Prescott Living - Holiday 2018

THUMB BUTTE MEDICAL CENTER

PRESCOTT:

3124 Willow Creek Rd.

Prescott, AZ. 86301 • Tel: 928.445.7085

Prescott Medical Center Hours:

Winter Hours: Mon.-Fri. 8am—5pm

Regular Hours: Mon.-Fri. 7am-6pm

Urgent Care Hours: Mon.-Fri. 7am-6pm • Sat. 8am-4pm

PRESCOTT VALLEY:

Tel: 928.775.9007

6496 E. HWY 69, Prescott Valley, AZ. 86314

Medical Center Hours: Mon.-Fri. 8am-5pm

“OUR

MISSION IS TO HELP PATIENTS WITH UTMOST RESPECT AND DIGNITY IN A HEALING ENVIRONMENT”

Hojat Askari, M.D.

Founder,MedicalDirector

Board Certi ed Internal Medicine

Mohammad Golparian, M.D.

Board Certi ed Internal Medicine

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

Cardiologist

Siamak Rassadi, M.D.

CardiologistElectrophysiology

Kaveh Karandish, M.D.

Board Certi ed Internal Medicine and Cosmetic Medicine

Mohsen Sharifi, M.D.

CardiologistVein Specialist

Jafar Koupaie, M.D.

Plastic Surgeon - Coming Soon

AND URGENT CARE

Ramin Abbasian, M.D.

Pain Management

Maddie Assar, M.D. Radiologist

Advanced breastimaging & earlybreastcancer detection So a

Joesph P Maidl, PA PhysiciansAssistance

Michael Frost, FNP

FamilyNursePractitioner/BC

Emily Norman, ANP Adult Nurse Practitioner

Linda Nelson, FNP

FamilyNurse Practitioner/UrgentCare

Now offering house calls by request

Chetan Patel, FNP FamilyNurse Practitioner

Serj Nazarian, D.P.M. FootandAnkle Surgeon

Bardia Sinael, DMD General and Cosmetic Dentist

Denise Eldred PhysicalTherapist

Jonathan Brewer Massage Therapist

Terry M. Barns, ANP

Adult Nurse Practitioner

Victoria Ray Permanent Cosmetics

Brenda Lummer Hearing Aid Technician

PRESCOTTLIVINGMAG.COM

PUBLISHER

Elaine Earle, CPA

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Bea Lueck

SENIOR COPYWRITER & EDITOR

Robin Layton

PRESCOTT PIONEER WRITER

Ray Newton

ADVERTISING EXECUTIVES

Harvey Bernstein

Loriann Rhodes

CREATIVE DIRECTOR/GRAPHIC DESIGNER

Tim Clarke

GRAPHIC DESIGNERS

Rebecca Bowen

Jake Pagano

Shannon Price

CUSTOMER SERVICE/AD TRAFFIC MANAGER

Jo Wobser

PUBLIC RELATIONS & MARKETING MANAGER

Julie Turetzky

COMMENTS & IDEAS editor@roxco.com

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

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

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

520.426.2074

IT’S

TIME TO CELEBRATE THE HOLIDAYS IN ARIZONA’S CHRISTMAS CITY

n the blink of an eye, we’ve gone from basking in Arizona’s warm fall weather to donning our coats and scarves and planning our winter holiday activities. Prescott LIVING’s Holiday Edition covers all things related to Arizona’s Christmas City and its traditions.

Our Community Voices share the joy of the holidays in Prescott to make sure you know the times and places to be for the Christmas parades, Frontier Christmas at the Sharlot Hall Museum, the famous Courthouse Lighting, Acker Night … just to name a few!

Don’t forget to also mark your calendar for the week after Christmas to enjoy the Storytellers at the Smoki Museum. It’s a wonderful time to gather the family and learn about the Native culture and history that is all around us in Yavapai County.

If you have a travel itch this season, take a look at the ROX Travel feature in this edition … it’s all about exploring the Land Down Under and the wonders that await you.

To start off your year on a good financial footing, the Wealth Management section offers advice on mortgages, trust funds, investing and more.

‘Tis the season to take the time to gather your children close around the roaring fireplace with mugs of hot cocoa and share with each other the magic of the holidays. We at ROX Media wish you and your family a wonderous and memorable holiday season and we can’t wait to share with you what the new year will hold!

Elaine Earle Publisher, Prescott LIVING Magazine

VOICES

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

Frank Ayers

Chancellor, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University

Frank 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 years e has ogged ore than ight ho rs in a variety of aircra types

Martha Baden

Manager, Public Services, Prescott Public Library

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

Debora Black

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 enda e ri ona here she served since first oining as assistant chief in 2006. Chief Black began her career in 1980 as a patro o cer ith the hoenix o ice epart ent he has een awarded the Medal of Valor, three Medals of Lifesaving and two Police Chief’s Unit Awards.

Margo Christensen

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, she 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.

Scott Currey

President,AckerCommittee

Scott Currey has been involved with Acker Night for 17 years. He and his wife Jill moved to Prescott 20 years ago a er cott retired fro the os ng es o ice Department. They currently work for the Chamber of Commerce as special event coordinators. Acker Night is their favorite event in Prescott.

Dennis Gallagher

FounderandPresident,PrescottWesternHeritageFoundation

Dennis is the Founder and President of the Prescott Western eritage o ndation nc a c nonprofit organi ation 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.

Cindy Gresser

Executive Director,The Smoki Museum

Cindy 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.

Tracey Horn

Owner, Helken & HornAdvertisingAgency

Tracey Horn is the owner of Helken & Horn Advertising Agency, a full-service agency in downtown Prescott since 1995. She has been assisting Northern Arizona businesses prosper, creating professional marketing and advertising materials and negotiating media and digital marketing buys. She volunteers her time on the Arizona Community Foundation of Yavapai Board of Advisors and assists with all marketing for the Whiskey Row New Year’s Eve Boot Drop she helped create in 2011.

Leslie Horton, MA, MCHES

DirectorofYavapai CountyCommunityHealth Services,County ealt Officer

Leslie was appointed Director of Yavapai County Community Health Services of the public health department in March 2017. With 15 years of public health experience, Horton currently works to ensure the e ective and e cient de ivery of p ic hea th services thro ghout Yavapai County. She is a member of the MATFORCE and Northland Cares boards of directors.

of the Community

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.

David McAtee

MPA,YavapaiCountyBoardofSupervisors,PublicInformationOfficer

David McAtee has lived in the Prescott area for just over 15 years with his wife and daughter. He graduated from Purdue University with a ache or s degree in siness anage ent and a aster s degree in Public Administration. He has worked for Yavapai County for over eight years as the ic nfor ation o cer for the avapai o nty o nity ea th ervices and no for the avapai o nty oard of pervisors

Greg Mengarelli

Mayor, CityofPrescott

Greg has lived in Prescott since 1995, and has been the Executive Director for United Christian Youth Camp for the past 23 years. He grew up in small, rural communities in Kansas, and graduated from Kansas State University. He is active in comnity a airs and is c rrent y the resident of the rescott nified choo istrict oard

Ray Newton

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.

Sheila Polk

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.”

President,CEORenovations,YourCompleteRemodelResource oth rchitect and enera ontractor o has een designing and building in Prescott for the past 36 years. During this time, he has served on many committees, including Prescott City Council and Yavapai County Planning and Zoning Commission. Tom continues to serve through Prescott Frontier Rotary while renovating homes in the community

Harvey Skoog

Mayor, PrescottValley

Harvey 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 Prescott Valley Chamber of Commerce

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

Fred Veil

Executive Director, Sharlot Hall Museum Fred is the Executive Director of the Sharlot Hall Museum. e is a arine orps veteran and for er heri of the Prescott Corral of Westerners International, he conceived and organized the Western History Symposium. He is a board member of the Arizona History Convention and member of the Tourism Advisory Committee for the City of Prescott.

Tori Ward

ROXTravel, Cruise and ResortSpecialist

Victoria “Tori” is a cruise and resort specialist with a master’s degree in political science. She has completed more than certification co rses ith the cr ise and to r ind stry inc ding the ost advanced certification o odore fro Princess Cruise Lines. Tori is a member of the Cruise Lines International Association.

Prescott Parks & Rec Department

• Samara Rice-Cummings, Recreation Services Administrative Specialist

• Patti Crouse, Recreation Services Administrative Coordinator

• Rick Hormann, Recreation Services Supervisor

• Michelle Stacy-Schroeder, Recreation Services Coordinator

• Kelly Tolbert. Recreation Services Coordinator

Hello! We’re ROX Media Group

Prescott LIVING Magazine is brought to you by ROX Me dia Group, a multimedia orga nization providing an annual portfolio of 3.6 million print copies of community, custom and travel pub lications throughout Arizona and in neighboring states. Our publications collectively reach millions of consum ers 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 read ers 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

Elaine Earle Publisher

Elaine is an accomplished publisher and management professional with 20 years of experience as a Certified ic cco ntant and publisher of a diverse set of marketing products. Elaine and her team bring a “one fir so tion to c ients he has a passion for traveling and has been to over 35 countries.

Custom publications created, designed, edited, printed and distributed

Digital media marketing services and website creation

Project management services

In addition to this publication you hold in your hand, ROX Media Group has been serving the Prescott area with our 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. Starting with the 2019 issue, ROX Media Group is also the publisher of the Prescott Chamber of Commerce Community Guide & Directory. We are honored to expand our relationship with your community through this bimonthly publication.

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

Meet Our Team:

Bea

Lueck General Manager & Managing Editor

Ray Newton

Contributing Writer

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

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

Tim Clarke Creative Director

Katie Mayer Editor & Project Manager

Tim is a digital design professional with more than 27 years of experience. Tim is responsible for all creative consulting, magazine design, print production and web development for ROX Media Group. He manages production for multiple publications as well as multiple Drupal and Wordpress sites for external clients.

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

Julie Turetzky

Public Relations & Marketing Manager

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.

Robin has 28 years of journalism experience in newspapers and magazines. Currently the Marketing Director for Yavapai Big Brothers Big Sisters, she has lived in Prescott Valley with her husband for nearly four years.

Robin Layton Senior Copywriter & Editor

Shannon Price Graphic Designer

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

Rebecca Bowen Graphic Designer

Rebecca is a graphic designer with over five years of experience in the design and marketing industries. She has her associate’s degree in graphic design, and is currently pursuing her bachelor’s degree in communication. When she is not creating eye-catching visuals, she is enjoying hiking and other outdoor activities.

Jake Pagano

Graphic Designer

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 SunHealthLiveWell,Glendale@ PLAY and TravelHostArizona.

Loriann Rhodes Sr.

Account Manager

Loriann brings more than 10 years of media experience to ROX Media Group. Her background includes selling trade publications as well as consumer membership publications. As Account Executive, she represents PrescottLIVINGMagazine,Quad-CitySmartShopperand theVisitor Guide–GreaterPrescottAreaand supports other ROX Media Group projects as needed.

Jo Wobser Customer Service/ Ad Traffic Manager

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

Submit your events online at prescottlivingmag.com

DECEMBER

1 Arizona Philharmonic - Messiah - 7:00 PM - Yavapai College Performing Arts Center 1100 E Sheldon St., Prescott. Tickets online at www.YPAC.com or at the Box Office: (928) 776-2000. For more info visit AZPhil.org.

1 36th Annual Prescott Chamber Christmas Parade - 1:00 PM-3:00 PM - Courthouse PlazaDowntown Prescott. Courthouse Lighting Event follows parade @ 6PM. Visit prescott.org for more info.

2 The Ten Tenors: Home for the Holidays - 7:00 PM-9:00 PMYCPAC 1100 E. Sheldon St., Prescott. Tickets from $32. Visit ycpac.com for info.

4 Christmas Cooking Decorating Party - 4:00 PM-8:00 PMPlaza View Ballroom 120 W. Gurley St., Prescott. Call 928-460-3335 or visit plazaviewballroom.com for info.

4

NAZ Suns vs. AUS - 6:30 PM9:30 PM - Prescott Valley Event Center 3201 N. Main St., Prescott Valley. The Northern Arizona Suns third season in the quad-city area against the Austin Spurs.

5 A Christmas Story / Movies @ The Elks! - 7:00 PM-9:00 PM - Elks Theater 117 E. Gurley St., Prescott. Admission is a cash donation of any amount. All proceeds go to support The Elks Theatre and Performing Arts Center’s community outreach programs. Call 928-777-1370 for info.

7

Acker Night - 5:30 PM-8:00

PM - Downtown Prescott 120 S. Cortez St., Prescott. Over 100 musicians performing all around downtown area shops. Visit www. ackernight.com for info.

8 The 3 International Tenors Christmas - 7:00 PM-9:00 PM - Elks Theatre 117 E. Gurley St., Prescott. Live in Concert! Call 928-777-1370 or visit www. prescottelkstheater.com for info.

8 Gypsy Soul-A Gift Within the Song Holiday Concert - 2:00 PM - Prescott Center for the Arts 200 N. Marina St., Prescott. Tickets $20-30. Call 928-445-3286 or visit pca-az. net for info.

6-16 A Christmas Story - 7:00 PM-9:00 PMPrescott Center for the Arts 208 N. Marina St., Prescott. Tickets $10/ youth $15/adult. Visit pca-az.net for dates, times and tickets.

8 NAZ Suns vs. STO - 7:00 PM9:30 PM - Prescott Valley Event Center 3201 N. Main St., Prescott Valley. The Northern Arizona Suns vs. Stockton Kings. Holiday-themed activities will fill the concourse and game programming. Fans will receive a NAZ Suns holiday ornament too.

9 Flash Mob Christmas Caroling - 1:00 PM-2:30 PM - US Vets VIP Center 917 E. Gurley, Prescott. Walk together and sing traditional songs to our Veterans. Call 928-8990046 for info.

9

Jingle All The Way - 3:00 PM - Yavapai College Performing Arts Center 1100 E Sheldon Street, Prescott. Tickets Available Online at www.YCPAC.com or at the YCPAC Box Office: (928) 776-2000. Adults: $25, Youth (18 & Under): $5. More Info: www.PrescottPOPS.com.

9

9 Christmas Concert & Nativity Display - 7:00 PM-8:30 PM

- The Church of Jesus Christ of Latterday Saints 7073 E. Pronghorn Ranch Pkwy., Prescott Valley. 7th Annual free event. Doors open at 5:45PM. Call 928-308-5429 for info.

11

NAZ Suns vs. CCG - 6:30 PM-9:30 PM - Prescott Valley Event Center 3201 N. Main St., Prescott Valley. The Northern Arizona Suns third season in the quad-city area against the Capital City Go-Go.

12 Christmas Vacation / Movies @ The Elks! - 7:00 PM-9:00 PM - Elks Theater 117 E. Gurley St., Prescott. Admission is a cash donation of any amount. All proceeds go to support The Elks Theatre and Performing Arts Center’s community outreach programs. Call 928-777-1370 for info.

15

The Nutcracker Ballet & Holly Jolly Christmas Dance Recital - 12:00 PM-2:00 PM - Ruth Street Theater 1050 Ruth St., Prescott. YMCA Youth dance dept. performing. Tickets available at front desk. Visit prescottymca.org/ dance or call 928-445-7221.

Esteban Christmas Concert - 3:00 PM-5:00 PM - Elks Theatre 117 E. Gurley St., Prescott. Two Performances - 3pm and 7pm. Call 928-777-1370 or visit www. prescottelkstheater.com for info.

15 Northern Arizona Bowlerettes December Tournament - 11:00 AM-2:00 PM - Antelope Lanes 6301 E. 2nd., Prescott Valley. We are a group of sanctioned female bowlers, monthly tournaments around Northern AZ. Call 928-632-7421 if you would like to join!

16

13 Ladies Night Out @ Bella by Leah - 4:30 PM-7:30 PM - Bella by Leah 122 N. Cortez St., Ste. 100, Prescott. Back by popular demand. Food, drinks, fun, prizes and big savings! Visit www. bellabyleah.com for info or call 928533-6816.

13-16 A Christmas Carol / The Musical - 2:00 PM - YCPAC 1100 E. Sheldon St., Prescott. Visit ycpac.com for dates, times and tickets.

NAZ Suns vs. MHU - 3:00 PM-5:30 PM - Prescott Valley Event Center 3201 N. Main St., Prescott Valley. Northern Arizona Suns’ mascot, Buckets, will celebrate his birthday with fellow mascots from around the state. Fans will receive a free Buckets poster.

17 Holiday Swing - 7:00 PM9:00 PM - Yavapai College Bldg.19. Rm. 147, 1100 E. Sheldon St., Prescott. Yavapai College Jazz Ensembles hosting swing dancing fun! Free! Call 928-776-2045 for more info.

14 In the Christmas Mood7:00 PM-9:00 PM - Elks Theater 117 E. Gurley St., Prescott. A Holiday Music Spectacular! Tickets available at www.prescottelkstheater. com or call 928-777-1370 for info.

19 How the Grinch Stole Cchristmas / Movies @ The Elks! - 7:00 PM-9:00 PM - Elks Theater 117 E. Gurley St., Prescott. Admission is a cash donation of any amount. All proceeds go to support The Elks Theatre and Performing Arts Center’s community outreach programs. Call 928-777-1370 for info.

December 2018 – January 2019

21

Blue Christmas; A Rock and Roll Extravaganza!7:00 PM-9:00 PM - Elks Theater 117 E. Gurley St., Prescott. In the style of Elvis, the King of Rock n' Roll. Tickets available at www. prescottelkstheater.com or call 928-777-1370 for info.

25 Don't Spend Christmas Alone - 11:00 AM-2:00 PM - St. Luke's Episcopal Church 2000 Shepherds Ln., Prescott. 38th annual free dinner & fellowship for all. Enjoy carols & a visit from Santa! Volunteers will also visit homebound to deliver meals. Call 928-778-4499 for info.

26 Mannheim Steamroller Christmas - 7:00 PM9:00 PM - Prescott Valley Event Center 3201 N. Main St., Prescott Valley. Tickets $31.25 and up. Visit prescottvalleyeventcenter. com for more info.

31-1/1 Whiskey Row New Year's Eve Boot Drop - 8:00 PMWhiskey Row 120 S. Montezuma St., Prescott. FREE event, live DJ, food, entertainment & giveaways. Contact 928-848-4182 or visit bootdrop.com for info.

JANUARY

5 Polar Bear Splash 2019 - 10:00 AM12:00 PM - Mountain Valley Park 8600 E. Nace, Prescott Valley. Calling all Ice Princesses (hairy men only). Watch the Polar Bears take the plunge! Free event. Visit pvaz.net for info.

6 NAZ Suns vs. SXF - 3:00

PM-5:30 PM - Prescott Valley Event Center 3201 N. Main St., Prescott Valley. Sunday Fun Day, the first 500 kids will receive a free autographed player photo and there will be a postgame free throw session with kids.

DECEMBER

JANUARY

12 American Association of University Women (AAUW)9:00 AM - Community Room, Building 19, Yavapai College 1100 E. Sheldon St., Prescott - Helping the Homeless and Teens in Our Community , Jessi Hans, Director of the Coalition for Compassion and Justice (CCJ), and Courtney Osterfelt, Executive Director and Founder of the Launch Pad Teen Center - Program is open to the public.

12

Toughest Monster Truck Tour - 7:30 PM-9:30 PMPrescott Valley Event Center 3201 N. Main St., Prescott Valley. For more info visit toughtestmonstertrucks. com. Tickets available at prescott valleyeventcenter.com.

19

NAZ Suns vs. TEX - 7:00

PM-9:30 PM - Prescott Valley Event Center 3201 N. Main St., Prescott Valley. Yee-haw! The Northern Arizona Suns will be bucking tradition by hosting Western Night, where fans will receive a free NAZ Suns cowboy hat.

19 Mandy Harvey - 7:30

PM-9:30 PM - YCPAC 1100 E. Sheldon St., Prescott. Stunning singer/songwriter. Tickets from $15. www.ycpac.com for info.

13 The Phoenix Symphony in Prescott - 3:00 PM - YCPAC 1100 E. Sheldon St., Prescott. To purchase tickets call Yavapai Symphony Association 928-776-4255.

17 Pink Martini - 7:30 PM-9:30 PM - YCPAC 1100 E. Sheldon St., Prescott. American music with a world music vibe. Tickets from $32. www.ycpac.com for info.

26 Paula Poundstone - 7:30 PM-9:30 PM - YCPAC 1100 E. Sheldon St., Prescott. Comedy show. Tickets from $27. www.ycpac.com for info.

27 The Phoenix Symphony in Prescott - 3:00 PM - YCPAC 1100 E. Sheldon St., Prescott. To purchase tickets call Yavapai Symphony Association 928-776-4255.

29 NAZ Suns vs. STO - 6:30 PM-9:00 PM - Prescott Valley Event Center 3201 N. Main St., Prescott Valley. The Northern Arizona Suns third season in the quad-city area against the Stockton Kings.

THE PRESCOTT PIONEER

Stories by Ray Newton

Prescott Heritage Trail: A Link To History

The rich frontier and Western heritage of Prescott is again spotlighted in a self-guided walking tour of streets surrounding and adjacent to the iconic century-old Courthouse Square.

The multi-stop casual walk will take history seekers on a roughly hourlong stroll down what are now sidewalks and paved streets — but what 150 years ago were primitive horse and stagecoach paths and cattle trails.

Chamber of Commerce volunteer Annette Schiller said, “The Heritage Trail is among our most popular downtown attractions for tourists.”

Beginning at the Prescott Chamber of Commerce on Gurley Street, which now is

the official Visitor’s Center in the City, explorers will find stop No. 1. It is the site of what then were the Prescott fire station on the first floor and the City Jail on the second.

The classical Romanesque brick building survived fires and other destructive forces. It’s an ideal spot to begin the learning lesson of Western history in Arizona’s original territorial capital.

A well-illustrated color map available at the Visitor’s Center will guide strollers on a casual History Hunt that encircles the heart of picturesque “Everybody’s Hometown.” Each site is clearly identified with a large bronze plaque, under which is a commemorative coin signifying the

unique history for the specific location.

The coins were the concept of Dennis Gallagher, founder and president, Prescott Western Heritage Foundation. Gallagher is reluctant to take much credit for this latest community accent, but personnel with both the City and the Prescott Chamber of Commerce praise him for his vision in promoting the preservation of qualities and characteristics that make Prescott a national and international destination.

Gallagher, a retired engineer with considerable foreign experience, lives in Prescott. He often is seen wandering

Continued on page 32...

ERAU Career Exposition Attracts Hundreds

Students, alumni and community residents were among hundreds who participated in the daylong 2018 Career Exposition at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (ERAU) on Oct. 4. Many walked out with firm job offers.

ERAU Career Services staff member Laura Polk said the number of companies represented in the fall job fair set a record.

“We had well over 100 companies from around the nation, and many of those have international contacts,” she said. She estimated a record 1,100 to 1,200 job-seekers inquired about interviews.

Polk, who has been at ERAU three years, said she and her colleagues planned several months for the event. “We thought it important for the 40th anniversary of Embry-Riddle that we have an exceptional job fair.”

She explained, “Having major employers on campus and in the community gives our students and others a chance to share their resumes and refine

Continued on page 54...

PIONEER

Local Play Benefits Community’s Less Fortunate

Aplay based on a novel by local author Diane Iverson and adapted for stage by playwright Melanie Eubank has done for the greater community what the fictional character, 10-year-old Hannah Graces Meadows, did for her family and friends in their hometown of Prescott.

The play especially brought warmth to needy people — literally as well as figuratively.

Funds generated through play revenues are designated for two Prescott organizations that focus their resources on helping the homeless and the disadvantaged.

The Coalition for Compassion and Justice (CCJ) and the Prescott Unified School District (PUSD) Family Resource Center split the proceeds resulting from three performances of “Hannah’s Heart.”

It is the heartwarming story of a young Prescott girl who with her family is struggling to survive a meager Christmas season in the heart of the Great Depression of 1935.

Author Iverson and playwright Eubank were ecstatic at the support the community put behind

the premiere of the play. Both praised the widespread patronage that resulted in several thousand dollars of revenue to be distributed among CCJ and Family Resource Center recipients.

Performed on stage at the Ruth Street Theater of Prescott High School, the play told the story of how Hannah used her imagination and generous heart to help create a memorable Christmas for those around her despite having no money of her own. Not to be stopped, Hannah used her limited sewing ability to make heartshaped ornaments for sale.

The play was staged for three performance — Friday, Nov. 30; Saturday, Dec. 1; and Sunday, Dec. 2.

It wasn’t just ticket sales that raised money. A special holiday market in the theater lobby called “Hannah’s Market” had more than 400 handmade vintage-cloth heart-shaped ornaments to sell. Iverson also sold books.

A big item was the handmade 90 X 90-inch quilt especially stitched by the Kwazy Kwquilters that was raffled.

There were also props from the production, which were made available to audience members.

Other sponsors stepped forward, including the Prescott United Methodist Church, the Prescott Daily Courier, El Gato Azul restaurant, Jay’s Bird Barn and Hannah’s Helpers.

Iverson said she is working on a second “Hannah” book, set in the

Air Passengers May Reach 10,000

If ticket sales continue at the same pace they have since commercial flights began again in late August, Prescott enplanements will reach the magic number of 10,000 — the critical number needed for the City of Prescott to receive a significant increase in federal assistance. That number could jump from the current under 10,000 pas-

senger subsidy of about $150,000 to an estimated $3 million to $5 million, depending on the City’s new terminal project.

In late October, ticketed commercial passengers on flights aboard United Express operated by SkyWest Airlines were estimated to be just a few hundred shy of the 10,000 enplanements necessary to qualify for the in-

creased subsidy by the end of 2018.

City of Prescott Airport Manager Robin Sobotta said ticket sales for flights to either Los Angeles or to Denver have far exceeded earlier expectations.

That demand convinced the airline to add a Saturday flight to Los Angeles to the schedule Dec. 1. Previously, the Los Ange-

same era.

“I would like to see stories about Hannah and her family and friends become part of the Prescott Christmas tradition, for after all, Prescott is Arizona’s Christmas City. Just as with the production this year, I hope future productions can be fundraisers to benefit the needy and the homeless in our generous community,” Iverson said.

les flights were six days a week, while the Denver flights were seven.

A SkyWest spokeswoman, Laura Watson, said, “We’ve certainly been happy with the launch.”

Sobotta told the press all indications are passenger numbers will continue to increase, perhaps

Continued on page 32...

Greg Mengarelli has been a Prescott resident since , when he and his wife Sheila and their family moved to Prescott. Mengarelli, CEO for United Christian Youth Camp UCYC , was elected mayor for the City of Prescott in November . It was his first experience in running for a political o ce. However, he had run for a non partisan position when he was elected to the Prescott Unified School District governing board in and served as President of the school board in . He finished his term on the school board at the end of .

Mengarelli grew up in small eastern rural communities in his native ansas. The son of a minister, Mengarelli experienced the typical youth of those who lived in dominantly agricultural communities. He attended ansas State University in Manhattan, where he earned a achelor of Science degree in Park

Resource in . It was there he met his wife, Sheila, who also attended State. They were married in , have nine children four of whom are adopted and one grandchild.

Active in community and civic affairs most of his adult life, the year old has steered the UCYC from a small struggling camp with a , budget to that of a major non denominational youth camp in Ari ona. It now has a budget of more than . million, and has over employees. Mengarelli administers a complex organi ation that offers more than or more different camps annually with more than , guests each year who visit one of its three Prescott campuses.

When he has free time and that is becoming more and more rare because of his increasing mayoral and civic obligations Mengarelli enjoys mountain biking, hiking, and river trips down the Colorado River.

The

LIVING Interview

Greg Mengarelli

MAYOR, CITY OF PRESCOTT

ntervie y ay e ton

PRESCOTT LIVING: Mayor Mengarelli, you and your family have been here for 24 years. What changes have you observed in the community in the two decades?

GREG MENGARELLI: Lots of things haven't changed, which is good. I think the community remains friendly and warm, and it still feels like a small community. We like that. What has changed is there are more opportunities, particularly in retail and entertainment.

Twenty years ago, I can remember on Saturdays when I would be doing my honey-do list. If I needed to go to the local hardware store, I'd need to go before noon or I wouldn't be able to get the supplies I needed. Now stores are open all weekend. Plus, you don't need to travel to Phoenix for everything. You can do quite well shopping locally with what we have available.

PRESCOTT LIVING: You have consistently said you're committed to preserving and protecting the values and traditions in this area. What can you do to make that happen?

GREG MENGARELLI: Well, I identify those values and traditions as God, family and country.

In our community, we have a very strong community of faith and lots of opportunities for people to express that faith. That's very valuable to me and my family. I see it expressed on the Courthouse Plaza when different communities of faith gather and share their traditions, whether it be the Christmas Courthouse lighting or the Jewish community's menorah. I appreciate that our community is open to allowing our different faith communities to express themselves on the public square. I believe that's very valuable — a big part of the fabric of our community. A second value — family. I appreciate that our community values family. You can see

that in our traditions with our parades and our holiday gatherings. All those are family-oriented, family-centered. It's important in our community to have opportunities for families to celebrate together.

Finally, Prescott is one of the top patriotic communities in the country. I appreciate the fact that we're very patriotic, and that we honor our veterans. That's an important part of our community.

PRESCOTT LIVING: Much of your adult career has been related to directing, coordinating, administering programs and activities for young people. What is it that appeals to you in that kind of work?

GREG MENGARELLI: I have a large family, so I know the struggles families face with raising children. My wife Sheila and I have always wanted to be helpful and supportive in raising young people. It's gratifying to invest in young people, to nurture and invest in them, and to see what they can become. That's what we want to do — help young people discover their strengths and explore their dreams and do great things in our community and give back. I love investing in young people, to help families and see them reach their dreams.

PRESCOTT LIVING: It was almost an extension of your work in church administration and the church camp to become a member of the school board for Prescott Unified School District. What similarities do you find?

GREG MENGARELLI: There are lots of similarities — investing in young people. They are our future. It's been a real pleasure to serve on the school board with a great team led by Superintendent Joe Howard. The difference is the amount of time you have to make a difference. At camp, we have kids for a short amount of time in an outdoor setting. At school, you have them for about 10 months of the year in a day-to-day situation.

As a school board member, I'm there to support and encourage Joe and his team accomplish the vision and the goals of the district. At camp, I am the CEO and the leader. There's a lot of commonalities in investing in our young people and helping them overcome obstacles and reach their dreams.

PRESCOTT LIVING: Being mayor of Prescott has become almost a full-time obligation. How many hours a week are you spending in official duties and functions?

GREG MENGARELLI: Well ... it's hard to quantify. Every day is different, every week is different. I would say I'm busy doing something at least 60 hours. The lion's share is between the camp and the city. It's definitely more time with the city than I thought it was going to be. But it's gratifying, and I enjoy it so much.

The city has been the organization that's required the most attention. I would say there is not a typical day. Some days I'll work eight or 10 hours for the city and other days I'll work that same amount of time for the camp. The school board doesn't require as much lately because we have such a good team. I would say that about the camp, too. After 24 years at the camp, we have it on a good trajectory with a good executive team leading the camp.

PRESCOTT LIVING: What have you learned about civic government that you didn't know before you became mayor?

GREG MENGARELLI: I have to say I've been impressed with how our government functions locally. It's very efficient. We have some very good people on our staff who work hard for our citizens. It's interesting to lead a team you didn't pick. We're fortunate to have a good team, a good city council. It's neat to see you can really have an impact on citizens and the quality of their life through local government.

The LIVING Interview (continued)

That's what I like about serving at this level.

PRESCOTT LIVING: What qualities do you find that you admire in your city colleagues?

GREG MENGARELLI: You have to be a team player. You have to be flexible and willing to compromise. Roll up your sleeves and get all the issues out on the table. Get your opinion out there and hear everyone else's opinion. Listening is really important. Finally, you have to be able to come to a solution you can all agree on. I think our council does that.

PRESCOTT LIVING: Identifying and fulfilling budgetary obligations and charting prudent fiscal management have always been a key responsibility for city officials in Prescott. You have been a strong advocate for conservative fiscal policies. Yet at the same time, you have been committed to meeting obligations such as Prop 443. (Editor's note: Prop 443 was a proposition approved by Prescott voters this past year. It authorized the City of Prescott to levy a .75 sales tax to pay down the unfunded debt to the Public Safety Personnel Retirement System PSPRS).

Give us some of your thoughts about fiscal management.

GREG MENGARELLI: A year ago, we faced a mountain of a debt, with our PSPRS unfunded liability. And we were proposing at that time Proposition 443 as a solution. This city is very focused on fiscal responsibility. I think as a general value of our people, they don't like debt. Proposition 443 was the solution, and my good friends Mayor Pro Tem Billie Orr and Councilman Steve Sischka led the charge.

A lot of promises were made a year ago, and now we can report those promises were

kept. Prop 443 is working and generating the revenue we thought it would. And we're maintaining our promise to pay the required payment to PSPRS out of our general fund. In addition, using this new money from the Prop 443 to continue to pay down the debt, we're on track to have it paid off in about seven years. We're pleased with the decisions we're making to honor those promises.

PRESCOTT LIVING: You also have been an advocate for growing the economy locally. How?

GREG MENGARELLI: That question dovetails with the previous question. To generate sales-tax revenue, and revenue from Prop 443, you need growth. You need new businesses coming in and new jobs to make sure you can pay off your debt from previous years. That's what we're about, creating local hightech jobs -- high-paying jobs to keep young people in town. By creating jobs to fuel the economy … retail and rooftops will follow.

PRESCOTT LIVING: We really admire what the city is doing now with the Destination Marketing Organization. Tell us about that.

GREG MENGARELLI: I've said this for a while now, starting on the campaign trail. Prescott is a No. 1 tourism destination. In the past, we were a secondary destination. People were going to Sedona or the Grand Canyon or Flagstaff, and they might consider swinging through Prescott as a secondary option. But with our expanded airport and our commercial air service, and with a lot of the new entertainment and cultural arts and attractions in our city, Prescott is a destination for tourism. They will come here and then go to visit Sedona and the Grand Canyon. Prescott can be the hub of destination tourism.

PRESCOTT LIVING: How important is it that in August, our airport became Prescott Regional Airport?

GREG MENGARELLI: Prescott Regional Airport really reflects the cooperation and partnerships we have with the county and other municipalities even all the way to the Verde Valley. It's important for us to see it that way. This is an asset that's been given to us, and we need to make sure we leverage it in a way that's good for the whole region. Prescott Regional Airport really reflects the mentality that we are partners, cooperating with all of the local regional municipalities in the county.

PRESCOTT LIVING: The airport goes beyond being a commercial airport. So many other businesses are locating out there. Comments

about that?

GREG MENGARELLI: That whole area is a real economic engine that's been under-utilized. There's a lot of space for businesses there. What we're considering is getting projects that are shovel-ready or even coming up with some buildings, so when businesses want to relocate, they have a place to go immediately. That seems to be the trend — to have shells of buildings ready to go. We need more of that kind of space, particularly around the airport.

PRESCOTT LIVING: You were instrumental in bringing a company called Eviation to Prescott. What's the impact of that?

GREG MENGARELLI: I first met the Eviation executives when I was still on the campaign trail. What a great organization — an Israeli-owned company that is going to build the first electric airplane. We're so excited they chose Prescott for their U.S. headquarters.

I only had a small part in that. I think Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (ERAU) was a big part of that decision because of its aeronautical engineering program and its research and development that they'll be doing with Eviation.

Our airport was another part of that; they really liked the access and the airspace available to them.

Eviation plans to build a nine-seater regional airplane.We're a regional airport, so it gives them the opportunity to really test that market.

PRESCOTT LIVING: They will employ some quality people.

GREG MENGARELLI: It's a very high-tech company, as you can imagine, with the electric motors and the batteries and 3D printing of much of the fuselage. Eventually, they'll go into manufacturing here, and that could result in 500 to 1,000 jobs locally. It really fits within the paradigm of our economy.

PRESCOTT LIVING: You've been vocal about the importance of colleges and universities in this region and the positive impact they have. Give us some examples of what they can do.

GREG MENGARELLI: We're fortunate to have four of those colleges and universities in Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Northern Arizona University, Prescott College and Yavapai College. Our citizens tend to be lifelong learners. They want to pick up a new skill, they want to learn a new hobby. We have four great opportunities for people to get in-

volved in one of these colleges or universities and do just that. I believe that contributes to the quality of life we have in Prescott.

In addition, we at the city try to leverage those higher institutions for economic development. We've already talked about aviation and the commercial air service.

We see this happening with RESA, a custom orthotic insole manufacturer. Yavapai College and ERAU are instrumental players for us to make sure we see RESA thrive in our community. Without those universities, I don't know it would have happened. We couldn't attract those kinds of businesses to our community.

PRESCOTT LIVING: I think you're fortunate to have on the city staff some shrewd and aggressive people who are going after economic development: John Heiney, Wendy Bridges and Jim Robb, the economic development consultant.

GREG MENGARELLI: These people are out there all the time reaching out to businesses. What I like about our strategy is we're really focused on high-paying jobs in the tech industry, because it matches who we are. It's a reflection of our colleges and universities and what we can offer.

The other aspect is we're also meeting with the existing businesses in our city to see how we can help them expand. It's not just about bringing new businesses into the city as much as it is about making sure we're taking care of those businesses that already exist in our city. We try to do both of those things.

PRESCOTT LIVING: In October, you visited Prescott's sister city Zeitz, Germany. What brought that about?

GREG MENGARELLI: Within a few weeks of being in office I received an invitation from the Mayor of Zeitz to come visit. We went in October and had a great time. It was a lot of fun to be with Sheila, and to enjoy getting to know the people in Zeitz and their traditions. The sugar beet festival was a real pleasure to be a part of and we're grateful to have that connection and those relationships in Zeitz.

PRESCOTT LIVING: German tourists seem to love coming here.

GREG MENGARELLI: I've met a few folks from Zeitz who have visited Prescott. It's fun to have them over here to see, you know, the Wild, Wild West, as they think of it. (laughs).

PRESCOTT LIVING: We're going to shift gears and talk about you and your family. You've already made it very clear family is critical in your life. Your wife Sheila sells real estate. She's as busy as you are. At the same time, you have nine children. They range from elementary school to college. How do you two manage to balance everything?

GREG MENGARELLI: It's rare that we'll have an evening or a weekend just with my wife Sheila and the family. We cherish those. I try to incorporate Sheila, and even my kids, in as much as we can with city functions. I think it's important for people to see our family together when it's appropriate. Several weekends we're busy with city functions and evenings as well.

PRESCOTT LIVING: If you had a free evening to spend with Sheila and the kids, what would you do?

GREG MENGARELLI: (laughs) You know, we're pretty simple people. Anytime we're together, we're having fun. It doesn't really matter where we are or what we're doing. We're pretty low-maintenance that way. I think many times sitting on the back deck, making s'mores around the fire is as much fun as anything we do. It's mostly just quality time — being together without distraction and laughing about whatever events have happened recently.

For the record, I think my wife's busier than I am, which is hard to do. (laughs). We have a lot of friends, neighbors and family who wrap around our family and help us get everything accomplished. Our grown children are helping us out. Both of our moms live here, and it really makes a difference to have two grandparents helping. Everyone pitches in and does their part even within our

own family. Everybody has chores and duties around the house.

PRESCOTT LIVING: How long has this lifestyle been a part of your life fabric — since you were a youngster? Or is this something that evolved over time with you and Sheila?

GREG MENGARELLI: It's interesting; on the Mengarelli side, family's very important. We actually don't have any divorce on the Mengarelli side of the family, believe it or not. -That's always been a value, all the way back to my great-grandparents who came from Italy. My great-grandpa used to talk about the family in Italy and how they all lived together and took care of each other. It's a long-standing value that you take care of each other.

PRESCOTT LIVING: What about Sheila?

GREG MENGARELLI: Similar. She has one brother. They have a little smaller family. I can remember all the family reunions and the importance of getting together. Family is very important for both of us.

PRESCOTT LIVING: You've been married how long?

GREG MENGARELLI: Twenty-eight years.

PRESCOTT LIVING: You've got nine children, four of whom are adopted. Tell us about that.

GREG MENGARELLI: We agreed we wanted to at least have four children when we got started. We just enjoy kids. After we had five, we were made aware there were 2,000 orphans in our state. We decided we wanted to give more kids the same opportunity our kids have. So first we adopted one sibling group and then another sibling group. We have two adopted sibling groups. We have one daughter who has some special needs. She's deaf and we're learning sign language. We have learned a lot about education for the deaf community. We're fortunate to have her in the Phoenix Day School for the Deaf.

I'm a grandpa. Our oldest son lives in Prescott Valley and he and his wife work in the area and have one son. We have one in post-graduate school at NAU. Two are at University of Arizona studying medicine and nursing. After that, they run the gamut … one in high school, one in middle school, and the rest are in elementary. You get to know a lot of different people when you have kids in all those different schools and age ranges. It's been a real pleasure.

They cheer and lead each other on. They love when everybody has something special

continued on page 106...

by Greg Mengarelli, Mayor, City of Prescott

NOur calendar is filled with music and joy, and I encourage everyone to sample the many offerings this December.

CITY SPEAK ENJOY THE HOLIDAYS IN ARIZONA’S CHRISTMAS CITY

othing symbolizes Prescott more than the events that occur in our great city at this time of year.

The annual Prescott Chamber Christmas Parade, the Christmas Courthouse Lighting, Acker Night Musical Showcase, and the famous Whiskey Row Boot Drop all bring thousands of residents and visitors to our historic downtown to embrace the spirit of Christmas and the holidays.

These widely anticipated events kickoff a festive and joyous time in our community. It is almost impossible to walk and shop in downtown Prescott during the holidays and not be infused with wonder and delight.

The magical Courthouse Plaza has dozens of trees aglow in the colors of the season, and the courthouse itself is adorned with angels, wreaths and giant candles.

Our 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 holiday performances, the Elks Theatre and the Performing Arts Center all have their own special performances. It’s easy to get into the spirit with all of this taking place.

Come out and enjoy all that Prescott has to offer for the holidays, and don’t forget to support our local establishments – remember to Shop Prescott-Start Here for the holidays and all year long.

To learn more about the wonderful events this season, go to prescott-az.gov, or visit-prescott.com.

Finally, on behalf of the City of Prescott, from our family to yours, have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

HOLIDAY CALENDAR

2018 Pre co ri ma Parade and Ya apai o n y o r o e ig ting

Dec. 1 from 1 to p.m., downtown Prescott, free.

S arlo Hall e m nn al rontier ri ma

Dec. 1 from 6 to :30 p.m., immediately following the Courthouse ighting, Sharlot all Museum, 1 . Gurley St., two blocks west of the Courthouse Plaza. ree for Museum members for nonmembers 1 and younger free.

nc an ed ri ma ndoor o r o ig

ov. 23 through Dec. 30, various times, Downtown Prescott in the Depot Marketplace.

c er ig ical S o ca e

Dec. from :30 to p.m., musicians playing throughout downtown Prescott.

orld arge Ginger read illage

The orld s argest Gingerbread illage is on display at the Prescott Resort and Conference Center. or details, visit: prescottresort.com planning ahead for the holiday season

i ey o e Year oo rop

Dec. 31, two ball drops, 10 p.m. and midnight, free, on hiskey Row.

HOLIDAY SHOWS

arious special holiday shows are planned for the season. earn more at: prescottelkstheater.com, ycpac.ticketforce.com or pca az.net

SHOP LOCAL THIS HOLIDAY SEASON

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

We hear the phrase “buy local” often, yet do we ever really think about what it means?

Buying local is so much more than shopping at a local business; it is about keeping jobs in our communities, supporting our youth and elderly; living a healthier lifestyle; and building strong, vibrant communities.

The Prescott Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce the launch of Gift Prescott – A Shopping Experience program. This is an economic initiative focused on engaging local businesses in the growing gift certificate market, and encouraging residents to shop locally. Over $100 billion is spent annually on gift cards and certificates.

The Prescott Chamber of Commerce is pleased to offer this opportunity to member merchants to showcase their

business to customers and the community through a gift certificate program.

Using the program is easy. Visit the Prescott Chamber of Commerce Visitor Center at 117 W. Goodwin St., and you can conveniently purchase a gift certificates for yourself or another, redeemable at any participating merchant within the greater Prescott area. Just in time for the holidays.

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.

Benefits of Shopping Locally

Create more jobs. Brick-andmortar 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, your loved ones and even yourself.

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 our community 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-ofa-kind businesses, helping the community to continue to grow and be successful.

Support yourself. Let’s face it, you’re not just supporting the

local businesses, but you’re also in turn supporting yourself. Multiple studies have shown that when you buy from locally based brick-and-mortar business a much greater percentage 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 provides high quality municipal infrastructure and services.

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

“My thanks go to the community, to our outstanding staff, which has done a super job of getting the work done in a highquality way, and to the Council for providing policy and guidance that has served the best interests of our citizens. Most of all, thanks to our many citizens who supported and guided me as I worked.

Admittedly, in spite of our best efforts, we have not achieved perfection as a government. But with citizens, staff and Council, we have done an overall good job. My hope is that I have served you satisfactorily.”

— Mayor Harvey Skoog

AFTER 26 YEARS OF PUBLIC SERVICE, HARVEY SKOOG’S STAMP IS ON A GROWING PRESCOTT VALLEY

Fby Heidi Dahms Foster, Communications Coordinator, Town of Prescott Valley

ew people in Prescott Valley are as familiar with or have had more of a hand in the community’s direction than current Mayor Harvey Skoog, who will retire in December after 19 years in the mayor’s seat and 26 total years of service on the Town Council.

Mayor Skoog began serving on the Town Council in April 1984. He then served for five years as mayor, from March 1993 to January 1998. His current run as mayor began when he won a recall election in November 2004. He was re-elected three times, making his tenure a total of approximately 14 consecutive years as mayor.

He has seen Prescott Valley grow to a current estimated population of nearly 46,000. When he looks back on his years of service, he talks about some of the accomplishments he’s most proud of, but he certainly doesn’t take the credit for himself.

“To be truthful, there is little if any great thing that I can personally claim,” he said. “Every accomplishment can be traced back to an outstanding staff that did all the work and our very positive Town Council that guided an effective and positive policy-making process. Another important factor is the encouragement, suggestions and support of our citizens.”

Highlights include:

• Prescott Valley grew from 1,520 residents in 1978 to approximately 46,000 on its 40th anniversary in 2018. It is now the largest municipality in Yavapai County and has the youngest population.

• Prescott Valley’s crime rate is the lowest of any Northern Arizona municipality.

• Private and public sector employment in Prescott Valley is about 16,000.

• In 1989, the town had about 240,000 square feet of commercial space. This grew to 4.4 million square feet in 2018. Sales tax revenue for the same period went from $915,342 to $22.8 million.

• As of May 2018, the town was growing at the rate of 50 to 60 new homes per month, plus duplexes, triplexes and apartment-house complexes.

• In the mid-90s, Prescott Valley completed the largest improvement district in the state’s history, giving the Town a communitywide sewer and natural gas system.

• An up-to-date water system serves every family in town.

• The community boasts the 5,200-seat Prescott Valley Event Center, which can seat nearly 7,000 for concerts and rallies.

• A 14-screen Harkins Theatre is here for the en-

joyment of our residents.

• Several hiking trails have been added, including the Iron King Trail and the Glassford Summit Trail.

• Prescott Valley has 28 beautiful parks, including a community swimming pool, numerous ball fields, fishing, gold panning, walking paths and more, providing enjoyment for families, seniors and children.

• A twice-a-year Citizens Academy shares the details of government operations with residents.

• Police officers, staff and volunteers provide people with outstanding police service and continued high safety, along with providing a Citizens Police Academy and a new Youth Police Academy.

• The Prescott Valley Chamber of Commerce promotes knowledge by providing a Business Academy and overall support for the businesses in Prescott Valley.

• Advanced-degree programs are offered by a joint Northern Arizona University and Yavapai College effort. Yavapai College has added expanded facilities, learning programs and academic opportunities.

• Medical services include the excellent Yavapai Regional Medical Center, the award-winning Mountain Valley Rehabilitation Hospital, the Yavapai Guidance Clinic, plus a myriad of medical clinics, dental offices and other health services.

Mayor Skoog is quick to point out the growing community has not been without its challenges through the years. Growth has provided its own obstacles in water and wastewater management, affordable housing, infrastructure and jobs. The recession that began in 2007 necessitated a hiring freeze and deep budget cuts. Prescott Valley has faced all of these challenges with sound financial practices, innovation and the collective wisdom and skills of its citizens.

As he steps down, Mayor Skoog typically does not rest on past accomplishments. He outlines the issues Prescott Valley still must continue with or strive for. Among them are continued infrastructure upgrades, job opportunities, sound financial audits with a fiscal reserve of 25 percent of the Town’s budget, workforce development and education, preservation of water and open space resources, entertainment opportunities and civic engagement, especially with the younger demographic.

He is quick to thank all who have supported him through 26 years on the Council or as mayor of this still-burgeoning community.

Spring Shoulder Season

Alaska

My favorite time of year. That’s how many feel about April and May. Alaska awakens from its winter slumber—and there is a lot more to see (bears, Northern Lights, budding forests, migrating gray whales and birds, snowcapped mountains, raging waterfalls, and more sunshine). The early bird catches the worm, so they say.

Spring Asia

Top events include Cherry Blossom and Water Festivals throughout the continent. Springtime is the wet season though and because of the size of the region one of the best ways to see the top sites is on a cruise. Unpack once and a bonus, you don’t have to eat noodles and rice unless you want to. Awakening

Wilderness Explorer

Apr 13, 20, 2019

Starting at $2,995 pp

3 FOR FREE Book before Nov. 18, 2018

•On-board spending money

•Free Gratuities

• Free Upgrades

Voyage-starting at $2,059 pp

+ port fees & taxes

Sapphire Princess 4/16/2020

Summer Africa

Safari-The wet season has ended and babies are on display; lions are teaching their cubs to hunt and leopards are dragging their prey up into the leafing canopies to protect from marauding hyenas. Take a warm jacket and hat. It’s cold in the morning and night. Sipping a sundowner while watching a herd of elephants gathered around a water hole at sunset is an unforgettable experience.

+ Port taxes & fees PIONEER- 8 Nights

16 Day Southeast Asia and China

June, 2019

Starting at $3,100 pp including 2 nights in Victoria Falls.

WHAT DO TOMORROW’S LEADERS LOOK LIKE TODAY?

Best guesses are certainly wide ranging, but one Prescott-area agency may be offering a snapshot into the future through a series of youth-focused skills-building programs designed to pay dividends down the road.

“Our mission is to empower youth to be self assured, healthy and involved in their community,” said Diane DeLong, North Star Youth Partnership Senior Program Manager at Catholic Charities.

“We do that through a variety of programs that we have in place in Yavapai, Maricopa and Coconino counties.”

Divided into three component areas – leadership and service, education and development, and sports and recreation –

“We’re very proud that our established programs are reaching a variety of youth during in-school and afterschool programs,” she added.

Each year, nearly 4,500 students go through the programs in Yavapai County alone. The numbers grow exponentially when taking into account all 15 programs and partnerships with more than 100 schools and organizations.

The Peer Assistance and Leadership Program (PAL) is an evidence-based national program for teens “to learn leadership skills, develop learning service projects for their community and learn other valuable skills like conflict resolution and better communication,” DeLong said.

“Most importantly, it’s a skills-building program that enables teens to help their peers not just in crisis situations but every

day. Maybe it means recognizing why a student at our school is sitting alone every day and being able to initiate that conversation.”

Many hundreds of students, including Granite Mountain Hot Shot Grant McKee, who lost his life in the 2013 Yarnell fire, have gone through the program at Prescott High School, Basis Prescott and in a partnership with United Way at Bagdad High School, among others.

“Grant used the program and the leadership skills he learned to help him overcome and be able to talk about some horrendous things in his life,” DeLong said. “Grant was the epitome of turning a life around using leadership skills to advance. We now have a scholarship in his name that has generated $56,000 worth of college scholarships.”

Girl Talk, an afterschool mentoring program for middle school students, connects high school mentors with younger students in weekly conversations.

“Every lesson has a topic from healthy relationships to what it’s like to date to discovering what is unique or special about you to help develop self esteem. There also are general topics like the environment and healthy eating,” DeLong explained.

“The girls meet in an environment that’s comfortable and safe and encourages and helps build relationships with the high school girls who are developing their own leadership skills.”

Girl Talk is underway at Granite Mountain Middle School (Prescott), Mountain Oaks Charter School (Prescott), Glassford Hill

Middle School (Prescott Valley) and Heritage Middle School (Chino Valley).

One former Girl Talk mentor, Tess Peterson, started a similar program while interning at a school in Phoenix during college. Today, she’s in charge of youth activities for the Reno, Nevada, Public Health Department where she’s organizing another North Star Partnership Program, Teen Maze, a nationally recognized life-size game board event that helps teens understand consequences of life choices.

Other North Star programs include Baby ... Ready or Not that teaches teens parental responsibilities after spending a weekend with computerized lifelike dolls; Girls & Sports Day for girls 7-to-14 to try traditional and nontraditional sports; Health Education for students in grades 5-12 to learn about puberty, risks of sexual activity and how to shape a bright future; Safe Sitter®, which teaches hands-on life-saving techniques to teens home alone, watching younger siblings or babysitting; and Priceless Prom, a free prom-attire program to lighten the financial burden of the event and serve as a “pay it forward” recycling project.

“We’ve had so many kids we keep in contact with,” DeLong said. “We hear, over and over again, that this is the program that ‘made me who I am today.’ We’d like to take the credit, but the truth is that some of these kids were amazing, and we’re just so flattered when they talk about how we helped them develop their leadership skills and plan for their future.”

For more information, visit catholiccharitiesaz.org.

Brad Newman:

SPECIA PERSO FOR SPECIA PEOP E YA APAI

E CEPTIO A I STRIES

y ay e ton

In just a few weeks, Brad Newman, executive director of Yavapai Exceptional Industries (YEI), will celebrate his 43rd year with YEI.

YEI is praised as being a unique organization in Arizona that serves the needs of adults with disabilities through its support services, volunteer placement, job training and employment.

From that first January 1976 day when Newman began his career at YEI until now, the charitable organization has grown from a little-known group of 14 people scrambling around in a ramshackle warehouse.

It now is a nationally recognized entity that serves “188 persons a day at three different work sites — two in Prescott and one in Prescott Valley,” Newman said.

Once you meet the husky, deeply sun-tanned, always smiling, laughing and joking, deep-voiced Newman, you understand why people gravitate to him and follow his

leadership.

When I scheduled my interview with Newman, he thanked me, saying, “Great. I’ll have time to get a haircut, shine my sneakers and lose 50 pounds.”

Four days later, he had done none of the three. Even so he welcomed me into his trophy-plaque-and-certificate-filled office — my wife would say “cluttered” — with a hearty handshake and introductions to several staff and men and women working there.

“Welcome to Van Central Station,” he said as he motioned toward several vans labeled with the YEI logo. “We transport some of our employees to other sites and to some activities, including a swimming event later this morning.”

Besides the main multibuilding facility on North Washington Avenue in Prescott, Newman and his staff supervise two other sites — Antelope Point at Eastridge in Prescott Valley and Ruger Airpark Industries north of Prescott near the airport. They are where YEI workers learn on-the-job skills and produce products either for sale or for local merchants who employ them.

When I asked Brad how many people work at each location, he grinned. “You mean I’ve gotta do some math? That’s not in my job description.”

He then explained that about 70 people are located at the main Washington Avenue Industries facilities, while 65 work At Antelope Point and 40 at Ruger.

I asked about the age range of employees.

“Sheesh. More numbers?” Brad then explained that ages range from 17 and 18 all the way up to a few in their 70s.

Many employees live in the residence homes YEI owns. The men’s home is in Washington Hills and the women’s in Rusing Hills.

Newman carefully explains that both homes offer nurturing family-style environments that feature security and independence.

Newman enthusiastically tells me what employees do, “We’re proud to say our jobs give developmentally challenged adults opportunities for learning mechanical assembly, packaging and kit-building, mail management, bench assembly, fabrication, warehousing and shipping

Yavapai Exceptional Industries is praised as being a unique organization in Arizona that serves the needs of adults with disabilities through its support services, volunteer placement, job training and employment.

and fulfillment and drop-shipping.”

Other functions employees handle includes blending and packing bird seed for local owner Eric Moore, proprietor of the well-known Jay’s Bird Barn. “Some employees blend and bag about a half-million pounds annually of bird seed for Eric’s stores,” Newman says.

“Most people don’t know that we pay our employees. Everyone gets a paycheck and they can go buy pizza, buy clothes, go to movies — whatever.”

Underneath his seemingly casual manner lurks a deliberately thoughtful administrator. With a budget approaching $2 million annually, Newman and his colleagues maintain carefully audited books and records.

Newman points at an exceptionally well-constructed Redwood picnic table. “That just one of the kinds of patio furniture our employees create for sale. They also make park benches, duet chairs connected by a small table, and garden boxes. And honest, we can’t keep up with the demand. Every year, after the spring home and garden show, we sell out.”

Accolades for Newman come from every direction. His longtime friend Henry Dahlberg, former owner of the former Mingus Springs Camp, says, “What a phenomenal impact he’s had on the community with a special population. He just never says ‘no’ to the any chance to help folks out.”

Former Arizona Gov. Jan Brewer cited one of the YEI groups as the “Best Practice in Arizona.”

In 2012, Newman was honored as the Prescott Area Leadership Man of the Year.

Just this month, Steve and Cathy Trotter praised him for his efforts with their son Simeon and for his ongoing support of Special Olympics of Arizona, especially the Prescott delegation.

LIVING Special Feature

Steve, head of the Prescott Delegation 02-023, said this: “As the parents of an adult special-needs YEI employee, I appreciate how long Brad has supported and improved the well-being of special-needs people in Prescott. He has been a leader in helping YEI workers to contribute to society by providing an opportunity for them to socialize, exercise, laugh and have fun. Brad has managed to commit himself and the organization to provide service to the wonderful population of special people YEI serves.”

Trotter continued, “One example of what I mean occurred this past March when 15 to 20 workers from YEI supported the Special Olympics for this region at the YMCA pool in Prescott. He has created a network of unique experiences for special-needs people who otherwise would never have such opportunities.”

A graduate of Jesuit Brophy Prep in Phoenix, Newman later attended the University of Arizona, where he earned a degree in developmental disabilities. Now 66, Newman has dedicated his entire career to serving those who have special needs.

Perhaps his life is best defined by a phrase he often shares: “It’s really not how many people go to church; it’s how many go to Heaven.”

THE PRESCOTT PIONEER

PRESCOTT • PRESCOTT VALLEY • CHINO VALLEY • DEWEY-HUMBOLDT

CONTINUED…

Scholarships For Aspiring Teachers Are A Priority

Acknowledging that aggressive measures need to be taken to help aspiring teachers meet their career objectives, the Gardner Family Teacher Scholarships (GiFTS) is offering $2,000 or more scholarships to qualified Yavapai County residents interested in earning an education degree.

In fact, said Robert St. Clair, GiFTS president, “The probability is that the scholarship will be larger than the minimum of $2,000. Last year, we awarded $2,300 each to 12 students, and I suspect we’ll do better than that this year.”

St. Clair explained, “For the past couple of years, Arizona schools have faced a crisis, especially in having teachers to fill the classrooms. That is especially true in rural counties such as Yavapai. Our foundation wants to be known as one of the strongest supporters of teachers in Central and Northern Arizona, so we’re urging interested persons to apply.”

Applicants must be Yavapai County residents who have graduated or will graduate from an accredited public high school or have resided in Yavapai County for no less than one year. They

also should plan to teach in grades K-12, preferably in Yavapai County. Applicants should have no less than a 3.0 grade-point average on a 4.0 scale either in high school, college or university classes.

St. Clair also urged displaced teachers whose positon has been eliminated in a district or charter school to apply and use the scholarship to obtain additional academic endorsements for continued employment.

Since its founding 19 years ago, GiFTS has granted 161 scholarships at a cumulative value or more than $278,000.

GiFTS is a nonprofit organization administered by a volunteer board of directors who represent the population of the entire county. It was founded by the late Gladys Gardner, a former teacher who became a Yavapai County supervisor and a state legislator.

Applications are available online through the GiFTS website at ycesa.com/gardner-teacher-scholarship-application, or through contacting Jenn Nelson at (928) 442-5138.

Written applications must be submitted by no later than midnight, March 4, 2019 — no exceptions.

7. Mike the Dog

8. Centennial Tree

Prescott streets in his distinctive Western attire. (See related story-Western Heritage Banquet, p. 54)

Among stops along the tour, each with its own detailed historical account prominently displayed, are:

1. City Jail

2. Ruffner Plaza Stables

3. Fire of 1900

4. Montezuma

Street-Whiskey Row

5. Palace Saloon

6. St. Michael Hotel

9. Timeline by Fran Wildman

10. Roughrider Statue

11. War Memorial

12. Yavapai County Courthouse

13. Statehood Tree

14. Bashford-Burmister Store

15. Bashford Block

16. Prescott National Bank

17. Bank of Arizona

18. Knights of Pythias

19. 19. Goldwater Store

20. Well on Plaza

to double or more than what they had been this past year.

Considerable credit is being given to the support provided by leaders in Prescott and the surrounding communities for their endorsement of increased commercial air traffic.

Prescott Mayor Greg Mengarelli has been outspoken in saying Prescott has become a “destination, not a passthrough, for visitors.” He said he and other community leaders were confident that access to a major carrier, coupled with minimal local traffic, was an appealing factor when compared to tedious travel time to a distant congested airport. “And we have free parking,” Mengarelli said.

Another feature — the airport has been designated as Prescott Regional Airport-Ernest A. Love Field. This was a factor in fulfilling the federal requirement for Essential Air Service (EAS).

City staff report they are working with regional travel

21. City Hall-Statue

22. Federal Building

23. Sharlot Hall Museum

24. Smoki Museum

25. Phippen Museum

Note: The Sharlot Hall Museum, Smoki Museum and Phippen Museum sites likely will require transportation for those wanting to see them.

Ann Steward, of the City of Prescott Tourism Office, said this past fall a “Hunt for History" program began. Its purpose — to encourage youngsters

agencies to encourage them to have passengers book flights in and out of Prescott.

Concurrent with plans for increasing passenger travel are plans for the design and ultimate construction of a new airport terminal.

It is anticipated that preliminary design of a new airport terminal will be submitted near the end of the year. In mid-October, residents had a chance to give feedback to architectural consultants about what they liked in terminal design. Personnel from DWI Architects and Planners were represented by Executive Vice President Sandra Kukla. She told City personnel and the public that it was likely the complete construction design would be finished by late spring 2019.

Cost estimates are just that — estimates. Numbers range from $6 million to $8 million, depending on whether roads and parking also are included in construction figures.

The City hopes to break ground for a new terminal in the fourth quarter of 2019.

to explore Prescott’s heritage and gain more in-depth understanding of its significance in Southwestern history. It is hoped that the number of historic sites can be doubled in the near future, with the ultimate intent of connecting the Heritage Trail system to the City’s Greenways Trail System.

Grandma's Italian Cheesecake

Bea Lueck

Ingredients

2 8 ounce packages cream cheese, softened ounce container ricotta cheese

1-1/2 cup granulated sugar

4 eggs

1 tbs lemon juice

1 tsp vanilla extract

Directions

3 tbs cornstarch tbs our cup melted butter

1 pint sour cream

Fresh Fruit or cherry pie filling optional

Whipping cream optional

Important - preheat oven to 350 degrees (175 degrees C).

Lightly grease a 9-inch springform pan.

Mix together in a large mixing bowl cream cheese and ricotta cheese until well blended. Add in one at a time in this order sugar, eggs, lemon juice, vanilla extract, cornstarch, our and butter. Add the sour cream last and stir until smooth. Pour the mixture into the prepared springform pan. ake hour turn oven off and leave in oven hour. Allow to cool completely in refrigerator before serving. Top with fresh fruit pie filling, whipped cream or serve plain!

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•

•

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• Women's Healthcare For All

MORE.

3 cups Flour

2 cups Sugar

1. Preheat over to degrees.

2. Cream shortening and sugar in a large bowl until really creamy.

3. Sift our times in another bowl, then add salt and baking powder.

4. eat eggs and add to sugar mixture. Mix well. Add our a little at a time alternately with half of the buttermilk

5. Add baking soda and vanilla to other half of buttermilk.

6. Add buttermilk mixure to main bowl, blend and pour into cake pan.

7. ake minutes. est crust with angel food cake pan.

8 Reasons to Take a River Cruise

Fall Russia

Changing leaves and cultural immersion. Onion domes and palaces. Ballet and Beluga Caviar. The friendliness of the townspeople will delight you and the preservation of historical treasures will amaze you.

WATERWAYS OF THE TSARS®

13 DAYS

ST. PETERSBURG – MOSCOW

Winter Norway

Northern Lights and Arctic wildlife. The best time to see the lights is February. Or, how about a snowmobile trek or dog sled race under the polar night sky?

Northern Lights Promise 2018/2019 SEASON CRUISES:

•Valid on new bookings only, on 12-day cruises with sailing dates starting October 1, 2018, and cruises completed by March 31, 2019.

Winter Holidays

European Rivers Christmas Markets. An opportunity to enjoy holiday traditions in the regions where the traditions started. Hear holiday concerts in century old cathedrals and sample dishes only served at this special time of year.

WFrom $5,999 pp

Includes excursions and port fees.

hy not? Many of us have experienced cruising on massive ocean liners, along with 5,000 other passengers. River cruises are an excellent way to visit smaller, less traveled destinations.

•If there is no northern lights occurrence during your cruise, a 6- or 7-day cruise will be offered to you departing between October 1, 2019, and March 31, 2020, in an unspecified cabin on a full-board basis. Airfare/extras are not included. FROM $1,501 pp + port fees and taxes

Why should you choose a river cruise over an ocean cruise?

1. The size of the ships. Most river ships hold under 200 passengers, compared to 5,000 plus on an ocean-going vessel. There is plenty of private space throughout the vessel, and the cabins are spacious.

2. When mega-ships dock in some ports, especially in Europe, you often have other ships in port at the same time. This means you are in competition with a few thousand people for attractions during your shore excursion. On a river cruise you dock in the quaint little towns and villages along the river and walk into the heart of the city. It’s all right there and most shore excursions are included at no extra cost.

3. All river ship cabins have a view.

There are no interior cabins, meaning you won’t miss any of the glorious sights along the way. The public rooms are equally as open and spacious, with never-ending views from every angle.

4. River cruises are not just Europe-based. You can choose from many exotic places like China, Cambodia, Vietnam, Peru, and even our own Mississippi River.

5. Many of the items you would pay extra for on an ocean cruise are standard on a river cruise. Ship transfers to and from the airport, wine and beer at dinner and Wi-Fi are a few examples depending on the cruise company. Most shore excursions are included as well, customized to the region where the ship has docked. Many cultural events of the region are offered, along with varied dining experiences.

6. Most river cruise companies offer theme cruises at no extra charge, such as the Christmas Markets, wine themes, music of the region. How about a culinary cruise, golf, wellness or even mingle with your favorite author or music?

LEARN ABOUT SEASONAL GROUP ITINERARIES,

CHRISTMAS MARKETS ALONG THE RHINE

7. River vessels are smaller, therefore more intimate. That makes you part of the “cruise family”, not just another passenger.

8 DAYS

AND SpringHill Suites by Marriott downtown Prescott

From $3,190 pp

Seating is

Includes all private Tauck Shore Excursions

Please call

8. There are itineraries that give you the opportunity to depart the ship, hop on a bicycle, ride through the beautiful countryside and rejoin the ship at the next port, all with a guide to help along the way. You arrive back at the ship just in time for dinner.

reserve space. Call: 928-899-1665

$1,712 Value

Put two cruises together for an awesome experience to places you’ve always dreamt of seeing. Or do a few days on land before or after your cruise to spend more time in the “must-see” spot.

Hop on the river cruise bandwagon!

Fall

Winter Norway

Winter Holidays

Changing leaves and cultural immersion. Onion domes and palaces. Ballet and Beluga Caviar. The friendliness of the townspeople will delight you and the preservation of historical treasures will amaze you.

WATERWAYS OF THE TSARS® 13 DAYS

ST. PETERSBURG – MOSCOW From $5,999 pp Includes excursions and port fees.

Northern Lights and Arctic wildlife. The best time to see the lights is February. Or, how about a snowmobile trek or dog sled race under the polar night sky?

Northern Lights Promise

2018/2019 SEASON CRUISES:

•Valid on new bookings only, on 12-day cruises with sailing dates starting October 1, 2018, and cruises completed by March 31, 2019.

•If there is no northern lights occurrence during your cruise, a 6- or 7-day cruise will be offered to you departing between October 1, 2019, and March 31, 2020, in an unspecified cabin on a full-board basis. Airfare/extras are not included. FROM $1,501 pp + port fees and taxes

European Rivers Christmas Markets.

An opportunity to enjoy holiday traditions in the regions where the traditions started. Hear holiday concerts in century old cathedrals and sample dishes only served at this special time of year.

CHRISTMAS MARKETS ALONG THE RHINE

SpringHill Suites downtown

8 DAYS From $3,190 pp Includes all private Tauck Shore Excursions

Seating is limited. Please space. Call: 928-899-1665

$1,712 Value

Special Section: Wealth Management

s the year comes to a close with holiday celebrations, it’s also time to take a look at your finances on a larger scale. We’re not just talking about your holiday gift shopping but your entire year of spending, tax considerations as well as planning for next year and the long term. How do you protect your financial information from fraud and theft? What is the secret to successful investing? What items do you include in your estate planning? Is a reverse mortgage right for you? Are your retirement plans in good health? Our local experts provide details in the following pages to help you navigate these topics and more! They are happy to answer any other questions you have, just give them a call!

Financial Planning & Wealth Management Experts:

Jonathan Borrette Spirit estCerti edPlannin , C onathan orrette is a avy eteran and ri ona icensed ea th and ife gent ith pirit est ertified anning pecia i ing in edicare dvantage Medicare supplements, and long-term-care insurance, Jonathan is happy to meet with clients at his Gurley treet o ce and a so a es o d fashioned ho se ca s pon re est onathan s approach to hea th coverage and ins rance is one that ta es the rden o of his c ients so they can en oy rescott s ea tif s rro ndings orry free

André Carman

Attorney, Carman LawFirm

ndr is a grad ate of the andra ay onnor o ege of a at ri ona tate niversity herea er ndr st died tax a at the niversity of ashington choo of a and as a arded a aster of a s in axation ax degree in ndr devotes a s stantia portion of his practice to estate p anning pro ate tr st and tax atters ndr anages ar an a ir ith his ife and fe o attorney rista ar an

Barbara Clark Stevenson

FLMI/MasterTaxAdvisor,American Financial Investments LLC ona d nvest ent dvisor epresentative ar ara aster tax advisor o n erican inancia nvest ents a registered invest ent advisory fir and erican inancia ec rity an ins rance and tax preparation fir hey specia i e in an integrated approach to retire ent financia and tax p anning ee o r e site erican inancia ec rity net

John Dunkel, CFP®, MBA

VicePresident-FinancialConsultant,CharlesSchwab&Co.

John is an employee of Charles Schwab for over seven years and has r n the rescott o ce and has ived in rescott ith his wife Emily and four children for over three years. He grew up in the Midwest, receiving his undergraduate degree from his aster s degree in finance fro ndiana niversity and received a certificate in exec tive anage ent fro the niversity of otre a e and is a ertified inancia anner e has over years experience in the financia ind stry xperienced in a aspects of financia p anning and portfo io anage ent

Mark Field

BarrettFinancial Group

Mark Field, (NMLS 965030), U.S. Navy Submarine veteran and a 20 year mortgage professional, was inducted in the 2017 Arizona Veterans Hall of Fame. Mark also received the 2017 Mortgage Loan Originator of the Year award and received a proclamation from the Arizona Legislature for his extensive community service. Mark can be reached at Barrett Financial Group at (800) 405-2310.

Sharon Flack

Partner, Musgrove Drutz Kack& Flack, PC

Sharon M. Flack is licensed in Arizona State and Federal Courts, the Navajo Nation, and White Mountain Apache Tribal Court. She has been a partner at the fir since er areas of expertise are persona in ry cases property law, estate and succession planning, probate/contested estates, creditors’ claims and business disputes. She is passionate about volunteering and recently served on the State Bar of Arizona’s Military Legal Assistance Committee, Yavapai Big Brothers Big Sisters board of directors, and Yavapai County Bar Association as past-president). Currently, Sharon volunteers for Desert Harbor Doberman Rescue and is running to represent Yavapai County on the State Bar’s Board of Governors.

James N. Hait Fiduciary, FinancialAdvisor, FounderVictoryWealth Services, LLC.

James specializes in helping you experience a one-of-akind process that fully integrates and aligns your most i portant goa s financia and non financia ith yo r most deeply held values (the people and things that are ost i portant to yo and then deter ines ho yo r finances can e arranged to opti i e yo r f fi ent and en oy ent of ife

Will Hepburn

Hepburn Capital

Will Hepburn is a private investment manager in Prescott. He has managed two mutual funds, is past president of the National Association of Active Investment Managers, and he is a college instructor, having taught classes on investing and estate planning for 28 years at Yavapai College. Will is also the author of the 2018 book ""Why Bad Things Happen to Good Investments.""

Gayle M. McCarthy

Branc Mana er,AmericanPaci cMort a e Gayle has 34 years experience in the mortgage industry. This knowledge ensures her clients are receiving the ortgage options to fit their individ a needs ay e takes pride in that – with every client! Gayle and her tea of ortgage professiona s o er a ity oan products, superior timeframes and competitive pricing. Most important, Gayle is committed to providing a level of customer service that speaks to excellence.

Travis Schultz

Broker/Owner, SmartMortgage

Travis, with Smart Mortgage in Prescott since 2004, has taken pride in giving each client special one-on-one treat ent a ing the thro gh the ortgage process art ortgage is a oca ortgage ro er o ering the widest spectrum of mortgage options including Reverse Mortgages, Conventional, Jumbo, FHA, VA, USDA and much more.

Gidget Schutte

Owner& CPA, Shutte & Hilgendorf

Gidget has over 25 years of experience as a CPA and is now in her 10th year of ownership of Schutte & Hilgendorf. She started at Deloitte & Touche, Int’l where she was an auditor for four years, obtaining her CPA in 1992. She also has experience in corporate accounting and financia anage ent idget ho ds a ache or s degree fro anta Barbara with honors. Gidget belongs to the AICPA and the ASCPA and served as treasurer with Prescott Area Habitat for Humanity in 2002.

Ronald Stevenson

InvestmentAdvisorRepresentative and Owner

Ronald, Investment Advisor Representative, and Barbara, FLMI/Master Tax Advisor, own American Financial Investments LLC, a registered investment advisory fir and erican inancia ec rity an ins rance and tax preparation fir hey specia i e in an integrated approach to retire ent financia and tax p anning

Stratos Wealth Partners Team

Stratos Wealth Partners

he tea at tratos ea th artners o er decades of experience. Focusing on building long-term re ationships ith o r c ients finding so tions for their needs. Setting us apart is a dedication to our clients' well-being, with a culture that traces back to the 1990's Prescott A.G. Edwards when our team came together.

Anne B. Wenzel

CPA, iensvold S a er en el CPAS P C

Born and raised in a small town in Northern Maine, Anne moved to San Diego where she managed the financia reporting and acco nting f nction for a variety of companies. As a CPA for almost 20 years, she has partnered with her clients to assist them with their accounting and tax needs. Since moving to Prescott four years ago, Anne has served on severa nonprofit oards and has een a e er of severa community and business groups.

Parshalla Wood

Financial Consultant,Wedbush Securities

Parshalla is a Financial Advisor based in Prescott,with over years or ing in the financia 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 anage ent and financia p anning services possi e

FINALLY! THE HONEST TRUTH BEHIND THE REVERSE MORTGAGE

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

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

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

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

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

• 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.

ARE YOUR RETIREMENT PLANS IN GOOD HEALTH?

by Ronald Stevenson and Barbara Clark Stevenson

When was the last time you reviewed your financial life? In the same way that it’s important to go to the doctor for a physical, comprehensive retirement checkups are crucial to your financial success down the road.

In today’s technology-driven world, it’s easy to put your finances on autopilot. From automatic deposits, online statements and automatic 401(k) contributions, it can be easy to leave your retirement plan unsupervised.

But how do you go about starting the retirement checkup process? Well, first and foremost, you need to consider what your goals are. Whether you want to travel, have a winter home in a warm state, etc., it’s important to have goals to frame your retirement plans around.

Another important part of a checkup of your retirement is to monitor your account balances. Most of your retirement accounts are accessible online now, so log in and see how much you are saving and what is in your accounts.

Obviously the more you squirrel away now, even if it’s only a few extra dollars here and there a month, means the possibility for more money in the future.

You may want to consider increasing your contribution amounts, even if by just a few percentages. Some accounts allow you to set up automatic increases to your contribution that can go into effect each year.

Another aspect of your retirement checkup should be to ensure that your investment strategy makes sense. Staying in conservative investments may be appeal-

ing — especially to your emotions that may fear market crashes, but the yields that you will earn on overly conservative investments can be too low to provide the income and purchasing power you may need down the road.

This is especially true when you take inflation into consideration or consider that your retirement may last over 30 years with the life expectancy rates of today.

When it comes to investing, you just need to find the right balance. At American Financial Investments, LLC, we can help categorize your assets so they are in a good position to help you reach your retirement goals.

When you choose to work with a financial services professional, they are able to assist you in creating financial plans that will work for your unique situation. You may want to consult a trusted financial services professional to help you check up on your finances.

About the Authors: Ronald F. Stevenson & Barbara Clark Stevenson own American Financial Investments, LLC. American Financial Investments, LLC, o er Retirement Income Planning, Social Security Maximization, Personal & Corporate Tax Preparation and Planning. For more information, call (928) 771-8368 or visit AFSprescott.com, 3112 Clearwater Drive., Suite B, Prescott, AZ 86305. Advisory services are o ered through American Financial Investments, LLC, a Registered Investment Advisor & Fiduciary rm in Arizona. Insurance products and services are o ered through American Financial Security, LLC. American Financial Investments, LLC, and American Financial Security, LLC, are affiliated companies. Whenever you invest, you are at risk of loss of principal as the market does uctuate. Past performance is not indicative of future results. Purchases are subject to suitability. This requires a review of an investor’s objective, risk tolerance and time horizons. Investing always involves risk and possible loss of capital.

MAKING CHARITABLE GIFTS USING YOUR IRA CAN BE A BIG TAX ADVANTAGE

by The team of independent financial advisors at Stratos Wealth Partners

Imagine being able to lower your adjusted gross income by up to $100,000 a year while also helping a charity.

Wondering what to do with your annual IRA required minimum distribution? If you can live without the income (and taxes) that a large minimum distribution (RMD) generates, think about taking a qualified charitable distribution (QCD) from your traditional individual retirement account (IRA) to satisfy your required minimum distribution requirement.

If you are a traditional IRA owner aged 70½ or older, you can gift up to $100,000 a year to a qualified charity this way. The donation must be a direct transfer of assets — it cannot pass through your hands.

What are the tax advantages of a

QCD? You can exclude the amount of the gift from your adjusted gross income for the year in which you make the donation. Depending on your situation, this may also help you avoid taxation of your Social Security benefits or the Medicare surtax. Since a QCD is not a deduction, even taxpayers who don’t itemize can benefit from one.1

Does the income from your annual IRA required minimum distribution risk putting you into a higher tax bracket? Imagine being able to lower your adjusted gross income by up to $100,000 a year while also helping a charity. By the way, that $100,000 annual QCD limit is an individual limit. A married couple can donate

up to $200,000 in a year through QCDs while meeting some or all of their required minimum distribution requirements.

You may want to plan a QCD well before the Dec. 31 deadline. Call or email us to explore this possibility now — it may provide you with a substantial federal tax break.

The team of independent financial advisors at Stratos Wealth Partners can be reached at: Stratos Wealth Partners, 100 E. Sheldon St., Suite 105, Prescott, AZ 86301; prescottwealthmanagment.com; Michael Woods, 928-460-5508; Stephanie Sterling, 928-460-5526; Kevin Pitts, 928-460-5511; Rhonda Chavez Payne, 928-460-5509.

This information is not intended to be a substitute for specific individuali ed tax advice. We suggest you discuss your specific tax issues with a ualified tax advisor. o rces isc ai ers is a eria as re are or ra os ea Par ners an oes no necessari re resen e ie s o e resen ng ar nor eir a ia es is in or a on

1

IT’S OKAY TO ASK FOR DIRECTIONS

I

IT’S OKAY TO ASK FOR DIRECTIONS

With so many paths to choose, it’s easy to get lost on your way to a secure retirement. The right directions can make all the difference. I can help you create a road map and choose the investment vehicles that align with your needs.

With so many paths to choose, it’s easy to get lost on a

that align with your needs.

With so many paths to choose, it’s easy to get lost on your way to a secure retirement. The right directions can make all the difference. I can help you create a road map and choose the investment vehicles that align with your needs.

Call today for more information or to schedule a consultation.

Call today for more information or to schedule a consultation.

Call today for more information or to schedule a consultation.

THE NEW YEAR IS THE PERFECT TIME TO MAKE AN ESTATE PLAN

by Sharon M. Flack, Attorney, Musgrove Drutz Kack & Flack, PC

With a new year approaching, it’s time to make some resolutions. If you don’t have an estate plan, creating one should be at the top of your list.

Estate plans come in all shapes and sizes, from the very simple to the incredibly complex. What you need depends on your particular circumstance.

Ideally, your estate plan should include the following components: a last will and testament, a general durable power of attorney, a health care power of attorney, a mental health care power of attorney and a living will.

A last will and testament takes effect upon your death and governs how your property is distributed – who gets it, how they get it, when they get it and who is responsible for getting it to them.

make financial and personal business decisions on your behalf. The agency under a general durable power of attorney can take effect immediately or after you become incapacitated. The choice is yours.

Health care and mental health care powers of attorney function in a manner similar to a general durable power of attorney. However, instead of appointing someone to make your financial decisions, with health care and mental health care powers of attorney you are appointing someone to make your health care decisions and to receive the necessary information from your health care providers to do so.

your heart stops beating and whether you want to be placed on a feeding tube if you descend into a vegetative state or are suffering from a terminal condition.

There are many issues to carefully consider when creating an estate plan and there are numerous unintended consequences that can result from having an incomplete or inadequate estate plan. An experienced estate planning lawyer can help you sort through those issues and can draft an estate plan that clearly and carefully describes your wishes and intentions.

A general durable power of attorney is a form of disability planning that allows you to appoint an agent to

A living will is a type of advance health care directive that explains what kind of care and treatment, if any, you want to receive in a situation in which you are otherwise unable to communicate your desires with your health care professional. For example, a living will allows you to choose whether you want to be resuscitated if

At Musgrove Drutz Kack & Flack, PC, we’ve been helping people just like you create estate plans for more than 30 years. To learn more about how we can help you, give us a call at (928) 4455935 or find us online at mdkflaw.com.

Sharon M. Flack is a shareholder at Musgrove Drutz Kack & Flack, PC, a full-service law rm serving our community for more than 30 years. Depending upon the client’s needs and objectives, an estate plan can range from basic to incredibly complex.

PLAN YOUR BEST LIFE: 4 MISTAKES TO AVOID IN RETIREMENT

by Parshalla Wood, Financial Consultant, Wedbush Securities

By accounting for commonly made mistakes during the retirementplanning process you can create a plan designed to help you achieve the retirement you’ve always dreamed of.

Regardless of your age, you’ve probably spent some time wondering about your retirement. Will you travel? Will you maintain the same lifestyle?

At what age will you retire? The more you ask yourself some of these questions, the more daunting the retirement-planning process seems. By accounting for commonly made mistakes during the retirement-planning process you can create a plan designed to help you achieve the retirement you’ve always dreamed of.

1. Don’t assume your living expenses will remain the same

While certain aspects of your living expenses will likely decrease after retirement, some items like health care might significantly increase. The 2017 Retirement Confidence Survey determined that 47 percent of retirees spent more on health care than they expected, and 37 percent of retirees spent more overall than expected.

The few years leading up to retirement can often be a good indicator for what spending could look like during re-

tirement, so keep an eye on this and create a mock budget based on these numbers. Once you hit retirement, adjust as needed.

2. Debt doesn’t disappear once you reach retirement

Paying off debt before you retire will allow you to put yourself in a greater state of financial peace once your current income goes away. For example, paying off your mortgage prior to retirement will allow you to reallocate that money toward other expenses or provide the flexibility to put those funds away in an emergency account. Carrying debt into retirement may hinder your ability to continue to live your current lifestyle or cause you to have to scale back on other expenses.

3. Account for health care

The average 65-year-old married couple needs $226,000 in savings to have at least a 75 percent chance of meeting their insurance premiums and out-of-pocket health-care costs in retirement, according to a report published by the Employee Benefit Research Institute in 2017. This number explains why health-care expenses end up becoming a priority in the retirement-planning process. While Medicare will cover a portion of your costs, deductibles, copayments and coinsurance will still need to be covered by you. Medigap policies and Medicare Advantage can provide assistance with some of these costs, but they will not cover home care, nursing homes or other forms of longterm care assistance. Long-term care insurance may be a solution to this

problem and should be discussed with a financial adviser.

4. Manage taxes

Before creating any kind of retirement strategy, always consider the tax implications. For example, if you withdraw money from your taxable accounts and leave funds in your employer-sponsored plans or IRA so they can continue to benefit from tax-deferred growth, keep in mind that you are generally required to take a Required Minimum Distribution after you turn 70 ½. If you decide to work during retirement while receiving Social Security, you may be required to pay taxes on a portion of your Social Security benefits. Speak to your financial adviser or tax specialist for more information on how to find the most appropriate tax strategy for you.

Broadridge Investor Communication Solutions, Inc. does not provide investment, tax, legal or retirement advice or recommendations. The information presented here is not speci c to any individual’s personal circumstances. To the extent this material concerns tax matters, it is not intended or written to be used, and cannot be used, by a taxpayer for the purpose of avoiding penalties that may be imposed by law. Each taxpayer should seek independent advice from a tax professional based on his or her individual circumstances. These materials are provided for general information and educational purposes based upon publicly available information from sources believed to be reliable — we cannot assure the accuracy or completeness of these materials. The information in these materials may change at any time and without notice.

Unexpected expenses today are too high to not plan ahead. With the help of a skilled financial planner, you can gain confidence that your personal finances are ready for a wider range of possible scenarios. With over 25 years of financial services experience, Parshalla Wood has helped investors find peace of mind and long-term financial well-being. Contact Par today for a complimentary portfolio review.

2018 DEATH AND TAXES

by Anne B . Wenzel, CPA, Tiensvold Shaffer Wenzels CPA’s PLLC

Death and taxes, that’s what we say, right?

The two things that are for certain.

For those of you who lost loved ones this year, I hope they moved on to a better, more comfortable place and you can find peace in your memories of them. Keep in mind, required minimum distributions (RMDs) for those over 70 ½ are generally required to be taken in the

year of death even if they were not taken prior to the death. As for taxes, 2018 tax returns are going to be fun. Lots of changes, some good and some bad – here are a few tidbits in hopefully simple language:

Tax rates changed mostly as a decrease to prior years and the standard deduction just about doubled. Personal exemptions are a thing of the past, except for the $500 deduction for

certain dependents. For those of you with young(er) children and the right tax bracket, the childtax credit doubled to $2,000. But if you moved for work this year, your moving expenses are not deductible, with a few specific exceptions (military), and personal casualty losses for the most part are no longer allowed. Exceptions to these include business-related events.

exceptions, and our nonprofits and charitable organizations rely on those commitments.

The catch-22 this year, in a much abbreviated summary, the Arizona tax credits that reduce Arizona income tax liability dollar for dollar will still work for Arizona, they just cannot also be deducted for IRS charitable deduction purposes.

Itemized deductions are still allowed, assuming the total gets over the new higher thresholds for your filing status. State and local taxes are capped at $10,000 and mortgage-interest deduction is limited to the interest paid on a maximum mortgage of $750,000 (for new mortgages) and some other specific restrictions.

The big change that hurts is the loss of deductions in the miscellaneous (2 percent of AGI) category. Now I’m talking that tax speak that will put you to sleep, but hang in there – I’ll explain. For those of you who are employed (W-2 wages) and pay for work expenses not reimbursed by your employer, those are no longer deductible – time to have a chat with your employer. And those of you with great tax preparers and investment advisors, those fees will no longer be deductible – with some exceptions of course.

Now for the scoop on those dreaded medical expenses – do I really have to keep adding up all those receipts? Well, yes, in my opinion. Arizona (as of the writing of this article) still allows the deduction for qualified medical expenses whether or not you itemized on your IRS tax return. And remember, those loved ones in advanced-care facilities or those with at-home assistance may be able to deduct the cost of that care as a medical expense.

Now for the disclosures –please consult with your tax and investment advisors, your legal and estate planning professionals – there are exceptions and restrictions to all the new changes and some pitfalls to avoid. This is a small sampling of all the new rules. And, while your neighbor wrote off his entire life, you probably cannot. So, listen to your professional and don’t try to keep up with the neighbors (they don’t have the same tax or investment situation that you do).

We live in such a charitable volunteer town with great committed citizens – yes, still give of your time and money, it will be deductible with some

Good luck with your 2018 tax filing – it’s right around the corner.

RETHINK. RECAST. REDUCE.

by Kate Jenkins, Branch Manager, Evergreen Home Loans

Recasting a loan involves applying a lump sum of money to the unpaid principal balance of a conventional loan resulting in lower monthly payments. ou can also cancel private mortgage insurance if you reduce your loan balance at or below 0 percent of the original value.

ample o o a reca can e ene cial: ith a recast modi cation, quali ed borrowers may be able to purchase a new home without having to sell their current home rst.

Once the old home sells, the money received from the sale is applied toward the principal balance of your new loan. The new home amount and monthly payments are reduced.

A recast can be done through your loan servicing department at vergreen ome oans for a nominal fee. ind out if a loan recast is right for your situation. Call us today and we ll be happy to provide you with more information.

*Available on conventional loans only that are serviced by Evergreen Home Loans. To cancel private mortgage insurance, certain conditions apply.

CONSIDER DIVERSIFYING, DETERMINING RISK & TAKING THE LONG VIEW

by John Dunkel, CFP®, MBA, Vice President - Financial Consultant, Charles Schwab & Co

The stock market has entered a more volatile period of time, and more frequent ups and downs in the market impact not only your portfolio, but also your emotions as you try to ensure you have enough savings to make it to and through retirement.

According to Pew Research Center, 10,000 baby boomers are turning 65 every single day. Navigating through rocky markets can be tough, but following practiced and tested investing principles might help you stay the course.

1. Diversify your portfolio

Portfolios that are highly concentrated in just a few securities can be very risky. Having money spread across different asset classes (or types of investments such as stocks, bonds and cash investments) is important because each can respond to the market differently. It’s not always the case, but when one is up, the other can be down. Deciding on the right mix can help cushion the blow during volatile markets. Here are a few quick questions to ask yourself:

Does your portfolio’s success depend too heavily on the performance of any single investment?

Are your holdings especially concentrated on a single industry, sector or country?

Are you less diversified than you think because different funds in your portfolio hold many of the same securities?

2. Determine your risk profile

Investing involves taking risks, and you have to be honest about how much risk you’re willing to take with your money. Determining your risk tolerance informs how you should diversify your investment portfolio between stocks, bonds and cash investments. Higher potential rewards generally come with higher risks. Start with some simple questions:

Do you need your portfolio to generate income now or in the near future?

Can you tolerate fluctuations in the value of your investments, financially and emotionally?

3. Take the long view

In times of dramatic market volatility, each fluctuation may seem disastrous. However, emotional reactions to short-term market conditions can put you at risk for further financial loss. Markets typically go up and down, and even bear markets historically have been relatively short. According to the Schwab Center for Financial Research, the average bear market has lasted only about 17 months; the longest bear market was a little less than three years (915 days), and it was followed by a nearly five-year bull run.

Timing the market’s ups and downs is nearly impossible – instead, focus on staying diversified, know your risk tolerance and stick to your plan during tough times. For long-term investors, which are most of us, the strategy should be time in the market rather than timing the market.

The certainty about investments and markets is that they change. So remember to use periods of market volatility to make sure your investments are diversified and take your risk tolerance into account. And if you don’t have a financial plan, now is a good time to create one.

ohn Dunkel, CFP , is a Financial Consultant at Charles Schwab with more than seven years of experience helping clients achieve their financial goals and more than two decades in the financial services industry. Some content provided here has been compiled from previously published articles authored by various parties

Investing involves risk including loss of principal. Diversification strategies do not ensure a profit and do not protect against losses in declining markets.

The information here is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered an individuali ed recommendation or personali ed investment advice. The type of securities and investment strategies mentioned may not be suitable for everyone. Each investor needs to review an investment strategy for his or her own particular situation before making any investment decision.

©2018 Charles Schwab Co., Inc. (“Schwab”). All rights reserved. Member SIPC.

When it comes to your wealth, the questions you ask could be your most valuable asset.

When it comes to your wealth, the questions you ask could be your most valuable asset.

Wealth Management at Charles Schwab PLANNING | PORTFOLIO MANAGEMENT | INCOME STRATEGIES | BANKING

Wealth Management at Charles Schwab PLANNING | PORTFOLIO MANAGEMENT | INCOME STRATEGIES | BANKING

In life, you question everything. The same should be true when it comes to managing your wealth. Do you know what your investment recommendations are based on? Does your financial professional stand by their word? Do you know how much you’re paying in fees? And how those fees affect your returns? Ask your financial professional, and if you don’t like their answers, ask again at Schwab. We think you’ll like what we have to say.

To speak to a Financial Consultant, stop by the Schwab Prescott Branch or call 928-776-0391 today.

In life, you question everything. The same should be true when it comes to managing your wealth. Do you know what your investment recommendations are based on? Does your financial professional stand by their word? Do you know how much you’re paying in fees? And how those fees affect your returns? Ask your financial professional, and if you don’t like their answers, ask again at Schwab. We think you’ll like what we have to say.

John Dunkel, CFP, VP - Financial Consultant 201 N. Montezuma St, Ste #218 Prescott, AZ 86301

To speak to a Financial Consultant, stop by the Schwab Prescott Branch or call 928-776-0391 today.

John Dunkel, CFP, VP - Financial Consultant 201 N. Montezuma St, Ste #218 Prescott, AZ 86301

“Highest

THE PRESCOTT PIONEER

PRESCOTT • PRESCOTT VALLEY • CHINO VALLEY • DEWEY-HUMBOLDT

CONTINUED…

Western Heritage Banquet Honors Heritage Keepers

Calling it one of the most successful yet, Prescott Western Heritage Foundation (PWHF) founder and President Dennis Gallagher is pleased the annual banquet generated more than $18,000 for PWHF projects.

More than 200 people representing businesses and corporations from the region attended the dinner where one individual and one organization were honored as Western Heritage Keepers.

In addition, two local students received $2,000 college scholarships to continue their advanced studies.

Gallagher and his fellow board members praised those receiving recognition, saying their efforts were preserving and promoting the unique Western heritage through education, arts, music and projects that make the Prescott area and Yavapai County an inimitable place to live.

During the Sept. 29 program, the following were singled out for recognition:

• The Phippen Museum of Western Art. Open since 1984, the museum specializes in dedicating its collection to American West artists in all genres. The museum has become a favorite destination for locals and visitors. It also sponsors several youth outreach programs.

ERAU FAIR..cont. from page 16

their interview skills in really competitive conditions. We at Career Services want to give our students the most realistic opportunity we can to develop their confidence and meet with recruiters from a broad spectrum of the workforce.”

• Bill Otwell, principal, Otwell Associates Architects. The native Arizonan has lived in Prescott following completion of his architectural degree. He is known widely for his attention to historical detail and Western tradition and has had positive impact on historic preservation of more than 250 buildings around Arizona.

Long lines queued in front of booths scattered throughout the Activity Center.

The majority of firms present came from engineering, aviation and aerospace — companies such as TRAX International Corporation, Honeywell, Garmin, Rockwell, Astronautics Corporation of America

• Logan Arnold Bates, Prescott student at Cochise College. Bates is a rodeo champion at local, state and national levels and recently placed fourth in the World Finals TieDown Roper competition. He is majoring in farm and ranch management and fire science.

• Kendyll Tucker, senior at Chino Valley High School.

and Boeing. A number of major airlines also had recruiters present.

A substantial number of recruiters represented state and federal government agencies and departments. Representatives from law enforcement, including the FBI and DEA, and first responders, also partici-

Active in the National Honor Society, Tucker, a member of the Arizona State Champion Horse Judging Team, also competes in the Arizona High School Rodeo Association and plans to continue the same in college.

Fiscal support for the PWHF came from the auctioning of more than 15 items ranging from painting and sculptures to jewelry, elegant dinners and a weeklong resort stay in Mazatlán, Mexico. Gallagher noted he anticipates the grand opening of the Western Heritage Center on Whiskey Row in downtown Prescott sometime in spring 2019.

For additional information about the PWHF, visit visitwhc.org or call (928) 910-2307.

Read more news on page 130...

pated. All branches of the U.S. military were represented. One of the students attending, a junior accounting major from San Diego, praised the event. “It’s really unusual for a small community like this to have so many major companies in town to recruit. We’re so lucky to be at Embry-Riddle and in Prescott.”

THE SECRET TO SUCCESSFUL INVESTING

by Will Hepburn

Investment success is less about picking the best investments and more about not losing money when those pesky market cycles turn down.

My new book “Why Bad Things Happen to Good Investments” has the premise that no one ever buys a bad investment. Then why do so many of us take deep losses in down markets like we saw in 2001 or 2008? Because markets change and the economy changes, and investments must be able to change with the times or possibly take devastating losses.

The great American investment creed is “buy low, sell high.” That sounds pretty simple, so why it is so hard to do?

Because “buy low, sell high” is a two-part goal, and to be successful one must be ready to sell at some point, which oddly is what most advisers discourage their clients from ever doing.

The industry is slanted toward buy, buy, buy, with no thought to ever selling because this approach by you makes life a lot easier for Wall Street firms, which ironically are among the most active traders in the business. So, if Wall Street changes their investments to follow the market trends, and they are considered the “smart money,” wouldn’t it be nice for you to be able to do the same?

Discover four proactive strategies in my book that you or

your adviser can implement in just a few minutes each quarter without being a math whiz. Think of proactive strategies as an added layer of diversification for your savings, which may create lower risk and better results. If you want to have your adviser be proactive, tell them that. It can save you a lot in the next market decline.

Will Hepburn is a private investment manager with Hepburn Capital Management, LLC. For a free copy of Will’s book stop by 2069 Willow Creek Road in Prescott. Visit HepburnCapital. com, call (928) 778-4000 or email: Invest@HepburnCapital.com.

TURNING TO A LOCAL SOURCE SAVES TIME AND SANITY

by Jonathan Borrette, Licensed Health and Life Agent, Spirit West Certified Planning, LLC

It used to be that finding the information you needed on the web was fast and easy. These days our internet is heavy with fake information and marketing sites designed to capture personal details. Searching for specific information has become a frustrating and time-consuming job.

Medicare participants can run into this problem when they want to find out more about the coverage, pharmacy plans and supplement options available to

them. Often, filling out an online form leads to dozens of unwanted phone calls and a mailbox full of useless brochures.

Finding a local, licensed Arizona insurance agent who can sit down face-to-face with you could make all the difference. A local agent fully versed in the Medicare Advantage, supplements and pharmacy plans in your area can quickly zero in and find the information you are looking for.

For those new to Yavapai County, meeting with a local agent can

be key. Changes to existing coverage may fall under a time deadline or qualify for a special enrollment period, and getting needed information quickly could make a big difference.

Over the course of retirement, you could pay out thousands of dollars on your own health care, making it more important than ever to be accurately informed of any possible savings or improved coverage available in your area.

Using a local agent saves time and ensures that you get the ac-

curate information you may need to make more informed healthcare choices.

Jonathan Borrette is a licensed health and life agent with Spirit West Certied Planning, LLC, located in downtown Prescott. Jonathan offers free consultations for those needing help and assistance with Medicare coverage and even makes old-fashioned house calls upon request. Jonathan and Spirit West Certified Planning, LLC, are not endorsed by Medicare or any other government agency.

PROTECT YOUR FINANCIAL INFORMATION

by Mark Field, Mortgage Professional, Barrett Financial Group

Eighty percent of people have something inaccurate on their credit report that is adversely affecting their credit score. A lower credit score will increase costs on a mortgage, car loan and credit cards.

There are things you can do to increase your score. First, don’t let anyone run your credit unnecessarily. Not everything is what is seems. For example, freecreditreport.com is not free. You can run your own credit report for free. The federal government passed a law requiring the credit bureaus provide a credit report free once a year to everyone. Go to annualcreditreport.com.

Beware bait and switch tactics. For example, many online lenders are not mortgage companies but marketing companies, and the product is your credit and personal financial information including your Social Security number. When you give that information to these marketing companies, you

are giving them the right to sell that information to anyone who will buy it. This is not the way to choose a mortgage lender. You are better to work with a local mortgage professional, someone you can hold responsible.

I was trying to help a financial fraud victim. The New Jersey company would not return the $2,500 to the homeowner who was trying to save their home. When I contacted the Arizona Attorney General’s office, they declined to take on the case because the company was in New Jersey. When I contacted the New Jersey Attorney General’s office, they declined to intervene because the victim was in Arizona. Criminals exploit this gap in law enforcement. You have far more protection when you choose a local Arizona mortgage lender to represent you.

The most rewarding feeling being in the mortgage industry is helping solve major financial issues. For example, a real estate

agent referred me to a couple wanting to buy a home. The husband told me that the wife’s purse was stolen from the supermarket and someone wrote many bad checks on their account. They had been dealing with this issue for three years. I asked what city this occurred in, contacted the police department and obtained a copy of the police report. I then submitted it to all three credit bureaus and had all the derogatory accounts modified, removing them from the credit report. Now the couple qualified to buy the home.

Mark Field, (NMLS 965030) a U.S. Navy submarine veteran and 20-year mortgage professional, was inducted in the 2017 Arizona Veterans Hall of Fame. Field also received the 2017 Mortgage Loan Originator of the Year award and received a Proclamation from the Arizona Legislature for his extensive community service. Field is with Barrett Financial Group and can be reached at (800) 405-2310.

RISING INTEREST RATES

MEAN NOW IS BEST TIME TO FINANCE A HOME

by Gayle M . McCarthy, Branch Manager, American Pacific Mortgage

When considering a mortgage, whether it be a new purchase or a refinance of a current loan, consumers are concerned about timing. If rates continue to increase, locking in a rate now may be a savings.

Why are interest rates rising? Our economy is doing well. Rates were kept low to help stimulate the recession recovery. Now that the economy is improving, rates are being increased gradually. Historically, current rates are still low. While industry experts expect continuing increases,

any number of economic events could produce different results.

How does this affect a mortgage? Higher rates mean higher payments. This will impact borrowing power.

The best strategy is to consult with a mortgage professional and analyze your financial situation and goals. Understanding rates and what influences them will assist you in making an informed decision. There are many ways to structure a mortgage to provide savings, even if rates are higher than previously. A mortgage professional can provide all options to consider.

WHAT CAN ‘WINNIE-THE-POOH’ TEACH US ABOUT INVESTING?

by James Hait, Fiduciary, Financial Advisor, Victory Wealth Services

As a young child, I was raised on Disney movies. Which probably accounts for my unusual relationship with animals. My wife and I have five horses, four dogs, one cat and one stubborn, incredibly old goat that seems to have found the secret to immortality. To this day, I still hold out hope (albeit just a little) that they’ll all join in song and clean my house. So far, this hasn’t happened … yet.

One Disney show, adapted from a book series, stands out as being particularly poignant for our time: “Winnie-the-Pooh.”

More specifically Pooh’s friend Eeyore, the pessimistic, gloomy, depressed, old gray donkey. Eeyore has a poor opinion of most of the other animals in the forest, describing them as having “No brain at all, some of them,”

“only gray fluff that’s blown into their heads by mistake.” Eeyore’s favorite food is thistles. On Eeyore’s birthday, he is given an empty honey jar from Pooh for keeping things in, a popped red balloon from Piglet to keep in the pot and a note from Owl.

Eeyore is surprisingly good at the game Poohsticks, winning more times than anyone else when it is played. Poohsticks is a simple game, which may be played on any bridge over running water. Each player drops a stick on the upstream side of a bridge and the one whose stick first appears on the downstream side is the winner. Incidentally, the annual World Poohsticks Championships have been held at Day’s Lock on the River Thames in the UK since 1984.

What does Eeyore have to do

with your investment choices?

Imagine what Eeyore would have to say about today’s market. We’ve been on one of the longest bull runs in history. It’s not a matter of if the market will go down, but when. He’d probably say something like, “Most likely lose it again, anyway.” (“The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh,” 1977.)

That’s a good point. For many people at or near retirement, they’ve already lived through such market crashes as 1987, 2000 and 2008. How many times must we lose half of our money before we change our behavior? What would Eeyore do?

Eeyore’s Model Portfolio

Remember, as pessimistic as Eeyore was (or is? he’s fictional after all), he was good at Poohsticks, in fact, the best. So,

he knew a thing or two about winning. We all know how volatile the market has been. So, why not create a portfolio where your forever money — the money you can’t afford to lose — is protected against the risk of the market? Yet, at the same time, it receives a reasonable rate of return (without hidden fees). Isn’t that what we all want?

When you have a comprehensive written lifetime financial plan, or Victory Plan as we call it, your retirement “honey jar” can always stay full. Then you can focus on what truly matters most to you like your family, health, spirituality or even perhaps frolicking in the Hundred-Acre Wood with your friends. Call (928) 778-1050 or visit us at victorywealth.com to create your personal Victory Plan today.

TRUSTS NEED CAREFUL SETUP TO FOLLOW YOUR LAST WISHES

by Andre Carman, 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 transfer on 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 (ROS).

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 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 the one

child inherits the property as 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 them the big picture, i.e., full disclosure of all your assets along with copies of deeds, titles and beneficiary designations.

TAX CREDIT COALITION EDUCATES TAXPAYERS ON KEEPING DOLLARS LOCAL

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.

The Greater Prescott Area Tax Credit Coalition now has 20 organizations and continues to educate the community on practicing informed decision-making and having greater control over how tax dollars are spent. The 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 capturing 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, Hozhoni Foundation, The Launch Pad Teen Center, Northland Cares, Prescott Farmers Market, Prescott Free Clinic, Prescott Habitat for Humanity, Prescott Unified School District, U.S. Vets, West Yavapai Guidance Clinic, Yavapai Casa for Kids Foundation, Schutte and Hilgendorf PLLC-CPAs, Yavapai Regional Transit, Coalition for Compassion & Justice, Prescott Area Shelter Services, Franklin Phonetic School, and Nazcare.

The coalition focuses on education around

tax credits – the amount of money a taxpayer is able to subtract against a tax liability owed to the state. Tax credits are designed to encourage or reward certain types of behavior 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 because deductions only reduce the amount of your income 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 made 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 adviser to verify qualification.

Special Section:

CHRISTMAS EVENTS IN PRESCOTT

• Through December 30: Enchanted Christmas Indoor Tour of Lights at Downtown Prescott in the Depot Marketplace – starts November 23rd, 2018 for the fifth year. Inside the previous Manzanita Outdoor business, behind Starbucks Co ee

• Through December 29: Wildlights & Animal Sights at Heritage Park Zoo – 6 to 8:30 p.m. every Friday & Saturday evening, open to the public.

• December 1: Christmas Parade – 1 to 4 p.m.

• December 1: 64th Annual Courthouse Lighting – 5 to 7 p.m.

• December 1: A Frontier Christmas at Sharlot Hall Museum – 6 p.m.

• December 7: Acker Night - Musical Showcase – 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.

• December 22-23: Santa’s Visit at the Holiday Courtyard – 10 a.m.to 2 p.m.

• December 31: Whiskey Row New Year’s Eve Boot Drop – 10 p.m. and midnight

CITY OR TOWN, PRESCOTT HAS ALWAYS BEEN KNOWN FOR CHRISTMAS SPIRIT

by Ken Leja, Sharlot Hall Museum

Holiday celebrations in Prescott date back to the rst days of the town in 1 63, but the community s designation as Arizona s Christmas City or Christmas Town began about 100 years later.

In 1962 Arizona Gov. Paul annin officially declared Prescott as the state s official Christmas Town. About a quarter cen tury later, Gov. Rose Mofford followed up, declaring Prescott as Arizona s Christmas City in 19 9, which solidi ed the community s long time holiday image.

The community spirit for the holidays, however, dates back to the town s founding. The rst Christmas observance in the Prescott area was celebrated by ishop ean aptiste amy be side Granite Creek on Christmas morning in 1 63.

The second Christmas celebra tion, December 1 6 , centered at the new Governor s Mansion now the centerpiece of Sharlot all Museum , with food for all and an American ag ying over the mansion from atop a pine tree shorn of its top most branches.

At the rst county courthouse in 1 6 on Cortez Street, local holiday celebrations focused on this building, the site of many public gatherings, including church services.

ith each new courthouse 1 and late 1910s , both visitors and residents ocked to the downtown plaza to cele brate the season, decorating the plaza trees with clothing, colored paper, and the occasional ask or hanging pair of shoes.

Over the years, these festiv ities have grown from simple decorations and community wide faith observances, to the contemporary displays initiated in the early 19 0s. These were produced by the local chamber of commerce and augmented by numerous service clubs and indi viduals. The usiness and Pro fessional omen s Club initiated the lighting of the courthouse in 19 , and the Christmas parade was added in the 19 0s.

Today, Prescott has become the go to spot for a small town Christmas, and solidi es the community s longtime holiday im age and designation as Arizona s Christmas City.

ACKER NIGHT FILLS PRESCOTT WITH HOLIDAY MUSIC

by Scott Currey, President, Acker Committee

Acker ight will be celebrating its 30th year of what has be come Prescott s nest night. ho would have ever dreamed this event would grow from eight businesses and eight perform ing groups to over 130 participating business and 1 0 performing groups That adds up to over 00 performers who volunteer their time and talent for three hours each year.

Acker ight 201 will be on Dec. from :30 to :30 p.m. There will be a special opening ceremony at p.m., which will include the community singing the allelujah Chorus. ith the closing of Gurley Street between Montezuma and Cortez and Montezuma between Gurley and Goodwin, people will be able to wander downtown and see and hear the sounds of every imaginable music style.

Santa and Mrs. Claus will be on Gurley Street for families to take memorable photos. Dancers will be in the street along with strolling a cap pella groups. Inside the participating stores will be musical groups perform ing their favorite style of music. Pro grams will be available at the Chamber of Commerce and at Santa s tent the night of the event.

Tips bags will be in every participat ing business. Additional tips bags will be at different locations held by high school marching band members.

Acker ight is a 01 c 3 and the monies collected in the tips bags during this celebration go to pri vate lesson scholarships for school children. unds are also raised from each participating business and other sponsors that augment local school district music program budgets. In 201 , Acker provided 1 ,000 to schools and 62 scholarships for private lessons. Our name pays homage to .S. Acker, who le a trust for music for children.

Acker night was started to bring music to downtown during the holiday season and to introduce the public to all the wonderful businesses. Speaking of wonderful businesses, ancy That at 12 S. Granite St., donated 10,000 to Acker ight a er selling 1,000 beautiful scarves that have become known as the Acker Scarf. ach year the scarf is different. Don t forget to go by ancy That that evening and purchase yours.

Come to downtown Prescott for an unforgettable evening of music and fun. e believe you won t nd such an event anywhere else in the nation. ring your 1 bills and ll the tips bags so we can further the universal lan guage of music for the young people who live in our area.

Donations can also be made to Acker ight, P.O. o 126 , Prescott, A 630 .

JOIN US FOR OUR HOLIDAY FESTIVITIES

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

The Residence Inn and Spring ill Suites by Mar riott in Prescott will con tinue their tradition this December of offering free holiday festivities open to the public. Spring ill Suites will have Santa and Mrs. Claus on Satur day and Sunday mornings from Thanksgiving weekend through Dec. 23 for stories, songs and photo opportunities. On Satur day and Sunday a ernoons there will be a complimentary hot co coa bar in the lobby loaded with a selection of cocoa toppings and fun treats.

or the Acker Musical

Showcase on riday, Dec. , the American utheran andbell Choir will be back this year in the Spring ill Suites lobby perform ing beautiful holiday sounds with bells and chimes. To round out the e perience, you can enjoy complimentary snacks, hot cider and Gluehwein a traditional German warm spiced red wine.

Residence Inn by Marriott will have Santa and Mrs. Claus make appearances in the a ernoons on those same weekends from Thanksgiving through Dec. 23 and an a er noon hot chocolate bar for ev eryone to enjoy. ring a camera and have your little ones bring their Christmas wish list to share with Santa Claus. or more details and e act times for these festivities, call the hotels direct or check their acebook pages beginning

Thanksgiving weekend.

Spring ill Suites by Marriott, 92 6 099 , facebook.com

Spring illSuitesPrescottArizona .

Residence Inn by Marriott, 92 2232, facebook.com

ResidenceInnPrescott . or overnight reservations for friends and family coming to town for the holidays, go to marriott.com and search Prescott, Arizona. arly reservations are highly recommended throughout the month of December through ew ear s ve.

Merry Christmas and appy ew ear 2019 from all of us at the Prescott Marriott otels.

HOLIDAY SEASON IN PRESCOTT, 1864

by Sharlot Mabridth Hall

Counting miners, sol diers, pack train own ers and all, there might have been 200 or 300 men in reach of Prescott that rst Christmas season late Decem ber of 1 6 .

There were half a dozen fami lies, mostly with several children. Most of them arrived in October on a California bound wagon train and decided to try their for tune in Arizona instead of going on further west.

There were only a few cabins, a small group of soldiers at the stockade military post of ort hipple, and some scattered camps of gold miners on that snowy Christmas.

Through the window shut ters of whip sawed boards, the light of a replace or candles ltered out to cheer late travelers that rst Christmas holiday in Prescott, 1 6 .

There was not a glass window in Prescott that year, not even in the Governor s Mansion, but there was Christmas cheer, even

if no windows re ected it.

i or’s No e e o o ing is con ense ro an ar c e ar o M a ritten in as s e as escri ing e ne co ni o Prescott an i s rs o i a season in ece er e as e o n er o e se a no ears er na e

ig res burned in the replac es of stone or dobe or stick an mud, and good smells came up from the camp res on the plaza. very home opened its door to as many guests as it would hold, and the governor reckoned his guests by the dozen. ear and antelope, grouse and quail, and even beaver tail, could be added to the bill of fare with little effort. eef from some discarded work o was a prime delicacy and likely as not the governor himself was glad to get a quarter.

lour was scarce and most of it came by jack mule from Me ico, along with cakes of dark brown sugar and dried gs and grapes. Dried apples and peach es had come with the October wagon train that brought the women and children.

A few of the women had hoarded a bit of white our and white loaf sugar, kept for sick ness, but used in the Christmas jolli cation.

Those pioneer women were notable cooks and there must have been many a tempting dinner served but the gover nor s private secretary, enry leury, had just enough rench blood to cook with genius. is itors of that period to Arizona s state house have ranked the broad-shouldered, handsome secretary cook above the big and handsome governor. rown Me ican beans, and the little white navy bean included in the regular rations of the sol diers, were the available vegeta bles, with plenty of sow belly and chili sauce to season them though all of these grew scarce as winter shut down supplies.

No doubt the gray and griz zled Captain oseph alker was among the guests in the governor s log house that day. It may well be that he and Captain Pauline eaver sat side by side and talked of the fur trade in the 30s and 0s, when they were young men and pushed their way to Santa e and on into

California far in advance of ohn C. r mont and Stephen atts earney.

right uniforms, too, mingled with the dark coats around the governor s table that Christmas Day. The commander of the small army lived at the mansion with the jolly crowd of officials, and the military band played for the ball that night when the danc ers found the oor of hard beat en earth no bar to their fun.

There were gi s, even though stores were far away gi s most ly homemade but treasured for years and even in a few instanc es handed down to the present.

The ne t year, Christmas at the governor s mansion had the greatest distinction in the life of that old house, for the second governor s lady of Arizona, Mar garet McCormick, was hostess to all the little city.

er lovely and gracious spirit still lingers in the big rooms and keeps Christmas memories sweet and fragrant as boughs of pine and cedar.

PRESCOTT VALLEY SHINES FOR THE HOLIDAYS

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

The spirit of the season is alive and glowing in Prescott alley. Its premier holiday destination, the alley of ights, anchors a community that celebrates the Christmas and holiday season with lights, music and art. alley of ights is a 1 mile drive thru with animated and lighted displays in ain Park. ach of the 9 displays consists of multiple parts decorated with thousands of lights covering areas on both sides of the road. verywhere you turn there is something magical to be seen, including overhead as you drive through one of the three beautiful tunnels. alley of ights is open seven days a week from 6 to 10 p.m. beginning Thanksgiving night and running through Dec. 30. There is no admission. owever, there is a suggested donation of per vehicle, and you may go through as many times as you wish. or many this is a family tradition. alley of ights is sponsored by local businesses and organizations and is presented by the Prescott alley Chamber of Commerce.

The Town of Prescott alley makes a huge investment for the holidays with its lights around the Civic Center. The official lighting is at the oliday estival of ights, which this year was on ov. 30. This great evening included music

our local school choirs, a special holiday message from Mayor arvey Skoog, a reading of the “Night efore Christmas by me and the Night Light Parade. ach of the three buildings comprising the campus, along with trees, walls and shrubbery, is covered in thousands of lights. It is believed there are so many lights the Civic Center can be seen from space although this has not been con rmed These are on every night until ew ear s Day.

More lights ll the Prescott alley ntertainment District with displays and a singing Christmas tree. This downtown treasure opens Thanksgiving night and can be seen each night until the new year.

Art plays a huge part of the holiday celebration with the Prescott alley Arts and Culture Commission s Create a Tree display. Trees are decorated by individuals, businesses, organizations, and groups and then put on display in the library. These trees are truly works of art as each one has a special identity, and the creativity displayed is remarkable. ach year one tree is voted the People s Choice. The trees can be seen during library

hours from the night of oliday estival of ights through the new year.

Valley of Lights is open seven days a week from 6 to 10 p.m. beginning Thanksgiving night and running through Dec. 30.

The sounds of the season can be heard throughout Prescott alley with musical and theatrical performances presented by the local schools and youth groups. ive holiday shows are presented through Prescott alley Performing Arts and the radshaw Mountain igh School Drama Troupe. Prescott alley is a Christmas and holiday destination. Its variety of activities, displays and lights makes it the perfect place to enjoy the season.

or ore in or a on on Prescott Va e an e s rro n ing co ni o i a ac i es con ac e Prescott Va e a er o o erce a or isi c a er org

PRESCOTT CHORALE: PRESENTING THE FINEST IN CHORAL MUSIC

The Prescott Chorale per forms choral music of e ceptional quality in a highly professional man ner, emphasizing masterworks that inspire, challenge, entertain and educate our singers and our audiences.

Prescott Chorale presented their rst season in 201 201 to rave reviews following a stellar performance of the Duru Requiem, accompanied by re nowned organist Ty oodward.

The Chorale s 201 201 season closed with our three oung Artist Competition scholarship winners performing and receiving 1,000 each. As

one of the musical organizations collaborating with the Arizona Philharmonic Orchestra in its debut season, Prescott Chorale is e cited to share its performance with this outstanding addition to the music world of Prescott and surrounding area.

About Our Artistic Director

Dennis ouser, Prescott Chorale Artistic Director, has a career spanning over years as a music educator, performer and conductor. is e periences include conducting the Master Chorale of avapai College, the Paci c Chorale and the Orange County Master Chorale, plus

Glad Tidings We Bring

Celebrate the season with family and friends

n Saturday, Dec. 1 , the Prescott Chorale presents Glad Tidings e ring, its popular annual oliday Concert. ith two concerts and two separate programs, Artistic Director Dennis ouser has selected traditional carols in new se ngs as well as some lesser known holiday works. ach performance will feature organ, the St. uke s ell Choir under the direction of im lein, and brass. The concerts take place at St. uke s piscopal Church, 2000 Shepherds ane, Prescott. Concert times are 2:30 and :30 p.m., with carol singing 30 minutes before the performance. Tickets are 21 for adults, 6 for students and children 12 and under are free. Tickets are available at prescottchorale.org.

The French Connection: From Paris to Prescott Saturday, April 2 , 2019 2:30 p.m. perience the Impressionism, the Passion, the rilliance of rench composers

Tickets are 21 for adults, 6 for students and children 12 and under are free. Tickets are available at prescottchorale.org.

guest conducting throughout the .S. and other countries. ouser has been featured as guest soloist with the ollywood owl Orchestra, Paci c Sympho ny, Pasadena Symphony, Paci c Chorale, illiam all Chorale, Orange County Master Chorale, plus numerous other guest artist

appearances.

Maestro ouser has served as guest clinician in over 200 music festivals nationwide. e is currently the Choirmaster of St. uke s piscopal Church in Prescott and is the founding and current Artistic Director of the Prescott Chorale.

SHOP WITH A COP PROGRAM GIVES CHILDREN A HAPPY HOLIDAY

by Debora Black, Chief of Police, Prescott

Shop with Cop is program pairing law enforcement officer with a child to give the child an opportunity to see an officer in a nonthreatening situation. This program fosters a positive relationship between the two, while also allowing the child to provide for and contribute to their family s Christmas.

All of the children involved in Shop with a Cop are special, and many are in difficult situations either at home or at school.

ach of them are given an allotment of money to spend for needed items as well as gi s for family members and loved ones. This event is made possible solely from donations from uad City citizens, organizations and businesses.

The 21st annual Shop with a Cop event will take place on Saturday, Dec. 1 . ach child is introduced to an officer, who vol

unteers his or her time to participate in the event. The child and the officer will then take part in a lights and siren procession from Prescott at appro imately :30 a.m. and will travel down State Route 69 to the almart on Glassford ill Road in Prescott alley.

Santa Claus is scheduled to arrive at almart, with the help of our local emergency services teams. The group will then enjoy breakfast and spend the morning shopping together.

ocal mascots will be making surprise visits throughout the morning. In the past, we have been joined by ddie agle, Deputy Do Right, Smokey ear and McGruff the Crime Dog.

As in years past, appro imately 12 state and local law enforcement agencies will participate. At appro imately 10:30 a.m., the children and officers will return to Prescott where they will meet their parents guardians.

Our hope is for more than 100 children

to participate in this year s program. The children, ages to 12, are referred by area schools, community members and organi zations including Child Protective Services, avapai ig rothers ig Sisters, est avapai Guidance Clinic, American Red Cross, local school districts and area law enforce ment and re agencies.

Shop with a Cop has proven to be a very worthwhile program for the children, their families, the volunteers and our community.

In 199 , the rst year of the program, 39 children were each given 60 to shop with. ast year, 11 children went shopping, each with 2 0. In the last 20 years, local law enforcement has taken 1, 13 deserving children shopping during this special event, spending over 32 ,000. The Prescott Police Department has the privilege of coordinating this valuable program.

ELK’S SECOND RENOVATION ANNIVERSARY BRINGS

ADDITIONAL GROWTH

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

Hello all. It is hard to believe the lks Theatre and Performing Arts Center is now two years past its renovation.

A lot has happened here in the past couple of years, so much that one article cannot do all of it justice.

The theater now shows movies every ednesday, playing a variety of titles from Gone ith the ind to Top Gun.

Our second oor dance halls are lled with dance instructors in a variety of disciplines. e have also had huge success with our Top of the lks azz concerts, which now take place every second Monday of the month.

e were also fortunate enough to be able to gi a 6,000 scholarship to a Prescott igh School band student via our Ann C. Dater Memorial Scholarship und.

The most e citing thing that has happened within the last year is the addition of our new state of the art audio recording and mi ing studio.

The completion of this studio represents two years of work from the lks team. The purpose is to provide a low cost, professional option for access to audio recording to a larger segment of the performing arts community.

e are fortunate enough to contract with multiple e perienced and well trained recording engineers who will be able to help local artists take their talents to the next level. This studio includes enger sound isolation recording booths with input channels. The studio is powered by

ogic X so ware interface and also includes all of the mi ing so ware necessary to cut a demo or record your podcast. ust stop on by to take a look and chat with one of the recording engineers.

The new recording studio is open to the public and will operate 2 hours a day, seven days a week. Musicians can choose from multiple recording engineers who have a combined 90 years of e perience.

Our engineers specialize in multiple genres including bluegrass, hip-hop, rap, metal, rock, blues, country, atin and others. sing our Wenger sound booth technology, the engineers can simultaneously record multiple artists in isolation, creating crisp and clean sound for professional recordings.

The recording studio is representative of the lks Theatre and Performing Arts Center mission to enhance the performing arts community in Prescott and the surrounding area. e take pride in being able to offer these subsidized services to the great performers here in the Prescott area. e are truly blessed to have such a great and supportive performing arts community here, and it is an honor and privilege for the lks to be able to make a positive impact within it.

The hope is that the center can recreate the success that has been seen in the second oor dance studios, which now accommodate 2 instructors in 1 different dance disciplines. e were able to create

this success by supplying professional resources at prices subsidized to give all community members access to space, regardless of nancial means. One of the major draws for our dance studios is we have the only sprung Marley oored studio in the entire Prescott area. In our continued drive to provide top quality resources for performers, the recording studio is meant to enhance the music community the same as the dance studios enhance the dance community. e are con dent the quality of the equipment and personnel will ensure our hope becomes a reality.

It is through participation from community members we are able to provide the entertainment and services that we do, and we are e tremely thankful to be living in such a responsive and engaged community.

In addition to supporting the maintenance of one of the oldest historic buildings in the avapai County, a portion of every dollar spent in the theater or center goes to programs bene ting youth in the uad Cities. ithout Prescott s caring support, along with the donations and patronage of the community, we would not be able to do this.

Those interested in receiving tours of any of the spaces mentioned in this article can contact the theater at 92 13 9 or the Performing Arts Center at 92 6 2 .

On behalf of the staff and volunteers at the lks Theatre and Performing Arts Center, I would like to wish everyone happy holiday season and invite you to spend part of your holiday with us here at the center. hether you catch a movie, enjoy a class, attend a show, or join us for Acker ight, it s always a great time at the lks Theatre and Performing Arts Center.

JOIN THE STORYTELLERS AT THE SMOKI MUSEUM

by Julie E . Rucker, Administrative Manager, Smoki Museum

n the heart of the holiday season, just a er Christmas and before the new year, there e ists a respite from the hubbub and the hectic holiday urry: Storytellers.

Storytellers at The Smoki Museum of American Indian Art and Culture is a peaceful oasis for families and individuals of our com munity. It is an annual event for everyone, from every culture, to revisit a cherished tra dition of winter. It celebrates the time when families gather inside to recall stories that have been told throughout the generations.

Tales of old teach heritage, origins and practices, and embody the very nature of e istence for both human and nonhuman forms that occupy this great blue marble upon which we live.

Some people wonder why we hold this event so soon a er Christmas when it is clearly one of the busiest times of the year for a great many people. The answer is quite simply that it is the tradition of the ative people. Many of the stories shared are cre

ation based accounts that within the scope of ative religions may not be spoken until a er the winter solstice.

It is, coincidentally, or perhaps not, precise ly when the busy among us need therapeu tic break.

At the Smoki Museum, we admire this tradition shared by the indigenous cultures of the Southwest. So, for several years, we have hosted a family event aptly named Storytell ers. riends from a variety of ative nations graciously accept our invitation to speak to our museum visitors: children, parents, grandparents people of all ages and from all national origins.

They rst arrive at the museum, and then walk a short distance to the Pueblo uilding. Crossing over the threshold of the historic stone structure, they leave behind the crisp winter air as well as the chaos of the holiday season.

The welcomed visitors are greeted by the sweet aroma of hot apple cider and the

crackles and pops of juniper and pine logs, which cast an orange glow upon the hearth. They are invited to partake in complimentary and wholesome refreshments and treats and choose their seats, which have been arranged near the replace. Some stay throughout the duration of the event, while others come and go at their leisure. All listen attentively, focused on the storytellers and the wisdom in the stories they convey.

The stories are as varied as the assortment of delicious cookies, lovingly homemade by Smoki Museum volunteers. Tales are fre quently a marriage of lore and morality, truth and purpose.

Animals are o en among the main char acters. Their attributes and behaviors are humanized to emphasize and explain their origins or to enlighten the listeners. Mysteries are revealed. Caution is transmitted. essons are learned.

or ative families, stories are a mech anism used to teach the young about their

ancestry from creation onward. Through this oral tradition, the children come to know the past and to realize the importance of behav ioral choices, their potential rewards or their inevitable consequences.

In our Pueblo uilding, our guest storytell ers impart the knowledge of the ages while endearing themselves to those gathered, o en by sharing bits of their personal e pe riences. The audience acquires a heightened understanding of the family of humankind, its relationship to na ture, and its role in the universe.

Storytellers at the Smoki Museum is heart-warming event for all.

Some of our storytellers return annually, and there are always some new faces among them each year. In 201 , featured story

tellers were Duane Tawahongva opi , Gary eene and oah eene Din and Acoma , icole strada ucero aqui , Manuel Robert ucero I Cherokee , Michael Goodluck Din , and Twi ard Apache . ach brought their genuine spirit, wit, delightful whimsy and captivating solemnity. As special treats, Mi chael played his ute and Twi demonstrated basket weaving. This year will be delightful as well, with friends from several ative nations already booked and eager to participate.

The staff and volunteers of the Smoki Museum cordially invite you to join us for Storytellers on Thursday, Dec. 2 , from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Regular museum admission rates apply there is no additional fee to attend Storytellers.

As always, atives, Smoki Museum mem bers, and children younger than 13 are free. Complimentary refreshments will be served. scape the rush of the holiday season and embrace the comfort of a time honored tradition.

OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES ABOUND IN ARIZONA’S CHRISTMAS CITY

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

ecember is an e citing time to be a resident of Prescott, Arizona s Christmas City. With abundant sunny days and overall mild climate, outdoor rec reation opportunities can last well into the winter months.

While water sports at our area lakes are likely to slow, hiking, bicycling and horseback riding are still inviting ways to enjoy the local trails. or winter trail activities, the Granite Dells has several e posed trails ranging from easy to difficult, all located within minutes of the downtown business district. isitors and residents from around the state and beyond are likely to enjoy holiday themed events beginning the Saturday a er Thanksgiving with the oliday ight Parade.

The rst Saturday in December features the Chamber of Commerce s annual Christmas Parade. ater in the evening, residents and visitors gather around the Courthouse Plaza for the annual Courthouse ighting where the story of Christmas is read aloud,

school children line the courthouse steps to sing carols, and the crowd celebrates as the courthouse is illuminated for the season.

Starting at 6 p.m., Sharlot all Museum hosts the annual rontier Christmas, taking guests back to much simpler times when Prescott was the Territorial State Capital. A small fee is required for this event, and the gi shop welcomes anyone looking for a unique holiday gi .

The following riday night Dec. this year is Acker ight, when downtown businesses extend their store hours and feature live music while raising nancial support for the future of music and children in Prescott. This event is ideal for grabbing something warm, a group of friends or family, and strolling from business to business taking in the sights and sounds of the holidays.

ocal theaters also offer holiday themed performances. The lks Theatre, Prescott Center for the Arts and avapai College are sure to offer a

variety of family friendly shows.

Santa makes his stop at the Grand ighland oliday Courtyard located on historic hiskey Row just before heading back to the orth Pole. e will be there Saturday, Dec. 22 and Sunday, Dec. 23 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Patrons can bring their own cameras and enjoy complimentary refreshments while ge ng in those last minute Christmas wish lists. ew ear s ve showcases the nal event of the calendar year with the hiskey Row oot Drop, offering two separate drops at 10 p.m. and midnight. A 6 foot illuminated cowboy boot is lowered while attendees ring in the ew ear with food, music and plenty of entertainment. This event is held in front of hiskey Row on Montezuma Street from Gurley Street to Goodwin Street.

or more information on these events as well as others, visit prescott az.gov events, and for a complete guide to trails managed by the City of Prescott visit prescotttrails.com.

STAY HEALTHY AND HAPPY WHILE YOU CELEBRATE

by Leslie Horton, Director, Yavapai County Community Health Services

Thanksgiving, Christmas, Hanukkah, New Year’s Eve, whatever and however you celebrate, these are supposed to be times of fun, togetherness and holiday cheer. Yet, they can bring challenges to our physical and emotional wellness. ere are eight tips for staying healthy and happy during this season of joy.

1. Eat well. It is common to pack on or more pounds during the holiday season, but there are ways you can eat both healthy and well. Know which foods are high in caloric content and low in nutrition. It is completely O to indulge, if you follow one simple rule: 90 percent of the time, eat healthfully, and for the remaining 10 percent, go ahead and allow yourself some less healthy treats without any guilt at all. Eat smaller meals instead of saving yourself for one huge buffet.

Opt for healthy options at home, and when visiting others bring a healthy dish to share. Beware of liquid calories, including alcoholic beverages.

. Stay active Exercise is just as important during the holidays as any other time of the year. ou should be active at least four to ve times a week, preferably with some aerobic exercise every day. Sure, the days are short and the weather is chilly, but your body still needs movement to thrive.

Aim for at least 30 minutes of fresh air activity each day and don’t forget to drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.

. Prevent illness and injuries. Colds and the u are most prevalent in the winter. Prevent them by washing your hands regularly and urging others to do the same. Stay warm by dressing in layers. Sprinkle sand on icy patches to avoid slipping. Watch

young ones and assist the elderly, who are at increased risk of falls and other injuries during this time.

. Check your heating system. Assure that your home heating works and is safe. Carbon monoxide is silent killer. Install carbon monoxide detector and test it once month. Keep grills and generators out of the house, and do not run your car in the garage to warm it up. Most residential res also occur in the winter; never leave lighted replaces, stoves and candles unattended.

. Travel safely. Whether you are traveling down the block or halfway across the world, follow e tra precautions. Give yourself plenty of time in the additional holiday traffic. ever drink and drive. Be on the lookout for reports of extreme weather and heed warnings. If you are traveling away from home,

make sure to pack and take your medications. now how to contact your doctor when you are away and be aware of where the local ER is, just in case.

. De stress. Holidays can be a very stressful time. ou may be working and feel the stress of managing your work duties along with additional commitments to your friends and family. You may feel the nancial stress of budgeting for gi s and the interpersonal stress of con icts. Try to anticipate sources of stress and develop plan to manage them. This may involve commi ng to fewer get togethers or se ng a tighter budget. Do not feel guilty; you have to take care of yourself before you can effectively take care of others.

. Help others. Depression and suicidality tend to increase during the holidays. Watch for signs of depression among your friends and family. Take an active role to support those in need. Invite those colleagues or friends who are alone over the holidays to spend them with you. Volunteer and give to those less fortunate.

. Do something special for yourself. The holiday spirit is about helping others around you, but you also have to make time for self care. Perhaps most importantly, make sure you get enough rest. Proper sleep and rela ation will help keep your immune system strong, as well as relieve stress. A er a long day of holiday preparations, sip herbal tea, meditate, snuggle up with book, or watch classic holiday movie with your family. Take the time to wind down so you can get full eight hours of quality shut-eye. Do not feel obligated to do everything and see everyone. Choose activities that truly give you joy, and forget about obligations.

AT THE YAVAPAI COUNTY COURTHOUSE PLAZA, TREE MAINTENANCE IS A NEVER-ENDING LABOR OF LOVE

by David McAtee, Public Information Officer, Yavapai County Board of Supervisors

Since the planting of the first trees in at the Yavapai County Courthouse Pla a in downtown Prescott, the Pla a has evolved into a popular gathering place for citi ens and visitors alike, partly due to the inviting cool shade of the urban forest.

Yavapai County Facilities Director enny an euren was recently asked to explain the need for the recent removal and replacement of numerous trees.

In the ’ s, the trees were topped, meaning the tops of the trees were cut off. At the time, this was a common method of trimming but is no longer recommended. In the case of the Pla a trees, topping created spaces where water could pool and soak into the tree, which eventually rotted out the center of several trees.

an euren went on to explain they knew they had a problem when they cut down a tree showing signs of rot and discovered the majority of the tree was hollow with only a thin shell remaining.

This unfortunate condition had created a dangerous situation that re uired uick and decisive action to protect visitors from potential injury

due to weakened trees that could break and fall.

Yavapai County o cials called in a local arborist to assess the situation, and they also purchased a machine to sonically assess the density of the trees.

With the information gathered, the experts compiled a list of trees that were a potential danger and needed to come down.

shedding of leaves and dieback of twigs and branches. It also produces large amounts of honeydew, a sugar rich sticky li uid secreted by scale insects as they feed on tree sap. Honeydew can cause additional dieback in healthy trees.

feet apart. This adversely effects the older trees, as well as the new trees and grass, by preventing proper exposure to direct sunlight.

The long term sustainable plan, already in progress, is to continue to monitor the trees and remove the ones that appear to be at risk of breaking.

an euren and his staff developed and submitted to the Yavapai County oard of Supervisors a long term plan to remove old sick trees and replace them with younger trees.

an euren said, This will ensure that for the next to years and beyond, we will have vibrant, healthy, sustainable trees surrounding the Courthouse.

“This

The solution was to drill several small holes at the base of each tree and insert a small plastic piece just at the right depth. This techni ue allowed the grounds crew to inject a pesticide directly into the tree and kill off the insect from the inside.

will ensure that for the next 20 to 30 years and beyond, we will have vibrant, healthy, sustainable trees surrounding the Courthouse.”

~ Van Keuren

A second concern of the trees faced by the o cials was an infestation of European Elm Scale.

Heavy scale infestations cause premature yellowing and

an euren observed, If you look at the tops of the trees you can already see the dieback starting to recover. The tops of the trees are more vibrant with more growth than last year. We are hopeful this renewed growth will continue in future years.

The final issue an euren and his staff are fighting is over crowding. Large trees should be spaced about feet apart. In some places throughout the Pla a, the trees are only to

A do en trees have already been removed and are being replaced by young, properly spaced trees resistant to disease. Proper maintenance and care will encourage sustained growth.

an euren said, Yavapai County has an incredible staff of grounds care professionals who are passionate about the work they do. uilding Maintenance Supervisor en Schult and Maintenance rounds Supervisor eoffrey Crooks and their crews take pride in ensuring the Pla a is safe, looks beautiful and can be enjoyed by generations to come.

If you haven’t visited the Yavapai County Courthouse Pla a, now is the time. Come see the trees decorated with lights, the weather is just perfect.

1864: PRESCOTT’S FIRST CHRISTMAS

by Drew Desmond, Contributing Writer, Prescott Western Heritage Foundation

Winter began early in 1 6 , and by the middle of December the trails were mostly snowed under and lost all but those o en traveled, which led to the placer gold mines on yn Creek, or to alnut Grove and the camps on the assayampa. The snow lay white over the hills the tops of the high peaks were crystal white and cold and the pine and cedar and juniper trees were sparkling like trees on a Christmas card, one writer of Christmas 1 6 remembered. rom a distance, one could see two welcoming American ags ying in the wind. One ag ew from a tall staff that stood on the parade ground of ort hipple the other from the Governor s Mansion.

There were only a few dozen log houses in Prescott along the plaza and the banks of Granite Creek. The town s streets only e isted on the papers of Robert Groom, who had just laid out a capital city among the forest trees of the little valley, it was recalled in Christmas 1 6 .

here the plaza now lies, camp res burned under trees tents and shelters stood haphazard and a few wagons with dirty canvass covers were pulled up under the best tree shelter their owners could nd.

There were roughly 200 to 300 Anglos around the Prescott area, and the few houses that did exist happily opened their doors to all who arrived.

Through the window shutters of whip sawed boards the light of the replace or candles ltered out to cheer late travelers, The Prescott vening Courier observed. There were no glass windows in Prescott then, not even in the Governor s Mansion. ut there was Christmas cheer even if no

windows re ected it.

The women welcomed in everybody they could, and their home cooking was as good Christmas present as any man in the wilderness would ask, the newspaper reported.

The governor welcomed guests by the dozen. is private secretary, a renowned cook, served a large dinner that featured roast venison and wild turkeys and also beef, which was a great treat even if it was a tough old work steer. There was a jolly crowd of officials, and the military band played for the ball that night, the paper noted.

ittle girls danced with grave and digni ed officers whose tall shoulders were far above the pig tailed heads of their little pardners. One little girl spoke of how she carried her Christmas doll in one hand as she danced.

estivities at the mansion concluded with a little service of song with Parson Reed, the rst minister in Prescott, in charge, the newspaper said. Since stores were far away,

Sources: Christmas , Author unknown. SHM Archives. Prescott Evening Courier

gi s were mostly homemade.

Prescott s rst Christmas was both simple and beautiful. Those early settlers displayed the kind of community they desired to raise their children in one that was friendly, generous and patriotic.

World’s Largest Gingerbread Village

On display at The Prescott Resort and Conference Center

This stunning attraction is made up of is made up of hundreds of unique gingerbread structures that are handcrafted and displayed in a whimsical village at the resort.

Pre co e or and on erence en er 1500 East State Route 69 Prescott, A 6301 92 22 2313

Celebrating our 26th Year!

ENCHANTED CHRISTMAS INDOOR

TOUR OF LIGHTS RETURNS AT A NEW LOCATION IN DEPOT MARKETPLACE

Inside the previous Manzanita Outdoor business, behind Starbucks Co

Presented by M&M Entertainment Productions, nchanted Christmas Indoor Tour of ights opened its doors ov. 23 for the h year.

nchanted Christmas is an indoor holiday light attraction with over 00,000 lights. There are 12 themed rooms, a large Department 6 Christmas illage and a model railroad display by Point of Rocks Model Railroaders Club. The attraction is suitable for all ages and is wheelchair accessible.

Matt rassard of M M ntertainment and Productions said, hen you walk through nchanted Christmas you truly

feel a sense of Christmas all around you. ut the true spirit of the holidays is when you see the kids eyes light up as they walk through all the different themed villages. This is one of the largest displays of its kind in the Southwest, and we are honored to bring it to the Prescott area for all to enjoy.

e re e cited about our new downtown location, making it easy for people who are enjoying the Courthouse Plaza festivities outside to come on over to us inside and warm up.

Co founder of M M ntertainment Productions Marco spitia added, e also have a wonderful gi store

inside, so for those last minute shoppers or for those hard to nd gi s, you can choose from a variety of unique items and holiday d cor. Customers will also be able to get a coupon to our store Marc our Treasures at 209 . Gurley St.

The attraction will also help local nonpro t avapai ood ank. Collections of canned food and toys will be distributed and donated locally in avapai County. ast year, over 19 tons of canned food was collected for the food bank, as well as thousands of toys.

nchanted Christmas is presented by M M ntertainment Productions

Easy Pumpkin Crunch Recipe

By Jo Wobser, ROX Media Group

and Depot Marketplace. Other sponsors include elken orn Advertising Agency, loom Tree Realty, Arizona Commercial Real state and Matt s Saloon.

Info line: 00 6 1 006. or more information or to schedule a tour, contact M M ntertainment and Productions at 92 1 2.

Admission: $5

Children and under are free

Last day is Dec. 30 Visit enchantedchristmasAZ. com or more in ormation

This is a popular holiday dessert in Hawaii. My auntie would always make this for Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners. The original recipe calls for packed pumpkin in a can, but I modified it to use the “Easy” Pumpkin Pie Filling.

Ingredients

1. 1 yellow cake mix 2. can Easy pumpkin pie filling 3. 2/3 cup or 1 can evaporated milk (5 oz.)

4. large eggs 5. 1 cup of pecan halves

cup utter

1 tub of Cool Whip 8. 1 block of cream cheese

Instructions

. rease bottom of x pan, line the bottom of the can with parchment paper.

. Combine pumpkin mix, milk and eggs.

3. Mix and pour into pan.

4. Sprinkle half of the yellow cake mix evenly over pumpkin mixture.

5. Top with pecans and cover with the other half of the cake mix.

. Dri le melted butter over top and bake degrees for minutes or until golden brown.

. When cool, loosen pumpkin crunch from side of pan with a knife.

. Invert pan onto platter the top becomes the crust . Refrigerate to cool.

. lend softened cream cheese with Cool Whip and spread evenly over pumpkin filling.

4th ANNUAL ACKER NIGHT SCARF FUNDRAISER

SPONSORED BY FANCY THAT!

t s the most wonderful night of the year

Sara Murray, owner of ancy That , has participated and sponsored a musician in her store during Acker ight for most of the 16 years she has been open in Prescott. This year will be the fourth year Sara has donated scarves to be sold on Acker ight. She has ordered 1, 00 tartan plaid scarves. They feel like a really nice cashmere scarf.

The shop collects a 10 donation for each scarf and all the money will go to the Acker scholarships. The fundraiser will bring in 1 ,000. That is her goal for 201 . er vision again is to have everyone wan dering around downtown wearing the same plaid scarf showing they have supported the Acker event.

Sara felt like there was something more that could be done for raising money for the scholarships as well as giving something to the public for attending.

So it was good for all last year the shop sold out the 1,000 scarves and collected over 10,000. Sara hopes to see people sporting last year s scarves, as well as wanting to donate again to have a 201 scarf.

Scarves will go on sale starting at noon on Acker riday, Dec. , at both locations: ancy

That 12 S. Granite and ancy That ome oliday Store 109 S. Granite. ust a skip across the street across to and ne t to the downtown parking garage on Granite Street. They will also be available during the Acker event up on the square at the Acker informa tion booth. ancy That will host musicians at both locations and, of course, the popular bon re with complimentary s mores. This is the shop s favorite night of the year and it s all for a good cause

Santa will also be available at ancy That s The ome And oliday Store for free pic tures during the Acker event.

ENJOY CHRISTMAS IN CHINO VALLEY

y orette rashear irector hino a ey ham er o ommerce

Chino Valley has once again revamped our Christmas program. Every year it keeps ge ng bigger and better

This year’s event is called December to Remember at Memory Park. estivities are Dec. , from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. The park will be lled with lights, and we will have vendors there to help you with your holiday shopping. ids activities will be from 3 to 6 p.m. e will have bounce houses, games and fun for the entire family.

Don’t miss Santa’s amazing

appearance at 4 p.m. as he lands in helicopter and passes out toys to all the kids. There will be Christmas carolers, hot chocolate, and we will light up our town Christmas tree and park. This event will surely put you in a jolly mood. Park will be lit from December th through the 31st. Come take stroll and see the lights. For more information visit chinovalley.org.

Yavapai Humane Society’s Equine Center presents the rst Old ashioned Cowboy Christmas on Dec. 1 .

The YHS Equine Center will turn into holiday oasis complete with sleigh rides, Santa Claus, holiday vendors, caroling and so much more. The event is free to the public. Guests also will have chance to meet some of the horses waiting for their forever home. ear your best holiday or cowboy a re and come from 1 to p.m.

The S quine Center is at 3 31 . Road 1 , Chino alley. or more information visit yavapaihumane.org.

COME DOWNTOWN TO FEEL PRESCOTT’S HOLIDAY MAGIC!

The Prescott Downtown Partnership invites you to enjoy the magic of the holiday season in our historic downtown.

ach year the community comes together to live up to our designation as Arizona s Christmas City and to make it a special time for all.

The kickoff for the Christmas events was the 23rd annual oliday ight Parade sponsored by the Prescott Downtown Partnership and nisource nergy.

The parade was on Saturday, ov. 2 and began at 6 p.m. The parade route began at the corner of Carleton and Cortez streets and nished at Mile igh Middle School.

There were commercial and family entries, dance troops and the parade usually includes one or two bands during the 0 minute event. Christmas lights, costumes and music what could be better

The parade nished at the middle school on Goodwin Street where the oats circled around the track. Santa handed out candy canes and was available to interact with the kids in the crowd.

There was a bon re and Christmas music to nish off a great evening Many thanks to the more than 2 volunteers who staffed these events.

Saturday, Dec. 1, was a big day, starting with the annual Christmas Parade at 1 p.m. At 6 p.m., Sharlot all Museum welcomed visitors to rontier Christmas at its campus just east of the square.

The big event of the day was the Courthouse ighting Ceremony, starting off with caroling and a short program at 6 p.m., with the lighting taking place at appro imately 6:20 p.m. There was a huge crowd gathered to see more than a quarter million lights shining in the night.

riday, Dec. is Acker Music night. This downtown event will begin at :30 p.m. and feature live music in 1 0 businesses. ou can enjoy the lights and the music and wander the streets while the fun continues until :30 p.m.

ring your youngsters to see Santa at the oliday Courtyard ne t to the Grand ighland otel on Dec. 22 and 23. The visit will be from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., so bring your camera and make some memories.

ew ear s ve has a estern avor in downtown Prescott with the hiskey Row oot Drop. ocated right on hiskey Row, you can ring in the new year with refreshments, entertainment and a boot drop at 10 p.m. and midnight.

WELCOME 2019 AT THE WHISKEY ROW NEW YEAR’S EVE BOOT DROP

by Tracey Horn, Helken & Horn Ad Agency

8th Annual New Year’s Event Rings in the New Year in downtown Prescott,

Arizona

Where wi you be when the b t drops?

Thousands will welcome 2019 on Monday, Dec. 31, 2018 from 8 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. This will be the 8th annual event and is free to all ages.

10

9 6 3 2 1

appy ew ear or those fortunate enough to be on Whis key Row in downtown at the stroke of 10 p.m. or midnight will be joined in orthern Arizona s best party with the spectacle of the hiskey Row ew ear s ve oot Drop.

Thousands will welcome 2019 on Monday, Dec. 31, 201 from p.m. to 12:30 a.m. This will be the th annual event and is free to all ages.

The festive 6 foot illuminated cowboy boot lowers from a 0 foot agpole with two drops the rst at 10 p.m. and the second drop at midnight. As the crowd cheers on both drops, reworks will light up the night sky. The earlier drop occurs simultaneously with the traditional all Drop in ew ork City. It is especially popular with young families and those who wish to retire early. Many stay to cheer both

drops because twice is nice

The boot descends from atop the historic Palace uilding which is over 30 feet high. One can only wonder how past residents like yatt arp and Doc olliday would have appre ciated the goings on. The last seven years have drawn thousands of people of all ages. hile not as big as the ball descending in Times Square since 190 , the hiskey Row oot Drop event is woven into Prescott s holiday spirit and is a ng closing celebration in Arizona s Christmas City.

Prizes are given throughout the night with D music by Magic 99.1 M, rides on a erris wheel and food and drink from vendors.

Matt rassard is co owner of M M ntertainment Production, the event planners. very year is better than the last and this year s boot drop should top them all. This is a must see event for residents of the uad Cities as well as an attraction drawing in visitors from across the country who enjoy the accommodations and dining in the Prescott area, not to mention the Old West saloons along Whiskey Row. says rassard.

The event is presented by amb Chevrolet and Depot Marketplace. It is co sponsored by the City of Prescott, est SA Realty, orthern Arizona Suns, lind rothers Arizona and ar

rett Propane. Other sponsors include: avapai Regional Medical Center, ersey illy Saloon, Spring ill Suites, Magic 99.1, A 92.9fm, G 9 .9fm, MG 93.9fm, A S I 103.9fm 1 0am, elken orn Advertising Agency, Arrowhead odge Recovery, MI Print orks, Matt s Sa loon, ootework Auto icense Title Service, Pep oys, Prescott rewing Company, Pepsi, otel St. Michael, Center for Physical cellence, Cable One Advertising, The Daily Courier, l Gato Azul, assayampa Inn, orthern Arizona Social, Prescottenews.com, Dial A Ride, AAA Ta i, Prescott iving Magazine, uad City Smart Shopper, and SignalsA .com.

Marco spitia, co owner of M M ntertainment Production stated efore the boot drop was conceived, ew ear s ve was celebrated by people attending private parties or going bar hopping. Today it has blos somed into an event where thousands of joyous people join together in downtown Prescott to make memories of their best ew ear s ever. e are proud to be part of this delightful com munity event. There is no better place in Arizona to ring in the ew ear.

or r er in or a on con ac Matt rassar a or go o oo ro co

Health • Happiness • Education

Ingredients:

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Fight stubborn fat with the help of SculpSure, the non-invasive body contouring system.

Even with diet and exercise, most people have stubborn pockets of fat that seem impossible to lose. SculpSure’s body contouring technology is able to target and destroy these fat cells without a ecting the skin’s surface, without surgery or downtime.

SculpSure’s non-surgical 25 minute procedure uses light-based technology to permanently destroy up to 24% of treated fat in problem areas such as the abdomen and love handles. Over time, these damaged fat cells are naturally absorbed and removed from the body, with results seen as quickly as six weeks, and optimal results typically seen at 12 weeks.

EVERYBODY’S HOMETOWN IS ENRICHED WITH VETERAN HISTORY

by Mary Dillinger, Public Affairs Officer, NAVAHCS

The Northern Arizona VA Health Care System (NAVAHCS) has been serving veterans in the community since 1918. Prior to that, it was a U.S. Army Post, Fort Whipple, activated since 1864. There is so much history here on our beautiful campus as well as within the City of Prescott.

Prescott existed before Ari ona was even established as one of the states. In , Prescott was designated as the capital of Ari ona, and before then, Fort Whipple was the temporary capital of Ari ona. Prescott is named after historian William H. Prescott.

Prescott is the home of the brave ranite Mountain Hotshots, the elite firefighters from the Prescott Fire Department. There is even a movie about their courage and sacrifice called The rave.

Prescott is a great place to live and work, and it is full of history. Wyatt Earp’s older

brother irgil even lived in Prescott in . Several movies have been filmed in the beautiful City of Prescott and even at the A Medical Center.

From to , the medical center was known as the U.S. eterans ureau Hospital . It served as a tuberculosis care and treatment facility for veterans. There is a beautiful historical wall in building .

It explains the history of NA AHCS, A history, information about the outlining clinics throughout Northern Ari ona and much, much more.

The wall is inside the Miracle Mile hallway. It was given this name when veterans were being treated for tuberculosis. If during their treatment they made it to that hallway, it was considered a miracle.

NA AHCS was named a Historical District in . Over percent of the

buildings on campus are on the registry. So much history in one place, and the A has even found a way to moderni e the medical center and its grounds while still preserving the history.

NA AHCS serves over , veterans covering over , s uare miles of North ern Ari ona. Approximately two thirds of the enrolled veterans are from the ietnam era. The th anniversary commemoration lapel pin is presented to ietnam era veterans by the leadership and staff at the A.

NAVAHCS has been honoring Vietnam era veterans with th anniversary items for over six years. marked the beginning of the th anniversary of the ietnam War. The th anniversary commemoration items will be presented to ietnam era veterans until the year to commemorate the full years of the ietnam War.

There are many projects underway at the A to improve access and uality of care for our nation’s heroes. There will be a new laboratory and outpatient pharmacy by the end of , as well as many other projects such as the new sterile processing service and rehab building.

You can visit the Sharlot Hall Museum and learn about the history of Prescott, or you can visit the Fort Whipple Museum at the Prescott A. It is a free museum that is located in building on the A campus. It is open Thursday to Saturday from a.m. to 4 p.m.

To apply for a position or if you have any questions please contact (928) 717-7587 or visit prescott.va.gov.

SELECTING THE RIGHT PET BOARDING AND DAY-CARE FACILITY

by Mike Branigan, Owner/Operator, Run-A-Muk Dog Resort & Hotel

Selecting the right pet boarding facility for your furry friend can be an emotional decision and consists of many factors: Is this the right t for my pet, reputa tion of the business, recommen dations from friends and family, services they provide, location, can they support the medical needs of my pet, etc. The list goes on.

A er reviewing all of the information on websites, social media and marketing materials, the following are some key ques tions to help you make the right decision for your pet and give you valuable insight to asking the right questions:

1. Is your pet socialized with other animals, does he she go to the dog park alked daily with other dogs ave brothers and sisters

2. Does the boarding facility have 2 hour overnight su pervision of your pet

3. Is your pet kept in kennel all day and just let out a few times to go to the bathroom Dogs are social animals and need to be in the right environment.

. Does the facility have 2 hour per day emergency services

. ow well trained is the staff

6. hat are the cleanliness practices of the business . ow long has the business been operating . hat is the safety record of the business

These are just a few questions everyone should ask your per spective day care and boarding facility. Most of us care for our animals as much as our children, and you need to ask the same questions as you would when interviewing a perspective day care for your children.

Run A Muk Dog Resort and otel is orthern Arizona s premier, award-winning, pet day care and boarding facility. The comple is almost 1acre of dog socialized play yards and has been temporary home to hun dreds of thousands of animals over the last 12 years.

WHAT’S YOUR NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTION?

by Nancy Rothrock, CEO, Clinic Director, The Heart Shop (Let’s Get Healthy 4 You)

The ew ear is almost here, and we are so eager to make our ew ear s resolutions.

There s nothing like se ng goals, sticking to them and achieving them. That sense of accomplishment gives us the drive to continue, otherwise you ll just feel like you re going through the motions.

ew ear s resolutions give us a chance to re ect on the past and maybe do things differently in the future. ow do we set them and not feel guilty or let down if we do not achieve them

These are a few of my secrets that have helped me through the years to accomplish and complete my goals. et it be known I have chosen goals that have been difficult to complete, leaving me disappointed. ow wis er, would like to share how to make those goals and meet them.

le o 1: If there s one thing I know to be true about plans it is this, never tell anyone about them. If you re planning on going to the gym, just go the gym. Don t

announce it to everyone or you ll feel pressured to keep it up. If weight loss is in your plans, make your goal reasonable and pick a plan that will work for you. our goals should be a part of change and should be rewarding and fun to do.

le o 2: Se ng out your ew ear s resolutions and sticking to them can be quite overwhelming for some. ou ll feel pressured to achieve them, and this will probably result in giving up altogether. Avoid this by se ng small goals, as each victory will make you feel like you ve ac complished something. I personally always make one ew ear s resolution goal each year. I give myself plenty of time to achieve my goal, and I make it realistic. In past years I have made multiple goals, but I work on them at different times through out the year with a plan giving me time to fully focus on one at a time.

My goals over the years have been from losing weight, joining a gym, to spending less

and saving more. All of these were goals I have tried several times to complete, and I have failed several times. I kept asking myself, why could I not complete these simple goals ell, I made them unrealistic and didn t have a plan.

I have since completed these goals and many others. I have made my goals reason able and continued to work at them through out the year. Completing a goal makes you feel good and the ne t challenge even easier.

The o. 1 ew ear s resolution goal each year is to lose weight. I suggest saying: I am going to address my health this year. This is the year of wellness, proper diet remove pro cessed foods and e ercise by taking a walk. Or if you prefer, join the gym.

Set weight goal that is reasonable, and if possible join a program that offers a coach or mentor who can help you meet your goal. This is a person who is neutral and support ive to your personal goal and not judgmental and encourages you along the way. isit letsgethealthy you.com.

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SPORTSMAN’S WAREHOUSE:

THE GREAT INDOORS FOR THOSE WHO LOVE THE GREAT OUTDOORS

Since 19 6, Sportsman s Warehouse has been providing outdoor enthusiasts with quality merchandise in a friendly, low key shopping environment. hen you combine wide selection and great prices with a knowledgeable, e pert staff eager to assist you, there s really no reason to shop for your outdoor needs anywhere else. Opened in uly 2016, the Prescott Sportsman s Warehouse is proud to be member of the community we serve. ot only do we offer a

wide range of outdoor products, but we also have regular events, classes, workshops and e pert presentations. o matter what your level of e pertise, you ll nd a wealth of information to help you expand your horizons, develop your skills and gain even more enjoyment from your outdoor activities.

e re not just in the business, we re seriously into the outdoors. Our knowledgeable staff is made up of locals passionate about hunting, shing, camping, backpacking, hiking, shooting,

and all of the other great things we get to enjoy in beautiful Arizona. Chances are you ve run into some of us along the backcountry trails and destinations we re surrounded by, doing what we love most. It s not unusual to come down for a few more pieces of essential gear, get the latest shing reports, or just to check out the place and nd yourself swapping stories with one of us. That s just normal in our neck of the woods. e like to be around people interested in the same kinds of things we re into, naturally.

“We’re not just “in the business,” we’re seriously into the outdoors”.

It s nice to nd out about new products or tried and true staples of the industry that you may not have run across yet without feeling pressured to buy. e know that there s room for everyone in the outdoors, and that s why we offer a family friendly environment where people from all backgrounds and age groups can come to share our e citement and e periences. e are also committed to the community we live

in, striving to reach out and participate everywhere we can. e sponsor the Prescott rontier Days Rodeo and the Arizona Game ish s ree ishing Day. e believe in and support wildlife organizations like the Rocky Mountain lk oundation, Mule Deer Organization, ational ild Turkey ederation, Ducks nlimited, among others. Don t be surprised if you catch us hanging out at their events and annual banquets, having fun right along with you. e also participate in local holiday toy drives, fundraisers and donate to and participate in many other local organizations. Take the time to get to know your local Prescott Sportsman s arehouse. ou ll nd that we are “the great indoors for those who love the great outdoors. e re more than just a store we re your outdoor adventure partner, so be sure to take advantage of our friendly e perts, quality gear and down home a tude. ou ll be glad you did.

WHAT CAUSES KNEE PAIN?

by Robert J . Brownsberger, MD; and Dorian Lange, PharmD

Knee pain is a very common complaint affecting people of all ages.

nee pain can be caused by inju ries, mechanical problems, types of arthritis and other problems. The location and severity of knee pain may vary depending on the cause of the problem. It may be the result of an injury, such as a ruptured ligament or torn cartilage. Some of the more common knee injuries:

An AC injury is the tearing of the an terior cruciate ligament AC , common in sports players and athletes. The bones of the knee, including the kneecap patella , can be fractured during motor vehicle collisions or falls. A dislocated kneecap occurs when the triangular bone patella that covers the front of your knee slips out of place.

hen you have hip or foot pain, it may cause you to change the way you walk to spare these painful joints. ut this altered gait can place more stress on your knee joint.

Medical conditions including osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, gout and infections can also cause knee pain. ot all knee pain is serious. ut some knee injuries and medical conditions, such as osteoarthritis, can lead to increasing pain or joint damage and disability if le untreated.

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Our brand of stem cell injectables uses a proprietary method of isolating growth fac tors, cells and stem cells giving our patients the best possible bene ts from a regenerative medicine product. The use of cells, stem cells and growth factors have all shown to be one of the best therapeutic methods to help aid in tissue healing and repair.

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The LIVING Interview (continued)

...continued from page 21

going on in their lives, whether it's a grandbaby or graduation from high school or college. The younger ones admire the older ones. They're great role models.

PRESCOTT LIVING: You and your family, in the 28 years, have established some traditions. What are the two or three favorite traditions you have?

GREG MENGARELLI: We love just being together — quality time. We really try to be flexible as the kids change and grow. Now we're grandparents. We need to try to make sure that whatever we're doing accommodates everybody. And so things evolve and change. I'd say in terms of traditions, we enjoy going to church together weekly as much as we can. We also enjoy going to Beaver Lake, which is near Rogers, Arkansas. That's been a constant every summer. We go there and take as many kids as are available on vacation. Christmas is always a special time for our family to get together. We like to recap the year and count our blessings, all the good

things that have happened the past year.

PRESCOTT LIVING: Do you have traditions — like every kid puts an ornament on the tree?

GREG MENGARELLI: We're kind of nontraditional traditionalists that way. I can't think of any things that we do. When I grew up we used to always have breakfast for dinner on Christmas Eve. But that was because my dad was the pastor. We had responsibilities around Christmas time. But for us, most of it is just enjoying each other's company. We usually hang out at home. We get as many as we can home for Christmas. We find that too many traditions make it hard to be flexible in allowing others to join in. We want others to feel comfortable spending time with us and therefore don't want to put traditions above caring for people.

PRESCOTT LIVING: What do your kids think of you being mayor?

GREG MENGARELLI: (laughs). Well, they love it. They think it's cool that dad's the mayor, and they still enjoy wearing the T-shirts and hats

from the campaign. They think it's kind of a celebrity thing. They brag about me at school and stuff, which is kind of neat.

PRESCOTT LIVING: What does Sheila think?

GREG MENGARELLI: (laughs). You know, she knows it's a passion of mine, that it energizes me and that I enjoy it. She supports me and loves to see me doing what I love to do in leading the city.

PRESCOTT LIVING: What do you want your legacy as mayor to be?

GREG MENGARELLI: That's a good question. I'd like to improve the quality of life for our citizens. Hopefully we can do some things to improve what was already an amazing quality of life here in Prescott. I think for the city staff and our culture here, I want to make sure we improve those opportunities for city employees. I think if we can invest in them and improve their workplace and their culture at work that should turn around and positively benefit our citizens with quality customer service. I hope that’s a large part of my legacy. 

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Special Section:

HOMEOWNERS: PLEASE BE PATIENT WITH YOUR LICENSED CONTRACTOR

by Sandy Griffis, Executive Director, Yavapai County Contractors Association

There is not week that goes by when I do not receive calls from contractors near and far looking for employees.

ot a week goes by when I do not receive calls from homeowners indicating they have e ecuted a contract for a home project, but they are seeking another contractor who can get them on the schedule sooner rather than later.

Construction in avapai County is ranked the h largest industry and the third top growing industry.

Our industry is not alone in seeking employees. very business, including banks, newspapers, radio stations, health care facilities, police and re departments, cities and towns, grocery stores and the list goes on is in desperate need of good, hard working employees.

All businesses, and the industry that I love most, are struggling. Construction is short of labor, so projects can be scheduled up to si months out.

I am writing this edition s column to the homeowner. Please understand the labor shortage has affected our residential and commercial construction and probably will for some time. ust ask any of our construction companies from plumbers to drywall installers to electricians to landscapers to tile and ooring, they all say they cannot nd the manpower to handle the surge of homes, remodeling projects landscaping installations, weed removal, paver installations, deck repairs, painting, window replacements, etc.

elieve me, avapai County is not special. This is a problem felt across the .S.

Our industry partners are seeing more delays as they wait for crews to get to jobs. e do not have enough workers to get the jobs done.

I have mentioned in previous articles that the current labor shortage is likely to worsen because many of our current skilled workers in the trades are in their 0s, and they are ge ng ready to retire and go shing.

Arizona is seeing declines of 20 percent

or more in the workforce, according to the Associated General Contractors of America.

What this shortage does is raise builder costs and slows down construction, which is difficult for homeowners to understand. According to a local fence manufacturer and landscaper, It s ge ng to the point where you re really limited in what you can deliver.

ith fewer workers, contractors are becoming wary of signing new work contracts, especially with the workforce issues creating an uncertainly for start and completion dates.

ith the promise of new construction jobs only continuing to grow, homeowners, please understand with the labor shortage it is tough for our local contractors to keep up with all the demands on them. So, if I can say one thing, it is please be patient. I m afraid it s going to get worse before it gets better.

Our local jurisdictions are on track to record a high number of permits due to the accelerated permit activity and, of course, delays are occurring in issuing permits, and homeowners and builders are e periencing delays in starting projects.

As you can see, construction delays are plaguing everyone in the industry section. So again, please be patient.

ecause construction practically came to a halt during and a er the height of the downturn, the lack of quali ed workers wasn t noticeable at rst and now that we re back to building at top capacity, project delays are a serious issue in the construction business. ot only do they directly impact current work for the construction companies, they indirectly affect future projects as everything gets pushed. Material suppliers are overbooked and can t manufacture and deliver product fast enough.

Our contractors are scrambling to catch up without sacri cing quality. Please be patient. It is important to understand the construction workforce issues and understand our industry is working as hard

as it can to take care of your project and to deliver a good quality project.

Construction workers have become an increasingly rare and precious commodity. The shortage of workers is dramatically slowing down projects, so again, I repeat: omeowners please be patient.

Contractors would love to swoop in and save the day, but they can t. They simply don t have the manpower.

I want to close by saying being patient is o en easier said than done. Ge ng through the day can be hard enough knowing you are desperately waiting for that landscaping project that now has been delayed again. Then it is nally scheduled, but the contracted workers do not show up or called in sick, or the material delivery did not arrive. Guess what ou receive a call saying, I am sorry we cannot start your job today.

elieve me, these contractors do not want to call you and tell you your project is delayed. eing patient is hard, but remember being patient makes people feel good and paves the way for good relationships.

HOW TO PLANT A LIVING

by Lisa Watters-Lain, Arizona’s garden gal

An evergreen with a starring role in the mountains of Arizona is gaining nationwide popularity.

ere are si steps to plant an evergreen tree successfully, no matter the season.

For exact planting details that include drawings and measurements, ask for my “Guide to Mile High Planting” the next time you visit the garden center. You might also like the useful companion guide “Mile High Watering.”

The Single lue Pinyon Pine is a local variety that gives a bold appearance to a rustic tree. Its blue color blends well in dry mountain landscapes as well as modern and Mediterranean style gardens.

The tidy appearance and unusua l blue color is stunning, but this tree is gaining popularity at farmers markets for its pine nut production. ven at a young age, the tree produces pinecones with melt in your mouth nuts. et it grow wild to 10 feet or, for a perfect Christmas tree shape, prune it right a er its spring growth.

anuary is an e cellent month for planting evergreens. The timing is perfect for those using living trees as decorations during the holidays and then planting them a er the ew ear.

ecause of their wa y needles and high internal pitch, most conifers need surprisingly little water. Once these trees get up to size, our arid climate, dry soil, and extreme temperatures seem to keep them happy. This holds true for most other high country natives like pine, cypress, cedar, juniper and spruce.

S ep 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 surface of the soil in search of food and water. This is why bowl-shaped hole promotes the best root development. Rid the hole of rocks and debris larger than a golf ball.

S ep 2 Improve the planting soil by adding atters 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 ll in around each plant.

These trees, especially the native pines, do have trouble with our crummy mountain soil. They don t like to sit in wet soggy soils. A tree s internal metabolism is slowed to an almost stasis like state. ew root hairs will form along with ne t spring s candle buds as long as the soil drains properly. That s why digging the right size planting hole and adding the correct soil amendments are critical for a successful planting.

S ep vergreen trees are so sensitive to soggy soil that it is recommended they be planted on slight mound. hatever 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 still be able to see sunlight once planted. Step vergreens need the right plant food for a healthy start. se my specially blended All Purpose Plant ood , speci cally designed for Arizona s mountain plants. ust sprinkle the granules on top of the root ball and water in well. The slow release nutrients promote deep green color, while encouraging thicker root formation each time you water.

S ep Promote deeper roots with Root Grow. Add this liquid rooting hormone to the water you use to

CHRISTMAS TREE

saturate the root ball. It forces many new root hairs to grow into the surrounding soil. More roots mean a more vigorous plant. se this root tonic once a month until new candle growth emerges in spring.

Step Top dress the planting area with a 3 inch layer of shredded cedar bark. This e tra layer of nature s insulation holds moisture in, keeps weeds out,and protects from e treme temperature swings. It is like pulling a thick wool blanket over the roots when they are cold and shivering.

Water eep the tree moist but allow it to dry between watering. Give it a thorough soak twice per month throughout the winter. Once new growth is e perienced, bump the water schedule up to twice a week during the rst growing season, then once a week. or e act planting details that include drawings and measurements, ask for my Guide to Mile igh Planting the ne t time you visit the garden center. ou might also like the useful companion guide Mile igh atering.

ntil ne t time, I ll see you among the Christmas trees here at atters Garden Center.

isa atters ain can be found throughout the week at atters Garden Center, 1 1 . Iron Springs Road, in Prescott, or reach her at attersGardenCenter. com or .com attersGardenCenter.

Special Section: Home & Garden Maid to Order

Here at Prescott Maid to Order we have been proudly helping our community with their cleaning needs since 200 . ith over 13 years of e perience, we understand how crucial it is around the holidays to have our homes clean and sparkling for friends and family. Our main priority is to make life easier for each client who uses our services and to go the e tra mile to achieve customer satisfaction. e do this, not only because we care about our reputation in the community, but because we are passionate about what we do.

There are misunderstandings or even assumptions made about cleaning companies that they are too costly, not customizable, or that a contract is required. These are completely false: Prescott Maid to Order is licensed, bonded and insured, and we offer a 100 percent satisfaction guarantee

HAPPY HOLIDAYS TO ALL OUR COMMUNITY MEMBERS FROM OUR TEAM AT PRESCOTT MAID TO ORDER LLC

with no contracts. And best of all, we work with every client to create a custom cleaning plan to t your speci c needs and budget, and since we always send our cleaners out in teams of two or three, we are able to cover a lot in a short amount of time.

e take pride in providing a customized cleaning e perience for each client. e can help you out with a variety of services including windows, carpets, oors, ceiling fans, vents and everything from special cleanings to top to bottom cleanings, it s totally up to you.

ith no contracts, our clients choose when they need us, from bi weekly to monthly to seasonal, we can t any schedule, and provide the services that are most helpful

to our client, which is a big part of what we do here at PMTO, help our clients on a regular basis to maintain a clean and sparkling home.

ecause every member of our team is local and active in our community, we hear our customers wants and needs, and have e tended our services for your convenience we now offer, house si ng, pet si ng, trash removal, light yard cleaning, window cleaning, carpet, tile and grout cleaning and much more.

So, whatever your cleaning need is, whether you want to take the cleaning completely off your to do list forever or if you just need help with a speci c cleaning project, we are here for you and are very happy to help.

I am very pleased to e plain my level of con dent satisfaction which your staff, at Maid To Order, provides upon my residence within the StoneRidge Community of Prescott alley, Arizona. Maid to Order is highly trustworthy competent I am e tremely appreciative of the high caliber of service which Maid To Order provides at every level. Individuals who may be considering utilizing the services of Maids To Order should take great comfort in knowing your home care requirements will be completed in a highly professional manner. David from Stoneridge

REMODELING COST VERSUS VALUE

by Tom Reilly, Principal & CEO, Renovations

At Renovations we strive to not only provide e cellent service from de sign to construction, we also want to help people become educated on the remodeling process and the industry as a whole.

To that end, this article is to help people understand not only the relative cost associ ated with various remodel projects but also the immediate value they will receive based on a nationwide survey.

alue is, of course, a relative term. If you are doing the project for your enjoyment, up grading because you want to, then this article will serve as a guideline to what your project might cost.

This is the link to the most comprehensive, nationwide analysis of remodeling costs and their values: remodeling.hw.net cost vs val ue 201 .

So, why is this important The data provides valuable information on several

decision making levels.

As a consumer looking to remodel, the data establishes an average cost for various types of remodeling projects. ou can use this as guide to establish ballpark budget for your project. I have heard others refer to this report as sort of a elley lue ook for remodeling.

The problem with that analogy is automo biles are far more standardized than remodel ing projects. ou get the idea, I am sure.

Another valuable takeaway from this report is the immediate return on investment ROI you might e pect. Should you be considering selling your home, and you and your Realtor feel it needs updating, you can refer to the data for what you might e pect.

I am o en asked by Realtors and sellers to give advice on the efficacy of remodeling with an eye to selling. The question always leads to the variable of time. ow soon are you looking to sell

As a rule, the report gives us a time frame of one year.

That is to say if you were to add a bath room, or remodel your kitchen, the ROI can be fairly determined.

If, however, you were to remodel and remain in your home for another two years or more, this report begins to lose its accuracy. This is primarily due to the uctuations of your local real estate market.

ook at the report, read about the process used to gather and interpret the data. If you are considering remodeling your home, and wanted some notion as to cost, here it is.

or ore in or a on ca s a s o in a arcon Prescott or isi reno a onsaz co

Abby’s Pecan Pie Serves 8-10

By Julie Turetzky, ROX Media Group

This is my grandmother’s recipe for pecan pie that we’ve made every year for as long as I can remember. It’s originally from the “Dear Abby” column. er rave reviews the first time, it s been made at every family Thanksgiving since and was handed down to me by my grandmother.

1 9” Unbaked pie crust

1C Light corn syrup

1C Firmly packed dark brown sugar

3 Eggs, slightly beaten C utter 1/2 tsp Salt 1 tsp Vanilla

1C Pecan halves (heaping)

1. Preheat oven to 350.

2. Combine corn syrup, sugar, eggs, butter, salt and vanilla. Mix well. Pour filling into unbaked pe shell. Sprinkle with pecan halves.

3. ake minutes or until center is set test with toothpick . If crust seems to be ge ng too brown, cover with foil. Enjoy

Special Section: Home & Garden

The Risks of Not Keeping Up Your Commercial Property

by Staff Reports

If you own a commercial property or lease a building, you not only have to be concerned about risks that cause property damage, but also the risk of injury to visitors, customers and tenants.

It’s your legal responsibility to keep your property free of hazards that can result in injury or worse. If you fail to live up to your responsibility, you risk being sued by the injured party. And there are plenty of eager plaintiffs’ lawyers trawling for clients who have been injured on a commercial premises, which can yield them a fat settlement or court judgment.

Customers, tenants and visitors to your property have the right to their safety and you have to identify and remediate any hazards. If you overlook anything and fail to exercise a reasonable level of care in keeping the property free from preventable hazards, a crafty plaintiff’s lawyer can exploit this weakness, giving them a greater chance of winning a personal injury case.

Commercial premises liability claims can involve a wide range of situations, including: Slip, trip and fall accidents - A slip and fall may have occurred due to wet or damaged floors. Trips and falls may occur due to obstructions in walkways and poor lighting during evening hours.

Property defects - If you fail to keep up the property or conduct regular maintenance, hazards can easily develop. When hazards and property defects arise, it’s your responsibility to address them as soon as possible. And if it will take a while to make the repairs, you need to alert visitors, customers and tenants about the danger, like cordoning off an area and erecting visible signs warning of the hazard.

Negligent security - If your facility is located in an area with a higher than average level of criminal activity and break-ins, you are also expected to keep the premises and everybody visiting the site safe. If not, you can be held liable if anybody on the property falls victim to a crime.

Poor lighting, lack of security personnel, lack of security systems, and a lack of other safety measures can all lead to a negligent security claim.

Spotlight on inadequate lighting

There are three ways that inadequate lighting at a commercial property can contribute to a claim against your organization: Making a safe area unsafe - Poor lighting can conceal conditions that would not be considered a hazard under normal lighting as they would be visible. Inadequate lighting makes it harder to see curbs, inclines in walkways, steps, borders for planters and other decorations.

Masking existing hazards - Inadequate lighting can be especially dangerous when it serves to conceal the presence of hazardous defects already existing on a property. For example, if a foreign substance has been spilled on the floor, while that would be considered a hazardous condition even when fully illuminated, it becomes doubly hazardous when obscured by darkness.

Creating a magnet for crime - Poor lighting can give cover and concealment to criminals intent on mugging or harming individuals at your property in the evenings. If you create conditions for a mugger to sneak up on someone in your dim parking lot or near the entrance to a poorly lit building, they could sue you for negligence.

How insurance can help

Commercial general liability insurance is an essential part of every business owner’s insurance portfolio. It protects you and your business from claims of injury, property damage and negligence related to your business activities.

One of the most essential parts of the policy is premises liability coverage. This portion of the policy offers bodily injury and property damage coverage related to the ownership or maintenance of business premises.

Every business owner has some type of premises liability exposure. Any injury on your business premises, no matter how minor, can result in a lawsuit. The costs associated with defending yourself and paying damages can be devastating for your business. Premises liability coverage gives youand your guests - the protection you need.

But, you should note that premises liability insurance does not cover:

• Employee injuries

• Damage to your own business property (from fire, vandalism, theft, etc.)

If you are leasing space in a commercial building, your liability typically ends at the front door to your office and anything beyond that is the responsibility of the property owner. If you own and occupy a building, the entire property is your responsibility.

If you want more information on this type of insurance or want to evaluate your current coverage, give ROX Casa Grande Insurance a call at 800690-7660.

THE PRESCOTT PIONEER

Room With A View — ERAU Residence Hall Opens

Thumb Butte Suites is not just the newest building on the Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (ERAU) campus. It boasts having the best view, too.

The ribbon-cutting for the $20 million residence hall officia lly occurred Oct. 5 even though students have been living in the 278-bed facility since the beginning of fall term in late August.

O cially cu ng the ribbon to open Thumb utte Suites from left are architect Frank inghoffer, ERAU Chancellor Frank Ayers, ERAU Board of Trustees member Dave Robertson, ERAU Student Government President Zoe Crane, ERAU President Barry utler, Prescott Mayor reg Mengarelli and construction company executive Marty Hedland.

Zoe Crane, who is president of ERAU Associated Students, praised the new facility not only for its contemporary accommodations and features but also for a remarkable view from its floorto-ceiling east windows.

The view lets people enjoy a 180-degree panorama of the tree-covered Bradshaw Mountains to the south, the Granite Dells due east and Mingus Mountain and further north the San Francisco Peaks in Flagstaff 90 miles away.

The 72,000-square-foot, three-story building features student suites, three large study rooms, three lounges, a game room, a fitness center, a hospitality area with an oven and three fully equipped laundry rooms.

ERAU Chancellor Frank Ayers opened the ribbon-cutting ceremonies by saying ERAU-Prescott set a new enrollment record with 2,800 students attending the university.

“Only freshmen will be living in the new residence hall,” he said.

ERAU President Barry Butler said the new hall makes a statement about ERAU and its learning environment. Beyond that, he said, “It’s a beautiful facility.”

Prescott Mayor Greg Mengarelli said the City was pleased to partner with ERAU in supporting programs and projects that characterized its excellence. He emphasized the City will continue supporting the university in its growth for the benefit of the community.

Popular Restaurants Shut Their Doors

Three well-known Prescott restaurants shut their doors permanently in October.

The old-timer among them was El Charro Mexican Restaurant and Cantina, 125 N. Montezuma. It had operated continuously for almost 60 years.

The others were Prescott Family Diner, 502 Miller Valley near the U.S. Post Office, and Cupper’s

Bistro, 258 Lee Blvd., just east of Prescott Gateway Mall.

Announcement of closure of all three was done with signs attached to entry doors.

In the case of El Charro, as it was commonly known, owner Gary Denny said it was a difficult decision. Nineteen years earlier, he bought the popular eatery from his family, so it has

considerable sentimental value for him.

However, Denny will continue serving Mexican food at his Chino Valley location — El Charro Norte. It has been open for three years.

Similarly, while the east Prescott coffeehouse is shuttered after only five years, a second Cupper’s Coffeehouse

City Manager Michael Lamar echoed Mengarelli.

“What we see here is just one more example of a mutually beneficial partnership — more bait on the hook—that will keep our talented young people in the community,” he said.

The opening of Thumb Butte Suites marks the 16th residence hall building on campus.

will remain open at its present location, 226 S. Cortez, just across the street from Prescott City Hall. Its owners remain the same — Jamey and Andrea Maul.

The property where the Prescott Family Diner is located is now listed for lease. It was open in fall 2016. Its owner is Tally El Bayomy, who lives in Pennsylvania.

THE PRESCOTT PIONEER

PRESCOTT • PRESCOTT VALLEY • CHINO VALLEY • DEWEY-HUMBOLDT

Habitat For Humanity Leader Retires

Following almost 30 years of involvement with the Prescott Area Habitat for Humanity (PAHH), Executive Director Miriam Haubrich has retired, effective December.

Haubrich served as executive director for 14 years. Previously, she was involved with the board of directors and served on several major committees.

She did qualify her retirement, saying she was not totally dropping all involvement with PAHH. She said she would do some traveling and relaxing, but nevertheless will stay active with the local affiliate of Habitat for Humanity International. It is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.

Tom Peters, a past board president and current board member, praised Haubrich.

“In Haubrich’s public speak-

ing engagements, she never missed an opportunity to dispel the misconception that Habitat houses are free. Seldom do you find a compassionate person who is also a tough but fair leader and great team builder. That’s what we have had in Haubrich.”

Haubrich’s mantra over the years has been that PAHH helps people break out of the cycle of poverty by building homes and creating long-term financial security. She is insistent that those who qualify for PAHH homes are responsible.

She has been quoted publicly as saying that the screening of applicants “is as rigorous –maybe more so – than you will find in most financial institutions. We view this process as key to fulfilling our mission as a nonprofit, ecumenical Chris-

tian housing organization.”

Over the years, PAHH has built homes for 88 area families. The majority have been constructed during Hubrich’s administration.

Haubrich also spearheaded major fundraising events for PAHH. One of them was the annual Golf Fore Homes Tournament and the other was just completed in November — the annual Toolbelts and Tuxedos

Gala celebrated construction of homes during the past 29 years.

A senior volunteer for more than 20 years with PAHH, Joan Stinstrom, said during a recent ice cream social celebrating Haubrich’s retirement, “She has been an exceptional leader. She will be missed.”

YAVAPAI-PRESCOTT INDIAN TRIBE AWARDED

n Oct. 11, the avapai Prescott Indian Tribe was awarded for their e cellence in Philanthropy at the 201 Prescott business awards.

These awards were presented by the Prescott Chamber of Commerce and sponsored by a number of businesses in the greater Prescott area. The avapai Prescott Tribe has long been a strong supporter in the community, making annual contributions to more than 300 charities and nonpro t organizations.

Many residents in the area are unaware the avapai people have occupied lands encompassing more than 9 million acres in most of Central Arizona since time immemorial and have ourished under the guidance and leadership of their ancestors.

The avapai Prescott Indian Tribe was established in une 193 and is one of

three avapai communities in Arizona. It is the only reservation established solely for avapai People and is the smallest of the three reservations, both in acreage and membership. Today the tribe is governed by a board of directors, equivalent to what

many of you may know as a tribal council and has achieved many economic goals. avapai cultural and traditional values of honor and integrity while maintaining self sufficiency have prompted success in the avapai Prescott Indian Tribe.

Traveling • Dining • Entertainment

contribute to the bene t and growth of our surrounding communities.

It s with an emphasis on the importance and value placed on our youth and education that some of the Tribe s most consistent donations are made locally to the avapai College oundation, Prescott and umboldt ni ed School District schools, Camp erde schools, agdad school, and other countywide private and charter schools.

ith regard to the cultural value of elders, some of the most consistent donations are made to Meals on heels, Casa Senior Center, Arizona Pioneer omes, Golden Age utrition, Arizona omen s all of ame and the Alzheimer s Association.

hen the Tribe looks at the value placed on community, some of the most consistent donation recipients include various rst responders, the Prescott

MCA, est avapai Guidance Clinic, Catholic Charities, avapai County ood

anks, abitat for umanity, the American Diabetes Association, oys to Men, the American eart Association, the American Cancer Association, the eterans Memorial und, the Salvation Army, the American ung Association, Make A ish oundation, and numerous athletic clubs and programs.

The avapai Prescott Indian Tribal oard of Directors and the Tribal Community is honored to be chosen as the recipient of the Prescott usiness

cellence in Philanthropy Award, said ob Ogo, Acting Tribal President. e sincerely appreciate the recognition and acknowledgment of our contributions in supporting success and growth in the greater Prescott communities.

“Yavapai

cultural and traditional values of honor and integrity while maintaining selfsufficiency have prompted success in the Yavapai-Prescott Indian Tribe.”

When it comes to tness, there s plenty to do in Prescott.

by Nate Zwerling, Gripstone

Outdoor opportunities are numerous, including access to millions of acres of national forest and thousands of miles of trails for hiking biking, riding and more. It s no secret that folks come from all over just to get a taste

of avapai County s mountain bike trails. ut then again, not everyone s cut out for the high desert life. hen it gets hot, even the toughest cyclists stay indoors. Indoors options include tness gyms, treadmills or weight li ing, but that can be pretty mindless for some.

ike many of us, I like to use my brain as well as my body

for tness. I need to be actively engaged at all times 100 percent focused or I get bored easily. Rock climbing gives me that. And the best part In the Prescott area, I can do it indoors and outside.

accomplishment and calm. Studies in recent years have corroborated the positive effects climbing has on our mental health.

My favorite thing about climbing has nothing to do with the physical or mental workout. hat I love most is the social aspect. ike so many of us, keeping to a tness routine has been difficult because I didn t have people to share it with or a community to hold me accountable.

BECOME PART OF THE LIFESTYLE GO OUTSIDE

Rock climbing is a great tness activity that can be done year round thanks to the recent rise of climbing gyms. Personally, I love to climb outdoors, but when summer heat beats down on you it starts to sound lot more appealing to climb in an air conditioned environment for a nice change. Regardless if you choose to climb indoors or outside, the same bene ts apply.

Climbing is a full body workout. Initially, climbers can tell they are building upper body strength in their forearms, back and shoulders because of the soreness they may encounter a er their rst time climbing. uickly though, sore forearms and hands gives way to strengthening of the rest of your body as your technique improves.

If you want to climb outdoors around Prescott, the hike up to Thumb utte and Granite Mountain will give you the warm up you need before you climb and carrying all your gear will really work out those legs.

eed something a little closer Then look no further than the Dells. They re incredibly accessible and have a very short approach hike to most routes.

hen climbing as part of a community, you don t realize you re working out primarily because the whole e perience, indoors or out, is so much fun I know am not alone in saying that if I could be t without li ing a nger, I would do that in a heartbeat.

hen climbing with friends, it feels this e act way. At no point do you feel like you re really working out, and that s the best part. It just sort of creeps up on you, slowly transforming you into a healthier more centered version of yourself.

Mentally, physically and emotionally I will always be a climber.

isit us at 319 . ee lvd., Prescott, call 92 9 or visit gripstone.net.

Climbing isn t just about physical tness, it s an e cellent source of emotional and mental tness as well. Climbing activates the same parts of your brain that other more traditional e ercises do, giving you a sense of

PEAVINE TRAIL BLAZED WAY FOR PRESCOTT SYSTEM

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

n achieving the recent milestone of 100 miles of trails within the City of Prescott, it can be easy to overlook the amazing progress that got the Mile igh Trail system to its current capacity. In its infancy, the system began with just about two and a half miles of trails prior to gaining the official name Mile igh Trail System around 1999.

Perhaps Prescott s most popular trail, averaging appro imately 0,000 annual visits, the Peavine ational Recreational Trail can be credited with se ng the pace for enthusiastic growth within Prescott s trail system.

The track was constructed in 1 93 and originally owned by the Santa e, Prescott, Phoeni Railway. The Atchison, Topeka and Santa e Railroad, who later purchased the railway, opted to not complete necessary repairs a er receiving substantial ood damage in the area

north of the Granite Dells September 19 3 . Soon a er, local trail advocates began to recognize the area s potential as a non motorized recreation trail. The railroad was eventually purchased by A Railroad Materials ulmer Schumacher , and it removed the tracks and officially abandoned the area in 19 .

The Peavine, a nickname given based on the twisting nature of the trail resembling a pea vine, is the result of railroad visionary rank M. Murphy, who made signi cant contributions to many other Central Arizona railroads. In its entirety, the Santa e, Prescott and Phoenix Railway measured approximately 19 miles, included seven miles of bridges and cost almost million to construct.

The town of Chino alley purchased and opened its portion of the Peavine Trail in 199 . As federal funding became available for Rails to Trails improvements

in the form of grants, due largely to the passing of the Intermodal Surface Transportation fficiency Act of 1991 IST A , the City of Prescott was able to purchase the rst . miles stretching from the Sun Dog industrial area to former State Route 9A for a total of 31 ,000. ith dedicated assistance from city employees, trail volunteers, county and city community service workers, the rst phase of the Peavine Trail opened on une , 1999 commemorating ational Trails Day.

To prepare the trail for public use, laborers completed removal of 0 tons of railroad ties constructed two ancillary trails providing better access to atson ake improved the general tread of the trail surface installed various amenities such as benches, interpretive signs, fences and gates and removed unnecessary fencing as well as large amounts of litter.

Combined volunteer efforts were valued at 23,000.

hile planning and implementing construction of Phase I, efforts to obtain funding for Phase II were underway. In 199 , the City of Prescott received 19, 00 in grant money from the ational Park Service s Rivers, Trails, and Conservation Assistance Program and the Challenge Cost Share Program, and the City was able to provide matching funds at 0 percent. ater that year, a second IST A grant was awarded and the City received 39 ,000 allocated for the purchase of the former State Route 9A to the Town of Chino alley s Road South trail alignment. A third IST A grant was awarded in the amount of 213,000 with the intention of completing necessary repairs to the Granite Creek Interface area and allowed the purchase of the section from State Route 9A to

the Prescott Municipal Airport.

Connectivity improved greatly with the opening of the Iron ing Trail in 200 by the Town of Prescott alley, formerly the Prescott and astern Railroad to umboldt, Mayer, Poland, and Crown ing. Today, the Iron ing trail still features vintage railroad service cars that function as mile markers along the mile stretch that e tends to the junction at the Peavine Trail.

Services to complete grading and place boulders strategically creating a forti ed trail surface and reinforced the bridge that became unsecure during the storm s water surges.

Monsoon storms attributed to substantial damage along the Sundog Ranch Road access area in uly of 201 . There was so much damage, the trail was closed for one calendar week, only able to be opened thanks to the dedication and hard work of the volunteer Over the ill Gang and City departments. In fact, 11,000 cubic yards of material was imported to realign the trail along the original railroad bed.

Today, the Peavine ational Recreation Trail can be accessed from two improved trailheads require a 3 parking fee or City of Prescott Parking Pass. One is the Sundog Ranch Road Trailhead 1626 Sundog Ranch Road , and the other is Peavine orth Trailhead just off Granite Dells Parkway from State Route 9A 99 Side Road .

For more information on the Peavine Trail, connecting trails, and all other City of Prescott Trails visit prescotttrails.com.

PRESCOTT VALLEY LIMOUSINE WANTS TO HELP YOU MAKE MEMORIES

Tim ennedy, owner of Prescott alley imousine Service, has been chauffeuring for 30 years.

A er driving around celebrities and T stars in my limousines, I wanted to provide that same professional chauffeur service at the lowest rate to everyone in the local areas and anywhere beyond, ennedy said.

ormer clients include Sen. ohn McCain, Prince, illie elson, ruce Springsteen, the Dallas Cowboy Cheerleaders, Ray Charles and Madeleine Albright.

Prescott alley imousine Service offers a 10 passenger and a si passenger vehicle for all occasions, both with complimentary bars for those

over 21 years, and for all, soda and water are included.

In our cars, you are the star. Our limos are available 2 , and our chauffeurs are uniformed and professionally trained, ennedy said.

The service provides vehicles for weddings, venues, quinceaneras, proms, funerals and more.

e are happy to chauffeur your family or employees to see

the beautiful holiday lights of Prescott and make sure everyone is safely delivered to and from events, parties and more.

Call us now and ask us about our affordable seasonal rates and holiday packages. Our drivers are 100 percent alcohol free, ennedy said.

Please call 92 910 00 or visit pvlimoservice.com for more information.

YCPAC SHOWCASES FEMALE PERFORMERS

by MJ Grady

Laughter and jazz hold court this winter, as three remarkable women take turns rais ing the roof at avapai College Performing Arts Center. Singer Mandy arvey an. 19 , comedienne Paula Poundstone an. 26 and band leader ria Skonberg eb. couldn t be more different in style or approach. ut all three know how to reinvent traditionally male perfor mance roles by being their spectacular selves.

SONG, AND STORY, TO REMEMBER

andy Har ey voice can soar. er tender take on jazz and blues standards took her from Colorado clubs to national notoriety to three albums and counting. ut Mandy s stage appearance is all the more astonishing when you realize she overcame deafness to get there.

As a Colorado State niversity student, Mandy lost her hearing to a connective tissue disorder. Refusing to abandon her dream, Mandy learned American Sign anguage, picked up her ukulele, and began working with her father. sing muscle memory, an innate sense of pitch and a monster work ethic, she began to write and perform. In 201 , her performance of her song Try wowed

the studio audience and earned Simon Cowell s coveted golden buzzer on America s Got Talent. On tour, Mandy combines music with motiva tional speaking. On an. 19, she ll share her story in an a ernoon talk at CPAC, and follow it that night with a concert to remember.

COMEDY, DRY WITH TWIST

Dark times always pass. ut until they do, you can count on Pa la Po nd one to help you laugh at them. ans of ational Public Radio s ait ait Don t Tell Me know that Paula s dry, improvisational perspective can spin comedy from the bleakest of news cycles. It s a one of a kind world view that has made Paula a favorite on programs like The Late Show with Stephen Colbert.

What people may not know is that Paula is multidimensional. She is a seasoned author whose second book, The Totally nscien c Study of the Search for Human Happiness is heartfelt and funny look at personal ful llment. Paula also hosts a podcast, Nobody Listens to Paula Poundstone, which is a critically acclaimed comedy eld guide to life.

And, of course, she is legendary in front of a live crowd. er an. 26 performance means you ll nd a new perspective on a topic that s comical, then thoughtful, then conversation for the drive home.

Y

There are two types of peo ple: those who already enjoy ria S on erg and those who soon will. ria Skonberg looks like a Scandinavian angel, plays trumpet like a red hot devil and sings like a dream, the all Street ournal raves.

Music critic ucky Pizzarelli agrees: ria radi ates an energy that is so refreshing to see. azz fans have known the versatile Canadian for some time. A festival favorite, ria s blend of new work and cleverly revised classics has won fans from Montreal to ewport to ew Orleans. I play jazz because it s the closest I can get to ying, ria has said. She s scheduled for takeoff riday, eb. . oin us

s o s are a a e a a ai o ege Per or ing r s en er e on in Prescott or c e s ca or isi c ac co

Women of Winter

SATURDAY, JAN. 19, 2019 | 7:30 P.M. SATURDAY, JAN. 26, 2019 | 7:30 P.M. FRIDAY, FEB. 8, 2019 | 7:30 P.M.

Her instinctive touch with jazz and blues allows her to transcend deafness. Hear the performer who inspired audiences from tiny jazz clubs all the way to America’s Got Talent Tickets from $15.

Paula’s sharp, observational humor and improvisational audience patter have made her a staple on NPR’s Wait! Wait! Don’t Tell Me and a must-see live performer. Tickets from $27.

Called “one of the most versatile musicians of her generation,” Bria’s trumpet and vocals have made her a jazz festival favorite from Monterey to Newport. Tickets from $32.

TAKE YOUR TIME WHEN EXPLORING DOWN UNDER

by Tori Ward, ROX Travel, Cruise and Resort Specialist

Acouple of years ago my husband won a photo contest sponsored by a major air line. ecause we plan our travel about a year in advance and already had a journey scheduled elsewhere, we had to pass on the prize, a trip to Australia and ew ealand. hen you consider the size and the diverse areas on the Australian continent, nothing less than three to four weeks begins to do it justice. And that just begins to scratch the surface.

So, we are planning trip that will allow us to e perience as many highlights as time permits. To escape the heat of Arizona, we are going during the last part of une and early uly to enjoy the Southern emisphere s winter season.

Our journey will begin with a land trip in the harbor city of Auckland on ew ealand s north island.

While there, we plan to spend day hiking, if it s not too wet, to one of the many sur rounding volcanoes. A visit to the bustling wa terfront along the aitemata arbour where the 2021 America s Cup will be defended is also on the itinerary.

Traveling south, a morning stop in aitomo is a must to e perience the Glowworm Caves before we continue our a ernoon at the ew ealand Arts and Cra s center to check out the geysers and mud pools. e ll check to determine if they are any competition for Old aithful. There is no way I ll be able to pass up zip lining in the Redwoods before we leave for Taupo.

ho knows, I may even see kiwis.

e will spend several days around Great ake Taupo. There are many activities made for a win

ter visit around this largest fresh water lake on the continent including a side trip to uka alls.

If we re lucky the ski slopes in the moun tains surrounding the lake will be in full swing, and I can pretend I ve been skiing one of the 6 trails at hakapapa while I rela in one of the hot springs.

ellington, the capital city, is our ne t stop. The Te Papa museum will keep us busy for a day of soaking up Maori history and nation al art. Then we will head to apiti Island, a nature reserve hosting some of the coun try s most endangered birds for an overnight glamping adventure.

e y from ellington to Melbourne to be gin the Australia portion of our trip. Melbourne is known for its wonderful coffee shops so I m sure a cafe crawl is in order.

The ne t day will be packed with animals as we venture to Phillip Island to watch the nightly Pen guin Parade at Summerland each as they waddle home from their a ernoon shing e pedition.

e ll break up the day by a morning visit at the Maru oala and Animal Park to see koalas and kangaroos. I m hoping to prove to my husband that our dog doesn t look anything like a Tasma nian devil despite her personality.

ilsons Promontory ational Park, about two hours from Melbourne, will be a full day and night destination for more kangaroo, wallaby and wombat sightings.

If we re ramped up from all the Melbourne coffee, we might do an overnight hike and spend the ne t day sleeping.

The following day we have a long eight hour drive to Canberra, the capital of Australia. Plans

include a visit to Parliament, the Australian a tional otanic Gardens and a stop at the ational ilm and Sound Archive.

e will conclude our journey in Sydney. If our timing is good, perhaps we ll attend an event at the Opera ouse in Sydney arbour.

Any city that has an indoor farmers market is hard for us to resist, and we ll make a morning visit to Carriageworks for some local honey to spread on warm sourdough bread with so cheese.

e ll end on a cultural note at the Australian Museum to e amine some of the aboriginal e hib its. I love bringing home museum souvenirs, and it will be my last chance before a return trip to cover other parts of this vast continent.

Although we will cover a lot of area, there is so much more to e plore. If you d like help curating a trip of your dreams, give me a call.

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PRESCOTT PUBLIC LIBRARY PRESENTS

YOUTH EVENTS

YMCA Youth Ballet Presents “The Nutcracker”

Saturday, December 8 at 10 a.m.

Prescott Public Library and Prescott YMCA Youth allet share the joy of the season with selections from “The Nutcracker” ballet.

oco n r s or s

Saturday, December 15 at 2 p.m.

Enjoy the holidays making crafts and sipping cocoa.

oo ous cor tin or s

Thursday, December 20 at 1:30 and 3 p.m.

Decorate graham cracker houses at the 11th annual Cookie House Decorating event. Register online at prescottlibrary.info, at the Youth Desk or call 777-1537.

ADULT EVENTS

ut or rn c n s on r on cross r c on ors c n s December 5 at 3 p.m.

Bernice Ende is a world-class long rider who has logged almost 30,000 miles in the saddle, crisscrossing North America and beyond. In her memoir Lady Long Rider: Alone Across America on Horseback, Ende recounts many of the trials and tribulations she experienced while traversing America by horseback. Books will be available for sale and signing following the presentation.

SUNDAY 1PM TO 5PM

MONDAY 9AM TO 5PM

TUESDAY 9AM TO 8PM

WEDNESDAY 9AM TO 8PM

THURSDAY 9AM TO 8PM

FRIDAY 9AM TO 5PM

SATURDAY 9AM TO 5PM

a y Grap ic e ign i an a riday ecem er a 10 a m

Learn how to easily create designs and documents such as event yers for your business, nonprofit or personal use for free at Canva.com. Register online at prescottlibrary.info, at the Ask a Librarian Desk or call (928) 777-1526.

o ous onc rts r s nts r c s Sunday, December 9 at 2 p.m.

Coffeehouse Concerts will showcase local and regional talent with an emphasis on original music and is hosted by local singer/songwriter Jo Berger. This month enjoy blues artist Eric Ramsey. Doors open at p.m. for free coffee and mingling music begins at 2:30 p.m.

The Prescott High School a Ensemble under the direction of Dan radstreet will entertain us with their special music.

c n t oto r

Black and white photographer Cole Thompson will make his case for black and white, contending it is good for any type of image or genre of photography. He will discuss finding your own vision, following your passion, forge ng about what others are doing and creating images that you love. Three prints will be given away at the end of the presentation.

Library programs are presented with funding from the Friends of the Prescott Public Library.

The New Life of PJ McMOUSE (a

poem of sorts)

Prescott resident

The Other Paul irchner has just released his rst poetry book, The ew ife of P McMO S a poem of sorts .

P McMouse is a charac ter for all ages. ecoming weary of a complicated life he really can t rewind, P decides to start life anew, shunning his past and deciding to live a life of kind hearted adventure with the friends he loves is innate ability to make others smile and to live their lives to the fullest is T driving force behind his adventurous spirit, and he certainly has quite an imagination he d like to share with those around him. So, come on along with P and friends

there s never no, never an unhappy ending.

The poetry uses modern, yet timeless vernacular, and is an e cellent primer for vocabulary building. Paul not only created the poet ry, but also hand-painted each illustration.

Originally from ew ork City, irchner is o en recognized around Prescott as the fellow who dresses up in the style of the 1920s virtu ally every day. e is not only an artist, poet and author, but also a Christian minister, voice actor and occasional model. e can be found at ry s on Miller alley Road virtually every day, so if you see him introduce yourself.

Kirchner’s book is available on Amazon.

HOLIDAY HAPPENINGS AT PRESCOTT CENTER FOR THE ARTS

fficially known as Arizona s Christmas City, Prescott is one of the Top 2 est Small Towns for Christmas for 201 and 201 , according to Country iving Magazine.

The holidays are all about traditions, making memories with your loved ones, and Prescott is the perfect place to create them. Prescott Center for the Arts PCA asks you to consider a new tradition with live theater at its Mainstage and handcra ed gi s from its art gallery

A Gi of aughter rom our local Theater This

oliday PCA is proud to present A Christmas Story Dec. 6 to Dec. 16 for your enjoyment. This treasured classic is being directed by our ecutive Director Robyn Allen. Robyn has been leading PCA with a focus on the future for over two years and will debut her directing talent on this production. ot only is she known for theater management, artistic production design and youth programming education but also hands on directing and acting that will bring this story to life for audiences of all ages.

When asked why she is directing this classic, Robyn said, I am so

with their entertainment dollars. ith so many wonderful things to choose from during this holiday season humbly ask that you give A Christmas Story a try, you are sure to leave with smile on your face and a skip in your step. Art is the Perfect Gi : PCA is hosting its annual oliday Market through Dec. 19 to help Prescottonians and tourists nd the perfect gi for their special someone.

ongtime local artist and volunteer for the isual Arts Committee at PCA, Arlene Minuskin, shared why she believes you would enjoy shopping at the gallery, The gallery is transformed into a festive holiday se ng with handcra ed, one of a kind art and gi s for all ages.

e cited to direct A Christmas Story this year. atching the movie is a family tradition that my husband and look forward to each year. As young parents we o en would watch the movie while wrapping last minute gi s late into the night on Christmas ve. I wasn t sure that its charm would translate to the stage until I held auditions and listened to our gi ed actors say the words Oh boy, I thought, this works Our audience is going to love it ith a mi ture of young actors and some of our most e perienced and talented adults, this show also ties in well with our vision for amily Theater and our ever growing youth programming. It s a wonderful education for our young actors to work with trained adult actors. They not only help them understand basic theater techniques but also serve as mentors for our youth. Theater teaches us all so many life skills that transfer to all job opportunities, said Robyn. ife skills such as collaboration, critical thinking and problem solving are a large component of producing good theater and our youth take these skills with them into the workforce whether it be as an actor on roadway or running their own small business.

I have had the opportunity to watch young people with very little direction in life nally pull things into focus a er their e perience in youth theater. That s what e cites me the most I feel so fortunate to live in a thriving arts community and to work with such talented people. And I am grateful to all of our patrons who trust us

Participating artists work year round to create only the best in unique handmade gi s from glass, jewelry, clothing, books, wood items, ceramics, furniture, 3D work in a variety of materials, stuffed toys, photography, contemporary to more traditional wall art and much more.

Receiving an original quality piece of art in any medium is a gi that can be appreciated and cherished, and the gallery and gi shop continues to consistently attract e perienced and emerging artists. There are over 0 artists participating this year alone.

Create a tradition of fun this season with entertainment and special creative gi .

Check out pca az.net or call 92 32 6 for additional information on purchasing tickets, hours of operation, community education and volunteering opportunities.

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On purchases with your Ashley Advantage™ credit card from 12/4/2018 to 12/17/2018. Equal monthly payments required for 60 months. Ashley Furniture does not require a down payment, however, sales tax and delivery charges are due at time of purchase. *See below for details. CHRISTMASCLOSEDEARLY EVE10am-4pm WE WILL BE CLOSED CHRISTMAS DAY TUESDAY, DECEMBER 25TH!

HOME HOLIDAYS for the

NO INTEREST *

NO DOWN PAYMENT NO MINIMUM PURCHASE YEARS5

applies only to single-receipt qualifying purchases. Ashley HomeStore does not require a down payment, however, sales

and delivery charges are due at time of purchase if the purchase is made with your Ashley Advantage™ Credit Card. No interest will be charged on promo purchase and equal monthly payments are required equal to initial promo purchase amount divided equally by the number of months in promo period until promo is paid in full. The equal monthly payment will be rounded to the next highest whole dollar and may be higher than the minimum payment that would be required if the purchase was a non-promotional purchase. Regular account terms apply to non-promotional purchases. For new accounts: Purchase APR is 29.99%; Minimum Interest Charge is $2. Existing cardholders should see their credit card agreement for their applicable terms. Promotional purchases of merchandise will be charged to account when merchandise is delivered. Subject to credit approval. ‡Monthly payment shown is equal to the purchase price, excluding taxes and delivery, divided by the number of months in the promo period, rounded to the next highest whole dollar, and only applies to the selected financing option shown. If you make your payments by the due date each month, the monthly payment shown should allow you to pay off this purchase within the promo period if this balance is the only balance on your account during the promo period. If you have other balances on your account, this monthly payment will be added to the minimum payment applicable to those balances.

††Ashley HomeStore does not require a down payment, however, sales tax and delivery charges are due at time of purchase if the purchase is made with your Ashley Advantage™ Credit Card. Offer applies only to single-receipt qualifying purchases. No interest will be charged on the promo purchase if you pay the promo purchase amount in full within 12 Months. If you do not, interest will be charged on the promo purchase from the purchase date. Depending on purchase amount, promotion length and payment allocation, the required minimum monthly payments may or may not pay off purchase by end of promotional period. Regular account terms apply to non-promotional purchases and, after promotion ends, to promotional balance. For new accounts: Purchase APR is 29.99%; Minimum Interest Charge is $2. Existing cardholders should see their credit card agreement for their applicable terms. Promotional purchases of merchandise will be charged to account when merchandise is delivered. Subject to credit approval.

††Only advertised accent chairs are eligible for the buy one get one free promotion. The amount of the 2nd accent chair will be deducted from the price of both chairs. Example: for a purchase of a $499.99 and $399.99 chairs, $200 will be deducted from both chairs.