Prescott Living - Early Summer 2019

THUMB BUTTE MEDICAL CENTER

“OUR

HOJAT ASKARI, M.D.

Founder, Medical Director, Board Certified Internal Medicine

928.775.9007

Mohammad Golparian, M.D.

Board Certified Internal Medicine

Ali Askari, M.D., F.A.C.P.

Cardiologist

Siamak Rassadi, M.D.

CardiologistElectrophysiology

Kaveh Karandish, M.D.

Board Certified Internal Medicine and Cosmetic Medicine

Mohsen Sharifi, M.D.

CardiologistVein Specialist

Serj Nazarian, D.P.M.

FootandAnkle Surgeon

AND URGENT CARE

Now offering house calls by request

Hours: Monday - Friday 7 AM - 6 PM

Saturday 8 AM - 2 PM

Maddie Assar, M.D. Radiologist

Advanced breastimaging & earlybreastcancer detection. “Sofia”

Joesph P Maidl, PA PhysiciansAssistance

Denise Eldred PhysicalTherapist

Jonathan Brewer Massage Therapist

Michael Frost, FNP FamilyNursePractitioner/BC

Terry M. Barns, ANP

Adult Nurse Practitioner

Bardia Sinael, DMD General and Cosmetic Dentist

Victoria Ray Permanent Cosmetics

Brenda Lummer Hearing Aid Technician

METROLAB AND LABCORP CONVENIENTLY LOCATED IN PRESCOTT LOCATION

/// No. 1 in Aeronautical/Aerospace Engineering*

/// Nation’s 1st College of Security and Intelligence

/// 12 - time National Champion Flight Team

/// 97% Job Placement Rate

FLY. DESIGN. BUILD. PREDICT. PROTECT. EXPLORE.

Embry-Riddle’s Prescott Campus — Nestled a mile high in the mountains of central Arizona, Prescott’s 300 days of yearly sunshine and pristine air quality are ideal for flying. Offering countless outdoor adventures, Prescott hosts miles of interconnected hiking trails, scenic biking paths, and four beautiful lakes. Evoking the spirit of its history as a Wild West frontier town, Prescott is only a few hours drive from Phoenix, the Grand Canyon, and Las Vegas. Together, Embry-Riddle and Prescott bring students endless opportunities for discovery both in and out of the classroom. Explore more! prescott.erau.edu |

FROM THE EDITOR: Photos, especially cover photos, are an ongoing challenge for any magazine. There are two key points to making the final selection. The first is to ask, "Is the image compelling enough for someone to pick up the magazine?" And then the important question for production, "Is the image the resolution-quality needed for print and will it work with the portrait aspect of the magazine layout?"

We received over 300 entries, making the final selection extremely difficult! Not all images worked for the production needs. Scattered throughout this publication are many of the images received. I hope you enjoy looking at them as much as we did!

#1 Photographer: Jerry Chinn

“Cowboy at the 2018 Worlds Oldest Rodeo®”

#2 Photographer: Martha Court

“Kayaking On Watson Lake”

#3 Photographer: Banook Rodarte

“I took this picture of a butterly sitting on a sunflower at Willow Lake.”

#4 Photographer: Doralee Ables

“The Dells showing all of the colors that it contains.“

FINALLY! THE HONEST TRUTH BEHIND THE REVERSE MORTGAGE

by Travis Schultz, Owner and Licensed Mortgage Broker, Smart Mortgage

Are reverse mortgages not all they’re cracked up to be? Can they truly add the stability you need for financial planning and your retirement, or are they just another way to steal away your home, equity or inheritance? Since the product began back in 1989, local Prescott reverse mortgage expert Travis Schultz at Smart Mortgage says we may be surprised with the honest truth behind the reverse mortgage!

• No mortgage payments for life? – (True) As long as either spouse considers the property as his or her primary home, they can live there for life paying zero mortgage payments.

• All applicants must be 62 years old or older – (False) Only one spouse needs to be 62 years old. The other spouse may be younger.

• You must own your home outright –(False) You may already have an existing mortgage, which can be refinanced and paid off with a reverse mortgage.

• The income or cash I receive is not taxable – (True) Any money you receive, whether monthly, a cash sum or in a home equity line is all nontaxable to do with as you wish.

• You must have good credit and income for a reverse mortgage – (False) Since re-

verse mortgages do not require a mortgage payment, almost anyone with any type of credit and income may be eligible.

• Once into the reverse mortgage you are locked into it, permanently – (False) The reverse mortgage is simply a loan recorded against the property, just like every other mortgage. You retain full ownership, so at any time you can move, sell or refinance the property simply by paying off the mortgage balance.

• If I take out a reverse mortgage, I will leave nothing for my family – (False) Reverse mortgages have insurance automatically built in to protect the family. Most homes continue to increase in value over time, leaving even more equity for family. Even if property values decrease below what is owed, the family can acquire the property for 5% less than market value.

• You can only get a reverse mortgage on a one-unit home – (False) Smart Mortgage also allows reverse mortgages on manufactured homes, duplexes, triplexes, fourplexes, townhomes and condos, as long as one unit is considered your primary residence.

• My family will be responsible for the debt – (False) The reverse mortgage is a non-recourse loan, so if your value ever

falls below what you owe, your family will never have to pay the deficiency.

• The government or lender will own my home – (False) The reverse mortgage is simply a lien recorded against the property, just like any other mortgage. The homeowner(s) remains on title and has full ownership. The owner(s) may also add other family members or place the home in a trust, so family automatically has ownership in the property and equity, as well.

• You can purchase a home using a reverse mortgage – (True) Smart Mortgage allows you to purchase a primary home and the financed amount has no payments for life.

PRESCOTTLIVINGMAG.COM

PUBLISHER

Elaine Earle, CPA

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Bea Lueck

PRESCOTT PIONEER WRITER

Ray Newton

DIRECTOR OF SALES & MARKETING

Laurie Fisher

CREATIVE DIRECTOR/GRAPHIC DESIGNER

Tim Clarke

GRAPHIC DESIGNERS

Rebecca Bowen

Shannon Price

CUSTOMER SERVICE/AD TRAFFIC MANAGER

Jo Wobser

PUBLIC RELATIONS & MARKETING MANAGER

Julie Turetzky

COMMENTS & IDEAS editor@roxco.com

CALENDAR INQUIRIES calendar@roxco.com • prescottlivingmag.com/calendar

SUBSCRIPTIONS info@roxco.com • prescottlivingmag.com/copies

ADVERTISING INQUIRIES info@roxco.com • prescottlivingmag.com/advertise

130 N. Granite St., Prescott AZ 86301 • 928-350-8006

Corporate Office: 442 W. Kortsen Rd, Ste 101 Casa Grande, AZ 85122 520.426.2074

THERE’S NO PLACE LIKE PRESCOTT IN SUMMER

Besides the outdoor recreational opportunities such as hiking, biking and enjoying the lakes, there are planned and organized events most every weekend.

ROX Media Group is proud to sponsor many of the summer activities, such as the Arizona Downs, Prescott Film Festival (PFF), the World’s Oldest Rodeo® and the Arizona Cowboy Poets Gathering.

On Memorial Day weekend, Arizona Downs kicked off its inaugural summer live-racing season with Thoroughbred and Quarter Horse racing. Prescott hasn’t seen live racing at the Downs since 2010 and we are thrilled that it has returned.

This is the first year we’ve sponsored the Prescott Film Festival (PFF), which takes place June 7-15. The 10th Annual PFF’s Opening Night Film is a very special evening in Prescott, featuring Wish Man, a movie about Prescott High School graduate Frank Shankwitz, the co-founder of the Make-a-Wish® Foundation.

Nothing is as much a part of the fabric of Prescott’s history as the World’s Oldest Rodeo® and the Prescott Frontier Days Parade®. We are honored to be a sponsor of the 132nd annual World’s Oldest Rodeo®. The 2019 Prescott Frontier Days Parade®, Inc., is the 2nd largest parade in Arizona, and is a donot-miss event!

The 32nd annual Arizona Cowboy Poets Gathering takes place August 8th through 10th and showcases the culture, traditions and history of cowboy poetry and music with humor, poignancy and a mix of truth and lore that only cowboys could come up with.

This edition our feature interview is with Jim and Linda Lee. Jim and Linda relocated to Prescott in the mid-1970s as they were developing Ponderosa Plaza Mall. Our feature story is on the planetarium at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, named after the Lees.

When we launched Prescott Living Magazine two years ago, we wrote, “Living in Prescott is so much more than breathtaking scenery, incredible weather, great entertainment and history –it’s about the people, businesses and organizations that bring us together.”

Now that we’ve had the opportunity to experience this community since our inaugural edition, it’s obvious those words are truer than ever!

Elaine Earle Publisher, Prescott LIVING

VOICES

At PrescottLIVINGMagazine, our slogan is “The Voice of the Community,” because we believe that the stories in our local region are best told by the people, companies, nonprofits and governments that comprise our community. Here are the “voices” who helped make this issue possible!

Frank Ayers

Chancellor, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University

Frank is the chancellor of Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University’s Prescott campus. Prior to Embry-Riddle, Ayers served in the U.S. Air Force for 26 years, logging in more than 6,000 flight hours. He retires at the end of May.

Martha Baden

Manager, Public Services, Prescott Public Library

Martha is Library Manager, public services at Prescott Public Library. Still enjoying a lifelong love of connecting people with information they need and books they’ll love, she has worked in school or public libraries in four states over the last 20 years.

Margo Christensen

Vice PresidentofMarketing and Public Relations

Ponderosa Hotel ManagementServices

Margo serves on the board of directors for the Prescott Chamber of Commerce and the Arizona Lodging and Tourism Association. She is also a founding member of the City of Prescott Tourism Advisory Committee.

Teri Drew

Regional Director, NorthernArizona Council of Governments–EconomicandWorkforceDevelopment

Teri has successfully led economic and workforce systems in Yavapai County for 42 years.

Teri is the past President of the Arizona Association for Economic Development (AAED) and current chair of the Arizona Workforce Association (AWA). She recently joined the United States Workforce Association (USWA). Teri is a graduate of University of Oklahoma Economic Development Institute, and is a recipient of numerous innovation awards.

Dennis Gallagher FounderandPresident,PrescottWesternHeritageFoundation

Dennis is the founder and president of the Prescott Western Heritage Foundation Inc. He is also a Western artist/bronze sculptor and an active volunteer for various community events. He and his wife, MaryAnn, have been married 50 years.

Sandy Griffis

Executive Director,Yavapai CountyContractors Association

Sandy is Executive Director of Yavapai County Contractors Association, and has lived in the Prescott area for 21 years. Sandy has a bachelor’s degree in journalism and an MBA in business with a minor in music from San Diego State.

Sheri L. Heiney

President/CEO, Prescott ChamberofCommerce

Sheri was hired as the President/CEO of the Prescott Chamber of Commerce in January 2017. She moved to Arizona from Michigan, and has over 23 years of chamber professional experience.

Tracey Horn

Owner, Helken & HornAdvertisingAgency

Tracey has been assisting Northern Arizona businesses prosper, creating professional marketing and advertising materials and negotiating media and digital marketing buys since 1995. She assists with all marketing for the Whiskey Row New Year’s Eve Boot Drop she helped create in 2011.

Leslie Horton, MA, MCHES

DirectorofYavapai CountyCommunityHealth Services,CountyHealthOfficer

With 15 years of public health experience, Horton currently works to ensure the effective and efficient delivery of public health services throughout Yavapai County. She is a member of the MATFORCE and Northland Cares boards of directors.

Ken Lain

Owner,Watters Garden Center

Ken grew up in Prescott, attended Yavapai College and obtained his degrees from ASU. He married his college sweetheart Lisa Watters-Lain and has four children. His garden advice can be heard each week on the radio. Throughout the week, Ken can be found at Watters Garden Center.

Lauren Lovan

Grant&CommunicationsSpecialist

Lauren Lovan is the Grant & Communications Specialist and In-House Graphic Designer at Yavapai Humane Society. She is so happy for her opportunity to be a part of YHS as she has the chance to use her gift of writing to help those who can’t speak for themselves.

of the Community

Greg Mengarelli

Mayor, CityofPrescott

Greg has lived in Prescott since 1995, and has been the Executive Director for United Christian Youth Camp for the past 23 years. He grew up in small, rural communities in Kansas, and graduated from Kansas State University. He is active in community affairs, and is currently the President of the Prescott Unified School District Board.

Ray Newton

Journalist and Professor-AdministratorEmeritus, NorthernArizona University

A veteran of weekly and daily newspapers and book editing and writing — Ray has been there. He is a Professor-Administrator Emeritus from Northern Arizona University, now retired and residing in Prescott with his wife, Patty.

Dr. Billie Orr

PrescottMayorProTem&Councilwoman

Billie retired from careers in banking and public education, where she served as a teacher, principal and Associate Superintendent for Arizona K-12 public schools, and also at the national level while promoting high standards and accountability. She sits on the boards of Arizona Townhall, Western Heritage Foundation, CYMPO, and Yavapai Big Brothers Big Sisters, and serves as the Honorary Chairwoman for Women of Influence for the Next Generation (WINGS) and is a proud Big Sister to Mariah.

Patti Ortiz

MarketingandArtEducationProgramsManager, ‘TisArtCenterandGallery

Prescott has been Patti’s home since 1992. She has been with the ‘Tis Art Center & Gallery since its doors opened on June 19, 2009 at 5:01 P. M. She is also a founding member of Prescott’s 4th Friday Art Walks and continues to serve on its steering committee.

Kell Palguta

Mayor,TownofPrescottValley

Kell moved to Prescott Valley in 1996 from a small town in Maine. In 1998 he began his career in public service as a police officer. He takes great pride in being elected the youngest Mayor in Yavapai County, and his goals are to ensure that every citizen’s voice is heard.

Sheila Polk

Yavapai CountyAttorney

Sheila is a native Arizonan, who has served as the Yavapai Attorney for 17 years. A career prosecutor, Sheila chairs MATFORCE, the substance abuse coalition, and is the driving stimulus behind the law enforcement course “What You Do Matters: Lessons from the Holocaust.”

Tom Reilly

President,CEORenovations,YourCompleteRemodelResource

As an architect and general contractor, Tom has been designing and building in Prescott for the past 36 years. He has also served on many committees, including Prescott City Council and Yavapai County Planning and Zoning Commission.

Marnie Uhl

President & CEO Prescott Valley Chamber of Commerce

Marnie has been the President/CEO since 2006 and successfully led the Chamber to a national accreditation through the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Federation. She was selected as Prescott Area Leadership’s Woman of the Year 2017 and serves on many professional and nonprofit boards. Marnie has been in the Chamber industry for 20 years.

Fred Veil

Executive Director, Sharlot Hall Museum

Fred is the Executive Director of the Sharlot Hall Museum. He is a Marine Corps veteran and former Sheriff of the Prescott Corral of Westerners International, he conceived and organized the Western History Symposium. He is a board member of the Arizona History Convention and member of the Tourism Advisory Committee for the City of Prescott.

Tori Ward

ROXTravel, Cruise and ResortSpecialist

Victoria “Tori” is a cruise and resort specialist with a master’s degree in political science. She has completed more than 30 certification courses with the cruise and tour industry including the most advanced certification, Commodore, from Princess Cruise Lines.

Prescott Parks & Rec Department

• Samara Rice-Cummings, Recreation Services Administrative Specialist

• Patti Crouse, Recreation Services Administrative Coordinator

• Rick Hormann, Recreation Services Supervisor

• Michelle Stacy-Schroeder, Recreation Services Coordinator

• Kelly Tolbert, Recreation Services Coordinator

Hello! We’re ROX Media Group

Prescott LIVING Magazine is brought to you by ROX Media Group, a multimedia organization providing an annual portfolio of 3.6 million print copies of community, custom and travel publications throughout Arizona and in neighboring states. Our publications collectively reach millions of consumers who reside in or travel to Arizona every year, and bring engaging local

content to the communities and marketing partners we serve. Since our founding in 2011, we have earned the respect of our readers and marketing partners through our dedication to high quality, local content and our understanding of the key informational needs that drive media consumption, messaging and interaction.

Some of our additional offerings include:

Elaine Earle Publisher

Elaine is an accomplished publisher and management professional with 20 years of experience as a Certified Public Accountant and publisher of a diverse set of marketing products. Elaine and her team bring a “one firm” solution to clients. She has a passion for traveling and has been to over 40 countries.

• A full suite of creative services for any project

• Custom publications created, designed, edited, printed and distributed

• Digital media marketing services and website creation

• Project management services

In addition to this publication you hold in your hand, ROX Media Group has been serving the Prescott area with our publication Quad-City Smart Shopper beginning in 2013 and we are also the proud publisher of the Visitor Guide – Greater Prescott Area, which is published for the City of Prescott Office of Tourism. In 2018, RMG published the City of Prescott Economic Development Guide, which won the Golden Prospector Award of Merit. Starting with the 2019 issue, ROX Media Group is also the publisher of the Prescott Chamber of Commerce Community Guide & Directory.

Come see our new office at 130 N. Granite St., Prescott AZ 86301.

Meet Our Team:

Bea Lueck

General Manager

& Managing Editor

Ray Newton Contributing Writer

Julie Turetzky

Public Relations & Marketing Manager

Rebecca Bowen Graphic Designer

Shannon Price Graphic Designer

Bea is the general manager and managing editor of ROX Media Group. She handles the various day-to-day activities necessary to take the publications from concept to print and distribution. She has over 22 years of experience in multiple advertising media, including print, direct mail, television and web.

A veteran newspaperman, magazine and television reporter-editor, Ray also earned stripes at several universities, including Northern Arizona University, as a professor and administrator emeritus. Active throughout his adult years in several local, regional and national think-tank organizations, he’s a vocal advocate for giving back to communities where we live.

Julie is a marketing professional with 20 years of experience working in client and agency settings. Julie has created and managed marketing strategies across many industries, designed to meet client objectives and stay within an established budget.

Tim Clarke Creative Director

Mayer Editor & Project Manager

Laurie Fisher Director of Sales & Marketing

Rebecca is a graphic designer with over six years of experience in the design and marketing industries. She has her associate's degree in graphic design and her bachelor's degree in communications with a sub-specialization in marketing. She enjoys solving marketing challenges with eye-catching visuals and strategic layout design.

Shannon joined ROX Media Group in September 2018. She has an associate degree in graphic design as well as a bachelor’s degree in business management with a concentration in marketing. Shannon is a graphic artist with more than six years of design experience and spent the past three years working in the newspaper industry. She and her family have lived in Casa Grande for over thirteen years.

Jo Wobser Customer Service/ Ad Traffic Manager

Tim is a digital design professional with more than 28 years of experience. Tim is responsible for all creative consulting, magazine design, print production and web development for ROX Media Group. He manages production for multiple publications as well as multiple Drupal and Wordpress sites for external clients.

Katie is an accomplished senior copywriter and editor with 12 years of experience working with everything from daily print newspapers to magazines and trade publications. She is also an award-winning journalist and guest lecturer at her Alma Mater, the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication at Arizona State University.

Laurie joins ROX Media Group as our new Director of Sales and Marketing from California. She is a marketing professional with over 25-years of experience, specializing in print and digital media such as SEM, SEO and social media, and enjoys helping her clients to achieve their marketing goals. Customer service is her No. 1 priority!

Laurie is an avid hiker and cyclist who loves the outdoors and looks forward to enjoying the beauty of Prescott.

Jo joined the ROX Media Group team in March 2018 following a career in customer service spanning more than 20 years. This rewarding experience coupled with her skill sets as a graphic designer and photographer allow her to provide excellent service and guidance to the ROX Media Group advertising clients she serves every day.

JUNE

1-30 Berry Bash - 7:00 AM7:00 PM - Mortimer Farms 12907 E. AZ-169, Dewey. Hand-pick your own farm fresh strawberries - bring the family! Visit mortimerfarmsaz.com for info.

1 High School Musical 2 - 3:00 PM-5:00 PM - Elks Theatre 117 E. Gurley St., Prescott. Tickets $12. Visit prescottelkstheater.com for info.

1 Party in the Pines - 5:00 PM10:00 PM - Prescott Mile High Middle School 300 S. Granite St., Prescott. 9th annual charity beerfest. 21+. Visit partyinthepinesprescott. com for info.

2 Prescott Antique Show & Vintage Market - 8:00 AM-3:00 PM - Prescott Rodeo Grounds 840 Rodeo Dr., Prescott. Three buildings and outside vendor spaces. Plenty of free parking. $3 entry. Call 928-4431862 for more info.

3 Dinner Theater @ The Palace - 5:00 PM - The Palace Restaurant & Saloon 120 S. Montezuma, Prescott. An evening with Prescott’s Pioneer Families. Tickets $35 for dinner & show.

7-15 10th Annual Prescott Film Festival - 6:30 PM - YCPAC 1100 E. Sheldon St., Prescott. Special screenings, events, dinners, wine and more. Visit prescottfilmfestival.com for tickets and info.

8 Flagstaff Blues & Brews Music Festival - 2:30 PM - Continental Driving Range 5200 E. Old Walnut Canyon Rd., Flagstaff. 7th year of music & brews. Visit flagstaffblues. com for tickets and info.

8 Paperback Writer - The Beatles Experience - 7:00 PM-9:00 PM - Elks Theatre 117 E. Gurley St., Prescott. A trip through the musical years of the world’s most popular rock group of all time. $25 adults $22 seniors. Visit prescottelkstheater. com for info.

12

AAUW Summer Membership Social - 5:00 PM-7:00 PM - Yavapai College, Building 19 1100 E. Sheldon, Prescott. For current or prospective members. Membership open of anyone with associates degree or higher. Visit aauwprescott. net or call 701-730-8185 for info.

12 Sassy Sister indie-folk - 7:00 PM-9:00 PM - Elks Theatre 117 E. Gurley St., Prescott. See The T Sisters special performance, One show only! Tickets $25. Visit folksessions.com for info.

15 Father’s Day Weekend Concert & Car Show - 10:00 AM-5:00 PM - Prescott Valley Civic Center 7501 E. Skoog Blvd., Prescott Valley. Free event, celebrate with Dad. Visit pvaz.net for more info.

15 Frontier Arizona Experience - 10:00 AM-3:00 PM - Ft. Whipple Museum 500 AZ-89, Prescott. Located on the grounds of the VA hospital. Free admission. Visit sharlot.org for more info.

15 Good Rockin’ Live - A Salute to Sun Records - 7:00 PM9:00 PM - Elks Theatre 117 E. Gurley St., Prescott. Live concert event paying tribute to rock and roll music legends. $25 adults $22 seniors. Visit prescottelkstheater.com for info.

15 Mile High Festival - 7:00 PM-11:00 PM - Mile High Middle School Field 300 S. Granite St., Prescott. Tickets $30, includes 10 sample tickets, non drinker $10. Visit prescottevents.net for more info.

18 Creating Income in Retirement - 3:00 PM-5:00 PM - Adult Center of Prescott 1280 E. Rosser St., Prescott. Dividend portfolios to annuities this class will dissect what it takes to create sustainable income and review all investments and techniques commonly used. Visit fpfeaz.org for info.

22-23

2019 Prescott Bluegrass Festival

- 11:00 AM - Downtown Prescott 120 S. Cortez St. Enjoy a music-filled weekend. Free admission. Bring your chairs and blankets. Visit prescott.org for more info.

22 Field Day 2019 - 11:00 AM-3:00 PM - Yavapai Jeep Posse Bldg. 1200 Commerce Dr., Prescott. National Ham Radio Field Day. It’s a picnic, a party and practice for emergency communications. Call 928-775-4690 for info.

22 Pride in the Pines - 12:00 PM-9:00 PM - Thorpe Park Complex 560 North Thorpe Rd., Flagstaff. Diverse lineup, food, exhibitors. Visit flagstaffpride.org for tickets and info.

22 The Chicago Experience7:00 PM-9:00 PM - Elks Theatre 117 E. Gurley St., Prescott. A tribute to the legendary band. $25 adults $22 seniors. Visit prescottelkstheater.com for info.

27 Frontier Days Rodeo Mixer5:00 PM-6:30 PM - Prescott Rodeo Grounds 840 Rodeo Dr., Prescott. Tri-Chamber event! Grab your cowboy boots and hat and join us, bring a door prize!

29 Resale Extravaganza - 9:00 AM-1:00 PM - Mountain Valley Park, 8600 E. Nace Ln., Prescott Valley. Fundraiser for Mount Zion Tabernacle Church. Free entry. Call 928-925-3358 for info.

June – July 2019

JULY

1-7

World’s Oldest Rodeo - Since “1888” - 7:30

PM-10:00 PM - Prescott Rodeo Grounds 840 Rodeo Dr., Prescott. Prescott Frontier Days, Inc. presents the 132nd annual event. Visit worldsoldestrodeo.com for info.

2-5 A Salute to America7:00 PM-9:00 PM - Elks Theatre 117 E. Gurley St., Prescott. We honor our brave men and women in uniform. . $25 adults $22 seniors. Visit prescottelkstheater.com for info.

4 Watson Lake Fireworks1:00 PM-9:30 PM - Watson Lake, Prescott. Live bands, food, beer garden. Admission $5 and up. Parking $10 and up. Visit prescottevents.net for more info.

5-7

Prescott Rodeo Days Fine Art & Crafts Show - 9:00

AM-4:00 PM - Yavapai County Courthouse Plaza, Prescott. 39th annual event. Enjoy 145 artists and crafters from all the Western states. Free event. Visit prescottdowntown. com for info.

6 Water Wars - 12:00 PM-5:00

PM - Mile High Middle School Field 300 S. Granite St., Prescott. Food, beer, capture the flag, water war obstacle course. Visit prescottevents.net for more info.

7 The Music of America - 3:00

PM - YCPAC 1100 E. Sheldon St., Prescott. Prescott POPS performance. Visit ycpac.com for more info.

12

ABBA Fab - 7:00 PM-9:00

PM - Elks Theatre 117 E. Gurley St., Prescott. Tribute to some of the greatest music produced in the 70s and 80s. $25 adults $22 seniors. Visit prescottelkstheater.com for info.

13

Master Gardeners’ Plant and Yard Sale - 7:30 AM-12:30

PM - Prescott Rodeo Grounds

840 Rodeo Dr., Prescott. Annual Monsoon Madness. Free admission & entertainment. Cash Only Sales! Service Animals Only! Call 928-4456590 for info.

13

The Johnny Cash Roadshow Experience - 7:00 PM-9:00 PM - Elks Theatre 117 E. Gurley St., Prescott. All aboard for this brand new tribute to the iconic live legacy of Johnny Cash. $25 adults $22 seniors. Visit prescottelkstheater.com for info.

13-14

Prescott Indian Art Market - 9:00 AM4:00 PM - Sharlot Hall Museum 415 W. Gurley St., Prescott. 22nd annual event features more than 100 Native American artists. $10 admission under 17 free. Visit sharlot.org for more info.

16 Understanding Annuities - 3:00 PM-5:00 PMAdult Center of Prescott 1280 E. Rosser St., Prescott. Learn about the different types of annuities availabl. All classes are taught by the Foundation for Pesonal Financial Education. Visit fpfeaz.org for info.

20 Frontier Arizona Experience - 10:00 AM-3:00 PM - Ft. Whipple Museum 500 AZ-89, Prescott. Located on the grounds of the VA hospital. Free admission. Visit sharlot.org for more info.

20-21 Arizona Highland Celtic Festival

- 9:00 AM - Fort Tuthill 2446 Ft. Tuthill Lp., Flagstaff. Traditional games, music, arts & history. Visit nachs.info for tickets and info.

26 Gary Allan - 6:00 PM10:00 PM - Findlay Toyota Center 3201 N. Main St., Prescott Valley. Get your tickets now at

20 A Tribute to Paul Simon7:00 PM-9:00 PM - Elks Theatre 117 E. Gurley St., Prescott. Spend an evening listening to his most popular solo hits. $25 adults $22 seniors. Visit prescottelkstheater. com for info.

to Downtown Prescott. 5th annual event. Visit prsllongriders.com for more info.

28 Magical Tour of the Movies - 3:00 PM - YCPAC 1100 E. Sheldon St., Prescott. Prescott POPS performance. Visit ycpac.com for more info.

27

Summa Totius - 7:00 PM-9:00 PM - Elks Theatre 117 E. Gurley St., Prescott. Anton Teschner and Drew Hall return. Tickets $18/$22. Visit prescottelkstheater.com for info.

THE PRESCOTT

Stories by Ray Newton

Prescott Pops Symphony Gives $10,000 in Grants

To Support Instrumental Music in Local Schools

Generous contributions from individual donors, businesses and corporations, combined with concert income, have made it possible for the Prescott Pops Symphony to give grants to five schools to support instrumental music programs.

Collectively, the grants amount to $10,000, with each recipient receiving $2,000.

The five schools receiving grants are:

• Mile High Mid-School and Granite Mountain School, Bill Cummings, music instructor; and Basis School, Curt Peacock, music instructor. All three schools are in Prescott.

• Franklin Phonetic School, Dakota Rutt, music instructor; and Bradshaw Mountain High School,

Trudy Gruver, music instructor. Both these schools are in Prescott Valley.

Grant funds are to be used during the 2019-2020 academic year.

Pops board chairwoman Anne Babinsky said, “We’re grateful to all who contribute to help support school music programs for such support is critical in these tight school budget times.”

Babinsky thanked school grant committee members for their solicitation and evaluation of grant applications from various Quad-City schools. Committee members are Jerry Jackson, Helen Kipp, LeAnne Lawhead, Linda Lee, Tara Sholle, Joan Stinstrom, Harold Viehweg, and Ray and Patty Newton, committee co-chairs.

New Pops Concert Season Begins July 7

Babinsky also announced the new concert season will begin at 3 p.m., Sunday, July 7.

The five-concert season dates and themes are: July 7, “The Music of America.”

July 28, “Magical Tour of the Movies.”

Sept. 15, “Pops People and Places.”

Dec. 8, “Holiday Dreams and Traditions.”

Feb. 16, “Love and Laughter.”

All concerts are scheduled for 3 p.m. and will be in the Yavapai College Performing Arts Center, 1100 E. Sheldon St., Prescott. Information about tickets and other concert information is available at prescottpops.com.

Bashford Court Renovation Soon To Be Complete

Shoppers are anticipating removal of the “Please pardon our dust” sign just inside the entrance at historic Bashford Court Atrium retail shopping mall.

It’s expected that renovation will be finished by the end of June.

The popular retail center located in the more than a century-old Bashford-Burmister building has been undergoing an estimated $350,000 renovation the past several months.

Owner Craig Hannay, through his Phoenix-based investment and management company, Hannay Investment Properties, bought the iconic property from businessman Richard Calabrese for $4.95 million about a year ago.

Inside the three-story building is a variety of retail shops. The anchor is the well-known Prescott Brewing Company, considered by some to be the best brewery in Central Arizona. Other unique shops include spa products, western wear, Southwestern art and gifts, a foot-spa/reflexology store, and a new bakery. Several new tenants will be opening shops, too.

Renovations are extensive inside the 33,000-square-foot building. They include the repainting of walls, restoration of the wood floors to their turn-

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PIONEER

Superstition Meadery Owners Recognized Nationally

Jeff and Jennifer Herbert, founders-owners of Superstition Meadery in Prescott, were honored as the 2019 National Small Business Persons of the Year by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) in Washington, D.C.

They received the prestigious award during gala ceremonies May 6, selected from nominees representing all 50 states and U.S territories.

The Herberts were recognized the week before on May 2 at the state level during the 26th Arizona SBA Enterprise Business Awards luncheon in Scottsdale. They were nominated for the honors by Jeri Denniston, Director of Yavapai College Small Business Development Center.

Jeff Herbert told the press, “Representing Prescott out of thousands of small businesses, I cannot believe my wife and I were on stage in Washington, D.C. receiving the highest honor in the

nation for small businesses.”

He said they were humbled their business had achieved such high recognition at the national level. He credited his staff with much of that success.

The entrepreneurs first made mead in 2008 at their former home in Apache Junction.Jeff explains, “Originally, I started by making home-brew beer. The guy where I bought my homebrew products told me to try making mead. We did. We liked it better than our first beer.”

They later moved to Skull Valley where at the former Juniper Well Ranch and Vineyards they made 300 gallons of mead and cider. Their success prompted them to move to Prescott. By the end of 2017, Superstition Meadery had become the largest winery in Arizona.

Superstition Meadery opened as a retail business in an historic Downtown building at 120. W. Gurley St. with thousands

of bottles shelved in a tasting room. The Meadery is open seven days a week.

Locals tasted the mead, liked it. Its reputation has grown as Prescott area residents and tourists keep spreading the word.

Jeff said, “By the end of this year, we’ll have produced 39,000 gallons — more than 500 barrels of mead.”

Superstition Meadery Products Now Distributed Nationally, Internationally In seven years, the Herberts have expanded the market for their mead to virtually every community in Arizona. They’ll soon open another meadery in downtown Phoenix. It will be on

Continued on page 110...

Steve Pierce Named to Arizona House — Will Not Run for Election

Steve Pierce, a longtime Prescott resident, has announced he will not run for the Arizona House of Representatives in the next election cycle.

Pierce, a Republican, was selected early April 3 by Yavapai County Supervisors to fill the House seat left vacant after embattled Republican Rep. David Stringer abruptly resigned. Pierce was sworn in the same morning so he could begin immediately and join House

members for their afternoon session.

Stringer resigned March 27 following numerous requests from high-placed state officials that he relinquish his seat.

Pierce said “I promised the Yavapai County Board of Supervisors I was not running again. I intend to keep that promise.”

Pierce will hold the legislative office in the Arizona House through 2020.

Pierce, 69, has long been a

popular Yavapai County and District 1 political figure.

A third generation Arizonan and lifelong rancher who lives in Prescott, Pierce has previous experience in the Arizona Legislature having served in the Senate from 2009 until 2016, representing District 1. He was president of the Senate from Nov. 10 2011 through 2012.

During prior terms at the Legislature, Pierce received numerous awards. Among them

Helping Build A Community: More than Bricks and Mortar

JIM AND LINDA LEE

Interview by Ray Newton

For more than 40 years, Jim and Linda Lee have made their presence in the greater Prescott area known through visionary leadership and generous philanthropic support of dozens of community organizations. Beyond that, their efforts in creating and developing upscale residential and commercial developments have added to economic growth and prosperity of the area. Those developments are of magnitude.

Among projects for which the Lees have provided leadership are Prescott’s first mall, Ponderosa Plaza, located on Gail Gardner Way and Iron Springs Road. Developments don’t stop there. Others include The Ranch at Prescott, a residential community; Gateway Mall and the Walmart Super Center; and Touchmark at the Ranch, a 44-acre comprehensive senior living community. All these are located on Hwy 69 on the eastern edge of Prescott.

The latest development project is the 100-unit complex of six residential apartments and a clubhouse. Called Winfield at the Ranch, it is located on Lee Circle at the east side of Prescott.

Further, the Lees have been generous supporters of the fine and performing arts throughout the region. Most recently, they were acknowledged by the Yavapai Symphony Association for sponsoring the May 19 piano recital featuring Kenneth Bromberg, winner of the 2017 Van Cliburn

International Piano Competition.

That’s just one example of their generosity. For decades, they have supported the Prescott POPS Symphony Orchestra School Grants to help fund instrumental music in local schools. They also support the annual Music Memory program for the benefit of third through fifth graders throughout the county. More recently, they pledged significant support to the Prescott Chorale, which performs master works by the great composers. They also provide scholarships for qualified students in the music and performing arts programs at Yavapai College.

One of their most visible contributions resulted in the Jim and Linda Lee Planetarium located at the STEM Education Center on the campus of Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (ERAU) in Prescott. The technologically sophisticated 47-foot-diameter dome — the only planetarium north of Phoenix — has become a popular destination for domestic and international visitors. (See related story on p. 66)

The Lee’s philanthropy does not stop at the Yavapai County boundaries. They are major donors to the Arizona Opera. Established in 1971, the Arizona Opera operates out of both Phoenix and Tucson. The Lees have underwritten several major opera performances over the years.

They also are major supporters of the University of Arizona College Of Medi-

cine. Several years ago, they established the Jim and Linda Lee Memorial Endowment for Cardiovascular Disease. The purpose — to benefit the Sarver Heart Center founded at the U of A Medical Center in 1986, and now recognized as one of the world’s leading cardiovascular research institutions.

Community appreciation for the many contributions the Lees have made is long-standing and common. For instance, 16 years ago, a full-page ad in the Daily Courier (Prescott’s hometown newspaper) was signed by three different former Prescott mayors: Rowle Simmons (2001-2007), Paul Daly (1995-1999) and Daiton Rutkowski (1991-1995). Their statement concluded that the Lees over the years had “…helped make Prescott one of the best places in America to live, work and raise a family.”

ERAU Chancellor Frank Ayers frequently praises the Lees for their generosity in supporting not just the planetarium but also student scholarships, athletic programs and other campus activities.

Arlon Inman, president, Yavapai Symphony Association, told an audience in April that the Lees have been advocates for the YSA ever since they arrived in Prescott.

In summary, Jim and Linda Lee epitomize enthusiastic dedication to making the motto of “Everyone’s hometown” a reality, not a platitude.

The ROX Interview (continued)

PRESCOTT LIVING: Jim and Linda, you have been making your influence felt in the greater Prescott area for more than 40 years. Why did you come to Prescott? Why Prescott of all the places you could go in the 70s?

JIM LEE: I loved Prescott. I had been coming here from Phoenix for years, then one evening, I had a call from a friend, a developer, who said, “I am going to do a shopping center in Prescott. Do you want to buy in? I said, “Yes.” That was the beginning of Ponderosa Plaza. It ultimately turned out to be a very good business. We decided then we wanted to be in Prescott full-time. That resulted in the purchase of land that became The Ranch at Prescott.

LINDA LEE: I was teaching in Phoenix. Jim said, “Do you want to move to Prescott?” I said, “What am I going to do in Prescott?” He said, “Why don’t you get your real estate license and you can fill in part-time.” Little did I know that meant 12-hour days, seven days a week. But it was fun!

JIM LEE: With the exception of one or two small areas, we actually opened up the residential real estate development in the

area. After about a year we sat down and I said, “We are not reaching our potential.” Linda said, “Let me do the sales.” She totally designed our sales program strategy. Without success in the residential, I could never have been successful in the commercial.

LINDA LEE: I assembled a top-notch sales team and took charge of all the sales and marketing. It became a very successful program.

JIM LEE: When we started The Ranch at Prescott, there were only 1500 people in Prescott Valley and 15,000 in Prescott. The locals said, “You are crazy, absolutely crazy.” But we knew we had the weather and that Prescott was going to grow. We were halfway between Prescott and Prescott Valley. After The Ranch became successful, we progressed from crazy to lucky!

PRESCOTT LIVING: The two of you met in Europe years before?

LINDA LEE: Yes, Russia is where we met. Jim had been working with People to People in Russia, and I was teaching English and Russian history. As we shared a common interest in the arts, we returned to Russia

many times for the ballet and opera.

PRESCOTT LIVING: Let’s get back to why you came to Prescott.

JIM LEE: That goes back to the time of evaporative coolers and not much air conditioning in the valley. Here, there was a 15-20 degree drop in temperature. With a little bit of rain, this place was heaven. In fact, when we told friends in the valley that we were moving to Prescott, their response was, “Why?” We said, “It’s very close to heaven!”

PRESCOTT LIVING: You’ve been living in Arizona for many years, right?

LINDA LEE: We’ve been here many years, moving here in 1977 when Jim helped develop Ponderosa Plaza Mall. At the time, it was one of the largest malls around, around 300,000 square feet, large for a small region like Prescott.

PRESCOTT LIVING: What is it about Prescott that is appealing? What do you like about it? The weather? The people?

LINDA LEE: We like both the weather and the people. We like the ambiance, especially in the arts and music. We see Prescott rapidly expanding into one of the leading cultural centers in northern Arizona and eventually moving beyond Arizona’s borders. The arts are our hobby. Music and the arts. Initially, we decided to support the Yavapai Symphony Association; it was a great decision.

JIM LEE: You asked about Prescott. When we did the Ponderosa Plaza Mall, it took over two years to prove to people that Prescott was the right spot for a mall. We did a complete analysis of savings and discovered that Prescott residents had the second highest savings rate in the whole state. Only Scottsdale was higher.

The people here are great. We know many of the families after 40 years and each time we visit, we are simply amazed at the success of their children. They have children living in many parts of the world, very successful in many different ventures. Linda and I are amazed at the quality of education in this community; graduates of the school system are proof of this quality.

PRESCOTT LIVING: Tell readers about The Ranch at Prescott, Gateway Mall, Touchmark at The Ranch, Ponderosa Plaza Mall and the Walmart Supercenter. What are some of the challenges you faced?

LINDA LEE: As with most new commercial ventures, opposition developed against Gateway Mall. The city was very supportive, however. Paul Daly was mayor at the time, and Mark Stevens was the city manager. They led a very cohesive group of progressive officials.

PRESCOTT LIVING: Did you have any disappointments?

JIM LEE: Of course. The Gateway Mall had pre-leased over 90% of its total space. Then 9/11 occurred. Leases dropped to the mid 70%. It never did get above 80% after that; it takes years to recover.

PRESCOTT LIVING: Tell us what prompted you to become an advocate for a senior living resort like Touchmark at the Ranch.

JIM LEE: We had been looking for the appropriate senior living community for a number of years. We wanted a group who had heart for our friends and associates; someone who realized what the residents wanted. We found Werner G. Nistler, founder of Touchmark. He now has 13 communities in eight states and Canada. We like their concept of love and concern. The Ranch now has a retirement center of single-family residences, cottages, apartments, assisted and memory care that accommodate up to 350 adults.

PRESCOTT LIVING: Let’s talk about your other contributions in Prescott. You are recognized for being exceptionally generous philanthropists. You give to many organizations . . . the arts, music, education and more. What motivates you?

LINDA LEE: First, we enjoy giving to worthwhile causes, especially those that involve students. We would like to see Prescott develop into a well-recognized music and arts community. We saw what the opera did for Santa Fe and we believe Prescott is poised for similar development. We support the Prescott Chorale, seeing what it does with scholarships for students studying voice. Through contributions to Yavapai College Performing Arts, many students benefit from scholarships. We support Prescott Friends of Arizona Opera, the Prescott POPS and its music memory program for children through Yavapai County.

PRESCOTT LIVING: What is your favorite opera performance.

LINDA LEE: Without a doubt, it’s “Nabuc-

co”, performed at La Scala in Milan under Ricardo Muti. Jim likes Puccini a bit more than Verdi, but Verdi is always my favorite.

PRESCOTT LIVING: Have you been frequent visitors to Vienna? Have you seen performances there?

LINDA LEE: Yes, we have been to Vienna many times and seen many operas and ballet in its Vienna State Opera House.

PRESCOTT LIVING: One of your passions was unrelated to music or art; that’s the planetarium at Embry-Riddle Aeronauti-

cal University (ERAU). What was it about the planetarium that made you decide, “Let’s support that. Let’s make that happen.” Why a planetarium?

LINDA LEE: We think ERAU is doing something for the entire community . . . not just one audience or smaller segment of the population. Many performing arts venues are available, but not planetariums. Also, more residents will realize what an asset Embry-Riddle is to the community

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CITY SPEAK SPECIAL EVENTS ARE ALWAYS THRILLING IN PRESCOTT

by Greg Mengarelli, Mayor, City of Prescott

We are fortunate. Prescott is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Arizona.

We are fortunate. Prescott is bustling right now with all of the summer activities. Prescottonians live in a city rich in art, culture, history, beauty and a friendly atmosphere. One can hardly drive by the Courthouse Plaza without seeing folks of all ages walking, talking, laughing, connecting and enjoying the sites and local businesses. We consider the Yavapai County Courthouse Plaza to be part of the heartbeat of this great city and something unlike any other Arizona town. In fact, Expedia Viewfinder named Prescott one of the “Coolest Downtowns” in North America.

We are fortunate. There are so many things to do in Prescott! Some of the most popular outdoor activities include: hiking, shopping, mountain biking, boating, canoeing, golfing, rock climbing, swimming, sun bathing and horseback riding. The beautiful topography and ever-changing foliage creates a beautiful backdrop for camping, RVing, viewing of wildlife, photography, bird watching and relaxing. The cooler weather brings those from the Valley flocking to our higher elevations to enjoy our mild climate.

We are fortunate. Prescott is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Arizona. Its rich history, echoes of the Wild West, delightful dining and hospitality and varied offerings contribute to the delight and satisfaction of our tourists. A recent study by the Arizona Hospitality Research and Resource Center at NAU uncovered that visitors ranked their “satisfaction level” of their trip through Prescott at 90% – a truly outstanding number! The travel industry is booming in Prescott and the millions of dollars spent by these visitors add depth, both directly and indirectly, to our fiscal landscape.

We are fortunate. As a father of nine, my wife and I are thrilled our children have so many options in the summer. They have a plethora of wonderful summer offerings from which to choose put on by various schools, theaters, athletic organizations, churches and groups.

We are fortunate to have one another. Despite varying political perspectives, religious practices, personality types, educational backgrounds, socioeconomic histories, gender and cultural differences, we are fortunate to have one another in this town.

BY

We make each other stronger. We ban together to celebrate the town we love. We see one another at parades, festivals, school programs, theater events and town council meetings, and despite those differences, we practice kindness and civility. We enjoy all that Prescott has to offer and are thankful we live in this city.

We are fortunate. We are Prescott. Enjoy the summer! For more information on any upcoming happenings, please go to: visit-prescott. com and prescott-az.gov for dates and details.

If you are like me and enjoy hiking, I welcome all outdoor enthusiasts to explore the Glassford Summit Trail.

GPRESCOTT VALLEY HAS SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE THIS SUMMER!

by Kell Palguta, Mayor, Prescott Valley

reetings everyone! I hope this article finds you all in good spirits, great health and with the excitement of the approach of another amazing summer in Northern Arizona.

As a child growing up in rural Maine, I looked forward every year to summer, being outdoors as much as possible and exploring what my town had to offer. Whether it was hiking the trails around my house or fishing by myself along a creek bank, I loved being outside. Fortunately nothing has really changed, and now as we fast forward to today, all of the same feelings flood back as I think of what Prescott Valley has to offer.

If you are like me and enjoy hiking, I welcome all outdoor enthusiasts to explore the Glassford Summit Trail. This is a 4.5 mile, moderately challenging out-and-back trail leading up Glassford Hill. It offers something for everyone. The Glassford Summit Trail is primarily used for hiking, mountain biking, walking, nature trips and bird watching. Once you reach the summit you will be rewarded with some of the best views that Yavapai County has to offer, and you’ll certainly be thankful you made the climb.

If hiking is not for you, feel free to head down to historic Fain Park and experience more than 100 acres of quiet recreation. Fain Park offers a large park-like setting with picnic areas and ample amounts of grass leading to the water’s edge. The park boasts a 65-foot bridge over the water leading to another area with historical artifacts, including a refurbished stamp mill. This park is very popular among fisherman and those wishing to explore the areas around historic Lynx Creek. Be sure to enjoy the outlook over the dam where water literally roars over after monsoon storms.

Opened at the end of May is the newly refurbished Arizona Downs. Arizona Downs was last open in

2010 and is now home to both live thoroughbred and quarter horse racing. This venue offers one of a kind mountain views from all four corners of the race track and also includes an amazing on-site restaurant. So if you are interested in horse racing or just taking in something different, Arizona Downs is certainly worth exploring.

The Town of Prescott Valley Parks and Recreation Department will be offering “Movies Under The Stars” every Friday night through June at the Civic Center. This event allows families to relax under the stars on a grass amphitheater and watch a family-friendly movie on a 30-foot inflatable movie screen. This event is free to the public.

Be sure to meet us in Mountain Valley Park on July 4 for Northern Arizona’s best and free fireworks show! Bring blankets and lawn chairs, kick back and enjoy live entertainment and games, and enjoy a beer and food garden. Fireworks start at dark.

Finally, if being outdoors is not how you want to spend your summer days, feel free to catch a show or concert in the evenings at the newly renamed Findlay Toyota Center. The event center is an awesome 4,500seat venue designed to maximize your entertainment. You can also head over to Harkins Theatres and enjoy a movie on one of the 14 screens the multiplex has to offer, followed by a great meal at one of Prescott Valley’s many restaurants.

So as you can see, whether you love the outdoors or just want to take things easy inside a climate-controlled building, Prescott Valley has something for you. The Town is constantly adding events through the spring and summer. Check out what’s new on the Town of Prescott Valley’s Facebook page or visit www. pvaz.net. Follow me on Facebook at “Mayor Kell Palguta” or on Twitter @kpalguta.

Have a great summer!

Prescott Open Space

City of Prescott: Quarter of a Century of Open Space Preservation

by Dr . Billie Orr, Mayor Pro-Tem, City of Prescott

As citizens of Prescott and the surrounding communities, we are blessed to live in an area where folks have long valued and preserved special spaces and historic buildings for generations. Look no further than our amazing Yavapai County Courthouse Plaza and downtown Prescott to understand how historical preservation has been a cornerstone of our culture. However, preservation has reached far beyond brick-and-mortar buildings in our beautiful downtown.

Prescott’s Commitment to Land Preservation

The City of Prescott has long recognized the value of land preservation and encouraged outdoor activities with our parks, recreation and extensive trail system. Let’s revisit some milestones in preservation of special outdoor spaces. Long before the term “open space” was coined, our City participated in “natural parkland” preservation including Strickland Park, Acker Park and complex land exchanges to secure Storm Ranch parcels north of Watson Lake and Granite Dells Ranch parcels north of Willow Lake.

In the 1990s, the City received a federal grant for one of the few rails-to-trails projects in Arizona, thereby creating a linear park through the Granite Dells now known as the Peavine and Iron King trails. Today the Iron King Trail is 14 miles and is an extension of the Peavine from Prescott into Prescott Valley. The 5.2-mile Peavine begins south of Watson Lake and extends to 89A.

These historical trails follow the old Santa Fe Railway corridor that connected Prescott, the territorial capital of Arizona to the vast territory. In 2004, Prescott Valley and Prescott held a joint grand opening of Prescott Valley’s Iron King Trail at Entro (aka Prescott & Eastern Junction) in the Granite Dells where the two railroads connected. Today there is a historical marker showing an engine passing through the Dells at the Point of Rocks located on the Peavine about 200 yards from the intersection of the two trails. Another preservation milestone was when the City entered into a long-term renewable lease with Prescott Creeks in 1995 establishing the 126-acre Watson Woods Riparian Preserve along Highway 89 and Granite Creek. The riparian habitat had been severely degraded due to over-grazing, illegal dumping, firewood cutting, as well as sand and gravel extraction during the mid-20th century. Michael Byrd, Executive Director of Prescott Creeks and 1996 graduate of Prescott College, continues to be devoted to his senior project. Crediting the partnership with the City for the restoration of the riparian forest, Michael says, “Prescott Creeks, a local not-for-profit organization, has been pleased to work with the City of Prescott at Watson Woods Riparian Preserve for over 25 years. We’ve viewed the successful partnership, management, and ecological restoration at the Preserve as a great example of working together to balance ecological goals with broader community goals. We look forward to the next 25 years of collaboration.”

Prescott Open Space

Open Space Designation

In 1998, the City created the Trails and Open Space Coordinator position, which was filled by Eric Smith, whose excellent documentation I am referencing for this article. In addition to the Granite Dells, Thumb Butte is another beloved iconic land formation in our City. Folks may wonder how the City was able to prevent houses and buildings from developing on Thumb Butte. That same year, Prescott partnered with Central Arizona Land Trust to purchase lots on the face of Thumb Butte. Today the Trust still holds the conservation easement.

Another milestone was when Prescott voters approved the purchase of Willow and Watson lakes for $15 million from the Chino Valley Irrigation District with the passing of a bond issue paid by property taxes. These beautiful lakes not only provide excellent recreation and ecotourism opportunities, they are also crucial to Prescott’s water supply and water conservation efforts.

The Peavine became a National Recreation Trail in 1999, and Prescott developed and adopted the Prescott Open Space Plan. Sam Steiger, the colorful and outspoken, fiveterm Arizona Congressman, came home to Prescott, became mayor and advocated for open space acquisitions. In 2001, Mayor Steiger was the driving force to add open space and extend the 1-cent sales tax.

Recreation Services Director Joe Baynes remembers that, “Sam Steiger kept his mayoral campaign promise of securing 32 acres of property below Thumb Butte, and along with fellow elected officials jump started strategic open space acquisitions in the Granite Dells.” Thus began the extensive land preservation purchases in the Granite Dells.

The purchase and preservation of open space in our City continued for the next two decades. Prescott purchased or acquired with grants and gifts from developers over 3,800 acres. We have spent over $34 million of taxpayer dollars in these acquisitions. This does not include the many millions for improvements to the parks and open space parcels.

Credit must be given to organizations and individuals committed to acquiring funds for open space. Clearly, Prescott’s beloved Elisabeth Ruffner, who passed away this past March at the age of 99, had a tremendous impact on preservation of historic buildings

and open space. Elisabeth founded the Open Space Alliance. George Sheats, volunteer coordinator for the Over the Hill Gang and former chairman for Open Space Alliance says, “Elisabeth Ruffner was a positive visionary for Open Space Alliance, balancing optimal community outcomes to accomplish the best for all sides.”

Historically, other groups that made significant impact on land acquisition and preservation are the Prescott Mountain Bike Alliance, Yavapai Trails Association, Prescott Alternative Transportation, Prescott Creeks, Central Arizona Land Trust, Prescott Audubon Society, Trust for Public Land, Granite Dells Preservation Foundation and the Over the Hill Gang. We are grateful to all of these organizations for their dedication.

Where are we today?

In 2018, our Prescott City Council voted in favor of purchasing 160 acres in the Storm Ranch area of the Granite Dells. Today 6 miles of Storm Trails have been constructed in that additional open space by the Over the Hill Gang. This addition brings the total trails within the City’s Mile High Trail System to over 100 miles. Recently our current Council partnered with ECOSA Institute for an educational trail into a 47-acre conservation area in Granite Dells near Willow Lake. These are amazing achievements by a City with only 43,000 citizens. In addition to the thousands of open space acres secured within our community, we are blessed to be adjacent to over 1.25 million acres of the Prescott National Forest.

Today there is much discussion about Arizona Eco Development’s (AED) request for annexation into the City of Prescott. Many folks who hike, bike and ride the Peavine and Iron King trails in the Granite Dells are surprised to learn that while the trails are public land, the adjacent property is privately owned by AED. As an optimist, my cup is always half full, and I sincerely believe there is tremendous opportunity within the challenge of the AED annexation request.

Currently, the AED application shows that AED has set aside significant open space elements (public and private). We are pleased to see that the iconic Point of Rocks is in the AED Public Open Space. However, there is more work to do, and we must definitely continue to negotiate with AED, a

local development company.

As folks can see from all that has occurred over the past four decades, the City of Prescott is committed to and has managed to acquire phenomenal public lands for our citizens. I hope and pray we can continue this path of respect and collaboration and that the “quality” of the open space will take priority over the “quantity” of acres.

We can all agree there are many advantages for Prescott citizens and the developers to annex in the City rather than to develop in the County. In addition to controlled, man-

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THE PRESCOTT PIONEER

PRESCOTT • PRESCOTT VALLEY • CHINO VALLEY • DEWEY-HUMBOLDT

Silver Tornado to be Rededicated

For 23 years, passersby on Whipple Street in front of the Yavapai Regional Medical Center have admired a statue unlike any other in the world — a huge bucking bull, front legs firmly on the ground and his rear aimed directly at the blue Arizona sky.

Named Silver Tornado by his creator Natalie Krol, the 4,000 pound stainless steel bull defies anyone to mount him.

“And that’s the way it is,” says Krol, who single-handedly created the desired image. With assistance from skilled professionals, she molded, cast, then welded together 60 large pieces of stainless steel to create the 10-foot-tall, 14-foot-long bull. “Silver Tornado is intended to symbolize the World’s Oldest Rodeo® here in Prescott, and no one is going to conquer him.”

City officials and Prescott Chamber of Commerce personnel agree. Realizing that the world-famous rodeo is attracting international attention, they intend to use the bull as a focal point for generating even more attention when they rededicate the statue June 24.

During formal ceremonies 9 to 10:30 a.m., the Prescott Chamber of Commerce will host an event

to give the sculpture prominence as an Art in Public Places icon.

Toni Johnson, who works at the City Library, is the liaison for the Art in Public Places Committee. She is organizing a major event to rededicate Silver Tornado. Considerable brush and shrubbery has been trimmed or removed, and the location is more accessible to the public. It also will be lighted at night.

The public ceremony will bring City officials, Chamber of Commerce personnel and Prescott Rodeo officials together where they can introduce Krol, an extraordinary world-famous artist who works in multiple media, to the greater community. A plaque commemorating the event will be unveiled.

Krol has lived in Prescott since 1990. She said she initially thought of Silver Tornado when she first attended a Prescott rodeo and saw the awesome power of a bucking bull. It took her more than a year to create the sculpture — the only one of its kind in the world. She used an image of a Salers bull as inspiration for the sculpture. The large Salers breed originated in France but was brought to the Southwest because of its ability to handle extreme weather conditions.

Salers bulls were penned many years ago on the ranch property where the current hospital is located. The actual site where the sculpture now is located belongs to the City.

“I thought it only appropriate to remain honest to the image of the kind of bulls that were on that property,” Krol says. Valued at more than $250,000, the gleaming bull was her gift to

BASHFORD COURT...cont. from page 30

of-the-century look, and upgrading of restrooms. Sliding front doors will be added, and additional lighting will provide more illumination. New signage and an expanded store directory will direct customers to the shops.

All efforts are being made to retain the historic heritage of the landmark building. Prescott Mayor Greg Men -

the City.

Krol, a native of Los Angeles, studied art at New School of Art in L.A. Her artwork is exhibited in major galleries and museums internationally.

The City and the Chamber of Commerce will release more details as the event grows closer. In the meantime, visit the website nataliekrol.com to learn more about the international artist.

garelli has praised the renovation efforts, saying he admires the vision that is transforming the shopping center into an attractive, appealing and customer-friendly site in Downtown Prescott.

The mall is open Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.; and on Sunday 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

YAVAPAI@WORK – The Northern Arizona Council of Governments (NACOG) office is the One Stop Talent Resource Center for Yavapai County residents, operating under the Workforce Innovation and Opportunities Act (WIOA) and ARIZONA@WORK – a proud partner of the American Job Center Network. Services are available for job seekers and employers; with the Business Assistance Center as an additional resource for businesses.

Job Seeker Services:

• essential skills training

• personal financing/budgeting workshops

• Arizona Career Readiness Credential

• career assessments

• registration on Arizona Job Connection with access to Unemployment Insurance

• job training/occupational training/ support services to maintain or obtain employment

• job placement

• occupational training tuition

• On-the-Job training

• access to national job postings

Employer Services:

• business retention, expansion and location services

• national access to U.S. talent sources

• Arizona Career Readiness Credential

• recruitment services: applicant recruitment, referral and pre-screening

• incumbent employee and new-hire customized training

• financial incentives: job training and On-the-Job training

• client assesment/case management

• talent matching systems

• labor market analytics

• virtual services through Virtual One Stop: receive services at a time and location that is convenient for you

• Rapid Response/pre-layoff assistance

Business Assistance Center:

• business assessments

• entrepreneurial services

• leadership development

• customized trainings/workshops

• labor recruitment/customized job fairs

• notary public on-site

• broadband/Wi-Fi internet access

• online communications software

• laptop computers

• national proctoring site

• video projector for presentations

• use of our local one stop center for meeting applicants and conducting interviews

• fax, copier, phones and printers, parking

• multiple office space — complimentary

from

aged growth, the development must be built to Prescott standards with sewer connectivity and municipal water that will allow the City to reclaim and recharge water. That’s huge for our environment and water conservation. We do not need more unmetered wells with “straws” in our aquifer or failing septic systems polluting our creeks and lakes.

However, there must be a win-win for the City of Prescott and AED. We simply are not there yet in our negotiations. The AED annexation application is currently being reviewed by City staff and will likely move to the Planning and Zoning Commission in June. This will be an opportunity for citizens’ voices to be heard.

My personal goal for public open space in the Dells is a “Granite Dells Park and Preserve” owned, operated and maintained by the City of Prescott with hundreds of acres accessible to everyone. I would love to see the City partner with other organizations such as the Highlands Center and Prescott College to create a state-of-the-art Interpretive Center teaching about the uniqueness of our spectacular Granite Dells.

For me, the Point of Rocks, the crown jewel of the Granite Dells, is non-negotiable. Mayor Greg Mengarelli recently wrote, “We continue discussions with property owners to bring hundreds more acres under City ownership and management.”

We ask that our citizens stay connected, be patient and informed as we continue the negotiations to get a win-win for Prescott.

Economy • Local Business

Become A Tourist In Your Hometown, Prescott!

by Sheri Heiney, President & CEO, Prescott Chamber of Commerce

What’s your favorite thing about Prescott? Is it a beautiful downtown with amazing shops and restaurants? Maybe it’s a favorite park where you enjoy playing with your kids, hiking or walking your dog? Or is it the people in your community — your neighbors, local leaders and business owners?

Your hometown will always be your home. This is the place you grew up, went to school and made all your friends and memories. Or maybe you recently relocated to Prescott, like I have, and come to love and claim Prescott as my new hometown.

I would like to challenge readers to seek out opportunities to spend more time in your hometown and explore it with a renewed sense of excitement. The Prescott Chamber of Commerce along with the Tourism Office would like to ask that you consider becoming a tourist in your own hometown — Prescott!

Trips that don’t involve pack-

ing for a week-plus or dealing with multiple bouts of airport security may not rate as front-page moments in your travel life, but they can be just as rewarding as the “epic itinerary.” The same holds true for exploring your hometown as if you’ve never been there before.

Time and time again I’ve watched visitors’ faces light up at the wealth of attractions to be found here, whether it’s our area’s natural beauty, our four museums, the Heritage Park Zoo or our local theaters.

Here are some ideas to build your hometown itinerary.

TAKE A HISTORIC TOUR

Sure you can reel off the names of the iconic buildings in your hometown, but do you know their history? Do you understand how Prescott was founded and why?

Here at the Chamber, we offer a free 90-minute walking tour most Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays (call ahead to confirm) starting in May. Tours start at 10 a.m. at the Visitor Information

Center at the Chamber of Commerce, 117 W. Goodwin St. Check out the New Heritage Trail Tour as well, which is self-guided. Maps are available at the Visitor Information Center at the Chamber.

GET A ROOM

Waking up in a hotel or bedand-breakfast is a tried-and-true way to set the mood for exploring. You have so many choices from downtown historic hotels to quaint bed-and-breakfasts nestled in the pines with views that will take your breath away.

MAKE A DATE WITH PRESCOTT

We all have a place we’ve driven by that we always say, I want to stop there some day. Set a date, create the list and go out exploring. Enjoy a lunch or dinner at a place you have never tried but heard great things about. Catch a show at the Elk’s, the Prescott Center for the Arts or Yavapai College. Check out the brand new Bob

and Linda Lee Planetarium at Embry-Riddle, taking in a free show.

BE A TOURIST IN YOUR HOMETOWN

Add some fun trips to your usual routine. Check something out that you haven’t tried before like a new trail, a store or a restaurant you have been wanting to try. You’ll be surprised how simple shifts in everyday strategies can widen your window for adventure. Fall in love with Prescott all over again, take advantage of everything the town has to offer, support the local businesses and just enjoy your hometown, Prescott. For more information about the Prescott Chamber of Commerce, please visit prescott.org or call us at 928-445-2000 or 1-800266-7534, or stop by the Visitor Information Center at 117 W. Goodwin St., Prescott, AZ 86303.

The mission of the Prescott Chamber of Commerce is to provide leadership and resources to create a vibrant business environment for Prescott.

Alcohol Intake that Impairs Driving Can Result in DUI, Even if Below the Legal Limit

by Jeffrey D . Gautreaux, Attorney at Law, Musgrove Drutz Kack & Flack, PC

It’s summertime in Prescott. That means attending weekend festivals on the Courthouse Plaza, dining al fresco on the patio of one of our many wonderful restaurants and enjoying outdoor parties and barbecues at the homes of friends.

With each of these activities, alcohol often enters the picture. That’s not a problem if those drinking alcohol are 21 years of age or older, and they are consuming it responsibly. Responsible consumption of alcohol entails many things, including designating a driver or calling a cab, Uber or Lyft to take you home or on to your next destination.

Many of us may think that having a beer or two and then getting behind the wheel of our automobile does not put ourselves or others at risk.

But it may.

Even though one may not feel it, consuming even a single alcoholic beverage may impair one’s ability to operate a motor vehicle. And, under Arizona law, operating a vehicle while impaired, even to the slightest degree, by alcohol is a criminal offense.

A.R.S. § 28-1381(A)(1) provides that even a person who does not

have a blood alcohol level above “the legal limit” of 0.8 can nevertheless be charged with DUI if alcohol has impaired the ability to drive a vehicle. That type of DUI is called DUI Impaired to the Slightest Degree, and if you are charged with it, it can substantially impact your life.

The penalties for DUI Impaired to the Slightest Degree include at least one day in jail, a fine, alcohol screening and counseling, as well as other penalties like a driver’s license suspension and the requirement of the installation of an ignition interlock device. Moreover, the penalties are much more severe for a second DUI within seven years of a prior DUI. A third DUI within seven years can be a felony offense, which can result in a prison sentence.

Getting charged with a DUI is avoidable. If you are unable to

designate a sober driver, call one of our community’s numerous taxi cab companies, or use your smartphone to order an Uber or Lyft. You not only will be glad you did, but so will your family, your friends and your community.

Jeffrey D. Gautreaux focuses his practice in the areas of criminal law (including DUI defense), personal injury and general civil litigation.

Musgrove Drutz Kack & Flack, PC is a full-service law firm serving our community for more than 30 years. For more information about the firm go to mdkflaw.com.

DISCLAIMER: The materials in this article are for informational purposes only and not for the purpose of providing legal advice. You should contact your attorney to obtain legal advice with respect to any particular issue or problem. The opinions expressed in this article are the opinions of the individual author.

We’re thankful to be a part of this community! Summer is busy around here so get out there and enjoy some of these fun activities:

PRESCOTT FILM FESTIVAL

Special screenings, events, gourmet dinners, wine, guest filmmakers and amazing indie films will be a part of the experience at the 10th Annual Prescott Film Festival June 7-15th! Free Filmmaker Boot Camp, workshops discussions and more all in the beautiful Performing Arts Center at Yavapai College. June 7th – 15th Performing Arts Center • 1100 E. Sheldon St. prescottfilmfestival.com

BREAKFAST WITH THE ANIMALS AT HERITAGE PARK ZOO

Join the Heritage Park Zoo for Breakfast with the Animals! Enjoy breakfast prepared by Chef Kristina Jones, owner of KitchAcademy who teaches cooking classes. While you enjoy breakfast, keepers will feed the featured animal, share interesting facts and artifacts concluding the program with a craft for all. 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., $25.00 for adults and $15.00 for children 12 & under. Pre-registration is required. June 8th • 1402 Heritage Park Road heritageparkzoo.org

FRONTIER ARIZONA EXPERIENCE

Join Living History interpreters for a “day in the life” of soldiers, officers, and their wives in the Arizona Territory. Learn about Fort Whipple’s important founding influence in the Prescott area, and its colorful history--from military fort to hospital and everything in-between, starting at 10 a.m. June 15th • Ft. Whipple Museum, 500 AZ-89, on the grounds of the VA Hospital • Free Admission sharlot.org

WORLD’S OLDEST RODEO & PRESCOTT

FRONTIER DAYS RODEO PARADE

Prescott is home to the World’s Oldest Rodeo, a week-long event that starts Monday, July 1st with day and night performances. Dress up in your favorite rodeo attires and head on over to enjoy festivities from barrel racing to bucking broncos! You can also join more than 30,000 folks Downtown around the Courthouse Plaza on Saturday, July 6th for the annual Prescott Frontier Days Parade starting at 9 a.m. If there is one thing Prescott knows how to do well, it’s a parade, so don’t miss it!

There’s No Place Like PRESCOTT VALLEY for Great Summertime and Year-round Activities

by Marnie Uhl, President/CEO, Prescott Valley Chamber of Commerce

Warmer weather brings so many more opportunities to enjoy the assets, amenities and fun that Prescott Valley has to offer. In honor of the Prescott Valley Chamber’s 45th anniversary, here are 45 great things to do in this wonderful community we call home.

1. Visit the Prescott Valley Chamber as your resource for local, state and tourist information.

2. Hike the Glassford Hill Summit Trail.

3. Play mini-golf or any of the arcade games at In the Game Freedom Station.

4. Watch movies under the stars at the Prescott Valley Civic Center.

5. Bowl at Antelope Lanes.

6. Get wet and refreshed at Mountain Valley Splash Pad and Pool.

7. Fish at Fain Lake or at the Urban Forest/ Yavapai Lakes.

8. Take a flower design class at Prescott Valley Florist.

9. Get exercise at the Mountain Valley path with exercise stations.

10. Run your dogs at the dog park.

11. Play pickle ball or tennis at one of the many courts.

12. Read a good book at the library.

13. Bike or hike the Iron King Trail.

14. View the archeological site the Fitzmaurice Ruins and mining exhibit at Fain Park.

15. Watch a Little League game.

16. Traverse Prescott Valley along the multiuse path system.

17. Picnic at any of the Town’s parks.

18. Play horseshoes at American Legion Park.

19. Shoot some hoops.

20. Study your genealogy at the library.

21. Enjoy an outdoor concert at the Civic Center.

22. Ride the rides at the Prescott Valley Days carnival.

23. Feed the ducks at the Yavapai Lakes (no bread please — instead, try corn, peas, seeds, oats or lettuce).

24. Play golf at one of the local 18-hole courses.

25. See a movie at Harkins Theatres.

26. Try a craft beer at the local Lonesome Valley Brewery.

27. Tour the Art at the Center sculptures and other art at the Civic Center.

28. Watch and bet on the horses at Arizona Downs.

29. Take swim lessons at Mountain Valley Splash.

30. Take a cooking class at Rafter Eleven.

31. Tour Bronzesmith Foundry and Gallery and view the bronze pour.

32. Dine in one of the many great restaurants.

33. Celebrate a birthday or a special occasion at In the Game Freedom Station.

34. Bargain hunt at the local Peddler’s Pass.

35. Make the scenic drive up Mingus Mountain to Jerome.

36. Camp in the Bradshaw or Mingus Mountains.

37. Visit historical Crown King.

38. See Prescott Valley history at the Historical Society museum in the Town Hall.

39. Attend a Northern Arizona Suns basketball game.

40. Get your “rodeo” on at the Turquoise Circuit Rodeo in October.

41. Walk the multiuse path at Mountain Valley Park.

42. See the beautiful stained glass windows at Chapel of the Valley.

43. Play bingo at the Prescott Valley Senior Adult center.

44. Pan for gold along Lynx Creek and Fain Lake.

45. Buy local produce and other goods at the Prescott Valley Farmer’s Market.

Prescott Valley is fortunate to have an abundance of things to do. But it is also a central location to the surrounding communities of Prescott, Sedona, Jerome and Chino Valley, which enhances the inventory of quality activities, events and great destinations! Is there something to do in Prescott Valley? Oh, yes at least 45 things and counting!

For more information, contact the Prescott Valley Chamber of Commerce and Visitor Center at 7120 E. Pav Way in Prescott Valley, 772-8857, or visit pvchamber.org.

YOUR RETIREMENT READINESS

by Ronald Stevenson and Barbara Clark Stevenson

hen it comes to being prepared for retirement, you may not be as set as you think. According to TIAA’s 2017 Lifetime Income Survey, fewer than half of Americans are aware of how much they have saved for their golden years.

Now is the perfect time to sit down and analyze your current financial picture and see how it stacks up to where you hope to be when you reach retirement. But where do you start?

A good first step is to look at what you have saved so far – this includes anything in your 401(k), 403(b) or an individual retirement account (IRA) you might have. If you haven’t started putting away money for retirement, it may be a good idea to start allocating some of your income to one of these types of accounts.

The next step is to add up any other assets you have, from your house to other valuables like your car or jewelry. You can also add in any income that you are expecting to have in the future; such as an inheritance that you know about, your projected Social Security income, or a pension that you may have. All of these have to be taken lightly, however, since it may be too soon to know what some of those figures are in detail.

After you have tallied your net worth and have a good idea of what you have saved, the next step is to compare this to your target retirement number. If you aren’t sure of how much you will need in retirement, we can help you! At American Financial Investments, LLC, we are dedicated to providing you with personalized financial solutions that fit your individual needs. We will help calculate how much you will need down the

road, based on factors like your age, current savings rate, expected retirement age and the lifestyle you hope to have in retirement.

We can analyze your situation and find potential shortfalls that you may have, as well as devise a plan to help overcome them.

It may seem stressful and overwhelming to look at your finances, but you may find that you’re on track, or that you need to up your game in order to meet your goals. Either way, it’s better to know now because the older you get, the harder it is to catch up. Preparing for retirement is an ongoing process that requires thoughtful planning and adjustments that may have to be made along the way. The right financial professional can evaluate your financial picture and develop a plan tailored to you and your goals to help you live more comfortably in retirement.

About the Authors: Ronald F. Stevenson & Barbara Clark Stevenson own American Financial Investments LLC. American Financial Investments LLC offers, Investments, Annuities, Life Insurance, Retirement Income Planning, Social Security Maximization, Personal & Corporate Tax Preparation and Planning. For more information, call 928-771-8368 or visit www. AFSprescott.com 3112 Clearwater Dr., Suite B, Prescott, AZ 86305.

Advisory services are offered through American Financial Investments LLC a Registered Investment Advisor in Arizona. Insurance products and services are offered through American Financial Security, LLC. American Financial Investments LLC and American Financial Security, LLC are affiliated companies. American Financial Investments LLC and American Financial Security, LLC are not affiliated with or endorsed by the Social Security Administration, or any other government agency.

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The ROX Interview (continued)

...continued from page 35

and region. It is a world-class university, responsible for bringing high technology, new jobs and industries to Prescott.

JIM LEE: The Flandrau Science Center &

Planetarium in Tucson also sparked our interest. It is very successful with incredible community participation in its many programs. Linda and I have noticed that planetarium enthusiasts often have young children. They are educated

and not shy about attending college. But Yavapai County has many rural children that have limited access to facilities such as the planetarium. They may be lacking electronics or external stimulation. We believe the planetarium will help educate and extend the learning experience to everyone.

PRESCOTT LIVING: You both have been here long enough to have observations, good and bad, about what you see in Prescott. Would you share some of these?

JIM LEE: The city has evolved into one of the best places to live in the United States. We have great a climate and great people. The majority of people who come here get involved, not only in philanthropy, but with their time, giving back to the community. We have outstanding public schools, several colleges and now an international school, Embry-Riddle. Prescott has an exceptional cultural presence for a community its size. We know the present city administration will include planning to maintain these qualities. We are blessed to have spent this part of our lives in Prescott, a place we love. 

Coming late summer

Don’t miss your chance to be part of this publication featuring over 200 pages about the Prescott area!

This inaugural over-sized, hard cover book will feature area museums, attractions, trails, history, signature events and more. It's a keepsake you'll definitely want for your home or business.

ROX Media Group is working directly with Phippen Museum, Sharlot Hall Museum and Smoki Museum of American Indian Art & Culture to bring you the history of the Prescott area in a format to reference in years to come.

• Wrapped in the highest-quality, hardcover book binding.

• Available in select hotels and resorts throughout Yavapai County.

• 100% of the net proceeds of the sale of the printed book will be donated to select nonprofits (including but not limited to the Boys and Girls Club of Central Arizona, Phippen Museum, Prescott Chamber of Commerce, Sharlot Hall Museum and Smoki Museum).

Pre-order your copy today at www.pl-mag.com

NATIONAL PET DAY 2019

The Jim and Linda Lee Planetarium:

Bringing the Universe to the University

by Eric Edelman, Planetarium Director, The Jim and Linda Lee Planetarium

Along with our specially curated presentations, we brought some of the most popular planetarium shows released by other production teams from across the globe to our Prescott viewers.

Over the past year and a half, more than 28,000 individuals have enjoyed the opportunity to lean back and experience the cosmos up close in ways beyond their imagination. If not for the only Northern Arizona facility of its kind –the Jim and Linda Lee Planetarium on the Prescott campus of Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University - that experience could not happen. (Editor’s note: the Planetarium reached 30,000 visitors the week of May 20, 2019)

Our dome is 47 feet in diameter, or in other words, the average length of an adult humpback whale. With a digital projection system on that whale-sized dome, we are able to bring the universe to Prescott in crisp and clear 4k resolution. Here at Embry-Riddle, we have collected and developed many presentations specifically for visitors to the dome.

In January of 2018, we opened the planetarium to the public, debuting the first of our four part seasonal series about the night sky of Prescott.

These shows display the Universe that is visible to us from our Prescott location over the course of the entire year. Through the use of cutting-edge scientific visualization tools available to us with this facility, we projected the stars, planets, and universe to the dome and to the eyes of all those with an interest in their night sky.

Along with our specially curated presentations, we brought some of the most popular planetarium shows released by other production teams from across the globe to our Prescott viewers. The enthusiasm and support we have received from all corners of Prescott and beyond has allowed us to turn this facility into a full-fledged, multi-faceted planetarium operation.

There is much to see and do in 2019. Now in the midst of our 2019 season, we are creating new content not just about what we can see in our skies, but what we are learning about them. For example, January brought a show on the study of exoplanets, distant

worlds orbiting stars other than our Sun. We have so many concepts to explore, and we are looking forward to sharing them with all the curious learners out there who step through our doors.

Do you love solar eclipses? Soon we will use the planetarium to allow us to safely view another total solar eclipse in South America this July, an event that would otherwise be impossible to view from our place here in Prescott.

Can you remember Neil Armstrong’s first walk on the moon? To celebrate the 50th anniversary of Neil Armstrong’s first moon walk on July 20, 1969, we will take a dive into the bank of knowledge we have about the different moons in our solar system.

Are you an astronomer? In the fall, we will take a step back with a show that zooms away from our planet to give viewers a sense of the magnificent scale of the visible cosmos.

Is there an under-6 year-old near you? Another fall debut will focus on entertaining the very youngest planetarium fans who will be coming to the dome with a performance made specifically for children under 6 years old.

Do you have an artistic nature underneath that interest in space? Towards the end of the year, we will invite the public to some wonderful musical collaborations with local Prescott talent, mixing the delights of art and science.

Bringing knowledge and space to all - that is our mission. Truly, when it comes to the learners, we are here to support. One of our largest projects is our K-12 STEM Outreach operation, which offers new resources and a different form of learning astronomy to educational groups throughout the area. To that effect, we have created a specialized planetarium show just for school groups which tours the planets in our solar system in a way that encourages students to use their own investigative skills to explore different worlds. Each time we perform this show for a new group, it ends up being just a bit different, because the curiosities, interests, and educational goals of the audience members drive the direction of the story we tell in a significant way.

To date, we’ve had groups from approximately 75 different schools, youth oriented programs such as Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts, the YMCA, and even churches come through the Jim and Linda Lee Planetarium. Many of these groups have come back multiple times, with various ages represented. While there have been many visits from local schools and organizations, we’ve also had visitors from across Arizona as well as from Nevada and Washington State. We’ve hosted international guests as well.

In February 2018, our facility hosted the Arizona School for the Deaf and Blind, which brought 60 students from throughout Northern Arizona for a planetarium show and STEM

Education Center tour. We arranged to present a modified Tour of the Solar System show that included sign language interpreters to accommodate the needs of their group. The teachers and parents were amazed how their students opened up on this trip. Some students who seldom participated in class were asking great questions and excitedly interacting with others. Afterwards, we took them on a tour of the building and let them experience our 3-D printer lab, learn about cube satellites in our EagleSat Laboratory, and visit our robotics workshops. It was truly an incredible day.

Alongside groups coming to the planetarium from outside the university, multiple departments across the university itself have made use of the planetarium in unique and exciting ways. Due to our digital projection system, we are not limited to just the stars. We can explore concepts outside of astronomy so students across degree programs from Biology, Engineering, Business, Gaming and Simulation Science, and many more can have unique educational experiences underneath the dome.

We also know how to have fun. Our mission to bring knowledge and space to all occupies most of the time inside the planetarium, but we still make sure to simply have fun. Last year, we rented specialized laser light projectors to blast the music

of Pink Floyd, U2, Patsy Kline, and others to orchestrated lasers on the dome. On-campus student groups have already brought some of their favorite Star Wars and Harry Potter episodes to the planetarium, and we expect that more fun opportunities are surely ahead of us.

Looking back on our accomplishments so far, it is startling to consider we have been in action for only a year and a half. We look forward to what the next year and a half and beyond will bring. There is so much in store, and we hope you will come along for the experience.

Get your tickets to upcoming events at prescott.erau.edu/planetarium

There is so much in store, and we hope you will come along for the experience.

Pioneer Park: Growing with the Community

by Kelly Tolbert, Recreation Services Coordinator, Prescott Parks and Recreation

Pioneer Park has quite a history, morphing into a multiuse sprawling facility, switching between landowners and agencies over the past three decades. Originally, the land where Pioneer Park facilities sit today belonged to the United States Department of the Interior’s Bureau of Land Management (commonly referred to as BLM). Back in the early 1980s the City of Prescott and Yavapai County signed a Recreation and Public Purpose Lease to obtain over 1,200 acres allowing for typical uses such as schools, municipal facilities, hospitals, historic monument sites, campgrounds, parks and fairgrounds.

In fact, the Pioneer Park area has transitioned through multiple master plans that over the years have included the horse-racing track known as Yavapai Downs. Other master

Pioneer Park Timeline

1992: City of Prescott & Yavapai County enters in the first Intergovernmental Agreement (IGA)

2002: Construction begins on softball and soccer fields

City of Prescott and Yavapai County sign second IGA

2003: Yavapai Trails

Association President and trails advocate Jan Alfano retires

2004: American Youth Soccer Organization (YCSO) donates

$10,000 to construction of Kuebler Field

Inline Hockey rink constructed by Yavapai County

2005: Arizona Cardinals Football Team

plans have included recreation and aquatic facilities. Yavapai County explored the possibility of relocating its administrative offices to include everything except the Courthouse that would remain downtown.

Part of the agreement with BLM is that any plans for construction of facilities are submitted for approval. Yavapai County has what is called a patent on part of the BLM owned property and a lease for the other part. Not having a clear title was a deterrent for the County to move forward with such a substantial capital project that included jails for both adults and juveniles.

Around the same time, Yavapai County received BLM approval to construct Kuebler Field in partnership with American Youth Soccer Organization 172 (AYSO) with the goal of add-

ing soccer fields. This field was named in honor of Robert Kuebler Jr., who served as Justice of the Peace, City Magistrate, and Judge for the Yavapai-Prescott Tribe. Judge Kuebler was tragically killed in an automobile incident while vacationing with his family in Montana.

Longtime County Supervisor Gheral Brownlow (Brownlow Trail namesake) was heavily involved with these efforts and secured funding through donations and funding from the county. The City participation was limited to design with the knowledge that maintenance and management would be transferred from the County per the 2002 IGA. Plans for the in-line hockey rink and volleyball courts were in place for the second phase of improvements and private funds were raised by community members.

utilizes multiuse fields for preseason training camp

2006: City of Prescott and Yavapai County enter third IGA

2008: County agrees to include inline hockey with land trade agreement with the City of Prescott

City agrees to take over maintenance after the County completes improvements

To include concession stand and restroom facilities

2011: City Council agrees to utilize park impact fees

2013: First Arizona Mountain Bike season begins utilizing trails at Brownlow which combined

With Legacy Trail was 5.45 miles total

2014: County Board of Supervisors vote to approve Arizona Diamondbacks Foundation field (Brad Ziegler Field) and to renew park maintenance agreement

2016: City of Prescott trails division expands Pioneer Park system to total 20 miles

Kayla’s Hands playground construction complete/donation from Prescott Kiwanis

2017: Pickleball Courts construction complete and play begins

2018: City of Prescott adds restroom facility to pickleball courts

Pioneer Ball Field

Three years later, the City converted Kuebler Field from softball use to baseball use requiring turf and irrigation to be added to the infield. This reduced the amount of outfield turf ultimately affecting the layout of soccer fields for AYSO use. Due to the popularity of Little League in the area and the growth of travel baseball, advocates began to suggest an expansion project.

It was not until 2014 with the support of the Arizona Diamondbacks Foundation that a second baseball field was added to the complex. With a generous donation totaling about $450,000, the field was named after retired Diamondback pitcher Brad Ziegler. The park maintenance agreement was also renewed between the City and County at that time.

Youth baseball and soccer were not the only sports experiencing periods of growth, as high school mountain bicycling was becoming officially organized in Northern Arizona, a project of the National Interscholastic Cycling Association (NICA), in 2013. Historically, the Brownlow Trails located in Pioneer Park were maintained by the County and consisted of wide, flat paths popular for runners like Brownlow himself. When he constructed them, they were marked for 5K and 10K race courses.

Aiming to satisfy race organizers, the City of Prescott recognized that adding single-track trails would enhance the existing trails and began work on drainage improve-

PrescottCircleTrail PIONEERPKWY

Elevation: 5220' (low) - 5580' (hi gh) 20.07 Miles - C umulative

ments after assuming maintenance responsibilities in 2016. Again, with the help of volunteers, the trails at Brownlow now offer over 20 miles for hiking, mountain biking and equestrian use. Sign improvements were also installed, providing users with color-coded options in choosing a route.

A longtime partner with the City, Prescott Kiwanis Club, approached the Recreation Services Department with an idea for a new playground honoring the legacy of humanitarian worker Kayla Mueller in 2015. After vigorous fundraising, the playground opened in 2016 and continues to be one of the most visited in the portfolio of playgrounds.

Shortly after the construction of Kayla’s Hands Playground, the Prescott Pickleball Association approached the City with a proposal for eight, state-of-the-art pickleball courts. A fast growing sport and recreation pastime, pickleball attracts tournaments, league play and lessons drawing visitors from

all over the state. The courts were opened for play in 2017, and a restroom facility was added in 2018. The courts are so popular that the association is currently planning to add four more courts.

Over the years, Pioneer Park has successfully adapted to the demands of both sports and outdoor recreation communities while serving visitors and residents In Prescott. Any weekend beginning in March and ending in late October there is likely some event at Pioneer Park. Soccer, baseball, softball, in-line hockey, pickleball and mountain biking all call this area their homes. Pioneer Park also served as the venue for the City’s annual Fourth of July Celebration for over eight years, and the hockey rink sometimes hosts roller derby events.

For a schedule of events and more information on Prescott’s Pioneer Park, please visit www.prescott-az.gov.

Relocating to a new community?

You’ll need to find a local doctor

At Thumb Butte Medical Center, we are a state-of-theart multispecialty clinic. Our mission is to treat patients like family.

Whether you have allergies, chronic health issues or are healthy now, it’s a smart idea to have a doctor you know and are already familiar with.

First, check with your insurance to see if you are required to select a primary care physician (PCP). Look for a well-established doctor with a strong network of specialists for referrals. You’ll be sharing a lot of information with your PCP, so make sure you can communicate comfortably.

• Ask neighbors and friends for recommendations.

• Look for a board-certified doctor, who has earned his or her degree from a qualified training hospital licensed by a state medical board.

• How long does it take to get an appointment for a routine visit?

• Same-day appointments offered?

• You’ll want a friendly staff that can help with insurance concerns.

• Does the doctor stay up-to-date on the latest treatments and technology?

At Thumb Butte Medical Center, we are a multispecialty clinic open six days per week, Monday-Friday, 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Saturday, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. We provide primary care to our patients and have many specialists available for referrals.

Sneezing, sniffling, watery eyes

Moving to a new community can bring on allergies you never knew you had! If over-the-counter meds aren’t helping, ask your doctor about the best allergy treatment for you.

Oh, my aching knees

In the summer, knee and joint injuries can happen easily. With osteoarthritis, knee cartilage wears out, which can be painful. There are other treatments besides surgery, however.

Hyaluronan injections into the joint provide lubrication and act like a shock absorber. Usually a series of injections are given weekly for about three to five weeks. These injections can greatly reduce pain; the effect can last up to several months.

An exciting new treatment is Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy. Concentrated platelets from the patients’ own blood are injected into the affected joint. Those platelets contain hundreds of proteins called growth factors that are important for healing injuries.

Stem-cell therapy uses stem cells for faster healing and comfort.

With knee or joint pain, always consult with your doctor sooner rather than later to avoid further injury and damage.

Osteoporosis

As we age, our bones can become weak and brittle and more susceptible to fractures.

This is a condition called osteoporosis. Osteoporosis-related fractures are most likely to occur in the hip, wrist and spine.

Older women past menopause are at the highest risk of developing this condition. Screening is available to determine bone density and risk of getting osteoporosis.

Risk factors include:

• age

• gender

• ethnicity

• genetics

• body-frame size

• certain medications

• certain pre-existing medical conditions

The U.S. Preventative Services Task Force recommends that all women over age 65 should have a bone density test. Your doctor may recommend screening for those under 65 with several risk factors.

A nutritious diet can help manage and prevent osteoporosis:

• Vitamin D for bone health.

• Protein and healthy fats are essential to a healthy diet.

• Eat more vegetables, fruits and whole grains.

• Reduce sugars, salt and phosphates.

At Thumb Butte Medical Center, we are a state-of-the-art multispecialty clinic. Our mission is to treat patients like family.

We accept patients of any age. Walk-ins and new patients are always welcome.

3124 Willow Creek Road, Prescott, 928-445-7085.

Be Wise & Immunize!

by Leslie Horton, Director of Yavapai County Community Health Services

Back to School Already?

It is summertime, and almost everyone is focusing on what to do with their kids during summer break. Some may take fun vacations. Others may just stay home and relax. But if your children are 4 to 6, 11, and/ or 16 years old, they will need vaccines. If your children are on an alternative vaccine schedule, they may need vaccines at other ages as well.

Children who are 4 to 6 years of age and following the CDC recommended vaccine schedule will need a fifth dose of DTaP (diphtheria, tetanus and acellular pertussis), a fourth dose of polio, and second doses of MMR (measles, mumps and rubella) and varicella (chickenpox).

At 11 years of age, children are required to receive one dose of Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and acellular pertussis) and a first dose of meningococcal (meningitis). While not a state

requirement, it is also recommended for 11 year olds to receive their first dose of HPV (human papillomavirus) with a booster dose six months to one year later.

At age 16, it is recommended children receive a booster dose of meningococcal vaccine and the first dose of the meningococcal B vaccine with a booster one to six months later (the time frame depends on which brand of vaccine is given).

Why is it important to get immunized?

It is no lie that receiving immunizations hurts, and there are minimal side effects from the vaccines such as fever and a sore arm. But developing the actual diseases is much worse. Those of us who remember getting chickenpox, mumps or even measles, know how uncomfortable it was for sometimes weeks on end. In addition, we had to be quar-

Yavapai County Community Health Services can help you with getting your children immunized before school starts. YCCHS will host Walk-In Wednesday Clinics in June this year, as well as walkin clinics in each location for two weeks in July.

You can also make an appointment — we have three locations in Prescott, Prescott Valley and Cottonwood — call 928-771-3122. If you do not have insurance, there is no need to worry. We can offer immunizations to children for as little as $20 per child per visit.

antined and were not able to go anywhere. If we could have just received vaccines, we would have had a sore arm for a couple of days and not missed out on any fun events.

Before the polio vaccine, many people became paralyzed or even died. While polio has since become very rare in the United States, being vaccinated against this horrible disease is still very important to protect yourself and loved ones.

There is a concept called “Community Immunity,” or “Herd Immunity.” Basically, Community Immunity is where a high percentage of the population are vaccinated to protect the few who cannot be vaccinated against certain diseases. If enough people are vaccinated the diseases cannot travel as easily from one person to another, and fewer people will get the diseases. (https://www. vaccines.gov/basics/work/protection)

In Yavapai County, our Community Immunity is at risk. Vaccination rates of children in kindergarten and sixth grade are the lowest compared to all the other counties in Arizona. Fourteen percent of kindergarteners and 15.1% of sixth-graders have filed a personal belief exemption to vaccines. Those rates are the highest among all the counties in Arizona.

A Voice for Victims of Crime

by Sheila Polk, Yavapai County Attorney

In 1981, President Ronald Reagan proclaimed the first National Crime Victims’ Rights Week. Every year since, the United States has recognized one week in April as National Crime Victims’ Rights Week to bring awareness to issues that victims of crime face.

It was late evening. The middle-aged couple was watching TV in their Scottsdale home when two masked offenders wielding knives broke through a back door. As the husband valiantly fought with one, the second grabbed his wife and held the knife to her throat. The couple were then bound at the wrists and ankles with duct tape. The intruders demanded their jewelry, wallets, credit cards and pin numbers. Again, the husband attempted to resist until, again, a knife was held to his wife’s throat. Finally, the intruders stuffed the couple into a closet, mouths gagged, and fled the residence.

After several hours, the husband was able to loosen his bonds, then his wife’s, and call for help. Thanks to good police work and ATM photos of the criminals as they withdrew cash around the valley from the victims’ bank account, the two intruders were arrested.

The year was 1990. As a young prosecutor, I handled this home invasion/armed robbery of a Scottsdale home. My memory of the case has dimmed in the ensuing years, but one memory has not. The victims, terribly traumatized by the events, were relieved to hear the judge sentence the intruders to 15 years prison each. But then I explained to them Arizona’s sentencing laws.

You see, in 1990, defendants

were eligible for parole after serving only one half to two thirds of their court-imposed sentence.

The victims’ emotions turned to disbelief, anguish, anger and finally fear and bitterness for a system where a 15-year prison sentence did not really mean 15 years.

In 1990, Arizona passed our Crime Victims’ Bill of Rights and in 1993 passed Truth-in-Sentencing laws. Since then, our system ensures that a convicted criminal serves at least 85% of the sentence, removing uncertainty about the actual length of time served.

The myth persists that Arizona’s sentencing laws take all discretion away from judges. The “truth” is that Truth-in-Sentencing offers judges a range of prison terms that can be imposed for different types of crime based on the severity of the crime itself. As a rule, prison is mandated only for the bad stuff — child molestation, specific sexual offenses, crimes involving deadly weapons or serious physical injury, major drug traffickers and DUIs. All other crimes are probation eligible unless the offender has a history of felony convictions.

Did you know that 70% of criminal offenders each year are sentenced to probation, not prison? Since 1996, treatment — not incarceration — is mandated for an offender’s first two

drug use/possession offenses. As a result, 95% of inmates are violent or repeat offenders. Only 5% are firsttime nonviolent felons.1

The connection between drug use and crime is dramatic. Illicit drug users are far more likely to engage in other criminal behavior. While only 9% of Arizona’s prison population consists of inmates whose most serious offense is drug possession, 77% have significant drug histories. Drug dealers, including those pedaling the deadly synthetic fentanyl, make up 11.6% of the state’s prison population. Of those, nearly one quarter are criminal aliens trafficking drugs in our state.

In 1981, President Ronald Reagan proclaimed the first National Crime Victims’ Rights Week. Every year since, the United States has recognized one week in April as National Crime Victims’ Rights Week to bring awareness to issues that victims of crime face. Every crime, whether an assault, burglary, theft or stolen credit card, impacts the victim and our larger community. Promoting public policy initiatives that protect the rights of crime victims, including truth-in-sentencing laws, serves to create safe communities for all.

1 http://azsentencing.org/images/docs/ Prisoners-in-Arizona---A-2017-Update-onSelected-Topics-2017.pdf

Watters Garden Center to Host Rotary Grapes-4Grades Benefit June 30

Wine flows and spirits are lifted as the gardens come alive at Watters Garden Center for Prescott Frontier Rotary’s 14th benefit. On June 30, from 5 to 7 p.m., the garden center transforms into “A Garden Party,” with all proceeds going directly to Rotary causes and the Prescott Unified School District’s 21st Century Grant Summer Program. Grapes-4-Grades received an outpouring of support in 2018 raising more than $53,000, with high hopes to exceed that total this year. Top auction items are trips to Austria and Italy. See the Watters Garden Center Pinterest Board of

past Grapes-4-Grades events.

The event features a gorgeous night of wine and song, with the Steve Annibale Jazz trio, 12 different wines and artisan beers available for tasting. Delicious hors d’oeuvre catered by El Gato Azul, live auction, and cash drawing, all in the lush, vibrant setting of northern Arizona’s most beautiful garden center. Tickets are $50 and can be purchased at Watters Garden Center, Prescott True Value and Olsen’s Grain.

The 21st Century Grant Summer Program elevates kindergarten-through-fourth-grade students on academic classes in science, computer, gardening, even yoga, so students continue

to do their best. All students are eligible for this summer program starting at breakfast and ending the day with lunch. Last year, more than 200 students honed their academic skills!

Wines are poured with photo opportunities that overflow, all benefiting Rotary’s causes. Prescott Frontier Rotary is a weekly gathering of local business leaders that provides opportunities to serve others, benefit the community while promoting high ethical standards, fellowship and goodwill in Prescott, Arizona and globally.

Watters Garden Center is a locally owned garden center that believes small businesses enrich their community and can change the world. Watters specializes in providing the expertise and products that get things growing in the mountains of Arizona, keeping the garden safe, natural and organic.

All are invited to the 14th annual Grapes-4-Grades that supports education, strong business ethics, better communities, ending polio and leadership skills even in the smallest of companies.

Wine Tasting at Watters Garden Center

Bringing People Together in Support of Homeless Pets

by Kristen Kerns, Director of Donor Development & Marketing, Yavapai Humane Society

In an average year, Yavapai Humane Society (YHS) serves more than 3,000 homeless dogs, cats and horses. Through the generous support of donors, companies and volunteers, Yavapai Humane Society advocates for both animals and individuals through programs such as the low-cost spay and neuter clinic; lost and found; and dog, cat and horse adoptions.

There are a number of ways the community can support homeless pets at Yavapai Humane Society, and the organization works to make it easy for community members to help out.

Volunteering

Volunteers are needed on a daily basis to help walk dogs, cuddle with cats and care for horses. Both the Thrift Store and Spay & Neuter Clinic rely on volunteers to run the operations and are always in need of help. For volunteers who may not want to make a lengthy volunteer commitment there are one-time volunteer opportunities available at YHS’ fundraising and community events. For more information on volunteering visit yavapaihumane.org/volunteer.

Fundraising

& Community Events

Sponsored by Findlay Subaru,

Prescott Area Pet Emergency Hospital, Allegra Print & Mail, Hawk and Hound Catering, Signals AZ, Badger Roofing, Raskin’s Jewelers, Arizona Shine, Fun Oldies 97.9, Prescott LIVING Magazine, Florian, Country Bank, and Verve Events & Tents and Magic 99.1, the There’s No Place Like Home Gala hosted 150 friends of YHS to raise money for a number of programs. The fabulously formal event featured a wine pairing experience, exhilarating live auction and inspirational stories from both adopters and staff. It truly was a magical night. Thank

you to those who attended and/ or sponsored the event.

The Equine Center in Chino Valley is hosting a weekly farmers market on Sundays from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Like our Facebook page for more information: facebook.com/yavapaihumanesociety.

The 8th annual Walk for the Animals will take place in October. It is said that those who donate, volunteer and support charitable organizations live longer and happier lives. Share that happiness with a homeless pet today.

How to Not Hate the Dentist

by Dr Rob Strain, DDS AAACD

ELocally, Arizona

SonShine provides free medical and dental services to the underserved. Large clinics are set up for weekend service in Payson (March), Prescott Valley (June) and Mesa (August).

ven dentists can hate the dentist. Some of my most challenging patients have been fearful dentists. Fortunately, our profession has come a long way in the last 50 years. More powerful topical anesthetics, gentle injection techniques, sedation that has amnesic properties, dental lasers and faster, quieter drills have made a huge difference. More and more patients say, “I love my dentist!”

But there is a reason I love dentists. Most all of them give back. There are a number of local, national and international organizations that allow dentists and dental auxiliaries to get out of their own world and into the world of service to others.

Locally, Arizona SonShine provides free medical and dental services to the underserved. Large clinics are set up for weekend service in Payson (March), Prescott Valley (June) and Mesa (August). Lines are long for those seeking medical and dental care that consists primarily of immunizations, exams and emergency services. More information is at arizonasonshine.com.

Rebuilding America’s Warriors (RAW) is a nonprofit organization

whose goal is to help rebuild veterans who have been facially disfigured during their service. Plastic surgeons and dental specialists contribute their services. This includes dental treatment for disease created by a combination of dry desert conditions in Iraq and Afghanistan and use of aids such as chewing gum that combated the dry mouth. The combination of dry mouth and sugar is not a good one. More information is at rebuildingamericaswarriors.com.

locations as driving across the border has resulted in attempted confiscation of equipment and vehicles. Information is available at ayudaint.org.

Perhaps the largest international organization is Doctors Without Borders. This organization responds to humanitarian crises, but also provides care, including dental care, to underserved third world countries. More information is at doctorswithoutborders.org.

A new smile through the AACD Give Back a Smile program has improved this patient’s self image and her ability to work in more job situations.

Give Back a Smile is an organization run by the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry. Volunteer members treat those who have suffered through sexual assault or domestic violence and have dental disease, further contributing to additional feelings of insecurity. Information is available at aacd.com/applyforGBAS.

The American Dental Association’s Give Kids a Smile program and America’s Tooth Fairy are organizations that provide services, mostly in inner cities, to needy children:adafoundation.org/ en/give-kids-a-smile.

Ayuda International is one of a number of dental programs centered on encouraging dental health for the underserved. Services are provided primarily throughout Southern California, Mexico and Latin America. Currently, it is easier to provide services across the border to fly-in

Many other international organizations exist, often through individual local churches or national denominations.

To combat the limitations of oncea-year service to remote third world villages, Healthcare Mobilization is an organization devoted to training local talent to provide emergency services throughout the year. More information is at healthcaremobilization.org.

I am proud of my profession and what we do to change lives, both here and abroad. Many dentists quietly provide pro bono work in their own offices for selected needs. Knowing how dentists give back you might just want to tell your dentist, “Thanks for giving back AND thanks for treating me gently!”

Dr. Rob Strain is the author of “More Smile for Less $$$” and “Add Life to Your Smile.” He maintains a practice in Prescott and can be reached through his website at robstrain.com.

YC Promise is a financial aid program offering Yavapai County residents who complete their high school diploma or Graduate Equivalency Degree (GED) in 2019 an opportunity to earn a tuition-free degree at Yavapai College, if they complete the degree by July 29, 2021.

Visit www.yc.edu/promise for more information.

Prescott VA Thanks Vietnam War Era Veterans for their Service and Sacrifice

by Mary Dillinger, Public Affairs Officer, NAVAHCS

While the staff at the Northern Arizona VA Health Care System show appreciation and gratitude to Veterans every day, the 50th anniversary of the Vietnam War provides the perfect opportunity to welcome home Veterans.

At the recent Vietnam Veteran Day Event at the medical center, more than 250 Veterans were presented the 50th anniversary Commemoration lapel pin by the Medical Center Director, Barbara Oemcke and Chief of Staff A. Panneer Selvam. Following the event at the medical center, there was a “Moment of Silence” at the Prescott National Cemetery in memory of the service members who did not return home from

the Vietnam War. Many community partners, Veteran Service Organizations and Veterans attended both events to support our Vietnam Veterans in the quad-city area.

“It is important to thank our Vietnam-era Veterans and take the time to welcome them home,” says Oemcke. “The Northern Arizona VA serves more than 29,000 Veterans and more than 15,000 served during the Vietnam era. In addition, 35 percent of our workforce are Veterans.”

In 2012, President Barack Obama declared March 29 as Vietnam War Veterans Day. The 50th Anniversary Commemoration Lapel Pin was established to be presented to Vietnam-era Veterans until the year 2025 to commemorate the 13+ years of the Vietnam War.

The significance of the pin is to recognize, honor, and thank all Veterans who served from November 1, 1955 to May 15, 1975 regardless of where they served. The pin is symbolic, and each component has a meaning behind it. The eagle represents courage, honor and dedication; the blue circle signifies vigi-

lance, perseverance and justice; the wreath symbolizes victory, integrity and strength; and the stars represent the six countries who served during the Vietnam War: Australia, New Zealand, the Philippines, the Republic of Korea, Thailand and the United States.

The message, “A Grateful Nation Thanks and Honors You,” on the back, closest to the wearer’s heart, reminds each Veteran that this is a national initiative.

“It is unfortunate our Vietnam Veterans did not receive the welcome home they very much deserved, but we are attempting to show our appreciation for their service and sacrifice,”

Selvam says. “Our goal is that every Vietnam-era Veteran is presented a 50th anniversary Commemoration Pin.”

We are incredibly fortunate to be located in a community where Veterans are respected and honored. If you have not received your pin, or you know a group of Veterans who want to receive their pins at a meeting or a gathering, please contact Public Affairs Officer Mary Dillinger at 928-7177587 to arrange a presentation. Our goal is to ensure all Vietnam-Era Veterans receive their 50th anniversary Commemoration Pin. Family member pins, stickers and buttons are also available.

Katie Campuzano, MD

Rick Ohanesian, MD

Jeffrey Osburn, MD

AnnMarie Massimo, NP

Victoria Cahill, NP

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Special Section:

WHY GREATER PRESCOTT?

“It only takes one visit to fall in love with Prescott,” shares Realtor Chris Kuknyo of West USA Realty of Prescott.

“It usually starts Downtown at one of the many events on the historic Courthouse Plaza. Art shows, musical events or beer and wine festivals make for a great stroll around the shady plaza. If you rather get your blood pumping, participate in a mountain bike race or marathon through the forest. Some visitors are shocked when a stranger says, ‘Howdy’ but that is the way Prescott rolls. Traditions run deep here as we are home to The World’s Oldest Rodeo® where the cowboy way is celebrated every July.”

Kuknyo continues, “As Arizona’s official Christmas City, thousands flock to the Courthouse lighting to hear the reading of the Christmas story and carols sung before the switch is thrown that illuminates a hundred trees and the Courthouse itself. Quiet and personal time is also highly valued in the Mile High City and experienced along the many miles of developed trails and peaceful lakes.”

“The climate has been described as perfect,” Kuknyo says. “There are not many places in Arizona that get all four seasons without the extremes of Phoenix or Flagstaff. Locals are welcoming to newcomers, just as they were welcomed themselves on arrival. Once people ‘feel’ Prescott, it’s not surprising that they want to become a part of ‘Everyone’s Home Town.’”

Realtor Chris Kuknyo can be reached at 928-237-6230 or ChrisKPrescott@gmail.com

Average Home Sale Price in May 2019:

$411,895 April 2018: $382,578 (a 7.66% change)

Active Listings year-to-date:

1185 in 2019

1149 in 2018 Days on the Market: 75 in April 2019 78 in April 2018 99 in April 2017

CREDIT:

Climate

Open Space Outstanding Public and Charter School Options

Area is Positioned for Economic Growth Excellent Health Care Options

The Future of the Construction Industry Looks Bright

by Sandy Griffis, Executive Director, Yavapai County Contractors Association

Two years ago our column addressed the importance of the construction industry and the folks who grind and labor in it daily. Two years ago our column talked about the shortage of industry workers, and today we are still plagued with the same major issue of a labor shortage of epidemic proportions.

Construction is the second largest industry in the United States with

more than $1 trillion in total volume, accounting for approximately 8% of the nation’s GDP. It is the industry responsible for constructing the buildings and infrastructure so vital to quality of life.

The future of the construction industry looks bright, and the industry will continue to grow. However, this growth has been and is continuing to shine a beacon of light on the critical workforce challenges so many companies are attempting to tackle to survive.

The largest challenge the industry is facing is the retirement of the baby boomers. These are company owners in the industry with the expertise and good old-fashioned knowledge; this is the generational challenge. It is said by 2030, millennials will make up 75% of the world’s workforce.

In connecting with local millennials, we realize they have a different set of values and ethics than the baby boomers, which is great. Several of our local contractors have experienced this in the hiring process with the interaction of the old hardcore workers and the new generation coming on board. It is tough. Some of the older generation are not tech experienced, they still love their old flip phone and they think an apple is fruit for lunch. The new generation wants modern devices and to have, hold and connect with the latest technology on the job site.

How do we meld productivity, efficiency and quality of work with different generations? The veteran guys will admit they resist new technology, and the new generation will admit they want technologically advanced tools.

The construction industry faces a higher risk of labor shortage than many other occupational sectors, and this dwindling labor pool leads

to longer delays in project schedules prompting construction-cost increases due to materials and labor.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics sees a 13% growth rate in the construction sector through 2024, creating approximately 180,000 jobs in the process. If you add in a conservative replacement rate for retiring baby boomers, you get a final total of approximately 458,000 jobs coming online in the next decade that construction companies need to fill. Construction companies will need to start thinking outside the box to deal with the labor to strengthen its workforce. Construction companies will need to employ innovative solutions to overcome the shortage of skilled workers they’ll face in the future.

Activity in the industry is on an unwavering rapid incline and will continue to pick up. Our industry remains critical to the job market, especially for workers without college degrees.

The Labor Department expects a sustained rebound in construction hiring. A new report from the Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts the industry will add 1.6 million jobs through 2022, which is a relatively high growth rate among sectors but which still leaves total construction employment below housing-bubble-peak levels.

The construction industry offers terrific opportunities and well-paying jobs. And we have lots of jobs available in Yavapai County. There is and will be a continuing demand for construction industry workers, and there are excellent employment opportunities because the number of job openings will continue to exceed the number of qualified individuals seeking to enter the occupation. Where would we be without construction?

Should I Move or Remodel?

by Tom Reilly, Principal & CEO, Renovations

Always a tough question. There is, of course, the financial consideration that we will cover. However, and more importantly, there is the emotional consideration. This can be a powerful component of your decision-making process.

Let’s start with a few steps you can take to sort through all the ingredients needed for an outcome you can enjoy.

Sit and think (with your mate, significant other) of at least five things you like about your current residence. Then list five aspects of your current residence you do not like. Do you have aging-in-place concerns? Are mobility issues present or looming?

At this point it would be wise to at least have an initial consult with an architect or contracting professional with remodeling experience. They can help you examine possibilities in your home and even give you

some idea of project costs.

Don’t use this information to decide, though, you are only halfway there.

Now list five towns or neighborhoods you would like to live in and why. The “why” is important. Once you have done this, now it’s time to explore the current inventory of homes in those areas.

Pricing is important. You will need to know what your current home’s value is on the market and have a budget for what you can afford in a new or established home. For this portion of the work, and it is work, you should consult a real estate professional. A good Realtor will help you navigate these waters.

Collecting the information, you can now

sit down and evaluate the decision with empirical data as well as your emotional well-being. Not all decisions in these matters can, or should, be made based on financial information alone.

Generally, you will find that changing your existing living space may be less costly than moving.

But that is not the only issue. I sit down with many people and help them wade through the questions starting with, “We would like to do … What would that cost, is it feasible?”

Give me a call for a no-obligation consultation and let us help you navigate these waters.

Ranch at Prescott

Cindi LaSalle-Shanks

Memorial Trees Celebrate Those We Love

by Ken Lain, The Mountain Gardener, Watters Garden Center

It’s been over 78 years since I lost an uncle in Europe during World War II, but his memory is strong within our family. Stories live on about the last time the family saw him before he headed off to that fateful day and details of his bravery. Because of these memories, I hope to travel and see his gravesite someday.

At the Lain house we like to remind ourselves of those who have made differences in our lives. In addition to memorials for people, we especially love to plant a tree in memory of the animals in our lives, especially our dogs. You will know the canine memorial trees in our yard by the collars hanging from their branches.

Remembering family members is essential, and planting a memorial tree is the perfect token of remembrance. No matter which month commemorates that special someone, Watters is featuring the perfect trees for memorials. Each is the variety that looks its best in a specific remembrance month.

Here are the trees chosen for each month of the year. See all 12 on Watters Pinterest board, or visit us at the garden center.

January – Austrian Pine:

Remarkably tolerant of hot and cold mountain wind and a crucial component in shelterbelts and windbreaks. Adapts well to dry conditions of Arizona, both in semidesert and mountain foothill regions where soils are thin and poor. Makes a very graceful single specimen for front yards, parks or expansive estate-sized landscapes.

February – Aspen: A superior tree for cold Arizona regions. It’s most attractive in groves, but

will stand alone as a columnar tree in the suburban environment. The tall narrow form is ideal for filling gaps between tall buildings. An excellent foreground tree against the dark background of evergreen conifers.

March – Thunder Cloud

Purple Plum: Delivers a storm of color. In spring it bursts with a surge of pink blossoms, reminiscent of a cherry tree in full bloom. As the flowers fade, royal purple leaves emerge as a shade tree for the summer. The purple leaves remain in contrast against the jewel-box yellows and reds of other autumn leaves.

April – Crabapple: An outstanding flowering tree with an upright form that becomes rounded with age. Reddish new foliage matures to dark

green. Lovely deep pink flowers produce persistent, small, dark red-purple fruit. A colorful accent for smaller landscapes.

May – Purple Robe Locust: Grows just about anywhere you plant it. You can count on hundreds of purple wisteria flower to cover this tree every Mother’s

Day holiday, filling yards with a heavenly scent bound to bring back memories.

June – Golden Locust: Proven as hardy street and shade trees, fast-growing, heat and drought tolerant and well-suited for the demands of mountain landscapes. New spring growth is bright yellow maturing to green and then back to autumn golds.

July – Mountain Magnolia:

Lustrous, leathery foliage is rich, dark green above and cinnamon brown underneath. Large, 5- to 6-inch creamy white flowers are exotically fragrant. A hardier magnolia that transplants well and does not lose as many leaves as other varieties.

August – Birch: Far superior in heat and drought tolerance to

Aspen. Densely pyramidal form with glossy green leaves that fade to clear yellow in autumn. Planted as a large tree as focal point that shades its surroundings. Its natural white bark is ideal around water gardens and dry streams.

September – Gingko:

Leaves are an exciting fan shape that flutter in the slightest breeze that turn brilliant golden in fall. Gingko trees have been known to live 1,000+ years and have grown in gardens since the dinosaurs.

October – Blazing Red

Maple: Shows off in brilliant, long-lasting, red fall foliage. This upright form has the perfect branch habit and is super-fast growing. The fastest growing of the red maples.

November – Aristocrat

Pear: Bridal white flowers in spring are followed by disease-resistant glossy green leaves with a unique wavy edge. The last tree that turns red in autumn.

December – Fat Albert

Spruce: A superb evergreen conifer with rich blue needles on a

densely branched, naturally pyramidal form. A fantastic choice for use as a living Christmas tree.

Aqua Boost Crystals

- Consistent water is the secret to spectacular trees. If your plant is even a bit dry, they sacrifice foliage to keep the core of the plant healthy. Sprinkle two tablespoons of ‘Aqua Boost Crystals’ at the bottom of each planting hole. Add more crystals just below the soil’s surface to keep plants evenly moist and continually growing. These exceptionally absorbent crystals regulate the moisture to each tree, encouraging more substantial roots for longer lasting leaves and a better tree canopy. I never plant without a little Aqua Boost for each new plant in the garden.

Until next issue, I’ll be helping local gardeners choose just the right tree to remember their loved ones here at Watters Garden Center.

Ken Lain can be found throughout the week at Watters Garden Center, 1815 W. Iron Springs Road in Prescott or contacted through his website at WattersGardenCenter.com or FB.com/WattersGardenCenter.

Two Superior Lots in Crossroads Ranch with Gorgeous Views!

4 beautifully treed lots with acreage in the heart of Prescott. Close to Downtown, shopping, restaurants, etc. These lots offer gorgeous views, water available to each lot, and forest access! Horses allowed, so saddle up and ride right into the forest trails.

Parcel 1 - 3.12 Acres $150K

Parcel 2 - 2.73 Acres $150K

Parcel 3 - 2.84 Acres $150K

Parcel 4 - 8.7 Acres $250K Coming Soon!

Buy the land and build later, or we can also build to suit with local Custom Home Builder, Elk Ridge Development who currently has 3 custom homes under construction in the area. Give me a call today to discuss your options.

8 acres of absolutely stunning birds-eye views of the San Francisco Peaks, Mingus and Granite Mountain, and Valley for miles! This ideal parcel is located in highly desirable Williamson Valley Ranch among many high-end custom homes. Two perfect locations to build your dream home. Good 10GPM well on lower half ready for pump installation. Alternative septic recommended. Fire dept., Sheriff station, mini mart and gas just down the road. Very close to hiking, biking, & horseback riding trails plus nearby national forest and state land! A must see for this picture perfect lot!!

Beautiful custom home building lot nestled in the Juniper/Pinon trees and boulders of Whispering Canyon. 1.01 acre in a private cul-de-sac. Scenic views among peaceful neighborhood, privacy and serenity. Low HOA. Don’t miss out on this ideal parcel to build your dream home!

Special Section: Relocation

Wildfire Season is Upon Us

Wildfires Make Homeowner’s Insurance Harder to Come By

In Western states and other parts of the country that are prone to wildfires, homeowner’s insurance is getting harder to come by and insurance companies are requiring policyholders to tend to the space around their homes to reduce the chances of the house going up in flames. If the policyholder doesn’t comply, they risk having their coverage non-renewed or see their rates increase.

Some insurance companies have started pulling out of certain areas that are prone to wildfire, or they are only writing coverage for homes whose owners have made a “defensible space” around their homes. These spaces are designed to keep combustible landscaping and structures away from the house, and they stretch for more than 100 feet.

Shopping around for home insurance now requires planning and patience on the part of homeowners. Here’s why:

• Some insurers have pulled out of some areas. Others have cut back on the number of homes they will insure in a certain area or region in order to manage their exposure to future wildfire claims.

• Since 2014, more than 15,000 homeowners in medium or extreme firerisk areas in California have turned to the state’s lender of last resort, the California Fair Access to Insurance Requirements Plan, which was created to serve people unable to find coverage elsewhere.

• Prices are increasing. Because of the

increasing frequency of wildfires, homeowner’s insurers have been raising rates to account for the higher risk homes in the West face, as well as higher rebuilding costs.

• More selective underwriting. Instead of ceasing to issue new homeowner’s policies altogether, many insurers are only choosing to write policies for homeowners who have taken steps to reduce the chances of a fire.

Securing coverage

Insurance companies now use satellite data to assess fire risk at a given location. They use tools that weigh factors such as topography, vegetation, wind patterns and accessibility.

There’s been an increase in insurance companies doing inspections before they will renew a policy or insure a new home.

This is happening most often in neighborhoods known as “urban-wildland interface zones” and areas considered to be at risk for wildfires. The insurer will either send its own staff or contract with an outside inspector. After an inspection, the insurer will either decline to extend coverage, accept it with no additional stipulations or require that the homeowner make certain repairs or improvements if they want coverage. This depends on the insurance company.

Typical improvements

Here’s what you can do to make your home more insurable in a wildfire-prone area:

The structure

Roof - Roofs made of wood or shingles are at high risk in a wildfire. Reroof with composite shingles, metal or tile if you can. Eaves and downspouts should be protected with fire-resistant or non-combustible materials.

Windows - Replace single-pane glass windows with dual-pane glass, to reduce chances of breakage in a fire.

Vents - Vents on homes create openings for flying embers. Cover all vent openings with inch metal mesh. Do not use fiberglass or plastic mesh, as it can melt and burn.

Siding - Wooden boards, panels and shingles are combustible. Your home will be better protected by building materials such as stucco, fiber cement, wall siding, fire retardant, treated wood, or other approved materials.

Defensible area

One of the keys to the defensible space around your home is making sure that all plants are well watered and not dying and dry. Use the following three-ring approach to minimize fire risk:

Very near home: In the first 5 feet surrounding any structure, avoid anything flammable - this includes plantings, but also mulch, woodpiles, and furniture, decorative items, and stored items. There should be no trees in this area.

6-30 feet from home: Use low ground cover such as mown grass, flowers, vegetables and mulch. Plants should be watered as

needed and routinely maintained to remove dead/dry material. Remove all dead plants, grass and weeds. Remove dead or dry leaves and pine needles from your

yard, as well as from roof and rain gutters. Trim trees to at least 10 feet away from the house.

31-100+ feet from home: Shrubs and trees should be well spaced and pruned to eliminate fuel ladders, where fire can climb from a ground fire to an ember-producing crown fire. Cut or mow annual grass down to a maximum height of 4 inches. Create vertical spacing between grass, shrubs and trees.

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THE PRESCOTT PIONEER

PRESCOTT • PRESCOTT VALLEY • CHINO VALLEY • DEWEY-HUMBOLDT

Chalk It Up! Prescott Attracts Thousands

An estimated 5,000 people viewed original chalk artwork during the 11th annual Chalk It Up! Prescott two-day event April 13-14.

Viewers and guest artists enjoyed dozens of imaginative images during pleasant and sunny spring weather as they strolled the National Bank Parking lot at 201 W. Montezuma St.

What’s more, the event generated significant fiscal support for a worthy community health organization.

The nonprofit West Yavapai Guidance Clinic Foundation received an estimated $15,000 from the annual fundraiser, said Diana Dalsass, a member of the Chalk it Up! planning committee.

Guest artists came not only from the greater community but also throughout Arizona and other states. One skilled artist — Ruben Arriaga — came from Monterrey, Mexico.

MEADERY...cont. from page 31

the northwest corner of 11th and Washington streets. They hope to open in early 2020.

Sales don’t stop at the Arizona border. They ship to 37 other states and Washington, D.C. Their beverages also are available at several retailers in Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Belgium and in Asia at Hong Kong, Taiwan, Singapore and Thailand. Most recently, they have been in discussions with a firm in Sweden to expand international distribution.

According to Herbert, the flavors are unlimited. He said he and his wife are constantly involved in the creation process. The production facility has more than 200 unique meads and hard ciders, ranging in flavor from dry

Others came from Richland Center, Wisconsin; Los Angeles and Pomona, California; and Morrison, Colorado. In Arizona, some came from Queen Creek, Tempe, Phoenix and other communities.

Those who chose to create chalk artwork were given a 12-piece box of chalk and directed to a taped-off square on the parking lot pavement. Artists ranged from toddlers to seniors. Dalsass said the first day attracted more than 99 families wanting to create chalk art.

Craig and Jamie Rogers, art teachers from middle and high schools in Richland Center said when they heard about the event, they were attracted by the romance of warm Arizona weather to escape from the wintery cold of their hometown.

Admission is always free at Chalk It Up! Prescott. While the chalk artists were drawing

to sweet and even sparkling.

As founding members of the American Mead Makers Association, Jeff also serves as a board member.

The Herberts are enthusiastic about the future. They were particularly gratified when six Superstition Meadery products were included in a recent list of the 15 best meads in the world.

More information is available online at superstitionmeadery. com or at 928 458-4256.

creative and colorful images, musicians, dancers and other entertainers performed.

All donations collected support West Yavapai Guidance Clinic Foundation programs to provide help for vulnerable members of the greater com-

What Is Mead?

munity. For instance, some funds are used to pay for paramedics to always be on staff at the Crisis Stabilization Unit, Dalsass said.

Those interested can view the works of art at prescottchalkart.com.

The Herberts describe mead as an alcoholic beverage that results from fermenting honey with water and yeast. They then blend in flavors from spices, fruits, grains or hops. Historically, mead is one of the oldest alcoholic beverages and has been around an estimated 7,000 years.

The majority of the beverage’s fermentable sugar comes from honey. The Herberts get pure Arizona honey from Crockett’s Honey in Tempe and other sources. They create their dozens of distinctive flavors by identifying and buying the best international ingredients they can find, such as saffron from Morocco or vanilla beans from Tahiti.

The mead is produced in a facility the Herberts designed and built in 2016 and now are expanding. Twenty-five full time employees work 24/7 supervising the complex fermenting, bottling and distribution process.

The mead and hard ciders ferment in 1,000 gallon stainless steel tanks. The liquid then ages in hundreds of charred oak barrels stacked on racks in a carefully monitored, climate-controlled building. Following the bottling process in the same building on the northeast edge of Prescott Regional Airpark, the beverages are packaged and distributed.

•

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vaulted ceilings and a serene and beautiful setting. Minutes from town, nestled in the trees and an ideal location. www.tourfactory.com/2563985

The Cotton Candy Men of Prescott

by Doug George, Lion, Prescott Noon Lions Club

Since 1971, there has been a cotton candy booth at the corner of Gurley and Cortez on the plaza for Frontier Days-July 4th celebrations. This booth is manned by Lions from the Prescott Noon Lions Club and

more recently has also received assistance from the Prescott Noon Lioness Club. We are the Noon Lions Club because there are three Lions clubs and one Lioness club in Prescott.

Anybody who has walked by this bustling booth during Frontier Days may have caught a glimpse of Lions covered in pink fuzz making cotton candy. Throughout the day, new Lions will show up to take their turn in creating these fluffy Pink Puffs On A Cone. Their techniques may vary, but the results are a joy for young and old alike. It has become a tradition with many families returning every year to get this treat.

Why do the Prescott Noon

Lions do this? Although it is a fundraiser, it doesn’t raise a substantial amount of money. Certainly we could raise our prices, but fundraising isn’t the only objective. We see this as an outreach to the community. It is a place to purchase moderately priced drinks and cotton candy and interact with club members. We are a service club and this is one of many services that we provide to the community. As Lions, our motto is “We Serve.” Whether it is the cotton candy booth, pancake breakfast,

newspaper recycling trailers, The Eye Care Van, $37,250 donated to local community groups last year, or one of the many other projects we sponsor, we are the Prescott Noon Lions, and we are here to serve the community we love.

So when Frontier Days once again invades Courthouse Plaza, come by to say hello, buy something to drink and learn a little about the Noon Lions. And if you must take a trip down memory lane, go ahead and have a cotton candy!

Photo by Doralee Ables

Locally-Grown, Grass Fed Criollo Beef

USDA Process verified Grass Fed, No Hormones, No antibiotics, No animal byproducts.

Ever, for the life of the animal

Individual cuts for sale • Whole or half sides available!

Locally-Grown, Grass Fed Criollo Beef

Available at the PRESCOTT FARMERS MARKET

Criollo Beef

USDA Process verified Grass Fed, No Hormones, No antibiotics, No animal byproducts. Ever, for the life of the animal Individual cuts for sale • Whole or half sides available!

“ I must tell you that this was absolutely, hands down, THE best steak and hamburger that I’ve ever had!” – JC Bell, Scottsdale

Prescott

Available at the Prescott Farmers Market, Saturdays, 10am-1pm @ YMCA.

Yavapai College - Parking Lot “D” Saturdays 7:30am-12pm

Olsen’s Grain in Chino Valley Thursdays 3-6pm

Available 2 ways: 100% Grass Fed Grass + Brewer's Mash Fed

“ I must tell you that this was absolutely, hands down, THE best steak and hamburger that I’ve ever had!” – JC Bell, Scottsdale

Prescott Valley, Tuesdays, 2-5pm at Harkins Th

Prescott Valley, 3-6pm eater.

Available at the Prescott Farmers Market, Saturdays, 10am-1pm @ YMCA.

The BREED Makes the DIFFERENCE!

Prescott Valley, Tuesdays, 2-5pm at Harkins Th

Prescott Valley, 3-6pm eater.

Criollo Beef outscores Kobe & Angus in Tenderness in an Igenity Benchmark Comparison!

The difference is the BREED behind the BRAND!

Adventure Awaits With Your Pet

by Lauren Lovan, Grant & Communications Specialist, Yavapai Humane Society

Palm trees, beaches and mountain adventures are calling, but sometimes the struggle comes in finding a hotel both pet friendly and awesome. Here is a list of the top three vacay stays awaiting your arrival.

Canyon Plaza Resort

Grand Canyon Village South

The first on our list is the Canyon Plaza Resort. This resort allows you to bring up to two big dogs and gives you a ground-level room to make it easy for your pet to maneuver. It’s about a 10-minute drive to the Grand Canyon National Park entrance, which has many exciting ele-

ments to explore with your dog. Not to mention many restaurants and spas for mom and dad, too.

Dog-friendly restaurant in the Grand Canyon: Big E Steakhouse & Saloon

Outdoorsy RV Rental San Diego

Feel like being a little adventurous with your pup this summer? Then try out Outdoorsy. Outdoorsy is similar to Airbnb, but for RVs, which allows you to experience van life for yourself while getting closer to nature. Enrich your life and discover a new way of looking at nature with your animal partner. Unlimited number of pets allowed, so go ahead and bring your three amigos. Sea

World, the Museum of Natural History and the San Diego Zoo are just a few of the neat things to be found.

Dog-friendly restaurants in San Diego: Isa Bella Restaurant, Lazy Dog Restaurant & Bar, The Crab Shack and many more.

The Queen Mary Looking for out-of-the-ordinary? The Queen Mary Hotel located in Long Beach, California is where it’s at. It’s an experience straight out of the 1930s. The decor and activities this hotel offers is sure to create a lasting memory. Small dogs are allowed, and staying right at the bay provides quick and easy beach

access, parasailing, bike riding and aquariums nearby.

Dog-friendly restaurants in Long Beach: The Breakfast Bar, Long Beach Fish Grill, Dave’s Cosmic Subs and many more.

Tips for Traveling With Your Pet:

Keep plenty of water handy, and make sure to stop every two to three hours to let your dog go to the bathroom and stretch.

Bring some toys from home they love playing with to keep them in a routine and ease any anxieties they may have about being in a new place.

Happy travels from Yavapai Humane Society!

The Rewards of Tourism & Travel

by Tori Ward, Cruise and Resort Specialist, ROX Travel

When friends visit our home and see the diverse collection of objects acquired and photos assembled from various trips they often remark, “You guys really must enjoy traveling.”

I love the tourism part of travel, but the travel component I only enjoy if it’s relaxing or exciting.

Growing up with an older brother and younger sister I sat on the hump in the backseat, and of course, I was the one asking, “Are we there yet?” When my aunt took me on a train to Baltimore when I was 4 years old, I quickly learned that travel doesn’t have to be boring when the trip to the destination is exciting.

As a travel planner, I curate many types of trips that blend the ingredient of travel and element of tourism to create a recipe for a meaningful experience. Sometimes this is a quick flight to visit the grandchildren. However, it can also

Traveling • Dining • Entertainment

Madrid, Spain

involve a lot of moving parts that require extensive research and presentation of multiple options that satisfy both the client’s desires as well as a budget.

In October I received a call from Carol who wanted to know if I had some brochures or books she could consult to help her focus on a trip to Germany, Austria and Italy. We met at the office, and she trusted me to coordinate her trip requiring 12 hotels, dozens of pre-selected activities and multiple transportation options including planes, trains and automobiles. What a labor of love this trip has been.

I have been to many of the places on her itinerary, and it felt as if I were there on the Romantic Road again, wandering through charming German burgs and majestic ancient castles.

In Salzburg, I’m strolling through the verdant hedge tunnel in Mirabell Gardens with the Hohensalzburg Fortress appearing and disappearing in the misty morning clouds. I’m sampling

gelato in Cinque Terre and praying I don’t perish while walking between Monterosso and Vernazza because I failed to bring sufficient water. I’m laughing at the absurdity of driving around and around the roundabout in Poggibonsi until finding the right exit for San Gimignano.

When my clients return from a trip, I love hearing about their most meaningful memories. Our friends Liz and Greg just got back from a vacation we planned that included Ireland. I smiled as they told of driving around the Ring of Kerry in swirling snow until they tucked into a neighborhood pub in an obscure town to wait it out.

As soon as they entered, the room went silent and they stood in the doorway looking at strapping Irish men lining the bar, all dressed in hunting coats and boots, raising a pint. A riding club had assembled and was also waiting for the storm to pass. They were delighted to pose for pictures by their

horses an hour later.

I love getting calls from returning travelers who appreciate the little touches such as YouTube videos embedded in their travel documents containing walking directions to a hotel through the wet and winding canal bordered streets in Venice. Or, how to tell the difference between when to leave a tip or walk away without feeling guilty when looking at the check in Florence.

Last year I helped a family plan a trip to the Basque region to repatriate their father’s ashes to his native soil. Meaningful events such as this are memories their children will cherish when they are grown. It makes the packing and waiting in TSA lines, sitting in traffic and trying to sleep on a plane to get there worthwhile for the rewards that await at the destination.

Do you have a dream trip, but feel overwhelmed at the task of pulling it together? Give me a call and let me help you plan a memory.

I love the tourism part of travel, but the travel component I only enjoy if it’s relaxing or exciting.

DANCERS ENCHANT IN UNFORGETTABLE NIGHT FOR OUR LOCAL BOYS & GIRLS CLUBS

by Clarissa Robertson, Content Manager, Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Arizona

The third annual Dancing for the Stars took place April 13, 2019, at the historic Elks Theater in Prescott. This year’s event will be remembered by the creativity and energy of the dancers’ performances and the incredibly entertaining show they pulled off.

The dancers worked hard training and performing, while also raising funds to support the Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Arizona. Their incredible work set a new record and brought in over a third of the annual budget to operate the three local Clubs that serve more than 600 kids a year in the Quad-Cities area.

Presented by the Jewish Community Foundation, Lamb Chevrolet, El Gato Azul, Good Samaritan Society Hospice and James Deep Well Ranch, the event included

matinee and evening shows. Tickets for the evening show also included the Red Carpet Reception featuring amazing food from El Gato Azul and professional photos by Blushing Cactus Photography.

The full day of fun concluded with the after-party at the historic Hassayampa Inn. The evening show was pre-booked before the tickets went on sale, demonstrating the amazing support of our community toward this event.

Leza Lachapelle Dandos entertained the audience hosting the show that paired 10 local celebrities with professional dancers to perform a wide variety of dances. The shows also featured local Club kids in a special performance choreographed by Lexe Niekamp. Celebrity judges Cheryl Rolland, Mayor Pro Tem Billie Orr and Greg Raskin added a dose of fun

and entertainment to this incredible night.

Megan Holdsworth, who performed with professional dancer Ron Howard, received the Judge’s Choice Award for best performance.

Laura Markey, partnered with professional dancer Colten Davault, received the People’s Choice Award with the most votes. Laura also took home the mirror ball for Best Friendraiser, which awards the dancer that raised the highest amount in combined donations. This year’s top four fundraisers were: Laura Markey with $71,024.67; Ken Mabarak with $68,706.66; Veronica Phillips with $64,420.00; and Judd Simmons with $60,051.66.

A special recognition goes to the members of the Multimedia Program, a collaboration between Boys & Girls Clubs and Prescott High School. This program offers opportunities for teens to go beyond classroom walls to implement a variety of media skills. Several of them worked the cameras with friends from Prescott Media Center to not only produce the live show, but to livestream the show around the world.

To date, there have been over 4,200 views on the livestream link, which is still available for viewing at www.dancingforthestars.net.

“It is truly humbling to witness the incredible generosity of our community. We would like to especially recognize the amazing dancers who have worked so hard over the last few months in preparation for this event, all while raising funds for our local Clubs,” says Nicole Kennedy, Interim Executive Director of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Arizona. “Thank you to our community and all who came together to make this a successful night for our children – our future.”

Partnerships Vital to Success of Recreation Management

by Kelly Tolbert, Recreation Services Coordinator, Prescott Parks and Recreation

It has been said many, many times and likely will continue to be reality that community partnerships are the lifeblood of the City. This is especially true for the Recreation Services Department and the scope of daily operations. The Department maintains approximately 3,220 acres of properties such as designated lakes, parks (including multiuse ball fields), trails, open space and golf courses.

One of the most recent products stemming from an incredibly valuable partnership between a local nonprofit, Ecosa Institute (an ecological design school), and the City of Prescott is the purchase of a trail easement stretching through the heart of the Granite Dells. Part of the reason this collaboration is so unique is the nature of Ecosa’s mission, which is “to restore health to the natural environment, and thus the human environment, through education in design.” While the City showcases over 100 miles of multiuse trails, the purpose of Ecosa’s Living Legacy Project fulfills a different niche. The intent for the 47-acre parcel is to protect and conserve nature for the use of educational and research purposes.

This will be accomplished, in part, through the presence of interpretive signage intended to educate the public on sustainable urban design concepts largely unknown to the general public. Ecosa is working with a local fabricator, Cerberus Ironworks, on design

and implementation of sustainable, naturally aesthetic signs, with private funding through grants received from Freeport-McMoRan, Inc., the Greater Prescott Outdoors Fund, and proceeds from an event hosted by local eatery, BiGa by Senses. The signs will be constructed from steel made in the U.S..

Observably, the trail itself will be an asset to visitors and residents of the community, but there are many unspoken assets resulting from the Ecosa/City of Prescott partnership. Any collaboration should be mutually beneficial to each party, and this one is no exception. Throughout the past decade and a half, Ecosa has provided the City with a valuable resource while educating City planners and officials in sustainable urban design. In return, the students from Ecosa are exposed to municipal processes such as planning and zoning.

Access to the Living Legacy Experiential Trail will be available from the existing Basin Trail, which is part of the Willow Dells Slickrock Loops, with parking at the Willow Lake boat ramp. Traversing a relatively short mile, this out-and-back features unique granite formations, at one point crosses Willow Creek, and is quite technical in nature requiring caution for adventurous mountain bicyclists and hikers.

As with many trails in the City, users are asked to remain respectful of surrounding private property owners and remain on the designated trail surface. Trail alignment has

been planned with construction scheduled to be completed by the end of the calendar year. The Over the Hill Gang will be assisting with both construction and likely interpretive sign installation. For more information on this or any other City trails visit www. prescotttrails.com.

The City of Prescott also offers parking passes to Watson, Willow, Goldwater lakes and the Peavine National Recreation Trailhead at Sundog Ranch Road for a discounted rate. For more information or to purchase a parking pass online visit www.prescott-az.gov.

JULY 1-7

Continuous shuttle service will be offered between Frontier Village and the Prescott Rodeo Grounds. It is encouraged to have tickets already before taking the shuttle as sell out performances occur. Shuttles will run two hours prior to EACH performance and run two hours after the performances are over.

SHUTTLE SCHEDULE:

Evening performances: Shuttles begin at 5:30 p.m. and run until 12:30 a.m.  Day performances: 11:30 a.m. through 4:30 p.m.

DON’T FORGET TO REDEEM YOUR PLAY COUPON ON THE BACK OF YOUR RODEO TICKET!

WHERE:

Pick up will be at Frontier Village across from Einstein Bagels behind the large sign on Highway 69 two hours prior to each performance. Drop off will be at the Prescott Rodeo Grounds ticket office.

(Location for pick up is the first left into parking lot just past Einstein Bagels)

AFTER THE RODEO:

Pick up will be at the Prescott Rodeo Grounds ticket office to return you back to the Frontier Village parking lot.

EXPERIENCE

When you want a real mountain town experience, coupled with a healthy dose of history, outdoor activities to stretch those muscles, community festivals and unique dining options, Prescott is the one destination that offers it all. Western culture and charm make the downtown district and Courthouse Square a big draw for visitors. The area’s natural beauty can be taken in from the miles of trails, many lakes and mountaintops. Everyone’s Hometown and Arizona’s Christmas City welcomes you to stop by, stay a spell and get to know our family.

Visit Greater Prescott to Enjoy:

• 550 miles of trails

• 5 area lakes

• Star-filled skies

• 126-acre Watson Lake Riparian Preserve

• Walkable downtown with tree-lined square

• Historical and art museums

• World’s Oldest Rodeo®

• Arizona’s Christmas City

PRESCOTT

“Stunning natural beauty. Authentic western hospitality. Unbeatable quality of life. There are countless reasons we are proud to call Prescott home.”

– PRESCOTT MAYOR GREG MENGARELLI

Prescott Honored as Top True Western Town

TRUE WEST MAGAZINE, DECEMBER 2018

“Prescott offers an outstanding quality of life, scenic beauty, mild fourseason climate, a Western heritage and a strong tourism economy.”

– GOV. DOUG DUCEY

Prescott is one of America’s 30 Best Small Towns for Christmas Country Living

TIME MAGAZINE, NOVEMBER 2018

Summer in Prescott

by Staff Reports

There’s no better place than Prescott for summer fun and activities! With everything from hiking, biking and listening to music on the Courthouse Plaza — you’ll love being in town this time of year.

Places to Go,

Things to Do

Visitors may be surprised to learn that Prescott has four museums, and they all have something to do with Prescott’s heritage:

There’s Sharlot Hall Museum, which is both an historic site and a heritage campus with 11 exhibit buildings, more than 40,000 artifacts and thousands of documents, photos, images and maps depicting the frontier heritage during territorial times. It’s an easy three-block walk from the downtown Courthouse Plaza.

415 E. Gurley St., Prescott

The Smoki Museum is an American Indian art and culture center in Prescott and has been active since 1935. It features artifacts from across the Southwest, from prehistoric to contemporary.

147 N. Arizona Ave., Prescott

The Phippen Museum celebrates the art and heritage of the American West offering a centralized venue to fully support Western art. It first opened its doors in 1984 and has grown and expanded, featuring quarterly rotating exhibits. It is the only art museum in Prescott.

4701 Highway 89 North, Prescott

Lesser known is the Fort Whipple Museum, perfect for military and veteran history buffs. Located on the historic grounds of the Veteran’s Administration Health Care System in Prescott and housed in the vintage 1909 military officer’s quarters, this museum serves as a reminder of the wild, wild West. 500 AZ-89, Prescott

The newest kid on the block is the Western Heritage Center on Whiskey Row in downtown Prescott. It will be fully open soon with a stated goal of preserving and promoting the western way of life, acting as a “showcase” of participating museums, historical societies and other organizations from across Yavapai County. 156 C S. Montezuma St., Prescott

Also, you won’t want to miss the Granite Mountain Interagency Hotshot Crew (GMIHC) Learning and Tribute Center located inside Gateway Mall (inside, toward Dillard’s). This center was built to commemorate the 19 brave firefighters who lost their lives in the Yarnell Fire in 2013. But, it’s more than that, it’s also a learning center to help visitors understand the roles and duties of wildland firefighting and prevention. Open Friday-Sunday. 3250 Gateway Blvd., Prescott

The Highlands Center for Natural History is south of Prescott near Costco. This Prescott nature center located in the pine forest near Lynx Lake considers itself a “… hub for lifelong learning, designed to invite discovery of the wonders of nature.” It offers kid and family programs, adult classes and programs, with a wide variety of festivals and events.

1375 S. Walker Road, Prescott

Four local lakes, Willow Lake, Watson Lake, Lynx Lake and the lovely Goldwater Lake nestled in the pines just south of Prescott offer fishing, canoeing and plenty of trails to enjoy. If you head out on a hike, be sure to take water with you because it’s still easy to become dehydrated.

June & July Major Events

Every Saturday @ Yavapai College — Farmer’s Market, 7:30 a.m. to noon.

9th annual Party in the Pines — June 1, 5-10 p.m. Charity beerfest is designed for those 21+ and takes place at the Prescott Mile High Middle School football field. The proceeds benefit PUSD Education Foundation.

10th annual Prescott Film Festival — June 7-15 at Yavapai College. Short films, long films, westerns, romances and documentaries. All this and more for an entire week of independent films, complete with filmmakers, after-parties and much more!

Prescott Territorial Days — June 8-9 at the Prescott Yavapai County Courthouse Plaza. There will be food booths, exhibitors, arts and crafts and more to enjoy for the entire weekend. Alongside the Territorial Days on June 8, the Lions Club Pancake Breakfast takes place.

6th annual Shakespeare in the Pine — June 14, 15, 21, 22 Laark Productions and the Highlands Center bring outdoor performances of “The Winter’s Tale,” a fairy tale filled with love and loss. The $60 tickets include a catered reception. Proceeds support the center’s nature-based programs for children.

The Mile High Balloon Fest — June 15. Billed as Yavapai County’s Largest Hot Air Balloon Festival, come see and experience hot air balloons up close and enjoy samples from distillers, wineries and breweries. Hot air balloon rides and a night balloon glow festival will take place, weather permitting.

Prescott 38th annual Bluegrass Festival — June 22-23. Free admission to this lively downtown event at the Yavapai Courthouse Plaza. Live performances on Saturday from 11 a.m.-9 p.m., and Sunday from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Bring your blankets, lawn chairs and a picnic lunch, and be prepared for a grand ol’ time!

Prescott Frontier Days World’s Oldest Rodeo — July 1-7. Check out the WorldsOldestRodeo. com for a schedule and times.

Fireworks Celebration, July 4th — to be held at Watson Lake for the first time!

The Kiwanis Kiddie Parade starting at 9 a.m. sharp on July 5 — Takes place on Cortez Street in front of City Hall.

Prescott 132nd annual Frontier Days Parade — July 6 from 9 a.m. to noon in downtown Prescott. This is Arizona’s second largest parade; only the Fiesta Bowl Parade is larger.

22nd annual Prescott Indian Art Market — July 13, 14 @ Sharlot Hall Museum.

13th annual Shootout on Whiskey Row — July 27 on Montezuma Street, presented by the Prescott Regulators and Their Shady Ladies.

Arizona Downs Brings Horse Racing Back to Yavapai County

The fun continues at Arizona Downs every weekend through Labor Day.

Arizona Downs is kicking off its inaugural summer racing season with 35 days of Thoroughbred and Quarter Horse racing. The racetrack is a mile long and eight races are held each day. There is something for everyone - besides the expected concession stands and restaurant, look for food trucks and a Family Fun Zone. “MIni Dog Races” from Fido 500 take place in the Family Fun Zone.

“Families are searching for new experiences they can share together without draining their wallets,” said Arizona Downs’ general manager, Ann McGovern. “We’ve planned our entire

summer season with families in mind, and we’re keeping it very affordable. We want parents and children alike who haven’t experienced horse racing to fall in love with the sport.”

The fun continues at Arizona Downs every weekend through Labor Day. In addition to the Family Fun Zone, the racetrack will keep families entertained all summer long with themed celebrations for Fathers Day, Kids Day, July 4, Labor Day, and Back-to-School Day, among others.

Admission gates open at 10 a.m. and post time for the first race is 1 p.m. General admission is $2. Kids 10 and under are free. Tickets are avail-

able for purchase at www.ArizonaDowns.com.

The racetrack, originally known as Yavapai Downs, was renamed Arizona Downs after being purchased in January 2018. The new name has a special history. The original Arizona Downs was owned by Jim and Flo Herbuyeaux who held successful horse racing meets from the 1950s to the mid 1980s. The racing seasons took place in the heart of Phoenix at Ingleside Turf Club. Eventually, Arizona Downs moved to Turf Paradise, where it continued until 1985.

After J&J Equine Enterprises LLC purchased the Yavapai County racetrack, they reached out through Kentucky Downs’ owner, Corey Johnsen, to Jim and Flo for permission to use the name. Johnsen had worked for Jim and Flo in the 1970’s when he was fresh out of college. They all kept in touch with one another over the years. Jim and Flo were delighted to agree, both to the name change and to attending the Grand Opening over Memorial Day weekend.

“It’s great to know that our namesake, and the rich history it represents, is in such good hands,” said Jim Herbuyeaux.

Special Section: Travel & Tourism

Food Trucks Helping Local Nonprofits at Residence Inn by Marriott

by Margo Christensen, Ponderosa Hotel Management, Vice President, Marketing & Public Relations

Food trucks seem to be popping up everywhere these days; downtown, empty lots, hardware stores and even hotels. A couple years ago when Marriott International implemented a brand standard that every Residence Inn nationwide must have a food truck to serve guests once a week, the Prescott Residence Inn team shuddered and pushed back – pretty hard. There were very few local choices of food trucks, but that’s not the case any longer.

The first food truck of 2019 at Residence Inn was on Wednesday, Feb. 19 with This Dude’s Food. Since then, owners Melissa

and Zach Hayden have been whipping up delicious street food for hotel guests and the general public, including street tacos, steak sandwiches and a variety of burgers – the Green Chili Burger is the crowd favorite so far. Prices range from $2-$12 depending on what you order.

In March, Residence Inn General Manager Holli Stack decided to partner with local nonprofits in the area and donate $1 from each food order to a designated organization or event. The two designated organizations for March were the Arizona Wildfire Academy and the Boys and Girls Club of Central Arizona. Over

$400 was raised between the two agencies with the help of local residents who came to enjoy delicious food in the beautiful courtyard patio of Residence Inn.

A rotation of various food trucks will begin in the summer months, and additional nonprofit organizations are being contacted to receive a portion of the food proceeds.

The food truck is scheduled every other Wednesday from 5-7 p.m. (for hotel guests and open to the public). Occasionally the hours are extended to 11 a.m.-7 p.m. to accommodate large hotel groups. A cash bar is also available for $5 per glass of beer or

wine, and soft drinks and water are available for purchase.

“It’s so interesting that Marriott International has embraced the food truck concept because they are so incredibly popular everywhere I go,” Stack, the general manager, says. “It’s exciting that our brand allows us to bring the hottest flavors in Prescott right to our front door and create such a great experience for our guests. I’m honored that our community has joined us in supporting local nonprofits with such enthusiasm!”

Check the Residence Inn Facebook page for schedules and updates at www. facebook.com/residenceinnprescott.

Deep Well Sports Park Creating a Premier Multi-Sport Complex in Prescott

Deep Well Sports Park will be the only multi-sport complex of its kind in Northern Arizona.

Imagine an indoor and outdoor sports complex featuring a variety of amenities and attractions. A complex that will include not only high-performance athletic courts but also dining, fitness center, and more. Welcome to Deep Well Sports Park.

Deep Well Sports Park (DWSP) was formed for the purpose of creating a premier multi-sport complex situated on approximately 12.5 acres of the Deep Well Ranch property located in Prescott, Arizona.

DWSP will provide its user with qualified, knowledgeable staff to make sure all their sports, fitness and entertainment needs are met. Included are

8 indoor Pickleball courts, 12 outdoor Pickleball courts, weight and fitness rooms, state of the art yoga and hot yoga, six massage rooms and full-service shower, sauna and locker rooms.

The restaurant and bar will be unmatched in quality and ambiance and will boast seating for 200 with its magnificent patio seating. Additionally, there will be a pro shop with DWSP’s own privately labeled merchandise, and a drive thru coffee bistro.

Outdoors will be equally inviting in a park like setting with waterfalls and fire-pits. This many courts will allow DWSP to handle the largest of tournaments. There will be plenty of other outdoor activities such as ping pong, shuffleboard, bocce ball and others.

DWSP will have a discovery center and day care for children while their parents are dining or playing. Adjoining all this will be DWSP’s own state of the art 50 space RV Resort. Along

with these amenities, Deep Well Sports Park LLC will provide its users with qualified and knowledgeable staff to make sure all their sport and fitness and entertainment needs are met. DWSP will be the only multi-sport complex of its kind in Northern Arizona. Some aspects of the facility will cater mainly to the Tri-City residents. Other aspects however, will appeal to Pickleball enthusiasts and potentially attract pro-tournaments annually. Because of the diversity in the activities and programs available at Deep Well Sports Park LLC, its market segments vary from dedicat-

ed Pickleball professionals to people who just want the health benefits the sport provides. Others simply for an exquisite dining experience.

For more information on Deep Well Sports Park, please call us at 928.225.2124 Investment opportunities available. Please see website for details.

A Highlands Center Summer

Summer at the Highlands Center brings the arts into the natural world with our 6th annual Shakespeare in the Pines fundraiser. And, the James Family Discovery Gardens, the only accessible, native botanical garden of its kind in the Prescott area, provides the perfect day outing or site for a special event. Who could ask for more? We’ll see you on the trails.

Shakespeare in the Pines

The picturesque, natural setting of Ponderosa pines is the perfect site for “The Winter’s Tale,” a lively evening of Shakespearean entertainment. On June 14-15 and June 21-22, for the sixth summer, Shakespeare in the Pines takes place in the Highlands Center’s outdoor amphitheater. The evening begins with an

opening reception, catered by El Gato Azul, with brews from Prescott Brewing Company, wine, coffee and desserts from Petite Treats. Laark Productions invite the audience to become part of the play as the cast begins the performance among the guests at the reception.

Tickets to “The Winter’s Tale,” a fairy tale filled with love and loss, innocence and betrayal, are $60 per person. The proceeds from these tickets support the center’s nature-based programs for children. Call 928-776-9550 or go to highlandscenter.org. Presented by Lamb Cadillac.

The James Family Discovery Gardens

Come celebrate the beauty and natural diversity of the Central Highlands in our accessible

native botanical gardens. How about a walk in the woods in the Highlands Center’s accessible Discovery Gardens? Stroll along the creek on a paved path through Learning Circles illustrating the natural history of the Central Highlands of Arizona. Bring the kids and play on the boulders, sand box and web in a natural Forest Play area. Listen to birds and the sounds of the forest in the Secret Nook or relax in the shade by the Gathering Circle. Through interpretive signs and displays you can discover how to choose and grow drought tolerant plants for your garden and habitats and harvest water to sustain them. Need a place for an outdoor event in a quiet, pristine forest setting? Rent the new ramada or the entire garden for your wedding or special gathering.

The Discovery Gardens is the only accessible, native botanical garden of its kind in the Prescott area and celebrates the incredible biological diversity of this unique region. Throughout the summer, special events and programs are held in the Garden’s ramada, including our Arthropalooza Family

Nature Fest on Saturday, Aug. 17. Check our website for details.

Naturalists will be in the Gardens Saturday mornings to facilitate Discovery Stations on topics such as animals, plants, geology and the cycles in nature. Please check our website for dates for guided Naturalist walks and special events.

The James Family Discovery Gardens are open Tuesday-Sunday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and are free to the public.

The Highlands Center for Natural History

Formed in 1996, the Highlands Center for Natural History is a nonprofit organization developed to foster an appreciation for and knowledge of the natural wonders of the Central Highlands of Arizona. The Highlands Center is a regional hub for lifelong learning, designed to invite discovery of the wonders of nature through on- and off-site programs and includes an inviting venue for community events.

More information is available at

A DAY IN THE LIFE OF AN ELKS THEATRE DOCENT

by Trevor Odom, Assistant Marketing and Program Manager, Elks Performing Arts Center

Anyone that has visited the Elks Theatre has likely interacted with our Docents. The Docents operate as part of the Elks Opera House Guild, a nonprofit group created to “Preserve, Promote and Support” the Elks Opera House. Founded in 2008, the members of the Guild are an integral part to the Theatre. I had the opportunity to speak with Linda Walls and Rachelle Richards, two longtime members of the Elks Opera House Guild. The goal was to further explore the integral role the Guild plays for the Theatre.

Q: What is the history of the Elks Opera House Guild?

Linda: The Elks Opera House Guild originally started as a branch of the Elks Opera House Foundation. At the request of the late Elizabeth Ruffner, the Guild branched off to its own entity with the purpose of ensuring the history and character of the Theatre was preserved for future generations. Over the years, the Guild experienced many management changes and survived when the Theatre was transferred from the city to the nonprofit. It has thrived ever since.

Q: What is the daily job of an Elks Theatre Docent?

Rachelle: Most of the job involves interacting with the public while dressed in historical costumes reflecting the frontier days of Arizona. During shows and events, the Docents act as greeters and ushers and answer any questions relating to the history of the Theatre. During the week, Docents give tours from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Tuesday through Friday.

Q: Outside of tours and Theatre events, what other activities is the Elks Opera House Guild involved with?

Rachelle: One of the main things we do is our annual Victorian Tea and Fashion Show. In previous years we had great success with this event and recently decided to extend to two shows, with the second occurring on Saturday, October 5th. The “Tea” is a benefit to help support The Elks Theatre and Performing Arts Center’s community outreach programs. Additional information is available at elksoperahouseguild.com

Q: Is it true that movies have returned to the Elks Theatre?

Linda: Yes! When I first joined the guild in 2008, the city was playing movies every Sunday. This stopped during the renovation. I am very happy to say the Theatre has revived weekly movies. Now movies are shown almost every Wednesday at 7 p.m.

I would like to thank Linda and Rachelle for taking the time to speak with me about their wonderful organization. If you would like to find out more about the Elks Opera House Guild, please visit their website at elksoperahouseguild.com. If you would like more information on shows in the Theatre, you may visit the Elks Theatre and Performing Arts Center website prescottelkstheater.com. The Elks Theatre and Performing Arts Center is extremely lucky to have a team of dedicated and passionate people to represent it. Don’t forget to come to a show, visit with our Docents and experience a living piece of Prescott history!

PIZZA

Specialty Pizza or Build Your Own

Thin, Hand Tossed, or Pan Pizza

Small-Medium-Large-Xtra Large

Over 60 cheeses, meats, vegetables and custom toppings to choose from Gluten Free 10”, 12”, 14”

Individual Slices SALADS

SMALL-MEDIUM-LARGE

Garden

Greek

Chopped Salad

Spinach

Wedge

Antipasta

SUBS

15 to choose from

Ravioli

by Linda Loschke, Past President

The first meeting of the Prescott Gem & Mineral Club was held in October, 2001 with 35 members in attendance. It has been growing steadily; now its current membership is almost at 300.

The Prescott Gem & Mineral Club’s charter is to:

• foster the development of amateur lapidary and jewelry craftsmen

• foster an interest in mineral collection

• present educational programs designed to improve knowledge, craft skill

• promote public interest in these areas

We sponsor scholarships at Yavapai College in lapidary, jewelry and geology. These scholarships are open to the general public, as well as our members.

We also have experienced speakers in earth sciences who would be happy to give presentations at local schools. Our monthly meetings include guest speakers and monthly field trips for specimen collecting.

Our first Gem & Mineral Show was held in 2003 at the Prescott Fairgrounds. After a few years we outgrew that facility and moved to Embry Riddle Aeronautical University. A couple of years later, the show was moved to its current location at the Findlay Toyota Event Center in Prescott Valley.

The show gets bigger and better every year. We how have over 60 vendors from California, Nevada, New Mexico and Arizona. The vendors offer finished jewelry, jewelry supplies and equipment beads, fossils, minerals and rocks. The club has a Fluorescent

Rock Booth, geode splitting and a kid’s activity area. Twice a day, demonstrations are held in jewelry making or lapidary. Valuable raffle prizes are given away each day.

The 16th annual Gem & Mineral Show and sale will be held at the Findlay Event Center Aug. 2, 3 and 4. Hours are Friday and Saturday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sunday, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.

Admission is $5 for adults, $4 for seniors, veterans and students. Children under 12 are free with a paid adult admission. For more information, visit our website at prescottgemmineral.org.

THE PRESCOTT PIONEER

PRESCOTT • PRESCOTT VALLEY • CHINO VALLEY • DEWEY-HUMBOLDT

Teacher of Year Celebration Honors County Educators

Lori Markham, a firstgrade teacher at Abia Judd Elementary School in Prescott, was named Teacher of the Year (TOY) during formal banquet ceremonies sponsored by the Yavapai County Education Foundation (YCEF).

In addition to being the overall winner, Markham was a category finalist and received awards of $500 and $1,500, respectively, in the K-2 category. She received another $5,000 as the top winner for a total of $7,000.

Markham was among 70 teachers from schools across Yavapai County honored in early May.

The monetary support — well over $20,000 — came from the local, county and state corporate and business community, as well as from individual donors.

A veteran 24-year classroom teacher, Markham said during the ceremony, “I am so honored and so humbled to be in this room with so many amazing educators. This award is not for me alone. I would not be here if not for all the people who guided, motivated and encouraged me.”

Markham also thanked “students and their parents who motivate, encourage and support me daily.”

Abia Judd Principal Stephanie Hillig nominated Markham for the award. Hillig praised her for being not only an active classroom teacher but also a major influence in developing the new elementary writing curriculum in the Prescott Unified School District.

A large banner proclaiming Markham as the 2019 Teacher of the Year will hang at Abia Judd during the coming year.

Other Teachers Receiving Recognition were:

Outstanding first-year teacher — Sara Pareja, third grade at Del Rio Elementary School in Chino Valley.

Third-fifth grade — Jocelyn Hawkins, third grade at Del Rio Elementary School in Chino Valley. Sixth-eighth grade — Katelyn Johnson, language arts teacher at Glassford Hill Middle School in Prescott Valley.

K-eight specialist category — Jessica Kissinger, language arts teacher at Liberty Traditional School in Prescott Valley.

High school category — Marc Metz, history teacher at Chino Valley High School.

Each category winner received a cash award from the Yavapai County Education Foundation. Category finalists also received smaller cash awards.

Craig Mai, the 2018 Teacher of the Year winner and a 21-year veteran teacher, lauded nominees, saying, “I praise you for your dedication and commitment, especially during these difficult and challenging budgetary times when schools deserve so much more funding than they

receive. You continue to serve the most important people in society, the leaders of the future. I am so proud of you and proud to be one of you this week.”

Mai was a highly successful industrial engineer at AT&T before becoming an educator two decades ago. He now teaches math at Mingus Mountain High School in Cottonwood.

Yavapai County Superintendent of Schools Tim Carter emphasized that teachers deserve continuing recognition for their dedication to a profession that touches so many lives.

Longtime YCEF President Tim Weideraenders emphasized how important the annual TOY banquet is in celebrating teachers

whose hard work and exemplary classroom performance warrants public support. Cash awards presented to category winners are used to create and sustain innovative educational projects in classrooms and schools.

Major financial sponsors for the Teacher of the Year program include individual, business and corporate donors. Contributions to the non-profit 501 (c) 3 foundation are tax deductible.

Those wanting to see photographs and names of winners and nominees may do so by going to the website at ycefoundation.com.

Read more news on page 170...

STEVE PIERCE...cont. from page 31

were the Arizona Farm Bureau President’s Award, the Arizona Chambers Senator of the Year Award and the 2012 Legislative Appreciation Award from the Arizona Hospital and Healthcare Association.

Pierce graduated from Prescott High School; he attended the University of Arizona, earning a degree in animal science. Pierce’s civic and communi-

ty activities are varied. He has served on the Board of Directors for County Bank and also on the Board for the Anasazi Foundation. He helped organize the Central Arizona Partnership. During his ranching career, he

served on the National Cattlemen’s Beef Board, the Arizona Beef Council and the U.S. Meat Export Foundation.

Pierce and his wife Joan have been married 41 years. They have four adult children.

Custom Frame a Memory

Happenings

Aaron Aaron

Jemez Artist Featured

Beautiful mesas and fertile valleys embrace the Jemez Mountains, about 60 miles west of Santa Fe. The Jemez people, one of 19 federally recognized pueblos in New Mexico, live in a modern world, but manage to keep ancient traditions alive, with both secular and traditional governmental systems.

Oneof the many Jemez artisans is Aaron Cajero, featured artist at the 2019 Prescott Indian Art Market. He is a leader among the Jemez (pronounced HAYmezz) people, proud of his heritage and ancestral lands, and a spiritual leader who “...has managed to preserve traditional culture, religious, and knowledge of ancient ways regardless of outside pressures.”

With more than 25 years of experience, Cajero has become a master pottery maker, using traditional methods passed

Aaron Cajero is the featured artist at this year’s Prescott Indian Art Market. His art places great focus on the traditional designs and graphic icons of the Jemez Pueblo and its people. He relies on the traditional pottery making techniques passed from generation to generation.

Cajero Cajero

At Prescott Indian Art Market

down through his family. He gathers his clays from the soil of his pueblo, filters and refines these to form his pottery with ancient, hand-coil methods.

He sands each pot smooth and carves such traditional designs as bears, feath ers, eagles and serpents – figures which are believed to protect Pueblo people. Each pot is polished with a stone to create its beautiful shine, and then fired in the traditional open-air style with an intense fire of cedar wood chips (see images at right).

In describing his pottery, Cajero says it “…is an expression of how I feel about the beauty in nature and in Native Amer ican art using all natural materials, with which Mother Earth has blessed us.”

A love for the land and his cultural heritage is represented in much of his art, with an attention-to-detail and reverence for the Jemez cultural icons and ancestral lands. Prior to contact with Spanish explorers in the 1540s, the Jemez people num bered some 30,000 and occupied a vast area of fortified moun tains, mesas and fertile valleys.

Today, the numbers are fewer than 4,000 in and around their ancestral village of Walatowa. It is near there that Cajero honors the traditional culture, religion, and knowledge of ancient ways of his people through his art. His distinct style and impressive detail has become a collectible, cultural prize. Cajero and more than 100 Indian artists will participate in the 22nd Annual Prescott Indian Art Market in July. The juried market, considered one of the most prestigious of its kind in the country, continually draws more and more Native American applicants from throughout the country. The 2019 PIAM brings another first by providing space for three “young” artists (under 18 years) accepted by the peer judges based on the quality of their work.

In addition, PIAM will feature artist demonstrators, including a silversmith from Laguna Pueblo, a Hopi basketmaker, a Navajo sandpainter, a Navajo weaver, a Hopi katsina carver, and a pottery maker from Jemez Pueblo.

The PIAM will be held July 13-14 on the grounds of Sharlot Hall Museum in Prescott. Admission to the Market includes one-on-one access to all the artists, an up-close-and-personal inspection of the art, and complete access for visiting all the Museum exhibits and historic buildings on the four-acre grounds.

New Ideas Need

by Patti Ortiz, Marketing and Art Education Programs Manager, ‘Tis Art Center and Gallery

There is more than meets the eye when it comes to the 19th skyscraper bearing the simple name “ ‘Tis” located on Cortez Street across from the Courthouse Plaza in downtown Prescott. It is one of three 19th century buildings Ann Carson Dater rescued during her lifetime that were destined to become cultural centers for the arts she cherished; the Ariel Theatre in Gallipolis, Ohio, the ‘Tis Art Center and Gallery and the Elks Theatre and Performing Arts Center here in Prescott.

The ‘Tis Building at 105 S. Cortez St. is home to the ‘Tis Art Center and Gallery,

‘Tis Building 3rd floor banquet hall view from the kitchen

TIMELINE

‘Tis Art Center and Gallery: June 28 and July 26, Prescott’s fourth Friday Art Walk Artist Receptions 5-8 p.m.

‘Tis Annex Building: July 8-17 The Summer 2019 STEPS Art Education Class Series for ages 8-14 Classes meet Monday,

Tuesday and Wednesday for two consecutive weeks from 10-11:30 a.m. “Native Art” for ages 8-10 with Cindy Gresser and Manuel Lucero of the Smoki Museum and “Twisted Art” for ages 11-14 with Jan Fischer (for details and online registration visit https://www. tisartgallery.com/art-classes/)

‘Tis Annex Building: Art Classes for the Taking, Thursdays 10:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Oil and Acrylic Painting with Neil Orlowski Saturdays 9:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Acrylic Painting with Mercie Marshall

Old Buildings

which houses two galleries of contemporary art devoted to exclusively showcasing works by Prescott-area artists.

The exhibits change frequently and feature affordable fine art paintings, photography and sculpture all of which are displayed in museum-style fashion. A charming parlor area with a relaxing comfortable settee awaits visitors near the rear of the main floor gallery. Within it are found some of the most beautiful handcrafted jewelry and wearable art in the state.

But there is more to ‘Tis and the ‘Tis Building. The second-floor houses six beautiful 19th century-style office suites with exquisite wood accents and frosted window panels, and the third floor is an elegant banquet hall facility that overlooks the Courthouse Plaza. All are offered at affordable rates.

Though not an historical

building, Mrs. Dater is also responsible for the ‘Tis acquisition and remodel of the other ‘Tis building at 235 N. Marina St. The ‘Tis Annex Art Education Building is used exclusively for art education for children and adults.

The STEPS Art Education Program is free to Prescott-area children ages 5-14. Classes are taught by professional art educators and local artist, and the class topics focus on the integration of STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts, and Mathematics) concepts and cultural explorations.

Classrooms in the ‘Tis Annex are also available to local and traveling artists for conducting workshops and meetings.

Exhibit information, office suite/ banquet hall rates and art education opportunities can be found at www.TisArtGallery.com

Journeys in Spirit 2019

Women of ROX Media in Prescott Style

Prescott-style fashion is a comfortable, understated look, easy to achieve with one trip to the downtown area. Simply find a parking spot, and everything you’re looking for is within walking distance!

Summer takes on a western flair in our mile-high city, and there’s no better place to cowgirl up your wardrobe than at the Diamond D Ranchwear. You can define your personal western style with show blouses and coordinating saddle blankets, custom hats and boots. Drawn West offers a bonanza of western wear that includes men’s jeans, hats and boots, plus great finds for the ladies.

Looking for an eclectic collection of clothing, footwear, accessories and even home decor items? Then head over to Fancy That!, across from the Granite Street parking garage.

Classy N Sassy, located in the Old Firehouse Plaza, offers all the best fashion finds at affordable prices. Check them out for stylish clothing and accessories. It’s a great place to shop for gifts, too!

The CLothESHoUND caters to outof-towners and locals alike. Right in the middle of historic Whiskey Row, you’ll find small town uniqueness in every item,

including clothing, footwear, handbags and one-of-a-kind accessories.

Watson & Willow is the newest store in town - think fashion forward and trendy. They’re focused on everyday tops, denim and dresses that can be fancied up or laid back.

You can stock up on essentials for that luxurious bath at the end of the day at HomeBody. They carry local artisan soaps, lotions and body butter, and more bath bombs and salts than anyone in town.

At Salon St. Martin our mission is to not only make our guests look and feel beautiful, but the world around us as well. We take pride in our naturally-derived plant and flower ingredients and the fact that Aveda is cruelty free. We take care of our guests needs from hair cutting and color services to relaxing spa experiences.

Purple Clover is a women’s boutique in the heart of downtown Prescott , located inside Bashford Courts and steps from the historic Yavapai County Courthouse Plaza. Purple Clover offers a unique selection of clothing, jewelry and accessories. From essential classics to unique finds, they offer something for every woman.

Whether your style is boho chic or western swanky, you’ll find it all in downtown Prescott!

Watson & Willow

I’m Tricia Irwin and I’m the owner of the new clothing boutique in Downtown Prescott, Watson & Willow. Watson & Willow was created out of my love for working in retail and unique local shopping options. We offer cool, laidback clothing geared for everyday Prescott women that can easily be dressed up or down.

While I love to be on top of seasonal trends, my preferred style to carry in the shop is a “twist on the classic pieces.” You can find anything from a vintage inspired jumpsuit to a dress you can wear as a wedding guest to a classic denim jacket.

With our smaller shop space, I’m able to offer a more personal style shopping experience, which I absolutely love. Consider it shopping in your best friend’s closet, but she happens to have all the sizing options you need! Find us at 105 E. Gurley St.

2019 Arizona Cowboy Poets Gathering Returns to Prescott, Arizona for 32nd Year

More than 40 Authentic Cowboys Share Music & Poetry in three-day event

Prescott, Arizona is known as the Cowboy Capital of the world. It also comes alive with authentic cowboy poetry with the 32nd annual Gathering of Cowboy Poets at Yavapai College Performing Arts Center. Performances are Aug. 8-10 at 7 p.m.

More than 40 authentic cowboy poets and singers will perform for two days and three nights, sharing the heritage and the culture of the American Cowboy. Organizers of the Gathering believe in educating about the authentic way of the cowboy and how their poetry and music is developed. They feature free daytime sessions where attendees can meet cowboy poets and singers to enjoy stories about the colorful culture and history that celebrate the

true American cowboy.

The Arizona Cowboy Poets Gathering has maintained a standard that has been abandoned by most other gatherings by inviting men and women who are now or have been in the past a part of the working cowboy’s environment and workplace. It is respected by the cowboy poets as one of the best gatherings in the country because it helps maintain the true “working cowboy” culture and heritage. This gathering each year has kept its focus on the working cowboy, the land and their livestock.

The collectible poster this year is titled “A Cup of Joe” by Joe Netherwood and features a cowboy on a horse receiving coffee from a fellow cowboy. Also new this year to the show will be five outstanding western

artists and their art on display in the Yavapai College Art Gallery adjacent to the lobby where the show takes place.

Patrons can come in and view paintings and sculptures by Netherwood, Bill Nebeker, Steve Atkinson, Shawn Cameron and Marless Fellows. Beautiful scenery, animals and cowboys are all captured in their one-of-a-kind pieces and depict the heritage and culture of the American West.

At its inception, a small group of volunteers produced the event at the Sharlot Hall Museum. Due to its popularity, the Gathering was moved in 2008 to the bigger venue on the campus of Yavapai College.

“It is the dedication of our more than 100 volunteers that make this event possible year after year,” says Jim Buchanan, board president of the Arizona Cowboy Poets Gathering’s. “The culture of the American cowboy comes alive on stage, and it’s been an honor to bring this unique form of entertainment to

locals and tourists alike.”

The public is invited to attend five different venues throughout the Yavapai College Campus. Daytime sessions run on Friday from noon to 5 p.m., and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Attendees are invited to experience more about the cowboy heritage and culture by having “Coffee with the Cowboys” on Saturday at 8 a.m. Nightly performances begin at 7 p.m. on Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings.

Thursday night will feature award-winning performer, Trinity Seeley.

Friday night’s featured performer is Chris Isaacs, three-time winner of the Academy of Western Artists Will Rogers Award.

The Trio, “The Cowboy Way” made up of Doug Figgs, Jim Jones and Mariam Funke, will be featured on Saturday. Tickets are available at the door, but advanced ordering is advised to assure seating, which can be

done at azcowboypoets.org.

Board member Joe Konkel adds, “The Arizona Cowboy Poets Gathering is respected by the cowboy poets as one of the best gatherings in the country because we’ve done so much to maintain the true ‘working cowboy’ culture and heritage. Our patrons can’t say enough good things.”

For more information and to purchase tickets, visit azcowboypoets.org.

SHOWCASING PRESCOTT & YAVAPAI COUNTY’S HERITAGE

by Dennis Gallagher, Founder & President, Prescott Western Heritage Foundation

There is a buzz about Whiskey Row these days, and it’s not from adult libations. Instead, Prescott, the City known for its historic firsts, will add another institution to that unique tally. This new enterprise is neither a museum nor a welcome center, but a place that showcases the western heritage of Prescott and Yavapai County.

The Western Heritage Center, located directly across from the Plaza on Montezuma Street, will offer visitors an awareness of our heritage never experienced previously. For the first time the public will be able to survey many unique, local exhibits that will fill the center by the end of this year. The Western Heritage Center will engage with its visitors, educating and bringing to life the area’s rich heritage and history.

The Prescott Western Heritage Foundation, an all-volunteer, 501 (c) (3) nonprofit organization, was founded in 2011 and is the parent organization of the Western Heritage Center (WHC). The mission of the Foundation is to “preserve and promote western heritage through education, events, art, music and projects that enhance western lifestyle, making Arizona and Yavapai County a unique place to live and visit.”

The opening of the WHC, housed in the old Sam Hill Hardware building, is the culmination of years of effort to achieve the goals of this mission.

The WHC is a collaboration of more than 25 organizations, including museums, historical societies and other related organizations that promote Arizona’s western heritage. Independent exhibits featuring the Rough Riders, ranching, railroads, film history, mining and more will also be included, enhancing the center’s attraction. Each organization will be provided space to rotate fresh exhibits. Later this year, interactive touch screens will encourage visitors to learn more about each

organization’s history and mission, offering directions to their locations.

Activities are also planned for schoolage children, encouraging them to experience and appreciate our rich history.

Participating organizations include:

• The Smoki Museum

• Sharlot Hall Museum

• The Phippen Museum of Western Art and Heritage

• Prescott Frontier Days® Rodeo

• The Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office

• The Arizona Cowboy Poet’s Gathering

• The History of Prescott Fire Department

• The Yavapai Cowbelles

• Rough Riders

• Arizona Rangers

• Ranching

• Mining

• many more to come

It is estimated the WHC will attract more than 12,000 visitors in 2019 alone, providing substantial financial impact for local businesses, restaurants and hotels.

The center opened with about half of the exhibit spaces completed; a mercantile and a performance stage where music, poetry, workshops and book signings will be regularly scheduled. Since construction will continue through July, the center, to begin with, will be open Friday, Saturday and Sunday until construction is completed.

A big thank you goes out to the many wonderful volunteers who have made the Western Heritage Center possible.

For further information regarding our Foundation, the Western Heritage Center, our Western Heritage Banquet on Nov. 2, or how to volunteer, please contact Dennis Gallagher at pwhfpresident@gmail.com, Bob Greninger at pwhfvicepresident@gmail.com or visit www.VisitWHC.org.

Sing-alongs to silent movies to gourmet dinners, Prescott Film Festival Offers Moviedom Variety

by Helen Stephenson, Executive Director and Founder, Prescott Film Festival

The 10th annual Prescott Film Festival opens June 7 with the Prescott-produced film “Wish Man.”

(See facing page for details.) Frank Shankwitz and his wife Kitty are scheduled to attend for a Q&A after the film. Get your tickets early as this is expected to sell out.

The Prescott Film Festival is as unique as our hometown. Mar-

velous films (of course) but also special events and workshop/film talk experiences.

This year we are featuring two gourmet dinners with a movie opportunities. The first is June 10 at 5:30 p.m. We will feature a gourmet dinner prepared by Chef Robert Barr of the Sedona Culinary School of Yavapai College paired with multiple wines from

the Southwest Wine Center of Yavapai College. Includes ticket to the film “Olympia.” “Olympia” is a beautiful film that offers insightful humor and artistic creativity wrapped around a compelling story.

June 12 at 5:30 p.m. is the second gourmet dinner. This one will be prepared by El Gato Azul. Following an amazing dinner, join us for the new film, “Ruben Brandt, Collector.”

This fast-paced animated heist film, (rated R) is incredibly creative. Four expert thieves attempt to steal every famous artwork haunting their mutual psychotherapist. Whether you are a fan of art, animation or heist films, you do not want to miss this one-of-a-kind film.

The festival is bringing two musical events to the community.

On June 15, we will present Silent Symphony featuring the Mont Alto Motion Picture Orchestra from

Colorado to accompany the classic silent Buster Keaton comedy, “The General.” For over 25 years, Mont Alto has been delighting audiences across the country from Lincoln Center to the Telluride Film Festival and beyond. Musicians are known for their authentic photoplay style, which allows the music to speak for the film, just as music did over a century ago when films were not “talkies.”

Preceding the Silent Symphony at 5:30 p.m., is Spirits of Arizona in the Garden. The event, in the Yavapai College Sculpture Garden, will offer four tastings of local beers, wines and spirits paired with foods from Lucky’s Barbecue and Panera along with music from The Ping Brothers. Tickets include a reserved seat for the Silent Symphony event at 7 p.m.

The second musical event is “The Sound of Music” SingA-Long. Get ready to yodel Prescott! This is your chance to

experience one of the funniest, most liberating outings you will have for a long time.

Sing-A-Long “Sound of Music” is not just a chance to see the classic movie on the big screen in magnificent Technicolor, it’s a major audience participation event with subtitles for all the

songs. Come dressed as your favorite character, sing along with Julie and join in earnest choruses of “My Favorite Things!” Kym Karath, (the actress who played Gretl) is scheduled to attend.

There will also be free workshops, an outdoor screening and Platinum Pass Perks.

“Wish Man” is Prescott’s own

The 10th annual Prescott Film Festival opens June 7, and we are opening it with a bang! Our festival starts the same day the Prescott-produced film “Wish Man” is released so how could it not be our opening night film?

Shot in Prescott about Prescott High School graduate (1961) and co-founder of the Make-a-Wish Foundation Frank Shankwitz, the film is a beautifully told story of starting with a difficult childhood, rising above it and never forgetting one’s roots.

Frank has deep roots in Prescott and as a result knows a lot of people in town. He used those friendships and connections to make sure the film was shot in Prescott, even though Ar-

izona doesn’t have a film tax credit. Serving as the film’s location scout, Frank spent two years driving around the Prescott area looking for filming locations.

In an interview with Article94 magazine, Frank said he got The Palace, Hampton’s Funeral Home, an old Yavapai County building and locations in Seligman. The film stars Australian Andrew Steel, Kirby Bliss Blanton, Danny Trejo and a cameo by Larry Wilcox. The film comes together to tell the story of how, as the tagline says, “One boy’s wish changed a man. One man’s wish changed the world.”

Prescott LIVING Magazine is a sponsor of the opening night of Wish Man.

PRESCOTT PUBLIC LIBRARY EVENTS

BLAST OFF TO READING! A SUMMER IN THE UNIVERSE

Prescott Public Library’s summer reading program for kids, teens and adults blasts off June 1! The summer reading program encourages everyone to read for pleasure over the summer months with prizes, events and activities to reward you along the way. Register online, stop by the Youth or Ask a Librarian desks or call 928-777-1537. It’s free, fun and it keeps kids reading all summer long!

YOUTH EVENTS

SUMMER READING BLASTOFF!

Saturday, June 1 at 1 p.m.

Sign up for summer reading with a special launch party for the whole family.

A UNIVERSE OF ART IN JUNE

Mondays, June 3, 10, 17 and 24 at 10:15 a.m.

Art education and hands-on experience with artists and their mediums. Presented by the Prescott Art Docents. For children ages 6-12. Register online at the Youth Desk or call 928-777-1537.

A UNIVERSE OF CRAFTS AND ACTIVITIES FOR KIDS

Tuesdays, June 4, 11, 18 and 25 and July 2, 9, 16 and 23 at 1 p.m.

Get creative with crafts and activities suitable for all ages.

A UNIVERSE OF SONG WITH MISTER JIM

Thursday, June 6 at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m.

Celebrate summer and sing songs with children’s performer Mister Jim. For all ages.

215 E GOODWIN STREET PRESCOTT, AZ

928.777.1500

PRESCOTTLIBRARY.INFO

JUST WRITE!

Wednesdays, June 12, 19 and 26 at 1 p.m.

Delve into creative writing through a series of fun activities designed especially for imaginative teens. Register online at the Youth Desk or call 928-777-1537

LEGO BUILD!

Thursdays, June 13 and July 11 at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m.

Drop by the library and build with LEGOs. No registration required. For all ages.

ARIZONA’S RAPTOR EXPERIENCE FOR KIDS

Thursday, June 20 at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m.

Learn about (and meet!) real birds of prey with Arizona’s Raptor Experience.

WILDMAN PHIL AT PRESCOTT PUBLIC LIBRARY

Thursday, June 27 at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m.

Wildman Phil educates and entertains with an array of creatures. For all ages.

A UNIVERSE OF CREEPY CRAWLIES!

Tuesday, July 9 at 1 p.m.

Heritage Park Zoo brings a universe of creepy crawlies to visit the library!

A UNIVERSE OF CIRCUS SCIENCE WITH PETER DAVISON

Saturday, July 13 at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m.

Experience the science of circus arts with Peter Davison’s “LocoMotion.” For all ages.

A UNIVERSE OF STORIES WITH SCIENCE TELLERS

Thursday, July 18 at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m.

Enjoy an interactive storytelling experience as science experiments bring a story to life! For all ages.

“JACK AND THE BEANSTALK”: A PUPPET SHOW

Thursday, July 25 at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m.

Great Arizona Puppet Theater presents this classic tale. For all ages.

SUMMER READING FINALE: TALENT SHOW

Saturday, July 27 at 1 p.m.

Share your out-of-this-world talent at our 2nd annual Talent Show!

TEEN BATTLE OF THE BOOKS COMPETITION

Wednesday, July 31 at 6 p.m.

A summer of reading comes to a head in the ultimate Teen Battle of the Books at Prescott Public Library! For teens, grades sixth-12.

Programs and the Summer Reading Program presented with funding from the Friends of the Prescott Public Library.

Library Hours:

sunday, 1 to 5 p.m.

monday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

tuesday, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Wednesday, 9 a m to 8 p m

tHursday, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

saturday, 9 a m to 5 p m

THE PRESCOTT PIONEER

PRESCOTT • PRESCOTT VALLEY • CHINO VALLEY • DEWEY-HUMBOLDT

Research Reveals Positive Water Future for Prescott

Recent research indicates that despite increasing population and economic expansion, less water is being used in the City of Prescott than 14 years ago.

Since 2014, water usage has decreased about 2% annually on average. Prescott Mayor Greg Mengarelli led a City Council work study session earlier this spring saying, “I earlier did not have a great handle on our water portfolio, so we decided to get scientific data.”

The City contracted internationally known water expert Gary Woodard to conduct a long-term scientific study begun in early 2018. Conditions of the $25,000 contract with Woodard were that he provide a comprehensive review of past, current

and future water conditions.

In 37 years of research about municipal water issues, Woodward has directed and conducted studies around the U.S., including water-use models developed for eight major municipal water departments and two water companies in Arizona.

Woodard found that in 2004, Prescott used 8,000 acre feet (AF) of water. However, in 2018, Prescott used 6,700 AF of water — 1,300 fewer AF. That occurred despite 4,000 new water users being added in those 13 years.

Woodard emphasized that his study involved data collected from water meter and utility data from the city, county and state.

Woodard cited four factors that seemed to be driving decline of water usage in Prescott.

They are:

• Changing populations — smaller households, more seasonal residents and fewer children and teenagers.

• Conservation efforts — rebate-related water efficient programs, enhanced conservation, drought-tolerant water-sensitive landscaping, water reclamation and rainwater harvesting.

• “Passive” conservation — conversion to more water efficient appliances such as showerheads, dishwashers, washing machines and toilets.

• New construction — new water and energy efficient houses and businesses.

Prescott’s water supply comes from diverse sources. It

includes groundwater, surface water and reclaimed water. Additionally in 1998, Prescott invested in two municipal reservoirs that now serve as critical sources for the recharge program. It is in a better position than communities which have only one water source.

The City of Prescott originated what is called the Big Chino Water Pipeline several years ago. The plan was to import water from an aquifer northwest of Paulden.

Woodard said of that plan: “Your investment in the Big Chino aquifer was a smart one. I compare it to life insurance. You want it in hopes that you don’t need it.”

Retired from his former position as a research professor-administrator at the University of Arizona Water Resources Research Center and the National Science Foundation-Sustainability of semi-Arid Hydrology ad Riparian Areas Water Center, Woodard has earned degrees in chemistry, public policy studies-resource economics and a Doctor of Law from the University of Michigan.

Involved internationally with UNESCO on water issues for arid lands, Woodward was co-author of the National Water Act for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Mengarelli and City Manager Michael Lamar both praised the preliminary report, agreeing that future decisions would be based on fact-based information rather than uninformed speculation. They said information being given to the City Council will change the dialogue about water in Prescott and have major policy implications.

Woodard will present the final results of the longitudinal study later this spring in a public meeting.

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