Hector Vazquez
Executive Chef ANDREA DiLUCA
Chef de Cuisine
We’ve got two renowned chefs, Hector Vazquez and Andrea DiLuca, working their magic. Look for them to perform culinary miracles the likes of which the Verde Valley has not seen.
With over 650 slot machines and other casino pleasures, Cliff Castle lives up to the hype.
Come see why Cliff Castle Casino Hotel has earned its reputation as Arizona’s #1 Casino for 18 years in a row.
Taste the small-town family favorite that started it all. Made with fresh, never frozen, 100% beef, your ButterBurger is cooked up only after you order, topped just the way you want it and served on a lightly buttered toasted bun.
Frozen Custard in a Waffle Cone or Dish
The spirit of Christmas comes alive in Prescott’s Courthouse Square in this photo taken by Michael Wilson, who grew up Prescott. The photo was selected for the cover among 108 entries received in Prescott LIVING Magazine’s first cover photo contest. Wilson said he chose the shot, because he grew up in Prescott and loves Courthouse Square when it’s decorated for Christmas. “I love to photograph locations throughout Arizona, and I’m a sucker for a beautiful landscape,” he said. “When creating an image, my goal is to not only photograph the scene, but to capture the way it made me feel.” Website: Michael-Wilson.com
ADVERTISING INQUIRIES info@roxco.com
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1129 Iron Springs Rd., Ste. 210 Prescott, AZ 86305 • 928.777.2397
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Here in Prescott, the temperatures are getting colder, but I’ve never felt warmer.
Perhaps it comes from the glow of the annual courthouse lighting? Or maybe it’s all the energy and excitement thinking about the Christmas parade or Acker Music Night? Dare I say it’s too much eggnog? Whatever it is, I’m feeling it! And I bet you are, too. Whether you live here or are just visiting Prescott, Arizona’s Christmas City never fails to live up to its name.
While it may seem obvious – given the many magnificent Christmas events across our region – we wondered how Prescott earned its designation as Arizona’s Christmas City. So, we looked to the folks at Sharlot Hall Museum to shed some light on the history behind these lights. The story is interesting, and along with a holiday events calendar, kicks off our Special Christmas Section, which features a roundup of our great city’s must-attend holiday events.
And while we’re on the topic of sections, we’re bringing you a new one in this issue – wealth management and financial planning. Between all the holiday meal planning and travel planning, there is another type of planning you should remember this time of year – and that’s your financial planning. December is more than just reflecting on the year gone by; it’s about thinking forward to the year ahead. And we’re thankful that in Prescott, we have some amazing professionals to help us with that!
Speaking of professionals, in this issue, you’ll meet a group of diverse leaders who come together here and around our state to solve critical and often divisive policy issues for the nonprofit Arizona Town Hall. Tackling issues from education to trade, these volunteers are making an impact. And, at a time when divisiveness continues to plague our country, you’ll see how Arizona Town Hall is building bridges across political, geographical and other barriers, while developing leaders and engaged citizens.
Now, if that doesn’t leave you feeling warm and fuzzy, then I know just what will – the sights and sounds of the holidays! Warm your heart under the glow of Courthouse Plaza’s Christmas tree, or warm your soul with the magnificent Christmas music of Prescott POPS Symphony. No matter where your interests lie, everyone can find an event or experience to get into the holiday spirit here in Prescott.
And if all else fails…well, there’s always eggnog!
Lastly, stay tuned for our February issue, which will showcase medical, health and wellness professionals and spotlight the 75th anniversary of Yavapai Regional Medical Center. And since it is the month of love (also our statehood!) we’re bringing you a special wedding- and events-planning section to help you make any type of wedding, vow renewal, anniversary or celebration of love special and unforgettable.
Happy Holidays, and enjoy!
Elaine Earle Publisher,
Prescott LIVING Magazine is brought to you by ROX Media Group, a multimedia organization providing an annual portfolio of 3.6 million print copies of community, custom and travel publications throughout Arizona and in neighboring states. Our publications collectively reach 10 million consumers who reside in or travel to Arizona every year, and bring engaging local content to the communities and marketing partners we serve.
Since our founding in 2011, we have earned the respect of our readers and marketing partners through our dedication to high quality, local content and our understanding of the key informational needs that drive media consumption, messaging and interaction.
Some of our additional offerings include:
• A full suite of creative services for any project
• Custom publications created, designed, edited, printed and distributed
• Digital media marketing services and website creation
• Project management services
• Events services
In addition to this publication you hold in your hand, ROX Media Group has been serving the Prescott area with our publications Quad-City Smart Shopper and TravelHost Arizona beginning in 2013 and we are also the proud publisher of the Visitor Guide – Greater Prescott Area, which is published for the City of Prescott Office of Tourism. We are honored to expand our relationship with your community through this bimonthly publication.
You can visit us any time at our temporary local office, located at 1129 Iron Springs Road, as we renovate and prepare for the grand opening of our new building at 130 N. Granite St. in Prescott or call us at 928-460-2541.
Elaine is an accomplished publisher and management professional with 20 years of experience as a Certified Public Accountant and publisher of a diverse set of marketing products. Elaine and her team bring a “one firm” solution to clients. She has a passion for traveling and has been to over 30 countries.
Tim is a digital design professional with more than 25 years of experience. Tim is responsible for all creative consulting, magazine design, print production and web development for Contract Media Group and RAXX Direct Marketing. He manages production for multiple publications as well as multiple Drupal and Wordpress sites for clients.
Julie is a marketing professional with 20 years of experience working in client and agency settings. Julie has created and managed marketing strategies across many industries, designed to meet client objectives and stay within an established budget.
Jake is an experienced and driven graphic designer whose creative design work can be found in dozens of consumer, travel and lifestyle publications throughout Arizona. Jake is currently responsible for a number of publications at ROX Media Group including Quad-CitySmartShopper,SunHealthLiveWell and 928 Homes.
Susan brings over 30 years of experience in medical marketing and sales to ROX Media Group. In her role, she represents PrescottLIVING Magazine,Quad-CitySmartShopper,TravelHost Arizona and theVisitorGuide–GreaterPrescott Area. Susan is known for her great personality, and enjoys working with the business community to promote their products and services among readers locally and throughout Arizona.
Bea is the general manager and managing editor of ROX Media Group. She handles the various day-to-day activities necessary to take the publications from concept to print and distribution. She has over 22 years of experience in multiple advertising media, including print, direct mail, television and web.
Katie is an accomplished senior copywriter and editor with 12 years of experience working with everything from daily print newspapers to magazines and trade publications. She is also an award-winning journalist and guest lecturer at her alma mater, the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication at Arizona State University.
Carrie is a digital media and marketing fanatic who works with clients to design digital media campaigns aligned with business goals. Carrie knows digital marketing is vital in today’s fast paced online world and that it is imperative to create the right plan to garner new clients, customers or business leads. Carrie holds a bachelor’s degree in speech communications from San Francisco State University.
A veteran newspaperman, magazine and television reporter-editor, Newton also earned stripes at several universities, including Northern Arizona University, as a professor and administrator emeritus. Active throughout his adult years in several local, regional and national think-tank organizations, he’s a vocal advocate for giving back to communities where we live.
Jon is an Account Executive at Rox Media Group, and has over ten years in sales and customer service experience. Jon is also the distribution manager for both Quad-City SmartShopper and PrescottLIVINGMagazine. He moved from San Diego with his family in the summer of 2004 to the Prescott area and has since resided in Arizona.
At PrescottLIVINGMagazine, our slogan is “The Voice of the Community,” because we believe that the stories in our local region are best told by the people, companies, nonprofits and governments that comprise our community . Here are the “voices” who helped make this issue possible!
Chancellor, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
Dr. Frank Ayers is the chancellor of Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University’s Prescott campus and is responsible for leading more than 2,600 students and 400 employees. Prior to Embry-Riddle, then-Colonel Ayers served in the U.S. Air Force for 26 years. He has logged more than 6,000 flight hours in a variety of aircraft types.
President/CEO,ChinoValleyAreaChamberofCommerce
Arlene is President / CEO of the Chino Valley Area Chamber of Commerce & Arizona Office of Tourism Visitors Center. She is a member of the International Placemaking Leadership Council and a Fellow at the Arizona Center for Civic Leadership Center. She served on the Executive Board of Trustees for PATH Intl. as well as West Yavapai Guidance Clinic Foundation Board and the Veterans Mental Health Advisory Committee. She serves on the U.S. Chamber of Commerce RTAC Committee and Chino Valley’s Economic Development Committee. She is a founding Principal in TSRG, The Strategic Resource Group, assisting nonprofits and small businesses in achieving successful sustainability.
Manager, Public Services, Prescott Public Library
Martha is Library Manager, public services at Prescott Public Library. Still enjoying a lifelong love of connecting people with information they need and books they’ll love, she has worked in school or public libraries in four states over the last 20 years.
ChiefofPolice, CityofPrescott
Chief Black was appointed Chief of Police for the City of Prescott in July 2016. Prior to this, she was the chief of police for the City of Glendale, Arizona, where she served since first joining as assistant chief in 2006. Chief Black began her career in 1980 as a patrol officer with the Phoenix Police Department. She has been awarded the Medal of Valor, three Medals of Lifesaving and two Police Chief’s Unit Awards.
Program Manager, CASAofYavapai County
Quinci Castleberry is the Program Manager for CASA of Yavapai County. Quinci started out as a CASA volunteer in 2012, then joined the staff in 2013. Her goal is to have a Court Appointed Special Advocate assigned to every child in care in Yavapai County.
Vice PresidentofMarketing and Public Relations
Ponderosa Hotel ManagementServices
Margo is Vice President of marketing and public relations for Ponderosa Hotel Management Services, LLC. As well, serves on the board of directors for the Prescott Chamber of Commerce and the Arizona Lodging and Tourism Association. She is also a founding member of the City of Prescott Tourism Advisory Committee.
Marketing Specialist,Yavapai College
Tim has worked in marketing, advertising and tourism promotion in Prescott since 2003. Clients served include the City of Prescott, Prescott Frontier Days and The World’s Oldest Rodeo, The Phippen Museum and Sharlot Hall Museum. Tim has worked to promote enrollment at Yavapai College for the past four years.
Presidentand CEO, Fain Signature Group
The Fain family arrived in the region in 1874. Leading the current generation of Fains, through Fain Signature Group, they are inspired to build communities for families. With a degree in finance from ASU and an MBA from Syracuse University, Brad has been highly involved in numerous activities in the region, including Prescott Area Leadership, Boys & Girls Club of Central Arizona and Central Arizona Partnership. Brad is driven by a passion to create the best life possible for the community at large and his family at home, which includes Michelle, Sean, Jake and Luke.
President, PrescottCollege
Formerly the president of the National Audubon Society, John has transitioned from protecting birds to helping sustain a private liberal arts school in Northern Arizona, serving as President of Prescott College. Flicker also worked at the Nature Conservancy for 21 years.
Co-owners and Developers,The Old Firehouse Plaza
Robin and Linda are the owners and developers of The Old Firehouse Plaza and also own the Classy N Sassy Boutique, Prescott Lobster and Seafood Co. and Quality Software Solutions, Inc. They are members of the Chamber of Commerce and Prescott Downtown Partnership.
FounderandPresident,PrescottWesternHeritageFoundation
Dennis is the Founder and President of the Prescott Western Heritage Foundation, Inc., a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, whose mission is to preserve and promote our Western heritage. He is also a Western artist/bronze sculptor, and an active volunteer for numerous community events. He and his wife, MaryAnn, have been married 50 years and have resided in Prescott for 10 years.
Executive Director,The Smoki Museum
Cindy Gresser is the Executive Director of The Smoki Museum. Currently, she also serves the City of Prescott as the Chair of the Art in Public Places Committee. She is involved in many community activities including The Rotary Club of Prescott, Prescott Area Arts and Humanities Council and the Prescott Corral of Westerners.
Sandy Griffis
Executive Director,Yavapai CountyContractors Association
Sandy is Executive Director of Yavapai County Contractors Association, and has lived in the Prescott area for 21 years.
Sandy has a bachelor’s degree in journalism and an MBA in business with a minor in music from San Diego State.
Sheri L. Heiney
President/CEO, Prescott ChamberofCommerce
Sheri was hired as the President/CEO of the Prescott Chamber of Commerce in January 2017. She moved to Arizona from Michigan, and has over 23 years of chamber professional experience.
Vice PresidentofDevelopment, Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Arizona
Nicole is an Arizona native who spent her childhood in Prescott Valley. She married and spent 10 years living in various parts of the country, discovering with her husband that they wanted to return to Prescott to raise their son. Nicole is passionate about community, and recently launched Prescott Area Women Who Care, a local group dedicated to promoting the success of others.
Tracey Horn
Owner, Helken & HornAdvertisingAgency
Tracey Horn launched Helken & Horn Advertising Agency, Inc. in Prescott, Arizona in 1995 with cofounder Robin Helken. In 1997, in an amicable parting, Tracey retained the already successful agency’s original name. Through the years, Helken & Horn has created more than 1,000 campaigns for local businesses, small and large.
President,ArizonaTown Hall
Tara has served as President of the Arizona Town Hall since July of 2006. Prior to joining the staff of Arizona Town Hall, Tara practiced law for 16 years. She has served in numerous roles for state and federal bar associations, nonprofits and educational organizations.
Owner,Watters Garden Center
Ken grew up in Prescott, attended Yavapai College and obtained his degrees from ASU. He married his college sweetheart Lisa Watters-Lain and has four children. His garden advice can be heard each week on the radio. Throughout the week, Ken can be found at Watters Garden Center.
Prescott CityManager
Michael has been the Prescott City Manager since October 2016. He previously served as County Manager in Morgan County, Georgia for 11 years, preceded by six years as the City Manager of Trenton, Florida. Michael is credentialed by the ICMA; he holds a master's degree in public administration and a bachelor's degree in political science.
Mayor, CityofPrescott
Greg has lived in Prescott since 1995, and has been the Executive Director for United Christian Youth Camp for the past 23 years. He grew up in small, rural communities in Kansas, and graduated from Kansas State University. He is active in community affairs, and is currently the President of the Prescott Unified School District Board.
Journalist and Professor-AdministratorEmeritus, NorthernArizona University
A veteran of mass media ranging from weekly and daily newspapers to directing writing workshops for the Reader’s Digest, from book editing to book writing — Ray has been there. He is a Professor-Administrator Emeritus from Northern Arizona University, now retired and residing in Prescott with his wife, Patty.
Ann Petrosky
Vice
President, Board ofDirectors,AckerNight
The biggest fan of Acker Night is Ann, who coincidentally serves as the board’s Vice President. She is a 10-year resident of Prescott.
Yavapai CountyAttorney
Sheila is a native Arizonan, who has served as the Yavapai Attorney for the last 17 years. A career prosecutor, Sheila chairs MATFORCE, the countywide substance abuse coalition, and is the driving stimulus behind the nationally renowned law enforcement course “What You Do Matters: Lessons from the Holocaust.”
Founders & CEO ,The HeartShop, LLC
Nancy and her husband, Dr. Rothrock, are the co-owners and co-founders of The Heart Shop DBA Let's Get Healthy 4 You! and Healthy Skin 4 You. They are providing health, wellness and beauty to Northern Arizona, and bringing you physician-supervised weight loss, bio-identical hormone replacement therapy and the latest in skin-care and fat-reduction treatments.
Mayor, PrescottValley
Harvey Skoog served as Prescott Valley Mayor from 1993 to 1998, and was again elected in 2004. He was re-elected in 2005, 2009 and again in 2013. His current term expires in December 2018. He was most recently a tax accountant and business consultant and has served in many leadership roles on various industry and government boards.
Marnie Uhl
President/CEO PrescottValleyChamberofCommerce
Marnie has been the President/CEO since 2006, and successfully led the Chamber to a national accreditation through the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Federation. She was selected as Prescott Area Leadership’s Woman of the Year 2017 and serves on many professional and nonprofit boards. Marnie has been in the Chamber industry for 20 years.
Executive Director, Sharlot Hall Museum
Fred is the Executive Director of the Sharlot Hall Museum. He is a Marine Corps veteran and former Sheriff of the Prescott Corral of Westerners International, he conceived and organized the Western History Symposium. He is a board member of the Arizona History Convention and member of the Tourism Advisory Committee for the City of Prescott.
ROXTravel, Cruise and ResortSpecialist
Victoria “Tori” Ward is a cruise and resort specialist with a master’s degree in political science. She has completed more than 30 certification courses with the cruise and tour industry including the most advanced certification, Commodore, from Princess Cruise Lines. Tori is a member of the Cruise Lines International Association.
Owner, FOGHARAAdvertising & Public Relations
Kathy is a native Arizonan and a proud member of the Prescott community since 1993. After a career spent on the corporate side of advertising and public relations, she started her own agency, working with many of our local businesses. She loves the people and the Prescott area.
Founder, NorthernArizona Social
Donna is a Digital Marketing Strategist and Social Media Expert. She has assisted agencies like Toyota’s marketing agency, Saatchi & Saatchi, Pepsi and Canyon Distributing, among other notable companies. She customizes digital campaign strategies for Prescott area businesses. Donna has donated charitable time to many area nonprofits and she remains a committee member for the New Year’s Eve Boot Drop event which she co-founded in 2009.
• 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
1-30 Valley of Lights - 6:00 PM-10:00 PM - A one-mile drive through of holiday lights. 2215 5th St., Prescott
1 Walk Through Bethlehem - Live Theater - 6:00 PM-8:30 PMAmerican Lutheran Church - 1085 Scott Dr., Prescott
1 Luminaria, Carols & Hot Chocolate Under the Stars - 5:30 PM-7:30 PM - Yavapai College Performing Arts Center Sculpture Garden. Admission is Free.
1 Holiday Festival of Lights & Parade - 4:45 PM-7:00 PM - Prescott Valley Civic Center - 7501 Civic Center
2 Walk Through Bethlehem - Live Theater - 6:00 PM-8:30 PMAmerican Lutheran Church - 1085 Scott Dr., Prescott
2 "Jingle Bells" Christmas Gift Faire9:00 AM-3:00 PM - Prescott Valley United Methodist Church - 8944 E. Sommer Dr. Wonderful Arts & Crafts. Great gifts and bake sale!
2 California Guitar Trio + Montreal Guitar Trio - 7:30 PM - 1090 S. Vulture Mine Road, Wickenburg. Admission is $30.
2 35th Annual Christmas Parade "A Cowboy Christmas" - 1:00 PM-3:00 PM - Downtown Prescott - 120 S. Cortez St, Prescott. Kick Off the Holiday Season with "Arizona's Christmas City's" 35th Annual Christmas Parade.
2 63rd Annual Courthouse Lighting - 6:00 PM-8:00 PM - Prescott
Historic Courthouse Plaza. Join us for the 63rd Annual Courthouse Tree Lighting Ceremony. Musical groups perform at 5:00 PM.
3 Winter Holiday Spectacular - 3:00 PM-5:00 PM - Yavapai Performing Arts Center - 1100 E. Sheldon St., Prescott. Admission is $10.
4 3-Week Certified Nursing Assistant Course - 7:30 AM - The Meadows of Northern Arizona - 809-B Gail Gardner Way, Prescott. 928-778-3570.
7 Holiday Dinner and Awards Evening - 5:00 PM-7:30 PM - Gurley St Grill230 W. Gurley St., Prescott. The Prescott Audubon Society will be having their annual Awards Evening.
8 Arizona Pioneers' Home Foundation Holiday Bazaar - 8:00 AM-2:00 PMArizona Pioneers' Home - 300 S. McCormick St., Prescott. Holiday items at great prices. Fundraiser benefits the residents
8 Acker Musical Showcase "Acker NIght" - 5:30 PM-8:00 PMCourthouse Square - 120 S. Cortez St, Prescott. Enjoy over 100 musicians performing all around downtown area shops.
9 Winter Craft Faire - 10:00 AM-4:00 PM - Mountain Oak School - 1455 Willow Creek Rd., Prescott. Hearty winter foods, live music, raffle, silent auction and holiday cheer!
9 Chino Valley Family Christmas10:00 AM at Heritage Middle School and 4:00 PM at Memory Park for the Town Tree Lighting.
9 A Candelight Christmas - 7:00 PM-9:00 PM - Trinity Presbyterian Church - 630 Park Avenue, Prescott. Brighten your Christmas season with a beautiful candlelit celebration of this wonderful time of year and the voices of Yavapai Youth Choirs. Tickets $10.
10
"It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year " - 3:00 PM - Yavapai College Performing Arts Center - 1100 E. Sheldon St., Prescott. Adults $25, Youth (18 & Under) $5.
10 Phoenix Boys Choir "Most Wonderful Time of the Year"3:00 PM - 1090 S. Vulture Mine Road, Wickenburg. Admission is $15.
10
Esteban - "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas" - 3:00 PM-5:30 PM - Elks Theatre - 117 E. Gurley, Prescott. Tickets $25 - $39.
10
DWPA Holiday Party and Fundraiser - 5:00 PM-8:00 PMHassayampa Marina Room - Marina St, Prescott. $50 per person, couples $90. Cash bar, holiday buffet, silent auction, music and dancing.
17 Irving Berlin's "White Christmas" The Musical - Yavapai Performing Arts Center - 1100 E. Sheldon St, Prescott. Dec.14, 15, 16 at 7:00 PM and Dec.17 at 3:00 PM. Tickets $25-$35 / Available at 928-776-2000 or www.ycpac.com.
14
Lonestar - 7:30 PM - 1090 S. Vulture Mine Road, Wickenburg. Tickets are $65.
15 Star Party at Acker Park - 6:00 PM-7:00 PM - 421 S. Virginia St., Prescott. Bring a flashlight and portable chair or sitting cushion. No fee. Best suited for ages 10 to adult.
15
Christmas with the Rat Pack - 7:00 PM-9:30 PM - Elks Theatre - 117 E. Gurley, Prescott. Tickets $22/$25.
16
Yule Fest @ American Lutheran Church - 7:00 PM-8:00 PMAmerican Lutheran Church - 1085 Scott Dr., Prescott. Free Admission.
16
YMCA Youth Ballet Presents ""The Nutcracker" - 10:00 AM11:00 AM - Prescott Public Library - 215 E. Goodwin St.
16
2017 "Wreaths Across America" Remembrance Ceremony10:00 AM-12:00 PM - Prescott National Cemetery - 500 N. State Route 89. The VA Hospital will be providing parking and shuttle service to the cemetery.
16 YPIT Holiday Native Art Market 2017 - 10:00 AM-4:00 PMYavapai-Prescott Indian Tribe Gathering Center - 530 E. Merritt, Prescott. 3rd Annual Holiday Native Art Market and Frybread Sale
16 "Beach Boys Surfin Holiday"7:00 PM-9:30 PM - Elks Theatre and Performing Arts Center - 117 E. Gurley St., Ste., 115. $22-$25.
17
"White Christmas - The Musical" - 3:00 PM - Yavapai College Performing Arts Center - 1100 E. Sheldon St., Prescott. Tickets from $25.
17 (PjS) Annual 2017 ChristmasBirthday Party - 4:00 PM-9:00 PM - Tis Art Center & Gallery - 105 S. Cortez St., Prescott. Honoring President and Founder Milt Cannon on his 80th birthday
18
YCPAC Satellite Series: Bolshoi's - 6:00 PM - Yavapai College Performing Arts Center - 1100 E. Sheldon St., Prescott. Tickets $15/$10 for Youth.
19
PVPL's Everyone Improv - 5:30 PM-7:30 PM - Prescott Valley Public Library Auditorium (7401 E. Civic Circle). Free, and no registration is required.
21 Winter Solstice Celebration - 7:00 PM-9:00 PM - Granite Peak
UU Church - 882 Sunset Ave., Prescott. Celebrate the longest night of the year with candlelight meditation, live music and stories, and drumming.
22 Prescott's 4th Friday Art Walk at 'Tis - 5:00 PM-7:00 PM - Tis Art Center and Gallery - 105 S. Cortez St., Prescott
Don't Spend Christmas Alone11:00 AM-2:00 PM - St Luke's
area who may be alone or feel alone on this day.
29 "Oh Bordeaux" / Wine Education Class - 6:00 PM-8:00 PMPrescott Winery - 216 N. Alarcon St., Prescott. RSVP at 928-350-8467 or www.prescottwinery.com.
31 Whiskey Row New Year's Eve Boot Drop! - 10:00 PM - Historic Whiskey Row- 120 South Montezuma St., Prescott. FREE family fun event. Two boot drops. (1) at 10:00 PM & (1) at
1 Create A Tree Holiday Tree Display - 9:00 AM-8:00 PM
- Prescott Valley Public Library 1st & 2nd floors - 7401 E. Civic Circle, Prescott Valley. Free!
3
YCPAC Satellite Series: "The Taming of the Shrew" - 6:00 PM-8:30 PM - Yavapai College Performing Arts Center - 1100 E. Sheldon Street, Prescott. Tickets are $15 for adults and $10 for youth.
14 Phoenix Symphony in Prescott - 3:00 PM-5:00 PM - Yavapai College Performing Arts Center - 1100 E. Sheldon Ave., Prescott. Tickets $29 to $42.
18 STEAM Power! - 4:00 PM5:00 PM - Prescott Public Library - 215 E. Goodwin Street, Prescott. Exercise your brain with games, puzzles and riddles, then create a brain-teaser to stump your friends!
4
Arizona Humanities Lecture: The Ancient Hohokam Ballgame of Arizona - 5:00 PM-6:30 PMPrescott Public Library - 215 E. Goodwin Street, Prescott
5
Coloring Class for Adults - 1:00
PM-3:00 PM - Prescott Valley Public Library 1st floor - 7401 E. Civic Circle, Prescott Valley. Free!
19 The Price is Right Live - 7:30 PM-9:30 PM - Yavapai College Performing Arts Center1100 E. Sheldon Street, Prescott. Tickets from $29. No purchase necessary to register for a chance to be a contestant.
6
Young Artists Exhibit Reception at 'Tis - 12:00 PM-2:00 PMTis Art Center and Gallery - 105 S. Cortez St, Prescott.
7 Prescott Origami Fanatics - 1:30
PM-4:30 PM - Prescott Public Library - 215 E. Goodwin Street, Prescott. Learn easy-to-medium-level paper folding, led by an experienced paper folder.
Conversational French5:00 PM-6:00 PM - Library Glassford Hill A - 7401 E. Civic Circle. No registration is required.
12
Good Rockin’ Live – A Salute to Sun Records7:00 PM-10:00 PM - Elks Theatre & Performing Arts Center - 117 East Gurley St., Prescott. Tickets: $22/$25.
13
December '63 - Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons Concert - 7:00 PM-9:00 PM - Elks Theatre & Performing Arts Center117 East Gurley St., Prescott. Tickets: $22/$25.
19 Justin Moore "Hell on a Highway Tour" - 7:30 PM10:30 PM - Prescott Valley Event Center - 3201 N. Main St., Prescott Valley. Tickets start at $37.75.
25 LEGO Expo - 4:00 PM-5:30 PM - Prescott Public Library215 E. Goodwin Street, Prescott. For children, ages 5 and up.
26 Diamond Rocks - 7:00 PM10:00 PM - Elks Theatre & Performing Arts Center - 117 East Gurley St., Prescott. Tickets: $22/$25.
27 Motown Magic - 7:00 PM10:00 PM - Elks Theatre & Performing Arts Center - 117 East Gurley St., Prescott. Tickets: $22/$25.
28 The Texas Tenors - 7:00 PM9:00 PM - Yavapai College Performing Arts Center - 1100 E. Sheldon St., Prescott. Tickets from $32.
31
YCPAC Satellite Series: The Bolshoi's - 6:00 PM - Yavapai College Performing Arts Center1100 E. Sheldon Street, Prescott. Tickets: $15 adults/$10 youth.
Stories by Ray Newton
Kim Haddow, head golf coach at Embry Riddle Aeronautical University (ERAU), has been named the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) 2017 Coach of Character Award Winner.
The award was announced nationally in late September.
Haddow was singled out from among the hundreds of coaches in the 250 member- colleges and universities that are part of the 80-year-old NAIA. Paige Salveter, a vice president in the NAIA home office, Kansas City, said Haddow was named outstanding in embracing the five core values that characterize the award: integrity, respect,
responsibility, sportsmanship and leadership.
Haddow joined the staff at ERAU in 2010 as head coach of both men’s and women’s golf. Competing in the Cal-Pac Conference, her men’s team has won five consecutive championships. The men’s teams also posted the highest overall grade-point average for all collegiate golf programs in both 2015 and 2016.
Her women’s team has won four consecutive Cal-Pac championships. It was the 2017 NAIA Women’s Golf National runner-up.
ERAU Chancellor Frank Ayers praised Haddow.
“Kim is the special combina-
tion of teacher, coach and mentor, who has devoted her life to helping young people achieve their potential,” Ayers said.
“Her golf teams have excelled athletically and academically. After graduation, they excel in
life. We are so proud that she is part of the ERAU Eagle family.”
One of Haddow’s senior All-American woman golfers, Trae Jones, said, “Coach Kim is an inspiration to us all. The dedication she exhibits every day motivates the team to give our all and play for each other.”
The Iowa native, prior to coaching the Eagles, had coached at the University of Florida and later, at the University of Arizona. She earned a bachelor’s degree at Southern Methodist University and a master’s from the University of Arizona. She and her husband Mike (the assistant golf coach) are the parents of two adult daughters.
by Staff Reports
In a recent Prescott City Council meeting on Nov. 14, 2017, water service agreement extensions relating to two proposed downtown condominium developments came up for vote. Both were pulled for further discussion, because the Council wanted the public record to reflect its support for downtown development, especially within the designated entertainment district.
Following this commentary, both extensions were approved unanimously. One of these projects, at 130 N. Granite St., Prescott, includes the proposed future headquarters of ROX Media Group, the publishers of Prescott LIVING Magazine, Quad City Smart Shopper, TravelHost Arizona, City of Prescott Visitor Guide and many other publications throughout Arizona.
Only a few months old, Chispa, founded by Joshua Bowen to provide consulting to individuals, businesses or corporations that have problems dealing with technical issues, continues to grow.
Chispa, the Spanish word for “… to spark or to stimulate” was picked by Bowen because it embodies what his consulting business provides – a new look at a way to solve a problem or assist in analyzing an issue that computers, programming and coding may create.
Bowen explained, “I designed Chispa Consulting to help businesses adapt to the rapid-
ly changing technology landscape. We can provide cyber security, software development, automation, and other technological applications that are innovative and contemporary.”
Specifically, Bowen cites six services that he said Chispa can provide:
• Technology consulting — helping an individual or business make sound, informed and cost-effective decisions about which hardware or software is most appropriate.
• New business startups — providing counsel for a new business and its furniture and equipment, setup and
installation, and when appropriate, hiring of qualified employees.
• Software development — analyzing the needs and then finding or designing custom software that provides the solutions while remaining within budget constraints.
• Cyber security — securing sensitive customer and business data throughout the business operation. Also providing training for employees so they are aware of how to prevent security breaches.
• Process automation — assistance in automating tedious or repetitious tasks
ranging from automatic backups to data gathering, automatic reports and service integration.
• Education and training — planning and running classes for staff members who need functional training in technological tasks. Also, providing information about where to find additional resources, so that a firm can remain contemporary with the rapidly changing technology marketplace.
As a community service, Bowen sponsors technical
continued on page 32...
An advocate for public education, Dr. Orr earned her BA, MA and doctorate in education leadership from Arizona State University. Dr.
Orr was active in public education for over 25 years, ultimately becoming the Associate Superintendent for Arizona. She was also VP of Continental Bank in Phoenix. Dr. Orr is active in her church, Yavapai Big Brothers Big Sisters, Women of Influence, Republican Women of Prescott and currently serves as a Prescott City Councilwoman.
Why did you personally feel a desire to get involved with AZTH?
I am impressed with the process of how Arizona Town Hall takes significant issues facing our state and begins the discussion and dialogue from the grassroots within communities. The process is respectful
of all points of view, and civil discourse is welcomed from all participants.
What do you see as the most important issue(s) AZTH is addressing in the region?
The most pressing issue facing our local communities and the state of Arizona is inadequate
by Tara Jackson, President, Arizona Town Hall
What if there was a way to resolve tough policy issues that made communities stronger, instead of splintered? What if there was a way for political and cultural differences to be a source of creative solutions, instead of raucous divisions? There is. It’s called the Arizona Town Hall.
The process used by the Arizona Town Hall is so unique and makes such a great impact that delegations from other countries frequently travel to Arizona to learn how it’s done. In the words of former U.S. Sen. Jon Kyl, “There’s really nothing quite like it.”
Arizona Town Hall began in 1962 when Arizona’s political, business and civic leaders were seeking new ways to bring a growing state together. Over the course of its 55year history, the Town Hall refined its methods, adapted to changing times, and, along the way, created generations of informed leaders and lasting changes that continue to benefit the state.
it possible for these people from Prescott Unified School District to attend the 3 1/2 day statewide Arizona Town Hall which focused upon “Funding preK-12 Education in Arizona.” Those pictured are (l to r) Joe Howard, PUSD superintendent; Rosemary Agneessens, PUSD consultant; Casey Como, PHS senior; Sonya Tenney, community member; Tara Jackson, Arizona Town Hall president; Cameron McMahon, PHS senior; Clark Tenney, Abia Judd Elementary School principal; Jonah Howard, PHS senior; Jason Howard, PHS senior; and Jackson Rauch. PHS senior. They were among the estimated 130 persons from throughout Arizona who participated in the Nov. 12-15 meeting at a convention hotel in Mesa. (Photo by Ray Newton)
So much of our policy debates involve just that—debates. Debates often create winners and losers, polarizing parties and entrenching positions. If a solution is reached, it is reached through wrangling and compromise. Innovative ideas that rise above the fray often do not have the space to even be mentioned, let alone discussed. Meanwhile, com-
funding of Arizona’s public education. Whether we are discussing public district schools or public charter schools, the state is required by our state constitution (Article 11, Section 10) to adequately fund our public schools. The data clearly demonstrates that is simply not happening. Our public schools are in crisis. There is a tremendous shortage of qualified
teachers in our schools, and we continue to lose teachers.
What work are you doing to address these issues?
I would welcome the opportunity to help bring greater awareness to this issue. We must educate the general public with true facts and data that demonstrate the severity of the issue and, together, take suggested
solutions to the state legislators.
What can the community do to support you and AZTH in your efforts?
Engagement. The community could assist greatly in helping get the word out via neighborhood meetings, coffees and simple gatherings to inform and help organize solutions.
If you could snap your fingers and have three key changes made to better our community, what would you choose?
(1) Having all public schools adequately funded. (2) Having a highly qualified teacher in every classroom. (3) Having parents truly engaged in their child’s education. With the right leadership, all three goals are achievable!
munities become fractured and divided. One need only to look at our current political climate to see the stagnating and destructive result of policymaking based on polarizing debates. For those who want to solve challenging issues while strengthening relationships and building communities, there is no better process than the one developed and refined by the Arizona Town Hall.
The Arizona Town Hall process uses a model of fact-based consensus. Every part of the process is designed to create an environment in which diverse perspectives come together to create solutions built on objective facts, innovation and imagination. This unique method is premised on the belief that the best solutions happen when all voices have equal value. A CEO may bring the perspective of knowledge and experience, while students and artists are the most likely to field innovative approaches and ideas. When these different perspectives are brought together, magic happens.
The impact of the Town Hall is as varied and long-lasting as its participants. By far, the most important impact is the one it has on its participants. Many, like Jon Kyl, use their involvement with the Town Hall to develop an understanding of policy, refine leadership skills and build relationships across political and professional lines. Others, like the State of Arizona’s recently appointed Chief Operating Officer Gilbert Davidson, find ways to use Town Hall methods to make government more efficient and responsive to its citizens. Student partici-
A veteran newspaperman, magazine and television reporter-editor, Newton also earned stripes at several universities, including Northern Arizona University, as a professor and administrator emeritus. Active
pants often report their experience to be life-changing— inspiring them to change career paths or igniting a passion for civic participation and leadership that lasts a lifetime.
Town Hall sessions are a fertile ground for policy solutions, which participants then champion and implement. As a result, every Arizonan has felt the impact of the Town Hall, whether they realize it or not. The recommendations of participants are memorialized into a written recommendations’ report that is combined with the background report and then widely disseminated. The report creates “shovel- ready” solutions for Arizona’s business and civic leaders. While Arizona Town Hall is the neutral facilitator and therefore cannot be the implementer of the ideas developed, participants routinely cite the concepts discussed and relationships made at Town Hall gatherings as the basis for lasting changes. These changes include items as diverse as the establishment of the merit-selection system for judges, the Groundwater Management Act, the license plates seen on daily drives stamped with “It shouldn’t hurt to be a child,” freeway systems, programs to recruit and retain teachers, economic development tools, local ordinances and individual changes in behavior that help to preserve and protect Arizona’s natural environment.
While the Town Hall’s mission has stayed the same, the methods and mechanisms have adapted to present needs. Recognizing the impact of the process on our youth, as well as the importance of their perspective, a Future Leaders Town Hall was initiated in 2011. Communities and schools across the state hold these Town Halls using a toolkit of materials provided by the Arizona Town Hall.
Inspired by the popularity and success of the Future Leaders Town Halls, Arizona Town Hall established Community Town Halls. Whether defined geographically or by interest, Community Town Halls allow a greater number of Arizonans to weigh in on the issues and to experience the process. These community sessions, which are generally
throughout his adult years in several local, regional and national think-tank organizations, he’s a vocal advocate for giving back to communities where we live.
Why did you personally feel a desire to get involved with AZTH?
Arizona Town Hall is the only statewide nonpolitical organization that provides the public
with an opportunity to examine critical issues facing Arizona citizens in a nonconfrontational environment.
What do you see as the most important issue(s) AZTH is addressing in the region?
I think AZTH is doing the state a favor by conducting objective research about three current issues:
1. The crisis in funding education at all levels — Pre-K through university.
2. The social, financial and especially medical consequences that result from having one of the most rapidly aging populations in the United States.
3. The possible effects of unsustainable growth, which jeopar-
After practicing law with Lewis and Roca, Phoenix, for 25 years, Norris served as a judge on the Arizona Court of Appeals for almost 14 years. Norris retired from the court in June 2017. She is now supervising lawyer development at the ASU Alumni Law Group, a teaching law firm. Norris and her husband have a home in Prescott.
Why did you personally feel a desire to get involved with AZTH? AZTH brings Arizonans together to discuss critical issues fac-
ing the state using a fact-driven process that, after exploring differing points of view, generates consensus-based solutions to address these issues. Today, more than ever, we need fact-based, consensus-driven decisions and approaches to the problems facing the state. AZTH gives me the opportunity to participate in this problem-solving process.
What do you see as the most important issue(s) AZTH is addressing in the region? Pre-K-12 education funding.
What work are you doing to address these issues?
shorter in duration, allow for unique perspectives from rural, tribal and other areas to be presented at the statewide Town Hall and to Arizona leaders. Community Town Halls also emphasize individual and community action—creating civically engaged change agents, who begin to implement ideas immediately within their community.
Consulting contracts have played an increasing role in
dize our environment, in areas such as water, land, and exploitation of irreplaceable resources.
What work are you doing to address these issues?
I try to be actively and aggressively involved in activities and projects that create genuine public awareness.
What can the community do to support you and AZTH in your efforts?
I am working with Arizonans around the state to facilitate the discussion of education funding and then to act on those discussions.
What can the community do to support you and AZTH in your efforts?
Community members should go to the AZTH website and read the background report on Pre-K-12 education funding and the report summarizing the recommendations for improving Pre-K-12 funding reached by the participants at the statewide AZTH in November. They should advocate for these recommendations, become a
member of AZTH and participate in AZTH community and statewide programs.
If you could snap your fingers and have three key changes made to better our community, what would you choose? It would be community commitment to civil dialogue at all community meetings; community recognition that, on most contentious issues, people agree on many points; and community commitment to implement the points of agreement on these contentious issues rather than spending hours debating the points of disagreement.
funding the operations of the Town Hall while accomplishing its mission. Clients range from private corporations to civic groups and governmental entities. Lake Havasu City credits the Town Hall process for its success in placing second in the “America’s Best Communities” competition, an award that included $2 million to implement ideas developed at the Town Hall.
Whether for a city, a community or the entire state, this unique Arizona innovation strengthens relationships across the state and creates lasting positive change.
I believe all citizens — irrespective of gender, age, income, education, cultural background and political persuasion — should focus their support upon what is going to benefit and improve Arizona for future generations. AZTH provides that opportunity in a civil, thoughtful and constructive environment.
If you could snap your fingers and have three key changes
made to better our community, what would you choose?
I would endorse more genuine parental involvement in influencing decisions that impact education. Legislators need to listen to students, parents and educators, not pander to political lobbyists.
I would urge objective, analytical assessments — both short- and long-range — of development proposals that are based more on economic gain
for a privileged few rather than what is beneficial for society as a whole.
I would disabuse the notion that high school students need to enroll only in college or university programs to be socially, culturally and financially successful. Rather, teenagers need to identify and then cultivate those talents and skills that will give them personal and professional satisfaction. Degrees don’t define distinction.
by Kelly Tolbert, Recreation Coordinator, Prescott Parks and Recreation
Funding for open space, which is how the purchase of the Community Nature Center was possible, comes from a 1-percent sales tax designated for openspace acquisition.
Yet another treasure found within the City of Prescott, the Community Nature Center combines history with nature. Located at 1980 Williamson Valley Road, across from Granite Mountain School, this 18-acre preserve surely offers something for everyone.
Formerly the location of the Highlands Center for Natural History, the property was originally established by the Prescott Unified School District in 1974 under the leadership of Dr. Henry Dahlberg, who served as director of the school district from 1974-1977. The preserve offers many features, but one of the first most noticeable is the quaint log cabin. As indicated on one of the many informational signs that can be found throughout the center, the cabin was built in the summer of 1975. Funding was provided by the Elementary and Secondary Education Act and the Northern Arizona Council of Governments’ (NACOG) Youth Employment Program. The plaque also includes contributors such as Mike Barnes, construction supervisor, and high school students Steve Campbell, Dave Gabaldon, Angel Henrie, Ron Saenz and Angie Serna. Masonry work is credited to Joe Culhane.
Following the City of Prescott timeline on Open Space, policymakers first enacted a formal policy in 1999. In this, it states that “Prescott’s Open Space Program seeks to promote quality of life for the citizens of Prescott by preserving and protecting the natural environment that has given this city much of its character.” It goes on to describe many of the characteristics that the Community Nature Center still embodies today, such as native flora and fauna. Preservation of this site has not been without labor, and in many cases labor of love for the land.
Funding for open space, which is how the purchase of the Community Nature Center was possible, comes
from a 1-percent sales tax designated for open-space acquisition. This tax was approved under the consideration of the future of Prescott, its growth and maintaining “harmony between physical development and the natural environment for the benefit for all Prescott citizens.” (Additional information on the City of Prescott’s Open Space Policy can be found at prescott-az.gov/documents) The Community Nature Center was officially purchased in 2006 from the Prescott Unified School District for $1,813,512,
and included all 18 acres.
Remaining consistent with open space policies, the Nature Center remains preserved in a manner with low-impact public use. Built in 2012, the preserve offers a 1.5-mile trail that allows vistas of nearby mountain peaks, large granite boulders and centuries-old grasslands. Also characterizing the area is pinyon pines, junipers, and scrub oaks, native plant species and various animal and bird species. In addition to the log cabin, a Hardyville
Road exhibit depicts Prescott’s history. In more recent years, some of the original visionaries for the property have become reacquainted with caretaking and maintaining the historic site in partnership with the city. Master gardeners have assisted with installing more native plant species, along with interpretive signage (41 total signed plants); a small pond has been installed to attract bird species and other roaming wildlife, as well as water seeking plants. While hiking the trail along the road, you will come across a water pump, so feel free to get it going in order for the wildlife to take a drink! A simple rain garden can also be found onsite, harvesting the rooftop runoff from the 500-square-foot log cabin connected to pipes that run underground into one end of the habitat garden. This garden contains over 25 named species of native plants chosen for drought resistance and ability to attract pollinators.
Instructions on how to construct your own rain garden and natural habitat are made available while you’re onsite or can also be found online.
One of the notable attractions while visiting this unique site is the availability of Signs of the Month, nature guides written for most all months, available at the Nature Center Kiosk onsite or on-
line at http://www.cityofprescott.net/ services/parks/parks/index.php?id=27.
Upon entering the Community Nature Center, be sure to grab the current guide and begin your self-guided tour of this magical place. These informative guides include types of leaves to look out for, as many are indicative of what Mother Nature has in mind at that current time of year. If bird watching is your interest, you can return each month to observe either migrating visitors or resident varieties.
Again, wherever your interests take you, the Community Nature Center features something wonderfully appealing to all. Open to the public all year long, hours are 7 a.m. to sunset. Parking is complimentary. Visitors include large groups from schools and other organizations, so it is preferable to make reservations with the Recreation Services Department for groups of 10 or more. To do so, please call 928-777-1122.
While hiking the trail along the road, you will come across a water pump, so feel free to get it going in order for the wildlife to take a drink!
by Greg Mengarelli, Mayor, City of Prescott
Our city’s calendar is filled with music and joy, and I encourage everyone to sample the many offerings this December.
Nothing symbolizes Prescott more than the holiday activities that occur in our great city this time of year. The annual Christmas parade and Courthouse lighting bring thousands of residents and visitors to our historic downtown to embrace the spirit of Christmas. These widely anticipated events kick off a festive and joyous time in our community. Although the occasional Grinch can be found in our fair city at Christmas time, they are few and far between. It is almost impossible to walk and shop in downtown Prescott during the holidays and not be infused with wonder and delight.
Our city’s calendar is filled with music and joy, and I encourage everyone to sample the many offerings this December. The Yavapai College Performing Arts Center offers six different must-see performances including “Let the Season Begin,” “Winter Holiday Special,” “Hot Sardines Holiday Stomp,” “Prescott
POPS Symphony,” “White Christmas Musical,” and a fabulous, by satellite, performance of the Bolshoi Ballet’s, “The Nutcracker.”
The Elk’s Theatre and Performing Arts Center has its own fantastic lineup of shows that include “In the Christmas Mood,” “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas,” “Christmas with the Rat Pack,” “The Beach Boys Surfin’ Holiday,” and a showing of the film, “Polar Express.” And don’t forget Acker Night — that wonderful blend of downtown business and music that sets a tone of family fun. Acker Night is proof positive that music is alive and thriving in our community. The holiday season ends with the Whiskey Row Boot Drop on New Year’s Eve — even better than being in Times Square!
As you enjoy your Christmas activities, please remember to support our local businesses. I wish you a Merry Christmas, a Happy Holiday Season, and a Healthy New Year. God bless Prescott.
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by John Heiney, Community Outreach Manager, City of Prescott
This year, we welcomed “Wish Man,” a film about the founder of Make a Wish Foundation.
The City of Prescott Economic Development and Tourism offices were reorganized in early 2017. The new combined team has had a great deal of success in 2017, and is looking ahead to more of the same in 2018.
Here are some highlights from the city’s economic development efforts in 2017.
The city retained Jim Robb, of the Robb Group, to help the city attract high technology satellite offices. Robb’s strategy is to work with our institutes of higher learning and
technology organizations to create symposiums and educational forums in Prescott. In August, the Arizona Technology Council (AZTech) hosted a summer conference, bringing nearly 100 CEOs and technology professionals to Prescott. The city joined AZTech, and will be hosting more similar events in the future. We also co-hosted a cyber security symposium along with Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in September, which brought another 75 tech executives and professionals to Prescott.
Two retailers made a big investment
in Prescott. Wildflower Bread Company broke ground on its flagship store on Highway 69, near the entrance to the Gateway Mall. We expect the new store to be open in the first quarter of 2018. International beauty retailer Sephora opened a store inside JC Penney in September.
The Prescott Film Office is part of the Economic Development Office. This year, we welcomed “Wish Man,” a film about the founder of Make a Wish Foundation. This was the first feature-length film to be shot in Prescott in over 10 years. The film was shot in
locations around the downtown, in Prescott neighborhoods, and in area locations. The film office also provided film permits for the indie film “Raising Buchanan,” and commercials for Eddie Bauer, REI, Bank of America and Mercedes Benz, to name a few.
The city employed Buxton Company to provide data, to inform new businesses about Prescott’s demographics, identify who our customers are, where they come from and how much they spend. This data has assisted in both retail recruitment and tourism-marketing decision-making.
Here are some other initiatives undertaken this year that have a direct impact on economic development:
• We have worked with three large employers looking to expand and to utilize workforce tools to hire additional employees.
• The city, chamber and Prescott Downtown Partnership have begun regular downtown business walks.
• Prescott has been well-represented with commercial brokers both in town and in the Phoenix area, as well as professional organizations
such as the Arizona Association of Economic Developers (AAED) Board, Yavapai County Workforce Development Board, NACOG Economic Development Council and State Film Commissioners.
• The city recently hosted an AAED fall conference, hosting over 200 economic development professionals from around the state.
• City Council established an entertainment district around the downtown, allowing for more flexibility in approving new businesses and encouraging promotion of our downtown as an arts, entertainment and cultural destination.
• Council also approved an economic development policy, which focuses on emphasizing the city’s assets and creating a more business-friendly environment.
Looking ahead, the Economic Development and Tourism offices will work with Robb to bring a high technology conference to Prescott in spring 2018. We will be developing a new marketing platform for our economic development efforts, including a printed brochure and a new website platform to provide businesses with an easy-to-navigate, informative experience to help them decide to move to Prescott or expand their existing operations here.
Looking ahead, the Economic Development and Tourism offices will work with Robb to bring a high technology conference to Prescott in spring 2018.
…continued from page 32
meet-up sessions, where people with common interests in technological issues can discuss topics. Those sessions are held at the Gurley Street Grill in Prescott beginning at 6:30 p.m., usually the last Wednesday of each month.
“One of my goals is to establish a solid technological community in this region where skilled people can make a good living without having to leave to find a job,” Bowen stressed.
Bowen is a Nebraska native who moved to the Quad City, and is attending Northern Arizona University-Prescott Valley, where he will receive his bachelor’s degree in May 2018 in entrepreneurship and business.
For more information about Chispa, call 402-813-2356 or 402 401-4381 or email josh.bowen@ getchispa.com
Already called “…a treasure for the community and for Arizona,” the bronze sculpture titled “Cowboy in a Storm” will be the centerpiece of the Phippen Roundabout currently being constructed on Highway 89 northeast of Prescott.
The sculpture is a many-times magnified replica of the original 16-inch work of renowned Western artist George Phippen. Phippen, after whom the Phippen Museum is named, created a piece featuring a cowboy astride a bucking horse leaping over a calf.
Produced through collaborative efforts of the Phippen Museum, the Prescott Art Trust, and City of Prescott, the
cost for the statue — approximately $165,000 — is covered through private donations from Jim Chamberlain and the Harold James Family trust and other donations. Substantial support is being given through the Bronzesmith Fine Art Foundry and Galley and its staff in Prescott Valley.
The sculpture is being cast at the Bronzesmith Foundry. The clay model for the sculpture was shown to the public during an open house Oct. 12, hosted by foundry owners Ed and Kathy Reilly.
Speaking to those in attendance, Ed Reilly said, “We have been honored by being asked to
continued on page 61...
by Ray Newton
Greg Mengarelli, in his first run for a City of Prescott office, was selected mayor during the Nov. 7 election. He received the most votes in the general election, with 9,298 votes. His opponent, Jean Wilcox, who had been a city council member, received 7,606 votes. Mengarelli was elected to a two-year term.
Of the five candidates for three city council seats, 20-year-old Alexa Scholl received the most votes — 8.690. Phil Goode had the second highest count — 8,623. Both Scholl and Goode are newcomers to the council. The third person elected was incumbent Steve Blair, who received 7,954 votes. The council members will serve four-year terms. Scholl is believed to be the youngest person ever elected to the city council.
The two losing candidates were Connie Cantelme, with 7,417 votes and Joe Vicinal, with 7,113.
After election results were announced, Mangarelli commented that he looked forward to working with new and existing council members and with city staff. The City of Prescott operates under a council-manager form of government.
Mengarelli said he was eager to continue two priority projects that outgoing Mayor Harry Oberg had initiated — increased economic development and expansion and improvement of the Prescott Municipal Airport.
“I see nothing but a bright future for Prescott and the greater community. Our entire region is going to prosper as we move ahead with carefully planned and sustainable opportunities for new business and more jobs, especially for our younger population,” he said.
Mengarelli and the new council members were sworn in during ceremonies at City Hall on Nov. 28.
by John Heiney, Community Outreach Manager, City of Prescott
This self-guided tour takes explorers through a real-life historical walking tour of downtown Prescott, linking up with the expansive hiking and trail system through the city.
If you’re ready to learn about the rich history of Prescott, search for hidden clues and soak in the beauty of Arizona’s 1864 territorial capital, then the Heritage Trail & History Hunt is for you!
Launching in early 2018, the City of Prescott, in partnership with the Prescott Chamber of Commerce, will bring local residents and visitors an exciting new way to explore Prescott. By stopping in at the Official Visitor Center downtown, participants can pick up maps and begin their journey. This self-guided tour takes explorers through a real-life historical walking tour of downtown Prescott, linking up with the expansive hiking
and trail system through the city. Later in 2018, kids will be able to hunt for treasures through the History Hunt, with over 15 small icons
to be discovered around Courthouse Plaza. With map in hand from the Official Visitor Center, they can follow the clues, find the treasure and return the completed map for a oneof-a-kind button and be entered to win a $500 scholarship to use for future educational expenses.
The City of Prescott and the Chamber of Commerce hope residents and visitors will unearth their favorite gems and begin exploring new locations, identify favorite trails, and find treasures just waiting to be discovered.
For more information, visit trailandhunt. com for more details.
To the credit of our residents, those who live in Prescott Valley are careful with their use of water and, accordingly, have one of the lowest per capita water-use rates in the state.
by Harvey C . Skoog, Mayor, Town of Prescott Valley
Questions about Prescott Valley water supply frequently occur. And the concern is a legitimate one. Thankfully, we can answer affirmatively. Prescott Valley is in quite good shape regarding the matter of water. We are positioned on an aquifer that our water people claim is about 2.5 times larger than the amount of water in Lake Pleasant. According to the state of Arizona, it would hold our community for at least 100 years, even considering the expected growth.
However, that answer does not cover the whole story. While the aquifer located under us is good, Prescott Valley is part of a large Active Management Area created by the state of Arizona. We have to be concerned about the area as a whole, not just Prescott Valley. The Prescott Valley water system is supplied by about 25 wells, but there has been a modest drawdown of the water table. The entire Active Management Area is being affected by a significantly larger average drawdown, and this is a responsibility that we all share. Although recent rains have been favorable, the previous 20 or so years were affected by a drought, which had an unfavorable impact on the natural recharge of the area.
The 1980 Groundwater Management Act is a reasonable document that sets the rules over water availability and impact thereof. It reveals that the water table has been unfavorably impacted by drawdown. We are required by 2025 to have in place a means of
sustaining the water table. That means, we will have to have an outside supporting water source. This is in the works, and we expect that the system will be in place by 2025.
Active Management Areas have laws that restrict groundwater use. To begin with, the rule says that development must be supported by an assured 100-year water supply before they can build. Further, new subdivisions cannot increase draft on the aquifer. Other limitations include no new agriculture irrigation from groundwater, and limits on pumping and water losses. New developments cannot take water from homeowners already here. The law protects water consumers and must be followed.
To the credit of our residents, those who live in Prescott Valley are careful with their use of water and, accordingly, have one of the lowest per capita water use rates in the state. In fact, since the year 2000, per capita water use has declined about 25 percent.
To operate within the limitations and achieve sustainable water levels, we are working with our neighbor and partners to import water from the Big Chino Water Ranch that is jointly owned by Prescott and Prescott Valley. Prescott Valley also has a program to recharge reclaimed water that is working effectively to give us recharge credits. With this and other actions, responsible growth can continue and our water supply will be sustained and protected.
Visit the plaza to experience a fine collection of charming boutiques and fabulous eateries housed within a beautifully restored historic firehouse.
SHOPPING
• Adventure Travel
• Bella By Leah Makeup and Skin Care
• Black Butterfly Artisan Chocolates
• Classy N Sassy Boutique
• Soul Shine Handcrafted Jewelry & Supplies
PROFESSIONAL OFFICE
• CNN Mortgage
• The Cutting Edge Team at RE/MAX Mountain Properties
• Nanke Signature Group
SALONS & WELLNESS
• Amazing Foot Spa
• Belle’s Skinsational Studio
• Complexion Skin & Makeup Studio
• Dr. Kate Sage, Naturopathic Doctor
• Hair Station 105 Salon
• Hot Spot Nail Spa
• Intentions Yoga Studio & Apparel
• Z Brow Bar FOOD & BEVERAGE
• Kensington’s Restaurant and Seafood Co.
• Limonchello Pizzaria Napoletana
• Retail • Restaurants
• Salons • Wellness Center
The student athletes at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University are out to make an impact inside the classroom as well as within the ultra-competitive Cal Pac conference. With a sports program of 54 NAIA All-American athletes, 183 Academic All-Americans, 18 Cal Pac Conference Championships, and eight Wrestling National Championships, these Eagles provethere are still records to break, titles to claim and tests to ace.
In 2017, the Eagles were among the most talented students in the nation, athletically and academically. Eleven ERAU athletic programs have been recognized as NAIA (National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics) Scholar-Teams, and all teams maintain an overall athletic GPA of 3.339.
“At Embry-Riddle, we differ from a lot of other athletic programs because of our commitment to academics,” said aviation business administration student and men’s basketball guard Jaran Hoover. “Being a scholar-ath lete means always putting school first and athletics second.”
Junior Maddy Markham, an elec trical engineering/robotics major and women’s soccer forward, emphasized how the Eagles’ locker room might be different from other universities.
“A lot of bigger schools don’t encourage student athletes to take on such difficult majors, but at ERAU, all of the athletes are taking a hard course load while still being able to compete,” she said.
Even though Embry-Riddle enrolls students from every state in the country, and has a robust international student recruitment team, “Everyone’s Hometown” of Prescott is well represented on campus. Hoover, a 2017 NAIA-Daktronics scholar-athlete with a staggering 4.0 GPA in aviation and global business, is one Eagle who calls Prescott his hometown.
“I actually attended NAU for two years before having the opportunity to come to ERAU,” said Hoover. “I realized that I should have always had ERAU on my radar because of their reputation and focus on academics.”
“Being from Prescott, I’d always
known about Embry-Riddle, but I had never seriously thought about attending until my junior year of high school,” said Markham, who was named a Daktronics-NAIA scholar-athlete for the first time this season. “I knew I wanted to study engineering and there are very few schools that have both a good engineering department and a successful soccer team. I knew that I couldn’t get a better degree anywhere else.”
Incredible athletes, remarkable academics. ERAU is Prescott’s only source for competitive university sports. All home games are open to the public, and Embry-Riddle hopes to see you at some of their exciting games this season.
by Michael Lamar, City Manager, City of Prescott
Oct. 10, 2017 marked my oneyear anniversary as Prescott City Manager, so I thought this would be a good time to share some of my observations about our terrific and unique community. Moreover, I wanted to publicly explain how these observations are helping shape my work plan.
Like many of you, I am completely enamored with Prescott’s natural beauty, vibrant downtown, and its unique history and heritage. And as I settle in – personally and professionally – I am equally wowed by our residents’ hospitality. As I take stock of some of our other assets, including, but not limited to, quality public infrastructure, a moderate cost of living, a business-friendly atmosphere, a strategically established and maintained
water portfolio, a city staff committed to public/customer service, excellent K-12 schools, and four first-rate institutes of higher learning, I sincerely believe Prescott is well positioned to prosper for years to come.
In terms of our external (to city
government) assets, my staff and I have worked hard on facilitating and linking similar assets to benefit the whole community. The best example of this is the Heritage Trail and History Hunt (detailed in a previous issue of Prescott LIVING Magazine). This self-guided tour will take residents and visitors through the history and heritage of our community, region and state.
On another front, we are also working closely with residents, developers and commercial land owners to ensure that both residential and commercial growth in Prescott makes sense and is done in the most logical way possible. Additionally, we are working on creative ways to encourage more infill and adaptive reuse of land and vacant structures. Along
these lines, we hope the implementation of the downtown entertainment district creates a more welcoming environment for entrepreneurs and allows the city to better market our vibrant arts and entertainment scene.
In terms of our internal assets, part of my job as city manager is to maximize city staff resources to achieve the best possible results. Over the past year, we have worked on reorganizing our departments to gain greater efficiency and effectiveness while maintaining high quality services.
Also, we have implemented an economic development policy, enhanced existing partnerships with our institutes of higher education, and laid the foundation for expanding our job market to better include positions for the 21st century (i.e. technology, cybersecurity, ecotourism, etc.).
The past year has been a lot of fun, but I am even more excited about looking toward the future of Prescott. This community is poised for some unbelievable things, and I truly cannot wait for 2018 and beyond.
by Jamie Goeringer, Owner, SMARTgirls Resale Fashion
First, let’s look at the four basic wardrobe styles to be considered, based upon your body shape and personality.
1. Classic — For those who are always looking for timeless elegance and simple styles that are never trendy or follow the current fad. Think of Grace Kelly or Jackie O.
2. Sporty Natural — If this is you, I think you’ll agree that comfort and mini -
mal fuss, along with a relaxed look that is not tight or uncomfortable defines this look. Think of Jennifer Aniston or Sandra Bullock.
3. Romantic — Femininity is the best word to describe this wardrobe personality. The romantic personality likes soft lines, floral prints and lace. Think Marilyn Monroe or Taylor Swift.
4. Dramatic — These amazing women are extravagant, ec-
centric and original. They like lots of color, and don’t mind being noticed for it. Think Joan Collins or Sharon Osbourne.
Now it’s up to you to decide how naughty or nice you want to be at the events you attend. Here are a few ideas of what is on the fashion radar. You take them and run with them to match your wardrobe personality.
If your holiday event leans more to the casual, try a red blazer (try a red that is more of a coral red than a blue red). Add a sequined top with your base being black ankle-pants, black flats, and then definitely spice it up with an animal-print clutch and accessorize it with a simple chain necklace and a couple of bangles.
For your New Year’s party, pair your sequined top with a pair of dark-wash denim, sparkly pumps or flats and a bedazzled clutch.
For a fancier affair, go with a gold, silver or champagne sequined-top and a coral red or black skirt. An A-line, flared or a straight skirt will be perfect, along with a coordinating blazer and sparkly earrings. The tuxedo blazer is best for the dressier look.
For a casual look, jeans or colored denim, a loose-fitting
sweater, boots or ankle booties and your favorite leather bag pair well.
You’ll find the SMARTgirls staff and myself at 6616 E. 2nd St. in Prescott Valley. Please come and see us, and let us give you the personal shopping experience of a lifetime. See you soon!
For more information, visit smartgirlsfashion.com or call 928772-1227.
For all items not sold within the consignment period, SMARTgirls donates to Coalition for Compassion & Justice (CCJ) and their thrift store in Prescott. The mission of CCJ is to provide vital services, education & advocacy for those living in poverty, leading to self-sufficiency and a fair and just community for all.
by Tracey Horn, Owner, Helken & Horn Advertising
Digital advertising and social media may be all the rage, but here in the Northland traditional marketing in print, radio and television is still the most popular way for people to learn about your business. Folks still like their morning paper, and most, if not all, of you are holding a magazine to read this!
Many small businesses struggle with which marketing method to choose. So, what is the difference between traditional and digital marketing?
Traditional marketing is based on an “outbound” strategy – ads that bring a company’s message to you, the public. Traditional marketing includes advertising in magazines, newspapers, radio and TV, newsletters, coupons, flyers, brochures and billboards. Even distributing business cards or joining the local chamber of commerce falls into this category.
Digital marketing, on the other hand, is fairly new and based on an “inbound” strategy. Busi-
nesses put information about their products or services on the internet via websites, blogs, articles, pay-per-click ads and social media platforms, like Facebook and Twitter, for their potential customers to find, often as a result of a search for information.
But which will give you the most bang for the buck? There is an old advertising adage that states, “Half the money I spend on advertising is wasted. The trouble is, I don’t know which half.” Ask an expert for a plan to help you figure out the proper balance between both forms of marketing. If you invest your dollars wisely, it is possible to achieve your goals and increase your market share.
Founded in 1995, Helken & Horn is among Northern Arizona’s leading full-service advertising agencies, with a broad base of both business and nonprofit clients throughout the Quad-City region. To learn more, visit online at azadagency.com or call 928-776-0234.
t’s the most wonderful time of the year! However, it’s also the most It’s time to think about your finances. And, no, that doesn’t just mean how much you’re spending on holiday shopping and travel – although that’s certainly part of it. It means looking thoughtfully at the past year’s finances, spending and tax liabilities, and planning proactively for the year ahead. It means not just thinking about yourself, but your whole family and
Fortunately, Prescott has experts in every area, who can assist you in doing so. From wealth management experts, to mortgage specialists and legal, financial and tax advisors, this special section showcases the depth and
How do you address the issue of aging parents and their finances? What is a reverse mortgage, and is it a good fit for you? Why are family meetings important, and how do you conduct them? What is an independent financial advisor, and do you need one? These are just a few of the questions our local
And if you still have questions, then give them a call. They’ll be happy to
ReverseMortgageSpecialist,FinancialFrontier
This year, 2017, marks Bill's 11th year helping senior homeowners age-in-place with the reverse mortgage. He has been involved in consumer lending for over 30 years, and reverse mortgages have been his exclusive practice for the last 10 years. He and his wife are parents, grandparents and, similar to his clients, Bill can order off of the senior menu. If a reverse mortgage is right for you, Bill can help you navigate the process. If it is not the best choice for you, he feels he has a solemn obligation to tell you that.
André Carman
Attorney, Carman Law Firm
André is a 2001 graduate of the Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law at Arizona State University. Thereafter, André studied tax law at the University of Washington School of Law, and was awarded a Master of Laws in Taxation (LL.M.-Tax) degree in 2003. André’s devotes a substantial portion of his practice to estate planning, probate, trust and tax matters. André manages Carman Law Firm with his wife and fellow attorney, Krista Carman.
SeniorPartner,Taylor& PadgettFinancial Group, LLC
Jodi is the Senior Partner in Taylor & Padgett Wealth & Legacy Strategies, and has been in financial advisory for nearly 35 years. She strives to partner with people who want to make wise decisions about money and who endeavor to leave a legacy – both personal and financial. She is very involved in the community. She has a fabulous son. She loves all that goes into the world of growing wine grapes, and is a partner in Painted Lady Vineyard. She also loves to read.
Arlene Rheinfelder
EACPAZCLDP.EnrolledAgent,CertifiedParalegal,AZCertified LegalDocumentPreparer,PrescottTax&ParalegalLLC
Arlene graduated with a B.A. in Education from ASU in 1991. She has worked as a paralegal, and passed the Certified Legal Document Preparer examination. In 2011, she passed the Enrolled Agent examination administered by the IRS. Arlene ensures that her clients get the maximum refund legally. She can also represent clients who are having troubles with the IRS. Arlene is a mother and grandmother. She volunteered for over 20 years with the Boy Scouts of America, is an outdoor enthusiast and animal-lover.
Jason Rheinfelder
IndependentFinancialAdvisior, DaVinciWealth
Jason is an independent financial advisor with offices on Whipple Street in Prescott. Jason grew up in Prescott, and earned an MBA from Northern Arizona University, before spending several years working throughout Europe and the Middle East as a management consultant. Now back in his hometown, he enjoys hiking with his wife and 4-year-old twins.
Travis Schultz
Broker/Owner, SmartMortgage
Travis, with Smart Mortgage in Prescott since 2004, has taken pride in giving each client special one-on-one treatment, walking them through the mortgage process. Smart Mortgage is a local mortgage broker, offering the widest spectrum of mortgage options including reverse mortgages, Conventional, Jumbo, FHA, VA, USDA and much more.
Ronald, Investment Advisor Representative, co-owns American Financial Investments LLC, a registered investment advisory firm, and American Financial Security LLC, an
and tax preparation firm. They specialize in an integrated approach to retirement, financial and tax planning.
Financial Consultant,Wedbush Securities
Parshalla is a Financial Advisor based in Prescott, with over 48 years working in the financial services industry. As a proud 2017 Prescott LIVING Magazine Woman in Business, Par is dedicated to building a deep understanding of her clients’ needs and goals, and applying her industry expertise to help provide the best investment management and financial planning services possible.
by Ronald F . Stevenson, Investment Advisor Representative and Owner & Barbara Clark Stevenson, Investment Advisor Representative and Owner
Some people spend more time planning their vacation than they spend planning for retirement. When it comes to retirement, many Americans don’t know where to begin.
It is important to have a retirement plan addressing ways to have income for life. Finding the most efficient and beneficial way to address this may impact your lifestyle and spending patterns, your asset accumulation, and your legacy planning after you retire. Satisfying that need for daily income entails first knowing how much you need and when you need it.
Knowing how much retirement income you need is different for everyone. The general rule of thumb is that a retiree will require 70 to 80 percent of their pre-retirement income to maintain their current lifestyle. Once you figure out what the amount is you need, the next step would be to find beneficial investment strategies, options and tools to help you achieve your income goals.
One of the best strategies for income planning is very similar to a portion of the vacation-planning process, which is the flight. You book your tickets, pay for the airfare and arrive at the airport. Because you have faith in the airport, you typically don’t give it much more thought. The airlines are the ones who take into consideration that not every flight goes as smoothly as planned. And, although they plan for the best, they prepare for the worst. Our income-planning process at American Financial Investments
and American Financial Security takes a similar approach.
At American Financial Investments, we understand that your financial situation will change at different stages in your retirement. We project for potential health-care costs, emergencies, plans for moving or traveling, and other retirement expenses. Once we identify your various projected stages in retirement, and the associated expenses with each stage in the income planning process, we begin creating your personal income plan. Your retirement-income plan can consist of a variety of financial resources. Social Security is one of the best known ways to begin to fill a retiree’s income need, and is the foundational pillar of income planning for most anyone who is about to retire and needs a reliable source of income.
We help you determine when it is the best time for you to begin claiming your benefit in order to receive the maximum amount possible in connection with other retirement savings, 401(k)s, IRAs, pensions, etc.
Once your retirement-income plan has been completed, we then address your current financial situation in order to determine an appropriate strategy to generate specific income sources needed to help you live a happy and comfortable retirement with less financial stress.
Another part of planning for your retirement is having a well-planned tax strategy. Since we are a tax planning and preparation firm, we strategically analyze our clients’
taxes and help them form a tax strategy. The strategy is meant to help them have an understanding about what the normal tax ramifications might be of some of the investment and financial decisions that they make. A strategy might include (but is not limited to) maximizing a tax-free pillar of income, taking advantage of standard or itemized deductions, deferring your retirement plan distributions or a plan for disposition of rental assets as well as qualifying for state credits. It is important to meet with a financial team, like American Financial Security, to help you determine which strategy is right for you.
At American Financial Investments, we offer to help book your retirement flight so you can fly away from the confusion and uncertainty and help you arrive at your desired retirement destination. Call us today, and we’ll take care of your income-retirement plan to help make your retirement as enjoyable as a well-planned vacation.
For more information, call 928-771-8368, 3112 Clearwater Dr., Suite B, Prescott, AZ 86305 or visit American.Financial
Investment advisory services offered through American Financial Investments, LLC a Registered Investment Advisor in the State of Arizona. Insurance products and Tax services are offered through American Financial Security, LLC. American Financial Investments, LLC and American Financial Security, LLC are affiliated companies.
by Jason Rheinfelder, Independent Financial Advisor, DaVinci Wealth
1. Get Your Money Working for You
It’s surprising how many people keep all of their savings in cash. Many people may be afraid of losses brought on by their lack of expertise. However, for most people, strong returns are a must if they are going to live their dreams in retirement.
Beyond having a prudent emergency fund, it simply doesn’t make sense to hold large sums in cash earning little or no interest. Even in an uncertain investment environment, a creative and knowledgeable advisor can help find the right strategy and mix of investments to get you on track to take advantage of the extraordinary power of compounding market gains, while helping you stay protected from losses.
2. Reduce Your Tax Bill
I recently met a retired couple trying to live solely on their combined $650 per month in Social Security. They had a substantial stock portfolio, but had owned it for so long that they knew the taxes would hurt once they started to withdraw. By building a plan for timed withdrawals, rollovers, and purchases, we created a solution that minimized the tax impact for each year, reduced their overall risk dramatically and more than tripled their monthly income without surrendering any assets. Whether it is IRA Required Minimum Distributions, inheritance, capital gains, or employment income, an expert financial
planner can help you build a smart plan that will allow you to keep more of what you’ve earned.
3.
I recently met a retired teacher who had been working with a large brokerage firm. Every year she got a statement that said she had made around 6 percent, but the account value barely changed. A portfolio of $200,000 growing at 6 percent meant that she ought to have $212,000 the following year, but the account was only a little over $204,000. Does this sound familiar? After performing an analysis, I estimated she was losing around 3.7 percent to fees. Subtracting 3.7 percent from the claimed 6 percent left 2.3 percent growth, which would put her account at $204,600.
Independent, fee-based advisors earn more when your investments perform well. We don’t get paid on commission, so we have no reason to favor costly holdings and every reason to cut waste and maximize your gains.
Many people are on track to outlive their assets. And it’s not just a matter of saving a lot or earning high financial returns; even healthy portfolios can be exhausted when financial risk isn’t managed properly or withdrawals not structured correctly.
Visiting an independent advisor can help you avoid this scenario because we can create an income plan where you will know where every dollar of income is going to come from, every year, for life.
If you’ve ever managed your own portfolio, you know the hours spent researching companies, reading prospectuses, following financial news, determining when to buy and sell various securities, managing tax consequences, and monitoring accounts. A good advisor will take care of all that, so you are free to enjoy life, and will make sure that you always know what you are invested in and why.
DaVinci Wealth is an independent, fee-based financial practice serving Northern Arizona. What does independent mean? It means we have access to all the same tools and information that the big companies have, but we aren’t pressured to push clients toward “house brand” financial products. We do what is best for each person, without any sales quotas or hidden kickbacks. It means we work for you, not our higher-ups.
Representative of Retirement Wealth Advisors, Inc. (RWA); 89 Ionia NW, Suite 600, Grand Rapids, MI 49503 (800) 903-2582. Investment services are offered through RWA. DaVinci Wealth and RWA are not affiliated. Insurance and annuities offered through DaVinci Wealth. Insurance licensed in Arizona. License #1097888.
by Jodi O . Padgett, CFP MS, Taylor & Padgett Financial Group, LLC
Afamily meeting is an excellent way to get the family together to discuss important issues, especially those that involve elderly parents. It is beneficial to help mom and dad decide where they want to live and how to manage their future health-care needs, financial needs and estate plan. This is a challenging time in the life of a family, but it can be handled with care, compassion and integrity.
Families today look different than they did just a generation or two ago. Whether they are blended, multigenerational, or single-parent households, their needs require the same consideration.
My own personal philosophy, in terms of putting the relationship with the client first, is also the premise on which my firm, Taylor & Padgett Wealth & Legacy Strategies, stands. We are trained, and are continuously learning how to assist our clients in arrangements that need to be made for the disposal of their estate, how to maximize the value of the estate through reduced tax strategies and how to help them make complex decisions that need to be made before it’s too late.
Over the last decade or so, our firm has been actively engaging and encouraging our clients to have family meet-
ings. We believe it is crucial to have deeper, more thoughtful communication about things that truly matter. And it’s not just about the money. We offer to facilitate these meetings, sometimes in the form of retreats and family reunions. This invaluable time provides a unique opportunity to express and explore possibilities in a safe environment, structured with an agenda, discussion activities and pre-meeting questions and reading materials. This is a time for parents to share their deeply held values, their emotional legacy, and hopefully inspire their children and grandchildren to embrace their heritage. It is also a time for the children to speak out about their concerns, and ask questions. These meetings bring dynamic insight, perspective and wisdom to the fore as everyone tries to explore the spiritual, social and financial aspects of caring for elderly parents.
At family meetings, we guide family members through this process, providing strategies for continued income and the transfer of wealth to heirs and charitable-giving vehicles to ultimately save tax dollars while benefiting
charities. As an experienced financial advisor, I am finding most clients’ financial plans cover everything from supporting newborn children to retiring in style, but some tend to resist the discussion of end-of-life details and how to celebrate the family’s mission. Recently, my partner, Charlie Taylor, and I had the honor of facilitating a family meeting at a beautiful setting just outside Boulder, Colorado. The family tree was probably not unlike so many in this day and age – early dementia, much younger second spouse, combined families, many grandchildren and family members spread from coast-to-coast!
While a traditional estate-planning discussion was essential, along with all the various highly technical tools of passing on a legacy and avoiding taxes, it was important for the family to remember who they really are. We offered the tools to assist them in discussion and in writing a legacy letter to share their values, blessings, life’s lessons, love, forgiveness, hopes and dreams. Other important issues include health care, funeral preferences, financial and heirloom bequests, and practical matters such as household maintenance.
It’s all very real and very important. Legacy planning is often referred to as the “soft side” of estate planning. We, at Taylor & Padgett Wealth & Legacy, believe in stewarding family wealth, while helping the next generation understand the emotional side, the family values and the current technical side influencing this time of life. We encourage our clients to have family meetings and consider it an honor, as professional advisors, to be part of the process.
by Travis Schultz, Owner and Licensed Mortgage Broker, Smart Mortgage
Are reverse mortgages not all they’re cracked up to be? Can they truly add the stability you need for financial planning and your retirement, or are they just another way to steal away your home, equity or inheritance? Since the product began back in 1989, local Prescott reverse mortgage expert Travis Schultz at Smart Mortgage says we may be surprised with the honest truth behind the reverse mortgage!
• No mortgage payments for life? – (True) As long as either spouse considers the property as his or her primary home, they can live there for life paying zero mortgage payments.
• All applicants must be 62 years old or older – (False) Only one spouse needs to be 62 years old. The other spouse may be younger.
• You must own your home outright –(False) You may already have an existing mortgage, which can be refinanced and paid off with a reverse mortgage.
• Other family can also live in the home with no mortgage payment – (True) Any additional family is also able to live in the home with no mortgage payments, as long as one owner of the property resides in the home.
• The income or cash I receive is not taxable – (True) Any money you receive,
whether monthly, a cash sum or in a home equity line is all nontaxable to do with as you wish.
• You must have good credit and income for a reverse mortgage – (False) Since reverse mortgages do not require a mortgage payment, almost anyone with any type of credit and income may be eligible.
• Once into the reverse mortgage you are locked into it, permanently – (False) The reverse mortgage is simply a loan recorded against the property, just like every other mortgage. You retain full ownership, so at any time you can move, sell or refinance the property simply by paying off the mortgage balance.
• If I take out a reverse mortgage, I will leave nothing for my family – (False) Reverse mortgages have insurance automatically built in to protect the family. Most homes continue to increase in value over time, leaving even more equity for family. Even if property values decrease below what is owed, the family can acquire the property for 5 percent less than market value, regardless of how much is owed or how low the value may be. No other program offers this.
• I can only own the one home – (Myth) As long as the home with the reverse mortgage is maintained as your primary resi-
dence, Smart Mortgage allows you to own as many other properties as you wish.
• You can only get a reverse mortgage on a one-unit home – (False) Smart Mortgage also allows reverse mortgages on manufactured homes, duplexes, triplexes, fourplexes, townhomes and condos, as long as one unit is considered your primary residence.
• My family will be responsible for the debt – (False) The reverse mortgage is a non-recourse loan, so if your value ever falls below what you owe, your family will never have to pay the deficiency.
• The government or lender will own my home – (False) The reverse mortgage is simply a lien recorded against the property, just like any other mortgage. The homeowner(s) remains on title and has full ownership. The owner(s) may also add other family members or place the home in a trust, so family automatically has ownership in the property and equity, as well.
• You can purchase a home using a reverse mortgage – (True) Smart Mortgage allows you to purchase a primary home and the financed amount has no payments for life.
Travis Schultz is the owner of Smart Mortgage in Prescott, Arizona and is a licensed mortgage broker. Travis can be reached at (928) 445-9499.
by André Carman, Attorney, Carman Law Firm
As part of the estate-planning process, many people create revocable (aka living) trusts. Trusts can be used to avoid probate, but only if they are funded before you pass away. Funding a trust is an oft-forgotten step in the estate-planning process. If not done correctly or at all, then many of the purposes and expected benefits for which the trust was created could be lost. Chief among those is that avoiding probate may not be accomplished. Worse yet, your ultimate distribution plan may conflict.
To fund a trust, your assets need to be transferred to the trust. Accounts and real estate deeds need to be re-titled to the trust and tangible personal property needs to be assigned to the trust.
Retirement accounts such as IRAs and 401(k)s cannot be in the name of the trust, but the trust can be a beneficiary of retirement accounts. To do so, however, the trust must be drafted carefully to comply with IRS tax regulations. Then, the trust can be listed
as the primary or contingent beneficiary on a beneficiary designation form for the account.
In addition to problems caused by not funding your trust, your overall distribution can be frustrated if your trust conflicts with your beneficiary designations on your life insurance and bank, retirement and investment accounts.
For example, what happens if your trust leaves everything to your children equally, but the life insurance beneficiary designation only names one of your children? Under Arizona law, what’s on the beneficiary designation controls. So, in this example, the child named on the life insurance beneficiary designation would get all of it. The same goes for anything with a beneficiary or transferon-death designation, such as bank accounts, retirement accounts, investment accounts, etc.
Similar conflicts can occur with real estate that is not titled (deeded) to the trust. Many buy their homes or other property and take title with their
spouse as joint tenants or community property with right of survivorship. The ROS designation allows the property to pass to the surviving spouse without going through probate. When the first spouse passes, some add a child to the deed as joint tenants with ROS, with the thought that this child will then sell the property at the parent’s death and divide it among all the siblings, which is what the trust says should happen.
Unfortunately, the parent’s wishes may not be accomplished in this scenario. The ROS designation on the deed means that the one child inherits the property as his or her own and has no legal obligation to follow the terms of the trust.
Coordinating the funding of your trust with your overall estate-distribution plan needs to be done with care. Your estate-planning lawyer can only advise you properly if you give him or her the big picture, i.e., full disclosure of all of your assets along with copies of deeds, titles and beneficiary designations.
In addition to problems caused by not funding your trust, your overall distribution can be frustrated if your trust conflicts with your beneficiary designations on your life insurance and bank, retirement and investment accounts.
by Parshalla Wood, Financial Advisor, Wedbush Securities, Inc .
The investment strategy you select today can help determine whether you accomplish your goals during retirement!
Thinking about retirement can be both an exciting and overwhelming topic. Your retirement vision may be filled with many personal goals such as taking cruises, traveling to faraway lands, making that dream purchase and community involvement. But it may likewise be filled with many questions every time you see financial market news.
“Have I put away enough to make these things happen?”
“Are my investments positioned to take advantage of today’s market growth?”
“And, are my investments protected against tomorrow’s market downturns,
The investment strategy you select today can help determine whether you accomplish your goals during retirement! One of the most important steps you can take is considering whether your investments are properly diversified – or in simple terms, how they are spread around different investment vehicles. Here are three questions to ask when thinking about how your investment strategy is positioned:
1. How will your investment strategy perform during market ups and downs? Every investment performs differently depending on the market environment. Often when one investment gains value (such as a stock), another investment may not (such as a bond). By diversifying among these different assets, you can potentially protect against volatility when the
Are you overly exposed to one particular sector or asset class? Every sector and type of investment is shaped by a plethora of factors. Just because one sector is experiencing growth today does not guarantee that it will continue growing tomorrow. Since all investing involves risk, it is important to understand these risks and work to ensure that your portfolio is not over-exposed to any one area.
3. Does your strategy benefit from differing investment styles? Many financial products are designed by investment professionals to accomplish certain objectives or protect against certain risks. By diversifying among different products, you can take advantage of a wider range of expertise.
If you are unsure of the answer to some, or all of these questions, you are not alone! Diversification does not protect against a loss or guarantee a profit, however many investors seek the help of an investment advisor who possesses a deep understanding of the different investment opportunities and products available. By working with an advisor, you can take one of the most important steps toward gaining peace of mind that your future retirement goals can become a reality regardless of how the market performs.
Parshalla Wood is a Financial Advisor based in Prescott with over 48 years working in the financial services industry. As a proud 2017 Prescott LIVING Magazine’s Woman in Business, Par is dedicated to building a deep understanding of her clients’ needs and goals, and applying her industry expertise to help provide the best investment management and financial planning services possible.
Find Par online at WedbushPrescott.com, or by calling 928-777-0500.
Securities offered through Wedbush Securities, Inc. Member NYSE/FINRA/SIPC.
If you are accumulating wealth quickly and live the comfortable life with a large house, luxury car and other expensive assets, you’ve no doubt already insured all of those belongings.
But while most high-net-worth individuals have their possessions properly covered, they often overlook their largest risk: liability. In fact, they often over-insure against minor threats and underinsure for major ones.
Many people will carry low
minimums on their auto and homeowner’s policies, which leaves them exposed to any liability lawsuits that may surface. If the maximum payout on your homeowner’s or car insurance is less than the attachment point of your umbrella policy, you could be left having to cover the gap between the two.
Look at it this way: If you wreck your Porsche, it won’t imperil you financially. But if you also maim or kill someone in the
process of wrecking the car, your wealth could be put in jeopardy without the proper protection.
That’s why it’s of the utmost importance that you carry the proper liability coverage limits on your auto and homeowner’s policies, so that you don’t have a gap that can leave your personal assets and funds exposed.
Further, if you are a public figure or sit on any boards of directors or do charity work, you may want to consider increasing your limits and supplementing your coverage with an umbrella insurance policy to insure against any lawsuits stemming from decisions you may make in those capacities.
You’re involved in a car accident that leaves the occupant of the other car in serious condition, and she will need extensive operations and likely years of physical therapy.
You’ve insured your car with a liability limit of $300,000 and you have an umbrella policy with a $1 million limit.
That umbrella limit is not nearly enough to cover the bills for this injured individual, whose care costs will likely surpass $3 million easily in the next four years.
That would leave you $2 million out of pocket.
You sit on the board of a local nonprofit and volunteer
your time on the board without remuneration.
A former vendor sues the entire board for breach of contract after the board had voted to terminate their contract. The matter is brought to trial, and a judge orders that all board members personally pay $100,000 each for their actions. If you don’t have a personal umbrella policy, you’d be on the hook and out of pocket for the entire amount.
You have a a birthday party at your house and about 20 guests, one of whom slips on some spilled wine on your deck and throws out his back and can’t work for three months.
He sues you for negligence and the homeowner’s insurer negotiates a settlement of $250,000. Your policy has a $100,000 liability limit, but your umbrella policy doesn’t kick in until $300,000. That leaves you paying $150,000 out of pocket.
Unfortunately, if you have money, you might as well be walking around with a target on your back. In our litigious society, one misstep or mistake can result in an expensive lawsuit and, if it goes to trial, the costs escalate tremendously and your fate rests in the hands of a jury or judge. Talk to us about a policy that would be right for you. Excess liability policies for high net-worth individuals will often include the costs of unlimited legal defense and legal counsel.
by Anne Wenzel, Partner, Tiensvold Shaffer Wenzels CPA’s PLLC
So, let me begin by saying I am not a medical doctor, nor am I experienced in the various mental health afflictions that can plague aging adults. I am a CPA, a tax person. And while it seems I spend all day tabulating taxes, I have had time to notice much about my aging clients no one wants to talk about, and one of those things is what’s happening to mom and dad.
No matter how hard we try to prevent it or cover it up, we age. We ask our friends how their folks are as we pass them in the grocery store aisle. Then, we move onto other things because our life is busy, and we don’t have time to ponder the subtle changes we’ve noticed in ourselves, let alone those changes occurring with mom or dad.
Then it happens – mom leaves the stove on and goes into the other room. On Sunday, dad might mention the incident at family dinner, but everyone quickly lets it slip from the conversation, because it’s an uncomfortable discussion.
Often, I see parents afraid to admit they’re aging, because it means they are losing control. They are proud, and their adult children are so busy, and they would never want to burden their kids. Some parents do a great deal of planning for this day – the day they need to let go of daily routines, writing checks, paying bills and monitoring investments. Even those who plan well often believe there’s still plenty of time to have that family discussion. I routinely get asked by those adult children, “What are my parents’ assets?” “Where do they bank?” “What investments do they have?” “And why
didn’t they tell me what was happening sooner?”
Then the car accident happens, a little fender bender – that’s what’s insurance is for, right? Or the fall down two small stairs and a trip to the ER results in a few bandages and some new medications for mom. Or there’s $2,000 missing from the bank account, and dad must have forgotten to record a check he wrote.
First, have the conversation early, now, while you still can! Talk to your siblings, or ask your parents for permission to talk to their accountant, attorney, banker, doctor, dentist, etc. Please realize – this isn’t about you! Stop looking for approval from your dad. Stop fretting about that sibling rivalry from when you were kids.
This current aging generation has been trusting and kind to those less fortunate. They have always had an intimate relationship with their money and their assets. They know their bank balance; they pay off their credit cards; and they have scrimped and saved in case there’s a Great Depression again. So they are targets for scammers. Ask to be copied on their bank statements, so you can see what is going into and out of the account every month.
Remember, you cannot just remove all responsibility from them without replacing it with something for them to do. Maybe dad was always a control freak, so give him a short summary every month – the assets, where they are, what bills were paid, when the next insurance payment is and whatever helps him to stay in touch with his money. And when they do let you into
their financial world, recognize their boredom. Mom has nonspecific dementia, and while she loved to read, now she may not remember re-reading the first page over and over again.
Just know you are not alone. Many of us have experienced this situation with parents and grandparents. Stay calm, and notice the subtle changes. Get
help from those professionals who work with this all the time. Recognize that your parent is not mad at you. He or she is mad that they have lost their ability to handle their affairs. Watch for clues that don’t make sense. Be patient, but pay attention to the hints they drop. And have the conversations early and often. Good luck!
by Arlene Rheinfelder, EA CP AZCLDP, Enrolled Agent, Certified Paralegal, AZ Certified Legal Document Preparer, Prescott Tax & Paralegal LLC
Hurricanes Harvey, Irma and Maria. Fires in Montana and California.
The recent Goodwin Fire, which forced the evacuation of Mayer and neighboring communities. For those who’ve lived here awhile, the Yarnell Fire, Indian Fire and Doce Fire. Few of us have been left untouched by disaster. We have either been personally involved, or know someone affected.
Our basic disaster-supplies kit is packed and ready to go. However, preparing for disaster includes more than survival supplies.
Once the evacuation orders are lifted, families returning home may find that nothing is left. Their financial records are destroyed, and proving losses for insurance and tax purposes becomes a nightmare.
There are a few simple steps one can take prior to disaster to ensure that you have the
basic records needed to prove your losses for both insurance and tax purposes.
1. Scan and store the following in secure cloud storage, or on a portable hard drive that goes in your evacuation bag:
a. The four most recent tax returns, and each tax return that involves a 1031 exchange.
b. The HUD settlement statement for your real estate and receipts for any improvements made to the property
c. Annual photos or video of each room in your home to document the contents.
d. Receipts for more expensive items of personal property.
e. Vehicle purchase contracts.
2. Complete Publication 584 (Personal) and 584-B (Business) Casualty, Disaster, and Theft Loss Workbook (avail-
able to download from the IRS) to have a detailed list of assets. Scan and store this on a portable hard drive.
After the disaster, take photos or videos to document the damage as soon as possible. Disaster losses in a declared federal disaster area may be claimed on the prior year income tax return by amending the tax form. This is important because frequently income is decreased in the year of the disaster, and there is often a larger refund created by amending the prior year income tax form.
Preparing to survive disaster is important. You can find tips on physical preparation at www.ready.gov. Keeping accurate records in a portable format is also important. For more information visit irs.gov, and search keyword “disaster.”
by Donna Linton, Contributor
Every professional working in the reverse mortgage field works to help the public overcome the misconceptions that have plagued our industry.
I have sat with skeptics kitchen tables, and overheard misinformed seniors talking negatively about our product. The problem is that most Americans simply don’t understand the ins and outs of the product, with many holding on to the false belief that the bank owns the borrower’s home.
The reverse mortgage program has changed substantially. With new protections in place for nonborrowing spouses, expanded rules to police industry participants, and a financial assessment to ensure the loan’s suitability for a borrower’s circumstance, reverse mortgages
are a better, stronger and safer product than ever before. It has become a unique financial-planning tool that we now have the opportunity to educate our borrowers, financial planners, real estate professionals and professionals in general about, so that we may help more seniors with the power of the HECM (Home Equity Conversion Mortgage).
In October, Nobel Prize-winning economist and MIT finance professor Robert Merton drew attention to reverse mortgages.
Speaking at a wealth management conference, Merton said he believes that reverse mortgages will become an essential component of retirement savings.
For more information, contact Bill Binkey, Sr. Reverse Mortgage Consultant at 928-237-9599 or visit isAreverseMortgage4me.com
In August 2016, five organizations united in a collected effort to educate and inform individuals on how they could redirect their Arizona tax dollars to make a difference in their local communities. Greater Prescott Area Tax Credit Coalition now has 17 organizations and continues to educate the community on practicing informed decision-making and having greater control over how their tax dollars are spent. Their mission is simple: to keep charitable donation monies local to support and strengthen essential social services needed by the greater Prescott area.
The coalition is diverse in its members, who represent various missions that capture multi-faceted needs of our local community. Members include Arizona Children’s Association, Boys & Girls Club of Central Arizona, Boys to Men Mentoring, Catholic Charities Community Services, Expeditionary Learning Academy, Hozhoni Foundation, The Launch Pad Teen Center, Northland Cares, Northpoint, Prescott Farmers Market, Prescott Free Clinic, Prescott Habitat for Humanity, Prescott Meals on Wheels, Prescott Unified School District, U.S. Vets, West Yavapai Guidance Clinic, Yavapai Casa for Kids Foundation, Schutte & Hilgendorf PLLC-CPAs and Arizona Community Foundation of Yavapai County.
The coalition focuses on education around
tax credits – the amount of money a taxpayer is able to subtract against a tax liability that is owed to the state. Tax credits are designed to encourage or reward certain types of behavior that are considered beneficial to the economy, environment, or to further any other purpose the government deems important. Tax credits generally save taxpayers more money than deductions, as deductions only reduce the amount of your income that is subject to tax, whereas credits directly reduce your tax bill. A tax credit is a dollar-for-dollar reduction of the income tax you owe.
For example, if you owe $1,000 in Arizona taxes, but are eligible for an $800 tax credit, your net liability drops to $200. Tax liability can be dispersed into several categories to include qualifying charitable organizations, qualifying foster-care charitable organizations, public schools (includes public charters) and private school tuition organizations. Tax credit limits are not for the total year, but rather for each specific type of category. It’s possible to receive a $1,800 total credit by donating the maximum amount to each of the aforementioned categories. Contributions that exceed one’s tax liability can be “rolled over” into subsequent years and applied to future tax liability. Visit prescottareataxcredit.com/ for more information.
Check with your tax advisor to verify qualification.
…continued from page 32
cast the 14-foot-tall monument to be in the roundabout.”
Reilly said the statue was a difficult one to produce because it was quite complex in its design, especially because the upper potion was “cantilevered” — extending outward with only one end anchored firmly. Reilly explained that initially the enlarged replica was blown up almost 10 times the size of the original. It was shaped and cut out in Styrofoam and coated in wax. Then, artist Deb Gessner applied clay and carefully sculpted it into the final piece, which will be used as the mold for the last wax bronze casting process.
Casting of the estimated 65 pieces that will form the final statue will take several months. Once the individual pieces are cast, they are welded together and then fitted onto a frame that will hold the sculp-
ture up.
Reilly praised Gessner. “She’s done a fabulous job in capturing the motion and expression of this piece. It embodies the humor and feeling that George Phippen put into all his pieces.”
Phippen, who came to Arizona from rural life in Iowa and Kansas, lived in Skull Valley. His son Loren said that Phippen was always trying to capture the life of working cowboys.
Reilly said the roundabout is scheduled to be completed sometime during spring 2018. He speculates the statue will be completed by May 2018. It then will be taken to the roundabout and placed on the concrete base at its center.
Reilly said, “What’s neat — anyone going all the way around that roundabout will get a 360- degree view of this wonderful piece of Phippen art in front of the Phippen museum. What a tribute to its creator.”
Michael A. Beatty, president of Prescott Investor Services, Inc., was named one of five 2017 Distinguished Alumni during Homecoming activities at Northern Arizona University (NAU), October 27-28.
Beatty received the Jeff Ferris Volunteer of the Year award from NAU President Rita Cheng.
Beatty, more commonly known as “Mike” by area residents, was selected because of his years of volunteer service to the NAU Foundation and its Investment Committee, the NAU Alumni Board, and the NAU College of Behavioral and Social Science Advancement Committee. He is an officer in the Prescott Area Alumni Chapter.
Beatty also was cited because of his many volunteer activities in the Greater Prescott area. Those include being a member of the Prescott Sunrise Lions Club, a Trustee for the Yavapai Regional Medical Center, a recent Vice President of the Desert Southwest Chapter- Alzheimer’s Association, and a supporter of the Yavapai Big Brothers, Big Sisters organization. He serves as a financial consultant to the Gardner Family Teacher Scholarship Endowment.
Beatty co-founded his firm in 1989, when
he left a vice presidency of a regional investment banking firm in Phoenix and relocated to Prescott. His firm now manages investments for high-net worth individuals and small institutions. His clients are scattered across the country. He even has some international clients.
Beatty is well-known as an international lecturer about investment strategies. In fact, since 1991, he has served as a consultant about business privatization and investment to government and business officials in the Czech Republic.
• November 24th through December 30th - Enchanted Christmas Tour of Lights at Gateway Mall - various times
• November 24th through December 30th - Wildlights & Animal Sights at Heritage Park Zoo - 6-8:30 p.m. every Friday & Saturday evening, open to the public.
• November 25th - Holiday Light Parade - 6 p.m.
• December 2nd - Christmas Parade "A Cowboy Christmas" - 1 p.m.
• December 2nd - 63rd Annual Courthouse Lighting - 6 p.m.
• December 2nd - A Frontier Christmas at Sharlot Hall Museum - 6-8:30 p.m. (immediately following the Courthouse lighting)
BY
by Ken Leja, Sharlot Hall Museum
Holiday celebrations in Prescott date back to the first days of the town in 1863, but the community’s designation as Arizona’s Christmas City or Christmas Town began about 100 years later.
In 1962 Arizona Gov. Paul Fannin officially declared Prescott as the state’s official Christmas Town. About a quarter-century later, Gov. Rose Mofford followed up, declaring Prescott as Arizona’s Christmas City in 1989, which solidified the community’s long-time holiday image.
The community spirit for the holidays, however, dates back to the town’s founding. The first Christmas observance in the Prescott area was celebrated by Bishop Jean Baptiste Lamy beside Granite Creek on Christmas morning in 1863.
The second Christmas celebration, December 1864, centered at the new Governor’s Mansion (now the centerpiece of Sharlot Hall Museum), with food for all and an American flag flying over the mansion from atop a pine tree shorn of its top-most branches.
At the first county courthouse in 1867 on Cortez Street, local holiday celebrations focused on this building, the site of many public gatherings, including church services.
With each new courthouse (1878 and late-1910s), both visitors and residents flocked to the downtown plaza to celebrate the season, decorating the plaza trees with clothing, colored paper, and the occasional flask or hanging pair of shoes.
Over the years, these festivities have grown from simple decorations and communitywide faith observances, to the contemporary displays initiated in the early 1950s. These were produced by the local chamber of commerce and augmented by numerous service clubs and individuals. The Business and Professional Women’s Club initiated the lighting of the courthouse in 1955, and the Christmas parade was added in the 1980s.
Today, Prescott has become the go-to spot for a small-town Christmas, and solidifies the community’s longtime holiday image and designation as Arizona’s Christmas City.
Anew signature event was unveiled this November for the holiday season. The Prescott Chamber of Commerce introduced the Grand Marshal Gala, its newest signature event and planned Prescott tradition, which honors the Grand Marshal of the Prescott Chamber Christmas Parade and all of the Chamber sponsors who support the Chamber’s holiday events.
The Grand Marshal Gala brought even more excitement to this popular parade. The Prescott Chamber of Commerce named Tommy Meredith the 2017 Grand Marshal, and the first Grand Marshal Gala honoree.
“After all, we are Arizona’s Christmas City,”
Chamber President Sheri Heiney stated that Meredith is well-deserving of this honor. For over a decade, his tireless efforts leading the Friends of Jersey Lilly campaign has raised funds for the annual Courthouse lighting.
“This is as big an honor as I could ever expect,” Meredith said. “I am overwhelmed. I have seen a lot of parades and events where others were honored. I never thought it would be me.”
Meredith has been a lifelong Arizona resident, community-minded Prescott business owner, and self-described “drugstore cowboy.” Meredith credits his wife, Joan, with everything they have together. Since they were married in 1961, he has never slept on the couch in 57 years. They have been partners in all of their business endeavors, and he has never collected a paycheck from anyone else. Meredith’s smile broadens when talking about his family; son, Mark; daughter, Tama; and his three grandchildren.
Meredith grew up in Phoenix, where he attended West High
School and was the state high school wrestling champion in 1956. While attending ASU, he was a member of the first ASU wrestling team in 19561957 and was also crowned Campus King in 1959. Meredith served six years in the Air National Guard and was activated to Germany during the Berlin crisis. He retired as a Load Master on a C-97 airplane.
Many jobs, businesses, and accomplishments have shaped Meredith in his lifetime, but the most memorable happened in 1943, when at age 9, Meredith was awarded a YMCA sports tournament trophy. That trophy sits on his bedside table to this day and reminds him that he still can do anything he sets his mind to do. Some of his other notable experiences include: home building with his dad in the 1950s and 1960s; horseback riding for 12 hours a day alongside his brother, Mark who roped cattle in Young, AZ; former owner of Jersey Lilly Saloon for 15 years; claimed three of four North American Wild Sheep Grand Slam trophies; participated with Desert Caballeros annual 5-day ride out of Wickenburg; broke a race record driving his Formula V car at Riverside International Raceway Championship with the Sports Car Club of America; was an original founder of the Fiesta Bowl; also an original founder of Arizona Big Horn Sheep Society; and remains an avid antique collector of early American collectibles.
Christmas is Meredith’s favorite holiday. His favorite Christmas memory is when he and his brother received Schwinn Phantom bicycles. They took off riding on those bicycles right away, and Meredith still isn’t
sure if they ever came home that day. For 23 years, the family has attended the annual Courthouse lighting. About ten years ago, Meredith approached the Prescott City Council to discuss ideas to increase their funding of the Courthouse lighting. “After all, we are Arizona’s Christmas City,” said Meredith. One councilmember, in particular, challenged his comment and said, “Tommy, do something about it.” So, Meredith walked back to the Jersey Lilly and said, “We’re gonna do this!” Soon, a committee came together, and they were fundraising. Tommy did the auctioneering for the kick-off party, and light bulbs were sold in the bar. Over the years, money just kept coming in to support the lighting thanks to the efforts of the committee and the people of Prescott.
Since selling the Jersey Lilly Saloon this year, Meredith’s plans are to continue working hard to get out of business. Meredith shared, “Joan and I are going to take care of each other and get our personal affairs in order. There are only so many years in a lifetime, so I want to make the best of them. This isn’t possible with business responsibilities. I want time to enjoy life, just in a different way.”
For more information about all Chamber events, please visit Prescott.org or call 928-445-2000.
The mission of the Prescott Chamber of Commerce is to promote its members by enhancing the overall business environment of Prescott.
Bringing people together is something Danielle Hampton and Veronica Phillips are passionate about. Upon seeing a need for something new and fresh for moms in Prescott, Hampton and Phillips founded the notfor-profit Mothers in Bloom organization in 2017. The group aims to bring local mothers together, all while giving back to the Prescott community. Each event has a charitable aspect, either through the event’s service activity or via donations.
Mothers in Bloom’s first event was held at The Barley Hound’s back patio in September, with almost 100 mothers and children attending. The space was donated by the restaurant, and food and beverages were sponsored by Realtor Hank Hampton. In partnership with Arizona charity Lighthouse for Hope, the group created care packages for children receiving treatment for cancer at Phoenix Children’s Hospital. More than 700 items were donated for the cause, and 75 care bags were filled for the kids, alongside tie-fleece blankets and countless hand-drawn notes and letters.
October’s event was a Moms-only evening at Park Plaza Liquor and Deli. More than 75 Prescott mothers gathered for wine tasting, all while catching up with old friends and making new ones. The space was donated by the deli, and close to $400 was raised for local organization Prevent Child Abuse Arizona (PCAA). Executive Director of PCAA Rebecca Ruffner was on hand to speak to the group about the organization’s mission, and it was a successful night of not only bringing moms together but also giving back to a great cause.
Mothers in Bloom’s most recent event, A Giving Holiday, took place on November 19 in partnership with Coalition for Compassion and Justice (CCJ). The Prescott Athletic Club generously provided its facility, and mothers and their
children brought hundreds of gifts, clothing items, books and stocking stuffers to support CCJ’s Family Christmas Program. This program serves over 1,000 local families living under the poverty line in Prescott and helps to give them a special holiday. Mothers in Bloom provided stockings for event attendees to decorate and stuff, served hot chocolate and cookies, and created the afternoon’s activities, thanks to their event sponsors Bradshaw Family Dental, and Oral and Facial Surgery Center of Prescott and a generous donation from Peddler’s Pass. Diane Iverson, Director of Special Projects at CCJ, was also present to speak to the attendees about what CCJ does and how they can continue to be involved.
December’s event will take place at Bend Hot Yoga in downtown Prescott, and will be an evening out for moms. For more details and updates on future events, be sure to follow Mothers in Bloom via facebook.com/prescottmothersinbloom. Hampton and Phillips look forward to creating more opportunities to bring Prescott moms together in the spirit of giving back, and are excited for all that’s to come.
December’s event will take place at Bend Hot Yoga in downtown Prescott, and will be an evening out for moms.
by Ann Petrovsky, Vice President, Acker Committee
I“t’s my favorite event of the year!”
These are the words I hear most often when I speak of Prescott’s beloved Acker Night. Indeed, after almost 30 years it has become possibly the most anticipated evening of all time.
More than 100 of Prescott’s downtown businesses will host entertainment from a wide range of all-volunteer musicians on Dec. 8 from 5:30-8:30 p.m. Sounds rather impossible, doesn’t it?
On this evening you can wander downtown and get treated to every imaginable sound –from jazz combos to bluegrass, or chorale music to rock, or folk to a cappella and even maybe a real theater organ. Occasionally, you’ll see belly dancers or a dance troupe. Acker Night is truly a family event complete with Mr. and Mrs. Santa Claus stationed with their sleigh on Gurley Street alongside our information tent. Local vendors such as Park Plaza Liquor & Deli, Starbucks Coffee and Wildflower Bread Company will also be set up, offering goodies and coffee all for our charity.
These amazing musicians, from seasoned professionals such as the western swing and bluegrass band The Ping Brothers, to amateur prodigies (I’m remembering that phenomenal 12-year-old on solo piano last year), play as a fundraising evening for music scholarships for our local school children. The incomparable Road One South actually mentors/rehearses with several of our scholarship recipients at the famous Elks Theatre by having them join the band on stage. This generosity, dedication and love of the art is evident throughout in these three precious hours. Prescott businesses are eager and gracious to open their doors wide. Remember to keep an eye out for those with hot chocolate and cookies.
• Raise money for music lessons for Yavapai County school children.
• Augment funds for local school districts’ music programs.
• Provide additional funding for school music needs.
Last year we provided 53 scholarships and gave over $8,000 to the schools.
Every business has a Tips for Scholarships bag for you to express your appreciation to our musicians, but the money in the tip bags is dedicated to Acker (we are a 501(c)(3) nonprofit). For the second year in a row, our fabulous Prescott High School Marching Band will be out in uniform holding Tips for Scholarships bags at various sites around town.
We are the only community in the nation to host such a gig! Our tireless volunteer staff is endlessly organizing, matching and rearranging businesses with performers. Our name pays homage to J.S. Acker, who left a trust “…for music for children.” The inaugural Acker Night in 1988 hosted a modest eight businesses and musicians.
Don’t be shy! Bring your dollar bills and contribute to our tip bags on Dec. 8. Roam and fill your senses with all the music you can dream of. You will have an unforgettable evening. I promise.
REACH US!
Facebook: Acker Night Online: ackernight.com
Phone: 928-778-5460
by Drew Desmond, for the Prescott Western Heritage Foundation, Inc .
1916 was an auspicious year for Prescott's Courthouse Plaza. In October construction began on our current courthouse. To celebrate, the idea was raised to erect a Christmas tree in the plaza.
A week before the holiday, a large meeting of city officials and ministers decided unanimously to erect the city's first Christmas tree.
The Prescott Daily Journal-Miner proudly crowed:
"Prescott will be the first city in Arizona to hold a big, municipal, outdoor tree. Everyone is to have a share and for that reason, it will be termed the municipal tree."
Residents were so excited they actively sought fundraisers to make donations. In a few short hours, the tree fund had grown to $125. A few days later, $400 was reached – more than enough for the project.
Permission was secured from the U.S. Forestry Office to harvest a 30-foot pine, and it was placed in the center of the plaza.
Each branch of the tree was loaded with toys and candy for the kids and beneath, baskets were packed with groceries and other charity items to ensure that no home in Prescott would be without Christmas cheer.
Dolls, tops, marbles and wagons were donated by city merchants. Warm shoes, wraps and household necessities were also given. Every local charity, business and fraternal organization became involved.
In spite of the short time to prepare, everything was ready for the service on Christmas Eve.
It seemed the Lord himself was pleased, giving Prescott a rare white Christmas that provided a
"glimmering frosting" on top of the beautiful scene.
"Mingled with the soft patter of falling snow and the murmur of the wind through the trees, glad voices were lifted upon the air and carried straight to the hearts of the 75 or 100 people who attended the exercises," the paper related.
Short addresses were given by the men who originated the event.
All the city's choirs combined to sing "Hark the Herald Angels" and "Silent Night."
Although the 100 lights on a three-story tree seems paltry
to us, people then were wowed by the novelty when they were illuminated.
While the entertainment was presented, Boy Scouts carried basket after basket to the homes of the poor and worthy in Prescott. It took scores of scouts until midnight to distribute all the charity items.
It was one of the very best and proudest Christmases in Prescott history.
"The municipal Christmas tree was such a success that it will probably be repeated again next year when more time and prepa-
ration will be given," the paper said in retrospect.
Indeed, Prescott's Courthouse Lighting has only grown over the years to include parades, crowds in the thousands, and immensely more than 100 lights!
Perhaps more than any other, it was this hurried idea, Christmas 1916, that would firmly place Prescott on the path to being named "Arizona's Christmas City."
Drew Desmond’s #PrescottAZHistory blog features over 100 articles
SOURCES: Prescott Daily Journal-Miner, December 19-26, 1916.
by Kathleen Wells, Owner, Foghara Advertising and Public Relations
The hustle and bustle (frantic running around) of the holiday season includes house cleaning (guests are coming), menu planning (you’ve got to feed them), decorating, shopping, shopping and more shopping. Fighting the traffic and crowds to get those errands done takes time and depletes whatever patience you had stored up since last year. Still, it’s a time when enjoying our beautiful community and the bonhomie of fellow residents is a delightful experience. Don’t forget we are Arizona’s Christmas City. How do you break away from the stress, kick back and soak up
the joy? Nothing evokes happy emotions like music, and never more so than at Christmas time. It brings back memories from childhood and, for whatever reason, makes us want to share it — so much so that we even force it upon our offspring, so that the songs we enjoyed (or detested) live on through them. From the classics and sacred, to more contemporary, elegant and even cheesy, holiday music stirs us like no other. Enjoy it for yourself, and even treat those visiting friends and family to a live concert.
The Prescott community is blessed to have an abundance of
talented musicians and several local music organizations that perform live concerts. Two of our local groups will be presenting holiday programs this December.
On Saturday, Dec. 9, the Prescott Chorale once again presents a program of beautiful holiday music with Holiday Joy performed by some of Prescott’s most gifted vocalists. Director Dennis Houser leads the 60-person vocal group through a selection of sacred and traditional songs in two concert performances at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church. More information is available by visiting PrescottChorale.org.
On Sunday, Dec. 10, Maestro Joseph Place and the Prescott POPS Symphony present their annual Christmas concert, It’s The Most Wonderful Time of Year at the Yavapai College Per-
forming Arts Center. From “The Bells of Christmas,” the “Hallelujah Chorus,” and “A Charlie Brown Christmas,” to “A Christmas Carol” and other favorites, the POPS Symphony and the POPS Choir (under the direction of Darrell Rowader) will enchant you with superb performances sure to lift your heart and put you in the spirit of the season. More information is available at PrescottPOPS.com. Tickets are available at the YCPAC Box Office via phone at 928-776-2000, or online at YCPAC.com
Take pride in our wonderful community, and partake of its musical bounty. Here is a list of our exceedingly talented local groups, which you should definitely make a point to see and hear!
Happy Holidays!
Prescott POPS Symphony – Celebrating 25th Season –PrescottPOPS.com.
Prescott Chamber Orchestra – Celebrating 35th Season –PrescottChamberOrchestra.com.
The next concert is Saturday, Jan. 27, 2018.
Central Arizona Concert Band – Celebrating 20th Season –CentralArizonaConcertBand.com.
The next concert is Sunday, Jan. 28, 2018.
Prescott Chorale – In its 3rd Season – PrescottChorale.org.
Camerata Singers – In its 3rd Season – CamerataSingersAZ.com. The next concert is Saturday, Feb. 3, 2018.
J ODI
• I-17 Corridor
• Education
• Economic Development
Republican Candidate for Legislative District 1
House of Representatives
2018 Election
Prescott Valley Town Councilmember
Leadership and Government Experience
11-year Resident
Service to Faith, Community and Country
by Kendall Jaspers, Executive Director, Prescott Downtown Partnership
The 22nd annual Prescott Holiday Light Parade once again lit up downtown Prescott. Sponsored by the Prescott Downtown Partnership, the parade took take place 6 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 25. The parade route began at the corner of Carleton and Cortez streets and went north on Cortez Street to Willis Street, then west on Willis Street to Montezuma Street, and finally south on Montezuma Street. The parade finished at the Mile High Middle School.
The Holiday Light Parade is the kickoff to the Christmas season of events in Arizona’s Christmas City. Each year, local residents and out-of-towners line the streets to admire the lights and the creativity of this fun and family-friendly event.
The light parade began as the brainchild of Prescott Fire Department employee Sharon Nordyke, and was put on by volunteers from the fire department for a number of years. The parade started small but grew in popularity. The Prescott Holiday
Light Parade eventually found a new home when the Prescott Downtown Partnership – a merchants’ association that focuses on the historic downtown area – assumed responsibility for the parade.
• There are generally 35 to 40 parade entries.
• The parade generally lasts 35 to 40 minutes.
• It takes 25 volunteers to put on the parade.
• There are commercial and family entries, dance troupes and at least two high school marching bands.
The Prescott Holiday Light Parade After-Parade Party finished at Prescott’s Mile High Middle School field on Goodwin Street. The floats circled around the track and were on display for all to enjoy until shortly after 7 p.m. Santa handed out candy canes and was available to interact with the kids in the crowd. There was a bonfire and Christmas music to finish off a great evening!
by Ashlee Mortimer, Mortimer Farms
Growing up on a ranch is something I wouldn’t trade for anything. I think a lot about why this is — why I am so in love with the life that I am able to have. Many reasons come to mind — my love for the land, my love for growing crops, my love for cattle and my love for farming and ranching, which has grown and flourished.
Before my family opened Mortimer Farms, we owned and operated a nursery in Prescott and a cattle ranch in Dewey — both still huge parts of our lives. All four of us kids — Hayden, Kayla, Kolten and I — were greatly involved in both businesses. I learned to drive before I could reach the pedals. I learned to care for cattle and ride horses before I could read. I was taught every plant name and even a few facts about each at a very young age. It seems that no matter the topic, I have
some sort of story to connect it to my upbringing and the farm, ranch or nursery. Christmas is no different!
Growing up, we had a Christmas tree family tradition. We would all bundle up in our warmest clothes right before sunset and pile on a Mule. The Mule was able to fit three adults, so how we ever managed to get all six of us and all the dogs in the Mule still is a mystery to me. All I know is the sibling fights that usually go, “Mom, he’s touching me,” “Dad, she’s breathing on me,” or even, “They are on my side of the line,” were nonexistent. It was so dang cold that touching, breathing and smashing were encouraged, and the only way to stay warm. We rode in the Mule, smashed tighter than sardines in search of the most perfect Christmas tree. It is these times that seem to resonate in my being! It is times like these that I look back on fondly,
when I think of my awesome childhood and my family that I love ever so much!
This tradition we had of searching for our Christmas tree, which would almost always be centimeters away from being too large to stand in our home, is a tradition that we wish to pass on to families in our community.
Mortimer Farms has just the family experience and tradition for you and your family — the most perfect Christmas tree picking-out time that can ever be had. A time filled with farm-fresh Christmas trees, hot coco, baked goods, heavenly music, fire pits, s’mores, and wholesome family fun! Come see us at #MortimerFarms and #MortimerNursery! Merry Christmas, and Happy Holidays to you and your gang!
MortimerFarmsAZ.com - MortimerNursery.com beyondthebarbwire.blogspot.com
by Marnie Uhl, President/CEO, Prescott Valley Chamber of Commerce
What began 18 years ago as a small community Christmas-light display has grown into one of the state’s most brilliant holiday attractions. Prescott Valley’s Valley of Lights has delighted residents and visitors alike with lighted and animated displays created with thousands of colored lights guaranteed to bring out the “oohs” and “ahhhs” in young and old.
In 2001, then Chamber Executive Director Lew Rees envisioned a beautiful lighting display similar to what he had previously had in his community of Branson, Missouri. Working with a lighting company from that area, he planned and designed the first eight original displays. Retired Executive Assistant Beverly Oleson remembered that in those early days staff and volunteers helped with the set up – dragging electrical cords, moving and anchoring displays and manning the donation booth. It was the beginning of what would become Prescott Valley’s premier Christmas and holiday destination.
Today, the Valley of Lights has 59 displays, most consisting of multiple sections, animation and millions of lights. It is under the
masterful supervision, setup, maintenance and storage by Advanced Electrical Contracting and Jeff Schaffer. Schaffer begins work on the Valley of Lights in early September in order to have it ready by Thanksgiving night. Together with his team, he sets up all displays, opens and closes the park and breaks it down for storage at the end. During the time Valley of Lights is open, he is continually checking on the cords and electrical, as often times errant wildlife will make their way through, creating unintentional mischief.
“Each year, it is important to keep the Valley of Light fresh and interesting. We do this by adding new displays, moving the displays around to different locations or improving on the displays with modern LED lighting,” said Marnie Uhl, Prescott Valley CEO. “This year we are excited to add a whole new experience to the Valley of Lights on Nov. 28, as we will close that night to cars and open the roadway for a walk-through only.”
Called the Holiday Stroll through Valley of Lights, people will be able to view and photograph the lighted and animated displays up close and personal.
The Valley of Lights displays represent a
variety of interests and celebrations from the Nativity and spiritual, to patriotism and fantasy, to awareness and remembrance. Each is made possible through sponsorships by organizations and businesses.
The Valley of Lights is one of the most visited holiday destinations with an average car count of 550 nightly. The busiest times are Thanksgiving night, the time after Prescott Valley’s Holiday Festival of Lights, the time of the courthouse lighting and Christmas Eve and Christmas night. There is no admission, but donations are gratefully accepted at the end.
Enjoy this great Prescott Valley holiday tradition, and delight in the magic of Valley of Lights!
• Valley of Lights is open 6-10 p.m. Thanksgiving night through Dec. 30.
• It is located at 2205 5th St. in Prescott Valley. Look for the toy soldier pointing the way on Highway 69.
For more information, contact the chamber at 928-772-8857.
by Debbie Maranville, owner, The Natural Healing Garden
My grandmother Betty Scardine has truly inspired my passion for the culinary arts. Food at the “Scardine table” was full of flavor, and plenty of it. Grandma used mostly dried herbs back in the day. I think she would have used fresh herbs, had she known all the amazing properties they hold.
I am a Certified Herbalist. I received my certification through the Herbal Wisdom Institute, located in Prescott Valley. I have found that culinary herbs are my passion. I love, love, love using herbs in all my cooking and recipes.
Each time you pluck a basil leaf from the potted plant in your window or sprinkle rosemary on your roasted potatoes, you are participating in a tradition that goes back
centuries. Herbs link us to the earth and history—both tangibly and metaphorically. Many of the most well-known aromatic herbs grow naturally and abundantly throughout the Italian countryside and are an integral part of its cuisine. Herbs, such as basil, rosemary, oregano, and sage, play an essential role in creating the unique flavors and mystique of Italian food. It’s virtually impossible for an Italian to think of cooking without the addition of his or her beloved herbs and spices.
Not only are the herbs delicious, they are so good for you. Herbs have many healing properties, and can assist with many autoimmune deficiencies, viruses and diseases. Please enjoy my pesto recipe during the holidays.
Italian Pesto INGREDIENTS:
1. 1 bunch of Italian parsley
2. 1 bunch basil leaves (about 10-15 leaves)
3. ½ cup of blended sage and thyme
4. 1-2 cloves of garlic crushed
5. 1 cup olive oil
6. Salt to taste
DIRECTIONS:
Blend or chop herbs, then add olive oil and mix in food processor or blender until smooth.
The smell of cookies and hot cider mix with the scent of pines frosted by the December chill.
Prescott’s designation as Arizona’s Christmas City gets an annual boost as Sharlot Hall Museum presents its Frontier Christmas Open House on Saturday, Dec. 2, following the Prescott downtown Courthouse lighting ceremony.
Luminarias, handmade decorations, fresh-baked cookies, and hot cider welcome locals and out-of-town visitors to celebrate a full dose of holiday spirit and good cheer on the museum grounds.
For more than 20 years, Frontier Christmas has been entertaining guests with the warmth and spirit of Christmas past as the museum (and the city) puts on its holiday finest.
The smell of cookies and hot cider mix with the scent of pines frosted by the December chill. Music fills the air, and children activities abound in the 4-acre museum campus.
Throughout the celebration, living history interpreters regale guests with tales of pioneer Christmas traditions and Arizona’s early history.
“Judge Howard” will talk ‘law ‘n’ order’ in front of the Fort Misery fire, along with tales of a Prescott Christmas in the 1860s when saloon keepers would get old boots and old coats and lace them with a pint of whiskey, then hang the garments up Christmas Eve on trees in the park.
Also available will be events at the
Schoolhouse, the old-fashioned letterpress printing office, decorating the Christmas tree with vintage trimmings in the Governor’s Mansion, meeting “Jessie Benton Frémont” and making Victorian holiday ornaments.
The museum is at 415 W. Gurley St., two blocks west of the Courthouse Plaza in downtown Prescott. Living history interpreters will be on hand during regular museum hours (10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday), closed for the Courthouse tree lighting, and re-open for the Open House from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Admission for the evening holiday festivities is $5, and free to museum members and children (17 years and younger).
The Town of Prescott Valley has enjoyed a holiday celebration ever since the early 1980s when the Sandbergs, one of Prescott Valley’s original families, cut and put up a live Christmas tree each year on the Highway 69 frontage. The celebration included lighting of the tree (the biggest one they could find and haul back to town!), a program and parade, carols, a visit from Santa, and hot chocolate.
The town later moved the celebration to Mountain Valley Park to accommodate growing crowds. After the Civic Center opened in 1999, the celebration found a permanent home. Now, on the first Friday of each December, the town and the Prescott Valley Chamber of Commerce collaborate to produce the Holiday Festival of Lights program, lighting of the Civic Center campus, Night Light Parade, photos with Santa and an annual create-a-tree display.
Town Public Works crews begin the first week of October each year to put up holiday lights throughout the Civic Center campus.
There is always something new, and this year the display will expand to the median of the newly widened and repaved Lake Valley Road to the south of the Civic Center. In honor of those first trees on the Highway 69 frontage, the Civic Center’s south side also features a four-story brightly lit “tree.”
The Festival of Lights program includes music from local school choirs, a holiday story for children from Chamber CEO Marnie Uhl, a few words from Prescott Valley Mayor Harvey Skoog and, at the end, the countdown to light the Civic Center. After the “oohs” and “ahhs” taper off, the parade of lighted floats winds its way around Civic Circle. Perennial favorite Santa Claus always appears near the front of the parade riding on a Central Yavapai Fire & Medical Authority fire truck, much to the delight of local children.
When the parade is over, parents are welcome to bring their children into the Civic Center for photos with Santa, an annual event that is free to the public. Photos are available to families online shortly after the event.
During the evening, another “don’t miss” happening is the create-a-tree display at the Prescott Valley Public Library. During November, schools, churches, businesses and community organizations are invited to create a nontraditional tree highlighting their businesses, organizations or a particular theme. The event has produced some spectacular trees made of fine art (Bradshaw Mountain Honor Society), decorated pet crates and toys (PV Pet Clinic), PVC pipe (Prescott Valley
Water) and Luminaria Memorial bags (Relay for Life). The sky is the limit for imagination in this display, and it’s worth a visit.
When you’ve enjoyed all of the festivities at the Civic Center, don’t forget to take a drive through the spectacular mile-long Valley of Lights display at Fain Park off 5th Street.
In 2016, PASS served 115 women and had over 5,991 bed nights. PASS served 20 families, 42 children and provided 6,720 bed nights. In 2016, 90% of our guests transitioned into permanent housing.
1. Online: Visit our Simple Give Donation site at www.prescottshelters.org.
2. By Mail: Mail check payable to PASS and send to: 336 N Rush St, Prescott, AZ 86301
This year, PASS celebrates its 10 year anniversary! Your community support has made this program a
- thank you! Arizona taxpayers can claim the Tax Credit for the Working Poor, amounting to $400 for an individual and $800 per couple. This is in addition to donating to schools and the foster care system.
by Michael Broggie, President and CEO, Prescott Police Foundation & Volunteer Member Citizens on Patrol, Prescott Police Department
Members of the cheerleader teams from Prescott High School or Prescott Valley High School line up in the entrance to greet the children.
Each year, children from throughout the Quad City Area are selected for a special treat prior to Christmas. They come from families that are financially challenged and are chosen by various community service agencies. They number nearly 100 each year.
What makes the event even more exciting for the children is that they are partnered with a member of law enforcement. They get to ride in a caravan of nearly 100 emergency vehicles, with lights flashing and sirens blaring. Depending upon the logistics, the parade of vehicles either leaves from Prescott Valley to Prescott or the reverse.
According to Prescott Police Department’s dispatch personnel, the early Saturday morning sound of multiple sirens always prompts calls to their switchboard from folks wanting to know what the heck is going on. This, in spite of warnings published ahead in The Daily Courier newspaper.
This year, the caravan will arrive in Prescott at one of the Walmart stores.
Members of the cheerleader teams from Prescott High School or Prescott Valley High School line up in the entrance to greet the children.
Walmart has been a sponsor for
a number of years, and provides the participants with free breakfast. Soon, the children, accompanied by their officer partners, are combing the shelves to select gifts for their families. The benefit amount each year varies, depending upon donations, but is usually from $200-$300 dollars per child. Participating officers often have to remind the children to select something for themselves, as they usually concentrate on gifts for everyone else in the family. After the selections, the school cheerleaders help with gift wrapping.
Another highlight is the arrival of Old Saint Nick, either by helicopter or a fire truck. He joins in on the festivities, greeting the children and officers and posing for photographs.
One of the volunteer units helping each year with traffic control is the Citizens On Patrol from the Prescott Police Department. They are positioned at intersections along the route to assure a safe procession of emergency vehicles.
Agencies involved in past years have included Arizona Highway Patrol, Yavapai Tribal Police Department, Prescott Valley Police Department, Prescott Police Department, Yavapai
County Sheriff's Department, U.S Forest Service, Chino Valley Police Department, Paulden Police Department, Dewey-Humboldt Police Department and the Prescott Fire Department and Prescott Valley Fire Department. Officers involved represent all staffing levels, from patrol to command. The event provides an opportunity for positive reinforcement of the role of law enforcement personnel among some of the youngest members of our communities.
The public is invited to witness Shop With A Cop. This year's location will be announced in The Daily Courier.
College Performing Arts Center has whatever it takes to conjure your holiday spirit
by Michael Grady
Some of us go on automatic in December. We watch “Charlie Brown” through an eggnog haze, waiting for Linus to tell us what it’s all about. But YCPAC wants to rekindle your holiday spirit, and they’re offering four different events to help you do just that:
• Let the Season Begin! Shake off your Black Friday trauma with this joyous, family-friendly embrace of the holidays. Acclaimed soprano Carmen Cancél and YC’s impressive choirs lend their soaring
voices to the carols that set your childhood aglow. Add luminaria and cookies in YC’s sculpture garden, and Let the Season Begin! becomes the perfect elixir for the season. Friday, Dec. 1, 7:30 p.m. Tickets: $15 adults/$10 youth.
• The Hot Sardines Holiday Stomp Think: Christmas with chaser of cool. The Hot Sardines, a bouncy, brassy, hornspiano-and-girl-singer combo, take you on a jazzman’s journey through the holiday songbook and find moments of
surprising pop and poignancy along the way. Tuesday, Dec. 5, 7:30 p.m. Tickets from $29.
• White Christmas, The Musical Remember Bing and Danny Kaye? “Counting My Blessings” and waiting for “Snow”? YC Performing Arts brings breathtaking life to this holiday classic spun around Irving Berlin’s immortal tunes. Thu.-Sat., Dec. 14-16, 7 p.m.; Sunday, Dec. 17, 3 p.m. Tickets from $25.
• The Nutcracker YC’s bigscreen satellite broadcast features Tchaikovsky’s tale of a little girl’s adventure on an enchanted Christmas Eve … and nobody dances it like the Bolshoi. Monday, Dec. 18, 6 p.m. Tickets: $15 adults/$10 youth.
All events will be at Yavapai College Performing Arts Center, 1100 E. Sheldon St. For tickets or further information, please call 928-7762000 or visit: ycpac.com.
Yavapai College is for high school students who want to earn college credit. It’s for those seeking a certificate or a degree. It’s for people who want to advance their skills and their career. It’s for anyone who is curious about the world around them.
Yavapai College: it’s for everybody. Enroll today at yc.edu
With the holidays right around the corner, now is the perfect time to determine where you will do your shopping. Where you choose to shop affects the economy, the environment and, ultimately, quality of life for the City of Prescott. The new campaign “Shop Prescott – Start Here” has been created for just this reason! Here are five spectacular reasons below!
1. Create more jobs. Brick and mortar businesses are among the largest employers in the country, and offer a multitude of jobs, particularly to those in the local community. Not only do these businesses employ more individuals, but they also are the customers of local accountants, wholesalers, farmers, printers, etc. Support your locally-based businesses, and you will create jobs for your friends, loved ones and even yourself.
2. Keep the community unique, and let it thrive. There is nothing more fulfilling than watching a community develop and thrive. Where you shop, eat and have fun is what helps make your commu-
nity a home, and adds a unique sense of character to the area. Plus, studies show that entrepreneurs and skilled workers are more likely to settle in communities that recognize, support and preserve their one-of-a-kind businesses, helping the community to continue to grow and be successful.
3. Local businesses give back. Locally-based businesses are owned, operated and managed by people who live in this community, and are less likely to leave. They are also more invested in the community’s future. In other words, local businesses – no matter what – are more likely to do good for the community and support local causes within the community.
4. Achieve and receive more diversity. Typically, smaller businesses have far greater diversity in products and services. Local businesses often add an element of surprise in their inventory, because of their ability to be more diverse!
5. Support yourself. Let’s face it – you’re not just supporting local businesses; you’re also supporting yourself. Multiple studies have shown that when
by Sheri Heiney, President & CEO, Prescott Chamber of Commerce
you buy from locally-based brick and mortar business, a much greater chunk of your money is used to make purchases from other local businesses, service providers and farms, which helps to strengthen the economic base of the community. What else does this mean? A greater percentage
of local businesses help keep your taxes lower and provide high quality municipal infrastructure and services!
You are invited to
and our partner The Town of Chino Valley for this full day of family fun on Dec. 9
by Arlene Alen, President / CEO, Chino Valley Area Chamber of Commerce
Again this year, Chino Family Christmas will be held at Heritage Middle School (1076 N. Road 1 W) all day Saturday (10 a.m.- 4 p.m.), and will feature the Decorate-a-Tree contest and the most amazing Artisans & Crafters Show and Sale to-date. This year, we’ll have refreshments from food trucks. The Decorate-a-Gingerbread-Cookie fundraiser for the Chino Valley High School Culinary Arts Department is back, and it is bigger and better than ever! The fundraiser is sponsored by Chino Valley United Methodist Church. Also, there will be live music and endless music in general throughout the day performed by many different groups, as well as tree contests with great prizes and, of course, Santa Claus, Mrs. Claus and their elves will be there all day for photos.
The Decorate-a-Tree contest is popular every year, and always sells out fast to schools, businesses, nonprofits and worship organizations who vie for cash prizes and ribbons. The judges this year are pastors from various churches and members of youth organizations in our community. Attendees love to follow them around as they judge creative and amazing trees that feature clever themes. Of course, the Artisans & Crafters area is a must-stop for holiday shopping at its finest. Chose from one-of-a-kind gift items ranging from wreathes to jewelry, both modern and Western, and all handcrafted by the artisans. Many of them will perform demos at the event, and it is possible to solve many of your holiday gifting challenges all in one day within our community.
New this year will be the Make-an-Ornament booth, where you can put together something special to take home and put on the tree, or take it up the street to Memory Park from 4-6 p.m. where you can join the party with Santa, Mrs. Claus, hot chocolate, music and great fun while helping us decorate and light the Town of Chino Valley Christmas Tree! All of this and more surprises are to come!
New for 2017, the town and the chamber have joined forces on this project and are bringing you a full day of Christmas family fun! Sponsorship opportunities are available, along with tree signups and booth applications on the Chino Valley Area Chamber of Commerce website, chinovalley.org or call 928-636-2493
Six-foot
by Matt Brassard, Co-owner, M&M Entertainment & Production
Historic Whiskey Row in downtown Prescott will be the site of the 7th annual Whiskey Row New Year’s Eve Boot Drop, presented by Lamb Chevrolet on Sunday, Dec. 31 from 8 p.m. to 12:30 a.m.
The event is free. A six-foot illuminated cowboy boot will be slowly lowered down from a 40-foot flagpole. The old historic Palace Building is more than 30 feet high.
The last five years have drawn thousands of people of all ages. Much like the tradition in New York’s Times Square, where a large ball has dropped annually since 1907, the Whiskey Row Boot Drop event has become a Prescott tradition. A disc jockey from Magic 99.1 FM will be spinning tunes, and attendees can ride a Ferris wheel, enjoy fare from local food vendors, watch fire dancers, and have a chance to win prizes throughout the night.
“The Whiskey Row New Year’s Eve Boot Drop continues to be a great success every year, and we’re proud to
continue bringing this event to downtown,” said Matt Brassard, co-owner of M & M Entertainment & Production, which is planning the event. “We really couldn’t do this without all of our local sponsors, and we’re very grateful to the businesses that support us and know this is an outstanding free event for the community.”
He added, “We will continue to have two drops – one at 10 p.m. and the second at midnight with fireworks that will ignite off the top of the parking garage right behind Whiskey Row. The early drop will coincide with the traditional “ball drop” back East as well as letting the folks who turn in early celebrate the New Year.”
Brassard said the event also helps all the tourist businesses and retailers to have a little boost right after the Christmas season has ended. Hotel rooms and restaurants continue to benefit not only from the locals who come out, but from visitors as well.
The boot was created six years ago by Stephan Markov, of Morgan Signs,
and is truly a one-of-a-kind piece of art. The boot is decorated entirely with LED lights that illuminate as the clock counts down.
The presenting sponsor of this year’s event is Lamb Chevrolet. Co-sponsors include City of Prescott, Prescott Area Independents (PAI), WestUSA Realty, NAZ Suns, Affinity RV & Sales, Pep Boys and Barrett Propane. Other sponsors include: The Palace Restaurant & Saloon, The Prescott Brewing Company, SpringHill Suites, Magic 99.1 , KAFF 92.9FM, KZGL 97.9FM, KMGN 93.9FM, KNOT 103.9FM and 1450AM, Helken & Horn Advertising Agency, The Daily Courier, Jersey Lilly Saloon, EMI Print Works, Matt’s Saloon, Prescottenews. com, Nackard-Pepsi, Murphy’s Restaurant, Dial-A-Ride, AAA Taxi, Prescott LIVING Magazine, Quad City Shopper, Hassayampa Inn, Northern Arizona Social, and El Gato Azul. For more information, contact Matt Brassard at 928-848-4182 or go to bootdrop.com for more information.
by Brad Fain, President & CEO, Fain Signature Group
The spirit of this hardscrabble and resplendent land has called many to migrate west and carve out a life filled with hard work and hardships – from economic depressions to droughts – but at the same time, it’s a land of breathtaking vistas spanning hundreds of miles. It is also a land of miles of opportunities. It is not the life for everyone, but it is the life of choice for many, including our family.
On her travels through the Arizona strip in 1911, Sharlot Hall wrote, "There is something better than making a living — making a life." We have always cared passionately about our environment, loved ones and the families around us. We encourage our community partners and neighbors to connect with us, and work together to making an incredible life in Talking Glass.
Throughout all generations of the
Fain family, gifts of land have helped create the progressive entertainment and cultural environment that Prescott Valley enjoys today. The Prescott Municipal Airport, Fitzmaurice Ruins, Bradshaw Mountain High School, Civic Center, Library, Yavapai Medical Center and Police Station have all been made possible through community partnerships and land grants from our family. Talking Glass is the embodiment of the Fain family’s legacy; and is Prescott Valley’s present and future. As constant of a presence as the craggy and majestic rock-ribbed Bradshaw Mountains, the Fain family, for five generations, has tended, encouraged, cultivated and shaped the local and regional society through land. And
this generation is as in love with the once-named Lonesome Valley today as when the first family members, newlyweds William and Carey, arrived in 1874 at Fort Verde. They were short on supplies and weary from their long journey, so William took up cutting grass and selling to the military. Later, Granville (Dan) Fain began establishing the Fain Ranch in Lonesome Valley, which continued to support Fort Whipple with cattle, grass and
sheep supplies.
Today, this location is the Rafter Eleven Ranch.
William Glassford was an Army lieutenant, who was dispatched to the Arizona Territory to complete the network of heliographic stations. He perfected the use of the heliograph, nicknamed the Talking Glass in 1889, with record ranges of 85, 88, 95 and 125 miles. It provided communications over a rugged and broken country using the heliograph and Morse code by using the sun's rays reflected from mirrors — the 19th century’s internet, so to speak. Glassford’s network of Talking Glass stations in the new territory spread the news of the day – from weather alerts to local hazards, and news all around the region. One of the locations, Mount Glassford bears his name, as does the western street bounding the downtown entertainment and business district.
At Fain Signature Group, we are currently focusing our stewardship of the territory in bringing the cooperative spirit of early pioneers to a lifestyle uniquely crafted for today’s Southwestern living. It was necessary that we create a complete opportuni-
by Trevor Barger, CEO, Espiritu Loci Incorporated
What turns a group of homes into a neighborhood? What turns a mix of uses into a downtown? What is it that makes these places special or different than all other places in the world? Some people think that only age or money makes such places special.
I have spent my life studying these places around the world – neighborhoods and cores that have a strong “sense of place,” and I know those things can help, but do not, on their own, make it happen. Most of the best places in the world have a strong identity. Like strong people, they are rooted in their past, but live in the present. We began our planning for the future with an investigation of the past – Prescott Valley’s ranching history, mining history, homesteading and military history. Out of these roots a piece of communication technology came to the forefront that embodied the area’s heritage and was relevant in its present – the Talking Glass. This pioneers’ version of the internet was the way that early residents of Lonesome Valley remained connected to the outside world. Now filled with more than 40,000 neighbors, the Valley doesn’t seem so lonesome any longer, but the Talking Glass is an icon of our desired to be connected.
The ability to connect people is another great quality of cores with a strong “sense of place.” These places mix locals with tourists, young with old and encourage chance meetings, encounters and exchanges. The Entertainment District has the beginning of these elements, and as it begins to expand now into the Talking Glass district, it will add downtown residents (Homestead) and new unique areas in which to linger in Talking Glass including Rafter 11, Gabby’s, Freedom Station, Harkins Theaters and other restaurants, shops and businesses. Each of these elements is grounded in the history of the area, and takes their cues for colors and materials from the natural high desert grasslands we call home. In time, the last element that will develop to turn the Talking Glass district into a “place” will be signs of being loved. As each steward begins to add to the community life of the place, these signs start appearing – flowers in planters, street performers, street vendors, sculptures and art. It is in these physical ways that people show their appreciation for the great place, adding a bit of themselves to the public realm.
by Tom Dolan, Executive Vice President, Foothills Bank
Prescott Valley and the Talking Glass region is one of Arizona’s most dynamic markets, with a continued effort to enhance the lifestyle of its residents and businesses. At Foothills Bank, we share the same values and have been focused on serving local residents and businesses since opening our doors 20 years ago. Our success is driven by our commitment to our tagline “consider it done” and our ability to meet our client’s needs with logical and timely service. Our new branch located at 3322 N. Glassford Hill Road, Suite D – within Talking Glass District, and will be open and ready to serve the community in mid-December. The Prescott Valley location is a new concept for our bank. Clients will not see a teller line when entering our office. Instead, they will see a comfortable sit-down layout with a modern feel. We are honored to become a part of Prescott Valley's Talking Glass District and are ready and able to continue investing in the local economy through our free-checking options, mobile and webbased banking products, and diverse and competitive loan offerings. I invite you to stop in, say “hello,” and meet our team, led by Kari Reily and Cheryl Rolland. Visit our website today at foothillsbank.com. We feel that the addition of Homestead at Talking Glass will allow us to enhance these efforts through increased attendance, community participation and the creation of an area that people will visit as a destination. Being connected to Talking Glass will only add value to our efforts and service to the region.
ty for “making a life”. That drove the development of Homestead at Talking Glass. The development is a thoughtful tribute to the history of the land and ancestors who came before. With this key component soon to be in place in the downtown community, it will truly provide that “live here, work here and play here” lifestyle that’s true to Prescott Valley. Homestead at Talking Glass is a multifamily development in the heart of downtown, graced with a beautiful neighborhood featuring not only traditional apartment units, but Brownstone-style walk-ups, garages and unique carriage-house units, all
with accents that blend perfectly into the environment, entertainment district and business district.
Talking Glass isn’t a neighborhood, a building or an object. It’s a symbol that represents a way to communicate, to thrive and the living narrative of our past, present and future. As natural as the progression of Prescott Valley, Talking Glass is that living narrative — a circle to complete and to weave into the fabric of our land and our lives.
It was once said about Glassford, who sparked this movement, “He was a man of that fine type so aptly described as 'An officer and a gentleman,' and
though his life reached so far into the past history of the West, he lived in the present and looked into the future.”
For more than 140 years, through five generations from my great-great grandfather William Fain in 1874 to my late father Bill, and now to my brother Ron and myself, along with our brother-in-law Jeff, our family board and our team of professionals at Fain Signature Group are committed to integrity. The word “Signature” in our company name is a symbol to how we live life and treat others. Your word means something. It’s more than just a promise. It’s a higher endorse-
ment; it’s your bond. It represents the family’s core values of hard work, determination, integrity and ingenuity through all our livelihood endeavors – starting as farmers, ranchers, business owners, public servants, philanthropists and, today, as developers dedicating our lives to the pursuit of excellence in design and planning for our community and the central Arizona region. I know that those who reside here today come from all walks of life and different parts of the world, but understand this Valley has a language and a culture of its own. We are, simply, Talking Glass.
by Scott Norton, General Manager, Prescott Valley Events Center
As the new General Manager of the events center, I feel it is very important that the venue is located in the growing Talking Glass entertainment district. Our facility was designed and strategically located, along with our shopping and dining offerings, to draw people to Prescott Valley. And now with the addition of Homestead at Talking Glass, the positive economic growth in the area has received a huge boost, which will benefit the entire region. Once open, the new residences at Homestead will enhance an already vibrant downtown area and create a true “live, work and play” environment for our growing community. In my experience, cities and towns that offer these amenities, and an opportunity to live in a city’s center, are the ones that thrive, so we are super excited to welcome new residents to downtown Prescott Valley’s core at Talking Glass.
In addition, I believe having more people move downtown, similar to other growing cities, will spur additional development in the area to service the needs of these residents. We have already seen new businesses either opening or making plans to open, and with the Town of Prescott Valley being very aggressive from an economic development standpoint, we anticipate this trend to increase as numerous projects come online.
As we work to bring in new content and events to the center, including the recently concluded PRCA Turquoise Circuit Rodeo Finals, the Justin Moore concert in January, and of course, another exciting season of NAZ Suns basketball, it’s important for us to remember our role in enhancing the quality of life for residents, and not just of Prescott Valley, but also the entire Quad-City area. With this in mind, our goal, as Spectra Venue Management, is to program a wide variety of entertainment options at the events center at Talking Glass and to attract new and different events on an annual basis. We feel that the addition of Homestead at Talking Glass will allow us to enhance these efforts through increased attendance, community participation and the creation of an area that people will visit as a destination. Being connected to Talking Glass will only add value to our efforts and service to the region.
The Olsen family has left an indelible mark on Yavapai County, and Prescott in particular, since 1951 – and even before that, considering Ann (Fornara) Olsen's relatives settled in Yavapai County in 1907. However, the fact that we've been here so long doesn't qualify
us as true locals in my mind. That designation comes not only from longevity, but also from giving back to the communities that have given us so much success. Civic participation, whether it is volunteering, providing public services or sponsoring community events, is what makes Olsen’s For
Healthy Animals proud, and that’s the real story we like to tell.
Shopping local keeps money in our communities. Shopping with locals gives you the opportunity to shop with folks who think local, speak local and care local. You see, Olsen's invests in organizations and programs that make our area warm and welcoming, so when you decide where to shop for your holistic pet food and barnyard animal food, as well as locally milled feed and wild bird food, hay and all varieties of related items, think Olsen's first.
Olsen's started out as Olsen's Chino Valley Grain in 1979 when Mike and Sherrill Olsen and John and Ann Olsen bought a struggling feed business in the then-tiny community of Chino Valley. The next year, Steve and Kathy (Olsen) Sischka brought the business into Prescott as the Prescott Grainery, just off of Miller Valley Road. Then, in 1982, Olsen's expanded to another tiny community, Dewey, with Dan and Barb Olsen.
In the meantime, Olsen's became simply Olsen's Grain to unite the stores under one banner. It was 15 years before Olsen's expanded again – this time to Flagstaff – and anoth-
er five years after that before another store was established in Clarkdale. All the while, the founding principle of “active participation” to make our communities more successful was flourishing at Olsen's. Suffice it to say, we all had an “I can't say no” sign imprinted on our foreheads and, to a large extent, still do. Olsen's mission is the health of your animals and pets. That's why in late 2013, we became Olsen's For Healthy Animals. You see, healthy animals are a huge part of healthy communities. As owners, we have moved away from active participation in everyday store activities, and as such have provided management opportunities for some incredibly talented local folks. However, as members of the board of directors, we continue to have a huge influence on the direction of Olsen's in our ever-evolving communities. To all of us and all of our associates throughout the Olsen's extended family, “Good enough just isn't.”
For more information on Olsen's five stores, upcoming events, monthly sales, brands we carry and community organizations we support, go to olsensfamily.com.
Prescott Public Library is now open 1-5 p.m. on Sundays!
• 10:30 a.m. Friday, Dec. 8
Preschool Storytime with Mrs. Claus
A special storytime with a visitor from the North Pole. Especially for children ages 3-5 and their grownups. Siblings are always welcome.
• 1:30 p.m. and 3 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 21
Cookie House Decorating for Kids
Decorate graham cracker houses at the 10th annual Cookie House Decorating event! For children of all ages. Register online, at the youth desk or call 928-777-1537.
• 4 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 25
LEGO Expo
We’ll provide the LEGOs and lots of space. You bring your imagination and enthusiasm! For children ages 5 and up.
4 p.m. to 6 p.m. first and third Wednesdays
Open office hours with Prescott City Manager Michael Lamar
• 10 a.m. Tuesdays
Technology Help Hour
Ask a technology question and get help from members of the Prescott Computer Society. Bring your own laptop or mobile device, or use a library laptop.
215 E GOODWIN STREET
PRESCOTT, AZ 86303
928.777.1500
PRESCOTTLIBRARY.INFO
• 10:30 a.m.- 1:30 p.m. Thursdays
Arizona Attorney General’s Prescott Satellite Office Volunteers can assist with consumer fraud complaints, civil rights complaints and questions regarding scams, consumer fraud, life-care planning and other issues.
• 5 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 7
Arizona Humanities Lecture: “Native Roads: A Pictorial Guide to the Hopi and Navajo Nations”
Historian Jim Turner details the trading posts, prehistoric sites and geological wonders of the Four Corners region. Additional funding is provided by the Arizona Humanities Council.
• 5 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 20
Territorial Talent: Bug and Pippy
Enjoy these local songwriters performing their original “folk fusion” music on guitar with vocals.
• 2 p.m. Mondays, Dec. 11 and Jan. 8
Prescott CLSC Reading Circle
If you are looking for excellent books to read and a place to share
them, join the Chautauqua Literary and Scientific Circle of Prescott (CLSC). Rather than all circle members reading the same book each month, participants choose any one of the over 200 books from the CLSC list to read and then share their chosen book with the group.
• 3:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 15
Third Friday Chamber Music Series: “Womansong Chorale and D’Indy Trio”
Under the direction of Dr. Will Fisher, Womansong will be performing a chorale alongside D’Indy Trio for piano, cello and clarinet.
• 5 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 17
Territorial Talent: Denny Kuller
Experience the best in Western music! A longtime performer, Kuller brings a polished repertoire of classic tunes as well as contemporary country favorites
Programs presented with funding from the Friends of the Prescott Public Library.
Under $20: Boot Socks, Scarves, Leggings and other Accessories
Monali: Affordable and Unique Swarovski Crystal Jewelry Hand Made in Italy
Under $30: Hip Klip Accessories, Wallets and more
Denim: The Best Denim Brands in the Quad Cities, Including True Religion, Hudson, Citizens of Humanity and NYDJ (Not Your Daughter's Jeans)
Under $60: Handbags, Trendy Fashions and Outerwear
by Margo Christensen, Vice President Marketing & Public Relations, Ponderosa Hotel Management Services
With the holidays quickly approaching, SpringHill Suites by Marriott in downtown Prescott is busy getting ready to welcome a steady stream of holiday travelers to “Arizona’s Christmas City.” And we also open our doors to local residents with a variety of activities for families to enjoy. It has been our tradition to welcome locals into our lobby for a cup of coffee, a meeting with friends or colleagues in our business center or a place to meet and catch the shuttle to Phoenix. During the holiday season, our lobby becomes a gathering place with a hub of activities. Grab your calendar and mark down these dates so we can welcome
you to our place this holiday season!
5:30-8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 8: Art of the Local, Acker Night with the American Lutheran Church Handbell Choir. This is a mustsee performance with a talented small ensemble playing traditional holiday music on Old World-style
handbells. Art of the Local is a SpringHill Suites quarterly event that features local music, art and culinary specialties by locals and for locals. All Art of the Local events are free to the public and our guests.
3-5 p.m. Saturdays & Sundays, Thanksgiving weekend through
Christmas weekend: Santa and Mrs. Claus will be singing and storytelling. Guests can also enjoy a delicious hot chocolate bar with an assortment of toppings.
Within walking distance of SpringHill Suites is the annual Christmas Parade and Courthouse Lighting (Dec. 2), Santa Claus is Coming to Downtown (Dec. 16 at the Holiday Courtyard) and the New Year’s Eve Bootdrop (Dec. 31). You don’t have to live out of town to treat your family and yourself to an overnight stay downtown and walk to Prescott’s holiday festivities.
From all of us at SpringHill Suites, happy holidays and best wishes in 2018!
Parents of children with special needs are thrilled and relieved to learn there is a nationally recognized facility right here in Prescott that specializes in K-12 special education for kids with autism, challenging behaviors, developmental disabilities and language disorders. ASCEND (Autism Spectrum Center for Educational and Neurological Development) is a nonprofit school for children with autism or a related disability, who may have difficulty in a typical school setting. It serves students at all levels of the spectrum. ASCEND provides a smallschool setting, and its caring staff strives to make each child’s school experience fun and engaging to create a happy and positive
school experience.
Angela Levin, Founder/Director of ASCEND said, “The mission at ASCEND is to view the child first and the disorder second. We strive to meet the individual needs of each child. We believe that each child must be nurtured at all levels, physically, emotionally, spiritually and educationally.”
Each school day at ASCEND runs on a consistent routine, beginning with activities such as visual schedules, the Pledge of Allegiance and discussing weather and current events. Academics, functional living skills, independent living skills and vocational concepts are integrated into group lessons. The program at ASCEND works well with
children who have sensory integration issues and even implements individualized sensory diets as needed. Students can also receive music instruction, occupational therapy and individual speech therapy. Those 16 years and older may take transitional and vocational training.
As an Arizona nonprofit organization, ASCEND is always looking for volunteers. Parents of students are an integral part of the programming choices, fundraising and community events. If you have a child with special needs, or know someone who does, ASCEND can make a big difference in their lives. For more information, visit azautismascend.org or call 928-443-9290.
ou made us laugh. You made us smile. And you warmed our hearts. This issue’s photo contest resulted in 108 entries, and we enjoyed viewing every one of them. Here is a sampling of some of the top submissions. Also, check out the photo by our cover shot runner-up, Aubrey Toler, 20, of Chino Valley. Toler is not a professional photographer, but has loved taking pictures of nature and animals since she first had a camera
in her hands. She is currently a full-time student, working toward her goal of becoming a teacher. “I’m so grateful for Prescott LIVING Magazine giving me this opportunity, along with the community,” she said. “This is a huge opportunity for me to win this contest.”
by Sheila Polk, County Attorney, Yavapai County
At the core of our nation’s drug problem is a growing acceptance for mindaltering substances.
What do prescription painkillers, heroin and fentanyl all have in common?
They are all opioid drugs.
Americans make up 5 percent of our world’s population, yet in 2016 we consumed 80 percent of the world’s prescription opioid pain medications. Global drug traffickers smuggle heroin and deadly synthetic fentanyl across borders and seaports.
Although the national discussion centers on the opioid crisis and controlling prescription medications, the problem is much more complex and involves far more drugs. Drug overdoses are the leading cause of death for Americans younger than 50.1
In 2016, drug overdoses from heroin, cocaine, methamphetamine, fentanyl and opioid pain medications killed an estimated 64,000 people in the United States – an unbelievable 175 deaths a day.
The reality is this country not only has an opioid crisis, but a drug crisis. As the country rallies to stem the threat from opioids, other drugs will surface, particularly synthetic drugs chemically produced overseas. Doctors and pharmacies have already taken measures to stem their prescribing practices, but trending are alarming increases in seizures of meth, heroin, cocaine and fentanyl. Locally, methamphetamine is back in a big way.
The causes of this drug crisis are varied. Adolescent drug use makes a person much more susceptible to a lifetime of addiction to drugs. Nine of 10 individuals struggling with addiction began using drugs and alcohol as a teenager. The current plethora of prescription pain pills are widely diverted and improperly used. After marijuana was legalized in states like Colorado, Mexican drug cartels planted opium poppies to produce more heroin and lower their prices. Locally, our narcotics officers regularly bust drug dealers with a smorgasbord of illicit pain pills. Most alarming are heroin and fentanyl in the form of pills.
At the core of our nation’s drug problem is a growing acceptance for mind-altering substances. All drugs, including marijuana, hijack the brain’s reward system by stimulating massive amounts of dopamine to flood the brain’s receptors. The intense but momentary pleasure from drugs is anywhere from 10 to 100 times more stimulation than the brain naturally produces. Problems and addiction occur because, over time, the brain ceases to produce its own dopamine. Without the drugs, the user can no longer feel happy.
A recent study of over 30,000
American adults published in the American Journal of Psychiatry found that marijuana users are more than twice as likely to abuse prescription opioids.2 According to the Centers for Disease Control, those addicted to prescription pain pills are 40 times more likely to become addicted to heroin. Ponder how that will affect our drug overdose death rates with the movement to legalize recreational marijuana.
The solutions are as varied as the causes. In Arizona, doctors are using the state prescription drug database to avoid overprescribing. In Yavapai County, you can do your part by discarding your unused medications in the drop boxes at your local police or sheriff’s office.
But the simplest solution lies with all of us. As a country, we must focus on curtailing drug use from the getgo. Be a preventionist. Talk to your kids and your grandchildren about the perils of drugs. In the words of Nancy Reagan, give them the skills to, “Just Say No.”
Sheila Polk is the Yavapai County Attorney and Co-Chair of MATFORCE, the Yavapai County Substance Abuse Coalition
1 https://www.cbsnews.com/news/overdoses-are-leading-cause-of-death-americans-under-50/ 2 https://www.drugabuse.gov/news-events/news-releases/2017/09/marijuana-use-associatedincreased-risk-prescription-opioid-misuse-use-disorder
While the cost of higher education continues to rise, Prescott College is taking steps to help break down the financial barriers many local families face.
“Many people think that a private, small college like Prescott College is financially out of their reach, and we’re very sensitive to the affordability issue that families are facing everywhere,” Prescott College President John Flicker said. “We’re trying to address it head-on, and let people know that we’re competitive with public institutions in the Southwest, and they shouldn’t not
think about us because of cost.”
The new Changemaker Scholarship guarantees a $15,000 tuition scholarship to every new first- time student from Arizona, California, Colorado, New Mexico, Oregon, Utah, Washington or Texas, who is admitted to the on-campus undergraduate degree program for the fall 2018 semester. Students don’t need to apply for the scholarship. It will automatically be awarded for students who are admitted from those states. The scholarship is split between two semesters, and can be renewed each year for students who maintain satisfactory academic progress as a
full-time student.
In addition to the Changemaker Scholarship, Prescott College has introduced the Prescott College Fellowship. The fellowship is a full-tuition scholarship available to one newly admitted student for each of its full academic degree programs with an anticipated enrollment in spring 2018 or fall 2018 semesters.
In total, five new fellowships
for the spring 2018 term and six new fellowships for the fall 2018 term will be awarded to incoming students from around the country who are pursuing their bachelor’s, master’s or doctoral degree.
For more information, visit prescott. edu or contact the admissions team at 928-350-2100 or admissions@prescott.edu
by Jennifer Whittemore, Board President, Yavapai CASA for Kids Foundation
Yavapai CASA for Kids Foundation is a local nonprofit that has been around for over 15 years. Many people do not yet know about the organization and others confuse it with the government CASA (court appointed special advocate) program of Yavapai County. There is a distinct difference.
Yavapai CASA for Kids Foundation is a fundraising board, and it provides for the unmet needs of children in foster care in Yavapai County through the Prescott courts as well as for youth who are in the voluntary foster care program through the Arizona Department of Child Safety. Those are the kids who age out of the system, but can stay involved in the system and get the support they need if they follow certain rules. The government CASA program trains advocates, and those advocates get involved with a case and help a child through the case. They are so important to a child in foster care that the Yavapai CASA for Kids Foundation also
supports that program and they work closely together.
Yavapai CASA for Kids Foundation has many programs that take place throughout the year. One year-round program is the Grants for Kids program, in which children, caseworkers, CASAs and even attorneys can ask for a grant for an item a foster child might need, but is not covered by the state. Last year, and this year as well, over $30,000 has gone toward this program. Things that are provided include car seats, strollers, bedroom furniture, and camps and family vacations, which some foster children have never been able to experience. Another important initiative is collecting gift cards for kids in out-of-home care to get clothes. Most children are removed with just the clothes on their backs, and foster parents get only $150 a year for clothing for each child. In the case of a kinship placement, which is where a relative or someone who has a relationship with the child takes care of him or her, the caretaker receives less than $50
a month for the child. We are gearing up for our Holiday Gift Drive to make sure all children in care through the Prescott courts receive a gift at the holidays. Keep your eyes out around the Quad-City area for trees and boxes set up to collect gifts for children in our area in foster care. If you would like to help with this event or any of our other great programs you can contact the Foundation at 928445-0800 or email yc4kfoundation@gmail.com . Keep in touch with what the Foundation is up
to at YavapaiCASAforkids.org and “like” them on Facebook or follow them on Twitter.
On a final note as we end the year, remember Yavapai CASA for Kids Foundation is a Qualifying Foster Care Charitable Organization. Please speak to your accountant on how this works. This is the Foundation’s largest way of receiving funds. We also hold a gala in June and Costumes for Kids 5K Fun Run in October. And remember, not everyone can be a foster parent, but everyone can help a child in need.
Specialty Pizza or Build Your Own
Thin, Hand Tossed, or Pan Pizza
Small-Medium-Large-Xtra Large
Over 60 cheeses, meats, vegetables and custom toppings to choose from Gluten Free 10”, 12”, 14”
Individual Slices
SMALL-MEDIUM-LARGE
Garden
Greek Caesar
Chopped Salad
Spinach
Spring Mix
Wedge
Antipasta
Alfredo Penne
Spaghetti w/meatballs
Gluten Free Available
Regular / Boneless / Jumbo
8 flavors to choose from
9 to choose from
Mini / Traditional / Jumbo Sizes include cheese and sauce and can add any pizza topping
Kids Menu
Dessert
Local beer, wine & spirits
- Saturday: 11-9 Sunday: 11-8
by Lisa Watters Lain, Arizona’s
Watters Garden Center
Using living trees over fresh-cut trees or plastics to decorate the holidays has increased in popularity. Over half of my local Christmas tree sales are for living trees that will be planted in January.
Because of their waxy needles, most conifers need surprisingly little water. This is true for the high-country natives like pine, cypress, cedar and juniper.
Once these trees reach their mature sizes, they thrive in our arid climate, dry soil and extreme-mountain temperatures.
Evergreens do not like to sit in soggy soils. The trees’ internal metabolism will slow to an almost stasis-like state. Planted in soil that drains properly, new root hairs and next spring’s candle buds will form successfully. That is why digging the right size planting hole and adding the correct soil amendments are critical to a successful planting.
Here are seven steps to planting an evergreen tree successfully, no matter the season.
garden gal,
STEP 1 — The bowl-shaped hole should be the same depth as the root ball, but three times as wide. Plants do not need a deep hole. They thrive when able to stretch out just under the soil’s surface in search of food and water.
This is why a bowl-shaped hole promotes the best root development. Rid the hole of rocks and debris larger than a golf ball.
STEP 2 — Improve the planting soil by amending with Watters Premium mulch. Good mulch will keep clay soils loose and aerated, and in loose granite will retain water up around the root ball.
The amount of mulch per plant should be equal to the size of the root ball. That is the quantity of mulch you will need to blend into the native soil used to fill in around each plant.
STEP 3 — Evergreen trees are so sensitive to soggy soil that it is recommended they be planted on a slight mound. Whatever you do, don’t bury the plant. Keep the trunk out of the soil. The top
of the root ball you see in the grower’s pot should be able to see sunlight once planted.
STEP 4 — Evergreens need the right plant food for a healthy start. Use my specially blended All-Purpose Plant Food 7- 4- 4, specifically designed for mountain plants. Just sprinkle the granules on top of the root ball, and water in well. The slow-release nutrients promote a deep green color, while encouraging thicker root growth with each watering.
STEP 5 — Promote deeper roots with Root & Grow. Add this liquid rooting hormone to the water used to saturate the root ball. It forces new root hairs to grow, and more roots mean a more vigorous plant. Use this root tonic once per month until new candle growth emerges in spring.
STEP 6 — Top dress the planting area with a 3-inch layer of shredded cedar bark. This layer of nature’s insulation retains
moisture, keeps weeds out and protects from extreme temperature swings. It is like laying a thick blanket over the roots before they are cold and shivering.
STEP 7 — Keep the tree moist, but allow it to dry between waterings. Give it a thorough soak twice a month through March. Once it begins to develop new growth, bump its watering schedule up to twice a week during the first growing season, then once a week thereafter.
For exact planting details that include drawings and measurements, ask for my “Guide to MileHigh Planting” the next time you visit the garden center. You might also like the useful companion guide “Mile-High Watering.”
Evergreen of the Month — One evergreen with a starring role in the mountains of Arizona is gaining nationwide popularity. It’s the Single Blue Pinyon Pine, a local variety whose tidy appearance and unusual blue color give a bold appearance to a rustic tree. It blends well in dry mountain landscapes, with modern settings and in Mediterranean-style gardens. However, this tree is gaining popularity at farmers markets for its pine nuts. Even young trees produce pine cones with melt-in-your-mouth buttery nuts. Let it grow wild to 10 feet or, for that groomed Christmas tree shape, prune it right after its spring growth.
Until next issue, I'll be helping garden friends choose the freshest tree in Prescott.
Lisa Watters-Lain can be found throughout the week at Watters Garden Center, 1815 W. Iron Springs Road in Prescott, or contacted through her website at WattersGardenCenter.com or FB.com/WattersGardenCenter.
by JB Del Campo, Assistant Market Manager, Prescott Farmers Market
The cold season is around the corner, and the question we hear most this time of year is, “What do local farmers grow in the winter?”
Our growers choose cold-hardy crops, and use a variety of season extension techniques such as cloth row covers, greenhouses, and hoop houses, which keep frost from damaging crops.
Here’s a sampling of what you can expect to find this winter: leeks, potatoes, beets, radishes, carrots, salad mix, parsnips, spinach and kale. Our local growers also have special varieties of vegetables that you won’t find at your grocery store. Look for sunchokes, watermelon and daikon radishes and måche at the farmers market.
Sunchokes are a species of sunflower that are cultivated for their tubers (roots). When raw, they have a nutty, sweet taste and a crunchy texture. The tuber is great when grated or shaved in salads, and can be roasted and pureed into a delicious soup.
Watermelon and daikon radishes are as beautiful as they are delicious. Slice them for a spicy addition to your salad, or spruce up that veggie tray at your holiday party.
Måche is a small leafy green with a sweet taste and velvety texture, making it an ideal addition to your green salad. There’s more to explore at the market, so stop by this winter and fill your bags with all this fresh, local loot!
Ingredients:
• 1 pound sunchokes
• 1/2-3/4 cup olive oil
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• Salt to taste
• Chopped herb of your choice (parsley, thyme, rosemary etc.)
Directions:
Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Wash sunchokes and cut out eyes. Cut into 1-inch pieces. In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, garlic, salt and herbs. Toss sunchokes in olive oil mixture then place on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake in oven until tender and crispy, about 30-40 minutes.
by Tom Reilly, Principal/CEO, RENOVATIONS
Too often, we hear remodeling horror stories where an unsuspecting consumer is left with shoddy workmanship.
I“just want to move the sink. Why do I need to pay for a permit to do that?”
Well, the short answer is, maybe you do, and maybe you don’t. If your project requires the reinstallation of plumbing piping, electrical wiring, window replacement or any structural work of any kind, you need a permit. If you are doing a simple remove and replace of anything except your roof, you may not have to obtain a permit.
Local building departments were established as a means of protecting the consumer from shoddy workmanship, inferior materials and incomplete scopes of work that can negatively affect the “health, safety and welfare” of the consuming public.
Too often, we hear remodeling horror stories where an unsuspecting
consumer is left with shoddy workmanship. Instead of a happy ending, heartbreak is the closing emotion. Often the customer truly “just didn’t know.”
Your contractor is the one who typically obtains a construction permit. He or she also organizes the many inspections required by the building department.
Obtaining a permit typically requires a drawing depicting the work, materials to be used, locations in the home where the work will occur and sufficient supporting documentation about the existing conditions.
Building departments will also want to see an accurate plot plan depicting the existing utilities, general drainage, access, existing building and its relationship to the property lines and setbacks, as well as the location on the
property where the new work will be done.
Often, if the footprint of the building is not changing, this information can be obtained without a survey. If you have existing drawings of your residence, that is immensely helpful.
The permit is to protect you. Again, if you move it, open it, add to it or even close it up, you probably need a permit.
You can always call your local building department and ask. They really don’t bite.
David
928.830.7861
dridgway@peoplesmortgage.com dridgway.loans.peoplesmortgage.com
by Sandy Griffis, Executive Director, Yavapai County Contractors Association
Hi – let me introduce you to the construction industry and the folks who grind and labor in it.
We live and work in the silhouettes and outlines of Yavapai County-sized skyscrapers known as multi-story buildings; we travel through streets lined with homes and local businesses and buildings under construction. The majority of you probably move through our roads and communities unaware of the vast industry responsible for shaping the environments in which we live and work – the industry that has built America.
Who are the construction folks, you ask, working in a very dynamic segment of our economy?
There are more than 700,000 construction companies in the U.S.
There are over 7.3 million construction employees/workers in the U.S.
There are 37,298 licensed construction companies in Arizona
There are more than 2,000 licensed construction companies in the 863 zip code
Construction is the second largest industry in the U.S. with more than $1 trillion in total volume, accounting for approximately 8 percent of the nation’s GDP. It is the industry responsible for constructing the buildings and infrastructure so vital to the quality of life.
There are many misconceptions about the construction industry. What today’s construction industry is not: artless, basic, boring, unfulfilling, thankless, routine, predictable, unchanging, dull.
In my eyes, the construction industry is interesting, moves at an ever-changing pace, is tricky, challenging, rewarding and well-paid.
Activity in the industry is picking up and has been for sometime. Our industry remains critical to the job market, especially for workers without college degrees.
Where would we be without construction?
A new report from the Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts the industry will add 1.6 million jobs through 2022, which is a relatively high growth rate among sectors, but which still would leave total construction employment below housing-bubble peak levels.
Are you aware the construction industry is traditionally divided into three sub-sectors? They are:
• the construction of buildings
• roads, highways, and other infrastructure construction
• specialty trades
You can see that the construction industry is a significant part of our economy; it touches everything from Fain Road, Hwy 89, Hwy 89A, Hwy 69 and all of the arterial roads in our communities. Without construction we would not have airport runways, bridges, and interstate. Every building; our City Hall and Town offices, our schools from PUSD, HUSD, Chino Valley, our churches and synagogues, Sprouts, Safeway, Trader Joes, our homes, movie theaters, restaurants
from El Gato to The Barley Hound to St. Michaels, hotels from our Hampton Inns to Marriott Courtyard to SpringHill Suites and the Hassayampa Inn.
Are you aware that concrete has been important to construction for centuries, going back to 3,000 B.C. Without it, very few construction projects could be started and completed. In the U.S., concrete as a construction material made its debut with the construction of the Erie Canal in 1825, the first shipment of Portland cement into the country in 1868, and the opening of the first Portland cement plant three years later in 1871.
Just like our life, we have a lot of years we can see in the rearview mirror, and we need to keep looking ahead and that is what the construction industry is doing. We are going to see more collaborative approaches for projects such as design-build, public-private partnerships and integrated project delivery
The labor shortage is at epidemic proportions. Our local contractors are extremely concerned about the lack of skilled labor, and many local contractors are struggling to staff their businesses.
This lack of workforce started after a huge massive employment labor force left the industry for other jobs during the recession when work disappeared from 2006-2010. The industry lost close to 50 percent of its workforce and it has not returned. The dwindling labor pool is leading to longer delays in project schedules, and construction costs will rise due to materials and labor.
The construction industry is a terrific opportunity and offers well-paying jobs. And we have lots of jobs available in Yavapai County. There is, and will be, a continuing demand for construction industry workers – there are excellent employment opportunities because the number of job openings will exceed the number of qualified individuals seeking to enter the occupation. Where would we be without construction?
" We have never worked with a realtor as exceptional as Leland Moreno-Hilburn. We needed a realtor who would listen to our preferences and who was extremely knowledgeable about the area. In all this, Leland exceeded our expectations."
Greg & Karen M. Phoenix, AZ
"Leland Moreno-Hilburn was wonderful to have as my real estate agent. He never left questions unanswered, always responded promptly and provided me with knowledgeable advise. I highly recommend him, as you will receive the best service of any agent."
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Bret A. Dewey, AZ
Exciting
MLS # 989692 • $139,900
Beautiful .44 acre flag lot located at the end of a cul-de-sac in The Heritage. This lot offers just enough boulders and trees for character and beauty, but still very build-able! Greenbelt behind lot for extra privacy! There are just a few view lots left in this highly sought after subdivision. Well priced and waiting for your dream home!
412 Bloomingdale, Prescott
MLS # 1005172 • $434,500
Sought after Blooming Hills Estates area. 3 BR, 2 BA, 2,237 SF. Open floor plan. Built in cabinets in garage, security system, two zoned HVAC, and central vacuum. Central location is close to shopping, hospital, and downtown, but far enough for quiet living.
MLS # 1006747 • $369,900
This home is located on the 14th tee of Quailwood Meadows Golf Course. Well maintained, rarely used (2nd home). Open floorplan with beautiful kitchen, upgraded cabinets (with pull-outs!) and granite counter-tops. First floor has front room as well as great room with gas fireplace. Large master bedroom/bath on the main floor. 2 bedrooms plus a very large potential 3rd bedroom upstairs. (It already has a large closet, just needs a bedroom door) The room has been used as an office. Open loft area overlooks the downstairs family and dining areas. Lots of windows that allow plenty of light.
MLS # 979330 • $74,000
SUPER MOTIVATED! Great views, great location! Beautiful, well treed .29 acre lot in desirable Kingswood Estates! All city utilities, clubhouse/athletic facility, located just minutes from downtown Prescott. This lot is perfect for a walk-out home!
MLS # 1007496 • $425,000
What A View! This 2,579 sq. ft. home offers 4 spacious bedrooms, 2.5 baths, 2 car garage all located on .24 acre. Beautiful well treed lot with amazing views off of the private deck, fenced backyard, fireplace, soaring ceiling and tons of windows make for a bright and cheery home!
MLS # 1000935 • $98,000
Views, Views, Views, all the way to the San Francisco peaks! Easy build corner lot well treed, boulders, and lots of wildlife. Paved almost all the way to lot - 3 minutes on dirt road. The creek runs along the edge of this property. Electrical hook-up at corner of parcel. Spectacular spot to build your private dream home.
Since 1981, Prescott True Value has grown into a full-featured, full-service hardware and housewares store. The store carries a wide selection of high-quality brands and product lines.
The Prescott True Value store has a number of services available not found at most other hardware stores. Not only can you purchase new lawn mower blades, you can get your old ones sharpened. Blade, knife and scissor sharpening, lamp repair and even small engine repair are some of the services available. With excellent customer service and friendly, knowledgeable and professional staff who go out of their way to help, there is a reason the slogan, “We’re so much more than just a great hardware store” rings true!
The Prescott True Value store not only sells and services name-brand equipment, it rents them too! And that includes not just power tool rentals, but party and event supplies, such as tables and chairs, music and sound styles, dance floors and even tents. And what’s a party without a rented slushy machine or chocolate fountain? Also, if you need that perfect wedding gift, Prescott True Value Hardware offers a bridal registry. Every October, local owners Suzanne Springer and Tom Toth transform the Grill Zone into the Holiday Wonderland Christmas Shoppe, where you will find everything needed to decorate your home, inside and out, for the holiday season. Looking for something unusual? This year you will find made-in-England wooden Christmas ducks.
In 2006, Springer and Toth were looking for a way to tell customers about the Christmas Shoppe. That was the first year of the now annual “Ladies Night” event, held the Thursday before Thanksgiving. The event has grown from 400 attendees the first year to over 1,300 in 2016. Attendees preview new holiday decorating trends, see what’s new in the Kitchen Shoppe and have a great night out with friends.
If you are looking for holiday decorating or gift ideas, head over to Prescott True Value Hardware. They carry something for every one of all ages!
by Dan and Julie Hussey, Owners, Totally Floored
Here we are in Yavapai County living with a bunch of other people in this beautiful place. I have been here nearly half of my life, almost 30 years now.
I have always considered it a privilege to live here in Northern Arizona. When you live in a place that is voted No. 1 in air quality by the EPA, it’s a privilege.
Then there is the easy access to hiking trails, the numerous off-road options, cool little lakes and streams and camping galore.
We have a vibrant economy, so if you are willing to work hard, you can make a good living.
We seem to have a passion for education, so we have a plethora of options for continuous learning.
If you can’t find a church, it’s not because you lack options.
All this is to say, “We all have a wonderful home here in Yavapai County!”
As always, wonderful things need maintenance to stay wonderful. We all need to play a part to keep our home a lovely place to live.
What can we all do to play our part in maintaining and improving our neighborhood? Here are a few thoughts:
1. Join a civic club. You can easily find like-minded friends who have a common interest. Kiwanis, Lions, Rotary and Soroptimists, just to name a few, are active in enhancing our home base. They give back, without much notice or recognition. They just do it because it’s good and right to give back.
2. Volunteer your time and energy. Get involved with one or two of the many groups that believe in giving back. Assist at Yavapai Regional Medical Center; help build a hiking trail; pick up trash along the highway; teach a child a new skill; and on and on.
3. Be happy. Yes, being happy is a responsibility. We all get cut off in traffic, and people do rude things (not us, those other people, LOL). But how we react is a choice. Sometimes I’ve been rude and short-tempered, but when I am, I am not making this a better place to live. In some small way, I
become a taker, not a giver.
4. Be a good neighbor. Be friendly and helpful. One of my neighbors takes our trash can out if we forget. That kind act just makes us feel wonderful. We realize we have someone close who cares. Do you have a neighbor to whom you can show an act of kindness? Do it today.
5. Live in gratitude. Thank a police officer, a firefighter, a county worker, a city employee, your neighbor and God. Living in gratitude is one of those magical attitudes that just makes you feel better and makes our world a better place.
6. Give your money to worthy causes. Donate, as you can, to groups that make a difference.
As for my wife and me, we thank you! We thank you for what you contribute to our livelihood and for making this an outstanding place to live our lives.
Reach us at danh@totallyfloored.org.
by Donna Werking,
Founder, Northern Arizona Social & Nicole Kennedy, Vice President of Development, Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Arizona
Dancing for the Stars left a mark on Prescott in April. Perhaps one of the most highly anticipated events, and certainly one of the most exciting, this inaugural event raised more than $130,000 for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Arizona. Eleven local celebrities teamed up with local professional dancers for a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to dance onstage before hundreds of guests. The event sold out months in advance, and included an elegant reception at the Hassayampa Inn, followed by an exclusive red carpet experience on Gurley Street, with live interviews by Prescott Media Center. Guests proceeded to the Elks Theatre, where they experienced an unforgettable show. The finale of the evening was a legendary after-party in the beautifully renovated Elks Performing Arts Center. Former board member Dee Toci called Dancing for the Stars, “the most exciting event (she’s) attended in over 30 years in Prescott.” Celebrity dancers are selected for their connection with our community and willingness to step outside of their comfort zone for a cause greater than themselves. In addition to learning a dance routine, they are bringing together friends and sponsors alike in support of our local Boys & Girls Clubs. Celebrities compete
for awards including People’s Choice and Best Friendraiser for securing the most votes and most funds raised, respectively.
“This proved to be an event unlike anything Prescott has ever seen,” said Nicole Kennedy, Vice President of Development for Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Arizona. “Our community truly rallied around our inaugural dancers.”
Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Arizona recently held a reveal party to announce the 2018 Dancing for the Stars celebrities and professionals. Sponsors from the inaugural event were invited. Leza Lachapelle Dandos, original celebrity dancer and 2018 DFTS master of ceremonies, announced the dancer lineup. Teens from Boys & Girls Clubs’ multimedia program assisted with sound and video for the evening.
2018 celebrity dancers and their partners include:
• Kiona Bell (Branch Manager, Credit Union West) & Patrick Wilcox
• Michelle Fain (Trainer, Captain Crossfit) & Leo Gallegos
• Jamie Johnson (Owner, JEBCO construction) & Ron Howard
• Elena Sanwick (REALTOR®, Bloomtree Realty) & Daniel Garcia
• Donna Werking (Owner, Northern AZ Social) & Zach Leonard (Marina Rogova O’Brien Choreographer)
• Dr. Jason Campbell (Owner/Dentist, Pro Solutions Dental Group) & Carie Hughes
• Corey Mendoza (Owner, C & R Trucking, Chino Valley City Councilman) & Dawn Wilson
• Greg Mengarelli (Mayor, City of Prescott & Director, United Christian Youth Camp) & Kelly Robertson (Leo Gallegos Choreographer)
• Steve Pierce (local rancher and politician, former President of the AZ State Senate) & Sara Muchnij (Leo Gallegos Choreographer)
• Sam Shapiro (REALTOR®, Realty One Group, Rrainer, Captain Crossfit) & Mary Heller
“This year is going to be spectacular, and we are changing things up and adding new elements, so that more people can participate this year,” said Kristen Kerns, Development Director. There are a variety of options for guests to participate in Dancing for the Stars. A matinee show has been added to the afternoon. VIP tickets remain the same, to include the red carpet reception, evening show and after-party. Those who cannot attend, but want to support their favorite celebrity, can purchase votes. Vote purchases qualify for the Arizona State Charitable Tax Credit.
Above all the glitz and excitement is the purpose for the event—to raise funds for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Arizona. The clubs are a vital resource for families, providing after-school programming to youth ages 6-18.
The afternoon and evening hours outside of school are unique opportunities for kids— to either be engaged in productive activities or be at risk of becoming a statistic. Youth are at greatest risk of becoming victims of crime, experimenting with drugs and alcohol, and other risky behaviors during after-school hours. The Boys & Girls Clubs provide a home away from home during this time. Youth participate in Power Hour (dedicated homework time and tutoring) and Healthy Habits programs, including an hour of active play daily (activities such as mountain biking, basketball and, yes, dance!). They also learn traits of good character and citizenship through volunteerism and other community outreach projects. As one of the few after-school youth development organizations in the community, BGCCAZ is uniquely positioned through our specialized programs to positively affect their lives of the youth they serve. Club members develop lasting relationships with fellow members and staff that enhance their lives and shape their futures. It is their core belief that every child deserves a safe place to learn
and grow, supportive relationships with caring adults, and life-enhancing programs. Because of the support of our community, BCCCAZ served more than 600 youth in 2016.
The 2018 Dancing for the Stars fundraiser will take place on Saturday, April 14, 2018 and is sponsored by the Jewish Community Foun-
dation of Greater Prescott, Lamb Chevrolet and Switch Performing Arts. Tickets are expected to go on sale in December, and will sell out fast. To be notified when tickets are available, please visit www.dancingforthestars.net. For other event updates, follow Dancing for the Stars on Facebook at facebook.com/dancingforthestars
by Kelly Tolbert, Recreation Coordinator, Prescott Parks and Recreation
Constructed to commemorate Arizona’s 100 years of statehood, the trail officially opened in 2012 after about 10 months of collaborative efforts.
Nestled among breathtaking boulders, and easily accessible from almost anywhere in Prescott, the Centennial Trail offers spectacular views of Prescott amid shrub oak and large pine trees, while highlighting the area’s diverse geography.
Constructed to commemorate Arizona’s 100 years of statehood, the trail officially opened in 2012 after about 10 months of collaborative efforts. Many local residents and visitors were utilizing the path prior to it being a properly maintained trail, which emphasizes the desirable, convenient location of this urban recreation trail.
As with many trails and their history, Centennial Trail would not have been possible without the cooperation of the surrounding landowners, developers and residents. The City of Prescott was able to use designated open-space funds to purchase one lot in the surrounding development called The Preserve, which now serves as a parking area for one of the trailheads’ access. With 30 acres already designated as open space within The Pre-
serve subdivision, the developer made a generous donation to the city for timely construction and connectivity. The entire project was a positive experience, and never have so many compliments and words of thanks been received while trail construction was in progress.
This particular trail is unique in that it allows connectivity beginning near the rodeo grounds to the Greenways Trails, connecting to neighborhoods including Forest Trails, Enchanted Canyon and Thumb Butte Recreation area.
Other contributors included volunteers such as the Over the Hill Gang, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University honors students, community work programs such as the Yavapai County Juvenile Probation Department and City Community Service Work Program and several students from Mile High Middle School.
Centennial Trail offers intriguing attractions, and among them are large boulders with petroglyphs, two
parking areas and panoramic views of the rodeo grounds and downtown Prescott. This trail is conducive to winter hiking and bicycling, but can be muddy, so always exercise trail etiquette.
Trail users can choose to park at either trailhead, one of which can be accessed off Iron Springs Road. Make a left on Kile Street (just prior to the Iron Springs Café) and follow for about one-quarter of a mile to the parking area designated on the left. Alternatively, parking for the other trailhead can be found from Gail Gardner Way by turning west on Westridge Drive (next to the RV storage lot), and you will see the parking area approximately 200 yards on the right. Follow the recreation signs to the stairs that begin the official trail. There are no restrooms. However, parking is always free. Trail maps can be found at many local outdoor retailers and businesses and online at prescotttrails. com, or inside the trail map boxes located on various trails within the city.
Be
The rowing machine I was sitting on was located in the front of the ship, a repositioning cruise from Europe aboard a 3,600-passenger vessel. I had been on the machine for about 25 minutes when a fellow passenger tapped me on the shoulder and asked if I could row a little harder and get us out of these rough seas. It was an exciting crossing through the English Channel and across the Atlantic, which is notoriously choppy in October. I enjoyed the roll and pitch after days of very calm seas. However, looking around the exercise room, I noticed it was pretty empty. As “the spawn of Popeye,” which my husband calls me, I never get seasick, but even I admitted this was one of the rougher seas I have experienced.
When I talk with people about a cruise vacation, the top two reasons my clients give for choosing other travel options is they want to avoid large ships with lots of people and they are concerned about possible seasickness. If you are in either of these camps, then consider a river cruise.
River cruises are my absolutely favorite type of vacation. My first trip to Europe included a river cruise along the Rhine that featured one amazing castle after another. These castles were constructed centuries ago as defensive fortifications to protect the rich land around the castle from intruders. Since they were located along the routes of trade, the castle owners took advantage of their strategic positions to impose tolls on merchants. Although no longer collecting tolls, these castles remain guardians of the terraced vineyards along the river – full and verdant in the spring and summer and blushed with golden rust in the fall.
River cruising, by its very nature, provides you an upclose and personal look at the cities you most want to visit. The trade routes and posts established in ancient times have grown into some of the world’s most popular cities, which you can see from your balcony while sipping a cup of coffee or cool beverage. The rivers most navigated are typically smooth and calm. The ships stop in the heart of these cities, so that you spend your time seeing the sites, not traveling for hours to get someplace that only provides you enough time to grab lunch.
My husband and I took Viking’s Waterways of the Tsars cruise a couple of years ago. From St. Petersburg, we cruised along the Svir River eventually meeting the Volga and following it into Moscow. Instead of a few hours in St.
by Tori Ward, Cruise and Resort Specialist, ROX Travel
by Jerry Chinn
Petersburg, or even a day, we had three full days to spend in this exciting and historic city, as well as three days in Moscow. We spent a half-day at the Kremlin, and returned at night to take wonderful photos. Our guides were knowledgeable and were with us from the time we were collected at the airport until they said goodbye in Moscow.
We wandered for hours through the Hermitage, the world’s largest art museum; spent one morning at the Winter Palace and the afternoon at Catherine’s Palace; and enjoyed a performance of Swan Lake that evening. It was a trip that included many extras, which would have been added charges on a cruise ship – cooking classes, guided tours, Russian language classes and many cultural performances.
Because the ship was small, we got to know many of our fellow passengers by name and enjoyed complimentary wine, beer and soft drinks. One of the nicest amenities was free Wi-Fi. If you’ve been on an ocean cruise one of the biggest complaints is the expense of having to purchase WiFi service and then the slow connection with the other thousands all trying to share the server. When clients reject a river cruise because of the cost, I provide them with my analysis that demonstrates they are very comparable in cost and the experience is generally much more fulfilling. Viking
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by Nancy Rothrock, co-owner and co-founder
The New Year always brings with it new plans, commitments and resolutions. The most common New Year’s resolutions everyone makes is to lose the extra weight that has accumulated over the year. Let’s Get Healthy 4 You! offers our 12-step rules to weight loss from the experts and will help you prepare yourself for a healthier and happier you.
1. Be realistic. It is essential that you have a realistic, healthy eating and exercise plan in place. Aim for a goal that is attainable.
2. Plan ahead. Don't make your resolution in a few days. Plan it well in advance for best results.
3. Make a “healthy” and “not-so-healthy” food list. List the food items that you should avoid to keep your motivation strong.
4. Get your family and friends involved.
Share your weight-loss plan with family and friends. Having a family member or a friend involved is a great way to help you stick to your weight-loss plan.
5. Start moving. If you find an exercise routine that you truly enjoy, you will be more likely to commit to it.
6. Track your progress. Keep track of every small achievement you have made toward reaching your big goal.
7. A “stay positive” attitude. If you hit a weight-loss plateau, remain confident that you will overcome this and still reach your goal.
8. Reward yourself. This doesn't mean that you can indulge in large quantities of sweets and desserts. Find new ways to reward yourself without food.
9. Be honest with yourself and the foods you are eating. Maintaining a food journal
will help you keep track of the foods you are eating and give you an idea about your calorie consumption.
10. Change takes time. We are all in a rush to lose weight, but remember the weight didn’t just appear; it, too, took time. Let’s Get Healthy 4 You! is here to help you.
11. Take it slow and be kind to yourself. Over time, you are increasing your chances of following these healthy changes for the rest of your life.
12. Don’t give up. If your resolution has not achieved good results on your own by the first six-eight weeks, don't give up. Start over again with Let’s Get Healthy 4 You! Our Certified Health Coaches and Dr. Douglas Rothrock can help you achieve your goal.
Visit letsgethealthy4you.com for more information.
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currently has early booking discounts that provide two-for-one pricing, plus extremely attractive airfare.
The destinations you are traveling to on a river cruise are the experience instead of the ship being the destination. The pace on a river cruise is just not as frenetic, with the cultural experience being showcased instead of overenthusiastic cruise directors pushing reluctant passengers into playing games they have no interest in, or entertainment and food offered in every public room, so that the only quiet place is your cabin.
If I am going to stay in my cabin I want it to be on an Avalon Cruise where the beds face the window as I lie back on my pillows like a queen and gaze at the lights of Budapest Parliament across the Danube River. Avalon Waterways currently offers savings of $2,500 per couple plus $299 airfare on select departure dates in 2018 for a 15-day cruise from Budapest to Amsterdam. Avalon’s fleets navigate rivers in Europe, South America and Asia.
“We had a fantastic trip on the Viking River Cruise. We enjoyed the firstclass treatment from the staff. The excursions were very informative and well-organized. The scenery was amazing. We met so many wonderful people. We are looking forward to another Viking River Cruise on their ocean liner through the Mediterranean.”
—
Richard Prescott, Arizona
If river cruising is attractive, but you want to stay closer to home, American Cruise Lines offers cruises along America’s famous and historical waterways such as the Mississippi and Hudson rivers on the East Coast, including some trips that are offered on a paddleboat. The Columbia and Snake rivers and Puget Sound and the San Juan Islands highlight itineraries in the Pacific Northwest.
Because river cruising has become so popular over the past few years, it surprises clients to find that some of the most sought-after destinations and coveted cabin space book up months and up to a year in advance. My advice to clients is to allow your travel agent to find the best deal for you, and book early.
In January, I will be returning to Paris for a week for my bi-yearly girlfriends’ trip. One of my friends has never been to Paris, so we are as excited to watch her reactions to my favorite stomping ground as we experience it all over again ourselves. She asked me, “Will we be able to take a night cruise on the Seine to see the Eiffel Tower, Norte Dame and all the sights from the river?” My answer: “Oh, honey, absolutely!” And, I promised we wouldn’t get seasick, and there will only be a small group on board.
If you’d like to learn more about river cruising, or have a destination you wish to explore, give me a call and allow me to help you sail away.
Victoria “Tori” Ward is a cruise and resort specialist with an interest in traveling and seeing the world since she first began to crawl. For more information on these trips and others, contact Tori at tori@roxtravel.com or 928-245-9968
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In that moment, I realized that while all of us grew up in different areas and different cultures, thousands of miles apart, we shared a common experience.
by Cindy Gresser, Executive Director, The Smoki Museum
Iwas sitting at my desk one day playing with a length of string tied in a loop. I was trying to remember the games that I learned as a child, with a loop of yarn from my mom’s knitting. “Cat’s Cradle” and “Tea Cup and Saucer” were the only two that I could remember. Then, in walked a good friend from Second Mesa, Hopi. After some greetings and catching up, he asked what I was doing.
At the time, we were trying to develop a new activity for the children’s hands-on area of the museum. The idea of string games had been presented by a volunteer, and we all agreed that this would be a good and interesting activity for the kids to learn. But what were the Native stories that went along with these games? And we would all have to “relearn” games from our own childhood.
As I formed what I learned as “Tea Cup and Saucer” for my Hopi friend, he exclaimed, “Hey! You know Bow and Arrow!” In that moment, I realized that while all of us grew up in different areas and different cultures, thousands of miles apart, we shared a common experience. What ensued were several hours of stories, string games, memories and laughter – and more stories from both of us.
He explained that the dozens of figures that he knew and had learned as a child were shown to him mostly in the winter time. As a Hopi, winter is considered to be the most dangerous time of year. It is when you should stay inside and listen to and learn the stories and traditions of your culture from your elders. And as we talked,
I realized that, for me, it really wasn’t much different.
In the summer, we played and went swimming; fall was all about going back to school, pumpkins, cider and colored leaves; and spring was about cleaning, planting and preparations for the upcoming year. But winter was about Christmas and staying inside –warm and comfy – and listening to all the old stories from family. And we played games – not just string games, but board games, card games and, of course, my mom tried to teach me to
knit and crochet. It was indoor time.
As I look back and listen to my Native friends, in the daily cycles of life, at least in our generation before computers and cellphones, our life activities were similar, yet so very different. But the time for sharing stories remains consistent – when the nights are cold and it’s time to stay indoors and enjoy the comforts of home.
A simple loop of string and the stories that came with it started a new tradition at The Smoki Museum. Everyone loves a good story, but there is a right time to offer them. And for Native people that time is winter.
But in the everyday society of white culture, there is Thanksgiving, then Christmas and the fury of activities that surround those events. So how do we make an event like Storytellers at The Smoki work? Well, located in Arizona’s Christmas City, we decided that first it must occur after Winter Solstice to be at the appropriate time of year. Second, everyone is too darn busy before Christmas.
So, enjoy your Christmas Day. Recover the day after, and on December
27, when you wake up refreshed and looking for something to do, head on over to The Smoki Museum. From 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on that day, we’ll feature an amazing lineup of storytellers from many different cultures from across the U.S. They’ll share wonderful stories that have been passed down through generations of their cultures, including:
• “How bat got his wings.”
• “Why the moon is never the same size.”
• “How mouse defeated hawk.”
• “Spiderwoman’s Story.”
• And many more …
We’ll light a fire in our Pueblo Building and serve warm cider and cookies throughout the day. Be sure to bring the kids. You may even start a new tradition in your own family.
11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Dec. 27
Regular admission pricing
As I look back and listen to my Native friends, in the daily cycles of life, at least in our generation before computers and cellphones, our life activities were similar, yet so very different.
Like many Southwestern American towns, Chino Valley once had a rodeo. Then the rodeos went away. The native grasses and tumbleweeds overran arenas and staging areas. The clanging of heavy gates, thundering hooves, and the cheering crowds were silenced.
Today, a new generation of horse people have come to call Chino Valley home and brought with them a great vision to revitalize and rejuvenate the equestrian way of life.
In the fall of 2016, a newly created organization, the Chino Valley Equestrian Association, negotiated a lease for eighty acres on Rodeo Drive, site of the old Chino Valley rodeo grounds, to build the Chino Valley Equestrian Park. The Park mission statement reads, in part, that it will be a “multi-purpose facility to promote and preserve the equestrian lifestyle.”
CVEA is a grass-roots movement, growing to 150 members in the first year. The Town of Chino Valley and the CVEA believe the Park can encourage tourism and economic growth to the area while providing the opportunity for residents of the tri-city area and beyond to participate in local equestrian activities. The elevation of the Chino Valley area provides temperate seasons that already attract equestrians from the lower desert areas. And key to its location is that nowhere in Yavapai County is there a comparable center for equestrian sports.
Fundraising is key to the success of Chino Valley Equestrian Association. Membership dues remain low, donations are steady, and members have volunteered hundreds of hours to build and maintain the Park. This fall, the CVEA event calendar filled up quickly with charity horse shows to benefit the Association, Phoenix Children’s Hospital and Blue Moon Horse Sanctuary. The 2018 calendar season is already holding reservations and planned events.
Come to the Park and share their vision and help them build the Dream.
Article written by: Jean McFadzen, Lisa Lucidi and Michael Tickle
If you ever wanted to get a taste of professional basketball before, a trip to Talking Stick Resort Arena in downtown Phoenix was required. With the Northern Arizona Suns in town, a taste of the NBA is right here in Prescott Valley.
Many current and former NAZ Suns have played basketball at the highest level in the world.
Xavier Silas was once a Philadelphia 76er, getting time in the playoffs. Alec Peters is with the Phoenix Suns, but spent a lot of his time in the Quad-City area playing. Other NAZ stars Derrick Jones Jr., Johnny O’Bryant and Elijah Millsap all went straight from Prescott Valley to the NBA.
Even the NAZ Suns 2016-17 coaching staff was quickly recognized as being of NBA caliber. Head Coach Ty Ellis, Associate Head Coach Bret Burchard and Assistant Coach Brandon Rosenthal were all called up to the Phoenix Suns just before Northern Arizona kicked off its 2017-18 training camp. That
means every time you watch a Phoenix Suns game, you will be able to spot three former NAZ coaches roaming the sideline.
Ellis has long said he loved his time coaching in Prescott Valley, making it known the community made him feel like he was family.
As the 40-year-old climbs the ranks of the NBA as a coach, he’s assuredly going to bring up Prescott Valley to people when they ask where he got it all started.
So, no, you’re not going to see LeBron James or Kevin Durant at the Prescott Valley Event Center any time soon. But you will see the future stars of the NBA. The community even got to see the current stars of the NBA, like Devin Booker, when the Phoenix Suns played a scrimmage at PVEC. Take advantage of the great quality of play and the great quality of character from the Northern Arizona Suns while you can. Because if you wait too long, some of them might already be in the NBA for the world to see. Also, take advantage of events
the NAZ Suns throw for kids in the area. In addition to attending schools during the season, the Suns host an annual camp where kids of all ages learn the game from professional coaches. Students will get to learn from the whole team at the NAZ Suns’ first-ever Kids Day Game on Jan. 23. Not only will kids receive an interactive workbook and have a great time at a basketball game, they will also learn determination and how the team works toward a unified goal, becoming the best at their craft, and winning a championship for Prescott Valley.
Where is he now?
You might have noticed that the NAZ Suns have a new athletic trainer treating players this season. Jervae Odom has joined the team after Johnny Mak took his talents overseas. Mak joined the UMMC Ekaterinburg in Russia, taking on a similar role he had with Northern Arizona. Of the 18 players who donned a Suns’ uniform last year, only four missed a combined 13 games due to injury, thanks to Mak and Assistant Athletic Trainer Michelle Ruan. With Ruan back and G League veteran Odom coming on, the Suns are still in good shape – literally.
