vote and get involved.

Enough is enough again. Can’t take all this busy-ness! Hope you have a wonderful week. I’m sure I’ll see you soon.

Denise

 

November Is Happening

By | |
Leave a comment

WOW, it’s COLD this morning! As I type, I’ve got my back to the heating vent, and it feels so good, I think I’ll just stay here with my coffee for awhile.

I trust you’re staying healthy and warm. There’s some good things coming, and here are the highlights and reminders for the next couple weeks:

TONIGHT! Wednesday, November 4th – Town Hall Meeting: 5:30pm. At the Yarnell Community Center. District Supervisor Rowle Simmons & more. Yavapai County wants you to be informed about issues that impact Yarnell & Peeples Valley. It’s a good opportunity to ask questions.

Friday, November 6th, Yarnell Family Diner 5pm-8pm: Come unwind from the week’s busy-ness. All you can eat Cod Special, Entertainment by me and BYOB

Saturday, November 7th, Yarnell Car Show & Cruise, 9am-2pm, Benefits YFD (Yarnell Fire District) and Auxiliary. It’s gonna be awesome! Hope to see you there.

    • Manzanita Road will be playing at the American Legion, Open to the Public all day. The Group Begins at 11am.
    • Highway 89 Blues Band will be performing at Mike’s Days of Vintage.
    • Nancy Perry is bringing her Oldies Band and a DJ at the Main Stage, 22555 Highway 89.
    • We have lots of vendors and food vendors, all the shops will be open. Start your Christmas Shopping!
    • Raffles, awards, fun. $15 car entry fee. Call me at YFD, 928-427-6578 for info & Registration forms.

Also, Saturday, November 7th, 6pm at the Wickenburg Elks, I have the pleasure of performing for an 80th birthday party. You can visit us there as either a member or come as our guest.

Wednesday, November 11th – All Day – Honor the Veterans. Find one and THANK them for serving.

Friday, November 13th – 2nd Friday at the Yarnell Family Diner with “Strings Attached” 5pm – 8pm (Walt Eckes brings it on!)

Also, Friday, November 13th – 2nd Friday at the Wickenburg Elks, have dinner and enjoy music by me, 6pm – 9pm.

Saturday, November 14th – Harley Davidson Scottsdale, Food Drive & Ride for the Yarnell Food Bank. 1pm at the Food Bank, Deer Way and Hwy 89, Food & Turkeys welcome for donation.

Monday, November 16th, Fashion Show & Trunk Sale at North Ranch. Fashions by B-Wear Chic of Yarnell.

Wednesday, November 18th – Yarnell Peeples Valley Board Elections and Meeting, 5:30pm at the Yarnell Community Center – Come vote and get involved.

Friday, November 20th – It’s 3rd Friday Birthday Night at the Yarnell Family Diner! I’ll send you my list next week of the November Birthday Babies, but mark it down and come celebrate with us. I begin music at 5pm, Birthday Festivities begin at 6pm, with Free Desserts for those born in November, plus an informal Trivia game provided by Leah Tidey.

Thursday, November 26th, Happy Thanksgiving! If you have no Thanksgiving Day plans, and aren’t the “cook your own meal” type, the American Legion Post 79 provides a free Thanksgiving Dinner to the community at 12 noon. Call for details: 928-427-3735

Friday, November 27th, Yarnell Family Diner welcomes back Manzanita Road from Prescott. The dazzling duo/sometimes trio performs an array of Folk and Rock. They will be performing every last Friday of the month. We’re mixing it up for you!

I think that covers most of November for the time being. Check the Community Calendar by visiting http://yarnellcommunitycenter.org/ for other events and regularly scheduled items such as Writer’s Club, Menus for the Community Center, Library Events, Tai Chi, and more.

And never tell me you’re bored around here……

Denise

 

Heading To November

By | |
Leave a comment

Good Evening, Friends:

I’ve been a busy girl in October – no complaints here! Lots of fun music gigs, including Vegas last weekend. The gig was awesome, classy and entertaining. Vegas turns out to be “not my thing”. But at least I got to visit.

November has some fun too, but I’m grateful for a bit of down time. Here’s some highlights of upcoming events, music and opportunities:

Friday, October 30th – “Mischief Night” at the Yarnell Family Diner. Bring your ornery selves from 5p-8p for dinner, music by yours truly, and end-of-the-week social time.

Wednesday, November 4th – Town Hall Meeting: 5:30pm. At the Yarnell Community Center. District Supervisor Rowle Simmons & more.

Friday, November 6th – Happy November at the Yarnell Family Diner (Same time and fun as October 30th!)

Saturday, November 7th – Yarnell Car Show & Cruise: 9am-2pm. Free. Live Entertainment, Food Vendors, Awards – Benefits the Yarnell Fire District & Auxiliary – $15 car entry fee. Call me at YFD, 928-427-6578 for info & Registration forms by mail.

Friday, November 13th – 2nd Friday at the Yarnell Family Diner with “Strings Attached” 5pm – 8pm (Walt Eckes brings it on!)

Friday, November 13th – 2nd Friday at the Wickenburg Elks, dinner and music by me, 6pm – 9pm

Saturday, November 14th – Harley Davidson, Scottsdale, Food Drive & Ride for the Yarnell Food Bank 1pm at the Food Bank, Deer Way and Hwy 89, Food & Turkeys welcome for donation

Wednesday, November 18th – Yarnell Peeples Valley Board Elections and Meeting, 5:30pm at the Yarnell Community Center – Come vote and get involved.

I’ll save some for next time. As an aside, I’ve had many people ask about my involvement with Mecca, Wickenburg. Long story short, the new manager is trying many different things to see what draws  the crowds. One thing she is doing is scheduling different evenings, afternoons, etc. Many of those options, I am either working or already booked. So, at this point, I don’t know when I’ll be playing there again, but stay tuned and I’ll keep you in the loop. Thanks for the awesome support of my music. I know Walt Eckes feels the same – we truly appreciate that you try to attend as much as possible, and make it just as fun for us.

Have a great evening,

Denise

 

Yarnell Musings

By | |
3 Comments

It takes a village, they say; in Yarnell, Glen Ilah and Peeples Valley, it’s so true! It has been quite a journey since the 2013 fire. So many wonderful things have transpired in spite of the heartbreak. Homes have been rebuilt, new relationships have been solidified, new events have come to fruition; additionally, the Chamber of Commerce has become more active. The Yarnell Fire District has an administration building and is actively recruiting volunteers. New training programs are being utilized. This community is the icon of hope.

That endurance and hope does not come without the sacrifice of many. Obviously, 19 firefighters gave their lives – the ultimate sacrifice. But since then, many in Yarnell have sacrificed hours upon hours of their time and effort to aid in rebuilding, restructuring, and reassuring. That is exactly the reason Chuck Tidey, Chamber of Commerce President and Yarnell Hill Recovery Group Chair, was named Citizen of the Year by the Yavapai County Sheriff’s Department. It was his full time and constant overtime labor, a dedication to the people, that earned him that honor. He’s not the only one who poured himself into it, but as the leader, he truly earned that award.

There are people who are embittered, and understandably so. They’ve lost so much, and are having difficulties adjusting to the changes that have taken place since the loss. Who can blame them? People grieve in different ways and on different time frames. Loss of any kind changes the status quo. But healing will fully come to them.

When you think of Yarnell, what comes to mind? Lou and I think of the beauty. Every morning we drink our coffee and look across at the mountainous views from the kitchen window. We think of the amazing hiking trails, the change of seasons, the inordinate amount of events held here, and all the possibilities. Having come from the East Coast, and many of you as well have lived elsewhere, I can attest to the fact that no matter the troubles here, we are all blessed to reside in this area of the country and this region in Arizona.

Focus on the things you love, the friends you have made, the beauty of the nature around you and tell us (by commenting below) what this small town means to you. I’ll enjoy reading your musings!

 

Remembering Taz McCormick

By | |
Leave a comment

Taz McCormickTaz McCormick, drummer for “Strings Attached” with Walt Eckes, passed away on January 21, 2015.   Taz was a key person in the organizing of last year’s “Hidden Faces Concert” with Walt and also played at Big Tom’s Party, where I also had the privilege of playing.  As a Marine he was recipient of four Purple Hearts and a Bronze Star and submitted for a Silver Star for his actions in Vietnam.  Taz was battling cancer for the last several years.

Lou and I met Taz a few times over the course of our time in Yarnell. What we remember most is his contagious smile and terrific sense of humor; he continued drumming and smiling, though he was fighting illness.

We are so grateful for his service to our country and for his contribution to Yarnell.

Fun Times in Yarnell

By | |
1 Comment

Check Out What’s Coming Up!

This Friday night, October 31st, we have a Costume Party – My costume’s ready! Can’t wait. Music, dancing, delicious food, great friends! Woohoo – Bring it on! I play from 5pm to 8pm. The party starts at 6pm. Looking forward to it.

Chuck Tidey is the Featured Artist of November at the Yarnell Public Library. The meet and greet is November 17th from 2pm-4pm. You can read about Chuck in Yarnell Buzz right here:

Yarnell Elementary School District is providing a Veteran’s Spaghetti Lunch, including a salad and drink on Monday, November 10th at 11:30am at Model Creek School. The Veterans eat for free, and spouses may attend for $1.65.  Please call the school with your full name, branch or service and if you served in Vietnam. They must have a count to provide the meals. RSVP by Wednesday, Nov. 5th. Phone: 928-427-3347

November 10th is a busy day! The Putt-Putt ATV group from Crown King is coming to Yarnell to socialize, eat and karaoke with us Yarnellians. They’d like to meet at the American Legion for a fun afternoon and evening. I will let you know exact times when their leader calls me to clarify their estimated time of arrival.

November 15th will be awesome too!  A Celebration for Roy Pizzirusso. Here’s the scoop: This will be a potluck event at Big Tom’s Lot. Bring your favorite dish to share. Spatz and Michael Bruce from Alice Cooper Band will be there as well! The event is from 1pm – 5pm. I just found out that Spatz would like me to play as well, so I’ll update on that this week.

Stay connected here at http://deniseroggio.com for all the fun!

Boy Have We Had Fun!

By | |
Leave a comment

Yarnell, Arizona is SO boring….yeah, right! There’s something happening here CONSTANTLY; always fun, always an adventure, and always the right thing, at the right time! Be sure to check the gallery. There are photos of our good times together.

Gatsby Affair at the Yarnell Community Center was an amazing time! (View some pics here) And there are so many other wonderful events coming. Here are just a few:

Movie Night at the Community Center – Wednesday the 16th at 4:30pm. $1 gets you a movie, popcorn and a drink. This month’s movie is “12 Years A Slave.

Friday night, the 18th, celebrate July birthdays at the Yarnell Family Diner. Entertainment by yours truly! It’s a crazy fun night. Chris (Yarnell Diner) is offering up free dessert for the birthday babies. Trivia – test your knowledge with – but not too hard – just five little questions to give you a break from dancing and catch your breath. All you can eat COD on Friday’s, always BYOB, and ALWAYS a good time with friends.
Ben’s Bells painting – for those that were at the making of Ben’s Bells last month, well, we paint our creations on Saturday, the 19th. 1pm-3pm at the Community Center. No money cost if you paid last month and if you didn’t it is only $1 for this month. If you didn’t make a bell last month, no worries, just show up and paint these and bring a friend. The Bells stay in our Community and next March 29 we hang them around town. These bells are for Yarnell specifically, and we are incorporating some generously donated bells from Vicki that actually survived the fire. And we are incorporating the hearts sent to us from the kids at Sandy Hook School. Find out more info about Ben’s Bells at www.bensbells.org.

Also Saturday, July 19 at 1pm is a 75th Anniversary service at the Shrine of St. Joseph. www.stjoseph-shrine.org

Also Saturday, July 19 (see what I mean about boring, haha??) is the Yarnell Community Garden Project Farmer’s Market outside the Community Center beginning at 8am. We are there until the produce runs out which is usually about 11am so don’t hesitate or you will be out of luck. We have lovely organic produce – peas, zucchini, onions, herbs, lettuce, and you just never know what each week will bring to your table as the season progresses and our Garden produces. T/Th/Sat at 8am are workdays so come join us down in the Garden. Oh, Garden Dinner coming up on the 6th of Sept so mark your calendars for that. Always an elegant and exquisite dinner. www.y-pvchamber.com for more info on the Garden.

Saturday, July 26, 1950’s party at the American Legion here in Yarnell. It is open to the public and free. Prizes awarded for your 50’s getup. Entertainment by yours truly…this will be a GREAT time.

Memorial Day In ‘Crown King Style’

By | |
1 Comment

After the Yarnell Fire last year, Sandy & Gerry from the General Store, along with several locals, rode their quads to Yarnell to help the local community and share their support for Yarnell residents & businesses. During their stay they met a fabulous musician named Denise Roggio and made lots of new friends.  Denise, along with a dozen or more friends, traveled to Crown King this weekend to help support our American Legion. Not only is Denise a talented musician, she also wrote several songs after the tragic loss of 19 Firefighters in the 2013 Yarnell Fire. There wasn’t a dry eye in the house as she dedicated her ‘Yarnell Rising’ song to Anthony Rose and his 18 fellow Granite Mountain Hotshots who perished fighting the Wildfire last year…

Read the full story here.

View some great pictures here.