Deep Well Sports Park (DWSP) was formed for the purpose of creating a premier multisport complex situated on approximately 12.5 acres of the Deep Well Ranch property located in “Mile High” Prescott, Arizona. The indoor and outdoor sports complex includes highperformance athletic courts as well as dining, a fitness center and more.
Included are 8 indoor pickleball courts, 12 outdoor pickleball courts, weight and fitness rooms, stateof-the-art yoga and hot yoga, 6 massage rooms and full-service shower, sauna and locker rooms.
The restaurant and bar will be unmatched in quality and ambiance and will boast magnificent indoor and patio seating for 200 guests. Additionally, there will be a pro shop with DWSP’s own privately
labeled merchandise and a drive-thru coffee bistro.
Outdoors will be equally inviting with a parklike setting, including waterfalls and fire pits. The number of courts allows DWSP to handle the largest of tournaments. There will be plenty of other outdoor activities such as ping-pong, shuffleboard, bocce ball and more. DWSP will have a discovery center and day care for children while parents are dining or playing. Adjoining all of this will be DWSP’s state-of-the-art, 50-space RV Resort.
High Performance Pickleball will offer tournaments, leagues and camps at the facility and Pickleball Trips will offer getaways for facility members.
* Limited number of investor memberships are available. Deep Well Sports Park investor memberships include access to full-service RV slips, Court and Fitness Memberships, along with an investment return of 7% and profit-sharing with our “double your investment” structure which is IRA eligible! Investor details at https://invest.deepwellsportspark.com.
DEEP WELL SPORTS PARK WILL BE THE ONLY MULTI- SPORT COMPLEX OF ITS KIND.
• 8 INDOOR AND 12 OUTDOOR HIGHPERFORMANCE PICKLEBALL COURTS
• 50-SPACE RV RESORT
• FULL-SIZE BASKETBALL
• 2 VOLLEYBALL COURTS
• WEIGHT AND FITNESS ROOMS
• STATE-OF-THE-ART YOGA AND HOT YOGA
FINALLY! THE HONEST TRUTH BEHIND THE REVERSE MORTGAGE
by Travis Schultz, Owner and Licensed Mortgage Broker, Smart Mortgage
Are reverse mortgages not all they’re cracked up to be? Can they truly add the stability you need for financial planning and your retirement, or are they just another way to steal away your home, equity or inheritance? Since the product began back in 1989, local Prescott reverse mortgage expert Travis Schultz at Smart Mortgage says we may be surprised with the honest truth behind the reverse mortgage!
• No mortgage payments for life? – (True) As long as either spouse considers the property as his or her primary home, they can live there for life paying zero mortgage payments.
• All applicants must be 62 years old or older – (False) Only one spouse needs to be 62 years old. The other spouse may be younger.
• You must own your home outright –(False) You may already have an existing mortgage, which can be refinanced and paid off with a reverse mortgage.
• The income or cash I receive is not taxable – (True) Any money you receive, whether monthly, a cash sum or in a home equity line is all nontaxable to do with as you wish.
• You must have good credit and income for a reverse mortgage – (False) Since re-
verse mortgages do not require a mortgage payment, almost anyone with any type of credit and income may be eligible.
• Once into the reverse mortgage you are locked into it, permanently – (False) The reverse mortgage is simply a loan recorded against the property, just like every other mortgage. You retain full ownership, so at any time you can move, sell or refinance the property simply by paying off the mortgage balance.
• If I take out a reverse mortgage, I will leave nothing for my family – (False) Reverse mortgages have insurance automatically built in to protect the family. Most homes continue to increase in value over time, leaving even more equity for family. Even if property values decrease below what is owed, the family can acquire the property for 5% less than market value.
• You can only get a reverse mortgage on a one-unit home – (False) Smart Mortgage also allows reverse mortgages on manufactured homes, duplexes, triplexes, fourplexes, townhomes and condos, as long as one unit is considered your primary residence.
• My family will be responsible for the debt – (False) The reverse mortgage is a non-recourse loan, so if your value ever
falls below what you owe, your family will never have to pay the deficiency.
• The government or lender will own my home – (False) The reverse mortgage is simply a lien recorded against the property, just like any other mortgage. The homeowner(s) remains on title and has full ownership. The owner(s) may also add other family members or place the home in a trust, so family automatically has ownership in the property and equity, as well.
• You can purchase a home using a reverse mortgage – (True) Smart Mortgage allows you to purchase a primary home and the financed amount has no payments for life.
ADVERTISING INQUIRIES info@roxco.com • prescottlivingmag.com/advertise 130 N. Granite St., Prescott AZ 86301 • 928-350-8006
Corporate Office: 442 W. Kortsen Rd, Ste 101 Casa Grande, AZ 85122 520.426.2074
THE KIDS ARE BACK IN SCHOOL ALREADY, CAN YOU BELIEVE IT?
We attended this year’s World’s Oldest Rodeo™ and had enormous fun cheering on the cowboys and cowgirls and performers. It was my first trip to the World’s Oldest Rodeo™, and it was so impressive! I took a “Behind the Chutes” tour and was amazed at all I learned. If you’ve never gone, be sure to put it on your calendar for next year.
We’re fortunate in the Prescott area to have so many opportunities when it comes to educating our children. Parents share why they made their educational choices in this month’s issue. Prescott Unified School District (PUSD) Superintendent Joe Howard talks about how much the PUSD Foundation contributes to our kids and our community. Dan Streeter, Superintendent of Humboldt Unified School District (HUSD) shares some impressive statistics and achievements. And, Prescott Chamber CEO Sheri Heiney explores how businesses benefit when they partner with local schools. Finally, Yavapai County School Superintendent Tim Carter sits down with Ray Newton for an in-depth interview we know you’ll enjoy!
We appreciated talking with parents in the community who shared in a contributed editorial why choice in education is so important for their family and how great the choices are in the Prescott area, including those who have decided to home school. I am also a parent and have shared how important choice in education is for my own family.
After the rodeo, I can’t wait to attend the 32nd Arizona Cowboy Poet’s Gathering, which takes place Aug, 8-10. Also, the Mile High Brewfest will be held at Prescott Mile High Middle School Aug. 10 and benefits the Boys and Girls Clubs of Central Arizona.
The first weekend in September brings the Yavapai County Fair. General Manager Rosie Darby has worked hard to maintain a family-friendly event with very affordable pricing. It is truly an event for everyone to enjoy and participate in. Local residents of all ages are encouraged to enter any project from pet chickens to favorite cookies to best photos.
In closing, I just want to say how thankful I am for the amazing wildland firefighters across the state who step up time and time again to protect our communities and the beautiful area in which we live. Without them, the highlands would be a very different place.
I hope you all had a great summer and have many memories to cherish!
Elaine Earle Publisher, Prescott
Elaine Earle
of the Community VOICES
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.
Tim is a lifelong Arizonan, living in Prescott since 1979. He is in his 43rd year as an educator, serving as a teacher-coach, before serving as the Principal of Prescott High School for 12 years. He has served as the elected Yavapai County School Superintendent since 2005.
Tim Diesch
Marketing Specialist,Yavapai College
Tim has worked in marketing, advertising and tourism promotion in Prescott since 2003. Clients include the City of Prescott, The Phippen Museum and Sharlot Hall Museum. Tim has also worked to promote enrollment at Yavapai College.
Michael Ellegood
PE,BoardMember,YavapaiCountyEducationFoundation
Michael is a civil engineer who formerly worked for Maricopa County in various positions. Now, Mike advocates enthusiastically for schools. Named “Arizona Lead Volunteer” for Adopt-a-Classroom, Mike is a member of the Yavapai County Education Foundation Board. He is a retired U.S. Army combat veteran.
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!
Cindy Gresser
Executive Director,The Smoki Museum
Cindy serves the City of Prescott as the chair of the Art in Public Places committee. She is also involved in 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
Richard Hernandez
Director, Regional Economic DevelopmentCenter,
Richard is the director of the Regional Economic Development Center (REDC) at Yavapai College. He previously served as Division Manager, Pacific Regions for United Parcel Service.
Tracey Horn
Owner, Helken & HornAdvertisingAgency
Tracey has been assisting Northern Arizona businesses prosper, creating professional marketing and advertising materials and negotiating media and digital marketing buys since 1995. She assists with all marketing for the Whiskey Row New Year’s Eve Boot Drop she helped create in 2011.
Dennis is the founder and president of the Prescott Western Heritage Foundation Inc. He is also a Western artist/bronze sculptor and an active volunteer for various community events. He and his wife, MaryAnn, have been married 50 years.
With 15 years of public health experience, Horton currently works to ensure the effective and efficient delivery of public health services throughout Yavapai County. She is a member of the MATFORCE and Northland Cares boards of directors.
Joe Howard
Superintendent,
PrescottUnifiedSchoolDistrict
A Prescott High School alum, Joe has been in the Prescott area for 30 years total. He started his teaching career in Chino Valley, then became the Principal at Prescott Mile High Middle School. He then served for five years as Assistant Superintendent. Joe is currently in his third year of superintendency and is focused on success for all students.
Dr. Anette M. Karlsson joined Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Prescott as Chancellor of the Prescott campus in 2019. She earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees at Linköping University in Sweden and her Ph.D. in aerospace and mechanical engineering at Rutgers University. She is a fellow of the American Society of Mechanical Engineering.
Ken Lain
Owner,Watters Garden Center
Ken grew up in Prescott, attended Yavapai College and obtained his degrees from ASU. He married his college sweetheart Lisa Watters-Lain and has four children. His garden advice can be heard each week on the radio. Throughout the week, Ken can be found at Watters Garden Center.
Lauren Lovan
Grant&CommunicationsSpecialist
Lauren Lovan is the Grant & Communications Specialist and In-House Graphic Designer at Yavapai Humane Society. She is so happy for her opportunity to be a part of YHS as she has the chance to use her gift of writing to help those who can’t speak for themselves.
Greg Mengarelli
Mayor, CityofPrescott
Greg has lived in Prescott since 1995, and has been the Executive Director for United Christian Youth Camp for the past 23 years. He grew up in small, rural communities in Kansas, and graduated from Kansas State University. He is active in community affairs, and is currently the President of the Prescott Unified School District Board.
Ray Newton
Journalist and Professor-AdministratorEmeritus, NorthernArizona University
A veteran of weekly and daily newspapers and book editing and writing — Ray has been there. He is a Professor-Administrator Emeritus from Northern Arizona University, now retired and residing in Prescott with his wife, Patty.
Kell Palguta
Mayor,TownofPrescottValley
Kell moved to Prescott Valley in 1996 from a small town in Maine. In 1998 he began his career in public service as a police officer. He takes great pride in being elected the youngest Mayor in Yavapai County, and his goals are to ensure that every citizen’s voice is heard.
Sheila Polk
Yavapai CountyAttorney
Sheila is a native Arizonan, who has served as the Yavapai Attorney for 17 years. A career prosecutor, Sheila chairs MATFORCE, the substance abuse coalition, and is the driving stimulus behind the law enforcement course “What You Do Matters: Lessons from the Holocaust.”
As an architect and general contractor, Tom has been designing and building in Prescott for the past 36 years. He has also served on many committees, including Prescott City Council and Yavapai County Planning and Zoning Commission.
Dan Streeter
Superintendent,HumboldtUnifiedSchoolDistrict
Dan is serving in his third year as superintendent for the largest school district in Yavapai County. Previously, he served as an Assistant Superintendent and Principal for HUSD. Streeter currently serves as a board member for the Prescott Valley Economic Development Foundation, Prescott Valley Chamber of Commerce, Yavapai Big Brothers Big Sisters and Support our Schools AZ.
Marnie Uhl
President & CEO Prescott Valley Chamber of Commerce
Marnie has been the President/CEO since 2006 and successfully led the Chamber to a national accreditation through the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Federation. She was selected as Prescott Area Leadership’s Woman of the Year 2017 and serves on many professional and nonprofit boards. Marnie has been in the Chamber industry for 20 years.
Fred Veil
Executive Director, Sharlot Hall Museum
Fred is the Executive Director of the Sharlot Hall Museum. He is a Marine Corps veteran and former Sheriff of the Prescott Corral of Westerners International, he conceived and organized the Western History Symposium. He is a board member of the Arizona History Convention and member of the Tourism Advisory Committee for the City of Prescott.
Tori Ward
ROXTravel, Cruise and ResortSpecialist
Victoria “Tori” is a cruise and resort specialist with a master’s degree in political science. She has completed more than 30 certification courses with the cruise and tour industry including the most advanced certification, Commodore, from Princess Cruise Lines.
Prescott LIVING Magazine is brought to you by ROX Media Group, a multimedia organization providing an annual portfolio of 3.6 million print copies of community, custom and travel publications throughout Arizona and in neighboring states. Our publications collectively reach millions of consumers who reside in or travel to Arizona every year, and bring engaging local
content to the communities and marketing partners we serve. Since our founding in 2011, we have earned the respect of our readers and marketing partners through our dedication to high quality, local content and our understanding of the key informational needs that drive media consumption, messaging and interaction.
Some of our additional offerings include:
Elaine Earle Publisher
Elaine is an accomplished publisher and management professional with 20 years of experience as a Certified Public Accountant and publisher of a diverse set of marketing products. Elaine and her team bring a “one firm” solution to clients. She has a passion for traveling and has been to over 40 countries.
• A full suite of creative services for any project
• Custom publications created, designed, edited, printed and distributed
• Digital media marketing services and website creation
• Project management services
In addition to this publication you hold in your hand, ROX Media Group has been serving the Prescott area with our publication Quad-City Smart Shopper beginning in 2013 and we are also the proud publisher of the Visitor Guide – Greater Prescott Area, which is published for the City of Prescott Office of Tourism. In 2018, RMG published the City of Prescott Economic Development Guide, which won the Golden Prospector Award of Merit. Starting with the 2019 issue, ROX Media Group is also the publisher of the Prescott Chamber of Commerce Community Guide & Directory.
Come see our new office at 130 N. Granite St., Prescott AZ 86301.
Bea Lueck
General Manager
& Managing Editor
Ray Newton Contributing Writer
Julie Turetzky
Public Relations & Marketing Manager
Meet Our Team: roxmediagroup . net
Rebecca Bowen Graphic Designer
Shannon Price Graphic Designer
Scott Metteauer
Sr. Account
Executive
Bea is the general manager and managing editor of ROX Media Group. She handles the various day-to-day activities necessary to take the publications from concept to print and distribution. She has over 22 years of experience in multiple advertising media, including print, direct mail, television and web.
A veteran newspaperman, magazine and television reporter-editor, Ray also earned stripes at several universities, including Northern Arizona University, as a professor and administrator emeritus. Active throughout his adult years in several local, regional and national think-tank organizations, he’s a vocal advocate for giving back to communities where we live.
Julie is a marketing professional with 20 years of experience working in client and agency settings. Julie has created and managed marketing strategies across many industries, designed to meet client objectives and stay within an established budget.
Tim Clarke Creative Director
Katie Mayer Editor & Project Manager
Laurie Fisher Director of Sales & Marketing
Rebecca is a graphic designer with over six years of experience in the design and marketing industries. She has her associate's degree in graphic design and her bachelor's degree in communications with a sub-specialization in marketing. She enjoys solving marketing challenges with eye-catching visuals and strategic layout design.
Shannon joined ROX Media Group in September 2018. She has an associate degree in graphic design as well as a bachelor’s degree in business management with a concentration in marketing. Shannon is a graphic artist with more than six years of design experience and spent the past three years working in the newspaper industry. She and her family have lived in Casa Grande for over thirteen years.
Scott has been in the graphics industry for 40 years, He started in typesetting and paste-up, and worked his way to running the pre-press department at several large printing companies. He has been in outside sales in the graphics industry for the past 34 years. Scott now works for Rox Media Group as a Senior Account Executive.
Jo Wobser Customer Service/ Ad Traffic Manager
Jamie Wagner-Brashier Sr. Account Executive
Georgie Myers Regional Account Manager
Tim is a digital design professional with more than 28 years of experience. Tim is responsible for all creative consulting, magazine design, print production and web development for ROX Media Group. He manages production for multiple publications as well as multiple Drupal and Wordpress sites for external clients.
Katie is an accomplished senior copywriter and editor with 12 years of experience working with everything from daily print newspapers to magazines and trade publications. She is also an award-winning journalist and guest lecturer at her Alma Mater, the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication at Arizona State University.
Laurie joins ROX Media Group as our new Director of Sales and Marketing from California. She is a marketing professional with over 25-years of experience, specializing in print and digital media such as SEM, SEO and social media, and enjoys helping her clients to achieve their marketing goals. Customer service is her No. 1 priority!
Laurie is an avid hiker and cyclist who loves the outdoors and looks forward to enjoying the beauty of Prescott.
Jo joined the ROX Media Group team in March 2018 following a career in customer service spanning more than 20 years. This rewarding experience coupled with her skill sets as a graphic designer and photographer allow her to provide excellent service and guidance to the ROX Media Group advertising clients she serves every day.
Jamie Wagner-Brashier has been in print advertising in the Casa Grande area since 2004. Her 15 years of experience allow her to assist clients in creating comprehensive marketing plans while maintaining budget. In her off time, Jamie enjoys traveling with her family.
Georgie joins ROX Media Group as our Regional Account Manager from California. She has spent 27 years in the marketing and advertising space, with an emphasis on print and digital marketing. Understanding client care with a high level of personalized service is of the utmost importance, so Georgie will represent ROX Media in a fashion our clients deserve. On a personal note, she loves to be in her motor home going anywhere she can get her husband to take her.
Submit your events online at prescottlivingmag.com
AUGUST
2-4 16th Annual Prescott Gem & Mineral Show - 9:00 AM5:00 PM - Findlay Toyota Center 3201 N. Main St., Prescott Valley. Over 60 vendors. Tickets $5. For more info www.prescottgemmineral.org.
3-4 Prescott Antique Car Community Events & Swap Meet - 8:00 AM-4:00 PM - Watson Lake, Prescott. Car Community Events, Swap Meet, Old Engine Fire Up, Car Corral, Raffles, Food and fun!
3
Woof Down Lunch - 10:00 AM-3:00 PM - 100 W. Gurley St., Prescott. Dog-friendly eventvendors, music, demos, contests and more. Free entry, $20 for lunch and handmade pet bowl or 10 raffle tickets. 928-776-0502 for info.
3 Back to School Fashion Show & Fun - 11:00 AM-3:00 PM - Prescott Gateway Mall 3250 Gateway Blvd., Prescott. Free event! Craft fair, entertainment & fashion show. Vendor tables $30. Call 928.443-0067 for info.
3 Mile High Square Dance - 6:00 PM-9:00 PM - Downtown Courthouse Plaza, Prescott. Join the Mile High Square Dance Club sponsoring square dancing for all.
4 Sing! Sing! Sing! Music Fest1:00 PM-5:00 PM - Highlands Center for Natural History 1375 S. Walker Rd., Prescott. The Folk Sessions presents. Visit folksessions. com for more info.
8-10 Arizona Cowboy Poets Gathering - 7:00 PM9:00 PM - YCPAC 1100 E. Sheldon St., Prescott. 32nd annual event brings the bestin Cowboy poetry and music. For more info visit AZCowboyPoets.org.
9 World Fighting Federation 41 - 7:00 PM-10:00 PM - Findlay Toyota Center 3201 N. Main St., Prescott Valley. Live mixed martial arts pro and amateur fighters. All ages, tickets start at $15. Visit findlaytoyotacenter.com for info.
10-11 69th Annual Prescott Fine Arts and Crafts Festival - 9:00 AM-5:00
PM - Downtown Courthouse Plaza, Prescott. Outdoor event, free admission. Visit prescott.org for more info.
10
Breakfast with the Animals - 9:00 AM-10:30 AMHeritage Park Zoo 1403 Heritage Park Rd., Prescott. Enjoy a breakfast with the mountain lions. For more info visit heritageparkzoo.org.
10
8th Annual Mile High Brewfest - 4:00 PM-8:00
PM - Prescott Mile High Middle School 300 S. Granite St., Prescott. Beer samples,local restaurants and food trucks, live music from the Instant Classics. More Information at www.milehighbrewfest.com
10 The Tapestry Album - Music of Carole King - 7:00 PM9:00 PM - Elks Theatre 117 E. Gurley St., Prescott. Feel the earth Move! Visit prescottelkstheater.com for info.
12 Second Monday! Music, Dance, Food & Drink! - 6:00
PM-9:30 PM - Elks Theatre 117 E. Gurley St., Prescott. Top of the Elks presents every second Monday of each month! Tickets $35 @ elgatoazulprescott.com.
14
The Folk Sessions: Big Broadcast! - 7:00 PM-9:00
PM - Elks Theatre 117 E. Gurley St., Prescott. $16.00 Donation hosted by Tom Agostino. Cabaret style open seating. Visit prescottelkstheater.com for info.
15 Zoo by Moonlight - 8:00 PM-9:30 PM - Heritage Park Zoo 1403 Heritage Park Rd., Prescott. Bring a flashlight and join us for a howling good time. For more info visit heritageparkzoo.org.
16 Mirage - Visions of Fleetwood Mac - 7:00 PM9:00 PM - Elks Theatre 117 E. Gurley St., Prescott. Celebrate the classic lineup of the legendary superstar band. Visit prescottelkstheater.com for more info.
17 Chino Mud Run - 7:00 AM - 2125 N. Old Home Manor Dr., Chino Valley. A 5K Fun Mud Run! Visit chinomudrun.com to register or for more info.
17 BEAT THE HEAT Model Train Swap Meet - 9:00 AM-1:00 PM - Liberty Traditional School 3300 N. Lake Valley Rd., Prescott Valley. Annual event, lots of trains, AC, easy parking, handicap accessible. Admission $5 - Kids under 12 FREE. Contact Doug Gilliatt 480-390-0320 CAMRRC
17 Frontier Arizona Experience - 10:00 AM-3:00 PM - Fort Whipple Museum 500 AZ-89, Prescott. Join Living History interpreters to learn about life in the Arizona Territory. Visit Sharlot.org for info.
17 Monsoon Festival - 12:00 PM-6:00 PM - Downtown, Union St., Prescott. Admission $25 for two hours/$50 all day. Slide, picnic, music, merchants, beer & wine garden. Ages 7 and up. Prescottevents.net for info.
17
Sharlot’s Wine Festival4:00 PM-7:00 PM - Sharlot Hall Museum 415 W. Gurley St., Prescott. Premier winetasting, pourings, pairings. Visit Sharlot.org for more info.
17 Heartbreak Hotel - 7:00 PM9:00 PM - Elks Theatre 117 E. Gurley St., Prescott. A salute to early Elvis. Visit prescottelkstheater. com for info.
20 Positioning Yourself to Thrive in Retirement - 3:00 PM-5:00 PM - Adult Center of Prescott 1280 E. Rosser St., Prescott. Navigating retirement can be tricky. Discover the whats, whys and hows for success in retirement. Non-profit organization, unbiased classes, free of sales. Visit fpfeaz.org for info.
22 The Original Harlem Globetrotters - 7:00 PM9:00 PM - Findlay Toyota Center 3201 N. Main St., Prescott Valley. Legendary worldwide for the past 93 years. Visit findlaytoyotacenter.com for info.
25 Prescott Jazz Summit - 12:00 AM-12:00 AM - Multiple locations. Sponsored by Top of the Elks and El Gato Azul. Visit prescottjazzsummit.net for more info
31 Water Lantern Festival4:30 PM-9:30 PM - Watson Lake Park 3101 Watson Lake Rd., Prescott. Food trucks, music and fun for the whole family. Visit waterlanternfestival.com for info.
31 Sugar and The Mint - 7:00 PM-9:00 PM - Elks Theatre 117 E. Gurley St., Prescott. Spirited take on folk and bluegrass excites audiences across the country. Visit prescottelkstheater.com for info.
31-2 Faire on the Square - 9:00 AM-5:00 PM - Downtown Courthouse Plaza, Prescott. Enjoy vendors, snacks and shopping. Visit prescott.org for more info.
August – September 2019
SEPTEMBER SEPTEMBER AUGUST
7
Matt Baker: A Rhapsody of Gershwin - 7:00 PM-9:30 PMYCPAC 1100 E. Sheldon St., Prescott. Cabaret series with keyboard virtuoso. Tickets and Information at 928-776-2000 or ycpac.com.
7 Wyatt Earp: A Life on the Frontier - 7:00 PM-8:30
PM - Sharlot Hall Museum 415 W. Gurley St., Prescott. Meet the man, not the myth, performed by his grandnephew. Visit Sharlot.org for more info.
7
Mr. Skynard - 7:00 PM-9:00
PM - Elks Theatre 117 E. Gurley St., Prescott. Uncompromising collection of experienced, dedicated musicians from Tucson. Visit prescottelkstheater.com for info.
8 LeAnn Rimes - 7:00 PM-9:30
PM - YCPAC 1100 E. Sheldon St., Prescott. Two-time Grammy and three-time ACM award winner. Tickets and info at 928-776-2000 or ycpac.com.
12-29 AnyThing Goes - 2:00 PMPrescott Center for the Arts 208 N. Marina St., Prescott. Music & Lyrics by Cole Porter. Performances at 2pm & 7:30pm. Visit pca-az.net for more info.
13-15
Pickin’ in the Pines - 11:00 AM - Pepsi Amphitheater, Ft. Tuthill County Park, Flagstaff. Award-winning bluegrass & acoustic festival. Visit pickininthepines. org for tickets and info.
13 Slow Hand - The Eric Clapton Experience - 7:00 PM-9:00
PM - Elks Theatre 117 E. Gurley St., Prescott. Recreates a Clapton concert with music that spans his sensational career. Visit prescottelkstheater.com for info.
15 Pops People and Places3:00 PM - YCPAC 1100 E. Sheldon St., Prescott. Prescott POPS performance. Visit ycpac.com for
E. Rosser St., Prescott. Explore ALL investments commonly referred to as “safe” while contemplating their future in this complex market. Visit fpfeaz.org for info.
22
Kenneth Broberg in Recital - 3:00 PM-5:00
PM - YCPAC 1100 E. Sheldon St., Prescott. 2017 Van Cliburn silver medalist performs an exciting recital repertoire. Tickets $29. Visit yavapaisymphony.org for info.
THE PRESCOTT
Stories by Ray Newton
• PRESCOTT • PRESCOTT VALLEY • CHINO VALLEY • DEWEY-HUMBOLDT
Rising Stars — Teachers, Students Honored by PUSD Education Foundation
Agala banquet sponsored by the Prescott Unified School District Education Foundation (PUSDEF) in late April saw eight teachers and eight students honored as “extraordinary persons.”
Five generations from the prominent Emmet Hicks and Taylor Hicks families also were recognized as outstanding PUSD alumni.
The Rising Stars Banquet was the 4th annual fundraiser for the PUSDEF.
Teachers honored were Paul Funnel, Kelly Cordes, Bill DeKemper, Cari Greco, Debra Holliday, Erin Sobo, David Stengel and Carol Yetman. Students were Stephanie Brown, Hunter Kronberg, Judah Neese, Caleb Ortiz-Gar-
zaran, Ryan Peeples, Maddison Pierce, Nicolas Robishaw and Josephine Rudy. Those honored were nominated by either teachers, administrators or counselors.
The event was chaired by Cheryl Fernandez.
Recognition of Hicks family descendants was a program highlight. The Hicks family began contributing to public education when it first arrived in Prescott in 1912 — the same year Arizona became a state.
In the 107 years since, 20 descendants of the Hicks family have attended Prescott schools. Many remained in the community and continued working in the Hicks Dental Practice, which Taylor Hicks founded. Taylor Hicks Elementary School is named af-
ter him.
Sponsored by Yavapai Regional Medical Center, the Perry and Sandy Massie Foundation and Yavapai Title Agency, the banquet netted several thousand dollars in contributions, said Kathy Sischka, PUSDEF board member. She said money generated through the fundraiser is used to support grants for qualified teachers, provide program support, fund renovation of facilities and playgrounds and other needed and necessary projects that benefit all levels of the public schools, especially students.
Sischka said, “We’ve been extremely blessed with support from the community and from other foundations and charitable groups.”
AZ Technology Leaders Hold Retreat in Prescott
The 12th annual Arizona Technology Council (AZTC) Leadership Retreat, Aug. 8-9, in Prescott will have high level executives from throughout Arizona gather for two days of deliberation about the future of technological opportunities in Arizona.
The retreat was planned by Steve Zylstra, President and CEO of AZTC, and his associates. Those invited must hold the title of chief executive officer (CEO) or be the highest ranking executives in their companies to be eligible to attend the retreat. Most retreat activities are scheduled at the Hassayampa Inn in Downtown Prescott.
Participants will hear keynote presentations from national and international authorities. Sandra Watson, President and CEO of the Arizona Commerce Authority (ACA), will give the opening address. Her topic — “Arizona’s Future Outlook” — will be 8:15 a.m., Friday and set the theme for the retreat.
Watson, during her tenure with the ACA, is credited with implementing the ACA fiveyear business plan that promotes the state’s pro-business atmosphere. Her leadership resulted in the ACA being considered the state’s leading economic development organization. That approach is three-pronged: • recruit new businesses, especially from out-of-state
During the Rising Stars banquet, a highlight was recognition by Prescott Unified School District of several generations of Hicks family alumni from Prescott schools. Taylor Hicks Jr. (center) accepted the plague on behalf of 16 family members, all descendants of Emmet Hicks. (Photo courtesy of PUSDEF)
VALLEY
CHINO VALLEY
PIONEER
Waste Management Is Shifting Recycling Emphasis
Waste Management Inc. (WM), Arizona’s largest waste management company, is changing the way it handles potential recycled items.
Because of a decision by the Chinese government to ban importing of all recycled materials, especially plastics, by 2020, WM is shifting its recycling emphasis to what it is calling the “Three R’s: Reduce, Reuse and Recycle.”
Most people recognize the distinctive dark green and orange logo — WM — almost immediately. WM is the largest waste hauler in the United States.
Tabatha Rios, WM Construction Account Manager for Central and Northern Arizona, shared details about current operations and changes underway.
“Because of reduction of recycled materials going to China, the result is depressed markets for recyclable materials,” she says. “Because of that, stricter quality requirements are being imposed by the now smaller pool of global buyers. That has taken a toll on
recycling programs across North America. That certainly includes Prescott and Yavapai County — and all the other counties across Northern Arizona.”
Rios said WM is focusing more on finding ways to improve its waste management operations. “We need to encourage practices which will improve the quality of materials we recover.”
She stresses the first “R.” “People need to reduce the amount of waste being put into landfills.” She says consumers need to start asking if they really need to purchase nonfood items. Do they have similar items at home they can use? Are gently used second-hand items available? Is the item built to last, or is it a one-use item? And ultimately, how can such items be recycled when they are no longer needed.
A second recommendation is people donate items that have value to charity, sell them online or give to others who have need for them — “Reuse.”
A third point was that recy-
cled materials must not be contaminated.
“It is not acceptable to dispose of hazardous materials that create safety threats to our workers or the public,” she says. “Such things as propane tanks, household or pool chemicals, drugs and needles or recyclable
Water Conservation Rebate Program
The City of Prescott has recently updated the Water Conservation Rebate Program. The following rebates and incentives are now available:
• Toilets with 1.0 gallons per flush or less will be rebated $100.
• An additional $50 incentive will be provided for water customers who use septic systems and apply for a toilet rebate.
• Smart irrigation timers will
be rebated at $75.
• Rainwater harvesting cisterns will be rebated at 50 cents per gallon of storage.
• A passive rainwater harvesting system rebate will be available at $3 per square foot of the drainage footprint. Please see prescottwater.com for further details.
• Turf removal will increase from 25 cents per square foot
of turf removed to 50 cents per square foot of turf removed.
• Washing machines will be rebated at $200; see the website for qualifying washing machines and take a photo of your old machine.
The City encourages residents and businesses to use water efficiently. The rebate program is designed to assist and promote
materials that have been ruined by liquids or other contaminants — these must be avoided.”
Even more serious is waste accompanied by food or other “consumable” items that accompany food, e.g., plastic bags
Continued on page 58...
the replacement of high-water use landscaping and inefficient plumbing fixtures.
Practicing a low-water-use lifestyle is a way everyone can help ensure a long-term, sufficient water supply.
Thank you for doing your part to be WaterSmart. For more information and rules please visit prescottwater.com or call 928777-1645.
Waste Management Construction Account Manager Tabatha Rios, with an office In Prescott Valley, handles corporation assignments throughout Central and Northern Arizona. (Photo by Ray Newton)
Tim Carter
‘Equitable and Adequate Public Education— A Monumental Responsibility’
YAVAPAI COUNTY SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS
Interview by Ray Newton
Yavapai County Superintendent of Schools Tim Carter has a long look back in the rear view mirror of his education career. More than 46 years.
Forty have been in Prescott, Arizona, where Carter served as a teacher, coach, assistant principal and principal until his retirement in 2003.
Prior to becoming a career educator, Carter spent his youth on a ranch near historic Tombstone. He grew up riding thoroughbreds from the time he could climb into a saddle. It wasn’t until he graduated from Tombstone High School and decided to attend Glendale Community College that the husky Carter decided to major in education. He later received a B.S. degree in physical education from Grand Canyon College (GCC), and ultimately earned a master’s degree in educational leadership from Northern Arizona University. Several years later, he completed requirements for an Arizona Superintendent Certificate.
His first teaching and coaching jobs were at Alchesay High School in the White Mountains in 1973 and later at Antelope High School in Southern Arizona in 1977. In 1979, he and his wife Linda moved to Prescott. He became an American Government and Introduction to Law teacher and the track and cross country coach at Prescott High School (PHS). He also coached the Mock Trial Team.
Linda taught and coached at Granite Mountain Middle School for many years before becoming a counselor. She retired in 2004.
The Carters have two adult children. Daughter Cierra works for the Chino Valley Unified School District, where she also volunteers as a coach. Son Levi earned a degree at NAU and currently is a conductor for Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railway.
Carter joined the administrative ranks at Prescott High School in 1991, where he served as assistant principal for student services. He later was named principal, a role he kept until his retirement in 2003. During his brief retirement, he taught classes at Yavapai College and for the University of Phoenix.
Then in July 2005 Carter was unanimously selected as the Yavapai County Superintendent of Schools by the Yavapai County Board of Supervisors. He has been elected four times since and will hold that position until 2020.
He is the recipient of many recognitions, including North Central Accrediting Assn Circle of Excellence in 2001, was named to the Arizona Track Coaches Hall of Fame, and selected as the 2003 Arizona School Administrator of the Year. He was honored by the Capitol Times as the 2010 Educational Leader of the Year for Public Policy and as the JTED/CTE Policy Maker of the Year in both 2013 and 2014. The AdvanceEd organization selected him for a Circle of Excellence Award in 2018. That same year, he was named Distinguished Administrator of the Year in the Superintendent’s Division by Arizona School Administration personnel. In 2017, Grand Canyon University named him to its Hall of Fame.
Active in civic and service organizations, Carter was secretary of the Prescott Sunrise Lions Club. He also was Advancement Chair for Boy Scout Troop One. At the state level, he was named to the Arizona State School Board of Education, where he served as vice president and president. In 1988, he was named to represent Congressional District 3 as a George H.W. Bush Delegate to the Republican National Convention. He serves on several boards of directors for charitable and philanthropic education organizations within Yavapai County.
In his role as Yavapai County School Superintendent, Carter serves the entirety of Yavapai County and its 26 school districts, 24 charter schools and 102 campuses.
PRESCOTT LIVING: Tim, your entire career has been dedicated toward public education. What have been your most satisfying moments?
TIM CARTER: I have looked forward to going to work every single day for 45 years . I don’t regret a single day. I started as a teacher. I’ve been a coach, a department chair, an assistant principal and a principal. I’m in my 15th year now as the County School Superintendent.
PRESCOTT LIVING: What attracted you into education as a career?
TIM CARTER: I spoke recently to a 4.0 Honors Dinner for the Prescott Sunrise Lions Club. I told them, “You know, one of the things you need to realize is that until I was about 11 years old, I fully planned to be a jockey.” I was raised on a thoroughbred ranch. I had ridden horses since I was old enough to get on one. But by the time I was 11, I knew otherwise. Today at 6’4 and 260 pounds that obviously didn’t go the direction I wanted it to go. When I graduated from high school, I decided to go into education. Specifically, I wanted to coach.
PRESCOTT LIVING: Most challenging career moments?
TIM CARTER: Probably within the last 20 years, the biggest challenge has been dealing with the lack of funding for public schools. If we look back over 45 years of education, the changes that have happened have been of magnitude.
When I graduated from high school, we didn’t know what a computer was, what the internet was, what a microwave was, what a cellphone was. I look back at my career; a big segment of it was pretechnology. During a time period in which technology was emerging, we had a very difficult time trying to find the funding to implement it in schools.
The ROX Interview (continued)
There are still teachers who are digital dinosaurs, who have never really embraced technology. Most of us are digital immigrants. We kind of adopted it over time. We’re dealing now with youngsters who are digital natives.
PRESCOTT LIVING: What other shifts have you seen in curriculum?
TIM CARTER: Some people have the misguided opinion that the process of establishing and implementing the curriculum has changed. They believe that somehow the state and the federal government has taken that over. That’s absolutely not true. What the federal and the state governments have tried to do is create a set of academic standards uniform for everyone.
In Arizona, our standards tend to be statebased standards. The standard tells us what we have to teach at what level. If I’m looking at a math standard at the elementary kindergarten level, all students before they leave kindergarten should be able to count from zero to 100 by ones and tens. Who’s going to argue that’s not a good standard?
The standard doesn’t say how we do it, who does it, what order it’s done in, what
materials we have to use, what kind of instructional methods we have to employ. Those are all local control decisions. The standard is not curriculum. The average person really has difficulty understanding the difference between a standard (what is to be taught) and the curriculum and instruction methodology (how it’s to be taught). There’s a huge distinction.
PRESCOTT LIVING: Help us understand school choice, Tim.
TIM CARTER: Historically, this was your school — one in the legally defined school district where you lived. If you wanted to go anyplace else, either your parents had to pay to send you to a private school, or they would have to pay tuition to a neighboring district. More recently, open enrollment — the right to pick what school you want to attend — changed all of that. School choice had one of the biggest impacts on our educational system. It certainly has made schools more competitive. It has also opened up avenues by which parents and students absolutely have control over where they send their child.
Anymore, if I’m unhappy with the school district and I can find a charter that better
meets my needs, I can send my child to that charter. As long as it’s not at capacity, they have to accept that child. The tax dollars will flow to that school. It is a public school and is paid for by tax money.
PRESCOTT LIVING: That’s a key point, isn’t it, Tim? Many people don’t realize charter schools are paid through the state.
TIM CARTER: They are public. That is part of the definition of a charter school. Charter school funding comes from the state general fund. There is no property tax support, because a charter isn’t a political subdivision. In contrast, in a school district you have geographical boundaries. Those property owners therein are taxed. That is part of that funding. Then the state general fund is the other part of what’s called an equalization process.
PRESCOTT LIVING: How does such funding affect school facilities? What’s your perception of school facilities?
TIM CARTER: There have been significant changes around the area of school facilities. Not so much the actual, physical structure itself. But the funding and who was making the decisions.
I can show you some schools built with private money on private property. Then they were deeded to a local school district board, as long as it was used as an educational facility.
We got to a point where individuals either couldn’t do that, or it didn’t seem appropriate they were doing that. That’s where the whole school bonding concept came in. That concept involves asking voters to raise taxes to get an amount of money to build the school and purchase the land on which it is built.
Sometimes, you have districts that can pass bonds. Those districts can support nice facilities. But the district right next door can’t pass a bond so their facilities might be very old, very likely not well maintained. That creates a disparity. Yet Article 11 of the Arizona State Constitution makes it an obligation of the state to fund education, including to provide education facilities.
The Arizona Supreme Court has ruled, “The funding formula is unconstitutional. We have to find a different way to do it.” That is when the school facilities board was born. For about 12 to 15 years, the school facilities board was funded fairly well by the Arizona State Legislature. That board supported a lot
“Laying a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown” at Arlington National Cemetery with other Arizona Association of County (AACO) Officers. 2011, as President Of AACO.
of schools, and it brought several schools up to a minimum standard. It completed many repairs. It extended the life of some old buildings that long-term saved taxpayers a lot of money. But support for funding SFB has diminished.
Now we’re trying to do things in the realm of facilities that we would never really even have given serious thought to back in the ‘70s and ‘80s. Back then, we didn’t have people walking into schools and doing just really crazy things — assaults, school shooting.
I look at school safety. What would have been deemed as a safe school in 1970 would certainly not be deemed a safe school now. When I went to high school, almost everybody who drove themselves had a firearm in the vehicle. That’s because a lot of people hunted and lived in remote areas. Today it’s a federal and state crime to take a weapon into a school.
PRESCOTT LIVING: Support mechanisms in schools have changed radically during the years, Tim. Tell us about school counselors, advisers, nurses, medical personnel, librarians, bus drivers, transportation — how has that changed?
TIM CARTER: For years, schools have gone well beyond just having a group of students and a teacher in a classroom.
Over time, as schools became the healthcare center, the food distributor, the source of social welfare services, there were valid reasons why those social and cultural changes happened. We shifted from a time when school was very simple, completely dedicated to instruction — with literally just a teacher and a group of students. Now we have many parents and other people expecting schools to be all things to all people.
We have seen an increase of auxiliary staff who provides critical services to the school itself and specifically the students.
For instance, the Yavapai County Education Service Agency (YCESA) — our agency — provide services to virtually every local education agency (LEA) in Yavapai County. These are services we package because the schools have come to us and said, “We need these services (nursing, for example), and we don’t have enough money to hire a nurse.”
We have embraced the concept of shared services, where instead of five schools districts all hiring a nurse, each spending $50,000 to $80,000 a year, our agency hires
the nurse. We create contracts with each of those five districts. The nurse is in District A on Monday and District B on Tuesday and so on.
What we have found is that we can share those services, provide those services necessary and save everybody money. We’re not trying to make a profit; we just have to recover our costs.
We also have things today we would have never thought about years ago. My agency has an emergency response team. We can put 10 to 12 people at any school in Yavapai County within about two hours once we have notice of some kind of an emergency. We recently had two young ladies from a local high school pass away as a result of a car accident. We had 10 counselors there the next day.
PRESCOTT LIVING: Tim, in Yavapai County, we’ve got economically disadvantaged kids. We’ve got kids without parents … TIM CARTER: In the ‘60s, ‘70s and ‘80s, the typical family was two parents and the children. One of them worked, and one of them very
well may have stayed home. At some point in time it transitioned to they both work.
Now, we also deal with as many grandparents or uncles or aunts or sisters as substitutes for parents. Society has changed.
There is a proposal out there to say that schools should spend more money in the classroom. Boy, on the surface, that sounds like a great idea. But if you look at the legal definition of a classroom, it is the teacher and the aide.
The counselor, the nurse, the curriculum director, the librarian, the bus driver, the principal, the assistant principal — all those people are all considered to have administrative functions. Even though they provide a service that is directly and positively related to what happens in that classroom, they are not considered part of the legal definition of a classroom.
PRESCOTT LIVING: How much impact did Red for Ed have? (Editor’s note: Red for Ed was a 2017-2018 grassroots movement led by Arizona
continued on page 40...
Tim being interviewed in his office.
CITY SPEAK PRESCOTT IS MAKING INTERNATIONAL HEADLINES WITH EVIATION
by Greg Mengarelli, Mayor, City of Prescott
Eviation is a leader and key proponent in the future of the aviation industry, particularly in regard to electric aircraft.
Prescott is making headlines locally and throughout the world of aviation. This June, City Manager Michael Lamar and I attended the Paris Air Show where Eviation’s newest technology was beautifully on display, and Prescott, too, took center stage.
At the invitation of Eviation CEO and Founder Omer Bar-Yohay, on June 17-20 we were able to take part in the unveiling of “Alice” in Paris.
As members of the NASA, FAA and GAMA electric aviation committees, Eviation is a leader and key proponent in the future of the aviation industry, particularly in regard to electric aircraft.
Alice is a currently an under-development electric aircraft, built from 95% composite materials and controlled by fly-by-wire and three propellers. She will be designed to take nine passengers up to 650 miles at a cruise speed of 240 knots, and that design will take place right here in Prescott.
Coverage of Alice’s unveiling at the Paris Air Show press conference was broad and included publications and news outlets such as Forbes, CNBC, MSNBC, BBC News, Reuters, Bloomberg and Yahoo Business. Eviation’s ongoing relationship with Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (ERAU) and the Prescott Regional Airport has been highlighted by these news outlets and will be paramount in the continuing development and growth of aviation in the Prescott community.
In addition to myself and Mr. Lamar, Arizona was represented in Paris by the Arizona Commerce Authority, which helped to promote our community and the entire state for leading-edge technology and aviation.
The Alice aircraft will be brought to Prescott and housed in a hangar at the Prescott Regional Airport. After being transported back from Paris later this summer, Alice will be reassembled for development work to continue with the assistance of ERAU faculty and staff beginning in August. Eviation’s goal is to have full FAA certification of the Alice aircraft in 2021. We also expect that Yavapai College will play a role with training and certification for manufacture of the aircraft and associated components.
The bottom line is that partnerships with companies like Eviation, which sees the potential and greatness that we all already know exists here, is incredibly beneficial for the City of Prescott and our community as a whole.
The opportunity for students to work with a company of Eviation’s caliber and then potentially continue to work at that level while staying in our community is truly a dream. Between development of the Alice aircraft and the ongoing beautification and growth of the Prescott Regional Airport, I am thrilled to see how the world of aviation can continue to positively impact Prescott.
Schools and local government should have a symbiotic relationship and work together for the betterment of the Town.
PRESCOTT VALLEY OFFERS MANY LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES
by Kell Palguta, Mayor, Prescott Valley
This month’s theme at Prescott Living Magazine is Education, and Prescott Valley has a lot to offer when it comes to learning at all levels. The Town is home to the Humboldt Unified School District, numerous charter schools, the Yavapai College East Campus and Northern Arizona University-Yavapai, where students can complete a bachelor’s degree in three years. Both Yavapai College and NAU-Yavapai are adding much needed secondary education options to our growing community.
I have found myself reflecting on my own educational journey, which has ranged from attending a small elementary school in the heart of Maine all the way to my completion of a master’s degree from New Mexico State University. Each opportunity provided me with a life lesson that has certainly molded me into the person I am today. Prescott Valley is no different. As a community, we are working hard every day to ensure each and every student’s journey in life starts with an amazing opportunity.
The Prescott Valley Yavapai College allied health credit programs include phlebotomy, nursing assistant, pharmacy technician, medical assistant and health information technology.
Census results show that Prescott Valley is the fastest growing and increasingly youngest community in Yavapai County, with a large current demand in the medical industry. Local students are taking the opportunity to further their knowledge and enter an exciting and growing workforce.
As a parent of 4-year-old twins and a 10-year-old son, education is constantly being considered by my family. The good citizens of Prescott Valley often ask
how the Town can be more involved with our local school systems. Schools and local government should have a symbiotic relationship and work together for the betterment of the Town.
Currently our police department has a program, Cops at Kids, in which police officers meet and interact with local school children at lunch time in an attempt to break down barriers and foster a sense of trust. Encouraging and supporting our police officers to do more at our schools is key. The department also has a school resource officer at Bradshaw Mountain High School who has created great relationships with students.
I recently had an opportunity to participate in Read Across America, which is comprised of reading stories to local elementary school students in their classrooms, as well as partaking in a question and answer session about being a mayor.
Prescott Valley prides itself on being a family-oriented community, recognizing that our children truly are the future. Sometimes we get too caught up in the daily grind of everyday life to take a step back and realize that each of us is capable of making a difference in our community.
Many opportunities exist to volunteer in our local schools either through the school itself or through organizations such as Big Brothers, Big Sisters. You can volunteer to help a teacher in the classroom, read to students, tutor kids that need a little extra help, or perform office tasks to free up time for teachers.
Find out how to get involved with your local schools by visiting humboldtunified.com or calling the district at 928-759-4000.
Prescott Valley Police Officer, Brandon Frost talks with students during a Cops at Kids event. The program helps officers and kids to interact and fosters a sense of trust.
Dog Owners Can Be Liable for Dog Bites Even if Dog Not Previously Aggressive
by Jeffrey D . Gautreaux, Attorney at Law, Musgrove Drutz Kack & Flack, PC
It is a common and welcome sight in Prescott: people walking their dogs in our beautiful neighborhoods, on our scenic trails or around our historic Courthouse Plaza. While most dogs are friendly, situations can arise in which an otherwise friendly dog may bite someone.
In Arizona, as in most states, there are special rules for lawsuits regarding dog bites that are different than a standard personal injury negligence case, such as a motor vehicle collision.
The first significant difference is the statute of limitations – the period in which such a claim can be brought – for a dog bite is only one year (A.R.S. § 12-541(5)). As a result, if you or someone you know is bitten by a dog, it is important to contact a lawyer without delay to ensure your claim is not time-barred.
The second significant difference is that Arizona imposes strict liability in dog bite cases. That means the dog owner is liable for the dog bite even if the dog has not previously shown any propensity to bite people
Economy • Local Business
(A.R.S. § 11-1025). This strict liability attaches if the bite occurs in a public place or even if the person who was bitten was lawfully in a private place, such as when the person was a guest on the property of the dog owner.
The strict liability framework also applies to any damage to persons or property caused by a dog that is at large, which means the dog is running free outside its owner’s property without a leash (A.R.S. § 11-1020).
A dog owner’s only real defense in a dog bite case is that the victim provoked the dog. The issue of provocation is determined by whether a reasonable person would expect that the conduct or circumstances under which the dog bite occurred would be likely to provoke a dog (A.R.S. § 11-1027).
An understanding of dog-bite law is important not only for those who have been bitten by a dog, but it is also important for dog owners. Contrary to popular
belief, a dog in Arizona does not get “one free bite.”
That first bite – even if the dog has never shown any vicious propensity and may be a generally calm breed – can still create liability for the dog owner. Because of this strict liability framework, it is important to keep your dog on a leash when in public and to always be mindful of the actions of others when with your dog.
If you find yourself the victim of a dog bite or dog attack, it is important to seek legal representation quickly so your counsel can pursue your claim and recover the monetary damages allowed under Arizona law.
Jeffrey D. Gautreaux focuses his practice in the areas of criminal law (including DUI defense), personal injury and general civil litigation. Musgrove Drutz Kack & Flack, PC is a full-service law firm serving our community for more than 30 years. For more information about the firm, go to mdkflaw.com.
Doctor summa cum laude from the University of Arizona College of Law, and his B.A. summa cum laude in Media Production from Hastings College in Hastings, Nebraska. His areas of focus at the firm are criminal defense, civil litigation and appeals. Jeffrey also handles real estate disputes and personal injury cases. He previously clerked for the Hon. Patricia K. Norris at the Arizona Court of Appeals. He is a member of the State Bar of Arizona, the Yavapai County Bar Association, and is admitted in the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit. He also serves on the Board of Directors for the Prescott YMCA of Yavapai County and is President of the Board of Directors of the Forest Trails Homeowners Association.
Jeffrey D. Gautreaux earned his Juris
Everyone Wins When Businesses Partner with Schools
by Sheri Heiney, President & CEO of the Prescott Chamber of Commerce
Imagine if every business partnered with its local schools in some way. This would ideally address many of our educational needs, right? The answer is yes.
In today’s educational landscape, there is an ever-increasing need for every business to partner with local schools. Matters such as society ills, federal and state budget deficits and lack of real-world relevance, create endless opportunities for businesses to support local schools’ efforts to educate the future workforce and citizens.
Other than the reasoning of “businesses just should,” there are other important reasons why businesses should partner with schools.
Improved Community Image and Presence
One of the growing corporate buzzwords of today is corporate social responsibility, or CSR. CSR is a company’s sense of responsibility toward the community and environment (both ecological and social).
Harvard Business School research found that companies with higher corporate social responsibility practices outperform their counterparts over the long term, both in terms of stock market and accounting performance. CSR is also an effective way to increase a company’s competitive advantage.
When companies decide to use their corporate social responsibility platforms to partner with schools, an increased presence of their company is created among students, parents, school staff and the community. This presence creates a lasting positive image, which in turn increases a company’s profits and competitive advantage.
Create A More Prepared Workforce
All students should graduate from high school ready for college, careers and life and be prepared to pursue the future of their choice.
Students tend to be highly receptive to receiving career education from individuals working in their fields. This can be done through businesses’ participation in school career days, field trips to business sites, shadowing and serving on school advisory boards. College and career education that includes hands-on exposure is highly beneficial to students.
Ideally, businesses provide hands-on workforce experience to local students. When students are afforded the opportunity to work in the fields of their choice, they are better prepared for their post-secondary experience. Businesses can assist with this by providing internships for students and hire students to work in their establishments as assistants and apprentices.
Community Growth
When students achieve their goals in education, everyone benefits. Business involvement helps to show relevance to students. The students are more motivated to get an education and more aware of how it correlates to success. There is evidence that links business involvement with fewer dropout rates. And when students see the relevance for pursuing a career in a specific industry, they are motivated to not only stay in school, but to do their best. This helps create positive growth within the community over the long term.
Businesses should be vested in education because of their need for a strong pool of local workers to choose from and consumers who can afford their products. There is a wealth of opportunities available for businesses to partner with their local schools. School and business partnerships create a win-win situation for schools, businesses and, most importantly, students.
For more information about the Prescott Chamber of Commerce, please visit prescott.org or call us at 928-445-2000 or 1-800-266-7534, or stop by the Visitor Information Center at 117 W. Goodwin St., Prescott, AZ 86303.
PLANNING FOR TAXES
Once you’ve retired, you will no longer have a regular paycheck, and you will likely have to rely on your investments to provide a steady stream of income. It’s important to be mindful of how taxes will come into play, though.
The good news is retirees have a level of control and predictability when it comes to their taxes in retirement – especially if they choose to consult professional help.
For many people, a straightforward approach to planning for taxes in retirement is to consider the withdrawal sequence you are going to take. You could start by taking required minimum distributions from tax-deferred accounts (IRAs, 401(k)s), then withdraw from taxable accounts like brokerage accounts, and move to tax-exempt accounts like Roth IRAs – but it’s important to determine what’s best for your unique situation.
are strategies that will help you keep more of your dollars rather than giving them to Uncle Sam.
One option that works for many is a Roth IRA. With this type of account, you pay the income taxes upfront on the amount you are converting, or initial investment/principle, and then enjoy years of potential tax-exempt growth, followed by tax-exempt withdrawals on qualified distri-
Investments, LLC, we take a holistic approach to retirement planning, and a major part of that is trying to strategically plan for income and taxation. That is why we are a combined investment, tax planning and tax preparation firm that will review your taxes, prepare a report and help you form a tax strategy that’s right for you and your retirement income.
empt income, seeing if you qualify for the elderly credit and ensuring that you are taking advantage of the proper deductions and personal exemptions.
Whether it is controlling the amount and timing of your income streams to bring yourself into a lower tax bracket or adjusting your deductions to help ensure you don’t pay more in taxes than necessary, there
In the current economic landscape, it is more import ant than ever to work with a financial professional who can help provide you with the tools you need to help protect and preserve your nest egg – espe cially when it comes to taxes.
Taxes can be a burden in retirement – but they don’t have to be. Once we’ve en sured you’ve taken all of the deductions and credits you are entitled, we can begin explor ing the options and routes that will help you save money on taxes in retirement.
Karlsson has published more than 80 peerreviewed international journal articles, and she has been the primary adviser for more than 15 doctoral and master’s degree students.
Anette M. Karlsson Named Chancellor of Embry-Riddle’s Prescott Campus
by Jason Kadah, Communications Director, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
Dr. Anette M. Karlsson, a mechanical and aerospace engineer and a highly accomplished academic leader, has been named Chancellor of Prescott’s Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University.
Karlsson, who served as a professor and dean of the Washkewicz College of Engineering at Cleveland State University since 2012, assumed her new role with Embry-Riddle Aug. 1.
In announcing her hiring, Embry-Riddle President P. Barry Butler said. Karlsson was selected from a pool of highly accomplished candidates in a national search.
“Dr. Karlsson brings stellar academic credentials, superb executive experience, a passion for both engineering and aviation and a team-oriented approach to her new position as Chancellor,” he said. “I have complete confidence in her ability to lead our Prescott campus. I was impressed by her vision, her humility and her proven commitment to faculty, students and staff.”
Karlsson said, “I’m honored to join the dynamic Prescott campus of the
world’s leading aviation and aerospace university. I look forward to working collaboratively with faculty and staff to achieve ambitious strategic goals in support of the Embry-Riddle mission of service to students.”
A fellow of the American Society of Mechanical Engineering, Karlsson earned her Ph.D. in mechanical and aerospace engineering at Rutgers University, within the area of applied mechanics. She completed her bachelor’s and master’s degrees at Linköping University in Sweden.
Karlsson conducted post-doctoral research at Princeton University before joining the University of Delaware, where she later became chairwoman of the Department of Mechanical Engineering. Earlier in her career, she worked as a research/ design engineer for Saab Missiles and Saab Aerospace and as a technical attaché of material science for Sweden’s Embassy in the United States.
Her research interests focus on the thermo-mechanical properties of advanced materials with an emphasis on the durability of materials used
in clean energy production. Karlsson has published more than 80 peer-reviewed international journal articles, and she has been the primary adviser for more than 15 doctoral and master’s degree students.
Karlsson’s many honors and awards have included the U.S. Office of Naval Research Young Investigator Award, the University of Delaware’s E.A. Trabant Award for Women’s Equity, as well as the Young Scholars Award of the Francis Alison Society and membership in the engineering honor society Tau Beta Pi.
“My leadership style is highly collaborative,” Karlsson said. “As Embry-Riddle’s new Chancellor on the Prescott campus, listening, learning and gaining trust will be important first steps for me. That will be an essential foundation for us as we work together to elevate Embry-Riddle’s Prescott campus.”
She succeeds Dr. Frank Ayers. In making the announcement, Butler commended Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, Dr. Rhonda Capron, who served as Interim Chancellor.
Karlsson will relocate to Prescott with her husband Rick and their cat Molly.
Dr. Anette M. Karlsson
Embry-Riddle’s Prescott Campus
PHOTO
Recognition of Excellence is Annual Highlight for the Prescott Valley Chamber
by Marnie Uhl, President/CEO, Prescott Valley Chamber of Commerce
Each year the Prescott Valley Chamber of Commerce brings together people to share in a celebration of excellence. Since 1998 the Chamber has shared its annual banquet with the recognition, support and promotion of individuals, businesses and organizations that contribute to making this the best community to live in.
Originally called the Community Service Award, this program was designed to award those making a significant difference throughout the preceding year. In 2015, the name was changed to Community Excellence Awards.
Excellence was used to better reflect the dedication and commitment of those nom-
inated. Nominees include individuals, businesses and organizations that go above and beyond each and every day.
Beginning in April, nominations are solicited from the community at large for names of those who represent the best in each category. Categories include: Citizen of the Year, Student of the Year, Teacher of the Year, Organization of the Year, Volunteer of the Year, Community Improvement, Chamber Member of the Year, Business Leader of the Year and the Prescott Valley Heritage Award.
A committee of Chamber and community leaders review and determine who will receive the award. Every attempt is made to keep the announcement a surprise to the recipient. However, sometimes it is necessary to come up with a sneaky method to get them to the dinner. We are proud to say we have become
very effective in our schemes and techniques. As we celebrate our 45th year in serving the businesses and community of Prescott Valley we look at our annual Community Excellence Awards as one of our crowning achievements in being the catalyst, convener and champion of our home, our place — Prescott Valley.
Congratulations to the 2019 Community Excellence Award Recipients:
Student of the Year: Emma Steverson
Teacher of the Year: Mary Supergan
Citizen of the Year: Scott Stebbins
Business Leader of the Year: Jim Cabral
Prescott Valley Heritage Award: Heidi Foster
Chamber Member of the Year: The Event Spot
Norm Pariseau Volunteer of the Year: John Agan
Organization of the Year: Humboldt
Education Foundation
Community Improvement: Carniceria Azteca and Boys and Girls Club Prescott Valley Expansion Project
THE FIRST EVER GATEWAY MALL BUSINESS EXPO IS COMING TO PRESCOTT IN OCTOBER .
“Ijust felt that we needed a Business Expo that was affordable for everyone,” said Lynette Baker Hoyt. Hoyt, who is an Ambassador for Plexus, and the host of the local Quad Cities Business Beat podcast, believed that often large expos are priced out of reach for smaller mom-and-pop businesses, or those that are home-based.
Other area business owners agreed. Vickie Johnston, owner of H2O Health (formerly UltraWater Bar Health Store) was enthusiastic about the idea. She recently moved her business to the Gateway Mall, and agreed to reach out to see if it could be held there. Once that was approved, everything else fell into place.
Businesses of any size are encouraged to participate. Rates start at $70 for those that bring their own table, and $95 for those that need a table provided. Sponsors are also needed.
Friday evening, the businesses are welcome to come and set up in advance and also participate in a vendor networking mixer from 6-7:30. There will also be a set-up time from 7-9 AM. The Business Expo takes place from 10 AM to 4 PM on Saturday, October 18.
“I love local business, and I want to help everyone succeed,” Hoyt said. “This will be a great opportunity for businesses to meet each other and also reach out to the public.”
The Business Expo will take place on Saturday, October 19 at Prescott Gateway Mall. Call Lynette Hoyt for more information at 702.205.3697
The ROX Interview (continued)
...continued from page 27
Educators United and part of a national outcry for teachers and educators for better and significantly improved education funding. Many wore red T-shirts.)
TIM CARTER: I think it’s really too soon to know. I think that question mark is still very much out there. Let’s go back and realize that in February of ‘18, I was one of a handful of people in a meeting with the governor. We were told, “We’re not going to be able to provide any additional education funding over 2%. It can’t happen. The money is simply not there.”
Two months later, with thousands and thousands of red shirts at the Capitol day after day, all of a sudden, “Well, we can do 10% this year. And we’ll do 5% the next year and 5% the year after that.”
Isn’t it amazing how political pressure influences people and changes their political will to make something happen? I’m not criticizing the governor, in fact I am proud of what he did, but that’s a great example. We went from 2% to all of a sudden we’re going to give you a package of 20% within three years. What happened? What changed that decision? Red for Ed, and the political pressure it bought to bear.
Even so, that barely moved the financial needle. If we go back and look at the funding from between 2008 and 2012, we lost 36% of statewide funding for K-12. When the governor first came into office, he would routinely talk about the fact that he had worked with the Legislature to restore 9%. That’s true. He did. And now we have 20% added to that through next year. Let’s add that whole 20% to the 9%, that’s 29%.
But we’re still 7% below where we were in 2008.
That’s assuming we were fully funded in 2008. I’m going to absolutely argue we weren’t. So, Red for Ed pulled off a political coup. That, in my view, is unparalleled in Arizona educational history. It extended into the 2018 elections in November. We certainly know that the House and the Senate in Arizona had earlier been heavily Republican-controlled, for decades. Now it’s Republican-controlled — but with very narrow majorities in each house.
What’s sad is that in Arizona, even with that 20% increase, and even with that 9% more, we’re still 47-49th in the nation, depending on the factors you look at. As a so-
ciety we should simply acknowledge that is not appropriate.
PRESCOTT LIVING: You’re personally involved in recruiting teachers. What steps are you taking?
TIM CARTER: I believe the biggest personnel issue we have in Arizona right now is recruiting and retaining teachers and leaders.
Money is not the only issue. The working environment, and, “Can I find a place to live?” and, “Am I enjoying the people I’m working with?” are major issues. The reality is a big chunk of those issues involve dollars. If we compare salaries in Yavapai County with other places, all I have to do is drive to the north Valley (Phoenix), and I can get a $14,000 pay raise. If I leave Arizona and go to California, I get about a $20,000 raise.
It is simply more expensive to live in Yavapai County. We’re having a very difficult time finding teachers. It used to be that we would get 70 or 80 applicants for vacancies. Now, if we get five or six applicants, that’s about average for a lot of our positions. Often, we get none.
We’ve had problems for years finding math, science, foreign language, special education teachers. But a new phenomenon is we’re having a hard time finding physical education teachers, social studies teachers and third-grade teachers.
The result? I’m helping to recruit teachers in conjunction with various school districts and charter schools, because they obviously are saying, “What can we do?”
We’re trying to get people to be more engaged in things like job fairs, in going out of state and recruiting. If you look at states like Michigan and South Dakota, which are producing 12% more teachers than they’re going to employ, we can recruit there. That tells me it’s a really good idea to go to those state universities and recruit. We’ve been especially successful in South Dakota.
Also, some rural schools can’t find affordable housing for their teachers. So some teachers probably go to the Valley to teach because there’s more available housing.
One school district in Arizona bought
continued on page 142...
Tim Carter, Yavapai County School Superintendent, is flanked by two Gardner Family Teacher Scholarship Foundation (GiFTS) board members, Jodi Rooney (l) and Leslie Horton (r) as they prepare to give scholarships to qualified aspiring teachers enrolled in certified teacher training programs offered by colleges and universities. GiFTS is just one of several philanthropic boards for which Carter is a board member. (Photo by Ray Newton)
What’s Happening at the Yavapai College Regional Economic Development Center
by Richard Hernandez, Director, Regional Economic Development Center, Yavapai College
The REDC can help meet your data analysis needs through overview reporting of demographic, economy, industry and occupation information, as well as economic impact, feasibility and labor studies.
Job Fairs Prove an Effective Hiring Tool
Yavapai College’s Regional Economic Development Center (REDC) continues to serve the community by working with their many partners to host job fairs across Yavapai County. The REDC stages six to eight job fairs each year. Job fairs were rare, small-scale occurrences until 2014 when the REDC first began reaching out to local employers and hosting these events. Since, the fairs have expanded in size, frequency and effectiveness.
The next job fairs will be Sept. 12 in Chino Valley, and Sept. 25 in Prescott Valley. For information, please visit: yc.edu/redc and click the Job & Career Fair link.
Regional Economic Development Center Has Moved
In 2019, the Regional Economic Development Center (REDC) at Yavapai College moved to the Prescott Valley Center at 3800 N. Glassford Hill Road. The staff and phone numbers remain the same, so there should
Overview Reporting:
be no problem in getting in touch. Yavapai College leadership exchanged the location of the REDC with the Northern Arizona Regional Training Academy (NARTA) and incorporated renovations to accommodate both. The Prescott Campus provides several services needed by the NARTA 20week training program, such as food and lodging. Regardless of location, the REDC staff are always available in the office or to come to your workplace to provide services to clients/partners throughout the entire county. Contact the REDC at 928-717-7332 or go online to yc.edu/redc.
Driving with Your Eyes Closed, or Data-Driven Decision Making (DDDM)
“Decisions without data is like driving with your eyes closed!” — Dan Zarella Yavapai College recognizes there is a tremendous need for analysis to support Data-Driven Decision Making (DDDM). The REDC’s commitment to supporting its regional partners in economic development includes providing data analysis to support economic data-driven decisions. Data analysis can be defined as
The following services/products report at city, town, zip code, or regional level.
• Economy
• Industry
• Occupation
• Demographics
• Housing & Cost of Living
“the process of identifying, examining and understanding data with the goal of discovering useful information and supporting decision-making.” In other words, providing a map for a solid and sustainable path. The importance of data in decision-making creates new opportunities, predicts trends, optimizes efforts and produces insight. The REDC can help meet your data analysis needs through overview reporting of demographic, economy, industry and occupation information, as well as economic impact, feasibility and labor studies. Contact the REDC at 928717-7332 or go online to yc.edu/redc.
Economic Studies:
The following services/products are extensive studies with market-based fees.
• Economic Impact
• Supply Chain Analysis
• Feasibility Studies
• Labor Studies
• Strategic Planning
• Consulting
Richard Hernandez
PHOTOS BY ELAINE EARLE
CHINO VALLEY JULY 4th
MARTHA COURT - CHARCOAL KILN
BOB SHANKS - SILVER TORNADO CHAMBER EVENT
BANOOK RODARTE
PATRICK BARTLEY
JT SHANEYFELT - CHINO VALLEY JUNE 2019
SARAH LEARY
PHOTOS BY THE TOWN OF CHINO VALLEY
Enhancing Quality of Life through Volunteering
by Kelly Tolbert, Recreation Services Coordinator, Prescott Parks and Recreation Pioneer
At the City of Prescott Recreation Services Department, one of our missions is to provide enhanced quality of life for our visitors and residents. We do this a variety of ways, but one that stands out is our relationship with volunteers. Overall, the department has approximately 250 volunteers on board for different tasks.
Scientific studies show that volunteering enhances mental as well as physical health. Some perceived benefits include feeling a sense of purpose; belonging to a community of like-minded individuals; learning new skills; increasing self-confidence; and combating depression, stress and anxiety.
Volunteering is also a way to gain career experience or enhance social interaction for retirees. Everyone benefits from volunteers,
including the host agency, if the volunteer relationship is found to be mutually beneficial and is overall a good fit.
One of the volunteer programs is known as the Over the Hill Gang (OHG), a work group of men and women who typically work twice a week for about three hours each workday. This group functions as both a trail construction and maintenance team.
If you have used any of the recreation-based trails in the Prescott area, the Over the Hill Gang has likely improved the condition of them in some form. Tasks sometimes range from the usual hand crew type grooming, cattle fence replacing, even pedestrian bridge construction. Just this past year, the OHG completed 6.4 miles in the Storm Ranch area and just under a mile on the ECOSA easement in the Granite Dells, as well as maintaining the existing 100+ miles of City trails.
To report an issue with any area trails or to sign up as a volunteer please visit: prescotttrails.com.
Another volunteer opportunity with Recreation Services is the Special Needs Activity Program (SNAP). This program serves adults with special needs and generally offers one dance and one bingo/activity night per month. The program is open to caregivers, participants, and of course volunteers to help by serving food, assisting with crafts or games or general duties associated with events. Monthly dances are themed; for example the prom usually takes place in May and other months feature a luau, Wild West, ‘50s sock hop, hippie dance, etc. A live DJ spins the tunes and everyone is invited to dance their socks off! This is truly an evening of fun. For more information on the SNAP program please visit: prescott-az.gov/recreation-events/programs-special-events/programs/special-needs.
If you are a dog enthusiast, then you have likely visited the Willow Creek Dog Park. This
is one of our most visited parks, averaging approximately 450 daily people visits, not including dogs! Luckily, Recreation Services has a dedicated group of volunteers that meets every Monday morning from approximately 8 to 10 a.m. to perform necessary maintenance. These tasks include applying enzyme to well-used areas, raking the rock areas, replacing dog waste bags in the stations located within the park, hosing off the sitting/cement areas, and anything else that needs attention. On the first Monday of the month, City staff joins the volunteers for bigger projects and no dogs are allowed these times. Otherwise, the park is only open to volunteers and their dogs during maintenance. For more information please visit: prescott-az.gov/recreation-area/willow-creek-park-dog-park.
Finally, another volunteer program offered by the Recreation Services Department is the Park Ranger Program. These Rangers generally patrol our parks, lakes, trails and open space in pairs. They’re on alert for any major maintenance issues such as broken water lines, graffiti and potential safety issues, while acting as ambassadors for the department.
They distribute trail maps, parking pass information, direct visitors to points of interest and essentially handle anything that comes their way. Right now, the program is at capacity, but we always accept applications and inquiries. For more information please visit: prescott-az.gov/recreation-events/recreation-areas/volunteer/volunteer-park-rangers.
You may struggle with fear, pain, continuous dental costs and not feeling amazing about your mouth and smile. When you are ready for a change we will guide you to pain free, affordable and long lasting dentistry, so you are extremely secure and delighted with your smile.
Veneers & Smile Design
Full Mouth Reconstruction
Snoring & Bite Issues
Implant Restoration
Relocating to a new community?
You’ll need to find a local doctor
At Thumb Butte Medical Center, we are a state-of-theart multispecialty clinic. Our mission is to treat patients like family.
Whether you have allergies, chronic health issues or are healthy now, it’s a smart idea to have a doctor you know and are already familiar with.
First, check with your insurance to see if you are required to select a primary care physician (PCP). Look for a well-established doctor with a strong network of specialists for referrals. You’ll be sharing a lot of information with your PCP, so make sure you can communicate comfortably.
• Ask neighbors and friends for recommendations.
• Look for a board-certified doctor, who has earned his or her degree from a qualified training hospital licensed by a state medical board.
• How long does it take to get an appointment for a routine visit?
• Same-day appointments offered?
• You’ll want a friendly staff that can help with insurance concerns.
• Does the doctor stay up-to-date on the latest treatments and technology?
At Thumb Butte Medical Center, we are a multispecialty clinic open six days per week, Monday-Friday, 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Saturday, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. We provide primary care to our patients and have many specialists available for referrals.
Osteoporosis
As we age, our bones can become weak and brittle and more susceptible to fractures.
This is a condition called osteoporosis. Osteoporosis-related fractures are most likely to occur in the hip, wrist and spine.
Older women past menopause are at the highest risk of developing this condition. Screening is available to determine bone density and risk of getting osteoporosis.
Risk factors include:
• age
• gender
• ethnicity
• genetics
• body-frame size
• certain medications
• certain pre-existing medical conditions
The U.S. Preventative Services Task Force recommends that all women over age 65 should have a bone density test. Your doctor may recommend screening for those under 65 with several risk factors.
A nutritious diet can help manage and prevent osteoporosis:
• Vitamin D for bone health.
• Protein and healthy fats are essential to a healthy diet.
• Eat more vegetables, fruits and whole grains.
• Reduce sugars, salt and phosphates.
Oh, my aching knees
In the summer, knee and joint injuries can happen easily. With osteoarthritis, knee cartilage wears out, which can be painful. There are other treatments besides surgery, however.
Hyaluronan injections into the joint provide lubrication and act like a shock absorber. Usually a series of injections are given weekly for about three to five weeks. These injections can greatly reduce pain; the effect can last up to several months.
An exciting new treatment is Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy. Concentrated platelets from the patients’ own blood are injected into the affected joint. Those platelets contain hundreds of proteins called growth factors that are important for healing injuries.
Stem-cell therapy uses stem cells for faster healing and comfort.
With knee or joint pain, always consult with your doctor sooner rather than later to avoid further injury and damage.
Sneezing, sniffling, watery eyes
Moving to a new community can bring on allergies you never knew you had! If over-the-counter meds aren’t helping, ask your doctor about the best allergy treatment for you.
At Thumb Butte Medical Center, we are a state-of-the-art multispecialty clinic. Our mission is to treat patients like family.
We accept patients of any age. Walk-ins and new patients are always welcome.
by Leslie Horton, Director, Yavapai County Community Health Services
Topics such as healthy relationships, nutrition and sexual health, as well as drug prevention, behavioral and emotional health are all very important for students to learn at a young age, and these healthy skills benefit them throughout their lifespan.
School wellness has become a buzz term and is gaining widespread attention lately as society is recognizing it takes more than just good grades to help students succeed with their future endeavors.
We know schools are justifiably concerned about high-quality education and test scores, however, working toward student and staff wellness can be just as important and ultimately helps students perform at their best. If a student is sitting in class and has not eaten properly or maybe experienced a traumatic event the day before, he or she needs to have those needs met first, before being able to focus and strive for good grades.
Topics such as healthy relationships, nutrition and sexual health, as well as drug prevention, behavioral and emotional health are all very important for students to learn at a young age, and these healthy skills benefit them throughout their lifespan. This premise led to an inspiring idea known as Yavapai Healthy Schools (YHS).
Almost three years ago, Yavapai County Community Health Services (YCCHS) began by reaching out to community partners and the YHS coalition was formed. There are numerous local organizations offering free services to schools in our community, and we wanted to create a way to make it easier for schools to find the
services they want in one place.
North Star Youth Partnership, MATForce and Yavapai Regional Medical Center are just a few of the partners actively participating in YHS. By brainstorming ideas for what the coalition wanted to accomplish, it was decided to create a resource list and website for schools and teachers with a menu of programs and curriculums that we can provide for them.
Next, YHS decided to award schools making strides in offering programs, services and environments that benefit the health of students and staff, calling it the Yavapai Healthy Schools Award, which includes public acknowledgement and $500 for purchasing school wellness incentives.
In 2017, Beaver Creek School in Rimrock was the first Yavapai Health School awarded for all the ways it is making a healthy difference in the school environment. In 2018, Coyote Springs Elementary School in Prescott Valley received the award; the incentive money was used to improve the school garden projects.
This year, the award went to Lincoln Elementary School, where we surprised Principal Karen Hughes, accompanied by the PUSD Superintendent Joe Howard and members of the Wellness Committee.
Hughes showed great pride in saying, “When you visit our campus, you will find Lincoln School is commit-
ted to emotional and mental health support, employee wellness, and offering a nutritional environment and services along with physical activity and education and truly caring for the whole student.” She was also quick to mention that Lincoln School receives amazing engagement and support from families and the community. Schools like these keep us motivated to assist in accomplishing school wellness goals, and the coalition will continue to grow and offer programs that support these goals. Making big and small healthy changes in the school culture can go a long way in helping inform someone’s choices for a lifetime.
For more information on Yavapai Healthy Schools, contact Heather Klomparens at heather.klomparens@yavapai. us or 928-634-6857, or visit yavapaihealthyschools.com.
Left to right: Rebecca Serratos, Shawn Soumilas, Sharmel Jordan, Principal Karen Hughes, PUSD Superintendent Joe Howard and Susana Delgado
Locally-Grown, Grass Fed Criollo Beef
USDA Process verified Grass Fed, No Hormones, No antibiotics, No animal byproducts.
Ever, for the life of the animal Individual cuts for sale • Whole or half sides available!
Locally-Grown, Grass Fed Criollo Beef
Available at the PRESCOTT FARMERS MARKET
USDA Process verified Grass Fed, No Hormones, No antibiotics, No animal byproducts.
“ I must tell you that this was absolutely, hands down, THE best steak and hamburger that I’ve ever had!” – JC Bell, Scottsdale
Available at the Prescott Farmers Market, Saturdays, 10am-1pm @ YMCA.
Yavapai College - Parking Lot “D” Saturdays 7:30am-12pm
Ever, for the life of the animal Individual cuts for sale • Whole or half sides available!
“ I must tell you that this was absolutely, hands down, THE best steak and hamburger that I’ve ever had!” – JC Bell, Scottsdale
Prescott Valley, Tuesdays, 2-5pm at Harkins Th
Valley, 3-6pm at Harkins eater.
Olsen’s Grain in Chino Valley Thursdays 3-6pm
Available at the Prescott Farmers Market, Saturdays, 10am-1pm @ YMCA.
The BREED Makes the DIFFERENCE!
Prescott Valley, Tuesdays, 2-5pm at Harkins Th
Criollo Beef outscores Kobe & Angus in Tenderness in an Igenity Benchmark Comparison! Criollo Beef
Valley, 3-6pm at Harkins eater. It tastes good and it’s good for you!
The difference is the BREED behind the BRAND!
VA Volunteers Make a Difference in the Lives of our Nation’s Heroes
by Mary Dillinger, Public Affairs Officer, NAVAHCS
This is the 73rd anniversary of Veterans Affairs Voluntary Service (VAVS) and Northern Arizona VA Healthcare System (NAVAHCS) has the opportunity to recognize our amazing volunteers for everything they do. NAVAHCS has so many wonderful volunteers, and we would like to share some of their stories.
Ron Lepore is known as the “popcorn guy.” An Army Veteran who served during the Vietnam era, Ron has volunteered at the Prescott VA for almost 13 years and loves meeting all kinds of interesting people and putting smiles on their faces. Starting as a patient escort, Ron moved over to “Popcorn Distribution” and is now recognized even when he’s not at the VA. “It is a great feeling to make people happy with something as simple as a bag of popcorn,” Ron said. “I like that I can make a difference.”
Voluntary Service Manager Trish Aljets pointed out that, “We have so many amazing volunteers, ranging in age from 14 to 95 years old. But, they all share one thing in common; they are here to serve Veterans We asked our staff for the names of which
volunteers they wanted to recognize and were overwhelmed with the number.”
Gary Warner, a volunteer in Information Technology since 2013, has accumulated more than 1,000 volunteer hours. Gary began volunteering after his friend, Donald “Jake” Jacobson, who volunteers in the outpatient pharmacy, told him it was a good idea.
One of the oldest volunteers at the Northern Arizona VA is Alberta Fritz (age 94), who volunteers in recreation therapy in the Community Living Center caring for short and long-term in-patient Veterans.
Don Frasier is 76, but no one can tell by looking at him. A volunteer since 2007, Don served 19 years in the Navy and also worked at the Northern Arizona VA for several years. He brought both of his sons to volunteer, and their time and experience changed their lives. Volunteering in nutrition and food service, Don’s oldest son, Greg sharpened his skills and knowledge and became a manager at the Bonfire Grill in Chino Valley. Now he works at the Olive Garden in Prescott.
An Air Force Veteran, Al
Lucero, decided to volunteer in 2015 because he wanted to make a real difference in the lives of Veterans. “Volunteering is one of the few things you can do that you can see the results of your work,” said Al, who decided to apply for a job in 2016 with the Northern Arizona VA Voluntary Service. “This is the first job I have had since I left the Air Force that I actually look forward to each day.”
Volunteers are making a difference in Veteran lives no matter where they work. At NAVAHCS we have many departments including patient escort, front desk, hospice ward and other clinical areas where you can find our volunteers assisting Veterans every day. More than half of the 435 volunteers at the Northern Arizona VA are Veterans.
“The number of hours our volunteers put in at the Northern Arizona VA is equivalent to about 40 full-time employees. Our volunteers are amazing and their dedication to our Veterans is remarkable,” said Lisa Martin, Associate Director. “But, we are always in need of more volun-
teers, especially at the information desk and in administrative areas. Many VA employees who retired can’t stay away. They’ve became volunteers to continue the exceptional work at our VA.”
The Northern Arizona VA’s Youth Volunteer Program helps teenagers develop new skills necessary for the job market such as leadership, communication skills, dependability, time management and decision making. Research has shown that teens who engage in community service are more responsible and have higher self-esteem and resilience.
“Our Youth Volunteer Program has been a huge success,” Aljets said. “Each year more and more students sign up to volunteer during the summer months, and many of them stay on as volunteers throughout the year.”
The Northern Arizona VA thanks each and every one of our outstanding volunteers for their hard work and commitment to our nation’s heroes. If you are interested in joining our volunteer team, contact voluntary service at 928-776-6013 or visit www.prescott.va.gov/giving.
American Legion Auxiliary Creative Arts Festival Volunteers: Margaret Ellis and Sally Fine.
PIZZA
Specialty Pizza or Build Your Own
Thin, Hand Tossed, or Pan Pizza
Small-Medium-Large-Xtra Large
Over 60 cheeses, meats, vegetables and custom toppings to choose from Gluten Free 10”, 12”, 14”
Individual Slices
SALADS
SMALL-MEDIUM-LARGE
Garden
Greek
Caesar
Chopped Salad
Spinach
Wedge
Antipasta
SUBS
15 to choose from
PASTA
Spaghetti
Penne
Rotini
Ravioli
Tortellini
WINGS
Regular / Boneless / Jumbo 8 flavors to choose from
CALZONES
Mini / Traditional / Jumbo Sizes include cheese and sauce and can add any pizza topping
ALSO AVAILABLE
Kids Menu
Dessert
Local beer, wine & spirits
THE PRESCOTT PIONEER
PRESCOTT • PRESCOTT VALLEY • CHINO VALLEY • DEWEY-HUMBOLDT
Hilton Garden Hotel Construction Underway
More than 50 people from the City, Chamber of Commerce, business community and general public gathered for a groundbreaking ceremony signaling construction of the multimillion Hilton Garden Inn Hotel.
The 100-room multistory hotel will be at the intersection of Montezuma and Sheldon streets.
Owner and developer Steve Shumway and his family from Show Low opened the June 11 event by praising the cooperative attitude of the greater Prescott community.
He described the future hotel as having contemporary features. He also pointed out the hotel will connect to the historic Sam Hill Warehouse via a century-old railway trestle. The old warehouse belonged to Prescott College before being sold to the Shumways. It will be converted
WASTE MANAGEMENT...cont. from page 23
and wrappings and the like. She detailed the kinds of items for which WM will provide curbside service in the greater Prescott area. Such items include clean glass and plastic bottles, jars and jugs, empty soda bottles, peanut butter jars, clean metal food containers like soup cans or empty aluminum beverage cans. The list also included clean paper products such as newspapers, office paper, mail and clean cardboard. She said recyclable materials are sorted and transported to a Material Recovery Facility plant in Surprise. There, they are separated into individual commodities, baled and shipped to manufacturers who then turn them into new consumer products. WM investments in recycling technology have increased oper-
to a conference center.
Dennis Porter, President Porter Brothers Construction, Gilbert, is in charge of hotel construction. Porter said he and his team were purchasing supplies and materials locally as much as possible to support the Prescott economy. He noted he already had hired two local firms and other subcontractors.
Prescott Mayor Greg Mengarelli welcomed Shumway, his wife Heidi and parents Doug and Dixie Shumway to Prescott. Mengarelli praised the public and private partnerships that occurred to support the project.
“All of this region will benefit economically and hospitalitywise from this development,” he said. He noted that Arizona Public Service and Prescott College were particularly supportive.
The City of Prescott hired consulting firm Applied Consultants to conduct an economic impact study to project potential economic benefits that would result from construction and operation of the hotel and adjacent facilities. That report estimated the annual economic impact would be in the range of almost $18 million a year. Over a 10-year period, that impact could reach $180 million.
ation efficiency and improved the quality of recycling materials.
Rios noted that WM has added labor and slowed down processing lines to pick out contaminated materials.
Rios’ home office is in Prescott Valley. More typically, Rios is traveling border to border throughout Central and Northern Arizona to work with other WM personnel to accommodate changes. That’s especially true as regulations become more rigorous in communities and counties. Much of Rios’ job involves helping educate the public about the changes in the recycling industry.
When in Doubt, Throw It Out
Rios says a lot of confusion exists among consumers about what can be recycled.
“Our best advice — when in doubt, throw it out. Do not put in
blue recycle bins,” she says.
“Many items cannot be recycled. Plastic bags and straws are single-use products. Those should go back to the local retailers for recycling through separate channels. Better yet, don’t use them to start with.”
Rios and her WM colleagues also collaborate with communities, businesses, schools and other partners to create more public awareness of what is recyclable.
She was especially critical of the amount of plastic being dumped into the ecosystem. Rios mentioned a recent study in National Geographic about the amount of toxic plastic in the world’s oceans. In some areas, the accumulated plastic floating in the ocean is as large as the state of Texas. Marine life cannot survive such an environment.
She mentioned other products — batteries, light bulbs, plastic toys, clothes, yard waste and coffee-soaked newspapers — that should not be put into recycle bins. “If people have questions about what they think they can recycle but are not certain — for example, computer or electronic equipment — they should check first before just dumping it into recycle.
She repeated, “When in doubt, dump it.”
A Prescott native who attended Yavapai College, Rios says WM is proud of its service in Arizona, having been here for 54 years. Statewide, more than 2,200 members belong to the WM team. For further information about what to recycle, visit RecycleOftenRecycleRight.com.
Representatives from the City, Prescott Chamber of Commerce and the business community joined the Shumway family in breaking ground for the Hilton Garden Hotel at the intersection of Montezuma and Sheldon streets in Downtown Prescott. (Photo by Ray Newton)
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Think Before You Pet
by Lauren Lovan, Grant & Communications Specialist, Yavapai Humane Society
M“ay I pet your dog?” This question is a very important one to teach your child to ask when out and about and there is a cute pup in sight. This simple question holds a lot of weight in a few ways. 1. It teaches your child to be respectful to the dog owner and the dog. 2. It teaches children responsibility for their own safety. 3. It promotes good nature in the dog world.
Let’s elaborate on these points, shall we? Respect is important for your child to show dog owners because it tells them that your child cares enough about them and their dog to not overstep their bounds. When respect is exhibited, it establishes a level of trust between the dog owner and your child because
the owner will automatically know your child is not going to be rough and or hurt their dog. This showing of respect leads to teaching children to think before acting, which explains they are in charge of their own well-being and shouldn’t do anything that will jeopardize it. Asking dog owners if petting their dog is all right before doing so, teaches children to keep in mind that just because a dog looks cute doesn’t always mean it is nice. It also helps them to understand that sometimes dogs need a little time to warm up to someone new. Which brings us to the next point, if your child learns to ask this question instead of running up to a dog on a walk, it will ease the anxiety of the dog. When
your child approaches the dog, make sure you teach him or her to hold out his or her hand so fingers point toward the ground. The dog will be able to get the chance to sniff your child’s hand and then it will be ready to receive affection. This act is giving the dog room to be itself to test the waters and it helps the dog know your child is not a threat.
Dogs should not be approached if they are wearing a service-dog vest or if they are growling. Make sure your child understands these things before you go to the park or town. The thing to remember is that different dogs need and like different things, and the only way to find those things out, is to ask their owners.
Special Section:
Back to School!
You can’t wait for summer … Then you can’t wait for school to begin! Each season in our family lives bring different things to do and special opportunities. Whether you’re in school or not, there is always something to learn.
Arizona allows a rich canvas of school choice opportunities. With approximately 2,134 public schools (that includes district and charter) the choices can be overwhelming. Options include:
• district schools
• charter schools
• online schools
• private schools
• home schooling
There is also the Empowerment Scholarship Account program (ESA): An account similar to a checking account that provides 90% of the state funding that would have
been received by the school the child would attend by default.
These ESA funds may be used for tuition at a private school, online education, tutoring services, curriculum and more. Eligibility may be limited.
DISTRICT SCHOOLS:
• Free public schools for K-12 students, taxpayer funded, but may charge a variety of fees (books, sports, etc.).
• Based on a specific geographical area with defined boundaries.
• School boards are made up of locally elected representatives.
• Typically offer the widest variety of extracurricular activities such as sports and clubs.
• Since Arizona is an open enrollment state, families can send their child to any public school — depending on classroom availability.
by staff reports
CHARTER SCHOOLS:
• Free, public schools for K-12 students, taxpayer funded, but may charge fees (books, sports, activities, etc.).
• Innovative, but still held accountable for student achievement.
• Often based on a particular educational focus.
• Most charter schools are not part of a district.
• Since Arizona is an open enrollment state, families can send their child to any public school — depending on classroom availability, but many charter schools have waitlists.
ONLINE SCHOOLS:
• Some are private, some are free public schools.
• Curriculum is based on online resources.
• Can vary from computer-assisted learning platforms to virtual classrooms.
• Currently, there are about 40 approved online school programs available in Arizona.
HOMESCHOOLING:
• Defined as a “school conducted primarily by the parent, guardian or other person who has custody of the child for instruction provided in the child’s home,” according to education.azgovernor.gov.
• Parents must file an Affidavit of Intent to Home School along with a birth certificate.
• Offers a lot of flexibility — i.e. the ability to travel, set own schedule, learn at individual pace
• By law, homeschooled students may participate in interscholastic activities (i.e. sports) within their geographical district.
• Homeschooled students are eligible for college and university scholarships.
• Private Schools
• Funded privately through tuition and
scholarships (check out School Tuition Organizations, aka STOs).
• Some tax credits may be applied.
• The Empowerment Scholarship Account program may also be used under certain circumstances.
• Can be religious in nature.
Arizona wants your students to receive a world class, 21st century education. From public school options to private and homeschooling options, Arizona offers more school choice opportunities than almost any other state.
• Resources:
• EducationEvaluator.org
• Education.AZGovernor.gov
• AZEd.gov (Arizona Department of Education website)
• EdChoice.org
GETTING YOUR CHILD INTO A ROUTINE
Knowing what to expect helps make adjusting to the start of the school year easier. Here are some things you’ll want to do before the first day of school:
Ease into going-to-bed and getting-up routines about a week or so in advance. Do a dry run of getting up, having breakfast and leaving for school or the bus.
Do a school tour and locate:
• classroom
• bathrooms
• nurse
• office
• buses
• cafeteria
• school library
• counselor office
• gym (and athletic office for high school students)
• lockers (practice the combination, too!)
• Meet the people:
• teacher(s) and how to pronounce their name
• nurse
• principal
Schedules and Policies
Check out your school’s website or get a copy of the schedule, calendar and policy handbook. Be sure to understand the tardy and absentee policies.
And you’ll want to know the dress code before you go shopping for school clothes.
Contact information:
Print out copies of your contact information and give it to the teacher(s), office and nurse. Be sure to include:
• your work and cellphones (and text number)
• email address
• other family contact information
• doctor information
• babysitter information
• emergency health information (i.e. allergies to peanut butter or a special health condition)
Bonus hint: Save this information on your computer — it’s also handy to print out for babysitters or overnight stays with friends and family.
HEALTHY LUNCH IDEAS
School lunches aren’t what they used to be when you’d toss a peanut butter and jelly sandwich (on white bread) with a bag of chips and a cookie into a brown paper bag and call it good. Nowadays, school lunches are practically works of art with healthy items neatly arranged in compartment boxes.
The good news is that if you have the items prepared, your child can easily assemble their own lunches. Don’t forget napkins.
Here are some quick ideas — basically, think finger food:
• roll-up sandwiches, cut into pieces — use wraps, tortillas or lettuce
• sandwiches on healthy bread cut into shapes (use metal cookie cutters)
• crackers
• wedges of meat and cheese
• rolled-up lunchmeat and cheese slices
• hard boiled eggs
• apple slices
• grapes
• strawberries and other berries
• cherries
• raisins and other dried fruit
• oranges
• kiwi
• cherry tomatoes
• cucumber slices or wedges
• baby carrots or carrot sticks
• celery stuffed with cheese or peanut butter
• nuts
What’s New at Embry-Riddle…
Articles compiled by Keaton S. Ziem, Digital Managing Editor, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
Largest Class Ever
Expected this Fall
ERAU celebrates the largest incoming class in the school’s history.
Almost 900 new Embry-Riddle students will arrive late August, pushing the total enrollment to 3,000 —the most students the campus has had since opening in 1978. This incoming class includes the largest percentage of female enrollees, as well as the highest academic profile (GPA and SAT scores) in campus history. Fifty of these new incoming students are from right here in the Prescott area — also a record.
“I think the STEM Center and Planetarium, as well the creation of the STEM Outreach position in general, has raised local awareness and helped expose people to our campus,” said Bryan Dougherty, Dean of Enrollment Management. “We also offer generous scholarships to high achieving local students.”
The University now offers 26 undergraduate and graduate degree programs at the Prescott campus.
“We love having members of the community visit our campus,” said Communications Director Jason Kadah. “Walk around, have lunch at one of our restaurants, visit the planetarium, take in an athletics event, come out for our free aviation history presentations — we want the community to get to know us and vice versa.”
Student Athletes
Soar on the Field and in the Classroom
It was an amazing year for Embry-Riddle athletics. The Eagles won six conference championships and Jordan Bramblett was crowned the NAIA Men’s National Champion in the marathon. Every team competed in their conference championship tournaments for the first time in school history, and all but one competed in their championship. Nineteen Eagles were selected as NAIA All-Americans, and women’s cross country, men’s basketball and women’s basketball had their first-ever All-Americans this season.
All of these accolades helped the Eagles secure their fifth straight Commissioner’s Cup, which is awarded to the California Pacific Conference’s top-performing institution. Additionally, Director of Athletics Jaime Long won the Athletic Director of the Year award for
the second year in a row.
Embry-Riddle students excel both on the field and in the classroom. ERAU tripled its total number of Academic AllAmericans, landing six compared to just two over the school’s history. The Eagles also carried a 3.48 cumulative GPA throughout the year, and 50 student-athletes were named Daktronics Scholar Athletes.
The 2019-20 season gets underway in August when both Cal Pac Champion Women’s Soccer and Volleyball look to defend their titles. Our student athletes appreciate and thank the people of the tri-city area for their continued support!
Expanding the Aviation Workforce with Boeing Scholars
Twenty-two highly accomplished students will receive generous scholarships as part of a strategic effort to expand and diversify the aviation workforce. The Boeing scholarships were established to help students interested in pursuing degrees in aviation science, aircraft maintenance and other fields at Embry-Riddle — the world’s premier aviation and aerospace institution.
Supported by a $3-million endowment from Boeing, the scholarships will be made
HANDS-ON LEARNING. EXPERIENCES BUILT.
FLY. DESIGN. BUILD. PREDICT. PROTECT. EXPLORE.
/// No. 1 in Aeronautical/Aerospace Engineering*
/// Nation’s 1st College of Security and Intelligence
/// 12 - time National Champion Flight Team
/// 97% Job Placement Rate
Embry-Riddle’s Prescott Campus — Nestled a mile high in the mountains of central Arizona, Prescott’s 300 days of yearly sunshine and pristine air quality are ideal for flying. Offering countless outdoor adventures, Prescott hosts miles of interconnected hiking trails, scenic biking paths, and four beautiful lakes. Evoking the spirit of its history as a Wild West frontier town, Prescott is only a few hours drive from Phoenix, the Grand Canyon, and Las Vegas. Together, Embry-Riddle and Prescott bring students endless opportunities for discovery both in and out of the classroom.
Explore more! prescott.erau.edu |
available to all students — with a focus on increasing the number of women, underrepresented minorities and military veterans and their dependents enrolled at the University.
The inaugural cohort of scholarship recipients was selected based on academic achievements as well as demonstrated financial need. Each scholarship ranges from $5,000 to $7,500, to be awarded annually for two years.
“The Boeing scholarships at Embry-Riddle will allow academically successful underrepresented students and veterans to pursue a university degree, gain critical aviation skills and ultimately help diversify the industry,” said Dr. P. Barry Butler, President of Embry-Riddle.
“At a time when we are facing a global shortage of aviation professionals, it is critically important to widen the talent pipeline. It is an honor to partner with Boeing to enrich and enhance the aviation workforce.”
Students Design Camera Mount for International Space Station
A team of seven aerospace engineering students designed and produced a cameraattachment system for the International Space Station (ISS) and were selected to participate in NASA’s Micro-G NExT challenge in Houston, Texas in early June.
Project CAM (Camera Attachment Mechanism) was devised to assist astronauts venturing into the vacuum of space by providing additional camera coverage during extravehicular activities (EVA) beyond standard helmet-camera attachments, which provide limited views of EVA to mission control.
The team was invited to NASA’s Neutral Buoyancy Lab
to demonstrate Project CAM’s functionality in a testing pool designed to simulate the zerogravity conditions of space. The challenge included collaboration with NASA engineers and astronaut candidates to gain feedback on the system’s design.
“The highlight was testing our design after two semesters of preparation,” said Project CAM Team Lead Daniela Baroni. “We learned how to work with a team to create a fabricated design on schedule and have an outside person test it underwater with 5 minutes of briefing time. Meeting real astronaut candidates was really cool, too.”
Flight Team Finishes Strong at National Competition
In the most important annual contest for college aviators — the Safety and Flight Evaluation Conference (SAFECON) competition — the Golden Eagles Flight Team placed third in the nation, excelling in many of the individual flight and ground events.
SAFECON, presented by the National Intercollegiate Flying Association (NIFA), included 350plus contestants from 30 elite collegiate flight teams. Students
participated in 23 different flight and ground events, including ground-based activities and flying tests.
Winners of 12 national championships, the Golden Eagles had notable accomplishments to complement their third place SAFECON Championship finish.
The team took first in the Ground Events Championship. In the Aircraft Recognition competition, Golden Eagles took the top four rankings — Brian La Fetra, first; Colin Ho-Tseung III, second; Jason Fung, third; and Anthony Platt, fourth.
Team captain Ryan O’Connor tied for first in the Power-Off Landings competition and placed second in Simulated Comprehensive Aircraft Navigation, with teammates Joshua Wiese and Benjamin Lamer in the top five. O’Connor was also recognized as Regional Top Pilot.
Karl Neserke took first in Computer Accuracy, with teammate Colin Kennedy placing second. Trevor White was named Outstanding Team Member.
The Prescott Golden Eagles were assisted by coach Bob Moser, assistant coach Shaun Shephard, coach and team mechanic Farrell Harris, volunteer coach/photographer Stephen Anderson and faculty advisor Dr. Juan Merkt.
Family Guide to Help Navigate Backto-School Schedule
by Staff Reports
It’s back to school time not just for your child, but for the entire family. Suddenly, schedules, meals and activities revolve around everything from the tardy bell to Friday night football. Setting up a detailed calendar and schedule for the entire school year will help to maintain sanity for all involved.
School Handbook
The first thing you want to do is get a copy of the school handbook. This will give you all the information you need from school hours to dress code to snow days. While it’s not the most exciting reading, it’s well worth the time it takes. Most schools will have a copy on their websites, so check it out there. Usually, they will also have an annual school calendar available.
Transportation
Whether your child is taking the bus or being driven to school, being late is not an option. If you’re late to the bus stop, the bus won’t wait, and schools are typically not very understanding about habitual tardiness. Students are expected to be ready to learn when the morning bell rings. Doing a couple of test drives in advance will give you a good idea as to how long it will take to get there on time.
Putting the school start and stop time on your calendar will help.
Activities
If schools are known for anything, it’s for having lots of extracurricular to-dos: after-school activities, classroom plays, athletic practices and events. Don’t forget open houses and parent-teacher conferences. The more you can add to your calendar in advance, the fewer surprises you’ll have.
Schoolwork
As students get older, they often have big projects to turn in and important testing days. If you know about these in advance, placing these critical days on your calendar will help ensure you don’t overload anyone before a big day.
Days Off and School Breaks
Knowing when your kiddo won’t be in school can be as important as when they are. Put those half days and days off on your calendar now. This will be important if you’re scheduling a sitter or family getaways.
As it says in the Joe Scruggs song, “By the Way”, It’s Monday morning, I’m running late. There’s not a minute to spare...
Planning Meals
Now that you’ve created your detailed schedule, this information can be used to create weekly menus. Here are some ideas to help save time and money, while fixing nutritious meals:
1. Write your weekly menu plan on 3x5 cards (one day per card) to make it easy to swap menus for days with unexpected activities that pop up.
2. Write your day’s activities on 3x5 cards.
3. Match an activity card with a menu for that night. That way you’ll know which evening you can spend in the kitchen cooking and which evenings you’ll be playing taxi driver and need to get dinner on the table quickly without much effort.
4. Choose a day to do a lot of cooking and make up some casseroles in advance to freeze. If you prepare them in disposable containers, you’ll have less clean up, too.
5. Plan your menus around the sales at your local grocery stores.
6. Try to prep food in advance for several nights. For example, if you have cheese that needs to be shredded for a taco dinner one night and a salad another night, grate all the cheese at once, refrigerating the portion to be used later.
7. Leave one night per week free from menu planning. That leaves options open for leftovers, eating out or creating a spontaneous meal.
8. Cook extras that can be used for lunches or snacks.
9. Once your menu cards are created, make up a shopping list. The goal is to limit shopping trips, which will save time, impulse purchases and money. Two shopping trips a week should be adequate.
EDUCATION CHOICES
My Home-Schooling Adventure
by Peggy Baillie, Parent
Twenty years ago, I was a career woman. Business suits, project meetings and program management filled my days. I never wanted to have children, so naturally, I never dreamed that homes schooling could be in my future.
My first experience with home-schoolers was a wonderful family whose four home-schooled daughters were flower girls at my wedding. They were the most delightful, engaging children, who had no difficulty holding conversations with anyone.
Nine years later, I had an October-born daughter who missed the cutoff for kindergarten, and I realized I couldn’t send her away … she still had chubby fingers! She was, however, ready to start “doing something serious with her life,” so we started schooling at home. I bought a home-school box of curriculum and she soared.
We made each day an adventure by playing games with numbers, counting, patterns, shopping, housework, nature walks and more.
I now have three children, all home-schooled. The oldest is 18, the youngest is 10. Has it been easy? Nope. Some days I gaze longingly at the yellow school bus chugging down the street. Has it been worth it? Absolutely. Do I miss the accolades of working in corporate America? Of course. During the toddler years, no one ever came up to me and said, “Hey, Peggy, nice diaper change!”
But through the daily work of schooling, I was there for the “aha!” moments when the light bulb flashed on. I had the privilege of seeing each of my children explore God’s creation and marvel at the amazing design of his world. Best yet, my husband and I have been able to keep our children’s hearts. Their primary influence is not their peer group, but our family. My daughter’s chubby little fingers have grown into long, lovely tapers. She is now applying to colleges — which actively seek home-schoolers — and I believe her heart will stay where God has planted it.
Why I Chose Home Schooling by Karen Bond, Parent
Even before I entered kindergarten, I knew I wanted to be a teacher. Today, when asked if I am a teacher, I laugh. After earning a degree in elementary education, I began to teach my most favorite kids in the world — my own.
For the last 18 years I have had four to 10 students spanning preschool through high school. Students from other families have often joined my classes — the more the merrier!
With home schooling the pay is nonexistent, but the benefits can’t be beat: flexible hours, academic choice, spontaneous field trips (no permission slips required!), fantastic student/teacher ratio, personalized instruction. All the best components of a school.
The model for home schooling in Arizona is not rigid. From traditional schooling to “un-schooling” and everything in between, parents can choose the method they feel works best for their students and family. For parents who may feel overwhelmed at the task of teaching their children there are countless resources available both in our community and online. Never before has home schooling been so accessible or supported then now.
Inevitably the questions comes up: How can children kept home during the day possibly be socialized? If we go by one definition (acquiring the knowledge, language, social skills and values to conform to the norms and roles required for integration into a group or community) then home schooling can provide the ultimate opportunity for socialization.
When children have the chance on a daily/weekly basis to interact with people of all ages, babies to seniors, in a variety of ways they are preparing for integration into society. Home schooling isn’t just an isolated academic endeavor, it is an integrated life endeavor.
The saying goes that “you can’t have it all.” For us, home schooling has challenged that saying as we feel we truly have the best of all worlds by having our children taught at home.
One School District Offered All We Wanted, Needed For Our Kids by
Nicky Indicavitch, Parent, Northern Arizona Region Director
at Arizona State PTA
This year I will see my last little one off to kindergarten in the Humboldt Unified School District — our schools of choice. This will include a senior and freshman at Bradshaw Mountain High School (BMHS) and kindergartener, fourth grader and sixth grader at Lake Valley.
When looking for schools for my kids, I considered their educational career as a whole, and one thing I learned as a mother was just like with everything else involving raising small humans, this would be unpredictable and bumpy.
My choice school needed to be prepared to not just celebrate my children’s high test scores and capitalize on my good parenting decisions but also walk with me as they struggled at times in social settings, developed speech delays and behavior issues.
Peggy Baillie and children at Hotel Del in July 2019
The Bond Family: Juliette (7), Megan (9), Tyler (22), Davis (4), Susanna (16), Charlotte (14), Oliver (7), Alec (9), Jaren (19), Felix (1), Becca (12). Not pictured: Brianna (23), Carissa (20)
I needed a school that recognized that each child’s education would be unique from day to day and year to year, one that celebrated my kid’s success with the same veracity as they tackled my child’s struggle. Happy to report I found all this and more for my kids in our local district school.
My family, and all children in Humboldt, have support and a promise that every day this district will keep their needs in the forefront of every decision, and that years from now this same promise will exist for many other families looking to their community schools.
My kids are successful in Humboldt because Humboldt won’t settle for less for them and any other child who walks through their doors.
My kids are comforted by the fact they will be Lake Valley Cubs in elementary, and they will all grow into Bradshaw Bears. Along the way they will have a crowd of teachers, principals, bus drivers, a superintendent and school board members cheering them on because here in Humboldt kids come first, and that is a legacy I want my kids to be a part of.
School Choice: Benefitting Students, Schools & Our Community
by Dianne Jacobson, Operations Manager, Skyview School
As a native Prescottonian, parent and school administrator, I know school choice makes Prescott an ideal home for families. Not any one school can provide the needs of all children, whether it be a school district, a publicly funded charter school or a private school.
We are no longer living in a society in which educational one-size-fits-all works for our children. In Prescott, parents have multiple options for their children from kindergarten through high school, and this must be a good thing!
My son was a charter school student from kindergarten through high school and was very happy, especially being in smaller classrooms and having more one-on-one attention from his teachers.
However, though my daughter was a charter school student from kindergarten through eighth grade,
she was determined to go to the district high school. She wanted larger class sizes and to experience a larger community of teachers and peers.
Even teachers benefit from school choice because it encourages innovation. Seeing a colleague at another school succeed using project-based learning, for example, a teacher might be inspired to learn new methods and techniques, enlivening her curriculum and renewing her passion for teaching.
Perhaps most importantly, if parents have options, they are more likely to choose the school that fits their child, ensuring she is where she’ll learn more successfully. It also encourages family buy-in, resulting in parent involvement and volunteerism. Because they actively chose a particular school, they are invested in the outcome and want to be a part of that process.
Eighteen years working in education has shown me that educational choice is key to a healthy community. School choice is a powerful draw to new families looking for a great place to live, and Prescott with schools of different shapes, sizes and styles of curriculum is a perfect choice.
Open Enrollment Allows For Flexibility In Choosing Schools To Benefit The Individual Child
by Sheila Mengarelli, Parent, Realtor®
When we moved to Prescott almost 25 years ago, we didn’t have any school-age children. Now, all of these years later we have nine children who have been in seven different local schools at various stages.
I have always appreciated and found it unique that Prescott and the surrounding quad cities have an open enrollment system. I grew up in Kansas City where your address determined which school you went to by a defined boundary. But here in Prescott, even though the boundaries do exist, you have the freedom to enroll your child in any of the public schools you choose as long as you are willing to transport them.
Only in rare instances have I seen a waiting list to get in as they do have to show preferential status to those students within their boundaries. I have loved this school choice option both as a mom and a Realtor®
The flexibility of this type of system allows you to assess each of your children’s specific needs and then find a program that works best for them. Some schools and teachers are better equipped to handle various needs. For instance if your child struggles with dyslexia and needs special tutoring in that area, then you can ask each school what programs they provide that might help with this specific need.
Even though we have primarily used the public schools, many other options exist as well. We have an assortment of charter schools and private schools to
Sophia Levy (Daughter, 18) Sophomore at NAU (SkyView School & PHS Graduate)
Why would you want to do that?
by Elaine Earle, CEO, ROX Media Group and Publisher, Prescott LIVING Magazine
Why would you want to do that?
I get asked this all the time with regards to my choice in education (including travel).
Are your kids in sports? My answer is “No.” Are your kids going to camp this summer? My answer is “No.” I tell people we don’t do that because we are traveling this summer (to Europe or Australia or Africa or fill in the blank). Then the question comes out, “Why would you want to do that?” My thoughts are, “Why wouldn’t you want to do that?”
I have a full-time job and then some, am a full-time mom with 12-year-old twin boys and also sit in the CEO/CFO role of a diverse set of businesses along with my husband Rock. My children, Christian and Chandler, also attend a traditional charter school full time (going into seventh grade). Our businesses, employees and jobs don’t stop when we are on the road. Travel is a choice for us, but it’s
not only that. Travel is a priority for us. Often when we are heading out somewhere, I don’t feel like we can leave duties behind. We go anyway because it is a priority. Travel is education. It teaches me about the world and now teaches my children about the world. My twins have been to 10 countries (including six in Europe, one in Africa and Australia). They have also attended school in two foreign countries (Spain and Germany). We have made arrangements with school superintendents to pull them out of U.S. school for a period of time while on the road and arranged school work online (while they went to foreign school during the day). Isn’t travel expensive? My answer is “not if you don’t want it to be.” Our secret? Go for a long time (at least a month) to make the plane journey worth it, save up air miles and use them wisely (book almost a year in advance), and look for home trades (you literally exchange your home with another family in a foreign country).
We have done two notable home trades in Europe with other families. Not only do you get to stay in a home usually away from a major metro area, you also get to know the foreign family. The experience of doing this is far superior, in my opinion, to merely staying in hotels.
Travel is our choice, our education and our priority. You may not find me on the Little League fields on any given Saturday morning, but you will find me with my twin boys climbing the Sydney Harbour Bridge on their 12th birthday! I receive criticism for these choices, probably similar to other parents for choosing to do anything that might not be totally mainstream, and that is OK with me. I will keep traveling with my children regardless. When they are grown up and married, I will still find a way to travel with them.
I would argue that my boys have learned more on the road, especially the foreign road, than they could have learned at home in their accelerated charter
school. We do have a balance, though, between traditional charter school time and travel time. They still excel in their charter school with straight As and high merits. However, on the road, they have navigated major capitals in the world, gone to world renowned museums, watched as Muslims roll out their mats and pray on the side of the road in North Africa, attended church in Westminster Abbey, eaten dinner in a home where absolutely no English is spoken, have played with village children who have no video games or electronics, have driven a tractor (in Germany), hopped on a village school bus for the first day of school where no English is spoken (without their parents tagging along!) and have even seen topless women on the beaches of Spain. Teaching our children about the world, including the people in the world, is priority No. 1.
Stay tuned for more Earle Family Adventures. The article on pages 126-127 is a contribution from my children on what travel has taught them.
Climbing the Sydney Harbour Bridge on the boys 12th birthday. Pictured: Elaine Earle, Chandler, Bea Lueck (Editor-in-Chief for Prescott LIVING Magazine), Christian.
YAVAPAI COLLEGE HOMECOMING
Celebrate YC
THURS. OCT. 17
Mixer & Happy Hour at the Southwest Wine Center {Verde Valley Campus}
Sample Southwest Wine Center wines and light appetizers as you reconnect with your favorite faculty, staff and fellow alumni.
FRI. OCT. 18
Spirit Parade, Block Party, Roughrider Volleyball Game {Prescott Campus}
Join students, faculty and staff as they show off their decorated golf carts, offroad vehicles, and hot rods in our first annual homecoming spirit parade and block party!
o Games & Vendor Booths
o Jump Houses
o Food Trucks
o Live Music
After the block party come cheer on the Roughrider Volleyball team. Show your support - wear your favorite green and gold.
SAT. OCT. 19
Fun Run, Hall of Fame Brunch, Roughrider Soccer Game, Evening Show at YCPAC {Prescott Campus}
Kick off your day at the Fun Run, grab some food and celebrate YC athletics at the Hall of Fame Brunch, cheer on the Roughrider Soccer team and cap off your evening with comedian Louie Anderson at 7:30 p.m. at the YCPAC.
Follow us on Social Media and our website for updates: www.yc.edu/homecoming
email Kammie Kobyleski, Director of Alumni Relations alumni@yc.edu or 928-776-2032
Dr. Lisa Rhine launches Yavapai College presidency with openness, authenticity
by JJ McCormack, Marketing Coordinator, Yavapai College
Yavapai College (YC) faculty, staff and students who attended spring convocation knew exactly what kind of president they were getting a month before Dr. Lisa Rhine moved into office No. 32-200 on the Prescott campus.
They knew, because in remarks during the semester kickoff gathering, Rhine revealed who she is and where she’s going.
The transparency started with her throwing T-shirts into the audience, warmly patting the cheek of the college’s costumed mascot and heaping praise on outgoing president Dr. Penny Wills. It ended with a standing ovation, tears on the faces of more than a few audience members and embraces for immediate and extended family members on hand to witness Rhine’s YC debut.
When she took the podium, Rhine was still a mystery. Within minutes, she and the audience were kindred souls bound by the common goal of lifting lives and communities with the power of education.
Rhine forged the early connections with a story about a girl named “Hope.”
The dark-haired, bespectacled middle-schooler grinning at the audience from a yellowed image on the presentation screen was one of six children reared primarily by a hard-working, but
perennially disadvantaged father.
“In America, we’ve been told that if you work hard, you will succeed. So those who do not succeed, do not work hard. It’s an idea held deep in the marrow of our nation. But it’s not true. People are working extremely hard but are nowhere close to being stable,” Rhine told the audience.
Juxtaposed with the image of Hope and descriptions of a childhood hovering on the edge of despair were statistics foretelling the fates of many young people like her: poverty, depression, lifelong struggle.
For example, Rhine shared that 42.4% of Yavapai County residents live below the ALICE threshold. As the acronym denotes, they are Asset Limited, Income Constrained and Employed.
Another 13.6% of Yavapai County residents between the ages of 16 and 24 are “disconnected” — not working, not going to school and not in the military. “That’s 2,700 youth that need us. And we need them,” she said. “We need to consider these facts as we design and deliver a learning experience.”
Returning to her protagonist, Rhine said Hope beat the odds by embracing what lay outside of her “chaotic” home environment — education. She excelled in academics and sports and earned a university scholarship. A long commute to a necessary job and a team sport commitment made for a difficult college experience, but Hope persevered, graduating magna cum laude. Full-time work followed, as did the ability to finance graduate and doctoral degrees. “Then, on Dec. 6, 2018, she learned she was selected as the 10th President of Yavapai College.”
Rhine’s revelation that she was Hope elicited gasps and applause from the convocation audience. Checking her own emotions, she continued: “So I tell this story not to impress you, but to impress upon you, that to get an education can be an immense struggle for many. It has nothing to do with a student’s intelligence, capacity or desire.”
Rhine’s keen understanding of
the struggles many face on the road to and through college, as well as her awareness of the socio-economic and environmental roadblocks to post-secondary education, color her view from the YC president’s office and fuel her desire to increase educational access and attainment for those who need it most.
She pledged at the conclusion of her convocation speech to reach out to the college and greater community to continue conversations around how best to deliver post-secondary education in Yavapai County and break the cycle of lifelong struggle affecting many young people and families.
“Knowing this information causes us to think differently about student learning, about how we teach, how we serve students, about our policies and procedures, about how we interact with K-12, industry, our career institutions and ask what opportunities do they present to us to improve the student learning experience.”
A month into her presidency, Rhine said she was overwhelmed by the response to her convocation speech, receiving thanks and acknowledgment in person, in emails, cards and letters. She said she knew it was risky telling her first-generation college student story right off the bat.
“I decided I’m just going to show them me. You have to be vulnerable to do that. Either you’re going to connect or you’re not,” she said, noting, “It is the thing that can move people.”
Rhine’s convocation revelation about her own life-changing educational journey left out some details about her career trajectory. After earning her bachelor’s degree, she worked as a discharge planner in the prison industry and as a mental health caseworker. It was while pursuing her master’s degree in special education that she landed a part-time job as a learning disability specialist at a community college and discovered a passion for education.
“I’ve always been in or sought positions in which I advocated for marginalized or disenfranchised groups,” she said. “I think I did that because of my own experience.”
Rhine continued early in her YC tenure to invite conversations around the opportunities inherent in a radically different world with radically different students than when Yavapai College was established in 1968.
“How can we do a better job at recruiting certain students that really need the opportunity to change their lives? We are the entity to help them have better lives,” she said.
Learn more at yc.edu.
Learning a trade can pave the way to a no-debt education and plenty of jobs
by Tom Reilly, Principal & CEO, Renovations
It’s late summer and thoughts turn to harvesting the garden so carefully cultivated this summer and returning to school.
Returning to school: In K-12 that is an annual event met with excitement and trepidation. Some things never change. Going back to college, well that, is different.
Desiring an education can be relevant. For those of us wanting to be nurses, doctors, even architects, an education provides a solid foundation upon to build on after graduation. But what about other fields of endeavor?
Of course, there are more relevant careers than just the few I mentioned, then again there are hundreds of relevant careers that do not involve a four-year or higher degree. Yes,
I am talking about the trades. Relevant vocational education and training is not only an option, it is a much-needed option.
I have heard statistics that the vocational trades will be shy of workers measured in the tens of millions in the United States alone. That is staggering. Our educational system, and more importantly our individual focus or direction, is perceived to be primarily on the college education “so we don’t have to work so hard.”
Well to my way of thinking, hard work not only has merit but great rewards. Working to create something that did not exist before you molded the raw materials with your mind and hands affords a feeling of accomplishment every single day.
I am not suggesting a college education is not a solid direction, rather just another direction. As a society we have revered the college educated over the craftsman. That can no longer happen. Both have relevance.
I like to use the story of two high school graduates. The first goes on to college and obtains a four-year degree. He or she also accrues about $80,000 in debt paying for the education. Depending on the relevance of the degree, he or she may get a job paying $35,000 to 45,000 per year. Barely enough to live on, let alone repay debt.
The second high school grad goes on to work in the trades. After four years, he or she will probably have acquired several achievements and be earning
$65,000 to 75,000 per year without any college debt. Maybe just some calluses.
We all know who Mike Rowe is; Mr. Dirty Jobs himself. As I was browsing his website mikeroweworks.org, I came across Rowe’s quote that I found so very true and telling: “America is lending money it doesn’t have, to kids who can’t pay it back, to train them for jobs that no longer exist. That’s nuts!” Unfortunately, by and large, this is all too true.
So whether you are or know a student contemplating a career, realize there are wonderful opportunities to have a rewarding life and career that does not necessarily involve college. Also, know people with these job skills are needed!
Grapes 4 Grades Support for Summer School Students
by Ray Newton
Thousands of Prescott-area children have benefited every summer for 39 years by a partnership program between the Prescott Frontier Rotary Club and the Prescott Unified School District (PUSD).
For the 14th year, the Grapes 4 Grades event let bidders enjoy finger food and wine tasting, followed by a raffle and live auction. The event has raised thousands of dollars to pay tuition for students in grades one through four to attend a summer school program.
More than 90 sponsors and contributors combined forces to raise funds June 30 at Watters
Garden Center in Prescott. Watters hosted the popular Sunday event, themed as a “Mediterranean Garden Party.”
Hundreds of guests purchased raffle tickets and then bid at the live auction. Finger foods were prepared by local restauranteur Barry Barbe and his staff from El Gato Azul.
During a live auction of 30 items, local radio station owner Sanford Cohen served as auctioneer.
Grapes 4 Grades broke their $50,000 goal for the year with a new record of $68,000 raised, said event organizers.
David Lewerke, a 36-year member of the Prescott Frontier
Rotary Club, said “Supporting our youth should be a priority for everyone in the community.”
Kathy Sischka, a board member for the Prescott Unified School District Education Foundation, was among those serving wine to guests. “This program helps support our youth because kids are just plain worth it,” she said.
Rotary officials said that because of the fundraiser, the
summer school program is offered to qualified students at little or no expense, even though tuition ordinarily is about $200 for each student.
They also noted that support from last year’s Grapes 4 Grades activity let the club also financially assist more than 40 high school seniors who needed additional work online to earn graduation credits.
The 14th annual Grapes 4 Grades auction and wine-tasting fundraiser sponsored by the Prescott Frontier Rotary Club generated funds to support the summer school program offered through the Prescott Unified School District. (Photo by Ray Newton)
Special Section: Education
Educating Our Community Through Nature
by Kelly Tolbert, Recreation Services Coordinator, Prescott Parks and Recreation
Our community is enriched beyond measure to have not one, but two locations for nature-based education in the area. These locations, the Community Nature Center (CNC) and the Highlands Center for Natural History (HCNH), offer many opportunities to learn about our local natural surroundings and community history.
The present day Community Nature Center would not likely be in existence had it not been for the foresight of local like-minded education professionals. As the story goes, the Prescott School District was looking for land for a new junior high school in the early 1970s and discovered the 20-acre parcel that was the beginning of the Center. Determining quickly that the land was unsuitable for play areas or athletic fields, the purchase was nonetheless deemed worthwhile as the future home to an outdoor nature study park.
With funds already earmarked by the school district for innovative educational programs, the official Prescott Community Nature Center was founded in 1974. In 1977, the first federally funded curriculum was implemented, known as the Energy Education Program.
During the three-year span, the CNC had transformed from rough grassland marked with native juniper and oaks into a complete nature park. Nature-based curriculum had also been developed for area schools to use; nature trails were established and a pioneer-inspired log cabin was constructed to function as a visitor center. As a result, various nature-based learning projects became available to the Prescott communities.
Perhaps some of the most fascinating history unique to the Community Nature Center area is the old Hardyville Road, a stagecoach path that connected Williamson Valley farmland to downtown Prescott. The road also served as the main supply route to Fort Whipple from the Colorado River. Bullhead City, at the time, was known as Hardyville.
According to the Arizona State Parks website, the ports of La Paz, Ehrenberg, Fort Mohave and Hardyville were all supplied by shipping from the larger port cities such as San Francisco and Los Angeles via the Gulf of
California and ultimately providing a shipping route up the Colorado River. An onsite exhibit is dedicated to the history of Hardyville Road.
Meanwhile, on the other side of Prescott, efforts to establish a permanent location for the Highlands Center for Natural History were well underway in the 1990s. In addition to gathering and submitting the required paperwork for a long-term, special-use authorization through the Prescott National Forest, mobile nature-based education programming was happening at various locations around the area including the Community Nature Center.
Today, the Highlands Center remains a valuable and respected asset to our community, offering approximately 80 sprawling acres in the Prescott Basin. A beautiful amphitheater and restrooms were made possible through generous Arizona State Parks funding. The Discovery Gardens was added more recently, funded through The James Trust among other charitable donations, and the Center now serves as a smaller event venue offering space for weddings and other gatherings. For more information on the Highlands Center for Natural History programs, memberships and other offerings visit highlandscenter.org.
Fast forward to the year 2006, when the City of Prescott purchased the Community Nature Center from the Prescott Unified School District using allocated open space funds from a 1% voter-approved tax. The purchase was congruent with the City’s open space policy in considering the growth and maintaining “harmony between physical development and the natural environment for the benefit for all Prescott citizens.”
Around 2009, plans to widen Williamson Valley Road concerned longtime stakeholder, Dr. Henry Dahlberg. He approached the City of Prescott Recreation Services Department about preserving the remaining of the three naturally occurring springs, the spring house built with Future Farmers of America resources, along with the history of the Hardyville Road.
The Hardyville stop was the first stop from Prescott for the old stagecoaches, allowing many horses to quench their thirst — it took
about two hours to get there. Other groups have since invested in the original mission of the Community Nature Center such as the Native Plant Society and local Master Gardeners. The site is an established phenology monitoring location where data is entered into a national database to compare seasonal changes through observations and measurements of leaves.
One way to pack in a lot of punch with a visit to the Community Nature Center is to plan to attend the Wildflower Festival, which occurs annually in early September. Typically, guided tours are offered every half hour beginning around 8:30 through 11:30 a.m. Naturalists and docents from the Highlands Center lead the walks and offer their unlimited knowledge about the blooming plants scattered about the natural habitat of the Community Nature Center.
Also, the Highlands Center for Natural History, Yavapai County Community Health Services and the City of Prescott partner to offer a biweekly hiking club called Trekabout. Hikes are guided on both Tuesdays (one hour,
less difficult) and Thursdays (two hours, slightly more difficult). To join a hike or the club, please visit prescott-az.gov/recreation-events/ programs-special-events/programs/ trekabout-hiking-club.
Wherever your interests take you, the Community Nature Center features something wonderfully appealing to all. Open to the public all year long, hours are 7 a.m. to sunset. Parking is free. Visitors include large groups from schools and other organizations so it is preferable to make reservations with the Recreation Services Department for groups of 10 or more. To do so, call 928-777-1122. For more about the CNC or trails in the area visit prescott-az.gov or prescotttrails.com.
The PUSD Foundation — an Exemplary Model of Local Community Support
by Joe Howard, Superintendent, Prescott Unified School District
Summertime is a great time in the Prescott Unified School District (PUSD) to reflect on the past and get excited about the future. This summer is no exception, and we have been busy with diving into data, adjusting goals and orchestrating focused retreats to rededicate to our mission as the world changes.
One of those retreats was with the vibrant and industrious Board of the Prescott Unified School District Education Foundation. The more I reflect on this group and what they have accomplished, the more I realize that being a part of its creation and successful operation is one of the points of my career I am most proud of. The PUSD Education Foundation is an exemplary model of community support to the direct education of our local children.
The PUSD Education Foundation was born out of the failed 2013 bond and override. Frustrated by the lack of support, inadequate funding and uneven subsidization of charter schools from the state of Arizona, a group of parents, retirees and professionals said, “Let’s take it into our own hands.”
Those founding members were largely responsible for the passing of the 2015 bond and override that many across the state said could never be done in Prescott. At the same time, those founding members were lining up a 501(c)3, a solid set of bylaws and a passion-
ate, hardworking board that quickly launched into an array of support for our PUSD students and teachers.
The outcome? Just finishing its fourth year, the foundation is averaging donations of over $100,000 per year into the classrooms of PUSD.
Touting that “public schools are everyone’s responsibility,” the board and its supporters helped to lead our Prescott community to take some local control of our schools. The recently updated motto of the foundation is: “Ignite, Connect, Elevate.” The vision is that, “Every student will have a fully funded and innovative education to ensure stronger character and long-term success.”
helping to innovate in the classroom has led to over $74,500 of Innovative Teacher Grants in PUSD programs that includes:
• an engineering science program at Prescott High
• a video media lab at Mile High Middle School
• robotics and coding at Abia Judd Elementary, where Embry-Riddle students are assisting in the roll-out. In addition to the teacher grants, the Foundation supports PUSD through:
• a college and career digital platform called Naviance for grades 7-12
• a Kids at Hope districtwide culture program, where we believe that, “All kids are capable of success… no exceptions”
• campus beautification
• technology
• and much more.
The Foundation also has a Rising Stars program to “tell the PUSD story” through highlighting our “above and beyond” students. The student and the teacher they choose as having affected their lives are celebrated video and in person at the event. While I could write about the amazing things the PUSD Education Foundation has done for pages and pages, instead, I will leave you with homework. Get involved. Support your local public district schools and take it into your own hands like the foundation has done: PUSDEducationFoundation.com
Many of you have heard me say or write that PUSD is surrounded and supported by an incredibly generous community and that we would not be who we are without the support of our voters, service clubs, the City, Chamber, businesses, families and retirees. I could go on.
The PUSD Education Foundation is a shining example of the generosity and local support of Prescott, dedicated solely to the PUSD students and teachers. The focus on
Mayor Greg Mengarelli with his wife Sheila and family
Special Section: Education
Ignite – Connect – Elevate
The Prescott Unified School District Education Foundation (PUSDEF) is the catalyst igniting the power of community; connecting generous hearts with the needs of our teachers and students; and elevating the long-term success of every child, every day.
Since 2015, the PUSD Education Foundation has successfully raised more than $600,000, which has gone directly into the public schools. The Foundation has funded oneon-one technology for students, a new engineering course at Prescott High School, reading curriculum for struggling readers, science and technology projects for gifted students, sight-reading technology for the middle and high school choral program, and so much more through innovative teaching grants awarded to our teachers and schools.
Most recently, the Foundation partnered with Prescott High School and Prescott Mile High Middle School to bring Naviance to our students. Naviance is a college and career readiness solution for schools. Naviance helps align student strengths and interests with their future options for school and career.
This tool allows students, parents and educators to inform students about their potential career and college futures. Students can apply for scholarships and to colleges through its online capabilities.
The information collected in Naviance – grades, interests, extracurriculars and test scores – can be easily transferred into a college application accepted universally. Naviance also contains a rich database for students to explore universities and career options.
This year, Prescott High School will be incorporating Naviance for all students. Freshmen will have the benefit of a dedicated Freshman Academy that will introduce and work with students in using this tool to help them decide their future after high school graduation.
At the middle-school level, students will be taking interest surveys and exploring possible careers at a more general level.
The Foundation funds college tours for every eighth-grade student so each one has the opportunity to see a college campus before entering high school. PUSDEF believes exposure to a higher learning environment is vital and a chance many students will not have the
opportunity to explore without funding from the Foundation.
As a Foundation we are able to bring opportunities to the students and teachers of PUSD through a wide variety of fundraising avenues. We have been awarded grants from the Arizona Community Foundation, Fiesta Bowl Charities, and many local family foundations that believe in our mission.
Thanks to partnerships with Prescott Area Young Professionals (Party in the Pines), EPIC Rides (Whiskey Off Road Mountain Bike Race), LAMB Chevrolet (a consistent major sponsor of PUSDEF), The Club at Prescott Lakes (invitational golf tournament), and other generous community members, the Foundation continues to fulfill dreams of students and teachers
at every PUSD school. PUSDEF’s board members are dream builders, and they fully intend to continue to support and elevate PUSD schools to be the best in Arizona.
The PUSD Education Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation, officially launched in 2015. The Foundation receives private, business and grant donations to support its work. PUSD Education Foundation’s vision is that every student will have a fully funded and innovative education to ensure stronger character and long-term success.
The PUSD Education Foundation is thrilled to be a small part of a big community change. If you would like to volunteer, donate or be a part of our amazing organization, please contact us through our webpage, pusdeducationfoundation.com.
by Krista Carman, President, PUSD Education Foundation President
From yoga to swing, variety of classes offered at Elks Performing Arts Center
by Trevor Odom, Assistant Marketing and Program Manager, Prescott Elks Theatre & Performing Arts Center
The Elks Theatre and Performing Arts Center is proud to be a center of community performing arts education. As part of our mission statement to support the performing arts of the Prescott area, we have attempted to cultivate a space for the free expression and teaching of all forms of the performing arts.
This has allowed us to grow a diverse community of different instructional classes focusing on a myriad of topics including, but not limited to, exercise, ballet, group dance, swing, tap, belly-dance, martial arts and more. For this issue of Prescott Living Magazine we would like to shift the focus to a few of these classes to highlight the wonderful variety found at the Elks.
Zumba® — Our Zumba® classes taught by Shiri Briseno are held Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays in our beautiful hickory-floored dance studio on the second floor of the Elks Performing Arts Center. This high-intensity, interval-style
dance workout blends a fun and exciting atmosphere with proven calorie burning results.
Yoga by YOGABOND® —
Taught by the highly credentialed and experienced Martha Bond, this yoga class offers different skillappropriate levels from beginners to intermediates and beyond. This ancient art, which includes breath control, simple meditation and the adoption of specific bodily postures, produces a number of beneficial effects for the body and mind. With four different classes to choose from, there is sure to be one that fits your needs.
Lindy Hop Swing-Social Dance —
Imagine being taken back in time to a period of class and sophistication. Earl and Monique teach the Lindy hop, while Earl and Delisa teach Argentine tango — the elements of being old-school cool. What’s even better is that admission to these classes gives you discounted access to the Elks Performing Arts Center’s monthly “Top of the Elks” social dances, where you can test
out your new moves to the sounds of live, local jazz musicians.
Tai Chi — Tai chi is an ancient Taoism practice combining elements of exercise, meditation and martial arts. Roma Korn teaches this class with personalization in mind, interviewing all her students beforehand and focusing on their needs. The result is a professionally handled class that invigorates the mind, body and soul.
By presenting this tiny subset of classes, we hope you can
see the great variety available. The Elks takes pride in its ability to accommodate the greatest instructors the Prescott area has to provide. We hope to be able to continue to expand our offerings. If you would like any information on the classes available at the Elks Performing Arts Center please visit prescottelkstheater.com and look for the link to our class schedule.
Zumba and Yogabond are Registered Trademarks.
Humboldt Unified
IBest Kept Secret in Quad-City Area
n Arizona, parents choose their neighborhood public school over 88% of the time. The Humboldt Unified School District (HUSD) is the largest school district in Yavapai County.
Located in Prescott Valley, Arizona, HUSD provides a comprehensive, world-class education to over 5,700 students. HUSD encompasses more than 300 square miles and serves the Prescott Valley and Dewey/Humboldt communities.
HUSD offers a preK-12 educational program with many opportunities and experiences available to students throughout their educational journey.
iChoose Academy at Glassford Hill Middle School
• for seventh- and eighth-grade students
• located within the Glassford Hill Middle School campus; focused on personalized learning
• competency-based curriculum delivered with a blended, flipped and online learning strategy
• 1:1 computing environment that transforms the learning environment beyond the walls of a traditional classroom
by Kelly Lee, Family and Community Engagement Coordinator, Humboldt Unified School District
Coyote Springs Elementary
• 21st century teaching and learning
• embedded 5 C’s into our teaching and learning
• problem-/project-based learning
• co-teaching
• PBIS school (Positive Behavior System)
• physical education, music, coding, gardening, media, accelerated math and gifted students recently presented at a conference to a national audience of educators
Bradshaw Mountain
High School AP Academy
• BMHS offers 19 AP courses, the most in Yavapai County
• Advance Placement tests are paid for; $93 savings to our families
• eligible for AP Capstone diploma
• AP Map class for student support; only AP Academy school to offer this
• one of few schools nationwide to offer AP seminar and research
Bright Futures Preschool
• 3- and 4-year-old classrooms
• certified teacher and two paraprofessionals for each class
• TELL curriculum offered in partnership with ASU, Eureka Math
• full-time PT and OT staff
• early childhood hands-on science curriculum in partnership with the Arizona Science Center
• two outdoor playground areas with equipment, play structures
• half and full-day programs
2019 Graduating Class (Photo by Les Stukenberg)
The Case You Never Heard Of
by Michael S . Ellegood, PE, Board Member, Yavapai County Education Foundation
The case was big. A Prescott Police officer assigned as a school resource officer at Prescott High School was on trial, accused of using excessive force as he subdued and disarmed an undocumented, 16-year-old student suspected of carrying a firearm.
As the story unfolded, the student, who sustained injuries during the takedown, was carrying a toy pistol fabricated in the high school’s 3-D computer lab as a class project.
But this incident, dramatic as it was, never made the local, state or national news. Why? Because it was a totally fictitious scenario generated as part of Brenda Lee’s Prescott High School Law and Government course.
Instead of having her students listen to lectures, read books, do internet searches and write papers, she has the multigrade class research the law, interview attorneys and local law enforcement officials. They then write briefs and function as court officials – all to make the learning process come alive. Lee’s students learn to research, interview, work collaboratively as part of a team and hone communication and argument skills as they learn about the American legal system. All this as part of a teaching scenario known as a “mock trial.”
But how does a teacher in these revenue-strapped times obtain the resources needed to put on a mock trial? How does a teacher transform a classroom into a courtroom? Where does she obtain the dais
for the judge, tables for the prosecution and the defense, chairs for the jury and the other trappings of a courtroom? How does she pay for transportation to engage with other schools in a regional or state mock trial event? The answer: She begs, borrows and scrounges, and she looks for nonprofit grants outside of conventional school resources to help out.
One such local source of classroom grants is the Classroom Mini-Grant program of the Yavapai County Education Foundation (YCEF). YCEF was founded in 1994 by a dedicated group of community leaders, educators and citizens to raise money to support teachers like Lee, who need a helping hand to boost the classroom learning experience.
YCEF puts about $20,000 annually in 40 classrooms throughout Yavapai County to support programs such as Lee’s Law and Government class. The grant program supports teachers in public, charter and private schools – totally based on the merit of the teacher’s application.
This past year YCEF supported classrooms from Ash Fork to Black Canyon City; however, the majority were located right here in the Prescott area and included preschools, elementary schools, high schools and even alternative schools where students who cannot thrive in a conventional classroom setting can learn and receive their high school diploma.
Unfortunately, while approximately 40 grants are funded each fall, more than 70 applications for help are received. The YCEF board continually works to get more money into the classrooms, but as a nonprofit organization funds go only so far.
YCEF has become an essential part of the education funding mix here in Yavapai County. Our under-resourced schools and our dedicated, but under-compensated, teachers can gain a helping hand through the Classroom Mini-Grant program. But, like any charitable program, YCEF needs donors to continue to support its work. Some support comes from corporations such as Lamb Chevrolet and Blue Cross/Blue Shield and some from organizations like the Jewish Community Foundation of Greater Prescott, Kiwanis and the Lions, but the bulk comes from individual donors like you, dear reader.
To learn more about YCEF and how to support our teachers, visit www.ycefoundation.com.
Prescott High School Law and Government students
Class at mock trial
Saturday, August 24, 2019
9 am - 5 pm
All activities are FREE with general paid admission!
Adults (13-64) $10.00 • Seniors/Military/Students (with ID) $8.00 Children (3 - 12) $6.00 • Under 3 FREE Sponsored
Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) PHS
Growth opportunities for our youth within the local community is an extremely important component of the educational mantra and experience the Prescott Unified School District (PUSD) looks to provide its students. At the Prescott High School (PHS), one such opportunity lies in the co-curriculum, dual enrollment business management program which also features a robust and growing local chapter of Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA).
The Business management curriculum as part of the Career Technical Education (CTE) program at PHS provides its students with the opportunity to learn about various aspects of business through a dynamic, fast-paced, dual-enrollment curriculum, partnered with Yavapai College. Students receive both high school elective credit towards graduation as well as the ability to
earn college credit that jump starts their students next level educational goals.
“FBLA program offers our students an avenue to utilize the professional skills, knowledge and abilities obtained in our business management curriculum and allows them the ability to apply it throughout our local and state FBLA chapters”, says Mike Brown, PHS Business Management instructor, FBLA Advisor and Arizona FBLA executive committee member. Mr. Brown is in his first year, taking the program over for long-tenured business instructor and now current Yavapai College professor, Lauri Dreher.
Within PHS local FBLA student members assume roles and responsibilities not unlike if they were in an authentic business environment. The goals, objectives and accomplishments of the organization are 100 percent member driven with the guidance of the FBLA advisor. “This structure allows its members to collaborate, share ideas, and use their expertise and skills to drive our program forward”, says Brown. The program is already among the top five largest in the state boasting 152 members and growing. PHS FBLA was awarded at the annual state leadership conference, recognized as a Gold chapter as well as seeing the second largest percentage of membership growth in 2018-2019.
“It’s a stated goal of our officer team to reach close to 200 members within our local chapter for the 2019-2020 school year. I know we can do it. We have a fantastic group of selfless, smart and motivated local chapter officers that provide a unified core leadership structure for our organization”, says Brown. As an
officer team each member goes through a summer leadership retreat — a four-day leadership and team-building program — designed to prepare them for leadership opportunities and challenges they will face as officers. “Our officer team for this year is very dynamic. I am continually impressed by how much poise, professionalism, energy and dedication they bring to their roles as local chapter officers”, says Brown. They are planning and setting the bar to unprecedented levels this year. Internship opportunities in the local community, increased community service and civic involvement, pioneering a new chapter membership program, and middle school FBLA chapter are highlights of the very ambush POW or program of work for the organization. “It’s going to take a team effort and get our members more active than ever to accomplish our goals this year”, says Jared Guthrie, local chapter co- VP of Finance. Jared was also elected this May at the State Leadership Conference as the FBLA State VP of Finance with the campaigning help of his local FBLA delegation. With over 3,500 FBLA members statewide and nine officer positions it’s a prestigious honor and marks the second PHS member to be elected to state office.
If you want more information or to get involved with helping FBLA, please contact:
Mike Brown
Prescott High School
Business Management Instructor
FBLA Advisor
928-445-2322 ext 72102
Prescott Area Imagination Library Brings Local Children Free Books in the Mail
Beginning in September, families in the Prescott area can register their children for the Prescott Area Imagination Library (PAIL) and receive a free book in the mail every month from birth until the child’s fifth birthday!
The Prescott Area Imagination Library is an affiliate of Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, a nonprofit organization that coordinates the delivery of carefully selected, age-appropriate books to children throughout the U.S.
Years of research and dozens of studies point to the same thing: reading to children from the time they are born is critical to literacy development and academic success (see box). Research also links the presence of books in a child’s home to early childhood literacy. Armed with this knowledge and united by the shared belief that our community should be actively engaged in promoting literacy, Sunup Rotary Club, Frontier Rotary Club, Prescott Rotary Club and the Friends of the Prescott Public Library have teamed up to ensure that Prescott children have books in their homes.
Community partnerships brought this project to life. The idea began with the Read On Prescott Steering Committee (readonarizona.org/read-on-communities/ read-on-prescott), a group of early childhood literacy advocates who collaborate to find ways of increasing third-grade reading proficiency rates in our community.
Committee members reached out to the Rotary clubs that became sponsors of this initiative, each contributing equally to the cost
of providing books to children, with Rotary District 5495 matching those contributions. The Friends of the Prescott Public Library will cover administrative costs, and Prescott Public Library staff and volunteers will manage the registration and administrative details.
The Prescott Area Imagination Library will celebrate with a launch party at Prescott
Public Library on Saturday, Sept. 14 from 10 a.m. to noon. The event will include refreshments, activities and the opportunity to register for the program.
For more information, visit prescottlibrary. info/PAIL or call 928-777-1519.
The CRITICAL importance of reading to children before age 5 …
• The brain grows at its fastest rate in the first year of life, doubling in size.
• By age 3, approximately 80% of the brain’s core structure is formed.
• Reading and talking to babies, toddlers and preschoolers is the best way to stimulate brain development.
• During the five years before entering kindergarten, researchers estimate that children from literacy-rich homes hear a cumulative 1.4 million more words during storybook reading than children who are never read to.
• By the time children are 3 and 4 years old, their vocabulary, attention and general knowledge are predictors of third and fourth grade reading comprehension.
• Regardless of nationality, level of education or their parents’ economic status, children who grow up with books in their homes reach a higher level of education than those who do not.
Sources and more information:
• First Things First, firstthingsfirst.org/early-childhood-matters/early-literacy/
• “Family Scholarly Culture and Educational Success: Books and Schooling in 27 Nations” published in Research in Social Stratification and Mobility, June 2010
• “Reading Aloud” from the Reading Rockets website readingrockets.org/research/reading-aloud
Members of Read On Prescott, Friends of Prescott Public Library, Sunup Rotary and Prescott Public Library staff First row, from left: Martha Baden, Lisa Blyth, Ali Conant
Second row, from left: Denise Murphy, Jennifer Hernandez, Bill Arnold
Third row, from left: Stan Goligoski, A.J. Sheridan, Roger Saft
A Big Win for a Small Nonprofit
by Amie Winters, Public Relations Coordinator, G . E . M . Environmental
“The program will continue to expand its engaging activities, including field trips where students apply their knowledge, broaden perspectives on conservation, and gain insight into managing public lands.”
~ Eric M. Welsh GEM’s Executive Director
In just two years, a small educational organization is making big waves in the community.
G.E.M. Environmental (GEM), a 501(c)3 nonprofit, has been awarded a grant by the Environmental and Sustainability fund, a component of the Arizona Community Foundation.
The Geology, Engineering, Minerals (GEM) Environmental organization works with government agencies to conserve public lands, while connecting underserved STEM students to integrated and collaborative educational programming.
“In the short time that we’ve launched the Field Experience Program, we’ve already received tremendous support from the community,” Eric M. Welsh, GEM’s Executive Director said.
“The grant from the Arizona Community Foundation will give us additional resources to offer hands-on science education for underserved college students in Yavapai County.
“The program will continue to expand its engaging activities, including field trips where students apply their knowledge, broaden perspectives on conservation, and gain insight into managing public lands.”
G.E.M. Environmental was founded in 2017 and offers STEM scholarships to undergraduate and graduate students, paid internships, community volunteer days, educational programs, regular blog series and more. It has a partnership with Yavapai College and
Drake Cement Mine, among other institutions in Arizona and New Mexico.
GEM successfully raised over $5,000 in conjunction with Arizona Gives Day, won an Arizona Gives Day incentive prize for the most dollars raised within 24 hours for a micro nonprofit, and raised over $2,000 for Giving Tuesday to support the Field Experience Program.
Established in 1978, the Arizona Community Foundation is a statewide family of charitable funds supported by thousands of Arizonans. More information is available at azfoundation.org and gemenvironmental.org.
Field trip at Drake Cement Mine
THE PRESCOTT PIONEER
PRESCOTT • PRESCOTT VALLEY • CHINO VALLEY • DEWEY-HUMBOLDT
8th annual Healing Fields and Patriot Week Commemorates 9/11
Record crowds are expected for the 8th annual Healing Fields and Patriot Week scheduled Sept. 6 -13 on the grounds of the Civic Center in Prescott Valley.
The week’s events commemorate the 18th anniversary of the terrorist attacks of the United States on 9/11 in 2001, said project chair Darlene Packard.
Activities begin on Friday, Sept. 6, when community volunteers set up 3,000 American flags in the grassy area just east of the Civic Center at 7501 E. Skoog Blvd. Packard said area residents may begin visiting the stars and stripes display throughout the week.
The 3,000 flags stand for those who died in the terrorist attacks. Nineteen flags are dedicated to the 19 Granite Mountain Hotshots who died in a wildfire June 30, 2013.
Special Patriot Week programs are scheduled Saturday, Sept. 7. At 7 a.m., the 4th annual Patriot Run begins. At 9:30, the “Blessing of the Field” will be led by Fr. Dan Vollmer of the Prescott Valley Catholic Church. At 6 p.m., a special Children’s Patriot Concert is scheduled.
Another Patriot Concert is set for 6 p.m., Tuesday, Sept. 10.
The traditional Patriot Day ceremony is set for 6 p.m., Wednesday, Sept. 11. Prescott Valley Mayor Kell Palguta will begin the program in the Theater on the Green. Interim Chief of Police James Edelstein will serve as master of ceremonies.
Several dignitaries will speak, including Patty Mack, retired captain, New York Court Officers Academy.
Ceremonies will close with a final salute from American Legion Post 6, with a rifle volley and the playing of Taps.
Packard expressed apprecia-
resulting in the creation of more than 125,000 jobs.
tion to Mary Mallory, who until recently was a member of the Prescott Valley Town Council until she was appointed to the Yavapai County Board of Supervisors. “It was Mary Mallory who inspired us more than eight years ago to show our loyalty and patriotism to the world by having a Healing Field. We are all proud to be a part of that project.”
Palguta also praised Mallory. He said her idea of honoring those who serve helps everyone understand that freedom is not without pain and suffering. “We
cannot forget our history and the sacrifices that have been made to protect our rights and freedoms,” he said.
Prescott Valley Town Manager Larry Tarkowski praised the Patriot Week events, saying, “From the dark days of 18 years ago, we have grown a celebration of the American spirit that reminds us all that despite our differences, we can yet embrace our shared love of country by honoring the sacrifices of those who have perished.”
More details are available at healingfield.org/prescottvalley.
• grow existing businesses in Arizona
• create new jobs, opportunities in thriving industries
Watson was named by the Phoenix Business Journal as one of the “Most Admired Leaders in Business.” She and her teams have successfully attracted more than 750 companies to Arizona,
Others speakers include Katherine Halpin, Founder-CEO, Halpin Companies, Phoenix; Jim Kaiser, President, J-Curve Technologies, Phoenix; Matthew Clyde, President and Co-Founder, Ideas Collide, in Scottsdale and Portland, Ore.; and Rick Smith, Founder and CEO, Axon, Scottsdale and Seattle.
Jim Robb, the Economic Development Consultant for the
City of Prescott, said participants also will attend workshops and panel discussions. City personnel have partnered with several local businesses to plan special activities for AZTC attendees. Those include a tour of the Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University Cyber-Security Center and a visit to the Jim and Linda Lee Planetarium.
Thursday morning.
Complete details about the retreat are available at aztechcouncil.org/event/2019-ceo-leadership-retreat/ AZ TECH COUNCIL..cont. from page 22
Some will enjoy a round of golf at Capital Canyon Golf Club
Superstition Meadery owners have planned a tasting and appetizer session, and the Thumb Butte Distillery has invited attendees to a tasting event, also on Thursday.
Read more news on page 122...
PHOTO BY CHRIS KISSLING PHOTOGRAPHY
Special Section:
Prescott Inspired Beauty & Style
A Valley of Vitality Page 92
Addicted to Deals Page 95
Amazing Foot Spa Page 96
Bella by Leah Page 98
Cowgirl Leather Page 96
Fancy That! Page 96
My Health Etc. Page 96
PK Bootmaker Page 98
Prescott Body & Brain Yoga Page 98
Prescott Family Practice & Wellness Page 94
Prescott Women’s Clinic Page 98
Purple Clover Boutique Page 98
Raskin’s Jewelers Page 97
Scottsdale Plastic Surgery Page 93
Watson & Willow Boutique Page 97
• Weight Loss Program Grand Opening of our Newly Expanded Facility Now Offering Stem Cell Therapy - Call for Complimentary Consultation
• Stem Cell Therapy
• Platelet Rich Plasma
• Hormone Replacement - bioTE
• IV Infusions
• Injections
Prescott Family Practice and Wellness focuses on comprehensive family medical care with an eye towards preventive medicine and integrative holistic medicine. We treat male and female patients of all ages.
Keeping it Classic: Denim Jackets for Fall
by Tricia Irwin, Owner, Watson & Willow
It may not be a groundbreaking statement, but I’m a huge believer in owning a go-to, classic- fitting denim jacket.
I keep my denim jacket on hand for all occasions. Having this staple in your wardrobe can make transitioning from summer to fall a breeze. Pair your denim jacket with those summer dresses you aren’t ready to say goodbye to yet, plus a cute pair of sneakers, and you’ve got a foolproof, trendy outfit ready for fall.
easygoing, everyday essentials
Rick Ohanesian, MD | Jeffrey Osburn, MD | Katie Campuzano, MD AnnMarie Massimo, NP | Victoria Cahill, NP
WOMEN IN BUSINESS
Sandy Moss
Using Your Collectibles and Hobbies to
by Staff Reports
Often, the touches that make our homes memorable and welcoming come from our hobbies. Decorating, painting, cooking, photography, special collections, art, sewing or gardening — all these turn our residence into a real home.
Share Your Passion
Almost everything discussed below can be entered in the Yavapai County Fair for some serious bragging opportunities. Did you know it has categories for collections? Pull out those matchbox cars or Uncle Joe’s baseball cards. Cook up your best pie or cookies or even a green bean casserole. Show off the gigantic zucchini from your
garden. Are your zinnias wowing the entire neighborhood? Now they can be shared with the whole county.
“We either have a category already or will create a category for your items,” says Rosie Darby, General Manager of the Yavapai County Fair. “Everyone from Yavapai County is eligible to participate and enter items in the fair.”
The Yavapai County Fair takes place Sept. 5-8. Go to YavapaiFair.com for more information.
Decorating and Painting
When it comes to decorating and paint color, do you know what you like, but aren’t sure how to get there? No worries. First thing to remember, nothing is permanent. If you try a paint color but decide you don’t like it, you can always repaint with a fresh color. If it seems too overpowering, paint one wall in the color you’ve chosen and go with a more neutral color for the remaining walls in the room. It’s your palette, so find something you love.
Designers often use the 60-3010 rule:
• 60% of the room should be the dominant color (think walls and floor)
• 30% of the room is set aside for the secondary color, which adds contrast to the room (perhaps area rugs, bedding or upholstery)
• 10% is the accent color — meant to pop with color or interest (throw pillows, bedding, artwork)
One idea is to start with a color scheme taken from a favorite item such as a picture you plan to hang on the wall or throw pillows you plan to place on your couch or in your bedroom.
Create a Warm, Welcoming Home
Collections and Art
Maybe the worst thing we can do with our favorite collections, such as spoons or stamps, is to keep them hidden away and forgotten in a drawer. Most collections can be displayed in attractive cases, which also help to protect and preserve the items. Artwork can be hung on the wall or set upon easels for viewing.
Once you have your collections ready, then experiment a bit to find pleasing display arrangements. Mix and match — perhaps that flag with a grouping of photos of family members who served in the military. Or your collection of stamps can be placed alongside photos of your trip to Europe. Be creative.
Cooking
There’s nothing like walking into a home and breathing in the smell of freshly cooked meals or treats. In our busy lifestyles, it’s not often we have time to make a grand meal, homemade bread
or cookies, so when possible make that effort extra special with a lovely presentation.
Tip: If you make food look fun, your kids might be more willing to eat it. Win-win!
Here are some food presentation tips:
1. Choose the right plate size and color.
2. Plate with a clock in mind: Protein between 3-9; Carbs from 9-12; veggies from 12-3.
3. Serve odd amounts of small foods. For example, if you’re serving Brussel sprouts, serve seven instead of six.
4. Don’t overcrowd the plate.
5. Look for color and contrast.
6. Use the sauces to enhance
the ingredients, don’t just dump it on.
7. Use cookie cutters to cut fruits into shapes like stars and moons.
Tip: Search for “Food Presentation” on Google and Pinterest to find great ideas!
Gardening
There’s nothing like a picture-perfect yard to welcome people to your front door. If your hobby is gardening, you’re in the best community ever. Whether you’re a
pro or wannabe gardener, you have access to knowledgeable local resources within an easy drive. We have yet to see Ken Lain of Watters Garden Center ever stumped by a gardening question, for example. But, even if that happens, he’ll know where to go to find the answer. Watters also offers weekly garden classes valuable for the novice and expert alike.
Construction Industry Expected To Boast Nearly $1.2 Trillion Output By 2020
by Sandy Griffis, Executive Director, Yavapai County Contractors Association
It is an interesting time for our construction industry.
Growth has been strong over the past couple of years in our jurisdiction. Having weathered the Recession of 2008, aka the Recession of the late 2000s, aka the Great Recession, which was by far the worst recession since the Great Depression of the 1930s, our construction industry is still facing challenges.
What would you think are the top four challenges facing our industry?
Of course rising material and labor costs, labor woes, increased competition and shrinking profit margins are just some of the challenges our local construction companies are facing. And then on top of those items there are always new rules and regulations like OSHA rules or changes to building codes. But the top four:
1. Shortage of qualified workers
The construction industry has been on the rise for the past few years, which we can see with permit issuance and new roof tops. Despite this growth, more than 50% of our local construction companies say they are having a tough time finding workers to fill these growing positions. Not to be “Debbie Downer,” but the skilled-employee shortage is growing. Parents prefer four-year schools. The phenomenon of the 1990s still exists today: Parents push their children toward four-year degrees. In many instances, though, a young person would be better served learning a construction trade that offers great career opportunity with super pay.
I am a firm believer we need to start to recruit and reach out to students in middle school. These young minds need construction industry exposure now! The labor shortage is creating project delays and driving up prices. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics sees a 13% growth rate in the construction sector through 2024, creating approximately 180,000 jobs in the process. If you add in a conservative replacement rate for retiring baby boomers, you get a total of approximately 458,000 jobs coming online in the next decade that construction companies will need to fill.
Our industry needs to do a better job at hiring military veterans. Construction industry companies that can effectively recruit, assimilate and retain veterans into their organizations can make great strides in closing the skilled-labor gap.
By looking at the building industry as offering lucrative, abundant and fulfilling professions, and by helping young people prepare to step into these jobs, we offer them viable careers that come with flexibility, no college loans and longterm sustainability.
2. Generational Differences
Old guard versus new guard. The veterans versus the young adults. More and more millennials are entering the job force who have very different work ethics, skills, mindset and opinions and also have technology DNA on how to implement new ideas versus the traditional old-fashioned way of work.
3. It is Not Easy Being Green
Environmental sustainability, water conservation, energy consumption, new building products and materials are commanding a new approach to building. Everyone now needs to take steps to take care of our environment.
4. Design/Build Intricacy
Construction projects are becoming more demanding and complicated in the design, and this makes it a little tough for companies without a strong workforce because they do not have the staff to take on multi-
tiered projects. Contractors are becoming more selective in what projects they choose to accept.
I want to say that the construction industry is booming and experts expect growth to continue. The Bureau of Labor Statistics and a report from Timetric’s Construction Intelligence Center (CIC) project the construction industry to be one of the fastest growing industries into 2020.
With increased work, the construction industry will have a higher employment rate than the overall economy. Construction has a 4.5% projected growth rate over the next several years, making construction staffing the leading industry in wage and employment growth.
Professionals predict the construction industry will have one of the largest increases in real output, reaching almost $1.2 trillion by 2020.
The U.S. population is expected to grow from 321.2 billion to 338 billion in the same timeframe. This increase of people results in a rise of residential housing as well. This will escalate residential construction to the top of the growing markets’ list.
Commercial construction will also continue to grow. With more consumer spending and governmental investments in tourism, office buildings and retail space, commercial construction businesses will reap the rewards.
So here are five great reasons why to get into construction:
• there are jobs
• the money is fantastic
• you can build a lifelong career
• you won’t get bored
• you get to work in the best, most amazing and awe-inspiring industry, with awesome people and have the love and support of YCCA!
$149,000 Inscription Canyon Ranch in Williamson Valley
6650 W. Box Canyon Place, Prescott
Stunning, unobstructed, panoramic views from this 2.02 acre hilltop parcel. The top of the hill has a flat to gently sloping building site and the southern exposure is perfect for solar options. Located on a quiet cul de sac with mature vegetation in an area of upscale custom homes. Neighborhood has paved county maintained roads, fire hydrants and underground utilities with a private community water and sewage facility. Many nearby hiking and riding trails.This lot 114 backs up to lot 349 to north parcel, has marked corner pins, easy to access through that lot to walk property. Build your own dream home in scenic Inscription Canyon Ranch in Williamson Valley. No HOA’s.
$109,000 Williamson Valley
11065 N. Wapiti Trail, Prescott
This fabulous 2 acre horse property in picturesque Williamson Valley is nestled in an ideal site to build your dream home! No HOA a plus! Enjoy the incredible views of Granite Mountain and surrounding peaks! Soil perks good in the area. Access to excellent hiking, biking, and riding trails for your pleasure. Great, peaceful neighborhood! Don’t miss out on this opportunity! Park or turn around in the designated area and DO NOT use neighbors driveway.
These 8 Head-High Hedges Grow Fastest
by Lisa Watters-Lain, Arizona’s garden gal, Watters Garden Center
Don’t have time to view the entire article, see the highlights below:
• Eight high-hedges: Climbing Roses, Gilted Edge Silverberry, Glossy Privet, Golden Euonymous, Grape Holly, Mint Julep Juniper, Red Tipped Photinia and Victory Pyracantha.
• Climbing roses like Cecil Brunner Roses are a beautiful alternative to a hedge.
• Check out the new Easy Elegance Series of shrub roses in a host of colors and fragrances.
• Use the plant’s ultimate height as the spacing recommendations for a thick hedge.
• Now is a great time to plant roses or any hedge.
• Ask for planting help when installing large garden project. Garden Centers have planting crews to make the job easy.
Privacy and hedgerows are not top-of-mind until that neighbor dumps his leftover construction material for all to enjoy at the next backyard barbeque. My favorite is the super-sized motor home parked within feet of the property line that is now a chrome-covered albatross sitting between yards. We spend a lot of time outdoors in Arizona, and a little privacy is essential.
An unfortunate mistake so many homeowners make is planting a hedge that becomes massive within several years and overgrowing its space, obscuring walkways and the front of your house. Screens taller than head high can obliterate vistas and obscure sunsets. This article is dedicated to those plants easily maintained at head height with a little manicuring. Here is my list of the top seven local plants that make great scenes in local landscapes.
Climbing roses are a natural barrier for Prescott gardens. Not only are roses stunning the entire growing season, but in their thorny nature they keep out the unwanted. Roses only need pruning in March, so they are far less work than the hedging needs to keep the shape on the head-height shrubs mentioned above. Also, check out the new Easy Elegance Shrub Series roses in a host of colors and fragrances. Now is a great time to plant a rose, or any hedge.
Gilted Edge Silverberry is a new hedge plant with a native twist that rivals manzanita, growing equally tall. Bright gold edges highlight every blue leaf for a stunning native hedge plant. Plant at 4-foot intervals and you have a head-high privacy screen so thick and bright no one would dare enter. Investment property owners use this plant because it
classes up a property’s value yet hardy enough to keep up with a landscapes’ deadliest tenant.
Glossy Privet is a better choice with the same look. Growing to only head high, the broad green leaves form a thick hedge that ultimately reaches human height. The waxy leaves hold moisture within the plant’s structure, creating a low-water, low-maintenance hedge with fewer bug problems than its redtipped counterpart.
Golden Euonymous is the most popular of the hedge plants. Bright gold foliage appears festive and fun for yearround class. An ideal hedge, it can be sheared or left to grow into a natural form dense enough to make an excellent visual and sound barrier. As tough as they come. Look to the Silver King Euonymus for the same design element only in a silver cream color that is equally striking. Feel free to mix and match the two for long hedgerows.
Grape Holly is a natural alternative. Several varieties grow wild in the mountains of Arizona. Snowballs to 6 feet with minimal care. Once up to size, this hedge could be cut off from all care except very scarce water during the heat of summer. Fun gold flowers cover this plant in early spring followed by a grape-like berry; the birds will love this hedge. The leaves resemble English holly and are well adapted to our wind and bright sun. Makes an excellent fence along driveway, entrances and property lines.
Mint Julep Juniper is another super hardy plant your grandfather used as a hedge, but with much better color. Of course, Northern Arizona is famous for our juniper forest, so a juniper hedge fits and is equally hardy. The signature seafoam green
foliage proliferates to head high, needing little help and even less water. Forms a very thick hedge that requires infrequent trimming to keep it perfectly manicured.
Red Tipped Photinia is the most common plant used as a tall hedge. More maintenance is required for this aggressive 12-foot evergreen. The new growth of spring emerges red then matures to a waxy green leaf. A ladder may be necessary to prune this hedge if left to itself very long and too broad for most properties.
Victory Pyracantha is another Victorian plant ideally suited to an 8-foot hedge row. White flowers in spring form orange berries the birds dearly love. Thick glossy green leaves are small, surprisingly hardy and the fastest growing of the tall-hedge plants. This plant has all the seasons covered for a breathtaking landscape. Long thorns prevent a visitor’s escape through this hedge, but it is equally safe at keeping the unwanted out.
Spacing is critical for a fast-filling hedge. Use the plant’s ultimate height as the spacing
Bamboo in containers
Oregan Grape Holly Mahonia Aquifolium Compacta
recommendations for a thick hedge. If the plant tag says your plant will grow 5- to 7-feet tall, use the smaller of the two numbers. Our arid Arizona climate seems to dwarf plants or at least force them to grow on the small size of natural.
Ask for help because when the perfect hedge requires
planting 15 perfectly spaced specimens that create your own ideal garden abode experts should do the planting. We have staff members who love plantings, watching a new garden come alive and the beauty of a new hedgerow in a customer’s yard. A good gardener will know the soils, wind and
environmental issues and how to compensate for a plant’s best performance. When planting yourself ask for the insider tips and the three things needed to have a new plant genuinely thrive in our mountain soils.
Until next issue, I’ll be helping gardeners screen prying eyes here at Watters Garden Center.
Lisa Watters-Lain can be found throughout the week at Watters Garden Center, 1815 W. Iron Springs Road in Prescott or contacted through her website at WattersGardenCenter.com or FB.com/WattersGardenCenter.
Watters trees
Red Tip Photinia Hedge
Privet Glossy Legustrum
Pyracantha Victory Hedge
Renter’s Insurance and Misconceptions
among Millennials
Arecent study found that millennials are renting in larger numbers than ever before, but that they are not getting renter’s coverage even though it’s inexpensive and can provide protection for their belongings.
Researchers also found that most (75%) of the people surveyed did not know they could obtain renter’s insurance for about the same monthly cost as a pair of movie tickets, and had therefore not purchased coverage for their possessions.
They concluded that there was a clear misconception among this group of young people about how important it is to have renter’s insurance and the true cost of coverage. Leaving belongings at risk when about $20 per month can buy adequate coverage is an unwise move.
Renters often live in properties with multiple units, and they may not always realize how
high the risk of fires and other disasters are in these places. Although property owners are responsible for repairs to the structure in the event of most disasters, they are not responsible for tenants’ belongings. It is up to renters to make sure their possessions are protected.
In their research, experts also found that about 40% of people without renter’s coverage did not think it was necessary.
Nearly 70% of all young adult renters replied that the cost to replace all of their belongings would exceed $5,000. Renters who had coverage said they bought policies because they wanted the peace of mind to know they were protected.
Inexpensive peace of mind
A plan that costs around $300 a year generally covers up to $50,000 worth of property.
But most people won’t need that much coverage as renters. A policy that covers $15,000 to $20,000 worth of property should be enough for most millennials. Such policies can sometimes be had for less than $200 a year, or as little as $10 to $15 a month. (The average renter’s insurance premium cost about $187 in 2017, according to the Insurance Information Institute.)
Renter’s insurance is quick and easy to buy, and millennials everywhere should make sure they always have it. To learn more about this type of coverage and how affordable it is, call us today.
For a free, no obligation quote on renter’s insurance or other insurance products, please call ROX Insurance at 800-690-7660 or email info@roxinsurance.com.
Renters’ biggest fears:
• Two of the biggest fears among respondents were theft and fires.
• About 40% said their biggest fear was fire damage.
• About 30% said their biggest fear was theft.
• Believe it or not, almost 5% said that their biggest fear was a zombie apocalypse!
• Nearly 25% of the renters surveyed said they would rescue their laptops first ahead of mobile phones, hidden cash and heirlooms.
• About 40% of respondents said they did not know stolen property was covered in a renter’s insurance policy.
• About 30% said they did not believe party mishaps would be covered, and they were surprised to find that many types of damage to personal property or the structure that are typical at parties were actually covered.
LAND
The Ranch at Prescott
Priced at $75,000, .45 acre, corner home site, quiet street away from heavy traffic, custom home community.
969 N Fairway Drive, Dewey
Enjoy full or part time living in this immaculate move-in ready town home. (Most furnishings may be purchased by separate bill of sale outside of escrow.) Light/ open floor plan is enhanced with pleasing colors. Great room has gas fireplace, large windows to bring in the views and door to a covered deck perfect for enjoying the outdoors. Owner’s and second bedrooms have sliding glass doors to back patio. Owner’s bath offers 2 big closets and dual sinks. Bright kitchen includes all appliances, pantry and breakfast bar. Bonus room with walk in closet and 1/2 bath on entry level. Extra long 2 car garage has additional storage room that leads to great under home storage area. HOA fee covers roof, gutters, ext maintenance (excluding deck), sewer, landscaping, road maintenance and insurance on the building.
2839 W Hilltop Road, Chino Valley
Enjoy the country living feel in this quiet location with nice views. Split bedroom floor plan and bright open great room are great features. Kitchen boasts breakfast bar/island with built-in wine refrigerator, lots of cabinets and counter space, large pantry plus appliances stay. Bonus room could be office/den or formal dining room. Sun room off dining area adds good space for entertaining or whatever you prefer. Large laundry room with cabinets and extra storage space also has door to sun room. You’ll enjoy the huge covered front deck to a yard with wonderful large shade trees. The back 2 decks are open and give you great views. Secondary building could be workshop or storage building. Lots of room to park your RV and/ or toys and vehicles, have your horses and build a stable. EZ to show!
10956 N Saddle Pass Road, Prescott
Price $875,000, 4932 sq ft, 4 bedroom, 5 bath room - 4 full, 2 w/jetted tubs and 1 is 1/2, living, dining, family rooms, single level living, lower level interior and exterior entrances, 2 large bonus rooms, large storage room, 2 acres, no HOA, 3 car garage, awesome views, paved roads.
...continued from page 79
Having a Choice in Education
by Donna Werking, Parent, Owner Northern AZ Social, LLC, Resident of Prescott, AZ
Having a choice in your children’s educational institution is critical to shaping their future. As a part of my husband’s college education, he was given the opportunity to observe a multitude of approaches to early childhood education, both locally and regionally.
We included the factors that mattered to us and rated our options by class size, grades served, programs, learning, school performance and culture. We took the time to sit in on classes to observe the children and school structure before making our decision.
Our daughter Madison was a product of our areas’ schools. We sent her to Skyview Charter
School (K-4), Lincoln Elementary (fifth grade), Mile High Middle School (sixth-eighth grades) and she graduated from Prescott High School in 2018. Madison just finished her freshman year at the University of Arizona, and our son, Brenner, is moving into the second grade at Skyview School.
We encouraged our daughter to move around in the local school system to introduce her to different cultures and programs. The charter school was excellent for early childhood development offering experiential programs, and public schools fulfilled her need for athletics.
Our goal is to develop well-adjusted individuals who can transition fluidly in life. In the future, we hope our children will return to the Prescott area to become leaders, parents and business owners.
There is additional support for those families that need funding for their children’s education with school choice scholarship programs. There are four ways it
prescottlivingmag.com
may benefit your family: educational savings account, school voucher, tax-credit scholarship or tax credit and deduction. Parents can explore educational options through resources provided by the state of Arizona.
• Charter Schools: azcharters.org/ about-charterschools
• Video about School Choice: edchoice. org/school-choice/ what-is-schoolchoice
Donna Werking, Owner Northern AZ Social, LLC, Parent, Kelly Wood, Executive Director, Chapel Rock Camp & Conference Center, Parent, Madison Wood (18)
Artist’s own
An exceptional architecturally designed custom home, with almost 3,500 square feet of elegance and features that make this home a standout! Situated on 2 acres, with sweeping mountain views, the home boasts privacy yet ideal entertaining spaces. From the Frank Lloyd Wright inspired Stained glass, to the dramatic fireplace, an entire upper level master suite with commanding views, a south facing sunroom/sleeping porch, and flagstone courtyard . . . it is simply spectacular. This is an artist’s own home, which includes a 932 square foot attached studio that could be re-purposed as a workshop or bonus room. Perfection in beautiful Inscription Canyon! www.inscriptioncanyoncustom.com
THE PRESCOTT PIONEER
PRESCOTT • PRESCOTT VALLEY • CHINO VALLEY • DEWEY-HUMBOLDT
Local Families Can Take Advantage of Low Income Housing
When completed later this year, dozens of apartments under construction will accommodate low-income families who qualify under local, state and federal guidelines.
A 72-unit family apartment complex called Creekview Village Apartments (CVA) is being built at 519 Miller Valley Road. With 24 two-bedroom and 48 three-bedroom apartments, all have two bathrooms and a patio or balcony.
The complex will contain six three-story walk-up apartment buildings. The apartments comprise about 102,000 collective square feet.
The complex also will include a playground, barbecue area, basketball court and walking paths. It also will have a one-story clubhouse.
Under construction for the past several months, the apartments are expected to be done around the first of the year.
Applications for rental units will be made public when construction nears completion, said David Kotin, President and designated broker for Scottsdale-based Kay-Kay Realty. He noted that Kay-Kay has a branch in Prescott.
The firm also manages the Canyon Run Senior Apartments on White Spar Road.
Kotin said the complex was funded through low-income tax credits allocated by the Arizona Department of Housing in 2017.
Kotin, a 28-year veteran executive with Kay-Kay, explained that CVA resulted from a partnership between Bethel Development, Inc., and Rainbow Housing Assistance Corp. The two organizations have partnered to create affordable housing in several states.
Bethel Development is an Ohio-based company that specializes in affordable housing. Bethel has developed 29 affordable housing projects in Ohio, New Mexico and Arizona.
In addition to the Prescott apartments, Bethel is constructing another 76-unit senior living complex in Phoenix. It, too, is scheduled for completion around the first of the year.
Kotin said Rainbow is a Phoenix-based nonprofit organization that provides service-enriched housing opportunities and programs for residents in rental communities throughout the country.
Kotin said CVA rents are based on complex formulae deter -
mined by economic statistics. At present, 26 units have been designated for families with less than 40% of the median income, 33 units for are those with 50% or below median income and 13 units are for those with 60% or below of median income.
The median income in the Prescott area is $50,041, and 56,581 in Arizona, according to the latest data*. The U.S. average median income is $53,482*.
Flynann Janisse, executive director of Rainbow, said on the organization’s website, “It has been a pleasure to have a strong partnership with Bethel Development over the years. We are eager for these new developments to open so we can further support
Prescott Downtown U.S. Post Office For Sale
For 88 years, the three-story tan brick building on the corner of Cortez and Goodwin streets has served as a United States Post Office, courthouse and gathering spot for innumerable Prescottonians.
Recently, many were surprised at the appearance of a “For Sale” sign on the building, although in the meantime, it continues as a functioning post office.
The U.S. Postal Service has announced plans to find a new loca-
tion for a downtown postal facility. City officials last November had received a letter from real estate specialists with the U.S Postal Service (USPS), explaining, “The Postal Service is considering relocation because the current location is larger than is typically required to conduct our ongoing operations.”
There is a second post office at 442 Miller Valley Road.
The historic building, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, contains 25,778- square-
feet of usable space. Under the three stories is a full basement.
A brochure listing the building and its facilities does not contain a mention of price. The building is described as an example of Beaux-Arts classicism, which now is considered a rare architectural example of that era.
The U.S. Postal Service Corporate Commission division is handling all inquiries from those interested in the building. Rod Spurgeon, a representative of that
residents of affordable housing in meaningful ways.”
Rainbow is planning a wide range of onsite and online services both for the Prescott and the Phoenix complexes. Services will include after-school enrichment programs, computer training, financial literacy classes, job training, nutrition classes and a resident-services coordinator.
Kotin said CVA construction and management teams would use local staff and labor, local supplies and local vendors as much as possible.
Those wanting rental information about the Creekview Village can contact 928-541-9960.
*Source: Census American Community Service (ACS) 1, 2017
division, said the USPS does not have any specific location identified at this time, but that it likely would be close to the current site. He also noted that the USPS might consider a lease back of a portion of the existing building. Terms for purchase of the building stipulate it must be for cash. Those interested can contact the USPS for additional details. 1-800-Ask-USPS® (275-8777)
The Creekview Village Apartment complex on Miller Valley Road is intended for low-income renters.
We make your dreams a reality.
“We are lifelong clients who highly recommend ZebraScapes services to friends, family, and newcomers to this beautiful area we nowcallhome.Ourprojectencompassedthe following aspects: Area ground preparation, flagstone retaining walls, open rock patio stairway, slate courtyard, flower beds and planters, inground spa with waterfall, trees, bushesandshrubs,customdesignedPergola, river rock fire pit, paver walkways, river rock drybeds,boulders,rockgardensanddecorative stone, accent outdoor lighting culminating the project with a beautiful 7,000 square foot paver driveway.
ZebraScapes Landscaping gave us a professional look with a hometown flair.”
John and Renette C. Inscription Canyon
Wespecialize in custom residential landscape design that will address the unique climate of Prescott. Our certified arborist and Firewise® trained staff will help you select plants and trees that are sustainable while maintaining the warm and inviting feelings for entertaining family and friends.
ZebraScapes Landscaping & Services is family owned and operated, located in beautiful Prescott, Arizona. ZebraScapes is at the forefront of landscape design, installation, and maintenance. Our professional staff will work with you one on one to arrive at the best creative solutions for your landscaping projects, and most importantly, we will work within your budget.
Let us “Make your dreams a reality”.
Journey Around the World
by Chandler (son of
age 12
Together with my family I get to travel around the world. Some of the places I’ve been to include Germany, Spain, France, Switzerland, England, Portugal, Australia and Morocco! I think traveling the world is a great experience. You learn a lot of things about different people’s cultures and all kinds of stuff. For example, did you know that in Australia, Burger King is called Hungry Jack’s? I bet you didn’t!
In Germany, we lived a village life and it’s actually pretty interesting. Most of the kids barely speak English and most of them play outside most of the time. They have no video games or electronics of any sort! During the school week they go to school and get out at noon to help do chores and ride on the tractor with their father. In Spain, people have a 2 hour nap in the middle of the day called a siesta. All the businesses are closed and you can’t really do anything. Spain also has beautiful beaches with jellyfish. I got to go to school in both Germany and Spain!
If you drive down south in Spain then you can go to Gibraltar Strait. From there you can take a ferry, which goes to Morocco, which is in Africa! In Africa, it is very different from America. For example, people there pray five times a day.
One of my favorite cities in the world is London. There are a lot of tall buildings and cool architecture. There are also a lot of museums and old buildings. I really like the Science Museum. We also went to the British Museum, the Tate Modern, the London City Museum, the Maritime Museum, Cutty Sark and even stood on the Prime Meridian in Greenwich where time begins!
The most recent trip that we have done is our Australia trip. We did a lot of cool things like the Sydney Bridge Climb. We did a lot of
walking :) We first got lost in the Blue Mountains so we ended up walking along a trail for like 10 kilometers. We also did the Manly Scenic Walk, which was also 10 kilometers. One of my favorite things that we did was Featherdale Wildlife Park, basically a zoo. We got to pet and take a picture with a koala and feed some kangaroos. The dingos were really cute and looked like dogs.
What we just recently did in Australia was take some surfing lessons, which I really liked.
Surfing is harder than it looks, and it takes some practice to get the hang of it. I got a lot of water in my mouth and ears. Salt water tastes gross. We also did the Taronga Zoo, which is another zoo, but I didn’t like it as much because there were a lot more people and didn’t really have a hands-on experience. Australia is very similar to America like all their advertisements and movies and stuff. I really liked traveling and I hope we can do more great travels like these.
Elaine Earle),
Hiking in Spain, 2018
Eyes on Travel
by Christian (son of Elaine Earle), age 12
Since 2017, we have been exploring inspiring places around the globe. We have been to Europe four times! Two years ago, we went to Germany, our first international trip! We rode on a huge airplane called a Boeing. It had 2 stories! Sooner than we thought, we were landing. We weren’t in Germany yet, we took a pit stop at London. We did schoolwork and visited museums.
I am very lucky to be traveling with my parents. I am 12 years old. In Germany we went to a place called Spielbach and made friends and also went to school. After that trip, we went to Spain. We went to a museum called the Prado in Madrid. We then went to Calabardina, which is on the Mediterranean Sea. We stayed in our friends, Rob and Donna’s, house. There was a beach, and my brother found a dead jellyfish head. In the south of Spain, we took a ferry to Africa, to Morocco. There were sellers on the streets everywhere. We then went to Lisbon, the capital of Portugal.
The next trip was London again. We found the house that Mama used to live in when she worked in London. We went to so many historical museums in London — it was so much fun!
We then went back to Germany again to visit our friends again. We stayed in a town close to Spielbach, called Eberbach. It had NO WiFi and NO cell service. There was a pole at the center of the village that had a little wifi. It said “free wifi.” We took a lot of pictures and I learned how to edit photos. We went to a real castle. We also went to France and Switzerland. France was cool because of the wide open fields and little villages. We went to an art museum in Switzerland with Picassos. After that we stayed in Spielbach for a while and played with our friends. Then we ate at the Golden Ox and said goodbye to everyone.
I love traveling with my family, and I am thankful for this gift. The road is stocked with experiences and fun. There are so many famous places to visit. There are men in skirts, people with long beards and beau-
tiful sunsets.
This year we went to Sydney, Australia. In Australia, we had so much fun. We went on ferries, buses and trains. We went to a wildlife park with kangaroos, koalas and dingos. We had an apartment by the beach in Manly, a part of Sydney. We liked the beautiful red sunset on the Sydney bridge. We went to Watson’s Bay, with a lighthouse we visited. We visited a “modern” museum with squiggles and dots as “professional art.” We went to Chinatown and since there were so many Chinese people in Australia, the place was crowded. We finally found a restaurant without weird things. The only weird things were pig’s blood jelly and chicken feet. We ate a meal with duck in a Chinese pancake with celery and hoisin sauce, which was delicious, and noodles with seafood, also delicious. In Australia, I had my first surfing lesson, which was super fun.
I love traveling with my inspiring family, and the experiences are unimaginable and unpredictable. I am so lucky to have traveled to 10 different countries with my parents and brother. Video games and Disneyland are not as good for a child as traveling. I learn new things when I travel, such as surfing, using the subway and to cherish the things I have. When you travel you get to go to famous places and learn about new things. I will travel when I grow up, too.
Top 5 reasons I like to travel:
1. See new places
2. Learn about history
3. Buy souvenirs
4. To tell everybody you have been there
5. Make friends
5 places I have been to:
1. The Prado, Madrid, Spain
2. Frankfurt, Germany
3. Sydney, Australia
4. Switzerland
5. France
Hamburg, 2018
Oktoberfest in Munich, 2017
Class in School in Spain, 2018
Chandler on the Tube in London 2018 Christian in Spain, 2018
Morocco, 2018
School in Spain, 2018
Fly-U Shuttle
Fly-U Shuttle is a locally owned and operated premier shuttle service. Fly-U Shuttle is also under new ownership. We were founded to address the growing needs in Prescott and Prescott Valley and the rest of Northern Arizona for an executive style transport and tour service.
We recognize the demand for a premier shuttle service for the local community; you can now ride in style in our executive vans, which include captain leather seats with headrest (no bench seating).
Whether it is just to Sky Harbor International Airport or on one of our special chartered tours to Sedona for
a day trip, our professional drivers will take excellent care of you and your loved ones, as we value family safety, comfort and ease of travel. We offer complimentary snacks and beverages and charging ports for your electronic devices.
Fly-U Shuttle offers tours to some of the world’s most stunning locations. Experience some the deserts finest, including the Grand Canyon, Jerome, Sedona and so much more. Experience Arizona through the eyes of an adventurer and immerse yourself in travel with Fly-U Shuttle.
Safety
— At Fly-U Shuttle safety is a priority so you can travel with peace of mind. We are proud of the unparalleled and quality service we provide for all your transportation needs.
Service — Our goal is to provide every customer with the best experience possible. Our travel expert team will work around the clock to ensure your ride is perfect. So, relax and enjoy your journey with confidence.
Comfort — We are proud to offer an executive experience. Our motor coaches are maintained to the highest comfort, safety and reliability standards. Travel in style on a shuttle equipped with luxurious reclining seats.
Reliability
— People choose Fly-U Shuttle again and again. You can relax and leave all the details to our expert travel team when you book with Fly-U Shuttle. We are here to help you arrive with the highest standards of safety, service and comfort to your destination.
We would like to thank you for allowing us to service you.
Locally owned & operated under NEW ownership!
SHOWCASING PRESCOTT
by Dennis Gallagher, Founder & President, Prescott Western Heritage Foundation, Inc .
There is a buzz about Whiskey Row these days, and it’s not from adult libations. Instead, Prescott, the City known for its historic firsts, will add another institution to that tally. This new enterprise is neither museum nor welcome center, but a place showcasing the western heritage of Prescott and Yavapai County.
The Western Heritage Center, located directly across from the Plaza on Montezuma Street, will offer visitors an awareness of our heritage never experienced previously. For the first time, the public will be able to survey many unique, local exhibits that will fill the Center by the end of this year. The Western Heritage
Center will engage with its visitors, educating and bringing to life the area’s rich heritage and history.
The Prescott Western Heritage Foundation, an all-volunteer 501(c) (3) nonprofit organization, was founded in 2011 and is the parent organization of the Western Heritage Center (WHC). The mission of the Foundation is “to preserve and promote western heritage through education, events, art, music and projects that enhance western lifestyle, making Arizona and Yavapai County a unique place to live and visit.” The opening of the WHC, housed in the old Sam Hill Hardware building, is the culmination of years of effort to achieve the goals of this mission.
The WHC is a collaboration of more than 25 organizations, including museums, historical societies and other related organizations that promote Arizona’s western heritage. Independent exhibits featuring the Rough Riders, ranching, railroads, film history, mining and more will also be included, enhancing the Center’s attraction.
Each organization will be provided space to rotate fresh exhibits. Later this year, interactive touch screens will encourage visitors to learn more about each organization’s history and mission, offering directions to their locations.
Participating organizations include the Smoki Museum, Sharlot Hall Museum, the Phip-
Days/hours open through August:
Friday & Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sunday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. For hours throughout the year, visit VisitWHC.org
Volunteer opportunities, call 928-910-2307
7th annual Western Heritage Banquet, Nov. 2
Ticket information will be available Sept. 1 at VisitWHC.org
& YAVAPAI COUNTY’S HERITAGE
pen Museum of Western Art and Heritage, Prescott Frontier Days® Rodeo, the Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office, the Arizona Cowboy Poet’s Gathering, the Prescott Fire Department, the Prescott Corral of Westerners, the Yavapai Cowbelles, and others. It is estimated the WHC will attract more than 12,000 visitors in 2019 alone, providing substantial financial impact for local businesses, restaurants and hotels.
Activities also are planned for school-age children to encourage them to experience and appreciate our rich history.
Photos courtesy: Mary Converse
The Center’s mercantile opened in the first part of July, and a performance stage for music, poetry, workshops and book signings will be completed by August. During construction, the Center will be open Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
A big thank you goes out to the many wonderful volunteers who have made the Western Heritage Center possible.
For further information regarding our Foundation, the Western Heritage Center, our Western Heritage Banquet on Nov. 2, or volunteering, please contact Dennis Gallagher at pwhfpresident@gmail.com or Bob Greninger at pwhfvicepresident@gmail.com. www.VisitWHC.org
Photos courtesy: Mary Converse
Famous Harvey Houses Supplied by Del Rio Ranch
by Drew Desmond, Secretary, Prescott Western Heritage Foundation
During the heyday of railroads, Fred Harvey ran an extensive chain of shops, restaurants and grand hotels along the Santa Fe line. To supply his hotels and restaurants with milk and cream, he established a dairy farm, Arizona’s first, in Peach Springs. However, the water supply was inconsistent there, and in 1912 Harvey moved the entire operation to Del Rio Springs, north of Chino Valley.
This land was then owned by the City of Prescott, which entered into a 10-year lease with the Harvey franchise. Work started immediately. The first year, grain hay was raised; the second, 200 tons of alfalfa was produced.
“From a financial standpoint, the coming of the Harveys to this section is a matter of great import,” the Weekly Journal-Miner reported. It was thought that the Harvey Dairy would employ 30-50 men regularly with dozens more employed during construction. In all, 12 structures were built. The milking barn was the largest and measured 35x116 feet.
“Feed sheds, a large corral, a mess, milk, ice and other houses (made) one of the most complete institutions in the diary line in the territory,” according to the paper. Soon it was employing twice the men as originally anticipated.
George Harkin, superintendent of the farm, was well pleased
with the operation. “Milk and cream are being shipped daily to the main line stations of the Santa Fe, and average 300 gallons every day,” Harkin said. Two years later in 1914, the dairy produced 80,000 gallons of milk and cream to be served at the Harvey Houses.
Dairy products weren’t the only things the ranch supplied. “The operation (also) supplied … chickens, eggs, turkeys and all meat and dairy products,” according to author Ruth Gilpin in her book “Paulden Pioneers”. “There was something like 2,000 laying hens and 5,000 turkeys raised a year. They had around 550 acres under cultivation.”
After the water at Del Rio Springs was sent to Washington for testing and was pronounced “the purest of any in the nation,” Harvey management decided “to give the Del Rio dairy the widest range ... of publicity. To this end, every vessel, whether metallic, earthen or glass, (had) a lithographic reproduction of the Del Rio Harvey Farm,” the paper reported. “The table serving ... likewise (portrayed) the place in a natural scene.” If any of these described items survived, they belong in the Sharlot Hall Museum!
Eventually however, due to the rising cost of transportation, it was found that the Harvey franchise, “... could buy (the) milk and egg products they needed from sources closer to the various restaurants cheaper than they could raise it and ship it from the ranch,” according to the paper.
In 1929, the dairy was closed and silage was grown for Harvey’s stock animals. Seven hundred to eight hundred tons of hay were produced annually with half of it going to the Grand Canyon to feed the working stock there. Part of these stock animals were the Grand Canyon mules that took visitors to the bottom of the Canyon. These animals spent the winter off-season at the Del Rio Ranch. This continued until 1956 when Harvey closed his Houses — at least in the west.
“Del Rio was also the location of the cattle shipping pens for many years,” according to Gilpin. “It wasn’t uncommon to see herds of several thousand head of cattle being driven to the stock pens when fall shipping began. Today there are many small farms or dwellings where once huge herds of cattle roamed while waiting to be shipped.”
Photos courtesy: Mary Converse
PRESCOTT PUBLIC LIBRARY EVENTS
Celebrate September with Songs, Stories, Crafts, and Legos
5/6 BOOK CLUB
Tuesday, Sept. 10 at 4 p.m.
Science-minded Sanity Jones, 12, creates havoc on her space station when she presents a genetically altered kitten to her best friend Tallulah in “Sanity and Tallulah,” a graphic novel by Molly Brooks. All registered children will receive a personal copy of each month’s book. For kids grades 5-6. Register online, at the Youth Desk or call 928-777-1537.
ART DAYS FOR KIDS
Friday, Sept. 13 at 1 p.m.
Discover the wonderful world of art. For children, ages 6-14. Register online, at the Youth Desk or call 928-777-1537. The Prescott Art Docents is a volunteer organization dedicated to sharing a love of art.
PRESCOTT AREA IMAGINATION LIBRARY LAUNCH ALL ABOARD!
Celebrate the launch of Prescott Area Imagination Library (PAIL)! Bring the whole family to celebrate with a storytime and official launch at 10 a.m., followed by snacks, games, crafts and registration for Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library. Sign your child up for Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library and receive one free book in the mail every month until his/ her fifth birthday. Friends of the Prescott Public Library and Prescott Area Rotary Clubs are working together to bring this initiative to the Prescott Area. This program is open to children, birth to age 5, who reside in the Prescott area with a zip code of 86301, 86303 or 86305.
Beginning September 14, registration for Prescott Area Imagination Library will also be available online and at the library’s Youth Desk. For more information, contact Martha Baden at 928.777.1519
CALDECOTT BOOKS AND ART FOR KIDS
Saturday, Sept. 21 at 11 a.m.
Blending art with award-winning children’s books, this program introduces budding young artists to the wonderful world of illustrations. All registered children will receive a personal copy of the book. For children grades K-2. Register online, at the Youth Desk or call 928-777-1537
LEGO EXPO
Tuesday, Sept. 24 at 4 p.m.
Master builders, assemble! We’ll provide the LEGOs and lots of space. You bring your imagination and enthusiasm. For children, ages 5 and older. For LEGO fans, the ever-popular LEGO Expo will be back to inspire creative building and spark the imagination. For more information on either of these fun family events, contact the Youth Services desk at 928-777-1537 or email at youth.services@prescott-az.gov
STORYTIMES FOR EVERY AGE
LAPSIT STORYTIME
Fridays, 9:30 a.m.
Bring your baby for some cozy active time on your lap. The storytime will last about 20 minutes, but you are invited to linger and play.
TODDLER STORYTIME
Tuesdays, 10 a.m.
20-30 minutes of simple stories, songs and fingerplays with plenty of parent and child interaction. For toddlers and their grownups.
PRESCHOOL STORYTIME
Fridays, 10:30 a.m.
30 minutes of stories, songs and fingerplays especially for children, ages 3-5, and their grownups. Siblings are always welcome.
These events are presented with funding from the Friends of the Prescott Public Library.
Library Hours:
sunday, 1 to 5 p.m.
monday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. tuesday, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Wednesday, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. tH ursday, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
2019 Essay Contest
Prescott-area students wrote about their favorite teachers of the school year for Prescott LIVING Magazine. Our 2019 Essay Contest asked them to share: “What I love about school and my teachers!” One winner was chosen at random to receive a Family Four Pack of Out of Africa tickets.
Take a few minutes to read their stories in their own words.
Chessa Woods 5th Grade
My favorite teacher is Mr. Ritland. He is my English teacher at BASIS Prescott. He is very strict, but that is good because my class can get out of control very quickly. He is very funny. When we were reading Treasure Island, he would draw really funny pictures about the chapter we read. Also, he wasn’t ever offended when we told him his sailboat looked like a sad piece of bread!!! Mr. Ritland also helped me learn topics I didn’t understand the year before. He was an AWESOME teacher!!!!!!
Cash Woods 4th Grade
My favorite teacher is Mr. Mazon. I like him because he is so funny and nice. I think he is nice because when we work hard he gives us a “brain break” which is a game, story (his stories are so funny because they are true), or a funny video. I think he is funny because when he gives us a brain break of a video or a story he tries to make it as funny as possible. He once showed us a video of the longest hippo fart ever it was hilarious. I think if at our school we had Teacher of the Year he would win every time. That is why my favorite teacher is Mr. Mazon.
Pictured above: Chessa Woods (left) and Cash Woods (right)
events your hometown your events
PRESENTED BY FINDLAY
TOYOTA
The ‘Whirling Logs’ design just might appear during September’s Navajo Rug and Indian Art Auction
For centuries, humans around the globe have used the symbol known as “whirling logs.” This shape represents different things to different people but is most often viewed in Navajo or Diné culture as good luck, well-being and balance.
As a sacred symbol, it was woven into many textiles, placed on pieces
of jewelry and decorated pottery. To many other cultural groups, including the Lakota, Cherokee and other central Plains people, whirling logs represented the four cardinal directions in motion. To other indigenous people, it was a symbol of migration and travel. Then, in 1935, Adolph Hitler adopted the symbol as his own, turning it slightly, but destroying its positive meaning.
In 1939, the Diné People came together and stopped using whirling logs in their artistic work. Weavers developed patterns intrinsic to their homelands, and pictorial weavings became more popular. People who owned weavings with whirling logs rolled them up and put them into closets and cedar chests, not wanting to have anything to do with Hitler and his “swastika.”
In many other indigenous cultures, a similar pattern was followed. Whirling logs to them were migration symbols, wind imagery and it was part of who they were. Again, artisans stopped using the symbol and for some, its sacredness and meanings were lost.
Now, some 80 years later, those treasures that had been put away are again appearing out of the closet, out of the cedar chests and are being sold at auctions and in stores. As indigenous people reclaim their heritage, they are also reclaiming the use of whirling logs and the positive meanings associated with the symbol. Hopefully, more and more artists will again incorporate whirling logs into their art, and negative memories will be erased over time.
The Prescott community has long supported Diné weaving. How do we here at The Smoki Museum know that is fact? Because every year at rug auction time, we see an amazing
BELOW: This weaving is a Sandpainting style rug, originated by Hastiin Klah in 1911. Yei figures at the ends of the central cross create the whirling logs.
by Cindy Gresser, Executive Director, The Smoki Museum of American Indian Art & Culture
variety of weavings from local collectors. Some were made recently, some have those vegetal dyes that produced mustard-colored rugs that were so popular in the 1970s, some pre-date 1900, and some have whirling logs.
Hastiin Klah was a renowned medicine person among the Diné. He learned ceremony from his uncle and weaving from his mother and sister. After he completed a nineday Nightway Ceremony he started to create weavings with ceremonial figures in 1911. This was met with consternation from the other medicine people, believing there would be negative consequences. When there were none, Klah continued to weave rugs with ceremonial images, including sandpaintings – his first in 1919. It was a whirling-log design, similar to the one pictured here. Sandpainting weavings continue to be a highly sought-after
design and are occasionally available at our auctions.
For the 23rd year, The Smoki Museum of American Indian Art and Culture is pleased to be offering authentic Navajo rugs, Native pottery, jewelry, baskets and much more Sept. 13 and 14. On Friday the 13th, the preview starts at 5 p.m., and a live auction of 100 pieces of art starts at 6 p.m. (and there are real bargains on Friday!). Saturday the 14th, previews start at 9 a.m., and the auction starts promptly at noon.
If you have treasures in your closet, we will be taking auction consignments at Ogg’s Hogan, 111 N. Cortez St., Aug. 28-30 from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. If you have a very large collection, please contact the museum for an appointment. Otherwise, we hope to see you at the auction so you can acquire your own piece of history.
These pins are most likely part of the “Fred Harvey Era” of Native jewelry. They were made prior to 1939 from lightweight silver, stamped, and a small piece of turquoise set in the middle.
Prescott
Downtown Prescott, whether teaming with horse-drawn wagons, or firefighter hosereel races, or residents continues to reflect a small-town flair with a rich, historic past.
The town’s roots date back to the Civil War. The area’s footprint — referred to today as the Arizona Central Highlands — predates recorded history to a time following the Pleistocene Epoch (about 14,000 years ago) when ‘ancient ones’ first settled the region. The diversity found within its boundaries represents a cultural mix that continues to evolve as the people who call Prescott “home” place a generation-by-generation stamp on its heritage.
At the core of today’s modern city remains an institution rooted in preserving Prescott’s cultural heritage for future generations. What began in 1928 as the
“Gubernatorial Mansion Museum” has expanded on the vision of Sharlot Mabridth Hall, a woman ahead of her time a writer, pioneer ranch woman, historian and activist.
From its initial building on a small parcel two blocks from the Courthouse Plaza, the Museum that now bears her name has grown to a four-acre campus... from the simple log building that was the home and offices of the Territorial Governor and his party, to eleven exhibit buildings (six of which are historic)...and from a single collection to more than 40,000 artifacts, and hundreds of thousands of documents and photographs chronicling the region... in all, for more than 90 years, the Sharlot Hall Museum has continued to reflect her vision and legacy by preserving the “living” history of this town, the region and Arizona.
‘The past contains knowledge that the future cannot forget,” said Miss Hall in creating her legacy. “The Museum is as important as the land itself. It gives this place we call home meaning.”
Visit the Sharlot Hall Museum in downtown Prescott at 415 W. Gurley Street open daily all year long. Call 928-445-3122 for details. www.SharlotHallMuseum.org
from throughout the Southwest
200 musicians including your favorite groups, soloists
4 stages, venues
90 performances professional sound systems, personnel
24 workshops performers sharing tips, techniques
Longest-running music festival in Arizona
The ROX Interview (continued)
...continued from page 40
a hotel, redesigned it. Now it’s a group of apartments for those particular teachers. At least a half dozen districts have specific housing for teachers as part of their contracts. We’ve got districts looking at bringing in trailers and tiny houses. We’re having conversations with Yavapai College about 3D-printer houses.
Let’s take Prescott, Arizona for example. How many young families with a 2-yearold and a 6-year-old can afford a $300,000$400,000 house to buy or rent?
Based on what a young family with a 2-year-old and a 6-year-old is going to earn, even if they’re both working, we just need to look around us and come to grips with the fact that those people are not going to buy that expensive of a house. They’re not going to pay a thousand dollars a month for rent. They can’t.
Another thing we’ve done — and are having some pretty serious success with — is “grow your own.” There are people who already live here, their family is here. They may own a home here. Maybe it’s a bank teller, a taxicab driver, a person who works at a feed store. It could be almost anybody who is already embedded in this community. So can we retrain them to become a certified teacher?
If they already have a degree we are only talking about a semester in many cases to get a teaching certificate. Maybe they have an associate’s degree. Now we’re talking about less than two years. Can we get that done in a year and a half?
Online options were something that we didn’t have several years ago. That’s the wave of the future. Technology makes that kind of education possible. If we can grow our own, we know the likelihood of them being retained is very, very good. One recruit who we brought down from South Dakota was an awesome teacher, stayed with us for two years, but recently took a job down in Peoria, getting an $11,000 pay raise. But if it is someone who already lives here, we will likely have that teacher in our classrooms until retirement.
PRESCOTT LIVING: Shifting gears, many people do not realize your agency has educational control over the juvenile detention facility program.
TIM CARTER: We’re very proud of that. The
juvenile detention school is now called Prescott Lakes Parkway School. We have a complete school within the juvenile detention facility because one of our obligations is to provide education for detained and adjudicated youth. As an outgrowth of that, we created the accommodation school district, which currently has three campuses that are pretty much at capacity. Years ago, when you used the words “accommodation school,” people thought about those kids who had been long-term suspended or expelled. Today that definition is much broader. Maybe it’s the young mother who has to have her child in school, or the young man who has a full-time job from 9 to 5 and has to take his classes before 9 and after 5. We try to find a way to make that young person successful by accommodating them, no matter if it’s a physical issue or a time issue.
Those students have to meet the same standards as everybody else. When I first took office, I was told, “You can’t get accommodation schools accredited.” Within a year and a half, we had it accredited. If you’re willing to set high school standards and meet those standards, you can get it accredited. Our juvenile detention school is also fully accredited and was the first in Arizona. Our agency is the only education service agency in Arizona to be fully accredited. We are extremely proud of that.
PRESCOTT LIVING: It has been said the accommodation school here is the model for the state. Is that true?
TIM CARTER: (Smiling) Without sounding immodest, I believe that to be true. And the awards our teachers, administrators and programs receive on a regular basis is a tribute to it.
I think one of the reasons we do so well here is we have an awesome partnership among the Juvenile court, the Superior Court, juvenile probation, Yavapai County government, the Yavapai County attorney’s office and the county school superintendent’s office. It is a partnership that really allows us to leverage resources to the benefit of the student and the community. The issue is, would we rather spend a minimum amount of dollars now, or spend substantially more in the future?
PRESCOTT LIVING: I’m going to put more focus on you, Tim. What do you do for a hobby, relaxation? I know you love to fish and hunt.
TIM CARTER: I do love to fish and hunt. I was raised in that environment. My son loves that, and my grandson loves that also. There are a lot of things educationally related that I also enjoy. I’m a hunter-education teacher. I also was actively engaged in Troop One Boy Scouts here in Prescott for years as the advancement chairman. And when we’re done today, I’m going to be going to archery practice out at Heritage Middle School in Chino Valley to watch my grandson. He’s quite an accomplished archer. They were the state champions for the second year in a row. I’m not bragging, oh yes, I am. He just returned from his second national championship up in Utah, where the team finished third in the nation and Skyler improved his collective score (bullseye and 3D) by over 30 points.
PRESCOTT LIVING: What do you and your wife Linda do together?
TIM CARTER: (Chuckles) We see each other a couple times a week at least. And she likes to hunt and fish and camp also.
She loves the outdoors. She usually travels with me if I have to travel out of state. We created a bucket list several years ago, initially put about 20 things on it. We’ve probably accomplished about 10 of those, and we try to do at least one of those a year. Funny thing — there’s at least 20 things still on that list. She enjoys traveling and I enjoy traveling as well. She is very much into our children and our grandson. She is simply the best mother and grandmother I know.
PRESCOTT LIVING: Last question. Do you plan to retire? It wouldn’t appear so.
TIM CARTER: The answer is, I will probably never fully retire. I can’t imagine exactly what life will be like being fully retired. My term ends in December 2020. That’ll put me at 15 and half years, the longest serving county superintendent in the history of the county. That’s a prestigious honor. But I’ve got to make a decision here within the next few months. When I do retire, whenever that is, I anticipate that I will continue to stay involved, probably teaching college classes in education (school law and school finance), or political science, or conducting professional development for boards, administrators or teachers, or take on some consulting roles. Not working 60 hours a week. I could probably deal with that.
(Flashes a broad grin) Maybe I need to start thinking about it more actively.
THE PRESCOTT PIONEER
PRESCOTT • PRESCOTT VALLEY • CHINO VALLEY • DEWEY-HUMBOLDT
Community Supports Granite Creek Corridor Revitalization Plan
Surveys collected by the City of Prescott from local residents reveal the general public endorses the proposal to make the Granite Creek Corridor (GCC) through Downtown Prescott more inviting.
The City collected responses through a comprehensive online survey. By mid-June, more than 550 people submitted responses. Those responses were enthusiastic and supportive, said Tyler Goodman, assistant to the Prescott City Manager Michael Lamar.
Additional comments about the Granite Creek Corridor Master Plan were collected during a meeting June 24 with business and property owners and during a second meeting June 26 with the general public.
The master planning process was stimulated when the City received a $79,401 grant from the AZ Water Protection Fund this past year. The grant required the City get public feedback.
The revitalization plan will have a fresh-water riparian trail way passing through the heart of Downtown Prescott. A surfaced 1.2-mile walking trail with grass on each side of the waterway will stretch from Mile High Middle School until it links to Granite Creek Park near the LaGuardia Bridge on Montezuma Street.
Concept Began in Early 2018
The GCC concept resulted from conversations among Lamar, Goodman, Mayor Pro Tem Billie Orr and Kristy Emerson of Mandalay Homes. The Prescott Chamber of Commerce heard of the concept and helped form the Granite Creek Corridor Revitalization Committee (GCCRC), which includes city employees, business owners, the Chamber and Arizona Public Service.
The committee has proposed some major objectives:
1. Clean up and restoration of the beauty and native landscape of the corridor. Allow the riparian habitat to thrive and water quality to improve.
2.Improve trail usability in Downtown corridor. Allow access to all members of the community. Enhance safety so families with young children or persons hiking alone will feel secure.
3.Encourage the community to impart Prescott history and naturalist education to its citizens.
4.Reduce flood-condition risks for properties bordering the corridor.
Granite Creek is a tributary that flows south and then northeast through Downtown Prescott toward Watson Lake. Over the years, construction and development, parking lots, buildings and roads have intruded into the creek floodplain. The result is that the riverbed became a
source for pollution and pollution transport, scour and riparian degradation.
The City owns or has legal access to approximately 8 acres along the GCC. Goodman noted the creek corridor is about 80-feet wide. He said some of the flowing water belongs to the City, some to Salt River Project and some to the Chino Valley Irrigation District. He emphasized that no restricting or impeding of water flow or water rights will occur.
Two members of the revitalization committee, Everson and Chuck Budinger, explained the restoration process will result in ecosystem integrity, health and sustainability and improvement of the river as part of the greater Prescott trail and park system.
Much of the technical preliminary planning is being provided through Natural Channel Design (NCD), headquartered in Flagstaff. Allen Haden, an aquatic ecologist with NCD, explained
the firm is a river engineering and natural resource consulting business. It has handled extensive projects throughout the Southwest and West. NCD is closely involved with the GCCRC group in providing information and public education associated with the proposed master plan.
Orr said the GCC is an asset that has long been blighted and under-utilized. She also said the city’s bed tax, generated through tax on lodging from visitors, could possibly be used to cover some of the costs for corridor improvements. She praised cooperation among businesses and residents to make the Granite Creek Corridor safe and accessible.
Another public meeting will be announced in September, Goodman said.
The City and the committee will continue inviting public comments and participation as the master plan evolves.
Signs already designate trail ways where the public can walk adjacent to the Granite Creek Corridor through the center of Downtown Prescott. (Photo by Ray Newton)
• Tastes from your favorite local restaurants, wineries and breweries
• Behind-the-scenes tours
• Silent auction and raffle
• Entertainment, games, and a DJ playing your favorite western songs
• Free parking shuttle Tickets $95 per person
To order tic kets: call (928) 778-4242, ext.10 or www.HeritageParkZoo.org
THE PRESCOTT PIONEER
PRESCOTT • PRESCOTT VALLEY • CHINO VALLEY • DEWEY-HUMBOLDT
Embry-Riddle Picked Top Arizona Companies to Work For
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (ERAU) has been selected as one of the “Top 125 Companies in Arizona to Work For.”
ERAU was the only higher education institution selected in Arizona. It also was the only company named in Central Arizona.
The announcement was made in late June by the Arizona Commerce Authority, Republic Media and The Arizona Republic. They partnered with Best Companies Group (BCG) and Best Companies AZ to collect data and then select the outstanding organizations for the year.
ERAU President Barry Butler said, “It is important the faculty and staff feel that Embry-Riddle is a good place to work because that fuels the encouragement and support they can give our students — our first priority.”
Newly named ERAU-Prescott Chancellor Anette M. Karlsson was in Prescott in mid-July and said of coming to campus, “I am honored to be named Chancellor of this leading dynamic university. The
exceptional reputation of this campus and its faculty, staff and students is worldwide. For me to have an opportunity to help students achieve their personal and professional ambitions is gratifying.”
Karlsson, who has a Ph.D. in mechanical and aerospace engineering, officially began Aug. 1. She and her husband Rick will be moving to Prescott from Cleveland State University.
ERAU’s being selected as a top company reflects the global reputation Arizona has as a state in which business can thrive, said Sandra Watson, President and CEO of the Arizona Commerce Authority. Companies selected as the top 125 were scrutinized rigorously before final decisions were announced. Peter B. Burke, President and Co-founder of BCG, said a goal of the program was to raise the bar among the region’s employers, creating a reputation of excellence and employee engagement in the workplace that will attract talented people.
ERAU-Prescott is the western campus of the world’s largest,
oldest and most comprehensive higher education institution specializing in aviation, aerospace, engineering, cyber-security and related programs. The university offers bachelor’s and master’s degrees, as well as doc-
toral programs.
ERAU’s Prescott campus anticipates a record enrollment this fall. Officials said that more than 3,000 students are expected when the fall semester begins Aug. 21.
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Prescott, which just celebrated its 40th anniversary in 2018, was named one of the top 125 Arizona companies to work for. (Photo by Ray Newton)
