Prescott LIVING - Early Summer 2021

2021 PHOTO CONTEST

FROM THE PUBLISHER: 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 180 photos, making the final selection extremely difficult! Not all images worked for our production needs. You can find all of the photos in our 2021 Photography Contest –Prescott LIVING Magazine Facebook album and many, including our People’s Choice winners, can be found in this issue. We hope you enjoy them!

www.facebook.com/PrescottLivingMagazine

Social

Terry Scheib

Comments and 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

LET ’S play

LIST WITH ME BY THE 15TH OF THE MONTH

NOW IS THE TIME TO LIST! INVENTORY IS LOW! CALL ME TODAY!

AMAZING VIEWS IN THE RANCH AT PRESCOTT! OVERSIZED 3G!

$1,199,000

A steal at this Price! Over 6,700 sq. ft. 6 bedrooms, 4 ½ baths, 4 fireplaces, Large kitchen with newer appliances and open to great room with super views. Plenty of space for company and entertainment. See it today!

GATED COMMUNITY IN PRESCOTT!

$234,900!

Super Views! Lots of good build sites! Electric at the lot line, & Good Well area! Up Williamson Valley!

5.4 ACRES WITH SEPTIC INSTALLED ONLY $54,900!

Great flat lot with views! 5.4 Acres with 2,000 gallon permitted conventional Septic system for 5 bed home! Not in a flood plain.

PLACING YOUR NEEDS FIRST!

25 YEARS EXPERIENCE WORKING FOR AND WITH YOU.

NK. SHOP.

40

Visionaries build communities

2021 PHOTO CONTEST

About the

Covers

Cover 1: Photo by Tracy Scheffer

Sweet little Tymbi, and her mini horse, Princess Ali, rescued from Mini Angel Eyes.

Cover 2: Photo by Dave Wilson

Smoke from the California wildfires makes the sky over Watson Lake appear extra orange, especially at sunset. September 8, 2020.

Cover 3: Photo by Daryl Weisser

A Bald Eagle overlooking the north shore of Goldwater Lake one fall morning.

Cover 4: Photo by Shannon Nolan Whitehead

The Milky Way core captured before it descends below the horizon. Taken from the Thumb Butte Lookout, October 9, 2020.

Advertiser Index

Findlay

Vision Grows Communities

W elcome to our Early Summer issue of Prescott LIVING! We’re in what may be our best time of the year, though with so much beauty across all four seasons that’s always up for debate.

Greater Prescott’s lovely climate is just one of the reasons it’s become the dynamic business and tourism center of Yavapai County. To get there, it takes strategic advantages along with people with the vision to see their potential for growing the community.

In this issue, we salute “Men of Vision” who put their foresight and business acumen toward building new assets for our area — homes, businesses, nonprofits, parks, educational and cultural centers, and more.

They all realized Greater Prescott has that indefinable yet essential “quality of life” factor that singles, families and retirees alike are constantly seeking. These men decided it was worthy of their investment of time and money. Their ventures turned out to be rewarding experiences for them professionally and personally.

We are honored to have had the opportunity to interview and photograph together four key men who have contributed significantly to what Greater Prescott is today: Jim Lee of the Ranch at Prescott, Ron James of Harold James Family Trust, Ron Fain of Fain Land and Cattle Co., and Brad Fain of Fain Signature Group.

These pages share the background of many more Men of Vision. Our ROX interview is with Ken Lain and Lisa Watters-Lain, whose shared vision continue to build her family’s business, Watters Garden Center, into one of the most respected independent retail nurseries in the nation.

This being summer, there's so much more to cover! We're bringing you everything you need to know about the 134th annual World's Oldest Rodeo® and related events as they occur for another 4th of July weekend.

This is also our annual Tourism and Photography Edition featuring the winners of our annual photo contest and lots of great ideas for things to do here. So read away!

Elaine Earle

Elaine Earle Publisher, Prescott LIVING Magazine

VOICES of the Community

At Prescott LIVING Magazine, our slogan is “The Voice of the Community” because we believe 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!

Dennis Gallagher Founder and CEO, Prescott Western Heritage Foundation

Sheri

L. Heiney

President/CEO, Prescott Chamber of Commerce

Leslie Horton, MA, MCHES Director of Yavapai County Community Health Services, County Health Officer

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 Maggie

Economic Development Project Manager, Town of Chino Valley

Loree Walden

Marketing Manager, Yavapai Humane Society

& CEO Prescott Valley Chamber of Commerce

Donna Werking

Owner, Marketing Agency Northern Arizona Social, LLC

The Prescott Pioneer

Big Crowds Expected for Rodeo June 29-July 4

Jim Dewey Brown, recently named general manager of Prescott Frontier Days®, is confident “capacity crowds will be on hand for all eight rodeo events” for this summer’s World’s Oldest Rodeo®.

Audiences will hear “Ride em, cowboy” the first time at 7:30 p.m. June 28. Gates will open at 5:30 p.m.

• Subsequent performances are scheduled June 29-July 2, same schedule.

• July 3, two performances scheduled at 1:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.

• Closing performance July 4, 1:30 p.m.

This marks the 134th year of performances for the World’s Oldest Rodeo®. Brown said he is optimistic about the number of competitors for rodeo events.

He said, “We’re not just expecting large crowds. We’re confident we’ll have around 750 cowboys competing for prizes.”

He said he and staff are receiving telephone calls, emails and other requests for suggestions about things to do and places to stay. The staff is busy filling requests for tickets.

It was announced in late April that Prescott Mayor Greg Mengarelli has accepted a position as the new business development manager for Prescott Frontier Days®. In that role, he will be in a position to help rodeo management expand activities at the rodeo grounds far beyond rodeo, perhaps including concerts, festivals and other Western-themed functions, according to a news release from rodeo management.

Holiday Parade July 3

The Rodeo Parade, set for 9 a.m, July 3, is expected to have thousands of locals and out-of-towners lining the streets of downtown Prescott for what is ranked the second largest parade in the Grand Canyon State.

The theme this year is True. Western. Determination.

Other events will include the Kiwanis Kiddie Parade, July 2; the Courthouse Plaza Arts and Crafts Show, July 2-4; and evening rodeo dances with live music each evening. On Sunday morning, July 4, those who wish can attend Cowboy Church at the rodeo grounds.

More details about the rodeo are available at 929-445-3103 or info@ worldsoldestrodeo.com

Stories by Ray Newton

Fallen Officers Memorial on Display at Courthouse Plaza

A bronze statue of an 1890s-era law officer meditating over a pair of empty cowboy boots honors 18 law officials who have died in Yavapai County in the line of duty from 1865 to present.

Created by renowned Prescott sculptor Bill Nebeker, the memorial was unveiled and dedicated in front of more than 500 people. They gathered on the north side of the Yavapai County Courthouse May 1.

The larger-than-life statue is in an enclosed triangle on the northwest quadrant of Courthouse Plaza near the bandstand gazebo.

The statue’s inscription: “Lest we forget.”

Retired Yavapai County Sheriff Scott Mascher was inspired several years ago to memorialize fallen officers on the plaza, so he and his colleagues generated a fund-raising campaign to help cover costs for the sculpture. All costs were covered through private contributions.

The somber ceremony began with posting of the colors, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance led by Yavapai County Board of Supervisors Chair Craig Brown. He was followed by Merry

Nebeker, who sang the National Anthem. She is the sculptor’s wife.

Several speakers followed, including Mascher and then David Rhodes, the current Yavapai County Sheriff.

Names of the 18 fallen officers and the dates of their deaths were announced. They were: Cornelius Sage, 1865; George W. Leihy, 1866; George Spencer, 1877; Joseph A. Bryant, 1881; John M. Murphy, 1885; James G, Hawkins, 1891; Charles “Joe” Hawkins, 1902; Charles King, 1910; James Lowry, 1918; Edward F. Bowers, Jr., 1921; Charles Sherman Patterson, 1921; Jesse Hood, 1932; Dave Reese, 1933; James Franklin Roberts, 1934; Paul E. Marston, 1969; Kenneth Lindsley 1971;

George E. McMurren, 1975; and Bruce W. Harrolle, 2008.

Nebeker said creating the memorial was “an extreme honor for me. The memorial is not about me or all of us. It is about those who have gone before us.”

One of Nebeker’s longtime Prescott colleagues, Rowle Simmons, now retired, said after the formal ceremony the statue will be a legacy reminding everyone to respect and honor law enforcement officials for their dedication, service and sacrifice.

The Executive Memorial Committee in a written statement thanked all of those involved for their involvement in creation of the memorial.

City Council Candidates Have Filed Papers

Following the April 5 deadline for candidates to file petitions to run for Prescott City offices, Prescott City Clerk Sarah Siep reported that two people filed for mayor and six for the three positions on the City Council.

The City of Prescott City Council consists of the mayor and six council members. All are elected at large. The mayor serves a two-year term, while council members serve overlapping four-year terms.

Incumbent Mayor Greg Mengarelli

filed with 1,278 signatures, and City Councilman Phil Goode with 1,539 signatures.

Those filing for City Council positions included:

• Steve Blair, 940 signatures

• Jessica Hall, 1,253 signatures

• Jim Lamerson, 905 signatures

• Brandon Montoya, 1,101 signatures

• Eric Moore, 1,357 signatures

• Grant Quezada, 1,253 signatures

Candidates’ petitions and information are posted at www.prescott-az.gov/citymanagement/elections

The last day to register to vote is July 6. The primary election is Aug. 3; the general election is scheduled for Nov. 2.

Those wanting additional information about the election can direct questions to Siep at 928-777-1275 or to sarah.siep@ prescott-az.gov

And The Blue-Ribbon Winner: Watters Garden Center

by Ray Newton – Photos by Blushing Cactus Photography

Back in the late 1950s and early ‘60s, when Prescott was starting to grow and was approaching 8,000 population, Harold and Lorna Watters opened Prescott’s first garden center — the only one in the area.

Family tradition has it that they started with a family station wagon, a borrowed trailer and a few shovels, hoes, rakes and other tools. In the 60 years since, that then-raggedy garden center has grown into a nationally known treasure — and that’s not an exaggeration.

Just this spring, following intensive research of more than 15,000 garden centers across the United States, the Best Companies Group named Watters Garden Center “the best garden center to work for in the country.”

It’s not the first time Watters Garden Center has won the Blue Ribbon for excellence, so to speak. In 2010, Today’s Garden Center magazine named the

“Revolutionary 100 National Winner” — and it was Watters Garden Center.

Current owners Ken Lain and Lisa Watters-Lain take pride in the success the garden center has generated over the years. They direct that pride and praise at their staff, staying none of the success would have been possible if it has not been for dedicated, loyal, highly motivated and knowledgeable colleagues.

They also credit loyal customers who come from throughout central and northern Arizona. They believe customers deserve constant attention and service, no matter how small or large the purchase.

The garden center relocated three times — once on Miller Valley Road, then on property across the from the Prescott Bowling Alley and finally at the current location of 1815 W. Iron Springs Road, on a 2-acre site on the northwest border of Prescott city limits.

The INTERVIEW

Today, it is estimated there are more than 100,000 loyal customers within a 20mile radius. Still others from farther away communities stop by at the garden center for random shopping.

Both Ken and Lisa agree part of their success is the result of having Prescott as their hometown. Lisa worked with her parents in her childhood and teen years. Ken became a part of the ownership in 1992. Ken used his teenage experience during high school and later Yavapai College to gain jobs that gave him broad experience. He later earned a bachelor’s degree in business management at Arizona State University, which he says made possible his upward success when he became an owner in the garden center.

The couple say they believe they were fortunate to get to know local residents during their high school and college years and later working careers.

The Lains also stress they value partnering with local nonprofit and other organizations working for the benefit of the greater community. Among them are the Prescott Fine Arts Association, Rotary International, Soroptimist International, the Yavapai Humane Society, the Chamber of Commerce, the NACOG Labor Work Force Investment Board and other similar organizations.

Ken and Lisa and their family also are quite public in their beliefs. “We want to be positive, happy and uplifting in our community efforts and to make a difference in our community — not just our staff but throughout the community,” they say. “A company that’s really engaged should carry the light for their town and make it a better place to live.”

Prescott LIVING: Lisa, first, tell us a bit about you. Then we’ll talk to Ken. Are you a Prescott native?

Lisa Watters-Lain: Yes. I went to Prescott High School. I took some classes at Yavapai College, then went to Arizona State University, where I earned a bachelor's degree in special education in 1987. Many years later, I attended Northern Arizona University, where I earned a master’s degree in education in 2009.

Prescott LIVING: How long have you known Ken?

Lisa Watters-Lain: We met in a church choir in high school. So that's been what — 37 or 38 years?

Ken Lain: It's been a lot. We've been married 33 years. Thirty-four in July.

Lisa Watters-Lain: We have four children. Katelyn is our oldest. She and her husband Jeremy are interested in learning the business so they moved back here in March to start taking on the business with us. Our son James is married with three kids and currently lives in El Paso. He’s an Army captain, a physician’s assistant. We have twin girls, Meghan and McKenzie, who are 25. McKenzie is finishing her master’s degree in marriage and family therapy. Meghan is still experiencing life. She hasn’t settled down on what she wants to do, but she loves business and she’s thinking about moving to Colorado. She just has different things she wants to do.

Prescott LIVING: You’ve turned Watters into one of the most successful garden centers in the country. You said you want to be the best in the nation. How do you define that?

Ken Lain: When we make a difference in our community. For example, when our staff wants to come to work and enjoys it. When they feel like family. When you’re not just a boss, but you work alongside staff and make a difference. Most important, I think companies are influencers. They can make their town a better place to live. They’re truly doing what owners have in mind for their customers. Here, that’s a halo effect of making Prescott and the surrounding cities better. I ask, if Watters Garden Center were to go out of business today, would it be missed? That’s a question all business owners should always ask. I ask myself often, “How do we make sure that we’ll be missed if we ever go anywhere?”

Prescott LIVING: I like that — “Will we be missed?” That’s a key defining phrase — helps define what you are. Tell readers

about your relationship with Bright Consultants and how they help you define Watters.

Ken Lain: Bright Consultants are industry leaders that are wellrespected in the retail garden center business industry. They consult in different aspects of a company. Often, a garden center business is mainly familyowned from the grower level to the landscape level, all the way up to the retail level. Family is great. It’s a great place to be, but sometimes we feel isolated. We do this thing on our own. In small towns, we don’t have the resources that bigger companies or a franchise might have. That’s why it’s important to reach out to other garden center owners. Ask questions. Hire consultants. Have them come on site. Walk the property, advise you for a week. Usually it’s a week visit. They just might suggest, “Hey, you might want to think about this for

"The staff likes to bring people and plants together. That’s their passion. That’s what we do all day long.

That’s why we go to work every day."

your checkouts. You might want to spread your aisles out. Here’s your marketing piece. Here’s finances. Take a look at this option.”

Prescott LIVING: How do you track your customers? You say you really don’t do that. Yet you guys have defined your audience very well. You direct your radio programs, your articles and your marketing toward a

(Continued on page 103)

CITY SPEAK City of Prescott

Summer Events are in Full Swing

“It’s great to see that our cherished summer events and activities will be taking place. Events like the Summer Concert Series, the Prescott Bluegrass Festival, and of course the Prescott Frontier Days® Parade and World’s Oldest Rodeo®, and Fourth of July

fireworks at Watson Lake are all scheduled. Let’s be sure to get out to enjoy these wonderful events, so we can support the event organizers, vendors and of course our many locally owned and operated small businesses. Let’s come back strong in 2021.”

More Great News from Prescott Regional Airport

“In June we held a dedication ceremony and reception for the brand new passenger terminal at Prescott Regional Airport. This new terminal features state of the art security and baggage handling, and many amenities for passengers

Welcome CP Technologies

“I would like to welcome the technology and aerospace company Combat Proven Technologies to Prescott. CP Technologies has moved operations from San Diego. Earlier this year, they finished a brand-new 50,000-square-foot

and visitors alike. In other news, United Express, operated by SkyWest Airlines has added a second Denver flight. We now have two flights a day to Denver and one flight to LA on United Express." www.flyprescott.com

Events

June 1-Aug. 27

Summer Concerts with 28 dates

June 12-13

Prescott Territorial Days Art Fair

June 26-27

Prescott Bluegrass Festival

June 28-July 4

Prescott Frontier Days® World’s Oldest Rodeo®,

July 3

Prescott Frontier Days® Parade

July 3-5

Frontier Days® Art Fair

facility to house their corporate headquarters, computer assembly and manufacturing of military UAVs or drones. I want to thank CEO Michael McCormack, his parent company Rafael, and his entire staff for investing their future in Prescott.” www.cp-techusa.com

July 4

Prescott Fourth of July Fireworks at Watson Lake

For a list of events, go to www.Prescott-az.gov and select calendar from the home page.

CITY SPEAK

Town of Prescott Valley

Kell Palguta, Mayor, Town of Prescott Valley

“We have so many events coming up this summer that we know families and visitors will enjoy. The Town is open, and we invite everyone to come out and see why Prescott Valley is such a great place to live, work and play!”

A second splash pad is scheduled to open at Antelope Park later this summer. One at Bob Edwards Park opened in May.

Prescott Valley Community Services is excited to bring the outdoor Rhythm and Brews event to the Mountain Valley Park Amphitheater on June 19. Four bands, including headliner Filmore, will provide the tunes; visitors can enjoy handcrafted cold beer from local breweries and fun eats from four different food trucks. Find more information at www.pvaz. net/292/Community-Services

Free Movies Under the Stars features superheroes at the Prescott Valley Civic Center's Theater on the Green On June 11, 18, and 25; and July 2. A special “Drive In” movie will be shown at Findlay Toyota Center on July 9. Watch the Town of Prescott Valley or the Town of Prescott Valley, Arizona Parks and Recreation Facebook pages for the list of each week's movies.

For your Independence Day weekend, a new Concerts on the Green series by Yavapai College will conclude with the Prescott POPS Symphony’s rousing orchestral salute “An American Celebration,” on Saturday, July 3 at 7:30 p.m. Find information and tickets at www.yc.edu

On Sunday, July 4, enjoy Red, White, and Boom, at Mountain Valley Park. Live bands, Hero Party Rental inflatables, food vendors and more, topped off with the largest fireworks show in Northern Arizona!

The Town of Prescott Valley presents the Summer Concert Series on the Theater on the Green! Enjoy evenings of free performances by local musicians at our beautiful outdoor amphitheater located at 7501 E. Skoog Blvd. Live music begins at 7 p.m. for each of the following dates:

• Saturday, July 31

Famous in Denmark

• Saturday, Aug. 7

Pick and Holler

• Saturday, Aug. 14

King Copper Jazz Band

• Saturday, Aug. 21

Thunder n’ Lightnin’

• Saturday, Aug. 28

Front Page Band

• Saturday, Sept. 4

Mood Swing Band

Please contact Community Services at 928-759-3090 with questions regarding these events.

On Aug. 3, join in the National Night Out to Fight Crime event at the Prescott Valley Civic Center; free concerts at Theater on the Green sponsored by Town of Prescott Valley Community Services; and a bigger, better Fandomania event at the Findlay Toyota Center on Aug. 14.

Check out Town of Prescott Valley Facebook, Twitter and Instagram pages, or visit www.pvaz.net

CITY SPEAK Town of Chino Valley

“I hadn’t spent a lot of time in the area, so my husband and I drove around the town and kind of looked at what Chino Valley was about and spent some time eating in restaurants. We really just immediately fell in love

Community

A group of volunteers have organized and are upgrading the Town’s 9/11 memorial. In 2012 sinceretired police Chief Mark Garcia learned that the 9/11 commission was giving away steel from the Twin Towers. He applied to get some and was awarded. The steel is welded into the silhouettes of 9/11 first responders and a K-9 and was placed on a pentagon shaped concrete foundation in 2013.

with the surroundings, the people. And, that’s what really made me decide to throw my hat in the ring.” Cindy Blackmore previously previously was the public works director for 16 years in the City of Avondale.

The volunteer group, led by Larry Holt, asked the Town Council to fix up the 9/11 memorial and they approved. This inspired Holt to form the 9/11 Memorial Improvement Project Committee with Chino Valley’s Police Chief Chuck Wynn and Compass Training Center CEO John Stankewitz.

Holt and volunteers have spent countless hours bringing this project

Chino Valley Events

Fourth of July is on! Welcome to the most family friendly event in the Quad Cities. There will be no entrance fee, tailgating is encouraged. Bring your own coolers and blankets to sit out under the stars at Old Home Manor. From Route State 89, go east on Perkinsville Road, in about 2 miles Old Home Manor is on the north (left side) of Perkinsville Road.

For more information, contact Chino Valley Parks and Rec at 928636-9780. Event subject to cancellation due to weather or fire restrictions.

alive. The 10 volunteers include Central Arizona Fire and Medical Authority and citizens, as well as 18-year-old Chino Valley native Beth Viceroy, who is raising money for a plaque. Included in the project are pavers that can purchased in the name of a family name or business, flags to be placed behind the memorial, benches and a shade.

The plan is to have everything done this year by the 20th anniversary of the attack. For more information, please visit the Chino Valley 911 page on facebook.com.

CITY SPEAK Town of Dewey-Humboldt

Mayor John Hughes welcomes all locals and visitors traveling through Arizona’s Country Town Dewey-Humboldt to stop by and get refreshed, take a stretch, fill up the fuel tank, grab a bite, do some gift shopping, maybe some wine tasting, take a hike or venture on a horseback trail ride.

“Take some family photos and enjoy the mountain views, we would like your fun feedback to share in our local town news.”

The Town Hall and Town Library are back to regular business hours and the Town Council and other Town committees have resumed back to open meetings.

2020 Volunteer of the Year

Every day Dewey-Humboldt volunteers generously give their time and service to help others.

Now is your chance to give back by nominating a deserving individual for his/her outstanding service through the Town’s Volunteer of the Year program. The nomination is open to all DeweyHumboldt residents who have volunteered in 2020. The deadline for submissions is June 30, 2021.

Town Talk

Town events are posted on the Town of Dewey-Humboldt website (www.dhaz.gov) and Facebook page (https://www.facebook. com/DeweyHumboldt.AZ).

Tune in to The Town Talk virtually with the Mayor daily by viewing Mayor John's Facebook page (www.facebook.com/ MayorDeweyHumboldt) and take the opportunity to meet up with him personally at the monthly Mayor Mixer for Talk Hour, see location on Facebook.

Food Boxes

Local REAL HOPE Inc.and Mayor Hughes are working together bringing food boxes to the DeweyHumboldt community. www. facebook.com/Realhopeinc.RHI

The Town of Dewey-Humboldt currently is seeking applicants for the following positions:

• Town Finance Manager

• Town Clerk

• Planning and Zoning Advisory Commission

• Town Equipment Operator

Hassayampa Happenings

Visionaries build communities

Their dreams flesh out the details that turn a cluster of homes into a full-service city or town with public safety, recreational and cultural resources. They build companies that are about improving their neighbors’ lives as much as they’re about sales and personal and professional achievements.

In this issue we’re putting the spotlight on men of vision — those who have helped shape Greater Prescott into the residential, business and tourism hub of Yavapai County. Their imprint is visible in Prescott’s historic downtown, the animalcentric large lots of Chino Valley, and everywhere in between.

Having a vision of what a community can become isn’t enough by itself, of course.

The visionary must be able to communicate their goals, convince others of their worthiness and build coalitions

to bring them to fruition. They need to be savvy enough to know how to finance the projects they plan and tenacious enough to try again if their vision doesn’t meet their expectations the first time around.

Some type of leadership must be involved, along with the entrepreneurial spirit necessary to get things going. The leaders must not give in to distractions but stay focused on the goal, whether it’s to grow a business, develop a park or start a nonprofit to fill an unmet need.

The men featured in this edition of Prescott LIVING have brought their vision to Greater Prescott as elected officials, builders and developers, business owners, sports executives, philanthropists and much more, often taking on more than one role.

We thank them all for their work in making our area the beautiful, livable haven we call home.

Fain Signature

Fain

Land & Cattle Co .

Forty-niners spurred by gold fever and homesteaders seeking the American dream traversed the central plains and rugged western terrain in search of finding ways to make a living and a better life. William “Marion” Fain made several trips from the Midwest to California looking for that opportunity.

It was from those trips that he met and married his wife Cary. On what would be their last trek from the prospects of gold and mining, William and Cary stopped in the Arizona Territory, Fort Verde, to restock and rest.

That stop would lead to raising a family. They discovered a love of land would be their “gold” to making a better life.

In 1879, the couple established the first Fain Ranch east of the Verde River called the 16 Ranch. William became involved in establishing roads throughout Central and Northern Arizona, including what is part of I-17 north to Flagstaff.

Their fifth son Granville “Dan” Fain, also known as King of the Range, worked the land through grazing sheep and cattle from the base of Granite Mountain through the Dells to Mingus Mountain and on to the Mogollon Rim. Dan purchased the Rafter Eleven Ranch in 1917 beginning the Fain’s love of Lonesome Valley. To this day, Rafter Eleven Ranch is still an operating cattle ranch in Prescott Valley near the corner of Highway 69 and Fain Road.

In 1928, philanthropy in the Fain family began with Dan seeing a better vision for grazing rights and leases. He made a prime section of grazing land available to the City of Prescott through the Prescott Chamber of Commerce, which is now a part of what is known as the Prescott Regional Airport.

1938 saw the birth of Norman William “Bill” Fain II, the man who would eventually establish Prescott Valley. In the 1940s, the region would experience significant progress as then state Sen. Norman Fain Sr. would play an integral role in getting I-17 and Highway 69 built, making it significantly faster and safer for travelers and commerce to get to Prescott Valley, Prescott and the Verde Valley communities from Phoenix.

In the late 1950s, seeing the long-term value in preserving our rich Native American and mining history, Norman and Dan Fain purchased the Fitzmaurice and Savage properties, preserving the Barlow-Massicks home and the Fitzmaurice ruins dating back to 200 A.D. The purchase would be key in providing rock and gravel operations and bringing water to the region.

These operations helped to create Lynx Lake, 55 acres of fishing and recreation, and Fain Park. The Barlow-Massicks and Fitzmaurice ruins were later gifted to the Town of Prescott Valley as a beautiful park and part of the region’s rich history.

In 1960, Bill Fain and his wife Nancy moved into the Rafter Eleven Ranch Headquarters. Bill believed a better life could be achieved through building a community for all. His vision focused on bringing in health care, schools, industry and the necessary infrastructure including water, roads, gas and electricity.

Six decades after Bill started this vision for Lonesome Valley, today Prescott Valley, Ron and Brad Fain say they advance this vision through the ongoing ranching operations and development of the region, always with a love of the land close to their hearts, an eye on the needs of the community and thought to what the future holds for the next generation of Fains and Prescott Valley residents.

As modern-day pioneers, they say Prescott Valley’s future will be as much about welcoming new residents and asking them to join in a conversation about the region’s values, vision, as it is about how together all can continue to make this a great place.

They see Fain Signature Group in the heart of this conversation

If it supports the community, embraces growth and works to continue to make this a great place for all, the future will be bright and full of opportunity for their kids and grandkids. If the conversation is focused around stopping progress, creating division, and fear about the future then the future may look much different.

To continue what Marion Fain started over 145 years ago in creating a place where people can make a better life for themselves and their families, “Our challenges are not much different: sustainable growth., evolving political environments, limited resources,” they say.

“By looking to what will be of value for generations to come, we continue to support the region through our youth to make our community stronger. Vital projects such as the Boys and Girls Club of Central Arizona — Fain Branch, and the soon to be YMCA of Prescott Valley, we believe are crucial to honor our family’s longstanding commitment to creating opportunities for communities in pursuit of a better life.”

JIM LEE Developer and Philanthropist

Photo by Christopher Marchetti

As a youngster during the late 1930s, I was blessed to leave the desert heat of Phoenix and spend two weeks in summer camp in Prescott. I thought that was as close as I was going to get to heaven on earth.

I still hold that vision almost 90 years later.

Out of the Navy I moved to Phoenix, where I developed for 30 years. After that I moved to Prescott, and Bill Gary, Mark Dupress and I decided to build what is now Ponderosa Plaza Mall. We got the site moved into the City because I wanted it to receive the retail tax dollars.

A few years later, my wife Linda and I had another vision — now branded as The Ranch at Prescott. We knew the weather, ambiance, especially the arts and music, would entrance people.

We are classical music, opera buffs and focus on expanding our cultural educational venues. We have access to the Metropolitan Opera, the Bolshoi Ballet. We have the Prescott POPS

Orchestra, the Phoenix Symphony, the Prescott Center for the Performing Arts, the Central Arizona Concert Band, and other organizations.

We envision bringing a professional annual summer fair to Prescott to bring the city recognition as a sponsor of genuine artistic talent.

Linked to this is our support of education.

We’re blessed with Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, recently voted the top aerospaceaeronautical institution in the U.S. We’re proud to have endowed the Jim and Linda Lee Planetarium. Of course, Yavapai College is an exceptional sponsor of quality cultural and artistic activities.

We know that thousands of people want to retire in Prescott, so we supported the development of Touchmark at the Ranch, a 44-acre upscale senior living facility.

I am not hesitant to say Prescott is one of the most forward-looking communities in Arizona, the Southwest. I am humbled to be a part of that heritage.

RON JAMES President, Harold James Family Trust

For more than three decades, Ron and Laura, through the Harold James Family Trust, have donated millions of dollars to the Prescott area. The projects they and their family support are diverse, ranging from medical and preventative health to housing; education to nature; religious to civic and governmental; and ranching and agricultural issues.

“Every project or commitment we make gives us great satisfaction for different reasons,” Ron says. “Our passion — we want to give back to the area we love so intensely.”

“We knew since we first came here that Prescott was exceptional.”

The James’ first major philanthropic project was the James Family Prescott YMCA. Ron says they looked at the original one-room building where the YMCA was incorporated in 1914 on Whipple Street and decided to expand it for

the benefit of the entire region.

It offers some of the most comprehensive YMCA programs in Arizona - from toddlers to seniors - and operates year-round.

In 2014, the James family identified a critical community need and generously gave financial support to what now is called the James Family Heart Center. In November 2019, one phase of the James Family Heart Center, the cardiac catheterization laboratory, was introduced as one of the first in the western U.S.

James family generosity also supported the restoration of the century-old Elks Theatre to its original splendor.

The vision that Ron James and his family support lets “Everybody’s Hometown” continue its upward rise as one of America’s most beloved cities.

JOHN STONECIPHER Helicopter Entrepreneur

John Stonecipher grew up in Southern California where he was a certificated flight instructor by the age of 19. In 1988, John became a police officer assigned to the patrol division in the City of Newport Beach.

Frank Robinson, the president and founder of the Robinson Helicopter Company, hired John as a manufacturer’s test pilot and company instructor. Throughout the years, John worked in off-shore passenger service, utility, law enforcement, search and rescue and firefighting.

John moved to Arizona in 1993 and founded Guidance Helicopters, Inc in 1998. Guidance Helicopters became one of the nation’s largest collegiate pilot schools by serving its’ collegiate partners at Yavapai College and Baton Rouge Community College.

John was named the Small Business Person of the Year in 2013 by the Small Business Administration in Washington, D.C.

He has started several other companies including Guidance Air Service (helicopter tours in Sedona), Cowboy Copters (aerial livestock gathering and other ranch related support and services), X-Copter (helicopter training simulator), and Helius (helicopter powerline construction).

In 2012, John gave a Rescue One to the search-andrescue team of the Yavapai County Sheriff's Office. Under the sheriff's supervision, the helicopter has been used to save lives and fight crime to make our communities a safer place to live. He has also sponsored many community activities and donates annually to community non-profit organizations such as YEI, 100 Men of Prescott, Heights Church and Agape House.

6540 Crystal Lane | Prescott, AZ 86301

928-443-9370 | www .helius .aero www guidanceair com | www guidance aero

KEN LAIN

'The Mountain Gardener,' Watters Garden Center

Ken Lain is known by his friends as “The Mountain Gardener.” His weekly garden advice is featured by Prescott LIVING and Prescott Woman magazines, the Daily Courier, Prescott eNews, and Signals AZ Newspapers.

He is passionate about plants, creative landscape design and spreading the good news that gardening is healthy and fun.

Ken dreamed of owning his own business after graduating from Prescott High School. Yavapai College piqued his business interest and he finished a management degree from ASU’s W.P. Carey School of Business.

His garden credentials are Master Gardener, Certified Nursery Profession, and owner of Watters Garden Center on Iron Springs Road in Prescott.

Ken and wife Lisa host the “Mountain Garden radio hour,” sharing garden tips, tricks, and techniques on both National Public Radio and KQNA talk radio.

BENJAMIN G. SNYDER JR. Pronghorn Ranch Developer

Ben graduated from ASU’s business college and started a landscaping, golf course and construction company in Arizona and California. This company grew to millions in sales, employing 250 people, and making the Inc. 500 Fastest-Growing Companies List three timeas. Ben sold that company and moved to Prescott to raise his family; and then started specializing in water and real estate. Ben secured a 640 acre section of land in North Prescott Valley, which he has been developing into the master planned community called Pronghorn Ranch; with 1,500+ single family homes and multifamily homes, and other commercial components. Ben was the very first investor in the start-up of the bottled water company Alkaline 88, which is now publicly traded under ticker symbol: WTER. Ben has an innovative spirit, loves to learn, and enjoys investing, especially in his community. He has four adult children, (Sarah, Trey, Olivia, Sam), seven grandchildren, and has been married 35 years to his faithful and accomplished wife Robin, who is a local home builder (dba Pronghorn Homes).

PHILIP J. REID General Manager, Kingston Business Solutions

Philip Reid has been a part of the Prescott community since 2005, when he moved here from Jamaica. He is an expert in information technology, deploying technological solutions to solve various business needs.

After 25 years in the industry the natural step for Philip was to start his own business in Prescott. Kingston Business Solutions provides technology solutions to increase efficiency and reduce technology cost and risk. Kingston offers innovative solutions and technology management to all customers, with a mission to increase the success of all clients. They are a technology compass, setting each business on course for success and efficiency. Philip is also a professor at Yavapai College lecturing in Computer Systems and Applications as well as a Cyber Security adjunct professor at Embry–Riddle Aeronautical University.

Philip’s second passion is soccer. He is an avid soccer player and accomplished high school, college & Olympic Development coach. He has coached varsity soccer at Bradshaw Mountain and Prescott High School and is currently is in his third year as the men’s assistant soccer coach at ERAU.

He enjoys spending time with his daughter, a true daddy’s girl, playing soccer, and being outside.

ERIC MOORE Founder, Arizona Field Optics

From a young age, Eric has possessed a deep love of the natural world, especially wild birds. He joined the Tucson Audubon Society when he was 13, and his passion for bird watching has deepened throughout his life.

Eric has traveled to Africa, Central and South America, and across the United States to pursue bird watching opportunities. After working for more than 20 years in the grocery industry, he decided to combine his retail experience and his love of birds to open Jay’s Bird Barn in 2003.

Jay’s is a backyard wild bird and nature gift store specializing in wild bird supplies and custom bird seed blends mixed here in Prescott. In 2016, Jay’s Bird Barn added a Hallmark Gold Crown department, and in 2017, Eric created a new company, Arizona Field Optics, which specializes in Vortex and Swarovski binoculars, spotting scopes, rifle scopes, tripods and optics accessories.

Darrin Rogers is the co-owner and CFO of Rogers Academy of Beauty, sharing ownership with his wife Sheri Rogers. He is instrumental in the daily running of the company. His background is in dealership management. While he handles the financial operations of the Academy, he also works full time as a fixed operations manager at a local dealership.

Darrin works tirelessly in making sure his staff and students get the best of all the things they need to be successful in their chosen field. He is very proud of what they have achieved with the Academy and believes running the school as a family enables students to get a connection that they wouldn’t with corporate owners.

Darrin works hard but his favorite part of his life is simply spending time with his children and the newest addition to his family - his grandson Sawyer.

DAVE ‘MAC’ MACFARLANE General Manager, Findlay Subaru Prescott

Dave “Mac” Macfarlane has been in the automotive business for 42 years in sales and management. He came to Prescott when the Findlay Automotive Group sent him here as general manager of the Findlay Subaru Prescott dealership.

The Findlay Automotive Group is a family-owned business since 1961. All of Findlay's dealerships give back to their communities. That giving back goes well with Subaru because it believes in supporting the community. One of Subaru's beliefs: "Giving back to the community and making the world a better place."

Mac truly believes that when you support local business you are in turn helping your local community.

From St. George, Utah, Mac has been married to his high school sweetheart for 43 years; they share four beautiful kids and 15 grandchildren (13 are boys). Most of their time is spent traveling back and forth from Prescott to St. George to be with family. Mac loves hunting, fishing, photography, camping and riding his Side-BySide ATV.

JAY FRANK, General Manager &

Jay was born and raised in Montana, attending all schooling including the University of Montana and playing golf for the Montana Grizzlies. He has three children, all accomplished golfers who attended the University of Montana.

Jay is a Class A member of the PGA of America and current member of the Club Manager’s Association of America.

Starting his career as a club professional and transitioning to general manager in his second season, Jay has been a part of many successful private clubs around the country, including: Missoula, Briarwood and Sidney country clubs, all in Montana; the Club at SpurWing in Boise; and the Links of North Dakota. Jay later joined Troon golf and worked at the Columbus (Ohio) Country Club where he was instrumental in assisting the club’s membership in a complete club renovation including the golf course and club house.

He joined the team at Talking Rock in Prescott to assist in all development and growth of the club.

Jay is passionate about fly-fishing, hiking and his recently rekindled hobby of painting.

He also enjoys spending time with his kids and looks forward to traveling with his new wife, Kate, to see the grandchildren who soon will be arriving.

DR. HOJAT ASKARI Medical Director, Thumb Butte Medical Center

Dr. Hojat Askari, or “Dr. A,” as many of his patients and friends call him, was born in Hamid Abad Rafsanjani, Iran and attended medical school at Semmelweis University in Budapest, Hungary. Dr. Askari completed his internship and residency at the Banner Good Samaritan Hospital in Phoenix, Arizona.

He is the founder and medical director of Thumb Butte Medical Center located at 3124 Willow Creek Road, Prescott.

The 30,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art multispecialty medical clinics was the dream of his father who wanted medical clinics to serve people in need.

Today, Dr. Askari’s Thumb Butte Medical Center, employs over 20 medical professionals, both full-time and part-time doctors, specializing in family medicine, internal medicine, cardiology, allergy treatment, and foot and ankle surgery.

Prescott: 3124 Willow Creek Rd . • 928-445-7085

Prescott Valley: 6496 E . HWY 69 • 928-775-9007

Chino Valley: 87 S . State Route 89 • 928-208-4309

thumbbuttemedicalcenter .com

JAMAAL MCCOY General Manager, Findlay Automotive Group Prescott

Prior to assuming his role with the Findlay Automotive Group in Prescott, Jamaal was the general manager of both Findlay Chevrolet (Las Vegas) and Findlay Motor Company (Bullhead City).

During his tenure, Jamaal has led the team at Findlay Toyota Prescott to achieve the Toyota President’s Award as well as leading Findlay Chevrolet to General Motor’s Dealer of The Year six consecutive years.

Jamaal is a 1999 graduate of Colorado Mesa University, as well as a 2004 graduate of the NADA Dealer Academy where he was nominated as class president.

The son of an Army Warrant Officer and a self-proclaimed Army brat, Jamaal was born in Germany, and has a deep affinity for our nation’s military and is heavily involved in the military community.

While in Prescott, Jamaal has been involved with many organizations including being on the boards of advisors for Arizona Community Foundation, Sharlot Hall Museum and is the past chair for the Prescott Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors.

201

928-777-1270

www .prescott-az .gov

GREG MENGARELLI Mayor, City of Prescott

Greg Mengarelli grew up in small rural communities in Kansas and received a Bachelor’s of Science in Park Resource Management from Kansas State University in 1989. He has worked as a Christian camp director for the past 30 years.

Greg served a four-year term on the Prescott Unified School District Board including as its president in 2017. In 2017, Greg was elected Mayor of the City of Prescott, and was re-elected in 2019.

Greg met his wife, Sheila, while attending Kansas State University and they were married in 1990 and moved to Prescott in 1995. Greg and Sheila have nine children, four of whom are adopted, and two grandchildren.

For fun, Greg likes mountain biking, hiking, boating, hunting and leading river trips down the Colorado River.

Currently, he is the Business Development Manager for Prescott Frontier Days® and the World’s Oldest Rodeo®.

KELL PALGUTA Mayor,

Town of Prescott Valley

Prescott Valley Mayor Kell Palguta moved to Prescott Valley in 1996; in 1998, he began his career as a police officer. He was awarded the Police Medal of Valor, Police Star, Rookie of the Year, Officer of the Year, Police Chief Commendation and Mothers Against Drunk Driving Officer of the Year.

Kell obtained his bachelor’s degree in psychology from Northern Arizona University and master’s degree in criminal justice administration from New Mexico State University. As a first-generation college graduate, Kell understands that education is a valuable asset to any community.

Sworn in on Jan. 10, 2019, Kell makes it a goal to ensure that every citizen feels their voice can be heard. He wants to make certain that Prescott Valley is a place where one can be born, grow up, graduate school, get married, raise a family and retire.

It’s Kell’s goal that Prescott Valley continues to strive to be the best community in Northern Arizona.

JOHN HUGHES Mayor, Town of Dewey-Humboldt

Mayor John Hughes, an Arizona native and fourth generation cattle rancher, knows firsthand how being upfront and honest, caring and respectful toward others, will gain trust and loyalty for life.

Growing up in Page Springs, the Hughes family ran Hereford cattle at the DA Ranch — the ranch also catered to foreigners who enjoyed horseback riding and Dutch oven cooking by the fire side. Today, the ranch is a winery.

From there the family moved to Wagner and operated the Diamond 2 Ranch. During his years at Prescott High, John was the FFA president, PHS rodeo team roper and cutter, worked the livestock yards and was known as the King of the Cowboy parking lot.

After attending hydraulic school in Phoenix, he moved back to the Prescott area, eventually taking over his dad’s diesel business. For over 20 years his passion for building custom diesel trucks, hotrods and anything diesel was fulfilled.

John enjoys talking with his friends, reading, boating but most of all spending time with his adorable daughter and beautiful, high-spirited wife Carie.

JACK MILLER Mayor, Town of Chino Valley

Jack W. Miller was born in Dallas, Texas in 1957, the baby of seven children. His father was an aerospace engineer and mother a homemaker. The family lived in several states, settling in Phoenix in 1966.

He relocated to Prescott after a weekend visit, where he began his career with U.S. Electrical Motors. He worked as a machinist from 1975 through 1987; there he met his wife Jeri. They were married in 1981 and relocated to Chino Valley.

In 1987, he became a firefighter with the Chino Valley Fire District; the “best job in the world,” he says. He earned his associate’s degree in fire science and business administration. He retired from the district as a battalion chief at the end of 2010 after suffering a knee injury.

Jack and Jeri have two sons who live in Kingman with their families; each works for local fire departments.

Jack says most rewarding to him has been serving the public; he has always enjoyed trying to find a resolution to people’s problems.

JEFF GRAVER

Real Estate Agent, Keller Williams Northern AZ

Jeff Graver moved to Prescott at the beginning of 2012 after living for over 30 years in the foothills of the Adirondack Mountains in upstate New York, where he operated a small chain of consumer electronics stores.

He has carried the same commitment to excellent customer service that fueled his success as a retailer, servicer and custom installer to his real estate career, consistently winning awards, the respect of his peers and, most importantly, the thanks and friendship of his clients.

In 2018, Jeff joined Keller Williams Northern Arizona, leading a team that has successfully helped his many clients to buy and sell residential real estate, investment properties and vacant land.

Jeff’s dedication to providing first class service, communication and willingness to “go the extra mile” has earned him repeat business and client referrals.

As of May 2021, Jeff partnered with Kellie Rutherford, ranked in the top 1% of real estate agents nationwide and consistently rated top solo agent in the Prescott area over the past four years. They have a combined 23 years of experience in providing the best service, the best results and the most satisfied clients.

JIM CANNON Owner, Thumb Butte Landscape & Design, LLC

Jim Cannon loves the outdoors, so becoming a professional landscaper felt right. “Being outside is one of the best things in my mind,” says the father to two sons and husband to Lisa, who he met in junior high.

Jim says Thumb Butte Landscaping and Design is a family business; Lisa communicates with clients and handles administrative matters, while his sons often join the crew. “People enjoy seeing the boys on the job site,” he says.

With 25 years in the construction and landscape business, they do it all, he adds. “Everything is a specialty with us, from maintenance, irrigation, to hardscapes, to client’s custom dreams.”

To get a new client started, Jim visits with a homeowner or business owner for a free assessment. Most clients are interested in a monthly maintenance package, which includes pruning and trimming, and maintaining irrigation systems, fertilization, and more.

“Each property is individual and needs an individualized plan. It’s very fulfilling for me to see a property owner’s enjoyment at seeing their plan come to fruition.”

Jim and his wife enjoy watching their oldest son Jake play guitar professionally, as well as spending time outdoors with Justin, their youngest, grilling and visiting with friends.

GRANT QUEZADA

Founding Fathers is the dream of childhood friends Grant Quezada and Jesse Burke. After moving away, building their families and their careers, they found themselves back in Prescott four years ago. Founding Fathers Collective (FFC) has grown out of a belief that through their combined passions, skills and resources they have something to offer their community and their businesses.

For the last six years Grant has owned and operated John Hancock Barbershop. He started off as a hairdresser in Springfield, Missouri. Three years later he found himself looking for more excitement and enlisted in the Army; he spent eight years and six combat deployments with 2nd Ranger Battalion 75th Ranger Regiment.

Grant, his wife, daughter, and two sons moved back to their hometown fall 2014 with the vision of serving and leading Prescott through business, nonprofits and other civic duties.

Founding Fathers Collective opened October 2020 to be a place for all people to come to experience and foster community, care and connection.

The FFC project houses six businesses: City Tavern Taproom, Merchant Coffee, Founders Gym, Liberty Mercantile, Mountain Tribe Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and the continued legacy of John Hancock Barbershop at 218 N. Granite St. in downtown Prescott.

Grant is running for a Prescott City Council seat and continues to serve in the Arizona National Guard.

An entrepreneurial spirit and a love for building new things have highlighted Jesse’s life.

For years, Jesse has been keeping a foot in both the business and ministry worlds. He owns and operates seven companies alongside spending 13 years in full-time pastoral ministry, a stint as a church consultant, and five years as a chaplain in the United States Air Force Reserves.

Jesse married his high school sweetheart, Julie, and they have a 2-yearold son. Together they are driven by a deep love for their community and a desire for serving others.

Jesse currently sits on the board of three nonprofits, two local municipal commissions, and is often seen volunteering around town. He was named Prescott Area Leadership's 2019 Man of the Year and was given the Prescott Area Young Professionals "Visionary Award."

CHRIS WELBORN

Owner, Vicente Landscaping

Chris Welborn and his wife Anne, owners of Vicente Landscaping, have been providing the highest quality landscaping services across Northern Arizona since 2004. Chris and his team offer a complete range of landscape design, installation and maintenance services for commercial and residential properties.

Chris prides himself in doing things right the first time. His employees are long-term because they are like family. He does not believe in shortcuts, and his team treats every property as their own.

His community support includes: Sacred Heart Catholic Church, St Germaine Catholic Church, Skyview (charter) School, Prescott Little League, Hope Fest and Alta Vista Garden Club, to name a few.

Chris is a faith-based family man married for more than 30 years; the couple has two children. The Welborns have lived in Prescott for 20 years.

OF

TREY MEDLOCK President, Wrangler Sports Group, LLC

Trey Medlock is a native of Lubbock, TX and a 1991 graduate of Texas Tech. He is the former managing general partner and president of the Rio Grande Valley Killer Bees of the Central Hockey League and the Rio Grande Valley Dorados of the AF2 League. Trey also contributed to the Memphis RiverKings and the Memphis Xplorers organizations, as well as the Colorado 14ers of the NBA G League and the Rocky Mountain Rage of the Central Hockey League.

After living in Oxford, Mississippi for six years, Trey relocated to Prescott Valley to establish the Northern Arizona Wranglers. He and his wife Chris are parents to three adult sons. The Medlocks are grateful for the opportunity to create family-oriented entertainment for the Quad Cities.

Steve has been a financial advisor since 2010. His expertise in business ownership and capital management spans banking, office products, office machines and autos. A former owner at Prescott Honda, he holds an MBA from the University of Arizona and Bachelor of Science in Finance from the University of Denver. Steve is a proud graduate of Prescott High School and an avid community volunteer.

Steve purchased Tomlinson Wealth Management from its predecessor, Andy Tomlinson, in 2019, making Schott Financial Management a third generation financial firm in Prescott.

Steve has been happily married to Dana Schott since 1992. Steve and family are active in their church, and Steve is involved in many community activities including the Boy Scouts and youth tennis.

Securities offered through Registered Representatives of Cambridge

FINRA/SIPC Advisory services offered through Cambridge, a Registered

and Cambridge are not affiliated . Advisory services through Cambridge

Investment Advisor Cambridge and Schott Financial Management are not affiliated

4 Tips to Optimize Your Mobile Site for Customers

by Donna Werking, Northern AZ Social, LLC

1. Speed Up Your Site.

Page speed is especially important to users in our fast-paced world. We know that a slow site will drive visitors away. The more compelling reason to make sure your site loads quickly is that it also is a determining factor with where you rank. Fortunately, checking your site’s speed is easy. Google recommends using the open-source Lighthouse Tool to audit your site for any speed-related issues.

2. Create Mobile-Friendly Eblasts.

Are your eblasts mobile friendly? Do they look good on a smartphone? They should since more than half of all emails are opened on a mobile device. Use short subject lines. Mobile devices display fewer characters than desktop devices, so your subject line is less likely to get cut off if it is to the point. Maximize your email’s impact by writing something that makes people want to read the rest. Read our blog about eight strategies to help improve your eblasts at www. northernazsocial.com/top-8-email-marketing-tips

3. Incorporate Video into Your Strategy.

Mobile users love video because it is easier to digest information by video on a mobile device. More than 50% of all mobile traffic is used for video today, and in 2023 that figure is expected to rise to 75%. If you want to reach more mobile users, marketing videos is a great way to do it.

4. Make Your Site Mobile-Friendly, Responsive

We all know a responsive design is a must. But having a responsive site is not the only thing you can do to help users. Test the mobile version of your site and make sure it provides a good user experience. Here are things to check:

• Is your site’s font big enough?

• Short headlines are best for mobile.

• How easy is it to skim your pages? Use bullet points and short paragraphs to improve readability.

• Are your navigation menus easy to use?

• How easy is it to find all your content? Do not hide content at the bottom of your page.

Learn more about mobile friendly sites at www.NorthernAZsocial.com

Welcome to Prescott— Everyone’s Hometown!

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

The City of Prescott is the place to be for visitors and residents! Its locality places it in the middle of the natural beauty of north central Arizona.

Rock and mountain formations such as Thumb Butte, the Granite Dells and Granite Mountain are nearby, and the towering San Francisco Peaks of Flagstaff are easily seen from Prescott. Nearby lakes such as Watson, Willow, Lynx and Goldwater, coupled with many forested trails, provide ample opportunities for the outdoor enthusiasts.

Prescott also offers the modern features you would expect to find in a growing community, such as variety of shopping and dining establishments, recreation facilities and quality housing, awardwinning educational institutions and outstanding medical facilities.

Still its western roots are deep, and one only needs to be here in July at rodeo time

to see just how deep they are!

Prescott Frontier Days® has the distinction of being the World’s Oldest Rodeo®, and its weeklong schedule includes rodeo performances, a parade, arts and crafts show, dancing and more.

Prescott’s friendly people make visiting or living here a true experience, providing unsurpassed hospitality to all. With more than 40,000 already calling Prescott their home, it’s

no wonder this area is thriving.

Come see for yourself why Prescott has been recognized over and over by national media as one of the premier places to visit, live in and establish a business.

For more information about the Prescott area and upcoming events and programs, please visit www.prescott.org or call us at 928-445-2000 or 1-800-266-7534, or stop by the Visitor Information Center at 117 W. Goodwin St.

PV Chamber Led by Business Leaders with Vision

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

The Prescott Valley Chamber has a longstanding tradition of exceptional leadership. Board members work to provide a strong foundation and direction for the Chamber to support, encourage and provide its members and all businesses an investment in their impact for local economic prosperity.

We are pleased to present our Men of Vision:

Chris Graff, Chairman:

Chris is the Vice-President with Asphalt Paving and Supply; board member since 2012; and an integral part of Prescott Valley Days and Stroll through Valley of Lights.

Kevin Ray, First-Vice Chair: Kevin is the owner of Frozen Frannies; board member since 2015. He is the incoming Chairman for 2021-2022.

Eric Strobel, 2nd-Vice Chair: Eric is the owner of State Farm, Eric Strobel Agency. Board member since 2015; serves on the Pronghorn Golf Tournament Committee.

Jim Cabral, Treasurer: Jim, with his wife Kelley, owns Gabby’s Family of Restaurants,

which includes Gabby’s Grill, Gabriella’s, Gabby’s Kitchen, Prescott Junction and Kitchens, Inc. Board member since 2016, he created the Ranch to Table dinner, which is part of Prescott Valley Days.

Robert Houle, Scribe: Robert “Robbie” is the supervisor for construction/ maintenance with APS; on the board since 2018.

Frank Almendarez, Director: Frank is the COO of the East Campus for Dignity Health, Yavapai Regional Medical Center. He has been on the board since 2014; recently elected to second term.

Steve Bracety, Director:

Steve is the general manager for the Prescott Resort and Conference Center; serving a second full term on the board. He previously has been through the officers including Chairman in 2011-2012.

Rodney Jenkins, Director:

Rodney is the Vice-President of Community Relations for Yavapai College. He has served on the board since 2019; is active on the education support committee.

Kort Minor, Director: Kort is the Executive Director of Operations for the Humboldt Unified School District; has served on the board since 2020.

Jose Bautista, Director:

Jose is the owner of Carneceria Azteca. On the board since 2018, he serves as the major sponsor for Prescott Valley Days “Fiesta del Pueblo.”

Danny Sampson, Director:

Danny is the owner of Little Dealers, Little Prices; has served on the board since 2020. He is a main sponsor for the new Rhythm and Brews festival.

Brad Fain, Ex-officio: Brad represents Fain Signature Group, is a Chairman’s Circle Founders Level member; has served since 2020.

Rick Ohanesian, MD

Jeffrey Osburn, MD

Katie Campuzano, MD AnnMarie Massimo, NP

Victoria Cahill, NP

Danita Napier, NP

Brittany Peña, NP

•

•

•

•

•

•

New Prescott Airport Terminal Opens

More than 70 invited guests celebrated the ribbon-cutting at the $15 million Prescott Regional Airport Terminal (PRC) March 31.

Kristi Miller, airport management analyst, introduced city and community leaders who helped bring the new terminal to the community. Leading off was Prescott Mayor Greg Mengarelli. He reviewed the importance of the airport in Prescott history.

Mengarelli said PRC boasts commercial air service, with daily nonstop flight service to Denver and to Los Angeles provided by Sky West Airlines, operating as United Express. He also noted Boutique Air offers

twice-daily nonstop flights to and from Phoenix; passenger frequency is increasing regularly on all flights.

Several other speakers, including representatives from United Express and Boutique Air, told those present they believed PRC will soon see even more flights and destinations added to future schedules.

The 18,000-square-foot modern building replaces the disintegrating Earnest A. Love Terminal, which was built 73 years ago —1948.

Airport Director Robin Sobotta described PRC as having the latest in sophisticated technology — updated security processing, automated baggage

handling, better passenger queuing for loading and unloading, and facilities throughout the terminal for plug-ins and charging devices for passengers who have electronic gear.

She said Prescott has received more than $26 million in federal and state grants over the past several years to help with construction. She said she expects grants to triple that amount in the next few years.

“We’re considered an ‘essential air service,’ so we anticipate continued growth and expansion,” she said.

A formal dedication of the expanded airport complex will be announced in June.

More details are available at www.flyprescott.com

Kirchgraber to lead PUSD Education Foundation

Paul Kirchgraber is the new executive director for Prescott Unified School District Education Foundation.

He accepted the position following the retirement of former Executive Director Tami Phillips, who had served the organization until her retirement after the first of the year.

Kirchgraber previously headed the Yavapai College Foundation for almost 10 years.

Since its founding, the education foundation has raised approximately $1 million. Those funds are used to support teacher grants, technology, curricular improvements, and teacher and student recognition programs.

Joe Howard, PUSD superintendent, praised Kirchgraber for his national and international experience and credentials. So did Jenna James, foundation president.

They said, “Paul brings us fundraising expertise and knowledge of the local philanthropic landscape.”

Decades of fundraising experience

Kirchgraber has been involved in fundraising since his 1976 graduation from State University of New York-

(Continued on page 142)

NACOG Creates Strategic Plans for Workforce Development

Economic downturns and loss of jobs caused by the COVID-19 pandemic have prompted the Northern Arizona Council of Governments (NACOG) to focus upon development of two significant plans to respond to economic hardship.

Teri Drew, Prescott-based regional director for NACOG, explained the Economic and Workforce Development (EWD) division is formulating two plans to help solve unemployment.

The first is the Economic Development Administration Recovery and Resilience Plan. It is in partnership with Arizona Town Hall and Northern Arizona University. It was developed in response to adverse economic conditions such as the pandemic, fires and flooding. The plan also recognizes negative impacts such as closing of local plants and the generating station.

Drew said the NACOG team expects to have the Recovery and Resilience Plan completed by June.

The second plan, Strategic Broadband Plan, is intended to complement the Recovery and Resilience Plan, Drew said.

“The use of broadband during recent months has risen to the top. Consequently, side-by side, EWD is working on a strategic broadband plan to enhance the other plan,” she said. Just like the Recovery and Resilience Plan, the Broadband Plan will be as good as our ability to gain sound information data from our communities, state and federal partners.”

Drew said employers and employees are urged to contact NACOG at 928-778-1422.

“If you are seeking employment, contact us,” she said. “The same is true if you are an employer in need of qualified candidates. Our workforce development team is in demand as business and industries reopen and expand and workers realign.”

Drew said NACOG already has weekly orientations open on a first-come, first-served basis. Anyone seeking new opportunities can join an orientation for further information.

“Citizens in need of job placement or training services simply must identify a barrier to employment. Being unemployed, for example, is considered a barrier. So is being underemployed. We serve all individuals 16 years old or older. All they have to do is to join one of our networks,” Drew said.

Orientations are intended to provide a high-level service review for service opportunities — direct services, support services, partner program services and community resources, Orientations are available in person

at 1 p.m. Mondays, at the downtown Prescott office. For those not able to attend orientations in person, one-on-one via telephone or by Zoom appointments are available.

EWD has two comprehensive centers in Yavapai County: one in Cottonwood at 1500 W. Cherry Road, and the other at the Prescott NACOG office at 221 N. Marina St.

NACOG represents four counties: Yavapai, Coconino, Apache and Navajo — more than 47,000 square miles with 24 diverse communities and more than 561,000 people.

For more information go to www.yavapaiatwork.com

2021 PHOTO CONTEST

PEOPLE’S CHOICE

WINNER

Broken Star Photography: Pronghorn

Health, Happiness & Education

Winners of the People’s Choice award from our 2021 photography contest received the highest number of votes in our Facebook album.

& Education

Good Health Involves Body and Mind

by Dr. Hojat Askari, Founder and Medical Director, Thumb Butte Medical Center

Working toward better health for yourself and your family will result in many positives — feeling more fit, improving your physical health and serving as a role model for your family and friends. But true health also involves making sure you have a positive mental attitude that will make your life easier and more pleasant for you to live.

These two halves of our experience of healthful living combine to create a good life. There are many things you can do to nurture both your physical and mental health. It’s a continual process, but over time these practices become second nature.

Diet and Nutrition

The cornerstone of maintaining a healthy diet is to control what you consume, which becomes easier once you shift to making more homecooked meals — not the type you reheat in the microwave. It does take more time, but using fresh, unprocessed ingredients to build nutritious meals

and snacks will have huge benefits for your family. Other components of controlling your food intake are understanding your daily needs and knowing how to recognize the true signs of hunger.

Exercise

Moderate to vigorous exercise can be critical to preventing or managing such conditions as heart disease, diabetes, cancer, depression and more. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says adults should get 150 minutes of at least moderate exercise per week, including strength exercises two days a week. Kids younger than 18 should get at least 60 minutes a day.

You and your family get to choose how you’re going to meet this goal. Walking, running, playing sports, dancing, bicycling, hiking or even video games based on physical activity work.

Attitude

Maintaining a positive mental attitude is often easier said than done but is the third primary piece to living a healthy, fulfilling life. Besides boosting overall happiness, it makes it easier to make healthy food and exercise decisions.

Spending your time doing enjoyable exercise, being around positive people, finding engrossing hobbies and volunteering are some of the ways you can improve your outlook on life.

MLS Cold Laser | Bunions | Hammertoes | Heel Pain | Diabetes

Neuromas | Neuropathy | Foot and Ankle Pain | Fungus Toenails

surgeons for your outpatient surgical needs. You will save money and have the best possible care available.

Invest Your Healthcare Dollars Wisely!

Frank Iorio 776-8212

Dr.

Convenient • Friendly • Helpful • Caring • Affordable

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. You will save money and have the best possible care available.

Siamak Rassadi

Overall Patient Satisfaction: 9.8 out of 10!

Dr. Derek Hewitt 778-9190

Dr. Mark Strasser 778-9190

GYNECOLOGISTS

Dr. Katie Campuzano 778-4300

Dr. Adam Feingold 776-8428

Dr. Luis Fernandez 776-8428

“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.

Dr. Bertrand Kaper 778-9250

Overall Patient Satisfaction 9.9 out of 10!

Dr. Daniel Burchfield 778-9250

“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. 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.

Dr. Siamak Rassadi 308-4285 EAR, NOSE AND THROAT

CARDIOLOGIST

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

EAR, NOSE AND THROAT

PLASTIC SURGEON

Dr. Bradley Williams 445-7085

“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. Mark Strasser 778-9190 GENERAL SURGEONS

Dr. Derek Hewitt 778-9190

Dr. Brian Brantner 776-0325

Dr. Mark Strasser 778-9190

The choice is yours. Choose one of

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 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.

“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

Dr. Bradley Benson 445-4818

PHYSICAL MEDICINE

Dr. Thomas Hirasa 771-1011

“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.”

SPINE SPECIALIST

Dr. Daniel Noble 778-9250

UROLOGISTS

Patient Satisfaction: 9.8 out of 10!

Dr. Donald Huang 771-1011

Dr. Bradley Benson 445-4818

“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. Frank Iorio 776-8212

Dr. Thomas Hirasa 771-1011

SPINE SPECIALIST

Dr. Daniel Noble 778-9250

Dr. Thomas Rusing 445-9660 GYNECOLOGISTS

“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 you all!”

Dr. Donald Huang 771-1011

Dr. Frank Iorio 776-8212

Dr. Katie Campuzano 778-4300

UROLOGISTS

Dr. Thomas Rusing 445-9660

Dr. Adam Feingold 776-8428

Dr. Paul Nguyen 771-5282

Dr. Jeffrey Sanwick 771-5282

Dr. Luis Fernandez 776-8428

GYNECOLOGISTS

Dr. Michael Stanick 771-5282

Dr. Josephine Kim 583-1000

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. Jeanette Pilotte 583-7887

Dr. Josephine Kim 583-1000

Dr. Melinda Martin 777-0070

INTERVENTIONAL PAIN SPECIALISTS

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

Dr. Bertrand Kaper 778-9250

Dr. Judah Pifer 778-9250

Dr. Bradley Williams 445-7085

PLASTIC SURGEON

Dr. Brian Brantner 776-0325

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

FLU SEASON

YOU Health, Happiness & Education

Wishing You a Happy, Healthy Father’s Day!

by Leslie Horton, MA, MCHES, Director of Yavapai County Community Health Services

If you’re like most dads, it’s been challenging to find enough energy to get through the workday, much less have bountiful energy for your kids at the end of a long day. Consider these tips:

Tip 1: Focus on Quality, Quantity for Meals

Your food choices should not have a long list of ingredients you cannot pronounce. A balanced diet will optimize your energy levels, help you feel younger, boost your immunity and enable you to handle stress more easily. No food is off-limits when you maintain a healthy diet — it’s just a question of how often you indulge. The benefit of supplying your body with superfoods and clean eating will decrease your chances of developing disease early in life as well as create better stamina. Keep your quantity of food to an amount that is satisfying but not over-indulgent in the foods you love most. Balance is the key; good quality foods often have a balance of protein, fat, fiber and other necessary vitamins and nutrients to assist your body in performing at its best.

Gift ideas:

Subscription to healthy meal prep company, gift card to a restaurant that serves healthy choices, or inviting dad to a healthy home-cooked meal.

Tip 2: Get Your Body Moving:

Experts agree that physical activity is one of the most important things you can do for your health and wellbeing. Whether the activity is outdoors on a trail or inside on a treadmill, there are countless benefits of regular physical activity, both curative and preventative. Find something you enjoy and do that “something” regularly. Even the slightest increase in activity will have benefits on the body and mind, although it is recommended that 150 minutes of moderate or 75 minutes of vigorous physical activity per week, or a combination of both, is needed for optimal health. At first you might break it up into 10- or 15-minute sessions. Intermittent activity during the day can improve

your energy, stamina, ability to cope with life’s stressors, and improve your mental health and overall mood. Increased activity will increase your chances of living a longer, more healthful life with better brain function and reduce your risk of many diseases.

Gift ideas:

State/National Park passes, personal training sessions, hiking maps, training shoes, hiking boots, kettlebells, dumbbells, gym membership.

ARIZONA FIELD OPTICS

Great Products and Unmatched Customer Service

With over 20 years of combined experience, the staff at Arizona Field Optics are an authority on field optics and their many uses. Whether you use your glass for nature viewing, hunting, recreational shooting, or anything else, we can educate and assist you in making the right choice for you. We use our optics on a daily basis and have an intimate understanding of how they are used. Even more than our knowledge, we pride ourselves first and foremost on our customer service and individual relationship with each customer.

Easy Ways to Boost Your Look This Summer

by Blake Herzog

When summer finally arrives, no matter how much you’ve been looking forward to it, those hotter days can sap your energy for an extensive beauty routine or complicated, layered outfits.

Luckily, ‘tis the season for effortlessly cool and cute outfits, hairstyles and skin care that bring your natural beauty and confidence to the foreground. Here are some strategies for women and men to look their brightest and best in the summer sunshine!

Skin Care

• Find a moisturizer with broad-spectrum SPF protection of at least 30 with a tint to even out your complexion.

• Use sunscreen powder to reinforce UV protection on your face. But remember you should always start out the day with a traditional liquid product, using powder as a supplementary touch-up over makeup or in other situations where the gooey stuff isn’t practical.

• If you’re on the fair-skinned side and wanting to quickly and safely add a little color to your countenance, try a cream-based bronzer that can melt into your skin and be added to your all-in-one moisturizer to give you a natural look. A little blush on your cheeks will also pump up your glow.

YOU Beauty & Style

Clothes

• A somewhat loose maxi- or baby-doll dress in a bright color or print is supremely comfortable and easily adapted to multiple scenes in the same day — shopping, dining, traveling, and even some workplaces. Shoe, purse and jewelry choices shape perceptions of the dress, so as long as you keep a decent selection of accessories on hand you should be good to go!

• Polo and fitted button-down shirts can look great on men and women alike, but make sure you have the right fit. Polo shirt seams should fall right at the end of your shoulders and shouldn’t be either too tight or loose. Either style can work tucked-in for more formal occasions or left out for everyday errands and get-togethers.

• Don’t forget about hats! They’re not only essential for protecting your face from the sun, they look adorable on just about everyone.

Hair

• If your hair is long enough, try putting it up in a bun on the crown of your head or the nape of your neck for a classic, structured look that doesn’t take much effort to accomplish. If it’s not long enough on its own, a hair donut may be worth trying. It may be the default hairdo for a lot of people you know, but that’s because it works!

• Shorter haircuts, as in pixie cuts, short bobs or most mid-length or longer men’s cuts can be slicked back for a cool, under-control vibe. This look can withstand running, swimming, biking and a lot of other active moments, or else quickly be re-created, as needed.

• Crew or buzz cuts are the ultimate for staying cool and providing low-maintenance. It’s best to find an experienced barber or hairstylist if you’re looking for any kind of gradation within that shave, such as a fade or undercut, to get the look you want.

• Women’s well check

• Cosmetic Botox

• Medical Botox

• Dermal filler

• Acne treatment

• Chemical peels

• Body sculpting

• Emsella treatments

• Incontinence Treatment

• Permanent cosmetics

SEXUAL HEALTH CLINIC

• Hormone replacement therapies

• Hormone pellet therapies

• Woman sexual dysfunction

YOU Beauty & Style

Love Local

Your Guide to Prescott’s Beauty & Wellness Stores and Services

BEAUTY

A Valley of Vitality

2074 Willow Creek Road Prescott, AZ 86301

928-442-6026

www.avalleyofvitality.com

Massage Spa

ERA Salon & Spa

515 E. Sheldon St. Prescott, AZ 86301 928-778-0860

www.erasalonandspa.com

Hair Salon & Spa

Prescott Medical Aesthetics

172 E. Merritt St., Suite D Prescott, AZ 86301

928-277-7414

www.prescottbotox.com

Medical Esthetics

Rogers Academy of Beauty 2375 E. State Rte. 69 Prescott, AZ 86301 928-848-9929

www.rogersbeautyschool.com

Beauty School & Student Salon

Salon Tru Blu & Day Spa 1436 W. Gurley St. Prescott, AZ 86305

928-445-4126

www.salontrublu.com

Beauty Salon

SkinFit

223 White Spar Road Prescott, AZ 86303

928-460-3317

www. prescottskinfit.com

Facial Spa

Skin+ MedSpa

231 N. Cortez St. Prescott, AZ 86301

928-582-0716

www.skinplusmedspa.com

Medical Spa

Skin Perfection

3190 Clearwater Drive Prescott, AZ 86305

928-541-0003

www.skinperfectionaz.com Medical Spa

Strada Salon 931 12th Place Prescott, AZ 86305

928-778-2028

www.stradasalonaz.com

Beauty Salon

Sundara Sanctuary

6594 E. 2nd St., Suite B Prescott Valley, AZ 86314 928-277-4874

www.sundarasanctuary.com

Full-Service Wellness Spa

The Cut Above Salon & Spa 8600 E. Valley Road, Ste. D Prescott Valley, AZ 86314

928-772-8728

www. thecutabovesalonandspa.com

Hair Salon & Spa

Wilson Aesthetics & Beauty + Wellness

8196 Florentine Road Prescott Valley, AZ 86314 928-350-5484

www.wilsonaestheticsaz.com

Skin Care Clinic

YOU Beauty & Style

Love Local

Your Guide to Prescott’s Style Stores

and Services

STYLE

Apricot Lane

377 N. Montezuma St., Suite 102 Prescott, AZ 86301

928-237-9309

www.apricotlaneboutique.com/store/prescott

Women’s Clothing & Accessories Store

Artful Eye Jewelers

124 S. Montezuma St. Prescott, AZ 86303 928-445-5570

www.artfuleyejewelers.com Jewelry Store

Bashford Courts

130 W. Gurley St. Prescott, AZ 86301

928-642-7984

www.bashfordcourts.com

Shopping Atrium Mall

Classy N. Sassy

220 W. Goodwin St. #3 Prescott, AZ 86303

928-776-7467

www.classynsassyclothingboutique.com

Women’s Clothing & Accessories Store

Drawn West

134 W. Gurley St Prescott, AZ 86301

928-778-5725

www.drawnwestaz.com

Western Apparel & Gift Store

Fancy That

124 S. Granite St. #A Prescott, AZ 86303

928-445-1883

www.fancythatprescott.com

Women’s Clothing & Accessories Store

French Hen Boutique

108 S. Montezuma St. Prescott, AZ 86303

928-445-3424

www.frenchhenboutique.com

Clothing & Home Store

Lost in Socks

130 W. Gurley St. Ste 303 Prescott, AZ 86301

928-445-1833

www.lostinsocks.com

Sock Store

Purple Clover Boutique

130 W. Gurley St. #205 Prescott, AZ 86301

928-499-5195

www.purplecloverprescott.shop Women’s Clothing & Accessories Store

Raskin’s Jewelers

110 W. Gurley St. Prescott, AZ 86301 928-445-6120

www.raskinsjewelers.com

Jewelry Store

Scarlett’s Curated Collection

107 N. Cortez St. Prescott, AZ 86301

928-227-2581

www.scarlettsinprescott.com

New & Pre-Loved Clothing & Accessories Store

The Clothes Hound

122 S. Montezuma St. Prescott, AZ 86303

928-771-0811

www.clotheshoundclothingco.com

Women’s Clothing & Accessories Store

Prescott LIVING: How many employees do you have? Can you give me a round number? (Continued from page

well-identified audience. How did you determine that?

Ken Lain: After college, I was a marketing director for Equifax, a credit bureau. I also was in banking. I learned from a corporate level how to market and advertise, use sales teams. It was then pretty easy to transition from corporate, huge companies with hundreds of employees, down to the Prescott family business. We take those same skills and talk to locals about gardening.

Prescott LIVING: You do say you have a “secret formula” that tracks people from as far away as Sedona, Verde Valley, Kingman. In other words, you attract central and northern Arizona clients, right?

Ken Lain: Correct. Part of it is that Costco and Trader Joe’s in Prescott appeal to out-oftown buyers. People come from out of town. While they’re here, they also stop at Watters Garden Center and we get to know them. We market to them.

Prescott LIVING: Do you know a lot of them by name?

Ken Lain: That’s part of the secret formula, the secret sauce. There are many aspects to it. We know what they buy. Computers track all this stuff. But really, our staff likes people. The staff likes to bring people and plants together. That’s their passion. That’s what we do all day long. That’s why we go to work every day. And when customers truly appreciate that, it turns from fun to a delight for staff.

(Continued on page 111)

Chino Valley Tourism Campaign Launched!

by Maggie Tidaback, Economic Development Project Manager, Town of Chino Valley

Yes, there is tourism in Chino Valley. When I first began this journey a lot of the response was "there is no tourism in Chino Valley." We have outdoor adventure tourism, wining and dining, historic, agri-tourism and more!

The saying #morevinoinchino is a real thing. Granite Creek Vineyards grows the only organic grapes in central Arizona and is the best place to lay on a grassy knoll, sip wine and watch the peacocks in view of the vineyards. Weekend events with music and tastings are offered.

The tourism campaign comes with a new branding concept including a tourism logo, slogan, website and more. Through the efforts of the Office of Economic Development for the Town of Chino Valley, a rural-op was granted by the Arizona Office of tourism that includes funding for market and advertising efforts.

This summer look for: Lamar Billboard Electronic sign, TripAdvisor, visitarizona.com and

a community profile page on the Local First Arizona Foundation’s website. Please visit www. discoverchinovalley.org and Chino Valley — Local First Arizona Foundation (localfirstazfoundation. org). for more information.

Chino Valley is really starting to grow, and the Town recognizes that tourism is a huge economic driver and brings a better quality of life for all when the fresh dollars come to town.

With the Peavine Trail connection between Prescott and Chino Valley almost complete, the Perkinsville Road adventures, camping, hiking, biking and the efforts of this tourism campaign, we anticipate people coming to visit near and far.

I have found this to be a truly an amazing creative process. Working with the team at Mountain Mojo has made me discover how truly amazing Chino Valley is. I already knew this but this peeled back so many layers on the onion for me.

I have been spending a lot of time on the weekends acting as a tourist in Chino Valley — taking UTV rides, vising the Sinagua Indian ruins and more to truly make this a successful campaign.

YOU Health, Happiness & Education

Nature Niños: More Families Being Introduced to Local Trails

by Kelly Tolbert, Recreation Coordinator, City of Prescott

The new Nature Niños Prescott campaign has started to help local families with young children safely explore nature. Scientific data supports that spending time outdoors is beneficial to physical, mental and emotional health. So, the City of Prescott Recreation Services Department, University of Arizona Cooperative Extension SNAP Education, Yavapai County Community Health Services, and the Community Nature Center collaborated to offer this program.

Benefits

One goal of Nature Niños Prescott is to provide targeted spaces where working families can enjoy the various benefits of the outdoors through messaging via a communication campaign offering bilingual materials. Sites were considered for families with children ages 3 to 8. Twelve sites were chosen for the initial launch in celebration of National Trails Day, Saturday, June 5, 2021.

Program Offerings

• Ongoing application of materials to address concerns, unknowns and misconceptions about outdoor recreation and outdoor spaces.

• Monthly guided exploration times with professionals to demonstrate and assist with techniques to engage young families.

• Incentives for first-time families to engage and learn in natural spaces and address cognitive or emotional barriers to initial engagements.

• Follow-up engagement on social media platforms to serve as accountability and a support system along with industry tips for healthy snacks, being prepared and how to serve as a steward to public lands.

Outdoor Industry Report

Outdoor Industry Association commissioned a one-time special report from research partner NAXION to share exclusive insights about Americans’ engagement in outdoor activities amid the COVID-19 pandemic. This report examines demographics and psychographics of the new outdoor participant — defined as someone who participated in an outdoor activity for the first time during the pandemic or after a significant lapse.

Findings show that:

• New participants are more likely to be female, younger, living in an urban area and slightly more ethnically diverse than existing participants.

• New participants primarily sought sociallydistanced outdoor activities to spend time with loved ones safely, to exercise, stay healthy, or reduce screen-time fatigue.

• New participants largely are motivated by outdoor recreation opportunities with low barriers to entry accessible within 10 miles of their homes, including walking, running, biking and hiking. (Full report can be found at www.outdoorindustry.org).

The public is encouraged to follow the City of Prescott Recreation Services Department on social media platforms Facebook and Instagram for updates using @prescottrecservices.

REACHING NEW HEIGHTS. RENOWNED TRADITION.

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

/// 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 |

Ken Lain: About 20 or more. It flexes a little bit, but 25 during busy season.

Prescott LIVING: When is your busy season? Do you really have a slack season other than when it's snowing?

Ken Lain: There’s nine months out of the year where it’s just sheer spring all the time. We have customers all the time. But January and February are our low point. That’s when we take time to repaint, rebuild displays, get the place ready. Come March, it’s “fill the nursery up” time. As we fill it, spring takes off. So March through November are just busy, busy, busy.

The seasons flex. There’s a spring mix, there’s a summer mix, there’s a fall mix. We have different plants for each of those seasons. But last year we had a record December because we focused on living Christmas trees. People were wanting to nest at home. They wanted to use a tree to put the presents under and then go plant it outdoors afterwards. That was a big thing.

Prescott LIVING: Why is it so difficult in Prescott to have gardens?

Well, it’s probably unique to the Quad City area. Soil goes from rock-hard clay to sand. We’re very dry here, the sun is very intense. Our mountain climate is very unique in that we get beautiful warm days and then two days later …

Ken Lain: (chuckling) … 3 feet of snow.

Lisa Watters-Lain: So it’s unique gardening pressure here. Once you learn that, once you understand what it’s like to grow in our soil. Once you understand the seasonality, it becomes easier. That’s our goal —to make local gardeners successful. We teach them to understand why we do certain things here that will be successful.

Ken Lain: It’s like an oasis when you have a success. In a rock landscape, you might struggle because there’s different variables. When you have a lilac in full bloom and the butterflies are all over it, the fragrance just wafts just across the landscape, that’s magical. And we can teach that. That’s why our garden classes are so wellattended and growing. It’s crazy.

"That’s our goal —to make local gardeners successful."

Prescott LIVING: You have radio shows, you’ve got garden classes, you’ve got articles in publications. How popular are those? Your audience must be massive.

Ken Lain: It’s pretty substantial. I think gardening is therapy. It’s a hobby that feels good. It gets you away from those digital devices. Gardening faded for a while when travel took its place. For a while, eating out at restaurants for foodies took the place of gardening. Now we aren’t going out as much. We’re gardening in a backyard, private space where we feel safe. It’s real. I don't think that’s going anywhere. That’s here to stay for the foreseeable future. We’ve rediscovered what home means. It’s not just a house, it’s a home. I want to make it mine. The backyard is an extension of that living room. We just help people to discover that.

Prescott LIVING: Where do you get your ideas for your articles and shows?

Ken Lain: We constantly read garden content. Every day. Every morning. I’ve got my favorite bloggers, my favorite publications, my favorite magazines. Lisa’s got hers. We compare notes, get together and write content or post radio shows. We had over two million downloads or views from our YouTube channel last year. That’s not global. That was just Prescott and surrounding areas. We don’t go outside looking for New Yorkers or people from China to look at our content. We want locals.

(Continued on page 150)

Milk the Joys of Summer with Outdoor Living

by Blake Herzog

Greater Prescott is one of the top locations anywhere for outdoor living with its mild four-season climate, but summer is the time when residents and visitors alike are drawn to open-air experiences like a magnet.

2020 was a huge year for home improvement and expanding the footprint of your workspace into your yard, and it’s just as strong this year as homeowners get a better idea of what they want and how they can accomplish it.

Maybe your experiences eating and entertaining outside last year brought what your yard is missing into sharp relief, or perhaps you’re inspired by what you’ve seen on friends’ and neighbors’ property. Whatever your reason, take a look at the trends taking hold this year.

YOU Home & Garden

Durable furniture — Quite a few people are discovering that between the weather and more frequent use, their plastic and wicker patio furniture doesn’t hold up as well as they’d expected. This brings them to consider wood and upholstered furniture once deemed to be unsuitable for outdoor use, as well as heavier-duty materials like aluminum, metal and concrete. For moderate climates such as Prescott’s, better choices include aluminum, stainless steel, synthetic resin and wrought iron.

Taking it out front — Many of us have created a whole new world in our backyard, but there’s still something missing. If you have a porch or front yard large enough to accommodate it, try parking some of your outdoor furniture there to create an evenmore-casual entertaining space, one that could become the social hub for your whole block.

Garden, garden, garden! — Consider just how much you can plant in your yard and what it can do for you, your family and your environment. You can create a native garden devoted to plants native to your area

and appropriate to your climate and wildlife such as a pollinator garden. Edible gardens produce fresh, nutritious vegetables for your family (and sometimes the wildlife, too), and cutting gardens stocked with perennial blooms and bulbs for the table are also back in vogue.

Add more plants — If your outdoor seating area isn’t next to your garden you can simply use some planters to bring some flowers, herbs or small cacti and succulents into the conversation, either next to or behind the seats to bring some greenery and fresher air to a patio, deck or balcony.

Get cooking — Outdoor kitchens take longer to install than a couple of patio chairs or potted plants, but building just what you need can shorten the process and can still be a worthwhile investment as experts project an up to 200% return on investment on the home’s value. A simple barbecue island can be completed in a couple of weeks while a full-scale kitchen can take three or more months. But anyone who foresees a lot of parties and culinary activity in their yard should consider getting the works!

DESIGN & INSTALLATION

ZEBRASCAPES LANDSCAPING & SERVICES

3910 WILLOW CREEK ROAD, PRESCOTT, AZ 86301

928.830.4061

WWW.ZEBRASCAPES.COM

ROC #270393

“ZebraScapes has gone above and beyond expectations. We are extremely happy with the results ranging from our dream design to completion of this very complex project. We would highly recommend ZebraScapes for any landscaping projects and we will use them in the future.”

Tylene T.

“WE

Every outdoor living space is a blank piece of canvas for our landscape designer. We will work with your vision to create your personal oasis, a living space that you would be proud to share with family and friends. We approach every project with considerations for the surroundings and bring in elements complimentary to the natural environment. Our designs can include native plants and trees palette to keep water usage to a minimum, an outdoor kitchen, fireplace, fire pit, pergola, water feature, pavers and patios.

ZebraScapes’ installation crew is second to none with an onsite supervisor at every project to make sure a quality control check list is followed. Our many certifications include irrigation, chemicals, firewise, and tree care.

Give ZebraScapes a call. Let us turn your dreams into reality!

These 12 Perennial Flowers Live the Longest

by Lisa Watters-Lain, Arizona’s Garden Gal

It’s frustrating to design a new flowerbed around your favorite perennial flowers, like delphiniums, Shasta daisies, and pincushion flower, only to see them peter out after three or four years. Here is a list of perennial flowers famous for their longevity. These are the bloomers you see in old neighborhoods, planted when the homes were first built and still blooming decades later. Plant these in June, and use the money you save in subsequent growing seasons for lush hanging baskets and container gardens.

Balloon flowers

These deliver that coveted shade of blue that blends well in any garden without the finicky needs some blue flowers exhibit. They endure a wide range of temperatures and conditions in full sun or partially shady gardens. Once settled in, balloon flowers rarely need dividing and don’t require deadheading.

Black-eyed

Susan These plants thrive in full-sun containers and beds. Their yellow or rusty red flowers with black centers bloom summer through fall and attract birds, butterflies and beneficial insects.

Butterfly Weed

Anyone who cares about the future of Monarch butterflies, plant this in their gardens. They were the 2017 Plant of the Year. Bright orange flowers are drought tolerant, disease and pest-free.

Daylily Have you noticed wild clumps still growing on old homesteads? If you like orange hues, try a hybrid like the more civilized Orange Crush.

Or, branch out to many shades of the rainbow. Drought tolerant and nearly pest-free, some consider daylilies essential to any landscape.

Geranium Unlike the annual geraniums found at Watters Garden Center, perennial geraniums are tough and return in Alaska and Siberia’s unforgiving climates. In addition to the delicate flowers, gardeners appreciate the ornamental foliage, which features divided leaves with dark-colored bands.

Hellebore or Lenten rose This flower fills two difficult niches: it thrives for year in shady spots and blooms well before the last frost has kissed the landscape. Newer cultivars found at the garden center are bigger and brighter. Pink Frost is notable for its large and upward-facing flowers.

Iris Include a selection of these easy perennials in your deerresistant garden for late spring to early summer blooms. Irises do need dividing every few years. Share a few rhizomes with friends, so they can enjoy the same knee-high flower spikes in their gardens.

Liatris This North American wildflower grows on grasslands, nourishing butterflies and bees with nectar-rich flowers that bloom from the top down.

Lungwort (Pulmonaria) This often blooms before other perennials have emerged from the garden. Petite white, pink and blue flowers complement the highly ornamental foliage with interesting white freckles. Give it ample moisture, rich soil and watch a few plants multiply into a dozen over the seasons in your woodland garden.

Peony Your grandmother would fall in love with these larger, more colorful varieties. These hardy mountain varieties take the brutal sun, wind for decades of perennial enjoyment. Deer and javelina will ignore these blooming beauties.

Sedums These are so tough they survive such insults as being rudely yanked from the garden and replanted by a toddler with a shovel. Plump, succulent foliage contributes to the vigor of sedum, retaining moisture during periods of drought. Sedums like the popular Autumn Joy or the dramatic Bronze Carpet attract pollinators and thrive in mountain clay.

Sunset Blanket Flower Perpetual, vibrant red flowers bloom from late spring right until frost if spent blooms are deadheaded regularly — deer and javelina proof.

Until the next issue, I’ll be helping gardeners choose the prettiest flowers here at Watters Garden Center.

Watters specializes in roses that actually smell like a rose with larger flowers, higher petal counts for bushes of sheer beauty! Heirlooms, old-fashion and English rose your grandmother only dreamed of. 1300 stunning roses are grown each spring here at Watters that tickle the eyes, delight the nose and get your garden blood flowing!

$1,028,000

Includes amazing views and a level entry in the premiere gated golf/fitness community of Talking Rock Ranch in Prescott, Arizona.

This 2400 SF , 3 BR / 3 BA plus 3 car garage home is located on a cul-de-sac. Hughes Building Company and Lantana Design Studio teamed up to bring a quality custom home with many upgraded products and features. The adjacent lot 45 is part of this lovely home for a total of 1.55 acre property! You could build a Casita or RV garage to match the house.

YOU Home & Garden

Decluttering Uncovers Many Benefits

by Blake Herzog

Decluttering is good for both your home and the people living in it, which is why books and articles about it continue to appear. American consumers still buy a lot of stuff, but the call of the uncluttered home continues to coax us back. Here are some of the reasons to keep at it, instead of going through collect-and-bust cycles.

CLEANING IS A BREEZE

It’s much easier to see what needs to be dusted off or scrubbed down when there’s less clutter to block your view, collecting dust and grime in the process. Having more stuff than you have time to pick up or care for properly becomes stressful; just ask your kids who are expected

to pick up their room every day but have too many toys and books to manage. Less clutter is also the key to having a home that looks tidy all the time so the thought of somebody coming over doesn’t induce panic.

LEARN WHAT YOU NEED

Going through your belongings gives you a chance to look at how many duplicates you have, what never even made it out of the box, the things you can’t even remember buying, and what’s far too old to be functional anymore. You also learn what you don’t need. Shopping becomes a necessary chore to complete instead of a pastime, and you come out of it with a lot more cash left in your account.

You also get a chance to dig out your collectibles and mementos and decide which you truly want to organize and hold onto versus others that don’t spark as much happiness as you expected them to and probably need to go.

HELP YOURSELF AND OTHERS

You’ll be surprised how much of your clutter may have value for someone else. Those fancy clothes you’ll never wear again, the jewelry that isn’t quite your style, the outdated but functional electronics — they’re likely to be snapped up on Craigslist or from a local newspaper ad. Or you could donate them to any number of nonprofits supporting people and families in need.

A SAFER RETIREMENT WITH YOUR HOME EQUITY!

LEARN HOW TO USE HOME EQUITY FOR A SAFER AND BETTER RETIREMENT

Don’t be Afraid of A Reverse Mortgage Loan.

WHAT A REVERSE MORTGAGE IS:

•A Loan that Converts Equity to Cash for Many Different Uses

•Use for Lengthening or Increasing Retirement Cash Flow

•Opportunities that Need Cash NOW*

•Legacy for Charity or the Next Generation*

WHAT A REVERSE MORTGAGE IS NOT:

•A Reverse Mortgage is NOT a Sale

•The HECM is NOT a Loan of Last Resort for the Poor

•A Reverse Mortgage is NOT a Lifetime Commitment

•A Reverse Mortgage Gives You Tax-Free Money* However, It Is Not Free Money

WHY WORK WITH FAIRWAY AND THE LAURIE MOORE TEAM?

•Ranked #2 of top 100 HECM for Purchase 2019 By Baseline Reverse

•Ranked #5 top HECM Lenders by volume in 2019

•We have served Prescott community for 14 years Copyright©2020 Fairway Independent Mortgage Corporation (“Fairway”) NMLS#2289. 4750 S. Biltmore Lane, Madison, WI 53718, 1-866-912-4800. All rights reserved. Fairway is not affiliated with any government agencies. These materials are not from HUD or FHA and were not approved by HUD or a government agency. Reverse mortgage borrowers are required to obtain an eligibility certificate by receiving counseling sessions with a HUD-approved agency. The youngest borrower must be at least 62 years old. Monthly reverse mortgage advances may affect eligibility for some other programs. This is not an offer to enter into an agreement. Not all customers will qualify. Information, rates and programs are subject to change without notice. All products are subject to credit and property approval. Other restrictions and limitations may apply. Equal Housing Lender. AZ License #BK-0904162. Licensed by the Department of Business Oversight under the California Residential Mortgage Lending Act, License No 41DBO-78367. Licensed by the Department of Business Oversight under the California Financing Law, NMLS #2289. Loans made or arranged pursuant to a California Residential Mortgage Lending Act License.

*This advertisement does not constitute tax or financial advice. Please consult a tax and/or financial advisor regarding your specific situation. Laurie Moore Branch Manager | NMLS # 256449 Office: (928) 515-0344 | Fax: (866) 808-6583 lauriem@fairwaymc.com 2971 N Willow Creek Rd, Suite 2 Prescott, AZ 86301

YOU Home & Garden

Tips for Protecting Your Family

This Summer

Summertime means your kids getting together with friends and playing, swimming and your family taking road trips.

It's a time of fun and bonding after a busy year of school. Everyone should take the time to relax. But just because there may be more leisure doesn't mean that dangers don't lurk.

You can take the following steps to protect your children and family to ensure that you have a safe summer free of avoidable accidents:

Take extra care around pools

When your kids are playing in a pool, there should always be adult supervision. Whoever is supervising should avoid getting too focused on other activities, like playing on their phone or reading a book.

Many adults think these distracting activities won't prevent them from hearing if someone is in distress in the pool, but they are wrong. Someone struggling to swim may not be able to shout out, and some activities can make you tune out other stimuli.

Be especially vigilant when the little ones are poolside or swimming. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommends designating one adult to watch all children swimming or playing in or around water, and being close enough to reach the child at all times.

Have a back-up GPS plan

Once you get out of the city and cell service becomes spottier, it can play havoc with your car or phone GPS. To make sure this doesn't happen to you, have a back-up plan and consider investing in a state highway map and a compass so that you

can at least figure out where you are by looking at road signs.

On top of that, be prepared in case you are stranded or lost. Keep a survival kit in your car with emergency water, food, blankets, flares and other supplies.

Take precautions when camping

One of the biggest problems people encounter when camping is wild animals coming into their camp at night to get food. Animals have a keen sense of smell and while critters like racoons and chipmunks can be just a nuisance, a bear or bison entering your camp can have deadly consequences.

If you are in a wildlife area, make sure you store your food in a place that animals can't get to it, like your vehicle. However, if you are in bear country, that may not be such a good idea. Some campgrounds in bear country will provide on-site metal bear-proof containers in which to store food. In a pinch, hang food in a tree.

Beware of ticks

If you are in a forest, park, grassland, prairie or other nature area, one of you (or your pet) is bound to pick up a few ticks along the way. While most tick bites can be just a nuisance, others, which spread Lyme disease or the Powassan virus, can make you extremely sick - or worse.

To avoid and prevent tick bites, the CDC recommends that you:

• Pre-spray your shoes, clothing and outdoor gear with a repellent that contains permethrin.

• Wear light-colored clothing that covers all parts of the skin (long sleeves, tall socks) to help you locate ticks on your body.

• Conduct a self-check every time after being outside.

• Have a friend or family member check over your body, and vice versa.

Don't leave kids, pets in the car

Never leave infants, children or pets in a parked car, even if the windows are cracked open.

The most vulnerable are infants and small children, who may be forgotten strapped into their safety seats.

One way to avoid this happening is by using the "teddy-bear system." When the safety seat is empty stow the teddy bear in the seat, buckled in like a child. When the child is in the seat, move the teddy to the front passenger seat to remind yourself your little one is in the back.

Protect against medical emergencies

If you are planning to travel overseas or embark on a cruise, you may want to consider travel insurance with emergency medical benefits and emergency medical transportation benefits. These benefits can cover your medical care and emergency transportation if you have a medical emergency while traveling. For

These Summer Veggies Thrive in Prescott

Greater Prescott’s summers aren’t the hottest in Arizona but they can still pack a punch, especially when factoring in altitude, wind and bright sunshine. Here are some of the crops you can successfully plant in your home garden, according to the University of Arizona Cooperative Extension, Yavapai County:

Sweet corn — May 25-July 1: Plant seeds in several short rows rather than a couple long rows to improve cross-pollination.

Summer and winter squash — May 15-July 1: Planted at roughly the same time, summer varieties include straight-necked, crook-necked and zucchini while winter forms include spaghetti squash, acorn and butternut.

Chinese cabbage — June 1-July 15: Best grown in partial shade in well-worked, moisture-absorbing soil.

Collard — June 1-July 15: These large, open plants should be planted 18 to 24 inches apart, unless you’re harvesting the leaves frequently.

Head (iceberg) lettuce — July 1-Aug. 1: Plant seeds under a light dusting of soil, as they need light to germinate, but press them into the ground.

“Kellie helped my wife, Lorraine, and I through an extremely difficult sale of our house in California and the purchase of our new Prescott Valley house. Kellie’s calm demeanor and wonderful guidance and her vast knowledge of the escrow process in Arizona was successful in helping to keep us calm and focused and helping us achieve our dream of owning our new home.”

-James and Lorraine Frazer

www.prescotthasit.com

YOU Home & Garden

Smart Ways to Refresh Your Home Office

by Blake Herzog

Many of us have been working from home for more than a year, if not longer. It’s time to think about what isn’t working for you in your home office and consider what can be done to make it a healthier, more productive space to be in.

Adjustable desk — These not only allow you to stand while you work for better fitness and productivity, but to work at different angles while seated for maximum comfort for whatever your body needs at any

given moment. Consider handcranked versions for affordability and that extra minute or two of exercise needed to operate it.

Comfortable chair — Find one that at a minimum can be adjusted for seat height and back tilt. Check the seat dimensions because a chair that is too narrow, too wide or too deep for your frame can cause problems. Chair backs should be between 12 and 19 inches and include adjustable lumbar (lower back) support.

Versatile light sources — Work lights have evolved in almost every way imaginable, from high to low, flexible to directed. Now you can buy lamps with adjustable color modes or “temperatures” that promote different moods and types of productivity. Studies have found “warm” (ambient or yellowish) light can increase creativity while

“cool” (task) lighting is better for concentration.

Add greenery — All trends point to bringing the outdoors in as much as possible, which can be done through greenery, flowers and better still, houseplants. Researchers at Oxford found adding plants to a workplace increased productivity 15% by making workers feel more engaged physically, emotionally and cognitively involved in their work. Choose easy-to-grow plants that won’t require too much of your attention in the process of improving productivity!

White or magnetic board — Make sure there’s some cheerful or inspiring imagery on your wall, but leave room for a large space to plan and dream; a magnetic whiteboard gives you the advantages of both approaches.

ERAU Honor Students Awarded Circle of Excellence

Student members of the EmbryRiddle Aeronautical University (ERAU) chapter of Phi Kappa Phi national academic honor society were honored as national Gold winners of the prestigious “Circle of Excellence Award” during ceremonies Feb. 15.

Dr. Curtis James, Chapter 337 president, made the announcement during winter initiation ceremonies of 29 juniors and seniors and one graduate student. These students rank in the top 10% of their programs, James said.

The Gold Award came from the honor society’s national office, which commended the chapter for its strong record of service activities, including collection of more than 600 books distributed among schools in Yavapai County. Students also were

(Kirchgraber, continued from page 78)

Brockport in his home state. He worked with an American health care project in Saudi Arabia until 1984, then relocated to Los Angles and was recruited by Peter Ueberroth to help identify and train staff to work at 27 different sites for the 1984 Summer Olympics.

In 1985, Kirchgraber and his wife Melinda became involved in international efforts — the Peace Corps in Somalia on the border of Ethiopia and then several nongovernmental organizations: Médecins

praised for promoting academic excellence on campus.

ERAU Chancellor Anette Karlsson commended the initiates and other chapter members for “setting the

Sans Frontieres, United Nations High Commission for Refugees, Red Crescent Society (equivalent of the Red Cross) and several other groups.

Upon returning to the United States, Kirchgraber accepted a teaching position in social work at California State Long Beach and later the University of Southern California. He was recruited to be part of a billion-dollar fundraising campaign. His success in California attracted the attention of Arizona State University Foundation, where he was vice president of advancement.

standard for exceptional academic achievement on campus.”

The ERAU chapter of the nation’s oldest and most all-inclusive academic honor society was founded in February 2016.

He also was involved in programs for Arizona Special Olympics and the American Red Cross. Those projects gave him opportunities to travel to the Quad Cities. In 2010, he learned of the foundation opening at YC in Prescott.

Kirchgraber said his new position will give him opportunities to build nurturing relationships in the community, especially in surviving the pandemic. “I have all confidence we’ll be successful.”

More information about the PUSD Education Foundation is available at www.pusdeducationfoundation.com

Affordable Housing, Thrift Store Projects Launched

The Prescott-based Coalition for Compassion and Justice is moving ahead with two major projects.

One is an affordable housing project involving an estimated 20-unit mobile home park to accommodate homeless or low-income individuals and/or families.

The second is the opening of the Coalition for Compassion and Justice Thrift Store in its new location at 531 Madison Ave., adjacent to Miller Valley Road.

Mobile home park

The capital campaign to fund the mobile home park hopes to generate $800,000 in the next 18 months. The coalition hopes to purchase approximately 4.5 acres in the greater Prescott area but no site has been identified yet, said Jessi Hans, coalition executive director.

Hans said it will be the most expensive project the group has taken on.

The first year likely will involve the siting of several one, two or three-bedroom mobile homes, Hans said. Additional

Coalition for Compassion and Justice staff members Jaren Romig and Cameron Lenocker expressed satisfaction at the remodeling within the CCJ main office at 531 Madison Avenue. The new facilities will accommodate CCJ Thrift Store which has more than 6,000 square feet. (Photos by Ray Newton)

homes will be added in following years; the goal being to become self-supporting from rental income. Rental rates are projected to be $600 to $800 a month in the initial phase.

The project is what coalition calls its “Second Chance Housing Program.” The nonprofit organization already owns various rental units. Some are mobile

homes while others include three lodgemodel homes, which can accommodate four to six persons in units with kitchens, bathrooms and laundry facilities.

Thrift store

The Coalition for Compassion and Justice Thrift Store, previously located on Fair Street just across from the Yavapai County Administrative Building, is now located in coalition’s main building.

Renamed the “Second Glance Thrift Store,” it occupies more than 6,000 square feet in the remodeled building.

Hans said the new store is almost double the size of the previous one. Remodeling also included office space for administrative personnel.

The new location can accommodate the large variety of items for sale — clothing, small and large appliances, household goods and other necessities.

Hans said the thrift store was a major source of coalition income — up to $20,000 a month. It also provides employment for several clients.

More information is available at www.yavapaiccj.org or 928-445-8342.

Help Your Pets Make the Most Out of Summer

by Blake Herzog

Summer days seem like they’re made for frolicking outside with your dog, especially when you’re in the Prescott area with its wealth of pet-friendly patios and bonanza of outdoor recreation opportunities.

But it can be easy to forget that while our summers are much less brutal than those in the desert to the south, it still gets quite warm up here, and that can have consequences for our animals, especially the dogs we’re most likely to take out with us.

Dogs aren’t as well-adapted to the heat as people and usually lack the footwear and sunscreen we humans use to get by.

Fortunately there are lots of advice for owners of dogs and other pets at places like www.aspca.com on making sure they have as good a summer as people do.

• Never leave your animals alone in a parked vehicle. Not only can it lead to fatal heat stroke, it is illegal!

• Pugs and other flat-faced breeds are more susceptible to heat stroke because they cannot pant as effectively as other dogs. Along with the elderly,

YOU Pets

the overweight, and those with heart or lung diseases, they should be kept cool in air-conditioned rooms as much as possible.

• Do not leave dogs unsupervised around a pool — not all dogs are good swimmers. Introduce them to water gradually and make sure they wear flotation devices when on boats.

• Pets can get dehydrated quickly, so give them plenty of fresh, clean water when it’s hot or humid. Give them a shady place in the yard to get out of the sun, be careful not to overexercise them, and keep them indoors when it’s extremely hot.

• When the temperature is 90 degrees or higher, don’t let your dog linger on hot asphalt, as their bodies can heat up quickly and paw pads can burn. Keep walks during these times to a minimum.

• Know the symptoms of overheating in pets, which include excessive panting or difficulty breathing, increased heart and respiratory rate, drooling, weakness, vomiting, stupor, bloody diarrhea, high body temperature or losing consciousness. Seek veterinary care immediately

• Keep all unscreened windows or doors in your home closed, and make sure adjustable screens are tightly secured.

• Don’t shave your dog down to the skin. The layers of dogs’ coats protect them from overheating and sunburn. However, brushing cats more often can prevent problems caused by excessive heat. Make sure any sunscreen or insect repellent you use on your pets is labeled specifically for use on animals.

• Commonly used rodenticides and lawn and garden insecticides can be harmful to cats and dogs if ingested, so keep them out of reach.

• Food and drink commonly found at barbecues can be poisonous to pets. Keep alcoholic beverages away from pets and the snacks enjoyed by humans should not be a treat for your pet.

• Leave dogs at home when you head out to Fourth of July celebrations, and never use fireworks around pets.

Safeguard Your Dog from Summer Heat

by Loree Walden, Marketing Manager, Yavapai Humane Society

Here are tips to keep your four-legged family member safe and healthy this summer:

• Give appropriate care during the hot summer months: proper grooming, sun protection and precautions to prevent heat stroke.

• Learn signs of heatstroke. Symptoms include elevated body temperature, vigorous panting, unsteady gait, physical depression or agitation, thick saliva or froth, rigid posture, vomiting, bloody diarrhea, collapsing and signs of shock. If any of these symptoms appear, contact your veterinarian immediately.

Hot Asphalt Awareness

• Beware hot asphalt. It absorbs enough heat to injure the extra thick flesh on a dog’s paw. Hold the back of your hand on the ground for seven seconds, if it’s too hot for you, it’s too hot for them. The best thing is to try to restrict outdoor activities to the cool hours of early morning or late evening.

• Never leave a dog in the car.

Prescott LIVING: Your staff at Watters always seem to know everything about terrain in this area and what works where and what doesn’t. How did they learn that?

Ken Lain: Training, training, training. Plus, our staff comes to work not just to unload plants out of trucks. They come to help customers. They come because they love plants, and they have great interest in plants. They read the tags. They go into neighborhoods when they’re delivering plants. “Wow, look at that specimen. That’s beautiful.” And then they come back and share that with other neighbors in that neighborhood.

Prescott LIVING: How has the pandemic affected your business?

Lisa Watters-Lain: It’s definitely increased business because people are more interested in growing their own fruits, vegetables, fruit trees, root stock and berries. It brought some more customers in. I think it also made us more aware of our community. At the store, our employees saw the community as a whole. People were there dealing with their stress and pressures. We saw the need for people to really be out, to be able to garden, to be outside and to touch base and to have connections with other people. That is important.

Ken Lain: I spoke to an 88-yearold gal, a gardener and longtime customer. She came in this week. She’s been quarantined since March. This was her first real trip out. She’ looking for some flowers. She just needed some color. And

it wasn’t just the plants. She was a neighbor, a grandmother-type figure, and she wanted to talk. People happen to take home a plant and have a memory of that when they get home. But it’s way more than just plants. This is about neighbors working with you, neighbors shopping with you. We see them at restaurants, the grocery store, at church. That’s what a small family business is — connection to the community. That’s the legacy that Watters Garden Center wants to represent. We bring communities together to make them feel better. Do we ever need that now!

Prescott LIVING: The Lain family is always involved in community organizations, philanthropy and sponsoring events. How did that start? Has it been that way since you were youngsters?

What prompted that kind of enthusiasm for Prescott?

Lisa Watters-Lain: I think it started when my dad started the center 60 years ago. It’s always been there. Since 1962 he was part of the community. It was important to him to be involved in it, to make a better community. We just took that and ran with this because that was a major focus of dad’s. We just took it — Ken especially — and ran even more with it.

Ken Lain: The memory I have of Prescott back in the ‘70s, early ‘80s is it was a really small town. When you needed help, you called friends. “Hey, I need to put insulation up or remove this carpet from a church.” You just got together, and you did things. Today we call that the insider’s club, but it’s not really

insiders. The way you become an insider is you jump in and you help get things done. We’re talking about jumping in to make a difference. We try to make a difference with not just our money but our time, our expertise, all the resources we have at the garden center. That’s where for-profit companies really make a difference when they come alongside and partner with nonprofits.

Prescott LIVING: Lisa, what’s your biggest satisfaction with the business?

Lisa Watters-Lain: What I find satisfying is that it’s a generational business. My parents started and ran it. Ken and I were able to come in and carry it forward. Now we have our children coming in, wanting to go forward. We’re able

to serve our community. Our kids are able to continue this as well.

Ken Lain: You know what brings me the greatest satisfaction? Her father can still come to the garden center. He’s been retired for 20 years. Yet he still comes in, gets to see this great creation of his. We have just carried it forward. When he comes alongside and says, “Ken, I’m so proud of what you and Lisa are doing,” that is satisfaction. That’s what every son wants to hear from a father-like figure.

Prescott LIVING: What’s your biggest challenge?

Lisa Watters-Lain: I think just to keep it fresh, keep your business growing. To never take it for

(Continued on page 171)

Splash Down in Arizona’s Forest Lakes

by Blake Herzog

Greater Prescott’s lakes are a magnet for locals and visitors alike. But sometimes you may want to find someplace a little cooler and less crowded (with people, anyway).

Luckily it’s easy to find other forested gems in Arizona. Here we’ll tell you about one just outside Flagstaff, then four more reached via state Route 260 as it winds along the Mogollon Rim to the White Mountains, where there are many more to choose from.

LAKE MARY

The Lake Mary Recreation Corridor stretches across two skinny lakes 12 miles east of Flagstaff, just over two hours away from Prescott. Upper Lake Mary has no limits on boat motor size, so it’s a favorite of power boaters and water and jet skiers. Kayakers, canoers and paddle boarders are welcomed, too, and it’s stocked with walleye, trout and channel catfish for anglers. It’s a great stop for bird and other wildlife watchers, hikers and mountain bikers. There are three campgrounds, all scheduled to close for the season on Oct. 11, along with the day-use areas. The lakes themselves are open year-round.

• www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/ coconino/recarea/?recid=82341

WOODS CANYON, WILLOW SPRINGS LAKES

These lakes are located 7 miles apart along the 260, about halfway between Payson and

Heber. Both are regularly stocked with trout; with bass and catfish also found in Woods Canyon, the smaller of the two. Both are surrounded by ponderosas, fir and spruce, and Woods Canyon has a scenic canyon-bound setting.

A two-and-a-half-hour drive from Prescott, both are part of the Rim Lakes Recreation Area and have stunning vistas of the 200-mile Mogollon Rim above. Woods Canyon Lake has several campgrounds, while Willow Springs Lake is within walking distance of one.

• www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/ asnf/recarea/?recid=80835

• www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/ asnf/recarea/?recid=45185

HAWLEY LAKE

If your ideal escape to the woods involves a cabin, check out Hawley Lake, southeast of McNary on White Mountain Apache tribal lands. It’s about four and a half hours from Prescott and offers 68

cabins owned and operated by the tribe’s Community Development Corporation to provide jobs and fund housing opportunities. There’s also a campground for RVs, trailers and tents.

The quality of the fishing in the 260-acre lake is excellent year-round, with ice fishing a great winter ritual for the truly dedicated. The surrounding White Mountain peaks and their reflections in the water draw boatloads of photographers, too.

• www.wmat.nsn.us/ hawleycabins.html

BIG LAKE

It takes just over four and a half hours to reach this 575-acre lake south of Greer, and you’re rewarded with spectacular views, fine fishing and endless trails for hikers and mountain bikers. Boat and kayak rentals are available. There are nine campgrounds in the area; two accommodate RVs and two are dedicated entirely to tent camping.

Located in Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest in the White Mountains, this 9,000-feet-high lake is one of the best fishing lakes in the state with rainbow, cutthroat, Apache and brook trout, the most prized catches. It’s near several other lakes and both forks of the Black River.

• www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/ asnf/recarea/?recid=80836

True. Western. Determination. Rodeo Theme Announced:

by Tricia Lewis – Photos by Blushing Cactus Photography

Trusted traditions require dedication, determination and vision. Each year hours and hours of planning, organization and coordination occur to produce Prescott Frontier Days®, Inc. and the World’s Oldest Rodeo®.

This rodeo is Prescott’s most anticipated event of the year as many residents, business owners and regular visitors look forward to this one week out of the year to really boost their businesses and community.

Except for what we all experienced in 2020 with COVID-19, the World’s Oldest Rodeo® has consistently implemented trusted traditions that make us special, unique and nostalgic. However, the pandemic was a true test of our will, dedication and strength as an organization, a community and as people.

Travel, Dining & Entertainment FUN

This year, our theme that best resonates on the outcome of the pandemic is True. Western. Determination. It represents the traditions that make this organization and the World’s Oldest Rodeo® unique. We are true to our roots, to the culture that many depend on and know Prescott for … and we are determined to survive anything that comes our way!

The World’s Oldest Rodeo® is the culture that defines Prescott as a western town. We are the birthplace of professional rodeo, and many come from all over just to experience that and create lifelong memories.

Last year was a true test of our strength and overall determination. With the help of members from the community, and permission from the Governor’s office, we produced and held the 133rd World’s Oldest Rodeo® right here at this location. It was different, a bit awkward with the new rules that were enforced, but it turned out to be a great rodeo with great rodeo livestock and contestants.

Looking ahead and here we are, the 134th annual World’s Oldest Rodeo® is upon us. It is exciting,

refreshing, and a bit overwhelming to think of all this organization has endured. We are “rodeo strong” and will hopefully be around for the next 134 years in Prescott, Arizona.

This year is off to a great start with strong ticket sales and at full capacity, and our sponsors have once again showed up in numbers. We truly appreciate our rodeo fans, sponsors and contestants who continuously support us to make Prescott’s most anticipated event of the year the best it can be!

It is our goal and promise to produce the best rodeo, dance, parade and all the other activities held during Prescott Frontier Days®. The reason we are strong is because of each one of you — your dedication to serve as a volunteer, donate as a sponsor, your membership and attendance at member meetings, willingness to ride in the grand entry and proudly display your patriotism in front of thousands of people, is truly an honor and something

we as a nonprofit organization do not take lightly.

Each year hundreds of volunteers work tirelessly (some year around) to improve the rodeo grounds, organize merchandise, implement new ways of doing things to contribute to the overall success of this rodeo and organization. Consider this a sincere thank you to each of you!

The World’s Oldest Rodeo® is a true, western and determined organization that values the community in which it thrives, and we would not be here without it. We encourage you to enjoy yourself, watch heart-pounding and world-class rodeo and patronize the vendors in attendance.

Remember, the gates open two hours prior to each performance. So come early, shop the vendor spaces, and enjoy some great food (and maybe some livestock sounds) along the way.

Don’t forget our annual rodeo dance (held in the Depot Marketplace/BMO Harris Bank parking lot), Arizona’s second largest outdoor parade (held in downtown Prescott) and many other family-friendly events occur from June 28 to July 4; visit www. worldsoldestrodeo.com for more information and event details.

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 support!

Live Races Back at Arizona Downs

by Mike Weiss, General Manager, Arizona Downs

We’ve all missed getting together with friends and loved ones over the past year. But as we all emerge from a pandemic, it’s clear families and horse lovers from across the Quad Cities — and beyond — are making up for lost time by getting together to enjoy live racing at Arizona Downs.

The community response to re-opening our doors has been astounding! Support has been overwhelming from both returning friends and firsttime visitors.

The sights and sounds are as exciting as ever. Those who have visited are finding a newly renovated facility, new management team, bigger

purses and a renewed enthusiasm — giving everyone a reason to spend a day at the track.

We’ve partnered with the Arizona Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association to develop the most attractive race program in our history.

Live racing happens Tuesdays and Wednesdays through September; 32 dates in all! We’ve already seen some incredible races and jawdropping finishes.

Doors open at 10 a.m. with our first post at 2:30 p.m. with free parking and general admission.

There’s so much more to see away from the track, as well.

1

Groups are booking private events because of the clean amenities, beautiful views and friendly staff. Fans also are enjoying tasty burgers, wings, Bloody Marys and Arizona craft beers at The View. Get there at sunset to see just how that space earned its name.

Arizona Downs Opens Racing Season

Arizona Downs near Prescott Valley has announced its return to live horse racing, effective June 1. Races will begin at 1:30 p.m. Tuesdays and Wednesdays through Sept. 15, Steve Peterson, track spokesman, said. The track will open earlier on race days for those who want to eat or have beverages.

Arizona Downs is east of Prescott Valley at 10501 E. AZ-89A. Parking is free.

The track is managed by Michael Weiss, longtime horseracing industry leader with deep ties to Arizona racetracks. Weiss most recently was the general manager of Rillito Park Racetrack in Tucson.

A former student at the University of Arizona Race Track Industry Program in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Weiss is well-known for pioneering that educational program. He also serves as a career adviser for program graduates.

“I am excited at the opportunity to contribute to efforts to save Arizona horse racing,” Weiss said. “It truly is worth saving. I look forward to rebuilding Arizona Downs and assembling a safe environment for horsemen. I also want a

Arizona Downs reopened for horse racing beginning June 1. Races will take place every Tuesday and Wednesday through Sept. 1, track officials said. (Photo by Ray Newton)

memorable experience for fans.”

Arizona Downs is one of two major horse racing tracks in Arizona. The other is Turf Paradise in Phoenix.

Arizona Downs features a combination of quarter horse and thoroughbred racing. It is owned by JACOR, whose managing member is Tom Auther.

Reopening of Arizona Downs is coming at a critical time in Arizona horse racing history. The Legislature has approved a bill to modernize wagering at horse tracks and

off-track betting (OTB) sites that allows tracks and the broader agribusiness and racing industry to generate money after races and on nonrace days.

In Yavapai County, benefits could amount to up to $1 million in new local tax revenues and 400 new jobs, according to case studies.

Prescott Valley Mayor Kell Palguta issued a statement endorsing Arizona Downs. Noting that tourism was a major economic factor in the community, Palguta said he and other town leaders viewed Arizona Downs as a major attraction and asset for businesses and families.

“Horse racing has been an important industry in Arizona since statehood. Arizona Downs is a part of our history. As we continue to grow and thrive, we also must modernize the industries that are at our core,” he said.

Palguta said he thought approval of historic horse racing, or wagering on video game machines which then play races that have already been run, would add significantly to local and state tax revenues and help generate needed new jobs for rural Arizona.

More details are available at www.arizonadowns.com or by calling 928-227-1996.

Yavapai County Students Earn GiFTS Scholarships

Nine Yavapai County students representing seven communities each received a $3,500 scholarship from the Gardner Family Teachers Scholarship Endowment (GiFTS) during an awards ceremony April 30.

Recipients were recognized by Yavapai College President Lisa Rhine, who told them they were “entering one of the most noble and respectable professions in the world. Teachers influence eternity.” Rhine has been president of YC since February 2019.

She was joined by Danny Brown and Tara O’Neill, GiFTS co-presidents, and other GiFTS board members at the ceremony. Brown and O’Neill stressed, “We increased scholarship amounts significantly to support persons genuinely dedicated to become certificated educators in the teaching profession.”

Brown, superintendent of ClarkdaleJerome Elementary School District, and O’Neill, professor-administrator at Yavapai College, said increases were approved because volunteer board members recognized a severe teacher shortage in rural communities in Arizona.

Those receiving scholarships were:

• Chino Valley: Emily Schuler, sophomore, Yavapai College; Hayley Feipel, sophomore, University of Phoenix; Alondra Mendez, junior, Grand Canyon University.

• Dewey-Humboldt: Peyton Blumstein. master’s program, Grand Canyon University.

• Clarkdale: Kylie Densmore, junior, Northern Arizona University.

• Cottonwood: Chelsea Henderson, senior, Northern Arizona University.

Dr. Lisa Rhine, president, Yavapai College, recognized aspiring future teachers who received $3,500 scholarships from the Gardner Family Teacher Scholarship Foundation (GiFTS) on April 30. (Photo by Ray Newton)

• Prescott: Kacie Burns, freshman, Arizona State University.

• Bagdad: Hannah Woodburn, freshman, Northern Arizona University.

• Prescott Valley: Trinidad Caparachin, freshman, Yavapai College.

GiFTS was founded in 2000 by the late Gladys Gardner. In 21 years, GIFTS has granted $383,600 to 197 qualified recipients. GiFTS is a 501(c) (3) nonprofit foundation administered by a volunteer board. Additional information is available online at www.ycesa.com/gardner-teacherscholarship

Support the Arts to Support Yourself

by Blake Herzog

Feelinga little down? Need a shot of mental or physical energy?

Go paint a painting or sing your heart out at karaoke, or go to an art museum or concert (virtually or otherwise) to experience someone else’s work.

Greater Prescott has a burgeoning cultural scene spearheaded by an array of art galleries downtown, local music ensembles ranging from orchestras to bar bands, community theater organizations, regional and national acts at the Findlay Toyota Center, Yavapai College Performing Arts Center and Elks Theatre.

Our options for seeing and otherwise participating in live events and even movies

have been limited over the past year but they are slowly coming back. Our local arts organizations need our support no matter what else is going on — it’s a matter of community health.

Many researchers report a link between the arts and improved health, and to further explore this link the World Health Organization (WHO) released a survey in 2019 of more than 3,000 European studies on the mental and physical health effects of participating in arts and cultural activities.

With the most comprehensive research of its kind to date, the WHO found involvement with visual, performing, literary and or online arts:

FUN Travel, Dining & Entertainment

• Supports child development by enhancing speech and language acquisition and support parent-child bonding.

• Promotes healthy living and engagement with health care providers.

• Helps to stop or slow down progression of illness by increasing well-being, reducing the impact of trauma, lowering the risk of cognitive decline and even improving symptoms.

• Supports recovery and relieving symptoms from mental illness.

• Improves the experience of and outcomes from hospital care for patients of all ages.

• Supports patients with neurological disorders including autism spectrum diagnoses, cerebral palsy, stroke and dementia.

People benefit from participating in the arts as well as looking at the work of others. This includes: improved sleep and concentration in children after being read to by parents; teens participating in dramatic reenactments of tough life situations they may face; and older people with dementia improving their memory by singing.

People of all ages can benefit from taking up such art-related hobbies as painting or drawing, pottery, music, photography, writing, or even animation or other online arts.

Following these activities throughout your life or taking them up as an older adult keeps your mind engaged and helps to ward off cognitive decline.

At the community level, the WHO says residents and officials can help promote arts events, programs and organizations by ensuring art forms are available to

everyone in the community, including minorities and lower-income groups.

As an individual you can make sure your children have access to and participate in arts-related programs at school and attend museums, live shows and festivals whenever possible — streaming content or in-person when available. It’s going to do you and everyone else good!

Teen’s Vision Shapes Arizona Heritage Site

harlot Mabridth Hall was barely 12 years old when her family arrived by covered wagon to the Arizona Territory. It was 1882, and she’d ridden her pony all the way from Kansas, herding horses that her father sold once they had reached the frontier territory.

The family homesteaded near present-day Dewey, and Sharlot settled into a life of ranching work. Sharlot attended a local school for a term, and a year of high school in Prescott. For the most part, however, she was largely self-educated and, from an early age, she wrote poetry and articles, which she began selling.

As a teenager, she became interested in Arizona history through listening to stories told by Judge Henry Fleury, who lived in the former home of the territorial governors (the Governor’s Mansion) in Prescott.

As a young woman, Sharlot began contributing her poetry and articles to Land of Sunshine, which eventually became the influential Out West magazine. She worked as its editor for a few years, living in Los Angeles for months at a time. Sharlot also wrote about Arizona and its history, while collecting oral histories of the old timers, their stories and artifacts of the frontier. In 1904 as a representative of the Monday Club (Prescott) to the Arizona Federation of Women's Clubs, she served as historian of the Federation and as president of the Arizona Pioneers' Association.

Strong-willed and not shy, Sharlot made her voice heard concerning matters related to Arizona and women’s rights. After President Roosevelt proposed in 1905 that Arizona and New Mexico territories be combined as one and admitted to the Union as a single state, she wrote the poem “Arizona.” It advocated separate statehood, and

Sharlot arranged for a copy to be given every member of Congress.

Although it is difficult to tell what effect her poem had, the idea of joint statehood was dropped. A few years later, women campaigned to win the vote in Arizona Territory. She wrote: “Women must have absolute political equality – in fact have absolute equality in all ways, before we will have a race of responsible, well-born, well- trained people.”

MAfter gaining prominence as a historian, Sharlot was appointed in 1909 to serve as Arizona Territorial Historian –the first woman to serve in a public (and salaried) office in the Territory – where she continued to learn about Arizona history by traveling and researching the entire territory. In 1910, she published a book of poetry, Cactus and Pine, which was reviewed favorably nationally. With statehood in 1912, Sharlot’s position as territorial historian ended, but she continued her political activism. She served as Arizona’s electoral delegate in 1925, traveling to Washington, D.C., following the election of Calvin Coolidge as president. During this trip, she wore a sheath overdress made of copper to showcase one of the state’s major industries. This copper sheath is on exhibit at the Sharlot Hall Museum.

Sharlot carved out a life as a writer, historian, political activist, and ranch woman, where she remained until after her parents’ deaths. It was then she began work fulfilling a promise she had made to herself while a teen.

She negotiated a lifetime lease to live in Prescott‘s old Governor’s Mansion and to turn it into a museum to house her collection of historic objects and collected artifacts. In June 1928, she began receiving visitors to the Gubernatorial Mansion Museum and worked as curator, director, fundraiser and tour guide in the museum for the next 15 years. She was able to add buildings and exhibit space through New Deal funding during the 1930s.

Sharlot continued to operate the Museum until her death in 1943. Subsequently, volunteers took over and the Museum continued to grow. Today, the Sharlot Hall Museum is an educational and cultural center and both a historical and heritage site. - submitted by Lisa Hayes, Ph.D., executive director of Sharlot Hall Museum, and compiled and edited from a Days Past article written in October 2016 by museum staff. Photos courtesy Sharlot Hall Museum Research Center.

Toys!

It’s Not All Fun & Games!

new, interactive exhibit is open at Sharlot Hall Museum that traces the legacy of toys... from sticks and stones, to whistles ‘n’ dolls... from board games and puzzles, to Lincoln logs, Tinkertoys, Legos, yo-yos, wagons and sleds... to all manner of whizbang items that provide fun fantasy and entertainment.

Discover how Toys! became an essential development tool for young people that nurture their social skills, enlighten on cultural norms, and mold the mind and dexterity... and not just for fun & games! 415 W . Gurley St., Prescott (928) 445-3122 sharlothallmuseum.org “Toys! It’s Not All Fun & Games”

in Lawler Center Hours: Tues. - Sat. 10am-5pm Sun. 12n-4pm; Closed Mon.

1912 ‘The Cringer’: First Movie Made in Prescott

by Drew Desmond, Secretary, Prescott Western Heritage Foundation

With no surviving copies of the first movie filmed in Yavapai County, a nationwide search of movie reviews and newspaper accounts of The Cringer recap the 1912 film.

When the Lubin Motion Picture Company located a studio in Prescott, it was an economic windfall. The Journal-Miner declared the studio was spending upward of $7,000 a month at local merchants — the equivalent of nearly $190,000 today.

The Cringer starred Romaine Fielding, and two Prescott locals scored parts.

A Mt. Carmel, Pennsylvania newspaper wrote the film was “replete with startling situations, full of thrilling action with plenty of cowboys, good fast riding and desperados.”

The movie opens with Fielding playing a sheepherder who becomes known as the Cringer.

Early on, the sheepherder showed cowardice witnessed by a number of cowboys. According to the Daily Arkansas Gazette, he is “made desperate through abuse”; even “while attending (to) a sick kid,” the Gettysburg Times wrote.

“A theft of a horse, a fire, a run by a fire department, (the) chase of the horse thief, daring horsemanship and fine acting,” described the Leavenworth (Kansas) Post.

Fortunately, one reviewer spoiled the ending. According to the Meridian (Connecticut) Journal, after being shot by the posse, the Cringer “dies murmuring the words ‘I was not afraid.’”

The Prescott premier was Dec. 3 at the Wigwam; completely sold-out for two nights and a matinee.

According to the Journal-Miner, the bank robbery scene included two locals. Playing the bank clerk was Malcolm Frasier — the secretary of the Chamber of Commerce that initially wooed the film company. As Frasier counts a pile of money, the Cringer walks in, draws his revolver, demanding Frasier turn it over.

“Before doing so, Frasier … presses a button that connects to the office of the Prescott Protective Association, but Harry Heap is asleep at the switch … drunk again,” the article described.

Heap’s portrayal of a chronic drunk had no illeffect on his standing in the community. In less than six years, he would be elected mayor.

The Western Heritage Center, located in the old Sam Hill Hardware building on historic Whiskey Row, has an exhibit on the film history of Yavapai County. Included are stories, posters, the phone booth that appeared in Junior Bonner and a monitor playing 100-year-old silent films featuring Prescott. For operating hours check: www.visitwhc.org

Raffle Tickets $10 each, 6 for $50, or 12 for $100

Drawing to be held at our 8th Annual Western Heritage Banquet on Nov. 6, 2021  Need not be present to win 

“BINDING CONTRACT”

Sold Out Limited Edition (Artist’s Copy Valued At $14,000) Donated To The Western Heritage Center

By

Bradford J. Williams

The Prescott Western Heritage Foundation sees this sculpture as a representation of trust, collaboration, good will, and teamwork with our neighboring cities and organizations in Yavapai County who support our passion to preserve and promote our western history and heritage. 100% of the proceeds will go towards the Western Heritage Center’s projects.

Raffle Tickets for This Valuable Bronze Sculpture Are Available In Our Mercantile.

Western Heritage Center

156 C South Montezuma St. (Historic Whiskey Row) Prescott, AZ 86303

Business Hours: Friday and Saturday 10:00 am - 5:00 pm, Sunday 11:00 am - 4:00 pm.

www.VisitWHC.org

Prescott Western Heritage Foundation, Inc., is a charitable, 501(c)3 non-profit, all volunteer corporation

33rd Gathering of Cowboy Poets Returns in August

The Arizona Cowboy Poets Gathering will take the stage at a new venue this year, the Prescott Rodeo Grounds. The popular event will be Aug. 12 through Aug. 14.

More than 40 cowboy poets and singers will share their heritage and the culture. Featured performers include Dave Stamey, Jay Snider and Belinda Gail. This year’s collectible poster design was created by rancher and artist JaNeil Anderson and is titled “That Girl is a Cowboy.” An original framed giclee will be available to win through the annual raffle.

Dave Stamey will be the featured performer at 7 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 12. He has been a cowboy, a mule packer and a dude wrangler. He was voted seven times Entertainer of the Year and Male Performer of the year, and five times Songwriter of the Year by the Western Music Association. He also received the Will Rogers Award from the Academy of Western Artists.

Friday evening's featured performer will be Jay Snider. Born into a ranching and rodeo family, Snider rodeoed throughout most of his early years and stays busy raising ranch horses, cattle and

team roping. He has performed on Country Music Television, the National Cowboy Gathering in Elko, Nevada, Ozarks Fall Roundup and Hills Outdoor Theater in Branson, Missouri. He has been recognized with awards including Best of Best trophy at Kanab; he is a six-time nominee for male poet of the year by the Academy of Western Artists.

On Saturday night Belinda Gail will be on stage. Ranching and the “cowboy life” are part of the essence of this performer. Gail recently was listed as one of the top 50 Country and Western Entertainers of all time by American Cowboy Magazine. Her dynamic and captivating voice stirs the emotions and visions of the West in the heart of every audience she embraces.

The event features free day sessions in which attendees can meet cowboy poets and singers to learn about the culture and history that celebrate the American Cowboy.

“Like so many events last year,

it was unfortunate we had to cancel the Gathering because of COVID-19. We are excited though to bring it back this year in an all new outdoor venue,” said Chairman Jim Buchanan. “We really couldn’t do this large event without our hard-working volunteers who have dedicated their time to bring this to Prescott for the past 32 years.”

The Gathering is respected by the cowboy poets as one of the best gatherings in the country because it helps maintain the true “working cowboy” culture and heritage.

Tickets are available by going to www.azcowboypoets. org or calling 928-7762000 or 877-928-4253.

granted and always look for ways to improve. For example, how do we serve our community better? How do we serve our employees better? Where do we get the best products from? The challenge this past year has been finding products to put on the shelf because COVID changed everything. Effectively, it’s just always how to do make ourselves better? Rather, it’s how do we improve on ourselves?

Ken Lain: I would say too, this year we saw a real demarcation line for some companies during this pandemic during the last 12, 18 months. Some curled up in a fetal position and just hid. Their teams fell apart. Our thought? This was the year for leadership. Strong leadership, guidance, encouragement, help coming alongside, helping our staff to realize that we can do this together. That’s probably our greatest challenge, not just this year, but for the coming years.

Prescott LIVING: You have been featured as a man of vision. What does that mean to you?

Ken Lain: You know, I’ve never really thought of myself as a man or a company or family of vision.

Ken Lain: Let me take that forward. You always have to keep getting better. You should always want to get better, learn better.

Prescott LIVING: Let’s shift directions — some fun questions. Where is your favorite vacation spot? Where do you like to travel?

Ken Lain: The globe. We love to travel.

Lisa Watters-Lain: You name it, we like to travel there. We’ve been to Spain, we’ve been to Ireland, we’ve been to Mexico and India.

Ken Lain: Our next international trip is Israel in November. But in July, we’re taking our grandson to Washington, D.C. We have an agreement with each of our grandchildren: When they turn 10, we will take them — just us and them — to some place that interests them. So our oldest grandchild turns 10 this year. We’re taking him to the Air and Space Museum in Washington, D.C., and then see the sights there.

Prescott LIVING: What’s your favorite holiday?

Ken Lain: Christmas. “It’s a Wonderful Life” is our favorite movie.

permeates every thread of our family. That might be also a reason that we’re considered visionary. We truly think that we can actually get involved and make a difference — as a couple and as a company.

Prescott LIVING: I’d enjoy knowing what you have in your own garden.

Lisa Watters-Lain: Maybe a better question is, what don’t we have?

Ken Lain: If you drive by our house, you might say, “Wow, those folks might actually own a garden center.” You’d be right. We have a privilege of experimenting with new plants. So many of the plants you wouldn’t recognize in our yard because we’re still testing them before we introduce them into the community. The most unusual plant we have is a weeping redwood. It’s just outside the pond area. Everyone that comes over goes, “Whoa, what is that?” This tree is probably 30 feet tall — I don’t know — more? It’s a specimen. It’s glorious. You wouldn’t think it would grow here but it is magnificent.

Ken Lain: Maybe we’re living in the good old days right now. We just need to enjoy where we are. I think if we’re truly involved in supporting our schools, our nonprofits, our churches, our businesses, and we have the philosophy that we can make a difference if we get involved, I think maybe that’s the place to be. That’s the place where we need to be focused. (Continued from page 151)

Lisa Watters-Lain: He’s always looking forward. You have to look back to see where your business has been, but Ken spends hours upon hours looking forward. Thinking about what’s coming next. He does that for our home life, he does it for business, he does it for organizations he’s involved in. So he’s always looking, “How do I improve? What am I going to do differently? What are we going to do better?”

Prescott LIVING: What’s the best advice you folks have ever received?

Ken Lain: Never stop learning.

Lisa Watters-Lain: I agree. Never stop learning or never be content where you’re at.

Ken Lain: We teach our children, especially our daughters, that one person can make a difference. Or one company can make a difference. That

Prescott LIVING: One final question. If you could snap your fingers to make a major change, what would that change be?

Restaurants

Experience the Joys of Patio Dining This Summer

by Staff Reports

Farm Provisions

At Farm Provisions we enjoy being able to offer our guests the ability to dine outdoors. We are also pet friendly and love seeing our guests’ four-legged companions!

Our patio is year-round; during the winter months we are able to fully enclose it and heat the space.

Come enjoy a delicious lunch or dinner while soaking in the amazing Prescott weather while dining al fresco!

Augie’s

Relax and unwind – you’re on patio time!

Augie’s canopy-covered patio seats 50 people comfortably with panoramic views of Thumb Butte, Granite Mountain and Yavapai reservation lands.

The patio is surrounded by lush green pyracantha evergreen shrubs as a living screen that still offers easy sight lines for travelers moving along Arizona Highway 69.

As a full-service patio, the space is perfect for all gatherings of friends and family for any special occasion or celebration, with convenient access to all the samelevel parking spaces surrounding the restaurant.

FUN Restaurants

Our experienced staff is pleased to serve our guests — here to relax and have fun, or relish our patio, a “ketchup” with friends, or enjoy party “thyme” on our spacious patio.

For reservations, please contact us at 928-777-0330 or visit our website at www.augiesprescott.com

The Palace

The Palace is the oldest restaurant and saloon in Arizona. Join former patrons Doc Holliday, the Earp brothers and Big Nose Kate and step into the Wild West past.

Enjoy great drinks, food and fun on our beautiful, festive patio. It is dogand family-friendly and a great way to enjoy our wonderful weather.

Days are sunny and bright, and at night we have beautiful ambient lighting creating a warm and cozy atmosphere. Enjoy live music on Tuesdays and Saturdays with our Party on the Patio series.

Order up an Old Overholt just like Doc Holliday or try one of our more than 130 whiskeys — the best selection in Northern Arizona. We also have fantastic specialty cocktails in addition to all the traditional favorites.

Our menu offers something for everyone and features steaks, daily prime rib, salmon, chicken, burgers, kid’s menu and much more. Free parking is available in the garage right behind The Palace. We hope to see you soon!

Text submitted by Augie’s, Farm Provisions and the Palace

FUN Restaurants

Founding Fathers Flourish Downtown

Aformer bottling factory on the bank of Granite Creek has been transformed into a business and social hub for downtown Prescott by two of the many native sons who have left town only to be drawn back home.

Grant Quezada and Jesse Burke own Founding Fathers Collective, which houses six businesses under one roof at 218 N. Granite St., five of which Quezada and Burke also own: John Hancock Barbershop, City Tavern, Merchant Coffee, Liberty Mercantile, Founder’s Gym and Mountain Tribe Brazilian Jiu Jitzu (owned by Robert Johnson). Since opening in October 2020

the location — rounded out with a members-only speakeasy/event space and food truck service — has been bustling with friends, neighbors and customers as they discover the synergy created by the six spaces.

Burke (Prescott High School class of 2000) and Quezada (PHS class of 2002) reconnected in much the same way. They played sports and went to school and church with each other as well as their future wives, then went on to military service and professional life before moving back about seven years ago.

“We both got back to town, decided to move back here within a month of each other,” Burke says.

“And when we both got back, we kind of reconnected downtown in the (courthouse) square, ran into each other at one of the events going on there and just started

talking and kind of rekindled our friendship and relationship and started going from there.”

Quezada had worked at a salon in Missouri before joining the Army and serving with the 2nd Ranger Battalion of the 75th Ranger Regiment. Once he left, he and his wife Veronica decided to return to Prescott with their family, opening John Hancock Barbershop in 2014.

Their vision of owning the best barbershop in town quickly led to success, so Quezada revisited his dream of opening a barbershop, bar and coffeehouse in one space. Burke had served as a chaplain in the Air Force and was working as a business consultant. He began to work with Quezada on developing the Founding Fathers concept, and his wife Julie eventually took on its interior design.

“Our goal as we were building this was to take what I had done with John Hancock and put it into a larger scale to where you have a myriad of people coming in all different age ranges and demographics, and they’re able to sit and join each other in conversation and just more of a relaxed, accepting environment,” Quezada says.

Future Forward

Burke says he and Quezada are both interested in expanding downtown’s commerce beyond Courthouse Plaza and sat together on the City of Prescott’s Granite Creek Greenway committee.

When the old bottling plant, which was later converted into an antique store, came back on the market “we were really excited,” Burke says — it has the most frontage on the creek of any property in town.

Quezada and Burke are looking to the future with an expansion of their creekside patio and taking the Founding Fathers concept to other communities, potentially starting with Prescott Valley.

For more information visit www.foundingfatherscollective.com

Superstition Meadery Grows into World Competitor

By Ray Newton

In 2019, Superstition Meadery, a local operation founded by owners Jen and Jeff Herbert, was growing exponentially and achieved national recognition by being named The Best Small Business in America. That honor came from the U.S. Small Business Administration and ranked this Prescott enterprise as the top business out of over 30 million small businesses in the country.

In part, the Herberts credit professional counsel from the

Yavapai College Small Business Development Center, who assisted with their expansion plans by connecting them with the Arizona Commerce Authority to help close their first SBA loan to build a stateof-the-art production facility in the Prescott Airpark, in 2017.

Since then, Superstition Meadery has become one of the largest mead producers in the world. These craft beverage entrepreneurs now operate a downtown Phoenix mead and food-pairing restaurant, Superstition Downtown, in addition to their popular Prescott tasting room on Gurley Street in downtown Prescott.

Through Superstition’s extensive sales and marketing efforts, the local company has established distribution channels in more than 30 states and 24 countries. Consumers in 40 states can even order their products through the Superstition webstore.

Recently, the Hensley Beverage Company was excited to provide statewide distribution for their mead and hard cider, opening

the door to thousands of new accounts and customers throughout the Grand Canyon State.

What’s mead, you ask?

It’s considered one of the world’s oldest alcoholic beverages. Research shows that mead was fermented in 7000 BCE in northern China, but cultures throughout Europe, India, Africa and even Mexico have been enjoying mead for thousands of years. The dominant ingredient is honey, which is often complimented with fruits, spices, and sometimes hops.

The Old English word “mead” means fermented honey drink. The fermentation process is similar to that used with wines. The alcoholic content can range from 3.5% to 20%. Flavors may be sweet, semisweet, dry, sparkling, carbonated or still, depending on ingredients used in the fermentation process. One of the best ways to experience this beverage is through a flight of multiple small pours, which you can try 7 days a week in Prescott! More details are available at www.superstitionmeadery.com

Watersports: a Whale of a Good Time

by Blake Herzog

Especially for a community that doesn’t sit on the coast or a Havasu-sized lake, Greater Prescott residents and visitors love to be on the water.

Since most of the area’s recreational lakes allow only nonmotorized crafts, although in some cases they permit motorized boats, it’s a playground for those who want to take smaller, more nimble sporting equipment out to kayak, paddleboard, sail or canoe. These activities provide some of the best workouts you can find, requiring a full-body intensity that’s difficult to find on land.

These and many more watery pastimes are here for you and your family to sample, after at least an orientation or a few lessons. They start with the most basic watersport of them all — no equipment necessary besides a suit and sunscreen:

FUN Outdoor Adventure

SWIMMING

There aren’t nearly as many pools here as you’ll find in the desert, but don’t write swimming off as a perfect way to enjoy the mild-to-warm summer here.

• Prescott Valley’s Mountain Valley Splash is the area’s largest public outdoor aquatic center and is oriented toward recreational as well as athletic use, with six lanes for lap swimming as well as a zero-depth entry pool, 75-foot slide and splash pad.

• The James Family Prescott YMCA has an indoor pool open for lessons, classes and lap swim.

• In 2020 Prescott National Forest lifted swimming restrictions at its lakes: Lynx, Granite Basin, Mingus and Horsethief Basin. However, it is not allowed in the

City of Prescott-operated lakes (Watson, Willow and Goldwater).

KAYAKING/CANOEING/ PADDLEBOARDING

These watercrafts are linked by their dependence on a paddle or oar for maneuvering, but require different degrees of strength, balance and other skills. Kayaks generally have one or two small openings for occupants to sit in and don’t leave much room for equipment for fishing, camping or other pursuits. Stand-up paddleboards, somewhat similar to surfboards, require the most concentration and balance.

• Prescott Outdoors — This firm is a longtime provider in renting kayaks, paddleboards and canoes at Watson Lake through Oct. 17 and on Goldwater Lake through Sept. 26. www.prescottoutdoors.com

• Born 2 Be Wild — This mobile service brings kayaks and paddleboards to you: www.b2bwild.com

SAILING

Here’s where you must work with the wind power nature decides to give you at any given point. Sailing demands different skills from you. You need to be able to perceive shifts in your environment and react to them, whether it’s the breeze blowing out or a boat or family of ducks drifting into your path. It’s your job to negotiate how your craft gets to where it needs to go without endangering you or anyone in your path. Sailing crafts come in many forms, from windsurfing and sailboards to catamarans, single-hulled boats and more. You can sail on any lake where nonmotorized boating is allowed.

Partners in Nature, Education: Acker Park Features New Story Walk

by Madison Link, GEM Environmental, and Kelly Tolbert, City of Prescott Recreation Services

In honor of Women’s History Month 2021, GEM Environmental created and installed a story walk along Tom’s Trail in Acker Park to recognize the amazing achievements of five female minority STEM professionals.

The stories spotlight Mary G. Ross, Maryam Mirzakhani, Mamie Phipps Clark, Chien-Shiung Wu and Ellen Ochoa. Through the walk, you learn about their stories, the hardships they overcame,

their vital contributions to STEM, and ways for visitors to get involved!

This project aligns with GEM’s mission to create avenues for the advancement of students in STEM programs to industry careers by providing educational opportunities for continued personal growth.

Madison Link, GEM’s program coordinator, says that to continue toward advancement, one must also look back

at those who have come before, have broken boundaries, and have accomplished amazing achievements despite adversity.

Madison was inspired to create GEM’s Acker Park project by the existing story walk by Prescott Public Library at Granite Creek Park.

Granite Creek Park has a story walk designed to teach elementary school students reading comprehension skills. Created by the Prescott Public Library,

community members are able to enjoy an educational space in nature. The story walk simultaneously provides parents with tips on how to support their children in learning, while also using elementary reading level language so children can practice their reading skills.

Madison decided a story walk would be an excellent way to showcase minority STEM professionals.

“Story walks are great for the community!” she says. “They help inspire people to be active outside and are a great way to learn along the way. It just makes sense that GEM would follow the Prescott Public Library’s lead as we are always looking to promote outdoor educational spaces.”

Working with Kelly Tolbert, Prescott Recreation Service’s recreation coordinator, it was decided a story walk aimed at the middle school reading level would be ideal. They worked to find a great location, evaluating spaces based on many variables, eventually deciding on Tom’s Trail in Acker Park.

The entire GEM team worked to create vivid biographies for these five amazing women. Madison researched and identified the information while Annie Warner, Abby Ruby and Brandon White helped edit the information into a story.

Warner, an AmeriCorps state member and GEM’s media expert, says: “This project is unique and meaningful because it addresses community issues in a sustainable way. By sharing the accomplishments of minority women in STEM with community members, we can inspire many generations to come.”

While writing the pieces was extremely important, so was constructing the plaques the stories rest upon. Eric Welsh, founder and executive director of GEM Environmental, along with his three children, fabricated the plaques from scratch. Using their welding skills, Eric and his sons created frames for the plaques and ingenious tops that allow the stories to be changed at a later date.

The team began the installation process March 31, the last day of Women’s History Month! The team met at 10 a.m. to dig holes for the posts, mix cement, and center the plaques just right. After three hours of hard work, the first parts of the plaques were installed.

Ruby said at the time: “I got to learn a lot about manual labor yesterday, which was awesome! Mixing and shoveling concrete, powering on an auger, and digging through clay isn’t how I thought I’d spend my Wednesday, but it was a great new way to make a difference in the community.”

Not only was it a good opportunity to learn about manual labor, but Warner also got to stretch her project planning and design skills.

“During this project, I learned more about the logistics behind planning for community learning,” she says. “I was able to gain a new perspective on the extensive work needed to complete a project like this including the graphic design elements, coordination with community partners, and physical installation components.”

GEM is constantly and consistently focused on creating positive impacts in community spaces, building skills through experiential activities for our members, and designing sustainable projects that empower community learning. The Acker Park Story Walk incorporates all of these elements.

To view the efforts in celebrating women in STEM via Tom’s Trail, access Acker Park via Summer Field.

Q&A

Loree Walden, Marketing Manager,

Yavapai

Humane Society

Q: What brought you to Prescott and how long have you been here?

A: I moved to Prescott 11 years ago from Hawaii. I was heading to Tennessee and stopped in Phoenix to see some friends from Hawaii who suggested I check out Northern Arizona. I pulled into Prescott, parked at the Courthouse Square, walked around for about 10 minutes, and knew that I was HOME!

Q: How did you become interested in your career field?

A: I’ve always enjoyed writing, being creative and, of course animals. What better way to spend your day than advocating for animals that need homes? Previously, I spent over 20 years doing taxes and 8 years in radio... so this job is a welcome and rewarding change!

Q: What is the biggest challenge of your job?

A: It's very hard not to let your emotions get the best of you and cause depression. These animals all become "our" and every one of us that work at YHS all know and believe that it's our goal to find them forever homes! It's especially hard when we have a long term resident dog or cat who has been with us, for whatever reason for too long, to not just want to take them home with us. The other thing which is

really hard is when one of our "family members" get adopted and brought back right away without being given a chance to adapt to their new surroundings. Unrealistic expectations of adopters of these sweet babies is something that we deal with a lot, and it's really hard on all of us, especially the animals who don't know what they did wrong.

Q: What is the greatest reward of your job?

A: Seeing the amazing animals find their furever homes and knowing what I do may have had even a small part in finding a new family to love them. The smiles that are on the adopters faces when we bring their new family member out to them, is the greatest part of our day! Everyone here has a true passion for what we do and our mission and that makes coming to work so enjoyable.

Q: Where would you like to vacation next and why?

A: I would love to take an Alaskan Cruise. I grew up in Hawaii and have always had a fascination with the glaciers and how different it is than Hawaii.

Q: If you could have dinner with any three to five people (dead or alive) who would it be?

A: My dad who passed away 20 years ago. He was always my

biggest cheerleader and I wish he could see what I'm doing today (although I know he does). Garth Brooks and Trisha Yearwood, because they are so real and I am a fan of TRUE love stories! Celine Dion because she got me through a lot in my life - including losing 220 lbs!

Q: What is the last book you read: what did you enjoy about it most?

A: The Seven Deadly Friendships. I have learned so much about the different relationships in my life and how toxic some of those can be. I recommend this book to everyone, even if you don't think it's something you need to read. It's kind of eye opening!

Q: What is your favorite Prescott activity?

A: I love spending time with my dog, Cassidy Roo (who I adopted from YHS). Taking a walk or a hike on one of our amazing trails is probably one of my/our favorite things. We both love exploring new places together and getting a change of scenery (and for her, smells!). Our trails, lakes and our town are full of places to explore! I became a resident of Prescott 11 years ago and plan on spending the rest of my days here with all that we have to offer, especially for our furbabies!

Desert Financial is Arizona’s most trusted credit union.

Founded by 15 teachers over 80 years ago, our growth transformed us into a statewide financial and community partner with a passion to help. We’re committed to creating better banking experiences for you and your neighbors.

Make the switch to Desert Financial Credit Union and join our mission of sharing success!

Kate & Ryan Members since 1998

LIVING Prescott MAGAZINE

The Voice of the Community