February 2026

Prescott Valley Honors 2026 Light of PV Award Recipients

At its recent State of the Town event, the Town of Prescott Valley honored Ann and the late Bob Wilson of the Yavapai County Food Bank with the 2026 Light of PV Award. Accepted by Ann and daughter Robi, the award celebrates leaders whose dedication and service illuminate our community.

The Light of PV Award is an annual recognition of those who remind the community of the extraordinary potential achieved when people come together. Inspired by the signaling mirrors of Glassford Hill, it honors those who act as "shining lights" for the region.

Since 1992, the Wilsons have been the heart of the largest food bank in our county distributing tons of food to thousands of families and individuals. The Yavapai County Food Bank is a charitable organization that receives no government funding. The Wilsons have worked tirelessly to make sure the shelves are always full for those in need and have inspired volunteers and donors to ensure that no neighbor goes hungry.

The Wilsons’ impact extends far beyond the pantry shelves. Their holistic care approach has fostered a stronger community through several key initiatives:

• Providing backpacks and school supplies for children to start the year with dignity.
• Coordinating with the Chamber’s Flying High Turkey Drive and Living Faith Church to provide thousands of full Thanksgiving meals.
• Personally, distributing coats, blankets, and toys during the winter months to ensure every child feels the magic of Christmas.

The Wilsons have labored tirelessly through the years to foster connections and lift others through service and action. Their nomination for this award came directly from community members who have witnessed the difference they make every day. Prescott Valley celebrates Ann and Bob Wilson for their legacy of compassion, generosity, and hope.

Yavapai College’s Osher Lifelong Learning Institute Hosts Speaker Series

Prescott, Arizona (Jan. 28, 2026) – Yavapai College’s Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) will host a free public speaker series titled “Munch and Learn” on Thursdays from Jan. 29 through Mar. 5. Talks will take place from 12:30 p.m. to 1:45 p.m. on a wide array of topics. The discussions are free and open to the public and will be held on campuses throughout the county and on Zoom.

"Our ‘Munch and Learn’ series is a great way to get introduced to the wide variety of offerings through OLLI,” said Prescott OLLI Director Tricia Berlowe. “The series is free and open to the public, but registration is required."

The first ‘Munch and Learn’ at Yavapai College was in 2010 with Prescott Mayor Marlin Kuykendall. Now, over 24 of the programs are offered each year, with rotating speakers in Prescott, Clarkdale, and Sedona.

“The topics draw me in, and ‘Munch and Learn’ is a great way for the community to learn more about OLLI,” said OLLI member Bonnie Manko.

The “Alien Earths: What Hubble & Webb Reveal” talk will be held on Thu. Jan. 29 at the Verde Valley campus in Clarkdale in building M-137 with facilitator Shri Srikanth. The session will discuss the question “are we alone in the universe?” and explore whether there is life on other planets.

The Sedona International Film Festival 2026 will be held at the Yavapai College Sedona Center on Thu. Feb. 5. Patrick Schweiss, Executive Director of the festival, will discuss its highlights and key events, including clips from films and reviews of stars who will perform.

“Creating Community with Sedona Parks & Rec” will be held at the Yavapai College Sedona Center on Thu. Feb. 12. Jason Vargo, Sedona Special Events Coordinator, will discuss how public events can foster meaningful connection among communities and how public input can shape programming.

“Echoes of Revolution: How America’s War Changed the World” will be held at the Prescott campus in building three room 119. Historian and author Richard Bell will lead a discussion on rediscovering the revolution as a world war and how it displaced, empowered, or destroyed the lives of many people.

“The Power of Local News” will be held on Zoom only, Thu. Feb. 26. CEO and publisher Megan Smith will lead a discussion on small newsrooms employing boots-on-the-ground reporting to cover local issues.

“Education Through the Generations” will be held Thu., Mar. 5. Kelly Cordes, a fourth-generation member of Prescott’s Cordes family will discuss how education has changed from 1860 to present, and how it has played a pivotal role in the Prescott area.

To learn more about OLLI at Yavapai College and to register, go online to www.yc.edu/olli.

Yavapai College operates seven campuses and centers throughout Yavapai County and offers over 100 degrees and certificates, four baccalaureate degrees, student and community services, and cultural events and activities. To learn more about Yavapai College, visit www.yc.edu.

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