Prescott Living - Early Summer 2020

• Accepting New Patients

• All Major Insurances Accepted

• Same Day/Next Day Appointments Available

• Stem Cell Therapy

• Platelet Rich Plasma

• Hormone Replacement - bioTE

• IV Infusions

• Injections

• Weight Loss Program

Prescott Family Practice and Wellness focuses on comprehensive family medical care with an eye towards preventive medicine and integrative holistic medicine. We treat male and female patients of all ages.

Inspiring Better Health

“The providers at Prescott Family Practice and Wellness are attentive, knowledgeable, and compassionate. They have literally saved my life and our whole family now receives healthcare. The staff are top notch; they make you feel comfortable and are always professional.”

“Knowledgeable, thorough and friendly! The provider spent time listening, explaining and really getting to the bottom of my kids symptoms. Great staff, great practice!”

Please understand that the health and safety of all guests and employees remains our number one concern.

Pre-Entry Temperature Checks Mandatory Masks No Smoking or Vaping

Please anticipate the possibility of lines for temperature checks and entry due to limited capacity, especially for our first few days open. We appreciate your cooperation during this time and are ready to provide you once again with a safe and entertaining gaming experience.

Your Friends At Bucky’s & Yavapai Casinos

HANDS-ON LEARNING. EXPERIENCES BUILT.

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

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

/// 12 - time National Champion Flight Team

/// 97% Job Placement Rate

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 175 photos, 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!

How clean is your tub or shower? Studies have shown that bathtubs and old tile showers are one of the most bacteriaridden places in the home, often hiding mold and mildew underneath and in grout lines that even vigorous scrubbing can’t eliminate. Dreamstyle showers are designed specifically for cleanliness and are virtually maintenance-free. We make it easy and affordable: In the month of June only, get your brand-new tub or shower installed for free. And for twelve full months, make absolutely no payments, plus, no money down and no interest.

Old bathtub today, beautiful new shower tomorrow: In as little as one day, we’re able to transform your old bathtub into the bath of your dreams. At Dreamstyle Remodeling, we are your one stop for a complete shower refresh –from the first consultation, through to clean-up and the finishing touches.

PUBLISHER

Elaine Earle, CPA

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Bea Lueck

PRESCOTT PIONEER WRITER

Ray Newton

DIRECTOR OF SALES & MARKETING

Laurie Fisher

ADVERTISING

Scott Metteauer

Georgie Myers

Jamie Wagner-Brashier

CREATIVE DIRECTOR/GRAPHIC DESIGNER

Tim Clarke

GRAPHIC DESIGNERS

Linda Lee Mauri

Shannon Price

CUSTOMER SERVICE/AD TRAFFIC MANAGER

Julie Kahn

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

Prescott LIVING Magazine is brought to you by ROX Media Group, a multimedia organization providing several consumer magazines and destination marketing titles including official visitor guides, tourism maps and other custom products. We bring a “one firm” solution to clients through developing a highly-skilled, diverse and dynamic team to achieve established objectives. We create and execute custom action plans for clients including text, mobile, digital and social media marketing and printed publications. 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:

• 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

Executive

ROX Media Group has been serving the Prescott area since 2013. In addition to Prescott LIVING Magazine and Prescott NOW!, we are the proud publisher of the Visitor Guide – Greater Prescott Area, which is published for the City of Prescott Office of Tourism, the award-winning City of Prescott Economic Development Guide and the Prescott Chamber of Commerce Community Guide & Directory.

Come see us at our office at 130 N. Granite St., Prescott AZ 86301. 928.350.8006 • info@roxco.com

Just Another Beautiful Summer in Everybody’s Hometown

As we head into the heart of summer in our beautiful area, our “new normal” is starting to feel pretty close to normal. It’s time to get out into Greater Prescott and enjoy all of its wonders, especially the outdoor ones.

There’s one unusual thing, of course: Summer just began, but kids have been home since March. If you are like me, you are ready for things to get back to normal, but the blessing in disguise was all the family time we got to have. I will certainly miss the more than 50 hikes we took and the kayak laps we did on the local lakes.

I am thrilled it is rodeo season with the 133rd annual World’s Oldest Rodeo®. It’s an unbroken link to our frontier beginnings and the ingenuity of the rodeo’s founders, who figured out how to lasso cowboys’ competitive energy to a contest which became the template for events the world over.

Another tradition we are happy to bring back is our 3rd Annual Prescott LIVING Photo Contest’s winning entries, sent in by readers with a love of the still image and the Greater Prescott region. This year’s submissions are incredible, infused with the light and joy and seasonal beauty our area is so well-known for.

While health-related precautions should and are still being taken at stores, restaurants, special events and other public spaces, most businesses are open and ready to serve and sell. Let’s make a point of supporting our locally owned establishments to ensure they and their employees continue to thrive here. Our local Chambers of Commerce have plenty of suggestions on how to do that in this issue.

This issue is full of reminders of how life goes on, and how we can im-

prove it for those particularly affected by the restrictions we’ve been under, by giving special recognition to our 2020 graduating seniors, for example.

The director of Yavapai Community Health Services details the county’s largely successful response to the pandemic, and a website launched by Yavapai College with resources for jobseekers and small businesses is highlighted in our Prescott Pioneer news section.

This issue’s Outdoors section has a list of options, by no means exhaustive, of recreation options in the clean air, green grass, clear water, majestic mountains and the other natural surfaces from which we can launch our latest and greatest adventures. There are just too many trails, lakes, parks and more out there to stop at just one or two!

In many ways it’s looking like a typical summer in Greater Prescott. It’s hard to beat that!

Elaine Earle Publisher, Prescott LIVING Magazine

VOICES

At Prescott LIVING Magazine, 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!

Dr. Hojat Askari

Founder&MedicalDirector,ThumbButteMedicalCenter

Dr. Hojat Askari, or “Dr. A,” is founder and medical director of Thumb Butte Medical Center at 3124 Willow Creek Road, Prescott, with over 20 medical professionals specializing in family medicine, internal medicine, cardiology, allergy treatment, and foot and ankle surgery. For over 11 years he has serviced the Quad City community and emphasized that Thumb Butte Medical Center treats all patients like family at all their locations.

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

VicePresidentofMarketingandPublicRelations,Ponderosa

HotelManagementServices

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.

Dennis Gallagher

FounderandCEO,PrescottWesternHeritageFoundation

The Prescott Western Heritage Foundation, Inc., is a charitable nonprofit 501(c)(3) all-volunteer corporation, whose mission is to preserve and promote our western heritage. In 2019, Dennis’ vision for a Western Heritage Center on historic Whiskey Row in downtown Prescott became a reality. He and his wife MaryAnn have been married 53 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 helping 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.

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.

of the Community

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.

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.”

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.

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

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.

Loree Walden

MarketingManager,YavapaiHumaneSociety

Loree is originally from Hawaii and moved to Prescott in 2010. Her background spans a variety of careers, including 20 years of taxes, 8 years of radio traffic and now as marketing manager for Yavapai Humane Society, where she gets to advocate for and help animals find furever homes.

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.

Donna Werking

Owner,MarketingAgency,NorthernArizonaSocial,LLC

Donna holds 15 years of marketing experience. Her agency produces Northern Arizona’s most powerful and innovative marketing strategies for web, social and traditional media. She supports Prescott by serving on committees, promoting events and volunteering for nonprofits. She currently sits as board marketing chair for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Arizona (BGCCAZ).

THE PRESCOTT

Stories by Ray Newton

Windsong Primary Care Opens in Prescott Valley

Windsong Primary Care, at 3221 N. Windsong Drive in Prescott Valley, is one of the newest medical providers in the community.

Four local medical professionals—one an MD and the others certified nurse practitioners—are the founders. All have practiced in the greater Prescott area for several years and have more than 93 years of medical experience combined.

Dr. William Merrell, who has practiced medicine in Prescott for decades, said, “We recognized an opportunity to create a patient-oriented environment and practice where we can work together to provide quality patient care, so we started Windsong.”

Greater Prescott Communities Get $12.3 Million in CARES Act Funding

Yavapai County and its cities are deciding how to spend population-based funding they’re receiving from the federal CARES Act, which includes a total $2 trillion in relief payments to individuals, businesses and local governments to soften the blow of the economic downturn caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Gov. Doug Ducey announced the release of almost $600 million to local governments on May 27.

Rogers said, “We have a special place in our hearts for adult primary care, especially for those ages 65 and older. “

Windsong will accept most medical insurance plans, including Medicare and Medicare Advantage, United Healthcare; Blue Cross & Blue Shield; and others being contracted, including Humana, Aetna, Cigna, and Tricare.

Patients are welcome to visit Windsong for bi-annual wellness exams or other medical concerns. Those who need referrals to other doctors or medical facilities will receive them within three days.

The scope of care includes everything from pain in -

The other founders are Milda Rogers, CFNP; Ellen Lorenz, CFNP; and Lynette Figg, AGNP. They said they want to be premier providers of primary care in the Quad Cities.

jections and weight loss treatments to diabetic management plans and small outpatient procedures.

Lorenz said, “Our goal is to keep our patients mobile and moving so they can continue life as normally as they can for as long as possible.”

Figg added, “We want to provide stability for patients. We want them to understand that Windsong offers a place they can trust to deliver timely and compassionate medical care.”

The clinic also contains a fully equipped physical therapy room, staffed by John Mauz, PT, MS.

To make an appointment, call 928-910-7010. Same-day and walk-in appointments are available. More details are available at www.windsongprimarycare.com.

Prescott Mayor Greg Mengarelli said at the time: “Throughout the COVID-19 public health crisis, Governor Ducey has acted with steady leadership and great concern for the people of Prescott and all of rural Arizona. I want to thank Governor Ducey for prioritizing the health and safety of everyone in our community.”

The news arrived while the local jurisdictions were putting together their budgets for the next fiscal year.

“As we just received news last week from the Governor’s office regarding the amount of funding the Town of Chino Valley might receive, we haven’t had a discussion with our Council of how it will be allocated,” Town Manager Cecilia Guzman said. A vote will probably come within the next couple of months, she added.

Yavapai County Administrator

PIONEER

Online Graduation Replaces Formal ERAU Spring Ceremonies

In lieu of the traditional commencement ceremony replete with academic regalia, caps and gowns and smiling graduates crossing a stage to receive diplomas, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University sent its record spring graduating class commencement celebration packages.

Dr. Anette Karlson, chancellor at the ERAU Prescott campus, said social distancing requirements prompted by COVID-19 led to that decision. She said a more formal ceremony has been rescheduled for Oct. 2. More details will be announced this summer.

The 2020 spring graduating class was a record-setter, with 457 students receiving undergraduate or graduate degrees.

Graduates Received

Individualized Packages

University faculty and staff dedicated hours to creating the commencement celebration packages. They recognized all graduates and compiled lists of special

honors and awards that celebrated distinguished students.

Details provided by Lori Kennedy, assistant director of graduation, described several activities that had been put in place to honor graduates.

Individualized packages contained the following:

• A diploma cover and a personal letter from Chancellor Karlson.

• A special message from ERAU President Barry Butler, whose office is at the Daytona Beach, Fla., campus.

• Awards, plaques, certificates and sashes and cords appropriate to each graduate.

• A unique ERAU gift — a model airplane with the ERAU logo.

• An alumni letter and lapel pin.

The packages were mailed to each graduating student and

timed to arrive as close as possible to the original graduation date of May 2.

On that day, students did watch an online program where they could see some congratulatory messages from the chancellor, vice chancellor, college deans and dean of students.

Hope for October Festivities

Karlson said she was proud of the way the graduating students accommodated to the challenges of completing the semester, even with the complications created by the pandemic: “I hope to see all these graduates at our rescheduled commencement ceremony in October so we can give them the recognition and honor they deserve.”

That is the same weekend that has been announced for the annual OctoberWest Homecoming activities and the Wings Out West Air Show.

“This is an important event for us. Our graduating students worked extremely hard, and

their families made tremendous sacrifices, especially this year considering the current circumstances. What better way to honor, recognize and celebrate their academic achievements than by welcoming them back to Prescott for homecoming and the air show,” Karlson said.

Board of Supervisors Defers Budget Decisions Until More Data Available

The Yavapai County Board of Supervisors is holding back on finalizing next year’s budget until more complete sales tax and state-shared revenue details are announced. Supervisors ordinarily do not formally approve the next year’s fiscal budget until July. Diminished sales tax revenue has prompted the board to delay preliminary decisions until more data is available.

In “virtual” meetings on April 27, May 6 and May 20, supervisors acknowledged that lower tax revenue are predicted. Intense discussions, which took place using video and teleconferencing technology, strongly focused on budgetary issues.

These prompted several “freeze” or “contingency” actions related to hiring, non-essential expenditures, employee raises and postponing a $4.5

million payment to the state Public Safety Personnel Retirement System.

The supervisors are also considering the transfer of $1.5 million from the county’s Flood Control District budget to the general fund.

County Administrator Phil Bourdon said sales tax and state-shared revenues could be down as much as $4 million because of the impact of COVID-19 on the economy.

Chairman Craig Brown said he and other supervisors agreed that holding off on final deliberations for the next fiscal budget will provide for flexibility in future decisions.

The next regularly scheduled board meeting is set for June 17. The county is required to adopt its tentative budget by July 1 and a final budget by Aug. 3.

Bill Nebeker

Creator of Honest Western Art

Having lived in Prescott for over 65 years makes creating authentic Western art as much a part of Bill Nebeker’s persona as watching the sunrise over Mingus Mountain to the east. He confesses that his passion for honest Western art is exceeded only by his love for his wife Merry. In June they will have been married for 55 years. They proudly boast of their three children — two daughters and a son — and seven grandchildren.

Now widely recognized as one of the nation’s most prominent sculptors and artists of cowboys and horses, Nebeker credits his family background of growing up on his family’s Idaho farm and the Long Meadow Ranch just outside Prescott as a part of a working ranch family with giving his artwork the true flavor of the Old West.

Nebeker is first to admit success as an artist and sculptor was not immediate or overnight. He is candid that the first few years of his career were “snug and austere.” As a youngster in the 1960s, he was familiar with the artwork of famed sculptor George Phippen. Phippen died in 1966 before Nebeker had the chance to meet him, but that didn’t stop the aspiring artist from studying and admiring the award-winning work of the founding president of the Cowboy Artists of America.

In fact, Nebeker shifted careers from being a saddle maker

and leather craftsman to working at the foundry Phippen and his family had founded in Skull Valley. His reason — to learn as much as he could about sculpting and bronze casting from Phippen’s wife and sons. For eight years, Bill and Merry lived in Skull Valley. Over the years since, Merry has served as his business manager, contract negotiator, image editor and tour arranger — and best friend.

In that same timeframe of the late 1960s and early ‘70s, friends and supporters of the late Phippen proposed the plan to build a museum in Prescott to house his works and those of other notable Western artists. Now an internationally known museum, it is located at 4701 Highway 89 North and is home for some of the best Western art even produced. It includes several pieces created by Nebeker.

It was in 1978 that Nebeker was accepted into the Cowboy Artists of America. He says he has never been more humbled than to serve as president of that organization for four terms.

A major turning point in Nebeker’s career was when he created a portrait statue of actor John Wayne. Wayne heard of the statue and invited the Nebekers to meet him, where Bill and Merry presented Wayne with that statue. Duke’s partners purchased three more. The visibility that occurred from that statue resulted in Nebeker’s stature in the Western art

Interview by Ray Newton

collectors’ world growing beyond his wildest expectations. Nebeker’s work is in collections at the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum, Oklahoma City; Old West Museum, Cheyenne, Wyoming, Museum of Western Art in Kerrville, Texas; Palm Springs Art Museum in California, Desert Caballeros Western Museum in Wickenburg and Phoenix Art Museum. Many prestigious corporate and private collections in America and some in Europe also have his work.

He has been featured in stories in major circulation publications across America.

For more information about Nebeker and his career, visit www.billnebeker.com

The ROX Interview (continued)

PRESCOTT LIVING: Bill, for decades, you’ve had an international reputation as an exceptional Western artist. When did your interest begin in sculpting and in artistic endeavors?

BILL NEBEKER: It has been lifelong. The whole time I grew up as a kid, I always had the ability to whittle horses and dogs. I was always making things. But I never knew anything about art formally. I couldn’t have told you what art was.

After we moved to Prescott, I went to school with Ernie and Loren Phippen, sons of the famous George Phippen. He was one of the early Western artists in our area. I knew that he always was featured on covers of Western Horseman magazines — his paintings, his bronze sculptures. I was fascinated with that. But I’d never really seen original art firsthand.

When I’d graduated from high school, I attended the University of Arizona. I spent a semester up at Arizona State College — now Northern Arizona University — up in Flagstaff. But I didn’t know what I wanted to do so I just came home and went to work. I did a lot of leather work —made a saddle, a lot of chaps and bridles for friends. I thought of becoming a saddle maker.

My future wife, Merry, and I had a date one night. My mom and dad said, “Hey,

can you go with us? George Phippen’s having a one-man art show downtown at a local bank.” We did. I walked in and saw bronze sculptures, paintings and drawings. I was absolutely fascinated. I desperately wanted to try to do something like that. That inspired me. I went to the local hobby shop and bought the wrong kind of clay. I was trying to sculpt and (laughs) many mistakes later. …

Mr. Phippen passed away before I got to meet him. But his family had started this little bronze foundry named Bear Paw Bronze in Skull Valley. During that time, bronze foundries had almost become non-existent for fine art. Most foundries were making car parts and other stuff. For the Phippens to find a foundry that did fine art castings was almost impossible. That’s why they started their own

We made an appointment. I went to Skull Valley to visit Mrs. Phippen. She was very kind and never told me how bad my initial pieces were. (laughs) She offered to let me work with Ernie and learn the bronze casting business. It was the greatest invitation I’d ever had. I gave up a $2 an hour job with the U.S. Forest Service. I went to work for them for $1.50 an hour.

Merry and I moved to Skull Valley and lived in a little ranch house. I would work in the foundry all day. Mrs. Phippen gave

me access to George’s studio. I was able to see publications about human anatomy and animal anatomy. I’d go to the local little art shop in town and order these magazines. I would go home and read and study them. Of course, I had access to seeing horses and cattle all the time. For years, I had roped horses, helped with cowboy work. So, I started studying anatomy.

PRESCOTT LIVING: How old were you?

BILL NEBEKER: Maybe 30. I started in 1967. We had just married. Merry would encourage me. I would go home and sculpt and redo different objects. I finally made a piece with a cowboy and horse. Ernie made me make three of them before he would cast one. And the third one was better than the other two. We got one cast and we put it in the Cobweb Hall on Whiskey Row. Somebody from Phoenix bought it. I used that money and cast another one. Somebody else saw that and bought it.

By the end of 10 years, I was making more money one year selling art parttime than I did working the whole year for wages. I thought, ‘Gosh, I better try this.’ Fortunately, all these other artists were looking for a foundry to get their work cast in. So, I was able to meet Joe Beeler, Bill Owen, Frank Polk, and Cynthia Rigden and several others.

I think it was 1976 I quit the foundry business and went into my art full-time. Two years later I was accepted into Cowboy Artists of America in 1978. What a thrill. George Phippen, the first founding president of that group, was the man whose work inspired me to be an artist. And now, I was in the organization that he founded. Since that time, I’ve been honored to be the president four times.

PRESCOTT LIVING: Who’ve been your heroes, your icons?

BILL NEBEKER: Mostly it was George Phippen. But also Charlie Russell and, of course, Frederick Remington. I also really liked Solon Borglum because he did the Bucky O’Neill statue that’s in the Courthouse Square. I read a book about his brother Gutzon, who created Mount Rushmore. But really, I was almost totally selftaught. At that time, there really wasn’t anywhere to go for instruction because most universities were not interested in

realism. In the late ‘60s, early ‘70s it was all cubism, modernistic art. You tried realism, they just looked at you like you were silly.

For me, I relied on trial and error and reading. I found out it’s more than just anatomy. You’ve got to have some sense of composition. I tell people it’s like somebody who has musical ability. They’re driven to play the piano or play violin or play an instrument. That’s kinda the way art is — you’re driven. But you want to study the best.

PRESCOTT LIVING: You’re a realist. You’re not expressionist or impressionist.

BILL NEBEKER: Right. I think I have a reputation that people know that they’re getting a quality piece — it represents the cowboy of this era, a way of life. If you look at a Charlie Russell piece, that is exactly what cattle and cowboys and Native Americans looked like in that era.

What makes Western art different from just art, in general? The important part of art is what it conveys, what message it tells you. But one thing that’s added in Western art — it is honest and realistic. Western art is portraying a way of life that people take seriously. If you don’t portray it correctly, it irritates those who do know what was real. For example, you can create a great image of a horse and a cowboy, but it may be totally inaccurate. It might still be a neat-looking piece of art, composition-wise. But to a cowboy or ranch people, they can view it and say, “Well, that’s terrible because it’s not true.”

Nothing similar to Western art occurred except in America. The cowboy way of life, the big cattle herds and the drives, that only lasted 40 years. From the end of the Civil War until the end of the trail drives it was, you know, a short period of time. But what a great impact it had on American history.

PRESCOTT LIVING: What is it that makes bronze work difficult?

BILL NEBEKER: Bronze work is difficult because it’s 90% manual labor. You are taking somebody’s piece of work, chop it all up, make molds of it, making waxes, touch it up, cast it in metal, weld everything back together. You grind all the seams and imperfections down. When you look at that bronze, it looks just ex-

actly like the artist’s clay. That is art unto itself. To be a good bronze caster, you must be an artist.

Every piece of art creates a specific different problem. You can’t set up an assembly line. You just have to go through this manual process of knowing how to cut the clay, make molds of legs and arms and a mold of the head.

PRESCOTT LIVING: How big were your first pieces?

BILL NEBEKER: Table size — probably 20 inches by 12 or 13 inches high? You grad-

uate to the larger pieces with experience. PRESCOTT LIVING: When did you create a large sculpture?

BILL NEBEKER: My very first big bronze was a doozy. It was Prescott Early Settlers in 1983. That’s on the entrance to downtown, in the pocket park at the intersection of Sheldon and Gurley on the east side of Prescott.

I did the small bronze to raise money to pay for a casting of the big one at a foundcontinued on page 92...

CITY SPEAK PRESCOTT’S TEAMWORK, RESILIENCE WILL SERVE US AS WE EMERGE FROM CRISIS

by Greg Mengarelli, Mayor, City of Prescott

The Prescott community has a long history of coming together to get through times of crisis and stress, and that has been highlighted extensively during the last few months.

As we approach the start of the gorgeous summer season here in Prescott, it continues to impress me watching our citizens and local businesses navigate through the uncertain times of the COVID-19 pandemic. There have been many frustrating days, but overall, we are seeing days with promise and hope.

Governor Ducey continues to phase the re-opening of Arizona’s economy and Prescott is following suit. So many restaurants and small businesses have taken the negative aspects of their circumstances and turned them into positives and inventive new ways to do business. Our local governing bodies also continue their teamwork in helping guide the Quad Cities area and all of Yavapai County through this difficult season. While our trails, lakes and parks remained open throughout the stay-home orders, we’ve now also been able to re-open playgrounds and public restrooms for the convenience of Prescott families. So many parents have reveled in the opportunity to have more quality time with their children despite the sometimes stressful moments of schools being closed, and seeing our parks and playgrounds full showcases this. In light of the distancing restrictions that have been associated with COVID-19, time in the great outdoors has made such a positive impact on everyone that has been able to take the time to enjoy what Prescott has to offer.

In addition to reopening playgrounds and bathrooms, City staff has worked diligently to reopen City Hall and satellite offices to the public once again. As you come to visit the community development department or utility billing you’ll see evidence of this with safety barriers and floor markings to help en-

courage the safety of City employees and the public. I am truly proud of the level of service that has continued through all of the uncertainty and the dedication of City staff in serving our community in new and unique ways.

As reopening continues, it has been inspiring to once again see citizens enjoying an afternoon patio lunch or drink at our local restaurants and supporting our local economy. Restaurant owners are working hard to ensure social distancing and CDC cleaning requirements are maintained while welcoming their customers back. They are continuing to offer curbside pickup and delivery services, specialized menus for “family to-go meals”.

While not all of our restaurants have yet been able to reopen it is my hope that by the end of summer everyone will have been able to navigate this pandemic and begin serving their loyal customers once again. In addition to restaurants reopening their doors, so many of our locally owned shops, salons, barbershops and gyms have also been able to welcome their customers back. Prescott is such a unique and vibrant community and the value its citizens hold for our small business owners is heartwarming and has never been more evident.

The Prescott community has a long history of coming together to get through times of crisis and stress, and that has been highlighted extensively during the last few months. We’ve remained strong, positive and showed grace to each other as everyone has navigated this unique and trying time. That perseverance has allowed us to come back step-by-step and continue to support each other as we look to the future. There are many good things to come. It is important to continue to be diligent, safe and respectful as reopening continues so that the positive progress continues. I have been and continue to be deeply proud of our beautiful hometown.

Businesses are Re-Opening and taking precautions to keep you safe. Every time you shop locally, you are helping local businesses and the Prescott community. Support your local economy today. Locals supporting Locals!

Whatever the reason, the Prescott Valley area offers wonderful outdoor opportunities. We hope to see you out in our community sometime soon.

SOCIAL DISTANCING REMINDS US PRESCOTT VALLEY HAS WONDERFUL OUTDOOR OPPORTUNITIES

by Kell Palguta, Mayor, Town of Prescott Valley

Greetings everyone. I hope this edition of Prescott Living finds you healthy and in good spirits. It is no secret the last few months not only have been stressful, but they have had a direct impact on how we live our lives.

Prescott Valley has numerous reasons to visit, ranging from our amazing restaurants to our 5,400-seat Findlay Toyota Event Center. We are looking forward to having all these businesses open and thriving again. However, COVID-19 gave everyone a different perspective on how to enjoy their community out of necessity for social distancing. For those not familiar with Prescott Valley and all the great outdoor activities available, I will share with you a few of my favorites.

If you are interested in hiking a trail that results in one of the best views of Northern Arizona, I suggest you try the Glassford Hill Summit Trail. This trail winds all the way up to the top of Glassford Hill, traversing 940 feet in 2.1 miles from the base.

As a reward for your efforts you will be treated to endless views to the north and east and on most days can see clear to Flagstaff. Feel free to bring your family as well as your four-legged family members, leashed of course, on this little adventure.

If hiking is not necessarily your forte, I invite you to take a trip to Fain Lake where you can experience the calming sounds and environment a lake brings to one’s life. Fain Lake is stocked with fish on a quarterly basis and is a great place to enjoy some fishing. Take a leisurely stroll around the lake to see authentic mining equipment used back in the days when miners and

settlers searching for riches and fortune traveled to the banks of Lynx Creek to mine for gold.

If fishing and relaxing is what you desire, be sure to take a trip down to the Urban Forest on Lakeshore Drive. This area, part of Mountain Valley Park, will give you the opportunity to choose from two separate 2-acre lakes that are also regularly stocked by Arizona Game and Fish. This unique opportunity gives you a chance to get out and try your hand at fishing while enjoying the fresh air.

Fain Park, the Urban Forest lakes and Prescott Valley’s many other parks, 28 in total, are great places to watch birds. The Urban Forest area and Fain Lake — with trees, water and other habitats — offer views of migrating and native birds, ducks and other wildlife. With surrounding areas designated Important Birding Areas, Prescott Valley sees many unique and colorful birds and waterfowl as they migrate through in spring and fall.

Finally, be sure to check the Town of Prescott Valley website (www.pvaz.net) and look for the events calendar, which constantly is updated. Prescott Valley is home to an outdoor stage with amphitheater-style seating outside the Civic Center, which in the past has hosted a variety of musical events as well as Movies Under the Stars, which is always popular for all ages. Whatever the reason, the Prescott Valley area offers wonderful outdoor opportunities. We hope to see you out in our community sometime soon.

11 Years Arizona Assistant Attorney General

7 Years Deputy Yavapai County Attorney

19 Years Yavapai County Attorney

11 Years Arizona Assistant Attorney General

Prosecuted Hundreds of Major Crimes

7 Years Deputy Yavapai County Attorney

19 Years Yavapai County Attorney

CHARACTER

11 Years Arizona Assistant Attorney General

Prosecuted Hundreds of Major Crimes

7 Years Deputy Yavapai County Attorney

Criminal Justice Award, Arizona Bar

CHARACTER

Ethical Leadership Tribute, U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum

19 Years Yavapai County Attorney

Prosecuted Hundreds of Major Crimes

Criminal Justice Award, Arizona Bar

Outstanding Rural Arizona Elected Official

Ethical Leadership Tribute, U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum

Beam of Hope Award from Prevent Child Abuse

CHARACTER

Outstanding Rural Arizona Elected Official

Criminal Justice Award, Arizona Bar

Beam of Hope Award from Prevent Child Abuse

LEADERSHIP

Ethical Leadership Tribute, U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum

LEADERSHIP

Collaborative Efforts to Decriminalize Mental Illness

Outstanding Rural Arizona Elected Official

Collaborative Efforts to Decriminalize Mental Illness

Fighting the Opioid Crisis as Chair of MATFORCE

Beam of Hope Award from Prevent Child Abuse

Fighting the Opioid Crisis as Chair of MATFORCE Yavapai Reentry Project to Reduce Crime

Yavapai Reentry Project to Reduce Crime

Partner

Partner of the Veterans, Mental Health & Drug Courts

LEADERSHIP

Collaborative Efforts to Decriminalize Mental Illness

Fighting the Opioid Crisis as Chair of MATFORCE

Yavapai Reentry Project to Reduce Crime

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.

Trips that don’t involve packing 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 for building 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 and Sundays (call ahead to confirm) starting in May. Tours start at 10 a.m. at the Visitor Information Center in 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 bed-and-breakfast is a tried-and-true way to set the mood for exploring. You have so many choices, from

downtown historic hotels to quaint B&Bs 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 Elks’ Theatre, the Prescott Center for the Arts or Yavapai College. Check out the new Bob and Linda Lee Planetarium at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University by 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, store or 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 it has to offer, support local businesses and just enjoy your hometown!

For more information about the Prescott Chamber of Commerce, please visit www.prescott.org, call us at 928-445-2000 or 800-266-7534, or stop by the Visitor Information Center at 117 W. Goodwin St. in downtown Prescott.

Decriminalizing Mental Illness in Yavapai County

by Sheila Polk, Yavapai County Attorney

Twenty-nine-year-old Travis (not his real name) began showing signs of mental illness as a teenager. His parents found treatment for him in Phoenix, where he qualified for AHCCCS health care. With appropriate medications and counseling, Travis was stable. A few years ago, Travis moved to Prescott Valley, found a job and housing with a roommate.

One day, Travis contacted his pharmacy to have his prescription refilled. Travis was shocked when he learned the prescription would cost him $400. The helpful pharmacist told Travis he would contact his insurance. Travis himself took steps to clear up the confusion, but, meanwhile, ran out of his medicine. Within a couple of days without medication, Travis’s mental health began to decompensate.

With each passing day, Travis grew more dysfunctional and his ability to straighten out his prescription deteriorated. During a disagreement with his roommate, Travis grew violent and broke the coffee table. His frightened roommate called 911. When law enforcement officers arrived at the home, they arrested Travis on charges of assault and transported him to the Yavapai County jail.

There was a time, not long ago, when Travis would have found himself trapped in the criminal justice system, facing charges and a criminal record. Thankfully, things have changed. Beginning in 2016, Yavapai County has taken the lead in decriminalizing mental illness.

Travis is in a safe place today. After his arrest, his mother contacted the jail, where medical staff quickly acquired Travis’s medications so that Travis could resume his treatment. Within five days, Travis exhibited a complete turnaround.

My office, the office that prosecutes criminal offenses after an arrest is made, was contacted. After speaking to Travis’s mom and his roommate, who expressed the desire to drop charges, all charges were dismissed, and Travis was released. Jail staff helped Travis find housing, enroll in vocational rehab and find a job. I am happy to report that Travis has remained crime-free and productive since this episode.

When mental illness intersects with conduct that hurts others, law enforcement is called to the scene. Historically, law enforcement had only two options — arrest the indi-

vidual or take him to the emergency room for medical clearance prior to an arrest.

Beginning about four years ago, criminal justice partners in Yavapai County said we can do better.

Today, we have emerged as the most progressive county in our state in decriminalizing mental illness. Police officers across our county receive crisis intervention training and mental health first aid to learn about the causes, effects and treatment of mental illness, and de-escalation skills to keep patients out of jail. Reach Out is our visionary program that screens individuals brought to jail to identify mental illness and release them to behavioral health services under court supervision.

Mobile Crisis Teams

In 2016, Spectrum Healthcare created mobile crisis teams in Yavapai County. Each team consists of behavioral health professionals who respond to the scene of an encounter — frequently within minutes — between a police officer and a person exhibiting signs of mental illness, such as psychosis, substance abuse, skipping medications or family conflict. Often, the officer can leave the scene in the hands of the professionals and return to patrol.

The intervention and success of these mobile crisis teams in diverting individuals away from the criminal justice system is enormous. Approximately 70% of these encounters are stabilized in the community while the remainder are connected to services.

The West Yavapai Guidance Clinic’s Crisis Stabilization Unit opened its doors in Prescott Valley in 2017, providing another option to the officer. At the unit, patients are stabilized, treated and connected to more permanent treatment.

The results to date are remarkable. Since its inception, 1,541 potential arrests have been diverted and 3,289 emergency room visits have been avoided. The savings to the County in jail incarceration costs is more than $3.7 million.

There is nothing criminal about being diagnosed with mental illness. Keeping our communities safe by steering persons with mental illness away from jails and to the psychiatric care they need has been embraced in Yavapai County. For more information, visit: www.justicementalhealth.com/collaborative-efforts.

The prevalence of mental illness in United States jails ranges between 25% and 40% of jail inmates.

Of these, 60–80% have co-occuring substance use disorders.

SOURCE: BUREAU OF JUSTICE STATISTICS

When the Going Gets Tough, the Tough Get Local

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

The impact of COVID-19 these past few months has been unprecedented, in fact downright excruciating. But we saw the resilience of our businesses and community emerge with new business models, simpler expectations, and more appreciation of what we have. To support and encourage positive action, we at the Chamber concluded we should “Shop Local, Support Local and Stay Local!” And by doing so we would get through this as “Prescott Valley Together!”

Shop Local — Whenever possible, shop in our local stores. Many have been open because they were essential services, but others offered online ordering, curbside pickup or delivery services. But now more than ever we need to also consider how we shop. Physical distancing, wearing of masks and limits on capacity are a small inconvenience when we are helping our local businesses stay solvent and open.

Support Local — Continue to support our local businesses. For our restaurants now offering takeout options, help keep their doors open by buying a meal out. But when

they reopen they will have some guidelines to follow, so be patient. Again, there may be limits on capacity, distancing and extra sanitation measures. These are the ones that regularly contribute to our organizations, so let’s keep them in business.

Continue to support your nonprofit organizations. They have also felt the downturn in donations and in most cases have had to postpone their major fundraisers. A little bit goes a long way. And we need to support our service providers, including hair and nail salons, gyms and personal care businesses. Get those appointments scheduled, purchase a gift card for later use or tip generously the next time. They have been without any income during the stay-at-home order.

Stay Local – This might be the year to have that “staycation.” Let’s look at what is in our own backyard and spend our money here. Our local area has great places to stay, camp and explore. Become a tourist in our own town and city. I am sure there are many sights you may not have gotten around to visiting and restaurants you have wanted to try. There are so many ideas to choose from

including recreation, arts and culture, and family activities. You can be your own tour guide and make it fun.

It will be a while before public confidence comes back and life is back to at least semi-normal. Embrace the positive, be creative and support our community.

We are “Prescott Valley Together!”

325 S. Montezuma St., Prescott, AZ 86303

Ph: (928) 445-0104 Ext. 9 Cell: (210) 323-6316

Fax: (928) 445-0491 dsnyder141414@yahoo.com David A. Snyder is an affiliate of E.R. Taxes, LC. Prescott, AZ

The Kiwanis Club of Prescott

Exciting events and striking scenery in the greater Prescott area!

Health • Happiness • Education

Hold Onto Gains in Well-Being Made During Stay-At-Home Order

by Billie Orr, Mayor Pro Tem, City of Prescott and Lori Kennedy, ERAU Communications Coordinator

A sense of community thrives when residents like and have pride in where they live and feel connected.

How do you rate your Community

Well-Being?

Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, the Commission on Well-Being has continued to move forward with its initiatives to foster a culture of health and wellness in our community. As we all adapted to a new normal under Gov. Doug Ducey’s Stay Home, Stay Safe, Stay Connected policy these past weeks, it has provided a time for reflection, introspection and re-evaluation on how we live our lives.

As a commission, our goal is to set good principles for lifelong well-being for our residents, and no doubt we have all come away from this unprecedented time with a renewed sense of what does and does not matter.

While a plethora of Facebook posts and memes touted the challenges of staying fit, cravings for too many, and too much of, “bad” foods, longing for personal connections and worrying over financial issues, we come out on what is hopefully the other side to ask,

“What good came out of this?” And there are just as many heartwarming, positive and encouraging stories speaking to that question.

• People who may never have walked or hiked Prescott’s 100-plus miles of trails or lakes, got out and experienced the beauty of Prescott.

• Hundreds of Prescott citizens have recently learned to play pickleball and checked out our state-of-theart public courts in Pioneer Park. Four of the newest courts are lit for night play until 10 p.m., all free for everyone.

• Gardening has seen an increase not experienced in over 30 years, as attested to by Ken Lain of Watters Garden Center. People are embracing growing flowers, planting gardens and enjoying yard work. “It’s been the best days since we opened,” said Lain.

• Pet adoptions soared in the early stages of the pandemic as people

prepared to shelter in place. While millions had to adapt to work from home, practice social distancing and self-isolation, new pets kept them and their families company. Even hens found new homes as people looked for backyard pets to provide eggs in uncertain times.

• While forcing people to keep their distance, for some families this time has brought them closer together. In the past, family members would be in different places or attending different activities. And now they’ve been able to be together as a family to watch movies, play games, cook and eat together.

• Exercise became an important, conscious decision for many as they faced time at home without access to gyms, fitness facilities or even just the daily exercise one gets living life. One stationary bike company reported an 83% increase in sales, while online access to

workout regimes soared. Many dogs have enjoyed the increase in walks with their best friends.

Other pertinent questions would be: “What have we learned, and how can we stay healthy right now?” And again, the lessons are innumerable. We’ve developed a higher consciousness to the status of our personal health and the importance of acquiring and maintaining a healthy lifestyle, so a few health and wellness takeaways would include:

• Fresh, homemade foods are one important key to being healthy, and a great way to do that is to grow your own fruits and vegetables.

• Creating a strong immune system is vital, not just to ward off viruses, but many other diseases and infections as well. Several ways to build your immune system are to get enough sleep, eat more whole plant foods, limit added sugars, engage in moderate exercise, stay hydrated and manage your stress levels.

• Remain active — Stay-at-home orders have really heightened our awareness of the need to move your body. Keep up whatever good habits you started during this time — walking, hiking, videos — whatever has kept you moving, keep it going.

• Stay hydrated —The benefits of drinking water are too many to list, but a few reasons to stay hydrated are proper hydration promotes cardiovascular health, water keeps your body cool, it helps muscles and joints work better, keeps skin supple, and helps cleanse your body — inside and out.

One of the commission’s first initia-

tives is the development of a survey to share with residents. The commission wants to hear from the citizens of Prescott on what aspects of health and wellness are most important to them. These survey responses will inform how the commission will design programs, events and services to fulfill our vision and mission. The survey will be available on the city website at www.prescott-az.gov. Some of the questions the survey will ask include:

• Purpose Well-Being is enjoying what you do in your life each day, setting goals and being motivated to achieve them is an essential part of a well-balanced life. How do you rate your Purpose Well-Being?

• A sense of community thrives when residents like and have pride in where they live and feel connected. How do you rate your Community Well-Being?

• Social Well-Being is having supportive, loving relationships in your life through family, friends and community. How do you rate your Social Well-Being?

• Please share your ideas, activities and/or expectations you would like to see developed by the Commission on Well-Being.

We encourage residents to watch for and respond to the survey. It will be foundational for the commission as it looks ahead to creating events and providing the resources our community needs to achieve and maintain a healthy lifestyle.

The commission meetings are held at City Hall and open to the public. Contact Kelly Tolbert at kelly.tolbert@prescott-az. gov for dates and times of meetings.

Prescott Mayor’s Daughter Brooklyn Mengarelli Cherished

by Sheila Mengarelli, Realtor, Kathleen Yamauchi Group Real Estate

Brooklyn Ashley Mengarelli, 21, of Prescott, Arizona, was called home to Jesus on Friday, April 10, 2020. Daughter of Greg and Sheila Mengarelli, Brooklyn was born and raised here in Prescott. She grew up with three older brothers Cameron, Brady, Austin, and younger sister Sheridan.

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.

— Jeremiah 29:11-13

Brooklyn deeply cherished her family. She was always so grateful to have her older brothers there to protect her and show her love, and her younger sister to share her laughs and tears with. Brooklyn was kind and compassionate; people were drawn to her vibrancy and beauty that shone from the inside out. She was an understanding person with a heartwarming smile and the ability to light up any room. Brooklyn’s heart for loving people and joy for life were contagious.

Brooklyn attended Prescott High School, where she graduated with

honors in 2017. During her baccalaureate ceremony, she addressed her peers, encouraging her fellow Christian graduates to put God first now and said, “If you keep pushing off your faith until tomorrow, tomorrow will never come.” Her life was the example. Throughout high school, you could find Brooklyn on any given Tuesday night with her Prescott Christian Church youth group. She attended every mission trip she could, from Mexico to India, and she even organized a student-led mission trip to Mexicali, Mexico. Later, she would carry on her passion for ministry in college by leading Bible studies at the University of Arizona.

Brooklyn embraced college life at the U of A, pursuing a math education degree with a sign language minor. She was a beloved member of the Chi Omega Sorority, where she made so many friends and sweet memories. She

was courageous in sharing her faith with friends, and exemplifying that through example. Everything she did in college glorified God, even though she might have been the only one.

She was not a follower of society, she was a follower of God, and she made sure everyone around her knew it. She was the mom of every friend and sorority sister, making sure they were staying healthy and that they made it home safely.

Purity was also very important to Brooklyn. She was saving her first kiss for her wedding day. She loved her large family and even larger extended family. Brooklyn thrived on long hot days in her service at Prescott’s United Christian Youth Camp, where her passion for children was highlighted. She served at the camp from ages 15 to 18 and loved being a part of the experience of each kid attending summer camp and seeing the gospel of Jesus Christ come alive in their lives!

She also spent the last two summers with her Uncle Brian, Aunt Ashley and cousins in Utah at Big Canyon Ranch, where she worked as summer staff and also as assistant program director.

Her Faith, Family

Brooklyn loved to dance! She started dancing at age 3, and it turned into a lifelong passion. She loved the memories she shared with her dance family, and then in high school, she danced on the pom team at PHS. But her favorite time to dance was at big Italian Mengarelli weddings — celebrating life and love. Brooklyn danced like nobody was watching and lived life to the fullest!

Family meant so much to Brooklyn. At age 10 she and her biological siblings welcomed new family members when her parents began fostering and adopting children. She knew the value of family and welcomed her four youngest adopted siblings as full-fledged family. She was passionate about foster care and adoption and had a heart for orphans. Not only did she grow up in a large family, she had a large extended family as well; 12 cousins (plus spouses)! It made for wildly competitive game nights.

She also loved to bake with her grandmothers and sisters during the holidays. During football season, you could find her glued to the game cheering for/with her brothers. She was an old soul. Her mama was her best friend, her dad and brothers were her heroes, and she was deemed the best aunt ever to her little nephew Dawson. Brooklyn deeply cherished family time together.

Above all, Brooklyn loved Jesus with all her heart, soul and mind. She was wise beyond her years and made God a priority in her life. Her love for her savior was sweet and beautiful.

As young and full of life Brooklyn was, she suffered with epilepsy her entire life, which was exhibited by absence seizures. Despite her struggles with epilepsy, she was positive, an overcomer, and always spread joy

to others. She passed away in a hot tub due to an epileptic seizure and was immediately swept into the arms of her sweet Jesus. Her family and friends prayed for healing, and though she might not have been healed on earth, on Good Friday, God healed her perfectly and completely by His side in heaven.

Brooklyn will be deeply missed and forever loved by all who knew her. She was honored in a Celebration of Life on June 13th when friends, family and the community gathered together in her memory.

Allergy Season: Not Just a Spring Thing

by Hojat Askari, M . D . , Board Certified

Internal Medicine, Medical Director at Thumb Butte Medical Center

If you’re frustrated because we’ve gotten past the spring blooming season and you’re still dealing with head pressure, watery eyes, swollen lids, coughing and other allergy symptoms, there could be another culprit making you miserable: grass.

You develop allergies when your body overreacts to substances that don’t cause problems for most people. These things are called allergens, and some people have none or just a couple allergens to deal with, with some unlucky others dealing with multiple triggers.

If you have allergies, your body releases chemicals when you are exposed to an allergen. One such chemical is called histamine. Histamine is your body’s defense against the allergen. The release of histamine causes your symptoms.

The amount of pollen circulating from trees and flowering plants in our area is usually pretty low by early summer, but the grass is just getting started with its process. Many species don’t release pollen until they reach a certain height and bloom, but Bermuda and some others produce it even when cut short. The microscopic pollen particles are carried far and wide by strong, dry wind, the kind we see plenty of in our area before the monsoon begins to take hold. You can cut down on the amount you come into contact with by closing doors and windows, wearing pants and long sleeves outside and changing clothes and perhaps showering once you get indoors. There are numerous medications used to treat allergy symptoms available over-thecounter, with a prescription or both.

• Immunotherapy, administered through allergy shots or sublingual drops, are an option for people who try other treatments but still have allergy symptoms. These medications contain a very small amount of the allergen you are allergic to. They are the only allergy treatments which do not have a risk of significant side effects.

• Antihistamines help reduce the sneezing, runny nose, and itchiness of allergies. These come in pill form and as nasal sprays. Many are available over the counter, but some require a prescription.

• Decongestants, such as pseudoephedrine and phenylephrine, temporarily relieve

the stuffy nose of allergies. They are best used only for a short time. Nose sprays and drops shouldn’t be used for more than three days. You can buy decongestants without a prescription, but they can raise your blood pressure, so talk to your physician before using them if you have high blood pressure.

• Leukotriene inhibitors are prescription pills that help block leukotrienes. Leukotrienes are another class of chemicals that the body releases when exposed to allergens.

• Cromolyn sodium is a nasal spray that helps prevent the body’s reaction to allergens. This medicine may take 2 to 4 weeks to start working. It is available without a prescription.

• Nasal steroid sprays reduce the reaction of the nasal tissues to inhaled allergens, reducing the swelling in your nose. They are the most effective at treating patients who have chronic symptoms. Many nasal steroids are now available without a pre-

scription. You won’t notice their benefits for up to 2 weeks after starting them.

• Eye drops. If your other medicines are not helping enough with your itchy, watery eyes, your doctor may prescribe eye drops for you. Some are available over the counter.

Did you know it’s best to treat allergies before symptoms show up? If you have grass pollen allergies, now is the time to proactively consult a physician.

At Thumb Butte Medical Center, we can identify your allergies by a simple blood test or skin test which identifies antibodies to 79 different allergens. We then can develop a treatment plan to help you manage your symptoms. If your allergies have already kicked in, we offer treatments.

Contact Brittany Scully, our allergy specialist, at 928-225-5145 to alleviate your allergycaused suffering.

Yavapai County Attacks COVID-19

by Leslie Horton, Director, Yavapai County Community Health Services

Through teamwork, we not only have been successful at maintaining a low rate of cases and deaths and a slow spread of COVID-19 thus far, but we’ve also been successful at protecting our most elderly and most vulnerable populations.

From our high desert vantage point, we at Yavapai County Community Health Services watched with interest and concern as the COVID-19 pandemic was rapidly crossing the globe. It looked to be afflicting one nation after another and creating fear and anxiety in our community: Was it the common cold, more like the flu, or was it as deadly as the news was implicating? How were we supposed to prepare for the unknown? Arizona saw its first case of COVID-19 in late January, which is about when Yavapai County began preparing, anticipating and bracing for the unknown.

In the beginning of March, as most were preparing for spring break, we were gearing up to face COVID through prevention, monitoring, testing and mitigation strategies. In mid-March we triggered the Yavapai County Emergency Operations Center to move to Level 1 operations and with it a high-level multi agency coordination consisting of a Type 1 incident management team and numerous community and agency leaders. Both were deployed, along with an emergency declaration from our Board of Supervisors, just in time for our first cases to arrive locally on March 19.Since then, and

while most people isolated at home under a protective stay-at-home order by Gov. Doug Ducey, the Emergency Operations Center has been a 24/7 central command and control facility for COVID-19 in the County. Staff and volunteers have worked to monitor the disease case by case, direct people to testing sites, providing factual and timely communication to media, answering public inquiries, addressing new societal issues, and managing resources from the Strategic National Stockpile and vendors such as masks, gloves, gowns, sanitizing products and some testing supplies.

Daily Research Done

Research was conducted daily in order to provide guidance to schools, hospitals, churches, businesses, restaurants, and first responders in order to determine what course of action to take in each arena. Each day has been filled with twists and turns and nearly nonstop virtual meetings with partner agencies, hospital and healthcare providers, first responder agencies,city and county leaders and many more. YCCHS leadership had spent years building relationships with our community leaders and community organizations, which proved invaluable during this unprecedented time. Through teamwork, we not only have been successful at maintaining a low rate of cases and deaths and a slow spread of COVID-19 thus far, but we’ve also been successful at protecting our most elderly and most vulnerable populations.

Knowing that our community members were under intense stressors because of the stay-at-home orders, economic shutdowns and employment cuts, testing limitations, daunting media coverage and fear of the unknown, we knew factual and timely communica-

tion was vital. We updated our www. yavapai.us/chs website twice daily and posted new information and videos often to our Facebook page. We also provided daily media updates via local interviews. We set up a local hotline/ phone bank in the Emergency Operations Center. “It is nice to hear a human voice on the line,” said a caller to the center’s phone bank. The YCCHS public information officer prepares a daily script, and the phone bank operators use that information to provide accurate and up-to-date information on symptoms, testing, local resources and more. The phone bank has been open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and has answered thousands of calls to date.

The pandemic is not over yet, and knowing that COVID-19 is here to stay for the foreseeable future, our team will continue to devote time, energy and resources to the protection of those who-need it most. As the local public health director, I could not be more proud of the work our exceptional team of essential workers, our strong community leaders and our citizens have done to proactively attack this virus and keep it from taking a stronghold in Yavapai County. Moving forward as our communities begin to reopen with our freedoms restored, I hope we can maintain many of the great habits that have proven helpful in protecting us so far and continue to take special care to protect those who remain at risk.

Sources of Information:

www.yavapai.us/chs www.azdhs.gov

Yavapai County Hotline: (928) 442-5103

Arizona 2-1-1 Hotline

#yavapaistrongertogether

NAVAHCS Offers Virtual Health Options for Veterans

by Mary Dillinger, Public Affairs Officer, Northern Arizona VA Health Care System

“If a veteran is not tech-savvy, they need not worry,” said Michelle Key, RN and telehealth coordinator at NAVAHCS. “We have staff who can assist veterans with setting up their devices for their appointments. The process is simple and at no cost to the veteran.”

Northern Arizona VA Health Care System is proud to serve our nation’s veterans in a catchment area covering more than 65,000 square miles. This vast territory includes our main facility in Prescott, five Community Based Outpatient Clinics (CBOC) in Anthem, Cottonwood, Flagstaff, Kingman and Lake Havasu City; three telehealth clinics in Holbrook, Tuba City and Page; and Indian Health Service clinic agreements in Chinle, Polacca and Kayenta.

Some of NAVAHCS’ clinics are in highly rural areas of northern Arizona, and offering virtual appointment options for veterans has been a VA priority for years beginning with telehealth over a decade ago. Telehealth is set up for Veterans at the main hospital and CBOCs.

The veteran uses Clinical Video Telehealth, which is a portable device on a cart with a computer and monitor. The veteran can be in Prescott and the provider might be in Texas, California or even on the East Coast.

The CVT appointments are for primary care, mental health and even some specialty services. When the veteran arrives at the hospital or clinic, a nurse will take the patient’s vital signs and then the nurse will connect the patient to the provider through CVT.

VA continues to make advancements in technology and in 2017, VA Video Connect was established. VVC allows veterans to have virtual appointments with their providers without leaving their homes. VVC is set up through a desktop computer, laptop, iPad or smartphone. If a veteran does not have a device, the VA provides it. T-Mobile, Sprint and Verizon have partnered with VA to provide free

data usage for veterans when they use VVC for their appointments.

“If a veteran is not tech-savvy, they need not worry,” said Michelle Key, RN and telehealth coordinator at NAVAHCS. “We have staff who can assist veterans with setting up their devices for their appointments. The process is simple and at no cost to the veteran.”

VVC is free and if a veteran usually has a co-pay for their appointment that payment is waived when they use VVC. During the COVID-19 pandemic more veterans have signed up for VVC and have expressed their happiness with the service.

Many of the veterans who signed up for VVC appointments during COVID-19 have opted to continue their care through VVC. In the near future, NAVAHCS will expand virtual specialty services and is even establishing an entire virtual primary care team.

VA also offers MyHealtheVet, which is a patient portal that allows veterans

to view their upcoming appointments online, order refills of their medication and even send secure messages to their team.

“More than 44 percent of our enrolled veterans are using MyHealtheVet,” said Tim Howe, MyHealtheVet coordinator at NAVAHCS. “Sending a secure message to your team through MyHealtheVet is the quickest way to communicate with your provider. Most veterans will hear back from their VA provider within one to two days.”

MyHealtheVet is a smartphone app, and you can sign up at www.myhealthevet.va.gov. If an enrolled veteran is interested in using telehealth or VVC, please contact your team through MyHealtheVet or NAVAHCS’s telehealth coordinator at (928) 445-4860, ext. 5396.

Thank you for choosing VA and we look forward to serving you in person and virtually.

Northern Arizona VA Health Care System

Come Be a Part of Our VA Team!

Now hiring clinical and support staff positions Caring for Northern Arizona Veterans in Prescott, Anthem, Cottonwood, Flagstaff, Kingman and Lake Havasu City

COMPASSIONATE HOMETOWN SERVICE

LOOKING TO FILL PHYSICIAN, PHYSICIAN ASSISTANT, NURSE PRACTITIONER, RN AND LPN POSITIONS.

Any questions, please contact Northern Arizona VA Health Care System (NAVAHCS) Human Resources at 928-445-4860 ext. 6015 or visit our website at www.prescott.va.gov or www.prescott.va.gov/careers/index.asp

Rick Ohanesian, MD

Jeffrey Osburn, MD

Katie Campuzano, MD

AnnMarie Massimo, NP

Victoria Cahill, NP

Danita Napier, NP

With the warm temperatures and families spending more time outdoors, your Prescott Fire Department would like to remind you to watch your kids around water. There are plenty of hazards to look out for, but one that happens far too often is accidental drowning.

According to the CDC, in the United States, drownings are a leading cause of injury and death for young children ages 1 to 14, and three children die every day as a result of drowning. In fact, drowning kills more children ages 1-4 than anything else except birth defects.

Often we think of drownings only happening at pools, and because Prescott has few household pools, we become complacent of the drowning dangers in our area. Children can drown in bathtubs, buckets of standing water, lakes, ponds and creeks as well.

Vigilance Key to Preventing Child Drownings

by Scott Luedeman, Division Chief-Professional Services, Prescott Fire Department

Here are some helpful tips related to water safety around any water source:

• Adult supervision is key in the prevention of drowning.

• Maintain constant visual supervision of children in and around the swimming pool and open bodies of water.

• Assign an adult to supervise children around the pool, especially at parties.

• Learn CPR. You can reach out to your local fire department for information about CPR classes.

• Enroll your child in a swim class if they do not know how to swim.

• If you have a pool, ensure barrier fencing is installed and all gates and latches are self-closing, self-latching and operational.

• Make sure children wear life jackets in and around natural bodies of water, such as

lakes or streams, even if they know how to swim. Life jackets can be used in and around pools for weaker swimmers, too.

• Supervise your child in bathtubs and immediately drain the tub when the bath is over.

• Empty buckets and other containers used around the house immediately after use.

• When small children are in the house, close all toilet seat lids when not in use

Remember, it only takes a second for a drowning to occur. Please do your part to prevent drowning around your home.

Custom Frame a Memory

Polk, Partners Launch Low-Level Offender Diversion Program

Complete Care Partners, a partnership between West Yavapai Guidance Clinic and Spectrum Healthcare Group formed to provide services for the new diversion program initiated through the Yavapai County Attorney’s Office, has hired two new staff members.

Complete Care Partners assists first-time or low-level offenders, who are better served outside of the regular court system, with program services. These include life skills, employment or education gaps, housing and transportation in addition to substance abuse and mental health treatment.

“This exciting new program will use the leverage of the criminal justice system to encourage participation in substance abuse and mental health treatment. The incentive for the offender is dismissal of all charges upon successful completion of the program,” said Yavapai County Attorney Sheila Polk. Kyle Newkirk is coming on board as the managed care coordinator, with 10 years of experience as a licensed counselor and a master’s degree in counseling psychology. His experience includes individual and group therapy with an emphasis on substance abuse and he has served as the drug court liaison

for the WYGC.

Care Manager Erin Ortega has 13 years of experience in community outreach and treatment planning and holds a bachelor’s degree in criminology. Erin also served as a social worker for the Yavapai Apache Nation in Camp Verde, specializing in social services and as a correctional officer with the state of Arizona.

Defendants are carefully screened by the County Attorney’s office for eligibility for the diversion program. Participants will then be assigned a care manager through Complete Care Partners, who will assess the client’s needs and set them up with an individualized program. The length will vary from three to six months to ensure the participant’s success. Current criminal charges will be dismissed for those who successfully complete the program.

“Yavapai County is one of the safest regions in the United States,” said Polk. “Studies show that diversionary programs are much less costly than sending a case through the normal court process. This new program will help us keep our streets safe while also giving low-level offenders a second chance at a productive life.”

Founded in 1966, West Yavapai Guidance

by Staff Reports

Clinic helps more than 7,000 people each year with mental health, addiction, physical health care and behavioral health challenges lead heathier lives.

“We are excited to be a part of Complete Care Partners as we believe that, together with Spectrum Healthcare Group, we will be able to best meet the needs of our communities. We are pleased to offer a vast array of services that provide an alternative to the criminal justice system,” commented Tamara Player, CEO of WYGC.

Spectrum Healthcare Group has been present in Yavapai County since 1965, specializing in the whole health needs of our communities. Spectrum is dedicated to accessible care and provides countywide healthcare services to all communities.

“Spectrum is thrilled to partner with West Yavapai Guidance Clinic in the delivery of diversion services. Rooted in Yavapai County, we care very much about our community and endeavor to provide the very best services we can. Through Complete Care Partners, we believe Spectrum and WYGC are best positioned to provide comprehensive care to our county,” said April Rhodes, CEO of Spectrum Healthcare Group.

A Valley of Vitality Wellness Studio Page 70

Amazing Foot Spa Page 76

Bashford Courts Page 73

Blushing Cactus Photography Page 73

Bowen’s Botanicals Page 75

Debi Walker Permanent Cosmetics Page 76

Hair by Joey Page 76

MJ Consulting Page 76

My Health Etc. Page 74

Prescott Flower Shop Page 77

Prescott Outpatient Surgical Center Page 75

Purple Clover Boutique Page 74

Scarlett’s Curated Collection Page 77

Scottsdale Plastic Surgery Page 71

Thumb Butte Medical Center Page 72

Now Open!

Invest Your Healthcare Dollars Wisely!

Convenient • Friendly • Helpful • Caring •

Over the past 30 years, POSC has saved patients more than $150 Million! Of that amount, $20 Million would have been out of pocket.

Dr.

Dr.

Overall Patient Satisfaction: 9.8 out of 10!

Dr.

The choice is yours. Choose one of our excellent Prescott based surgeons for your outpatient surgical needs. You will save money and have the best possible care available.

“The best I have experienced! POSC even topped Duke Medical Center which I have always rated highly. Thanks to the staff.”

Overall Patient Satisfaction: 9.8 out of 10!

“Everything about the place was excellent. Very clean, very professional, very organized and efficient. Thank you for the great care!”

“The best I have experienced! POSC even topped Duke Medical Center which I have always rated highly. Thanks to the staff.”

“Everything about the place was excellent. Very clean, very professional, very organized and efficient. Thank you for the great care!”

“Everyone was awesome. My stress level was zero! Loved the nurses. Linda was so sweet and really awesome. Great experience overall. Thank you all!”

Dr. Jonathon Gruneich 778-9770

Dr. Josephine Kim 583-1000

Dr. Melinda Martin 777-0070

Dr. Richard Ohanesian 778-4300

Dr. Jeffrey Osburn 778-4300

Dr. Jeanette Pilotte 583-7887

INTERVENTIONAL PAIN SPECIALISTS

Dr. Jonathon Gruneich 778-9770

Dr. Bradley Benson 445-4818

Dr. J. Gabriel Tsang 237-9312

ORTHOPAEDIC SPECIALISTS

Dr. Daniel Burchfield 778-9250

Invest Your Healthcare Dollars Wisely!

Invest Your Healthcare Dollars Wisely!

Overall Patient Satisfaction 9.9 out of 10!

“Everyone was awesome. My stress level was zero! Loved the nurses. Linda was so sweet and really awesome. Great experience overall. Thank you all!”

Invest Your Healthcare Dollars Wisely!

Dr. Bradley Benson 445-4818

Dr. J. Gabriel Tsang 237-9312

Over the past 31 years 114,000 procedures have been successfully performed at POSC, saving patients more than $160 million! Of that amount, $21 million would have been out of pocket expenses.

Over the past 30 years, POSC has saved patients more than $150 Million! Of that amount, $20 Million would have been out of pocket.

ORTHOPAEDIC SPECIALISTS

Invest Your Healthcare Dollars Wisely!

Over the past 31 years 114,000 procedures have been successfully performed at POSC, saving patients more than $160 million! Of that amount, $21 million would have been out of pocket expenses.

The choice is yours. Choose one of our excellent Prescott based surgeons for your outpatient surgical needs and you will not only save money, but will have the best possible environment and care available.

“When I need surgical help, I will always come here. My phone call from Karen was a real delight. When I saw her in recovery I told her she sounded like a song. My anesthesiologist was just great and took time with my questions. I really liked my visit!”

Dr. Daniel Burchfield 778-9250

Dr. Bertrand Kaper 778-9250

Dr. Judah Pifer 778-9250

Over the past 30 years, POSC has saved patients more than $150 Million! Of that amount, $20 Million would have been out of pocket.

The choice is yours. Choose one of our excellent Prescott based surgeons for your outpatient surgical needs and you will not only save money, but will have the best possible environment and care available.

Dr. Siamak Rassadi 308-4285

Dr. Bertrand Kaper 778-9250

Overall Patient Satisfaction 9.9 out of 10!

Dr. Judah Pifer 778-9250

Dr. Siamak Rassadi 308-4285

Dr. Bradley Williams 445-7085

“When I need surgical help, I will always come here. My phone call from Karen was a real delight. When I saw her in recovery I told her she sounded like a song. My anesthesiologist was just great and took time with my questions. I really liked my visit!”

Dr. Derek Hewitt 778-9190 Dr. Mark Strasser 778-9190

NOSE AND THROAT

PLASTIC SURGEON

Dr. Derek Hewitt 778-9190

Dr. Bradley Williams 445-7085

The choice is yours. Choose one of our excellent Prescott based surgeons for your outpatient surgical needs. You will save money and have the best possible care available.

“Thank you for all the great care you gave me, everyone was awesome made me feel like I was the most important person in there! Thank you all so very much for taking care of me.”

PLASTIC SURGEON

Dr. Brian Brantner 776-0325

Dr. Brian Brantner 776-0325

Dr. Mark Strasser 778-9190

“Thank you all for the great care you gave me, everyone was awesome made me feel like I was the most important person in there day! Thank you all so very much for taking care of me.”

PHYSICAL MEDICINE

The choice is yours. Choose one of our excellent Prescott based surgeons for your outpatient surgical needs. You will save money and have the best possible care available.

“Joanne the pre-op nurse is awesome, really made me feel at ease. The head anesthesiologist was really terrific and put me completely at ease.”

Dr. Bradley Benson 445-4818

SPINE SPECIALIST

Dr. Daniel Noble 778-9250

UROLOGISTS

Overall Patient Satisfaction: 9.8 out of 10!

“The best I have experienced!

PHYSICAL MEDICINE

Dr. Thomas Hirasa 771-1011

Dr. Bradley Benson 445-4818

Dr.

“Joanne the pre-op nurse is awesome, really made me feel at ease. The head anesthesiologist was really terrific and put me completely at ease.”

“This was my 2nd surgery at POSC in 2 months. Both times I received excellent care. Everyone was professional, courteous and all had a great sense of humor. I cannot think of any area that needs improving as I feel 10’s were to be given to everyone there.”

Dr. Paul Nguyen 771-5282

GENERAL SURGEONS

Dr. Thomas Hirasa 771-1011

SPINE SPECIALIST

Dr. Daniel Noble 778-9250

Dr. Donald Huang 771-1011 Dr. Frank Iorio 776-8212

“This was my 2nd surgery at POSC in 2 months. Both times I received excellent care. Everyone was professional, courteous and all had a great sense of humor. I cannot think of any area that needs improving as I feel 10’s were to be given to everyone there.”

Dr. Jeffrey Sanwick 771-5282

Dr. Michael Stanick 771-5282

“The best I have experienced! POSC even topped Duke Medical Center which I have always rated highly. Thanks to the staff.”

“Everything about the place was excellent. Very clean, very professional, very organized and efficient. Thank you for the great care!”

“Everyone was awesome. My stress level was zero! Loved the nurses. Linda was so sweet and really awesome. Great experience overall. Thank

Dr. Katie Campuzano 778-4300

UROLOGISTS

Dr. Thomas Rusing 445-9660

Dr. Adam Feingold 776-8428

Dr. Paul Nguyen 771-5282

Dr. Luis Fernandez 776-8428

Dr. Jeffrey Sanwick 771-5282

GYNECOLOGISTS

Dr. Josephine Kim 583-1000

Dr. Michael Stanick 771-5282

Dr. Katie Campuzano 778-4300

Dr. Melinda Martin 777-0070

Dr. Adam Feingold 776-8428

Dr. Richard Ohanesian 778-4300

Dr. Luis Fernandez 776-8428

Dr. Jeffrey Osburn 778-4300

Dr. Josephine Kim 583-1000

Dr. Jeanette Pilotte 583-7887 INTERVENTIONAL PAIN SPECIALISTS

Dr. Melinda Martin 777-0070

Dr. Richard Ohanesian 778-4300

Dr. Jonathon Gruneich 778-9770

Dr. Bradley Benson 445-4818

Dr. Jeffrey Osburn 778-4300

Dr. Jeanette Pilotte 583-7887

Dr. J. Gabriel Tsang 237-9312

ORTHOPAEDIC SPECIALISTS

Dr. Daniel Burchfield 778-9250

INTERVENTIONAL PAIN SPECIALISTS

Dr. Jonathon Gruneich 778-9770

Dr. Bertrand Kaper 778-9250 Dr. Judah Pifer 778-9250

Dr. Bradley Benson 445-4818

Dr. J. Gabriel Tsang 237-9312

Dr. Bradley Williams 445-7085

ORTHOPAEDIC SPECIALISTS

PLASTIC SURGEON

Dr. Daniel Burchfield 778-9250

Dr. Brian Brantner 776-0325

Dr. Bertrand Kaper 778-9250

PHYSICAL MEDICINE

Dr. Judah Pifer 778-9250

Dr. Bradley Benson 445-4818

Dr. Bradley Williams 445-7085

SPINE SPECIALIST

PLASTIC SURGEON

Dr. Daniel Noble 778-9250 UROLOGISTS

Dr. Brian Brantner 776-0325

Dr. Paul Nguyen 771-5282 Dr. Jeffrey Sanwick 771-5282 Dr. Michael Stanick 771-5282

PHYSICAL MEDICINE

Dr. Bradley Benson 445-4818

SPINE SPECIALIST

Dr. Daniel Noble 778-9250

UROLOGISTS

Dr. Paul Nguyen 771-5282

Dr. Jeffrey Sanwick 771-5282

Dr. Michael Stanick 771-5282

MJ CONSULTING LLC

Scarlett’s

CURATED COLLECTION BOUTIQUE

Prerna O’Hara was born and raised in Singapore and has resided in many other countries including the United Kingdom. At the age of 21, she purchased her first business in Florida. With over 37 years of diverse and highly successful business experience in retail ownership/ management internationally and around the United States, Prerna O’Hara’s newest venture is Scarlett’s Curated Collection in downtown Prescott

Only two months after moving to Prescott, Prerna’s husband recognized that her greatest joy came from being creative and productive. All he had to say was, “I think you need to open another store.” With that statement and the grace of God, everything else fell into place and Scarlett’s Curated Collection was born. Being an O’Hara, she knew she had to name the boutique “Scarlett’s,” which features new and preloved women’s clothing and accessories ranging from Chico’s to Chanel.

What makes the boutique unique is that the consignment items are curated by Prerna and her clients from all over the world: the United States, Australia, London, Italy, Singapore and many other countries. This makes the selection at Scarlett’s Curated Collection boutique distinctively different.

Prerna currently lives in Prescott with her husband (Walter Strzelewicz) and her two cats, Miss Scarlett and Rhett Butler! She has a vast history of serving on the boards of many charitable organizations: she has been the Development Chair for Fresh Start Surgical Gifts, has been involved with the Foundation for Women, and has been on the board for the Citizen Diplomacy Council of San Diego. Additionally, Scarlett’s Curated Collection is a proud sponsor of the Boys and Girls club here in Prescott.

Letter of Intent Approved Unanimously by Prescott City Council and AED

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

Last year Prescott Living published an article in its Early Summer 2019 edition where I had the opportunity to share the history of Prescott’s preservation of magnificent public open space throughout our city, especially in the Granite Dells.

Today our community has a tremendous opportunity to add to the 1,350 acres of open space in the Granite Dells through a possible annexation agreement with Arizona Eco Development.

After two-plus years of negotiation with the company, the City recently announced a letter of intent prepared by the City that outlines the parameters of the annexation and provides a guideline for future negotiations and public meetings. Although the letter of intent is a nonbinding document, the City and Arizona Eco Development wanted to implement this extra step in annexation discussions to bring greater transparency to the process. Since this is a proposed annexation, Proposition 400 (City Charter Article 1, Section 4) will come into play. All the rules still apply, including a 60-day comment period and a positive vote of at least six out of seven council members.

The City is very excited about the opportunity we have in this potential

annexation. Arizona Eco Development has agreed to convey 745 acres of its private property to the City in exchange for a net of 378 Acre-Feet. Now that is a great deal for the City of Prescott and surrounding communities! First let’s take a look at the private property being conveyed to the City of Prescott.

The Property

Within the 745 acres of Arizona Eco Development private property to be exchanged to the City are 475 of the most beautiful acres within the Granite Dells. We have spoken so often for the last two years about the magnificent landmarks along the Peavine and Iron King trails, such as the Point of Rocks, No Name Creek and its pristine riparian forest. All of these landmarks and more would be preserved through this letter of intent.

The original Arizona Eco Development annexation proposal listed the potential of five crossings over the Peavine Trail. This letter of intent stipulates only one at-grade crossing, and the City will work with Arizona Eco Development to ensure hikers, cyclists and horseback riders will be separated from vehicles. This crossing will allow vehicles to access an eco-friendly, highend 200-unit resort, which will be a

worldwide destination for visitors to our City. Sections A-H, shown in yellow on the map, will be the Arizona Eco Development residential areas, with a maximum of 850 homes in the southern annexation.

As important as the 475 acres in the Granite Dells are to many of us for open space preservation and protection of the Peavine and Iron King trails, the 270 acres conveyed by Arizona Eco Development in the northern annexation are extremely critical for protecting the future of our airport expansion and economic development. Using a 90% FAA grant, an additional 131 acres adjacent to the runway will be purchased by the City from Arizona Eco Development. The northern annexation will allow approximately 1,550 residential units.

Land for Water

In exchange for the conveyance of these 745 acres of private land from Arizona Eco Development (475 in the south and 270 in the north), the City will provide the company potable water for development. It is important to note that the company came to the table with significant water rights, 375-plus acre feet of surface water at Watson Lake. Arizona Eco Development will relinquish its rights to this water over to the City for purposes of

Prescott Open Space

recreation and recharge. This amount is equal to 2 vertical feet of water in Watson Lake.

Water provided by the City will allow for development in the north and south annexation plus commercial development along 89A, which is already annexed into the City. Section 33 belongs to Arizona Eco Development, is currently in the county and will not likely be annexed into Prescott, but could possibly be annexed into the Town of Prescott Valley or remain in the county. One hundred and seventy-acre feet are designated for Section 33, which will allow for 1,000 residential units.

All Arizona Eco Development lands provided with potable water by the City will be connected to City water and sanitary sewer systems. This is advantageous to the Prescott Active Management Area (PrAMA) because every one of the residences/ businesses built in these developments will not be on wells and septic systems, which will contribute to reaching safe yield and protect our environment and lakes. Arizona Eco Development will pay the costs for all infrastructure, impact fees and the additional 30% surcharge for maintenance of Prescott’s water and sewer systems. Approximately 90% of the water from these developments will be recharged, and all properties will be built to City standards, including xeriscaped lots, drought-tolerant plants and high efficiency fixtures. It is important to note that recent City water policy changes studied by the City for almost a year impacted this process and have allowed for this deal to proceed.

Win-Win-Win For All

As Mayor Greg Mengarelli stated, “This LOI (letter of intent) is a winwin-win for our City, AED (Arizona Eco Development) and all citizens.”

We appreciate the stakeholders who have contributed to help us get where we are today, especially Save the Dells, Highlands Center, Prescott Creeks, and most notably Prescott Parks & Recreation Direc-

tor Joe Baynes. Two individuals who stayed in the arena and brought this letter of intent home are Prescott City Manager Michael Lamar and Arizona Eco Development’s Jason Gisi. Kudos to Michael and Jason! We appreciate your hard work and tenacity. Although we feel we have a great deal for the City, we still have a process to go through. If you have any questions or would like for me to sit down and go over these details or make a presentation to any group, give me a call at 928-227-7477. The coffee is on me.

Sections A-H, shown in yellow on the map, will be the Arizona Eco Development residential areas, with a maximum of 850 homes in the southern annexation.

From a Thought to a Trail: How It Becomes Reality

by Kelly Tolbert, Recreation Coordinator,

City of Prescott

Ever wonder how a trail is designed and built? There is much planning and coordinating that goes into the process.

It starts with the land. Ownership is a huge player in the trail evolution process. In many cases locally, the land is owned by the state, Bureau of Land Management, county, city, or privately owned. It can be challenging to work around each agency’s requirements, especially depending on what type of land exchange is taking place. Some examples of arrangements are easements, outright purchases or long-term leases.

Many trails got their start as social paths created from the desire to have a nice pathway connecting two distance points. The issue with social trails is many times they are not legal, are not built in a sustainable manner, do not hold up to tough weather conditions, and often go unmaintained. Ideally, trails are constructed to disperse users in the interest of safety. It is also important to consider unique features that users will seek while keeping environmental impacts to a minimum. With City of Prescott trails, guidelines from the International Mountain Bicycling Alliance are

followed. The alliance has been a steward for mountain bicycling in communities since the late 1980s. The group focuses on educating communities and trail users on principles of their stewardship and helps guide agencies in building sustainable trails. Depending on terrain, the City of Prescott has special trail-building equipment to expedite construction of new trails. Once the proposed path is planned, Global Positioning Systems (GPS) is used to plot the trail. Traditional colorful flagging materials generally are installed to guide the equipment along the way. A trail-specific bulldozer, only about 4 feet wide, saves precious time by pushing through the first pass, removing any brush from the area and making way for a small excavator to come through, cleaning anything left behind.

These preparations allow for a hand crew to follow the prelimi-

nary work and groom the newly created path while ensuring sight lines are safe for horseback riders, mountain bicyclists and hikers.

If the terrain is not conducive to using the trail-specific equipment, then an all-manual hand crew is assembled and the construction timeline is greatly extended. Funding sources can also dictate how a trail is constructed, with grants and tax revenue often playing a large role. A good example of trails constructed with the equipment/hand-crew combination is the recent additions to Pioneer Park Trails. Flat grasslands speckled with shrub oak and juniper made for a perfect project using the Sutter Dozer, which proves to be quite cost-effective and easily transported.

All City of Prescott Trail maps can be viewed by going to www. prescotttrails.com, where you can also view a video on how the Trails and Natural Parklands planner determines trail design.

For the thousands of people who daily drive by 505 W. Gurley St., it’s likely only a handful know they are going past the oldest Protestant church in Arizona.

The Rev. Dan Hurlbert, senior pastor at Prescott United Methodist Church, and other church staff are dedicating 2020 to celebrating the 1870 founding and consequent growth of the 150-year-old church.

“We’re celebrating, even with the restrictions placed on us by COVID-19, by doing something special at every service to remind our parishioners of the heritage and legacy they have in this church,” Hurlbert said.

A celebration is planned for July 5, when the famed Voices of Liberty, an award-winning vocal group from Walt Disney World in Orlando, is scheduled for a 10:30 a.m. concert. Hurlbert praised the singers as exceptional, noting they had been invited to sing for five U.S. presidents.

Hurlburt is asking residents and visitors to stay updated on forthcoming anniversary activities by checking the church website at www.prescottumc. com. As of press time, Saturday and Sunday services were being streamed online only.

Methodist Church Celebrates 150 years— Oldest Protestant Church in Arizona

by Ray Newton

Hurlbert emphasized the main 150th anniversary celebration is being planned for November: “We’re spending a lot of time working on those details.”

Also on the church schedule: inviting pastors from the past to return and share their memories of the church. Already Rev. Peter Perry, who served PUMC from 1994 to 2001, led worship services in mid-March, before the quarantine forced cancellation of live services.

Church History Is Central to Prescott History

Prescott United Methodist Church has been described as the geographical and spiritual center for the community over the decades.

“It’s our intent to continue doing that,” Hurlbert said. “We will con tinue providing quality in worship through music and other services. The city and greater community will continue to feel our impact because of our intense outreach into the community. We’re proud of the influence we’ve had on this historic town.”

The church’s beginnings go back 150 years to December 1870. That winter, Rev. Alexander Gilmore arrived in what was then the Arizona Territory to serve as an Army chaplain at Fort Whipple.

Mounted on a granite boulder, this commemorative plaque documents the founding of the first Protestant church in Arizona on Dec. 18, 1870. The plaque rests at the base of a tree located between the old sanctuary and the newer building at 505 W. Gurley St. (Photo by Ray Newton)

Gilmore, ordained as a Methodist minister when he lived on the East Coast many years before, preached the first Methodist sermon in Prescott on Dec. 7, in a primitive two-story log building that doubled as a courthouse and community center. Gilmore was affiliated with what was then called Northern Methodist Church, so named because of the division among Methodists over the slavery issue.

A few days later, Gilmore was joined by Rev. Alexander Groves. Groves had been serving congregations for the Methodist Episcopal Church South.

So it was that a previously preacherless Prescott had two Methodist ministers operating out of the same church. Church records show the two presided over weekly services — one on Saturday evening and two on Sunday mornings.

By 1872, the Methodist Church South had erected a frame building on Marina Street. But in 1876, Henry Fleury, a prosperous Prescottonian, donated land at the corner of Gurley and Summit streets. That became the location for the Methodist Church where it is today.

Those interested can find a commemorative bronze plaque at the base

of a tree located between the original church building and the one built just a few years ago.

Decades ago, when other denominations began establishing churches in Prescott, they were invited to use the Methodist Church as their base. Baptist, Congregational, Episcopal, Presbyterian and Roman Catholic ministers and priests all used the Methodist Church as a base while identifying their own sites and building houses of worship.

A detailed history of how Gilmore and Groves and their successors found-

By 1872, the Methodist Church South had erected a frame building on Marina Street. But in 1876, Henry Fleury, a prosperous Prescottonian, donated land at the corner of Gurley and Summit streets. That became the location for the Methodist Church where it is today.

ed what is now Prescott United Methodist Church was written by Rev. Stan Brown, a retired Methodist minister who, with his wife Ruth, now lives in Prescott. Copies of “Prescott’s Mother Church” can be found in libraries or online at www.prescottumc.com/about. Additional church history was assembled by longtime Prescott resident Jean Phillips, including the large altar Bible that was brought to Prescott in 1874. It is on display in the Prescott Public Library, 215 E. Goodwin St., with other items Phillips and her colleagues have collected.

Special Section: MUSICAL GROUPS AND EVENTS

Prescott has an abundance of cultural attractions which can easily compete with those found in larger metropolitan areas. Music is an important art form and our community is rich with talented musicians, both instrumental and vocal, who provide the best in entertainment. Its beautiful weather draws a wealth of others from across the country for annual outdoor music festivals.

MUSIC GROUPS

Arizona Philharmonic www.azphil.org

The Arizona Philharmonic, led by Executive Director Henry Flurry, has brought a unique fusion of music genres as well as performance and venue sizes to Prescott’s lineup of music groups and programs. “Fridays with AZ Phil” are intimate chamber concerts held at the Elks Performing Arts Center, plus regular concerts with the entire philharmonic are performed at Yavapai College Performing Arts Center. AZ Phil is composed of musicians from all over the state.

The Camerata Singers

www.thecameratasingers.com

This is a smaller vocal ensemble performing for Prescott audiences, with 16 singers under the direction of James Klein. Camerata focuses primarily on classical repertoire, but the group’s musical flexibility enables it to present contemporary works, vocal jazz, spirituals, and lighter fare as well.

Central Arizona Concert Band

www.centralarizonaconcertband.com

The Central Arizona Concert Band is another organization of talented musicians who perform at EmbryRiddle Aeronautical University’s Davis Auditorium. This symphonic concert band features over 60 musicians and a sound that fills the seats every time they perform with a tradition of presenting a large repertoire of exhilarating music. Conductor Clydene

Dechert and the CACB celebrate their 18th year in the fall of 2020.

Prescott Chorale

www.prescottchorale.com

Since its inception six years ago, the Prescott Chorale has filled the house with every concert, singing compositions from the sacred to the sublime. Under the baton of Artistic Director Dennis Houser, audience members always enjoy diverse programs with an emphasis on masterworks and stunning performances by 60 gifted singers. For those who love the sound of vocals, this is a clear winner.

Prescott Pops Symphony www.prescottpops.com

The Prescott Pops Symphony will soon present its 28th season, filling 1,100 seats at the beautiful Yavapai College Performing Arts Center. Maestro Joseph Place always produces an entertaining five-concert season filled with an inspired mix of movie themes, Broadway musicals, well-known classical works and other popular favorites. Adding musical voices to performances is Choir Director Darrell Rowader, who leads the Pops Choir with music from Broadway productions and classic holiday favorites.

Yavapai Symphony Association

www.yavapaisymphony.org

Since 1964 this nonprofit has brought the Phoenix Symphony, Arizona State University Symphony Orchestra and other stellar ensembles to Prescott for the enjoyment of everyone in the county. Often including pre-concert talks and post-concert opportunities, these performances follow through on the group’s mission of expanding classical music appreciation and understanding throughout the region while funding music scholarships for local students.

LOCAL MUSICIANS & BANDS

5 in the Wheel

www.fiveinthewheel.com

5 in the Wheel is a Prescott-based dance band. They specialize in new country and classic rock, providing a little something for everyone in the crowd. Their musical array is what makes this band a must-see, with old and new country classics to 70’s and 80’s rock with a bit of funk. This band can be different every time you see it play!

Sky Conwell

www.skydaddy.net

Sky “Daddy” Conwell plays “American” music. Style and genre is as diverse as America itself: Country, folk, acoustic rock, blues, rockabilly, jazz, Americana... the list goes on. He is in several bands including a surf band, classic rock band, and a Johnny Cash tribute band.

MacDougal Street West

www.macdougalstreetwest.com

MacDougal Street West: A Peter, Paul & Mary Experience began here in Prescott in June 2015, the band members consisting of Ron Skelton, Mary Alberts, Rick Shore and bassist William Rice. They perform throughout Arizona, California, Nevada, Iowa and other locales. Their third annual show at The Elks Theatre in downtown Prescott is coming this November 13, 2020. They continue regular five-night runs at Don’s Celebrity Theatre at the Riverside Resort in Laughlin, Nevada.

Sugar and the Mint

www.sugarandthemint.com

Sugar and the Mint’s spirited take on folk and bluegrass excites audiences across the country. The band synthesizes genres into a sparkling repertoire of original songs, balancing first-time singalong hooks with robust musicality.

Sugar and the Mint’s unique vocal approach features complex, ethereal harmonies supporting accessible melodies. Informed by everything from bluegrass to baroque to current pop and neo-soul, the traditional blend of guitar, violin, mandolin and bass instrumentation is anything but standard-fare acoustic music.

ANNUAL EVENTS

Check websites or Facebook for updated information

Yavapai County Courthouse

Plaza Summer Concert Series

Scheduled for select nights from June 9 - Aug. 25, 2020

Yavapai County Prescott Courthouse Plaza, 120 S. Cortez St., Prescott https://prescottconcertseries.com; 928-443-5220

Prescott’s signature downtown summer concert series, with performances from 6-8 p.m. unless otherwise noted. Enjoy jazz on Tuesdays, the Central Arizona Concert Band every third Thursday and live rock, blues or country music on select other nights in the ambiance of beautiful downtown Prescott. Bring your family, friends, chairs and/or blankets!

Prescott Bluegrass Festival

Scheduled June 27 – 28, 2020

Yavapai County Prescott Courthouse Plaza, 120 S. Cortez St., Prescott www.prescottbluegrassfestival.com; 928-445-2000

The 39th annual Bluegrass Festival is a signature event for the community. The festival started as a fiddle contest dedicated to a local fiddler and has evolved into the only free festival of its caliber in the western U.S. Bands from the western United States perform during this two-day, free, familyfriendly community event. Bring your lawn chairs or blankets to sit on the grass under the large shade trees of the Yavapai County Courthouse Plaza!

Prescott Folk Music Festival

Scheduled Oct. 3-4, 2020

Sharlot Hall Museum, 415 W. Gurley St., Prescott www.sharlothallmuseum.org/event/ folk-music-festival-2/all/; 928-445-3122

Arizona’s longest-running folk music festival will celebrate its 42nd year in 2020, and feature musicians performing on four stages over two days. This premier event includes more than 100 performers, educational and informative workshops, and plenty of opportunities to jam on the beautiful grounds of Sharlot Hall — musicians of all ages and levels are encouraged to bring their instruments.

RADIO/LIVE CONCERTS

The Folk Sessions www.folksessions.com or 89.5 FM radio

Where the finest musicians come to play. Broadcast throughout Central & Northern Arizona for 17 years on Prescott Public Radio, part of the Arizona Community Radio Network, The Folk Sessions has established a loyal following, producing quality radio programs and live concerts, including successful concert series at The Historic Elks Theater, Prescott Center for the Arts and The Highlands Center for Natural History. “When you turn on The Folk Sessions what you’ll hear is music with its roots in the stuff of real life” -- FolkWaves

Central Arizona Concert Band Season Opens June 18

by Ray Newton

Those who enjoy band music will soon hear the opening performance of the Central Arizona Concert Band. Striking the downbeat is Clydene Dechert, who for the 23rd season will serve as conductor.

The season begins at 7 p.m. June 18 when the concert band performs as part of the outdoor Summer Concert Series at the Courthouse Plaza.

Central Arizona Concert Band concerts are among several at the plaza coordinated by the Prescott Downtown Partnership in cooperation with

other local businesses. Partnership Executive Director MJ

Smith said other musical groups will be performing during summer months.

Optimistic about the coming concert, Dechert said she thought people throughout the greater community were ready for some lively music after having been cooped up because of the COVID-19 crisis.

Central Arizona Concert Band concerts feature a broad selection of music, ranging from classical to showtunes and contemporary. Among the most popular are the toe-tap-

Dechert will direct the Central Arizona Concert Band when it performs at 7 p.m. Thursday, June 18, in a free public concert at the

Central Arizona Concert Band Schedule 2020-2021 Season

Free public concerts Yavapai County Courthouse Plaza

7 p.m. June 18th

7 p.m. July 16th

7 p.m. August 20th

ping, hand-clapping versions of marches, especially those of John Philip Sousa.

A spokesperson said the performances attract people who enjoy music and pre-and post-concert shopping, dining and entertainment in businesses surrounding the courthouse. Following the summer concerts, Central Arizona Concert Band performs fall, winter and spring concerts at the Davis Learning Center on the Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University campus.

Further information is available online at

Tickets required Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University — Davis Learning Center

3 p.m. October 15th

3 p.m. November 15th

3 p.m. January 31st

3 p.m. April 13th

Dates pending unforeseen closures.

Thumb Butte Medical Provides Testing for White Mountain Apaches

by Staff Reports

Prescott-based Thumb Butte Medical Center recently took a team of seven health professionals to northeastern Arizona, where they performed COVID-19 antibody tests for members of the White Mountain Apache Tribe.

All in all, more than 1,500 tests were performed over one weekend last month, with all expenses donated by the medical center.

“It was a great team effort along with tribal leaders. It was a great experience. I’ve never seen anything like that in my life,” said Dr. Hojat Askari, founder of the Thumb Butte Medical Center.

Askari said the tribe approached him for help, adding his team was shown generous hospitality while they were there. Local residents brought the team lunch and beverages throughout each day.

“Miles of cars lined up for the testing. We tested first responders, tribal leaders, families and children. After being tested, the children danced and celebrated when they found out they were negative,” Askari said with a wide smile.

Currently, Thumb Butte Medical offers drive-thru rapid antibody testing seven days a week at its Prescott location, 3124 Willow Creek Road. It also has offices in Prescott Valley and Chino Valley.

It also conducts in-house PCR nasal swab testing for COVID-19, pneumonia, influenza and other infections. Results are available within 24 hours. Thumb Butte Medical runs tests for its own practice and other local doctors.

“We are looking for ways to help more in the future, both the White Mountain Apache Tribe and our local community,” Askari said.

The ROX Interview (continued)

...continued from page 35

ry in Loveland, Colorado. No foundry in Prescott was big enough. I went to Loveland the first of January. I never got home until Easter. I was working on four 9-foot figures. It was commissioned by the Prescott Area Art Trust. They decided Prescott needed to have more art like our Bucky O’Neill statue.

The Prescott Area Art Trust sponsored a contest for all artists in Yavapai County. They said, “Present us a piece with people that you feel had the most importance in the development of Prescott, Arizona.”

The reason the mountain men brought an expedition in was they found gold in Lynx Creek. So the miners came first. They needed supplies so they shipped in freighters from California. They needed protection so the military built Fort Whipple with a contingent of cavalry. Then came the ranchers and the pioneer woman — the schoolteacher and mother. For me, those were the four important people for the development of Prescott.

I won the contest. And then I thought,

now what am I going to do?

PRESCOTT LIVING: What was that first commission worth?

BILL NEBEKER: At that time — early ‘80s — I won a specific amount of money, $10,000. For as much work as I had to do, that wasn’t very much. But I got to do something for my hometown. And I had other supporters.

We got that whole thing cast for $58,000. That is amazing because that piece today would cost you more than $200,000.

PRESCOTT LIVING: What prompted you to follow a Western and Southwestern theme?

BILL NEBEKER: I was always raised with animals in the country. I always had a baby calf to raise. Took care of it, cleaned its stall, fed it. When it got old enough, my parents would sell it. I didn’t know it, but they put that money in a savings account for me.

When I got old enough and needed to buy a car, I had enough money to make a down payment on a car and always had to make my own payments.

When I went to U of A, I missed the

country thing, so I bought a cowboy hat, boots and stuff. I bought a horse. I kept him in a stall out at Thunder Ridge facility. I’d ride him on weekends. When I went to NAU, they had a rodeo group, so I got on the rodeo club.

PRESCOTT LIVING: What prompted the John Wayne statue? It is one of the better-known sculptures.

BILL NEBEKER: That was kind of a turning point in my career. I think this was in ‘72. I always admired the man. I loved his movies. “The Searchers,” to me, was an epic western story.

At the end of that film he’s silhouetted in that doorway, with wind blowing his hat up. He’s holding his arm, and turns on his heel, walks off into the dusk.

That scene in that doorway just fascinated me. I thought, “I’m just going to make a tribute piece to John Wayne — that scene from “The Searchers.” I never thought I’d go anywhere with it or do anything. I did it from memory, the best I could. I had pictures to look at, so I tried to capture his face, his gear and his stuff.

continued on page 168...

Our Adopted 2020 Graduates

Jake Carter Prescott High School

by Karra Vollette

Jacob (Jake) Carter is an 18-year-old Prescott High School senior. He grew up in Prescott but lives on a ranch in Kirkland, about 30 miles to the southeast. He is a 6th-generation rancher and works tirelessly on the family ranch. He is quick-witted and is always making people laugh and uplifting their spirits when they are down. Jake is the type of person to always stand up for others and is not influenced by others’ opinions. You will never find him lost in a crowd because he values always staying true to himself and what he believes in.

In his spare time, you can find Jake hanging out with friends and family, riding his dirt bike, helping on the ranch, and doing many other outdoor activities. He has a strong passion for music and played basketball all four years of high school, on the varsity team for two years. Despite having a traumatic injury to his leg during a basketball game his junior year, he came back his senior year stronger than ever. His plan after graduation is to go to Arizona State University where he will study civil engineering and architecture. Jake will achieve anything he sets his mind to.

Erin Kennedy Prescott High School

by Lori Kennedy

Erin Kennedy relocated from San Diego to Prescott High School her junior year. She was excited at the thought of change, but the challenges of the transition sometimes seemed insurmountable. Erin’s answer was to embrace her new home by getting involved. Her enthusiasm, determination and contributions were recognized by multiple organizations; she was a finalist for the Prescott Area Leadership Female Youth of the Year 2020 and a recipient of the P.E.O. STAR Scholarship, the Prescott Kiwanis Scholarship and the SunUp Rotary Scholarship.

Her accomplishments extend beyond the classroom. Erin is a member of the Prescott Area Leadership Alumni Board, VP of Key Club, three-year member of National Honor Society, two-year member of PHS Mock Trial Competition Team and member of PHS’ yearbook staff. Erin also runs cross-country and track.

Erin’s heart for service is reflected in her many service hours within the Prescott community including two years as an intern at Sharlot Hall Mu seum, volunteering with Prescott Po lice Department for Breast Cancer Awareness Month and being active in creating the first Pink Pumpkin Patch in October 2019. She also served as a youth leader at church.

Erin will attend Northern Ari zona University’s Honors College this fall and was awarded their Lumberjack Scholarship. She plans to study international re lations and communications.

Sierra Christensen Trinity Christian School

By Margo Christensen

Sierra Christensen is a senior at Trinity Christian School in Prescott, where she has attended since kindergarten. She also completed seven Yavapai College classes during high school, including sign language. She was accepted into several colleges that she applied to and decided that Biola University in La Mirada, California was her top choice. In addition she applied to the Torrey Honors program at Biola and after a lengthy application and interview process, she was accepted. She is planning on getting her bachelor’s degree in intercultural studies and a minor in political science and would like to continue on for a master’s degree in either political science or public policy.

Sierra is highly motivated and has a strong work ethic, working two summers at United Christian Youth Camp and three years at SpringHill Suites by Marriott in housekeeping, laundry and public spaces. She enjoyed many trips during high school with her family, visiting Washington DC, New York City, Paris, England and Germany. Her love and passion for travel has been an extension of her education and has allowed her to experience so many cultures and historical sites.

Sierra has many close friends from her lifetime spent in Prescott and she will be missed by many when she leaves for college.

Jacie Hambrick Bradshaw Mountain High School

by Kristie Hambrick

Jacie Hambrick is a graduating senior at Bradshaw Mountain High School. When Jacie started kindergarten, she wanted to become a “horse jumper” when she grew up. She rode her first horse solo when she was 3 years old, instantly falling in love with riding, animals and nature.

When her dad started teaching her to pitch a softball and she joined Dewey-Humboldt Little League at 6, we never could have imagined her love for the sport would lead her around the country, winning championships, becoming captain of the BMHS softball team, member of the Student Athlete Leadership Team and earning a scholarship to play at Grand Canyon University to pursue a degree in finance.

Jacie has worked hard academically all through her K-12 years at Humboldt Unified School District. Her recognition as a fantastic student and friend, her leadership skills, and maintaining honor roll has stayed with her and she is ating with a 4.2 GPA and as a member of Mu Alpha Theta.

When not playing softball, you will find Jacie outdoors and sur rounding herself with an imals, especially horses. She values spending time with her friends and fam ily, enjoys learning about American history, and will be an inspirational ambassador with her future endeavors.

Congratulations Prescott Graduates *

You are the class of 2020, and you will always be remembered.

You earned your milestone and came of age during a year we won’t forget. One of the things we’ll carry with us will be the strength it took you to accept the sudden shutdown of the final three months of your senior year on campus, and the pomp and circumstance that were supposed to come with them.

The senior trip, club activities, yearbook signing, finals in a room with your friends, prom, commencement itself — all were ripped away from you, and you took it like the grownup you are.

Your displacement from the stage you were supposed to cross became a rallying point for us, one loss to the pandemic we could try to repair by plastering your faces everywhere we could, “adopting” you for a night or a month, sending gift packages with your diplomas, holding virtual or drive-in ceremonies, letting you pick a new graduation date and more. It was the least we could do.

You gave back with your youthful wide smile and sincere thanks, your love and enthusiasm during the extra time we got to spend with you at home, your continuing to dream and plan for the future when it’s never been harder to do.

The world you’re preparing to lead has changed dramatically within months, giving us new challenges and new potential. We’re so proud of you already and can’t wait to see what you’re able to do with it!

Bradshaw Mountain High School

*Represents submitted photos of 2020 graduates. We would like to congratulate all graduates of the 2020 class!

Chino Valley High School Prescott High School

Prescott High School

(Continued)

Trinity Christian School

Tri-City College Prep High School

Special Section:

When we talk about our pets we’re usually referring to our “fur kids,” the dogs, cats and other small animals we can easily share our homes with — of course we shouldn’t forget about the “feather kids,” “shell kids” and so on.

But in Greater Prescott, our rural and ranching background has led to an even broader menagerie in our backyards, given our love of the horses and donkeys who tie us back to the Old West and bring fresh energy to our lives and hearts.

With their calm demeanor and ability to mirror human thoughts and behaviors, equines have become their own category of therapy for troubled people in the world, and nearly anyone who’s been around one for a few minutes can understand why.

But they’re far from the only non-dog or -cat creatures who have captured our hearts and homes.

We keep chickens for a reliable source for our eggs, or just to keep us company. Ducks, geese, goats, pigs and other lovable beasts provide endless entertainment as they interact with us or each other. Alpacas, llamas and other larger animals can look us in the eye and dazzle us with their personalities and intelligence.

So yes, we love our animals here — even those who aren’t ours.

The Central Highlands’ wildlife is a huge draw for locals and visitors alike, who marvel at the strength, personality and beauty to be found in our birds, hawks, deer, coyotes, foxes, bobcats, javelina and the occasional bear, to name a few. Needless to say, these are best viewed from a safe distance, captured with a zoom lens and posted onto social media.

Domestic or wild, Greater Prescott’s animals give us a window into the natural world—and ourselves.

LASER Large Animal Shelter Provides Peace of Mind During Emergencies

by Dusty Spitler, Large Animal Shelters and Emergency Readiness

Wildfire season is almost here. If there is an evacuation due to wildfires or other disasters, barn animals have a safe haven. Large Animal Shelters and Emergency Readiness — LASER — is a new 501(c)3 nonprofit working with Yavapai County Emergency Management to provide shelter for barn animals. When LASER is activated, our extensively trained volunteers set up a shelter and care for your animals 24/7 until the evacuation is over.

The group is modeled after the Los Angeles County Department of Animal Care and Control Equine Response Team, which has been in existence for several decades and has saved thousands of animals facing disasters and evacuations. Two sites are ready now to accommodate animals: the former county fairgrounds on Highway 89A in Prescott Valley and the Prescott Rodeo Grounds.

As disasters increase in size and frequency and our communities grow, more owners of

rural animals are affected. In 2017 the Goodwin Fire forced evacuation of 7,500 people in and around Mayer and over 200 barn animals needed shelter. It became apparent animal owners in our rural communities and their barnyard pets require unique care, and LASER was formed in 2019.

Volunteers are needed at three different levels: intake and record keeping, animal handling and care, and shelter management. Prior experience is not required. Training sessions are being scheduled now.

LASER also needs monetary donations for the shelters and operating expenses. Donations can be made through our website or simply by mailing your check to LASER at P.O. Box 12782, Prescott, AZ 86304.

We realize this will be a very difficult time to raise funds for animal welfare nonprofits in light of the pandemic. However, we persevere in our vision that “every barn animal has a safe haven in disasters,” and we continue to prepare for the next wildfire.

More detailed information can be found on our website at www.laser-shelter.org. Contact us via email at lasershelter@gmail.com. Follow us on Facebook at LASERyourstablesolution.

Yavapai Humane Society Thanks All Who Contribute to Their Cause

by Loree Walden, Marketing Manager, Yavapai Humane Society

For almost 50 years, Yavapai Humane Society has been proud and honored to be a part of this amazing community. We’re here because of the generosity of our donors and our community partners who continue to support us and our mission: To promote and protect the health, safety and welfare of companion animals. Through thick and thin, you have all been there for us and we want to take this opportunity to thank you for all you do for us.

Whether you are a one-time donor, a regular monthly donor or an annual donor, you all matter to us. Some of you have joined our planned giving and have left us in your will or estate — you all matter to us.

A few of our community partners include:

• Findlay Subaru, who has sponsored our gala, our Walk for the Animals, on-site

adoption events and most recently presented us with a check for $20,000 from its Share the Love Event.

• Petco, who provided us with a grant to soundproof one of our adoption wings.

• B&M Painting, who provided us with paint and labor to help maintain and improve the buildings’ appearance.

• Jonny’s Tree & Landscape Co., who donated labor and discounted supplies so we could give our bark park a makeover.

• PetSmart, who provides us with toys, food, adoption events and our cat Adoption Center in their store.

• Prescott Honda, who sponsors three segments per month for us on AZTV to share news about YHS.

There are so many other businesses who have sponsored adoption events, held fundraisers and supported us in various ways. You all matter to us.

Our animal-loving community is why we are able to do what we do here at Yavapai Humane Society. From each and every one of us, we thank you for continuing to support not only Yavapai Humane Society, but all of the businesses who partner with us. You all matter to us!

Everyone at Yavapai Humane Society would like to extend our deepest appreciation for your continued support of us and our mission to promote and protect the health, safety and welfare of companion animals. We thank all of our donors, volunteers, supporters and community partners who are always there for us! We couldn’t do it without you!

Everyone at Yavapai Humane Society would like to extend our deepest appreciation for your continued support of us and our mission to promote and protect the health, safety and welfare of companion animals. We thank all of our donors, volunteers, supporters and community partners who are always there for us! We couldn’t do it without you!

For more information on Yavapai Humane Society visit www.yavapaihumane.org

For more information on Yavapai Humane Society visit www.yavapaihumane.org

Special Section:

Squeezing Your Best Home Office Out of a Maxed-out Floor Plan

by Blake Herzog

Working from home has suddenly became the norm for millions of people since social distancing requirements to prevent the spread of COVID-19 took hold. According to the Brookings Institute, up to half of American workers are now telecommuting, more than double the percentage that did, at least once in a while, two years ago.

Since this is new for so many people, some are having trouble finding the room for a decently sized office space in homes filled up by their family’s play, entertainment, schoolwork and hobby spaces. Many want to keep intrusion from the outside world away from kitchens and bedrooms.

But plenty of human ingenuity has already been devoted to carving out a small space and making it functional for doing much if not all your work from home. Here are some solutions that can work in just about any overtaxed abode.

DROP DESKS

The ultimate in space savers, these feature a flat work shelf on a hinge which can be pulled down, as a unit installed directly onto a wall or as part of an armoire or dresser placed against the wall. Your needs can determine the size of the shelf you buy. Of course, the wall-mounted varieties, also known as “floating desks,” need to be installed properly, but if that’s not a barrier they’re the ideal for squeezing yourself into a living room or bedroom, or even a closet where one can be easily concealed. If you’re up for a standing desk they can be installed at the right height, and you won’t even need a chair!

CORNER DESKS

Particularly when they’re L-shaped, these can be more spacious than most floating desks and can be stuffed into corners, providing a little privacy in the most chaotic of households. L-shaped desks are especially

convenient if you have a larger desktop computer that can be put right in the joint of the “L,” filling all that space without impeding anything else. Tall corner units built with shelving above create a huge amount of storage and display space, though the higher shelves can be difficult for reaching files or cleaning.

NOOKS, HALLWAYS, STAIRCASES, LANDINGS, LOFTS

Nearly any unused floor space can be converted into a small office area — that weird nook in your bedroom, under a staircase, on a floor landing, even some hallways can be converted without impeding traffic. Getting creative with your awkward spaces can often be the best solution to fitting your workspace in.

WHAT ABOUT THE COFFEE TABLE?

Some newer coffee tables have lift tops that can easily be used for a laptop and a couple piles of paper, or the DIY-inclined can convert one into a desk by putting new legs on it or even add a lift-top feature to a standard coffee table. Even if you’re stuck with one there are hacks to make it more functional, like placing a shelf on top of it to put a laptop at a comfortable height.

WORKING IT OUT

Integrating fitness into sedentary office work has never been this easy. You can sit on a yoga ball without standing out or worrying about minor mishaps going public. Your workspace can double as a storage area for weights, tension bands, yoga mats, punching bags or any other fitness accessories your family is using. Placing it in a corner behind a treadmill or indoor bike creates a little bit of a privacy wall and gives you plenty of healthy excuses to take a break.

WALL-MOUNTED MONITORS

The panoramic views of today’s 27-inch, 32-inch or even larger desktop monitors are dramatic and extremely useful, and your tiny desk doesn’t need to be a barrier to those if

you just treat it like your TV and put it on the wall. This will give you plenty of elbow room around your keyboard and mouse for notes and paperwork, or even dinner (though we do hope you’re not having to eat at your desk — that’s really the whole point of these space savers, keeping your stuff off the kitchen or dining room table).

LAPTOP CARTS

If you’re in the opposite circumstances, with a laptop and not much need for designated floor space, these mobile carts let you work just about anywhere, and with the adjustable-height ones you can stand as well as sit. Already standard-issue in many health-care settings, the lighter-duty versions are a lower-cost alternative to many other space-saver options but may not have much room for anything else, sometimes not even a mouse.

MAKING IT HOMEY AT HOME

You can make your small space more pleasant and calming, even if you’re literally working out of a closet. A splash of paint or wallpaper can give it more definition, and shelves, pegs and cabinets make it easier to have those things you need and want close by. Placing your desk close to a window saves on overhead costs by maximizing natural light,

as well as making it more appealing to sit there for hours on end.

Big corkboards or chalkboards can hold mementoes and notes both above and below the desk’s surface. If you have supplies and paperwork that don’t really fit in what little workspace you have, check out storage solutions you’d use for anything else — under the bed, inside the hollow ottoman, or the garage in a pinch.

VIRTUAL BACKGROUNDS

Once you find that perfect productive space for your new home office, it may still be hard to hide messy rooms or personal items you’d rather not broadcast to all of your colleagues during video conferencing. These backdrops eliminate that aesthetic issue. Now-ubiquitous Zoom has a plethora of backgrounds, from the formal to the cartoonish to the outlandish (as in the moon or Starship Enterprise). They’re also available for Skype, Facebook Messenger Rooms and several other apps.

Local Construction Industry Perseveres in Face of COVID-19

by Sandy Griffis, Executive Director, Yavapai County Contractors Association

What has COVID-19 done to the industry that I totally love, adore and admire?

I have learned new processes such as Zoom meetings, Dropbox, and of course I have become a YouTube groupie in attending meetings. Business is as usual, and I would venture to say that more business is taking place because it is done from home and not the office, and there is no travel time to get from point A to point B.

I have also seen that the pace of permits and inspections are continuing in spite of the pandemic, there’s no slacking off with our jurisdictions, and I know that our local building permit teams, inspectors and plan reviews are busy as can be.

It is no secret that COVID-19 has affected all industries. Still, there are possible positive effects in the construction industry from COVID-19: I see an increase in available skilled labor. Prior to this outbreak, there was a huge shortage. With projects possibly slowing down, this may be more readily available, allowing contractors to take on projects, and delivery time will be shortened.

Interest rates are super low — seriously, a historic low, and homeowners can finance more projects.

And then of course there was the government stimulus. A nice way to get everything back on track quickly. I am hoping we see some large infrastructure improvements — like on Highway 69!

Homeowners, continue to look at your projects, get bids and keep moving.

Construction workers are often in close quarters and areas that aren’t well-ventilated. However, I am so proud because our local companies have created best practices to help keep workers safe and healthy. Construction can be done safely and is being done safely.

Many construction projects are (because our industry was declared essential) still underway with new projects occurring daily, and construction is probably one of the more challenging workplaces. Construction workers are often in close quarters and areas that aren’t well-ventilated. However, I am so proud because our local companies have created best practices to help keep workers safe and healthy. Construction can be done safely and is being done safely.

It is encouraging to see local growth taking place in the face of a crumbling global economy, where so many of our local businesses were shuttered. I have seen local government and businesses streamline their processes, and it seems as if that thing called “red tape” has even been shortened.

Our jurisdictions are conducting virtual inspections centered on videos and photo-sharing. This is saving time and money. COVID-19 has turned many of us into virtual people.

I applaud and celebrate our jurisdictions again for adapting to COVID-19. Offices were closed to the public, but business is taking place at a rapid pace, all while minimizing potential exposure and still being able to interact with homeowners and contractors.

I would not be surprised if at some point our jurisdictions will explore using a wider virtual approach for broader applications within the permit process in the future, maybe even including parts of commercial permits.

Yes, we are all anxious to see what the next month’s permit figures will be and whether they deviate greatly from the norm.

Those that know me know the word negative is not in my DNA. However,

due to COVID-19 more than likely we will see a material slowdown and possibly a shortage and even higher prices. The supply chain could be affected for items such as lumber, drywall, plumbing, electrical fixtures and mechanical equipment.

I will end my column by saying, even with the volatility in the stock market and the oil disputes in the Middle East and as much as our level of anxiety has amplified — do not freak out. We are America and we will recover!

For your next chapter

Your home is more than a building or an address. It’s where you experience life, connection, and growth. The real estate team you choose to represent your property should be as exceptional as you are, and as your next chapter is going to be. In Prescott, only Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty o ers unrivaled service and limitless opportunities.

For those who seek exceptional service marketing homes in Prescott, there is only Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty. Let’s have a conversation.

Yavapai Hills

Zero Energy Ready Custom Homes on Premier Homesites

Floorplans from 2,200-2,800sq.ft.

Custom Plans also Available

From the high $400,000’s 1186 Sunrise Blvd, Prescott AZ

Jasper

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Over 1/4 to Nearly 1/2 Acre Estate-sized Homesites

Floorplans with 2,800-3,400sq.ft

Custom Plans also Available

From the high $500,000’s 4613 E. Alma Lane, Prescott Valley AZ

by Janell Wilson

Capstone Homes Builds Custom Quality into Every Home

Capstone Homes builds with comfort and style in mind. From conscientious building practices to innovative, energy-efficient fixtures, a Capstone Home guarantees custom quality every step of the way.

Whether you’re building a custom home on a lot you own or in one of Capstone Homes’ preferred communities, your homesite deserves your unique vision; a vision Capstone Homes is proud to bring to life. Their design-build program will help you create the home of your dreams, with the comfort and dependability of experienced professionals.

From first introductions to move-in day and beyond, Capstone Homes is with you every step of the way to provide their expertise, service and support.

Introducing Capstone Homes at Jasper

Designed to take full advantage of gently rolling hills, Jasper showcases vibrant and beautifully textured landscapes

in every direction. This 1,200acre, energy-efficient community at the base of Glassford Hill in Prescott Valley celebrates the beauty of nature with architectural ingenuity.

From walking paths set among lush, green spaces to the breathtaking sunsets falling on layers of granite, Jasper makes luxury feel like home.

Jasper’s gorgeous 10,000-square-foot clubhouse will be the lavish epicenter of the community. Relax in the adult or family resort-style pools, stay active on the tennis or pickleball courts, recharge in nature on the yoga lawn, run wild in the dog park, hike the Iron King Trail or wind down in the coffee and wine bar café.

Whether your perfect day is exploring somewhere new or enjoying the warmth of your own living room, find your inspiration from Jasper’s lifestyle programs, outdoor recreation and our luxurious homes.

Jasper has been designed for you to create the life you’ve dreamed of. Capstone Homes invites you to make it unforgettable.

8 Shade Trees Sure to Please in Summer

by Lisa Watters-Lain, Arizona’s garden gal

Best

As summer comes around again, homeowners envision trees lining their drives, enjoying cool breezes under mature shade, and those same trees blocking harsh winds. In the blinding heat of summer, trees make life outdoors pleasant and calm.

A beautiful shade tree also has benefits as the seasons change. The autumn colors can be magnificent. Bare branches allow the winter sun to penetrate and warm your home. Landscape trees more than pay for themselves; even one beautiful tree increases the value of a property.

Here is a list of trees that are proven winners. They block wind with ease, live long, have low-care requirements, suffer no bug and disease problems, and provide generous canopies for cooling shade.

Timeless Beauty Desert Willow

— This willow enjoys twice the bloom time than its native relative, and it does so without bean pods dangling from its limbs. Clusters of sizeable tubular burgundy flowers appear at the ends of its branches that attract relentless hummingbirds. Its fragrance is welcome in borders, containers and firewise landscapes. The ideal tree for water-challenged yards, it works well at hiding hot tubs and chain-link fences. Grows up to 20 feet.

Chocolate Mimosa — A beanless mimosa, this beauty shows off in summer with scented clusters of pink, powder-puff blooms that attract butterflies without the bean pods others have. A fast-growing tree with an umbrella-shaped canopy, it erupts in spring with beautiful bronze-green foliage resembling fern fronds. The leaves then turn to a vibrant chocolate color that remains through summer and autumn. Grows 20 feet with a cooling 15-foot spread.

Pink Dawn Chitalpa — A striking specimen with bright green foliage, it bears large clusters of trumpeted purple flowers. A stunning accent tree that easily fits raised garden beds and is used as a visual screen down property lines. It’s an appropriate choice for augmenting xeriscapes and a prolific grower to 25 feet, even under duress.

Prescott Blaze Maple — The autumn colors glow like embers in a blazing hot fire, thus the name. It can have extreme growth of 3 feet or more each year. There is just no other maple to consider at this altitude. It loves mountain soils, extreme conditions and takes our wind better than any other shade tree. Perfect for patios, hot sunny walls, streets and driveways, or any place shaded relief is needed through summer. These trees are showing off their stuff at the garden center now, with large maple leaves the size of your hand.

Purple Robe Locust — In spring, this stunner infuses the yard with dangling wisteria-like clusters of fragrant flowers. Its young metallic leaves mature to beautiful blue-green foliage that provides abundant cooling shade all summer. This variety likes cold winters and harsh, dry summers. At 35 feet tall by 25 feet wide, it’s ideally shaped for shading a patio.

Sunburst Locust — With an open canopy that glows in spring with shiny gold leaves that mature to shady green in summer, this locust turns gold again in autumn. It is a superior color companion to contrasting purple leaf plums. The foliage is pleasantly soft without the thorns or beans common to other locusts. Prized for its low water consumption, it easily adapts to harsh windy landscapes and quickly grows to 30 feet.

Autumn Gold Ginkgo — If you are looking for an indestructible tree, this deep-rooted variety is impervious to drought, poor soils, and damage from wind and snow. The leaves are an exciting fan shape that flutters in the slightest breeze. Dark green summer foliage changes to brilliant saturated yellows through autumn; some fans suggest its

colors surpass that of the aspen. This prehistoric tree has been around since the dinosaur era and has been known to live 1,000 years. Grows up to 30 feet.

Quaking Aspen —

Dancing leaves glow in shades of gold in autumn that has been a source of inspiration to many writers and poets. Very fast growth shoots up several feet each year until reaching its maximum height of 50 feet. It adapts well in landscapes above 4,000 feet. The pillar shape with the classic paper-white bark is attractive in rows along a driveway or in pairs to highlight vistas from a deck. Every backyard needs at least one aspen in it.

Tips for Planting Summer Trees

A tree planted in summer requires a good start, and that means administering water wisely. First, keep water usage to a minimum by sprinkling Aqua Boost Crystals at the base of each planting hole. Then put top dressing over the root ball with a 3-inch layer of shredded cedar bark. The crystals encourage deep roots, while the bark slows water evaporation. These two simple steps cut summer water usage by half while supplying a newly planted tree with the water it needs.

Until the next issue, I’ll be helping locals choose the shadiest trees here at Watters Garden Center.

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

1130 Fawn Lane, Prescott 86305$795,000

Beautiful, quality built home in desirable Longview Estates with 4535 sq ft of custom features. Home boasts 5 bedrooms, 3 baths, library, an office/ studio (attached by a breezeway), a hot tub, and a huge Chef’s kitchen with loads of cabinets and granite. Master has a walk-in tub, his/her closets, cedar closet and the living room has a pellet stove. An attached 2.5 car garage, plus anther garage and carport with a second driveway. Fantastic home! View on www.LongviewEstatesCustom.com

9845 Cougar Canyon Rd., Prescott 86305 - $125,000

Two acres of incredible rock outcroppings, trees, views and plenty of places to build your dream home. Located in Wikutepa Estates, this vacant lot is in a gated, private enclave of luxury homes off of Williamson Valley. Priced to sell!

2115 Hibiscus Circle, Prescott 86301 $599,000

Gorgeous home with 2200 sq ft of designer features and beauty, 4 beds/2 baths and a 3-car garage. A chef’s kitchen with granite, highend stainless appliances, a great room with stone fireplace, a master suite with fireplace and separate exit to patio. The backyard is fenced and with stone terracing, synthetic grass and view of mountains! In highly desirable Prescott Highlands with no HOA! Centrally located and priced to sell! Seller financing available. Can be rented short-term completely furnished. Call for details.

“Making Your Dreams a Reality”

ZEBRASCAPES LANDSCAPING & SERVICES

422 N ARIZONA AVENUE

PRESCOTT, AZ 86301

928.830.4061

WWW.ZEBRASCAPES.COM

ROC #270393

landscaped yard significantly adds joy and quality of life, not to mention increasing the financial value for your home and enhancing the community.

ZebraScapes Landscaping and Services is a family owned and operated business which was started by Rodney and Denise Steidinger. We have been working miracles and improving curb appeal in the Quad-City area for more than ten years now. The business started by knocking on doors to earn new business performing maintenance and install services. ZebraScapes grew fast due to dedication, hard work and quality products poured into every project.

ZebraScapes Landscaping has provided services including custom landscape design and installation, tree care, irrigation, maintenance, firewise clean up and many more services. Our professional staff is well trained and experienced.

ZebraScapes Landscaping and Services was recently honored to receive “Prescott’s Best” award from the City of Prescott for our outstanding achievements, longevity, contributions to the community and commitment to Prescott’s quality of life. We are very grateful for this recognition and the opportunity to be an integral part of this vibrant community.

Check Insurance Rates Before You Buy a Car

At some point you’re going to be in the market for your next car, be it used or new. If you’ve narrowed your search down to the type of vehicle you’d like to own, you should check insurance rates before you buy.

Often we will get calls from people who bought a new vehicle and gave no thought to the insurance rates and who were shocked to learn that, in some cases, their monthly premiums were more than their monthly car payments. That smarts and could have been avoided if they had checked first.

The main factors that influence your insurance rates are:

• Your driving record

• Your insurance claims history

• Your credit history (in some states)

• Your zip code

• The cost of repairs to your car

• The cost of injuries to people injured in that car

The last two items are affected by the type of car you choose. A more expensive car will typically cost more to repair, hence the higher premiums. And cars with poor safety ratings will also cost more to insure.

One of your first stops when researching a new car should be to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety for a review of your vehicle. If your car has poor ratings in any category, realize that there is potential for this to negatively impact your insurance rate. Their website is: www.iihs.org

After that, call us and we’ll be glad to obtain some quotes for your new purchase so you won’t be surprised by insurance sticker shock.

Keeping your premium in check

Once you do have your car, there are a number of steps you can take to ensure that your premium doesn’t escalate substantially later. These include:

• Being smart about filing insurance claims. Do you have some minor damage to your car? Consider paying for the cost of the repair before you file an insurance claim if the cost of the repair is close to or just

slightly higher than your deductible.

• If you have been involved in an accident and there are injuries, file a claim without hesitation. This is a scenario where you should involve your insurance carrier immediately to help protect yourself, particularly if you believe the other driver was at fault.

• Have you been pulled over and ticketed for speeding? You can often avoid having it show up on your record if you pay the fine and take a special safe-driving course offered through providers that contract with your state Department of Motor Vehicles. The cost of the defensivedriving class is far less than the increased cost to your insurance rate.

• Maintain your credit/insurance score by heeding the following tips. You can also find many more online at various resources (these will also help you qualify for lower interest rates on your car loan):

✓ Pay your bills on time

✓ Avoid excessive inquiries into your credit reports

✓ Limit the number of credit accounts you have

✓ Review your credit report annually

✓ Limit the amount of new debt you take on

✓ Work with creditors to resolve outstanding balances before they are turned over to collection agencies

For rate information, please contact ROX Insurance at 800.690.7660 or email info@roxinsurance.com

THE PRESCOTT PIONEER

PRESCOTT • PRESCOTT VALLEY • CHINO VALLEY • DEWEY-HUMBOLDT

Painting Honoring Kayla Mueller to Move to Capitol

Alarge painting dedicated to the memory of Kayla Mueller, a 26-year-old Prescott woman who dedicated her life to humanitarian causes, is in safekeeping at The Frame and I Gallery in Prescott until it travels to the state Capitol.

Mueller was killed in Syria by ISIS in February 2015.

The framed painting, complimented by a photograph of Mueller and a letter from U.S. Army Gen. Mark Milley, chairman, Joint Chief of Staff, is scheduled to be unveiled Oct. 26 in the Arizona State Capitol.

Earlier this year, Gov. Doug Ducey presented his State of the State address to an invited audience at the Prescott Resort & Conference Center. He told his special guests, Carl and Marsha Mueller, parents of Kayla, that he would honor Kayla as an Arizona hero by having a painting placed in the Capitol.

The high-resolution canvas print of the painting, called “Into the Breach,” was created by English artist Stuart Brown after he was commissioned by the U.S. Army’s 75th Ranger Regiment.

The realistic scene shows Army military forces breaking into terrorist quarters. The raid acknowledged Mueller by attaching her birthday date — Aug. 14 — to the mission. The

scene is symbolic of the raid, which ended the life of Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, terrorist leader of the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) group that kidnapped, tortured and killed Mueller.

The backstory behind the commemorative painting and its being in Prescott goes back several years. Stan Goligoski, now retired, was a 20-year U.S. Army major who served as a military commander in Afghanistan and Iraq. Goligoski, a hometown Prescott boy and graduate of Prescott High School, is now executive director of special services for the Yavapai County Ed-

ucation Service Agency. He wrote Gen. Milley following the raid that killed Mueller’s captors to thank him and the others for authorizing the mission. Goligoski had served with Milley while in the Middle East. Goligoski learned of the painting when Milley responded to him.

Goligoski told the Mueller family of the painting, and Carl Mueller traced it to Brown, the artist. Mueller explained he would like a copy of the painting because of its symbolic meaning to him and his family — destruction of an ISIS enclave.

Through complex negotia-

tions, Goligoski, Mueller and Milley arranged for the painting to be given to the Mueller family on Christmas Eve 2019. Additionally, Milley sent a letter in which he explained the decision to code-name the mission to honor Kayla. That letter is also included in the frame.

When Ida Woll, owner of the Frame & I Gallery, learned of the painting, she had her staff create an attractive frame for the 65-inch-long by 39-inch-wide painting. She donated that frame, valued at more than $2,000.

Phil Bourdon said, “We are currently going through a very difficult budget process, as many other jurisdictions are during this uncertain time, and the Board of Supervisors will discuss the use of their allocated funds during their budget discussion in June.”

Prescott Valley Deputy Town Manager Ryan Judy has said its

cares funding will go toward public safety, Town spokeswoman Heidi Dahms Foster said. Maricopa and Pima counties and their cities got their CARES funding directly from the federal level, but the 13 smaller counties had to wait for the state to release their portion. Pinal County filed a lawsuit seeking its share from the state about a week before Ducey’s announcement.

CARES Act Funding to Yavapai County

THE PRESCOTT PIONEER

PRESCOTT • PRESCOTT VALLEY • CHINO VALLEY • DEWEY-HUMBOLDT

Yavapai College’s REDC Launches Job, Biz Advice Website

Yavapai College, through its Regional Economic Development Center, has introduced a website to create awareness of job and business resource opportunities.

“This effort followed recognition of the impact the COVID-19 pandemic upon employment, business and hiring practices,” said Katherine Anderson, development center program specialist.

The ongoing effort began at the end of March, and it has now expanded to provide the best current information possible to Yavapai County businesses and displaced employees.

The www.ycazbusinesses.org website represents an initial effort by 18 entities that has grown to more than 42 participants countywide. It includes chambers of commerce, towns and community partners, Anderson said.

She added, “We will streamline the data flow as our community tries to navigate the ever-changing resources available to those impacted by the pandemic. Through the website, we are providing community con-

tacts to directly assist community members. In addition, we’ll have links to webinars, grants and employment opportunities.”

Anderson said the website is updated with relevant information as soon as it becomes available. It also connects users to the YC Small Business Development Center — that center provides its clients with application assistance and business counseling.

Other information provided on www.ycazbusinesses.org includes:

• Links for disaster assistance from the Small Business Administration.

• Access to COVID-19 related business resources available from the Arizona Commerce Authority.

• Access to business advice from the Northern Arizona chapter of SCORE.

• Data from Community Health Services AZ about the impact of the coronavirus on Yavapai County and its economy.

• Information about Regional Economic Development Center online job fairs and

links to job training and workshops.

Anderson said various community partners and media are asked to share as much specific information as much as they possibly can. Several local and regional businesses such as Costco, Fry’s, CVS and others have posted job opportunities on the website.

“We partner with as many as we can to provide maximum

awareness and be available for our community. We see that as a major role of the REDC and the college,” she said.

Anderson said community partners are making every effort to make personalized contacts with those who do not have access to computer technology or who live in rural areas where access to the website might not be possible.

The number of visitors to the website grows daily, Anderson said.

Prescott Chamber of Commerce Webinar Features ROX Media Group

Awebinar sponsored by the Prescott Chamber of Commerce and several other organizations recently offered an online program that focused upon providing advice to the business community about how to re-open businesses following the quarantine caused by the pandemic.

Presented May 7, the program featured Leslie Horton, director of Yavapai County Community Health Services, and Elaine Earle, CPA and publisher, ROX Media Group.

Horton focused upon advising businesses about how best to sustain healthy businesses practices. She shared advice from medical authorities around the nation about how businesses had a responsibility to provide protected and safe environments for not just customers but also employees. Horton also urged people to avoid situations that would possibly expose them to the coronavirus. She emphasized COVID-19 is a serious threat to the health of people of all ages, not just the elderly.

Earle focused upon advice to businesses about the essentials of professional communication and marketing strategies. She acknowledged the shutdown created by the COVID-19 quarantine had created serious financial issues for business around the country. She then used a PowerPoint presentation to suggest practical tactics to help businesses survive fiscal threats. The purpose for the webinars is to provide businesses and employees in Yavapai County

with the best information possible to navigate through the pandemic. Dozens of partners, ranging from Yavapai College to the Small Business Administration to the Arizona Commerce Department and Northern Arizona Council of Governments, have cooperated in providing current information.

More information about these webinars is available through www.ycazbusinnesses.org.

Spain’s Architecture, Culture Second to None

by Tori Ward, Cruise and Resort Specialist, ROX Travel

On March 13, while we waited at Sky Harbor for our shuttle to deliver us to our door from our trip to Spain, my husband said, “Guess we made it home just in time.” He showed his phone screen that read: Flights Restricted from Spain. The COVID-19 that seemed a minor concern while we were there the previous day was now raging throughout the country, and we went home to self-quarantine.

Spain was a revelation to me and, once this crisis ends, it’s one of those places where I want to return for a more extended stay.

in a tiny cave of a restaurant, Las Cuevas del Duque.

We walked home in a gentle rain and discussed all the El Grecos, Goyas and other masterpieces we had seen in the Prado Museum. One day was just not enough. However, sticking to our schedule, the following day we dashed off to Toledo for a private tour of the city. After an hour, of course, we were peckish so stopped for coffee and marzipan cake for which the town is famous.

The following morning we started a full day in Seville with a visit to the elegant Plaza de Espana, constructed in 1929 for the Ibero-American Exhibition. The base of the main building is showcased by 48 small pavilions Spain was a revelation to me and, once this crisis ends, it’s one of those places where I want to return for a more extended stay.

No meal is complete in Spain without beginning with jamón ibérico, the ham from acorn-fed pigs sliced so thinly you can read the menu through it. We enjoyed a small plate on our second night in Madrid, our first stop, along with fantastic tapas and wine

Fortified, we proceeded to Cathedral Primada. Like many of the Catholic churches in Spain, this one was “acquired” during the Spanish conquest of the Moors. Many previous Muslim institutions still show ancient repurposing features, and this was no exception. Standing under the balcony where Isabella and Ferdinand attended services in this gothic cathedral, I admired the ancient stained

glass windows and other features created by skilled artisans, some dating back to 1227.

The following morning we set out for Cordoba en route to Seville. The Mosque-Cathedral of Cordoba was one of the most incredible structures I’ve ever visited. The original mosque was built in 786 and remained a Muslim domain until 1236. Although the mosque was adapted to reflect the religious domination of the period, much of the structure still retains the beautiful colored arches that reflect its heritage. To say I was a little bit in love with Cordoba is an understatement as I research short-term rentals available next year.

Traveling • Dining • Entertainment

dedicated to provinces within Spain. The tiles used in their design illustrate the regions they represent. The entire building curves around a moat spanned by four bridges also constructed of brightly colored tiles.

After a short walk across the park, we entered the Barrio Santa Cruz. We tried not to get lost in its narrow, twisting streets as we proceeded to the Cathedral of Seville, the burial place of Christopher Columbus. The Giralda Bell Tower remains; a lasting memorial to the original minaret when the building housed a mosque.

Our next stop was Granada, with the 13th century Alhambra perched in regal reign on the city below. If the gardens and palaces within this UNESCO Heritage Site could talk, you would understand why it took 1,001 nights to hear all the tales.

Valencia was a surprise with its modern arts and science buildings

living harmoniously with the gothic cathedral and city hall. We strolled for a couple of hours until we found the Old Mercado with its jumble of shops where you can find both trash and treasures all scented by wafting scents of incense.

Our final city was beautiful Barcelona, made famous by Antoni Gaudi’s architecture, including the heart-wrenchingly magnificent Sagrada Familia. After 135 years of work, the completion date is scheduled for 2026, but don’t mention that to a local because they will shake their head and roll their eyes.

The day before departing Barcelona, we took advantage of our location with a quick side trip to Montserrat to see the monastery that houses the Black Madonna. It was a fitting ending to our trip that included so many beautiful religious treasures.

Expert Tips:

• If you like to eat early, you may have to settle for meals in your hotel or bar fare. Many restaurants in Spain don’t open until 8 p.m. or later.

• If you speak Spanish, you can probably manage fine until you arrive in Barcelona. They have a language of their own.

• Don’t eat the oranges that you see in the public areas throughout Spain. They are sour until you arrive in Valencia.

• As lovely and delicious the as Iberian ham is, cured meats are not permitted to be brought into the U.S.

• You must purchase a ticket to go inside the Cathedral Primada in Toledo and most of the other cathedrals and historical buildings mentioned in this article. Buy these before leaving for Spain as occupancy inside is strictly controlled.

History Lives

Rodeo is an all-American sport. It is also Prescott’s most anticipated event of the year. With a history as rich as the World’s Oldest Rodeo®, it is truly the Prescott way of life. Hundreds of families and generations have competed, supported, attended and watched this all-American sport for the past 132 years. This year is no different — thankfully.

We are thankful for our rich history and try to preserve, celebrate and share those experiences with you, our rodeo family. Each year, Prescott Frontier Days®, Inc. takes a piece of that history and builds the rodeo theme around that concept. This year, our theme for the 133rd World’s Oldest Rodeo® and the Parade is “History Lives Here.” It is

our goal and intention to share some stories and traditions and reflect on events that took place over the past 132 years that perhaps we still perform in today’s rodeo. Due to restrictions and/or new ways of doing things, some may not occur in our current rodeo performances but that doesn’t mean we don’t enjoy looking back on them and sharing with you.

It can be a bit confusing to learn and understand what events took place and when, so here are the dates of events that we like to reflect on for making the World’s Oldest Rodeo® what it is today (special thanks for Danny Freeman on the dates provided in his book, “World’s Oldest Rodeo®”).

In 1888 when this “cowboy tournament” first began, it consisted of saddle bronc riding, steer roping and cow horse racing events. Cow horse racing ended in 1940 but the other two events continued. In 1889, bull riding was introduced as an exhibition with

Here

By

riding steers, then in 1913 as a contest, and with bulls in 1925.

In 1913, rangeland relay races began and were run until 1940. Wild horse racing and steer wrestling, called bulldogging at first, debuted. Bareback riding began in 1914, calf roping was added in 1917, and both events still exist today.

In 1919 team roping was introduced with bulls at first, then steers began to be roped in 1922 and sometimes range cows were used. In 1920, the all-around cowboy award was first presented. It is the prestigious title many want to clinch by winning the most money in all categories, which can include bucking and timed events. Additionally, the grand entry was first documented that same year and is a tradition that starts each rodeo performance. In 1936, wild-cow milking was a crowd favorite and ran until 1981.

In 1937 the Golden Jubilee celebration was held, which highlighted the 50th

year of rodeo in Prescott. That year also had the first outdoor rodeo held at night under lights. Rodeo royalty was introduced in 1939 and exists at most rodeos around the country to this day. Girls’ barrel racing began in 1959 and is a fan favorite for women.

In 1979, Prescott Frontier Days® was incorporated and is proudly the host organization that puts on the World’s Oldest Rodeo®. In 1983, Prescott Frontier Days® was honored with rodeo committee of the year by the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA), which included over 700 rodeos.

Many of these events occurred over several years between 1913 and

1937 and started to put Prescott on the map for hosting the greatest celebration ever held in Arizona on the Fourth of July. In 1948 this rodeo became part of the Rodeo Cowboy Association (RFA), which later became the PRCA and still sanctions this rodeo today.

Outside of the State Fair in Phoenix, nothing was as entertaining as “Prescott Frontier Day,” according to the Prescott Journal-Miner in 1913. That year, the prizes offered drew a large number of contestants, because $3,500 was a lot of money back then. The goal was to attract the expert riders from every section of the Southwest.

In 1964, the chuckwagon races were held at Prescott Frontier Days® for the only time. In 1972 Harry Vold became the stock contractor and his company has held that position ever since. Today, his daughter Kirsten manages the business and does a tremendous job.

Without question, the efforts of those committeemen back in the day are to be given tons of gratitude because in 2020, Prescott anticipates this event each year. It is a very significant economic engine for the greater Prescott area, and we are extremely grateful to be able to provide that opportunity (especially today) to this amazing community.

You may remember the Smoki dance if you lived in Prescott between 1921 and 1987. In 1921, Prescott Frontier Days® was “broke” and needed a way to make money. So, a group of interested businesses and professional men

and women pooled their time, talent and some money and put on a “Way Out West Show” to raise money for that year’s Fourth of July celebration. Many of those who participated were members of the Prescott Frontier Days® Association and also belonged to the Northern Arizona Fair Association. The combination of workers continued to a large extent through the 1950s, with many of the people who participated actively in the Smoki, Rodeo and Fair Association.

Back in the 1920s, businesses gave their employees Thursday afternoons off. To coincide with this day off the “Way Out West” show presented the first Smoki Ceremonial and Snake Dance at 1:30 p.m. Thursday, May 26, 1921. No one dreamed this pageant would become another major annual attraction in Prescott that continued for well over 65 years. The dancers who performed for the first time that day were known as “Smoki Dancers’’ because the organizers wanted to use an Indian-sounding name. The first participants in the Smoki show in 1921 presented a Native American-style dance in which live bull snakes were used. It was a community favorite that benefited Prescott Frontier Days® to provide the opportunity to put on the cowboy contests.

Today, we continue to create history. We celebrate such traditions and our goal is to provide YOU and your families with an experience that you can continue to embrace and share with your loved ones for many more years!

Enjoy the World’s Oldest Rodeo ® and if we can do anything to make your experience better, please let us know!

Thank you for your S-U-P-P-O-R-T!

The Place To Get Away From It All PRESCOTT

Summer trips can’t be taken for granted this year. Even as some social distancing requirements ease, what’s OK to do where and whether you can get there make travel vastly more complicated than it was last year.

One way to simplify things is to head to a cool, relaxed mountain town within easy reach that offers it all: a healthy dose of history and outdoor recreation, community festivals and unique dining options, cultural opportunities and more.

Western culture and charm make the downtown district and Yavapai County Courthouse Plaza 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:

• 450 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®

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

– GOV. DOUG DUCEY

“We welcome visitors and residents alike to enjoy Prescott and all it has to offer while staying safe and healthy. Let’s work together to stop the spread, while creating an unforgettable experience.”

– PRESCOTT MAYOR GREG MENGARELLI

Prescott Honored as Top True Western Town

TRUE WEST MAGAZINE, DECEMBER 2018

“Prescott Valley is a unique community located in the high plains of Arizona that has designed itself to be the perfect place to live, work and play, thanks to its small-town atmosphere and friendly patriotic residents.”

- KELL PALGUTA, MAYOR, TOWN OF PRESCOTT VALLEY

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

TIME MAGAZINE, NOVEMBER 2018

Scenic Highway 89A Turns 100

by Drew Desmond, Secretary, Prescott Western Heritage Foundation

When it first opened Aug. 1, 1920, it was declared “Yavapai’s Greatest Attraction” by Yavapai Magazine. A Jerome Chamber of Commerce brochure declared:

“Members of the National Geographic Society ... proclaimed it as ‘the most beautiful drive in America.’” What is known today as Highway 89A was originally called US Highway 79; the “Prescott-Jerome short line.”

To cynics (and the carsick) the curvy mountain road might seem to have been designed by a carnival-ride engineer, a drunk or both. In fact, Highway 79 would be considered an engineering marvel even by today’s standards. It cut the travel time and distance

between the two cities (then the largest in the county) nearly in half. Still, the twists and turns on this roadway only mirror the odyssey taken to construct it.

Previously if one were taking a wagon from Prescott to Jerome, he would need to travel through Dewey, Cherry, Cottonwood and Clarkdale before heading up the mountain to Jerome.

Highway 79 turned off toward Mingus Mountain from the Granite Dells. Although a dead end today, one can still see the improved Y intersection just north of the Dells. Interestingly, the portion of the road from the Granite Dells to the Prescott National Forest recreational areas at the summit was funded by the U.S. Forest Service to make the areas accessible to

automobiles. However, beyond the summit was nothing more than horse trails.

The last leg of construction started in Jerome and headed toward the summit. The first 4 miles out of Jerome were especially rugged and curvy, and copious amounts of TNT were necessary to clear and carve the road into the mountain.

“There was constant trouble in getting satisfactory help,” Yavapai Magazine explained. High rates were paid for labor, but the work was difficult and few men applied. Eventually the positions were filled by some Anglos skilled in heavy rock removal, with Apaches and Mexicans filling the rest of the openings. These three groups were kept segregated.

both sides of the canyon (that replaced) the forest giants destroyed and marketed in Prescott and Jerome” in the 1880s and ‘90s.

“A six-mile climb brings the driver to Mingus Pass and … the summit of the road (at)

7,023 feet.” Soon,

“One gets the first glimpse of the Verde Valley nearly 4,000 feet below.

Once completed, the county was beaming about its new tourist attraction. Even the locals wanted to experience it. The Arizona Bus Company, operating a line between Prescott and Jerome, reported to the Journal-Miner that: “passenger traffic was growing between the two cities (and) the buses (were) carrying full loads.”

Yavapai Magazine offered a description of the drive when the road first opened:

“Just out of Prescott the road passes Lake Watson, a beautiful water gem, framed in granite walls. Then it plunges into the Granite Dells, a remarkably picturesque park of granite spires … Then follows a stretch of 13 miles through Lonesome Valley.

“Then with long, graceful curves, the road sweeps up the northern side of (Yeager) canyon … Stretches of young trees cover

The pointed walls of the Verde Canyon tower high above the valley in a panorama of kaleidoscopic changeableness. The highway sweeps down into the heavily wooded depths of Mescal Gulch and then up again to Mescal Pass.

“Through the two miles of Mormon Gulch and the final two miles of Deception Gulch, the engineers had to fight for every inch of the way.”

Even to this day Route 89A is a worthy attraction. It is one of only three designated historic roads in the state of Arizona.

Sources:

Yavapai Magazine: 8/1920, 8/1921, 9/1921.

Weekly Journal Miner 8/11/1920.

Hassayampa Happenings

AZ Governor’s 1st Home

...a Mansion in the Wilderness

The

Governor’s Mansion, one of Arizona’s most historically important buildings, has a long and relatively unknown history. It stands today at its original site, a short two blocks from the Prescott courthouse plaza on the grounds of Sharlot Hall Museum, where its story remains the answer to a popular trivia question: Where is the Governor’s Mansion in Arizona?

When Governor John Goodwin and his party arrived in the new Territory in early 1864, he was charged with setting up a government for this untamed landscape. En route from the East, Goodwin had intended going to Tucson, but changed directions for the Central Highlands where gold had been discovered.

In May 1864, after touring a large portion of Arizona, he was considering making the capital of the Territory nearby. Not-so-coincidentally, folks near the “diggings” met that month to create a town (present-day Prescott). A month later, he and territorial secretary Richard Mc Cormick moved the encampment from Del Rio Springs (north of Chino Valley) to the west side of Granite Creek.

In early June, the duo contracted with several builders to begin construction of a large log structure. Because no sawmill existed anywhere nearby, the house was built of hand-hewn squared logs and whip-sawn lumber from surrounding Ponderosa pine. The 4,000-square-foot res idence contained six rooms, a kitchen, a large sleeping loft and a small covered porch on the west.

It was quickly dubbed “a mansion” because most oth er homesteads nearby were simple tents or shanties in this fledgling mining town. With six rooms and covered stable (for the horses), it dwarfed most other buildings, including the nearby mercantile where townsfolk had

Hand-hewn squared logs of the Mansion’s exterior, with chinking (at left).

One of the earliest photos of the “Mansion” (below) shows the extended kitchen building and opening for the stable. This unusual view is of the backside of the log-building and today’s landscaping (far right).

met to create the town of Prescott. Cost of construction was $6,000, paid by the pair from their private funds.

Although it had unchinked logs and shutters rather than glass windows, McCormick and Goodwin moved into the new “Governor’s Mansion” the first of August, and set up government offices and personal residences.

Occupancy of the log-building, officially referred to as the Pinal Ranch, changed within the first year. Territorial voters elected Goodwin as delegate to the U.S. Congress, and McCormick became governor. During his term, the territorial legislature moved the capital from Prescott to Tucson.

It was then that Henry W. Fleury, who had arrived with the original Governor’s party as Goodwin’s private secretary, purchased the Mansion from McCormick. Fleury lived in the Mansion until his death in 1895. It was there he met a young Sharlot Hall and inspired her with the building’s history.

On his death, the log-building remained in private hands until 1917, when it was acquired by the State of Arizona for preservation due to its historical significance as the offices and residence of the first (two) Territorial governors of Arizona.

In 1927, Sharlot Hall secured a lease of the Mansion and opened it as a museum that following year featuring collections and artifacts she had acquired during her time as Territorial Historian (the first woman to hold public office in Arizona).

Step back into

I...Join us in

t’s an Arizona History Adventure as you’ve probably never seen before. Sharlot Hall Museum REOPENED in June amid glorious Spring colors and welcoming Summer activities! D iscover the new-look campus with your family. Stroll the lush gardens and landscaped grounds, explore historic buildings and exhibits, enjoy a rose garden walk or picnic under a shady tree. Hours: 10a-4p Tue-Sat, Sun 12n-4p, closed Monday. We are eager... to welcome visitors, guests and friends back to the campus, and will continue all appropriate sanitation and social distancing practices to assure the health and safety of all.

Remodel, Amenities Recharge SpringHill Suites and Residence Inn in Prescott

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

The lower-than-expected spring occupancies because of COVID-19 allowed the two Prescott Marriott hotels to move quickly through construction and renovation projects that otherwise would have been challenging with higher occupancies.

SpringHill Suites in downtown Prescott underwent its 21-year remodel, which started in January. This is the most extensive remodel since opening in 1998 and will be complete in June. Nearly every surface was updated in all public spaces and every guest room.

Guest rooms are brand new, including beautifully designed furniture, art and new bathroom fixtures. Lobby and business center renovations were extensive with all new furniture, art, cabinetry and flooring. The pool and patio areas have new patio furniture, and the meeting space has new furniture, wall vinyl and carpet. Exterior enhancements include landscaping, painting and slight modifications to the entrance.

Residence Inn by Marriott, just off Highway 69 near Trader Joe’s, installed two dual-port electric vehicle charging stations as part

of a grant from Arizona Public Service. The program, called Take Charge Arizona, offers the ability to install EV charging stations at a commercial location at no cost to the business. The only requirement is that the business cannot charge a fee for the use of the stations.

I applied for the grant last fall, thinking it was too good to be true. After a series of in-person and phone meetings we were notified in early January that we qualified for the grant. Construction began in late April and the stations opened in mid-May.

Charging is available around the clock and is free for anyone, guest or nonguest. “I’m really excited to showcase our hotels this summer,” says Holli Stack, vice president of regional sales. “The SpringHill Suites will be showing off their tremendous renovation and the Residence Inn has another green initiative so travelers can plug into Prescott’s newest EV station.”

The Prescott Marriott hotels are in 100% compliance with strict protocols required by Marriott International for the health and safety of all our guests, team members and residents of our community.

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

Caesar

Chopped Salad

Spinach

Wedge

Antipasta

SUBS

15 to choose from

PASTA

Spaghetti

Penne

Rotini

Ravioli

Tortellini

WINGS

Regular / Boneless / Jumbo 8 flavors to choose from

CALZONES

Mini / Traditional / Jumbo Sizes include cheese and sauce and can add any pizza topping

Kids Menu

Dessert

Local beer, wine & spirits

The Merry Wives of Winslow Load

The Highlands Center for Natural History has rescheduled the annual Shakespeare in the Pines performances for 6 p.m. Aug. 28 and 29, with a matinee performance on Aug. 30 at 3 p.m.

The picturesque, natural setting of Ponderosa pines is the site for The Merry Wives of Winslow, Shakespeare’s tale of Falstaff in love...in the old west! The boisterous Sir John Falstaff comes to the small town of Winslow, bringing a taste for beef, beer and other men’s wives.

Shows will still take place in the Kiwanis Amphitheater, with a smaller audience than in the past.

There will be other adaptations for a safer, more intimate experience. The meal from El Gato Azul will be a delicious boxed Supper and guests will dine on small tables scattered throughout the James Family Discovery Gardens, creating an intimate dining experience within the beauty of the Gardens.

Presented by the Highlands Center and Laark Productions in partnership with El Gato Azul. Presenting Sponsor Lamb Cadillac.

For more information visit https://highlandscenter.org/ shakespeare-in-the-pines/

THE PRESCOTT PIONEER

PRESCOTT • PRESCOTT VALLEY • CHINO VALLEY • DEWEY-HUMBOLDT

Housing for Homeless — Coalition for Compassion and Justice Shifts Mission

The past several months has seen a shift in mission for the Prescottbased Coalition for Compassion and Justice.

The coalition board of directors determined that homelessness among veterans and families, complicated by the COVID-19 pandemic, had created a need for shelters to protect their health. Consequently, coalition facilities at 531 Madison Ave., just off Miller Valley Road near the post office, have changed policies. The shelter is now open seven days a week, 24 hours a day, to accommodate men and women over the age of 18.

“We want homeless people to have a clean and secure place to eat, sleep, shower, and we hope, find some companionship,” said CCJ Executive Director Jessi Hans.

Hans further explained the staff had adjusted their responsibilities to create safe environments within the shelter: “We have created protocols for sanitizing, reorganized for social distancing, and made certain that personal protective equipment is available and used. We also are being certain that clients enjoy breakfast, lunch and dinner, all of which are provided by local groups like the Salvation Army and individuals to sign up for our meal train.”

Hans noted that Hillside Church of God, Sacred Heart Church and Prescott Christian Church were among those helping organize and serve the three meals a day.

She also praised community support — contributions of funds, food and clothing.

Hans said, “We are a low-barrier shelter.” No requirements or applications are

in place. She did explain the number of people would be limited by recommended standards of social distancing and space available.

The estimated cost for providing the services the coalition is supporting is about $12,500 a week.

CCJ, established 20 years ago, previously focused on a broader range of issues that included domestic abuse, substance addiction and hunger for children and families.

The Lodges Are Open to Clients

The Lodges — constructed by Dorn Homes on 226 S. Rush St. — are now open. Begun

two years ago, the carefully designed homes can provide housing for up to six clients each. So far, four clients have moved into the homes and “are moving out of homelessness into a new hope for the future and aspirations,” Hans said.

Residents of The Lodges pay $350 a month. Each apartment within the Lodges has its own entrance and private facilities.

Hans praised Prescott-based Dorn Homes and its leadership for creating partnerships among more than 50 trade groups to create the two houses. The coalition commended those businesses for contributing money, materials, time and labor.

Hans said that for the renters, having a home to live in gave them a chance to find jobs, learn new occupations or take advantages of other opportunities without having to worry about having a roof over their heads.

Because of COVID 19, the coalition-owned thrift store at 1034 Fair St. has been temporarily closed. Management says the store will remain closed until it is safe for staff, clients and the community to return to normal activities.

Those who want additional information can find it online at www.yavapaiccj.org or by calling 928-445-8382.

THE PRESCOTT PIONEER

PRESCOTT • PRESCOTT VALLEY • CHINO VALLEY • DEWEY-HUMBOLDT

Yavapai College Reduces Budget for 2020-21

Yavapai College governing board members have approved an $82.7 million budget for the 2020-2021 fiscal year. That’s a reduction of more than $3.7 million from last year’s budget.

YC Vice President for Finance and Administration Clint Ewell said the significant reduction was a consequence of “having lower capital expenditures and lower debt payment.” He noted that no property tax increase will be requested other than for new construction.

Ewell suggested the college’s enrollment may increase in 2021, perhaps as much as 10%.

“College enrollments tend to increase in step when unemployment is high,” he said.

Fiscal year 2019 enrollments amounted to roughly 3,475 full-time student equivalents. These numbers include the Prescott and Prescott Valley campuses and branches in the Verde Valley and Sedona. Precise numbers for 2020 will not be determined until summer sessions end.

Ewell said 2020 summer enrollments are up 30% over last year’s numbers.

He also said the college is developing a new master plan to identify community needs and student demand for programs. New programs may be intro-

duced and programs with waning demand eliminated.

YC President Dr. Lisa Rhine said, “Yavapai College significantly influences the economic vitality of the local economy. Everyone at the institution appreciates how important our taxpayers are. At Yavapai College, we celebrate being able to help make the economy of Yavapai County more prosperous. We provide residents with an opportunity to improve their quality of life and standard of living. We stand ready to help our region’s economy recover from this pandemic.”

Ewell also said recruiting of student athletes for YC’s intercollegiate teams in men’s soccer and baseball and women’s volleyball and softball will see a shift. The $1.7 million to support these programs — salary, supplies, travel scholarships and other expenses — have in the past come from the general fund.

The plan is to shift some costs during the next five years to other sources. For example, the intent is to self-fund the scholarship portion though donations and sponsorships. Additionally, YC is committing to recruiting no less than 25% of its student athletes from within the county.

YC has 592 employees, including 212 faculty, 163 exempt

Yavapai College Governing Board President Deb McCasland is pleased board members cut the 2020-2021 college budget by $3.7 million, which means no property tax increase will be requested.

staff and 217 non-exempt staff. At present, all are scheduled for a 3% salary increase. Ewell said the raise is necessary to remain competitive in the academic marketplace.

The May 12 board meeting was conducted through electronic streaming from the board members’ own locations instead of face-to-face at the Prescott campus. Future meetings will follow the same format until further notice because of concerns for health and safety of participants.

Following the board meeting, Deb McCasland, YC governing board chairwoman, said

she was pleased with the budget deliberation and recommendation process.

“I speak only as a board member and not for the entire board, but our budget is reasonable. Increased private, government and YC Foundation funds are helping us reduce taxpayer costs,” she said.

by Sue Prario

Special Section: Greater Prescott Remains Outdoor

by Blake Herzog

Once outdoor activity was identified as the last bastion for safe out-of-the-house activity in our current crisis of contagion, the number of visitors to Greater Prescott’s forests, mountains, trails, lakes and creeks has as much as doubled this spring.

We’re squarely into summer now so the number of users, both local and out-of-towners, is only expected to grow. Fortunately, this area has an astounding variety of options for good, safe outdoor fun, so visitors can spread out and stretch their potential, all the while basking in the beauty of Arizona’s Central Highlands.

Since we’re not totally out of the woods when it comes to COVID-19, there are still precautions to be taken and some closures remain, particularly on federal land.

The outdoor areas and amenities in the City of Prescott and Town of Prescott Valley closed during the state’s stay-at-home order are now open, with staff taking on the additional effort to post reminders and sanitize public areas.

Kelly Tolbert, recreation coordinator for the City of Prescott, said, “We have banners strategically placed at our most popular parks, reminding people what 6 feet looks like, and to exercise that caution. For our sports leagues and special events, we got a bunch of hand sanitizer stations, so we’re installing those.”

She added, “Of course the social distancing — word of the year — is not going away, so try to keep that in mind.”

Prescott Valley spokeswoman Heidi Dahms Foster said all Town facilities are open, with capacity restrictions and other “adjustments” at the Mountain Valley Splash aquatic center.

“The mayor (Kell Palguta) wants everybody to get out and get some fresh air,” she said.

HIKING

Prescott is a hiker’s haven and heaven with more than 100 miles of maintained trails in its borders and encircled by a 56-mile path drawn through interconnecting trails managed by the City and the U.S. Forest Service. The Circle Trail makes a great one- to twoday trip for the adventurous or can be broken down into delightful chunks of exercise and natural beauty, accessible from 15 trailheads.

Go to www.Prescotttrails.com for information on all of the City’s maintained trails and its interactive trails maps, accessible through the Avenza Map smartphone app. All are open to hiking, bicycling or horseback traffic, though the City recommends against horses on a few of the rockiest paths in the Dells.

Prescott National Forest has even more hiking options — 450 miles’ worth, both for backpacking and day hiking. You can learn about all of them

at www.fs.usda.gov/activity/prescott/ recreation/hiking.

The 14-mile Iron King Trail connects the Point of Rocks in the Granite Dells to Glassford Hill in the east, affording a family-friendly hike through open grasslands into the heart of Prescott Valley. The trail features three wash crossings that incorporate flatbed railcars used in the actual Prescott East Railroad operation.

MOUNTAIN BIKING

Many Greater Prescott hiking trails accommodate other nonmotorized modes of transit including bicycles and horses, but Prescott National Forest has two built specifically with the mountain biker in mind; with the hills and jumps they crave for their craft.

Homestead Trail No. 305 (7 miles) travels through ponderosa pine and oak forest and connects several points of interest in Lynx Lake Recreational Area. Among these sites are Hilltop Campground and Lynx Campground, the Highlands Center for Natural History, and Lynx Ruin Trail No. 301, all within Lynx Lake Recreation Area. Many of the rock types exposed along the trail are metamorphic varieties similar to what one finds in the lower reaches of the Grand Canyon. This trail is open to hikers and mountain bikers.

Recreation Wonderland

Thumb Butte Bypass Trail No. 326 (2 miles) is part of a network of trails serving the Thumb Butte area. This trail begins in well-shaded pine forest and briefly meanders along the southern bank of Miller Creek before turning sharply and continuing uphill. As this trail climbs into higher country it enters more open terrain and there are some lovely views of the surrounding hills and valleys. At its far end, the trail meets up with Potts Creek Trail No. 327. This trail is open to hikers, horseback riders and mountain bicyclists.

RVs/Camping

Recreational vehicles are permitted to camp at Watson Lake Park, along with trailers and tents. Campsites are $20 per night, and the 19 reserved campsites must be booked at least seven days in advance by calling 928777-1121. There are an additional 15 first-come, first-served sites. These are for dry camping only; showers and restrooms are available. There are numerous private RV parks scattered throughout the region, many offering short-term options.

Prescott National Forest has numerous options for RVers or campers who like to bring their vacation (or full-time) home on the road with them. Campgrounds that can accommodate them can be found in the Groom Creek,

Granite Basin, Lynx Lake, Mingus Mountain and Cherry areas, as well as at White Spar Campground. However, as of early June all developed campgrounds within the national forest remained closed as part of COVID-19 restrictions, so check www.fs.usda. gov/prescott for updates on their status, as well as fire restrictions.

Climbing

Although closed to climbing from Feb. 15-July 15 to protect peregrine falcon breeding habitat, Thumb Butte and Granite Mountain just west of downtown Prescott offer fine opportunities to climb the rest of the year, traveling up the cracks or skittering along the face of some massive cliffs. Thumb Butte has several bolt-protected face and crack climbs.

The Groom Creek region south of Prescott along Senator Highway is a bouldering dream world, with granite outcroppings looming above wherever you look and smooth surfaces to figure out how to climb.

And of course the Granite Dells area is magnetic for bouldering and climbing, with five major routes including the Pavilion Wall on the southern edge of Lake Watson. For a 3D tour of the Dells and many of its iconic rocks, visit www.exploreprescott.org/climbing.

Kayaking

Kayaks are ubiquitous on many bodies of water, not surprisingly. This exciting yet relaxing activity lets you tour some of the region’s most spectacular scenery under your own power. They can be rented at Watson, Goldwater and Lynx lakes and used at many others, including Granite Basin.

Off-roading

Off-highway vehicles are welcomed on trails in several areas in and around Greater Prescott, including Mingus Mountain and Smiley Rock near Jerome, Seven Mile Gulch southeast of Prescott and in Chino Valley off Perkinsville Road, to name a few.

For details about all off-highway vehicle trails in Prescott National Forest visit www.fs.usda.gov/activity/ prescott/recreation/ohv.

Go to www.Prescotttrails.com for information on all of the City’s maintained trails and its interactive trails maps, accessible through the Avenza Map smartphone app.

Study Takes New Look at Value of Trails for Communities

by Kelly Tolbert, Recreation Coordinator, City of Prescott

Unique landscapes ranging from the signature ponderosa and pinion pines scattering the high country, alligator junipers and shrub oaks characteristic to the Central Highlands, to towering saguaro cactuses that are trademarks of the Sonoran Desert, Arizona is brimming with geographic diversity, often surprising visitors and attracting residents with its landscapes.

The sheer number of multiuse trails available to Prescott residents and visitors supports the understanding local community leaders and planners have regarding the importance of trails. Navigating the recent uncharted territory created by COVID-19, one trend has experienced exponential growth here in Prescott and that is nonmotorized trail use.

Nonmotorized trail use includes walking, hiking, backpacking, trail running, mountain biking, equestrian use and other modes of trail use without the use of a motor.

The numbers of cars at trailheads, more densely populated trails, and the numbers of phone calls with questions about trails are all indicative of these being a direct result of

stay-at-home orders, as well as recommendations to get exercise while spending time outdoors with small family groups and practicing social distancing.

City of Prescott leaders have been using trail-use data for almost a decade. In fact, the City has infrared trail counters installed at various locations throughout the City’s parks, lakes and trails. This data has been helpful in gaining state and federal funding to enhance,

grow and maintain the Mile-High Trail System unique to Prescott.

Recent public health conditions have led to cancellations of annual signature tourism-based events, negatively affecting our local economy. While it will likely be quite some time before the long-term effects of reduced tourism (and the economic benefits attached) are determined, the short-term effects seem to change daily, especially in a community like Prescott.

The Knowns

Availability of outdoor recreation opportunities supports enhanced quality of life, and Prescott is proud to offer its citizens many quality options within proximity to the quaint downtown plaza that draws attention year-round.

Prescott has continued to offer options for responsible physical distancing during recent stay-at-home orders and will adapt to the future in hopes of furthering the traditions for which our great City is known.

The Unknowns

Essentially, the return to pre-COVID-19 conditions will be in phases, and how long this will take is undetermined. Effects on the economy are also largely unknown, and while they can be tracked in some ways, without a way of estimating how long this will be, reality poses challenges for everyone.

While it is widely known there is economic value from having trails accessible to communities, many variables such as Prescott’s own bed tax (revenues generated from occupancy in local lodging-based businesses) are less relevant, considering what would normally be the height of our tourism season is almost at a standstill. Historically, special events taking place from late spring through early fall are evaluated individually by their ability to fill local lodging businesses, assuming these visitors are also shopping and dining in our local establishments.

Trails draw visitors, revenue

A recently published technical report conducted by Arizona State Parks, the University of Arizona Cooperative Extension and the University of Arizona Agricultural & Resource Economics Department used what is termed a “travel-cost method,” in which benefits of an amenity are estimated based on how much individuals spend in time and money to travel to enjoy a particular amenity.

Titled The Economic Value of Trails in Arizona, the study was funded by the Arizona State Parks Board interagency service agreement as a part of its 2020 Trails Plan. This type of trails plan is commonly used by agencies to provide data about trail users, preferences and opinions, as well as important issues facing recreation trails (including off-highway vehicle routes).

Significant findings in the report included approximately 83,110,000 (midpoint estimate between 48,592,500 and 117,627,500 times per year) visits to the state’s trails over a year.

Each visit has an average cost associated of midpoint $100.06, adding up to an estimated $8.3 billion in annual spending.

The study also found, “Outdoor recreation amenities support the quality of life and health of individuals, communities and local economies. Trail access for nonmotorized and motorized recreation enriches the lives of community residents and visitors, providing an outlet for exercise, outdoor recreation and transportation. Results of this study show that a large majority of Arizonans consider access to trails as important or very important in their decisions of where to live and where to visit for leisure, even for Arizonans who do not participate in trail-based outdoor recreation regularly. For communities seeking to attract and retain workforce, or to attract visitors, trail

access is an important factor to consider.”

Using the travel-cost method to estimate economic value is different from the normal standard of measurement used by the City of Prescott, which is economic impact. Economic impact measures the circulation of money through the economy, whereas the travel-cost method measures how far people are willing to travel for an experience. These measures are valuable to understanding what resources are important to residents and which areas receive higher demand.

The study referenced is also significant because it is the first of its kind. Other types of technical studies have been done, but this one differs in that all random respondents are in-state residents older than 18 and it uses the travel-cost method of study.

City of Prescott trail counts for the month of April pre and post COVID-19

•Watson Lake Explorer Trail: April 2016, 5,684 visits; April 2020, 11,395 visits

•Peavine National Recreation Trail: April 2019, 5,563 visits; April 2020, 10,399 visits

Model Airplane Club Offers Outdoor Fun at Safe Height and Distance

by Bill Gilbert, President, and Bob Shanks, Newsletter Editor, Chino Valley Model Aviators

We hope this issue finds you all in continued good health and perhaps looking for a new hobby!

The purpose of our organization is to create an interest in, further the image of, and promote the hobby/sport of radio-controlled model aircraft. The club has been around in some shape or form in the Prescott area since 1985, eventually landing at our current base owned by the Town of Chino Valley.

Local businesses have been allowed to start operations in a limited fashion, with distancing and other precautions. We will resume general meetings for all those interested cautiously, outdoors at the field with 6-foot separation.

In the meantime, make the best of the new normal. We have been busy maintaining and improving the safety of our field at 2025 Santa Fe Trail in Chino Valley. Fire breaks have been mowed in and a fire cart is being pursued. Runway repairs where weeds have pushed through the surface and created blister-like holes have begun.

The field continues to be open for flying and the weather is warmer, with calmer winds in the morning. We encourage members to come out and enjoy your airplanes and see your friends.

Remember to check your speed in the air. Each of us are aware of just how fast things can go south in an instant while flying, sometimes for no apparent reason. High-

speed runs down the center of the runway are just too close for the comfort of many of us flying. We suggest all high-speed runs be performed at or beyond the north edge of the runway for everyone’s safety. An example of a pilot suddenly losing control and instantaneously crashing happened mid-April at our field far north from the pit area.

Our organization is happy to be holding events at our field again (subject to weather and other conditions), which will be open to the public:

Aug. 8: Combat and Delta Wing Pylon Races — Everyone flies the same foam cutout with the same motor, battery and flight package, though markings can vary. We will do eight or 10 laps around two pylons.

Aug. 28-30: Southwest Region IMAC Shootout — We are hosting an International Miniature Aerobatic Club competition event with our friends at Sun Valley Fliers. This should be a big event with some very skilled pilots, lasting two days.

Sept. 19: Annual Steve Crow Memorial Fun Fly — One of our biggest events of the year, with raffles, food and drink, demonstrations at the top of the hour and all types of aircraft and flying styles allowed.

For more information on events or club memberships, visit www.chinovalleymodelaviators.org or our Facebook page. Maintain the recommended health precautions and have fun! See you at the field!

Directions to field: Take Route 89 to Chino Valley, head east on Perkinsville Road, continue for about 3.1 miles, turn left onto Santa Fe Trail, Chino Valley Model Aviators flying field will be the second gate on the right.

PRESCOTT PUBLIC LIBRARY

Stay connected to a community of readers this summer by participating in Prescott Public Library’s Summer Reading Program. Sign up for summer reading, track your reading activity, and earn prizes. Program sign-up and participation began May 15. THREE WAYS TO PARTICIPATE:

• Sign up by calling 928-777-1537. Use our paper log to track your minutes.

• Sign up and log your minutes online at www.ppl.azsummerreading.org.

• Download the READsquared app from your device’s app store, create an account and log your minutes through the app.

The ROX Interview (continued)

...continued from page 92

My wife Merry’s father was very involved in education in Arizona. One time, he called me and wanted to know what I was making at the time. And I said, “Well, I just did a tribute piece to John Wayne.” A few weeks went by. He called again. He said, “You won’t believe this.” He was at one of his school board meetings, bragging about his son-in-law making a statue of John Wayne. A guy popped up and said, “Well, I’m one of John Wayne’s business partners. I want to see it. John Wayne’s coming to town. He wants to see it, too.”

I took the sculpture down there and gave it to my father-in-law. Then I sat around... (laughs)... waiting. “Is he going to hate it? Is he going to like it?”

Then I thought, maybe I don’t have the right to do this. So I asked a lawyer friend. He said movie stars make their living

from being public. They were public domain then. So, I didn’t have to have his permission. Now, you do.

The next thing I hear — “John Wayne wants to meet you. He’s going to be in Stanfield (a small town west of Casa Grande where he co-owned a ranch) in two weeks.” The secretary told us, “And bring some other pieces of your work. He wants to see them.”

So, here we are, a young married couple. We had a pickup truck with a camper shell on it. We loaded some bronzes in the back. We go down. We sat on the tailgate and talked to John Wayne. He was in costume because he had done a firearm safety class for youth for Arizona Game and Fish.

He was a gracious, gracious individual. Very, very nice. Large man too! You can’t even see my hand! He’s like a ham wrapped around my hand!

He ended up buying a couple of my

bronzes. One was a cowboy and a young horse with the horse jumping and the guy is hanging on. Years later, just before Wayne passed away, he had an interview with Barbara Walters at his home in Newport Beach. The camera’s panning between him sitting in a chair and her sitting in a chair. All of a sudden, Merry and I look (grinning). My bucking horse bronze is sitting on the table.

PRESCOTT LIVING: How do you select the firms that cast your work?

BILL NEBEKER: I usually look for the foundry that gives you the best quality for the money. Now, my little foundry, Thumb Butte Bronze, because it’s smaller, I guess, they’re a little higher-priced than some of the bigger places ... but the quality of the castings is outstanding. And your pieces are only as good as the piece you get from the foundry.

PRESCOTT LIVING: How many galleries and museums are you in? Do you have any idea?

MERRY NEBEKER: (After Bill turns to her.) He’s in four galleries right now, and he’s in museum collections — probably at least a dozen. His main gallery is in Jackson Hole. His work is in museums across America.

PRESCOTT LIVING: Bill, any idea how many pieces you’ve created during your career?

BILL NEBEKER: Merry knows.

MERRY NEBEKER: Three hundred. No, about 320, the last time I counted. That’s individual sculptures.

PRESCOTT LIVING: What stimulates your imagination into conceiving some of this artwork? For example, “If Horses Could Talk.” That’s a hell of a creative piece.

BILL NEBEKER: I thought about that piece for a long time. If you’ve ever been hunting in your life, you’re out in the woods, you’re looking across the little canyon over at some guy walking down the ridge with a gun over his shoulder. And laying under a tree right next to him is a big old buck. That guy has not a clue it’s there. There’s probably the same thing happening right underneath you.

And I thought that would make such a neat sculpture. I thought about it off and on for two or three years. I thought the only possible way I can do it is it has to be a big rock with an undercut. The cowboy and the horse will be up on this rock looking for a deer. And when I first cre-

ated the piece, the deer was laying down. He wasn’t sneaking away. Because deer will do that, especially big bucks. They’re not dumb at all.

But it lacked something. I left it alone for a while. Then I was looking through an old hunting magazine. There was a little photo in the corner of a page of this big deer sneaking. It hit me — oh my word, that’s what I got to do.

It was the most popular piece I ever did. I sold a whole edition in one night. Twenty-five castings I sold in an hour. The reason is because of people who hunted. They laughed because “That’s happened to me, or I saw that happen to somebody.” People who didn’t care about hunting. They liked it because the deer was getting away.

PRESCOTT LIVING: You’re on the road quite a bit, aren’t you?

BILL NEBEKER: We are. I tell you what’s really difficult is because of the digital era, the museums want all the information faster, ahead of time. Used to be they only wanted the artwork or a picture of it just a month before the show. Now, they want it three months before the show. I have no rest time at all.

It takes six to eight weeks to get a piece to a foundry, get it made and get a first

casting. I must be thinking two and three months ahead of time of what I need for a show down the road.

PRESCOTT LIVING: What is your next big project and when?

BILL NEBEKER: I’ve been selected to do an old-time sheriff life-size bronze in honor of law officers killed in the line of duty in Yavapai County. It’s going to be down by the bandstand on the plaza; I was contacted by the Sheriff’s Office. An officer looked it up for Yavapai County, there’s only been 16 officers that have been killed since way back in the 1880s.

It’s locally funded by donations and raffles and things of this nature to raise money. We decided to do an old-time sheriff, like 1880s or ‘90s. It will represent all forms and eras of law. We are going to mount him on a granite boulder because it’s going to be on the Plaza.

PRESCOTT LIVING: What is it that compels you, keeps you creating?

BILL NEBEKER: (pauses, then thoughtful, hand on chin.) I tell people the great thing about art — to me — is you can never live long enough to know and learn everything there is about it. There’s always something else there to strive for. That’s what pushes me to continually get better. 

THE PRESCOTT PIONEER

PRESCOTT • PRESCOTT VALLEY • CHINO VALLEY • DEWEY-HUMBOLDT

CONTINUED…

2051 Apartments to Provide Scenic Vistas of Dells

An apartment complex under construction at 2051 Willow Lake Road will provide renters with unparalleled scenic views to the east, north and west—the picturesque Dells, Willow Lake and Granite Mountain among them.

The 7.5-acre site of the community to be known as 2051 ultimately will feature 200 apartments. The units will range from 500 square-foot studio units, 600 square-ft. one-bedroom, and 900 squarefoot two-bedroom units. Renters will be able to choose from 21 distinctive floor plans, said Michael Lafferty, president and owner of Lafferty Companies, a Phoenix-based business development firm.

The complex will have four three-story apartment buildings and a clubhouse.

Lafferty said Phase 1 of construction is for 104 apartments—20 studios, 47 with one-bedroom and one bath and 37 two-bedroom, two-bath units.

Phase 1 construction should be complete sometime in January 2021, while work on the

second phase construction of the other 96 units will continue through 2021, Lafferty said.

All apartments will contain washers and dryers, stainless steel appliances, microwave, dishwasher and other amenities. Some will have patios or balconies. Covered parking will

be available.

Utilities are not included in the rental fee. Rent charges will be based on the square footage of the unit, starting $1.50 per square foot.

All renters will have access to the fifth building, a 2,500 square-foot clubhouse. “It will

contain our community room, game room, meeting room, fitness center, and dog bath. It also houses the leasing department and mail room,” Lafferty said. “They’ll also have access to a heated pool and barbeque area.”

All apartments are pet-friendly. Residents will have access to trail and open space immediately behind the complex.

`Lafferty said the cost for the project is an estimated $32 million, with Phase 1 costing about $19 million, and Phase 2, $13 million.

Lafferty and Rick Oelke, project superintendent, said they were committed to using local sub-contractors and local suppliers as much as possible. They noted that more than 100 people are currently employed building the project.

Lafferty said he already was looking forward to more projects in Prescott.

Treats