Let's Talk Sierra Vista Podcast

For nearly 20 years, the City of Sierra Vista has displayed 53 Old World Santas in Veterans Memorial Park each holiday season. In this episode, we share some of the stories tied to these Santas, both the original ones made out of wood and paint, and the new ones on display today that were recreated to stand the test of time. [1:20] Former Mayor Tom Hessler and Artist Sue Ann Vannoy talk about creating the original Old World Santas display for the City’s 50th anniversary in 2006. [27:01] Wesley and Donna Hewitt tell the story behind the Cookie Break Santa, which was sponsored in honor of City employee James Hodgson after he passed away. [44:18] Amy Diesen shares how she sponsored the Weinachtsmann Santa in honor of her late son. The Weinachtsmann is one of the two latest Santas released as collectible ornaments. [51:19] Jen Brown recounts how she became such an avid collector of the Old World Santas ornaments that her husband even made her a framed display. [53:27] Steve Brown shares the story behind why his family sponsored the Swedish Tompte Santa in honor of Barbara Rydberg Brown, the great grandniece of Swedish Poet Laureat Viktor Rydberg, who authored the classic poem Tomten.

Every day, all year long, the City of Sierra Vista impacts residents in countless ways big and small. As we celebrate Arizona Cities & Towns Week, we hear from some of those citizens who have benefited from City programs and services, as well as the staff that run them. [1:13] First up, we hear from local mom Michelle Hennessy and Children’s Librarian Erica Merritt. Hennessy says she felt at home in her new community for the first time once she found the Sierra Vista Public Library. [18:03] Next, we hear from City of Sierra Vista Business Liaison Dianna Cameron and the co-owners of Doc’s Watering Hole, Aaron Hennequin and Victoria Holts. They discuss what it’s like starting a new business in Sierra Vista and how the City helps business owners along the way. [39:28] Adaptive Adult Recreation Program Coordinator Kevin Travis is joined by longtime participant in the program Amber Ray and her mom Deborah Baker as we talk about how this unique program has enriched Amber’s life. [55:29] Mollie Shelton, the City recreation coordinator who runs the Art Studio, and artist Lanae Rogers talk about how the studio offers a welcoming, supportive, and affordable outlet for people who like to create art.

The Henry F. Hauser Museum celebrated its grand re-opening on Saturday, Aug. 24, featuring 50% more space and 100% more fun! In this episode we hear from Sierra Vista Historical Society Board Member Evan Messmer and Museum Curator Melissa Miller as share all the exciting new developments at the museum. Featuring a temporary exhibit of toys from the ‘80s, a new children’s discovery room, and a permanent exhibit space, the museum is well worth a visit this fall!

Hear how the City is working with BlackStar Orbital Technologies to bring new high-paying jobs to Sierra Vista as part of the company’s plans to create a spaceplane-satellite hybrid. With plans to develop an engineering and manufacturing facility at the Sierra Vista Municipal Airport in 2026, BlackStar looks forward to building and landing its BlackStar spacecraft here in Sierra Vista, while they will be launched from other sites in U.S. In this episode we’ll hear from BlackStar’s CEO Christopher Jannette and City of Sierra Vista Tourism & Economic Development Director Tony Boone to learn what steps the City is taking to make Sierra Vista one of just three space reentry sites in the United States, what it means for our community, and why we should all be excited about the rapidly expanding space industry! You can learn more about Blackstar at www.spacedrone.io/ [https://www.spacedrone.io/].

Did you know Sierra Vista is the Hummingbird Capital of Arizona? In this episode, we learn all about these incredible birds with the help of Southeastern Arizona Bird Observatory Co-Founder Tom Wood and Southwest Wings President Chris Harbard. The City is partnering with these groups to celebrate Hummingbird Month in August and we’re thrilled to share some of the fun we have in store!